We haven’t been this excited about a new cafe in a while, until Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab came along. This new Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore was previously Fresh Fruits Lab, and recently underwent a major revamp.

Staying at the top of their game and always slaying, the owner—who is our good friend—strives to bring diners value-for-money quality fare in a relaxing atmosphere. Its menu offers a range of modern European favourites, with a good selection of mocktails and cocktails too. Fans of Fresh Fruits Lab will also be happy to know that they have retained several popular dishes on the menu.

Let’s just say they are a Parisian-style cafe in the day, and a laid-back neighbourhood bar at night. Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab is definitely our of our new favourite cafes in the East of Singapore.

Simplicité’s spanking new space is decked in monochrome colours and is very Instagram-worthy; every corner is a possible photo spot. French rattan chairs line the outdoors and that’s where you can enjoy a nice meal with your furkids at this pet-friendly cafe.

What we love about Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab:

• Chic Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore
• Pet-friendly cafe where you can bring your furkids along for a meal
• Affordable beer and cocktails—S$10 Asashi draft
• Amazing French-style Duck Confit which is perfectly-executed
• S$10 Angel Hair Pasta

The food is impressive! You know how some cafes only look good “on the outside”, but their food is mediocre, and you’d never return after taking your OOTDs? This won’t be the case at Simplicite, we can guarantee that.

Highlights include Angel Hair Pasta (S$10), Crabmeat Aglio Olio (S$19), Duck Confit (S$28), Salmon Meunière, French Bone-in Pork Loin with Garlic Butter Herb (S$20), Smashed Avocado on Brioche with Poached Eggs (S$16).

There is a S$10 Angel Hair Pasta under the appetizer menu that you have to try, too. Adorned with edible flowers, this elegant dish looks too pretty to be eaten.

On its menu, our favourite is the Duck Confit (S$28). In one glance, it may look pricey for a cafe, but actually, you really have to order this. What you would get is a perfectly-executed French-style Duck Confit.

Featuring a big and fat drumstick, the Duck Confit is so close to what you would get in France—crispy and salty skin, fork tender meat, accompanied with creamy mash and grilled vegetables. Parfait!

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab serves brunch until 3pm daily and they are affordably priced between S$14 to S$18. The brunch options include Messy Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Benedict (S$15), and Brioche French Toast (S$15).

Smashed Avo (S$16) may be a common brunch dish, but Simplicité’s rendition is definitely not common. Served with a poached egg and mint sauce atop a thick slice of brioche, this dish is a clear winner. The toasted brioche was so buttery and good, we were tempted to ask for an extra slice!

Anyone remembers the super popular FFL Burger? If you’ve missed it, or haven’t tried it, Simplicité has refined this bestselling dish and it is now simply known as the Double Cheeseburger (S$20). It is better and bigger than before, with two juicy patties now!

Simplicité also has a wide array of drinks—from coffee, mocktails to cocktails, everything was a sight to behold. The Rose Latte won our hearts with its aesthetics and flavour.

You can also get a pint of Asahi draft at only S$10, while cocktails start from S$14. Be sure to order the signature La Simplicite (S$16) cocktail which comes with quite a show. We won’t spoil it for you, just get ready to take more photos and videos of the beautiful gin & tonic.

If you are just looking for a space for a simple midday perk-me-up, get yourself a basket of assorted Simplicite Bakes (S$10.5)—which includes Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant, Orange Snail, Raspberry Claw, Blueberry Braid, Apple Braid—a cup of latte, and pretend you are in Paris.

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741

Many restaurants have come and gone over the years, but mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore is one that has stood the test of time in Singapore’s fickle dining scene. Being one of the first hotel restaurants to feature multiple show kitchens under one roof, mezza9 has always been our go-to when we want honest, quality food in a cosy ambience.

Come this Christmas, be enticed by a stellar array of Christmas-themed delights such as Confit Duck Leg, French Onion Soup and the fork-tender Braised Ox Cheek created by Executive Sous Chef Martin Satow.

And nothing is exorbitantly priced. This is one spread that promises luxury and festive spirit without breaking the bank! For all the years that we have feasted at mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore, we have never once been disappointed.

Indulge in this limited-time-only Christmas Festive menu from 01 December 2017 until 25 December 2017.

Deriving its name from nine different experiences, mezza9 boasts a martini bar, grill and rotisserie, sushi and sashimi counter, Thai grill, sustainable seafood on ice, traditional Chinese steamed delicacies, patisserie, gourmet boutique and even a newly refurbished party room for drinks and private events.

Dining here is always an intimate affair with its dim lights, cosy ambience and spacious dining areas.

At the helm of all the restaurants and bars at Grand Hyatt Singapore is Executive Sous Chef Martin Satow.

Having won numerous awards over the course of his career, what you can expect from this culinary maestro and his team of experienced chefs is nothing short of perfection on a plate.

STARTERS

Kicking off your Christmas feast is two hearty starters—the Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate (S$18++) and the oh-so-comforting French Onion Soup (S$16++).

Boasting a deep, minerally flavour with an undertone of brandy, the chicken liver pate is best eaten when smeared over a piece of crispy rye bread. The gherkins that come served along with it provide a sharp acidity that does well to cut through the intense richness of the dish.

Redolent of Christmas time comfort, the French Onion Soup (S$16++) comes served with crispy croutons and is topped with a generous helping of melty gruyere cheese—if this is not the epitome of soul-satisfying, we don’t know what is.

BRAISED OX CHEEK, PORT WINE JUS, TURNIP

If we had to pick a favourite among this line-up of stellar treats, the Braised Ox Cheek (S$36) it shall be.

Slow-braised in a heavily fortified stock comprising port wine and a beef stock, everyone at the table was full of praises for this meat dish. The reduced port jus gave the dish a rather nice tang and the turnips were cooked to tender perfection.

CONFIT DUCK LEG, PUY LENTIL STEW, RADICCHIO, CANDIED ORANGE

Once esteemed as a method of preservation, submerging and cooking a duck in its own fat ensures a meltingly tender, moist, and extremely flavorful piece of meat. At mezza9, the Confit Duck Leg (S$28++) is prepared the traditional way with the exception of a puy lentil stew of which the crispy leg sits atop of.

Cooked low and slow in its own rendered fat and then hard-seared in a screaming hot skillet, the duck leg was crispy beyond belief. The candied orange and the spiced lentil stew provided a wonderful contrast to the gaminess of the duck.

SLOW ROASTED TURKEY BREAST ROULADE

Let’s face it, Christmas would not be Christmas without Turkey as a centrepiece, but classic as it is, turkey does have a strong tendency to be very dry. Served as a roulade, Chef Martin prepares this festive bird in a way such that the meat remains moist and flavourful.

To satisfy your craving for turkey this Christmas, sans the hassle of carving it yourself and the off-putting dryness, fancy mezza9′s Slow Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade (S$34++) that is beautifully adorned with cumin-roasted carrots, candied ginger and sour cherries.

WHITE TRUFFLE & TALEGGIO RISOTTO

For a slightly lighter main option that still promises flavour and indulgence, try the White Truffle & Taleggio Risotto (S$36++). The white truffle emits a subtle aroma that is not overpowering and the taleggio cheese added a nice salty kick to the dish.

DESSERTS

End your meal on a sweet note with either the Jameson Whiskey Flambéed Plum Pudding (S$18++) or the ‘La Esmeralda’ Chocolate & ginger crème brulee (S$18++).

Flambéed right in front of our eyes, the Flambéed Plum Pudding was quite a sight to behold. Accompanying this stunning dessert is a scoop of their homemade ice cream and a decadent custard sauce. Delicious as it was, it does pack quite a strong alcoholic kick, which may not be appropriate for children.

The ‘La Esmeralda’ Chocolate & Ginger Crème Brulee is an acquired option that encompasses the elements of sweet, spicy and tart all in one. But be adventurous, you guys! This is too good to pass.

If you’re feeling thirsty, hop on over to the martini bar next door for bold and exciting martinis, handcrafted gin and tonics and a variety of other quirky cocktail creations. This award-winning bar also curates great, value-for-money selection of certified-sustainable champagne and wines.

Once again, this stunning line-up of festive treats can be enjoyed this year from 01 December 2017 until 25 December 2017.

mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Sun Brunch: 11.30am – 3pm
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
Website: mezza9.com.sg
Click here to make a reservation at mezza9

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore. 

Jalan Kayu is a well-known street in Singapore, and apart from roti prata, it is also home to many established cafes and restaurants. An up-and-coming bistro in the row of shophouses that you should know about is Savoury.

For all our Muslim friends and those who are bringing their Muslim friends out for tea or a meal, Savoury offers Halal-certified mains and homemade gelato!

The bistro opens till late and there is no service charge. And most of the mains are affordably priced below S$20. This is a place where you can have a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

From now until 15 January 2017, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to get a free Crème Brûlée (worth S$11.50) when you order a main course. This promotion is limited to one redemption per table.

From the spacious interiors of the bistro to the elaborate decorative details on the walls, Savoury in Jalan Kayu has got it all right. It is the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home, even if it was your first visit.

Their premium coffee comes from Common Man Coffee Roasters, which is famed for its coffee roasts so you know you must not leave without having a cuppa. Now, moving onto the best part—the food!

Since Savoury is a Halal-certified cafe, our Muslim friends can have anything they desire from the menu.

Expect to see a wide variety of options on their menu offering Western delights such as pasta, seafood and meat. Visitors have the option of topping up S$5 to complete their meal with mushroom soup and a drink when they purchase a main course.

PASTA

The Vongole Spaghetti (S$13.80+) is a light, yet flavourful pasta dish that had us digging our forks into it for more. It may look like a simple recipe put together but perfect timing, temperature and an experienced chef makes all the difference. This Italian classic is garnished with garlic chilli, parsley and extremely generous portions of freshly dug clams.

With the truffle trend not dying anytime soon in Singapore, we have been seeing an increase in various types of food choices being paired with it. You can imagine how excited we were when we found out that Savoury has also hopped on the bandwagon too!

For those who prefer something heavier on their taste buds, the Beef Truffle Linguine (S$16.80+) will not disappoint. The aromatic truffle smell hit us before we even took a bite, building up our expectations.

We are glad to say that everything from this dish turned out to be what we had hoped for—mouthwatering slices of beef tenderloin enveloped in rich brown sauce infused with truffle oil.

Other pasta choices on the menu include Black Pepper Chicken Aglio Olio Spaghetti (S$11.80+), Seafood Alfredo Linguine (S$14.80+) and Marina Linguine (S$14.80+).

MEAT AND SEAFOOD

Nothing called out to us more than the Lamb Shank (S$26.80+), looking all glorious while lying on a bed of creamy mash and doused in dark brown sauce.Lamb shanks can be tough if they are not well done but that was not the case at Savoury, for the meat was tender and tasted divine, especially when paired with the sauce. It was a clear winner for us.

Lamb shanks can be tough if they are not well done but that was not the case at Savoury, for the meat was tender and tasted divine, especially when paired with the sauce. It was a clear winner for us.

Fans of duck confits can look forward to this timeless French classic here at Savoury. The duck leg is fragrant and juicy, hiding underneath a coat of golden brown crispy skin.

This delicious Duck Confit (S$15.80+) sits atop warm buttery mash potatoes and was served with an appetising orange-brown sauce.

The pan-fried Salmon (S$18.80+) had a very crispy skin and we heard a crunch as we dug into it with our knives—an indication of a chef’s expertise at whipping up a well-done salmon.

The Chicken Thigh (S$14.80+) features a pan-fried boneless chicken—tender when served warm to the table, and spiced up significantly with the lemon pesto cream sauce.

DESSERT

No one can say they made a visit to Savoury without ordering their Signature Waffle. You can choose to have one (S$14+) or two (S$18.50+) scoops of their iconic gelato on top of the waffle.

The fluffy waffle is made on the spot and served warm, complete with Chantilly cream, chocolate sauce and various fresh fruits that have been cooked in cinnamon sauce for an extra boost of sweetness!

Apart from the waffle, their dessert menu also encompasses the Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake (S$13.80+), Brownie (S$11.80) and Crème Brûlée (S$11.50+ for one scoop and S$16+ for two scoops of gelato).

And last but certainly not the least, anyone who steps in to Savoury would totally be drawn to the massive gelato counter. All gelato are handmade in house, and the recipes are created by the boss himself. They are definitely worth a special trip down to Savoury!

From now until 15 January 2017, our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ to get a free Crème Brûlée (worth S$11.50) when you order a main course. This promotion is limited to one redemption per table.

Savoury
246 Jalan Kayu
Singapore 799470
Tel: +65 6752 9288
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 1.30am
Sun: 12pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Sengkang

This post was brought to you by Savoury.

Nestled in between the shophouses on Joo Chiat Road is Sinpopo Brand, one of our favourite cafes with a strong touch of nostalgia. The cafe boasts a retro rustic ambience – think wooden tables, checkered floor tiles, antique light bulbs, Bruce Lee posters and songs from the 60′s.

Nothing spells comfort to a Singaporean more than Nasi Lemak and Hor Fun – which is exactly what Sinpopo Brand is known for. However, what distinguishes Sinpopo Brand from the usual hawker centre food besides the vintage interiors of the cafe, is how they deliver local food that comes with a twist.

On our previous visit, we shared several of our favourite bites from Sinpopo Brand. Since then, the concept cafe has introduced new additions. There is a Salted Vegetable Duck Soup that totally reminded us of grandma’s cooking, a Muah Chee Salad and an extremely photogenic Gula Melaka Chendol Parfait!

Readers of Ladyironchef can enjoy any dessert for just S$5 with any 2 main dishes or Nasi Lemak for Two ordered.

Here are our favourite Mod-Sin Dishes from Sinpopo Brand That Are Worth The Calories.

YUMMY APPETIZERS

Move aside, boring salads.

We initially mistook the Muah Chee Salad’s (S$12++) golden-brown chunks as croutons, but they are actually fried Muah Chees. Can you believe that these traditional glutinous rice balls are now incorporated in salads?

Instead of tossing them in ground peanut, these chewy delights are rolled in a batter and fried till its exteriors are crisp. The Muah Chees surprisingly go well with the myriad of fresh greens, parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. Kudos to Sinpopo Brand for such an ingenious invention!

Now you may find this rather odd, but the Wedges & Curry (S$6++) was another dish that won us all over. This humble-looking dish to be so damn addictive! There was a sense of familiarity, like the curry Mom makes at home. It’s true – sometimes the simplest of things brings the most gratification.

NONYA KIAM CHYE ARG!

Many locals enjoy salted vegetable duck soup and the hot peppery broth is said to dispel internal body heat. This Chinese delicacy is known for its strong salty and sour taste that is good for whetting one’s appetite before a meal.

What constitutes a good bowl of salted vegetable duck soup for us is the right blend of saltiness from the salted vegetables, sweetness from the duck meat and a tangy sourness that is not overbearing.

Happy to declare that Sinpopo Brand’s Nonya Kiam Chye Arg! (S$16++) ticks all the above boxes. The cherry on top? Or should we say the duck on top, my friends, is a whole duck leg confit that is wonderfully crisp and even better when eaten with the belachan chilli served on the side.

SLICED WAGYU HOR FUN

The Sinpopo Sliced Wagyu Hor Fun (S$18++) is one of the cafe’s bestsellers. The uniqueness lies in its drastically different texture. These hor fun noodles have been painstakingly soaked in a semi-salty beef broth before being cooked till it becomes fish maw-like.

Complemented with fork-tender wagyu slices, ground peanut, sliced onions, red chilli, coriander leaves and a lime wedge, this mind-blowing dish is indeed worthy of being one of Sinpopo Brand’s signatures.

SINPOPO CRAB BEE HOON

The Sinpopo Crab Bee Hoon (S$16++) is another hearty soup dish. Ultra-thin vermicelli dunked in a savoury broth, and completed with a huge dollop of delectable crabmeat. Everyone at the table was nodding their head in unison and singing praises about this stellar bowl.

LOCAL FLAVOURED DESSERTS

As Awfully Chocolate’s sister company, Sinpopo Brand places much pride in their desserts. We always love a good serving of sweets when at Sinpopo Brand, for they are really good at crafting delectable desserts with a local touch.

New desserts that are going up on the menu are Sinpopo’s Super Chendol Parfait, Durian Puff and Marshmallow Cheesecake.

The Sinpopo’s Super Chendol Parfait (S$10++) is an impressive elaborate dessert served in a martini glass. A scoop of gula melaka ice cream is placed atop a bed of chendol and finished with a jiggly konnyaku palm sugar jelly. Dig further in and you will find attap chees and red bean paste. Yum! What calories?

The Durian Puffs are going at S$5.90++ for one and S$20++ for four. Upon digging into it with a spoon, the crisp biscuity exterior broke apart to reveal rich creamy durian pengat encased inside.

The Marshmallow Cheesecake (S$7++) is a new dessert addition that deserves to be raved about. The sweet treat has successfully combined the contrasting textures of stickiness, softness and crumbliness into a divine creation. You can expect a dense New York-style Cheesecake – with a crumbly base – covered with torched marshmallow fluff. Sinful yet delicious.

From now till 31 October 2016, readers of Ladyironchef can enjoy an exclusive deal when dining at Sinpopo Brand! With any 2 main dishes or Nasi Lemak for Two ordered, enjoy any dessert for just S$5!

For the latest updates, go to www.sinpopo.com and like them on Facebook and Instagram.

Sinpopo Brand
458 Joo Chiat Rd
Singapore 427671
Tel: +65 6345 5034
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Sinpopo Brand.

20F Specialty Coffeehouse is a cafe that sits in the Jalan Besar neighbourhood, and is especially cosy with 4 separate sitting areas.

The cafe gets pretty quiet after meal times, so that is the best time to visit if you want to snap some great photos quietly or to read a book in peace with a cuppa. We dived right for the most unique (and popular option) here – Duck & Waffle (S$22), part of their all-day brunch menu.

The duck confit is served alongside fluffy buttermilk waffles, strawberry compote and mixed berries sorbet. It might seem odd to some that sweet and savoury are mixed together, and you will either love it or despise it.

The duck confit itself was very tasty with fork-tender meat on the inside. However, the skin was not crisp at all and the duck was overly oily. We really enjoyed the buttermilk waffles though, as they were fluffy and has a sweet aftertaste.

As for the accompanying strawberry compote, well it was a letdown as it was extremely watered down.

That said, we have also seen many singing praises of the dish, and about how they really liked the contrast of flavours. Each to its own; or maybe, we went on a bad day when the compote wasn’t well prepared.

Thankfully, our slice of Nutella Layered Cake (S$5.50) made up for everything else. The cake was fluffy and the Nutella buttercream was well-balanced without being grossly sweet.

The next time we head back to 20F Specialty Coffeehouse, we hope we would have luck with the popular Matcha Cake! It is perpetually sold out, so do call before you head down to avoid disappointment.

20F Specialty Coffeehouse
20 Foch Road
Singapore 209261
Tel: +65 6291 4940
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Laurent’s Café is an underground gem in the heart of Orchard Road offering a menu of brunch items and desserts.

The cafe by renowned French chocolatier Laurent Bernard might be easy to miss as it sits on the basement level of a mall, but if we told you The Heeren, would you know where already?

Beautiful and authentic French fare and world-class desserts are what you can expect from this cosy and inviting space. Laurent’s Café is indeed those under-the-radar spots in town and it might easily be our favourite cafe in the Somerset area already!

And the best part? You can now enjoy 50% off your second main course every day from 6pm to 10pm when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making a reservation. This offer is valid till 31 May 2016. More details at the end of this post.

AUTHENTIC AND HEARTY FRENCH FARE

A decade ago, French chocolatier Laurent Bernard founded his first desserts cafe here in Singapore and ever since, he has been winning everyone over with his artisan chocolate desserts, especially the popular Dark Chocolate Soufflé.

Today, his love for the kitchen has extended to culinary, and Laurent Café is where you can savour his very authentic French fare that are both hearty and affordable. In their menu, expect all-day brunch items, sandwiches, salads and even full-on roasts. You will be spoilt rotten for choice.

The Croque Monsieur Sandwich (S$19) comes in a really generous portion. The toasted breads are stuffed with gruyere cheese, ham and silky béchamel. The exterior has a nice crunch from the toasting, and the filling is a burst of classic French flavours that is no less comforting. Fresh green salad is also served on the side.

The Iberico Eggs Benedict (S$22) has got to be our favourite. While Eggs Ben are becoming all too common, Laurent Bernard improvises his and uses premium Iberico ham instead of the ubiquitous ham types. Together with sautéed forest mushrooms, organic eggs, Hollandaise sauce and homemade English muffin, every bite was an explosion of flavours.

If Eggs Ben ain’t your thing, you have The Farmers Breakfast (S$24) that is a combination of everything delicious.

Organic scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, sausages, baked bacon, sautéed mushrooms and toasted bread. It was an odd thing but we actually really loved the baked bacon and sausages in this dish. Comforting and lip-smackingly delicious, this dish can do no wrong.

There are pasta choices too, and they include selections such as Spaghetti Carbonara (S$18), Spaghetti Bolognese (S$18) and Spicy Linguine Aglio e Olio (S$19).

We tried the latter and very generous amounts of chilli bits were actually tossed in, so if you love your pasta fiery, this should please! Lots of juicy prawns and plump garlic chunks accompanied the pasta, making it a really filling dish!

Out of all that we’ve tried, the classic French Crispy Duck Leg Confit (S$26) took our breath away. Boy, were we left speechless!

Crispy skin and a warm interior, the duck fats left the meat still juicy, and the baked Lyonnaise potatoes on the side looked more than unassuming but were surprisingly very flavourful. If you are not the biggest fan of duck, this might covert you to one.

Other mains to choose from are Braised Pork Belly (S$25), Burgundy Beef Stew (S$22) and Provencal Chicken Thigh (S$23), so there is something for everyone, no matter what meat you prefer.

SIGNATURE CHOCOLATE TREATS & MORE

No matter how full our tummies were, we will not pass up any chance of getting some of Laurent’s chocolates.

A classic dessert dish that is well-loved by many is the Homemade Waffle (S$13) that is served with ice cream, berries and cream. The Liege waffles are baked to a lovely texture that is slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

And how can we leave Laurent’s Café without a serving of the famed Dark Chocolate Soufflé (S$18.50)?

If you haven’t had Laurent’s soufflé, you haven’t really had a soufflé. Perfectly puffed up and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and cream, the eggy dessert is definitely the best rendition you can get in town.

Laurent’s Café also has a selection of desserts and cakes on display to have in-store or to go. Of course you have to try the signature Strawberry Tart (S$11.10) and Pure (S$11.10) if it is your first time.

The former had the sweetest Korean strawberries surrounding it and the reason Korean strawberries were used, is because they are currently in season. The chefs at Laurent’s Café will only use strawberries that are in season for their desserts at any point in time to ensure the best quality and freshest sweetness. We were also told that they will not sell this tart completely if no good strawberries are in season.

Well, what can we say? Just one bite and we were completely sold.

The Pure (S$11.10) chocolate mousse cake is basically every chocolate lover’s dream. Made from Chuao beans (a kind of high quality cocoa beans from Venezuela), the cake wins our heart with the rich but balanced chocolate center.

Take 50% off every second main dish every day from 6pm to 10pm* only at Laurent’s Café when you quote “Ladyironchef” and ‘like’ Laurent Bernard’s official Facebook page. This promotion is applicable for any main course on the menu and the 50% off promo code only applies to the second dish that is of same or lower value.

*Reservations are required for dining on weekends and you have to quote “Ladyironchef” upon making your reservation. For walk-ins on weekdays, you have to quote “Ladyironchef” upon seating to enjoy this special offer.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Laurent’s Café
260 Orchard Road #B1-02C
The Heeren
Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6235 2340
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post was brought to you by Laurent’s Café.

Violet Herbs is what we call an alternative dating spot if you want to do away with the crowd and pretentious vibes at posh establishments.

Conveniently located at Tanjong Pagar, this modern semi-fine dining restaurant is within walking distance from the train station. The restaurant occupies the entire three stories of the shophouse unit along Tras Street – with the first two floors for dining, and a rooftop herb garden where fresh produce are used for the cooking.

Helmed by Chef Edward Hoe, Violet Herbs is one of the most underrated restaurants in Singapore that offers splendid 3-course set lunches (S$33+/pax) and 4-course set dinners (S$58+/pax) at very decent prices that feature high quality and intricate plating.

The main courses are also nothing short of impressive. Mark Violet Herbs down – it should be your next romantic lunch/ dinner spot.

Chef Edward Hoe runs the show in Violet Herbs’ kitchen. He who was part of the pioneer team that spearheaded Restaurant Ember has 20 years of culinary experience, and at Violet Herbs, traces of familiarity are evident from the restaurant’s star dishes. Chef Edward was the head chef in The 2nd Floor-The American Club, as well as Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro.

SOUPS & APPETISERS

The menu boasts a good range of appetisers that include both hearty and light options. Lighter options include the Basil Pesto Salad (S$18) and one that we thoroughly enjoyed – Pistachio & Herb Crusted Scallops (S$18).

The scallops were wonderfully plump and we liked the textural distinction between the soft juicy scallop flesh and the crunchy outer layer of pistachio and herbs. The dish is complete with tasty butternut pumpkin puree, bisque gel, parma potato chip and chocolate soil. This dish deserves a star for its presentation too!

Guess what we love most about Violet Herbs’ appetisers? The variety of foie gras options from Roasted & Poached Foie Gras (S$24) and Truffle Foie Gras (S$26).

We are usually unimpressed with lobster bisques because they are more often than not fishy or artificially flavoured. But the Lobster Cappuccino & Brandy (S$16) at Violet Herbs is easily the best we’ve tasted in recent times.

The bisque was so intensely flavoured – the sheer sweetness of fresh lobster coupled with brandy is a feat in itself. With every scoop, we became more and more addicted. This is one stellar soup.

ALL THE MAINS TO LOVE

With so many interesting mains to choose from, it will be one of those I-can’t-decide-because-I-want-everything-from-the-menu moments. We started with Violet Herbs’ bestseller – the Marinated Red Miso Cod (S$39). It is an a la carte main, but can be a top-up option in the dinner menu.

The cod cooked to a glistening glory with a miso marinate was spot-on. With a side of roasted pumpkin puree, almond eggplant and some dehydrated parsnip chips, this stunning dish is a combination of healthy veggie goodness and fresh white fish presented in varying textures and colours.

Even if you are not the biggest fan of lamb, we still urge you to try the Colorado Lamb Rack (S$48). Of course, besides the fantastic medium-rare cook on the lamb, it was the simple marination itself that made it so tasty with every bite.

It also comes with mini pistachio foie gras roulades that you can choose to eat with the meat to cut the richness.

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

Feeling really hungry or looking for something hearty? The Sous Vide 48 Hours Wagyu Beef Cheek is for those who are after something more robust.

The beef is fork tender, has a sweet red wine glaze, and is jazzed up with Sardinian fregola sarda and zucchini spheres.

In the pasta menu, you can find dishes such as Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi (S$42) and Lobster Risotto & Fregola Sarda (S$44).

These aside, you should go for the Ebi Angel Hair Pasta (S$38) if it is your first trip to Violet Herbs. The pasta is cooked to a beautiful al dente, then tossed in lobster essence, rayu oil and bird eye chilli (or as we call it, chilli padi). Using only premium air-flown Japanese sakura ebi, the pinkish-red dried shrimps are sweet and crispy. That’s all we need for our pasta, really.

SWEET TREATS

Some desserts to expect here include Yam Strudel (S$12), Chef’s Special Tiramisu (S$16) and Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (S$16).

However, our heart was stolen by the Frozen Nougat (S$14). The dessert comes with little bits of lychee sorbet all around that complements the nougat with varying sweetness.

Also, being huge fans of chocolate-anything mean we couldn’t miss the Valrhona Chocolate Fondant (S$16).

The surprise of this dessert lies in the fact that it comes with truffle oil – an unexpected ingredient that actually makes the dessert even more fragrant.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY SET MENUS

Violet Herbs has superb set menus for lunch that is priced at S$33 per person, and that includes a total of three courses.

To sample Chef Edward’s signature foie gras dishes, you have the option to upgrade your set menu appetiser to a foie gras (+S$7) of choice. It is little wonder Violet Herbs is such a popular lunch spot, especially for business luncheons. Such value for money; we can all do away with the lunch hour rush and noise everywhere else, and embrace the cosiness of Violet Herbs with an intimate lunch.

Dinner degustation menus begin from S$58 per person. Now, that is practically impossible if you want some fine dining. A typical main at fine dining establishments would usually start from S$40 already! But at Violet Herbs, the degustation menus begin from S$58 for a 4-course meal.

EVENTS AND PARTIES

If you are looking to host your events and/or plan your company gatherings here, you can also have a menu personalised for you. Private rooms are also available, else if all else fails, we say book the entire second level – which is the prettiest spot at Violet Herbs that is more than befitting for events of all sorts.

For more information and reservations, call +65 6221 3988.

Violet Herbs
81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

This post is brought to you by Violet Herbs.

Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar takes centre stage at SCAPE as an edgy fusion restaurant with signature tapas conveyor belt. It is uncommon to see anything other than sushi on conveyor belts, and Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar sure wins for novelty.

This very modern restaurant boasts a funky interior with colourful neon lights. The spacious cushioned booth seats make it very intimate and comfortable to hang out at, and ordering is made convenient with e-menus via iPad.

Here’s other tidbit – the fusion tapas conveyor belt items are all at a flat price of S$1.50 per plate.

Besides tapas, Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar also serves classy fusion mains with equally reasonable price tags. Think risotto, duck confit and so much more. Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar is surely a new restaurant in Singapore to love and check out in 2016.

FUSION TAPAS ON THE CONVEYOR BELT

The belts are lighted up with colour-changing neon lights; very fun, very trendy. And the selections on the conveyor belt will not “disappoint you” with the usual options of sushi and sashimi; instead, expect unique creations and interesting tapas that feature both Asian and Western ingredients. Some of our favourite tapas items were Duck Rillette Tartlet, Mushroom Tartlets with Feta Cheese, Salmon Tartlet and Iberico Ham with Fresh Melon.

All these bite sized treats are priced at S$1.50 per plate – regardless of what they are!

SUSHI & SASHIMI OPTIONS

This is not a fusion restaurant without sushi; you still get your Japanese food fix, in unconventional ways. The King Salmon Belly Aburi with foie gras (S$4 each) was to die for. Everything just melts in your mouth; delightful to say the least. It is one of those one-bite-wonders that really hits the spot, and you bet everyone at the table went gaga over it.

Another contender (especially for those who do not take salmon) was the Hamachi Belly Aburi (S$4 each).

Torched and slightly fatty, this winter fish sashimi is less fishy and easier to eat for all of you who are not huge fans of raw fish. Hamachi is Japanese amberjack, or more commonly known as yellowtail tuna.

DRINKS

We had both the Matcha Miruku (S$13) and the Iced Lemon Tea (S$7). And of course, being huge fans of matcha latte, the former worked better for us. The matcha did not reek of the generic processed taste and was a very pleasant drink alongside the dishes at Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar.

A-LA-CARTE MAINS & OTHER DISHES

The mains here really surprised us as we did not think that the mains could top the tapas dishes. The Ikura with Blinis (S$10) – was a surprising hit with everyone. The ikura (salmon roe) was generous and the mini blinis really balanced out the saltiness of the roe. The portion is also just right for sharing.

There was something about the perfectly cooked soba noodles that was simple but so refreshing; this dish of Cold Yuzu Somen (S$8) is good for days where you prefer light meals.

We know foie gras is not for everyone, but we have to point out that Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar’s rendition is our idea of temptation.

The price is not only reasonable, this Miso Foie Gras (S$14) was beautifully pan-fried and the presentation is the cherry on top.

Chirashi-don is not hard to find, but at Nouvelle, we have the Chirashi Tartare (S$12). Essentially diced sashimi atop sushi rice, this presentation is ingenious.

It is served with Yuzu/Shoyu foam on the side (which also comes as an add-on version for the sashimi platters), and this dish has redefined how chirashi-don can be enjoyed.

On to the main stars, which are the risottos; you’d be surprised by the renditions. The Truffle Cod Risotto (S$22) was stunning.

Every grained was cooked to perfection with a lovely truffle aroma, and the cod comes in a substantial portion that makes the dish so value-for-money.

The Curry Chicken Risotto (S$18) sure wowed us for its creativity and brilliant layers of flavours. The chicken was made into a roulade with ham and cheese, then battered and deep-fried to a golden brown.

Served on top of a bed of tasty curry risotto rice, which strangely reminded us of the Singaporean-style curry chicken rice, this risotto is one hearty and homely dish with a unique twist.

From the crisp skin to the tender meat inside, Nouvelle’s Duck Confit (S$22) is one of those dishes that will totally keep us coming back for.

This Matcha Fantasy (S$8) is such an adorable dessert dish that we can’t help falling in love with. Well, matcha anything always works for us, and the mini ‘watermelon’ mochi on the top only added to the likability of the dish.

For the latest updates, go to www.nouvellefoodconcepts.com, and like Nouvelle on Facebook and Instagram.

Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar
Scape, #03-03,
2 Orchard Link,
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4063
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

This post is brought to you by Nouvelle Fusion Kitchen & Bar.

Updated: Rida La Cuisine is no longer in operation.

Sick of all the pretentious overpriced Parisian haute cuisine dining concepts? Perhaps it is time to venture away from the overhyped glitzy restaurants and give Rida La Cuisine a shot instead. Located along the bustling stretch of Upper Thomson Road, Rida La Cuisine is a casual French eatery serving homestyle traditional French fare at affordable prices.

While the decors of Rida La Cuisine are far from fancy, its quaint neighbourhood vibes offer a refreshing change of ambience and we felt at home right away.

Their value-for-money simple yet divine French delicacies such as the signature Duck Confit (S$17.50), classic Pan-Fried Duck Foie Gras (S$18) and timeless Creme Brûlée (S$4) are what keep customers returning.

With a minimalistic placard erected above the storefront, Rida La Cuisine is considered relatively unnoticeable when compared to its neighbours. Perhaps a striking facade is not needed for Rida La Cuisine, who takes pride in serving lip smacking homely French gourmet at wallet-friendly prices.

We particularly enjoyed Rida La Cuisine’s tender Duck Confit served with fries or gratin (S$17.50) and The Dory Fish (S$13) served with white wine sauce and a side of butter rice.

The culinary team of this humble diner was previously trained by the reputable La Petit Cuisine, so don’t be surprised if you find the food from both places awfully similar to each other!

Customers can top up an additional S$5 to complete their hearty main courses with a soft drink and a soup/dessert of their choice. Do note that there are no waiting staff and patrons have to order and pay at the counter – hence service charges are waived. In a rush but craving for comforting French delights? Fret not, Rida La Cusiine does takeouts too.

Rida La Cuisine
227 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574359
Tel: +65 6456 2078
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11.3am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

The duck confit is a French classic dish well loved by foodies all over the world. ‘Confit’ when translated to English means preserved. This traditional delicacy was created centuries ago before refrigerators were made accessible to households. Fortunately, the advancement of technology and widespread affordability of fridges did not see this age-old recipe being made redundant. Instead, the duck confit had become a major staple of the French diet.

An excellent duck confit is one with fragrant crispy skin and succulent juicy flesh. Mastering the preparation of this French gourmet is not an easy feat and many restaurants in Singapore have yet to grasp the timeless French method of cooking it. For our love for duck confits, we have searched high and low across sunny Singapore for tasty duck legs that are worth splurging on and indulging in.

From Saveur’s affordable Duck Confit to fine dining establishment La Brasserie’s interpretation of the French classic, here is our guide to 13 Duck Confits in Singapore You Must Try.

#1 BISTRO DU VIN – S$32

French bistro Bistro Du Vin aims to serve authentic and traditional French fare with topnotch fresh ingredients. From music to décor, the ambience is strikingly similar to the typical eateries you will come across in France. Savour one of their signature dishes, Le Confit de Candar (S$32++) – a delicious duck confit served with pommery-infused mustard mash and mesclun salad.

1 Scotts Road
#02-12 Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6733 7763
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#2 BLACK SHEEP CAFÉ – S$26.50

Tucked away in the basement of Thomson V Two, Black Sheep Café’s secluded location renders an unlikely accidental visit. Instead, the French restaurant solely relies on its regular patrons and word-of-mouth recommendations. Do treat yourself to their popular Duck Confit (S$26.50++) served on Apple Roesti and Tangy Mango Relish.

#B1-30, Thomson V Two
11 Sin Ming Road
Singapore 575629
Tel: +65 6459 5373
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

#3 DB BISTRO – S$38

DB Bistro Moderne is housed in the luxurious The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and celebrated French Chef Daniel Boulud is the owner of this contemporary Parisan establishment. Their Duck Confit (S$38++) is served with Brais Greens, Cranberry Bean “Cassoulet” and Parma Ham. This is one of our all-time favourites.

10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8525
Mon to Fri (Lunch): 12pm – 5pm
Sat & Sun (Brunch): 11am – 5pm
Sun & Mon (Dinner): 5.30pm – 10pm
Tue to Sat (Dinner): 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 EIGHT CAFÉ & BAR – S$26.80

Quaint restaurant Eight Café & Bar has an international menu of Italian and French cuisine with an Asian touch. Their crispy and juicy French Duck Leg Confit (S$26.80) is served with fragrant basil white wine peach sauce on the side, a generous portion of French fries and fresh greens.

8 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089822
Tel: +65 6220 4513
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
Fri to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 1am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#5 NOUVELLE FUSION KITCHEN & BAR

From the crisp skin to the tender meat inside, Nouvelle’s Duck Confit (S$22) is one of those dishes that will totally keep us coming back for.

Scape, #03-03,
2 Orchard Link,
Singapore 237978
Tel: +65 6834 4063
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 LA BRASSERIE – S$44

Sitting within the luxurious Fullerton Bay Hotel, La Brasserie is a posh European restaurant serving a delectable array of French food. Their Signature Duck Confit (S$44) – served with black garlic sautéed broad beans, field greens and truffle potato mousseline – is an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.

80 Collyer Quay
Lobby Level, The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6597 5288
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#7 LAURENT’S CAFE- S$26

Crispy skin and a warm interior, the duck fats left the meat still juicy, and the baked Lyonnaise potatoes on the side looked more than unassuming but were surprisingly very flavourful. If you are not the biggest fan of duck, Laurent’s Cafe’s classic French Crispy Duck Leg Confit (S$26) might covert you to one.

260 Orchard Road #B1-02C
The Heeren
Singapore 238855
Tel: +65 6235 2340
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#8 LA PETITE CUISINE – S$17.50

La Petite Cuisine is a no-frills longstanding French bistro that sees regulars constantly returning for their signature Duck Confit (S$17.50). Cooked the traditional way aka in the duck’s own fat, the duck confit might not be the healthiest option but is definitely one of the tastier (and more affordable) ones in Singapore.

10 Jln Serene, Serene Centre
Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6314 3173
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Botanical Gardens

#9 SAVEUR – S$13.90

Saveur has successfully altered the mindsets of Singaporeans that mouth-watering French fare can be budget-friendly too. Their iconic Duck Confit (S$13.90) is impeccable and it is little wonder their patrons return regularly for more. The duck leg is served on a fluffy bed of mashed potato with sauté shitake, orange segments and orange-infused natural sauce on the side.

Saveur
5 Purvis Street, #01-04
Singapore 188584
Tel: 6333 3121
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.15pm
Sun: 12pm – 2.15pm, 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

#10 SUNDAY MARKET CAFÉ – S$17.90

This Serangoon-based café wishes to be remembered as the café with a unique take on traditional dishes. Apart from their quirky decor with retro notes, the Crispy Duck Leg Confit (S$17.90) – served with chopped salads, fried baby potatoes and orange brown sauce – is also pretty decent.

22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Mon to Tue: 12pm – 10pm
Wed: Closed
Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 9.30am – 11pm
Sun: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

#11 THE CLAN RESTAURANT – S$35

The Clan Restaurant did not shut its doors – it basically moved to the area of Selegie and now sits in PoMo. Still serving delightful Asian fusion dishes, you have to try their divine Duck Confit (S$35++) with Plum Mustard, Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables; it had us sold immediately upon first bite.

No.1 Selegie Road
PoMo #02-01
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 6222 2084
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

#12 TOOTS BRASSERIE – S$19.80

Situated in lobby level of The Sultan Hotel, Toots Brasserie is a traditional French bistro that takes pride in offering a sumptuous range of irresistible French classics.

Toots Brasserie’s Duck Leg Confit (S$19.80++) is well cooked to an interesting contrast of textures; the crispy golden brown skin perfectly juxtaposes the fragrant delicate meat. Served with French beans, mushrooms and thinly sliced gratin potatoes, the classic dish is pretty reasonably priced for its quality.

The Sultan Hotel
101 Jalan Sultan #01-01
Singapore 199002
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30 pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Lavender

#13 VIOLET HERBS

Duck Confit is something we have to try if we see it on a menu, and of course, we tried the one at Violet Herbs. The Sous Vide Duck Confit (S$36) has a crackling outer crust and the most tender duck meat inside.

The duck jus reduction that accompanied the duck was just right. We also liked how the duck confit is placed atop a bed of rustic vegetables of herb potatoes and sautéed baby spinach.

81 Tras Street
Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area
Singapore 079020
Tel: +65 6221 3988
Mon to Sat: 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Some months back, we visited Sunday Market at Lim Tua Tow Road located just off Upper Serangoon Road on a sleepy Sunday afternoon for brunch. We were not expecting much, but what greeted us was a wondrous entrance of plants and a red-and-white signboard that looks like something plucked off from the 80′s. The cafe may seem inconspicuous from the main road, but just look out a little and you will find the unit that sits right at the left hand corner.

Inside, it is a quirky space with brick walls in the prettiest hues of rust, spotting irregular display of paintings sporadic plant arrangements, and filled with chitters from a hippy crowd. We were awoken by the energetic vibe almost instantaneously.

Sunday Market serves a small but concise menu including toasts, pastas, duck dishes, salad and waffles — most dishes are reasonably-priced below S$15. The coffee was sadly run-of-the-mill, but we will come back again for the Savoury Pancakes with Roasted Duck and Garlic Hoisin (S$12.90) and the excellent Sirloin Rendang Toast (S$15.90).

Yes, a Rendang Toast is what you’d least expect for brunch, but the Straits-style item is a delightful twist to the usual toast. We had meant for that dish to be shared, but before we knew it, our friends polished them off. A stunning creation, indeed.

Waffles were sadly mediocre, too. We’d say to skip this, because we heard the Bangkok Toast (S$10.90) is quite a mean treat.

As you can tell by now, the food is hit-and-miss. We haven’t had the chance to try everything, but we might pop by again because of the quirky retro details of the decor and furnishing. And we hope that the next time we return, the ventilation issue would be solved and no one has to step out of the cafe all smoky and stinky.

Sunday Market
22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Mon to Fri: 1am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Eating out in Singapore is getting considerably expensive. Nowadays, it is increasingly difficult to find a restaurant that serves good food at reasonable prices.

When I was at The Clan Restaurant for dinner, I was surprised to find out that it not only dishes out an extensive menu – with offerings of cold dish, side dish, soup, main course and dessert – that you really cannot go wrong with, but it is also relatively inexpensive given the quality of the food.

Under the cold dish category, our party tasted most of the dishes, and everyone agreed that the Beef Carpaccio ($20) was a terrific choice. The pairing of well-marbled beef slices and truffle mustard salad with truffle teriyaki & horseradish sauce made for a winning combination.

The other favourite of the table was Alaskan King Crab ($22). It stood out with its light homemade Karashi dressing that allowed the freshness of the crab to shine through.

The Chef’s Starter ($18) – a trio of foie gras chawanmushi, seared scallops with truffle foam, and hamachi with ponzu – is also a good way to start the meal.

After sampling the cold dishes, we progressed to side dishes of Deep Fried Foie Gras ($18) with balsamic reduction and cheese focaccia, Kurobuta Pork Belly Confit ($15) with pork cracker and passion fruit sauce and Steamed Razar Clam ($15) drizzled with Japanese sauce, and Herb Crusted Mushroom Escargot ($15). Among them, the standout dish was the Kurobuta Pork Belly Confit, while the Foie Gras was disappointing as the deep-fried batter overwhelmed the foie gras.

The Clan has main courses like Spiced Braised Lamb Shank ($29), 48 Degree Poached Salmon with Japanese broth ($27) and Pan Seared Cod Fish ($29). But what you must order is the 48 Hours Beef Short Ribs served on hoba leaf and lava stone. Everyone was gushing when the waiter served the dish to the table. It was outstanding, and undoubtedly the highlight of our dinner. Another commendable dish from the menu is the Duck Confit ($26) with plum mustard, and truffle mashed potato.

Sweet treats include a Madeira Cheese Panna Cotta ($10), Chocolate Lava ($10) with homemade gelato, Triple Espresso Crème Brulee ($10) and the excellent and highly recommended Chan La Royaltine Chocolate Cake ($11).

The Clan Restaurant
1 Selegie Road, #02-01 PoMo
Singapore 188306
Tel: +65 6222 2084
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Daniel Boulud’s name is synonymous with fine dining in New York, and his signature Manhattan restaurant DB Bistro Moderne at Marina Bay Sands needs no introduction.

While the general taste is not fantastically out of the world, the food is always consistently good. These days, sadly, even the better restaurants have neglected this point. There is nothing more disappointing than to return to a restaurant only to find that your favourite dish is not as good as before. And it is especially not acceptable at fine dining restaurants where we have to pay so much for a meal.

However, this is not the case at DB Bistro Moderne. we have dined there on many occasions and we are glad to say that they have always maintained a high standard.

The Wild Mushroom Soup ($15) came first. It was decent, but nothing much to speak about. This was followed by the Seared Foie Gras ($39) with a brioche toast and spiced apple marmalade. The foie gras was a mouthful of delicious richness bite after bite. I would be hard-pressed to find a better one in town.

The Lobster Salad ($36) – with avocado, tomatoes, green beans, artichoke and basil aioli – while good, was nothing fantastic. DB Bistro also features other salads such as the Frisee Salad Lyonnaise ($24), Roasted Beetroot Salad ($25), Iceberg & Blue Cheese ($23).

For appetisers, we would recommend the Ratatouille ($20). The classic vegetable stew was hearty and very comforting. It was the perfect start to the meal and whetted my appetite for the main courses.

Rested on a bed of greens – tomatoes, artichokes, carrots and salsa verde – the Line Caught Tuna ($39( was meaty and very fresh.

The Saffron Tagliolini ($24 appetiser, $36 main course), on the other hand, did not leave a strong impression. It was not mindbogglingly good, but it was decent with the delicious spanner crab. The other pasta option on the menu is the Tagliatelle Nero ($24 appetiser, $36 main course), but if I was you, I would skip the pastas and go for the main courses.

Coq au Vin ($34), a traditional French dish, is one of the highlights of the menu. DB Bistro’s rendition was very good. I would strongly recommend to go for this.

Our favourite dish was DB Bistro’s Duck Confit ($36), cooked so that the skin was crisp, but the meat tender and flavourful, and served with savoy cabbage and olive oil crushed potatoes.

The DB Burger ($42), pictured in the first photo, also lived up to its name. A juicy and superb burger with seared foie gras in the middle. This was heaven on a plate. Definitely one of the best burgers around. That said, I am not sure if I would pay so much for a burger.

We had the Australian Flank ($45) and USDA Prime Ribeye ($80). The former was pretty decent, but in no way comparable to the latter. The ribeye was tender and full of flavour, with a good proportion of fat to lean meat. If I close my eyes, I can still imagine the tender steak. The fries were excellent, too.

For their winter menu, DB Bistro had a Chestnut Souffle ($15). It was nicely paired with a blackcurrant sorbet, which provided a good counterbalance to the hot chocolate sauce. However, on a recent visit, we found out that it was replaced by a Durian Royal Souffle ($15) with mangosteen sorbet.

We also sampled the Chocolate Passionfruit Fondant – a luscious mix of the rich and sweet dark chocolate with a slightly sourish passionfruit.

The de-constructed Apple Mille-Feuille ($15) — apple confit, phyllo dough, mascarpone mousse, green apple sorbet — was also delightful with its contrast of textures and flavours.

If you are too full for desserts, you must at least order the Madeleine ($8) for the table to share.

A meal at DB Bistro Moderne, I must say, is not cheap. But it offers an excellent value considering that it is all delivered well on the plates in a sexy venue. For those who are on a budget, go for their pre-theatre dinner (5.30pm – 7pm) at $68++/pax for a three course prix fixe menu.

DB Bistro Moderne
10 Bayfront Avenue
#B1-48 Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 8525

Mon to Fri (Lunch): 12pm – 5pm
Sat & Sun (Brunch): 11am – 5pm
Sun & Mon (Dinner): 5.30pm – 10pm
Tue to Sat (Dinner): 5.30pm – 11pm

Au Chocolat, opened by the folks behind Ku De Ta and Catalunya, occupies a huge space at a corner of Marina Bay Sands. It is divided into two sections: a retail confectionery store where you can find all sorts of delicious snacks – such as slice cakes, cupcakes, gelato, truffle – and fun merchandise. The other half is the bistro which has an all-day dining menu.

We have been to Au Chocolat many times, and tried quite a few items from the bistro and confectionery. Here are some of the highlights.

The menu is huge, running from handmade crepes ($16-20), to breakfast food ($15-22), finger food and snacks ($12-18), soup and salad ($11-20), burgers and sandwiches ($16-25), pasta ($23-25), entrees ($22-32) and desserts ($16-18).

We started with their Truffle Fries ($15), a generous serving of crispy fries drizzled with fragrant white truffle oil and seasoned with truffle sea salt. The Mushroom Bite ($14), next to arrive on the table, was rather run-of-the-mill. For the price, we would rather get another portion of the truffle fries.

We have heard a lot about Au Chocolat’s Ultimate Benedict ($22), so we knew we had to give it a try. Pancakes formed the base of the dish, and it was topped with spinach, tomatoes, crispy bacon, roasted ribeye steak, roasted chicken and two poached eggs. It has a generous drizzling of red wine and dark chocolate infused hollandaise sauce.

Each of the ingredient was good on its own, but when you put everything together, it became too overwhelming. Simply put, we were not too impressed.

Our favourite entree is the crispy Duck Confit ($27), which comes with potato mash, white wine poached pear and topped off with a tangy chocolate orange sauce. It was one of the best duck confits that I have had in recent times. Definitely one of the must-order dishes when you are dining at Au Chocolat.

A commendable dish is the Steak Frites ($35). I was not expecting much of the pan-seared ribeye steak, if only because many places tend to serve mediocre steaks, so I was pleasantly to find that this was really good. It was a perfectly cooked steak which was juicy, tender and well seasoned. Plus, it was accompanied by tasty truffle fries and red wine sauce on the side.

Other enticing options on the entrees menu include a delicious corn-fed Roasted Chicken ($24) and the rich and flavourful Boeuf Bourguignon ($26).

We also had their Stuffed French Toast ($18). Two slices of brioche bread filled with berries and mascarpone cheese. There is nothing wrong with this dish, but other than the pretty appearance, there is little about it that stands out.

Dessert lovers will surely go crazy at Au Chocolat here. Among the six options under the dessert section, we had the Au Chocolat Tower Cake ($18), a huge six layers of moist chocolate cake served with a vanilla gelato; and the Caramel Apple Skillet ($17) – which was a baked caramel pecan cake drizzled with salted caramel sauce. If you have been on a hunt to find the best chocolate cake in Singapore, you must try Au Chocolat’s rendition.

Besides that, we have also tried many different desserts from Au Chocolat’s pastry counter over several visits. The noteworthy ones include the Chocolate Tart, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Kalamansi Cake and Peanut Butter Cheesecake.

What makes Au Chocolat a place you can return to again and again is that its all-day menu provides plenty of options for everyone. Furthermore, it opens till late everyday, making it a great venue for dinner, or to hangout for desserts with a group of friends.

Au Chocolat
2 Bayfront Avenue
#01-03 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7227
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

From a stall in a coffee shop to a full-fledged restaurant at Purvis Street, Saveur Restaurant has done a good job serving inexpensive French food. The long line of hungry patrons during meal times is a testament to its popularity. But does Saveur live up to the hype? Is it worth queuing up?

People love Saveur because it offers cheap and decent French food. There’s a trade-off, though. Portions are very small, so you have to order more dishes to share.

The main courses are averagely priced at $10, with a few special items at $24.90. Yes, so affordable, but because of its puny portion, you end up ordering more – which leaves you spending more than you normally would for a meal.

I wasn’t particularly impressed by the offerings, and while I appreciate that they offer decent French food at pocket-friendly prices, I am not in a hurry to come back.

Having said that, it is probably impossible to find another place that serves a good duck confit at $10. So, if you are on a budget, check out Saveurs. Remember to go early, or be prepared to queue.

Saveur Restaurant
5 Purvis Street #01-04
Tel: +65 6100 1788
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm

For more recommendations, read my list of Singapore’s Top 20 Inexpensive Restaurants

Note: Preparazzi has closed.

Words by Alexa Michelle, photographs by ladyironchef

Ever wondered how it’s like to have Asian food in your taste buds while dining in a western ambience? That would be my closest description to how I felt when at Preparazzi Bar Gourmet.

Located in the midst of the Central Business District area along Boon Tat Street, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet is a relatively new restaurant which specialises in serving modern Singapore cuisine – western dishes with a local twist.

Upon arrival at the restaurant, I was greeted with an arty interior as the walls had a canvas painting and a shimmery gold typography that says ‘hello gorgeous’. We proceeded to order the truffle mac & cheese ($10.90) and beef slider ($14.90) as a start. The truffle mac & cheese consists of macaroni; cheddar cheese mixed with truffle salt and honshimeiji mushrooms. As a truffle lover, the smell and blend of truffle salt with honshimeiji makes this dish a must-try, making it taste like a fusion of macaroni mixed with Asian mushroom.

The beef slider wrapped in gougère, looking very much like a pastry, was filled with Angus beef steak, topped with tamarind pepper, pineapple chutney and onion jam. Once you bite into it, you’ll taste a blast of sweet and savoury; sweetness from the pineapple and jam and savoury tasting from the Angus beef.

For our mains, we tried the X.O. vongole ($20.90) and duck confit ($19.90). The X.O. vongole is a dish cooked in spaghetti with white clams, X.O. gremolata, white wine and asparagus. The fragrance of the X.O. gremolata and cut asparagus will make one feel that this pasta dish is not too heavy to indulge while enjoying the white clams. A dish that has a good balance of healthy sides while indulging in seafood!

My favourite has to be the duck confit as it was accompanied with sweet potato gnocchi, corn, garlic, chilli and 5-spice salt. On the first bite of the duck meat, this dish brought sudden memories of dining in a Chinese restaurant. I felt that the chewy sweet potato gnocchi was paired with the duck meat to replace the typical carbohydrates selection of rice or potatoes.

Another main dish we got to try was the roast pork crackling ($23.90), a pork belly dish served with crispy cayenne apple, corn, pea and pineapple chutney. Similar to the duck confit, it brings a whiff of Asian aroma and taste to the dish. However, the roast pork crackling is slightly dryer than the duck confit as it had various thick pastes accompanying it.

Last but not least, every girl’s favourite, would be the part we get to desserts. It is almost impossible for most ladies to resist the sweet ending to a meal! With that said, we ordered the kopi-misu ($15). You might wonder why the name kopi-misu? This dessert is in fact similar to tiramisu except it is a sponge finger cake with kopi, mascarpone and coco powder. If you are a tiramisu lover, you’ll definitely fall in love with Preparazzi’s rendition. The texture of the cake was simply soft and creamy with a layer of coco powder set on top, it melted in our mouths on the first bite and we couldn’t resist finishing the entire plate afterwards.

Another dessert that we tried was the “baked” Singapore ($15.90). Its unique almond cake wraps in a combination of pineapple jam, raspberry sauce, vanilla gelato and meringue on top. It was indeed one of the most unique tasting desserts we’ve had representing the flavours of Singapore as a whole. But we felt that the portion of the meringue was overwhelming, and not something that we would order again.

To sum it up, Preparazzi Bar Gourmet offers a wide range of western food infused with Asian dishes. For the adventure seekers and exotic food lovers, you might want to venture to this area of the Central Business District to give it a try. Their menu also includes a fair selection of drinks such as cocktails and wine, sweet treats like cupcakes and French fries that come with a choice of truffle salt ($9.90), curry salt ($9.90) and rosemary salt with parmesan ($8.90). Recommended for dining up to 4 pax.

Preparazzi Bar Gourmet
29 Boon Tat Street, Singapore
Tel: +65 6220 0629
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

About the writer:
In her free time, Alexa likes to visit museum exhibitions, reading or lying on the beach. Apart from having a sweet tooth, on selective food items of course, she also enjoys lounging to the beat of good tunes. Tempt her with tea and cakes if you could, weak spots do it right all the time. To read more of Alexa’s writings, please visit Pixiekrane.

Words and photos by Sarah Lim.

You know the food has to be good when a restaurant gets booked well in advance despite being housed in a location away from the bustling office crowd. The tranquillity is lost once inside the restaurant. A waitress piles her arms with several dishes, hastily serving them up before disappearing behind the kitchen doors.

Restaurant Ember at Hotel 1929 serves modern European cuisine, and it is not a secret that they have one of the best set lunches in Singapore.

The restaurant has a minimalist interior design; no white tablecloth, no ostentatious cutlery, even the lunch menu came in the form of a piece of card, simply printed in black-and-white and folded in half.

It took some time for the complimentary bread to arrive, but more than redeemed itself up for the wait. Two loaves of sun-dried tomato focaccia, specked with herbs and each haphazardly divided in six unequal pieces, were served to us piping hot. Crusty on the outside yet chewy inside, we struggled to decline our waitress’ offer to replenish it in anticipation of our meal.

A generous slab perched atop cubes of syrup-soaked fruits, the pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apples and clove, port and raspberry glaze was prepared with expertise, resulting in a dish of wobbly, fatty goodness encased in a delicate crisp exterior. We savoured each forkful of the delicacy and it was gone all too soon.

We were equally amazed by how the roasted and poached foie gras (pictured at the start of the post) with mirin, shoyu and shiitake managed to retain its shape on the plate when it simply disintegrated once in our mouths. The tangy, mild-tasting sauce cut through the richness of the foie gras perfectly. Of the two, we preferred the pan-seared version simply for the striking contrast in texture.

The pan-roasted scallops with parma ham, citrus and tarragon vinaigrette was a feast for the eyes. Two plump, juicy scallops wrapped in savoury bacon served with a heaping mound of salad. The dish was competent on its own, but simply paled in comparison to the stellar foie gras appetisers.

We were once again blown away by the faultless preparation of the crispy duck leg confit with new potatoes, caramelized onion – thyme jus, one of the best renditions of the dish we have tried. It was just unfortunate that the sauce was a tad one-dimensional in flavour.

The marinated cod with black miso, sweet peas and herbed potatoes would please those with a sweet tooth. A fillet of oily cod coated with a generous layer of sticky, caramelized miso, this proved to be a safe choice – too safe, perhaps, as the presentation left us slightly underwhelmed.

Among the mains, the pan-seared Chilean seabass with mushroom and smoked bacon ragout, truffle yuzu butter sauce was a clear winner. A thick slab of fatty, flaky fish served atop juicy mushrooms in a pool of luscious golden-yellow sauce. We refused to have the plate cleared until we managed to mop up the last of it. If we were to nitpick, we didn’t particularly like how searing dried up the fish. We’d have gladly forsaken the pretty golden-browned hue it added.

Meant for sharing between two, we slightly regretted our order of the apple tart tartin with vanilla bean ice cream since this meant that we could only order one other dessert. Tasting it did not convince us otherwise – the cloyingly sweet apples atop the soggy tart simply failed to impress.

The crispy caramelized pear tart with homemade baileys ice cream, on the other hand, fulfilled all the requirements of a perfect tart – crispy, buttery and crumbly. We just wished that the baileys ice cream had a more alcoholic edge to it.

Service while not top-notch, is attentive and earnest. At $39.50++ (or $45.50++ if you pick a foie gras appetiser), Ember is more than what we can ask for. This is the kind of place that will leave you yearning for a return, simply for the delicious food in an unpretentious setting.

Restaurant Ember
50 Keong Saik Road
Hotel 1929
Tel: +65 6347 1928
Nearest Station: Outram

Since Cocotte opened its doors at Wanderlust boutique hotel, I’ve heard both good and bad things about the French Restaurant. Some of my friends spoke at length about its signature Poulet Roti, and Roast Pork Collar. There are others who told me to forget about it as they felt that food was overpriced, and most of the dishes were mediocre.

Even though I wanted to try their food, I decided to wait a while. It turned out to be a pretty long wait as it took me until recently to visit them. My good friend Jolene told me that she had a splendid lunch at Cocotte. I trust her tastebuds so I reckoned it’s time to drop by.

After having lunch there, I have to agree. Cocotte serves pretty good French Food, and the 3 course executive set lunch at $29++ is definitely worth a try.

The set lunch (only available on weekdays) allows you to choose from five appetisers, four main courses, and four desserts. It also includes coffee/tea.

The five appetisers include starter of the day, Chicken Liver Mousse, Rosette, Pear Salad, and Pork Rillettes. We didn’t take very long to decide on the Salad and Pork Rillettes. Both dishes were decent, but nothing to write home about.

The selection of the main courses was challenging. Three dishes – Pan Seared Chicken, Duck Confit, and Pan Seared Seabass – called out to us. We already knew that we wanted the Duck Confit, so it was down to choosing between the chicken and the fish.

Jolene told me that the Pan Seared Chicken that she had was very good. But my dining companion and I did not feel like having chicken that day, so we decided to give it a miss, and ordered the Seabass instead.

Luckily, the Pan Seared Seabass which came on a bed of summer vegetables in a seafood nage, was good. I particularly enjoyed the seafood broth; it was light, fresh, and very comforting. The Seabass was also nicely seared.

Cocotte’s Duck Confit (top up $9) was easily one of the best that I’ve had. Crispy, flavourful, and very delicious. I’d return just for this.

For desserts, we had Tarte Au Citron and Creme Brulee. The Tarte Au Citron was a tad too sweet for my liking. The Creme Brulee, on the other hand, was nicely done, and we ended our lunch on a nice note.

If you are looking for a nice place to have lunch, I’d recommend Cocotte Restaurant. Besides the 3 course executive set lunch, they also have a communal set lunch for 3-4 pax at $156, and it includes dishes like Fried Tripe, Roast Pork Collar, Braised Beef Cheek, and Sole Meuniere.

I am planning to come back with a few friends to try the communal set lunch. But if you beat me to it, do leave a comment and let me know if they are worth the trip.

Cocotte
2 Dickson Road
Ground Level Wanderlust Hotel
Tel: +65 6298 1188
Mon to Sat: 12pm –2.30pm
Mon to Thu: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 6.30pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

For more recommendations, read my list of Best French Restaurants in Singapore

One of the French Restaurants that I’ve always wanted to try, but have not gotten the chance to visit until recently is Bistro Du Vin at Shaw Centre.

Bistro Du Vin by the Les Amis Group has been making a name for itself since opening in 2009. My friends have always raved about the classical French Food that they serve. I went there for lunch a while back and I have to say that the set lunch is absolutely a steal at $30++/pax.

What I like about the three-course set lunch at Bistro Du Vin is the variety that they offer. It has six items each for appetisers, main courses and desserts.

I am still saving up for the air ticket to Paris, so for now I can only satisfy my French food craving by eating at a French Bistro in Orchard road.

After taking a glance at the menu, I immediately knew that there was no way I could resist the Pan-fried Foie Gras with prune compote (supplement of $6). I took a bite and I could feel happiness entering my body. The Foie Gras was good, but the scrambled eggs were even better.

There is only one word to describe the Scrambled Eggs with mushroom & chorizo – scrumptious! I’d come back just for this (hopefully they don’t take it off the set lunch menu).

Other appetisers include: Tuna and Lemon Pasta, Duck Rillette, Foie Gras Terrine, Escargot, and Tomato Soup.

When we were there for lunch, the six main courses on the set menu were Chicken Leg, Roasted Pork Chop, French Duck Confit, Pan-fried fish of the day, Braised Oxtail, and Char-grilled US Angus Ribeye. There was also “blackboard specials” like the Roasted Spring Chicken, Braised Duck Leg, and Char-grilled Striploin.

My dining companions had the Roasted Spring Chicken wrapped with ham and Fish of the day. Both were not too bad, but it was the French Fries ($3 side order) which stole the show. There was no truffle oil, or any secret ingredients – just really good French Fries.

I had a hard time trying to decide between Char-grilled US Angus Ribeye (supplement of $10) and the French Duck Leg Confit. I eventually went for the latter. It was one of the better Duck Confits that I’ve had, and the portion was just right for a not-so-heavy lunch.

For desserts, there was Creme Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Coconut and Passionfruit Sorbet, Warm Pear Tart, Profiteroles and selected cheese on the set lunch menu. We used the elimination method and chose three desserts.

My favourite was the lovely Pear Tart with vanilla ice cream, while my friends found the pairing of Coconut and Passionfruit sorbet intriguing.

All in all, Bistro du vin by the Les Amis group serves a value for money 3-course set lunch at $30++. I will definitely come back again to try some of the classical French food like the Coq Au Vin and Pot Au Feu on the ala carte menu.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Bistro du vin
1 Scotts Road
#02-12 Shaw Centre
Tel: +65 6733 7763
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10pm

For more recommendations, read my list of best French Restaurants in Singapore

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The Little India area is a mini paradise for French food. Besides The French Stall along Serangoon Road, you also have Cocotte French Restaurant in Wanderlust hotel. And of course, The Black Sheep Cafe at Mayo Street.

The small French cafe can probably seat around 30 guests, a nice cosy place for a quiet dinner. The menu is relatively small, with only 4 appetisers, 6 mains, and 3 desserts.

My friends are terrific to eat with, mainly because they are gamed for anything. Six of us went to The Black Sheep Cafe for dinner, and we tried the entire menu.

For starters, we had the Pan Seared Foie Gras ($22), Caesar Salad with Garlic Prawns ($12.50), Baked Brie Cheese ($12.50), and Daily Soup of Prawn Bisque ($6.50). The clear favourite was the Baked Brie Cheese, I’d skip the run-of-the-mill Caesar Salad and Prawn Bisque if I ever come back again.

Besides that, I also enjoyed the Pan Seared Foie Gras. But then again, I am biased towards anything-foie-gras.

The small portions reminded me of La Petite Cuisine. For those of you with big appetite, you would probably need to order an extra starter/main to share.

We continued with the six main courses: Crispy Pork Cheeks ($24), The Black Sheep Shank ($22.50), Duck Confit with Apple Rosti ($22.50), Beef Special – Tenderloin ($32-38), Meat Special – Lamb Chops ($32-38), Fish & Seafood Special – Snapper ($22.50-32).

The Black Sheep Cafe’s Duck Confit is by far one of the best I’ve had. It was lean and crispy, and very delicious. Unlike most French Restaurants in Singapore that charge $30 upwards for this dish, the one here is reasonably priced at $22.5. Definitely worth a try.

Another dish that I’d order again is the Crispy Pork Cheeks. The tangy sauce complimented the tender pork perfectly. The other dishes were decent, nothing spectacular. If pork and duck are not your favourite meat, I’d choose the lamb chop over the lamb shank.

To end off the French dinner, we had the Souffle, Tiramisu and Flourless Chocolate Cake. The souffle was the highlight out of the three. Orange Martini Souffle may take a long time to come, but when they reach your table and you dig in with a spoon – it’s instant happiness.

Given that I’ve tried the entire menu at The Black Sheep Cafe, I probably won’t be rushing to come back any time soon. But I’d recommend the place if you are looking for a restaurant that offers affordable French Food in Singapore. Try the Baked Brie Cheese, Duck Leg Confit, Crispy Pork Cheek, and Souffle.

For more recommendations, read my list of the Best French Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore Food Blog Review
The Black Sheep Cafe
35 Mayo Street
Tel: +65 9272 1842

Operating Hours
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

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