Sunday lunch

Thanks to Singapore Restaurant Week, I got to try Le Bon Marché at a much more affordable price. It's located in the upper class area of Singapore, Bukit Timah, where many posh restaurants are situated... Personally, if I were to buy myself a good expensive meal, I'd still prefer Brazil Churrasco on Sixth Avenue anytime over this (disregarding the type of cuisine).

A huge sign reads "Le Bon Marché" outside the restaurant, and you wouldn't be able to miss it! We arrived 15 minutes earlier and the bistro-style restaurant was barely full. We were then ushered to one of the reserved tables. There was no iced water available, so you have to either order a bottle of sparkling water or still water. So we made our choices and ordered, including the drinks I have been recently a bit crazy over -Grapetizer/Appertizer/Peartizer, the pear which is not found in Singapore. They are basically sparkling version of juice.

As we had to wait for the food, we started snapping pictures. Little known to us is that they disallow pictures taken of a board in the restaurant which lists their menu. Usually we just like to take the pictures for fun and memory sake, it never goes up anywhere. Anyway, we respect their rule and avoid snapping one of the board. Looking at the prices, it's insane (but it's Bukit Timah hey!). What we were paying for the meal is only the price of their appetiser on à la carte.

So the food arrived. Let me describe and comment them further with pictures :)
FYI, these are for 2, of course we had our own desserts.

Sliced baguette with olive oil & vinegar

Fresh Crab Salad with Mango & Tomatoes Dice, Cucumber Gazpacho Sauce

 This is not as special as I thought. The crab salad has a very raw smell or taste to it, I reckon its the crab. It has nothing distinctive to make me go "Mmmmmmmm, I want more of it please"... Sadly, no.

Chicken Liver Parfait served with Sourdough Toast and Mesclum Salad

 At least I thought the chicken liver parfait is better. Then again, I think they taste the same everywhere. So the starters were really just alright.

Fillet of Red Snapper, Olive Tapenade & Roasted Cherry Tomatoes & Lobster Bisque Sauce

 The fillet is tender, juicy and fresh, but matching with the baby carrots and vegetables gives it a very Asian feel somehow.

Oven Roasted Spring Chicken With Baby Potatoes, Green Zucchini & Tarragon Chicken Jus

 Potatoes are nicely baked. But there is NO SALT CONTROL, this is just too salty. I wonder if they put a handful instead of a pinch or did that whole load of salt got spilled on it instead of coming out from a shaker?! FAIL!!!! Fortunately, under that skin, it isn't that bad but still SALTY SALTY SALTY.

Vanilla Ice Cream Profiteroles with Warm Valrhona Manjari Chocolate Sauce

To be honest, we think that we're just paying for the dessert at the end of the meal. This is just the best thing! The money is just worth it spending on these profiteroles (skip that main course and starter, give me 6 of these!!). The chocolate sauce is warm and slightly bitter, it goes perfect with the vanilla ice cream profiteroles. GIMME MORE GIMME MORE GIMME MORE I say!

By the time, we were done, the restaurant was about 3/4 full. But having called for the bill, we almost waited for 15 minutes. Bad service - the others who ordered the bill at the same time had left and another who called for it 10 minutes later got theirs at the same time as us. There were two waitresses and a general manager out there, I guess it's understandable but hope the service can be more attentive. Also for a place as posh and costly as this, I would have expected utensils to be changed for each course but unfortunately not. There were also no napkins (not a big issue with me personally) but paper serviettes.

My verdict is to go for their dessert or have a glass of French wine... if you feel like pampering yourself! Paying so much (at its original prices) for the quality of food I got, I don't think it's worth breaking my piggy bank for. Well I have read better reviews about them, but I would rather go somewhere along Bukit Timah to better spend that amount of money unless the date is paying for it ;)

Always a second time

I'm definitely recommending these places because I've been back the 2nd time ;) I might have written about them briefly for my first visit but here's some real pictures taken during the re-visit :)

I went back to Ma Maison again, this time to another outlet with another friend, BS. This is taken a couple of months back but I still think it's worth mentioning. I ordered the sizzling steak which the waiter came over and lit my steak on fire! WOW. The service is polite and attentive, ambience is superb and cosy like the bugis outlet. The staff there are mostly Japanese as I think the Central branch has a lot of Japanese customers. Read about my first visit.

This is my dinner at Food for Thought at North Bridge Centre. Like the first time, the food is only prepared when you order, and of very good quality. The Shiitake Mushrooms (pasta) in garlic and olive oil dressing came with a side salad hence the portion is smaller. It does good for me, not sure for a big eater. I also had the Lychee Saga drink, which is a freeze but it dried up fast (gotta admit I'm a fast drinker), I think there was too much ice than juice! If you're thinking about having the fanciful looking cakes, think twice. After trying this Old Southern Red Velvet cake (photoshopped into the picture), both my friend and I didn't want to finish even half of it. I would have gone for Chocolate Banana Malteser but its not available that day, but I'm having second thoughts since the quality of the cake is greatly disappointing. But I will always go back for the food! The only thing I don't really like about dining there is sitting near the cooking area, it made us smell of grease at the end of the dinner!  Read about my first visit.

The Rotisserie, an australian place offering grilled juicy chicken (a little like Kenny Rogers but feels more like a healthier option) and a great venue for lunch. I have not written about this place before, but I have already been there twice by now. The picture above is my first visit, we weren't allowed to have chips as we opted for salads, so we must choose two salad types. Chips come as one of the choices but you are not allowed any vegetables or salads. There's the vegetables option and you can have all four of them I am surprised when I heard the staff saying that. So one could have the mashed potato, sweet corns, macaroni and cheese and califlowers if I remeber correctly. The second time, my friend had the chips while I remained with my salads so we could share :) The desserts also look tempting, and I heard the coffee's good too. Delicious and always worth revisiting as there's other stuff to try!

Craving for cakes II

After another round of cakes from Rive Gauche pâtisserie, it is time to retire from them. I have to say I'm not impressed by the Mont Blanc, at least the Cherry Pistachio is a more exquisite flavour. I only ate half of each of them, the rest finished by the sister and parents. Somehow I can safely say for the coming 2 weeks, I'm going to stop spending on them. Great way to cut down some unwanted calories as well as saving my pocket for something else better :)

Anyway, I was looking for reviews online when I realised a Mont Blanc from them costed S$4.50 in January 2010, and in November it's already S$7! A 36% increase!!! Gosh! So where's the promotion now ya thinking? And this was how it looked like, which is so much prettier than the one they're having now. Here's what it looks like today...

My sister even threw away the chestnut on top! Oh well! It was a little too sweet and creamy and I don't enjoy too much spongecake in my cakes. I guess I'm more a mousse person. Overall, it's just a very average tasting cake, just as bad as how it looks. I somehow prefer its former look, and having read good review about their Mont Blanc, I decided to give it a go... Unfortunately, not impressed at all!

Pistachio Cherry sounds awesome from its name, and I have to say both flavours seem to blend well together. The sour cherry mousse was quite to my liking, but the top layer of pistachio was disappointingly savourless. It could be a lot better... and how about adding on some dark chocolate mousse?? I think that idea will be great, LOL.

So say goodbye to Rive Gauche cakes! I shall save my stomach for better ones.


By the way, my mum got these surprisingly super delightful fruit tarts from the neighbourhood bakery. I have to say they make indeed a lovely treat! She bought 2 some weeks ago and I had them all to myself, very greedy I know, but it shows how good they are! I told her about it and this weekend she got 4 back! Don't worry, I'm not going to eat them all up, this time I'm sharing :D

Best of all, they are cheap!!! I can't believe cheap things can taste so good but you gotta believe it, there are gems. Most neighbourhood bakeries only do mediocre stuff but I guess there can be exceptions! Here's the yummy tart, with crispy buttery crust, fresh cream and freshly cut fruits covered with a layer of jelly.

Craving for cakes I

Thanks to Tampines 1 and their awesome deals. This is also partly why I seldom like to go to town when I can get most things nearby ;)

So this time, let me show you the pictures first. These are from Rive Gauche pâtisserie, one of the celebrated brands around this area.

Napoleon or better known as Mille-feuille

Omelette

Anyway, there was a 1-for-1 Tuesday (applicable for same items only), and I happened to be out that morning and got lucky again, because they were sold out by 4pm the week before. I decided to get a few things home. There were too many choices and also a big risk of expanding waistline, so I would save more for next Tuesday ;) The promotion is ending 4th week November though.

After much hesitation, I settled for Napoleon, which looked really delicious by the look of it! It was as good as it looked, the cream and custard were so fresh, yet not too sweet... ARGH! Writing about it now really makes me hungry!!! The puff pastry was thin and crispy. The strawberry slices were a bit sour but complemented the rest very well. I really enjoyed it even though it didn't stay on my plate long enough ;) My parents like it but thought it is overpriced for cakes (at its original price), but good stuff are worth paying for... and I got a good deal nonetheless!

The Omelette was catchy in the display, which was why I got them. The name is very vague, but it actually contains fresh cream and banana in it. I thought,"Oh, why not have a try!" I have to admit I am not a fan of fresh cream and so it didn't appeal much to me, I like banana though. Dad loves the fresh cream, and the thin skin around it (I couldn't tell what it was made of) but this sure reminds me of the durian puff from Emicakes. Oh yum!

Dine French in Japanese style

I heart my friends. Well, most of them. The ones whom never fail to keep my spirits up when I'm feeling down... the ones whom are there to share my joy, grief, pain and tears... the ones that are not physically here but nevertheless supportive and encouraging! They are the best things that have happened in my life (besides family).

Anyway, last Sunday, Jean took me to brunch. We went to this very pretty petite cafe called Octa Hotel. Imitating a Parisan Hotel, Octa Hotel is Japanese but serves cuisine of the French. Amusing, isn't it? This is probably why Japan is so fascinating, they never fail to surprise us! This is their first foray abroad, and certainly it is an honour to dine there! They also sell tableware, accessorises, clothes and many novelty items, all imported from Europe and Japan.

Perfect setting for Hi-tea. They do not do many main courses, mainly sandwiches. So I guess it's more a place for light meals and afternoon tea. I ordered myself a smoked salmon with avocado sandwich for S$14.90 (if I remember correctly), it came with tortilla chips. Plus I topped up a few bucks for a tea or coffee. Salmon and avocado are two of my favourite things, and they will never go wrong together...

And I sure love this sandwich!

It's not very cheap, but it's Japanese, so I guess you do pay for their service, decor and cosy ambience as well! It would be better if the tea and coffee comes refillable! I just saw on their website, they are having a new hi-tea promotion that comes with refillable tea or coffee! The lunch set seems very reasonable too! Also, I very much believe the staff are Japanese too, at least some of them.

Under S$25 meals

Picture this...

It's a rainy evening, and you're trapped at Parco Bugis Junction. Your stomach is growling and you crave for good food, something hot, steamy and juicy. Not FASTFOOD! No Mos Burger, no McDonald's, not even the barely satisfying food from the basement food stalls. So what's there to eat??? Okay, and you've only a budget of S$25.

There's MOF, it was pretty crowded when I was there. Food was alright but on the higher end for their quantity. However I miss their rice balls - I can't remember the names, I only remember it was one of the best things I had.

There's also a Hong Kong cafe, which is best kept for having a cuppa or two.

There was Sketches, my favourite place to have customized pasta or pizza but unfortunately is replaced.

There's Soup Spoon, suitable for the days you feel like having liquid diet!

And then you suddenly remember.... Nando's just opened their first restaurant in Singapore! And it happens to be at Bugis Junction! Yes, it's the replacement for Sketches, not that I'm very happy that Sketches has closed down... but well, at least there's another dining option! I just found out that Nando's is Portuguese! Ma Maison, it rings a bell. Go google it and you'll find a French-Japanese fusion restaurant. It's tucked in a cosy corner behind the Hong Kong cafe which I never noticed - OMG!

To cut the story short and save your creative juice churning... I dined at the two places recently and would like to share my experience! The cost per person during my visit came up to S$21+, same for both restaurants, but for Ma Maison it was after a "Ladies' Night" 20% discount.

Nando's
Located at #01-85 Bugis Junction
Timing: Sunday lunch
Card promotion/discount: None at the moment

It was a celebration lunch, for my dear friend who has completed her last paper. I suggested to give a try at Nando's since it's pretty new and I never had it anywhere else. I was there about 1245pm and there was already a queue, fortunately the wait wasn't too long. The place is very cramped, and only if you're super skinny, you could probably squeeze through the space between tables without saying "Excuse me". Other than a group of noisy kids at the neighboring table, our dining experience was quite pleasant. It seems not the case for everyone as I read of a few nasty reviews on friends' Facebook status. They probably went for dinner when things have ran out and was extremely crowded and so they couldn't wait for the diners to leave once they cleared out their plates. Still I wish they have a larger area!

We each ordered a 1/4 chicken (Mild) with cous cous salad and peri peri/old-style fries and drinks respectively. I didn't like my drink! Both the fries appeared the same to us! My friend didn't quite like cous cous but I happily finished mine ;) The chicken portion was just right, and was tender and hot (unlike the hungrygowhere reviews). We didn't have the bottles of sauce at our table, but was attended to quite promptly when we requested. I prefer the mild and hot sauce, to the extra hot and garlic sauce (sour!).

It reminds me of Kenny Roger but the latter has a better variety of side dishes (e.g. macaroni cheese!!). I suppose the price is fairly close to Kenny Roger's too. But if I am to return for comfort, I think Kenny will be a better option. Nando's can improve with a bigger area with more comfortable seating, better service and shorter waiting time (especially when calling for bills).

Ma Maison
Located at #02-51 Bugis Junction
Timing: Monday dinner
Card promotion/discount: JCB UOB Card & ANZ credit cards / Every Monday "Ladies Night" @ 20% off

I have heard and read lots about this place and thus specially made the trip down on a "Ladies' Night". It was near 7pm, and a queue was already quickly forming, this place must be quite impressive.

The majority of the staffs are Japanese, so were some of the customers. It certainly felt like I was in Japan (not that I've been there), but the service was prompt, polite and excellent! The ambiance was delightfully romantic, and it just made you want to sit there forever... slowly savoring the food and drinking sake! I have promised myself to return ;) Not sure when but definitely!

We were served ice water almost immediately after we sat down. I was amazed at their service! Then we were asked if we wanted garlic bread or something else (I can't recall!) while waiting for our main course to be served. The garlic bread came in two long pieces, delicious! It costs us S$4.20 if I remember right. We ordered a big hamburger steak and gratin with scallop and prawn to share, which was a very good idea indeed.

The steak came, a huge patty drizzled with brown sauce and surrounded by pieces of roasted potatoes and cauliflower. Not forgetting, it was topped off with a sunny side up. The steak was soft and tender! Like minced meat patty, it was a heavenly combination with the brown sauce, we finished it in no time. No wonder it's one of their signature dishes, next time we should try the one on hot sizzling plate!

The gratin with scallop and prawn was a very good size for its price. Two juicy prawns and two scallops, inside the grain was shell-like pasta, not potatoes. Fortunately we shared, else too much of it might be icky! It tasted more milky than cheesy by the way. I didn't realize we didn't order any drinks! But our iced water was always being refilled without even raising our hands!

I had a dessert craving that evening, forget about being on diet on a Monday night;) So we had apple pie with vanilla ice cream. It was an art, when it was presented to us. So pretty that I couldn't bear to eat it:) Domo loved it too. It was not the usual apple pie, because I tasted green apple! Slightly sour, coupled with the sweetness of vanilla ice cream and the baked crust... mmmm... I think I can do one on my own next time!

All in all, thumbs up for Ma Maison! I can imagine holding a few celebration dinners over there, but I will better book in advance!

p.s: Pictures up.

All the way from France

A sneak preview for those whom are interested in Christian Lacroix (Shhhhsh..)

YES IT IS IN SINGAPORE. I highly recommend to do it with their guided tour, which comes free if you purchase the admission ticket. Those of you into fashion (with a BIG passion), you'll enjoy it! Look at the little details and thoughts Lacroix has put into design the costumes, and me being me, I love his use of super bold colors. BRIGHT please. And his use of lace and pokka dots... and the reasons behind them. Very clever. For more details of this event which is currently at National Museum of Singapore, visit the website and look under special Exhibitions. It's on from now till 7 June 2009.

I shall now lead you to excessive fashion overload with Christian Lacroix's site.

East meets West

Two very good places to eat.

First one, the chinese restaurant DIN TAI FUNG (Taiwanese-franchise, if I'm not wrong!) is a very affordable place with delicious, "I-want-more-more-more", "I can't get enough" dumplings. My personal favourite is the yam paste dumplings, however the pork dumplings are their speciality and are just as good. I must have both when I frequent!!! Not to be missed, the mushroom la mian (noodle) or even the minced pork version, you just go "yummmmmmm..." and keep pulling those noodles...;) That's why it's called "la mian" in mandarin, where "la" means "pull!!". I almost couldn't believe they do such addictive plum juice, I swear I never had one better than this!! So sour, sooooooo real, it's so PLUM, I just love it!


Second place, the overly priced JAAN!!! BUT BUT but for the ambience and being right on top of Swissotel, you have to pay extra for that excellent night view, very considerate and quality service. Each staff speaks a foreign language, they often come around with free flow of bread for you to pick and ask about your meal, they do clear ALL your utensils after each serving (e.g. starter...). Not to mention, the food although come in SMALL portions, they DO fill up your stomach. Good stuff. My pigeon is so so so tender, and that sauce, I almost had to lick them off my plate. Scallops are fresh and nicely done, jesus, if only they had an "upsize" option!! Now, it's your turn to drool...;)

Notre Dame de Paris

Picture taken from www.notredame.com.sg
© 2006 NDP Korea Co. Ltd

Hmmmmmm.................

For the opening show tonight, it wasn't as good as I expected. Or did I raise it a little too high?

Personally, I think the performance is 3.5 out of 5... but I'll give 4 to their acrobatic dance which I really like! A lot of well-dressed people and well, a true-blue French musical (in french!).

It's a little difficult trying to read those English/Mandarin subtitles, after a while, you just want to forget about the screen and concentrate on every little thing that is happening on stage!! A very complex love story between Quasimodo (main cast), Frollo, Phoebus and Esmeralda, with narrator, Gringoire. I was expecting more from Gringoire, but Frollo seemed to stand out among them, I think he did much better job. Actually so did Esmeralda.

Despite I'm not a big fan of the language (French), I'm always open to watching musicals. Keen to watch the first French musical in Singapore, click here for Notre Dame de Paris.