Angelina

More than two years ago, French patisserie Angelina arrived in Singapore at the then-newly-opened Capitol Piazza. Of its 8 branches in France, 6 are in Paris. Established since 1903, the French tearoom can also be found in China, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Another will be opening at Ion Orchard soon. Chanced upon its $13.80++ lunch set and decided to give it a try, on a weekday. My choice of appetiser is appetising, pun intended. The salad was a perfect balance of taste and texture – crunchy nuts, sweet-yet-tart dressing and orange slices, bitter raw greens and red radish thins. Loved the sweet potato fries in my seafood main course, which I could neither rave about nor fault. Have also tried its signature Le Mont-Blanc in Paris before, and was pleasantly surprised how light this delicate dessert could be with the chestnut purée vermicelli on top going very well with the not-too-milky-or-cloyingly-sweet whipped cream and meringue base beneath.

Jaan

Upon hearing that Jaan was awarded one Michelin star in the inaugural edition of Michelin Guide Singapore last month, was hoping very hard that I still have a chance to try (have wanted to for the longest time but never got down to doing so). Located on the 70th floor of Swissotel the Stamford, Jaan is derived from the ancient Sanskrit word for "bowl". As my dining companion made a reservation more than two months in advance, we were seated at a table by the window. It was a weekday night and according to the website, "only 7 and 10 course menus will be available during dinner service". We settled for the former, choosing Menu Prestige over Jardin Gourmand (vegetarian) and neither topped up for the finest cheese selection and condiments nor wine pairing. While all guests at the table are expected to order the same menu, dishes can be modified or replaced according to different guests' dietary requirements.

Fischers Fritz – Two Michelin-starred Restaurant in Berlin

As this was my 1st time dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, I decided to write my 1st post on an eatery not in Singapore. Planning what to eat when overseas is not part of my itinerary, as I do not want to specially go out of the way in an unfamiliar place looking for an obscure restaurant only for my effort to come to nought because it is closed or the queue is simply too long. However, my travel companion has always wanted to try a Michelin-starred restaurant. The first time we went Europe on a packaged tour, there was limited free time before our guide would bundle us up the bus. And we did not manage to make reservations during our last trip to Paris so this time, we made sure we reserved seats early enough. Fischers Fritz, helmed by Chef de Cuisine Christian Lohse who used to work at 3-Michelin-starred Guy Savoy in Paris and The Dorchester in London, has earned two Michelin stars for the 9th consecutive year. It is conveniently located on the 1st floor of Regent Berlin.

The French Stall

Saw in the papers that The French Stall, where I tried French cuisine for the first time in my life more than a decade ago, is closing in the middle of this year. Remembered leaving the corner coffeeshop located along Serangoon Road (within walking distance from Farrer Park MRT Station and City Square Mall) with my dining companions then, none the wiser what French food was. Fast forward to today, I count myself fortunate and thank my lucky stars for the chance to visit parts of France and try its cuisine – from affordable eats and bistros to cafés and restaurants. While I would not mind taking a trip down memory lane before it closes, did not feel a compelling need to specially do so. It was an impromptu decision to eat dinner together on a weekday when I suggested The French Stall, knowing it was near enough for us to walk there. Only two diners were seated at a table when we reached, a far cry from its heyday on my first visit.

Violet Herbs

Singapore Restaurant Week was from 24 Oct to 1 Nov and my choice this time round was Violet Herbs, a new age semi-formal fine-dining restaurant offering European cuisine with Asian influences. Helmed by Chef Edward Hoe with about two decades of culinary experience, the restaurant has its own herb garden growing up to 20 different kinds of herbs. As the name suggests, herbs are used extensively in its dishes and splashes of violet – chairs and sofa seats stood out against wooden tables, floor and frames (of pictures on one wall and mirrors on another), could be seen on the first floor of the two storey shophouse on Tras Street. Visited last weekend and we had for appetiser, Parma Scallops and Mushroom Cappuccino with truffle foam and chives. The former was succulent and served with burnt figs on bland sweet potato purée, trout roe caviar and melon gel while the latter was strangely bitter.

Laurent’s Café – Full Menu in Orchard

My dining companions and I were looking for a place to eat dinner on a weekend when we chanced upon Laurent's Café, tucked away in a quiet corner at the basement of Robinsons Orchard where Costa Coffee used to be. Most of us have tried the sweets from Laurent Bernard Chocolatier, with presence in Robertson Quay and Portsdown as well as takeaway counters at Takashimaya and Hitachi Tower. But not its savoury dishes and decided to give it a shot. As brunch was only served 'til 6pm, we settled for other items on the menu. We started with cold Laurent's Lemonade (orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime juice, brown sugar and soda), hot Double Cappuccino and my disappointing Café Mocha that was too diluted for my liking. Ordered a French Onion Soup and Lobster Bisque for sharing – the former was nothing like the one my dining companion had in France while the latter also turned out very different from all the versions we had in Singapore, France and other parts of Europe.

Brasserie Gavroche

I have not, until recently, been to Brasserie Gavroche helmed by Chef Frédéric Colin who was born and brought up in Paris. According to the website, its cuisine is "timeless – classic dishes prepared from the heart". Located along Tras Street with Café & Bar Gavroche and Fleur De Sel, the place had a rustic shop front atypical of a French restaurant. As I opened the weather-beaten door and stepped in, was struck by the contrast. While there was still an old world charm about it, the interiors however exuded Paris ambience. A wide mirror spanned one side, with old photos in gold frames on white walls. Below which were red cushioned bench seats paired with wooden tables and chairs with backrest, some with armrest too. Old-fashioned red and white napkins were neatly folded and placed, together with glassware and metal cutleries, on white table cloths. Combined with the mosaic tiled floor and framed-up menu, it oozed the laid-back feel of a French brasserie.

Henri Charpentier

After a picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens on a weekend evening, we decided to go Dempsey Hill for a cuppa coffee and/or desserts. In the end, we settled on Henri Charpentier – a renowned French-inspired Japanese patisserie since 1969. Run by Suzette Corporation, this is its first foray outside Japan where there are 82 branches. Opened last year, the 4,400 sq ft place restaurant was quiet when we visited. Walking down a covered walkway with fuschia carpet, we stepped into an extravagantly furnished place decked in royalty purple and more fuschia. Chandeliers and drapery hanging from the ceiling, together with comfortable armchairs and couches on heavily carpeted floor, screamed lavish opulence. I started with Blend Coffee while the rest mostly had Royal Milk Tea.

Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt (OCF)

Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt, also known as OCF, is a French restaurant named after Sir Stamford Raffles' first wife. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Old Parliament House, which is The Arts House today. Started in 2013, it has been on my radar since. And with Singapore Restaurant Week from 14 to 22 March this year, I found a good reason to visit. The lunch menu includes an entrée of marinated asparagus, poached organic egg and smoked eel from Kaviari or Jerusalem artichoke velouté with Parmesan foam and truffles. While I could not fault the asparagus, the egg and eel was too salty for my liking. This was followed by main course of Iberian pork collar, glazed Jerusalem artichoke, vegetable purée and roasting Jus. Pork collar was surprisingly fatter than we expected, but otherwise good. I loved the artichoke reminiscent of potato but not the pumpkin purée. Dessert of whipped ganache with espresso ice cream was presented with hot moka poured over it.

Note: The restaurant has closed.

Salute

A dining companion suggested going Immanuel French Kitchen for dinner on a weekday and we arrived just as it was opening. Located at a coffeeshop in the Alexandra Village Food Centre vicinity opposite Alexandra Hospital and Queensway Shopping Centre, it is one of the stalls at Salute. Others include Stew Küche (it means kitchen in German) serving Swiss-German food, Seasalt – The Seafood Place and Two Wings. Upon reaching, we saw blue and white tablecloths on tables atypical of the usual coffeeshop layout. We were asked how many people we had and for a moment, I was reminded of the touting at Newton Food Centre where seats would be arranged for customers who then felt obliged to order from the particular stall which helped to find tables. With the assurance we could order from any stall regardless of where we were seated, we allowed a table to be arranged for us. After checking out the menus, we proceeded to order from each and pay.

Patisserie G

My dining companion and I were at Millenia Walk over the weekend when we chanced upon a signboard which reads "eggs until 4pm daily". Prominently displayed outside Patisserie G, opened by Gwen Lim, and known for its desserts. There was an available table or two, so we decided to step in. Lots of wood could be seen – from the tables and chairs (was that Atomi's Hiroshima by Maruni?) to counters, shelves and flooring. Ordered scrambled eggs en cocotte with pork sausage, mushrooms and chose butter croissant over toasted brioche. Could neither rave about the three creamy scrambled freedom range eggs nor fault the sausage. While the sautéed mushrooms were lovely, it paled in comparison to the croissant. Its buttery crust was so crispy and flaky with a soft, airy and fluffy inside that I could eat it on its own. And not stop until it was gone.

Table @ Pip’s

My dining companions and I met up for dinner at Table @ Pip's last Friday. Located at B2 of Orchard Central on the same floor as MEDZS, it is tucked away at a corner near the underpass to Centrepoint. Hidden from view due to the lifts in this shopping mall, the casual dining place with an open-concept kitchen emphasises the use of fresh ingredients in its unpretentious food. Items on the menu include BBQ Crocodile Rib and Italian pastas, just to name a few. Foie Gras was lukewarm at best though I loved the sweet glazed apple that the pan-seared duck liver was served with. I have had better ones, just like Escargot Bourguignon – oven-baked Brandy snails stuffed in button mushrooms coated with garlic butter and topped with parsley leaves. With no reminiscence of mud or sand, the snails were not as plump as others I have tried. A tad chewy and bland, the succulent mushrooms were needed for taste.

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Organised and compiled by William Reed Media, Asia's 50 Best Restaurants collate votes of The World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy – an influential group of more than 900 international leaders in the restaurant industry, each selected for their expert opinion of the international restaurant scene. Ranked No. 24 on 2013's list is L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon, Singapore. Located on the 1st floor of Hotel Michael at Resorts World™ Sentosa, it is on the left of its entrance shared with fine-dining Joël Robuchon Restaurant on the right. It was a weekday evening when my dining companion and I visited the more casual L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon with counter seats around an open-concept kitchen, and a few tables in the main dining area.

Fleur De Sel

Do not confuse French restaurant Fleur De Sel with Brasserie Gavroche or Café & Bar Gavroche. The former, by chef-owner Alexandre Lozachmeur who has worked in three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée Restaurant in Paris and at Au Petit Salut and Brasserie Les Saveurs in Singapore, opened last year wheras the latter are by Chef Frédéric Colin. All are located along Tras Street with Italian, Japanese and Spanish restaurants – Gattopardo Ristorante Di Mare, Sushi Mitsuya and Bam! Tapas Sake Bar respectively. Fleur De Sel has an open-concept kitchen with counter seats, and natural light streaming into the charming shophouse from the skylight. There are also wooden tables with white table cloth or runners and unless you are sitting at the bar counter, chances are you will be sitting on wooden chairs with cushioned seats and backrests.

Gunther’s

Located opposite Saveur on Purvis Street, Gunther's was named New Restaurant of the Year in the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence 2009 as well as Restaurant of the Year and Outstanding Caterer of the Year at the World Gourmet Summit Excellence 2012. Opened by award winning chef Gunther Hubrechsen who helmed Les Amis for more than five years, the fine dining restaurant was also voted into the prestigious San Pellegrino World's Best 100 Restaurants 2010 and has been one of Asia's Top 20 Finest Restaurants in The Miele Guide since 2008. While the place had an all-glass frontage, there were curtains to prevent eyes from prying in to see diners inside. Dimly-lit with dark ceilings and walls, it exuded elegance and opulence without (surprisingly) the stifling ambience. Though, I must say, the entrance was more intimidating than welcoming. Visited on the eve of a public holiday for dinner and were brought to our table with comfortable leather chairs.

Antoinette Revisited

It was on a weekday afternoon when my dining companion and I visited Antoinette at Penhas Road, near Lavender MRT Station. While I have been to the branch at Mandarin Gallery (there is another at Palais Renaissance), this is my first time here. Instead of its breakfast which I had the other time, I tried Boeuf Bourguignon. Could taste the red wine in the braised Wagyu brisket so tender it could be easily pulled apart with the fork and knife. And loved how it went well with the pomme purée and seasonal vegetables. The former is mashed potato with a thicker consistency than usual, and contained tiny cubes of potato I could bite into. Portion was a tad big, maybe because I ate most of the viennoiseries and a bacon that was part of the Antoinette Breakfast. Oops, you just realised how much of a glutton I am.

You may also be interested in Antoinette.

Update: The branch at Palais Renaissance has closed.

Artisan Boulangerie Compagnie Revisited

A few months ago when I visited Artisan Boulangerie Compagnie at Killiney Road, only knew a second one was due to open in Great World City at the end of the year. It opened in October while the following month, another opened at The Metropolis. In December, two more opened at Asia Square Tower 2 and VivoCity. Looks like this French bakery led by award-winning baker Eran Mayer is set to stay. So how does it compare to Paul (also French), Japanese's Maison Kayser, Korean's Paris Baguette and local Tiong Bahru Bakery?

Tiong Bahru Bakery

An artisan bakery by French baker Gontran Cherrier has been a hit since it first opened in the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood. By Spa Espirit Group which also owns Kiasu Espresso, it now has two more branches at Raffles City Shopping Centre and Tangs Orchard. Serving what some claim to be the best croissant in town, I left the bakery-café without buying anything as it did not look light and flaky. Then one day, someone who was in the area and heard how good the croissant was bought it for me. I was not impressed by its unevenly risen dough and lamented how the croissant (better ones can be found at Maison Kayser and Paris Baguette) could not make it. Was told its squid ink bun, chocolate croissant and kouign aman were good. The latter, also highly recommended by staff, is Breton's cake with salted butter and sugar. So I thought to myself that maybe I should try other items.

Hediard

Started in 1854 as a small shop of exotic foods in Paris, Hediard first expanded overseas to Japan in 1973. The luxury French grocery chain now has stores and dedicated shop corners in 30 countries including Madagascar and Vietnam, as well as a restaurant in Moscow and six cafés in countries such as Singapore. Located next to Tanglin Mall at Tudor Court, this charming little café with black and red décor reminded me of the times I hid from the cold and rainy weather in restaurants at Paris and Brussels in Belgium. During my 1st visit, I tried its breakfast set. Had soft boiled instead of hard-boiled or fried egg, and a small jar of homemade jam or fruit preserves (honey also available) with country-style toasted bread that was soft and fluffy. My choice of viennoiserie was pure butter croissant with a crisp and flaky outside, airy and fluffy inside. Other options include brioche and pain au chocolat.

New Kid on the Block – Artisan Boulangerie Compagnie

After a night of supporting the Sundown Ultramarathon at East Coast Park, all I wanted was to head back for a hot shower and good sleep but I was outnumbered. One had been raving so much about Tim Ho Wan's Baked Buns with BBQ Pork that another was eager to try the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant. Though the queue was expected to be long on Sunday mornings perfect for yum cha, we decided to try our luck at Plaza Singapura's branch. Waiting time of 75 minutes was too much especially for the sleep-deprived, so we left and were driving along Killiney Road when I recalled that a new French bakery had opened. A quick check for its name and address, availability of a parking lot and a table meant we were destined to dine at Artisan Boulangerie Compagnie. Opened on 26 Aug and run by mover and shaker of the baking world Eran Mayer, it is owned by The Zest Group – an F&B company which also invests in brands such as Twelve Cupcakes.