Le Bistrot du Sommelier @ Armenian Street

If I'm not wrong, Le Bistrot du Sommelier at Armenian Street;is the only place in Singapore where you can find a Rillette bar. I like the modest setting, which is almost at its bare minimum - Narrow tall tables and bar stools filling up the floor, with the in between taken up by music, chattering and laughter. Being in Singapore for 8 years, they will be celebrating their 2016 Chinese New Year with us with their specially crafted "CNY Prosperity Delicatessen" menu.

Lo Hei, one of the most symbolic dishes of Chinese New Year, is being presented as Prosperity Salad ($68.00 for 6-8 pax, $10.80/pax for dine-in) in a layering of fresh greens, sliced pickled beets and cured salmon. I love the beautiful colours, the vivid red and the greens. Accompanied with a dressing concocted using oils and vinaigrette, every bite was full of crunch, tangy and freshness. The buttery flavour released from the 'gold' (croutons) balances the overall vinegary. This is by far one of my favourite Lo Hei hybrids.

Prosperity Salad 4/5

Having their own rillettes bar, showcasing their home made rillettes is of course a must. Rillettes de Saumon ($18.00 for 150gm takeaway, $16.80/100gm dine -in)  is included as part of the festive menu. Mixed with white wine cream sauce, the overall texture was not too buttery, which sits well with me.

Rillettes de Saumon 3.8/5

For Hot Dishes, we had Rillon de Porc - crispy Canadian pork belly ($88.00/$108.00 for takeaway/ dine in) and Jarret en Trios Coupes - Red Wine Braised pork Knuckle, Chicken Legs and Duck Legs ($198.00/$218.00 take away/ dine in). For the pork belly, the skin is the key, which didn't disappoint. As for the braised pot, all the meats were just as tender, but I love the braised pork knuckle for its fats. However, I would have enjoyed both dishes should they had been less salty.

Rillon de Porc and  Jarret en Trios Coupes 3.8/5

Brie de Meaux aux Truffes, "Brie cheese" ($28.80/180gm takeaway, $31.80/180gm dine in) infused with black winter truffle may be the perfect dessert to sum up your celebration if you are a cheese lover. It is quite mild, creamy, with a subtle sweetness. You may want to have that along with some fine wines, which are carefully selected by the owner himself from France.

Brie de Meaux aux Truffes 3.5/5

Even though this was my first experience with Le Bistrot du Sommelier, I like them for their quiet charm. When placing your order for their festive menu, do remember to include some of their baguettes too. They are one of the most ideal vehicles to deliver the rillettes and cheeses into your mouth and satiate your whetted appetite.

Photograph and written by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Le Bistrot du Sommelier
53 Armenian Street
Singapore 179940
Tel: +65 63331982
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Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT Station. Take Exit A. Head towards Stamford Road at the traffic junction of Bras Basah Road, Queen Street and Stamford Road. Continue onwards onto Armenian Street. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT Station. Take Exit A or B. Head northwest onto Stamford Road. Turn left onto Armenian Street. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]