La Belle Epoque (which means 'the golden age' in French) is a European restaurant and bar concept that has recently opened its doors at Boat Quay. It offers contemporary European cuisine using fresh ingredients seasoned with natural herbs. Most of the herbs are sourced from Head Chef Firdauz's very own herb garden.
Oyster & Iberico 4/5
Starting off the evening was Oyster & Iberico ($26), an interesting combination of fresh oyster and crispy iberico ham, tomato salsa and Avruga caviar. Other than the delightful crunch lent by the crispy iberico ham, I love how the different elements within the tiny shell played out when I consumed it as a whole. The crispy iberico ham and caviar seasoned the fresh oyster with their savoury notes, while the sweet and acidic tomato salsa balanced the overall flavours.
Hummus Taco 3.5/5
Next, we had Hummus Taco ($10). The hummus is made with smoked chickpea. The elusive smoky accent of the hummus made it even more moreish and delicious. However, it might be better to serve the corn taco shell as a side as it turned soggy after a while.
Cauliflower Steak 2.5/5
The Cauliflower Steak ($12) is a vegetarian-friendly dish featuring a smoked and cured cauliflower with vegetable butter herbs, served with purple sweet potato. Unlike the hummus taco, smoking the ingredients didn't work in the dish. The presence of that smokey flavour was somewhat overwhelming and got unpleasant after a while. The cauliflower was not very well cooked through either.
Smoked Pork Belly 4/5
We had two meat dishes, of which I would highly recommend the Smoked Pork Belly ($16) marinated with spices. It is served with crispy pork crackers, grilled peach salad and pork veloute. The taste of the pork cracker needs to be improved for sure, but otherwise, the pork belly itself was scrumptious. Instead of the usual apple sauce, the chef used the sweetness of grilled peach to complement the meat.
Beef Short Ribs 2.8/5
However, the Beef Short Ribs ($28) was rather disappointing. Marinated with local spices and sous vide for 48 hours, the meat was relatively dry.
Cheese and Cold Cuts Board 2.5/5
We also had a sample of their Cheeses and Cold Cuts Board, but I find it rather lacklustre.
Lemon Tart 3/5
Tiramisu 4/5, Guerre Stellari 4.5/5
The desserts were good. We had Lemon Tart ($10), Tiramisu ($10) and Guerre Stellari ($10). The Guerre Stellari was my favourite. Encased within dark chocolate crust was rum chocolate mousse, and it was a perfect marriage with the tart raspberry sorbet.
Photos and words 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.
La Belle Epoque
63 Boat Quay
Singapore 049851
Tel: +65 67321687
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 3pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down Upper Circular Road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to the riverfront. Turn left and walk down Boat Quay. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
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