Formerly known as the French Dining Room at The Summerhouse, Au Balcon, located on the second floor of the historical building, refreshed its menu to focus on classic French flavours with a twist.
Octopus & Prawn Nicoise Salad 3,5/5
We kickstarted our dinner with several entrees, starting with the Octopus & Prawn Nicoise Salad ($28). It is an elevated take on the salad featuring a smoky, tender grilled octopus leg on a bed of fresh butterhead lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, haricot verts, olives, fingerling potatoes and local Kelong-farmed prawns. I am not a salad person, but the accompanying ingredients liven the enjoyment of the boring greens.
Florentine 65℃ Organic Egg 3.5/5
Next is the Florentine 65℃ Organic Egg ($18). A farm egg sits on a bed of garlic-sauteed spinach, cauliflower puree and is finished with a flourish of fresh truffle shavings, pecorino and truffle vinaigrette. It may look simple but do not be deceived by it. It is packed with lovely flavours.
Seared Atlantic Scallop 3.8/5
Seared to perfect golden brown is the plump and sweet Atlantic Scallop ($24), paired deliciously on a swath of smooth, vibrant romesco sauce, topped with sweet caper raisins and coriander cres from The Summerhouse's edible garden.
Pluma Iberico 4/5
Moving to the mains, we had the Pluma Iberico ($48) beautifully seared and paired with a sweet-sour apple celeriac puree and moreish garlic brussels sprouts. It is sprinkled with toasted almonds for a layered bite and a nutty finish.
Kuhlbarra Barramundi 4/5
The Kuhlbarra Baramundi ($36) is sustainably sourced, paired with creamy polenta and roasted heirloom carrots. A rich, savoury crustacean reduction beautifully ties the dish together, binding every component together in harmony.
Wagyu Striploin 4.2/5
Another delicious protein is the richly marbled Wagyu Striploin ($98), charcoal grilled to perfection. The melt-in-the-mouth beef is served with a buttery, smoked potato puree and crispy broccolini.
Citrus Creme Brulee 3.5/5
Wrapping our meal is the Citrus Creme Brulee ($16). The smooth and creamy vanilla custard is given a citrus lift with the addition of orange zest. However, I preferred the other dessert. The Paris Brest ($16) fares much better with airy choux pastry rings piped with a rich, nutty praline diploma and finished with a light dusting of icing sugar.
Paris Brest 4/5
Having dined at The Summerhouse previously, the new menu fell below my expectation. It is good, but the dishes felt safe without many surprises or its own character. They are classic French fare, which can be found in any French restaurant.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
The Summerhouse Dining Room
Seletar Airport
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 88095840
Website
Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Dinner
Mon, Wed-Sun, Eve of PH & PH: 6pm - 10pm
Brunch
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 3pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009). Take bus number 117. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]
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