Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley Inspired by The French Tradition of Elegant Picnics

Summer Hill first made a name for itself in the quaint neighbourhood of Sunset Way, Clementi. Since then, the restaurant has relocated to a more central spot at Claymore Connect on Orchard Road, where it continues to charm diners with its rustic French fare. I recently visited Summer Hill on a Saturday to experience their new Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley, which showcases an array of southern French summer delicacies.

The concept behind the Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is simple and delightful. The staff serve one round of everything on the menu, and if you find something you particularly love, you can request more. It's a leisurely, indulgent experience that makes you feel like you're dining in the French countryside.

The Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley
Available from 15 June 2024 onwards
Every Saturday & Sunday; 11am & 1.30pm (2-seatings)
$69++ per person (half price for kids under 12 @ $34.50++)
$55++ for free flow prosecco & wines

Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goats Cheese, Herbs & Olives Dips 4.2/5

Provencale Pate de Campagne 4.2/5

We began our brunch with warm Baguette served alongside a trio of dips: Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper, and Whipped Goat's Cheese, Herbs & Olives. The baguette was perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the ideal vehicle for the rich, flavorful dips. I also enjoyed pairing the warm baguette with the Provençale Pate de Campagne, which had a lovely depth of flavour.

Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini 4/5

Grilled Swordfish Nicoise Salad 4/5

Next, we moved on to some lighter appetisers, including Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini and Grilled Swordfish Niçoise Salad. The zucchini was perfectly grilled, with a slight char complementing the tangy sauce gribiche. The swordfish Niçoise salad was fresh and well-balanced, with tender grilled fish paired with the classic Niçoise components like olives, eggs, and tomatoes.

Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

Lamb Shoulder Parmentier 4.2/5

After the appetisers, the first trolley arrived with Mac & Cheese and Lamb Shoulder Parmentier. The dishes were served tableside, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. The mac & cheese was creamy and comforting, while the lamb shoulder parmentier was hearty and rich, with tender lamb layered over buttery mashed potatoes.

Provencale Fried Chicken 4.8/5

The standout dish for me was the Provençale Fried Chicken. Summer Hill's signature French Fried Chicken gets a Provençale twist with a fragrant herbs de Provence-infused butter drench. The result is a crispy, aromatic exterior that gives way to juicy, flavourful chicken. It was so good that I couldn't resist asking for a second helping.

Beef Steak 4/5

The brunch menu also featured a beautifully grilled Beef Steak. The beef had a gorgeous exterior char with a perfectly pink centre, offering a robust and satisfying flavour. It was an excellent complement to the other dishes on the menu.

Clams Marinere 4.8/5

The seafood trolley brought a pot brimming with Clams Marinière. The clams were fresh, plump, and juicy, cooked in a white wine broth that was both light and flavourful.

Snow Cone Bar 4/5

Midway through the meal, the Snow Cone Bar opened, allowing diners to create their own shaved ice desserts. It was a fun, interactive element that added a touch of nostalgia to the brunch. Diners could drizzle different syrups and pair them with a selection of toppings, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.

Provencale Roasted Pork Belly 4.5/5

Summer Bean Stew with Green Chilli Persillade 4.8/5

The highlight of the brunch for me was the Provençale Roasted Pork Belly. The pork belly had an incredibly crispy crackling skin and succulent flesh, which paired beautifully with a bowl of Summer Bean Stew with Green Chili Persillade. The stew was hearty and flavourful, with a hint of spice from the green chilli that complemented the richness of the pork.

Cherry Tart 3.5/5

Chocolate Stout Cake 4/5

The dessert trolley featured both a Cherry Tart and a Chocolate Stout Cake. While these desserts were sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, I found them a bit too sweet for my liking.

Lavender Milk Cake 4.2/5

Instead, I adored the Lavender Milk Cake. It was well-balanced and not overly sweet, with a lovely lavender fragrance that made for a perfect ending to the meal.

Summer Hill’s Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley is a delightful experience that transports you to the south of France. The variety of dishes ensures there’s something for everyone, and the free-flow option for prosecco and wines makes it even more enjoyable. Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or simply looking for a unique brunch experience in Singapore, this is definitely worth checking out.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Summer Hill
Claymore Connect
442 Orchard Road
#02-17
Singapore 238879
Tel:+65 8690 5907
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am, 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk to Orchard Road towards the junction of Orchard Road and Claymore Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Tan Xiang (炭香) Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat @ Polaris Woodlands - Bringing the Delectable Fishhead Steamboat to the Northern Region of Singapore

Tan Xiang Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat, the brainchild of celebrity Ben Yeo and Chef Cao Yong, has swiftly become a household name in Singapore's dining scene. With their flagship outlet in Kallang already drawing crowds, their newest establishment in Woodlands promises to bring the same delectable fishhead steamboat and zichar dishes to the northern region of Singapore.

During the bustling grand opening, we seized the opportunity to indulge in their 5-6 Pax Set Menu ($158), a tantalising spread featuring a selection of signature favourites and enticing new creations.

Signature Red Grouper Head Hotpot

At the heart of our feast was the Signature Red Grouper Head Hotpot. Delighting our taste buds, the fish slices were served separately from the bubbling broth, ensuring they remained impeccably tender without being overcooked. Compared to their other outlets, the soup base at the Woodlands branch boasts an even richer depth of flavour, probably owing to some subtle tweaks and enhancements. Regardless, each spoonful of the aromatic broth was a triumph for the palate.

Signature XO Charcoal Yam Ring

An intriguing departure from the conventional yam ring, the Signature XO Charcoal Yam Ring captivated us with its striking black hue, courtesy of the infusion of charcoal powder. Beneath its crispy exterior, the yam ring exuded a delightful fragrance and a distinct yam flavour. It was adorned with succulent prawns, scallops, snow peas, and cashew nuts stir-fried to perfection in a fragrant XO sauce.

Stir-fried Mushroom with Chinese Kale

For a refreshing vegetable dish, we savoured the 3-in-1 Stir-fried Mushroom with Chinese Kale, a delightful medley of textures and flavours. Unlike the standard fare, this dish incorporated mushrooms alongside the customary beansprouts, offering an extra layer of crunch and depth to the dish.

Zhen Jiang Spare Ribs

The Zhen Jiang Spare Ribs captivated our palates with their tantalisingly sweet caramelised crust, each tender morsel bursting with succulent juiciness. The delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours left us longing for more.

Signature Hometown Spring Chicken

A newcomer to the menu, the Signature Hometown Spring Chicken stole the spotlight with its tender, succulent meat. Poached to perfection, the chicken, likely sourced from kampong chickens, boasted a luscious texture and was beautifully complemented by a generous heap of ginger.

Claypot Fragrant Drunken Clams

The aroma of the Claypot Fragrant Drunken Clams teased our senses as it arrived at our table. Each plump, juicy clam was bathed in a fragrant Hua Diao wine, infusing the dish with an irresistible depth of flavor that left us craving for more.

In summary, Tan Xiang Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat in Woodlands continues to uphold its reputation for delivering exceptional culinary experiences. With its winning combination of signature favourites and innovative new creations, it's no wonder that this establishment has quickly become a go-to destination for discerning food enthusiasts in the North.


Tan Xiang (炭香) Charcoal Fishhead Steamboat
Polaris
101 Woodlands Ave 12
#01-06
Singapore 737719
Tel: +65 8465 5070
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Nearest MRT: Admiralty (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Admiralty MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road and walk to bus stop opposite Admiralty MRT station (Stop ID 46771). Take bus number 904. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Woodlands Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

En Yakiniku @ Middle Road (Bugis) - First in Singapore Sake Tengoku

En Yakiniku, nestled in the heart of Middle Road, introduces a first-of-its-kind experience in Singapore - Sake Tengoku. This unique offering involves superior broth and sake being steamed with Ebi, Hotate, and Asari over charcoal in a special steamer, adding a distinctive touch to the traditional Japanese yakiniku experience.

En Sashimi 4.2/5

Embarking on our dinner experience, we delved into a couple of appetizers, starting with the En Sashimi ($32.40). A platter of fresh and generously cut Salmon, Maguro, Hamachi, Mekajiki, and Tako.

Foie Gras with Yam 3/5

Following the exquisite sashimi is the Foie Gras with Yam ($36). The pan-seared duck liver, resting atop a slice of yam, offered a decadent experience. However, the slightly sweet sauce somewhat obscured the nuanced creaminess of the foie gras.

Sake Tengoku 4.5/5

The pièce de résistance was the newly introduced Sake Tengoku ($68). Prawns, clams, and scallops were meticulously steamed over charcoal in a special sake and superior broth-infused steamer. Arranged in three layers, each tier unveiled a seafood symphony. The Japanese congee in the final layer, infused with the essence of seafood and sake, reached perfection when paired with a serving of wagyu shabu-shabu - a bowl of comforting and hearty porridge.

Zabuton

For the quintessential Japanese yakiniku experience, a variety of beef cuts graced our table. The cut of the day, Zabuton ($38.90), showcased a rich beefy flavour and a satisfying textural bite.

Temari Gyutan

The Temari Gyutan ($14.90) was a unique offering, presented with seasoned rice balls wrapped in thinly sliced wagyu beef tongue. Grilled over charcoal, this dish offered a delightful fusion of sushi and barbecue.

Negi Gyu Tan

To fully savour the tender beef tongue, the Negi Gyu Tan ($27.90), adorned with spring onions, provided a flavorful and aromatic option.

Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin

For those seeking a more premium indulgence, the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu Striploin ($54.90) showcased top-quality marbling, delivering a distinct melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly

Non-beef enthusiasts need not fret. The Chestnut-fed Duroc Pork Belly ($15.90) and Tiger Prawn ($22) offered equally gratifying options. The grilling process released fragrant aromas, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Tiger Prawn

En Yakiniku's meticulous attention to detail and innovative offerings make it a standout destination for those seeking a Japanese BBQ experience elevated by culinary creativity and premium cuts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


En Yakiniku
Midland House
112 Middle Road
#01-00A
Singapore 188970
Tel: +65 62555744
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk down Victoria Street to Middle Road. Turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Queen Street to Middle Road. Cross the road and turn right onto Middle Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Province @ Joo Chiat Road - Relish in a 7-course Autumn Menu of Fusion Southeast Asian Flavours in Hidden Private Dining Restaurant

Led by Chef-owner Law Jia-Jun, Province stands as a private dining restaurant in Joo Chiat dedicated to exploring the diversity of Southeast Asian ingredients and flavour combinations. Chef finds inspiration in many sources, from his childhood memories to his travels, the people he has met, and more. A meal here is perfect if you're looking for something different yet still done brilliantly.

Locating the restaurant, nestled discreetly within 808 Eating House, is the first adventure for diners. It may be tricky initially, but head on in via the main entrance of 808 Eating House, and the staff will provide guidance.

The intimate space, accommodating only eight guests, is perfect for a date night or a cosy celebration with friends and family. The chef refreshes his menu every season, curating the finest ingredients for his creations. The 7-course prix fixe menu begins with smaller bites, progresses to larger-sized proteins, and concludes with desserts. During this visit, we had the opportunity to try the Autumn menu.

Rice ‘Toast’ with Charcoal Seared Prawns 4.8/5

We were impressed right from the first dish, the Rice 'Toast' with Charcoal Seared Prawns. Inspired by grilled onigiri, the toast here was made of rice, giving it a unique texture, topped with fresh and sweet seared prawns from Ah Hua Kelong.

Ah Ma’s Popiah 4/5

Next was a dish inspired by Chef's grandma - Ah Ma's Popiah. With a chewier skin base with a hint of butter fragrance, this elevated rendition of popiah featured cured pork belly, sweet sauce and fried beancurd.

Yakitori 4.2/5

Instead of the traditional choice of chicken, the Yakitori at Province uses local deboned frog leg. It is charcoal grilled and served with a charred calamansi for a drizzle of acidity.

Cephalopod 4.5/5

The Cephalopod highlights squid in two ways. First in a smoky grilled style and second as fried. Paired with pomelo, betel leaf, and pickled spring onions, the dish was a harmonious mix of savoury, sweet, tangy, and subtle bitterness.

Into the Brassica Garden 4.2/5

Into the Brassica Garden showcases ingredients which were all sourced from Cameron Highlands. The dish features various forms of broccoli, including a warm and creamy broccoli puree as the base, complemented by kohlrabi and mustards. The addition of calamansi vinaigrette provides a delightful brightness to the ensemble.

Golden Cap Farms 4.5/5

Mushroom lovers would surely be delighted with Chef's Golden Cap Farms. This dish combines a medley of King Blue Oyster mushrooms and fermented mushrooms topped with caramelised onions, croutons, and chives. The dish, reminiscent of a mushroom pie, impressed with its layered flavours, even though the caramelised onions stole a bit of the spotlight.

Finned 4.5/5

Finned has fork-tender local halibut served with Ah Hua Kelong's clams, garlic scapes and a lightly savoury barigoule sauce. It was a delightful take on halibut.

Feathered 4.8/5

The most surprising dish for many of us was Feathered. Despite its unassuming appearance, it delivered a remarkable depth of flavour. The chicken, meticulously prepared by removing the skin and stuffing it with various chicken parts, including liver and heart, was marinated in whisky and homemade five spices before being roasted. The succulent meat was paired with a scoop of nutty roasted yam, coriander oil, and a black vinegar reduction infused with a 10-year-old Chinese Hua Diao wine.

Fruit I 4.8/5

We thought using starfruit in Fruit I, our first dessert, was genius! It was made up of variations of starfruit with attap seeds as the icy base. I've never been a fan of attap seeds as well, but the use of them here for their sweetness and crunchy texture was excellent. It was lovely paired with a topping of tangerine gem, which provided citrusy floral notes.

Fruit II 4.8/5

Our second dessert of Fruit II was equally impressive. Here, we had a base of Indonesian vanilla chantilly between crunchy mille-feuille, sweet Berangan bananas poached in rum and spices, and a scoop of rum ice cream. It reminded us of a childhood sweet treat, but much more elevated.

While some may find the overall portion of food to lean smaller, I thoroughly enjoyed Chef Jia-Jun's innovative creations. The team provided attentive and warm service, taking the time to explain each meticulously prepared dish passionately. It was a delightful experience worth a visit!

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Province
(Located inside 808 Eating House)
153 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427431
Tel: +65 8075 1896
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Thu-Sat (Lunch)
1st Seating: 12.30pm

Tue-Sat (Dinner)
1st Seating : 6.15pm
2nd Seating : 8.30pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus 33. Alight 5 stops later. Walk across the open-air carpark. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]