Winestone @ Mercure Singapore on Stevens - Exploring The Longest Meating Ever Experience

Located within Mercure Singapore on Stevens, Winestone has recently refreshed its menu, doubling both variety and indulgence. Aimed at communal dining, its latest offering, “The Longest Meating Ever” ($88 for 2 pax, $118 for 3–4 pax), promises an expansive platter designed for sharing — a feast where hearty flavours meet convivial dining.

The centrepiece platter arrives generously loaded with an eclectic mix of dishes: Duck Rillette, Thai Beef Noodle Salad, Crispy Pork Belly, Gochujang Wings, Hamburger Steak with Sunny-Side-Up Egg, Mac & Cheese, Sauteed Mushrooms, Glazed Vegetables, and Caesar Salad, accompanied by smoky BBQ sauce, red wine jus, and béarnaise. It’s an ambitious spread that leans into variety, though the execution across the dishes is somewhat uneven.

Caesar Salad 4/5

A straightforward yet satisfying start, the Caesar Salad delivers on freshness and texture. Crisp greens, crunchy croutons, and savoury bacon bits come together in a well-balanced dressing that effectively whets the appetite.

Duck Rillette 2.8/5

The Duck Rillette fell short of expectations. While creamy and rich, it lacked the fibrous texture and depth that come from more pronounced strands of duck meat. The absence of bread at the time of serving was also puzzling and required a request to complete the dish.

Gochujang Wings 3.8/5

One of the more enjoyable items on the platter, the Gochujang Wings boast a crispy exterior coated in a bold, slightly sweet-spicy glaze. Beneath the crust, the meat remains tender and juicy, making this a crowd-pleasing bite.

Crispy Pork Belly 3/5

The Crispy Pork Belly was rather underwhelming. Despite a promising cut, the execution felt overly simplistic, lacking the depth or finesse to elevate the dish beyond a basic deep-fried preparation.

Hamburger Steak with Sunny-Side-Up Egg 3/5

The Hamburger Steak similarly missed the mark. While hearty in portion, it lacked the juiciness and flavour complexity expected of a well-executed version. Compared to stronger renditions elsewhere, this felt rather pedestrian and did little to anchor the platter as a meat-centric highlight.

Sauteed Mushroom 4/5

A pleasant surprise, the Sauteed Mushrooms carried a rich buttery aroma with earthy undertones. Juicy and well-cooked, they complemented the heavier items on the platter nicely.

Mac & Cheese 4/5

Comforting and indulgent, the Mac & Cheese delivered a creamy, cheesy richness that made it one of the meal’s more satisfying components.

Thai Beef Noodle Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Beef Noodle Salad introduced a refreshing contrast with its tangy-sweet dressing and silky vermicelli. However, its distinct Thai flavour profile felt somewhat out of place within the otherwise Western-leaning platter, creating a slight disconnect in the overall composition.

“The Longest Meating Ever” is an ambitious concept that succeeds in variety and portion size, making it ideal for sharing and social dining. However, for a platter centred on meat, the quality and execution of key proteins — particularly the beef and pork — fall short of expectations. With refinement and a stronger focus on delivering well-executed meat dishes, the experience could better live up to its bold name.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Winestone
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
28 Stevens Road
#01-02
Singapore 257878
Tel: +65 64916100
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Nearest MRT: Steven (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
The Longest Meating Ever
Sat: 12pm - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Stevens MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the bus stop at Stevens Court (Stop ID 40229). Take bus number 105, 132, 190 or 972. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Vineyard @ Hortpark - All-You-Can-Eat A La Carte French Buffet at $58

Vineyard at Hortpark serves up French cuisine with a touch of local flair. The restaurant is currently running a promotion for its All-You-Can-Eat à la carte French Buffet at $58++ (U.P. $98++). The menu entices with a range of starters, including classics such as Duck Rillette and Moules Marinières, comforting soups and salads, and mains featuring iconic dishes such as Duck Leg Confit and Steak Frites.

Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette 4/5

The Gruyère Cheese Zucchini Croquette arrived golden and crisp, with rich, oozy cheese complemented by julienned zucchini. The filling could have been less wet for a better texture, and given its richness, a mustard-based sauce might have worked more effectively than the French ranch drizzle to cut through and balance the flavours.

Country-Style French Duck Rillette 4.5/5

One of our favourites was the Country-Style French Duck Rillette — meaty and unctuous without being overly fatty.

Mushroom Pâté 3/5

The Mushroom Pâté with Apricot Compote was delectable, though we found it slightly on the sweeter side.

Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière 4.8/5

Embracing the ethos of farm-to-table dining, Vineyard also sources produce locally, creating dishes such as the Ah Hua Kelong Mussels Marinière. The white wine butter sauce was incredibly full-bodied and flavourful, making this an excellent showcase of our local mussels.

Vegetable Garbure Soup 5/5

The humble Vegetable Garbure Soup was another highlight of our experience. A traditional dish from Gascony in southwestern France, it was prepared with GG French Poulet broth, giving the soup a full-bodied depth of flavour, gently laced with subtle smokiness from the chunks of smoked ham. Brimming with vegetables, the wholesome soup also featured Ravioles du Dauphiné, adding an extra layer of texture and richness to the dish.

Vineyard Salad 5/5

Vineyard Salad was a plateful of wholesome ingredients that delighted with both freshness and textural crunch. Homegrown greens, watermelon radish, cucumber, and tomatoes brought refreshing notes, complemented by the earthy sweetness of roasted beetroot and bursts of zest from orange slices. Creamy feta cheese balanced the greens beautifully, while candied walnuts imparted a moreish, sweet-nutty and satisfying crunch in every bite.

French Duck Leg Confit 4.8/5

For mains, the standout was definitely the French Duck Leg Confit, one of the better versions I have had in a long time. The moist and tender duck meat contrasted beautifully with its crisp exterior, brilliantly complemented by a zesty L’Orange sauce. The accompanying duck-fat-roasted potatoes also hit the right spot, with their fluffy interior and lightly crisped exterior.

Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg 4.5/5

The succulent Oven-Roasted Great Hill Free Range Chicken Leg was another crowd-pleaser, paired with a mustard brown sauce that elevated the dish with tantalising savoury notes. It was served with the same indulgent duck-fat-roasted potatoes, which were equally satisfying.

Steak Frites 3/5

As for the Steak Frites featuring a Grass-Fed Striploin, while the steak itself was enjoyable, the brandy peppercorn sauce did not quite complement the meat as well as we had hoped. What truly stood out were the handcrafted French fries, reminiscent of exceptionally good double-fried Belgian fries cooked in beef fat.

Limoncello Tiramisu 4.2/5

For dessert, the Limoncello Tiramisu was a delight. Crafted with lemon curd, finger sponge, and limoncello, it offered bright citrusy notes, beautifully balanced by a contrasting caramelised, buttery sweetness from the Speculoos crumbs.

Altogether, it had been a satisfying dining experience marked by a few memorable highlights that made it well worth a visit. This à la carte French buffet is available for dinner only on Monday to Friday and all day on the weekends.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Vineyard
Hortpark
33 Hyderabad Road
#02-02
Singapore 119578
Tel: +65 6479 7977
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Nearest MRT: Telok Blangah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1030am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Blangah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the bus stop at Telok Blangah MRT station (Stop ID14161). Take bus number 61, 93, 97, 100, 120, 166 or 963. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Hyderabad Road. Walk up Hyderabad Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Les Ducs @ Ann Siang Hill - Returns with Soulful Bouillon Lunch and Fun French Dining

Tucked along the charming enclave of Ann Siang Hill, Les Ducs returns with a refreshed identity under French chef-owner Louis Pacquelin. Rather than chasing trends, the reintroduction feels grounded and sincere. It is a thoughtful expression of the chef’s culinary journey, shaped by classical French training and years spent working across Asia.

Having honed his craft under the likes of Alain Ducasse, with stints at Aux Lyonnais and BBR by Alain Ducasse at Raffles Hotel Singapore, Chef Pacquelin brings with him a strong foundation in traditional French techniques. At Les Ducs, this manifests in a menu that balances technical finesse with a relaxed, approachable spirit, what he aptly calls “Fun French Dining.”

Sourdough 4/5

Country Terrine | Duck Rilletes 3.5/5

Available Monday to Saturday, the Bouillon lunch menu draws inspiration from traditional French home cooking and brasserie classics. Designed to be fuss-free and wallet-friendly, it offers a selection of hearty dishes suited for both quick business lunches and leisurely afternoons.

We began our meal with Country Terrine | Duck Rillettes ($8), paired with toasted Sourdough ($3). The sourdough arrived crisp on the outside with a light, airy crumb, making it an ideal canvas for the rich, fatty duck rillettes. The spread was indulgent yet balanced, with a depth of flavour that spoke of careful preparation.

Snails, Garlic and Parsley Butter 3/5

The Snails with Garlic and Parsley Butter ($12) delivered on flavour, a fragrant medley of garlic and herbaceous parsley folded into a buttery base. However, the decision to serve the escargots without their shells left the dish dry. While the aromatic butter carried the dish, it missed the lusciousness typically associated with this French classic.

Steam Prawns, Cocktail Sauce 4/5

On the other hand, the Prawn Cocktail ($10) was a refreshing contrast. Featuring four plump, sweet prawns, lightly poached to retain their natural texture, the dish was elevated by a tangy, creamy cocktail sauce. It was simple yet satisfying, offering a bright and zesty palate cleanser.

Roasted Chicken Leg, Mushroom Sauce, French Fries 4.2/5

The Roasted Chicken Leg with Mushroom Sauce and French Fries ($15) stood out immediately for its value. A generously sized chicken leg arrived with beautifully crisped skin and tender, juicy meat. The accompanying mushroom cream sauce was rich and earthy, coating each bite with comforting depth. Paired with a heap of crispy, thin-cut fries perfect for soaking up the sauce, this dish punches well above its price point.

Confit Duck Leg, Saute Potatoes 4.2/5

Equally satisfying was the Confit Duck Leg with Sautéed Potatoes ($22). Prepared in the traditional method, the duck leg was slow-cooked until fork-tender, then pan-fried to finish, achieving a delicate, crisp skin. The sautéed potatoes, lightly tossed with garlic and herbs, provided a rustic and hearty accompaniment. This was classic French comfort food at its best. It is rich, savoury, and deeply satisfying without unnecessary embellishments.

Chocolat Liegeois 4/5

Desserts leaned towards simplicity but remained enjoyable. The Chocolat Liégeois ($9) comes with vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate sauce, and almonds. It is straightforward yet indulgent, delivering familiar flavours that please.

Creme Mont Blanc 4/5

More interesting was the Crème Mont Blanc ($8), a playful take on the traditional French dessert. Featuring a smooth chestnut purée with a naturally nutty sweetness, it was topped with meringue to mimic the snow-capped Mont Blanc. While lighter than its classic counterpart, it retained the essence of the original with a modern, approachable twist.

Les Ducs’ revival is less about reinvention and more about refinement. Chef Louis Pacquelin presents a menu that feels personal and grounded, combining the rigour of French culinary tradition with subtle influences from his time in Asia. The Bouillon lunch, in particular, stands out for its honest cooking and exceptional value, making it a compelling option in the Ann Siang Hill dining scene. For those seeking unpretentious French fare with a touch of soul, Les Ducs delivers a dining experience that is both comforting and quietly confident.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Ducs
8 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069788
Tel: +65 9853 4710
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 1130pm

Direction:

1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk down South Bridge Road towards Ann Siang Road. Turn right onto Ann Siang Road. Walk down Ann Siang Road. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 4 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pagoda Street to South Bridge Road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down South Bridge Road. Turn left onto Ann Siang Hill and walk down Ann Siang Hill. Walk to the destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Les Canons @ IOI Building - A Taste of Parisian Bistro Charm in Singapore’s CBD

Tucked within the bustling Central Business District at IOI Building, Les Canons by the ilLido Group brings the charm of a Parisian neighbourhood bistro into a relaxed, everyday dining setting. Inspired by the easy rhythms of city life, the all-day French bistro moves seamlessly from breakfast to after-work apéro and casual dinners, offering a repertoire of classic French comfort dishes at wallet-friendly prices.

Duck Rillettes 4.2/5

We began with a selection of small bites, starting with the Duck Rillettes ($9). The slow-cooked duck, shredded and preserved in its own fat, delivered a rich, savoury depth, best enjoyed spread over a crusty baguette. While satisfying, we found ourselves wishing for more bread to match the generous portion of rillettes.

Calamari with Cocktail Sauce 4.8/5

A standout starter was the Calamari with Cocktail Sauce ($10). Lightly battered and fried to a golden crisp, the calamari remained tender within. The accompanying Marie Rose-style cocktail sauce is creamy with a gentle tang, elevating the dish, making it irresistibly moreish.

Escargots 4.2/5

The Escargots ($12) is a quintessential French staple, featuring half a dozen snails bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. The escargots were clean-tasting, perfumed with the richness of butter and garlic. Once again, extra baguettes would have been welcome to mop up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Foie Gras 4/5

For something more indulgent, the Foie Gras ($16) offered a decadent experience. The pan-seared duck liver was beautifully caramelised on the outside while retaining a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth interior. Served atop a savoury pancake, it leaned heavily on richness, and a touch of acidity would have helped balance the dish.

Coq Au Vin 4.2/5

Moving on to mains, the Coq au Vin ($16) embodied rustic French comfort. The spring chicken, gently braised in red wine, was tender and infused with deep, savoury flavours, a hearty and satisfying option.

Pomme Puree 4.5/5

On the side, the Pomme Puree ($5) impressed with its silky-smooth texture and rich buttery finish. It is a simple yet delightful accompaniment that complements the mains perfectly.

Steak Au Poivre 4.2/5

The Steak Au Poivre ($22) stands out as one of the best-value steak frites options in the CBD. The no-frills plate features a well-cooked steak coated in a creamy peppercorn sauce, paired with crispy fries. It delivers on flavour and value, making it a compelling choice for a casual French meal in the city.

Mont Blanc 4/5

Desserts continued the classic French theme. The Mont Blanc ($9) layers meringue with light chantilly cream and sweetened chestnut puree, resulting in a nutty, creamy dessert that is indulgent without being overly heavy. The Mousse au Chocolat ($8) keeps things traditional, offering a smooth, airy texture with a deep, dark chocolate profile that will appeal to those who prefer less sweetness. Meanwhile, the Tarte Fine Aux Pommes ($9) provides a lighter finish, with its crisp, buttery pastry topped with thinly sliced caramelised apples and served alongside chantilly cream.

Mousse Au Chocolat 4.2/5

Wine takes centre stage at Les Canons, with a thoughtfully curated list of over 50 French labels spanning regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire Valley and Rhône Valley. With glasses starting from $8 and bottles kept under $100, the programme encourages diners to enjoy wine as part of an everyday dining experience rather than a special occasion indulgence.

Tarte Fine Aux Pommes 4.2/5

Les Canons evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of earlier days when accessible French dining spots such as The French Stall, The Black Sheep Cafe and Saveur first introduced many in Singapore to approachable French cuisine. At a time when French cuisine was largely confined to fine-dining establishments, these places reshaped perceptions — much as Les Canons aims to do today.

With its approachable pricing, comforting classics, and easy-going ambience, Les Canons successfully captures the spirit of a Parisian bistro while fitting neatly into the pace of CBD life. It is a welcoming spot for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners, offering a taste of France without the formality.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Les Canons
IOI Central Boulevard Towers
2 Central Boulevard
#01-07
Singapore 018916
Tel: +65 89260726
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Nearest MRT: Downtown (DT Line), Shenton Way (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 830am - 11am (Breakfast), 11am - 10pm
Sat: 11am - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at the Downtown MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Shenton Way MRT station. Take Exit 4 or 6. Walk to Commerce Street. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]