Immanuel French Kitchen @ Bukit Merah

When the foodies gang went down to Bukit Merah Salut Coffeeshop last month to check out Two Wings, my foodie radar picked up a lone figure at the other corner of the premises painstakingly preping for his stall hours before the opening. I could sense the passion in the man behind the chef apron. I made a mental note to return and try the food at Immanuel French Kitchen. After getting home that day, I got a message from Catherine who found the man behind the chef apron familiar, is non other than Immanuel Tee formerly head chef of Keystone at the young age of 26 who has worked in the kitchen of Jaan, Restaurant Andre, Guy Savoy Singapore and two Michelin starred in Pastorale in Belgium.

Duck Rillette 4/5

I was quite surprised that I can get Duck Rillette ($8.60) at a coffeeshop stall servicing casual French cuisine, served with gherkin and bread. I applaud the serving of gherkin to go with the duck rillette fatness. This shows the thoughtfulness of the chef in his food and for his customers. I look forward to trying the chicken liver pate in my next visit.

Foie Gras 3.8/5

For me the Foie Gras ($12.60) coated with black miso, served with dashi and daikon noodle has it hits and misses. I can't expect more in the quality of the ingredient as we are not dining at a restaurant. I like the pairing of the sweet black miso with the creamy foie gras, accentuating the enjoyment to a new level. I only hope that the foie gras could be more seared on the sides instead.

Frog 3.8/5

The Frog ($12.60) sauteed with shallot, garlic and parsley received mixed opinions among the gang. While we all agreed on the butter aroma, some felt that the seasoning can be heavier. I thought otherwise then. If the seasoning is too strong, it will mask the natural mild sweetness of the frog.

French Duck Leg Confit 3.5/5

A classic French dish is the French Duck Leg Confit ($15.90) that is served with mash potato, braised cabbage and au jus. I thought the braised cabbage was something very out of the norm and not French. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it. The fact that the braised cabbage comes with some acidity helped to cut through the gaminess and fatness of duck confit. The duck leg confit itself has a nice crispy skin while the meat could be more tender.

Pork Belly 4/5

From the Foie Gras and now to the Pork Belly ($16.90) braised in Kakuni style shows that Immanuel likes to incorporate Japanese influence into his French cuisine. The braised pork belly is served with duxelle mushroom, onsen egg and potato foam. I like the interpretation of the pork belly but the portion seemed a bit small.

Actually I am quite excited to chance upon Immanuel French Kitchen. I didn't expect that the humble little stall is actually run by a top chef who has bags of experience working into various top restaurants. I am sure with his culinary training and experience, it is not hard for him to helm any restaurant but he has chosen to sweat it out in a tidy space labouring his passion for his food. I look forward to Chef Immanuel bring his vision and cuisine to the next level.


[CLOSED]
Immanuel French Kitchen 
Blk 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1
#01-40
Singapore 151119
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/immanuelfrenchkitchen
Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 12pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT station (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time 10 minutes. [Map]

Lewin Terrace @ Fort Canning Hill

For my birthday meal, Maureen brought me to Tamashii Robataya. In return for her birthday celebration, together with Celes we went to Lewin Terrace to celebrate Maureen's birthday. Lewin Terrace is located at Fort Canning Hill in a beautiful black and white bungalow featuring Japanese-French fusion.

Salmon Confit 3.5/5

We went for the five course lunch set menu at $70. The first course was an appetizer of Salmon Confit that comes with a 63 degree Celsius sous vide egg with raspberry sauce. The raspberry sauce lent some sweetness to the light flavour to kick start the lunch.

Foie Gras Terrine 4/5

The Foie Gras Terrine is beautifully paired with a passionfruit, mango sauce to cut through the rich and creaminess of the foie gras. The sheet of coat over the foie gras is potato crisp which is extremely thin and crispy.

Sea Bream Fricassee 4.2/5

There were mix opinions of the Sea Bream Fricassee that comes with wild asparagus, olives and clam jus. While the others felt that the clam jus was too salty, I actually like it. I thought it gave the dish a saltiness contrast similar to Teochew steamed fish in which sour plum or salted vegetables are used.

Lamb Cumin 4.2/5

The star of the lunch has to be the Lamb Cumin served on red and yellow pimento with celery root puree. The presentation may look kind of plain and simple but each component on the plate worked harmoniously together complementing one another. The lamb was extremely tender with lovely flavourful singing in the mouth. For those that is worried about the gaminess, I hardly could taste any in this dish.

Deconstructed Spumoni 3/5

The lunch is to celebrate Maureen's birthday so we got the kitchen to wrote some greetings on the dessert plate. The Deconstructed Spumoni comes in the form of Chardonnay jelly, campari foam and fromage blanc ice cream. It is definitely beautiful but not the type of dessert I would know how to appreciate especially when it comes with alcohol.

White Sesame Blancmange 3.5/5

For dessert, there was a choice of three from the set menu so we got all, one for each person. Besides the deconstructed spumoni, we have the the White Sesame Blancmange. I did not remember tasting any sesame but the coffee flavour was very distinct. The wobbly blancmange paired with the coconut ice cream was good and not too heavy.

Flourless Chocolate Cake 4.2/5

Lastly we have the Flourless Chocolate Cake that is served in custard sauce with a scoop of brown sugar ice cream. This is my favourite dessert among the three we tried. The three components simply came together to make this a sweet ending for a wonderful meal in a beautiful restaurant.

The restaurant is located at the hill behind the central fire station. Surrounded by greenery, it has a quiet and romantic ambience that is perfect for couple. If you are driving, park at the carpark beside Registry of Marriage. Take the flight of stairs at the carpark to the top of the park. Turn left and continue walking . You will locate the white and black bungalow down the path. If not, the shortcut is to take the path beside Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate beside the museum. There should be a sign of the restaurant which is quite hidden. Walk in and take the flight of stairs direct to the restaurant.


Lewin Terrace
21 Lewin Terrace
Singapore 179290
Tel: +65 63339905
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lewinterrace.sg
Website: http://lewinterrace.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 630pm - 1100pm
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1100pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Take left onto North Bridge. Walk to the traffic light junction of North Bridge Road and Coleman Street. Cross the road towards Peninsula Plaza and continue walking towards the junction of Coleman Street and Hill Street. Cross the road to the central fire station. Continue on Coleman Street until Singapore Philatelic Museum. Look out for the metal gate before the museum, turn left in and take the stairs to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

The French Table @ West Coast Plaza

People in the west should rejoice with the opening of a new casual French dining concept in The French Table at West Coast Plaza. The less than a month old new restaurant at West Coast Plaza is already attracting a crowd when I visited the place on a weekend for dinner. Browsing through the menu, the tell tale sign is quite clear it is almost a carbon copy of Poulet. It is not a surprise as the men behind The French Table is non other then Chef Nelson (ex Poulet) and a ex Poulet manager.

Wild Mushroom Soup 3/5

The Wild Mushroom Soup ($5.80) which is served with Alba truffle oil was flavourful but it was on the creamy side. The flavour of the mushrroom and truffle oil is missing from the creamy wild mushroom soup.

Shellfish Pot 2.5/5

The Shellfish Pot ($9.80) which is sauteed fresh mussels and clams with vegetables served in butter nage. My partner had some sandy clams and mussels which was disappointing. While I could taste the white wine in the soup, the butter nage was lacking a body. It felt like I was drinking diluted butter water.

Lamb Navarin 3.5/5

I actually wanted to try the pork belly but it was not available so I went for the Lamb Navarin ($16.80). I was expecting a whole lamb leg but instead was cut into pieces. The lamb leg is braised in white wine and served with french beans, carrots and tomatoes. The lamb although not melted in the mouth but it was cooked to fork tender. It was a decent dish and the portion was substantial but a bit one dimensional. Probably adding a mash or puree will make it a more dimensional and enjoyable dish.

Oven Roasted Half Chicken 3.5/5

The Oven Roasted Half Chicken ($15.80) definitely fell short in flavours compared to Poulet's rotisserie chicken. The sweet onion sauce was also kind of boring and one dimensional again. It felt like the oven roasted chicken is swimming in a french onion soup. I would preferred something more savoury to pair with the chicken.

Overall I think the concept will work but the food still needs more fine tuning. Opening at West Coast Plaza is also quite strategic offering something different for the neighbourhood. Judging from the crowded restaurant, it is quite well received. While the food is not to the mark yet, I hope when things settled down they can fine tune their offering and maybe even provide some characteristic of their own in their food.


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The French Table
West Coast Plaza
154 West Coast Road
#02-26
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 67779483
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take bus 189. Alight 2 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17179). Take West Coast Plaza shuttle bus to West Coast Plaza. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Jaan @ Swissotel The Stamford

I went to Jaan in late October 2013 to celebrate the girl's birthday. The restaurant surprising is not very big, probably around 40 seats not as per what I have imagined before my visit. We have a beautiful 3 hours artisan French cuisine dining experience at the top of Swissotel The Stamford on level 70 with a very scenic view. Time seemed to have slowed down during the culinary experience with each dish exquisitely executed, taking our time to appreciate each ingredient. I had the 5 courses Degustation Lunch Menu ($118) while my partner has the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu ($118).

Cracker with Shaved Cheese 4/5

Cracker with Humus Dip 4.2/5

Chicken Samosa 4/5

Our lunch started with a trio of Amuse Bouche. There was the Crackers with Shaved Cheese, Crackers with Humus Dip and Chicken Samosa. When these were served, I can hear myself screaming inside how beautiful they were presented. It was like an art. The service staff will also take their time to introduce each dish which I really appreciated.

Cepes Mushroom Tea 4.2/5

Interestingly served in a tea presser at table side, the Cepes Mushroom Tea was comforting and filled with the earthy mushroom flavours.

Trumbetta Zucchini 4.2/5

My partner's lunch menu started with the Trumbetta Zucchini served with fromage blanc and vandouvan spices. A new subtle combination of flavours to kick start the lunch.

Ocean 4.8/5

My lunch menu began with the Ocean which is a seafood composition. I have to say this really taken me back with the culinary skills involved to present the different components on the plate. The ocean of seafood whetted up not only the appetite but the whole dining experience. I was already eagerly anticipating for the next master piece to be served.

Autumn Garden 4/5

Moving on to the second course, my partner has the Autumn Garden which s a platter of different vegetables and hazelnuts. The beautiful garden came with a thoughtful touch of different textures which is very delectable.

55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg

55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg 4.8/5

This is probably the most eagerly waited dish I was looking forward to try after seeing so many photos of it on social media. The 55min 60degC Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg definitely made a grand entry with its dry ice effect. It was then poured into another bowl of smoked rattes, chorizo iberico and buckwheat. The heavenly combination of textures and flavours plus the aromatic from the smoked rosemary underneath the bowl was an enjoyment of sight, taste and smell.

Carrots Saveur D'Orient 4/5

Third course for my partner is the Carrots Saveur D'Orient. This is a playful display of different carrots, couscous passion fruit and argan oil. The sweetness of the carrot and the citrus zest is a delectable combination.

Atlantic Brill Cochonaille 4/5

My third course is the Atlantic Brill Cochonaille. A perfectly cooked atlantic brill accompanied with le puy lentils and cevennes onion.

Pumpkin Musquee 4.2/5

The main for the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu was Pumpkin Musquee that was made up of chestnut pasta, buffalo ricotta and black trumpets in a smooth pumpkin puree. Black trumpets is the black ingredients in the picture which is a form of edible mushroom.

Welsh Lamb Saveur D'Orient 4.2/5

My main is Welsh Lamb Saveur D'Orient where the lamb is cooked in 3 ways, sou vide, grilled and pan fried served with couscous, glazed carrots and argan oil. It was really an insight for my taste buds to experience the different techniques used in the same ingredients bringing out the different flavours and enjoyment.

Brie de Meaux Truffe 4.5/5

The Brie de Meaux Truffe is supplement at an additional cost of $25. I was glad that I decided to go for it. The toasted poilane with the artisan brie was an excellent pairing and I was blown off my chair by the truffle ice cream. My only disappointment was I could not have more of it. I meant without the need to pay for it.

Mango Sorbet and Meringue 4.5/5

Before moving on to our desserts, we were served a pre-dessert. The refreshing Mango Sorbet and Meringue was an excellent palate cleanser.

Last Sicilian Strawberries 4.2/5

Wrapping up the 5 courses Jardin Gourmand Lunch Menu is the Last Sicilian Strawberries. The cold and refreshing soupy dessert of rhubarb, basil, strawberry and lavender had a delish sourness flavour which I enjoyed a lot.

Choconuts 4.2/5

My 5 courses Degustation Lunch Menu is wrapped up with the Choconuts, a platter of different play of chocolate to appreciate the different taste and textures.

Petite Four 4.2/5

Petite Four 4.5/5

If you think that is the end for lunch, you are wrong. In fact you will notice we have more than 5 courses. I was delighted that my lunch did not end at dessert but instead with the Petite Four. It felt like going to a concert and having an encore at the end of the show. I just could not help feeling that the chef has saved the best for the last with the Jam biscuits, Lime and Ginger Ice Pop and Chocolate Lollipop.

I am glad that I have finally ticked off another restaurants in my list. It is definitely a worthy culinary experience that opened my eyes to the unlimited horizon in my food journey.


Jaan
Swissotel The Stamford
Equinox Complex
Level 70
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882
Website: http://www.jaan.com.sg
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

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

Miam Miam @ Bugis Junction

Miam Miam at Bugis Junction is a new French-Japanese cafe kitchen offering perfectly engineered meal made from scratch and with top grade ingredients. Using the Japanese ideologies of kaizen and kanban in its food and preparation practices, ensures lean and just in time production. Meaning all ingredients are measured and cooked to precise timing.

Hot Matcha Latte 4/5

As usual I am early for my dinner appointment so I started with a glass of Hot Matcha Latte ($6.80). Using premium Matcha and delicately steamed with milk, the rich and smooth matcha latte warming up the appetite for the dinner to come.

Miam Miam Spaghetti 4/5

Dinner started with a huge plate of Miam Miam Spaghetti ($15.80) that is served with sauteed with frankfurters, tomatoes, baby spinach, egg plant, bacon and a soft boiled egg. The portion is though for one is good for two. I prefer my pasta to be creamy so I didn't think I would like it until I have a taste of it. We were advice to break the egg and mixed it together with the whole plate. Tossed together with french butter, shayu and a secret broth the plate of pasta definitely won be over.

Riz Noir Squid Ink Rice 3.8/5

We usually have squid ink pasta and I like the interesting twist of the Riz Nori Squid Ink Rice ($16.50). The delish squid ink rice with assorted seafood is topped with an omu egg. My only disappointment is the omu egg that came across as a tad flat unlike those Japanese type that is thick and runny.

Riz Au Curry 3.8/5

The other rice item on the menu is the Riz Au Curry ($15.50). The baked rice with homemade Japanese curry, pork frankfurters, broccoli, cheese and egg was bursting with strong flavours. It is a beautiful dish but I prefer it to be a hint more spicy.

Souffle De Nuage 4/5

The Souffle De Nuage ($15.50) is probably one of the most unique dish I have tired this year. Diving the spoon through the airy egg and cheese cloud , lands into a sea of red rice grains field. The home style fresh tomato sauteed rice was fragrant and so interesting that you just need to give it a try.

Chocolate Molleaux 3/5

While the Chocolate Molleaux ($9.80) was moist but I was a bit disappointed that it does not have that lava flowing effect that will get everyone excited before digging in.

Caramelised Banana Pancake 4.2/5

The Caramelised Banana Pancake ($12.80) is served with bananas cooked in a deep golden caramel sauce and topped with premium gelato vanilla soft serve with toasted almond nibs. I was actually quite puzzle because the texture was closer to that of a cake than a pancake. The pancake was indeed light and airy. Seldom will I go back for more and that says a lot.

Hot Coffee 4/5

If you are coffee lover, do try their Hot Coffee ($5.20) brewed the old fashioned way, hand dripped from carefully selected 100% Arabica Beans.

Valrhona Chocolate Souffle 3.5/5

If you want to try the Valrhona Chocolate Souffle ($13.80), do prepare to wait for a good 20 minutes or more as it is freshly baked a la minute. The perfectly raised souffle was topped with a heavenly decadent melted chocolate to enrich the moment of ecstasy.

Overall the food at Miam Miam is pretty good and affordable, the highest price item is at $18.80. Patrons can also look forward to new surprises every six to nine months. The expanding brand will be opening their 2nd outlet at Westgate in end Decemeber 2013. The team is a also planning global expansion into Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, US, Canada, other parts of Malaysia and Australia with existing presence in Singapore, Melbourne and Penang.


Miam Miam
Bugis Junction (outside BHG)
#02-14
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 68370301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miam.sg
Website: http://miam.sg/
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Absinthe @ Boat Quay

Formerly located at Bukit Pasoh, Absinthe has moved into its current location at Boat Quay occupying two adjoining shophouses over three floors. Lead by award winning Chef Francois Mermilliod and General Manager Vincent Jaureguiberry, Absinthe is known for its classic French cuisine. Coined after the old fashioned green spirit Absinthe that was banned in 1914 but subsequently lifted in 2011. Like the highly alcoholic liquor that required careful preparation and attention to detail, the team strives to revive the appreciation for classic French cuisine.

Hamachi 4.2/5

Before I get into my gastronomic journey at Absinthe, kindly note most of the items were sample portion except for the desserts. Dinner started with the Hamachi ($26), a carpaccio of marinated yellow kingfish topped with aquitaine caviar served with cucumber and baby cress at the side. A clean and subtle execution that delights the palate, igniting the night for what is to be served.

Saint Jacques 4.2/5

Next up is Saint Jacques ($26), a dual seared Hokkaido scallops, braised daikon, wakame and lemon thyme emulsion. The fresh scallop was cooked perfectly, springy and buttery. The wakame gave it an extra crunchy bite while the lemon thyme emulsion lifted the flavour. Interestingly, braised daikon is not a classic French. Accordingly to my understanding, the chef loves to add a bit of his character to his dish.

Foie Gras Poele 4.2/5

The Pan Fried Foie Gras ($29) was served with warm blinis and morello cherries. The combination worked perfectly with the blinis giving it a contrasting texture while livery foie gras was nicely balanced with the sweetness of the morello cherries.

Canard 4.5/5

The classic French Duck Leg Confit ($42) was really beautiful with its crispy skin and fork tender duck meat. Served with saraladise potatoes, mushrooms and madiran wine sauce, this is probably one of the best duck confit I ever eaten. Definitely a must order here.

Creme Brulee 3/5

Moving on to the dessert, the Jasmine Creme Brulee ($15) fell short of my expectation. The texture of the base was more like a mousse than custard. The yuzu sorbet on the other hand stood out on the plate with praises from fellow diners.

Madeleines 4.5/5

The Madeleines ($15) served with valrhona chocolate mousse was indeed a great delight to end the night. The freshly baked to order vanilla madeleines was crispy on the outside and spongy inside. It kind of remind me of the Asian kueh bolu.

This month actually marks the 5th year for Absinthe which was officially opened in December 2008. For a restaurant that has been around for this long and consistently serving quality food, it deserves more recognition. I am definitely impressed with my visit and I am sure I will be back for more when I noticed the 3 course lunch set at $38 and a 7 course degustation menu at $98 available for both lunch and dinner. Beside the food and service, Absinthe is also popular for its list of affordable price wines with the trusted selection from the GM Vincent who is a certified Sommerlier.


Absinthe
71/72 Boat Quay
Singapore 049860
Tel: +65 62229068
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Absinthe/56794462597
Website: http://www.absinthe.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 4pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT Station. Take Exit E. Cross New Bridge Road to the opposite of The Central. Walk towards Upper Circular Road. Turn onto Upper Circular Road and walk to the end. Cross the road at South Bridge Road and walk towards the river. Walk down the row of shop houses along the river. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT Station. Take Exit G. Walk to the river. Walk down the row of shop houses along the river. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]