Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Launches Savouring Stories Vol. 2, A Menu Inspired by Food Writing, Memoirs and Films.

Summer Hill at Claymore Connect, known for its creative Brunch Trolley buffet, has launched Savouring Stories Vol. 2, a menu inspired by food writing, memoirs, and films.

We began with the Paté de Campagne, Chicken Liver Parfait, and Threadfin Brandade. All three whetted our appetite with their creamy, unctuous textures. The Paté de Campagne, made with ground pork, chicken liver, and pistachios, was well seasoned and not overly livery, which was ideal given that we also had the Chicken Liver Parfait. The latter was luscious and velvety, paired with a slightly tangy caramelised onion confit that helped cut through the spread’s richness.

The Threadfin Brandade offered a tantalising local interpretation of the classic French codfish brandade, traditionally an emulsion of salt cod, olive oil, and potatoes enjoyed during the colder months with bread or potatoes. Here, salted threadfin replaced the cod and was blended with milk and olive oil into a creamy spread.

Next came the Oyster Stew. Creamy yet not overly heavy, it was accented with dill and fennel, which complemented the oysters’ briny notes beautifully. However, the duck fat croutons introduced a slight off-note.

Having recently watched Chef, coincidentally the film that inspired our next dish, Le Cubano, I was particularly eager to try it. Filled with persillade-roasted pork collar, ham, and Gruyère cheese, the baguette was buttered and pressed until crisp. While undeniably delicious, it lacked the heartiness and generosity one typically associates with a great Cubano sandwich. A beautifully stewed Ratatouille was served alongside the Le Cubano.

Traditionally a bite-sized canapé, the Vol-Au-Vent here arrived as a large puff pastry filled with a creamy chicken and cèpe mushroom stew. The filling was delectable, packed with chunky pieces of chicken, but the earthy cèpe flavour was more subdued than expected, which could have added a lot more depth to the filling. The puff pastry, too, could have been more buttery.

The next main was Hachis Parmentier, a classic French Shepherd’s Pie. The oyster blade, braised for two hours before being shredded, was robust and flavourful, though slightly heavy-handed on the salt. The same issue affected the Spinach & Garlic Gratin. I appreciated that it wasn’t overly rich or creamy despite the béchamel and Gruyère cheese, but the seasoning was a touch excessive.

A Simple Salad was served as a refreshing palate cleanser before dessert.

To finish, the Red Wine & Chocolate Cake was moist and indulgent, offering a satisfying end to the meal. The Plum Tart was enjoyable too, with a buttery tart shell, though the cardamom, honey, and orange blossom flavours listed on the menu were somewhat missing.

Savouring Stories Vol. 2 is a thoughtful and creative menu that brings stories to the table through comforting French fare. While some dishes impressed more than others, there were enough enjoyable highlights to make the experience worthwhile. Priced at $79++ per person, the brunch includes unlimited servings of iced tea and all featured dishes during the dining session. You can opt for free-flow prosecco and wines with a $55++ top-up. The trolley service is available on specific sessions: Fridays at 12pm and Weekends at 11am and 1.30pm.

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.


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:
Tue-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 11am - 330pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 330pm
(Closed on Mon)

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

Maison Boulud @ Marina Bay Sands - New Executive Set Lunch Featuring Classic and Rustic French Dishes

Maison Boulud at Marina Bay Sands has recently refreshed its menu to pay greater homage to Chef Daniel Boulud's culinary philosophy. Diners can now experience more classic and rustic French dishes, prepared with seasonal ingredients. Alongside this, a new Executive Set Lunch Menu changes every few weeks.

Beets & Burrata 4.5/5

We started with two excellent appetisers — Beets & Burrata and Pâté en Croûte. The Beets & Burrata combined a milky, pillowy burrata with earthy, tart beets, sprinkled with toasted hazelnuts that added a delightful textural crunch and nutty flavour. The pairing with haricots verts was particularly interesting, echoing the freshness of the dish with crisp, snappy textures.

Pâté en Croûte 4.5/5

The Pâté en Croûte was delectable, featuring a blend of Iberico pork, foie gras Armagnac, apricot, and pistachio. I especially enjoyed the defined chunk of foie gras Armagnac embedded within the pâté — it boosted the mouthfeel with a creamy richness and released alluring notes of Armagnac in every bite, complemented by occasional crunches of pistachio and sweet apricot bites.

Sea Trout 4.2/5

For mains, the Sea Trout was simple but delightful just as much. Served with finely shredded Brussels sprouts, the fish was fatty, tender, and had a beautifully seared, crispy skin. A savoury lemon chicken jus further elevated its naturally robust flavour.

Coq Au Vin 4.2/5

The Coq Au Vin featured red wine-braised free-range chicken, served with chunky bacon, mushrooms, and gnocchi. The chicken had been braised overnight in a rich port and red wine concoction, resulting in a bold, intensely flavoured, beautiful reduction. A slight caramelisation on the chicken added another layer of complexity, while the mushrooms had thoroughly absorbed the richness of the sauce. The chunky bacon contributed smoky and savoury notes that rounded out the dish.

Duo of Artisanal Cheeses

Citron Pistache 4.5/5

For dessert, we selected the Duo of Artisanal Cheeses and Citron Pistache. I appreciated the inclusion of a cheese course — the cheeses were served with pickles, a raisin spread, and raisin toasts. Citron Pistache was perhaps the more exciting choice: a dome spiked with nutty Sicilian pistachio Chantilly and crunchy meringue, encasing a tangy lemon gel and ricotta gelato.

Madeleines

As a thoughtful gesture from the team, we were also treated to a serving of truly delicious petite Madeleines at the end of the meal — possibly the best I've had thus far. Warm and fluffy, each bite felt like a smile to the belly, ending the dining experience on a wonderfully comforting note

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.


Maison Boulud
The Shoppes
Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Ave
B1-15 & #01-83
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 6088
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Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 10pm
Fri: 12pm - 1030pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]