With the private home dining scene getting popular in Singapore, new players have also emerged in the scene. Is it too late into the game or there is still a market for them? My view is there still an opportunity for them as the popular ones are fully booked up to 3 months or more. Their prices have also increased by 30% or more since they started. This means diners may go for shorter waiting time and cheaper options instead.
One of these new players is Fussy Duck hosted by Chef Raj offering modern European cuisine with some Indian influences. He has worked in professional kitchens for over 13 years including under Daniel Boulud in New York and at MBS. His place can host up to 8 person per night. Currently he is only open for weekends. We had the 5 course meal at $99 per pax. They even have a vegan 6 course menu.
Our dinner started with some freshly baked bread and butter. Not sure whether this really good or we were hungry, the bread disappeared from our table within minutes.
Ravioli 4/5
Next we have the amuse bouche, homemade Ravioli filled with Shiitake and Button Mushroom, topped with shaving of black truffles. Love how the earthy flavours from the mushrooms shone through the pasta shell. It can be a lovely pasta dish by itself too.
Truffle Leek and Potato Vichyssoise 4.5/5
We started the dinner proper with the Truffle Leek and Potato Vichyssoise. It is a cold soup that comes with potato chips and burnt figs. A very refreshing soup that kind of brightens up the palate for the next dish.
Vegan Eggplant Caviar and Tomato Tart with Earl Grey Infused Tomato Water 3.8/5
Our next dish is the Vegan Eggplant Caviar and Tomato Tart. I actually quite enjoy this. It is like have a toast with eggplant and tomato jam spread on it, except that the base is a flaky tart. The dish also comes with a cup of Earl Grey infused Tomato Water with a few drops of chilli oil. It has that strong tomato flavour, yet not overwhelming, probably the addition of earl grey and chilli oil helped to harmonise it. It is quite complex in taste but yet light and refreshing.
"Palak Paneer" Risotto with Pan Seared Scallops 4.5/5
I have to say Fussy Duck serves an awesome plate of risotto. Inspired by chef's Indian heritage is the "Palak Paneer" Risotto with Pan Seared Scallops, served with paramsen and ricotta cheeses. There was a silent at the table followed by "wow this is really good". The infusion of the different palak paneer into the risotto simply elevated the whole dimension of the traditional risotto dish. I have not tried or seen anywhere incorporating Indian influences into a risotto dish, at least for my food journal. This is a winning dish.
Duck Confit with Pea Fricassee and Pumpkin Puree 4/5
For the mains, diner can choice between the Duck Confit and Roasted Lamb Rack. For the Duck Confit, it is served with pea fricassee and pumpkin puree. You get a whole duck leg which is really huge and tender.
Roasted Lamb Rack with Pea Fricassee and Spiced Carrot Puree 4/5
As for the Roasted Lamb Rack, there is additional $10 charge if you want to have it. Similar to the duck confit, it comes with pea fricassee but the pumpkin puree is changed to spiced carrot puree. I understand NZ lamb rack that is less than 3 months old is picked so it doesn't have not strong gamy flavour. Simply cooked with some spices rub to showcase the beautiful piece of red meat
Saffron Creme Brulee 4.2/5
Wrapping our dinner is the Saffron Creme Brulee. Creme brulee is quite common but spiced with saffron is an unique take to the classic dessert. It even comes with crushed pistachio, rounding it off with a nutty finish.
Overall we have a lovely time at Fussy Duck. Chef Raj and his partner are great host too. We even get to bring some homemade cookies home and they were delicious. For Fussy Duck to stand out among others, it may need to incorporate more Indian influences into is modern European cuisine or even a traditional Indian menu which is something not available in the market as for now.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Fussy Duck Private Dining
RiverEdge
21 Sampan Place
Singapore 436593
Tel: +65 90146386
Nearest MRT: Mountbatten (CC Line)
Direction:
1) Alight at Mountbatten MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop at Mountbatten Road (Stop ID 80279). Take bus numbers 12, 14, 30, 158, 196 and 401. Alight one stop later. Cross the road. Walk to Kampong Kayu Road. Walk down Kampong Kayu Road. Turn left onto Sampan Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Mountbatten MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Mountbatten Road. Cross the road to Jalan Benaan Kapal. Walk down Jalan Benaan Kapal along the canal. Cross the canal onto Kampong Kayu Road. Turn right onto Kampong Kayu Road. Turn left onto Sampan Place. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
