La Dame de Pic @ Raffles Hotel Singapore - Acclaimed Chef Anne-Sophie Pic Asia Debut

With Raffles Hotel Singapore reopening after its restoration work, the hotel welcomes La Dame De Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic, one of the world's top female chefs with a total of seven Michelin stars under her belt. This is also her debut into Asia. Having followed Chef Table and Final Table on Netflix, I am really looking forward to dinner at the beautiful restaurant and the cuisine by world-renowned chef.

Before starting on our dinner, we are treated to not one but three surprises. The first surprise is the Olive-green Chocolate Truffle infused with yuzu and coffee that comes with an explosion of flavours. Second is Honeycomb with Mushroom and Lemon Jelly, that has a sharp citrusy finishing on top of the crispy texture. Last but not least, Rice Crispy topped with Yogurt Milk and Amadai, and Marshmellow coated with Peanut which tastes like our local muah chee.

Complimentary Sourdough and Matcha Bread with Star Anise Butter are served before we even start our dinner.

Amuse Bouche 4/5

Our Amuse Bouche is Italian green pea, green pea puree, green pea broth and herb of grace. An interesting ingredient used in the amuse bouche is the herb of grace or more commonly known as "stink grass", a local herb which Chef Pic discovered while exploring Chinatown. It is not stinky at all but gives it a refreshing flavour that is hard to describe, kind of tangy-sweet profile.
                                          

Berlingots 4.5/5

I was so excited when Chef Pic's iconic dish the Berlingots was served. Though the dish has been given a slight tweak to incorporate the local elements, the presentation is still the same as per what I have seen on Netflix. The matcha pasta comes in a pyramid shape, filled with French cheese fondue. It is paired with green zebra tomato, fresh verbena and herbs of grace consomme. It may be a pasta dish, but it is packed with vibrant flavours that are kind of new for my palate.

Wild Turbot 4.2/5

Another interesting pairing on the menu is the Wild Turbot with Granny Smith Apple broth. It also comes with textures of zucchini. I have grown to like turbot for its firm texture and mildly sweet flavour. What enlivens the dish is the granny smith apple broth that gives it a vibrant finishing, complementing the freshness of the white meat.

Saga Wagyu Beef 4.5/5

Unlike the earlier dishes where there are a lot of vibrant flavours at play, the Saga Wagyu Beef is cooked beautifully to pink over coals. Nothing fancy, just allowing the beautiful meat to speak for itself, dressed in beef jus. It is paired with smoked beetroot rose and lovage completing the lovely dish.

Cheese Course 4/5

I was expecting a pre-dessert but not a cheese course before that. The Brie de Meaux Cheese with Vanilla is like having a bowl of cheese soup with a thin cracker film on top.

Pre-dessert 4/5

The Pre-dessert comes in the form of a lime foam with fresh cherry and olive ice cream in it. I would recommend having a bit of everything to get the balance from the different components in it.

White Mille-feuille 4.8/5

Another signature dish on Chef Pic's menu is the White Mille-feuille. The dessert is encased in a light ginger flower cream. Cutting it open reveals layers of crispiness with confit grapefruit and litsea cubeba emulsion. On the sides that look like cloud are ginger bourbon and berry foam.

The dining experience didn't stop at dessert. Even the Petite Four is so exquisite with an interesting play of flavours. On the first plate we have Calamansi and Curry, and Peach and Basil. On the second plate, the flavours are more intense and richer. We have the Jasmine and Caramel Tartlet with Walnut Shaving, and Black Current Chocolate.

The 3-Course Lunch Menu at La Dame De Pic is $128 per pax with an additional $58 for wine pairing. For dinner, there are 3 menus. 5-Course Exploration Menu at $198 per pax with additional $98 for wine pairing, 6-Course Experience Menu at $218 per pax with an additional $118 wine and sake pairing, and 7-Course Elegance Menu at $328 per pad with an additional $158 wine and sake pairing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Dame de Pic
Raffles Hotel Singapore
1 Beach Road
Singapore 189673
Tel: +65 63371886
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:

Lunch (Fri-Sun): 12pm - 145pm

Dinner (Wed-Sat): 630pm - 845pm
(Closed on Mon and Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Junction of North Bridge Road and Bras Basah Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Elixir Boutique Roasters @ Serene Centre - Reintroducing The Good Old Full-bodied, Bold And Straight-forward Espresso Roasts, While Bringing In The New

Elixir Boutique Roasters at Serene Centre is all about bold and straight-forward espresso roasts. Beans are chosen from the South America region for the finest quality espresso blends and the ability to handle dark roasts without turning overly bitter. Black or White, you get to choose the beans from the variety of single origins and blends available. But beyond just Black and White, the coffee beans are also roasted specifically to harmonise with spirits for their range of Crafted Coffee-Centric Cocktails. To accompany your coffee and cocktails is a selection of brunch dishes and mains, available from 8.30am till 4pm daily, except Wednesday.

Killer Queen

Elixir's take on Italian aperitif cocktails, Killer Queen is made with homemade cascara syrup and Disaronno Italian Liqueur. Cascara, the coffee cherries which is usually discarded, is apparently a flavorful and antioxidant-packed ingredient that can be used in ways such as this. Pairing it with the amaretto-tasting liqueur, and there you have a sweet, refreshing pre-meal drink.

Same Ole’ Situation

Inspired by Old Fashioned, Same Ole’ Situation is made combining Homemade bitters with Costa Rica Las Trojas single origin. If you like it simple, this would be your drink.

Stormbringer

Stormbringer is intense - a double shot of Guatemala Antigua Santo Domingo espresso with Ron Zacapa 23 Solera Whisky.

Brulee French Toast 3/5

For a sweet start, Brûlée French Toast ($18) with seasonal fresh fruits and chantilly cream will delight you with its brulee brioche toast. The brioche itself was yummy - very crusty, with very light and airy body. I really like that it was not soggy with custard. The burned sugar taste of the caramelised surface imparts a smoky flavour, which harmonises with the berries and cream.

Truffle Eggs and Prosciutto 3.5/5

For something heartier, after all, it's a Brunch, Truffle Eggs and Prosciutto ($22) is preferred. I like the combination of textures and flavours of the different elements in this dish. The prosciutto was soft and had a rich mouthfeel, and its saltiness flavoured the creamy, buttery eggs well. The peppery arugula complements these rich elements, while the sweet brioche binds them all together.

Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang 3/5

Mains are available from 11am onwards. Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang ($22) is a laborious dish made with Chef's special rempah, served with free-flow butterfly pea coconut rice. Although the beef cheek was not exactly fork-tender, I quite like its gelatinous texture and glad that its flavours were not lost during the sous vide process.

Grilled Halloumi 4/5

Grilled Halloumi ($18) is probably one of the best Halloumi dishes I ever had. The sweet and creamy tahini aioli works well with the savoury notes of the halloumi, and the sprinkle of dukka enhances the nutty flavour of the dressing. One of the key components of the dish is actually the flecks of Lemon preserve, which punctuates the dish with sweet, salty and bitter notes.

Carbonara with Onsen Egg 3.5/5

Carbonara with Onsen Egg ($18) will not disappoint with its sauce made using only Parmigiano-Reggiano and eggs. The dehydrated pancetta adds the right amount of salty notes and texture to the creamy pasta.

Written 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.


Elixir Boutique Roasters
Serene Centre
10 Jln Serene
#01-03A/4
Singapore 258748
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Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 830am - 4pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Botanic Gardens. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]