La Belle Epoque @ Boat Quay - New European Restaurant Along The Singapore River

La Belle Epoque (which means 'the golden age' in French) is a European restaurant and bar concept that has recently opened its doors at Boat Quay. It offers contemporary European cuisine using fresh ingredients seasoned with natural herbs. Most of the herbs are sourced from Head Chef Firdauz's very own herb garden.

Oyster & Iberico 4/5

Starting off the evening was Oyster & Iberico ($26), an interesting combination of fresh oyster and crispy iberico ham, tomato salsa and Avruga caviar. Other than the delightful crunch lent by the crispy iberico ham, I love how the different elements within the tiny shell played out when I consumed it as a whole. The crispy iberico ham and caviar seasoned the fresh oyster with their savoury notes, while the sweet and acidic tomato salsa balanced the overall flavours.

Hummus Taco 3.5/5

Next, we had Hummus Taco ($10). The hummus is made with smoked chickpea. The elusive smoky accent of the hummus made it even more moreish and delicious. However, it might be better to serve the corn taco shell as a side as it turned soggy after a while.

Cauliflower Steak 2.5/5

The Cauliflower Steak ($12) is a vegetarian-friendly dish featuring a smoked and cured cauliflower with vegetable butter herbs, served with purple sweet potato. Unlike the hummus taco, smoking the ingredients didn't work in the dish. The presence of that smokey flavour was somewhat overwhelming and got unpleasant after a while. The cauliflower was not very well cooked through either.

Smoked Pork Belly 4/5

We had two meat dishes, of which I would highly recommend the Smoked Pork Belly ($16) marinated with spices. It is served with crispy pork crackers, grilled peach salad and pork veloute. The taste of the pork cracker needs to be improved for sure, but otherwise, the pork belly itself was scrumptious. Instead of the usual apple sauce, the chef used the sweetness of grilled peach to complement the meat.

Beef Short Ribs 2.8/5

However, the Beef Short Ribs ($28) was rather disappointing. Marinated with local spices and sous vide for 48 hours, the meat was relatively dry.

Cheese and Cold Cuts Board 2.5/5

We also had a sample of their Cheeses and Cold Cuts Board, but I find it rather lacklustre.

Lemon Tart 3/5

Tiramisu 4/5, Guerre Stellari 4.5/5

The desserts were good. We had Lemon Tart ($10), Tiramisu ($10) and Guerre Stellari ($10). The Guerre Stellari was my favourite. Encased within dark chocolate crust was rum chocolate mousse, and it was a perfect marriage with the tart raspberry sorbet.

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.


La Belle Epoque
63 Boat Quay
Singapore 049851
Tel: +65 67321687
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line), Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 3pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Cross the road walk to Upper Circular Road. Walk down Upper Circular Road to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to the riverfront. Turn left and walk down Boat Quay. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Takeshi Noodle Bar @ Hotel Soloha - Jelebu Dry Laksa Pop-Up Restaurant With Modern Twist On Local Dishes

Chef Renee Tang Eyrn, better known for her home-based business Jelebu Dry Laksa has collaborated with Tipsy Collective for a limited time. During this period, she will be running her pop-up restaurant at Takeshi Noodle Bar along Keong Siak Road. Not only is she bringing her dry laksa to the menu, customers can also look forward to her modern twist on the local dishes.

Scallop & Otah Pillow 3.5/5

We commenced the dinner with the Scallop & Otah Pillow ($22 for 3pc) resting on a crispy nori cracker. It is further paired with otah mousse and top with avruga caviar for an exciting play of flavours and textures.

Taupok Poppers 4.2/5

The Taupok Poppers ($12 for 6pc) is one of my favourite items on the menu. The crispy youtiao is stuffed with king mackerel and tossed in a delicious sweet and savoury rojak sauce, topped with ginger flower and peanuts. These popping delights are very addictive.

Szechuan on a Stick 4.8/5

A must-have has to be the Szechuan on a Stick ($14 for 2 skewers). The grilled pepper pork satay is exceptionally tender. The soul has to be Nam Jim Jaew (Thai chilli sauce) that elevated the local pork satay to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Dry Laksa $22

Not forgetting Chef Renee's signature Jelebu dry laska. At Takeshi Noodle bar, there are 3 options - Grilled Tiger Prawn Dry Laksa ($22), Butter-Poached Half Lobster Dry Laksa ($32) and Butter-Poached Whole Lobster Dry Laksa ($46). The plate of slurping goodness is boosted with a beautiful aroma from the rempah. I also noticed the noodle is thinner than what Chef Renee used for her home-based business. In addition, it is also saucier than her home-based business. I prefer this version at Takeshi Noodle Bar.

Kaya Goreng 4.5/5

Wrapping up my dinner is the Kaya Goreng ($14 for 3pc). The kaya coconut mousse is served in a charcoal ice cream cone. It is a very creative dessert paired with coconut ice cream, chocolate soil and salted peanuts. 

Jelebu Dry Laksa's tasting menu will be available on Mon, Wed & Sat. Ala-carte menu items will be available daily except Tuesday when the restaurant will be closed. The 8 Course Set menu is priced at $88 per pax and $118 per pax for the 9-Course Set menu

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Takeshi Noodle Bar
Hotel Soloha
12 Teck Lim Road
Singapore 088387
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1am
Sat: 12pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road and turn left onto Teck Lim Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]