Sunday, September 1, 2024

Summer Hill @ Claymore Connect - Provençal Pique-Nique Brunch Trolley Inspired by The French Tradition of Elegant Picnics

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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.

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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

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Artichoke, Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goats Cheese, Herbs & Olives Dips 4.2/5

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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.

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Sauce Gribiche with Grilled Zucchini 4/5

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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.

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Mac & Cheese 3.8/5

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Provencale Roasted Pork Belly 4.5/5

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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.

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Cherry Tart 3.5/5

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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.

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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.

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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
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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]

Saturday, August 31, 2024

The Marmalade Pantry @ Tanjong Pagar - Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Refreshed Menu of Light and Vibrant Flavours

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The Marmalade Pantry is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a refreshed menu across its four outlets in Tanjong Pagar, Novena, ION, and Anchorpoint. The menu introduces lighter and more vibrant flavour profiles, incorporating new dishes and enhancements to its signature items.

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The extensive line-up includes a variety of starters, salads, mains, pasta, risottos, and desserts, as well as an updated beverage selection featuring NON, an Australian non-alcoholic wine alternative.

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Red Velvet Latte 3.5/5

I decided on the Red Velvet Latte ($8) as I was curious about adding fresh beetroot to the dark cocoa drink. While it was a tad sweet for me, I appreciated the subtle earthy notes from the beetroot.

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Fried Brussels Sprouts 4/5

We began our meal with the Fried Brussels Sprouts ($16), which had a delightful Japanese twist. The brussel sprouts are dressed in sesame soy kewpie mayo and topped with pickled chillies, nori strips, and sesame seeds.

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Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes 4.2/5

Next up was the Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes ($16). A fresh dill and chives, yoghurt dressing, and tangy pickled onions nicely balanced the potatoes' natural sweetness.

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Chicken Salad 4.2/5

Another standout starter for me was the Chicken Salad ($23). This vibrant and healthy dish was a colourful mix of fresh salad vegetables, green apples, cherry tomatoes, cashews, and coriander, all tossed in a tangy Viet-Thai dressing. The sous vide chicken strips were particularly tender and well-seasoned.

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Crispy Barramundi 3.8/5

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Crispy Barramundi ($32). The fish was lightly seasoned and paired with stronger aromatics from the masala potatoes and vegetable chutney.

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Chicken Burger 3.8/5

The Chicken Burger ($28) surprised us with its spicy kick. It featured a crunchy chicken thigh sandwiched between soft potato buns, accompanied by tangy slaw and spicy garlic soy. The burger was served with a side of fries and beet-pickled cauliflower.

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Tomato Risotto 4.2/5

Next, we were served with the Tomato Risotto ($26). The risotto was creamy yet not too heavy, thanks to the addition of stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a Thai basil salsa. It was a comforting dish.

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Butternut Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

The unanimous favourite of the meal was the Butternut Mac & Cheese ($26). A signature dish of The Marmalade Pantry has been refined in the new menu with a rich truffle cream and blue cheese base, enhanced by sweet roasted butternut squash and a black vinegar glaze. This dish is a wholesome, decadent, and balanced cheese lover's dream.

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Miso Sesame Cupcake 3.8/5

We tried the Miso Sesame Cupcake ($6.50), a new addition to the brand's cupcake range for dessert. The savoury-sweet frosting had a nutty flavour with hints of peanut butter, complementing the moist cake base.

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Green Tea Basque 3/5

Lastly, we ended with a slice of Green Tea Basque ($15). This double-layered baked cheesecake had a top layer of white chocolate and green tea, which balanced the richness of the cheese. However, I found it too sweet for my liking.

The Marmalade Pantry's 25th-anniversary menu refresh has something to offer for everyone, whether you're a fan of their classic dishes or eager to try something new.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Marmalade Pantry
Oasia Hotel Downtown
#01–1
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]