Seasonal produce, comforting flavors, and generous portions take center stage in the offerings of these European restaurants.
SAINT PIERRE
Saint Pierre, the two Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chefowner Emmanuel Stroobant, greets 2022 with a new Opulence menu, which is comprised of six outstanding courses. Overall, it’s a grand showcase of some of the season’s best ingredients, delicious sauce pairings, as well as harmonious flavors that are testament to Chef Emmanuel’s culinary expertise.
The meal begins with a picturesque trio of snacks made up of the Flemish-style white asparagus, Vichyssoise tartlet, and smoked French asparagus with pickled sand carrot. This is followed by an amuse-bouche of ginger-infused creamed cauliflower and tarragon jelly encased within a caviar tin and topped with Bafun uni and N25 Oscietra Caviar. The menu’s standout, however, is the pigeon from Anjou in Loire Valley that is unexpectedly — yet cleverly — paired with buah keluak sauce and carrot puree. With this dish, the protein’s pleasantly gamey flavor is complemented by an enjoyable juggle between sweet and savory notes. Rounding off the menu are dishes that feature an assortment of premium seasonal fish and seafood, as well as the signature Majimup marron with its fresh, sweet succulence.
Visit Saint Pierre at 1 Fullerton Road, 02-02B, One Fullerton, Tel: 6438 0887
WATERFALL RISTORANTE ITALIANO
Now is the perfect time to revisit Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-La Singapore, which boasts a relaxing tropical atmosphere, as well as new delicious Italian dishes created by Chef Simone Loisi who recently joined the hotel group as Chef de Cuisine, following a successful stint at the neighborhood favorite, iO Italian Osteria.
At Waterfall, Chef Simone taps on his Southern Italian roots for a vibrant and sumptuous showcase of dishes comprised of hometown specialties and handmade pastas. The Porchetta Alla Birra earns top marks for perfectly crisped skin and juicy meat that pairs well with the side of sauerkraut and a dab of mustard. The Orecchiette Broccoli E Salsiccia is an underrated classic worth a try, where the combination of tender broccoli and Italian pork sausage meat lends a comforting familiarity to the palate. Meanwhile, the impressive 300g Polpo all Plancia — tender whole octopus tentacle — is simply steamed and then grilled for a delicious char, and then served alongside lemon wedges and dollops of rich potato cream.
Visit Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at 22 Orange Grove Road, Shangri-La Singapore, Level One, Garden Wing, Tel: 6213 4398
LES BOUCHONS AT ROCHESTER COMMONS
Les Bouchons, which is well loved for its Steak Frites, recently opened its latest branch at Rochester Commons and is housed in a black and white two-story bungalow surrounded by a lush al fresco area. Completing the overall French feel of the place is a pétanque court, which allows diners to play a few rounds over an ice-cold glass of pastis as they wait for their meal to be served.
In addition to its idyllic location, Les Bouchons Rochester boasts a menu that’s comprised of classic French fare that aims to satisfy. While straightforward and fuss-free, the starters like the Foie Gras Terrine, French Ceps Soup, and French Heirloom Beetroot Salad immediately impress with their honest, homey flavors. As for meats (served with free-flow fries), new additions to the Rochester menu include the Grilled Beef Wagyu Onglet, Grilled Sirloin Wagyu, Grilled Canadian Pork Chop, and Grilled Lamb Chop with Herbes de Provence. A sleeper hit that’s easily overlooked, but worth trying is the Poulet aux 40 Gousses d’Ail – Traditional 40 Garlic Roasted Chicken, boasting fall-off-the-bone meat and a rich, garlicky jus that’s begging to be mopped up by crusty slices of bread.
Visit Les Bouchons Rochester at 10 Rochester Park, Rochester Commons, Tel: 6904 8972
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