Weekendin Singapore Nov '13 | Issue 08 | Page 40

intheTASTE intheTASTE Saint Pierre French Feasting Veering away from the fine dining scene, the Saint Pierre now offers high quality modern French cuisine with more affordable prices. Despite the shift, the focus on using the freshest ingredients and organic produce remains. Its menu still offers tasteful items, giving diners the experience of exquisite French cuisine. Adopting a concept of pilgrimage where the restaurant is a mandatory destination for discerning food connoisseurs in search of divine gastronomical creations, Saint Pierre works with religious overtones from its logo to the patterned flooring. The use of full glass windows to reveal the best of views makes the restaurant a stunning day-lit space by day and a romantic setting by night. Diners can marvel at the sight of docked yachts just beneath them. Alila Villas Soori - Padi Fields (Bali) Weekendin 38 dish was paired with a more aromatic, fruity and less acidic white wine from New Zealand. As the courses advance, the wines increase in body to suit the palate. The Italian chardonnay was a seamless marriage with the mushroom risotto with black truffle. Incredibly aromatic, the risotto was cooked al dente with the right amount of bite. For the sake of tasting, the foie gras mousse came in a nice dainty portion. Exquisitely creamy and savoury, this dish leaves you wanting for more. The softness of the mousse is cleverly complemented with the crunch of the beetroot. The sweetness of the beetroot also gives the dish a unique twist. Served alongside this dish, is a glass of wine from Germany that possesses a sweeter taste. The menu consists of an extensive list of starters, main courses and desserts, so if you are as indecisive and rapacious as I am, then the 10 course degustation menu ($148) will best fit the bill. This unique menu changes by the day and features both off-menu and seasonal items joined by tasting portions of a handful of a la carte dishes made with only the finest and freshest produce. Wine For mains, the salmon confit is a light and accompaniment, which is advisable, is also fresh option. Perfectly seared on the outside and slightly raw on the inside, the salmon available at an additional cost of $98. is extraordinarily tender and juicy. A more It is difficult to pick out the best when the robust alternative will be the veal tenderloin, items are all exceptionally executed. The which is great with the acute flavour of green smoked lobster and salmon tartare over pepper sauce. Medium rare, this prime cut salmon mousse was an appetising starter is succulent and cuts easily. Together with with a great blend of flavours and variety of the acidity of red wine from Tuscany, the textures. The tomato salad with marinated combination forms a winning formula. heirloom tomatoes was incredibly juicy and was best paired with the Italian dry white Any visit to Saint Pierre is incomplete without wine as it cuts through the taste of the the order of their signature chocolate cake tomatoes. with pistachio purée. Said to be grandma stroobant’s recipe of flourless belgian The squid tataki was served long and stringy, chocolate cake, this dessert is a rich chocolaty cooked in the style of pasta. This item is my recipe that transports you to heaven. personal favourite of the starters and I was thrilled to discover that this is an item in The 10-course degustation menu is advised the menu. The mildness of the French wine for individuals who have ravenous appetites complemented the flavourful dish perfectly. and have extra compartments in their stomach to store food. Each delectable dish Extremely fresh and sweet, the scallops in the should be savoured the way it deserves. next dish had such a smooth texture it slides Having said that, I salute Daniel Grobnik, the down the throat despite it being seared. chef-de-cuisine for such marvelous expertise. The caviar on top of the scallops – a very important addition to the dish – melts in the mouth and gives the dish an extra kick. This If you are a fan of the Emmanuel Stroobant group of restaurants like I am, then you will be fond of the new Saint Pierre at Quayside Isle. Previously a French fine dining restaurant housed at Magazine Road, Saint Pierre’s shift signifies their strive for greater things and new beginnings. Saint Pierre | 31 Ocean Way | #01-15 Quayside Isle | Singapore 098373 | T 6438 0887 | www.saintpierre.com.sg 39 Weekendin