Singapore, September 2013 – Brunch at L’Atelier de Joel Robouchon (Two Michelin stars in July 2016) was a pleasant surprise and as the French say, “une bonne affaire” (“a good deal”). L’Atelier is the modern French cuisine invention of renowned Chef, Joel Robouchon who has multiple Michelin stars to his name.

AMBIENCE & SERVICE

As in all his other L’Atelier restaurants across the globe, the Singapore venue is also decorated in the black and red signature colors and furnishings. The counter seats are the highly coveted ones since the open kitchen is in clear view.

The only key difference between this location and other L’Atelier is the dress code – or the lack of one. Mr. King & I were surprised to see some diners in Bermuda shorts and t-shirts. The ambience is clearly more informal in this tropical city. Service was excellent, despite the full-house during weekend brunch.

FOOD

Mr. King & I decided on the three-course lunch, which allowed us to select each course from the a la carte menu.

Amuse Bouche – Royal foie gras at the bottom with cheese foam topping and a port wine reduction. Lovely start to the meal.

Entrée au Choix

– Seafood Bouillabaisse – Superb! The freshness of the seafood comes through.

– Le Saumon, Marinated salmon with celeriac salad – Highly recommended.

Plat au choix

• Le Saint-Pierre, Sauteed John Dory , stewed leeks and ginger – Light & delectable.

• La Caille, caramelized quail and mashed potatoes – Mediocre despite it being the signature dish for all L’Atelier restaurants around the world. I had this same dish at several L’Ateliers before, and I can say with certainty that the Singapore version was too blend and lacked the usual amount of seasoning.

Each main course came with a bowl of mashed potatoes (another signature dish here). So despite the small portions, one can rest assured that one will leave the meal on a full stomach!

Dessert au choix

• Les Caraibes , Coconut Cloud, rum granite with banana passion fruit smoothness – Excellent, refreshing dessert! Beautiful presentation, glass bowl set on top of a special L’Atelier acrylic plaque.

• Le Sensation, Creamy Araguani chocolate with Cacao sorbet and oreo cookie – Rich chocolate taste. Be prepared to indulge yourself!

Café ou the – comes with macaroon, flavor of the day mint

It was our friend’s birthday so L’Atelier presented her with a little birthday surprise. The team of servers serenaded her with a French “Bon Anniversaire” (Happy Birthday) song. Then, they presented her with this gorgeous ceramic painter’s palette with chocolate profiteroles and a miniature La Tour Effiel (Effiel Tower). Now doesn’t that make you want to immediately jump on the plane and head for Paris!

Paris will have to wait. For now, we are happy to have L’Atelier de Joël Robouchon in Singapore.

All photos were taken by Mrs. King.