Once filled with bars and watering holes, Boat Quay is now a hot area for cafes and fine dining restaurants, perfect for romantic dinners or just chilling by the Singapore river with friends.
Singapore restaurant Absinthe gives you the option both – the restaurant doubles up as a classic French restaurant serving fine French wines during the day and a fine dining restaurant at night while serving great French food at relatively affordable prices. It offers dishes like foie gras terrine or succulent duck confit; your mouth will be watering in no time.
Name of restaurant: Absinthe
Type of cuisine: French
Ambience: The three-storey restaurant has a different feel for each level – the first floor has a seafood bar and alfresco dining right next to the Singapore River, the second level is like a casual chic restaurant furnished with vintage wood and comfy sofa seats, and the top level is a modern monochrome fine dining area with chandeliers and even private rooms for couples and families to dine in. We’ve heard that a proposal was made in one of these private rooms – how sweet is that?
Must tries:
The Hamachi ($26) is a pleasant surprise to the taste buds, with a its Japanese touch in this French appetiser. A carpaccio of yellowtail kingfish marinated with olive oil and yuzu and served with caviar and cucumber salad, the dish is light and refreshing, and very different from the usual rich French fare.
The foie gras terrine ($29) is also a great delight. A tad different from the usual foie gras salad served in restaurants, the duck liver in this dish is layered with smoked duck breast, and served with warm, fluffy brioche. Eating the foie gras with the brioche gives you the right mix of sweet and saltiness, notably one of the best dishes served at Absinthe.
The canard ($40 for lunch, $42 for dinner) is also one of our favourites at Absinthe. A French duck leg confit served with sarladaise potatoes, mushrooms and wine sauce, the duck meat is tender and succulent, and goes well with the wine sauce.
No meal is ever complete without dessert, and the vanilla madeleines ($15) is the perfect dish to have to end your meal at the restaurant. Freshly baked to order, the madeleines are buttery and crisp, yet soft and fluffy in the middle. Served with a dollop of Valrhona chocolate mousse, the combination of buttery sponge and creamy chocolate make it a sinful yet satisfying treat.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a romantic place for two to dine, or even a great place to hang out with your friends for a drink , Absinthe is definitely the place for you to go to.
Absinthe is located at 71/72 Boat Quay, Singapore 049860. For more information, visit its website at http://www.absinthe.sg.