What makes a meal memorable? Food, ambience, service and company. Not a thing less.
My first visit to L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon was such an enjoyable combination of all above factors that I told myself, "I will definitely come back again". Even though there is a risk of a lesser experience, even though returning to a same restaurant doesn't occur often, even though its location at Resort World Sentosa is quite a distance to travel.
The second visit has proven that all was worth it.
And now, has anyone yet to know that the contemporary French restaurant was announced last week by the 2016 Michelin Guide Singapore as worthy of 2-Michelin Stars? *Clap Clap* Well-deserving and happy for them.
We wish we can still remain happy about the pricing though.
What we thought was a steal at $40++ for the 3-course Pre-Theatre Menu was recently adjusted to $78++. That's almost a 100% increase! Why??? Our not-so-surprising guess is that the "Michelin curse" has manifested. Haiz.
The only catch about this menu is that, it is applicable only for early evening dining from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Not our usual dinner time, but it doesn't matter when we're not constrained by working hours on Saturdays and have the flexibility of time to have it earlier if we want. Our meal progressed into 7-ish pm, but thankfully, there wasn't any brooms in sight nor "tsk-tsk-look" from waiters to chase us away. Phew.
It's also okay if we are branded as "cheapo" lol. We know a value deal when we see one and take good advantage of it haha! Wouldn't you too?
To give you a sense of how much moolah to prepare for a regular meal at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon:-
Dinner Set Menu is at $108++, $128++, and $158++ where diners can choose their preferred appetizer, main course and dessert, or go for the degustation Discovery Menu at $258++.
Lunch Set Menu is available every Sundays from $108++.
The Ala-carte Selection, in both classic and tasting portions, features tempting sounding dishes such as Chicken Broth with Foie Gras Ravioli ($37++), Maine Lobster with Curry ($63++), Roasted Turbot ($85++), Caramelized Quail ($41++), Beef & Foie Gras Burger ($39++), Grilled Wagyu Hanger Steak ($43++).
There is also a current Ladies Night promotion on Thursdays where free flow of Bellini cocktail or sparkling wine accompanies a specially crafted 4-course dinner at $98++ for each lady. Oops the man don't get it, but scrumptious food is what every patrons can expect to get.
Back to our 3-course Pre-Theatre Menu ($78++).
I remember the luscious taste of Foie Gras Custard with parmesan well, a most agreeeable amuse bouche which never failed to start us on delightful note.
Ooh and that assortment of Freshly-baked Bread! Too delicious to pass over even though carbs are the usual culprits behind the shocking digits I'm seeing on my weighing scale!
Selection for starters and main courses are limited, though the menu does change periodically for variety. My choice for starters would often be something warm and creamy such as Chestnut Veloute with bacon on foie gras cream, or Light Cauliflower Soup with slow-cooked egg & buckwheat tuile, over cold items like Prawn Tartar or Smoked Salmon with celeriac salad.
Their most recent menu offers Green Beans Salad "Mimosa" style and smoked salmon, along with the enticing-sounding Acini Pasta cooked like a risotto with slow-cooked egg.
The standout dish for me was the Seafood Spaghettis, which on both occasions was executed to brilliancy with al-dente pasta and generous chunks of prawns, squid and salmon. Basil and fresh tomatoes provided an invigorating tinge to the overall flavors.
What can I say?..... Pasta perfection in every mouthful!
This must be the reason why it's sort of like the mainstay on the pre-theatre menu. But if meat is more appealing to you, then go for the Roast Of The Day then.
In any case, do not reject the velvety smooth and buttery luscious Mashed Potatoes when servers come around to offer it. Not unless you want to leave room for regrets for not trying Joël Robuchon's famous pommes puree.
No choice given for the concluding course of dessert, but so far the ones we had was far from disappointing. Confectionery are available for purchases as well.
As the casual sibling to the adjoining Joël Robuchon which offers a fine dining experience, the more informal L'Atelier (meaning "workshop") pulsate with a higher level of vibrancy all around, anchored by bustling activity from the open kitchen flanked by bar seats.
Love that swanky interior predominately furnished in dramatic black and red. Should have taken some OOTDs there.
Main draw would definitely be the food. The cuisine might not be as exquisite in comparison, but justified itself in quality.
Michelin Stars or not, price adjustment or not, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon is well worth another return trip.
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Address: Hotel Michael Level 1, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Contact: +65 6577 6688 / +65 6577 7888
Website: http://www.joel-robuchon.com/en/restaurants-singapour-atelier.php
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm-2.30pm (Every Sun) / Dinner 5.30pm-10.30pm (Thu-Mon) / Closed on every Tue & Wed except Public Holidays
Prices are (1) Stated in Singapore dollars (2) Subject to 10% service charge & 7% GST (3) Correct at point of published date.
I think that I'm real food addict. I like to try new meals and desserts, to cook them for my friends. This month I will write my essay about my cooking experience and my favorite receipts.
ReplyDelete