A taste of Provence in Tanjong Pagar
PUBLISHED August 14th, 2012 01:40 pm | UPDATED March 29th, 2016 01:55 pm
Just the name ‘Provence’ for me, evokes fields of lavender, hilltop villages, bouillabaisse, fabulous wines and a charming laid-back life. Well good news for those who have never made it to that Southern region of France, because now you have your very own slice of Provence right here in Singapore at Provence le restaurant…
is where a warm, welcoming and rustic ambiance complete with paintings from provencal artists hang unfussily on the walls…
meets an interesting and perfectly executed menu created by Michelin star chef Reine Sammut; and executed by her protege, Chef Fanny…something of a wonderful anomaly being the young, yet already highly experienced chef in the female form that she is.
The menu here is a delight to read. Though small, it is perfectly formed with four of five interesting choices at starter and mains to pique your interest and appetite. But the team at Provence like to keep things fresh, changing their offerings in line with the seasons, so there will surely be reasons to come back if it so happens to capture your heart.
Prices are a little on the high side, but not unexpected at around $21 – $28 for a starter, $28 – $38 for a main and sweets all at $18. Though in return you will be rewarded with quality and delicious flavour. Worth noting they also have a Set Lunch Menu ‘du Midi’ (without wine) : $46 ++ ( 3 courses) and a set Lunch & Dinner Menu ‘du Marche’ (without wine) : $ 88++ ( 4 courses).
We started with the Scallops, fresh as anything and beautifully flavoured with citrus and herbs. For me this dish entirely evoked the taste of summer. We washed it down with an artisanal wine – a 2007 Domaines des Chenes Les Olivettes, typical of the craft wines that Provence likes to stock and serve, giving you a wonderful opportunity to explore lesser known regions and a wider variety of terroir.
The Bouillabaisse  – a wonderful fish stew/soup typical of the region was rich, complex and fragrant, just as it should be. Packed full of farmhouse vegetables, holding prawns and mussels in its warm, comforting embrace and finished off with a fine pastry crust. It was absolutely delicious.
The Braised Ox Cheek, another dish typical of the region, will have you rolling back your eyes in bliss and proclaiming ooh-la-la because it’s simply divine! The meat is so fantastically soft that it melts in your mouth like butter, and if this isn’t enough to send you straight to foodie heaven then combine rich chocolate flavours, lightened by lemon and it certainly will. The dish is a show-stopper and a definite must in my book. I could have eaten it a thousand times over.
For dessert, we had the Mille-feuille…but this is no ordinary mille-feuille. Oh no. Instead, more of a work of pastry genius with it’s angel hair structure making this version unbelievably light..
With our appetite and choices for French cuisine seemingly growing at quite a pace, I’m betting that Provence, with its easy laid-back ways and delicious Southern French fare will have quite the same effect of its namesake…so try to keep your socks on tight as they’re likely to be charmed off you here.
Written by Ms Demeanour
Meal compliments of Le Provence Restaurant
