Café & Bar Gavroche: French, classy yet comfortable
PUBLISHED November 12th, 2012 12:50 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:34 pm
Chef Frederic Colin – the man behind Brasserie Gavroche that brought classic French fare to our tables, has done it again, this time opening a spanking new café right across the road from his brasserie. With Café Gavroche, he wants you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the tres Parisian culture of enjoying an aperitif, or a pre-dinner drink, in the company of good friends. Now who could possibly say no to that?
Much thought has gone into every element of the décor in the café, and stepping into it transports you instantly to a different place. As French music filled my ears and I sank back into my chair, I forgot about the hustle and bustle on the outside for those precious moments.
The café is split into three different settings, bringing together three aspects of the Parisian life that centre around food and company – the bar, the sidewalk, and the kitchen, all under one roof. The bar is perfect for those going solo, the bright and airy ‘sidewalk’ (we’re still in Singapore so the place is very thankfully air-conditioned still!) conducive for small groups, and the cosy kitchen ideal for bigger groups of six to eight. The kitchen is my personal favourite – it feels like being in someone’s home!
Small details like the lighting, all the way down to the flooring, have been tailored to ensure that the concept is pulled off beautifully. We’re talking authenticity at its best – fixtures from the gorgeous antique bar to the chairs, lights, and even the decorative elements like the antique stove top have all been personally handpicked by Frederic Colin’s wife and shipped in from France.
The drink of choice here? The typically French pastis ($14 for 4cl) and organic, bio-dynamic wines. Any pastis lover will be delighted with the sheer variety of this anise-flavoured liquor that Café Gavroche stocks, with over 35 types from the classic Ricard to artisanal ones mostly unseen on our shores.
On the wine front, I’m particularly enamoured with the Lillet Blanc ($12) – an aperitif wine made with a mix of Bordeaux wines and orange peel with a sweet citrus flavour. Sweet and light, the perfect way to start an evening!
One cannot leave without trying some of their moreish Tartines (from $8 onwards). The espelette chilli crab mayo tartine was light and sweet with shredded crabmeat, but what really got me begging for more was their Brillat Savarin and jam tartine. The creamy cow’s milk cheese is luscious and dreamy, pairing perfectly with the toasted sourdough and the sweet jam.
The Croque-monsieur ($16) is the French’s answer to comfort food in the form of a ham and cheese sandwich. The rendition here is lighter and less cloying than some others I’ve tried, and is easily polished off with a drink in hand!
Café Gavroche is a gem of an establishment, where a French man’s heart and soul has been poured out to bring to you a piece of his homeland. For those seeking a classy yet comfortable chill-out spot, I’ll be seeing you here.
On this occasion, meal compliments of Café Gavroche.
Café & Bar Garvroche is located at 69 Tras Street, Singapore 079005.
