Definitely our favourite main course that evening. We were all impressed by this duck breast, so well marinated they we could taste the sauces within the flesh, which also naturally had a foie gras taste. Chef Jérémy's talent in showcasing fresh produces to their best was also evident through the accompanying chestnut mash, porcini cream and sautéed mushrooms here.
Taking over the much-loved Cocotte at Wanderlust Hotel in Little India is yet another French concept, this time helmed by executive chef Jeremy Gillon who previously led La Montana, a restaurant in the French Alps, to Michelin stardom. For those who lament the loss of Cocotte's lauded roast chicken and other rustic plates, fret not, because the food here is no less tasty and pretty hearty too. Expect contemporary bistro fare that's heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients — both produce that is available locally as well as those imported from France. For best value, visit for the set lunch ($28 for two courses; $34 for three), available Tuesdays to Saturdays. Dishes that impressed us include the Cauliflower Tabbouleh with Pan Seared Prawns in Tarragon, which has wonderful flavours and textures, and a perfectly executed Duck Confit served with brussel sprout salad and roasted red cabbage. We can't wait to come by next to check out their Sunday brunch (11:30am-4pm)!
Avg Price: $35 per person
Photo by Burppler Veronica Phua
Even though the mackerel was perfectly fine, the duck leg confit would be what I'd recommend as the main course in the set lunch. I just felt it outshone the fish as this classic French dish is done really well here.
It's possibly the least salty of duck confits I've ever had, so I could actually relish the meat properly. It was not tough or stringy, which has been the case elsewhere in lesser hands.
Served with it - a brussel sprout salad and roasted red cabbage that were so tasty, they threatened to upstage the duck itself.
And do check with the staff if they happen to serve polenta that day because Chef @jeremygillon does a most fabulous one with loads of butter!
If there ever was a competition for summer to be captured in a dessert, this would be a strong contender.
On the plate was a quenelle of cucumber ice-cream on a crunchy Brittany sable cookie, artistically pierced by shards of crisp basil-flavoured wafers. The basil herb also appeared as a sauce of sorts if I am not mistaken. And that's not all. The manager @btn_ahah bore a little jug from which he proceeded to pour on a deep ruby-coloured jus of strawberry, bell pepper and passionfruit.
I found the best way to enjoy this dessert was to make sure you had a bit of everything (fresh strawberry included) in each spoonful. The components when eaten together, tastes refreshing and new. It was the ideal thing to end our lunch today. I'm glad Chef @jeremygillon chose to offer something atypical as the sole desert on the set lunch menu.
The brand new @audacesg at the Wanderlust Hotel is helmed by Chef @jeremygillon who previously led La Montana, a restaurant in the French Alps, to a Michelin Star award.
Here in Singapore, he brings his own style of modern French bistro cooking, using both locally-sourced ingredients from Tekka Market and farms, and specially-imported ingredients from France.
We had the set lunch when we were there today. Pictured is one of the two appetiser options - the "Cauliflower Tabbouleh with Pan Seared Prawns in Tarragon". It had a light seasoning of salted orange dressing and pine oil, so the sweetness of the three prawns still shone through beautifully. We loved how the dish was playful with textures too.
In case you're wondering, the set lunch menu is available from Tuesdays to Saturdays. While the dishes in it change weekly, Chef's signature dishes remain on for longer - three months to be exact, before they too get replaced with new ones. Do note Audace serves a different brunch menu on Sunday.
