Les Amis is a household name for French dining and I have a story to tell about this visit. Some years back I told someone dear, one day, just one day I will bring you to Les Amis at the end of this stretch for a meal. That year, it was La Strada at the start of the golden stretch. Hence, this visit is particularly close to heart and emotional.
Reservations were made last year since I knew they had limited vacancies and they were sweet enough to allocate a private corner on the second floor overlooking the first.
Bread basket comprised of cheese buns, dough grain, baguette and a cranberry walnut.
When in doubt, always go for unsalted butter.
Teppanyaki seared Japanese scallops with teriayaki sauce
For once it is not described as "Hokkaido" scallops, though Japanese does not sound too far from it. Pedestrian in taste as compared to the other appetisers coming my way. Do not get me wrong, it was delicious just not stellar.
French smoke salmon from Kaviari with wasabi dressing
Three slabs of smoked salmon with wasabi cream and served with a duo of toasted dough grain bread. Loved how the chewyness of the bread went with the smoked salmon and mild wasabi dressing. It was not complicated but tasted soooo good!
Lobster « bisque » in cappuccino with celeriac royale and black truffle
Served in a cup that made me ridicule the portions - my bad really, in all its foaminess was a broth so substantial I wonder how many crustaceans died for a good and worthy cause. The black truffle strips were a nice touch but delve within for the real magic of this broth - whole chunks of lobster and creamy roe. This single lobster dish made me love the expensive crustacean a whole new world more and then continue to question - why would I even need a lobster roll with such an amazingly executed soup.
Tradition versus Fad, 1-0.
Pan-fried amadaï with verjus and bell pepper
Amadai is one of those fishes that is considerably expensive because of its limited supply and having it panfried, it had to be the next bestest way of serving it next to sushi. The scales are so crisp, it was like eating keropok, or even better. The portion itself was good enough for me to want seconds.
Angel hair pasta with lobster, crispy sakura ebi and a touch of parmesan
This dish has appeared at a number of menus in restaurants but is served hot with a dash of lobster stock. It was a case of umami, flavours hit the roof in merriment and the textures had crispy, crunchy, chewy and chalky altogether.
Charcoal grilled veal with green vegetables and a light touch of Kyoto white miso
While the beef tartare with frites caught the eye, the waitress gently cautioned against its rawness and recommended the veal which I completely enjoyed. Grilled to a medium doneness with enough succulence to last through every bite, the kyoto white miso could be done away with. Perfectly executed with portions only mean for ladies.
A "café Liegeois" with textures of roasted Colombian coffee
Served with a beautiful chocolate brittle on top, the coffee icecream and meringues. The coffee hints were strong enough for a wake me up dessert, a good alternative to coffee.
Ardèche chestnut soufflé with Bourbon vanilla ice cream
The lightest souffle ever eaten, I loved the chestnut hints and chocolate chunk right at the bottom. Paired with a creamy bourbon vanilla icecream, a tremendously addictive dessert.
Strawberries and Sicilian pistachio in a « fraisier »
The kind staff helped to replace the usual chocolate tart with a pisachio cake as a birthday cake. Very beautifully put together which reminded me of a delicate Japanese confectionery.
This visit to Les Amis was a good start to 2015, and justified its spot in Asia's Best Restaurant. Even before the time of Andre, Jaan and Iggy's was Les Amis and with the opening and closures of so many restaurants, it is no wonder Les Amis still stands strong.
$95 for set lunch, birthday dessert on the house.
Les Amis
Shaw House
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