The City of Lights @ Balzac Brasserie

16th March 2012. Written by Xin Li.
Singapore is about 6000 miles away from Paris and it cost roughly 1000 – 1400 SGD, a hefty sum for students like us. Fortunately, at Balzac Brasserie, one can sample a bit of Paris in this newly opened restaurant located at the renovated Hotel Rendezvous.

Decorated like those café in Paris with furniture and ornaments specially shipped from Paris, stepping into Balzac Brasserie does reminded me of my meal at the La Charrette des Beaux Arts, a cosy little cafe in Paris.

The brasserie is named after Honoré de Balzac, a French novelist and playwright in the 19th century. The brasserie was helmed by the Chef Jean Charles Dubois, the mastermind behind the French Kitchen. I have long heard of the Lobster Bisque of French Kitchen and I just have to try it for myself.

The Dubois’ Lobster Bisque (16.00++ SGD) served with sautéed organic Qweli prawns is one of the best soups I had thus far, the lobster bisque was surprisingly light and carries just the right level of lobster flavour in it. I enjoyed every bit of it. Together with the savoury and crunchy pot of qweli prawns, the soup was simply awesome. You could either mix these dried prawns in the soup to give it more robust flavour or eat it as a side while drinking the soup.

Craving for some crème brulee, I also ordered the Balzac’s Crème Brulee (9.00++ SGD) , classic style with Tahitian vanilla. The crème brulee has a generous amount of vanilla in it with a beautifully caramelized crust. However, it was served warm, a first time for me. In my humble opinion, the crème brulee was a let-down. It lacked the velvety, creamy texture of a Paul Lafayette’s or District 10’s and was a tad too sweet.



Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time at Balzac Brasserie. The service was excellent yet not intrusive and ambience was superb if you want to relieve those café memories you experienced in Paris or looking for a taste of the La Ville-Lumière, try Balzac Brasserie.

Balzac Brasserie

Address:
9 Bras Basah Road, #01-01
Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, Singapore

Tel: +65 6336 0797

Opening Hours
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm