This year, I spent my first hot Christmas in Singapore. Don’t take me wrong, it’s still an interesting experience and the seasonal atmosphere is everywhere in this lion city. At Pre-Christmas, Jean arranged a celebration French-Asian tasting menu in this one Michelin restaurant – Corner House. It truly reminded us the memorable retreat holiday stay in Te Waonui Forest Hotel in Franz Josef of the South Island in New Zealand.

Right after we got off from the car outside the entrance of Botanic Garden, we walked up a short foot path up to a historic and beautiful “Black and White” House standing firmly inside the beautiful Botanic Garden Tropical forest. Before I walked forward the entrance of this house, a wild lizard (almost 1 meter length) just crossed the small road in front of me. Phew… After we confirmed our booking at the reception, the staff guided us to climb up the old stairs from ground floor to the 1st level up into the restaurant. We first stepped out from the stairs to a big verandah which housed multiple big and small dining tables viewing the tall trees outside the forest. After that, we moved forward into the centre chamber with some chic indoor decor before we finally arrived at our Whispering Corner to be seated. Whispering Corner is located at another verandah which is a more private one. It could house either a long table or two small tables. On the day we went, we could fortunately enjoy it fully ourselves privately. This is a stunning verandah. Not only you could over look to the peaceful patio , but also you could enjoy your dining with the with the spectacular tropical rain forest right in front of you. There are a variety species of trees co-exist in this beautiful forest. Squirrels are actively running back and forth between the top of the trees to the ground. You could spot some other wild animals too. However, you won’t feel hot here as this verandah is kept at a temperature making you feel like Autumn weather back in New Zealand :).

The Menu here is very “simple” and not much effort required from the customers. Since it’s “Omakase” which means the chef to decide for you based on the budget you choose, seasonal ingredients, etc. The menu only leaves you to pick the number of courses you want depending on your appetite. We decided to go for the Signature journey and hope to try everything.

The food journey started with a usual “bread basket” which was very French-Asian and tasty:

1. Freshly deep fried “You Tao” with squid ink. This is truly Asian Chinese food but the way the handled was perfectly well. Crispy and nice
2. Brioche with Curry
3. Sourdough with “Bak Gwa”

with salted butter or chilli buttery paste to pair with.

1st Course : “Spirit of Singapore”

Everything was amazing (see below description in the photo)

2nd Course : Travelling to Polynesia – “Obsiblue prawn Polynesian ceviche”

The taste totally brought back all memories and taste of French Polynesia.

3rd Course : Travelling to Australia & England- “Cured Salmon and Harmachi Tempura. Wasabi Aioli and picked Beetroot”

4th Course: Travelling to Saint-Barthelemy – “Rock Lobster Mousseux”

The texture of the lobster is perfectly handled – in the optimal state between crunchy and soft. The “mousse”/soup tasted marvelous with good balance between spices and sweetness.

5th Course: Travelling to Metz- “Macaroni Aux Foie Gras et Asperges”

6th Course : Travelling to Langon – “Cabillaud etuve, pommes boulangeres et coquilages”

Very fresh and juicy fish with tenderly soft texture with tasty sauce. Great job on fish.

7th Course : Travelling to Paris- La caille au foie gras, caramelisee avec une puree de pommes de terre”

Crispy skin while juicy meat for the “drumpstick”. Puree is a “big potato” dish here too.

Refreshment & “Cleansing” before the dessert

8th Course – Travelling to Pauillac – “Moelleux coeur coulant, esponumas noix de coco et toffee”

Closing with Petit Fours et my favorite Chamomile tea facing off the beautiful forest.

Overall, we had a terrific experience here: we felt like travelling physically to New Zealand for a comfortable and beautiful autumn forest stay while our taste buds did travel all across to many islands from south pacific all the way to France. Definitely deserve the one Michelin star. We look forward to coming back for other surprised omakase menu in the future.