Video
Read full review
2015-02-17
3444 views
I've always passed by this French bistro a few times as it's right on the corner of the Happy Valley Racecouse. Every Wednesday night it's packed before, after, and during the social races with expats having a drink or a quick bite. Good thinking on their part, actually, since the food at the races is always horrible: a choice of McDonald's or sausages.Anyway, my colleagues and I dropped by this casual restaurant for lunch one day and decided to go for their a la carte menu. We weren't expecting
Anyway, my colleagues and I dropped by this casual restaurant for lunch one day and decided to go for their a la carte menu. We weren't expecting miracles as French Creations (the group behind Saint Germain) are better known for their after-work drinks (F.A.B. and Pastis are always packed on Hollywood Road/Wyndham Street). But Saint Germain proved to be different.We were feeling ravenous day so we went crazy with the food. We began with appetizers:
Dill Marinated Salmon Served with Cream Cheese and Toasts ($98)
Basically toast with salmon and cream cheese. This is more like a breakfast or snack for me. Simple, good ingredients make an energizing plate. They were generous with the salmon, the cream cheese was good quality (but of course, they are French in the kitchen after all).
Sea Bass Carpaccio
$108
183 views
0 likes
0 comments
This sashimi-style dish was "cooked" in lemon/lime dressing, topped with salmon roe. It's a fresh, light dish with an added richness in the form of sour cream.
‘Royans’ Ravioli’ Cheese Pasta served with Truffle Cream (V) ($128 / $168)
OUR AVOURITE DISH OF THE MEAL. The raviolis were small and rectangular stuffed with truffle cream. The rich dish was a perfect balance of truffle, cream, and cheese. Although the ingredients are quite full the dish wasn't too heavy, and the flavours were just right, nothing overpowering. YUM!!
...we were also glad to discover this is on the 'specials' board at F.A.B. along Hollywood road/Wyndham Street. No need to make the trip to Happy Vally for this fantastic pasta
Snails & Spinash Pie w/ Parsley & Garlic Emulsion ($128)
My first time to eat snails. What can I say, it's not my thing, but the spinach was good and puff pastry perfectly baked; crisp and light
Scallops “a la Plancha” w/ Barrigoule artichokes ($198)
We LOVED the scallops but the artichokes were slightly on the salty side. The scallop was on the small side, but flavour was intense and texture excellent, roasted just the right way.
Lamb Shoulder “7Hours” w/ Saffran Quinoa
$188
164 views
1 likes
0 comments
Lamb Shoulder “7Hours” w/ Saffran Quinoa
$188
190 views
1 likes
0 comments
The saffran quinoa was positively the most interesting and flavourful way I've ever had quinoa. I wiped my plate clean, it almost tasted like rice with gravy, but of course the more sophisticated, delicious and healthy version! The meat was properly tender, and servings were quite big and filling. A great choice if you're hungry like we were.
Finally, moving onto desserts, my favourite part of the meal. Of the two we tried, I highly recommend the Apple Pie a la mode (Apple pie with vanilla ice cream). It was HUGE! And freshly baked, we loved it! The Floating Island (a light fluffy egg white topped with shaved almonds and sitting on sweet cream) was also scrumptuous.
All in all we had a good experience from service to taste and would not hesitate to recommend this laid-back French bistro in Happy Valley. We'll come again soon - maybe on race night!
Post
