Review: The Vintage Room @ Duxton Hill

Many new restaurants these days often look like the cover of “Architect’s Monthly”, featuring the latest in contemporary design. Moving away from this trend is newly opened The Vintage Room @ Duxton Hill. Replacing what was formerly Le Petit Cancale, The Vintage Room is a place that introduces an old world school charm bringing one back to a time of colloquial reminiscence. The restaurant is littered with eclectic designs collected from all over the world to create an old world vibe. While much of the former restaurant’s design has remained, The Vintage Room exudes a much more chilled out vibe. Its cocktail menu is as experimental as it is creative, with ingredients such as elderflower liquor found in its Caesar Ritz ($15). The Caribbean Rose ($15), made with coconut rum and water, rose liquor and cinzano bianco, was akin to having your regular bandung spiked.

While The Vintage Room does not serve full on main courses, the small bites and sharing platters are definitely not meant for one person’s consumption. The Mix of Cold Cuts ($38), which includes Bayonne Ham, Pate de Campagne, Duck Rilettes, Andouile De Vire and Saucisson Sec, was one of the main highlights. Deliciae’s Group Executive Chef Damien Le Bihan has specially made the pate and rilette in-house – it definitely tastes much better than your cheap supermarket knock-offs.

The Mix of Smoked Fishes and Marinated Seafood ($38) did not sit quite well with me. Comprising of smoked salmon, trout and haddock, herrings and anchovies, the dish oddly tasted the same through out; it did not help that the homemade sauce on the side served to mellow out any slight tartness of the smoked fishes.

As far as French cafes go, The Vintage Room’s tartines selection is one to please. The tartines are served on specially imported Poilane toast, which is a kind of rye bread. The Mozzarella, with Tomato and Basil Pesto ($16) was a simple and hearty and tasty tartine, made only possible from the freshest ingredients. Even the Vegetarian Tartine ($13), made of roasted capsicums, won my heart with its simple choice of flavours.

The Vintage Room is more of a stopover for a small bite and pre-drinks before heading anywhere else. Innovative cocktails and simple dishes for sharing make The Vintage Room a choice for simple catch up with friends. The restaurant currently entertains patrons of L’Entrecote when it’s full.

NB: This was an invited tasting

The Vintage Room 37 Duxton Hill Singapore 089614

Tel: +65 6690 7565 | info@thevintageroom.sg

Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 5pm – 12pm Friday: 3pm – 1am Saturday: 5pm – 1am