The Provision Shop, Everton Park - Nosh in the Heartlands

The heartlands are the new hip culinary spots. Latest brainchild of hotelier Loh Lik Peng and Chef  Anthony Yeoh of French diner Cocotte, The Provision Shop combines nostalgic old school touches in a charming, trendy eatery at humble Everton Park with good—even great—grub at affordable prices.

I've never been the type to favour salads so I was wary when the chef recommended the Classic Nicoise Salad ($12). The beautiful mess of crunchy potatoes, intensely briny tuna and moist French beans in an eggy Aioli was extremely tasty and appetizing. Whilst our second experience of the dish didn't quite live up to the first—noticeably not as briny and the potatoes less crunchy—the dish remains a highlight of the menu.

Delicious and worthy of repeat visits is their substantial Reuben Sandwich ($14). Made from Bridor sourdough flown in from France, the toasted till crusty slices are generously layered with slices of luscious homemade corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and a piquant Russian dressing that lends a a slight heat.

Recent additions to their tight menu of deli offerings include some choice brunch items—their perfectly executed Eggs Benedict is a steal at $10—and two pasta dishes. We had the Carbonara ($12) and enjoyed it. Made using proper traditional way—with egg yolks and Parmesan, not cream—the deliciously rich and thick sauce, punctuated by bits of salty bacon, clinged well to the freshly homemade pasta for mouthful after mouthful of goodness.

A dish 'stolen' off Chef Anthony's stepsister, Belinda's Perogis ($6)—traditional hot Polish dumplings stuffed with smooth mashed potatoes and Ricotta then topped with a huge dollop of sour cream, onion and bacon—makes for a comfortingly filling bite. I also applaud Chef Anthony in his portioning of this dish, where it is just sizable enough to enjoy and not get monotonous.

My advice is to save room for dessert. Some of their cakes can sell out early, so it's best to place orders early along with your mains. The Cherry Almond ($6.50)—a hearty wedge of moist cake topped with sweet-tart cherries—pairs wonderfully with their homemade Vanilla Sea Salt ice cream ($5). Or if you're more adventurous, go for their Black Forest ice cream ($5)—an intensely deep, full-flavoured rendition of the classic cake, complete with bits of cherry.

The Provision Shop Blk 3 Everton Park #01-79 Singapore 080003

Tel: +65 6225 9931 | Facebook

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Sun: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm