Saveur Art at ION Orchard
You know Christmas is in the air when the malls are packed, even on a Monday; everyone is looking to splurge—be it on early present hunting or on themselves. With various technology brands launching bigger and better products, not to mention the customary year-end sales, is it possible to make it through to the end of 2014 without tightening one's belt?
We stumbled into week old Saveur Art, located at ION Orchard, that promises more for less. This latest concept from the Saveur group steers clear from their usual serving of French fare made popular by extremely accessible prices; instead, Saveur Art focuses on a more upmarket and concise menu featuring premium ingredients such as Alba white truffle and langoustines.
Don't worry, prices are still reasonable—most expensive a la carte item being a whole, butter-poached Maine lobster with lobster ravioli at $49.
A definite must-try is the 2-way Mangalica Pork ($22). Succulent pork cheek is seasoned and baked into a buttery yet light Pithivier puff pasty, then served alongside an attractive smudge of celeriac purée, meltingly tender pork belly and a rich Périgueux sauce.
The kitchen's masterful execution of flavours and textures is also demonstrated in dishes like the Roasted French Pigeon (part of the $52, 4-course dinner set) and the Duck Leg Confit ($19). The former pairs pickled morel mushrooms and an intense liver vinaigrette with beautifully done pigeon—pity the experience marred by slightly undercooked Fregola. And the latter, a bed of barley risotto with 2 small foie gras cubes and duck leg confit.
Our dessert of Chocolate & Pistachio ($13, teaming of Guanaja fondant, milk chocolate mousse, white chocolate espuma and dark chocolate crisps) was as just as my dinner companion had remarked, "not unexpected, but pleasing". I found myself more drawn to the 'Popping Cornflakes' from the selection of petit fours.
Saveur Art ION Orchard, #04-11 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 66341141
Operating hours: Daily 12:00pm to 9:30pm