Summer Hill: Hearty, French comfort fare in Clementi
Summer Hill - Boneless Grass-Fed Beef Rib Roast and Pork Collar
What: Former head chef of now-defunct Cocotte at The Wanderlust Hotel, Anthony Yeoh, opens cozy and rustic French eatery Summer Hill in Sunset Way, where he reprises his popular signature French-style roast chicken and other favourites. He also offers private meal kits (starts $45, advance notice required) that are perfect for small family dinners and large parties alike.
Summer Hill - Cold Brew and Iced Tea
What to expect: Taking over the space vacated by The Tiny Roaster, 36-seater Summer Hillis a mostly alfresco concept. There are indoor seats—slightly dark, though air-conditioned and with a clear view of the open kitchen—but I'd really recommend the no-frills, laid-back alfresco vibe, made even more charming with the occasional passing auntie, that sets the stage for chef's warm and unpretentious offerings.
Summer Hill - Signature Poulet Roti
Highlights: I first got to know Chef Anthony Yeoh years ago over his Poulet Roti (French-style roast chicken) at Cocotte, so it's a major sigh of relief this dish makes a reappearance on the menu.
At Summer Hill, the Roasted Chicken ($25 for half, $45 for whole) is presented in a more modest, down-to-earth manner, but still absolutely scrumptious. Beautifully crisp, brown skin layered with juicy meat, enjoyed with a flavourful homemade gravy and two sides.
Summer Hill - Roasted Pork Collar with Mustard Cream Sauce
Other highlights from his concise menu of winning items include the Roast Pork Collar ($25)—classic, sous-vide till tender pork, matched with a creamy wholegrain and Dijon mustard sauce that's punchy and sharp—and the gorgeous Boneless Grass-Fed Beef Rib Roast ($36) with a wonderful, smoky green chilli persillade that begs to be bottled and sold.
Summer Hill - Boneless Grass-Fed Beef Rib Roast
Summer Hill - Ham & Cheese Sandwich
Forking out $17.50 for a Ham & Cheese Sandwich does seem pretty steep, but Summer Hill's version, essentially a Croque Monsieur, is a tasty and filling plate that hits the spot—a balancing act between a silky béchamel sauce, slightly firm yet mild Swiss cheese, soft homemade sourdough, and pickles that would make your mouth water for more.
Summer Hill - Citrus and Rosemary-scented Olive Oil Cake
Desserts at Summer Hill are good and easy on the wallet. Chef Anthony's moist and rich Olive Oil Cake ($3), perfumed with citrus and rosemary notes, is something I'd love to steal away to long meetings for a much-needed breath of fresh summer holiday breeze.
Summer Hill - Salted Caramel Banana Bread
Or go all the way for the ultimate comfort: freshly baked, if you're lucky, Banana Bread ($6.50) given a decadent salted caramel shower.
Summer Hill
Address: #01-62 Blk 106, Clementi Street 12 (Sunset Way), Singapore 120106
Tel: +65 6251 5337
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am to 9.30pm