Dinner at Au Jardin

Under the prestigious Les Amis Group of restaurants, Au Jardin is situated in the lovely Botanical Gardens at EJH Corner House, Singapore Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre, Cluny Road, Singapore 259569, telephone number being 6466 8812.

This charming, old-world French restaurant offers a beautiful, romantic and elegant dining setting, set in the natural settings of tranquility. I loved the restaurant on sight, and the excellent service added comfort to our dining experience.

There were many tables in this Colonial-style bungalow-converted restaurant, and we got ours by the full glass window overlooking Mother Nature's portrait of scenic charms. They played soft French music in the background as well, adding a soft touch of soothe to the already-perfect restaurant with its soft lightings, elaborate chandeliers and handsome furnishings.

The Amuse Bouche was brought to the table - warm, soft bread rolls which we spread with smooth, lightly-salted butter.

The Foie Gras Terrine with Smoked Eel  - served with Pink Lady apple jelly, quince puree, caramel hazelnuts, frisee salad and extra virgin olive oil - was terrific. Evern tiny nibble of the delicate delicacy was bursting with flavors - the creamy richness of foie gras paired with the metallic aroma of eel, along with the sweetness of the apple jelly and caramelized hazelnuts - a parade of flavors battling one's sense of taste!

Next, the Entrees graced the table - Pan Seared Quail Breast with 62 degree celsius Egg Confit - served with seasonal wild mushrooms, fresh truffles, "Joselito": ham, potato crisps and truffle reduction. Fit for a King, the quail was succulent and tender, lightly-flavored in its own deliciousness. The saltish truffles and potato crisps and ham enhanced the taste and texture of the dish further.

The Over-Roasted Magret Duck Breast - complete with cauliflower, yam gnocchi, carrot puree, natural jus infused with fine herbs and orange zest was another fantastic tastebuds teaser. The duck was prepared to be very smooth and  chewy instead of the usual roughened texture of duck meat; the taste was rich, played down by the sweet-soury jus and aroma herbs to perfection, like a food melody.

Full but still feeling greedy, we selected a dessert of Chocolate "Au Jardin" - I absolutely adore this beautiful creation that resembled a mini forest complete with trunks and branches and leaves. This dessert of Manjari chocolate cream with soft chocolate cake, coffee "Caviar", creme de cacao jelly and chcolate ice-cream was a chocolate heaven, rich, yet velvety soft like a dream, and lightly sweetened to perfection.

We spent SGD$90.00 each on our dinner here, and loved every single minute of the food, ambience and service.