Dinner and drinks at Wine Universe @ Millenia Walk

9 Raffles Boulevard #01-109 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596

Tel:  6338 0717

Website: http://www.wine-universe.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WineUniverseRestaurantSG

Located at the corner of Millenia Walk (facing Conrad Hotel) is glass-encased Wine Universe, with its sidewalk lounge, trendy restaurant, retail cellar and wine bar, catering to the lifestyle needs of office executives, tourists, shoppers and anyone in need of good wine and food.

Owned by Dominique Giroud and Claude Dizerens, Wine Universe was established since August 2009. Service at the restaurant / wine bar was impeccable and personable, with crew adhering to rigid standards of table setting etc. Ambience was sophisticated yet laid back, inviting patrons to unwind and relax over a treasury of fine wines and their contemporary Swiss cuisine.

We visited Wine Universe for our monthly Wine Friday gathering, starting with some of their soft bread.

Truffle Fries (SGD $14.00) was served in a ceramic inverted-cone shape holder and a stand with dips. The thick cut fries were strongly infused with earthly truffle oil aroma.

Calamari Fritti (SGD $15.00) was next - large chewy squid rings deep-fried to a light golden brown with crispy edges. It was scumptious, and went especially well with our white wine. Tartar sauce was served on the side.

Mid-joint Chicken Wings (SGD $15.00) consisted of 6 deep-fried chicken wings in an appealing golden-brown hue and crackled deliciously in the palate; they rested on a bed of greens and was served with a tangy sweet-spicy Sambal paste on the side.

Then there was Basler Rosti (SGD $22.00) - a small pan of deep-fried shredded potato, fritter style. Bratwurst and Weisswurst sausages were cut up and served together with the rosti. We enjoyed the tender sausages immensely, but thought that the rosti could have been more crispy.

Next, Cheese Fondue (SGD $29.00 for one person; minimum 2 persons required) with fresh mix of half gruyere and half vacherin cheese heated in pot, served with crispy bread and baby potatoes. The thick, creamy cheese mix was indescribably palatable, teasing the palate with a lovely umami flavour; we dipped nearly everything into it as well, and poured some over the salad.

There is really nothing like fresh Swiss cheese imported from Maitre Fromager, Mr Horner from Marsens, near Fribourg in Switzerland. A plate of fresh greens was served on the side, giving the meaty meal a nice balance.

We began our drinks feast with Fendant Terra Helvetica 2012, Chasselas (SGD $15.00), sweet white wine that went well with our seafood and cheese dishes.

Then we had Pinot Noir de Chamoson 2012, Giroud (SGD $17.00), a smooth and light red with a light woody notes.

Finally, to round up the night, we concluded with Provence Saint Victoire 2014 Rose Wine, Domaine Houchard (SGD $16.00). The golden-pink wine has a beautiful hue and was gently sweetened.

Overall, we enjoyed our dining experience and the hearty, delectable food at Wine Universe very much, as well as the easy humor of the friendly service crew. Am glad we visited, and can't wait to return.