[Media Invite] Dinner at Verdure Cafe @ Thomson Road

1218 Upper Thomson Road #01-02 Springleaf Nature Park, Singapore 787136

Tel: 8692 6288

Website: http://verdurecafe.com

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

Reservations: http://www.hungrygowhere.com/singapore/verdure-cafe-upper-thomson-springleaf-01-02

Verdure Cafe is situated among lush greenery at Springleaf Nature Park, offering a beautiful glasshouse concept that allows diners to enjoy the views of nature easily. Interior is modest and decor is simple, understated, elegantly enhanced by the greenery surrounding it. Menu is largely Italian, priced at pocket-friendly range, and service is friendly.

I was honoured to be part of invited tasting at Verdure Cafe, attended by representatives of Hungrygowhere and other familiar food reviewers.

They started us with a cute pot of Truffle Fries (SGD$8.90) preparing the palate for more things to come. This was pretty good- aromatic of truffle's signature taste but not overpowering.

Moving on,  Mixed Platter Appetizer (SGD$18.90) served on tiered high-tea style trays, comprising Deep-fried Chicken Winglets and Drumlets, Chicken Strips, Bacon-wrapped Sausage, Calamari Rings and Potato Wedges. I loved the calamari rings the best, because of the thin batter around thick squid flesh.

Next, Chilli Crab Pasta (SGD$16.90) - springy spaghetti tossed with chilli crab paste, shredded crabmeat and egg. I thought that a higher level of spiciness might have enhanced the creamy flavor better. The saving grace here was the use of actual fresh crabmeat, not flour-mixed crabsticks.

The Black Pepper Smoked Duck Aglio Olio (SGD$14.90) was created from al-dente spaghetti tossed with olive oil, herbs, chilli flakes, garlic, mushrooms and black pepper smoked duck. Pasta had a bounce to its texture and redolent of earthly mushroom notes amidst its tangy deliciousness; the smoked duck was tender and moistened, every bite a swishy  joy.

Following that, Chicken Chop (SGD$14.90) which consisted pan-grilled chicken thigh topped with mushroom sauce; served with salad and fries on the side. Chicken was succulent and bathed tastefully in earthly mushroom aroma.

Then it was Salted Egg Chicken Burger (SGD$14.90) - crispy charcoal buns flanking crackling chicken thigh fillet topped with luscious salted egg sauce; salad and fries were served on the side. This was another memorable dish for me.

The Stewed Beef Curry Rice (SGD$16.90) was a new item and utterly satisfying, composed of stewed beef curry, carrots, potatoes and fragrant rice, served with keropok on the side.

Finally, before we moved on to drinks, we also tried the Salted Caramel Lava Cake (SGD7.90) which looked better than it tasted. Sweetness was definite, and expected, however the lava cake - this made the cake almost soggy.

We enjoyed very much their various organic teas, such as my Rose Hips Tea (SGD$6.90) and the Peppermint Leaf Tea (SGD$5.90) served in a very beautiful teapot.

Other interesting beverages included the Zucchini Refresher (SGD$4.90), Lychee Tea (SGD$4.90), Peach Perfect (SGD$4.90), Fizzling Passionfruit (SGD$4.90), Rose Hips Tea Float (SGD$6.50) and Mocha (SGD$4.90).

I will definitely like to be back here for the cosy setting and lovely glasshouse concept; as well as try other signature dishes such as their Prawn Aglio Olio and Foie Gras French Toast, etc. Thank you Hungrygowhere for the invite and Verdure Cafe for hosting us!