I am sure many would be curious whether these ‘Celebrity Chef’ restaurants which surfaced in Singapore’s two Integrated Resorts over the recent years are really of their reputed award winning standards, or simply just an expensive brand name. I was making the decision between L’Atelier and Joel Robuchon because we had some expiring vouchers, but settled with the former because there wasn’t really any occasion to justify splurging on the latter.

We were provided with ala carte or degustation options and my partner and I went for the 8 course degustation which cost $260++/pax.

L’AMUSE-BOUCHE

Foie gras custard with red Porto wine and parmesan foam

This was a good start to the meal. The layers of flavours went well together.

LE CAVIAR OSCIETRE

Ossetra caviar over capellini dressed with fresh tomatoes

I think this was where everything sort of started to disappoint. There was nothing memorable about this dish. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good, thus unmemorable.

LE CRABE ROYAL

King crab on a daikon wrapping cannelloni style

This one isn’t unmemorable, but it was bad. The whole combination didn’t seem

L’OURSIN

Sea urchin on a shellfish custard with creamy corn foam

This one wasn’t too bad. In fact, I sort of liked it. I like how there’s custard below but the flavours weren’t extraordinary.

LEE FFOOIIEE GGRRAASS

Pan seared foie gras with apricots, rosemary and dates

As much as I am a foie gras lover, I can’t help but feel injustice for the forced fed duck (they mentioned this was duck foie gras) this time, because the execution does no justice to the poor duck. Even budget French bistro Saveur does it better.

LA SOLE

Dover sole cooked on the bone, basil broth and artichokes

When I saw that sole was part of the menu, I already was mentally prepare to not expect anything great. I was right. It was just so ordinary. Rarely can sole/ halibut impress me. this one had hints of unfresh fish smell.

LA CAILLE

Foie gras filled free-range quail with mashed potatoes

My dining partner has this. It was pretty normal.

LE BOEUF

French-style hanger steak with shallots

This cut of meat tends to have some funky smell and taste, and the one serve here did not escape this fate. I didn’t like this. However, the cooking was fine and the meat was tender.

L’EXOTIQUE

Exotic flavours of the island and coconut ice cream

I don’t really like coconut and overall, this was another forgettable item.

LE SENSATION

Creamy araguani chocolate with cacao sorbet and oreo cookie

This one was not so ordinary and in fact, it was pretty good.

Chamomile tea to end off the meal.

Overall, the food was mediocre at best, with only 2 and a half items among the lot that stood out. The restaurant was pretty crammed, not something deem as good ambiance. The service was quite friendly though.

*****

Ambience: 7.5/10

Food: 6/10

Value: 2/10

Overall: this is the first time I’ve graded a fail score for value but really, spend your money somewhere else. If I had to name a price for this menu for the value to rise up to a score of 6 the most I would pay is $98++. But this meal cost $260++.

*****

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

8 Sentosa Gateway

Hotel Michael (Resorts World Sentosa)

 

Tel: 65777888

*****

Daily: 6pm – 10.30pm

Sunday Lunch: 12pm – 2pm