The restaurant that stood against the test of time
Just when everyone thought that things could't get any worse for Les Amis, the worst happened. Renowned chef, Justin Quek, left to set up his own business in Taiwan and this left Chef Gunther Hubrechsen with big shoes to fill. However it didn’t deter Les Amis which developed a strategic plan to counter the problem. Not only did the interior design of Les Amis undergo a major renovation, its menu also underwent some drastic changes. Unlike Justin who infused Japanese flavours into French cuisine, Hubrechsen's main focus was on authentic French cuisine. Many years have passed since, and it seems that this concept has taken flight.
Ambience: Aside from the uncomfortable designer chairs, the interior design is certainly a masterpiece. The renovation in 2003 turned this restaurant into a trendier one. Although the restaurant is still decorated principally in dark wood and cool colours, the urban-style characteristic is still maintained.
Service: I was totally impressed with their swift service. The staff are very knowledgeable and able to deliver information about their specialities with suave confidence. This is also one of the few restaurants where a sommelier is available to recommend wine to go with your food.
Food: This restaurant stresses light cooking to allow the flavours of the ingredients to take centrestage. By avoiding the use of heavy sauces which French cooking is known for, the food served here is not subjected to too much manipulation. A must-have is the roasted Hunnan pig, served with a sauce made from Belle Vue Kriek (a type of beer). Despite not being typical French cuisine, it is done to a lovely, even crisp, making this dish absolutely divine. For dessert, try the classical crème brulee. The smooth custard and subtle taste of caramel will leave you with a memorable dining experience.
Conclusion: When it comes to French cuisine, Les Amis wins hands down. This restaurant is truly deserving of its place on 'Restaurant's" list. So long as it maintains its standard, I believe it will continue staying on that list for another year. There is a possibility that it may increase in its rankings too.
By Jevon Png