[CLOSED] Antoinette (Palais Renaissance)

I'm not a fan of kaya—quite the opposite in fact—but this smooth, creamy, insanely fragrant kaya is simply to-die-for. Here, Chef Pang uses fresh pandan leaves to make the juice, before boiling it with coconut milk, egg yolk and the like; mixing it until it cools into a custard. The result: a French rendition of the local kaya—subtle hints of coconut and intensely fragrant pandan aromas that does wonders to enhance its creamy texture and taste. Pair it with freshly baked crisp baguette, a slab of butter and a light sprinkle of fleur de sel for the ultimate experience. Now, if only this were sold at Antoinette! Don't you agree? 😋

Part of Antoinette's Christmas Eve 7-course set dinner ($130), this dish is absolutely divine. Don't be fooled by its savory facade. This "breakfast" item is more 'dessertesque'; a mango coulis sphere wrapped in a thin layer of gelatin to embody the elasticity of real egg yolks, circled by a ring of gula melaka enveloped under "egg white" coconut foam. A sprinkle of cocoa nibs and drizzle of sweet olive oil complete the dish, with a crisp slice of candied bacon to seal the deal. Smear a tad of each component onto the bacon and sink your teeth into a mouthful of heavenly goodness. The coconut foam adds a subtle nuttiness to the sweet tropical fruit, while gula melaka adds a depth to the harmony of sweet-savory flavors. What I really appreciate about Chef Pang's creations is his eye to detail while making each ingredient's presence worth (instead of the usual novelty appeal).

Items were so much better at the flagship Penhas outlet – I definitely recommend going there if you want a real dose of Antoinette!

Because we were all really hungry, and the all-day breakfast didn't quite hit the spot, just had to add on a sinful French onion soup. This looked so good served with a baked crunchy cheese crust, and a slice of cheese-baguette hidden within the mushy onion broth. Rich, thick and salty... good, but perhaps a little too cheesed out by the end of the meal 😜

Antoinette is still better for their desserts than savoury. This was well-received by all at the table. Creamy, nutty, sweet ice-cream atop soft chewy Nutella-filled crepe, with salted caramel drizzled over. Very sweet dish, but we'll order this again.

Choice of eggs + smoked duck (a less common breakfast choice), not grossly expensive @ S$15, but not the best I've had either. Their desserts are better ;)