Restaurant Espoir

Blue Swimmer Crab | Sambal Romesco Sauce

This was a dish that ultimately failed to impress us. For starters, the tagliatelle was less firm than what we expected, and also different from the Aglio Olio spaghetti. The sauce was reminscent of chilli crab sauce, albeit much less on the sweetness, but it didn't illicit any feelings of 'wow' or even an 'ooh'. Felt that the crabbiness of the dish was also muted. All in all, would not recommend this dish.

Tiger Prawns | Garlic | Capsicum | Asparagus | Sun Dried Tomstoes

Don't expect the classic rendition of Aglio Olio and its associated taste here; the version here is heavy on Malayan influences infused by the spices added, together with a medley of capsicum and asparagus adding a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. However, the prawns were the main star of the show - 5 plump and juicy prawns which had a firm bite to them and really made this a standout. Also appreciated that the spice level could be customised when ordering.

I left the desserts to the sweet treat experts. Espoir has a standard dessert menu, but they also have rotational specials on display (which the experts were eyeing 😉)...

My favourites were the entremets. I loved how soft & moist they were - enjoyable textures on the whole, & harmonious flavours that weren't too sweet (I don't have a sweet tooth). & Nice way to wrap up the meal!

Mango Tart ($8.50++)
🔸 Vanilla Tart
🔸 Almond Cream
🔸 Dark Chocolate Coconut Ganache
🔸 Zested Mango Compote
🔸 Vanilla Chantilly
🔸 Vanilla Sable

Gula Melaka Opera ($9.00++)
🔸 Jaconde Sponge
🔸 Coconut Feuilletine Base
🔸 Dark Chocolate Ganache
🔸 Gula Melaka Buttercream
🔸 Dark Glaze

Sakura Entremet ($9.50++)
🔸 Sakura Whip
🔸 Lychee Peach Compote
🔸 Vanilla Sponge
🔸 Vanilla Sable

Pear Entremet ($9.50++)
🔸 Pear Whip
🔸 Cinnamon Pear Compote
🔸 Vanilla Sponge
🔸 Cinnamon Sable

Thanks Burpple for the invite & team Restaurant Espoir for your hospitality 💕

🌬 Indoor seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope
🍴 Burpple Beyond partner
📍 70 Amoy Street

I might be biased, being a beef-lover, but I really liked the Striploin with Pomegranate Reduction ($42++). It was cooked to our preference - a lovely medium rare, & served on a bed of creamy garlic mash.

The menu states it's "butter-infused"; I have my qualms about using the word "infused", but regardless, the butter & seasoning certainly made this steak delicious on its own... So much that I “forgot” to dip it in the beef jus on the side.

Or maybe that was a strategic move to reach out for a 2nd helping? 😛

Worth noting that this dish is excluded from the Burpple Beyond 1-for-1 promotion. Paying full price for it, it's a little steep compared to others with 1-for-1.. But you *do* get a good dish served.

Thanks Burpple for the invite & team Restaurant Espoir for your hospitality 💕

🌬 Indoor seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope
🍴 Burpple Beyond partner
📍 70 Amoy Street

The Moroccan Spiced Short Ribs ($38++) was strong on spiced flavours, but unfortunately these braised prime steer ribs were too gamey for my liking. That overpowered all of the other flavours - from the spices, to the tomato confit.

I did, however, enjoy the pearl cous cous - delectable & creamy. If the gameyness could be toned down, this would be an ace dish. & it's eligible for the Burpple Beyond 1-for-1 mains deal, too!

Thanks Burpple for the invite & team Restaurant Espoir for your hospitality 💕

🌬 Indoor seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope
🍴 Burpple Beyond partner
📍 70 Amoy Street

I’m not supposed to eat fish, but I do try to take a nibble when it’s offered at a hosted tasting. This Pan Seared Salmon ($34++) was lovely! It's served with plenty of veggies For The Healths - capsicum, zucchini & US asparagus.

The coconut in the coconut cream sauce isn’t that pronounced (I was hoping for more); most of the flavour came from the kicap manis glaze... But nonetheless, an enjoyable & healthy dish.

Thanks Burpple for the invite & team Restaurant Espoir for your hospitality 💕

🌬 Indoor seats only
🖥 Accepts reservations on Chope
🍴 Burpple Beyond partner
📍 70 Amoy Street