I have to start by saying that the Croque Madame (S$18) in Cocotte is one of the best I’ve tried. Well, I may not have tried 1000 different types of Croques to convincingly conclude that this is the best, but it was fantastically good and the one dish I keep telling all my friends about. How would I describe it? Hmmm… I can’t… you have to try this yourself!
Now, back to the restaurant.
Cocotte is located at Wanderlust, a fairly new boutique hotel located in the quaint streets of Little India. Amidst the old charm of the surrounding area, Wanderlust sticks out like a manicured thumb. Its lobby interior is described as “Industrial Glam” and Cocotte’s interior blends in well. Cocotte serves casual rustic French cuisine with a focus on communal dining so dishes come in sharing portions.
I was there for the weekend brunch. It was my first time visiting the restaurant/hotel and I had parked my car somewhat far away. I arrived at the restaurant after a 15-minute walk in the blistering hot Singapore sun and I was hot, flustered and hungry. I was served an extremely refreshing Summer Punch (S$20, serves 4), that consisted of diced apples (green and red) and orange, in a mixture of ginger ale and ginger beer. I was immediately cooled down and all ready to start feeding myself.
I’m not a big fan of salads but this Nicoise Salad (S$18) made me change my mind. It was a perfect mix of fresh greens (fine beans), tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes and anchovies. Ah… the anchovies… those little under-rated fishes. They were probably the key “supporting” ingredient that made me finish my plate of greens. My mother would be so proud.
Next on the list was the Smoked Salmon and Spinach Crepe (S$22). It was a very flavorful combination especially with the creme fraiche and chives. I religiously put a bit of everything into each mouthful.
I also tried 2 side dishes – the Toulouse Sausages (S$10) and the Slow Roasted Vine Tomatoes & Garlic (S$8). The sausage was good but it was the tomatoes and garlic that got my full attention. The tomatoes were warm, soft, sweet and oh so pretty, while the garlic was perfectly roasted so it’s soft and creamy.
Now that I’m done with the savories, it was time to treat my sweet tooth. The Pain Perdu (S$16) was described as “Lost Bread” served with freshly whipped Chantilly and a homemade cherry glaze. It had an abundance of fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. It is a Brunch item so the portion is not small, best to be shared between 2-3 petite diners as a dessert.
Cocotte Restaurant & Bar
2 Dickson Road,
Singapore 209494
Opening hours:
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 2.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am – 3pm
Dinner
Monday – Thursday: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Friday & Saturday: 6.30pm – 11pm
Sunday: Closed
For reservations, call +65 6298-1188
www.restaurantcocotte.com
www.wanderlusthotel.com
eatmekevin 