I first visited PAUL Singapore 2 years ago when it first came to Singapore, at Takashimaya. It was just a posh restaurant that I don’t think I will ever step in. But yet, by chance, a date brought me there half a year later, and was introduced their pastries and tarts to me. The Tartelette Citron (lemon tarts) and macaroons were memorable (though sinful).
Time flies and I never did have the chance (somehow) to step into the beautiful restaurant with delicious food. This year, I received a surprise invitation from PAUL Singapore to try out some of their new seasonal dishes at their new branch at Marina Bay Link. I went despite being on diet for my friend’s wedding. You know, you can’t really say no to PAUL. So here, besides the review for PAUL Singapore’s new November 2014 seasonal menu, I’m going to share with you some of the etiquette I’ve learnt over the 3 hour lunch!

PAUL originated from a family of agricultural workers in the Artois region of Northern France, Charlemagne Mayot and his wife open a small bakery located in rue de la Mackellerie in Croix, near Lille in 1889. This is truly a family business gone international, as PAUL has been passed down through five generations of bakers.

In French cuisine, Le dîner is often accompanied by bread. A basket of bread was served with butter made and imported by PAUL from France. See me little thumbs-up sign on the top right hand corner? The little nice pot of butter made me just want to eat this for the whole meal! Diet? What diet!

*French Dining Etiquette Tip 1:
Tear the bread into bit-sized pieces with your hands instead of tearing it with your teeth.

PAUL Singapore launches New Season Menu (Nov 2014)

This season, PAUL Singapore launched 26 new dishes including new drinks, breakfast menu, appetisers, main menu and desserts.

Breakfast menu include: Yaourt ax fruits de la passions – Yogurt + granola + passion fruit puree ($8.90) | Yaourt aux fruits rouges – Yogurt + granola + red fruits puree ($8.90) | Pain perdu – Toasted brioche + vanilla cream cheese + jam + honey ($8.50) | Eggs Benedict – poached eggs x2 + ham + fresh spinach + toasted brioche with red mizuna + Hollandaise sauce ($14.90)
I was lucky to be able to try out 11 of the 26 new items, so here’s some photos to get you hungry!

Salades & Tartines (Salads & Open Sandwiches)

Salade de la mer ($20.90) Fresh seafood topped with sautéed prawns, mussels, octopus, avocado, grapefruit and slices of red radish

I usually leave my favourite dish to the last to introduce, but this seafood salad is fantastic on its own. The ingredients each have their own unique taste, yet went mixed together with balsamic dressing, the slices of fresh octopus, mussels and prawns made the vegetables taste heavenly when they are taken together. The grapefruit was the one thing that light the whole dish.

This is the first time I feel the endorphin rush when I eat a salad, I was actually hoping for a second round. If there’s any one dish I want to have again, it will definitely be Salade de la mer, because it’s also low-carb!

*French Dining Etiquette Tip 2:
Keep your hands above the table at all times, but not your albows. Don’t ask why, it’s manners!

Other salad include: Salade carpaccio de saumon – Grilled zucchini with balsamic glazed + smoked salmon + rocket salad + black pepper and capers ($19.90) | Salade mozzarella – Yellow capsicum + grated carrots + cucumber + cherry tomatoes + mini mozzarella balls [meatless] ($20.90)

Tartine boeuf ($19.90) Sirloin steak grilled to perfection on a bed of herb cheese, caramelised onions topped with a dash of balsamic glazing. Served warm.

As I don’t take beef, I was prepared to just munch on the salad, which I thought will taste like Salade de la mer, while my friend, Tammy would take the beef open-sandwich. I think it was a sign that I should definitely try it, because one of the steak dropped off when Tammy was taking one of them. Ohlala, I decided to eat that tartine boeuf without the beef (Yes, I know it’s like ordering fishball noodles without the fishballs – but that’s what I really do if I ever order fishball noodles!).

To say it’s delicious is definitely an understatement. I love the herb cheese and it went perfectly well with the brown caramelised onions! Can I suggest PAUL Singapore to have a non-beef version the next time round? I’m perfectly happy with just the tartine bread and it’s toppings!

Other open sandwiches include: Tartine poulet -Tartine bread + Béchamel spread + sautéed chicken + melted cheddar cheese + mushroom sprinkle & crushed black pepper [warm] ($18.90) | Tartine fromages – Camembert baked on tartine + feta cheese crumbles + mixed herbs + crushed black pepper & chopped parsley [warm] ($19.90) | Tartine d’avocat -tartine bread + prawn + egg mayonnaise + fresh avocado + cherry tomatoes cold

Plats du Chef (Main Courses)

We all know that french cuisine is famous for its unique and detailed work put into the preparation, cooking method and even the way of enjoying the food. Besides wine, the sauce of of the dish is a significant component to enhance the taste of French dishes. So like all great French cuisine, PAUL Singapore used seasonal ingredients to create healthier and more delicious tastes for their dishes.
Longe de thon ($29.90) Seasoned tuna loin grilled to perfection served with roasted vegetables and seasonal cranberry sauce.

It’s sweet, it’s sour, it’s salty, it’s a perfect combination of the various flavours. The longe de thon was seasoned and grilled such that the outer layer was lightly salted and the inner was still raw (like sashimi!). A tad too salty for people with lighter palate, I alternate the tuna with the nicely roasted vegetables and coat each piece with some of the sweet cranberry sauce.  Purrrrfect!

*French Dining Etiquette Tip 3:
If you are leaving your plate for a while but not done eating, leave your fork and knife on two sides of the plate, if you are done eating, put them together in the middle of the plate.

Confit de canard ($28.90) This classic dish of the Perigord region of France is one of PAUL’s favourite indulgences. Slow roast herb marinated duck leg, served with roasted vegetables and seasonal cranberry sauce.

The value of this classic confit de canard aka duck confit, comes from the tedious process of preparation for this dish. The meat was rubbed in herbs and cured in its own fat for up to a day before it was roasted slowly, followed by pan-frying the skin till crispy.

As usual, this salty duck meat HAD to be accompanied by the tender carrots and be balanced by the sweet cranberry sauce. The zucchini was my favourite part as eating something lightly sweetened (from the roasting) balance up the savoury taste of the duck leg (yes, it melts). Definitely a classic.

Other main course include: Saumon en croûte herb marinated salmon + sautéed baby spinach baked in puff pastry + mixed salad, asparagus + Hollandaise sauce ($29.90)

Nos pâtisseries et desserts (Pastries and desserts)

Eclair Paris-Brest ($7.50) Traditional choux pastry with hazelnut cream

Did I just see a giant eclair? Although I was on my second to third hour by the time dessert was served, this was still too big an eclair for myself alone! I shared the Ećlair Paris-Brest with Tammy and we both agreed that the roasted hazelnut was the best part of the pastry. Looking at the creamy hazelnut, my internal calories-calculator started beeping, and I took 1/4 of the sin instead of half.

Although it was delicious, I think I will prefer the bite-sized chocolate eclair which I can popped a few without feeling THAT guilty. (though I know it’s equally sinful!)

Gaufre aver glade ($13.90) Waffle with fresh berries, vanilla soft ice cream and a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce.

One bite into the waffle and I started seeing many bloggers raising their hands to ask how the waffles were made! It’s so crispy that it felt like it was fried! See the scoop of vanilla ice-cream hidden behind? It was made by PAUL with vanilla pods instead of vanilla essence! I definitely had fun filling the waffle cubes with the ice-cream and eating the slightly softened waffle. OK, I promised to watch my weight, so I only had a few BIG mouthfuls.

Add a red hat and I’m ready for Christmas! The gaufre avec glace is perhaps the most festive and photo-worthy dish of all! Santa Claus is coming to town~

*French Dining Etiquette Tip 4:
Keep your mobile on silent mode, and go outside to talk if you have to. It’s bad manners to talk on your mobile in a formal restaurant or even tiny bistro.

Boissons chaudes (Hot drinks)

Café medici ($7.50) Coffee with chocolate and milk froth topped with orange zests
Café miel ($7.50) Coffee with honey and milk froth topped with cinnamon
Shakerato ($7.50) Double expresso shot shaken with ice and strained. Available flavours include original vanilla, butterscotch, hazelnut or caramel.

I’m not exactly a coffee-person (I’m called the Bubble Tea girl for a reason ya?) But I had a sip of the Café medici and the orange zest with milk froth was an interesting combination! I like Café Miel‘s cinnamon powder, but I guess I will have to put in more powder with every few sips if I’m to take that!  Finally wash everything down with a smooth Café Miel. As you can see, Shakerato is not exactly a hot drink, but neither was it super cold when it was served plus I took the photo as a whole. So, you kinda get what I mean. Coffee addicts will like it.

Other hot drinks include: Marocchino – Chocolate + espresso with frothed milk ($7.50)

Boissons fraîches (Cold drinks)

Lemongrass iced tea ($7.50) A fusion of fresh lemongrass and green tea with a tinge of young ginger.
Sage camomile iced tea (7.50) This calming blend of camomile, lemon, honey and sage will ease your nerves and soothe your senses.

I think I can go on and on about the benefits of lemongrass, sage, camomile or even rosemary – detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, calming, improving digestion etc. But one thing to note would be the sugar level! Request for a separate syrup add on so that it’s not too sweet. They are definitely freshly made, in case you are wondering.

Other cold drinks include: Beetroot and red apple juice ($8.80) | Rosemary lime iced tea ($7.50) | Cafe glace – coffee + whipping cream + salt + chocolate + vanilla gelato ($10.90) | Espresso mandorla – coffee + milk with almond flavour + ice($7.50)

The Marina Bay Link branch is a quieter place (as compared to the branch in Takashimaya) suitable for business meetings or even casual gatherings amongst friends. Can’t wait to bring my friends to try the dishes, though I will just be sticking to the low-carb and healthier options this time!

Many thanks to PAUL Singapore for the invite. They are also launching delicious jams (Apricot and Strawberry flavours) available from 20 November 2014 for Christmas!

*French Dining Etiquette Tip 5:
Unlike Chinese, who likes to do the bill-paying-pushing-or-splitting-thing, the French don’t split the bill. Whoever gave the invite for the meal pays and it is a common understanding for the other party to invite and pay the next time. Avoid talking about money gracefully whenever possible as it’s considered quite personal in France.

Check out PAUL Singapore’s Facebook Page and Official Website for more information and promotions!

PAUL Bakeries can be found in the following locations:
PAUL Takashimaya
391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, #03-16/17, Singapore 238872
Bakery Shop: +65 6836 1914 | Restaurant: +65 6836 5932
Restaurant Operation hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 9:30pm | Fri: 10am – 10:30pm | Sat: 9am – 10:30pm | Sun: 9am – 9:30pm
Bakery Shop Operation hours: Sun – Thu : 9am – 9:30pm | Fri – Sat : 9am – 10:30pm

PAUL Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road #01-16/17, Singapore 247933
Bakery Shop: +65 6736 3205 | Restaurant: +65 6736 3257
Restaurant/Bakery Shop Operation hours: 9am – 9pm daily

PAUL Ocean Financial Centre Basement 1
10 Collyer Quay #B1-01, Singapore 049315
Bakery Shop: +65 6634 8580
Operation hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 8pm | Weekends & Public Holiday: Closed

PAUL Ocean Financial Centre Level 1
10 Collyer Quay #01-01, Singapore 049315
Bakery Shop: +65 6634 9068 | Restaurant: +65 6634 7686
Restaurant/Bakery Shop Operation hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 9pm | Sat: 8am – 3pm | Sun & Public Holiday: Closed

PAUL Westgate
3 Gateway Drive, Singapore 608532
Bakery Shop: +65 6369 9082 | Restaurant: +65 6369 9080
Restaurant/ Bakery Shop Operation hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 9:30pm

PAUL Marina Bay Link Mall
8A Marina Boulevard #B2-07 Singapore 018984
Bakery Shop: +65 6509 8339 | Restaurant: +65 6509 8329
Mon – Fri : 8am – 8pm | Saturday & Public Holidays : 8am – 3pm | Sunday – Closed

PAUL Changi Airport Terminal 3
Changi Airport Terminal 3, Departure Transite Lounge Central #02-36
(Opening in December 2014)

xoxo

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*Disclosure:
Event invitation from PAUL Singapore and Ninemer PR. Please be rest assured that even though the products were sponsored, it does not have any bearing on the content of this post. Opinions stated are genuine and honest. Also note that all sources, information, content, links are valid to change at any time.