So upon just about landing I was working on how to visit my friend's recently new restaurant, Julien Bompard at Ascott Raffles place. I was lucky last trip to have been there for launch.
One of the cool ideas behind his new place is not only does it have a state of the art all induction kitchen, which means no heat or noise but it has a special chefs counter. If you check out this picture you can see the bar and kitchen. If you choose to do the chefs bar you can observe your whole meal being cooked and watch the chef right in front you do tapas ala-minute.
So I was very happy that Chef had room on Dec 4th 08. Well turns out, he had lots of room, like every other restaurant, things are quite slow. The only upside was having the entire kitchen staff be able to be part of the meal at some point. It also meant a very special treat from Chef Jason Tan, who is Singapore's chef for next years Bocuse D'or.
For those who don't know the history of the highest prize in culinary competing, click for more info here. But if you win this prize for your country, you will be among the super elite of chefs.
So let me make you all jealous. Sorry normally I do take pictures of the food but because Chef Jason is giving me a sneak preview of two of his dishes for the competition, I kept the camera at home. This dishes are beyond national secrets for the teams. So sorry, wont give any details even in the part of the meal, except feel free to be sorry you didn't get to try it.
So here's the menu...
Amuse Bouche & Fresh Baked Breads served with a bottle of Mumms R. Lalou 1998.
Velvet of Brittany Sea Urchin - Tartar of Oyster and Cured Salmon
A sampling of Bocuse D'or by Chef Jason Tan
Tapas by Chef Julien
Artichokes cooked in tomato and turmeric
Chanterelle Mushrooms & herbs
Octopus poached in olive oil
Belly of Sea Bass with a creamy sauce
Crispy of Risotto with Duck Medley - Foie Gras Sauce
Papillote of Cod Fish Escabêche - Arbois Yellow Wine Sauce
Pigeon from Bresse with Iberico Ham - Red Wine Sauce served with a bottle of Clerc Milon 1996.
Extravaganza of Desserts
Chocolate Sorbet
Coffee or Tea - Mignardises
And finally a pillow and blanket. Kidding, kinda.
So there you go. I should be noted prior to this meal I did a three hour workout that clocked in at about 2500 calories. My poor dining guest, my friend Maria did join for part of the calorie bomb defense quest but later grew to hate me with white blinding hatred as her poor legs all but went home before her. Hopefully the memory of the great meal with take a bit of the edge off.
For those who are not yet my facebook friends, you can follow along on the photos I'm posting this trip in my Facebook photo album - click to view. If you can sign up to be a friend, as you will find it easier to track when I update something.
By the way, in case my personal trainer reads this, do note this entire blog entry was written while cycling in the gym on my normal off day. This came at the cruel sacrifice of not waking to Bloody Mary's or Champagne this Sunday.
But of course there's next Sunday. :)
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