Spruce @ Phoenix Park

Spruce is on the check it out list since it’s opening and since an old friend of mine wanted to check out this place too; we head down one Friday evening with a reservation at 6.30pm (the only time slot that was available).

Spruce is located at Phoenix Park along Tanglin Road. It’s not as difficult to find as I thought it would be. If you’re driving up from Orchard, turn in from Tanglin Road; look out for Tanglin Hill and Ridley Park on your right and the next thing you know…Phoenix Park is just right after.

Sweet Onion Crepe

 We started the dinner with a Sweet Onion Crepe with White Truffle Fonduta – $16 to share. I’m not a big fan of onion, but it’s one of the more “interesting” starters on the menu. The aroma of the white truffle (oil) was heavenly, the crepe (cut into 3 pieces) sits on top of the creamy delicious cheese sauce looked a little small and “sad”. Taste wise; the sauce goes well with the crepe however the onion could have been more caramelized in my humble opinion.

Braised Duck Pappardelle with Rosemary

For mains, we shared the Braised Duck Pappardelle with Rosemary – $22. Hearty portion but the pasta was a little overcook, resulting to a little soggy. The saving grace was the duck, it was well infused with rosemary, it’s quite addictive just feeding on the duck.

Spruce Burger

We also ordered the Spruce Burger with Hand Cut Chip – $17. Not a big fan of burger, however the beef patty was done medium rare,  juicy and rich in flavour. The handcut fries were awesome, fat and chunky. 

The "cold" room

 To end the dinner on sweet note, I ordered a  Steamed Ginger Date Pudding – $12 for myself and my friend ordered a cheese platter. The GDP came soaked in chocolate toffee sauce. A little too sweet for my liking. I think just the toffee sauce is good enough. However, the SDP from MP is still on my top list. My friend  had the 3 cheese platter – $15.  You get to talk a “walk” to the cheese cellar and pick the cheeses of your choice.

It was a pleasant dinner with good company. The food was above average. Ambience was good, dim lighting, rustic. Service was prompt. Do note that reseravation is highly recommended!

Address: 320 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park.

Tel: 68365528

Another read on Writing Clichés

Hey Guys,

Apologised for the lack of posting, many things had happened, work stress, loss of a relative and typical relationship problems. I promised to be on track soon. Do give me some time.

Best Regards!

In the mean time, enjoy the following article by Epicurious.com on “Top 5 Most Annoying Food-Writing Clichés”.

My wife and I play a game when we go out to eat: Name the cliché that food writers would use to describe the place. If the restaurant has a fireplace and it’s crowded: It’s cozy. If we have the chocolate cake, we know it will be described as decadent by a critic soon. Here are our top five most annoying food-writing clichés. But I’m also curious what readers think. Does your local food scribe make you cringe? How so? Please add your own clunkers in the comments field.

Decadent dessert
For some reason this is hard-wired into emerging food writers’ brains. If it’s a dessert, and not tart or fruity, it must be decadent right? Wrong. Maybe it’s sweet. Or made of chocolate. But what does decadent really mean? And how many non-decadent chocolate cakes have you had?

Cozy interior
What does this really tell you about a place? Answer: Nothing on its own. Better to say what you see, feel, hear, smell, taste. Chances are the writer is trying to avoid saying that the place is small, crowded, cramped, has low ceilings, employs candles, or seems old-fashioned. Charming tends to fall into the same rut.

Yummy
I frequently want to use the word “yummy” or even “yum” and “yummo” (sorry) when I have had a particularly pleasing dish. But what does yummy say? Delicious in a cute way? Avoid at all costs specially when paired with fries (as in “yummy french fries”).

Wash it down with…
Technically, we do wash down our food with drinks. But the phrase is overused and evokes plumbing more than good eating. When you read these words, you are witnessing a clunky segue from food description to beverages. It’s typically a last sentence in a short review and often just a reiteration of what’s on the cocktail or wine list.

Save room for…
Imagine a grandma wagging her finger at you: Save room for dessert! Don’t fill the belly! I can’t believe you ate the whole thing. Ack! It’s like an attack of the cuteness monster. Get it away from me!