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L'Entrepot Bistrot

L'Entrepot , which means a trading port, is appropriate for its location. A casual dining restaurant by the Singapore river, it opened in May 2009 and has been open for lunch since June 1.

The charming bistro attentively replicates a French sensibility from the limestone-framed windows and art nouveau posters, down to the custom-made lampshades.

This artfully unpretentious charm extends to its food, which favours earthy, robust flavours and ample portions but is by no means simple in execution.

Situated right by the Singapore River, it is the only French bistro in Clarke Quay to date, and a good place for dinner before heading out for drinks and a night of revelry.

Dinner can be washed down with a few drinks in advance as it has a well-stocked wine cellar and a good selection of beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.

Contact details
3E River Valley Road, #01-02, Clarke Quay
Singapore 179024
Tel: (65) 6337 5585
Email: entrepot.bistrot@esmirada.com

Opening hours
Lunch
Daily: 12pm - 2pm
Dinner
Sun - Tue: 6pm - 11pm
Wed - Sat: 6pm - 2am

Cuisine
Hearty and flavourful French fare with familiar favourites such as onion soup and crepes suzette, as well as regional dishes from the Basque Country.

Portions
Satisfying helpings of everything from hors d' oeuvres to mains - definitely not for weight watchers.

Setting
Until the sweltering noon sun called me back to the tropics, the wall-to-ceiling wine cellar, curved iron chair legs and art nouveau decor gave one the illusion of a cool summer day in Paris. Orange walls and red velvety seats add a homey, rustic air. There is the option of alfresco dining by the Singapore River, if temperature and weather allow.

Must-tries
• The poached egg ($12++) was the highlight of the meal. The molten egg yolk smothered a quartet of velvety cep - a fleshy mushroom with a spongy underside, button mushrooms, shimeji, and fragrant shitake, smoothly sauteed and drenched in white truffle oil.
• Unless you are an avowed red meat lover, I recommend the Chicken Basquaise ($25++) - tender chicken thigh stewed in peppers, kalamata olives, onion, garlic, tomatoes and fresh herbs.
• The lamb shank with cajun spices (S$28++) fell right off the bone, but was a little too strongly flavoured.

Price factor
Prices average about $12++ for appetizers, soups and desserts, and between $25-32++ for mains. Budget $50-$60 per person for ao full three course meal. More, if you want to try their wine list which comprises over 90 labels.

Things you didn't know
Chef Sufian Zain who now helms L'Entrepot Bistrot was former head chef of Iggy's - a restaurant which won numerous regional and international awards.

Verdict
A good place to satisfy a craving for hearty, unpretentious French food. A deserted Clarke Quay in the afternoon means it is a good place for a quiet lunch, or a more boisterous dinner with girl friends in the evening before heading for drinks.