Lunch @ Le Papillon
It's the final countdown. 7 days before Le Papillon fades away like a wilting flower. I went back with some lunch companions who wanted a taste of Anderson's culinary talent before Le Papillon (French for "Butterfly") is no more.
Here's a pic of a white bread roll that has a texture akin to that of a Brazilian Cheese Bun (which I love), because it has a slightly chewy and moist texture.
Chef Anderson was very sweet to prepare a mini-degustation for us for lunch. Our starter was Crab Salad with Green Apple Espuma ("espuma" is Spanish for "foam"). The delicate sweetness of the crab meat was well complemented by the gentle tartness of green apple with accents of basil-infused oil.
For those who couldn't eat crabs, Chef Anderson prepared a starter of Pan-Fried Foie Gras for them. Coveting our neighbours platters, a few of us wanted a half-portion of Foie Gras in addition to our crab salads! Here's a pic of my half-portion. I'm powerless against the temptation of Foie Gras! It was delicious but would have been alot better if it was a full portion. However, that was all I could have, after all...moderation is key! :P
That was followed by a tasting portion of my all-time favourite (and highly-recommended) dish of Rigatoni Pasta Tossed in Crustacean Oil, Shaved Bottarga, Tiger Prawns, Seaweed & Arugula Salad. It was excellent as always and won rave reviews from all who had it! The pasta was al dente and was coated with a richly-flavoured crustacean oil dressing. This is definitely a MUST-TRY especially if you've never had it before!
Our main course was Steak with Truffle Potato Souffle. I generally do not like any sauce on my steak but as Chef Anderson was arranging the menu, I would gladly eat it in the manner that he prescribes (though I would certainly go easy on the jus). The steak was done medium-rare and was tasty though I generally prefer a cleaner taste. The Truffle Potato Souffle was sublime! It was light and fluffy yet wonderfully infused with the intoxicating flavour of truffles. It was yet another palate-pleaser for all at the table. :)
By the time the desserts arrived, I was starting to feel pretty stuffed. The Trio of Desserts consisted of a Filo Pastry Parcel filled with Chocolate & Lemon Peel, Ice-Cream (I barely ate it as I was too full) and Chocolate & Chestnut Parfait. I've already had the Chocolate & Chestnut Parfait during dinner last week but was still happy to finish half of it today. It was not exceedingly sweet and was a nice combination of flavours. That said, it was nothing compared to the Filo Pastry Chocolate Parcels! The crisp and fragrant pastry bursts open in your mouth to yield a rich chocolate filling with tangy lemon peel. This has to be taken while its still warm for maximum enjoyment and is a MUST-TRY!
Do try Le Papillon for its food but you'll have to be patient as service is pretty slow. If possible, go for dinner so you'll have the luxury of time to savour its culinary delights.
“When a small child, I thought that success spelled happiness.
I was wrong, happiness is like a butterfly which appears and delights us for one brief moment, but soon flits away.”
- Anna Pavlova
The curtains will come down on Le Papillon on 29 April 2008. Grab a degustation meal or a serving of the scrumptious Rigatoni Pasta while you still can.
Previous entries:
1) A La Carte Lunch @ Le Papillon
2) Food Blogger's Dinner 2007 @ Le Papillon
Le Papillon
28 Maxwell Road,
#01-02 Red Dot Traffic Building
Singapore 069120
Tel: +65 6327-4177
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday : noon to 2.30 pm & 6.30 to 10.30pm
Saturday : 6.30 pm till late (last order @ 10.30pm)
Closed on Sunday
BYO : Monday only