Rustic and nostalgic, but sumptuous
Just as how Claudine is built with a vision of serving the homeliest, most comforting flavours of French cooking, your palate will also be frequently greeted by some very rustic (and maybe even nostalgic) flavours.
One is the La Terrace signature, the half roasted chicken (S$58, serves up to three) served atop a bed of starchy Niigata rice, gratifyingly punctuated with charred bits and bolstered with a punchy, intoxicating garlic fragrance.
Although roasted chicken is indubitably French, there’s an inkling of our local chicken rice in this dish — it’s akin to a cousin that sports a French accent.
Save for the firmer — but not dry — breast portions, La Terrace’s cook on the chicken leaves the flesh exceedingly tender, while appended with crispy slivers of brownish-red skin.
The rice, with its mix of flavours and textures, is already captivating on its own, but becomes much more irresistible with a drizzle of the accompanying sauce that imparts a dose of umami. It’s rich enough to elevate, but still keeps the profile balanced.
If you’re privy to European flavours, the sardine toast (S$24) will be yet another familiar sight at La Terrace.
The star is the fatty, briny and potently umami sardine, dressed up with aioli and shallot pickles — undoubtedly straightforward, but positively a flavour bomb.
At the end of the meal, pampering yourselves to desserts is also imperative since the French do their pastries spectacularly, and La Terrace is the best showcase of that finesse.
The chewy and moist freshly baked madeleines (S$16) are about as good as it gets for classic madeleines but the lemon tart (S$14) is a showstopper.
Oh, the lemon tart is divine — the amalfi lemon is gorgeously vivacious, but not face-wrenchingly zesty and is simply euphoric when slathered with the whipped meringue at the side.
While Claudine’s general price tag might be too steep for most, especially in this economy, we think La Terrace might just be the best date spot for those seeking immaculate vibes and simple, but deftly executed French cuisine.