My aunt, Yee, very kindly bought Chubbs and I lunch at Au Petit Salut at Harding Road earlier this week, and we had a most lovely lunch. It was rather eventful afternoon too, as nature decided to bless us with a torrential rainstorm as we were reaching and we got rather drenched just getting into the restaurant. We were seated in the al fresco area, and because of the cracking lightning, booming thunder and relentless heavy rain on the roof, it was difficult to carry out any conversation, and I had to order by pointing at the menu. A plus side that came with the storm, was that it was unusually cool, dinning outdoors.
For starters, we ordered a tuna tartare and escargot to share, and they both turned out fabulous. The tuna was tender and seasoned well with mustard, lemon and extra virgin olive oil. The garlic and herb butter that the snails were cooked in, was a delight with the hot, crusty bread rolls that accompanied the meal.
My aunt ordered the ever popular onglet with caramelised onions and fries as her main course and I had the risotto with scallops, squid and prawns. The steak was great, as always, but the risotto was over-seasoned, and the texture, a bit on the wet side. I'd have preferred it a little creamier, and oozier. I also didn't quite understand the rather odd spinach garnish.
Chubbs tried fries for the first time, and even though he's never fancied potatoes, he seemed to enjoy the crisp novelty of them very much.
Chubbs constant and loyal partner-in-crime, Buzz, was very kind to join us for dessert of creme brulee and profiteroles. Chubbs polished off quite a bit of the profiteroles, and was most pleased to have had such a rich and indulgent end to his meal. The mighty strong Illy coffee that came at the very end is always good, sending us on our way with a light buzz.
Chubbs loved running around the garden compound when the rain finally let up, and the weather was cool. The ambience and lush tropical garden setting is what keeps us coming back, and I fear that they'll see more of me when Chubbs goes to school just next door when the new year begins :/
