Gaston Bistro - Excellent Food, Excellent People

I noticed this place when walking along the beloved Keong Saik Road after a lunch at Taratata Brasserie. It was super crowded on a weekend afternoon with gorgeous people perching on the high chairs outside the restaurant and some chatting happily inside. Yes, the ambience is pretty boisterous, just like Gaston. I’m surprised since this area is pretty quiet on weekends. Curiosity got to me and I took a peek at the menu … okay, I definitely wanted to check out this place already.

Upon entering the restaurant, I’m greeted by service staff who wear beret caps. A nice touch to things. Now things are looking interesting …

Appetizer of Hamachi Tartare mayonnaise, crème fraiche, chives and gherkins is creamy goodness of the sea. Lots of harmonious flavours packed in the dollops of tartare. The raw cubes of hamachi mixed in brings on the subtle taste of the sea. A very good start to the meal.

Complimentary warm fluffy bread slathered with French butter, ah, such enjoyment from simply eating this.

Gougères, ala Mini Cheese Puffs is very interesting and serves as good appetizer. Melted cheese encased within the puff skin is yummy. Easy to finish these in one go.

Poireaux Vinaigrette Burnt-Leeks with Goat Cheese, Pistachio, Tarragon Vinaigrette is a vegetarian dish that is loaded with multitude of flavours, in a good way. Clean taste, fresh leeks with hints of smoky flavour, plus tangy flavour from the vinaigrette, veggies sometimes can be the winner.

Foie Gras en Touchon Jam and Toast is a special of presenting Foie Gras. Intense fatty flavours of foie gras matches very well with jam and toast, which helps to balance the oiliness of the fatty liver.

Saucisses Lentills Toulouse Sausages with cooked Lentils with bacon & onions is a real wholesome hearty treat with two huge tasty sausages. And the lentils are so soaked with flavours that my meat-lover companion actually finishes it up.

Orecchiette au Pesto Pasta with spring veggies, Parmigiano Regianno and homemade Pesto is another gastronomic heaven for veggie lovers. The flavours of freshness, spring and nature are very pronounced in this dish, which is how I like it.

Crumble aux Fruits is Apple and Blackberry with Vanilla Ice-cream completes the excellent meal we have here. Rich vanilla ice-cream completes the sweet and tangy crumble so well. The crumble also introduces an additional texture to this dessert, adding complexity to it.

The place is cool and modern yet at the same time has a cozy feel and rustic charm to it. I can see why lots of cool people likes to hang around here. It simply gets you into the mood to just enjoy the good times together. And the great service definitely helps to make it happen. The guys are energetic, friendly and responsive. At here, I feel very at ease and I feel like I’m enjoying the excellent food as form of spending time with my companion instead of purely for personal indulgence.

So yes, I look forward to coming back again with my loved ones to just pass time together in the company of awesome food.

Thoughts: Perfect place to enjoy good food and get together

Nearest car park: Along Keong Saik Road

Nearest MRT: Outram Park or Chinatown

25 Keong Saik Road