Madame - Cool and Amazing Experience

Finders Keepers - Caviar Tasting brings me to Madame, a Wine and Spirits Bar at 69 Tras Street. I don’t know if the owner chose this shophouse because of the number, but I do know that I have such an excitingly good time here.

This bar is so full of character and that old world charm, completed with lots of stylish flair. Rows of spirits of all kinds fill up the dark wooden shelves behind the bar counter, partly shrouded in darkness and partly illuminated by the yellow lights, it has this mysterious intense vibe that feels different from other wine bars. With heavy curtains, lots of candlelights, classic European style murals, wooden furniture and yellow lights, the ambience is so cosy and nostalgic yet exciting at the same time.

The food here is European fare with some unique twists. It is very good for sharing, and being lighter on the palates, which is a good thing, it is perfect to go with the wine and spirits here.

The service is wonderful, which really matches the vibe here, making this bar one of the top choices to chill and have a good time in style.

I had caviar lots of times, but this Caviar Tasting, completed with mother of pearl spoon, is really an eye-or-tastebuds opener where I actually discover the subtle differences in the taste profile of different caviars through comparison. And the complimentary Delamotte champagne is the perfect palate cleanser to sip in between spoonful of gastronomic treats. I love this event oh so much. A must-try experience.

Russian caviar has the saline sweetness. Traditional caviar tastes so buttery when savoured with butter and the cute little piece of flatbread. Majestic caviar is more full-bodied, going very well with refreshing cucumber. In fact, a fellow patron told me cucumber is a good accompaniment to enjoy with caviar because it brings out the true taste of the caviar. Oscietra caviar, the most premium one, is creamy and complex,

Truffle Mushroom tartlet may look dry on the outside, but it is actually super moist and creamy on the inside. This tastes like creamy earthy heaven, where seasonings is kept light to let the natural sweetness of mushrooms shine. It also features good texture due to the strands of dried mushrooms and the buttery tart base.

Mac and Cheese Balls is crispy on the outside and creamily moist on the inside, and I love this contrast in texture. The taste is surprisingly, in a very good wat, slightly spicy, and packed with nuanced flavours that develop and intensify with each subsequent bite. So good and so hearty.

Old Cuban here has the strong taste of whisky perfectly balanced by the mint and zest to yield a refreshing yet intense cocktail. I’m not exactly a whisky person but I’m definitely into this drink.

Thoughts: Awesome Experience!

69 Tras Street

Caviar - Romantic Ambience, Refreshing Tastes

This restaurant is no longer in operation 

When I chanced upon this restaurant, the name "Caviar" immediately evokes images of opulence, ritzy interior and impeccable service. As a bon vivant, of course I want to dine here to enjoy a luxurious dining experience that is still within what I’m comfortable paying for.

And the restaurant truly lives up to its namesake, with doses of romance added. While the exterior has that grandeur feel with the logo of calligraphy swirls artistically gathering around the word “Caviar”, the interior is classic, stylish and so romantic. I love the rows of baby breath, cotton blooms, autumn leaves and poppies lining the tables. And with the excellent and impeccable service by Henry, this place is definitely perfect for dates. I’m not on a date but still enjoy myself nonetheless.

The food here is refreshing in taste and pleasing to the palates. And yes, the lovely moulds of caviar added to the yellowtail appetizer and the dessert are so sinfully awesome.  Dessert with caviar?! Yup, I wrote that correctly. It’s unique and delicious, a must-try here.

Yellowtail Mosaic is actually cooked Hamachi, which kind of surprises me, since this fish is usually presented in its raw form. This is one good surprise because the Hamachi is succulent with a good amount of fattiness. With the light creaminess of Avocado Aioli and zest of Yuzu Kosho Cream, the taste of the fish is perked up and enhanced. Definitely one of my favourites.

Magnum Opus Oscietra caviar is packed with the sweetness of the ocean. My suggestion is to savour it on its own first and then mix a bit with the fish.

The savoury Amuse Bouche has very good balance of textures between crispness and succulent softness.

Homemade Sesame Bread is so fluffy and full of the aroma of baked wheat. I love it and it’s good wven when eaten on its own. The accompanying Lobster and Yuzu Butter is very interesting and refreshing in taste, where zest meets unami. The taste of butter juxtaposes well with the earthy aroma of sesame.

Japanese Scallop with Braised Daikon, White Corn, Smoked Celeriac Puree and Lemongrass Broth is oh-so-good. The succulent, bouncy scallop showcases the nuanced sweetness of the ocean highlighted by the zest of lemongrass broth with a hint of pungency. The clean taste of daikon and sweetness of white corn add an element of earthiness to the taste and variation to the texture. I love this so much.

Uni Pasta Capellini is so generously topped with lots of fresh sweet creamy uni. Ah, savouring this is happiness. I love the thin strands of capellini where more of the Citrus Oil is trapped between them, yielding super flavourful, refreshing tasting noodles. My suggestion to enjoy the uni is eat some on its own, then eat it with the capellini without the sauce, and then leave a bit for mixing everything together.

Olive Flounder with Salsify, Oyster Mayonnaise and Smoked Ikura is another fish dish that pleasantly surprises me. The fish is moist and packed with flavours. It tastes very good on its own and even better with the accompanying sauces, ikura and crunchy salsify vegetable, also known as oyster plant.

Chrysanthemum & Pear dessert is a must try for the sheer reason of experiencing the beautiful combination of savoury intensity of caviar and light creamy sweetness of mousse n cake.

The light floral sweetness of Creme Brulee Chrysanthemum Mousse, the fluffy Victoria Sponge, the creamy Chantily Cream, the refreshing juicy Compressed Pear is perfection when paired with creamier Opus Créme de Creme caviar.

Awesome fruity, refreshing champagne to spoilt myself with.

Nice thoughts of welcoming me with my name on the menu.

Thoughts: Luxurious experience that I totally enjoy

390 Orchard Road

Palais Renaissance B1-07

Nearest MRT: Orchard