REVIEW: Ivy Restaurant - Halal French Cuisine!

Unfortunately this year, the husband's birthday fell on a weekday. Even more unfortunate was the fact that he was supposed to be involved in a long meeting that would only allow us to have a celebration at night. Already dampened by the fact that I could not carry out our annual go-out-the-whole-day kind of celebration, I was having problem finalizing dinner venue.

We both love to explore different places for food and I was wrecking my brains to decide which restaurant to go to have a simple dinner. 

Just in time, I got an invitation from a Ms Novell Goh for a food tasting session at Ivy Restaurant for that same night.....for authentic HALAL Southern French Cuisine!

Although many Halal food establishments have been set up in Singapore, I have NEVER been to a French restaurant before (deprived much ? :P ) . There was a Halal one in Haji Lane some time back but it has since closed down. Therefore without a second thought, I said 'Yes'!

[There are special benefits for you lucky readers at the end of this post so read on!]

This photo was taken right under the umbrella because the rain was just so so heavy! 

We did Maghrib prayers in the musollah located at the Beach Carpark (a small but very comfortable and well-lit room). We then walked in the heavy rain towards Siloso Beach till we reached Siloso Beach Resort. You can choose to take the tram from Beach Station but a little walking (less than 10 minutes) won't hurt, especially if your final destination is great food for the tum tum!

Warmly greeted by Ms Novell and Ms Hui Ping from their PR firm , we were taken on a tour around the place by the very friendly Mr Khamil Hyder, the Sales & Marketing Manager of Ivy Restaurant. 

It was evident that Ivy Restaurant was designed to give its customers a warm and relaxed feel. We were seated at the al fresco area that faces the popular Siloso Beach. With the lush greenery surrounding us ,dark wood finishings and warm lightings, it sure gives you a cosy and romantic feel, especially in the evening. 

Just perfect for any special occasion with your friends or loved ones!

According to Mr Khamil, when there isn't any need to set up tables, this area is used by Muslim patrons should they need to perform their obligatory prayers. 

What shall I call this? The verandah?  Anyway , this place is used when the first level is fully utilised or when there is any booking for event. I went to their Facebook page and saw the settings for a recent wedding...So sweet! You can either get them to find the decorators etc for you or you can just book the venue and do up the place yourself. That explains their  simple design; to allow diners to do up their own wedding / birthday  themes. Very practical, very smart move indeed.

We were eager to see what they were going to serve for the night.  As wine is an essential ingredient in French dishes, I was intrigued to know how they taste like without the use of wine (Not that I know what it is like with wine! Hahaha....).

For starters,we were served the CRAB SALAD. 

CRAB SALAD
With caramelised leeks, truffle honey, figs chutney and a hint of avocado puree

The more I look at this photo, the more I feel the compelling urge to taste this again....

The Crab Salad was soooooooooooooo good! I was a little skeptical as I am not much of a vege lover (read: leeks) but it was too delicious for me to bother about those veges. The mixture of the avocado puree and truffle honey made a unique combination - I can seriously remember how that tasted like! Oh, I love those orangey thingy at the top but I had no idea what it was. We later found out it was caviar. So that's how caviar tastes like.... slurrrrpppppp.....

Next starter ... Pan Fried King Scallops  

Pan Fried King Scallops
with parsnip puree and herbs

Both husby and I agree that this is drool-worthy and give it four thumbs up! I love scallops but sometimes the way they are cooked takes away the natural taste of the scallops. These scallops here were plump, tender and delectable and I really took my own sweet time chewing it. If we were to go back to Ivy (which we probably would), this is a must-order item. 

We were then served with two of their main courses. 

Pan Fried Seabass

With sauteed mushrooms, baked cherry tomatoes , flat beans. spinach and carrot puree.

Another favourite! So far, I have introduced 3 and all 3 are my favourites ?? :P  On a serious note, I was initially skeptical when I saw the mushrooms and the greens underneath the seabass but this is one example of how a good presentation does wonders to whet your appetite.

I totally dig it, veges and all! In fact , the sauteed mushrooms and spinach were so tasty that I feel they really added on to the taste of the crispy-on-the-outside-and-soft-on-the-inside seabass. I left out the flat beans though..that's not so bad, is it?

Sirloin Steak

with chunky chips and mixed salad

Their Sirloin Steak is one of their more popular items on the menu. Just like all the other dishes, the Chef only uses fresh and good quality ingredients and this includes beef dry-aged for 150 days. We were told that the sauce takes three days to make from scratch.

Perfect stage between medium and well-done. 

I am not too sure if the sauce is to my taste - I would have preferred it to be a little more peppery but that could just be me. The other blogger and her mum who were seated with us love the sauce! However, I was more than satisfied with the perfect texture of the steak. ... and I was secretly wishing for another set of the crunchy fries. Fat and served warm - great to munch on, on that cold and rainy night.

I was feeling quite full at that point (yes, I get full easily but will soon get hungry again....) but I couldn't wait for desserts. Desserts always make me happy!


                                 Vanilla Crème brûlée

For all those with a sweet tooth, this would be perfect for you! Husby likes this a lot and finished up my share.... hehe.. there is just so much sweetness I can take with my desserts. 

                             

Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice-Cream

It was really sweet of them to surprise us with a birthday message for the hubby. 

Chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream can never go wrong.  This was a perfect one to end the meal with..

That's us with another blogger and her mum, and the Chef who truly deserved our compliments that night.

I was impressed with how Chef Piotr described his journey in sourcing out for suitable ingredients that will not compromise on the taste of the restaurant's fusion Halal French cuisine, even with the absence of wine. And did you know that he trained / worked with Gordon Ramsay, that famous culinary Guru? 

That's Mr Khamil and Chef Piotr. Do look for Mr Khamil for any queries on venue booking etc.

You really should consider Ivy Restaurant for your next special occasion - birthday, anniversary or corporate event. In fact , if you are just hanging out at the beach or roaming around Sentosa, this would be an ideal place to chill and have a meal because they are perfectly fine with guests coming in casually dressed. Fuss free!

Now, here comes the best part for you readers!

From now till end of the year, you are entitled to 10% off ala carte items for each visit to Ivy Restaurant.

All you have to do is mention "I'm a reader of Haryani's blog!" when you are there and you get that 10% off. Super effortless! (ok...so now my real name is out :P . But I'd still very much liked to be known as 'Fairy Queen')

Wait....there's more!

I have FIVE 20% DISCOUNT VOUCHERS for 5 lucky readers! 

All you need to do is to give me your name and email address in the comment box below this post, and I'll get in touch with you to get your mailing address. First come, first served :)

So where?

Ivy Restaurant Pte Ltd

Siloso Beach Resort 

51 Imbiah Walk (opposite WAVEHOUSE)

For reservation , call : (65) 6271-7008

Opening hours: Tue 5:30 - 10pm, Wed-Sun (12:30 - 10pm), Mon (Closed)

Price range : $30 - $50 ++ per person . Set menus are available at $38 and $45 only.

For more information, visit  http://ivysingapore.com or their Facebook page. 

I hope I have managed to whet your appetite and evoked your curiosity because this is definitely a place worth going! 

Cheers.