Tiong Bahru continues to evolve with the addition of Merci Marcel, a French café-restaurant located right beside Tiong Bahru Bakery. (It took over The Orange Thimble.)
There are different faces to it – a French breakfast and brunch café spot in the day, chic restaurant and wine bar at night.
In terms of decor, the 1,450 square feet restaurant has 3 spaces of the Lounge, Café Chic, and the Garden Patio. A fairly photogenic place.
I miss the good-old Tiong Bahru, but with the changing demographics, it is expected that we see more lifestyle concepts like this appearing in the neighbourhood.
During the evening, Merci Marcel introduces a French social dining concept with a dinner ‘tapas’ menu, created for sharing in good company.
It was recommended that diners start with 2 to 3 plates, then continue “depending on desire”.
Some of its starters included Cheese Croquette ($14), Chickpea Crème ($10), Duck Rillettes ($18), Good Cheese Tartar ($12), and aged cured 18th Bayonne Ham ($16).
For something more filling, the mains offered were Tarte Flambee ($24), Grilled Chicken with crispy Bayonne Ham ($22), Australian Angus Beef 400g ($39), Black Pepper Tuna ($25), and Ceviche of Red Snapper ($22).
Slightly on the expensive side for a rather casual bistro-like setting, but this is the price point many new restaurants in Singapore are moving towards. Sigh.
The Duck Rillettes ($18) is recommended, where the silky paste is served up with delicate melted camembert cheese and marinated pear.
I had the Crab Rillettes ($18) mixed with avocados, and enjoyed the delightful sweetness of the pale pink flesh, best spread on the sourdough bread.
The Pork Tenderloin ($24) with caramelised onions and ginger turned out to be a great choice as well, grilled till tender and moist, and was full of flavour.
I paired this up with a side of creamy Seasonal Mushrooms ($10), which was equally tasty.
Merci Marcel is slightly off the radar for now, but with its lovely ambience and promising food, it should get some attention fairly soon.
Merci Marcel – Tiong Bahru
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68 Singapore 160056 (Tiong Bahru MRT)
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 11.30pm (Mon – Sat), 8am – 10:30pm (Sun)
Merci Marcel – Club Street
7-9 Club St Singapore 069400
Tel: +65 6438 3913
Opening Hours: 9am – 12am (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Wine & Chef (Keong Saik Road)
Fleur De Sel (Tras Street)
Bakalaki Greek Taverna (Tiong Bahru)
Garcon (Tanjong Pagar)
Hans Im Glück (Orchard Road)
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