There’s always those eateries which leave one wanting to head back. That’s how it is for Absinthe and I. On my first visit, my friend and I came without reservation and had to head elsewhere as they were closed for a private event. On my second, I didn’t get to try the dishes I wanted to because my dining partner wasn’t feeling too well in the stomach; We went with dishes like fish that were easier on the palette. But I still remember how wonderful their peach tart was.

So yes, I have been meaning to head back to Absinthe. You know, to feast properly by ordering my kind of food. Haha. And the opportunity finally came, although I was a little too late because they had relocated.

Called the restaurant at least twice in an attempt to make reservation, but was directed to their voicemail. I double checked. I called during their operating hours. Not wanting to waste time, I made a reservation via online where I was directed to a third party website, Quandoo.

Quandoo showed there was limited tables left, but did not indicate there were different seating areas. Ie, within the 3-storey shophouse or by the river. Thus, I was slightly disappointed when my friend and I were directed to the alfresco seats on the day of our weekday dinner.

And from the menu (pages 1, 2, 3), we ordered:-

1) Charcuterie platter of the day, $28 (above) – Comprised of duck rillette, cured Spanish chorizo, terrine de porc forestiere and jamon iberico. And served with accompanying bread of white and wholegrain. I am one who go for wholegrain, and out of curiosity, I enquired with the manager on the type. Example, spelt, rye, etc. But I was slightly taken aback when he couldn’t reply me properly. He just went “It’s wholegrain.” Erm, I think I could see the obvious? It’s a pity he didn’t take the initiative to check with the kitchen too.

2) Fjord ocean trout tartare, $26 (above) – With avruga caviar and frisee salad. Frankly, I was disappointed with this too. I felt I could easily put this together at home.

3) Pan fried foie gras, $29 (above) – With caramelized apple, sherry vinegar. The foie gras tasted better when it’s eaten with the apple for the contrast in texture and taste. Nice.

4) Lobster bisque scented with cognac, $16 (above) – While the soup was rich, it also tasted slightly diluted. Hmm. But what Absinthe had done differently was that the bisque was paired with puff pastry. I kept picking at the puff pastry that’s stuck on the bowl as they were crispy. Ha!

5) Duck confit, $29 (above) – With sarladaise potatoes, frisee salad.

6) Rabbit, $34 (above) – With mustard, tagliatelle pasta, vegetables. It was a little overwhelming to be eating rabbit in its visible form of a rabbit thigh. It was quite hard to remove the image of a cute bunny as I ate this dish. But honestly, maybe it’s just me and my overly-active imagination.

7) Souffle glace mandarine, $14 (above) – With honey, orange crisp. I guess the names of dishes have to be read as a whole. But when I saw the word ‘souffle’, I genuinely expected a fluffy soufflé. One that threatens to deflate within minutes. But no, we were served with what resembled ice cream sandwiched between cookies that’s further topped with another scoop of ice cream. I mean, it does look so, right? =p However, my friend and I weren’t impressed. It was just too sweet.

8) Tart of the day, $14 (above) – We were informed by the staff the tart of the day was apple pear tart. And with anticipation that it would be similar to the peach tart I had previously, I placed our order for it. However, this was a total let down. I put down my fork after having 3 bites. It was just like any fruit tart which one could get from a confectionery. Just that this was a size XL. I was expecting more from a restaurant.

With a view of the Singapore river and the occasional cool night breeze, Absinthe’s alfresco area had a good setting for a romantic dinner. However, having dined at their previous location, I was actually looking forward to that up-tight fine dining experience where the manager, dressed up sharply in his suit, would go through the dishes on the menu in detail, etc. However, it seemed that Absinthe has decided to become more… Casual with their relocation. Am not too sure if the ambience is different indoors.

But regardless of where one is sited, I am sure the level of service provided would be the same. And I was disappointed with the service. The staff didn’t know their dishes well and were often standing around, talking to one another, and gazing at the people who were walking past instead of paying attention to their diners.

So with this (updated) dining experience, I definitely won’t be thinking about heading back to Absinthe. Which is really a disappointment though cause I had such favourable memories.

RESTAURANT ABSINTHE
72 Boat Quay, Singapore 6222 9068, Website, Facebook
	Overall: 6
Opening hours:-	Food/Beverage: 7
Mon – Fri : 11:45 – 14:30 (Lunch)	Ambience: 6
Mon – Sat : 17:30 – 22:30 (Dinner)	Value: 7
	Service: 5
* Closed on Sun

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