I always have that impression that the peeps working in CBD area are highly stressed out. Hence there are a lot of watering holes for them to let their hair down. Located at Amoy Street with the entrance at the back alley of Gemmill lane, Le Binchotan has recently opened its door serving French-Japanese Tapas and exquisite cocktails.
With the restaurant named after white charcoal, how can one not order any skewers? Tripe ($11) was grilled beautiful and would win any gizzard lover’s heart.
Chicken Tsukune ($13) is a huge meatball skewered and infused with smokiness from the bincho-tan (white charcoal used to grill the meat). A nice play with the texture leaving me reaching out for more. Sorry friend, if I had your share. Oppsss
Small plates are always welcomed for group sharing dining experience. Foie Gras ($21) took on an interesting take of a Japanese style braised daikon topped with shaven foie gras.
Madai ($25) was a beautiful dish with Smoked Sea Bream, Eggplant, Radish and Sherry Vinegrette. Something in between sashimi and ceviche, light and appetizing.
Tenkasu ($15), deep fried enoki fritters, mushroom ragout and yellow pickled daikon, a lovely small plate of texture meets comfort.
With a lovely experience from the small plates, the hype has built up for the large plate. However it was met with a slight disappointment. Loving the deep fried charcoal kabocha pumpkin from the Iberico Pork Jowl ($35) and the curry katsu aroma of the pork jowl. But the latter was greasy and required something with more acidity to help strike a balance with the dish.
Angus Short Rib ($39) was slow cooked for 16 hours and served with Leek Puree, Nagaimo and Kurosu Jus.
End the night with the Tau huay like texture from Coconut ($15) or get the Smoked Chocolate ($15) if you are adventurous enough to try something new. The smoky bacon-like aroma would intrigued your mind.
Though there are hits and misses, the 35 seater Japanese French Tapas bar and restaurant is perfect for a girls night out or cosy catching up session over some beautifully crafted cocktails if you want to spurge. Reservation is definitely recommended due to limited seating.
Le Binchotan is also open for lunch with set lunch menu priced at $38 for 3 courses and $48 for 4 courses. With no service charge, isn’t it a good excuse to check out this new kid on the block?
Le Binchotan
115 Amoy Street #01-04 Singapore 069935
Tel: +65 6221 6065
Email: reservations.binchotan@gmail.com
Operating hours: Mon ~ Sat Lunch 11.30am to 3pm
Dinner 6pm to 11pm
Drinks 10.30pm to 12am (only bar snacks and drinks will be served)
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