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2013-12-22
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Since its relocation to this quaint little mall off Upper Thomson Road, Black Sheep Cafe has had problems drawing new walk-in customers, possibly due in part to the somewhat concealed location off the main road. It is, however, able to leverage on its proximity to the rows of food establishments lining Upper Thomson Road, among which are foodie favourites such as Udders and The Roti Prata House.Arriving early on a Wednesday evening, I found Black Sheep Cafe, as well as the rest of the mall, prac
Arriving early on a Wednesday evening, I found Black Sheep Cafe, as well as the rest of the mall, practically deserted. Despite contributing to a peaceful and relaxing ambience not commonly encountered in densely-populated Singapore, the perennial lack of human traffic at the mall must certainly present a headache for the smattering of tenants, Black Sheep included.
Fortunately for Black Sheep, it is able to bank on its delightfully hearty and comforting French fare to draw loyal customers with whom the chef, over the years, has established unwavering rapport. Central to its culinary success is its trademark and flagship Duck Confit on Apple Roesti with Mango Relish (SGD 26.50). Black Sheep's rendition of this French staple consists of a duck leg served on a bed of roesti, accompanied by apple slices, a mesclun salad mix and a serving of spiced mango relish sitting prettily in a tablespoon.
The duck skin was commendably done, offering a substantial crunch to the bite. Yet, the flesh within retained a fair quantity of moisture and tenderness, providing a welcome contrast to the crispiness of the skin. The flesh fell delightfully off the bone with some gentle prodding, making it a breeze to savour its tenderness. While flavourful, the duck was a little too salty for my liking, but not excessively so. In fact, the saltiness was partially offset by the soft and fluffy roesti, which, being relatively muted in flavour, provided a perfect foil to the intensity of the duck.
The accompanying salad provided the customary greens, and did little to enhance the dish's memorability. Worth mentioning, however, were the slices of apple which added a touch of tartness and sweetness to the dish.
While not to my liking, the spoonful of mango relish succeeded in spicing up the dish, both gustatorily as well as visually. Apart from providing a kick to the palate, the spiced mango bits also added a dash of colour, instantly doing wonders for the visual attractiveness of the dish. The mango relish also offered the dish an indisputable talking point, and by giving this French classic a refreshing twist, it instantly set it apart from the plethora of other establishments offering duck confit.
Crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside duck confit. The accompanying mango relish is a visual treat.Upon the chef's recommendation, we also ordered the Baked Brie with Pistachio Crust and Citrus Fruit Salsa (SGD 16.00). Being an ardent cheese maniac, I was certainly keen on sampling one of my favourite cheeses.
Luscious baked brie with accompaniments of mesclun and citrus salsaIt did not disappoint. The brie came ensconced beneath a firm yet yielding crust which was studded with pistachios. The chopped nuts added much flavour and crunch, and contrasted beautifully with the silken brie beneath it. The accompanying fruit salsa was barely a salsa of any sort, but seemed more of a typical fruit salad to me. I identified some orange and grapefruit slices, and these added a touch of sweetness and tartness to the dish. Overall, it was indeed a magnificent cheese dish.
Indeed, Black Sheep Cafe is where one can savour some ingeniously-crafted French-based cuisine. Considering that they do not charge for service or GST, the prices are comparable to similar niche establishments. Check out the lunch/dinner menu.
Lunch/dinner menu at Black Sheep Cafe.Despite the lack of an explicit service charge, service there was polite and meticulous, with all the staff readily sporting smiles and paying close attention to details such as the placement of cutlery and crockery. Furthermore, the tranquil setting of the sleepy mall enhances the snug and cosy atmosphere. Do drop by Black Sheep Cafe for a homey-feeling gastronomic treat!
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