Strut along the quaint stretch along the lux SO Sofitel property and you’re bound to find yourself peeking into the photogenic and inviting space of Aether House. The French cafe and wine bar – helmed by Laurent Brouard, former Group Executive Chef of Bistro Du Vin at Les Amis Group – invites all food lovers, coffee fans and oenophiles alike to gather and enjoy a slice of French culinary savoir-faire. The mid-century modern yet effortlessly chic interiors give off a minimal and relaxed vibe that’s ideal for an afternoon of coffee breaks, work lunches, day–offs with a good read or even just plain old people–watching as if you were back in Boulevard Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Open throughout the day, the menu offers an extensive range of small bites and mains to appease lunch and dinner patrons respectively with wine pairings available upon request by an in–house sommelier. Unfamiliar with French cuisine and unsure of what to order? You’d be pleased to find that the team thoughtfully designed a Chef’s Tasting Set for a curated experience to surprise your palate via a 3–course set ($33, $52 with 1 wine pairing) or 5–course set ($55, $74 with 2 wine pairings). Now here’s a fuss-free yet accessible experience that money can buy. Here are our thoughts.
First off, the Amuse Bouche sets us on a sail into the French Rivieras with Le Boeuf Wagyu Au Couteau ($26), a wagyu beef and oyster tartare with ‘Kaviari’ caviar. This exquisite dish displays a complex savouriness from both the delicate brackishness of the caviar and the spiced smokiness of the hand–cut wagyu beef.
The ‘breath of the sea’ is complemented with locally sourced edible flowers planted atop to accompany each bite with a surprisingly herbaceous kick. This is a dish that has character aplenty showcasing culinary flair that will roll any experience off to a great start if you’d ask me.
Pro wine pairing tip: Ask to pair it with Varnier–Farniere’s Brut Zero Champagne that features a no sugar recipe. Its lemony, bright and bubbly nature helps to cut the density of the dish while cleansing your palate with vivacious notes of ripe green apples.
Continuing our journey cruising down to Saint Tropez, the L’Octopus De Méditerranée ($24) stars thinly sliced Mediterranean octopus carpaccio. The sweetness of the fresh octopus is brought forth with an in–house creamy aioli and dusted with peppers for a mild kick. A touch of acidity from the grapefruit slices and lemon oil are introduced for balance. Garnished with edible flowers and artfully presented, this dish is almost too pretty to consume.
Pro wine pairing tip: Ask to pair it with Dopff Au Moulin’s Riesling (2014), native to alluring Alsace. Yellow–gold hues shine through while it drinks medium dry. Expect dominant notes of citrus and gooseberries that form its crisp structured acidity, making it the perfect partner for the L’Octopus De Méditerranée.
Alas, out of the river we got and on to land we went, while the Le Poulet ($24) patiently awaits us. Chicken Ballotine is first sous vide for tender consistency and then finished with a roaring sear to give it a roasty crisp exterior. Laid on a bed of luscious yet frothy potato gratin and truffle sauce – only to be liberally drenched with “snowflakes” of French winter truffle shavings right before your very eyes – this fragrant, succulent dish exhibits deep earthy flavours that satisfy the purest of one’s truffle cravings.
Pro wine pairing tip: Ask to pair it with Château La Valliere’s Lalande De Pomerol (2015), a light to medium–bodied elegant blend with silky tannins. The ripe dark fruits are apparent on the nose, drinks of light woody vanilla and finishes with a twist of spice. Before you raise your hand in objection, and yes, we know it’s a red wine paired with a poultry dish but it really does satisfy. Don’t knock it till you try it is all we can say.
Dessert lovers can look forward to Aether House’s signature Le Soufflé De Singapour, a made–to–order kaya and pandan soufflé served with gula melaka ice cream for a warm and cold texture roller coaster. Other usual suspects of French patisserie; L’Opera Cake ($12) and L’Éclair Au Chocolat ($8) and Crème Brûlée ($12) are also available to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For romance seekers, look no further, your next French escapade to impress your significant other is none other than this photo–worthy dining spot. Like me, if you’ve enjoyed Aether House’s fine libations, be sure to check out the cellars where you can shop for your favourite wines, exquisite condiments, fine jams and even an eclectic collection of wine books that make great gifts.
Book here.