Fans of Chef Jean-Charles Dubois's creative cuisine will rejoice now that the likeable French chef, formerly chef de cuisine at Raffles Grill, has finally set up shop at Central Mall. Named The French Kitchen, the 35-seater eatery looks set to be the among the city's top spots for excellent French cuisine.

The three-course set lunch (S$36) is good value for money. We recommend the home-smoked salmon with the traditional garnishes of finely chopped egg, parsley, capers, shallot and horseradish cream; and the traditional lobster bisque with tiger prawn beignet and leek custard for starters. For mains, the grilled tuna fillet with home-smoked bacon, warm citrus-scented salad of corn and baby romaine, and light port wine jus is a light option but we much prefer the immensely satisfying crispy skinned and ultra tender duck leg confit with caramelised fig, crispy polenta, sautéed Jerusalem artichoke and duck jus. For dessert, the dark chocolate crème brulee with vanilla ice cream hits the spot.

The a la carte menu offers a good selection of French classics and house specialties include the crispy sweetbread with creamy morel mushrooms in homemade puff pastry (S$30); roasted pigeon royale with garniture a la Francaise and bayonne ham (S$45); and bourguignon of braised beef short ribs (S$38). Don't miss the signature Dubois warm chocolate fondant with caramelised banana ice cream (S$16) and Champagne sabayon with forest berries (S$16).

The dining experience is all the more pleasant with corkage-free Sundays and restaurant manager Jan Stroop's winning ways with the guests. - Josephine Soh

#01-03 Central Mall, 7 Magazine Road. 
Tel: 6438-1823

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