Update: As of November 2010, this restaurant has already ceased operations.

It’s ironic how one can travel all across the country, or in Singapore’s case halfway across this island, to try a certain dish or patronize a certain restaurant, yet you miss out on a place that is in close proximity to you. Cafe le Chateau is a good example of me not visiting restaurants that I had yet to visit, in spite of the relatively short distance from my humble abode.

Cafe le Chateau is helmed by Chef Foo who last headed the kitchens of a restaurant in Funan Centre and the now demolished Marco Polo Hotel. The restaurant, while not exactly unheard of, is still, somewhat of a hidden find. That’ is, of course, not at the very least surprising, considering its relatively obscure location. Housed in Valley Point Shopping Centre, off River Valley Road, it is somewhat off the beaten track.

Oh, before I forget, whilst the name sounds French, the French flag stretches across the front of the entrance, it is of your humble author’s opinion that the food is reminiscent somewhat of Hainanese-influenced French cusine rather than as a pure play on French cuisine. That said, the menu includes many French classics like French Onion soup and escargots.

But I’m glad I’ve tried it. This restaurant, my friend, is a good alternative to Jack’s Place, The Ship or even Shahslik. Prices are comparable too, with set lunches going from just S$9.90++.

Pictured right at the top of the post is a Lobster Bisque. I liked the flavours of the broth and the creamy texture. This is no lobster bisque from The French Kitchen, but this shall suffice for now.
Note: This required a small top up to the set lunch.

The set lunch came with a Soup of the Day. The day’s soup was a pleasant Cream of Mushroom. Decent but it tasted a tad watered down for my liking.

A touch of truffle oil may have just done the trick to elevate this soup to much greater heights. But, for the price, I’m not complaining!

As part of the Executive Lunch set at S$24.90++, you get to a soup and dessert, but you get to choose any main course from the ala carte menu.

I was in the mood for red meat, and thus ordered the Beef Tenderloin. The beef was grilled perfectly, achieving the medium doneness that I had requested for.

The black pepper mushroom sauce though, came across as slightly strong, overpowering the natural flavours of the beef at times.

My dining partner was too in the mood for beef and ordered the Sirloin Steak. The sauce and presentation were basically the same as that of my Beef Tenderloin.

I had read from earlier reviews that the Apple Tart was one of their signature dishes and I was deliberating topping up for it or sticking to the dessert of the day.

I asked the owner/manager if their apple tart was worth trying and the simple nod that I got, sealed my choice.

It was served hot from the oven, with a fluffy pastry texture and was, most importantly, not exceedingly sweet.

I’ll gladly re-order this dessert, the next time that I’m here!

The Dessert of the Day was a simple Tiramisu. Just like the Apple tart, it was not overwhelming sweet, it was just the right way to end off the meal on a sweet note.

Cafe Le Chateau

491 River Valley Road
#01-16 Valley Point
Singapore

Tel: (65) 6737 7897