L'Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro at Customs House

Getting off the bus to visit L’Entrecote I felt frozen from the overpowering air conditioning. I hoped that the little walk across to the restaurant would help me thaw.

To my luck I got to L’Entrecote and was ushered outside to the deck where views of Marina Bay Sands were abundant and a light breeze did the trick. Nestled in the centre of Fullerton Bay Hotel, Customs House and Clifford Pier this little oasis is a gem.

I chose the seat closest to the water. The bar stools with high tables were the perfect setting for a sundowner evening. I was at L’Entrecote to savour the bar bites, something I do enjoy as I like to dip into variety and have small portions.

It was still light and I was served a tall glass of fortified wine Lillet Vive with green lemon peel, tonic, strawberry, cucumber and mint. Not sweet and so refreshing, this is an absolute must to start the night especially if doing al fresco dining.

Perfect for the balmy weather of Singapore and very well priced at $10++ a glass considering it is in the heart of the most prestigious part of Singapore!

I was hungry so when the beef tartare toast arrived I was thankful. Too big to do one mouthful I crunched into the toast which was so perfectly crisped. The mound of minced beef too that sat perched on the toast round was so delicious, I could taste the ingredients that went into the marinade.

Even if you come down to L’Entrecote for this and a glass of wine you will be completely satiated. Beef tartare so well made is not an easy find, at least in Singapore.

I moved on to try the Ricard drink which is served as a murky white short drink. Apparently this aniseed liquor when mixed with water turns to this colour. Not a fan of aniseed I had a sip and decided it was not for me. I would save my tummy for something else.

As the waiter approached I was filled with delight to see a cheese and charcuterie platter. Knowing how French chefs put together a combination of things I was introduced to everything on the platter.

Camembert, Comte, Sainte-Maure, Duck Rillete, Pâté en Croûte, Country Pâté with Pistachio and Duck Foie Gras Terrine were beautifully presented with condiments. My preference was the rillette and pate as it paired perfectly with a glass of 2018 Domaine Des Terres Blanches rose. Creamy with raspberry notes this rose hails from L’Entrecote’s signature vineyards. Muah!

I was told that deep fried frogs legs were another popular dish. Personally I had not enjoyed it cooked in a Chinese style but was happy to try this out. These must have been pretty big frogs!

With a fair amount of meet on the drumlets they were battered and deep fried served with a delicious garlic aioli. I feel the aioli enhanced the overall flavour of this dish wish I ended up giving a thumbs up to!

As the story goes L’Entrecote (that has just opened two months ago at this venue) has a legendary secret sauce that is served with the wagyu steak. No one knows what the 56 ingredients are, not even the chef.

The sauce arrives with half ingredients already put together and the L’Entrecote chef adds the other half. This ambiguity is part of the fun. Being a cook myself I was trying my best to figure out what some of the ingredients might be.

The trimmed entrecote steak which started in 1950’s in Paris created a steak served in a unique way with sauce on a plate and steak resting on it. This legendary sauce makes it all the more special. So L’Entrecote became known for this.

The original flagship restaurant in Singapore is located in Duxton and is a bistro which serves traditional French fare. At Customs House there is an added feature of bar bites, a very clever move considering the ambience and setting this venue sits in.

It was time to try this signature dish of wagyu beef cubed for the bar, served with it’s legendary sauce. Juicy and succulent the beef itself was scrumptious. Dipping into the sauce I could imagine what the rave was about. It is something to be tried when next at L’Entrecote! Be sure to order the 2016 Bordeaux Superieur when you have this.

To end this wonderful night of delights I was served two tarte flambees – a French style pizza made with choice toppings. The porcini and wild mushroom one was as expected – yummy!

I couldn’t possibly walk away from this lovely French restaurant without having escargots. So the other flambee had a mix of toppings – escargots, garlic, parsley, butter and onion. You are either a fan of escargots or you are not. Personally I love them so I devoured this dish wholeheartedly.

I’d say to those working in the CBD area this is a no brainer. Choose to pop in for a drink and some bar bites or entertain clients to a special lunch. Dinner too is a cosy, intimate space that would be wonderful for a special night out.

By the time I got off the bar stool I had expected to feel heavy having eaten rich food. To the contrary this turned out to be a fairly light meal compliments to L’Entrecote chef. It is this special talent to create menus and meals that work well for diners that is what I look for.

Impressed with the quality and pricing of L’Entrecote I walked away thinking I would be back with a group of friends the next time we are in need of a venue with a difference!

Here's some interesting news for Sunday Brunch Punters
SUNDAY BRUNCH SPECIAL EVERY SUNDAY, 11AM-5PM

STEAK & EGGS
Our take on a classic brunch favourite, our signature Trimmed Entrecôte Steak with legendary L’Entrecôte sauce, unlimited French fries and mixed green salad with walnuts and French vinaigrette, topped with your choice of either: French Omelette, Sunny Side-Up Egg or Creamy French Scrambled Eggs ($28)

SURF & TURF
Treat yourself to some pure weekend indulgence with tender steak and seafood hot off the grill! Our signature Trimmed Entrecôte Steak with legendary L’Entrecôte sauce, unlimited French fries and mixed green salad with walnuts and French vinaigrette, topped with your choice of freshly grilled premium seafood: Surf & Turf with Scallops ($46) or Surf & Turf with Tiger Prawns ($48) or Surf & Turf with 1/2 Boston Lobster ($58)

Ultimate Surf & Turf includes Tiger Prawn, Scallop and 1/2 Boston Lobster ($68)

KETO SURF & TURF
Enjoy our Trimmed Entrecôte Steak with freshly grilled Tiger Prawns, served over a bed of mixed greens with our legendary L’Entrecôte sauce and a Comté Skewer! ($56)

Now that all sounds absolutely delicious don't you think?

Just absolutely delicious. Highly recommended.

Exclusive to L'Entrecôte The Steak & Fries Bistro at Customs House is the introduction of the stunning alfresco L’Entrecôte Bar, which offers a hearty selection of bar bites and French aperitifs to savour by Marina Bay.

Introducing fresh flavours to the L’Entrecôte experience with our NEW Bar Bites Menu - only at L’Entrecôte Customs House!

From Beef Tartare Toasts and Wagyu Beef Cubes, to items that boast modern French bar flair, like Deep-Fried Frogs Legs with Garlic Aioli, Tarte Flambée (France’s alternative to pizza!) in three varieties, as well as our signature Charcuteries et Fromages Boards; these are just a few of the must-haves that make for the perfect accompaniment to that glass of wine or beer during the busy workweek or a laid-back weekend!

L’Entrecôte Customs House is located at 70 Collyer Quay, #01-01, Customs House, Singapore 049323. To make reservations, please call us at +65 6690 7565 or email us at [email protected]