Anyone remembers this restaurant that used to be at the top floor of Centrepoint, I think the name was Market Place or something? As far as I could remember, it was the first place that allowed you to go to different boutique hawker stores, scan a card, eat then make payment at a counter when you leave.
The idea kind of failed as Singaporeans didn't embrace paying 8 dollars for a plate of chicken rice (and still wouldn't I guess). Fast-forward many years later, Marche is however thriving with the same concept but very different cuisine!
We visited the new outlet at Somerset@313 for an early weekday dinner, beating much of the after-work crowd. While they did provide plenty of seating space, the variety of food counters seems to have reduced (or so I thought) and with only one line at each counter, waiting time could build up at hot favoruites like Pork Knuckle and Rosti.
Homemade Lime Juice (Large)($5.20)
Soured naturally, this was a good thrist quencher but my grip was that while the glasses were previously plunged in buckets of ice, the fast turnover simply meant that the drinks were not chilled enough when customers took them.
Stirred-fried Mushrooms and Brinja ($4.90), Smoked Salmon Crepe ($10.90)
The vegetables looked promising as they gleamed under the light. Though very juicy, they fall short of my expectations with little taste and certain parts being undercooked.
I had a very well-done crepe at its Vivocity outlet previously, but I just couldn't remember what was it or the ingredients involved. I ended up choosing the smoked salmon which was served on the crepe instead of rolled-in. Tasted alright but didn't satisfy the memories I was looking for.
Rosti ($5.50) with Garlic Pork Sausage ($6.90), Mushroom Salami Pizza ($13.90)
Ahh.. the classic! Its still fun to watch the chefs pan-frying and flipping Rosti before your eyes! Buttery and lightly salted, the potato strips are crispy on the surface and firm on the inside. I could polish off this comfort food simply with sour cream! Interestingly, the sausage costed more than the Rosti itself and with less satisfaction derived. Also, the portion really seems to be shrinking over the years with a Rosti of smaller and smaller diameter..
Now I certainly didn't expect the pizza to be so good! Made upon request, the cheese was meltingly wonderful, with thin crunchy edges and a soggy centre that soaks up all the juicy goodness. Yum!
Price for two was $50.60 after taxes. Admittedly, the overpricing and average quality of certain items does make you think twice about coming back. But I guess in Marche, its all about sharing the menu and enjoying the experience. Wait till the next Rosti craving then!
Taken with Nikon D70
6 comments:
hello daniel! yes I remember that market place very vageuly! situated at the corner of the top floor of centrepoint! was still such a small kid then but that place seemed so cool and out of this world to this small tod :D
Hey dorothy! haha I think I was in primary school when I visited.. Very funky concept back then eh.. haha.. too bad it couldn't last!
Was there a market place? HMM..
But i remembered Marche used to be at HMV.. Their rosti is my all time favourite :)
Haha.. Marche was like the "in" place to go when it first opened there. Sadly i feel that its getting more pricey and smaller portion over the years..
Very random but I'm suddenly craving for rosti! Googled "Marche rosti" & your post came up lolx.
ice: haha! Just go and satisfy the craving! =)
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