Broth @ Duxton Hill

Broth - Bar Restaurant On The Hill. An interesting name i guess, since they are at the top of Duxton Hill, nicely nestled at the quieter end. Called for a reservation around 5, and was surprised they managed to seat all 7 of us on a Friday night, although only outside. Nonetheless, we decided to give it a try. It's on the right side should you be walking from the public carpark, just opposite L'entrecote.

Named Broth, but really has nothing much to do with broth. Housed in a old shophouse, the high celings  and bookshelves remind more of a New York cafe. The interior is pretty bar/bistro like and definitely very cozy.

Here's the menu that I got off their website.

Appetizers

  Third of a Dozen Oyster Fritters w Wasabi mayo & Lemon Wedge - SGD$19

 The sauce was quite refreshing, and the oysters were fresh too.

Baby Spinach & Portobello Mushroom Salad w Shallots & Raspberry Dressing - SGD$19

The mushrooms were a little too dry for our liking. Other than that, the shallots were a great accompaniment to the baby spinach. The raspberry sauce also went very well with the mushrooms, making this a great appetizer.

 

Asparagus & Spring Pea Risotto w Melting Smoked Cheddar & Truffled Egg - SGD$19

 Undisputedly the best dish that night. It had a slight smoky taste, and the semi-cooked egg was really good also. Wish they had this as a main.

 

Duck, Hazelnut, Prune & Ham Terrine, w Liver Dressing, Cress Salad & Lavoche - SGD$19

Pretty normal. Nothing memorable.

Pan Fried Foie Gras w Salted Caramel Apple, Toasted Almonds & Croissant - SGD$29

 Had high hopes for this one since we like foie gras. Slightly disappointed as the foie gras was overcooked, with a slight charred taste and didn't really really melt in your mouth. The caramel apple instead was the highlight of this dish.

Main Course

Molasses Glazed Pork Ribs, Pumpkin, Sesame & Coriander Slice, Spring Salad - SGD$39

As unappealing as this looks, it was actually not bad. The meat was soft and nicely flavoured by the sauce.

Garoupa Fillet w Carrot Chutney, Cameron Green Veg & Mandarine Oil - SGD$39

 The fish was nicely grilled with a hint of sweetness. It was fresh and appetizing, but tasted a little more Chinese than Australian though.

Prawn & Salmon Pie w Mashed Potato, Spring Vegetable & Crisp Puff Pastry - SGD$39

 A disappointment as it tasted really fishy. I can imagine this dish being quite delicious if the seafood was done right. Not too sure why since they pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients.

Lamb Loin in A Green Coat On Fine Beans, Rosemary Potatoes & Mint Jus - SGD$45

This was a highly recommended dish from all the reviews that I had read. Chose for this to be medium done and the texture of the lamb was good. However, taste wise it didn't live up to our expectations.  The mint was also a little overpowering even though mutton is know to have a strong taste.

  

Pasta of the Day - Aglio Olio w Seafood & Spinach - SGD$38

The portion was huge, enough to feed 2 or more people. The cheese in the pasta probably made this a little strong tasting. Seafood included prawns, fish and crab meat. Again, was pretty normal.

Desserts

L: Omfg Chocolate, R: Sticky Date Pudding w Butterscotch Sauce & Ice Cream

 The biscuit like chocolate/sugar  of the Omfg chocolate went well with the ice cream, but was clearly lacking in the chocolate department. I was expecting a really rich chocolaty moist cake, but both cakes were a little too dry.

Overall the food was a little disappointing and mediocre, but the ambiance and decor made up for it.  It was nice being seated outside, along the pebbled street in the midst of old restored shophouses. A little nostalgic for my parents, who started talking about how it looked exactly like my mother's old house. If the weather were cooler, it would have been a perfect dining spot. One off the list for Duxton.