Saveur

Date: 1st May 2012
Address: 5 Purvis street
Opening hours: Daily 12-230pm , 6-9.30pm
Nearest MRT: Bugis/City Hall

I finally got to try this new gem in the city and I am so glad i did! The food is different from anything i've tried and it came at such a reasonable cost. Furthermore, it doesn't charge GST and service charge and it's situated in a centralized location, somewhere in between Bugis and City hall. Seating area is not big but  it could probably fit a big group if you come during non-peak hours. 

I especially like the decor on this wall. It looks like they chose not to plaster bits of the wall and it has turned out to be a unique design. Gives the whole place a different texture. 

Before we stepped in, we read a sign that warned us about having to wait for quite a bit because they were short handed or something like that so, we expected to wait. 

Fortunately, our food came almost immediately (maybe 5-10 mins later) so our stomachs didn't need to wait at all. 

Angel Hair pasta with Tiger prawn and lumpfish caviar. - S$6.9

This was THE dish i had to try, after reading countless of food reviews on Saveur. It did not disappoint AT ALL, in fact it left me wanting more after the first bite. The pasta itself was extremely fragrant, olive oil perhaps (?), i honestly don't know, it was some kind of a wonderful, light but flavorful burst of emotions in my mouth. 

The portion isn't big but for me, it's filling enough. If not, you can always just order 2 dishes because this pasta is freaking 6.90. It tastes SO MUCH MORE than 6.90. Even if this were 16.90, I'd still order it. 

We ordered a starter - the Confit of Salmon with apple and fennel salad - S$8.90

I only have 2 thumbs but i wish i had more to put them up because this was amazing. 

Salmon is already nice on its own, whether raw or cooked, but the black thingy on top gave it a zesty oomph. The whole thing blended smoothly together and made a splendid starter. 

The waitress taking our order told me this was their specialty - Confit of duck with orange segments and saute shittake (mushrooms) - S$8.90. If you're wondering what 'confit' means, it refers to a technique for preserving meats such as goose, duck or pork that involves cooking the meat in its own fat, and then storing the meat in a covered container.

The duck was adequately crispy, almost a little hard but I think its because i took so long to eat (while taking photos) that it turned cold and slightly hard. It still tasted incredibly good though, with the buttered mashed potatoes that came in a generous portion. The mushrooms were too oily for me and the orange segments are a little redundant but not much harm was done. This dish didn't disappoint me at all, it probably exceeded what I had expected anyone can do with duck. 

Barramundi with Crab potato and french beans - S$12.90. The potatoes had a familiar taste to them, my friend said it was something like the "wok's smell." I felt it reminded me of the hashbrown nuggets. The waitress said it contained bits of crab but I couldn't tell. Well anyway, the potatoes tasted unique and good so just go try it! Fish was alright, soft and tasty enough. I didn't like the skin though, it had a very fishy taste. Might have been better if it was fried or just not there at all. 

Pistachio nuts are one of the few nuts i'm okay with and boy i'm glad we tried this!!!! The Pistachio Panna Cotta was a breath of fresh air that warmly rounded up our lunch. The smooth and dense composition of the panna cotta was nicely accompanied by the sweet tasting nuts that had a salty after taste. For ONLY S$6.9 , this is a must try when you visit Saveur. 

Saveur has only been at Purvis street for about a month and it has already won the hearts of many with its good food at extremely affordable prices. They started out like how Astons did, at a humble stall in a coffee shop and have now blossomed into a nice quaint gem located near the CBD. I wish them all the best and hope they'll grow to become more successful. The fact that the owners are only 25 and 28 is impressive and inspiring to all budding entrepreneurs.

Everyone should go to Saveur to have a piece of this treasure!