The buzz: Restaurateur Olivier Bendel’s most recent offering (he’s the man behind spots like Sabio, L’Entrecôte and 83), is an oyster bar in homage to the unofficial oyster capital of Brittany, Cancale, which debuted about six weeks ago.The vibe: Well-dressed chic (we likey), just like the clientele. Striking turquoise seats play off mosaic tiles, white table linens and dark chocolate wood accents, making it perfectly suited for lunch with your business associates or tai tai gal pals.The food: The focus here is firmly on crustaceans and bivalves. Try their signature Le Petit Cancale ($90), a platter of freshly shucked Fine de Claire n° 3 and Normandes n° 4 molluscs from Cancale, Brittany crab, clams, whelks, winkles, langoustines and shrimp, or spring for the even more epic Le Grand Cancale ($195). Of the seven oyster varieties available, we strongly suggest the unique Bélon ($13 each). And if you’d rather your seafood grilled, there’s whole sea bass ($38) and lobsters from Maine ($65) and Brittany ($95). To end your meal, there’s also a salted butter caramel lava cake ($15) that’s not to be missed.The drinks: The wine list is French to the core with goods from Burgundy, Loire and Alsace. We appreciate the selection of over 20 champers like Delamotte Brut (from $16/glass, from $79/bottle), all of which make quite the ideal partners to the delectable brininess of the seafood.Why you’ll be back: Where else in town are you going to find a handsome, chilled seafood platter that’s not part of a hotel buffet?Don’t miss: Le Petit Cancale (signature seafood platter). It’s one of I-S Magazine’s 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2012).
