To reach this outpost in the new 313@Somerset mall, we literally just surged along in a mad pack of shoppers until we spotted it and, broke away at the last minute to steal inside the welcome sanctuary. Dressed in soothing shades of grey, and accessorized with dainty chairs, hidden nooks, gorgeous and plush patterned sofas (that look like they cost a bomb), overhanging plants and a small, tidy bar fitted with elegant overhanging lights, the place held only a few diners and there was—heavens!—silence, instead of the incessant chattering of a zillion shoppers. The smartly attired and very warm wait staff instantly made us feel at home with their beaming smiles as they presented the extensive menu. We weren’t in the mood for appetizers, and so jumped straight into the aglio olio—linguine tossed with olive oil, chili and pesto. It was al dente enough, and pretty tasty although it was drizzled with a bit too much olive oil which made the whole affair a tad greasy. For our two other mains, the breaded fish and chips was fresh without being overly fishy, and the grilled boneless chicken thigh glazed with honey apricot mustard jam and a generous dollop of pumpkin puree was delightful. The chicken was perfectly cooked, resulting in a tender, succulent chunk of meat topped with a crispy skin—balanced nicely by the sweetness of the pumpkin puree. Our lychee mint soother was a super-refreshing affair; while our profiteroles sent us into throes of delight with fresh choux pastry shells filled with ice-cream and drizzled with chocolate and mango sauce. So service is warm and friendly, ambiance is tranquil, the grub’s good and the prices are reasonable. Need we say more?
