Esquire - Menu

What a shame to walk into a 3 hatted restaurant and be sweating from the lack of aircon for over 2 hours. I like to be comfortable when eating, specially when a... read more What a shame to walk into a 3 hatted restaurant and be sweating from the lack of aircon for over 2 hours. I like to be comfortable when eating, specially when a degustation is on offer. Other than that, the food and service was great. The standout dish was the agnolotti with bisque basil oil. I could eat this dish ever single day it was that good! Very simple yet complex dish. The twice cooked duck was an elevated dish. No bones, cooked to perfection and with a beautiful crispy outer layer. This was served with black garlic and pickled plum. Very creative and different way of serving duck. The popcorn parfait with tarrragon was unique and a beautiful ending.

Review in four words? Go To Urbane Instead. Disappointment from start to finish. Given a bad table despite an email from them saying they had reserved one of t... read more Review in four words? Go To Urbane Instead. Disappointment from start to finish. Given a bad table despite an email from them saying they had reserved one of the best table. They argued the point a little, but gave me an OK one eventually. Service overall was a little on the abrupt, unfriendly side. The food was a let down. Standout tomato dish with bread to mop up. Other than that, nothing else memorable. The cotton cake was a little unpleasant to eat. Couldn't eat blueberry and ginger dessert. The snacks were pleasant enough but not presented nicely and the fish dish was OK. Matching wines not that great. I found an orange Shiraz unpleasant and the staff member basically told me what a good choice it was and didn't offer to replace. Such a nice setting overlooking the river, and an open kitchen is always good. Got to think some diners prefer style over substance. The concept of this is much better than the reality.