Reviewed by : Stephanie Lim.
In a place such as The Cannery at Clarke Quay, it is not surprising that most of the action transpires after dusk. However, it is a little known fact that the area is also charming in the day with establishments such as Nectarie le'Dessert Patisserie, brought to you by the same people behind the uber-hip Ministry of Sound, Aurum and Café del Mar. Opened in the first quarter of 2007, this little patisserie-deli is serving up delectable bites and alluring desserts, all in an experience conceptualized by executive chef Edward Voon.
Fronted by tall glass windows, the place affords an abundance of natural light in the day, all the better for admiring the pretty creations in their refrigerated counter. As the counter stretches down the entire length of the interior, the seating area is narrow, allowing only the use of high chairs and tables. For the perfect way to while away your afternoon, perch yourself atop one of these chairs with a cup of tea in hand and watch the world go by. The al fresco seating is more comfortable and its tables can accommodate bigger groups of people. These, however, can prove to be a little warm in the day despite being well-sheltered.
Prepare to be awed by Nectarie's tantalizing array of delicacies for the sweet-toothed, ranging from strudels to cakes. For the latter, pick your poison of choice from the pretty display with popular choices including a berry-laden Strawberry Shortcake ($6) and a rich, bitter-sweet Chocolate Terne with Coconut Mousse ($6). Specializing in desserts, the food selection is rather limited to a handful of sandwiches, quiches, soups and salads. Nevertheless, items like the sandwiches are reasonably priced from $6 for a Grilled Ham and Cheese, to $8 for a Roast Beef. Add $8 to the price of your sandwich and get a set meal consisting of a soup, dessert and house coffee/tea.
If you are there for lunch, start your meal off with a very interesting Duck Confit with Truffle Quiche ($6.50), served with a small side of mesclun salad. Tender slivers of savoury duck meat is added to an egg mixture and baked in a thin pastry crust, resulting in a warm medley of textures. Ask for some honey dill mustard to heighten the flavours of the quiche and enjoy every single bite.
Freshly prepared to order, the strudels here are a must-try. With interesting creations such as Sarawak Pineapple Chutney & Tamarind and Alphonso Mango with Lemongrass, making up your mind might be the hardest hurdle to cross. However, for something tangy and uplifting, try the Wild Strawberries & Balsamic Thyme ($6). While the berry compote is a little sharp with the acidity, it complements the sweet custard in a perfect marriage of flavours. Unlike strudels you will find elsewhere, the presentation is faultless as each ingredient is carefully layered and not jumbled to form a chaotic mess.
There is no better way to enjoy your dessert than with a cup of good tea. The fragrant Peony Jade ($6.50) is really an agreeable choice as the flavour is light and subtle with a naturally sweet tinge that does not overpower your taste buds. Freshly brewed from tea leaves, their white teas are very popular with patrons as they are touted to be the least processed.
Due to the layout of the interior, getting the attention of your server might prove to be a daunting task, even in the absence of a crowd. As in most cafés, service is basic but knowledgeable staff can be counted upon to provide you with recommendations that will suit your cravings.
I would definitely like to visit Nectarie again, but this time, to try some of their much talked-about ice cream. Open from noon up till the wee hours of the morning on weekends, it works well for a dainty afternoon tea or as a place to people-watch as the partygoers come out to play. Although it has been dubbed by its creators as “the place for clubbers who eat cake”, I believe the modern little patisserie also has potential catering to the well-heeled tai-tais as it sees the ideal marriage of a laid-back atmosphere with a trendy and fashionable location.
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