hi, couple of important things to realize about eating western food here in s'pore. you're never going to get anything close to a "ducasse experience." you'll get good food, occasionally great food, but if you've eaten your way around europe, you'll be disappointed of you expect the same calibre of food. after all, if someone could cook at that level, why would they be here and not in europe at a 2 or 3 star. look for example at the fact that justin quek just quit les amis -- in order for him to take time off to work on making his food better and probably leaving singapore for more acclaim internationally. that said, another thing about singapore, which is sad but true, is that a lot of if comes down to knowing the chef. i have had some lousy meals at the les amis group restaurants, especially lighthouse under the old chef (nam). but on the rare occasion that i have informed justin that i was coming and have asked for a special menu, he has really made an effort and has blown me away with some truly amazing dishes. fortunately, i know him well enough to ask. gunther, the chef at lighthouse, who will move with his team to amouse-bouche, the new tasting restaurant owned by les amis (in the old intermezzo location at raffles link) is extremely talented as well. again, call ahead and ask if chef gunther has time to meet and prepare a special menu. he was sous-chef at l'arpege under alain passard. my fave new place is les saisons at central mall, where st pierre used to be (emmanuel is extremely talented, but i can't deal with that wife - few people i have met can - of his so i rarely go to st pierre any more!). also quite good is the new aussie chef at fig leaf. italian is also very subjective. i have never had a good meal at senso, but i have italian friends who love it. maybe you have to be italian to get good food and service? i like garibaldi but the chef has his good days and not so good days. again, the most important thing here is getting to know the chefs and the restarauteurs, which sucks if you really don't have the time. but if you are here for several years, well worth the effort. cheers!
