Spruce (Second Visit)

Spruce (Second Visit) – 320 Tanglin Road

As I mentioned in my first post about Spruce, the lovely food and gorgeous setting just makes one ache to spend a lazy day there. As such, I returned with company to while away a sunny Saturday afternoon and try some of the things which beckoned to me last time around but I tragically had no space for. An afternoon’s eating for 3 amounted to $64.74.

I simply could not get the Ahi Tuna Tartare ($21) out of my head since I first saw it on the menu. True to my daydreams, the fish bordered on the indescribably divine; sweet, rich, velvety-smooth and melt-in your mouth. Accented with a marinade of shallots, garlic and spring onions, paired with a creamy chunk of fresh avocado and piled – as generously as you see fit - on a hunk of soft, olive-oil-drizzled foccacia… I found gastronomic Nirvana, that rare instance when your mind goes blank when registering an utterly overwhelming pleasure.

The Spruce Big Brekkie ($18) lived up to its claim with a plate piled high with hearty breakfast classics. The thick, crusty slices of toast were crisp with a soft, yielding interior; prefect to soak up the yolk of double sunny-side-up eggs. The massive sausage had a thick casing that was bursting with generously spiced meat. Chewy, lean rashers of back bacon and a sweet, almost syrupy roast tomato completed the massive portion.

The Yoghurt and Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Seasonal Fruit ($12) is a must-have for any sweet tooth watching their waistline. It is essentially a breathtakingly-layered parfait of rich, unsweetened yogurt which takes on the sugary sweetness of sultanas, cherries, craisins and a generous layer of apricot preserve. This is weight-watchers with pizzazz for a complex harmony is found between the aforementioned sweetness and richness along with the warm tones of rolled oats and a dusting of spicy cinnamon.

We finally decided on the Purple Velvet ($9) out of their massive array of baked items. The deep purple-black of this chocolate cake is accorded by beetroot which also contributes a hint of added flavour and sugariness. While the cake itself was moist, rich and dense, the cream cheese frosting was surprisingly light and almonds added a variation of flavour to this rarely-found classic. It was pleasantly if immensely filling for one but I advise sharing it if you want space for anything else.