For those familiar with Scarlett Restaurants in Bangkok and Hong Kong, you’ll be pleased to know the same franchise has made its way to Singapore in February this year, branded as Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar under GCP Hospitality Group as part of Hotel G Singapore. Tucked along Middle Road together with other hipster cafes and bars, Ginett offers an impressive selection of à la carte brunch (eggs selection-menu) together with its usual European fare over the weekends.
There are two entrances to the restaurant — one from the main door facing the road and the other from the back, where hotel guests and other visitors who parked within the building can enter from. I love the fact that ample natural light could get into the cosy communal space, evoking a laid-back vibe within this contemporary European restaurant. Staff were attentive and friendly upon arrival, ensuring guests gets to their designated table as soon as possible.
Photo: Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
More than 70 wines are available at this dining establishment, so it might get a little overwhelming while ordering. If you are unsure, get the staff to recommend something close to your preference. I was served a glass of Chardonnay that is fruity and slightly dry, just how I like it. Apart from the low prices – some wines go as affordable as S$6 per glass, ladies get to enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine every Tuesday at Ginett’s Ladies’ Night special. Simply turn up in a group of four (ladies only, of course) to enjoy the promotion. No minimum spending is required!
The cheese and cold cut platter could be served as appetisers for brunch or dessert at night as an accompaniment to the wines. This One Metre Board (S$54) can serve up to four to five pax easily and includes dry sausages, chorizo, parma ham, mortadella and cooked ham. My personal favourite is the chicken cold cut, made fresh by the executive chef daily, with a tinge of herb and sea salt in it.
One Metre Board. Photo: Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
For a simple side dish, try the Traditional Caesar (S$9) made with the heart of romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and fried capers. There are options to include proteins such as chicken, smoked salmon or shrimp for those who may want to have it as a light meal. Nothing extraordinary here, we admit, but the vegetables are fresh and crunchy.
Charcoal grill items are also available during brunch timings, such as the Baked Salmon Back (S$18) which comes with a stick of herbal crunch and perfectly baked salmon back topped over a bed of garlic spinach. This is hands down a personal favourite dish within the menu we tried. The fish is baked at a perfect temperature, leaving it well-cooked yet not too drying. And the spinach is creamy and cooked such that it is easy to chew and swallow (I wonder if babies are allowed to have this).
Baked Salmon Back. Photo © Josmin Ong.
For sharing, try the Whole Rotisserie Chicken (S$24) which can be shared among two to three people. Usually served with salad and roasted potatoes, the chicken is tender and the marinade penetrates deep into the meat, making the dish delectable and enjoyable to have.
Desserts are classic and decadent, starting with a traditional french dessert – Baba au Rhum (S$12), which is soaked with vanilla infused rum syrup. You might want to keep this away from the kids as the alcohol is pretty strong on this one. The powerful punch of flavour works in your favour if you love rum though, and the dessert pairs amazingly well with freshly whipped vanilla bean-infused cream and fruits.
Baba au Rhum. Photo © Josmin Ong.
Another classic sweet is the Crème Brûlée (S$8), a rich custard dessert infused with Madagascar vanilla. While I can’t say the taste is anything out of this world, the dessert is done perfectly, especially the hard caramel at the top.
Crème Brûlée. Photo © Josmin Ong.
With its impeccable selection of hearty European cuisine, superb French wines, affordable prices and accessible location; we can’t seem to find fault with Ginett and a reason not to return. Good vibes only get better on the weekends at Ginett as guests can lounge away in the bright and airy space from 11.30am to 4pm. Be it to wind down after a long work day or to catch up with friends over weekend brunch, Ginett will be a safe bet.
Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7989
