I would have missed Charcoal, were it not for the set lunch menu displayed outside that made me stop and gave it a closer perusal. Anyway, I didn’t know that it is managed by Shatec students until after I was seated. To say that I was a little apprehensive then is understandable because I really dislike crappy second-rate food on my plate.
The 3-course set lunch ($15++) was rather limited in terms of choice since the starter and dessert were fixed and there’s only 2 choices for main. We started with Minestrone Soup with warm Baguette Roll. I’ve always liked minestrone soup for its zestiness and this wasn’t half bad with lots of vegetables.
I was impressed when the Salmon & Barley Risotto drizzled with Pesto Oil & Tomato Capers Sauce was served as the presentation was comparable to that of classy restaurants. I thought the chef was ingenious in substituting barley for the boring conventional arborio rice. Texture wasn’t too creamy nor sticky which worked for me. The salmon turned out well done instead of the medium rare I requested for so it lacked that melting moistness.
I’m not being biased here but the other main of Pasta Alfredo with Chicken & Mushroom looked so uninteresting and dull compared to the salmon. Taste-wise, it was just alright, nothing spectacular.
Desserts arrived in the form of a wobbly Panna Cotta which definitely wasn’t love at first bite. Taken on its own, it was far too milky but when paired with the Citrus Salad & Raspberry Sauce, the tanginess brought the creaminess down to an enjoyable level.
Coffee/Tea is also included in the set lunch which makes it incredibly value for money. Anyway I think there was supposed to be latte art but obviously, it was a failed attempt!
My apprehension had all but evaporated by the end of lunch. Professional and competent, the server allocated to my table knew what he was doing. Not only was the food satisfactory, the service team would have put some 5-star restaurants to shame!
I kinda shared the same sentiments as you.
Fine dining but managed by Shatec students… but after Yuan has tried their set lunch, he told me this place is worth a visit, particularly some of the dishes were memorable, leaving him craving for something similar…
That should give me some reasons to meet him for lunch
Hey! Charcoal restaurant is so near my office building!
Every week they have different items for the set menu. I shall go check it out soon!:)
Great, try and let me know what you think! =)