European Brunch @ Reif+James with Asian Twist

A public holiday always makes my heart happy simply because it means starting the day at a slower pace and having the extra measure of space to breathe! I could not be more grateful to have a simple, light and yet revitalising brunch to start the day off at a cosy restuarant, Reif+James.

My dining partner, G, and I were deciding on a venue to explore new grounds for our tastebuds. And Clarke Quay seemed just the perfect place to seek respite from the town area. This small sanctuary did not fail us on a warm Thursday morning with the beautiful weather.

Barely a year old, Reif+James has already been drawing a sizeable crowd with their signature flavours and innovative name. At least, it did manage to catch my attention.

As it is located at the Pier, it was quite accessible to walk from Clarke Quay NEL station. Entering the place, I did not feel the least cramped at all. My first impression was that the resturant would be quite small considering it only has a 30 seating capacity with an additional 8-seater for alfresco dining.

Instead, the high ceiling and stylish interior design with he combination of warm colours and old fashioned wooden bricks on one side of the wall created a very cosy ambience. The orange chandelier stood out distinctively and I am sure it would create a romantic setting for dinner.  Thankfully, there were only three tables being occupied on our visit. The soft light hearted music playing in the background was just perfect.

Glancing through the menu, it offers a good selection of European and Asian choices. I was pleasantly suprised to see local favourites such as nasi lemak, lontong, mee rebus on the menu.  Certainly, they did not fail to deliver what they promise, to offer something special for everyone. There was a couple with their little boy near us  obviously tucking into their meal.

I settled for the western option of Eggs with smoked Salmon accompanied with baked beans and rosti potatoes ($15). G had Egg Benedict on muffins with asparagus with ham in bearnaise sauce ($19).

I had my eggs scrambled and it was terrific. The smoked salmon was done perfectly and went well with the bread. I tried G's egg and the rich bearnaise sauce has a very homemade taste with buttery flavour.

Overall, the food was elegantly presented and I felt as if I was at a fine dining restuarant without the stiffness.

After a hearty meal, we had desserts to complete our meal. I had the Granny Smith Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream ($10.90) with English Breakfast Tea ($7) while G had Apricot Bread and Butter Pudding ($12) with Earl Grey Tea ($7).

The apple crumble with raisins were served hot in a ramekin and create that pleasant sensation with the cold ice cream. G's bread and butter pudding was was not sweet and i must say the ginger flavoured ice cream (that came with it) suprised my palate. Apricot and ginger. Interesting combination of flavours for the usual bread butter pudding affair. What a sweet endings to our meal.

The service provided was satisfactory. The lady was very quick in refilling our tea with a smile and that delicate touch. I also had a short conversation with the owner, James Charles who was dorned in a red Indianish top to blend in with the Deepavali atmosphere. Be sure to see him returning you with a gladful smile.

Brunches are only offered on the weekends and on public holidays. Reif+James also offers lunch sets at $19.80 for two courses or $29 for three courses. For dinner, five-course menus are available at $80 per person besides the a la carte selections. It allows you to try a good selection of their signature dishes without burning too big a hole in your pocket.

I do hope to give their dinner a try in the coming year. Definitely worth the try especially having such a satisfying brunch to begin my day.