Spruce in Phoenix Park, Singapore

As soon as May rolled in, this also signaled the start of a whole new batch of birthday celebrations with the NKids. For the past 3 years, we have been eating out to celebrate all of our birthdays and there's that traditional birthday salubong where we would wish the celebrant Happy Birthday, watch him/her blow out the candles and enjoy a slice (or two) of the birthday cake! Regardless if our birthday falls on a weekday and we all have work the next day, this is one tradition I don't think we ever will miss. This is just one of those things that make the NKids feel like family, don't you agree?

So, last week, we celebrated O's 30-something birthday! The celebration began the weekend before his actually birthday where he treated all of us to a yummy dinner at Spruce. I think I was the most excited about this as Spruce has been part of my list since last year. Finally, we're able to try it! Yay!

The restaurant is located along the very quiet and exclusive Tanglin Road and is within Phoenix Park. It's not very accessible to public transportation as the nearest bus stop is 5 minutes away and it only services 2 bus numbers! Anyway, for O, we were all game to walk the extra "mile". Nax!



The dinner menu was quite interesting. I actually had a hard time choosing what to get but eventually I went for the seemingly simple Spruce Burger (S$18) and with the prodding of the NKids, I added in some bacon (+S$2), egg (+S$2) and foie gras (+S$12) turning it into an action-packed masterpiece. I was really excited about the foie gras and would happily let go of the bacon and egg so as to lessen the richness of this burger by a teeny-tiny bit.

The burger patty was really meaty and I love how it was grilled. The pan-fried foie gras was excellent. It has a slight crunchy coating on the outside and it immediately melts as it reaches your mouth. If I were asked to describe my interpretation of heaven then this would be it. Biting into that rich foie gras, closing your eyes in pure bliss and hoping that this moment can last forever and ever. I like having a small piece of foie gras, burger, cheese and bread in every bite. Paul got the bacon as he knows that I'm not really so crazy about it as of late. I got to admit though that it's a bit on the pricey side. The burger wasn't huge, in fact when distributed to everyone on the table, it left me with 3 bite-sized pieces already. It was very good but I don't think I will be paying S$30 for the burger with foie gras next time.

Paul and C went for the Dry Rubbed BBQ Ribs (S$34) which, to me, was a winner! Every single piece of meat literally fell off the bone and it was just so tender and really yummy. They also served this with corn bread and I boldly tried one. There were a few corn kernels which I had to carefully remove. Otherwise, it really made a yummy accompaniment.

Siblings I and O ordered the Braised Beef Short Ribs (S$34). I really got to hand it to I for always having good taste in food. Remember her winning Mac & Cheese Burger which she ordered during one of our food trips? I was able to have a good bite of the short ribs and ooh-lala! It was very very tender! If Paul's BBQ Ribs was tender enough for me, this one was the kind that will definitely blow your mind. I'm not the kind who would exaggerate but these two are really must-tries when dining at Spruce. The only thing missing in this glorious plate? A cup of rice.

B tried the Char-Grilled Australian Lamb Rack (S$38) which was a-okay. Just like my burger, I don't think I'd be willing to pay so much for a regular plate of grilled lamb. The good part though is it was odor free and it was well seasoned and grilled too.

Over-all, I enjoyed our meal at Spruce. Thanks to my generous dining companions who happily gave me a slice of their orders. I can't wait to go back to try their Brunch menu, this time.

Spruce is located at 320 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park, Singapore. Call them at 6836-5528. They also have another branch at 260 Upper Bukit Timah Road.