The talk of the town since it opened eight years ago, this French restaurant became a hotspot for elegant dining. It is none too traditional in its d?cor and has a very upbeat contemporary feel to it. Which probably explains why serious business suits sit comfortably side by side with the latest designer outfits. The food is also contemporary, prepared with French rudiments with sensitivities of the 90s; not steeped in heavy sauces and loaded with cream. Starters consist of simple soups such as leek and potato with poached oysters, to the more elaborate gateau of goose liver. The more exotic seared tuna carpaccio is recommended for the adventurous. Their main courses cover a side variety from sea scallops to veal. Signature dishes such as charcoal grilled rib-eye provide a robust lunch while the quail provides a rich palate of flavours. For dessert, hot souffleข is the sweet piece de resistance. What sets this restaurant apart from the rest is its exceptionally good service. ~ Opening Hours ~ Highlights Lunch 12 pm - 2 pm one of the largest wine selections Dinner 7 pm - 10 pm in the Southeast Asian region.The (Closed on Sun) charcoal grillrib-eye and the quail Credit Cards:AM,VS,MC,DC,JCB are excellent choices $$$ 4FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Les Amis breaks the stereotype of the old French cuisine all rigid and heavy.Casual and stylish, it is a great introduction to fine French food." Frederich Lim

LEI GARDEN

Orchard Plaza

Chinese carved panels, live seafood tanks, and the ornamental red carpet are the trademarks of lei Garden Seafood Restaurant at Orchard Plaza.The lobster soup, consisting of slices of fresh lobster on a bed of half-cooked beansprouts covered with lobster stock, and the lobster pieces cooked in front of the patrons. The pieces of lobster are tender, sweet and tasty.The piece de resistance is their Peking duck. Served with the chef's own secret bean sauce, the slices of duck skin are melt-in-the-mouth tender.For dessert try the chilled black herbal jelly with honey and the durian pudding. Ask any discerning Singaporean and Lei Garden will come up tops for consistently good food.Lei Garden Restaurant at Chijmes will be opening soon,Joining Orchard Lei Carden,#03-00 Orchard Shopping Centre,321 Orchard Road.Tel:734-3988

~ Opening Hours ~ Highlights Lunch 11.30 am - 3 pm Peking duck, braised soon hock Dinner 6 pm - 11 pm lobster soup, chilled black herbal Credit Cards: AM, VS, MC, DC, JCB jelly and efficient service $$$ 4FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "One of the finer establishments for seafood and an extra-ordinary Peking duck to die for." Veronica j. Zuzarte

LI BAI

Sheraton Towers

39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230 Tel: 737-6888 ext 3490 Newton (Map A)

Li Bai is a delicious mix of contemporary ambience echoed in the black and white checkered ceiling and burgundy-red marbled walls, and imperial Chinese elements-exquisite paintings, porcelain, jade chopsticks and spoons.The 'monk jumps over the wall' is not to be missed, but order a day ahead as it's very popular. Consisting of premium quality products like fish maw, shark's fin, abalone, black chicken, sea cucumber, mushroom, conpoy and ginseng, it's a gourmet's heaven.The seafood here is equally commendable.Abalone is fresh,instead of the traditional dried or caned variety and cooked to perfection.Other dishes represent the wide spectrum that is regional China,for example very good roast pork and pan-fried beef.Barbecued duck infused with the aromatic fragrance of mangoes is a new-age culinary taste.Good wine list and professional service with a captain who knows a great deal about food and drink. ~ Opening Hours ~ Highlights Lunch 12pm - 3 pm Monk jumps over the wall,barbe- Dinner 6.30 pm - 11.30 pm cued duck and mangoes,superior Credit Cards: AM, VS, MC, DC, JCB shark's fin and Jinhua ham and $$$$ king prawns in minced garlic

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Li Bai is a showcase of culinary talent, taking the Chinese offerings to renewed perfection." Tan Joo Ai

BICE

Goodwod Park Hotel

22 Scotts Road, Singpore 228221 Tel:735-3711 Orchard(Map A)

Achic restaurant offering tasty Italian cuisine,Bice is part of the Milan-bsed global outfit which has established itself in cities of sophistication around the globe.Bice Singapore does not disappoint,upholding the same standards as in all of its outlets around the world. Bice's sumptuous offering of primarily Milanese dishes focus on taste without forgoing the presentation. The salmon carpaccio with sambucca,and the marinated tuna salad with avocado focaccia are two very good antipasti choices.Bic's selection of risotti (rice)and zuppe (soup), and the gnocchi, is a must-try. Pasta, although originating out of the hot Medi-terranean south,enjoys pride of place at Bice,Particularly with a very savoury penne(little quills of pasta) in spicy tomato sauce. Also recommended is the veal with bacon in perfumed white truffle sauce. For dessert, try the gianduja meringue topped with hand-made ice-cream. ~ Opening Hours ~ Highlights Lunch 12pm - 2.30 pm A very chic atmosphere featuring Dinner 6 pm - 10.30 pm excellent salmon carpaccio with Credit Cards: AM, VS, MC, DC sambucca,gnocchi in lobster sauce, $$$ veal with bacon in truffle sauce

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:"Italian fare that would surely impress even Mama Bice!" Donald Upquhart

MAXIM

The Regent Singapore

1 Cuscaden Road,Singapore 249715 Tel:739-3091/733-8888 (Map A)

The ambience is lavish with its art nouveau highlights,luxurious burgundy broadloom,and stained glass lighting panels. A recent change in chef means a slight re-orientation of the cuisine, focusing on a more back-to-the basics approach with greater emphasis on fresh herbs and lighter sauces. Maxim's new emphasis maintains the standard for which it it renownes. Witness the stunning presentation of the charlotte of green asparagus with truffle sauce,filled with an exquisite mascapone cheese filling. The salmon parfait sees a very delicate salmon mousse ensconced in deep-fried wanton skins,perfectly complemented by a green-pepper mustard. The cream of winter truffle soup and fillet of tenderloin are both highlights,as is the sauteed lamb with herb olive crest and thyme sauce. A good selection of wine completes a memorable meal. Visiting superstar chef Anton Mosimann has also shown off his talent here. ~ Opening Hours ~ Highlights Lunch 12pm - 2.30 pm Charlotte of green asparagus Dinner 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm truffle sauce, salmon parfait Credit Cards: AM, VS, MC, DC chive sauce, cream of win $$$$ truffle soup, good wine list

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:"While this restaurant represents the epitome of sophisticate French dining, it has a warmth about it that is almost close to home." Donald Urquhart