pat-foodtravel: Vineyard @ Hort Park

Located in the south-west of Singapore, HortPark is a horticultural gem and also a one-stop gardening hub that unites recreational, educational, research and retail activities under a large canopy in a beautiful and tranquil park setting.

Nestled in the midst of this beautiful park is a stunning new restaurant named Vineyard, the latest addition to Creative Eateries’ restaurants. It marries the best of nature and modern architecture with a menu of Thai, French and Italian favourites and has an extensive wine list from over a hundred vineyards.

Vineyard is indeed a cosy place for intimate get-togethers. For busy executives who work in the nearby offices, it is an alternative dining venue. For the frequent park-goers, Vineyard promotes a healthy-living concept for the entire family to sit down for a wholesome meal in a gorgeous setting. This is also the place where one can chill out in the evening, enjoy star gazing & nature, have a drink and enjoy the bar snacks with friends and love ones.

On 1 August 2011, exactly a month after its opening on 1 July, I was invited to the Vineyard for dinner. Laura, my good friend joined me. The mummy to be is expecting her first baby in a month's time.

On arrival, we were greeted to a cosy environment playing to the music of Elvis Presley. Very romantic and a place to relax.

Vineyard’s flexible use of space from indoor dining to a sheltered veranda and an al fresco patio is bordered by an infinity reflecting pool and is a great venue for small to large-scale events. From cosy parties, corporate functions to garden-themed receptions, the possibilities are limitless.

Pat & Laura enjoying our dinner at Vineyard

Vineyard is also home to more than a hundred new and old world wine labels that have been carefully selected to provide an unparalleled wine-drinking experience that hinges upon variety and affordability.

For young wine drinkers, enjoy wine appreciation with prices commencing at $39 a bottle. If you are a wine connoisseurs one will be impressed will by the depth of variety of their wine list.

Vineyard will also present exclusive weekend wine tasting sessions to educate and engage their guests in the pleasures of wine appreciation.

Being someone who loves her food and enjoys wine and dine sessions, I look forward to attending the weekend wine tasting sessions.

3 Flavours of Bruschetta, Forest Mushroom, Tomato & Smoked Salmon ($12)

Under the bar snack menu, we enjoyed our first dish of the 3 different flavours of Bruschetta which is nicely presented. This dish was especially ordered for Laura who loves Bruschetta. Tomato bruschetta is common. It was refreshing to taste the forest mushroom and smoked salmon cooked to perfection and unique. I placed the 3 different flavours on my bread, while Laura sampled the individual flavours on 3 slices on bread. No guesses who's the fan of Bruschetta.

Avocado Ice ($10)

For drinks I had Avocado Ice while Laura ordered the Protein Delight. Love my drink, it was refreshing and blended in perfection. A mixture of Avocado, cucumber, milk, lime juice and sugar syrup. Compared to the Avocaod drink at Thai express, this drink is unique due to the cucumber and lime juice. Thumbs up.

Bruschetta with Avocado Ice

Protein Delight ($10)

It looks like a strawberry drink yet it is a drink of combination of banana, pineapple juice, rose syrup, mik and yoghurt.

Our drinks and snack

Pat all set to tuck in for dinner

Escargot Bourguignon, Garlic Beurre Noisette ( $15)

For a taste of French dish, the Escargot Bourguignon is a must try. It's been ages since I had Escargot. At least for this dish, one does not have to worry about removing the escargot from the shell. All has been prepared. 6 pieces of Escargot soaked in Garlic Beurre Noisette. We could pair this dish with red wine.Both of us took our time to savour this french cuisine.

Norwegian Oak Salmon, Lemon Confit, Sour Cream & Fresh Mesclun ($22)

Someone who loves fish and salmon, this has to be one of my favourite dishes among the appetisers. 5 slices of fresh thick salmon, mix it well with the lemon confit. That's where one will experience the exquisite taste of this dish. Intially I thought this was one of the main entrees, didn't expect the dish to be under appetisers. Am delighted with this dish.

Vietnamese Style Fresh Spring Rolls wrapped with Grilled Pork ( $12)

Initially Laura wanted to order the Fish and Chips. Then I reminded her that we also wanted to have desserts too. Hence the mummy had this craving of Vietnamese Style Fresh Spring Rolls. One should have seen the satisfied look on her face. The difference in this spring rolls is the grilled pork. 4 pieces of spring rolls neatly wrapped with generous ingredients. Mix with the sauce, one may actually come back for more authentic Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

We basically had the appetisers and they were fantastic. If we had taken the main entrees, there would be no room for deserts. The staff were friendly and service was excellent. Ivan and Kesh chatted with us and we learnt more about the food and the restaurant.

Hazlenut Crunch Bar, Fresh Berries, Passion Fruit Coulis ( $12)

This has to be my favourite dish of the evening. A chocolate cake fan, this is to be one of the best cakes I have tasted. It's rich in chocolate, yet moist. Have it with a cup of coffee/ tea and it will be perfect. Excellent Presentation.

Warm Lemon Lava Cake, Chantilly Cream, Sesame Tuile ($12)

Another popular dessert dish of vineyard, this will take around 20 minute waiting time. Yet it is worth the wait. It's nicely baked and the outer layer of the cake is crispy. Be careful when one cuts the Lava Cake, witness the lemon lava oozing out the of the cake. Slice the cake into small portions and mix it with the Chantily Cream and Sesame Tuile.