G had a craving for a croque-madame and suggested that we eat at Hediard, a cafe and fine foods boutique that feels unabashedly old world with its dark interior and reserved upscale decor.  It was already 2pm by the time we sat down, and the lunch rush (if there was one) was well over.  Other than the Asian bohemian contently sipping coffee by the windowsill, the place was completely ours.  While an empty resto-cafe could have been a warning sign that the food wasn’t up to the standard of the prices charged (the food was great),  at least the ambiance was worth it so far.

G opted for the “The special Hediard” – a combination of salad, duck foie gras torchon, and a substituted croque “Germaine”.  I went continental with the “Hediard breakfast set” that included a croissant, hot chocolate, jam, soft-boiled egg, and freshly squeezed orange juice.  Everything was well done with attention paid to every item of our order.  Maybe it was the cynic in me that decided to go with such a blah choice- half expecting stale bread, lukewarm hot chocolate or worse.  I love it when I’m wrong.

The still warm from the oven croissant was fantastic- I can’t recall the last time I had one so light and flaky .  The hot chocolate was made with a rich, dark, and slightly bitter cocoa, and the soft boiled egg was just right- firm white, runny yolk.  G’s meal was likewise as good, with a very large (and sinfully unhealthy) croque “Germaine” that was smothered in gruyere cheese and with just enough mornay sauce to keep the two slices of bread and parma ham interesting.  But the highlight of the meal was the foie gras torchon, cooked perfectly with a wonderful flavor and airy as a mousse.

By the time we had finished our meal, our secret cafe had livened up with other patrons; our queue to leave and return to the bustle of  Orchard Rd.  We’ll be back.

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Hediard Cafe-Restaurant & Boutique
125 Tanglin Rd
6333 6683