The University Club by Prive

The University Club by the Prive Group is one of the finer dining establishments on the NUS campus. The small-ish restaurant is a tranquil oasis in the hive of student activities, with tables spaced far apart for maximum privacy, and diners conversing in hushed tones. Brainiac academia frequent this chilled-out spot, so you're likely to bump into a professor, or two, here.

As with most Prive establishments, the food was a mixed bag with most dishes hovering around the average mark. The somewhat hit-and-miss fare is alleviated by how attractively affordable their set lunches are, with 2-courses and 3-courses priced at only $25 and $28 respectively.

The Smoked Duck Salad (+$2 to the set pricing) was excellent, with nary a hint of game, highlighted by black olives, crispy onions, cherry tomatoes, roasted bell pepper, mesclun greens and a tangy red wine vinaigrette

The clear and light Spinach & Brie Salad featured fried artichokes alongside black olives, cherry tomatoes and puffed buckwheat tossed in a sherry vinaigrette

The Paprika Salami & Sous Vide Egg was a wonderful medley of textures, from the chewy cauliflower cous cous to the crunch of the sweet potato strips, and the half-boiled egg slurry. That said, I didn't take to the salami. It had a sour tinge that didn't sit well with the rest of the parts. 

The Herb Roasted Spring Chicken was outstanding. It was juicy and moist where it needed to be, and flavoursome to the bone. Garlic baby potatoes, roasted parsnip and fresh arugula sided this, but the mushroom cream sauce was a little cloying with the full cream.

The Zucchini & Basil Pappardelle was delicate, if a little bland, drawing on the uplifting peppery accents of the basil for taste.

We all picked the same dessert, a Chocolate Sponge confection of michel cluizel 55% dark chocolate ganache & Raspberry Sorbet. Despite its potential, the fudge sponge was a little clunky, and lacking in refinement. We liked the sorbet though, it was refreshing, fruity and tart. 

The complimentary crusty Bread Rolls were served warm, always a plus point.


The University Club
Shaw Foundation Alumni House #04-02
11 Kent Ridge Drive
Tel: 6779 8919
Open weekdays from 12noon to 2.30pm for lunch; 6.30pm to 11pm for dinner
Saturdays from 11am to 2.30pm for brunch; 6.30pm to 11pm for dinner;
Closed on Sundays
Website: theprivegroup.com.sg

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Janggut Laksa vs 328 Katong Laksa, Queensway Shopping Centre

ABC Brickworks Food Centre

Gong Yuan Ma La Tang