At first glance, Les Ducs looks every bit the traditional French restaurant: the Parisian red awning, a classically trained chef, bouillabaise on the menu. Yet, a closer look reveals its unconventionality – Croque Prata, boeuf bourguignon with Indonesian rawon daging spices. Chef-owner Louis Pacquelin, who trained under Alain Ducasse, is coaxing French food outside its formal codes.
His winning Octopus Carpaccio ($24) is bright and zesty, with a touch of Asian flavour coming through from the fried shallots and fresh red chillies. The foie gras starter ($45), however, is downright revelatory. Gently poached until tofu-soft, it’s given a Japanese soul and balance with miso, daikon and mushrooms.
Seafood here is an absolute masterclass. The Bouillabaise ($48), rich and unctuous, brims with seabream, octopus and clams, while the Lobster Rigatoni ($50), with the luxurious bite of the Brittany blue lobster, is simply majestic.
After dessert – the chocolate fondant ($22) is utter indulgence – adjourn to Madame Claude, the sensual cocktail lounge upstairs. The Espresso Martini ($25), served from a Moka pot table-side, is a worthy rendition.
Besides the signature cocktails, there’s also a well-curated wine list. Fancy some bar bites? The Sandwich Merguez ($10) with a pillowy housemade bao is the perfectly naughty companion to a glass of Devaux Coeur des Bar Rose Brut Champagne ($30). French fun dining, indeed
Prices range from $3 for sourdough to $110 for T-bone de boeuf Angus, sauce au poivre de Kampot
