ember again

We have been to ember several times and each time we leave the restaurant amply satisfied and contented. We like the casual and efficient service - there is absolutely no airs or pretentiousness in the waitstaff. We also like the seasonal changes in the menu - we get to try new dishes each time. I particularly like the subtle Asian influences in the dishes - the chef doesn't try too hard to be innovative and neither does he confuse the palate with overwhelming flavours.

This time round, we had crab cake with tomato chutney - the bite of the cumin in the crabcake stood up to the richness of the chutney. I also liked the fact that it was wholly crab and not blended in with more potato or flour than crabmeat. We also had the lobster ravioli with lobster tempura - a perfect combination of both crispy and creamy decadence. The cream sauce and jus surrounding the ravioli was heavenly and did not overwhelm the lobster. Though I must say the tempura was really really tiny (about the size of half my pinky, literally).

For main course we had steak and fava beans - this was done to the right doneness, the smoky flavours of the grill permeating through the meat in every bite. D found the accompanying mash a little too sweet for his liking, though I noted that it was possibly done on purpose to complement the saltiness of the meat. I had the miso glazed cod with mangetout & potato quarters. Though this has been on the menu for the longest time, I never tried it before. The cod was simply done - but was delicious as it was. Melt-in-the-mouth buttery cod with a tinge of sweetness in the glaze. I liked that the potatoes and mangetout (sugar snap peas) were unadorned as not to compete with the richness of the fish. We also ordered a side of green salad which was as good as it always has been - lightly dressed with a Japanese-style soy dressing and seasoned wakame.

Dessert was an apple tart tatin - buttery and flaky, deeply caramelised and tender apple segments with creamy vanilla ice-cream on the side. Simply rustic and comforting. The vanilla pods on the tart gave off such an amazing aroma which made this dish truly the highlight of an already satisfying meal. It's ember again and again for me.