Imagine being transported away from the fast-paced society of Singapore into a world of serenity as you dine in the newly opened al-fresco restaurant, bar and bakery, Spruce.

Hidden away from the bustling sounds of the city and being surrounded by the lush greenery of Phoenix Park, eating at Spruce is a wonderful countryside experience. Opened since March 9, Spruce not only boast an outdoor dining area that’s set on a terrace, but also an indoor air-conditioned dining space. Did I mention that they also have their own cheese cum wine cellar?

Accompanied with smooth blues-rock music, this place exudes a laidback and relaxing environment for anyone to dine or chill out. Although the service is not that great, it was definitely adequate.

Well if you don’t intend to have a heavy meal there, do drop by during midday between 2:30 – 5:30 pm as Spruce also serves great pastry/bakery items and dessert!

Below are just some of my recommendations.

Steamed Ginger Date Pudding with Chocolate Toffee Sauce – $12
A scoop Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream accompanies this pudding shaped muffin. Along with warm chocolate toffee sauce, this Spruce signature dish is a must try. The mixture of vanilla ice cream and chocolate toffee sauce provides the perfect dip for the quintessential muffin that’s capped with icing. The muffin alone leaves a trail of gingery and herbal touch from the tip of your tongue to the bottom of your throat. Together with the dip, it forms an unparallel combination of tastes and flavour that leaves you wanting for more. Who says herbs, ice cream and muffins don’t go together?

Brownie a la mode – $7
Have you ever eaten a brownie together with ice cream? Well, I haven’t and this dish sure struck me. The brownie is soft and warm and the chocolate’s not too thick or sweet. Topped with one scoop of Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, hot meets cold in perfect unison. You can literally feel the brownie melting the moment it enters in your mouth. Although simple looking, the taste is simply wonderful. Maybe good food is best kept simple.

French Apple Tart with crispy crumble – $9
Generous slices of apple strips top the crusty base of this dish with loads of crumble sprinkled all over. Fresh, crispy and juicy will be what this tart is all about. Although the apple strips were a tad sour, it mixed well with the nutty taste of crumble bits. You might want to finish it quickly as it cools pretty fast. It’s not your average apple tart, but its not that special either. Therefore, I feel that it might be a fraction too pricey.

Fresh Lemonade with Mint – $6
How about a glass of this cooling lemonade to help you escape from the scorching weather of Singapore. Minty and fresh, every gulp down the throat just refreshes you from head to toe. This drink is a good companion if you are chilling out as it leaves the mind relaxed and calm. Although $6 for a glass of lemonade is not worth the buy, there’s no harm trying it.

Getting there maybe slightly inconvenient for those who don’t drive, but it’s worth the hassle.
Location: 320 Tanglin Road Singapore 247980
Tel: 6836 5528
Fax: 6836 5527
Email: reservation@spruce.com.sg
Website: Spruce