Ambush : the Local "European Union"

Can't decide between Spanish food, French food or Italian pasta? Or perhaps some Swedish cheeseballs? Ambush is the place for you with its comprehensive dishes from the European regions. 


The outlet at Plaza Singapura is one of the latest openings with an open space concept with large seatings suitable for gathering. 





 

From Belgium,




the Pot of Mussels $15.60(S) /$18.60(L) in White Wine, Sauteed Onions & Smoked Streaky Bacon impressed with generous dose of sweet alcohol tinged with garlicky flavour.
However, it was the Aglio Olio version$15.60(S) /$18.60(L) which appealed to me with a familiar mildly spiced Asian flavour. Replace it with fish and the fragrant spiced herbs get close to the Thai style Assam Steamed Fish.

The classic Pork Knuckle ($18 for half) was roasted moderately well, producing a crackly golden rind over some tender meat and fats. I like the juiciness which is not found in German restaurants like Brozeit or Paulaner Brahaus but traditionalists might beg to differ.

But the pillowy mashed potato seemed to steal the limelight while the saukeraut was dry and too little for the meat.

Meanwhile, the Swissgerman wurst will not disappoint sausage fans as these are what Ambush has served consistently well over the years. Pile them with carbohydrates like the Swiss Rosti (flat pan-fried potatoes shown in top picture) Or go the Italian way with some Tangy Tomato Pasta?
 
Perhaps the Sausages with Mash potatoes and German knuckles might be a wiser choice if you are not ordering the knuckles as your main. This allows you to have all 3 items in a plate
 

Hunting for some French cusine? The Duck Confit with Orange sauce ($18.50) is a clean-looking dish with just some simple seasonings to bring out the flavours. 

 
This Coq Au Vin ($17.80): Braised chicken leg  in red wine sauce was less attractive than the crispy duck. The chicken was sure fork tender with the booze of robust red wine. But some pearl onions and thin crispy bacon would power up this dish with more sweetness.
 
What won me was this humble plate of Aglio olio spaghetti with seaweed and fried chicken ($13.00).  With hints of spice and sourness, the pasta was a welcome change after having too much meat. definitely different from the seaweed fried chicken nuggets sold in sch canteens.





 My love for black food includes not only chocolate but also squid ink dishes. In fact, this Spanish paella ($14.50) was my favourite dish of that day as the rice was sticky and full of seafood flavour as compared to my previous try at Ochre. If you don't like rice, there is also the Baby Scallops with Squid Ink Pasta. But perhaps the name "Negro Paella" might call for a change.
Supporting Cast of Ice Vanilla Mocha (right) and Hot Honey Ginger Chai Latte (left)
In short, the European fare here is value for money as the hearty main courses do not exceed $20 while pastas at average $13. It can be comparable to other western food chains like TCC and Robert Timms, but what makes it different is its European food (not drinks) with some Asian twist. Should I return, I will not leave without the highly raved wild salmon Thai basil pasta and of course, the desserts.

Many thanks to OpenRice and Ambush for the invite to this food tasting session.


Ambush
Plaza Singapura 
 68 Orchard Road #04-64/66 (The Atrium)
Other outlets : Jurong Point, Takashimaya Shopping Ctr, Junction 8, Plaza Singapura and Jem (Opening in Apr 2013).

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