Summer Hill’s latest brunch trolley buffet menu takes you to Provence

If you — like us — can’t make it to the sunny hills of Provence in France this summer, here’s the next best thing.

Chef Anthony Yeoh of Summer Hill has brought us the best of southern France with its newest seasonal menu: A Provencal pique-nique on the bistro’s now-iconic brunch trolley.

French brunch treats on a trolley

Summer Hill is a cherished bistro known for its warm and cosy ambience and delectable French comfort food. 

Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers a charming dining experience with authentic French fare that highlights hearty flavours and quality ingredients.

The Provencal pique-nique (“picnic” in French) brunch at Summer Hill draws its inspiration from the French tradition of elegant picnics that date back centuries. 

It’s usually a community affair, bringing friends and family together for a leisurely meal — something that chef Anthony Yeoh wanted to replicate at Summer Hill.

He describes his spirit animal as a grandma who loves to feed people well, and that’s precisely how our experience with the new menu felt like: Being invited to a family picnic out in the sun of southern France, where you can truly unwind and savour a delicious meal in good company.

This new weekend-only brunch menu began on Jun 15, and while we don’t know for sure when it’ll run until, we understand that it’ll be around until at least August.

As before, Summer Hill dishes out its brunch items from a wooden trolley — much like a dim sum cart — which has been making its rounds around social media of late.

Oh, and did we mention that you can eat to your heart’s desire? During the brunch, you’ll be served one full round of the menu (minus the dessert), after which you can ask for repeats of any dish. The desserts, once served, are similarly all-you-can-eat, too.

There is a two-hour dining limit, though, so be sure to pace yourself!

Savouring the flavours of Provence

When we arrived, we were greeted by warm fairy lights draped above pastoral, homely table settings and an abundance of green plants. Quaint, old-fashioned plates and carefully folded napkins added to the overall feeling that we were in someone’s home, instead of a restaurant in the heart of town.

We began our brunch with artisan baguette with three savoury dips of artichoke, grilled piperade (a tomato-pepper sauce) and whipped goat’s cheese with honey and olives. We soon polished off all the bread on the table, but resisted requesting more to save our tummy space.

We opened the meal with a slate of rustic, yet hearty and bright starters to whet our appetites.

The chargrilled zucchini with sauce gribiche was a slightly smoky and tender delight, complemented by a refreshing cold herby egg sauce that lifted the innate earthiness of the zucchini. Another veggie dish that won our hearts was the grilled swordfish nicoise salad, a vibrant medley of lightly charred fish and fresh greens.

To round it off, we enjoyed the clams mariniere  — just the right amount of brininess married with a fragrant broth of white wine, garlic, parsley, and tomatoes.

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The mains were just as remarkable. 

Fried chicken has been a long-running signature at Summer Hill and its Provencale fried chicken surely did not disappoint — juicy and tender meat brined overnight encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. Meanwhile, the lemon, honey and herbs gave it a slightly nuanced and aromatic flavour. If you are partial to certain parts, Summer Hill’s friendly staff will do their best to accommodate your request.

The lamb shoulder parmentier featured melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder with rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes. If this sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because this is the French version of the traditionally British shepherd’s pie.

The Provencale roasted pork belly with crackling skin was best enjoyed alongside the summer bean stew with green chilli persillade — a combination of earthiness and zest that neutralised the richness of the fatty meat.

To end the brunch on a sweet note, Summer Hill served up a series of crafty desserts to treat our taste buds. 

The lavender milk cake was delicately fragrant and moist, yet retained a firm body that you could sink your teeth into. Digging into it conjured up images of running through the famed lavender fields of Provence.

We particularly enjoyed the chocolate stout cake for its dense and smooth mouthfeel as well as the nuanced hints of stout beer. 

Summer Hill also proves that snow cones aren’t just for kids — its DIY snow cone bar with various ingredients, toppings and syrups attracted its fair share of fans from all ages.

Celebrate the Provencal way with loved ones

Summer Hill’s Provencal weekend-only brunch menu is priced at S$69 per diner. Children under 12 can enjoy the meal at half-price (S$34.50).

If you’re feeling decadent, top-up S$55 for free-flow prosecco and wines.

There are two seatings, one from 11am to 1pm and another from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

This was a hosted tasting.

Looking for brunch ideas? The new June Coffee in Joo Chiat could be your thing. Otherwise, check out the latest openings around town.

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride to Summer Hill to enjoy the lovely picnic menu.