Who says that you have to nibble on tasteless sandwiches or unhealthy burgers if you work in the Central Business District? Located at the second level of the Republic Plaza Tower 1, Cuvee allows you to watch the non-stop buzz in the city but spares you the hustle and bustle as you wind down to enjoy a good meal. Its strategic position of being located in the centre of all the activities makes it a perfect little hideout during lunch or after work where you can take a break away from your work and re-energize yourself.

• The Vibe
  Step up the stairs behind the glass doors to find a quaint little space. Tiny reflective mirrors hang elegantly from the ceiling like a grand chandelier, exuding a sense of exquisiteness. The space is rather limited, so all seats line along the windows, with an island table in the center. Dim lights and cozy cushioned seats ease you into the environment, as you look out of the full-length glass windows and watch the world go by.

• The Food
  The salads at Cuvee are a hit with the business clientele, especially the ladies. Healthy and tasty at the same time, it is no wonder that the salads are so popular. The Signature Salad ($16) is presented in a multi-layered fashion. Made with minced broccoli, cauliflower and corn, it is then topped off with some shredded carrots. Balsamic vinegar is then added as dressing, so as to achieve a sweet tangy taste and at the same time, retain the colors of the vegetables. An advice is to tuck into the salad as soon as it is served, or else you will find that the vegetables lose moisture and cause the salad to be watery and bland.

  Similarly, the Seafood Caesar Salad ($16) and the Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad ($14) display the meticulous effort in presentation. The salads are placed into a basket made of parmesan cheese and then neatly embellished with fresh lettuce at the side. Some people might find the salad a tad bit salty as they reach the bottom of the cheese basket; else the vegetables are fresh and crunchy while the seafood and salmon are tender.

  The hot dishes are served with a cup of piping hot coffee or tea to perk you up. The Coq Au Vin ($19) which is actually chicken braised in red wine while the Beef Bourguignon ($19) is beef cubes braised in red wine. Although both dishes are cooked using the same gravy, the Coq Au Vin has a sweeter aftertaste. Furthermore, the beef cubes, in contrast, are not as soft as expected. Nonetheless, if you are game for a new taste, both dishes deserve a try as the red wine in the gravy adds a unique twist to the flavor.

  The highlight of Cuvee is the Raw Bar. Oysters priced from $6.50 to $17 are available. Served on crushed ice, and lemon slices next to the oysters, the oysters are so fresh they slip effortlessly into your mouth with just a tap on the shell.

  If you feel like having some Japanese food, there is a wide assortment of sashimi and sushi to choose from. Sushi is priced at $6 to $15 for 2 pieces, while sashimi is priced at $12 to $38 for 5 pieces. In terms of freshness, quality will definitely not disappoint.

• The Service
  The service staff is professional in their service and is meticulous in catering to the needs of the diners.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Cuvee
Even though the menu is rather limited in terms of choices, Cuvee is already planning to for a new menu to offer wider variety to their diners. You might find it slightly pricey to visit on a daily basis, but it is definitely a refreshing change for a healthier diet.