French-Mediterranean bistro 2OX brings a slice of la belle vie to Asian Heritage Row for those who fancy French classics but dread forking out wads of cash
2OX, an abbreviation for 'two oxen,' is named after its original owners' Chinese zodiac signs, but looks to la France for inspiration. Minus the views of Gustave Eiffel's pièce de résistance, a meal here might just as easily take place on rue St Dominique in Paris.
With the global rise of 'fusion' food, quintessential French cuisine is fading as fast as croissants au beurre (croissants containing real butter instead of margarine), but at 2OX, there is little urge to build unprecedented flavour profiles. All the French classics are present and pass the test. French onion soup? Check. Foie gras? Check. Fish à la Meunière? Check.
Topped with aromatic puff pastry baked a golden brown, the stock-free soupe à l'oignon takes a page from Paul Bocuse's recipe book. Affectionally known as the Lion of Lyon, the French chef would likely have approved of 2OX's foie gras starter. A classic combination if there ever was one, gamey liver is complemented by fruit compote and precious slices of Barbie doll-sized brioche.