Since it opened in Tiong Bahru last November, the modern and nouveau social dining cafe has become more than “a nice addition to the neighbourhood”. Now it adds French gourmet produce and fashion for even more Parisian chic.
Bright, rustic, and filled with lush greens, the 70-seater’s decor takes inspiration from the French Riviera and tropical Bali.
It didn’t take long (well, four months, to be exact) for the founders of Merci Marcel – French couple Marie-Charlotte Ley and Antoine Rouland – to take their landmark dining destination to the next level.
“We felt very strongly that a multi-concept offering beyond just an F&B establishment really suits Tiong Bahru,” says Rouland.
“The district is full of creatives who love their independent record shops, bookstores, and lifestyle destinations.” So what would these creative types like? How about an assortment of La Cour d’Orgeres artisanal jam and Le Chocolat des Francais pure cocoa chocolate? Also, wine is flown in weekly from small-batch producers in France – Ley and Rouland work with more than 80 of them to showcase the diversity of reds and whites.
More interested in stuff that’s not food? There’s eyewear from Izipizi, trendy watches from Cluse, and a collection of French Breton bowls, totes and tees that are from indie labels not commonly found here.
Antoine adds: “We feel that Singaporeans value convenience and quality. The ease of access to these boutique products is definitely a draw to diners. They can tuck into casual French cuisine while being spoilt for choice with products from small batch wine producers, artisanal cheese producers, organic tea leaf producers, an independent eyewear company, and more.” - HIY
