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The 2.0 Of Merci Marcel

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.

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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.
 
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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

Merci Marcel, #01-68, 56 Eng Hoon Street. Opening hours: 8am-11.30pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 8am-10pm on Sundays.
 
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Antoine Rouland (and his wife MarieCharlotte Ley) are also behind wine bistro O Batignolles and creperie O Comptoir.
 
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French indie eyewear brand Izipizi’s frames are light so they don’t weigh on your nose bridge. From $59.
 
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Made-in- France pure cocoa chocolate by Le Chocolat des Français is wrapped in quirky packaging designed by illustrators like Laura Junger and Josh Cochran. Flavours include salted caramel and hazelnut. From $8 a bar.
 
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La Cour d’Orgeres is a family business that makes artisanal jams. Less common flavours include fig and apple. From $6.50 a jar.
 
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The French love their cheese. We’re partial to the creamy truffle brie.
 
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PHOTOGRAPHY FRENCHESCAR LIM ART DIRECTION SHAN
 
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