New + Noted: Au Chocolat

Story by SARAH CHANG & VICTORIA CHANG

#01-03 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave. Tel: 6688-7227

Chocolate lovers, rejoice. This elegant bistro and chocolate haven, which opens early next week, occupies two shop spaces and boasts both a bistro and retail area. The people running this 92-seater are also bringing in the anticipated Spanish restaurant Catalunya, helmed by ex-El Bulli staff. Here, you can expect French cuisine, some of which is tinged with chocolate (think hollandaise sauce made with chocolate and wine reduction). Starters are priced from $11; mains from $16. Up for a spot of shopping? Hop over to the confectionary retail area and go nuts with the array of chocolate bars, cakes and gelato.