Evoking a quiescent charm amidst the lush greenery on the idyllic Fort Canning Hill is Flutes at the Fort. Where romance blossoms and nature abides, Flutes is the ideal venue for an unhurried lunch or romantic dinner.

• The Vibe
  A long flight of stairs leading to the restaurant poses a challenge to diners. However, perserverance has its rewards, and you may delight in an evening of romance once you have reached the restaurant. The colonial-style house evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of Singapore's old colonial past.  Dominated by shades of white and brown, the colonial house does appear picturesque with its early British influence. The availability of both outdoor and indoor seating provides for patrons with al fresco or air-conditioned  preferences respectively. Large glass window panes ensure the house is illuminated with a steady stream of light, making it a neat and welcoming enclave to those seeking a tranquil environment for lunch.

•  The Food
  Serving a repertoire of fusion cuisine with Australian influences, the food at Flutes seeks to impress in both presentation and taste. For a mouth-watering starter, try the Seared Sea Scallops($25), served with soba noodles, oriental mushroom, wakame salad and soy-peanut dressing. The sweetness of the soba noodles complemented the oven-seared scallop which was juicy on the inside and crispy on first bite. 

  To whet your appetite further, try the Alaskan King Crab Salad($25), comprising paw-paw, cucumber, wild finger lime, avocado puree and gazpacho. A marriage of sweet and sour, crunchy and smooth textures, it was indeed a dish which baffled the senses but pleased the palate. A typically fusion dish is the Grilled Black Cod($35) marinated in Japanese teriyaki sauce with side accompaniments of roasted butternut pumpkin cubes with wilted tatsoi leaves.  Skilfully grilled, the fish could easily be sliced, its freshness apparent. The Roasted Rack of Lamb, however, was not as delectable. A little too underdone, it took a while to cut into pieces. Those preferring their food more cooked may request for medium well instead. The meat was mediocre but the delicious accompaniment of sautéed charlotte potatoes more than made up for it.

  To end your meal on a sweet note, do not miss out on the Warm Pur-caraibe Chocolate Fondant with scoops of yoghurt and honey ice cream. A decadent and sinful dessert, the fondant oozed warm chocolate on the first bite. French desserts lovers may opt for the crème brulee which had a crispy layer of sugar atop with blueberry ice-cream served as accompaniment. 

• The Service
  The staff was very attentive and professional, apparently used to serving the well-heeled. 

The SD Food Advisor's Take on Flutes at the Fort
With its newly revamped menu, Flutes at the Fort is worth a visit for the die-hard romantic. Regular patrons will also be pleased to note the addition of new dishes to the menu. For a simple affair saved for that special occasion, try Flutes. However, do take note that it is as close to nature  as one can get, and hence the occasional fly or mosquito.