We’re more than a little hesitant about celebrity chef establishments, and for good reason. After all, it’s no secret that many simply show up for the opening, peg their names on the door, never to be heard or seen of again in said city with nary a care about the restaurant.

Having been open for half a year, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne is an impressive, well-oiled machine, with no sign of letting up. On our visit, we were ushered to our booth seats and greeted with warm bread rolls and fluffy gougères (cheese choux pastry). Not a bad start at all, with more goodness to follow in the form of an unbelievably smooth foie gras au torchon ($29). Paired with the buttery homemade brioche, apple marmalade and hazelnuts, we could hardly stop ourselves from inhaling it and even contemplated seconds.

The signature original db burger ($42), which came highly recommended by our attentive and helpful server, arrived according to our medium specification. While the portion was generous and ingredients appropriately decadent (a sirloin patty with tender braised short ribs hiding a foie gras center sandwiched between a parmesan bun), we found it a little too heavy for us. No complaints about the fries though: Crisp and golden just the way God intended for them to be.

The exquisite yet simple fare, along with impeccably-trained and knowledgeable service staff, earns this bistro a well-deserved place in our little black foodie book.

Have you tried the coq au vin? It's one of I-S Magazine's 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2011).

Don't miss: Foie gras terrine. It's one of I-S Magazine's 50 things to eat in Singapore before you die (2012).