Afternoon Tea at Gastronomia Cafe Restaurant @ Bukit Timah

501 Bukit Timah Road #01-01 Cluny Court, Singapore 259760

Tel: 6468 7010

Website: http://www.dapaolo.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gastronomia.BukitTimah

Gastronomia by Da Paolo was popping all over Singapore a few years back, serving basic, homemade Italian dishes such as sandwiches, pasta, pizzas etc, as well as some desserts and gourmet cafe - meant for those "who have great taste but little time".

They have many outlets, situated at good hangout locations such as Holland Village, East Coast, Marina Bay, Orchard and Raffles Place. The outlet at Cluny Court, Bukit Timah caught my attention especially, because the old European-styled building holds special feelings for me, and I love the outdoorsy settings.

And it was really serene settings, perfect for afternoon hangout or work (they have free wi-fi thankfully). I was as close to nature as I'd ever imagined, when a pretty little butterfly landed on my keyboard.

Service was polite enough, however you need to order and pay at the counter before grabbing a seat.

I didnt see much choices of sweet pastries, so the Raspberry Strawberry Meringue (SGD$6.90) had to suffice. It was very lovely - sweet and melty, distinct with strawberry's flavor (dried cranberries sprinkled on the side), but after a few bites, it got toothache-inducingly sweet.

For Christmas, they have the prettiest cupcakes - Santa's Sleigh, Snowman and Christmas Tree. I tried the Santa's Sleigh (SGD$5.50) - heavily coated with icing and fluffy cream, that was how it looked so gorgeous. The chocolate cake beneath was soft and moistened, aromatic of chocolate taste but not too sweet. This made for a good contrast to the saccharine icing layer, making for a rather delightful dessert.

I loved the Blue Orange Mocha (SGD$6.50) though - emitting irresistable aroma of the zesty fruit, breaking beautifully through the chocolatey coffee. It warms the flesh and soothes the soul literally, a refreshing delight.

Equally good, and flavorsome, is their Mint Mocha (SGD$5.60). The bittersweet coffee held tinge of mint's cool pierce, good for jolting someone awake or pairing with desserts.