[Media Invite] Festino Brunch at Monti Singapore

82 Collyer Quay, 1-Pavilion, Singapore 049213

Tel: 6535 0724

Website: http://www.monti.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MontiSingapore

Time: 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm (Sundays)

Price: SGD $90 (excluding drinks) / SGD $120 (free flow non-alcoholic drinks) / SGD $140 (free flow wine) / SGD $160 (free flow champagne)

Monti Singapore has taken over Catalunya Singapore's sensual and unique space at One Pavillion, Collyer Quay (right beside Fullerton Bay Hotel). The two-storied circular building look like a giant dome floating over waters, and is designed to look sleek and yet elegant, drawing on its advantage of the water body surrounding it. The first level seats up to 108 persons while the rooftop is home to jazz performance, live jamming sessions as well as offering a lovely view of the vibrant CBD area.

The Festino Brunch is also known as the longest brunch, made up of an ala carte buffet menu and the desserts station. Items are quality and bordering on Italian cuisine, brought to the guests with a crew that serves with their souls.

If one expects the first course to be a light teaser for what's instore, well surprise! We started with Frutti Di Mare platter, consisting of fresh seafood such as Alaskan King Crab, cooked Tiger Prawn, Tuna Tataki, Salmon Sashimi, Fine de Claire Oysters, Mussels and Clams. Fresh and sweet summed up the various seafood items, and if you sample their housemade sauces, the palate is exposed to another level of enjoyment.

Following that, the Charcuterie and Cheese Board - consisting of 3 different types of cheese and ham, nuts, dried fruit and fresh fruit. Variety may change but rest assured that quality is consistent. The platter is served with with the softest bread.

Next, Grilled Octopus Salad, served right beside our table so we could watch the preparation of fresh greens being tossed. The Octopus was succulent and utterly tasty, holding its own beautifully among the crunchy greens and croutons.

Another tableside dish was the Risotto itself. Flambe the wheel, then toss the grainy rice. Scrape, scrape, around the wheel for cheese flakes, and we had a tantalizing risotto dish complete with black pepper and black truffle. I might have preferred this slightly softer, or with a little gravy.

We skipped the Soup and egged ourselves silly, heading straight for the Eggs section. Eggs Benedict was delightedly crispy, shouldering crackling bacon and a wobbly egg which flowed beautifully.

Eggs Salmon Florentine enchanted the palate with springy slab of smoked salmon, dill Hollandaise and baby spinach.

French Toast would have made for a good dessert with its syrup-draped soft toast, with honey cinnamon mascarpone, caramelized banana slices and fresh berries sitting atop.

From the Pastas section, we selected an Aglio Olio to try. Simple but tasty, lightly spicy strands of springy pasta; enjoyable.

Moving on to Meats department, we polished off the oh-so-succulent Ribeye Steak done medium, with red wine jus, anchovy butter and quinoa.

The Seabass with wine wine butter sauce flaked easily between the teeth and melted deliciously.

Charcoal grilled Iberico Pork Jowl hinted of smokiness among its scrumptious flavour, and was blessedly tender.

Next, Pan-cooked Foie Gras on toast with Balsamic reduction. Buttery on the tongue, boldly drawing us with its gently gamey, saltish sweetness.

There were also the Prawn Bowl (prawns, olive oil, garlic, bird's eye chili) and Mussels Bowl (white wine cream broth) tantalizing the palate delightfully.

Finally, desserts, arranged on a beautiful sea of blue with decorative shells. There were Torta Caprese, Amaretti Cookies, Mango Pannacotta, Peanut Cream Cheese Tartlets, Struffoli with Honey & Nutella, the obligatory Tiramisu, Zavbaglione Shooters, Melon Salad and Lemon Rosemary Tartlets.

The pastries were all in dainty bite sizes, making it possible for us to sample everything. I loved the Tiramisu and the Lemon Rosemary Tartlets especially.

Oh, have I mentioned that this station is for diners to DIY on their Mojitos and Bloody Marys? One gets to be a bartender for an afternoon and understand the real working of their favorites cocktails.

Now you see why this is the longest brunch yet, indulging us with palatable Italian dishes, compelling views and excellent service. Thank you Monti for hosting us and Chrysler Communications for the invite!