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Showing posts with label Italian Cuisine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italian Cuisine. Show all posts

Sunday, 31 May 2020

Dinner and cake at Drips Bakery Cafe @ Tiong Bahru [takeaway]



82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082 
Tel: 6222 0400 / 9766 8188



Drips Bakery Cafe is a cafe located in Tiong Bahru, and caught my attention when I was searching for Blackforest cake delivery during this stay-home Circuit Breaker period.




Placed an order and my 600grams Blackforest Cake (SGD$50.00) was delivered to my doorstep, with 3 days advance order. Delivery was FOC as I managed to hit the minimum SGD$60.00 order.

Layers of chocolate and cream sponge soaked in Cognac, with hidden branded cherries that added the crunchy juiciness, topped by rich layering of cream, more brandied cherries, and chocolate shavings. Definitely decadant and palatable; strong hints of liqueur so they are generous with it.




The Carbonara (SGD$13.80) was a thing of  beauty; linguine pasta bathed in cream sauce, bacon slices, and topped with golden ebiko that added touches of crunch. Pasta was tasty; appreciated that sauce was served on the side.


Finally, the Chicken Stew (SGD$13.80) with rice and vegetables. The dish was very tasty and chunks of chicken were generous as well; carrots were boiled soft and easy to eat too. I just didn't like that there was a lot of chicken skin in the stew; had to discard them piece by piece.

Overall, enjoyed the items at Drips Bakery Cafe alot and look forward to visiting when Circuit Breaker Phase 2 sets in.



Monday, 25 May 2020

Lunch at Redpan Restaurant @ Marina Square



6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-03 / 04 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Tel: 6255 5850



Met a client turned friend for lunch, and she recommended the beautiful Redpan Restaurant. It was not easy to find though the customer service counter is just in front, nut I was glad when I found it, delighting in its elegant red-black settings.

Red is for Singapore and passion, and Pan is an essential culinary item.




Designed by DP Architects, an established homegrown architecture firm with five decades of international design experience, redpan conveys a sense of chic with custom-made wooden curves and design accents like the custom-designed hanging glass feature comprising 2,000 glass pieces.

They focus on modern Singaporean fusion dishes, serving quality food at reasonable prices. Drinks are served here as well. Service was quite pleasant.



I had the flavourful Seared Salmon Edamame Salad (SGD$19.00). Seared Norwegian Salmon, salad greens, edamame, orange slices, corn and miso sesame dressing. Healthy and delicious, perfect for lunch or a starter before the mains.



The Spinach and Cheese Qaesadillas (SGD$9.00) comes with side salad - a simple combination of grilled tortillas, baby spinach and feta cheese. Yummy and light,  another perfect choice lunch or as an appetizer.

Many interesting items on the menu, such as "Char Siew" Nachos,  "Bak Chor" Foie Gras Mee, Prawn and "Hae Bi Hiam" Pasta, etc, all created with local favorite ingredients. I will definitely be back to try more.




Monday, 11 May 2020

Dinner at Wine & Chef @ Tanjong Pagar [Revisit]




7 Keong Saik Street, Singapore 089115
Tel: 6221 9279





We decided to revisit Wine and Chef for our monthly wine gathering. To share a little about Wine and Chef, it is an unpretentious, laid- back bistro serving a wide array of interesting Italian Wine, as well as palatable Italian-inspired, "Hokkien" Chinese dishes. So yes, you may call them fusionized.  You may also check out previous review here, to get an idea of what they served.




We started with a bottle of red wine, the Piceno Rosso Fillelu Montepulciano (SGD$45.00). Lovely cherry fruit notes tinged with mild spicy hints.




My all-time favourite starter is a good Chacuterie and Cheese Board, and we had it here. An assortment of Cured Ham and Cheese with condiments. Cured Ham selection includes Prosciutto di Parma, Truffle Salami, Coopa Ham and Speck (SGD$10.00 per ham or SGD$32.00 for assorted platter). I appreciated that their Cured Ham was not very salty; taste was really just nice.

For Cheese, there are Brillat Savarin, Truffle Gouda, Aged Comte and Gorgonzola (SGD$9.00 per cheese or SGD$30.00 for assorted platter). The Truffle Gouza stole the show with its earthly aroma.




There were also Shrimp Paste Chicken Drumlets (SGD$10.00) with honey and soy glaze, deep-fried to a lovely golden hue with a crispy exterior.





Next, Seared Foie Gras (SGD$16.00) with sea salt, pistachio, served on toasted ciabatta with a side of Apple & thyme brandy compote. One of those butter-textured, flavorsome items I could easily eat 10 of.





For mains, we tried the Salmon Risotto (SGD$20.00) - soy and coriander cured salmon fillet and fish roe on a bed of mascarpone barley risotto. It was simply tasty; the barley grains adding texturized bite to the dish.




Lastly, "Bak Chor Mee" Linguine (SGD$24.00), an "atas-ication" of a favourite local hawker dish. Springy strands of linguine pasta tossed in bean paste sauce, with spicy minced chicken meat, Iberico pork lard and truffle-infused wantons (deep-fried meat dumplings). Delightful dish that connected with the palate perfectly.




Another bottle of Sweet Sparkling Wine aka "Happy Drinks", to complete the evening, and we concluded the meal, relishing in yet another happy dining experience at Wine And Chef.



Monday, 27 April 2020

Lunch at VENUE By Sebastian @ OUE Downtown



6A Shenton Way #01-02 Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Tel: 6904 9688




Remember Restaurant Ember at Hotel 1929 (review here) along Keong Saik Road? Well, if you love Chef Sebastian's culinary creations and was saddened that he left, fret not. He has set up his own VENUE now, a chic restaurant exuding understated elegance, at the new swanky OUE Downtown.

The current menu comprises mainly contemporary European dishes with selective Asian influences. Service was excellent despite the peak hours- attentive crew still ensures that water glasses were filled, and orders were served in timely fashion.

Since "communal" is the ideal concept here, we decided to order some dishes to share between us, relying heavily on the crew's recommendations.




Starting with Cauliflower Florets Fritti (SGD$10.00), served with spicy Mint Aioli, definitely raised expectations high for us. Who would've thought that simple cauliflower could taste this good in a crispy state? With the dip, flavour was further enhanced.




We also had the Grilled Asparagus with Poached Egg (SGD$12.00) and crackling Parma Ham, glazed with Miso Butter. Another texturized dish bursting with flavours.




Next, Burrata Cheese with Batard Toast (SGD$14.00) served with le jardin de rabelais tomatoes and drizzled with Basil Oil for that fragrance. Needless to say, the creaminess of cheese paired with crunchy toast was definitely palate pleasing.




From the mains, we enjoyed the Grilled Octopus (SGD$27.00) with White Bean Puree, Capers and burnt Butter. Smokey hints and light, chewy bites had us debating if we should get another plate of these.




There was also that saccharine Chilean Sea Bass (SGD$32.00) served with an appetite-whetting Mushroom-Bacon Ragout, and truffle yuzu butter sauce. The flavours of the sea and the Earth have united beautifully, at long last.




Our final mains to share was the 36-Hour Duck Confit (SGD$19.00) with Truffle Emulsion, Mesclun and Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette. Loved the crackling exterior giving way to tenderness within, tantalising with flavours of its accompaniment.




Moving on to desserts, Texture of Coconut (SGD$12.00), with crispy Mung Beans. Interesting grated coconut flakes dessert served chilled, sweet not but cloying.




Following that, Chocolate Fondant Cake (SGD$14.00) with Vanilla Ice-cream, and a chocolate centre lava that actually flows. Decadent and delicious!

Finally, a surprise for *Yvonne. I asked for a birthday candle, and the crew expertly walked covertly behind so the birthday girl (and others at the table) were totally caught off guard by the surprise.





Presenting the Pistachio Financier (SGD$14.00), served with Grand Marnier Ice-cream and Raspberry Yogurt, ticked the palate immensely with its multitude of flavours.

Overall dining experience at VENUE By Sebastian was excellent, ticking every box in terms of ambience, service and quality of food!








Thursday, 23 April 2020

Dinner at The Lighthouse Restaurant @ Fullerton Hotel



Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore 049178
Tel: 6877 8911 / 6877 8912




Been trying to book The Lighthouse Restaurant for Mon Beau's birthday celebration for a few years in a row, but always unsuccessful or fully booked. Happy to finally be able to visit!




The Lighthouse perches on the very top of The Fullerton Hotel. It occupies the very spot where a beacon guided mariners safely to shore, in the 20th century. Today, it is an elegant Italian restaurant serving delectable food, offering tantalising views of the Marina Bay Sands areas.

Service was immaculate, polite and thoughtful all the way till the end. A crew that understood the needs of the diners, portioned items for sharing without being asked to, and even when bringing the birthday dessert as a surprise, exercised great care to ensure they didn't appear in the mirrors where my hubby could see them coming.




We started with Cicerale Chickpea Soup with Seaweed, Lemon and Langoustine (SGD$29.00), a warm, hearty and palatable way to begin the meal.



For mains, I had the Risotto (SGD$32.00), orchestrated by carnaroli rice, Buffalo Stracciatella Cheese and Pantelleria Capers. Beautiful dish with texturized risotto and great taste.



Hubby chose Roasted Kurobuta Pork Chop (SGD$49.00) with topinambour puree and heirloom baby roots. Tender black pork rich in flavours and gentle on texture; another lovely dish.

Overall dining experience here at The Lighthouse was delightful.   I am glad we visited,  and I hope to return again soon.



Reviews on other Fullerton restaurants:

COURTYARD HIGH TEA @ Fullerton
THE FULLERTON WATERBOAT HOUSE 
LANTERN BAR @ Fullerton Bay
THE LANDING POINT @ Fullerton Bay


Friday, 17 April 2020

[Media Invite] Dinner at ROOTS Mediterranean @ Bukit Timah


9
2 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289189
Tel: 6463 4206
Website: None supplied



Once upon a time in August 2019, a new restaurant named Roots Mediterranean opened its doors, nestled along Greenwood Avenue, a private dining enclave. Roots Mediterranean specialises in wholesome, authentic and delectable Mediterranean fare with a delightful combination of Italian, Spanish, Greek and Levantine cuisine creations.


The Roots experience offers an epicurean journey which starts from the origin, the roots of the Mediterranean culinary culture. The restaurant provides the quality and experience of an Italian “Osteria”, a Greek “Ouzeri” and a Spanish “Tasca”.



As simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, the culinary concept is simple and elegant, assuring diners of hearty and flavourful cuisine prepared using fresh, premium ingredients and original recipes.



Roots Mediterranean has a convivial ambience with earthy tones, brick walls and wooden tiles and a wine cellar, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.  Roots Mediterranean offers an extensive range of Spanish Tapas, Italian Antipasti and Greek and Middle Eastern Mezze. The restaurant also has a wide selection of European wines to go with your food.



A basket variety of warm, delectable Bread was first brought to the table, comprising sourdough, grissini, flatbread, etc. They were tasty on their own or with butter,  but we took care to not over-indulge for fear that we could not stomach the other upcoming dishes.


DIPS



Moving onto starters, we had an assortment of delicious dips. The first was Tzatziki dip (SGD$8.00) - The most loved Greek dip, Yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.


There was the Tirokafteri dip (SGD$10.00) - a spicy and cheesy dip. A spread with yoghurt, feta cheese and chilli.



Also, the Hummus dip, a classic Mediterranean delight (SGD$8.00) - chick peas cream with sesame paste.


Finally, we tried the Melinzano Salata dip (SGD$8.00) - roasted eggplant dip with lemon, extra virgin olive oil and parsley.


OTHER STARTERS


Another  interesting and palatale appetiser was the Tortillas de Papas Y Queso Fundido (SGD$8.00) - a typical Spanish Omelette with potatoes topped with melted cheese.



Next, the Croquettas de Jamon Y Queso (SGD$8.00) - crispy fried breaded ham & cheese croquettes.



Moving onto seafood, we tried the Garides Saganaki (SGD$18.00) - sauté prawns cooked in a slightly spicy tomato sauce and topped with feta cheese. An innovative way and taste of eating prawns.



Smokey and texturized, the Octopus Gallego (SGD$18.00) - Roots Mediterranean's version of the Spanish classic comprising Octopus chunks, oven-warmed potatoes and seasoned with smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil.



Last seafood delight was the Gratinated Mussels (SGD$18.00) - crispy baked mussels stuffed with a tasty mix of breadcrumbs, spices, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil.



PASTAS




After that, we tried the Pasta items. Starting with Tagliatelle "It's Not Alfredo!" (SGD$26.00) - extra creamy tagliatelle served with 24 month aged Parmigiano Reggiano emulsioned cream.




Then Tagliatelle Bolognese (SGD$20.00) - Bolognese sauce with bigger chunks of beef, making for a texturized dish with more volumes to sink our teeth into.





Following that, Risotto Porcini Mushrooms (SGD$24.0) - Carnaroli rice, porcini mushroom, parmesan, butter and parsley; a flavourful dish that always tugs at my heartstrings.




PIZZAS



After pastas, it would be to taste the pizzas. They come in 3 sizes - 25cm, 50cm or 1 metre.



The Burrata and Parma Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre), is made up of confit cherry tomatoes, burrata cheese, Parma ham, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil.




The Spanish Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre) consists of tomato sauce, potatoes, octopus, paprika, parsley, extra virgin olive oil and garlic.


The Greek Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre) is composed of tomato sauce, feta cheese, kalamata olives, oregano and cherry tomatoes.



Last but not least, the Pineapple Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre), baked with tomato sauce, turkey ham, pineapple, and mozzarella.



FROM THE OVEN


Something from another section - From The Oven (literally!) - Moussaka (SGD$20.00), a Greek national dish of potatoes and eggplant layered with minced meat and bechamel.




DESSERTS





Finally, for another stomach entirely - desserts! The Rootless Dessert Platter (SGD$32.00) is a decadent, to-die-for 3-tier dessert tray made of various pastries and sweet treats.  The items include Tiramisu, Crema Catalana, Apricot Jelly, Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Strawberries, Lime Sorbet and Margo Sorbet (items are available on a rotational basis).  The perfect ending to the meal.

Do pop by for these delectable dishes to be enjoyed over some fine wine selection.

Thank you Jennifer's Consultancy for the invite, and ROOTS Mediterranean for hosting us.