Mondo Mio located at the quaint Robertson Quay is into its 10th anniversary this year. With a revamped menu and a fresh collection of off-the-menu specials, guests get to enjoy new and seasonal dishes, all crafted to showcase the vibrant flavours of Southern Italy.
Bay Leaf Cod Fish 3/5
For a start, we had 2 appetisers of very different profiles - a citrusy steamed cod versus cheesy zucchini. Using cod fish, I find Insalata di Baccala ed Agrumi ($16) a rather unique salad as the more commonly used seafood ingredient would have been crabmeat. The orange olive oil strings the ingredients of different taste and texture together. As cod fish itself is rich and buttery, pairing it with grapefruit, mandarin and kiwi gives it a fine balance in taste.
Griled Zucchini 4/5
A much thought-through effort goes into making the dainty rolls of Rosoni Di Zucchine alla Griglia Ripieni ($14). The usual mild zucchini was given a smoky edge and when the mozzarella oozed out, my taste buds warmed to the comforting cheese that melted over the ham and zucchini. The mint béchamel makes it even more mouthwatering, with a refreshing touch.
Pizza con Rucola Pesto 4/5
A fine pizza dough is imperative in making a pizza that makes you want to eat to the last bit without discarding the edge and their Pizza con Rucola Pesto ($22) is a stellar example of that. Homemade with natural yeast, it was crispy-chewy and light, a rustiness that anyone would appreciate. Instead of using basil, the pesto is made with rocket leaves along with pine nuts and olive oil. That gives an extra depth of flavour to the pizza which I thought goes really well with the savoury mozzarella and salami. The sweet notes from the ricotta and cherry tomatoes brings a balance to the overall flavour.
Homemade Gnocchetti in Scampi Salsa 3/5
Gnocchetti in Salsa di Scampi, Zafferano e Gamberoni ($28) is newly added to their menu. Seafood lovers would like its rich crustacean flavour of the sauce, created using Chef's special seafood stock accentuated with saffron. However, if you prefer the soft texture of gnoochi, the relatively sturdier gnocchetti, made without potato may not be to your liking.
Homemade Tagliatelle with Eggplant Sauce and Crayfish 4/5
What I really want to recommend is their Tagliatelle Fatte in Casa con Crema di Melanzane e Cicale ($26). Extremely light and tender, the homemade flat noodles was evenly coated and flavoured with well seasoned eggplant sauce. People around me find it hard to grabble with the mushy texture of eggplants but I thought Chef has brilliantly turned the mushiness into something palatable by pairing it with tomato and basil.
Pounded Veal Fillet 3.5/5
For something heartier, another off-the-menu special is Scaloppine al Marsala ($24). Pounded till thin, the veal fillets were only given a quick sear with butter to retain its juiciness. Glazed with fortified red wine sauce, it was pleasingly rich and flavourful. The grilled capsicums at the side were really sweet and juicy.
Cannoli 4.5/5
Do not leave this place without trying their Cannoli Siciliani con Pera e Ricotta ($12). Each shell is made from scratch and deep fried before piping in the filling. Using just ricotta for the filling may be cloying, hence Chantilly cream is used to fluff it up and diced pear to plump it up. I enjoyed the textural contrast between the filling and its extremely crunchy shell. The sweet caramelised walnuts studding the 2 ends adds on to the pleasure of eating these humble little tubes.
Pistacchio Tiramisu 3/5
As for their Pistacchio Tiramisu ($12), perhaps I'm biased, I still prefer the classic Tiramisu. Any variation to that seems to take away its charm.
These items will be featured in Mondo Mio 10th Anniversary Set menu, which is only available from 25 September to 15 December 2016. Hence, if you want to try their off-the-menu specials, be here early!
Written and photography by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Mondo Mio
30 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238251
Tel: +65 67362503
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 2pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop along Upper Cross Street (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 and 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk towards the river. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]
2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Cross the road onto Merbau Road. Walk to the end and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]
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