La Bottega Enoteca @ Joo Chiat Road - Singapore’s Number One Pizzeria Unveils New Menu Celebrating Award and Second Anniversary

Celebrating its 2nd anniversary, La Bottega Enoteca has unveiled an enticing new menu. The joy is twofold as La Bottega Enoteca recently secured the 19th spot on the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2023 ranking – a remarkable achievement in the culinary world. Remarkably, it is the sole pizzeria in Singapore to earn this recognition, cementing its status as the city's premier pizzeria.

NEW: Calamaretti Alla Griglia 4.5/5

Among the new additions to the menu, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia ($25) stands out. This antipasto features grilled baby calamari adorned with pea, mint, and lemon zest. The baby calamari is impeccably tender and retains its delightful oceanic sweetness.

Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella 4.5/5

With the revamped menu, La Bottega introduces fresh pizza flavours. We opted for the Newpolitan®: ½ Broccolini & ½ Mortadella, which offers the delightful option of trying both. The Broccolini ($28/half) boasts charred broccolini layered with San Marzano DOP tomatoes, taleggio cheese, and a crisp blend of lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. On the other half, the Mortadella ($32/half) entices with gooey parmesan fondue, silky Italian mortadella, red pesto, crunchy pistachios, sweet potato chips, and fresh basil. The Mortadella's complex flavours and textures were particularly captivating among the two.

Arrosticini 4.2/5

In addition to the new dishes, we sampled some signature and classic favourites, beginning with the Arrosticini ($7/each, minimum 3 pieces). These lamb neck skewers are grilled in the Abruzzo style, featuring a lovely lamb flavour and a delightful crunch heightened by a herbaceous touch.

Pappadelle Al Ragú D’ Anatra 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Al Ragù D'Anatra ($34) features homemade pappardelle cooked to perfection with goose meat. The dish is elevated by adding Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Months and orange zest, resulting in a multi-dimensional flavour profile.

Pulma Alla Griglia 4.2/5

The Pluma Alla Griglia ($58) is a highlight for the carnivores. This dish showcases grilled Spanish Pluma of Iberico pork placed over a bed of crunchy asparagus and fragranced with Sicilian capers and red capsicum. Instead of traditional sauce, the tender meat pairs beautifully with Sicilian capers, which impart a salty seasoning.

Caciucco E Fregola 4.5/5

Shifting from land to sea, the Caciucco E Fregola ($68) presents monkfish cooked with Gambero Rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid in a rich and flavorful tomato-based broth. Toasted bread accompanies the dish, allowing diners to savour every drop of the delectable broth.

La Focaccia di Recco Classica 4.2/5

The La Focaccia di Recco Classica (V, $52) is a must-try, featuring paper-thin layers of dough filled with soft, melted cheese. Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, it is baked to a golden and crispy perfection.

NEW: Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi 4.5/5

Dessert lovers will be delighted with the three new desserts on the menu. The Sfogliatella Riccia Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi ($16) showcases La Bottega's signature Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato in a delicate Neapolitan "Sfogliatella Riccia" shell. It's a delightful blend of crispy, flaky pastry with the creaminess of Parmigiano Reggiano Gelato.

NEW: Seadas 4.2/5

Another delightful surprise is the Seadas ($14), a Sardinian delicacy. This raviolo is stuffed with cow's cheese, fried to a golden crisp, and drizzled with honey. The sweet and savoury combination is a harmonious delight for the palate.

NEW: I Bomboloni “Fai Da Te” 4.8/5

Last but not least, the I Bomboloni "Fai Da Te" (V, $18) offers daily DIY baked doughnuts with a luscious Mascarpone filling. These doughnuts are incredibly soft and moist, without any greasiness, making for a delectable ending to your meal at La Bottega Enoteca.

In conclusion, La Bottega Enoteca consistently delivers classic Italian flavors that celebrate the essence of traditional cuisine. The focus here is undeniably on the food, and it shines brilliantly. From the rich and robust pasta dishes to the carefully crafted pizzas and mouthwatering desserts, La Bottega Enoteca brings Italy's culinary heritage to life with every bite. Whether you're seeking the comfort of timeless Italian classics or simply a delicious dining experience, this restaurant's dedication to the authenticity of its offerings makes it a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking to savor the very best of Italy.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


La Bottega Enoteca
346 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427596
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 530pm - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 9pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 16. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Si Chuan Dou Hua @ PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road - Celebrate Chef Leung Wing Cheung’s 12 Years At The Helm With 12 Of His Signature Dishes

Si Chuan Dou Hua first found itself in our local F&B scene in 1996, with its founding outlet on Beach Road. Fast forwarding to today, the restaurant has two other spaces in the iconic UOB Plaza and PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Guangdong-born Executive Cantonese Chef Leung Wing Cheung's 12th year helming the restaurant at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. Chef Leung has an impressive 40 over years of experience cooking Cantonese cuisine.

To mark this joyous occasion, Chef Leung invites diners to travel back in time, specifically from the 1970s to 1980s, to enjoy delicacies inspired by his hometown of Guangdong, China. Aptly named Chef Leung''s 12th Anniversary: A Classic Feast 梁师傅十二周年: 梁家经典怀旧五味篇, this time-limited menu features 12 specially crafted dishes, all of which are rare Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, seen on the restaurant's menu for the very first time.

From now till 31 May 2023, diners can enjoy a Buy-3-Free-1 or Buy-6-Free-2 promotion with any orders from this anniversary menu. Each dish is priced at $33.

Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste, Bi Feng Tang Style 4.2/5

We first had the Wok-Fried Squid Stuffed with Prawn Paste (避风塘百花酿吊片), featuring Chef Leung's take on "har gao" in the shape of a squid. The Hong Kong sun-dried squid pieces are stuffed with prawn paste, fried, and paired with an addictive base of crunchy rice crackers, shrimp and garlic.

Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables and Crystal Vermicelli Served in Casserole 4/5

Introducing the Stewed Seafood with Assorted Vegetables (海味粉丝什菜煲) on the menu was meant to recreate regal one-pot-stews often made during festive seasons. Flavours here are more delicate while carrying a depth of sweetness from slow-cooking dried shrimps and squid. What we appreciated was the clean stock that contains no artificial flavourings. Main toppings include fish beancurd, broccoli and crystal vermicelli.

Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock 4.5/5

One of our favourites for the night was the Poached Giant Garoupa Fillet with Luffa Melon in Fish Stock (鱼汤胜瓜浸龙趸球). The cloudy broth was brimming with natural sweetness and creaminess from hours of simmering fish bones and meat. I particularly enjoyed the addition of black fungus and, my favourite luffa, for the refreshing crisp. My only gripe was that I preferred a cleaner texture on the giant garoupa fillets instead of the slightly floury mouthfeel.

Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe 4.2/5

The Slow-Cooked Roast Duck with Sea Cucumber and Shrimp Roe (虾子海参焖火鸭煲) was served sizzling hot in a claypot. The mix of tender slow-cooked duck, sea cucumber, shrimp roe and tofu skin rolls were covered in a sweet seafood-based gravy.

Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce 4.5/5

Most of my dining companions and I have not had many venison dishes before, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Boiled Sliced Venison with Spicy Chilli Sauce (沸腾爽滑鲜鹿肉). Using the same Si Chuan recipe from Chef Leung's childhood, it features tender and lean venison slices that were first boiled before adding to the numbing spicy chilli sauce. Digging into it past the peppercorns, minced garlic and dried chillies, you will also see strips of celtuce, leek and beansprouts which provide a complementary crunch.

Steamed Kampong Chicken with Fragrant Scallion Oil 4/5

Using a fragrant house-made scallion oil, the Steamed Kampong Chicken (葱油走地鸡) has tender meat and silky skin.

Poached Tianjin Cabbage Topped with Dried Shrimp and Conpoy in Superior Stock 3.5/5

Next was the Poached Tianjin Cabbage (虾亁瑶柱扒津白), which had dried shrimp and conpoy toppings. While we enjoyed the depth of the clear superior stock, we wished for more, especially the portion, considering its price tag.

Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce 4/5

Another classic dish is the Pan-Fried Tofu Stuffed with Minced Fish Paste in XO Sauce (极品酱鱼腐煎豆包). The rich and slightly spicy XO sauce with dried scallop bits scattered on top would go great with a bowl of white rice. Each piece of pillowy soft tofu is stuffed with minced fish paste.

Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork 3.8/5

The Sauteed Egg with Kurobuta Honey Pork (黑豚叉烧炒滑蛋) was much smaller than we expected but was creamy and buttery. The slices of Kurobuta pork were tender and lent a sweetness.

Sauteed Minced Fish with Celery, Honey Peas, Celtuce and Bell Pepper 4/5

We learnt that this dish of Sauteed Minced Fish (生煎鱼崧炒荷芹) is one typically eaten during New Year in the past but is less commonly found around now due to its laborious cooking process. First, the minced fish paste is fried and thinly sliced before being sauteed with sweet celery, honey peas, celtuce and bell pepper.

Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish 3.8/5

Finally, the Pan-Fried Minced Pork with Salted Fish (马友咸鱼生煎肉饼) features lean pork laced with bits of salted fish. While we enjoyed the texture of the patties, we found these too salty for our liking.

My dining companions and I don’t take beef, but the last of the 12 dishes is the Wok-Fried Rice Noodles with Sliced Wagyu Beef and Bitter Gourd 和牛凉瓜炒河粉.

Alongside the Buy-3-Free-1 / Buy-6-Free-2 promotion, diners can enjoy 30% off one of Si Chuan Dou Hua's signature dishes. The selection includes Signature Roast Duck with Truffle Sauce (Half $68, Whole $128), Double-boiled Soup of the Day ($30), Signature Bean Curd Medley ($28) and Signature Claypot Rice with Waxed Meat ($36).

Reservations are recommended and can be made via https://www.tablecheck.com/en/parkroyal-kitchener-road-si-chuan-dou-hua/reserve/landing.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road
181 Kitchener Rd, Level 3
Singapore 208533
Tel: +65 31385359
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Weekday Lunch: 1130am to 3pm
Weekend and PH Lunch: 1130am to 115pm, 130pm to 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Kitchener Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Rempapa @ Park Place Residences at PLQ - Cultural Celebration Series, New Dishes For Deepavali

As part of Rempapa's Cultural Celebration Series to showcase Singapore heritage cuisine, the restaurant will feature two dishes celebrating Deepavali from 17 to 24 October 2022.

Kool 4/5

The first dish Kool ($80++), is a Northern Sri Lankan speciality. The recipe came from Chef Damian's granddad's neighbour. The hearty soup consists of fresh seafood such as prawns, squid, crabs and fish head served in a claypot and is suitable for 3-4 pax. They are also vegetables such as long beans, sliced tapioca, and jackfruit seeds. The soup is not the lemak type. It is light with a bit of tartness from the tamarind juice with some dried chilli flakes for a touch of heat. It comes with a bowl of brown rice. We recommend having the brown rice with the comforting stew. Three days advance reservation is required for the dish.

Lamb Dhalcha 4.8/5

The other dish is the Lamb Dhalcha ($60++), a Eurasian interpretation of a traditional South Indian lentil stew. Tender lamb ribs, lentils and potatoes are cooked with an aromatic amalgamation of spices such as toasted cumin, fennel, and coriander. It was so good that I kept returning to the chapati to wipe up the sauce.

Assortment of Kuehs 4.5/5

Wrapping up our dinner, we had an Assortment of Kuehs, a must-have at Rempapa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Rempapa
2 Paya Lebar Road
#01-01/02/03
Park Place Residences at PLQ
Singapore 409053
Tel: +65 94591603
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1030am - 1030pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 930am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Avenue. Cross the road. Walk to Park Place Residences. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

California Republic @ Amoy Street - Bold, Bright and Fresh Approach To Italian-inspired Cuisine

Taking over the space of now-defunct Carne is California Republic, the latest concept by The Dandy Collection. Stepping into the restaurant, it felt like entering a time capsule of California living in the summer of 1960, a time of woodie surf wagons and sunken living rooms.

Grilled Oysters 4/5

WWe start our meal with the Grilled Oysters ($18), grilled with chipotle chilli, bourbon and garlic compound butter. It is inspired by Micahel Goodman's (Co-founder & CVO) fond memory of his time at the Hog Island Oyster Company.

Faux Artichokes 3/5

Next, we had the Faux Artichokes ($18), which is jackfruit barigoule dressed in green herbs aioli. The flavours were beautiful, but I am not a fan of its texture. If I am not wrong, it uses the tasteless core of the jackfruit.

Meatballs al Angeleno 4.5/5

One of my favourite dishes at California Republic is the Meatballs al Angeleno ($28). The meatballs are made from pork and veal, drenched in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. They were huge and juicy. Best to wipe up the sauce with the accompanying toasted bread. I only wish for more bread to go with the delicious tomato sauce.

Smoked Bucatini 4.8/5

What is an Italian restaurant with pasta on its menu, right? You will not be disappointed with the pasta offered at California Republic. I find them much better than their mains. One of their pasta highlights is the Smoked Bucatini ($34), made from smoked flour and tossed in pork ragu in bianco with classic soffritto. It is then finished with Parmigiano shavings and a touch of bone marrow.

Celery Root Cappelacci 4.2/5

Similar to tortellini is the Celery Root Cappellacci ($29) stuffed with celery and root puree and cooked in a roasted mushroom sauce. Due to the folded shape of the pasta, which resembles a hat, it is thicker at the edges for a more delectable bite.

Lazy Man's Cioppino 4.2/5

West Coast Garlic Mop 4.2/5

The Lazy Man's Cioppino ($48), a classic San-Francisco tomato-based seafood stew comprising roasted seabass, clams, mussels, calamari and prawns, is excellent for sharing. Best to order the West Coast Garlic Mops ($18) to mop up the tomato sauce or have it together with some Charred Broccolini ($14) if you need your greens.

Charred Broccolini 3.5/5

Espresso Budino 4/5

Wrapping up our dinner, we had the Espresso Budino ($16). A sweet and creamy dessert comprising of cream, milk, espresso and espresso cream to wake one up from the food coma. Though heavy on the cream, it is light on sugar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


California Republic
88 Amoy Street
Singapore 069907
Tel: +65 97849487
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 12 midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

L'Espresso @ Goodwood Park Hotel - Honouring Legacy and Tradition With A Classic English Afternoon Tea

Available for dine-in from now till 10 August, Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120 years of rich history with their classic English Afternoon Tea at L'Espresso. They have also introduced their new Legacy Blend 120, a commemorative tea created in collaboration with TWG Tea that is inspired by the iconic landmark's German heritage.

 

Pamper yourself with a relaxing dining experience and savour a specially curated repertoire of English afternoon tea delights served to the table upon order. We had the dainty finger sandwiches such as the Roast Beef & Gerkin, Cucumber & Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Cream, and Egg Mayonnaise with Watercress.

 

The open-faced sandwiches offer classic combinations such as the Coronation Chicken with Mango Chutney & Almonds, Sea Shrimp with Marie Rose Sauce & Smashed Avocado, and Crabmeat Salad with Roasted Corn Puree.

 

Indulge in buttery croissants filled with ham & english cheddar cheese or the Tuna Salad with English Cucumber as well.

 

Delectable hot savouries include a hearty Traditional Irish Beef & Guinness Stew, as well as the Mini Pork Shepherd's Pie with Cheese Crust. The Traditional Irish Beef & Guinness Stew is rich and savoury. Paired with freshly baked Bread Roll for a satisfying dish.

 

Not to be missed out is their freshly baked scones, served with traditional Devonshire clotted cream, strawberry jam and butter.

 

Lastly, round up the meal with a lovely assortment of pastries, cheese and sliced fruits. They also have a variety of classic British sweet treats such as the Sticky Date Pudding, Treacle Tartlet, Nougatine Chocolate Cake, Frosted Salted Caramel Nut Slice, the Strawberry & Cream Triffle and Sherry Triffle in Jelly Cup.

 

Classic English Afternoon Tea

Date: 19 Jun to 10 Aug 2020
Pricing inclusive of 2 servings of coffee or tea: 

Mon-Thu: $45++ per adult, $27++ per child (6 to 11 years old)

Fri-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: $48++ per adult, $28.80++ per child (6 to 11 years old)
Pricing inclusive of a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve NV champagne and 2 servings of coffee or tea: 

Mon-Thu: $68++ per adult

Fri-Sun, Eve of PH and PH: $72++ per adult

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


L'Espresso
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 2pm - 530pm
Sat-Sun & PH: 12 - 230pm, 3pm - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]