SONS @ China Square Central - A New Menu Curated By Michelin Star Chef, Beppe De Vito

SONS at China Square Central is a modern Italian trattoria-style bar and restaurant that provides a range of mains, nibbles and drinks at affordable pricing. When it first opened its door in 2014, it impressed me by being one of the first restaurants that made their own speciality-cured meat and salami. It has recently launched a new menu, introducing new dishes that will bring a new joy to your experience at SONS.

Homemade Salami Platter 4/5

The salami at SONS is all made inhouse using artisanal Italian curing method in its very own curing room. To try a few varieties, order a Homemade Salami Platter ($22) which comprises 4 types of Salumi - Smoked Kurobuta Pork Lonza, Capocollo, Guanciale and Pancetta. If you would like to bring some home, they are also available for retail at both SONS and on Redmart.

Baccalá Cakes 4/5

What I remembered SONS for is this visually stunning charcoal black Baccala Cakes ($18), served with sea urchin sabayon. One of its signature dishes, these fritters are made from premium salted cod and mashed potato, and what gives them the black coat is squid ink breadcrumbs. Juxtaposed with the rich, yellow creamy sea urchin sabayon that has been caramelised on the surface which exudes a hint of sweetness. It is an elevated croquette dish that excites all senses.

Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta 3.8/5

If you love your truffles, this mouth-filling Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta with Smoked Scamorza ($15) will not disappoint. 2 very thin slices of house-made rustic bread grilled and slathered with truffle paste, then layered with melted Smoked Scamorza. This is followed by piling on sauteed shimeji mushrooms, finished with shavings of fresh truffles and micro herbs. It is very rich in taste, hence sharing is recommended.

Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini 3/5

On the other spectrum, Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini ($15) serves as a good alternative for a light and refreshing starter.

3-Meat Sausage 3.5/5

SONS makes its own sausages as well. 3-Meat Sausage, Broccoletti & Mustard Sauce ($29) is a new main that features its housemade sausage packed with pork, beef and lamb, seasoned with herbs and pepper. Served sizzling hot, what first hit us was the mouthwatering, intense aroma of freshly grated parmesan cheese wafting from the hot pan. I like the way this dish is being executed, which stands out from a regular sausage recipe.

Duck Leg Confit 3/5

The portion of the Duck Leg Confit with Cannellini & Cherry Tomatoes ($26) is generous, but the meat was a tad too dry. The cannellini stew was more pleasing, comforting with sweet, roasted tomatoes and rosemary.

Kale & Nduja Ravioli 4.2/5

I remember SONS has delicious housemade pasta and it didn't disappoint in my re-visit. Kale & Nduja Ravioli with Capers & Garlic Butter ($22) may sound very simple, but every bite was packed with flavours. The ratio of the pasta to filling was also just right.

Squid-ink Tagliolini 4.5/5

The Squid-ink Tagliolini, Wild Cuttlefish & Orange Salmoriglio ($24) was tastier than it looked. Salmoriglio is traditionally made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs, and this Orange Salmoriglio brightened the flavours of the dish in its own way. Lightly tossed with seafood sauce, the housemade squid ink pasta was delicious on its own. Even after sitting in the cold for a while, the pasta remained al dente. The lightness of the pasta was just amazing.

Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips 3.8/5

We tried 3 desserts - Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips ($12), Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake ($12) and Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato ($13). The Tiramisu was definitely the highlight for me since it has been a while since I last had a good one. It was light and not too cloying, best summed up my experience at SONS.

Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato

Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake

Written 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. 


SONS
China Square Central
20 Cross Street
#01-19
Singapore 048422
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 1pm
Sat: 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street towards the direction of China Square Food Centre. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Continue until the end of Pekin Street. Cross the road to Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. Cross the road and walk to China Square Central. Walk towards Nakin Street and turn right on Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Morettino Cafe @ 100AM Mall - A Place For Burrata Dishes

Located in 100AM Mall, Morettino Cafe is a cosy dining space that serves authentic Italian food prepared by Chef Andrea, who started his culinary journey in Rome. Not just a cafe for food, their coffee is Morettino, an Italian artisanal slow coffee produced in Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean since 1920.

Bruschetta of the Chef 3.5/5

Our lunch started with Bruschetta of the Chef ($14.80) made with fresh tomato, basil, mix vegetables and herbed cheese. I like the homely touches of the eggplants and zucchini which were delightful. Marinated and pickled in house, they are not soaking wet with vinegar and salt like those of ready made, which allows their natural flavours to come through.

Pisa 3.8/5

Alongside our starter we had Pisa Salad ($16.80). A salad but the key is really their roasted beef and I could imagine having this dish along with their wines. Laced with a layer of luscious fats, each slice of beef gave a rich and satisfying mouthful despite its elegant cut. I appreciate the light kiss of olive oil on the salad without complications of a salad dressing, other than assertion from the feta cheese. The beef and feta makes a pretty strong combination but the apple and greens balance that out.

Spaghetti Amatriciana with Burrata 4/5

You will notice that almost under each category in the menu, there will a Burrata dish and labelled as Chef's recommendation. Apparently, the Burrata used here is supplied by Chef Andrea's friend in Italy, who produces organic Burrata in small batches! I was so glad that I had chosen one of the Burrata dishes - Spaghetti Amatriciana with Burrata. Tossed in traditional roman tomato sauce prepared inhouse, the well rounded sauce seems to leave just enough space for the savoury chopped bacon to fit right in. That allows the delicate burrata cheese to stand out even after it was mixed into the pasta.

Salmon Lemon 2.8/5

For pizza, we decided to try a more different combination - Salmon Lemon ($25). It was underwhelming somehow. I find the salmon slightly dry and the overall combination was a tad too bland even with all the fresh herbs and cheese. I would have opted for the Burrata pizza anytime!

Grass Fed Beef Burger & Fries 3.5/5

For mains, we had Grass Fed Beef Burger & Fries ($28). Other than the juicy and well seasoned 200g Australian angus beef patty, the toasted brioche bun was fluffy with crisp edges, which is a plus point for me, done the way we wanted. The caramelised onions could be reduced further for sweetness though.

With the wide view of the bustling street that the space offers, I could just sit by the window pane with a coffee and people-watch all day. Other than food and coffee, Morettino Cafe is strong with their wine repertoire too. Their wine list features 100 bottles starting from $38 and under $100, and changes with the seasons. Labels includes newcomers to Old-World classics from small-production winemakers.

Words and photos 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.


Morettino Cafe
100AM Mall
100 Tras St
#01-04
Singapore 079027
Tel: 6224 0424
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Five Nines (999.99) @ Cuppage Plaza - It Needs More Polishing To Get Back Its Shine

Five Nines (999.99) which first opened at Keong Saik Road has now been relocated to Cuppage Plaza level 4. In fact, it has done a musical chair with Kyuu, swapping premises. Putting the restaurant's group reason for doing so aside, lets see whether Five Nines is able to maintain its gold standard with a new Chef at helm and new menu.

Marinated Botan Shrimp and Couscous Salad 3/5

For my visit, I had the 6 course dinner at $49. The first course is Marinated Botan Shrimp and Couscous Salad with tosazu vinegar and salmon roe. I can't deny the sweetness and freshness of the botan shrimp, as well as the idea of appreciating the different textures of the botan prawn. However the whole execution and presentation did not quite excite me. It felt rather bare, rough and unappealing.

Foie Gras Terrine and Bruschetta 2.8/5

The second appetiser is Foie Gras Terrine and Bruschetta with instant smoked orange jam. I really felt the smoking effect was rather gimmicky and it didn't really complement the dish. Rather I felt it was a bit too thick and unpleasant, distorting the appreciation of the main ingredients.

Lobster Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato Sauce 4/5

Garlic Flavoured Squid Ink Tagliolini 3.5/5

For the pasta dish, one has a choice between the Lobster Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato Sauce or Garlic Flavoured Squid Ink Tagliolini topped with Snow Crab. I like my pasta to be saucy hence I preferred the lobster spaghetti with creamy tomato sauce. For those that enjoys a firmer bite and less creamy, the squid ink tagliolini will be a good choice.

Steamed Cod Fish Rolled with Parma Ham 3/5

The next dish is Steamed Cod Fish Rolled with Parma Ham with Porcini Cream Sauce. The cod fish was cooked to a nice moist texture which paired excellent with the porcini cream sauce. While it is a nice dish, I am not sure the technique used in cooking the cod fish is the best choice to bring justify to the fish.

Mozzarella and Lamb Tenderloin Fritto 4/5

For those that is afraid of the gamy flavour of lamb, you will not find it in the Mozzarella and Lamb Tenderloin Fritto with celeriac puree, Japanese pepper fond de veau sauce. This is probably the best dish for me among the six-course dinner. The flavourful meat is cooked to tender. The stuffed mozzarella provided the additional boost in flavour to elevate the whole enjoyment.

Creme Brulee 3/5

Lastly, the Creme Brulee wrapped up the six-course dinner. I thought the custard was a little wet but it seems the others in the group did not think so and quite enjoy it. Guess its up to individual's preference.

Overall, I felt that the six-course dinner at $49 is quite value for money. However it terms of the dishes, I felt Five Nines has lost its shine to be the gold standard. It really needs some polishing to get back its shine if it wants to bring back the crowd.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


[CLOSED]
Five Nines (999.99)
Cuppage Plaza
5 Koek Road
#04-04
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 67320195
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 6pm - 230am
Sun: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to ground level. Walk to junction of Orchard Road and Koek Road. Cross the road. Walk down Koek Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

One Farrer Hotel & Spa X Da Paolo Group - An Italian Dining Collaboration

For a limited period, One Farrer Hotel & Spa is collaborating with Da Paolo Group to bring an Italian Dining experience to its residents and patrons. The 6 course dining menu priced at $75++ will be available on every Friday from now until 29 December 2017.

For the inaugural collaboration between the hotel and Da Paolo Group, diners can look forward to a quintessential menu consisting of homemade pastas, meats and seafood.

Antipasto 3.5/5

Our dinner started with 4 different types of Antipasto. The chef's choice for the day comes with Fried Mushoom Ball, Tomato Bruschetta, Octopus Bruschetta and Calamari. A delightful selections to whet up the appetite.

Grilled Lobster Salad 4/5

Parma Ham & Fresh Melon 4/5

For the Starters, diners have the choice of Grilled Lobster Salad and Parma Ham & Fresh Melon. The grilled lobster salad comes with avocado, black olive soil and pommery mustard dressing. A light yet refreshing salad to kick start the dinner. The parma ham & fresh melon, a classic combination that works regardless of time.

Spaghetti al Granchio 4.2/5

Ravioli di Vitello con Pomodoro e Grana Padano 4.5/5

For Pasta, diners have the choices of Spaghetti, Ravioli and Tagliatelle. We tried both the spaghetti and ravioli. The Spaghetti al Granchio, tossed in a tomato and cream sauce works wonderfully with the al dente spaghetti, complemented by the fresh crabmeat. While the spaghetti was really good, I love the Ravioli di Vitello con Pomodoro e Grana Padano even more. The homemade ravioli filled with braised veal, has the right balance of pasta to stuffing ratio, paired excellently by the red wine jus. If you do not like spaghetti or ravioli, there is the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, homemade egg pasta in beef ragout, simmered in red wine and tomatoes.

Pan Seared Barramundi 4/5

Baked Chicken Roulade 4.2/5

Moving to the Mains, diners have the choice of Pan Seared Barramundi or Baked Chicken Roulade. The Pan Seared Barramudi comes with pumpkin carpaccio, tuscan kale and arrabbiata salsa. My favourite part is the crispy skin of the pan seared barramundi.  I also enjoyed the hint of spiciness from the arrabiata salsa which complemented the moist barramundi excellently. The Baked Chicken Roulade is packed with flavours and textures. The tender chicken meat is filled with sauteed mushroom and black truffle. It is laid on a bed of parmigiano and truffle risotto with forest berry red wine jus, confit cherry tomato and white asparagus slices.

Da Paolo's Signature Tiramisu 4.5/5

Cannoli Siciliani 4/5

For Dessert, one can go for the Da Paolo's Signature Tiramisu or Cannoli Siciliani. My dining friends were sharing with me how how good is Da Paolo's tiramisu and after savouring it, I could not agree more with them. The whole execution was nicely balanced and light. it is definitely one of the best I have eaten. Sweeten the experience with the Cannoli Siciliani. Crack the fried pastry dough and have it together with the ricotta cream and chocolate chips for a sweet finishing.

Cheese Platter with Dried Fruits Toast and Condiments 4/5

Last but not least, end the 6 course dinner menu with the Cheese Platter with Dried Fruits Toast and Condiments. This pop up restaurant venue is located on the Level 6 lifestyle Podium, with seating available in our air-conditioned poolside restaurant or sheltered alfresco dining at our Sunset Bar.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One Farrer Hotel & Spa
Level 6, Poolside
1 Farrer Park Station Road
Singapore 217562
Tel: +65 67057825
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Fri: 6pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destinatin. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Jamie’s Italian @ VivoCity

After a year or so into its opening, Jamie’s Italian at VivoCity has come out with another 5 new items to entice their regulars, if not, recruit more of you to give it a try. The direction is on lighter menu options such as salads and bruschetta plates.

Seasonal Vegetable Bruschetta 4/5

We started off with Seasonal Vegetable Bruschetta ($10.50 ). I was pleasantly surprised by the burst of freshness coming out from this dish. The mint pea salsa was creamier than I thought it would be. Its texture was almost like an avocado, without the heaviness. That’s what made it so compatible with the ricotta. The green and yellow courgettes atop was dry grilled beforehand, giving this dish a good crunch.

Superfood Salad 3.8/5

Superfood Salad ($18.50) with Smoked Salmon ($26.50). With all the craze about superfood these days, the dish has it all - Lentils, quinoa, black rice, fennel, roasted beets and seed mix dressed in sherry vinegar and olive oil. The char grilled avocado and cottage cheese are exactly what were needed to give it this plate of grains and roots a boost of creamy goodness. What really captured my attention was that morsel of sambal-like chilli paste that comes with it, that sends every mouthful throbbing with heat, in a real good way.

Summer Truffle Risotto 4.5/5

Summer Truffle Risotto ($32.50)  is only available at Jamie’s Italian Vivo City. This is no doubt my favorite dish of the day. Putting the complex Italian names of the ingredients aside, although the structure of this dish seems pretty simple (mainly rice, truffles and cheese), it exudes oomph in every spoonful. That, I feel it wouldn’t be possible without the crisp herby breadcrumbs, that is able to edge its velvety texture beautifully. Pretty steep for a risotto, but it’s really up to you to see its value.

Bucatini Pasta 2.8/5

The Dish of the day was Bucatini Pasta ($21). I really love their traditional Romana sauce. The sweltered onion added flair to what might seem to be just a regular pasta with tomato sauce. However, the homemade bucatini pasta was slightly too tough for my liking. The portion served almost buried the few pieces of smokey pancetta that comes with it.

Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza 4.2/5

The Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza ($33.50) is stated to be a Pan-fried whole pink snapper, but with such tenderness of the meat, it could easily be mistaken as a steamed fish. A creation from Jamie Oliver’s Italian mentor, Chef Gennaro Contaldo, this is also highly likable dish which I would recommend. The sauce (concocted using olives, garlic, wine, capers, parsley and the sweetest baby plum tomatoes) was slightly milky and tangy, which I feel is excellent for the delicate texture and taste of the fish.

Rump Steak 3.8/5

A good piece of meat in the hands of a skilled chef never fails, which is the case for its Rump Steak ($29.50). You may think that this is odd, but I really appreciate the slaw at the side. Seldom that I find slaw that has not turned soggy under the weight of its dressing. The skinny fries was pretty well done too.

Orange Blossom Polenta Cake 3/5

We rounded up the dinner with their latest dessert - Orange Blossom Polenta Cake, together with another another sweet sounding Raspberry Rippled Pavlova ($11.50). The latter was indeed too sweet for me, whereas its newcomer is much more delightful. It’s pleasantly crumbly and grainy, yet moist like a butter cake.

Raspberry Rippled Pavlova 2.5/5

I do like their new items, especially their salads which can be both an appetizer and a light meal. Putting aside the dollars, I feel the standard of their food is there, though I have not tried its original establishment. If you want some fine Italian food, and the ease of dining in a casual ambience, Jamie’s Italian may be a good option.

Photograph and written 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.


Jamie Italian 
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-165/166/167
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 67335500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 1. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]