Showing posts with label Creme Brulee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creme Brulee. Show all posts

Friday, June 27, 2025

Vincenzo Capuano @ Robertson Quay - World Champion of Contemporay Pizza, Opens First Asia Outpost in Singapore

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With over 30 outlets across the globe and a prestigious #12 ranking on the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains 2025, Vincenzo Capuano brings his award-winning pizzas to Asia for the very first time, right here in Singapore. Best known for clinching the title of World Champion of Contemporary Pizza in 2022, Chef Vincenzo’s philosophy lies in tradition, craftsmanship, and a dough that defies gravity.

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At the heart of his pizza is a long-leavened, highly hydrated dough made with “Nuvola Super” flour, specially developed in collaboration with a flour mill. The result? A feather-light, airy crust that almost melts in your mouth. In a nod to Neapolitan dining culture, diners are encouraged to use the pair of golden scissors at each table to slice through the pillowy pizza crust themselves, an interactive touch that highlights the dough’s soft structure and signature puffed edge.

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Insalata Al Salmone 3.5/5

We kicked off the meal with the Insalata Al Salmone ($26), a hearty salad that’s pleasingly more protein-forward than leafy. Smoked salmon mingles with rucola, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and capers, all dressed in a roasted truffle sesame vinaigrette. It's tangy and refreshing, though more of a light prelude than a standout.

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Burrata Classica 4/5

Next, the Burrata Classica ($26) shined with its creamy centre and fresh pairing of rucola, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic. Enhanced with olive oil caviar for a modern touch, this was simple yet elegantly executed, a reliable classic done right.

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Guanciale Di Manzo 4.2/5

Don't skip the pasta here. The Guanciale Di Manzo ($30) features housemade fusilli bathed in a deeply savoury, 12-hour slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek ragù. Cooked al dente, the pasta clung perfectly to the robust sauce, giving each bite a rich, meaty depth.

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Carbonara 4.8/5

A standout dish of the night, the Carbonara ($28) is a purist's dream, comprising housemade fettuccine tossed with 12-hour slow-cooked Iberico pork jowl, egg yolk, and Parmigiano. No cream, no shortcuts, just authenticity and balance. Easily one of the best carbonaras in town.

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Provola E Pepe 4.2/5

As the pizza that won the 19th Pizza World Championship, the Provola E Pepe ($28) did not disappoint. Smoky provola cheese sits atop hand-crushed tomatoes, mixed pepper, roasted cherry tomatoes, EVOO, and basil. Bold and balanced, it's a smoky, savoury medley with a lightly tangy kick.

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Tetti Illuminati 4.5/5

My personal favourite of the trio, the Tetti Illuminati ($28), is a textural and flavour bomb comprising mortadella IGP, fior di latte, crushed pistachios, pistachio cream, pecorino Romano flakes, and basil. It is a decadent yet harmonious combination, elevated by the pistachio's nuttiness.

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Don Egidio 4/5

The Don Egidio ($28) stood out with its unique use of courgette cream as the base. Topped with zucchini chips, meatballs (a family recipe from Nonno Enzo), burrata heart, EVOO, and basil, this pizza offered contrasting textures, especially with the extra crunch from the zucchini chips.

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Creme Brulee 3/5

The Crème Brûlée ($14) ended things on a quieter note. While the custard was smooth and creamy, the caramelised rapadura layer didn't quite offer the crackly finish one might expect. It's a serviceable dessert but not the highlight.

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Tiramisu All'Amaretto 4/5

We much preferred the Tiramisù All'Amaretto ($17). Layered with mascarpone Lombardo, savoiardi biscuits, pistachios, and a generous splash of amaretto, it was light, creamy, and nuanced. It was a delightful finish to the meal.

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Vincenzo Capuano's Singapore outpost lives up to its celebrated name, especially in the realm of authentic Neapolitan pizza and pasta that speak of slow-cooked care. With dough that's light as air and sauces that burst with flavour, it's a worthy pilgrimage for pizza purists and carb lovers alike. Come for the world-class pizza — stay for the carbonara.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Vincenzo Capuano
The Pier @ Robertson
80 Mohamed Sultan Road
Singapore 239013
Tel: +65 6485 9153
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk straight towards the river. Turn right at the river. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Monday, June 23, 2025

Chef X @ Clarke Quay Central - Marks Its First Anniversary with New Residency by MasterChef Duo and MissTamChiak Collaboration

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To mark its first anniversary, Chef X at Clarke Quay welcomes a fresh new residency by MasterChef Singapore alumni Chef Nicholas Koh and Chef Leon Lim, the dynamic duo behind Kaya Rebel. Running from 3 June to 26 July 2025, the residency showcases their creative reimagination of kaya, Singapore’s beloved coconut jam. In addition, to celebrate the milestone, Kaya Rebel has teamed up with renowned food personality Maureen Ow (@MissTamChiak) to launch an exclusive Mango Kaya flavour and dish, available from 9 June to 5 July 2025.

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Kaya Selections 4/5

Kaya Rebel presents three unique kaya flavours: Pandan, Earl Grey, and Okinawa Brown Sugar. Each offers a distinct profile to suit different palates, with the Earl Grey surprising with its floral notes and the Okinawa Brown Sugar adding deep caramel richness. What stands out is the kaya's custard-like texture, a departure from the more gelatinous local versions. Best enjoyed with toast, croissants, or biscuits, the kaya delivers comfort with a contemporary flair.

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All-Day Kaya Breakfast Plate 2.5/5

Priced at $18 (Classic) or $24 (Deluxe), the Breakfast Plate includes a choice of kaya flavour, bread, eggs (any style), mesclun salad, protein, and a side. While it's a complete plate, the concept is too simple for its price tag, and some diners may feel that the components can be easily replicated at home. A more creative twist might elevate its value.

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Iced Cloud Coffee 4/5

Perfect for pairing with breakfast items, the Iced Cloud Coffee ($7) is smooth and refreshing, topped with a creamy milk foam that adds body and visual appeal. It's a solid, satisfying beverage that complements the sweet and savoury flavours on the menu.

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Mango Kaya Sticky Rice 4/5

A celebratory collaboration with MissTamChiak, this playful dessert reinvents the traditional Thai mango sticky rice. Here, the pairing of Mango Kaya with Sticky Rice results in a surprisingly bold and modern reinterpretation that delivers nostalgia with a twist. Available for a limited time at $8 nett, this is one not to miss.

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Kaya Tart 3.8/5

The Kaya Tart ($8 nett) features kaya custard nestled in a buttery shortcrust base adorned with assorted toppings. While it's beautifully presented and texturally satisfying, some might find the kaya flavour slightly subdued compared to the standalone spreads.

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Kaya Creme Brulee 3.5/5

Kaya Creme Brulee, the pandan-infused custard dessert topped with a crackling sugar crust, offers a nod to French technique while staying rooted in local flavour. At $8 nett, it's fun and Instagrammable, although it may not leave a lasting impression in terms of taste.

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For those who fall in love with the kaya, Kaya Rebel’s bottled flavours are available for purchase during the residency. Housed in sleek, minimalist jars reminiscent of high-end skincare packaging, they make for a chic and tasty souvenir.

Kaya Rebel at Chef X delivers a commendable effort in reimagining kaya beyond tradition. While some dishes are more conceptual than essential, the innovation and passion behind the residency shine through. Whether you're a kaya purist or curious to explore its modern interpretations, this residency is worth a visit—especially for the limited-edition Mango Kaya creations.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chef X
Clarke Quay Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#03-103/104
Singapore 059817
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 830am - 430pm
Fri-Sat: 830am - 930pm
(Closed on Sun & Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Wild Blaze @ Tras Street - Newly Launched $38++ Lunch Set At a Premium Dining Experience

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Located along the bustling street of Tras Street, Wild Blaze is a premium steakhouse that has been quietly making waves since its opening nine months ago. This elegant establishment is helmed by Chef Nic Wong, who spent 12 years as the executive chef at Brasserie Gavroche before taking over the space. At Wild Blaze, the dining experience extends beyond perfectly cooked steaks – it's about craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an all-around elevated experience.

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The restaurant exudes sophistication, with plush interiors, warm lighting and exceptional service. Their newly launched $38++ lunch set offers incredible value despite the fine-dining ambience. With quality ingredients, hearty portions, and thoughtful presentation, it's a steal!

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Foccacia Bread with Sundried Tomato Butter
Focaccia with Sundried Tomato Butter 4/5

Each set begins with a serving of their homemade Focaccia paired with Sun-Dried Tomato Butter — a combination so delicious that it's hard to stop at just one slice. The butter is rich, tangy, and aromatic, elevating the freshly baked bread effortlessly.

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Chef Nic presented us with four out of the five appetiser choices (the fifth being a Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese). Here's what we tasted:

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Clam Chowder 4.2/5

This comforting bowl of Clam Chowder was rich without being overly heavy. Brimming with ingredients, the soup was creamy, flavourful and satisfying.

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Salmon Tartare 4/5

A visual delight, the Salmon Tartare (+$4) was fresh and well-balanced, with crème fraîche, chives and cucumber pickles adding a nice zing. It paired beautifully with their house focaccia – we recommend saving a piece (or asking for more) to mop up the goodness.

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Fried Calamari 3/5

While we appreciated the use of fresh squid, the Fried Calamari was slightly over-fried, resulting in a tougher texture. The seasoning was spot on, and the chorizo aioli added a nice kick, but the chewiness slightly overshadowed the dish.

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Melon Ham 3.8/5

A classic combination of sweet Melon and savoury Ham. While the flavours worked, the portion felt a bit lean – just three slices of ham to a generous heap of melon. Still, it was a refreshing start to the meal.

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We sampled three of the five main options. Grilled Miso Salmon and Beef Bourguignon Bone Marrow Pie were not featured.

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Fettuccine Crab Pasta 4.2/5

The Fettuccine Crab Pasta was a delightful surprise. The tomato-based sauce, subtly spiced, reminded us of our local dish - chilli crab. Generous shreds of crab clung to every al dente strand of pasta, delivering a flavourful, comforting bite. It grew on us quickly – not a strand was left behind!

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Vintage Ribeye 4.2/5

Another thing Chef Nic takes pride in, other than great cooking, is ageing meats. Their ageing room is visible to all guests, where premium cuts of meat undergo a meticulous transformation, enhancing their natural flavours and creating unparalleled depth. This process is overseen by Chef Nic Wong, who travelled to Italy to earn his certification from the prestigious Stagionello Academy. His mastery of ageing techniques elevates every steak to a true work of art.

For just $10 more, you can upgrade to their Vintage Ribeye – a must-try. The steak was beautifully seared, well-seasoned and cooked to our preferred medium doneness. It had a familiar depth of flavour reminiscent of Cantonese roast pork on our first bite, which was both surprising and enjoyable. Served with bearnaise sauce and the in-house fries, which were crisp and addictive – no frozen alternatives here! Tip: Request for the mini chopper instead of the regular steak knife for cute photos.

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Duck Parmentier 3.8/5

The Duck Parmentier felt like a French twist on shepherd's pie, featuring shredded duck beneath a layer of mashed potatoes. While flavourful and comforting, it leaned a bit heavy and dry after several bites. It works better as a sharing dish than being a main dish.

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Apple Pie 3.8/5

To end the meal, we tried both dessert options. Served with Madagascar vanilla ice cream, the Apple Pie featured apple slices that retained their crunch. Not too sweet and fragrant from real vanilla beans, it's a lovely ending for those who enjoy a fruity dessert.

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Crème Brûlée 4.5/5

This is a clear winner in our books. Creamy, silky, and with just the right level of sweetness, the Crème Brûlée was rich and satisfying, with a perfectly torched caramel top. It was a standout finish to the meal.

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Wild Blaze’s $38++ set lunch offers tremendous value for a premium dining experience. With its sophisticated setting, warm hospitality and Chef Nic’s thoughtful menu, it’s a treat for both steak lovers and those seeking quality European fare. There’s also a well-curated wine selection for those who wish to pair their meal with a glass (or two).

For private occasions, the restaurant features an intimate dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The minimum spend for lunch is $2,000, and for dinner, it is $4,000 — ideal for celebrations or corporate gatherings.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wild Blaze
66 Tras Street
Singapore 079005
Tel: +65 9371 3900
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, September 30, 2024

Acqua e Farina @ Keong Saik Road - Authentic Italian Restaurant at The Rail Mall Opens New Outlet

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Acqua e Farina, known for its authentic Italian cuisine since 2016 at The Rail Mall, has now expanded with a new outlet at Keong Saik Road. The restaurant continues to be helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who hail from Southern and Northern Italy respectively, bringing their regional expertise to the table.

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We learnt from our last visit to The Rail Mall's branch that the restaurant's name directly translates into Italian for water and flour, reflecting the Chefs' goal of bringing authentic Italian fare using traditional recipes, top-quality ingredients and their own twists. Ingredients are mostly sourced directly from Italy.

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As a warm welcome, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread, which we found delightfully chewy and perfect for dipping into olive oil.

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The restaurant's beverage menu is impressive, with various non-alcoholic drinks, spritzes, wines, and housemade cocktails. The attentive servers are always happy to offer their recommendations if needed.

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Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale 4.5/5

Our meal started with the Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale ($32), a savoury mix of braised onions, green asparagus, and pan-fried guanciale. The dish's smokiness, sweet-savoury flavour combination, and contrasting textures made it a hit, especially when paired with the starter bread.

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Tortino 4/5

We also tried the Tortino ($32), a tart made with homemade puff pastry dough filled with a rich crayfish sauce, tender crayfish chunks, and porcini mushrooms. While the tart shell wasn’t my favourite, the crustacean sweetness of the sauce was reminiscent of a flavorful lobster bisque.

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Montara 4.2/5

Exclusive to the Keong Saik outlet is the Montanara ($34), a twice-cooked pizza that’s first left to rise for 36 hours and deep-fried before being baked. The pizza, topped with tomato sauce, pork sausages, spicy nduja, and creamy stracciatella, had a perfectly crisp edge and was surprisingly light, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

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Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga 4/5

Next, we tried the Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga ($36), a luxurious risotto dish enhanced with briny sea urchin and freshly grated salt-cured bottarga. The dish was creamy without the use of cream, relying on the slow-simmered stock for its richness.

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Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja 4/5

We also enjoyed the Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja ($36), a unique handmade cocoa pasta tossed in spicy nduja salami paste, complemented by portobello mushrooms and shrimp. Mixing in the cocoa powder provided a subtle sweetness that balanced the spicy nduja.

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Paccheri alla Norma 4.2/5

For a vegetarian option, we sampled the Paccheri alla Norma ($34), a tube-shaped pasta tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with eggplant and topped with grated ricotta. Based on Chef's family recipe, this dish was a pleasant surprise with its bright and simple flavour.

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Acqua e Farina’s Dessert Platter 4/5

To end our meal, we opted for the Dessert Platter ($20), which offered bite-sized portions of Acqua e Farina’s best desserts: Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, and Lava Cake. The Lava Cake stood out for its rich, oozing chocolate centre.

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Nutella Donuts 4.2/5

We were also treated to off-the-menu Nutella Donuts, which were fluffy, chewy, and definitely worth making a permanent fixture on the menu.

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.


Acqua e Farina
35A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 9105 2377
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, TE, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]