Showing posts with label Focaccia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Focaccia. Show all posts

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Locanda @ Rowell Road (Jalan Besar) - A Cosy Italian Trattoria Offering Hearty Classics

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Locanda is a delightful new Italian trattoria nestled in the vibrant heritage district of Little India. Conceptualized by the Michelin-starred team behind Buona Terra, Locanda exudes the warmth and charm of a classic Italian "inn." In the past, locandas in Italy were places where weary travellers could find refuge and refuel with simple, hearty meals. Locanda brings this tradition to life in Singapore with a menu filled with comforting Italian classics.

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Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip 4.2/5

We began the evening with the Locanda Soft Roll with Eggplant, Tomato Dip ($8). The bread was warm, soft, and buttery, making it the perfect pairing with the tangy, flavourful eggplant and tomato dip. It was a simple yet satisfying start to our meal.

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Gnocco Fritto E Affettati 3.5/5

Next, we moved on to the Gnocco Fritto E Affettati ($15/50g of selected cold cuts). The Gnocco Fritto — golden-brown fried dough puffs — was an absolute delight. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, airy interior, which paired beautifully with the selection of classic Italian cold cuts.

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Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey 4/5

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Focaccia, Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini 4/5

We had the pleasure of trying two variations of focaccia, starting with the Focaccia Bread, Casera Cheese, Lardo, Hazelnuts, Truffle, Honey ($18). Topped with melted Casera cheese, lardo, and toasted Piedmont hazelnuts, it was finished with a drizzle of truffle honey and shaved black truffle. Every bite was a symphony of creamy, nutty, and earthy flavours.

The second version, Focaccia with Scamorza, Black Pepper, Grilled Zucchini ($18), was equally delightful. The smoky Scamorza cheese paired with the fresh crunch of grilled zucchini and a hint of black pepper. Both focaccia options were so good that I honestly couldn't choose a favourite.

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Deep Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion and Raisin 4.2/5

One of the standouts for me was the Deep-Fried Marinated Sardine, Onion, and Raisin ($22). Deep-fried and marinated in vinegar, the sardines were served atop a crispy fried polenta base, accompanied by braised onions, raisins, pine nuts, and a hint of mint. It was a perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours.

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Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil 3.8/5

We also tried the Yellowtail, Lemon, Fennel Oil ($28), a light and clean dish featuring fresh slices of yellowtail dressed with a bright lemon dressing and a sprinkle of sea salt. The charred orange segments added a hint of bitterness that balanced the dish beautifully, while the fennel oil provided an aromatic finish.

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Veal Eye Round, Tuna Sauce and Capers Berry 4/5

The Veal Eye Round ($24) is a boneless cut from the rear leg of the calf that's first sous-vide, then seared to perfection in the pan. It's thinly sliced and served with a classic tonnato sauce, then garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and caper berries. The dish is understated, focusing on the pure tenderness of the veal and its mild, delicate flavour. It's a straightforward preparation that highlights the quality of the meat without unnecessary embellishments, perfect for those who enjoy simple yet expertly executed dishes.


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Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon 4.2/5

When it comes to pasta, Locanda does not disappoint. The Tagliolini, Fresh Tomato, Crab, Lemon ($28) was one of my favourites, featuring perfectly cooked tagliolini in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce with generous chunks of crab and a zesty hint of lemon. It reminded me of a refined version of Singapore's chilli crab but with pasta — a real treat for seafood lovers.

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Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mix Mushrooms 4.2/5

The Pappardelle Ragu Genovese, Mixed Mushrooms ($24) was another excellent option. The wide, ribbon-like pasta was coated in a rich, hearty beef ragu made from different cuts of Australian beef, slow-braised until tender. The addition of braised mushrooms added depth to the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

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Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers 3.8/5

We tried the Malloreddus, Red Wine Octopus Ragu, Capers ($28) for something a bit different. The shell-like pasta had a pleasant bite, and the octopus ragu was flavorful and rich, elevated by the capers' briny punch.

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Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare 4.5/5

I recommend the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare ($118++) for larger groups, which is good for up to 4 people. This seafood pasta was tossed in a luscious tomato sauce and topped with an assortment of sautéed seafood, including clams, lobster, scampi, and red prawns. A seafood lover's dream!

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Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple 4.2/5

The Secreto Iberico Pork, Braised Endive, Apple ($39) stood out among the mains. The Iberico pork was beautifully glazed with pork jus, honey, and spices, then grilled over binchotan for a smoky, caramelized exterior. The tender meat was perfectly complemented by the slightly bitter braised endives and sweet apple sauce.

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Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan 4.2/5

We also tried the Hanging Tender, Rucola & Parmesan ($42). The lesser-known cut of beef was simply seasoned with salt and grilled to perfection, served with beef jus, a peppery rucola salad, and shavings of Parmesan. It was a no-frills dish that allowed the beef's rich, natural flavour to shine.

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Gelati & Sorbetti 4/5

To finish, we had a scoop of Gelati & Sorbetti ($9/scoop). While the pistachio and chocolate gelati were delicious, I found them a bit pricey for the portion size. However, the real star of the dessert menu was the Sicilian Cannolo ($15/2pc). Each cannolo was filled with a luscious mix of Artigiana ricotta, chopped Valrhona 55% chocolate, candied orange and lemon, and finished with Sicilian pistachio on each end. It's a perfect sweet ending to an indulgent meal.

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Sicilian Cannolo 4/5

Locanda brings the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Italian inn to Singapore, with a menu full of comforting and well-executed Italian classics. Whether you're in the mood for delicious pasta, hearty meat dishes, or an authentic Italian dessert, Locanda delivers a memorable dining experience in the heart of Little India. It is an excellent spot for a cosy meal with friends or family, and I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Locanda
109 Rowell Road
Singapore 208033
Tel: +65 9619 2691
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri: 6pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Jalan Besar Road. Walk to Rowell Road. Turn left onto Rowell Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Chicco Pasta Bar @ Telok Ayer Street - Top Quality Homemade Pasta at Affordable Price Point By Chef Drew Nocente and Chef Jose Alonso

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Nestled in the former space of The Market Grill, Chicco Pasta Bar emerges as a collaboration between Chef Drew Nocente from CENZO and Chef Jose Alonso from Kulto. Born from the desire to offer top-quality homemade pasta at an affordable price point. During a recent dinner escapade with a friend, we explored the palate-pleasing wonders of this new establishment.

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Cauliflower 4.5/5

Our dinner commenced with the Cauliflower ($12), a dish that showcased the skilful use of the pit to give the cauliflower a perfect char. The exterior boasted a delightful crispness, harmonising with the crunch of each bite. Adding to its appeal was a tantalising garlic chilli sauce that heightened the overall enjoyment of this simple yet flavourful dish.

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Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion Focaccia 4.2/5

For the Focaccia, we opted for the Stracciatella, Peppers & Onion variation ($12). It proved an excellent choice, with the creamy stracciatella spread over the focaccia, adorned with sweet peppers, onions, and a generous shaving of cheese. A harmonious medley of textures and flavours that set the stage for the pasta delights to come.

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Fusilli 4.2/5

Transitioning to the heart of Chicco Pasta Bar—the pasta—we delved into the Fusilli ($20). This dish showcased pasta with a delectable bite, intertwined with the robust flavours of Mushrooms and Nduja (pork sausage). A marriage of textures and tastes that exemplified the culinary craftsmanship at play.

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Mafaldine 4.5/5

Introducing a new addition to the menu, the Mafaldine ($24) replaced the lobster spaghetti. Despite initial disappointment over the absence of visible Spanner Crab, each forkful revealed a pleasant surprise. The sweet crab meat, expertly blended with a creamy bisque sauce, provided a luxurious mouthful. The dish embodied a symphony of flavours, delivering on the promise of a robust crustacean experience.

Chicco Pasta Bar unfolds as a haven for pasta enthusiasts, where the commitment to quality and affordability converges. With its artful fusion of flavours and dedication to handcrafted excellence, this pasta bar is poised to become a staple for those seeking a taste of artisanal Italian delights.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicco Pasta Bar
208 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 8468 8146
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

Sunday, September 17, 2023

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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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]

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

La Pizzaiola @ Sime Darby Centre (Dunearn Road) - Authentic Italian Pizza-maker Launches New Menu Of Fresh Flavours

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Since reopening in 2012, La Pizzaiola has grown to 3 outlets strong, in King Albert Park, Jalan Riang and Kalidasa. It's been most known for dishing out homely authentic Italian classics such as wood-fired pizzas baked in a traditional oven crafted in Italy.

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This time, it's ready to welcome diners with its brand new menu of fresh flavours, including new salads, appetisers and pasta. Alongside the new launch, enjoy free-flow filtered sparkling, still water at $1 and wine as low as $7.

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Focaccia Aglio, Burro e Mozzarella 4/5

Served as our first appetiser, the warm and toasty Focaccia Aglio, Burro e Mozzarella ($16.90) was the perfect start. The freshly baked focaccia bread is lined with chopped garlic, butter and Mozzarella Fior di Latte. The subtle aroma of garlic with oozy mozzarella worked wonderfully together. My only gripe, I wished they had added more mozzarella near the ends of the focaccia!

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Sardine Fritte 4/5

In a portion of Sardine Fritte ($20.90), you have four pieces of deep-fried breaded fresh sardines with a side of salad. The thickness of the batter was just nice with tender sardine meat.

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Porchetta Salad 4/5

The last of our appetisers was the Porchetta Salad ($19.90). On thinly sliced roasted pork belly dressed with mustard honey sauce, it's further topped with tomatoes, rocket salad and balsamic vinaigrette.

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Pancetta Affumicata e Funghi 4.2/5

Moving on to the wood-fired pizzas. The first on our table was the Pancetta Affumicata e Funghi ($23.90), which also ended up as our favourite dish of the night. Their pizza base was thin with a slight chew on its crust. The slices of crispy bacon gave a nice saltiness to the red onions, mushrooms and Mozzarella Flor di Latte.

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Calzone 3.5/5

We were a little disappointed to cut open to a watery Calzone ($22.90). I wished they had used a thicker and punchier tomato sauce to better contrast the other fillings of cooked ham, button mushrooms and Mozzarella Flor di Latte.

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La Pizzaiola Speciale 3.5/5

My dining companions sang praises of the La Pizzaiola Speciale ($27.90), which had toppings of roast beef slices, shaved parmesan, arugula salad, truffle oil and Mozzarella Flor di Latte. However, they shared the same sentiments about the tomato sauce used here.

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Risotto ai Funghi Porcini e Tartufo 3.8/5

The Risotto ai Funghi Porcini e Tartufo ($26.90) is risotto with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil. Unfortunately, the earthy mushrooms we expected to be prominent didn't come through, as the cheesy flavours dominated it more.

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Pollo Biologico alla Diavola 3.8/5

La Pizzaiola's Pollo Biologico alla Diavola ($33.90) features roasted organic spring chicken marinated with Italian herbs and spices, served with roasted potatoes and rocket leaves. Some parts of the chicken were tough, but the rest were primarily tender with crisp skin. The herbs and spices are very strong here, something good to note if you're not a fan of such flavours.

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Panna Cotta 3.8/5

Unfortunately, the Panna Cotta ($10.90) was a tad too watered down, though we enjoyed the tangy sweet berry sauce.

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Tiramisu 4/5

La Pizzaiola’s rendition of the Tiramisu ($11.90) was lovely. It wasn’t overly creamy and had a distinct kick of coffee and alcohol notes.

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Creme Brulee 4/5

Our unanimous favourite of the desserts was the Creme Brulee ($12.90), which had a rich custard base and a thin and crisp caramelised layer on top.

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.



La Pizzaiola
Link@896
896 Dunearn Road
#01-10
Singapore 589472
Tel: +65 64848896
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Nearest MRT: King Albert Park (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at King Albert Park. Take Exit B around the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Monday, November 1, 2021

NORTH Miznon @ Amoy Street - A Modern Israeli Dining Experience

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First established in Tel Aviv, Israel, NORTH Mizon at Amoy Street is the concept's first Asia outpost. Founded by Chef Eyal Shani – a leading figure in the Israeli culinary scene and most famously known as a judge on MasterChef Israel, NORTH Mizon showcases modern Israeli flavours, with a daily-changing menu of sharing plates to reflect the multifaceted nature of Israeli cuisine.

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Naked Heirloom tomatoes Mosaic 4.5/5

You will find interesting plant-forward dishes, such as the stunning Naked Heirloom Tomatoes Mosaic ($19) topped with olive oil and salt flowers. The specially sourced tomatoes are sliced paper-thin and drizzled with Greek extra-virgin oil with a generous sprinkle of sea salt, teasing the beautiful flavours of the produce.

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Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan 4.2/5

Melting Baby Leeks, Parmesan ($18) is another dish that highlights one of the key principles of Chef Eyal Shani. He strives to source the freshest, best, and, where possible, local ingredients to be served in his restaurant. Buttery, sweet and savoury with parmesan, these baby leeks were just as satiable as a plate of well-barbecued ribs.

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Focaccia 4/5

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Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette 4.5/5

Inspirations from French and Italian cuisines are reflected on the menu as well. For example, Hummus topped with Prawns in Beurre Noisette ($36) was lusciously creamy and rich. The prawns added a layer of texture and flavour to every bite. Thanks to the restaurant's signature Focaccia served on the house, I could mop up the humus on the plate. The focaccia itself is a great starter too. It comes with a trinity of sauces served at almost all Israeli meals; zhug – a fresh green chilli paste with garlic and olives, Maggie tomato salsa and sour cream.

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Palamida Fillet 4/5

We also had Palamida Fillet ($34) roasted on plancha, served on a pretty-in-pink tomato cloud and tahini. Though the fish was very well done with firm and moist flesh, it was relatively underwhelming.

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Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock 4/5

Talking about inventive ways to present dishes, Chef Eyal Shani's Sirloin Roast Beef Carpaccio on the Rock ($47) is served to us on a solid rock. Its sight will definitely excite your taste buds and your friends, and the portion makes it even more ideal for sharing.

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The dessert selection features up to six glorious and utterly satisfying creations. A classic to try will be the Ants Nest Cake with Queen Hajar shiny glaze is a honeycomb cake with toasty caramel notes, and a touch of ginger. However, my personal favourite is the Semolina Cream Cake, which gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling for each bite. Each dessert is $20, or enjoy a cardboard comprising a mix of all desserts at $19 per person.

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Words 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.


NORTH Miznon
110 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 069930
Tel: +65 80285204
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 530pm – 12am
(Closed on Mon)

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]