Mondo Mio @ Robertson Quay - Celebrating 10th Anniversary With Off-The-Menu Specials

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
Facebook
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]

PerBacco @ Craig Road

When I got to know that PerBacco is situated along Craig Road, I wondered how would it differentiate itself from its neighbouring Italian restaurants. Northern regional specialities, I was told, where pasta often has to make way for risotto and polenta, and olive oil takes a back seat to butter.

The bar that fronts the entrance, together with the rustic brick wall and red sofa, sets a casual vibe that is a lot more engaging compared to some which can be a little too serious and static. If you want something more intimate, you will find it right behind a beautiful ceiling to wall divider. It is made of stacked wine crates, custom-designed with the restaurant’s name embossed on the side. Inviting and unpretentious, as per what its owners have envisaged for Perbacco.

We started off with some 'cicchetti' or small snacks from their bar. Tapas, starters, or appetitsers as you name it always excites me. I feel this is the category that really allows the chefs to showcase both their creativity and personality. I look forward to what Chef Marco Fregnan has got to offer.

Spicy Crab Meat Croquettes (Crocchette di Granchio) 3.8/5

Full of fresh crab meat made creamy with ricotta and potato, these crusty nuggets, Spicy Crab Meat Croquettes ($12) sets  the standard of regular bar bites. The spicy creamy tuna sauce atop gives my taste buds the right kick. I couldn't help but reach out for my glass of wine, Pomino Bianco ($12).

Scamorza with Soft Fritters (Frittelle alle Verdure) 3.8/5

The next plate. Scamorza with Soft Fritters ($14) was equally delightful. Like an egg with a hardy shell, under the crust was a light batter made with flour, butter, peas, carrots and zucchini. It does make alot of sense to eat both together - the soft baked scamorza cheese, which is heavier in taste, with the fritters which are relatively light tasting but crusty.

Sweet and Sour Prawns (Gamberi in Saor) 4/5

What we had next is a variation to the classic Venetian dish Sarde in Saor, or sweet and sour sardines. What remains is the sweet and sour onions, but the sardines is being replaced with prawns. The Sweet and Sour Prawns ($24) is wrapped in parma ham, with the prawns taking on the characteristic of its partner while retaining its subtle sweetness and bouncy texture. Though I have yet tried the original, I believe this surpasses the latter.

Green Pea Risotto (Risi e Bisi) 4.2/5

I guess Chef Marco is a very homely guy. Not only he adopts the original recipe for the classic Venetian Green Pea Risotto ($20), it is his grandma's recipe! Though green peas was not exactly a well-liked green among us, the rice was so yummy that we still polished it off effortlessly from its plate. Infused with minty oil, this risotto carries an refreshing note, which is not commonly found in others.

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts (Gnocchi e Fonduta al Gorgonzola) 3/5

The North relies more on cheese for sauces, hence creamy sauces are more commonly seen on the table than tomato sauce. Gnocchi with Gorgonzola and Walnuts ($26) is made in-house daily. The potato gnocchi were soft and not starchy, and the crunchy walnuts proved to be a great accompaniment. I would have enjoyed the dish more if the gorgonzola cheese sauce is on the savory side instead of sweet.

Stewed Veal Cheek (Guanciale di Vitello Brasato) 3.5/5 

We moved on to something heavier. Their Stewed Veal Cheek ($34) which has been slow-cooked for three hours was as tender as expected.

Milk-Stewed Codfish (Baccala’ alla Vicentina) 4.2/5

What surprises me was their Milk-Stewed Codfish ($32), served with grilled polenta. The usual treatment to codfish is mostly sear or bake, but Chef Marco does it differently. Slow-cooked in milk, onions and anchovies for one and a half hours, the savoury flavour suits the buttery codfish well. Anything sweet may be too cloying.

Hazelnut Panna Cotta (Pannacotta Nocciola) 3/5

We had 2 desserts Hazelnut Panna Cotta ($12) and Ricotta Cheesecake ($15). I very much prefer something with texture and bite, hence I enjoyed the latter more, especially with the buttery base. It is lighter and fluffier than American cheesecake, made sophisticated with the peach compote atop.

Ricotta Cheesecake (Cheesecake alla Ricotta) 3.8/5

Great food, paired with very affordable wines, I guess PerBacco has pretty much achieved its aim - meaning 'of Bacchus” in Italian, the mythical God of wine and merrymaking. Your ticket here is even better on Tuesday. From 6pm-8pm, you get to enjoy a tasty cichetti (worth $12) for any order of a glass of wine. Alternatively, choose between a glass of intensely fruity and floral Marchesi Gavi DOCG (white wine) or full-bodied Marchesa Vincenza Stanga Barbers D’Asti (red wine) for just $6 nett.

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.


PerBacco
Craig Place
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 66357130
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1130pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Zafferano @ Ocean Financial Centre

My last visit to Zafferano at Ocean Financial Centre was almost two years ago. I am back to check out their newly launched Saturday brunch, "The Italian Table" on every first and last Saturday of the month. The Italian feast comes in 4 courses, namely antipasti, pasta-risotto, mains and desserts.

Stewed Clams and Mussels with Rosemary Croutons 4.5/5

When the brunch was served, I was taken back by the table full of food in front of me. This is only the first course - antipasti, and there were already seven different items on the table. On the table, there were Stewed Clams and Mussels, Baby Lobsters flambe with Brandy, Mozzarella, Selection of Cold Cuts, Deep Fried Seafood and Fjord Trout all for sharing according to the number of pax.

Baby Lobster 4/5, Selection of Cold Cuts 4.5/5

The Baby Lobster flambe with Brandy is topped with cocktail mayo sauce, giving it a fruity sweet finishing to the lobster meat. Personally, the highlight of the antipasti has to be the selection of cold cuts (24 month Pio Tosini Ham, Pistachio Mortadella, Iberico Salami) and mozzarella. It was so good that some of us ordered a second servicing.

Deep Fried Calamari, Prawns, Anchovies 4/5

Hidden in the basket is a delightful selection of Deep Fried Calamari, Prawns and Anchovies.

Marinated Fjord Trout, Avruga Caviar, Orange 4.5/5

Live Seasonal Oysters 4.5/5

There were more seafood in the Live Seasonal Oysters and Marinated Fjord Trout which showcases the freshness of seasonal seafood.

Gnocchi 4.5/5

Moving on to the second course which showcases the staple Italian cuisine - Pasta and Risotto. I remembered I was impressed by the Gnocchi when I visited the restaurant 2 years ago. The recipe has changed. Now it is cooked with seafood in a white wine, tomato base sauce compared to the usual cream base. The handcraft potato gnocchi still tasted as good.

Veal Ravioli 3.8/5

I am great fan of Ravioli but I find the veal filling was too rich in flavour, overpowering the balance of homemade veal ravioli with porcini mushroom sauce, truffle emulsion.

Lasagna 4/5

Indulge the layers after layers of pasta sheets in the Homemade Lasagna in minced beef ragout with bechamel sauce.

Saffron Risotto 4/5

Served right on the table side is the Saffron Risotto using Acquerello rice grains cooked to a nice al dente bite. The creamy texture with the aromatic Iranian saffron holds the whole dish together.

If you are already full by then, then you will miss out the delicious trio from the third course - Mains. On the menu is a choice of three mains in the Oven Baked Sea Bass with Tomatoes, Olives, Capers and Fresh Herbs, Roasted Whole French Spring Chicken with Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Mushrooms and Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Potatoes and Bery Sauce. All the mains have its own merits that it is quite hard to lay a finger which is the best. So the best is to go with a group of friends and get to try a bit of everything. If not, really pace yourself in between courses.

Wrapping up the Saturday lunch is the dessert table with at least 5 different types of sweet delights such as Tiramisu,  Macarons, Panna Cotta, Cakes and Fresh Fruits. As you can probably see, the brunch is not on a feast to the eyes but for the tummy too. The 4 courses brunch was just a lie, there were so many food on a table that I need a second stomach to indulge in them.

Saturday Brunch (First and Last Week of Month)
Adult: $88++ per pax include of free flow soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea
Adult: $108++ per pax include free flow Prosecco
Adult: $138++ per pax include free flow champagne.


Zafferano
Ocean Financial Centre
Level 43
10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 65091488
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZafferanoSG
Website: http://zafferano.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm
Brunch
Sat: 1130am - 230pm (1st and last Sat of the month)
Dinner
Mon-Wed: 530pm - 1145pm
Thu-Sat: 530pm - 1am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place. Take Exit C. Walk to Ocean Financial Centre which is on the left. Journey time about 3 minutes.

Bottura Restaurant @ Suntec City

The refurbished Suntec City brought a new lease of life to the mall with many new restaurants and concepts springing out at the various towers. Bottura is the latest restaurant to be opened at Suntec City with the concept of housing a restaurant, gelateria, cafeteria and Italian gourmet supply store under one roof.

Cold Cuts Platter 4.2/5

A good starter for sharing is the Cold Cuts Platter from Emilia Romagna with Marmelade ($22). The abundance servicing of different cured hams and cheese will whet up the appetite for the rest of the casual Italian fare.

Arancini Al Ragu 4/5

Another starter which I enjoyed is the Arancini Al Ragu ($8). The traditional risotto ball is served over a bed of tomato sauce. This is a hearty and comforting dish

Piadina with Parma Ham, Stracchino Cheese and Rocket Salad 3.5/5

A flat bread that can be found in every Italian home is the Piadina that can be filled with any ingredients of liking. With five different combinations available on the menu, I got to try the Piadina with Parma Ham, Stracchino Cheese and Rocket Salad ($12). The freshly made thin flat bread has a nice bite to it, allowing the sandwiched ingredients to be fully enjoyed

Egg and Squid Ink Tagliolini with Shrimp and Zucchini 4.5/5

A signature at Bottura is the Egg and Squid Ink Tagliolini with Shrimp and Zucchini ($18). The house made tagliolini tossed in a beautiful cream was just simply slurping heavenly.

Ravioli 4.2/5, Polenta Lasagne 4/5 and Gnocchi 4/5

Next I tried a trio of different pasta in the Ravioli with Cream, Ham and Mushrooms ($16), Polenta Lasagne with Traditional Ragu and Bechamel Sauce ($18) and Gnocchi with Traditional Ragu ($18). This is just the sampling portion. They are really good and it was quite difficult to say which is my favourite. The thin sheet of pasta stuffed with spinach, the layers of pasta sheet substituted by polenta for the lasagne and the chewy gnocchi. They all stood out on their own, which also means there is something for everyone to suit your preference.

Rockmelon, Parma Ham and Mozzarella 4/5

As one of the oldest and most famous Italian dishes in the world, Bottura does offer quite an extensive selection of pizza on their menu. I have eaten parma ham with rockmelon but having them atop a pizza is very unique. The 12 inch pizza with Rockmelon, Parma Ham and Mozzarella ($24) indeed comes across very delectable with the refreshing combination.

Buttora does offer a selection of yummy dessert on their menu to end the night on a sweet note. However I was too full to try them. Instead I hit over to the gelateria and got myself a scoop of the Pistachio Gelato ($5). The rich, nutty flavour together with the creamy texture made it a perfect ending for the night.


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Bottura Restaurant
Suntec City Mall
North Wing
3 Temasek Boulevard
#02-472/3/4
Singapore
Tel: +65 62387527
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Buttero @ Tras Street

Tras Street is better known for the many wedding shops but the enclave is slowly developing into a foodie hotspot with many new restaurants recently opening in the area. Joining the up and coming foodie hotspot at Tras Street is the months old Buttero helmed by Executive Chef Logan Campbell from Sydney. The casual and fun restaurant features a selection of Italian grub such as pasta, roasts cooked in a rotisserie or coal pit that are easy-eating and perfect to go with an ice cold beer.

Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries 4/5

The Pulled Pork and Waffle Fries ($15) is the ideal bar snack to pair with a glass of beer or wine. Doused in a sinful gooey three cheese sauce, this is finger licking good.

Jesus Juice 4/5

If you are not into beer or wine, I would recommend the house special Jesus Juice which is a granita of pinot noir and coke. A refreshing cocktail with just the right amount of alcohol kick.

Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread 4/5

Whet up the appetite with the Torn Buffalo Mozza and Fried Cornbread ($21) that is paired with heirloom tomato, saba, ligurian olive oil. The syrup from the squeezed grape (saba) and heirloom tomato gave the dish a fruity but yet subtle sweetness that is very appetizing.

Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritters 4/5

This light bite of Chopped Pork and Zucchini Fritter ($20) is pretty good. There was quite a bit of textures at play here but what I liked most is the charred lime and riocotta cheese which complemented the fritters that accentuated the whole enjoyment.

Handmade Gnocchi 4.2/5

This is definitely one of the better gnocchi I have eaten. The Homemade Gnocchi ($21) with honey, lemon and sage was a bit on the softer side but still came with a nice firmness and bite. I adored the use of sauteed brussel sprouts with the gnocchi. Simply love the crunchiness of the sprouts.

Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams 4.2/5

This is a new item on the menu. The Baked Barley with New Zealand Clams and Belly Bacon is a good alternative to the usual risotto. Each mouthful of the baked barley is bursting with the beautiful flavours of the bacon and clams that is well infused.

The Dirty Steak 4.5/5

The Dirty Steak ($34) got its name because it is cooked directly on hot coals.. The beautiful piece of carolina dry rubbed wagyu flank steak is topped with verde, onion rings and shallot. Succulent and flavourful, this is a must try at Buttero.

Porchetta 3/5

The Porchetta ($32) which is cooked from the rotisserie and topped with braised beans was a tad shy in comparison to the dirty steak. The pork belly was nicely cooked but it was lacked down by the salty crackling skin. A checked with the table confirmed that it was salty. If not it would have been a master piece too.

Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots 3.8/5

Cannoli 3/5

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Buttero has a small dessert menu which consists of only 4 items. We managed to try three out of the four. The three desserts we tried are Milk Chocolate Rosemary Pots ($12), Cannoli ($12) and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta ($12). Among the three, my favourite is the Panna Cotta. The combination of strawberries and passionfruit was a perfect marriage that will leave one wanting to go back for more. The milk chocolate rosemary pots was pretty good too but it seems like it was not served at the right temperature for ultimate indulgence.

Overall Buttero has given me a good experience with good food. However I could not really come to term of the casual dining concept and the pricing of the dishes. A diner for two may rock up to about $80 that is excluding drinks. So just bear in mind if you are on a tight budget.


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Buttero
54 Tras Street
Singapore 078993
Tel: +65 64387737
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Buttero/226110544253673
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm till late
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Orchid Hotel via Wallich Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]