Solo Ristorante @ Amoy Street - Compact In Size But Big On Flavours

Somewhat under the radar is Italian restaurant, Solo Ristorante at Amoy Street. Chef/Partner Simone Fraternali recently took over the reins in March 2020. With him on the helm, he has refreshed the menu, introducing his dishes inspired by the northern region of Italy.

Branzino 3.5/5

We started our dinner with some antipasti. First up is Branzino ($20), thinly sliced seabass with light lemon emulsion, chopped shallots, pimento and chives. I applauded that the chef brought something I don't usually get in an Italian restaurant in Singapore to the table. However, I felt that a little more zest to the flavour will perk up the whole enjoyment.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Beef carpaccio is quite commonly served in my many restaurants, but you need to try the Wagyu Carpaccio ($30) at Solo. The addition of Parmigiano Reggiano shaving and pickled artichoke with a few dashes of Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGT, brightens up the flavour profile. It really excites my taste buds, sending them into a dance of joy.

Melanzana alla Parmigiana 4.2/5

A very hearty and comforting dish on the menu is the Melanzana alla Parmigiana ($18). The baked eggplant is served in a parcel of layered deep-fried eggplant with mozzarella and parmigiana nestled in light-as-air tomato sauce.

Pappardelle 4/5

Equally hearty is the Pappardelle ($30) with slow-braised pork ragout, herbs and Marsala wine. It is a white ragu made without tomatoes and fortified wine for a rounded finish. The simplicity also allows the appreciation of the homemade pasta even more.

Gnocchi 4.2/5

The Gnocchi ($30) comes with Angus Beef Ragout "alla Bolognese" with rosemary and red wine. I always thought gnocchi needs to have a bit to it, but I was surprised that the version here is pillowy soft. The chef shared that the trick to good and soft gnocchi is to use as little flour as possible to achieve the melt in the mouth texture.

Tagliolini 3/5

A luxe pasta dish in the menu is the Tagliolini ($45), lightly tossed with smoky uni sauce, tarragon and lemon zest, crowned with sea urchin brought in fro Japan. While I enjoyed the texture of the fresh handmade pasta, the uni sauce was lacklustre. I have tasted much better one elsewhere.

Polipo 3/5

The Polipo ($38) is an elegant plate of octopus that is braised in its own natural liquid and then grilled to a nice char on the exterior. Personally, I prefer the octopus to have a firmer texture. Accompanying the dish is tomatoes and creamy orange zest-tinged mash.

Faraona 4/5

For meat, we have the Faraona ($36). The guinea fowl is cooked in two ways. We have the sous vide breast and extra virgin olive oil confit leg to bring out the best of each cut. The beautiful poultry is rounded off by its natural jus, paired with caramelised banana shallots.

Torta Al Limone 4/5

I do recommend saving some space for desserts, they are as good as their savoury too. The Torta Al Limone ($14), Amalfi lemon and white chocolate curd tart topped with strawberries, and basil sorbet. It is a dessert with contrasting flavour profiles but yet well balanced and satisfying.

Tortino Al Cioccolato 4/5

Last but at least the Tortino Al Cioccolato ($15), a coconut and dark chocolate 70% lava and toffee with a scoop of yuzu and orange sorbet. I enjoyed the molten interior with a crusty exterior which is very addictive. I could not resist going back for me.

Set lunch is available at $26 for two courses, $32 for three courses, while Solo's Classics Set Dinner is $88 for four courses, and Solo's Gourmet Set Dinner is $128 for five courses. There is even a Saturday Brunch at $78 whereby customers can top up $38 for free flow of Prosecco, house wine and soft drinks or $78 for free flow of Champagne, house wine and soft drinks.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Solo Ristorante
45 Amoy Street
Singapore 069871
Tel: +65 62600762
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 10pm
Sun: 630pm - 10pm
(Closed on Mon & Sun lunch)

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]

15 Takeaway And Delivery To Tie You Over the 2nd Half Of Circuit Breaker

We have reached the halfway mark of the one-month circuit breaker. I hope everyone has been staying safe and healthy. Even if you have to leave the house for essential work or activities, do put on a mask and practice social distancing. With 15 more days to the end of the circuit breaker (hopefully no extension), there are still several restaurants or eateries I have yet to try. Here is a list of takeaway and delivery that I personally wanna try and you can also use it for your hunger reference.

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Alma by Juan Amador

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Source: Alma by Juan Amador FB

Alma by Juan Amador is a one-star Michelin restaurant at Goodwood Park Hotel. Even during this stay home period, we can also enjoy fine dining food at the comfort of our home.

Order
Email: reservation@alma.sg or call/WhatsApp +65 9119 8928

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Beauty In The Pot

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Beauty In The Pot has always been my go-to hot pot place before the circuit breaker measure. I am glad that it is now available for island-wide delivery. Maybe I should order this on the last day of the circuit breaker as a celebration.

Order
https://paradisegroup.oddle.me/en_SG/

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British Hainan

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Source: British Hainan FB

British Hainan serves their grandfather's family recipes who had worked on board British ships. ON the menu, one can look forward to dishes such as oxtail stew, Hainanese pork chop, grilled rosemary lamb shank etc.

Order
Call / WhatsApp us now at 9022 6233 or 9633 8122

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En Sushi

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No dine-in? No worries because you get to enjoy En Sushi’s extensive menu in the comforts of your home. Favourites ranging from Sashimi to Donburi to Yaki/Grilled dishes. You can even order up a nice bottle of sake to go with your meal. Currently, it has a 1-for-1 donburi promotion.

Order
https://www.captaink.sg/online-ordering

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FOC Pim Pam

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You may now enjoy FOC's Fine Fun Food with the delicious selection of Spanish cuisine in the comfort of your home. Their offer ranges from breakfast to late-night tapas. They even have a special brunch menu.

Order
http://focpimpam.com/delivery/

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Goodwood Park Hotel

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During the circuit breaker measure period, The Deli, Coffee Lounge and Min Jiang have curated a menu for both takeaway and delivery. What caught my attention is the Taiwan Porridge menu as well as the Taiwan Porridge Set from the Coffee Lounge.

Order
https://www.goodwoodparkhotel.com/promotions/food-takeaway-and-delivery-service

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Kam's Roast

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Besides being a fan of Kam's Roast's roasted duck, the restaurant has 20% discount off total min. On top of that, every order get a free portion of Immune Boosting Herbal Soup.

Order
https://kamsroast.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Le Shrimp

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Le Shrimp is a regular lunch spot for my colleagues and me. Since the stay home circuit breaker measure, I have not eaten this for a while. Since Paradise Group's restaurants are on the island-wide delivery platform now, I can satisfy my craving during this period.

Order
https://paradisegroup.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Indocafe - The White House

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Indocafe - The White House has always been one of my favourite restaurants for Peranakan food. Not only it is available for island-wide delivery, the minimum spend is only $50 with a flat delivery fee of $5.

Order
https://indocafe.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Makansutra Gluttons Bay

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Source: Makansutra Gluttons Bay FB

If you are craving for hawker food, Makansutra Gluttons Bay has curated a special ala carte menu. Now you can order anything from the various hawker stalls at Makansutra Gluttons Bay and pay only delivery fee.

Order
WhatsApp 8615 8420

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Mui Kee Congee

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I guess the one month stay home,  many of us may end up overeating. Hence we may at times what to have something light. Mui Kee Congee will be a good choice, well known in Hong Kong for its smooth and delicious Cantonese style congee.

Order
https://muikee.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Mustard Seed

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Mustard Seed started off as private home dining, and I was impressed by the food during my visit. Since then, Chef Ming Kiat has opened a restaurant, continuing to offer the dining experience. With the circuit breaker measure, he has curated a menu for diners to takeaway or delivers to their home during this period.

Order
https://mustard-seed-at-home.myshopify.com/

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Si Chuan Dou Hua

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Missing some spicy food to spice up your time during the circuit breaker? You can now order mouth-watering and authentic Sichuan cuisine from Si Chuan Dou Hua.

Order
https://sichuandouhua.oddle.me/en_SG/

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Tess Bar & Kitchen

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Source: Tess Bar & Kitchen FB

I have been coming across many raving reviews of the delicious takeaway and delivery food from Tess Bar & Kitchen. I even ordered them for a secret lunch exchange with my foodie friend, and it looks so good. I am contemplating to order it for myself too.

Order
https://tessbarandkitchen.oddle.me/en_SG

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Wok-In Burger

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With McDonald closed until 4 May 2020 but craving for a good burger with an Asian take? Wok In Burger has you covered during the circuit breaker period with its island-wide delivery.

Order
https://order.kek.com.sg/en_SG/


Disclaimer
Kindly note, the information may change after the publication of this article. Do call or check the official restaurant sites to get the most updated information.

Osteria Art @ Market Street - Starter & Pasta Dishes Are Good But Mains Need More Refinement

For this year's anniversary dinner, I decided to make a reservation at Osteria Art. One of the restaurants under the il Lido group. The Italian restaurant is helmed by Michelin-star Chef-Restaurateur Beppe De Vito and Chef De Cuisine Andrea De Paola.

Bread 4.2/5

Our dinner started with some complimentary Bread that is served warm, together with olive oil and balsamic.

Hokkaido Scallops with Cauliflower and Seafood Cacciucco 4.2/5

Next is our starter. The Hokkaido Scallops with Cauliflower and Seafood Cacciucco ($28). The scallop which has been pan seared, emits an beautiful aroma on top of the plump and juicy scallop. Complementing the scallop is the seafood stew that is packed with depth and flavours.

Roasted Iberico Pork Belly 4.2/5

The other starter we ordered is the Roasted Iberico Pork Belly with Rind Crumble, Butternut and Robiola Cheese ($24). The pork belly is cooked until fork tender with the rind crumble providing the contrast in texture.

Wagyu Beef Ravioli with Squash Blossoms, Sage and Parmigiano Foam 3/5

For the pasta selections, we decided to go for the Wagyu Beef Ravioli with Squash Blossoms, Sage and Parmigiano Foam ($28). I was quite surprise to see the little mini parcel of wagyu beef ravioli, as I was expecting something bigger. While it is interesting to nibble on the mini ravioli, I could not taste any wagyu beef. In fact it felt like the ravioli is filled with beef jus instead of the meat, I cannot find any protein in it.

Steamed Wild Grouper with Rock Fish Stew and Celeriac 2.8/5

Moving to the mains, we have the Steamed Wild Grouper with Rock Fish Stew and Celeriac ($38). Except for the sauce, the fish tasted rather bland. We struggled to finish the dish.

Duck Breast with Purple Sprouts, Endive, Honey and Yuzu Sauce 3.5/5

The saving grace is the Duck Breast with Purple Sprouts, Endive, Honey and Yuzu Sauce ($36). The flavoursome duck is cooked perfectly to a nice pink. I could not really taste the yuzu sauce but it was a blessing in disgust, allowing me to appreciate the meat more.

Overall we have enjoyed the starter and pasta dishes at Osteria Art. Unfortunately we find the mains scoring below my expectation, I think they need more fine tuning to elevate the taste.


Osteria Art
55 Market Street
#01-01
Singapore 048941
Tel: +65 68776933
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm
Sat: 630pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Market Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Positano Risto @ Bussorah Street - Launches New Menu With More Than 10 Scrumptious Classic Italian Dishes

Situated in the heart of Kampong Glam, just a stone throw away from the buzzing Haji Lane is Positano Risto - a 7-month old Muslim-owned establishment with a casual Italian dining concept. Bringing a brand new menu to the table with more than 10 new Italian dishes to indulge in, diners can expect a variety of classic Italian must-haves such as the Squid Ink Pasta, handmade Thin Crust Roma Style Pizzas and have a taste of authentic flavours from dishes such as herbed Osso Bucco and Premium Short Ribs.

Arancini Balls 3.8/5

The Arancini Balls ($11.95) features 4 pieces of golden brown crispy spheres made with warm fragrant Italian rice and stuffed with stretchy mozzarella. Fried to perfection, the Arancini balls does not taste oily and the homemade sauce at the bottom complemented the Italian rice balls excellently.

Positano's Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine 3.5/5

Their Signature Boston Lobster Fettuccine ($58.95) features a whole Boston lobster with fettuccine soaked in a generous portion of creamy lobster bisque sauce. While we find the heap of fettuccine a tad too salty, the noodles are cooked al dente and the creamy sauce further brings our the natural sweetness of the lobster meat. The larger portioned dish is suitable for sharing between 2 pax.

Godfather 4/5 and Frullato Di Frutta 4/5

The Godfather ($13.95) features a ferrero rocher nutella milkshake with vanilla ice cream. Packed with a rich ferrero rocher flavour, the drink may be a tad sinful, yet thoroughly enjoyable as it is not overly sweet and filled with an intense nutty chocolate aroma. The Frullato Di Frutta ($8.95) features a non-fat orange yogurt drink, which is a refreshing sweet-sour combination with a minty aftertaste.

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.


Positano Risto
66 Bussorah Street
Singapore 199479
Tel: +65 62921866
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line), Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 1030pm
Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge to Beach Road. Walk towards the junction of Jalan Sultan and Beach Road. Cross the road and walk down Beach Road. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk towards Raffles Hospital. Walk to junction of North Bridge Road and Ophir Road. Cross the junction and walk down North Bridge Road towards Arab Street. Turn right into Arab Street. Walk down Arab Street. Turn left onto Baghdad Street. Turn right onto Bussorah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

La Pizzeria @ Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) - Catching The Sunset Over Classic Wood Fried Pizza and Pasta

Tucked away in the western coast of Singapore, La Pizzeria at the Bridge & Beacon Bar is a newly opened Italian restaurant set within the premises of Republic of Singapore Yacht Club. With the guidance of Italian Chef Francesco Romano who runs a cheese factory in Italy and currently the corporate Chef of Thunder Road Group in Dubai, the team dish out the classics - namely wood fired pizzas and pastas, coupled with sides and desserts. Speaking of which, we were told that the menu is put together with recipes passed down from the Italian's grandmother!

Fried Seafood Platter 3.5/5

We started our lunch with Fried Seafood Platter ($29). I really like how thin and crisp the batter was, while the squid and Tiger Prawns remained succulent within the thin coat. I would usually avoid fried food but I had quite a portion of this as I could hardly taste much grease in the batter.

Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli 4.2/5

For Pastas, we chose the highly recommended Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli ($25) and indeed, it is one of the most memorable ravioli I ever had. Covered with a bread over the huge bowl, the pasta was served piping hot onto our table. With anticipation, we watched as the bread cover was being sliced open, revealing the treasure hidden. Mouthwatering aroma from the truffle mushroom cream sauce set out in waves, exciting our appetite. The pasta was thin with a texture spot on. Each golden pouch was aptly filled with spinach and ricotta, and every bite there was always a right amount of everything - pasta, filling, mushroom, sauce.

Primavera 3/5

The Pizza we had was Primavera ($22). The combination of the ingredients was tasty - melted mozzarella topped with large slices of prosciutto, a heap of rocket lettuce and shaved parmesan cheese. I like how the sharp rocket leaves cuts the richness of the cheese and meat. What fell short of our expectation was the crust, as we felt that the dough was slightly under baked.

Tiramisu 3/5

Summing up of meal was a beautiful piece of Tiramisu ($9). The sweetness was just right, if only there could be some liqueur added in. That would be perfect.

With such great view, atmosphere and spaciousness, I really enjoyed my lunch over here at La Pizzeria at the Bridge & Beacon Bar. If you are here for the dinner, try to be here slightly earlier to catch the sunset!

Photos and 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.


Republic of Singapore Yacht Club (RSYC) 
Level 2
52 West Coast Ferry Road
Singapore 126887
Tel: +65 67689443
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Haw Par Villa (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu & Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat, Eve of PH & PH: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to taxi stand. Take RSYC Shuttle bus. Shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

2) Alight at Haw Par Villa MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop opposite station. Take RSYC Shuttle bus. Shuttle bus schedule. [Map]

IL DEN @ Orchard Plaza - Hidden 8 Seater Restaurant By Ex-Iggy's Chef

Who would expect to find a restaurant hidden on the fourth level of Orchard Plaza? IL DEN is a hole in the wall restaurant with only 8 seats run by Chef Javier, who also double up as the waiter, cashier and dish washer. Yes this is a one-man show restaurant. The young chef has bags of experience working in Iggy, Cenci in Kyoto and Jekyll & Hyde.

Kakiage 4/5

There is only 3 set menu offered at the restaurant. Lunch Set Menu starting from $25, Dinner Set Menu at $75 or Omakase Menu for $120. We tried the $75 dinner set menu starting with the crispy Kakiage which is made up of sakura ebi, shisho and ginger. The aromatic from the deep fried ebi perfumed the air and whets up the appetite for what is to come.

Somen 4/5

Next is a cold wheat noodle dish tossed in a cream based sauce and crowned with caviar. The Somen is served slightly chilled and it is recommend to have it fast before it dries up.

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

The Chawanmushi would take a bit of understanding to appreciate the dish as the steamed egg custard is actually quite bland. To appreciate the silky egg custard, one has to have it together with the painstaking prepared chicken wing stock, that marries the dish together. The foie gras is a welcome bonus in both flavour and texture.

Scallop 4.2/5

The Scallop is lightly seared on the outside while the inside is still raw. This comes with house-made pickled radish in balsamic and sweet creamy uni. What interests me is the unorthodox pairing of house-made pesto sauce to go with the scallop. I would never thought it actually works quite well with the shellfish.

Orecchiette 3.8/5

Chef Javier made the Orecchiette pasta inhouse and cooked them in a delish prawn head broth. These cute looking pasta is also known as little ears pasta. It is paried with ebi, ebiko and broccoli. It has an enjoyable textural bite. Someone in the group commented that its like having Mee Hoon Kueh.

Beef Short Ribs 4/5

Resting on the smooth bed of potato puree and roasted vegetables is the Beef Short Ribs that has been cooked to a beautiful fork tender, falling apart with ease. The meat's texture is more towards the braised type with a slight char on the exterior.

Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Wrapping up the meal is the Panna Cotta that comes with a layer of ginger sake jelly, yuzu and raspberry. The play of flavours especially the used of the sake's sweetness to elevate the enjoyment of the panna cotta strikes a memorable note for my meal at IL DEN.

Overall I have enjoyed the Japanese-Italian fusion cuisine at IL DEN. The execution is still a bit rough in my opinion but there are warm and soul in the food. It felt like dining in one's private home. Words have gotten around about this hidden dining spot and as far as I know reservation can be up to a month now.


IL DEN
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
#04-21
Singapore 238841
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 930pm
Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 3am
Sat: 6pm - 3am

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]