Waterfall Ristorante Italiano @ Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

Waterfall Cafe at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore first opened in 2012 and I still remembered I attended their first ever cooking class. After more than 2 years, Waterfall Cafe has been given a make over to serve south Italian cuisine with the appointment of Marco De Vincentis as chef de cuisine of Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, responsible of transforming the former waterfall cafe into a Southern Italian trattoria featuring handmade pasta and fresh seafood.

Insalata Di Mare All'Amalfitana 4/5

The dinner at the revamped Waterfall Ristorante Italiano started with the Insalata Di Mare All'Amalfitana ($23), a luxurious seafood salad on a plate. It is a pleasing and light antipasti to kick start the dinner.

Parmigiana Di Melanzane 4/5

Layers of eggplants cooked to perfection is the Parmigiana Di Melanzane ($20) with parmigiano and tomatoes. This goodness simply melted in the mouth complemented with the parmigiano and tomatoes.

Linguine Allo Scoglio 4.5/5

If you are a tomato based lover, then the Linguine Allo Scoglio ($28) is a worthy try. The fresh homemade pasta was cooked to perfection and packed to the brim with fresh prawns, scallop, mussel, clam and cherry tomato. A noticeable different is the tomato sauce base which tasted more refine and lighter allowing the ingredients to shine instead of drowning it with its richness.

Lasagna Croccante Ragu' Bianco E Porcini 4/5

If you prefer cream base pasta, then you should try the unique Lasagna Croccante Ragu' Bianco E Porcini ($24) which chef Marco created the crispy lasagna recipe in memory of his childhood cravings for the crispy edges of his mother's lasagna. It felt like a huge dumpling floating on top a creamy sauce. This is really a very interesting variation of the classic Italian dish and it tasted really good, especially the crispy pasta sheet.

Tagliolini Al Pesto Siciliano 4.2/5

Another twist to the pesto pasta is the Tagliolini Al Pesto Siciliano ($22). It comes with homemade pasta, tomato, ricotta cheese, pine nut, basil and roasted almond. This is yet another pasta dish that impressed me with its combination which is something new to me.

Stufato Di Pesce 4.2/5

Moving on to the main, we tried the Stufato Di Pesce ($68) which is good for 2 pax. The signature seafood stew is cooked in a delectable tomato sauce with sun ripped tomatoes and flavoured with garlic and garden herbs. I could find clams, mussels, prawns, lobsters and red snapper in the red sea. Similar to the Linguine Allo Scoglio, the seafood stew highlights the freshness of the seafood with the tasty yet refined tomato based sauce.

Tagliata Di Manzo Rucola E Grana 4.2/5

If you need your meat there is the Tagliata Di Manzo Rucola E Grana. You have a choice of three different cuts in the Striploin Black Angus 120 days grain fed ($38), Tenderloin Hunter Valley grain fed ($41) or Wagyu Rub Eye 5+ ($56). The meat was cooked beautiful to a nice pink accompanied with fresh greens and shaved cheese.

Zabaione All'Espresso 3/5

Tiramisu 3.8/5

Torta Caprese 3.5/5

Dinner comes to an end with a trio of desserts in the Zabaione All'Espresso ($14), Tiramisu and Torta Carprese ($16). Most memorable of the three for me is the torta caprese which is originated from Capri. The flour and gluten free dessert with its rich chocolate flavour did come across a bit weird in texture initially but as I had more of it, I started to appreciate it more.


Waterfall Cafe
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
22 Orange Grove Road
Singapore 258350
Tel: +65 62134138
Facebook
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/dining/restaurants/waterfall/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 11am (breakfast)
11am - 12pm, 3pm - 6pm (light snack)
12pm - 3pm (lunch)
Mon-Sat:
6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Transfer to hotel shuttle bus. Journey time about 15 minutes. (Shuttle bus at 1h interval). [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. Exit Wheellock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down to the end of Orchard Road. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 23 minutes. [Map]

Original Sin @ Chip Bee Gardens (Holland Village)

Original Sin the first vegetarian Mediterranean restaurant in Singapore has been around for 14 years since 1997. Chef Michael Hadley from Michelangelo together with co-owner Chef Marisa Bertocchi created the concept of Original Sin and since then never look back. This is really quite an achievement for a vegetarian restaurant in the current F&B scene where restaurants opened and closed in a couple of years.

Principessa 3.5/5

The colorful salad garden, Principessa ($18) has an eclectic mix of roasted pumpkin, avocado, asparagus, tomato, french beans and boccocini, all mingled in a bed of mixed lettuces and dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette that was subtle and unassuming.

Basilico 3.5/5

The Basilico ($13) is homemade herb bread with creamy goat cheese, char grilled eggplant and roasted   capsicum and rocket leaves. The bruschetta has a nice balanced of flavours that will whet your appetite.

Fritters 3/5

The Eggplant and Parsnip Fritters ($16) drizzled with zesty house mayo was rather simple with a light batter but was surprisingly quite delectable with a nice exterior crisp. This is my first time having parsnip and I thought the texture is quite similar to potato, very enjoyable.

Haloumi 3/5

The Haloumi ($18) which is usually made from a mixture of goat's milk and sheep's milk was nicely pan fried and served on a bed of salad greens, roasted capsicum, lentil, cucumber and mint salad. Due to its high melting point, the haloumi is ideal to be served pan fried or grilled giving it a nice texture and alternate way to enjoy cheese.

Mezze Platter 4.2/5

The Mezze Platter ($22/$30) reminds me of a similar dish I had at Blu Kouzina. The Middle Eastern platter served with Falafal balls and Pita Bread comes with Hummus Chick Pea, Aromatic Pumpkin and Carrot, Eggplant Baba Ganoush and Yogurt Tzatziki dips. My favourite is the pumpkin and carrot dip.

Magic Mushroom 4.8/5

The Magic Mushroom ($18) which is baked portobello mushroom with ricotta cheese, spinach, pesto, topped with a tomato basil sauce and mozzarella was simply magical. The medley of rich flavours with the earthy mushroom magically sent the mouth blooming with wonderful flavours. I will definitely go back for this.

Bosco Misto 4.5/5

This is another must try dish at Original Sin. The Bosco Misto ($26) is like 2 beef patties stacked on top of each other but this is the vegetarian version made of spinach, feta and tofu coated with crushed almonds and sesame seeds, asparagus and a button mushroom plum sauce. Being a meat lover, I was actually very satisfied and content. I didn't feel I missed out any meat.

Vegetable Tandoori 3/5

Out of all the dishes, the Vegetable Tandoori ($26) is probably too vegetarian for me. The skewer has char grilled button mushroom, brinjal, capsicum, onion and tofu marinated in tandoori spices. It is served with rice, youghurt and mangjo chutney dip.

Lasangna 4.2/5

The Lasanga ($26) comes with baked layers of pasta sheets filled with button mushroom, spinach, onion, zucchini, capsicum, tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil topped with shaved parmesan. I couldn't help digging into the melange of beautiful flavours.

Porcini 4.8/5

By now I am already very impressed with the creativity of Chef Marisa Bertocchi. She definitely has bring vegetarian food to a new level. Cooked to perfection, the Porcini ($26) was exquisitely executed. The creamy white wine sauce also married the pasta beautifully, bringing the whole dish together.

Risotto 4.5/5

Do allow the restaurant 20 minutes to cook your Risotto ($26). It is definitely worth every minutes of the wait. This is probably one of the best of risotto I have ever tried.

Chocolate Brownie 3.5/5

Apple Crumble 3/5

Tiramisu 4/5

Hazelnut Chocolate Cake 4/5

Original Sin not only serves delish starters and mains, they also have a decent selection of desserts. I tried the Chocolate Brownie, Apple Crumble, Tiramisu and Hazelnut Chocolate Cake. All desserts are priced at $10 and were pretty good. My favourite was the tiramisu and hazelnut chocolate cake.

Being able to stand tall for the past 14 years, Original Sin has tapped on a niche segment of the market and brings vegetarian to a whole new level with its creativity. Vegetarian food is no more boring and even better than many non vegetarian food. Price can be on the high side but you are paying for the quality.


Original Sin
Chip Bee Gardens (Holland Village)
Blk 43 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-62
Singapore 278115
Tel: +65 64755605
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSinRestaurant
Website: http://www.originalsin.com.sg/
Nearest MRT; Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut through the carpark. Walk towards the shophouses. Journey time 3 minutes.

Senso Ristorante & Bar @ Club Street

Established in Singapore in 2000, Senso Ristorante & Bar known for its authentic Italian fine dining cuisine has been around for 12 years. Stepping into the restaurant, you are first welcome by the reception which felt like being in a hotel lobby. After walking through the front area, you felt like being transported to another world. The restaurant has an al fresco dining area at the courtyard which has a rustic charm while the main dining hall is both cozy and classy.

A basket of complimentary assorted breads were served upon placing our order.

Scallops in Shell 3.8/5

For antipasti, I have the Scallps in Shell ($28). The pan seared scallp was served with sauteed spinach and topped with candied Italian tomatoes. While I enjoyed the scallop and spinach, I though the candied Italian tomatoes was too sweet that disorted the balance of the dish.

Mediterranean Tuna 4/5

My partner ordered the Mediterranean Tuna ($26) for her antipasti. The tuna was beautifully pan seared with sesame seeds and sat on a bed of eggplant puree and eggplant caponata. I didn't try it but my partner seemed to enjoy it a lot.

8 Hour Braised Beef Cheek 'Al Cacciatore' 3.5/5

For my main, I have the 8 Hour Braised Beef Cheek ($38). The braised beef cheek was tender and melted in the mouth. It is accompanied with bacon, buttom mushroom and bread chips served with glazed carrots and Senso puree. Although I like the texture of the beef cheek, the flavour of the whole dish was abit too heavy for me. The nature flavour of the beef cheef was overshadowed.

Senso Bolo'bster Lasagna 4.5/5

I took a bite of the Senso Bolo'bster Lasagna ($32) and it was so good. The homemade lasagna with fresh lobster and tomato sauce got me excited as it is something different and new for my palate. A well executed dish with a beautiful balance of flavours and textures.

Creme Brulee 4/5

Interestingly the Creme Brulee ($16) was served in 2 version, the original and coffee flavours. It was served with strawberry and homemade strawberry sherbet. I really like the coffee flavoured creme brulee which had a nice coffee aroma. The strawberry sherbet was also very fruity and freshing.

Chocolate Lava Cake 4/5

Needing 15 minutes to prepare, the Chocolate Lava Cake ($18) served with passionfruit and vanilla ice cream was classic but delish. The lave cake was warm and moist like a hot dark chocolate eruption.

Senso Ristorante & Bar although is a fine dining restaurant, the atomsphere was rather relax. Service was also impeccable.


Senso Ristorante & Bar
21 Club Street
Singapore 069410
Tel:+65 62243534
Website: http://www.senso.sg
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (NE Line, DT Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Club Street. Turn left on Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk down Upper Cross Street to junction of Upper Cross Street and South Bridge Road. Continue down Upper Cross Street and turn right onto Club Street. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Loui's NY Pizza Parlor @ Universal Studio Singapore

I was at Universal Studio Singapore a couple of weeks ago. The entertaining and fun day with all the walks, rides and sun sure made one hungry. Heard a bit of Loui's NY Pizza Parlor and decided to check out the place since it is probably one of the cheaper options in Universal Studio Singapore.

(Photo taken with Canon IXUS 120IS )

Lasagna 4/5

Loui's NY Pizza Parlor is a cafeteria concept restaurant. Instead of table serving, customers take the food they require from the counter and pay at the cashier.

The first item I picked up was the Lasagna ($9.30). It was selling like hot cakes so like typical Singaporean I also got myself a piece to try. The generous tomato sauce serving already got me excited and they even have a creamy sauce over it.

Magarita Pizza 4/5

Pepperoni Pizza 4/5

Of course I have to try the pizza here. I ordered a slice of Magarita ($9) and Pepperoni ($9) Pizza each. Each slice is as big as the plate. The thin crust pizza was really quite good.


Loui's NY Pizza Parlor
Universal Studio Singapore
Resort World Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway
Nearest MRT:

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbour Front MRT station. Exit station to Vivocity Shopping Mall. Go to Sentosa Express Station at Level 3 of Vivocity. Take Sentosa Express Train to Waterfront station. Alight at Waterfront station and walk to Universal Studio Singapore. Journey time about 15 mins.