Hailing from Piedmont, the highly prized white truffles has arrived at LaBrezza at The St. Regis Singapore. Only available during this short winter season between 15 October - 30 November 2019, Executive Sous Chef Fabio Granata has crafted a special menu to incorporate this delicacy into Italian classics.
Organic Poached Egg, Spinach, Tre Latti Cheese Fondue, Alba Truffle Shavings 4.5/5
The strength of white truffles, as you will realise as you go along with the dishes, lies with their aroma. The most ideal way to treat white truffles is to slice them thinly only a finished pasta, eggs etc, allowing heat to release its aroma and flavors, rather than cooking or infusing them into other ingredients as we would with black truffles. I learnt that ingredients such as cream, milk, eggs, cheese harmonize and accentuate the characteristics of white truffles. That explains why Uovo Affogato, Spinaci, Uovo Fonduta E Tartufo ($56) is so imperative in the entire gastronomic experience. The garlicky scent wafting out from the warmed Alba truffle shavings teased my senses the moment this dish was served. While the green element can be interchanged with other vegetables, the cheese fondue and the poached egg are essential to this Italian signature. Made with sheep milk cheese, cow milk cheese and goat milk cheese, the cheese fondue was sharp but not too pungent, rich and creamy, and the egg yolk lava thickened its consistency even further. Accented with earthy nuances from the white truffle shavings, the way to balance the assertiveness of the dish, is to tear the toasted brioche served at the side, dip it in and then deliver the decadent goodness straight into your mouth. The toasty sweetness of the brioche coming through will bring all the elements together in harmony.
Along the same pairing principle, Tajarin Al Tartufo ($60) allows the delicate truffle shavings to soften and release their aroma and flavours into the pasta, and the earthy, garlicky notes of the truffle were even more pronounced in this dish. Coated with Butter-Parmigiano Emulsion, the pasta inherited an almost creamy texture. Carrying just a light saltiness from the cheese, the pasta was able to drew much flavours out from the earthy truffle shavings.
Braised Guinea Fowl, Soft Polenta, Brussel Sprouts, Alba Truffle Shavings 3/5
Just when I thought the experience would get even better with a meat pairing, the choice of lean meat in Faraona Con Panna E Tartufo ($70) didn't quite work with the truffles. Perhaps it lacks the fats and body to meld with the latter, I'm actually quite happy with just the brussel sprouts and polenta to mingle with the fungus.
Zeppole Puff, Chantilly Cream, Hazelnut Nougat, Alba Truffle Shavings 3.8/5
Complete this annual gastronomic journey with Zeppole, Nocciole E Tartufo ($49). If you find it disconcerting about this dessert idea at first, it all makes sense as you appreciate its profile through the various savoury dishes.
Additional shavings of Alba White Truffle is available at market price.
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.
LaBrezza
St Regis Singapore Hotel
Level 2
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066884
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. St Regis is just beside Tanglin Shopping Centre. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]
