Showing posts with label Panna Cotta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panna Cotta. Show all posts

Monday, September 30, 2024

Acqua e Farina @ Keong Saik Road - Authentic Italian Restaurant at The Rail Mall Opens New Outlet

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Acqua e Farina, known for its authentic Italian cuisine since 2016 at The Rail Mall, has now expanded with a new outlet at Keong Saik Road. The restaurant continues to be helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who hail from Southern and Northern Italy respectively, bringing their regional expertise to the table.

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We learnt from our last visit to The Rail Mall's branch that the restaurant's name directly translates into Italian for water and flour, reflecting the Chefs' goal of bringing authentic Italian fare using traditional recipes, top-quality ingredients and their own twists. Ingredients are mostly sourced directly from Italy.

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As a warm welcome, all diners are treated to complimentary warm bread, which we found delightfully chewy and perfect for dipping into olive oil.

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The restaurant's beverage menu is impressive, with various non-alcoholic drinks, spritzes, wines, and housemade cocktails. The attentive servers are always happy to offer their recommendations if needed.

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Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale 4.5/5

Our meal started with the Tegamino con Cipolle, Asparagi e Guanciale ($32), a savoury mix of braised onions, green asparagus, and pan-fried guanciale. The dish's smokiness, sweet-savoury flavour combination, and contrasting textures made it a hit, especially when paired with the starter bread.

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Tortino 4/5

We also tried the Tortino ($32), a tart made with homemade puff pastry dough filled with a rich crayfish sauce, tender crayfish chunks, and porcini mushrooms. While the tart shell wasn’t my favourite, the crustacean sweetness of the sauce was reminiscent of a flavorful lobster bisque.

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Montara 4.2/5

Exclusive to the Keong Saik outlet is the Montanara ($34), a twice-cooked pizza that’s first left to rise for 36 hours and deep-fried before being baked. The pizza, topped with tomato sauce, pork sausages, spicy nduja, and creamy stracciatella, had a perfectly crisp edge and was surprisingly light, making it easy to enjoy without feeling too heavy.

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Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga 4/5

Next, we tried the Risotto ai Ricci di Mare e Bottarga ($36), a luxurious risotto dish enhanced with briny sea urchin and freshly grated salt-cured bottarga. The dish was creamy without the use of cream, relying on the slow-simmered stock for its richness.

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Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja 4/5

We also enjoyed the Tagliatelle al Cacao con Gamberetti e Nduja ($36), a unique handmade cocoa pasta tossed in spicy nduja salami paste, complemented by portobello mushrooms and shrimp. Mixing in the cocoa powder provided a subtle sweetness that balanced the spicy nduja.

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Paccheri alla Norma 4.2/5

For a vegetarian option, we sampled the Paccheri alla Norma ($34), a tube-shaped pasta tossed in a fresh tomato sauce with eggplant and topped with grated ricotta. Based on Chef's family recipe, this dish was a pleasant surprise with its bright and simple flavour.

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Acqua e Farina’s Dessert Platter 4/5

To end our meal, we opted for the Dessert Platter ($20), which offered bite-sized portions of Acqua e Farina’s best desserts: Panna Cotta, Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, and Lava Cake. The Lava Cake stood out for its rich, oozing chocolate centre.

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Nutella Donuts 4.2/5

We were also treated to off-the-menu Nutella Donuts, which were fluffy, chewy, and definitely worth making a permanent fixture on the menu.

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.


Acqua e Farina
35A Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089142
Tel: +65 9105 2377
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park MRT (EW, TE, NE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5.30pm - 10.30pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Monday, August 12, 2024

Casa Vostra @ Raffles City - Popular Homegrown Takeaway and Delivery Brand Opens a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant

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Conceptualised as a takeaway and delivery concept by Chef Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega, Casa Vostra has transitioned into a full-service restaurant at Raffles City. The menu now features a wholesome range of home-style Italian fare, extending beyond Casa Vostra's Newpolitan® and Doublecrunch® pizzas, including house-made pasta, house-cured charcuterie, and other Italian classics. Every item on the menu is made from scratch using carefully sourced and directly imported ingredients, free from preservatives and artificial additives.

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Frittatina 3/5

We started with a couple of antipasti, beginning with the Frittatina ($8), a Napoli street snack. It is a deep-fried ball of pasta typically moulded with eggs, salami, and cheese. Casa Vostra's version is available in Carbonara or Lasagna flavours. The latter had a moreish crusty exterior that broke into oozing and creamy layers of flavorful minced beef and house-made lasagna sheets.

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Bresaola 4/5

Bresaola ($14) is a classic dish featuring beautiful slices of home-aged beef served with rocket and Parmigiano Reggiano.

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Chef Antonio's trademark Newpolitan® Pizza is made using a mix of selected Italian white and brown flours, fermented through different stages and temperatures for 36 hours. Baked in a wood-fired oven at 460°C, Casa Vostra's Newpolitan® features charred, bubbling crusts that are softer and floppier than most pizzas. Categorised into Red and White Sauce, we tried the Gamberi ($28) and 4 Formaggi ($22), respectively.

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Gamberi 3.8/5

Gamberi was delectable with San Marzano DOP, topped with chunky Argentinian prawns flavoured with a sweet umami tomato and prawn reduction, finished off with lemon zest for a lift. The crust was amazingly fluffy and soft, with an almost melt-in-your-mouth centre. However, I found the crust lacking in flavours, especially the tang of a well-fermented dough.

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4 Formaggi 3/5

4 Formaggi was rich and assertive with Fior di Latte, Taleggio, Gorgonzola, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Its taste could benefit from a dough with a more developed flavour profile.

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Mortadella 3.5/5

Doublecrunch® Pizza draws inspiration from the traditional street food Pala Romana, featuring Italian ingredients sandwiched between airy and crispy pizza pastry. Mortadella ($22) had a very enjoyable texture, given by the combination of the airy and crispy pizza pastry contrasted with meaty and saltish mortadella (an Italian luncheon meat). It was complemented by milky burrata, bits of crunchy pistachio, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

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Crab Tagliatelle 4/5

Housemade pasta is also a key offering; each portion is made fresh and available in various traditional shapes and forms to carry different sauces and ingredients. The Crab Tagliatelle ($26) was delicious. Its al dente tagliatelle was generously coated with garlic-infused olive oil, tossed with meaty jumbo crab meat lumps, and accentuated with bursts of tangy sweetness from tomato confit.

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Agnolotti del Plin 3/5

Agnolotti del Plin ($23) is a stuffed fresh pasta dish that tastes pretty rustic. It has a much thicker-than-expected pasta dough stuffed with pork stew, served in a chicken jus and butter sauce.

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Tiramisu 2.8/5

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Panna Cotta 3/5

The desserts were all right. The Panna Cotta ($8) satisfied with a wobbly and creamy custard, while the Tiramisú ($10) was a tad too sweet for my liking.

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.


Casa Vostra
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#01-49/50/51
Singapore 179103
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 1130am to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 2 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 25, 2024

Duomo Ristorante @ CHIJMES - Italian Classics, Hearty Italian Flavours, Charming Ambience

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Recently opened in January 2024, Duomo Ristorante is an aptly named culinary gem nestled within the beautiful grounds of CHIJMES. The menu offers Italian classics made with fresh ingredients from both the Northern and Southern regions, showcasing the hearty flavours of Italian cuisine.

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There is a cosy indoor dining area, but the outdoor terrace is particularly delightful, especially on cool evenings. Here, guests can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere while enjoying views of the picturesque CHIJMES hall. The outdoor terrace is thoughtfully accented with Italian decorative touches, creating a charming and inviting ambience that sets the backdrop for a relaxing dining experience.

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Bruschetta 4.2/5

We started with a variety of antipasti, the first being a delightful Bruschetta ($21). This classic Italian starter showcased simplicity at its finest. Each slice of rustic bread was perfectly toasted and topped with heirloom Sicilian pizzutello tomatoes and Pecorino cheese shavings. The juicy sweetness of the tomatoes made each bite very enjoyable!

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Wagy Carpaccio 4.2/5

The Wagyu Carpaccio ($28) is also delicious. Delicate slivers of wagyu are elevated with a house-made sauce of truffle cream, butter, and parmesan. To add a refreshing contrast, the dish is generously garnished with rocket leaves, which provide a crisp freshness to balance the richness of the wagyu and the creamy sauce.

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Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

For something hearty, opt for their Seafood Cioppino ($28). The base of the Seafood Cioppino is a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices and simmered to perfection. The broth provides a comforting warmth that sets the stage for the seafood medley of calamari, clams, and prawns — a harmonious ensemble that reflects the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.

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Bella Duomo 4.2/5

Whilst they are not particularly a pizza speciality restaurant, the pizza we tried here was pretty good! We had the Bella Duomo ($36), where the star of the show is the rich and savoury mortadella cold cut, which comes straight from Bologna. Accompanying it are crunchy pistachios, adding a delightful texture and nutty flavour, as well as creamy stracciatella cheese generously spread across the pizza.

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Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon 4.5/5

Next up were two plates of pasta, both of which I thoroughly relished and savoured. The Tagliolini Gamberi & Lemon ($38) is a dish inspired by the chef's childhood and beautifully captures the essence of an Italian summer with its bright and zesty flavours. Some of my dining companions found it slightly too tangy, but I enjoyed the refreshing acidity imparted by the lemons and capers. Regarding flavour profile, this dish stands out as one of the more distinctive pastas I've had in Singapore. If you opt for this pasta, I recommend mixing it thoroughly with the sauce right away to prevent clumping and to ensure every bite is as delightful as the last.

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Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia 4.5/5

The Gnocchi Funghi & Salsiccia ($28) is another comforting dish that satisfies my palate. The gnocchi, mushrooms, and Italian sausage are enveloped in a luxurious, savoury sauce. The sausage is slow-cooked with a medley of onions, celery, and white wine, infusing the dish with hearty flavours that linger on the taste buds.

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Polipo Arrosto 3.8/5

Polipo Arrosto ($38) celebrates the ocean's bounty with grilled octopus, which offers a slightly crispy exterior with a smoky char while maintaining a firm but not rubbery texture. Accompanying the octopus is a citrusy sauce infused with diced tomatoes and olives, adding a vibrant and tangy contrast to the seafood. Silky smooth potato and rocket salad accompany the dish.

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Nodino di Maiale 3.8/5

The Nodino di Maiale ($38) features a pork chop marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme and grilled to perfection. It is complemented by a smooth house-made apple mustard that adds a hint of sweetness. The flavours are good, but our pork cut was pretty lean, and I would have preferred the meat to be juicier.

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Duomo Tiramisu 4/5

For dessert, the Duomo Tiramisu ($16) is a crowd pleaser. Layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso impart a robust coffee flavour. Sandwiched between these espresso-soaked layers is a velvety mascarpone cream. The dessert is elegantly finished with a dusting of cocoa powder, balancing the sweetness with a hint of bittersweet cocoa notes. For inclusivity, the Tiramisu is served alcohol-free.

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Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia 3.5/5

Another option is the Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia, a creamy and light dessert made from a traditional recipe without gelatin. It's infused with vanilla bean specks and served with some fruits and nuts.

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Duomo Ristorante presents a delightful array of dishes to satisfy diverse tastes, complemented by refreshing drinks and a great ambience perfect for enjoying time with loved ones and friends. Immerse yourself in the essence of la dolce vita whilst savouring a slice of Italy in this cheerful communal dining setting!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Duomo Ristorante
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street
#01-32
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 89114874
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat: 12pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the junction to Chijmes. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Yan Ting @ St. Regis Singapore - Rediscover a New Inimitable Dining Experience

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With the reopening of Yan Ting at The St. Regis, the restaurant now boasts a refreshed modern look that exudes a lush, rich, and moody ambience. Alongside this aesthetic transformation, Yan Ting has welcomed newly appointed Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, who masterfully pays homage to authentic Cantonese cuisine while infusing it with diverse modern flavours.

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Appetiers 4.5/5

We began our meal with a quartet of appetisers featuring Yan Ting's signature dishes: Honey-glazed Barbecued Iberico Pork, Fried 'Pik Fong Tong' Radish Cake, Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallop with Caviar, and Chilled Abalone. Among these, the 'Pik Fong Tong' Radish Cake stood out with its unique execution, incorporating a distinct Hong Kong flavour into a dim sum classic.

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Braised Superior Bird's Nest, Crabmeat, Pumpkin Broth 4.8/5

Following the appetisers, I savoured a bowl of Braised Superior Bird's Nest with Crabmeat and Pumpkin Broth. The naturally bland bird's nest was elevated by the sweetness of the crab meat and pumpkin, resulting in a comforting and nourishing finish.

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Steamed Leopard Coral Grouper, Dough Stick, Garlic 4.2/5

The next dish was Steamed Leopard Coral Grouper with Dough Stick and Garlic. The sweet and flaky grouper flesh was beautifully infused with a garlicky aroma and paired with the crispness of dough sticks. While I'm accustomed to pairing steamed fish with soft tofu, the dough stick provided a refreshing and unique dimension to the dish.


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Crispy Beef Short Ribs 4.2/5

Another savoury delight was the Crispy Beef Short Ribs. The dish featured a delightful contrast of tender meat enveloped in a satisfying crunchy coating, complemented by a medley of spices and aromatics.

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Wok-fried Lobster Angel Hair Pasta, Truffle 4.2/5

An unusual yet innovative take on Cantonese cuisine, the Wok-fried Lobster Angel Hair Pasta with Truffle was a standout dish. The incorporation of pasta added a bold modern twist, resulting in an indulgent and harmonious combination of textures. Each mouthful was infused with the rich, sweet flavour of lobster, accented by the light, earthy notes of truffle.

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Chilled Panna Cotta 4.2/5

To conclude our meal, we enjoyed the Chilled Panna Cotta. This dessert struck the perfect balance between firmness and creaminess, offering a smooth, silky, and light experience that was both elegant and comforting.

Yan Ting's reopening under the guidance of Chef Chan Chung Shing promises an exceptional dining experience. It blends the rich traditions of Cantonese cuisine with contemporary flair, and the combination of innovative dishes and classic flavours ensures that every visit is memorable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Yan Ting
The St. Regis Singapore
Level 1U
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 6506 6887
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Nearest MRT: Orchard Boulevard (TE Line), Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Weekend Dim Sum Brunch: 1030am - 1230pm (1st seating), 1pm - 3pm (2nd seating)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. 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]

2) Alight at Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Turn left onto Cuscaden Road. Walk to Tomlinson Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to Tanglin Road. Turn right onto Tanglin Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]