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

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.

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.

Bresaola 4/5

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tiramisu 2.8/5

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]

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining - A Memorable and Satisfying Cantonese-Peranakan Dinner

During my visit to Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining in April 2023, I had the pleasure of experiencing an 8-course meal priced at $125.50 per person. Mama Jac specialises in Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine, offering a unique fusion of flavours and culinary traditions.

Mango Salad 4.5/5

Our private dining experience commenced with the tantalising Mango Salad, a refreshing appetiser that combined the perfect balance of crunch and pungent flavours. The vibrant mangoes added a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Hai Zhou 4.8/5

Next, we indulged in the Hai Zhou, a substantial dish featuring plump prawns wrapped in crispy beancurd skin. The prawns were succulent, bursting with natural sweetness, while the beancurd skin added a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Bakwan Kepiting 5/5

One of the standout dishes was the Bakwan Kepiting, a meatball soup packed with depth and robust flavours. The generously sized meatball was juicy and tender, enhanced by the addition of crabmeat, which imparted a delightful seafood sweetness. The bamboo shoots added a layer of texture and flavour to the dish.

Brandy Cincalok Ayam 4.8/5

A highlight of the evening was the Brandy Cincalok Ayam, a unique Peranakan creation that surprised and delighted my taste buds. The combination of cincalok, a traditional fermented shrimp paste, with brandy brought a new depth of flavour to the tender chicken, resulting in a deliciously unique culinary experience.

Nonya Chap Chye 4.8/5

The Nonya Chap Chye was executed flawlessly, with the various ingredients retaining their crunch and the fermented soybean imparting a distinct savoury note that elevated the dish's overall taste.

Mengkabo (Babi Masak Asam) 4.2/5

Mengkabo, also known as Babi Masak Asam, was another standout dish on the menu. The tender pork slices were cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce, tantalising the palate with their robust flavours. We were even encouraged to enjoy the dish with cut green chilli for an added dimension of enjoyment.

Assam Pedas Stingray 4/5

The Assam Pedas Stingray, a classic fish stew, is further impressed with its tangy and spicy profile. The addition of pineapple lent a fruity sweetness that beautifully complemented the tender stingray.

Panna Cotta Chendol

We savoured the Panna Cotta Chendol for dessert, a delightful conclusion to our meal. The homemade chendol, sea coconut, corn, and red beans were immersed in a thick and creamy coconut milk infused with the rich sweetness of Gula Melaka. While the dish was served without ice to allow the natural flavours to shine, I preferred it chilled for a more refreshing experience.

Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining provided an enchanting culinary journey through Cantonese-Peranakan cuisine. The meticulously prepared dishes showcased a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, with each course leaving a lasting impression. Mama Jac's passion for her craft was evident in every dish, making this private dining experience a memorable and satisfying exploration of unique flavours and cultural influences.


Mama Jac's Kitchenette Private Dining
Blk 434 Clementi Ave 4
Singapore 120434
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Acqua e Farina @ The Rail Mall - Authentic And Hearty Italian Fare In Homely Italian Family Restaurant

Along the stretch of dining options at The Rail Mall is a cosy little Italian restaurant, Acqua e Farina. It is helmed by Chef Antonio Manetto and Chef Roberto Galbiati, who are natives from Southern and Northern Italy respectively. They bring together a full menu of authentic Italian cuisine for diners to enjoy.

As the restaurant's name suggests, Acqua e Farina, which is Italian for water and flour, reflects the Chefs' goal of showcasing their Italian fare using simple traditional recipes and top-quality ingredients.

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. I have passed by this restaurant several times but always assumed it has a more formal setting. What I loved most about our dining experience here was how warm and cosy it was! Stepping into the restaurant felt like stepping into an Italian friend's home.

Drinks

We went with a glass of Limoncello Prosecco ($13) and a Blood Orange San Pellegrino ($4) for drinks. If you are a fan of wines, the restaurant features an entire wall of wines you can pick from. The Chefs also offer recommendations based on preferences.

Capesante con Funghi 4.2/5

First up was the Capesante con Funghi ($28), with pan-fried Hokkaido scallop dressed in a creamy and richly earthy mushroom sauce paired with baby spinach and croutons. We had the tasting portion here, while the full portion includes three scallops.

Gamberetti con Pancetta e Spinaci 4/5

Our next starter was the Gamberetti con Pancetta e Spinaci ($27), which has pan-fried shrimp wrapped in pancetta, served with sautéed spinach. My dining companion and I found the prawn a touch drier than we would like, but we appreciated the balance of flavours. I especially liked that it wasn't too salty.

Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio 4.5/5

Our first main was the Fettuccine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio ($34), homemade squid ink pasta with crabmeat tossed in tomato sauce. The pasta is made fresh daily, and diners can also request for gluten-free spaghetti. I don't often choose my pasta with a tomato base, but I would come back for Acqua e Farina's rendition.

Their tomato base has a touch of cream and hence is not as acidic as usual. The slight creaminess complemented the chunks of sweet crabmeat.

Pizza Quattro Formaggi 4.5/5

The Pizza Quattro Formaggi ($34) is one of the restaurant's only two pizzas with a white cheese base. The other nine pizzas on the menu use a red tomato base.

If you are a cheese fan, I am sure you will enjoy this. It uses four types of cheese - Mozzarella, Gorgonzola (Blue Cheese), Smoked Scamorza and Asiago. Chef told us this is one of the top two popular pizzas here. It's not difficult to understand with its generous topping of cheese and a whiff of truffle fragrance on a crisp and slightly chewy base.

Linguine alla Bottarga e Capesante 4.2/5

Acqua e Farina regularly launches special menus which keep things fresh and fun, especially for their regular diners. It was coincidentally Mother's Day weekend when we were here, and we had the pleasure to try one of the dishes on their Mother's Day Special menu, the Linguine alla Bottarga e Capesante ($38). The linguine tossed with cured fish roe, garlic, chilli, and herbs was appetising, and we polished this off quickly.

Dessert Platter 4/5

The Dessert Platter ($19) is the easiest way to try an assortment of their dessert offerings. Each platter comprises mini portions of Crème Brûlée, Lava Cake, Panna Cotta and Tiramisù.

The highlights for us were the Lava Cake and Crème Brûlée. The former had the perfect cook and was not too sweet. We wished the caramelised layer on the Crème Brûlée could be thinner, but we enjoyed the smooth and fragrant custard.

Overall, our dinner at Acqua e Farina was a fantastic experience put together by the quality food and servers who go the extra mile to provide a comfortable environment for diners.

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
The Rail Mll
400 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678050
Tel: +65 69708191
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Nearest MRT: Hillview MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Upper Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]