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]

Pete's Place @ Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore

It was 44 years ago when Pete's Place first opened its door at the basement level of Grand Hyatt Singapore. Pete’s Place specialises in authentic Italian cuisine from homemade pastas to wood-fired oven pizzas. Their salad bar is hugely popular, together with a bread counter which offers freshly baked breads. Hence, even before the start of their actual meal, diners are able to prep their appetites with these classic Italian favourites.

As I entered Pete's Place, I felt that I was being cocooned in its rustic interiors - the warm moody lighting, red-brick walls and red-checked table tops. Now the kitchen is helmed by a 'cosy' looking Chef Andrea Bontempi with more than 12 years of experience in Italian cuisine (I was almost fooled by his young appearance). The newly rolled out menu is designed with some creative twists to some of the classic dishes, alongside with the main stayers.

Burrata e Caponate 4/5

We started off our dinner with one of my favourites, Burrata e Caponate ($22++). Instead of buddying with tomato, the fresh burrata cheese sat atop an eggplant caponata, dressed with aged balsamic vinegar and basil. The eggplant caponate really woke up my senses with its tanginess. The burrata was creamy but fluffy. I would say it is an excellent combination!

Ravioli Astice 4.8/5

Ravioli Astice ($36++) made up of lobster, burrata cheese, saffron zucchini sauce. Somehow, I have a thing for ravioli. The usual ones will be with only Ricotta and Spinach, whereas lobster is chosen to be the filling. Each ravioli was nicely coated with the saffron sauce. As I bite into it, I was surprised by how juicy and sweet the lobster filling was. It was slightly creamy with the right level of saltiness to bring out its sweetness. I must say Chef Andrea has perfected this ravioli with his 50-50 portion of meat and pasta dough. A must try.

Cacciucco alla Livornese 3.8/5

Cacciucco alla Livornese ($34++) is a sustainable fish stew served with bruschetta bread. It is filled to the brim, packed with fish stew, mussles, prawns, scallops and squid. I was presently surprised by the lightness of the stew. The deeper you dip into this sea of goodness, the more you get. You could eat it in the traditional way by dipping bruschetta into the stew to soften it before eating. In such a cosy setting, it does has a taste of home.

Tagliata di Manzo 3.8/5

Tagliata di Manzo 3.8/5

Tagliata di Manzo ($32++) needs hours of preparation. The Beef flank tagliata is served with rocket salad and parmesan cheese. Steak lovers might give this a try. The meat was extremely tender with a slight chewiness. I find the tangy tomato componata a rather interesting element, adding another layer to the overall taste.

Vanilla Panna Cotta 4.2/5

Vanilla Panna Cotta 4.2/5

To end the evening, we have Bonnet Astigiana ($10++), a Amaretti chocolate pudding with orange blossom and Vanilla Panna Cotta ($10++). Both are equally good but I find the White rum infused Vanilla panna cotta more unique. The berry compote is slightly soury sweet and tart, which pairs really well with the panna cotta. If you prefer something citrus and bitter sweet, then the Amaretti chocolate pudding will be something for you. I can't wait to try their Tiramisu the next time I visit them!

Bonnet Astigiana 4.2/5

Seeing how the staff interacted with the customers and how comfortable each customer was, Pete's Place must has won many regulars over the past 40 years. I heard some even grew up with this place. It has been quite an experience for me to be dining in one of Singapore's historic restaurants. To me, it has not lost its former glory. Instead, it has shone ever greater with the proliferation of contemporary or fusion dining, and a shift of focus from quality, authenticity to hype and novelty.

Written 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. 


Pete's Place
Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrandHyattSingapore
Website: http://singapore.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/PetesPlace.html
Tel: +65 67321234
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sunday Brunch: 1130am - 230pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the underpass towards Marriott hotel. Take the escalator up onto Scotts Road. Turn right and walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Southwest Tavern @ Traderhub 21 (Jurong East)

Southwest Tavern is a cowboy theme restaurant located at Tradehub21, around the Jurong East region. Being a Westerner myself, I was quite surprised when I first heard of it, as such places are usually concentrated in the Eastern side of Singapore. On their website, they claimed to be serving the best western food in Jurong. Well, we shall let the food speaks for itself....

Dining here is fully alfresco. It is not exactly ideal for our climate, but being hidden in the lane helps in keeping it shady and cool. The interior is pretty simple, with wooden tables and benches, of what you may have expected for such a bistro. Their menu is surprisingly comprehensive, ranging from your typical bar food to soups, salads, steaks, ribs, seafood, chicken, pastas and pizza. "Suicide Wings" are available if you are up to it. Beer lovers will definitely love their extensive offering of imported beers too.

Seafood Gumbo 4/5

The Seafood Gumbo ($12++), I would say adheres closely to the Southern Louisiana's recipe. Containing rice, it is more like a stew with the soup strongly flavoured with prawns, mussels, scallops, squids, along with bell peppers. Each ingredient was fresh and succulent. The resulting taste was tangy and a little spicy which was quite appetising.

Salad with Cajun Prawns 2.8/5

The Salad with Cajun Prawns ($10++) was nothing impressive with just a few pieces of greens. But I like the Cajun Prawns which was firm and nicely spiced.

Grilled Fresh Norwegian Salmon 4.2/5

Usually a bistro bar set up like this may be good in their steaks and burgers but fails in their seafood items. However after trying their Grilled Fresh Norwegian Salmon ($22++), I'm quite assured by the quality of their food. The salmon was perfectly grilled. The surface was slightly charred, leaving the inside pinkish and moist. The meat carried a rich, fatty texture. When the meat was so fresh, all I needed was just a squeeze of the lemon given by the side, dispense any sauces or dressing. For me, it would have been perfect if they have gone easier on the salt. As for the sides, I felt they need to work on it. The sweet corn was scrawny and the small potatoes were under roasted.

Double Cheese Burger with Mushroom Swiss 3.8/5

I didn't expect their Double Cheese Burger ($18++) 3.8 to come with double patties. I was thinking of just double slices of cheese. The patties are homemade with imported beef. Each patty was evenly charred on the outside with the inside a little rare and juicy. My other half shared that he learnt a burger consists of a well toasted bun with charred sides (ticked), juicy homemade patties (ticked), fresh vegetables and onions (ticked) and last but not least, how you dress up the burgers to differentiate it from the mundane ones. Yes, the sauces was left unticked for this burger. I thought the patty could be less peppery. But still, he enjoyed it pretty much. The additional topping of Mushroom Swiss ($3++) we had was thick with cheese. You may want to skip that if you are ordering a Double Cheese.

The quality of their food certainly surpassed my expectations and I wish I have a bigger stomach to try more of their offerings such as their famous Beer Butt Chicken and ribs. One may find the price slightly high for a basic setting like this but the quality and portion justify it. A hidden gem worth exploring especially for the Westerners.

Written and Photography by Si An. A lady who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.



Southwest Tavern
Traderhub 21
8 Boon Lay Way
#01-33
Singapore 609964
Tel: +65 65154303
Website: http://southwesttavern.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swtavern
Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line), Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station. (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 52 and 105. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 99. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East Bus Interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 52 or 105. Alight 8 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 20 minutes. [Map]

Element @ Amara Hotel

There is a buzz along Tras Street with cool rhythms in the air and a large merrymaking crowd gathered at the new Element on Tras Street, the new alfresco terrace of Element at Amara Hotel Singapore. The newly renovated Elment at Amara Hotel Singapore unveils an unique contemporary integrated dining that fuses food, drink, social dining and lifestyle in a sensational, all encompassing package. With the different elements at play, the new concept of the integrated gastronomic options offers an International Buffet (Heritage Element), Basque Cuisine (Basque Element), Toby's Estate Coffee (Barista Element), Outdoor Bar (Hip Element) and Flexible Dining (Individualist Element)

Toast of Grated Tomato and Iberico Ham 4.2/5

With the newly opened Element at Amara Hotel Singapore, a bold concept of introducing Basque cuisine with a young talented 22 years old Chef de Cuisine, Chef Mikel Badiola from San Sebastian in Basque Spain. Mikel picked up cooking at the age of 14 when he joined a txoko, a traditional gastronomic society where make members come together to cook in typical Basque culture. Went to culinary school and work in several local restaurant kitchens. At the age of 20, he worked with feted 3 star Michelin chef Martin Berasategui at his eponymous restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, Spain. Left for London to work before returning to Spain as Head Chef at the Real Nuevo Golf Club where his talent was spotted.

Showcasing Basque cuisine by the talented new Chef de Cuisine, Mike Badiola, we started with a selection of Pintxos equivalent to tapas. First up was the Toast of Grated Tomato and Iberico Ham ($15 for 2pc). The combination of the flavourful iberico ham and grated tomato was an excellent pairing whetting up the appetite.

Mushroom Brochette in Oporto Sauce 3.5/5

The Mushroom Brochette in Oporto Sauce ($12 for 2pc) has a delectable earthy flavour with a nice hint of spiciness form the oporto sauce.

Cod Fish Bechamel filled in Piquillo Pepper 4.5/5

The Cod Fish Bechamel filled in Piquillo Pepper ($12 for 2pc) with its love shaped like presentation was not only delight in sight but in taste. Meticulously prepared in grounding the cod fish into a paste and filled in Piquillo pepper, paired with a delish buttery and creamy bechamel sauce, bursting with beautiful flavour with each mouthful.

Spanish Omelette with Potato and Onion 4.2/5

Spanish Omelette with Potato and Onion 4.2/5

The ordinary looking round shape Spanish Omelette with Potato and Onion ($10) was surprisingly very delicious. The moist interior of chopped potatoes and onions is wrapped in a fragrant slightly charred omelette packed with homely goodness.

Basque Fish Soup cooked with Oven Roasted Bread 4/5

The Basque Fish Soup cooked with Oven Roasted Bread ($16) took me a while to get used to the acquire taste of burnt bread. As I got used to the taste, I could appreciate the different medleys of flavours hitting the palate with a aromatic smokiness in it. A very comfort and hearty bowl of fish soup.

Basque Tuna Stew with Potato and Pepper 4.2/5

While the Basque Fish Soup has a very robust and complex flavour, the Basque Tuna Stew with Potato and Pepper ($28) will come across as a cleaner version with delectable potatoes and pinkish tuna in cube shape. Given a choice, I would prefer this over the basque fish soup.

Squid with Tartar Sauce 4.5/5

Unlike Singaporean which likes the batter of our calamari to be crispy, the Spanish prefers it to be thin so that it can enjoy the freshness and juiciness of the squid. Squeezing a little zest from the lemon, the Squid with Tartar Sauce ($18) was both springy and crunchy allowing one to enjoy the freshness of the squid to the fullest.

Traditional Roast Suckling Pig 4.5/5

To adapt to the local palate, Chef Mikel has made a number of fine tuning such as making the skin more crispy. I really enjoyed the crackling paper thin skin and the extremely tender meat of the Traditional Roast Suckling Pig ($88 for 3 pax). Paired with the "Amara" sauce which went very well with the roast suckling pig.

A trio of dessert ended our night on a sweet note with the Cheese Cake ($9), Honey Jelly Yoghurt with Walnut Cream ($9) and Cold Strawberry Soup with Fruit Brochette ($9). The Honey Jelly Yoghurt with Walnut Cream is an interesting introduction to Singaporean as a dessert instead of breakfast. The combination of honey jelly and nutty walnut cream with yoghurt was interesting nice and great as a dessert. My favourite was the Cold Strawberry Soup with Fruit Brochette ($9). An unique and refreshing drink of infusing the savoury bruschetta with fruity strawberry.

The exciting young talent in Chef Mikel with its Basque cuisine will delight patrons with his culinary skill while the different flexible dining element allow one to eat and sit as one please. The integrated, multi-concept cuisine means that under a single roof one can dine from the international buffet, Spanish a la carte, Spanish set, Spanish pintxos, signature appertiser from Thanying, Silkroad Cafe Oriental (three other restaurants within Amara Hotel).


Element and Element on Tras Street
Amara Hotel
165 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088539
Tel: +65 68792555, +65 68792607
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amarasingaporehotel/
Website: http://singapore.amarahotels.com/dining/element/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast (Daily): 6am - 1030am
Lunch (Mon-Fri, except PH): 12pm - 230pm
Brunch (Sat-Sun, PH): 1130am - 330pm
Dinner (Daily): 630pm - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Brasserie Les Saveurs @ St Regis Hotel

Brasserie Les Saveurs at St. Regis Hotel is on the top of my to visit list for a while and after several missed opportunities, I am glad that I finally visited the beautiful restaurant last week. At the same time taking the chance to check out the new ala carte menu from its new Chef de Cuisine, Antoine Bonnet who has more than 20 years of culinary experience in contemporary French cuisine.

Walking into the grand restaurant with chandeliers hanging down from the high ceiling, full floor to ceiling window with water fountain as the backdrop. The place is simply elegant, beautiful and stunning with its interior decoration.

Amuse Bouche 3.5/5

Starting with the Amuse Bouche is Pan Seared Scallop with Potato Espuma with sesame oil. A delightful glimpse into the new chef's approach of his interpretation of contemporary French cuisine.

Salad Nicoise 3.8/5

Next up is Salad Nicoise ($36). The bowl of salad comes with black pepper seared yellow fin tuna, mesclun leaves, quail eggs, marinated anchovies, green beans and kalamata olives. A nice refreshing and healthy to dinner.

Bouillabaisse Facon Les Saveurs 4.5

The Bouillabaisse Facon Les Saveurs  ($19) is slow simmered with fennel and saffron. Each sip of the rich and robust fisherman's seafood stew felt like the waves after waves of the sea hitting the palate with the lovely medley of the sea.

Le Homard Thermidor 4.8/5

The Le Homard Thermidor ($75), a classic French dish is definitely the star of the night. The creamy mixture of cooked boston lobster meat is flamed with cognac, grantinee gruyere and served with a mushroom bechamel sauce.

Australian Prime Rib Carving Trolley 4.2/5

Served at table side on a craving trolley is the Australian Prime Rib ($48). The beautiful roasted meat was served with roasted potatoes and tomatoes on the side with either a wine reduction or horseradish sauce. I personally like pairing the flavoursome beef with pungency of the horseradish sauce.

Le Gateau A La Banane 3.5/5

Dessert was Le Gateau A La Banane ($14) which is banana mousse cake and apricot compote, mango salsa, banana and ginger ice cream. This is not my plate but SiHan's. SiHan who blogs at Fundamentally Flawed is flying off the next day to Sydney. SiHan who is a trained pastry chef is moving to Sydney to work. She will be missed and I look forward to her return as well as tasting her pastries.


Brasserie Les Saveurs
St Regis Hotel
Lobby Level
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: +65 65066860
Website: http://www.brasserielessaveurs.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours: 
Breakfast: 6:30am - 10:30am (Monday to Sunday)
Lunch: 12pm - 3pm (Monday to Saturday)
Brunch: 12pm - 3pm (Sunday)
Afternoon Tea: 3pm - 5pm (Sunday to Friday)
Afternoon Tea Dance with Live Band: 3pm - 5pm (Saturday)
Dinner: 7pm - 10pm (Monday to Sunday)
*A La Carte Menu is available from 12pm daily

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]