Jamie's Italian @ Vivocity

The culinary scene in Singapore has been buzzing with the latest opening of Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Jamie's Italian at Vivocity. The much anticipated Jamie's Italian, first in Asia opened its door on 17 July 2013. As expected, long queues have been formed every day since the opening. Although the restaurant takes reservation, only a couple of tables are set aside each day. It is wiser to join the queue if you want to try the food as reservation has been fully booked till late August at the time of this publication. Jamie's Italian Singapore is headed by Executive Chef Gary Clarke who is former Jamie's Italian UK Head of Academy for Senior Chefs.

Baked Mushroom 4/5

There are quite a number of antipasti selections from the menu which comes in planks or plates. We tried the Baked Mushroom ($12.50), the crispy paper-thin flat bread is topped with sauteed Swiss brown mushrooms and smoked buffalo mozzarella. A delectable antipasti to start of the meal.

Crispy Squid 4/5

The other antipasti we tried was the Crispy Squid ($11.50). The fried squid had a delightful bite to it, fresh and crunchy. The flavour was further lifted with a squeeze of the lemon zest and garlic mayo dip. However the portion was way too small for sharing.

Black Angel Spaghetti 2.8/5

The pasta at Jamie's Kitchen is made freshly on site everyday. I am actually quite interested to know how much pasta they need to make daily since most customers come to try their pasta, its an Italian restaurant after all. Inevitably, we ordered some pasta dishes to try which comes in either appertiser or main course portion.

The Black Angel Spaghetti ($16.00/$24.50) was cooked perfectly al dente with a nice firm bite to it in the middle. The squid ink pasta was served with scallops, garlic, chilli, anchovies, wine and capers. While the texture was good, I did not quite enjoy the dish though. I thought the whole execution was on the bland side.

Jool's Favourite Sicilian Tuna Fusilli 4/5

Another pasta dish we tried was named after Jamie's wife, Jool's Favourite Sicilian Tuna Fusilli ($14/$21), Albacore tuna slow cooked with tomatoes, garlic, herbs and cinnamon. The pleasing spicy tanginess and the delightful texture of the Fusilli made it one of the better dishes we tried for the night. I also like how Jamie's Italian served the herby breadcrumb on the spoon for their pasta and risotto dishes. The breadcrumb gave the dish a lift in texture.

Brixham Bay Crab Risotto 3.5/5

The Brixham Bay Crab Risotto ($19.00/$28.50) uses acquerello rice was cooked to perfection. Topped with lemony crab, samphire and chilli, the creamy risotto was bursting with beautiful flavours. While flavours we incredibly good, the crab meat seemed to be lost in the sea of grains. I would prefer more chunky crab meats for the price I am paying.

Lamb Chop Lollipops 4.5/5

The Lamb Chop Lollipops ($29.90) was my favourite dish for the night. The bone-in grilled lamb chops were served with a creamy artichoke and mint sauce, roasted nuts, chilli and fresh mint. The lamb was tender, succulent and cooked to a nice pink.

Ji Warm Brownie 3/5

For dessert, we have the Ji Warm Brownie ($11.50) which was made from mix of chocolate, raspberry and amaretto served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The brownie was really moist but it was not warm.

Creamy Panna Cotta 4.2/5

The Creamy Panna Cotta ($9) is probably the best dessert at Jamie's Italian. Everyone who has tried it has recommended it. The wobbly light, silky and smooth panna cotta served with fruit compote was a memorable dessert to end the night on a sweet note.

Overall, Jamie's Italian is a casual restaurant with homely Italian food. The price for homely Italian food may be a tad expensive but considering its a celebrity chef restaurant it is quite reasonable priced. Judging from the daily queue, it seems like customers do not mind the price. Staffs are very attentive and there was a merry and relax vibe throughout the restaurant making one feeling comfortable dining in.


Jamie Italian 
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-165/166/167
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 67335500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiesitaliansingapore
Website: http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/singapore/home
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 1. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Bar-Roque Grill @ Amara Hotel

Located at the corner of Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar, Bar-Roque Grill is an exciting new restaurant by Chef Stephane Istel and Kori Millar. Chef Stephane was formerly Executive Chef of DB Bistro Modern at MBS by Daniel Boulud. I was really excited to know that Chef Stephane has ventured out of his own and opened Bar-Roque Grill and I can't wait to check out the new place. His business partner and co-owner is Kori Millar who was vast experience in F&B management. The former GM of Sky57 at MBS by Justin Quek and Chef Stephane forms a dynamic team that set to ignite the premium casual dining scene with its heady mix of hedonism and conviviality.

The 90 seaters Bar-Roque Grill has a spectacular open kitchen and magnificent Chef's Table. For guests who require a bit more quiet and intimacy, there is a semi private room. There is also an outdoor terrance where revelers can relax and linger until the wee hours.

Tarte Flambee, The Vegetarian Mushrooms 4.2/5

Pre-dinner was Chef Stephane's hometown dish from Alsace, Tarte Flambee. We have the classic Bacon & Onions ($12/$20) and vegetarian Mushrooms ($12/$20). The thinly rolled out bread dough with its crispy crust and delectable toppings definitely whetted the appetite; looking forward to tasting the rest of the menu.

Braised Pork Belly Bun 4/5

I enjoyed Chef Stephane's interpretation of the Kong Bak Pau. Unlike the Chinese's version, the Braised Pork Belly Bun ($6/pc) with pickled cucumber, leeks and espelette pepper has a more subtle execution. The pork belly was marinated for 16 hours in pineapple juice sandwiched in an extremely soft and fluffy bun.

Vegetable Chicken Soup

Next, Chef Stephane cooked us a pot of piping hot Vegetable Chicken Soup. He even personally served us and added some special "black" ingredients into each bowl.

Can you guess what Chef Stephane is shaving into each bowl of the vegetable chicken soup?

Vegetable Chicken Soup with Truffle 3.5/5

It was so generous of Chef Stephane to add shaved truffle into our soup. I can feel his love now. Nothing sophisticated, just direct nature flavours which was comforting and hearty.

Char Grilled Octopus 4/5

The Char Grilled Octopus ($24) is served with arugula, tomato confit, almonds and romesco colis. I like the tad of smokiness of the tender octopus with a nice crunch to it.

Spinach Salad 4/5

Being a fan of spinach, my eyes brighten with the Spinach Salad ($16). I enjoyed the layers of textures that came from the plate of spinach, goat cheese, dates and almonds.

NZ Little Neck Clam 4.2/5

The NZ Little Neck Clam ($22/$32) or known as New Zealand cockle, tuaki or tuangi is harvested from the unpolluted waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. The sweet clams together with the garlic pork sausage, mushrooms, parsley and white wine was a delish combination that was very addictive and I could not help going back for more.

A must try is the grills at Bar-Roque. Bar-Roque has one of the biggest innovative modern rotisserie in Singapore. We were treated to a feast that is fit for a king.

Roasted Suckling Pig 3.5/5

The Roasted Suckling Pig ($380) requires a 3 days advance order. While I enjoyed the succulent meat, the suckling pig still has a hint of that porky taste that did not escape some of the more sensitive palate at the table.

Australian Pork Knuckle 4/5

The Australian Pork Knuckle ($58 served 2) surprised me with the moist meat under the beautiful crackling skin.

French Free Range Chicken 4.2/5

The French Free Range Chicken ($20 half, $38 whole) was one of my favourites for the night. The grilled chicken was extremely tender and beautiful.

Challans Duck 4.8/5 and Prime Rib Eye 4.8/5

The Challans Duck ($250) and Prime Rib Eye ($198/kg) were the other favourites of the night. The instant the duck meat hit my palate a familiar Asian flavour struck me. The challans duck was rubbed with five spices marinade and lovely grilled. The huge bird which weights at least 2.5kg maybe pricey but the perfect doneness and succulent meat was the best I have ever tried.

The prime rib eye was so flavoursome that it was already beautiful by itself. Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, the delish cut simply melted in the mouth.

Traditional Creme Brulee 4/5

Apple Pie with Rum and Raisin Ice Cream 4.2/5

The sumptuous feast ended on a sweet note with the Traditional Creme Brulee ($12) and the Apple Pie "Mom's Recipe" served with Rum & Raisin Ice Cream ($12). While I am not really a dessert person but the apple pie was surprisingly good especially with the cinnamon crumble.

Bar-Roque Grill's concept may not be new but just like the restaurant's motto, Love on the Plate, I can feel Chef Stephane's passion and love of food as he meticulously dished out exemplary food to the guest. It is a place where families or friends can sit down together for a meal sharing the sweetness of living and celebrating the pleasures of the table.


Bar-Roque Grill
Amara Hotel
165 Tanjong Pagar
#01-00
Singapore 088539
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarRoqueGrill
Website: http://www.bar-roque.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

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]