[CLOSED] Jamie’s Italian @ VivoCity

After a year or so into its opening, Jamie’s Italian at VivoCity has come out with another 5 new items to entice their regulars, if not, recruit more of you to give it a try. The direction is on lighter menu options such as salads and bruschetta plates.

Seasonal Vegetable Bruschetta 4/5

We started off with Seasonal Vegetable Bruschetta ($10.50 ). I was pleasantly surprised by the burst of freshness coming out from this dish. The mint pea salsa was creamier than I thought it would be. Its texture was almost like an avocado, without the heaviness. That’s what made it so compatible with the ricotta. The green and yellow courgettes atop was dry grilled beforehand, giving this dish a good crunch.

Superfood Salad 3.8/5

Superfood Salad ($18.50) with Smoked Salmon ($26.50). With all the craze about superfood these days, the dish has it all - Lentils, quinoa, black rice, fennel, roasted beets and seed mix dressed in sherry vinegar and olive oil. The char grilled avocado and cottage cheese are exactly what were needed to give it this plate of grains and roots a boost of creamy goodness. What really captured my attention was that morsel of sambal-like chilli paste that comes with it, that sends every mouthful throbbing with heat, in a real good way.

Summer Truffle Risotto 4.5/5

Summer Truffle Risotto ($32.50)  is only available at Jamie’s Italian Vivo City. This is no doubt my favorite dish of the day. Putting the complex Italian names of the ingredients aside, although the structure of this dish seems pretty simple (mainly rice, truffles and cheese), it exudes oomph in every spoonful. That, I feel it wouldn’t be possible without the crisp herby breadcrumbs, that is able to edge its velvety texture beautifully. Pretty steep for a risotto, but it’s really up to you to see its value.

Bucatini Pasta 2.8/5

The Dish of the day was Bucatini Pasta ($21). I really love their traditional Romana sauce. The sweltered onion added flair to what might seem to be just a regular pasta with tomato sauce. However, the homemade bucatini pasta was slightly too tough for my liking. The portion served almost buried the few pieces of smokey pancetta that comes with it.

Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza 4.2/5

The Pink Snapper Acqua Pazza ($33.50) is stated to be a Pan-fried whole pink snapper, but with such tenderness of the meat, it could easily be mistaken as a steamed fish. A creation from Jamie Oliver’s Italian mentor, Chef Gennaro Contaldo, this is also highly likable dish which I would recommend. The sauce (concocted using olives, garlic, wine, capers, parsley and the sweetest baby plum tomatoes) was slightly milky and tangy, which I feel is excellent for the delicate texture and taste of the fish.

Rump Steak 3.8/5

A good piece of meat in the hands of a skilled chef never fails, which is the case for its Rump Steak ($29.50). You may think that this is odd, but I really appreciate the slaw at the side. Seldom that I find slaw that has not turned soggy under the weight of its dressing. The skinny fries was pretty well done too.

Orange Blossom Polenta Cake 3/5

We rounded up the dinner with their latest dessert - Orange Blossom Polenta Cake, together with another another sweet sounding Raspberry Rippled Pavlova ($11.50). The latter was indeed too sweet for me, whereas its newcomer is much more delightful. It’s pleasantly crumbly and grainy, yet moist like a butter cake.

Raspberry Rippled Pavlova 2.5/5

I do like their new items, especially their salads which can be both an appetizer and a light meal. Putting aside the dollars, I feel the standard of their food is there, though I have not tried its original establishment. If you want some fine Italian food, and the ease of dining in a casual ambience, Jamie’s Italian may be a good option.

Photograph and 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.


[CLOSED]
Jamie Italian 
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-165/166/167
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 67335500
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfont (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 11pm

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

Li Jiang Restaurant @ Omni Theatre Building

Originated from the Yunnan Group of Restaurant which is founded in 1970s, Li Jiang Restaurant first outlet was opened at the Singapore Swimming Club in 2003, subsequently moved to Temasek Club at Portsdown and now settled at its current location at Singapore Science Centre, Omni Theatre.

Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Cordycep 4.5/5

Dinner at Li Jiang Restaurant started with the Double Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Cordycep ($18 per bowl). It was a rainy night and hence the warm and comforting soup was perfect for the cold weather. The essence of the ingredients was well extracted in the flavourful soup and generously filled to the brim with the various ingredients.

Deep Fried Cod Fish with Thai Sauce 3.5/5

The whole fillet of Deep Fried Cod Fish with Thai Sauce ($12 each) is a modernise way of serving fish without the bones in Chinese cuisine. The firm and buttery cod fish is deep fried to golden brown and served in a sweet Thai chilli sauce. It is quite a classic combination that will delight both the young and old.

Deep Fried Prawn with Wasabi Sauce 3.8/5

The huge and crunchy Deep Fried Prawn with Wasabi Sauce ($24/$36/$48) is topped with pork floss. I think the youth will enjoy this a lot especially with the sweet mayonnaise sauce. I felt it is missing the wasabi punch in the sauce.

Crispy Chicken in Spicy Sesame Sauce 4/5

The Crispy Chicken in Spicy Sesame Sauce reminds me of those Chinese banquet where one of the courses will be a chicken dish. The skin of the chicken is fried to a delectable crispiness while the spicy sesame sauce provides the lift in appreciating the succulent chicken.

Braised Abalone with Tofu and Mushroom 4/5

Another classic dish on the menu is the Braised Abalone with Tofu and Mushroom. The luxurious abalone is firm and bouncy in texture, paired with the smooth and silky tofu. However the highlight is the mushroom with its earthy truffle like aroma.

Fried Rice with Egg White, Scallop and Fish 3.5/5

I was stunned like vegetable when I was served a plate of white fried rice. Taking a closer look at the bed of white grains, the Fried Rice, 清官炒饭 ($16/$26/$36) comes with Egg White, Scallop and Fish. I like the idea but unfortunately we got some rice that was under cooked. Compared to normal fried rice, it does lack the aroma from the egg yolk.

Braised Pork Ribs in Imperial Sauce with Bun 4.5/5

The highlight for the dinner has to be the Braised Pork Ribs in Imperial Sauce with Bun ($25/$50). The pork ribs was so tender that it literally melted in the mouth. The star has to be the accompanying sauce that has a fruity sweetness. The dish is served with fried bun to further appreciate the sauce or eaten with the pork rib's meat sandwiched.

Snow Pear with White Fungus and Osmanthus 4.2/5

Wrapping up the dinner is the Snow Pear with White Fungus and Osmanthus. Once again the restaurant is very generous with its serving, filled to the brim with snow pear and white fungus. It is a refreshing dessert to end the sumptuous dinner.

Overall I find that Li Jiang Restaurant is very sincere in dishing out every dish to the table. The generous portion justify for the price on the menu without compromising in quantity and quality. The restaurant is also conveniently located within walking distance from Jurong East MRT station. For those driving, there is also plenty of parking at Omni Theatre and Science Centre.


Li Jiang Restaurant
Omni Theatre
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Tel: +65 67771989 / +65 67778888
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1115am - 230pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Jurong East bus interchange (Stop ID 28009). Take bus number 66 or 335. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to JCube. Follow the J Link walkway beside JCube and Blk 135. Walk to the end of the walkway. Walk towards the traffic light junction of Jurong Town Hall Road and Jurong East Central. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.  [Map]