Prego @ Fairmont Hotel Singapore - A Refreshed Italian Affair At Prego

Prego at Fairmont Singapore has made quite a name for itself in the last two decades as an authentic Italian restaurant with Chef de Cuisine Antonio Facchinetti at helm. His creative takes on traditional Italian fare has created quite a number of favourites adored by regulars and new diners alike. Once again, Chef Antonio took a number of familiar flavours and churned them into new signatures with a fresh look.

Char-grilled Octopus 3.5/5

We started off with Ligurian antipasti Polpo alla Griglia ($28). Nicely charred, the octopus was firm with a nice bite. The potatoes could be softer to complement the octopus better. I like the Italian salsa verde which added vibrancy and zest to the plate.

Wagyu Carpaccio 4.5/5

Carpaccio di Wagyu ($28) is like a plate of rose petals which had fallen neatly on a plate. Its soft paper thin body allows each piece to melt in my mouth readily, releasing its flavours. The earthy truffle dressing and savourypParmesan lifted that delicate sweetness gently before settling on my taste buds.

Sardinian Fregola, Baby Clams, Tomato and Saffron Broth 4/5/5

Zuppa Di Vongole con Fregola ($24) is a very soothing soup, flavoured with just tomato and saffron together with sweetness from the baby clams. A traditional dish that was cooked beautifully and I especially enjoyed chewing on the spherical pellets.

Cavatelli with Nduja Sausage, Red Onion, Pomodoro Fresco and Pecorino Cheese 3.8/5

Cappellacci in Butternut Pumpkin and White Bolognese Sauce 4/5

Moving on to pastas, we had Cavatelli con Nduja ($34) and Cappellacci di Zucca con Ragu Bianco ($36). The former felt like summer - intense, spicy and stimulating with Nduja sausage while the latter spelt Autumn- warm, sweet and comforting with butternut pumpkin. The Cappellacci is slightly on the thicker and firmer side but the mashed pumpkin filling was compact enough to balance it.

Roasted Pork Chop 3.8/5

Our main is a hearty Braciola di Maiale ($42). The pork was lean, yet it was tender and moist with a thin crisp skin. Stewed with white white, the red cabbage at the side acquired a piquant taste which accompanied the pork chop really well. It was almost like having a Christmas roast!

Ricotta and Wheat Soft cake 3.5/5

For desserts, we had Pastiera Napoletana ($12) and Baba al Limoncello ($14). I very much preferred the spongy yeast cake. I could imagine myself having it at an Italian's home. It is fully soaked in Limoncello syrup, yet it retains its crusty interior. The fluffy whipped cream is like how your whipped cream works on Frappachino for that extra oomph. It looked really simple but it is a complex dish to make.

Basil Whipped Cream 4.2/5

Some regulars lament that they lost favourites each time when there's a new menu but I guess Prego will continue creating new favourites with each and every inspiration that comes along the way.

Words and photos 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Prego
Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel:+65 64316156
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 10am (breakfast), 630am - 1030am (deli)
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 230pm (lunch)
Sun: 1200pm - 3pm (brunch)
Daily: 6pm - 1030pm (dinner)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tocha Bistro @ Hotel Boss - Crazy Happy Hour With A Huge Selection Of Western Food

Tocha Bistro is the new gastropub that replaces char gril bar at Hotel Boss. The grastropub is actually located at the back of the hotel along the canal, giving diners the feel of alfresco dining alongside the river.
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Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

We started with the Mushroom Soup ($5.80) which is hearty and comforting. I enjoyed the earthy flavours of the different blend of mushroom with a creamy finishing.

Spicy Mid- Wings 3/5

The Spicy Mid-Wings ($8.80 for 10pc) was deep fried to an enjoyable light crispiness on the exterior while retaining the juiciness inside. However I did not find it spicy at it. The marination did not manage to wow me.but the children seemed to be loving it.

Baked Scallop 3/5

The Baked Scallop ($8.80 for 3pc) is baked in mayonnaise and 3 different types of cheeses. I applauded the generous used of cheese and mayonnaise but I thought it was a bit heavy handed, masking the sweetness of the scallop.

Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce 3.8/5

The Tiger Prawn with White Wine Sauce ($13.80) which comes with 3 huge prawns tossed in slightly spicy and robust white wine sauce. It is a pity that the spaghetti was overcooked or it will would be my favourite dish for the night. On a good day, this definitely will be the star of the menu.

Grilled Salmon 3.5/5

Grilled Cod Fish 3.5/5

For the fish items, we tried both the Grilled Salmon ($15.80) and Grilled Cod Fish ($19.80). For the pricing, I thought the portion is a bit small.While I could not really fault the cooking, I was not able to find excitement in the whole execution.

Lamb Rack 2.8/5

Tenderloin Steak 3.5/5

Moving to the meats, we tried the Lamb Rack ($22.80) Tenderloin Steak ($28.80). I probably will give the lamb rack a miss. It was dry and the pricing is too expensive for the portion served. The tenderloin steak ($28.80) fared better and was cooked to a nice pink. Once again I am not too sure about the pricing as I think I can get better quality piece of steak elsewhere at the same price or lower.

Iberico Pork 4/5

The dish that I would come back for is their Iberico Pork ($22,80). The piece of pork is well seasoned, complementing the natural sweetness of the pork. The pork was also tender and juicy. The kitchen has given justice to the beautiful piece of pork.

Hawaiian Pizza 3.5/5

Tocha Bistro has a huge selections of their menu and it includes pizza too. The Hawaiian Pizza ($12.80) is a tomato base pizza with chicken, ham and pineapple. A classic combination that works with the crispy thin crust. dough. This is best to go with a glass of beer.

If you are looking for a place to chill out, then don't miss the Crazy Happy Hour at Tocha Bistro. Crazy Happy Hour happens 5-6pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$7.80, and a bucket of 6 from S$25. On Mondays, the Crazy Hour Promotion runs all day and all night! Normal Happy Hour promotion will be from 6-9pm every day, where a pint of beer starts from S$10.80 and a bucket of 6 from S$35.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tocha Bistro
Hotel Boss
500 Jalan Sultan
#01-20
Singapore 199020
Tel: +65 62917118
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Fri: 11am - 1am
Sat: 11am - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Continue walking down Kallang Road towards Victoria Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]