SONS @ China Square Central - A New Menu Curated By Michelin Star Chef, Beppe De Vito

SONS at China Square Central is a modern Italian trattoria-style bar and restaurant that provides a range of mains, nibbles and drinks at affordable pricing. When it first opened its door in 2014, it impressed me by being one of the first restaurants that made their own speciality-cured meat and salami. It has recently launched a new menu, introducing new dishes that will bring a new joy to your experience at SONS.

Homemade Salami Platter 4/5

The salami at SONS is all made inhouse using artisanal Italian curing method in its very own curing room. To try a few varieties, order a Homemade Salami Platter ($22) which comprises 4 types of Salumi - Smoked Kurobuta Pork Lonza, Capocollo, Guanciale and Pancetta. If you would like to bring some home, they are also available for retail at both SONS and on Redmart.

Baccalá Cakes 4/5

What I remembered SONS for is this visually stunning charcoal black Baccala Cakes ($18), served with sea urchin sabayon. One of its signature dishes, these fritters are made from premium salted cod and mashed potato, and what gives them the black coat is squid ink breadcrumbs. Juxtaposed with the rich, yellow creamy sea urchin sabayon that has been caramelised on the surface which exudes a hint of sweetness. It is an elevated croquette dish that excites all senses.

Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta 3.8/5

If you love your truffles, this mouth-filling Mushroom & Truffle Bruschetta with Smoked Scamorza ($15) will not disappoint. 2 very thin slices of house-made rustic bread grilled and slathered with truffle paste, then layered with melted Smoked Scamorza. This is followed by piling on sauteed shimeji mushrooms, finished with shavings of fresh truffles and micro herbs. It is very rich in taste, hence sharing is recommended.

Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini 3/5

On the other spectrum, Cured Salmon Tartare, Avocado & Wholewheat Crostini ($15) serves as a good alternative for a light and refreshing starter.

3-Meat Sausage 3.5/5

SONS makes its own sausages as well. 3-Meat Sausage, Broccoletti & Mustard Sauce ($29) is a new main that features its housemade sausage packed with pork, beef and lamb, seasoned with herbs and pepper. Served sizzling hot, what first hit us was the mouthwatering, intense aroma of freshly grated parmesan cheese wafting from the hot pan. I like the way this dish is being executed, which stands out from a regular sausage recipe.

Duck Leg Confit 3/5

The portion of the Duck Leg Confit with Cannellini & Cherry Tomatoes ($26) is generous, but the meat was a tad too dry. The cannellini stew was more pleasing, comforting with sweet, roasted tomatoes and rosemary.

Kale & Nduja Ravioli 4.2/5

I remember SONS has delicious housemade pasta and it didn't disappoint in my re-visit. Kale & Nduja Ravioli with Capers & Garlic Butter ($22) may sound very simple, but every bite was packed with flavours. The ratio of the pasta to filling was also just right.

Squid-ink Tagliolini 4.5/5

The Squid-ink Tagliolini, Wild Cuttlefish & Orange Salmoriglio ($24) was tastier than it looked. Salmoriglio is traditionally made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs, and this Orange Salmoriglio brightened the flavours of the dish in its own way. Lightly tossed with seafood sauce, the housemade squid ink pasta was delicious on its own. Even after sitting in the cold for a while, the pasta remained al dente. The lightness of the pasta was just amazing.

Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips 3.8/5

We tried 3 desserts - Dolce Tiramisu with Chocolate Chips ($12), Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake ($12) and Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato ($13). The Tiramisu was definitely the highlight for me since it has been a while since I last had a good one. It was light and not too cloying, best summed up my experience at SONS.

Hot Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato

Mango & Calamansi Cheesecake

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. 


SONS
China Square Central
20 Cross Street
#01-19
Singapore 048422
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 1pm
Sat: 6pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Telok Ayer Street towards the direction of China Square Food Centre. Turn left onto Pekin Street. Continue until the end of Pekin Street. Cross the road to Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the junction of South Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. Cross the road and walk to China Square Central. Walk towards Nakin Street and turn right on Nakin Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tablescape Restaurant & Bar @ Grand Park City Hall - Old School Charm With Bread And Dessert Trolleys

Stepping into Tablescape Restaurant & Bar at Grand Park City Hall gives you an old-world charm with gueridon service. Having visited the restaurant when it first opened. I was looking forward to the new changes new Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has brought to the restaurant.

It is great to see that the bread trolley is still around. With 4 types of freshly baked in-house bread in rotation daily (out of the 14), this is paired with a choice of salted or unsalted butter that is churned in-house. This is followed by an amuse bouche whereby the Sicilian prawn is paired with burrata, zucchini and squid ink croutons.

Scallop 4/5

The Scallop ($20) is a light starter in which the raw scallop is served with a refreshing cucumber gazpacho. A dish that allows the natural freshness to speak for itself without any strong seasoning to distort the taste.

Beef Tataki 4/5

Next is the Black Angus Beef Tataki ($20). The beautiful beef slices are paired with pumpkin puree at the side and white pepper foam on top. It is another light-handed dish, allowing the main ingredient to shine.

Egg 4/5

The Egg ($28) is a luxe version of our local breakfast. The slow-cooked 62 degree Celsius egg is covered with Parmesan fondue. It is then topped with two textures of asparagus and black summer truffle. I would recommend saving some of the earlier bread to mop up the dish.

Duck Risotto 3.8/5

Moving to the mains, we started with the Duck Risotto ($38). Using camaroli rice, the rice is slow-cooked with duck stock until the starch is released from the rice, giving it a creamy consistency. This is finished with olive oil, parmigiano reggiano and parsley. Not to forget the tender smoked duck and cubes of pan-seared foie gras that adds colour to the dish.

Iberico Pork Chop 4/5

One of my favourite for the night is the Iberico Pork Chop ($42) which has been marinated with salt, sage, thyme and black pepper. The piece of pork chop is then grilled to perfection upon order. It was tender, flavourful with an exterior char. The beautiful piece of pork chop is served with pommery mustard sauce, sauteed vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Organic Chicken 4.2/5

The Organic Chicken ($28) comes all the way from France. It is sous-vide and then roasted until crispy on the exterior, moist and juicy inside. Not to forget the baby romaine lettuce with housemade cardini dressing, topped with baked bacon bits and Parmigiano Reggiano shavings.

Coconut Raspberry Mousse 3.5/5

Champagne Jelly 3.8/5

From the dessert trolley, we have the Coconut Raspberry Mousse and Champagne Jelly. The Coconut Raspberry Mousse comprises of a layer of raspberry gel, coconut mousse, and almond crumble. Each spoonful comes with a multi-textural enjoyment. As for the Champagne Jelly, it is a light and refreshing dessert, with the candied orange peel giving it a citrusy lift.

Chocolate Souffle 4.2/5

A classic dessert is the Souffle ($16), It is light and fluffy. It comes with the choice of Grand Marnier or Valrhona Chocolate and Creme Anglaise.

Executive Chef Armando Aristarco has put together a fine European menu rooted in classical cuisine made excitingly contemporary. The bread and dessert trolleys give the restaurant an old school charm too.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tablescape Restaurant & Bar
Grand Park City Hall
Level 3
10 Coleman Street
Singapore 179809
Tel: +65 64325566
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit D. Turn left and walk to junction of Coleman Street and North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Peninsula Plaza. Continue down Coleman Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]