Sunday, June 11, 2023

Trovato @ Seletar Hills Estate (Jalan Selaseh) – Cosy Italian Restaurant With Italian Classics And Brick-Fired Pizza

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Tucked in the serene Seletar Hills neighbourhood, Trovato is a casual, cosy Italian restaurant that serves a modern twist of dishes, pasta and freshly stretched brick-fired pizza.

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Octopus A La Plancha 4.2/5

We started the meal with their antipasti of the Octopus A La Plancha ($28.90). The octopus legs were tender and chewy, packed with flavours from the briny squid ink aioli and pesto.

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Trovato's Special 4.5/5

The unique brick-fired pizza selections present Trovato's Special ($35.90) served with a crispy charcoal pizza base, topped with chef's choice of ingredient selection of 4 different flavours, namely: Granchio Piccante (chilli crab), Prosciutto Rucola, Salmone Affumicato (smoked salmon) and Margherita. We enjoyed all the pizza flavours, especially the chilli crab, for a local twist on an Italian favourite.

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Risotto Al Gamberi 4/5

The Risotto Al Gamberi ($25.90) features al dente, tender and creamy arborio rice cooked in a flavourful Italian tomato sauce, topped with fresh tiger prawns and scallops.

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Croissant French Toast 4/5

They also offer a brunch menu on the weekends, available from 9am to 2.30pm. It includes a variety of breakfast items such as the Trovato's Full Breakfast, Italian Egg Benedicts, Fried Chicken on Toast and Smoked Salmon Bruschetta. We ordered the Croissant French Toast ($18.90), sliced in half and pan-fried to a soft and custardy texture akin to French toast, instead of using the usual brioche toast. It is then topped with berries, honey drizzle and fresh whipped cream to add some sweetness to the dish.

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Words and photos by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Trovato
26 Jalan Selaseh
Singapore 808445
Tel: +65 88429826
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Nearest MRT: Serangoon (CC, NE Line), Ang Mo Kio (NS Line), Yio Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon MRT station (Stop ID 66351). Take bus number 70 Alight 12 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 40 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Serangoon MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk to bus stop at Serangoon Bus Interchange (Stop ID 66009). Take bus number 103 Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Ang Mo Kio MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop after Ang Mo Kio Interchange (Stop ID 54391) near block 711. Take bus number 50. Alight 14 stops later. Walk to Jalan Selaseh. Turn right onto Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Yio Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Yio Chu Kang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 55509). Take bus number 70. Alight 13 stops later. Cross the road, walk to Jalan Selaseh. Walk to destination.Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Restaurant Gaig @ Stanley Road - An Immersive Catalan Fare With New Chef’s Menu

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Nestled in the heart of Singapore's bustling dining precinct, Restaurant Gaig brings the vibrant flavours of Catalan cuisine to the city. As the first international outpost of the original Michelin-starred restaurant in Barcelona, helmed by renowned chef Carles Gaig, Restaurant Gaig in Singapore is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Catalonia. Operated by chef Gaig's daughter, Núria Gibert, this establishment continues the family's tradition of excellence in gastronomy, spanning five generations.

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At the kitchen's helm is Executive Chef Marti Carlos, who honed his skills under the tutelage of Chef Gaig himself. With a deep-rooted respect for Catalan culinary traditions, Executive Chef Marti pays homage to the region's vibrant culture and heritage while infusing his dishes with a sophisticated flair. To celebrate the magical Catalonia Summer, Restaurant Gaig presents a new Chef's Menu ($180++ per diner) that promises an immersive dining experience.

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The Thinnest Fuet Sandwich, Sunday's Vermut, Surf and Turf Taco 4/5

The gastronomic journey begins with a trio of canapés inspired by Catalan's classic snacks and Sunday social traditions. The Thinnest Fuet Sandwich showcases a crisp and thin filo pastry filled with savoury pork cold cuts and grated tomatoes—a nostalgic favourite from Chef Marti's childhood.

Sunday's Vermut pays tribute to the Spanish tradition of enjoying vermouth with light snacks like potato chips and olives. At Restaurant Gaig, cockle, vermouth, and olive pearls are served in a fried potato shell, offering a burst of flavour in a single bite.

Another delightful creation is the Surf and Turf Taco, featuring shredded lamb ossobuco served in a shrimp fritter "taco" shell, complemented by cured shallots, Lyo corn, and green Mojo Verde dressing.

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Homemade Raviolis 5/5

Continuing the culinary journey, the Homemade Raviolis delight with roasted lamb shoulder and scampi broth. The tender ravioli, stuffed with minced lamb leg shoulder, is beautifully accompanied by langoustine consommé, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.

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Frit Menorqui 4.2/5

The Frit Menorquí pays homage to the Balearic Islands, presenting pan-seared lobster with sofrito and lobster bisque-infused egg yolk—a dish traditionally enjoyed during the summer months.

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Glazed Sweetbreads and Artichoke 3.8/5

For those seeking a nose-to-tail experience, the Glazed Sweetbreads with Artichoke and Chips showcases creamy lamb sweetbreads paired with parsnip purée, glazed artichokes, and chips. It is an exquisite combination of textures and flavours.

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Lamb Rack 4.8/5

The Chef's Menu also features a succulent Lamb Rack with idiazabal cheese sauce, where the buttery and smoky notes of the farmhouse sheep cheese elevate the roasted lamb.

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Pre-Dessert 4/5

A pre-dessert of Smoked Chocolate with Strawberry and Basil delights the senses, with strawberry and basil ice cream accompanied by smoked chocolate ganache, chocolate crumble, and white chocolate tuile.

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Orange Dessert 4.2/5

Concluding the remarkable culinary experience is a dessert that pairs Orange Sorbet with carrot sabayon, mandarin carrot sorbet, egg yolk ice cream, orange pearls, and sugar bits. This inventive creation showcases the versatility of oranges in various forms, leaving a bright and refreshing note on the palate.

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Restaurant Gaig offers an impeccable display of the best of Catalan culinary traditions. From the cherished family recipes passed down through generations to the innovative twists introduced by Chef Marti Carlos, every dish celebrates Catalonia's rich gastronomic heritage. Immerse yourself in a truly memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Catalonia at Restaurant Gaig.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaig
16 Stanley Street
Singapore 068735
Tel: +65 62212134
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street, walk to Boon Tat Street. Turn left onto Boon Tat Street. Turn right onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to Mccallum Street. Turn right onto Mccallum Street. Turn left onto Stanley Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]