Usher in this Joyous Season with Da Paolo Gastronomia’s ‘Everyday Italian’ Festive Highlights 2023

Usher in this joyous season with Da Paolo Gastronomia's 'Everyday Italian' Festive Highlights available for self pick-up and delivery. They are available for orders online from 1 November to 31 December 2023 or while stocks last (whichever is earlier) for self pick-up from any Da Paolo Gastronomia outlet and delivery from 4 November 2023.

Stuffed & Deboned Roast Turkey 4.8/5

The Stuffed & Deboned Roast Turkey ($388, approximately 4kg) was excellent. Filled with its own meat and its Christmas Stuffing, which comprises chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, and veggies, enveloping a classic Italian sausage Cotechino, it breaks the monotony of having roast turkey during the Christmas season. The stuffing itself was seasoned just enough to complement the tender turkey meat, and the flavoursome sausage imparted a depth of savoury and meaty flavour that truly enhanced the experience of enjoying a roast turkey on this special occasion.

Braised Beef Rib 3/5

The Braised Beef Ribs ($248, approximately 1.3kg) is new to the line-up, suitable for 6 to 8 persons. It's low-cooked in red wine and served with roasted potatoes, onions, carrots, and cherry tomatoes. While the rib was fork-tender, I found it lacking in flavour.

Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad

Truffle Mac & Cheese

Sumptuous sides are available to pair with the roasts. For a refreshing crunch, the best option would be Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad ($69). The cranberries lent pop of sweetness to the roots and vegetables. For something hearty and indulgent, Da Paolo's signature Truffle Mac & Cheese ($110) is good for 4 to 6 persons.

White Forest Log Cake 4.8/5

For the very first time, I've found a white log cake that isn't cloyingly sweet. Conversely, this White Forest Log Cake ($89, approximately 900g) was light, featuring white chocolate yoghurt chantilly. What makes all the difference is the homemade rum-spiked morello cherry compote in the centre. Sweet and tart, with a depth of smoky and bittersweetness imparted by the rum, perfectly matches the yoghurt chantilly.

Homemade Stollen 4/5

The new Homemade Stollen ($48, approximately 400g) is crafted with month-long macerated dried fruit and toasted nuts in their very own spice blend and traditional Kirschwasser. The toasted nuts are melded within, giving it a moreish nutty flavour, which helps cut through the richness of the sweet marzipan core.

Gingerbread Chocolate Tart 3.5/5

Rocky Road Eggless Brownie 3.5/5

There are new sweet delights as well. The Gingerbread Chocolate Tart ($89, approximately 700g) boasts a buttery gingerbread spiced crust with a gooey homemade caramel layer between almond frangipane and dark chocolate. While the tart is unique with its gingerbread tart shell, it could have been less sweet for a better balance. The new Rocky Road Eggless Brownie ($89, approximately 850g) features a layer of dark chocolate ganache and is topped with walnuts, marshmallows, and Maraschino cherries. I find the chocolate notes a tad overwhelmed by the sweetness.

Panettone

Exquisite Gift Hamper Panettone - Handmade by Da Paolo's artisan bakers in Italy, the dough is leavened for 36 hours to develop a softer and fluffier crumb with more intense flavours. Panettone Classico ($72 for 750g) and Panettoncino Classico ($14.90, 100g) are filled with raisins and candied citrus peels. In contrast, the Panettone Cioccolato ($75 for 750g) is studded with dark chocolate chips, and the Panettone Prosecco ($75 for 750g) contains Prosecco D.O.C.G. cream.

All offerings other than the Gingerbread Cookies, Stollen, Tea Tins, and Panettone are exclusively available online at https://gastronomia-foodtoorder.dapaolo.com.sg from 1 November to 31 December 2023 or while stocks last (whichever is earlier) for self pick-up from any Da Paolo Gastronomia outlet, and delivery from 4 November 2023. Orders must be made three days in advance, before 12pm. Enjoy anlol early bird offer of 15% off the Christmas Roast Bundle for orders placed from 1 November till 30 November 2023.

Linda's Table Private Dining @ Pandan Valley - Impressive Peranakan-Cantonese Cuisine that Showcases a Level of Finesse

Linda's Table, a private dining experience blending Peranakan and Cantonese influences, has become one of the most sought-after private dining spots in town. The long wait over six months to secure a reservation at Linda's Table indicates its popularity. Linda's reputation for exceptional cooking and her unique fusion of flavours make her fully booked until next year. She is not currently accepting any more bookings, as it's become overwhelming for her to manage.

Kerabu Jambu 4.2/5

Our meal began with the Kerabu Jambu. For the visit, Linda thoughtfully replaced the jambu with pineapple, offering a refreshing starter that perfectly paired the sweet tang of pineapple with the satisfying crunch of winged beans.

Kueh Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang 4.5/5

The Kueh Pie Tee and Ngoh Hiang presented delightful bites, made even more enjoyable with a tantalisingly spicy sambal.

Hu Pioh Tng (Fish Maw Soup) 4.8/5

The Hu Pioh Tng, a traditional Fish Maw Soup, was hearty and comforting. It exuded robust flavours enriched with the deep essence of crustaceans, elevating it to a whole new level.

Pork Lard Rice 4.8/5

The simple yet much-loved Pork Lard Rice stole the show. Fragrant and fluffy rice, infused with freshly fried pork lard, was bound together by a dark soy sauce hailing from Ipoh.

Nonya Chap Chai 4.8/5

Nonya Chap Chai, a staple in Peranakan cuisine, showcased perfectly cooked vegetables with a slight crunch, all harmoniously infused with rich soybean paste. Linda possibly incorporated prawn stock to elevate the dish further, adding depth and flavour.

Babi Tohay 4.2/5

Babi Tohay, an almost forgotten dish rarely found in restaurants, was a revelation. This unique pork dish was prepared with red rice yeast, fermented shrimp, and brandy, resulting in a complex and rich flavour that was both unfamiliar and utterly delicious.

Sambal Prawns with Belimbing 5/5

The Sambal Prawns with Belimbing had a real kick. The spicy and fragrant prawns were beautifully complemented by the tang and sourness of the belimbing, and the sauce paired wonderfully with rice.

Beef Rendang 4.8/5

Beef Rendang was a standout, with its fragrant and delightful rempah seasoning that enhanced the tenderness of the beef. The flavours were beautifully absorbed into the succulent meat, creating a dish that was a perfect companion for rice.

Sago Gula Melaka 4/5

To conclude this remarkable culinary journey at Linda's Table, the Sago Gula Melaka presented a harmonious blend of fragrant and creamy coconut milk, sweet and savoury gula melaka, and chewy sago pearls.

Having visited various Peranakan private dining experiences, Linda's cooking left a lasting impression. Her dishes not only brimmed with flavour but also showcased a level of finesse that set her apart from the others.


Linda's Table Private Dining
Pandan Valley
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