Morsels @ Dempsey Hill - Chef Petrina Launches new Menu 3.0 showcasing Skilful Blend of Eastern and Western Influences

I recently returned to Morsels to experience its new Menu 3.0. The innovative new creations will delight fans of Chef Petrina's cooking style, which seamlessly incorporates East and West influences with fermented sauces.

Aka Ebi Tartare 4.2/5

We started our dinner with the Aka Ebi Tartare ($18). The red shrimp is tossed in a mixture of green grape raisin and raspberry gochujang, paired with a crispy nori cracker. This dish offers a multi-textural enjoyment, with each bite bursting with vibrant flavours.

Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio 4.2/5

Next up was the Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio ($28). Light, bright, and vibrant, the scallops are tossed in aguachile and paired with a smooth cannellini bean puree, making for a refreshing and delightful appetiser.

Whipped Burrata 4/5

The Whipped Burrata ($22) comes with glazed baby carrots, Brazil nuts, and a kale salad. The burrata is creamy and luxurious, while the glazed baby carrots add a nice sweetness and crunch. The fresh kale provides a crunchy bite, making this dish a well-balanced starter.

Duck Dumplings 4/5

We then had the Duck Dumplings ($30), served in brodo stock, paired with fermented garlic mash, and finished with juniper kombu oil. The dumplings were flavourful and satisfying, and the brodo added depth to the dish.

Galician Octopus 3/5

The Galician Octopus ($42) is grilled to a perfect char, resulting in a tender and bouncy texture. It comes with farfalle pasta tossed in squid ink assam sauce. While each component is delightful on its own, the combination did not quite gel together for me.

Mangalica Pork Loin 4.5/5

For the mains, we had the Mangalica Pork Loin ($44). The clean-tasting pork was tender and succulent. However, the accompanying pulled pork tortellini felt a bit unnecessary, with the skin being slightly dry from sitting too long. It seemed the chef wanted to showcase different ways to enjoy the beautiful pork or offer a replacement for the usual carbs like mash and fries.

BVP Quail 5/5

The BVP Quail ($50) was a standout dish. I thoroughly enjoyed the rub, which gave the tender quail a delicious flavour coat. It was paired with smoked corn miso cream and lacto-fermented baby corn, adding complexity to the dish.

Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso 5/5

We ended our meal with a must-try dessert, Morsels Signature Milo Tiramiso ($17). This unique take on the classic tiramisu incorporates Saratoga dark rum and shiro miso for a deliciously sweet ending that left us thoroughly satisfied.

Morsels' new Menu 3.0 continues to impress with its creative and flavourful dishes. Highlights include the Aka Ebi Tartare, Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, Mangalica Pork Loin, BVP Quail, and the delightful Milo Tiramiso. Chef Petrina's skilful blend of Eastern and Western influences and her innovative use of fermented sauces make dining at Morsels a memorable experience.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Morsels
25 Dempsey Road
#01-04
Singapore 249670
Tel: +65 62663822
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sun: 1130am - 3pm
(Closed on Sun dinner and Mon Full Day)

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Opposite Botanic Gardens (Stop ID 13011). Take bus number 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Take the flight of stairs up to Dempsey Hill. At Dempsey Road, turn left and walk to the open-air carpark in front of block 25. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Allora Ristorante & Bar @ Crowne Plaza Changi Airport - Offers Authentic Italian Cuisine, Transporting One to the Heart of Italy

Nestled on Level 1 of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Allora Ristorante and Bar offers a slice of Italy with its authentic cuisine, inviting ambience, and diverse dining spaces. Opened in January 2024, Allora is part of the hotel's S$22 million asset enhancement. The restaurant promises not just a meal but an experience that transports you to the heart of Italy.

Upon entering Allora, you're immediately drawn to the live pizza-making station, a centrepiece of culinary artistry. The station's arched design, with its dark, sleek surfaces and contemporary lighting fixtures, creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The aroma of freshly baked dough and the sight of the chef expertly manoeuvring the pizza peels add an element of excitement and authenticity to your dining experience.

Complimentary Bread 3/5

As in most Italian restaurants, we were served with complimentary bread at the start of the meal. What we got was Sliced Baguettes, accompanied by what seemed to be marinara sauce instead of the usual olive oil and balsamic vinegar. However, the bread wasn't warm enough, and the sauce was cold from the chiller.

Bruschetta Ham & Truffle 3.8/5

We were recommended a Bruschetta ($14) starter to share, and we picked the Ham & Truffle flavour topped with Cheese Fondue, cooked Ham and Black Truffle Sauce. It used the same sliced baguette, but these were crispier and warm. The cheese and truffle flavours were relatively light; the more prominent taste came from the savouriness of the ham.

Polpo & Patate 3.5/5

Polpo & Patate ($24), their signature antipasti, features tender grilled octopus served with potatoes, cherry tomato confit, green beans, parsley, and bagna cauda, an Italian sauce made from garlic, anchovies, and olive oil. While the octopus was tender, it lacked the desired char flavour. However, the fried potato pieces were tasty and complemented the dish well.

Lobster Pasta 4.2/5

The Lobster Pasta ($38), made with homemade black ink tagliolini, offers a striking visual appeal without the concern of black stains. This is because the black ink is infused into the pasta rather than used as a sauce.

This exquisite pasta is paired with half a Boston lobster, adding succulent, sweet meat to the dish. The lobster is perfectly complemented by a luxurious bisque cherry tomato sauce and fresh basil, infusing the pasta with a vibrant and aromatic blend of flavours. A hint of lemon adds a refreshing citrus note, balancing the richness and enhancing the overall taste experience. We really like this, and it's a dish we will return for.

Bari Pizza 4/5

The Bari Pizza ($34), inspired by Chef Enzo's hometown of Bari, pays culinary homage to the flavours of Southern Italy. Instead of placing a whole burrata in the centre, the creamy burrata is spread over the pizza, providing a rich and velvety texture in every bite. Fresh tomato pulp filets add a burst of vibrant, tangy flavour. Savoury anchovies and Pantelleria capers introduce a delightful brininess, perfectly complemented by fragrant basil leaves. This combination of ingredients creates a harmonious and authentic taste experience, transporting us to what we imagine Bari to be like, even though we haven't been there.

Tagliata 3.8/5

We were looking for a beef entrée and were recommended the Tagliata ($78), which pairs chargrilled Australian Angus Beef Ribeye with local farm organic arugula and vine cherry tomatoes. The tender and skilfully seasoned beef is complemented by roasted garlic and balsamic jus. The crisp arugula was really fresh and refreshing, but the dish leans towards a salad with meat rather than the expected substantial, juicy steak served alongside a side salad.

Cannolo 3/5

Upon spotting the Cannolo ($16) on the menu, a rendition of the classic Italian Cannoli, we were eager to try it. Filled with creamy ricotta cheese and adorned with delicate candied fruit and chocolate chips, it struck a delightful balance of sweetness. However, we noted that the fried pastry shells, while flavourful, arrived slightly soggy, suggesting they may have been pre-made and chilled before serving.

Alloramisú 3.8/5

Alloramisú ($16), Allora's signature dessert, provided a sophisticated sweet finale with tableside assembly upon ordering. It showcased homemade Savoiardi cookies soaked in espresso coffee, layered with mascarpone cream and coffee jelly, and generously dusted with cocoa powder. While the flavours were delightful and balanced, we prefer our tiramisu to be creamier and "wetter," which left us feeling it fell slightly short of our preferences.

Allora offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where guests can select their preferred setting from a range of spaces: the chic dining room, lively lobby lounge, inviting alfresco area, and stylish bar. The bar also features live music, creating a relaxed vibe. Allora caters to various occasions with its versatile ambience.

Starting in Q2 2024, Allora has introduced an Italian Weekend Brunch Buffet. Pricing and menu details are currently unavailable; please visit their website closer to the launch date for more information.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Allora Ristorante & Bar
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 68235354
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 630am - 11am, 12pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]