OSO Ristorante @ Oasia Hotel Downtown - Underground Chamber On The 27th Floor

Captivated. That was how I felt when I first stepped into OSO Ristorante. Though it is located on the 27th floor of Oasia Hotel Downtown, I felt like I have entered an underground chamber - the exposed brick walls and ceiling, illuminated by industrial style lighting fixtures. There's something evocative about the space, perhaps of the opulent chandeliers, the enigmatic vintage mirrors and larger than life portraits.

Newly opened, it was already half filled by lunch hour. Opened in 2004, the restaurant has been in a couple of places before shifting to Oasia Hotel Downtown. OSO has its strong pool of regulars who adore the dishes crafted by award-winning Italian chef Diego Chiarini, with overall dining experience completed by Stephane Colleoni and his team.

Onion Bread and Crispy Bread Sticks 4.5/5

We started off with some warm fluffy Onion Bread and Crispy Bread Sticks. The Olive oil provided for dipping is full bodied and smooth, citrusy and sunny with hint of Mandarin Orange. I actually had a few rounds of that.

Baked Sponge Bread 3.8/5

For appetiser, we had Timballo ($22) which I thought is a rather poignant dish. Over in countryside where where stale bread is commonly used, ours is a baked sponge bread akin to a savoury sticky pudding and embedded within this little drum is Toma. Toma actually means cheese made by the farmer himself! Flavoured with the strength from Toma and luxuriance from the truffle, taste elevated but essence of the dish kept.

Squid Ink Risotto, Prawns and Marjoram 4.5/5

Capellini, Crab Meat 4.5/5

For Risotto and Pasta, we had Nero ($28) and Capelli D'angelo ($24). The squid ink risotto though blackish, is exuberant with colours and flavours lent from the prawns and marjoram. Every grain is left firm and neatly separated from one another with a chewy bite. Many may leave the marjoram out but that gives the dish an uplifting fresh herbaceous taste and scent. I enjoyed the Capellini just as much. The texture of the pasta is possibly one of the finest I ever had. The shredded crab meat was soft with sweetness elevated by the tomato.

Sea Bass in Crazy Water 4/5

For Fish, we had Acqua Pazza ($32). Acqua pazza literally means crazy water in Italian. It is an Italian way for poached white fish which usually means poaching it in lightly herbed broth. The dish is known to originate from fishermen of the Neapolitan area, who would sauteed their fish in seawater together with tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. The kitchen has done a great interpretation of the dish. The seabass was tender and moist, with a dash of good olive oil to lift its taste.

Duck Breast Roasted with Oakwood 3/5

For Meat, we had Anatra ($48). Elegantly plated alongside with mashed sweet potatoes, the duck breast is roasted with Oakwood and flavoured with just a drizzle of Whisky. It was however a bit too gamey for me.

Dolci 4.2/5 

Simplicity seems to be the common thread that strings the dishes together. Dolci ($14) is a dessert created with just one single key ingredient - strawberry. We have freshly sliced strawberry beautifully lined up like flower petals, crowned with a scoop of strawberry sherbet and drizzled with balsamic. The dessert is bot refreshing to the eyes and palate.

Honey Beetroot Cake & Coconut Sherbet 3.8/5

Showcasing OSO's honey which can be admired from the shelf at the entrance, is the OSO's Honey & Beetroot Cake ($14). It has a deep, mellow sweetness, somewhat like black sugar. OSO's coconut sherbet is kind of sweet but punchy with spiciness from  the pink peppercorn.

OSO has its menu is divided into 2 - Classics and Today's Special. Be it to satisfy your longing for familiar flavours or when you are searching for inspirations, there will be both old and new flavours that await your visit.

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.


OSO Ristorante
Oasia Hotel Downtown
Level 27
100 Peck Seah Street
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 63278378
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 6pm - 1030pm
(Close on Sun)

Direction: 
1) Alighat at Tanjang Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Sea & Blue @ Marina Bay Sands - Feast Of More Than 100 Dishes

If you are a fan of Korean food, you would have probably already heard of Sea & Blue, a continental and korean buffet restaurant at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Other than an extensive curation of popular Korean dishes and desserts, there are over 100 food selections ranging from fresh seafood, roasts, western highlights, Japanese fare to our local favourites.

A rather unique choice of name which extends to its theme and interiors. As you walk in, you will notice the ship that docks on the oceanic ceiling. I thought I would only see this kind of thematic restaurant in a theme park! There are a total of ten hot and cold stations at Sea & Blue, coupled with live cooking and carving stations– Korean, Barbecue, Deep-Fried, Hot Dishes & Noodles, Seafood, Salads + Fruit, Pizza & Pasta, Wine & Beer, Beverages, and Dessert Bar

Korean
I head straight to the Korean section. I was delighted to see assorted Pajeon (pancake) freshly pan fried on the spot. It's so difficult to get individual portion when dining at Korean restaurants. I got to satisfy my cravings for Japchae and Kimchi Fried Rice too! I had fun building my own Bimbimbap bowl with the array of toppings available such as beansprouts, seaweed, omelette and topped it up with spicy bulgogi available at the side as one of the Korean staples. If you would like yours to be more professionally done, simply ask the Korean chef stationed within to help you with it. Other DIY items includes Guksu (hot noodles).

Barbecue
This is where the fun begins especially if you are dining with a big group of friends and families. Within the Korean section, you will find the must-have Korean barbecue. Indulge in its top-grade Pork Belly or Short Ribs in either a spicy gojuchang (red chilli paste) marinade or unseasoned. The way to enjoy the sizzling meats in a Korean manner is to cradle the meat with crisp fresh lettuce, wrap it with some cucumber sticks and some other crunchy vegetables before stuffing in the goodness. You can get all that fresh greens just right opposite at the salads & fruits section.

Salads & Fruits
I have never seen a salad counter that looks so pristine, yet exuberant and inviting, almost like a walk-in chiller with the cold air rising. Around the counter is the fruits section, where I got a Watermelon cooler topped with fruits to go with my BBQ meat.

Seafood & Sushi
Being an underwater themed restaurant, it does deliver good quality seafood. You get to choose and have your Canadian Oysters shucked on the spot. Also available are the Cold Prawns, chilled Scallops on the half shell and Snowcrab Legs on ice. My favourite is still the sashimi which I had along with really delicious salmon aburi rolls and unagi roll as well as Gimbap (Korean rice rolls). The sushi here are notable, unlike those boring and stale maki sitting at some other buffet counters. The chef creates bites size sushi that allow you to enjoy more.

Hot Dishes & Noodles
Apart from sushi, roasts are the stars here as well. On the carving board, the slab of Oven Roasted Ribeye Striploin is the mainstayer, with one other daily special. Further to its right, another trying to grab my attention the Suckling Pig. What took me by surprise is the grilled Salmon - the skin was evenly crisp all over and the meat was pink, extremely moist and tender. It is easily one of the best I ever had. I like the Kurobuta Pork as well, which even comes with charred pineapples. There are also local dishes such as chilli crabs, salted egg prawns and roast duck.

Dessert Bar
Similar to most buffets, petite cakes and pralines are available. What I find more enticing are the Tarts, Bingsoo, Gyeongdan (Korean rice cake) filled with red bean paste and Yakbab (Korean glutinous rice balls with honey and dried fruits). The Bingsoo is really light and fluffy, just right after a heavy meal. I kind of miss the Sour Cherry Tart and regret not trying its Apple Tart. Milk. Soft-Serve is also available if you ain't a pastry person.

Sea & Blue has much room to move around which makes buffet dining here quite enjoyable. It can seat up to 350 pax with several private rooms and a function room complete with AV equipment for bigger events.

Prices at Sea & Blue are between $42++ to $64++ for adults during lunch, and $58++ to $68++ for dinner. Children dine at $22++ to $26++ at lunch and $26++ at dinner.

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.


Sea & Blue 
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue
Canal Level, B2-01/01A
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 66887165
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CC Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Daily: 1130am - 3pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu: 530pm, 10pm
Fri-Sun, PH: 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bayfront MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Hermes at Level 1. Take the lift beside it to level 2. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]