Sunday, March 24, 2019

Morettino Cafe @ 100AM Mall - A Place For Burrata Dishes

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Located in 100AM Mall, Morettino Cafe is a cosy dining space that serves authentic Italian food prepared by Chef Andrea, who started his culinary journey in Rome. Not just a cafe for food, their coffee is Morettino, an Italian artisanal slow coffee produced in Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean since 1920.

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Bruschetta of the Chef 3.5/5

Our lunch started with Bruschetta of the Chef ($14.80) made with fresh tomato, basil, mix vegetables and herbed cheese. I like the homely touches of the eggplants and zucchini which were delightful. Marinated and pickled in house, they are not soaking wet with vinegar and salt like those of ready made, which allows their natural flavours to come through.

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Pisa 3.8/5

Alongside our starter we had Pisa Salad ($16.80). A salad but the key is really their roasted beef and I could imagine having this dish along with their wines. Laced with a layer of luscious fats, each slice of beef gave a rich and satisfying mouthful despite its elegant cut. I appreciate the light kiss of olive oil on the salad without complications of a salad dressing, other than assertion from the feta cheese. The beef and feta makes a pretty strong combination but the apple and greens balance that out.

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Spaghetti Amatriciana with Burrata 4/5

You will notice that almost under each category in the menu, there will a Burrata dish and labelled as Chef's recommendation. Apparently, the Burrata used here is supplied by Chef Andrea's friend in Italy, who produces organic Burrata in small batches! I was so glad that I had chosen one of the Burrata dishes - Spaghetti Amatriciana with Burrata. Tossed in traditional roman tomato sauce prepared inhouse, the well rounded sauce seems to leave just enough space for the savoury chopped bacon to fit right in. That allows the delicate burrata cheese to stand out even after it was mixed into the pasta.

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Salmon Lemon 2.8/5

For pizza, we decided to try a more different combination - Salmon Lemon ($25). It was underwhelming somehow. I find the salmon slightly dry and the overall combination was a tad too bland even with all the fresh herbs and cheese. I would have opted for the Burrata pizza anytime!

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Grass Fed Beef Burger & Fries 3.5/5

For mains, we had Grass Fed Beef Burger & Fries ($28). Other than the juicy and well seasoned 200g Australian angus beef patty, the toasted brioche bun was fluffy with crisp edges, which is a plus point for me, done the way we wanted. The caramelised onions could be reduced further for sweetness though.

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With the wide view of the bustling street that the space offers, I could just sit by the window pane with a coffee and people-watch all day. Other than food and coffee, Morettino Cafe is strong with their wine repertoire too. Their wine list features 100 bottles starting from $38 and under $100, and changes with the seasons. Labels includes newcomers to Old-World classics from small-production winemakers.

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.


Morettino Cafe
100AM Mall
100 Tras St
#01-04
Singapore 079027
Tel: 6224 0424
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Gopeng Street and turn into Tras Street. Walk to Amara Hotel. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Saturday, March 23, 2019

Sky 22 @ Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena - Flavours Of Korea Buffet

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For a limited period from 15 March to 28 April 2019, Sky22 at Courtyard By Marriott Singapore Novena will be offering the Flavours of Korea buffet during the weekends. The Korean themed buffed is specially curated by their new South Korea Chef Hwang In Yong (Ian) and Executive Chef John Chye. Guests will be in for a feast of Korean classics as well as popular Korean street foods.

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Cabbage Kimchi

Not to be missed is the housemade Cabbage Kimchi, they are so good. It has the right balance of sourish and spiciness on top of the crunchy texture. I was hoping that I can buy some of these to take home.

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Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup 3/5

While my group of diners love the Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup, I have different view. The flavour is there but I felt that it lacked the heat to match its description. I really hope it can be spicier.

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Braised Short Ribs 4/5

The Braised Short Ribs on the other hand was spot on. They were well infused in the sweet sauce with fall of the bone meat. A very delightful dish to go with some steamed rice.

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Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

Unfortunately I could not taste the robustness of kimchi in the Kimchi Fried Rice. The chef definitely need to improve on the dish or it will be passed off as normal fried rice.

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Braised Kimchi Pork 3.5/5

Contradicting to the kimchi fried rice, the Braised Kimchi Pork Ribs came across more flavourful with the distinct kimchi flavour. As for the braised pork, it can be more tender.

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Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube 4/5

I actually enjoyed snacking the Sweet and Spicy Deep Fried Chicken Cube. The chicken pieces are well coated with the sticky sweet and spicy sauce, fragrant with sesame seeds. Some of the diners felt that it is a bit dry but I actually like the slightly tough texture for that bite to chew on.

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Bibimbap 4.2/5

Diners at the Korean themed buffet can also have a little fun creating their own Bibimbap at the DIY  Bibim Bar. Have some fun putting the bibimbap together. The food will always taste better when you make it yourself.

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Vegetable Pancake 3.5/5

I find the Vegetable Pancake will be subjective to individual liking. If you are not into greens than you will not like it. As for me I like the fact that there was not a lot of batter on the pancake, allowing me to appreciate the greens.

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Korean Sweet Pancake 4/5

Complete the feast on a sweet note with Korean desserts such as Rice Cakes, Chestnut Balls and Sweet Pancakes. For the buffet spread, on top of the Korean delights, there are also a myriad of seafood from the steam & grill seafood bar to complement the spread.

Flavours Of Korea
Date: 15 March to 28 April 2019
Time: 12pm - 230pm (Sat-Sun, except Easter), 6pm - 10pm (Fri-Sat)
Price: $56++ adult, $28++ child (6 to 12 years old)
- Add $28++ per pax for free flow house pour red & white wine, prosecco, soft drinks.
- Add $12+ per pax for free flow soft drinks and juices.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sky 22
Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena
Level 22
99 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329568
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:
630am - 1030am (breakfast)
12pm - 230pm (lunch)
3pm - 5pm (Tea)
6pm - 10pm (Dinner)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]