Monte Risaia @ Duxton - A Contemporary Italian-Japanese Omakase Experience

Monte Risaia at Duxton is a contemporary Italian-Japanese Omakase restaurant managed by the Marusaya group. The man behind helming the restaurant is Chef Taizo Yamada, who specialises in creating Japanese inspired Italian cuisine using premium and seasonal ingredients from Japan. Monte Risaia started as a dinner only restaurant initially, and is now open for lunch as well.

 
Lunch fare at Monte Risaia is a simpler version of its dinner omakase, offering lunch menus which includes Signature Omakase Course ($79), Omakase Pasta Course ($39) and Omakase Carne Course ($49). I had the Signature Omakase Course which serves up 2 Antipasti, 1 Pasta, 1 Meat and a Dessert.

Antipasti 4.5/5

We started off with Prawn, Tuna and Scallop in Frutti di Mare Sauce topped with Ikura. I was quite impressed by what this spoonful of ingredients had managed to deliver. The combination of the various seafood resulted in a very meaty mouth-filling texture. The intensity of the sweet and tart Frutti di Mare Sauce did a good job in tying the various ingredients together, and I love how the Ikura lent burst of saltiness to every bite, which brought out the sweetness of the seafood. Served chilled, there was no better way to kick start a meal. 

Antipasti 4.2/5

Our second antipasti was a hot favourite among the regulars - Uni Chawanmushi (Silky Egg Custard topped with Sea Urchin). It wasn't just the case of topping a regular chawanmushi with uni, but the egg custard itself was enriched with uni, adding an extra oomph factor. 

Pasta 4/5

For the Pasta dish, we had Tagliatelle with Shiso Leaf. Layered with crab and clam dashi, the bright and punchy tomato based sauce had an added dimension of flavour in the background. Its richness is punctuated with herbaceous notes of the aromatic shiso leaf, and I also appreciate the use of a more intense olive oil that laced the pasta with a tinge of pepperiness.

 

Meat 3.5/5 

For Carne (Meat) course, we were being served with Iberico Pork and Maple Duck Dolce. The Maple Duck was juicy and plump in blushing pink, while I reckoned the pork needed a to be in the heat for a while more to render off its fats to release its flavours.

 

Dessert 3.5/5 

The sweet ending to our meal was Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ice Cream with raspberry sauce and cream and accompanied with diced mango. I love that the caramel had been pushed to the edge to attain a slight bitterness, hence the caramel ice cream was a taste of an inviting bitter-sweetness. The presence of the raspberry sauce helped to achieve a sweet tart balance.

Photos and words 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. 


Monte Risaia
59 Duxton Rd
Singapore 089523
Tel:+ 65 69700067

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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm – 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road, cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left onto Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant @ Tras Street - Bringing Fine French Cuisine To The Comfort Of Your Home

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant is a French restaurant located at the heart of Singapore's Central Business District along Tras Street. I am actually quite surprise the restaurant has been under my radar all these years. If it is a new restaurant I could have understand but it has been around since 2013. If not for the pandemic with the restaurant joining the food delivery bandwagon, I probably would not have known the restaurant opened by Chef/Owner Alexandre Lozachemeur.

Lobster Bisque

Beef Cheek Bourguignon

Who says you can't have fine French cuisine at the comfort of your home? Starting with some soups, we have the Lobster Bisque and Beef Cheek Bourguignon. We also got some bread to go along with the soups. The soups were legit, packed with depth and flavours. 

Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad 

Light and yet refreshing is the Crab & Prawn Citrus Salad, paired with avocado and coriander vinaigrette. 

Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed  Capsicums

Moving to the mains, we have a whole Chicken Thigh Basquaise with Tomato & Stewed Capsicums, that has been cooked to tender and soaking up the delicious sauce.

Seared Hokkaido Scallops

Another beautiful dish on the menu is the Seared Hokkaido Scallops paired with braised leek and 

black truffle chicken sauce. Besides the plump scallop, what delighted me is the braised leek that complemented the dish excellently.

Beef Tongue with Tomato Sauce, Gherkins and Potato

Beef Tongue maybe acquire for some but as long as you can overcome psychological block, you will appreciate the fork tender piece of meat cooked in tomato sauce. I like the addition of gherkins which help to freshen up the palate from the richness. 

Seabass in Papillote with Zucchini, Tomato, Lemon and Thyme

For the Seabass in Papillote, you just need to heat up and you are ready to dine. The seabass was really moist, complemented by zucchini, tomato, lemon and thyme, elevating the whole taste as well as presentation.

Tiramisu

For dessert, I have the Tiramisu. I like the way it is done, light and not overly sweeten with the distinct espresso coming through from each mouthful. 

Lemon and Meringue Tart

If you like something sweet and sour, you will definitely enjoy the Lemon and Meringue Tart. It is definitely one of the best I have eaten for a long time.

Breakfast Basket

Not to be missed is the Breakfast Basket from Fleur De Sel with their freshly bakes. The breakfast basket consists of 2 croissants, 2 Almond Croissants, 2 Pain Au Chocolat, 2 Pain Au Raisin with 3 mini jams and butter.

Fleur De Sel Le Restaurant 

64 Tras Street

Singapore 079003

Tel: +65 62226861

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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm

Sat: 630pm - 10pm

(Closed on Sun)

Direction:

1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]