Established in 2012 by celebrity baker, Dean Brettschneider, Baker & Cook is a popular artisanal bakery cafe with 12 outlets in Singapore.

We’ve dined at several of their outlets before, but we frequent the Dempsey Hill outlet because of its ambiance and great food. More than these, they are also pet-friendly and kids-friendly!

Baker & Cook has some really mean bakes, and we love the Dempsey outlet because it shares the space with their sister brand, Plank Sourdough Pizza. You get the best of both worlds: bakes and brunch fare from Baker & Cook with stellar pizzas from Plank Sourdough Pizza.

Life is better when you’re enjoying the outdoors with a beautiful (and affordable) Hanger Steak. More than just a steak, the Grilled Barley Fed Hanger Steak comes complete with amazing duck fat roasted potatoes and Jerusalem artichoke.

Indulge in this flavourful Italian rice dish of assorted mushroom and parmigiana reggiano. Comes in a generous portion, the Truffle Risotto is so rich and creamy that we’re salivating just thinking about it again! It is also one of the few vegetarian items on the menu!

The Kuhlbarra Barramundi En Papillote was so satisfying! Think a big slab of fresh barramundi, potatoes, shrimps, chicken broth, dill and lemon – all baked together to bring out the natural flavours and sweetness of every fresh ingredient. Mamma Mia!

When in doubt, eat pizza. But not any pizza! Make it this Burrata & Parma Ham Pizza because why not? You get the best of all worlds, and it is only S$28 for this huge serving! It was a monthly special for September 2021 and because it did so well (fourfold the monthly average!), they brought it back in October 2021 and will be in the core menu, known as Pizza 11 moving forward. Yes, they name all their pizzas in numbers!

With its airy compound and comprehensive menu, enjoy a hearty family meal at the Dempsey outlet while your kids and pets have fun amongst the lush greenery.

Baker & Cook
30C Loewen Road
Singapore 248839
Tel: +65 6251 1098

Popular UK pizza chain, PizzaExpress Singapore is opening its first ever cloud kitchen at Stars Of Kovan on 6 Dec 2021.

To celebrate the opening, PizzaExpress will be having a 1-for-1 promo on all their pizzas from 6 to 16 Dec 2021, and this is only valid for takeaway orders at the Kovan cloud kitchen outlet.

Founded in in United Kingdom, PizzaExpress has over 500 outlets in United Kingdom, various European countries, Hong Kong, India and the Middle East.

The pizzas are all made from scratch in store with fresh ingredients. Besides pizzas, PizzaExpress also offers a whole range of salads, pastas and bite-size snacks.

You can find PizzaExpress at other locations including Scotts Square, Holland Village and DUO Galleria.

PizzaExpress Kovan
988 Upper Serangoon Road
#01-45 Stars Of Kovan
69694358

All hail Little Caesars Pizza; the massive U.S. chain is in Singapore with 5 locations!

Sure, we have no lack of good pizza here in Singapore, but Little Caesars is one to be excited about because the family-friendly restaurant has a really affordable menu for handcrafted pizza. Little Caesars started out in Michigan, and is the third-largest chain in the U.S., with presence in Canada, The Middle East and Asia.

From a single store to a global chain, Little Caesars Pizza ensures the best ingredients go into every handcrafted pizza they serve to customers. The dough is made fresh daily in all the 5 locations in Singapore.

We had a taste of some classics from Little Caesars Pizza Singapore’s menu and it won’t be the last time we eat their pizzas. We already can’t wait for our next!

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA

• Value-for-money pizzas – In-store prices for a large 12″ Classic Pizza start from only S$7.99.
• Collect select pizzas within 30 seconds in-store.
• 100% Mozzarella & Muenster Cheese, fresh dough made in-house daily, using vine-ripened crushed tomatoes.

No joke. Their pizzas start from S$7.99 and it’s not even the small. It can feed 2 pax decently, and Little Caesars Pizza has outlets in town, so anytime you need a good and cheap meal, you know what and where S$7.99 can get you.

Little Caesars Pizza also serves fast. 30s is all you need to wait for your favourite Pepperoni pizza to be served. Seriously! They are amazing!

And not to mention, they use good quality ingredients for their pizzas, fulfilling their commitment to never compromise on food quality.

Little Caesars Pizza has 7 pizzas for you to choose from, and while the menu may seem small, it is concise and every single item is a hit. The 7 pizzas are:

• Large 12″ Hot-N-Ready Pepperoni (S$7.99)
• Large 12″ Hot-N-Ready Cheese (S$7.99)
• Large 12″ Hula Hawaiian (S$13.49)
• Large 12” BBQ Chicken (S$13.49)
• Large 12″ 3 Meat Treat (S$13.49)
• Large 12″ Ultimate Supreme (S$13.49)
• Large 12″ Veggie (S$13.49)

Our favourite is the 3 Meat Treat. Yes, it’s the more expensive option but it is well worth every cent. You get pepperoni, Italian sausage and bacon all atop a bed of melted mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce. Simple, hearty and makes us very happy.

The Ultimate Supreme is for those who want a little of everything. And there is the Hot-N-Ready Cheese pizza for those who just want cheese and nothing else.

For the S$7.99 range, our pick is the Hot-N-Ready Pepperoni. Nothing satisfies us more than a good pepperoni pizza, and Little Caesars Pizza is really generous with their pepperoni slices! The pepperoni is slightly spicy for that extra kick, but nothing too much for a kid.

There’s always the family-friendly option Hula Hawaiian. This is something that will please both young and old. We had ours with cheese-stuffed crust which is absolutely satisfying.

There are 4 side dishes on the menu for you to complement your pizzas with some light bites, and they are:

• Cheesy Bread (S$4.99)
• Cinnamon Bites (S$4.99)
• Crazy Bread Combo (S$2.99)
• Oven-baked Caesar Wings (S$5.99)

Please note that the prices for delivery menu may differ from in-store.

Enjoy FREE DELIVERY for orders above S$65 (S$5 delivery charge applies for orders under $64.99). There’s a minimum order of $20 for all delivery orders.

From now until 31 March 2021, you can enjoy a S$5 off your first online purchase at littlecaesarsdelivery.sg with a minimum spend of S$35 by keying in the promo code ”Ladyironchef”.

You can also find Little Caesars Pizza at Funan Mall, Junction Nine, Holland Piazza, Thomson Plaza and SingPost Centre.

This post was brought to you by Little Caesars Pizza Singapore.

If you’re in the mood for some Italian food but you are stumped on where you can get some authentic plates of pasta and pizzas, we recommend that you check out iO Italian Osteria at HillV2.

Helmed by the owner and Head Chef of the acclaimed Etna Italian Restaurant, iO Italian Osteria dishes out scrumptious Italian fare that will make you feel like you’re in Italy. The prices here are kept relatively reasonable, making it an ideal place for a special occasion or if you’re just feeling some hearty Italian nosh.

There is nothing more Italian than a plate of pasta, so if you’re spoilt for choice, you should make this an option.

We got ourselves a plate of Homemade Tagliolini, Prawns, Lemon and Aromatic Breadcrumb (S$22) which came with a generous amount of twirled pasta, asparagus and juicy prawns.

The pasta here is the very definition of al dente; firm with a good bite. Each strand was also evenly coated in a copious amount of sauce that was packed full of umami. A dash of lemon also gave the entire dish a subtle zesty touch that elevated its other components.

We also love the addition of prawns which provided the dish with a crunchiness that complemented the al dente pasta perfectly.

It is also a must to try their freshly baked pizza, so we got ourselves a Margherita (S$9). All their pizza is made in-house so you’ll receive them piping hot from the oven.

The pizza base was generously smothered with pulpy tomatoes and mozzarella cheese before being baked to perfection. Despite the base being quite thick, it managed to maintain a good balance of fluffiness and crunchiness instead of coming off as doughy. The slight sourness of the tomatoes also paired well with the saltiness of the cheese, creating an addictive medley of textures and flavours.

End off the meal with a slice of Pistachio Tiramisu (S$14), which features chopped pistachio, creamy mascarpone and coffee-infused biscuit. If you love coffee, this dessert is perfect for you as the coffee taste is really strong.

iO Italian Osteria 
4 Hillview Rise, #02-01
Singapore 667979
Tel: +65 6710 7150
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/12/io-italian-osteria/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/10/starker-bistro-bistro/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2019/10/starker-bistro-bistro/#comments Mon, 21 Oct 2019 16:39:40 +0000 Phyllis Leong https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=189991 Continue reading →]]>

Introducing Starker Bistro, an establishment with huge signature platters, delectable mains, and beer. This is one restaurant in the West we’re willing to travel far for!

Here’s everything we love about Starker Bistro!

We started off with their Starker Favourites (S$32.80++), a platter consisting of Starker wings, a basket of sweet potato fries and two grilled sausages. We especially liked the wings. The sweet potato fries were also crunchy and fragrant with a lingering sweetness.

The spicy pork sausage with herbs gave a fiery kick of spice, while the texture was chewy and Q. Equally consistent in texture was the veal sausage — we enjoyed the burst of beefy flavour when we tucked into it.

Next up, we had the Starker Traditional Pork Knuckle (S$43.80++). It was beautifully plated with fried onion rings, pork knuckle slices, creamy mash potato and their Starker beer sauce. The onion rings were sweet with a salty skin, reminding us of our usual fries.

When we bit into the slow-roasted pork knuckle, the skin crackled, oozing juice from the layer of fat underneath. The thick chunks of pork also paired well with the beer condiment.

We also got the Ocean Catch (S$24.80++). It was topped with a myriad of seafood, such as prawns, mussels and octopuses.

Great for beer connoisseurs, the drinks here are served fresh from the barrel. We tried the Lychee Beer (S$16.90++/1 pint). Brewed with Belgium Lychee, the medium-bodied beer was light and aromatic with fruity notes. It had a short finish and was the sweetest option among their signature brews.

We also had the Dunkel (S$16.90++/1 pint). Full of malt flavour, the beer was smooth and rich. It was not too heavy on the palate either.

Albeit on the pricier side, the portions here are generous and perfect for sharing with bae. You can even watch soccer matches with your squad in their outdoor dining space! So, come on down and give Starker Bistro a try!

Starker Bistro
50 Jurong Gateway Rd
#01-05 Jem
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6734 2740
Mon to Thurs: 11am – 12am
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 10am – 1am
Sun: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Greenwood Avenue. Unbeknownst to many, this particular enclave is not just a place filled with flashy cars, big houses and upperclassmen. In fact, this supposed ‘rich man’s land’ is a foodie haven that houses some of the most interesting eats.

Don’t let these restaurants intimidate you with their chic facades and the extensive wine displays scare you because many of the eateries nestled along Greenwood Avenue offer great nosh at not-so-exorbitant prices. What’s more, the quiet and relaxing vibe of the neighbourhood provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Many restaurants have come and gone over the years in this enclave so here is our updated food guide to Greenwood Avenue.

73@HILLCREST

Perhaps one of the more wallet-friendly eateries in the area, 73@Hillcrest serves as a coffee shop by day and transforms into a bistro by night. Most of the items on their menu are kept below S$13 and there is no GST and service charge.

If you pop by for brunch, do try their Avocado & Poached Egg (S$12.80). Think perfectly poached eggs with a luscious runny centre and generous servings of ripe avocado and kale.

73 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288945
Tel:+65 9694 5888
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 11pm
Sat: 8.30am – 11pm
Sun: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

BAKER & COOK

This cosy artisanal bakery at the end of the stretch is an ideal place to relax with a book while sipping on a hot coffee.

Fresh bakes include cakes, fruit tarts and bagels—of which all are available for takeaway too. But of course, eating it fresh and warm on the spot is best.

77 Hillcrest Road,
Singapore 288951
Tel: +65 6469 8834
Sun to Thu: 7am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

FARANGSE

Offering a French-Issan dining experience in Greenwood Avenue, Farangse features French and Thai fare in a cosy and comfortable space that also has an al fresco dining area.

Utilising traditional cooking methods and the freshest produce, Farangse promises that everything used in their food is freshly made in their restaurant.

24 Greenwood Ave
Singapore 289221
Tel: +65 9630 4526
Tue: 6pm – 10pm
Wed to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
(Closed on Monday)
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

FRATINI LA TRATTORIA

Omakase dining is something synonymous with Japanese cuisine, but what if we told you that this unassuming Italian joint up in Greenwood Avenue adopts a similar dining concept as well?

At Fratini La Trattoria, the menu changes as and when the chefs see fit—which happens often—so diners can look forward to an ever-changing menu featuring the finest Italian flavours, exceptional wine pairings and delectable desserts.

10 Greenwood Avenue
Hillcrest Park
Singapore 289201
Tel: +65 6468 2868
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

GREENWOOD FISH MARKET

For many years now, Greenwood Fish Market has been around and still, it continues to wow us with their stellar fish and chips and seafood offerings. This is a no-nonsense and minimal extravagance sort of joint—just fresh, honest seafood prepared with simple cooking techniques.

If you are looking to splurge, the seasonal Alaskan king crab will do just the trick. If not, nothing like a plate of crispy fish and chips to put your tummy in a happy place.

34 & 38 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289236
Tel: +65 6467 4950
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

MO & JO SOURDOUGH BURGERS

Mo & Jo Sourdough Burgers dish up honest and simple burgers that are incredibly irresistible due to the wholesome ingredients and pillowy soft buns that they use in their food.

Not only do they serve mouth-watering burgers, but their restaurant is also child and dog-friendly!

8 Greenwood Ave
Singapore 289198
Tel: +65 6463 4626
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

PEPERONI PIZZERIA

This family favourite offers affordably priced pies topped with copious amounts of fresh toppings from sun-dried tomatoes to prosciutto, pancetta and seafood. Their family pizza is colossal, to say the least, and is worth getting for groups of 4 or more.

Their pasta offerings are pretty decent as well but the one dish that trumps all others (to us) is their Crispy Portobello and Chicken starter.

6 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289195
Tel: +65 6465 6556
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

ROSSO BIANCO

Be transported onto the streets of Rome at Rosso Bianco, this restaurant takes pride in their authentic yet wholesome Italian cuisine.

From classic dishes such as Lasagna Fatta in Cassa to the unique Bismark Pizza and hearty Iberico Pork Chop; Rosso Bianco is a must-try at Greenwood Avenue.

2 Greenwood Avenue
Singapore 289189
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Fri to Sun: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

RUBATO ITALIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

With its massive restaurant space and flashy sign, Rubato is a hard one to miss. Just like its decor, the menu offerings are kept simple yet fresh and inviting.

Their pasta is handmade and prepared à la minute and pizzas are all tasty with a thin, crispy and mildly charred crust courtesy of their in-house wood-fired oven.

12 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289204
Tel: +65 6252 3200
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

SATISFOOD

Combining a bakery, deli, grocer and sit-down restaurant all in one, Satisfood is sure to satisfy any hungry soul.

Daily, their in-house pastry chef kneads fresh dough into bread and sculpts artisanal desserts, the chef meticulously transforms fresh produce into culinary works of art and the barista thumps away, brewing up some killer coffee for the weary hearts.

2 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289189
Tel: +65 6463 4206
Mon to Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

SHIN YUU JAPANESE CUISINE

Over at Shin Yuu, you can bet that you will get quality out of every buck.

From their fresh sashimi to sushi rolls, nigiri, grilled meats and tempura, you will be spoiled for choice. Portion sizes are generous and the items served here are loads better than many commercial buffet restaurants out there.

16 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289209
Tel: +65 9688 2996
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

THE CHEESE ARTISANS

Lovers of wine and cheese and every other fancy European delicacy in between are in for a treat at The Cheese Artisans. Inspired by artisanal cheese shops in the iconic cities and country towns of Europe, these folks here mean serious business.

With over 80 varieties of European artisanal cheeses—from Comte to their in-house aged Smokey Blue Yan Xun Wei with Chinese Tea Leaves—there will be something to suit every palette and every mood.

18 Greenwood Avenue,
Singapore 289212
Tel: +65 6463 2711
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Saturday and Sunday)
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee

A place where discerning diners and lovers of good vibes gather, Two Chefs Bar is the ideal place to be should you find yourself in the mood for after-work drinks, casual gatherings and tasty food. Serving up a mixture of both Mexican and Italian grub, many might find the contrast odd but contrary to preliminary expectations, this isn’t one of those hipster joints where they try to mix and combine flavours together in hopes of producing unique.

Instead, what diners can hope to expect from the restaurant’s menu is a myriad of Mexican and Italian dishes—more than 100 food items in fact—encompassing a wide spectrum of flavours and characteristics but remaining delicious nonetheless. Whether you’re pining for spicy, searing-hot fajitas served on a hot plate, a rustic Angus beef burger or something a little less assertive like pasta or pizza, you’re bound to find something you’ll love here at Two Chefs Bar.

While their first outlet over at Quayside Isle may prove ideal for romantic dates and corporate events, their second outlet is better suited for office workers, fun get-togethers and those hankering for punchy cocktails, affordable comfort food and all-day happy hour deals—did we mention their Holland Village outlet boasts a massive selection of craft beers and ciders as well?

GREAT AMBIENCE, FULL TABLE, SERVICE WITH NO GST CHARGE

Diners rejoice for this restaurant and bar provides full table service with no GST charge. Indulge in the pleasures of excellent food as everything is made fresh daily without compromise using the freshest and finest ingredients.

For those who fancy sitting outdoors, the cosy alfresco seating decorated with colourful vintage posters is where you’ll want to be, sipping on those well-deserved beers and margaritas. The bonus – it’s fitted with a retractable canopy that makes it perfect be it rain or shine. Holland Village is easily accessible by car with plenty of parking lots making parking a breeze.

We’re not crazy over salads, but for those of you who simply cannot do without, their Prawn and Chicken Avocado Salad (S$20+) should sit with you just right. Comprising rocket leaves, fresh avocado, feta cheese, tiger prawns, a grilled chicken fillet and coated with a citrus dressing, the flavours were well rounded. Props to the chef for seasoning and grilling the chicken so well. Without it, the dish would probably have needed some help taste-wise.

If you’re looking to snack on something to accompany your tipple, a great option to consider is their Chips with Dips or Nachos. Served in good-sized portions, this crunchy snack is great for sharing among friends. The flavourful guacamole and salsa is sure to hit the mark.

CHEESY TACO

What’s Mexican food without tacos? Crunchy, messy and fun to eat, tacos always have a special place in our hearts. If there’s one thing we can say about Two Chefs Bar, it is that their Mexican food is spot-on, and a testament to that is their Cheesy Taco (S$20+).

We opted for the chicken option but they also have beef, fish and vegetable options as well. Stuffed with generous amounts of tender, shredded chicken and cheese before being topped with sour cream, salsa and fresh cabbage, the dish hit all the right spots for us.

The crispy taco shell provided a nice textural contrast to the melty cheese and the fresh flavours from the refried beans and coriander Mexican rice served at the side gave the dish a nice, aromatic lift.

ASSORTED MEXICAN FAJITAS

Served to us piping hot and sizzling on a cast iron pan, the Chicken Fajitas (S$22+) is a must-order if you’re a sucker for soft, caramelised vegetables coupled with heavenly-spiced meat.

The dish features a massive portion of perfectly-grilled chicken flavoured with their special house marinade that sits neatly atop a bed of caramelised onions and bell peppers; served alongside warm flour tortilla wraps, housemade salsa, guacamole and shredded cheese.

Apart from tacos and fajitas, other drool-worthy Mexican mains include burritos, enchiladas and the popular chimichangas; deep-fried tortilla flour stuffed with various fillings and a meat option of your choice, served with Mexican rice, sour cream and guacamole.

HEARTY BURGERS

While burgers neither fall under the Italian nor the Mexican category, we must say that the ones you can find here are pretty good. The Angus Beef Burger (S$22+) comes with everything a burger needs—a thick, juicy patty coated with melted cheese, a fried onion ring for an extra taste and textural kick, lettuce and two slices of juicy tomatoes.

FULL-ON MEATY MAINS

The restaurant’s various meat offerings lean more towards Italian flavours. To fulfil your carnivorous tendencies, go for the 200g Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin (S$44+).

Properly seared from end to end, the tenderloin sports a beautifully-seared sheen coupled with flecks of toasted peppercorns. The meat itself cuts like butter, revealing a gloriously pink interior so immaculate that to stop to take a photo and have all its beefy goodness spill out would almost be a crime.

A decent alternative to opt for is their Iberico Pork Chop (S$28+). Although we found the chop a tad tough to cut into, the flavour of it was on point—making the dry texture of the meat passable. The pepper sauce that glazes it is terrific and goes well with everything on the plate.

A TASTE OF ITALY – PIZZA PARADISE

Among the many pizza offerings from the pizza bar—and mind you there are plenty to choose from—the Pepperoni & Cheese (S$24+) was the one we went for. Simply comprising a tomato sauce base, cheese and pepperoni slices, it was the best pizza to choose for us to best judge the quality of their chefs—and boy were we blown away.

The dough was freshly handmade, stretched to delicate perfection and topped with a generous slathering of their housemade tomato sauce before being sent into a roaring oven where it achieved a crispy, evenly charred exterior. The salty pepperoni developed a crusty exterior as well which further elevated the taste and textural experience.

EXTENSIVE DRINKS MENU WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CRAFT BEERS & CIDERS

The reinvented bar at their Holland Village outlet provides an extensive drinks menu ranging from a fine selection of red wines, white wines and champagnes to speciality cocktails, notable craft beer and cider labels as well as premium liquors—all carefully selected and paired to perfectly complement their menu.

The casual chill vibes, vibrant atmosphere and pocket-friendly prices are sure to make this your favourite hangout for drinks.

HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY, EVERY DAY

Pizza fanatics rejoice, for the world’s largest Korean pizza chain, Pizza Maru, is now in Singapore!

Famous for their plethora of fusion-style pizzas, pasta, bibimbap towers and wildly-popular Korean fried chicken, the world’s largest Korean pizza chain has finally reached the shores of our sunny island. With more than 650 stores across Korea, United States of America, China, and Hong Kong, the Korean pizzeria’s first outlet in Singapore is an 80-seater joint.

The first of its kind in Singapore, Pizza Maru is dedicated to advocating a healthy-wellbeing concept through its signature premium Korean pizzas. What makes their pizza perfect for the health conscious is their ‘wellbeing’ dough. This special, nutrient-packed dough formula boasts a soft, bread-like texture comprising green tea and chlorella, along with 12 healthier grains which include rye, black rice, barley and oats.

Who’s up for guilt-free pizzas?

PREMIUM PIZZA OPTIONS

Available in 7 yummy options, Pizza Maru’s series of Premium Pizzas are made with patented green tea wellbeing pizza dough. Fermented for over 48 hours with chlorella alongside a variety of natural grains such as flaxseed and barley, this series serves as more of a nutritious and well-balanced treat that not only satiates but also satisfies your pizza cravings.

Feeling adventurous? Dive right into the Mango Ocean (regular S$19.80, large S$23.80) and sink your teeth into the generous chunks of nectarous Mangoes accompanied with shrimps and scallops on the freshly baked crispy bread base.

The sweet mangoes and savoury seafood combination are perfectly matched with spicy buldak sauce, a generous spread of Mozzarella Cheese and Pilaf sauce.

Other delectable pizzas from the Premium Pizza range include the Korean Surf’n’Turf (regular 9” S$19.80 and large 12” S$23.80)—a harmonious blend of flavours boasting tender Korean-style beef and shrimps atop a bed of greens lined with zesty sweet ranch sauce and topped with sour cream and Mozzarella Cheese.

CHICAGO PIZZA OPTIONS

Adding on to Pizza Maru Singapore’s slew of pizza offerings is the Chicago Pizza series, which are all prepared using fibre-rich and antioxidant-packed black rice dough as its base and are available in 6 different flavours.

The Real BBQ Chicago (S$26.80) comes studded with almond flakes and icing sugar sprinkles. The chewy and fluffy crust of the pizza boasts delectable chicken leg bits, potato cubes, roasted onions, tomato and mushrooms.

Besides your regular toppings, there are lots of cheese added and many different kinds of cheese at that.

Think creamy double mozzarella cheese, string cheese and a cream cheese mousse blended with a combination of honey and BBQ sauce. With so much cheese packed into one pie, it is indeed possible to pull off a pretty insane cheese pull—we tried it for ourselves and managed to stretch it over 1 metre!

CLASSIC PIZZA OPTIONS

Aside from the carefully crafted premium pizza flavours, diners at Pizza Maru Singapore can also enjoy the exclusive green tea wellbeing dough with fuss-free Classic Pizzas featuring both all-time Western and Korean favourites such as pepperoni pizza, bulgogi pizza and many other choices.

For a bespoke treat, add on an extra finishing touch with one of the 3 special crusts to either a Premium or Classic Pizza order—Golden Edge, that features a combination of sweet potato mousse and 2 types of cheese, Bite, for easy bite-size bulges filled with a sweet potato mousse and string cheese around the crust and Double Cheese Twist for the serious cheese lovers.

WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER

Keeping to its Korean origins, Pizza Maru Singapore also offers the famed Korean Fried Chicken. To savour the crispy and juicy delicacy in its most natural form, opt for the Original Fry, if not, allow the 5 tantalising variations to excite your taste buds further.

For that perfect balance of sweet and savoury, go for the Honey Butter Coat (S$16.80 for 6 pieces, S$29.80 for 12 pieces) that features a generous dusting of sweet, buttery powder. The sweetness really takes the edge off the savoury chicken wing and if you’re dining with kids, this is guaranteed to be a hit among the little ones.

Lovers of all things spicy should definitely go for the Supa Hot Dak Gangjeong (S$16.80 for 6 pieces, S$29.80 for 12 pieces) variation that features 2 levels of spice but do be warned, level 2 is not for the faint of heart—we are no strangers to heat but boy did this light up our sinuses.

Spice aside, the sweet chilli sauce was really tasty on its own and the pickled vegetables served on the side really do well to combat the fiery kick that the sauce delivers.

Last but most certainly not the least is the Onion Tartar (S$16.80 for 6 pieces, S$29.80 for 12 pieces) that sees a generous slathering of tangy tartar sauce along with thin slices of piquant onion atop crispy fried chicken.

Not only did the tangy tartar sauce cut through the deep-fried batter, it masked the “pungent” flavour of the onion slices which made the dish less cloying and even more enjoyable with every bite.

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY BIBIMBAP TOWERS

Aside from the pizzas and Korean fried chicken, diners can also expect other interesting dishes at Pizza Maru Singapore such as the Instagram-worthy Bibimbap Towers. This modern rendition of the classic bibimbap takes the shape of a mini “tower”.

We got ourselves the Spam Tower (S$12.80). It comes with chicken spam and fried kimchi sandwiched between a sunshine egg and rice, drizzled with sriracha sauce and topped with golden potato crisp and parmesan cheese.

Pizza Maru
930 Yishun Avenue 2
1 Northpoint Drive #B1-192/193,
Northpoint City (South Wing)
Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6254 4307
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

This post was brought to you by Pizza Maru Singapore.

It was not too long ago when PizzaExpress opened its first outlet in Singapore at Scotts Square just about a year ago and already this colossal pizza restaurant chain—with 600 outlets in the UK, Asia, the Middle East and in several parts of Europe—has opened its second outlet at Duo Galleria with a third one at Marina One on its way.

Founded in London more than 50 years ago, PizzaExpress specialises in gourmet, hand-made Italian pizza that even Italian palates will agree with. Quite contrary to its name, it really isn’t an “express” fast food chain. With so many years of expertise to its name, diners can expect nothing less than top-notch pizzas, pasta, salads and desserts.

There are so many items to love at PizzaExpress and one trip is simply not enough! Read on to find out more about our favourites and must-tries. And you’d have to take a look at its new outlet at Duo Galleria. There are cosy al fresco seating, too!

Staying true to its signature layout across its restaurants around the world, their new outlet features a cosy, intimate interior with marble counters and tables. The kitchen adopts an open concept where diners can watch the masters at work. Witness how your pizzas are flipped and prepped!

All the food at PizzaExpress are made from scratch in-house using only fresh ingredients. Besides pizzas, the menu also features a diverse range of Italian-style salads, pasta and desserts. What’s more, most of the items here are priced around S$20 or less which is incredibly reasonable considering their portion sizes and quality.

STARTERS – ITALIAN ANTIPASTO, DOUGH BALLS & BURRATA

If you are not dining alone, then get some starters to share. The Classic Italian Antipasto (S$26++) is a grand platter that includes Italian mozzarella, Italian sausages, strips of prosciutto that will literally melt-in-your-mouth and more.

The Dough Balls Doppio (S$11++) is another ideal appetiser for sharing. Consisting of sixteen dough balls along with three types of dip—garlic butter, pesto siciliano and pesto genovese—this simple snack is truly a tasty treat that even kids will love!

If you adore Italian squeaky cheese, then the Burrata with Roasted Peppers (S$19++) is highly recommended. This may not be the most visually appealing item but you can bet that it is pretty darn satisfying—milky, smooth cheese that tears so smoothly; it is one of the better Burratas we’ve had in Singapore.

SALADS FOR CHAMPIONS

Hardly anyone goes to a pizza joint to get a salad, but over at PizzaExpress, you just might. Consider the Beetroot & Goat’s Cheese Salad (S$11++ small, S$18++ large) that is packed full of wild rocket, beetroot, avocado, goat’s cheese, walnuts, dried cranberries and drizzled with a decadent honey balsamic dressing.

Never mind the judgemental stares, this salad is legit! And it is really pretty filling!

A TASTE OF CALABRIA

For fans of heat, the Calabrese (S$26++) will not disappoint. This iconic rectangular pizza inspired by the food of Calabria—a region in South-West Italy—comprises Calabria-style sausage, spicy Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella, jalapeño peppers and more.

Do be cautioned that this is not for kids and for the faint-hearted because it can get really spicy.

CLASSIC PIZZAS – SIMPLE AND SO SATISFYING

Staying true to their original recipes which have not changed since 1965, go for PizzaExpress’ Classic Lava (S$22++) that comprises simply olives, burrata cheese, chilli oil, cherry tomatoes and finished with basil for that added herbaceous note that goes perfectly well with tomatoes; or the La Reine (S$16++) that is topped with mushrooms, olives, ham, mozzarella and passata.

ROMANA PIZZAS – BIGGER, THINNER & CRISPIER

The Romana pizzas are inspired by the pizzas from Rome—thinner and crispier. Out of all their quirky concoctions, we particularly enjoyed the Carbonara (S$25++).

Consisting of crispy smoked bacon, mozzarella, a creamy béchamel sauce and finished with garlic oil and a soft egg in the middle, this instantly won our hearts. All in all, the runny egg yolk, the sauce and the rendered bacon fat makes each mouthful a rich yet flavourful experience.

LEGIT ITALIAN PASTAS – CRABMEAT LINGUINE AND LOBSTER & CRABMEAT RAVIOLI

If you love yourself a good lasagne, then the Lasagna Classica (S$18++) should be right up your alley. Layers of rich beef bolognese and a mixture of béchamel and parmesan cheese are enveloped in thin sheets of pasta that is then topped with more cheese and heated in a broiler to give you a nice charred surface.

We also highly recommend the Linguine Granchio Con Pana (S$23++)—one of the best crabmeat pastas in Singapore. It is essentially a crabmeat pasta that includes steamed crab meat, onion, garlic and coriander in a spicy cream sauce finished with caviar and a wedge of lime.

With such a heavy cream based sauce accented with distinct notes of seafood, the wedge of lime does really well to cut through all that.

The Lobster and Crabmeat Ravioli (S$26++) is also worth a try. The classic ravioli is pimped up with fresh and generous amounts lobster and crab meat with a mushroom pomodoro sauce to bind it all together.

This dish has everything we love about a good ravioli—pasta has a nice bite, tender lobster and crab meat and a luscious sauce that is decadent yet not overpowering.

DESSERTS TO END THE MEAL

After a heavy meal filled with so much richness, it is never a bad idea to end it off with some sweet treats. The Mango Panna Cotta (S$8++) here is a must-try for pudding lovers. We liked that the mango was slightly tart, which did well to cut through the creaminess of the panna cotta which is pretty dense.

The Chocolate Fudge Cake (S$9++) is flavoured with a touch of salt, giving the dessert a nice savoury touch to combat the overall sweetness.

And this is a little tip—enjoy all your PizzaExpress dishes with a glass of the signature Lemonade (S$6), featuring freshly squeezed lemon and lime, soda, and mint. Italian food can be pretty rich and heavy so this drink definitely helps in balancing the flavours and keeping you refreshed throughout your meal!

It is also good to note that if you plan on driving, park at Park View Suites instead of Duo Galleria to minimise on the walking distance!

PizzaExpress
7 Fraser Street, #01-01/02
Duo Galleria
Singapore 189356
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by PizzaExpress Singapore.

Rhombus Pizza SG is a new Muslim-owned pizza buffet restaurant that allows you to pick your own toppings, design the pizza of your dreams and bake it yourself. Create and eat to your heart’s content for 90 minutes.

Allow your creativity and appetite to take flight as you select from a wide variety of toppings from savoury sausages to sweet chocolate chips to create your ultimate pizza. The buffet costs S$15 for adults, S$12 for children between the ages of 7 and 12, and children under seven get to dine for free!

The shop space is rather small and despite only being able to seat a maximum of 10 diners at one time (yes, it is that small), it is still pretty cramped especially if you have to ferry to and fro from the condiments and toppings station. It is also good to note that reservations have to be made prior in order to get a seat here.

Like kids at a candy shop, we spent a great deal of time picking from the huge selection of toppings—with more than ten savoury toppings and seven sweet toppings to choose from. The usual toppings include ham, sausages, shrimp, pepperoni, capsicums, mushrooms, corn and a whole lot more.

The process is pretty straightforward. Slather on a thin layer of tomato sauce over the top of your pizza dough, add your ingredients and lastly, top it off with a generous handful of mozzarella cheese, after which, proceed to bake your masterpiece in the oven provided.

The centrepiece of every table is an adorable electric pizza oven. In order to cook your dolled up piece of dough, simply slide it into the slots on the side and leave it there to cook for 6-7 minutes and for the cheese to get bubbly and delicious.

No hearty lunch would be complete without a decadent and insanely rich dessert. Undecided on what we wanted to top our dessert pizza with, we went for everything—Nutella as the base, topped with chocolate chips, marshmallows, Oreo cookie crumbs, crushed corn flakes and rainbow sprinkles for good measure.

Overall, we had a decent time at Rhombus Pizza SG. Although the food itself was mediocre at best, the experience of crafting our own pizzas (and making a huge mess) with good company definitely makes up for it.

The pizza buffet at Rhombus Pizza is available at an introductory price of S$15 per adult from now until 31 August 2017. Please note that the usual price of the pizza buffet is S$18 per adult.

Rhombus Pizza SG
116 Changi Road,
Singapore 419718
Tel: +65 9844 0210
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Tino’s Pizza Cafe’s durian pizza is the latest food obsession in Singapore you need to know.

Fans of durian will understand our feelings of pure ecstasy when we found out that Tino’s Pizza Cafe is offering two durian pizza flavours—D24 & Mao Shan Wang Pizzas. While durian desserts are common in Singapore, this is the first we have heard of durian pizzas.

Marketing gimmick or not, we knew we had to try the Mao Shan Wang pizza for ourselves because we simply cannot pass this up. If you love the King of Fruits as much as we do, carry on reading to find out what we think!

Truth be told, we felt a little sceptical about our Mao Shan Wang pizza (S$21.90++) before trying it because we could not imagine how the combination of savoury cheese and sweet durian fruit will turn out. However, we were pleasantly surprised that the two contrasting flavours did not clash and instead, complement well together.

We recommend sharing the durian pizza in a group as the taste can be rather overwhelming after two slices.

Besides the Mao Shan Wang, diners get to choose the D24 pizza which is slightly cheaper at S$16.90++.

Their Cafe Latte (S$4.90++) came with an adorable coffee art and packets of sugar at the side. The bitter tones of the coffee helped to balance out the sweetness of the durian pizza.

Tino’s Pizza Cafe
B1-13 The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6570 5810
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Located in the heart of Kovan—just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station—is Ice Edge Cafe.

The cafe-cum-restaurant has been around for a decade and has gained a huge following over the past years with its hearty savouries and stellar sweets. Dishes served here are very affordable and generously portioned; there is even a perpetual one-for-one lunch promotion* on weekdays!

You might have heard of their legendary Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake, Waffles and Homemade Brownies, but Ice Edge Cafe is more than that. It offers a menu of wallet-friendly dishes (most mains are priced under S$20). If you haven’t been, you are missing out, dude.

From now until 15 December 2016, quote “ladyironchef” to get a FREE Waffle with a scoop of gelato when you spend S$20 per table. This offer is valid during dinner daily.

#1 BUFFALO WINGS

Ice Edge Cafe’s Buffalo Wings (S$9.80+) come in a platter of six.

Each deep-fried chicken wing is coated in a hot peppery buffalo sauce that is infused with vinegar and butter, and garnished with herbs and spices. If you can’t handle spices well, steer clear of this.

The Buffalo Wings are part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu.

#2 CALAMARI WITH THAI MAYO

We absolutely love the Calamari with Thai Mayo (S$12.80++) that is on the starters menu. Green salad and Thai mayonnaise dip are served alongside succulent, deep-fried battered squid rings.

#3 JAPANESE BONITO PRAWN SALAD

If calories matter, then the Japanese Bonito Prawn Salad (S$12.80++) is for you. This is a salad of assorted leafy greens, Japanese seasoning, fresh prawns and crispy wakame. Pretty simple, but no less fresh and healthy.

The Japanese Bonito Prawn Salad is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu.

#4 SEAFOOD AGLIO OLIO SPAGHETTI

The Seafood Aglio Olio Spaghetti (S$16.80+) is an Ice Edge classic. Served with clams, juicy prawns and squid, the pasta is served al dente and tossed with chilli padi and garlic. It comes in a very generous portion too!

The Seafood Aglio Olio Spgahetti is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu. Each pasta works out to be just S$8.4+ during lunch!

#5 TOM YAM SEAFOOD LINGUINE

Tom Yam Seafood Linguine (S$17.80+) is an interesting East-meets-West pasta invention which has successfully incorporated the traditional Thai soup into an Italian classic. The pasta is cooked firm to the bite and enhanced with the garlic’s aroma. It is then complemented with clam, squid and prawn.

And it is very spicy. But that is precisely how we like it to be. Definitely our favourite pasta in the entire menu!

#6 BUTTER CREAM SALMON

Over at Ice Edge Cafe, salmon fillets are cooked to perfection—think crispy skin and runny flesh. The fish flakes easily when pierced through with a fork, and topped with a slap of buttery herbs cream and pink peppercorn. The Butter Cream Salmon (S$19.80+) is also served with grilled asparagus and a house salad.

It honestly looks like nothing, but it is the kind of comfort lunch you’d wish for on a boring workday.

#7 PESTO CREAM CHICKEN

The chef-recommended main course Pesto Cream Chicken (S$17.80+) looked pretty messy but this plate packs a punch. It comprises a juicy chicken thigh pan-fried till golden brown, then topped with fresh pesto, and accompanied with carrots, cream, herbs, potatoes and spices.

The Pesto Cream Chicken is part of Ice Edge Cafe’s 1-for-1 menu. S$8.90 for a main course? Lunch doesn’t get any better than this.

#8 CORDON BLEU

By now, you would have noticed that the menu is comprehensive; from American, Italian to Swiss, you can expect a myriad of cuisines.

Ice Edge Cafe’s take on the Cordon Bleu (S$18.80+) is a beautiful one. Slice into the deep-fried breaded chicken and you will see the intersection of bacon and bursting nacho cheese. This is actually our favourite main, for it was satisfaction in every bite.

#9 PIZZA PRAWN MENTAIKO

The Pizza Prawn Mentaiko (S$16.80+) is a work of art and damn, ain’t it photogenic?! The pizza comes with a thin crust. Herbs, prawns and mozzarella cheese are scattered all over the flat dough, before Japanese mayonnaise and mentaiko cream are drizzled in circular motions.

#10 MAO SHAN WANG LAVA CAKE

The divine Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake (S$14.80+) is a must-order when at Ice Edge Cafe. And we’ve heard many stories of how people from all over Singapore travel to Kovan for this legendary dessert. It is safe to say the folks at Ice Edge Cafe pioneered the durian lava cake trend.

The King of Fruits has been integrated into a dense lava cake and warm molten durian will ooze out upon forking it. No efforts have been spared in the making of this signature dessert, and the end result is a robust, divine dessert that bursts with aroma. The lava cake comes with a scoop of gelato of your choice.

#11 WAFFLE

Super crisp on the outside and featherlight on the inside, the Waffles here are superb. Choose to top your waffle with one, two, three or four gelato scoop(s). Prices are S$10+, S$14.50+, S$19+ and S$23.50+ respectively.

There are many flavours to choose from for your gelato (which is also what Ice Edge Cafe is well-loved for), and unique flavours include Salted Egg, Japanese Yuzu and Cotton Candy.

#12 BROWNIE WITH GELATO

Like the idea of death by chocolate? Well, then you have to get the warm double chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce. This decadent dessert comes with either one or two scoop(s) of gelato; the former is priced at S$9.80+ whilst the latter would set you back S$14.30+.

And it is important to know that Ice Edge Cafe takes pride in their desserts, and this brownie is baked fresh in-house daily.

#13 CHEESECAKE

We can always do with a good cheesecake, yes? There are three flavours of cheesecakes available on a rotational basis, i.e. Blue Berry, New York and Oreo. Each rich cheesecake costs S$6.80+.

Of course, you need to top it off with a scoop or two of gelato.

From now until 15 December 2016, quote “ladyironchef” to get a FREE Waffle with a scoop of gelato (worth S$10+) when you spend S$20 per table. This offer is valid during dinner daily.

*The 1-for-1 Lunch Promotion is available every day on weekdays (excluding eves of and Public Holiday), and it is redeemable from 11.30am to 3pm. The higher-priced item will be charged. 1-for-1 items can be mixed and matched, and no splitting of bills is allowed.

Ice Edge Cafe
2 Kovan Rise
Simon Plaza, #01-10
Singapore 548008
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

This post is brought to you by Ice Edge Cafe.

Pietro Ristorante Italiano is tucked in a corner of Jalan Kelulut—a private residential area in Yio Chu Kang—and it has been dishing out authentic Italian dishes to its regulars since 2012.

The restaurant is segregated into two areas—al fresco dining and indoor seating. Deep shades of red on the wall, wooden furniture and a hanging chandelier; the restaurant gives off a homely and cosy ambience.

Helmed by Chef Aaron Png, Pietro Ristorante Italiano offers a wide variety on their menu. Go for the complete Italian experience by having a taste of the antipasti, salads, pasta, pizzas, mains and desserts.

From now until 15 December 2016, our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to enjoy 1-for-1 antipasti, pasta, pizza and mains from Mondays to Thursdays (lunch and dinner), as well as Saturdays (lunch) at Pietro Ristorante Italiano.

ANTIPASTI (APPETISERS)

The Antipasti menu features a selection of classic Italian starters such as Calamari Fritti (S$18++), Carpaccio di Manzo (S$22++) and the excellent Calamari e Gamberoni (S$28++)—an entire squid, grilled to perfection with King prawn stuffing, garlic, butter, a few drops of lemon and a dash of white wine.

PRIMI PIATTI (PASTA)

Italians actually have their pasta as a starting course before proceeding to their mains, so the term “Primi Piatti” refers to first dishes. Although it is unlike our culture to have it as a starter, do not shy away from doing so; after all, it is only right we do the Italian way when in an Italian restaurant.

People often comment that it is a mistake to order a squid ink pasta on your first date, but we would do so anyway with the Spaghetti al Nero di Seppia (S$28++) because it is one of the best things on the menu. It comes fashionably with prawns, squid, scallop, clams and garnished with chilli.

Other pasta that you can find on the menu include Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Fungi (S$18++), Linguine Alfredo al Frutti di Mare (S$26++) and Spaghetti alla Carbonara (S$18++).

RISOTTO

We Asians can never back away from our staple, even at an Italian restaurant. That is especially true at Pietro Ristorante Italiano, because the Risotto di Mare e Zafferano (S$28++) looks extremely fine.

The risotto rice comes in a bright shade of yellow due to its buttery saffron cream sauce and has toppings such as prawns, clams, squid and scallop.

DAL FORNO O (TRADITIONAL BRICK PIZZA OVEN)

There is a counter right at the end of the restaurant where you can watch the chef assemble your pizza before putting them into a traditional brick pizza oven.

The Pizza Carnivora (S$26++) was served with edges slightly charred, but that’s how we love our pizzas. Generous chunks of mushrooms, ham, minced beef, homemade sausage, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese were placed on top of the thin crust which was lavishly smeared with tomato sauce.

The purists will enjoy the Pizza Margherita (S$16++) and Pizza Funghi (S$20++). For something more extravagant, go for the Pizza Prosciutto di Parma (S$32++).

There are seven pizzas—including Pizza Margherita, Pizza Hawaiian, Pizza Romana—that you can get with the 1-for-1 promotion.

CARNE & PESCE (MEAT & SEAFOOD)

The Pancetta Arrosto (S$24++) blew our minds. This is a roasted pork belly dish with the best crackling skin we can ever ask for; it was extremely crispy and falls into crumbs in our mouths.

You will also find porcini mushrooms and kidney beans on the side, with apple sauce for dips. Now, listen up—no one steps out of Pietro Ristorante Italiano without trying this.

That’s not all. You can also have the sublime Merluzzo (S$34++)—a perfectly cooked Cod fish with white wine, purple grapes and cherry tomato sauce; and the ever-popular Filetto di Manzo—grilled Australian beef tenderloin with red wine porcini sauce.

From the Meat & Seafood menu, you can enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on the Pan-fried Salmon Fillet (S$26++), Rosemary Chicken (S$22++) and Crispy John Dory Fish (S$22++) with white wine sauce.

DESSERTS

Forget about your usual chocolate lava cake. At Pietro, there is a Tortino di Cioccolato al Pistachio (S$15++)—pistachio flavoured lava cake so well done that all it takes is just one cut on the cake to unleash the warm pistachio flood. It is paired with a scoop of vanilla gelato, and when eaten together, everything is just a creamy goodness that is unbelivable.

Another popular dessert item is the Tiramisu al Pistachio (S$14++). Yes, the tiramisu is filled with layers of Mascarpone cream for the sweet tooth! This one has strong espresso coffee flavours with a subtle hint of pistachio taste.

From now until 15 December 2016, our readers can quote “ladyironchef” to enjoy 1-for-1 antipasti, pasta and pizza (on selected dishes) at Pietro Ristorante Italiano. The promotion is valid from Mondays to Thursdays (lunch and dinner), as well as Saturdays (lunch).

Pietro Ristorante Italiano
12 Jln Kelulut
Singapore 809030
Tel: +65 6484 5528
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Buangkok/ Fernvale

This post was brought to you by Pietro Ristorante Italiano.

It is finally here – PizzaExpress is now open in Singapore, and it sits on the basement level of Scotts Square. The name should be no stranger to you as they have over 500 outlets in United Kingdom, various European countries, Hong Kong, India and the Middle East.

Founder Peter Boizot created this wildly successful pizzeria chain because having tried and tested the best and most authentic pizzas during his holidays in Italy, he was unsatisfied with what he had in London. PizzaExpress was thus conceived in United Kingdom, with the notion of offering authentic Italian pizza outside of Italy to the masses.

Having tried and loved PizzaExpress when we were in London, we are extremely stoked to have them here in our own country. We popped by for a preview and had a taste of their world-renowned pizzas – made from scratch in store with fresh ingredients. Besides pizzas, the menu is pretty much similar to that of U.K’s, with a whole range of salads, pastas and bite-size snacks.

Most of the dishes on PizzaExpress’ menu are priced under S$20 – they are extremely reasonable for the quality and huge portions. Here’s what you can expect from PizzaExpress’s first outlet in Singapore – which is officially opening its doors to the public this coming Friday (29 July 2016).

STARTERS – FRESH BURRATA, PROSCIUTTO & MORE

If you head down in a big group, the Classic Italian Antipasto (S$26) is a must-try, especially if you are a fan of fresh Italian mozzarella, Italian sausages and more. This huge platter consists of Calabria-style sausage, spicy Italian sausage, prosciutto crodo, fresh mozzarella, sun-blushed tomatoes, peppadew, rocket leaves and freshly-made flatbread.

We especially loved the mozzarella cheese together with the spicy sausage; the light and refreshing mozzarella cheese really evens out the taste of the sausage’s intense flavours and saltiness.

Want a starter just for yourself? The Gambaretti Piccante (S$12) should do the trick. It is essentially a serving of fresh jumbo prawns, sitting on top of passata, chilli flakes, garlic and flatbread. Passata is basically a kind of tomato puree, hence it adds a nice tanginess to each bite.

The Fungotto (S$12) is a pair of huge portobello mushrooms, stuffed with goat’s cheese, mozzarella, bread crumbs and parsley. We are a fan of the slightly crisp breadcrumbs that contrasts well with the soft and juicy mushrooms.

GREAT SALAD CHOICES

Who wants salads when you can have great pizzas, right?

Actually, this does not hold true at PizzaExpress. If you are looking for a quick, simple and fuss-free dish, PizzaExpress’ range of salads makes great options. The Leggera Superfood (S$13 small, S$20 large) stood out amongst the rest with its generous portion.

This massive (the large portion can serve 2-4 people as a side or starter) salad consists of spinach, cucumber, avocado, butternut squash, lentils, fresh mozzarella, beetroot, basil, balsamic syrup and pine kernels. Basically, all the kinds of goodness and the single serving is less than 500 calories. Health nuts can now dine in PizzaExpress.

CLASSIC PIZZAS

Now, we are on to the top dogs – the pizzas! The classic pizza range includes a variety of different flavours on a slightly thicker dough. The doughs are all made fresh on the spot, and you can watch the chefs in action via the open kitchen. We had a taste of a popular flavour – Lava (S$20). It looked “normal” at first, just like your everyday Margherita.

But upon your first bite, you will be greeted with an explosion of flavours. This is not your regular Joe; it is topped with olives, burrata cheese, chilli oil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and passata, and fresh basil. The pizza dough is fluffy and fragrant, and we liked that the addition of chilli oil amped up the otherwise “regular” pizza. Classic, with a nice spicy twist.

The classic pizzas are slightly smaller in size, and are great for solo diners with a bigger appetite. Else, two persons with small appetites can share one.

ROMANA PIZZAS – BIGGER, THINNER & CRISPIER

If you want a bigger sharing portion that will feed 2-3 people decently, try their Romana pizzas. They are thinner and crispier, inspired by the pizzas from Rome. Besides the quintessential Italian flavours, PizzaExpress also offers some spicy concoctions that are out of this world – specifically the Pollo Forza (S$23) and American Hottest (S$24).

These thin-crust pizzas won our hearts. The Pollo Forza is a dream come true. It is topped with chicken with smoked chilli, garlic oil, dried chilli flakes, red and yellow peppers, jalapeño and mozzarella, then finished off with grana padano, chilli oil and parsley. The heat, textures and cheeses blended beautifully together, producing a robust flavours with underlying spicy notes.

The American Hottest is another one that you must try. We cannot get enough of these spicy pizzas! This one here is topped with pepperoni, hot green and roquito peppers, fresh red chilli, spicy Italian sausage, passata and buffalo mozzarella. After it is baked and taken out of the oven, the chef scatters torn buffalo mozzarella  (yes, more mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness) atop, together with chopped parsley and fragrant chilli oil.

ITALIAN PASTAS

For Italian pastas, we always lean towards the tomato ones and the pomodoro-based ones. Both the Farfalle di Calabria (S$22) and Spaghetti Frutti De Mare (S$24) are great choices. The former is simply farfalle pasta tossed with spicy Italian sausage and salami, with fresh basil, grana padano and cherry tomatoes in a creamy pomodoro sauce.

The Spaghetti Fruitti De Mare is our favourite. The classic dish is tossed with fresh and generous amounts of prawns, clams, mussels and squid, in a spiced pomodoro sauce. It has everything we love about a good pasta – a great sauce base made with fresh tomatoes, al dente pasta and lots of seafood!

And this is a little tip – enjoy all your PizzaExpress dishes with a glass of the signature Lemonade (S$6), featuring freshly squeezed lemon and lime, soda, and mint. Italian food can be pretty rich and heavy so this drink definitely helps in balancing the flavours and keeping you refreshed throughout your meal!

PizzaExpress
6 Scotts Rd, Scotts Square
Singapore 228209
Tel: +65 6538 0083
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by PizzaExpress.

Spizza Mercato at Capitol Piazza might just be our newfound favourite already! It is a slightly different concept from the ever popular casual dining pizzeria chain – Spizza by The Senso Group, and you will see why we love it so.

The huge and edgy outlet at Capitol Piazza boasts a large dining area by the fountain, and a “market” – where Spizza offers retail items such as authentic Italian ingredients and condiments and homemade pasta.

Spizza Mercato has a super affordable menu and a wide variety of pizzas (but of course), and what it is exceptionally popular during lunch for its amazing weekday lunch deals – S$12 for a dry pasta with classic sauce or a 10 inch pizza, anyone?

Pizzas are the limelight here at Spizza Mercato, but that ain’t all. Here, we share with you the highlights of our meal, and all that we love at and about Spizza Mercato.

Stepping in, we were impressed by the very sleek and vibrant interior. Passing by the retail area, we fell in love with the “mercato” and was so distracted by all the takeaway items such as paninis and salads, for the busy professionals or those who choose to takeaway their meal.

APPETISERS & ANTIPASTI

This show-stopping antipasti of burrata cheese and parma ham, in a dish called “Burratina” (S$22), started our meal with a bang. As cheesy as this may sound, we really cannot tell you how much we are deprived of good burrata in Singapore and how this one here totally made it to our list.

Smooth, creamy, milky goodness is every burrata lover’s dream, and there is an inexplicable sense of gratification from cutting the burrata apart and being rewarded by fine shreds of silky white cheese. Served with the classic pairing of aged parma ham and arugula, the Burratina had us all succumbed.

We settled for a second appetiser of freshly prepared Calamari (S$13.80) that comes with a spicy ‘pizzaiolo’ dip. The calamari itself boasted the right amount of crunch and was pretty addictive. The sauce was not as memorable for us, but we were just happy the rings itself tasted so wonderful on its own. This appetizer makes a great sharing plate for two or more.

FRESH PASTA

Fresh stuffed pasta are not commonly served as they take up a lot of time to prepare, and requires a certain level of culinary skill to perfect it. And when we spotted some of these on the menu, we knew we had to have a go with them.

So it was the Red Tomato Mezzelune (S$15) and Black Squid Ink Round Ravioli (S$14) for lunch.

The former is basically a smoked duck ravioli and it was more than awesome. The smoked duck flavour really took the whole pasta dish up a notch, and we were in love that we really couldn’t nitpick much even if we’d wanted to!

The latter features minced seafood stuffing, which garnered mixed reviews from our team. It might be a little fishy and rich, but if that is the way you love your seafood, go for it!

The Gnocchi (S$18) was a surprise find too. Even though they were just essentially potato dumplings, the gnocchi was cooked with gorgonzola and other cheeses, and it was an entirely flavourful dish that would make the perfect main for any cream pasta lovers.

SPECIALTY PIZZAS

Pizzas are, without a doubt, Spizza’s speciality and it is no different here in Spizza Mercato, where they offer the same selection of pizzas. For lunch, you can enjoy a 10-inch pizza (or a dry pasta with sauce) for just S$12++. We now realise why the lunch crowd is crazy here, because this is for sure an unbeatable deal.

We had two pizzas, both signatures – Quinta (S$19, 10″) and Tara (S$20, 10″). Quinta is a meatless pizza that features mozzarella, a full egg and black truffle paste. The paste was so generously spread out and the smell of black truffle was incredibly distinct the moment it was laid on our table. We knew we would love this, and we sure did.

Tara is one of the classics with a slight twist. This pizza features mozzarella, a full egg, bacon and button mushrooms. Think of all kinds of happiness all in one pizza; that was the exact thought that got us excited. Well, you bet the pizza tasted even better when soaked slightly in the runny egg yolk.

By the way, for the large pizzas (12″), you can customize them to be half-half. In other words, two flavours in one pizza. Yes, yes and yes.

CLASSIC ITALIAN DESSERTS

The great thing about the food at Spizza Mercato is that it will always leave you and your tummy ultra satisfied. We ended our meal off on a sweet note with two classic Italian desserts – Panna Cotta (S$8) and Tiramisu (S$9.50).

While the former was a good dish as a whole, it was nothing to shout about. Especially when compared to the star – the Tiramisu. The tiramisu was light, just the way we like it, with strong notes of fragrant coffee and light mascarpone cheese.

DELIVERY MADE EASY

This is a life saver! And it might just be your next favourite pizza delivery option. We’ve tried the delivery too, and were completely amazed by how our food arrived hot.

You would think it is “just hot”, and that’s that. But wait. Would you believe it if we told you our pasta was still moist and warm, our chicken wings were still crispy, and our pizza was ever fresh? God knows how they do it, but we are so done with soggy delivered food, and that’s why we are sticking to Spizza’s delivery already.

And our order arrived even earlier than the promised time. Yay to zero frustrations from long waiting times!

Spizza delivery can be made via www.spizza.sg, or through their mobile apps (iTunes and Google Play).

SPIZZA FOR FRIENDS REWARS

This rewards programme is put in place for all who celebrate their love for Spizza. Enjoy a 10% rebate with a minimum spend of S$50 at any Spizza outlet, as well as delivery orders. And these rebates can be utilized on your next visit to or delivery from Spizza.

Note that Spizza Mercato has the same menu as other Spizza outlets, with an added Light Bites & Snacks and Pasta Ripiena section.

Spizza Mercato
13 Stamford Road #B2-52
Capitol Piazza
Singapore 178905
Tel: +65 6702 1835
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Spizza Mercato.

Italian cuisine is too underrated in Singapore. Not enough attention is given, or it is because there are not enough authentic options in town? We can never say no to a good Italian meal, because the sheer variety is enough to keep us occupied. There is always something new to explore, new flavours to fall in love with, and different textures to entice us.

For one, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano at Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore offers a daily spread that is sumptuous no less, and we can always count on the chefs for an authentic Italian affair. If you haven’t heard, the former Waterfall Cafe has been transformed into a Southern Italian trattoria that features handmade pastas and fresh seafood.

Prices are still very reasonable, but the dishes are better and heartier than ever. The new Chef de Cuisine, Marco De Vincentis, hails from Naples. And his experience will bring you nothing but the most authentic tastes of Southern Italy.

Think fresh seafood from the Southern Riviera, nutty flavours, and lots of lemon touches. Nothing overly fanciful too, just really playing around with fresh and quality ingredients to accentuate the essence and to showcase the true Italian flavours.

Take a trip to Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore – one of Singapore’s best hotels – and have a quiet Italian meal. You will love their new menu. Here are some highlights from Waterfall Ristorante Italiano’s new menu that we sampled:

INSALATA DI MARE ALL’AMALFITANA

Originating from the coast of Amalfi, the Insalata di Mare All’Amalfitnana (S$23) is a refreshing seafood salad of prawns, crab legs and other treasures of the Italian sea. The sheer simplicity of fresh seafood is complimented with light citrusy dressing of lemon, and it is surely one salad to whet your appetite.

PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE

Much has been debated about the origin of eggplant parmesan, but one thing is for sure – it is a staple in Southern Italian cuisine and you must try it when you are dining at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano where Chef Marco has mastered this classic dish. Layered in a casserole with parmigiano, tomatoes and eggplants, the Parmigian di Melanzane is a classic appetiser ala Italiano style – our palate won’t quite soon forget about it.

INSALATA DI ARANCE E FINOCCHI

A light and refreshing Sicilian mixed salad of orange, fennel, black olive, cherry tomato and Tropea onion, the Insalata di Arance e Finocchi (S$16) is a great option for vegetarians or those who prefer something lighter to start your meal with.

SPAGHETTONI AI RICCI DI MARE

With 13 homemade pastas to choose from, deciding on what to order is almost quite as tough as making life decisions. But let us help you streamline your options – Spaghettoni ai Ricci di Mare (S$29) has to be on the list.

Combining promptly cooked homemade spaghettoni with the freshness of sea urchin, gorgeous red tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and herb, this is one of our favourite pasta dishes from Waterfall Ristorante Italino’s new menu.

PACCHERI ALL’ASTICE

The Paccheri all’ Astice (S$32) is another pasta dish that we thoroughly enjoyed. Thick sheets of hand-cut pasta prepared al dente, then doused in a fragrant blend of lobster sauce, cherry tomato, brandy, chilli, basil, parsley and extra-virgin olive oil – think rich but balanced flavours that is nothing short of rustic and satisfying.

TAGLIOLINI AL PESTO SICILIANO

The Tagliolini al Pesto Sicilaino (S$22) – with tomato, ricotta, pine nut, basil, roasted almond – may sound like a simple dish, but the flavours are anything but ordinary. Sure, there is no fancy ingredients. But it is one fuss-free classic pasta option that will always have the hearts of the Southern Italians.

Other pastas on the menu include the usual classics like Fusilli Carbonara (S$18), Spaghetti alle Vongole (S$22), Tagliatelle alla Bolognese (S$18) and Spaghetti Aglio Olio (S$18) – most of them are reasonably priced from S$18 to S$24.

SOGLIOLA AL LIMONE AMALFITANO

We love a good Dover sole, but we’ve got some issues – not many restaurants in Singapore stock this fish, otherwise if they do, prices are usually exorbitant. But boy, were we stoked to see it on Waterfall Ristorante Italiano’s new menu. At S$38 for a whole sole, this is one dish that represents great value. The pan-fried sole with grilled seasonal greens has single-handedly earned our loyalty towards Waterfall Ristorante Italiano.

PORCHETTA SARDA

Love your suckling pig? Try Waterfall Ristorante Italino‘s Porchette Sarda (S$35). Roasted suckling pig roll served with rosemary potato and spring onion – quite unlike your usual suckling pigs, this one here is presented in an elegant manner and you can do without the mess.

TORTA CAPRESE

Named after the island of Capri where it originated from, Torta Caprese (S$16) is a traditional gluten-free flourless chocolate cake. Waterfall Ristorante Italiano‘s rendition has a hint of almond, and is served with a sorbet; the tartness of the sorbet cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate cake, making it the perfect complement and we are just dying for more now.

TIRAMISU

Now, what is an Italian meal without the classic “pick-me-up” dessert? We always love a good tiramisu (S$15), and here at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, Chef Marco does a pretty mean version that saw us wolfing it down within minutes. Warning: one serving is not enough!

ANTIPASTI SEMI LUNCH BUFFET

During lunch, Waterfall Ristorante Italino which includes daily fish special, salads, cold cuts, cheeses, fresh seasfood, live pasta and meat carving stations, pizza station and gelato.

For reservations and enquiries, please call +65 6213 4138 or go to Shangri-la Hotel Singapore’s dining website. For the latest updates, like Shangri-la Hotel Singapore on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Waterfall Ristorante Italino
Garden Wing, Level One, Shangri-la Hotel
22 Orange Grove Road
Tel: +65 6213 4138
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Email: dining.sls@shangri-la.com

This post is brought to you by Shangri-la Hotel, Singapore.

Pete’s Place at Grand Hyatt Singapore has been around for so many decades and is a longstanding favourite among its many loyal customers. Conveniently located in town, it is a rustic and homely outlet that dishes out nothing but the most authentic Italian dishes.

Since joining Pete’s Place, Chef Andrea Bontempi has been working to include elements from Northern Italy – from the high plateau of Piedmont to the coastal cities of Livorno and Genoa, and his home in Brescia – into the new a la carte menu.

Among the new additions to the menu, we enjoyed the Burrata e Caponata (S$22). Any good Italian worth its salt will have a good burrata on its menu, and Pete’s Place is no exception. Drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, the burrata sat atop an eggplant caponata.

The pastas at Pete’s Place are freshly handmade from scratch, and there are twelve options on the menu to choose from. The Ravioli Astice (S$36) is a delicious combination of lobster ravioli with burrata cheese and saffron zucchini sauce, but the standout dish for us was definitely the Gamberi e Nero di Seppia (S$29) – squid ink linguine with seared sustainable prawns and calamari.

The Cacciucco alla Livornese (S$34) brought back memories from our trip to Livorno last year. Originated from the coastal city in Tuscany, this seafood stew is a classic dish that is popularly enjoyed by Italian fishermen. Traditionally, fishermen used what was left over from their catch to make the stew. What makes Pete’s Place’s rendition different is the use of the freshest seafood – a melting pot of squid, baby octopus, prawns, sustainable barramundi, cod, white bait, mussels and clams.

La Cotoletta alla Milanese (S$45) is a Milanese speciality, and something that we always order whenever we are at Milan. Very few places in Singapore serve this dish, so you could imagine our elation when we saw it on Pete’s Place new menu. The breaded veal chop is accompanied by a simple herb salad and tomato confit.

For desserts, you must get our all-time favourite Tiramisu (S$12) but make sure you save room for the Bonnet Astigiana (S$10). We loved how Chef Andrea has given the traditional Amaretti Chocolate Pudding a refreshing touch by adding orange blossom and basil cress.

For reservations at Pete’s Place, please visit singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com. For enquiries or information, kindly call +65 6732 1234 or e-mail petesplace.sg@hyatt.com.

Pete’s Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Daily: 12pm – 4.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Talk about American food and we all think of pizzas, fried chicken, mojos and ribs. And that is just what Shakey’s Pizza is – one of the biggest chains in America for casual dining. In Singapore, Shakey’s is a cosy bistro that dishes out comforting American classics. They do their pizzas well, as with many other tantalising main courses, complete with the addition of some Asian creations like Oishi Wasabi Pizza and Seafood Marinara.

But we’d say go for the signature Shakey’s Baby Back Ribs (S$14.80 for half slab, S$19.80 for full slab). Well-marinated, tender and flavorful, the ribs are oh-so-delicious and very pleasantly affordable. Guilt-free indulgence, monetarily; one that will earn our loyalty.

And of course, pizza lovers should all flock to Shakey’s for the classic Shakey’s Special (S$19.80 for 9-inch, S$24.80 for 12-inch). Generous toppings of minced beef, ham and olives atop a warm and fluffy dough, then baked with mozzarella cheese – the end result is a pizza that oozes the aroma of perfection and one that completes a family feast.

The menu is a comprehensive and reasonably-priced one, from salads to pastas to pizzas; there will surely be something for every palate. Most of the dishes are priced below S$20, making Shakey’s Pizza a place where you can dine out and have a good meal without breaking the bank.

Shakey’s Pizza currently has two branches at Liang Court and Junction 10, and they are planning to open more outlets in the near future – do keep a look out for them! For more details, go to shakeyspizza.com.sg or ‘like’ them on facebook.

Shakey’s Pizza
#02-32 Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 6338 6553
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm

#01-31A Junction 10
1 Woodlands Road
Tel: +65 6767 6553
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

This post is sponsored by Shakey’s Pizza Singapore.

Pezzo Pizza brings freshly made pizzas served by the slice just like the pizza joints in the Big Apple – New York City. It is affordable and convenient making it the perfect pick-me-up lunch, snack or dinner to hit the spot and satisfy your pizza cravings.

What I love about Pezzo is its consistently strong sense of identity. The Pezzo brand is all about delivering a carnival in every bite no matter the occasion. From its website www.pezzo.com.sg, to the whimsical logo and packaging of the pizza boxes as well as the store decor – Pezzo is all about being bright, cheerful, fun and on top of it all tasty.

While crowd favourites are the usual suspects like the classic Pepperoni Party, Hola Hawaiian and local flavour Sambal Ikan Bilis, the ones that had us particularly salivating were the Hot Chick and Chicken Delight. The former is a flavourful combination of spicy chicken strips, cheddar & mozzarella, green & red peppers, and topped with a special punchy chili sauce. The Chicken Delight, on the other hand, leans towards the healthier-side with toppings of chicken breast strips, onions, mushrooms and turkey bacon.

Also make sure to grab a slice of the Ho Ho Hola Hawaiian which has been specially created for Christmas this year! With a wide selection of over 20 flavours, it is always a new and exciting experience at Pezzo. A slice of pizza is affordably-priced at S$4.50, while a whole pizza of 6 slices is S$24.90.

Pezzo has 13 easily accessible pizza-by-the-slice kiosks island-wide and 6 of them are delivery stores perfect for those who want to throw a pizza party. The kiosks are all located in key locations, including Ion Orchard, JEM, The Arcade, The Star Vista, Bedok Mall, as well as a dine-in outlet at Woodlands Exchange. Click here for the list of Pezzo’s kiosk locations.

Call +65 6665 6565 for pizza delivery or visit www.pezzo.com.sg for more details.

This post is brought to you by Pezzo Pizza.

PS Cafe Petit at Tiong Bahru is a new takeaway concept for freshly made pizzas and wine. It has a very cool vibe, and I love the design of the shopfront and interior. It is a shame that there is no dine-in area, though.

That said, it is a good option if you want to get pizzas for occasions like a house party, or picnic. On the menu, you can find pizzas (prices range from $21-28) such as PS Original Smokey Marherita, Bolognese, and Four Cheese Porcini.

PS Cafe Petit

78 Guan Chuan Street #01-41

Tel: +65 9226 7088

Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm