Many restaurants have come and gone over the years, but mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore is one that has stood the test of time in Singapore’s fickle dining scene. Being one of the first hotel restaurants to feature multiple show kitchens under one roof, mezza9 has always been our go-to when we want honest, quality food in a cosy ambience.

Come this Christmas, be enticed by a stellar array of Christmas-themed delights such as Confit Duck Leg, French Onion Soup and the fork-tender Braised Ox Cheek created by Executive Sous Chef Martin Satow.

And nothing is exorbitantly priced. This is one spread that promises luxury and festive spirit without breaking the bank! For all the years that we have feasted at mezza9 at Grand Hyatt Singapore, we have never once been disappointed.

Indulge in this limited-time-only Christmas Festive menu from 01 December 2017 until 25 December 2017.

Deriving its name from nine different experiences, mezza9 boasts a martini bar, grill and rotisserie, sushi and sashimi counter, Thai grill, sustainable seafood on ice, traditional Chinese steamed delicacies, patisserie, gourmet boutique and even a newly refurbished party room for drinks and private events.

Dining here is always an intimate affair with its dim lights, cosy ambience and spacious dining areas.

At the helm of all the restaurants and bars at Grand Hyatt Singapore is Executive Sous Chef Martin Satow.

Having won numerous awards over the course of his career, what you can expect from this culinary maestro and his team of experienced chefs is nothing short of perfection on a plate.

STARTERS

Kicking off your Christmas feast is two hearty starters—the Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate (S$18++) and the oh-so-comforting French Onion Soup (S$16++).

Boasting a deep, minerally flavour with an undertone of brandy, the chicken liver pate is best eaten when smeared over a piece of crispy rye bread. The gherkins that come served along with it provide a sharp acidity that does well to cut through the intense richness of the dish.

Redolent of Christmas time comfort, the French Onion Soup (S$16++) comes served with crispy croutons and is topped with a generous helping of melty gruyere cheese—if this is not the epitome of soul-satisfying, we don’t know what is.

BRAISED OX CHEEK, PORT WINE JUS, TURNIP

If we had to pick a favourite among this line-up of stellar treats, the Braised Ox Cheek (S$36) it shall be.

Slow-braised in a heavily fortified stock comprising port wine and a beef stock, everyone at the table was full of praises for this meat dish. The reduced port jus gave the dish a rather nice tang and the turnips were cooked to tender perfection.

CONFIT DUCK LEG, PUY LENTIL STEW, RADICCHIO, CANDIED ORANGE

Once esteemed as a method of preservation, submerging and cooking a duck in its own fat ensures a meltingly tender, moist, and extremely flavorful piece of meat. At mezza9, the Confit Duck Leg (S$28++) is prepared the traditional way with the exception of a puy lentil stew of which the crispy leg sits atop of.

Cooked low and slow in its own rendered fat and then hard-seared in a screaming hot skillet, the duck leg was crispy beyond belief. The candied orange and the spiced lentil stew provided a wonderful contrast to the gaminess of the duck.

SLOW ROASTED TURKEY BREAST ROULADE

Let’s face it, Christmas would not be Christmas without Turkey as a centrepiece, but classic as it is, turkey does have a strong tendency to be very dry. Served as a roulade, Chef Martin prepares this festive bird in a way such that the meat remains moist and flavourful.

To satisfy your craving for turkey this Christmas, sans the hassle of carving it yourself and the off-putting dryness, fancy mezza9′s Slow Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade (S$34++) that is beautifully adorned with cumin-roasted carrots, candied ginger and sour cherries.

WHITE TRUFFLE & TALEGGIO RISOTTO

For a slightly lighter main option that still promises flavour and indulgence, try the White Truffle & Taleggio Risotto (S$36++). The white truffle emits a subtle aroma that is not overpowering and the taleggio cheese added a nice salty kick to the dish.

DESSERTS

End your meal on a sweet note with either the Jameson Whiskey Flambéed Plum Pudding (S$18++) or the ‘La Esmeralda’ Chocolate & ginger crème brulee (S$18++).

Flambéed right in front of our eyes, the Flambéed Plum Pudding was quite a sight to behold. Accompanying this stunning dessert is a scoop of their homemade ice cream and a decadent custard sauce. Delicious as it was, it does pack quite a strong alcoholic kick, which may not be appropriate for children.

The ‘La Esmeralda’ Chocolate & Ginger Crème Brulee is an acquired option that encompasses the elements of sweet, spicy and tart all in one. But be adventurous, you guys! This is too good to pass.

If you’re feeling thirsty, hop on over to the martini bar next door for bold and exciting martinis, handcrafted gin and tonics and a variety of other quirky cocktail creations. This award-winning bar also curates great, value-for-money selection of certified-sustainable champagne and wines.

Once again, this stunning line-up of festive treats can be enjoyed this year from 01 December 2017 until 25 December 2017.

mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Singapore 228211
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Sun Brunch: 11.30am – 3pm
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
Website: mezza9.com.sg
Click here to make a reservation at mezza9

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore. 

Prego at Fairmont Singapore is one of the most reputable Italian restaurants in Singapore, and they are known for signature Italian favourites such as wood-fired pizza. But what we truly love is the all-new Italian Sunday Brunch Buffet—one of the best indulgences if you have a hankering for Italiano-everything.

Prego’s head chef Antonio Facchinetti and his team have introduced a whole new gastronomic experience and the Italian Sunday Brunch happens every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. It is a massive showcase of Italian fiesta, from cold cuts and premium cheeses to a la minute pasta and grilled meats.

Here are some of the highlights you can expect at Prego’s Sunday Brunch Buffet, and why you should start your year right with a great Italian Brunch.

THE STYLISH INTERIOR

With Parmesan cheese wheels, sausages and Italian Prosciutto as part of the decorations, you would be impressed at how the modern Italian restaurant is still able to keep its traditions strong.

The warm hues in Prego also make for a very relaxed yet casual chic dining atmosphere—perfect for family brunch and couples who are looking to have a romantic date.

It is hard to find a place in Singapore where you can go to for a true Italian communal dining experience.

FREE-FLOW SPARKLING WINE

Sunday brunch is just not the same without some bubbles! And at Prego, you can choose to indulge in free-flow Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta as part of your feast. The sweet Italian Sparkling Wine is carefully selected to pair with the curated line-up.

So, go on. Drink up because free-flow sparkling wine is the perfect way to spend Sunday afternoons.

THE BEST OF ITALIAN CHEESE AT THE SEASONAL STATIONS

Italians take pride in producing some of the best cheeses in the world. Taste a slice of Italy right here at Prego, where you have creamy Ricotta, milky Burrata and very smooth Mozzarella to indulge in all you want.

The menus for the four seasonal stations in Prego change from time to time based on seasonality. Some of the dishes on rotation are exquisite creations by the chefs which include Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with Truffle Breadcrumbs, Wild Frittata with Mushrooms and Grilled Portobello “Steak” Salad.

An assortment of Italian bread and bruschetta is also part of the line-up.

And just beside the Home-Crafted Rustic Italian Bread & Bruschetta Station, there are more Italian farm cheeses in the likes of Asiago and Taleggio. Those who prefer hard cheeses can opt for these!

LIVE PASTA CRAFTING AND RISOTTO BAR

The star of our Sunday Buffet Brunch goes to the ‘live’ pasta crafting and risotto bar. Visitors get to watch the chefs in action as they masterfully craft out fresh pasta right before you.

The fun part? You get to create your own pasta dish at this station! Choose from various kinds of pasta such as ravioli, spaghetti and squid ink pasta (depending on season).

When you are done, pick a sauce of your choice including Spiced Tomato Sauce with Seafood, traditional Bolognese sauce, creamy Carbonara or the seasonal Truffle cream sauce. There are plenty of toppings to go with your pasta too—mushrooms, peppers, ham etc.

At the risotto bar, you get a generous serving of Black Truffle Risotto from the chef who uses only premium Acquerello Rice—one of Italy’s top risotto rice producer. Needless to say, this was one of the best truffle risottos we had. Every grain was full and plump, and lavishly coated with cream and cheese, then topped off with a generous serving of seasonal black truffle.

The risotto counter showcases the most premium of seasonal produce – expect different seasonal specialties when you return to Prego. *Hint: Asparagus and Roasted King Prawns Risotto next!

MEAT AND SEAFOOD GRILL

Here’s the one station that will get the carnivores all excited—the grill. This is where you can have your meat and seafood grilled a la minute and served warm to you.

Get ready for the wide selection on offer which includes Lamb Rack with Garlic & Thyme, Salmon Fillet with Dill & Lemon, Beef Sirloin with Rosemary and Chicken Thigh with Lemon & Oregano.

FRESH SEAFOOD

If grilled seafood ain’t your thing, go for the oysters, scallops and poached Alaska crab legs instead. This station is the epitome of seafood luxury and the sheer selection will leave you bewildered!

We love how easy it is to slurp up the freshly shucked oysters and dig into the pre-cracked crab legs. Seriously, ready-to-eat fresh crabs is a luxury beyond imagination!

ITALIAN GELATO CART AND ALL KINDS OF DESSERTS

We were blown away by the limelight of the dessert counter. What do you know, it was an Italian gelato cart! Build your very own Italian gelato on a cone with the various flavours.

Did we mention there’s tiramisu as well? You can have a whole tray of tiramisu all to yourself! And that’s not all. The dessert counter also comes with Traditional Cannoli, Wild Berries Pannacotta, Chocolate Salame, Ricotta Cheesecake, among other sweet delights!

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Prego (12pm – 3pm)
Adult: S$128++**, S$98++*
Child: S$49++*

**includes unlimited Berlucchi ’61 Brut Franciacorta, Italian Signature Cocktails, House Wines, Tiger Draught, Juices and Soft Drinks
* includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks

Prego 
Fairmont Singapore, Level 1
80 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189560
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Fairmont Singapore.

Located in the vicinity of horse stables at Turf Club Road, Tin Hill Social serves as a great hang-out spot to kick back with good food and drinks. The food, in general, is pretty hearty with meats and heavier sharing items, and a selection of alcoholic beverages from wines to cocktails.

The area is split up into a few sections – an indoor and alfresco area and a standalone bar.

The spacious and relaxing vibes of Tin Hill Social makes it a very popular spot for people of all ages. When night falls, the restaurant gets pretty romantic – perfect for couples to treat themselves to some good food and drinks too. Here is what you can look out for at Tin Hill Social.

There are small and big plates available, with a good selection of sharing items for big groups. Some of these items include Hay Smoked Quail Eggs with Quinoa and Caviar (S$14) and Australian Darling Downs BMS* 6+ Wagyu Tartare (S$26.50).

The latter is a party of flavours and is served on a hollowed bone marrow. The mixture of Italian black truffle, the fresh meat, grana padano, quail egg and the dressing, makes it a delicious bite when eaten with a crisp crostini.

For mains, go right for the Tin Hill Darling Downs BMS 4+ Wagyu Brisket Burger (S$28.50). If burger is not your thing, try the Risotto (S$28). The taste of Porcini mushroom in each bite was distinct and fragrant. Mix in the half-cooked egg and egg yolk for a creamy texture.

Dining at Tin Hill Social will not be complete without a glass of wine or cocktail.

Tin Hill Social
100 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287992
Tel: +65 6466 0966
Tue to Fri: 10am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 9am – 12am
Closed: Mon
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

Hyde & Co. has long been one of our favourite minimalist cafe hang-outs in Singapore. Our love for this cafe stems from the fact that it reminds us strongly of quaint English cafes in London, similarly exuding a comforting and cosy atmosphere.

Imagine our excitement when we found out that Hyde & Co. will serve a new dinner menu from Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm! We could not be happier as we had a great time with the mains we had here previously. This festive season, Hyde & Co. will also be offering several value-for-money Christmas set dinner menus (which starts at S$68 nett for two).

Readers of Ladyironchef will receive 50% off your second main course (from the regular dinner menu) on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 31 January 2016 when you flash this post. Reservations are required to redeem this promotion.

From Nasi Lemak Risotto, to Beef Cheek Rendang, and Chilli Crab Pasta – here’s everything to love about Hyde & Co.’s new dinner menu.

BRAND NEW DINNER MAINS

Hyde & Co.’s head chef has a background in Italian cuisine and a Malay heritage, and he has married the flavours and techniques of these two cuisines together so flawlessly to create dishes for the dinner menu.

Together with the launch of this dinner menu, Hyde & Co. has also prepped a line of specialty tea-centric drinks to complement the otherwise heavier mains. While the drinks – The Addams Family (S$7.50) and Into The Woods (S$7.50) – were exemplary fruit-infused tea concoctions, the star of the new drinks menu is the All-Star Tea Affogato (S$7.50 each). They can well be desserts, too!

Named after Broadway musicals – Matilda, Millie, Charlie and Hamilton – they are all made with various teas and toppings with a side of premium vanilla bean ice cream. One of the stand-outs were Hamilton, made with an interesting Spiced Lapsang Souchong premium tea, paired with sesame seeds and chilli flakes.

Now, let’s go on to the main stars of the shows – the dinner dishes.

We have seen many remakes of risotto. But you guys, this will be the first time you ever see a Nasi Lemak Risotto (S$22). The grains are cooked with coconut, and you bet the fragrance is spot-on. When paired up with a runny poached egg, we call this a match made in heaven. Break the yolk and have it weaved in to the risotto. This dish comes with three juicy and plump sambal prawns and crispy anchovies.

Such a star you are, Nasi Lemak Risotto.

This dinner item is without the influence of any local flavours, but it tasted so good, we simply cannot leave it out of the equation. Instead of being drenched in cheeses, each macaroni is perfectly coated with just the right amount of cream cheese.

The aroma and taste of truffle oil in this plate sure kicked it up a notch for us. Baked with mushrooms and bread crumbs for added texture, Hyde & Co.’s Truffle Mac & Cheese (S$18) wins a nod from us.

No, there are no steaks in this menu, because they have something even more creative for the meat lovers – Beef Cheek Rendang (S$25).

This hearty dish features big chunks of beef with sweet potato mash. We would have preferred our beef to be more tender, though.

Truth be told, many have done their renditions of Chilli Crab Pasta. But Hyde & Co.’s version is an undisputed winner.

The Chilli Crab Pasta (S$21) features generous crab meat chunks tossed with al dante pasta with a mild spice level. Nothing extraordinary, but every bit comforting.

We never had a bad encounter with the fish dishes at Hyde & Co., so we had high expectations for the Assam Halibut (S$21). Thankfully, they nailed it once again.

Tender halibut cooked well and presented with a glistening white center, served with burnt cauliflower (that was strangely what we enjoyed most) and soba noodles. Instead of overpowering the dish, the assam sauce well brought out the natural sweetness of the fish. Nice balance there.

At just S$10, the lovely marinated Buffalo Wings – which makes a splendid sharing dish – is yours to share. It is served with chipotle BBQ sauce and garlic aioli; definitely not for the faint-hearted!

Vegetarians also have the option of Beetroot Salad (S$12) – mesclun, feta, walnuts, beetroot and cranberry vinaigrette. A classic dish that will always be well-coveted for its simplicity.

Hyde & Co.’s new dinner menu will be available from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 6.30pm – 10.30pm.

FESTIVE DINNER SETS THIS CHRISTMAS

If all of the Christmas set menus you have seen so far are too expensive, Hyde & Co. has got your back. They have three different sets starting from as low as S$68 for two people. Yes, that means each person only has to fork out S$34 for a three-course dinner – with no hidden charges!

Listen up – there is also an optional add-on of S$55 for free flow of champagne. ‘Free flow of champagne’ is just about our favourite words this Christmas!

Make your reservation before 14 December 2015 to receive a 10% off your total bill.

Every set comes with Turkey Roulade, alongside a second main that will be your choice of Roast Crackling Chicken (S$68), Baby Back Ribs (S$78) or Roast Beef (S$88). All platters are served with rustic vegetables (baby carrots, hericot vert, sweet corn, roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts). Trust us when we say the serving is ultra generous and definitely more than enough for two!

Also, if we had to pick – the set with the smokey baby back ribs is lip-smackingly delicious!

Now here comes the seriously good dessert, the Festive Waffle (S$14). This is a Christmas-exclusive item and no one should miss the world for this! Made with a gingerbread base and served with poached apples and raisins, the waffle is drizzled with salted caramel sauce and it is easily the best waffle that Hyde & Co. has ever created. You might just see us back there soon – just for this waffle!

Besides desserts, you can also expect all of their drinks to be festive-themed. Every bit of detail counts, yes? Their lattes will be decorated with festive designs such as adorable snowmen. There is also a salted hot chocolates with marshmallows. Yes, baby. It is cold outside; come on in for a cuppa.

Hyde & Co.’s Festive Menu will be available from 18 December 2015 to 02 January 2016 from Wednesday to Saturdays, 6.30pm to 10.30pm. During this period, only festive sets are available and Hyde & Co. will not be serving their regular a la carte dinner menu. There will be two seatings, 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

For reservations, please call +65 6635 5785.

Hyde & Co.
785 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 198753
Tel: +65 6635 5785
Mon: 11am – 6pm
Wed – Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Lavender or Bugis

This post is brought to you by Hyde & Co.

If you are looking to dine in Marina Bay Sands without burning a hole in your wallet, Beanstro by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf shall well be your answer. Offering a wide variety of mains, desserts and drinks, Beanstro is a lovely bistro that boasts a casual and laid-back vibe for shoppers and weekenders.

If you are craving for cafe fare, Beanstro also offers a variety of all-day breakfast mains. Expect a generous serving of the classic Eggs Benedict and other scrumptious choices such as Croque Madame and Crustaceans Omelette.

Let us not forget that Beanstro offers The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s signature drinks like coffee and ice blended drinks; perfect pair-ups with your hearty mains. Here, we share with you all the goodness about Beanstro at Marina Bay Sands that we love.

Salad lovers will fall in love with this California Shrimp Salad (S$19.50) and this makes a wonderful choice for those who are seeking something light. The fresh vegetables are tossed in together with crunchy walnuts, orange segments, grapes with a unique strawberry cream tea-infused vinaigrette.

The crunch and textural variety gives off a very light-hearted and fresh-tasting overall bite, and the serving of big and juicy poached prawns adds a nice touch. Beanstro also has other salad options to offer, such as the classic House Salad (S$10.50) and Caesar Salad (S$13).

Get your taste buds flowing with other interesting starters such as the Wild Mushroom Cappuccino (S$8.50) – a rich and earthy mushroom soup, topped off with fresh milk foam, just like a cup of actual warm cappuccino (which you can also get here!).

If you visit Beanstro in a group, that is the best excuse to order side dishes to share! We totally loved the Crispy Calamari (S$9) that comes with a side of tasty dill aioli. Both crispy and crunchy, the calamari slices are highly addictive when dipped into a side of dill aioli. You have been warned.

The Buffalo Wings (S$10.50) is also a treat for meat lovers. The spice rub on the drumlets is one-of-a-kind and is perfect on its own or with the accompanying cheese dip. To add a little crunch or to tone down the spice level, have a bite of a celery and carrot stick that are all served on the side.

You can never go wrong with a plate of Classic Eggs Benedict (S$18) served with a slather of homemade hollandaise, wilted spinach, choice of chicken ham (we recommend this) or smoked salmon. The serving is more than generous, the eggs are beautifully poached, and it is most photogenic for your Instagram feed!

Pasta fans should go right for the Chicken Pomodoro (S$17.50). Where do you find a delicious and good-looking plate of pasta in Marina Bay Sands for under S$20 but Beanstro? The spaghetti is coated evenly with the tomato cream sauce and adds just the right amount of tanginess and very slight acidity for a complex but flawless taste.

It is hard to fault a good tomato pasta, especially this one that is topped off with fresh parmesan cheese and tossed in with a liberal amount of chicken breast strips, making it a relatively healthy choice. You can feel our love for it, can you?

Look no further, seafood and risotto lovers; this dish of Seafood Risotto (S$26.50) will blow your mind. It showcases a plethora of fresh seafood, topping off a rich and creamy risotto.

In your risotto sits a pile of treasures from the sea – the scallops plump and beautifully seared, the mussels big and fresh, and the tiger prawns so sweet and juicy. And more importantly, we often gripe about the lack of good risotto in Singapore. With this dish now, we can satisfy our cravings without having our wallets take a beating. Absolute bang for your buck with the generous serving!

If you choose to skip past the risotto to go for some seriously good fish, the Oven-Baked Miso Barramundi & Prawn (S$21) it shall be. Nicely seared barramundi fish is paired up with juicy tiger prawns and is served over a bed of sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes and mesclun salad, which is also tossed in the same strawberry cream tea-infused vinaigrette.

Red meat lover? Fret not, there are steak and burger options for you too. If you are stuck in a difficult decision between these two, try the Classic Burger (S$21) as it can do no wrong. Juicy beef patty is served sandwiched between the burger buns, together with tomatoes, relish pickle, mushroom ragout, grated onion and the melty goodness of emmental cheese. All burger and sandwiches are also served with a side of shoestring fries.

Prime Sirloin and Lamb Cutlets are also available on the menu with other hearty European-style mains such as Fish & Chips (S$23) and Chicken Piccata (S$20.50).

Save some tummy space for desserts. The Vanilla Ceylon Panna Cotta (S$8) is a delighting treat for those who want something milky and fruity. The layer of berry jelly topping the panna cotta balances the sweetness of the panna cotta with a light tart taste. The bowl is finished off with some fresh strawberries and blueberries.

The Salted Caramel Bread & Butter Pudding (S$9) is done the traditional way and combining modern favourites with the addition of salted caramel sauce. Served warm, the bread pudding is a definite comfort food with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg.

There are not many restaurants with delicious mains that cost less than S$20-S$30, and Beanstro serves the purpose of bringing you unpretentious Western mains at an inexpensive price tag. And of course, you will probably pay a lot more to dine at its counterparts in Marina Bay Sands, so the next time you need an affordable option when at the integrated resort, you know where to head to, yes?

Beanstro
B2-20, Canal Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 7001
Mon to Thu, Sun: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sun: 8am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

This post is brought to you by Beanstro.

Tucked away in a little corner in Telok Blangah is what used to be a retreat bungalow owned by the Yemeni Alkaff family. Alkaff Mansion Ristorante provides a nice respite from the fast paced city areas in Singapore, perching on top of Telok Blangah Hill (used to be known as Washington Hill). This well-known location was once the centre of high society parties and other events, besides being a family home to the Alkaff family.

Since the mid 1990s, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante has been known to serve award-winning cuisine to patrons but ever since LHN Culinary Concepts took over the reigns in 2010, the restaurant finally restored its splendour and has become one of Singapore’s go-to dining spots and event venue for corporate, private events and weddings.

Here is what we enjoyed the most from Executive Chef Simone Depalmas’ intricately crafted menu, strongly influenced by his Italian roots.

To kick-start your gastronomic adventure here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, a popular antipasti to start with is the Fresh Octopus Carpaccio (S$24). This dish, according to Chef Depalmas, is one of the most frequently ordered starters at the restaurant.

Sliced thinly into delicate and translucent pieces, the octopus is enhanced with the added frisee salad and San Marzano cherry tomatoes on top, and dressed sparingly with balsamic reduction for a hint of tanginess to the dish. Chef imports his seafood fresh directly from his hometown of Sardinia, an island in Italy, so you are guaranteed only the freshest seafood will be served here.

If you are dining in a pair, pick the Seafood Platter (S$68) instead to try a variety of seafood dishes. Dig into plump tiger prawns, a generous serving of tuna tartare with croutons crowning it, thinly sliced sea bass carpaccio, chunky octopus salad and fresh lobster chunks dressed in a tart citrus sauce. The platter is exceptionally big so it can be shared up to four diners.

Moving on to the fresh pasta dishes, the Sardinian Fregola with Assorted Seafood (S$28) is a stunner. Fregola is essentially a ‘cous cous’-like pasta, imported all the way from Italy. The mussels that are tossed in with the pasta is exceptionally juicy as they are fresh from Sardinian waters, without being frozen when flown over. Cooked with other fresh seafood such as squid and clams, the rich flavours of the pasta shone through with the added use of herbs and dried tomatoes.

We were served this next dish wrapped up in a thin sheet of plastic. Yes, the Homemade Squid Ink Tagliatelle (S$32) is skillfully prepared in the hands of chef as he tosses this pasta dish into the oven for a couple of minutes before serving to bring out the robust flavours.

Adding an oomph to this marvellous pasta dish are the plump and juicy mussels and an assortment of other fresh Sardinian seafood.

It is hard to come by really good risotto in Singapore as many restaurants here do not use the correct grains to cook the dish, or simply fare poorly in execution. Thankfully, the Porcini Mushroom Risotto Superfino Acquerello (S$28) here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante exceeded our expectations.

Chef uses the Superfino Acquerello grains in this risotto dish and it is a high quality grain prized for producing the best risotto dishes. The porcini mushrooms and thyme also enhanced the flavours of the dish.

Served flambéed, the Oven Baked Sea Bass in Salt (S$48/600g, S$56/700g, S$64/800g) produced the most tender and juicy flesh. As the fish was baked in salt, the inner ‘meat’ of the sea bass has absorbed a great part of it, making it good to eat even on its own.

We were served the sea bass with a tangy squeeze of lemon, some fresh vegetables and delicious dried tomatoes; they all make great companions to the fish.

If red meats are your go-to choice for a hearty (or romantic) dinner here at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, the Oven-Baked Lamb Rack (S$45) or the Sliced Beef Tenderloin (S$45) should be your top picks.

Cooked to a perfect medium pink, the lamb rack is served with a smooth dollop of mashed potatoes, pearl onions and a rich prune sauce that has been reduced overnight to bring out the most intensive flavours to complement the meat.

For steak lovers, a guaranteed satisfying meal will be made better with the sliced tenderloin; cooked to your preferred doneness, of course. The steak is sliced up for easier consumption and served alongside roasted potatoes and fresh or grilled vegetables.

What makes a good suckling pig? A crisp skin outer layer with flavourful and tender meat inside. This is exactly what Chef Depalmas brought to the table with an Italian spin to this classic dish. And you bet we fell head over heels in love.

The Slow Cooked Sardinian Style Suckling Pig (S$46) is roasted for several hours at a specific temperature of 70 degree Celsius to produce fork-tender meat and a divine crisp to the skin. Served with a sweet berry compote to balance out the salty-rich flavours of the pork, we couldn’t help but believe that we must have done something so darn right in our past lives to be able to enjoy such a heavenly suckling pig.

Every good meal must end with an equally or even better tasting dessert. Chef puts in the same amount of love and care into his savoury dishes and sweet desserts, hence producing incredibly decadent desserts that you will polish off even if you were already ‘full’ from your mains.

Chef Depalmas’ Alkaff Mansion Tiramisu (S$14) is a simple dish but done the traditional and authentic way without any addition of cream – only light and premium mascarpone cheese. The added acidity of the fruits and berries adds dimensions to this otherwise light dessert.

The clear winner of the desserts is none other than the Fresh Mint Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries and Raspberry Sauce (S$14). The Panna Cotta itself was as wobbly as a good Panna Cotta should be, and the fragrance of the mint was refreshing without being over-powering. This is a nice palate cleanser for your hearty meal.

It was a really splendid experience at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante, and one that we will not soon forget. It is little wonder this place is so popular among couples for wedding ceremonies and dinners, and yes, it is an ideal romantic dining location indeed.

For the latest updates, go to www.alkaff.com.sg, like Alkaff Mansion Ristorante on Facebook and Instagram.

Alkaff Mansion Ristorante
10 Telok Blangah Green
Singapore 109178
Reservations: +65 6510 3068
Events: +65 6510 1010
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3.00pm, 6pm – 11.00pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 3.00pm, 6pm – 11.00pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront or Telok Blangah

This post is brought to you by Alkaff Mansion Ristorante.

Il Cielo is located on the 24th floor of Hilton Singapore, right beside the pool. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is very small, cosy and intimate. I also like the fact that the Italian restaurant is very focused. They only have a few dishes under each category of the menu – because they pride themselves on the quality and standard of every item.

We started our meal with a fantastic Homemade Buffalo Milk Burrata ($38) with heirloom tomatoes and Pan Seared Foie Gras ($32). If you are a fan of this dish, you must order it at Il Cielo. The foie gras, served with white polenta and vin santo reduction, also got a thumbs up from us.

For main courses, we had the Homemade Carbonara Tagliatelle ($48) with fresh shaved truffle – a special dish on the white Alba truffle seasonal menu – and a Porcini and Blueberry Risotto ($28).

The pasta while good, was unremarkable. But what made it special, was the use of freshly shaved white Alba truffle which gave it flavour and depth.

The Risotto Porcini and Blueberry Risotto was very good. Every bite was better than the previous one, and before we knew it, we had pretty much scraped the plate clean.

Before having the second main course, we were served a Raspberry Sorbet – with a drop of vodka and ginger – as a palate cleanser. After which, we proceeded with the main courses: a beautiful Oven-baked Whole Seabass ($75) and Grilled Veal Chop ($55). I am usually a meat person, but the Seabass won me over completely. It was so good that I did not pay much attention to the veal chop. We could not get over how fresh and sweet the fish was.

To end the meal, we had Tiramisu ($18) and Dark Chocolate Souffle ($18) served with spicy vanilla ice cream.

We were there a few months ago, so they might have changed some of the items on the menu. A meal at Il Cielo is without a doubt, expensive. It is not a place where everyone can come on a regular basis. But it is worth splurging for a special occasion because you will be satisfied with the exceptional food and service.

Il Cielo
581 Orchard Road
Level 24 Hilton Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6730 3395
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 7pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting

For more recommendations, read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Singapore has no shortage of good Italian restaurants, but it is not easy to find a pocket-friendly option. After having dinner at Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria at Duxton Road, I am happy to share that it is one of the places you should check out for pizzas and pastas.

Etna has a fairly large menu. For starters, you would be tempted by the popular antipasti ($18-24) like carpaccio di manzo, prosciutto e melon. They have pastas ($18-24) like linguine al granchio, gnocchi, and carbonara, while pizzas ($18-26) like margherita, frutti di mare and parmigiana are also available on the menu. Main courses ($26-64) such as the 600g bistecca alla fiorentina, and osso buco, are also very appealing.

For starters, we had burrata, and it was followed by the signature Etna pizza. Both dishes were good, and I’d definitely recommend them if you are dining at Etna Italian Restaurant.

Next, we had the risotto porcini ($23) which was slightly disappointing. A good risotto is smooth and creamy, with the rice having the perfect texture. But the one that we had did not meet expectations. I definitely have had better risottos before.

Luckily, the taglierini al nero di seppia ($24) was good. It was flavourful and cooked to the right consistency – not too wet, not too dry. If you have always wanted to try squid ink pasta, this is a good place to start.

The merest mention of the word “tiramisu’ can turn my head, and not surprisingly, we had it. We did not know what to make of Etna’s tiramisu with pistachio flavour ($10). On one hand, it was a good cake – something that you will finish on your own; on the other, it was lacking in terms of the flavour of liqueur and coffee. We also had the Etna lava cake ($10), and while I liked it, frankly, I was not overwhelmed.

All in all, the food at Etna at Duxton Road is decent enough for me to return when I want a reliable and hearty Italian meal.

Etna Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
49/50 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6220 5513
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10:30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

For more recommendations, please read my list of best Italian restaurants in Singapore

Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant at Craig Road has been in the local scene for a long time. I’ve been told that they are worth a visit by many friends, but it took me until now to go there. I guess it’s better late than never, and I am really happy to tell you that it has joined the ranks of my favourite Italian restaurants in Singapore.

It is a great place with a homely vibe. The lighting is dim and romantic, and the wall adornments give the restaurant a personal touch. The staff is equally well trained; friendly without being too intrusive, and they are very familiar with the offerings.

The menu at Pasta Brava restaurant is divided into appetisers, salads, soups, pasta dishes, rice dishes, main dishes (fish), main dishes (meat) and desserts – with average price of each dish between $19-23 for the pasta/risotto, and $25-40 for the main dishes.

We were feeling greedy, so we chose to forego the antipasti and share an additional main course instead.

Amongst the three pasta/risotto that we had, my favourite was the Linguine Regina Del Mare ($23). It was savoury and sweet and filled with luxurious seafood like prawns, clams, scallops, squid, and crayfish. Easily one of the better Italian pastas that I’ve had recently.

The Stracci Ai Gamberi E Capesante ($23), on the other hand, was average. Whilst the thin pieces of fresh pasta were good, the Saffron cream sauce was too overwhelming.

They have only three risotto on the menu (mushroom, squid ink and mixed vegetables) and we were very tempted by the seafood and squid ink version.

Eventually, we decided to play it safe and go for the mushroom risotto. Our choice was right as the Risotto Al Funghi Porcini ($23) proved to be very good. Rich yet not overpowering, moist yet not soggy, every grain of the arborio rice was flavourful and oh so delicious.

The Tagliata Di Manzo Stile Toscano ($34), highly recommended by the staff, was fantastic! It was essentially thin slices of grilled beef sirloin with herbs, rocket leaves and parmesan flakes.

I was not expecting much from it when the waiter brought the dish to our table. It was only when my friends took a bite and let out a satisfied sigh, then I realised what I was missing out (I was busy with the seafood linguine).

We enjoyed it tremendously, you MUST order this if you go to Pasta Brava.

Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant is not exactly very big, and when it’s crowded (especially during Friday and weekends), it can get quite noisy. Reservations are highly recommended. The prices here are what you’d expect from a good Italian restaurant, but the food here is definitely better than most. It is simple, hearty and very tasty.

For more recommendations, read my list of Italian Restaurants in Singapore

Singapore Food Blog Review
Pasta Brava Italian Restaurant
11 Craig Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6227 7550

Operating Hours:
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm
6.30pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sun & PH)

Featured in

icon-29

Located at Chip Bee Gardens, Chez Petit Salut is the sister restaurant of Au Petite Salut, and it is a great option for causal dining if you are craving for French food.

Like the main restaurant at Dempsey road, the French bistro offers two different set lunches: 3 course set lunch at $30++.

We had two normal 3 course set lunches and for starters, we had the Salmon Tartar, which was light and refreshing – the perfect appetiser to start our lunch. When it comes to escargot, there are typically only two reactions: a) I love it or b) eew snails are so disgusting! My lunch partner belonged to the latter camp, and refused to touch the escargot so I had everything to myself.

It took us a while to choose the main course. You could have the excellent Onglet Beef with French Mustard Jus and mashed potatoes, or the Penne pasta with roasted vegetables, or the catch of the day. It is impossible to not be tempted by the Chicken Leg Confit and the Braised Lamb Shoulder, and it’s hard to say no to my favourite Mushroom Risotto.

We eventually settled on the Mushroom Risotto and the Catch of the day which was an Escolar. The fish was very fresh and well-cooked, it fell apart nicely when we teased it with a fork. The portion was quite small for guys, but it is probably just nice if you don’t want to fall asleep in the office after lunch.

As much as I love risotto, I’d usually avoid this dish when it comes to choosing a main course for set lunches. It seems a little silly to choose risotto when there are meat and seafood on the menu. But I was glad that I ordered Chez Petit Salut’s Mixed Mushroom Risotto with light cream emulsion and Parmesan Cheese. It was rich, and creamy: thick flavourful rice done al dente, with the earthiness of the fresh mushrooms giving it an additional flavour.

I think this is easily one of the best risotto that I had before.

Amongst the six desserts available on Chez Petit Salut’s set lunch menu, we didn’t want the Fresh Fruit Salad, Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, and Financer with chantilly cream, so it left us to choose two desserts between the classic Creme Brulee, Choux Buns and Homemade Cheesecake.

We agreed that the Gateau au Fromage Blanc was too good to miss, and since I had Au Petit Salut’s creme brulee before, we went for the Choux Buns with vanilla ice cream.

Filled with vanilla ice cream and glazed with a sweet and thick coating of chocolate sauce, the choux buns were gone before you could pronounce profiteroles. While they were not fantastic, we wanted to end the meal on a sugar high, and the Choux Buns did just that.

The Homemade Cheesecake was accompanied by a mixture of fruits, a delightful end to a great lunch at Chez Petit Salut.

For more recommendations, read my list of French Restaurants in Singapore

Chez Petit Salut
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-54
Chip Bee Gardens Singapore
Tel: +65 6474 9788
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

If you have been hanging around my food blog for some time, you’d know that I don’t usually eat in shopping malls, or restaurant chains for that matter of fact. The reason is not because I have an exquiste taste-bud, but rather I believe in finding unique cafes that serve better food at the same price.

I have been to Cedele Bakery Depot a couple of times before, but only for desserts. Just in case you have never heard of them. there are four Cedele all day dining restaurants, fourteen Cedele cafe and two standalone bakeries in Singapore. To be honest, I was quite skeptical when I first knew that Cedele restaurants serve main courses and pasta.

I was at Raffles City Shopping Mall over the weekends, and as much as I like the place — most of the restaurants there don’t really appeal to me. We finally settled on Cedele restaurant as it was relatively quiet.

After a quick glance, I was sorely tempted to order the eggs from Cedele’s All Day Breakfast menu (YES they served all day breakfast!), but decided to go with the Red Chili Crab Pasta ($16.90) instead.

It was a clever play on the famous Singapore dish. Sitting smugly on top of the pasta, the tiny soft shell crab was crisp and full of bite. But I didn’t really pay much attention to it. I was engrossed with how the linguine entangled itself with the sweet and tangy sauce, tossed with strands of crab meat.

Granted, the risotto (you mean that ugly-looking thing in the photo is a risotto?) won’t win any awards for aesthetic value, but don’t judge it too quickly. I don’t know about you, but whenever someone mentions about seafood pasta; a picture of us sitting by the beach enjoying a luxurious seafood feast always come to mind.

In every way, Cedele’s Red Seafood Risotto ($16.90) was close. It came with a generous spread of mussels, prawn and seared white fish. The risotto was slightly wetter, and it had an intense tomato flavor which I thoroughly enjoyed. Somebody preferred risotto that is drier but this one works fine for me.

* * *

If you are there for dinner, remember to check out Cedele’s carrot cake for dessert.

Restaurant Review
Cedele Bakery Cafe & Restaurant
391 Orchard Road
#B1-37 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6235 2380

501 Orchard Road #03-14
Wheelock Place Singapore
Tel: +65 6732 8520

1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-01/02
Great World City Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 1426

252 North Bridge Road #03-28A
Raffles City Shopping Centre Singapore
Tel: +65 6337 8017

Featured in

icon-7

* * * Now closed * * *

My fourth, her third, another’s second, and many others first. Our common love for food. That’s how it all began. At the heart of East-Meet-West. Persimmon.

Kopitiam, the symbolic of our local heartlands. The place where everybody grew up sipping their milo & coffee, where everybody settled their three meals when their mother was on strike, and the gateway to many delicious heritage hawker food.

Persimmon is quintessentially a swanky and upmarket kopitiam, retaining the traditional feel by using the classic kopitiam furnitures and floor tiles. The furnishings were a combination between comtemporary and rustic. And not to mention her location is right in the middle of Tiong Bahru, with the shophouses and kopitiam lining side by side.

Choices of desserts pick from a la carte buffet. Bread pudding, carrot cake, mango pudding, panna cotta, chocolate mousse. For the discerning us, perhaps only the carrot cake made the cut.

The kong ba bao (stewed pork belly) was way off my radar. The bun was hard and dry, the meat was not fatty enough, and lacked the delicious gravy. And oh ya, it wasn’t part of our menu, but was under the a la carte buffet offered.

Inspired by NoSignBoard white pepper crab, Persimmon white pepper Crabcake is all about that. Enjoyed the white pepper “crab”, no doubt in the form of crabcake, without any hassle. Under the sunny weather, the crab was toned prefectly brown, with a crisp-cross shell, and savoury meat within. Adiós

The crown of Persimmon. Hainanese Chicken Salad. Featured in almost all the media publications, there isn’t any excuse for you to miss this dish. The concept is simple, Singaporeans loved their chicken rice, but dreaded the calories. So what do you do? Remove the rice, throw in some greens, and voila! Singapore’s very own Hainanese chicken salad. Poach chicken, fresh local herbs & mesclun greens, rise crisps, and special dressing.

Tomato base pasta? Boring! How about our rich cream base instead? I hate cream! Right, why not try our Linguine laksa leaf Pesto? Specially created for your exquisite taste buds, the laksa infused linguine will definitely blow you away with its unique taste. Think laksa, but swop the thick rice noodles with pasta. Some felt that the laksa leaf was too heavy and overwhelm the whole dish. On the other hand, i thought the pasta was perfectly fine. Innovative with a big I.

Mixed blonds (fusion) are interesting in some ways, and the 8 treasures certainly roused my curiosity. Three mushrooms, two nuts, chinese sausage, parmesan cheese and risotto. What happens when Italian Risotto combine with the 8 treasures? You get the 8 treasure Risotto! The intial impression was Glutinous rice, but it was way better. I need to be honest, i couldn’t taste all of you. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter, you are all mine!

Staying true with the principle of fusion food, we have the European-style steak meeting heads on with our Asian carrot cake. The grilled ribeye with “chye tao kueh” carrot cake is bound to make your eyes popped out. The carrot cake was fried with XO and balsamic, with the latter providing a sour taste. A vast contrast with the steak. Not everyone could accepted sour carrot cake with steak though. Aspiring combination, but somehow failed to sizzle with the seemingly weird taste.

Eaten alone, the Slow poached salmon with zuchinni ribbons didn’t come as tender as we thought it will. But dipped in the green curry sauce, the fish went through a make-over in the taste department. There was cucumbers used in the green curry, which caught my attention. Like what one of our fellow friend say, when you don’t understand, just say “fusion!”

Our humble Otak is given a upmarket transformation by going créme brulée. With richly flavoured spicy kaffir lime & coconut used as the main ingredients, there was fish mousse hidden beneath the otak. The otak creme brulee is a very creative fusion dish indeed, but the experiement could perhaps be better. Some of us found the otak to be too watery, and maybe it’s meant to be this way. But is créme brulée ever so soggy?

There was a slight tweak to the menu compared to the one i previously shown. And the cost per person was 20 dollar nett, which everybody agreed was a reasonable price given we managed to try a variety of food. I hope everybody enjoyed their meal, and see you all at the next LIC food outing! We had 27 people for this outing, which was quite a healthy figure.

Well, like what some of you mentioned, it was a case of hits and misses, fusion food is pretty much an experiment between the Asian and Western cuisines, and it was certainly interesting to try some food which we’ll never get to try elsewhere.

And not to forget, LIC outing is all about the fun, joy and laughter during the event, and getting to know more friends. I’ll also like to take the opportunity to thank Helena and Sharon, the co-owners of Persimmon for having us there.

Do add me on facebook, if you missed the links earlier.

Read Jaime-la-nourriture chinese post on the outing here

For those who missed this Persimmon outing, you can get the best discounts when you mentioned ladyironchef while you are at Persimmon. So do go down and give the fusion food a try.