Pete's Place is the first of a mini three-post series on Grand Hyatt, and it was also the location of choice for one of my weekly dinner affairs with the dinner buddy Glenn. I like the homely, cosy feel of Pete's Place, it certainly isn't as pretentious as some of the other Italian (fine-dining) restaurants, and there's a certain rustic atmosphere all around that I find most pleasing. If there's a particular type of Italian restaurant that I would be looking for during my graduation trip to Italy in May, this would definitely be it.
Frittura di Calamari e Baccala, Mayonese al Limone ed Aglio
Fried Squid and Codfish with Lemon Aioli
Hungry Glenn ordered this as an appetiser but I was too full from lunch and teatime that I could only allow myself a couple of calamari rings. I found them alright, nothing to shout about and fairly decent. I didn't take a picture of the complimentary bread bar with its assortment of breads, though my complaint would be that most of the breads turned out to be a tad cold and tough on the outside. Maybe it's for jaw exercise before the main course.
Cioppino
Spaghetti with Half Lobster, Scallops, Clams, Prawns and Crabmeat in Tomato Sauce
As I read the description for the Cioppino on the menu, it sounded almost too good to be true and got me so hungry. And when it arrived, I almost squealed with delight, but I kept my composure and tried to take a couple of pictures, holding myself back all the while from going straight for that delightful-looking plate of pasta. Generous portion of seafood ingredients indeed, with a meaty half lobster and a few big and juicy tiger prawns and scallops. Probably one of the best seafood pastas that I've ever had so far.
Veal Ravioli
Glenn had the day's special, a serving of veal ravioli that was certainly more filling than it looked. He seemed to enjoy it quite a lot.
Tiramisu
Savioli biscuit soaked in espresso and mascarpone cream
The both of us shared this, terribly "romantic" as it is, but good food is meant to be enjoyed and hey this was really quite good stuff. Sure, it doesn't have that heady alcholic "kick" as the one offered by Prelude at Fullerton's Boathouse, but this is somewhat of a more traditional rendition of the classic tiramisu that I particularly like. Admittedly, I've not had too many tiramisus to know what would make a superb one, but this still satisfied with a good balance and layering of sponge, cream, espresso and a (very) light hint of liquer.
Service
Very good, attentive and friendly.
Price
$18 for the frittura di calamari e baccala, mayonese al limone ed aglio
$38 for the cioppino
$30 for the veal ravioli
$10 for the tiramisu
* Prices subject to the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.
Place
Grand Hyatt Singapore, Basement.
Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.
13 Foodie Comments:
Oh we meant to visit Pete's Place last Christmas, but all seats were fully booked.
February 23, 2010 at 8:14 PMThat Cioppino looks super tantalising! I'm a huge fan of lobsters, and the most affordable one I've found so far is at Maritime House.
Hey Veron :)
February 23, 2010 at 8:21 PMIt's a nice cosy place indeed. Half lobster, about three large tiger prawns and juicy scallops. Crabmeat all around.
I remember that Maritime post, I'm reading it right now! Thanks for reminding me about it, I should visit it soon! :)
Layers of flavour in that tiramisu! I must make it a point to try it soon! :D
February 23, 2010 at 8:36 PMYeah, I see layers, PASS.
February 23, 2010 at 8:36 PMHaha :)
you should've tried their salads! best in town...maybe it'll convert you~
February 23, 2010 at 10:19 PMsalads?! no no, unless its kale royale ;)
February 23, 2010 at 10:49 PMMy last visit to Pete's was more than 10 years? ago hah. And yes I remember that awesome cioppino. Certainly the best seafood pasta... in those times.
February 24, 2010 at 7:12 AMTiramisu seems to have changed in presentation.
And you forgot to add, "the secret rendezvous partner Glenn"...
February 24, 2010 at 7:39 AMI said "dinner buddy", which he is so much more than "the secret rendezvous partner"! Haha
February 24, 2010 at 10:34 AM*sssh*
February 24, 2010 at 2:45 PMhahahaha! but yes i was surprised to see that their tiramisu had changed in appearence. hyatt had a new exec. chef recently, so perhaps he did some tweaking to the menu? (According to the waiter, the menu was revamped slightly in Nov 09)
that is correct. according to the menu i have, it's dated wef 25 nov 2009.
February 24, 2010 at 2:46 PMI like the Cioppino too but I usually irritate the chef by asking for an aglio olio version instead :P go try if u don't mind a non-tomato based sauce!
February 24, 2010 at 9:22 PMoh they do an aglio olio version? sounds interesting, and ya, i like the clear version too!
February 24, 2010 at 10:55 PMPost a Comment