Trattoria L'Ancora

When the travel buddy got me to choose a lunch place, I turned up with only two options ten minutes later - pizza or pasta? With a raised eyebrow (he didn't have much of a choice on the cuisine clearly) he chose the latter, and we were off to Trattoria L'Ancora along Bukit Timah Road.

Complimentary Bread


L'Ancora's bread were simple but good. No one can really go wrong with warmly toasted focaccia bread, while the lightly flavoured and thin pizza-like slices were just as welcomed.

Calamari Fritti


At $24.90++, the lunch set (available on weekends as well) was quite a steal. My pick of the Calamari Fritti from the small range of appetisers on the set menu was just the way I wanted it to be - crisp, light batter and slightly chewy. The calamari went well with the mildly spicy Arrabiata sauce served on the side too.

Zuppa di Funghi


The travel buddy crossed out the bruschetta, garden salad and sautéed clams and went for the simple mushroom soup, the Zuppa di Funghi. I think he found it a tad too diluted and would have preferred it thicker.

Spaghetti Ai Frutte Di Mare


No surprises, I went for my all-time favourite. The Spaghetti Ai Frutte Di Mare was delicious, and what really stood out was the flavourful and adequately thick homemade tomato sauce. The fresh seafood ingredients - prawns, squids and clams - are also worthy of mention. Note that the portion for the set menu is slightly smaller than if you were to order this dish à la carte, but to be honest I thought the portion was just about right given that you've already got an appetiser and dessert to accompany it.

Branzino Al Lemone


The travel buddy had the Branzino Al Lemone, an oven-baked fillet of sea bass with lemon dressing. Not a frequent fish eater (but he do swear by Nobu's miso cod), he found the sea bass a little too "fishy" in taste and smell. He was thankful for the lemon sauce that helped to make it more manageable.

Tiramisu


The waitress (and chef) so politely allowed me to make a swap on the dessert menu with the Tiramisu, and moreover at no additional cost. I liked the tiramisu, it wasn't overwhelming and had a good balance of the holy trinity of flavours - coffee, liquer and chocolate. While not mind-blowingly impressive, this was still decently good.

Panna Cotta


I used to see this as an Italian tau huay, but that surely would be trivialising one of Italy's iconic desserts, the Panna Cotta. L'Ancora's rendition of this dessert was executed well.

Coffee


And with all that enjoyed, sit back for a bit longer and enjoy that cuppa :)

Service
Very good.

Price
$24.90++ for the set lunch.

Place
789 Bukit Timah Road.
After HCI, just before the turn to Sixth Avenue.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.

Otto Ristorante

I'm really, really glad that I've finally found the time to pay a visit to the amazing and much-raved Otto Ristorante. Located within the bright Red Dot Traffic Building along Maxwell Road, Otto is a sophisticated yet alluring Italian sanctuary with some of the best that the cuisine can possibly offer. Whether you're here for a romantic dinner or even just to have a peaceful lunch on your own, this is one charming place that would definitely please and leave you with an experience worth cherishing for the next couple of months, weeks or days - not too long before your heart begins to yearn for Otto once again like a long-lost lover. My recent affair, no matter how ephemeral, was at times a tease of the senses and in others, a heady rush of sensuous pleasures. In short, Otto Ristorante was all lovely, and nothing short of spectacular.


Bread Basket


While some have written about their Bread Basket arriving cold, or others delivered from a tray, mine came warm and wrapped like a newborn. The assortment of breads was quite simply a delight to behold, and I savoured the first taste of each of them like an excited baby new to ice-cream. Without a care for the world (or tight pants for that matter), I took my time to enjoy each and every one of them, from the fragrant foccacia, to the soft, supple sweet onions bread, to the light baguette slices, and to the sweet, cranberry-speckled buns.


Amuse-Bouche


The Amuse-Bouche came in a spoonful of stewed mushrooms topped with cheese shavings, and it succeeded in whetting my appetite for a good whole fifteen seconds before I returned to more of the fluffy bread slices in the basket. It did not amuse as it was expected to, but this was after all the vegetarian option to the actual roasted pork belly hors d'œuvre that was served to the other diners. As some would say, appreciate it for being beautifully imperfect.


Baccala' alla Vicentina con Polenta Soffice
Vicentina Style Baked Cod with Soft Polenta


If the bread basket was love at first sight, the Baccala' Alla Vicentina Con Polenta Soffice was akin to a first kiss. Small, perhaps guarded, advances on the almost mashed cod pieces and smooth polenta were greeted with a certain amount of delight and curiosity. You go in for more, letting the flavours trickle through your grateful tastebuds. The baked cod, even when in such small pieces, somehow managed to retain some firmness, while the sweet polenta accompanied it deliciously. Pleasant appetiser.


Linguine all' Astice dette In Busera
Linguine Boston Lobster in Spicy Light Tomato Gravy


This was what it was all about. The Linguine all' Astice dette In Busera, one of the most famed of Otto Ristorante's dishes. All to myself only for the afternoon, with no invading forks and no need for any diplomatic pretense that I'm more than eager to let you have a try. I'm possessive, but it's only for the best.


The pasta was done to al dente perfection, in a tangy and lightly spicy tomato gravy that was nothing less than addictive. This is as good as pasta can get, be it here in Singapore or in authentic Italy. The slight hint of spiciness, possibly in an effort to appeal to the local clientele, blended perfectly well and worked wonders.


The generous serving of lobster meat wrapped it all up nicely. Firm and juicy to the bite, it bore the marks of freshness and quality. Well worth the price I was paying for, which to be honest is nothing compared to the gastronomic experience I was entitled to. Simply lovely.


Crema alla Catalana con Frutti di Bosco Marinati al Vincotto
Haitian Crème Brûlée served with Vincotto Marinated Berries


I'm in love, and not just because this is something pretty and alluring. I've not tasted anything better than this really, not in a long mile. The Crema alla Catalana con Frutti di Bosco Marinati al Vincotto is a sugar and dessert person's dream, a crème brûlée done to immaculate perfection from the thin, firm and crisp caramel layer down to the smooth and sweet vanilla custard. I loved it served in a wider pan as compared to a slightly deeper ramekin because it paired the caramel layer more evenly with the custard; as such, each spoonful was guaranteed a little of both.


Some of the best things do come in pairs, as was the crème brûlée here with its perfect accompaniment of fairly sour vincotto-marinated berries. This was pure love again and again and again, and I dare say I love this more than anyone else.


Cappuccino


As the hands of the clock wound down, we started to say our goodbyes, but not without promising that we will meet again soon. The affair, though short, ended on a heart-warming, even calming, note, the same way a smooth cup of good Cappuccino would warm you up inside. The froth, diaphanous and almost fluffy, was sweet from the added spoonful of sugar. A sweet ending, a happy ending.

It has been quite a while, but I'm delighted to have finally found another meal that scored flawlessly in all courses and areas. Service here was impeccable as well, and the timing in delivery was just about right. The ambience (I had a side room which only seated four separate tables, so there was some measure of peace and privacy) was good, and I am sure it would be even better in the evenings. Perfect for that special date.

This experience was mine, and mine alone to cherish. I do know that some would be bursting to share even their personal relationships with the chef or manager (I've heard one too many), but leave those for elsewhere and let's just concentrate on the food instead - because they are all worth an encore really. For those of you who have not been to Otto Ristorante as yet, I hope you do! :)

Because being in love is such a wonderful feeling after all.

Service
Impeccable.

Price
$26 for the Vicentina Style Baked Cod with Soft Polenta
$38 for the Linguine Boston Lobster in Spicy Light Tomato Gravy
$14 for the Haitian Crème Brûlée served with Vincotto Marinated Berries
$7 for a cup of Cappuccino

* Prices subject to the the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.
** Citibank Platinum Cardmembers and above get 15% off on ala carte food bill.

Place
28 Maxwell Road, #01-02
Red Dot Traffic Building.
For Otto Ristorante's website, click here.

Pictures taken with the Apple iPhone 4.

Milan, Italy: Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala [2M*]

Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala is the pride and joy of the Trussardi Group of fine dining and fashion, having been awarded two Michelin stars in the short span of just two consecutive years. There must be something special about this place that has sparked its inspiring rise towards culinary greatness, and it was only fitting that I find it out myself while living the high life in Milan.


Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala is helmed by the talented Chef Andrea Berton. While towering over his kitchen staff and me (and basically everyone else in the restaurant), his charming smile and affable personality was something that warmed up the atmosphere immediately. This is the "friendly giant" who seemed very delighted indeed to have some foreign company in his humble abode. Singapore of course is nothing exactly "foreign" to him, as he had only just returned from the World Gourmet Summit that was held in... Singapore.


The setting here is modern and elegant, but also not over the top. I especially like the way the tables are spread out so much so that you get to have your own space and privacy to enjoy your food. I managed to get a table with a view of the Piazza Della Scala, and while it is nothing spectacular, it does has its own aura of serenity that completely sets you at ease. Perfect.


In some ways this was like a dinner to celebrate. The trip had turned out really well and we were on to the final couple of days in dear Italy. What better way to wrap things up than with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Moreover it did not turn out to be as expensive as I thought it would be, and it was not even close to what I was spending splurging on the designer brands anyway. Money well spent, that's what I would say.


We got the Blanc de Blancs Brut 1995 champagne to start us off for the night. I'm no wine or champagne expert but there's definitely a good balance to this Blanc de Blancs and it didn't come off as overpowering in any way. We delighted ourselves in the colourful Crackers as well, almost like surprised but happy children.


The Seaweed Spaghetti with Anchovy is not something I would want to remember, but I still can and I still do. This was a cold appetiser that slid down my throat uncomfortably, and I have to admit I couldn't appreciate this as much as I probably should. Acquired taste perhaps, but it did leave a fishy aftertaste that got me reaching for more champagne.


It's a good thing that the Breaded Cod Fish Breadstick that came after that was much more delicious. It's terribly simple no doubt, but the fresh breaded fish inside was really something quite special. This was a good add-on to the freshly baked and soft breads that were being served throughout the meal.


The appetiser of Grilled Scallops, Ginger Marshmallow, Cream of Coral and Lime with Crispy Peanuts was very unique and in a league of its own. No one would have expected such a medley of well-seared scallops, ginger marshmallow and cream of lime to go so well together, but that's what makes Chef Berton so creative and talented indeed.


I loved my main, I think it came straight from heaven. The Roast Breast and Braised Leg of Nantaise Duck was superbly divine, with such unrivaled tenderness that's almost unbelievable. I patiently savoured every single forkful of the duck and secretly wished the portion wasn't all that small. It's what some may call a little piece of heaven, and here I had three little ones all to myself. Hurriedly taken pictures cannot express even a hundredth of the happiness that I was feeling.


On a choice between vegetables and potatoes, it's a definite no-brainer on what I would ask for. I wished I could have more of the lovely rosemary potatoes from Cafe Trussardi, but the Fried Patate came out quite delicious as well and it was not surprising that my limited generosity only went as far as offering the travel buddy a single piece out of this delightful lattice.


Still, it was good to see the travel buddy enjoying his Black Cod with Saffron Sauce, Red Wine and Jerusalem Artichokes with such relish. He was full of compliments for the fresh and firm black cod, and insisted that I put it on record that it was "just amazing". So there you go.


The mini-desserts thereafter just kept coming, compliments of the gracious chef. First up is the Passionfruit Cake and Ginger Sorbet in Earl Grey Reduction, which was small but flavourful beyond our expectations.


The small tray of sweets was equally interesting, with ordinary gummies and peanuts placed beside absolutely heavenly White Chocolate Macarons and Italian Pistachios with Dark Chocolate.


This was a personal favourite. Earl Grey Chocolates that would wow any chocolate lover with a wonderful combination of quality tea and milk chocolate.


And, for something Asian, here's some Green Tea Walnuts for you to munch on.


We're not done yet, because here's something really unique and special. The Cosmopolitan on the Rocks brings shooters to a new level, as the popular alcoholic shooter comes on a bed of ice and is encased in a fragile chocolate shell. Put it in your mouth gently (and close it please!) and bite... The next few seconds would be quite indescribable. A rush to your head, that brief moment of euphoria, that momentary high... WOW.


For all that creativity from the kitchen we thought it would only be right to order more. My dessert of White Meringue with Hazelnut Chocolate, Crispy Vanilla Bread and Rhubarb Ice Cream was nothing short of impressive. The hazelnut chocolate within the meringue was delicious, the crispy vanilla bread was sweet from the crisp layer of caramel, while the rhubarb ice cream was unique, light and tastefully sour. Lovely.


The travel buddy's Creamy Tiramisu in a Glass was very unique too, and certainly not something you would expect of your typical and traditional Tiramisu. Not spectacular but still refreshingly different.

All-in-all, full marks for Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala :)

Service
Excellent. Flawless.

Price
About €170 per person.

Place
Piazza della Scala, 5,
Milan, Italy.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.

The Dunearn @ NUSS BTGH II

Not too long ago this blog won the NUSS Bukit Timah Guild House (BTGH) blogging contest (you can read the winning entry here) and the prize was a five-course Harvest Carte set for two and a bottle of wine, worth $180. Without much hesitation I had asked Ms Val along to be the dining partner for the night, and I am glad she enjoyed it as much as I did :)

Complimentary Bread


The wonderfully aromatic and delicious bread was still the same as it was the first time I ate it. Arriving warm and well toasted, this is a guaranteed table pleaser.

Crispy Oysters on a bed of Green Mango with Spiced Lime Granite


Like how the commentators of a F1 race would describe it, we were off to a flying start indeed. Crispy Oysters cooked to perfection and done nicely for anyone concerned about having too much of that "raw" taste in their mouth. If that is not enough, the Thai sweet chilli served in a shot glass made it even more appetising.

Flamed Wagyu Carpaccio with Truffle Shoyu & French Shallot


Ms Val's Wagyu Carpaccio delighted her quite a bit, as she commented that the truffle shoyu complemented the thinly-sliced, medium-rare wagyu perfectly. I had a generous forkful of it and I thought it tasted really good and fresh.

Scallop and Mud Crab Broth


If there's one downside of the otherwise fantabulous dinner, it would have to be the Scallop and Mud Crab Broth. It turned out far too diluted and oily for anyone's liking and thus didn't have much (if any) of a richness or heartiness to it. The scallop was overdone as well, while the crabmeat was... negligible. Still, being the loyalist that I am, I had faith that the main courses would be much better.

Duck Confit with Orange & Carrot Puree with Mesclun Salad & Balsamic Dressing



And much better it was! I liked my Duck Confit quite a lot, it had a good balance of a crisp outer layer (delicious cracklings yums) and moist and tender meat underneath. Of course, it is admittedly not the best out there as it is, with contenders from places like The French Kitchen and Black Sheep Cafe, but nevertheless I was satisfied enough. The orange and carrot puree was a very good complement by the way.

Oven Baked Chilean Cod with Blue Ginger Red Wine Sauce & Almond Rice Ball


For a change, let's not hear what I have to say, but let's hear it from the lady herself:

"I had a hard time when it came to choosing my main. But I eventually settled for ladies’ favourite dish – Oven Baked Chilean Cod. Ooo baby, I love this absolutely and wholeheartedly. This oily fish was executed excellently; tender and juicy flesh was so sweet and moist. I love the slightly charred area, giving it a nice smoky taste. Look at the thick layer of crispy fish skin. Sinfully delicious. I managed to take a small nibble of it as I’m not a fan of fish skin. And I love the accompanying almond rice ball by the side too. - I’m totally sold."

Well, glad she liked it :)

Hazelnut Royaltine with Mixed Berries and Strawberry Gelato


Of course, if the both of us had to choose our top favourite for the night, it would have to be this, the Hazelnut Royaltine - the thick hazelnut feuilletine was so good and the equally thick and quality chocolate was heavenly. I dare say this dessert rivals, if not trumps as well, its closest counterparts at Hilton's Checkers Deli or 1 Caramel. It gets even better with the sour berries and sweet gelato. The problem? This was just a "dessert of the month" special that we had substituted with our set's cheese platter! I can only think of one solution: Add this to the permament menu please! And yes, I agree with Ms Val: we loved every single mouthful of this...

Warm Molten Chocolate with White Ganache served with Vanilla Ice Cream



In comparison then, my Warm Molten Chocolate Cake couldn't entice or excite me as much as the Hazelnut Royaltine did. Whilst creative in using white ganache, and no doubt it tasted pretty nice, but the thick flow just wasn't there and instead it was more of a liquid gush that had problems matching the cake completely.

Phyllo Apple with Cinnamon Dust & Vanilla Gelato


I liked the Phyllo Apple quite a bit because of its crispiness and sweetness, but of course this again paled in comparison to the dinner favourite Hazelnut Royaltine.

Overall, a very good dinner. Thank you Ms Val for the lovely company! :)


Service
Very good. There were admittedly a few problems at the start because the restaurant refused to change our cheese platters (included in the set) to another dessert of our choice because I was using a voucher. I refused to accept such a policy because the voucher said we were entitled to the set and nothing more, or less. Thankfully, a compromise was made and we got the dessert from the month's set menu, and it turned out to be the best dish of the night.

Place
1F Cluny Road, NUSS Bukit Timah Guild House.
Situated within the NUS Bukit Timah Campus.

Additional Comment
The Chilean Chardonnay wine which was included in the prize is quite good quality wine too.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.