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.

Alfresco Gusto

Facing Wheelock Place along Scotts Road is Ion Orchard's new Alfresco Gusto, previously known as Gusttimo di Roma and now back with a revamped menu. On the side Gusttimo's gelato bar is still up and running, but I was here for one reason alone and that was to satisfy that crazy, fortnightly craving of mine - pizza.

Bolognese-fresca Mozzarella, Salsa di Ragù


While Alfresco Gusto prides itself for wood-fired grills for its steaks, pizzas on the other hand are not from a wood-fired oven but electric oven-baked. Nevertheless, the Bolognese-fresca Mozzarella, Salsa di Ragù was quite good, especially the melted cheese and minced beef parts.


The pizza here is on the thinner side and would satisfy those who like their pizzas much less fluffy (but certainly not wafer-thin like those from Skinny Pizza). Good enough for lunch :)

Tiramisu


The classic Tiramisu was a hit and a miss. The soaked saviordi, topped with cocoa powder, was worthy of praise as it had the good balance of sweet and bitter.


The coffee gelato on the top however was too icy and bland. Perhaps a purer scoop of vanilla gelato would have sealed the deal perfectly.

Service
Excellent. Friendly and helpful.

Price
$20 for the Bolognese-fresca Mozzarella, Salsa di Ragù pizza
$14 for the Tiramisu

* Prices subject to the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.

Place
Ion Orchard, #01-15.

Pictures taken with the Canon Ixus 80 IS.

Michaelangelo's

Michaelangelo's is a fairly popular Italian restaurant tucked along the peaceful Chip Bee Gardens lane of eateries, away from the more crowded Lorong Mambong stretch at Holland Village. So if you're looking for a quiet lunch on your own, or for an intimate dinner for two, this is one place that you could probably consider. Otherwise, maybe the sweep of Wine and Dine Top Restaurant Awards (1996 to 2010) could stir your curiosity a little more ;)

Frutti di Mare


The Frutti di Mare arrived with some measure of promise, with a fleshy slipper lobster, calamari rings, snapper fillets and mussels adorning this typical seafood pasta dish. I must add that it smelled really good too, and did wonders to get that appetite going.


On taste, it was decent, better than average but admittedly nothing to shout about. Of this "assorted seafood" genre, I would have to say that I prefer the ones from Pete's Place or Garibaldi a little more than this.

Tiramisu Tradizionale


The Tiramisu Tradizionale meanwhile was worth screaming and yelling (happily) over. This is one of the best Tiramisu that I've had in Singapore, with a very good balance of flavours and the perfect level of moisture.


The berries on the side added a tinge of sweet and sour that I appreciated quite a bit as it complemented the holy trinity of coffee, chocolate and alcohol beautifully. Really good stuff, I'm returning for more that's for sure!

Service
Very friendly and polite.

Price
$30 for the Frutti di Mare pasta
$13 for the Tiramisu Tradizionale

* Prices subject to the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.

Place
Chip Bee Gardens
Blk 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-60.

Pictures taken with the Apple iPhone 4.

Beijing, China: Cèpe @ Ritz Carlton

My love for all things Italian knows no bounds. No matter where my journeys will take me, I am sure little Italy will have a special place in my heart. On food, there is nothing pretentious about the cuisine, for what you find is something both hearty and heart-warming, and one which takes pride in delivering richness in almost intricate simplicity. It is little wonder then that even in a roast duck-filled holiday in Beijing I craved for pasta, more than I thought I should and more than I expected myself to be, and for that reason alone I found myself in one of the best places in China that could possibly satiate that intimate longing - Cèpe at Beijing Financial Street's Ritz-Carlton.


Cèpe is a modern and posh Italian restaurant which prides itself in quality food and service that one would naturally expect from The Ritz-Carlton. Its setting, sleek and classy, is also at once cosy and even romantic, and is perfect for that special occasion you've been trying to plan all along. Pure love.

Bread Basket


There is nothing more welcomed than a warm Bread Basket to whet your appetite. From the all-too-familiar fragrant foccacia to the crisp breadsticks and to the soft and supple ciabatta, these breads were quite simply a delight to have and to indulge leisurely in.

Amuse-Bouche


The Amuse-Bouche arrived in the form of a smoked amberjack atop a small bed of greens and a piece of herb-crusted bread. It was delicate and pleasant.

Zuppa di funghi porcini con castagne e rustico di ragu’ d’anatra al tartufo
Porcini mushroom soup with chestnuts


That Cèpe was named after porcini mushrooms, a traditional mainstay in Italian cooking, was no coincidence or gimmick. Chef de Cuisine Eugenio Iraci takes this ingredient seriously, and even oversees a mushroom humidor which houses a premium selection of dried and fresh mushrooms. The marks of care and quality was immediately evident from the Zuppa di Funghi Porcini, as it bore the rich flavour of the mushrooms from the very first spoonful. Thick and savoury, this soup is undoubtedly one of the best mushroom soups that I've had the honour of trying.

Linguine con astice, pomodoro fresco e basilico
Linguini with Boston lobster, fresh tomato and basil


"Sorry, what was that?" I asked puzzledly, as the well-groomed Italian manager leaned forward and suggested something in Chinese.

"Oh," he blinked, and then grinned, "Would you like to have some black pepper?"

Chuckling, I nodded and watched as he sprinkled some pepper on the pasta. When he was done, I thought it would only be gracious to address him in a way more familiar to him.

"Grazie," I smiled.

Taking an about-turn, he looked at me and laughed, "I speak to you in Chinese, and you speak to me in Italian."

"But I'm not Chinese, I mean, I'm not from China," I explained, "I'm from Singapore".

"Ah, Singapore, you come all the way here? On holiday?"

"Yes, but I'm missing Italian food... a lot." Then I added, "Been having too much Peking ducks as well."

Nodding, he smiled, "Then you must enjoy dinner tonight."

And boy, did I.


The Linguine con Astice was nothing short of amazing. It may even be possible that this is even better than Otto Ristorante's rendition of the Boston Lobster Linguine. While similarly done to al dente perfection, the pasta scored on its rich sauce which was thick, sweet and most importantly of all, authentic. And although I ordered a serving for one, it seemed to me like a whole lobster was used, but not that I'm complaining of course. Firm, juicy and fresh, the chunks of lobster were simply delicious. At one glance this dish looks simple, but each forkful was a magical weave of flavours, and pure pleasure.

Apple Crumble Tart with Vanilla Gelato

"Can I get you some dessert then?" the same Italian manager offered as he wheeled in the dessert trolley.

I paused. Desserts are always difficult.

"I can't decide between the tiramisu and the apple crumble," I admitted, "But I'm leaning towards the crumble... I think."

"Ah, the apple tart." His eyes twinkled and he made small wave at the tart as if he was a magician. "I know the best way to eat it."

I knew what was the best way I would eat it, but I wanted to be sure. "Tell me."

Clasping his hands, he said, "I'll warm it up till it's really hot, and then put a delicious scoop of cold vanilla gelato on the side."

This man knows his desserts too.

"I would love that please," I smiled.


And true enough, the Apple Crumble Tart with Vanilla Gelato turned out to be a winner. The tart was crisp on its ends but not overly crumbly, while fresh caramelised apple slices adorned its middle like priceless gems on a crown. The cold and creamy vanilla gelato, so beautifully dotted with vanilla beans, matched the hot crumble tart wonderfully.

Service

"Excuse me," I waved to the waiter, "You left out my dessert in the bill."

The Chinese waiter took a look at the bill, frowned and disappeared for a moment with it. When he returned, he was smiling, "Our manager would like you to know that desserts are on him. He hopes you liked the dessert."

"Oh, I loved it," I said, as I got up, "But please, let me see him so I can thank him personally."

In all Italian warmth and hospitality, the manager put whatever he was doing aside and shook my outstretched hand with both of his. "If you return to Beijing, please come again," he said, "And maybe, try more desserts next time."

We exchanged cards, and with all honesty I said I hoped to return to Cèpe someday. Turning the card, I looked for a name - Alberto Michieli. A true Italian gentleman indeed.

This was definitely one of my best meals of the year.

Price
110RMB for the Zuppa di Funghi Porcini
325RMB for the Linguine con Astice
90RMB for a glass of Italian white wine
60RMB for a bottle of still water

* Prices subject to 15% service charge.

Place
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Xicheng District, Beijing.

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.

Sole Pomodoro

It's true, wood-fired pizzas are really starting to make their presence felt here in Singapore. I don't think anyone is complaining of course, save for the main pizza chains who are now given a huge run for their money. I'm glad to announce that one of the new kids on the block - Sole Pomodoro - happens to be the pizzeria offshoot of the original Cugini at Club Street, which I must say already does quite a fantastic seafood pizza with an electric oven mind you.

I can't claim to be a pizza expert and I won't bore you with pizza jargon either (not that I know many anyway), but what opinions I can try to share with you are from my experiences with pizzas in Italy, particularly in its birthplace in Naples.

Provinciale
Tomato Sauce, mozzarella, olives, onions and toasted chicken


Having had the seafood pizza previously at Cugini, I ventured for its poultry counterpart in the Provinciale pizza. The pizzas here at Sole Pomodoro are fairly close to the real deal in Italy in terms of the puffy and crisp sides and smoky flavour, but the dough in general seems to be lacking quite a bit. It was too moist near the centre (an inevitable outcome given its thinness), making each slice appear pretty limp and sloppy when you hold it from the top. But all that aside, still very good pizza, though I'm sure a seafood-based one would satisfy more.

Salcciaccia e Peperoni
Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers and sausage


Random thought: Do you know the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (named after the four Italian Renaissance artists) loved peperoni pizzas (anchovies too I think)? Not sure what they would have thought about this Salcciaccia e Peperoni pizza, but we had the same little grouse that it could do with just a tiny bit more dough in the middle.

Sole Pomodoro
Mozzarella, sundried fried tomatoes, cream, potatoes, sausage and onions


With a pizza taking the name of the restaurant, you would think that the Sole Pomodoro has to be the house special. I don't think this impressed much though, but I would leave it to the person who ate this to make a comment later (Glenn, that's your cue).

All-in-all, we may not have been blown away, but I must reiterate that the pizzas here are good and amongst some of the best that I've tasted in Singapore. So quit waiting, pay this restaurant a visit soon and let me know what YOU think! :)

Service
Service was very good up till the point when I wanted to pay and mentioned this 20% discount tie-up that IeatIshootIpost has with Sole Pomodoro (just mention the blog or flash your mobile with the website on it; promo till Feb 2011). It didn't mean a big deal to me, but she was visibly irritated and told me I should have told her before I ordered. Wonder what difference that would have made - smaller pizza, or less ingredients perhaps? I've often asked if there was any credit card promotions at the point of payment and wait staffs have always been happy to oblige. Probably a slightly different system here.

Price
$24.90 for the Provinciale
$22.90 for the Salcciaccia e Peperoni
$24.90 for the Sole Pomodoro

* Prices subject to the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.

Place
12/21 Mackenzie Road #01-01
Opposite the old (but now quite funky haha!) Rex Cinema

Pictures taken with the Apple iPhone 4.

Da Paolo Pizza Bar

Naturally, I saved the best of the three for the last. Da Paolo Pizza Bar along Chip Bee Gardens can almost be classified as a hidden find in Holland Village, though it shouldn't be really because any self-proclaimed pizza lover ought to pay this place a visit. Make it a pilgrimage if you must if you're living on the other side of the island, this is certainly one of the best pizzas in Singapore that I've had the honour of tasting.

Pizza Bolognese


The meat-lover made an obvious choice - the Pizza Bolognese. I loved the way everything weaved together so beautifully that each bite was so simple yet so truly satisfying.


I'm sure it had something to do with the cheese, which was rich, thick and flowing, yet all without being overwhelming. The pizza dough was just right too, and wasn't too thin like those pathetic "skinny" or "thin crust" pizzas. It isn't truly Italiano, but it sure hit the notes right enough.

Pizza Salmone


I dubbed Jaslyn's Pizza Salmone "the healthier pizza" because compared to mine this was lacking in cheese and had fresh smoked salmon covering up for it. She seemed to like it, which is a good thing because I had made her come all the way for this.


It didn't win me over as much though because it had a slightly salty aftertaste. Or, as I tried to explain, it was just too healthy for me - I like my food sinful and comforting you know. Pizza bread dough was really good though, as you can probably tell from the picture here.

So this wraps up a mini three-part series of what I would call a good wood-fired pizza in Singapore. For another amazing find earlier in the year, I would suggest you hop on down to Al Forno at East Coast, guaranteed to delight as well!

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WAIT! There's one more post coming up this weekend! For those who have been following me on Twitter you would probably know where this next pizzeria is; for the rest, just hang in there and you'll know soon enough :)

Price
$21 for the Pizza Bolognese
$20 for the Pizza Salmone

* Prices subject to the usual 7% GST and 10% service charge.

Place
44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-46.

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.

Spizza for Friends

Pizzeria number two out of three for the pizza-filled weekend was at Spizza for Friends' main branch at Club Street, featuring some of the freshest and crispiest pizzas from a - you guessed it! - wood-fired oven. While Spizza has a delivery service going on for quite some time now, nothing beats eating it straight out from the oven really, when it's all hot and with the cheese melting at the right places. Sounds good? Probably good enough for some kid to start doing up a list of best (wood-fired) pizzas in Singapore, and then to put them down nicely as though he has even been to all of these places. Don't be too surprised, some people actually do it, for whatever sad reasons they have!

Moving on...

Sofia


My choice pizza, the Sofia delighted as a seafood pizza with a fairly generous serving of fresh seafood spread across the 10-inch wonder. I should add though that while it was adequately crisp on the right spots, I do wish there could have been just a little bit more dough on the sides to make up for its thinness. Since the Sofia scores on the ingredients, just a little tweaking of sorts could perfect the pizza - a little lesson could be taken from this Florentine osteria.

Parma Ham and Bacon


A special for the month, the Parma Ham and Bacon pizza drew praise from the best friend, not least because she liked the smoky flavour that surrounded it. It is quite clear that she feels and shares the lurveee for wood-fired pizzas.


Still one more pizzeria left to go for this mini three-part pizza series. It's crazy I know, but it's really one of the things I do frequently to give some meaning to my weekend(s). It's my form of therapy :)

Price
$17++ each for a medium 10-inch pizza.

Place
29 Club Street

Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.