Enoteca L'Operetta - Neapoletan Pizza & Cuisine

An Italian colleague of mine recommended Enoteca L'Operetta at Boat Quay for authentic Neapolitan pizza.  Of course I will trust an Italian completely for pizza recommendations, and so I headed there the following day for a dinner date with the husband over the weekend.

We had the Tre Gusta Caprese (SGD 38.00) as an appetizer.  These are three types of fresh cheeses served with cherry tomatoes.  The cheeses were burrata, bufala and ricotta.  Each was wonderfully smooth and I always appreciate the subtle flavor of Italian fresh cheeses.  The cherry tomatoes were also commendable -- they were so sweet and fruity.

Tre Gusta Caprese (SGD 38.00)

For pizza, we went with the chef's recommendation called Bismark (SGD 26.00).  This had tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, parmesan, and egg.   This was absolutely delicious.  The toasted crust just melts in your mouth and the texture was just incredible.  The tomato sauce was extremely fresh and the toppings were very delectable.  Suffice it to say this is one of the best pizzas I've had so far. 

Bismark (SGD 26.00)

We also had the Pappardelle rosse al pomodoro con ragu di kurobuta (SGD 28.00).  The pappardelle pasta was made with tomatoes while the sauce had black pork ragout and porcini mushrooms.  This was nicely flavored - the tomato pappardelle gave the perfect amount of acidity to the dish which balanced out the savory pork.

Pappardelle rosse al pomodro con ragu di kurobuta (SGD 28.00)

Food was excellent at Enoteca L'Operetta, and I was impressed with everything we ordered.  Service was very warm and efficient.  Pricing is not too bad as well for the great quality of their dishes.  This restaurant has become an instant favorite, and I will definitely be back to try out their other pizzas and other menu items.

Enoteca L'Operetta

78,79 Boat Quay

Tel# : 6438 2482

Osteria Mozza - Modern Italian Cuisine

Had a post-Valentine dinner with the husband at the very popular Osteria Mozza in Marina Bay Sands.  I have long been a fan of Pizzeria Mozza which is located next door, and have always been curious about what Osteria had to offer.

Since it was after all a semi-special occasion (and also the fact we were lazy in choosing dishes on our own), we each had the tasting menu at SGD 128.

For starters, my husband had the Antipasti Choice A: Smoked Sea Trout Salad with green bean salad, jalapeno, and toasted almonds.  This was a nice and light dish and the almonds added nice texture and crunch to the dish.

Antipasti Choice A: Smoked Sea Trout Salad

I had the Antipasti Choice B: Grilled Figs with pancetta, Parmigiano, and aceto balsamico.  I really enjoyed this and the grilling on the figs were beautiful, leaving an almost meaty/ savory taste to the greens.

Antipasti Choice B: Grilled Figs

The next dishes were from the mozzarella bar.  My husband had Choice A: Burrata with beets, horseradish, walnut, and mizuna.  I really liked the combination of horseradish with mozzarella.

Mozzarella Choice A: Burrata with beets, horseradish, walnut, and mizuna

The other mozzarella dish was Choice B: Burricota with braised artichokes, pine nuts, currants, and mint pesto.  I enjoyed the artichokes and overall refreshing flavor of this appetizer.

Mozzarella Choice B: Burricota with braised artichokes, pine nuts, currants, and mint pesto

For the pasta dish or Primi, my husband had Choice A: Pici with duck ragu.  This was alright -- the noodles were nicely al dente, but the sauce was nothing worth raving about.

Primi Choice A: Pici with duck ragu

I had the Primi Choice B: Ricotta Gnocchi with wild mushrooms.  The potato dumplings (gnocchi) had a nice soft texture.  The mushroom sauce however was too salty and quite mediocre.

Primi Choice B: Ricotta Gnocchi with wild mushrooms

For mains, my husband had the Secondi Choice A: Pan Roasted Grouper with tomato, capers, and olives.  The sauce was okay, but overall again nothing commendable.

Secondi Choice A: Pan Roasted Grouper

The other choice for Secondi was the Grilled Iberico Pork Chop with cranberry beans cooked in soffrito.  I had high hopes for this dish as the presentation was beautiful.  However taste-wise, it was one-dimensional.  All I could taste was extreme saltiness from the seasoning and extreme sourness from the cranberry.  It was sadly a disappointing main course.

Secondi Choice B: Grilled Iberico Pork Chop

We were then served with Rock Melon Sorbetto with Passionfruit Gelatina.  If I were to be frank, the dish looked rather ugly.  There was no effort in presentation whatsoever.  And the sorbet which normally is used to cleanse the palate did nothing of that sort as it was excessively sweet.

Rock Melon Sorbetto with Passionfruit Gelatina

For dessert, the first choice was the Fritelle di Riso with banana gelato and rum raisin sauce.  The alcohol content was too strong and took away from what would have been a decent dessert.

Dolci Choice A: Fritelle di Riso

We also had the Dolci Choice B: Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes with olive oil gelato and rosemary brittle.  This was pleasant -- the hint of olive oil on the cake gave a nice aroma to the dish.

Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes

I was hoping the tasting menu would be a great showcase of the restaurant's best creations, but apart from the antipasti and mozzarella dishes, this was rather average.  Not sure if their ala carte menu would have been a better option, but sadly this experience was quite a let down.

Osteria Mozza

2 Bayfront Ave.

Level B1 #42/46

The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands

Tel #: 6688 8522

Pasta Brava - Italian Dining

My husband and I headed over to Pasta Brava in Craig Road for a weekend dinner date.  This restaurant came highly recommended by a friend.  The place was very inviting as well - it had a very warm and cozy atmosphere, like eating in a family dining room.

For starters, we shared the Rucola con scaglie di parmigiano e pera (SGD 13.00).  This is a rocket salad with extra virgin olive oil, parmesan flakes and pear.  Pasta Brava's olive oil was really aromatic, and I love how it brought out all the distinct flavors of the salad, cheese, and pear.  A simple but wonderfully executed dish.

Rucola con scaglie di parmigiano e pera (SGD 13.00)

For pasta, I had the Ravioli con carne di manzo al gorgonzola (SGD 22.50).  This was a ravioli filled with minced beef and light gorgonzola cheese sauce.  The gorgonzola sauce was exquisite, and the blue cheese had just enough kick.  This was a very satisfying pasta.

Ravioli con carne di manzo al gorgonzola (SGD 22.50)

My husband had the Linguine regina del mare (SGD 23.00).  This is a seafood linguine with prawns, clams, scallops, squid, and crayfish.  The portions of seafood were very generous.  The tomato sauce was very fresh and delightful.  However some of the seafood was a tad bit overcooked.

Linguine regina del mare (SGD 23.00)

Hefty Portions of Seafood - crayfish, squid, clams, scallops, and prawns

For dessert, we had the Tiramisu al mascarpone e caffe (SGD 10.00).  The tiramisu was pleasant, and it had a very nice espresso and liquor flavor.

Tiramisu al mascarpone e caffe (SGD 10.00)

I enjoyed our dinner at Pasta Brava altogether, and this restaurant will definitely be worth a few more visits.  Pricing is not bad and definitely commensurate to the quality of ingredients and impressive execution of the dishes.

Pasta Brava
11 Craig Road
Tel #: 6227 7550

Casa Tartufo - Italian Truffle Cuisine (Restaurant Week Series)

My husband and I headed over to Casa Tartufo Ristorante in Orchard to try out the Restaurant Week specials priced at SGD 55.00 for the dinner menu.  I have a mad love affair with truffles, so a truffle-themed Italian restaurant sounded too tempting to resist.

For starters I had the Entree Choice A: Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Gorgonzola sauce.  This was simply divine!  I loved the very subtle hint of truffle in the gorgonzola sauce. After I had finished the potato dumplings, I was almost licking off my plate to savor the remaining droplets of sauce.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi, Gorgonzola sauce

My husband had the Entree Choice B: Beef Carpaccio.  This was nicely done as well with rocket and freshly shaven parmesan to complement the beef.  The aroma of truffle was very distinct in this dish.

Beef Carpaccio

For mains, my husband ordered the Main Course A: Roasted Sea bream “Isolana”, Potato, Tomato, Onion, Black Olive, White Wine sauce.  I didn't really get to taste this, but my husband said the sauce was very good.  The fish however was a tad bit overcooked.  

Roasted Sea bream "Isolana"

I had the Main Course B: Chicken breast "Milanese Style" and, Fontina cheese, Spinach, Truffle Potato puree.  I was not such a big fan of this dish.  It was like a fancy chicken nugget.  The original ala carte menu which uses veal meat instead of chicken breast probably would have been better suited.  The truffle mash and greens were still lovely though.

Chicken Breast "Milanese Style"

For dessert, my husband and I each had the Truffle Profiterole.  I was wondering how truffle would be incorporated into this dish.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out the ice cream was truffle infused.  The flavor was simply explosive, and we felt we were in truffle heaven.  I absolutely loved this!

Truffle Profiterole

Casa Tartufo has a huge selection of wine as well, all displayed in a lovely wine cellar which decorated the room.  This added a very romantic vibe to the place.  Service was also impressive and the wait staff was attentive.

The wine cellar

As I mentioned, the set menu for Restaurant Week was priced at SGD 55.00 per person.  Not bad considering their regular ala carte meat dishes average at SGD 50.00 per dish.  They also serve a lunch menu which is considerably cheaper with dishes averaging about SGD 25.00 per plate.

Casa Tartufo is overall a great new restaurant find.  I will most surely come back for the gnocchi and the truffle-infused ice cream which were simply to die for.

Casa Tartufo

Forum Shopping Mall, #01-17

583 Orchard Rd

Tel#: 68364647

Gattopardo - Sicilian Cuisine

My husband was feeling a bit adventurous this weekend, so he allowed me to choose a new restaurant to try out for dinner.  I decided to try out an Italian Restaurant at Hotel Fort Canning called Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizzabar.  I have read mixed reviews about this place so I wanted to try it out for myself.

This was my first time to visit Hotel Fort Canning, and my husband and I liked the decor of the place.  It was a classy, small hotel tucked away in the peaceful Fort Canning park.

For starters, I had the Carpaccio di Polpo (SGD 28.00).  This is an Octopus Carpaccio with Apple Vinegar.  I really liked this dish.  The apple vinegar seasoned the octopus perfectly.  I also liked the different colours on the plate which made it even more attractive.

Carpaccio di Polpo (SGD 28.00)

My husband had the Rucola (SGD 17.00).  This is a Rocket Salad with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Orange Peel.  I had a taste of this, and I enjoyed the dressing they used with the crunchy rocket.  My husband also commented that the goat cheese was very good.  It was not too overpowering like the typical goat cheese.

Rucola (SGD 17.00)

I had the Ravioli con Burrata e Crescione (SGD 28.00) for my main dish.  It's a cheese ravioli with watercress and asparagus.  This was a bit so-so to be honest.  It was not bad, but it was the type of dish that could get tiring.  And I did get tired of the flavor and could not finish the last piece of my ravioli.

Ravioli con Burrata e Crescione (SGD 28.00)

My husband also ordered the Filetto di Spigola (SGD 38.00).  This is a broiled Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet with Pistachio Sauce.  I had a taste of this, and I was impressed with the fish.  They cooked it perfectly, and I like how they made the skin extra salty and crispy to give it more flavor and texture.  My husband's only complaint was that the mousse served on the side (not really sure if this was potato?) was also salty, which did not go too well with the sea bass.  This would have been perfect if they had served a simple mashed potato on the side.

Filetto di Spigola (SGD 38.00)

For dessert, we shared the Il Tiramisu (SGD 16.00).  This was definitely the highlight of the evening -- I like how the dessert was not too sweet, and you could really taste the espresso powder.  The dish looked extra pretty too with all the fresh berry toppings.

Il Tiramisu (SGD 16.00)

Gattopardo was a pretty good new place to try out.  I would recommend their seafood as they pride themselves with having fresh seafood flown in from the Mediterranean and Japan.  Next time I'd like to try out their pizzas too as they have a proper stone fire stove, and the pizza orders on the tables surrounding us looked very appetizing.

Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizzabar

Hotel Fort Canning
11 Canning Walk
Tel #: 6338 5498

Pizzeria Mozza - Pizza by Mario Batali

One of the things I love about Singapore is the selection of celebrity chef restaurants that you can try out.  One of my favorite restaurants is Pizzeria Mozza by Mario Batali located in Marina Bay Sands.  They not only serve incredible food, but the price is also very reasonable.

What I absolutely love about this place is how everything is so simple.  The place is very casual and homey.  The layout of the menu is very clean, and I like how all the dishes' names bring highlight to the ingredients used.  It's how I picture Mario Batali would cook up a dish on his shows -- he would take the freshest ingredients from allover Italy and create a simple yet superb dish.

For starters, we had Chicken Liver with Capers, Parsley and Pancetta (SGD 17.00).  I am a huge fan of chicken liver, and this bruschetta just hit the right spot for me.  The liver had no bitter aftertaste whatsoever since it was cooked with the perfect balance of zest from the capers (I thought I tasted some lemon too).  I would actually be satisfied if I were to eat this alone as a main course.

Chicken Liver with Capers, Parsley, and Pancetta (SGD 17.00)

We also had some Fried Goat Cheese with Umbrian Lentils (SGD 16.00).  This was also very delicious.  The rocket and lentils were a fantastic combination.

Fried Goat Cheese with Umbrian Lentils (SGD 16.00)

Chicken Wings alla Diavolo (SGD 18.00).  This was probably the most "okay" dish of all.  Not really too much to say about it, but probably would have been good if I paired it with some beer.

Chicken Wings alla Diavolo (SGD 18.00)

For our first pizza, we had the Funghi Mist, Fontina, Taleggio and Thyme (SGD 28.00).  This is a mushroom and cheese pizza.  This is a light pizza with just the right amount of saltiness from the different cheeses.  What I love about the pizzas here in Mozza is the crust.  Oolalaaa... I love how chewy it is!  It's not a thin crust nor a thick crust, but I just love the consistency.

Funghi Mist, Fontina, Taleggio, and Thyme (SGD 28.00)

Our second pizza was the Bacon, Salumi, Fennel Sausage, Pancetta, Tomato, and Mozarella (SGD 37.00).  This is for serious meat lovers like me.  My husband found it too oily/ meaty, but I thought it was just perfect.  The sausages had a sweet aftertaste which had a hint of licorice.  This satisfied all my meat and protein cravings for the week.

Bacon, Salumi, Fennel Sausage, Pancetta, Tomato, and Mozarella (SGD 37.00)

The desserts were also divine!  My friends and I ordered a different dessert each.

I had the Butterscotch Budino: Maldon Sea Salt and Rosemary Pine Nut Biscotti (SGD 15.00).  Whoever invented the salty-sweet mix is a hero to me!  I love love love the taste of rock salt paired with the butterscotch.  The salt brings out the flavor of this dessert without overwhelming the tastebuds.

Butterscotch Budino:  Maldon Sea Salt and Rosemary Pine Nut Biscotti (SGD 15.00)

One of us had the Banana Gelato Pie: Hot Fudge and Candied Hazelnuts (SGD 17.00).  I had a bite of this, and the crust was very yummy.  I could see how this could get very heavy though, so do share this if you order it.

Banana Gelato Pie: Hot Fudge and Candied Hazelnuts (SGD 17.00)

My other friend ordered a trio of Milk Chocolate Malt, Olive Oil, and Vanilla Gelato (SGD 16.00).  I know that Olive Oil gelato sounds downright crazy but there is something about the subtle taste of extra virgin olive oil that just works with gelato.  It's hard to explain, but all I can say is that it is definitely worth a try for the adventurous folks out there.

Milk Chocolate Malt, Olive Oil, and Vanilla Sorbet (SGD  16.00)

My husband ordered the Melon Sorbet (SGD 16.00).  This was a little too sweet for his taste, so don't expect any tangy or sour sorbet if that's what you're looking for.

Melon Sorbet (SGD 16.00)

As you can tell I am a huge fan of this restaurant.  If you are like me who enjoys a simple italian cuisine made from the best ingredients, then do come to Pizzeria Mozza.  I will definitely be visiting this place again soon.  You will need to make reservations at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance though since they get quite full especially on weekends.

Pizzeria Mozza
10 Bayfront Avenue
Marina Bay Sands (it's in front of the Theater)
Tel#: 66888868

Skinny Pizza - Thin Crust Pizzas

Had an early dinner at Skinny Pizza at Wheelock today.  I have been to this restaurant once before and wanted to come back to try out other stuff in their menu.

We ordered one pizza and pasta to share: Bolognese with Mozarella Pizza (SGD 23.00) and the Lobster Linguine (SGD 22.00).

The Bolognese with Mozarella Pizza was very enjoyable.  It was reminiscent of a taco salad.  It had slices of mozzarella, beef bolognese, and rocket.  I liked the texture and crunch of the super skinny crust which went well with the toppings.

Bolognese with Mozarella Pizza (SGD 23.00)

The restaurant ran out of lobster, so they replaced the lobsters with tiger prawns which was fine by me.  However, the linguine sauce was a tad too peppery.  I normally enjoy pepper on my Black Pepper Crab, but it's not something I really enjoy with pasta.  There was too much heat and saltiness which overpowered the prawn.

Lobster Linguine (SGD 22.00)

This visit to Skinny Pizza was fine, but I think I ordered better dishes the last time I was here.  Next time I'll stick to their tomato-based pastas -- was quite happy previously with their Meatball Spaghetti.  Pizza was still very good though! 

Skinny Pizza
501 Orchard Road
#03-04 Wheelock Place


* They also have another branch at Raffles City basement

Yomenya Goemon - Japanese Spaghetti House

I had just visited my chirporactor in Raffles Place and decided to swing by this restaurant in Marina Bay Link Mall with my husband.  Yomenya Goemon is an interesting place.  It's a Japanese restaurant that serves only spaghetti/ pasta dishes.  It's not a fusion restaurant, but instead you can say it's Japan's interpretation of italian spaghetti.

They have 32 different pasta dishes ranging from aglio olio (olive oil and garlic), tomato, and cream base.  Most pasta dishes cost SGD 12.90 each and the serving portions are quite hefty.  So  you will probably spend from SGD 15 to 20 per person if you want to add on drinks or a salad.

I had the Napolitean pasta with mozarella and sausage (SGD 12.90).  Pasta was cooked perfectly al dente.  The sauce was a little on the sweet side but still very good.  The poached egg in the middle of the spaghetti was an interesting touch, but it made my pasta a bit too heavy.

Napolitean Sauce with Mozarella and Pork Sausage (SGD 12.90)

Close-up of Napolitean Spaghetti

My husband had the Basil and Fresh Mozarella (SGD 12.90).  He thought it was very good too, and the pasta had some yummy mozarella chunks.  The tomato sauce was also very fresh.

Basil and Fresh Mozarella (SGD 12.90)

Overall I would recommend Yomenya Goemon if you are looking for a unique pasta experience.  Service was also fast and efficient, so those working in the Raffles area could go here for a quick lunch.

Yomenya Goemon
Marina Bay Link Mall, Marina Bay Financial Center,
8A Marina Boulevard, #B2-03,Singapore 018981
Tel: 65096470