Yumi’s Dip

 

This is rich and flavourful, yet so healthy because this dip is loaded with the goodness of vegetables and spices. And the small crunchy bits of vegetables give a nice variation to the texture. Even a meat eater loves this dip! It can definitely compete with butter on yumminess. And best of all, it helps me to maintain my weight. I’m having the best of both worlds.

Country of Origin: Australia

Where to buy this: Cold Storage

Gochi So Shokudo - Value for Money Premium Black Pig Feasts

Iberico pork is renowned for being the best due to the rarity of the breed, high level of oleic acid, the marbling and the nutty aroma resulted from the pigs’ unique diet. So naturally, it will cost an arm and a leg to savour this premium pork. So imagine our excitement when the new kid on the block of Nihon Street at Millenia Walk, Gochi So Shokudo, offers Iberico set meals at a very affordable price range of $15 onwards.

Secreto Belly Don immediately got my attention when I was flipping through the menu full of all kinds of Iberico pork dishes, being prepared in various ways: from stir fried, charcoal grilled to deep fried. For one, it is not often that I can find in other Japanese restaurants pork prepared this way: chargrilled till the exterior is imbued with strong aroma of roasted meat while retaining the succulent texture in the middle. It is a bit like char siew meat actually, except that it is more premium. Needless to say, it tastes very good. The marbling makes the meat tender and juicy. And it helps that the rice is well-cooked, being firm and starchy.

Bellota Iberico Katsu features, again, fresh, succulent, juicy meat, wrapped in a layer of crispy deep fried breadcrumbs. This, of course, gets the thumbs-up from us.

Teriyaki Bellota Iberico Loin Donburi set is oh-so-good too. And for obviously the same reasons as Secreto Belly Don and Bellota Iberico Katsu. The meat in this dish is like katsu being grilled and then being drizzled with the flavourful teriyaki sauce. And it works. Though this dish is seasonal, so if you see it, gonna try it before it disappears from the menu.

For the price I’m paying for Iberico pork, I know the ambience of the place will not be fancy and posh. And I’m right, in fact, it is like atas foodcourt setting, but I’m not complaining. I will take premium goods with great pricing any time over fancy setting.

And yes, I am a regular of this place already.

Thoughts: Must try! For the sake of your palates and wallet.

Nearest car park: Millenia Walk's car park
Nearest MRT: Promenade

Millenia Walk #02-16
9 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore

La Scala Ristorante - Rustic Good Food

Despite knowing nothing about La Scala, I jump at the chance to dine at here upon invitation. I guess the craving for European cuisine strikes again since I hadn’t been indulging in it for quite a while. And a meal here definitely satisfies that craving. And it helps that the place has this rustic, European vibe, completed with vendetta and faux windows, it feels like one is enjoying the meal in a cafe at a quaint European neighbourhood.

Champagne is lovingly served in cold champagne glasses, which is a nice touch to things.

Things got off to a great start with Baked Cheesy Mushroom Crostone & Crispy Parma Ham. The woody aroma of mushroom, soaked in the creamy, springy melted cheese and peppered with the intense flavours of parma ham, simulates the senses and covers a wide range of harmonious flavours. It sure makes me look forward to the next dish.

Egg Tagliolini Prawn has me cleaning up the plate real good because of the springy al dente tagliolini, the sweet taste of the sea from the fresh prawns, completed with the tangy, slightly sweet taste of tomato sauce.

Being very satisfied with our meals, we decide that we need to try more dishes here before the desserts come, thus the order for Calamari Fritti. And we are not disappointed. Thin crispy, not oily, fried dough coats every piece of squid that is of the right texture: slightly chewy but easy to bite off. The garlic dip completes this cool little snack with a splash of creaminess and spiciness.

Liquid Chocolate Panna Cotta is a decadent treat with silky texture that will please most palates. Fans of coffee will be pleasantly surprised by the strong taste of coffee foam that reminds one of tiramisu. Though I’m no fan of coffee, which is why is I prefer another dessert on the restaurant week special menu instead.

Rich buttery lemon cake and whipped cream makes Caprese “Al Limone” is a very sinful dessert that I love to indulge in. I love the strong aroma of butter in the cake, which is perked up by the zest of lemon, and the light whipped cream is like of a wash of refreshing dairy goodness that makes the taste of the cake more nuanced.

Service is good, the staffs are full of passion for their work, being fast to response to requests and bring a certain positive energy to the table.

I like this quaint little restaurant. It has a unique vibe that I appreciate. It is like the place I can visit often, since it feels casual, yet at the same time, proper, making it an ideal place to have a sumptuous, nicely crafted meal with that special someone, family or friends while still feeling at ease.

Love to visit it again when the chance arises.

Thoughts: Perfect place to hang out at

Nearest car park: Funan Mall car park (this is my main gripe with Capitol Kempinski: there is no car park in this hotel! Either that or it is very difficult to find the entrance to it)

Nearest MRT: City Hall

13 Stamford Road #01-86

Arcade @ Capitol Kempinski

Singapore

Contact No: 6715 6877