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G I F T
Last Friday evening, T.H. and I got to feast on a wonderful dinner, thanks to @mamayeowdevito as she’d sent over one of the newly-launched set menus from @gemmasteakhouse.sg - the “Mediterranean summer steakhouse” opened by Michelin Chef-Owner Beppe De Vito at the National Gallery.
Although they are most noted for their bistecca Fiorentina and prime meats, GEMMA’s menu also encompasses many other fine-dining dishes showcasing fish, seafood and vegetables too. Thus, it was a lovely trio of appetisers from the restaurant’s Curing Room that we kicked dinner off with. I had to take a moment to admire the presentation of the gorgeous Tea-Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Shaved Zucchini Trombetta, Sheep Panna Acida and Arugula before digging in. Equally stunning was the 12-Spices Swordfish Belly presented with Grilled Green Asparagus, Romanesco, Baby Artichoke Aioli and Smoked Paprika. Both were light yet flavourful - delicious. The Challans Duck Prosciutto, accompanied by Burrata Campana, Medley of Beetroots and Taggiasche Olives, exuded just as breezy a vibe on the palate.
It’s apparent GEMMA takes great pride in their carbs - the loaf of Altamura Bread and Hand-rolled Trofie Pasta were the evidence we had. The former was a little crisp and chewy on the outside yet pillowy within, and when slathered in the housemade Whipped Alpine Butter with Tarragon, even more divine. Resistance was no less futile for the latter as the dish of al dente pasta in cream sauce punched above its weight in the flavour department, thanks to the use of Smoked Scamorza Cheese and meaty Roasted Maitake.
As impressive as everything that preceded it was, @gemmasteakhouse.sg’s Signature T-Bone Fiorentina Steak showed us who’s the real star of the show. Weighing about 700gms with bone-in, the meat was smooth, buttery and rich. Do note this cut of meat requires a top up of $80 as the default steak in the set menu is a duo of a Jack’s Creek Black Angus Tenderloin (140g) and F1 Wagyu Ribeye (140g).
The sides were classic favourites done with a touch of Italian pizzazz. So while the Whipped Agria Potato was enhanced with Purple Sage and Fermented Parsnip, the Charred Broccolini arrived dressed in Garlic Salmoriglio and Pecorino.
We had Gelato for dessert but again, it wasn’t straightforward. Instead, it was spoonfuls of cold creaminess in unexpected flavours of “Truffle” and “Smoke” that slipped down our throats.
If you are keen to order, please tap on @gemmasteakhouse.sg’s link-in-bio on Instagram.
G I F T
Last Friday evening, T.H. and I got to feast on a wonderful dinner, thanks to @mamayeowdevito as she’d sent over one of the newly-launched set menus from @gemmasteakhouse.sg - the “Mediterranean summer steakhouse” opened by Michelin Chef-Owner Beppe De Vito at the National Gallery.
Although they are most noted for their bistecca Fiorentina and prime meats, GEMMA’s menu also encompasses many other fine-dining dishes showcasing fish, seafood and vegetables too. Thus, it was a lovely trio of appetisers from the restaurant’s Curing Room that we kicked dinner off with. I had to take a moment to admire the presentation of the gorgeous Tea-Smoked Atlantic Salmon with Shaved Zucchini Trombetta, Sheep Panna Acida and Arugula before digging in. Equally stunning was the 12-Spices Swordfish Belly presented with Grilled Green Asparagus, Romanesco, Baby Artichoke Aioli and Smoked Paprika. Both were light yet flavourful - delicious. The Challans Duck Prosciutto, accompanied by Burrata Campana, Medley of Beetroots and Taggiasche Olives, exuded just as breezy a vibe on the palate.
It’s apparent GEMMA takes great pride in their carbs - the loaf of Altamura Bread and Hand-rolled Trofie Pasta were the evidence we had. The former was a little crisp and chewy on the outside yet pillowy within, and when slathered in the housemade Whipped Alpine Butter with Tarragon, even more divine. Resistance was no less futile for the latter as the dish of al dente pasta in cream sauce punched above its weight in the flavour department, thanks to the use of Smoked Scamorza Cheese and meaty Roasted Maitake.
As impressive as everything that preceded it was, @gemmasteakhouse.sg’s Signature T-Bone Fiorentina Steak showed us who’s the real star of the show. Weighing about 700gms with bone-in, the meat was smooth, buttery and rich. Do note this cut of meat requires a top up of $80 as the default steak in the set menu is a duo of a Jack’s Creek Black Angus Tenderloin (140g) and F1 Wagyu Ribeye (140g).
The sides were classic favourites done with a touch of Italian pizzazz. So while the Whipped Agria Potato was enhanced with Purple Sage and Fermented Parsnip, the Charred Broccolini arrived dressed in Garlic Salmoriglio and Pecorino.
We had Gelato for dessert but again, it wasn’t straightforward. Instead, it was spoonfuls of cold creaminess in unexpected flavours of “Truffle” and “Smoke” that slipped down our throats.
If you are keen to order, please tap on @gemmasteakhouse.sg’s link-in-bio on Instagram.
This is fantastic for a cold day.
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The star is the rich warm soup / broth, bold with Chinese 5-spice and beef stock, having a savoury sweet meaty spice flavour.
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The yellow egg noodles are springy with a grainy sweet flavour, while the blanched kai-lan is crunchy with vegetal sweet notes.
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The beef brisket is stewed till tender and moist, having a light chew to texture, with deep meaty savoury salty spice flavour.
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Wan Chai Hong Kong Tea Room
More details in profile & blog
Had a great time beefing up earlier this month at fast-food-style BBQ, Yakiniku Like!
Presented with a rather extensive menu, I just had to satisfy my beef craving and ultimately settled for their Karubi & Harami Set ($19.80 / 200g). With the perfect ratio of fats to meat, the Karubi (beef short plate) was gloriously tender and juicy. Thinly sliced, the Karubi cooked really quick as well and was flavoured nicely by the soy marinate. Then indulge in a chunkier cut with the Harami (skirt steak). Requiring a little more time on the grill, the harami was a tad beefy and held a bolder flavour but also went superbly with the savoury marinate. Texture-wise, it was also firmer in comparison to the Karubi and had a slight chew - giving it a luxe mouthfeel.
Overall, the service was efficient, the items were affordable, and most importantly the proteins were tasty. For the best bang for your buck, get their sets as they come with rice, soup, and a choice of kimchi or mini choregi salad. However, note that the waiting time could stretch to an hour or more so get a number on their e-ticket system ahead of time and shop around before your meal.
And to wash all that food down, their Matcha ($5.50) was smooth and pleasantly milky.
A safer option and something right up my alley, their Chicken Waffles ($18) was the perfect harmony of savoury and sweet. Covered with maple syrup, the hunk of a chicken was thick and juicy. Diggin’ the crunchy fried skin, I love the succulent and well-executed protein. The waffle was airy, sweet, fragrant, and had a light crisp bite as well - the ideal companion to its meaty counterpart.
Apart from their instagrammable duo-coloured interior, Coexist Coffee Co. serves up pretty solid drinks and mains. Having their Squid Ink Fried Rice ($26), I enjoyed the great play on textures. Think the sweet bursts of umami from the ikura together with the savouriness of the firm squid ink-infused rice, addictively crisp baby squid, and plump chunks of paprika prawns. The plate also featured a tangy garlic aioli which provided that extra bit of moisture and punch. However, I didn’t really like the creamy emulsions as it was a tad overpowering in my opinion so I suggest going easy on mixing it in.
Two is always better than one, especially when it comes to ice cream! Thus, I got my fix recently with Awfully Chocolate ongoing 1-for-1 promotion on their premium Hei ice cream ($4.90). A tad icy but the intensity from the Belgian chocolate was nicely balanced with the use of Dutch milk. And in my opinion, good for dark and milk chocolate lovers as it wasn’t too milky or overly rich and cloying. So grab a double scoop before the deal ends on 31 July~
