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2013-08-24
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Situated barely a stone throw away from Tanjong Pagar MRT station, casual trattoria-style Italian restaurant- OTTO Locanda fronts the white and regal statuesque building, Maxwell Chambers. Opened by the same people behind fine-dining sister branch- OTTO Ristorante one block down the road, the former instead offers authentic homely Italian fare in a charmingly rustic space which is both comforting and relaxing.The space is decidedly cosy, seating up to 55 people in the main dining area and 28 in
The space is decidedly cosy, seating up to 55 people in the main dining area and 28 in the rotunda. Diners are encouraged to have a drink or two by the bar before/after their meal to unwind and socialize with other like-minded patrons. Food wise, OTTO Locanda's menu sees a monthly update with the introduction of regional speciality dishes from the different regions of Italy.
At the beginning of this year however, the Italian restaurant welcomed a new executive chef formerly from Basilico- Marco Violano who gave the traditional menu an overhaul with many new dishes inspired by his hometown of the Puglia region and a heavy emphasis on only the highest quality ingredients executed with perfection.
Inheriting his mother's passion for creating authentic Italian cuisine, it comes as no surprise that the Melanzane alla Parmigiana $20 (his mother's specialty dish) is Chef Marco's favourite dish from the menu. Recreating it from fond memories of eating this traditional oven baked layers of eggplant as a young boy, Chef has undoubtedly won the carnivore in us with this Vegetarian dish. Creamy, simple and cheesy with the interlacing Buffalo Milk Mozzarella, it was hearty without being too heavy.
Not to be missed also is the gorgeous plethora of colours from this Astice alla Griglia $30. Fresh lobsters blanched in water before being grilled to perfection, the meat was firm, sweet and succulent. Complimented by a mix of pinzimonio vegetables and fresh seasonal fruits, the platter of shellfish was a lovely marriage of flavours. And might I highlight the undeniably affordable price tag attached to this main which makes it even more appealing!
The desserts range is considerably varied with the usual Classic Italian sweets. Tiramisu fans should not miss the Tiramisu al Caffe’ $10 dressed in espresso coffee sauce. For something lighter, end with a Pannacotta Piemontese $10 topped with berries coulis which was silken smooth, almost riveting.
For full review and more photos, please visit http://gninethree.com/2013/08/19/otto-locanda-32-maxwell-road/
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