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2013-07-26
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This review is so titled because Note di Sicilia really wows in more ways than one. Nestled in the cluster of restaurants and bars/pubs at Quayside Isle, the cafe first caught my eye with a chic array of neon-colored, lighted pedestal seats outside the cafe.It was a total juxtaposition for the cafe interior - one can definitely feel the efforts made to recreate the ambience of an authentic Italian gelateria. Classy murals adorn the walls along the sitting area, and there's even a very traditiona
It was a total juxtaposition for the cafe interior - one can definitely feel the efforts made to recreate the ambience of an authentic Italian gelateria. Classy murals adorn the walls along the sitting area, and there's even a very traditional pushcart by the side to complete the feel.
Gelato wise, Note di Sicilia brings a lot more to the table as well. There's 3 broad categories available:
1. Granita - fruit flavored ices with a slight granulated texture
2. Gelati - creamy flavoured ice creams made from fresh milk
3. Sorbetti - desserts made only from fruits and spring water
All 3 categories tasted very much different, I had the Pistachio from the Gelati range - the ice cream was silky smooth and the fragrance of the pistachio nut can literally be savoured with every mouthful.
The other flavour I tried was the Coffee from the Granita family. Intense and slightly more on the bitter side, the coffee granita came across as a coffee slurpee with a very generous, concentrated dose(s) of espresso. Maybe because of the ice content, it melted way faster, but it was still some pretty passable iced coffee.
The Italian dessert experience would not have been complete without trying the Cannolo, a traditional Sicilian sweet treat of creamy ricotta stuffed in a crispy biscuit pipe and a healthy sprinkle of chocolate chips on both ends. It was definitely something new, the creamy ricotta tasted quite nice with the crunch of the biscuit, and the chocolate chips just added a touch of diversity to the overall flavour profile. The ricotta did get a tad cloying to the end as I hit the centre of the Cannolo without the chocolate chips.
The last surprise Note di Sicilia sprang on me came with the bill. There weren't any price tags displayed prominently, so I went into the cafe assuming the general price point of $6-7 a cup for gelato. The total bill I was presented with was $31.35; $8.50 for the Cannolo and $10 a cup for the gelato. Ouch.
It was indeed a nice place to hang out, the perfect ambience by the quay. But the price just stings for te unprepared. For chocolate lovers like me, I'd advise visiting the cafe earlier as the more popular flavours are usually sold out by 5-6pm.
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