For full review, please visit http://www.makeyourcaloriescount.com/2013/09/sg-lady-m-confections-overrated-maybe.html

Lady M Confections is one of the highly anticipated openings in Singapore considering its success over in the US. Priding itself on creating fresh and fine cakes, Lady M's cakes are handmade following recipes that had been refined over the years.

As soon as we learnt about its official opening at Marina Square, there was no way we could resist these sweet temptations! Their signature crepe cake reminds us fondly of the version tried at Nadeje in Malacca. How does this American version fare? About time to leave the judging to our taste buds!Quite frankly, if I had not heard of Lady M before, I would struggle to find out what this place is about. The decorations were simple and clean filled with white-based tables and chairs. On the outside, however, it did not really come across to me as a patisserie and you would however need to walk through to the inside of the cafe before you can even find out what food Lady M has to offer.We were shown to a table promptly and while we were shown a menu of drinks and beverages consisting of coffee, soft drinks, juices and champagne, I could not help but wonder how would cakes go with champagne? Admittedly, the pairing just seemed rather out of place for me since there were no other savoury food on the menu.Ordering of the cakes would have to be done in person as one would expect to queue behind the glass partition separating the server and the cakes. I was rather disappointed when I saw what was available behind the glass partition as seemingly the cakes did not looked appetizing nor enticing enough. Personally, I prefer my cakes to come individually portioned rather than sliced out which gives it that extra touch of exclusivity and also for the premium factored in the bill. Do note that prices are not indicated on the cake labels so you only know how much they cost when the bill comes. Hmmm...I believe Singaporeans, or at least I speak for myself that we can be rather price conscious creatures so having the prices available would be a good addition.

Signature Lady M Mille Crepe Slice (S$7.50/+)Since this was not the first time we had crepe cake, there was a benchmark when it came to expectations. The top had a crystallized layer of caramel which added a beautiful texture of crunchiness to the soft and moist crepe slice. With 20 layers of crepe sandwiched between layers of cream, it was certainly not for those who watch their calories intake! When compared to other patisserie places such as our recently blogged Flor Patisserie , I found the cream a touch too strong, dense and thick for our liking. It also had a rather strong milky taste to it which subjectively did not suit my palate.

The crepes were really fine and thin so essentially you could not taste much of the crepe but more of the cream. For a person who is not quite a fan of cream, I found it hard to finish the slice even as it was shared among three of us.

It would surely appeal to those who have a liking for whipped cream and what drew me to it was that crunchy crystallized caramel that gave the cake a beautiful layer of texture. Arguably, it was slightly too sweet but its desserts after all!

Tarte aux Fruits Slice (S$10/+)I could not help but cringe when I realized that this slice of a financier fruit tart cost S$10++. The presentation failed horribly and while financier sounded like an interesting try, it disappointed massively in terms of flavours and tastes. Supposedly baked with almond butter cream, the element of almond tasted superficial or at best of almond essence. The financier base which formed the tart was coarse and you could literally taste the gritty bits and grains.

I was unsure about what the orange sliced fruit in the picture shown above was, probably papaya or persimmon? Though it gave a crunchy texture, I was divided whether it was a deliberate attempt to add a layer of texture or simply the case of unripe fruits being used.

We went for this for along the way to the cashier, we saw quite a few tables of diners tucking in to this tart and seemingly had a smile on their faces. Oh well, like they say, taste is subjective. This quality and this price, surely a big no-no for us.

Banana Mille Feuille (S$7/+)Like I said, Mille Feuille or Napoleon usually has three components to nail, the puff pastry, cream and layer of sponge. I felt that the cream was in excess in this rendition of Mille Feuille and it somewhat overwhelmed the layer of sponge cake which I was quite unable to distinctly taste. The puff pastry was okay but not impressive and I found the elements rather disconnected. The puff pastry, cream, sponge and banana were seemingly elements on their own and failed to find harmony in unison. The banana pieces seemed to be introduced into the cake for the purpose of doing so and did not quite complement any flavours nor did it wow standalone.

It was overall an 'okay' version of Mille Feuille and nothing too impressive to rave about.

In general, we felt that the while the service crew attempted to be friendly and be at their best, it felt disorganized right from the start with the ordering process. The servers came to us on two separate occasions to verify our orders and out of frustration, I cancelled my cheesecake order.

While all tables around us had water served, we had to request for ours and while I usually have a cup of coffee to go along with my cakes, the servers seemed to be way overwhelmed to even ask to take our orders. I was pretty annoyed when I saw a server constantly on his/her phone (I am not going to be specific for I do not want to cause someone to lose his/her job). It is not a case of being prissy but when you know that expectations are high, especially with a name and reputation to match, you should get the basics right.

The bill took a while to come even though by the time we left, Lady M was less than half-filled. It was surely not a trip where we made our calories count.

One of the few halal western places that I know of, I must say it has quite the right ambience for a Friday night chillin’ session. Highly raved about by Rozz on 98.7fm according to my friend, it thus got her extremely excited, deciding on Badoque as our dinner destination.Hot and Sticky Drumlets (6 pieces for $7.50)
A fan of chicken wings/drumlets, how could I miss this? Finally getting our stomachs filled after feeding our cameras, my first bite was quite an anticipatory one, and satisfied by the sauce. The drumlets itself was, however, rather disappointing where the meat was slightly overcooked and on the tougher side. The sauce tasted good on its own, but didn’t manage to be infused in the flesh itself, perhaps with the lack of marinade. Good for curbing any cravings you might have, but don’t bear high expectations on satisfying it!Crab served with Pie Tee (8 pieces for $9.50)
This was one that we got pretty impressed by, and caught our attention with its mentioning of crabs! With crispy pie tee shells and filling it ourselves, it was quite a fun way for us to prepare our own food and maintaining the crisp layer of the shell. The mixture itself was quite a surprising flavour that caught me off guard. I was expecting some chilli crab paste that might get a little monotonous after a while, but my first bite was a refreshing burst of pineapples in it! The combination might have sounded a little weird, but it went perfectly great when we tried it, as the pineapples they chose were crunchy yet having no tinge of sour-ness at all! The texture also helped break the monotony each mouthful, and the juices went well with the otherwise-jelat mixture. I would have preferred more crab meat inside, as I couldn’t really taste it in the mixture. A satisfying mouthful of goodness nonetheless! Pumpkin Soup ($5.50)
It is said that pumpkin soup is a natural happy soup, with pumpkins releasing chemical compounds to lift your spirits and trigger feelings of well-being! This was quite an average rendition, with fine puree and a slight grated texture which I liked. I found it a tad too sweet for me though, and thought that the natural taste of pumpkin could be accentuated further. Salmon Aglio Olio with Cappellini ($22)
I’m never a fan of aglio olio so this didn’t appeal to me but was a hit with my companion. She commented that she loved the flavours, and it was more robust compared to the usual aglio olios she’s tried. Perhaps it was the portion I took which had been missed out while being mixed together, I found it a little too bland for my liking. The noodles were cooked al dente, the way I like it though! The cubes of salmon were a tad too dry, and it was slightly overcooked hence the tougher meat we got. I found it a tad too bland for my palates and would have preferred a stronger flavour to go. Mermaid’s Tears ($18)
This was one of the signatures recommended, and the plating had already won half the battle. Looking at the menu stating pacific dory fish fillet and creamy rice, it’d never occurred to me that presentation could have been so much prettier, creating an image of an ocean coupled with its name. My first reaction when I tried a mouthful of it was – omg so flavourful!

Very atypical of dory fillet dishes, I’ve always thought of it as a bland healthy dish probably due to its colours, but this managed to surprise me with a rich savoury burst of flavours from the cream to the freshness of the dory, accentuated by the dash of pepper they add upon serving. I’d also loved the rice accompanying the dory, slightly sticky with Japanese pearl rice used. I thought it was a good combination but after a while it tends to get abit heavy with the rich flavours, hence feeling jelat. Great for those who’re looking for strong flavours! Beef Ribs ($24)
A meme on its menu stated, ‘when in doubt, order the ribs’. And I guess it pretty much worked that way for me. Not knowing what to order, I decided to go for the ribs, and find out what exactly was so highly raved about by Rozz. All of us got a shock when we saw the serving portion, with a huge rib bone sticking out just like that of T-rex’s. Immediately I felt too carnivorous having that by myself.
Can't wait to dig in with all that meat in front of me, I was pleasantly greeted by tender off-the-bone meat that was well-marinated to give a robust flavour with every bite you take.

With just enough fats (or so I think), I like how it helped to soften the texture of the meat, melting in your mouth with the lean meat. There was then a slab of fats nearer to the side of the dish that got a bit too overwhelming for me, that I ended up removing it for fear of choking up my arteries. Flavourful and tender, it made sure that my jaws weren’t working too hard, but there was just the monotony of the texture that I thought could have been better perhaps with more baby roasted potatoes to complement. I thought the portion was too huge for me, especially after 2 starters and the sight of it just reminded me how much I seemed to have eaten. If you’re feeling especially carnivorous, this would be the perfect dish!

A place of warmth and prompt service, it feels like every staff is extremely attentive to our needs and never fail to inject some fun and humour during our dining experience. We’d certainly enjoyed the food, albeit feeling a tad jelat after all the rich flavours. A place that I’ll visit again if I’m around the area and looking for some nice chillin’ space, but not one that I’ll specially make a trip down to Simpang Bedok for!

A prized recommendation, Tomi Sushi - located in Velocity at Novena Square offered a memorable lunch dining experience which I thought made our calories count. I could not reiterate further how important a good company or dining companion is when it comes to delivering the overall verdict of a dining experience. It was truly an enjoyable catch-up session with Ash over lunch and the treat was much appreciated!

Apart from the companion, how did the food fare?

Nigiri Sakura (S$28/++)The sushi served on the plank had a good offering of the different types of seafood, each served with the top grade quality Niigata Koshihikari Japanese rice. Koshihikari was first created in 1956 by combining 2 different strains of Nourin No. 1 and 2 and harvested at Uonuma area of Niigata Prefecture which is typically the most expensive rice in Japan.

The protein-loaded fish sushi such as tuna was almost melt-in-your-mouth tender, still maintaining that beautiful freshness from sea. A lot of the seafood served were air-flown from Niigata and the quality was evident starting from the first bite. A particularly memorable one was the lovely cuttlefish which had a good crunchy texture to it. I found the wasabi spread underneath the fresh seafood too mild for our palate so we requested for a separate serving. The wasabi seemed like a freshly grated Japanese horseradish which had an initial sweetness followed by a strong flavour which imparted hotness akin to that of mustard. It then produced that typical vapour which stimulated our nasal passages rather than on the tastebuds. It was simply sublime.On each table was a mini-tray which contained the two different types of sauces. The difference in taste between the two but it would be worth noting that the sashimi sauce was a special selection by Tomi Sushi while the traditionally brewed soy sauce would be suited for most sushi dishes. Admittedly, I found the difference marginal so I would recommend trying both to see which suits your palate more.My set lunch came with the Tori Karage which was essentially deep-fried chicken portions with a beautiful golden-brown coating which did not taste excessively greasy. The marinade was light yet tasteful and what made it a worthy must-try was that flawless crispy surface complemented by a succulent, tender and moist inside. As a side dish, it also helped to add texture to the tray of sushi with its crispiness.My set lunch came with the Chawanmushi which was an egg custard dish flavoured with soy sauce, dashi, mirin, shitake mushroom, boiled shrimp and served in a tea-cup like bowl. Upon scooping it up with a spoon, the first thing that struck me was the wobbly steamed egg which simply melted in our mouths and I could practically just swallow it. The fragrance was light and did not have that appalling eggy smell which I so clearly detest. The second memorable element served in the tray was that innocent-looking miso soup. It might not look quite as extraordinary but this miso soup was slow-cooked with the addition of salmon bones and flesh and you could not help but enjoy the lovely bits of that protein in the soup.

Lunch set of the day (S$30/++)Ash ordered the lunch set of the day which was apparently a well-thought combination of food devised by the ingenious chefs behind the scenes, so expect a different treat always! The crispy prawn dish dotted with sweet corn niblets gave a nice variation in texture with the premium sushi served which included the sea urchin.

Umaki (S$14/++)This looked too tempting for any tamago (egg) or unagi (eel) fans out there! The grilled egg with the layers of cooked egg held the delicate unagi in the middle and we thought that the flavours were well-balanced with a touch of sweetness and savouriness to enhance. While the tamago had that fragrant egg flavour to it, it was firm yet soft at the same time when you enjoy the layers of omelette. While all the elements relevant to tastes were good, I personally felt that it was rather expensive for just two servings.If you fancy watching the chefs at work, by all means opt for a counter seat!The service staffs were attentive and quick to respond to our requests. The green tea was served free and had free-refills. Catered to different types of dining customers and crowd, Tomi Sushi offers booth, table and private party room for up to 20 people. While the ingredients tasted fresh and premium, they did not come cheap either yet not extravagantly priced to the extent of Japanese fine-dining. It would serve as a good place to catch up with friends like what we did on this occasion though we had our lunch slightly earlier at about 12.15pm and reservations would be recommended. If you are after good quality seafood and sashimi, then Tomi Sushi would fit the bill for being the place-to-go-to with its range affordable choices on offer.

For full review and more photos, please visit http://www.makeyourcaloriescount.com/2013/07/sg-tomi-sushi-enjoyable-japanese-meal.html

Third & Sixth is a bistro-bar down at Seah Street which offers premium draught beer, quality whiskeys and an interesting menu of calories-worthy food. We dropped by after the usual afternoon lunch crowd had dispersed and managed to enjoy some peace and tranquillity at this inconspicuous looking bistro-bar. There was the lunch set menu being offered from 12-3pm and I felt that it was a real steal to get a starter, main and a bottomless iced tea drink at S$9.90/nett. All the prices stated on the menu were nett, inclusive of GST and service charge.

Upon being ushered to our table, Edward, which we later learnt to be one of the bosses attended to us and was more than patient in making recommendations and was elaborate in attempting to portray an insight of the types of food on offer. Just when I thought that this was a manly-fare with their list of burgers under 'The Main Reason' menu and choice of draught beers such as Asahi and Magners, I was in for a teaser when he introduced a separate menu - the Sinless Grub. No prizes for guessing but yeah it was a menu that featured healthier options for the weight-watchers yet delivering a sumptuous meal. Was that even possible?

Nachoo Libre - Part of the 2 course lunch set (S$9.90/-)The list of starter dishes came under the 'Sideshows' category of the menu and this standalone would cost S$6/- when ordered ala carte. There were 3 starters to choose from the lunch set menu and in the appetite for some sinful indulgence, the nachos seemed too good to resist. The crunchy corn chips were served with home-made pico de gala, melted cheese and sour cream, topped with the all important chilli con carne. It seemed like a crime, almost, to give this a miss. The nachos were crisp and crunchy with a beautiful corn flavour and the toppings worked harmoniously in terms of flavours and balance in tastes. The richness and intensity of the chilli con carne, a mildly spicy stew of chilli peppers, beef and beans was refreshingly complemented by the salsa. It seemed almost like a rare deal when the dish was served to us warm and that melted cheese was still runny-rich and viscous and not a state where it had already cooled and thickened. It was also interestingly served in a dim sum bamboo steamer tray which I thought was a clever form of presenting this Texan-inspired teaser.

Grilled pumpkin & tofu wrap - Part of the 2 course lunch set (S$9.90/-)On the list of mains to choose from for the lunch set menu, you could also order this ala carte under the Sinless Grub under a slightly different name - Stan Winston's Head (S$9/-). This fondly reminded us of our lunch days whilst studying at university where tortilla wraps somewhat became a staple food of ours, probably owed to calories-consciousness.

The soft tortilla wrap complemented the crunchy Romaine lettuce neatly tucked with the grilled butternut pumpkin and soy beancurd. There was a lightly saccharine dressing to keep the greens moist and delectable. One could not help but enjoy the cleanness of the dish and would make a beautiful main for the ladies or weight-watcher gents. The crisps served were simply plain salted and while it might seemed like a herbivore's meal, it was surprisingly filling for the portion size was pretty sizeable.

I thought that the lunch set menu was really value for money and given several starters and mains to choose from, I would highly recommend it.

Pint of Asahi (S$8/-)There was an ongoing promotion for the draught beers, each at S$8/- before 3pm and S$9/- thereafter till 9pm and S$12/- till closing.

Yomomoso (S$10/6pcs)These brilliant chicken wings were offered in 2 different sizes, either 6pcs (shown here) or a dozen which comes at S$18/-. There was a lot going on upon the first bite, with a rich mildly spicy (with the use of Korean chilli paste) and sweet homemade sauce coating the wings and a nice layer of texture on top with the diced peanuts, white and black sesame seeds generously scattered. While I loved the texture and the balanced flavour which drew me to fetch a second piece, I would have enjoyed it more if the batter was crispier without the sauce causing it to be soggy. If there was one side which would go brilliantly with the beer, this got to nail it though there seemed to be no lack of contenders on the sides menu such as beer battered fish, calamari, onion rings or even shoestring fries with truffle oil!

We were unable to finish the wings as we probably over-ordered but Edward kindly suggested that we could have the wings packed up for takeaway if we wanted and we gladly took up the offer!

No. 36 (S$14/-)The whole purpose of visiting Third & Sixth was really to try their signature burgers and there was no way we could resist their trademark burger after it was strongly recommended by none other than the owner of the bar. It seemed so simple, a home-made Australian grain-fed beef patty weighing 150 grams, slapped with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and slices of crispy bacon to add texture to this savoury main. All of the beef patties were home-made daily with chilled beef and not the usual frozen patties so expect freshness in each and every slab of protein. Served together with steak-cut fries that were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it was a sinful indulgence to enjoy it with a pint of beer on a hot afternoon!The whole purpose of visiting Third & Sixth was really to try their signature burgers and there was no way we could resist their trademark burger after it was strongly recommended by none other than the owner of the bar. It seemed so simple, a home-made Australian grain-fed beef patty weighing 150 grams, slapped with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and slices of crispy bacon to add texture to this savoury main. All of the beef patties were home-made daily with chilled beef and not the usual frozen patties so expect freshness in each and every slab of protein. Served together with steak-cut fries that were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it was a sinful indulgence to enjoy it with a pint of beer on a hot afternoon!One of the reasons why I enjoyed my visit to Third & Sixth was the versatility of the menu which gave a very casual and relaxed setting. I was able to request for a kimchi add on to my burger but enjoyed it in a separate side dish. There were several other add-ons possible such as an additional chicken or beef patty at just S$4/-, an extra serving of caramelized onions or even bacon strips. I highly recommend the kimchi though because it was an interesting twist to the Western fare of burgers and chips. I was actually going to order the Jong Un which was a beef patty served with kimchi sandwiched between the buns. The kimchi was served cold and even the metallic container was cold in order to help it retain the cool temperature. Admittedly, I am not a fan of kimchi and this was one of the very rare occasions where I actually got past the first taste and went on to finish that small tub! It was on the spicier side which helped to titillate one's senses and I would love to try it on the burger next time!

There was a reason why the kimchi tasted so good because the owner is half-Korean and his mum runs her own Korean restaurant. This side basically carries the same recipe but do you know where it comes from?

On a side note, I was told you could even replace the beef patty with chicken at no additional surcharge! There seemed to be plenty of exciting events coming up at Third & Sixth. The owners of this bistro-bar used to play together as a band and they are looking to bring it back sometime end July or early August 2013! While the interior décor was simply illustrated with chalkboards and occasional ornaments, I could certainly see the extra savings on my bill. A good playlist of music throughout the lunch, attentive customer service, good quality food and affordable prices, I think I just discovered a new place to hang out!

For full review and more photos, please visit http://www.makeyourcaloriescount.com/2013/07/sg-third-sixth-hidden-gem.html

Jamie's Italian opened its doors for business in Singapore earlier today at 11.30am and what made it especially remarkable was the fact that it is a milestone first in Asia. With more than 30 restaurants worldwide, this Italian-cuisine focused restaurant was founded in Oxford 4 years ago. The birth of Jamie's Italian was an inspiration by celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver and his trusted friend and mentor, Gennaro Contaldo. Their paths first crossed in the kitchen of London's Neal Street restaurant in the 90s and following an extensive period of time touring Italy, Jamie wanted to share his knowledge of the Italian cuisine with the rest of the world. Self declaring that he 'should have been Italian', this restaurant aimed to reflect the passionate, humble and sociable attitude of Italians towards food. There was no better way to deliver than in the traditional Jamie's style through fresh, locally sourced ingredients, bold and simple flavours in a relaxed setting.

When we learnt that Jamie's Italian was opening in Singapore, it was almost a dream come true! It was one of our favourite restaurants when we were in UK and now that it is here, it is surely a MUST-TRY. Can it live up to its name now that it is going international? Let us check it out!

Antipasti - Fish plank (S$17++/person)The serving in the picture was for 1 person and there were two other planks to choose from, meat and vegetables at S$15.50++ and S$13.50++ respectively. The portion size for 1 person was more than enough to share among two persons if you were simply after tasting. I recommend having the beetroot-cured salmon first as it was served in a bowl with ice underneath to preserve freshness. It was served raw, sashimi style and had a slightly creamy after-taste which I thought was a brilliant combination. The crunchy salad was also a favourite of mine with consistently shaved root vegetables such as beetroot and carrots evenly tossed in chilli, lemon and mint. It gave a refreshing burst of flavours with the heat from chilli yet pleasantly soothed by the fresh mint and further augmented by the crunchiness of the raw vegetables.

Fans of olives and pickles would be swooned by the quality choice of ingredients, which served as toppings to the smoked mackerel pate. The pate was surprisingly fresh with no fishy smell to appal and it was considerably smooth and soft which complemented the crisp toast harmoniously in terms of texture.

Moving on to the Italian cheeses, aged pecorino cheese was served. It belonged to a family of hard Italian cheeses made from ewe's (female sheep) milk. It was very strong and bold in flavour so while it might appeal to those who love the strong taste of cheese made from sheep, the faint-hearted foodies like myself should stay on the sidelines. It was nicely complemented with a sweet chilli jam that gave an interesting twist to that strong creamy cheese. It was served with a crisp 'music bread', which is a thin and crisp flat bread made of durum wheat, flour, salt and water. This yeast free version is called di musica in Italian which meant sheet music. It was rolled to paper-thin, to the extent that a sheet of music could be read through it!

The roasted shellfish and mussels were also joyful appetizers with the freshness packed in each and every though I felt that the seasoning to it was a touch too savoury and salty for my palate.Still on that plank of antipasti, this cured & crispy fish tasted really fresh with a crisp batter deep-fried to a beautiful looking golden brown yet not tasting excessively greasy. It tasted clean and crisp though the protein was slightly overcooked tasting just a little stiff. It however managed to retain moisture to keep it delectable and the yuzu mayo was a nice touch. It reminded me somewhat of a classic fish & chips that I would enjoy on a windy afternoon by the sea. The mayo was light and fluffy in the sense that it was not too overwhelming in richness but I struggled to taste any elements of yuzu in it. The fritto misto (savoury deep-fried food) had a drizzle of a mildly spicy powder, possibly paprika powder which gave a hint of heat.

Apple Slaw (S$8++)Al fresco dining on a windy afternoon in tropical Singapore was brought to the next level when this side was served. Tastefully decorated and presented with an array of summer colours, this dish won me over in terms of presentation, tastes and flavours.

It tasted clean and fresh and would be perfect for ladies and gents alike in need of detoxification. The red (purple) cabbage was finely diced while the radishes, candied beetroots, apples and poached pears were consistently sliced. The flavours were beautiful with an earthy taste from the beets, sweetness from the fruits balanced with plain yoghurt before a tantalizing tang from lemon and mint. There was honestly quite a lot going on in this simple plate of goodness, especially the crunchy texture from the cabbage and walnuts and a soft marshiness from the fruits. Easily one of my top dishes on the menu!

The gentleman serving our table was attentive and dedicated in his efforts to explain and recommend the dishes on the menu. While taking our orders, he took extra attention in checking if we wanted our mains to be served together or after the starters. I truly appreciate the attentiveness to minute details and that spelled all the difference in a good dining experience in my humble opinion.

While waiting for the mains to arrive, the server came over to our table to check if we liked our food so far and it was then did I realize that Jamie's Italian used fresh herbs grown on the premises!

Fans of Jamie should know that he loves his herbs fresh and he literally plucks rosemary, mint, anything basically from his garden whenever he goes on a show to demonstrate his cooking. Having learnt this and understanding a little more about the restaurant, I could not help but add on his signature drink.

Jamie's Italian Mojito (S$15.50++)It was a refreshing drink for the summer afternoon. With Bacardi Superior rum, Martini Bianco, fresh mint, lime & sugar, topped with Prosecco, it was a brilliant thirst-quencher. The proportion of each element added into this signature cocktail was spot-on and the taste was consistent. The concoction was not overly strong in terms of alcohol strength and came across as a soothing beverage while we waited for our mains.

Rump steak salad (S$25.50++)You know instantly that you are in one of Jamie's restaurants when a main like this gets served before you. It was presented in a uniquely classic Jamie's fashion, clean and crisp with a hint of messiness with the salad tossed around and a generous amount of olive oil drizzled across. It was a 180g aged grain-fed Angus steak with crunchy fennel, watercress, mint, chilli, garlic, horseradish and lemon. I would highly recommend a big mouthful containing a little of each ingredient to experience that beautiful combination of flavours that would guarantee satisfaction.

It was beautifully cooked to perfection and to my request of medium rare. The outer area of the fine beef was elegantly charred with evident grill-lines yet leaving a nice pinkish colour on the inside of that protein. It was succulent and almost melt in your mouth good. Coupled with the crunchy fennel and watercress, the texture was sublime and there was no shortage of flavours from the refreshing mint and heat from chilli harmoniously infused into the salad. The zesty lemon juices just elevated my dining senses with a tang that left me double thumbs up for this simple yet beautifully cooked dish.

All pasta were made in house and fresh and you could see the chefs at work before you at the front of the restaurant.Jool's favourite Sicilian tuna fusilli (S$14++)There was no escaping an Italian meal without a good pasta. Spoilt with the choices on the menu, we left it to the server's recommendation which was a recipe belonging to that of Jamie's wife! It was no surprise that Albacore tuna was used since Jamie had always been an ambassador of sustainable seafood. Slow-cooked with tomatoes, garlic, herbs and cinnamon with crunchy, herby breadcrumbs separately portioned with a spoon, this pasta was a winner in terms of flavour and texture.

The pasta was cooked al dente so expect it to be chewy and bouncy. The flavours of the tomatoes were beautifully infused and the richness of that simple key ingredient was given justice in this bowl. The breadcrumbs gave an important layer of texture and it seemed like a marriage of flavours between the herbs in it and that bold tomato based sauce. My only concern was that it was a little too greasy for our palate even though olive oil was used. The pasta was offered in 2 sizes with the larger rendition at S$21++ but I thought that the smaller serving size (which we ordered) was largely sufficient to feed even a grown man.

We were pretty stuffed full by the time we finished our mains but it felt like an incomplete food journey without some desserts to sum up a sumptuous lunch. With an extensive desserts menu, each looked equally appetizing but between the two of us, we felt that we could only stomach just one dessert so we went for the signature Tiramisu.

Tiramisu (S$11.50++) with Long Black (S$4.50++)Elegantly served in a ceramic flat-pot, we thought that the presentation was lacklustre. In fact, it toppled over and resulted in the top which was usually characterised by the cocoa powder coating to be at the bottom of the dessert instead.

The flavours were however beautifully synchronized with the coffee-flavoured trifle topped with a generous amount of orange mascarpone and chocolate. The caffeine in the dessert tasted was well-balanced with the liquor but I felt that it lacked strength and depth in terms of the taste. While the balance was good, it came across as a rather mild rendition. It was actually my first time tasting tiramisu paired with orange mascarpone and it was a rather bold and interesting twist to the otherwise dull dessert. I was informed by the server that this was a recipe belonging to Jamie's mentor, Gennaro and I believe there is no better way to qualify authenticity than an Italian man himself. When it came to texture, the dessert was moist and perhaps too soft though arguably it was melt in your mouth. Personally, I thought that it might be a little too moist for my palate's comfort as slicing through the alternate layers of cheese and ladyfingers left the alcohol and caffeine oozing out.

I had a cup of long black to go along with the dessert and it was definitely one of the best cup of coffee I have had. The Italian coffee served was from the award-winning Musetti family, which had been coffee makers for 3 generations! It was strong, bold and the intensity of that dark roast was beyond what words could possibly describe. I understand that this might sound a little far-fetched and exaggerated but if you love your long black coffee, trust me when I say this is a MUST-TRY.

We felt that the customer service was immaculate and it was one of those rare occasions where we felt that they deserved to be tipped in addition to the 10% service charge imposed. The server attending to our table was knowledgeable about the items on the menu and were able to accurately depict what to expect of the dishes which I felt was crucial to new customers especially.

While it was stated on Jamie's Italian FB page that online booking is full, we were able to get ourselves a table without much hassle as walk-in customers. Given the choice of indoor air-conditioning dining or al-fresco, I would highly recommend the latter with a view facing Sentosa Island, you would also get the occasional breeze that sweeps by. The prices were affordable and proportionate to the quality received in the food served. We left with a memorable dining experience and we would certainly return to try the other signatures on the menu!

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