Chef Daniel's Kitchen - Lunching High in the Sky!

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Al Dente Trattoria (Esplanade) - An Italiano theatrical lunch treat

Linguine con frutti di mare

Al Dente Trattoria (Esplanade) - An Italiano theatrical lunch treat

Esplanade Mall

8 Raffles Avenue,

#01-13, Esplanade Mall Singapore 039802

Tel: 6341 9188 Fax: 6341 9186

Gang Gangstronomy was looking for somewhere different to go for lunch that day. Yes, somewhere different. Yet, somewhere, somehow, a familiar Italian opera seemed to be playing in the background, beckoning us to go for something Italian. Perhaps a good way to satisfy both cravings was to head to the Al Dente Trattoria at the Esplanade Theatres by the Bay. With theatre performances, I have often been told that it is important to reach the theatre before the curtains go up. Bound by the same spirit, we planned to leave early before the restaurant got too packed.

Service

At around 12pm, the resaurant was considerably packed but we were fortunate to be seated at one of the last couple of the available tables. Service was quick and friendly. I liked that plain water was refilled quite religiously. This always says something about a restaurant.

Ambience

Another thing I liked about Al Dente was that the tables were not placed too close to one another, giving city dwellers like you and me the much needed space. The decor was simple for a restaurant at the Esplanade, yet comfortable. It started to rain as we got seated, providing the musical accompaniment for the food aria that was about the begin.

Food
As with Italian restaurants in Singapore, it was pasta and pizzas mostly. What we liked about the menu (the libretto) was that it was not priced too "atasly". It was not cheap but the lunch deals we had were quite value for money. (I shall not elaborate too much on the price here since I am not sure how often they have these lunch deals.) Some of us had the Linguine con frutti di mare, which was linguine in white wine ragout tossed in generous amounts of seafood. The pasta was cooked just right - not too tough, and not too soggy, just the way everyone likes it. Lots of prawns, mussels, clams, scallops... see what's left of the mussels:

Part of the gang chose the wagyu bolognaise for his food aria. His critique: Good and meaty!

Wagyu Bolognaise

As we finished the last bits of the pasta, I reflected on the so many good things (like food!) that are made beautiful in life. As with any performance, it had to end. When we left, it seemed that the curtains had just closed on some enchanting aria, composed by some famous muscian, sung by some celebrated artiste, some many years ago.

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Yours,

Gangstronomy