Pizzas, appetizers and the most addictive garlic bread ever
By Samantha Francis
Jamie’s Italian has unveiled a new a la carte menu.
Think Jamie Oliver, and languid afternoons labouring by the grill, picking thyme from the garden and searing a beautiful steak, comes to mind.
Naturally, I’m also a long time fan of Jamie Oliver’s YouTube series, Food Tube, which sees him and other talented guests cook up a storm with hearty and comforting dishes.
Yet when Jamie’s Italian opened its first Singapore outpost in 2013, I was slightly disappointed by the hits and misses on the menu. Granted, the pasta was great but everything else was rather forgettable.
Thankfully, the restaurant’s new a la ca menu shows much potential. Here’s what we tried and loved.
1. Ultimate Garlic Bread
I rarely give much thought to garlic bread — they’re best dipped in the delicious soups anyway. However, the Ultimate Garlic Bread ($9) stole the show.
The warm and fluffy buttermilk buns were covered in garlic butter and crispy rosemary, stuffed with fontina cheese and served with a zingy Arrabbiata sauce. It was savoury and comforting.
2. Venetian Fish Stew
Seafood Stew would’ve been a better name for this hearty Venetian Fish Stew ($28), which came loaded with generous portions of shellfish, fregola (type of pasta from Sardinia) and sustainable fish cooked in a rich tomato and fiano (white Italian wine) sauce.
The tomato-based broth was flavourful on its own but also enhanced the freshness of the seafood. I do wish there’d been more of the crisp crostini to mop up the broth!
3. Spinach & Ricotta Croquettes
I’ve got no complains with these crispy, deep fried orbs. They’re Spinach & Ricotta Croquettes ($14.50), stuffed with oozing buffalo ricotta and wilted spinach. Paired with a zingy Arrabbiata tomato sauce, they’ll make great starters.
4. Funghi Misti
Baked to order artisan pizzas are now available at Jaime’s Italian and they’re perfect for sharing. A classic creation is the Funghi Misti ($23.50), which comes with porcini mushroom sauce, roasted herby mushrooms, mozzarella, chervil and tarragon.
5. Molten Chocolate Praline Pudding
First thoughts: Why is this Molten Chocolate Praline Pudding ($12.50) served at room temperature? Not that it’s a bad thing, mind you; I’d been so used to piping hot molten lava cakes.
Second thoughts: It flows, like a dream. A melty, chocolate praline centre is revealed once you dig your fork into the light chocolate sponge. The side of salted caramel ice cream countered the sweetness nicely, with bits of crunchy praline adding texture. Win!
Jaime’s Italian, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #1-165-167, Singapore 098585
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