[FOOD] La D'Oro - Michelin Guide Italian Restaurant @ Mandarin Gallery, Singapore

When Japanese ingredients meet Italian elegance....

During our recent birthday celebration, we were at the La D'Oro, an upscale restaurant that blends Italian and Japanese flavours in a pretty unique way. The fact that it is listed on 2023 and 2024 Michelin Guide Singapore kinda sets our expectations high and we were excited to experience what they have got to offer. 

La D'Oro, located at Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Singapore, is helmed by Chef Yohhei Sasaki, who has extensive culinary experience in both Tokyo and Tuscany, giving him a deep understanding of both food cultures.

Since rebranding in 2023, La D’Oro has featured a seasonal omakase menu that changes every two months. Chef Sasaki skillfully combines traditional Italian and Japanese influences to create complex and unique dishes, using ingredients air-flown from both Japan and Italy to ensure distinctive flavours. 

 

Our visit here mainly focused on the ala carte menu which made it a great casual dining experience with the classic Italian dishes and seasonal Japanese menu. 

Complimentary House Bread

Iberico Bellota (50g @ $34)

Raspadura Cheese @ $6

For our starter, we began indulging in the slices of Iberico Bellota, paired with freshly shaved artisanal Raspadura Cheese. The rich, savoury flavour of the pork was deeply satisfying, especially when enhanced with subtle smoky notes. I enjoyed how the slightly fat cut melted luxuriously in the mouth. 

Whereas the shaved cheese added a creamy finish that balanced the saltiness of the pork. The combination was a delightful contrast! Perfect option to enhance every sip of wine.

Herb Roasted French Chicken Breast @ $22

Caccio cavallo cheese sauce, herb bread crumbs

For the main, we had the roasted chicken breast, crowned with herb bread crumbs and served on a bed of asscaccio cavallo cheese sauce. Each bite of the mild and succulent chicken was a perfect combination of herby goodness and natural sweetness of the meat, with a right amount of crunch from the crispy crust. Definitely a comfort food with a fancy touch.  

Nagasaki Meji Maguro Cold Capellini @ $34

Wasabi and Nagasaki hakusai sauce

We also tried one of the seasonal items on the menu, featuring Nagasaki's local produce. The thin, delicate strands of capellini pasta were tossed with a medley of fresh, crisp Japanese cabbages and young bluefin tuna. Topped with fragrant wasabi shaving, each bite tasted like a cool, satisfying pasta salad with fresh, summery vibe. 

Tiramisu @ $14

The showstopper of the evening was definitely the deconstructed tiramisu (and the amazing presentation for the special occasion). It was a playful twist of the classic dessert - with rich mascarpone cream, coffee-soaked fingers and cocoa powder stacked in an elegant arrangement - allowing each bite to deliver the perfect balance of smooth, creamy and coffee-infused sweetness. Will definitely be back for this! 

 

Verdict:

Overall, La D'Oro is a great spot if you are looking for something different, offering both casual and fine-dining experience with an interesting Italian-Japanese twist. Whether you are in the mood for a laidback meal or a refined omakase experience, this place has got you covered.

La D'Oro 

Mandarin Gallery, #01-16/17

333A Orchard Road

Singapore 238897.

 Call/Whatsapp: +65 83826200

Email: ladoro@ladoro.sg

Instagram: @ladorosg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ladoro.Singapore

Operating Hours:

Monday to Sunday

Lunch - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Dinner - 5:00pm - 10:30pm

[FOOD] Mozzarellaaa Gourmet Pizza Delivery

It's a Mozzarellaaa feast! ❤

What really excites me in every pizza feast is the variety of toppings sitting on a thin, crisp crust, and I think Mozzarellaaa has nailed it in terms of serving the most diverse and interesting combination of pizza toppings! 

If you have not heard of Mozzarellaaa, it all started from the young owner who had a fiery passion for delicious, handmade, gourmet pizza. Now it is running on a cloud kitchen concept, exclusively for deliveries and takeaways from The Barn Wine Bar, i.e. no dine-ins ya.

I love how Mozzarellaaa experiments with different flavour combinations and creates a wide selection of gourmet pizzas including Guinness Pizza, BBQ Pizza, Four Meat Pizza, Braised Pork Belly Pizza, Yin Yang Pizza (Char Siew & Siew Yoke duo), Seafood Sarawak Laksa Pizza and Pork Satay Pizza. Interesting, right?

Of course, pizzas are always perfect for sharing, so are the light bites! They also offer side dishes such as Truffle Garlic Bread, Buffalo Hot Wings and Brandy Buffalo Wings which are good to go with a bottle of beer or a glass of wine!

Signature Cheese Pizza & Truffle Oil @ RM27.00 

This is definitely not an ordinary pizza delivery. A drizzle of aromatic truffle oil transforms this simple mozzarella cheese pizza into an umami-filled gourmet delight! The aroma is just irresistibly good and the taste is instantly elevated too. 

We also order a bottle of house white wine to pair with the pizza. Simply perfect!

Monkey Business @ RM25.00 

For dessert, we are having pizza too! The sweet banana pizza is fun and interesting to dig in - Banana grilled over salted caramel with chunky walnuts, topped with lots of stringy mozzarella. Each bite exudes slight sweetness with strong caramelised flavours. 

The contrasting textures of soft melty banana and crunchy walnut bits make it a delicious dessert for sharing.

Verdict:

If you love your pizza in thin, crisp crust with different interesting combinations of toppings, Mozzarellaaa is the right choice to go for. Pairing with alcoholic drinks is definitely a bonus for an ultimate pizza experience. 

How to Order:

Mozzarellaaa’s pizza is available for delivery or takeaway from selected The Barn Wine Bar locations such as 1 Mont Kiara, Mid Valley, Citta Mall, Sunway Pyramid, Pavilion KL and Desa Park City.

    Order now at bit.ly/MozzarellaaaDelivery!

  For more info about Mozzarellaaa, please visit:

Facebook: fb.com/MozzarellaaaMY

Instagram: @MozzarellaaaMY

Italian Dinner with Michelin Star Chef @ Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

It has been almost a year since I last had my Italian Prosecco brunch date with Michelin Chef Marcello Fabbri who flew all the way from Italy to Kuala Lumpur and took over Villa Danieli's kitchen for a week. Now I am glad that he is back at Sheraton Imperial, bringing to us another level of gastronomical journey of flavours and taste of Italy.

During his 20 years experience in the renowned gourmet restaurant in Germany – Anna Amelia, he has served the royals and prominent names from various industries. His passion towards ‘Italian simplicity’ style of cooking has earned him the recognition as one of the most celebrated chefs in the world.

I am glad to be able to sample his traditional Italian cuisine once again

during his one-week stay at Villa Danieli from 19 to 23 January 2017. 

Degustation Menu by Chef Marcello Fabbri

❤ Villa Danieli, Sheraton Imperial KL
❤ 5-course meal: Starter, soup, risotto, steak, dessert 

It has been awhile since I last dined Villa Danieli and I miss the house signature bread here. The complimentary basket of bread always gains much popularity among the diners because the fresh bakes are just delicious.

Marcello Fabbri Vitello Tonnato

Newly Interpreted Tuna and Veal by Marcello Fabbri

Frescobaldi Pomino Bianco DOC

Then we kickstart our Italian affair with a cold amuse bouche – Sliced tuna and veal with balsamic vinaigrette. The lightly marinated tuna tastes mild on the palate, and pairing it with a slightly sweet white wine is a great start of our evening feast.

Zuppa Di Zucca

Pumpkin Soup served with Scallops and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio D.O.C.G

Next up is a hearty bowl of creamy roasted pumpkin soup, crowned with 3 pieces of fried breaded scallops. I love the aroma of roasted pumpkin which balances well with the juicy, sweet seafood. But the overall taste could be better if it falls on the less salty side.

Risotto Ai Porcini

Risotto of Porcini Mushrooms served with Parmesan Ice Cream

Speri Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC

However, I personally find that the showstopper of the evening is the classic mushroom risotto – Simple yet comforting especially when it exudes loads of earthy aroma upon savouring every grain of the rice. No doubt it is Chef Marcello Fabbri's signature dish! 

Manzo Australiano

Australian Black Angus Striploin served with Green Asparagus, Potato Confit and Black Truffle

Lamole Di Lamole Blue Label Chianti Classico D.O.C.G

As the main arrives, my dining partner enjoys his medium rare striploin in classic sauce while I opt for a non-beef option – Sous vide chicken, topped with a generous portion of black truffle. Best paired with deep red wine that cuts through the flavours of the meat.

Torta Di Mele Granny Smith

Granny Smith Apple Tart served with Granny Smith Soup and Sorbet

Warre Warrior Finest Reserve Port Wine

Our 5-course meal is sealed with a sweet ending – Sweet tart, soup and sorbet all composed using green apple. It is quite rare to see desserts in green hues, but this looks pretty good. Just simple and lightly sweet yet not overloading for us.

Overall, my dine-and-wine experience with Chef Marcello Fabbri is pretty satisfying. Thanks for bringing to us a different dining experience and making this a perfect evening to dine with great food, lovely wines and amazing friends. 

Looking forward to my next dining experience at Villa Danieli! 

Villa Danieli

Fifth Floor

Sheraton Imperial Hotel

129, Jalan Sultan Ismail,

50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: +603-2717 9922

Email: villa.danieli@sheraton.com 

Website:

Hotel: http://www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com

Villa Danieli: http://www.villadanielirestaurant.com/

Facebook: fb.com/sheraton.imperial.kuala.lumpur

Italian Prosecco Brunch @ Villa Danieli, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

Sunday just couldn't be more blissful than enjoying a long Italian brunch with fine wines,

under such a romantic setting at Villa Danieli.

Villa Danieli, the award-winning Italian restaurant tucked in the 5-star Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel has recently invited me over for an authentic Italian Prosecco Brunch on a fine Sunday.

Exclusively available on every Sunday, the brunch affair begins at 11am with Bianco bar's cocktails or mocktails, followed by free-flow appetizers, main courses and desserts. To complete the Italian experience, the romantic brunch is paired with Prosecco, a premium Italian white sparkling wine.

It's been a while since I have last been to Villa Danieli (Read about my previous dining experience: HERE). But its gorgeous rustic interior with high ceilings and majestic decor has never failed to impress me, and most certainly adds to the experience of Sunday brunch.

Before Italian Procecco brunch starts, we are treated to an array of house crafted cocktails. By noon, Andreola Dirupo Valdobbiadene Prosecco wine begins to fill our glass. This premium Italian wine is light-bodied, dry-style, with an elegant lingering fine perlage (the fine chains of bubbles ascending from the bottom of the glass to the surface of the wine, as you can see from the above picture). Excellent as a refreshing summer treat or as a aperitif!

ANTIPASTI (APPETIZERS)

To dine like a true Italian, we begin our gastronomic journey with a wide variety of traditional antipasti such as cured meats, salad, crostini, cheese and more. The buffet-style appetizer spread varies every week; but there are certainly pleasant surprises among the bite-sized offerings, to tantalize our palates. 

From Top Left (Clockwise): ‘Caprese’, Buffalo Mozzarella, Roma Tomato, Basil;

Caesar Salad with Anchovies Dressing and Garlic Croutons;

Mixed Salad with Choice of Dressing;

Fig Salad with Gorgonzola, Spinach, Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

From Top Left (Clockwise): Air Dried Beef with Parmesan Cheese, Roma Tomato, 
Aged Balsamic and Arugula; Parmesan and Thyme Tart with Onion Jam;

Pesto Penne Salad; Tuna Tataki 

*must try* Beef Carpaccio with Mustard Dressing, Onion Pickles, Rock Melon and Arugula

A pure elegance on its own, the melt-in-the-mouth meat is so thinly sliced and well-seasoned.

Imported Italian Cheese: Taleggio, Gorgonzola, Asiago, Aged Parmesan Wheels, Fontina, Pecorino, Salata Ricotta 

Assorted Dried Fruits and Nuts

SERVE TO TABLE

A classic Italian affair is not complete without having a basket of house-made breads served onto the table before the appetizer. My favourite goes to the olive bread, so flavourful with a super crunchy crust and perfect crumb.

Wild Mushroom Soup; Honey Pumpkin and Gorgonzola Soup

Pan Seared Duck Foie Gras, Caramelized Apple, Onion, Balsamic Vinaigrette Sauce

Apart from the antipasti spread, we also have a lineup of appetizers served to the table. Both the soups are just fabulous; Perfect to warm the stomach, before I dig into my favourite melt-in-the-mouth foie gras that is so creatively composed to instantly awaken the taste buds. 

ALA CARTE MAIN COURSES

Pan-fried Sea Bass with Fennel and Passion Fruit

For the mains, there are up to 7 options (That's a lot!) to be chosen from, ranging from classic Italian pasta and risotto, to poultry and red meats. The best part is, you can order as many as you can; Just eat to your heart's content!

Sous Vide Filet of Sole, Tomato-Vanilla Emulsion, Carrot and Purple Potato Mash, Tarragon

Forest Mushroom Risotto with Assorted Mushroom, Parmesan Shaving and Aromatic Truffle Oil

A classic vegetarian risotto. A simple yet extravagantly earthy-flavoured dish dotted with parmesan shaving, thick strips of juicy mushroom and truffle, it is the epitome of soul food for some- although others may find it a tad rich. 

Two Kind of Veal “Rossini” (Pan Seared Tenderloin and Braised Veal Cheeks),

Celeriac Variation, Madeira Jus, Black Truffle

The highlight of the mains is the duo-style beef that gives different textures and flavours when paired with wine. The braised veal cheek is incredibly tender, whereas the tenderloin is more succulent and juicy. It certainly is a good choice for diners who love beef. 

ALA CARTE DESSERTS

Dessert Pass Around On Wood Tray: White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake in Cornet

As the finale, we are spoilt with endless selection of puff pastry, tart, mille fueille and mini desserts which are passed around on a tray. Looking at the beautifully crafted desserts, I can't resist but to reach for one after another. 

Tiramisu, Mascarpone Trifle, Espresso, Brandy

Among the desserts, nothing beats my all-time favourite classic Italian dessert! Dark and indulgent, each bite is a divine layer of texture in the mouth but it is the brandy-soaked ladyfinger that has us on cloud nine! Amazingly, the tiramisu is very well-executed as it strikes a balance in bittersweet flavour and coffee aroma. 

Italian Gelato: Peppermint, Yoghurt and Strawberry

Three Chocolate Semifreddo

The creamy Italian gelato is equally noteworthy because of its dense and smooth texture. But if your tastebud is more advanturous, I think the semifreddo will be a great option as you get to enjoy 3 distinctive types of chocolates in one-- Soft chocolate mousse, milky white chocolate and dark firm chocolate-- laced with berries compote.

Pannettone with Braised Red Plum

Warn Chocolate Cake with Lemon Sorbet

Overall, it is an amazing Italian gastronomic experience, and certainly takes Sunday brunch to the next level!

Villa Danieli's Italian Prosecco Sunday Brunch

RM148 nett per person / RM74 nett kids ( 9-12 years old)

 Food only

Sommelier's Red & White Wine Selection, Beer, Soft Drinks and Chilled juices, Coffee & Tea

RM198 nett per person

Prosecco , Sommelier's Red & White Wine Selection, Beer, Soft Drinks and Chilled juices, Coffee & Tea

RM238 nett per person

Villa Danieli
Fifth Floor
Sheraton Imperial Hotel
129, Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2717 9900
Website: http://www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com
Facebook: fb.com/sheraton.imperial.kuala.lumpur