DATE NIGHT AT THE ALKAFF MANSION RISTORANTE
Once in a while, mamas need a time out from their bubbas. What better way than to indulge in bona fide Italian cuisine, we recommend The Alkaff Mansion Ristorante for the date night with the hubby.
The Alkaff Mansion is a Tudor-styled bungalow, which is tucked atop the Telok Blangah Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was originally built in 1918 as a weekend retreat Bungalow for the illustrious Alkaff family of spice traders from Yemen.
Today, the Alkaff Mansion Ristorante is owned by LHN Culinary Concepts who have weaved magic to bring in Chef Simone Depalmas from Sardinia, which is an island off the west coast of Italy. As such, his creations will have plenty of seafood in it – many of the ingredients are specially imported from his home country.
The Fresh Octopus Carpaccio ($24) is a unique Sardinian antipasti that is served with delicate slivers of lightly steamed Sardinian octopus with sprinkles of frisee salad, San Marzano cherry tomatoes orange wedges and a dressing of balsamic reduction. The octopus carpaccio has just the right amount of saltiness and its texture is heavenly tender.
The Seafood Platter ($68) is an absolute indulgence. It consists of tuna tartare, juicy tiger prawns, lobster chunks, sea bass carpaccio and octopus salad dressed in zesty citrus. This, you must order!
The pasta that Chef Depalmas has made are rather special, particularly the Sardinian Fregola with Assorted Seafood ($28). The fregola, which is also known as the Sardinian couscous, is specially imported from Italy and it has a distinct nutty flavour from toasting. This Sardinian pasta is coupled with a savoury medley of clams, juicy prawns, squids and scallops.
If you prefer risotto, the classic Porcini Mushroom Risotto Superfino Acquerello with Thyme ($28) will definitely satisfy your cravings. The risotto used is of the Superfino Acquerello grain known to absorb liquid well and yet, it will remain fluffy in texture.
Chef Depalmas have also highlighted two of his secondi, or the mains. Firstly, the Oven-Baked Lamb Rack ($45) – it is cooked to medium pink and is served with velvety-smooth celeriac mash, caramelized pearl onions and topped off with Chef Depalmas’ very own piquant prune sauce. The lamb was mucho excellente!
The Slow-Cooked Sardinian Style Suckling Pig ($46) is the one that I really liked. Think of it as a Giorgio Armani roasted pork, with delicately crispy skin and moist flesh is paired with homemade mixed berry compote. The Sardinian suckling pig is slow roasted for several hours at exactly 70°C to give it the crispy skin texture while keeping the meat tender.
For full review, please click HERE.
DETAILS: Alkaff Mansion Ristorante is 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178. For reservations, please call +65 6510 3068. For more information, please visit their website at alkaff.com.sg.
