by Paul on February 10, 2010
“Fa cosi caldo qui o e la tua presenza?”
For those of you who don’t know, I’ll be entering a full-time culinary diploma program starting in April. I’m using my remaining months to continue to eat at great restaurants, travel, and take all the short-term cooking courses I can find. One of the more exciting courses I found while searching for classes in Singapore was offered out of Basilico’s at the Regent Hotel, Singapore. Each month they are focusing on a different Italian food region and teaching signature plates from said region. Having previously gorged ourselves enjoyed the sprawling Italian brunch, I knew that the chefs knew their regional foods and had the fresh ingredients required to pull something like this off. For February they went with a theme instead of a region… teaching a 3-course romantic meal that was every bit as indulgent as it was sensual. And as you prepare for your Valentine’s Day, you might consider cooking this rich, romance inspiring meal at home, rather than going out. [keep reading…]
by joanna on December 7, 2009
Homestyle, satisfying Italian served alfresco on a cozy Silom rooftop terrace
Vicolo 4 opened in 2008…however, unless you know Silom Soi 4 well, it’s not really the kind of place one stumbles upon. It’s tucked away on the second floor over top of a bar with very little signage. But it is so consistent in its presentation of homestyle Italian that Bangkok insiders often hear about it by word of mouth. When I was growing up in the southern part of the US…this was most often a formula for success. A hole in the wall tiny place, that regulars love. Nothing pretentious or flashy…but just delicious homemade dishes and friendly service that keep people coming back again and again. In fact when we are in Bangkok, we always make a point to stop by and here’s why you should too. [keep reading…]
by Paul on October 28, 2009
Transplanted from the younger, more modern, and hipper Siam Square, It’s Happened to be a Closet brings its kitschy style and cozy cafe environment to the luxury malls of Bangkok. Can something so artsy, design oriented, and in your face work in a mall littered with high-end shops like Prada, Hermes, Gucci, etc? [keep reading…]
by joanna on October 23, 2009
Glorious cheese is the star in this Tokyo restaurant
As much as I absolutely adore Japanese food, we took a break from our much loved Yakitori and Katsudon to try an interesting concept in casual dining. A restaurant entirely based around creamy, fresh mozzarella flown in daily from the Paestum and the Agro Pontino areas of Italy (how extravagant!). [keep reading…]
by Paul on October 1, 2009
This week’s Epicurean Concept of the week was inspired by our recent trip to the Regent Hotel Brunch in Singapore and by fond memories of a dining experience in Bangkok at Spasso’s. Both meals featured a delight for turophiles – Burrata Cheese.
[keep reading…]
by joanna on September 29, 2009
Homemade pastas, a whole room of cheese, chocolate martinis and more, oh my!
I must admit I love a champagne brunch. And this one has to be among the best in Singapore. My favorite had been the St Regis Hotel Champagne brunch… and until recently nothing else had really come close. But I think now Basilico’s is right up there in my rankings. [keep reading…]
by Paul on September 28, 2009
I was in China for a week… first in Shanghai, then on to Beijing. In that time I only ate one proper Chinese meal. It wasn’t that I was scared of the food, it’s just that the western food on offer here is so appealing. Take Ristorante Sadler, an authentic Italian restaurant, in a beautiful location… oh yeah, and it’s also founded by a 2 Michelin Star rated chef! With a lunch set, including wine, at only 200 RMB (less than 30 bucks) it was a lunch I had to try. [keep reading…]
A simple Italian restaurant in a quiet alleyway saves the night! [keep reading…]
by joanna on June 16, 2009
Every time we go to the area known as Chip Bee Gardens on Jalan Merah Saga we make a new discovery…With a bevy of lovely little restaurants, gourmet food stores, art galleries, bakeries and cool specialty kitchen / baking supply stores, one can spend a whole afternoon puttering around. And we often do!
A destination in and of itself, here are some of our favorites on Jalan Merah Saga.
[keep reading…]
by joanna on June 5, 2009
For power lunching executives, ladies who lunch…and the rest of us…
When I go to Hong Kong it is usually on business and the area I typically find myself in is Central on Queens Road. More often than not, lunch is catered sandwiches around a conference table….blah… But when the schedule is a bit more relaxed and we can find the time, the lunch decision is unanimous – let’s go to Gaia Ristorante!
(All pictures from Gaia website)
[keep reading…]
