Forlino - Dining By the Bay

When I read that Forlino chef is a Japanese chef and this is an Italian restaurant, it immediately piqued my interest.

Going to Forlino was like going through maze if you came from Fullerton by The Bay hotel side but it wasn't hard to follow the clear directions. I must say, it build up your anticipation and it will not disappoint you either once you reach the restaurant.

The black & white tiles with its pastel mint wall colours greeted you once you were up the upper floor by going up a staircase from the reception counter (the journey certainly continued) Passing the modern lounge setting facing opposite the Fullerton Hotel will awe you and you kinda know how the tone of this restaurant.

Walking into dining area with its beautiful chandeliers and full height window to MBS view was just astounding. Everything is carefully planned; the arty steel partition between tables, the table setting and what some restaurants still lacking here (and what you encounter often in Japan) is the 'Handbag' stool. It just another thoughtful gesture from Forlino and indeed, it shows the Japanese touch in this restaurant. True to behold; not long after, the patrons coming to Forlino were mostly Japanese for that night.

Our waiting staff were excellent; her friendly demeanor from a start promised a good evening for us and it was. She definitely knowledgeable which wine to suggest for our dish and promptly able to accommodate my query if I didn't wish for Foei Gras on my meal.

The meal was excellent; it was still true to Italian cuisine but with some refined techniques and skills infused to these dishes; attention to every detail on its presentation and most importantly the taste were excellent.

All in all, it was a lovely evening in a romantic ambience with great service and food, not to mention a view to boot; we just can't found any fault with Forlino.

I would highly suggest Forlino for a special dinner or occasion; combining Italian cuisine and Japanese chef are a must try dining experience.

Hallway to lounge and dining area

 

The bar

 

Chic lounge

 

Attention to detail

 

Looking at you to sit here

 

 Or here

 

The wall ornate not to be missed

 

Chef Kentaro Torii

 

 

 

View to MBS

 

The handbag stool

The artsy steel partitions to admire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Entrance to their private restroom

Adorable wall decoration

Beehive shaped tiles

 

Leather bound menu

 

 

Starting out with a glass of Chianti Red Wine

 Duet of Angus Beef

Braised short rib Brasato and Tenderloin Rossini 'Foie Gras' (I requested for it to be changed), Marsala Wine Sauce, Ricotta Spinach Raviolone

I had extra Raviolone replacing the Foei Gras

The beef was very tender and juicy; the combination of Marsala worked very well

Spinach Raviolone

Another thumb-up; it may seemed a humble item but it was made very well; it was soft yet firm and the spinach melted nicely in your mouth

 

Orata

Grilled Fillet of Sea Bream Amalfi Lemon Anchovy Sauce, Baby veggie, Panchino Tomato Confit

 

The fish was grilled to perfection and the lemon anchovy sauce complimenting it very well

Coconut Panna Cotta

Pineapple Confit, Moscato Jelly, Passion Fruit

Glad we skipped the starter in favour to have dessert as it was delish.

Never thought I would love Passion Fruit but combined with this coconut panna cotta and the pineapple; it was superb

And we loved every detail put into the presentation 

Warm Chocolate Fondant

Gianduja Lava, Vanilla Gelato

It may sounded simple but believed me; this chocolate fondant was excellent

 

Forlino Dining by the Bay
1 Fullerton Road
One Fullerton
#02-06
Singapore 049213
Tel: (65) 6690-7564

Opens Daily
Lunch: 12PM to 2.30PM
Dinner: 6.30PM to 10.30PM

 

Jamie's Italian @ Singapore

It was such a fanfare when Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant opened for the first time here. The queue was so long on weekend long before its opening time. So, when I got a chance to wander around Vivocity where it is located on a weekday before lunch time, I thought I would had better chance.

Walked to the restaurant around 11.30 am, not knowing what time was its operating hour which turned out to be 12 pm. There was already 1 lady in queue and I was the No. 2, not long after I stood in line, there were 2 ladies following me which kept saying their sons wanted to have lunch here but heard it was 'expensive' and this time even though without their sons, they wanted to see how it was.

It is a wonder sometimes to hear those 'complaining' how expensive this restaurant could be from grapevine/menu display (without prior personal experience) yet they eventually still go for it. I mean, if they are not happy since it is considered expensive then they could go to other restaurants which may offer lower price; why bother to queue, why bother to waste time complaining unnecessarily if you do have intention to try this restaurant after all. Prepare yourself in mind for a budget to spend. Try it once and afterward you'll know whether you wish to return again or not, at least you know it by yourself.

Back to Jamie's, 10 mins before opening, more corporate queuing in line. When it opened, the reception staff would only gave you a table if all parties were present. The 1st lady queue was still waiting for her friend and was asked to wait aside. I was a bit puzzled, if I only mentioned for 1 pax, I believed I would still be seated on 2-seaters table and then actually my partner could just pop up and still got a seat with me. The ruling would apply better for a group of 3 pax or more. The lady certainly felt it was quite unfair for her as she had been in line for longer time than me and it was only 2 of them.

Well, I got my table and my cheerful host came giving me the menus while explaining there were 3 special dishes for today, though, only 2 were displayed on the board. Thought, why not all the special dishes were on displayed there.

I couldn't really recalled what was the name or ingredients in those special dishes especially it were available for appetizer, mains, dessert and even drinks! Should narrow it to mains.

From its interior design concept which rustic modern to its menu which has 'half' or 'full' pasta portion and that cheerful, warm and friendly staff service, it was certainly up to Jamie's Italian standard like in UK.

Ordered the pasta which was fresh as Jamie motto, that famous plank of finger foods which I chose fish and special drink of the day.

Ordering service was prompt albeit a bit of waiting time and during payment, perhaps, most of patrons were asking same things at that time.

Will I return? Perhaps... to try its dessert as I didn't have space for my tummy during that lunch. But I'd recommend to bring more party for food sharing.

As how was the food itself, it was more to simple and comfort food than fantastic one which crave you to return often.

With online reservations fully taken up till end of the year, I guess the only hope is going there on weekday and be prepared to queue early. Hhmm, curious to see how long this long queue trend will sustain?

 

The logo



Merchandise counter opposite the reception / right side of entrance

There was these stool seating yet facing the mall floor and not sure anyone would seat here and looking at passerby ?

Bar Menu for these stool seating area







View to Dining Area

 

That famous stolen napkins from all over Jamie's restaurants



I do like the combination of blue sofa in this rustic modern concept





The chairs reminded me more of scandi design





The 1 page menu

My special drink of the day, I couldn't recalled its name, it had soda and lychee syrup with fresh limes



The stands for my wooden plank, from the empty tomatoes cans. Good and simple ideas

The Fish Plank

Cured & Crispy Fish, Italian, Cheese, Pickles, Crunchy Salad



The Pickles was below these ices which had pickles, green chillies, green olives and caper berries

On top of it was the beetroot-cured salmon and next to it was the crunchy salad. Made of shaved root veg with chili, lemon and mint



Part of the Cured & Crispy Fish was these mini fritto misto with yuzu mayo

Below photos were the roasted shellfish



Prawn Linguine

Fried garlicky prawns, shaved fennel, tomatoes, chili and rockets

I felt the prawns were pretty small though it was fresh with no hints of garlic though; the linguine was fresh and cooked al-dente

Till next time, dear Dessert

 

Jamie's Italian
1 HarbourFront Walk,
VivoCity, #1 165-167
Singapore 098585 

Tel: +65 6733-5500

http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/singapore/home

Opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm

Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 11 pm

Domani

Domani is a very popular Italian restaurant known to many Hongkongers, especially those working around Pacific Place building at Admiralty.

They offer semi-buffet for Saturday and Sunday with free-flow of antipasti which I read was really worth it but we were not keen to try, so we opted for Friday night dinner.

Reservation is A Must if you are going to Domani and luckily I did that, seeing what a full house they had. Once we were seated, I understood why Domani was so popular.

It has impeccable service throughout all staff level, from reception, host and server. Thoughtful complimentary drink and small dishes to balance your taste buds after certain meals.

Our host was very competent in explaining and recommending our antipasti, mains and desserts. He also explained there was a complimentary soup for the evening due to summer produce.

What I admired the most from Domani was their flexibility in offering 'Tasting Menu'; choose any menu and if there is only 2 of you, they would gladly to split 1 portion into 2 without sacrificing the plate presentation. It was Fantastico!

We only had antipasti as tasting menu and rest as our ala carte meal. Antipasti was excellent but for the mains, in steak and spaghetti, I felt it was good but not so impressive.
As for dessert, it was good but again, not the highlight of Domani.

While having our mains, suddenly, I heard some music background which sounded bit unclear and then turning my head, I saw a handsome Italian singer standing in the middle of the room and singing! This was so unexpected.

The curved ceilings resembled undulating waves was certainly the focal points of Domani, designed by award-winning architect, Thomas Heatherwick. Overall interior concept was clean, simple with white colour as the dominant.

Domani provided a perfect ambience for both corporate or leisure diners; with such impeccable service and great fine dining of Italian food food, what not to like?

Would love to try their weekend semi buffet next time!



The beautiful ceiling of Domani

 

 

 

 

 

The bench seating proved to be quite flexible depending on number of pax per table arrangement

 

 

 

View to Main Entrance

Alfresco seating

The famous Bank of China skyscraper for Dark Knight shoot. Another different view of Symphony of Lights





Simple Grey-Covered Menu



First time seeing a napkin being folded lengthwise instead of common triangle-shaped

Loved it!!!

Sparking Water

Complimentary champagne

Pretty curve plates



 

We called this our 'taste-bud neutralizer'



Acqua di Pomodoro, Capesante, Gamberi, Insalatina, Germogli e Frutta, Sale Nero

Tomato jelly, prawns, scallops, sprouts, salad, fresh fruit and black salt

This was definitely a signature antipasti at Domani

All items were presented in half which I wouldn't even guessed if they didn't inform me as the presentation was still beautiful

It was a great antipasti, so tasty when you mixed it all together, the combination of items worked marvellously



Complimentary Soup of White Asparagus Puree and Bacon



It was good! The saltiness of bacon added more flavour to this soup



Spaghetti con Astice, Pachini e Pistacchi

Spaghetti, boston lobster, cherry tomatoes, roasted pistachios

Pasta was fresh and well made; lobster and cherry tomatoes gave nice balance to this pasta with hint of pistachios



My 250g Rib-Eye Steak

It was cooked medium-done with enough tenderness, the potatoes was a bit saltish to my taste



This was how I first noticed the singer!





A dapper looking Italian guy with good voice and cool look

 



Complimentary Red Wine as our finishing drink after mains before sampling dessert



Domani Tiramisu

It was a Great Tiramisu; it didn't have that overpowering coffee taste and delicious dark chocolate shavings



Granita di cetriolo, mirtilli, pomodoro e lavanda

Cucumber granite, blueberry, tomato and lavender



It was chilled and refreshing, a good choice of something light as dessert

Tasted the lavenders too, for sure..



Complimentary Crème Brulee as last dish

It was a very light and not too sweet

Main entrance of Domani

Till' next time Domani!



It was a beautiful evening

Domani
Level 4
Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Admiralty, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2111-1197       

http://www.domani.hk/#/venue/

Opens daily from 12 pm to 12 pm (Dinner starts at 6.30 pm)