The week of my birthday, I did something totally crazy. I started a raw vegan diet. I’d been wanting to heal my gut and attempt to soothe the crazy bipolar mess AKA my hormones, and I figured it would be the best way to do it. And then my boyfriend popped the question. Not the kind that involves getting down on bended knee and shiny rocks, but the type that makes you mentally go through the list of restaurants you’ve been dying to try in your head…
Where would you like to have dinner on your birthday?
Let me be honest, having only consumed massive amounts of fruit and vegetables for the entire week, the carb-lover in me was having withdrawal symptoms. So I thought long and hard, and picked the cuisine best known for carb loading–Italian! Hence we ended up at La Brezza last Saturday evening.
A poolfront restaurant tucked away on the second floor of The St Regis–La Brezza is quiet and cozy–perfect for date night. No screaming children or boisterous crowds, a rarity in overcrowded Singapore I heartily welcome. We ordered:
Appetizers
- Fines de Claire Oysters (Freshly shucked with condiments)
- Cappesante Saltate e Granchio (Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallops and Alaskan Crab Meat Salad, Crispy Breaded Crab “Polpetta” Salmon Roe with Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette )
Mains
- Tagliolini Al ‘Astice (Homemade Tagliolini Pasta with Pan-seared Boston Lobster, Cherry Tomato, Garlic, and Italian Basil)
- Astice Spadellato (Marinated Grilled Boston Lobster with Garlic and Thyme, “Cappon Magro” Vegetables and Capsicum Sauce, Served with Arugula Leaves and Cherry Tomato Salad)
- Cernia in Guazzetto (Slow-stewed Grouper Fillet, Clams and Mussels, Served with Tomato Gravy, Capers, Oregano and Lemon Zest)
The Fines de Claire Oysters were the first to go, sweet with a natural saltiness, they don’t linger long on the palette and slide quickly down your throat. I highly recommend these French oysters if you’re looking for oysters that aren’t too fleshy. We started on our bread basket while waiting for our second appetizer. I always judge restaurants based on their simplest provisions. If you can’t bake a simple loaf of bread, the main course is unlikely to impress. Happy to report the bread was good, especially when dipped into a mixture of olive oil and vinegar.
The Cappesante Saltate e Granchio did not disappoint. The scallops were cooked so that they were the slightest bit raw in the middle with the right amount of chewiness. I thoroughly enjoyed the Breaded Crab “Polpetta”, which is really fancy speak for breaded crab cakes. Goes splendidly with the tangy vinaigrette and shredded peppers splayed on top. I typically am averse to eating peppers, but I didn’t mind eating these!
I have to say out of all three main courses we ordered, the Tagliolini Al ‘Astice impressed me the most in terms of flavor. Understandably, since it’s the Chef’s Speciality dish. The al dente homemade pasta soaked up every bit of that yummy tomato sauce and wasn’t overly sour either, which many marinara sauces tend to be. The Astice Spadellato was no doubt fresh and really tasty–with a hint of smokiness you would expect of grilled seafood–but it didn’t really surprise me. If you’d like a whole lobster to yourself (and who wouldn’t?), you won’t go wrong with this dish. The last dish, Cernia in Guazzetto is a delightful dish for diet watchers. The Grouper fillet was sweet and firm, impressively slow-stewed to perfection. Not an easy feat considered Grouper is a lean fish! Oregano and lemon zest add lightness so you won’t feel like the dish is too heavy.
I love La Brezza for its attentive waiters and peaceful ambience. I was contemplating sharing this review publicly because I wanted to keep it a secret since I enjoyed my experience there so much. However, good things are meant to be shared and I’m sure you guys will return the favor by sharing some of your favorite Italian restaurants with me in the comments below, amirite?
La Brezza is located at:
The St. Regis Singapore
Level Two, 29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
Tel: (65) 6506 6884
Disclosure: Compensation was not provided by La Brezza. The opinions expressed herein are those mine and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of La Brezza.
