Malaysia
Singapore
Thailand
“Chill With European Cuisine at Rochester”
Da Paolo Bistro Bar by Da Paolo Group is among 5 establishments currently owned by the family-run business. Residing on Rochester Drive, a leafy and meandering road that reminds me of Malcolm Road/Chancery Lane, the gastropub serves contemporary European cuisine and signature cocktails in its commodious space.
If the weather is tame, sedentary alfresco seating that abuts the lush forest is encouraged. The same can be said of neighbouring restaurants of the rather picturesque Rochester Drive, an area ideal for beery afternoon rewinds. Otherwise, the modern indoor dining room of Da Paolo where we sat for a taste of the crowd favourites here should serve one just fine.
Grilled Slipper Lobster Salad ($23++). For antipasti, we were given a bowl of pepper-loaded greens with grilled slipper lobster dressed in a pommery mustard lemon vinaigrette. A consistent crunch in the vegetables— which included olives, baby romaine, cherry tomato confit, and avocado—and fresh, springy lobster had the voracious beast in me empty the bowl in a minute.
Italian Sausage, Chorizo & Jalapenos ($29++). This thin (or skinny) pizza is idiosyncratically made with black dough that tastes relatively nondescript and forms the basic crust. Red chilies, jalapenos, and sausages compose the toppings that are adhered with buffalo mozzarella. I liked the pizza, but could not find any distinctive feature. Perhaps an order of this to match your goth costume will not be frowned upon.
Crabmeat & Homemade Tagliatelle with Tomatoes, Cream & Vodka Sauce ($27++). A cream of crabmeat-infused orange coats this medium-textured tagliatelle for a humble-looking pasta that exudes a unique yet balanced sweetness. What I initially thought to be egg shell debris in my plate was later identified as accidental crab shell deposition. I did not mind the crunchy discovery, since there really were just 2 smidgens of that, and that it proves the authenticity of the crab flesh.
Grilled Spring Chicken ($29++). The succulent piece of grilled chicken is not only enlivened with crispy skin, but also graced with most tender baby asparagus, baby carrots, and broccolini. Should you want a flavour spurt, chicken jus and dashes of salt and pepper are served with the platter to sprinkle over the main course. I found the dish to be highly enjoyable, but would have preferred a larger chicken.
Da Paolo’s Signature Tiramisu ($14++). Supposedly one of Singapore’s best, I had high expectations of something impressive. The mascarpone cream was smooth and light but that was as far as it went. The savoiardi didn’t seem infused sufficiently in coffee which resulted in a somewhat missing flavour.
Valrhona 70% Dark Chocolate Lava Cake with Homemade Parma Ham Gelato ($18++). The dark chocolate was thick and intense which complemented the very unique saltish ice cream. The savoury parma ham flavour in the ice cream is very light so make sure you have a clear palate before trying it to really experience the flavour.
It certainly would have been nice to tarry the day away here on the plush seats with some drinks, though we had time only for the food. Better standards at the same price abound, yet perhaps none offers the same tranquility.
Expected damage: $35 – 50 / pax
