Ever been to Japan? Then you’d noticed their love for Italian cuisine. Perhaps its the nostalgia of simple, hearty food which reminded them of their grandmas or edgy combinations with mentaiko and yuzu, but one thing for sure, is that we, in Singapore, love it too.
Caffe B at Marina Bay Sands is one such restaurant that has been serving up noveau Italian fare with an accent of Japanese umami. Think quality Wagyu Beef served with Yuzu Kosho sauce or unique creations such as Azuki Semolina Pudding, all served up to you in a 3-course lunch set starting from S$20 to S$25.
Bar Set Lunch, S$20
Diners start off with the Mesclun Salad with Pomegranate and Pecorino Romano, a light salad that awakes the palette for the indulgent mains coming up.
If you were to ask what was my favorite between the light yet spicy Penne with Fan Scallop and Tender Beef Shank and Tendon in Red Wine Sauce, the latter would win – hands down. Served atop creamy mash, this homely dish is all you need on a rainy afternoon.
Those who love their tendons will go bonkers for this. Believe me, that rich, unctuous flavour is to die for. I just wished there were more of it.
The meal ends on a sweet note with their Homemade White Chocolate Cheesecake, served with wild berries, sprinkles of pistachio and a sesame chip. True to Japan’s culinary style, each bite was light yet packed full of creamy, cheese goodness. Dab a little of pistachio there, smear a little whipped cream here and you’ve got the perfect bite.
Restaurant Set Lunch, S$25
If you’re up for a little more variety, then go for the Restaurant Set Lunch at just S$5 more. There’s a choice between the refreshing Chicken Breast and Mizuna Salad in Orange Vinaigrette and Chef’s Fresh Pot of the Day for the starter.
Mains get a little more fancy here. There’s the Wagyu Stripoin Tataki, Barramundi in Confit of Citrus and Trio Tomato Risotto.
Surprisingly, the hot favorite among the three was the simplest of them all – the risotto. Simmered in vegetable stock and white wine, it is then tossed in Parmegiano-Reggiano, giving us spoonfuls of glorious, sweet cheesy goodness with every bite. The trio of fresh, sweet Roma, San Marzano and Cherry Tomatoes contrasts against the heaviness of the luscious cheese, making you go back for bite after bite without pause.
Last but not least, we have the Azuki Semolina Pudding to concolude the meal. Not the sort of Azuki-based dessert I am used to, but I adored how the creaminess of the pudding slowly dissipates into the sweet aroma of Azuki we are all familiar with.
Both set lunches have been tried and tested for the past year. Caffe B plays around with its menu now and then, but they stayed with this selection of fan favorites for obvious reasons. It has everything you want from a meal at the luxurious Marina Bay Sands, without breaking the bank.
So, next time you’re in the area and wanting to impress a date for lunch, you’d know where to go.
