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ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS
177
February15
Donna Carela
2 Greenwood Avenue
6463 4206 | donnacarmela.com.sg
THE ATMOSPHERE:
Donna Carmela
is a rustic Italian restaurant, with a fun
and laid-back buzz.
THE CUISINE:
Italian, prepared by
head chef Barbara, who’s from the
Puglia region. (General manager
Simone is her husband.)
THE MENU:
We can’t make a trip to
Donna Carmela without ordering the
amazingly soft and creamy burrata
($28), along with the beef carpaccio with
fresh arugula and shaved parmesan
($22). For mains, I usually stick to the
perfectly al dente penne arrabbiata
($21), or occasionally the ravioli with
crab and lobster in tomato and basil
sauce ($26), while James opts for the
spaghetti carbonara every time ($21).
Pollen
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Flower
Dome, Gardens By The Bay, #01-09
6604 9988 | pollen.com.sg
THE ATMOSPHERE:
At the far end of
the Flower Dome, this classy two-storey
restaurant is fringed by a charming
Mediterranean garden. We were seated
on the ground floor, with inviting wood-
and-marble furnishings and slow,
subdued jazz that doesn’t interfere with
any flirty banter.
THE CUISINE:
Modern Mediterranean-
inspired dishes that take you on a joyride
of explosive and opposing flavours that
work brilliantly together. Look forward
to lots of texture, hints of molecular
gastronomy and avant-garde plating.
THE MENU:
We tried the seven-course
tasting menu ($190), which spoiled
us with sublime dishes like tender
Hokkaido scallop carpaccio, garnished
with frozen dill water, caviar and lime
sago gel. The harvest festival foie
gras, served with pumpkin purée, fresh
raspberries and young hazelnut crumbs,
stood out amongst the mains for its
warm fall flavours and silken texture.
After savouries, diners are moved to
the bar to watch their desserts being
plated. We loved the Black Forest – a
bittersweet and sour garden made
of flourless chocolate cake “soil”,
a frozen chocolate mousse “rock”,
cherry
pandan
“bushes”, cherry sorbet,
caramelised roast tomatoes, meringue
and shimeji mushrooms.
Although Pollen’s seven-course
Valentine’s Day tasting menu ($220)
will be a bit different, you can expect
the same creative genius and fresh
seasonal ingredients. Dishes that
caught our eye include the barbecued
wagyu beef with smoked aubergine,
black curry and horseradish yoghurt.
THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING:
While
the view of Marina Bay is lovely, our
favourite part of the night was strolling
through the chilly Flower Dome gardens
in between courses (for free, too!). The
rare blooms and succulents here almost
make you feel like you’re on a far-flung
rendezvous. Dining here also includes a
buggy service to and from the entrance
of Gardens by the Bay, so you can dress
to the nines without worrying about
comfort.
ROMANCE LEVEL:
❤ ❤ ❤
Cherylene Chan
THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING:
I
wouldn’t say we’re the most romantic
of couples, but this spot works for us
on many levels. It’s local, the food is
amazing, we prefer the casual dining
outside around the barrels, and the staff
and service are attentive, generous, and
make sure we’re taken care of. It’s a cosy
place to while away an evening, huddled
over a deliciousmeal and a bottle of wine.
ROMANCE LEVEL:
❤ ❤
Amy Brook-Partridge