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

Kitchen @ W Hongkong

W Hotel is always offering a different concept than your regular hotel, down to its dining concept. From its interior design to its food presentation.

 

I was looking forward to try Kitchen to see how different it would be compared to other hotels. Well, it was different alright. From its quirky interior design, buffet spreads presentation, different dishes offered that I've never tasted anywhere else for brekkie. It was a different breakfast experience at W hotel.

 

W Hongkong was no differ, they had interesting food counter display, quirky wall displays, different take of using drink or food containers.

 

It felt as if there weren't enough staff at Kitchen, though, the plate cleaning was quite swiftly done.

 

A bit disappointed on the food taste, well, it was okay but not a great breakfast. Selection was vast including local and international dishes. What I liked most was their drink selection, housed in a small milk bottles.

 

Its interior design and furnishing was what you expected from W, it was clever playful concept down to small details.

 

What I disliked about Kitchen was the seating layout, for centre tables, the spacing was too close, making it difficult to get out from your chair when next table was occupied.

 

I didn't take photos of the foods as it was like standard hotel buffet breakfast, what interest me the most was their concept and innovative take on dishes that you may not seen how it was presented before.

 

It was a good experience, the Kitchen food was average in taste but excelled in its variation and presentation..

  

Entrance to Kitchen from Hotel Lobby

These was those stick-on wall hooks, it was varied in designs and sizes

Newspaper and Menu Counter after the entrance

Cute ideas of putting corks as display

A Monalisa print with a beard

Not so 'enchanted' view from this floor

Wall seating area, mostly sat by families. Why there were lots of families in W Hotel a bit befuddle me cause it was not a family-type hotel

Rest of seating area near entrance

It was quite a spacious dining area, they did have a cute baby chair as seen here

Quirky table for wines, caught my attention on the legs

Still some seating here, going up the platform to drink and salad counter area

Corridor from dining area

Beverage and Salad Area, also some chilled dessert

It was very neat, clear and presentable counter

 

Special of the Day Board next to Chill Counter

Food Counter

These condiments were for the porridge

On opposite it, was the pastries and fruits area

 

I loved how they played with Red and White ornaments on the food area here

Open concept bread counter which displayed like art

Now, it was the first I saw these raspberry butter, blueberry butter beside the normal butter

For your cold cut selection

Interesting wall display, it was a glass-door cabinet like filled with plates, bowls and cups

Quirky and Playful

This was something like bunch of dried branches which styled so chic, I couldn't resisted not taking photo of it

 

Interesting stone coloured plate



 

Cucumber water housed in a mini milk bottle; apparently cucumber water maybe the drink trademark of W Hotel as I saw it at other W Hotel

Some pastries. Always too full if having buffet breakfast, no matter how small a dish portion you took 

 

Kitchen @ W Hongkong Hotel
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon · Hong Kong
Hong Kong China
Tel: +852-3717 2299
http://www.w-hongkong.com/en/kitchen
Opens daily from 8.30 am to 11 pm