Michelangelo’s           

Block 44 Jalan Merah Saga

#01-60 Chip Bee Gardens

+65 6475 9069

www.michelangelos.com.sg

Before our dinner at Michelangelo’s, my husband of proud Italian heritage cautiously reminded me that no one makes Italian food like his Grandma Marie. Well aware of this matriarch’s legendary cooking skills, I nevertheless had a feeling that this restaurant, a fifteen-year Singapore stalwart, might just give old Grammy a run for her money.  

A duo of baked Portobello mushroom with pesto and buffalo mozzarella, and pan-seared foie gras on caramelised apples and arugula with a pinot noir reduction ($36) started the evening on a flawless note. As the mozzarella and foie gras melted in our mouths, I began to worry – really worry – for the future of Gram’s reputation.

Halfway through the second course of gnocchi with duck ragout and homemade tomato sauce ($26), the backpedalling began. “Grandma wasn’t formally trained, you know.”

Then came the mains: a perfectly tender portion of braised beef with a side of truffle mash for him, and a brilliant cube of oven-baked cod fish with potato au gratin, carrot ginger puree and asparagus glace with veal jus for me ($40 each).

With sufficient time between each course to fully appreciate the last, we welcomed dessert. Tim’s warm flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream was rich – but not overly so, and my marbled cheesecake was infused with huge pieces of velvety chocolate, simply too good to let a morsel go to waste ($13 each).

We left, portly, jolly and grateful for a rare evening when excellent wine, cuisine and service come together under one roof. Grandma Marie – we love you, but being bested by the best isn’t too bad.

Monica Pitrelli