The Food Company

I was really excited when the day finally arrived.

Lunch at Whitebait and Kale.

I pushed the huge glass door open and saw my friend TS sitting there running through the menu. I took my seat and began to soak in the atmosphere of the restaurant and feeling the beat of the music. I would give the décor a perfect score for replicating the feel of the summer beach house. Soothing jazz music which added a modern touch, perfectly relaxing and a great setting for casual dining. For a moment, there was the illusion of being in downtown Melbourne although you are really at one end of Orchard Road.

The rest of the food company arrived shortly and we started ordering our food. I intentionally asked a young waiter to recommend the house special. It took him a moment before he could sprout “baked snapper pie” and then another to describe what the pie was about. In any case, I had set my eyes on the Risotto with Bay Prawns, Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes drizzled with Lemon Oil. You see, I have a weakness for risotto. I got hooked to the “Italian fried rice” ever since my best friend introduced the dish to me at Olio Dome many years back. I pretty much enjoy the seafood risotto at Minotti. However, the seafood sauce gets too heavy on your stomach after a while.

It was a pleasant surprise that the risotto at Whitebait turned out simple and healthy. The cherry tomatoes and prawns added a dash of colours to the otherwise pale dish. The generous topping of parmesan cheese was a real treat too. I am someone who is not big on asparagus (yeah, the little girl who hates her veggies) but I had no problem at all gobbling this one down, asparagus and all. The rice was done just right, each bite firm yet starchy. Each mouthful was a genuine pleasure; the ingredients were just so fresh.

The rest of the food company had a jolly good time with their orders too. Two of them went for set lunches while J had the Tagliatelle with Sautéed Emu, Ribbons of Zucchini & Carrot in light Peppercorn Sauce. Dessert was made up of a delectable palette of Soya-almond Panna Cotta with Mirabelle Plum Jelly & Verjus Poached Pear, Valrhona Chocolate Savarin with Grand Marnier Orange Sauce & Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse and Strawberry Shortcakes. Gosh, I literally threw aside my dieting resolutions and dug in the sweetness of heaven.

On the whole, the lunch experience was great. I would love to check out its dinner menu and wine selection sometime soon. The lure of the summer beach house is just irresistible.

Whitebait and Kale Restaurant
One Orchard Boulevard
Camden Centre #01-01
Singapore 248649
Tel : 6333 – 8697
www.whitebaitandkale.com