Singapore Trip 18-24 Jan (Ristorante Da Valentino's)

I was back in Singapore for a week to do my handover and I prepared a list of restaurants that I wanted go to... mainly, ones that I am missing their food or ones that I have not had the chance to patronize. 

Valentino's is one that I never got to when I was living in Singapore. It was always fully booked during weekends. Located at Jalan Bingka off Rifles Range Road, at the end of Bukit Timah, it is one of those restaurants that had such a reputation that it draws fans from all around the island to its less than ideal location. 

During my visit for lunch on Jan 20, I was convinced that Valentino's winning formula was not just its good food but more so its cosy family restaurant ambience, friendly and attentive service. It was great to see the owner/chef, Valentino Valtulina and his family hosting their guests with smiles and laughter, exuberating the warmest Italian hospitality, bringing guests flocking back for more.

My colleague who was one of these returning guests, waved the menu away and told me that it was easier to just go with the chef's recommendation. There were three of us, so we decided that we will order three different mains and 2 starters to share. 

The starters were great - salad with pine nuts and shredded chicken and pan fried goat cheese. The salad was very hearty, good choice of ingredients especially the pine nuts and sweet olives, lightly drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The goat cheese was crispy on the outside and chewy inside. Slightly salty but nicely paired with some mixed salad and tomatoes on the side. The goat cheese came in a full round piece like a hamburger patty and the waiter cut the cheese into quadrants and served them with the salad.



I ordered the lamb shank for my main, while my other colleagues ordered the breaded veal and pasta with meatballs. Doesn't sound very sophisticated, right? After sampling all three mains, I must say the food certainly did not live up to the hype that surrounds the restaurant... no bells and whistles, no exotic ingredients, fancy presentations... But instead I think the food really represents the humble, unpretentious Italian cooking... fresh and top quality ingredients, wonderful flavor, simple homestyle presentation... and to me, that's what great food is about.

Certainly want to come back with some close friends for a cosy and simple meal. Yes, not exactly cheap but why not pay more for the warm hospitality... Since when was a meal, just a meal... ; )

Btw. the bonuses were... My favorite broadway star was having her lunch there as well. She was playing Cinderella in the self-titled musical... Lea Salonga with her beautiful daughter. Now, I can say I have had lunch with her... sitting on the next table ^^ After that, Mr Valtulino gave us a personal tour of their pastry shop next door including free sampling. ^^



Ristorante Da Valentino
11 Jalan Bingka
Mayfair park
Tel: +65-6462 0555

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