[Media Invite] ilLido at The Cliff @ Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort

IlLido is a romantic place and a destination restaurant where one brings their loved ones for a quiet or a celebratory meal. On our night of visit, there were two tables celebrating birthday.

This meal was an invited tasting session to preview the White Asparagus menu as well as some of the signature dishes of IlLido. Helmed by Chef de Cuisine, Simone  Fraternali, we enjoyed the refreshing plates of summer and was wooed by the satisfyimg outcome of complex cooking in the signature dishes.

towards IlLido

The White Asparagus Dinner Menu is available from 8 June to 30 July 2017. Reservations can be made via Hungrygowhere website at a promotional rate of $88++ for a 3-course set dinner menu ($128++ with 2 glasses wine pairing). 4-course set dinner is priced at $98++ ($138++ with 2 glasses wine pairing).

let's start with a white

White Asparagus Dinner Menu

Starters

Baked White Asparagus with Egg Milanese and Veal Jus @$30++

The white asparagus was refreshingly crisp and sweet. The egg milanese was wonderfully done with crunchy crumbed exterior and a soft runny center when sliced. The shaved white truffles added an earthy scent to the nux.


The other option in the starters would be White Asparagus with Lobster Knuckles and Amalfi Lemon Hollandaise. It was beautifully plated.

White Asparagus with Lobster Knuckles and Amalfi Lemon Hollandaise@$32++

Pasta

Truffle Parmigiano Filled Gnocchi with White Asparagus and Carbonara @$36++

Was surprised by the gnocchi. Never have I seen a gnocchi of such a jumbo size, nor of this colour. Chef Simone revealed that this was using purple potatoes and hence, the vibrant colour. Lovely plate. The gnocchi was mochi-like with its soft chewiness and the flavours of the truffle parmigiano was wonderfully enticing. One of my personal favourites.

Main Course

Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras, Marsala and White Asparagus@$46++

The beef tenderloin has a delicate flavour. Meat was tender and retained its beefy taste. The jus was fantastic as it had been reduced with an intensified beef stock and marsala wine flavours. Foie gras was expertly executed and one could savour the rich and creamy texture of the liver.

The other option for main course would be the Smoked Octopus with White Asparagus, Beluga Lentils and Saffron.

Dessert

Vanilla and Orange Crème Brulée with White Asparagus Gelato @$20++

Ever heard of asparagus gelato? Never? Well, here is a chance to have a taste of this exquisite flavour from now till 30 July 2017. It was really good. The asparagus flavour stood out when you first placed it on your tongue but the orange creme brulee has such a strong presence that one couldn't help but to smile upon tasting it. Lovely dessert. All that glittered, was indeed gold.

To make your reservations via Hungrygowhere Hungry Deals, click here. The White Asparagus Set Dinner menu is available from 8 June to 30 July 2017 6pm to 10pm.

What about ilLido's ala-carte menu? Let's see what Chef Simone has up his sleeves for the signature dishes.

menu

While one makes important decisions in life, such as deciding what to have for dinner, the friendly staff will present to you the bread basket to munch on.

bread basket, balsamic and olive oil

Ala-Carte Menu

Antipasti

Hokkaido Scallop Crudo with Tuna Tartare and Sweet Peas @$30++

Grilled Octopus with Confit Tomatoes and Potato Cream @$29++

Pan Roasted Foie Gras with Raspberries and Duck Jus @$30++

The starters were good. For something light, the scallop with tuna tartare or the grilled octopus would be a good choice. The octopus was amazingly tender and those mashed was so smooth and velvety good. The foie gras was rich and decadent! Strong flavours here.

Pasta & Risotto

Tagliolini with Hokkaido Scallops and Bottarga @$38++

Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Lobster, Cherry Tomatoes and Tarragon @$42++

Pappardelle with Iberico Pork Ragout and Guanciale @$34++

The Tagliolini with Hokkaido Scallops and Bottarga has the lightest flavours, followed by the slghtly creamy Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Lobster, Cherry Tomatoes and Tarragon. Personally, preferred the Pappardelle with Iberico Pork Ragout and Guanciale for its stronger flavours.

Mains

Pan Roasted Seabass with Romanesco and Basil Sauce @$38++

Black Cod with Caramelized Celeriac and Lemon Capers @$48++

Guinea Fowl with Foie Gras and Black Truffle @$45++

For the mains, the Black Cod with Caramelized Celeriac and Lemon Capers seemed to be the favourite for its smooth and luscious flesh. For me, my favourite mains was the Guinea Fowl with Foie Gras and Black Truffle. Chef Simone revealed that this too, is one of his favourite dish. Not surprisingly, since it takes quite an effort to prepare. The breast of the guinea fowl was sous-vide while another part of the meat was confit. The heirloom carrots were caramelized with honey, while the bones were cooked and its jus reduced. Two days of prep-work before we get to enjoy this exquisite dish.

Dessert

ilLido Tiramisu @$18++

White Chocolate, Raspberry and Lemon Tart @$18++

Jamaican Pepper and Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries and Rum @$18++

All dessert are priced at $18++ and while everything were good, my personal preference would be the Jamaican Pepper and Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries and Rum. The rich yet not to sweet chocolate, that undeniably luxurious looking gold flakes shimmering lightly on the cake, that tiny tiny hint of pepper and the roasted strawberries...those were love.

ilLido is a nice place to bring your special someone.

Thank you HGW for the invite, and special thanks to Chef Simone Fraterneli and team, Rhynn and Sheena and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort for the hospitality.