My birthday this year happens to land on a date where the 100Gourmet event was taking place so I decided to try it out. Citibank cardholders get to enjoy a 6 course meal for $100++ on selected days where a foreign chef is in town, pairing up with a selected local restaurant’s chef. A few days back I already had my first session at Stellar and today the same foreign chef, Chef Anthony Demetre paired up with il Cielo’s Chef Riccardo Catarsi for yet another 6 course meal. I had a glass of Pinot Grigio (Italian name, known as Pinot Gris) to go along because I generally prefer this grape for white.

Anchovies Caprese Styled – By Riccardo Catarsi

This was fine but could possibly be better if that fried anchovy was actually served hot and freshly fried.

Tartare of Scottish Scallops – by Anthony Demetre

English pea bavarois, crab crackers and bottarga

This one looks so pretty and was pretty good too even though there’s no denying that the appearance won me over first.

Pappa Al Pomodoro Cream – by Anthony Demetre & Riccardo Catarsi

Live prawn marinade, caviar and grilled avocado

Another beautiful dish. The avocado made it feel Mexican and I love it.

Foie Gras Ravioli – by Riccardo Catarsi

Roasted onion and balsamic vinegar

This one was decent by ravioli standards.

Kurobuta Pork – by Anthony Demetre & Riccardo Catarsi

Honey glazed, burnt leek, potato cream, whole roasted carrot, caramelised cauliflower purée, cauliflower crudité, pineapple and star anise

Well I’ll just say that piece of pork was the least outstanding among all things on this plate. I had hoped for something better since it was kurobuta, which should have been softer than regular pork but the meat was tough and dry.

Iced Lemon Parfait – by Anthony Demetre

Confit fennel, raspberries and lemon balm

The dessert was herbal and fruity which was refreshing.

As it was my birthday today, I was presented with a slice of cheesecake! Hilton Singapore is known to have really legit cheesecake (but of course, you cannot compare it to New York).

Forgive my inability to decide on a wish because I am a Gemini so I really can’t just think of one. The candle was even relighted twice because the wind was too strong and even after 5 minutes I still could not think of one wish. If wishes do come true, I wish for 1000 wishes which would come true!

Overall the meal was a pleasant one and the restaurant service was adequate. Despite being small, this restaurant does have it’s merits for being rather unpretentious and the rooftop poolside view was lovely. Food wise, the dishes done by or in collaboration with the guest chef was better than their resident chef in my opinion but these are only a few dishes so I can’t say for sure what the usual standard would be like.

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Tel:67303395

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