The spacious area made us feel as if we are somewhere else but not in usually crowded Singapore malls.
During our previous walk around we decided to take a look at the only Italian restaurant of the place - iO Italian Osteria.
Last time around we checked the menu displayed outside and understood that they have a wonderful extensive menu but we have to compromise on vegetarian choices. We are ok with it as long as we get a chance to taste the genuine Italian food. Usually the variety of bread that is served with Olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.
Now, we entered the restaurant. Its huge, spacious and well lited. The lady at the 'front desk' asked if we have a reservation. Nope. Sorry. We didn't knew that we should make a reservation. She was not hiding her guest list. It was FULL! The place was heavily booked! She asked us to wait for a minute and walked in to talk to a few ppl.
She walked back to us with the same smile and asked us to follow her.She made us comfortably seated at the huge glass windows. I couldn't help but to thank her with my complete gratitude as she took a chance to accommodate her without any reservation.
The menu in front of us was filled with the chef's specialities. The names were fancy and some are very long. But we found nothing categoriesed as vegetarian. So, we waited for someone to approach us to take our order.
As soon as we were approached by a very freindly Italian chap with a tab in hand, we blurted out - 'Do you have anything vegetarain suggestions for us?' He smiled and offered to make a few varieties of pasta. EVVIVA!!! We are IN. We ordered pesto and tomato with basil.
As usual my hubby went for Bruschetta. I asked if they have anything bread based and the wonderful bearer suggested we should take the truffle and cheese stuffed Traditional Roman Schiacciata. Done. We felt satisfied with the order and finally I couldn't resist but ask for the Assorted Homemade bread basket.The first to arrive was the bread basket. However, it was in a paperbag! We were bit confused. The girl who placed on our table said, Yes, that is the basket. Since we got some olive oil and vinegar dip, we were no longer confused. Our first dig into the bag and bite was the worst in the long time.
Then arrived the pastas. Absolutely tasty and loaded with flavours. Many may think that its just pasta with a few vegetables in. What's so great! Ladies and gentlemen, as vegetarians, we know. There are places, which serve the worst of worst cucumbers and tomatoes too!
The combination of tomatoes and basil was well balanced. The light hint of cheese highlighted the pesto flavours. AND here comes our fav of the day - the Truffle filled Roman Schiacciata!! The bread was toasted crisp and then grilled with cheese and truffle filled. The cheese is not overwhelming or oozing out of the bread parcel. The flavour of truffle felt divine.
When we were served the Bruschetta, Its confirmed that bread is not their regular moving product. After reaching home, I sliced the bread and the stale marks gave away the age of the bread. It was not at all fresh.
I will go to this place again to have the pasta and Roam Schiacciata for a snack. And will remember to avoid bread in any other form but for Schiacciata.
