Italian with a Twist

Hotpot Heaven

All-you-can-eat hotpot on a weekend afternoon? Count us in! Best known for its shabu-shabu and sukiyaki sets, Japanese-european spot Sakurazaka (24 Greenwood Avenue) has just launched a weekend lunch buffet, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11.30am to 1pm, and from 1.30pm to 3pm. Priced at $48 per adult and $24 per child, it features popular ingredients, from seafood like red snapper and white clams to meats like shirobuta (pork) and Sakura chicken. You can also look forward to a medley of fresh veggies – radish, carrot, spinach and more. The broths are another highlight here; try the ago dashi broth made with dried flying fish, a signature ingredient of Kyushu; or go for the tonkotsu broth or beef consommé. If you’re still feeling peckish, order some rice, udon or egg noodles to soak up all the flavours. Round it all off with the perfect icy treat, kakigori, a summertime dessert traditionally enjoyed in the imperial courts of Japan; featuring finely shaved ice flavoured with syrup and condensed milk, it comes in four varieties – Hokkaido milk ($12), yuzu ($12), mango ($15) and Ujikintoki (made with green tea; $16) – and is served with matcha green tea. 6463 0333 | sakurazaka.com.sg Housed in a conserved shophouse in Wilkie Road, 28 Wilkie is a hidden gem boasting a gorgeous setup: white walls and simple, classy décor with muted brown and cream accents. Although its signature is fine caviar, it also offers a stellar selection of fine wines and exclusive Torciano wines, alongside well-executed modern Italian cuisine. Start with the Capesante Con Caviale ($32), featuring perfectly seared Hokkaido scallops, cauliflower purée, Amur caviar and a refreshing lemongrass foam; the stars of the show are the tiny Amur gems, which pack a punch in flavour – a must-try for caviar lovers! Another popular pick is the Japanese-inspired risotto ($28), a delicious and comforting combination of unagi, crispy seaweed and onion confit. Wine connoisseurs and novices alike will appreciate the succinct wine list offered here, too. We recommend the Campana Barone Prosecco Extra Dry ($18 per glass), a dry, floral pick that’s easy on the palate. On the dessert page, expect to find regular suspects like panna cotta ($18) and crème brûlée ($20). Not to be missed is the tiramisu ($18), a delightful mix of sweet, creamy and boozy; to our mind, the best way to end a meal! 9776 2828 | 28wilkie.com. Check out our full review on expatliving.sg!