Valentino's: Tried and Tested Italian Goodness

Valentino's has long held a special place in my tummy.

Matt and I don't go fancy very often. We don't go Italian very often either. But when the occasion calls for it, Valentino's is always calling out at the back of my mind. 

They have recently moved from their cosy little corner in Rifle Range to this new roomy space further up Bukit Timah Road at Turf City. And I really like how they have used this space to create private dining spaces - from cozy little enclaves tucked in its sides for couples or small groups to large dining rooms behind closed wooden doors for larger groups of eight and above. This definitely makes Valentino's an easy choice for a romantic dinner date or a quiet family function of sorts.  

Its easy to taste why this family-run establishment has chalked up its celebrity following. Everything, including the bread dip, always manages to leave me smacking my lips for more. 

We have tried guessing what goes into this unassuming yet absolutely sublime bread drip. We've come up with pesto, olive oil and, what we believe to be the secret game-changer, anchovies. We could very well try asking the waiter but we don't really want to know. We like the suspense. It keeps our tastebuds on full alert.

They had burrata that day. 

They had other daily specials. But my mind kind of shut out the rest and just went burrata, burrata, burrata...!!! Until the waiter stopped reciting the list of daily specials, and I jumped in to order. 

I am so glad this milk's cow cheese is taking its place on menus more and more in Italian restaurants here. Valentino's version is so soft it oozes through the sac once you knife through. The rich creamy melt-in-your-mouth burrata and sweet cherry tomatoes together made the perfect pairing. It was quite simply heaven in every forkful.  

I always try to order something new for my pasta dish, but also always surrender to the Fettucine al Granchio. There's nothing quite like this squid ink fettucine dish. The fettucine is tossed with juicy chunks of crab meat and in a very flavourful, perfectly creamy tomato sauce. It still stands as the champion of pasta dishes for me. 

We ended the meal with creme brulee and pistachio ice-cream. Valentino's serves up decent, very traditional Italian desserts. They are good enough to end your meal on a sweet note, but don't expect dessert to be the star of your meal here.