GIA – DINING ROOM

I thought I’d better book, after all it’s 2 days away from Tet….resto might be full. 7:30pm and 4 of us arrived.

The place was empty. I was surprised but could not careless. Hungry and thirsty for wine, 4 of us quickly made our way to the menu. For 35USD ++, the selection of 4 course meal and 2 hours of free flow of wine really appealing. There was a couple in the next table but they ate in such a hasty speed and quickly ran out. The girl I noticed only had a salad and a glass of wine.

Optimistic, I choose my selection: Fancy starters, a humble meat dish and chocolate cheese cake and white wine…I think it was Chardonnay. Of all the dishes, the soup was probably the highlight of the night, the best of all. ‘Consomme of perigord black truffles w stuffed cabbage and goose liver’ is a dish that has the perfect blend of texture and taste, very intricate, light, a perfect starter. The clear tasty broth acts as a superb foundation for the mince pork wrapped with cabbage, a soft but crunchy texture, then balanced off by the soft, delicate goose liver. To top it all is a slice of black truffle, resting comfortably.

‘Secondi’ was champagne risotto with sweetbreads, interesting combination but the portion was way too big. For a second dish there was way too much risotto. And the rice was not cooked in the correct Italian way…almost tasteless. I was a bit disappointed. While a friend of  mine order chicken tart and my other friend decided to enjoy the ‘free served salad’ as she did not fancy anything else…again I think they need to control the portion here, if diners are going to have a 4 course menu!

The most awaited dish turned out to be rather ordinary. Duck breast with ginger and orange sauce saute with vegie. The duck was rather dried but it did retain some sweetness after- taste.  My friend made a joke about how my last duck breast home-cook was even better. Disappointed I must admit. Although the sauce is very light and over all it was refreshing and the mash potatoes was good….I found myself stunned. A boring dish.

We ended the night with the average desert….as if it was not satisfied enough, I ordered 2 scoops of coconut ice-cream to go with the cheese cake. We did however had great conversation and a relaxing year end dinner…but I could not stop thinking why there were 5 waitress staring at our table, trying to look after us. That is more than a hand full of waiting staff.

I wonder what my next visit will be like.

(Images: courtesy of C.B.)