Basil Alcove

Through G, i heard of Basil Alcove quite long ago, and that it sold fine dining style dishes at darn cheap prices. Seeing a chance available, i dragged the Lady (previously known as the Woman. Reason for the change is irrelevant) to this place after some shopping and running around town after flying movie tickets.

The place was pretty simple. Just a simple kitchen by the roadside with a few tables outside decorated by simple checkered tablecloths and a simple tealight. It would have been better had the "restaurant" played more "relevant" songs instead of some sad ballads. Next the menu. Food was modern Italian, with some interesting fusion creations. Low on budget, we took the cheapest main course Chicken and Peaches ($12.80) and the Shrimp with Orange Segments Pasta ($12.60)

Shrimp and Orange Segments pasta sounded really funky, so we ordered it. The fragrance of fried olive oil was inviting, but i was surprised to see that it was actually Aglio Olio. Indeed, the pasta was very tasty, with right amounts of garlic flavour complementing the olive oil. It was al dente as well, and not too dry. However I could nary taste the orange, only very subtle hints. The prawns were the highlight though. Very fresh and crunchy, and well mixed with the flavour of the pasta, although once again i question the lack of an orange flavour. Nevertheless this dish was satisfying.

Chicken and Peaches came with a pretty artistic layout. A stack of grilled chicken topped off with mashed peaches and a cup with some balsamic vinegar dressed salad in it with a slice of canned peach. The grilled chicken was a disappointment. Lady made the remark that her grandmother could do the same. Sadly i had to agree. The chicken used was the same type used for the usual chicken chops, and the grilling had charred some parts, making those parts bitter. Although the pairing of the peach and chicken was refreshing and interesting, it could not make up for the disappointment. Also, the peach mash given was so little anyway.

One saving grace was the lack of 10% svc charge and 7% GST. The prices on the menu are what you pay. We did wonder if the better dishes are the more expensive ones such as the Basilico duck though, maybe when I have spare cash i might have a try.

Food: Nice presentation but not worth the money paid. Perhaps the gems are to be found in other dishes.

Cost: 6/10 It wasn't as expensive as i had expected but i wasn't satisfied

Ambience: Quite unique, dining on such dishes by the roadside.

Location: 7/10 Not difficult actually. Fortune Centre is next to NAFA building and near SMU

Address: 190 Middle Road #01-12 Fortune Centre S 188979

Tel: 63361318