Aptly named, Casa Verde means ‘green house’ in Italian; it is an Italian bistro nestled in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, surrounded by verdant foliage.
The bustling patio-style terrace-café, frequented by nature and pet-lovers in the day, matures into a romantic full-service restaurant by night.
For Valentine’s Day this year, the Les Amis Group has come up with a ‘Naughty Meets Nice’ theme, employing sensuous ingredients from the list of aphrodisiacs, to be featured in seven seductive menus across the restaurants under their belt.
Here’s what Casa Verde at Singapore Botanic Gardens has to offer: Valentine’s Day Choice of 3-Course Set Dinner ($70nett per person)
Insalata Fichi e Proscuitto
Mesclun salad tossed in fig vincotto with fresh figs, parma ham and bufala crumble
In this 3-Course Set Dinner, there are two options for each course.
For starters, you can choose between the Insalata Fichi e Proscuitto (pictured above) and the Zuppa di Pomodoro (oven roasted cherry vine tomato soup with sautéed chunky crabmeat, finished with a touch of cream and pesto emulsion).
The sweetness of the fig complements the saltiness of the parma ham, while the bufala crumble adds a much needed creaminess to the otherwise mundane greens. The portion size is generous, considering that this is part of a 3-course meal, for one to consume.
Fig is known for being an arousing stimulant; it is often associated with love and fertility, with health benefits to boot.
Merluzzo al Forno
Oven baked fillet of cod with squid ink crust served with polenta cake and asparagus in cream sauce
For the main course, you can choose either the Merluzzo al Forno (pictured above) or the Brasato Guancia di Vitello (oven braised veal cheek in tomato passata and braised vegetables).
The squid ink crust is ingenious. It adds crunch and flavour without distracting you from enjoying the crux of the pristine cod.
Torta Nocciola Feuilletine
Chocolate cake layered with milk chocolate ganache and hazelnut praline
For the dessert course, you can choose between the Torta Nocciola Feuilletine (pictured above) and the Fragolina Dolcecuore (pictured below).
The chocolate cake packs sufficient richness without the cloyingness. I consent to the amount of ganache, for it results in moist, creamy, luscious goodness in every bite.
By the way, chocolate is said to be the king of natural aphrodisiacs!
Fragolina Dolcecuore
Sponge cake layered with double whipped cream and strawberries
For something lighter on the palate, go for the Fragolina Dolcecuore. I’m torn between the two cakes. Both were spectacular.
Crostata Al Cioccolato ($9)
Chocolate tart filled with roasted hazelnut finished with vanilla sauce
Say you are with the perfect date, and you don’t wish for the evening to come to an end so soon; the Crostata Al Cioccolato will give you more reason to linger longer. Savour each rich morsel as time ticks away leisurely. This chocolate tart is incredibly decadent.
Casa Verde at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Visitors Centre, Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
For reservations, call
For more information on Les Amis Group’s Valentine’s Day offerings, visit: www.lesamis.com.sg/valentines
If you prefer to dine at a more casual setting, Casa Verde at Gardens by the Bay is offering a heart-shaped pizza this Valentine’s Day.
Heart-shaped Pizza ($24 nett)
Honey-marinated chicken, bits of pineapple, caramelised onions, capsicums, and lots of love
It was love at first bite. This pizza encompasses a harmonious balance of sweetness and savouriness, totally putting the prototypical ‘Hawaiian pizza’ to shame.
Calamari ($13)
Deep-fried squid rings with arrabbiata sauce and homemade tartare sauce
Since you’re at Casa Verde, why not order some appetisers from the regular menu, as a cheeky scheme to stretch out the conversations with your date. The calamari is highly addictive!
Portobello Mushroom ($16)
Deep-fried Portobello mushroom with chicken and red wine sauce
The Portobello Mushroom is a must-try! Pillow-soft and juicy, the palm-sized mushroom is encased in a light crisp crust, and further enriched with a splash of red wine sauce.
Baked Macaroni with Mushroom Cheese ($15)
If you still have stomach space, go for the Baked Macaroni. It is pure comfort food. One of the best Mac ‘n’ Cheese around!
Casa Verde at Gardens by the Bay
#01-03 Supertree Dining Grove
Tel:
Takeaway pizza hotline:
Email:
Website: http://lesamis.com.sg/