jin loves to eat: Tuscany by H ♥ ♥ ♥

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tuscany by H ♥ ♥ ♥

The “H” in Tuscany by H stands for Harlan, the same man behind H-One and you guessed it – Harlan’s. I love both restaurants and have been wanting to try the Lan Kwai Fong outlet for some time now.

Thankfully, my good friend Elisa’s shopaholic sister Nikki is in town and we’re all meeting up for dinner. Nikki and a bunch of her same-same shopaholic (and lactating) girlfriends are in Central – you guessed it – hoarding. So… Hello, Tuscany!

And hello delicious breadsticks!

Between talks of parenting, securing US visas for nannies, getting Sift cupcakes for a daughter who aced her exam, and hand-carrying breast milk in the plane, we share these delicious dishes amongst us ladies.

Lemon Herb Scented Organic Beef Carpaccio, Shaved Foie Gras, Porcini Salsa and White Truffle Dressing – beef is fresh, love the toppings

36 Months Aged Parma Ham, Sweet Melon, Shaved Parmigianino, and Black Truffle Honey – the ham is very finely sliced and is not too salty. Excellent. A hit with the ladies.

Crab Cake, Baby Green, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spiced Mustard Remoulade – don’t worry that it’s just one piece. There’s a lot of crab in it.

Mushroom Cappuccino – the mushroom-parmesan cookie that come with this soup is my favorite at Harlan’s and I am so happy Tuscany is able to make it despite not being in the menu. This is not the best mushroom soup, but the cookie is the best cookie to go with any mushroom soup.

“Boston” Style Lobster Bisque, Prawns and Basil – the bisque is thick and creamy, and generous pieces of prawns are swimming in it

Tuscany Seafood Soup, Garlic and Mountain Herb Crostini – the broth is really tasty and the seafood very fresh

Risotto of Porcini Mushrooms, Crispy Rocket and White Truffle Oil – the truffle oil smells sooooo good! I find, however, that this risotto smells better than it tastes.

12 Hours Slow-Braised Kobe Beef Cheek, Whipped Potato Mash and Sautéed Broad Beans – the beef is so tender it gives in to the slightest nudge of my fork

Wagyu Beef Cheek Ravioli, Foie Gras and Black Truffles – I think this is just okay, but everyone else loves it

Porcini Crusted Australian Lamb Rack, Roasted Garlic Puree, Sautéed Baby Greens and Black Truffle Sauce – thankfully, everyone eats lamb. I’d hate to miss this beautiful, perfectly medium rare rack. I wish it had more of that gamey flavor, but I am not complaining.

5J Iberico Pork Rack, Smoked Mozzarella Cheese, Baby Greens and Porcini Mushroom Sauce – surprisingly good. That’s a lot coming from a pig-person who doesn’t adore pork.

Mamma G’s Favorite Tiramisu, Piemonte Chestnuts and Amaretto – the cheese is thick and dense, like it’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days, but I am not saying no to dessert, especially not to tiramisu!

Hazelnut Praline Cheesecake, Berry Berry Sorbet and Mango Sauce – I love the addition of hazelnut praline, gives the “ooomph” to an otherwise ordinary cheesecake