Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Tetsuya's Black Truffle Salsa

How could I forget?

On that glorious morning, I also visited Culina, a premium gourmet products shop, which is just a stone throw away from jones. Of course, I was full and all, but a browse wouldn't hurt, would it? Sniggering.


Culina has been a household in offering premium goods such as wines, foie gras and other condiments. They also offer dine-in service inside the shop and al-fresco too (just like jones). Am definitely paying a visit in the future.

I had to get something. Something that will keep me tranquilized (at least until the exams are over). Something that I've been longing for. Something culinarily sexy and attractive.

And there it was. Tetsuya's Black Trufle Salsa (S$29 for 80g). I've heard so much about this wonderful (and expensive) concoction but have yet gave it a try. Thank you, FATE!

Tetsuya is a well-known restaurant in Sydney that offers fusion cuisine that combines the Japanese au naturale philosophy and French-styled cooking. Why does Cilantro comes to mind? The salsa is a merchandise from this restaurant, but is made in Italy. Talk about foodalisation.

Mixed with lightly salted Golden Churn Butter, this has been my breakfast spread for the past few days.

Honestly, I think my second picture looks bad. But how was the taste? The first impression of the salsa when I opened the bottle for the very first time was the pungent and woody scent of the black summer truffles. The salsa certainly did not lack in flavours as it contained porcini mushroom, garlic, white pepper, cultivated mushrooms and olives. The anchovy paste added slight savouriness to the salsa. The olive oil provided a nice smooth texture. Nothing much to complain expect the aroma of truffles that was slightly overwhelming for me, personally. The best truffle sauce (to me) is still the one sold by an old man in a weekend market at Campo de Fiori in Rome. That was my first and probably one of the best encounters with tartufo (truffle in Italiano).

Overall, a flavourful and aromatic spread (with butter) which went well with the soft wholemeal bread. But I'm thinking ahead. Perhaps I should bring this "new friend" of mine back to KL and have myself a little truffle salsa feast. I'm thinking pasta, bruschetta and perhaps, salad. Well, again, do I have time for all this and also jalan-jalan makan-makan? Sigh.

Culina
Blk 8, Dempsey Road
#01-13 Singapore 247696
Tel: +65-6476 4388
Website: http://www.culina.com.sg/

Tetsuya
Website: http://www.tetsuyas.com/

14 comments:

Sugar Bean said...

Haha! I like the term foodalisation, seems there's an increasing number of fusion food in the world. I've never heard or taste of this black truffle salsa. It's not available in Malaysia, right? Will pay more attention to it next time!

backStreetGluttons said...

perfect, we need another few more Msians attacking spore joints ! keep it up !

Lyrical Lemongrass said...

Wow BLACK TRUFFLE!!! I'd give anything to have some of that....!!! :-D

ling239 said...

hmm... cant imagine the taste ~ but the way u described it sounds so yummy ~ ^_^

♥ ♡ Alvin ♡ ♥ said...

black truffle salsa never see it in supermarket!! hmm... looks nice~

HairyBerry said...

wenching & esiong - i'm sure there are some similar shops in kl...hmm, dunno if Mr. Ho's Fine Food has it or not...will let u know if i find it, ok? :>

team bsg - food knows no boundaries...i love sg's bak chor mee!haha! thanks for the support! will try to balance out reviews on both sides.

lyrical lemongrass - sure sure! for you, our Miss Dec KLUE, anything! it would be my honour! I still have half a bottle left...hehe :>

ling239 - yeah, i was also very curious when i first heard about truffles...ok, imagine the smell and taste of lots of different types of mushrooms compressed into one bottle. appetising! :>

alvin - yupe, i also have not seen it in our supermarket. but i guess it should be available in those upscaled ones...but even mercato at pavilion also dun have this kinda stuff...sad...

wmw said...

Mushrooms you say??? I've gotta try this!

~Christine~Leng said...

black truffle salsa? whoa.. sounds good! Mr. Ho's Fine Food has it? i wanna try!! ^^

Big Boys Oven said...

oh you got to buy me some if I am in Singapore! lol!

HairyBerry said...

wmw - yupe, the salsa contains porcini and some cultivated mushrooms! nice! :>

christine - i'm not sure if Mr. Ho has it but since that's a premium product store, perhaps they have this product...will let u know if i come across it in kl :>

big boys oven - no prob! just let me know when u r coming over lar! :>

Camemberu said...

OMG everybody's grabbing this! lol! You're the third blog I've seen featuring this Black Truffle Salsa...hefty price tag or not, I gotta get me some! :)

HairyBerry said...

Camemberu - Haha! Do get a bottle. It's really pungent in taste. I guess it'll be a good complement for almost any western-style dish.

LianneK said...

lovely entry, i was just searching for THE place in Singapore to browse what they have. Do you know if they would be open during the CNY week?

HairyBerry said...

Imbi & Itchy - I'll try to call them up and let you know soon, ok? :)