Olio @ Suntec Fountain

Staring at the blinding beads, I was reminded of how infinitesimally long ago since we last met. Four years. That's how long I've come to know you. And we certainly had our fair share of fun, hadn't we? The celebration of the first paycheque, remember? And that lovely dessert overlooking Orchard Road? And then, you moved on. Didn't you? Or was I the ignorant one? And to think that I found out about you again through acquaintances. How greyly humorous. But we've certainly known each other long enough to forgive, with a warm smile. We meet again, old friend.

And we should thank that urban card too for the 1-for-1 entree/pasta/salad promotion.

The starter came huge. A Thai Chicken Mango Salad (S$11.90 - ala carte) it was. The selection of garden lettuce was fresh and crisp. The thin, long strands of colourful vegetables, including carrots were visually interesting while the deep fried strips of julienne wanton skin reminded me of the crackers used in yue sangs. Sweet slices of mango provided a much needed flavour to the otherwise bland ensemble. There was also a generous portion of sliced chicken meat (roasted, apparently). Quite bland, if you ask me. And I wouldn't have known a sweet Thai chili dressing was used if I hadn't flipped through the menu again.

Do you still remember my favourite dish here? The Spaghetti Seafood Marinara (S$12.90), yes. I was rather disappointed with the portion as it certainly looked much smaller now. The choice of seafood, which consisted of prawns, squids and cubes of fish was fresh and cooked just right. But the sauce was a tad too sweet for my liking, though there was a commendable amount of tomato bits in it. Almost felt like a designer ketchup. Only sweeter. Where has the old Marinara gone?

I quite enjoyed the Teriyaki Pizza (S$13.90), thanks to the sweet/savoury/tangy teriyaki sauce. Quite okonomiyaki-like, judging from the ingredients used, including katsuo flakes and mayonnaise. The teriyaki chicken pieces were rather tender. Though included in the menu, the presence of roasted onions and avocado slices, which were both important components of textures and flavours (to a certain extend), was oblivious. It could have been better, I thought.

Dessert came in form of a Tiramisu (S$6.80). Unrefined. While the portion was commendable, the taste was rather uninteresting. There was a dense taste of the cocoa powder but the cream filling was too light, I thought. Mascaporne? I don't think so. Non-alcoholic, by the way.

It was meant to be an evening of good food and fun. But somehow, I just couldn't reconnect with the wonderful times we shared. Quite sad actually, as it was not due to the cacophony of clattering utensils or the lack of staff, but quite simply, the taste of the food.

You have disappointed me, my old friend, my dear Olio.

Olio
3, Temasek Boulevard
#B1-033, Suntec Fountain
S038983
Tel: (+65) 6238 1109
Website: http://www.olio.sg/