Dolcetto by Basilico

The shopfront is something out of a dream or a movie. It is a bakery and sweet lover’s paradise — even outside the entrance you can spot the mounds of pastries and breads baked to perfection, so much so that they look fake!
I was reeled in straight away and had a croisssant. It was everything I had hoped it to be. Flaky and crispy on the outside, and soft, fluffy and airy on the inside. The pastries and cakes looked picture perfect and I wish I had bought one!

If you happen to spot a white color mousse cake studded with dried fruits called «Cassata Siciliana» at any local patisserie, don’t think much, just get it. It is such a traditional and peripheral cake that few pastry chefs in Singapore would ever think of making one. The rarity drove me to get a slice at Dolcetto by Basilico, despite being already full to the brims.
This Italian pastry shop used to be my to-​go place for takeaway pastries when it was still under the name of «Something to Go». The interior and menu have been revamped, but the signatures like Strawberry Torte, Praline Torte and Espresso Tiramisu still stay. In the spirit of all things Italian, all the pastries here that involved chocolate are made with Tuscany’s organic chocolate brand Amedei, which is perhaps also one of the world’s most expensive chocolate.
Take for example the Amedei Chocolate Pumpkin Tart ($ 9) that took a sinful detour from the usual pumpkin pie. The mastery of the cacao tones is virtually undisputed, so does the crisp tart shell which not overworked and perfect in volume with the filling. Pumpkin is one of my favorite ingredients but the taste seemed to have wandered off to elsewhere and did not meld together with the chocolate
The Praline Torte ($ 9) is hard not to love with the appealing crunchy base. But I was craving for something less milky, something more intense and I figured that the other option of Amedei Dark Chocolate Cake would have satisfied my lust for chocolate.
Bright juicy and sweet, the soft chunks of pineapple rested amidst the delectable vanilla baked custard in this humble Italian Crostata ($ 9). But instead of being served the traditional family way in big, rustic free-​form version, it has been elevated to the fine ranks of French gateaux with mild «Violette perfumes» and a touch of gold on top of the dainty raspberries.
The Espresso Marsala Cake ($ 9) was our unanimous pick. It might seem like a messy pile of various textures (crunch, custard, sponge, ganache, gelee) but I loved the sweetness from the Marsala wine even though the espresso kick wasn’t assertive as I had imagined. And of course the delightful sound of the crushed chocolate pearls is music to the ears.
One can’t miss the conspicuous fresh-​baked pane (breads) that are stacked along the wall. We’ve finally got a taste of the famous squid ink panini with fresh king crab and prawns ($ 13), a hearty dense and chewy sandwich that seemed a little deprived of tantalizing juices from the filling. The Roasted Chicken & Cheese Foccacia might not be brimming with luxury ingredients but the flavors were simple and comforting.
Many may raise eyebrows at the sight of Squid Ink Salmon Macaron but it is quite a success. In fact, a good step to convert those who usually steer away from these sugary meringue bites. The chewy shells appeared rather flattened but the flavors were spot on, especially the Vanilla Prosecco and Cassis.

Speaking of deli-​counters, everyone knows which is their heart’s desire. I seldom frequent a pâtisserie, at most a boulangerie. Most commonly seen these days, are either tagging a European heritage or a Japanese label, anchoring at some malls — majestic or humble. Another group will hole up at some remote or bustling hotels, sometimes an extension of the main restaurant while others are stand alone without parentage. When the now-​defunct Something-​To-​Go at Regent Singapore finally vacate itself from the lobby, the unit is quickly replaced by another gourmet Italian pastry shop; serves artisanal bakeries/​pastries «bites-​on-​the-​GO» from Basilico kitchen — the Italian buffet restaurant on level 2. Confession I must, I have never been to Regent Singapore, at best, driving past. So, when others mentioned about the takeaway deli over at the hotel, I couldn’t visualize where and how to get to it. Until today, I finally left FOODprints at Dolcetto after a trip to St Regis, Singapore.
Once you enter the hotel main entrance, head towards the lobby at 12o’clock, until you reach the far end which is walled in glass panels. Dolcetto is just on your 9 o’clock — sit tightly in a corner. With a few round tables and long sofa in the lobby, one simply shop in the deli — scan the display, place your order and make the payment before pulling your tray of items off the cashier to any available seats. Barely any soul, except a few in-​house guests waiting to check into their rooms. The time was 2.30pm, a Friday. I found myself a decent table to interrogate my subject, though I wish it has been a date.
Spoilt with choices, I cherry-​picked the elegant looking mini tart — Forest Berries. This beautiful treat enchants you with its sweetness that was meant for the faint heart — mild and calming. A very thin layer of delicate custard was seen cushioned between a bushel of huge plumpish strawberries & its cousins and a less buttery crisp shell. Though the silkiness of the custard won me over, I still prefer they rubbed in more butter for a richer tart shell. Perhaps a few more scoops of fillings to satiate my greed. Prior to that, I think it has been overpriced for its content, $ 9 a piece.
Then comes the savory. Less attractive, something that you wouldn’t care for a second look probably. Many may pace up and down the display and thought it was just another sweet mini French burger treats — Macaroon. Stay close and read those tags which spelled their names in flowing strokes, you will realized that they ain’t all sweet treats. I asked the lady for a Smoked Salmon classic, and the dusky cookie make it to the plate, alongside the jeweled tart. A complete contrast between a beauty and the beast from afar! Instantly, prejudice sets in when confronted with visual appeal but it turned out to be an unfair judgement. If you think a sweet shell is at odds with salmon fillings, reconsider that please. I am surprised by the unconventional making, the mixture of mellow sweet crisp cookie embodied a dollop of silky crème wrapping some melting salmon with a rich savory & smokey finish. No overbearing fishiness was seen marring the light, gently crackling almond meringue shell, heavenly. For once, I tasted a refined French treat which didn’t put me off with its immeasurable sweetness but one that was light and playful. A $ 2.25 per piece is so reasonable to ask for another.
To wash down my tea treats, I had a dose of cappuccino that smoothed my throat but less lingering. I am glad that this cup was worth $ 5.60 instead of $ 15 that was charged by mistake for 3 doses at first. Please do check your bill if it sounds unbelievable, I was happy that I did.
Do not be misled by my choices, there are plenty of artisanal breads, sweet muffins, doughnuts, mouth-​watering sandwiches and even tiny sweets like cookies and chocolates on the shelves. But be forewarned that the price is steep.
If there’s anything that I would bond with, the freestyle squid ink smoked salmon shall be it! This classic arrives without confining rules — highly praised. I will be most happy to ask for a second piece anytime soon whenever Dolcetto is call upon.