Eve Notebook - IlLido

I had one of my most relaxing Sundays in a while yesterday. After spending an entire day swimming, floating, baking in mud and indulging in girly gossip, my gals and me were totally ready for a good dinner.

We decided to try out the new swanky restaurant, IlLido, at Sentosa Golf Club.

IlLido is based on a Italian restaurant, lounge and bar concept. Any restaurant which uses phillipe starck chairs would definitely be considered extravagant. The overall design of the place employed a modern, clean concept with a variation of bright colours contrasted against dark walls, creating a modern, sexy feel.

We had antipasti ranging from aged parma ham, scallops, calamari and soup. The seafood soup was a surprise winner and a favourite amongst the ladies. We had a variation of pastas for main courses along with grilled sea bass. The linguine with lobster in tomato sauce was yummy while my rucola papardelle looked just like a plate of leaves. Dessert was warm chocolate cake, tiramisu, and vanilla creme brulee. The desserts pale by comparison as the chocolate cake could have been more warm and the tiramisu could have been richer. Wine of the day was a 2004 St Hallet Riesling. An extremely light wine that complimented our food quite well without overpowering the tastes of the food.

Overall, food was average but bonus points go to the ambience. We had chose a table outside facing the sea and if one is early enough, one would be able to catch the sunset. The music however, was often erratic and did no justice to the ambience of the place. What was truly relaxing was the occasional sea breeze which gives one the feeling that he or she is not in Singapore but some exotic beach resort.

Overall, a swanky restaurant with a great view and a hefty price tag. Throw in good company (I had good company) and it would be a pretty great experience.