Garibaldi II - Too Much is Not Enough!

Yesterday's Mission: To find the best value bottle/case for D’s belated birthday gift to her beloved husband.

So we made a date with JB to pick up his latest price list and peruse his copy of the Wine Bible.

And like every other Saturday evening, it was 7 and we had yet to make dinner plans. So when JB insisted I took the quintessential tour of the famed wine cellar, I had a strong feeling we were going to leave Vinum with more than just a suggestion for D’s gift.

A bottle of 1998 Chateau Monbousquet to be exact. And as He whipped his card out to pay, He looked at me with an almost-grin and said, “I think this wine is perfect with Truffle risotto!”

Before I could start my routine protest about having to impose on them at the last minute (even after 2 years since they opened!), he had whipped out his cellphone and dialed. Although they had several big groups they would be happy to have us if we didn’t mind a late dinner. Perfecto – the wine was too cold straight out of the cellar anyway.

After walking around the shops and having to take the longest detour due to the inconvenient road closures around the Padang, we finally got to Garibaldi. With some time to spare for a glass of Prosecco!

And as we were seated in our cosy corner, our regular waiter grinned knowingly. He whispered cheekily, “Will Roberto be making your special request again?” before rushing off to make sure the Monbousquet was being decanted.

After some deliberation about making it through to dessert, we decided to share all our courses. Just SO I’d have the space to satisfy my craving for their home-made Gianduja ice-cream.

The wine was very aromatic and surprisingly silky-smooth, leaving a taste reminiscent of blackcurrants and dark chocolate on my palate. This was going to be very enjoyable 94-pointer! Which is exactly why I love my St. Emillions. To quote JB quoting the Wine Bible: "Profound."

The group at the next table could not believe the eyes (and noses I bet!) as the plate of Scrambled Eggs with Truffles was laid in front of us. Neither could I! Chef Roberto had outdone his culinary genius and generosity. The eggs were whisked to perfection and the fresh truffle shavings were sufficient to ensure we would not squabble for our share *grin*...

We would’ve offered to share with the couple beside us, but I was so famished I could not help polishing all trace of the eggs and the truffles with my bread *grin*. Well it was the thought that counted right…

Why do people like to stare at what is on someone else's plate? Wouldn't it be more polite and less-hassle to just ask me what I am having instead of throwing sideway glances and flipping desperately through the menu to find the item?? Trust me, I'd be more than happy to share the information and perhaps even a spoonful! Lesson: Ask.

And when our Truffle Risotto arrived, it was hard to ignore the sudden hush that engulfed the dining room. I’m not sure if it was the surprise of seeing the tall, smiling Italian Chef himself coming out with the plate and thanking us for the glass of wine or the deliciously sexy aroma of the Truffle Risotto wafting through the air and hitting everyone square in their noses. If Paris & Nicole were there, they'd definitely nod and scream, "That's HOT!"

The wait was worth every grain of arborio rice and slice of truffle shavings. Oh, too much is not enough…

Right there and then I could have jumped on Him. Whoever said oysters and champagne were aphrodisiacs apparently had not tried Truffles and a St. Emillion!!!

With the wine opening up beautifully and the special order of Lamb Tenderloin done to brilliant perfection, it was all over too soon. But it would not have been complete without the warm chocolate cake and accompanying scoop of Gianduja ice-cream - the little bit of curve to complete the Big O.

I left happy. And sated. And so did He.

Beverly Feldman has banked on the right motto for her line of gorgeous shoes. And I am more than proud to admit that I now know what that line truly means…*smile*