Charming Italian in Serangoon

HEAR:
Click here to listen/ download podcast of this week’s pastarrific episode!

SEE:
Hello Makan Kakis! Looking for a palate cleanser after all the Chinese New Year feasting? Or maybe a charming spot for a Valentines’ tete a tete? Let’s go for a rustic Italian meal then! This week, our Foodie Friend Chef Shen Tan reveals a recent discovery she’s willing to trek from the West all the way to Serangoon Gardens for. Casa Manini is a little Italian restaurant that serves up good, honest, family-style cooking and is a wonderful find if you’re craving pasta. Everything is reasonably-priced and prepared by the chef who serves up his own personal family favourites. In fact, this place has a great back story – according to Shen, the chef and his wife used to work for Bulgari before taking the leap from fine jewellery to fine Italian food!

Hailing from Lombardy in Italy, Chef Fulvio’s Lasagna and Pasta Carbonara are Shen’s absolute favourites, particularly their signature pork and beef Lasagna, which she says is so hearty, rich and down-right delicious.

The Carbonara is silky and umami not from cream or bacon, but from irresitible Guanciale (cured meat made from pork jowl or cheeks).

Shen visits Casa Manini at least once a month because yes, it’s THAT GOOD. Down-to-earth, tasty, nothing super-fancy, yet charming with great service (the hostess/ lady boss Fiona is lovely), do try Casa Manini if you’re in the Serangoon Gardens area!

TASTE:
CASA MANINI
14B Kensington Park Road, S(557265)
Open Tues – Sun: 12 – 2.30pm (lunch); 6 – 9.30pm (dinner). Closed Mon.
Tel: +65 62811286

*photos via Chef Shen Tan and Casa Manini FB.