Ms Skinnyfat

I couldn't resist the newly added Crab and Avocado Bruschetta ($14.50). A thinly crisped sourdough is topped with green apple sticks and crab that has been mixed with natural yoghurt, mint, parsley and chillies. Spread a little of the smashed avocado (ripe avocados blended with basil, lemon juice and red chilli) and whipped buffalo ricotta (blended with brown crabmeat and lemon juice and zest) and pop it whole. The flavors are guaranteed to blow you away.

Other must orders include the Crispy Squid and the Stuffed Risotto Balls (both $11.50 each).

I must admit that the mixed reviews on the pastas has deterred me from ordering them. So we went with another new addition, the Simple Baked Lasagne ($24). Trust me, there was nothing simple about it. A rich and tart ragu of minced beef and pork, is cooked for 2.5 hours with red wine, tomatoes, and stock. This is layered between Jamie's homemade lasagne sheets, with sweet roasted squash (LURVVE) and a thick and silky béchamel sauce. Finally it's baked with a tomato and basil passata, and finished with grated Parmesan and a fresh rocket salad. While the pasta sheet was quite dense and raw-ish (apparently very Italian), i enjoyed the combination of a tangy and chunky sauce and the sweet pumpkin. It's a little dry but it's awesome.

Other recommendations for carbs include the Tagliatelle Bolognese and Wild Truffle Risotto.  

The highlight of my meal was undoubtedly the 30 Day Matured Prime Rib ($59.80), a 350g Angus breed bone-in strip loin served with wild mushrooms and peppery endives. The juicy slab is  cooked on the grill al Mattone which seals in the juices. Go for the pimped version (add $5) for a disc of truffle butter and shaved black truffles. The medium rare version was absolutely bloody and buttery and extremely savory, just the way i like it.

For a lighter and more responsible meal, the Baked Sustainable Halibut ($29.90) cannot be missed. The sustainably fished Norwegian halibut has a nice lightly salted crust and comes paired with a vignole- a Roman white wine spring vegetable stew made with pancetta, baby onions, artichokes, broad beans, peas, Swiss chard, asparagus, mint and baby gem lettuce. Remember to soak that crostini smeared with a lemony basil yogurt dressing into the broth. S loved this dish and finished most of it.

If you love chocolate, forget everything and just order the Epic Brownie ($11.50) with amaretto ice cream and caramelized amaretti popcorn.  Made with 70% cocoa solid chocolate, this was super gooey and rich. I could taste a hint of salt which brought out the intense chocolate taste. Sweet and savory anytime! If the brownie were warmer and the ice cream less icy, this would be the ULTIMATE dessert.

Pair this (or the lovely tiramisu) with the award winning Italian coffee from Musetti. My latte ($5.50) was smooth and milky. It would have put me to sleep with happiness if not for the caffeine. 

The Raspberry Frangipane ($9.50) is a nice complement to the sweet brownie with the tart raspberries and nutty almond filling. The center was a little too soggy for my liking but the outer crust was nutty and crunchy. Yums. Now if they could work on the overall consistency of the texture. 

So go to Jamie's Italian. I was won over really. Just make sure you make a reservation (only for groups smaller than 7pax)

Jamie's Italian