Lunch at Buko Nero

Tracy of Buko Nero called this morning. Someone had cancelled their lunch appointment today, and a table for two had become available, did we want it? You bet we did!

This compact Italian-Asian restaurant, nestled in a tiny shophouse at 126 Tanjong Pagar Road, is run solely by Oscar Pasinato and his wife, Tracy. From our experience, lunchtime bookings are difficult to come by and dinner reservations nigh-impossible, despite their one month advance-booking window.


Inside Buko Nero

I started off with the Warm Pumpkin and Crab Meat Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette, and J had the Minestrone Soup with Silken Tofu. The orange-coloured salad was packed into the shape of a small cylindrical island, sitting in the middle of a sea of strawberry-pink sauce. It was like.. wow. I don't know how to describe the taste. Topped with deep-fried (Chinese-style) shallots, the ingredients just blended together in a rush of flavour. Amazing!

J followed up with a small serving of Spaghetti with Vongole, with a distinctive creamy texture that we don't normally encounter in other variations of this dish. Mixed with garlic, olive oil and a bit of chilli (and whatever else Tracy isn't saying ;), it went down very smoothly indeed. I polished up most of the clams.

I had the Beef Ravioli special: minced beef rolled up in wanton skin, served with a substantial brown-coloured sauce and layered generously with truffle oil. Absolutely, absolutely gorgeous! Little sparks of "wow" kept zapping from tongue to brain. J couldn't resist snatching bites off my plate. The Braised Leg of Duck that she had was delicious as well, but somehow paled in comparison to the ravioli.

For the quality of food, the price is extremely reasonable. This is one restaurant where you should make the booking first and decide who to go with later. Must, must try!

Buko Nero's telephone number is 6324 6225.