A gala meal at Fratini’s

I have always loved Fratini’s Restaurants and have been to practically all its branches in Brunei Darussalam, and of course, the one at Yayasan is my all-time favourite with its spectacular riverside views. Food consistency is important and from starters to pizzas to pastas and more, you can dine at every Fratini’s Restaurant and still get the same wholesome flavours, cosy ambience and friendly service, with the touch of fine dining.

Hence I was ecstatic when I heard that this restaurant chain had gone one up with the arrival of Chef Domenico Piras from Sardinia, Italy and who was previously at The Magellan Sutera Hotel in Sabah. With him at the helm of Fratini’s and guiding the team of chefs across the chain, you can be assured of a new infusion of Italian inspirations.

Recently, my friends and I savoured the new chef’s creations and I can assure you that this was pure pampering for the tastebuds. Chef Domenico was in his element as he whipped out a 5-course feast featuring his special creations.

How did it go? Well, since you were not there, just close your eyes and imagine…each plate was like a canvas to culinary art that was bestowed with sheer love, passion to satiate the taste buds and a culinary flair born out of 20 years of cooking for loved ones, socialites, royalties, famous personalities and food aficionados…and well, for gluttons like myself! Portions are just nice, not too big but huge in the yum-yum factor and healthy dining concept.

All of us adored the appetiser, which had this very Italian name of Terrina Di Salmone e Branzino Con Misticanza Del Prato, and which translates to “Salmon and seabass terrine served on a bed of greens, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing”.

The presentation is lovingly carved, layer by layer, and meticulously arranged to create a delectable creation fit for a king. This was the tastiest, most enticing appetiser that I have ever tasted in my life! Each bite evokes a delirious kind of feeling…the dressing was zesting and stimulated the taste buds. Appetising. Healthy. Yummy. The fish were fresh and one can’t just stop gazing at the artistic styling of the dish before you finally cannot resist savouring it.

My fellow diners - Edmund, Sheren and Jan - were soaking in the friendly atmosphere and the warmth of Chef Domenico and Fratini’s Seria branch manager, Rey Magallanes Jr who came over to chat with us every now and then.

After the appetiser, we were all perked up for the next offering which came in the form of Crema Di Broccoli, Panel Ali’ Aglio E Paprika, or Broccoli Cream Soup, served with aromatic garlic and paprika bread. The soup had a lingering fresh green taste and was very delicious with the garlic bread dipped in and enjoying every bite of this creamy delight.

For the first course, Chef Domenico prepared a unique concoction of Spinach and Pumpkin Rice, lightly drizzled with a smooth cheese sauce. I took bite sizes and just couldn’t get enough of the 2-layered spinach and pumpkin rice which were wonderful accompaniments to the main course of Filletto Di Garoupa Spadellato, Patate All’ Aglio E Crema Di Peperone which was simply but deliciously baked cherry tomato and fresh pan fried garoupa fillet, served with mashed garlic potatoes and capsicum cream. Mouth-watering and great-tasting with every bite, yet healthy in many ways!

We were richly contented in heart and soul, and I thought I couldn’t muster another bite of food when came the dessert of home-made, warm apple pie served with vanilla ice cream.

To tell you the truth, I was never a fan of apple pie as I usually find them too sweet but one bite of Chef Domenico’s apple pie demonstrated a 360 degree transformation as I became a fan of his not-so-sweet, melt-in-your-mouth creation and I finished the entire slice which coupled with the icy creamy ice cream wonder, dazzled my taste buds.

What an experience it was! Everyone gave thumbs up to Chef Domenico’s cooking and of course, to Fratini’s time-tested finesse of making diners happy. We were told that his creations are available upon enquiry, and already a hit with diners around Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait and Seria. In fact, “gala nights” were also organised in the various Fratini’s restaurants and these were dazzling experiences for diners who tasted Chef Domenico’s cooking.

If you too would like to savour such a wonderful dining experience, do call your nearest Fratini’s Restaurant and arrange for such a beautiful meal for yourself, loved ones and friends.

Chef Domenico may also suggest other creations to suit specific occasions and taste buds….all you have to do is talk to him and can I say, “Bon appétit!”? Enrich your passion for great food with Fratini’s Restaurant ....feel absolutely divine and dine in style!
The Brunei Times