‘Tis the season of holidays and you know what that means: Christmas! With Halloween wrapped up, everywhere and everyone is prepping and gearing up for the next big occasion. From decorating to Secret Santas, planning the perfect party is the embodiment of the nightmare before Christmas. However, it’s nothing without the star of the show: food! And Da Paolo Gastronomia has got you covered.
With how busy and fast-paced life is, no one really has the time to do hours and hours of preparation for a single party or gathering. Imagine if you had to organise multiple of these in a single season… sounds exhausting. Now, before you get overwhelmed by all the planning, you’ll want to hear the spread Da Paolo Gastronomia is offering. Available only for dining from the comfort of your own home, set your worries away and loosen your belt, for the only thing you’ll be doing is eating!
Highlights
Carrying the Italian love language of food from the heart, Da Paolo invited us to check out some gourmet highlights of their savoury holiday spread. So let’s dive into some of the festive eats they have. Will they send your tastebuds singing?
Mains
Let’s not wait and jump right into the star of the show! The centrepiece for today is the Stuffed Boneless Roast Turkey (S$388, approximately 4kg, serves 10 to 12 persons) – or rather a ‘turducken’. Adding their own twist to this fusion, the Stuffed Boneless Roast Turkey sees 3 layers of poultry perfection. Starting from the middle is a savoury blend of shredded confit duck leg meat, roasted chestnuts, minced Italian black truffle, and truffle oil, permeating the air with a mouthwatering scent of truffle and duck.
The next layer presents minced marinated chicken breast, sautéed shiitake and button mushrooms, as well as leeks and onions; seasoned with spices and herbs. The very definition of umami, this layer will warm you to the core with its earthy aroma. And the final layer is the turkey, roasted to an impeccable golden brown. Served on the side are herb-roasted potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery, drizzled in a homemade black truffle gravy made from chicken stock, shallots, garlic, and white wine.
Eating all of the layers in a single bite is the only way to go! Create the perfect mouthful by balancing the decadent aroma of the stuffing with the lighter turkey meat alongside the thick gravy to complement the texture of the turkey. This dish sits comfortably in your stomach after finishing.
Accompanying the centrepiece is Rustic Ossobuco Pie with Black Truffle and Foie Gras (S$218, serves 6 to 8 persons). I’ve always been a fan of fragrant pastry dishes but this definitely takes the cake (or pie)! The instant it was served, I knew I would be in for a treat.
Baked to a beautiful golden brown and scattered with sesame seeds, the crust was flaky and mildly salted, complementing the heartiness of the beef. Providing the perfect crunch, it was a contrast to the tender beef shank hidden within. Slow-cooked with white wine, vegetables and Italian herbs, no words would do the flavour justice. Alongside the meat is passata simmered into a rich gravy coating the inner walls of the pie, ensuring not a single part of this pie is dry.
Cutting in this pie was an experience all on its own. Slicing the flaky crust and pulling it apart, watching as the aromatic beef tumbles out of its hiding spot… I’m drooling just reliving it. Adding truffle never goes wrong, as this dish is easily described as what a warm hug would taste like. Each taste is a burst of self-indulgence, perfect for a dinner with loved ones. We were served a one-person version of this pie, and I can definitively say that we were hooked!
Contrasting the robustness of the previous dishes is the Smoked Salmon Terrine (S$168, serves 8 to 10 persons). Encasing the inner layers is applewood cold-smoked Norwegian salmon. Served cold, your first taste will be coloured with the signature aroma of salmon. As you start chewing, your teeth will sink into the creamy dill-infused cream cheese as the grilled zucchini make their presence known with each crunch.
Don’t be surprised by the pops of tanginess as nestled within are the homemade ‘caviar’ pearls as well, playing around with the texture of this dish. Made with Balsamic di Modena and a hint of honey, the pearls were the most interesting point of the Smoked Salmon Terrine. Tinges of sweetness coat your tastebuds when you least expect it before you dive right back into the creamy wonderland of cheese infused with salmon.
Can I just say I am a salmon lover? Smoked, baked or in sashimi form, I believe salmon to be superior. And I never would’ve expected to see a salmon dish at a Christmas party. So trying out this dish was quite interesting; I never thought that I would have salmon with cheese and like it! Absolutely one of my favourites from this tasting.
What’s a Christmas gourmet spread without Focaccia with Cheese & Charcuterie (S$58, serves 4 to 6 persons)? Rather than the traditional cold cuts, cheese and bread separated, this combines it all into one, making life much easier. An airy house-baked rosemary focaccia supports freshly sliced 24-month-aged Parma ham, salami, and creamy provolone cheese – perfect for snacking on or whetting your appetite!
Need a palate cleanser? Try the Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad ($69). Ever popular, this refreshing raw salad is a rendition of the ubiquitous roasted vegetable had during the festive season.
Desserts
It’s not a dinner without dessert! I’ve never been to any Christmas party without log cakes and the one you throw should be no exception. Presenting 3 flavours in their lineup, Da Paolo Gastronomia promises to cater to even the pickiest eaters.
First up is the Strawberry Cheesecake Log Cake (S$98, approximately 900g). A bright pink strawberry-infused cheesecake frosting encases a soft vanilla sponge cake, supported by a layer of digestive biscuit for a crunch through all the softness. Biting into a slice felt like sinking your teeth into a fluffy cloud of strawberries… so good!
At its core, a strawberry white chocolate ganache is surrounded by more spongecake and frosting. Call me basic but I’m a sucker for anything strawberry – especially after a meal as hearty as this. Something light and refreshing without being cloyingly sweet? Sounds like my slice of cake!
Making a return is the Sicilian Pistachio Raspberry Log Cake (S$108, approximately 900g). Luscious green cream layered upon fluffy pistachio sponge cake alternated with a homemade raspberry compote. On top, more pistachios line the log cake, painting a perfect visual of green. If you’re a fan, chow down on this! The nutty taste of the luxurious pistachio is ubiquitous, cut through only by the sharp sour-sweetness of the raspberry.
The first few mouthfuls had me riding on a pistachio high but it got overwhelming quite quickly. I’d never thought I’d say this but there is a thing as too much pistachio. While I appreciate the earthier flavour this cake brings, the pistachio was just too much for my taste.
And of course, there has to be a chocolate log cake! The Flourless Valrhona Chocolate Log Cake (S$78, approximately 900g) is nothing but chocolate. No nuts, no gluten and no alcohol – all your tastebuds will be enveloped in a decadent chocolate ganache, just like how the Valrhona chocolate cake is. Now, I’ve never liked chocolate (don’t come for me) and this was insanely heavy for me. But if you’re all for chocolate, you’ll eat until your heart’s content with this cake.
Savour Your Festive Feast With All There Is To Offer
Of course, Da Paolo’s Christmas offerings have more than this! Alongside the Stuffed Boneless Roast Turkey, there’s also the Stuffed Boneless Roast Chicken ($168, approximately 1.2kg, serves 6 to 8 persons) featuring a succulent deboned chicken prepared with a moreish stuffing of chicken meat, chestnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a fusion of vegetables.
There’s also a classic Honey Baked Ham ($178, approximately 2kg, serves 8 to 10 persons), comprised of a medley of sweet and savoury flavours and painted with a tart, tropical homemade passionfruit sauce. Radiantly glazed and infused with the nostalgic scent of cloves, no one can argue against this dish.
There’s a whole plethora of other dishes as well. Look out for simple yet satisfying accompaniments like the Truffle Mac & Cheese Tray ($110) or Italian Meatballs Tray ($65). Need some vegetables on the table? Select the Roasted Potatoes & Carrots ($45), Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower ($55), or Spicy Broccoli ($48)!
Bask In The Christmas Spirit With Da Paolo Gastronomia
With so many offerings, anyone would be spoiled for choice. Reach for these festive eats as well as cheerful presents from 1 November to 31 December 2024 or while stocks last only at Da Paolo’s online grocery shop. Opt for self-pick-up and check out their outlets or delivery from 4 November onwards. If you’re choosing delivery, order early for the charge increases from S$35 to S$45 from 8 December onwards. Or if you’re going all out, be sure to hit the minimum spend of S$400 to get that free delivery! Unfortunately, this feast is not available for dining in stores, but you can enjoy it all within your cosy home.
Plan ahead and enjoy an early bird offer of 15% off the Christmas Roast Bundle (from S$328) for orders placed from 1 to 30 November 2024. Wait, what Christmas Roast Bundle? Designed for 6 to 12 guests, Da Paolo Gastronomia makes life easier by bundling a roast, sides and a log cake so you have more time to spend with your loved ones rather than stress over what to serve.
I know people who are already planning all their Christmas dinners and presents now. Whether you’re looking for a convenient way to throw a Christmas feast or the perfect gift for your loved ones, check out their website for the nitty-gritty details as well as the rest of their menu. Merry early Christmas!
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Da Paolo Gastronomia Singapore
