The holiday season at Da Paolo Gastronomia is truly a feast for the senses, with festive offerings that blend the heartwarming essence of Italian traditions and the joy of sharing around the table.
The AVENUE ONE team sampled the dishes, featuring sumptuous roasts, indulgent desserts, and flavourful sides that will take any Christmas celebration to the next level. Read on to find out what are some of the standout items for us.
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Delicious Christmas Dishes for Sharing
The star of the holiday spread is undeniably the Stuffed Boneless Roast Turkey (S$388, approximately 4kg, serves 10 to 12 persons). This impressive centrepiece marries the classic flavours of Christmas with Italian flair.
Its layers of moist shredded confit duck, chestnuts, black truffle, and a savoury second stuffing of chicken, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs make for an indulgent and memorable dish.
The accompanying black truffle gravy, rich and earthy, enhances the turkey’s natural juices, making each bite even more satisfying. Unlike many turkeys I’ve tried, this one stayed wonderfully moist throughout, ensuring that every slice is as flavourful as the first.
Another festive highlight is the Rustic Ossobuco Pie with Black Truffle and Foie Gras (S$168, serves 8 to 10 persons). The beef shank, slow-cooked to tender perfection, boasts an incredible depth of flavour with hints of white wine, herbs, and a luxurious gravy.
The flaky crust, complemented by the richness of foie gras and black truffle paste, elevates the dish to a level where I wish it could be a regular menu item — ideally in individual portions for indulgent solo meals.
This pie captures the rustic charm of Italian cuisine while adding a layer of decadence that feels just right for the holidays.
For a lighter but equally elegant addition to the table, the new Smoked Salmon Terrine (S$168, serves 8 to 10 persons) delivers beautifully.
The layers of dill-infused cream cheese, zucchini, baked spinach, and balsamic “caviar” pearls are wrapped in smoky Norwegian salmon, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
The terrine’s flavours come together harmoniously, with the cream cheese providing a creamy counterpoint to the salmon’s savory notes. Pairing it with light crackers or rustic bread not only adds texture but also makes for an irresistible appetiser to kick off the meal.
No holiday spread is complete without cheese and charcuterie, and Da Paolo’s Focaccia with Cheese & Charcuterie (S$58, serves 4 to 6) does not disappoint.
The airy rosemary focaccia is topped with slices of Parma ham, salami, and provolone, which add depth and richness. The bread itself makes sharing easy and enjoyable, turning this dish into a social centerpiece for guests to gather around.
To balance the richness of the meal, the Brussels Sprouts, Turnip & Cranberry Salad (S$69) is a refreshing must-have. Its crunchy texture and bright flavors add a much-needed contrast to the heavier dishes, cutting through the richness of the roasts and pies.
I found myself returning to it repeatedly throughout the meal, not just as a side, but as a palate cleanser that made each subsequent dish taste even better.
Log Cakes
Da Paolo’s log cake offerings are as varied as they are delightful.
The new Strawberry Cheesecake Log Cake (S$98, approximately 900g) is light yet flavourful, with a velvety strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting, a hint of crispness from the digestive biscuit base, and a sweet ganache core that’s not too overwhelming after a hearty meal.
It’s perfect for guests of all ages and will satisfy those who crave something fruity and fresh.
The returning Sicilian Pistachio Raspberry Log Cake (S$108, approximately 900s) remains a favourite of mine. The pistachio cream, made from authentic Sicilian pistachios, is indulgently smooth, while the homemade raspberry jam adds a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness.
As someone who adores pistachios, I highly recommend it for any nut lover who wants to end their meal on a high note.
Orders can be placed from 1 November to 31 December 2024 via their online gourmet shop, with delivery and pick-up options available. Don’t miss the early bird offer of 15% off the Christmas Roast Bundle for orders placed before 30 November 2024.
