Griglia Katong
I had been to Griglia at Craig Road a few times, but somehow never made it to the Katong outlet. Craig Road is simply much more convenient from home, so Katong kept getting pushed down the list. This judging assignment finally gave me the reason to head east.
We went for the Signature Set for 2 at $168++, which turned out to be a very good way to experience what Griglia does best. The meal started with their house made focaccia, grilled until nicely charred and scented with garlic and rosemary. Suren, who took care of us throughout the evening, brought out an aged balsamic to go with it, and I absolutely loved that combination with the olive oil. Warm focaccia, good olive oil and aged balsamic is one of those simple pleasures that can become dangerously addictive.
The Sicilian Tomatoes were refreshingly simple, with wild oregano and tarallo bread crumble adding fragrance and texture. Even better was the Hokkaido Scallops, served with white corn and Amalfi lemon. Sweet, delicate scallops with that bright citrus lift made this one of the more elegant dishes of the meal.
For pasta, **Fusilli “Monograno Felicetti” came with jumbo crab and spicy ’nduja. I liked the contrast between the sweetness of the crab and that savoury, mildly spicy kick from the ’nduja. The spiral pasta also did its job beautifully, holding plenty of sauce in every mouthful.
We paid the additional $38 for the 30 Day Dry Aged Grass Fed Porterhouse, and I am glad we did. This was where Griglia’s open fire identity really came through. The beef had a deep charred crust, good beefy flavour and was cooked nicely inside, accompanied by smooth potato purée and broccolini. A proper centrepiece for two people to share.
Dessert was the Upsidedown Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Ice Cream, a comforting finish after the heavier main. The warm apple cake had that familiar homely appeal, while the salted caramel ice cream added richness without making the ending feel too cloying.
A special mention must go to Suren, who was warm, attentive and looked after us very well the entire evening. Good service can easily lift a meal, and his genuine hospitality certainly did that for us here.
Griglia Katong feels polished without becoming overly formal, and the food has enough personality to make it more than just another neighbourhood Italian restaurant. After several visits to Craig Road, it was good to finally discover that the Katong sibling holds its own rather well too.
As always, this is based purely on my own dining experience and taste.
