The long queue starts again.
It seems that no matter where Casa Vostra opens, the sight of people waiting patiently outside follows.
This time, it is at JEM in Jurong East, where Chef Antonio Miscellaneo has expanded his brand of modern Italian dining to the west.
Some say it is overrated, while others find it good quality for the price you are paying.
Known for his meticulous approach to pizza-making and his constant pursuit of texture, he continues to apply the same attention to detail that made his Raffles City outlet a hit.
Inside, the scent of freshly baked dough and slow-cooked sauces filled the air.
The space hummed with quiet energy as staff work with focus behind the counter, sliding pizzas into the oven and carrying plates out to eager and hungry diners who lined up a long time.
The menu at JEM is extensive, covering antipasti, pizza, pasta, mains and desserts.
Appetisers include Broccolini al Forno ($12), Calamari Fritti ($16) and Burrata Tomato e Pesto ($22).
For mains, there are the Porchetta ($24), Braised Beef Cheek ($26) and Guazzetto del Pescatore ($30), and desserts like Panna Cotta ($10), Gianduja ($12), Tiramisu ($13) and Coppa al Pistachio ($14).
I find pizzas the strength here, divided into Neapolitan Red and White categories such as Margherita ($15), Prosciutto e Rucola ($18), Carnivora ($28), Mortadella ($23) and Tartufo e Funghi ($30).
Recently, I fell in love with the Prosciutto e Fichi ($26).
Parma ham, fig purée, rocket, candied walnuts, Parmigiano Reggiano and Fiordilatte, a mild mozzarella from Campania, come together on Chef Antonio’s Newpolitan pizza dough.
His recipe takes inspiration from the Naples style but uses modern technique.
The crust came out lightly charred and airy, crisp at the edge yet tender in the centre. The dough fermented for 36 hours, creating a balance between chew and melt in the mouth.
What I liked was that you got both salty and sweet at the same time, with prosciutto and fig lifting one another while the mozzarella kept everything gentle and creamy.
If you prefer to go for pasta, some of the dishes include Mamma’s Aglio e Olio ($15), Carbonara Rigatoni ($20), Funghi Mafaldine ($18), Ravioli Ricotta e Spinaci ($22) and Frutti di Mare Chitarra ($28).
I went for the Beef Cheek Pappardelle ($25).
Wide pasta ribbons were coated in a rich beef cheek ragù with smoked speck from South Tyrol, San Marzano tomatoes and a sofritto base.
Each ribbon of pasta held the sauce without turning soft. The sauce was deep and comforting and the meat tender enough to break apart with a fork.
The queues may test your patience, but when the first slice or forkful arrives, maybe you understand why people keep coming back.
Or wait till the line subsides a bit.
Casa Vostra @ JEM
JEM #01-03, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549 (Near Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Casa Vostra (Raffles City)
Twirl Pasta (Holland Village)
Sospiri (IOI Central Boulevard Towers)
Casa Cicheti (Tiong Bahru)
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Club Street)
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