Gary’s Italian‑Japanese Fusion at Rochester Park – Lifestyle Review

Singapore’s Culinary Kaleidoscope: Where Italian Meets Japanese (and All the Fun In Between)

Think of Singapore as a simmering cauldron of flavors, where you can grab a slice of pizza, a bamboo stick of ramen, and a dash of tauco all in one bite. It’s the kind of city that says, “Don’t just choose one cuisine—mix them all up and taste the adventure.”

Spotlight: Gary’s

Picture a cozy spot with dim lighting, the scent of fresh herbs just wafting through the air, and a décor that could have been ripped straight from a minimalist art gallery. That’s Gary’s for you—an unassuming haven that claims to fuse the boldness of Italian classics with the subtlety of Japanese kitchen wisdom.

Authentic Italian Roots: From a silky ricotta filled ravioli to a crusty neapolitan pizza, every plate at Gary’s reverberates with Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
Japanese Modernity: Think sleek, meticulous plating, the use of seaweed paired with basil, and the meticulous art of sauce reduction.
Intimate Vibes: No towering buffets or noisy chains here—just a warm, personal touch that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a friend’s kitchen.
Summer of Ease: The minimalist interiors mean you’re not bogged down by clutter; you just get to savor the food without distractions.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

Gary’s isn’t just another pop-up—it’s a blend of “yes!” to exploring cross-cultural tastes. The menu invites diners to linger over a bouillon that’s simmered to perfection, balanced by the bright punch of citrus. You’ll walk away with a “what can’t you do with garlic?” mindset, and perhaps a few extra years of culinary curiosity.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re a local foodie or a globe-trotting traveler, Singapore’s dynamic food scene offers a playground for taste buds. And at Gary’s, the Italian-Japanese mash-up proposition is delivered with a side of charm, ensuring every visit is a new chapter in a culinary love story.

Gary Wu’s New Bistro: A Slice of Calm in Rochester Park

Hidden among the leafy backdrop of Rochester Park, Chef Gary Wu’s latest venture isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cozy escape from the city buzz.

About the Chef

Nearly 30 years of culinary chops, with a stint as sous‑chef at the one‑Michelin‑star Italian spot, Buona Terra.
Blending heritage whispers and sleek modern vibes like a seasoned chef mixes spices.

Inside the Colonial Bungalow

Step inside, and you’ll find:

White tablecloths that feel like a fresh swipe of paper.
Minimalist white and black décor—think elegance on a silent runway.
A marble bar that could double as a shiny stage for your drinks.

Perfect for date nights or client meetings, the space offers a sunlit alfresco spot where you can kick back, sip wine, and feel the wind recite a lullaby.

Chef in Action

You can watch the head chef stir up his culinary magic behind a glass window on the ground level. It’s like watching a painter with a brush, but the canvas is a sizzling kitchen.

Gary reimagines classic Italian dishes with a dash of Japanese precision, proving that even seasoned traditions can get a fresh, exciting twist.

Evening Delights

1. Grilled Spanish Octopus Leg ($38)

A Tender Oceanic Treat

Sous vide slow‑cook – gives that perfect bite‑and‑butter texture
Grilled finish – a quick blast of char that brings it home
Velvety truffle‑potato cream – earthy and creamy, the sidekick to every octopus
Spicy salsa with arugula and parsley – a zesty green splash that keeps everything refreshing

Think of it like a seafood dumper: glossy, chewy, yet practically tender. The octopus arrives crisp on the grill after a gentle woosh of sous‑vide, and every mouthful feels like you’re sipping sea‑foam on the beach.

2. Cold Angel Hair Pasta

Three Bites and You’re Done!

Al dente angel hair – buttery and silky to the palate
Umami‑infused wakame seaweed – bringing a salty, oceanic whisper
Lavish caviar drizzle – because a little luxury never hurt anyone

Picture this: a lightly chilled noodle that’s buttery as a hug from your favorite grandma, swirling with umami seaweed and topped with a splash of caviar that says “I’m serious about flavor.” Cover your apartment in that aroma and you’ll feel like a Michelin‑star chef in your own living room. Dive in, and you’ll finish it in just three bites—we’ve actually tested it, and our taste buds are still in disbelief.

Chef Gary’s Up‑Endless Carbonara

Quick rundown: Picture a classic Italian sauce, but swap the heavy creams for a silky, pasteurised egg blend that still feels like a hug. That’s the secret sauce behind the $26 delight on our menu.

What Makes It Special

Light yet creamy: Forget the typical thick, yolk‑heavy versions—this is a feather‑light indulgence that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
Textural pop: A crispy Iberico chip ruffles its way onto the plate, delivering a subtle savory crunch that dances with the pasta.
Finishing touches: A generous sprinkle of Parmigiano‑Regina and a fan‑of–truffle oil weave a fragrant finale that boosts the flavor fireworks.

Why It Rocked Our Plate

Fans love the modern twist on a beloved classic, and Chef Gary’s version invites you to savor the simplicity of pasta with extra flavor layers—no heavy creams, just pure, polished taste.

Our Seafood & Meat Adventure

Decoding the Menu

We slid into table two, and after a quick scroll, settled on two culinary heavy‑hits: the Stuffed Seabass ($36) and the Lamb Rack ($48). Let’s dig into how each of them behaved when it hit the plate.

Stuffed Seabass – A Soft‑Touch Superstar

Picture a delicate, flaky fillet that practically melts in your mouth. That’s the seabass for you. It’s paired with a side of grilled seasonal veggies that add a satisfying crunch without overpowering the fish.

Stewing marinated perch with fresh herbs
Complemented by char‑grilled asparagus and bell peppers
Drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce that literally dances on your tastebuds

That tomato sauce is the real headline act—an explosive burst of heat that balances the natural sweetness of the fish, creating a flavor tango you won’t forget.

Lamb Rack – A Character‑ful Flavour Twist

The lamb rack was a mixed bag. Despite being paired with aromatic mushrooms, baby corn, asparagus, and polenta, it came off slightly tough and chewy. Maybe the grill was a bit fiery, but it added a subtle, smoky layer to the meat.

Herb rub dressing that claims to be star-worthy
Accompanied by a green veggie medley that keeps the plate balanced
Polenta giving the dish a comforting rustic vibe that rounds out the chewiness

Overall, the lamb was decent but didn’t quite hit the mark of being melt‑in‑your‑mouth good like the seabass. Still, it held its own with a distinct taste profile.

Bottom Line

If you’re hunting for that silky seafood experience with a kick of spice, the Stuffed Seabass is your go‑to. For a hearty, slightly chewy lamb delicacy that still offers a lift of veggies and a touch of rustic comfort, the Lamb Rack is worth a try. Bon appétit!
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Sweet Finale: The Irresistible Tiramisu

Price: $14

Who can resist a classic tiramisu that feels like a silky cloud of dessert bliss?

This one’s got a wicked kick, thanks to a drop of Kahlua coffee liqueur that laces every bite with a warm, spirited aftertaste. Then you get the texture—so creamy, so utterly smooth, it almost convinces you you’re indulging in a decadent mousse. A sweet seduction, hands down.

Where to Find It

A-mazing Gary’s Restaurant is a gem tucked at 41 Rochester Drive, Singapore 138582. For a quick phone call:

+65 89 200200

Opening Hours

Daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Evening set menu from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Weekday lunches (except public holidays) start at around $38+ per person.

Next Up: Cross‑Cultural Culinary Adventures

Want to mix Italian and Japanese flavors? Forma brings just that, pairing Ben Fatto’s pasta mastery with Cicheti’s culinary flair in the cozy vibes of Joo Chiat.

Original story by City Nomads. Food lovers, take note!

Gary’s Italian‑Japanese Fusion at Rochester Park – Lifestyle Review