The best of seafood dishes here

WITH a name like Miss Clarity, you’d be forgiven for mistaking this bright local café for a regular teenage haunt that serves fish and chips, burgers and ice cream. But while it’s true that this place is popular with the young, they’re not the only ones who have been streaming in. Only barely a year old, Miss Clarity Café has already gained a reputation for being a cosy restaurant to go to when you want warm and delicious hearty food at a reasonable price.

Serving Asian fare as well as the typical Western grub like bangers and mash, this café has added new items to the menu since they first opened. Their head chef, Jonathan Pang, used to be from Raffles Grill. Having apprenticed at Michelin-star restaurants in France and receiving guidance from top chefs, Mr Pang took the liberty of using his creativity to come up with an array of wonderful culinary creations.

Dishes like the Risotto Venere with Steamed Seabass and Vegetable Cream ($13.80) and the Oyster Ravioli with Clams Vinaigrette ($11.80) certainly knocked my socks off!

The Creamy Risotto Venere

First of all, Risotto Venere is made from wild Arborio rice and it does look a bit like our Asian black glutinous rice but, taste-wise, this one is much nuttier. The cream complemented the risotto and I polished off every single rice-grain. Yes, it was that delicious and the sea bass was a good addition to the rice. Plump and tender, the steamed fish did itself justice.

The ravioli served here is like no other. I’ve tried ravioli at other Italian restaurants but none has impressed me as much as the ones Jonathan has created. The ravioli I tried was stuffed with fresh oysters and the entire little package was translucent and oh-so-smooth!

Ravioli so smooth it glides down your throat

I don’t know how he made the skin, but this ravioli has a texture so smooth that it simply glides down your throat — no kidding! The clams in the vinaigrette were a refreshing touch, too. Absolutely delightful! Try the Ravioli of Potato Marmalade with Vegetable Cream ($9.80) if you’re not a fan of oysters.

Fancy some seafood? Why not try the Grilled Slipper Lobster with Capellini and Tomato Lobster Cream ($15.80). This pasta dish tastes great and the sauce really brought out the flavours of the lobster.

Still hungry and daring enough to try something out of the ordinary? Then I suggest you order the French Escargots in garlic butter (half dozen: $6, one dozen: $11) or the Lobster Bisque with Cheese melted on Garlic Bread ($6). Seriously, you don’t often get escargots in small cafés don’t you? If you’re not yet impressed then I reckon you check out their full menu at their website.

This is one café that’s worth your while — whether you feel like having something fancy or as simple as a warm sandwich. Trust me, you’ll leave the place feeling good; if not, awestruck (like me).

Miss Clarity Café
5 Purvis Street, #01-04
Tel: 6339 4803
Website: www.missclaritycafe.com