I have been toying with the idea for a revisit since the last circa end 2006.

And so I finally managed a reservation for lunch with the Friend. Wasn’t that hard actually. After all I did call a month ago.

The focaccia still taste wonderfully homemade, crumbly, aromatic and punctuated with distinct notes of herbs. Tracy then popped over and served us this uber cool morsel of Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Vinaigrette amuse bouche, which even if it did seem a bit characterless at first, but never mind the aesthetics or process, the end result was just delicious.

Our Spinach and Crabmeat Soup had the most delicate yet delicious flavor combination that was just subtly vitalizing but most gratifying.

For mains, I savored the Oven Baked Cod with Rosemary Crust, Tamarind Broth and Baby Brinjal (Oscar does brilliant fish all the time :)) with elements that have no relation to one other but taste fantastic together anyway. What can be more dramatic than marrying both my favorite fish and vegetable mutually into an appealing center piece for lunch? The gorgeous slab of cod was evenly cooked all the way through; the rosemary crust more than complements its deliciousness and the baby eggplant braised till pappy. An ingenious play of tangy, savory and heady that may have shades of Japanese but is 100 per cent Italian. Almost bewildering, yet remarkable and incredible.

For sweet endings, we had a Warm Chocolate Cake(s) with Caramel Coulis that ignited only the oohh…ooh….mmm… effect. Need I say more? :)

The dynamic duo offers a very affordable set lunch on Fridays and Saturdays where diners can choose from 2 starters, mains and desserts all for $25. Set dinner is even more reasonable at $48 (if you don’t upgrade your main) for 5 courses.

Oscar and Tracy happen to disappear for certain periods of the year when they hibernate and tinker with their short and succinct menu that actually covers quite a lot of ground for a one man show. Certain classics like the Tau Kwa Tower and Creamy Porcini Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil are sure to stay. Oscar dishes out strange but delicious combinations which add a different and very fresh dimension to the very warmed-over Italian regulars. His cuisine is distinctively Italian, but he adds a dash and splash of Asia and transforms it into a concerted fusion.

And the best part? Anticipation for the next visit.

And thus my title coz in case you didn’t already know, Buko Nero has a no-photography stance. I know it from long ago so The Equipment was left at home anyway. I was there purposefully to enjoy good food today. :)

ps: oh how could I forget to mention the super enlivening Mango and Peach Tea? I had it again. :)