Review by Singapore Food Whisperers Sandra Galistan Dinner - 25-12-16 , 7 pm Basilico is located in the bustling and lively enclave of Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru. The shared vision of owners and good friends Chef Han and Chef Kukie, who met while working at Singapore's Fairmont Hotel, gave life to the dream and Basilico was born; serving delicious, authentic and fresh homemade Italian comfort cuisine. Basilico's decor is modern and minimalist, complimented with soft and incandescent lighting creating an intimate and cozy ambience. The menu offers a range of pizza, pasta, meat and seafood dishes and desserts all fresh, all homemade and waiting to comfort you. For starters, the Basilico Ceasar Salad is refreshing and satisfying. Crispy fresh and appetising, the tangy parmesan accentuated by the homemade dressing of white wine, vinegar, anchovies and olive oil mingles gently with romaine lettuce, baked crispy croutons, grilled chicken breast, sweet cherry tomatoes and boiled egg slices. Basilico's signature dish, Squid Ink Tagliolini with Jumbo Prawns is a requisite choice. The Squid Ink Tagliolini is served in a rich sauce with perfectly harmonised notes of sweet and sour. The presence of the squid ink complimenting and not overpowering, while the jumbo prawns offer a succulent, firm and tender bite. The Spaghetti Napolitana is a mouthwatering perfect synergy of flavours. Al dente strands of spaghetti surrounded by a rich deep robust tomato sauce, faultlessly underlined by the sharp warmth of garlic, hearty mushrooms, black olives and capers. A true, authentic taste of Italy. Served on a wooden board the Italian Sausage Pizza resonated a rustic and earthy feel. Packed with flavour; supported and elevated by the tangy and rich generously spread tomato base, the crispy thin crust was then layered with melted mozzarella, fennel pork sausage, sweet red onions and sweet cherry tomatoes. For the protein lover the Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce, the Slow Roasted BBQ Pork Ribs with Honey Mustard Mayonnaise and the Oven Baked Salmon with Thyme Infused Orange Sauce are tender, hearty and well prepared to satisfy your hunger. The Early Grey Panacotta is pure indulgence. The tart strawberry sauce cascading down the sides of the silky creamy panacotta is a sensory experience. Served with fresh strawberry slices, the sweet, the sour and the pure luxury and richness of silk come together in perfect unison. Basilico. The authentic taste of Italy indeed.