Lunch Date at Café Stelle

As promised, here's a post with a little bit more detail about the lunch date I had with my girls recently. If you're wondering why I'm dedicating an entire write up about it, here's why. Firstly, we live in different countries most of the time. Secondly, some of us have work and other responsibilities therefore free time is quite limited.

Ah, the joys of  growing up, ey? 

This lunch date was cancelled and postponed a few times but we made it in the end. Yay! I slept over at Vivy's and she told me about Café Stelle which I am very grateful for because I couldn't think of a nice, fancy place we should go to for our little reunion. I originally wanted to go to Shangri La's Lemon Garden Cafe but it was fully booked. Nevertheless, I'm very happy with how the day turned out anyway. Did I mention that I also visited the Fashion Valet office for the first time ever? I know, I'm a horrible friend! That's okay, Vivy punished Marissa and I later on by making us sit in her office while she worked.... on a Sunday. 

It doesn't matter really because a day spent with my girls will always be lovely to me. I love that we can goof around and embarrass one another and still have love for each other. We can share our most intimate stories, ask questions we wouldn't dare raise with other people and take lots of photos like it's nobody's business. That's what girlfriends are for, right? 

Do you see what I have to put up with? Tsk tsk.... 

Here's a quick review of the Italian-inspired Café Stelle while I'm at it.

The café has an open concept as it is in the heart of Pavilion's lush shopping boutiques.

The décor is very modern and sleek. It's perfect for those who want an escape from loud and elaborate designs. 

Comfort is a vital aspect of any dining experience. I simply adore the couches that add a touch of homeliness to the eatery. 

We were served complimentary buns (very soft, by the way) with different types of pesto and some butter.

I ordered the fricasses con cipolline (braised lamb onions, carrots, potato served with soft polenta and balsamic reduction). I really enjoyed it because the lamb was very tender and tasty and the meal was very filling for a woman's palate.

Marissa's capellini aglio e peperoncino (angel hair pasta with tiger prawns, garlic, olive oil, chilli and Italian parsley). I didn't try it but notice the unique bowl it came in? Molto carina (very cute)!

The arrosto di branzino all crema di fungi (roasted sea bass with trio of herbs, puree of russet potato scented white truffle oil, sautéed mix vegetables and mix forest mushroom sauce) and zuppa di funghi e olio tartufato (cream of mixed mushroom with white truffle oil) requested by Vivy.
I didn't try the sea bass but I sure tried the mushroom soup and it was delizioso!

Muna's manzo arrosto panino a.k.a. roast beef sandwich. Everything sounds better in a sexy and mysterious foreign language! It came with her own personal selection of bread, filling and a serving of fries. 

I have a sweet tooth and this is love in a bowl for me.

The arancia crème brulee e marinato fragola (crème brulee with berries, usually served with orange and strawberry compote) was amazing. 

It wasn't runny like other crème brulees I've tried.

This one was thick, creamy and extremely satisfying.

I think I'm going to have beautiful dreams about it when I'm back in New Zealand.

Verdict: A casual yet lush ambience - you get the best of both worlds. Quality food and affordable prices for the meals but I can't say the same about their drinks in terms of price. Vivy would recommend their Almond milkshake. Yums! Browse the full menu here.

Later that day we were punished hung out at the Fashion Valet office. Vivy had a million and one things to do so Marissa and I filled up our time by talking about boys and politics - we sure know how to balance serious and fun. Muna had to go somewhere else after lunch so she missed out on all the after-lunch fun! *nyahaha*

All in all, it was a good outing, alhamdulillah. I know I'm very blessed to be on this wonderfully eventful break, masha'Allah.  My holiday in Malaysia is coming to an end so I'm making the most of these last few days. I'm quite nervous about starting post-grad studies. I think it's going to mean more work than ever before. I'm sorry I haven't been replying e-mails and comments as of late. I need a break from the world (blogging included) but I'll be back, inshaAllah. I'll make sure that I do reply once I feel rejuvenated and like a brand new person.

I'm going away this weekend and I'm totally looking forward to it. Hope you lovelies have an awesome one!