Story & photos by Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling GourmetTM

All food photos are of REAL food with no props or special effects

The indomitable Travelling Gourmet rushes to the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay feeling very hungry…

MY tummy was rumbling when I arrived at Theatres on the Bay to see Gilbert O’Sullivan live at 19:30 on Mon 11 March, 2013.

I went to Loola’s as I was hungry, very hungry. One is apt to be grumpy when one is famished. The pretty bespectacled Manager showed me the Pre-Theatre Menu. She gave me her name as “Chris” (not her real name). It was 18:44.

“Can you serve this 3 course menu before the show?”, I asked her earnestly. “Yes, we can.” was her answer.

I ordered… I saw the Chefs furiously cooking in the open kitchen at the far end.

7mins 13.11 secs after I ordered, the 1st course of Loola’s Borsch arrived. Carrot, celery paysanne and one piece of beef short rib sans the rib that looked rather dry on top, but it was not too bad. I dipped the crusty bread to mop up the soup ‘la scarpetta” as they say in Italy.

The young waiter came and cleared away the plate. I had to remnd him to fill up my glass of water.

15mins 31.68 secs after my order, the main course came. I timed it with my Breitling Titanium chronometer. I adore Titanium; it is 600 times stronger than cold steel. Shoulder of Lamb Goulasch with baby potatoes with the skin on. It was tasty. No lamb smell at all, and a generous portion of fork tender lamb. Must have been 180g. I liked it.

The small pot of tomato pesto was a nice touch. I liked it too.

27mins 10.80 secs after I ordered, Dessert came. It was a Brownie triangle with a pleasing savoury aftertaste on the palate. The Vanilla ice cream was good, I could see the little black dots of real vanilla seeds inside. There are those who are misinformed who complain: Why are there these black things in my ice cream? Ha! Ha!

YES! I felt hungry no more and there was plenty of time for Gilbert O’Sullivan’s show. The meal took 34 mins 5.88 secs in all and finished at 19:18.

Loola’s exceed my expectations. I think I shall return soon…to try the a la carte menu and the 19 desserts, including Banofee Tart. Life is full of ironies and suprises, some very pleasant…

Loola’s Restaurant

Esplanade-Thetres on the Bay

8 Raffles Avenue, 02-14

Republic of Singapore 039802

Tel: 6336 9563