CAFE TESU

Cafe Tesu is one of those places that grows on you. Nestled in Essex Farms, the quaint, alfresco cafe whips up food that is warm, delicious and wholesome — crafted with the finest ingredients. People who have dined here appreciate the straightforwardness of the dishes and it's easy to understand why they are attracted to a culinary experience that's wholesome, nutritious, sumptuous.

So, when I was invited to review the new home delivery menu packed with some of their signature dishes, I was excited. Browsing the compact menu, I was surprised to see how much it packed in including soups, salads, pizza, small plates, large plates, dimsums and hand- rolled sushi. Attracted towards the Italian fare, I ordered Bruschetta, Penne Cicio and Sicily Thin Crust Pizza. The lightly toasted bruschetta — topped with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, rocket leaves, avocado guacamole, cucumber and feta — was refreshing and paved the way for much-anticipated pizza and pasta. Penne Cicio, packed with smoked bacon, marinated chicken breast and mushrooms in creamy sauce, accented with tomatoes was fresh and palatable — simple enough that it let the filling shine, the penne was sumptuous comfort food and elicited murmurs of 'amore' with each forkful. Here, I must mention that the presentation was Instagram-worthy and I whipped out my phone to capture the culinary moment before relishing each bite of the warm, full-flavoured penne. Up next was the crisp, thin crust pizza. Topped with creamy spinach, roasted garlic, shallots, mushrooms and tomato ragout, it was comfort food at its best.

Before I end this review, I must state that everything on the menu is fresh and 'genuino'; the order was on time, packaged well and warm. At Cafe Tesu, you get the real deal which is sure to reel me in time and again! I am already planning my next order, perhaps from the dimsum selection or the sushi bar. And, oh yes, the mac and cheese! Buon Appetito!!

— JASMEEN DUGAL