After hearing enthusiastic praises for Ricciotti‘s food from an acquaintance, then being told that Ricciotti has a fantastic one-for-one pizza deal on Tuesdays (and one-for-one pasta on Wednesdays), it was no surprise I would want to go there. K, like me, enjoys Italian cuisine. We once had splendid Italian fare at Bel Mondo and expected equally fine fare from the greatly recommended Ricciotti. It did not live up to our expectations, unfortunately.

Ricciotti’s potato wedges were run-of-the-mill, and that I can forgive, because, honestly, how special or different can potato wedges be? We ordered the Al Crudo ($25.50) pizza and got a Pizzoto ($23.50) for free. The Al Crudo is Ricciotti’s version of Bel Mondo’s namesake pizza and pales in comparison. Why are the rocket leaves on Al Crudo so limp? Not even the parma ham could save Al Crudo. Besides, Bel Mondo’s parma ham tasted more flavoursome. The Pizzoto was akin to a grease-laden piece of baked dough thanks to the fatty bacon. Only true bacon lovers should have the Pizzoto; after a while, the porky flavour becomes very offensive.

I have to concede that my comments might be unfair, because two huge pizzas were too much for K and me. We overestimated our abilities to eat in large amounts and could not have more after two slices of each pizza. There was too much food and the taste of fat was overwhelming. If shared amongst a group of three to four, there should be no problems. While the pizzas are not actually inedible, they were far from spectacular, but the one-for-one pizza deal is really too good to resist. I would pick Ricciotti over Pizza Hut in a heartbeat, if that is any consolation. Take what I say with a pinch of salt and head down to Ricciotti with some companions to try the food for yourself!

Before I end this entry, let me slip in a remark K made about the soffiato ($8.90): “The ice cream is better than the cake.” We chatted for quite a bit to ease our bloatedness before we got one. I thought it might be Ricciotti’s saving grace, but if the chocolate does not flow out, I consider it a failed chocolate lava cake. Max Brenner’s chocolate soufflé costs around the same is way better.

I like my chocolate cakes dense and moist; K-ki’s was a little dry. I will go back to try other cakes, but The Little Dröm Store was perfect — I wanted to buy everything. There was a zine with absolutely delightful caricatures and they tickled me so! If you are in Chinatown, do drop by The Little Dröm Store at Ann Siang for the most precious bits and bobs, then have tea and cake at K-ki right after. :) They share the same shop space.