Tapas Club @ Vivocity - Beyond The Repertoire Of Paella And Croquette In Spanish Cuisine

Almost twice the size of its first restaurant at Orchard Central, Tapas Club at Vivocity aims to share with you a slice of Spanish culture, that is beyond the limited repertoire framed by paella and croquette. A Spanish terraza's inspired terrace welcomes you as you first step in, before coming to the full panoramic view of Sentosa Island. Find warmth and rustiness as you sit yourself down in the restaurant, with an ambience emulating a Spanish tavern. The restaurant even houses a mercado where you can purchase authentic Spanish food products, ranging from beers and wines, Spanish preserves, olive oils, preserved vegetables and seafood, to signature cold cuts like Iberian ham. Helming the kitchen is Executive Chef Manuel Berganza who was the opening chef of the Michelin-starred, Andanada 141 restaurant in New York City before moving to Singapore.

Croquetas De Jamon 3.8/5

Our evening started with a crowd pleasing Croquetas De Jamon ($11.90) – ham croquettes, a staple at any Spanish restaurant. Within the crispy puffed crumb is creamy mixture of bechamel sauce and Spanish Iberian ham. They were finger-licking good when hot and surprisingly remained so even after sitting on the table for a little while.

Berenjena Con Miel 3.5/5

Another common tapas delicacy in Spain is the savoury-sweet Eggplant fritters, Berenjena Con Miel ($9.90). Fried in a light batter and finished off with a drizzle of honey, these vege chips proved to be just as moreish as its counterparts. With the perception that they are guilt-free, you may have to fight for the last piece!

Piquillos Rellenos 2.8/5

I would have loved this Piquillos Rellenos ($12.90) should it not be deep-fried. The ground beef filling is already rich with bechamel and deep frying them made them a tad too greasy. The piquillo pepper also seemed to have shriveled in the heat, when I would really love to taste its alluring smokey sweetness. The previous Serenity Spanish Bar served up a non-fried version with tuna filling which was really enjoyable but this pales in comparison even though the filling is more indulgent.

Cojonudos 4/5

Introducing Cojonudos ($13.90), a tapas dish originated from the villages located near the border between the regions of Castile and La Rioja in Spain. At Tapas Club, they look like mini Egg Bens with a fried quail egg atop of the crisp Chapata bread with Fermin Chorizo. Made from the famous Iberian pork of Spain, the dry-cured sausage had quite an intense and complex flavour, and what I appreciate is the traces of fat within that moist up the texture.

Bocata de calamares 3/5

Bocata de calamares ($10.90) reminisces a soft shell crab burger with deep-fried squid rings sandwiched between a brioche bread roll. Despite the alioli sauce and spicy red sauce in between, I find the overall combination rather dry.

Filete De Ternera 3.5/5

The Tapas+ section of the menu offers more substantial dishes and each dish comes with one complimentary side. What's good for your wine would be the Filete De Ternera ($24), a medium-rare serving of grilled pork accompanied with homemade garlic aioli. Underneath the charred surface was a good portion of fats and its worth taking your time to savour each piece slowly in your mouth, and down it with a sip of wine.

Pulpo A La Brasa 3/5

Pulpo A La Brasa ($24) features a charred grilled octopus imported from Spain, drizzled with paprika oil, pimenton powder (ground dried Capsicum annuum chillies) and garlic aioli (garlic aioli is made with eggs, vinegar and garlic OR garlic and mayonnaise). Stunning on the plate, the char on the surface lends a pleasant smokey flavour but it wasn't as tender as I wish it would be.

Arroz Negro 3/5

One of its signatures is paella. We had Arroz Negro ($26) - squid ink paella with cuttlefish and clams, served with garlic aioli for a creamier texture. The rice was well cooked through with seafood stock and I really like how each bite of the juicy clams releases the briny, sweet flavour into the rice. However, I would prefer the rice to be more briny, as the squid ink seemed to be just kissing the surface of the grains.

Chocolate Mousse with Caramelized Banana 2.5/5

Churros Con Chocolate 3/5

For desserts, we had Churros Con Chocolate ($9) and Chocolate Mousse with Caramelized Banana ($10). While the churros was delicious with rich chocolate dip, the latter fell flat without any textural or flavour contrast. Be it the sliced bananas, cake or mousse, they were just sweet and soft.

Celebrate the weekends the way Spaniards do, where large communal sharing dishes are enjoyed in a high energy atmosphere. On Saturday, Sunday and PH brunch, between 12-3pm, come down and indulge in unlimited servings of paella cooked in a 1.2 metre wide communal paella pan, for just $10!

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Tapas Club
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-98/99
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 62844680
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

FOC PIM PAM @ Orchard Road - Reignite My Love For Spanish Cuisine

Stepping into FOC PIM PAM at Orchard Road, located just beside Orchard Hotel, it reminds me of the numerous Spanish bodegas that is found along the streets of Spain. The revamped restaurant now features a Tapas Bar, Main Dining Room, Private Room, Bar and Terrace.

Cherry Gazpacho 4.8/5

We started at the Tapas Bar for some drinks and tapas. The Cherry Gazpacho ($6 tapas menu) is a welcoming starter that is served chilled. The cherry gazpacho soup is poured into a bowl which sits a smoked olive oil ice cream. It is a very refreshing combination that will whets one appetite.

Bread with Tomatoes 4.2/5

The Bread with Tomatoes ($6 tapas menu) brought back memories of my recent trip to Spain. I had this almost everyday for breakfast when I was in Spain. I am glad to know that FOC PIM PAM is serving it. The homemade toasted cristal bread is spread with grated tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil. I can also taste a hint of sea salt that perks up the flavour.

Iberico Cold Cuts Platter 4.2/5

Perfect to go with a drink or two is the Iberico Cold Cuts Platter ($13 half/ $24 full tapas menu). Our platter consists of Pork Loin 'Lomo', 'Salchichon' sausage, Chorizo and bread sticks.

FOC Tomato Tartare 4.5/5

You can call the FOC Tomato Tartare ($19) a vegetarian tartare as it consists of a medley of confit tomatoes, chopped Morrocan caper berries, mustard mayonnaise, pickles, shallots and salt. It is then topped with a tomato ice cream. Having it alone can be quite sourish. So it is recommend to go with the tomato ice cream for a more balanced appreciation.

FOC Pig Tripe Stew 4/5

A hearty and comforting dish on the menu is the FOC Pig Tripe Stew ($12). The beef tripe, pig ears, trotters, cheek, head skin and pork belly are chopped into small pieces, and cooked with white wine and sofrito. Chorizo and chickpeas are also added. This is served together with housemade sun-dried tomato and sweet paprika foccacia.

Espinaler Premium Cockles 4/5

Espinaler Cuttle Fish in Olive Oil 4.2/5

An unusual item on the menu is canned food. FOC has imported premium canned food such as the Espinaler Premium Cockles ($28 115g) and  Espinaler Cuttle Fish in Olive Oil ($15.50 115g). It felts a bit weird to be served canned food in a restaurant and furthermore the price is not cheap. I am not sure whether this will work in Singapore. Saying that, the preserved cockles and cuttle fish turns out pretty tasty.

Los Peperetes Goose Barnacles 4/5

Currently not on the menu is the Los Peperetes Goose Barnacles. I have not seen or tasted goose barnacles, so I was curious and not sure what to expect. The texture felt a bit like top shell or escargot.

Leek Salad & White Asparagus Salad 3.5/5

The Leek and White Asparagus Salad ($16) comes naked as the skin of the leek and asparagus are removed, retaining the soft and juicy interior. It is dressed in a butter soy cream and topped with some rocket greens and toasted almond flakes. I enjoyed the accompanying Spanish anchoives that provide the needed acidity to the dish.

Prawns 'Al Ajillo' 3.8/5

The prawns from the Prawns 'Al Ajillo' ($22 main menu) are big and juicy with a nice charred aroma, served on a bed of potato foam. However I find the garlic was a bit burnt, giving an unpleasant bitter finishing.

Fresh Burrata 4.2/5

I applauded the extra effort in serving the Fresh Burrata ($22) with a picadillo of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, preserved piparra peppers, mint, pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil. It gives the creamy Italian burrata a more complex dimension with the extra boost in flavours and textures.

PIM PAM Croquetas 4.2/5

Another staple dish in Spanish cuisine is their croquetas. At FOC, there are 4 choices of the PIM PAM Croquetas ($10-$12 for 4pc main menu). The choices are ham, mushroom, crab, spinach & pine nuts. The croquetas are coated with panko bread crumb, deep fried to golden brown and topped with bechamel sauce. Soft inside and crispy on the outside, this is actually quite addictive.

Potato Bravas 4.5/5

You probably cannot tell from the picture but the Potato Bravas ($10 main menu) is made from layers of thin potato sheet that has been sliced using a pasta machine. On the top of it is aioli, salsa brava and chopped chives. You will not regret having a few of this deep fried potato millefeuille. Its not life changing but definitely worth skipping the diet plan.

Iberico Secreto Pork & Mushroom Paella 4.5/5

I am not a big fan of paella but I really enjoy the Iberico Secreto Pork & Mushroom Paella ($33). The bomba rice still retains an al dente bite which has soaked up the flavoursome chicken and pig trotters stock. It also comes with a few slices of tender iberico secreto pork, seasonal mushrooms such as ceps, oyster and button mushrooms.

Suckling Pig 4.5/5

Making a spectacular entry is the Suckling Pig ($130 half 2.5kg) which is good for up to 4 pax. The 3-6 weeks old suckling pig comes from Segovia.  It is sous vide for 10 hours before roasting in a convection oven for 30 minutes. The result is a layer of crispy skin over the soft and juicy meat. It is so soft that the server can cut it using a plate. I know some people do not like the Spanish suckling pig for the acquire milky taste but I did not trace it here.

Chocolate Forest 4/5

We tried a number of desserts on the menu such as the White Chocolate Coated Churros, Spanish Torrija, Chocolate Forest and Lemon Lemoncello. My favourite is the Chocolate Forest and Lemon Lemoncello. The Chocolate Forest ($16) is an appreciation of the different textures of chocolate in the form of cream, soil and leaf. The interesting part is in comes with a pipette of Arbequina extra virgin olive oil, that is supposed to be squeezed onto the dessert. My first time having chocolate paired with olive oil.

Lemon Lemoncello 4.2/5

The Lemon Lemoncello ($12) is a very pretty dessert. The combination of sweet and sour from the meringue and limoncello sorbet works harmoniously on the palate.

I have visited several Spanish restaurants in Singapore but non has really quite impressed me so far. This has changed after visiting FOC PIM PAM. Not sure whether it is due to my recent trip to Spain and I can connect better with the cuisine. If anyone asked me for Spanish food recommendation, I would recommend FOC PIM PAM for now.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


FOC PIM PAM
442 Orchard Road
#01-29
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 61004242
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 1am
Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards Shaw House via underpass. At the road level, walk along Orchard Road towards Palais Renaissance. Continue walking down Orchard Road and turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Dehesa Restaurant @ North Canal Road - Surprising In Flavour And Not In Cuts

“Surprising in flavour, and not in cuts" is what sets Dehesa's new menu apart from its original. Located admist a row of bistros and cafes along North Canal Road, Dehesa (which in Spanish means “grasslands” – home of the Iberico pig) was conceptualised in 2015 as a nose to tail dining experience that showcased alternative cuts. But as Chef-Owner Jean-Philippe Patruno also wishes to engage diners who are more flavours driven, this new menu was born.

Charred Peppers with Sea Salt 3/5

For starters, we had a couple of one-ingredient dish from Chef's Specials. Pimientos De Padron ($14) is a traditional Spanish style blistered Padron peppers, a dish that either gives you the kick when done right or doesn't at all. With a skinny frame akin to green chilli, it still tastes rather sharp after roasting but blessed with the inherent sweetness of bell peppers. The sprinkle of sea salt seems to be an innocent gesture but is quintessential in making it right. Closer to the stalk is where the seeds resides and you might just love the kick of biting into it.

Salt-cured Jamon Ham 3/5

Jamon De Bellota 100% Iberico 5J ($36). An iberico breed that can only be found in Spain, this plate of salt-cured Jamon Ham is known for its rich flavour due to its high fats content. That of course, translate to a more luscious mouthfeel as well. Great if you have a drink in hand!

Jamon Croquetas 3.5/5

Clams, Sherry. Garlic and Chilli 3.5/5

Grilled Octopus, Potatoes and Lard 4/5

All Time Favourites offers dishes with familiar flavours but packed with a punch. Croquetas 4 Pieces ($14) has a light and crispy exterior, and each piece is delish with creamy Bechemel sauce, enriched with Jamon ham. The smell of Sherry Lala ($18) - the combination of Sherry, butter and garlic, will just make you salivate. Looking at the creamy broth, again, I could only lament on the absence of bread to soak up the broth enriched by the juice that seeped out from the lala. Dehesa Octopus ($28) is a must-order from the list. Torch and melt in front of your eyes, visual feast on how the lard spreads over the octopus and eventually insulates each piece when cooled. It's a Spanish version of our braised pork belly Dong Po Rou!

Crispy Braised Pig With Capers And Soft Yolk 4.5/5

Alternative cuts are still here for diners who appreciate them and you could get them from Dehesa The Grasslands. Rather sceptical about how my acceptance level towards the dishes but be it the presentation or the taste of the dish, Chef makes me forget about my reservations. Crispy Pig's Head Dehesa Signature ($28), as its moniker, is like a fried pork rillettes made with the entire pig's head. The flavours are strangely homely and inviting, a dish that you will keep going back for. I believe the pork has been simmered for very long in its own fats to attain such a soft texture and rich flavours which are all fortified by the fried crust. The crust which has a chewiness to it, is another element that the table will fight over for. Some toasts within reach would be great to deliver the luscious texture into my mouth and allow me to slowly savour it.

Sliced Tender Braised Pig Skin With Meat And Vegetable Stew 4.5/5

Pig Skin Tagliatelle, Ragout ($28) is another dish that took me by surprise. The pasta in this dish is actually made of pig skin. Its texture is springy, very much like Korean's potato starch noodles. I love how homely the meat and vegetable stew tastes, like a pot of stew served in winter.

Tender Ox Cheek, Spanish Onions Purée, Bone Marrow 4/5

The towering bone marrow in Ox Cheek, Oloroso Glazed ($36) is surely eye catching. Ox cheeks was well done to fork tender, hence no complaints. The only thing that is missing - the action of me slathering the bone marrow onto a crostini. It's funny how often I wished for toasts throughout the dinner!

Squid Ink With Tender Baby Octopus 3.5/5

2 types of seafood Spanish style rice are available, in which we had the Squid which serves 2 pax ($28). In pitch black squid ink, the rice was creamy, rich in ocean flavour but not too much.

Boozy Gin Panna Cotta With Berry Compote And Crumble 3.5/5

Gin Panna Cotta ($15) is a straight forward dessert but again, deliver an enjoyment beyond its simplicity. The touch of the deep bitter-sweetness from Gin balances the sweetness, along with a slight tartness from the berry compote. This creamy dessert also has a contrasting crunch to it, in the form of candied walnuts.

So elegant and refine are the dishes, that one's taste buds could readily relate to. As novel as Dehesa may sound, I certainly don't feel alienated at all. You may also head down for its latest brunch offering which is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 4pm, and priced at $58++ per pax. Free flow soft drinks, juice and coffee are available at an additional $20+ per pax while guests can enjoy free flow cava, house pours, soft drinks, juice and coffee for an additional $30+.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dehesa Restaurant
12 North Canal Road
Singapore 048825
Tel: +65 62217790
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line), Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk towards North Canal Road. Continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk towards the junction of North Canal Road and South Bridge Road. Cross the junction and continue on North Canal Road. Walk along the shophouses along North Canal Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the lush greenery that surround UNA at One Rochester that is housed in a historic colonial bungalow dating back to the late 1930s and 40s. The Spanish restaurant offers South and North cuisines, marrying the characteristic of the regions for its robust and wholesome flavours.

Gambas Al Ajilo 4.5/5 and Patatas Bravas 3.5/5

From the tapas menu, we started with the Gambas Al Ajilo ($22) and Patatas Bravas ($10). My favourite is the fresh tiger prawns are sauteed in olive oil, white wine, garlic, chilli and parsley. Love the party of flavours which is kind of complex but yet beautiful firework to the palate.

Fideua De Calamares 4/5

The Fideua De Calamares ($20) serves in a pan, comes with squid ink Spanish noodles and crispy calamari. This is my first time having it and I find that it resembles our local Chao Ta Bee Hoon with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo 3.8/5

Don't be overwhelmed by the lengthy name of the dish. Pulpo A La Parilla Con Papas Arrugadas Y Mojo ($32) simply means grilled octopus with potatoes and coriander sauce. From what I understand from the kitchen, the octopus came from Spain and it is slow cooked in water with onions for around 65 minutes. I enjoyed how the slightly sweet and sharp sherry vinegar sauce complemented the smokey flavour of the grilled octopus. Unfortunately the texture was a bit chewy for me.

Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth 4.2/5

If you like foie gras, you will enjoy the Coca De Higos Y Foie Con Vermouth ($26). The foie gras is paired with grilled figs and sits on a toasted Spanish flatbread. It is then dressed in a vermouth reduction. I enjoyed how the sweetness and crispiness of the flatbread held the creaminess of foie gras together. However I thought the grilled figs was a bit strange in the pairing.

Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas 3.5/5

A staple Spanish dish is the paella and not to be missed is the Paella De Chorizo Y Habitas ($46/$66). The rice is infused with chorizo and saffron which added an extra layer of shine to the flavoursome paella. However I thought the texture of the rice was a bit on the moist side.

Cochinillo Asado 4.2/5

One of my favourite Spanish dishes is the Cochinillo Asado ($36). It is really hard to resist the succulent suckling pig with thin crispy skin. The plate also comes with fresh citrus salad which helps to cut the greasiness.

Pescado A La Parilla 4.2/5

Making a stunning entry is the Pescado A La Parilla ($42). The catch of the day is slow grilled without any marination. Just some simple seasoning to enjoy the natural flavour of the fish. It comes with a bowl of fennel salad on the side too.

Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo 4/5

For dessert, we started with the Queso Fresco Calabaza Y Membrillo ($14) which is roasted pumpkin ice cream with fresh cream cheese mousse, quince jelly and caramelized walnuts. The roasted pumpkin ice cream is kind of unique, it felt more like a savoury dish. First taste was a bit weird but it slowly grown in me as the palate started to accept the new taste.

Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe 4.2/5

I am not really a big fan of churro but surprisingly I finished the a whole stick of the Churros Con Chocolate Y Cafe ($14). The crispy deep fried choux pastry is dusted with cinnamon and sugar nad this goes excellent with the dark chocolate sauce nad coffee infused cream.

Noted: This is an invited tasting.


UNA
One Rochester
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Tel: +65 67730070
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 5pm - 11pm
Sun Brunch: 11am - 3pm (once a month)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Star Vista. At Rochester Drive turn left. Continue on Rochester Drive to the end of the road. Cross the road and continue on Rochester Park. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]