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]

HungryGoWhere's GSS Orchard Dining Delights Deals.

In conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale 2016, HungryGoWhere has brought to you the first ever HungryGoWhere's GSS Orchard Dining Delights from 3 June to 14 August 2016. Diners will get to enjoy a selection of dining deals along Orchard Road to satisfy the rumbling stomach after a long day of shopping at Orchard Road.

Yakiniku

Ito-Kacho at Mandarin Gallery is one of the participating restaurants for the first ever HungryGoWhere's GSS Orchard Dining Delights. Known for its premium Yakiniku, diners get to enjoy 20% off their total bill with a minimum spending of $100. To enjoy this deal, simply book via HungryGoWhere website, app or phone concierge (6884 6884)

Hickory Smoked Salmon

Braised Beef Cheek 

Besides the shoppers, executives working in Orchard Road will be delighted with the 1 for 1 mains offer from Milagro Spanish Restaurant at Orchard Central. Do note that this promotion is only available for weekday lunch only.

Arros Negre

There is more at Milagro Spanish Restaurant. Diners from Sunday to Thursday get to enjoy 20% off from their paella. Book via HungryGoWhere website, app or phone concierge (6884 6884) to enjoy these fabulous deals.

Singaporean loves buffet and how exciting is it when Makan@Jen from Jen Hotel offers 4th diner dines free promotions.

Makan#Jen offers three promotions exclusively if diners book through HungryGoWhere website, app or phone concierge (6884 6884).

1) 4th diner dines free for Weekend Seafood Buffet Dinner ($65++/pax) on Friday & Saturday
2) 4th diner dines free for Weekend Singapore Roast Brunch Buffet ($42++/pax) on Saturday & Sunday
3) 4th diner dines free for Sunday Buffet Dinner ($42++/pax)

Above is only 3 of the participating restaurants of the HungryGoWhere's GSS Orchard Dining Delights Deals. For the full list of the participating restaurants, it can be found at www.hungrydeals.sg/gss

La Taperia @ Shaw Centre

La Taperia opened at the newly refurbished Shaw Centre in October 2014 is the latest addition to the Les Amis family, offering traditional Spanish fare. The restaurant is modelled as a Spanish home, giving it a nice comforting, relax and homely ambience.

Gambas Al Ajillo 4.2/5

Lunch at the restaurant started with the Gambas Al Ajillo ($18) that comes with huge crunchy prawns cooked with garlic chilli and extra virgin oil. Enjoyed the simplicity of execution, allowing the main ingredient to shine.

Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Paja 4/5

Following that, I had the Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Paja ($18) which comes with a medley of ingredients such as fried egg, iberico chorizo, piquillo red pepper, mushroom and straw potato. A complex, robust and flavourful dish.

Costillitas de Cordero a la Parrilla 4.2/5

Glazed with honey mustard, the Costillitas de Cordero a la Parrilla ($25) or charcoal grilled lamb rib literally fell of the bone with each bite. Excellent pairing of the honey mustard, bringing out the flavour of the lamb.

Caldereta Asturiana 4/5

The seafood stew, Caldereta Asturiana ($34) comes with a pool of Asturian seafood such as shrimp, clam, squid, scallop and rockfish. A lot of textures and flavours were in play, swimming among the taste buds.

Paella de Bogavante 4.5/5

A must try at every Spanish restaurant is the staple paella and definitely not to be missed at La Taperia is the Paella de Bogavante ($78) which simply blown me off with its intense flavours. The paella is well infused with the lobster essence and together with the addition of saffron, runner bean and tomato, giving it the rich and robust flavours.

Churros Con Chocolate 3/5

Marquesa De Chocolate 4/5

For dessert, I got to tried the Churros Con Chocolate ($14) and Marquesa De Chocolate ($14). The churros with chocolate sauce was not bad but I have better ones elsewhere. I would recommend the chocolate marquise topped with baked almond praline instead. The richness and creaminess of the chocolate was just pure enjoyment for chocolate lover.


La Taperia
Shaw Centre
1 Scott Road
#02-10/11
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 67378336
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lataperiaSG
Website: http://www.lataperia.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underground walkway to Shaw House/Isetan. From Shaw House/Isetan walk to Shaw Centre, Take the elevator to level 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

My Little Spanish Place @ Bukit Timah Road

Priding themselves as having the most complete Jamon Bar in Singapore, it was really quite a sight with the different types of cured ham being displayed at My Little Spanish Place along Bukit Timah Road. Founded by Chef Maria Sevillano and co-helmed by Chef Edward Esmero, the restaurant has a very homely feel. The whole decor and ambience make one feels like they are being transported to a home style restaurant in Spain.

Torrada de Esparragos 4/5

With such a great selection of Jamon, it is fitting that the chefs showcase them in a specially designed HAM-Made Brunch. We started our brunch with the Torrada de Esparragos ($20), grilled asparagus with Jamon and fried farm eggs on toasted country bread. I enjoyed how the rich creamy texture complemented the egg and bread.

Coca de Cebolla con Pimientos Y Anchoas 4/5

Chef Edward describes the Coca de Cebolla con Pimientos Y Anchoas ($24) as his hangover food. I think he is too humble. The traditional Catalan flatbread toasted with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, anchovies and Manchego cheese was very delectable with medley of flavours playing on the palate.

Bocadillo de Cerdo Desmenuzado 4.2/5

Lastly we tried the Bocadillo de Cerdo Desmenuzado ($16). The crispy and spongy baguette is sandwiched with Spanish braised pulled pork, sliced tomatoes and cucumber. The pulled pork was not only flavourful but tender and succulent. Special mention to the garlic aioli that is freshly made daily and goes very well with the fries.

Crema Catalana 3.8/5 and Almond Ice Cream 4.2/5

I was already feeling quite full after the lovely brunch but the chef was very kind to offer us dessert. The flavour of the orange and lemon infused Crema Catalana was nicely balanced but it lacked that crackling burnt caramelized crust. After having the Almond Ice Cream, I regretted telling the chef I was too full for dessert. I hoped he could give me a whole tub of the almond ice cream. It was so good.

The restaurant was full house during my visit on Saturday for brunch. If you are interested to check out the brunch on weekend, it is advised to make advance reservation. I understand the chef will also rotate the brunch menu quarterly. There is more reason for me to go back again.


My Little Spanish Place
619 Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 269720
Tel: +65 64632810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Little-Spanish-Place/351057551236
Website: http://www.mylittlespanishplace.com.sg/index.php
Nearest MRT: Tan Kah Kee (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 630pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun: 930am - 3pm, 630pm - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tan Kah Kee MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right onto Bukit Timah Road. Walk down Bukit Timah Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Catalunya @ Collyer Quay (Fullerton Pavilion)

Known to many as the top Spanish Restaurant in Singapore, Catalunya which is helmed by Executive Chef Alain and Restaurant Manager Pol Perello who both have worked at the elBulli for more than a decade. Located at the new Fullerton Pavilion, Catalunya's unique glass-encased dome architecture floats atop the water of marina bay giving it a 360 degree panoramic view of the city and Marina Bay Sands.

Catalunya Tartar 4/5

"This tartar has a trick up its sleeve, give it a taste and guess what is in it"? When seeing this description on the mention, it just aroused our interests to order it and gave it a try. The Calalunya Tartar ($20) has a sweet finishing that is very pleasant to the palate. It is actually tomatoes. It did have an element of surprise as it gave me a new association to how we can use tomatoes as a tartar dish and elevate the taste of such simple ingredient.

Avocado Roll 4.2/5

The Avocado Roll ($22) was filled with lobster meat with thin slices of avocado wrapping it into a roll. I was expecting the flavour to be more mild and refine but instead it was very robust and bursting with flavours with little popping exciting of the fish roes.

Octopus A Feira 3.5/5

Octopus A Feira ($24) is a smooth and spicy Galician tapa finished with an extra touch of pork dewlap. The octopus was nicely cooked to a nice crunchy bite. The pork dewlap was kind of interesting which resembled our Asian roast pork.

Bikini 4/5

What a catchy name for a dish. The Bikini ($20) is basically truffle sandwich with ham and cheese in between. Simply but surprisingly packed with lots of lovely robust flavours.

Traditional Suckling Pig Segovian Style 4/5

One of the signature dish at Catalunya is their Traditional Suckling Pig Segovian Style ($135) which serves about 2 to 3 people. There were 4 of us and we could not finish it. I think Asian has a small stomach so I think this is good to go with 5-6 people. The whole roasted suckling pig is served to the table side and the waiter will portion it using a small plate. It showed how tender the suckling pig was, which was effortless portioned into several pieces. After that it is usually a Spanish tradition to smash the cutting plate symbolizing throwing away the bad luck.

Lobster Rice 4.2/5

The Lobster Rice ($80) was amazing flavoured with fresh grilled lobster. Each mouthful of the infused grains with bursting with bold and robust flavours. It is a beautiful dish but the price in my opinion was too steep.

Beside the beautiful view of the restaurant, the food at Catalunya was really good too. Flavours here are strong, robust and bold if I am to summarize my dining experience. However I felt that the pricing is a bit on the steep side. I probably will only visit the restaurant for very special occasion.


Catalunya
82 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049327
Tel: +65 65340886
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatalunyaSingapore
Website: http://www.catalunya.sg/
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily 12pm - 2am

Direction: 
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Clifford Centre and then Change Alley. Take escalator to level 2. Cross the road using the OUE Link. Turn left towards Fullerton Bay Hotel. Walk to towards the bay and destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant @ Vivocity

The Spanish restaurant located at the Vivocity has both indoor and alfresco dining area. The alfresco dining area has a bar and is overlooking the waterfront. There is also live band performance every Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 12 midnight.

Serenity has a wide selection of tapas, soups, paellas on the menu. Our group has a hard time deciding what to order. Lucky Maureen has visited this place before and she helped in the ordering.

The Calamares a la plancha indeed was a good choice. The freshly grilled squid in extra virgin olive oil brought out the nature ocean taste of the squid. The squid was also soft and not chewy.

Calamares a la plancha 4.5/5

The other tapas dish we had was Patatas Bravas, roast potato in Romesco sauce and Alioli sauce. For a few pieces of potato to cost $10.80, I find it rather expensive and not worth.

Patatas Bravas (Roast Potato) 3.5/5

The Crema de Mariscos or Cream Seafood Soup was hearty and comforting. The broth was quite flavourful from the fresh mussels, calamari, fish and prawns. In the back ground was Sopa Catalunya, a clear soup of pork, beef, chicken and butter beans.  It tasted like Chinese tonic soup.

Crema de Mariscos (Cream Seafood Soup)

The huge Pork Knuckle got us excited when served. The sauce was not enough and we have to ask the waitress for more. Meat was a bit dry.

Codillo de cerdo (Baked Crispy Pork Knuckle)

The iconic dish for any Spanish restaurant would be the Paella. It is sort of a National dish regarded by most originating from Valencia. The Paella at Serenity uses Boomba rice, a short grain varietal. This type of grain is able to absorb the flavours of the ingredients 3 times more than normal rice. Similar to the Chinese claypot rice, Paella is enjoyed with a slight burnt rice at the base of the pan.

Paella Valenciana

We have both the Paella Valenciana (saffron, chicken, Spanish chorizo, tiger prawns, squid, half shell mussels, rice) and Arroz Negro (Squid ink, squid, tiger prawns, capsicum, rice). The nature flavours of the ingredients were well absorbed by the grain infusing the dish with more flavours.

Arroz Negro

The Paellas are prepared freshly to order and it takes 30-45 minutes of preparation time. So remember to order early to avoid a long wait.

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-98/99
Singapore 098585
Website: http://www.serenity.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front (CC Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 12am