Showing posts with label Spanish Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spanish Food. Show all posts

Thursday, March 15, 2018

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Espinaler Premium Cockles 4/5

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Suckling Pig 4.5/5

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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.

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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.

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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]

Friday, April 28, 2017

UNA @ One Rochester - A Gastronomic Journey Through Spain

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]

Saturday, June 25, 2016

HungryGoWhere's GSS Orchard Dining Delights Deals.

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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.

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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)

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Hickory Smoked Salmon

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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.

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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.

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

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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

Sunday, July 5, 2015

La Taperia @ Shaw Centre

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Churros Con Chocolate 3/5

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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]

Saturday, May 17, 2014

My Little Spanish Place @ Bukit Timah Road

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]