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Showing posts with label Mediterranean cuisine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mediterranean cuisine. Show all posts

Thursday, 7 May 2020

Dinner at La Cala Restaurant @ Duo Galleries (Revisit)


7 Fraser Street #01-40 / 43 Duo Galleries, Singapore 189356
Tel: 6282 9200
Website: None supplied





After the first visit to La Cala Restaurant (review here), I decided to go back with another group of friends. Service was still personable, and we still liked the settings even though we were seated at the other end of the restaurant now (the last time we sat near the back door; tonight we sat near the front door).




We started with a 1-liter Pitcher of Red Wine Sangria (SGD$65.00), relishing the sweet fruity flavours of this cocktail drink.




Hot crispy Housemade Baguette came fresh out from the oven, and had a lovely grainy mouthfeel. I finished mine mostly without the without the need to dip into the olive oil (it was that good). Pickled Olives were lovely as well; I enjoyed the purplish ones over the green ones.




One of the items from the Tapas list that we ordered was the Foie Gras on Terrine Biscuit (SGD$18.00). It was interesting.... definitely not the usual terrine I was expecting - this one did a standing ovation for us, and reminded me of ice-cream sandwiches. Flavour was light and fluffy, biscuit was crispy and melted in the mouth; the only slight drawback was the inclusion of the Apple compote that kind of clashed with the overall flavours.




Then we had the Jamon Iberico Croquette, which was a specials for the night. The Croquette was soft, slightly mushy and not crusty like how Croquettes typically are. The cured ham was good though.




Super loved these addictive Tsarskaya Oysters (SGD$18.00 for 2 pieces); fresh and juicy!





Moving on the mains - we had the Roasted Octopus (SGD$32.00), served on a bed of creamy mashed potato and romesco. This was delectable for sure.





Crispy Suckling Pig with Melon (SGD$35.00) featured 3 pieces of crackling skin and succulent, melty flesh that left us all yearning for more.





Finally, the Pigeon Paella (SGD$38.00); every bite of the grainy rice and tender pigeon was bursting with flavours. As mentioned during my first review, we thought this paella dish could be drier, so that the rice would be kind of crispy. But the taste definitely scored high points.

Overall dining experience at La Cala Restaurant was lovely once again, with palatable food and delicious drinks to start off the weekend superbly.




Friday, 17 April 2020

[Media Invite] Dinner at ROOTS Mediterranean @ Bukit Timah


9
2 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289189
Tel: 6463 4206
Website: None supplied



Once upon a time in August 2019, a new restaurant named Roots Mediterranean opened its doors, nestled along Greenwood Avenue, a private dining enclave. Roots Mediterranean specialises in wholesome, authentic and delectable Mediterranean fare with a delightful combination of Italian, Spanish, Greek and Levantine cuisine creations.


The Roots experience offers an epicurean journey which starts from the origin, the roots of the Mediterranean culinary culture. The restaurant provides the quality and experience of an Italian “Osteria”, a Greek “Ouzeri” and a Spanish “Tasca”.



As simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, the culinary concept is simple and elegant, assuring diners of hearty and flavourful cuisine prepared using fresh, premium ingredients and original recipes.



Roots Mediterranean has a convivial ambience with earthy tones, brick walls and wooden tiles and a wine cellar, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.  Roots Mediterranean offers an extensive range of Spanish Tapas, Italian Antipasti and Greek and Middle Eastern Mezze. The restaurant also has a wide selection of European wines to go with your food.



A basket variety of warm, delectable Bread was first brought to the table, comprising sourdough, grissini, flatbread, etc. They were tasty on their own or with butter,  but we took care to not over-indulge for fear that we could not stomach the other upcoming dishes.


DIPS



Moving onto starters, we had an assortment of delicious dips. The first was Tzatziki dip (SGD$8.00) - The most loved Greek dip, Yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.


There was the Tirokafteri dip (SGD$10.00) - a spicy and cheesy dip. A spread with yoghurt, feta cheese and chilli.



Also, the Hummus dip, a classic Mediterranean delight (SGD$8.00) - chick peas cream with sesame paste.


Finally, we tried the Melinzano Salata dip (SGD$8.00) - roasted eggplant dip with lemon, extra virgin olive oil and parsley.


OTHER STARTERS


Another  interesting and palatale appetiser was the Tortillas de Papas Y Queso Fundido (SGD$8.00) - a typical Spanish Omelette with potatoes topped with melted cheese.



Next, the Croquettas de Jamon Y Queso (SGD$8.00) - crispy fried breaded ham & cheese croquettes.



Moving onto seafood, we tried the Garides Saganaki (SGD$18.00) - sauté prawns cooked in a slightly spicy tomato sauce and topped with feta cheese. An innovative way and taste of eating prawns.



Smokey and texturized, the Octopus Gallego (SGD$18.00) - Roots Mediterranean's version of the Spanish classic comprising Octopus chunks, oven-warmed potatoes and seasoned with smoked paprika and extra virgin olive oil.



Last seafood delight was the Gratinated Mussels (SGD$18.00) - crispy baked mussels stuffed with a tasty mix of breadcrumbs, spices, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil.



PASTAS




After that, we tried the Pasta items. Starting with Tagliatelle "It's Not Alfredo!" (SGD$26.00) - extra creamy tagliatelle served with 24 month aged Parmigiano Reggiano emulsioned cream.




Then Tagliatelle Bolognese (SGD$20.00) - Bolognese sauce with bigger chunks of beef, making for a texturized dish with more volumes to sink our teeth into.





Following that, Risotto Porcini Mushrooms (SGD$24.0) - Carnaroli rice, porcini mushroom, parmesan, butter and parsley; a flavourful dish that always tugs at my heartstrings.




PIZZAS



After pastas, it would be to taste the pizzas. They come in 3 sizes - 25cm, 50cm or 1 metre.



The Burrata and Parma Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre), is made up of confit cherry tomatoes, burrata cheese, Parma ham, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil.




The Spanish Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre) consists of tomato sauce, potatoes, octopus, paprika, parsley, extra virgin olive oil and garlic.


The Greek Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre) is composed of tomato sauce, feta cheese, kalamata olives, oregano and cherry tomatoes.



Last but not least, the Pineapple Pizza (SGD$18.00 for 25cm / SGD$26.00 for 50cm / SGD$50.00 for 1 metre), baked with tomato sauce, turkey ham, pineapple, and mozzarella.



FROM THE OVEN


Something from another section - From The Oven (literally!) - Moussaka (SGD$20.00), a Greek national dish of potatoes and eggplant layered with minced meat and bechamel.




DESSERTS





Finally, for another stomach entirely - desserts! The Rootless Dessert Platter (SGD$32.00) is a decadent, to-die-for 3-tier dessert tray made of various pastries and sweet treats.  The items include Tiramisu, Crema Catalana, Apricot Jelly, Double Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake, Strawberries, Lime Sorbet and Margo Sorbet (items are available on a rotational basis).  The perfect ending to the meal.

Do pop by for these delectable dishes to be enjoyed over some fine wine selection.

Thank you Jennifer's Consultancy for the invite, and ROOTS Mediterranean for hosting us.






Tuesday, 31 December 2019

Drinks at Big Fat Mama Restaurant @ Quayside Isle, Sentosa



31 Ocean Way #01-06 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098533
Tel: 9169 7830  / 8168 4341




With a name like "Big Fat Mama", one doesn't know what to expect fully. Is it a burger joint? Comfort food at it's best? Ahhh, it's an authentic Mediterranean restaurant with a laid-back vibe against the gorgeous marina views.





What also caught my attention was the utterly pretty and comfortable-looking outdoor couches in sweet pastel tones. Menu comprises of traditional Mediterranean delicacies, such as their signature Pizza "Metre" and customisable pasta entree, aiming to whisk you away on an exotic holiday with every bite.




I had a glass of Red Wine first, enjoying the beautiful, halcyon views and my own amazement at how Quayside Isle has a life of its own - a quaint little community that seems to run on a different clock altogether. Oh yes, Big Fat Mama, I am ready to order.






Thursday, 25 April 2019

Tea Break at Miska Cafe @ Quayside Isle, Sentosa




31 Ocean Way #01-07 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375
Tel: 6339 0903




Miska Cafe is a gorgeous space that's colourful on the inside, and liberal on the outside, snagging for itself a marina-facing view that takes patrons' breath away.




Its menu is largely Mediterranean-Western dishes, with a dash of Asian influence. Service was excellent, with attentive and friendly crew ensuring that we are comfortable.




Pity I was here for a meeting and not dining, that day- therefore I did not get to try any of those seemingly mouth-watering dishes suxh as Soft Shell Crab Burger, Stuff-Grilled Squid, Falafel, Chicken Parmi etc.




The Cuppaccino (SGD$6.00) was good though - rich and aromatic, with nutty tones invigorating the senses gently.

I must find a day to return for those delicacies here at Miska Cafe, especially now that I've discovered more means of coming into Quayside Isle besides the (pricey) taxi rides I usually took. Wait for my return.