Dinner at La Cala Restaurant @ Duo Galleries (Revisit)

7 Fraser Street #01-40 / 43 Duo Galleries, Singapore 189356

Tel: 6282 9200

Website: None supplied

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacalasg

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.

Dinner at Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant @ Dempsey

Block 7, Dempsey Road, #01-02, Singapore 249671

Tel: 6476 2811

Website: https://www.don-quijote-restaurants.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donquijotespanishrestaurant/

This is a revisit after a few years (click here for review during media invite). I was excited to bring my family for a Spanish cuisine to celebrate The Bro's birthday, and Don Quijote came to mind immediately.

Priding themselves on using only the finest and most quality ingredients, owner Ken and team spares no expenses sourcing for the same, so as to give patrons a great dining experience. That, and keeping the prices to reasonableness, is certainly no easy feat but Don Quijote has attained it.

Comfortable settings among the serene ambience at Dempsey's private dining enclave, coupled with the warm service of service crew,  would be the first noticeable attributes upon entering the restaurant. On the menu would be a plethora of Spanish items such as paellas and tapas, etc.

The basket of bread with garlic butter was a very delicious palate opener. We could not stop dipping the aromatic flavoured butter with the soft chewy bread rolls.

The signature must-have would be the Roasted Spanish Style Suckling Pig (SGD$89 / SGD$169 / SGD$329 for quarter, half or whole). Crackling skin and tender flesh, leaving the palate ringing in delight. This must be ordered at least 2 days in advance.

Another favorite of mine is Paella. They have 5 types; we chose the Paella Valenciana (SGD$33 / SGD$48 / SGD$65) - cooked in pan, made up of rice, chicken and seafood in saffron stock.  Lovely grainy texture coupled with saccharine fresh seafood; definitely a good choice.

This made us return again a week later to try out more items.

We had special Croque Monsieur with Serrano Ham and Cheese; enjoying the crispy toast sandwiching the melty cheese and ham ; something seemingly simple yet soul satisfying.

Then tantalising tapas of Barbecued Prawns in Garlic Sauce (SGD$13.00); smokey hints blending fabulously with the garlic aroma, resulting in a burst of flavours with each springy bite of fresh prawns.

Next, Baby Squids (SGD$15.00), utterly satisfying and delectable, the squishy texture bringing forth the fragrance of garlic and olive oil. You can choose to have it battered, cooked in garlic olive,  or squid ink.

Saving the best for last, we got to savour the 400 Day Grain-fed Australian Wagyu (SGD$18.00 per 100 grams, cooked over Japanese Binchō-tan Grill for that ultra tender, velvety finish complete with hints of smokiness. The beef was melty and tasty, making for an unforgettable treat.

Another enjoyable meal at Don Quijote; indulgence at its maximum. Thank you Ken and team for the recommendations and memorable meal experiences.

[Media Invite] Dinner at ROOTS Mediterranean @ Bukit Timah

9

2 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289189

Tel: 6463 4206

Website: None supplied

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RootsSingapore/

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.