Milagro Spanish Restaurant @ Orchard Central

Time passes by really quickly. Last visited this place in August 2014 and back again for a revisit sometime in July 2015. Almost a year apart. Was there during dinner time on a public holiday eve that coincided with a Friday. Throngs of people at the mall. Here's a link to the earlier visit.

As usual, got a drink and some tapas to share. The deep fried squid was quite nice to chew on.

lemonade and sangria

deep fried squid

The buffalo wings were just as good a year ago, with a slight change in the way it was presented.

buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce

For mains, we shared a seafood paella. The paella feeds 2 as mains. The paella required a waiting time of at least 20 minutes. The dish had a nice colour to it, and liked the amount of seafood on the pan. Squids, mussels clams and prawns. It was not too sourish, just nicely tangy and moist. Tasty.

seafood paella for 2 pax

fried scallops and asparagus

Hmmm, skip the asparagus with scallops. The thinnest pencil-like asparagus that's slightly bitter, and tiny scallops.

Ordered three types of desserts. Churros with chocolate sauce, molten lava cake and fried milk. The churros was tiny and thin. Nicely crispy and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. I like my churros fat, crispy on its outside and soft/chewy on its inside. The chocolate sauce was nice.

The lava cake was enjoyable as per normal. But I still prefer the fried milk here. Simply yums.

churros

molten lava cake with ice-cream

fried milk

The Boiler Louisiana Seafood & Beer @ Tai Seng

While it is near Tai Seng MRT, it took a bit of walking and some faith in that there is a restaurant awaiting for you, somewhere in there. For first timers like me, I took about 6 minutes to walk and 10 minutes to ponder if I was lost. The directions would be something like this: Head out of Tai Seng MRT station, turn right and walk towards Harper Road. You should be able to see Sakae and Breadtalk buildings across the opposite side. No need to cross road but just to walk right ahead. If you passed by a bus stop, then that is correct. When you come across Howard Road, then turn right and walk straight. The streets are most likely empty except for a few foreign workers resting by the curbside. The buildings would look unoccupied especially during the weekends, dinner time. From afar, rejoice when one sees the Khong Guan building. Head towards it, and you'll pass by The Boiler.

at last

interior

Seems like if you intend to dine there during weekends dinner time, especially around 7pm, best to make a reservation as the place was really busy during the PH that we visited. After 8pm, the crowd dwindled. Reservation was easy via the Hungrygowhere website.

lobster on promo, but nothing beats the $1 promo that had ended

Arrived late, so the gang had polished off some snacks which included spam fries, nachos chips (was this with the prawn cocktail?) and wings. Heard that the spicy mid-wings were kind of sour and rather spicy.

last piece of spam fries

Louisiana Spicy Mid Joint Wings @$8.90++

Got myself a beerita, which was a bottle of Corona turned upside down, ontop of ice-blended slush. Hmm, how was this a margarita? Tasted just like beer and crushed ice with lemon.

Beerita @$11.90++

Of course, the main thing to order here is the Bombdiggity Bag. But it serves just 4 pax and we have 7. So ordered a Boiler's Duo Bag which is similar to Bombdiggity, except that it doesn't have crab. Handphones are kept neatly in the plastic cover that the restaurant provides. The helpful staff assisted with the plastic apron tying so that the clothes won't be splattered with the sauces.

dinner is served

Bombdiggity Bag @$139++

The Boiler's Duo Bag @$49++

Had the Bombdiggity with Garlic Butter sauce for the non-spicy tolerant eaters, and The Works for the Boiler's Duo Bag. Think we got the mild or medium for The Works. Each bag consist of clams, mussels, sausages and corns, and Bombdiggity had a dungeoness crab in it. For the two bags combined, we got 6 deep fried buns. These tiny pillowy buns were good to soak up the spicy sauce. Additional ones cost $1.50++ for 2 pieces.

buns

my loot

More than half the table preferred the Garlic Butter sauce as it was more fragrant compared to the spicy one. Personally, I like The Works precisely for its spiciness. But, it was also a tad saltier. That's why it tasted good with beer. Keke.

Also ordered fish & chips to try. They ran out of fries, so it was replaced with potato wedges instead. Boy, it was good.

fish & chips @$12.90++

lovely potato wedges

Expect to spend about $60++ per pax for a seafood bag, snacks to share and a drink here.

Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant @ Block 7 Dempsey

What was the first thing that came to mind when someone says Spanish food. Was it Paella? Cochinillo? Tapas? Churros? Sangria? Ok, technically, the last one doesn't count but it is one of my must order in any Spanish restaurant. Old habits die hard, I guess. Had the good fortune of being invited for a tasting at Don Quijote recently and yes, I had a glass. Very drinkable red, with some cubed fresh fruits and that was about it. Kept simple, and it was one of the best Sangria that I had thus far.

bienvenida

The restaurant is pretty spacious and the place was pretty busy on a weekday night. Reservations are recommended. Liked the decor for its cosy intimate ambiance. Candles would be lighted up as soon as evening sets in, at about 630pm.

interior

If you must dine in a private room, Don Quijote does have one. Do note that there is a minimum spending required for the private dining room. A higher rate applies during the weekends. On the night of visit, the private room was occupied. Managed to sneak a picture before the guests arrived.

a peek into the private dining room

The many pictures that adorn the walls in Don Quijote, were actually captured during the business owners' yearly trips to Spain. The photographs lend a certain charm to the restaurant.

Thirsty? Let's start with a Sangria de Cava or Sparkling White Sangria. Sweet but where had the bubbly gone?

Sangria de Cava @$17++ per glass or $70++ per jug

The tapas menu alone consist of about 40 items. On top of that, there is also the chalkboard Menu del Mercato (Market Menu) where some seasonal live seafood can be enjoyed by guests. Talk about spoilt for choice! Sampled the live prawns from the Market Menu, and it tasted as good as it looked. Very simply seasoned with salt and pepper, drizzled with olive oil and topped with fragrant fried garlic bits.

Market Menu: Live Prawns Ajillo style @$18++

Or, how about some live clams in white wine sauce? Served piping hot, and goes so well with the bread. Yums! Liked the bread for its slightly crisp exterior and so fluffy on its inside. It came served with a side-dish of herbed butter which tasted really good with the bread. Major plus points for meaty clams.

Market Menu: Live Clams @$29++

break a fluffy bread and soak up the white wine clam sauce

Next up, we sampled three different variations of squids.Grilled squid that has a little extra kick, courtesy of the picante spice that was sprinkled so generously on the tender squid. Was surprised by the level of spice in that picante.

Grilled Squid @$16++

If you're not into slightly chewier texture and spicy heat, how about a serving of battered deep fried baby squids. These were well-fried till nicely golden and tasty on its own. But the best, is yet to come. For beer, there's San Miguel on tap.

at the bar

Chipiron @$15++

For the Chipiron baby squids, guess what was the best cooking style? For me, it tasted best when cooked in its own ink. Not much of a looker with those blackish hues, but nicely garnished with tasty oily crunchy golden brown garlic bits. A bite into those squishy babies, and the mouth welcomes a dose of umami'ness. Good texture, good flavour.

Chipiron (baby squids) in its own ink @$15++

For non-seafood item, Don Quijote serves up the Madrid favourite of Huevos Estrellados or also known as 'Broken Eggs' with Chorizo and Potato Wedges. Served hot, and best to eat it together with the potato wedges. Sadly, am not a fan of chorizo though.

Huevos Estrellados @$15++

We can tapas all night long, but hey, it was time to bring out the big boys. But, let's have some more drinks. Sangria Red, highly recommended. SiHaN, can I say you approves? Heehee~

Sangria Red @$14.50++ per glass or $60++ per jug

Drinks on hand, appetite comfortably stimulated and we are ready for our next course. A dish that requires two days advance reservation; the Asado de Cochinillo Espanol or affectionately known as the Spanish Suckling Pig. Yep, the piglet is from Spain.

The meat was tender, and surprisingly lean. Flavour profile was clean tasting. The pork collar/neck part was slightly more flavourful. This one's for the meatatarian in us. Growl.

Spanish Suckling Pig (half) @$169++

thick cut tender meat, crispy skin, mostly lean

If you have not tasted Fideuá before, then you might be missing out! It is a Valencian dish that is similar to paella ala cooked in a pan, but using pasta noodles instead. Fideuá Negra is a pan of bee-hoon like noodles cooked in squid ink with ingredients such as shrimps and squid, garnished with some diced tomato. Tomato was just to add a dash of colour, probably. Squeeze those lemon wedges and buen provecho! The bottom of the pan held crusted bee-hoon, and if you like wok-hei flavour, this was it. Yummy.

Fideuá Negra (L) @$65++

Again, for seafood lovers, there is a paella dish that has everything. Introducing the "Paella Especial Don Quijote™"  Also known as the DQ Special. An abundance of seafood such as prawns, scallops, mussels and clams. And, as if that's not enough, diners are free to add "live" boston lobster to it (subjected to availability). Lobster is at market price, so do enquire with the staff if interested. The lobster that we had was priced at $69++ for one.

Paella Especial Don Quijote™ (L) with one live Boston lobster @$167++

The rich essence from the seafood was well absorbed by the rice. Enjoyable and it was one impressive looking pan. Luxurious, indeed.

side profile view

With more than enough food in our bellies, how could we take in more? Could we say no to desserts? Probably not. Let's see what we had.

Yes, the must-have churros mantra we adhered to. Churros at DQ is served with Spanish chocolate sauce. It was a gentle kind of sweetness. Loved the chocolate sauce.

Churros @$16++

The fried milk (leche frita) is served in a rectangular block. There's also the Choco Puff, pastry sandwiching a scoop of ice-cream and drizzled with those Spanish chocolate sauce. The bottom puff pastry layer had custard cream in it as well.

Leche Frita @$9++

Choco Puff @$19++

My favourite dessert at Don Quijote? The not-quite Spanish but rather English; Bread and Butter Pudding. It does have a Spanish name though, the Pudin de Pan y Manteqilla. Soft, fluffy spongy bread generously drizzled with sweet milk cream sauce. So good.

Pudin de Pan y Manteqilla (Bread and Butter Pudding) @$8++

It was a night filled with good food, good company where one could unwind and just enjoy.

Many thanks to Ken, for sharing with us your love of Spain and your philosophy when it comes to food. Thank you HGW team for the invite and to my fellow diners, was great to see you again. Till next time, happy eating!

 

Don Quijote

Address: 01-02, 7 Dempsey Road, 249671, Singapore
Contact:  +65 6476 2811
Website: http://www.don-quijote-restaurants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donquijotespanishrestaurant

Spice Brasserie: Return of the Battle of the Crab Dinner Buffet @ Parkroyal Kitchener Road

Crab lovers, rejoice! For Parkroyal Kitchener Spice Brasserie is back with Battle of the Crabs Buffet. Executive Chef Low Hoe Kiat once again, prepares to battle with these hard-shelled crustaceans, and transforms them into delectable flavours of delights that we, can tuck in and enjoy, all in one sitting. WoOhOOo! Imagine ordering two flavours of crabs at your favourite stall/restaurant and the bill would likely come up to at least $120 for that dish alone. However, with just $60++ per adult (for UOB, DBS and Maybank card holders and $75++ for non-card holders), we get not just 2 flavours but 12 delicious flavours! Hurry now and make your reservations for "The Return of the Battle of the Crab Dinner Buffet" that starts from 17 September and is available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only.

Am making a beeline for the slow-braised pumpkin crab in claypot. Grab those delicious 'crisp on the outside pillowy soft on its inside' mantous and mop up the sweet, savoury, creamy pumpkin sauce. Not a drop to be missed! Look at those pincers and you'll know that you're in for a treat! Firm, fresh sweet crabs that were so good! Nothing else is needed when you have these. Except, that you will want to have more crabs and more mantous!

Slow-braised Pumpkin Crab in Claypot

deep fried mantou 炸馒头

For appetisers, there is the baby crab salad with green mango. Served in cute stone mortar, with table-side service.

Baby Crab Salad with Green Mango

salad making in progress

ready-to-eat Baby Crab Salad with Green Mango

While I liked the green mango tartness and it tasted much similar to our beloved rojak, am of the opinion that the baby crabs ought not to be mixed into the salad dressing but as a crunchy topping instead.

The next appetiser, is the deep fried soft-shell crab with meat floss, served with wasabi mayo. Flawlessly fried to a deep golden brown and the coating of floss kept it interesting. Yums. Think it will pair very well with a glass of iced cold beer.

Deep Fried Soft-Shell Crab with floss

Perhaps, when you are here, it might be good to start off with a lighter flavour of crabs. How about Steamed Marinated Spicy Crab with Light Sauce? Indeed, it was light on the palate and the freshness of the crabs shone through. A tad spicy though it looked pretty mild. No worries though, as the heat dissipates as soon as it comes.

Steamed Marinated Spicy Crab with Light Sauce

The restaurant provides plastic aprons for diners, so no worries about flying crab shells or splatter of sauces while enjoying the crabs here. So let's tuck in!

plastic apron - battlewear for the diners

For fans of Korean-flavours, the buffet has Stewed Kimchi Crab. Spice level was pretty mild and lots of kimchi to pick if you'd like some.

bubbling hot

Stewed Kimchi Crab

Not all crabs are saucy. The Wok-fried Crab with Garlic and Scallion fits into this category and scored points with its spot-on homely Asian flavours. It had some of that kiss-of-fire flavours of the wok.

Wok-fried Crab with Garlic and Scallion

Another style of crab that shared the closest in appearance with the wok-fried crab, was the Stir-fried Crab with Jalapeno and Fermented Black Beans. Had to do a double-take. Taste wise, my preference between these two, is still the Wok-fried Crab with Garlic and Scallions.

Stir-fried Crab with Jalapeno and Fermented Black Beans

Of course, flavours that most of us are accustomed to, which include the Braised Beehon Crab, Chili Crab, Salted Egg and Pepper Crab are also available in the buffet.

Salted Egg Yolk and Butter Crab

The Salted Egg Yolk and Butter Crab dish is heavy-duty one, and the amount of salted egg yolk and butter that went into it, was highly evident from its taste.

My top 3 picks of the crabs are:
#1 - Slow-braised Pumpkin Crab in Claypot
#2 - Wok-fried Crab with Garlic and Scallion
#3 - Steamed Marinated Spicy Crab in Light Sauce

Thank you Parkroyal Kitchener, Spice Brasserie, Chef Low and Cleo for the crab buffet preview.

Indeed, the Return of the Battle of the Crab Dinner Buffet offers an excellent choice for diners with its variety and quality crabs.  Last run was in October 2014. Returning on 17 September 2015. The wait was long enough. Not to be missed.

Spice Brasserie @ Parkroyal On Kitchener Road

Address: 181 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208533
Contact: +65 6428 3160
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PRSKT