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

1 Tyrwhitt Bistro Bar @ Jalan Besar

This place is fairly new and was invited there for a tasting. 1 Tyrwhitt Bistro Bar is located near Jalan Besar Stadium. So people who drives, perhaps you'd like to park there. Had cabbed there but taxi uncle dropped me off at #155 Tyrwhitt instead. If you see Parc Sovereign Hotel, then 1 Tyrwhitt Road is at the far end along the same side of the road heading opposite direction of the hotel.

entrance

The bistro is Karen and Paul's first foray into the F&B business. However, the Teo's are no stranger to starting from scratch. They are experienced in another business and is now attempting the bistro cafe scene. For the moment, there isn't any brunch nor breakfast offered. Business hours starts from 1130am till 12 midnight.

The 1 Tyrwhitt Bistro Bar has a cosy ambiance, and the menu has currently a limited menu offering of finger food, pizza, pasta and meats. For beer drinkers, there are two types of beer on tap; Carlsberg Premium and Kronenbourg Blanc. Spotted some whiskeys in the shop too. Not Japanese ones though.

good price for beers

menu

For a group of beer guzzlers, a tower of for $49++ might satiate your thirst on a hot warm night. It yields about 7 to 8 glasses of beer. For beer finger food, we tried the Crispy Mid-Wings. Batter was not too thick and well fried. Wonderfully crispy outside and retained its moist juicy meat inside. Strong peppery taste.

ready to dispense

Crispy Mid-Wings @$10++

The walk to reach this place has depleted some energy, so will need substantial food to replenish. Let's roll out the pizzas! Chef's recommendation are the Spizy Pepperoni and Black Truffle Egg Pizza. I'd dare say, the Cheese Lover pizza ought to be in Chef's recommendation as well! Maybe Chef doesn't like cheese? *hmm*

Spicy Pepperoni @$19.80++

Cheese Lover @$19.80++

Black Truffle Egg Pizza @$23.80++

The pizza are of the thin crust variant and must eat while it is hot. The Spicy Pepperoni flavours just grows on you while you slowly chews. Though the menu indicated cut chilies in the spiy pepperoni, am not sure as it wasn't seen nor was it spicy.

The Cheese Lover pizza has 5 types of cheeses; scarmoza, feta, mozarella, taleggio and gorgonzola blue cheese. While enjoyable, the blue cheese taste was very prominent. Overall, this pizza flavour ranked higher in the sodium quotient.

Don't you think an egg ontop of a pizza looks kinda attractive? Yea, am a sucker for nice packaging and presentation. The Black Truffle Egg Pizza was nice but we waited far too long to taste it. It was probably photographed to death. Think it would have tasted even greater when just served.

Bacon Carbonara @$16.80++

Aglio e Olio @$16.80++

Seafood Marinara @$17.80++

The Bacon Carbonara was a miss for me.  It was unfortunately overly heavy with cream and the bacon would probably be better if it was browned more. So, my vote for pasta went to the two seafood pasta options; Aglio Olio and Seafood Marinara. Agreeable flavours with the Aglio Olio, attractive looking prawns of a good size and not too oily. The Seafood Marinara was a pleasant tangy tomato based sauce with lots of seafood.

The thin-crust pizzas were more like appetisers while the pasta would surely fill up those growling tummies.

If carbs is not your choice, then how about solid meats? We tried salmon, chicken and pork.

Grilled Salmon @$20.80++

Liked the plating of the grilled salmon. Looked so pretty. Nicely cooked salmon sitting ontop of lemon butter sauce, accompanied by a mound of soft mash potato. Loved the grilled vegetables too.

Chicken Chop @$16.80++

A decent plate of tender chicken chop with sauteed mushrooms and same mash potatoes, drenched in savoury brown sauce. Wouldn't want to share this plate though, because I'd like to have it all for myself.

Pork Chop @$16.80++

Similar to the chicken chop, the pork chop is nicely presented with a side of home-styled vegetables and potato wedges. It is said to be the favourite of those whom tried it.

There is a whole lot of debate on whether pork can be eaten pink or not. From what I've read, the cooking temperatures for pork is said to be at 145 degrees celcius to 160 degrees celcius. Undercooked meat poses a risk of contracting trichinosis. What is your take on whether pork can be eaten pink or not. Would love to hear your comments.

For desserts, we sampled the panna cotta and the tiramisu. Very likeable desserts that's not too sweet.

Tiramisu @$8.80++

Panna Cotta @$8.80++

For a dinner of two, will recommend a pizza to share as a starter and a main course of any of the meats and some beer to drink, if you are not a teetotaler.

Special thanks to Karen and Paul for hosting the dinner, and Elle for the invite. To my fellow dining companions, thanks for a wonderful night, again.

1 Tyrwhitt Bistro Bar @ Jalan Besar

Address: 1 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207522
Contact: 6341 5167
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1TyrwhittBistroBar
Reservations: http://www.chope.co/singapore-restaurants/restaurant/one-tyrwhitt-bistro-bar 

7th Mile Seafood Restaurant 七英里海鲜 @ 18 Toh Yi Drive , Bukit Timah

Was invited to try this zhi char 煮炒 stall that is located within the 7th Mile Coffeeshop at Blk 18, Toh Yi Drive. Toh Yi Dirve is somewhere near Jalan Jurong Kechil. HDB dwellers whom are living nearby, could simply walk to this place for lunch or dinner. Very convenient.

communal dining

usual signage within a coffeeshop

Our host ordered plenty of food, and it felt almost like a wedding dinner!

First, we had the Steamed Sotong with Golden Garlic 金蒜苏东. I must admit. Never had this style of blanched squid dressed with soy and topped a plenty with minced garlic butter before. Very likeable. Tender sotong with nicely light soy sauce that's not too salty and fragrant garlic butter.

l

Steamed Sotong with Golden Garlic 金蒜苏东 @$25 (Medium)

Next, was what would become my favourite dish for the night. The 7th Mile Pork Ribs 七英里排骨. If the dish is labelled with the shop's name, it had better live up to the expectation! Verdict? I wasn't disappointed. The size of the ribs was huge, meat still retained a certain bite but not tough, and beautifully caramelized with such tasty sauce. Might come across as salty for some but I liked it this way.

7th Mile Pork Ribs 七英里排骨 @$30 (Large)

Next up, hae zhor 虾枣 or prawn rolls. Truth be told, have never seen such a big hae zhor before. As big as a golf ball! A mound of minced prawn and minced pork meat, with that occasional chunks of waterchestnut, wrapped with a thin beancurd skin and deep fried till golden brown. The meat has bounce and delightful to eat with the sweet sauce. Or, with the belachan for extra oomph!

hae zhor 虾枣 @$10 (Small)

Still missed the olden taste of hae zhor though. My hometown hae zhor would be smaller in size, with a ratio of more pork meat as compared to prawns and tighly wrapped before fried to a deep brown. To be eaten with watery chili that's vinegary, sweet and spicy. Yums!

Har Cheong Gai 虾酱鸡 @$8 (Small)

Big Prawns with Salted Egg 咸蛋大虾 @$25 (Medium)

The har cheong gai or prawn paste chicken was well marinated, battered and fried to the right colour and consistency. The wings were still juicy and best eaten with the housemade belachan sauce for that extra kick. Would have preferred the marinade to be of a stronger prawn paste flavour though.

The prawns were good and the light golden coating of the salted egg yolk was rather attractive.

How do you like your fish to be done when eating at zhi char stalls? Usually, my family would go for steamed fish.  The grouper that we had were slightly less than a kilo in weight prior to cooking, so expect the price to be around $55 to $60 per fish. For seafood that goes by market price, best to enquire from the staff prior to ordering.

Deep fried Grouper Fish @$6/100gms

Hong Kong Steamed Red Grouper @$7/100gms

Our final dish for the night, was the Crab Bee Hoon. A very imposing looking dish when presented. The crab was arranged as though it was protecting the bee hoon!

Crab Bee Hoon 螃蟹米粉 @$55/kg

The crab that we had, had probably weighed around 1.5 kg. Just take a look at its claws. So huge. Unlike other places, the version served here is of the dry bee hoon type. Expect to pay around $100 for this dish for similar crab size.

give it a good mix

let's dig in!

Dishes that got my vote for repeat orders (assuming a weekend dinner for 2 pax) , would be the pork ribs and the hae zhor or prawn paste chicken. Add a plate of greens as well. The crab bee hoon, prawns and fish would be for special occassions, or when cravings strike.

come on in for reasonably priced good food in neighbourhood coffeeshop

The restaurant does accept telephone reservations for food and table. In order to avoid long waiting time especially for larger groups, you might want to call them up ahead first so that food can be prepared prior to your group's arrival.

Special thanks to Mabel and Ken, and to the HGW team for the invite.

7th Mile Seafood Restaurant 七英里海鲜

Address: #01-97, Blk 18 Toh Yi Drive, Singapore 590018
Telephone: 64650833