La Ventana (Closed)

Item: La Ventana
Rating: 4
Author: TheArcticStar

6 Reviews

Taste

Decor

Service

Hygiene

Value

Dempsey Rd

$31 - $50

Spanish

TheArcticStar

Level4

606

La Ventana finally comes to Asia, well, Singapore, specifically. This esteemed Spanish restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Carles Gaig, who came from a family of generations of cooks since 1869. Because of Carles' desire to preserve the family tradition of good Catalonian cooking, we now have the (immense) pleasure of indulging in authentic Catalonian dishes here at La Ventana Singapore.The Lobster "Coca" (SGD$19.80) stole its way into my heart with 3 generous pieces of springy, sweet-fleshed lo

Read full review

The Lobster "Coca" (SGD$19.80) stole its way into my heart with 3 generous pieces of springy, sweet-fleshed lobster placed delicately on puff pastry, lined with stripes of eggplant purée and roasted capsicums. It looked like a piece of art; and the contrasting flavours complemented each other well.

Following that, the Roasted Octopus (SGD$38.00 usually, as a main course, served with infused potatoes and Spanish smoked Paprika). In all my years of eating octopus and loving its chewy flesh, never have I imagined that octopus could be this tender and soft in texture before! The flesh here is akin to suede - smooth, but not utterly, and had the bounciness of huge Hokkaido scallops; amongst the tangy flavours, the spiciness of Paprikas stood out marvelously. I would definitely order this again when I return.

Next, the signature “Canelón” since 1869 (SGD$12.00) - traditional cannelloni (pasta) stuffed with foie gras, beef, pork and truffle cream. If the ingredients sound overwhelming, consisting of so many different types of meat into one - fret not. The meat filling is utterly palatable and succulent, disintegrating beautifully in the mouth easily, filling the palate with a delicious pulp of meat and sapid truffle aroma. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why this is the star of the menu for years.

The Crispy Suckling Pig (SGD$38.00) with strawberry salad lives up to its name clearly. Upon contact with the teeth, the crackling skin crumbles to tender boneless pork; surprisingly delicate and well-moistened in texture. The savoury flavour was countered playfully by the slightly-tarty strawberry salad, adding a refreshing touch. The five senses screamed for more, so I know this would be something I'd return for as well.

Another palate pleaser was served next - Pigeon Paella (SGD$38.00) - carnaroli rice with Porcini mushrooms and pigeon. As paella goes, this dish had a heavier flavour (mushrooms, in this case); yet unlike the usual paella I've tasted, this rice pasta dish was well-moistened; the rice not as distinctively grainy, creating a smooth texture. The French pigeon comprised both the "drumstick" portion - grilled to a smokey deliciousness; while the "breast" portions were almost half-cooked, being reddish in hue, and incredibly tender, bouncy in texture. This is a must-have, because of its scrumptiousness, and because it is a unique dish probably not found elsewhere.

The Catalan "Crème Brûlée" (SGD$18.00) held its own very well, nothing like the conventional creme brulee with its break-through caramel layer. This beautiful dessert is made from scratch, from the melty espuma to the toffee ice-cream to the lemon caramel at the base. The result was a fluffy delight bringing out the best of caramel's sweetness against citrusy tones; every bite was light, tantalising, and refreshing - the perfect finalé to a wonderful dinner.

For full review and more detailed information, please feel free to visit:
http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/07/invited-tasting-dinner-at-la-ventana.html

(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)

Share
Recommend

Recommended
Report

Post

DETAILED RATING

Taste

Decor

Service

Hygiene

Value

Dining Method

Dine In

Spending Per Head

$100 (Dinner)

Recommended Dishes