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Exciting, impressive tapas at Esquina

I eat so many things for work that even if a dish is amazing, I may not always remember it a month later.

In the middle of last year, I had a bite of chef Carlos Montobbio's incredible miniature pizza at Anti:Dote at the Fairmont Singapore, and till today, I cannot forget it.

Chef Montobbio has since moved on to tapas restaurant Esquina.

Sometimes, memories supersede reality, so I braced myself for a reality check when I ate at Esquina. That didn't happen.

The two times I was there - once invited and once unannounced - I was impressed. The dishes were exciting on the tongue, without affectation.

Go during lunch and get the worthwhile $38 four-course set meal. I'm sure the rest of your day will be a happy one.


FLAVOURFUL COD

The must-try is Spanish Nigiri ($6). The two times I had this, I was impressed by how simple it looked, but how complex the flavours were. There was a slight saltiness from the cod and sweetness from the bell peppers.


FOR SHARING

There is a daily pork dish on rotation at Esquina. When you see suckling pig ($42) on the board, order it. It’s a full flavoured piece of meat, meant to be shared.


SARDINES & SORBET

Some may find the Sardines with Samfaina ($16) too fishy, but that’s what makes it great for me. The bell pepper sorbet complements it.


DELICIOUS PIGEON

Pigeon is a bird that divides foodies, but it’s delicious here. This version comes with a base of creamy rosemary polenta ($22).


SKIP THE 'ALKORTA'

The one dish I didn't get was the baked Salted Cod "Alkorta" ($28, with chickpeas and fermented black garlic paste). I found it oddly devoid of flavour.

*Weets Eats takes a two-week makan break and will be back on Jan 13.


WHAT Esquina

WHERE 16, Jiak Chuan Road

WHEN Weekdays (noon to 2.30pm; 6pm to 10.30pm), Saturdays (6pm to 10.30pm) Closed on Sundays

CALL 6222-1616

Weets EatsYeoh Wee TeckEsquinaUncategorised