Popular Spanish restaurant, Binomio, settles into a new home at the Raffles Singapore. The restaurant’s dual concept comprises an inviting outdoor bar for relaxed tapas and casual aperitifs, while the elegant indoor area envelops guests in a warm and inviting atmosphere for fine dining. You’ll also find woven throughout the interiors, nature-inspired, gold-leaf structures by Fernando Oriol, marking the renowned Sevillian artist’s first restaurant collaboration in Asia. Expect a menu that spotlights fresh ingredients–from starters like Salmorejo Cordobes con sardina ahumada (chilled tomato cream with smoked sardines) to comforting mains of lentejas tradicionales (pork and chorizo lentils stew) and arroz negro (squid ink paella).
A term of endearment among friends and family which means ‘‘little Carlos’, Carlitos is a labour of love by Chef Carlos Montobbio of Esquina. The cosy and unpretentious neighbourhood tapas bar is an invitation for diners to explore the vibrant streets of Barcelona, as well as some of the chef’s favourite food spots in Spain. Over 30 types of tapas from different Spanish cities make up the menu, complemented by wines from small and independent wineries, all served in a casual, laidback environment, just like in Spain.
Not to be missed is the signature Paella del Pia, prepared in varied flavours depending on the fresh produce of the day and served in tapas portions, so guests can complement their meal with other tapas. The Patatas Bravas Bonanova is another favouritel – made with agria potato and loaded with garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce, and chilli oil. If you prefer a more robust dish, there’s Fricando Barcelona, a thick and hearty ragu of Black Angus beef with earthy porcini mushroom and maitake rice.
Borrowing its name from the Spanish words for red wine, Vino Tinto is the brainchild of Chefs Daniel and Tamara Chavez, set to open today (10 Jan) at Raffles Quay (South Tower #01-10/K1). Conceptualised as a cosy tapas and wine bar, where diners can eat and sip around the clock, the menu features over 30 varieties of tapas, paired with Spanish coffee, wines, and a comprehensive list of cocktails to enliven any gathering. Some highlights from its sister restaurant, TINTO In Dempsey, are also found on the menu here, such as gambas al ajillo, cochinillo, paella, and fideuas – alongside brand new dishes specially created for the new restaurant. Must-tries include roasted Spanish artichokes with garlic butter; chicken skewers with mojo verde and cranberries, and mini chanchito tonnato.
Beloved in Melbourne, Australia, MoVida has delighted local fans of Spanish cuisine since it opened its first Singapore outpost at Raffles City last August. With founding team member of MoVida Original – Chef Adrian Clemmens – at the helm, diners can look forward to popular staples plus exclusive creations for the Singapore market. The tapas menu includes moreish bites like Abalon (farmed abalone grilled over charcoal and finished in a rich butter emulsion), Croqueta de LAngosta (lobster croquettes with a crunchy coating and a creamy centre of tender lobster) and the more creative Tartaleta (a delicate tartlet of chicken liver parfait and tangy verjuice (in the form of jelly cubes). Mains feature favourites like the Paella De Señorito (paella with bomba rice and de-shelled seafood), Cecina (air-dried Wagyu beef served with earthy truffle potato foam and runny poached egg) and the Canalones (Catalan-style canalones filled with tender duck, porcini and Manchego cheese baked in a luscious nutmeg, brandy and truffle velouté). Pair your meal with sangria or request for the wine list.
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Text by: Eris Choo