Singapore: FOC Restaurant by Nandu Jubany

I know I’ve sworn off tapas, those irrationally expensive, barely satisfying morsels…but made an exception for FOC given very favourable reviews by reliable friends. A and I had an early dinner there sometime last month because we are all for avoiding noisy drinking crowds, and work calls. Nevertheless grateful for these pockets of time with good food and great company. Nothing truly disappointed, as is the usual case, so two thumbs up! With the exception of the overly salty scallops and squid ink paella which had beautiful umami flavours but a very risotto-like texture, which really put me off. But it’s personal preference – the mushiness of risotto is not for me, and I happily occupied myself with the watermelon gazpacho, paired outstandingly with a quenelle of smoked olive oil ice cream. Very theatrically presented too, a nice reminder that the total dining experience engages more than just one’s sense of taste. Other highlights were the drinks, which held their own while harmoniously engaging each dish that came. Setting aside the expectations of the head chef and bartender being formerly from michelin-starred establishments (unrealistic comparison becomes inevitable), FOC offers good grub at fair prices. A very enjoyable meal!

FOC Restaurant by Nandu Jubany
http://focrestaurant.com/
40 Hong Kong Street
Singapore 059679

Singapore: Lolla

 

January’s treat (ugh so tardy, I know) saw us heading to Lolla, of sea urchin pudding and Lolla’s secret suppers fame. I can’t believe we ordered so much! All the above, and a tomato watermelon gazpacho, just for two. I guess it’s testament to how tiny the portion sizes are…as though we were all hibernating bears who could store such food up for weeks. Not happening. With the result that, despite amazing flavours and textures from said uni pudding, tenderly flavourful lamb chops ($14 each?!) and tangy pickled green apples served with the pork, there wasn’t much value for money to be had. That aside, we still managed to treat ourselves to an extra dish after deciding that money on wine could be better spent elsewhere, and did walk away with really great cooking inspirations (roasted garlic spread! watermelon soup! lemon curd you tiao!). Kudos especially to the warm and attentive service, who kindly shifted us from the communal table to the counter where we could watch the chefs in action! One of them has a mighty fine beard too – much San Francisco deja vu ensued. Nevertheless, the position of Tremendously Tantalizing Tapas has yet to be fulfilled…

Lolla
http://lolla.com.sg/
22 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069702

Singapore: 1 UNA

Wistful feelings assemble at the thought of dinners like these getting rarer as the months go by. We took a beautiful brief respite from this hectic period, in the bare breather of the three-day grace between each of our exams and had a long overdue meal at UNA – the number of times we’ve had to change the reservation on this place is quite unprecedented. But it was worth the wait, ambience (fairy lights and post-thunderstorm cool), food and especially company, the conversation this time peppered with exclamations as to how good the food was. And it really was! I finally got to try goat cheese stuffed tempura courgette flowers, the sweetness of the latter pairing well with slight sourness of the former. Tender veal and plump scallops paired well with jamon iberico; it was nice that the portion sizes were rather hearty for the price. Anyway, what truly stole the show for me was Amos’ tender, smokey and flavourful Iberico pork loin that wasn’t much of a looker but was outstanding in taste. I don’t know what marinade was used but I’d really like to find out! Desserts being on the house were another plus – thanks Chope. I’m awfully pleased to have a new go-to Spanish place.

1 UNA
https://www.facebook.com/unaonerochester
http://una.sg/
1 Rochester Park
Singapore 139212
Closed Mondays