You know the sudden food craving you get after watching a movie? That’s what happened after watching Penelope Cruz’s Vicky Christian Barcelona and Broken Embraces. I just wanted anything Spanish. So that’s how I landed at Don Quijote, found at the quaint envioronment of Lorong Kilat, near Bukit Timah and Toh Tuck.
I do not think you can enter a Spanish Restaurant without ordering Tapas. There was a wide variety of cold or warm appetizers which could fulfill the satisfaction of nibblers like me. The word is derived from the Spanish verb ‘tapar’ which means ‘to cover’. As to why Tapas became so popular, accordingly to legends a Castile king recovered from an illness by drinking wine mixed with small dishes. After recovering, the kind ordered all taverns that wine must be accompanied by tapa when serving.
The Calamari Chopitos were so lightly battered and fried, and it did not leave much traces of oil. The batter does not ‘cut’ into your mouth and soft in its bite unlike some other squids if it is over-fried or dry.
The Beef Cheek in a Red wine and Balsamic Reduction ($18) was a special feature of the month and a must-order. The beef was soft and tender enough to melt in the mouth, with the delicate sauce leaving a lingering wine taste.
Most would consider the Valencian rice dish of paella as Spain’s National Dish. The Valenciana Spanish Style Rice with Seafood and Chicken ($28 for small serving) was pricey but simply Delicioso. As the paella came a round flat pan with two handles, you could smell the fragrance of fresh prawns and mussels. Every rice grain was deliciously flavourful without being over the top. Not being a carb lover, I finished every bit, including those strapped from the pan.
Looking at the framed pictures of Barcelona and Madrid hanging by the wall, I sipped a light alcoholic and fruity Sangria, Ah, Life is good. Vamonos.
Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant, 17 Lorong Kilat #01-09 Tel:+65 6465 1811
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