COCONUTS HOT SPOT — With a wide array of fusion tapas offerings around the island from Japanese tapas to Mod-Sin tapas to Chinese tapas (though isn’t that just, you know, dim sum?), sometimes what we’re looking for is just some solidly authentic Spanish cuisine.
Tapas Club brings you exactly that, and you know they’ll deliver because of that no-nonsense restaurant name. The regional franchise owners of massively popular fro-yo chain llaollao have gone on to launch their own take on the casual tapas dining concept with a new venture at Orchard Central, promising a deserving homage to its Spanish roots.
Designed with the Spaniards’ love for food and the Singaporean love for great value, Tapas Club wants to share the true taste of Spain with carefully-sourced local and imported produce — but all at accessible price points. It’s all about small plates with colossal flavours, with highlights including the Croquetas de Setas (mushroom croquettes, $9.90), Patatas Bravas (deep-fried potato cubes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli, $9.90), Caballa Con Calabaza (Spanish mackerel with pumpkin, $12.90) and Gammas Al Ajillo (prawns sautéed with garlic and parsley, $12.90).
Those with a bigger appetite can get more substantial nosh by way of the Tapas+ section of the menu — classic Spanish dishes with a choice of a complimentary side. It’s not proper Spanish cuisine without octopus, and that they have with the Pulpo a la Brasa ($22), a beautifully-charred grilled entrée that goes well with green asparagus. Another must have would be the Cachopo ($16) — pan-fried chicken with ham and cheese, which has to be paired with the silky smooth mash potatoes. Oh, and of course, get your fill of carbs with the Fideauá Negra ($25), a platter of squid ink noodles paella with cuttlefish and alioli.
On the dessert side of things, churros make up half the menu. Those wanting the classics can go for the Churros Con Chocolate (churros with chocolate sauce, $8) while those who want a little more oomph should go for the Sandwich de Churros (ice cream sandwiches made with churros, $12).
“We want our customers to feel at ease and to enjoy all that Spain has to offer,” says Tapas Club Executive Chef Jose Alonso. “The dishes at Tapas Club are close to our hearts. We are proud to take these recipes from our homes and exalt them in Asia.”
Tapas Club is at 181 Orchard Road,#02-13 Orchard Central, 3163-7577. Sun-Thurs & PHs noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm; Fri-Sat & eve of PHs noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight.
