Monday, 30 November 2015

[CLOSED] Serenity – Spanish Style Roasted Suckling Pig

Serenity @ Vivocity

In the recent food tasting session, we (Chubby Botak Koala + other food bloggers) sampled a tapas size of Spanish Suckling Pig (Checkout the review here). As it was tapas size, it left you with a sensation of wanting more. So we decided to organise a suckling pig theme makan session.

Serenity - Table Setting

Serenity got our pick, due to their location and reputation. Thanks to Running Man for booking and putting a down payment for the whole pig, so we all can reap the benefit.

Cochinillo Asado -  Spanish style roasted suckling pig (whole)
with brown sauce and tomato jam
Au Jus from roasting

Cochinillo Asado ($338) Spanish style roasted suckling pig - whole. Good for 5 to 8 pax. Served with the au jus from the pig, brown sauce, tomato jam and potatoes. The suckling pig are roasted as whole and served as a whole. Like other traditional Spanish restaurant ritual, the suckling pig will be cut using saucer to show the crispiness of the skin and the tenderness of the meat. Normally, the saucer dispose by breaking it on the floor. In Serenity, the guest will be invited to break the plate in the bin with a stone in the middle. A nice ritual.



Cochinillo Asado - Cut using saucer

Cochinillo Asado - Ready to Served

The fate of the saucer

The skin is the paper thin crispy skin and flavourful. The meat are juicy and succulent. The best way to eat the meat dipped in au jus (broth from roasting) and brown sauce. As Serenity uses European Suckling Pig, there was a hint of boar taint in the pig.

My 1st Serving

While we waited for Cochinillo Asado to be ready, we started with some tapas. Pulpo a la Gallega ($19.80). Grilled Spanish Octopus (directly imported) garnished with paprika, flake salt and extra virgin olive oil on a bed of potato. It is thingly sliced, tender and a little springy. Meanwhile Chipirones Fritos Con Aioli ($18.80). Fried Baby Squid With Aioli sauce was crispy but over coated with the batter. Tasted a bit more chewy compare to the grill calamari.

Pulpo a la Gallega - Grilled Spanish Octopus

Chipirones Fritos Con Aioli - Fried Baby Squid With Aioli sauce

Salteado De Coles De Bruselas Con Jamon Serrano ($18.80). Sautéed Brussels Sprout With Serrano Ham. One of the vegetable that I missed from my time in Australia. Looks like a miniature cabbage, it has a strong bitter taste. By the cooking with Serrano Ham, the bitterness was reduce substantially. A good dish indeed.

Salteado De Coles De Bruselas Con Jamon Serrano Sautéed Brussels Sprout With Serrano Ham

After we finished with the suckling pig, we had Paella Valenciana (Valencian Paella - $53). The flavour of the Paella rice is very robust, derived from the stock used. The Spanish Chorizo intensified the flavour in the dish compare to the mild flavour of the seafood. I find the rice is a bit overcooked, as Paella rice was supposed to be al-dente texture instead of soft.

Paella Valenciana  - Valencian Paella

Since we all have stuffed ourself silly with the main and tapas, we decided to order the Churros ($10.80) to try. It is part crispy, chewy or doughy and the chocolate sauce was thin but without a solid chocolate flavour in it. Lucky we only order one, and the dessert is definitely not worth the price. Give this dish a miss.

Churros (with msginginly)

The décor of Serenity is similar to the traditional houses in Spain, as been shown in the food and travel channel (I have not been to Spain yet). Service is very lacklustre. While we received a cheerful welcome by the receptionist, it was followed with grumpy, uptight and uninterested service style by the manager inside. However it turned for the better, when the suckling pig came out. He mellowed down and very informative about the suckling pig and its ritual. Well, I just chalked it down to him having a bad day.

Part of the dining area

Overall, it was definitely an experience to remember. It was a great fun with great company. For a pig lover, a Spanish Style Sucking Pig is a must try as it has a different texture compare to the Cantonese Suckling Pig. Cheers!! Aclamaciones!!

Food & Drink: 8/10
Value: 6.5/10
Service: 6.8/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Budget per Person: $51 - $80; $81 & Above

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant @ Vivocity
No1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-98/99 VivoCity
Singapore 098585

T: +65 6376 8185
OH:
Sun – Tue: 11.00 – 23.00
Wed – Sat & Eve of PH: 11.00 – Midnight


Check out their website for other locations.

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