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
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