PUBLISHED December 4th, 2013 02:28 am | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:33 pm
Vida Vino, Keong Saik’s newest restaurant/bar seems to embody two of the great trends that have been sweeping over Singapore for 2013. Wine and Tapas.
The wine scene in Singapore is constantly evolving, with the old boy Bordeaux fuddy-duddy mentality being replaced (quite rightly) with young, cool sommeliers to help promote interesting, more obscure wines…which also happen to cost a lot less money. Sommelier Cruise of Vida Vino is a great example of the new vino-champions that are helping to shape this and I had the pleasure of him guiding me through a stellar selection of wines on Vida Vino’s menu. Of the selection he introduced me to, without a doubt, my two favourites were the Boschendel Chenin Blanc ($18 per glass) and the Xanadu Exmoor Drive Chardonnay ($15). Both of these wines exhibited truly unique characteristics and in terms of flavour profile, they struck a great balance of light approachability with rich and complex flavours. Something for both the wine boffins and beginners to appreciate.
The second trend mentioned is Tapas. From almost nowhere, the number of Spanish and Tapas restaurants in Singapore has skyrocketed. Vida Vino is something of return to traditional tapas, Barcelona style. Everything from the lighting to the painting to the furniture decorations are somehow Dalí-esque.
The menu is simple with only a dozen or so items, but they are solid staples on a tapas menu and the Granada -born chef, Chema Reyes, makes sure they are cooked authentically. The Bread with Tomato ($5) is good introductory example to this, a simple, light, garlicky, good palate cleanser, perfect for a snack with your wine. As for the Pimientos al Piquillo ($8), flame roasted peppers stuffed with tuna and crab. What’s not to love?! The top pick food-wise has to be the Bikini ($10), with a winning combination of black truffles, manchego and iberico ham served of toasted cut-bread. Delicious.
If you’re after something a bit more substantial however, the Tortilla Patata ($10) and Gambas pil pil ($14) both make great additions to your order. The gambas come out as big, chunky prawns in a spicy sauce. Be warned however, this dish is very oily so it’s kind of a love or hate one.
In the increasingly popular street that is Keong Saik, Vida Vino is a great addition serving up authentic Spanish tapas and some great wines to boot.
On this occasion, the meal and drinks were compliments of Vida Vino