Name of restaurant: Sol Tasca
Type of cuisine: Spanish tapas
Of the string of restaurants that line One Fullerton, one that stands out for its novel location would have to be Sol Tasca.
Housed under the Esplanade Bridge, the year-old casual eatery serves up a hearty selection of more than 30 hot and cold tapas, as well as a small selection of soups, salads and mains with Spanish Chef Ignacios at the kitchen’s helm.
This cosy nook in the Marina Bay district serves as a pleasant respite from the busy city centre, where diners can enjoy a sangria or two to the easy-listening Spanish tunes of a live band on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ambience:
Entirely al fresco, Sol Tasca’s garden patio facade and cosy lighting make it seem almost as if you were dining while people-watching on a restaurant sidewalk in Spain.
Guests can choose to lounge on comfortable couches under the bridge, or go for an open kitchen experience in full view of the stars overhead.
Must-tries/specialties:
Most of the tapas at Sol Tasca are prepared simply so that the nuances of its various traditional Spanish ingredients shine through.
(L-R): Pimento, Serrano Jamon and Anchovy on Toast, and Sauteed Live Mussels in Tangy Cream Sauce
Take the Pimento, Serrano Jamon and Anchovy on Toast ($12, pictured above left) or the Pimento, Manchego Cheese and Serrano Jamon on Toast ($13) for example. In a medley of robust flavours, the pimento – a variety of bell pepper – is roasted just enough to bring out it’s almost-fruity sweetness, and when paired with the serrano jamon, balances its saltiness nicely. The buttery manchego and smoked anchovy also bring oomph to these bite-sized morsels that are served for dinner only.
If you prefer hot tapas, then the Sauteed Live Mussels in Tangy Cream Sauce ($18, pictured above right) is a must-try. Coated in a creamy gravy, the shellfish stands out for it’s plump and juicy freshness; and the diced vegetables in the sauce prevent the dish from being too rich.
No Spanish dining experience is complete without paella, and the Paella Valencia ($24) at Sol Tasca comes chock-full of generous chunks of chicken, lamb and chorizo that are seasoned to perfection so that each bite is a burst of aromatic flavours, this dish will satisfy all meat-lovers.
Price:
Tapas start from $6, while mains range from $22 for a vegetarian paella to $28 for a Rioja lamb shank. Get a sangria for just $10, or choose from a variety of cocktails (pictured right) as you kick your heels back and unwind after a day at work.
Verdict:
A cosy hideout from the city, in the city; great for tasty, reasonably-priced tapas and traditional Spanish food and music.
Sol Tasca is located at 3 Fullerton Road #01-04, The Fullerton Waterboat House and is open from 10am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 10am to 11.30pm (Friday and Saturday). For more information, visit http://sol-group.com.sg/soltasca or call 6599 8313.