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Tapas Lunch with the Embassy of Spain in Singapore
Tapas,24 at Robertson Quay was the setting for a delightful lunch on the 19th of September 2024. We were joined by Antonio García Rebollar, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in Singapore and Director of ICEX, along with the team from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise. A special shout out to Antonio Sanchez Martinez who is top of the ESDS leaderboard on the well organised platform Nas.io (you still have time to join), we are still chasing you!!
Also in attendance were Emőke Sasi, Executive Director of the Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore), and Andrea Zsapka, Creative Event Specialist and on-the-ground coordinator for Eat Spain Drink Spain in Singapore, known on Instagram as The Dancing Economist.
A special thanks to Pinaki Rath, one of the owners of L’ Angelus Group, for his warm hospitality during the lunch. It was a memorable afternoon filled with great food and engaging conversations about the local and Spanish food scenes, future collaborations, and the cultural vibrancy that such gatherings bring to Singapore.
You might remember the recent night out Brian and I had at L’ Angelus, French Cheese event?
L’ Angelus group run a few top end of town restaurants and they are in our personal favourites list already, so deep joy for attending this lunch! Check out Les Bouchons as well!
Atmosphere and Setting
Tapas,24 is not trying to be something it’s not. The restaurant is straightforward and unpretentious, focusing on delivering good food and a relaxed dining experience. Located in the vibrant Robertson Quay area, it offers both indoor and alfresco seating. The interiors feature simple wooden tables, vibrant tiles, and a comfortable setting perfect for both casual meet-ups and group gatherings. The informal atmosphere made it easy for us to have a lively and enjoyable time.
Service and First Impressions
The staff at Tapas,24 were knowledgeable and attentive, striking the right balance between being helpful without hovering over us. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted and seated quickly. Their recommendations were spot on, especially given the variety of dishes on the menu. Throughout the lunch, the service remained consistent, and it was clear they knew their menu well.
Review of Select Wines from Tapas,24 Menu
1. Castell d’Or Cava Brut Organic (NV Catalonia, Spain)
This organic sparkling wine is a blend of Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo grapes. Aged for 14 months, it offers a well-rounded taste with long-lasting, well-integrated acidity. Expect notes of tropical and white fruits, making it a refreshing choice for a warm evening or as an aperitif. Priced at SGD 48, it’s a value-for-money option for those looking to enjoy a taste of Catalonia’s rich viticulture.
2. Gran Castillo Rocío, Cava Brut Rosé (NV Catalonia, Spain)
With a delightful light salmon pink colour, this Cava Brut Rosé combines Pinot Noir, Garnacha, and Monastrell grapes. It’s well-balanced with pleasant aromas of red berries, mandarins, and blood oranges. It’s a perfect pairing for light tapas or seafood dishes, bringing a touch of elegance to the table at SGD 65.
3. Parés Baltà, Cava Reserva Brut Nature (NV Penedès, Spain)
Aged for 24 months, this organic cava features a blend of Xarel-lo, Parellada, and Macabeo grapes. The wine has a sophisticated aroma profile with hints of pastries, ripe white fruits, and light toasted notes. It’s dry with a smooth finish, ideal for those who prefer a classic, refined cava experience. Priced at SGD 78, it’s a premium option for special occasions.
4. Mestres, Cava Reserva La Coqueta Especial Semi Sec (NV Penedès, Spain)
This semi-sec cava offers a sweeter profile with 33g/l of residual sugar. Aged for 15 months, it presents aromas of apricot, marmalade, honey, and sweet spices, with a hint of lemony meringue. It’s a unique option for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their sparkling wines, priced at SGD 80.
5. Adega Pombal a Lanzada, Arcan Albariño (2018 Rías Baixas, Spain)
This organic Albariño from Galicia is characterized by its lively and refreshing profile. With aromas of stone fruits, lemon, and apple, it’s a zesty and vibrant wine that pairs well with seafood dishes. At SGD 76, it’s a great choice for fans of crisp, aromatic whites.
6. Rectoral de Amandi, Ribeira Sacra ‘Matilda Nieves’ (2020 Ribeira Sacra, Spain)
This Mencía wine from Galicia is organic and offers delicate aromas of blackberries with floral notes of violet. It has a persistent and fresh profile with a floral touch on the palate. Priced at SGD 70, it’s an excellent introduction to the wines of Ribeira Sacra.
7. Descendientes de J. Palacios, Pétalos del Bierzo (2020 Bierzo, Spain)
A biodynamic wine made from Mencía grapes, this light-bodied red has aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and pomegranate with a mineral finish. At SGD 98, it’s a great pick for those who enjoy expressive and nuanced red wines with a distinctive character.
8. Finca Luzón, Jumilla Blanco (2021 Jumilla, Spain)
A refreshing blend of Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is light-bodied with floral and fruity notes. It’s perfect for a casual drink or as an accompaniment to lighter tapas. At SGD 58, it offers good value for a well-balanced white.
These wines showcase the diversity of Spanish viticulture, from the refreshing Albariños of Galicia to the robust Mencías of Bierzo, and the elegant Cavas of Catalonia. Tapas,24’s wine list provides a great opportunity to explore the unique flavours and styles of Spanish wines, catering to various palates and preferences.
Thank you, Blas Garcia Zornoza, for the introduction to Matilda Nieves Mencía, a wonderful red wine from Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, Spain. The wine’s rich, complex flavours and distinct character truly capture the essence of the region. I appreciate your thoughtful recommendation and look forward to enjoying more of Galicia’s unique offerings. Cheers!
Launch of Sangria & Paella Weekends
Tapas,24 is known for its authentic Spanish fare, with a menu that offers a mix of classic and contemporary tapas. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a selection of Spanish wines and a range of cocktails, including the ever-popular Sangria.
The launch of their Sangria & Paella Weekends coincided with our visit, adding an extra festive touch to the afternoon.
- Olives Marinadas: This simple starter set the tone for the meal. Marinated olives are a staple in any Spanish tapas bar, and these were no different—fresh, slightly tangy, and just enough to whet the appetite.
- Bikini: The Spanish-style ham and cheese sandwich may seem basic, but it’s far from it. Crispy on the outside and filled with melted goodness on the inside, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Tapas,24. It’s comfort food at its best, without any unnecessary frills.
- Gambas al Ajillo: This dish was the highlight of the meal. The prawns were cooked perfectly, retaining their natural sweetness while being infused with the robust flavours of garlic and chilli. The sauce was rich and flavourful, perfect for mopping up with bread. It was a unanimous favourite at the table.
- Padrón Peppers: Though I missed taking a picture, these little green peppers were charred to perfection. Slightly smoky with a hit of salt, they were a perfect accompaniment to the meal. The occasional spicy pepper kept us on our toes, adding a bit of fun to the dish.
Tapas Menu Options at Tapas,24
| Dish Name | Description | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Olives Marinadas | Cold served assorted Spanish olives. | $10.5 |
| Bikini | Toasted sandwich with black truffles, Ibérico ham, and buffalo mozzarella. | $19 |
| Gambas al Ajillo | Sautéed prawns with garlic, chilli, and extra virgin olive oil. | $23 |
| Padrón Peppers | Lightly deep-fried Spanish peppers from Padrón. | $14.5 |
| Jamón Croquetas | Ibérico ham in homemade béchamel, lightly breaded and deep-fried. | $11.5 |
| Pan con Tomate | Spanish toasted bread with fresh Roma tomato spread, olive oil, and salt. | $9 |
| Scallop “Ceviche” | Raw scallop marinated in citrus and spices, with avocado. | $30 |
| Tomato Tártar | Fresh tomato tartare served with a side of crostini. | $15.5 |
| Puntillitas Fritas | Fried baby squid served with spicy paprika mayo and lime zest. | $15.5 |
| Spanish Tortilla | Spanish omelette with a creamy centre, available in different flavours. | $18.5 – $21 |
| Patatas Bravas | Homemade quarter potatoes with bravas sauce and all i oli, slightly spicy. | $12.5 |
| Pollo Frito con Pimientos de Padrón | Spicy fried chicken bites served with all i oli and Padrón peppers. | $28 |
| Clams in Sherry | Fresh clams flambéed in sherry wine with garlic, asparagus, and Ibérico ham. | $41 |
| Baby Scallops | Spanish baby scallops with kimchi mayo and capsicum vinaigrette. | $33 |
| Mediterranean Seabass | Seabass fillet with garlic, tomato concassé, and piparras pepper sauce. | $43 |
| Arroz Negro | Squid ink rich Spanish staple of rice with squid ink and cuttlefish. | $39 |
| Vegetariana Paella | Spanish rice dish with assorted seasonal vegetables. | $38 |
| Mar y Montaña Paella | Surf and turf paella with mixed seafood and chicken. | $40 |
Sangria & Paella Weekends
The timing of our visit couldn’t have been better. Tapas,24 had just launched their Sangria & Paella Weekends, offering a great reason to visit from Thursday till Sunday. The paella, served in a large pan, was visually impressive and packed with traditional Spanish flavours. Combined with a refreshing glass of sangria, it’s a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon. This new addition to their offerings is bound to be a hit.
The Company and Conversations
Having Antonio García Rebollar at the table added a unique flavour to the lunch. His insights into the Spanish food industry and its potential in Singapore sparked interesting discussions. We also touched on the growing appreciation for authentic Spanish cuisine in the region through programs such as ICEX, and how restaurants like Tapas,24 play a crucial role in bringing these flavours to a wider audience.
A big thank you to Perspectiva Asia for heading the Project as the PR & Marketing Agency for the campaign and Andrea Zsapka for organising and coordinating the events across Singapore for Eat Spain Drink Spain and for keeping the online platforms and app vibrant with engaging content. Your dedication ensures that Spanish food and wine culture continues to thrive here, both on the ground and in the digital space. Your hard work and passion are greatly appreciated!
Sitting next to Emőke Sasi, the Executive Director of the Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce (Singapore), was a privilege. Her dedication to fostering business connections within Singapore is truly impressive. Emőke has been instrumental in promoting islifearecipe.net to other embassies since we met, which has opened up exciting opportunities for us.
Wait until you see the new blog post later today from Brian about our lunch with the Hungarian Ambassador Judit Pach, and Embassy team, what a day we had and leant so much. Emőke’s follow-ups and support after the Spanish event have been incredible, and we are grateful for her commitment to enhancing our outreach. Emőke is now 2nd on the leaderboard, a formidable opponent to Antonio Jr. for sure!
Final Thoughts
Overall, the lunch at Tapas,24 was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The food was authentic and delicious, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the company made it all the more special. Pinaki Rath’s generosity was much appreciated, making an already great meal even more memorable, hopefully our humble blog helps keep more customer flowing.
For those looking to explore Spanish cuisine in Singapore, Tapas,24 offers a slice of Barcelona right here in Robertson Quay. With their new Sangria & Paella Weekends, it’s the perfect time to visit. Whether you’re a fan of traditional tapas or just looking for a good meal with friends, this place is worth a visit. We’ll certainly be back for more of those prawns and some Spanish cured meats!
Tapas,24 Address & Telephone
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-04 The Quayside, Singapore 238252
Telephone: +65 6513 6810
Website: tapas24.sg
