Sporting a fabulous, dimly-hued space with lots of warm lighting and greenery, Winestone is a wine lover’s oasis away from the hustle and bustle. The wine bar boasts its own wine retail store, restaurant and cocktail bar and prides itself on serving modern European dishes as well as affordable and delicious wines that serve to both complement the food and round out the experience.
When it comes to proper wining and dining, casual and comfortable are always the vibes that we go for—and immaculate service as well for that matter—, which is what makes Winestone our immediate go-to whenever we crave for good wine that won’t take too much of a toll on our bank accounts.
New to Winstone’s repertoire of food and wine offerings is their brand new 5-course gourmet Spanish Wine Pairing Dinner Menu that you can enjoy this festive season. An opportunity for any romantic looking to impress, the dinner menu comprises a host of Spanish classics as well as 5 different wines from Spain to accompany each course.
Priced at only S$98++ per pax (minimum 2 people to dine), it’s really a steal. And to make this dinner even more spectacular for you, we’re giving you an additional 20% off this menu from now until 28 Feb 2019. All you have to do is to quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy it!
Having undergone a series of intense tasting sessions, Winestone’s sommeliers have specially curated a very specific wine list for the menu, with one unique label served with each course. Every label presents its own unique style and flavour notes that not only serves to complement the dish that it’s served with but to also give guests a memorable wine drinking experience overall.
For expert wine drinkers, we reckon that you’ll be thoroughly impressed with their selection, and for novices like us, rest assured that your palate is in good hands.
JAMON IBERICO
Designed to ease the palate in, the Jamon Iberico—that consists of two fried eggs, bread topped with a house-made tomato jam and shavings of Jason iberico—is a roller coaster of tastes, textures and flavours.
First, you get the distinct saltiness and porky flavour from the Jamon Iberico, followed by the sweet, bright hit of the tomato jam and at the end, the richness from the fried egg. Accompanying the surprisingly heavy starter is a robust red from Spain that’s dry, has good tannins and sweet, fruity undertone—perfect for cutting through the rich flavours.
GAMBAS
Served on a stone tile is the Gambas, a deep-fried duo of crispy, battered prawns an and a cod brandade served with an aioli made using roasted peppers. A classic Spanish staple that consists of poached salted cod, olive oil and potatoes, their rendition is a great example of how simple and modest ingredients can be elevated.
The texture was smooth and the flavour of the cod was prominent. It was tasty enough on its own which rendered the aioli unnecessary for the most part and we especially loved its outer crust that was both light yet crunchy.
PAELLA
A twist on the classic seafood paella of Valencia, Spain, Winestone’s rendition truly takes it up a step—a rather bold step too, if we may add—by swopping spaghetti with the traditional Spanish short-grain bomba rice.
Cooked and served in a wide, shallow-based pan, the dish boasts a fragrant complexity of smoked paprika, saffron, parsley and fresh seafood and is delightful when enjoyed with the crisp, fruity white that accompanies it.
Every component was well executed from the delicate mussels to the fresh and plump, sweet prawns, yet, as much as we enjoyed the seafood components, there was something sorely lacking, and that was a paella’s signature socarrat, or in other words, the crusty layer that forms at the bottom of the pan.
We are huge fans of creativity and chefs who take risks, but perhaps doing without rice—a paella’s key ingredient—was pushing boundaries a tad much. If not for the deliciously fruity white that was served alongside it, we probably would not have been able to finish the entire dish.
ESTOFADOS DE CARNE
Steak or beef, in particular, is the ideal foil for a good red but as to which red best matches up to it, it really depends on how the beef is prepared.
The Estofados De Carne—essentially a Spanish beef and potato stew—served as one of the two main entrées in the menu is paired with Hado, a red from the Rioja region of Spain. Made with 100% Tempranillo grapes this style of wine has a tendency to be slightly higher in alcoholic strength but with good acid and tannins to cut through the intense fat and rich flavours well.
Allowed to simmer and reduce over a long period of time in a rich broth comprising beef stock and wine, the chunks of fork-tender beef developed a deep, dark brown sheen and a delicious complexity to it. Served atop a bed of roasted potatoes and topped with pickled jalapeños and dried chilli flakes, the dish was a delightful marriage of tastes and sensations that bolded well with the vino paired with it.
Just when we thought that we could rest our palates easy, especially after all the flavour-packed dishes prior, the dinner menu ends off with yet another bout of pure decadence.
Crispy on the outside, light and soft on the inside and generously covered with ground cinnamon and sugar, the Duo Creme Catalana With Churros is quite literally the only way—at Winestone at least—to end a meal properly. Accompanying the mammoth of a churro is a teacup-full of melted dark chocolate, a Spanish custard topped with blueberries and ice cream.
Served as the vino pairing of choice is the Zeta Cava Brut, a sparkling white that boasts fragrant aromas of citrus and apple. Fresh-tasting, crisp with small bubbles, the decadent edge of the dessert was instantly cut through, making for a pleasant, clean finish—a brilliant pairing.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary, or simply to leave an impression on a first date, Winestone is probably one of the top places where you can take someone for a memorable wining and dining experience. And don’t forget to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a further 20% off your bill from now until 28 Feb 2019—exclusively for our dear readers!
Winestone
Mercure Singapore on Stevens
30 Stevens Road, #01-09
Singapore 257840
Tel: +65 6491 6100
Website: www.winestone.com.sg
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am (bar snacks are served after 10pm)
Nearest Station: Stevens / Orchard
This post was brought to you by Winestone.
Hello! You might have not known that the chef was cooking Fideua instead of Paella. Do check it out!