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2013-04-10
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It is always exciting to try out new restaurant. Quemo opened last week quietly but the food has a lot to rave about. I found out the name means "Hot" or "Beware" and is commonly used amongst chefs. The team behind this place is impeccable. While Tony the manager comes from ABAC (Michelin 2 star) , the two executive chefs Quim comes from El Quim de Boqueria (rated best tapas bar in Barcelona) and Aitor Olebaiyor won the Best Young Chef in Spain in 1999. The restaurant which has a rustic conte
The restaurant which has a rustic contemporary design lined with aged wood,mediterranean tiles and ambience lighting is not unlike the restaurants you find in Barcelona. It sets you into the perfect mood for the food to follows. Tony was kind enough to offer us a sangria which he aged for a week with many ingredients and it is refreshing and thirst quenching. He also recommended a bottle of 2011 Honoro Vera (100% granache) which was chosen as the official wine for the Oscar Award Gala Dinner. I was delighted to be drinking the same wine that Ben Afflek and Ann Hathway drank that night.
The food we orderd are:
1)Pregnant tomatoes - filled with smoked fish and the taste is fresh and appetizing. The savoury smokiness and the tangy tomato combines to give a great uplifting flavor.
2)Stuffed Squid- The squid is stuffed with minced pork and vegetables. The combination with thick black ink sauce produce a strong lasting savoury seafood flavour in the mouth.
3)Oyster burger- the sweet potato bun is home made and combined with froe gras, oyster ,tangy sauce and crunchy sesame brings a unique texture and taste that is new to the palate.
4)Mediterranean rice- The mussels comes seperately from the bomba rice which makes this dish appealing. For one order you can taste two dishes. The aroma of the rice brings memory of seaside holidays. Caramelized perfectly, the texture and taste is as authentic as you can get. This is best paella i ever had.
Overall, I am glad the food is not molecular at all. It is rustic cooking raised to a new level with traditional recipe and modern technique. The portion is also generous and satisfying. We are quite full and had no room for dessert. Tony said that i must try the liquid bonbon next time.
Quemo also has two terraces which is ideal for a cigar smokers like me. The only fault i can find is there is no umbrella yet in the terrace. The total bill comes to about $300 per person. It is reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. They must have chosen the name right as this restaurant will be a "HOT" restaruant in town.
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