Tinto - Exciting, Awesome Spanish Cuisine

Whenever I think about Spanish food that tastes most Spanish, Tinto is one of the top names that come to mind. And this restaurant has been on my mind since my second visit for Gramona Wine Dinner. So when I saw the October special menu, the dishes sound so good that I know I must come here again before November.

It is pure indulgence to be dining in a rustic, stylish space filled with rattan ceiling lamps, walls of vibes, full panel windows showing the lush natural foliage outside, hemp rope lined walls, savouring delicious food that brings me to Spain, and sipping Spanish wine.

Gazpacho, a Tomato and Japanese Cucumber Soup, is so rich yet refreshing. Topped with Raspberry Vinegar for the extra oomph and Japanese Cherry Tomatoes for the extra texture, I love it that it is sweet with hint of savoury and tangy goodness. This is a soup of harmonious contrast that works brilliantly.

The complimentary bread is fluffy with crispy exterior. Good in its own, or with the olive oil, and awesome with the extra sweet balsamic vinegar. Need to press the bread down into sauce plate to absorb the sweet vinegar at the bottom.

The bread also tastes awesome when dipped with the Gazpacho.

Chipirones Renellos de Arroz Is packed with goodies, such as Baby Calamari stuffed with Paella, Squid Ink & Spanish Ham Sauce, Puffed Saffron Rice, Saffron Aioli and Chimichurri sauce. The sauce is full of robust flavours. The magic comes when savouring it with the baby squid with its mild milky briny sweetness. The result is a flavourful, complex, exciting, well-balanced dish. I also love it that the squid texture is so tender and silky smooth. The puffed saffron rice adds a nice crunchy texture to make it better.

Arroz Caldoso de Marisco is full of briny sweetness of the treasures of the sea, tempered with the mild sweet zest of tomato. This is a hearty, starchy spanish porridge with an iota of spiciness for excitement in taste. It’s so satisfying to tuck in to this dish.

Looking at the ingredients of Arroz con Leche: Blackcurrant Rice Pudding, Grape Compote, Chamomile Jelly, Grapes, I thought it will be refreshing and zesty. And this dessert surprises me in a very good way as it is rich with bursts of smooth refreshing taste. With sweetness as core and the zest that comes in subtle hints, it totally works. I also love the unique texture of rice pudding in which rice is soaked in blackcurrant milk.

A dinner at Tinto feels so perfect when paired with some Gramona wine. Pairing this Gramona Cava with the food here makes me silently go, “Yes, this is enjoyment of life!”

Thoughts: Fallen in love with Spanish Cuisine all Over again

10 Dempsey Road #01-21