My Little Tapas Bar: Gin Choices Galore and More

My Little Tapas Bar sits at the heart of Tanjong Pagar amidst soaring steel constructions of commerce, akin to an oasis of gin-soaked idyll amongst captains of industry. Strung out or perhaps just “hazed” out, I was dying for chilled end-of-the-work-day Gin & Tonic. Looking to drown the daily stresses with a tall cool one, I soon discovered you could literally drown yourself with the sheer number of G&T variations on offer at My Little Tapas Bar.

My Little Tapas Bar boasts a selection of 17 different brands of gin to pick from and an option of throwing in three more ingredients from a long list that range from lychee and lemongrass to blueberries and basil. I was told a purported 3000 combinations is possible. Fret not if you are at a loss – the barman will be on hand to recommend the best blend.

Gin cocktails are priced from S$18 with an additional S$6 for using a premium brand of gin. Approaching the bar gingerly, the professional behind proffered a spicy number. “Ginger, citrus & lemongrass,” he announced.

Expecting nothing short of nausea, I braced myself for the first gulp. Wholly unnecessary drama was playing in my mind; the mix was slightly spicy owing to the included ginger but as it turned out, it was an absolutely delicious drink, with the orange imparting sweetness and making it a very refreshing.

The tamer and more familiar lychee martini also did not disappoint; it was sugar-coated friendly with an adequate dose of alcohol, served in a generously sized glass.

 

Apart from the gin tonics that were being highlighted, we were also treated to a sampling of the chef’s creations. On the table were indispensable favourites like Coca (Spanish pizza), Croquettas and Patatas Bravas, amongst others. Most notable was the pork cheek and potato puree hor d’ouevres which were satisfyingly savoury and yet light enough for me to fit in  a dozen extra servings. Also recommended was the Cigarillos stuffed with Valdeon blue cheese and Jamon. But don’t just take my word for it, the extensive menu boasts many more entries that look absolutely exciting.

Helmed by partners Maria Sevillano and Edward Esmero, My Little Tapas Bar is part of a growing business that includes My Little Spanish Place in Bukit Timah. Chef Esmero, whose bubbly personality shone as he mingled with the crowd, strives to serve authentically prepared and tasting Spanish cuisine that even Spaniards would wake up with cravings for.

Chef Sevillano, the business brains behind the place, conceptualised the warm and familiar atmosphere that makes every diner feel like a guest. The décor comes straight out of the Spanish restaurant designer’s play book. The raw brick walls evoke the sunny agricultural south, and the racks of wine and large legs of Jamon serve to complete the illusion that you are travelling in the Iberian Peninsula.