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2013-07-08
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As I sat down, I was told by Dr. N that the last time we visited this premise (back then it was still Mesa 15)(and Princess A was also present) was, according to instagram, 39 weeks ago. A lot have since then changed in my life (Princess A now engaged!); and much has changed in this same premise as well. = Numero 15, the young and hip sister branch of Mesa 15, now occupies Mesa 15's old premise on number 15 of Hollywood road (while Mesa 15 has moved to the heart of LKF). Quite a distinct ch
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Numero 15, the young and hip sister branch of Mesa 15, now occupies Mesa 15's old premise on number 15 of Hollywood road (while Mesa 15 has moved to the heart of LKF). Quite a distinct change of style - louder music, brighter lighting and a more youthful decor with large, colourful comic-style posters stretching across the wall.
A simple one page menu presenting to us an alluring range of tapas; signature dishes in shocking red, other delights in black. Compared with the old Mesa 15 menu, we could sense significantly more of an asian influence on the tapas. We were very pleased to find that prices were (excitingly ) lower and more accessible than Mesa 15. 
Salmon Trio We enjoyed the Salmon Trio as our starter. The honey mustard sauce spiked with lemon juice kept the cubed salmon fillet tartar very moist. The citrus and zesty note was refreshing yet delicate and brought out fully the fresh and natural salmon flavour. Just one piece of crispy salmon skin cracker (two please?); very crispy, but light on taste. Topped with beautiful orange salmon roes which popped and injected rich oceanic aroma to the dish. Enjoyable start.
Slow-cooked Egg, Chorizo, Mushrooms, Smoked Potato FoamI have had many variations of slow-cooked egg with potato foam before; the most recent experience being at The Principal (now that take was unbeatable ). Priced at less than half of The Principal's signature dish, but thankfully not only half as tasty. The gorgeous slow-cooked egg sat in the middle of smooth and velvety smoked potato foam. The yolk was perfect-runny and was able to give me the awe effect as I spooned it with satisfaction. The egg, as expected, paired very well with the buttery and fragrant potato foam. Generous amount of spicy chorizo and herbaceous mushrooms on the top, which added more flavours and angles to the dish. Such scumptious comfort food!
Ox Tongue SkewerThick ox tongue cubes, in threes, skewered together along a silver stick. The ox tongue was slightly marbled and nicely grilled - chewy (what make ox tongues GOOD! ), meaty and just purely satisfying as I washed it down with my glass of red. Served with spicy mojo dip (Note: mojo dips are originated in the Canary Islands and vary in spiciness). This particular one was not very spicy at all, but displayed lovely balance of garlic, paprika and citrus. Very addictive, I dressed my ox tongue with every last bit of the mojo dip on the plate.
Iberico Pork Belly BunIn my opinion, this dish was just shouting out "fusion fusion fusion". Just look at the bun, that white familiar-looking bun - yes, Chinese steamed buns (Mantou!! ). The bun was rightly warm and fluffy, sandwiched between was the most tender slow-cooked pork belly. Oh I loved the kimchi mayo ; creamy with a gentle kick of korean spice - a generous amount was applied to both sides of the bun.. drenching the pork belly. A few slices of pickled cucumber were added bringing in hints of vinegary sourness which cut through the fat and lifted you from the savouriness. Nice!
Note: Mind it, do avoid this dish if you are not okay with a bit of fat (come on it's the belly of a pig!..)... not fun trying to dissect the fat away.. and, to be honest, the beauty of the dish was the nice layers of fat.
Crispy Boneless Suckling PigYes for "boneless", but not really for "crispy". The suckling pig here at Numero 15 was a "12-hour-confit" version. The succelent, falling-apart soft meat paired very well with the sauteed alluringly-sweet apple cubes. The syrupy sauce drizzled here and there along the plate were of a spot-on and balanced sweetness level. It was a pity that the skin was not crispy.
Wagyu Beef Mini-BurgerI love burgers; but sometimes one whole big full-blown burger would be too much for me. Thanks to the invention of "mini burgers"! And this mini-burger at Numbero 15 was one great execution. Moisture was locked up in the wagyu patty within this bite-size burger. It was rich in flavours and crazily juicy. Mahon cheese is well-known for being buttery sharp; and that goodness was melted over the patty to bring in nice lemony and salty aroma. The mayo added was no ordinary mayo, but mustard mayo which successfully leveled up my taste experience. Love this!
...Tapas can be deceiving. Small bites, and you end up with many small bites. We were very full by then, but still wanted to end with something sweet. Our pick was churros, but unfortunately, it was sold out already. (oh well, I will save my calories for another time )
It was a pleasant meal.
I must admit Mesa 15 served better food (but also with steeper price tags). Nonetheless, I feel that Numero 15 has positioned itself well by distinguishing itself with its own identity (more accessible price, promising food, youthful and playful ambience). It is and will undeniably be attracting its very own fans.
Time to revisit Mesa 15; and I hope with the same crew =)
hmm.
How would you position yourself in your life?
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