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The Tapas Tree

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The Tapas Tree
published on Jan 15 2008 - 09:11

The Tapas Tree franchise – now three-strong with outposts in Changi Village, Clarke Quay and One Fullerton ­ – makes a neat and unexpected rebuttal to the charge that all budget chain restaurants are peddlers of mediocrity. Happily, this lively, ever-popular trio of Spanish specialists manages to sidestep the usual pratfalls common to outlets of a similar ilk: a lack of culinary ambition, zero atmosphere, slightly crappy food and anonymous, if not totally inept service.

For a start, the designers have clearly been to Spain. The decor is warm and well considered with terracotta flooring, yellow-washed walls, sympathetic lighting, mosaic-tiled tables and those cool, ’20s Berlin-style fans. All right, so there’s the odd picture that looks like it could have been lifted from the waiting room of a Romanian dental surgery, but it’s mostly a winning effort. It feels homely, working to achieve a Spanish personality rather than just a theme.

Paella is available, but plays second fiddle to the tapas. The menu is huge, which usually makes for a dim portent for quality – but not here. All the classic tapas standards are present and correct: patatas bravas were many in number but could have been more crispy; the nicely salted calamares fritos were chewy and arrived with a generous dollop of zesty garlic aioli; the sautéed mussels were big and meaty with a rich, herb-flecked spicy tomato sauce. Further down the menu there’s evidence the kitchen works hard to deviate from cliché and show some flair: try the braised duck breast in orange sauce or the baked scallops in saffron sauce, both standout winners.

Unusually for a Spanish joint, The Tapas Tree makes quite a substantial nod to vegetarian types who are, quite rightly, treated with widespread suspicion in Spain given the country’s quasi-religious appetite for cured meats and shellfish. Sautéed artichoke hearts with olive oil and garlic sauce were tender and artfully presented. Drinks are fairly priced, service chipper: for anyone looking for a walk-up or a decent spot by the river in Clarke Quay, you could do much worse than here.

The Tapas Tree, 3D River Valley Road #01-08 Clarke Quay; Block 5 Changi Village Road; 3 Fullerton Road #01-04 (6837 2938, www.thetapastree.com). Open 11.30am-midnight, Mon-Thu; 11.30pm-1am Fri-Sun. Tapas $5-$18.

The Tapas Tree details

Address
#01-08, Block 3D
Clarke Quay

Transport
Nearby Stations: Clarke Quay

Telephone 68372938

Open Open 11.30am-midnight, Mon-Thu; 11.30pm-1am Fri-Sun

The Tapas Tree website


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Distances are estimatives, and are calculated as a straight line between the two venues. Current walk or drive distance may vary.
Distances are estimatives, and are calculated as a straight line between the two venues. Current walk or drive distance may vary.
 

Readers' comments

  • N V said: “Favourite!”

    This place makes anyone feel relaxed with comfy cushion seats, good lighting and some nice spanish music! The drinks are good and their churros rock. LOVE IT! :)

    Posted on Thu 01 Oct 2009 19:03:54

  • Sherlyn Goh said: “Awesome food and ambience!! ^^”

    I went to this posh Spanish restaurant with my distant cousin, Cheryl on 11/2/2008 for our dinner and I really like the food, it's just so awesome and the ambience's uniquely romantic.. :) The food's still affordable and delicious, raring to get back there next time!! xD

    Posted on Thu 27 Mar 2008 00:31:49

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