Paprika & Cumin @ Chijmes

This is a Pan-European Mediterranean gastropub with a bar counter boasting more than 200 wine labels and cocktails.

And what's to do for a non-alcoholic like I?

We eat.

Fill up the tummy, I shall!

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Bruschetta

As I worriedly held onto the bruschetta, I wondered how much of the crisp baguette I could take.

And it was love, and ease at first bite.

I've got tooth issues and they don't do well with anything too hard.

So it was a huge relief to bite into only a crisp exterior and a soft interior.

The minced garlic and diced tomatoes were a delightful burst of refreshing flavour.

Simple.

But a winner in every way.

Tournedos Rossini

Foie gras balancing precariously atop a thick slice of beef.

I'm nary a fan of this. Those images of violence too cruel for me to enjoy this.

So I tried a small piece of foie gras which was pan fried to a delicate crisp. 

The liver melted immediately in my mouth.

Mmm.

Taking my first cut into the thick piece of beef, I was presently surprised to see that it was wrapped with a piece of bacon.

Keeping all the juices of the beef locked within.

This was a medium well order with a slightly pinkish hue in the interior.

The beef was full on flavour.

I was full but I could hardly pass up a dish of red meat just like that!

Chilean Sea Bass

A substantial chunk of sea bass arrived on a platter of happy summer colours.

Thick flaky pieces of fish fell apart just with the use of a fork.

This was a brilliant departure from the rich taste of the red meat.

But taken on its own, could be a little bland for some.

The sweet potato patty on the bottom would've been better if there was the addition of some crab meat for an added dimension to taste.

Perhaps a little more sauce to be served on the side as well?

It does get a little too dry with all the pan crusted fried items on this plate, as a matter of personal opinion.

Apple Filo Pastry with Vanilla Ice Cream

Now this.

Was a paradoxical surprise waiting to be unwrapped.

Altogether hot and cold.

Sweet and salty.

Crisp and moist.

This was my idea of a perfect end to a delicious meal.

I was expecting diced apple pieces alike those in the apple pies from McD's

But in that parcel?

It was a whole apple cored and held together a deliciously creamy cinnamon filling.

Eaten with the crisp warm filo pastry outside and topped with a nib of cold vanilla ice cream.

Aaaahhh.

I'd be back for this.

Just because,

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Right? :)

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