|
Original Sin
Restaurant
In fairness to all the denizens of our
community, I felt duty-bound to bring my "Grazing"
series closer to its bovine meaning and tried out this
popular vegetarian eatery in Singapore.
There are
few vegetarian Mediterranean restaurants in Singapore
(errr...actually one) and this one has garnered good
ratings. Located in Holland Village, an expatriate
ghetto just West of the main drag (Orchard Road), the
place was packed even on a Tuesday night. The clientele
was actually a mixture of expats, locals and tourists.
Sitting areas are air-conditioned inside or al fresco.
Finding parking space is a near miracle in itself, so I
advise going by taxi; 7 minutes drive from the main
drag.
Original
Sin; in Jewish, Christian and Muslim theology, the
condition of sin that marks all humans as a result of
Adam's first act of disobedience.
“Enthralled By
sin to foul, exorbitant desires.” -
Milton.
The
establishment has a disproportionately LARGE selection
of wine to satisfy its clientele. Staying with the
Mediterranean theme and in appreciation of Spain’s
support in Iraq 2003, I chose this young Rioja Alta
(1997).
Muga is a small family firm recommended
by our waiter for its reds. It was light enough for
vegetarian cuisine yet aromatic with a long finish,
which changed with each dish. The grape combination is
70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% made up with
Mazuelo and/or Graciano. The wine is aged for at least
24 months with racking every 4 months and final fining
with fresh egg white.
.jpg)
Appetizer:
Mixed Meze platter (mezedes).
From 12 o’clock: Pita
bread wedges, olives, dolmades, feta cheese, Koresh
(pumpkin mash with onion, raisins and pine nuts), Baba
Ganoush (mashed charred eggplant, tahini, lemon juice
and garlic), Tzatziki (cucumber yoghurt), Falafel
(chickpea fritters with coriander and cumin) and Hummus
(mashed chickpeas, tahini, oil, lemon juice, and
garlic).
This was a very competent rendition of
classic Mediterranean appetizers. The Baba Ganoush was
as well done it should be without reaching burnt
bitterness. The evocative smokiness of the charred
eggplant tingled four of my five senses (hearing
excepted). Like Mom's apple pie, everyone “knows” a
better version from somewhere else, but I was more than
satisfied with this incarnation.
It was like
being back in Kriti again, with balmy southerly breeze
from North Africa gently rocking the fishing boats in
the harbour as blazing Sol settled into the Aegean Sea.
Men and dogs daring to stir as the heat of the afternoon
cooled with the setting of the Sun. Charcoal fires
freshly lit sending aromas of souvlaki and bifteki into
the evening sky. In the hills, distant bells peal from
the whitewashed stone monastery. Kali oreksi
!
.jpg)
Diner
#1 entrée: Gran Moussaka with charred eggplant,
tomatoes, lentils and béchamel sauce. This is one of the
house specials and popular with the masses. I felt it
needed a little more béchamel sauce for
perfection.
.jpg)
Diner
#2 entrée: Bosco Misto (mixed forest) spinach, feta and
tofu patties with mushroom ragout and plum sauce. Do not
snigger at the "tofu patty" concept; this was really
yummy whatever the colour of your Jesus sandals. The
balsamic vinegar, asparagus and rocket (arugula) added
astringent flavours as well as visual impact to the
creamy-inside, crispy-outside patties.
.jpg)
The
Final Sin: Dark Cherry Truffle; chocolate mousse studded
with poached cherries. I do not usually make it to a
dessert course but having been so healthy thus far, I
succumbed to the seductive voice of Temptation...
Conclusion:
Original Sin provides flexibility
to accommodate vegetarian guests dining in Singapore,
apart from the usual Chinese and Indian vegetarian
fare.
We hear that the ‘Magic Mushroom’ starter,
‘Vegetable Risotto’ entrée and ‘Lemon Tart’ dessert are
the People’s Favourites. There is also a selection of
pizza and pasta to satisfy the carbohydrate
junkies.
Original Sin deserves good reviews for
both food and the huge selection of wines. It certainly
surprised the carnivores in my party who agreed to
return to try other house specials. I will search out
the Truth and report on the People’s Favourites some
day...
Photo and Text copyright Melvyn
Teillol-Foo,
2003
MTF
ThePuristS.com Wine and Food Discussion Forum |
ThePuristS.com Home Page
We welcome comments, suggestions, and corrections.
Copyright January 2003 - MTF and ThePuristS.com - all rights reserved
|