/ Reviews / Spanish
From Catalonia with Love
by Jaki Faulkner
on Friday, July 08, 2011 12:00 AM
Descended from the beloved Spanish restaurant Bonito, El Patio is on the way to becoming just as well established as its predecessor. Serving tapas in a French Concession villa, many of the loyal customers that flocked to Bonito when it was in the Loft complex have now moved to nestle on the outside terraces of this beautiful FenYang Road spot, tempted by the decent menu and the sunny service.
Outdoor space abounds, hence the name, and you can while away the sunny Shanghai evenings amongst their Seville orange furnishings and pristine al fresco area.
It's already been a year since El Patio opened. To mark its first birthday celebrations this month, its top floor has been converted into the Bubbles Bar, which will feature "sparkling wines, Spain's best kept secret", according to the management. Expect a range of fizzing Freixenet, late summer evenings spent lounging around in their handmade furniture and a pretty little space under the eaves that will further add to the allure of El Patio's reputation for being a great date spot.
El Patio has also become renowned for faultless presentation. Premium sirloin steak with foie gras (RMB198) is just beautiful, laid out on a corn sauce, and served with handmade cranberry sauce and mango jam. The only weak dish is the fried baby squid (RMB88). Imported from Spain, it comes out dry and chewy.
Roast lamb is tender and really worth its RMB98 price tag. This is the kind of lamb dish where you are encouraged to rub the rosemary in between your palms, surrounding yourself in the herb's pungent aroma.
For a great tasting desert, the sea salt and chocolate with olive oil on mini toasts is a must (RMB62), but the Catalan crème with white chocolate ice cream is simply dreamy and well worth a minor splurge at RMB68.
Top off your dining experience with a cheeky spiced plum wine flavored with ginger and Sichuan pepper for a scintillating digestive.
One year on, El Patio is still cooking up delicious Spanish cuisine.
