El Willy

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by Rosy Meek
on Monday, March 24, 2008 12:00 AM

There have been plenty of rumours about what was going on at Diage, and at the start of this year our fervent imaginations were fed. This fusion favourite re-opened with a new flavour in the form of El Willy, a curious choice of name guaranteed to keep tongues wagging. And rightly it should.

Set in the secluded sanctuary of a colonial villa, El Willy stands apart from the bustle of the French concession streets in more ways than one. Soft ambient music serenades you down an alleyway dotted with candlelit alcoves oozing charm before you've even stepped foot inside. Shanghai seems a world away once you've crossed the threshold, revealing a sumptuous setting accompanied by flamenco riffs. Add the spicy syllables of a sociable Spanish chef and the transformation is complete.

Plush, cushioned sofas surround intimate tables for two, shrouded by floor to ceiling drapes in vibrant Mediterranean colours. Once you've settled in for the evening, and trust me, you'll find it hard to leave, enjoy a crispy complimentary serving of 'pan con tomate' and olives. An authentically Hispanic selection of tapas are best served shared. Scallops Ceviche with avocado and crispy shallots was particularly tantalizing. Traditional gazpacho with shellfish is a steal at 32RMB. An array of paella dishes are served for two and come in their own ceramic pot adding rustic appeal (80RMB). Creamy rice with pumpkin and porcini served in a little silver saucepan is subtle yet satisfying and a splash of truffle oil ensures depth and zest (80RMB). Then came dessert brought in small white ramekins with contents of contrasting colours. Feast your senses on this crème caramel served in three ways and you'll see the proof really is in the pudding! Olé!