Que Pasa

And so we sat, and chatted, and chatted, and chatted… In the meantime, the rainy, overcast skies gave way to sunshine, then to twinkling stars, as the street lamps lit and the café emptied out…

We adjourned to Que Pasa for dinner. This pub/bar has been around for ages (more than 10 or 15 years maybe?), and I haven’t been there in a good many years. It has since re-positioned itself as a Tapas Bar, with a fairly extensive menu of light finger food. Their dishes are not the traditional Spanish-inspired tapas, instead, definitely more along the lines of American bar food with touches of traditional English pub food. Serving sizes were also American-sized, rather than traditional tapas quantities.

I wasn’t expecting much… it’s a bar… and I guess one doesn’t really go to a bar for good food. But I was surprised, and very pleasantly so. The food was good!

The mini-burgers were juicy and succulent. Tasted like home-made real beef patties, not the frozen stuff. And the wedges were really good! Crispy on the outside, very fluffy on the inside, with a nice touch of cayenne and spice.

I really liked the beef stew too. (Sorry, no pictures). Very tender beef with just enough bite, and a sprinkling of crunchy tendon. It was served with fresh, crusty foccaccia, perfect for dipping into the very flavorful, rich gravy.

Very nice deep fried wings too. Very crispy – even after the wings had gone cold.

Only the Special Selection: Assorted Tapas didn’t do very much for me. [Only remembered to take the picture after most of it was devoured! But who said food blogs are always just about pretty pictures anyway] ; ) It was a selection of three types of olives, some sautéed mushrooms, thick slices of chorizo (I think) and slices of baguette topped with slices of firm Italian cheese (not sure which). I’m not an olives person, neither am I really a sausage person. Only tried the cheese and the mushrooms. Have to admit though, from the looks of the picture, my friend did a really good job! ; D

I really enjoyed the dinner. And being a week-day evening, it was nice and quiet. No ear-splitting music, heaving crowds, nor eye-stinging smoke. The pub was fairly empty, with a laid-back, almost serene atmosphere. For once I could take in and enjoy the architecture and décor of the re-stored Peranakan heritage house that the pub was situated in. It all reminded me of the family-like atmosphere of English pubs on Sunday afternoons, when families gathered for hearty, rustic English lunches. And so we sat, ate and chatted some more, late into the night. I liked it, I liked it a lot. Definitely worth a return visit to try out some of the other dishes on the menu.

Que Pasa
7 Emerald Hill Road
Singapore 229291
Tel: 6235 6626

Food: 4 / 5
Service: 4½ / 5
Ambience: 4 / 5 (on non-weekend nights)
Price: $$

$ <15
$$ 16-30
$$$ 31-50
$$$$ 51-75
$$$$$ >75

Copyright © 2003 Renee Kho. All rights reserved.
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