Catalunya’s terrific cocktail list is an extension of the creativity and skill of its talented kitchen.
Nowadays we do not only measure a good restaurant by how good the food and wine list is. Increasingly, cocktails have become part of the equation. Having a great cocktail list at a restaurant is not only modern, but has also become an extension of the creativity and skill of the kitchen.
Catalunya is a restaurant that pays as much attention to the cocktail list as it does to the wine list and food menu. Mixologist Dario Nocentini was recruited from Barcelona with the task of creating innovative and delicious tipple to pair with the restaurant's equally scrumptious food. Nocentini has created a beautiful menu that uses top quality ingredients that are often uncommon and surprising.
Our favourite is the Mexican Spell, a delicious cocktail infused with a variety of fresh wild mushrooms! The result is terrific as the mushrooms enhance the smoky and earthy characters of the Gran Centenaro Reposado Tequila and Mezcal Del Maguey Vida. The flavours are balanced perfectly with lemon and grapefruit.
Another interesting drink is the Mediterraneo, a cheese-based cocktail. Yes, cheese. Nocentini selected Idiazabal cheese, a cheese that is created from sheep's milk and is native to the Basque Country in Spain. The result is surprisingly well-balanced and the taste of the cheese is difficult to isolate. The cocktail is created with Spanish Sherry, Gin, Amaretto, honey, rosemary and lime. This ingenious cocktail is a must-try, not just because it is a novelty, but because it is delicious.
Nocentini's cocktails go perfectly with the selection of tapas that the restaurant offers. Try the ham, cheese and truffle bikini as well as the tangy tomato tartar confit.
The Fullerton Pavillion, 82 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6534 0886.
