El Meson @ Bangsar KL

el meson... the spanish table

I think if you have read this blog of mine long enough, you would have realised that I seldom try new restaurants. It's usually a repeat of a few restaurants that I blogged about. That's because I kept on going back to those I really enjoy and I know that they would not disappoint. In other words, I'm a "safe" kinda person and I lacked the adventurous personality when it comes to food, and everything else.

On last Friday night, if I were not to tag along with Yiling to for dinner, I would not even have tried this place until I turn 27. It just never crossed my mind because they are so many new restaurants mushrooming in the Klang Valley.

Bowl of Olives (RM8)

This is the spanish olives salted with anchovies. It's not something I would like to order but since Calvin likes it, I also took one of the smaller ones to try. I still do not like olives. Period.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (RM18)

This dish is a little confusing because when I read the name, I would have expected it to come in more than 1 mushroom! It's stuffed with minced beef and chorizo and then topped with melted cheese. Although they misled me into thinking it's more than 1 mushroom, it was still satisfying. I would think again spending RM18 on this mushroom(s).

Iberico Bellota (RM39)

Now, the disappointment sinks in. I know very well that the jamon iberico bellota is the finest jamon iberico out there because this ham is from free-range pigs that roam oak forests along the border between Spain and Portugal, and eat only acorns (bellota). And the ham is cured for 36 months. This one that we had here had barely any tastes and it's definitely not what I've eaten at my favourite Spanish restaurants. Even the colour doesn't look the grade.

Iberico Presa (RM62)

This shoulder of Iberico served with potato & bacon Dauphinoise with apple sauce should be something I recommend not to order. When we were asked how we want the meat to be prepared, we wanted it medium. But when it came, we found that the meat is well done and since it's sliced so thinly, about half a centimeter, how could the chef possibly would have made it medium? So, we asked the waitress and she took our plate to the kitchen and asked the chef. A minute later, she appeared and told us that "the chef says it's medium". That's it?!! Ok, we finished up the dish and continue to be hopeful that the next dish will be ok.

Risotto with Rabbit

I know, how could anyone would want to eat that cute little rabbit?!! Me! As long as your rabbit is not missing, don't be angry at me. This dish, served with mushrooms and truffle oil is such a letdown! I think they overcooked the meat as it tasted more like chicken than rabbit to me. Maybe they both tasted the same but I still think that they really need to improve!

The whole dinner is such a disappointment. It's not right for me to conclude that this is a no-go-restaurant because I have yet to try other dishes but certainly with these "supposedly" signature dishes, how could they go wrong? I'm not trying to boast but if you want to eat better Jamon Iberico, or better Spanish food, try Pinchos, El Cerditas & Carmen's Vinothek. They told me the jamon iberico supplies come from the same source but having eaten at Carmen's just 2 days a go before this dinner, I wasn't convinced with the explanation.

So after 200 ringgit poorer and still not satisfied, we were tempted to walk over to Nirvana for some reliable mamak food but we didn't. Yiling and I had a cup of Boost juice instead and thanks to her for footing the bill. I won't make a fuss at the restaurant when it comes to situation like this, I just won't go again if I have to pay.

El Meson espanol
No. 61-63, Jalan Telawi 3,
Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2282 8290


[Disclaimer: This is strictly my honest opinion and tastes vary with tastebuds. Please do not even waste your time trying to sue me because just like my sister, we ain't rich! Thnx]