This was truly a culinary tasting adventure: 23 Spanish tapas-styled dishes spanning over 2 hours. And the best part – every one of them incorporated some aspect of molecular gastronomy; a science-infused dinner for the curious at heart! It was unlike any experience we had ever had before. They do require you to complete their reservation request form and send it back to them at least 2 weeks prior before your reservation can be confirmed. You definitely need to reserve in advance because there are only have 2 “shows” per night from Wed to Sun at 5:30pm and 8:30pm, and each show can only accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It is a very intimate gathering, and one we recommend at least once in your lifetime!
Reminiscent of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, each guest gets a golden ticket along with a copy of the menu. On the back of the ticket is the date, seat number, and showtime attended. They require you to arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can meet follow guests and be introduced to a beverage menu. This dinner is not budget friendly; the cost of drinks are in addition to the $195 per person spectacle. After taxes and gratuities, you are looking at spending at least $550 per couple. If you participate in the wine pairing then that is an additional $300 per person!
Let the magic begin!
Everyone sits around in a semi-circle. In the centre are the chefs: there are 2 main chefs for the show, at least other 2 apprentices, 1 sommelier, and another waitress in the room. In the back are the kitchen staff and the “real chefs” who are actually preparing the food. The show chefs add the finishing touches like truffle oil, edible flowers, and other garnishes to each dish. Everything comes out quickly, but you never feel overwhelmed. Each dish is just a biteful to savour and before you know it, you’re on to the next. This was one of the highlights of our trip!
Rebujito, an alcoholic drink meant to stimulate your palate
Our side order of Chamomile tea with honey
Truffle Cotton Candy and Idiazabal “Macaron”
Apple “Brazo De Gitano”
Special Spanish glass for alcohol
Nitro Almond Cup
Barquillo
Meijillones in Escabeche
Merienda
Crispy Chicken Skin En Escabeche
Cava Sangria
Artichoke Puree with Vanilla
Lobster with Citrus & Jasmine
Fabes Con Jamon
Kokotxas Al Pil-Pil with Squid Ink Sauce
Whole Lobe of Foie Gras Baked in Salt
Secreto of Iberico Pork with Squid and Celery Foam
Torta Pascualete with Cotton Candy
Flan
Pan Con Chocolate
Arroz Con Leche
Cocoa Paper with Dried Strawberry
25 Second Bizcocho and Chocolates
Each guest is numbered, and recorded in a guest book
Inside this “book,” with the centre hollowed out, is the receipt in the form of a bookmark plus as a copy of the menu as a keepsake. Very clever design!
