Since Whitegrass wasn’t opened on Monday, I settled for my second choice, El Mero Mero with no regret. Likewise, it is located at CHIJMES too. I was glad it turned out well since it was a birthday treat for a beloved friend. My friend enjoyed the food so do I.
Since the name El Mero Mero has a meaning of best in Mexican lingo as such it aims to excite and delight diners with the very best contemporary Mexican cuisine.
El Mero Mero offers both indoor and al fresco dinning to diners. Interior is decked in contemporary theme. The tables were placed neatly in a repeated pattern but a little too close with almost no privacy. A Bar is suited outside the restaurant with a direction facing the restaurant.
On its menu were 5 main categories, namely Botanas (Small Plates), Tacos, Quesadillas, Josper Charcoal Grill Oven and Dessert. We tried to order one dish from each category but failed to as we didn’t order any from the Quesadillas.
We started with the Small Plates. First was the El Mero Mero Ceviche ($18) filled with diced raw Octupus, Prawns, Wild Fish, avocado soaked in bloody Mary sauce. Bloody Mary is basically spiced tomato sauce. The contents are in a glass chilled in a bucket of crushed ice. A piece of crispy taco covered the glass and topped with more avocado and a lime. We were informed by the service crew to break the taco and allow the avocado to get into the glass of sauce. Followed by squeezing the lime. And now, we are ready to enjoy. It was sourish and yet refreshing. The bloody mary didn’t mask the sweetish of the seafood instead complemented it. I suspect some may find the dish a little too sour for their liking. But my guest and I enjoyed the dish.
The second small plate was the Street Corn Sampler ($14). This small plate is made up of 2 items; the grilled baby corn and Huitlacoche Donut. A tube of Cotija & chili Mayo was provided and you could bring home if you like. I enjoyed the donut more than the grilled baby corn. The donut was soft, spongy, fluffy, bread like and lightly sweet.
Grilled Free-Range Chicken Tacos ($16) was absolutely heavenly. The grilled chicken together with Guacamole, Pickled Red Onion, Spicy Popcorn sat on the freshly made Corn Tortilla. All the ingredients harmonises and bringing each to its best.
Moving on to the Josper Charcoal Grill Oven, 4 out of 11 were beef selection. But we went for prawns and we chose Enchiladas Verdes ($24). The tiger prawn was rolled in the corn tortilla topped with melted mozzarella soaked in a bed of spicy creamy Tomatillo Salsa. We felt this dish was disappointing. First the ratio of prawns to tortilla wrap was low. Next, we could savour the prawn flavour. The prawns were dry and skimpy.
Desserts choices were limited but were attractive. We were contemplating between Churros and Chocolate sauce ($14) and the Mexican Chocolate ($16). We find favour in the latter. The Mole Chocolate Ganache with a Passion Fruit Milk and Sesame Tile was served in a Cocoa Pod looking Ceramic bowl. The chocolate ganache was lightly bittersweet. It was the Passion Fruit Milk that elevated the tasting experience.
Last but not least, the Chocolate with Tequilia was served to end with a sweet note.
NAHMJ Verdict
We were very pleased with the El Mero Mero dishes in general except for one of our order. We enjoyed the food, the service and the ambience too. NAHMJ would enjoyed the El Mero Mero Ceviche, Grilled Free-Range Chicken Tacos is a must and Mexican Chocolate.
El Mero Mero
30 Victoria Street #01-20, Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 6337 1377
Website: http://www.elmeromero.sg/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Mero-Mero/526616290798428
Opening Hours
Sunday – Thursday 1200 to 1400, 1800 to 2300; Friday – Saturday 1200 to 1500, 1800 to 2300
Getting There
By MRT:
- East-West line or North East line – City Hall station
- Circle line – Bras Basah station
By Bus:
- alight at Cathedral of Good Shepherd along Victoria Street 130, 133, 145, 197, 851, 960
- alight after CHIJMES along Victoria Street 2, 12, 33, 147, 190
- alight at NTUC Income along Bras Basah Road 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 131, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 175, 502, 518, 700, 700A, 857
- alight at Hotel Grand Pacific along Victoria Street 2, 7, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80
- alight at Stamford Centre along Hill Street 124,147, 166, 174, 174e, 190
- alight at Capitol Building along Stamford Road 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 131, 162, 162M, 167, 171, 175, 700, 700A, 857, 971E
- alight at St Andrew Cathedral along North Bridge Road 61, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197
- alight opp Penisular Centre along North Bridge Road 32, 51, 63, 80, 195, 851, 961
Rating: 7.5/10
