El Meson is a good substitute to our usual spanish tapas joint, La Bodega. Located directly opposite Bangsar Village 2, its convenient for those whom decide to dine after a good workout session with your credit card in those very tempting boutiques. *cha-ching!*
Having been up and running since late of last year, this spanish restaurant seems to be doing well with a steady stream of patrons. The boss of El Meson now owns Yogitree, The Social, The Social 2, and Planter's Jim.
El Meson offers a wide range of Tapas that is priced at an average of RM14-RM16. There are hits and misses in the menu. In fact, i think more misses than hits for this visit. Casual atmosphere, friendly services, and convenient location would be the prime reason for further visit from us.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including tapas, pasta, paella, and BREAKFAST!! Imagine my delight when i saw that they serve "poached eggs with hollandaise sauce on toast"
When we saw the pig trotter pitiful display looking like a ballerina leg chopped off, we decide to do without pork for one night. It was unappetising like that.
Nevertheless, im a great pork lover, so i'll definitely head back to try some of their pork tapas soon. (i'll just sit on the other side of the room and pretend to forget the existence of the above)
Overall, El Meson served up some decent tapas. One thing i find about Spanish food so far, they are seldom visually appealing. We were given a small basket of bread to serve with the Tapas. But I personally prefer the toasted ones served in La Bodega.
Calamari Relleno (RM14) stuffed with Squid, Serrano and Tomato. We like it but not love it.
Albondigas (RM12)- Beef and Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce was my favourite dish of the night (i secretly thinks it all comes down to pork *i just cant resist ordering something porky*) The combinations of minced beef and pork was executed nicely with a good balance of fats and lean meat.
Champinones (RM14)- Saute Button Mushroom in garlic, wine and cream. Very forgettable, but the sauce goes well as a dip
Paella Marinara with Mussels, Squid, Prawns, Clams, Barramundi (RM58 for 2pax)
I have mix feelings about this dish. Overall the dish is pleasant enough with generous seafood toppings, but it was a little undercook and a little salty but nevertheless a luscious dish that's tinged with saffron and aromatic with its seafood ingredients. Unfortunately, the mussels i had was not that fresh.
The best paella ive had till date, strangely was in France (not Spain).
My fellow reviewer and favourite eating buddy of all time, sexy wei
Drinks are on the house. Thx El Meson! =)
The Sangria was very refreshing and fruity. I like!
Our bill came up to RM128 between two without desserts
Ratings:
Food: 6.5/10
(decent tapas)
Service: 8/10
(the managers was very attentive and talkative- too much talking perhaps? but i appreciate their effort to make us most comfortable)
Ambience: 7/10
(good for casual outings with friends)
Presentation of food: 5.5/10
Overall: 6.5/10
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El Meson
61 Jalan Telawi 3
Bangsar Baru, 59100 Bangsar
Tel: 03-22828290
