The second brainchild of chef Willy Trullas Moreno, the man behind FoFo by El Willy, we went to La Paloma with high expectations and weren't disappointed. Located in up-and-coming Sai Ying Pun, the restaurant boasts an on-trend urban-chic ambience and a cosy atmosphere that's perfect for groups of friends or families to kick back and enjoy the hearty Spanish tapas. We started with the bacon con queso - bacon and cheese explosive air baguettes (HK$68). The bite-sized bacon-wrapped, cheese-filled bread all but melted in our mouths. The pulpo a la gallega - octopus with potato, smoked paprika and olive oil (HK$115) - also offered an authentic taste of Spain. For a taste of home cooking, we opted for the meatballs (HK$68), which also did not disappoint thanks to their creamy, hearty sauce that was soaked up by diced potatoes. La Paloma means pigeon in Spanish, so one should not dine here without ordering the pigeon with foie gras (HK$398). While we found the bird to be a bit too gamey, the foie gras and roasted vegetables perfectly complemented the meat. The paella Valenciana (HK$328), a signature style of paella, was a delight and had us scraping off the pan. Be warned, though - the portion is large and best suited for more than two people, so either bring other diners or bring an appetite. La Paloma 1/F, SoHo 189, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun tel: 2291 6161 www.facebook.com/Lapalomahk
