Mediteca Tapas Bar (2181 -2426) is one joint i never knew was there until i paid a visit. It’s got a great spot, smack downtown at Fraser Place, and occupies the front of the building. The set-up is stylish.

Checked it out on a Sunday afternoon for a cocktail session. The place has a little bar as well, but we opted for a table by the all-glass wall. As in floor-to-very-high-ceiling glass! Nice.

Mediteca’s Sunday Happy Hours here is one of its unique features. It applies a trend that began in bars in Milan, Italy, called Aperitivo alla Milanese, where patrons get complimentary buffet food when they drink.

When we were there, the Sunday cocktails were focused on aperitifs, mainly Campari-based ones. The cocktail specials changes every Sunday. Guests can opt for beer or wine as well for this unique happy hour.

The afternoon began with a Negroni (Campari, Martini Rosso & gin), which is a classic ol skool cocktail. Bittersweet, quite balanced, tho i let the ice melt a lil to dampen the sweetness. A slice of fresh orange adds some refreshment.

Campari is an Italian liqueur, an infusion of herbs and fruit, and to me, is very bitter.

A variation of the Negroni, the Negroni Sagliatio (or the bungled negroni), rocked my boat. There’s fizziness, with some prosecco taking the edge off, adding that light champagne sweetness; makes it fruity even. Awesome.

The Aperol Spritz is a mix of prosecco, Aperol and soda. It’s a tarty sparkling wine cocktail, with the Aperol introducing itself at the end with a bitter-orange finish, as it’s an orange liqueur.

We tried the Americano too, which tastes a lot like the Negroni, ‘cept gin is switched for Martini Rosso.

Mediteca’s strawberry daiquiri is well-made, strong, with a good consistency.

We tasted the outlet’s house prosecco, and it was quite pleasant – medium to dry, the right fizz, and a sweet-sour tinge that lingers for a bit.

 

Good marks on all the drinks. All spirits used are premium, none of ’em moonshine many bars use.

The food: it’s light Mediterranean stuff; crowd-favourites like pizza, breads n dips, seafood paella, some interesting sauces n salads, and a couple of other light bites. The olive oil-drenched pesto salad was funky. Weird. Me liking a salad is like an alco liking a shandy.

Sumtin called a spelt salad.

Basically what’s laid out, changes. It’s whatever the chef can cook up on that day. It’s not meant to be a meal, but a snack with drinks, or as a pre-dinner session. However, food quality is decent. I had no issues with anything i had.

Loved the potato chips, which came in soft slices. Unreal.

To enjoy the spread of Mediterranean grub, all you need to do is enjoy the cocktails, which are generally about $28.75 nett.

This Milanese happy hours thing could grow on me. And i like the spot too. Should be hitting it again in the future. Very likely to blaze their Saturday Prosecco Brunch as well, from noon till 3pm. They got cheese too.

Cheeeeese…

Cost is $135.70 NETT, with all-you-can-drink prosecco.

It’s a sweet deal, if i stay sober on Friday nite.

 

Brain damage: 8/10