In a quaint and charming boutique hotel in Duxton road resides a lovely little restaurant, Casa Mediterranea. The façade of the hotel is reminiscent of the old fading straits Chinese trading houses, while the interior evokes an understated elegance of days bygone. Casa Mediterranea itself is a modern restaurant, with a subtle touch of old-world grandeur, intermixed with mellifluous strains of Mediterranean influence. Casa Mediterranea is the newest addition to the Lotus group. Since its launch last year in September, this baby has grown outstandingly, in terms of its regulars and popularity.

• The Vibe
  Huge plush chairs give the room a regal look. With grand paintings lining the walls, and a yellowish-gold color scheme, the restaurant emanates with an old fashioned charm that is restrained, yet at the same time elegant. On first sight, it does not look typically Mediterranean. It has not the stained glasses, crushed tiles and colorful bric-a-brac that characterizes most Mediterranean eating places. Instead it is luxurious, with thick carpets and upholstery. Don't mistake its lavish exterior for pretentious extravagance or pomp. It serves many modest, home-style dishes, which are good value of money. The restaurant is always usually vibrant at night, bustling with activities. Expect a colorful and animated Belly Dance display on Fridays and an electrifying performance by the band, Los Pintos on Tuesdays.

• The Food
  The menu boasts an extensive selection of authentic Mediterranean cuisine by a top Moroccan chef. Tapas lovers will surely go nuts over the Tapas Ago-Ago nights, from Monday to Wednesday, comprising of a lovely Tapas buffet at only $39.90. Many unfamiliar and exotic names greet me as I slowly peruse the menu. Influences can be found from all the different Mediterranean countries, such as Morocco , Lebanon , France , Italy and Greece . If one is game for an adventurous gastronomical journey into the Mediterranean , then one must surely try the unique offerings of Casa Mediterranea. The light and savory Tapas dishes are ideal starters for they come in smaller portions, so one can enjoy without feeling overwhelmed. The Albondigas (Meatballs in tomato sauce) $6.00, is soft and tangy, great as a light starter. The Chorizo ($8.00) is ever popular amongst regulars. It is one of most well-loved Tapas dish in Spain . The Chorizo here is not fantastic, but it is a safe starter. As a bread lover, the Dips Trio appealed to me. Upon request, the three dips; Tzatziki-buka, ganoush and hummus are served with Pita bread. The dips are hearty and satisfying, especially if the breads are warm. The light colored hummus has a pleasant texture and is very tasty, so good it can even be eaten without bread.

  Remember not to stuff yourself silly with the wide selection of Tapas, because the Paella Valencia ($48.00) comes in huge and generous portions. This baked Spanish rice dish is infused with lots of saffron and tossed with prawn, squid, mussels, sausages and chunks of fresh tomato concasse. This is often quoted as being the “real deal”. This particular version is very moist with a rich, earthy flavor. Strongly flavored with saffron, it is very aromatic, with a deep, almost smoky taste. The rich yellow dish comes with a generous helping of seafood, all tucked within the fat pearls of rice like tiny treasures waiting to be discovered. Customers who like their paella dry with more tomato flavor may not find this version as appealing, but personally, the soft, flavorsome rice with its heady, distinctive blend of flavors worked wonders.

  End the meal with the sweet notes of the Chocolate Trio ($15.00), a sinful and decadent affair. This platter comes with three variations of chocolate desserts, changed daily. Rich and slightly bitter chocolate merges with the citrus flavors of orange, giving this dessert a refreshing and tangy twist. The chocolate cake melts gently in the mouth, the chopped nuts giving a nice, crunchy texture. For the adventurous, try a popular, traditional Greek dessert, the Baklava. ($14.00) Thin, glazed layers of filo pastry and sticky honey cake make this rich pastry a tempting dessert, or tea-time treat. The mixed nuts neutralize the cloying sweetness of this dish. If you like Turkish delight, you will revel gleefully in this sweet little number.

The SD food advisor's take on Casa Mediterranea
At first glance, Casa Mediterranean looks like any typical western restaurant. The décor is not particularly unique or mind blowing, but is simple and elegant, just like the boutique hotel it resides in. Diners or foodies tired of the usual tried-and-tested fare will find a delightful respite here, with its sumptuous offerings of authentic, traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The multifarious offerings are influenced by the different parts of the Mediterranean . The distinct and very diverse characteristics of each different part embody the cuisine. Lines merge, and cultures interweave in a wonderful celebration of the rich and vibrant Mediterranean .