Lunch Course Review at La Concha Avenueel in Jamsil
Seoul, Songpa District, Olympic-ro, 300 잠실 에비뉴엘 6층
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Lunch at La Concha Avenueel
Today, I am sharing a review of the lunch course I enjoyed at La Concha Avenueel, located in Jamsil Lotte Avenueel.
This restaurant recently opened and specializes in Spanish cuisine, which piqued my curiosity.
Having visited Spain nearly a decade ago and remembering the delightful food, I had high expectations.
Location & Atmosphere
The restaurant is situated in Jamsil Lotte Avenueel.
True to its location, the overall atmosphere is calm and luxurious.
Unlike the lively and bustling vibe typical of Spanish restaurants, La Concha offers a more organized space, making it suitable for lunch gatherings or dates.
The spacing between tables is generous, allowing for a comfortable dining experience.
Lunch Course Composition
The lunch course begins with an "amuse-bouche" featuring a combination of ham and various ingredients for a delightful bite-sized experience.
Next, the tapas include burrata cheese and ham croquettes.
For the main course, you can choose between two types of pasta or squid ink paella.
(If you go with two people, you can choose two options.)
We opted for gambas al ajillo and squid ink paella.
The dessert seems to change daily; we were served vanilla ice cream topped with nuts.
Additionally, we ordered the "Summer of Spain" to enjoy ham and melon.
(The names of the individual menu items are quite amusing!)
We also ordered a glass of sangria and an orange juice-based cocktail.
Now, let's dive into the menu review!
Lunch Course Menu Review
Drinks (Sangria & Orange Cocktail)
Both drinks were pleasantly sweet and refreshing, perfect for cleansing the palate. The sangria, being red wine-based, paired well with the ham.
Amuse-bouche (Mini Ham Skewers)
The mini ham skewers came with melon jelly, olives, and tomato bread.
Each had its unique charm; the combination of tomato bread and ham was a classic success.
Although I was initially concerned about the salty combination of ham and olives, it surprisingly enhanced the flavors. As for the melon jelly... honestly, I would have preferred just a piece of melon.
Tapas (Burrata Cheese / Croquettes)
The first tapa featured burrata cheese with olives, cherry tomatoes, and a walnut candy, which was unexpectedly delightful.
The familiar taste of olives and tomatoes was comforting.
The second tapa was a bite-sized ham croquette. While the cream inside was decent, the ham flavor was quite mild, which was a bit disappointing.
Now, onto the main event!
Gambas al Ajillo
The gambas al ajillo had a subtle garlic and olive oil aroma, offering a clean and savory taste. The shrimp were fresh and had a nice texture.
While it wasn't an extraordinary flavor, it was a well-prepared dish.
Squid Ink Paella
The squid ink paella was visually striking. The rice grains were perfectly coated without being mushy, and the seafood flavors blended well.
There were clams hidden within, which added a pleasant surprise. The combination of grilled white fish with the paella was also superb.
The ink from the squid lent a richer flavor, although it wasn't overwhelming.
Additional Item (Ham & Melon)
We also ordered the ham and melon as an additional item. The combination of salty ham and sweet melon was a classic and stable flavor.
Fresh mint was also sprinkled on top, enhancing the dish with a refreshing scent.
(The taste was satisfying, but I found the price a bit steep.)
Dessert (Ice Cream)
For dessert, we had vanilla ice cream topped with nuts. The ice cream had a richer flavor than regular vanilla and paired well with the nuts.
The plating was beautifully presented, resembling a flower!
✨ Overall Impression
La Concha Avenueel's lunch course is great for atmosphere, reasonably priced for the menu and space, and offers a pleasant environment.
However, if you're looking to explore various Spanish dishes, the price might be a bit high, and I would recommend going to Itaewon instead.
I also think it would be fine to order à la carte next time. If I return, I might try the regular seafood paella with additional sides instead of the squid ink version.
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