Showing posts with label barfood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label barfood. Show all posts
Caffe B celebrates its new location on Club Street with a Spankin' New Bar Bites and Drinks Menu
Labels:
bar bites,
barfood,
club street,
cocktails,
new openings,
pubfood,
relocation,
restaurants
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After six years at Marina Bay Sands, Caffe B has recently moved to 64 Club Street and introduced a brand new menu in light of its relocation. Helmed by Executive Chef Masanao Saito, the restaurant bar offers diners a melting pot of Japanese-Italian dishes with a very unique spin. We had the chance to sample some of their new bar bites and drinks and for the most part of it, were smitten.
[Weekend Pick]: Potato Head Folk for killer burgers and cocktails
Labels:
barfood,
burgers,
cocktails,
comfortfoods,
fries,
keong saik,
large groups,
restaurants,
will return
·
It's Friday. What could be more perfect than grounded meat seared to Maillard reaction glory between two sweet slices of buns? Maybe that old-fashioned you're holding in your other hand while studying the bewitching cross-sectional view of the burger. A burger is a simple premise, but doing them well is a dark art. For me, Potato Head Folk has always been on my radar (view here and here) and in a world where consistency is scarce, repeated visits have proven their culinary pedigree.
But first, the illicit goods.
The Wildseed Bar: Where the kitchen takes one step closer to nature.
Labels:
affordable,
barfood,
cocktails,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
nature,
Seletar,
will return
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At Wildseed bar, one floor below the rustic Summerhouse dining room in Seletar, you're already exposed to the elements of nature. We suppose a strong gust of wind during a major downpour would soak those chiffon skirt endings or the still humidity in the air just before the storm hits, will render you listless and grumpy. But, fortunately for us, none of that today. The cascading sun radiating warm golden rays of sunshine across the magenta hued skies. If there was a perfect time to be nursing a cocktail, it would be now. And for that reason, I held on to my Grapefruit Negroni ($18) with fervour; it's absolute bitterness hugging the taste buds with warm familiarity.
The Wildseed Bar has recently revamped its menu to incorporate more nature-inspired elements, with a stronger relation to the sprawling garden at its foot, and locally sourced produce. The cocktails reflect the same conviction. One of my favourite being the Sunkiss ($18) - whimsical pulses conveyed through raspberry liquor - chambered, cointreau, fresh orange, cream and rosella; the overall mix tasting like a cross between a red velvet cake and strawberry milkshake. Sounds delightful? It is.
Operation Dagger: #6 in Asia's 50 Best Bar launches new seasonal menu
Labels:
barfood,
bars,
cheese,
cocktails,
will return
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Bone marrow, tomato beer, fermented red cabbage, cucumber skin and goats cheese? I threw a furtive uneasy glance at Luke Whearty as he hands me the new seasonal menu of 'dangerous drinking water' and 'natural' ferments, comfortably bubbling away underneath the staircase leading down to the tipple dungeon.
Recently awarded #6 in Asia's 50 Best Bars, Operation Dagger is in a world of its own, especially where speakeasies are slowly bed-ridden in a twist of fate, and Asian-themed libations to match Mod-Sin cuisine are superfluous. This strikingly raw bedecked bar has no identity problem. Drinks are cutting edge with the star power being it's holistic savoury approach. No need for solid sustenance here when you can get flavors as arresting as banana bread and fermented coconut wine translated into joy juices.
Provisions: Asian Skewers and Claypot Rice with a necessary side of Alcoholic Libations
Labels:
barfood,
claypot,
cocktails,
dempsey,
fusion,
hidden finds,
mod sin,
modern,
southeast asian,
will return
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"Can I get you a drink, to start?". The keywords - to start - lighting the flames of ignition for a healthy night of libations afterwards. The moment those words escaped the lips of Head Bartender/Co-Owner KC Rahmat, this opened the flood gates to my imbibe-obsessed mind. I caught a glimpse of a bead of sweat rolling down his brow as I tossed him one challenge after another. Regrets. Retiring the night with his version of the vesper with suze bitter, gin mare gin and infused vodka, this lethal tipple carried waves of repercussions in its clear conscious.
Provisions is the newest Asian Skewers and claypot rice concept to grace the gentrified stretch of establishments on Block 7 of Dempsey Hill. It's an interesting premise, the industrial chic space exuding wintry vibes which goes hand in hand with the fuss-free, no service approach; whilst on the flip side, wooden fixtures and long tables manage to elicit thoughts of communal dining. A wild child that bears a certain sense of eccentricity, essential to standing out in the populous precinct.
Ding Dong: runs the night with their New Menu
Labels:
amoy street,
barfood,
cocktails,
fusion,
large groups,
local food,
must go,
special occasion,
telok ayer
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There's just something about Ding Dong after dark that has got me charmed. I'm bought into the lure of a lardaceous affair of Pork Trotters in between alcoholic thirst quenchers; the illustrious neon lights reflecting off mahogany wood table tops hitting the spot where party vibes are concerned. The menu needs little decoding, recently revamped by new Assistant Head Chef Miller Mai under the guidance of Chef Ryan Clift, it screams of modernised childhood nostalgic dishes and some of which are stellar. While the food is loosely based on local favourites, the kitchen pushes far beyond those boundaries. Subverting and reinventing dishes, Ding Dong targets a new generation of novelty-seeking urban diners. I, for one am extremely grateful for this tenant on the mega food-centric Amoy Street.
Lucky Bar: Asian Inspired Libations in the heart of Holland Village
Labels:
barfood,
cantonese,
chinese food,
cocktails,
hidden finds,
holland village,
might return,
romantic
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Seasoned observers who have visited the dining room of Full of Luck Club's sprawling 2nd storey complex would have noticed the little space in the back with the words 借酒消愁 splashed on it's grey washed walls. This is to become Lucky Bar which has recently rolled out proper operations as the neighbourhood cocktail bar or watering hole, a role that's in dire need of filling since it's haydays as a expat region shrouded in cheap beer towers and shisha smoke. This may just be the perfect solution to anyone looking for a late night hang in Holland Village without the guilty calories of a chocolate mud pie or ice cream sundae.
Borrowing the tricks of a successful genre, Lucky Bar offers an Asian-inspired cocktail program deployed with the additional arsenal of a full fledged Cantonese kitchen to provide the creative muscle in the food department.
Atlas Bar: More than just that Gin Tower
Labels:
bar,
barfood,
cocktails,
girls night out,
must go,
restaurants,
sgcocktailfest,
will return
·
With Singapore Cocktail Festival out of the way, life dulls down to a certain state of normalcy and I can finally catch a breath or two without having to sip on my fancy old fashioned in between.
Still, life and food revolves around the general bar-hopping practices, and if there's one thing I've noticed in terms of bar trends - standard of food is of paramount importance to the viability of the bar. Especially if you're looking to retain your drinking cliente for longer periods. Some of my recommendations for good tipples paired with equally satisfying nosh, include Tippling Club, Employees Only, new kid on the block, Cracker Jack, Neon Pigeon, 28HKS and Sugarhall. What's next?
For drink chasers whose bank accounts are more of less self-replenishing, there's a gleaming gem in the Gotham building that has just opened up to stupendous response. For realms of pleasure that extend beyond the regular truffle fries, look to Atlas Bar.
Singapore Cocktail Festival 2017: Chasing Stars (or Guest Bartenders) Part 1
Labels:
bar,
barfood,
cocktails,
festivals,
food festival,
sgcocktailfest,
sgcocktailweek
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The pivotal moment for me in my cocktail foray came when I first took a deep incestuous whiff of that Kaya Toast Cocktail at Bitters and Love (as if recreating scenes of smothering myself in Naz's smooth locks. I think I'm going to need a moment). That was many moons ago, my love for sweet things dwindling down to a dull but omnipresent mode; the fixation switching tides to tipples that are a bit more persuasive, more lethal. But, you're not here to listen to the story of my journey to alcoholism. You're here to read up about my recommendation for this 6 mad days of a journey to a thousand tipples.
If you haven't already heard (where have you been?), Singapore Cocktail Festival comes back with a bang this year, with the same mad-house antics of International guest bartender shifts and workshops happening all around town with the exception of the Festival Village on 99 Beach Road working as the heart of the festivities. No more wristbands. Good God!!! Just good old bar-hopping sans the restrictions of having to manage expectations with $14 cocktails. That being said, most bars will be running promotions on the specialty cocktails curated just for the festival, so do keep a look out at all the 45 participating establishments dotting the island.
[NEW] Philly Shack: Home to the Philadelphia Cheesesteak
Labels:
affordable,
american,
bar,
barfood,
burgers,
clarke quay,
comfortfoods,
may not return,
milkshakes
·
It's been awhile folks, and I apologise for my absence. Here to make up for me playing hooky, I'm going to tell you about this new joint in the Clarke Quay precinct that I've had the privilege of suffering the weight of its entire menu. (Then again, this only came to mind whilst preparing to head out to Zouk's Official Opening Party over the weekend, so that's a blessing in disguise!)
Philly Shack arose when the owners of now defunct Butchers Club decided to take matters in their own hands and do a spin-off on their own concept. As a result, a new fast food joint, Philly Shack was born. Touting the Philly Cheesesteak as it's MVP, the rest of the menu highlights the regular American fast food joint fare, everything from Buffalo Wings, Onion rings to Burgers and Boozy milkshakes. Making it the ideal pit stop for a hunger-pang-busting lunch, chillax after-work spot to convene over drinks or a late-night closer when one is intoxicated.
Manhattan Bar presents a walk through Central Park
Labels:
american,
bar,
barfood,
birthdays,
cocktails,
date night,
must go,
orchard,
regent hotel,
romantic
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Alright, so my favourite Black Tuesdays (pictured above) has been wiped clean off the menu at Manhattan Bar, but hey.. the new Central Park menu does prove to contain some gems in its sprawling green realms. Representing the 843-acres of public park, Central Park provides a piece of tranquil serenity in the midst of the concrete jungle it is located in; the alcoholic libations and accompanying snacks do walk in the same relaxed stride.
FORT by Maison Ikkoku: 12-course omakase and a bevy of cocktails. What diet?
Labels:
affordable,
barfood,
cocktails,
fine dining,
fusion,
hidden finds,
japanese,
might return,
omakase,
romantic,
special occasion
·
It's been awhile friends since I last penned down my biased thoughts and discrimination. Here's one to roll off the short week...
Maison Ikkoku, as I've touted before, is an institution. And even more so now that it has occupied the grounds at the Singapore Pinacotheque De Paris; a luscious sprawling minimalistic cocktail den splayed in cool colors of violet and blues to lure the passive drinkers. Here at FORT, Executive Chef and Senior Master Mixologist, Ethan Leslie Leong applies his cocktail (perceptibly expensive as I've noted in 2013 : read here) techniques with a balanced selection of food, delicate soups, salads, maki and other signature dishes made from scratch within the same fundamental grounds. A pretty impressive feat if you've take a look at the make-shift bar counter doubling up as a fully functional kitchen.
For just $68++, one can sink your teeth into a progressive 12-course omakase with no obligations of cocktails at all, though one must admit, the lures are evident, especially when only bar-seats are available. And if you should choose to, trust that you'll be in safe hands with resident mixologist Matteo Cadeddu working his magic behind the bar - his dabble in alcoholic libations fuelled by memories and inspirations from his homestead; Italy. Take for example the Bloody Memory he fixed me, fortified with bottarga - a salted. cured fish roe, shaved over the fiery concoction. Eccentric but oh, so good!
The Best Brew @ Four Points by Sheraton Singapore: Brew & BBQ
Labels:
barbeque,
barfood,
beer,
craft beers,
havelock road,
hotel,
large groups,
river valley,
waterfront
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Nestled comfortably within the newly renamed Four Points by Sheraton Singapore (formerly Riverview Hotel), restaurant and bar The Best Brew has unveiled its latest offering of the sizzling monthly Brew & BBQ night. The perks are plenty. For a romantic night out, the establishment boasts an intimate view of the Singapore River, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Inside, the bar churns out live music for a fun night out.
TAP Craft Beer Bar: Asian Invasion (tap takeover)
Labels:
barfood,
beer,
capitolpiazza,
craft beers,
events,
meatballs,
must go,
tacos
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Barely a week after the adrenaline-pumping action of Beerfest Asia, the good folks at TAP Craft Beer Bar are presenting the Asian Invasion - a tap takeover at their Capitol Piazza premises headlined by Asian beer. A total of 14 beers will be available on tap, from breweries in Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and our very own Singapore.
Decker Barbecue: Low and Slow
Labels:
american,
barbeque,
barfood,
brisket,
comfortfoods,
craft beers,
family friendly,
hidden finds,
large groups,
must go,
ribs,
robertson quay,
smokehouse,
will return
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Let's begin by putting on the table what Decker Barbecue is and isn't. A date night place? NO, unless you're a no-frills, carnivorous girl like me; it wouldn't be such a brilliant idea lugging your first date to this place. For weight-watchers? HELL NO, the intimidating menu showcasing various meat cuts, all cooked low and slow to guarantee a satisfactory fat maintenance will leave you with heart palpitations all night. And vegetarians, you've already been warned, not unless you're going to go the mile and call fries a vegetable; then you've been warned.
Freehouse: Stairs to Beer heaven
"No Strangers Here" shines in neon lights from the headboard above the gleaming tap system at newbie craftbeer joint Freehouse. Here, there is not such a thing as "VIP" treatment., the mandatory greetings and introductions with the friendly staff on deck, the only rite of passage to access the incandescent streams of cold beer flowing through their glycol cooled beer dispensers.
Freehouse, as the name states is a pub that isn't tied to just one brewery. A sight not so prevalent overseas but more predominant on local shores given Singaporean's thirst for variety. Located a flight of stairs up from Cheek by Jowl on Boon Tat street, this craft beer and cider haven is a labor of love from the same folks of The Mad Tapper, Singapore's first craft cider distributor to rally up the sweet-carbonated-alcohol loving crowds since early 2015. With a distribution representation throughout several breweries in NZ, Australia, United states and UK; it's not surprising to see them diversifying and fitting in the role of a tap-house with 16 beers on demand.
Cook & Brew: [NEW MENU] spearheaded by a throng of Burgers
Labels:
barfood,
burgers,
cityviews,
comfortfoods,
desserts,
hidden finds,
hotel,
romantic,
the westin singapore
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Picture this, you get set up on a date by your best friend with the captain of the school football team. Sure, he's got dreamy eyes and features so sharp that they could easily saw through the thickest hunk of steak, hence the extra preparation effort. Heels, check! Poofed up hair on hairspray hyper drive, check!, and you even dragged out the most decent set of knickers you have from your wardrobe. Kudos for that. He arrives at the door with a bunch of flowers and whisks you away in mist of charm, raising the bar even higher with an idyllic choice of a dinner venue, one that offers bedazzling views of the cityscape at dusk. However, as the meal unravels, you realize that beneath the chiseled good looks, is an empty vessel, one that was dull and lacklustre beneath its misleadingly glamorous facade. - my experience at Cook and Brew can be summed up in the same manner.
Launching a new menu helmed by a selection of mouthwatering gourmet burgers, the craft beer watering hole located at the Westin Singapore's speciality gastro-bar at Level 33 sets to sweep diners off their feet, with a combination attack of killer views and American comfort food.
[NEW MENU] Hungry Heroes: Burgers Galore in the shadows of Superheroes.
Labels:
affordable,
american,
barfood,
big groups,
burgers,
diner,
dinner,
farrer park,
must go,
pork belly
·
I have high expectations when it comes to burgers.
No shit, Sherlock (Hey, Captain America, I think I just said a bad word). *grimaces* Bad jokes aside, my intolerance for poorly constituted piles has become much talked about topic among fellow foodies. So upon arriving at Hungry Heroes and presented with a media-tasting menu that features 3 different burgers, not one of which was the conventional beef variation, my hairs stood on ends.
But first, appetizers to let the Proper Job IPA slide down a little easier. Heros Fries ($10) and Clash of the Potato, Mayo and Scallions ($7) are diet fiends that may just be well worth its calories. The former is your usual skinny fries topped with a landslide victory of chilli con carne, criss cross drizzles of nacho cheese and then another solid lattice of mayonnaise overhead. Talk about overkill. I would however, point you in the direction of the latter, the clash of the potato, a winsome potato salad dish enhanced by crispy duck fat cooked potatoes, a zeng-ed kewpie mayo sauce and huge pilings of spring onion. Rub it all in and you're most certainly to overindulge on this course alone.
[Singapore Cocktail Week special]: The Vagabond Bar
Labels:
bar,
barfood,
cocktails,
girls night out,
hidden finds,
jalan sultan,
must go,
romantic,
sgcocktailweek,
will return
·
Singapore Cocktail Week kicks off to a roaring start this weekend with a great many events, workshops and guest bartender shifts to please both the novice drinkers and industry peeps alike. Amidst a flurry of activities and slurred words to ensue, there is Vagabond Hotel, tucked away in the seemingly forgotten part of Jalan Sultan. This ostentatious boutique hotel needs no introductions, it's seductive yet clearly artsy direction scoring points on my staycation chart, earning it a place in the Top 5 Trendiest staycations in the City list. Similarly, the resident bar veers away from the textbook, hotel lobby bar. No tiki cocktails nor cliched alcoholic punches are insight here. Instead, the bartenders dig deep, procuring brands that are hard to find and beyond the comprehension of most common tastebuds, till a sip of the forbidden potion reveals that inner snob in most of us.
Specially for cocktail week this year, Vagabond bar has churned out a grand 5 cocktails for at a reasonable $14++ only. With the usual suspects stripped off from the regular cocktail menu and a few exciting additions to make up the coveted list, you'll be assured a exciting if not gustatory experience at the bar, honed by ostentatious mad men vibes and a 'monkey on your back'. Unfortunately, only holders of the wrist-bands will reap the rewards, so if you haven't laid hands on the set of 8 bands, you had better jump on the bandwagon soon!
Gemmills: Hole-in-the-wall wine bar
Labels:
bar,
barfood,
desserts,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
hidden finds,
romantic,
tanjong pagar,
tart,
telok ayer,
will return,
winebar,
wines
·
I've kept a secret for way too long. A hidden find,waiting like a wild child to pounce on the hearts of the free spirited and the closet introverts. Newly opened Gemmills, a drinking hole celebrating the best of affordable wines and dapper bar grub has inched its way into my heart, stealing snippets of my sorrow away as its' mischievous red trickles down my parched throat.
With wildly successful backing under its wings, (think Maggie Joan's and its wonderfully rogue cuisine); its easy to see how the new bar venture runs in the same tangent, exuding a kind of 'too-cool-for-school' vibe with patrons eagerly cradling glass vessels of ruby red or sweet crystal over jaunty conversation.
Gemmills, inspired by its namesake John Gemmill; who apparently was a successful auctioneer and banker in the 1840s donated the Gemmill fountain, a drinking fountain, and first of its kind in Singapore - in a bid to quench the parched throats of the public with nothing but the gift of sky juice. Likewise, the new all-day dining concept pushes in the same direction, except with more frivolity and a slightly exclusive conception.
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