Showing posts with label jalan sultan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jalan sultan. Show all posts

[Singapore Cocktail Week special]: The Vagabond Bar

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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!

Tolido's Espresso Nook: Potential hideout spot.

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Farm cosy, Miner's nightmare or Snow Cabin; I can't quite put my finger on the description for the decor at Tolido's Espresso Nook. But one thing's for sure, the sight of textured wood with its uneven shades makes me feel at ease. So, in calling it a nook, that's just genius. 

Founded by Mr Douglas Tan who has roots stemming from his previous venture at the Omni Theatre, his experience is represented by an large the queues and crowds at his former outlet. By word of mouth (and evidently from its'flower stamped instagram feed), Tolido's has become a go-to venue for fancy latte art and a solid cup of coffee with beans hailing from Yahava. The latter fact, the cause of some innate impartiality prior to my visit.


My Latte ($5.50), though a tad expensive, was big on flavors, underscored by a rich woody earthy profile befitting of the snug surroundings. 


My companion ordered the Bacon Mushroom Aglio Olio ($9.50) while I floated between a few options till settling for the Norwegian Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs ($15.90). The former was a predictable plate of pasta that fell short of expectations, appearing lacklustre when it reached the table; only to reveal a pool of olive oil residing at the bottom of the bowl later. A couple of seconds more in the pan with a gentle tossing motion would have created a more desirable coating of oil with gentle nuances of nuttiness from the browning on this simple dish. As for my dish, the eggs were perfectly cooked, not the best of course, but sided by a sweet, tang and cheesy tomato au gratin, ciabatta studded with grains and a salad, there was nothing to complain about. The generous serve of smoked salmon adds considerable layers of flavor complexity and eating variations with each and every bite. 


During our short stay over at the cafe, we noticed the large amounts of office crowds drawn over for a quick lunch and a caffeine jolt. Attracted by the decent pricing and comfortable settings, it gives them somewhat of  a quiet respite away from the drudgery of work till stepping out into the blinding mid-day heat once again. As for me, will I be back again? Only if I'm in the vicinity of course.


Tolido's Espresso Nook
462 Crawford Lane
t: 6648 0178

Opening Hours:
Tues - Thurs: 9.30am - 7pm
Fri - Sat: 9.30am - 10pm
Sun: 9.30am - 6.30pm

Wordless Wednesdays: Burgers @ The Beast

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The Farm Boy Burger ($22) at The Beast. 8oz patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, pimento cheese, 
tomato relish, candied bacon and side of paprika dusted fries. Imagine that. 

The Pimento cheese, a relish of sorts made from sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnise, pimentos and seasoning was a delight to eat on its own, and better still when slathered onto toasted sesame buns. The patty, however , cried out for a bit more love and attention. Not the best but definitely not the worse. Order their #OutofThisWorld Fried Chicken and Waffles instead and you're guaranteed many future craving-led meetings with your new drug dealer. The Beast. 


The Beast
17 Jalan Klapa
S(199329)
t: 6295 0017
w: www.thebeast.sg/

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thurs 5pm-midnight
Fri - Sat: 5pm-1am
Sun: 10am - 5pm

Opening H