Showing posts with label tanjong pagar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tanjong pagar. Show all posts
[Messed up Mondays]: Newsletter for the Thirsty
Labels:
bar,
barolo,
bartender shifts,
cocktails,
drinks,
gin,
guest bartender,
round up,
tanjong pagar,
telok ayer,
wine pairing,
worlds best bars
·
As we are deep in the third quarter of 2018, new year resolutions start to wane, and you find yourself pressing against the gas pedal on the topic of 'debauchery'. Don't fret if you're haven't had the chance to indulge in all the good things the city has to offer - the rest of the year's wine and dine line-up is just around the corner.
Here are some of my favourite events of the season (mostly alcoholic related). So if you're on a pursuit of drinking pleasure, this might just be your shtick.
~~~
Damilano Wine Dinner at Zafferano Italian Restaurant and Lounge
on 26 July from 7pm
"Not all grapes are destined to become Damilano wines", and to only represent the 'King of Wines and the Wine of Kings', Barolo, is to take it one step further in exclusivity.
On the 26th July and for one night only, experience the jewels of Barolo's terrior in a five-course dinner curated by Head Chef Emanuele Faggi at Zafferano together with wine pairings from Damilano Wine Company. You'll be placed in the good hands of Brand Manager, Thomas Cuni, who will guide you through the beautiful journey of heritage wines, which include the Barolo Lecinquevigne 2013 and the elegant Barolo Cannubi 2012.
Dinner highlights include delicate pillows of veal tongue Raviolo and the well-executed pan roasted venison served with oven baked quince apple and broccoli.
The Damilano Wine Dinner is available on 26 July 2018 from 7pm at $98++ per person
Events Page: Zafferano
Reservations: here
~~~
Tippling club launches its first ever Sons of Tippling Gin
The craft distillery boom has recently tainted the youngest, most talented minds in the Food and Beverage scene in Singapore. While some wait three years to distill their whisky, some are dabbling in gin - cue, the newest gin to grace the market, founded by three experts in the field, Ryan Clift, Joe Schofield(recently awarded International Bartender of the Year at the 12th annual Spirited Awards) and master distiller James Young.
Made from Botanical ingredients such as juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, liquorice, aniseed, cardamon, lemon and orange peel and lemon myrtle - this does sound like a typical modern gin with a crisp citrus edge, but when does Tippling Club ever the trod the path of the commoners?
Come Saturday 28 July, the inquisitive will be treated to a sneak preview of the small batch gin (limited quantities of 300 bottles only). Tippling club will be dishing it out in 3 signature cocktails priced at $22+ each. Peripheral activities included complimentary canapes and complimentary tattoos by Joe Wang from 8 Volts Tattoo.
~~~
Global Bartender Exchange: CK Kho of Coley guest shifting at Cin Cin
on 25 July from 7 - 11pm
Here's where you should go to get your midweek fix this week.
Gin specialist bar, Cin Cin will be playing host to CK Kho of Asia's Best 46th Bar 2018, Coley in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. From 7 to 11pm, be entertained with quirky mannerism (if you see him breaking out the angostura bitters, RUN!) and a quick show of hands stirring up two exclusive cocktails using Bulldog Gin - an English gin that advocates wanderlust in its global sourcing of botanicals.
If you're one to inhale the peanut snackage when at bars, the Nutjob made to replicate that bar snack will be up your alley. Otherwise, Paradise Lost is set to tickle your palate with its effervescent mix of Strawberry and Ginger Shrub and Bulldog Gin finished with a healthy splash of sparkling wine for good measure.
~~~
Bartenders battle it out for the Black Cow Vodka Gold Top Cup
on 1st August from 6 30pm onwards at Fancy
Forget about conventional bartending competitions, the Black Cow Vodka Gold Top Cup finals is happening on the 1st August and you'll be able to get up close and personal with the ten finalists as they battle against each other for a chance to compete in the world finals where a trip to UK, home of the Black Cow Vodka is up for grabs.
The ten finalists are:
Michael Mendoza - 1864 Bar and Lounge Sofitel
Tim Chew - 1180
Leonard Lim - 1880
Bannie Kang - Anti:Dote
Russell Ong - Atlas
Dave Koh - Bar Stories
Sashi Satiyaseelen - Pollen
Nina Kong - Sugarhall
Yadhaven Santheran - The Guild Singapore
Don Henry Miranga - The World is Flat
The finalists will be shaking up a storm at a public event on August 1st at Fancy, 35 North Canal Road from 6 30pm. So come show some support!
~~~
The Last Shake: Farewell party for Sugarhall on Amoy Street
27th and 28th July (all night long)
If you follow my feed on @thedrinkseeker, you would know of my devote penchant for rum. And its with the heaviest of hearts that I have to bid farewell to my favourite bar in Singapore (Yes, I said it) If you haven't heard (which rock have you been hiding under?), Jigger and Pony as well as Sugarhall will be uprooting themselves from the Amoy street precinct as of this weekend. Come by, eat, drink and be merry. No tears allowed though. Afterall, it's not goodbye. It's farewell.
~~~
Lerouy ft. Couvent des Jacobins St Emilion: A Love Story
Labels:
date night,
french,
new openings,
open kitchen,
special occasion,
tanjong pagar,
will return,
wine pairing,
wines
·
Tonight I consummate my love for alcohol, charging through a flight of Couvent des Jacobins St. Emilion vintages from the the stalwart 2009 down to a luscious 1989 tipple. Food and wine pairing, when done right, is a mutually beneficially relationship. So it makes me smile when the two come together in ways that are complementary and evocative. Suffice to say, by the end of the night, I had a silly grin plastered to my face - such is my simple story of the Sarment wine dinner at Lerouy.
Pastaria Abate: Good times for both the wallet and the finicky eaters
Labels:
affordable,
casual,
cheap,
craig road,
date night,
family friendly,
must go,
outram,
pasta,
tanjong pagar
·
Now that we're in the thick of Singapore Cocktail Festival. Here is a word to the wise. Make sure to line the stomachs before hitting up those bars. #DrinkResponsibly.
And in case you're looking for something easy on the wallet in and around the bar hot spots that will leave you more liquid funds for later, here's a gem of a suggestion - Pastaria Abate on Craig Road, where fresh pastas made daily are emphasised and every table is vacated with empty plates. It's a tell tale sign that there is pedigree here and the crowds flocking in on a Thursday night is living proof.
OSO Ristorante: Italian restaurants takes to newer heights at its new location @ OASIA Hotel Downtown
Labels:
affordable,
business lunch,
italian,
large groups,
pasta,
risotto,
tanjong pagar,
will not return
·
The real question is whether or not the food delivers on the same front as its new established heights off the ground.
OSO Ristorante previously located on Bukit Pasoh Road maintains its rigour and unmistakable melancholy in its set-up. White, stiff starched linen greets table tops, the oddly angled ginormous mirrors pandering to your stalkerish ways of taking stolen glanced at your picture perfect date. Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous space, the dry aging cabinet behind the high counter and the cheese room stowed away at the entrance providing inspirations for the meal to evolve. However, the real anchor in the equation is the emergence of a blue oasis, the sight of OASIA Hotel downtown's swimming pool through tall glass windows that provides a stark contrast and balances out the grandeur in the space.
Hansul Korean Dining Bar: Contemporary Korean dining that opens till 6am!
Labels:
affordable,
cocktails,
drinks,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
grilled meats,
hidden finds,
japchae,
kimchi,
korean,
korean bbq,
must go,
soju,
tanjong pagar,
will return
·
Singapore's Korean Food scene has never been better. And we all know with the Koreans being the funnest bunch you can possibly befriend, the best way to end a riotous night out is at a Korean barbecue joint for soju, beer and meats grilled at the table. Self satisfied gluttony ensues and hopefully this ends off with a detour to the nearest karaoke bar to put your bathroom singing skills to good use.
Many places fit the bill but there's one new kid on the block that has caught my eye recently. Serving the most compelling sides and stews to accompany the gentle wisps of smoke rising from your sticks sunbathing on the hwaro charcoal grill.
Ninja Bowl: Indulge in their NEW brunch nosh
Once again, Ninja Bowl satisfies Singaporeans need for constant innovation in the brunch fare department with the addition of 5 new dishes to it's menu. Was I blown away? Not really, the 'ingenuity' fostered by a clever permutation and combination technique of it's long time signatures such as the Gyu and Tama as well as the Ebisu (read here). Still, I waxed lyrical after my meal since every dish presented me a refreshing facade. The Japanese flair represented, more forthright than before.
Ash & Char: pushing the blackened boundaries
2016 has seen an extremely warm reception to cauliflower in my culinary dictionary. I can't even begin to describe the reverberating excitement that floods my soul when the thought of Renaa Matbaren's Gratinated Cauliflower crosses my mind. Nicely blackened on it's edges and bathed in a luxurious cheese gratin sauce, this fat-ladened indulgence coupled with frigid -10 degree temperatures on the outside certainly made for a revolutionary experience.
Fast forward to the brink of 2017, where friendly bistro Ash & Char sets the stage for what could potentially make or break my most pivotal first year encounter with the Brassicaceae species. Their Fried Cauliflower with gochujang and lemon dressing with gremolata ($9) sets some high expectations with bonus mark scored on aesthetics. The end result is safe. Taking bites of the browned and slightly crisp florets, the lemon dressing uplifts the equation and gochujang lends a feisty profile. As a staunch believer in the importance of doing the humble bouquet justice, I found Ash and Char's efforts to be admirable. Sugar, we're headed somewhere.
SBCD Korean Tofu House: Tofu to lust after
All it took was the word 'uplifting' on the press release to reel me in; that accompanied by depressing 3 days worth of non-stop showers. I was sold on the concept that anything hot and steamy could eventually work as a therapy. And it did.
SBCD Korean Tofu House is the latest addition to the CBD dining, stowed away in the basement of the new Tanjong Pagar Centre (a bright establishment and latest extension of the Tanjong Pagar MRT station). Here you'll find a full fledged menu of Korean comfort food
[NEW] Nadai Fujisoba: Exemplary Soba in S'pore
If you remember the old Itadakimasu food cluster located on the 3rd floor of Millenia walk, you'll be elated to know that this has been revived with the food village finding its new grounds of residence at 100 AM Mall in Tanjong Pagar.
Japanese dining clusters are all the rage this year with Japan Food Town, Nihon Food Street, Japan Foods Garden setting up in different districts dotting the island. The idea, to present a multi-restaurant dining enclave to offer a plethora of choices for an audience who have already formulated a plan to tuck into Japanese fare. One of the newest joints that have just thrown open its doors in Mid December dishes out what I deem to be the best Soba in Singapore.
13 Duxton Hill: BEST EVER Birthday meal by a long shot
One of the 9 or so courses (non-inclusive of the escapades on the drinks frontier) served to me the first time I ate at the new 13 Duxton Hill was a cathedral rock formation cluster of daikon rolled shavings and cured apple with a raw sunchoke creme filling ($10).. It looked pretty and almost pagan at the same time, I could have sworn it was sorcery when the first mouthful touched my lips and the vinegar lit a steady burn on my ulcered lips.
This plate was more than just a pretty picture. Wrapped inside its towering lengths was an earthly whirl of goodness, pulverised till it no longer resembled its usual crunchy state. In the following dish, there was baby corn, salted prawn head butter and dusted with meanders of burnt cocoa powder ($16) for that slight astringency amidst lashings of lavishness. The combination of prawn head butter and toasted croissant was a complete surprise, extraordinary in ways I'd never imagined before.
Tippling Club's NEW Sensorium Menu has got something that would stir those memories
An aromatic affair greets those looking to venture to Tippling Club. I've always treasured my sense of smell, sure, my taste buds may be faulty at time, but nothing trips the nose. So imagine my delight when I found a cocktail at Tippling club with a description of "rain"- one thing you gotta know about me is the inexplicable swell of joy in my heart whenever the smell of incoming rain hits. The thousands of memories evoked turns the corners of my lips, such is the effect of Tippling Club's recently conceived Sensorium Menu.
Tippling Club and International Flavors and Fragrances have collaborated to put the boundless possibilities of a flavors and scents marriage into actualisation through the Sensorium Menu. Designed to stir deeply-rooted memories by nervous-system information carried down the olfactory nerve, this 'new technology' is as deeply profound as it is delicious.
[POP-UP] WOLF X Bird Bird: The Burger Breakdown
Lest we forget, a good burger is a thing of beauty. Oneness in the patty fat-to-meat ratio and sauces knitting all into a 'perfect burger'. It's satisfying, messy manifestation of all things umami: beef, melted cheese and tomatoes, all ready to be augmented by additions such as bacon, relish, slaw... there are a few things culinary that can be relied on to do their job as effectively. Much less in a tidy package. But hey, it's personal, a burger does the job of lifting the spirits for me, it might not for you, but hold on to your horses as I reveal one of the newest burger kids on the 'Ann Siang Road' block. Get your paper towels ready.
Maggie Joan's: Lunch affairs and the Prince of Pasta
Labels:
good eats around tanjong pagar,
hidden finds,
lunch,
must go,
pasta,
romantic,
tanjong pagar,
telok ayer,
will return
·
Adding to the diversity of its night menu, Maggie Joan's rolls out equally delicious lunch exclusives that have the intention of setting the days' grievances right without taking too big a wedge from your wallets.
Taking inspiration from familiar Mediterranean flavors, the lunch menu delves in the same field without being too overly abstract. Start your meal off with the usual.. their Homemade Sourdough still rakes in as one of the best renditions I've had the blessing of slathering butter on, and not any normal butter at that, we're talking Smoked Beef Fat Butter... yes, talking about over-indulgence here.
[NEW] Krakakoa: Launches their Chocolate products in S'pore this September
Labels:
chocolate,
farmers market,
Gourmet Chocolate,
hidden finds,
tanjong pagar
·
Having received overwhemingly positive responses at the Singapore Coffee Festival last month, Krakakoa Chocolate is officially launching their products in Singapore this September!
Wanton: Seng's Noodle Bar - Meat fest with a side of egg noodles
Labels:
good eats around tanjong pagar,
must go,
noodle,
tanjong pagar,
telok ayer,
will return
·
My first encounter at Wanton was filled with lofty aims to please the stomach and prevent the impending doom of a incurable hangover on the partner's part. However, this came to naught with the annoying chimes from the service staff cajoling the two of us, starving wanderers to purchase sake? Not the best way to start the meal, especially when the partner had visibly entered a state of euphoria from a little too much liquid confidence earlier. We shouldered on and politely declined three times before the stoves were fired up to greet our last orders.
The menu is relatively simple to navigate. The staple egg noodles ($1) followed by an entourage of premium 'sides' in the form of Braised pork knuckle, pork belly, pork belly and more pork belly. I kid you not, the feast that you'll derive at the table is nothing short of a nutritionist's nightmare. What's going to stop you from ordering a beer now?
The HungryGoWhere Awards 2016 & my vote for 'Best New Restaurant' - KITE
The HungryGoWhere awards are back with an exciting season this year in search of crowning Singapore's best food and drinks in over 21 categories ranging from 'Best Buffet' to 'Best Bar/Lounge' and a more expansive Hawker category including specific dishes such as 'Roti Prata', 'Laksa' and 'Hainanese Chicken Rice'.
This year, aside from voting via their website (link here), the public can now cast their votes via social media by posting a public post on facebook, twitter or instagram with these two hashtags: #HGWawards and #(business name). Note that voting ends on the 26th June'2016 11:59pm so speak your mind quickly! Bonus reasons for casting your votes includes the chance to win a pair of tickets to $100Gourmet, a dining event which sees Michelin Starred chefs collaborate with local talents happening in August and September 2016 - you could be one of the lucky 50 voters!
[GIVEAWAY] Food Trail with Quandoo: Singapore online reservation platform
Labels:
cocktails,
date night,
events,
food trail,
french,
fusion,
good eats around tanjong pagar,
steak,
tanjong pagar,
will go
·
There were drinks. Plenty of drinks. And for an instant, I was convinced that Quandoo was the best restaurant reservation platform there was. Not to sound cheap or anything, but let's do a recap of the food trail arranged by Quandoo and PR Bespoke; the fabulous foodie adventure unravelling in such halcyon fashion with a clear reflection of the various establishment's concept that you'll come to admire the curation of brands in Quandoo's care.
Quandoo, launched in Singapore in late 2014; now has a network of over 720 bookable restaurants and seated over 1.5 million diners over that course. Clearly remarkable for a business that has only been around the block for a while.
[NEW] Burger Joint Singapore: Good things come to those who Wait
Imagine
You just knocked off work and are immediately besieged by the unkind and humid weather. In spite of all this, all you can think about is that new burger joint that just opened. Maybe about a block down, maybe 5 blocks down. Heck, who cares? You walk past Gemmill lane, the neon burger sign beckons from afar. And my god, that delicious grilled meat scent wafting through the thick velvet curtains is unmistakable. Push past those gymming regiments and yield to the alluring siren call of the neon sign. Here, you make a deft left turn. And, alas, this is exactly the sight that greets you at Le Parker Meridien Hotel.
And what a sight at that. The ambience is like Happy Days all over again, albeit with the unmistakable vibe of the New York hip jazz scene as sounded through the speakers.
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.
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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