Search This Blog

Monday, December 25, 2017

Top 5 Oysters in Singapore

Oysters. Love them or hate them. They seem to conjure strong feelings in people. Eat them fresh, Mornay, Kilpatrick or baked. Personally, I love them fresh. No better way to eat them methinks. I’ve savoured my way around Singapore’s best oyster joints and here’s my list of Top 5.

1. Tanuki Raw

This is my favourite oyster joint because of the awesome value and endless flow of oysters and martinis. From 5-8pm daily, savour the fresh oysters here for $2 a pop (limited to 6 per drink). Squeeze some fresh lemon, add a dash of tobasco or red wine vinegar and slurp them down! Plus, there are a wide array of snacks to accompany these light entrees including the $7 salmon sashimi (Orchard Central only), beef gyoza (Kapok only), crispy fried popcorn chicken and truffle sweet potato fries. A good pairing to this is the vodka martini with lemon twist for $10 to wash down the yummy goodness.












2. The Black Swan

Tucked away in the CBD in an art deco building along Cecil street is the elegant and posh Black Swan. Just like the name, this venue has an elusive and star quality that makes it quite special. Touted as “The Best Happy Hour in the CBD”, you can dine indoors or alfresco, but make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment. From Mondays to Fridays, 5-8pm, $2 oysters await. Freshly shucked, served with Champagne mignonette, these are pretty generous sizes limited to 6 oysters per drink. $9 house pours, house wines and draught beers add to the cheer whilst the freshly shaved truffle hand cut chips complete the menu.












3. The Secret Mermaid

My go to after work oyster joint is the Secret Mermaid. Japanese salad takeaway joint by day and uber cool cocktail / whiskey / craft beer bar by night, this tiny container-like bar is easy to miss if you walk too quickly past it. Oyster hour is from 7-10pm daily where you can order $2 oysters with every regular-priced alcoholic drink (limited to 6 per drink). I recommend you try their old fashioned whiskey cocktail and truffle mushroom poutine fries (for a taste of Canada).











4. Southbridge

This rooftop bar in Boat Quay is classy and cool with breathtaking views of the Singapore River. Their signature oysters come in half a dozen for $24 and you can choose from 3 flavours - umami with ponzu and yuzu sauce, tropical with chilli, garlic and calamansi, or habana with mint, cucumber and vermouth sauce. If you prefer hot oysters, go for the unifeller with cheese and uni, pearls with aruga caviar or smoky casino with smoked bacon and cheese. Happy hour starts from 5-8pm daily with $8 beers and $10 mixers. The lobster rolls are also a must-have bar snack.












5. Bruno’s Bistrot

French-owned bistro Bruno’s combines Italian and French flavours in their cooking from pizzas and pastas to escargots and oysters. Their delightful flavours and strong classics are a hit with the east-siders in Singapore. I myself was tentalised by their fresh seasonal oysters in their specials menu. Changing every so often, Bruno the friendly chef-owner introduces the specials on his menu to his loyal regulars and gives tips and recommendations to suit your taste.



Monday, December 18, 2017

Top 5 Ladies Night in Singapore

A topic that’s close to my heart. Which is why I’m starting my very first Singapore blog entry on this popular topic.

Wednesday - hump day - mid week - what better way to celebrate than with ladies night! Speak to any Singaporean taxi driver and they’ll tell you Wednesday night is a busy one for them apart from the usual Friday and Saturday shenanigans. I, for one, am guilty of the weekly ladies night indulgence. So here goes.

1. The Exchange 

What's not to like? Free vodka mixers, lychee martinis, frozen margaritas or Hoegarden roses from 6-10pm every Wednesday! Order their yummy truffle fries to complete your night. The venue is buzzing every Wednesday with the local banker crowds all keen to partake in the midweek fun. My tip for you is to get there earlier if you can to reserve a spot or else you can hang by the bar for ease of ordering. ;)








2. Lantern

After the Exchange, why not take a stroll to Lantern rooftop bar at Fullerton Bay Hotel to enjoy panoramic views of the Singapore skyline while savoring the free flow of Absolut Elyx vodka mixers from 8-9pm. The bar snacks are an obvious indulgence with the likes of mini wagyu beef sliders, cod sliders and truffle parmesan fries.









3. Hotel Jen 

If you like free flow of anything, this is the place for you. From 6-9pm every Wednesday, the Lounge@Jen on Level 10 comes alive, where ladies enjoy a free flow of sparkling and house wine for SGD28. Gents are also welcome to the free flow offer of house draught beer and house wine for SGD38. Lounging in their comfy cushion sofas, you can enjoy your free flow whilst snacking on finger food platters to line your tummies for even more drinks.

4. Nassim Hill Bakery

Here's another free flow venue but this time for sparkling wine. Spend a minimum of $35 on food and you will enjoy a free flow of Chandon sparkling wine for 2 hours. Order either a main or 2 shared plates and you should qualify. This is a true wining and dining experience as the attentive waitresses top up your wine glasses repeatedly while you dine the night away. Haven't had your fill? Come back again on Thursday as this offer stands for both Wednesday and Thursday nights.   

5. Lulus lounge 

From the makers of Employees only and Bang Bang, comes Lulu's lounge – a burlesque-themed cocktail lounge. From 7-9pm, free canapes for ladies then from 9pm to midnight, ladies enjoy a free flow of proseccos along with a continuous flow of complimentary truffle buttered popcorn. This is a decadent mid-week treat that’s bound to delight a group of ladies after some fun and laughs amidst the loungy cruisey atmosphere that is Lulu's. Cheers ladies! :)