Having been recently bewitched by Tree (read our feature here)- the bar above Garden of Eden under the same guidance of Chef Tim Ross-Watson – I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d be dining at his restaurant. Already wowed by his experimental mixology methods, I was looking forward to getting to the root of his progressive ways right back where they all started – in the kitchen and on the plate. While Tree might be the fun, playful, boho sibling, Garden of Eden is the grown-up and chic first-born with it’s sleek and brooding good looks. Though some of the items on the menu may not seem that out of the ordinary at first glance, it’s the preparation, culinary methods and attention to detail which change the ball game here. Take for example the Waldorf Salad ($26). What sets this apart from your usual waldorf...
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Incredible dancing skills? Check. A good dose of humour? Check. An all male cast ballet troupe? Say whhhhhhhat? This can only add up to one thing, and that thing is Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, otherwise affectionately known as the Trocks. Yes it’s been 10 long years since New York’s sensational all male comic ballet company graced our sunny isle but now, they are pirouetting their way back to Singapore and performing in all their glory at the Esplanade from 1st – 5th May. Anything that combines dance and comedy – both things that make many people very happy including yours truly – in equal measures, can only be a good thing in my books. Quite incredibly, the Trocks have managed to strike a happy balance of irresistible humour, dance precision and concern for the choreography. Believe you me this is no mean feat, and one that has won them...
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Over the bridge, though the greenery, round some corners and then through some more greenery again lies the Amara Sanctuary Resort….which houses Thanying – a fine dining Thai restaurant. On this occasion, it was due to a recommendation from a good friend of mine who possibly is as much of a foodie as I am….certainly close anyway. Having visiting the Thanying in the Amara Hotel in Tanjong Pagar, I was keen to explore further afield and see if this relatively new establishment could live up to the stellar reputation of its Tanjong Pagar sister. Arriving at the Amara on a weekday evening, it was extremely quiet (not unsurprisingly – it is Sentosa after all) with only a few tables around the restaurant occupied. To get our palates in the mood for the some sour and spicy food, we decided to order a couple of margaritas, which at $11.50 each...
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One of the things that’s really hard to find in Singapore is good tapas. My best friend lives in Spain and so I’ve had more than my fair share of great tapas and so it’s an area of cuisine that I feel has much room for improvement here in Singapore. But slowly, the tapas trend is picking up. Last year with the opening of Sabio and La Cicala, and this year with Esquina and Salt. For some people, great tapas should be a recreation of the tapas they have had in Spain (or perhaps what they think they should have in Spain). But there is plenty of bad tapas going even in Spain believe you me! To be honest, I’m not so concerned with recreating tapas I’ve had in the past, but more with tapas that is well executed with fresh ingredients and most importantly, not swimming in oil....
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If someone told me that the secret entrance to the magical world of Narnia was hidden somewhere in Cat Socrates, I would give it some serious consideration. This fabulously named shop is a charm assault on the eyes, tucked away in the Bras Basah complex and jam-packed to the rafters with delightful, magical curious. With everything from inspirational reading, shabby-chic homewares, playful collectibles, postcards, pictures and stationary, fabrics, footwear and fashion, bags, ribbons, cameras, crockery and cacti.. phew! the list goes on and on. More importantly, or rather MOST importantly, they have a fine little collection of moustaches. Little teacups with moustaches, an Iphone cover with moustaches, and so really, I was rather sold just on that alone. Looking around Cat Socrates feels like looking in to someone’s memory vault of everything they have ever liked or wanted and I have to say, that person’s head is a lovely place and one...
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Having just recently returned back from the land of Thai, I was already getting withdrawal symptoms from the food there. I was in the mood for something a little bit spicy, something nice and fragrant, and so what better a solution that Bumbu which provides a happy marriage of both Thai and Indonesian and a smidge of Chinese in their menu? Actually I’m usually a little wary of places which try to offer different cuisines in such a way but I have to say, I’m glad I let my guard down on this occassion. Tucked away in a beautiful shophouse on Kandahar Street in the Arab Quarter, the interior inside – especially upstairs – is beautifully ornate and quite a lovely surprise I hadn’t bargained for. In fact, it did remind me quite a bit of True Blue. The menu is pretty extensive with lots of variety and all...
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