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WINE&DINE
188
February15
We scour the island’s bar scene to bring you the newest
and most noteworthy – it’s a tough job, but somebody’s
got to do it.
Empire
50 Raffles Place, Singapore Land Tower, Level 45
8349 1672 | facebook.com/empireslt
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
Trendy city hangout with great
views.
THE CHOSEN ONE:
Kraken Spiced Rum and Coke
($14). Good spiced rum is hard to come by,
so imagine our excitement when we found our
favourite brand on the extensive spirits menu. We
also sampled a Hendricks Gin and tonic ($16),
served well iced and with cucumber, just as it
should be.
THE CHEAPSKATE:
A post-work bucket of five beers
for $42.
BITE ON THIS:
Who knew frogs’ legs looked and tasted
just like chicken wings? Well, we didn't until we were
served up a plate of finger lickin’, garlic-marinated
Louisiana Style Frog Leg Drums
($16) from the
bar bites menu. Also worth a mention are the
Croc
’n’ Roll sliders
($16) – a delicious blend of sweet
beetroot, fried crocodilemeat and avocadomousse
in savoury buns.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
This bar is a welcome addition
to the “drink with a view” genre. The outdoor area
is relaxed and breezy with superb views of Marina
Bay. There’s a live DJ every night – we were there
on a Monday, which had us happily singing along
to 90s tunes. The bar transforms from post-work
lounge to late-night party venue on Friday and
Saturday nights with DJs upping the tempo to hip
hop and house music until 3am.
Katherine Allaway
D.Bespoke
2 Bukit Pasoh Road
8141 5741 | facebook.com/dbespoke
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The cosy Ginza-style bar exudes a masculine yet
refined air, with sleek metal lampshades, plush leather armchairs
and a solid teak bar. A mini-boutique at the front sells various
handmade Japanese wares – from copper snack dishes to tin tea
caddies – that are used in the bar itself.
THE CHOSEN ONE:
The French Connection
($33), a simple yet
memorable blend of Armagnac, amaretto and chocolate bitters
served with a perfectly square, crystal-clear ice cube (the bar staff
cuts each one by hand). Popular as a nightcap, it’s warming, fragrant
and brings out the sweeter notes in the spirits.
THE NOT-SO-CHEAPSKATE:
Truth be told, cheap pours aren’t to be expected
at a bar that takes pride in high-end liquor and a sophisticated air
of exclusivity. And rightly so – head bartender Daiki Kaneteka has
cherry-picked every single element to heighten the experience, from
the tasteful jazz playlist to the glassware that sets each bespoke
cocktail (from $27) apart. That said, D.Bespoke has a minimum
spend of $60 per person.
BITE ON THIS:
Cocktails are served with a complimentary dish of nibbles
like dried cherry tomatoes, dehydrated kiwis and roasted almonds.
For a more substantial snack, try the cold cut platter (from $30) –
laden with freshly carved
jamón Ibérico de Bellota
and salami – or
an
artisanal cheese platter
($30).
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
This handsome hideout is best for serious drink
disciples looking to quietly appreciate their tipple, or those after an eye-
opening experience. Aside from being a cocktail maestro, Kaneteka
is also a sherry
venenciador
(a certified “sommelier” of sorts) and
keeps a hefty collection of lesser-known bottles. Ask for a
tasting
flight
($25 for three glasses) to watch him ceremoniously “pull” the
sherry into a glass – a time-tested ritual that enhances its flavour.
Cherylene Chan
Tomato and chicken shooters