Go ahead, call us cheesy, unoriginal saps if you will, but some of our happiest moments involve Christmas dinners at home, with all the trimmings and all of the family. So what if you didn’t do all that growing up, it’s never too late to start. So avoid the maddening crowds and just stay in. Embrace the season, turn your AC units on full blast and cheat like we do. These are some of the best places to pick up a bird this year, so you can enjoy all the benefits and none of the hassle.

Café Noël
2/F Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6339-7777.
With the focus clearly on local flavors, true blue Singaporeans will adore turkey “la Peranakan” ($280)—a whole boneless bird filled with spiced-buah keluak pork and chestnuts, sauced with natural turkey jus infused with kaffir lime leaves. Take a “flight of fancy” with a whopping 5 kg deconstructed interpretation ($480); there’s black truffle-scented leg confit, herb-crusted roulade of Iberico ham and turkey breast, roasted leg stuffed with marron glace puree and slow-cooked turkey breast hiding champagne duxelles. Or dare to be different with a three kilo “goose of the Orient” ($480)—a boneless, oven-baked goose treasure trove of glutinous rice, truffles, conpoy, dried dates and figs, finished with a black truffle reduction. Grab one of these beauts now through Dec 26.

The Deli
G/F Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd., 6730-1786.
It’s always refreshing when chefs attempt to reinvent classics, especially so when they do it well. For a different take on turkey, try the baked boneless turkey stuffed with thick and springy Shanghai noodles that have been wok-fried with strips of tender pork and cabbage ($128). Or opt for the Hainanese rendition that’s been poached in a chicken broth infused with garlic, ginger, pandan leaves and spring onions ($188) and served with 12 fragrant Hainanese-style chicken rice
balls. Porcine pleasures await in the form of BBQ Sichuan pork shoulder skewers ($48 for a dozen) and Canadian pork belly confit ($108) that’s been marinaded for eight hours, then baked for 16 and finally seared with thyme, rosemary and garlic, served with sweet braised cabbage. We reckon the local Christmas combo ($260) of Hainanese turkey, Sichuan BBQ pork skewers, D24 durian log cake and a “create your own gingerbread Christmas tree” is a fab deal (from now through Dec 26).

Stellar at 1-Altitude
62/F One Raffles Place, OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410.
With the 1-Rochester Group having brought us Roast, Coast and 1 Caramel, you can be sure that the offerings will be delish. And with executive chef Christopher Millar holding tightly onto the reins, you can happily pretend these classics are your own labors of love. We promise we won’t tell, so long as you grease our empty palms a little. Don’t leave without a roast turkey with cranberry and pear relish ($120), honey and whole grain mustard-glazed ham on the bone ($240) and herb and horseradish-crusted roast prime rib ($450 for six kg). Or if you’d prefer something a wee bit smaller, how about roast baby chickens wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with figs ($18 each, min. order of six)? They’re available from now through Dec 24, so grab yourself a bird that you can proudly bring home to meet the rents.

Yule Market
Get into the spirit of things with The Pantry’s Yule Market at Loewen Gardens (75E Loewen Rd., 6474-0441) on Dec 11. There will be everything from mulled wine to Christmas puddings and cakes, fresh vegetables and chutneys and wines and beers from 8.30am-2pm.

What can we expect now that the reins have been handed over to you from Phillip Laffer, who has been driving Jacob’s Creek wines for the last 20 years?
It’s steady as she goes, with no radical changes. I believe in a progressive revolution of the style of our wines, in a way that meets the contemporary needs of the wine consumer. It’s a journey, for them and for us. I think one of the keys to our success is that we listen to what the consumer wants. There was a period of time when winemakers would make what they want and just expect the consumers to like it. Those days are gone.

Why the shift in Jacob’s Creek’s Reserve range to regional appellation?
Most people know that certain grape varietals are better suited to particular regions, so our new Reserve wines (such as Barossa Shiraz and Coonawara Cabernet Sauvignon) strongly reflect the personality of the region, as well as the variety from which it comes.

So, corks versus screw caps. What do you reckon?
Oh, definitely screw caps. I’ve found that it allows the wines to age well, due to the slower rate of oxygen exchange. The wine tastes fresher, because it’s aging exactly the way it’s supposed to. With corks, it’s less consistent and quality varies a good deal more.

How about wines made for aging, as opposed to ready-to-drink ones?
The truth is, less and less people are cellaring wines now, which inevitably puts pressure on winemakers to produce ready-to-drink wines. But there’s nothing quite like that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you pull out a bottle after say, five years, and discover a more complex wine with softer tannins.

Jacob’s Creek Reserve range of regional wines will be available early next year at all good wine stores and supermarkets.

It sure seems like the universe is trying to tell me something (perhaps that I should be brushing up on my skills in the kitchen), what with the many, many cooking classes that are all the rage at the moment. There was celeb chef Curtis Stone with Coriander Leaf’s Samia Ahad for the Sun Festival, and, more recently, a masterclass with chef Scott Webster of Osia, the first in the Chef Signatures series presented by DBS Indulge. This culinary maestro, who hails from New South Wales, skillfully demonstrated a three-course meal of polenta and panko-crumbed foie gras atop a disc of braised daikon, Grainge Black Angus Beef tenderloin on a blueberry risotto drizzled with bone marrow sauce and Valrhona hot chocolate soup, topped with a quenelle of black pepper ice cream and a sesame tuile at the AFC studio (#07-02 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6834-4829). If you missed it, the next one features Kunio Tokuoka in Dec, and Emmanuel Stroobant in Jan. Log on to www.asianfoodchannel.com/dbs for details.

Pavé Chocolates & Confections (93 East Coast Rd., 6342-0677) has introduced some new treats, such as El Pirata Paco, layer upon layer of almond sponge, lemon-infused cream and saffron-scented meringue ($7.50); chocolate nuggets of Yen (named after their pâtissier), with a white truffle-infused center; and Monastrell, with roasted almonds and saffron (both $3.20). They’re also doing all day French breakfasts on weekends with crossiants, pain au chocolat and Croque Monsieur (from $3.50).

The dreaded renovations at Raffles City Shopping Centre (252 North Bridge Rd.) are finally coming to a close, with a whole gamut of food-related establishments launched over the last two weeks. Noteworthy ones include DIY Teppanyaki Sho Teppan (#B1-44B, 6336-2118), Taiwanese eatery Ximending (#B1-44C, 6336-2118), Canelé (#B1-81/82, 6334-7377), Chocolate Research Facility (#B1-49, 6333-5328) and Kaffe & Te Boutique (#B1-51, 6527-3229). Also new in town is Qafé (#01-01, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 9487-1287), which we anticipate will be hot with the yuppies and celebs as it’s headed by CEO of Fly Entertainment and comedian, Irene Ang. I’m hoping to check out this Western-fusion café soon (schedule permitting) and I’ll be sure to keep you good folks posted once I do. If you beat me to it, drop me a line at food@asia-city.com.sg and tell me what you think.

SuperNature’s (#01-21/23/27 Park House, 21 Orchard Boulevard, 6304-1338) last Super Sunday for the year happens on Nov 28. Stop by from 10am-6pm and score yourself some fantastic discounts on organic products. If you get the munchies while shopping (I certainly do), be sure to help yourself to some roasted Rhug Estate milk-fed lamb with pita bread at their sampler station.

The year’s coming to a close and we hear the sounds of annual leave forms being filed and, hopefully, approved. While there are more than a handful of destinations on our travel wish list, one of our favorite go to spots is always Thailand. That’s thanks, in no small way, to the fantastic food and lively entertainment, at a smidgen of what you’d normally have to shell out for a gay, old time. Here are our picks for some of the city’s best Thai restaurants, to tide you over till you can make a break for it.

KHA
33 Hyderabad Rd., 6476-9000.
Nestled in charming Hort Park, visiting this establishment is almost a trip in itself. With the view of the lush greenery in the glow of the sunset, you could almost believe you’re somewhere else entirely. The relaxed ambiance and lovely alfresco area have all you need for a romantic meal. But it’s not all about the ambiance, though that’s certainly divine. The food’s good too. Ease yourself gently into the evening with a grilled salmon soufflé on lemongrass sticks, dressed with a red curry sauce and sitting on a pomelo salad ($16), or some deep fried banana flowers with sweet chili sauce ($12). If you’re looking to build up a slow burn, the gaeng massaman—a slow-braised lamb shank in a massaman gravy ($32) is a good option. Alternatively, the wok-fried chicken with cashew nuts, spring onions and sweet chili jam ($22) is a tasty dish and only mildly spicy. The black sticky rice and date pudding, with mango ice cream and tamarind caramel sauce ($14) makes for a sweet end to your meal. And while the fare here tends to be more subtle in flavor, don’t let that deter you. The entire experience is a thoroughly pleasant one.

Patara Fine Thai Cuisine
#03-14 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6737-0818.
A short distance from the center of town is 18-year-old Patara Fine Thai. In the fickle world of F&B, we reckon its continued endurance speaks to the quality of the food served here. Expect an elegant restaurant that’s not the least bit stuffy (thank goodness!), with a clear focus on good, simple Thai cuisine; with dark wood accents and traditional fixtures completing the desired effect. For a real feast, order their seven-course lunch or dinner sets ($68) that feature classics such as Tom Kha Goong and Som Tum (spicy green papaya salad with prawns and toasted coconut). Other highlights include beef green curry with sweet basil, grilled beef/pork/prawns wrapped in betel nut leaves and Gang Kua Goong Sapparod (prawns and pineapple in a mild yellow curry). We should probably mention that the food is served on Benjarong (Thai porcelain), so you can dine like Thai royals do. If you fancy an attempt at doing it yourself, they also offer cooking classes so you can learn how to get it right.

Porn’s
28 Liang Seah St., 6337-5535.
Before you go off on an unsavory train of thought, we feel inclined to state that this joint has nothing to do with that business whatsoever, so get your minds out of the gutter people. This is actually Pornsak Prajakwit’s casual eatery (you should already know him from his TV work), but it does style itself as Sexy Thai Food. We’re not entirely sure about that, but we can certainly vouch for the delicious grub in a back-to-basics themed setting, with white walls and playful graffiti. We suggest giving the fried stuffed chicken wings a go ($8.50 for three), with a minced meat, mashed roasted chestnut and vermicelli filling, as well as the Pad Thai hor kai ($9.90), with noodles done just right and encased in a thin-skinned omelet (add a dash of sugar for a different taste sensation). Other staples include tom yum goong ($10.90), which packs a powerful lemongrass punch in its clear, spicy broth, and Thai green curry (also $10.90), with plenty of tender chicken strips in a rich, coconutty gravy. Wash it down with some ice cold lemongrass juice ($4.50) and Thai roselle and lime ($3.90), both light and refreshing beverages that are perfectly suited to calm your palate. A great spot for fuss-free Thai, just be sure to make a reservation on the weekends as it’s proving to be extremely popular with the younger crowd (hoping to catch a glimpse of Porn himself perhaps).

Soht & Baay
#04-11/05-01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-6058.
The highly-successful Soht & Baay, a direct export from Thailand, is helmed by the modest and cheerful chef Apasara. Its dominance spans two floors in the eclectic ION Orchard, but we suggest eating at the main bright and airy dining room, which affords a view of Orchard Road (if that’s your thing). If not, the food itself is definitely noteworthy. Until the end of Nov, kick things off with some special salad options, such as an unusual coconut shoot salad done in “Som Tum” style with charcoal-grilled jumbo prawns, or papaya strips accompanied by fried chicken wings and crunchy julienned cucumbers that contrast beautifully with crispy soft shell crab (from $15.90). Be sure to try the award-winning Tom Yum Kung ($13.90)—a full-bodied soup that’s both perfectly tangy and spicy. Another standout performer is the Plaa Krapong Tod Namplaa ($7/100g)—a whole sea bass fried till a golden crisp best enjoyed with a tart combination of shredded mango, red onions and homemade fish sauce. Scrumptious crab dishes are also available from now through Dec, including fresh blue crab in an intoxicating turmeric gravy, addictive black pepper soft shell crabs tossed with kaffir lime leaves and yet more crabs in a coconut milk-based sauce of tamarind, red onions and chili (from $15.90).

Other Highlights
Indulge in more Thai at these fine establishments:

Diandin Leluk
#03-25 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd., 6396-5515.

First Thai
23 Purvis St., 6339-3123.

Jim Thompson
45 Minden Rd., 6475-6088.

Mai Thai
#01-58 Blk. 44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens, 6474-3108.

Tawandang Microbrewery
#01-01, 26 Dempsey Rd., 6476-6742.

Thanying Restaurant
G/F Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, 1 Larkhill Rd., 6825-3881.
 

Cooking Classes
The following places will have you perfecting your Pad Thai in no time:

Patara Fine Thai Cuisine
#03-14 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6737-0818.

Coriander Leaf
#02-03, 3A Merchant Court, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6732-3354.

It’s an unfortunate fact that the 2010 Sunfest is over (I’m crying, but only on the inside). Fortunately, I was able to catch a wave at Surfing the Menu with Curtis Stone. Yes ladies (and certain gentlemen), hotness central. Held at the Straits Room in The Fullerton Hotel (1 Fullerton Square, 6733-8388), the four-course dinner was inspired by dishes from the TV show Surfing the Menu. I actually have fond memories of watching the show with my girlies back in Oz, but of course, nothing quite competes with the real deal. My meal began with a saffron-perfumed spiced mussel soup which had a strong, robust flavor, with enough heat from a dash of cayenne pepper to excite my somewhat jaded palate. There was also Ricotta Cavatelli—a handrolled pasta with smoky, chargrilled sweet corn kernels and ender strips of duck confit (Curtis’ tribute to his co-host on the series, “Bender”) and Atlantic lobster with shellfish foam, chicken oysters in salted caramel sauce and topped with crispy pancetta, with nine wines from the Margaret River region served over the course of the evening. I’m already looking forward to the festival rolling around again next year. If you missed it, you can always pick up a copy of Curtis’ and Bender’s cookbook, Surfing the Menu, from most book stores in town.

Another satisfying dining experience I’ve had of late was at Table 66 (66 Tras St., 6225-6690), where chef-owner Vincent Teng has applied his longtime passion for sous-vide to create a new menu using this French technique. Highlights include seared beef tartare—freshly ground beef crowned with a semi-solid egg yolk that’s been marinated in miso and truffle ($18), osmanthus-infused pork belly with braised leeks, pineapple salsa and sweet potato pomme puree ($28) and confit of duck leg with tamarind jus (also $28). End on a sweet note with the lavender-scented panna cotta, accompanied by strawberry compote ($10).

Somehow, I also managed to fit in a wine and food pairing session at The Disgruntled Chef (26B Dempsey Rd., 6476-5305) for Changing of the Guard at Jacob’s Creek. Winemaker Bernard Hickin will be taking over the reins from Australian wine legend Phillip Laffer, whose legacy with Jacob’s Creek has spanned the last 20 years. They also presented the latest Reserve collection which focuses on three key wine regions Down Under to be launched at the start of 2011, including the Barossa Shiraz, Coonawara Cabernet Sauvignon and Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

We love Singapore, we do. And for such a teeny-tiny island, it sure packs one hell of a punch (at least food-wise). Something we can’t help but notice, though, is how hard it is to find smaller establishments that have a real, honest vibe, with none of that dreaded mass market feel we try our darnedest to avoid. We’re not anti-establishment (despite what you may have heard), but it’s one of those things we crave; particularly on a weekend when we’re hankering after some peace and quiet. Here we divulge some of our favorite, lesser-known haunts, so you can enjoy them as much as we do.

Arbite

66A Serangoon Garden Way, 6287-0430.
The setup: Tucked away in the Serangoon Garden vicinity, is this charming café-restaurant in one of the city’s more remote locations (unless you just so happen to live in the area). Look out for Guardian Pharmacy along the row of shophouses, a nondescript glass door with the word Arbite on it, and shuffle yourself all the way up the stairs to the second floor.
The goods: Despite being a small, independent establishment, chef-owner Marc Wee has put together a full-fledged menu to feed some very hungry souls—most impressive, especially considering that he does all the heavy lifting, including making tagliatelle and pappardelle by hand every single day. Expect a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and mains that we’ve yet to work our entire way through. Our picks include the Asian-spiced lamb shank ($21.90), Japanese curry pulled pork wrap ($12.90) and seafood pie ($17.90). But the absolute winner for us is chef Wee’s homemade pappardelle with mushrooms and parma ham ($19.90). Ribbons of perfectly al dente pasta, dressed in an ivory cream of onions, garlic, shallots and button mushrooms, topped with parma ham and the lightest drizzle of truffle oil make for a sumptuous, earthy dish (it’s the real reason we come here). Dessert’s also too fab to pass on. Try My Wife’s Chocolate Cake, best served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream ($8). Or if you’re too stuffed, the fruit terrine ($6), lemon tart ($7) and sea salt caramel cake ($8.50) are a little lighter, but every bit as satisfying. Bottles of vino go from $45, so you can afford to have several.
Best for: Hearty, comfort cooking that will leave you fully sated.

Room with a View

5/F, 17 Carpenter St., 6438-4230.
The setup: Housed in an unassuming building, the only clue to its existence is a small signboard out front—blink and you just might miss it. Take the rickety elevator up to the fifth floor and step into this quaint café cum gallery, run by a two-woman family operation, Joanna Wan and Keryl Low, who believe in good coffee, tea, nibbles and photography. The duo want to support local talent and encourage aspiring photographers to send in their work based on a theme that rotates every month. If your photo’s selected, they’ll print, frame and display your piece in their space. The current one, “Have you seen the sign?”, runs till the end of the month.
The goods: With savory items such as quiche, thin crust pizza, salads and wraps available, shoot for their grilled ham and cheese sarnie with mozzarella and a roasted vegetable chutney in a sundried tomato panini ($9.50). All-day breakfast is a tempting option with classics including English scones with jam and butter ($3.50)—add $2.50 for real Cornish clotted cream—and Belgium waffles with maple syrup ($8). If you’re after something sweet, indulge in their range of homebaked goodies including flourless chocolate cake ($5.50) or Venchi chocolate brownie ($5.50), with a piping hot cup of coffee (from $3). Or how about a lemon slice ($4) and a signature carrot cake ($5), both ideal while sipping on Taylors of Harrogate peach and green tea ($5.50).
Best for: Photography buffs who enjoy a nice spot to chill, and people who enjoy looking at nice pictures over their coffee.

40 Hands

#01-12, 78 Yong Siak St., 6225-8545.
The setup: On quiet Yong Siak Street, this cozy two month old coffee joint in the Tiong Bahru neighborhood is our latest obsession. For those unfamiliar with the area, it’s just off Kim Tian Road (if that helps). If it doesn’t, that’s what Google Maps is for. Its laidback tan and beige interior seats about 22 caffeine-deprived folks, with comfy chairs and an omnipresent aroma of gourmet brews to keep you sated.
The goods: No prizes for guessing correctly. Head barista and owner, Harry Grover, hails from Australia (with arguably one of the strongest coffee cultures on this side of the hemisphere), and he really knows his stuff. Grover’s very dedicated to the Third Wave Coffee movement, so you know he’s all about sustainability and direct trade. Their coffee list makes up half the menu, with over 10 cuppas to provide you with your daily dose. Kick things off with a double espresso shot ($4), or wake yourself up gently with a creamy cappuccino ($5), topped with so much foam you’ll want to ski on it. The ristrettos ($4) are a robust, full-flavored option, while we have a weakness for their flat whites ($5), a true blue Aussie classic. (Although we wouldn’t necessarily recommend having them all at one go, unless you’re feeling somewhat loopy.) While the focus is undoubtedly on specialty coffee, they do serve some delish wholegrain sandwiches such as Mediterranean lamb and Jamaican jerk pork (both $9.50)—tender strips of smoked pork tenderloin, dark plum chutney, sweet mango slivers and mozzarella, spiked with a basil tomato sauce. They’ve recently started serving brunch on the weekends, so dig into Eggs Benedict and Eggs Cocotte (both $12)—sautéed spinach and truffled mushrooms with slow-baked eggs and fresh herbs. Or prove you’re all grown up with a Big Boy Breakfast ($15).
Best for: Hardcore, diehard coffee geeks (such as ourselves), or anyone looking for a refuge from the big, bad world.

Kichn

#01-05 Albert Court, 180 Albert St., 6333-0015.
The setup: Opened by Sean Khoo in Albert Court Village, what started out as a practical need for a kitchen (his design studio Pupilpeople is right next door), has evolved into his first foray into the F&B industry. Grab yourself a seat (there are just over 20), fill in your order, bring it up to the counter and pay. A warning to those who don’t take kindly to the heat: It’s completely alfresco with white umbrellas providing some shelter (only the kitchen and cashier are indoors) so you’re entirely at the mercy of the elements. Take a fan along with you, or wait till the weather’s nice and cool.
The goods: It’s all about customization, both with the dishes and ice-blended drinks. For your meal, pick a main component such as beef patty ($9.90), grilled dory ($8.90) or portobello mushroom ($8.90), base carbs including Japanese rice, fusilli or noodles, topped with sauces such as chili crab, cream, tomato or a featured special that rotates quarterly (they’ve had laksa and Japanese curry, the current one is satay). To cool down, concoct your own drink from 15 flavors including honey, milo, Red Bull and coffee. Khoo’s own creation is an oreo-lychee-chocolate ($6.90), while we’re partial to a green tea and lychee combo ($5.90).
Best for: Folks on a budget, such as students, struggling artists/musicians/writers, backpackers.

Shhh...

If you’re in the mood for a super top secret guerilla dining experience, look no further than lolla’s secret suppers. We don’t want to give away too much too soon (our moms taught us that piece of wisdom), but we will tell you that it’ll be an evening centered around great food, wine and conversation. So rock up (quietly, please), and come fully prepared to be surprised. Email s8@lollapalooza.asia to get in on the action, but remember, tell no one.

I’m still feeling the happy vibes from the 2010 Singapore Sun Festival’s Opening Gala Concert. It may have fed my uncultured soul, but this foodie needs to eat to be truly satisfied. Salta (#01-56 Icon Village, 12 Gopeng St., 6225-8443) has been open for a while and I’d heard good things, but it wasn’t till I had a real hankering for honking slabs of meat that I decided to heed the call of my tummy and head down for what I foolishly thought would be a quick lunch. Of course, that didn’t happen. It’s hard to find Argentinian cuisine in Singapore, so we like that they’re doing something a little different, and well too. Their Jamon Ibérico ($20) is outstanding. Don’t believe me? Hop to it and have some for yourself. You’ll be inclined to agree. My other favorite was the Entraña—beef skirt ($27), juicy, flavorful and succulent. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. And I couldn’t pass on dessert (when do I ever?). The Panqueque ($10) was a sinful crepe tunnel filled and smothered with dulce de leche milk caramel made from condensed milk (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Another place that I’d recommend if you’re on the hunt for some tasty Thai is Soht & Baay. For the month of Nov, chef Apasara has added light and fresh salad options such as an unusual coconut shoot one done in “Som Tum” style with charcoal-grilled jumbo prawns, papaya strips accompanied by fried chicken wings and crunchy julienned cucumbers that contrast beautifully with crispy soft shell crab (from $15.90). If you’re not really a veggie person, there are some scrumptious crab dishes including fresh blue crab in an intoxicating turmeric gravy, addictive black pepper soft shell crabs tossed with kaffir lime leaves and yet more crabs in a coconut milk-based sauce of red onions, chili and tamarind.

After five too many beers at the newest Boulevard (#01-23 Millenia Walk, Times Square, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6883-2033), take your pick from Summer Ale, Wheat Bier and Bohemian Lager, I stumbled on Sarong Grill & Chill (#01-03 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6837-2728). While I was a little too inebriated to dine at this Indonesian restaurant (it’s hard to stomach food when your belly’s full of beer), I did have a quick glance at the menu and that certainly looked promising. Also newish is PS. Café at ASH Park (45 Ann Siang Rd., 9797-0648). I’ve been too busy to venture to that part of town recently, but it’s going on my list of places to check out.

There’s so much to love about Spain and its amazing culture, not to mention the sultry men and women. But what we crave most of all, is the spectacular food and drinks. We trooped around to source for some of the best Spanish restaurants in town, so you can get right down to business.

Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant
#01-02 Blk. 7 Dempsey Rd., 6476-2811.

They’ve already established themselves as one of the leaders in Spanish cuisine at their original Lorong Kilat outlet, as the throngs of Spaniards would happily attest to. In August this year, they opened up another in Dempsey (good news for those of us who live in the city). Brace yourself for an onslaught of tapas, and in this case, that’s a very good thing. The meatballs with apple sauce ($12) were firm and lightly sweetened, with wedges of stewed apple and pine nuts, while calamari ($11) was light and crisp. Rabo de Toro ($34) is a hearty oxtail stew that features meat so tender it’s falling off the bone, with carrots, potatoes and garbanzo beans. Their paellas take anywhere from 25-35 minutes, so we’re telling you now to order them once your bottom grazes a seat. The Arroz Negro (from $30) was one of the best paellas we’ve had in a long, long time. Fresh seafood nuggets of squid and prawn nestle in a jet-black squid ink bed of rice, topped with cubes of tomato. Be sure to have it with their aioli (garlic mayo) for an extra spicy kick. And ask for extra lemon wedges, the tangy citrus flavor really complements the richness of the dish. Desserts here are noteworthy, so do yourself a favor and give them a go. The Leche Frita ($9) is a square of golden brown battered fried milk with cinnamon syrup. But if you only have space for one treat, let it be the Bomba de Chocolate ($19). This incredibly decadent chocolate fondant is made from 55 percent Spanish chocolate and is well worth the calories (just don’t tell us how many). We could almost do without the giant scoop of vanilla ice cream it comes with. They even launched an all day breakfast menu last weekend, featuring items including a Madrid classic, Broken Eggs (scrambled eggs with garlic, chorizo and baby potatoes), Eggs Benedict/Royale with Seranno ham or smoked salmon and torrijas (a Spanish bread pudding) from 9am-4pm every Sat and Sun.

Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar
#01-08 Blk. D, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6837-2938. 

Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar is yet another restaurant cum bar in the Clarke Quay vicinity (stifle those groans). And while we’re usually averse to the crowd and noise, this is a worthwhile bet if you want to get your drink on, with tasty bites to match. There’s an alfresco area, which like the rest of the lot, is modeled after the deck of a ship. It comes with lifebuoys, railings and wood-planked floors (captain not included). Take it all in, with a liberal dose of sea salt. And consuming jugs upon jugs of sangria always works for us. Alternatively, the indoor area with burnt tangerine hues and dim lighting is made for cozying up with a special someone (if only for a night). If you’re lucky, their resident band, Ent-Marisol, will be belting out some soulful tunes for maximum romancing. If you’d like to go the traditional route, they’ve got red and white sangria (from $14/glass; $65/jug). But we strongly suggest shaking things up and sipping on their fruity blackberry one ($15)—made with crushed blackberries and white wine, or the sparkling version ($16). Then again, you could take a cue from us and have them all. Let’s not forget the nibbles. They serve chicken meatballs in a mild almond sauce ($13.50), tender grilled squid in a balsamic vinegar reduction ($15.50) and black pepper-specked pan-fried red snapper with Romesco sauce (a blend of almonds, pine nuts, tomatoes and red wine). Don’t leave without a taste of their bacon-wrapped flash-fried shrimps ($14.50)—everything really is better with bacon—and their roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with minced chicken ($14). And yes, there’s paella. We reckon the Marisco’s (from $38) is an all-round crowd pleaser, with prawns, squid, mussels, snapper and some veggies thrown in. To seal the deal, get some sugar with their churros ($8.50)—deep fried dough sticks served with a sticky chocolate sauce. The cherry on top? They’re open till late. 1am on weekdays, and 2am on Fri and Sat, so you have even more time to work your magic.

The Club Tapas
B1 (bar), 1/F (restaurant) The Club Hotel, 28 Ann Siang Rd., 6808-2188. 

One of the newest Spanish establishments, having opened in September, The Club Tapas is set in the boutique Club Hotel by Harry’s Hospitality. They’ve got a nice alfresco space if you’d like some outdoor action, or head down to the basement for an intimate evening, with warm tones and a splattering of red accents. Classics such as patatas bravas ($12)—fried potatoes with a tangy tomato sauce—fried calamari rings ($15), 24 month cured Jamon ($20) and a cheese platter including Manchego and Mahon ($18) are all decent options, while their paellas are a little pricey from $40. The tuna empinadas and chicken croquettes are manageable bites if you’re not in the mood for anything too filling (both $12). Go a different route from a standard sangria and choose from their array of wines from Spain.

more Spanish restaurants in Singapore

This charming bartender, who placed sixth at the 2010 Diageo World Class Final in Athens earlier this year, spoke to Jalean Wong during his short stopover in Singapore.

Tell us about how you became a bartender.
I’m not actually a drinker, so I never thought I’d be a bartender. In fact, I was afraid to drink. The first time I ever had a drink, it was a shot of B52 and I got so drunk. It was terrible. Since then, I’ve almost become an alcoholic. Now, I can do 20 shots, with champagne, beer and cocktails all night.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to mixing?
I believe the basics are important. Then again, rules are meant to be broken. I trained in the London style, so it’s a very specific way to approach mixing drinks. It’s very different from the Taiwanese style or Japanese style. The London style keeps changing. It’s more about entertaining and is casual and relaxed. The Japanese style is serious and they care a lot about details like how you stir, shake, timing exactly how long you shake it for and even temperature, while the Taiwanese style isn’t developed yet, drawing from other styles as it finds its own.

What inspires you to create new cocktails?
Definitely my customers. I really try to give them what they want, whether it’s something as simple as a fruity cocktail or to suit their mood. The truth is, any good bartender will tell you that it’s not just about the drinks. At the end of the day, it’s all about the people. That’s why I travel. To meet new people, experience some change and keep pushing myself.

What’s the most crucial ingredient to being a good bartender?
Attitude! You can find the knowledge, no problem. But it’s more about discovering what it is you want to show to your audience. I always think of myself as an actor, and the bar is my stage. I just happen to make drinks along the way.

Goal by Angus Zou

What you need:

• 30ml Johnnie Walker Gold Label reserve
• 15ml apricot brandy
• 5ml Martini bianco
• 12.5ml lime juice
• 30ml apple juice
• Handful of ice

Method:

1. Shake all with ice, strain into a martini glass.
2. Garnish with a lemon twist.
    

My week’s been a whirlwind of events, but I’m not complaining. The 2010 Singapore Sun Festival kicked off last week with remarkable Grammy-award winning David Foster. I was fortunate enough to attend the Opening Gala Concert thanks to my lovely companion (you know who you are). There’s also a special dinner, Surfing the Menu with Curtis Stone, which I’m very much looking forward to. Celeb chef Curtis Stone, who’s in town for the festival, will be cooking up a feast at The Fullerton Hotel on Nov 5. He’ll also be showing off his culinary prowess at a cooking class with Coriander Leaf’s Samia Ahad.

In the midst of all the craziness, I was able to sail over to the Boathouse (#03-01 The Waterboat House, 3 Fullerton Rd., 6538-9038) for a taste of their new menu. Executive chef Jonathon Koh maintains the focus firmly on seafood with Scottish razor clams ($32)—firm, ivory nuggets flirt with salmon cubes and tomato confit, while peeking out from under a melted Comté cheese cover. Another ode to the sea is his Maine lobster ($42) that’s been slowly braised in butter. It’s served with a luscious nantua sauce, foie pilaf and a quenelle of tomato jam for a truly satisfying plate.

Good news for us foodies. Loads of restaurants have been opening of late, such as Singapore Seafood Republic (#01-292 Waterfront, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 6265-6777). No points for guessing what their specialty is. Jonesing for some meat instead? Then head down to one week old French bistro L’Entrecôte – The Steak and Fries Bistro (36 Duxton Hill, 6238-5700). If that’s not enough for your carnivorous tendencies, Meatworks (#04-12, #04-27/32 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6634-0026) also opened on Oct 28. Take on the Brontosaurus (if you dare). Their signature steak is no lightweight, coming in at a whopping 1.5 kg. Happy eating!