OPENINGS

Without a doubt the most noteworthy opening in Singapore’s dining scene for 2011 was the launch of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Joël Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa back in April, courtesy of Frenchman Joël Robuchon, the most decorated Michelin-starred chef in the world.

Another biggie as far as we’re concerned is tapas bar Esquina by Jason Atherton of London’s one-Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social, which threw open its doors on December 10.

Duxton experienced a serious renaissance and began to resemble a UN conference (in a good way) with the opening of Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar, Sabio Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Brit gastropub The Jackson Plan, Singaporean-inspired bistro Wok & Barrel and most recently, Latteria Mozzarella Bar on December 1.

This was a year for joe addicts with plenty of coffee spots sprouting up like Loysel’s Toy, jimmy monkey, Jewel Coffee, Brunetti, Toby’s Estate and Oriole Coffee Roasters, and the list goes on (read our story all about them at here).

The Sugar Daddy Group made their presence felt with American-style diner Pique Nique and French patisserie and salon Antoinette (with three outlets so far, and counting), helmed by owner and pastry maestro Pang Kok Keong.

We might not subscribe to an open door policy at home, but we’re definitely fans of the bistro and coffee bar Open Door Policy in hip ‘hood Tiong Bahru from Tippling Club’s Ryan Clift.

If you’re a lush, you’ve probably enjoyed new watering holes in the form of cocktail spots (28 HongKong Street, Bartini, The Studio and Barkode), wine bars (The Stomping Ground, TWINE and Verre Wine Bar) and specialists (Absinthe Artisan, The Auld Alliance, JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar and Señor Taco).

CLOSED

Raw Kitchen Bar bid adieu to their spot at the old firestation in Bukit Timah, but reincarnated as Kilo by Kallang Riverside Park (just above Loysel’s Toy).

The most expensive restaurant in the city (think $750 for a seven-course tasting menu), Michelin-starred Kunio Tokuoka’s namesake establishment closed in May.

Less than six months after The Jackson Plan’s launch, the il Lido/Forlino group waved the white flag and resorted to Plan B aka Latteria Mozzarella Bar.

The doctor left the house and controversial Clinic flatlined. Time of death: December 7. In its place, rose Aquanova Restaurant Bar, also from LifeBrandz.

Excuse us while we mourn the upcoming loss of A Curious Teepee, which closes its physical space at *SCAPE come December 31, but will be launching its website; so you can still get your hands on their cool goods.