You would never expect to find a swanky open-concept bar in Alexandra. This new hangout is called Aqua Luna, located on the 7th storey of Park Hotel Alexandra, offering an alternative view of the beautiful Queenstown precinct. The stylish alfresco bar is parked right beside the 25-metre infinity swimming pool, and boasts an exciting gourmet menu of bar nosh and exotic cocktails.

But more than its tranquil vibes and interesting variety of tantalising cocktails, Aqua Luna is a stunner and the perfect venue for post-work drinks with colleagues and/or a great night out with your beloved other half. Upon stepping to the outdoors of the pool level of the property, we were amazed and in complete disbelief. The circular rooftop bar was dimly lit and set against the evening skies, candy floss coloured post-sunset skies welcomed us, and our moods were instantly lifted; how can a so-called neighbourhood bar be so sexy?

We can just hear all of you who are sick and tired of the CBD’s overly crammed bars; it is time to make your way down to Aqua Luna, this all new tranquil oasis that we have been to several times now, and are completely in love with.

From now till 13 November 2015, readers of ladyironchef can get an exclusive 50% off the second drink at Aqua Luna (more details at the end of the post). So grab a cocktail and some light bites, watch the sunset from an alternative venue, kick back and enjoy an evening of being away from the madness in town. You deserve this break.

Set to be a laid-back hotel bar in Southern Singapore, Aqua Luna indeed exudes remarkably chill vibes throughout the afternoon and even into the night. It also serves as a swim-up bar for in-house guests; how cool is that?

The scrumptious selection of bar food and premium cocktails will impress even the most discerning epicureans. The spanking new bar is partially encased by a glass-to-ceiling transparent windows, hence allowing one to simultaneously admire the picturesque surroundings whilst indulging in a meal.

Gone are the days where you can easily find a handcrafted cocktail under S$20. So imagine our surprise when we found out that Aqua Luna’s special cocktails and classics are all reasonably priced at S$18++ each! What a delightful steal! Each invigorating concoction is prepared with fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, and don’t they just look gorgeous?

Signature must-tries include the Breezy Berries and Poire Basil. The former is a blend of mint, lychee liqueur, cherry bitters and Pisco, while the latter is a revitalising mix of Absolut Pear Vodka, basil, grapefruit bitters and zesty lime juice garnished with fresh pear slices.

Both cocktails are served in old-school silver metal tins and decorated with real fruits. These beverages are actually very potent and you will get the bang for your buck!

Another drink that you should try is their spiced cocktail Hot Melons (S$18++) – a brilliant Asian fusion invention inspired by the liqueur affogato.

Muddled with chilli padi, shaken with dark rum and served with a soursop sorbet, the cocktail is a unique sweet-and-spicy concoction. The spiciness have been underwhelmed by the ice-cream so you do not have to worry about having your tongue on fire!

Or you can also savour the classic margarita, martini and mojito with an additional unexpected twist of your choice. Spiced mojito or mojito infused with peach or mixed berries, what say you?

Similarly, you could have an apple or lychee martini instead of the traditional one. Last but not least, enjoy either a mango or mixed berry margarita – or stick to the good old classics. These enthralling classic tipples are priced at S$18++ each too.

If you are here to catch the dazzling sunset, do order an Alexandra Sunset (S$18++) to kickstart your evening.

Named after Aqua Luna’s location, this golden-hued cocktail creation – an infusion of Grand Marnier liqueur with flamed Rosemary, pineapple juices, white rum and dark rum – is served in a classy wine glass and a hit amongst both the ladies and gentlemen.

Aqua Luna keeps its entire menu extremely affordable. We were pleasantly surprised by how generously portioned and appetising the unassuming Battered Cauliflower (S$8++) was.

Each crispy fried batter contained an impossibly tender cauliflower and we love how it packed a punch with its hints of fragrant curry and onion. The addictive vegetarian dish is served with an irresistible cheesy béchamel dipping sauce on the side. Sinful as it may sound, we would return to Aqua Luna just for this, because diet can (sometimes) wait.

Sick of the ubiquitous truffle fries? Give their heavenly Truffle Polenta Fries (S$10++) a shot and you definitely will not regret wasting your calories on this amazing savoury treat. Well, for those who always tell us truffle fries are too mainstream for their liking, this would do the trick for you!

For the uninitiated, polenta is a type of thick cornmeal that is most commonly used in Central Europe It is consumed in other parts of the world such as South America and the Middle East, and they may be named differently and more commonly known as cornmeal.

For those who are keen to try something different, you will enjoy these delightful polenta fries that are dusted in parmesan cheese and served with a dollop of homemade truffle-infused mayonnaise dipping sauce.

Oysters fan, please join us in feasting with these freshly shucked Seasonal Oysters (1/2 doz – S$24++) served au natural with a classic mignonette. Can you imagine slurping them juicy oysters while swimming? Oh god, the life!

Those who do not fancy the exquisite oysters can still find other seafood nibbles, such as the A Pint of Prawns (S$14++) served with cocktail sauce, and A Pot of Mussels (S$18++) – blue mussels that have been cooked with Chardonnay.

Of course, the carnivores can join us in feasting on the decadent “Dirty” Steak (S$36++) which is grilled to medium-rare and charred in the wood-fired oven while sitting atop charcoal. It is served with anchovy butter and a pinch of sea salt.

How awesome does steak by the pool sound, right? We are all so used to steak in fine restaurants, and this experience at Aqua Luna sure is a fresh breath of air.

On to the flatbreads now, my friends. Essentially wood-fired pizzas served fresh from the oven, these bar snacks are actually very filling and enjoyable with some cocktails (but of course).

There are a total of five flavours to choose from – Crabmeat & Artichoke (S$24++), Margarita (S$18++), Beef & Chilli (S$20++), Tiger Prawn & Pesto (S$24++) and Chorizo & Onion (S$18++).

It is also worth mentioning that the breads have been painstakingly proofed for at least three hours, hence giving rise to a light and crispy crust. And they are made fresh daily!

When daylight wanes away and night-time takes over, Aqua Luna transforms from a tropical paradise into a dimly lit romantic bar; the latter is how we will always remember Aqua Luna to be, as when we first saw the bar in its full glory against the golden sunset.

You should, too, drop by during the evening for a spectacular sunset experience – watch the sun descend right before your eyes and witness the landscape transform into mesmerising city lights with a glass of signature cocktail in hand. We will return in a heartbeat for this lovely sanctuary. Will you?

EXCLUSIVE 50% OFF SECOND DRINK FOR LADYIRONCHEF’S READERS

From now till 13 November 2015, quote “ladyironchef” when you reserve your table at Aqua Luna and get 50% off your second drink (of lower value). Advance reservation is required, with a minimum of 2 guests (up to 12 adult patrons) in a single bill.

This promotion is not valid on eve of and on Public Holidays. Please call +65 6828 8885 or email aqualuna.phal@parkhotelgroup.com to make your reservation.

Aqua Luna
Level 7 Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
Tel: +65 6828 8885
Email: aqualuna.phal@parkhotelgroup.com
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Queenstown / Redhill

This post is brought to you by Park Hotel Alexandra.

There are restaurants that we return to because we love the ambiance, there are those that we return to because the prices are friendly, then there are also those that hold a special place in our hearts simply because the team of chefs and waitstaff are like friends to us.

Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore is one of those places, and it is not your typical restaurant. It is a gastrobar, sitting high on the 33rd level and with a glimpse of the city from above, with an exuberant team who are ever passionate about their food and beers, and a comprehensive menu that covers your bar snacks, mains, desserts and all the beers that you can ever dream of.

A recent change of menu had us revisiting the gastrobar, and Chef Aaron has a lot to impress, indeed. On a side note, his humble personality and comical expressions make it so easy to like him. Hailing from Canada, this man is famed for making his own sausages and meatballs, and man, do we need those with our beers!

But of course, Cook & Brew’s new menu is so fascinating that you might just need more trips back to try everything. Here are some highlights from its revamp, and 12 star dishes that you definitely must try from Cook & Brew’s new menus:

TRAIN CAR BREAKFAST

Such a catchy name, ain’t it? Start with this appetizer (S$16) of butter fried brioche (oh good Lord, yes), creamy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon and horse radish. Think of Eggs Florentine, but way better and dynamically flavoursome. Goes best with Kirin beer; yes, you know you need that.

TURKEY MEATBALLS

We are usually not fans of meatballs, but these are just splendid. Chef Aaron spent a great deal perfecting his meatballs, and the usage of turkey makes this meatballs dish a lighter one. Doused in tomato sauce, pecorino and fried bread, Turkey Meatballs (S$15) is best enjoyed with Pilsner Urquell. You can also make this a main by adding fresh cut pasta (S$8).

HOMEMADE SMOKED SAUSAGE NEW ORLEAN’S STYLE

This is one dish that the kitchen is really proud to introduce. Ever so passionate about making and linking his own sausages, Chef Aaron’s creation of Homemade Smoked Sausage (S$22) comes complete with bubble & squeak, watercress and tomato jam. No fillers, no nut extenders, no binders. No organs and intestines, too. Just pure pork meat that are freshly grounded by the kitchen. Don’t forget to order a bottle of Strongbow Gold Apple Cider too!

POUTINE “EH”

Traditionally a Canadian dish that is essentially French fries topped with a brown gravy and cheese curds, Cook & Brew has their own version of Poutine now. Trust Chef Aaron when it comes to this; he is Canadian, and this is his element.

The Poutine “Eh” (S$16) is luxurious with pulled pork that’s prepared fresh in-house on a daily basis, cheese curds and apple Strongbow gravy. Very rustic, and every bit comforting. A dish that is good to share, and best enjoyed with Strongbow Cider Red Berries.

USDA ANGUS STRIPLOIN STEAK

We are huge fans of steaks, and we enjoyed this dish thoroughly. Apart from the fact that it is a good excuse to drink Guinness, the USDA Angus Striploin Steak (S$54) is a plate of beautifully seared striploin that is creamy and slightly fatty. Served with roasted mushrooms, stilton and a watercress salad, then topped with buttered bread crumbs that look nothing than tiny bits of scrapes but explosively flavourful, this is to die for.

FANCY FISH & CHIPS – BEER BATTERED NOVA SCOTIA LOBSTERS

Because fish & chips is too mainstream, Chef Aaron has to show us how it is done. Use lobsters, he said. And so, that brilliant twist is his take on a fancier version – well, it is not named Fancy Fish & Chips (S$46) for no reason.

Beer battered Nova Scotia lobsters served with sauce gribiche, which is essentially mayo-style cold egg sauce, the Fancy Fish & Chips is one of its kind. Every bite into the sweet flesh was divine, and you can just imagine how addicted we are to it; we are already planning a next visit back to The Westin Singapore!

SMOKED BACON CARAMEL CHOCOLATE BAR

It sounds strange, but it is absolutely to die for. Heaven meets Earth when bacon is put into chocolates. Who would have thought that the sweet-savoury combination would be so flawless? This dessert of Smoked Bacon Caramel Chocolate Bar (S$13) is easily the most decadent chocolate bar we’ve had in recent times. Like Snickers, but way better and comes with dates, hazelnut and smoked bacon, topped with chocolate sauce and maple candied bacon strip. This is one hell of a life-changing dessert and you have to try it to believe what good it does for your soul!

CHICKEN WINGS

Chicken Wings are the perfect bar snacks. Cook & Brew has not only one, but three types of chicken wings – Hoisin Lime & Chili (S$12), Double Crispy Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce (S$12) and Hot Wings (S$12) – on the bar menu.

SALT COD BRANDADE ON TOAST

If you are going to Cook & brew to have some drinks with your colleagues after work, get the Salt Cod Brandade on Toast (S$12) from the bar menu. The salted cod is served on a grilled sourdough, and best enjoyed with a pint of Erdinger.

SUSHI BOWL

Happy to know that perennial favourites are staying on the menu too. We’ve tried the Sushi Bowl (S$18) in Cook & Brew’s opening days, and boy, was it satisfying. Think of a deconstructed sushi, with BBQ salmon, egg roll, avocado, radish and wasabi mayonnaise, this is on the ‘Starter Fare’ section, but the ladies would love to know the generous portion works well as a main itself. Best enjoyed with Leffe Blond!

COOK & BREW FRIED CHICKEN

Fried chicken + Beer = Happiness. Which is why we can never say no to Cook & Brew Fried Chicken (S$27). Glad that this classic dish is a mainstay, because it is ever so satisfying with the homemade wasabi mayonnaise, sesame spinach salad and cherry tomatoes. Needless to say, you need your beer with this. We’d say go for the recommended Leffe Blond, and your night is well complete.

DUCK RICE

Cook & Brew also has some local fares for the patriots and all who love a good Singaporean dish. The Duck Rice (S$25) sounds unassuming, but what do you know?Ruby red roasted duck served with white rice and braised sauce, the Duck Rice is fragrant and very enjoyable with Tsingtao beer. But of course.

For the latest updates, go to The Westin Singapore’s website, ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook, and follow them on Instagram and Twitter.

Cook & Brew
The Westin Singapore
33/F Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6948
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12midnight
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

Football and ice cold beer come hand in hand. We all need night outs with our pals, and we really would not miss watching the latest football matches. Times like these, we turn to our regular haunts for reliable familiarity and comfort, where we can get our favourite beers and cheers to great goals.

And what if we tell you – on top of all these, there is a haven where you can fill your tummies with awesome food with even more awesome beers, too? Lately, Beer Market has sprung up to being one of our favourite chill-out spots, and with this post, we will make you forget what a typical pub means, and have you rethink and redefine what enjoyment really is with quality F&B.

Strategically located at the bustling Clarke Quay, Beer Market is not your ordinary pub. Or bar. Or whatever Singaporeans deem as a place only for drinks. Beer Market is an institution, a place that is committed to offering a myriad of beers – both classic favourites and limited rare brands – and a menu so comprehensive, and even more appealing than the beer options! Some of the dishes like chicken rice pizza, squid ink fried rice, and salted egg yolk seafood pizza are enticing enough to make us go back again and again.

Beer Market offers its Four Heavenly Kings sauce – Tartar Sauce with a tinge of honey, Honey Mustard, the fiery hot BTH (Buay Tahan) sauce, and our favourite BM Shiok Sauce, which as the name suggests, so good that it is the perfect dip for any dish. We really went all out with the BM Shiok Sauce, and for all we could remember; we ate it with every dish.

There are several seafood appetisers like Fried Baby Squid (S$9.90), Sautéed Pesto Tiger Prawns (S$11.90), but our pick is the Seafood Shooters (S$22.90) – crab meat, prawns and sashimi salmon presented in shooter glasses, alongside a Tiger Radler beer that is to be poured into the glasses and eaten together with the seafood. Chilled freshness and every bit refreshing; this is not to be missed.

More seafood? Go for the Sizzling Salmon (S$18.90) – a huge slab of salmon grilled to perfection. Other main courses include Fish & Chips (S$13.90), Chicken Truffle (S$15.90) and BM No-Nonsense Steak (S$22.90). Yes, the BM Shiok sauce goes well with all of that, too.

And then there are pizzas too. Love your Chicken Rice? Now, you can have it on a pizza! We never thought a Chicken Rice Pizza (S$17.90) would be possible, but there you have it – only at Beer Market. And Singaporeans will be delighted to know that the other tantalising option is the Salted Egg Seafood Pizza (S$21.90). These two creations are the best testament to what Beer Market is about – their alternative interpretations of local favourites will stop you in your tracks and have you see them in a different light.

On Beer Market’s new menu, you will also be treated to several mouth-watering Tze Char dishes. We love having comfort food accompany our beers. Beer Market’s renditions of the popular classics are not quite classic, but all the better because we had a chat with the Executive Chef, Steven, and we understood why. He is always craving perfection, and when perfection is achieved, he takes it to a higher level by elevating the flavours further with the addition of complementary premium ingredients.

Take the BM Beef Horfun (S$14.90) for instance. While we are not the biggest fans of horfun, we were impressed by the generous chunks of sirloin beef strips, and this dish is actually served with French onion soup gravy. So many layers to savour just in one dish!

And we have to admit that the Midnight Seafood Rice (S$13.90) blew our minds. We stand firm on the belief that the simplest dish is the best tell tale to a chef’s culinary skills, and where tze char is concerned, fried rice is the best indicator. While this version of squid ink and seafood stir-fried with rice looked unassuming and mediocre upon first glance, it is one that have us making a pact with ourselves to order it every time we drop by.

Upon stepping in, you would notice from the decor of the place that the concept of Beer Market is highly inspired by the stock exchange. The idea is to buy low and drink high, of course. For those of you who have never been here before, here is a quick guide on how to order beers. On the Beer Market Exchange (BMX), you can find almost any type of beer. Check the TV screens around the bar for the latest prices, which are updated every half an hour. Like stocks, the prices of beer depend on the demand and supply of the market. Needless to say, the more popular the beer is, the higher the prices will go. Similarly, if a particular beer is not in demand, prices will slide.

It is an interesting experience to monitor the beer market while catching up with your friends over good food, of course. And it also gives you a chance to try other uncommon brews – that you might otherwise not try – when they drop to low prices.

There are many reasons why we love Beer Market, but if we had to pick one, it would be their new food menu. A well-balanced selection with a good mix of finger food, pizzas and tze char dishes that pair well with beers – all at extremely affordable prices. Rethink night out, less the busting credit card part.

The casual and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with affordable drinks and well-executed food, makes Beer Market the place to head to the next time you crave an after-dark session to unwind, and when your pals and you need a spot to enjoy your matches.

For the latest updates, go to http://www.beermarket.com.sg/ and like Beer Market on facebook.

Beer Market
#01-17 & #02-02, Clarke Quay
3B River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9661 8283
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Eve of PH: 6pm – 3am
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by Beer Market.