With a name as quirky as Table Manners, it is hard not to do a double-take when we passed this little gastrobar hidden in a corner of Changi City Point. The sleek layout had been thoughtfully planned, with wooden furniture and quirky quotes adorning the walls, adding a casual vibe to the chic atmosphere.

But what truly makes this place a gem is the timbre-decked pavilion. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery with a koi pond to boot, we couldn’t resist opting for al-fresco dining both times we were there.

The emphasis of Table Manners is on their drinks (they are after all, started by the good people at A Thousand Tales who are behind Cafe Fables and Bar Stories). On-menu drinks include a virgin mojito sorbet mocktail ($9) and an enticing strawberry shortcake cocktail ($16, or $12 between 5-8pm daily). We were told that they are able to customise drinks to suit any palate, even if one were odd enough to crave a spicy or bitter drink.

We sampled a not-yet-named mocktail of watermelon, lemongrass and thyme that was pretty enough to warrant envious glances from the next table. This refreshing citrus drink with ever-so-subtle undertones of herbs had our gastric juices working for the meal ahead.

The menu is comprehensive, with a bar bites ranging from the typical truffle fries ($6) and spicy wings ($7.50) to more creative options like ebiko mussels ($8.50). We picked the mushroom risotto balls ($7.50) and were pleasantly surprised to be rewarded with crispy little morsels that gave way to a creamy mash of risotto. Ask for the accompanying home-made sauce, akin to a less salty version of mentaiko, which brought a whole new dimension to the nibbles.

The aglio olio ($14), a simple dish made exciting by a huge grilled pork sausage, was satisfying if not particularly spectacular. We’d advise going for the pasta al fungi ($14) instead; a generous portion of toothsome, al-dente fettuccine drenched in a luscious pesto cream perfumed with earthy mushrooms and garlic bits.

Pass on the Arcadian Chicken ($16) and Grilled Pomodoro Chicken ($15), which unfortunately tasted like something you’d be able to whip up at home; there are items on the menu that are better worth your calories.

Which immediately brings us to our favourite item on the menu: the King’s Burger ($16), a 70%-beef-30%-pork patty which turned out surprisingly juicy and flavourful. Not a King’s burger without a reason, the sizeable patty was topped off with a smorgasbord of bacon, gherkins, cheese, and a sunny-side up egg, completed with a serving of truffle fries.

We already had our eyes set on three desserts, and we blame the tempting display at the counter. The lemon cheesecake ($5.50) was a piquant, citrus-tinged treat that managed a creamy texture without being overly rich. Kudos to the chef for perfecting the sea salt chocolate caramel tart ($6.50), which was smooth, sticky and oh-so-decadent. The tiramisu was the only disappointment; we enjoyed the crumbly bits with the mascarpone cheese, but a tiramisu simply isn’t one without our pillowly rum-soaked lady’s fingers.

With its hearty grub fare at student-friendly prices, and its after work chill-out vibe, we are sure it won’t be long before this little gastrobar starts drawing in the after-work crowd from the Changi area.

Table Manners
#01-68/69 Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1
Tel: +65 6604 7669
Daily: 11am to 12am

Words and photographs by Sarah Lim.

I am always good at finding the best places to eat, but when it comes to drinks, I am lucky to have a group of friends who are familiar with the Best Bars in Singapore. To most people, alcohol is very important, but I always prefer eating to drinking.

Together with Cafe Fables and A Thousand Tales (vintage furniture store), Bar Stories is a funky bar nestled within a shop house in Haji Lane. Apparently Cafe Fables operates in the day, and it transforms into Bar Stories when nightfall arrives.

Depending on individual preferences, the mixologists will create different cocktails right before your eyes. It was very interesting to watch them prepare each drink with different ingredients and liqueur – it felt like watching a performance.

The drinks at Bar Stories are very unique, and quite unlike the usual ones that you get from other bars. They use fresh food for every cocktail, so there is no artificial colouring.

I was tempted to reply “surprise me” when Jeff the mixologist asked me to make my order. Since it was my first time there, I decided to play safe and told him I like anything-sweet. He whipped out the Honeydew Sake Martini ($22, see above picture) in an instance, and I really enjoyed it.

My friends had the Midori Sour ($22) – a gorgeous shade of light green, pretty to look at and pleasant to drink; the Absinthe Forward Martini ($25) which had a heavy dosage of Absinthe & Gin and smacked us right in the face; and the Kyoho Grapes Martini ($25), a cheerful red mixture that made us rather gigglish. I don’t know about you, but pretty colours always make cocktails nicer to drink.

Tell me your life stories and I’ll buy you a drink. There is really nothing like a good cocktail after a long day of work. Have you been to Bar Stories at Haji Lane? What is your favourite drink there?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Bar Stories & Café Fables
55-57 Haji Lane
2nd Floor Singapore
Tel: +65 6298 0838