Encompassing 4 historical buildings and 2 new tower blocks within its premises, the stunning South Beach Singapore is a breathtaking architecture that is set to impress. However, most people are unaware that within the buildings is South Beach Avenue, a massive area that includes 16 dining and lifestyle concepts.

South Beach Avenue is easily accessible as it sits right on top of Esplanade MRT, right in Central Singapore. A multitude of trendy bars, photogenic cafes and gorgeous restaurants awaits to be discovered and there are endless reasons why South Beach Avenue deserves a visit.

With South Beach Avenue, your search for a weekend hideout with great ambience, food and drinks can finally come to an end. Be it a weekend with the family, a romantic partner or friends, trust us when we say that South Beach Avenue is definitely the hottest dining destination right now.

Here are 12 Restaurants at South Beach Avenue you wish you knew earlier.

ALCHEMIST BEER LAB

Alchemist Beer Lab is an elegant bar that caught our attention because of their massive range of craft beer and fruit-infused beer that are made in-house. Think crazy concoctions such as the Obama (S$12/Happy Hour, S$15/regular)—stout infused with toasted marshmallows, vanilla pods and mint leaves.

Of all the fantastic and innovative Premium Infusion Taps, our favourites were the Passionista (Tap 10) and the 50 Shades of Pink (Tap 14). Both infusions were fruity and refreshing and would be a great fit for those who prefer light drinks.

Dig into bar bites after sampling the unique beers. The chef highly recommends the Ale Battered Sea Bass (S$15.90/set lunch) that features soft and flaky sea bass.

26 Beach Road, #B1-16 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6386 4365
Sun to Thu: 4pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

ATMASTEL

Led by Andrea Tarini, an Italian chef with a 3-Michelin-star background, Atmastel is a modern Italian casual restaurant with a purist vision of Italian food in Singapore. Walk into Atmastel and be greeted by a swanky open-concept kitchen, a pizza bakery, Crudo, drinks bar and a well-stocked retail section with more than 70 varieties of artisanal cold cuts, cheeses, wines and condiments.

Chef Tarini and his team have exquisitely crafted a menu that features only the very best of artisanal ingredients. Fresh San Marzano tomatoes, San Daniele ham and mozzarella are just some of the ingredients that are air-flown weekly from Italy.

Start off your meal with the Cold Cut Platter (S$45) which is recommended for sharing. Comprising of assorted artisanal cheese, manually sliced artisanal cured meats such as San Daniele DOP Proscuitto and the Shoulder Iberico ham, candied fruit, olives, pickles and toasted homemade bread, this spread was beyond impressive.

The Zuppa di Pesce (S$68), market-fresh fish and seafood stewed in a Mediterranean sauce with toasted garlic bread, will make for a hearty main. Finish off your splendid meal with a deconstructed Tiramisu (S$14.90) or the Portuguese Egg Tart (S$4.20) topped off with cinnamon powder. One tip is to order in advance for the Portuguese Egg tart as they are a hot favourite and are usually sold out very quickly!

26 Beach Road, #B1-22 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6581 0085
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

BLACK COW

A contemporary Japanese restaurant, Black Cow has made a name for its Japanese Wagyu beef—Matsusaka & Kagoshima.

If you are looking for a reputable Japanese restaurant to dine at when in South Beach Avenue, Black Cow has a menu of Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki.

26 Beach Road, #B1-20 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6386 6720
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

CAFFÈ VERGNANO 1882

Experience true Italian espresso at Caffè Vergnano 1882, Italy’s oldest family-owned coffee roaster dedicated to serving a good cup of coffee and hot chocolate. Coffee is brewed using Arabica beans sourced from Central America, which will give subtle hints of citrus fruit and floral notes in your brew.

This cafe bar also boasts a beautiful interior, made perfect by the rays of sunlight streaming in seamlessly through its bay windows. If you are a coffee and chocolate enthusiast, a weekend spent at the gorgeous Caffè Vergnano 1882 will be like a vacation in a chocolate and coffee wonderland.

Besides that, you must try one of Caffè Vergnano 1882′s signature drinks. The Bicerin (S$6) is a crowd favourite as it consists of 75% rich chocolate with a shot of espresso. If you prefer something cold, the 1882 Affogato is a sweeter alternative, consisting of vanilla ice cream topped with espresso for that caffeine kick.

26 Beach Road, #B1-17 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6385 5579
Mon to Fri: 7am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

FASTA

Fasta takes pride in serving up delicious pasta quickly, hence the punny name ‘Fasta’. They have a decent range of pasta choices on the menu at inexpensive prices. We like that you can even pick your choice of pasta or grains and some add-ons for a little something extra.

We dug into the Scallop Wallop (S$16), a linguine pasta with pan-seared scallops, crab meat, diced tomato and bacon bits with a rich yuzu-infused broth.  The overall flavour was delicious and the pasta was pleasantly al dente. The Siow Ba Mee (S$13) is also one of their bestselling pasta, topped with the local-favourite pork belly.

One of the highlights of Fasta is customising your own pasta, so be sure to check that out too.

26 Beach Road, #B1-23 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 9111 1245
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

FYNN’S

Fynn’s is the talk of the town now and is a popular and charming brunch spot with a botanical inspired interior that is so highly-Instagrammable. This modern Australian restaurant believes in serving up dishes with simplicity so as to draw out the true essence and flavour of the ingredients.

We went with our gut and got the Corn Fritters (S$22) with poached eggs, bacon, sautéed spinach, grilled tomato and jalepeño jama and we never looked back. The corn fritters paired with the other components is a match made in heaven.

For a lighter meal, opt for the Chia Seed Pudding, Pineapple, Granola, Gula Melaka (S$14). Be sure to pair your food with a Common Man Roasters Iced Latte (S$5.50) too.

26 Beach Road, #B1-21 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 1878
Tue to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

HARRY’S

Harry’s is a familiar face in Singapore’s drinking scene and many love the popular Harry’s Premium Lager, their very own brew. Though its South Beach Avenue outlet oozes elegance and style, it also has a laid-back vibe and there could be no better place to kick back and relax during the weekend.

Try the popular cocktail Harry’s 1992 (S$16), a bright vodka-based concoction.

Bar bites to try include the Soy-Glazed Beef Cubes (S$18.90)  and the Chicken Masala (S$23). Something to share is The Harry’s Seven (S$36.90).

26 Beach Road, #01-18 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6386 6306
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

LADY M® CONFECTIONS

We have yet to find someone who has not heard of Lady M® Confections since the brand opened its first outlet in Singapore a few years back. Their Mille Crêpe cakes are a favourite among Singaporeans.

Adding to their collection of cake boutiques in Singapore is the new Lady M® Confections outlet at South Beach Avenue, which will be opening very soon! Look forward to the Lady M® Earl Grey Mille Crêpes (S$9.50++/slice), a South Beach exclusive seasonal flavour which will be in stores for a limited period only.

The handmade crepe cake is layered with pastry cream that is infused with earl grey tea and garnished with earl grey tea leaves and blue corn leaves.

Of course, you can also expect to see other popular flavours on the menu such as their signature Lady M® Mille Crêpes (S$9.50++/slice), Red Velvet (S$9.50++/slice) and White Chocolate Mini Choux (S$2.50++/piece).

Lady M® Confections
26 Beach Road, #01-17 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Nearest Station: Esplanade

QUAICH BAR

Established in 2006, Quaich Bar is the first whisky bar in Singapore which houses more than 500 whiskies, of which 95% are sourced from boutique distilleries in Scotland. It is quintessentially a heaven on earth for all whisky lovers. Many of the whiskys are also exclusive to them only and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Instead of lazing the weekend away, you should gather your fellow whisky enthusiasts to further hone your appreciation and understanding of whisky at the Quaich Bar. Tutored tastings are available for a group of between 4 to 6 pax for the Flavours of Singapore Malt tasting set. Prices range from S$45 for 4 tasting portions.

We had a taste of a few exquisite single malts such as the Hazelburn Aged 12 Years, Bunnahabhain Aged 12 Years, Deanston Virgin Oak and Ledaig Aged 10 Years, each with its own unique flavour. There is also a cosy private room at Quaich Bar where you can book in advance.

Prices for whisky by the glass range from S$17 to S$416 and S$200 to S$32,000 for a bottle.

30 Beach Road, #01-16 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6386 5366
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

REAL FOOD

Real Food specialises in meatless food that is good for your body. All dishes served at Real Food are free from processed ingredients, artificial preservatives and trans-fat. Nonetheless, they are still just as delicious.

We tried the Soy Curry Soup Noodles (S$12.80) and it reminded us of home. Comforting, warm and extremely tasty, despite being made with oat milk and extra virgin organic coconut oil.

An interesting concoction is the Baked Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Soy Cheese (S$11.80). The mushroom is stuffed with minced vegetables, covered with cheddar cheese. It is almost like a recreation of a vegetable dumpling with a juicy mushroom encasing it.

26 Beach Road, #B1-19 South Beach Avenue,
Singapore 189768
Tel: +65 6384 2206
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

THE ARMOURY CRAFT BEER BAR

Situated in a rustic colonial building in the South Beach Quarter, The Armoury Craft Beer Bar is a contemporary gastro-bar and cafe by day and Craft beer and Wine bar by night. Experience traditional and sophisticated European and Asian flavours in this comfortable and cosy dining establishment, which is an ideal weekend getaway for groups and families.

The Curry Chicken Prata Taco and Pork Belly Bao (S$6 each) are great munchies to start your meal off with. And we thoroughly enjoyed the Salted Egg Chicken Burger (S$19) because of the rich and creamy sauce.

From 7pm on weekends, dig into the all-you-can-eat steak buffet for just S$29.90. It is a huge steal considering that you can pick from 4 different cuts: Ribeye, Hangar Steak, Striploin and Wagyu Patty. Choose your desired sauce and sides, and eat to your heart’s content!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

36 Beach Road, #01-01 South Beach Quarter,
Singapore 189766
Tel: +65 6385 3173
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 1am

Sat: 11.30am – 12am
Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

VATOS URBAN TACOS

When you think of good tacos in Singapore, Vatos Urban Tacos will come to mind. For a weekend with the lads, Vatos Urban Tacos, which originates from Seoul, is a must-visit if you fancy some Korean-Mexican fusion bar grub to go along with your drinks.

The signature “URBAN” tacos served on homemade tortillas is a must-try. The Galbi Short Rib Tacos (S$13 for 2, S$18for 3) and Baja Fish (S$12 for 2, S$17 for 3) were executed flawlessly with a touch of cilantro which highlighted the freshness of the ingredients. Otherwise, the Mango Prawn Quesadilla (S$22), Kimchi Carnitas Fries (S$18) and Honey Tequila Chicken Wings (S$18) are other interesting delights worth every calorie.

36 Beach Road, #01-03 South Beach Quarter,
Singapore 189766
Tel: +65 6385 6010
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12am – 11am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

S$5 PARKING REBATE AT SOUTH BEACH AVENUE

When you spend a minimum of S$50 nett at participating restaurants and services at South Beach Avenue, you can receive a S$5 parking rebate (valid all-day, including weekends and Public Holidays). For more information on the restaurants and parking rebate promotion at South Beach Avenue, please go to SouthBeachAvenue.com.

This post is brought to you by South Beach Consortium Singapore.

Newly opened contemporary restaurant Ash & Char sits in the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The gastro-bar—opened by the team behind Rise & Grind Coffee Co—is just a short walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and Telok Ayer MRT station.

Ash & Char derived its name from the primary cooking techniques used for its dishes. Do not let the fancy interiors put you off; the menu is actually surprisingly affordable. The scrumptious main courses here range between S$15++ to S$21++ for a scrumptious plate of Aglio Olio and Hanger Steak respectively.

The versatile venue is perfect for business luncheons, dinner dates and even after-work drinks.

The Hanger Steak (S$21++) was cooked to medium rare, but we thought the soft and chewy slices were leaning towards rare doneness instead. The 150-day grain-fed Angus steak is served with charred baby romaine lettuce, tomatoes, garlic flakes and a semi-spicy pickled jalapeño purée.

Ash & Char’s Korean Chicken Burger (S$17++) was served with crisp sweet potato fries. Succulent marinated fork-tender Korean fried chicken, in-house fermented kimchi and refreshing apple slaw are sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns.

If you are torn between the Korean Chicken Burger and the Hanger Steak, we say go for the burger instead.

We also recommend the Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara (S$16++). Al dente penne pasta is cooked in fragrant white wine and served with aromatic mushrooms, crispy garlic flakes, streaky bacon and a sous vide egg.

Ash & Char
#01-03/04, 21 McCallum Street
Singapore 069047
Tel: +65 9132 8880
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

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.

Beer? Checked. Meats and sausages? Checked. Pasta and local delights? Checked. Wines of The World? Checked.

That is Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore for you. The comforting gastrobar is a star addition to our local dining scene, one that has earned our loyalty with its extensive menu and addictive relaxing vibe. The cosy interior furnished with oak browns and wood elements is very much like a typical German living room where you can enjoy your comfort food and chill out with friends and families. Over good beers too, of course. There is a whopping 104 beers from 18 countries to choose from!

Unpretentious. Fuss-free. Chic. Sexy.

We love the huge space so much, though not as much as the chef who has recently put together a spanking new menu that leaves us mind-boggled and spoilt for choice so completely. And how can we not shout about the unobstructed view of the Marina, again?

Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore www.facebook.com/thewestinsingapore opens for the whole day, making it the perfect location for all occasions. Drop by during your lunch hour for a casual and relaxing meal, or pop by in the middle of afternoon to grab a beer and some light snacks. In the evening, it is a lovely place to have some pre-dinner drinks with your colleagues or friends before treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner.

Here, we share with you our picks from Cook & Brew’s current repertoire, and please do not leave without trying the German Platter. Yes, we mean it.

First, please do not be intimidated by the stack of menus. A total of three sacred booklets, we’d call them. The main menu is divided into several sections – snacks that are great with beers; appetisers to whet the appetite; comfort food like burger, banger & mash, and fish & chips; large plates that are good for sharing; pastas for a simple and fuss-free meal; local delights executed well; and desserts for sweet tooth lovers.

The second is a beverage list that promises a mind-boggling range, from your favourite cocktails and mocktails to the many kinds of beers to drink the night away. The third is the ever-popular Wines of The World by Westin, and who can say no to that?

So we shall kick start a good time with some hearty appetisers. Go for the Chilli Con Carne Volcano (S$13) – topped with cheddar cheese, this is best enjoyed with a pint of Pure Blonde beer. Eat it fresh and warm, and polish them off before the cheese gets hardened up!

One dish that we really love and will go back for is the Sushi Bowl (S$18). This is a modern take on the popular Chirashi-don, or you can think of it as a deconstructed sushi bowl. Served with BBQ salmon, egg roll, avocado, and wasabi mayonnaise, this is so much comfort in one simple and unassuming bowl.

If you are hanging out with your pals, get the wings to go along with beer. Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings (S$12), Double Crispy Wings with blue cheese (S$12), and Hot Spicy Wings (S$12). Warning: one serving is not enough!

Equally good is Cook & Brew’s Fried Chicken (S$27), which comes with an addictive wasabi mayonnaise dip. Wash everything down with a pint of Brew Dog Punk, IPA.

Cook & Brew also has several dishes that are ideal for a quick lunch. Get the Pulled Steak Sandwich (S$19) or the Steak & Egg (S$17). If not, the Farmer’s Omelette (S$14) is also a good option for those who just want something light. How very reasonably priced and we really love how dining at five-star hotels is becoming less intimidating with friendly outlets like Cook & Brew!

A good burger is one that brings utmost satisfaction, and it lingers on your mind and keeps you happy throughout the day. It is something that cannot go wrong, and something that we turn to whenever we want something familiar.

Cook & Brew’s Burger (S$23) is one such dish. Sandwiched between two pita bread, the beef patty is topped with melting cheddar, crispy pancetta bacon, fried onion rings and a fried egg. Not forgetting the freshly battered onion rings that were so addictive, we gobbled those before we attacked the burger itself.

And the star of the show has got to be the German Butcher Platter (S$34). One huge serving of kassler ribs, pork sausage, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pickles and mash. Everything was tantalisingly good, and we could only rub our tummies with happy sighs and relish the moments of savour. It is good for two as a main, and perfect as a side dish to share when dining with a huge party. Don’t forget your favourite beers when you pig out with this platter!

Now on to sweet endings. We cannot decide if we prefer the Cook & Brew Cheese Stick (S$15) or Hot Chocolate Brownie (S$15). The former features Philadelphia cheese, apple gel and Granny Smith apple sorbet, while the latter is a rendition that comes complete with dark cherry sauce and homemade vanilla ice cream. I guess we can always do with more than one dessert, yes?

Cook & Brew opens throughout the day and till late at night, so the next time you need an after dark outlet to unwind, you know where to head to!

Also open to corporate bookings and private parties, this is one good location to hold your events. Throw a birthday bash, do a corporate luncheon, celebrate your anniversary; however the nature of your events are, Cook & Brew’s events team will be happy to put together something for that special occasion. Direct your enquiries to cookandbrew.singapore@westin.com or call (65) 6922 6948 for more information.

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

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.

What does “Pint & Curries” sound like? You might be thinking about a hundred fancy stories, but it really is beer and Northern Indian food – favourites that are ever comforting.

When we were in London last year, we chanced upon several dining establishments that please their crowds with good beer and curries, and it is recognised as a lifestyle to watch your matches while indulging in two of life’s best pleasures. What may sound like a lethal combination is really not that potent, because as with wine pairing, beers can be paired to complement our favourite food, too!

This year, the folks behind the highly popular Bar Bar Black Sheep have launched this very concept right here in Singapore. Nestled in the heart of Clarke Quay, Pint & Curries offers an affordable supper menu of North-Indian curries and well-loved crafted beers.

Party-ing at Clarke Quay will never be the same again. Be gone, hungry nights and empty stomachs. Pint & Curries is a great late night dining option in Singapore, and your best bet and pit stop when you need a hearty supper in between drinking, and its superb location calls for no driving (and being stopped for the breathalyser tests!)

Here are some of our picks:

Pint & Curries’ menu has the classic Indian dishes that everyone loves – like Tandoori Chicken (S$9 for a quarter), Chicken Tikka Masala (S$12), Fish Masala (S$16), and, behold… Butter Chicken (S$12), one of the signature dishes at Bar Bar Black Sheep’s – but the chefs have also whipped out several interesting creations that are so delicious, you will remember your suppers for these.

One of them is the Chicken Malai Kebab (S$14) – tender chicken that is well-marinated with yogurt, nuts, and cream. Simple and satisfying, we’d say.

The Rogan Josh (S$12), with its generous cubes of mutton in a thick gravy made of special herbs and spices, is also an ideal choice to kick start a great meal ahead.

We have no idea why Chicken 65 (S$9) is named as such, but what we know is that the spicy deep fried chicken chunks are extremely addictive. We would love to steal the popular tagline and peg it as ‘finger-licking good’, but let’s just say this redefined spicy deep fried chicken and it is the perfect bar snack to go along with a pint of Brewdog Punk IPA (S$12.90).

The highlight of our meal, and our favourite dish, is the Chicken Vindaloo (S$12). The curry house’s speciality sat in a puddle of spicy gravy. The boneless chicken was exceptionally sweet and succulent, and we mopped the bowl clean of any gravy with the Cheese & Garlic Naan (S$4.50) that is fresh and fluffy from the oven. The Peroni (S$12.90) – a light and pleasant Italian beer with a subtle hint of sweet malt – is the perfect marriage with the Chicken Vindaloo, and leaves you salivating for more. By the way, back to the Chicken 65, we dunked the chunks in to the Vindaloo and boy, were they greater than good!

The Palak Paneer (S$9), cottage cheese cubes in a Spinach puree, is not the most visually appealing dish, and probably not something that will catch your attention immediately, but it is one dish that will grow on you with every spoonful. The sheer creaminess is the brilliant blend of the sweetness of the spinach and richness of the cheese, and as much as we loved it with our naan, it is really quite a pleasure to savour it on its own. Probably a dish that would stay on our list of favourites and one that we would order with every patronage.

Beyond Indian curries, Pint & Curries also has a variety of other curries such as Thai curry and Malaysian Chicken Curry (S$12) in its repertoire. Expect the best of Bar Bar Black Sheep’s North Indian and Thai kitchens at Pint & Curries.

The Thai dishes such as Green Thai Curry Chicken (S$12), Tom Yum Goong (S$12), and Green Thai Curry Prawn (S$12) are worthy mentions, too. Tom Yum Goong is a dish that represents absolute comfort, and if you are nursing a hangover, there is nothing quite like this spicy Thai soup to jolt you up.

If you are having dinner here, or simply feeling peckish after clubbing, or if a Tom Yum Goong is not enough to treat that hangover, go for the Chicken Biryani (S$12) or Kway Teow Goreng (S$8). Other staples include Nasi Goreng and Mee Goreng. Yes, you can have them all here without having to drive out to the nearest prata shop in your drunken stupor.

Pint & Curries offers a collection of craft beers and ciders, including Brewdog Punk IPA, Little Creatures Pale Ale, Peroni, or Rekorderlig Cider, which are priced at S$10.90 each during happy hours (from opening till 10pm), and S$12.90 after happy hours.

For the ladies, Wednesday is a good time to drop by Pint & Curries. It has a special ladies’ night promotion of S$6 for a Somersby Pear Cocktail.

Another excellent deal is the P&C Hump Day Combo where you get a choice of naan or rice, any curry (except seafood), and a pint of Kronenbourg 1664 Banc or Carlsberg for only S$19.90.

For the latest updates, like Pint & Curries on facebook and follow them on Instagram.

Pint & Curries
#01-14, Clarke Quay
3D River Valley Road
Tel: +65 6337 4616
Daily: 7pm – 4am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by Pint & Curries.

There has always been a debate over the difference between farm-bred and wild-caught fishes. The former, while much more readily available and affordable, has a higher chance of being contaminated, hence more prone to getting disease. The latter live in their natural habitats out in the open waters, and is hence a lot healthier. We can go on and on about the benefits of wild-caught fishes, but we will leave that for another day. While I am always happy to order wild-caught fishes when I dine out, restaurants in Singapore hardly place an emphasis on it and hence stick to using conventional farm-bred ones.

This is why I am so happy to introduce Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro as it is really a heaven for seafood lovers. Located at the charming Quayside Isle at the luxurious Sentosa Cove enclave, Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro has daily fresh imports of wild-caught seafood and fish from different parts of the world.

Appetising starters include Hokkaido Scallops Crudo (S$19), freshly shucked oysters, and the beautifully-plated Torched Holloumi Cheese (S$18). The pastas (S$28) are too delicious to a fault, and nobody can resist the Baked Half Boston Lobster (S$54). But the highlight of the menu – and something that you must order – is the qsfb’s Fresh Seafood Platter (S$150).

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro has a spacious interior that looks very inviting and though nothing fanciful, it makes you want to sink in to the seat for a meal. The splendiferous waterfront view makes it a wonderful choice for all-day dining; breezy environment to say the least, and you cannot get any more relaxing than this. And the cherry on top? The al fresco area is pet-friendly.

The Torched Holloumi Cheese (S$18) – with compressed watermelon, wild rocket, raspberry wine vinaigrette and squid ink crumbs – is a work of art on its own. The very colourful dish is simply too beautiful to behold. It is intended to spark the palate and leave you anticipating what is to come.

The Horseradish Marinated Yellowfin Tuna Tartare (S$18) is also another great way to start your meal. So too are the oysters. If you like oysters, you will be spoiled by the choices at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro. They have oysters (S$4.30 – S$9.35 per piece) from around the world – Tasmania, Scotland, Ireland, France, to name a few…

What I also like about Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is that it has a special and very personalised Blackboard menu which changes daily with the freshest produce that the chefs source for the day. First, you choose a fish (min order of 200g for dine-in), then select your preferred cooking method – baked mole, herb crusted, roasted, cartoccio, and poached. And finally, choose the side dish to go along with the fish.

We tried a Chilean Seabass in Baked Mole style. The fish was fresh and tender, but what worked wonders for it was the sauce, which was tangy and very flavourful. It was accompanied by a generous stack of shoestring white truffle fries.

Among the three pasta dishes on the menu, we sampled qsfb’s Signature Chilli Crab Linguine and Squid Ink Lobster Spaghetti. The former was a kick-ass spicy and fiery hot rendition of the iconic Singapore dish, while the latter came in delicious squid ink XO cream with hint of brandy, topped with huge chunks of lobsters.

The standout dish on the menu is surely the qsfb’s Fresh Seafood Platter (S$150, for 2 to 3 pax) – with the choice of hot or cold – which features an entire Boston lobster, seasonal oysters, Hokkaido scallops, snow crab, crawfish, tiger prawns, scampi, and more truffle fries.

Desserts are baked freshly in-house, too. The Black Sesame Cheese Pound Cake (S$9), with a scoop of green tea gelato, is a unique creation. Chocolate Coated Strawberries (S$9) are bites of decadence. White Truffle Flavoured Lava Chocolate Cake (S$12) will make you go weak in the knees. But the must-try dessert is their Homemade Tiramisu (S$14), which is rich and doused in a copious amount of alcohol. This might just be one dessert to leave you with withdrawal syndrome – if that is even possible.

Citibank card holders get to enjoy a complimentary glass of sauvignon blanc or Pinot Noir with every S$60 spent at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro (valid from Tue – Fri). Ultima Cardholders get 10% off total bill with minimum spend of S$100.

The weekly promotion here is also equally enticing. From a glass of Bloody Mary oyster shooter at a jaw-dropping S$5 (on every Sun), to a 1-for-1 deal on Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Prosecco (on every Tue), and 1-for-1 cocktails (on every Wed) – there is always something to anticipate at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro.

If you are the adventurous type, and thinking of a place to celebrate Halloween with your pals, the “Peer by the Pier” Scary Halloween Party at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro is definitely your kind of party. There are many scary activities lined up for the evening – expect free flow of brain booze for your indulgence if you dare. Find out more information on their facebook event page.

The marriage of super fresh seafood with an array of speciality cocktails, wines and craft beers served up in a comfortable and cosy gastrobar setting makes this fish bar at Quayside Isle a spot to head to if you haven’t been. For those of you who are already regulars there, the ongoing promotions are reason enough to make you return soon.

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro
31 Ocean Way #01-11
Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
Tel: +65 6268 8633
Tue: 9am – 12 midnight
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9am – 1am
Sun: 9am – 12 midnight
Website: http://www.qsfishbar.com

This post is sponsored by Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro.

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.