The folks behind Tras Street cocktail bar House of Dandy (or H.O.D.) have ventured into the restaurant scene with this new-American restaurant that pushes out plates of North and South American food with an Asian twist. Much like their flagship bar, the dining space is dim, sleek and kitted out in a mod-inspired lights, leather booths and a grafittied grand piano. With the addition of the metal lattice-work bar, it seems like the kind of place that’s perfect for a cheeky first date that could extend late into the night (it is Chijmes after all). The menu is succinct with trendy small plates of fried baby calamari ($12), steamed little neck clams with bacon dashi ($16) and fried chorizo croquettes ($13). Those with bigger appetites can opt for classic-with-a-twist mains like herb-crusted rack of lamb with kale and sherry sauce ($37), steak & fries ($38) and teriyaki-glazed pork chop ($31). There’s a short list of salads, pastas and desserts, too. Cocktails seem to veer towards the lighter side, which complements their outdoor seats, with concoctions like the Cucumber Rickey ($17) with gin, cucumber and lime; Terroir Sour ($17) with gin, Lillet Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and fresh lime and Sole Sister ($17), a vodka, raspberry gin and watermelon drink.
