5 reasons to revisit Chinatown this week

[Sponsored] In recent months, this gentrified, cool-cat central has added—among its bevy of existing sleek bars and restaurants—a fancy gin pop-up, more exciting restaurant developments, a trendy rooftop bar and (the cherry atop this yuccie paradise), a hip co-working space. Here are some reasons to head back.

Not-so-secret speakeasy bar The Library is offering a limited run of acclaimed craft gin brand Monkey 47 with three specially-created cocktails from Oct 6-31. For the uninitiated, the world-famous gin is known for its secret recipe of 47 different plant ingredients, distilled in earthenware containers for three months. So bring your cigar-smoking, pompadour-poofing and bespoke-clad friends. Tell them it’s a Robert Parker-approved beverage and document your party with plenty of Instagram posts—just remember to humble brag to make it worthwhile.

 

Joining usual suspects like Potato Head Folk and Burnt Ends is another wave of restaurants with pedigree. There’s quick-service Indian outlet Indline (by the Balzac Brasserie team), bistronomy-concept restaurant Cure (the Chef Andrew Walsh and mixologist Joel Fraser of Cufflink Club collaborative) and Meta, a soon-to-open mod-Asian post with Chef Jonas Offenbach (of NYC’s Gramercy Tavern and Iron Chef fame) serving contemporary American plates with Asian influences. And well, the food’s decent too.

 

Maggie Joan’s, the second venture by Gen and Daniel Ballis of Moosehead is a progressive, Mediterranean-inspired eatery. It’s literally a hole-in-the-back-alley space but at least no password is required for entry (only Google Maps). The food by Pollen’s Oliver Hyde is aesthetically driven, with items like yellow tail sashimi, carrots and brandade, smoked quail with Waldorf and grilled Iberco pork jowl, prunes and cauliflower as highlights.

 

In the last two weeks, the rooftop hangout we can’t stop raving about has hosted a back-to-back series of events ranging from a poetry slam by local poet Marc Nair, a car boot sale party, another DJ session and an art house movie screening with hammocks. And just recently, fitness bootcamp, pilates and yoga Raise The Roof brought the nimble to their happy places. But the action isn’t stopping here—for what’s next, check their Facebook for regular updates.

 

It’s not all businesses at this community for start-ups and entrepreneurs. While there are regular networking sessions (the next one on Oct 6, L’APERTIF, covers Asia’s creative industry), you can also channel work rage at their mindfulness sessions or eat your feelings at new cafe The Daily Round-Up. Go for their Brittany-style sweet crepes and savory galettes in 13 different styles and toppings such as Japanese-poached peach crepe with Chantilly cream, caramelized almonds and vanilla ice-cream.

 

 

For more fun stuff to do, see and eat around the Chinatown area, see our Neighborhoods page. 

 

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