Clarke Quay
[Sponsored] It’s a known hangout for after-work drinks, dinner and partying the night away. But Clarke Quay is also a great place for live entertainment, fun activities, great food and yes, craft beers. Here are some fun ideas that are not just about eating and drinking.
1. Salsa lessons at Senor Taco
Besides being the place for authentic Mexican food, this joint offers salsa lessons on Wednesdays from 7-8pm and 8-9pm ($10 per hour) with professional choreographers Karen Lacey and Flavian.
Eat this: If all that dancing has worked up an appetite, tuck into the restaurant’s signature dishes like the Taco Al Pastor, which comes with spit-grilled, doner-style pork or chicken filling ($6) or the Fish Baja-Style Taco ($8), all served with freshly-made tortillas. There are also drinks to be had, such as a refreshing glass of margarita with a choice of lime or strawberry (from $16), and the Corona-Rita, a potent concoction of frozen lime margarita and Corona beer.
2. Dance performances at Shiraz Authentic Persian Cuisine
Where else can you catch live belly dancing by regional and international performers from Paris, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore? While the entertainment is a big draw, you should also head here for their extensive menu of hearty Persian cuisine.
Eat this: Shiraz is known for their chargrilled meats, so get dishes like Shah Kebab ($47), marinated and charbroiled skewers of filet mignon; Soltani ($49), a combination of charcoal-grilled ground lamb and lamb fillet; and Caspian Kebab ($39), jumbo prawns and fish fillet seasoned with their secret recipe and with a special sauce on the side. To finish off, try indulgent treats like the Baghlava ($10), a rich pastry flavored with honey and filled with chopped nuts and pistachios.
3. Local music performances at Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar
Unwind to live music by popular homegrown band Enigma every Mon-Thur from 9:30pm and on Fri-Sat from 10pm. The versatile sextet has performed in countries like Taiwan, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia and does tunes ranging from dance pop, reggae, R&B and more. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the signature Spanish fare.
Eat this: Try their Valenciana (from $41), a paella dish of chorizo, chicken, mussels, squids, shrimps and fish. The gastro bar also serves small plates like bacon wrapped prawns and tomato onion confit ($17) and roasted lamb shoulder and mashed potato ($18.50). There are also delicious cocktails such as the Verano Sling ($16) to be had, but to start your night early, go for their Happy Hour, from 12-8pm, with sangrias, wines, beers and house-pour spirits at 50% off.
4. Ladies Night at McGettigan’s Irish Pub
Wednesdays are great for ladies here— you get five selected beverages on the house from 8-10pm. There’s a great happy hour (Mon-Fri, 5-8pm), where house drinks and selected spirits go at $10 nett. Drinks aside, grab some English fare by executive head chef Derek Flynn, a fixture in the kitchen since 2010.
Eat this: You can’t go wrong with homey classics like Irish stew, beer-battered fish and chips and bar signatures such as the buffalo hot wings, Atlantic salmon and beef and Guinness puff pastry pie —all perfect complements to an ice-cold beer.
5. Live Tunes by Nation One and Jay & Frenz at The Pump Room Microbrewery
Here are more live music choices for music heads—groove to resident bands Nation One and Jay & Frenz as they play regular sets of pop and rock songs. This eight year-old gastro club and microbrewery is also known for its beers, brewed in small batches onsite.
Eat this: Their award-winning craft beers on tap come with five different variations: The Pump Room Lager, Golden Ale, Scottish Ale, Wheat Ale and India Pale Ale, all of which are at $10 nett during Happy Hour. Also have a bite of their Australian-inspired menu of crispy pork knuckle ($38), Australian Tomahawk beef ($108 for 800g) and roasted tuna ($28).
6. Live sports screenings at Fern & Kiwi
You don’t have to miss the game when you’re out having fun with your friends. Catch all action at this newly renovated New Zealand restaurant, which also features a contemporary food and drinks menu.
Eat this: Go for the fresh live Pacific oysters (from $34 for a half dozen), which are great with their New Zealand Revolution Sauvignon Blanc on tap (from $14 for 150ml). For more substantial bites, choose from their list of 15 main courses and starters, salads and bar grub. Plates like braised beef cheek ($38) and the Rangers Valley Angus Short Loin Porterhouse Steak ($160 for 900g) are a must-try.
7. Fancy imported craft beers at Catch Beer & Batter
If beer is your kryptonite, then you’ll will have a field day at this newly-opened restaurant specializing in artisanal bottles and crispy seafood battered with the malty beverage. They have 11 different types of Belgium, Dutch and English craft beers, among which is U.K’s multi-award winning Timothy Taylor & Co—its classic Boltmaker ($15 for 500ml) was named the Supreme Champion by the Campaign for Real Ale at the Great British Beer Festival in London last year.
Eat this: Their beers pair well with plates such as cod fish & chips ($23.90), served with Cajun fries, coleslaw and homemade tartare sauce and soft shell crab ($15.90), deep fried in beer batter with coleslaw and homemade spicy sauce on the side. For dessert, try Monkey Business!, a delectable dish of cinnamon battered banana fritters with your choice of ice cream ($9.90).
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