This is by no means the first reincarnation for the gorgeous Alkaff Mansion; but it’s certainly a welcome one. Built as a holiday home by rich Yemeni traders in the 1920s, its most recent occupant was an Indonesian restaurant. But recent is a relative term—the spot has been empty since 2003, when SARS (and falling sales) took its toll. It’s a tragedy that such a spot has remained vacant for so long, but better late than never we say.
Occupying a prime spot atop Telok Blangah, high enough in these parts to practically qualify as a hill station, the sprawling building now houses a fine dining Italian resturant (and adjacent cafe), courtesy of the same people who brought you Spruce. For now at least, it’s something of a secret spot—having thrown open its doors in December, the management say it’s still in soft launch. That means most of the people there are walk-ins; people literally walking along the Southern Ridges who spy something gleaming and white through the trees and stop by for a coffee – the cafe is currently doing a brisker trade than the restaurant. On two separate visits, both proved themselves worthy of such a unique space. The cafe—which opens from 8.30 for pancakes and eggs – is very reasonably priced, and for a restaurant that’s been open less than two months there’s an impressive absence of teething troubles – service was excellent, the lunchset (veal, pasta, creme brulee, and so on) well judged. Apart from the odd design missttep—a glass-walled meat cellar slap bang in the middle of the room, lit with glowing neon lights—it’s all rather special. And at its best, we suspect, around sundown, starting with a drink outside or in the chic little bar space around the back.
Curious? Find out how you can get to the Alkaff Mansion, or visit their official Facebook page.
