All-Stop-Shop; Lunch Out; Restaurant Openings; Cocktail Challenge

Eclectic Rocks
It’s been an especially busy time for me, so I was thankful for a much-needed bonding session with some of my girls. We munched away on some yummy sarnies and tapioca crisps at A Curious Teepee (#02-24 *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, 6820-1680). I thoroughly enjoyed my chilled cucumber sandwich ($8.50), a twist on an English classic with the thinnest slices of cucumber sprinkled with sesame seeds, nori bits and Japanese seasoning. We didn’t feel like coffee and opted for their cocktails (all $17) instead. Tokyo A Go Go is made for those after something sweet and fruity, with muddled strawberries, peach schnapps, Calpico and a splosh of vodka, while I decided to keep things light and refreshing with a cucumber martini. Talk about the perfect Saturday afternoon.
The Numbers Game
Cocotte (2 Dickson Rd, 6298-1188) recently launched a communal set lunch for two ($35 per person) or four ($33 per person) ravenous souls. For starters, choose from dishes such as homemade pork rillettes, fried tripe or chicken liver, then fi ll up on roasted pork collar in a creamy Dijon sauce with brussel sprouts, bouef bourguignon or pan- seared chicken with pine nuts, mushrooms and port cream.
Open Sesame
Openings always get me excited. For those who don’t mind travelling a little, head on out to Bunker Bar, Bistro, Restaurant (27 Cosford Rd., 6466-9000), set up beside the Johore Battery out near Changi prison. Don’t let that put you off though. No Menu (23 Boon Tat St., 6224-0091), Michelin-star chef Osvaldo Forlino’s Italian eatery is new too. Brace yourself for a degustation menu that comprises 10 to 15 courses. And if you’re in the mood for Asian fare, Kuala Lumpur’s much-loved Oversea Restaurant has decided to make your journey to char siew nirvana a little easier. Get some fatty porcine goodness at #01-27/37 Shaw Leisure Gallery, 100 Beach Rd., 6294-2638.
One for the Road
Vodka connoisseurs will really appreciate this piece of news. Ketel One has partnered up with several bars in town such as The Landing Point (G/F The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, 6597-5277), Ta.Ke (2/F Studio M Hotel, 3 Nanson Rd., 6808-8888), TAB (#02-29, 442 Orchard Rd., 6493-6952) and Balaclava (#05-02 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6634-8377) to showcase four signature cocktails ($12-15). All four cocktails use Ketel One Citroen, but I’m most looking forward to taste testing the Triple CCC, with a good dash of lemon juice and a handful of fresh mint leaves. If you’ve yet to sample some of this Dutch goodness, pop by any of these watering holes through Mar 31. In the Mix Still on the topic of all things boozy, the second round of the Diageo Reserve 2011 World Class Bartender of the Year Singapore will be happening on Mar 23. Unfortunately, the contest isn’t open to the public, but you might get a chance to sample some winning cocktails. I hear the drink by Tippling Club’s (8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-2217) Patrick that rocked the first challenge is due to make it on to their menu by the end of the month. Other contestants this year include Raveen from Néktar (31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9185), Akihiro from Orgo (Roof Terrace 4/F Esplanade––Theatres on The Bay, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6336-9366) and Loewy from Ku Dé Ta (62/F Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688). Good luck folks!
You Scream, I Scream
Cold Stone Creamery
(#01-09/10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-9060) fi nally opened its fi rst outlet here last weekend. If you’ve got a weakness for ice cream (all my favorite people do), pop by for some of their signature creations such as Cheesecake Fantasy (cheesecake ice cream, Graham cracker pie crust, blueberries and strawberries) and Mud Pie Mojo (coffee ice cream, Oreo cookies, peanut butter, roasted almonds and fudge). I’ve got my fi ngers crossed that Krispy Kreme will decide to join in the fun. Get your Guide Now Yes, it’s here. The I-S Restaurant Guide 2011 comes free with this week’s issue. If yours is missing, drop me a line at [email protected].