PUBLISHED April 19th, 2023 06:30 am | UPDATED April 26th, 2023 11:31 pm
New menus, new cocktails, and break a barrel for good luck! From hearty chucks to delicate seafood and comforting grub, dig into the best things to eat and drink in Singapore this week.
Friends of Manhattan
What better way to commemorate nine years of cocktail craftsmanship than celebrating with friends? This April, Spanish institution Salmon Guru (#15, World’s 50 Best Bars 2022) and Bangkok’s The Loft (new entry at #88, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022) will take over Manhattan in two nights of guest shifts. Showcasing innovative rum-centric concoctions, Salmon Guru features Matusalem 15 rum with house-made banana wine and Oloroso sherry in The Ritual Banana. The Loft brings a piece of Waldorf Astoria in signature cocktails like Illusion, mixing Hapusa Gin with Crème de Peche.
Friends of Manhattan runs 20 Apr with Salmon Guru and 25 Apr with The Loft, 6pm -11pm at Manhattan, 1 Cuscaden Road Level 2, Conrad Singapore Orchard, Singapore 249715, p.+65 6725 3377. All cocktails at S$28++ each.
The Best of Irish Beef
Known for its sustainability practices, John Stone produces some of the finest dry-aged beef in the world, boasting melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich umami flavours. From now till 31 May, sink your teeth into these tasty chucks at Crossroads. Savour the goodness of dry-aged beef in the Braised Irish Beef Short Ribs ($58++), served with battered fried oysters and Guinness bacon sauce. For a party of two to four, go for the 28-Day Dry Aged Whiskey Bone-In Striploin ($210++ for 1.1kg), served with truffle foie gras jus, steak fries and sourdough with garlic-infused beef tallow.
The Best of Irish Beef runs till 31 May 2023 at Crossroads, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865, p.+65 6735 5800. Reserve here.
Return to the Origins at Mikuni
Drawing on Japanese cuisine’s rich history and culture, Mikuni launched a new ala carte menu, Genten (原点), featuring fresh, premium ingredients prepared in traditional Japanese cooking techniques. Offering more than their signature live sushi and Teppanyaki experiences, the new menu includes a Shabu Shabu Hot Pot (S$128++) with house-made bonito dashi and a generous portion of A5 Ohmi Sirloin and vegetables. The freshness of seafood comes through in the Kampachi Tartare (S$78++). Topped with caviar and wasabi soy sauce, sweet umami flavours fill every bite.
Mikuni is located at Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd, Singapore 189560, p.+65 6431 6156. Open daily 12pm -2.30pm, 6pm-10pm.
Neon Pigeon
Serving a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, expect bold new flavours and daring concoctions in Neon Pigeon’s new menu. Reach for a Kuruboto Katsu Sando (S$27++) made with juicy premium pork collar within buttery brioche bread. Or try their flavourful take on grilled cheese sandwiches in the Roasted Amela Tomato (S$16++). Pair your grub with a smoky Kambei’s Anger (S$25++), which sees Montelobos mezcal blended with bourbon and Umeshu. And have a bitter-sweet finish with See No, Hear No, Speak No (S$24++), with Mancino Bianco Vermouth and Fernet Hunter, garnished with cherry tomato and sugar.
Neon Pigeon is located at 36 Carpenter St, #01-01, Singapore 059915, p.+65 3129 7551. Open daily 5.30pm -12am.
Break a Barrel for Good Luck at Gyu Bar
Elevate your top-level wagyu experience with the Kagami Biraki (鏡開き), a traditional sake barrel-breaking experience. Literally “opening the lid”, this time-honoured ceremony carries the blessings of prosperity, good health and wealth; perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Order your favourite sake like the crowd-favourite Mizubasho sui Junmai Dai Ginjo (S$118++ for 720ml) or the ‘Champion Sake’ Nabeshima Daiginjo 35% (S$220++ for 720ml) and have them served in a customary sake barrel. Break the lid with the mallet, sip sake from complimentary wooden masu sake cups, and enjoy the good fortune that abounds.
Gyu Bar is located at 30 Stevens Road, #01-08 Singapore 257840, p. +65 6732 0702. Open daily 12pm -3pm, 6pm -10pm. Available for dine-in only.
Top Image Mikuni