It’s been a rough year in which we all felt the rug pulled hard from under our feet. But the only way forward is with hope and resilience. Let’s celebrate life itself with great food and spirits. And in the company of loved ones, no less. As we enter into Phase Three, restaurants will be rejigging to accommodate groups of up to eight diners. That’s something. And as the vaccine becomes available, life getting back on track is well and truly in sight. Take heart. Eat, drink and be happy.
New eats on the block
The Butcher’s Block recently refreshed its menu with lunch-only specials that include tasty tostadas, fried chicken and garum cheeseburger. Perfect for sharing, the weekend lunch menu is prepared with the same focus on quality ingredients, BBQ and fun dishes inspired by chef Rémy Lefebvre’s travels.
Additionally, a selection of dishes from the à la carte dinner menu, including premium beef and seasonal fish cooked on the bone, is also available for lunch on weekends. Start with delectable appetisers like Joselito Ibérico Ham, Anchovies de L’Escala served with roasted palermo pepper, and Scallop Crudo with habanero sauce, coconut and sea urchin.
If you love a good steak, be sure come with a fellow meat lover and order the Côte de Boeuf. Done exactly the way you like your steak and expertly carved for you at the table.
Butcher’s Block is at 328 North Bridge Road, 02-02 Raffles Arcade, S188719. See menus here.
teetotalist fun? absolutely possible
An award-winning brand of non-alcoholic spirits has descended on the bar scene. Lyre’s, which crafts the world’s most comprehensive range of alcohol-free spirits and liquors, means to revolutionise the way we drink and socialise. And who said that sobriety and having a good night out with friends are mutually exclusive anyway?
So whether it’s a boozy brunch, laidback happy hour or just to celebrate life itself, the Australian-based brand is giving us the freedom to choose our level of sobriety without having to sacrifice social engagement. For a start, Lyre’s has teamed up with some of Singapore’s favourite drinking spots – Manhattan, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall and Don Ho – to create inspiring non-alcoholic cocktails and offer guests an entirely different drinking experience. Think flavour. Think fun.
Learn more at lyres.asia
egg-cellent beginnings
Top New Zealand egg producer Farmer Brown has launched its cruelty-free and sustainably farmed free-range eggs in Singapore. And to celebrate, it is partnering Publico Ristorante to deliver the best in brunch dishes.
Every weekend, Publico’s Brunch alla Moda will offer a special menu of dishes featuring Farmer Brown’s free-range eggs.
The Publico Prima Donna ($26) has two free-range poached eggs accompanied by sourdough bread, avocado, prosciutto, shaved parmesan and arugula. The Carbonara Omelette ($24) comes with a free-range egg omelette, creamy bechamel, bacon, parmesan and a slice of sourdough bread. If you like your eggs scrambled, go for the Black Truffle Eggs ($22) that is topped with freshly grated black truffle.
Publico Ristorante’s Brunch alla Moda is available from 12pm every weekend and on public holidays (1 Nanson Road, tel. 6826 5040). More on Farmer Brown here.
redefining sichuan
Birds of a Feather introduces its first tasting menu, with which chef Eugene See presents a Western interpretation of Sichuan. Trained in French cuisine, See takes a creative approach to fusing cultures, and delivers a nuanced Sichuan experience that manages to surprise and delight the well-travelled diner. It’s truly an opportunity to enjoy a spectrum of Sichuan flavours in one sitting.
Birds of a Feather is at 115 Amoy Street 01-01. Explore its menu here.
On a new mission
After seven years as one of the world’s most celebrated bars, Operation Dagger has closed its doors. But all is not lost because true innovators are fueled by passion. So in its stead, Thomas Girard and his fabulous team are launching The Dagger Lab as a pop-up at Straits Clan from 1 December. Even as a disembodied entity, the Dagger Lab is focused on expanding its creativity, to seek out the unorthodox and to experiment on a new concept and new format for when Operation Dagger re-emerges. So go ahead. Celebrate life this year’s end with a bang, because you so deserve it. And support the creative mixologists of Operation Dagger while you’re at it.
31 Bukit Pasoh Road, S089845. Follow developments and ideas @operationdagger
If you’re looking for festive food offerings, be sure to read our round-up here.
Don’t just bring any bottle of wine to the party. Pick wines that everyone is bound to love.