On the Sassy Mama Radar: Your October Foodie Cheat Sheet

Need a quick shot of inspiration, mama? Here’s our pick of Singapore’s hot new restaurants, best nights out (no kids!) and cool new bars, condensed and served up in yummy bite-sized pieces just for you… sweet!

Fancy an Argentinian? Dinner I mean? Bochinche is perfect for date night – pull up a pew at the kitchen counter to watch the chefs at work or find somewhere more intimate where you can spoon-feed each other Provoleta ($17); gooey melted cheese drizzled with oregano honey and tuck into veal sweetbreads ($27). Oh, were you expecting steak? Meat is on the menu but this spot is all about changing your preconceptions of Argentinian food.

Bochinche, #02-01, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058. Tel: (+65) 6235 4990.

Editor’s Pick!
Fleur de Sel is the latest little number to join the fold of French spots on Tras St. There are  just nine tables set before the centre stage kitchen where Chef Alexandre Lozachmeur (previously at Alain Ducasse Au Plaza Athénée, Paris) performs. The menu is très, très French from frog legs to rabbit but all with a little worldy twist. Portions are small but my is the food tasty! There’s a private room (extra points for the beau if he books this as a birthday surprise). Plus you can buy cute little pots of fleur de sel to take home and cook with.

Fleur de Sel, #01-01, 64 Tras Street, Singapore 079003. Tel: (+65) 6222 6861.

The Black Swan is that little sexy something in the city. Set in an old 1930s bank with original Art Deco features, a shimmering gold bar that winks at you as you walk in and most importantly, lighting that will make any tired mama feel a million bucks. Newer still is the upstairs lounge bar The Powder Room which serves the same fodder; sharing bites and old classics – crostinis, burgers, Maine lobster. It’s in the CBD but it ain’t just for suits – the trendsetters have descended so you will need a booking (as ever). Grab a cocktail, order up some oysters and soak up the great Gatsby vibe.

The Black Swan, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704. Tel: (+65) 8181 3305.

Fratini La Trattoria are the new kids on Greenwood Avenue’s block. There will be no pizza, no vongole, no burrata, in short not the usual suspects. With only a couple of starters, pastas and mains on the regular Italian menu, you’ll need to put your trust in Chef Fratini who cooks according to whim and what he hauls fresh from the market daily.

Fratini La Trattoria, 10 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289201. Tel: (+65) 6468 2868.

As far as fusion food goes, Japanese-Mexican isn’t the first combination that springs to mind but Sushiburrito is more about sushi style and burrito size. Huge low carb handrolls cram packed with fresh greens and veggies, plus seafood or meat and only a smidgen of rice. Good for a grab-and-go post work-out bite.

Sushiburrito, 100AM Shopping Mall #01-06, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027. Tel: (+65) 6543 6860.

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. Sounds like your local uncle’s hawker stall? The Sam in question was actually Jigger & Pony’s bartender, Sam Wong. He’s opened his own hole-in-the wall cocktail bar hidden away from all the Boat Quay commotion. You won’t see your drinks in print (nor their prices) but have a chat to Sam and he’ll knock up your favourite tipple ($10-$30). Plans are in store for bar bites as well.

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall, 60A Boat Quay, Singapore 049848. Tel: (+65) 6535 0838.

Editor’s Pick!
If brunches have become a thing of the past thanks to early rising munchkins then read on. Common Man Coffee Roasters serves brunch every day of the week. And the best bit? They open at 8am! Their coffee pedigree is infallible thanks to co-owner Harry Grover of 40 Hands Café fame. We love the fact they use super-duper organic eggs; the eggs ben with braised ox cheeks ($24) sees golden orange yolks spill deliciously over sourdough toast. From brioche French toast with berries ($18) to protein-heavy ‘ladies that lunch’ items like grilled chilli chicken with crushed avocado salsa ($25).

Common Man Coffee Roasters, #01-00, 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058. Tel: (+65) 6836 4695.

The in-laws are in town which means finding great local food but without a compromise on ambiance. LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar cracks that conundrum. Yes it’s in Suntec Mall but don’t let that put you off. Go ahead and get dolled up, it’s pretty swish inside, from their cocktail bar to the upscale yet funky interiors. Chinese fine dining is taken up a notch with Asian tapas dishes like braised cherry foie gras ($26) and beef mantou burgers ($16).

LÈ Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar, #02-314, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983. Tel: (+65) 6338 8775.

A famous name does draw a good crowd and Oxwell and Co is doing just that. Executive Chef Mark Sargeant, Gordon Ramsay ‘s former numero uno is wearing the whites here… This gastropub is decked out with quirky finds from Fred Lives Here and spans three levels of a restored shophouse. Head downstairs for a G&T (on tap!) and bar snacks or for more of a sedate evening there’s a small dining room on the second floor. Don’t miss their British puds like lemon posset and Eton mess (both $14).

Oxwell and Co, 5 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069688. Tel: (+65) 6438 3984.

Put down the straighteners, don’t bother with makeup, for tonight you’re going to Nox – Dine In The Dark. Dining in pitch black (you literally can’t see your date’s face) has its benefits if you look like you’ve been up at newborn intervals all night thanks to your bambinos. There are plenty of surprises in store with this sensory adventure but we won’t kiss and tell… There’s a three-course prix fixe modern European menu ($78) and all the servers are blind or visually impaired. Question is, do you dare?

Nox, 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546. Tel: (+65) 6298 0708.

Father and son team, Glen and Daniel Ballis, are behind Moosehead Kitchen Bar– an unassuming little spot elbowing in on the small bites action. The Mediterranean menu is short but it’s been getting rave reviews with most dishes being fired up over the charcoal grill centrepiece, like char grilled asparagus with garlic miso dressing ($12) and grilled daily fish with roast eggplant caviar ($24).

Moosehead Kitchen Bar, 110 Telok Ayer Street. Tel: (+65) 6636 8055.

 

Beate (pronounced Bee+art+ah!) is a freelance food and travel writer and full time mama to her fun-loving two year old son. She has a passion for all things foodie and most commonly assumes the position of one ear firmly planted to the ground for the latest bars, cafes and restaurants. When not penning articles, Beate can be found experimenting in the kitchen with exotic local ingredients or roaming Asia for weird and wonderful flavours (with a preference for the latter). Originally from the UK, Beate has been in Singers for 3 1/2 years and is loving being back near the equator after spending her childhood in Uganda and Kenya.