Audience: Foodies

Chocolate Pinot & Apple Miso? 5 Drinks At Operation Dagger That’ll Wow Your Taste Buds!

In the discreet corner of a street lies a small, unsigned building. After much fumbling, the heavy glass door creaks open and you make your way carefully across the unwashed floors.

Groping around in the semi-darkness, you head down a dingy staircase and a steel door emerges. Holding your breath, you push it open.

Welcome to Halloween Horror Ni- uh Operation Dagger.

Voted Best New Bar at last year’s Singapore Bar Awards, Operation Dagger is an elusive bar located within the basement.

This bar is in fact, so elusive there is no sign of it. Literally.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Ann Siang Hill however, Operation Dagger serves as a great watering hole for the work weary.

A cocktail bar that emphasises on the experimentation of flavours and textures, the bar has taken to replacing traditional spirits with their very own concoctions.

We had the opportunity of savouring five of the bar’s signatures drinks and boy were we taken away by the experience.

1. Apple Miso

An interesting combination of rum, fermented apple, miso caramel and sesame, the Apple Miso happens to be, at the moment, the favorite drink of co-founder Luke Whearty.

Garnished with a bar spoon made of distilled toasted sesame spirit and toffee crisp seasoned gomashio, this Japanese inspired drink we say, definitely isn’t for anyone who dislikes sesame.

2. The Egg

A favourite amongst the regulars, The Egg consists of cured egg yolk, vanilla and sugar that are shaken and strained into a ceramic egg cup before being placed in a jar of smoked hay and star anise.

The result?

A slightly intense drink with a custard-like texture that reminds us, unsurprisingly, of everyone’s favourite salted egg yolk.

3. Chocolate Pinot

If you’re a wine person, we’d recommend you to go for the Chocolate Pinot. That’s right –  Chocolate. Friggin’. Wine.

Infused with raw cacao and vanilla, this drink, for starters, smells heavenly. As both a chocolate and wine fan, we’ve got nothing to complain about.

4. Fallen Fruit

Our favourite drink of the night? The Fallen Fruit.

A mix of wine, caramel, vanilla, fresh pears and curry leaf (say whaaaat), this drink is slow cooked via a sous vide method before being filtered overnight.

Served in an adorable pear ceramic mug and vanilla bean straw, this refreshing drink is a dream. Side note, we bit into the straw just to see what vanilla bean tastes like and no, it wasn’t pretty.

5. Hot & Cold

Last but definitely not the least, we have the Hot & Cold, a Pina Colada-ish drink that replaces rum with tequila.

Topped with a layer of warm white chocolate and coconut foam, this dessert drink, we think, will be popular with the ladies. A taste of both hot and cold, this one ranks a close second on our list.

With unconventional combinations of textures and flavours, Operation Dagger definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted.

If you’re looking to broaden your drinking horizons or are looking for a fun date idea, a night at this cocktail bar will just be the thing for you.

Operation Dagger
Address: 7 Ann Siang Hill #B1-01, S069791
Tel: 6438 4057
Email: [email protected]
Open: Tue – Sat, 6pm – 12am

 Header image credit: iwanimawocha.com

Also, read Say Cheese! This Food Truck Stocked Full With Artisanal Cheese Will Make You Melt With Pleasure

Die Die Must Party: 10 Halloween Parties That’ll Scare The Living Daylights Out Of You!

Here are the million-dollar questions: Do pontianaks dance? If zombies are technically dead, will they get high on alcohol? How does it feel to be scared witless, praying that your heart doesn’t go KABOOM by night’s end? Come on down to some frightful Halloween parties, and we guarantee you’ll find the answer to these queries.

Here’s the bonus: you’ll have a hair-rising, heart-lurching good time. This Hallows’ Eve, it’s time for the demons to play!

1.

A note of caution: Come in your goriest or loveliest get-up to avoid being the next target.

Not only that, the best-dressed stand to win cash prizes, Zoukout VIP tickets, flight tickets and more. Entry is not guaranteed if the club is full, so arrive early!

The Scream Diner by Zouk Halloween
29 Oct, 10pm-late
Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street
Admission for non-members (incl 2 drinks): $33/$38
Free and priority entry are given to those in FULL costume (pending approval by door attendant)

2. Battle Royale

“Kerpow!”

 

“Come at me!”

“Why, you…!”

And… that, ladies and gentlemen, is only the beginning.

[caption id="attachment_15843" align="alignnone" width="960"] BattleRoyale on Facebook[/caption]

This year, only one will be crowned the King of The Ring. Fight it out with the biggest and the baddest at Overeasy Orchard.

On this night, unleash your inner Bruce Lee, or channel your trusty WWE champ.

For a touch of the orient, pummel the baddies as Ip Man or Huang Fei Hong. Manny Pacquiao would do too, just power up that devilish glare and turn em’ rivals to stone.

[caption id="attachment_15830" align="alignnone" width="750"] Battle Royale by Overeasy
29 Oct, 10pm-2.30am
Overeasy Orchard, 541 Orchard Road #01-01, Liat Towers
Free entry

3. Cirque Le Soir[/caption]

We dare you to come in your freakiest, most outlandish costume to “outfreak” the freaks!

It’ll be a mystical, bewitching night that’ll haunt your dreams a little longer than eternity.

Cirque Le Soir
Oct 29, 9pm-late
CÉ LA VI, SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave
Purchase online pre-sale tickets at $48, or purchase it at the door at $68 – both options include one premium pour

4. Atlantis Fright Night

With a name like the Wavehouse, what do you expect? You’re bound to get soaked!

[caption id="attachment_15836" align="alignnone" width="910"] Atlantis[/caption]

Yes, that means you had better bring along your itsybitsyteenieweenieyellowpolkadotbikini!

Atlantis Fright Night
22 Oct, 6pm-late
Wavehouse Sentosa, 36 Siloso Beach Walk
Early bird entries are priced at $35 and prices at the door are $50
Both include 1 complimentary drink and 3 hours of free flow drinks
Ladies who register on the online guest list get free entry until 10pm

6.

Ghost stories are merely tales, aren’t they?

Well… here at *Scape, you’re in for the plot twist of your life! The story is true, and shows how life can truly be stranger, and bloodier, than fiction.

[caption id="attachment_15838" align="alignnone" width="430"]

Ahoy, ahoy!

Harking back to the 1800s where everyone mysteriously died on the ship, their restless spirits have finally awakened this Halloween. Join them in diabolical revelry, as you gobble and guzzle the night away.

[caption id="attachment_15839" align="alignnone" width="842"] The Forest: Shanghai Dolly

Ask any traveller worth his salt, and he’ll have you know that one of the spookiest places to get lost in, is the forest. Some might drop the name Aokigahara, while others might rain evil on the Devil’s Tramping Ground (the name says it all), or the demonic Pembrey Woods.

[caption id="attachment_15840" align="alignnone" width="678"] Shanghai Dolly on Facebook[/caption]

Inspired by the stuff of nightmares found in cursed forests, Shanghai Dolly brings you into the inky, winding woods this Halloween.

Pray that you don’t get lost, but be warned: Prayer might not work in the forest, where the Heavens can’t hear you scream.

The Forest: Shanghai Dolly
Call 6336 7676 / 9232 4181 to reserve your seats early
Stay tuned to Shanghai Dolly’s Facebook page for more updates

10. Nerf Halloween 2016: Paranormal High School

Your footsteps echo off the deserted hallways that seethe with darkness. Somehow, you can tell that it’s not just the mildew and the mouldering walls, but something older, and angrier.

You are armed with nothing but conviction, and a Nerf gun. Your ammo is running low, and it is hard to see with nothing but the moonlight.

Still, you press on. “All those FPS games had better come in handy now,” you mutter under your breath…

According to rumours, a pair of sisters disappeared in this school, one so notoriously haunted that it’s now known as Paranormal High School. Tonight, it is your duty, to seek this pair of sisters, before the evil in the school gets to you first.

Mortals, dare you brave this school from the bowels of Hell?

Nerf Halloween 2016: Paranormal High School
28 and 29 Oct, 7pm-late
Potong Pasir Community Club, 6 Potong Pasir Ave 2
Early bird promotion is going at $10, and the regular price is $15
The first 150 pax for the early bird registration gets a pack of 10 piece NERF Dart pack sponsored by Hasbro Singapore

To answer your questions, pontianaks do dance and zombies do get woozy after being hit by a tower of alcohol…for these Halloween parties at least!

And the feeling of screaming yourself silly with a bunch of buddies? Absolutely priceless.

Header image source: Knittingzone

For less scream-inducing activities this October, check out these Top 5 Events You Cannot Miss!

Also, read Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More! for supper after fright night.

One Kind House: The Modern Kampung That Serves Homely Food

Singapore’s kampung days might be long gone, but there’s a hole in the wall establishment in heritage-rich East Coast that is hell bent on preserving our unique culture. Enter One Kind House, a modern, 60’s inspired kampung with an eclectic touch.

They’re open for food and drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 8am – 5pm – but One Kind House is more of a community than an eatery.

One Kind House: Decor

The house is thoughtfully littered with art in the form of paintings on the walls, down to the bathroom sink. The art is by their family member, Ng Yak Whee, who is quite a famous Singapore painter.

Greenery at One Kind House

Plants line the entrance of the house and the dining area; and an urban farm fills the backyard.

Of course, no hipster spot is complete without freshly brewed refreshments. Blue Collar Collaborative has moved into One Kind House to serve up hot and cold brew coffee and tea – think cold blue pea flower tea with lemon grass.

One Kind House: The Story

One Kind House was born out of nostalgia.

The owner’s son, Calvin Soh, explained that during kampung days, families were able to reach out to their neighbours to borrow ingredients, or invite them over for food if they had overcooked.

Kampung life was open and communal, unlike the closed-door mentality we have adopted today. Calvin and his family wanted to replicate just that.

Mommy Soh is the head chef and owner of the house.

Her plat du jour differs day by day, but one thing is consistent – she uses only the freshest, cleanest ingredients from her urban farm.

Another constant on the menu: Mommy Soh’s signature duck egg kaya toast, mostly served during breakfast. Her other farm-to-table creations include fish laksa, mee siam with prawn sambal, ulam vermicelli – just to name a handful.

She cooks some of these dishes over a traditional charcoal stove, so the flavours are top-notch!

Because the idea of One Kind House is less of a business and more of a community, all of Mommy Soh’s creations are while stocks last (if the food runs out but you ask Mommy Soh nicely for more, she would whip up something nice for you).

One Kind Family is a space for friendly neighbours and guests who are open to learning from both young and old.

The Soh family, and of course, guests from all walks of life who pop by One Kind House for meals and refreshments, have a wealth of knowledge to share. So come for the kaya, and stay for the conversations.

One Kind House
Location: 136b Lorong J Telok Kurau Road
Facebook page here

Picture credits: One Kind House

Also, read Lovers Of Old School Snacks, Here Are The Very Best Places For Your Nonya Kueh Fix!

Our Food Trail With SR Signatures Will Leave You Drooling [Singapore River Festival 2016]

This year, Singapore River Festival 2016 returns to celebrate how the river has connected our past to our present, and to our community. All these are brought out through the theme of ‘River Connections”.

Besides a chock-full of music acts and performances, you can also expect to indulge in flavourful SR Signature dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Visitors can expect a multi-sensorial experience at this festival.

Here’s what it’s all about:

“The Singapore River Festival is proud to present SR Signatures, a selection of establishments handpicked by a panel of critics, comprising of their favourite food and drink that can be found along the three quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.”

Read on to find out about the gourmet choices of the chefs for this year’s theme, “Where Chefs Eat”.

1. Gai Yang by Soi 60 Thai

Took a bite of this tender piece of meat and we could not refrain ourselves from the second, third, fourth bite and so on.

It was really well marinated and grilled to perfection. The sauce that accompanied it made us feel like we were really having this dish along the streets in Thailand – such an authentic taste!

DISH: Gai Yang
RESTAURANT: Soi 60 Thai
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $18.00++ (Usual price: $21++)

2. Elotes by Super Loco

Who says that corn would only go well with butter?

This sweet corn not only looked appetising, but also had a unique and flavourful taste that is hard to forget.

The cheese gave the corn an extra special flavour. Squeeze some lime on it and it’ll tingle your taste buds!

DISH: Elotes
RESTAURANT: Super Loco
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Enjoy a pair of Elotes at $8+ only (1-for-1 offer). Valid from 4 to 5 Nov 2016, during Dinner only (not available for weekend Brunch). Quote “SRF Elotes” to Super Loco team during the festival period

3. 8 Colours Set by Eight Korean BBQ

Here’s the ultimate treat.

Eight strips of pork belly, marinated differently, will be grilled right in front of you. They’ll then be dipped into various sauces.

Eight ways of marination: Original, Wine, Kalbi, Curry, Miso, Red pepper, Garlic and Herb.

You can then add your own pickles, and wrap them up in fresh green lettuce, a la Korean style – before stuffing them into your mouth. You’ll be in food heaven in no time.

Every marinated piece of pork belly would make you go “SHIOK”!!!

DISH: 8 Colours Set
RESTAURANT: Eight Korean BBQ
Accolade awarded by Chef: Bjorn Shen
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: –

4. Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi by JJ.com Fish Mart

The breaded prawn was a super plus point to this dish!

Here’s a winning combination: the freshness of the salmon and the crispy and sweet breaded prawn.

DISH: Breaded Shrimp With Salmon Aburi
RESTAURANT: JJ.com Fish Mart
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Dish is priced at $14.80, valid from 4-5 November 2016

5. The Gambler by The Butchers Club Burger

This is the best burger we’ve ever tasted!

A very crispy, juicy and tender chicken is sandwiched between buttered and toasted soft bun. Topped with hot sauce and creamy mayo (with blue cheese), this was a party in our mouths.

DISH: The Gambler
RESTAURANT: The Butchers Club Burger
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Free upsize (including bottle beers, cold brew coffee or milk shake) with every order of ‘The Gambler’ for set lunch on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm (usual price $22.80++)

6. Rasmalai by RAS The Essence of India

A traditional Indian dessert that was really well done – it concluded our meal perfectly with a refreshing after taste.

DISH: Rasmalai
RESTAURANT: RAS The Essence of India
Accolade awarded by Chef: Cheryl Koh

7. Gambas al Ajillo by My little Spanish place

All prawn lovers need to order this. A very simple yet fragrant and flavourful dish

The bread served along it was soft in the inside and crispy on the outside, and was a very good dipping medium for the sauce.

Ordering a glass of cava sangria on their menu to go along with this dish would do no harm for the night.

DISH: Gambas al Ajillo
RESTAURANT: My little Spanish place
Accolade awarded by Chef: Nixon Low
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: Special Price: $14 (U.P. $16)

8. The 79 by Ô Comptoir

A savoury galette that went perfectly with their apple cider.

Every bite was a mouthful of bacon, cheese, potatoes and onion. Definitely worth it!

DISH: The 79
RESTAURANT: Ô Comptoir
Accolade awarded by Chef: Anthony Yeoh
Singapore River Festival 2016 Promotion: A glass of cider will be served for free for every ‘The 79′ ordered during the Singapore River Festival period.

With such good food, evident in carefully handpicked SR Signatures’ dishes, Singapore River Festival 2016 is a must visit. Savour all these delectable dishes and take a breezy stroll along the river and appreciate how far Singapore and our Singapore River has come!

To find out more about Say Cheese! This Food Truck Stocked Full With Artisanal Cheese Will Make You Melt With Pleasure

Hai Di Lao Tips: Essential Hacks That Will Save You Time, Money, And More!

Hai Di Lao? Yes, you heard it. When it comes to this legendary hotpot establishment, tales abound. By now, you must have amassed your own encyclopaedia of “black market” Hai Di Lao tips to take your Hai Di Lao experience to greater heights.

To add to your plethora of knowledge, we have gone undercover and infiltrated the depths of the Hai Di Lao world, right down to unearthing their new outlet in VivoCity!

Today, we are proud to present our findings – Hai Di Lao tips that are 100% legit and guaranteed to work.

Queue-killing hack

To beat the queue, arrive very early… anytime before 5pm is fine. Preferably, call before you head down. Otherwise, you’ll be faced with a horrendous queue that’ll shock the living daylights out of you.

Anytime from 10 pm is good, as the dinner crowd would be gone by then and Hai Di Lao is open till 6 am.

To ensure that your table is ready by 10pm, call in early to take a queue number and let them know that you’ll arrive at 9pm.

[caption id="attachment_16494" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credits: Hai Di Lao[/caption]

Each time you dine there, you will chalk up points, which can be used to redeem gifts at no extra charge.

Every $1 you spend entitles you to 1 point. The gifts change every 6 months, so snap up that Philips steam iron before it disappears!

#1 Soup hack – thick (浓) soup base

To get the most bang for your buck, be sure to request for thick (浓) soup base during refills. Otherwise, what you get will be a more diluted version of the original soup base.

They’ll hand you a bowl of thick (浓) soup, but don’t pour it all in at once! Instead, you can adjust how thick and savoury you want your soup to be.

#2 Soup hack – 4 soup bases

If you believe that variety is the spice of life, Hai Di Lao offers 4 soup bases at virtually the same price, or even cheaper, as compared to that of 1 or 2 soup bases.

The price of 4 soup bases also depends on your ultimate choice and combination of soup. Based on our experience, it was always cheaper or the same price as choosing 2 soup bases.

[caption id="attachment_16493" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: youngberghill

If you come with wine or alcohol, Hai Di Lao will even open your bottle and serve it to you and your companions, free of charge!

Now, who’s up for a glass of spirits?

Mini pot hack

If you think germs and bacteria are creepy… or if your idea of fashion is a Hazmat suit, Hai Di Lao’s individual hot pots are perfect for you.

Credits: Credit: be the next Freddy Krueger try Hai Di Lao’s paper crane challenge.

[caption id="attachment_15563" align="aligncenter" width="1532"] Credits: wfenzz[/caption]

For every 30 paper cranes you fold, Hai Di Lao will reward you with a free $6 dish of your choice.

Fret not if you do not know how to fold these cranes, the staff will teach you how!

Health hack

Fats? *shudders* Coagulated fats? *fear intensifies* 

Congratulations, you have just discovered the hidden horror… and we’ll let you know how to overcome it. Not with a crucifix, but with your trusty ol’ ladle!

The longer you boil your soup, the more concentrated it becomes. This causes the soup to become loaded with nitrates, fats and excess protein.

[caption id="attachment_16186" align="aligncenter" width="1824"] Credit: butter believer[/caption]

That white film floating on the surface of your soup isn’t the trail left by the Loch Ness monster.

It’s actually coagulated fats, nitrates and protein, which is no good for you. So, ladles up, and scoop away the white stuff!

Redeemable manicure hack

Who would pass up the opportunity of a free manicure? Not me!

The good news is, Hai Di Lao’s renowned manicure services are redeemable. Should the long queue prevent you from getting your manicure before dining, all is not lost.

[caption id="attachment_16496" align="alignnone" width="640"] credit: cdn-geo dayre[/caption]

Should you wish to celebrate your grandma’s birthday there, the restaurant also offers a free platter of longevity buns to senior citizens on their special day.

This is in addition to the small gift that Hai Di Lao will present to the birthday guest, and the birthday songs that they will croon in 3 different languages.

[caption id="attachment_16185" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] credit: c3.staticflickr[/caption]

Protect-your-phone hack

A cracked phone screen is the ultimate nightmare for every phone user. This is why Hai Di Lao offers free phone screen protectors to keep your phone screens shiny and spanking new.

[caption id="attachment_16198" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Credit: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-09, VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Telephone numbers: +65 6250 7557 (for reservations) +65 6250 7667 (for enquiries)
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6am

Price: varies depending on the dishes ordered
Official website:

Header image credit: where to get Hai Di Lao soup base!

10 Restaurants That Are Willing To Deliver Where No Man Has Delivered Before – Tuas!

Food deliveries have made our lives so much easier. Feeling lazy? Get food delivered. Can’t tear yourself from that Netflix marathon? Get food delivered. Here in Singapore, there are several companies dedicated to delivering food to our doorsteps (what a time to be alive!).

While most of us are pretty lucky to have these food delivery services at the touch of a button, there are certain areas where most food deliveries do NOT go to. Tuas for example is one such area. While those working in Tuas only have access to a limited number of food delivery services, these 10 restaurants definitely do food deliveries!

So for our friends working way out in Tuas, here are 10 restaurants that are more than happy to deliver food to your offices!

1.Kim San Leng

Delivery Fee $10.00; Minimum Order $50.00

Put in your delivery order for Rainbow Lapis’s traditional snacks and desserts HERE!

Delivery Fee $15.00; Minimum Order $30.00

Rainbow Lapis
Level 1, Atrium, #01-26
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm

3.SWAG

Get your orders for SWAG’s healthy salads and wraps delivered HERE!

Delivery Fee $3.50 – $10.00; Minimum Order $0.00 – $60.00

SWAG
The Commerze @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-26

Fuji Xerox Towers
80 Anson Road, #01-11, S079907

3.Sum Yi Tai

[caption id="attachment_14823" align="alignnone" width="700"]  is pretty known for their roof top bar and their 1980s retro oriental themed decor but don’t think they’re all style and no substance. Sum Yi Tai is having a Delivery Fee $5.00 – $16.00; Minimum Order $15.00; Additional Charges 7.0% GST

Get your orders from Ninja Bowl delivered  Gastronomy Aficionado[/caption]

What do you get when you put Subway and a whole lot of melted cheese? You get Delivery Fee $15.00 – $20.00; Minimum Order $20.00

[caption id="attachment_14840" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Delivery Fee $20.00; Minimum Order $0.00; Additional Charges 3.4% 

18 Raffles Quay, S048582
Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm
Contact: 67027329

(feature image: We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!

The Only Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia Has Finally Opened Its Doors In Pan Pacific Orchard

If you’re a Jazz enthusiast and love heading down to Jazz cafes and bars, you’re going to love this new kid on the block. Montreux Jazz Cafe is the newest Jazz cafe-bar-restaurant to open its doors. Named after the famous Montreux Jazz Festival, this 500 seater 7,000 sq ft spot brings amazing live Jazz music and incredible eats together.

Located in Pan Pacific Orchard, this multi-concept restaurant and live-music venue is the first Montreux Jazz Cafe in Asia joining other other outlets in Geneva, London, Paris and Abu Dhabi. Other than having both indoor and outdoor dining, Montreux Jazz Cafe also boasts two live stages!

Montreux Jazz Cafe – Restaurant

estellahoa dash of sax and the city at Montreux Jazz Café last night – the tunes and ambience were exquisite, so if you adore the genre as much as i do, or simply wish to expand your auditory horizons with a swanky drink in hand (your soul will thank you for it i swear!!), drop by and get swingin’. ?

my greatest thanks goes out to @discoversgofficial for this treat, you guys are jazz amazing. ?

So what are you waiting for? If you’re a huge Jazz fan, Montreux Jazz Cafe is the place to be! And even if you’re not a huge Jazz fanatic, the Montreux Jazz Cafe will definitely spice up your weekly dinner plans!