Hopscotch Bar is the latest installation set up by the people behind Mixes from Mars. Located in the Red Dot Traffic Building (former traffic police HQ), Hopscotch focuses on bringing out locally-inspired flavours through innovative bespoke cocktails crafted through modern techniques. Unique creations are inspired by unconventional flavours such as assam laksa (Georgetown Special), cereal prawns (Golden 933), chicken rice (Hop Kee), chawanmushi (Melon Malibu) and Asian desserts (Red Ruby). With their extensive range of whiskies and beer, scotch enthusiasts and beer-lovers won't be neglected either. :)
Determined to bring the bagel craze to Singapore, the fine gentlemen behind this new bagel establishment pride themselves in their freshly baked bagels handrolled with love. Cafes dedicated to serving these incredibly underrated breads are rare, but you can rest assured that Two Men Bagel House does it right. If you subscribe to the 'simple is best' philosophy, you can opt for a plain/ classic salmon dill cream cheese bagel. But since you're in a bagel house, after all, you can afford to be a little more adventurous. Go for the incredibly vibrant LOX - cured salmon, cream cheese, red onions, dill and capers, atop perfectly crisp yet chewy bagel halves. Want it more brunch-style? Have bagels with bacon and poached eggs too!
The Saveur group has delved into affordable French fine dining with its latest food venture - Saveur Art. Located in ION Orchard, Saveur Art serves impeccably plated dishes with French finesse. Start with the egg confit & truffle ($12, $18 to add freshly shaved truffle) or chestnut veloute ($10), then go for the mangalica pork two ways ($22) or poached Maine lobster ($29 for half, $49 for whole) and end off with their chocolate and pistachio dessert ($13). You don't have to wait for a special occasion to dine at Saveur Art, 2-/ 3-course lunches are reasonably priced at $29 and $37 respectively.
Flavour Flings is a brand new heartland cafe located in Hougang, bringing hearty brunch servings to residents and everyone else in the area. Recycled-wood furnishings give this place a very laid-back vibe, perfect for casual brunch affairs. Menu items include eggs done in a variety of ways - poached/ baked/ fried, pastas as well as pancakes. Tastemaker Raine Liu recommends Marie's Baked Eggs; 'tomato based eggs with mushrooms and spinach and cheese which went well with the toasted sour dough bread.'
Taking over Liberty Coffee's old space at Rangoon Road is new frozen yoghurt bar, The Cold Pantry. With a handful of froyo stores setting up shop lately, this place sets itself apart by offering not just unique flavours of froyo, but with unique topping combinations as well. Case in point - their thai milk tea froyo with homemade honeycomb, and their Movie-Date yoghurt cup which comes topped with popcorn, banana and chocolate sauce, with a cheese nacho base. How's that for unique!
Newly opened British-inspired cafe Hyde & Co. has brought the English obsession with crumpets to Singapore. You don't find many places serving up these classic tea time treats, but at Hyde, expect a sizeable range of griddle cake topping options - eggs/ potatoes/ mushrooms, bacon/ ham/ smoked salmon, homemade spreads/ fruits. When in doubt, go for the Lady Hyde, their take on the classic Croque Madame, with house special hebi hiam for a more local flavour. For the sweet tooth, try their Gula Gula; gula melaka-oozing crumpets sprinkled with coconut. Don't forget to order that pot of tea! ;)
Made from the Terra Firma blend from Papa Palheta, it is firm and strong.
