Orchard Rd

Peranakan Place

Acid Bar Housed within a quaint restored shophouse, the open-concept bar, together with its Peranakan-style arches, provides an intimate venue to catch some live music and just chill out. Lounge seating and ceiling to floor mirrors complete the effect, making this a great chill-out spot. Operating hours: 5pm-2am Sun-Thu, 5pm-3am Fri-Sat & eve of PH. Alley Bar Crafted from what was once a derelict space, Alley Bar oozes cosmopolitan appeal, whilst weaving old-world charm with modern sophistication. If you’re looking to impress on a date or for business drinks, this is one of the trendiest places in town. Operating hours: 5pm-2am Sun-Thu, 5pm-3am Fri-Sat & eve of PH. Rouge High ceilings and multi-tiered levels make this loft space above Acid Bar one of the best live music party zones in Singapore. Complete with its resident band, John Molina and Krueger (see below), Rouge is an ever-changing mix of events that revolve around music, fashion, live entertainment and the arts. Operating hours: 7pm-2am Mon-Thu, 7pm-3am Fri-Sat & eve of PH. Rouge Outdoors An al-fresco bistro-restaurant right on Orchard Road, Rouge outdoors is the perfect place to grab some lunch during your shopping spree, or a relaxed dinner after a hot day seeing the city. The food is a great mix of western and eastern cuisine, while the outdoor seating takes advantage of the cool breeze funneled between the buildings on either side. Operating hours: 11am-2am Sun-Thu, 11am-3am Fri-Sat & eve of PH. John Molina & Krueger One of Singapore’s most recognisable rock personalities, this is one act you should catch in Singapore if you love live music. Belting out a raw mix of rock and pop, the band takes full advantage of its residency at Rouge to party the night away with the mad crowd. See them live at Rouge: Mon-Sat 10.30pm-late. GETTING TO PERANAKAN PLACE Peranakan Place is opposite Somerset MRT Station (exit B). Sandwiched between Centrepoint and Orchard Emerald, you can’t miss Rouge Outdoors which is located directly opposite Specialists’ Shopping Cente. For more information, call (65) 6732 6966, or visit www.peranakanplace.com. You can also email them for more information at events@peranakanplace.com.

IndoChine @ Wisma Atria

Singapore’s IndoChine group of restaurants has taken over the street level of Wisma Atria with 2 restaurants and bars that are the place to be seen in Singapore these days. Nude Restaurant – Fine dining at the heart of Orchard Road. Tel: +65 6333 5003. Opening hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm. Dinner 6pm-11.30pm daily. The Sanctuary – Ladies, drop your men here for a few drinks while you’re shopping. Tel: +65 6238 3473. Opening hours: 11am-late daily. IndoChine @ Wisma Atria Address: Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, Orchard Road. Tel: +65 6238 3473. Getting there: Orchard MRT Station, exit D.

The Bar – Live Jazz

The Bar at The Regent Singapore was once voted by Newsweek Magazine as “One of the World’s Best Bars”. And Newsweek aren’t the only ones doing the trumpeting of this place – The Bar is also famous for its resident jazz band and the steady line of guest musicians that play here. Address: The Regent Singapore, One Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249715. Tel: (65) 6725 3240. Opening hours: 5pm-12am Sun-Thu; 5pm-1am Fri-Sat.

Chatterbox

There are few restaurants that can claim to be a visitor attraction as well as a dining destination in Singapore, but Chatterbox in the Meritus Mandarin hotel on Orchard Road is one of them. The main reason for its fame is the delicious Mandarin Chicken Rice that is served up here. It is so famous that when a popular chef from Chatterbox left in early 2006 there was a national debate regarding the future of the restaurant. Needless to say, Chatterbox and its menu have not suffered from the departure of this particular chef, and visitors still come from far and wide to dine here specifically for the Chicken Rice – the unofficial national dish of Singapore. The reason, we are told, for the success of the Mandarin Chicken Rice at Chatterbox is the in the attention to detail its preparation. Every ingredient is distinctive to the Chatterbox system, being grown, raised and prepared especially for Meritus Mandarin’s Chatterbox. The result of course is that even diners who don’t claim a high gastronomical IQ will notice the difference. In hawker centres both the rice and chicken are too often tasteless. Here, the flavours are subtle but delicious. Dip a piece of chicken in the sauces all at once and it gets even better. But Chatterbox is a lot more than just a chicken rice restaurant these days. It is also famous for its array of local and international cuisines. Try out the Prawn dumplings with wasabi mayonnaise, or the local satay favourites made from chicken, beef and mutton. The Lobster Laksa is another signature dish here while vegetarians will love the Bee Hoon. Address: Chatterbox @ the Meritus Mandarin, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867 Tel: (65) 6831 6291 Dining hours: 5.30am-12.30am Sun-Thu; 24 hours Fri-Sat & Eve of PH.

Top of the ‘M’

No matter how long revolving restaurants have been around, they never lose their attraction. Which is why the Top of the ‘M’ Revolving Restaurant at the Meritus Mandarin hotel is such a draw card. Throw in some brilliant cuisine and you’ve got one of Singapore’s best French restaurants. The view from the Top of the ‘M’ is amazing as the restaurant revolves once every two hours and fifteen minutes, giving you a 360-degree view of Orchard Road and the surrounding island – you can even see as far as Malaysia. But while the view is fantastic, the food is even better. The theme here is French contemporary cuisine, prepared traditionally, but served modern. For appetizers, look out for the Fresh Salmon Salad with Caviar Dressing and Mango Relish or the Carpaccio of Venison marinated with Provencal Herbs and Mesclun Salad with Roquefort Cheese, which are both delicious. For your main, the chef’s specialty is undeniably the Roasted Wild Duck Breast which is lightly smoked with Sweet Spices and a seared skewer of Goose Liver. Or, also highly recommended, is the Roasted Wagyu Beef Tenderloin “Kobe Style” Herbs and Black Pepper. No French restaurant however is complete without a range of Foi Gras specialties, of which the Top of the ‘M’ have an excellent range – especially the Pan-fried Duck Liver served on Caramelised Pears and Grapes. And, if you’ve still got room left, the undisputed star of the desserts menu is the Seven Sins of Chocolate, inclusive of Chocolate Crème Brulee, Choco Parfait, Palait, Warm Choco Cake, Mini Profiterole, Milk Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Liegeois. Address: 39th Floor, Meritus Mandarin Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867. Tel: (65) 6831 6258 or (65) 6831 6288. Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm Mon-Fri. Dinner: 6.30pm-10.30pm daily. Saturday Brunch: 11.30am-3pm. French Champagne Brunch: 11.30am-3pm Sun & PH.

House of Peranakan Cuisine

Another of Singapore’s best Peranakan restaurants is the House of Peranakan Cuisine at the Meritus Negara Hotel just off Orchard Road. Here you’ll find some truly authentic Peranakan cuisine that Singaporeans rave about. Being proud bearers of the colourful Peranakan tradition for the past two decades, House of Peranakan Cuisine never fail to provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience of a bygone era. Address: 10 Claymore Road, Meritus Negara Hotel, Singapore 229540. Tel: (65) 6733 4411 Lunch: 11.30am-3pm Dinner: 6pm-10.30pm

Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant

Authentic and award-winning Cantonese cuisine is served amidst a resplendent décor with Chinese gold leaf calligraphy and chinois artwork in this elegant Chinese restaurant. Headed by the resident Chinese Executive Chef from Hong Kong, the culinary masterpieces at the Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant have garnered numerous awards since the restaurant opened its doors in 1995. One of the most popular dishes from this restaurant is the famous Peking Duck, crafted to perfection and served with traditional rice-flour rolls. The elegance of this restaurant is complemented by the display of artwork in the form of calligraphy and antiques. This theme is carried through in the menu presentation to guests who dine at Wan Hao. Address: Level 3, Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865. Tel: (65) 6831 4615 Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm Mon-Sat; 11am-2.30pm Sun. Dinner: 6pm-10.30pm daily.

Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant

Named after the famous Tang Dynasty Poet, Li Bai Cantonese Restaurant is renowned for its Cantonese cuisine served in the tradition of grand Emperors. Drawing its inspiration from the poet’s classic lyrical poems, some of Li Bai’s signature dishes include Baked Canadian Cod in Spicy Tangy Sauce, Pan-fried Lamb Chop with Black Pepper Sauce, Sautéed King Prawn with Shimeiji Mushroom in X.O. Chilli Sauce and Sautéed Superior Shark’s Fin with Crabmeat and Bean Sprouts served with Shark’s Bone Soup. A special mention has to be given to Li Bai’s famous X.O. Chilli Sauce which has become a must-have for most guests as it adds a little extra spice to any dishes. Address: Lower Lobby, Sheraton Towers, 39 Scotts Road. Singapore 228230. Tel: (65) 6839 5623 Lunch: 11.30am-2.30pm Mon-Sat; 10.30am-2.30pm Sun Yum Char Lunch. Dinner: 6.30pm-10.30pm daily.