December 2016

WINE & DINE

We scour the bar scene to bring you the new and noteworthy. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!

CIN CIN #01-02 Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore,

100 Peck Seah Street 6385 2604 | cincin.sg

First impressions: This newish bar on the ground floor of Oasia Hotel in Tanjong Pagar specialises in gin, with close to 100 different varieties from both well-known labels and lesser-known boutique distillers. It also offers over 500 ways to customise your own G&T (from $16; choose from 13 types of tonic!) or gin martini ($24 to $26) – decide on your preferred gin, vermouth and bitters, and whether or not you’d like it shaken or stirred, followed by your choice of garnish. If this is a bit overwhelming, super- knowledgeable head bartender Fadly Sujebto can steer you in the right direction, according to what you like. If you’re still struggling, just choose one of the 12 signature gin cocktails on the menu. Be sure to sit right at the bar, like we did, if you need Fadly’s guidance, or on its open-air side for a more alfresco feel. No matter where you plant yourself, the whole place is sleek and stylish, decorated in shades of teal and cobalt and with Art Deco touches. The Chosen One: From the signature cocktail list, we especially loved the refreshing Violette Szabo ($26) – Bankes London Dry Gin, cucumber syrup, lime juice, Domain Chandon Brut, basil leaves and cucumber – and the citrusy and spicy, exotic-tasting Operation Siam ($20) – Bulldog gin-infused kaffir lime juice, simple syrup, East Imperial Superior Thai Ginger Ale, dried lime and rosemary. We also tried three small-batch gins (from $20 per glass) from Kyrö Distillery in Finland, each infused with different botanicals – definitely worth a try if you’re really into new gins. The Cheapskate: The bar has one-for- one offers on the signature Cin Cin Martini, house-pour beers and wines during Happy Hour from 5 to 8pm daily.

Charbroiled short rib

Bite on this: The must-order here is the spicy fried calamari with sweet chilli sauce ($14) – a great bar snack done right. We also enjoyed the charbroiled, sliced short rib ($20) with horseradish crème. Last but not least: There’s a DJ on Friday nights from 9pm to midnight, playing some great tunes. - Amy Greenburg

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