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Some of your old favourites just underwent a revamp.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Some of your old favourites just underwent a revamp.

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The Library
This speakeasy has got to be one of our more well-known secrets here. Following its re-launch last November, The Library now has more seating and serves up bar bites with its Supper at the Library menu. Our faves include the char siew spring rolls and kimchi hot dogs – although you’ll have to watch out for seaweed between your teeth for the latter. Of course, the star of the show here is their cocktails. Currently, the bar is collaborating with Eu Yan Sang to bring you concoctions that make use of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Try the Rice & Shine ($24), a gin-based drink mixed with ginger rice shrub, ginseng and chrysanthemum, or the Sun of Fuji ($23), which is a smooth blend of hawthorninfused white rum, silken tofu, smoked lychee, almond and rose.
The Library is at 47 – 49 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6221 8338. 
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Strangers’ Reunion

Clean eaters, this might just be your new favourite brunch spot. The cafe, which opened in 2012, just gave its menu a healthier makeover, inspired by co-owner Ryan Tan’s personal journey to eating and living better. If you love smoked salmon eggs Benedict, you need to try the Strangers Smoked Salmon, $17.90, where the star of the dish is a fillet of salmon that’s been smoked in-house. Prefer something sweet instead? There’s also the made-to-order Superfood Bowls, like the Coconut Chia Pudding, Acai Smoothie Bowl, and Avocado Smoothie Bowl, $11.90 each. A note to coffee lovers – you have to get a cup of their White Magic, $6.90, which is an amazingly smooth blend of fresh espresso shots and milk that’s served chilled.

Strangers’ Reunion is at 33-35 Kampong Bahru Road. 

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Paradise Classic

Chinese food extends far beyond dim sum, and the different types of fare are rich and diverse. Nanyang cuisine is unique in that it’s influenced by the cooking styles of Southeast Asia, and it’s the speciality of Paradise Classic. Formerly known as Paradise Inn, the franchise’s new menu features Double-boiled Chicken Soup With Chinese Herbs, $24.80, a hearty broth that’s bursting with umami flavours. Another highlight is Espresso Chicken, $13.80. The usual recipe calls for pork ribs, but Paradise Classic has paired the bittersweet coffee glaze with tender cuts of chicken instead. End the meal on a sweet note with Trio Layered Osmanthus Pandan Cake, $4.20, which brought to mind kueh lapis, but with the peachy scent of osmanthus flowers.

Paradise Classic is at Bedok Point, City Square Mall, Marina Bay Link Mall, Thomson Plaza, West Coast Plaza, Suntec City, The Seletar Mall and Eastpoint Mall.

Salted & Hung is at 12 Purvis Street.
Salted & Hung is at 12 Purvis Street.
Love Your Meats?

Carnivores, here’s one place you need to visit on your next date night. Helmed by ItalianAustralian Chef Drew Nocente, Salted & Hung’s menu consists mainly of grilled dishes as well as meats and seafood that are cured in-house.

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Please do yourself a favour and get the chef’s selection of charcuterie (cured meats) served with crackers and pickles to start – our favourite of the lot was the lardo (back fat) with truffle honey, pepper and chilli. 

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Also, don’t miss the Blackmore 9+ Wagyu Flank, $48. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, go for the chef’s sharing menu, which is priced very reasonably at $68++ per person. 

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And forget wining and dining – there’s the option of beer pairings with your meal, so if you love your lagers, ales and what-have-you, you should definitely give it a try. 

Additional Reporting Syafii Ghazali.

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