kpnv

You know, in the past, Singapore still had its tropical island charms, with a lot of undeveloped areas and beaches. The economy then took hold and what was once forest and sea now became concrete and reclaimed land! So fast forward to the 2000s and it seems we hanker for quieter ideals.

The shopping scene in Singapore has evolved and you see a variety of shops opting out of shopping centres and hence city centres and going to little known alleys, previously home to old shophouses and where few venture. Yet now, they seem to be a hive of activity for the cool cats who prowl along Haji Lane, Club Street and the like.

Now when it comes to chilling out, more people are heading away from the urban areas for a change. It about going to dark, hidden places previously devoid of life. Away with air conditioning and bring on the mosquitoes.

Places like Little Bali have sprouted up. Located somewhat near IKEA, its tucked away from the traffic and set in the midst of trees and foliage. First impressions when I went there recently were good, as they imported lots of stuff from Bali and really tried to make it look Bali-esque, at least my girlfriend thinks so. She would know since she's been to Bali before doing architectural research stuff! In any case, once I stepped in, things went downhill. For a start, they had a Shisha counter and I know its really in to be smoking that shit now but I thought this was little Bali. Then the waiters started to serve and ignorance of the wait staff aside (I put it down to their youth) they were also togged in clothes they pulled out their own drawers. The uniform seemed to be any white top, beige bottom and sandals/slippers. I get it... laidback feel kinda thing, although I felt they seemed more like they worked next to a swimming pool. The menu didn't raise spirits either, with a paltry offering of Indonesian food amongst local fare. At least it tasted pretty ok. What really killed me in the end, was the stickytape they used to stick some decorative wallpaper round a few columns.

But fear not, there's also places for winenuts to go. Wine Network and The Wine Company are two places in the Dempsey road area, off Holland road, where they make good use of the old colonial style houses and offer a good range of wine and some light food as well. Here, the atmosphere isn't as contrived but kind of laid back, yet sophisticated. The wine isn't overly expensive compared to restaurants and they hold wine meetings often.

Located very nearby and almost always fully booked, is PS Cafe. I haven't actually got a place yet cos I'm too lazy to keep calling to see when they have a free spot. Just book in advance if you intend to go to this place, which is touted and bandied about by many people. The food isn't bad either. I'll dump a review when I do get there.