Snippets: Manhattan Bar at Regent Singapore | Brand new Harlem district menu awaits

Posted on March 15, 2016 by theRantingPanda in Snippets

What’s new: Manhattan Bar at Regent Hotel Singapore has always been my all-time favourite bar, which is why I always look forward to seeing the new changes on its menu given its impressive track record of its strong Manhattan districts inspired menu. The latest district to join the others is Harlem, as revealed by Manhattan Bar Manager Philip Bischoff and Head Chef Nicholas Trosien. Expect five classic craft cocktails and four new bar bites inspired by the Harlem neighbourhood menu launched last month , which will replace the previous SoHo menu.

The new bar bites: I love the new bar bites. Each of the four new items is distinctly different from the other, and I count my favourite being a strong fight between the Chicken & Waffle ($18) and the Banana Cream Cookies ($12).

As a quintessential dish of the Harlem district, the Chicken & Waffle was a hit amongst all of us who tried it. It was amazing how the chef had the idea of making this an easy dish to eat for diners, by having a mini drumette attached to the waffle. The crispy chicken and waffle goes very well with either honeycomb or house-made hot sauce, giving it a sweet and savoury combination concurrently.

The Southern Cornbread ($10) filled the aroma instantly when it was served, freshly baked to order, served with warm aromatic barrel-aged maplepecan butter and savoury Pimento cheese. The cocktail seen here with the Southern Cornbread is the Red Rooster.

Topped with succulent slow-cooked pork belly, chilli aioli and melted artisan white cheddar cheese, the Fried Green Tomatoes ($16) is nothing like the usual rendition.

For a sweet ending, the Banana Cream Cookies is a must try. The cookie sandwich is filled with soft banana cream and chocolate in between crisp wafers, which was dusted in gold shimmering. This is one luxe cookie to have, and I will never look at cookies the same way again.

The new cocktails: The Lenox (Alipús Baltazar Mezcal, Koko Kanu Rum, Luxardo Espresso Liqueur, Pineapple, Lime, House-made Grenadine, Egg Whiteand Peach Bitters – $23) was inspired by the Lenox Lounge on Lenox Avenue in the heart of Harlem, which is a remake of the popular joint’s iconic cocktail, and a reconstructed variation of the conventional Espresso Martini.

For something heavy, the Red Rooster (House-made Barrel Aged Applejack, St. Germain and Luxardo Sangue Morlacco – $24) proved to be quite heavy for me personally.

The Barber Shop (Bowmore 12Y Whisky, St. George Raspberry Liqueur, Hibiscus Syrup, Lime Juice, Cucumber, Mint Leaves and Ginger Beer – $23) was inspired from the many beauty salons and barbershops in Harlem, as evident from the red and white barber pole straw.

For beer lovers, the Globetrotter (Ferrand Cognac, Fresh Lemon, Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Simple Syrup and Knickbocker Beer Foam – $22) attempts to satisfy your beer craving by ingeniously having small layer of Knickbocker Beer Foam in this drink, accompanied by a side of addictive pretzels.

The Gin & Juice (Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Maraschino, Simple Syrup, Sea Salt, Egg White and Champagne – $24) is a tribute to Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” single in his debut album Doggystyle. You can’t miss out on the ultra cute golden dog spray lacing the cocktail.

Make your reservation instantly at Manhattan here.