Ida’s Bar - Idyllic and Vibrant Lifestyle

I had just discovered the Dempsey of the South, which is Gillman Barracks! And Ida’s Bar is right in the middle of this quaint place of scenic nature. Walking to the Ida’s Bar during the cool evening or night is an enjoyment in itself, where I am surrounded by lush greenery and cool breezes.

Ida's Bar has this idyllic, rustic, nature-embracing feel with the lots of potted plants, clay potteries, rattan chairs, wooden furniture and lots of amber transparent bowls with candle lights. Given its alfresco nature, I can really chill at this warm, comfy place while enjoying the scenery of nature at Gillman Barracks. At the same time, the bar is playing vibrant Caribbean music to add liveliness to the atmosphere. Dining here is really one of the relaxing enjoyments in life.

The food is very good and ranges from unique surprises to lovely good old familiar classics, with a bit of twists.

The service here is very warm, friendly and helpful, making the experience a totally enjoyable one.

My favourite here is definitely the Iberico Pork, straight from the grill. It features this lovely familiar meaty sweetness with char, completed with juicy good bite. This is so good and satisfying to savour.

Potato Gnocchi here retains the starchy, slightly stretchy goodness that I love about gnocchi and add in some refreshing twists, such as the fluffy texture and the special sauce. The sauce is creamy, tangy with a hint of spiciness. This dish is full of exotic, balanced, nuanced distinctive flavours

Green Gazpacho is healthy, light and full of vegetal flavours.

Ida’s Semi Freddo Doughnut is a must-try here. It is so unique and blissfully good. The taste is creamy rich sweet with a hint of tangy taste. The texture is like ice cream, albeit finer, more complex flavours. Almond adds the savoury nutty kick and the contrast in texture, making it even better.

Love the floral theme of the cocktails here.

Thoughts: Awesome place to chill amid the lush greenery and enjoy good food

9 Lock Road

#02-21 Gillman Barracks

Little Island Brewing Co - Exciting, Good Times with Satisfying, Good Food

I actually found out about Little Island Brewing Co through “Feast for a Cause” by SOSD. If I can enjoy good food while helping SOSD, of course I want in on it. But since it left only one week before this event ends, I really went all out to rearrange my schedule to make sure my first outing here is one for a good cause, and signifies good beginning 😉

I was expecting some nice, yummy Western food due to the restaurant’s set-up of being a casual watering hole with live bands. But this place surprises me, in a good way, with unique, delicious creations based on Spanish food. I also love the great variety of food features in the menu.

The place feels rustic with hints of industrial chic, combined eclectically, with that homely feel due to the stacks of cookbooks piled at the windows. It works actually.

The live band is awesome, livening up the whole place, getting everyone into party mode or lively music appreciation mood.

The service here is good and efficient, making here an awesome place to chill and just have a good time.

Gambas Al Ajillio features pan-seared, juicy, firm prawns full of roasted garlic oil aroma, with smooth mash potato and cute chucks of sourdough to soak with the delicious, slightly spicy sauce. Very satisfying and yummy.

The wood-fired Sourdough Pizza, A View to a Krill, is the ultimate pizza that is specially made for Seafood Lovers like me. Seafood pizza is pretty rare, and not many get it right. And this pizza is perfection manifested for seafood pizza. I love the briny sweetness of the prawns perked up by the cream base of mentaiko and anticucho sauce with the tangy taste from the lemons.

Yes, this is my favourite Pizza!

Chilli Crab Volcano is a good and filling treat due to generous amount of battered soft-shell crab stacked over the chilli crab sauce slathered over the charcoal butter naan. With Southeast Asian’s influences infused into this, this is spicily sedap good!

Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream is a rich, lovely decadent treat.

Thoughts: Awesome place to chill, party and enjoy good food

43 Malan Road