Singapore: 11/12/15 & FOC Restaurant

We woke up around 6am because we still don't know what time or day it is. It's very confusing to travel for so long and then lose half a day of your life in time difference. Anyway, we made the most of it by getting an early start to our day. We walked over to the famous Raffles Hotel which is right across the street from our hotel. This is the home to the 100 year old world famous Singapore Sling drink. Since it was not even 9am, we didn't have one, but still walked all around the hotel grounds which span an entire square block. There are cafes, bars, shops, spas, you name it. The hotel is absolutely stunning and looks like it is impeccably maintained. By contrast to the luxurious and modern Marina Bay Sands, it has an old fashion look and feels historical and beautiful.

We then walked over to the Boat Quay (pronounced "key") area for a bumboat tour. The Boat Quay is a unique small street lined with cafes and bars.

The bum boat tour takes you around the river and highlights the different areas and buildings that define Singapore. It also felt like it was 100 degrees, so being on the water in a boat was much needed.

After the tour, we took the subway over to Little India. There we saw tons of street vendors selling all kinds of crap, similar to Canal Street. There was also another food market that we checked out. This one completely catered to the Indian clientele in the area. It also was half fish, meat, and produce market (which did not do much for the smell in there). We didn't try anything too crazy, but went for a little snack of a curry puff, fried banana, and mango lassi. I was definitely into the first food market more, but it was worth checking out another part of town with a distinct culture. 

After going back to the hotel to rest for awhile, we went back over to the Boat Quay area to try a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef, Nandu Jubany, that Jeremy had found online- FOC. This place had cool decor and an upbeat vibe. Their slogan is "Fine fun food." We ordered a few drinks and a bunch of tapas for our meal. Everything was delicious!

Twist on an Old Fashioned and Bloody "Jordy"

Sauteed cauliflower with pine nuts and spring onions, romesco sauce, pickled green beans and capers

Cuttlefish and saffron paella with prawn scampi

Octopus Galician style

Braised beef cheek sliders with mustard and kimuchi mayo on brioche

Before calling it a night, we stopped at an unmarked bar down the street, apparently called 28 Hong Kong Street. It was extremely expensive (about $22-$24 per cocktail), but we each had one for the experience. They were quite delicious and fresh and made right in front us by the talented bartender. A cool place to try!