There is something about wine bars in the CBD that can make them a hit or a miss.
Sometimes they are overbearing or they can be hugely overpriced and characterless. Fortunately the guys at 13% Gastro Wine @ Telok Ayer Street have found a sweet spot.
Hidden in plain sight, this fabulous little wine bar and restaurant is one of Singapore’s cutest. Located on the second floor of a shop house opposite Telok Ayer Park it is ideal for an after work rendezvous or assignation.
Louis Demeure, the guy who runs the 13% Gastro Wine @ Telok Ayer Street outlet of the burgeoning 13% Gastro Wine group, is charming and ebullient.
He walked us through the dishes served that evening and kicked off with the house ’13% Champagne’ from southeastern Champagne Region in France.
Then the food started arriving: we began with a very moorish warm, fluffy and crispy cheese puff pastry called Gougere with a roasted garlic tomato dip.
This was followed by a Tomato - which was actually a confit of tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, Burrata cheese, basil and a balsamic reduction.
Beautifully served with an Instant Blanc, Domaine Berthier wine. This Tomato was pretty big - all these dishes are for two.
An amazing octopus then arrived on cue - all the way from Malaga in Spain. This was grilled, having been marinated with fresh herbs and paprika first. It looked scary, but was really good. The chefs - toiling away in their open plan kitchen at the back - are tip-top.
The cheese platter finished up the evening. It was an amazing selection of both cow and goat cheeses with was accompanied by a fabulous Chiroubles, Domaine Piron from Beaujolais.
13% Gastro Wine @ Telok Ayer Street is well worth a visit.
There is a wide selection of maps of the wine regions of France on the walls, so it’s worth taking your time. Call the boss first and ask him to decant a bottle or two before you arrive.
13% Gastro Wine @ Telok Ayer Street is located at 123A Telok Ayer Street 068592 (2nd Floor) or call +65 6224 6885
