The New Bukit Timah

In the neighbourhood: The Grandstand

Wednesday, 23 Jan 2013

If you haven’t already visited The Grandstand, here’s what you need to know: the place is (still) a mess. Ongoing construction is everywhere on the premises, but we’re liking the look of the tenant mix. Here are our top picks in this Turf City neighbourhood.
F&B
You won’t ever go hungry at The Grandstand. Fresh out of the oven: Maison Kayser is now at The Grandstand! They officially opened doors the 18th this month and while the outlet is significantly smaller than their (already small) original outlet, the pastries are still ace.
A couple of doors down you’ll find Omakase Burger (#01-05), who really does have the juiciest burgers in town (we tried!). If you’re vegetarian and missing out on the hype, despair no longer: this month’s special is a Ratatouille burger.
You’ll also find Veganburg (#01-32) in a different block; if you’re a diehard burger fan and have yet to try Veganburg, scoot off that tush and get chomping. You won’t be missing meat here.
Like your sweets? You’ll be glad to know that ET Artisan Sweets (#01-35A) has moved from Holland Grove to The Grandstand. Their yuzu macarons are still the perfect sweet (and highly refreshing) treat.
But the one rookie to keep a lookout for: Modern Asian Diner (MAD) (#01-20/21). It’s a collaboration between heavyweights Bar Stories, the TungLok Group, Bakerzin, Top Wine, and Dick Lee. During the day it’s a bakery, café, and dim sum resto, but after 5pm a second menu of tapas and western bistro dishes are added. Plus there’s quality top wine to be had and a retail space to shop at. Intriguing, huh?
Craft
So parents already love the fourth floor of The Grandstand because it’s dedicated to kids. So San Merinos (#04-12) is a bit of a surprise find on the fourth floor – it’s a craft supplies store! Think Spotlight, but way friendlier. Service is ace and classes in bag weaving, needle felting, patchwork, knitting, and crochet are available. All entirely affordable too – knitting goes from $10 a class while patchwork is $150 for six 2-hour classes.
Work it
Get littlies some productive playtime at dance class and book yourself in for a sesh too at Tanglin Arts Studio! Wander into Horse City for a Mommy and Me dance class (for littlies aged 2.5-4 years), or enroll kids in a combination of ballet and jazz classes. There’s everything from Glee Club (no, really) to disco-freestyle for kids and teens.
PasarBella
So these guys aren’t open yet (though construction is very much alive at this block), but PasarBella intends to open Spring 2013 and we’ll be the first at their door. It’s a permanent farmers’ market space that will also house craft suppliers.
Image: MAD