Smok’inn Frogz
3 Nov
I don’t even know how to spell this place’s name (Smoking Frogs? Smokinn Frogz? Smokin’n Frogz??). There’s no information online, I don’t have a phone number or even an address. Maybe that’s why I like this place so. Every once in a while you find a place so endearing and wonderful you don’t want to tell a soul about it. Even if it has a “Z” at the back of its name.
Those of you living in the West of Singapore have endured years of taunting by the Easties about the sorry state of food in our corner of the island… arguably true, but not as much these days. We may not have Katong, Geylang or Joo Chiat’s remarkable variety and quality of food, but we have our little enclaves of good restaurants (we have Ristorante da Valentino! Ha!) and other atas places. In the department of a good neighbourhood hangout, we’re certainly lacking. There’s only so much one can hang out at Holland Village — I’m at 22 years, and counting.
Enter Smok’inn Frogz. Also known as Bar Bar Black Sheep. Also known as 879 Cherry Avenue Indian food court (embarrassing: a friend of mine actually owns the Indian component, and I don’t know its name). It’s a little bar at a corner of a row of houses, and the combination works.
The combination of:
# Hoegaarden on tap.
# Hoegaarden on tap at S$5 for a half pint.
# A proper ‘western’ kitchen (Smokinn Frogz) helmed by Alfie. According to my industry sources, also supposedly owned by a certain French chef from a certain reputable restaurant which I won’t name.
# A real, and real big homemade beef burger for just $10! Am I dreaming!
# Escargot ($8), french onion soup ($5). Other items on the menu: grilled steak sandwich, chicken burger, fish and chips, calamari, lamb merguez, prawn linguini, some bar grub, etc. All pretty cheap.
# The Indian kitchen sharing the premises is pretty good. SMU folks who were fans of the old Indian stall’s tandoori chicken before they disappeared: this is where they’ve moved. Members of my Tandoori Chicken Fan Club (including the two of you now enduring the cold in Sweden), take note: a makan session is in order. Check your Facebook ;)
# Did I mention Hoegaarden on tap and for cheap?
# Laid back place, outdoor seating, and a very big yellow box… doesn’t feel like you’re in central Singapore
Escargot, S$8. I prefer the version over at Au Petit Salut (the Holland one, have not tried the new one at Dempsey so shall reserve comment). Go for the french onion soup.
Burger heaven for $10.
It’s so hard to find a good burger here, one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (Wild Rocket and Wine Garage, I’m looking at you). Different leagues, yes, but not by much; and 20 singapore dollars/50 ringgit/550 rupees/450 baht for a burger? :) It’s even harder to find a place in your neighbourhood you wouldn’t mind spending every night and weekend in. If you don’t like the food, there’s always the cheap beer. It’s the sort of bar/restaurant I like — effortless and happy. I’ve already been there twice in the past 3 days. Many thanks to godma for always knowing what I want and where to get it :)
How to find it: I don’t have an exact address or a phone number. It’s on Cherry Avenue. Along the main drag of Bukit Timah, near the junction with Sixth Avenue. You’ll see Annamalai Avenue, then Maple Avenue — turn into Maple Avenue, then to the right immediately towards Cherry and Elm Avenues. I believe it’s the sort of place one would go to in the late afternoon/evening :) I don’t believe I’ve ever used so many smiley faces in a post, but :) I’m happy :) :) :)
