Experience Flights of Fantasy at Idlewild
IDLEWILD IS A DELIGHTFUL AMALGAM OF MAD MEN MEETS CASABLANCA WHERE THE FOOD AND DRINK WILL TAKE YOU ON A WILD RIDE, WRITES WESLEY GUNTER.
Walking into Idlewild will take you back to the time of the 40s to 60s, when fashion made sense and music was well…music. Inspired by the luxury of air travel, namely the popular Transatlantic routes of 10 major cities (Dublin, Rome, Lima, Lisbon, New York, Casablanca, London, Paris, Mexico City and Havana) the décor at Idlewild is absolutely gorgeous with its retro-luxe interiors that exude a ‘Mad Men’ meets ‘Casablanca’ vibe.
THE AIRPORT
Unless you’re an American history buff, you’re probably wondering what the name Idlewild has to do with transatlantic travel. Quite a bit actually. Idlewild was New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport before it was renamed in 1963 to honour the 35th President of USA.
Idlewild’s innovative and far flung menu is the brainchild of Andy Griffiths, the speakeasy bar’s Head of Operations and Creative, who has more than 20 years of mixology experience in New Zealand and Australia and a cocktail wizard behind the bar.
NOTICE THE NEGRONI
My first stop on Idlewild’s map landed me in the beautiful city of Rome where I was swept away by the Coretta Negroni in which the key ingredient is ‘Cascara’ - the dried skins of coffee cherries. Personally, I’m a big fan of Negronis which are usually too bitter or sweet when I order them, but this one hit the right notes with cascara infused gin, Mancino chirato vermouth and Campari.
My next destination took me to Peru with a refreshing number titled ‘From Sea to Sea’. Made with Barsol Quebranto Pisco (a Peruvian brandy using only 100% Quebranta grapes), homemade pineapple syrup, Peruvian salt and orgeat syrup (made from almonds, sugar, and rose water) this cocktail is perfect for those looking for something on the slightly sweeter side with a nice balance of sourness.
THE BIG SMOKE
Moving on to land of the Mambo Kings, the Mariposa is the perfect cocktail to get you on your feet, made with Yaguara Cachaca, Cuban Style Rum, coconut cream, green mango and egg white. The one that blew me away though was this strange mix from the UK called ‘The Big Smoke’. This was the first time I tried a cocktail with black chai tea, Plantation Jamaican Rum and curry leaves. Unconventional but genius.
Apart from the amazing tipples, the staff at Idlewild are also experts at suggesting tapas to pair with your cocktails from Classic Fish & Chips to something more exotic like the Atun Chifa yellowfin tuna, sesame oil and soya sauce served on a wanton cracker. I strongly recommend oxtail croquette which speaks for itself. Mind blowing.
CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
A must see at Idlewild is the Cabinet of Curiosities that is a Pandora’s Box of travel related antiques, glasses and rare liquors from around the world. If you’re lucky, Andy may even let you sample some of these off-menu items, but don’t mention I told you.
If you’re on a travel budget I highly recommend heading down to Idlewild with your wingman for an otherworldly experience. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride.
Idlewild is located at Lobby Level, Intercontinental Singapore, 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966. For more information and reservations, please visit https://idlewild.sg/