An Arabian night

Had a fantastic night out with Terence & Jason… The plan was Blu Jaz Cafe (Bali Lane) – but we ended up venturing Arab and Bussorah Street first…. I really felt like a tourist in Arabia – enchanted by the beautifully lit shophouses with the mosque in the background, the buzz from the people, I was snappy happy too!

Looking for a place to makan (eat), we chanced upon this cosy Turkish restaurant called Alaturka (16 Bussorah St, T:6294-0304). Service was prompt and friendly, the ambience is quite authentically Turkish (ornate tiles, bricked walls, sheeshas, copper serving plates, the waiters!) and so too was the food – we ordered a mixed plate of kebabs (karisik kebabs), a few lamb dishes, apple tea & baklava for dessert. Price wise – a little steep & servings rather small – but worth visiting nevertheless! Oh yea – and I bumped into Hel & her date who were seated infront

After dinner we continued strolling around the area – walking past lots of colourful, cosy and hip cafes/restuarants & a few boutiques – (all housed in beautifully restored shophouses). Along one of the narrow lanes, was this cute boutique Hoity Toity (53A Haji Lane T:6396-6902) which sold vintage looking clothes & accessories at reasonable prices. I couldn’t resist buying some cute vintage earrings & a copperish pendant chain!

Eventually we did arrive at Blu Jaz Cafe (11 Bali Lane, T:6292-3800) and it was as bohemian & inspiring as when I walked past it over a week ago! Brightly coloured and incredibly arty – with felt ornated lamp shades, wirey chandeliers with an ecclectic array of materials (coloured plastics, shells & even pink boas!), quirky Miroish llustrations on the tables, mannequin, canvas & even the facade – it’s truly a visual feast! With live music, spacious area inside & alfresco dining – this place totally rawks! A great place to come alone or with friends.
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The Arab St area has certainly expanded in the last year or so – it’s a great place to show off to friends/rellies from overseas – or if you can’t afford a holiday & you wanna feel like a tourist! Seriously – it’s a great place to chill on a Fri/Sat night and a great place to photograph/sketch (I took over 100 pics!!!). Anyways Arab St. is truly a Singapore gem!!

P.s for more pics check out my flickr.
P.p.s. you gotta check out the surreal, deranged, mardi-gras like arrangements beside the Blu Jaz cafe – like the naked Barbie dolls in the fountain!
P.p.p.s apparently there’s another branch in Little India (Dunlop St) – will probably try to locate it soon – and yea Lil Indias back lanes have lotsa interesting little cafes & pubs too!
P.p.p.p.s check out the Popular store at Bra Basah – they underwent MAJOR rennovations in November – huge selection of books (reading & assessment) and lotsa ART supplies too!!