This is not a foodie blog, but I thought it would be nice to do what Singaporeans do most, that is to rave about food and the places they regularly to makan. Finding new places to feast on comfort foods is an obsession, and so here begins this new series on Pianomania. This has absolutely nothing to do with classical music, but is a vital part of being who we are and how we function.
My first stop is the historic Colbar at Portsdown Road. Its name comes from Colonial Bar (or some people say it's a slang for "cold beer") as it dates from the 1960s when the British armed forces were still in Singapore. Its original location was in Jalan Hang Jebat near the end of the old winding Portsdown Road which linked North Buona Vista Road with the old Ayer Rajah Road. The original building had to be cleared with the construction of the flyovers / highways between Queensway and the Ayer Rajah Expressway. Its new site on Whitchurch Road lovingly recreates the old school atmosphere of the original.
Here are the photos from our recent dinner of Hainanese-styled Western cuisine, and judging by the delicious portions and relatively modest outlay, we will soon be back.
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| When was the last time you have seen one of these weighing machines? No, your weight will not go up after eating here. |
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| The old school non-air con, wooden walled and modest atmosphere was lovingly restored. |
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| The Way We Were, British expats having their fun. |
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| The original owners and fixtures of Colbar still remain here. |
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| Comfort food after a hard day's work. |
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| Pork chop with potatoes and mushrooms, Chicken cutlet with potatoes and beans. |
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| The outdoor eating area. |
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| A little bit of history on the wooden panels. |
1 comment:
Thank you for that faithful and unsentimental report about the Col Bar. A dear friend of mine lived in Singapore for the duration of the 90s and it was a weekly night out for a meal for her for over 10 years! Her enthusiasm rubbed off and I visited it 15 years ago and found it delightfully as both she and you described it. I am in Singapore for 3 nights next month, and tonight suddenly began thinking, "What ever became of the Col Bar?" And, so, I found your report here, and happily so.
I now look forward with much pleasure to visiting the Col Bar again!
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