Moosehead Kitchen Bar is more than just another hipster-ish hang-out in the already overcrowded market of mismatched chairs and old school tunes. Tucked in an inconspicuous corner at the end of Telok Ayer Road, this narrow shoebox of a tapas bar sets itself apart with an unpretentious vibe coupled with a sepia ambience reminiscent of an old English Bar.
The brainchild of Greek-Aussie pop and son team, Glen and Daniel Ballis, Moosehead brings to Singapore their love and passion for food all over the globe topped with their own Mediterranean heritage. Thanks to that, they have been celebrated by regulars and curious first timers alike for their innovative fusion dishes chocked full of surprises. This is the only place you are going to get a sizzling bacon rolled up with a chargrilled date topped with pine nuts – and, serving my favourite cider from down under, Little Creatures, is pretty good bonus too.
Local Artist Movement from the Kitchen to the World
Moosehead continues to set itself apart with original ideas and collaborations with like-minded enthusiasts. Just last October, they took fusion cuisine to another level by working with Bincho (Hua Bee, Tiong Bahru) to bring unique dishes that marry the distinct flavours of Japan and Spain.
But, food is not the only thing on the menu – as strange as that sounds. Moosehead’s then Chef, Manel Valero, actually teamed up with Singapore street artist Samantha “Sticker Lady” Lo to create a mural featuring their iconic Moose merged into stylized collage of Peranakan tiles.
Moosehead X Sheryo and The Yok
Giving 2015 a roaring good start, they embarked on an exciting collaboration with sought-after street artist duo, Sheryo & The Yok. Made up of home-grown Sheryo, who has been hailed as the “Top 10 Street Artists To Watch Out in 2013 & 2014” by Complex Magazine, and Australian-born The Yok, this globetrotting pair has been taking over the streets of Brooklyn, Berlin, Bangkok and more with their own brand of gnarly eccentrics.
Having heard of Sheryo before this, I was incredibly excited. I had become addicted to hers and the Yok’s Ren and Stimpy-like style of characters that Sheryo, herself, describes as “imperfect, gnarly characters that are calming to disorientated souls, and might cause skitter skatter explosions in the brain.” It was reminiscent of my childhood filled with Cartoon Network line ups that would have been slammed by the PTA in seconds these days.
Having been stuck in the cold winter of Brooklyn, New York, they welcomed the sunny tropics of our little island with open arms. So much so, they incorporated that very love onto the mural.
The star of the mural is the ever-so relaxed Moose finds itself transported onto a tropical beach (Sentosa, maybe?) all equipped with a fair of funky shades, old school slippers (that my dad still wears, for some reason) and a pina colada cocktail, soaking up the jolly good vibes. It is the very same way the owners want their customers to feel after the daily grind upon walking into Moosehead for a cold beer and a catch-up.
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty damn envious of him right now.
There is a draw towards these demon wonderland type creatures that you just cannot get your eyes off. Thankfully, I don’t have to linger beyond the opening hours of Moosehead and risk a trespass, as they the duo has brought to live the very same Moose in an equally rockin’ T-shirt and Tote bag.
Come on down
Truly, Moosehead is paving the way for itself as a visceral connection with the alternative culture of today. The whole chilled-out vibe, strangely matched with its edgy and individualistic cuisine that is like a fun experiment with every taste, has made me a regular (and almost a spokesperson).
Now, they topped it off with its Moosehead Project that is helping local artists, from the kitchen to streets, to have a platform to show off their crafts and having, of course, loads of booze and laughter. I cannot be more proud and excited of what’s to come.
Moosehead Kitchen bar is definitely the place to be these days – and, if you are just as obsessed with Sheryo and The Yok’s demon wonderland-like eccentrics as me, you are going want to feast your eyes on that eye-candy right now!
Moosehead Kitchen Bar is located at 110 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068579, right outside Telok Ayer MRT Station. They are opened from Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturdays for dinner. The T-shirt and Tote Bag are available for sale in the shop and online.
