Just past the beacon of grease and milkshake that is Shake Shack hosts Live Twice, a Japanese-inspired bar under the Jigger & Pony group. A warm glow beckons as you step into the narrow corridor on the outskirts of the bustling Tanjong Pagar district.
The place was buzzing with conversations and packed right before a Public Holiday, making us grateful to have reserved a seat the day before. While the front of the space is dominated by the bar table, letting you see the bartenders in action, cosier spots can be found at the back.
Nooks hide low cushioned seats that let you lounge back and bask in the soothing ambient chatter around while sipping upon their selection of cocktails. The carpeted floor assists in reducing the overall noise level while showcasing absolute confidence in their cleaning ability.
Behind the bar stands Chief Bartender David, assisted by Bartender Cheng Peng. You can see them in all their glory especially with a vast mirror giving you a birds-eye view of the action.
Happy hour at Live Twice runs from 6 pm to 8 pm, with a small selection of cocktails available for $16. Past that, the standard drinks are priced at $26, while seasonal drinks go for $28.
Garnishes are kept simple at this bar, which belies the strong liquors that go into every cocktail. Each drink is crafted to showcase the spirits used, with the menu having a wide selection of rare liquors that will tempt you into trying different drinks, all promising a good time.
For those looking for a spirit-forward, strong drink, order a Vesper. Utilising Ki No Bi ‘Sei’, a navy strength gin with notes of green tea, Yuzu, and Sansho pepper, it boasts of holding the spot of the drink with the highest ABV on the menu.
Purists will enjoy the Mizuwari, two types of Nikka whiskey (Coffey grain and Coffey malt) mixed with Hokkaido soft water, mellowing the drink while retaining the taste and characteristics of the whiskey in the cocktail. A crystal clear drink that eases one in, balanced, notably with just the use of a few ingredients.
Throughout my time there, both David and Cheng Peng were gracious and helpful in answering my queries as to what goes into each drink and providing recommendations. If you are unsure as to what to order next, just let them know.
If you are feeling peckish, the dishes at Live Twice do not disappoint.
The dishes all worked perfectly, complementing the drinks on hand. Umami-rich with a crisp bite, the Smoked Daikon Dip and Trout Roe ($14) had everything going for it. Within the creamy dip hides tiny cubed pickled daikon that provides bursts of freshness, contrasting the Ikura that pops with ocean-salty umami.
If you want something to work your teeth on, the Stingray Fin and Kosho Aioli ($16) is the perfect accompaniment with your glass. The mild, slightly tangy sauce goes well with anything, even the bar snacks provided.
The Negitoro (spicy tuna) sits upon Oba leaf, or green shiso leaf ($24). Seasoned minced tuna, often the scraps from sashimi cuts are put to great use as a separate dish. The staff portioned the pieces into four for the party, even then, each portion remained a hefty bite. A satisfying dish that whets your appetite, with a strong salty-forward flavour that is balanced with the refreshing Oba leaf. As you wrap it up and take a bite, it comes together in an amalgamation of savoury, juicy bliss.
The Sandos (Japanese Sandwiches) come highly recommended, but dinner was already settled for me. Once I get the chance to try it out, I will update this piece.
For a comfortable place to sit back, grab a drink or two and enjoy the company of others or even just your drink, do check out Live Twice.