FRESH FLAVOURS: APRIL 2009

For modern Thai fare in stylish surroundings, check out the new Jim Thompson restaurant at Dempsey Hill. 45 Minden Road. Tel: 6475 6088.

     Café Iguana recently opened a second outlet at Greenwood Avenue, serving scrumptious Mexican fare, thirst-quenching margaritas and Brewerkz beers within a fun, laid-back atmosphere. 12 Greenwood Avenue. Tel: 6462 1533.

     Casa do Churrasco Brazil slices a wide array of meats, roasted Brazilian-style, directly onto your plate. As this new eatery was conceived by three Brazilian ladies - one of whom also owns Espirito Santo Gourmet & Butchery - you can be assured of quality cuts and authentic traditional Brazilian dishes. Try the feijoada - black beans with pork - and muqueca - Brazilian fish stew. 86 East Coast Road, #01-37/39 Katong Village. Tel: 6346 4744/4944.

     Enjoy a piping hot take-away pie from The Pie Shoppe located at Cold Storage supermarket at Kallang Leisure Park. Savoury fillings include steak and mushroom, steak and Guinness and Wine Sauce chicken. Mushy peas, mashed potato and gravy also available! 5 Stadium Walk, B1 Cold Storage, Kallang Leisure Park. Tel: 6345 3556, www.thepieshoppe.com

     Stop mid-shop for a bite at Whisk Café in Wisma Atria and try a delicious toasted wrap such as salmon with dill and yoghurt, or the Yakiniku beef with a dollop of yuzu rice and yoghurt. No time to try one of the homemade cakes and desserts? Sip Banoffee in a cup - divine! 435 Orchard Road, #03-15 Wisma Atria.

     The Tapas Tree has opened a third outlet in Singapore at One Fullerton, offering expansive views of Marina Bay and an extensive range of authentic tapas dishes. 3 Fullerton Road, #01-04 One Fullerton. Tel: 6533 2177, www.thetapastree.com

     Another tapas option is El Toro located in the surrounds of Winsland House. Dine on Sunday evenings and enjoy the Tapas Family Fiesta buffet style, or as assorted tapas courses brought to your table. Priced at $32.80 for adults, $18.80 for children seven to 10 years and free for children aged six years and below! 165 Penang Road, Level 2 Winsland House (above The Dubliner). Tel: 6887 4787, www.eltoro.com.sg

     Wild Rocket goes easy on your pocket with a three-course set lunch at $27.50, three-course a la carte lunch at $35 and three-course a la carte dinners at $40 with any pasta or risotto, or $50 with any main course - coffee and tea included. Hangout Hotel, 10A Upper Wilkie Road. Tel: 6339 9448, www.wildrocket.com.sg