Adding to the cafe and retail outlet, MI now mixes up boozy concoctions
Written by Amrita Sareen, Photos by Amrita Sareen & Maison Ikkoku
Rushing straight after a busy day, Maison Ikkoku’s media night to celebrate their launch, turned out to be a very gratifying way to kick back and chill out.
Maison Ikkoku- that translates as “House of the Moment” is a never before seen 3 in one concept- café on the ground floor, boutique on the second and bar on the third. The bar proudly offers creative cocktails and a spectacular view of our city’s skyline, while nestled in one of the shop houses at Kandahar street.
Started by 2 couples Thomas Ho & Janice Ong and Shanie Teoh & Franz Chua, the idea for Maison Ikkoku came to them during one of their trips to Tokyo. After coming across concept cafes tucked away in the streets, they decided to bring the experience back to Singapore, by focusing on creating the effect of a destination here per se.
In a one on one by the internationally awarded creative director for Maison Ikkoku, Justin Long, I was told that their inspiration was the award-winning movie Inception. They have aimed to achieve a feeling of timelessness, truly living up to their name.
Coming to the most important part- the cocktails of course. There is no doubt that the creations designed by resident mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong are a clear winner over a standard gin tonic or mugs of beer. Though priced a bit steeply around $25 each, you are guaranteed high quality fresh drinks, that are shaken, stirred, served straight up or in any other way you can think of.
My two favorites were the MI1 White French Maid and their Long Island Iced Tea. The MI1 consists of coffee liquor, French caramel liquor & vodka and is topped with a layer of whipped milk, browned on top creating a unique crusty texture. The latter, which was served upon special request, is made with freshly brewed tea rather coke (in this case it was Earl Grey).
I must not forget to compliment the hospitality and the attention to detail paid by the hosts, ensuring that it was an evening I would not soon forget.
Check out some more of their cocktail menu below and for more on the cafe and boutique shop, read up on what Cheryl Chew has to say here.
Find Maison Ikkoku at 20 Kandahar Street!
