The Grapevine

For all those staying in the Serangoon/Serangoon North/Hougang area, (or those who regularly visit this part of the island) this here's a good chill-out place to have drinks and chat.

Place: The Grapevine (this place isn't run by a Christian; though its name seems to have that connatation)

Location: Beside Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre (I don't know how else to describe it, since I don't have the address)

Opening Hours: From the evenings to about 1-2am

Pros: Well, for one, the prices for its coffees are very reasonable (in the context of this place being a cafe) $2.90 for a cup. The rest of its drinks are just as reasonably priced. On average, they are $3.90 for a glass/mug/pot(in terms of tea) One cool thing about the teas they offer is that below each tea, they tell you what that particular blend of tea is good for. Stuff like, "good for soothing sore throats and a stuffy nose..." that kinda thing. Oh, the Strawberry Frap is very good as it ain't too sweet and they actually use real strawberries, not preserved ones. The Mango smoothie is just as good though I'm not sure if they use actual mangoes for this one. Have a try of the Oreo Frap. Its not too thick, which is good in a way that you won't feel that guilty after having one; though I must say that the vanilla ice-cream scoop they add on top of the Frap kinda balances the guilt factor :p The Taiwanese-styled chicken (on the fingerfood menu) is also quite good... though it reminded me of the fried chicken I during the times I was in Taiwan on army training. The decor of the place is the minimalist kind, where less is more. Although if you do see the sofas free, chop the place! They are real comfy. Music that's aired is mainly light jazz and a little bossa nova. In a word-- "easy-listening".

Cons: For the dessert fans, you'll be sad to know that they only have 4 of those items on the menu. Can't remember what they are actually... I'm not that big a fan of desserts. Also, their main courses aren't as reasonably priced as their drinks. So for the budget-conscious, not advisable to have a meal there. Also, they allow smoking after 11.30pm, though it is not encouraged as the majority of the staff are non-smokers. One big thing to remember about the Grapevine-- They ONLY accept CASH. So for the cash-stripped, go find an atm first.

Went there last friday with a few of my church friends and they pretty much liked the place. It was my 3rd time there, the 1st time was with a BSF(Bible Study Fellowship) friend who was very enthusiastic about the place :) Oh, please take note: in no way do I partially own the place and thus get a share of the profits :p This is strictly a personal move on my part to recommend a good place to chill out. In no way will I accept responsibility for an uneventful, regretted trip to the Grapevine ;p hehe... anyway, enjoy :)