Sip, Slurp, Family-friendly Cafes

SNIP TUCK
What's cool If Alice from Wonderland came to Singapore, she’d head for Hairloom and Caramel, a hair spa-cum-cafe. Its collection of kitschy furniture and mismatched accessories gives the place a quirky, alternate reality vibe.

The menu is Japanese-influenced Western, with creations like Baked Unagi Pasta in Wafu Sauce and Tofu Salad with Toasted Walnut in Honey Soy Sauce Dressing. The drinks menu stands out for its unconventional iced specialities like the signature Vita Plum (Vitagen blended with sour plum) and Yuzu Frost. The dessert selection is huge; it boasts puddings, chocolates, pies and more than 20 different cupcakes. And don’t think it’s just for the kids – they also have alcoholic cupcakes like the Mojito and Bailey’s Chocolate Chips for you.

YP Likes Call a week in advance and request that they whip up your favourite cupcake into a whole cake. Perfect for birthday parties!

Visit 100 Beach Road, #01-50/52 Shaw Towers, tel: 6295-2188.

SPRUCE UP
What's cool Get in touch with nature at Spruce, which incorporates a restaurant, bar and bakery in one. Sunlight streams in from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which give you a view of the greenery outside. Vintage Danish lamps and mid-century sofas add a dash of retro to the decor. Whet your appetite on Western and fusion dishes like Tagliatelle with Kurobuta Bolognese (pasta with Japanese black pork) and the sinful Steak Frites with Bearnaise and Herbed Chips (steak in butter sauce and chips). Sides that stand out include Roasted Mushrooms with Herbs and Thick Sliced Momotaro Tomato with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. Kids will love the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese.

YP Likes Let the little ones loose in the playground outside, while you savour your post-meal coffee or wine.

Visit 320 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park, tel: 6836-5528.

Read the March 2010 issue of Young Parents for more recommendations on family-friendly cafes.