It’s been a minute since we’ve been here, but three years on and Stay Gold’s still gold. For those who aren’t acquainted with this popular watering hole along Amoy Street, Stay Gold Flamingo is a dual-concept space housing a café in the front and a cocktail bar at the back, serving up completely different experiences depending on the time of the day.
In the day, step into the sun-drenched Flamingo for brunch and coffee, and at dusk, venture to the back of the room behind velvet drapes to enter Stay Gold – a sleek, neon-lit drinking lounge. The head bartender Amos Kew and his team present ‘That’s A Nice Jacket’, their most extensive cocktail menu to date. It’s a nod to the bar team’s iconic workwear – paint-splattered jackets where each colour denotes a different level of seniority.
And on this new menu, 20 thoughtful creations ($25 each) are divided into five colour-themed sections indicating – you guessed it – the profiles of the bartenders who crafted them. These range from approachable tipples in the White section, to cocktails served with interactive elements and flair in the Blue section, and complex and potent drinks under the Purple category. There’s also the Pink section showcasing cocktails doused with coffee, wine, or tea as a tribute to Flamingo, and the Red section which houses Stay Gold’s signature drinks through the years.
Start easy with Shizu from the White section – a clear Ford’s Gin blend with yuzu shiso cordial, soda, and orange flower water. Despite its low-ABV label, it’s decently boozy while remaining pleasant and easy to drink. Once you’re a little more settled in, go for Purple Haze off the Blue section. Don’t be fooled by the sparkling purple liquid that greets you. The glittering tipple may look like something concocted in a psychedelic fervour, but it presents a nice balance of Remy Martin 1738 Cognac, Kyoho grape liqueur, Muscat grape, and subtle notes of green tea.
Those who love a true blue Bloody Mary should definitely go for Lucky Bunny off the Red section. It’s not quite as viscous as the original, but it’s leagues above some of the modern, clarified spinoffs of the classic cocktail that just don’t quite hit the spot. Stay Gold’s version uses Grey Goose vodka, celery, carrot, tomato, and lemon, with a yummy salt and pepper lick for a zesty, refreshing, and slightly spicy kick.
And while you’re savouring your cocktails, Stay Gold has got an extensive list of bar bites and mains to satisfy the more-than-peckish diner. Popular items like the mala quail eggs ($8), fish tacos ($24), and fries with yuzu kosho mayo ($16) will probably remain on the menu for a long time to come, and fingers crossed that they do. But the bar has also introduced new creations guided by Filipino cuisine, including the Naked “Hubad” Lumpia ($16), Kabocha “Cue” ($14), and the Borrowdale pork rack tomahawk ($46) which is inspired by Filipino pork chops.