The thematic bar is switching up its Japanese-inspired Washi line-up to launch a festive Lunar New Year pop-up, happening from January 27 to February 27. Step inside and be greeted by an overhanging paper dragon – complete with jazzed up festive tunes, auspicious murals, and a new cocktail menu ($25) that puts a boozy spin on this season’s classic flavours.
Toast to good luck with the popular Rolling For Prosperity, a drink that makes a return from last year, where Remy Martin VSOP comes mixed with pineapple and spiced brown butter rum. To complete, a dusting of cinnamon adds a kick of spice. It even comes served alongside a Janice Wong pineapple tart to nibble between sips. Fans of the barbecued pork snack will enjoy Fanning The Flames, a deep-bodied drink with coffee vermouth, DOM Benedictine, and bak kwa bitters, garnished with a slice of Lim Chee Guan bak kwa.
Even the prized abalone makes an appearance on the menu. Guaranteed Abundance features additions of lapsang souchong, green walnut liqueur, and bites of a braised abalone. Other highlights include Ang Bao Na Lai, a refreshing gin-based concoction with notes of lychee, grapefruit, and rose; and The Troublemaker mixed with marigold and chamomile vodka, best enjoyed while snacking on some melon seeds.
The kitchen at Junior joins in the revelry, too. A series of festive bites are available to complement the night, with options of duck wrappers ($19), kueh pie tee ($17) cups stuffed with braised pork belly, and mandarin orange-scented egg tarts ($6). Our favourite: the abacus seeds ($18) prepped pasta-style. Break the soft boiled egg to form a smooth, creamy coating around mochi-like pieces of yam ‘gnocchi’.