Vibrant Latino inspired bar impresses with bold cocktails and authentic South American street foods
July 13th, 2015
The recent arrival of Vasco, with an attractive concept that serves up top-quality South American drinks and cuisine within a stylish inner-city bar space, introduced a taste of vibrant Latin American bar experiences into Singapore’s nightlife scene. Created by a highly credentialed partnership that comprises the team behind leading local cocktail bar The Cufflink Club, and the former executive chef of highly-rated Esquina tapas bar, Vasco entices with its boldly flavoursome cocktails and compact menu of elevated Latin street foods. Classy yet informal, Vasco further channels the zesty Latino culture with a spirited playlist ranging from Latin beats to Bossanova funk that nightly suffuse the bar with a fun, private party atmosphere.
Design Located within a refurbished street level space in the increasingly hip shophouse strip along Hong Kong Street, Vasco tastefully incorporates design cues from South America within the understated sophistication of a contemporary bar decor. Walls rendered in a magenta hue, both internally and on the street-front facade, reference a Latin American palette, while black leather booths and the handsome tile-faced bar exude a chic, cosmopolitan sensibility. Within the compact space, a series of curved booths are arrayed opposite the long bar, together with several additional tables adjacent to the open kitchen at the rear of the room, provide seating for around 60 guests.
Drinks The drinks menu at Vasco features a list of Latin-inspired “cocteles de la casa” signature creations, plus a selection of classic Latino cocktails, all constructed exclusively from Latin American spirits such as cachaca, rum, tequila, pisco and mezcal. An impressively stocked bar showcases a host of premium small-producer spirit labels sourced directly from South America. Standout drinks among the cracking signatures include the Del Monte Cartel – tequila, mango, black pepper, agave, lime; and the Hand of God – with Fernet, pina a la parrilla, lemon.
Cuisine Appetites are well catered for with a menu of authentic Latin fare proficiently prepared from fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. The list includes contemporary renditions of empanadas, ceviche, pinchos and carne dishes that make ideal accompaniments to the bold flavours of the cocktails. Simple but well-executed dishes are attractively presented on rustic custom-made earthenware plates, with servings generously proportioned for sharing. Popular selections include the Argentinian Rib eye – with chimichurri verde, salsa criolla; El Cubana Sandwich – pig, pickle, queso; and Pinchos – with a choice of chicken, pork belly, or prawn skewers.
Vasco opens from Monday to Saturday from 6 pm – reservations for booths or tables are recommended.
Vasco: design
Vasco: signature cocktails
Vasco: bar menu
