FINE FARE - In the Mood for Food

Marrakesh, a Moroccan Lounge bar, is one of the many new lifestyle bars at the revitalised Clarke Quay. This is one of Harry's bar, so you can expect the no-surprises, no-frills drinks menu (though some typical drinks have been "exotified" with the word "Moroccan" added to their names), and some variation of jazz music (here's it's supposedly "chill grooves").

Overall, what really sets Marrakesh apart are:

• Exotic finger food - Interesting variety of middle eastern tapas. Try the mixed platter. It has something for everyone, such as tasty beef, lamb, and chicken shish kabab, pita bread, and salad. Served with different dips - hummus, moutabel, etc.
  
• Swings - Swig and swing! Get yourself a table with the swing seats (only 3 available). Seats 2 comfortably. Has it been more than a decade since you last sat on a swing? Here's a chance to get in touch with your inner-child.
  

A quick review on how Marrakesh compares to some of the other themed-drinking holes at Clarke Quay:

• The Clinic - Ambience is...well...cold and clinical. A fun experience though, with seats resembling hospital beds and tables segregated with white curtain separators. Drinks are served from test tubes, infusion drip packets and syringes. Downside? Limited seats outside, bar area inside looks drab and boring. Also, we kept expecting to see staff/patrons/anyone who looked like they could be McSteamy or McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy... but guess this place is more like ER... as in...errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... no George Clooney in sight.
  
• Highlander Bar & Restaurant - Traditional antler chandeliers, contemporary stills of Scotland, and staff dressed in tartan kilts, this Scottish-themed bar has a warm and inviting feel. The wood-panelled bar features an extensive range of more than 200 whiskies by the glass ($10 - $70 per shot). Highlander serves authentic Scottish cuisine such as Haggis (that's $15 for boiled sheeps' innards - heart, lung, liver - minced with onions, oatmeal and spices encased in sheeps' intestines). Downside? Besides whisky, the drinks menu is unimaginative and limited. They also brew their own beer, but this hasn't received favourable reviews from my friends.
  
• Kandi Bar - A tribute to Hed Kandi, Kandi Bar is supposed to be the chill-out, grown-up extension to the Ministry of Sound. Good for pre-clubbing drinks if you're a fan of Hed Kandi music, though the seating arrangement doesn't seem conducive for big groups. Downside? Decor is bright, loud, and orange...Is it only me or does it remind you of Patpong too?