Is a boom in private dining cookin'?

Private dining setups have been growing in popularity in Singapore, mostly run by talented home cooks who have gained a following among food lovers constantly on the lookout for new experiences. Until fluctuating Covid-19 regulations made it difficult for them to operate, such chefs - with no professional experience - were able to build viable businesses without the headache of opening an actual restaurant.

Of late, professional chefs have jumped on the bandwagon, starting their own home setups in lieu of working in a restaurant or starting their own. In tomorrow's BTLifestyle, we speak to some of them - including an award-winning bartender and her chef husband who have started a small operation in their own apartment, as well as a veteran chef and his photographer brother who have opened up the latter's studio for private dining.

Meanwhile, get a head start on Christmas shopping with our guide to gifts perfect for the home or just for yourself. And in Dining, we visit the new Japanese cocktail bar Kakure, which combines food and drink into one cosy and elegant destination.