Where have all the fine diners gone?

IF YOU’RE in the mood for a fancy dinner out this week but worry that you can’t get a booking at an acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant in town, fret not. More likely than not, you’ll be able to land a table for lunch or dinner within the next few days – or even on the day itself.

After a strong post-Covid rebound in which fine dining restaurants enjoyed steady business from a seemingly never-ending flow of well-heeled diners, a different picture is now emerging as a softening economy, inflation and outbound travel make an impact. Restaurants’ once-long waiting lists are considerably shorter, and diners have become increasingly selective about where they spend their money. In Friday’s (Jun 23) edition of BT Lifestyle, we look at how dining sentiments have changed and what this means for the fine dining scene of Singapore – the gourmet hub of Asia.

Meanwhile, in the Arts, we spotlight the works of three veteran painters – Boo Sze Yang, Milenko Prvacki and Wong Keen – who have come together for a significant showcase at Helutrans. In Style, we tell the story of Han Chong, a Penang boy made good whose fashion label Self-Portrait is worn by royalty and celebrities alike.

And in Dining, we go casual at the neighbourhood Spanish eatery Barrio in Hillcrest Road. Read all about this and more in Friday’s issue of BT.