BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats (February 2016) by BiTES - The Scoop on Good Eats

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bites m . .ssgg t te ess. .ccoo m wwwwww. .bbi i 5 6 1 1 0 0 2 2 r c t oUbAe R Y o F EBR

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T h e s c o o p o n

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Monkey business p17

2 001 15 5 1 15 57 7/ /0033/ / 2 MCI MCI ( (PP) )

He say

inside BUFFET BOUNTY p10

Lush hotel spreads with bonus views

s, wagyu and sashimi from ME@oue

DESTINATION: DUXTON p14 Historic setting for the hipster

e h S s y a s where , to eatnd a drink rry be me s thi e's n i t n e +S val p8

E pice T A up your PAL

SUPERMARKET SLEUTH p16

How do these pineapple tarts stack up?

KITCHEN PLAYGROUND p18 Set up your own bar at home

p20

bites Huat and happy eating this Lunar New Year!

祝您新年快乐

T h e s c o o p o n

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w e l c o m e

Where to find your B i T E S ? DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE at www.bites.com.sg PICK US UP! Free at over 100 venues Cafes & restaurants Alfresco Gusto • Bonta Italian Restaurant & Bar (District 10) • Brussels Sprouts - Big Splash • Brussels Sprouts Robertson Quay • Brussels Sprouts - Sentosa Cove • California Pizza Kitchen - Forum • Chijmes • Dean & DeLuca Orchard Central • Delifrance Cafe - Cold Storage Jelita • Delifrance Cafe - Gateway West • Delifrance Cafe - Gleneagles Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Harbourfront Centre • Delifrance Cafe - KK Women's and Children's Hospital • Delifrance Cafe Lot One Shoppers' Mall • Delifrance Cafe - Mount Elizabeth Hospital • Delifrance Cafe - Rendezvous Gallery • Delifrance Cafe - Thomson Medical Centre • Delifrance Cafe - UE Square • Emicakes @ Kovan • EN Grill and Bar • Farisya's Kitchen • Ginkhao Restaurant • Ginza Lion Beer Hall • IPPIN • Joe & Dough (Kallang) • Kakis Bistro and Bar • Kinsa Sushi HillV2 • Milagro Spanish Restaurant • Ootoya Japanese Restaurant • Oriole Coffee + Bar • Outback Steakhouse • Oyster Bar & Grill Wharf • Pu3 Restaurant • Ramen Champion • Roti Mum • Selfish Gene Cafe • Spinelli (all outlets) • Starbucks (all outlets) • tcc - The Connoisseur Concerto (all boutiques) • The Rustic Bistro • The Marmalade Pantry ION • Yellow Submarine (Toa Payoh) • ZEN Japanese Cuisine • 31 Bar Kitchen Car showrooms Chevrolet • Citroen • Honda • Hyundai • Infiniti • Kia • Mazda • Nissan • Opel Singapore • Subaru • Toyota Singapore

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MallS Orchard Central • Parkway Parade (Pedestrian Crossing) • SVC@ION Orchard• The Grandstand National Tourism Offices Australia Tourism • Japan National Tourism Organization • Korean Tourism Organization OTHERS Pet Lovers Centre Petrol Kiosks Caltex • ExxonMobil • Shell • SPC Salon Jean Yip Hairdressing schools •Temasek Polytechnic supermarkets Four Seasons Gourmet Market-MBLM • Four Seasons Organic Market-Great WorldCity • Four Seasons Organic MarketParkway Parade • Meidi-Ya Singapore • Rochester Market • PasarBella Also hand-distributed at: OUTSIDE MRT Stations Ang Mo Kio • Bedok • Bishan • Boon Lay • Bugis • City Hall • Clementi • Dhoby Ghaut • Eunos • HarbourFront • Holland Village • Jurong East • Lavender • Orchard Road • Pasir Ris • Raffles Place • Serangoon • Tampines • Tiong Bahru • Woodlands • Yishun

Hooked! Seafood Buffet Dinner South East Asian buffet featuring Fin de Claire oyster, tiger prawn, Boston lobster, and Sri Lankan crab. Available every Friday and Saturday at the newly opened J65 (formally known as Cafebiz) from 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm. Seafood buffet at SGD 78 Nett per person. (No service charge or tax required) Promotion: 15% discount for online bookings

J65 Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716 T 6831 4374 E J65@hoteljen.com

hoteljen.com/tanglin

Cover image ME@OUE

Publishing Admin Manager (Admin & Circulation) Siti Haneymah Consultant Digital Manager Eugene Koh Web Developer Jun Evangelista

Publisher Cecilia Goh

Accounts Manager Linda Ng

Editor June Lee Editorial Intern Samantha Seah Contributor Meredith Woo

Group Publisher Ho Sum Kwong Group Managing Editor Adeline Wong Group Creative Director Thng Wee Nee

Senior Designer Benjamin Soh Contributing Designer Sam Tan

is published 12 times a year by Magazines Integrated Pte Ltd 85 Playfair Road, #04-02 Tong Yuan Building, Singapore 368000 Tel: +65 6848 6884 Fax: +65 6748 3453 Website: www.bites.com.sg Advertising enquiries: 6848 6882

B i tes

Head of Business Development (Food Division) Carlos Loh Business Director Ashad Shah Assistant Business Manager Stephanie Tan Business Executive Phoebe Cheong

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c a l e n dA r :

f e b r u a r y sunday

monday tuesday 1 TANGS CNY FAIR TILL 6 FEB | CENTRAL COURT A, B AND C Spanning over 5,195 sq ft and 40 vendors, browse the colourful and flavourful selection of lanterns, floral arrangements and timeless delicacies on offer. www.vivocity.com.sg

7 CHINATOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN PARTY

HAPPY CNY HOLIDAYS!

16 DRINKENTREPRENEURS X HUB SINGAPORE

17 FUN WITH LAYERED CAKE

3-6PM | $118 | TOTT 7-10PM | $5 (optional) | @ DUNEARN Master the 128 PRINSEP STREET Enjoy a relaxed social and technique of making professional networking double session with the Drinks chocolate Entrepreneurs, ideal for sour cream meeting a diverse group cake and a snicker bar of people in this start-up cake in this baking class. series. www.tottstore.com http://feb16.peatix.com

21 22 SINGAPORE FULL MOON WINE PARTY AIRSHOW 2016 6.30-11pm | $50++ | LEWIN TERRACE

20-21 FEB (PUBLIC) | 9.30AM-5PM | ADULT $22, AND CHILD $9 | CHANGI EXHIBITION CENTRE Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event. Experience first-hand static aircrafts on exhibit and the breath-taking aerobatic flying displays. www.singaporeairshow. com

It’s official: every full moon, the party will be in full swing, with wines made from organic grapes that are typically harvested during a full moon. Complement them with a selection of canapes on offer. www.lewinterrace.com.sg

28 FIRST CARFREE SUNDAY

29 it’s the LEAP YEAR

saturday 6 Saturdate buskers

Three-piece acoustic and alternative pop band Saturdate can often be heard singing up a storm at the Shaw Underpass 4.30pm till late every Saturday. Check out their schedule at www.facebook.com/ Saturdate

10 RIVER HONGBAO 2016

6-14 FEB | 2-11PM | THE FLOAT @ MARINA BAY Part of the festive calendar every year since 1986, the River HongBao is back again with, amusement rides, traditional arts and crafts, and of course, a food street. Look forward to delights like dragon’s beard candy, churros and laksa amidst more than 60 dazzling lantern displays. www.riverhongbao.sg

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

TILL 31 JULY, EVERY LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH | 7-9AM Bring out your bicycles and sports shoes. From 28 Feb onwards, a 4.7km route around the Padang, Fullerton Road, Robinson Road and Shenton Way will be closed to traffic in a bid to go green and encourage a healthier lifestyle.

wednesday thursday friday 4 COFFEE DEGUSTATION WORKSHOP 2-4PM | $69 | DUTCH COLONY COFFEE HQ Coffee origins, taste profiles and key tasting terms are the key to helping you become a better coffee connoisseur. www.dutchcolony.sg/

9.30PM-12.30AM | NEW BRIDGE ROAD AND EU TONG SEN STREET Enjoy live performances, festive songs and games with MediaCorp Artistes. www.chinatownfestivals. sg

2 016

LADIES NIGHT

EVERY WED, 4PM TILL LATE | NASSIM HILL BAKERY Don’t like rowdy bars? Bring your girlfriends out for an elegant night of fun and drinks, with free flow prosecco when you make a minimum spend of $25 per person. www.imaginings.com.sg

18 RED OR WHITE?

6.30-8.30PM | $58++ | BAR & BILLIARD ROOM Discover your preferences with a blind tasting of red and white wines. An education experience with wine director Stephanie Rigourd and her team of sommeliers not to be missed. www.raffles. com/singapore/

MUNCHFLIX VALENTINE’S DAY MOVIE SCREENING

7.30PM | Level 1 *SCAPE Playspace Stock up with popcorn and chips as you cuddle up to Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist screening at Singapore’s first thematic open-air cinema. www.thenyxevents.com

CHINGAY 2016

19-20 FEB | 8PM | FROM $28.50 | F1 PIT BUILDING Mark Singapore’s first step into the next 50 years with “Lights of Singapore, brighter Singapore” with much noise and gaiety. Also a large showcase of Singapore’s multicultural society. www.chingay.org.sg

27 JAPANESE DESSERT AND FRAGRANCE PAIRING 1-3PM | $40 | 2 MARINA BOULEVARD Pair wagashi (Japanese desserts) with various green tea fragrances, while learning the basics of perfume in this experiental scent event. www.project-felicia.com

coming up in march

3-5 March: Café Asia 2016 4-6 March: CRAFT Singapore 2016 12-19 March: Singapore Cocktail Week 2016

Maka

# m a k a n o n b i t e s

on BiTES GUESS AND WIN!

Each month, we’ll feature a fresh makan place—whether it’s a new outlet of a familiar brand, revamped concept or completely new entrant—for you to guess what/where it is. Correct answers will be entered in a draw to win a dining experience with us!

FEB: 5 readers stand to win DINNER FOR 2

Fresh alert! This new all-day dining restaurant tempts with a modern market ambience and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Located at the old Traders Hotel, the lobby level establishment offers a substantial lunch spread that includes deli-style sandwiches, hot dishes, six versions of laksa and Hong Kong BBQ. For dinner, you’ll find an even bigger all-you-can-eat selection of Southeast Asian favourites! Name the restaurant and the hotel, and give us your best guess between 1-22 February to dine on 9 March, 7pm! For full details and to enter, visit www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

BiTES reserves the right to publicise winners’ names and pictures. By entering the contest, you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publish publicity photos and video in any format without limitation. Participants to ensure they can dine on 9 March at 7pm. More on www.bites.com.sg/makanonbites

iTES Makan o+nVBin o at Umi Square, Where: #01-18rdMarina 6 Raffles Bouleva When: 11 Jan,e:7pm What we at

er: • Choice of appetis mprising co Soup of the day, or smoked tomato soup i salad im flamed salmon sash • Choice of mains: ter or at Chilled seafood pl hot seafood platter : • Dessert of the day with ke Mango mousse ca ries macerated strawber e: • Choice of beverag alcoholic n Any cocktail or no drink

Winning combinations were the highlight of the night, at the first 2016 session of Makan on BiTES. Umi + Vino is a seafood and wine specialist which is part of Emporium Shokuhin, Singapore’s first integrated Japanese grocer, live seafood market, beef aging facility and eight unique dining concepts. Past the gleaming array of fresh oysters and champagne on ice, our group got to know each other as the dishes arrived. The tomato soup garnered kudos for its rich, creamy smooth texture with the fragrance of basil oil and slight smokiness. It was the seafood platter that had us talking, however, as each large platter easily served two persons. The chilled option appealed to readers

who loved oysters, with six succulent Canadian oysters of the day alongside prawns, crab and shellfish. The majority who ordered the hot seafood platter enjoyed firm Scottish brown crab, langoustine, prawns and scallops in a light seafood broth. Both platters were served with chef’s special ginger chilli sauce which provided a burst of piquancy. The restaurant also generously served cocktails and a bottle of Scan the QR sake to complement the seafood, code for a with some readers trying this smooth slice of the action. combination for the first time.

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Ah Hoi’s Kitchen

JACK's PLACE

Lunar treats

It was once a humble one-pot wonder stacked with anything that the villagers could find in their kitchens, but today it has become an elevated prosperity pot. Don't be surprised to find this revamped contemporary version from Jack's Place, aptly named the “Wealth” Western lobster pen cai ($288.80 for 12 pax). Savour the juicy premium Boston lobster, the dragon of the sea, which symbolises power, strength and good luck. Lining the rest of the generous pot are 12 pieces of U.S. scallop, 12 pieces of baby abalone, and 12 pieces of tiger prawns, 100g of sea cucumber and 100g of fish maw, all braised together in a thick, rich and fragrant gravy. Available till 19 Feb. www.jacksplace.com.sg Gu Ma Jia provides three set menus (from 22 Jan to 22 Feb. Four seatings on 6 and 7 Feb: 12-2pm, 2.15-4.15pm, 6-7.45pm and 8-9.45pm), for your choosing this festive season. Faith ($588 for 10 pax) comprises a six course meal with gu ma jia specials of steamed soon hock with soya sauce and stir fried prawns in cereal and curry leaves; Hope ($688 for 10 pax) an eight course meal, with sea cucumber, crab meat, mushrooms and sharks fin in clear thickened soup and ginseng fortune chicken and last but not least, ‘the greatest of them’ is

Love ($888 for 10 pax) also an eight course delight with lobster cold platter, pig knuckle, and dessert bird nest with double boiled rock sugar. Sennett Estate, 45 Tai Thong Crescent. Tel: 6285 2023 Add zing as you toss to good health and prosperity for the year of the Monkey with the refreshing yuzu yu sheng set (26 Jan to 22 Feb. $26.80 for two to three pax, only for dine-in, and $39.80 for four to six pax), now available at all Ichiban Sushi and Ichiban Boshi outlets for both dine-in and takeaway. Begin your feasting with Ah Hoi’s Kitchen value-for-money 12 at 12 lunch special starting from 12pm onwards (till end Feb). Chef Lam whips up 12 different Chinese style sharing dishes with highlights of double boiled herbal chicken soup, signature braised pork knuckle with Chinese mushrooms and braised ducks with ground nuts, all for the price of $12nett. Alternatively, snap up their 8 at 88 Huat dinner instead (throughout the month of Feb, $88nett for 4 diners, not valid from 7-9 Feb). Choose from two 8-course set menus; the Eight Fortune featuring honey ginger chicken, or the Eight Happiness with champagne pork ribs with crispy ginger. Celebrate reunion dinner ($488 for 6-8 people) with the prosperity festive set with menu highlights of steamed codfish with mushroom and kim hua ham or the longevity festive set with steamed grouper with light soya sauce and crispy garlic. All festive dinner sets includes Ah Hoi’s signature salmon yu sheng. Level 4 Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore. Tel: 6831 4373

Festive snacks

Back by popular demand again this year is Pies & Coffee’s salted egg yolk cookies ($22, 420g). Their butter pastry, corn flour and morsels of salted eggs are both fragrant and crumbles nicely as you bite into them. Don’t miss out their other selections of parmesan cheese cookies ($22, 360g), pies & pineapple and parmesan coffee tarts ($22, 450g) and green pea cashew cookies ($22, 460g) too. Whilst stocks last, so do get them soon. www.piesncoffee.com Revisit traditional classics this Lunar New Year with Old Seng Choong’s nostalgic cakes. The red date cake (540g, $23.80), a meticulously prepared sticky kueh, carrot cake (500g, $23.80), studded with generous pieces of dried shrimp, dried Chinese sausage and incorporates cubed instead of grated white radish, yam cake (500g, $23.80), using Thai yams for their superior quality and the nian gao (540g, $23.80), a less sweet version, perfect for the health conscious. Till Feb 6, order from www.oldsengchoong.com or catch them at the fairs in shopping malls. OWL

steamboat hacks

CP provides a simple solution to steamboat dinners, with perennial favourite chicken cake (350g, 2 for $6.95, U.P. $9.20). Bring more diversity to your hotpot with chicken gyoza (400g, 2 for $8.96, U.P. $11.80), pork and chicken gyoza with suki sauce (400g, 2 for $9.90, U.P. $11.80) and the all-time favourite shrimp wonton, with fresh whole shrimps (154g, 3 for $12.90, U.P. $15.60). At all major supermarkets. Whip up a hearty reunion meal for loved ones using Lee Kum Kee’s triedand-tested favourites: premium brand oyster sauce, premium light soya sauce, XO seafood sauce and MOS honey chicken and cod fillet sauce. Easy to use pouches contain just the right amount of sauce you need for the latter two, while their XO sauce makes the perfect finishing touch. At all major supermarkets.

OWL Straits Asian Heritage coffee brings you additional festive cheer from now till end February. Receive a six-pack bubbly orange soda (worth $5.40) when you purchase two packs of coffee from either OWL White Coffee Tarik or 3-in-1 variants from their everyday favourites range. We've also got our eye on the enamelled old school collectible mugs (worth $9.90) up for grabs (different colours weekly) when you purchase any two packs from the OWL Kopitiam Roast and ground coffee range too. www.owl.com.sg

In this column, we pick a notable personality to go cafe-hopping with us. We explore the connection between calligraphy and working out at the gym with calligrapher Clarence Wee. By Meredith Woo, Photography by Benjamin Soh, Cafe Hot Seat lettering by Clarence Wee @craftvaries’ caffeine evolution: matcha latte to kopi ka dai (extra sugar) and now, an artisanal latte. his full name: Clarence Valerius Wee Qing Liang. It’s a functional choice, like his original handwriting, where every word is capitalised for legibility. Our orders arrive. Three of us have opted for the fish in homemade spicy assam sauce, served with okra, brinjal and rice (white/brown) upon Clarence’s recommendation. I can’t help but wonder, if his choice was influenced by the myriad Peranakan options found near his Joo Chiat creative studio.

@sun_ray_cafe is a pet-friendly hangout in Serangoon Gardens that serves comfort food and house-roasted coffee Did you notice the gorgeous lettering for local SG50 film, 7 Letters? And when perusing Instagram’s fashion influencers’ pictures, chancing across exquisitely beautiful, personally handwritten notes tagged to events by Burberry, Chanel and Dior? That’s the unexpected work of Temasek Polytechnic alumnus Clarence Wee of Craft Varies, a classmate of our own BiTES grsphic designer Benjamin. First, we establish that Clarence isn’t into sports, nor video gaming, save for that time in secondary school when “Attack, Pikachu! Thunder, thunder, thunder!” used to be his Game Boy mantra. Right now, “there’s nothing other than calligraphy that I dedicate time to,” the vis-comm design graduate tells us. And practice he does, every single day—in between client projects and teaching his craft. But his seriousness segues to contemplation when we throw out some suggestions, and finally elicits a response. “Um, I do go to the gym sometimes, and I enjoy watching MMA (mixed martial arts), especially grappling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu.” What fascinates the 28-year-old is the mind and muscle link involved in both activities (not that he practices jiu-jitsu). “I find parallels to calligraphy: whatever lifts or squats you do—you need to understand which part of the muscle you’re using, and using it correctly. Similarly in calligraphy, it’s about how you hold your pen, the pressure you’re exerting and how you write.” Craft Varies, With Quiet Longings, the full name of his business, is made up of the initials of

Much like the practical person he is, Clarence’s preferred choice of drink is water—lots of it—to keep him hydrated. “And it says that I am a very plain person,” he adds jokingly. But today he’s sipping a latte, due to his girlfriend (and occasional manager) Stephanie’s influence: “She drinks coffee like a ‘coffee tong (bucket)’; I’m just a beginner who enjoys the balance of milk and espresso (laughs).” Unlike this newfound coffee enthusiasm, calligraphy has been Clarence's calling for almost eight years. His interest was piqued in his final year of poly, during his internship in the Netherlands where typography is a speciality. His final year project focused on experimental typography, and freelance gigs afterwards gradually culminated in a full-blown career. About the same time that Craft Varies officially became a brick-and-mortar business three years ago, the artist took to social media to promote his craft. Some 6,500 people follow him on Instagram, while his Facebook page sees 1,300 likes. “I try to make the effort to post daily [on Instagram] for consistency and also to update my followers.” Clarence also has a handsfree camera mount and a GoPro that he uses to film Instavideos of himself working. I look up from my notes, suddenly self-conscious about my hurried scribbles in near-illegible black ink. As if knowing what I’d ask, Clarence debunks the myth that bad handwriting equates a poor calligrapher. “There’s no correlation. With enough practice and understanding of the fundamentals, one can still achieve the right kind of style.” There’s hope yet for us!

What We Ordered:

We all had: Two 1-for-1 set lunches @ $28, inclusive of soup and drink Meredith had: Assam fish, lemongrass pumpkin soup and cold-pressed orange juice Clarence had: Assam fish, lemongrass pumpkin soup and a latte Stephanie had: Assam fish, mushroom soup (add $1) and a latte Benjamin had: Bangers and mash, mushroom soup (add $1) and Metrosexual, espresso with spice, gula melaka and Kahlua (because we made him)

@bitessg meets @craftvaries and @stephpeh

#TYPESPIRE

#cvwql (PERSONAL)

Japan: "Everything about the country inspires me. Saw this while hiking up Mount Takao. It's amazing to see these stone carvings from way, way back. It looked hand carved, that's just insane!" Saucing around: "In Tokyo, we were just sitting aimlessly and there was this nice bottle of sauce and an empty plate, so I was like, why not? (Laughs). It's spontaneous, when inspiration hits." Travel: "I always try to be away for at least two weeks. Doesn’t need to be far, Penang is fine. I'm not the typical tourist; I'll try to live like a local, not to see the sights. So no tours for me."

Gift of love: "I made this for my sister's wedding.” His favourite medium is pen (dip-nib), ink and paper but he can work with leather, wood and even the more challenging glass. Call me calligrapher: “It took me a while to feel confortable enough to label myself as one. There should be a certain amount of respect given to the title and I wanted to work towards it.” Among his clientele are Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Comfort food: Lamb shoulder that “tastes good at the right price”. His fave was from a stall in TP’s Mensa canteen that moved/closed in 2015. If you know where the uncle went, drop him a line!

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CREPE LA VIE We go gaga over these French packages—but give us the authentic buckwheat kind only, please

ENTRE-NOUS crêperie Opened in 2008, this traditional Brittany creperie's name means 'between ourselves' in French. Over 50 crepes (from $8.30) feature on the menu. These organic buckwheat/wheat flour beauties are cooked with salted baratte butter on a billig, a special crepe pan. Weekday express lunch menu: salad of the day, a savoury buckwheat crepe and a drink for $26. Bucking the trend: Try Stephan's Favourite ($20.20), a galette with roasted chicken, wholegrain mustard and caramelised onions, or Entre-nous ($21.20), avocado mashed with cream, prawns and tomatoes. #01-01, 27 Seah Street. Tel: 6333 4671, ENTRE-NOUS www. crêperie entrenous.sg Ô COMPTOIR A great spot to chillax at night or delve into tasty galettes for lunch (from $5). This French crepe and cider

bar offers four main categories: savoury classics shaped from buckwheat flour, salad-galettes—gluten-free of course, inspirational savoury buckwheat galettes, and sweet wheat flour crepes. They serve lunch sets on weekdays (Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, from $12) and a brunch set on weekends (Sat-Sun & PH 10am-5pm, $32). Bucking the trend: Chase the Spices ($18; masala chicken, tomato, fresh cheese, ginger, onion, peanut, chilli) to Khao San Road ($19; prawn, mango, tomato, bean sprouts, sunny egg, mint, peanut). 79 Circular Road. Tel: 6534 7645. www.fb.com/ Ô COMPTOIR OComptoirSG Taratata Bistrot This Parisian styled estaminet (small bistro) is helmed by chef-owners Bertrand Raguin and Philippe Nouzillat. Get your galette fix only during Sunday brunch. It's an easy trio to choose from (or get all). Bucking the trend: A Compléte ($15; ham, emmental cheese and egg) for me, a Franc-Comtoise ($15; bechamel sauce, mushrooms, ham and emmental cheese) for you, and a Pécheur ($16; shrimps, mussels and emmental cheese, bechamel) to share. 35A Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6221 4506. taratata.sg

NEW NOSH

The Daily Roundup Swing by co-working space The Working Capitol for this sun-lit creperie and spritzer bar. The menu, developed together with three Michelin-starred chef Bruno Menard, offers classics made with flours from Brittany. We especially like that their sweet crepes (from $10) are well-lubricated with the famed artisanal butters of Jean-Yves Bordier. A selection of six sweet crepes (from $8) are also available at sister outlet The Rabbit Hole (39C Harding Road, within Dempsey). Bucking the trend: Complète Chorizo ($16), a savoury buckwheat galette packed with Iberico chorizo, French Comté cheese and a glorious #eggporn sunny side up. #01-02 The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 9780 2920. www.thedailyroundup.com.sg

The Daily Roundup

Crab out at the new Louisiana-style seafood ‘truck’, Cajun on Wheels which doles out fresh juicy Sri Lankan and Scottish Dungeon crabs, as well as mussels, prawns and fish. Available in individual portions (except for crabs, from $8.50 with one side to $11.50 with two sides) or sharing portions that comes in a bucket (from $18, serves 1-2 pax, to $158, serves 3-4 pax). Each bucket comes with sweet corn, potatoes and chicken spam. Choose from Cajun cheese, cheesy CAJUN ON WHEELS cream, salted egg yolk and Thai red curry sauce to collate your whole meal (extra sauce comes priced at $2-3). Recommended sides include the sweet potato fries ($4) and cheese fries ($4.50). Daily 11am-10pm. #01-455/456/459/460/461, Suntec Tower 1, Level 1 3 Temasek Boulevard. www.facebook.com/CajunOnWheels Helmed by executive chef Vincent Teng, with over 22 years of experience, his overarching concept for Sunrise Bistro and Bar, experiments primarily with the sous vide method of cooking casual French fare with a sprinkling of Asian spices. Look forward to that, with juicy seared foie gras ($19), Asian five spice duck leg confit ($18) and BBQ beef short ribs ($32). Even your cocktails are prepared in theme with the sous vide style, have a sip of the fruity Black swan ($18) or the refreshing Martin the Martian ($18). Free parking from 12am-5pm Mon-Fri. Mon-Thu 11.30am-1am, Sat 9am-2am, Sun 9am-1am. #01-05 Big SUNRISE BISTRO Splash Blk B, 902 East Coast Parkway. AND BAR Tel: 6440 9090

KOREAN

The team behind Chicken Up has come up with a new 2-in-1 sister eatery. It’s da bang (Australian brunch) by day and Don’t Tell Mama (Korean-Mexican fusion) by night. Unwind at this casual after-dark watering hole with their in-house special soju cocktails like spicy melon ($12) and Bloody Mama ($12), (a twist on the usual Bloody Mary). Frozen cocktails like Beergarita ($22) are another draw. Drinking games are on a different level here with a games selection that includes the hilarious Tomy Pop-up Pirate and beer pong. Nibble on some kimchi fries ($18) and bulgogi quesadillas ($12) while you’re at it as well. It's cold and raining outside? Pop in-store for some Varhona's Guanaja hot chocolate which contains 70% cacao. Daily 7.30am-5pm (da bang) & 5pm-12am (Don’t Tell Mama). 52 Tanjong Pagar Road. Tel: 6221 2007 da bang

Newly Halal-certified Jinjja Chicken's the hot new chick in the Bugis block with its tasty Jinjja wings in soy garlic/yangnyeom/mix ($7.90 for 6pcs). What we're really digging are the unique tteokbokki fries ($3.50/4.50), crisp and chewy all at once. Healthier options include jjajang myeon/bap ($7.50, noodles or rice), spicy seafood jjamppong ($9.50) and veggielicious bibimbap/myeon ($7.50). Special mention to the sikhye rice drink ($2.50/3.30, kinda like a Korean 'barley') and handheld bingsu (red bean/oreo, $5.90) for an afternoon takeaway. Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11.30pm. 249 Victoria Street (Bugis Village) From the same group that brought Chir Chir Chicken to our little Red Dot, comes Masizzim, pronounced as ma-see-zim, combining ‘masi’ (delicious) and ‘jjim’ (stew). Choose from three stews: fall-offthe-bone tender beef rib ($18 individual, 250g/$32 double, 500g), succulent pork rib and spicy chicken ($16 individual, 250g/$29 double, 500g). There’s a spicy base of gochujang with 4 heat levels, or opt for soy blend base, only available for beef and pork stews. Pile up on traditional rice balls ($8), and Korean pancakes of squid and leak ($14), potato ($12) or tomato cheese kimchi ($13). Wash all these fiery flavours down with a sweet, malt barley and rice Shikhye jar ($9.50, 600ml). Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. #B3-02 313 Somerset, 313 Orchard Road. Tel: 6509 5808 Seorae Galmaegi is all the Korean BBQ we could have asked for. The highlight is premium galmaegisal, or

Masizzim

pork skirt meat ($21.90), with a juicier bite, and L.A. galbi (beef ribs, $38.90), both marinated in authentic Korean spices to bring out the meat’s best flavours. The circular grill at each table is also innovatively completed with sections for egg, garlic, kim chee and cheese, to give the ingredients a bubbly caramelisation. Complete the meal with a unique selection of Patbingsoo bingsu, from salad ($12.90) to Gangnam with popcorn and vanilla ice cream ($9.90) Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm. #02-01 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road. Tel: 6238 8429

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Are Valentine's Day decisions stressing you out? As you know, the way to the heart is always through the stomach. Don't let the burden of choosing where to eat on 14 February fizzle out your romance. We quizzed four veteran couples with F&B connections on what they'd be doing on the day, and throw in some of our own recommendations for good measure By June Lee

Tip 1: Desserts never disappoint! Sweet gifts hit the spot, especially when they come in luxe forms like Antoinette’s Across the Universe ($18) for two to share. Chef Pang’s terrarium cake is a passionate concoction with a gold ‘diamond’ of chocolate resting on fresh rose petals. The rest comprise rose almond sponge cake with layers of almond nougatine, raspberry crumble, yuzu cream, lychee and rose petal mousse. Pre-order 3 days in advance, www.antoinette.com.sg

Antoinette

Paul singapore

guessed it—their signature smooth ice cream features on the Valentine’s menu ($138 nett) from 12-14 Feb, 6.30-10pm. After dining on suft ‘n turf items such as grilled Angus tenderloin with baked oyster with béarnaise sauce, check out award-winning pastry chef Edwin Leow’s creative dessert selections such as coffee hazelnut creameux, crunchy dulcey chocolate tart and crepes suzette with orange liqueur sauce. Tel: 6818 3305 Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa

With eight locations, there’s Paul Singapore to escape to for a sweet finish. To be specific, pamper him with the Extra Large Macaron ($7.40) that comes in coffee, chocolate, raspberry, pistachio and vanilla, or practice your French kisses over the millefeuille fraise ($7.80), a layered puff pastry with custard cream and strawberries. www.paul-singapore. com For a more romantic interlude, escape to Sentosa to the Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa where—you

Roger Yip, Hopscotch bar owner + Loh Ting Yan, full-time student

Ting Yan: As Valentine's Day is a special occasion for all couples out, there will definitely be long queues everywhere. So perhaps I'll choose Pince and Pints for a lobster fix or buffets such as Melt The World Buffet or Edge with an early reservation. Roger: My bar! I'll most probably be working there on Valentine's after the buffet dinner with her. She has really been craving to go to Melt’s buffet for their dessert section, so I'll probably take her there to make sure she's sufficiently happy before taking her to the workplace, ha ha.

Tip 2: Try something new together Variety is the spark of life, so why not take the chance to discover new tastes and experiences? Catalunya has a cheese and wine platter ($65) featuring five Spanish cheeses and three Spanish wines of Verdejo, Tempranillo and Pedro Ximenez. Explore a fruity, sweet Manchego or swoon over a Murcia al Vino. 8-14 Feb, lunch and dinner. www.catalunya.com Me@OUE serves up a His and Her menu for the first time, with a choice of four- ($125, 13 Feb only) or six-courses ($245, 13-14 Feb), complemented with sweeping views of the bay. Here’s your chance to bond while you taste a variety

bedrock bar & grill

Tip 3: Meaty appetites Skip the dainty diet and go all out to satisfy your lust for a good steak. Bedrock Bar & Grill offers up the aptly named Partners in Crime ($148)—braised

catalunya

of new dishes like lobster Thermidor or foie gras together. Guys will enjoy pan-seared duck breast while the ladies nosh on miso cod in both menus, while the expanded gastronomical menu also includes a sashimi tasting, pan-seared scallop (for her), pan-seared foie gras (for him), lobster Thermidor (for her) and wagyu (for him). www.me-oue.com

Kevin Gomez + Andik Nurdiany-Gomez, Founders Of Yip's Cookies & More and Anza

ME@OUE

boneless U.S. beef short ribs and brown butter lobster tail served with smoked San Marzano tomatoes, asparagus, truffle béarnaise and au jus. The set for two is available 10-16 Feb, for lunch and dinner. Reservations: 6238 0054 Get all dressed up for Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, where the 5-course set dinner ($158) brings on the best of Fine de Claire oysters; Canadian Lobster, wrapped in parma ham, served with cauliflower cream and avruga caviar; Australian grass-fed tenderloin with foie gras, and a Chocolate Medley dessert. Trust us, book the window seats. Two seatings: 6-8pm, 8.30-11pm. 14 Feb only. www.wooloo-mooloo.com/sg/ singapore.aspx

Bonnie Wong, Director Marketing and Business Development at Creative Eateries, + Joshua Tan, corporate lawyer

Bonnie: The first place I would like to eat at is at home, as I enjoy preparing a meal for the two of us to share. Joshua: I prefer either her house or mine, where we get to cook whatever we want (something interesting out of a cookbook, and almost always with steaks). Bonnie: The second place is Basilico at Regent Hotel, as it is one of the first places where we celebrated our anniversary. Joshua: Lawry's. Many of my favourite memories were made there and it never disappoints!

Tip 4: As long as you’re together!

park hotel clarke quay

Kevin: I like familiarity so I would probably go to Le Steak. We have been there many times and have always enjoyed dining there. Andik: Definitely, Fatboy's The Burger Bar. Been wanting to try their burgers for ages but am afraid of the calories, so Valentine's is the perfect day to be spoilt with fat-laden good awesome food!

Plan a walk, fishing trip… even a buffet with a view (see p. 10). Whether you’re working on that day or have been married for 15 years, what’s important is that you let each other know you’ll be there for them for the long run. But if you’d like to reignite that spark, the BiTES team recommends the superb value-for-money deal at Park Hotel Clarke Quay’s Canopy of Stars Staycation Package ($298 per room per night) in a Superior Room. The stay ensures that you won’t go hungry with the romantic Canopy of Stars 4-course set dinner in Cocobolo—already worth $138 per couple—and buffet breakfast for two. www.parkhotelgroup.com/clarkequay

Veronica Zuzarte, consultant/director at Sixth Sense Communications + Peter Robertson, sensei at ZDK Elite Fitness Studio

Veronica: I'd like to go for dinner on Bohol island overlooking the sunset. Peter: Wherever my wife goes I go. She knows the best places and I am never disappointed (except when the food has too much chilli!) Veronica: But the ultimate Valentine's destination… is simply to be by his side.

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Wish you had a reliable buffet resource available to guide you to the best all-you-can-eat spots? Buffet Bounty is your go-to resource on buffets for all budgets, tastes and locations. Make your Valentine’s celebrations extra special with splendid views while you dine, and don’t miss the great value high tea buffets from as low as $10.80++.

Bites guide: Price guide (nett) $ wallet-friendly (below $50) $$ just can’t resist a splurge ($50-100) $$$ a special occasion ($100-150) $$$$ indulgence galore (above $150)

Certified halal Does not serve pork or lard Kid-friendly facilities Veg-friendly Valentine’s Day alertVe

Raffles Grill Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road. Tel: 6412 1816 Raffles Grill’s spacious interior and high ceilings from which grand crystal chandeliers are strung is the perfect venue to enjoy a languid Valentine’s Day afternoon tea (14 Feb 3-5.30pm, $78++). Look out through the tall French windows on to Palm court while dining on gourmet delights of duck liver terrine with pink peppercorn on candy bread, corn-fed chicken and black truffle croque monsieur with gruyere cream sauce, and finish off with salted caramel “religieuse”.

The Clifford Pier The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay. Tel: 6597 5266 Soak up Singapore’s cultural heritage in the preserved architectural 1930s jetty. Right alongside the lapping Singapore River, enjoy a spread of local cultural-inspired dishes (Mon-Sun 6.30-10pm, till 22 Feb, $58++) with live jazz performances by their jazz-duo from Mon-Sat 8-10pm, and their pianist-singer on Sun 7-10pm. Be inspired by their reinterpreted Asian specialities of crispy prawn paste chicken, braised pork belly and black fungus soup, as well as Western classics of steamed sea bass (additional $19++) and lobster roll (add on of $32++ per portion).

[$$]

CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE BAR Level 55, Hotel Tower 2, The Club at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 8858 See p.13.

Oasis Singapore

THE DINING ROOM

RAFFLES GRILL

buffets with a view

Oasis Singapore Level 5 Terrace Wing, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 10 Scotts Road. Tel: 6732 1234 Oasis’s al fresco poolside buffet (daily 6.30-9.30pm, $98++ inclusive of free flow beers, wines, margaritas and soft drinks), is where you can savour freshly grilled meat and seafood prepared a la minute above an open charcoal-fired grill. Also, enjoy an extended seafood on ice buffet and vegetables from the Mongolian grill (Thu-Sat).

THE CLIFFORD PIER

River Garden Coffee House GF, River View Hotel Singapore, 382 Havelock Road. Tel: 6732 9922 Keeping it simple, River Garden Coffee House’s buffet (daily 6-10.30pm, $49.80++ inclusive of free flow soft drinks) satisfies with local favourites like the slipper lobster laksa and bak kut teh, as well as Western specialties such as the seafood aglio olio. Look forward to the oyster bar and live prawns station too. Centrally located by the Singapore River, take an evening stroll along its stretch, or continue to chill out with drinks at the alfresco area. Silver Shell Café Level 3 Shangri-la’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa, 101 Siloso Road. Tel: 6371 1966 With children tagging along this Valentine’s Day, you’ll need a family-friendly buffet option venue like Silver Shell Cafe (Sun 6-10pm, $56++) where there is even a scaled-to-height section for kids. Located by the beach, take delight on offerings like pan-seared foie gras with apple chutney, beef stronganoff with pilaf rice and Valentine chocolate pralines. Take a leisurely stroll by the beach after. (14 Feb 6-10pm, $98++ with complimentary champagne; ladies receive a stalk of rose.

The Dining Room Lobby Level, Sheraton Towers Singapore, 39 Scotts Road. Tel: 6839 5621 To enjoy the refreshing sight of the signature waterfall surrounded by a beautifully manicured garden, make a reservation to be seated by the glass windows (WedSun 7-10pm, $58++, Wed are ladies night priced at $72++ but ladies get 50% off). Pamper yourself with the seafood on ice with oysters and sashimi, wok-fried blue crab with salted egg, slow-roasted melting ribeye, and the signature laksa (Thu and Sun) served dry or with gravy. No buffet is complete without finishing off with a sweet treat, pick from their irresistible selection of ginger gelato, chocolate lava cake and waffles. The Kitchen Table W Hotel, 21 Ocean Way, Sentosa. Tel: 6808 7268 Celebrate both Valentine’s and Chinese New Year with the Feast from the Heart buffet spread (Mon-Thu, 1-4 Feb and 9-11 Feb 6-10pm, $68++). You’ll be drawn to the world-inspired cuisine alongside traditional oriental renditions such as Peking duck, slow-cooked five spice hand-rolled beef shin, Hong Kong crispy roast pork belly and more.

The Rose Veranda Mezzanine level, Tower wing, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore. Tel: 6213 4486 Tea lovers rejoice, The Rose Veranda offers a choice from 164 premium tea blends to accompany the sumptuous international high tea buffet spread (MonThu 11.30am-6pm; Fri-Sun 11.30am-2pm, 3-6pm, $52++). With six rotating menus, there is enough surprises to go around. Some foods to look forward to: five spice marinated salmon with lemon, onions and capers, laksa, and lamb rogan josh. Don’t forget to satisfy that sweet tooth with their splendid dessert section including the chocolate fondue as the centre piece

[$$$] Basilico, Regent Singapore Level 2 Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road. Tel: 6733 8888 Take in the seasonal and authentic Italian cuisine (MonSat 12-2.30pm, Mon-Fri $50++, Sat $58++; Sun 12-3pm, $92++) at the alfresco terrace with views overlooking the pool. Signatures include sea bass with baby spinach salad, cherry tomatoes, green beans and olives, New Zealand lamb chop with rosemary-roasted potato and grilled asparagus, and the squid ink pizza with San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, king crab, lobster, prosecco-infused clam and caviar. Café Brio’s Level 2, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore, 392 Havelock Road. Tel: 6733 0880 Overlooking the Singapore River, Café Brio’s Valentine’s dinner buffet (14 Feb 6-10.30pm, $98++ with complimentary bottle of Riondo Moscato Oro cuvee, 200ml) displays a tantalising spread of duck rillette with cranberry sauce, al dente pastas, oven roasted whole baby lamb and beef ribeye with Bordeaux jus reduction. Each diner will also get to savour half a grilled Boston lobster with glazed asparagus in gratinated hollandaise and cheese. A buffet is never complete without indulging in their desserts section. Try the yuzu-orange heart shaped cake, it’ll leave you longing for another bite. Basilico, Regent Singapore

Triple Three

Brassiere Les Saveurs

COLONY

Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Singapore

Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Singapore Level 32, Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2. Tel: 6922 6968 Get set for feasting with a view of Singapore’s magnificent city skyline (14 Feb 12-3pm, $108++ inclusive of a glass of champagne). A lavish spread of the freshest seafood, ‘live’ carving station showcasing 24-hour slow-roasted prime rib, pineapple bourbonglazed ham and lamb loin wellington. Sweeten your date with the array of sweet treats as well. Seasonal Tastes has also prepared chocolates for each couple and a stalk of rose for the lady. Triple Three Level 5, Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Road. Tel: 6831 6288/ 6271 Can’t get away from the kids even during Valentine’s? Triple Three’s Sunday family lunch (12-2.30pm, $118++ adults, $48++ child) has a special kids’ corner to keep them occupied while you enjoy the food. Feast on freshly shucked oysters, Alaskan king crab and Australian prime rib with views of Orchard Road. This deal is sweetened with a 1-for-1 promotion (ends 30 June) when you pay with DBS/POSB debit/credit card.

[$$$$] Brassiere Les Saveurs Lobby Level, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road. Tel: 6506 6860 Charm your date at the St. Regis Champagne Brunch at Brassiere Les Saveurs (14 Feb 12-3pm, with complimentary hour of aperitifs from 11am-12pm, $148++ with coffee and tea, $180++ with soft drinks, beers and wines, and $195++ with ‘R’ de Ruinart Brut). Butlers will ply you with canapes as you indulge in a delectable spread of antipasto, cold cuts, and beautifully crafted desserts. Pair it up with some bubbly too, as you lounge under hand cut crystal chandeliers, with a view overlooking the sparkling pool. Colony Level 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue. Tel: 6434 5288 Where Greenhouse once was, Colony delights with a culinary journey (14 Feb 12-3.30pm, $188++ inclusive of unlimited pours of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2006, Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2006) through Singapore’s heritage cuisines. Look forward to freshly shucked oysters, barbecued meats, Colony laksa with homemade lobster ball, and an

COLONY

assortment of sweet treats to finish off. It’s a multisensory setting complete with vintage maps and postcards adorning the walls from a bygone era. Equinox Level 70 Swissotel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Road. Tel: 6837 3322 Enchant your date with the breathtaking views of Singapore’s skyline, and even a glimpse of the isles of Malaysia and Indonesia. We recommend you go slowly on their extensive Pink brunch buffet ($198++ with free flow Moet and Chandon Grand Vintage, wines and housepour beers) and savour each bite. Includes individual appetisers, salad bar, sashimi station, cold cuts, salmon station, live carving station and of course the desserts. Standouts include the chicken liver and foie gras parfait with port jelly, and poached lobster with avocado. Kwee Zeen Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Road. Tel: 6708 8366 The Magnifique Sunday champagne brunch (12.303.30pm, $138++ with free flow soft drinks and juices, $168++ with free flow Tattinger Champagne and wine) spread dazzles with their variety. Oysters from the seafood station comes from four different countries, chilled crabs include mud crab, brown crab, Dungeness

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under $50 high tea Buffets

CAROUSEL

KUVO Singapore NETT

From Peranakan to vintage and halal to vegetarian, sate your post-lunch hunger at these spots.

Carousel [

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At Carousel, high tea (Mon-Thu 3.30-5.30pm; $42++ adults, $27++ child) is a sumptuous affair. Feast on fresh salmon, tilapia and tuna sashimi, with oden or shabu-shabu on rotation. There’s also an array of seafood on ice and a deli corner that offers delish beef pastrami sandwiches. Toss up a salad, or make a beeline for the Singapore rojak station and kueh pie tee. Another local fave is the nasi lemak, with dishes like sotong petai masak hitam and ikan siakap lada hijau ikan billis. Sweet treats include ice kachang and three flavoured chocolate fountains. Complimentary parking for high tea diners till 31 March. Lobby Level Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road. Tel: 6589 7799

crab and Tourteax crab, the unique marinated coffee salmon, and foie gras prepared a la minute. Do save space for their wide assortment of handcrafted truffles too, with special mention of the durian and cempedak ones. For cooler days, the alfresco dining area is recommended for its view overlooking the South China Sea. LIME Parkroyal Hotel on Pickering GF Parkroyal on Pickering, Singapore, 3 Upper Pickering Street. Tel: 6809 8899 A hearty feast amidst lush greenery in Singapore’s iconic architectural hotel (14 Feb 6.30-10.30pm, from $128++ with free flow soft drinks and juices, $156++ with free flow housepour beers, or $166++ with free flow wines). Start off with a complimentary glass of Rosé champagne (a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck champagne also available at $88). Then savour an amuse bouche of French oysters served with champagne jelly and Beluga caviar, vanilla-poached lobster and foie gras torchon with rhubarb and truffle powder. There’s a whole lot more going on at their open kitchens with shaved Iberico ham, lobster risotto, and wagyu tenderloin rossini. Top off your dining experience with a personalised piped name and message on a red velvet cake for your other half, or go for the all-time favourite rose panna cotta with goji berries.

rotational basis. This Hi-Tea (Thu-Fri 3-5.30pm, $30++) is inspired by The Spa Esprit Group’s collaboration with Edible Gardens to support local farming. Fresh herbs and spices feature in dishes like sweet potato leaf fried rice, phad Thai salad and avocado and chocolate cake. 8D Dempsey Road. Tel: 6475 7787

Chilli Padi Nonya Café (Heng Mui Keng Terrace) Head to this cosy west-side Peranakan cafe during (Sat-Sun & PH 3-5.15pm; $10.80++ adult, $7.80++ child) for a spread that includes chee cheong fun, siew mai, chwee kueh and kong bak pau. Help yourself to tauhu goreng, laksa, mee siam, kueh pie tee and fried items spring roll and samosa. From the Nyonya kueh table (10 varieties), colourful rainbow lapis, kueh kosui and kueh lapis await. Do visit on a Sunday if you, like us, love your bubur chacha. #06-21 (Ground Level), 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace. Tel: 6872 2982

House at Dempsey The popular vintage high tea menu at House has just been refreshed with over 30 new items served on a

A view of the busy Orchard Road stretch is juxtaposed with the relaxing interior of KUVO. The weekend high tea (Sat-Sun 2-5.30pm, $42++) includes a three-tier stand of Asian delights, gourmet sandwiches and your choice of tea or coffee. We personally like the TokyoSingapore tea and the nutty-citrus yuzu kukicha. From the buffet spread, fill up on Danish pastries, Peranakan delights, Parma ham and a selection of cheeses. #02-01 Orchard Shopping Centre, 321 Orchard Road. Tel: 6733 8272

LingZhi Vegetarian [ ] Bring a fellow veggie-loving friend to enjoy their hi-tea buffet (Sat-Sun & PH 3-5pm; $14.80++ adult, $9.80++ child below 12 years old; min. two to dine). Start with crisp-fried sweet potato with plum powder and braised mushrooms with spicy beancurd sauce, before diving into the mushroom and corn bisque. Be sure to get in many orders of their dim sum: steamed Teochew dumplings, vegetarian barbecued ‘pork’ buns and crisp-fried yam croquettes. Fill up on fried noodles with vegetables and mushrooms and round off your meal with black sesame or almond cream and chilled beancurd with mixed fruits. Chinese tea at $1.50 per person and pickles charged at $2 per plate. #03-09 Velocity @ Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road. Tel: 6538 2992

The Knolls (Capella) 1 The Knolls, Capella Singapore. Tel: 6591 5046 A luxurious Sunday brunch (12.30-3pm, $128++ with free flow soft drinks, juices and specialty mocktails, $148++ with free flow wines and specialty cocktails, $178++ with free flow Tattinger champagne, $258++ with free flow vintage Tattinger champagne, boutique wines and international beers), amidst the tropical foliage overlooking the reflecting pools and the South China Sea out on the terrace. Indulge in a creatively prepared Mediterranean spread of fresh seafood like the scallop shell with truffle, fine-cut meats, cheeses and an extensive desserts selection. Other items of note include the French version of the Peking duck, potato salad with lobster and salt baked beef. A live band injects a cheery vibe to the afternoon. THE KNOLLS (CAPELLA)

LIME Parkroyal Hotel on Pickering

buffet r ev ie w Cheese & Chocolate Bar Marina Bay Sands

Sky high romance 14 kinds of cheese? Check. At least 40 handcrafted desserts using Valrhona chococlate? Check. Knockout views of the city? Check!

14 Jan, 8pm $48++ (Daily 8pm 12am)

First impressions: After you find the correct Tower 2 lift, sail upwards to the 55th floor and into The Club, where the incredibly popular Cheese & Chocolate Bar buffet takes place every June le e night. It pays to make a reservation (especially for weekends, when they are often unable to accept walk-ins) as you’ll also be able to snag a window seat, with a choice of city or ocean view. Tip-off: A friend who has been to this buffet five times says: “Pick out a few interesting chocolate creations first to whet your appetite. Then head to the cheese counter and fill up on your favourite savoury cheeses. Go back to the dessert counter to finish on a sweet note.” Food stations: As the name implies, there are two sections. Along one wall is the seasonal specialty cheese station next to the coffee, tea and hot chocolate station—but you won’t have to lift a finger as drinks can be ordered tableside. Peruse the cheeses that are divided into three categories: hard, savoury ones like the Red Leicester with its pleasing hint of saltiness; mild semi-soft ones like the lusciously creamy Brillat Savarin that drips off your cracker; and the daunting blues with their thin veins of blue-purple mould. While I’m a true blue fan, even the timid can try out the milder blues such as Shropshire that exudes a mild, creamy character on the lighter side of stinky. A selection of jams, honey, dried fruit, nuts like macadamia and sunflower, crackers and breads enhances the cheeses in myriad ways as you mix and match. Try honey, nuts and blue cheese together on a lavosh cracker—a glorious salty-sweet symphony of textures. We choose to pair our buffet with one wine flight of three wines ($19++), which includes a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Australian Shiraz Cabernet and Portuguese Port. Assistant manager Durgesh enthusiastically helped us with wine notes and pairings, with the white wine a nice match to light cheeses, red wine to dark chocolate and dessert Port to items that are higher on the sweet side. The three generous serves of

wine are good value and can be shared between two people if you don’t want to get tipsy too fast. There is not enough room on this page to go through the Willy Wonka-esque landscape of chocolates. The verrines— fancy creations in shooter glasses—are a good start for their unusual flavours. We liked the fruity, unctuous olive oil layer in a dark mousse, while the milk chocolate blue cheese cream with thyme foam was subtle and mysterious. After that, it’s a feast of cookies, macarons, cakes, tarts, pralines and bonbons to your taste, with marshmallows, brioche and a small selection of fresh fruit to jazz things up. In the end, the quality and variety more than spell their worth, and you’ll be rolling home in a cloud of happy food memories. Not so hawt: Clumpy chocolate fondue that was drying out from the hot flame. Final say: What a spread! The palate is well-balanced between savoury cheeses and chocolate desserts that range from sweet and white, milky and creamy, to sophisticated dark chocolate. Wide spacious seating arrangements and the unhurried atmosphere make this ideal for a romantic rendezvous or even birthday party treat. Even corporate types in smart suits can be seen tucking in after a hard day’s work—proving that chocolate and cheeses speak a universal language of good taste.

Top PICKs 1:

Mmm smell those pungent blue cheeses!

Top PICKs 2: The verrine creations

included Alpaco dark chocolate mousse with vanilla infused virgin olive oil!

Top PICKs 3: Top up

$19++ for three wines to really complete your experience

the chocolate counter City facing view

Open: Daily 8pm-12am, $48++ create your own faves with toppings galore

Level 55, Hotel Tower 2, The Club at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue. Tel: 6688 8858

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Romantic rendezvous The Duxton area was a former 13-hectare nutmeg plantation with 1,800 trees introduced to Singapore in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles. The nutmeg court at The Pinnacle @ Duxton marks this historic presence, now surrounded by towering blocks and hipster hangouts. Pockets of quiet parks and converted shophouses make this a destination full of character in the midst of the CBD. By Samantha Seah, Photography Benjamin Soh

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the pinnacle @ duxton

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Tanjong Pagar Community Club Located in the iconic residential complex, this club also houses Maple Loft for your ice cream fix ($3.20 for a single scoop, additional $0.70 for premium flavours like black sesame and hazelnut rocher; cones additional $0.90) in our sunny weather, great for retro-themed parties too. Also don’t miss out Buffet City with their international spread ($26.80+/adult and $17.80+/child).

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Essen @ The Pinnacle (#01-01, 1 Cantonment Road) Delve into a mix of Western, Mediterranean and fusion cuisine under one roof: Garcons, Kin Khao, El Jefe Corner, Wild Wild Catch, La Stella and Two Wings. Touted as the “best deepfried chicken wings in Singapore”, we made a pit stop at Two Wings to grab some (from $8.50 for four wings) with their signature chilli sauce, reminiscent of the classic Hainanese chicken rice chilli. Also, don’t be fooled by their name, these crispy goodness don’t come in twos, but starts from fours, and you’ll be glad you had more. Mon-Sun 10.30am-11pm.

Skybridge at the 50th floor With views as far and wide as Batam and Bukit Timah on a clear day, and a consistent strong breeze, one can relax here for hours just gazing at the urban landscaping and watching the tiny cars down below travelling along the winding roads—it’s really therapeutic. $5 admission fee, daily 9am-10pm, limited to 200 members of public per day to the 50th floor. Tel: 8683 7760 for more assistance.

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Overview Previously known as Duxton Plain Public Housing, The Pinnacle @ Duxton, completed in 2009, boasts the world’s two longest sky gardens of 500m each on the 26th and 50th floors. Catering to hungry residents and visitors are various eateries within this complex.

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Pinnacle @ Duxton

Duxton Plain Park One of the smallest parks in Singapore, and established before WW2 by the British, Duxton Plain Park grows one of the most significant flora. A memorial Tembusu tree was planted here in honour of late Lee Kuan Yew, who started his political career at Tanjong Pagar. Buried in the same plot is a time capsule with memorabilia to let future generations understand what he meant to Singapore, only to be opened in 2065.

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89 Neil Road Here stands the conserved former Eng Aun Tong Factory building (where Tiger Balm had once been made) now housing a myriad of offices and agencies. Built in 1924 in the neoclassical style, the factory operated until 1971 when production was contracted out and thereafter moved out to the Jack Chia group’s factories in Jurong.

DUXTON PLAIN PARK

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TEA CHAPTER

L’Aiglon (69 Neil Road) A stylish cocktail bar for late night tipples, with expertly crafted mixes from rare champagnes and whiskies. Cocktails uses a 'gentlemen’s pour’ of 45ml per shot of alcohol, so don’t hesitate to try their signature Asian Sensation Kettle or Screaming Tomato. Mon-Sat 6pm till late. Tel: 6220 0369

TWO WINGS

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Tea Chapter (9 Neil Road) The finer intricacies of Chinese tea and its corresponding service standards are practiced here in the very first conservation shophouse. Get in tune with grand tea master Patrick Kang who has over 20 years of experience in Chinese tea art and Chinese culture. Mon-Thu 11am10.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm. Tel: 6226 3026

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Jinrikisha Station (20 Maxwell road) Built from 1903-1904 in the Edwardian style and now conserved, Jinrikisha is Singapore’s last reminder of the once ubiquitous leg-powered rickshaw, which were first imported from Shanghai to Singapore in 1880. This ideal corner location catered to customers from the nearby Tanjong Pagar docks and adjacent thoroughfare that led from the docks to town.

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Overview History is embedded in these buildings along Neil Road, providing a glimpse into colonial Singapore architecture.

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LUCHA LUCO

L'entrecÔte's Signature steak and fries

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Lucha Luco (15 Duxton Hill) If it’s Mexican, it’s gotta be loco (crazy). This bustling modern taqueria (taco shop) and garden bar often spills over with its heaving model and expat-heavy crowd. The no-reservations rule means you should head here early to tuck into tostaditas ($16), elotes (the famous grilled corn, $8), and costillas de cerdo ($30). Some of the more family-friendly crowd has migrated to its sister outlet, Super Loco at Robertson Quay. Tue-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 6pm-1am. Tel: 6226 3938 L’EntrecÔte (37 Duxton Hill) Start off your meal with a complimentary glass of kir, white wine slightly sweetened with blackcurrant liquor. Steak out with their signature steak and unlimited crisp-thin fries ($32.90/$39.90 large), and pair it with their own Cuvee de L’Entrecôte, or something from their vintage and international labels in house. Don’t miss out on their desserts; must-tries include the profiteroles de L’Entrecôte ($15), Vacherin du Bistrot ($15) and homemade lemon tartlet ($12). Mon-Thu 12-10.30pm, Fri 12-11pm, Sat 5-11pm, Sun 1210.30pm. Tel: 6690 7561

Juice Junkie (#01-02, 68 Duxton Road) Make a conscious choice with Juice Junkie, where their cold pressed juices are locally sourced and organic! Refreshing choices include Bunny’s Coco Fix, which provides an antioxidant boost and promotes heart health; Doctor Rabbit, with detox and flush; as well as Yummy Bunny, a beauty, anti-aging and energy booster. Hop over or order online at www. juicejunkie.com.sg for juice cleanses (starting from $290) or themed 6-pack juices ($90, customisable option at $100). JUICE JUNKIE

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Latteria mozzarella bar (40 Duxton Hill) Dining sotto le stele or 'under the stars' is the way to go at this al fresco terrace space with great vibes. Indulge in the rich creamy varieties of fresh mozzarella cheeses that takes centrestage in stracciatella, bottarga and roast zucchini ($22), burratina, roast pumpkin and truffle ($23) and Latteria mac and cheese ($28). Sun-Fri 12-2.30pm, daily 6.30-10.30pm. Tel: 6866 1988

Littered With Books (20 Duxton Road) Thought-provoking quotations and short blurbs from books line the shelves and walls of this two storey bookshop where you can easily lose yourself. There’s something for everyone: ‘littered’ with topics from cookery books and digressions into specific food topics, to ponderings of ancient maps, to fictional worlds, and on a more serious note, bibliographies.

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Overview Nestled in a quaint space with the only cobbled street in Singapore (yes, it is a big deal), Duxton Hill brings you into another timeframe altogether. The conserved shophouses with European, French, Chinese and Indian influences housing a range of international cuisines provide a fitting setting for a romantic rendezvous indeed. You’ll also find Russian restaurant Buyan (9 Duxton Hill) serving up classic borscht soup ($14), shashlyk ($40) and beef stroganov ($32), and Japanese-inspired French pastries such as Berry Berries (strawberry shortcake, $6.70) at Flor Patisserie (2 Duxton Hill).

Overview Opium houses, brothels, and gambling dens flooded Duxton Road in the 19th and early 20th centuries, making it an area of vice. Though a few karaoke bars remain, the street has transformed into a hip place to be seen, with the notable boutique Duxton Hotel (83 Duxton Road) currently undergoing changes. MeatLiquor (99 Duxton Road) for American diner-style burgers like the Dead Hippie ($22), Squire and Scoundrels (72 Duxton Road) for more burgers from U.S. Angus beef to sea bass fillet ($18 each), and Pince & Pints (3233 Duxton Road) for its lobster rolls with the trimmings ($58) are some of the eateries around the area. For healthier pursuits, ride with the pack at Crucycle (68 Duxton Road) and get your heart rate up.

binomioƒ squid ink paella with clams and calamari

Pasta Brava

Craig Road

Overview Linking Neil Road and Tanjong Pagar Road, this quieter side street has its own personality too. Once housing Chinatown’s poor in the late 19th and 20th centuries, the area has now been cleaned up, with repurposed shophouses containing a range of interesting finds such as the Korean joint, Twins (7 Craig Road), Italian fare from PerBacco (#01-03, 20 Craig Road) and inITALY (38 Craig Road), plus newly opened small plates purveyor Kite (53 Craig Road). Pasta Brava (11 Craig Road) Established in 1993, Pasta Brava continues to serve up some of the most satisfying Italian fare in town. Popular favourites include the squid ink pasta ($24) and ravioli filled with minced beef ($23.50) and the classic tiramisu ($11). The dim lighting and eclectic Peranakan decor creates the perfect romantic setting for a first date too—talk about the food and collectibles if you run out of conversation! Mon-Sat 12-2.30pm and 6.30-10.30pm. Tel: 6227 7550

Binomio (#01-02, 20 Craig Road) Opened in 2012, Binomio boasts the chops of executive chef Jose Alonso, who first came to Singapore working for Santi Santamaria. With a name that means ‘duo’, the concept integrates tapas bar and restaurant into one of the most respected and buzzing Spanish eateries in town. Dine on gambas al ajillo, tiger prawns in olive oil ($26) or squid ink paella with clams and calamari ($70) to share. Mon-Fri 12-2pm, 6-10.30pm; Sat 6-10.30pm. Tel: 6557 0547 Tong Mern Seng Antiques (51 Craig Road) Established since 1972, and eye-catching for its unique signs: “Some fools buy. Some fools sell” and “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. Go treasure hunting in this truly vintage three-storey shop house which sells anything and everything retro from bed frames, typewriters, Peranakan tiles, chandeliers and old school trunks from a time that’s slowly receding into our museums.

Tong Mern Seng Antiques

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Open-faced jam Chinese New Year is not the same without a burst of golden ong lai—literally ‘good luck’, and also ‘pineapple’ in the Hokkien dialect. The traditional pineapple tart treat may look simple, but crumbles under tough scrutiny from our tasters. By Samantha Seah, Photography Benjamin Soh B i T E S paid for our own products at the respective supermarkets

va l u e for money

Essential pineapple tart From: Cold Storage ($7.80, 450g) Taste Test: Cold Storage’s house brand rises to the challenge with the most affordable and value-formoney jar in our round-up. Its jam was on the less sweet side, though the pastry was a tad bit crunchy with a strong margarine scent. Verdict: 3/5

For the thrifty traditionalists.

made in singapore

Santa Premium Handmade Cookies From: FairPrice ($9.90, 500g) Taste Test: Sorry Santa, you were a dry cookie although you used butter and vanilla for more fragrance. It was one of the thicker pastries we had tasted, probably due to a higher pastry to jam ratio. The jam filling was on the sweeter side, while the pastry turned out a touch floury—however, kudos to this Singaporean confectionary company for not using palm oil. Verdict: 3/5

For a homemade touch.

editor's favourite

Earthen Pot Pineapple Tarts From: FairPrice Xtra ($10.80, 400g) Taste Test: With no plastic layers between the tarts, the cookies were mishapened and stuck to each other. But the golden beauts had a buttery flavour. Notwithstanding the cooking oil listed in the ingredients, the pineapple jam was rich and balanced, while the pastry was flaky enough. Verdict: 3.5/5

Can’t stop snacking on these.

Singlong Nonya Pineapple Tart From: FairPrice ($8.50, 400g) Taste Test: This Singaporean brand is popular for sauces, sambals and desserts, but its pineapple tarts made by its sister company in Malaysia didn’t hit the spot. The gummy pineapple jam lacked depth of flavour, and the pastry was firmer with a tinge of an oily aftertaste. Verdict: 2/5

For fans of Nyonya style crunchier tarts.

made in singapore

NOYA PINEAPPLE TART From: FairPrice ($11.50, 450g) Taste Test: The pastry, while initially looking the palest, turned out to have good, chunky mouthfeel with a buttery, flaky factor—possibly from the combination of wheat flour and cornflour. The pineapple jam was firm and released its sweetness slowly to linger in your mouth, but we could do with more of it. The inconsistent criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie harks to homemade Nyonya cookie tradition. Verdict: 4.5/5

Crowd-pleaser amid the snack tray clutter. 16

Chewly special nyonya pineapple tart From: Cold Storage ($9.40, 380g) Taste Test: The cookie yielded a generous ball of sticky pineapple jam which had the right balance of sweetness. Too bad this was not complemented by its milky pastry which tasted of egg wash and gave it a plasticky sheen. Its size means you need to take at least two bites though, which tends to leave lots of crumbs in the wake. Verdict: 2.5/5

If you like jam better than pastry.

made in singapore

Glory Pineapple Tarts – Round Shape From FairPrice ($18.90, 650g) Taste Test: Looking like messy homemade cookies, with the seemingly darkest pineapple jam caramelisation, Glory busted our budget but it was worth it. In the end, the balanced flavour of the pineapple in the jam (too sweet for some, good for others) worked wonderfully with the flakey crust. Verdict: 4/5

Premium packaging to impress your atas relatives.

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Monkey business This Year of the Monkey is sure to usher in a range of crafty, clever and charming wines and spirits for the inquisitive drinker—be off to a good start with our picks. By June Lee

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Monkey 47

(750ml, $24.95, exclusive to Cold Storage, www.coldstorage.com) Origin: New Zealand What is it: This relatively young wine brand, started in 2004 by Constellation Wines, is famous for crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Malborough region. The pale straw coloured wine is vibrant, juicy and slightly grassy, ideal to be drunk cool with seafood dishes. Monkey connection: The label is named for the small bay where an Englishman supposedly spotted a monkey in the 19th century. As there are no monkeys in New Zealand, it may be more likely he saw a kiwi bird. If you like it: The brand also offers good value Merlot and Chardonnay.

(500ml, $99 from La Maison du Whisky) Origin: Germany What is it: Founded in 2008 by Alexander Stein and made in small batches from 47 unusual botanicals, many from the Black Forest, Monkey 47 is one of the best sipping gins. It has a cranberry and eucalyptus bouquet, and fresh lime and wild herbs taste that’s highly pleasant. Drink it neat or in a cocktail— best paired with Fever Tree Tonic. Monkey connection: The gin is recreated from a secret recipe by a retired British army official who loved Germany and stayed on after World War II. He helped rebuild the Berlin Zoo where he sponsored an egret monkey named Max, and founded a guesthouse in the Black Forest named A Wild Monkey. If you like it: Get the CNY party sets comprising Monkey 47, Fair vodka and 8 bottles of Fever Tree Tonic 500ml ($198, U.P. $225)

Monkey Shoulder Triple Malt

Wolf Blass Year of the Monkey President’s Selection Gold Label

(750ml, $89 from FairPrice Finest) Origin: Scotland What is it: A free-spirited and modern whisky introduced in 2005 that’s a combination of three single malt Scotch, matured in oak casks for mellow vanilla vibes. It’s rich and smooth on its own but also popular for mixology cocktails. Monkey connection: The name is a tribute to the distillery workers who shovelled tons of barley by hand in the past. Afterwards, the men’s stiff shoulders would temporarily cause their arms to hang down, making them look a bit like monkeys, hence ‘monkey shoulder’ as a nickname. If you like it: Monkey Shoulder is a mix of Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie single malts, from the same William Grant & Sons group.

(1L, $39.90 each from FairPrice, Giant and Cold Storage stores) Origin: Australia What is it: Striking twin bottles of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in one litre bottles, specially blended from different regions for character and consistency. Wolf Blass was founded in Barossa Valley in 1966 and is part of Treasury Wine Estates. Monkey connection: Specially released for 2016, and goes well with Chinese cuisine this Lunar New Year. Try the soft, fine Cabenet Sauvignon with roast duck, beef hor fun, or jiao zhi; and the full-bodied, cherry rich Shiraz with char siew, Peking duck, or black pepper beef. If you like it: The Wolf Blass President’s Selection Gold Label range, which was introduced in 2000, highlights soft rich fruit intensity, such as in the Chardonnay.

Bar Watch

The next time you party at Zouk, Bang Bang, 1-Altitude and Trace, reach for the bling new bubblies in town: Luc Belaire Brut and Luc Belaire Rosé ($168 each). These sparkling wines in sleek black bottles, first launched in 2011, became a sensation after being seen in the hands of hip hop royalty like Jay Z and Rick Ross, the brand’s ambassador. The Rosé from Provence, an area specialising in this style, is balanced and fruity, with trademark strawberry aromas, while the Brut is made from just Chardonnay from Burgundy area. Both are not too sweet and can be drunk on its own, well-chilled, or mixed into a cocktail. We fell in love with The Ultimate Living Room—Kilo Lounge, with its bare concretethemed space, throw carpets and big plush sofas. Windows that span almost the entire circumference of the eighth floor enlarge the space, and provides a nice framing of the green and urban cityscape surrounding it. Kick back and relax with cocktails like the Spicy Margarita ($20) that perks you right up, A Sure Thing ($19) comprising homemade vanilla infused vodka, cucumbers, mint and lime, and Japanese-fusion bar bites of addictively roasted, spicy edamame ($9), and wasabi tuna tartare served with wanton chips ($26). Take advantage of their happy hour (Tue-Fri 5.30-8pm) as well as 1-for-1 drinks and 25% off snacks every Thu 5.30pm-1am. #08-01, 66 Kampong Bugis. Tel: 9830 6252 kilo lounge

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Home bar 101 Are you a mixologist in the making? here are the nifty tools to improve your bartending skills. By Meredith Woo

Bar10der (Blue/Green/Grey/Orange/Red) Literally a Swiss Army knife for every aspiring mixologist. It's extremely portable, compact and easy to storeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no more lost tools! What's included: muddler, knife, reamer, stirrer, channel knife, corkscrew, jigger, strainer, zester and bottle opener. Comes with a handy cocktail guide too.

$52.90 from ToTT @ Dunearn, #01-01A, 896 Dunearn Road. Tel: 6219 7077. www.tottstore.com

SILI All Rounder (Blue/Red/Orange/White) This silicone mould allows you to create those gorgeous ice spheres for your whisky, which melt slower than boring ice cubes. Use the All Rounder for chocolate and jelly too!

Yukiwa "Baron" Cobbler Shaker in Gold Feel like a Japanese rock idol as you give that Manhattan a good shake. Tableware specialist Yukiwa is also known for producing sturdy bar tools and can gold-plate any item upon request. This suave 24k gold cobbler shaker comprises a tin, a strainer and a cap that can also be used as a 1.5oz measure.

$125 from Rockustar Spirits, www.rockustar.com

$8.90 from HipVan, www.hipvan.com

Polar Ice Bucket (Black/White) A designer ice bucket that not only preserves the integrity of your ice cubes but also conveys a powerful message about global warming. As ice melts and water drains into the outer segment, the polar bear's natural habitat seems to disappear. Tongs provided. Libbey Bar In A Box Assorted Bar Glasses (18 Pieces) The ultimate glassware set for your home bar. Instead of trawling separate shops and carting glass by glass back, buy everything in a box. Each set consists of four 13.5oz zombie/cooler glasses, four 10.5oz poco glasses, four 2oz margarita glasses, one 16oz mixing glass and one strainless steel bar strainer.

$64.90 from Qualy Design Singapore, www.qualydesign.sg

SPRITTA Fruit garnishing set (Green) If you're into fruity cocktails, this trio (corer 21cm, melon baller 17cm, lemon dresser/ zester 19cm) is a must. Core apples, garnish drinks with citrus peels and coax spheres from honeydew, watermelon or even ice cream with these tools.

$6.90 from IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Road. Tel: 6786 6868

USD29.95 (S$47.25) from KegWorks, www.kegworks.com

Julip Strainer More commonly known as the julep strainer, this works in tandem with the Hawthorne variety (the one with the spring). Use this when straining a cocktail from a mixing glass, and the other when straining the tipple from a mixing tin.

$4 from The Liquor Bar Singapore, #02-21 Parklane Shopping Mall, 35 Selegie Road. Tel: 6253 2153/9227 5297. www.liquorbar.sg

King Metal Stainless Steel Bar Set (8pcs) A great no-frills starter kit with eight essential tools: double jigger (for quick and precise measurement), ice bucket, ice tongs, cocktail strainer, stirrer, bottle opener, knife and tool rack. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for both home bar and professional use.

$68.90 (U.P. $86.25) from Pantry Pursuits, www.pantrypursuits.com

Cocktail cheatsheet Basic tipples to get you started White/light rum Flavour: Dry and light-bodied with a hint of sweetness Made from: Sugarcane juice and/or molasses What to buy: Bacardi Use in: Daiquiri, mojito, piĂąa colada

Bourbon/rye whiskey Flavour: Woody and smoky (because of the oak barrels), sweet and smooth. Fullbodied. Made from: Corn (bourbon) or rye, American What to buy: Jim Beam Use in: Old Fashioned (Bourbon whiskey), whiskey sour, Manhattan (rye whiskey)

Gin Flavour: Botanical and earthy like juniper berries, can be strong or light, dry and might have slight turpentine-like finish. Made from: Juniper berries, originally used as a herbal medicine What to buy: Beefeater Used in: Martini, Tom Collins, negroni, gin & tonic

RECIPES

Dry/Sweet Vermouth Flavour: An aromatic wine, fortified with botanicals like roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs and spices. Made from: Grape wine, flavoured and fortified with additional alcohol and dry ingredients. What to buy: Carpano Bianco (dry), Martini & Rossi (sweet) Used in: Manhattan (sweet), martini (dry), negroni (sweet)

White rum + lime juice + sugar White rum + lime juice + sugar + club soda + mint leaves White rum + cream of coconut + pineapple juice Bourbon whiskey + sugar + bitters (Angostura) Rye whiskey + sweet vermouth + bitters (Angostura) + Maraschino cherry Whiskey + lemon juice + sugar + egg white (optional) Citrus vodka + triple sec (Cointreau) + cranberry juice + lime juice + orange garnish Vodka + orange juice + salt Tequila + triple sec (Cointreau) + lime juice + salt for glass rim + lime wheel garnish Tequila + orange juice + grenadine syrup Dry gin + dry vermouth + orange bitters Gin + lemon juice + sugar + chilled club soda (or even replace the latter two with Sprite) Dry gin + Campari + sweet vermouth

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Daiquiri Mojito PiĂąa colada Old Fashioned Manhattan Whiskey sour Cosmopolitan Screwdriver Margarita Tequila Sunrise Martini Tom Collins Negroni

Vodka Flavour: Said to be the workhorse of the bar for its neutral flavour. First-time drinkers would liken it to rubbing alcohol, due to its ethanol content. Made from: Mostly water and ethanol, usually distilled from cereals and potatoes What to buy: Absolut Used in: Cosmopolitan, Screwdriver Tequila Flavour: Sweet, fruity, peppery and spicy. Can take on smoky flavour if aged. Made from: Distilled from roasted agave hearts, Mexican What to buy: Jose Cuervo Used in: Margarita, Tequila Sunrise

Bell pepper (0) Stay safe, and stay sweet with these common bell peppers, or otherwise known to most in this region as capsicums, in their usual traffic light shades of red, orange and green. Also named the sweet pepper as it is the only member of the Capsicum Genus that does not produce capsaicin.

Jalapeno pepper (3.5-10k) One of the most well-known Mexican chilli varieties, they also contain lots of key nutritional substances: a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, beta-carotene and antioxidants. Did you know they’re called chipotle when smoke-dried?

Cayenne pepper (30-80k) Cayenne has high levels of capsaicin which speeds up metabolism rates, aiding in weight loss. Don’t load up on these just yet. When over-consumed they can cause a fast rise in blood pressure which resulted in a hospital visit for a 19-year-old in Italy. Chilli padi (50-200k) Many have come to love this welcomed tinge of heat with their meals. Everyday sort of munchies can take on a fiery twist and bring a sweet splotch of colour to your cheeks. 2.2mil

Carolina Reaper (1,600-2,200k) So you think you can handle the heat? Have a go at the world’s hottest pepper since 2013: a crossbreed between ghost pepper and red habanero. While you’re at it, try your hand at beating the 10.95 seconds record of finishing three of these by Jason McNabb in 2014. 20

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We bring you a variety of chilli peppers to Fire up your relationship this valentine's. measured in Scoville heat units (a test of a chilli pepper's potency), put yourself through the flames with their increasing spicy heat. By Samantha Seah

Sco vill e heat

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80k Peter pepper (10-23k) Keeping things unknown and a little secretive adds a touch of mystery to the relationship, just like the Peter pepper. A rare species with hidden origins (though grown in Texas), it is a curiosity of sorts with its odd shape.

200k 350k

Scotch bonnet pepper (100-350k) Immerse your senses in the fiery depths of the Scotch bonnet pepper. Containing a sweeter flavour profile with a stouter shape compared to its Habanero cousin, this innocent looking pepper still burns. Found mainly in the Caribbean islands, but also in Guyana where it is aptly called 'ball of fire', it’s a surefire way to turn the heat up in your relationship.

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MusT-TRY DIVING sPOTs AROuND THe WORLD

SOLUTIONS FOR THE MODERN PET LOVER

THE MAN BEHIND RIVER MONSTERS

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