I-S Magazine Feb 8 (Issue 620).pdf by Asia City Media Group

FeBrUarY 8 - 21, 2013

Love is... a grind.

# 6 2 0 | I n s I d e s I n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

spilling secrets Hidden bars, cult drinking clubs, offmenu items and everything else you're not supposed to know about

Tuck In

LUNCH BRUNCH & BUFFET

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singapore's Best Lunch spots More than 100 of the city's top lunch, brunch and buffet deals

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page 3 Find Page 3 online at is.gd/page3

Two is company, 6.9 million is a crowd

How does the government plan to accommodate the extra 1.6 million people it anticipates living here by 2030? Ignore the talk of repurposed golf courses and moved military bases; some redacted sections of their controversial White Paper reveal the real story…

Cover Story Opening the door on the city’s secret spots

Relocate people to the Jurong Rock Caverns. For years we’ve been building some 150 acres worth of mysterious storage space beneath the seabed. Let’s admit it’s not for storing oil, it’s for holding people.

Open up the enclosures at the River Safari. The place keeps threatening to open, but never does. Do they even have any animals? In any event, the public likes green spaces so this’ll suit them just fine.

Install residential compartments inside MRT carriages. With 56 new lines to be built in the next five years, why would anyone ever need to leave?!

Reverse our decision to permit gambling. The gaming floors of MBS and RWS could provide shelter for plenty of people; even more if everyone stands and takes turns sleeping on the baccarat tables.

Remove the stuffed corpses of our erstwhile British overlords from the guestrooms at the Tanglin Club (they’ve been lying in state long enough) and let some new foreign residents move in.

Put the SuperTrees to better use. OCBC cardholders to have first right of refusal on cozy, pipeshaped apartments inside them.

18 StyLe

Denim with a difference 12

tRAVeL

HOt OPeNING

ARt

Party in Vang Vieng

Ki-sho

West meets East

FILM

LASt WORd

The Grandmaster

Ken Kwek

Who's in charge?

Where to find us!

Country Manager Andrew Hiransomboon countrymanager@asia‑city.com.sg

Marketing Executive Silver Ng Marketing Intern Fathinsuhaila Roslan

Managing Editor Ric Stockfis editor@asia‑city.com.sg

Advertising Director bernadine Reddy salesdirector@asia‑city.com.sg

Associate Editor terry Ong Sub‑Editor Victoria Cheong Web Editor Hidayah Salamat Dining Editor Jalean Wong Staff Writers Chin Hui Wen, Crystal Lee Editorial Assistant Khairul Amri Editorial Intern Iris Katariina Custom Content Editor Natasha Gunawardena Custom Content Writer Clara Lim Art Director Intan Agustina Senior Designer tetuko Hanggoro Prasetyowibowo Designers Fishy toh, Mossy Chew Wenzhi, Zhou Jixuan Design Interns Gregory Vanlerberghe, Maria theresia Finance Manager Sally Kang Accountant Mark Anthony Habel Admin Executive Goh ting yu

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Business Development Director Lina teo Sales Manager daniel Lim Assistant Sales Manager Kevin Ng Senior Executive, Media Sales denja Chasse, teo Loo Lin Executive, Media Sales yeo Hui yu ACMG digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

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I‑S Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #14‑03, Singapore 159552. Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2012 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The title “I‑S Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of I‑S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. I‑S Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in I‑S Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 136/12/2012

I-S MAGAZINe IS AudIted by

6.9) Release the giant ejector seat button installed under Parliament House, and let the suckers left behind deal with the fallout. See you in Bali, baby!

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Freebies

The art is on us

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A Year of the Snake silkscreen print on rice paper by Steve Lawler, signed and numbered edition of 100 in a frame (worth $198). For the full story see page 15.

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WALK THE TALK Get a taste of local heritage (literally) on the Joo Chiat / Katong Food Walk organized by Betel Box in February.

Speeding 100 km/h

Your whole life story in 10 minutes

First to arrive

First impressions

Wannabe racers and drunks

Insecure singles

Future at risk

Speed dating

Future partner

The odds: Speed dating 2:1. There’s a limit to an adrenaline fix.

This week you will mainly love your city for its...

Convenient commuting

To apply, go to www.is-magazine.com/isx

With plans for the MRT network to be expanded further by 2030, including two new lines, commuters are cheering that it’ll be easier to get around the island. There’s the promise of even more convenience within the neighborhood, too; more covered walkways linking MRT stations to housing estates will be built, and lifts will be installed at about 40 pedestrian overhead bridges near MRT stations and major bus stops by 2018.

Be Good Food for thought While Chinese New Year is a time for feasting, there are some who struggle to put enough food on the table. Help Shan You Counselling Centre (www.shanyou.org.sg) in their monthly ration pack distribution to the needy elderly and families, by being a food sorter/packer. The center needs volunteers to assist in preparing food packages; the latest session happens on February 21, 3-6pm at Wellness Community (#01-2593 Blk. 3 Eunos Crescent). For more information, call 6741-9293 or email enya@shanyou.org.sg.

official mobile camera for I-S X Sources: Asia One, MICA, The New Paper, Publichouse.sg, The Straits Times, Today.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

MOVIE UNDEMROVIE UNDER THE STARS THE STARS Enjoy an evening of romance under the stars wi

ROMANTIC DINING EXPERIENCE AT CLARKE QUAY tic Indulge in an unforgettable and roman dining experience under the colorful e’s kaleidoscope of canopies this Valentin Day only at Clarke Quay.

th your love ones this Va len MOVIE UNDER THE STARS (notinne e’sedDa y at Claerrke Quay. for he ad plythe title since you are includSim spema ndsth $5ea 0 at ing d)any outlet in Cla rke Qu ay fro m 1 Fe b – 17 Treat your lov Fe 20mo 13 vie to redeem a pair of e ones to a romanbtic tick ets to the mo vie of you cho screening under the starsr wi thiceev. ery $50

at Clarke Quay from 18 Jan – 17 Feb 20 spent FREE MOVIE Email a scan copy of your receipt, 13 nam

VALENTINE'S DAY PROMOTIONS

e, contact number and movie choice to joy.tay@capitaland.com wit hin 5 working days from the date on your receipt to claim an exclusive pair of tickets to movie of your choice**.

SET MENU

PROGRAMMING

LE SAIGON • BOSS BARBQ • FERN & KIWI • LITT INDIA • PAULANER • RAS THE ESSENCE OF DINING & BAR • SANSUI CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE • THE FORBIDDEN CITY BY INDOCHINE SEL ANGOR • TOMO IZAKAYA • VINTRY AT ROYAL

Date / Time

7pm

DRINKS PROMOTIONS

15 FEB (FRI)

9pm

Ghost

16 FEB (SAT)

Never Been Kissed

Notting Hill

PHANT • ALEGRO CHURROS BAR • CRAZY ELE LOUNGE & BAR • FERN & KIWI • THE RUPEE ROOM • VINTRY AT ROYAL SEL ANGOR

SINGLES PART Y

*Free ﬂow pop corn (whilst stocks last) *Exclusive goody bags (100 per session) *Rain or shine event **Whilst stocks last

Venue: Clarke Quay Read Bridge

17 FEB (SUN)

• CHINA ONE

Romeo + Juliet

Just Married Bride Wars

Complimentary 3-hour parking per day per mall across 14 Cap pitaMalls.

LIFESTYLE PPRIVILEGES BLITTZ SPA B • BLIT

Not a DBS BS Capit CapitaC aCard ard Member ye yet? t? To apply apply,, SM SMS S CAP< CAP<sspac pace>N e> e>NA NAM AM ME< E<spa spac p ce>N e>NR NRIC IC to 76 7606 060 60 0 no now now. w. w.

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CALENDAR Essential Events February 8 - February 21

Smooth Operator Seductive soul, jazz and electronica at the highly-anticipated José James Presents No Beginning No End gig. Feb 18, 8pm. TAB, #02-09 Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Rd., 6493-6592. $55 from www.tab.com.sg, $60 at the door.

Something’s Brewing

Sandor Ellix Katz: Hands on Fermentation Workshop. Renowned fermentation revivalist Ellix Katz shares insights of his craft through a three-day workshop which includes food tastings and hands-on experiences making fruit beer and condiments. Feb 19-21, 10am. 2am: lab, #02-13 Connexis North Tower, 1 Fusionopolis Way, 6467-4066, www.2amlab.org. $200 (oneday), $480 (three-days).

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

CALENDAR FEBRUARY 9, SATURDAY Broadcast Presents Hip Hop Special with Da Isser and Darkwing. Pulsating hip hop gig with a difference. 9pm. Broadcast HQ. See DJ Gigs, page 28. FEBRUARY 10, SUNDAY Smack My Beach Up – Chinese New Year Special. More fun in the sun at this regular beach party. But this time round, you have a real excuse to get away from the folks. 3pm. Tanjong Beach Club. See DJ Gigs, page 29. FEBRUARY 14, THURSDAY Fight Comic. New weekly stand-up comedy night at one of our favourite indie joints. 9pm. Blu Jaz Cafe, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. $10 at the door. FEBRUARY 15, FRIDAY Love Actually Traders’ Market at Clarke Quay. Shop for romantic gifts at this flea market. There

will also be networking sessions. Noon. Through Feb 16. See Sales & Fairs, page 27. FEBRUARY 16, SATURDAY The Observatory in Gezeitentümpel. Singapore’s most respected experimental band The Observatory holds a rare impromptu gig. 5pm. Gallery, Objectifs, 56A Arab St., 6293-9782, www. objectifs.com.sg.

FEBRUARY 18, MONDAY Exciting conferences and provocative discussions on the digital world at Social Media Week Singapore 2013. Various venues. See Classes & Workshops, page 27. Emerging talents dish out poems, prose and music at open mic session destination: INK. 8pm. Blu Jaz Cafe, 11 Bali Lane, 62923800. $10 at the door.

FEBRUARY 22, FRIDAY Hello, Shibuya Tokyo. More than 20 pop-up shops selling a range of Japanese fashion labels such as Jersey Boys ANREALAGE to go gaga FEBRUARY 17, SUNDAY over. 11am. Main Atrium, Last chance to catch the Plaza Singapura. See Sales entertaining Jersey Boys. & Fairs, page 27. Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands. See Musicals, page 25. Empire of Dreams. Hip Pop Art exhibition by PHUNK closes today. Art Seasons Gallery. See Art, page 25.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLARKE QUAY

Love is in the Air at Clarke Quay I

f you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or a get-together with your best buds on Valentine’s Day, for great food, beautiful waterfront views and fine wine, look no further than Clarke Quay. In celebration of this special day, Clarke Quay’s dining establishments and nightlife spots have rolled out irresistible special promotions that anyone can enjoy. Here’s a rundown of the best places to be in February.

Wine & Dine BOSS BARBQ Blk C #01-04 T: 6336-3393 Indulge in the Valentine’s Day Mixed Platter Set ($128++ per couple), which comes with Saba Fish or Jumbo Prawn, Bean Sprout Soup, BBQ Chicken and Heartshaped Seafood Pancake as main, Ice Huangdao for dessert and a choice of Bok Bun Ja bottle or two glasses of Simply Red Mocktail. Boss Side dishes are included. BarBQ (Valid from Feb 13-14)

FERN & KIWI Blk C #01-02/03/#02-07/08 T: 6336-2271 www.fernandkiwi.com Reserve a spot at this New Zealand establishment for a Valentine Day’s Set Menu ($55++ per person) which comprises an Amuse Bouche, a Foie Gras and Sea Scallops with Caramelized Green Apple and Apple Jelly, Duo of Beef or Medley of Seafood as main and Variation of Chocolate as dessert. (Valid only on Feb 14)

LITTLE SAIGON

mains such as the Tender Loving Steak. Accompanying your meal are two glasses of Sparkling Wine. (Valid only on Feb 14)

PAULANER SINGAPORE CLARKE QUAY Blk B #01-12 T: 6338-0480 www.paulaner-clarkequaysingapore.com In the mood for both meat and seafood? Order the Surf and Turf for Him and Her ($38++), which has Chargrilled Ribeye and Lobster Tail Thermidor with Garlic Mash and Salad. (Valid throughout the month of Feb)

Vietnamese cuisine lovers are in for a treat with the Valentine’s Day Set Menu ($89++ per couple), which includes Fresh Mango Spring Rolls to share and a choice of

These folks are offering a complimentary bottle of wine when you order their Valentine’s Day Set Dinner ($130++ per couple). A Vegetarian Set Dinner ($130++ per couple) is also available. Highlights include Chicken or Vegetable Dil Bahar Kebab as well as mains like Murg Multani and Paneer Shabnam. (Valid only on Feb 14)

Start off your Valentine’s Day Set Menu ($98++ per couple) with Salmon and Avocado Cocktail, followed by a Wagyu Shabu-Shabu Salad. Then tuck into the Sashimi and Kurobuta Pork Miso Claypot and Gohan. Complimentary two glasses of Sparkling Sake is also served. (Valid from Feb 14-17)

VINTRY AT ROYAL SELANGOR Blk A #01-01 T: 6338-2303 www.vintry.com.sg Spoil yourself and your

Sansui Contemporary date with a bottle of Japanese Conti Neri Prosecco NV Dining & Bar and Creamy Italian Herb

This contemporary chic restaurant is offering a Valentine’s Day Set Dinner ($136++ per couple) featuring Sashimi of King Salmon and Hokkaido Bay Scallop, Slow Roasted Mangalica Pork Loin and Rock Lobster Somen with Dashi Broth. The set also comes with a complimentary bottle of sake. (Minimum two to dine; valid from Feb 13-17)

Blk A #01-02 T: 6557-6266 www.indochine.com.sg

VINTRY AT ROYAL SELANGOR

CRAZY ELEPHANT

Enjoy 30% off all Bottle Wines and Champagne. (Valid from Feb 13-14)

Blk A #01-01 T: 6338-2303 www.vintry.com.sg

Blk E #01-03/04 T: 6337-7859 www.crazyelephant.com Ready to rock and roll after dinner? Check into this boisterous bar and enjoy a Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bottle at $108 while you enjoy the live blues session. (Valid all night long, from Feb 9-16)

Relax BLITZ SPA Blk B #02-03/04 T: 6533-6288

Crazy Elephant

Tomato Soup, followed by mains like Ribeye Medallions. An Apple Tortilla makes a sweet ending to the Valentine’s Day Set ($118 per couple). (Valid from Feb 13-14)

Drinks ALEGRO CHURROS BAR Blk D #01-13 Who says Valentine’s Day is all about fine wines and champagne? A set of five Jagerbombs at $55 nett or a set of six Rainbow Shots at $49.50 nett will seal the deal too.

Pampering yourself and your other half just got sweeter; the spa is offering a free bottle of wine with every couple room package. (Valid from Feb 13-15)

Party

Blk C #01-02/03/#02-07/08 T: 6336-2271 www.fernandkiwi.com Blk A #01-04 T: 6333-0100 www.tomoizakaya.com.sg

SANSUI CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE DINING & BAR

(Valid daily all night long throughout the month of Feb)

FERN & KIWI

Blk D #01-05A T: 6837-2800 www.ras.com.sg

THE FORBIDDEN CITY BY INDOCHINE Fern & Kiwi

TOMO IZAKAYA

RAS THE ESSENCE OF INDIA

Blk B #01-06 T: 6336-7737 www.sansui.com.sg

Blk E #01-02 T: 6337-5585 www.littlesaigonasia.com

Celebrate this special occasion with the Valentine’s Day Set Dinner. At $228++ per couple, you get two glasses of red or white wine, while the set at $268++ per couple includes two glasses of Champagne. On the menu are Signature Appetiser for sharing, salad, Classic Cream of Lobster Tom Yam Soup, mains like Duo Seafood and Crispy Banana Fritter as dessert. (Valid only on Feb 14)

CHINA ONE

With Champagne at $19.90++ per glass and the special Exotic Red Lava Cocktail at $17.70++ per glass, pleasing the lady won’t burn a hole in your pocket. (Valid only on Feb 14)

THE RUPEE ROOM LOUNGE & BAR Blk B #01-15 T: 8299-0917 www.harrys.com.sg Order a bottle of Moët & Chandon ($99 nett) at this Bollywoodthemed lounge and bar. (Valid only on Feb 14)

Blk E #02-01 to 03 T: 6339-0280 www.chinaone.sg Singles definitely have more fun and China One is throwing a bash for the dateless on Feb 14, 7-9.30pm, where you get to meet new friends and break the Guinness World Record for the longest linked toast. Tickets are $8 with cocktails, house pours and light bites. Tickets on sale at China One during operating hours.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Enjoy an evening of romance under the stars as you watch a film with your loved one this Valentine’s Day at Clarke Quay. Simply spend $50 at any outlet in Clarke Quay from Feb 1-17 to redeem a pair of tickets to the movie of your choice**. Venue: Clarke Quay Read Bridge

Date/Time

7pm

9pm

Feb 15 (Fri)

Ghost

Notting Hill

Feb 16 (Sat)

Never Been Kissed

Just Married

Feb 17 (Sun)

Romeo + Juliet

Bride Wars

At this rain or shine event, you can get free flow of popcorn** and exclusive goodie bags (100 per session). **Whilst stocks last How to redeem: Email a scanned copy of your receipt, name, contact number and movie choice to joy.tay@capitaland.com within five working days from the date on your receipt to claim an exclusive pair of tickets.

www.clarkequay.com.sg/vday *All information is correct at time of release and may be subject to change. Outlet’s terms and conditions apply. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

COVER STORY Modern Day Speakeasies These watering holes are as secretive as bars of the bygone Prohibition era, but that's precisely what adds to their appeal.

On the Down-Low Chin Hui Wen helps you navigate the city's ever-growing array of cool underground spots like a pro.

Horse's Mouth

($25). The crowd’s just as cool as the vibe: arty types, scenesters and chefs. 28 HongKong St., 6533-2001, www.28hks. com. Open Mon-Thu 5:30pm-1am; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-3am.

eeping things hush-hush is all the rage. Here in Singapore, it seems like every other new bar wants to keep itself a secret. Places with their entrances hidden within other restaurants, spaces tucked away in narrow alleyways and establishments you’ll need a password to enter—we've got all this and more. “We keep a lower profile compared to the big and brash establishments because we prefer to focus on building a community and an audience rather than simply advertising for any customers to walk-in,” says Gan Kwok Yee, general manager and founder of cocktail bar Jigger & Pony (101 Amoy St., 6223-9101, www.jiggerandpony.com). “I think it helps attract people who want a place that is not too commercial, and ironically makes them all the more excited to share this community with their friends and colleagues.” Secret bars are far from a new phenomenon. Pioneering cocktail joints like New York’s PDT (aka Please Don’t Tell), Employees Only and Little Branch years ago set the trend for watering holes with a Prohibition era speakeasy vibe. London, too, has its share of hidden spots including Milk & Honey and Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, with unconventional and nondescript addresses. And it’s not just drinking haunts that have chosen to remain secret. From Melbourne soba specialist Yu-u to New York’s Burger Joint (concealed behind a curtain at the lobby of Le Parker Meridien Hotel), some of the best food in big cities is now found at purposefully mysterious locales. We've also seen the rise of guerilla dining clubs where you can eat with strangers; for more, check out Underground Eats on page 11. It’s really no surprise that the cosmopolitan Little Red Dot has its own little mysteries. Not all covert locations are new. We’ve long had venues so exclusive that the general public barely knows about them (like the Pyramid Club, a semi-secret stronghold for the political elite at Goodwood Park). And in recent times, even more hidden haunts have joined the fold, all with the same under-the-radar buzz. Here we share some of the island’s best-kept secrets, so you too can partake in the underground scene.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

ABSS Bar

28 HongKong Street

It’s all very hush-hush really (no signage, just a nondescript door), but this neat cocktail bar is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The almost non-existent lighting from old-fashioned bulbs and cozy ambiance make for a great speakeasy vibe. Unlike most other cocktail bars, food here is actually pretty damn good. Try the truffle mac & cheese balls ($12) to go with the carefully curated menu of tipples including a barrel-aged negroni

With its entrance hidden inside Malaysian restaurant PappaMia at a River Valley shophouse, this joint set up by the Association of Bartenders and Sommeliers of Singapore (ABSS) serves as a training space for barmen in the daytime. But what you might not know is that the place also switches into full bar mode in the evening. There’s a wide range of spirits and liqueurs stocked at the comfy, laidback joint (with a video game machine and a pool table). Cocktails—mixed by trainees—start at a mere $9 and pack a real punch (though don’t expect anything too creative: it’s just classics here). 429A River Valley Rd., 9753-3113, www.singaporebartenders.com. Open Mon-Sat 6-11pm.

Q&A Chris Lee The creative director of design firm Asylum (#03-01, 69 Circular Rd., 63242289, www.theasylum.com.sg) which worked on hidden bar Horse’s Mouth (see opposite page), talks about building an exclusive atmosphere. What appealed to you about working on the Horse’s Mouth project? Our client was a long-time collaborator so we had an understanding about what we wanted to achieve. They own three associated establishments: Uma Uma Ramen, which had to look casual, Horse’s Mouth, which is a little mysterious and fun, and formal kaiseki joint Yoshiyuki. The project was

challenging because we had to integrate three very different spaces and make it work. What influences did you draw from in designing the space? We looked at temple roof tiles because of its origin in kaiseki cuisine but also wanted to add a little sparkle to the space with color. That’s where the origami flowers came into

Bitters & Love

The latest bespoke cocktail bar on the scene is located along North Canal Road, a short walk from 28 HongKong Street. The entrance is tucked behind new eatery Shoebox Canteen, with discreet signage on the mailbox. With stripped bare walls and old-school floor tiling, the joint has an anti-establishment aesthetic. Owner-barkeeper Din Hassan whips up Bitters & Love drinks to your taste, most costing between $17-23 nett. You might get concoctions such as the unusual Kaya Toast ($19), with dark Mount Gay rum, Earl Grey tea, fresh lemon juice, honey and kaya, as well as classics like the Penicillin ($22). 36 North Canal Rd., 6438-1836, www.bittersandlove.com. Open Mon-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-2am.

Horse’s Mouth

Hidden behind a curtain inside the rather unassuming Uma Uma Ramen is a door. And behind that door is a staircase. And at the bottom of that staircase is... a really rather pleasant bar that takes its cues from Japanese drinking dens (think: exclusive whiskeys, careful techniques and dark corners, courtesy of designers Asylum; see our interview below), but does away with the stuffiness (and the impenetrable menus) to create somewhere that for all its "exclusivity" is a reliable bet for a well-made drink. It's so easygoing, in fact, that Japanese clients from the adjacent kaiseki joint barely recognise it as one of their own; and don't tend to stay for long. Which means more limited edition Hitachino Nest beers for the rest of us. #B1-39 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6235-1088, www. horsesmouthbar.com. Open Sun, Tue-Thu 6:30pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6:30pm-1am.

47 Keong Saik Road

Those in the know head to the cool passwordonly bar right next to Jason Atherton’s casual Western eatery. You can get the secret phrase off their Facebook page or from the eager servers at the restaurant. Give the password to the bookkeeper who’ll let you in a mirrored door. Once in, brace yourself for serious drinks, care of Canadian bartender Stefan Ravalli who’s done his time at Atherton’s Pollen Street Social. Tiki fans will dig Piscotheque ($21), with passion fruit, pineapple, mint leaves and BarSol Pisco. The sake-spiked Moshi Moshi Umeboshi ($21) is a nice refreshing drink, too. 47 Keong Saik Rd., 6221-8338, www.facebook.com/ KeongSaikSnacks. Open daily 6pm-1am.

» Moshi Moshi Umeboshi

play; we had to find enough people to fold thousands of them!

around because the secret gets out. Bad bars should remain a secret.

What’s foremost in your mind when you’re designing a secretive space? The space cannot be too large or it’ll feel faked. Secretive places have secret entrances that lead to small spaces so that the secret can be kept intact.

What were the projects Asylum worked on in 2012 that you’re most proud of? Horse’s Mouth and Yoshiyuki of course, plus the Johnnie Walker house in Beijing and a pop up store for Hublot.

Do you think secret bars are here to stay in Singapore? Well, it depends on the quality of the bars. Good bars will always be

Any exciting projects coming up? We’re working on the branding of a major art museum that’s opening in 2015 and a few hotels in Jakarta. Ric Stockfis

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 9

COVER STORY Irregular Operators Throw back some top-notch sips at these occasional drink specialists. Here’s a little known way to get your fill of suds from homegrown brewhouse Jungle Beer Brewery (#04-27 Food Xchange, 8A Admiralty St., www.junglebeer.com). The open brewery tour and free-flow deal happens every second Saturday of the month, 6:30-11:30pm, and no reservations are necessary. Beer master Aditya Challa will take you around the facility and show you the tools of the trade—tanks, malt and pungent hops—then you get to imbibe the fruits of his labor with an all-you-can-drink draft craft beer deal for $40. There’s a rotating lineup of flavors such as mango, orange and even coffee. The next one happens February 16 (it got pushed back a little for the CNY holidays). For a little more variety,

Liberty Coffee

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Cult Beer Club’s (www.facebook.com/ CultBeerClub) a hush-hush group of beer lovers who gather to taste progressive international bottles by cult favorite brewers (think names like Mikkeller, DeMolen and DeStruise). They sample the suds at tasting sessions which sometimes feature more than 40 labels. To sign up, email info@thedrinkingpartners.com. Brews of another sort can be found at Liberty Coffee (131 Rangoon Rd., 6392-2903, libertycoffee.tumblr.com). The coffee roaster is a familiar name around town, providing fresh java to cafés such as Artistry in Kampong Glam. But you might not know that they open up every now and then as a coffee bar. You can find the opening hours online on their website. (Though you’ll have to check in pretty regularly, updates are usually posted just a day before they open.) As they’re primarily a wholesaler, the team works their retail hours around the roasting schedule.

Off The Menu Some of the best food items in town aren’t on the bill of fare. Here are some great unlisted dishes that'll impress your dining partners.

Lambgasm

Cugini's Frutti di Mare

Frutti di Mare

First cooked up at the request of popular food blogger Dr Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost.sg this briny seafood tomato pasta dish quickly became a hotly requested item. But Cugini has continued to keep it off the menu. Corrado Riccio, the group’s operations director says, “We believe guests always feel a bit special ordering an item using insider knowledge.” For extra credit, order up the less well-known white sauce version. $29.90 at Cugini, #01-01, 87 Club St, 62213791, www.cugini.com.sg.

In addition to not being listed on the menu, you’ll have to order this eight-hour slow-roasted 2.8kg lamb leg about three days in advance. But it’s totally worth it for this fall-offthe-bone specialty. Plus it comes with bread, salad and a variety of dips including cheese and hummus. Bring friends; remember, sharing is caring. $200 from Artichoke Café + Bar, Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Rd., 6336-6949, www. artichoke.com.sg.

Sambal Belimbing

This dish started out as a Sunday special and isn't on the main menu. But you can do like the regulars do and make a special request for the hard-to-find Eurasian recipe comprising belimbing—a long oval fruit with an intense sour flavor— fresh shrimp and red chili gravy. $20 at Immigrants, 467 Joo Chiat Rd., 85117322, www.immigrants-gastrobar.com.

Underground Eats Another worldwide phenomenon alive and well in Singapore is secret supper clubs. Check out these exclusive dining experiences for intimate evenings with like-minded foodies.

Khana Commune

lolla’s secret suppers

Known for hosting their events at exclusive spots like the Pyramid Club, this dining club reveals the location of each event to RSVPed lolla's secret suppers individuals just two days before the dinner. Pang Hian Tee, one of its founders says, “We like interesting and off-the beaten-track places and usually work with spaces that will allow us to best showcase the talent or activity we’re presenting.” Priced from $130-250, the meals are prepared by well-known local cooks such as Jimmy Chok and Heather Barrie, with handpicked wines from fine producers like Champagne Legras & Haas. They’ve even had live performances by Romanian singer Maya Nova, Japanese jazz pianist Aya Sekine and local duo Zsa and Claire. Sign up at www.lollapalooza.asia.

FiSHing For SecretS They don't publicize it, but not all days are equal at these top restaurants. Here's when their sushi and sashimi is at its freshest.

goto Delivery on Tuesday and Friday. #01‑01, 14 Ann Siang rd., 6438‑1553.

Meii Sushi

Bobby’s Taproom.Grill.Ribs. GH Mumm Champagne at $99.95++ per bottle. Valid from 1 Feb to 14 Feb T. 6337 5477

Chef d’Table Modern European 4-Course Valentine's Day dinner at $95++ per pax. Valid on 13 & 14 Feb T. 6338 4898

Delivery on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. #02‑54 international Plaza, 10 Anson rd., 6220‑3466.

Club Lava

Sakuraya Fish Market

Cosafe Maid Bar & Restaurant

Delivery on Tuesday and Friday. #B1‑83D Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade rd., 6345‑4714, www. sakuraya.com.sg.

4-course Valentine's Day menu at $100++ for 2 pax. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6339 6696

7-course Valentine's Day degustation dinner at $68++ per pax. Valid on 13 & 14 Feb T. 6338 0583

Fandango Tapas & Wine Bar

Khana Commune

The fourth installment of this supper club goes down on February 13 at 7:30pm. Helmed by 28-year-old Zina Alam, the meals cost around $60 a head and are announced anything from two weeks to a month before the event. All are held at Alam’s family home in the west coast. Expect five to eight dishes at every dinner, plus a welcome drink such as homemade lemonade or tamarind juice. Recipes are home-style Bangladeshi recipes which Alam cooks with her mother. The upcoming supper will debut a family favorite of coconut, tamarind and crab. Book yourself a spot by logging on to khanacommune.wordpress.com. n

Love is made up of many bits of time, each for us to cherish. Enjoy the company of your loved one, this Valentine’s Day at CHIJMES.

4-course Valentine’s Day menu at $88++ for 2 pax. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6333 3450

Hog’s Breath Cafe Australia’s Steak House Sushi Ichi

Sushi ichi Delivery on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. #02‑02 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts rd., 6299‑0014, www.suchichi.com.

tatsuya Delivery on Tuesday and Friday. goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts rd., 6737‑1160. Iris Katariina

Free flowers and a glass of Sparkling wine for couples who kiss when ordering dinner. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6338 1387

Insomnia Bar & Restaurant 3-course Valentine's Day menu at $45++ per pax. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6338 6883

La Cave Wine Bar 4-course Valentine's Day menu at $100++ for 2 pax. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6337 9717

La Viva Spanish Bar & Tapas 15% discount on all F&B. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6339 4290

Seoul Restaurant Korean Charcoal BBQ 20% off on all F&B. Valid on 14 Feb T. 6338 8548

The Spa-Lon 2 for the price of 1 on all types of facial services. Valid from 1 Feb to 28 Feb T. 6837 0131

Tatsu Sushi Valentine's Day menu at $88++ per pax. Valid till 28 Feb T. 6332 5868

Tatsu Teppanyaki Valentine's Day menu at $240++ for 2 pax. Valid from 14 Feb to 17 Feb T. 6337 6691

Watabe Wedding Visit CHIJMES Hall for a wedding consultation and receive 5% off from package price. Valid till 28 Feb T. 6336 5320

Promotions above are not valid in conjunction with other promotions and discounts. Dine-in only.

CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996 www.chijmes.com.sg CHIJMES is near City Hall MRT station (exit A) & Bras Basah MRT station (exit A)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 11

travel

Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng

Bridge Crossing to Tham Jang cave

Viva Vang Vieng With the backpacker party seemingly over, this small resort town is heading in a greener, more luxurious direction. By Top Koaysomboon

fter four hours, and a few motion sickness pills, a bus from Vientiane landed us in Vang Vieng resort town. It wasn’t our first time here, but the small town had changed so much, we could hardly recognize it. And for once, the changes were for the better.

As backpackers began arriving in droves, the tubing culture grew to incorporate more adventurous activities and new businesses, including bars and clubs along the river offering fun activities (like rope swings, zip lines and mud volleyball), buckets of booze, and drugs. Things would get particularly crazy at night at what became known as Old Clichés The Island, the small strip The once-tranquil farming along the Nam Song where town of Vang Vieng sits by most of the clubs are. This, the banks of the Nam Song along with the many bars River in-between Vientiane serving greasy Western and Luang Prabang. fare and showing reruns These two major cities of Friends and Family Guy are connected by a single Vang Vieng around the clock, sealed Vang Vieng’s main road known as Highway 13 reputation as a type of Wild West town which winds its way up, down and through for shameless backpacker indulgence. mountainous valleys. The arduous terrain combined with the poor state of the road New Era (as well as the questionable roadworthiness Of course, not everyone loved what of some buses) means many travelers stop Vang Vieng had turned into. Tubing and off at this small town on at least one leg mushroom shakes are a lethal mix and given of their journey. And that’s certainly not the almost non-existent safety measures, a bad thing as Vang Vieng is blessed with stories of drunken backpackers dying were natural beauty, from the peaceful river, the never far from the news. According to The caves, lagoons and forests to its surrounding Guardian, at least 27 people died in 2011 limestone peaks that have led some to alone. And then in November 2012, with dub Vang Vieng the Guilin of Laos. Laos set to host the ASEAN Summit, the On the back of this idyllic beauty, government decided to give the country’s the small town started attracting top party destination a radical makeover international volunteers who came to by prohibiting drugs, alcohol, noisy music teach English to local children or work and dangerous games (such as rope swings) on the organic farms. Then, around the along the Nam Song. All 24 entertainment turn of the millennium, came tubing; venues along the river were shut down the recreational activity by which you and demolished, so that first-timers would ride a rubber tube down the Nam Song barely know of their existence. The result redefined Vang Vieng as a real party town. has been a drastic downturn in visitors.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013

“There are a lot fewer tourists,” said Kee, 20, our kayaking guide on our recent visit. Kee works for the community’s cooperative organization that manages all the tubing and kayaking activities in Vang Vieng. “Those who already knew that [the government] had stopped entertainment activities along the river had already canceled their trips. The backpackers we are seeing today are those who just didn’t know that everything has changed.” More optimistically, Kee told us that Vang Vieng is now welcoming a new kind of older traveler who seeks to appreciate the beautiful natural scenery without a need for alcohol-fuelled adventures. When asked if he likes the “new” Vang Vieng, Kee said, “All I know is that we earn less now than when everything was here. But the Nam Song is more beautiful. I’m sure there are more people who appreciate this kind of thing, too. Well, we’ll see how it goes.”

Luxury Arrivals

“I love what Vang Vieng is becoming,” said Thepharak Phanrajsavong, the owner of Riverside Boutique Resort (see Essentials), a new resort which has been open just six months on the right bank of the Nam Song River in the southern part of town, away from the old backpackers’ hub. Phanrajsavong said that given this fresh start, and the place’s obvious beauty, Vang Vieng has the potential to set itself up as more of a luxury destination. “Despite being known as a backpackers’ heaven, Vang Vieng is also a popular destination among Laotians and expats as it’s close to Vientiane. These people want to stay in a good hotel and

Essentials Getting to Vang Vieng from Vientiane Take a bus or minivan from the Northern bus Terminal in Vientiane (Srithong Rd., 2km northwest of Vientiane’s center). Prices are approximately the same: 50,000 kip (S$7.75) one way; the minivans are smaller and faster though the buses are roomier.

Getting to Vientiane Cathay Pacific flies direct from Singapore to Vientiane for S$1,921 return. Air China flies the route for S$1,587 return; Thai Airways for S$722 return and Lao Airlines from S$430 return.

Visa Singapore citizens don’t need a visa to enter Laos for stays of 30 days or less.

Where to Stay LuxE: Riverside Boutique Resort Vang Vieng (ban Viengkeo, Vang Vieng, +85 602 3511-7268, www.riversidevangvieng. com) is the newest opening and the most luxurious in town, operated by the family behind the high-end Green Park boutique Hotel in Vientiane. The 34 guestrooms are encircled by a riverfront swimming pool and offer stunning views of the limestone mountains on the other side of the Nam Song River. Rates start at uS$119 (S$146). AffoRdABLE: Popular View Guesthouse (93/7 Riverside Rd., ban Savang, Vang Vieng, www. popularviewguesthouse.com) sits at the end of the main road on the bank of the Nam Song River. There’s nothing fancy, but you get hot water and air con with a river view and free Wi-Fi to boot. Rates start at uS$30 (S$37).

Currency

10,000 kip = S$1.50

Looking to get away? Sign up at www.is‑magazine.com/user/register to get Escape Routes delivered to your mailbox every Tuesday.

hate those bars, but they just didn’t have any choice,” said Phanrajsavong of the now-gone party strip. “I know that infrastructure, things like roads, might push progress back, but if we wait until things are better nothing will happen. Everyone here needs to join together to start rebranding Vang Vieng now.” In addition to Phanrajsavong and his resort, Silver Naga (Nam Song Riverside, Ban Savang, Vang Vieng, +85 6 2351-1822, www.silvernaga. com) unveiled its contemporary rooms housed in a gray building earlier this year to join longestablished upscale accommodation options like Elephant Crossing, Inthira and Ban Sabai. As for those who are not really into activities along the Nam Song, the Balloons Over Vang Vieng (+85 620 9691-8111, www.laoballooning.com) service can fly you above the town, the river and all those stunning limestone peaks. A 40-minute balloon ride flight costs US$80 (S$98). “There’s plenty more to come. Entrepreneurs from Vientiane are looking to open more businesses here soon. We just need to balance the growth so that Vang Vieng doesn’t become Pai [in Mae Hong Son]. Next time you come, you’ll definitely see more changes. Good changes,” Phanrajsavong concludes. And we can’t wait to go back and check up on them. n

Vang Vieng in 24 Hours

Vang Vieng kids

6:30aM Morning Breeze No matter where you stay, wake up early to breathe in the morning mist of Vang Vieng at its coolest when the limestone mountains barely peek through the clouds.

9aM Jang Cave (Thum Jang) Jang means “numb” in Lao and that explains your feeling after climbing up the 150 steps to the cavernous chambers decorated with colorful lights. Relief comes in the form of dipping your feet into the cool spring, which is believed to help smooth your skin. Admission is 10,000 kip (S$1.55) per person, with an additional 8,000 kip (S$1.24) bridge crossing fee.

Cool Spring at Thum Jang

11aM Poo Kham Cave (Thum Puu Kham) Poo kham means “gold crabs”, the creatures found living here in the past. Hike up the hill (no stairs, sorry) to the cave where a gold gilded reclining buddha image lies at its center. Again, the real highlight is the light blue lagoon out front. Feel free to swim, or ride the rope swing, in the beautiful limestone-filtered waters.

1PM Lunch Pick any restaurant in the town center. They mostly serve the same food at the same prices. After lunch, do grab some pastries and coffee from Luang Prabang Bakery (Kangmuong St., Vang Vieng,

Tubing at Nam Song River

+85 6235-1145), which is probably the chicest place in town. They also have free Wi-Fi.

4PM Tubing Time Tubing means floating in your own rubber tube along the Nam Song River for 55,000 kip (S$8.52), which should take around two hours. You can also choose to kayak (S$14.40/ person), which is a lot faster. both start near the Organic Farm located 3km north of Vang Vieng town. Tubing and kayaking are operated by a cooperative here, so prices and services are the same from all agents in town.

Kayaking

10PM Party Though The Island is no more, visitors here still need a little party action. The most happening place now is The Moon Pub, which sits on Highway 13 next to the old airport. The place is what you’d expect from a dance club in a remote town, but the DJs play a surprisingly good mix of tunes. So grab a bottle of beerlao and let yourself go.

Midnight Bedtime Things end early here. It’s time for bed ready to get up early the next morning.

FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE 13

travel Sponsored by Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Chin Hui Wen

3822-8888) is offering a Saigon Arts and Culinary Package including a half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum and a Saigonese set dinner (at on-site restaurant Parkview) from VND3,780,000 ($222) through March 31. expect to see 20th-century artworks—some from private collections—illustrating Vietnam’s evolution from colonialism to independence. Read more at www.saigon.newworldhotels.com. M AL AYSIA

The Mac Daddy

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives

THE M ALDIVES

Going All In It’s hard to relax on holiday when you’re worried about hidden costs for additional food and activities. For a little peace of mind, try Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives’ (South Ari Atoll, Maldives, +96 0668-8000) Ultimate All-Inclusive Rate starting at uS$607.50 ($745) per night for two persons through April 30. It’s a great deal—the usual all-inclusive price is uS$1,700 (S$2,085)—and gets you all

meals (at any of the hotel’s three restaurants), drinks (10am-midnight) and uS$100 ($122) daily hotel credit for spa treatments and excursions. Get the details at www.centarahotelsresorts.com. VIETNA M

Arty-farty Saigon Here’s one for you folks who want a little more culture in your lives. The New World Saigon Hotel (76 Lê Lai Street, ben Thanh ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, +84 8

Design Hotels’ first member property in Malaysia, Penang boutique hotel Macalister Mansion (228 Macalister Rd., Penang, +60 42283888), has just opened in a Macalister restored colonial home from Mansion the early 1900s with rates starting at RM800 ($322). The eight-room establishment pays tribute to Colonel Norman Macalister, one of the first british Governors of the state, and boasts five restaurants and bars. Find out more at www.macalistermansion.com.

JetStar SPeCIal

Travel more often for less with Jetstar! Jetstar’s business Class is all about enjoyment and comfort: from the generous baggage allowance and the comfy wide leather seats, to the personal entertainment systems and great food onboard. With a dedicated check-in area and priority boarding, the star treatment begins the moment you arrive at the airport. Jetstar’s business Class is available on direct flights from Singapore to Melbourne, Auckland, beijing and the newly launched route, Osaka.

Book your love nest through our roundup of staycation deals on the I-S Tablet app is-magazine.com/app

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013

Love is... a grind.

Spilling Secrets Hidden bars, cult drinking clubs, off-menu items and everything else you're not supposed to know about

# 6 2 0 | I N S I D E S I N G A P O R E | F E B R U A R Y 8 - F E B R U A R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 3 | www.is-magazine.com

island

STYLE + LIVING + DINING | GEt MorE out of SINGAporE

beauty Scent and Sensibility Flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s Day? Boring. For a gift that’s truly romantic, the Artemisia ($180, 50ml) perfume and Endymion ($153, 50ml) cologne from penhaligon’s (#03-16 ION Orchard, 6634-1040, www.penhaligons. com) should please your special someone. Inspired by Greek mythology (Endymion was a mortal put into a perpetual sleep by Artemis, Goddess of the Moon, so that she could gaze upon him lovingly every evening), these gorgeous scents are a sensual mix of spices, rich woods and sweet musks. Smells a lot like love, we say.

tech A Sound Pair

Animal Instinct

Meet fred & Ginger, Audel Art Loudspeakers’ latest offerings shaped just like our ubiquitous bathroom symbols. Handmade with multiple layers of laminated birch wood and finished with beeswax, the couple delivers a consistently warm, crisp and clear sound accompanied with strong bass—think of it like hearing your favorite musician(s) live, without all that jarring background noise. The pair makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for audio lovers and can be customized for an extra cost. $5,500 from House of turntables (#04-65 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6884-4390, www.turntablesolutions.com).

One of our favourite street artists, Steve Lawler, has created a limited edition silkscreen print on rice paper (only 100 are available) to mark this Chinese New Year. The standout print, aptly named Year of the Snake, juxtaposes cult B-movie references (like Cobra, which starred Sylvester Stallone) with sexy female imageries. Ssssmokin’. $88 from Kult, Blk. C2-5 Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 6338-1066, www.kult.com.sg. to win one of these limited edition prints, see freebies page 4

freebies

Hungry? Download the I-S Magazine App for iPad and Android for an exciting, interactive version of our brand-new Lunch Guide, available from Friday, February 14. + 100 awesome

lunch, brunch & buffet options

+ Mouth-watering food pictures

+ Google Maps restaurant locator

+ Share favorites with friends

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

NEW Port of Call

DINING

Ezoca Japanese Cuisine

Brussels Sprouts Belgian Beer & Mussels

#01-01, 6684-4344, www.brusselssprouts.com.sg Emmanuel Stroobant Group’s third restaurant overlooks the scenic marina, making it the perfect spot to savor its famous mussels, signature seafood dishes and its extensive list of Belgian beers. Mains by Chef de Cuisine Michael di Placido, such as the braised lamb shank and grilled pork belly, are sure to be popular with meat lovers. SPECIAL! Order the Chinese New Year Moules Frites Menu at $20 for Starter size (350g), $40 for Main size (750g) and A la Carte Specials from $10 from February 9 to 24.+

Cove Stadium^

#01-04/05, 9023-3017 Sports fans are in for a treat at this bistrobar, which serves pub grub and beverages such as beers, liquors, wines and crafted cocktails, together with the latest sports matches and events on television.

uayside Isle at Sentosa Cove. There’s nowhere better to dine away from the bustling city, in a tranquil setting that feels like a different world altogether.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRUARY 8, 2013

#01-12, 6734-9930 New in the local restaurant scene, this intimate 40-seat Japanese establishment imports most of its offerings from Japan, including the freshest ingredients, rare sakes and artisanal tableware. Its signature charcoal-grilled Kuroge Wagyu beef, kaiseki, sashimi as well as snow crab options are not to be missed. SPECIAL! Indulge in a Valentine’s Day Lovers Eight-Course Dinner at $398++ per couple on February 14.+ Prior reservations appreciated.

Grillado

#01-10, 6734-9125 Be sure to stop by this casual diner to try its Portuguesestyle flat roasted chicken and grilled chicken burgers, which come basted in special legendary sauces such as the Grillado signature sauce, mustard-mayo or garlic ranch! Fresh yogurt with fruit or muesli and jalapeno poppers are must-tries as well. SPECIAL! Purchase two burger or roasted chicken combos and receive two complimentary cups of yogurt with fresh fruit or muesli during the month of February.+

Kebab House^

#01-07, 6673-7730 Carnivores, this halal sandwich bar’s for you. Simply pick the meat of your choice and have it served Mediterranean style in freshly baked bread. Those craving for something exotic should tuck into its signature Doner Kebabs—a winning combination of premium meat, spices imported from Germany, and Turkish pita bread.

Kith

#01-08, 6734-9007, www.kith.com.sg Simple and unpretentious, this popular all-day dining café serves locally-roasted coffee and fuss-free breakfast options in a chic, laid-back space.

Museo^

#01-22, 6734-8066 This sophisticated restaurantbar with an art studio in its premises offers contemporary fusion cusine, a dining-in-acup concept and high tea, complemented with alcoholic teas, dietary cocktails, wine and beer—perfect for a weekend bevvy or unwinding after work.

Brought to you By quayside isle

Note di Sicilia

#01-09, 8168-4341, www.notedisicilia.com Those with a sweet tooth should drop in at Italian gelateria-bar Note di Sicilia, which makes its traditional low fat gelato with fresh milk from Italy, and sorbetto from seasonal fruits and Italian spring water. Delicious cocktails and frozen shooters are also available on the menu for a post-work tipple (or two).

Paradiso restaurant & Bar

#01-03, 6694-5428, www.paradiso.com.sg From the folks behind Cuba Libre and Nueva Cuba comes this joint—its name means ‘heaven’ in Latin—that features a charming, rustic-chic vibe and a Latin American menu and drinks. SPECIAL! 20% OFF total bill during the month of February. Not valid with any other promotions, vouchers, rebates, etc.+

Picotin Express

#01-06, 6438-4747, www.picotin.com.sg The well-loved European bistro at Bukit Timah expands to Sentosa with this second outlet, which delivers the same wholesome fare created by chef-owner Steve Kaye, like the delicious pan fried sea bass and mustang pizza. SPECIAL! Take your pick from the Valentine’s Day menu (from $12) when you dine in on February 14.+

WIN!

Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro

#01-11, 6268-8633, www.facebook.com/QSFishbar Expect only the freshest catches at this gastro-bar, which has seafood flown in the same day. There’s also a fine selection of wines and cocktails to complement your seafood options. Got a great recipe for a particular fish? Have it freshly packed for your own home-cooked meal.

Sabio by the Sea, tapas & Grill

#01-02, 6690-7568, www.sabio.sg/bythesea The sister of Duxton’s busiest Spanish restaurant continues to impress with its striking and fashionable décor, glorious waterfront views, a new menu of grilled fare, traditional tapas and Spanish wines and beers. If you haven’t already, try the jamón ibérico de bellota (black pig ham) and pair it with delicious sangria. SPECIAL! Enjoy a 1-for-1 deal on glasses of Sabio’s signature sangria during the month of February.+

Solepomodoro trattoria-Pizzeria^

#01-14, 6734-0262, www.solepomodoro.com Pizzas baked in a custombuilt traditional wood-fired oven are the order of the day for this casual upbeat spot, which also has a variety of homemade pastas, ravioli and desserts to tantalize your taste buds. As you’d expect, there’s also an extensive wine list to accompany your meal.

Be one of three lucky winners to be pampered with a 3D2N stay in one of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove hotel’s Spectacular or Fabulous rooms inclusive of breakfast for two at the Kitchen table. Simply spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt at Quayside Isle to qualify. valid from February 1 to 28, one chance per diner or shopper per day, regardless of total spend.

Hera Beauty Salon

#01-20, 6268-8949 This beauty salon is dedicated to provide excellent customer service with its quality hair, nail and spa sessions, along with reputable beauty products amidst an enjoyable atmosphere. Wedding consultancy services are also available for couples preparing for their big day. SPECIAL! Enjoy 30% OFF hair coloring on Mondays, 30% OFF hair perming on Wednesdays and a 1-for-1 haircut for parent and child on Saturdays (valid between 10am and 3pm) during the month of February.+

Jasons the Gourmet Grocer

#01-26/27, 6268-9986 An exquisite gourmet shopping paradise for luxury aficionados, this marketplace carries niche, epicurean brands from around the world to satisfy discerning palates.

little Provence

#01-23, 6734-8981, www.littleprovence.net If you love Provence’s specialties, this retail store will delight you with its wide selection of olive oils, truffle delicacies, tapenades, artisanal jams, chocolates and excellent wines. SPECIAL! Receive a complimentary “Amour de Cerise” chocolate (200g) with every purchase of a bottle of Duval Leroy Champagne during the month of February.+

Nikei Fine art

Courtesy of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

GEttING to QuaySIDE ISlE at SENtoSa CovE By car: Admission charges into Sentosa vary according to time of entry, but if you’re driving in during lunch (noon-2pm) and dinner (after 5pm) on weekdays, admission is just $2 flat for all passengers. Parking at Quayside Isle from 7am-12:59am is $3.50 per entry. By public transport: Take the Sentosa Express train from VivoCity to Beach Station Bus Interchange and board the complimentary Sentosa Bus 3 to Sentosa Cove Village. Shuttle buses are available every 30 minutes from 8am to 10:30pm daily. If you’re taking a cab, the same weekday lunch or dinner time admission charges for cars apply. ^Opening

rEtaIl & SErvICES

#01-21, 6734-8556, www.nikeifineart.com Founder Hiroshi Kato replicates the successful formula of his first gallery at Raffles Hotel in this new art space, which showcases works by renowned and emerging artists from Japan, Europe and other Asian countries. SPECIAL! Receive a complimentary gift set with every purchase, and 20% OFF your second item during the month of February.+

the Straits Wine Company

#01-24/25, 6292-5633, www.straitswine.com You’ll find a wide range of fine wines from around the world at this prominent wine distribution chain, whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur. Enjoy special off-the-shelf prices when you pick a label to drink on the spot. SPECIAL! Purchase five bottles of Urlar Sauvignon Blanc 2011/2012 or Urlar Pinot Noir 2011 and enjoy an additional complimentary bottle during the month of February.+

soon is correct at time of print. Other terms and conditions apply. Check in-store for more details.

+Information

FRIDAY, FebRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 17

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

It’s in the Jeans

STYLE

The latest in denim technology and material has given the ubiquitous fashion staple a serious upgrade. Here are the ones on our radar. By Crystal Lee Stretched Out Skinny jeans aren’t always the most comfortable, but Uniqlo is saying otherwise with its new Ultra Stretch Jeans for women ($69.90). They feature a revolutionary fabric with 40 percent stretch and 90 percent shape retention. That means you can possibly handle a few yoga poses in one without ripping it apart or expanding its shape. With a snug fit, these jeans also enhance your silhouette, allegedly giving you a tauter butt and trimmer, longer gams. The latest collection features a range of eight colors including burgundy, green and blue amid the dark hues.

denim 2.0 Social media addicts, this one’s for you. Italian denim label Replay has launched the first Social Denim (from $379), jeans fitted with a Bluetooth device that allows you to update your social networks on the go. How it works: Pair the transmitter with your smartphone via a dedicated app, then you’re ready to broadcast your location and moods. There are eight different mood settings,

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

from positive to negative to choose from. Made to allow for simple, immediate interaction, the Social Denim may sound a tad gimmicky, but it’s the first of its kind and could well lead the fashion pack into creating more connected clothing in the future. Available from March 2013, at Bread & Butter (#01-03/04 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6733-1360, www.breadandbutter.com.sg).

Organic endeavOrS In 2006, Nudie Jeans made a commitment to have a 100 percent organic denim collection, and the label’s folks have succeeded in reaching that goal for Fall/Winter 2012. “We had to start from scratch, change the way we work, and, together with our suppliers, develop our very own organic fabrics,” explains founder and creative director Maria Erixon Levin. The collection (from $69), exclusively stocked at The Denim Store (#03-09/10/11, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6733-3608, www. thedenimstoreonline.com), includes T-shirts, shirts, outerwear and, of course, dry and washed jeans. If you’re a denim lover, choose its signature drys

(from $259) and spend at least six months without washing to break them in. What you get after half a year of abuse is a well-worn pair that speaks of your own adventures and habits—something that even the most sophisticated technology can’t replicate.

PlaStic dreamS Another mass label pursuing the cause of sustainability is Levi’s. The denim stalwart recently introduced the new Waste<Less denim collection, which incorporates the use of polyethylene terephthalate materials (or PET plastic). Bottles and food trays collected through US recycling programs are sorted by color, crushed into flakes and made into polyester fibers. Then, these fibers are blended with cotton fibers, which are finally woven with traditional cotton yarn to create denim. The Spring 2013 collection (from $99.90—so it’s easy on your plastic too) utilized over 3.5 million recycled bottles, with each product containing about 20 percent postconsumer recycled content. n

Levi’s Waste<Less

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StYle nOteS

With Terry Ong

Perfect Fit Michael Chua, a tailor who specializes in denim alterations, shares his views on his trade and dream jeans. Is there really a difference between cheap and expensive jeans? Of course, with designer jeans you get a better cut, wash and finishing, but the quality of the material is more or less the same to the average person. Whether it’s a cheap or an expensive pair, the most important thing is to look good in it. What do you think of people splurging on expensive pairs? If they can afford it, why not? The priciest piece I’ve altered is a pair from Dior Homme—they cost about $3,000 and were definitely a good-looker. How do you know if the jeans fit well? Check the tightness around the upper thighs and hips. If it’s too tight and you can’t squat in it, get one size bigger. The one principle that you follow when it comes to alterations? To be attuned to different body shapes and how a pair of jeans, after alterations, can flatter the body.

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch Jeans

CJ Apparels, #02‑96 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6738‑6680. Michael Chua’s services are available Mon, Tue, Thu and Sat noon‑7:30pm; Wed, Fri and PH noon‑5pm.

Alister Yiap

New in Town Now that the new fashion season has started, we have our eyes set on some great new brands that were previously unavailable in local stores. Two fresh accessories labels have just arrived at indie boutique Threadbare & Squirrel (660 North Bridge Rd., 6396-6738, www. threadbareandsquirrel.com). Sunday Somewhere is an Aussie eyewear brand by Dave Allison and Carlos Aviles whose creations are simple and practical, working with quality materials like acetate for the collection’s immaculate finishing (from $350). Alister Yiap’s LAMINA jewelry collection consists of bronze-infused stainless steel necklaces, rings and necklaces modeled after 3D renderings of otherworldly elements like the planets (from $63). Also new at another of our favorite indie joints Front Row (#02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, Raffles Hotel, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5501) is emerging Korean designer Dong-Jun Kang’s

label D.GNAK by KANG.D. Kang reinterprets classic menswear pieces with additional design elements like odd lengths and drapes, coupled with utilitarian details like military pockets. The result: An overall classy yet funky collection (from $125) that spans blazers, shirts and pants.

Season’s Pickings Guys, if there is a definitive collection that you should keep an eye out for this season, it’s the Spring/ Summer collection Saint Lauren by Saint Laurent for men, designed by Hedi Slimane, which has just landed online at www. mrporter.com (sadly it won’t be available at our local brick-and-mortar stores). Distressed denim jackets, slim-cut pants, suits with shortened silhouettes (a signature of Slimane’s) and leopard-patterned cotton-blend coats are all very desirable. Plus, their immaculate tailoring and subdued choice of colors make them timeless investments. Prices are bit steep, averaging from $600 for a shirt of pants, but Slimane’s creations are worthy investments. terry@asia‑city.com.sg

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

NEW AND NOTED

With Jalean Wong

like fish curry laksa pasta at The Wok & Barrel (13 Duxton Hill, 6220-0595, www.facebook.com/TheWokandbarrel), which will be closing come March 3—so you’ll want to pop by soon. There’s also brand new retail spot Beercraft (#01-19b Albert Court Village Hotel, 180 Albert St., 91234567, www.facebook.com/beercraft. sg), with about 60 different offerings (from $5) from belgium, Germany and the uK including cult favorite brewDog Libertine black Ale ($11.90).

SushiAirways

On a Roll Kampong Glam’s really heating up and the latest addition to the ’hood is SushiAirways (20A baghdad St., 62911151, www.facebook.com/Sushiairways), a 30-seater modeled after a 1930s American plane—complete with airline food carts and smiling stewardesses. Aside from sushi and sashimi, you’ll also find maki rolls like mango, avocado and tobiko ($38). They also offer an omakase menu (from $180) if you’re looking to spoil yourself, while lunch sets start at a very affordable $15.

The Dark Knight No doubt a testament to Tiong bahru’s hip quotient is its newest arrival: TWO FACE Pizza & Taproom (#01-48, 56 eng Hoon St., 6536-0024). A corner kopitiam, home to several hawker stalls in the daytime, becomes a Western food-serving establishment in the evenings with items like pork belly with maple mayo ($8), pastas (from $10) and very affordable pizzas (from $10) such as a spicy Kiam He ($14), with capers, anchovies, black olives, chili and basil.

Chow Down Showdown

Out of the Hat Here’s some good news for craft beer fiends. Magic Hat brews from the uS are now available in Singapore, thanks to The Drinking Partners (www. thedrinkingpartners.com). Aside from Magic Hat’s flagship potion #9, you’ll also want to try three other seasonal beers like Circus boy, encore and Heart of Darkness, a full-flavored stout with dark chocolate notes. Get them at Thirsty - The Bottle Shop (#02-34 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Rd., 8307-1995, www.thirsty. com.sg) or The Good Beer Company (#02-58 Chinatown Complex, 335 Smith St., 9430-2750, www.facebook. com/goodbeersg). Alternatively, throw back these wicked suds with goods

Feeling particularly carnivorous? Then man up and rip into Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse’s (25 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6735-6739, www.bistecca.com. sg) all-new bad boy: the Bistecca Fiorentina Double Cut ($358), Singapore’s largest steak. This charcoalgrilled hunk of Wagyu-Holstein is roughly 2.5 kilos and is accompanied by sauces made in-house like salsa verde, aioli and porcini mushroom. Challenge accepted. jwong@asia-city.com.sg

Magic Hat

Free Corkage

BYOB and enjoy that special bottle of wine from home with great fare at these restaurants for free.

Crystal Jade Kitchen First two bottles free. 2 Lorong Mambong, 6469-0300, www.crystaljade.com.

La Braceria Pizza & Grill Free TuesdayThursday. 5 Greendale Ave., 64655918, www.labraceria.com.sg.

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant First two bottles free. #01-06, 11 Dempsey Rd., 6479-3435, www.jumboseafood.com.sg.

LP + Tetsu Free daily. #03-18 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6836-3112, www.lptetsu.com.

Kim Choo’s Kitchen Free daily. 109/111 east Coast Rd., 6741-2125, www.kimchoo.com.

Nuoc First bottle free daily. #12-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-6808, www.nuoc.com.sg. Otto Ristorante Free MondayWednesday. #01-02 Red Dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6227-6819, www.ottoristorante.com.sg. Iris Katariina

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

Drink Chinese-inspired Cocktails

OPEN DOOR

Ki-sho

Get in the Lunar New Year (Feb 10-11) mood with these tipples containing symbolic ingredients for plenty of luck. Huat ah!

Lunar Harmony Lotus seeds represent prosperity and this rich little number uses them to great effect: House-made lotus seed paste and egg yolk are given a good shake and then mixed with vanilla gomme syrup, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve whiskey and Chinese five spice powder for a real creamy concoction. It’s only available from February 1-28, so sip it up quick. $24 from Néktar, 31 Scotts Rd., 6836-9185, www.nektar.com.sg.

Mandarin Mojito The words for “mandarin orange” and “gold” sound alike in Cantonese, making the fruit a celebration essential. Get your dose of citrus with this zippy take on the classic mojito, which substitutes Absolut Mandarin Vodka for

the usual rum. brown sugar, orange, lemon and lime slices are muddled in a highball glass and then topped with mint, the vodka, orange juice, ginger beer and plenty of crushed ice. $24 from Axis Bar & Lounge, 4/F Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Marina Square, 5 Raffles Ave., 6885-3500, www.mandarinoriental.com.

Oo La La bittersweet and refreshing, this caffeinated tipple starts with gin that’s infused with oolong ginseng tea (by Swiss company Tekoe). The spirit is shaken with Campari, sweet vermouth and lemon juice. Served in a martini glass, the deep vermilion creation’s just the right shade for Chinese New Year— red’s an auspicious color. Chin Hui Wen

$22 from Da Paolo Bistro Bar, 3 Rochester Park, 6774-5537, www.dapaolo.com.sg.

The buzz: Located in black-and-white colonial house Chateau Tcc is this new fine dining Japanese restaurant, right beside Italian sister establishment buona Terra. The vibe: In a word: understated. The twostory building holds a classically minimal sushi bar counter that sits 10, several private dining rooms as well as a sake lounge, all decked out in pale wood and gold leaf wallpaper. The food: With only three omakase sets ($230, $280 or $330) on the menu, you’re looking to drop some serious coin on chef de cuisine Kazuhiro Hamamoto’s (ex-Waku Ghin) multi-course meals, but it’s worth it.

The emphasis is on seasonal ingredients featured in an assortment of appetizers, sashimi, nigirizushi, a Hida Wagyu dish, miso soup and dessert; seafood’s usually flown in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On our visit, everything from Hokkaido uni (sea urchin) with snow crab, shiso flowers and clam jelly to steamed ankimo (monk fish liver), and charcoal-grilled scallop with sesame butter sauce to fugu shirako (pufferfish milt) atop chawanmushi with white truffle made an appearance. Hamamoto-san also makes some mean nigirizushi, accentuated with handgrated wasabi from Shizuoka. The drinks: Sake fans (from $38/240ml, $248/bottle) are well-catered for thanks to a 50-strong collection of nihonshu with premium junmai daiginjos, which you can enjoy warm or chilled (our recommendation). There are also Japanese beers like Suntory Premium Malt ($17) and single malts including 12-year-old Yoichi ($20/glass, $380/bottle). Why you’ll be back: Hamamoto-san’s creations are truly exquisite, and the entire experience is quite special indeed; you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Japan. Jalean Wong

Chateau Tcc, 29 Scotts Rd., 6733-5251, www.scotts29.com. Open Mon-Sat 6:30-10:30pm.

bar & cafe

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bar & cafe

Hood Bar and Cafe, Bugis+ (Formerly known as illuma), 201 Victoria Street #05-07, Singapore 188067 Tel : 62218846 Email : enquiries@hoodbarandcafe.com Website : www.hoodbarandcafe.com

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013

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Hood Bar and Cafe · NYDC @ bugis Junction · billy bombers @ bugis Junction · essensuals by Toni & Guy @ bugis · K Suites @ iluma · CHINATOWN · The Fruit basket · Ricciotti @ China Square Central · Tully’s Coffee @ Far east Square · Magma German Wine bistro · CITY HALL · barossa @ esplanade · The Coffee bean & Tea Leaf @ Suntec City · True Fitness @ Suntec City · Mezze · Café Cartel @ Marina Square · Coffee Club @ Millenia Walk · Outback Steak House · Paulaner brauhaus · Timbre @ The Substation · Ice Cold b’s · brotzeit @ Raffles City · Cedele @ Raffles City · Coffee Club @ Raffles City Shopping · MICA Office Lobby Reception · Peek! Store · The Substation · bobby’s @ Chijmes · Hog’s breath Café · Actually · Front Row · Surrender · Loof · Dome Café @ Singapore Art Museum · CLARKE QUAY · brewerkz · Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk · billy bombers @ The Central · Shiraz · San Sui Contemporary Japanese · Dining & bar · Crazy elephant · Fremantle Seafood Market · The bungy bar · DEMPSEY · Jones The Grocer · White Rabbit · CMPb Contemporary Melting-Pot & bar · Don Quijote · House, barracks & Camp · Dome Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot brewhouse · Oktober Munich Restaurant and bar · DHOBY GHAUT · Timbre @ Old School · billy bombers @ The Cathay · Dubliner Irish bar · Café Cartel @ Plaza Singapura · EAST · Just Salad · HARBOURFRONT · Prive bakery Café · brotzeit @ Vivo City · Carnivore brazilian Churrascaria @ Vivocity · The King Louis · Modesto’s @ Vivo · Coffee Club @ Harbourfront Centre · Sky The Fitness Lifestyle ·

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Lo Hei* @ $8.80 ++ per person, available from 4 to 17 February *Minimum 2 persons to order Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar · Salad Stop @ Fusionopolis · One Rochester · b @ Rochester · Nosh · Alliance Francaise · billy bombers @ Jurong Point

1-for-1 Happy Hour from 10 to 12 Feb!** **Valid for all freshly-brewed beers, housepour spirits and wines till 8.00 pm

2 eBook: every issue delivered to your inbox COVER STORY PiPe dreams Conserved Buildings dos and don’ts Although the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reviews and approves proposed redesigned spaces on a case-by-case basis, the general rule of thumb is that as long as proposals adhere to a “3r” principle— maximum retention, sensitive restoration and careful repair—most projects do get off the ground pretty quickly. “Quality restoration is more than just preserving a facade or the external shell of a building,” says a spokesperson from the URA. “It also retains the inherent spirit and original ambiance of historic buildings. Redesigns require an appreciation and understanding of the architecture and structure of traditional buildings, good management and overall practice. Before any conservation work commences, thorough research and documentation should be carried out on the conservation building to ensure that restoration work is faithfully carried out.” Besides teething issues such as insufficient power supply (all four venues featured in the story need to pump up various voltages for their projects) as well as mandatory overhaul of the drainage system, the URA did not specifically interfere with their overall conception. “As long as you don’t mess with key elements such as roofing, pillar structures and most importantly, the building’s façade, you can pretty much get away with any cool ideas for the interior,” says The Vault’s Godwin Pereira. “In fact, the URA’s even happier if we changed all the drainage and old pipes in the building completely to new ones!”

The Big Picture: “We initially engaged design firm Upstairs to help us conceptualize the look of the place, which we knew was ‘industrial’”, says Pereira. “We gave them a mainframe on how to dress it up but we also wanted to set some parameters when it comes to budgeting. Budget was certainly tight for this project, as we didn’t believe in spending a bomb like the major clubs so we took matters in our own hands. We also wanted to preserve the building’s original elements as far as we could. Basically with a venue like this, the design and fittings will never be complete as we wanted a raw and unfinished look to begin with.”

The VaulT

237 South Bridge Rd., 62225001, www.thevault.com.sg. What it was: An OCBC branch which operated since 1938 and ceased operations in 2001. What it is now: A hip and contemporary bistro and bar located in Chinatown. Owners Ross Glasscoe and Godwin Pereira, the latter who also holds DJ duties at the space, chose the venue for “its historical significance,” says Pereira. “Being located in a conservation shophouse means that we have a lot of responsibilities on our hands … because we have lots of preservation issues to adhere to.” (see Pipe Dreams, left) Like most conserved spaces, the exterior of the venue remains unaltered (Glasscoe and Pereira even maintained the bank’s original iron vault door at the entrance). Upstairs is where the main bar area is located (“We wanted to create a secret hideaway concept of sorts here”) while downstairs is home to the bistro, serving contemporary Western dishes for both lunch and dinner.

HOT OPENING

Kam Leng

Old-meets-New: “We stripped down the walls’ plaster layers to reveal the original brick fittings inside at the bar area,” says Pereira. “We wanted to show off the history of the building but at the same time add a modern touch to the space. So we installed Chengal wood flooring upstairs and plush sofas that boasted a mod Chesterfield vibe to create a more luxurious vibe. We kept the original concrete floors downstairs and added some small touches like imported Malaysian tiles to demarcate certain areas and to break the monotony of the ground floor space. Lighting throughout was also kept warm, simple and basic.”

383 Jalan Besar, 6239-9399, www.kamleng.com. Located just five minutes away from Chye Seng Huat Hardware is new boutique hotel Kam Leng, designed by local boutique agency FARM which opened in August. What sets this one apart from contemporaries like New Majestic Hotel and Hotel 1929 is the fact that it really does look it’s still stuck in the ‘20s (trivia: the hotel was set up in 1927 by a mysterious owner whose identity remains unknown, and abandoned during the ‘70s). The stairways, walls and floors were kept in their original conditions, peppered with vintage cabinets and knick-knacks from the past while designs for the room interior were kept minimal. Room rates are $200 upwards.

3 Tablet app: For iPad & android exclusive contents, extended features, exciting giveaways!

Level 1 Bar opens daily from 12.00 pm onwards! Special live band performance on 12 Feb!

For reservations, please call 6883 2572

“We wanted to show off the history of the building but at the same time add a modern touch to the space.” Godwin Pereira, co-owner of The Vault.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012 I-S MAGAZINE 11

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FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

Need to know Theater & Arts

The The Substation Substation >> 6337-7535 6337-7535

The The Arts Arts House House >> 6332-6919 6332-6919

Ticketbooth Ticketbooth >> 6296-2929 6296-2929

Esplanade Esplanade Box Box Office Office >> 6828-8377 6828-8377

Cinema Ticketing Hotlines

www.esplanade.com www.esplanade.com

Fort Fort Canning Canning Park Park >> 6332-1302 6332-1302 www.nparks.gov.sg www.nparks.gov.sg

chart the weeks ahead

www.substation.org www.substation.org

www.theartshouse.com.sg www.theartshouse.com.sg

Gatecrash Gatecrash >> 6100-2005 6100-2005 www.gatecrash.com.sg www.gatecrash.com.sg

National National Museum Museum of of Singapore Singapore >> 6332-5642 6332-5642

www.ticketbooth.com.sg www.ticketbooth.com.sg

Cathay Cathay >> 6337-8181 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg www.cathay.com.sg

Eng Eng Wah Wah >> 6836-9074 6836-9074

www.ewcinemas.com.sg www.ewcinemas.com.sg

Filmgarde Filmgarde >> 6344-5997 6344-5997 www.filmgarde.com.sg www.filmgarde.com.sg

www.nationalmuseum.sg www.nationalmuseum.sg

Golden Golden Village Village >> 1900-912-1234 1900-912-1234

Singapore Singapore Art Art Museum Museum >> 6332-3222 6332-3222

Shaw Shaw >> 6738-0555 6738-0555

www.singart.com www.singart.com

www.gv.com.sg www.gv.com.sg www.shaw.sg www.shaw.sg

Sistic Sistic >> 6348-5555 6348-5555 www.sistic.com.sg www.sistic.com.sg

DON’T Miss

The Midas Touch Wong Kar Wai’s latest film The Grandmaster is pure poetry. Read our five-star review. See Film, page 29

SEE This

DO This

Worlds Apart A collection of revered New York-based local photographer John Clang’s works at his first museum show Being Together: Family and Portraits.

Dashing Through Lose yourself to the signature trance reworks and mash-ups of the Dutch DJ-producer at the Transfix presents Dash Berlin and Formative shindig.

See Art, page 27

See Nightlife, page 29

stAGE classical

Voices of Splendour Hear top Chinese vocalists He Hui, Yuan Chenye and Liang Ning sing Western arias and traditional Chinese melodies. Feb 15, 8pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $27-68 from Sistic.

Music of the Night (SSO) Principal guest conductor Okko Kamu leads the SSO in Dvorák’s “Serenade for Strings in E major” and Mozart’s “Haffner Symphony”, while pianist Thomas Hecht plays Falla’s “Nights in the Gardens of Spain”. Feb 22-23,

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

7:30pm. School of the Arts (SOTA), 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6602-4200. $22-58 from Sistic.

Rainbow Verses: An Evening of Poetry and Music The Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the National Theatre of China present poetry by Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Gu Cheng and Xu Zhimo as well as classical and contemporary music. Feb 23, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377. $27-68 from Sistic.

concerts & gigs Requiem Rising Indie music production group Requiem Rising shines the spotlight a new mystery indie band launching their CD, so watch out for this. Feb 8, 8pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. Free.

Tribal Gathering of Tongue Tasters: ANECHOIS and anGie Seah Local post-progressive rock band ANECHOIS and visual and performance artist anGie Seah collaborate on this show about thoughts, expressions and personal reflections. Feb 9, 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7800. $10-15 from the box office.

Fuze Collective Comprising vocalist Fendi Sahid and guitarist Munir Alsagoff, this soulful ensemble puts forth soul/R&B covers and originals. Feb 15, 9:30pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. Free.

I-S PICK> Ayaschool Renowned Japanese pianist Aya Sekine, who has performed with distinguished local and international jazz musicians like Dale

Barlow and Marcus Printup, continues to dish out funky tunes with guest musicians. Feb 8, 16, 9:30pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. Free.

I-S PICK

Johnny James Musician Johnny James, better known as Dr. J, brings his own distinct blend of vocals, sax and flute to the floor.. Feb 22, 9:30pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. Free.

I-S PICK> Ellie Goulding English alternative singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding, who is best known for hit tunes like “Lights” and “Anything Could Happen”, brings her brand of electro pop to Singapore. Feb 26, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $68-148 from Sistic.

Norah Jones Live in Singapore The nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter makes Singapore the only stop in Asia for her Little Broken Hearts tour. Feb 27. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $95-195 from Sistic.

stAGE » ARt Email event news to stage@asia-city.com.sg, art@asia-city.com.sg

Santana The Sentient Tour Live in Singapore The Grammy Award-winning recording artiste will be promoting his latest release Shape Shifter under his brand new label Starfaith Records through The Sentient Tour, with Singapore being one of its stops. Mar 4, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $102-252 from Sistic.

comedy

Comedy Club Asia Get your dose of laughter with this standup comedy show featuring three international comedians—Sally-Anne Hayward (UK), Geoff Norcott (UK) and Steve Hughes. Feb 13-17, 8:30pm. China One, #0201 Blk. E Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6339-0280. $52.

I-S PICK> One Mic Stand ft. Kumar Drag queen comedian Kumar unleashes knee-slapping jokes and all things funny for this shindig, so prepare to laugh till your sides ache. Happy Hour is on all night. Feb 28, 9pm. Home Club, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 65382928. $16 one drink included.

music festivals

I-S PICK> Mosaic Music Festival 2013 This annual music festival presents various genres in more than 300 performances over 10 days, including well-known local and international acts. There are both ticketed and non-ticketed events. Mar 8-17, 7:30pm. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. Log onto www. mosaicmusicfestival.com for more info.

musicals

I-S PICK> Jersey Boys Take a walk on the wrong side of the tracks with this Broadway jukebox musical, which traces the unlikely success story of legendary American rock and pop band The Four Seasons. Through Feb 17, 8pm. Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8826. $55-230 from Sistic.

theater

The Crucible Toy Factory Productions presents this classic play by Arthur Miller. Based on the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, the production explores paranoia and hysteria in the Puritan community. Feb 8-9, 13, 15-16, 20, 22-23, 8pm; Feb

9, 16, 23, 3pm; Feb 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 4pm. The Drama Centre, National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400. $42-62 from Sistic.

Goh Lay Kuan & Kuo Pao Kun Staged in conjunction with the exhibition, A Life of Practice – Kuo Pao Kun, this TheatreWorks documentary play directed by Ong Keng Sen showcases the life of the pioneer arts couple in Singapore Feb 21-22, 8pm. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. $28 from Sistic.

Awakening This modern rendition of the Chinese literary classic Dream of the Red Chamber has an all-female cast featuring top Cantopop performer Denise Ho. It premiered in Hong Kong in 2011, with numerous sold-out shows across Asia. Feb 15-16, 7:30pm; Feb 17, 2pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $27-108 from Sistic.

Antigone Li Liuyi directs this staging of the Greek classic about Oedipus’ daughter who, against the wishes of King Creon, buries her brother and is sentenced to death. Performers include top Chinese talents Lu Fang and Lin Xiyue. Feb 19, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $19-45 from Sistic.

Eighteen Springs Adapted from an Eileen Chang novel about a doomed romance, this show set in 1930s Shanghai follows seven people over 10 years. It features budding performers from the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre and famed Suzhou pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing) artists Jin Li Sheng and Yu Qun. Feb 23, 8pm; Feb 24, 2:30pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $27-88 from Sistic.

sCENE & HEARD with Crystal Lee

Marching On January was a month of great music, what with Laneway Festival and Big Night Out in the books. Turns out March is just as jam-packed, what with Santana (March 4), Mosaic Music Festival (March 8-17), American rock legend Journey (March 19) and Timbre Rock & Roots (March 21-22). Recently confirmed are two Grammy nominees—New York based band fun. (March 15, 8pm. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, www.sistic.com.sg. $68.) making their first Southeast Asian stop; and Adam Lambert (March 8, 8pm. The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, www.sistic.com.sg. $38-$188.) with his first-ever concert in Singapore. Book before tickets run out.

Stripped Bare It’s hard to imagine Pangaea (#B2-05 South Crystal Pavilion, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., www. pangaea.sg), the glamor-dripping luxury nightclub stripping away its opulence to look like an underground basement dance club for a party. But they’ve done it for RAW, a newly launched monthly night featuring international DJs. The first installment had DJ Alex Kenji holding court. Next up on February 21 is Matt Caseli of Pacha Ibiza, Pacha Sydney and Axtone Records on the decks with his signature house beats. Cover charge is $30 and includes one drink.

I-S PICK

ARt

last chance Ley Hunting Multi-disciplinary group show featuring emerging artists from the Philippines including Mariano Ching and Nina Gadia. Through Feb 9. Silverlens, #01-25 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 6694-4077. Free.

Confusion Funky paintings by Hong Kong’s Eric So based on songs by Edison Chen. Through Feb 13. MAD Museum of Art & Design, #03-01 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6734-5688. Free.

Second Sight

Empire of Dreams More collectible giant silkscreens and sculptures from the city’s most prominent art collective PHUNK. Through Feb 16. Art Seasons Gallery, #02-21/24 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd., 6741-6366. Free.

Equator Art Projects’ new show Paintings to be looked at for more than ten seconds: Indonesian Painting I (Through February 24, 12pm. #01-21 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 6694-3727, www.eqproj.com. Free.) is as good an excuse to get down to Gillman Barracks as you’ll find. The first in a series of showcases by some of the most prolific Indonesian artists, this group exhibition features the latest works of nine painters including Arahmaiani, Dadang Christanto and Eddie Hara. Most, if not all, are compelling pieces promising new perspectives each look.

Slide Away PechaKucha (“chit-chat” in Japanese), a globally popular event where speakers present 20 slides for 20 seconds each, was recently reintroduced by Jon Siegel and Waki Yoneoka after it ended in April 2011. For its first session on January 17, award-winning architect Jason Pomeroy and photographer Chia Aik Beng were amongst its lineup of speakers. “We want to create a space where young talents (not just the experienced professionals) can also stand up and speak, and through that, creating an ecosystem of motivated people,” explains Patrick Keenan, who is part of the organizing team. The next PechaKucha session is tentatively planned for April. For updates, visit www. pechakucha.org/cities/singapore. clee@asia-city.com.sg

Crisis of Monumentality: Made/ Remade/Unmade Three local artists, Boo Sze Yang, Tang Ling Nah and Tay Bak Chiang, through painting, charcoal and Chinese ink drawings, relate their art-making through their lived experiences in the Asian context. Through Feb 17. Chan Hampe Galleries, #01-20/21 Raffles Hotel, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6338-1962. Free.

continuing/ opening

show here, featuring video works depicting the lives of ordinary folks infused with a political undertone. Through Feb 24. Future Perfect, #01-22 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 9835-8271. Free.

The Glass of Shadows A showcase of the famed Italian artist Agostino Bonalumi’s most provocative works over the past five decades. This also marks the artist’s first solo show here. Through Feb 24. Partners & Mucciaccia, #02-10 Gillman Barracks, 6 Lock Rd., 6694-3727. Free.

I-S PICK> Apichatpong Weerasethakul: Solo Exhibition This is the awardwinning Thai film director’s first solo

stAtE OF tHE ARt ARNDT The latest art gallery to open at Gillman Barracks has some curious finds from both Germany and Southeast Asia. Gillman Barracks is shaping up to be the city’s most prominent art cluster with the recent addition of a 14th gallery. ARNDT, which hails from Berlin, is one of the few European galleries to introduce Southeast Asian works in Europe. Its first Singapore outpost will naturally work the other way around—the gallery here will introduce established artists from the West who are less well-known here (like for its current exhibition Otto Piene, Heinz Mack and ZERO: Light & Reflection, see page 26) in its main gallery space, but it will also exhibit works by Asian artists like Indonesia’s FX Harsono in a smaller room. Current highlights include a delicate resin on sponge sculpture (“Eponge”) by Yves Klein from 1961 and an eye-catching oil on canvas (“Struwwelpeter 2”) with its broad paint strokes which evokes the Big Bang theory. ARNDT will also be holding pop-up art exhibitions outside its space later this year, so stay tuned for more details. Terry Ong ARDNT is located at #01-35 Gillman Barracks, 22 Lock Rd., 8260-1912, www.arndtberlin.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

ARt » sPORts » FOOD & DRiNk

I-S PICK> Tokyo Street Cutting-edge group show featuring the best of contemporary Japanese street art from the likes of Madsaki, Hiraku Suzuki and Mikito Ozeki. Through Feb 24. Ikkan Art Gallery, G/F-#01-05 Artspace@ Helutrans, 39 Keppel Rd., 9088-7056. Free.

Dramatic Moments In Japanese artist Tomoko Nagai’s works, various motifs—animals, such as bears and cats,colorfultrees, mushrooms, young girls,or imaginary figures—are featured in the context of a forest or a room, as if they were theatrical settings. Through Feb 24. Tomio Koyama Gallery, #01-26 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 6659-7068 Free.

Girls’ Generation Contemporary Korean female artists Soyeon Kim, Jin Ju Lee, Kyungwon Moon and Ja-Hyuk Yim explore femininity in the modern age in this multi-faceted group show. Through Feb 24. Space Cottonseed, #01-24 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 6694-3367. Free.

Inside the Subject Local artist-musician Bani Haykal presents a series of found objects and sound sculptures to depict the perception of the local music scene today. Through Feb 24. ICA Gallery, #B1-04 LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000. Free.

Geng Jianyi: The Artist Researcher Chinese artist Geng Jianyi’s photographs are imbued with an intense concern about self-awareness and the multitude of forms by which the individual is expressed and represented. Through Feb 28. Shanghart Gallery, #02-22 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734-9537. Free.

HAPPY HOURs from the I-S happy hour smartphone app

AdstraGold Microbrewery From 2-8pm daily, enjoy pints of beer and stout from $8.9011.90. Daily, 2-8pm. AdstraGold Microbrewery, 417/419 East Coast Rd., 6446-7134. www. adstragold.com/.

I-S PICK> Alley Bar Quench your thirst with bottled beers like Tiger and Asahi going at $12 per pair and popular draft beers such as Erdinger, Kilkenny and Guinness going at $9.90 per pint. Top that up with $5.50 housepour drinks and you’ve got the perfect recipe to a great night out. Daily, 5-9pm. Alley Bar, Peranakan Place, 180 Orchard Rd., 6738-8818.

I-S PICK> Dulcet & Studio The all-day, all-week happy hour gets you a bottle of Tiger, Heineken, Asahi or Suntory beer for $8; 2 bottles of Tiger or Asahi for $9, 2 bottles of Heineken for $9.50 and 2 bottles of Suntory for $11. All prices are nett. Daily, 10am-10pm. Dulcet & Studio, #01-41/42 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Rd., 63389248. www.facebook.com/DulcetNStudio.

Hard Rock Cafe Groovy happy hours here get you 50 percent off all house pours with soda mixers, house wines and draft beer daily from 4-7pm. Daily, 4-7pm. Hard Rock Cafe, #02/03-01 HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Rd., 6235-5232.

Hood Bar and Cafe Housepour spirits, wines and draught beers at $5 from Mondays to Fridays 5pm-9pm. Mon-Fri, 5-9pm. Hood Bar and Cafe, #05-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria St., 6221-8846. www. hoodbarandcafe.com. NEW

What’s on Valentine’s?

hard rock cafe singapore

(available on 13 th February (Dinner) and 14th February)

Every Sunday, 12.30pm to 3.00pm • mr egg’s magic show • balloon fun • lots to eat n drink

Perfect 10 Specials House wines and martinis go for $10 nett each & Archipelago beer is 1-for-1. Sun-Thu, 6-8pm. 1 Twentysix, #01-26 Playground@Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, 6348-2126.

I-S PICK> Sauce Get beers at $5 nett all night long every night. Sun-Thu, 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 5pm-2am. Sauce, #01-10/12 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6837-2959. www.saucebar. com.sg.

Skyving Hours Enjoy a 1-for-1 offer for draft beers and selected wines by the glass, as well as live music every Wednesday and Friday from 7:30pm onwards. Daily, 4-8pm. Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar, #01-17 Blk. E, 10 Winstedt Rd., 6225-6690. NEW

WHY NOt? Party in the Afternoon

1 bottle RIESLING Wine sweet “Heart to Haart” or “Scharzhofberg”

1 bottle “Rotkaeppchen (Red Riding Hood)” Red or Rose Sparkling Wine

88.-++/per person

10% off F&B for DBS Cardholders. Terms and conditions apply

singapore ®

www.magmatc.com 62210634 reservations@magmatc.com.sg I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

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A sweet Haart for your Sweetheart!

INCLUDE (for 2 person)

Ogopogo All craft beers and ciders go for two for $20+ while Heineken bottles go for two for $11.90+ and five for $35+. Mon-Fri, 5-7pm. Ogopogo, 73 Bussorah St., 6295-1339. www.ogopogo.sg. NEW

Locate drink deals near you 24/7, sorted by the time of day and distance from your current location – in Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong!

50 cuscaden road #02/03-01 hpl house singapore 249724•tel: +65 6235 5232 hardrock.com Follow us on Facebook

PHOTOS BY TAWAN CONCHONNET, COURTESY OF SIDESHOW

 Roses parfait on rose leafs

La Cave 20% off all house pour wines and spirits, as well as 1-for-1 bottled Budweiser and Corona beers. A pint of Tiger or Heineken draft beer are $10 nett. Mon-Fri, 5-9pm. La Cave, #B1-10 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6337-9717. www.lebaroque.com.

NOW AVAILABLE ON ANDROID!

starting february. Fun For The Family!

Three kinds of oysters

 Pork Wellington on red wine shallots jus

I-S PICK> La Cantine Bottled beers and house pour spirits are $10++ each and pints are $12++. Mon-Fri, 5-7pm. La Cantine, #01-01 Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, 6690-7567. www.lacantine.sg.

beautiful sunday

Valentine’s Menu 2013

 Tomato consomme with heart shaped pasta shells + basil  Pan fried sole on celeriac + saffron

KU DÉ TA Apart from the breathtaking view, enjoy complimentary tapas on with any drink purchased during happy hour. Mon-Tue,

6-10pm. KU DÉ TA, 57/F Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, North Tower 1, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688.

For great music, booze and grub in a lush outdoor venue, pop down to Backyard@ Dempsey (130E Minden Rd., 6479-0388, www.facebook.com/BackyardAtDempsey) for Beats in the Backyard, organized by Sideshow. Held roughly once every two months, this daytime party features upcoming DJs and musicians playing upbeat funk and soul, disco and house, with the latest installment happening on February 24, 3-11pm. Previous editions had guest artists like Masia One and Funk Bast*rd (of Darker Than Wax fame). Entry is free, and there’s no dress code. For more information, log on to www.sideshow.sg. Victoria Cheong

Email event news to art@asia-city.com.sg, stuff@asia-city.com.sg and food@asia-city.com.sg.

Otto Piene, Heinz Mack and ZERO: Light & Reflection This group show features works that are steeped in the avant-garde art movement, featuring pieces that explore the dimensions in light and movement. Through Feb 28. ARNDT, 01-35 Gillman Barracks, 22 Lock Rd., 82601912. Free.

Horizons of Change 2013 Local artist Chankerk explores Singapore’s rapidly changing urban landscape through oil paintings of historical buildings. Feb 22-Mar 7. Chan Hampe Galleries, #0120/21 Raffles Hotel, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6338-1962. Free.

Strokes Across Eternity Singaporebased Chinese artist Chen Wen Hsi merges calligraphic styles with depictions of landscapes, nature and animals to hypnotic effect. Feb 16-Mar 16. MAD Museum of Art & Design, #03-01 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6734-5688. Free.

I-S PICK> Being Together: Family and Portraits Revered local photographer John Clang’s first museum show consists of a collection of his best works, namely portraitures of modern families from his Being Together series. Through Mar 26. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-5642. $5.

FOOD &DRiNk

Cooking for your Valentine’s Day Pick up tips on preparing romantic Valentine’s dishes, like steamed mussels with white wine, in this three-hour cooking class by chef Veronica Cherry. Log on to www.tottstore.com to book. Feb 8, 6pm. ToTT Cooking Studio 2, 896 Dunearn Rd., 6219-7077.

I-S PICK> The Pantry’s Farmers’ Market Indulge your epicurean tendencies with fresh organic produce, gourmet meats, cheeses, wines and even home-baked goodies at The Pantry’s Farmers’ Market, which blooms on the first and third Saturday of every month. There are also cooking demos and wine talks. Feb 16, 8:30am. Loewen Gardens, Loewen Rd. Free.

I-S PICK> Tuscany Wine Dinner If you’re into vinos, be sure to reserve yourself a spot at Saint Pierre’s Tuscany Wine Dinner—a day before their last day of business on February 28. There’s a six-course meal to be had with dishes such as chili crab ravioli with grilled baby octopus, served alongside Mazzei Zisola Sicilia 2008. Call 6438-0887 or email info@ saintpierre.com.sg to book yourself a spot. Feb 27, 7pm. Saint Pierre, #01-01 Central Mall, 3 Magazine Rd., 6438-0887. $138.

I-S PICK

sPORts

Safari Zoo Run 2013 The run, which commemorates the death anniversary of our famous local tourism icon, orangutan Ah Meng, takes runners through the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Feb 17, 7am. Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd., 6269-3411. $46-56.

I-S PICK> U Run 2013 This unique run and vertical climb sports race will have a training clinic complete with a 25-story training climb in preparation for the big day. Feb 24. The Promontory @ Marina Bay, 1 Marina Blvd. 6684-0834. $25-55.

New Moon MetaSprint Series (Aquathlon) This event will see competitors powering through the waters of the bay before pounding the ground to finish at Siloso Beach. Feb 24. Siloso Beach. Call 6838-0873 for more info. $38-408.

I-S PICK> HSBC Women’s Champions 2013 The world’s best female golfers return to Singapore for the sixth edition of this Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour-sanctioned event to compete for the prestigious title and prize money. Feb 28-Mar 3, 8:30am. Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Rd.. Call 6505-9300 for more info. $20-60 from Sistic.

The Jewel Box Hilltop Romance Get on a private cable car cabin with a panoramic view as you indulge in an intimate five-course dinner that includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, a rose and a box of chocolates. Feb 13-14. The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Rd., 6377-9688, www. mountfaber.com.sg. $388 per couple.

stUFF sales & Fairs

I-S PICK> Love Actually Traders’ Market at Clarke Quay A collaboration between Clarke Quay and flea market brand For Flea Sake, the second edition of the Clarke Quay Traders’ Market features a Valentine’s Day theme and includes networking sessions for singles, love song dedications and a dessert and ice cream kiosk by Note di Sicilia. Feb 15-16. Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. Free.

Love is... a grind.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

stUFF » NiGHtliFE Email event news to nightlife@asia-city.com.sg

A Time for Reunion at Singapore Flyer! From the Sky Deck, marvel at Singapore’s tallest “Chun Dao” light-up tree, the 12-meter-tall giant God of Fortune and the luminous rainforest with a canopy of cherry blossoms. You can also check out horoscopes for 2013 as well as popular cultural handicraft demonstrations. Through Feb 28, 8:30am. Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave., 6333-3311. $21-78.

I-S PICK> Hello, Shibuya Tokyo Organised by PARCO Japan, this fashion and cultural event showcases the works of Japanese and local artists, including cross-country collaborations, with more than 20 pop-up shops selling a range of Japanese fashion labels such as ANREALAGE, G.V.G.V., mintdesigns, plumpynuts and MURA. Feb 22-Mar 10, 11am. 1/F, Main Atrium, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6332-9298. Free.

classes & workshops I-S PICK

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month. There will also be a presentation by a guest speaker. Feb 26, 7:30pm; Mar 26, 7:30pm; Apr 30, 7:30pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. $25, two drinks included.

competitions

PARKROYAL on Pickering Photo Connection Shutterbugs are invited to share their favorite snapshots of the freshly launched hotel, for a chance to win one of 10 prizes, including a trip for two to Shanghai. To participate, submit your picture with a 100word (limit) description about your inspiration to pickeringphoto@parkroyalhotels.com. Through Feb 28. Parkroyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St., 6809-8888, www. parkroyalhotels.com/Pickering.

NiGHtliFE dj gigs

Objektivity presents Dennis Ferrer and André Hommen with Jeremy Boon Deep house artisan and Grammynominated DJ-producer Dennis Ferrer holds court with André Hommen, his long-time touring partner, for a night of cutting-edge dance music. Feb 8, 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32, two drinks included.

The LASALLE Public Lecture Series: Lord David Puttnam The awardwinning film producer will present insights into the filmmaking industry, having produced major works like Chariots of Fire and The Mission. Email publiclectures@ lasalle.edu.sg to reserve a seat. Feb 19, 7pm. LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000. Free.

I-S PICK> Social Media Week Singapore 2013 (SMWSG) Now in its second year, this award-winning global conference continues to celebrate social media with Singapore’s leading digital minds coming together for creative experiments, exciting panel discussions, and great case studies. Feb 18-22. Call 6222-6136 for more info. Free.

I-S PICK> Zouk Soundsystem presents Wolfgang Gartner with Hong Grammy-nominated American DJ-producer Wolfgang Gartner brings to Zouk his chart-topping house beats and deft productions. Feb 8, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32, two drinks included.

Zouk Soundsystem presents Formative and Hong A platform for showcasing the dexterity of resident DJs, this edition of Zouk Soundsystem pulls together big room house stalwart Formative and techno overlord Hong for a night of body-moving action. Feb 9, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32, two drinks included.

I-S PICK

I-S PICK> Festival of Media Asia 2013 The world-famous lineup of speakers and lively debate amongst media producers, consumers and strategists make this a top event for those in journalism and advertising. Expect notable brand leaders talking about mobility, including Samsung’s regional marketing director and Singapore Tourism Board’s assistant CEO. Mar 3-5. W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way. $225-2,500.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Homestory - Basic Photography Course This six-session beginner course covers basic photography techniques such as creative picture composition. Feb 20-Mar 27, 7:30pm. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $260.

Business Rocks! Hang out with like-minded entrepreneurs and business fellows over music and beer in this business networking social evening every

Smack My Beach Up - Chinese New Year Special Hang out at the beach with Nad-trix, Brendon P and Matty Wainwright—where great food, drinks and music can be found all under one roof. Feb 10, 3pm. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 62701355. Free.

Broadcast Presents Hip Hop Special with Da Isser and Darkwing The second installment of Broadcast’s Hip Hop Special featuring Da Isser and Darkwing is another night of rare ‘50s to ‘70s grooves laden with funk and soul as well as some classic ‘90s hip hop. Feb 9, 9am. Broadcast HQ, 109 Rowell Rd., 6292-4405. Free.

FilM Email film news to film@asia-city.com.sg

I-S PICK> Transfix presents Dash Berlin and Formative Ranked eighth on DJ Mag Top 100 DJs in 2012, Dutch DJ-producer Dash Berlin, who has remixed for Justin Timberlake, Royksopp and Annie Lennox, brings his signature trance reworks and mash-ups to the dance floor. Feb 10, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $48, two drinks included.

SPKRZ ft. The LFK Paul Seow, aka The LFK, takes on the Broadcast HQ dance floor in the seventh edition of SPKRZ (one of the spot’s longest running nights) with deep house, tech house, minimal and full-fledged techno alongside his signature lighting visuals show. Feb 15, 9pm. Broadcast HQ, 109 Rowell Rd., 6292-4405. Free.

I-S PICK

Beats and Beyond Curated by Darker than Wax Record Label and headlined by Funk Bast*rd, Mweibel and Rah, this monthly gig is all about beats, from hip hop, to trap and drumstep. Feb 8, 9pm. Broadcast HQ, 109 Rowell Rd., 62924405. Free.

Poptart Eighth Birthday ft. Clock Opera, Weelikeme, Jah and Jinmart Poptart is throwing its biggest party ever for its eighth anniversary celebration with UK band Clock Opera, whose album Ways to Forget emerged seventh on The Sunday Times’ list of 2012’s best debuts, on stage, together with DJs weelikeme, Jah and Jinmart. Feb 15, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-35, two drinks included.

Avaland: Death of Cupid The club is putting up piñatas and throwing out big room sounds to the dance floor as you celebrate Valentine’s Day (or not). Feb 16, 10pm. Avalon, South Crystal Pavilion, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7448. $25-30, one drink included.

Zouk x DJ Mag Party with Aly & Fila and DJ Mag Allstars Zouk teams up with global dance music authority DJ Mag for another shindig featuring Egyptian DJ-producers Aly & Fila, who have sliced through the trance sphere with a bagful of winning remixes and productions. Feb 16, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-35, two drinks included.

Fash x Matteblacc - Uptown Originals The Matteblacc collective pays homage to the pioneers of hip hop, bringing the best of the old and the nu. Feb 16, 10pm. The Butter Factory, #02-02/03/04 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6333-8243. $15, one drink included.

The Grandmaster

(Hong Kong/China) Directed by Wong Kar Wai. Starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen and Song Hye-Kyo. Continuing.

If you breathe poetry, you can find it anywhere. Wong Kar Wai’s latest oeuvre is a fine return to form for a man whose last two films were misfires—2004’s 2046 in particular was pretentious and hopelessly meandering— but his latest martial arts entry The Grandmaster is one of his most poetic and philosophical releases to date, buoyed by wonderfully lucid action sequences, emotional performances from leads Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi, and existential musings that would make even Sartre blush. The film nominally traces the life of Ip Man (Leung) and his relationship with two women—his loving wife Wing-sing (Song Hye-Kyo) and Gong Er (Zhang)—the former whom he abandons in China after he moves to Hong Kong to find work, and the latter the daughter of an old martial arts master who harbors romantic longings for Ip Man. Equal parts existential melancholia and gravity-defying action sequences, the narrative moves in parallel between Ip Man’s journey through war and poverty, and Gong Er’s quest to seek vengeance for her father’s death; with equal screen time for both characters. Themes of honor, love, loss and the passage of time permeate the film as it pays homage to the martial arts tradition and its masters with a wonderfully keen eye. Wong’s penchant for nuanced detail is beautifully realized by his new collaborator and cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd, who creates entrancing depictions of even the most mundane of elements like raindrops. And in one of the film’s many highlights, Ip Man and Gong Er engage in a duel filmed like a delicate courtship; a metaphor for their forbidden and unconsummated feelings for one another. The Grandmaster pulsates with so much understated mystery and desire on an emotional level, with much to marvel at visually as well—action sequences depicted on the big screen have never looked this graceful and convincing. It will move you in ways you never thought imaginable. Terry Ong Love is... a grind.

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FilM continuing I-S PICK> Beasts of the Southern Wild • (US) Oscar-nominated indie film about a little girl who attempts to escape her humdrum existence. I-S PICK> Cloud Atlas • (Germany/ US) Sure it’s a little all over the place, but this is still a throroughly entertaining film about fate and existence. Elles • (France) Juliette Binoche helms this arthouse film about a magazine reporter who gets entangled with the seedy world of prostitution.

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Quartet • (US) Sprightly comedy directed by Dustin Hoffman about residents from a home for retired musicians. I-S PICK> Silver Linings Playbook • (US) This one’s a rom-com with a twist, with Bradley Cooper never better as an ex-mental patient who attempts to reconcile with his cheating wife hence falling in love with another woman.

opening I-S PICK> A Royal Affair • (France) Epic costume drama about a queen who starts a revolution with a physician whom she has an affair with. Hyde Park on Hudson • (UK) A retelling of the love affair between Franklin Roosevelt and his distant cousin. Stars Bill Murray and Laura Linney.

Gangster Squad • (US) Sean Penn’s OTT performance here is unexpected, but this period gangster drama is otherwise predictable.

I-S PICK> Zero Dark Thirty • (US) Kathryn Bigelow’s follow-up to The Hurt Locker centers on the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Starring an Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain.

Lost in Paradise • (Vietnam) Gay drama about a country bumpkin who discovers himself in the big city.

etc

Mama • (US) New Hollywood royalty Jessica Chastain heads this horror movie about a couple attempting to raise two kids who have adopted imaginary friends overtime. I-S PICK> The Master • (US) Even if the film is a little bizarre, Joaquin Phoenix’s disturbing Oscar-nominated performance as a Navy officer who stumbles upon a religious cult group is worth the ticket price alone.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH & BEAUTY

freewill astrology

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Poet Jacob Nibengenesabe wrote shamanic poems from the point of view of a magical shapeshifter. One of his poems talked about how important it is to be definite about what he wanted. I hope that will be the way it is from now on for you, too, Aquarius. Visualize your desires in intricate, exact detail. For example, if you want to be a bird for a while, specify what kind. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): As you sleep, you have at least a thousand dreams every year and you may recall only a few of them. Doesn’t that bother you, to be so ignorant of the stories your subconscious crafts? Now is an excellent time to develop a stronger relationship with your dreams, Pisces. It’s high time to explore the deeper strata of your life’s big mysteries.

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OTHERS NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE I, Richard James Bunn, bachelor, of 110 Duchess Avenue #02-20 Duchess Residences Singapore, intend to marry Elisa Valentina Panizzo, single, of 110 Duchess Avenue #02-20 Duchess Residences Singapore, at Saint Agostino Church, Treviso, Italy on the 6th July 2013. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay notify the Consular Section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919.

NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE I, Helen Louise Miles, single, of 5 Rodyk Street, #03-24 Watermark, Singapore 238214, intend to marry Stefano Augello, bachelor, of 5 Rodyk Street, #03-24 Watermark, Singapore 238214, at Basilica della Santa Casa, Loreto, AN, Italy, on 15th June 2013. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay notify the Consular Section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919.

JOBS MASOCHISTS (EDITORIAL & DESIGN INTERNS) WANTED AT I-S Get experience. Build your portfolio. And join a fun team! We’re looking for dynamic individuals to fill intern positions in our Editorial & Design departments. To apply, send a cover letter and CV to jobs@asia-city.com.sg. Internships are min. 3 months and unpaid.

NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE I, Christopher Alun Morgan, bachelor, of 04-21, One Amber, 9 Amber Gardens, Singapore, intend to marry Jenida Amin Satem single, of 04-21, One Amber, 9 Amber Gardens, Singapore at the local townhall of Mouliets et Villemartin, 33350 Mouliets et Villemartin, France on 2nd May 2013. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay notify the Consular Section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Wageni ni baraka is a Swahili proverb that means “guests are a blessing.” That’s not always true, but for you in the coming weeks, Aries, I’m guessing it will be 98 percent correct. The souls who come calling are likely to give unusually fine benefits—useful clues you’ve been searching for, or shiny new playthings. Open your mind and heart to the unexpected blessings. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): “I feel my fate in what I cannot fear,” said Theodore Roethke in his poem The Waking. I invite you to try out that perspective, Taurus— learn more about your destiny by doing what makes you feel brave. Head in the direction of adventures that clear your mind of its clutter and trust in dreams that inspire you to sweep aside distracting worries. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): It’s the First Annual blemish Appreciation Week—for Geminis only. One of the best ways to observe this holiday is to tolerate the flaws and foibles of other people, as well as understand and forgive them. Do the same for your own flaws and foibles; be creative and uninhibited as you have fun with the human imperfections that normally drive you crazy.

NeeDS...

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CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): My psychic vision shows me scenes of heavy rain and rising water; this means you will be inundated with more deep and enigmatic feelings than you’ve experienced in a while. How to respond? First, announce to the universe that you will be grateful to accept this deluge. Second, go with the flow. Third, promise yourself not to come to premature conclusions about the meaning of these feelings; let them evolve. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): “I want to know more about you” may be the most potent sentence you can utter in the coming week. If spoken with sincere curiosity, it will awaken dormant synergies, disarm people who might otherwise become adversaries and give you access to

useful information. Imbue your subconscious mind with its power by saying “I want to know more about you” aloud ten times right now. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): On my way back to my nice hotel after a jaunt to the convenience store, I met a few colorful characters who invited me to use their services. I declined them politely and returned to my room to enjoy my strawberry smoothie and blueberry muffin. My experience could have something in common with your immediate future, Virgo. You may be tempted by exotic offers that are not good for you. Stick to the healthy basics, please. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): West Coast DJ Shakti bliss wrote a remarkable status update on her Facebook page about what she did over 24 hours, including yoga in a bathtub, learning the Lindy Hop, and bowing to a room full of applause. I suspect that you Libras will be having days packed with poetic adventures in the coming week. Are you ready to handle more than the usual amount of excitement? SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Thomas Jefferson, third President of the united States, admired the teachings of Jesus Christ, but he had no use for the supernatural aspects of the stories in the New Testament. So he created his own version of the bible, using only those parts he agreed with. Scorpio, is there a set of ideas that appeals to you in some ways but not in others? Tailor it to your own special needs. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): “everyone is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day,” said writer elbert Hubbard. “Wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” My own daily rate is rarely less than half an hour. but the good news, Sagittarius, is that in the coming weeks you might have many days when you’re not a damn fool for even five seconds. Make constructive use of your enhanced intelligence! CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): “Most human beings have an absolute and infinite capacity for taking things for granted,” said Aldous Huxley. If that’s true, Capricorn, it’s important that you NOT take things for granted in the next few weeks. In fact, you should renew your passion for and commitment to all your familiar pleasures and fundamental supports. express your appreciation for the sources that nourish you so reliably.

Love is... a grind.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013

LAST WORD WHAT’S NEW AT

Ken Kwek

Online

With his controversial film Sex.Violence.FamilyValues recently approved for release by the MDA, the talented filmmaker opens up to Terry Ong. When I was a kid, I wanted to be in a rock band. Not as the lead singer, but the keyboardist. As it turned out, I couldn’t even play the piano properly because of a missing ligament in my right thumb. Maybe I’m genetically doomed to mediocrity.

The last time I committed a crime or a sin was this morning. Personally, I’m more into crime than sin. There are more crimes than sins that a person can be arrested for. Also, speaking as a filmmaker, I think “crime thriller” might be an easier sell than “sin thriller”.

to trust its system of classification and implement it with conviction. Censorship is a ham-fisted tool in this day and age.

I collect stories, naturally. For most writers, no experience in life is wasted. An accident, a bad date, an embarrassing rash, joy, fear, humiliation—any emotion I am inspired by or quotidian incident may Shakespeare, not only contain the seeds of good because of his poetry drama, comedy or both. but because he The last time I wrote some of the I relax by spending time was truly happy great blockbusters with my son, who at the was the day of his time. Some moment is going through before the MDA of his characters the Terrible Twos, which banned my film were also incredibly any parent will tell you foul-mouthed— can be a very stressful something I deeply time. So I guess there isn’t much f**king empathize with. relaxation in my life at the moment. The funniest thing I ever heard was Breasts turn me on. On a friend speaking Malay in a cockney women, preferably. accent. You’ve got to hear it to believe it. Religious fundamentalism The last time I was truly makes me sick in the stomach. happy was the day before even plain religion without the the MDA banned my film. fundamentalism makes me uneasy. The ban was unfortunate and a Between love or money, I live little ridiculous. Maintaining social for food, mostly. but seriously, harmony is one thing, pandering to the choice between the two is a those with the thinnest skin and the spurious one. I don’t think a person lowest threshold for humor is another. can be very happy if he’s shit poor. More to the point: do you know how The film has since been passed much a ticket to an IMAX movie R21 with edits, but that’s not a great costs, even on a weekday? outcome either. I think the MDA needs

I’m an atheist and a humanist. I also like red wine, and thinking of wine as blood, as the Christians do, is disconcerting to me. Having said that, drinking too much wine—just plain red wine—can also make me sick to the stomach. What’s the meaning of life? You ask the big questions at I-S Magazine, don’t you? Seriously, man. I’m a filmmaker. You want an answer to that question, go talk to the Dalai Lama.

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Bank on These

Get down to business at these watering holes. is.gd/financebarssg

Aw Yeah

NTu lecturer and acclaimed author Tash Aw will be speaking at various public events here to promote his newest novel. is.gd/tashawnews

Mad Skills

Read our interview with Debbie Lee, the CeO of Kezaar, an online marketplace for classes ranging from jiu-jitsu to bread-making.

Love is... a grind.

Spilling Secrets

www.is‑magazine.com

See Ken Kwek’s latest movie trailer on the I-S Tablet app is-magazine.com/app

is.gd/interviewdebbieleekezaar

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The IncReDIbLe LIghTneSS OF WORkIng

by doubleXUAN

I-S Magazine is distributed every 2nd and 4th Friday. Look for the next issue of I-S on Feb 22. FRIDAY, FebRuARY 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE