I-S Magazine July 4 by Asia City Media Group

JULY 4 - 17, 2014

Let's have a bbq!

# 6 5 6 | i n s i d e s i n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

living Barbershop renaissance dining Chicken wing taste test travel Manila mayhem

streetwise

Pul l Gui out de

Special K 74 reasons to revisit Kallang (and the Sports Hub is only one)

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

Cover story

Holidaygate

Your foldable guide to the best of Kallang

tRAvEl

GRooMING

Makati City

Brand new barbershops

This year’s Fourth of July celebrations were overshadowed by a diplomatic scandal involving leaked documents. Hackers have released into the public domain a series of cables entitled “How to Make Singaporeans Adore Your National Holidays”. Addressed to the Philippines, whose independence day parade plans last month were fraught with criticism, the correspondence appears to be advice from countries whose national holidays have been adopted with enthusiasm by Singaporeans. Here are some of the highlights: from the Germans

StylE

We have enjoyed considerable success adding the suffix “-fest” to any month name and having bier girls serve pints and sausage platters. Even Singaporeans with no affinity for German culture have been known to dance around maypoles in lederhosen.

DINING

REvIEw

fIlM

from the Americans

Who has the best wings?

Bochinche

Japanese film festival

NIGhtlIfE

INtERvIEw

Singaporeans have trouble grasping the concept of Independence Day (heck, they don’t have one themselves). So omit the name of your country and go for a more mysterious title—like the Fourth of July, I daresay.

Gildas

David lim

Mondays Off

who's in charge? Country Manager Andrew hiransomboon countrymanager@asia‑city.com.sg Publisher Ric Stockfis Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia‑city.com.sg Custom Content Editor Clara lim Custom Content Writer Samantha David Junior Writers Delle Chan, letitia tandean Editorial Interns Cheang Ming, lim yen Siu Design Senior Designers Beverly Chong, Carmen louise ho Designers fishy toh Multimedia Designer ‑ Photographer Mossy Chew wenzhi Design Intern Germaine tay Sales Business Development Manager Intan Agustina advertising@asia‑city.com.sg

where to find us! Media Manager Shernan Plameras

The Asia City Media Group

Media Executives Gwen tang, lee wee Keong, Roderick wong

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02‑624‑9696 Fax: 02‑237‑5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th

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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 ©2014 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) 151/12/2013

from the french

Free-flow Champagne and oysters on Bastille Day. Non, make that free-flow Champagne and oysters every day. from the Irish

Despite the heat, Singaporeans are surprisingly enthusiastic about our street parties. We are still studying the phenomenon, but one popular theory is that their grumpiness is placated with the addition of Guinness, green food coloring and silly hats. from the Mexicans

Even we are not quite sure what Cinco de Mayo commemorates. But our sources tell us that Singaporeans are really crazy about tacos and tequila, so that’s all that matters. Also released was a sole reply from the Philippines. “Thank you for your input, comrades,” the cable began. “In light of your advice, we are considering holding next year’s event on Sentosa and serving free-flow chicken adobo. Possible names include Junefest, Doce de Junio or Makati Madness. Wish us luck.”

Distributed by

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg

Cover by Fishy Toh and Germaine Tay

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JulY 4, 2014

UP FRONT Giveaways

And we have a winner Congratulations to Toh Peiyu for winning dining vouchers for 4 worth ($220++) to Crazy About Crab buffet at Brizo Restaurant & Bar.

Brizo’s Baked Lime Butter Crab

Want to win some amazing prizes? Go to is-magazine.com/giveaways to find out more.

The Bookie

Quote of the Week “Zouk is like my baby. It is like losing my child, like losing a family member.” —Lincoln Cheng, founder of Zouk. The popular nightspot is poised to close at the end of the year, barring a miracle lease extension or new location.

Tiny model-actress-icon Poster girl for not eating Net worth of USD50 million Miss Popularity in the 60s

Renault Twizy Tiny two-seater electric vehicle Does not consume fuel Likely to be priced around $20,000 Struggling for LTA approval today

Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression. JUN

Taiwanese songstress A-Mei was banned from performing her song “Rainbow” at the 2014 Spring Wave Music and Art Festival on June 7. The song, about gay relationships, was deemed inappropriate, and festival organizer Friendly Dog Entertainment claimed that “official approval was not given”.

Be Good Go swimming

Twiggy

OB Index

Sign up for Swim For Hope 2014 (October 12, www.safra.sg/s4h), which will be held at all five SAFRA Clubs across the island. For every lap you swim, $1 will be donated to charities including Aquatics Heart and Hope, SAF Care Fund and Singapore Children’s Society. No workout incentive like a good cause, we say. The early bird registration, which costs $15 for SAFRA members and $23 for nonmembers, will end on July 31.

The odds: 5:1. Twiggy. At least she’s not bound up in red tape (though she’d have looked pretty hot).

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

Support for the arts The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has set up a Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) to provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private cash donations to arts and heritage charities. These donations can come from individuals, foundations or corporations. The fund effectively doubles the value of every cash donation for the receiving organization, and paves the way to creating a more sustainable arts and heritage scene. Visit www.mccy.gov.sg/cmf for more info.

Sources: Asia One, The New Paper, Channel News Asia, The Straits Times, Today.

Essential Events July 4 - 17 SEE This

CALENDAR

Best Medicine Laugh till your sides hurt at the tenth edition of The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, featuring hilarious performances by some of Down Under’s best funnymen including Ronny Chieng, Harley Breen and Joel Creasey. Jul 8-12. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Rd., 6733-8166, www. substation.org/event/comedy2014. $46.

DO This

DON’T Miss

Font Book Online lifestyle store ITALIC & BOLD turns one, and is celebrating with a traveling pop-up for the entire month—first at Mondays Off (76 Haji Lane) from July 1-15, followed by vintage furniture store ReStore (124 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 62223510) from July 6-31. Free.

Kubrick Madness Good news for fans of famed director Stanley Kubrick: The Screening Room is showing some of his best works including Lolita (Jul 7, 7pm), The Shining (Jul 8, 7:30pm), 2001: A Space Odyssey (Jul 9, 7pm) and A Clockwork Orange (Jul 10 7:30pm). 12 Ann Siang Rd., 6221-1694. $15.

Friday, JuLy 4 Floating Bones re-stages two Chinese-language plays—Cultural Medallion winner Han Lao Da’s Floathouse 1001 and Quah Sy Ren’s Dreamy Dragon Bone—in English for the first time. Play Den, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. $25. Graffiti artist Nychos’s first solo exhibition Slice of the Weird, featuring weird cartoon-like figures, opens today. Through Jul 18. PHUNK, 188 Tanjong Katong Rd., 6348-6983. Free.

fourth birthday with art, fireworks, a set menu and DJ Blur on the decks at Altimate. 5pm. 61-63/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410. $40. All-white DÎner en Blanc is back, this year with a focus on romance and threecourse meals in tiffin carriers (from $78). www.singapore. dinerenblanc.info. $46.

Monday, JuLy 7 SIFA’s The O.P.E.N. segment closes this week. Catch performances and Slice of the Weird screenings like South Korean documentary Non-fiction Diary (on today at 7:30pm). Through Jul 12. Drink till you see stars Various venues, 8425-2785, and stripes (or not) at www.theopen.sifa.sg. $45 The Fourth of July Pub from Sistic. Crawl. 7:30pm. UOB Plaza, 80 Raffles Place. $45 thurSday, JuLy 10 from Peatix. Artist Mark Rothko comes back to life in Tony AwardSaturday, JuLy 5 winning Red by Blank 1-Altitude celebrates its Space Theatre. Through

Jul 12. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $28 from Sistic. Friday, JuLy 11 Singapore Food Festival kicks off its programming with a barbecue on Palawan Beach (6:30pm) and a Nyonya food truck at Read bridge tomorrow. Through Jul 20, 6736-6622, www. singaporefoodfestival.com. Saturday, JuLy 12 Champers, baguette and all things French are freeflowing at (an early) Bastille Day Road Party. 6pm. O Batignolles Wine Bar & French Bistrot, 2 Gemmill Lane, 6438-3913. $30. Sunday, JuLy 13 Analyze scenes and create believable characters at actress-director Edith Podesta’s beginner’s theater workshop Inside the Actors Studio. 2pm. Esplanade Rehearsal Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $15.

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

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

Q&A Carlos Celdran

Manic Manila Soak in the restaurants, music and quirky characters of Makati and Pasay in two days flat. By Delle Chan

Rocket Room

Born in Makati and educated in New York City, the intrepid guide of Walk This Way walking tours (www.celdrantours. blogspot.com) is also a health activist and creative director at Manila arts space The Living Room. Describe Manila in ten words or less. Manila is a Rorschach Test and a state of mind.

San Agustin Church

anila is not for the faint of heart, but it’s also full of hidden gems. With busy bees in mind, we focus on Pasay, which houses many of Manila’s tourist faves, and Makati, a burgeoning commercial district known for its cool bars and restaurants. Here’s what you can do in just two days:

Day One

9am: Visit Intramuros (Bonifacio Dr.), known as the Walled City because of the imposing stone walls constructed by Spanish colonialists to protect the city from foreign invasion (oh, the irony). Next, head to San Agustin Church (General Luna St., Intramuros, +63 2 527-2746, www.sanagustinchurch.org), a UNESCO heritage site that boasts intricate baroque architecture. 1pm: The SM Mall of Asia (J.W. Diokno Blvd., Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, +63 2 556-0680, www.smmallofasia.com) is supposedly the 10th largest shopping mall in the world, with high-street labels like Mango, Warehouse and Zara. Grab lunch at one of the 360 F&B establishments including Yabu (+63 2 511-7202, www.yabu.ph), a safe bet for delicious Japanese katsu. For dessert, try the traditional halo-halo from fast food chain Razon’s of Guagua (+63 2 556-0277, www.razonsofguagua. com) for PHP100 ($2.86). 6:30pm: Pick fresh seafood from the stalls at Dampa (Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Pasay City), and have it cooked to your liking at nearby restaurants (PHP380 or $10.88 upwards for a kilo

SaGuijo

in vinegar, sea salt and pepper corns (PHP365; $10.46) at XO 46 Heritage Bistro (G/F Le Grand Building, 130 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, +63 2 553-6632, www.facebook. Dampa com/pages/XO-46-Bistro-Filipino) make a good midday meal. of shrimp). We especially liked the lobsters grilled 3pm: See ethnographic and archaeological with garlic butter and the battered calamari. exhibits at Ayala Museum (Dela Rosa St., Makati 8:30pm: Have a fun cocktail, like A Girl City, +63 2 757-3000, www.ayalamuseum.org), a With Violet Eyes (an interesting concoction of small but well-curated gallery. mixed berries, honey, apple rum, lychee and 7pm: Popular roadside joint El Chupacabra mint, PHP225; $6.45), at Rocket Room (G/F (5782 Felipe St cor. Polaris St., Makati City, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Ave., Taguig +63 2 895-1919, www.facebook.com/ City, +63 2 621-3222, www.facebook. Elchupacabraph) has some of the best com/RocketRoom). The place does street tacos (PHP80; $2.29 upwards) weekly DJ parties from Thursdays in town—the spicy chipotle shrimp to Saturdays. version is especially tasty. Word of advice: book ahead. Day Two 9pm: Catch live music 9am: For breakfast, tuck into performances at cozy boho hangout waffles, red velvet cookies (PHP50; SaGuijo Café + Bar (7612 Guijo St., $1.43 upwards) and a 12-hour cold San Antonio Village, Makati City, +63Yardstick Coffee brew (PHP16; $4.58) at the quirky, not2-897-8629, www.saguijo.com). crazily-packed Yardstick Coffee (106 Esteban St., Legazpi Village, Makati City, +63 2 Have more time to spare? Read an extended itinerary 845-0073, www.yardstickcoffee.com). at is.gd/manilacityguide or download our app at 12pm: Local fare like herb-roasted pork www.is-magazine.com/app. belly (PHP685; $19.63) and milkfish braised

Your favorite local dish? Sinuglaw, Philippine ceviche made with fresh fish, vinegar, chillies, and topped with grilled pork. It is taken best with a freezing San Miguel Beer. Why is Manila such a mess? We never got over the destruction of the entire city at the end of World War 2. How has the city changed in the past ten years? It’s become more hospitable. Believe it or not, smoke-belching levels from automobiles have gone down and traffic is not as much of a nightmare as it was. The creative scene has also exploded and hotels have improved. But we still have a long way to go. There’s always room for more improvement. Mrigaa Sethi Read the full interview at is.gd/carlosceldran.

Essentials

Sofitel Philippine Plaza

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, juLY 4 2014

21 live cooking stations. Rates are WHERE To STAY from PHP6,552 ($187.87) Sofitel Philippine Plaza (CCP upwards for a Superior room. Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, +63 0 551Alternatively, there’s the 5555, www.sofitel.com) is Fairmont Makati (1 Raffles one of the most Dr., Makati Ave., Makati City, established in Manila, +63 2 555-9888, www. located 7km away from the fairmont.com/Makati), located airport and with glorious within walking distance of views of Manila Bay. Fairmont Makati many cool cafes. The furnishings Furnishings are luxe—think are all made from locally lots of marble and mahogany—and sourced materials, and their cute service is stellar. Plus, in-house Writers Bar is styled like a library. A restaurant Spiral serves a buffet with

Fairmont room costs around PHP9,200 ($263.80) upwards.

GETTING THERE Cebu Pacific (www. cebupacificair.com) flies 25 times a week to Manila. It’s a budget carrier without meals or inflight entertainment, but the cabin crew facilitates games and giveaways. Plus, flights all land at Ninoy Aquino

International Airport’s Terminal 3, by far the most pleasant terminal in the airport. Fares start from $147 upwards. Visit www.cebupacificair.com.

VISAS Singapore citizens do not require a visa to enter the Philippines, but citizens of most non-ASEAN nations do. Cebu Pacific

ExCHANGE RATE PHP34.87 = $1

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

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Delle Chan

Sofitel So Singapore

from S$406 for a round trip ticket in June. See www.silkair.com for more info.

HONG KONG

Star Meal Hong Kong’s already famous for its fantastic dim sum and Michelin-starred restaurants. Now, its food scene is set to look even better and brighter— famed British chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver will be opening restaurants in the country in the near future. Oliver’s opening a 200-seater branch of Jamie’s Italian at Causeway Bay this summer, while Ramsay will be bringing his Bread Street Kitchen concept to the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel in central Hong Kong this September, making it the first outpost in Asia. Learn more at www.jamieoliver.com and www.gordonramsay.com. VIETNAM

Cost Savings

SRI LANKA

Colombo Rocks Colombo’s wide avenues, colonial architecture and seaside location make it one really cool destination. Plus, this year saw the expansion of two chain hotels there. Opening its doors just last month was OZO Colombo, with 158 contemporary rooms, a rooftop bar and infinity swimming pool. Room rates start from USD105 ($131.13) a night, and you’ll get to enjoy a complimentary room upgrade for stays through August 31. The Best Western Elyon Hotel Colombo is set to open on July 1, offering 60 rooms with 30” TVs, iPod docking stations and Wi-Fi. Opening rates start from around USD91 ($113.71). See www.ozohotels.com and www.bestwestern.com.

It seems like fancier hotels are catching on to the budget-friendly “pay for what you use concept”—at the new, SINGAPORE four-star A La Carte Da Nang, guests pay a base fee for the room, as low as S$99 per night, The much-anticipated Sofitel before selecting other So Singapore opened a few chargeable amenities weeks ago, and it feels just according to their like Paris. The 134 rooms boast wants and needs, like French-inspired furnishings, breakfast, iPads and three-meter high ceilings and DIY meal baskets. Book bespoke light boxes above through sites like www. each bed, with stylish flourishes hotels.com. A La Carte from Karl Lagerfeld, who created Da Nang the hotel’s signature lion emblem. MYANMAR The hotel currently has two opening offers—the decadent “Weekends@So” package (S$599 upwards) will get you Forget Yangon—Mandalay’s where a Champagne brunch on Saturday and it’s at. The second-largest city in an all-day brekkie on Sunday. The “100 Myanmar is the epicenter of culture, Dollars, 100 Days” package will get you and is more laid back than its urban S$100 F&B credit for a limited 100-day sibling. Plus, regional carrier SilkAir period. Or just swing by Xperience has just launched flights to Mandalay, restaurant for some Euro fare and some three times a week with Yangon as a rather clubby light sculptures. More info layover. The flights depart Singapore’s at www.sofitel.com. Changi Airport at 11:35am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and return on the same day at 8:50pm. Fares start

Parisian Chic

The Road to Mandalay

Now available for your iPad & Android Tablet The all-new Where® Singapore app —your complete guide to go.

Available for download now! 6

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

island

fashion + fitness + tech + home

Tame the Man(e)

grooming

Q&A luke Strickland

Jermyn Street’s master barber on the next it hairstyle and how to create the perfect pompadour. What is the next hairstyle after Don Draper’s gentleman’s cut? It will go one of two ways depending on the character of the gentleman—either it will be a messier and more tussled version of a similar style for those wanting the loose look, or a slightly longer scissor cut for those seeking the British aristocracy look.

The barbershop renaissance is officially in full swing. Here’s where to get spiffed up like a true gentleman. By Crystal Lee and Delle Chan Jermyn Street The place: Recently opened along Amoy Street is this fancy six-chaired grooming parlor helmed by master barber luke Strickland from london (see our interview with him, below). The services: A hot towel shave costs costs $55 upwards, while a clipper cut (with wash and finish) costs $45 upwards. You can even sign up for grooming packages—”The Crown Prince” ($125/month) will get you a wash, haircut, finish, razor shave and manicure.

Jermyn Street

The finishing touch: There’s a stage for live acts, a private room for meetings and a bar. You can also purchase retail products from D.R. Harris, alongside goods from brands like Mr Natty, layrite and The Daimon Barber.

Some boys still love the pompadour. How to do a perfect one? Blow-drying the hair to start is essential; setting the hair in place with a hairdryer really shouldn’t take very long at all and it makes styling so much easier. Next, pomade and a comb are your best friends! Best bet is to always ask your barber his process when he’s styling your hair at the end of the cut. Then replicate this at home.

108 Amoy St., 6220‑4010, www.jermynstreet.com.sg. Open Mon‑Sat 11am‑9pm.

The Golden Rule Barber Co The place: This multi-concept barbershop is in the same vein as Hounds of the Baskervilles and The Panic Room (no surprise—founders Yanto Aryan Sani and Mohamed Jay Anudin were pioneer groomers from the two establishments; see right). It’s a handsome space, with all the obligatory industrial touches (metal toolboxes, Chesterfield sofa and vintage lightings). The services: A basic trim costs $28, while a hot towel shave will set you back $30. You can also get your beard sculpted for $38.

Your barbering specialty? I’d like to think that I’m solid in all areas but in reality I think all barbers have their specialties. I’d say mine lies in classic gentlemen’s haircuts, executed properly and in the traditional fashion— always neat, always perfect.

The golden rule Barber Co

The finishing touch: Pictures of ‘90s bands and electric guitars grace the walls. There’s also the occasional acoustic sets. #01‑02 Roberts Lane, 188 Race Course Rd., 6341‑7291, www.thegoldenrulebarber.com. Open Mon‑Sat 11am‑10pm; Sun noon‑6pm.

What makes a good barber? Pride—not to be mistaken for arrogance—should be at the forefront of every barber’s mind.

Premium Barbers (Barber Spa)

Who cuts your hair? If there’s a barber I’m in the process of training, it’ll always be them. If not, I still very much enjoy being a customer in a barbershop so I’ll visit others in the area and show support to my fellow barber. Plus, being on the other side of the chair reminds me of the origins of my passion.

The place: Old-school barbershop meets modern spa at Premium Barber’s second outlet. Despite the mall location, the quirky store looks just like a house, with real windows and even a French door. The services: Full head shaves are $45 and a beard trim is $28. Spa treatments include a diamondpack facial ($95) and full body massage ($90 upwards). You can even take a nap after (for a fee).

Crystal Lee

The finishing touch: Decidedly anti-spa options are served up by the inhouse cocktail bar, like ice cold beers, wines and other spirits. #04‑12/13 orchardgateway, 277 Orchard Rd., 6702‑6228, www.premium‑barbers.com. Open daily 11am‑10pm (barber and spa); 11am‑10:30pm (bar).

I‑S Online: Read the full interview at is.gd/lukestrickland Premium Barbers

SPorT

Swing Both Ways

Wimbledon’s almost over (July 6), but here are three public courts to continue the game. Kallang Tennis Center ActiveSg It boasts 14 courts within its world-class premises and seats more than 1,000—little wonder competitions are often held here. Book your spot via ActiveSG’s website (see URL below) at $3.50 per hour (non-peak) and $9 on weekends, public holidays and 6-10pm on weekdays. Various teaching schools, including Tennis Lessons Singapore (www. tennislessons.com.sg) offer classes on site, starting at $50 per student for an hour. 52 Stadium rd., 6348 1291, www.myactivesg.com. open daily 7am-10pm.

Kampong glam Community The buzzing Kampong Glam ‘hood isn’t all Club eat and no play. There’s a court available for booking at the CC and PAssion card members get special booking rates at $6.50 per hour during non-peak hours and $8.50 on weekends, public holidays and after 6:30pm on weekdays. NonPAssion card members pay $7 (non-peak) and $9 (peak). 385 Beach rd, 6295-0741, www.one.pa.gov.sg. open daily 10:45am–9:45pm.

SAFrA mount Faber Though courts here are only available to Safra members at $3/hour, there’s a loophole: sign up for tennis lessons, which are open to all. Four 1.5-hour classes for adults start at $144 for members and $176 for guests. 2 Telok Blangah Way, 6278-6011, www.safra.sg. open daily 9am–11pm. CHeANg MINg AND lIM YeN SIu

I‑S Online: Find a court closer to you at is.gd/tenniscourts

FRIDAY, JulY 4, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

$5.50 for a brew? Now we’re talking. Clarke Quay’s range of happy hour promotions and ladies night specials should make for the perfect nightcap after a long day’s work. To help you decide where to go, here are some of the best bargains happening at the riverside destination.

DISTRICT 10

LADIES NIGHT

LIQUOR UP

Girls just wanna have fun— and freebies

Don’t forget to check out the ladies night specials at these establishments. Boss BarBQ #01-04 Blk. C, 6336-3393, www.bossbarbq.sg

ATTICA

KURO

#01-03 Blk. A, 6333-9973, www.attica.com.sg. The recently revamped club didn’t just have a facelift—its ladies night also freshened up, and ladies get up to five complimentary drinks before midnight on Wednesdays.

The Bungy Bar #01-07 Blk. E, 6337-5707, www.bungybar.com.sg China One #02-01 to 03 Blk. E, 6339-0280, www.chinaone.sg

#01-11 Blk. C, 9733-6669, www.kuro.com.sg. Sake lovers won’t want to miss this: the newish Japanese-fusion gastrobar is serving free-flow Geikkeikan Oukan sake for the ladies on Wednesdays, and there’s a chance you could win a Magnum bottle. What’s more, all the other sake, shochu and umeshu bottles are 30% off all night.

ATTICA

F.CLUB

The Chupitos Bar #01-05 Blk. B, 6333-4513, www.thechupitosbar.com

#01-08 Blk. B, 6338-3158, www.f-club.sg. The bigger your entourage, the merrier the party. On Wednesdays, gather up a group of five girls to get a bottle (yes, a whole bottle) of Prosecco free, or a group of eight girls for a bottle of Prosecco and a bottle of vodka free at this superchic club.

Cuba Libre #01-13 Blk. B, 6338-8982, www.cubalibre.com.sg District 10 Bar & Restaurant #01-11 Blk. D, 6337-1838, www.district10.com.sg DREAM #01-05 Blk. C, 6305-6771, www.facebook.com/clubdream.sg Pint & Curries #01-14 Blk. D, 6337-4616, www.facebook.com/pintandcurries The Pump Room Microbrewery + Bistro + Club #01-09/10 Blk. B, 6338-0138, www.pumproomasia.com

BOSS BARBQ

LE NOIR #01-01 Blk. C, 6339-6365, www.barlenoir.com. Can’t make it on a Wednesday for a girls’ night out? Check in at this glamorous spot on a Thursday instead to kick start the weekend early. Entry is free, for the ladies plus you get five drinks on the house before midnight.

FERN & KIWI #01-02/03 Blk. C, 6336-2271, www.fernandkiwi.com. Clarke Quay’s New Zealand establishment will chase all midday blues away with $5 (nett!) house pours on Wednesdays from 5-6pm. But don’t forget to line your stomach with their delicious bar grub—especially with drinks this cheap.

SENOR TACO

LE NOIR

#01-12 Blk. D, 6337-6376, www.senortaco.sg If your go-to drink is something from the Spanish region, there’s no other place better than this hot spot. On Wednesdays, enjoy two hours’ worth of free-flow signature lime margaritas, mojitos, white or red wine from 7-9pm upon getting your first drink.

Tomo Izakaya #01-04 Blk. A, 6333-0100, www.tomoizakaya.com DREAM

W W W. C L A R K E Q UAY. CO M . S G / A L I V E A F T E R 5 8

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLARKE QUAY

HAPPY

HOUR

Keep spirits high without breaking the bank.

DISTRICT 10

BEER MARKET #01-17 Blk. B, 9661-8283, www.beermarket.com.sg. With a “Buy Low, Drink High” concept, it’s almost always happy hour at this stock exchange bar. But that’s not all. Happy hour applies to food as well, with wings, luncheon fries, spring rolls and mini sausages at $4+ each or $10+ for three from Tuesday to Thursday, 6-8pm, plus all of Sunday.

TOMO IZAKAYA

PAULANER WIRSTSHAUS #01-02 Blk. B, 6338-0480, www.paulaner-clarkequay.com. Clocking in extra hours at work? Hit up this beer spot for an extended happy hour: all beers (0.3 liter), wines by the glass and house pour spirits are 50% off everyday till 10pm. BEER MARKET

THE CHUPITOS BAR #01-05 Blk. B, 6333-4513, www.thechupitosbar.com. Six is the magic number during happy hour at this cozy bar. Bottled beers, house pours and selected shooters are $6 from 6:30-9pm daily.

PAULANER WIRSTHAUS

PINT & CURRIES #01-14 Blk. D, 6337-4616, www.facebook.com/ pintandcurries. All bottled beers are $10.90 (normally $12.90) a pop and a bucket of five go for $49 (normally $59) till 10pm every day. Look out for their weekly beer specials—the brew of the week is $9.90 a bottle and $39 for a bucket of five. Available till 10pm daily.

CUBA LIBRE #01-13 Blk. B, 6338-8982, www.cubalibre.com.sg. From 6-9pm daily, house pour spirits, house wines and draft beers by the glass are one for one, while mojitos are 20% off.

OCTAPAS #01-08 Blk. D, 6837-2938, www.octapasasia.com. Sangria is always a great idea for a balmy evening—here, it’s 50% off, along with beers, wines and cocktails, from noon-8pm daily.

THE PUMP ROOM MICROBREWERY + BISTRO + CLUB

#01-04 Blk. A, 6333-0100, www.tomoizakaya.com. Sapporo draft beer is priced at $5.50++ per mug from 5 to 7pm, while house pours including Kikumasamune sake, Sauza tequila, Blackwood vodka, Beefeater gin and Barcadi go for $8++ per glass all night. In the mood for a liquid buffet? Opt for the two-hour free-flow deal from $45.

THE FORBIDDEN CITY BY INDOCHINE #01-02 Blk. A, 6557-6268, www.indochine.com.sg. Not only are house pour spirits, house wines, draft beers one for one from Sunday to Thursday (5-9pm) for members inside Bamboo Bar, drinks come with complimentary crispy Laotian chicken wings with straight cut fries. On weekends (Friday and Saturday), get two Jagerbombs inside Bamboo Bar at $15 nett from midnight to 1am.

#01-09/10 Blk. B, 6334-2628, www.pumproomasia.com. THE PUMP ROOM Get fresh in-house brews, house pour spirits and wines at $7++, beer towers at and all bottles at 15% off from Saturdays to Thursdays, 5-9 pm, and 5-8pm on Fridays and the eve of public holidays.

OCTAPAS

DRINK SMART AND GET HAPPY!

More happy hour promotions to enjoy at these watering holes. Alegro Churros Bar #01-13 Blk. D, www.facebook.com/AlegroChurrosBar • Boss BarBQ #01-04 Blk. C, 6336-3393, www.bossbarbq.sg • The Bungy Bar #01-07 Blk. E, 6339-5707, www.bungybar.com.sg • China One #02-01/02/03 Blk. E, 6339-0280, www.chinaone.sg • District 10 Bar & Restaurant #01-11 Blk. D, 6337-1838, www.district10.com.sg/clarkequay • DREAM #01-05 Blk. C, 6305-6771, www.facebook.com/clubdream.sg • Fenix Room #02-05/06 Blk. C, 6305-6753, www.facebook.com/fenixroomsg • Fern & Kiwi #01-02/03 Blk. C, 6336-2271, www.fernandkiwi.com • Hooters Singapore #01-03 Blk. D, 6332-1090, www.hooters.com.sg • Hopdog #01-07 Blk. C, 6734-0205, www.facebook.com/hopdogsg • Hutong #01-07 Blk. D, 6336-0212, www.katrinahldgs.com/hutong • Kuro #01-11 Blk. C, 9733-6669, www.kuro.com.sg • Muchos #01-04 Blk. D, 6338-4748, www.katrinahldgs.com/muchos. html • Mulligan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant #01-10 Blk. C, 6305-6726, www.mulliganspubs.com • Renn Thai #01-05 Blk. D, 6338-7200, www.katrinahldgs. com/rennthai.html • Senor Taco #01-07/12 Blk. D, www.senortaco.sg • The Wings Bar #01-02 Blk. D, 6333-4460, www.wingsbar.sg • Verve Pizza Bar #01-10 Blk. D, 6473-3655, www.verve.sg

/CLARKEQUAY

CLARKEQUAYBLOG.TUMBLR.COM

@CLARKEQUAY

@CLARKEQUAYSG

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

island

fashion + fitness + tech + home

STYLE NOTES

with Crystal lee

Space Invaders Drop by Rivets (2/F, 38 Haji lane) for Tokyobike x Bradley Wiggins Collection’s pop-up shop (through July 27) for unfussy clothes and accessories designed for the urban cyclist ($179 upwards). For more popups happening this month, visit is.gd/julypopups.

StylE items. Fashion, sports, toys, travel and media are launching soon. Read more on new(ish) virtual marketplaces at is.gd/newonlinemalls.

Look Ma, No Wallet!

MasterCard recently introduced a simple way to pay for your online purchases without entering credit card and shipping info at checkout. MasterPass is accepted tokyobike x by 40,000 merchants worldwide, Add to Cart Bradley Wiggins including luxola and Shaw Theatres in Collection Online shopping mall Lazada Singapore. Create an account for free (www.lazada.sg) is well on its way at masterpass.com.sg, select your issuer and to world domination, with a new domain in you’re ready to go. Singapore. Currently available are wellnessrelated products, electronics, and home

BUy SPy The new Acer Iconic A1-830 tablet is a cheaper alternative to the iPad Mini and has features rare among Androids: a 4:3 screen and a 7.9-inch multi-touch screen, for example. It runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) with a dual-core 1.6 GHz Atom Z2560 processor, 1GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. The 5-megapixel rearfacing camera and 2-megapixel front camera do the job for selfies and Skype, but don’t expect works of art. It’s not 3G compatible, either, so WiFi all the way. $249 from Courts Orchard, 228 Orchard Rd., 1800-222-6868, www.courts.com.sg.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JulY 4, 2014

OPEN StOrE

Mondays Off

HOME The buzz: Adding some much-needed variety to beloved indie street Haji lane (though we think it’s seen better days) is this crafty home decor and lifestyle multi-label boutique.

The vibe: Simply decorated with white box shelves and light wooden tables, the quirky space has hanging floral bud lamps and a life-size nutcracker statue. Reflecting store owner leyna Poh’s personal taste, it is a melange of light-wash wood, minimalist aesthetics and shelves strewn with stationery, pillows and even an alligator skull. Books are piled on a large table that acts as a centerpiece. The playlist comprising upbeat YouTube covers and the latest indie bands keeps the browsing energy up. The goods: Mainly home decor and accents, like colorful patterned cushions from South Africa (from $40), local hand-made vases inspired by traditional cheongsams (from $400) and in-house designed typographic posters dreamed up by leyna herself (from $20). There’s a shelf full of made-in-SG goodies like GSH Conserves (from $4 a bottle), as well as a curated selection of books and indie magazines provided by BooksActually. Why you’ll be back: The mish-mash of products may be a little random but it forms a cohesive I-didn’t-know-I-needed-this vibe. It’s also an affordable Scandinavian-inspired design store—which we know are far and few between. The laidback atmosphere makes you feel like you’re over at a design-savvy friend’s house with its dining table of full of accessories and magazines, but you’re actually perusing through the ever-changing roster of rare, well-chosen products. 76 Haji Lane, www.mondays-off.com. Open Tues-Sun 12-8pm. leTITIA TAnDeAn

The old and the new

Who's in charge? Country Manager andrew Hiransomboon countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg editorial Editorial Director Ric Stockfis Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg Junior Writers Delle Chan, Letitia tandean Editorial Interns Cheang Ming, Lim Yen Siu

STREETWISE

Custom Content Editor Clara Lim Custom Content Writer Samantha David

e’ve been running through the parks, holing up in the third-wave coffee shops and eating at the hip restaurants of Kallang for years now. But with Sports Hub now officially open and a few developments (including an MRT station!) coming soon, we decided it was time to look at the neighborhood with fresh eyes. And you know what? There’s lots more to it than Loysel’s Toy, Golden Mile and dragonboats on the river (though you will find all three in these pages). Tear out this handy guide and discover Kallang’s diverse gems, from rock climbing gyms and lawn bowling fields to theaters and ukulele shops. Ok, and restaurants and third-wave coffee shops, too.

Design Senior Designers Beverly Chong, Carmen Louise Ho Designers Fishy toh Multimedia Designer – Photographer Mossy Chew Wenzhi Design Intern Germaine tay Sales Business Development Manager Intan agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg Media Manager Shernan Plameras Media Executives Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong Marketing Marketing Manager Silver adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg Marketing Interns Brian Low Yong Wen, Geraldine tan, Rio Liang Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia-city.com.sg Accountant Huang Huiping aCMG Digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide Group Directors

Pul l Gui out de

Special K 74 reasons to revisit Kallang (and the Sports Hub is only one)

Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia-city.com.sg Cover by Fishy Toh and Germaine Tay

FoLD THIS PuLLouT GuIDe IN 3 STePS. 1 3

Kallang Bahru & Geylang Bahru

eat 1

Biscotti Bakery

#01-1137, Blk 18 Upper Boon Keng Rd., 9739-3304, www.biscottibakery.com.sg. It’s rather niche, but yes, this bakery specializes in biscotti. The original almond flavor aside, there’s cranberry pistachio, chocolate orange almond and orange almond. 2 Geylang Bahru Market and Food Center

#01-1436, 44 Bendemeer Rd., 6294-9922, www. laiwahrestaurant.com. This Chinese stalwart has been around since 1963 and is allegedly the birthplace of the Chinese New Year dish yu sheng (raw fish salad). No wonder the place is extra crowded during the festive season.

#01-425, 63 Kallang Bahru, 6295-5906. Swing by here for your Nonya kueh (cake) fix—kueh lapis, pulut inti (blue glutinous rice cake) and old-school favorites like rainbow kueh, aka lapis sagu. The latter’s only available on Sundays, though.

21 Geylang Bahru Ln., 6295-4261, www. singaporeswimming.com. This public swimming complex features three pools, including a competition pool for hard core types. It’s only $1.30 to get in on the weekends, and you can sign up for some serious classes, too.

Kallang Bahru

Ming Kitchen

Rong Kee

Lee Meiling

Lai Wah Restaurant

10 Kallang Basin Swimming Complex

#01-22, 5 Upper Boon Roasted Delights Blk 69 Geylang Bahru Keng Rd., 6744-3015, #01-01, 5 Upper Boon Market and Food Centre, 69 www.mingkitchen.net. Keng Rd., www.rongkee.net. Geylang Bahru. Known for their zi char-style In the same food court as Ming Amid HDB estates, dishes, there’s dozens Kitchen is roast specialist Rong Kee. this food center of branches from Boon It’s pretty much an HDB chain, but has some popular Lay to Bedok. They do they do make mean renditions of stalls, including Mr chilli crab and pork ribs, roast chicken, duck and pork belly, Wadeh (#01-2729), but we also like the all of which are seasoned with a which does crispy underrated prawn paste house-special barbecue sauce. prawn vadai and chicken wings and chai Fortune Food (#01poh omelet. 2777, 6243-2118, www. Geylang Bahru fortunefood.sg)—known Food Center for their popiah and kueh pie ti, both made from Insider owner, My Home Kitchen scratch daily. tip (#01-2729 Blk 69 Geylang 3

6 Sky Joyce Nonya Kueh Cake Shop

Bahru Market and Food Centre)

“I frequent the yong tau foo stall at Block 63. I like it for its traditional, home-cooked flavors. As for changes around the neighborhood, I think a couple of shopping malls would be nice. There’s an MRT Station (Geylang Bahru) coming up soon so that’s something I’m looking forward to.”

Kitchen Capers

Dancesport De allan

#02-2721, Blk 70a Geylang Bahru, 62966996, www.facebook.com/ dancesportdeallan. Sign up for a class at this modest and affordable little studio. Classes include ballroom dances like waltz and tango as well as fun stuff like samba and cha cha. All levels. 8

Dennis Gym

#02-01, Geylang West CC, 1205 Upper Boon Keng Rd., 85432903, www.dennisgym.net. Sign up for combat training classes or get some military-style muscle toning done at this bodybuilding specialist gym. There is also a team of on-site personal trainers for oneon-one work. 9

Lee Meiling

#01-531F, 71 Kallang Bahru, 6392-0159, www.kitchencapers.com. A home baker’s delight with some interesting products like cupcake corers, kueh tutu molds and weirdly specific cookie cutter shapes, including that of a polar bear and an ancient Chinese dragon.

Gin thye Cake Maker

#01-491, 66 Kallang Bahru, 6396-8472, www.ginthye.com. These guys have been in business since 1964 and make cream-based cakes and fruit tarts and everything in between. Perfect for catering orders and weddings, though not for dine-in.

Ming Kitchen

CoMING SooN Part of the Downtown Line, the Geylang Bahru MRt station is slated for completion in 2017. Wedged between Bendemeer MRT—which heads towards Bukit Panjang— and Mattar MRT towards expo, the station will run along Kallang Bahru Road, making the lives of those working and living around the Kallang River and Geyland Bahru Industrial estate a lot easier. Just a stone’s throw away will be GB Point shopping mall (535 Kallang Bahru). The former Mandarin theater is being converted into an air-conditioned haven with retail shops alongside tuition centers, child care centers and food courts. Construction is expected to complete in 2017.

North Bridge Road 16

eat a1 Beach Road Prawn Noodles 12

2 Beach Rd. Warm your belly with a steaming bowl of prawn noodles at this stall—a full-on bowl with prawns, pig intestines and pork ribs sets you back $5. We especially like the flavorful soup. 13

B.a.o.

#02-17 Ct Hub, 2 Kallang ave., 6444-4787, www.facebook. com/bakeryartisanoriginal. Bakery Artisan original serves up fresh european-style breads and pastries. Try the large, fluffy croissants, made using French butter from Normandy. or go for their peculiar squid-ink parmesan bun. 14

the Bravery

66 Horne Rd., 6225-4387, www.thebravery.com.sg. It’s all minimalistic décor and

17 North Bridge Road Food Centre

Chye Seng Huat Hardware unvarnished plywood tables at this café. But that just makes the pancake stack ($15), smoked salmon sandwich ($14), and beef steak ciabatta ($13.50) more delicious. Also, try the unique lavender latte ($5.50). 15

Chye Seng Huat Hardware

150 tyrwhitt Rd., 6396-0609, www.cshhcoffee.com. The Papa Palheta crew took over this Art Deco shophouse and installed the first 360-degree coffee bar in Singapore. Also on premises are a retail shop for home brewers and an industrial roaster.

The Bravery Cafe

Insider tip

Fabio De Souza co-owner of the Papa Shop

861 North Bridge Rd. Not the most famed center in the area, but it has some good stalls, like Special Yong Tau Foo (#01-87), around for 50 years—everything’s sold out by lunchtime. There’s also yummy wanton mee by Koka Wanton Noodles (#01-99).

“one of my favorite cheap dining spots is this coffee shop located at far end 18 the Papa Shop of Kallang, near #01-K2 Ct Hub, 2 the junction of Kallang ave., Geylang Lorong 9191-0677. www.facebook.com/ 4. The stall I like is called Tasty Thai Food. Fabio De Souza thepapashop. Part liquor shop, part [There’s] a hidden ultra-chill bar, this hip kiosk sells gem next to The Papa Shop, spirits, sake and craft beers at there’s also Barista Palace wallet-friendly prices. (#01-K1 CT Hub, 2 Kallang Look for obscure bottles like Ave.), which makes good Nøgne beers and Douglas Laing’s Big Peat whiskey. brews from Dutch Colony Coffee Company. Their 19 tolido’s espresso Nook signature mocha chai is also #01-63, 462 Crawford Ln., great. What I love most about 6648-0178, Kallang is its raw, industrial www.tolidosnook.com. This Melbourne-inspired joint and unpretentious vibe, all moved from the Singapore Science thanks to the hardware shops Centre, but the menu’s the same. and industrial offices here.” Try their rosti ($16.90) or their

North Bridge Road

the tiramisu Hero

Golden Mile Complex

army Market

505 Beach Rd., www.armymarket.sg. If you’ve served NS in Singapore, you’ll be familiar with this market of various army surplus shops. But you don’t have to be a military man to shop here—get duffel bags for a steal for your next weekend away.

Golden Mile Complex

5001 Beach Rd. This complex’s 400 shops make up Singapore’s unofficial Little Thailand. That also means amazing Thai food—we love the pork larb at Nana Thai (#01-51/52/66C). The cramped, mad scientist-esque supermarket is also full of gems. Jalan Besar Stadium

Victoria Street Wholesale Centre 25

465 Crawford Ln., 6298-8158, www.victoriawholesalecentre.com. Browse 40 traditional-styled stalls for groceries, dried provisions, catering supplies, cutlery and more. It’s great if you’re planning on cooking for a house party.

Army Market

Windowsill Pies

78 Horne Rd., 9004-7827, www.windowsillpies.sg. Take home sweet pies like pumpkin ($7.50) and s’mores ($8). Their dine-in café does a rotating menu of dishes like shrimp po’boys ($15) and corndogs with peanut butter mustard ($8). Liberty Roasters do the coffee.

The Papa Shop

21 tian tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

465 Crawford Ln. The Kallang branch of one of the best chicken rice stalls in Singapore, and the queues aren’t any shorter. It’s worth the wait though for chicken that’s tender and juicy, with homemade chilli sauce. Windowsill Pies

Tolido’s Expresso Nook

James Quek

Jalan Besar Stadium

100 tyrwhitt Rd., 6292-2418. An age-old battlefield for many exciting soccer matches involving LionsXII (see the fixtures at www.lionsxii.sg)—it’s even considered to be the birthplace of Singapore football.

See 23

cereal bacon rolls ($9.80)—or both!—and wash them down with a latte ($5.50).

Do 26

121 tyrwhitt Rd., 6292-5271, www.thetiramisuhero.com. There’s tiramisu (from $3.50) in all sorts of flavors, from the classic espresso and alcohol combo to others like strawberry and even local choices such as Milo and Horlicks. Savory items include Thai basil pork rice ($12.50) and a truffle egg bacon roll ($10.50).

Doubleshots Cafe

#01-10, 883 North Bridge Rd., 9105-1991, www.dblshots.com This postage stamp-sized café does some interesting options like the Tiramisu espresso ($4) and teapressos ($2.80 upwards), a heady mix of coffee and tea. eats include sandwiches and thin crust pizzas ($6.95 upwards).

Mighty Velo

239 Lavender St., 6396-6280, www.mightyvelo.com. Specializing in folding bikes by Brompton, Montague and Strida ($850 upwards), this neat bike shop also does consultations to find you the right model. Folding scooters (from Swifty Scooters) and bike accessories are also available.

Insider tip

“There’s this claypot stall just downstairs, called Golden Mile Claypot Rice (#01-65) and I love their food. It tastes really authentic and they’ve been in business for really long time, I think about three decades or so. Must be doing something right.”

28 Lee Wei Song School of Music

Level 2 Unit a, Pico Creative Centre (Lobby B), 20 Kallang ave. 68830320, www.leeweisong. com.sg. Founded in 1995, this music school does classes in everything from songwriting and vocal training to dance. Accredited by the London College of Music examinations from Thames Valley university. 29

Mighty Velo

Hair Philosophy

127 tyrwhitt Rd., 6341-5990, www.hairphilosophy.com.sg. Previously located at Tras Street, this bright and clean-lined salon and its team of stylists have moved to Kallang. They also stock hair care products by Redken.

owner, aIM Spec (Golden Mile Complex, www.aimspec.com.sg)

Tiramisu Hero

James Quek

I-S MaGazINe

Riverside

eat 30

#01-06, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 63459905, www.brewerkz.com. No on-site brewing at this branch of one of our fave local microbreweries, but there are waterfront views, lots of alfresco seating and a wood-burning pizza oven. The Indian Pale Ale may convert non-beer drinkers, too. 31

Kilo

2/F Kallang Rivergreen Building, 66 Kampong Bugis, 6467-3987, www.kilokitchen.com. The reincarnation of Raw Kitchen Bar sits comfortably just above Loysel’s Toy, possessing just the right laidback vibe and reasonably priced dishes like ceviche ($17) and Cognac beef tartare ($19). 32 Long Beach King Seafood Restaurant

220 Stadium Blvd., 6344-7722, www.longbeachseafood.com.sg. A starched Sunday-lunchwith-the-family type of place. Supposedly the creator of the black pepper crab, but we say go for the scrumptious butter lobster and the mouth-watering “dong bo” ribs with honey sauce. 33

Brewerkz

Loysel’s toy

1/F Kallang Rivergreen Building, 66 Kampong Bugis, 6292-2306, www.loyselstoy.com.

An awesome weekend spot on the riverfront. Aside from single-origin drips, French presses and syphons, they also sell beans and equipment including a Hario coffee syphon ($115) and the eco-trendy KeepCup ($16). 34

Myra’s Beach Club

#01-04, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 64433005, www.myrasbeachclub.com. The popular east Coast bistro ventures to a new part of the city in July, with their comforting mix of North Indian and Mexican food. Decent veg options, too, if the old place is anything to go by. 35

wild mushroom soup, wild mushroom fried rice, mushroomheavy hot pot buffet, shitake mushroom with meat paste and lots more.

See 37

Kallang theatre

1 Stadium Walk, 6348-7907, www.kallangtheatre.com. A friend to the local arts scene, having staged homegrown shows like Singapura: A Lion City and Bendahara: A Betrayal. The 1,680-seat theater also plays host to international superstars like Charice and Sam Tsui.

Do 38

Bike Rental

Fun fact! Loysel’s Toy (see #33) rents bikes for $10 per hour so you can slowly make your way to east Coast beach after a lazy afternoon of self-caffeination. 39

Bowling

5 Stadium Walk, 6345-0545, www.leisurepark.com.sg. Sunthu 9-1am; Fri-Sat 9-3am. We can’t decide if bowling is hot or not, but it’s hard to care with this awesome facility and its 22 competitionstandard lanes.

thai Village

Spirit of Kallang

Myra’s Beach Club

Kallang Riverside Park

Kallang Wave

1 Stadium Place, www.sportshub.com.sg. Located at the new Sports Hub, the mall is named after the iconic celebration that used to take place in the old National Stadium.

Sports Hub Highlights Some of the biggest events in the coming months.

Singapore Sports Council

230 Stadium Blvd., 6345-7111, www.sportsingapore.gov.sg. As the governing body to all things sport in Singapore, this place has some neat facilities for public use, from squash to tennis and netball. Book on their site.

Kallang Lawn Bowl Greens

Built on both sides of Kallang River, this park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts and boasts fitness equipment, jogging and cycling tracks. Nature lovers will appreciate the butterfly garden and bird-watching opportunities.

Singapore Sports Hub

Liferacer Swim Wears

#02-07 Kallang Leisure Park, 5 Stadium Walk, 6441-2343, www.liferacer.com.sg. This local swimwear boutique has lots of funky and patterned options, even thermal swimwear and those fashionable beach cover-ups. They have waterproof accessories, too. 47

Little Provence

#B1-05, Kallang Leisure Park, 5 Stadium Walk, www.littleprovence.biz.

Kallang Cricket Grounds

31 Stadium Crescent, 6348-6566, www.singaporecricket.org. A regular host of one-day international matches, this cricket field is home ground to the Singapore national team.

The spanking new Sports Hub isn’t Kallang’s only new and improved hangout. In fact, according to the uRA Master Plan, there are plans to revamp Kallang Riverside Park with the addition of more shops and cafes (hmm... more hipster coffee joints?). Plus, more work’s happening along the beach and there’ll even be a route connecting Gardens by the Bay to the Sports Hub. Also, the (now creepy-looking) old Airport Square, where the Kallang Airport Terminal Building stands, will be conserved and used as an enclave for office buildings, hotels, retail malls and other entertainment facilities. No dates yet. For more info, visit www.ura.gov.sg.

the Mushroom Pot

Alongside international brands like uNIQLo and H&M and dining outlets including Poulet, and Soup Spoon, there will be sporting facilities like a rock climbing area and a rooftop water park.

standards, this is the place to go if you’re a die-hard ice skating fan. They even offer skating courses for all levels.

CoMING SooN

6 Stadium Blvd. open daily from 7am-7pm. Housed in the tennis center, this field hosts some of the island’s hobbyist lawn bowlers. It’s more strategic than you think with weekend teams pitting themselves against each other. If you’re interested in picking it up, there are even free sessions everyday 1-2pm.

Ice skating rink

5 Stadium Walk, 6348-1347, www.leisurepark.com.sg. Sun-thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Constructed to match international competition

Riverside

the Cage

28 Jalan Benaan Kapal, 63449345, www.thecage.com.sg. Indulge in a friendly game of nocturnal indoor football. Book your own field for $50 per hour before 6pm, $90 per hour after 6pm.

#01-02/03 Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6440-2292, www. thaivillagerestaurant.com.sg. They don’t serve too many “quintessentially Thai” dishes here at this regional chain, but there are Teochew-ish and seafood classics aplenty like black pepper crab, braised fish maw and fried vermicelli with seafood.

#01-05 Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6342-3320, www. mushroompot.com. This family-friendly restaurant sells exactly what its name suggests—

Loysel’s Toy

If you love French specialties, this retail store will delight you with its wide selection of olive oils, truffle delicacies, tapenades, artisanal jams, chocolates and excellent wines. 48

Ukulele Movement

5/F Kallang Rivergreen Building, 66 Kampong Bugis, 6299-0580, www. ukulelemovement.com. Supposedly the “first and only ukulele specialty shop in Singapore”, this place is also home to a community of enthusiasts.

Ukulele Movement

Singapore Sports Hub

2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660, www.sportshub.com.sg. Located over 35 hectares of Kallang, the all-new Singapore Sports Hub is now home to the 55,000-capacity National Stadium, Indoor Stadium, Sports Museum, Sports Library, Water Sports Centre, a multi-purpose indoor arena, and a sprawling 41,000 sq. m. of retail space. See what’s happening there this year (below).

Singapore Selection vs Juventus FC aug 16, 7.30pm, National Stadium Watch some of Singapore’s best soccer players take on world-famous Juventus FC, who were last season’s Serie A champions, in what will undoubtedly be a thrilling match.

WaterVenture

4876 Beach Rd., 6296-6683, www.water-venture.org.sg. tue-Sun 9.30am-6pm. Whether you like kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, dragon boating

or sea rafting, this is the place. Courses start at $25 for a one-day intro to kayaking.

Kallang Riverside Park

Singapore Swim Stars Sep 5-7, 7pm, oCBC aquatic Centre olympic champions Ruta Meiluyte, Cesar Cielo and Anthony ervin are just some of the stars who will be participating in this international swimming meet.

Paribas Wta Finals Singapore oct 17-26, Various times, Singapore Indoor Stadium Catch some of the world’s best female tennis stars, including Serena Williams and Agnieszka Radwanska, at this prestigious sporting event, which will be held in Singapore for the first time.

opus 2 Jay 2014 World tour Nov 8, 8pm, National Stadium Mandopop king Jay Chou will do a gig here as part of his opus 2 2014 World Tour. expect his usual dazzling pyrotechnics.

Bendemeer/ Jalan Besar

eat 52

Ban Heng Restaurant

#01-21 Blk 22, Boon Keng Road, 6291 0407, www.banheng.com. sg, open daily from 11.30am10.30pm. The original branch of this legendary Teochew restaurant serves up classics like Cold Crab and Buddha Jumps over the Wall. It recently underwent a renovation but has retained its signature dishes. They also do set menus for large groups. 53

Boon Keng Food Centre

29 Bendemeer Rd. There are some pretty great options here like the chee cheong fun or carrot cake from Yong Xiang stall. It gets pretty crowded during the weekdays when working-types congregate for lunch, but otherwise it’s a pretty idyllic place to get breakfast during the weekends. 54

kopitiam serves no-frills a la carte and set meals. We’re fans of the grilled beef entrecote with black pepper sauce and tasty stir-fried potato wedges. 56

Jewel Cafe and Bar

129 Rangoon Rd., 6298-9216, www.facebook.com/ JewelCafeandBar. The second and larger branch of Jewel Coffee puts out drinks like the Portland ($7) ice coffee and white peach sangria ($16). Get the Praise the Lard ($18) burger, topped with bacon jam and apple slices or just a yogurt bowl with fruits and homemade granola ($9).

L.e. Cafe Confectionery and Pastry 57

#01-02 Blk 42 Cambridge Rd., 6298-1477, www.lecafe.com.sg. You’ll find yummy traditional pastries here, such as pineapple tarts, rum balls and moon pies. The beancurd tarts are by far our favorite—they’re an ambrosial combination of silky beancurd custard and crunchy pie crust.

L’etoile Cafe

160 owen Rd., 6298-2872, www.letoile.com.sg. Inspired by the indie cafes of Japan, this quaint, off-the-beaten-track hangout features brunch staples like eggs benedict ($5.90) and banana nutella toast ($5.90), all at unbelievably affordable prices. We also like the vintage furniture adorning the space. 55

59 Ng ah Sio Pork Ribs Soup eating House

208 Rangoon Rd., 6291-4537, www.ngahsio.com. This popular stall has specialized in Teochew style bak kut teh since 1988. The soup base here is very peppery—just the way we like it. The tender ribs are served with various accompaniments like braised peanuts, fried dough fritters, kidneys and intestines.

1383 Serangoon Rd., 91722833. open Mon to Fri 11am2pm, 6-11pm; Sat-Sun 4.30pm-11pm. Started in the Serangoon neighborhood, this

Climb asia Climbing Centre

60 tessensohn Rd., 6292-7701, www.climb-asia.com. Sign up to learn the movement, safety and belaying basics at this climbing center, with both indoor and outdoor walls and two bouldering rooms. It’s $7 for non-members to do their own thing, and one-hour starter classes range from $35-40. They have other walls at Guillemard Road and Kallang Wave, too.

Climb Asia Climbing Centre steamboat now has several branches around the island. Don’t miss the har cheong gai, or fried chicken with prawn paste while you’re here. They are fried to perfection.

to all levels. All the instructors have real Japanese training.

See

City Square Mall

Farrer Park tennis Centre

1 Rutland Road, 699-4166 This tennis center is surrounded by greenery and is home to eight courts and two practice walls. It’s also pretty convenient, walking distance from Farrer Park and Little India MRT stations.

65 Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple

397 Serangoon Rd., 6298-5771, www.heb.gov.sg. one of the city’s oldest religious sites, dating back to 1855, with Sri Srinivasa statues of Lord Vishnu, Perumal Temple 70 the 1925 Lakshmi, Andal and Garuda. Microbrewery It was gazetted as a 369 Jalan Besar, 6294-9215www. national monument in 1978. facebook.com/the1925

63 Shitoryu Karate association

94 McNair Rd., 6299-5740, www.ska.org.sg. This is the place to learn snazzy karate moves. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never hurt a fly or are a seasoned veteran breaking through brick blocks, this place caters

Kallang Basin and Tanjong Rhu

2 Rutland Rd, 6299-0777. This facility was built in 1957 and was supposedly Singapore’s first 50m lap pool. Admission is $6.40 and the pool is open Tuesday to Sunday noon-2pm.

2 towner Rd., 6299-3855, www.sikhs.org.sg. established in 1912, this pink granite and marble structure has become the main place of worship for around 15,000 Sikhs with its 13-meter high dome flecked in white, gold and grey mosaics. In the Sikh community, it is known as the Big Temple.

Do 62

68 Farrer Park Swimming Complex

Central Sikh Gurdwara

180 Kitchener Rd., 6595-6565, www. 60 Suprette citysquaremall. Kam Leng Hotel com.sg. Lobby, Singapore’s first 383 Jalan Besar, eco-mall has brands 6298-8962, www. like Charles & Keith Suprette (#01-34/35) and uniqlo (#02suprette.com. Located in a charming boutique 41/49). To eat, there’s Pat’s hotel, Suprette does American fare oven (#B1-K7) for , Paddington like chicken pot pie ($14) and the House of Pancakes (#02-35/36) Suprette burger (from $19). They for halal pancake creations and also do a mean brunch with ricotta Makeshake (#02-K2/K11) for pancakes with honey butter ($14) custom milkshakes. as well as corned beef hash ($14).

tian Wai tian Fishhead Steamboat

The French Stall Bistrot

This studio space offers classes like ballet, yoga, hip hop, piano and even make-up. You can also rent the studio for your private practice.

Liberty Coffee

the French Stall Bistrot

544 Serangoon Rd., 6299-3544, www.tfsbistrot.com. This quaint, unassuming cross between a restaurant and a

131 Rangoon Rd., 6392-2903, www.facebook.com/ libertycoffee. It’s a wholesale business most days, but around once a month, they open to the public. The coffee is amazing enough to stalk their Facebook page and figure out when they’ll be open next.

We’re intrigued by this new restaurant and microbrewery, with its industrial steel vats and its peeling paint job. Check out the family-recipe pilsners and more brews in the coming weeks.

Do 515 Space

79B Rangoon Road, 9696-5150. Thinking of learning a new skill?

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45 tanjong Rhu Rd., 6342-3600, www. sswimclub.org.sg. Founded in 1894, this cosmopolitan club features two olympic-sized swimming pools (members only), tennis courts (from $2 per court per hour for members and $5 for non-members), bowling alleys (from $2 per game for members and $3 for non-members) and more. There’s even fine-dining establishment Jack Miller alongside six other restaurants and cafes. Lifetime membership starts from $15,000. ouch!

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73 Marina Bay Golf Course

course open to the public, this 72-par, 91 pot bunker mini monster has an awfully nice view of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Prices start from $52.50 per golfer per round.

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Goodman Arts Centre

or Bharatnatyam, sip wine at La Barca restaurant or see a contemporary dance performance here.

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90 Goodman Rd., 6342 5790, www.goodmanartscentre.sg. This seven-acre arts hub is home to the National Arts Council of Singapore, dozens of arts groups, theaters, ceramic studios and lots more. Sign up for batik painting

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71 Chin Sin Huan eating House

7 Jalan Batu, 6348-3817. Commonly referred to as the Tanjong Rhu bao, this place’s red bean and char siew fillings have a fan following. They also have pretty legit lotus buns, siew mai and lor mai ga on top of that.

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DINING

Glazed Over

taste test

We check out Singapore's best glazed chicken wings, as recommended by our readers. By Letitia Tandean NeNe Chicken The place: Ne Ne means “yes yes” in Korean, but though there are other options on the menu, we’d only say yes to their range of fried chicken. It’s a step up from a fast food place but still has those order counters that remind us of a more basic Nando’s. NeNe Chicken The wings: For glazed options, choose from Swicy (a portmanteau of sweet and spicy) or Freakin’ Hot. They come either in a set of two pieces ($8.90) or a nine-piece whole chicken ($25.90). Not the cheapest of the lot. The verdict: The Swicy option is deceptively light, though it’s glossy beyond belief. The meat is juicy and the exterior crispy. They provide plastic gloves for dainty types, though we like licking our fingers. The joy marred a bit when too much sweetness skews the balance of the garlicky glaze. Still, it’s a pretty solid bet, though service can be lackluster. #01‑24 Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6694‑5489, http://english.nenechicken.com. Open daily 11am‑10pm.

Kko Kko Na Ra

Wings World Singapore

ur recent story at www.is-magazine.com about the city’s best chicken wings created (perhaps predictably) some furore when some beloved joints were omitted. In response, we took the most popular suggestions, whittled away everything that wasn’t deep-fried (controlling variables and all, very scientific), and put the remaining to the test. We ate-in (instead of delivery, for maximum freshness) and ordered anonymously. Here are the results.

4 Fingers Crispy Chicken

Kko Kko Na Ra

The place: Technically a chain, with two outlets. The ION Orchard branch looks like a fast food joint with ordering counters and lots of customers. The wings: The classic 4 Fingers Fried Chicken is Korean-style and double-fried and comes in two flavors: soy garlic and hot, though you can get a mix. Choose a set of six ($9.95), 12 or 18 pieces. The verdict: Meh. They do this funky thing where they glaze the wing before batterfrying it the second time, encasing a layer of sauce inside the wing. Despite that, the chicken can be dry and the batter dampened by the inner layer of sauce. The soy garlic sauce has so much umami and garlic, that it's almost better to just better to lick it off and leave the chicken hanging. #B4‑06A ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, www.gimme4fingers.com. Open Sun‑Thurs 11am‑10pm; Fri‑Sat 11am‑11pm.

Winner

The place: Cool Tras Street has space for this no-frills mom and pop restaurant. Even though they have other Korean classics like ramyun and bibimbap, people come here for their signature fried chicken. It’s also a great late night haunt. The wings: The four choices are hot & spicy (bool dak), sweet & spicy, garlic wings and original, for $15 for half a portion and $25 for a whole portion. The verdict: The hot & spicy wings are hands down the best of the lot. The sauce is reminiscent of the spicy sauce found in bibimbap. They’ve gotten the double-fried technique all figured out, and the golden brown crispy exterior holds up nicely despite 4 Fingers being drenched in sauce and the Arctic conditions Crispy CHicken of the restaurant. 57 Tras St., 6224‑8186, www.kkokkonara.com. Open daily 11am‑5pm, 5pm‑4am.

I‑S Online: To read the contentious post on our website, go to is.gd/bestchixwings

Q&A jimmy Hsiao Manager‑chef, Wings World What’s this double‑fried method we hear so much about? Jimmy Hsiao

The place: Specializing in Buffalo wings (the glaze being a concoction of vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter), the American-owned place knows how to handle this Superbowl staple. The wings: Choose your size (six or 10 pieces), pick your cuts (wings, drumsticks or both) and then choose your glaze: buffalo with varying spiciness, BBQ, honey BBQ, chipotle BBQ, teriyaki, sweet Thai chilli, Asian zing and mango habañero. Our verdict: We opted for the classic buffalo with medium heat ($5.75/six pieces, $8.95/10 pieces). It came well glazed but not to the point that it dripped everywhere. Although glazed wings don’t have the same crispiness as their plain counterparts, this version was freshly-fried and Wings World amply crispy. We were hoping for a bit more of a kick, so if you’re singapore into spice, opt for blazin’ instead.

First, we fry the chicken at a low temperature, so the collagen in the

chicken converts into gelatin, making the chicken softer and still maintaining moisture, cooking from the inside out. Second, we fry the chicken at a high temperature which creates a sudden expansion of water vapor, which coupled with soft, malleable proteins will give you a very thin-skinned and blistered chicken wing. So the end product is

214 East Coast Rd., 6247‑7477, www.facebook.com/WingsWorldsg. Open daily from 11am‑11pm.

Whampoa BBQ Seafood & Chicken Wing

Honorable Mention

These wings are not deep-fried, so we can’t technically include them in the taste test, but we still think you should try them. The setting is a typical heartland hawker center with zero frills, self-service and not much choice (wings or seafood only). Still, there are crazy long queues during meal times, and at $1.20 a piece, these juicy barbequed glazed wings are a steal. They have a crisp skin from the caramelization of barbecue sauce and a slightly charred flavor from the charcoal grill, offset by the sweet and sour chilli sauce. Don’t forget to squeeze the calamansi over these babies. Whampoa Makan Place, #01‑83 90 Whampoa Drive. Open daily from 4‑11pm.

crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

and if it is too watery, the wings will not have enough flavor.

What are the challenges when making glazed chicken wings?

How to tell a chicken wing is good?

The only challenge of making a good glaze is [ensuring] the right amount of sauce stays on the chicken wings. If glaze is too thick, you will get too much,

When you pick it up the wing, the sauce won't be dripping all over you, yet the entire wing is still covered with the sauce. Letitia Tandean

FRIDAY, julY 4, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

DINING NEW AND NOTED with letitia Tandean

Keong of Cool Keong Saik Road has been happening for a while now, but recent openings have taken it to another level. Now home to famed Potato Head Folk (36 Keong Saik Rd., 6327-1939, www.pttheadfolk.com), it’s also welcomed other newcomers like casual French bistro with an Asian twist 31 Bar & Kitchen (31 Keong Saik Rd., 6224-9141 www.facebook.com/31Bar-Kitchen), new martini bar Bartini @ Keong Saik (21 Keong Saik Rd., 6223-1334, www.bartini.com.sg) and recently-revamped The Study (49 Keong Saik Rd., 6221-8338, www.the-study.sg), formerly Keong Saik Snacks by Michelinstarred jason Atherton. All this on top of Restaurant Ember’s (50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928, www.hotel1929.com) new head chef and overhauled menu.

PS, I Love You Famous for their truffle fries, decadent cakes, easy-drinking wines and cocktails, the folks behind PS Café have opened a new outlet on Martin Road. The twovenue space houses Chopsuey, their Anglo-Chinese restaurant, and PS Petit (38 Martin Rd., www.pscafe.com), the gourmet takeaway and wine shop. While Chopsuey has the same menu as the Dempsey Hill flagship, PS. Petit has something different in store with an

31 Bar & Kitchen

enomatic wine machine, new burgers, paninis and pastas, 16 different ice-cream flavors, as well as breakfast specials. Oh, and you can now also order PS. Cafe's famous desserts online. They’re available for pick up at the Tiong Bahru branch.

X Factor The much-hyped opening of chic fivestar Sofitel So hotel is paired with an intriguing dining experience. Xperience Restaurant & Bar (35 Robinson Rd., 6701-6800, www.facebook.com/ XperiencerRestaurantandBar) presents diners with an interactive concept. like a choose-your-own-adventure story, guests pick a flavor profile like crunchy or juicy alongside a portion size (XS, XM or Xl). Dishes include braised wagyu short ribs (from $15 for XS) and lobster and scallops laksa risotto (from $39 for XM). We’re intrigued enough to ignore that XM means extra medium—um, what? food@asia‑city.com.sg

I am what I eat. I am delicious. Book at singapore’s best restaurants, get instant confirmation. chope.com.sg

OPeN dOOR

Sugarhall The buzz: The folks from jigger & Pony follow up with a modern all-American grill and rum bar right next door to their flagship’s Chinatown location. The vibe: Sure it’s got that whole mandatory industrial thing going on, but it’s apt for the type of stuff they serve. With its stacked wooden crate–like structure that acts as backlit bar shelving, communal tables with high chairs and exposed light fixtures hanging from hemp ropes, Sugarhall is convivial and cool without trying too hard. The food: lots of grill action going on here, with starters like tiger prawns with Szechuan pepper and herb butter ($18) and broken pork sausage with grilled cabbage and bonito butter ($14) all coming out with smoky flavors. Mains like juicy hanger steak with chimichurri ($24), salt-brined, thick-cut pork chop ($28) and a daily catch whole fish with raspberry dip (market price) are paired with sides like grilled aubergines ($12), fork-crushed potatoes ($10) and sweet onions with marmalade, compote and onion rings ($10). Portions are shareable. The drinks: Categorized into three sections—tropical cocktails, clear spirits and dark spirits—drinks are rated on a scale of “hungry” to “full”. Ignore this silly gimmick and just order the refreshing Bodega Penicillin with Scotch, mezcal, ginger syrup and lemon. Their excellent Ron Negroni has Plantation Grande Reserve rum, velvet Falernum, Mancino Rosso and Campari. All cocktails are priced at $22. Why you’ll be back: Aside from the Brooklyn dinner party atmosphere and killer cocktails courtesy of jigger & Pony-trained bartenders, the prices are relatively restrained compared to the competition. 102 Amoy St., 6222‑9102, www.facebook.com/sugarhallSG. Open Mon‑Sat 6pm‑ midnight. lETITIA TANDEAN

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, julY 4, 2014

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RESTAURANT REVIEWS Bochinche HHHHH

63Celsius HHHHH

Argentinian. #02‑01, 22 Martin Rd., 6235‑4990, www. bochinche.com.sg.

Mediterranean. #01‑03 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, 6100‑6363, www.63celsius.com.

We love that Bochinche’s chef Diego jacquet dispels the notion that Argentinian food is all Malbec and steak (although there’s a nice Argentinian wine list and beef imported from the motherland—not easy given the export restrictions there). He makes a commendable effort with thoughtful dishes that depart from stereotype, like pickled beetroot salad with decadent fried goat-curd balls ($19). And the restaurant rolls out some of our favorite dishes in town. The braised pig’s head croquettes ($15), for example, and the grilled octopus with smoked leeks, purple potatoes and tuna mayo ($23) are comforting without being stodgy. The horizon-expanding veal sweetbreads with preserved lemon and hazelnut crumble ($27) is even one of the 50 dishes we think everyone should eat before they die. unfortunately, Bochinche suffers from a number of dishes that just don’t live up to expectations. The provolata appetizer ($17) starts off as a party in the mouth—saltygooey provolone cheese, sweet honey and crunchy almonds—but gets boring fast. The empanadas are good, with a crisp, thin, biscuity shell and a choice of three fillings, but the sweet corn-shallot-oregano filling is disappointing (we expect a better veg option from a place like this). And we would go as far as to say that the milk cake dessert with passionfruit sorbet ($14) is poorly conceived—the super-tart sorbet overwhelms the palate and poor old soggy, bland milk cake cannot keep up. If you manage to steer clear of the duds, though, they do offer a great dining experience. There’s a nice glow and energy emanating from the open kitchen, and the smiling, well-informed waiters make it all very painless. No four stars, Bochinche, but you’re still on our list of go-to places for date night. Open Tue‑Thu noon‑3pm, 5:30‑midnight; Fri noon‑ 3pm, 5:30pm‑1am; Sat 11am‑1am; Sun 11am‑midnight. $$$

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill CBD eatery—it has real pedigree. The latest venture by the once-beloved, now-defunct Foodbar Dada people, this snazzy 40-seater deploys a culinary team that likes to strut their stuff even while pandering to the soup/salad/ sandwiches crowd. The salads are an excellent example: one is a simple idea executed with interesting components like fat slices of josper (charcoal) grilled beef and a fantastic, tuna-y vitello tonnato dressing ($18). The spicy crispy pork belly sandwich ($15) is also pretty much perfect for the price; they could halve the ingredients and still get away with it. Sandwiches, salads and pastas (which are interesting in name, but lack flair and flavor) are only available at lunch. In the afternoons, there are outstanding but pricier small plates, like charred octopus ($22), lemongrass prawn yakitori ($15 for five) and a beautiful little squid-enoki nest containing an egg ($12). Drinks, too, are respectable; the spicy mojito ($18), with chilli padi and coconut water, has a pleasantly oily mouthfeel and delicious complexity we love. It’s not all good, though. We are surprised at how flavorless the burgers are, especially for all the fancy grill fetishizing they do here. Don’t bother with the lackluster dessert either. Plus, in our experience, dishes and cocktails are less polished in the evenings and on weekends (although with opening hours like theirs, it’s to be expected). On a more positive note, the front-line staff are generally confident and competent regardless of experience—none of that cravenness that’s all too common in F&B these days. Here’s hoping this solid team sticks around, quietly elevating everyone’s lunch hours and after-work drinks. Open Mon‑Sat 7:30am‑11pm. $$

Ratings H HH HHH HHHH HHHHH

Forget it Only if you're stuck in the neighborhood A pleasant dining experience More than just great food, tell your friends Not to be missed

Price Guide $ Less than $40 $$ $40-$80 $$$ $80-120 $$$$ $120-200 $$$$$ $200 and up

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course and dessert. Prices do not include bottles of wine unless stated. New restaurants are not reviewed within three months of their opening.

Reviews are based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge of the restaurants. Reviews are included at the discretion of the editors and are not paid for by the individual restaurants.

Recently reviewed by I-S Nara “…the service is valiant under the circumstances—though the occasional prod is needed—and the menu takes pains to reproduce all the dishes of the Bangkok branches, one advantage of being part of a chain.” HHHHH Morsels “We wish the cocktails were better and the beer selection more interesting, but nonetheless Morsels is an experience that goes beyond good food and competent service.” HHHHH

Read all our reviews at is‑magazine.com/restaurants

FRIDAY, julY 4, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

Need to know Theater & Arts

Ticketbooth > 6296-2929

The Arts House > 6332-6919 www.theartshouse.com.sg

Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377 www.esplanade.com

Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302

chart the weeks ahead

www.nparks.gov.sg

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

National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642

www.ticketbooth.com.sg

Cinema Ticketing Hotlines Cathay > 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg

Eng Wah > 6836-9074

www.ewcinemas.com.sg

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

Golden Village > 1900-912-1234 www.gv.com.sg

www.nationalmuseum.sg

Shaw > 6738-0555

Singapore Art Museum > 6332-3222

Other Ticketing

www.singart.com

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

The Substation > 6337-7535 www.substation.org

www.shaw.sg

Eventclique > www.eventclique.com Peatix > www.peatix.com Sportshubtix > 6333-5000 www.sportshub.com.sg

SEE This

Konnichiwa! This year's Japanese Film Festival is as wonderful (and weird) as ever, with the bizarre Survive Style 5+ and the pervy Maruyama, The Middle Schooler casually mixed into an otherwise sedate lineup, including the poetic The Tale of Iya (pictured) and a free Ichikawa Kon retrospective. Through Jul 12. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. Free-$13.

DO This

DON'T Miss

Island Life

What Does the Fox Say? French fashion/music label Kitsuné's head honcho Gildas brings on maximalist dance sounds, a la Digitalism, Simian Mobile Disco and Boys Noize. Jul 18, 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988. $28-33.

Learn about the history of Singapore's 70-odd offshore islands before the nation's independence at the exhibition Balik Pulau: A Rediscovery of Singapore’s Island Heritage. Through Aug 10, 10am-6pm. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. Free.

SCENESTEALER Whose line Is It Anyway...? The guys from legendary Brit improv comedy TV show Whose line Is It Anyway...? are a riot, even off stage.

Are there days on which you find it particularly difficult to be funny?

Have you guys always wanted to be comedians?

Stephen: Only when I'm asleep and even then I'm told I'm quite amusing.

Ian Coppinger: I always wanted to be an astronaut but as I grew up and realized that Ireland’s space program involved a catapult, I soon changed my mind. Comedy seemed a natural progression.

Steve: Days when I have to pay income tax.

Andy Smart: No, I wanted to be a coastguard as a boy. Stephen Frost: I wanted to be a Formula 1 racing driver but I'm alright neeeooooooooow! Steve Steen: I always wanted to be a footballer, but my style of playing made people laugh.

Andy: The third Thursday of every month.

Tell us some of your favorite jokes. Andy: What's the difference between the 69 position and hang gliding? The view. Steve: Two Snowmen are in a park. One says to the other, "Can you smell carrots?" You guys will be performing in Singapore for the second year running. How was the audience reception last year? Steve: The audience loved the show and we loved them. If you know who they were, can you ask them to come back this year? Catch Whose Line Is It Anyway...? from July 2-5, 8.30pm. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Rd., 6733-8166, www.srt.com.sg. $48-$68. DELLE CHAN

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JulY 4, 2014

MuSiC » STAGE Email event news to events@asia-city.com.sg

MuSiC

concerts

I-S PICK

with Clara lim

Shanghai Jazz Night Chinese jazz singer Jasmine Chen performs two shows in one night with the local musicians of the Jeremy Monteiro Shanghai Jazz Project. Jul 5, 7:15pm & 10pm. SingJazz Club, #02-00 101 Jalan Sultan, 8139-9059. $30.

The 1975 English indie rockers The 1975, whose influences include Talking Heads and Prince, will be bringing their unique rock/electronica/R&B/gloss pop sound to town. Jul 22, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $98-110 from Sistic.

STAGE theater

SCENE & HEARD All Together Now

The Laramie Project This play is based on the 1998 story of Matthew Shepard of Laramie, Wyoming, who was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die for being gay. It's one of the most widely performed plays in America today, and will be brought to the stage here in Singapore by students from The Young Co. Jul 25-26, 8pm. DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT, 20 Merbau Rd., 6733-8166. $25 from Sistic.

musicals

The Audience Don't miss Helen Mirren in this screening of the stage production where she plays Queen Elizabeth II. To be clear, she'll only be on screen. Jul 26, 3pm; Aug 2, 2:30pm; Aug 3, 7:30pm. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6384-5555. $19 from Sistic.

The Sound of Music This iconic West End production is finally coming to town. Watch Maria and the seven von Trapp children bring beloved tunes like “Do-Re-Mi”, “Edelweiss” and of course, “The Sound of Music” to life on stage. Jul 11-12, 15-19, 22-26, 8pm; Jul 12, 19, 26, 2pm; Jul 13, 6pm, noon; Jul 20, 6pm, noon; Jul 27, 6pm, noon. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $65-780.

Arts venues don’t get more commercial than ArtScience Museum—until they recently surprised us with ArtScience Late. The first couple of editions were edgy, experimental and showcased a mix of local and regional artists. ArtScience Late And the best thing is the diverse crowd: arty types, office workers, scenesters, tourists and just regular folks, all enjoying obscure performance art together. Could ArtScience Museum be the next big player in our independent arts scene, a la The Substation? Decide for yourself at the next edition featuring visual artist lirio Salvador and Filipino art music ensemble Elemento (Jul 24, 7-10pm).

Health Screenings Can we talk about how good (and picnicappropriate) the lineup for this year’s Films at the Fort (Aug 1-10) is? We’re looking forward to catching some of the most-talked-about movies from this and last year, including The Great Beauty, A Touch of Sin, Her and Ilo Ilo (it’s National Day week, remember). Add gourmet food options on site—we’re talking My Private Chef and Jones the Grocer—and a wine bar and bam, you have an insta-date.

You Don’t Know Jack Here in the I-S office, we’ve all but turned into a bunch of stupidly excited frat boys thanks to the upcoming Steve-O (of Jackass fame) show (Aug 10). Sure, he’d been a hell of a hot mess when Jackass peaked last decade, but now he’s all better after a stint in rehab and, we presume, as profane as ever.

Take That If you’ve been missing irrepressible ‘90s bad boy Robbie Williams, catch him at this year’s F1 (Sep 20)—he’s the latest act to be confirmed and joins John legend, Ziggy Marley and the Pet Shop Boys as headliners. In other big music news, Travis will be here at the next edition of The Gathering (Aug 1). Plus, broody post-metal trio Russian Circles will playing Zouk (Jul 20, 8pm. 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988)—a good excuse as any to visit our beloved club complex before its rumored closure (do not want!) at the end of the year. clim@asia-city.com.sg

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ART » STuFF Email event news to art@asia-city.com.sg and stuff@asia-city.com.sg

ART

18-20. Artspace@Helutrans, #02-04 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd. Free.

I-S PICK

Context Creepy chimeras run amok at this six-year retrospective of Singaporean artist David Chan's works, with plenty of visually appealling but also disturbing animal-centric pieces. Through Sep 26. Art Seasons Gallery, #02-21/24 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd., 67416366. Free.

Art Apart Fair This popular fair will feature over 2,000 works created by over 150 artists from Europe and Asia, focusing on the works of emerging and midcareer artists from Russia. Located in a comfortable space inside a contemporary hotel, gems are aplenty here. Jul 18-20. PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St., 9634-9797. $10.

Edition(ed) 23 local galleries collaborate to put on this joint show of over 70 multi-media works, with a special focus on editioned pieces such as prints. Art enthusiasts can also learn mrore about editions, multiples and prints in contemporary art at an educational guided walkthrough and panel from 2-5pm on Saturday. Jul

SPORTS

Run For Life This charity run is organised by life Community Services Society, and is aimed at raising funds for programs for the needy. There's a 10km competitive run, as well as a 2.4km fun run/walk. Registration is open. Jul 19, 7:30am. East Coast Park Area E2 (Angsana Green), 1220 East Coast Parkway. $40-50.

Ripolles, The Colours of Life Often compared to 20th century greats like Picasso and Goya, Spanish artist Juan Ripolles experiments with paintings, engravings and glass sculptures. Expect to see his signature large-headed and small-bodied people. Jul 10-31. Galerie Belvedere, #01-10/11/12 Old Hill Street Police Station, 140 Hill St., 6423-1233. Free.

FOOD & DRiNK

Saul Bolton at The Cliff Michelinstarred Saul Bolton’s East-meets West dinner at The Cliff includes sea urchin chawanmushi and lobster with carrot curry and long beans. Jul 9-13. The Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Rd., 6371-1425. $188. .

No Country: Contemporary Art for South and Southeast Asia Don’t miss the Guggenheim Foundation's traveling collection of paintings, video art and other multidisciplinary pieces that touch on Asian post-colonial issues, globalization and more. Through Jul 20, 12pm. Centre for Contemporary Art, Gillman Barracks, 43 Malan Rd., 66840998. Free.

Download the free I-S Now app to find out about this and hundreds more upcoming events. www.is-magazine.com/app

I-S PICK

Orange Ribbon Run Take a stand at this run against racism, regardless of your skill level — there's a 3.5km walk, 5km and 10km competitive runs, as well as a carnival featuring cultural games, food and stage performances. Registration closes on July 31. Aug 16, 4pm. Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $13-38.

Bedok Reservoir Ultramarathon Feel the burn at the Bedok Reservoir ultramarathon, where participants try to complete as many 4.3km loops of the reservoir as they can within 12 hours. Participants may run alone, or in teams or two. Registration is open till Jun 15. Aug 16, 7am. Bedok Reservoir, Bedok Reservoir Rd. $85-140.

Singapore Mountain Bike Carnival Now into its eigth year, the biggest mountain biking event in Singapore promises to draw enthusiasts from around the region, with an intense 8-hour marathon on top of a carnival. log on to the website to register. Aug 17, 7am. lorong Asrama, Mandai, lorong Asrama, 9690-6867.

WHY NOT?

learn to launch a startup launching a startup is as sexy as growing a massive hipster beard these days. Sign up for Founder Institute’s Singapore Summer 2014 Semester (August 13 to November 20, www.fi.co/apply/711), a fourmonth, part-time program that will teach you how to launch a tech startup through structured training courses, practical assignments and more. The best part? You don’t have to quit your day job to go back to school. There’s a $50 application fee and $1,000 course fee, on top of other tuition costs. Sign up by July 20.

STuFF I-S PICK

NiGHTLiFE

The Best Elements Vol. II Everything from hip hop to trap to funk to reggae gets a turn at Kilo's slamming rooftop lounge, care of DJs Drem, JDlquake, Nez, Spinitch and Guido the Killer Pimp. Jul 5, 10pm. Kilo lounge, 8/F 66 Kampong Bugis, 6467-3987. Free.

Percentile The third instalment of this shopping fair sees 14 local retailers and designers including Actually, Front Row, P.V.S, Eclecticism and Depression peddling sale and sample items at up to 90% off. Jul 12-13, noon. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link. Free.

MP3 Experiment In true flashmob style, participants will be guided by an MP3 file to perform a series of interactive acts. The organized chaos will start exactly at 5pm. Download the MP3 one week before the event from improverywhere.com/singapore, and register at mp3experimentsg. launchrock.com to be clued in on the secret location. Jul 12, 5pm. Free.

Jungle Boogie This isn't your average tribal-themed, nu-disco party—ticket proceeds and 15% of the night's spend at the bar goes to charity organization TWC2 (Transient Workers Count Too). Jul 12, 9pm. The White Rabbit, 39C Harding Rd., 64739965. $35 from jungleboogiebaby. eventbrite.sg.

Forward feat Deadbeat Acclaimed Canadian musician and sound artist Deadbeat (alias Scott Monteith) dishes out his unique, minimal spin on reggae dub and dancehall music. Jul 5, 9pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 8299-8735. $20-25. I-S PICK

River Nights A colorful nocturnal fiesta along the Singapore River with musical and dance performances at the stage area, a bazaar selling craftware and light bites, as well as a little chill-out area decked with swings, where you can lay out a picnic mat. Jul 18-19, 7pm. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, 6332-7798. Free.

Super8 & Tab Trance record label Anjunabeats' golden group sets Zouk ablaze with their electrifying performance and classic anthems like "Helsinki Scorchin" and "First Aid". Jul 12, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

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FiLM Email event news to film@asia-city.com.sg

Begin Again

Celebrating 15 years of Culinary Excellence

(USA). Directed by John Carney. Starring Mark Ruffalo, Keira Knightly and Adam Levine. Opens Jul 3.

High Fidelity-worshipping, vinyl-clutching bachelors everywhere will root for and lament along with Dan (Mark Ruffalo at his shaggiest), a down-and-out record label exec who wishes the music biz could go back to the way things were a couple decades ago. Dan meets and eventually becomes a musical mentor and friend to Gretta (Keira Knightley), seemingly a bird with a broken wing, recently cheated on by her douchey rockstar boyfriend (no acting required from Adam levine). What follows is plenty of unbridled, music-driven cheese— some cacophonous Maroon 5 tracks, Gretta’s overproduced Taylor Swift-style numbers, Dan and Gretta listening to each other’s “guilty pleasure” music on their phones. All this would have been nauseating if it weren’t for the characters’ redeeming lack of conformity to Hollywood’s sexual conventions. Nobody gets saved by a shiny new girl or boy in their life. Gretta, for all her charms, doesn’t get put on a pedestal; her overweight, underachieving musician friend Steve (James Corden) isn’t secretly holding a torch for her. Mixed-gender friendships, though not immune to sexual tension, stay platonic and genuine. Characters work hard at repairing their damaged romantic relationships instead of oversimplifying and playing the blame game. And women characters don’t hate one another on sight! It’s worth catching if you’re in the mood for a light summer flick—unchallenging, sweet, colorful, with a happy ending. Clara Lim

3 WAYS

Be sure to indulge in our famous Signature Prime Rib of Beefroasted, carved and served from our “Silver Carts”.

333A Orchard Road #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897 Tel: 6836 3333 Email: reservations@lawrys.com.sg www.lawrys.com.sg

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Mr. KNOW‑IT‑ALL Our Favorite Smart Aleck Answers Your Questions Dear Mr KIA, I have a couple of big things, like sofas and tables, to move to my friend’s house that obviously don’t fit in my small car. A moving company would just be too troublesome as they have quotas to meet and become very expensive. I’m not about to pull a Mr. Bean and tie my couch to the roof of my car, but I’m struggling to find a solution. What should I do? —Couch Grouch Dear Couch Grouch, I sense your plight; moving companies are often very rigid with their policies. Fortunately, I have stumbled upon an ingenious solution that seems a long time coming. long gone are the days of random “man with a van” who may or may not peddle your wares. Get the HK app EasyVan (available on iOS and Android) that recently launched in Singapore. It’s a cross between a taxi booking system and uber, but instead connects you with a van or truck. After locating vans near you, you can book one with the highest rating. They promise to be there five minutes after confirmation and tend to your every need.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JulY 4, 2014

freewill astrology

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): The Venus de Milo is a famous Greek statue that’s over 2,100 years old. Bigger than life size, it depicts the goddess of love, beauty and pleasure. Its current home is the louvre Museum in Paris, but for hundreds of years it was lost— buried underground on the Greek island of Milos. In 1820, a farmer found it while he was out digging on his land. I foresee a comparable discovery by you in the coming weeks, Cancerian. You will uncover a source of beauty, love or pleasure—or perhaps all three—that has been missing or forgotten for a long time. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): According to an ancient Greek myth, Sisyphus keeps pushing a boulder up a steep hill only to lose control of it just before he reaches the top, watching in dismay as it tumbles to the bottom. After each failure, he lumbers back down to where he started and makes another effort to roll it up again—only to fail again. The myth says he continues his futile attempts for all eternity. I’m happy to report, leo, that there is an important difference between your story and that of Sisyphus. Whereas you have tried and tried and tried again to complete a certain uphill task, you will not be forever frustrated. In fact, I believe a breakthrough will come soon, and success will finally be yours. Will it be due to your gutsy determination or your neurotic compulsion or both? It doesn’t matter. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Many of America’s founding fathers believed slavery was immoral, but they owned slaves themselves and ordained the institution of slavery in the u.S. Constitution. They didn’t invent hypocrisy, of course, but theirs was an especially tragic version. In comparison, the hypocrisy that you express is mild. Nevertheless, working to minimize it is a worthy task. And here’s the good news: You are now in a position to become the zodiac’s leader in minimizing your hypocrisy. Of all the signs, you can come closest to walking your talk and practicing what you preach. So do it! Aim to be a master of translating your ideals into more practical actions. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): In the last two decades, seven Academy Award winners have given thanks to God while accepting their Oscars. By contrast, 30 winners have expressed their gratitude to film studio executive Harvey Weinstein. Who would you acknowledge as essential to your success, libra? What generous souls, loving animals, departed helpers and spiritual beings have contributed to your ability to thrive? Now is an excellent time to make a big deal out of expressing your appreciation. For mysterious reasons, doing so will enhance your luck and increase your chances for future success. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): You have permission to compose an all-purpose excuse note for yourself. If you’d like, you may also forge my signature on it so you can tell everyone that your astrologer sanctified it. This document will be ironclad and inviolable. It will serve as a poetic license that abolishes your guilt and remorse. It will authorize you to slough off senseless duties, evade deadening requirements, escape smallminded influences and expunge numbing habits. Even better, your extra-strength excuse note will free you to seek out adventures you have been denying yourself for no good reason. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): In the Inuktitut language spoken in northern Canada, the term iminngernaveersaartunngortussaavunga means “I should try not to become an alcoholic.” I encourage you to have fun saying that a lot in the coming days. Why? Now is an excellent time to be playful and light-hearted as you wage war against any addictive tendencies you might have. Whether it’s booze or gambling or abusive relationships or anything else that tempts you to act like an obsessive self-saboteur, you have more power than usual to break its hold on you— especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Percival lowell (1855-1916) was an influential astronomer who launched the exploration that led to the discovery of Pluto. He also made some big mistakes. Here’s one: Gazing at Venus through his telescope, he swore he saw spokes emanating from a central

hub on the planet’s surface. But we now know that Venus is shrouded with such thick cloud cover that no surface features are visible. So what did lowell see? Due to an anomaly in his apparatus, the telescope projected shadows from inside his eyes onto the image of Venus. The “spokes” were actually the blood vessels in his retinas. let this example serve as a cautionary tale for you in the coming weeks, Capricorn. Don’t confuse what’s within you with what’s outside you. If you can clearly discern the difference, your closest relationships will experience healing breakthroughs. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): “I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.” So said British writer G. K. Chesterton. Now I’m passing his advice on to you just in time for the Purge and Purify Phase of your astrological cycle. In the coming weeks, you will generate good fortune for yourself whenever you wash your own brain and absolve your own heart and flush the shame out of your healthy sexual feelings. As you proceed with this work, it may expedite matters if you make a conscious choice to undergo a trial by fire. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): “I awake in a land where the lovers have seized power,” writes Danish poet Morten Sondergaard in his fanciful poem “The lovers.” “They have introduced laws decreeing that orgasms need never come to an end. Roses function as currency...The words ‘you’ and ‘I’ are now synonymous.” A world like the one he describes is a fantasy, of course. It’s impossible. But I predict that in the coming weeks you could create conditions that have resemblances to that utopia. So be audacious in your quest for amorous bliss and convivial romance. Dare to put love at the top of your priority list. And be inventive! ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Would you like your savings account to grow? Then deposit money into in it on a consistent basis. Would you like to feel good and have a lot of physical energy? Eat healthy food, sleep as much as you need to and exercise regularly. Do you want people to see the best in you and give you the benefit of the doubt? See the best in them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Would you love to accomplish your most important goal? Decide what you want more than anything else and focus on it with relaxed intensity. Yes, Aries, life really is that simple—or at least it is right now. If you want to attain interesting success, be a master of the obvious. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your urge to merge is heating up. Your curiosity about combinations is intensifying. I think it’s time to conduct jaunty experiments in mixing and blending. Here’s what I propose: let your imagination run half-wild. Be unpredictable as you play around with medleys and hodgepodges and sweet unions. But don’t be attached to the outcomes. Some of your research may lead to permanent arrangements, and some won’t. Either result is fine. Your task is to enjoy the amusing bustle, and learn all you can from it. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The American painter Ivan Albright (1897-1983) was a meticulous creator. He spent as much time as necessary to get every detail right. An entire day might go by as he worked to perfect one square inch of a painting, and some of his pieces took years to finish. When the task at hand demanded intricate precision, he used a brush composed of a single hair. That’s the kind of attention to minutia I recommend for you—not forever, but for the next few weeks. Be careful and conscientious as you build the foundation that will allow you maximum freedom of movement later this year.

LAST WOrD David lim In 1998, David lim led the first Singaporean expedition to Mount Everest, but didn’t summit due to an injury. Weeks later, he developed a rare nerve disorder that left him paralyzed. But in the years since then, he has battled back to regain much of his mobility, done over 30 climbs and become a highly-paid motivational speaker (www.everestmotivation.com) working in 27 countries. Here, he tells Mrigaa Sethi about one of his personal heroes, the problem with Singaporean leaders and being a disabled mountaineer. I love to prove naysayers wrong. There were heaps of people who ridiculed [the expedition] and said it would never happen.

I’m fascinated by what makes teams tick, what makes people bounce back from setbacks, and in all the research that’s been done—guess what? We were Getting to the already doing so much of it in the mountains in the 90s. top is only half

Mountaineering is about the experience as much as the achievement—two distinct and sometimes mutually exclusive components. Sometimes for the sake of bragging rights, people sacrifice the quality of the experience.

Getting to the top is only half the job done.

One of the most perfect climbs I had was the Ojos de Salado. It started out with two of us planning. Then my friend got a knee injury. I’d done a solo climb, but never on a big peak. There’s no one to ask for a second opinion. If anything happens to you, it’s self-rescue.

Everything that I do is something I enjoy doing. I have one life. I don’t compartmentalize it.

It’s very sobering when you get your ass kicked. Mountains have kicked my ass. Kebaya-clad ladies have kicked my ass. Early after I recovered, I was hiking up Bukit Timah. Normally it’s 15 minutes to hike up there. It took me 45 minutes. At one stage, this old granny in flip flops looked at me and began to walk faster. Pretty soon she was a tiny speck in the distance.

We hate losing something more than we like gaining something. That’s the reason people hold on to stocks that have plummeted, hoping one day they will recover. They should cut their losses and move on.

I’m very curious about what I’m capable of and what I’m incapable of doing. That’s been a lifelong journey, made more interesting after I became disabled. What can this body do? I can’t stand on my toes, for example.

One should try very hard to have a very light ego. You can take what you do very seriously but you don’t take yourself very seriously.

When it comes to travel equipment, buy the best you can possibly afford. I’ve got [a cabin bag] that’s 14 years old. It’s got a solid aluminum tubular welded frame— that’s bomb proof.

The past 15 years, I’ve done all my climbs wearing this [leg brace]. I have to choose my climbs rather carefully.

There’s a saying in my line of work: “You don’t have to make them laugh…unless you want to get paid.”

Alpine style is the purest form of climbing [with no support teams or reconnoitering]. Very few people in this part of the world subscribe to it because the risk of failure is too high, and you know Singaporeans. They just hate know Need to failing or losing. tlines ts eting Ho Ar ma Tick eater &

The hardest audience is about 15 senior CXOs, who are very hard-boiled. They’ve been to every single business program, and they might be a touch cynical. And you’ve got to engage them in a very Socratic style and make them leave feeling it was worthwhile.

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I like the mountains. You get to sleep more than ever. After six o’clock it gets dark, so you can sleep nine hours a day.

R A D N E L CA

The storytelling tradition has been around since the spoken word. When you have a chance to hear a live storyteller who has wisdom, that’s fascinating. It will never go out of fashion.

I was totally bummed [when I didn’t summit Everest]. But I did what we call a masterful reframe. I asked myself, “David, what do you want now?” I said, “I want the team to succeed.” Then I became

chart the w eeks ahead

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One of the problems in Singapore is that people become fixated with checkbox ticking. Instead of looking at outcomes, they’re very task-focused. The job is only done when you get the outcome that you want.

When you’re alone in the desert, you imagine things. I was standing behind a rock in howling wind. I took out my energy bar to eat it. I passed it to my friend—and oops, no partner.

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One of my childhood heroes is a guy named Nando Parrado from the [flight that] crashed high in the Andes in 1972. I’m fascinated to meet like-minded people who had some way to manage the emotional states through a horrific time and emerged stronger and better for it.

totally motivated once more. Halfway up the mountain, you don’t have the luxury of moping.

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