I-S Magazine September 12

september 12 - september 25, 2014 every two weeks

Wakey wakey

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food Hot new pizzas nightlife The biggest F1 parties interview Fabian Lua of ArchiWalks

Wee hour Wonders The best things about waking up before sunrise— and the people who do it everyday

September 12 - September 25, 2014 every two weeks

TK

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Underground upgrades

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cover story Nine great reasons to wake up early

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trAvEL

StyLE

Down in Darwin

Zalora’s new line

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tEch

NEw rEStAurANt

iphone 6 alternatives

Corner House

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singapore’s newest gin

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NIGhtLIFE

LASt wOrD

F1 party roster

Fabian Lua

who's in charge?

Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia‑city.com.sg Custom Content Editor clara Lim Senior Writer Eimear Elkington Junior Writers Letitia tandean, rebecca wong Design Associate Art Director Beverly chong Senior Designer carmen Louise ho Designer Fishy toh Multimedia Designer ‑ Photographer Mossy chew wenzhi Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia‑city.com.sg Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras Executives, Media & Marketing Lee wee keong, roderick wong, Joy yao

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table by Rang mahal

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Publisher and General Manager ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia‑city.com.sg

earlier this month, the Land transport Authority (LtA) decided that the smRt did nothing wrong by allowing a fancy private school to charter five subway trains to take 3,000 of its students to a rugby tournament.

We at I-s magazine applaud this sensible judgment.

We’ve always thought public transportation was wasted on, well, the public. Why do people need affordable, government-subsidized means of commuting when we have Uber? In fact, why only lease out a couple trains once in a blue moon? Our fair city-state’s esteem in the global arena would be better served if the smRt put all that infrastructure and equipment to much more important (and lucrative) uses. Here are some off the top of our heads:

where to find us!

Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia‑city.com.sg Marketing & Admin Assistant Geraldine tan Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia‑city.com.sg Accountant huang huiping AcMG Digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

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

The Asia City Media Group 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 Shanghai shonline@asia‑city.com.cn kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd Lot 2.44‑2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60‑3‑2144‑4886 Fax: 60‑3‑2141‑1911

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14‑03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 ismag@asia‑city.com.sg

high security transport for vIPs. If the roads of singapore aren’t good enough for private school students, they’re certainly not good enough for the likes of J.Lo, mariah Carey, the sultan of brunei and the rest. Let’s turn the subway into a discrete, safe means of transport for dignitaries. security motorcades are so last year.

An ultra-luxe sidewalk system. A condo developer in New York recently had the brilliant idea of having separate entrances for rich people and everybody else.

Why can’t we have an underground luxury sidewalk experience for those who can afford it? banish the hoi polloi to street level, pipe in air-conditioning and set up fancy thai foot spas every 100 meters.

I‑S Magazine is published 26 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

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cover by Beverly chong

the world’s first underground roller coaster. From amusement parks to aquariums to safaris, we’ve never gone wrong funnelling money to construct more and more fabulously over-the-top controlled environments. this one will be a sensation on tourism brochures and rake in millions.

A whole new kind of grand prix. singapore lost the distinction of being the only F1 night race in the world when bahrain copied our idea a few years ago. Why not aim to be the only country that has the race in subway tunnels?

Of course, online cranks and trolls will bemoan the city’s abandonment of public services. but you know what? these are the people who bitch about the subway being crowded, unreliable and not open late enough. Haters gonna hate. Onward and upward! Or undergroundward, in this case.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014

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Value of bond proceeds allegedly used by City Harvest-linked entity Xtron Productions in order to fund Ho Yeow Sun’s musical career

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SG

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

Environmental consciousness A $50 million incentive scheme has been set up to encourage green construction at the launch of Singapore Green Building Week 2014. Organized by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, the plan aims to help small and medium enterprises make their buildings more energy efficient, and includes awards to commend building owners on reducing energy consumption.

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A same-sex kiss on popular British TV Series Dr Who was axed from the premiere, in order to comply with Singapore’s MDA broadcasting guidelines.

Deemed “inappropriate” for local audiences, BBC Entertainment explained that as the feed would be relayed from Singapore to other Asian nations, the broadcast required an adherence with local regulations.

Be Good

Donate your old glasses In support of the Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s National Myopia Prevention Program, Visions of Joy will be providing free eye examinations and $24,000 worth of glasses to around 200 children from low-income families. Until Sep 14, donate your old glasses for recycling, and receive a complimentary glaucoma test and $40 worth of KJ Optometrists vouchers in return.

2,900 Number of cab drivers expected to benefit from Health Promotion Board related programs, which include free preventive health-screenings and fitness advice.

277 Number of athletes Singapore is sending to the Asian Games at Incheon South Korea, more than double the number that went four years ago.

Quote of the Week “We also have a very high solutions rate for murder—which is somewhere in the region of 90 percent, against the global solutions rate of about 43 percent.”

—Law Minister K Shanmugam in an Aug 27 Facebook post. An Indian national was charged with a murder in Pandan Loop on the same day.

Sources: Today Online, Channel News Asia, The Straits Times

Essential Events Sep 12 - Sep 25 CALENDAR

DO This

A Gourmet Affair The garden-themed Epicurean Market is finally here, with wine samples from over 50 participating brands and chefs from some of Asia’s best restaurants, including David Thompson of Bangkok’s Nahm and our own Justin Kwek.

Sep 12-14. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center, 10 Bayfront Ave., www.marinabaysands.com. $23.

SEE This

Movie Masala Darpan Film Festival showcases regional Indian films including Suman Mukhopadhyay’s The Last Poem, based on a Tagore poem. With English subtitles. $10-15, Sep 13-14, Screening Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 63326903. www.darpansingapore.com

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DON’T Miss

Party Animals The Pet Shop Boys join F1 festivities with an energetic synthpop set to mesmerizingly hip video projections. Sep 20, 8pm. Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay Promenade, www.singaporegp.sg. $498-1288.

Friday, Sep 12 350 Orchard Road. www.

New arts space Art Social designfilmfestival.com Haus hosts I.N.K MoNday, Sep 15 (It’s Not Kink), Scottish rock trio featuring the Biffy Clyro will work of tattoo be performing in artists like Singapore for one Feroze McLeod night only. The band from Hounds recently headlined of the Baskerville.

Biffy Clyro popular music festival T 7pm. #10-08 In The Park and sold out Oxley Bizhub 2, 62 Ubi Rd. three shows in one minute.

2, www.facebook.com/ 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts artsocialhaus. Free.

World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa KEEPERS: Singapore Gateway, 6577-8888.

Design Collective brings $78-100. together 50 Singaporean WedNeSday, Sep 17 designers at this pop-up Twerk away at Gem Bar’s store with food, fashion (very originally named) new and furniture, as well as a ladies-only night, G. Spot. series of workshops. 11am.

There will be a hip hop DJ Orchard Green@ Orchard and house pours for $5.

Rd., 6735-0528. Free 8-10 Ann Siang Hill, 9646SUNday, Sep 14 6160, gemsingapore.com A Design Film Festival ThUrSday, Sep 18 ends today. Tickets are In Cry, Trojans! a modern sold out, but there’s a adaptation of Shakespeare chance to score a rush

by New York-based Wooster ticket if you show up Group, the Trojans are 30 minutes in advance. a native American tribe $15. Shaw Theatres Lido,

struggling for freedom.

8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411. $55 from Sistic.

Friday, Sep 19 Trance obsessives should not miss Dutch master Dash Berlin, voted the 10th most popular DJ by DJ Mag and a staple at various editions of Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance shows. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $40-$45.

WedNeSday, Sep 24 The five-course dinner Black Market Fine Wine Dinner features different cuts of Black Angus beef (in sliders, steak sandwiches, meatballs and short loin) paired with wines

by Spain’s Miguel Torres winery. SKIRT, W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, 6808-7278. $150-188.

COVER STORY p r e- d aw n p e r k s

9 good reasons to get out of bed before everybody else. By Mrigaa Sethi

T

he F1 Singapore Grand Prix is nearly here, promising lots of late-night races, concert, parties and other shenanigans.

But all this talk of late-night activity got us thinking about the other end of the night—the wee hours between 4am and 6am, when everyone is asleep. Well, almost everyone. We got out of bed super early two weekends in a row and discovered wonderful little pockets of activity that most people never see. From shopping to fitness to eating, here are nine great reasons to get out of bed really early—and the interesting people you meet are a bonus.

Best deals on fish Nothing is further from the world of inbox managment and quarter-end reports than Singapore’s two major fishery ports.

Jurong Fishery Port (35 Fishery Port Rd., 2-6am. Closed Mondays), a wholesale seafood market, is chaotic, cavernous, smelly and totally exhilarating. Senoko Fishery Port (31 Attap Valley Rd., 2-6am.

Closed Mondays) is friendlier to retail buyers, but prices are 30% higher. The seafood is caught locally, though, and is even fresher than at Jurong.

Our tip: Go at 4–5am, when vendors have a bit more time for you. Bring ID and drive or take a cab. Oh, and wear rain boots—there’s a lot of icy, fishy water splashing about. Buy enough to fill your freezer in order to get a decent discount.

ample aisle room For all the treasures it contains, Mustafa Centre (145 Syed Alwi Rd., 6295 5855, www.mustafa.com.sg) is almost always overrun. But it’s open 24 hours, and if you get out of bed early enough, not only can you beat the crowds, you can be in and

An early morning group ride

free rein on roads By day you’re elbowing your way through the crowds, but in the wee hours, there is hardly a soul or car in sight, making 5am a great time to run or bike down places like the CBD and Orchard Road. A loop around Marina Bay and across the Helix Bridge is eerie and pretty, with the skyscraper horizon and the lights of the city reflecting off the water, and totals just over three kilometers.

Our tip: It’s easier to get out of bed if there’s someone waiting for you. Join up for a 5am bike ride with cycling groups Joyriders (www.joyriders.sg) and ANZA (www.anza.org.sg). There’s relative safety in numbers, the traffic is light and the weather is cool.

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out in record time. The sight of dozens of female staff restocking the shelves is also interesting.

Our tip: Even at 5am, Mustafa is far from deserted, so you won’t feel creeped out.

The people watching is great, and you can grab an idli breakfast just across the road at Ananda Bhavan (95 Syed Alwi Rd., 6398-0837), which is also open 24 hours.

s t reet tal k Divya Sharma Night shift worker, Mustafa Centre

What are your hours?

I start at 10:30pm and I end at 7:30am.

And what do you do?

I do customer service. From 3:30am, we do some rearranging of the merchandise. There are very few customers, but even so, we still have some.

There seem to be a lot of women working here at night.

I think most women are able to manage working in the night time better. In the daytime, they might have some other problems, family obligations, children. Daytime jobs are good, but not flexible. At Mustafa, they can give flexible times. They understand the problems we’re facing.

What do you do when you get off work?

I take care of my kids, send them to school, sleep for a while, but not all at one shot. Some ladies have someone who can help, so they can sleep all at one shot. But some ladies don’t have anyone in Singapore.

How many hours do you sleep?

I sleep around six or 7 hours, but I break it up—two hours or three hours at a time. I wake up, do some house work and then sleep again.

Jurong Fishery Port

Mustafa Centre

Anything else you’d like to say?

I’d like to say that Singapore is a very beautiful country. It has given me a lot. And life here is safe for ladies, especially compared to Delhi. In India, you can’t be independent.

COVER STORY pr i vat e g y m t ime You’re more likely to stick to your workout routine if you get it out of the way first thing in the morning. If you don’t have the luxury of a private gym in your condo, US-based gym chain Anytime Fitness (www.anytimefitness. com.sg) is a gem. Though staffed hours end at 9pm, with your personal swipe card, you can use their full cardio and

s t reet tal k Ng Keng Meng

Marketing Manager, Jurong Fishery Port What’s the night like at the fishery port?

From 11pm-1am, all the merchants do their prep. Once the boats arrive from Indonesia, we unload the boats.

Cargo comes from Changi also. We open the cartons and reserve orders for our regular customers. After 1am, fish mongers from retail shops come.

They go by 4am because they have to do prep in time to start selling at 6am.

Supermarket clients like NTUC, Prime, Sheng Siong and others are done by 5am.

What happens when everyone is done buying?

We pack up, put stuff in the cold room, look at the sales, the balance—does it tally or not.

What do you do when you get off work?

I get done at around 6 o’clock, 7 o’clock in the morning. I go to the hawker center—Block 505 Jurong West, Taman Jurong, the Boon Lay Hawker Center— then I go home to have my rest. I go alone, and I don’t chit chat at the coffee shop. I don’t want to waste time outside.

Are merchants keen to sell to private customers? We’ve heard mixed things.

This is a big market, with around 85-90 stalls. If we have 3,000kg of fish, we’re selling to fish mongers at 20-30kg per order. If outside people come to visit and want to purchase one piece, two pieces, we’re not so happy to entertain that. They are more welcoming at Senoko Fishery Port.

Early Eats Fuel your pre-dawn rising at these restaurants

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014

weight training equipment any time, day or night. Membership gives you access to all branches.

Our tip: There are currently seven branches across the island—and immediate plans to expand to at least 13, so even if you’re on the fence now, you might be very glad in the coming months.

the freshest greens Shopping at wet markets is cheaper, involves less packaging and, if you go to the Pasir Panjang Wholesesale Centre (1 Wholesale Centre, 1800 866-3077), it’s also a heck of an experience. The place is a mini-village, with hangar-like buildings housing different types of produce: there’s one for vegetables, one for dried goods, et cetera. The wares are for wholesale, but you can still get a good deal buying smaller quantities.

Our tip: The market starts wrapping up at 5am, so go earlier. At 7am, the surrounding food shops open, including some organic ones. Kill time at the on-site kopitiam. Too intense? Wake up at a leisurely 6:30am and go to Tekka Market (1/F, Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd.). It’s not wholesale, but it’s cheap and well-stocked.

cool company A short drive east from the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre is the Pasir Panjang Food Centre (121 Pasir Panjang Road),

Tekka Market

a stone’s throw from the port. Stalls start opening after 3am to feed the port workers coming in at the end of their shifts. That’s a lot of hungry men, though, and food runs out fast.

Our tip: To dine with the port workers, go at 4–5am, and avoid Sundays as most of the stalls are closed then.

f r e s hly B a k e d Breads Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre

No Name Curry Rice Taxi drivers and club goers alike swear by this HDB Hainanese curry-rice gem, which opens at 3am—one of the first in the center to start service— and is run by a cute older couple. Open daily except Wednesdays, 6:30am-3pm.

40 Beo Crescent

The romance of pre-dawn fresh bread doesn’t hold true for our favorite hipster bakeries, which open well after sunrise.

Hakim Restaurant This decades-old shop is a short walk from the Pasir Panjang Food Centre and has a friendly staff. They do a full-on Indian Muslim menu with biryani and murtabak, but early in the morning, ask for no more than their eye-opening teh halia and egg prata. Open 24 hours daily.

93 Pasir Panjang, 6474-2145

You’re better off with traditional bakeries around Balestier. Sin Hong Loong (6 Whampoa Dr., 6256-0878) is a traditional operation open 24/7 and a neighborhood stalwart going back over 50 years. Get there early and pick up a massive loaf of traditional white sandwich bread ($1.50) or, our favorite, the curry bun ($1.70), stuffed with spicy potatoes.

Our tip: The bakery is just across the street from the Whampoa Food Centre, which also opens early. Friendly competitors Sweetlands (10 Kim Keat Ln., 6253-3100) are nearby and also open 24 hours.

126 Dim Sum This no-frills Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurant offers delish midnight munchies like pork belly buns and man tou with chilli crab sauce. Despite the Geylangness, glaring neon lights and plastic chairs, this place has good food. Open 24 hours daily. 126 Sims Ave., 6746-4757

Coming Soon Look out for these great new guides, free with I-S in the next few months:

TOP TABLES Putting the city’s best restaurants, its finest chefs and its most memorable meals on a plate. From fancy fine dining to more humble eateries, Top Tables features hundreds of venues all reviewed and rated by our crack team of experts.

Sin Hong Loong

ama zing photo ops The wee hours are a great time for photography fans, too. You can stake out a good spot in time for first light.

But if you are properly equipped the skyline and headlights provide ample light for some cool shots.

Local photographer Tan Bing Dun (www.flickr.com/people/bingdun) had devoted much of the past few months to waking up early and taking pictures of the skyline. Read our interview with him (right).

Our tip: Bring a tripod. Duh.

cushy commutes Finally, if you’re too chicken to wake up at 4 or 5am, try 7am instead and commute for free. Last year, the Land Transport Authority (www.lta.gov.sg) implemented pilot program, Travel Smart, giving free MRT rides to commuters swiping out before 7:45am at one of 16 downtown stations (including Bugis, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay). The program has just been extended to June 2015. So if you’re coming in from the heartlands, skip the misery of being squashed in with fellow rat racers.

Our tip: Read the fine print. Your originating stations has to be outside the central area.

s t reet tal k Tan Bing Dun Photographer

How do you prepare for a shoot?

I check what the timing for sunrise is for the day. If it is 7am, I rise at about 5-5:30am to see if there is rain. I will be there about 45 minutes early. Once I am there, my mind is focused and I don’t feel affected by the sleep bug.

What do you do after you’re done?

Typically, the good light can come 30 minutes before the sun rises. Of course, there are times when I shoot till 10 am, travelling from place to place. Thereafter, I always go for a good meal. I enjoy the feeling after I’m done, that the whole of Singapore has just risen, and I’ve already done something meaningful.

What are some of your favorite places for pre-dawn shooting?

I like the quietness of the Central Business District and the area around Marina Bay during pre-sunrise timing.

It is a relaxed mood which contrasts the CBD we know later in the day— random joggers, tourists who get up early and the occasional calmness of the waters.

Where are some other places you’ve shot the sunrise from?

Changi Beach, Clarke Quay, Marina Bay and CBD, Gardens by the Bay and various HDB estates like Clementi Casa, Teban Garden, Telok Blangah, et cetera.

WELLNESS Who doesn’t love looking good and staying healthy?

This directory of Singapore’s best spas, gyms, yoga studios, salons, retreats, sportswear stores and organic food is a musthave for anyone looking to get fit and fabulous. (It’s just in time for those New Year’s resolutions, too.)

HOLIDAY Christmas is a time of goodwill, good cheer and…well, spending lots of money. This is the ultimate guide to the festive season in Singapore, packed with all readers need to have an awesome time: Christmas feasts, wine dinners, staycation deals, seasonal shopping and gift guides, holiday parties, concerts and other events.

Any crazy encounters?

I have been chased by dogs, random strangers have chatted to me. But nothing as exciting as the experience of watching the sun rise.

Don’t delay. Contact our sales department at 6323-2512 or email sales@asia-city.com.sg FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL

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Natural Selection

Clara Lim explores Australia’s mysterious—and very scenic—Northern Territory.

Mindil Beach

Edith Falls

T

here’s not much literature there about the Northern Territory (NT), one of the least populated parts of the country. It’s not as glam as other regions— no lush vineyards or happening cityscapes here—but it does have a certain tropical charm. And since it’s only a four-hour flight away, it belongs in your rotation of long weekend getaways.

Darwin

Nitmiluk National Park

Just a short drive away from the airport is the biggest city in NT. Don’t expect a huge metropolis, though; walking from one end to of the city center to another takes only half an hour.

Do: It sounds strange, but watching sunsets is a real obsession here. We got awesome views at Mindil Beach Sunset Market (www.mindil. com.au), which is touristy but worth it for cloud-watching on the beach while listening to trippy didgeridoo electronica. Outdoor movie screening series Deckchair Cinema (Jervois Rd., +61-8-8981-0700, www.deckchaircinema. com.au, from A$16) is also a must-do, with an impressive line-up of critically-acclaimed art house films and a bar on-site. Also nice at dusk are posh waterfront dining enclaves—a la Quayside Isle—Darwin Waterfront Lagoon (Kitchener Dr.) and Cullen Bay Marina (3/68 Marina Blvd., Larrakeyah, +61-8-8942-0400, www.cullenbaymarina.com.au).

Eat: Ducks’ Nuts (76 Mitchell St., +61-88942-2122, www.ducksnuts.com.au) is our pick for droolsome brunch food and coffee. At night, pan-Southeast Asian restaurant Hanuman (93 Mitchell St., +61-08-8941-3500, www. hanuman.com.au), which draws a dressedup crowd night after night, is good. You can also go on a boozy dinner cruise with Darwin Harbour Cruises (www.darwinharbourcruises. com.au, A$89)—the buffet fare isn’t all that, but the setting and sea breeze go a long way.

For drinks, there are plenty of backpacker pubs along Mitchell Street, but edgy, gay-friendly club Throb (1/64 Smith St., +61-8-8942-3435, www.facebook.com/THROBNIGHTCLUB) is where there’s a real alternative nightlife scene.

Stay: Rydges Darwin Resort (1 Sir Norman Brearly Dr., Marrara, +61-8-8920-3333, www. rydges.com, from A$209/night) resort is perfect for making the most out of the tropical weather, although it’s next to the airport and you’d have take a shuttle to the city center. If you want to

This aborigine-owned national park is HQ for most travelers looking to visit the stunning Katherine Gorge (actually 13 linked gorges).

Since it’s a half-day drive from Darwin city, we’d recommend staying for at least a couple of nights to really take in the sights.

Do: See Katherine Gorge, obviously, which you can do from above on a breathtaking 15min helicopter ride from Nitmiluk Tours (www. nitmiluktours.com.au, A$99). They also do boat cruises and walks if you want to see the gorges up close. But it can be tricky to see more of the outback on your own, especially since mobile data coverage is spotty and it’s hard to get around.

It pays off to arrange a bespoke tour with the excellent Indigofera Ecotours (www.indigofera. com.au, from $189/person per day).

Stay: Super-luxe eco-lodge Cicada Lodge (Gorge Rd., Katherine, +61-8-8974-3100, www. cicadalodge.com.au, from A$450/night) has everything you need for an amazing time— gorgeously-furnished and lavishly-stocked “shacks”, a mini-pool, a fantastic restaurant and poolside bar, plus great service to boot.

Darwin

Edith Falls Katherine

Nitmiluk

stay in the city, there’s DoubleTree by Hilton (122 Esplanade, +61-8-8943-3600, doubletree. hilton.com, from A$169/night). Get a room on the top floor for a view of the harbor.

Edith Falls If you’re driving or getting driven south, make time to stop by for a dip in this incredible natural plunge pool. It’s a little rocky underfoot, but swimming in the cool, clear water (fish and all) is to die for, especially when it’s hot out.

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014

GEttING thErE SilkAir (www.silkair.com) flies direct to Darwin five days a week (fares from $658). For budget travelers, Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) flies direct daily (fares range from $45240).

GEttING ArouNd If you’re not joining a tour, you’ll need to rent a car (big players like Hertz have a presence in Darwin) for the drive south—but note that it can be tiring, with few rest stops, unless you’re a seasoned long-distance driver.

CLIMAtE Dry season (May-Sep) is tourist season, as it’s hot and sunny with little rainfall—a bit like Singapore with less humidity. Wet season (OctApr) is cooler and a lot cheaper, but beware of heavy monsoon rain, storms and cyclones. For more useful info, visit www.australiasoutback. com.sg.

VISAS You’ll need one. The most painless way to get it is to apply for an Electronic travel Authority (i.e. e-visa; A$20 from eta.immi.gov.au).

ExChANGE rAtE A$0.86 = $1

Cicada Lodge

Katherine Gorge

For an extended version of this story, download the I-S Magazine iPad app: www.is-magazine.com/app 12

Essentials

FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014 I窶全 MAGAZINE

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

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Letitia Tandean

The sanchaya Bintan

IndonesIa

Bintan’s Big Opening After months of delays, colonialinspired estate The Sanchaya Bintan (6221-0806, www.thesanchaya.com) looks like it’s finally opening, with 21 decadent villas and nine airy suites, plus bespoke services and British Butler-certified staff. This luxury beachfront property, slated to open this month, has four in-hotel dining options including Bangkok street food joint Tasanne Grill. Promotional opening rates until Oct 31 start at USD430 ($536) for a Great House junior suite garden view room up to USD4,550 ($5676) for the fourbedroom Vanda Villa on weekdays.

ThaIland

Hot Hotels Whether you like Phuket’s nightlife scene or prefer the north’s culture, there were tons of luxe openings in Thailand this year.

Natai Beach’s Iniala Beach House (+66 7645-1456, www.

Tumi iniala.com) takes luxury to a new level with ten bedrooms spread over three villas and a penthouse, while Chiang Mai welcomes RarinJinda Wellness Spa (+66 5324-7000, www.rarinjinda. com), the first Japanese-style onsen with three different pools. Closer to Bangkok, English countryside-inspired Thames Valley Khao Yai (+66 44009999, www.thamesvalleykhaoyai. com), is a hamlet-like estate complete with a manor house and plenty of afternoon teas. For a full list of our favorite openings this year, visit is.gd/thailuxe2014.

FlIghTs

Budget Means Business Love budget air fares but hate luggage limitations and fixed dates? Budget carrier AirAsia (www.airasia.com) has launched a new “premium flex” class that offers travellers more flexibility with travel plans. Although there’s a two-time flight change cap, they’ve also added 20kg of free check-in baggage and complimentary seat selection. For a round trip to Bali, prices start at around $420, while flights to Perth start at $1,200. accessorIes

Bag It

Luggage and travel brand Tumi (www.tumi.sg) introduces its new range of Alpha 2 products, aimed at frequent travellers. Claiming over 30 design improvements, the sequel of the flagship Alpha range has better packing capacities and easier handling with a lighter and stronger ballistic nylon outer shell. There’s also a business range with intuitively-placed pockets and compartments for all your techie needs. sTaycaTIons

Pac Up

If you can’t get enough of gorgeous bay views, Pan Pacific rolls out new one-night staycation package Bed, Brunch & Bliss for two. Stay in spacious Harbour Studio rooms and wake up to a four-hour Sunday Champagne brunch at Edge with offerings like Omi Wagyu beef and lots of fresh seafood. Packages start at $525. For more info, visit www. panpacific.com or call 6336-8111.

Have friends or family visiting Singapore?

Do it right with the Where® Singapore App. Packed with travel essentials, neighborhood guides, maps, new places and hot events.

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014

© SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE

The Quays to the Grand Prix It’s F1 season, but even if you aren’t into fast cars and revved up engines, there are plenty of perks along the river to get you excited. Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are awash with events, drink promos and dining deals. So head on down, whether you have an F1 ticket stub or not.

Clarke Quay Capital Malls Clarke Quay Over at Clarke Quay, there’s no end of dining options.

Quintessential Scottish diner Highlander Bar & Restaurant is offering a 20% discount for F1 ticket holders, coupled with 50% off beers, wines and house pours till 9pm from Sundays to Thursdays. For something more fiery, Octapas Spanish Tapas Bar has a special F1 inspired cocktail in store, sassily named the Tribuna Sangria ($15.50).

Or if lounging by the river is making you crave seafood, enjoy a free glass of Singapore Sling or Microbrewery Beer with every order of Chilli or Black Pepper Crab at Quayside Seafood.

3E River Valley Rd., 6337-3292, www.clarkequay.com.sg

Toby’s Estate

Robertson Quay Rosso Vino This Italian restaurant and bar is known for its extensive range of appetizers, home-made pastas and tempting desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. They’ve got an undeniably impressive wine collection too, with brands from regions like Umbria all the way down to Sicily. Better yet, to celebrate F1 they’re having an all-day 1-for-1 draught beer promotion. Available September 12-21, you can eat and drink to your heart’s content with a stunning view of the CBD skyline.

15 Merbau Rd., 9449-9542, www.rossovinosingapore.com

Bar Bar Black Sheep Punters are spoiled for choice at Bar Bar Black Sheep, a cool alfresco dining spot with three independent kitchens serving Thai, Indian and Western cuisine. Bar Bar Black Sheep will be open throughout the F1 period and over at their sister outlet Pints & Curries at Clarke Quay they’re serving an F1-inspired cocktail. The F1 themed concoction ($11.90) is a surprising twist of Kronenbourg & Red Bull with a dash of lemon.

86 Robertson Quay #01-04, 6836-9255, www.bbbs.com.sg

Toby’s Estate This renowned coffee chain from Australia pays homage to F1 champion Ayrton Senna, with a special coffee blend simply known as The Ayrton. Just like the famed driver, the blend will start off sharp and powerful, finishing with a touch of delicacy and style. Other than caffeine, diners can also sample cakes by local bakeries or indulge in the café’s signature Brekkie for Champions ($25).

8 Rodyk Street #01-03/04, 6636-7629, www.tobysestate.com.sg

Ricciotti

Le Comptoir

Boat Quay

SQUE

Le Comptoir

Fulfilling every beer connoisseurs’ dream, SQUE Rotisserie & Alehouse has an eye-popping selection of more than 200 international beers. There’s a promotion for everyday of the week as well, such as 20% off pastas on Mondays and 20% off burgers on Thursdays, with discounts on booze accompanying the dining deals. What’s more, happy hour runs from 11:30am to 11pm on weekends, giving you plenty of reasons to return with friends.

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central #01- 70, 6222-1887, www.sque.com.sg

This charming French creperie at Circular Road also doubles up as a pub, with ciders and cocktails available all day and night. This September, they’ll be offering a special Formula 1 set menu which includes a galette, a crepe and a glass of cider for $20. The three items will also be specially customized with a Formula 1 logo as part of the ongoing night race.

79 Circular Rd., 6534-7645

Ricciotti If you’re a pizza lover, don’t miss Ricciotti Riverwalk’s exclusive Grand Prix specials. For $80 for two people, you can enjoy a set menu consisting of mushroom soup, polenta herb fries, truffle pizza and Al Granchio, paired with two glasses of house wine or bottled beers. Selected takeaway beers are also available for $10 nett.

20 Upper Circular Rd., 6533-9060, www.ricciotti.co

Dallas Restaurant & Bar Chow down some awesome steak at contemporary bar and bistro Dallas, which is offering a $29 deal on steak and wine: 250g Black Angus Ribeye Steak and a glass of Oxford Landing Cabernet Shiraz. The deal runs every day from 13-21 September. For ladies, there’s also a 1-for-1 martini promo from 19-21 September from 9pm till closing.

31 Boat Quay, 9897-4011, www.dallas.sg

Cedar Grill This Lebanese/Middle Eastern eatery gives F1 race-goers plenty of reasons to stop by. Early risers are rewarded with a 12-4pm brunch deal ($45) that includes free flow Carlsberg Beer, Sangria, soft drinks and tapas. And for the rest of the day, there’s a 1-for-1 promo for housepours and draft beer going for $10. F1 pass holders stand a chance to win a 3D2N trip to the Anantara Phuket.

63 Boat Quay, 6438-7322, www.facebook.com/cedargrill.sg

island

FASHION + FITNESS + TECH + HOME | GET MorE ouT of SINGAPorE

Zalora more-a It was only a matter of time: online fashion retailer Zalora has launched its very own in-house line, stocking trendy everyday basics as well as a range of runway-inspired looks. Designed by singaporean and international designers, the line is sold across the region and features plenty of monochrome colors, bold patterns and layering. We’re loving the whimsical floral dresses for women and the denim shirts for men. It’s pretty affordable, too: dresses start at $17.90, tops from $14.90 and men’s shirts from $19.90. Available from www.zalora.sg.

shop Rock a bike baby

Homegrown bike shop Coast Cycles is adding to its line of locally designed bicycles. there’s now a smaller version of the signature Coastliner model, which has a sleek aluminium frame and foldable handlebars to allow for easy storage. Also available is the Goliath fatbike, an agile racer bike, with massive wheels reminiscent of monster trucks, that allow you to cover rough and uneven terrain. the Coastliner mini is available from $2,450 and the Goliath bikes start from $2,470. Coast Cycles, 54 siglap Drive, 6681-6681, www.coastcycles.com.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014

style pACt with Goodies

Orchard Central is bringing a slew of new fashion, homeware and lifestyle stores. the multi-label space PACT has expanded to house more creative boutiques under one roof. New to the scene is artisanal perfumery Code Deco, handmade jewellery boutique Killari, quirky furniture store Fred Lives Here, homewares store spUR Hauswerks and Japanese nail bar kiyone+LIm. Check it out at #02-23 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-1051, www.visitpact.com.

tech sound stream New music app Guvera gives smartphone users free access to literally millions of songs. Like spotify, Guvera is free to download and has a social media component, where you follow the people whose taste you like and create and share playlists. Also like spotify, it costs extra ($11.99) to go ad-free. the neat distinction is Guvera’s focus on local music. A glance on their site reveals playlists like singapore Indie and singapore pop Chart toppers with artists michaela therese, Caracal, Octover and others. Available on both Android and iOs. For more information, visit www.guvera.com.

STYLE NOTES

Style

with eimear elkington

Annielka

Get Shirty Cool new e-store Hyphen is collaborating with singaporean artists to produce a t-shirt line. the current artist in residence is Jingle Drew, a singaporean illustrator who has created a quirky line of tees with famous musicians redesigned as potted plants—we particularly like the one of Jimi Hendrix.

All t-shirts are $50 and are available from Hyphen’s Facebook shop, www.facebook. com/sghyphen.

Hyphen

The Bee’s Knees

Stop the Press

elsewhere in the local e-store scene is jewelry boutique Annielka (www. annielka.com) which stocks unusual and quirky pieces from emerging and off-thecuff designers. All items on the site are handmade and designers include Daisy Knights, who creates bold rock chick style necklaces, and mezi who designs chunky silver statement pieces. Do check out the range of whimsical animal-themed jewellery by Alex monroe which includes bees, hummingbirds and foxes in silver, gold and rose gold. pieces range from $30-$300.

pop-up store Fashion Pitstop is back for the month of september. Organized by Asian fashion e-retailer sHOptHemAG, the temporary store showcases collections from prominent Asian designers. expect to see fur tops from experimental singaporean brand Koonhor and hand woven dresses and accessories from malaysian label Duo by Joyce Wong. Head down to purchase some one-off pieces.

Until sep 30, 10am-7pm daily, 71A Hillcrest Rd., 9022-0230, www.shopthemag.com. style@asia‑city.com.sg

Walk the Line Pedder Red has launched a new collection of shoes paying homage to Hong Kong style. the eclectic line is bright and vibrant with lots of shiny metallics and clashing monochromes (perfect if you already own 20 pairs of black shoes). there are also plenty of patterned styles including florals, checks, snakeskin and camouflage prints. prices start at $160; try on a pair at #03-04 takashimaya shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd., 67355735, www.pedderred.com.

Pedder Red

FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

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island

fashion + fitness + tech + home

pretty smart

tech

so much iphone 6 anxiety! but surely there are plenty of other premium-looking smartphones out there.

We size up the top contenders. by Gregoire Glachant

I-S PIck!

Samsung S5

Huawei Ascend P7

HTC One M8

LG G3

Sony Xperia Z2

Looks: samsung stuck to its usual cheap-feeling materials for the s5, whether it’s the chromed plastic trim or the plastic back. Luckily, they listened to the negative feedback on the Note 3’s faux leather stitching and went for a random pattern on the s4. still, this is not the phone to sway Apple fans.

Looks: the Huawei Ascend p7 feels surprisingly premium. It’s got glass on the back (and front, obviously), plus a metal trim. We wish it would go around the entire phone, though, but oddly it only covers three edges, leaving the bottom as that lone piece of plastic.

Looks: the HtC certainly feels premium with its brushed metal unibody. It also sits pretty comfortably in your hand, thanks to its curved back. that voluptuousness also means it’s not quite as satisfying to design purists as Apple, sony or even Huawei devices.

Looks: We would be a lot more enthusiastic about if it hadn’t come out after the HtC One m8, which it resembles very closely. Worse, the LG G3 isn’t actual real metal. It’s just very convincing plastic.

Looks: this is a beautifully finished phone, with glass panels framed by a single piece of aluminum. the protruding power button isn’t our cup of tea, but this remains one of the most beautiful Android devices currently in stores.

Specs: 5.1” full HD screen. 8.1mm thick. 2Gb RAm. 16mp camera.

Android running on a 2.5GHz quadcore. 2,800mAh battery.

Price: $1,068 from the samsung experience store, #b2-24/25/26, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Rd, 6836-1809, www.samsung.com/sg.

Wait or buy: samsung has unveiled its own iphone 6 killer in the shape of its first full-metal phone, the samsung Galaxy Ultra. except it’s not that cool looking.

And the battery life will be just as bad as the iphones given how slim they made it. And it’s not even out yet.

Specs: 5” full HD screen.

6.5mm thick. 2Gb RAm. 13mp camera. Android 4.4.2 KitKat running on a 1.8GHz quad-core.

2,500mAh battery.

Price: $598 from moby shop, 14 scotts Rd., #02-52 Far east plaza.

Wait or buy: Interestingly, Huawei has confirmed the p7’s successor will have sapphire glass— something the iphone 6 is rumored to have as we go to press. but even as it is, the current p7 is a lot of phone for the price. And we like rooting for the underdog.

Specs: 5.0” full HD screen.

9.35mm thick. 2Gb RAm. 16mp camera. Android 4.4.2 KitKat running on a 2.45GHz quad-core.

2,600 mAh battery.

Price: $958 from best Denki, 1 Kim seng promenade, #02-33b/D Great World City.

Wait or buy: bucking the trend for increasingly fancy Android phones, the m8 is a premium phone that is about to get a budget little brother. Named the HtC e8, it should be nearly identical to the m8, only more plastic-y and less premium-feeling.

Specs: 5.5” quad HD screen.

8.9mm thick. 2Gb RAm. 13mp camera. Android 4.4.2 KitKat running on a 2.5GHz quad-core.

3,000 mAh battery.

Price: $928 from best Denki, 1 Kim seng promenade, #02-33b/D Great World City.

Wait or buy: It just came out, so this is LG’s best effort for a while. We’ll pass and recommend design geeks either pick another Android phone or just wait for Apple’s offering.

Prices listed are for outright purchases without contracts. All phones are also available on a mobile plan from any major network provider.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, septembeR 12, 2014

Specs: 5.2” full HD screen. 8.2mm thick. 3Gb RAm. 20.7mp camera.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat running on a 2.3 GHz quad-core. 3,200 mAh battery.

Price: $998 from best Denki, 1 Kim seng promenade, #02-33b/D Great World City.

Wait or buy: It’s waterproof, and the camera is insanely good, but be warned that sony has a ridiculously short six-month lifecycle on its phones. Given that the Z2 arrived in late February 2014, its successor could be announced as early as this month.

DINING cocktails Old pony, New Jigs

Rising from the embers Hotel 1929’s longstanding fine dining spot Restaurant Ember (50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928, www.hotel1929.com) has just gotten a menu upgrade from new chef Sufian bin Zaid, formerly of Iggy’s and Waku Ghin. Dishes like carpaccio of tasmanian petuna ocean trout with orange, pickled French shallots and endives; and bouillabaisse with langoustine, Hokkaido scallops, barramundi and garlic aioli now appear alongside old favorites. the lunch set menu goes for $42, and the four-course dinner is $88.

Speaking of new menus, find some cheeky new cocktails and high-brow/low-brow bar bites on Jigger & Pony’s (101 Amoy St., 6223-9101, www.jiggerandpony. com) exciting drinks list, with libations like a Singapore Girl ($22) made with gin, crème de violette, crème de peche and lemon; and bar snacks like steak tartare with spiced strawberry ketchup ($22).

now open botanic bites

Lush new restaurant Corner House (e J H Corner House, Singapore botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6469-1000, www.cornerhouse.com.sg) has taken over the space formerly occupied by Les Amis’ Au Jardin. the “gastrobotanic” joint places emphasis on vegetables in a dish like Cevennes onions in four ways, but there is plenty of protein like cod with crisped scales in a wine sabayon; and Hungarian mangalitsa pork with heirloom beetroot and black garlic. the Discovery degustation menu goes for $248, a four-course menu for $98 and a six-course menu for $148.

OpeN Bar Nutmeg & Clove

The buzz: this recent locally-inspired bar on Ann Siang Road has got a dream team of Diageo World Class finalist Kae Yin and bartender marian beke of famed London bar, Nightjar.

The decor: modelled after a traditional Chinese medicine hall complete with plenty of drawers and antique wooden touches, it is reminiscent of a seductive opium den. they share the space with a Cantonese association on the second and third floors.

The food: Locally inspired bite-sized snacks. Of note are the cod fish croquettes ($12) made with smoked cream cheese, crispy anchovies and smoked vinegar powder, as well as the Wu Xiang ($13), which are traditional five-spice prawn fritters with pork and water chestnut wrapped in bean curd skin.

The drinks: the cocktails are inspired by the various eras and areas of colonial trade. there’s the Commodity Flip ($20), a Cognac-based drink with touches of Lapsang Souchong tea, chestnut shrub and a whole egg; and the Golden Dawn ($16), which has gin, ginger wine cordial, Chinese hawthorne and red jujube shrub topped with an auspiciously cut calligraphic orange peel. the classic barrel-aged Singapura Sling ($20) is a heady mix of spiced hibiscus-infused gin, cherry heering, goji & red date syrup with bitters and comes beautifully (if preciously) presented in a traditional rattan trishaw.

The music: Nothing special, just a predictable, eclectic blend of old school meets new school, hip-hop and downtempo beats.

The crowd: An expected mix of pretty young things and corporate types. It gets packed during the weekends with people spilling out on to the street and a buzzing, bordering on too-loud, indoor atmosphere.

Why you’ll be back: Lots of bars say they do drinks with a nod to local history. but the ones here might be the real deal.

17 Ann Siang Rd., 6423‑9885, www.facebook.com/nutmegandclove. Open Tues‑Sat 5pm‑midnight. LetItIA tANDeAN

FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

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DINING dining

drink

Q&A Cameron mackenzie Distiller, Four Pillars Gin Singapore’s no stranger to small-batch, boutique gins these days, but we’re especially excited about Four pillars, which has just arrived this month—it’s from Australia and made by former wine producer Cameron mackenzie.

pie in Your Face

What was the process to getting the perfect gin recipe?

We toured around countries like the UK and America to visit small batch distillers and taste their products. After tasting so many different gins, I knew what kind of gin I wanted to make. One that is very balanced, complex and aromatic so the three big notes are juniper berries, cardamom and coriander seed, supported by lemon myrtle.

No more stodgy pizzas with over-processed toppings and loaf-like crusts. these are the new artisanal pizzerias we’re drooling over. by Letitia Tandean Eighty days

Alt. this pizza bar with a rad West Coast vibe wins lots of points with a build-your-own pizza option. (their staple menu has many solid offerings, too) they’ve also got great starters like beer-brined hot wings ($12) and plenty of craft beers from California.

What to get: We’re not often wowed by fully veg options, Alt. but the Lean & Green ($12 for 11") made with mozzarella, feta, baby spinach, roasted squash, basil and broccoli on top of a roasted garlic pesto is amazing. the broccoli is crunchy and slightly roasted; and the top secret dough recipe means that the pizza doesn’t get chewy when it gets cold. #01‑602 Suntec City Tower 4, 3 Temasek Blvd., www.altpizza.com.sg

Don Antonio Pizza Bar A true Neapolitan joint by chef-owner Antonio Cocozza, Don Antonio brings a slice of Italian home-cooking to Kampong Glam in this rustic space. Aside from pizzas, he serves up hearty pastas like pappardelle with beef bolognese ($24), as well as his specialty, the porchetta arrotalata ($36), wine-roasted rolled pork stuffed with a herb, pistachio, garlic served with mashed potatoes.

What to get: the cream-based bianca ($24) is especially decadent with black truffle cream, mozzarella, smoked

bacon and basil. It sounds simple but it’s bursting with the earthy aromas of truffle, topped with dollops of cheese and coupled with the meaty, charred goodness of bacon. the dough is wellrisen but not fluffy or loaf-like and retains the foldable crispiness characteristic of a Neapolitan pizza.

2 Jalan Klapa, 6293‑6548, www.donantonio.sg

Eighty Days Inspired by Around the World in 80 Days, the bitedon Antonio Pizza Bar sized pizzas found at this CbD joint takes cues from quintessential cuisines from major world cities. there’s the Delhi masala ($3.30), a chicken and masala pizza; the Kyoto Shiitake ($3.30) made with white wine, button and shiitake mushrooms, onion and cream; and the locally-influenced Katong Laksa ($3.30) with prawn, fish cakes, mozzarella and laksa sauce.

What to get: We are suckers for anything Asian recommend the peking Duck ($3.90) with smoked duck, avocado, mozzarella and hoisin sauce. the tangy sweetness of the hoisin sauce offsetting the cheesiness. And although we’re no strangers to smoked duck, it’s rare you find it on a flatbread-like pizza and paired with the grassy creaminess of avocado.

Is Four Pillars your only gin?

We’ve just launched our Navy Strength gin, which at 58.8% AbV is gunpowder proof: you could douse it over gunpowder and it would still blow up.

Would you ever consider making a grape‑derived gin since you have a background in wineries?

Not at the moment. there’s a certain funkiness that come with fruits and fermentation. think of botanicals as essential oils that you slowly infuse, so the outcome is much cleaner and more intense.

What’s a good way to drink gin?

Citrusy gins are better in a gin and tonic where the citrus notes are enhanced, but Negronis bring out the heavier spices in gin, due to the bitters. Letitia Tandean Can’t wait to get your hands on some? It’s still early days, but we hear Tippling Club (38 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6475‑3327, www.tipplingclub. com) and Moosehead (110 Telok Ayer St., 6636‑8055, www.facebook. com/MooseheadKitchenBar) will be serving some Four Pillars cocktails soon.

#B2‑67 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Blvd., 6634‑2962, www.facebook.com/eightydayspizza

book now to be in the definitive guide to Singapore's best restaurants.

Booking ends September 23 so don't delay—call our sales team today at 6323 2512 or email sales@asia‑city.com.sg

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014

Out in October

BUTTERMILK THE VEGANS WON’T GET IT

www.lifeisbeautiful.sg

The New is-magazine.com I-S Online is already your trusted source for lifestyle news, top lists and new restaurants. Now we’re giving you more of it and making it easier to access.

Fresher look Bigger pictures, cleaner design

Responsive design The site adapts to fit whatever device you’re using: mobile, tablet or desktop

Easier navigation See more stories on what’s new and hot in your city

www.is-magazine.com

FRIDAY, September 12, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

21

DINING reSTaUraNT reVIeWS

NeW aND NOTeD with Letitia tandean

Breezy & Boozy

Slake

Asian Arrives Again

Seems like rooftop bars are in again: il Lido Group’s new boat Quay alfresco bar Southbridge (80 boat Quay) is slated to open in October, with juleps, mojitos and wines and bar bites like lobster rolls and tacos and even freshly-shucked oysters. Over at Four Seasons (190 Orchard blvd., 6733-0682, www.fourseasons.com), they’ve launched their penthouse poolside bar parties with more cocktails and light bites. Potato Head Folk (36 Keong Saik Rd, 6237-1939, www. pttheadfolk.com) also have Folk Apéro, a Wednesay to Friday two-hour aperitif slot from 5-7pm, with shared bottled cocktails and the barkeeps’ cocktail of the week.

After a slew of tapas bars, fancy cafes and bars, we’re seeing lots of interesting, new Essential Oenology Asian places opening up. Head to Khun Mee You already know the Epicurean Market Thai (#02-32 bedok point, 799 New Upper is happening this weekend, but there are Changi Rd., 6445-9932, www.khunmeethai. also Italian wine-pairing dinners—part of com), a casual noodle bar specializing in Gusto Italiano (www.gustoitaliano.com. bangkok street food and wanton sg)—by guest chefs like enrico bartolini mee equivalent ba mee. Also and legit Italian restaurants around out east, Slake’s (15 Swan town like buona terra, Garibaldi Lake Ave., 6243-6220, www. and Gattopardo. the Sicilian dinner slake.sg) Vietnameseat Gattopardo on Sep 17 is already peranakan fusion fare comes sold out, but you can still book the in sharing portions with dishes Flavours of Veneto one at buona terra like coconut cream clams and (Sep 18, $142.40), along with a slew Asian pesto noodles. Closer to town, gattopardo of others over the next few weeks. In teppanyaki restaurant Shima (1/F more wine news, tastings at Drinkdings Goodwood park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd., (117A Killiney Rd., serveme@drinkdings.

6734-6281) has gotten a much-needed facelift com) happen Wed-thu until December. after 30 years, where you can expect more of It's Chardonnays and Shiraz in September, their signature grilled beef and garlic fried rice. while October and November is all about merlots and Rieslings. food@asia‑city.com.sg

Feed the belly and you'll be happy.

Book at Singapore’s best restaurants, get instant confirmation. chope.com.sg

OPEn dOOr

pince & pints The buzz: A no-reservations, lobster-only version of London’s burger & Lobster is making waves on Duxton Road with a limited menu and nightly two-hour waits out the door for this lovely crustacean.

The vibe: buzzing. Simply done up with a mixture of wooden chairs and booth seats, red accents and exposed brick walls, it’s clear the decor is secondary to the food. the two-shophouse space is buzzing with chatter and animated with an aptly upbeat electro-pop/indie dance playlist.

The food: there are exactly three options: whole lobster (grilled or steamed), a lobster roll and lobster slathered in a chilli crab-like sauce (all $48). they’re sourced from New england and Canada, weigh 600 grams on average and are fresh, sweet and succulent. the first two dishes come with sides of fries, a butter or garlic aioli sauce and tossed garden salad with shaved cheese; the chilli crab sauce comes with fried mantou.

The drinks: the wine list is pretty progressive and affordable and features smaller wineries: there's a 2006 blend of mourvèdre, Shiraz and Viognier from bellingham South Africa ($7/flight, $14/glass, $58/carafe). Among cocktails, we like Fat & Old Fashioned ($14), which is made with bacon bitters. Suds-wise, they’ve got pilsners from Hitachino and pale ales from Saison Dupont starting at $10.

Why you’ll be back: It’s simple and hipster-luxe at the same time, and the lobsters are nicely complemented by the booze list. Is it worth the snaking queues? Jury’s out.

32 Duxton Rd., 6225‑7558, www.pinceandpints.com. Open Mon‑Sat 5‑11pm. LetItIA tANDeAN

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014

thai tantric HHHHH Thai. #03‑23 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd., 9035‑4499 We love Golden mile. We love the grit, the retro vibe and most especially the cheap, cheerful and supposedly more authentic thai food. that was until we discovered the shiver-inducing pleasures of thai tantric at Orchard towers. the location— folding tables along a third floor corridor surrounded by seedy dance bars—gives us the warm fuzzies of eating on a sidewalk in bangkok's red light district. the menu is a lot broader than that description might imply, though: there's the usual Northeastern Isaan fare—papaya salad, laab meat salads, etc—but also curries, noodle soups, stir-fries and whole steamed/deep-fried fish dishes. What’s more, it’s all solid. Start with Singha beers and a classic drinking snack of deep-fried chicken wings ($10). You have the option of regular wings and small ones—go for the latter. the fry-job is legit—crispy on the outside, moist on the inside—there are lovely crushed coriander seeds in the batter and they’re over in two bites, leaving you wanting more. the squid, shrimp and other seafood in the fiery yam woon sen (savory-sour vermicelli and herb salad, $10) is surprisingly delicate for a place this rowdy, and the same goes for the tom yam kung (spicy shrimp soup, $10), which offsets its mind-blowing heat with creaminess from a dash of coconut milk.

Our only complaint, if we had to make one, is that the food is almost gratuitously spicy, beyond what it needs to be to feel "authentic". If you're the sort to be undone by the pleasant discomfort of your taste buds on fire, order wisely and wash it down with plenty of beer. Would we give thai tantric four stars if it were in bangkok? probably not. but in Singapore, it’s some of the least fussy and most delicious we’ve had. Open Mon‑Fri 11:30am‑10:30pm; Sat‑Sun 3‑10:30pm. $

table by Rang mahal HHHHH Indian. G/F Naumi Hotel, 41 Seah St., 6403‑6005, www.rangmahal.com.sg/table.

At the casual, cheaper offshoot of posh (and very good) Indian restaurant Rang mahal, the food—mostly vegetarian—certainly doesn’t disappoint. the chaats might just be the high point of your meal here. Order them all! Highlights include bombay pani puri (semolina puffs with chutney, $7) and dahi papdi chaat (flour crackers with yogurt, $7). these little flavor-delivery vehicles are incredibly fun to assemble and burst in your mouth in a gleeful riot, all savory, cumin-y, tangy, sweet and crunchy at once. (If Frito-Lay went into Indian snacks, they would make a killing.) For mains, there are plenty of curried veggies to choose from, like bhindi masala (okra and wild onion, $19), choley (chickpeas, $16) and gobi mattar (cauliflower, peas, young ginger, $16), which are all tasty and noticeably light, showing admirable restraint with the ghee. the butter chicken ($22) is more decadent, but it has a delicate creaminess rather than dense greasiness. Not everything is great, though: avoid the flat, tasteless naan ($5) and oversalted tandoori prawns ($22). It’s usually hard to handle a full-on dessert after an Indian meal, so go for the table’s pop ($12), a virtuous chiaraspberry-coconut popsicle that wouldn’t be out of place in the yoga studio. the letdowns here are the setting and the service. though there’s a nice view of charming, ramshackle little Seah Street, it’s difficult to settle in and enjoy a meal, especially since the restaurant doubles up as the hotel’s lobby lounge. Waiters are scarce and barely distinguishable from hotel staff, so you can find yourself waiting for quite a bit for someone to appear, while idle employees flounce around in caped uniforms in front of you. Open daily 7am‑10:30pm. $$

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 Cicheti “From the beautifully balanced starters and salads alone, it’s clear that they have a fine understanding of the ingredients’ flavors and textures.”

HHHHH Uma Uma Ramen “Overall, although we prefer slurping up the balanced and hearty Ippudo soups, this is a go-to if you have a dry ramen craving.”

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

Worth Dining For

Wa Shabu Shabu

#01-44, Star Vista 1 Vista Exchange Green 138617. www.washabushabu.com

T: 6268 9093

Wa Shabu Shabu serves only handpicked premium grade Wagyu beef and Japanese pork that are air-flown from selected famous farms in Japan. These thinly sliced meat platters offer their own distinctive tantalizing flavours. The A3 ribloin wagyu from the Miyazaki prefecture (150g @$88) is rich and tender, while the A5 ribloin wagyu from Kagoshima prefecture (150g @$108) has amazing well balanced marbling. The premium Kurobuta & Kagoshima pork offer well balanced tastes and textures of firmness, tenderness and sweetness.

MUST TRY: - Promotional A5 Wagyu Set for 2 (300g @ $168) that comes with generous servings of healthy greens and assorted mushrooms.

- For variety, the promotional mixed set offers A5 Wagyu & Japanese Premium Pork for 2 (150g each @$128); also comes with generous servings of healthy greens and assorted mushrooms.

Complement these set meal with top grade house-pour sake (@$35 - $40 per 350ml carafe) or indulge with a bottle of premium grade sake (@$105 - $168 per 720ml bottle)

singapore – the only city in the world with three hard rock cafes including an airport location 50 CUSCADEN ROAD #02/03-01 | HPL HOUSE SINGAPORE 249724 | +65 6235 5232

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join hardrockrewards.com FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

23

Need to know Theater & Arts 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

Ticketbooth > 6296-2929 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

www.shaw.sg

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

Peatix > www.peatix.com Sportshubtix > 6333-5000

The Substation > 6337-7535

www.sportshub.com.sg

www.substation.org

DON'T Miss

DO This

The Fast Lane Aside from the high octane energy along Marina Bay Street Circuit, this year’s 2014 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix promises a lineup of superstars, including electric pop duo Pet Shop Boys and singer-songwriter John Legend. See page 26 for all the parties and visit www.ismagazine.com for our ultimate guide.

Fields of Vision

Theatrical Fields showcases video installations exploring stage realities, with works exhibited by prominent artists like Stan Douglas and Joan Jonas. Through Nov 2, Centre for Contemporary Art, Gillman Barracks, 43 Malan Rd., 6684-0998, www. gillmanbarracks.com/cca. Free.

See This

open Sesame

Merlin award-winning illusionist Joe Labero brings more death-defying stunts and theatrics at his first solo show in town. Through Oct 28, Raffles Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 6337-1886, www.sistic.com.sg. $60-215.

ART

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Cory/Molly/Stumpy the works of esteemed indigenous Australian artists Wakartu Cory Surprise, Nyuju Stumpy brown and Walka molly Rogers will be showcased at this exhibition. their pieces reflect the lives of Aboriginal women before interactions with the kartiya (whitefella), and portray the landscape they were accustomed to. Through Sep 13. ReDot Fine Art gallery, #01-05 ArtSpace@Helutrans, tanjong pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6222-1039, www.redotgallery.com. Free.

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I-S PICK

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014

SCENESTEALER Vox Local pop-rock string quartet Vox, known for their bold classical-modern mash-ups, returns for its second show after a sold-out run at esplanade last year. Violist melissa Liew tells us about being a nerd and playing at a nightclub.

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Edo Pop: The Graphic Impact of Japanese Prints The Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) explores Japan’s pop culture influences through an exhibition of over 70 works, including contributions from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The featured works are influenced by ukiyo-e prints from Edo Japan. Through Sep 13.

Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, 6336-3663, www.stpi.com.sg. Free.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I’ve always liked how the Corrs incorporated these pretty violin melodies into their songs. When I was younger I used to listen to their CD and play along with the violin parts, wishing that my weekly violin lessons involved more songs that I listened to on the radio. Now our weekly Vox rehearsals involve more than a fair share of songs that are played on the radio, so I guess wishes do come true.

What do people think of your music?

Feedback has been pretty positive, and it was really great to see people bopping in their seats and tapping their toes. but we could tell that they wanted to get out of their seats and dance but probably felt constrained by the proper

environment, which is why we’ve decided to have our show at Zouk this year. excellent environment for busting out the moves.

As classically trained musicians, are you guys huge nerds?

I started wearing glasses when I was 7, and I had braces at 15, so I’ve pretty much learned to embrace the nerdy label. Having said that, I think we have worked hard to try to break the stereotypes associated with classical musicians, such as with the type of music we play and our high energy rock-your-socks-off performances.

Vox will play on Sep 27, 7:30pm at Zouk, 6738 2988, www.sistic.com.sg. $27-40. RebeCCA WoNg

ART

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Machine for (Living) Dying In Last chance to catch Singaporean artist michael Lee’s latest solo exhibition exploring the ideas of memory and fiction. the title piece of the exhibition is inspired by quotes from architects Le Corbusier (“A house is a machine for living in”) and Douglas Darden (“A house is for dying”). Through Sep 21.

Yavuz Fine Art, #03-01, 51 Waterloo St., 6338-7900, www.yavuzfineart.com. Free.

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I-S PICK

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Space Flower: New works by Naoko Tosa Award winning Japanese artist Naoka tosa is presenting a set of works titled Space Flower at Ikkan Art gallery. paying homage to Rimpa, a well-known historical school of Japanese painting, the collection’s

fragmentation of flowers by natural elements symbolizes the advent of a new future for Japan. Through Nov 1. Ikkan Art gallery, #01-05 Artspace@Helutrans, tanjong pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6681 6490, www.ikkan-art.com. Free.

I-S PICK

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Septfest the Substation’s annual festival celebrates the indie arts venue’s birthday with performances and art activities. this year’s edition includes an auction of works by local artists, a crowdfunding campaign involving works

by SKL0 and messymsxi and a “yarn bombed” façade, by craft collective momshoo with over 200 collaborators.

Through Sep 27. the Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535, www. substation.org. Free.

Peter Halley We’ve heard about his showcases in Europe and in the Guggenheim, so we’re pretty excited that Peter Halley’s colorful, geometric, modernist paintings (think reinterpreted prison cells and computer chips) are in town for this retrospective. Through Oct 3. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St., 6636-8360, www. artpluralgallery.com. Free.

Annie Leibovitz If the show at the ArtScience museum isn't enough, view 38 more large-scale prints of Annie Leibovitz’s portrait photography. on view are iconic subjects like meryl Streep, Andy Warhol, Angelina Jolie, brad pitt, David byrne, Queen elizabeth II, the Dalai Lama and more. Sep 12-Oct 12. Sundaram tagore gallery Singapore, #01-05 5 Lock Rd., 66943378, www.sundaramtagore.com. Free.

Sensorium 360°: Contemporary Art and the Sensed World Singapore Art museum’s blockbuster spans fields as diverse as neuroscience and cognitive psychology, and features work from artists based in Southeast Asia, Austria and China. each artist’s gallery is dedicated to one specific sensory experience, and the range

.

of senses covered goes beyond the usual five to include pain, the sixth sense, and even the ability to detect time. Through Oct 19. Singapore Art museum, 71 bras basah Rd., 63323222, www.singaporeartmuseum. sg. $10.

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Flux Realities: A Showcase of Chinese Contemporary Photography this showcases the works of both established and emerging Chinese photographers. Featuring over 60 photographs and two videos, the exhibition reflects the artists’ personal experiences with China’s rapid modernization and socio-politcal change.

Through Nov 2. Artscience museum, marina bay Sands, 10 bayfront Ave., 6688-8826, www. marinabaysands.com. $2-6.

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Kebon Indah: Mintio & Kabul This exhibition highlights a series of artworks arising from the collaboration between two modern artists, Samantha Tio and Budi Agung Kuswara, as well as batik makers from the central Javanese village of Kebon Indah. By appointment only. Through Jan 31 2015. Baba House, 157 Neil Rd., 6227-5731, www.nus.edu.sg. Free.

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

FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE

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STAgE » muSiC

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theaterK

F1 PARTY ROSTER From glitzy rooftop bars to seaside shindigs, this year’s F1 weekend is rife with parties. Here's a list of those you definitely shouldn’t miss.

I-S PICK

Mies Julie Last call for Yaël Farber’s hugely popular mies Julie, which centers on a deadly attraction between a black farm laborer and his white master’s daughter, is on a limited two-week run here. Catch it before the curtains are down.

Through Sep 13, 8pm. DbS Arts Centre - Home of SRt, 20 merbau Rd., 6733-8166, www.srt.com.sg. $50-70 from Sistic.

I-S PICK

Amber Lounge Fashion & Amber Lounge Singapore

Full Steam Ahead If you prefer the sand and sea to city lights, tanjong beach Club’s full moon beach party series kicks off a new series. this 12-hour shindig features local DJs Aldrin and Stephen Day, fire twirlers and dancers. Hello Stranger's photobooth guarantees tons of Instagram-worthy pics. Arrive from 6-10pm for two complimentary drinks. Sep 13, 4pm. 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 6270-1355, www.tanjongbeachclub.com. $36.

Zouk trance obsessives should take the party to Singapore’s longest-reigning nightclub. Zouk brings in Dutch trance giant Dash berlin, who was the 10th most popular DJ in the world by DJ mag in 2013, and has played at various editions of Armin van buuren's A State of trance shows. Sep 19, 11pm. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www. zoukclub.com.sg. $40-45.

Catalunya Late Nights Night Race Edition Spanish restaurant Catalunya hosts its first ever roof-top party in celebration of the upcoming F1 season. the place will turn into a dance floor, with beats by guest DJs Heffny and headliner DJ michael Vagas from Switzerland. Sep 19-21, 11pm.

Catalunya, The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, 6534-0188, www.catalunya.sg. $30.

Ku De Ta they’ve got the view, a special set menu and also a lineup of local veteran DJs, such as Ya5th, Suren and Styluxtakut, alongside international headliners at the decks on Friday and Saturday nights, including hiphop DJ Shortee blitz and thai electro DJ Nakadia. Sep 19-21.

57/F Skypark, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www. kudeta.com. $100-200.

New Asia Bar Night Race Party go here for enthralling views of both the race circuit and the city skyline, and appearances from european DJs such as Altimate Tanjong Beach Club: Daddy King and Claudio Lari. Sep 19-21, this ultra-lounge will be holding not Full Steam Ahead 10pm. New Asia, 70/F Swissôtel The one but two VIp parties. mingle with Stamford, Singapore, Equinox Complex, celebrities at the monaco-inspired soiree 2 Stamford Rd., 9177-7307, www.swissotel. on Friday, or sip on whisky at the renowned com. $30. official Johnny Walker gold Circuit Lounge party on Saturday. Sep 19-20, 5pm. 61/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1altitude.com. $68-88.

Bacchanalia Brunch Not your standard brunch affair. this superglitzy grand prix pop-up party combines a gourmet brunch, flowing bubbly, beautiful people and danceable beats by New York DJ mel Debarge.

Sep 20, 1pm. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center, 10 Bayfront Ave., 9726-8082, bacchanalia.asia. $48-98.

The Podium Lounge this afterparty will supposedly have a guest list of 2,500 A-listers. the line-up includes grammynominated artist Nadia Ali, a three-michelin star dinner with chef Quique Dacosta and an appearance by guest host Freddie Hunt who will be making a tribute to his father, racing legend James Hunt.

Sep 19-21, 10pm. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Ave., 6337-8888, www.podiumlounge. com.sg. $188-988.

Poolside Pitstop Party A collaboration between massive Amber Lounge Ku De Ta Collective, prive group and pan pacific Considered in racing circles to be the ultimate Singapore, this year's party has a killer lineup F1 afterparty, Amber Lounge features a starthat includes UK DJ SmithAgentSmith, taiper's DJ studded guestlist of celebrities, dignitaries, models Junior and brazilian model turned eDm doyenne and (of course) the F1 drivers themselves. R&b Alexia Rautter.

Sep 20, 12pm; Sep 21, 6pm. singer estelle headlines. Sep 20-21, 11pm.

Marina Square, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6336-8111.

Temasek Reflections, Millenia Walk, 1 www.poolsidepitstop.com. RebeCCA WoNg Temasek Ave., 8368-1984, www.amberlounge.com. $900.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014

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Bacchanalia Brunch at GPSS 2014

Peter Pan Avant garde German theater company Berliner Ensemble’s haunting rendition of Peter Pan makes its debut in Asia, after wildly successful Berlin and Paris premieres. With indie band CocoRosie. Through Sep 13, 8pm. The Drama Centre, National Library, #05-01 National Library , 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400, www.sifa.sg. $40-120 from Sistic.

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Cavalia the 10th anniversary edition of this circus-inspired production (sometimes described as “Cirque du Soleil on horseback”) combines equestrian arts, acrobatics, dance, live music, multimedia and special effects. Yes, there will be real horses cavorting around in an actual big top tent. Through Sep 14, 7:30pm. White theatre tent, bayfront Ave., www.cavalia.net. $58-308 from Sistic.

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Lit Up: Walk the Equator Around since 2009, the multi-art festival Lit Up consistently delivers strong stage performances. This year’s festival, themed “Walk The Equator”, will include plays, improvised comedy, spoken word poetry, puppetry, a flea market and lots of hip local bands. Sep 26-28. Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., 6435-0131, www.litup.sg. Free-$25.

muSiC

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Anberlin Florida rockers Anberlin, known for songs like “paperthin Hymn” and “glass to the Arson”, will be concluding their 12-year musical careers with a final tour. they’ll be supported by local band Caracal. Sep 12. tAb, #02-29, 442 orchard Rd., 6493-6952. $58-68 from peatix.

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Robbie Williams take that's bad boy Robbie Williams returns to Singapore after 13 years. Catch him strut his stuff (hopefully from his latest and very sexy jazz album, Swing both Ways) at the postqualifying F1 concert. Sep 20. marina bay Street Circuit, marina bay, marina bay promenade, 6738-6738, www. singaporegp.sg. $158-1,288.

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Potted Potter Watch all seven Harry potter otter books come to life on stage in just seventy minutes in this hilarious production. A must-watch for all Harry potter fans. Through Sep 14, 5pm & 7:30pm. Raffles Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, 1 beach each Rd., 6337-1886, www.pottedpotter. com.au. $70-85 from Sistic.

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Gitanjali [I feel the earth an and move] Directed by Alvin tan written by Haresh Sharma, this interdisciplinary production combines odissi dance with drama, music and literary forms. based on the poetry of Rabindranath tagore, it revolves around three relationships and themes of loss. Sep 26-27, 8pm; Sep 27-28, 3pm. School of the Arts (SotA), 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6338-9663, www.necessary.org. $25-45 from Sistic.

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Amid the Clouds Young playwright Amir Reza Koohestani’s poetic play, performed in Farsi with english surtitles, follows the fates of two Iranian exiles struggling to find new life. Through Sep 13, 8pm. SotA Drama theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 63389663, www.sifa.sg. $35 from Sistic.

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

Email event news to stage@asia-city.com.sg

.

Amy Search After playing Singapore with his band Search in 2012 and 2013, malaysia’s answer to Steve tyler is back in town, this time as a solo artist to promote his newly released solo album. Word has it that there’ll be a few cameos by acts from around the region, too. Sep 20, 8pm. the Star performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista exchange green, 6636-0055, www. thestar.sg. $68-108 from Sistic.

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Ziggy Marley Ziggy marley, son of bob and also a solid reggae musician in his own right with six grammy awards under his belt, plays not once but twice in Singapore this F1. Sep 20-21. marina bay Street Circuit, marina bay, marina bay promenade, 6738-6738, www.singaporegp.sg. $188-1,288.

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John Legend Nine-time grammy winner and possibly the Sexiest man Alive (so says people magazine, anyway)—what’s not to love about John Legend? Catch his show for some intimate, velvety mood music before the F1 race. Sep 21. marina bay Street Circuit, marina bay, marina bay promenade, 6738-6738, www. singaporegp.sg. $938-1,288.

SCENE & HEARD

I-S PICK

with Rebecca Wong

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Jennifer Lopez The diva and her iconic behind are coming to town to grace us mere mortals as she caps off this year’s Grand Prix final.

Expect a whole load of glitter and sass, as befits the occasion. Sep 21.

Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay, Marina Bay Promenade, 67386738, www.singaporegp.sg. $188-1,288.

Our Sister Mambo

Hostess Club Weekender

Indie Agenda

Chong leading the cast. Seven of Singapore’s most illustrious filmmakers (eric Khoo and Royston tan among them) are also banding together for a yetuntitled SG50 film project celebrating Singapore’s 50th anniversary. Let’s hope it’s more paris Je t’aime and less triumph of the Will.

After a disappointing cancellation in June, (yes, Cat power and SoHN fans, we cried a bit, too), live music series Hostess Club Weekender returns at the end of this year (Nov 8-9, www.facebook.com/ hostess.asia). We're super stoked about the indie and electro-heavy line-up as well, which includes well-known english rock group Kaiser Chiefs. other acts to look out for are producer and composer Jon Hopkins, along with mercury prize-nominated band Wild beasts and Norwegian pop group team me.

Lease on Life

Hallelujah! Zouk is around till at least 2017, which means that this year-end Zoukout will not in fact be the last. We're still pretty excited about the know Need to line-up, which was announced earlier this month and includes 10 DJ acts like Above & beyond, Loco Local Motion Dice, Nicky Romero, Nina Kraviz and Steve Angello.

Let’s face it—Singaporean films haven’t quite had the outdoor dance party will take place Dec 12-13 the same level of international recognition since at Siloso beach; tickets start at $118 and are on eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys. there's still hope though, as sale now via the Zouk website (www.zoukout. two promising local movies are in the works. Our it's fre com/2014). rebeccawong@asia-city.com.sg Sister Mambo is a romance-comedy about the e! exploits of a family with four unmarried daughters, with comic heavyweights moses Lim and michelle #653 | >

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For the Mo n

FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE SRT

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STuFF » NigHTLiFE » FiLm I-S PICK

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Scala & Kolacny Brothers Belgian women’s choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers will perform spinetingling covers of rock and pop songs by the likes of Depeche Mode, U2 and Radiohead. Sep 30, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $48-68 from Sistic.

STuFF

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Sentosa Buskers Festival International performers, running the gamut from jugglers and portrait masters to circus comedians, put on riveting displays of skill and dexterity in Sentosa’s sunny outdoors. Through Sep 14, 4:30pm.

Sentosa, 1800-736-8672, buskers. sentosa.com.sg. Free.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SeptembeR 12, 2014

I-S PICK

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Singapore Slingers vs Hitech Bangkok City Get in on the fast-paced action as the Singapore Slingers battle it out against Hitech Bangkok City in this ASEAN Basketball League match. Sep 19, 8pm. OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Hub, 15 Stadium Rd., 6333-5000. $12-16 from Sportshub.

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Balestier Heritage & Food Trail the food and heritage trail winds through the neighborhood of balestier, where participants hunt for famous foodie icons and cultural landmarks through scavenger hunt-type clues. Registration is encouraged as the maximum tour capacity is capped at 30 people.

Sep 19, 10:30am. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang memorial Hall, 12 tai gin Rd., 6256-7377, www.wanqingyuan. org.sg. Free.

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Ingrid Michaelson Live the quirky songstress will be in town for another concert, and she’ll be performing tunes from her latest album Lights out. Sep 26, 8pm. esplanade Concert Hall, 1 esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $68-148 from Sistic.

Design Green! Skycourts & Skygardens based on the book Skycourts and Skygardens: greening the Urban Habitat by architect Jason pomeroy, this exhibition aims to celebrate the incorporation of greenery and open spaces within buildings. there’ll be global design projects, dialogs and more. Through Sep 21. National Design Centre, 111 middle Rd., www.designgreen. sg. Free.

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

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Portraiture Photography Weekend Courses In conjunction to Annie Leibovitz’s photography exhibition, hone your photography skills over the weekends with these courses. get a better understanding of the different techniques and approaches to capturing the perfect portrait. each workshop includes a photo critique, theory class and a discussion when viewing the Annie Leibovitz exhibition, but you need to bring your own DSLR. Through Oct 19. ArtScience museum, marina bay Sands, 10 bayfront Ave., 6688-8826, www.marinabaysands.com. $200.

I-S PICK

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Archifest Apart from the usual architecture and design conferences, workshops and tours, you can also look forward to collaborative activities like the Urban Lab Sessions that aim to gather communities of creative individuals to engage each other and the public. Sep 26-Oct 11. www.archifest.sg. Free.

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sales & fairs Fashion Pitstop the pop-up fashion event is back for the whole month, showcasing the latest collections from an illustrious list of designers from Asia. expect pieces like furred tops from avant garde brand Koonhor (Singapore), hand woven garments and accessories from Duo by Joyce Wong (malaysia) and experimental shapes from Cameo (Australia). Through Sep 30, 10am. SHoptHemAg Warehouse, 71A Hillcrest Rd., 6635-1561. Free.

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

I-S PICK

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Red Cross Sunday Bazaar Singapore Red Cross are having their annual Sunday Bazaar where you can buy new and used clothes, accessories, shoes, toys and household appliances. All proceeds from the sale of items will go towards the Singapore Red Cross local humanitarian effort, helping the disabled and less fortunate in Singapore. Sep 21, 10am. Free.

NigHTLiFE

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Beach Party @ No. 5 Emerald Hill Kill the summer heat with No 5’s indoor beach party. expect real sand, sun beds and beachy tunes,

so dress in your best beachwear bikinis, sunnies, flip flops and shorts included. oh and did we mention there will be “lifeguards” going around with beer bongs? Sep 13, 7pm. No. 5 emerald Hill, 5 emerald Hill Rd., 6732-0818. Free.

I-S PICK

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FILM

November man

Directed by Roger Donaldson; Starring Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko, Eliza Taylor, Caterina Scorsone, Bill Smitrovich and Will Patton

FiLm THIS Buddhist Film Festival back for its third edition this year, this is a showcase of 16 films that reflect the cultural, social and religious aspects of buddhism and buddhist cultures around the world. Notable titles include Happy, a film that provides insights into the meaning of happiness through true stories and popiah, a short by local veteran director Royston tan that follows the daily tribulations of a Singaporean family. Sep 20-27.

Shaw theatres Lido, 5/F Shaw House, 350 orchard Rd., www. thisfilmfest.com. $12 from Sistic.

ALTERNATivE viEwS Critical opinions you won't see in the trailers

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Pasolini Revisited If you’re borderline obsessed with cult European film directors, this tribute to Pier Paolo Pasolini features sixteen of the provocative director’s films that will be shown alongside readings of his poetry. Sep 27-Oct 1. Screening Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6903. www. theartshouse.com.sg. Free.

“Imagine James bond without the charm, heart and sense of humor.”

Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News “Some like it cold. And that seems to be brosnan's aim here—showing us someone who enjoys his license to kill so much, he's forgotten some of his reason to live.”

Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger “the film checks off all the spy-movie conventions but rarely raises one's pulse. the November meh would be a more accurate title.”

Tim Grierson, Screen International “A thriller this frivolous should have nothing to do with the grim realities of war trauma and rape and the Hague, all of which shatter the movie's delicate dumbness.” Matt Prigge, metro “the utter lack of originality eventually sinks the movie, and the climax has more howlers than a wolf convention.” Jason Clark, entertainment Weekly

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29

freewill astrology

Week of Sep 12 © 2014 Rob Brezsny

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 22): In 1786, Jacques balmat and michel paccard were the first explorers to reach the top of 15,781-foot mont blanc on the French-Italian border. they were hailed as heroes. One observer wrote that the ascent was “an astounding achievement of courage and determination, one of the greatest in the annals of mountaineering. It was accomplished by men who were not only on unexplored ground but on a route that all the guides believed impossible.” And yet today, 228 years later, the climb is considered relatively easy for anyone who’s reasonably prepared. In a typical year, 20,000 people make it to the summit. Why am I bringing this to your attention? because I suspect that you are beginning to master a skill that will initially require you to be like balmat and paccard, but will eventually be almost routine.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): those who invoke the old metaphor about the caterpillar that transforms into the butterfly often omit an important detail: the graceful winged creature is helpless and weak when it first wriggles free of its chrysalis. For a while it’s not ready to take up its full destiny. As you get ready for your own metamorphosis, Libra, keep that in mind. Have plans to lay low and be self-protective in the days following your emergence into your new form. Don’t try to do loop-the-loops right away.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you scorpios are currently the sign of the zodiac that is least likely to be clumsy, vulgar, awkward or prone to dumb mistakes. On the other hand, you are the most likely to derisively accuse others of being clumsy, vulgar, awkward or prone to dumb mistakes. I recommend that you resist that temptation, however. In the coming week, it is in your selfish interests to be especially tactful and diplomatic. Forgive and quietly adjust for everyone’s mistakes. Don’t call undue attention to them or make them worse. Continue to build your likeability and fine-tune your support system.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): You have cosmic permission to be bigger than life and wilder than sin. You have a poetic license to be more wise than clever. And you should feel free to laugh longer than might seem polite and make no apologies as you spill drinks while telling your brash stories. this phase of your astrological cycle does not require you to rein yourself in or tone yourself down or be a wellbehaved model citizen. In fact, I think it will be best for everyone concerned if you experiment with benevolent mischief and unpredictable healing and ingenious gambles.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): For over 2,000 years, Chinese astronomers have

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understood the science of eclipses. And yet as late as the 1800s, sailors in the Chinese navy shot cannonballs in the direction of lunar eclipses, hoping to chase away the dragons they imagined were devouring the moon. I have a theory that there’s a similar discrepancy in your psyche, Capricorn. A fearful part of you has an irrational fantasy that a wiser part of you knows is a delusion. so how can we arrange for the wiser part to gain ascendancy? there’s an urgent need for you to stop wasting time and energy by indulging in that mistaken perspective.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): squirrels don’t have a perfect memory of where they bury their nuts. they mean to go back and dig them all up later, but they lose track of many. sometimes trees sprout from those forgotten nuts. It’s conceivable that on occasion a squirrel may climb a tree it planted years earlier. I see this as a useful metaphor for you to meditate on in the coming weeks. You are on the verge of encountering grown-up versions of seeds you sowed once upon a time and then forgot about.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): On a German tV show, martial artist Jackie Chan performed a tough trick. While holding a raw egg in his right hand, he used that hand to smash through three separate sets of four concrete blocks. When he was finished, the egg was still intact. I see your next task as having some resemblances to that feat, pisces. You must remain relaxed, protective and even tender as you destroy an obstruction that has been holding you back. Can you maintain this dual perspective long enough to complete the job? I think you can.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): In the 2000 film Cast Away, tom Hanks plays an American Fedex executive who is stranded alone on a remote pacific island after he survives a plane crash. A few items from the plane wash up on shore, including a volleyball. He draws a face on it and names it “Wilson,” creating a companion who becomes his confidant for the next four years. I’d love to see you enlist an ally like Wilson in the coming week, Aries. there are some deep, messy, beautiful mysteries you need to talk about. At least for now, the only listener capable of drawing them out of you in the proper spirit might be a compassionate inanimate object that won’t judge you or interrupt you.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): As far as I know, there has been only one battleship in history that was named after a poet. A hundred years ago, the Italian navy manufactured a dreadnought with triple-gun turrets and called it Dante Alighieri, after the medieval genius who wrote the Divine Comedy. Other than that, most warships have been more likely to receive names like Invincible, Vengeance, Hercules or Colossus. but it would be fine if you drew some inspiration from the battleship Dante Alighieri in the coming weeks.

I think you will benefit from bringing a lyrical spirit and soulful passion to your expression of the warrior archetype.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): If you go to a 7-eleven convenience store and order a Double big Gulp drink, you must be prepared to absorb 40 teaspoons of sugar. but what will be an even greater challenge to your body is the sheer amount of fluid you will have to digest: 50 ounces. the fact is, your stomach can’t easily accommodate more than 32 ounces at a time. It’s true that if you sip the Double big Gulp very slowly—like for a period of three and a half hours—the strain on your system will be less. but after the first half hour, as the beverage warms up, its taste will decline steeply. everything I’ve just said should serve as a useful metaphor for you in the coming week. even if you are very sure that the stuff you want to introduce into your life is healthier for you than a Double big Gulp, don’t get more of it than you can comfortably hold.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): If you surrender to the passive part of your personality, you will be whipped around by mood swings in the coming days. You will hem and haw, snivel and procrastinate, communicate ineptly and be confused about what you really feel.

If, on the other hand, you animate the proactive side of your personality, you are likely to correct sloppy arrangements that have kept you off-balance. You will heal rifts and come up with bright ideas about how to get the help you need. It’s also quite possible you will strike a blow for justice and equality, and finally get the fair share you were cheated out of in the past.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In his 1982 martial arts film Dragon Lord, Jackie Chan experimented with more complex stunts than he had tried in his previous films. the choreography was elaborate and intricate. In one famous sequence, he had to do 2,900 takes of a single fight sequence to get the footage he wanted. that’s the kind of focused attention and commitment to detail I recommend to you in the coming weeks, Leo— especially if you are learning new tricks and attempting novel approaches.

LAST WORD Fabian Lua ArchiFest (sep 26-Oct 11) is almost here, but in the meantime, we’re intrigued by Fabian Lua and his intimate walking tour series Architecture Walks singapore (www.archiwalks.com). Fabian was also part of the team that launched indie events portal peatix. Here, the self-taught architecture enthusiast and peatix general manager tells Rebecca Wong about his obsession with optimization, his biggest first world peeve and the east-west divide in singapore.

I grew up in my grandmother’s house in Katong.

The biggest thing I learned is if you just keep moving to Kovan was such a drastic giving, people give back. I helped run events in change. I felt different, the people singapore, and people I met eventually came to were different, and I was very help me when I started peatix, as they saw I shocked that an entire hawker had no agenda. centre didn’t have chicken rice.

Sometimes Architecture, including its history, is People still have this feeling not about cold, hard buildings but the I just want of east versus west in stories behind them. For such a young to tear my Singapore. I always felt that nation, because we have a fascinating the west was so industrial. In immigration-driven society and a hair out fact, one of my friends made breakneck speed of change, we actually this terrible comment saying that have a very rich human history. the bird park and the zoo are located I like to keep the [Archiwalks] in the west because animals are more tours cozy and intimate. the sensitive to toxins, so when they start dying you way forward is more of experiments and know that places in the west have started leaking, collaborations with other groups, be it a three-course and it’s time to evacuate dinner that ties in or a stop along the way that the people. promotes interfaith understanding.

My parents were not obsessed about grades. In fact My biggest supporter is my wife. Instead of I remember clearly the time when I did well in primary watching a movie, she would have to come look at school and won some award. When I went home I told buildings. Of course after going for the same walk my mum, and she thought it was a joke. In that sense, it five times, there’s a limit to her interest. gave me freedom to explore different options.

I recall one of the earliest times my wife and I One of my best memories is of catching crabs at travelled together. We saw this building called the what is now part of Changi airport. I don’t think you Atomium in belgium. It was a bit of an overhype, can do that anymore. We got lost, there were tons of but she came along just because I was so passionate dirt roads and I was slightly traumatized from seeing about it. my mum getting bitten by a crab.

My craziest travel memory was in Mexico City. I You can definitely be good at something was in the main square and some guy was spinning without a degree. I hope it becomes a world cotton candy. It flew into the sky and would get where views on whether or not you are qualified are caught in weird things like electric cables, and the determined by transparent peer reviews rather than a kids would grab them from the electric poles and top-down approach. start eating it. their New Year’s eve was so simple Don’t think of start-ups as glamorous. It was hard but they were having so much fun. launching peatix. people knew nothing about it, but From a walking perspective, I love the variety you were trying to get them to spend an evening of buildings you can see and energy you feel with you while you talked about your launch. just walking down a street in mexico City. And in Istanbul, how they really appreciate rooftops and the relationship the city shares with the bosphorus River.

I wish we would really be more sensitive to whatever areas we have marked as nature reserves.

Development that destroys nature is very difficult to reverse, and these places should remain untouched.

As a person I’m a bit obsessed with optimization. that’s how I juggle all I’ve got going on. I believe you can optimize your time, so rather than compulsively browse Facebook, I compulsively read about the history of things. I see this as my way of leisure and fun.

One of my first world problems is getting annoyed with the café boom. You know, hipsters complaining about hipster places being too crowded. but we are the root of the problem!

Something that I want to see change in Singapore is the mindset.

If you’re feeling miserable about your country, get out of that state. so through the architecture walks I’m really hoping that people will see more beauty and enjoy simple things.

My friends told me that they find my optimism inspiring. I believe in living in the moment, and having a little bit of blind faith. sometimes I just want to tear my hair out, but you need optimism to survive.

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