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Things To
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Before You Die
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Be the Best 6
cover story The ultimate foodie bucket list
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Given that we pretty much top every list ever—from the Lonely Planet’s best in Travel Top 10 to the economist Intelligence Unit’s list of most expensive cities—news that Singapore isn’t at the forefront of depleting the world’s natural resources dampens SG50 excitement somewhat.
CReDITS: HeNRY LAURISCH
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Singapore Writers’ Festival Who's in charge? Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong, Joy Yao, Swathi Raj
Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia‑city.com.sg
Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia‑city.com.sg
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We don’t dismiss our nation’s achievements, of course. For a tiny island of five million people, number seven worldwide is no small feat.
21 INTERvIEW
Kirstie Gannaway
23 LAST WORd
Zachariah elias
Where to find us!
Publisher and General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia‑city.com.sg
The Committee for Singaporean Superiority (CSS) is saddened by the findings of the recent Living Planet Report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF): in a list of countries with the largest ecological footprints, Singapore ranked a miserable number seven.
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“but it’s really unfair that we rank lower than Qatar, the UAe and Kuwait,” CSS chairperson Lee Kia Su Darlene said. “Sure, we rack up a bunch of points importing everything from water to salad greens, but it’s almost impossible to compete with building luxury oases in the desert. We will petition the WWF about the bias inherent in their methodology.” Local, liberal grassroots movements are also undermining how truly awesome our carbon footprint could be: the population loosely called “hipsters” are largely to blame: they refuse plastic bags, they ride bicycles, they upcycle furniture and they don’t shave as often as other citizens. Local food producers, too, with their rooftop gardens and their locally made jams, nut butters and granolas, have put a small dent in our emissions (though luckily they still have to rely on raw materials from malaysia). Nevertheless, we are not discouraged. We at CSS are committed to topping the WWF list in future editions. With more condos, HDbs and malls in the works, and with a population set to rise to seven million in 15 years, it should be a piece of (imported) cake.
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cover by: beverly Chong Images from: Restaurant ember, open Door Policy, moosehead and The White Rabbit
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UP FRONT Giveaways
And we have a winner Congratulations to Gerardo Seow & David Hamlin for winning a pair of tickets to Freq’ender Festival (Worth $216).
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We
SG
This week you will mainly love your city for its...
Waxing On
The Madame Tussauds wax museum (www.madametussauds.com/Singapore) at Sentosa opened on October 25, revealing replicas of several home-grown celebrities in addition to international stars. The museum covers everything from sports and music to politics. Local figurines include footballer Fandi Ahmad, late actor Huang Wen Yong, singer Stephanie Sun and Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, along with his late wife Kwa Geok Choo.
Quote of the Week “Someone should’ve pressed the emergency break… Singapore is plagued by idiots who will one day be wiped out by natural selection.”
Numerology 1
46.80s
Singapore’s ranking in Lonely Planet’s list of best countries to travel to in 2015.
timing clocked in by swimmer Theresa Goh, who clinched a silver medal at the Asian Para Games 50m Freestyle Finals.
— Netizen Rachel Ooi, commenting on a video of escalator overcrowding at Lakeside MRT on Oct 22 as a result of train delays.
OB Index Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression. OCT
21
The National Parks Board (NParks) has revoked its approval for a planned speech and demonstration by local blogger Han Hui Hui, which was scheduled to take place on Oct 25 at Hong Lim Park’s Speakers Corner. Han and several other individuals were rounded up for questioning by the Police after the Return our CPF Rally on Sept 27. According to NParks, existing approvals granted to the individuals under investigation will be cancelled as well.
$90 million in funding secured by GrabTaxi, a third-party taxi booking app established in Malaysia three years ago.
52 schools to be headed by new principals next year, after an intensive reshuffling by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Sources: The Straits Times, Today Online, Channel News Asia, Asiaone
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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOvEMBER 7, 2014
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COVER STORY
50 Things To EaT Before You Die
This is it: the ultimate foodie bucket list. By Letitia Tandean
A
s per I-S tradition, 50 Things To Eat Before You Die is a round-up of droolworthy dishes that have stuck in our minds this year. There are no repeats from last year and all items are main-stays on the menu. And whether it’s a steal or worth a small fortune, everything is based on pure deliciousness, at least according to us.
Crispy garlic Masala flatbread at PS. Petit Martin Road
Chilli pineapple ice pops at Moosehead
1. Bacchanalia Burger at B-Bar
5. House-made kettle chips at Manhattan
8. Les Saint-Jacques at Fleur de Sel
23A Coleman St., 6509-1453, www. bacchanalia.asia. $25 Good burgers are hard to come by, so we’re thrilled about this one. Made with a homemade USDA beef patty (mediumrare, of course), cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and B-Bar crispy and kombu-dusted fries, this is a little messy but melts in your mouth.
2/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6725-3377, www.facebook.com/ manhattansg. $12 They sound simple, but they’re delightfully sinful in every way with Idaho potato chips and foie gras loaded with pan-fried onion dip.
64 Tras St., 6222-6861, www.fleurdesel. com.sg. $28 Plump pan-seared scallops sit prettily atop mushrooms, arugula, parma ham and chicken jus for a textural, briny smorgasbord of flavor.
6. Salty butter caramel lava cake at Forlino
2. Lean & Green at AltPizza #01-602 Suntec City Tower 4, 3 Temasek Blvd., www.altpizza.com.sg. $12 How could something so healthy be so good? This roasted garlic pesto pizza is made with mozzarella, feta, baby spinach, roasted squash, basil and broccoli. And the crust is some of the best we’ve had.
3. Mushroom Fantasia at Bacchanalia 23A Coleman St., 6509-1453, www. bacchanalia.asia. $18 Parasitic though its star ingredient may be, this delicious and umami-rich cordycep
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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, novembeR 7 2014
Chorizo tortelli at Open Door Policy
dish also has Portobello, shimeji and oyster mushrooms with sweet corn velouté.
4. Naughty Fries at Potato Head Folk 36 Keong Saik Rd., 6327-1939, www. pttheadfolk.com. $9 More than just fries, these bad boys are made with spiced béarnaise suace, hot beef chilli, crisp shallots, parmesan and sesame seeds on top of thick-cut fries.
#02-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6690-7564, www.forlino.com. $15 Intense caramel deliciousness. A soft cakey outside oozes with caramel lava sauce and is served with caramel gelato and crunchy caramel rice crispy bars.
7. Roasted duck dumplings from Ding Dong 23 Ann Siang Rd., 6557-0189, www. dingdong.com.sg. $18 House-made duck dumplings with shitake mushroom are bobbing in a clear duck consommé that’s both light and comforting.
9. Black rice with deshelled prawns and tomato air at 63Celsius #01-03 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, 9639-7862, www.63celsius.com.sg. $22 Spanish bomba rice is coated in squid ink to a briny and creamy consistency. Paired with fat prawns, there’s a foamy tomato air to cut through the richness.
10. Pulled pork fries at Buttero 54 Tras St., 6438-7737, www.buttero.sg. $15 Fluffy, big, crunchy and meaty. The fries are topped with thyme, tender pulled pork and oozing with three-cheese sauce.
COVER STORY
Bedrock Mac n’ Cheese at Bedrock Bar & Grill
Onion four ways at Corner House
Over It These once-trendy ingredients that have become so normcore they’re totally passé. Next! Truffle shavings: Sprinkling these over pasta, fries or your dog doesn’t magically elevate your dish.
House-made kettle chips at Manhattan
11. Caviar over a crisp poached egg and smoked salmon at Les Amis #02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 67332225, www.lesamis.com.sg. $74 as part of degustation menu A delicate poached egg encased in a noodle-like nest is topped with caviar and surrounded by the most succulent smoked salmon.
12. Kaiserschmarrn Sisi style at Zott’s 97 Amoy St., 6223-0913, www.zotts.com. sg. $24 as dessert, $32 as main course An alpine favorite, the souffléd pancakes are caramelized and shredded with generous dollops of stewed plums and vanilla ice cream.
13. Crispy garlic Masala flatbread at PS. Petit Martin Road 38 Martin Rd., 8188-6191, www.pscafe. com. $14 Thin and crispy, the flatbread maintains a soft interior, and the garlicky, curry-like spice mix is so addictive, you will eat every heaped slice.
14. Chicken neck at Bincho #01-19 78 Moh Guan Terrace, 6438-4567, www.bincho.com.sg. $17 Tender, juicy and ever so slightly bouncy in the best possible way. The grilled chicken necks slathered in Bincho’s special yakitori sauce are surprising and melt in your mouth.
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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, novembeR 7, 2014
Pork belly: A melt-in-your-mouth fiesta if done right. Too bad it hardly ever is.
Ikan masak merah at Indocafe
Foie gras: We’d take chicken liver any day.
15. Chicken liver parfait at Pollen #01-19 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr., 6604-9988, www.pollen.com.sg. $55 as part of set lunch Dense liver gets a light reincarnation with an almost aerated quality. Paired with pea espuma, Madeira gel and cacao, it balances the metallic qualities of liver with a richmeets-refreshing flavor.
16. Onion four ways at Corner House E J H Corner House, Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6469-1000, www.cornerhouse. com.sg. $248 as part of the degustation menu/$68 as part of four-course menu Sweet Cevennes onions get the royal treatment by being transformed into a crisp, a puree and pulped into its own casing with a sous-vide egg and diced black truffles. The most unexpected version comes in the earl grey tea with onion jus.
17. Corn & polenta at Jigger & Pony 101 Amoy St., 6223-9101, www. jiggerandpony.com. $14 Pan-fried polenta is shaped into cubes and paired with a creamy corn remoulade, a piquant roqueford sauce and parmesan crisps for satisfying bar bites after a tipple or two.
Bouillabaisse at Restaurant Ember
18. Basil sorbet with black pepper meringue at Esquina 16 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6222-1616, www. esquina.com.sg. $15 Savory desserts are all the rage these days, and this basil sorbet paired with succulent strawberries, sweet tomatoes, tart yuzu yogurt and bitey black pepper meringue strikes the perfect balance.
19. Jaan’s Garden at Jaan 70/F Equinox Comples, Swissotel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd., 6837-3322, www.jaan.com.sg. $46 It only takes a quarter of a plate to make a statement with a simple composition of summer vegetables and herbs like Jerusalem artichoke and yellow carrot. It’s fresh, delightful, light and oh-so-delish.
20. Truffle mac & cheese balls at 28 Hong kong Street 28 Hongkong St., 6533-2001, www.28hks. com. $12 Goopy mac & cheese meets arancini. This sinfully good bar snack has mac & cheese rolled into steaming balls before being batter-fried to golden perfection and doused in truffle oil.
Espuma: Most fall flat by the third bite. Bonito flakes: It’s dinner, not interpretative dance.
21. Charred peppers at Tippling Club 38 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6475-2217, www. tipplingclub.com. $17 Not the most appetizing-looking of dishes but these black tar-like peppers are crunchy but soft-grilled on the inside. Dipped in soy-wasabi sauce and you get a little salty spice kick.
22. Hokkaido uni sushi at Tsukiji Sushidai #04-600 Marina Mandarin, 6 Raffles Blvd., 6820-0637, www.meritushotels. com. Market price There’s something creamier and denser about Hokkaido uni than its regional counterparts. Its more viscous nature gives it a richness that’s wonderfully offset by rice and crispy nori.
23. Bedrock mac n’ cheese at Bedrock Bar & Grill #01-05 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Rd., 6238-0054, www.bedrock. com.sg. $20 The blend of four cheeses topped with herbs really does it. For such a clumsy and comforting dish, the pasta is still al dente, and scraping the crispy bottom from the cast-iron plate is perfection.
24. Pigeon at Rhubarb le Restaurant
30. Pulpo a la gallega at FOC
3 Duxton Hill, 8127-5001. $64 Between the fatty, medium-rare pigeon legs, the crunchy grapes coated in nuts and sesame seeds and the rose and rhubarb foam, we can’t pick what sends us over the top with this dish.
40 Hongkong St., 6100-4040, www. focrestaurant.com. $22 Done the Galician Spanish way, the tender slices of octopus doused in olive oil and paprika sits gloriously on top of a bed of crushed potatoes.
25. Orange Blossom at JBM Coffee & Dining
31. Chilli pineapple ice pops at Moosehead
#03-23/24/25 One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6536-1047, www. jbmcoffeedining.com. $12 An orange dessert composed of three layers: fresh oranges, orange jelly, Grand Marnier foam, caramel crisps and a generous Chantilly cream swirl—an unlikely combo, but trust us—it’s good.
26. Taco de pescado at Super Loco #01-13 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6235-8900, www.super-loco. com. $11 Warm corn tortillas meld with perfectly spiced snapper fillets, all topped with greens, coriander and a creamy but piquant chipotle mayo sauce.
27. Bouillabaisse at Restaurant Ember
110 Telok Ayer St., 66368055, www.facebook.com/ MooseheadKitchenBar. $14 The refreshing sourness and spicy kick from the ice pops are aptly mellowed by the creamy gula Melaka frozen foam that’s heaped on top of the ice pop and supported by a banana and chocolate compote base.
32. Tonkotsu spicy ramen at Hakata Ikkousha #01-104B 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, 6538-1880, www.ikkousha.com. $13.50 A mean-looking red broth is what greets you but the spice isn’t overbearing. Balanced with tonkotsu broth, char siew slices, black fungus and thin springy noodles, it’s worth every slurp.
G/F Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928, www.hotel1929.com. $32 The new menu here has some stellar additions like this one: langoustine, scallop, sea bass and clams all atop a rich broth with aioli.
28. Whole spring chicken at Sugarhall 102 Amoy St., 6222-9102, www. sugarhall.sg. $28 Whether you like the breast or the drumsticks, it’s all juicy and just that little bit charred from the grill. It’s simply served with rosemary brine and cucumber yoghurt for that balance of zing and richness.
29. Buttermilk fried chicken at Life is Beautiful 99 Duxton Rd., 6423-0939, www. lifeisbeautiful.sg. $29 for halfportion, $39 for full portion. The crunchy skin, the juicy drumsticks and the addictive hot sauce: there’s no better way to describe the burst of flavors. Our tip: don’t be prissy; eat with your hands.
Whole spring chicken at Sugarhall
33. Raviolo al plin con sugo d’arrosto at Da Laura 47 Neil Rd., 6224-8251, www.dalaura.com. $28 Thinly-rolled handmade pasta is always a winner in our book. This “pinched” ravioli (they look like candy wrappers) is stuffed with the smoothest roast beef and vegetables and sits in a pool of light veal jus sauce.
FRIDAY, novembeR 7, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 9
COVER STORY
Pigeon at Rhubarb Le Restaurant
41. Braised duck noodles at Sum Long Teochew Braised Duck #01-14 Paya Ubi Industrial Park, 53 Ubi Ave. 1. $3 Made with kway teow noodles, the toothsome braised duck is complemented with the silken rice noodles. There’s a generous scoop of sauce and it’s all topped with Chinese celery and fried shallots.
Rangers Valley wagyu carpaccio at The White Rabbit
38. Ravioli di Ossobuco on Gremolata at inITALY
Caviar over a crisp poached egg and smoked salmon at Les Amis
36. Chocolate Kouign Amman at Tiong Bahru Bakery Mezze platter at Original Sin
35. Chicken biryani at Shah Alam Restaurant 20/21 Circular Rd., 6536-6781, www. facebook.com/ShahAlamRestaurant. $5.50 Heaps of aromatic and fluffy biryani rice with a generous serving of chicken thigh and drumstick, this amazing dish is all drenched in curry sauce more spicy than your average renditions.
• •
GuIDES
Coming Soon Look out for these great new new guides, free with I-S in the next few months:
#01-70 Eng Hoon St., 6220-3430, www. tiongbahrubakery.com. $4.50 A huge buttery pastry roll, akin to croissants, is glazed with gula melaka and has generous dollops of melted chocolate.
37. Crepe Suzette at Henri Charpentier 9A Dempsey Rd., 6479-5518, www. henri-charpentier.com. $22 Flambéed tableside for extra drama, this thin crepe dessert is deceptively light. Made with butter, orange juice and Grand Marnier, it’s also silky and citrusy.
42. Durian Crème Brulée at The Quarters
38 Craig Rd., 6432-0918, www.initaly. asia. $28 Silky homemade ravioli is stuffed with slow-cooked veal and topped with a rich saffron sauce that’s balanced with chopped lemon rind, parsley and garlic.
#01-09 Icon Village, 16 Enggor St., 6834-4174, www.thequarters.sg. $7 Mix in the fruit everyone loves to hate and a dessert everyone loves and you get this jelly-custard combo. The durian isn’t overpowering while the crème brulée is perfectly torched.
39. Rangers Valley wagyu carpaccio at The White Rabbit
43. Manzo alla griglia at Cicheti
39C Harding Rd., 6473-9965, www. thewhiterabbit.com.sg. $26 Thinly-sliced raw wagyu beef provides the canvas to an artfully-presented dish topped with shaved parmesan, celery cress, tangy balsamic pearls and truffle cream.
40. Tau Sar Pau at 40 Hands #01-12 78 Yong Siak St., 6225-8545, www.40handscoffee.com. $2.50 A classic local snack, the red bean bun has a pillowy dough (much lighter than those run of the mill coffee shop ones) and a smooth red bean filling.
51 Kandahar St., 6292-5012, www. cicheti.com. $32 Essentially a steak, this sweeter rendition is both delicate and flavorful. 120-day grain-fed beef is chargrilled and served with arugula and shaved grana.
44. Chorizo tortelli at Open Door Policy 19 Yong Siak Rd., 6221-9307, www. odpsingapore.com. $25 The salty chorizo in the plump pasta pockets oozes flavor and is glossed with fried sage, burnt butter sauce and spinach.
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45. Tan Tan Men at Uma Uma Ramen #01-41/42/43 Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6235-0855, www.umaumaramen.com. $14 Uma Uma does it again with their dry rendition of this sesame based ramen. Springy yellow noodles mingle with minced pork, chilli oil and a soy egg with a sunny, runny yolk.
46. Sea urchin spaghetti at No Menu Bar 7 Boon Tat St., 6224-0091, www. nomenubar.sg. $29 A sublime plate of carbs with an addictive flavor similar to a good wok hei, this pasta dish is topped with creamy sea urchin. Win-win, we say.
47. Atlantic cod fish croquette at Nutmeg & Clove 17 Ann Siang Rd., 6423-9885, www. facebook.com/nutmegandclove. $12 More than just a bar snack, these puffy morsels stuffed with cod, smoked cream cheese and crispy anchovies are a perfect East-meets-West blend, dusted with smoked vinegar powder to cut the creaminess and add depth.
48. Warm Japanese mushroom salad at Nuvo
CMY
K
#02-100 Marina Square Shopping Mall, 6 Raffles Blvd., 6822-2098, www. facebook.com/nuvosingapore. $18 Tossed semi-wilted baby spinach salad is presented with a mélange of Japanese mushrooms, asparagus, pine nuts and slightly pickled shallots with a truffle emulsion.
49. Ikan masak merah at Indocafe 35/35A Scotts Rd., 6733-2656, www. thehouseofindocafe.com. $32 Traditional Nonya cuisine with a twist: the cod fillet is pan-roasted until golden but is still steaming soft inside. It’s doused in a sweet red chilli sauce and best served with rice.
50. Mezze platter at Original Sin #01-62 Chip Bee Gardens, 43 Jalan Merah Saga, 6475-5605, www. originalsin.com.sg. $28 Sharing is caring with this platter for two with dips like hummus, aromatic pumpkin and carrot, baba ganoush and tzatziki. You get warm Middle Eastern bread and rough-ground falafel balls, too.
FRIDAY, novembeR 7, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 11
TRAVEL
Mitsuhachimangu Shinto shrine
Only in Amerikamura Osaka’s answer to Harajuku is all kinds of quirky fun. By Ric Stockfis
Food & Drink
Takoyaki
Click Brick
Riderz Café
I
f part of the charm of exploring Japan is seeing familiar things filtered through a foreign lens, then the small corner of Osaka sandwiched between Shinsaibashi, Yotsubashi and the Dotonbori river is a pretty good place to start. Known as Amerikamura, Ame-mura or the American Village, after the warehouses here that were renovated in the 70s and began selling imported goods from the US, it’s today home to a treasure trove of vintage stores, cutesy cafes, endearingly trashy takes on Americana and the sort of dive bar dreams are made of. Oh, and the remarkably peaceful Mitsuhachimangu Shinto shrine (2-10-7 Nishishinsaibashi), which dates back to 749 AD. Ame-mura is that kind of place.
Shopping Walking around the district takes less than an hour and, wherever you go, you’ll likely loop back around to the unofficial center point, Sankaku Koen or Triangle Park, a busy street corner and concrete recreational area popular with skate kids and Japanese hip hop fans. There’s a hidden stage here too, which occasionally hosts live performances. If you want to blend in, there’s a busy Stussy store just across the road (1-7-9 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6282-1517; www.stussy.co.jp). Nearby is Big Step (1-6-14 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6258-5000; www. big-step.co.jp), a retail and entertainment complex housing a cinema, pinball arcade, and dozens of lifestyle stores, including
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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, novembeR 7, 2014
Lilo Coffee Roasters
Dotonbori River
one of the area’s better used clothing outlets, Kinji (+86 6 6281-1515; www.kinji. jp), on the second floor. And then there’s Click Brick (1-6-27 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 7505-5466; www.clickbrick.info), an official LEGO outlet proffering a frankly
Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, and there’s a dizzying number of restaurants and food stalls on almost every street. Takoyaki (balls of octopus, cooked in batter and sprinkled with bonito flakes) are a local specialty and there’s nowhere better to sample them than at celebrity favorite Kougaryu (2−18−4 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6211-0519; www.kougaryu.jp), who have an outlet right by Triangle Park. (This is street food after all: eating out of a paper box on a park bench is the only way to go.) Another awesome spot we stumbled across, Lilo Coffee Roasters (1-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6227-8666; www. liloinveve.com/coffee), a new artisan coffee shop, open since August, that shares the sidewalk with a Lawson’s. People-watching is one of the great pleasures of this part of town, and this is one of the most enjoyable places to do it. Three doors down, and with long queues out the door at weekends for their quirky selection of pancakes (including a pancake-burger hybrid), is the Osaka outlet of Elk (1-10-28 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6245-3773; www.cafe-elk.com).
Nightlife insane array of bricks, kits, accessories and apparel—fans even bring in their own creations for display and public voting. You’ll have most fun in Ame-mura just wandering in and out of the multitude of clothes stores, vintage watch retailers and vinyl hoarders. Time Bomb (2-9-28 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6213-0579; www. timebomb.co.jp) has a fantastic selection of ’60s and ’70s soul and funk records, while Vinyl Chamber (1-9-28 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6226-7860; www.vinylchamber. com) is more comprehensive. And Riderz Café (2F, 1-16-10 Nishishinsaibashi; +86 6 6226-8444; www.riderzcafe.com) is custom bicycle heaven—wall to wall (and ceiling) with a rainbow of frames and wheels. Fittingly, Ame-mura is also now home to a huge American Apparel store (1-16-5 Nishishinsaibashi; +81 6 6241-0450; store. americanapparel.co.jp).
If it’s craft beers and sedate lounges you’re after, you’ll want the more genteel, hipster ’hood of Kitahorie immediately to the west. Ame-mura is all about live music: scuzzier, less pretentious and a whole lot more fun. Figuring out where the party’s at is tough in an area where every building seemingly has a bar or lounge on each of its six or more floors: there are dozens of live music spots in this small corner of the city alone. But chances are there’s a crowd in at least one of three prominent venues. Approaching its twentieth year, Rock Rock (3F, 1−8−1 Nishishinsaibashi; www.rockrock.co.jp) is something of an institution among visiting musicians, and is jammed full every night of the annual Summersonic festival in August (www. summersonic.com)—they even run the official artists’ bar backstage. With walls plastered with signed photos of inebriated
To market
Endo
A visit to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Tsujiki fish market and while Osaka’s Central Wholesale Market (www.honjo-osaka.or.jp) isn’t nearly as well known, unlike Tsujiki there are no restrictions on public access. Tuna auctions start around 4am, but if you can’t face the early start (and can make it before they close at 2pm) you’ll still get some of the best sushi of your life at Endo (1-1-86 Noda Fukushima-ku; +86 6 6469-7108; www.endo-sushi.com), where an omakase sampler of five pieces costs JPY1,050 ($12.50). The market and the restaurant are a 15-minute walk from the JR Noda station on the Osaka loop line.
Looking to get away? Sign up at www.is-magazine.com/newsletters to get Escape Routes delivered to your mailbox every Tuesday.
bands, Ace of Spades on heavy rotation and grimy bathrooms, it’s pretty much the perfect dive bar. Not far away, Big Cat Live House, on the fourth floor of the Big Step complex (4F, 1-6-1 Nishishinsaibashi; +81 6 6258-5008; www.bigcat-live.com), books an impressive line-up of international names: The Ting Tings are up on December 3 and Mogwai and Owl City are pencilled in for March and May next year. And Bar Bonanza (2-9-3 Nishishinsaibashi, +81 6 4708-7575; www.ameblo.jp/bar-bonanza), with its live blues and jazz performances, cramped space and 4am closing is the kind of spot you want to tell everyone and no one about. It’s a favorite of Cacharel designer Wakako Kishimoto, and it’s easy to see why.
Essentials regular express, which takes 45 GETTING THERE minutes, for JPY920 ($11). Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) flies between Singapore and Osaka, WHERE TO STAY routing through A world away Manila (outbound) (though in fact and Taipei only four subway (return)—it’s about stations) from the 8 hours each way alt vibe of and fares start from Amerikamura, new around $600 return. arrival Osaka Marriott Jetstar We took an overnight Miyako (1-1-43 Abeno-suji, flight, departing at 2.15am Abeno-ku, +81 6 6628and arriving at 11am, but the 6111; www.marriott.com) meals and amenity kit onoccupies floors 38-57 of the board certainly helped. Abeno Hurakas building, (Depending on the day of the which became Japan’s tallest week there are also flights at 300m when it opened in departing Singapore at March of this year. Views are, 7.10am.) From Osaka you can unsurprisingly, spectacular. travel onward with Jetstar Floor 58 is an open-air outdoor Japan to Fukuoka, Okinawa, plaza atrium and there’s a Tokyo and Sapporo. There’s 360-degree, glassed-in also a Singapore-Fukuoka observation deck on the 60th. route through Bangkok. Rates start from JPY24,900 ($298)/night. You can also get to Osaka with Singapore Airlines (from around $1650 return).
Osaka Marriott Miyako
Ame-mura
The Nankai Railways Rap:t limited express train into town (Namba station) from the airport costs JPY1,430 ($17) and takes 35 minutes. There’s also a
VISA Most nationalities do not require a visa for stays in Japan of 90 days or less.
EXCHANGE RATE $1 = JPY83
FRIDAY, novembeR 7, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE
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2810_IS-Alcia Pan-07 November Insertion-Vert_Ad_FA_OL.pdf 1 28/10/2014 3:02:31 PM
travel Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg
ESCAPE ROUTES
The Balé
INDONESIA
Bale Dancing
If you’re looking to get away from it all in style, The Balé (Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan; +62-3617-75111; www. mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/ the-bale) is an extravagant, classicallyinspired resort with no “rooms”, just 29 private pavilions. We didn’t love the location when we visited (the 500room Mulia recently went up nearby), but frankly it’s so slick on the inside that you don’t really need to leave. There are three on-site dining options but you’re missing a trick if you don’t ask the staff for a private BBQ in your pavilion. Best of all—considering this is perfect honeymoon/dirty weekend territory—they have a no kids under the age of 16 policy. Pavilions start from $710/night. CAMBODIA
Temple Run
Instead of drinking yourself into oblivion this holiday season, do something healthy and cultural instead. For $800 per person, The Chain Reaction Project (www.thechainreactionproject.com) hosts an Angkor Wat halfmarathon to raise awareness about human trafficking. The Dec 6-8 trip includes a 21km run along the picturesque Hindu temple complex and a visit to Tonle Sap Lake, where you’ll learn about Sala Bai, the project’s anti-human trafficking initiative.
Angkor Wat
HONG KONG
Warehouse Party
Hong Kong’s Ovolo Southside (64 Wong Chuck Hang Rd., +852 21651000, www.designhotels.com) is a warehouse converted into a boutique hotel in the burgeoning Southside arts district. The 162-room industrial building has its own arts gallery space and so-chic-it-hurts rooftop bar Above. Expect lots of steel furniture, poured concrete floors, exposed brickwork and stunning views of the Hong Kong cityscape. With six room categories, from Mini Twin to Corner Deluxe, rates start at HK$1,150 ($189).
Art. Rave. Repeat
Outdoor music and arts festival Clockenflap (West Kowloon Cultural District, www.clockenflap.com) is back for its seventh edition. Dance your heart out from Nov 28-30 with artists like Flaming Lips, Mogwai, CHVRCHES, and disco favorite Kool & The Gang. There are also large-format interactive art installations, as well as 35 food and drink booths. Tickets start at HK$510 ($84) for a one-day Friday pass and go up to HK$2,080 ($342) for three-day entry. MALAYSIA
Idea Exchange
Burgeoning entrepreneurs, take note. Echelon Malaysia (Menara TM, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur, www.e27.co) has roped in a bunch of tech-industry heavyweights to share insider knowledge and tips and tricks from Nov 24-25. There are workshops hosted by companies like Paypal, as well as keynote speakers from the Airbnb team and Patrick Grove of Catcha Group. Snap up the early bird tickets ($100) that go for $150 or $200 at the door.
NOvEMBEr
OUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ASIA’S HOTTEST DESTINATIONS
28 - dECEMBEr
4, 2014
every two weeks
#661 | INSIdE
SINgAp
O r E | www.is-m agazine.co
m
Packed with the hottest resorts, the best airline routes and deals, stylish luggage and festivals worth travelling for.
Out November 28. To book a spot, call 6323-2512 or email sales@asia-city.com.sg.
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I-S MAgAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014
GREAT ES CAPES
island
fashion + fitness + tech + home
STYLE NOTES
STYLE
with Eimear Elkington
Zalora is set to go brick-and-mortar at ION Orchard in the coming months. Be still, heart!
Summer of ‘69
Brutus, Edwin Jeans
Topshop X Marques Almeida
New Openings Galore We know you love nothing more than a new opening, and there’s plenty this month to keep you occupied. Designer boutique Kenzo has opened its flagship store at Marina Bay Sands (#01-22/23/24); home outfitters Crate & Barrel will be opening a new store near quirky little sister CB2 in orchardgateway; British organic skincare label Neal’s Yard Remedies has popped up at Millenia Walk (#01-75); and online fashion e-retailer
OPEN dOOr
Chillax Market
Live those American road trip clichés with Dr Martens new Spirit of ’69 range. Loosely based on rock and reggae culture in America in the 60s, the line features vintage-look boots and brogues in a new oxblood color (both $209) as well as Brutus, Edwin Jeans checked shirts ($119) and bomber-style flight jackets from Alpha Industries (from $129). You’ll be waving the US flag before you know it. #03-05 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-7578, www.drmartens.com.
Like It’s 1999 The 90s are back! Topshop is collaborating with design duo Marques Almeida for a new Autumn/ Winter line that’s full of enough frayed denim and cropped tees to make you want to party like it’s 1999. In store now, you can expect to see oversized jackets, fuchsia knitwear, tunic tops, turtleneck dresses and deep indigo and bleached-out denim skirts. Prices range from $36 for a Jersey Cami to $576 for full Leather Trousers; available from #B2-01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8602, sg.topshop.com.
HOME
The buzz: After a successful run as a pop-up over the last year, Chillax Market has found a new address at The Grandstand, selling fashion, furniture and home accessories from brands like Foxtrot Fashion House, Red Carousel party supplies and Bowerbird, which does fair trade ceramics. The vibe: A big open space in The Grandstand overlooking the turf, with minimalist white-washed walls and lots of glass.. The set-up itself has been designed by Singapore-based British firm Elliott James to have a somewhat European feel and a rustic, bustling vibe (think London’s Portobello Market or Paris’s Les Puces de Saint-Ouen).
AWARD-WINNING BISTRO
ideal for
Corporate Events Festive Catering & Takeaways www
www.skyve.sg 62256690 enquiry@skyve.sg
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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014
The goods: The market houses 30 independent fashion and homeware vendors under one roof. Of note are Modern Eclectic Living, a furniture and interiors store with fun and brightly-colored floral designs; Gezel Fashion, with a contemporary range of work wear and fun patterned playsuits; and Cafthos, a local label that stocks printed kaftans and python-skin accessories. There’s also an on-site art gallery, nail bar and café for when you’re all shopped out. Pricewise, things are mid- to high-end. The price range starts at $3.20 for stationary itemss, all the way to $8,000 for a Chestershire couch. But most items are below $100. Why you’ll be back: The display and range is set to change every six months, keeping the fresh feeling of an ever-evolving marketplace. The products themselves have had a lot of the curating work done for you—plus, it’s like an outdoor flea market, except with air-conditioning. #03-07 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd., www.facebook.com/ChillaxMarket. EIMEAR ELKINGTON
DINING NEW AND NOTED with Letitia Tandean
Club Together Just as we thought Tiong Bahru was slowing down, Tiong Bahru Club (#01-88 Blk 57 Eng Hoon St., 64380168, www.facebook.com/ thesingapuraclub) opens with an old school kopitiammeets-member’s club feel serving cuisines like local and Western favorites, with Tiong Bahru Club beers on tap and wines. Across the street is Whisk (#01-15 58 Seng Poh Rd., 6222-6543, www.facebook.com/whiskcafesg), an all-white, buttery-smelling bakery serving cakes, pastries and muffins.
Asado v2.0 Bochinche’s (#02-01 22 Martin Rd., 6235-4990, www.bochinche.com. sg) more casual direction still focuses on Argentinean beef, but with the addition of a cold bar featuring small plates (from $8-$12) like sea bream ceviche. The space also houses a gourmet market where you can get Argentinean beef, charcuterie, wines and their signature provoleta cheese.
Soul Searching Life is Beautiful (99 Duxton Rd., 6423-0939, www.lifeisbeautiful.sg) ropes in chef Tim Ross-Watson (known for his now-defunct restaurant Garden of Eden) to serve a special Tuesday menu inspired by the food truck culture of New Orleans. Think dishes like chicken and waffles ($24) in miso maple butter; and waffle-cut fries ($17) with gator chili.
Season's Eatings The festive season is around the corner: Basilico (2/F Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6725-3232, www.fourseasons. com) has an Italian Christmas buffet ($178-$238) with slowroasted turkey, while Jaan’s (70/F Equinox Complex, Swissotel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd., 6837-3322, www.jaan.com.sg) decadent Christmas Eve ($338) includes an eight-course degustation with dishes like scallops with black truffle, baby leeks and shallots.
Basilico
OPEN dOOr
FOC
The buzz: Another Michelin-starred chef—Barcelona’s Nandu Jubany this time—carves out a piece of the small plates pie in Singapore with this modern tapas restaurant on the slightly grungy Hongkong Street. The vibe: Convivial, boisterous and spilling with in-the-know people. The conceptual décor with gargantuan hanging heads, concrete walls, dark metals and wooden furnishings, makes it the cool new place to hit up for after-work drinks and communal weekend dinners. The food: Gastronomic Spanish tapasmeets-fusion Asian touches. Former Foodbar Dada chef Jordi Noguera carries
Jubany’s vision with classic dishes like creamy, gooey mushroom croquettes ($8) and black paella with seafood and garlic mayo ($22). A standout is the simple octopus Galician-style ($22) atop crushed potatoes. Fusion dishes include items like the addictive watermelon “gazpacho” with charcoal-smoked olive oil ice cream ($12). Don’t miss their tongue-in-cheek burger dessert ($12), made with chocolate mousse and white chocolate buns. The drinks: Bartender Dario Knox (formerly of Catalunya) helms the stick here. The tipples are atypical and the cocktail list, which categorizes then by flavor profile, is fun to read. There are easy drinking options like the Madame Butterly ($13)—a twist on the Aviation— and heavy-hitters like El Vermouth de Dali ($15.5) with bourbon- and bittersheavy notes. Why you’ll be back: The team translates Jubany’s playful vision well, and it’s an affordable option for food or a quick after-work drink. Plus, it’s just too hip to miss.
40 Hongkong St., 6100-4040, www.focrestaurant.com. Open Mon-Sat noon-2:30pm; 6-11pm. LETITIA TANDEAN
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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
ADVERTORIAL
Everyday Indulgences 5 droolworthy reasons to head down to Palais Renaissance for your next meal.
Baked Creamy Scallops and Snow Crab Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar, #B1-02/02A/03, 6737-1065, www.facebook.com/ Ishinomakigrillnsake A grill and sake restaurant, this place has both robatayaki and izakaya dishes. They specialize in seasonal and fresh seafood that’s flown in from Japan, so much so that sometimes the chefs don’t know what they’re working with until it arrives. However, the plump baked scallops with slivers of unshelled snow crab is not to be missed. Served with mushrooms and a house sauce, it’s also prettily presented in a huge scallop half-shell.
Spicy King Prawn Aglio Olio PS. Cafe, #02-09A, 9834-8232, www.pscafe.com The place is famous for its gorgeous patio overlooking the Royal Thai embassy and, of course, the display of decadent desserts. But the secret winner here is their platter of king prawn aglio olio, which takes a fairly innocuous combo of spaghettini, chilli, garlic and olive oil and turns it into something special with tender (and copious!) king prawn and spinach leaves. The sesame breadcrumb garnish really seals the deal.
Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar
Sashimi Platter
Sushi Kuu
Jing Hua Xiao Chi
PS. Cafe
Antoinette
Le Grand Jardin d’Antoinette Antoinette, #B1-08/09/10C, 6735-6392, www.antoinette.com.sg Not just another French-inspired patisserie, this dessert-heavy place also has some great savory food options. Aside from their toothsome macaroons, the new Le Grand Jardin d’Antoinette is more than just a salad: it’s got baby carrots, asparagus, beets and pickled pears topped with roasted French duck breast and a plump, oozing poached egg with a caramel-orange dressing.
Sushi Kuu, #01-07, 6736-0100, www.sushikuu.sg As part of their newly launched Autumn menu, this Hong Kong transplant serves up all manners of Japanese food from noodles and soups to tempuras and sushi. But with produce so fresh and seasonal, there’s no reason not to dive straight for the sashimi platter with juicy morsels of fish. You may not know what you’re getting all the time, but that’s part of the fun when it comes to seasonal ingredients. Expect slices of fatty ootoro (tuna belly), sweet shrimp, snapper and scallops.
Xiao Long Bao
Jing Hua Xiao Chi, #B1-04, 6733-8231 www.jinghua.sg This long standing establishment founded by Han Min Juan and his wife Pang Kwee Foon is now under the care of their eldest son Han Guo Guang, who has taken the restaurant's classic treats to Palais Renaissance with this new branch. Among their comforting and savory dumplings, pancakes and other hearty snacks, unmissable are the homey-tasting xiao long bao: perfect, soupy dumplings stuffed with minced pork and chives.
Nosh Newsflash! There’s more to Palais Renaissance than fashion boutiques. Away from the bustle from the main Orchard Road thoroughfare, it’s also a great place for a meal—from a comforting plate of noodles to a decadent sushi omakase to a blow-out Sunday brunch. Aside from stalwart favorites like PS. Cafe and Sushi Kuu, there are two exciting new additions to the roster: dumpling house Jing Hua Xiao Chi, which continues to uphold the tradition of honest-to-goodness cuisine and Robatayaki restaurant Ishinomaki Grill & Sake Bar, a passion project made with recycled materials from a Japanese fishing village. Bon appetit!
Artisan Cellars
And to Wash it Down Artisanal Wines Artisan Cellars, #B1-01, 6838-0373, www.artisan-cellars.com Artisan Cellars has a huge selection of artisanal wines for when you’re looking for a bottle to go with that home-cooked dinner or to take to a friend’s house party. Regular drinkers will like the shop’s specialization in notable regions like Burgundy (France) and Mosel (Germany). And if you don’t know what you’re looking for, there is knowledgeable staff on hand to help you wade through their range. Ask them about their wine tasting events, too.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE
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Need to know Theater & Arts
Ticketbooth > 6296-2929
The Arts House > 6332-6919 www.theartshouse.com.sg
Cinema Ticketing Hotlines
Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377
Cathay > 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg
www.esplanade.com
Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302
chart the weeks ahead
www.ticketbooth.com.sg
www.nparks.gov.sg
Eng Wah > 6836-9074
www.ewcinemas.com.sg
Filmgarde > 6344-5997
Gatecrash > 6100-2005
www.filmgarde.com.sg
www.gatecrash.com.sg
National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642
Golden Village > 1900-912-1234 www.gv.com.sg
www.nationalmuseum.sg
Shaw > 6738-0555
Singapore Art Museum > 6332-3222
Other Ticketing
www.shaw.sg
www.singart.com
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
Shakespearean Love Shakespeare fans will not want to miss the Globe Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Dominic Dromgoole and starring brit theater veterans Janie Dee and Aiden Gillet. Nov 13-16, esplanade Theatre, 1 esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $78-148 from Sistic.
Da vinci's Code
Da Vinci: Shaping the Future will showcase numerous original pieces from Leonardo Da vinci’s personal collection. expect to see 26 pages from the Codex Atlanticus, a notebook with important drawings and writings created by the artist, as well as interactive exhibits. Opens Nov 15. ArtScience museum, marina bay Sands, 10 bayfront Ave. $20-20.
SEE This
Indie Pop Concert promoters The Gathering bring in Scottish electronic pop-group Chvrches, well-known for their feel-good synthpop jams. The band released their debut studio album in 2013, and were nominated for best new band at the 2014 Nme awards. Nov 21, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway. $78-100.
Music
I-S PICK
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The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra This highly acclaimed orchestra will be led by worldfamous conductor Zubin mehta to perform three works: vivaldi’s Concerto in b minor for Four violins, mozart’s Symphony No. 36 (Linz) and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. Nov 11, 7:30pm. Sands Theater, marina bay Sands, 10 bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $90-350. www.sistic. com.sg.
concerts
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Jason Mraz Live in Singapore The popular recording artist returns to Singapore to promote his latest album “Yes!”, produced in collaboration with rock-folk band Raining Jane. Nov 17-18, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 vista exchange Green. 6348-5555. $68-168. www.sistic. com.sg.
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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NovembeR 7, 2014
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Joe Satriani World Tour Arguably one of rock music’s most influential guitarists, Satriani begin his career teaching some of the top rock guitar players such as Steve Vai and Metallica’s Kirk Hammet, and has since acquired numerous Grammy nominations under his belt. Nov 13, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green. 6348-5555. $88-148. www. lamcproductions.com.
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music festivals Popkiss organized by Waterfall Records SG, this gig showcases showcases regional and local indiepop bands. The lineup includes Indonesian pop bands Aggi and Sharesprings, along with malaysian band Fern. Nov 15, 8pm. blu Jaz, 11 bali Lane. $25-35. www.facebook.com/ waterfallrecordsSG.
sTAGE
theater
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The Way We Go Written by rising playwright Joel Tan, this production centers around the life of a former principal and the relationships valuable to her, marking the return of LA-based actress Lydia Look to the Singapore
stage. Nov 20-29, 8pm. SoTA Studio Theatre, Lvl 3 School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr. 6348-5555. $35. checkpoint-theatre.org.
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Frozen Pangdemonium’s latest production is a psychological thriller examining the themes of retribution, survival and hope. It centers on three individuals whose lives are drawn together when a 10-year-old girl goes missing. Nov 8-9, 3pm; Through Nov 9, 8pm. esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $35-40 from Sistic. www. pangdemonium.com.
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Waiting for Godot Watch Samuel beckett’s absurdist masterpiece in this international production from Dublin. In the play, two characters named vladimir and estragon wait endlessly and in vain for someone called Godot. Nov 19-22, 7:45pm; Nov 22-23, 3pm. School of the Arts (SoTA), 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6338-9663. $58-88. www.sistic.com.sg.
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Affordable Art Fair everyone’s favorite art fair returns. Aside from the usual artworks priced below $10,000, visitors can look forward to more hands-on activities such as live art demonstrations, artist talks and multidisciplinary workshops in sculpture-making, watercoloring and photography. Nov 20-23. F1 Pit building, 1 Republic blvd., 6884-6940. Download the free I-S Now app to find out about this and hundreds more upcoming events! www.is-magazine.com/app
Hospitality Point-of-Sales & Information Management System
POS System
Touch
ART
scENEsTEALER Kirstie Gannaway
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DUO: Judith Murray and Robert Yasuda Not only will the painter couple be making their Singapore debut, they’ll also be exhibiting their works side by side for the first time in 50 years. Yasuda’s works are famed for his exploration of various kinds of light, whilst murray’s signature style is her limited palette of only four base colors. Through Nov 27, 10am. Sundaram Tagore Gallery Singapore, #01-05 Gillman barracks, 5 Lock Rd., 6694 3378. Free. www.sundaramtagore.com.
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Jedd Novatt Solo Exhibition Known for works that play with the idea of scale and gravity, Novatt's exhibition features large sculptures as well as smaller scale collages, largely made of stainless steel and bronze. Through Dec 4, 12pm. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St. 6636-8360. Free. www. artpluralgallery.com.
I-S PICK
The professional mmA fighter, who’s an instructor at evolve mmA when she’s not training for her big fight at the upcoming one FC, takes five with us to talk about guilty pleasures and being a woman in a male-dominated industry. I started out in martial arts when... I was 15 years old. my brother was into boxing and that got me started on the path towards mixed martial arts. Being a female in a male-dominated sport...can be tough sometimes, especially in the beginning, but I keep at it because I love it and always end up proving myself to everyone around me. • Easy to Use, Flexible, Functional and userr Friendly Fr Point of Sales System for the Hospitality Industry. • Membership Software (CRM) with Loyalty Points Module. • Costumizable Management Reports that Provide Detailed and Vital Information about your Business. • Wireless Handheld PDA Ordering Terminal that Maximises Operation Flow of any Restaurant. • Stock Inventory Software that Tracks Stock Balances with Easy-to-Use Recipe Generation Module. • Multi Language Capability. • Headquarters Module to Centrally Manage Information from Multiple Outlets.
When I was young, I always thought that... Somehow, some way, I would become a professional fighter. The most difficult mixed-martial art to master is... brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, because it is so technical and is a sport that is constantly evolving. When I find myself on the verge of giving up, I... remind myself of all the hardship that the many World Champions here at evolve mmA had to go through to get to where they are. many of them are a huge inspiration to me and I tell myself to keep pushing myself. Nothing you ever dream of comes easy in life. My guilty pleasure is... anything sweet! I am an athlete and try to keep a great diet but I love sweet things, especially cake and ice cream.
Distributors :
The last thought I have before going to sleep is... to have a clear mind, good sleep, and be prepared to go into training the next day. When I'm not training, you can find me.... in bed sleeping, napping or just relaxing! I use a lot of mental and physical energy in training and really enjoy just relaxing and doing as little physical activity possible in my downtime.
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I-S PICK
FOOD & DRiNK
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4XFour Four michelin-starred chefs will be cooking up a storm at this pop-up dining event. Names like mads Refslund of Noma, Henrik Yde of Kiin Kiin, Nathan outlaw of Restaurant Nathan outlaw and Rolf Fliegauf of Ristorante eCCo will take turns to cook up a series of Champagne brunches, lunches and degustation dinners. Nov 13-Dec 7. F1 Pit building, 1 Republic blvd. 6736-1458. $148-288. www.4xfour.sg.
PT AWIZ Indonesia
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CCi Solutions & Security Sdn Bhd A-G-10, Jalan Bangau 11 Bandar Puchong Jaya.47100 Puchong. Selangor D.E. Malaysia Tel : (03) 8070 5880 Fax : (03) 8070 5882 Email: info@cci.com.my
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Crateful Pop-Up Store A pop-up marketplace of all things food and drinksrelated, this temporary space carries over 20 homegrown brands like GSH Conserves and Citizen Pop. Customers can sample and buy products, as well as participate in bi-weekly workshops with the producers. Through Dec 31. Tofu, 1M Yong Siak St., 6438-0363. Free. www.facebook.com/ crateful.com.sg.
sTuFF
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Indochine Green Festival This year’s festival hosts prominent environmental and welfare organizations such as Seaorbiter, Animal Concerns Research & education Society (ACReS) and the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. events on the line up include a wildlife conservation talk at Gardens by the bay, and a wine dinner at Indochine restauranton Club Street. Through Nov 8, 12pm. various venues. 6323-1043. $18-250. www.indochine-group.com.
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Dreams of Desire This solo exhibition by Chinese artist Fu Lei features five large-scale oil paintings and a selection of drawings by the emerging painter. Fu’s works capture the notion of excess in today’s world, with plump figures and symbols that reference lust, gluttony and vice. Nov 14-Dec 30, 11am. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St. 6636-8360. Free. www.artpluralgallery.com.
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Kirstie Gannaway will compete at One FC: Battle of Lions on Nov 7, 7pm at Singapore Sports Hub, 2 Stadium Walk, 6653-8900, www.sportshub.com.sg. $38-378. RebeCCA WoNG
Reimagining by Philip Hemnell This Penang-based artist’s third solo exhibition acknowledges the rising openness to diversity in Singaporean society. Eight pop art works are featured, borrowing classic cartoon imagery from the 1940s and 50s that reflect lifestyles and views on alternative sexuality. Through Dec 9, 12pm. SPRMRKT, 2 McCallum St., 62212105. Free. www.artdrive.com.sg.
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FRIDAY, NovembeR 7, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE
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sTuFF » NiGHTLiFE » FiLM Email event news to nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, art@asia-city.com.sg and stuff@asia-city.com.sg
I-S PICK
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The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) The 10 day event features talks and workshops with over 200 literary talents, including big names like fantasy writer Raymond E. Feist, notorious feminist and social critic Naomi Wolf and literary stalwart Paul Theroux. Through Nov 9, 9am. Various venues. $15-60 from Sistic. www. singaporewritersfestival.com.
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Singapore International Photography Festival 2014 The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) returns for its fourth edition, spanning over 9 weekends
with more than 800 works. Focusing around the theme “The Infinity”, this year’s works highlight the boundless creative nature of photography, with contributions by 105 photographers from around the world. Key exhibitions include TYPeS: After becher and the SIPF open Showcase, which has served as an open platform for lesser known artists to exhibit their creations. Through Nov 30. DeCK, 116 Prinsep St., 6339-8655. $30-50 from eventbrite. www.sipf.sg/.
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SINGAPURA: 700 Years In celebration of 50 years of independence, this exhibition tracks Singapore’s transformation over the course of 700 years, as it went from a fishing village to a nation-state. The exhibition will also see history being presented in a more engaging way, with the use of interactive multimedia and technology. Through Aug 10 2015, 10am. National museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. Free. www.nationalmuseum.sg.
scENEsTEALER Geoff Dyer Having just published Another Great Day at Sea: Life Aboard the USS George H.W. bush, the author who’s never found a genre he couldn’t move on from is in town this weekend for Singapore Writers Festival (through Nov 9). We had some burning questions for him.
Credit: Marzena-Pogorzaly
You wrote recently, “Life is so interesting, I’d like to stick around forever”. How do you reconcile yourself to the fact that you can’t? Do you just try not to miss a minute? Hmm, big questions! In some ways, by the time you get to your mid-fifties, you are reconciled to the way that the best times are in the past, especially if, like me, your idea of a good time has not changed that much—has not been replaced, for example, by the alleged pleasures of seeing your kids grow up. This is rendered quite profoundly I think in that recent film The Great beauty. many of our minutes on this earth are a bit of a bore and then something amazing comes along so it’s not about not missing a minute; it’s more about one’s capacity to recognize and respond to moments of amazingness when they happen along: which means it’s also about living in such a way as to generate or maximize the frequency with which they come along.
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You seem to have always had a fairly good degree of selfawareness and knowledge. But do you think the act of writing has changed who you are away from the desk? Yes, because it’s only writing that’s enabled me to lead the life I have with its peculiar freedoms, satisfactions and demands. but I don’t subscribe to that archetypal role of the writer as someone who is always somewhat of a spectator, observing rather than fully participating. In many ways writing has increased my opportunities for being able to join in. You know how in meetings people take ‘minutes’–i.e. make a record of what was said at these meetings? These are typically very thorough. I've taken the minutes from my life while in the process of leading it, very selectively and not at all reliably from the point of view of a legal record of what’s happened. In some ways the books are records of longings– which are, of course, fairly reliable indicators of the reality of a person's life if you read them in the right way. Catch Geoff Dyer at these SWF events: Conversation with Robin Hemley (Nov 8, 4pm), Unlocking the Story in a Photograph (Nov 9, 11:30am) and Meet the Author (Nov 9, 4pm). For ticketing and details, check www. singaporewritersfestival.com. RIC SToCKFIS
I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NovembeR 7, 2014
sales & fairs
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Singapore Art Book Fair This annual book fair specializes in contemporary art books and magazines, providing a platform for publishers and retailers to connect with book buyers. exhibitors this year include Afterglobe magazine, Delere Press and Kitchen Label, with fringe activities like film screenings, workshops and talks. Nov 13-16, 10am. Centre for Contemporary Art, Gillman barracks, 43 malan Rd., 6222-9195. Free. www. singaporeartbookfair.com.
NiGHTLiFE
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Para//el x Pacha Insane presents Monika Kruse with Pacha Insane DJ Crew and Jeremy Boon A collaboration between Zouk and Ibiza nightclub Pacha, this edition of Para//el features DJ monica Kruse. The techno whiz is known for her signature dose of deep beats, driving percussions and a touch of funkiness, having spent more than 20 years behind the decks. Nov 7, 9pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33. www.zoukclub. com.sg.
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Kyo presents Steve Bug eDm DJ Steve bug boasts over 80 releases, 40 remixes and 500 release credits under his belt. expect to hear tunes from his latest eP, “Simple, Thick & Raw”, which garnered rave reviews and was listed number one in Faze magazine’s monthly music round-up. Nov 14, 9pm. Kyo, #b1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-600. $20-25. www.clubkyo.com.
I-S PICK
Banting
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(Singapore). Directed by M. Raihan Halim. Starring Izyan Mellyna, Mastura Ahmad, Fauzie Laily, Osman Zailini and Jimmy Taenaka. Opens Oct 31.
As the first malay film commercially produced in Singapore, banting certainly has a lot of expectations to live up to. Written and directed by m. Raihan Halim, the film’s main protagonist is Yasmin (Izyan mellyna), a young malay girl who harbors aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler. Unbeknownst to her strict muslim mother (mastura Ahmad), Yasmin begins to attend wrestling classes. We were pleasantly surprised by this sports comedy—whilst banting isn’t exactly the next Ilo Ilo, it boasts solid acting chops from its main leads. mellyna proves extremely likeable in her first starring role, possessing both comic timing and emotional gravitas. As her overbearing mother, Ahmad reveals her vulnerabilities in a nuanced and heartfelt performance. Plot-wise, it does get a little formulaic at times— girl aspires to achieve her dreams, encounters obstacles, overcomes them, all whilst maintaining a budding romance with the boy-next-door. one or two casting choices are questionable as well (Abigail Chay as a wrestler?). Nevertheless, banting manages to avoid campiness and is paced well enough to remain engaging throughout. Laughs aside, the film also takes a bold step in exemplifying the tension between religion and finding a place in modern society. Rebecca Wong
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Zouk x Embassy of Sweden Presents Otto Knows and Hong Swedish DJ/producer otto Knows rose to fame after a chance meeting with Sebastian Ingrosso of Swedish House mafia. In his Zouk debut he’ll be playing lots of danceable beats including his first single “million voices” which has proved a consistent favorite in clubs and on radio. Nov 15, 9pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33. www.zoukclub.com.sg.
FiLM
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Cineclub Singapore and The Substation Present Little Fugitive (1953) Little Fugitive is an affecting comedy-drama capturing the life of a child growing up in 1950s New York. Directed by morris engel, the film was acclaimed by critics for its naturalistic style, grainy black and white cinematography, hidden cameras and non-professional actors in lead roles. Nov 9, 4pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $5. www.substation.org.
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V6 featuring DJ Cash Money & Jose Marquez Party the night away with two of the world’s most talented DJs. The first inductee into Technic’s DJ Hall of Fame, DJ Cash Money will be spinning Top 40 dance and club hits at Ku De Ta Lounge, whilst Jose Marquez hits up Sky Bar with his own brand of alternative grooves. Nov 14, 9pm. KU DÉ TA, 57/F Marina Bay Sands, Skypark, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., 66887688. $38 Including one Grey Goose drink. www.kudeta.com.
Freedom Film Festival This annual festival returns with numerous local and international shorts, films and documentaries centered around the theme of freedom. This year’s works feature a particular emphasis on artistic value and human rights, and will be curated by independent film-maker, Lynn Lee. Nov 15-16, 11am. Film Gallery, The Arts House, 1 old Parliament Lane., 6332-6900. Free. www.is.gd/lzho54.
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Loof presents The Reflex This edition of The Reflex features Londonbased DJ Nicolas Laugier, known for using only original analog tracks for his mixes. expect a night of classics with remixes of hits by 80s superstars like michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Nov 8, 11:30pm. Loof, #03-07 odeon Towers extension Rooftop, 331 North bridge Rd. 9773-9304. www.loof.com.sg.
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LAST WORD Zachariah Elias Bar Stories’ bartender isn’t short of attitude or talent. Which is why we were surprised to hear that, after nearly two decades in F&B, he’s planning to quit the business next year. Mrigaa Sethi asked him why and found out all about his other talents, including but not limited to dragon dancing and filling massive orders for his famous homemade biryani.
My earliest recollections are of color and noise from all these beautifully decorated dragon dancer lorries that came in and made a hell of a noise. People thought it was kind of weird that I was Malay and Muslim and liked that sort of thing. But I didn’t care, because when you’re a kid, you love colors and noise. I’d run after those lorries. When I came back from Australia after I’d finished studying, I began to make a list: what have I not done in my life that I should do before I settle down or die? And that’s how I got started. I went online and made a call and said, “Do you take in Malay boys?”
It’s begun to hurt
33 is pretty old to start dragon dancing. Most of these guys started when they were really young in the kampongs. This is my last year at the bar. After this I’m done. If there were a way to make money from cooking and helping people through cooking, I would do it. But I don’t know how. For years I haven’t taken care of my body. I’ve eaten so much junk, drank so much sugared water. It’s begun to hurt. And I think it has a detrimental effect on my mind. If you’re not in a good state of mind, then spiritually you’re ****ed. I went for my pilgrimage in Mecca last year. That was a turning point. I decided, “Let’s morph back to the state I came into this world in as a baby.” You were free from jealousy, free from things that kept you back. You didn’t have wants, needs. You had no sugar in you, no chemicals, no ill will. I want to morph back to that. I listen to really bad music, man—music made by murders and arsonists. It’s bad. It’s bad for the spirit. But I like that. I will still continue to listen to that music. This is who I am. But it doesn’t mean that spiritually I’m not trying to get to a better place.
ThAT’S WhAT She SAiD
In American punk rock, there’s a movement called straight edge. They don’t drink, do drugs, smoke. Some of them are vegetarian, some are vegan. Ever since I was 13, when I was exposed to that music, I thought, “This is in line with my beliefs as a Muslim.” I identified with that. There’s a clash there. You’re straight edge, and you’re working in a bar. And not only that, you’re working in a cocktail bar that requires some level of skill. It’s not pumping beer and dispensing vodka and soda.
I’ve been taught that when you cook, you should always recite prayers and have good thoughts. It’s the same in the Jewish tradition. When you make food for Passover, you sing hymns. I hate cooking actually. It’s very emotionally draining, because I cook with a lot of love. I’m reminded of my own mortality. I think, if I don’t make a lot of money, that’s ok, but for the person eating this, let this be a nourishment for him, so he can do good. I don’t think I’m in a position to speak about romantic love. I don’t know anything about it.
I grew up in Geylang East, in a very quaint neighborhood called Aljunied Crescent, which has yet to be gentrified. It is the same flat I was born in. My parents were deeply religious in a very quiet way. They looked very secular, but they’ve instilled in me the same things over and over again: do good while you’re alive, be nice to people, everyone’s the same—it doesn’t matter what color, race, religion, gender. You never know the kind of unseen blessings they have. Their status in the eyes of the creator might be higher than yours, even though they might look a lot worse off than they are. So never judge anyone. I studied media studies in Melbourne. Terrible. I think I learned a lot more outside. A lot of the Singaporeans just hung out with the Singaporean kids. I hung out with Croats, Macedonians, Greeks, Italians, Lebanese, Turks, Ethiopeans, Eritreans. At university, I was having a bad day and needed something to eat. The only place selling halal biryani was this place on Queens Street. I went there, and they said, “Come back at six o’clock. We’ll have a fresh batch ready.” But when I went back at six, hungry and full of hope, they said, “You know, it wasn’t worth it to make a new batch. Come back tomorrow.” I told myself, “Never again will I depend on anyone to feed myself.” So I learned how to cook. I make biryani. I make a lot of simple meat dishes.
by Kathy Macleod
kathymacleod.blogspot.com
FRIDAY, NovEMBER 7, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE
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VELVET UNDERGROUND-DANCE
100% BULLETPROOF WITH GHETTO & ROUGH FEAT. SHIGGA SHAY
THE M.O.B. REMEMBERS WITH LINCEY
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PARA//EL X PACHA INSANE GER PRESENT MONIKA KRUSE WITH PACHA INSANE DJ CREW SPA + JEREMY BOON
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POPTART 'I DON’T CARE IF WE NEVER COME BACK FROM THE NIGHT' WITH WEELIKEME & KIDG
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EVERY SATURDAY
THE GREAT TGIW: SUNSHINE IN THE MOONLIGHT WITH GHETTO & ANDREW TANG FEAT. MC EJ
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ZOUK X EMBASSY OF SWEDEN SWE PRESENT OTTO KNOWS WITH HONG
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DROPIT!!! WITH MATTHEW & JUN
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PARA//EL X WATERGATE RECORDS PRESENT WATERGATE 17 RELEASE TOUR FEAT. PAN-POT GER WITH ADRIAN WEE
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