SG Magazine, May 8

w w w. s g n o w. s g

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

Be nice to Mom

S G M A G A Z I N E | iss u e # 6 7 7 | M A Y 8 , 2 0 1 5 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

what’s on what’s new what matters

Photographer Edwin Koo’s book, Transit, captures the humanity of commuters on the MRT. See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 8 for an interview.

style

neighborhood

dining

film

Depression designer Kenny Lim

Yishun is Getting Hot

Where the Chefs Eat for Cheap

European Union Film Festival

page 3

Birds of Paradise

12 dining

Best Cheap Eats, Recommended by Fine Dining Chefs 7 film

Singlish Phrases That Need to Come Back

Endeavours Documentary Film Festival

LKCNHM

6 throwback 20

10 museums

Singapore’s First Natural History Museum

11 drink

New Happy Hours

Copper is all About Gin

What’s Hot in Yishun Felixpro

18 neighborhood

22 interview

Key outfit components: Well-tailored suit in wild colors such as orange and yellow. Bowtie strictly necessary.

Likely reason for being there: Invited by PR to lend cred and eccentricity to the event.

Key outfit components: Fabulous one-shoulder dress in dramatic print, chunky jewelry and resting buzz-off face.

Likely reason for being there: She’s either the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine or Diane von Furstenberg.

3. Faux-Edgy Fashion Reporter Key outfit components: Printed man-repeller jumpsuit, gigantic Jeffrey Campbell boots and a monster Canon DSLR. Likely reason for being there: Free tickets for blog coverage.

4. Hopelessly Straight Uncle

Are Singapore Designers Good Enough?

Events Worth Flying For

1. Counselor of Camp

2. Aging Bombshell

14 new bar

20 travel

While the Diane von Furstenberg, Thakoon and Sabrina Goh shows at Singapore Fashion Week (May 13-17) are all very exciting, we’re really just going for the people-watching. Here are the six species we’re most looking forward to catching.

Key outfit components: Conservative tie, pleated pants.

Likely reason for being there: He’s the MP guest of honor.

5. Dowager Countess

Who's in charge?

Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong, Joy Yao, Swathi Raj

Dining Editor Letitia Tandean Lifestyle Writer Joyce See Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Celeste Chooi Content Sales & Custom Media Content Director Clara Lim customcontent@asia-city.com.sg

Where to find us!

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

Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg

Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg

Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia-city.com.sg Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia-city.com.sg

6. Underdressed Sporty Dude Key outfit components: White t-shirt stretched over pecs and biceps, jeans rolled over boots and baseball cap.

Likely reason for being there: He’s one of the designers.

On the cover Photography by Edwin Koo

Who are we?

Marketing & Admin Assistant Geraldine Tan

Published every two weeks (with daily updates at sgnow.sg), SG (previously I-S) delivers honest, independent and irreverent coverage of the Singapore lifestyle scene. We’ve been recommending what to do and where to go here for 20 years—and we’ve never been more excited about the city than we are right now.

The Asia City Media Group

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. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Distributed by Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 contact@asia-city.com.sg

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

SG Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #07-02, Singapore 159552.

Tel: 65-6323-2512 • Fax: 65-6323-2779. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The titles “SG Magazine”, “I-S Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of SG Magazine and I-S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. SG 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 SG 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) 174/12/2014

free ebook of every issue

Key outfit components: Ruffles, bows, shoulder pads, pearl necklace and shiny polyester.

Likely reason for being there: She’s the chairperson of one of the corporate sponsors.

issuu.com/sg_magazine

daily updates on news and events

sgnow.sg

giveaways, updates, stories

facebook.com/sgnow.sg

Awesome events, cool new places, the very best of the next two weeks

High-end, hawker and everything inbetween: news on the drink and dining scene

Hot topics, local initiatives and ideas for making Singapore even better

Because Singapore is only so big: the best deals and destinations around Asia

Escape the CBD and explore more with our hyperlocal neighborhood section

last word Irreverent interviews with people who make Singapore great

We hope you like what you see: email us at editorial@asia-city.com.sg to let us know how we’re doing.

latest news and trends

@sg_now

see what we’re up to

@sg_now

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

3

up front

Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance

Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends

OB INDEX Gramicidin

Rex Pe

HOT OR NOT

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

APR

Hot: Migrant workers

Not: Teenagers

Marla Bendini

Christian Schnettelker

19 year-old Daryl Lim Jun Liang was sentenced to a (relatively piddly) 10 days for beating foreign workers. Foreign workers, on the other hand, are national heroes—Ponnan Muthukumar and Subramanian Shanmuganathan received SCDF Public Spiritedness Awards last month for rescuing a toddler.

Not: Bureaucracy

Hot: The Capitol Piazza

shankar s.

Rosemary Dukelow

Local drag queen Becca d’Bus and three other queens now have a regular show, RIOT (May 9, www.riotdragshow.com) at TAB. But sadly, international burlesque starlets Suicide Girls don’t. The organizer canceled when, a week before the show, the MDA still had not issued a permit.

Not: Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade

The Civic District’s revamp includes fancy new mall The Capitol Piazza that’s already home to several cafes, restaurants and even a craft beer bar. On the other hand, the once-magnificent Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade has seen better days, said a damning article in The Straits Times last week.

After some controversy over IKEA Singapore’s involvement with a magic show by vocally anti-gay pastor Lawrence Khong, the local branch of the liberal Swedish furniture company has disappointingly announced that it will continue its support of the show. IKEA Singapore has said in a statement that everyone “has a right to their opinions and personal choices”—a pretty lame excuse in our book.

BE GOOD

NUMEROLOGY

$20 Cost of a ticket to the SG50 concert on Aug 7 at National Stadium. The recently announced line-up includes surprisingly indie acts such as The Oddfellows and Chris Ho, along with usual suspects Stefanie Sun and JJ Lin.

As of press time, the Singapore Red Cross Society has donated $50,000 of relief supplies to Nepal after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck between Kathmandu and Pokhara on Apr 25.

The Singapore government has given a further $100,000 in seed money, and now the Red Cross is appealing for additional donations. You can drop your cash off in person at the Red Cross House (15 Penang Ln.) during business hours, or mail a cheque made out to Singapore Red Cross Society (write “Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund” on the back). For more information, visit www. redcross.org.sg

WE

SG

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

Personalized bus services

Imagine an Uber for buses, where you split the cost with fellow riders. The LTA is testing Beeline (www.beeline.com.sg), an app that would let you book an express shuttle bus to your destination.

You’d enter a preferred route and if there is enough interest, the LTA would activate a special bus for that route. Visit the site to comment.

Increase in the price of lobster in Singapore, owing to rough weather in Boston and a rising demand in China.

5 Abothen What else? Often used sarcastically, as in “A: Do chickens lay eggs? B: Abothen.”

6 Kan Cheong Spider Someone who is always nervous or uptight, as in “You still have one month, why you worrying now?

So kan cheong spider.”

7 Blur Sotong A clueless person, as in “You’re such a blur sotong!

Show you so many times already still don’t know.”

8 Obiang Really outdated, especially fashion, as in “Why you go and buy this bag? So obiang.”

9 Lobang To tip or pvovide clues or contacts, as in “I’m looking for a good property agent. You got lobang?”

10 Kayu Silly or unintelligent, as in “Why is he so kayu? Show him so many times already, he still do it wrong.”

11 Bao Toh To tell on someone, as in “I saw A stealing B’s food.

Should I bao toh him?”

12 Alamak Oh no or Oh my god, as in “Alamak, I forgot to buy food for my mom.”

13 Goondu Idiot, as in “Why you so goondu?”

14 Tai Ko Lucky; a fluke, as in “Ali gets a lucky shot when playing soccer. His team mates would describe that lucky shot as tai ko.”

15 Cheem Very profound, hard to understand, as in “I don’t understand what you’re taking about, very cheem.”

19 Stylo Milo A very stylish person, as in “Wah, she very stylo milo ah.”

Get this issue to go.

Free eBook download from issuu.com/sg_magazine (or sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters to never miss an issue)

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

4 Steady Yes, let’s do it. Or it could also mean asking someone to be your boyfriend/girlfriend, as in “1.

A: Let’s go eat chili crab. B: Steady. 2. Boy: Want to go steady?”

18 Tom Ba Lek Upside down or inside out, as in “How come his shirt is tom ba lek?”

Price of a lobster roll at Duxton Hill restaurant Pince & Pints, up from $48 due to the shortage.

6

3 Yaya Papaya Show off or arrogant, as in “He is damn yaya papaya.”

17 Sekali What if, as in “Let’s bring an umbrella with us.

Sekali rain then how?”

$58

Singapore’s ranking in the 2015 World Happiness Report by the United Nations, up six spots from 30 in 2013.

2 Sabo To sabotage, as in “I don’t want to go for that meeting. You don’t sabo me ah.”

16 Orbi Serves you right, as in “A: Ouch, the parrot bit me.

B: Orbi, who ask you to poke him?”

40%

24

We’re turning 20 this year, and this issue we look back on 20 Singlish phrases that need to make a comeback 1 Ponteng To play truant, as in “Want to pon school today?”

21

Lend a hand to Nepal Hot: Boundary-pushing performances

THROWBACK 20

20 Action Show off, as in “Don’t so action can?”

For more lists revisiting Singapore’s history, visit www.sgnow.sg. JOYCE SEE

now

The essential guide to what’s on in Singapore Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

WED

MUSIC Music Matters Live

Official Media

May 20

One of the region’s most widely-attended independent music festivals is back for its fifth instalment. Featuring over 40 live acts over three days, it’ll include up-and-coming artists like Jeremy Loops, Bastian Baker and Dru Chen across a variety of genres. The event also includes talks by music industry insiders like Andrew Stone of Chugg Music. May 20-23, 7pm. Various venues, Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., www.musicmatterslive.com.

THU

May 14

STAGE Le Corsaire by English National Ballet

World-famous stars from the English National Ballet re-enact this fantasy tale about a pirate who saves a beautiful harem girl, with amazing sets and costumes designed by Hollywood film designer Bob Ringwood, who‘s worked on films like Batman, Alien 3, Star Trek: Nemesis and Troy. May 14-16, 8pm; May 16-17, 3pm. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.dansfestival.com. $60 -220.

SUN

May 17 Gabriel Green

MUSIC alt-J

Secret Sounds Asia are bringing this award-winning indie outfit for a one-night-only solo show (and their second ever Singapore set). Expect to hear songs from their critically-acclaimed debut album An Awesome Wave and recent hits from This Is All Yours with their signature mix of electronic, folk and indie rock. May 17, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $95-125 from Sistic.

MON

May 11

ART Barcelona Transgressive Designers: From Art to Design

One of the top design centres in Europe has teamed up with the National Design Cventre to showcase 21 Catalan designers. This exhibition has everything from accessories, jewelry, shoes, bags, home decor to ceramic work created using both traditional techniques and modern 3D printing technology. Through May 11. National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., www.designsingapore.org. Free.

SUN

May 9

NIGHTLIFE I Am Hardwell: United We Are

He’s the No. 1 DJ in the world and he’s throwing a huge show. The Dutch electro-house DJ/producer’s world tour sees him performing tons of remixes and new hit songs. May 9, 6pm. Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr., 6420-6841, www. aldaevents.com. $98.

STAGE Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest

The Singapore Repertory Theatre’s annual Shakespeare in the Park series is back with The Tempest. This interpretation of the Shakespearean classic stars the UK‘s Simon Robson and Singapore‘s very own Julie Wee, and features light and sound effects by award winning designers Simon Higlett and Mike Walker.

Expect plenty of high-stakes drama and romance. Through May 24, 7:30pm.

Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, 6332-1200, www.srt.com.sg. $45-55 from Sistic.

May 10

WED

May 13

SRT’s Mechant of Venice

SAT

FILM Endeavours Documentary Film Festival

On the roster at this local docufest are edgy feature-length and short documentaries like The Invisible Migrant, Citizenfour and The Last Man on the Moon. Tickets can be purchased through The Projector and The Arts House. May 13-17. Various venues. www. endeavoursdocufilmfest.com. $12.

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

7

now PHOTOGRAPHY Edwin Koo’s Transit

“If you like gin, you’ll want to check out this intimate new bar on Jiak Chuan. http://ow.ly/LTvU6 ” Keep up with our daily updates.

Follow SG on Facebook @sg_now

MUSIC

SG PICK

classical Valentina Lisitsa One of the most-watched classical musicians on YouTube, the Ukrainian pianist will be playing pieces by some of the greatest classical composers of all time, such as Bach, Mozart and Rachmaninov. May 13, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $38-218 from Sistic.

concerts Katy Perry The international pop star brings her latest world tour hot on the heels of her latest Billboard charttopping album, Prism. But don’t worry, she’ll still be performing fan favorites like “Firework”, “The One That Got Away” and “California Gurls”. May 11, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660, www.sportshub.com.sg. $128-328 from Sportshubtix.

This issue’s cover features work by Edwin Koo. The documentary photographer has been to the Swat Valley of Pakistan and the remote villages of Yunnan. But for his most recent book, Transit, he aims his lens on the Singapore MRT at rush hour. Here, he tells us more.

How did you choose the stations you’d shoot at?

One criterion for the photographs was that they should reflect how human beings behave and react in a very cramped space. At these stations, the trains are jam-packed at peak hours so that I get a full door of passengers. One example is Jurong East.

Your collection of images from the 2011 general election, Notes from a Singapore Son, got all kinds of praise and criticism.

This series, however, seems relatively apolitical.

Can any work be apolitical? I think all works reflect the politics of the author, which can also change over time.

There were some concerns with this series about privacy, about staring at and recording people in public.

Yes, we have too many CCTVs, and they make you seem naked whenever you go. What disturbs me more is the demonization of the recorded image. But the main difference is the authorship. With authorship, intention becomes the main point of contention. If the intention is good, the results will be good. If, for example, someone did what I did but instead targeted girls wearing short skirts, that would result in evil. So invasion of privacy, for me, is really not the main issue.

You tried to get in touch with all the people in this series. How? Social media: it is so powerful. Friends share the albums with friends and the photos perpetuate until someone is identified. This is what we call “six degrees of connection”— everyone is linked to everyone by six degrees and this is ever so obvious on social media.

Jamie Wong Debut EP Launch Local singer-songwriter, Jamie Wong, performs her debut EP with a set of personal songs about lost love.

Supported by a four-man band, the EP peaked at No. 2 on the local iTunes charts with its folk pop sounds.

May 15, 7pm. LePark, 5/F People’s Park Complex, 1 Park Rd., 9658-9938, www.lepark.co.

Age of Transition by Paul Danial The versatile guitar virtuoso will be playing pieces from his latest EP Age of Transition, comprising a multitude of genres like blues, rock, country, funk and metal. May 22, 9:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade.com. $25 from Sistic.

Boyzone The charttopping 90s boyband celebrates their 20th anniversary with a repertoire of hits like “No Matter What” and “All That I Need”. Sadly, the now four-man band is missing Steven Gately but will still croon their famed boyband ballads. May 23, 8pm. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www.midaspromotions.com. $98-218 from Sistic.

SG PICK

Check out the rest of Edwin’s work at www.facebook.com/transitbook or buy the book for $25 at twentyfifteen.myshopify.com. MRIGAA SETHI

Getai Ethnica New tapas restobar LePark are at it again. The second edition of this rooftop music festival includes performances by local bands like Qilin Group, Cashew Chemists, HubbaBubbas and Vandetta. There’s also an outdoor film screening, a pet adoption drive and yoga and parkour sports sessions. May 9-10. 5/F People’s Park Complex, 1 Park Rd., 9658-9938, www. facebook.com/leparksg. $10.

STAGE

musicals SG PICK

Singapura: The Musical This musical about Singapore’s struggles preindependence in the ‘50s and ‘60s provides a peek into the lives of ordinary Singaporeans during trying times set against musical numbers. It features an international cast of Filipino, Singaporean and American actors and is directed by Greg Ganakas. May 19-Jun 28.

Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd., 6602-9900, www.singapurathemusical. com. $65-175 from Eventcclique.

theater w w w. s g n o w. s g

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

The Gathering with Owl City

Be nice to Mom

S G M AG A Z I N E | I SS U E #677 | M AY 8, 2015 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

what’s on what’s new what matters

Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore.

Photographer Edwin Koo’s book, Transit, captures the humanity of commuters on the MRT. See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 8 for an interview.

STYLE

NEIGHBORHOOD

DINING

FILM

Depression designer Kenny Lim

Yishun is Getting Hot

Where the Chefs Eat for Cheap

European Union Film Festival

They look so good, we’ve even started hanging them on our walls.

To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg

8

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

American singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist, Adam Young, better known as Owl City, singer catapulted to fame with his breakout single, “Fireflies”. He’ll be playing music from his highly-anticipated forthcoming album, due out this summer. May 21, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $78-100 from Eventclique.

festivals Good Times: The Sunday Edition Tiong Bahru’s chill out restaurant and bar hosts this bimonthly party showcasing local artists and musicians. This time, there is music by Nicholas Chim, a playlist by 29 Cornflakes and the Good Times crew, as well as illustrations by Kristal Melson and poetry readings by The Proletariat Poetry Factory. May 17, 1pm. Coq & Balls, 6 Kim Tian Rd., 6276-6609, www. coqnballs.com. Free.

The Studios: fifty Eclectic and experimental theater returns with 50 plays, five of which will be staged as full-length productions, while the rest are dramatized readings.

Full-length performances include Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald Hill, Huzir Sulaiman’s The Weight of Silk on Skin and Tan Tarn’s How The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate ‘S’ Machine. Through May 10. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www. thestudios.com.sg. $5-30.

Tribes Centered around a deaf boy named Billy, this play examines themes of belonging, family and the limitations of communication. Written by Nina Raine, it won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. May 22-Jun 7. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, 3/F National Library, 100 Victoria St., 68378400. $40 -70 from Sistic.

now LKCNHM

SCENE & HEARD with Letitia Tandean

The National Gallery may be opening later this year, but in the meantime, there’s the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (2 Conservatory Dr., 6516-6666, lkcnhm.nus.edu. sg) at the National University of Singapore. The museum houses around 2,000 artifacts in its biodiversity and heritage galleries, including fossils of dinosaurs. One caveat is the weird ticketing system: the place is selling tickets based on allocated one-and-a-half hour time slots, which start at 10am and end at 5:30pm, that you need to pre-book through Sistic. Hope that gets more straightforward soon.

Triple Riots

Three popular local music acts—Charlie Lim, Inch Chua and The Great Spy Experiment—will perform at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Jun 6. A Triple Bill (Esplanade Concert Hall, 1

Oddlings by Allison M. Low This local fine art graduate, who specializes in illustrations, has her debut solo exhibition featuring some 20 drawings. Her striking pieces of work often revolve around heavier themes like emotional trauma and loneliness, apparent in the disconcerted faces and bodies. Through May 10. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. Free.

The Hands That Remember Local artist Izziyana Suhaimi, who has shown at exhibitions like Young Art Taipei and Tokyo Book Art Week, shows her newest works that involve abstract needlework and tapestries, which is a departure from her usual figurative drawings. May 9-31. Fost Gallery, #01-20 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Rd., 6694-3080, www. fostgallery.com. Free.

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

Au Naturel

ART

Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade. com), hosted by homegrown label House of Riot, is a chance for the bands to play their new and old materials. The Great Spy Experiment will debut their new material, as well as songs from their popular sophomore album Litmus. Tickets start at $50 from Sistic.

SG PICK

“Singapore is bursting with film festivals this summer. Local film buffs and docu nerds, get ready. http://ow.ly/Lq5h2” And don’t miss our daily updates either.

Follow SG on Twitter @sg_now

SPORT 5 ways to work up a sweat in Singapore

Smile Singapore-based British photographer Richard Kearns has had his works featured in books and major magazines worldwide, including Harper‘s Bazaar and Vogue. This solo exhibitions depicts images from live streaming websites and CCTV cameras dotted with emoticons. May 21-Aug 24. German Centre, #05-108, 25 International Business Park, 6562-8020, www.reddotcreativity. com. Free.

The Sew-Out Show Photographer Kevin Ou collaborated with local design firm The General Company for 14 photographs of colored lights printed onto fabric. The General Company‘s craftsmen will convert them into accessories such as tote bags and bowties. Through Jun 8. TCC The Connoisseur Concerto, 51 Circular Rd., 6533-9033, www.art-management.com. Free.

Timely Manoeuvres This exhibition brings 13 well-known international artists like Dutch artist Carla Klein, Chinese contemporary giant Ai Wei Wei and New York-based Japanese artist Mariko Mori, to show thought-provoking sculptures, installations and paintings. Through Jun 20. Ikkan Art, #01-05 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6681-6490, www.ikkan-art.com. Free.

outings

Go rock climbing Onsight Climbing in Kallang is one of the island’s biggest gyms, with 43 climbing lanes and 15-meter speed climbing walls. Try your hand at rock climbing—you’ll be surprised to find muscles you never knew existed. 100 Guillemard Rd., 6348-8272, www.onsight. com.sg

Tell Your Children presents: Paradise Shores Part art show, part narrative experience, elling the story of the enigmatic Paradise Shores, revered for ancient ruins and magical wonders. There will also be food and a Tiki bar. May 8, 7pm. Tell Your Children, 188-8 Tanjong Katong Rd., www.tycstudios.com. Free.

Bump while playing soccer Order some bubble suits from Bubble Bump for your next game of soccer. It’s silly but fun, If you don’t have a go-to pitch, they work with Kovan Sports Centre, The Cage @ Kallang and Zion Sports @ Tiong Bahru. Rates start from $290 per hour, including 10 bubble suits, two facilitators, a soccer ball and equipment. 10 Seng Poh Rd., 10 Seng Poh Rd., www.bubblebump.sg Try ziplining in Bedok Forest Adventure has four giant zip lines

10

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

that stretch across the Bedok Reservoir and measure 150-200m. Their adventure courses (from $46; $36 on Tuesdays) involve obstacle courses. 825 Bedok Reservoir Rd., 81007420. www.forestadventure.com.sg Take your friends trampolining There are 50 trampolines lining the walls and floor at Amped Trampoline Park.

According to a 1980 NASA study, a 10-minute trampolining session equates to 30 minutes of cardio. 369 Tanjong Katong Rd., 86694894, www.ampedsingapore.com Do yoga on the water Perform basic sun salutations and back bridges on a 10-foot long board at sea. It’s more intense than regular yoga because you work your core to keep your balance.

Tanjong Beach, Sentosa, 9638-5565, www.supschool.com.sg. JOYCE SEE

workshops Anthony Robbins American life coach and self-help author Anthony Robbins gives motivational talks on how to transform your business and life. He has helped hugely accomplished people like Oprah Winfrey, Hugh Jackman, Serena Williams and Bill Clinton.

May 8, 9am. Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Dr., www. anthonyrobbinssg.com. $295-3,995.

festivals

HAPPENINGS

Onsight Climbing

Singapore HeritageFest This annual festival pays tribute to Singapore‘s heritage with a series of activities and exhibitions at various venues across the island. Check out their website for more details on the events. Through May 18. Various venues. www.heritagefest.sg.

Letter to Ubin—A Workshop with Inch Chua Local singer-songwriter darling Inch Chua hosts a workshop for anyone interested in the life of an islander musician. She’ll be discussing how she translates the island’s sounds and incorporates them into her music. Register at residency@tav.org.sg.

May 16, 9am & 3pm. Pulau Ubin. $15

SG Free-fty

Sentosa (www.sentosa.com.sg) joins in on the SG50 fun to give visitors free entry to the island for the rest of the year—but only if you walk into the island via the Sentosa Boardwalk—all day, every day and even on public holidays. If you drive, there’s free entry for cars and taxis on weekdays after 5pm, excluding public holidays. Plus, a bunch of attractions, like MegaZip Adventure Park and Wave House Sentosa, will also be offering discounted rates until May 31.

photographer and artist, Maika Elan, in the spotlight.

She’ll be talking about her works and processes at this open forum. May 11, 7:30pm. The Treetop, 5/F *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link , www.invisiblephotographer. asia. Free from Eventbrite.

Mother’s Day Garden Party Aside from an outdoor BBQ and 10-minute shoulderand-foot massages, there will be special activities and surprises lined up for the ladies at this garden-themed day. May 10, 12pm. Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore, 101 Siloso Road, 6275-0100, www.shangri-la.com. $158.

IPA Plug & Play: A Dialogue with Maika Elan The plug and play sessions returns with an artist talk and dialogue session that puts Vietnamese

Voilah!

The annual French festival is back with traditional gastronomic offerings like food markets and tasting sessions, arts and music showcases and Frenchlanguge film screenings. Plus, there’s a special tribute to the world of The Little Prince ahead of the film’s release. Through Jun 21. Various venues, www.voilah.sg

sports 24SEVENS Soccer enthusiasts listen up: compete with other teams at this seven-a-side amateur football festival. You’ll also get a chance to play alongside local football legends Abbas Saad and Nazri Nasir.

There will also be a pop-up bar, live music and a soccer skills corner. May 15, 6pm; May 16, 8am, 24sevensfootball.com. $888.

One: Warrior’s Quest Expect over 12,000 mixed martial arts (MMA) fans at this match that pits Koji “The Commander” Ando against Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki. While Ando has come out of a five win streak, Aoki remains the champion of the lightweight category. May 22, 7pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $38-158 from Sportshubtix .

National Vertical Marathon Organized by NTU Sports Club, participants will climb 63 stories, which will no doubt make your quads burn the day after. May 24. One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, nvm.ntusportsclub.sg. $20 -30.

NIGHTLIFE Epic presents Dyro The Dutch DJ has made a huge splash in the electronic music industry recently. He was ranked No. 27 in DJ Mag‘s Top 100 poll in 2014 and he‘ll be spinning hit songs like “The Hound” and “Against All Odds” at his debut here. May 15, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.

Modern Love with weelikeme & CatsOnCrack While poptart may be on a hiatus, there’s a new series in town. Modern Love has a night of grooves and beats with DJs Cats On Crack and weelikeme spinning the decks. It’s all about house and indie discco music at this new themed night . May 15, 9pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $20 -25.

Kilo Lounge presents: Rampa The indie club-lounge brings in the Berlin-based DJ who helms the deck with his signature blend of house and techno music. This time, he’ll be

Download the free SG Now app www.sgnow.sg/app • Hundreds of listings, daily updates • Restaurants, bars and other openings • Save events to your calendar

supported by local DJs Zig Zach and Jeck Hyde. May 15, 10pm. Kilo, #08-01 66 Kampong Bugis, 64673987, www.kilokitchen.com. $20.

SG PICK

Mad Max: Fury Road This reboot of the successful Mad Max series sees Tom Hardy as the lead character who tries to survive a dystopian wasteland. He gets swept up with a group fleeing the Citadel, which has been tyrannized

by Immortan Joe. Also stars Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Nicholas Hoult Opens May 14.

HAPPY HOURS 7 great new drink deals to check out this week

Maggie Arnold Schwarznegger plays a doting father who, despite all the odds, keeps his daughter (Abigail Breslin) alive as she slowly turns into a zombie after being infected with a deadly disease. Opens May 14.

Zouk x Mixmag presents Cash Cash Three DJ best friends (and brothers) Jean Paul Makhlouf, Alex Makhlouf and Samuel Frisch make up Cash Cash, a trio known for infectious dance pop tracks and vibrant remixes. You‘ll recognize hits like “Take Me Home” from their EP, Overtime. May 8, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988 www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.

Zouk 24th Anniversary You know you‘re getting old when this landmark nightclub turns 24. This year, they‘ll be turning the mega space into a huge playground with tons of colors, mascots and, of course, great music by District 0, Hong and Matthew. May 22, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.

Full Steam Ahead The popular all-day beach party gets a reboot with an indie-disco focus. The roster includes music by Aeroplane, LouLou Players and Dave Does with two zones that features a DIY coconut bikini station, super soakers, tarot card readings and even snake charmers. May 23, 12pm. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, www.tanjongbeachclub.com. $60-75 from Peatix .

Pitch Perfect 2 The highly-anticipated sequel to this successful a cappella movie, it follows the lives of the underdog collegiate a cappella group, Barden Bellas, as they enter into an international competition no American team has ever won. Stars Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson. Opens May 14.

Spy Melissa McCarthy provides more comic relief as a shy CIA analyst who goes on a field mission to find an agent in trouble. She attempts to infiltrate the circle of a weapons dealer in Europe by using outrageous identities and James Bond-esque spy gadgets. Open May 21.

indie screenings Kaki Lima Short Film Competition A heritage film exchange with Penang’s Georgetown World Heritage, providing filmmakers a platform to show their projects, with titles like Irama Terakhir, My Island’s Best Kept Secret and The Last Show, which was directed by university students.

May 15, 8pm. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, 6298-2420, www.facebook.com/artistryspace. Free.

SG PICK

FILM

cinema highlights Hot Pursuit Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon team up for a classic police chase movie, this time with all-female leads. Witherspoon plays an uptight and by-the-book cop who has to protect the beautiful and outgoing widow of a drug lord in Texas. Opens May 7.

Play It Cool Starring Chris Evans, Michelle Monaghan and Aubrey Plaza, it’s all about a young man who falls out of luck in love but then meets a charming woman (Monaghan), who happens to be engaged, at a charity dinner. How ever will he win her over? Opens May 7.

25th European Union Film Festival This year‘s edition of everything European has a star-studded lineup of films like France‘s The Connection, Austria‘s The Silent Mountain and Norway‘s Pioneer. Plus, each screening also comes with a short, too. Tickets can be purchased at Golden Village. May 13-24.

Various venues. www.euff.sg.

Stay in the Loop Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at sgnow.sg/newsletters

Highlander

The Lighthouse

Highlander The place: A Scottish restaurant and bar that’s open until the wee hours of the morning and offering a happy hour until 9pm every day.

The deal: Half off all draft beers, house wines, single malts of the month and whisky cocktails like Robbie Burns (whisky, absinthe, sweet vermouth and bitters). #B1-05 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., 6339-1239, www.highlanderasia.com Lantern The place: The picturesque rooftop bar perched on top of Fullerton Bay Hotel has always been a hit for the gorgeous views of Marina Bay and the breezy poolside atmosphere.

The deal: They’ve got beers, wines and housepour spirits going for $16 on weekends (3:30-7:30pm).

R/F The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, 6597-5299, www.fullertonbayhotel.com The Lighthouse The place: Fullerton Hotel’s majestic rooftop bar is all about gazebos and elegant patio furniture.

The deal: No drink deals per se, but there are free plates of garlic focaccia, truffle frittata and salami when you order any of their cocktails any day of the week.

8/F The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 6877-8140, www.fullertonhotel.com Nude Seafood The place: The CBD seafood-centric lunch joint may not come to mind for happy hour, but is still inviting for quick after-work drinks.

The deal: There are special prices for drinks from 5-7pm daily, with a selection of craft beers like Ginga Kogen ($10) and boutique wines like

One-Ninety

Picpoul de Pinet Languedoc ($7), as well as a syrah, grenache, carignan red wine ($8). #01-02 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, 12 Marina Blvd., 6443-1167.

One-Ninety The place: Four Seasons’ plush hotel lobby cocktail bar, conceptualized by famed martini bartender Javier de las Muelas, now has a Friday night happy hour.

The deal: From 6-8pm, you get one-for-one craft cocktails including the popular tropical Singapore Sangria ($128/pitcher) with dragonfruit and mangosteen, as well as the signature dry martinis ($22).

L/F Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Blvd., 6831-7250, www.fourseasons.com/ singapore Papa Shop The place: The craft beer stall and takeaway shop in Kallang is a friendly no-frills joint with plenty of outdoor seats.

The deal: The new daily happy hour (5-7pm) involves draft Archipelago beers at $9 and an all-night happy hour on draft beer on Saturdays. #01-K2 CT Hub, 2 Kallang Ave., 9191-0677, www.facebook.com/thepapashop The Quarters The place: Famed for the durian creme brulee and locally-inspired comfort food.

The deal: From 5-7pm, buckets of five Peronis ($38) get you a side of fries with salted egg yolk aioli during happy hour. But if you’re not in the mood for beers, the cafe also pours house wines and Yamazaki whiskey. #01-09 Icon Village, 16 Enggor St., 68344174, www.thequarters.sg. LETITIA TANDEAN

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

11

eats

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

Cheap Thrills Singapore’s most delicious no-frills food, according to its fanciest chefs. By Letita Tandean Pu Tien Restaurant

Paul Longworth

I

n a city so focused on the next celebrity chef and hot new opening, we can’t forget about the cheap and easy gems that makes our food scene so great. Here are where Singapore’s hottest chefs go to dine, whether it’s a hawker stall or a xiao long bao joint.

Violet Oon owner of Violet Oon’s Kitchen (www.violetoonskitchen.com) The place: Shunfu Food Centre’s humble Vegetarian Food stall (#01-07, Blk 320 Shunfu Rd., 9642-6646).

The order: Fried beehoon (from $2).

Alex Phan

The rave: “I’ll top it with various mock meats and fried cabbage, but I always ask for both the sambal chili sauce, as well as the green sliced pickled chili.”

Violet Oon

Omar Bernardi chef at Dolce Vita (www.mandarinoriental.com) The place: Keisuke Gyoza King (#01-15 Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, 68046674, www.keisuke.sg), the ramen empire’s gyoza-centric fifth branch.

The order: Gyoza Set ($13.90). It comes with dumplings, side dishes, rice and soup.

Din Tai Fung

The rave: “It’s a good spot to have dinner because it’s efficient, convenient and tasty. And the portions are quite generous.”

Leong Khai Git chef at Dibs (www.dibs.sg) The place: Indian restaurant Samy’s Curry (25 Dempsey Rd., 6472-2080, www.samyscurry.com), which recently moved to shinier digs, though the menu and quality remain the same.

The order: Briyani rice ($3.60) with dry masala chicken curry ($5), mutton mysore ($4.50) and fish head curry ($20).

Leong Khai Git

The rave: “Like doesn’t really quite cut it—I love how it’s so spicy and so rich. The spice combination and strength is to die for, and the vegetables and dahl that comes with it, are simply amazing.”

Samy’s Curry

Alex Phan chef at Sorrel (www.sorrel.sg) The place: Song Kee Fishball Noodle (532 Upper Serangoon Rd.) While the place is dingy with bright orange walls and cement floors, everything is handmade.

The order: Fishball noodles ($4).

The rave: “They still sell until 1 or 2am, which is important for a chef doing dinner service. It’s my favorite place to go after work as they do everything by hand, like the fish balls, noodles and fish cakes.”

Omar Bernadi

Isaac Tan

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

chef at Bedrock Bar & Grill (www.bedrock.com.sg) The place: Unpretentious chain Pu Tien Restaurant (127 Kitchener Rd., 6295-6358, www.putien.com) that’s famous for its regional Chinese fare.

The order: Drunken cockles ($8.90).

The rave: “I love this restaurant because of its affordability and quality home-cooked fare. One dish that I always order is the drunken cockles because I love how the flavor of the garlic and chili marries the freshness of the cockles.”

Tapas, thosai, teppanyaki—we love it all s g n o w . s g

12

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

eats Nixon Low

BUDGET BOOZE

chef at Portico (www.portico.sg)

Where to get drinks under $15

The place: The Magic of Chongqing Hot Pot (#04-06 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd., 6734-8135, www.chinesefeasts.com.sg), which is decked out in wooden screens and lanterns, serves steamboat buffets of fish paste, pork balls, pig fillet and baby bok choy.

No. 5 Emerald Hill This Peranakan-style dive bar is on perpetual happy hour.

House pours and house wines go for $9 before 9pm, while a pair of martinis goes for $21 after 9pm. Be sure to get the Earl Grey Martini and Dirty Martini for maximum kick.

5 Emerald Hill Rd., 67320818, www.emerald-hill. com

The order: Steamboat buffet, obviously.

The rave: “It is only $20 per head for the buffet and the food is value-for-money. The no-frills place presents itself as a comfort food destination, especially on a cold rainy day.”

Jason Tan

Antonio Facchinetti

Masashi Asai

chef at Corner House (www.cornerhouse.com.sg) The place: JB Ah Meng (2 Lorong 23 Geylang, 6741-2418), a late-night coffee shop in Geylang with breezy outdoor tables.

The order: White pepper crab ($24), seafood hor fun with egg gravy ($5.50) and stir-fried la la Filipino clams ($16).

Does Your Mother Know It may be a choice place to party but it’s pretty chill on Sundays and Mondays where gin and tonics, typically priced at $12, are one-for-one. They also use Gentleman’s pours, meaning your get 45ml of alcohol instead of a standard 30ml.

41 Neil Rd., 6224-3965, www.dymk.sg

The rave: “Not only is the food very tasty, the prices are really affordable. This tze char place is also open until late in the night, which is great for a chef as we have long working hours and can still make it there for supper.”

Paul Longworth chef-owner at Rhubarb le Restaurant (www.rhubarb.sg) The place: Small stall-turned-major restaurant, G7 Sinma Live Seafood Restaurant (Lorong 3 161 Geylang Rd., 6743-2201) serves over 150 dishes—mostly seafood—among the garish red lights.

Keisuke Gyoza King

The order: Clay pot frog porridge ($22).

Neon Pigeon The hip and happening new izakaya on Keong Saik Road is surprisingly affordable. Their menu boasts cocktails like the Ichigo-en with jasmine tea-infused sake and prosecco ($14), as well as beers like Hitachino nest white ale ($13) and Kinsachi red miso lager ($14).

1A Keong Saik Rd., 62223623, www.neonpigeonsg. com

The rave: “The frog porridge with spring onion and dried chili is simply amazing. The sauce and tender bull frogs go well together and the porridge is noteworthy as it’s thick and rich, but still light. They always have deals on the frogs like buy three get two.”

Masashi Asai chef at Bincho (www.bincho.com.sg) The place: Chicken House (225A Upper Thomson Rd., 6456-0698). The no-frills coffee shop specializes in kampong chicken rice, so while it may not be fat and juicy it’s still fresh and moist. You can also get sides of chicken liver and deep-fried tofu.

The order: Chicken rice ($8/portion for two).

The rave: “I always order this dish when I’m here. There are plenty of chicken rice places but this one is great as the quality of the chicken is amazing and because it tastes so good, you don’t need to dip it in any chili or soy sauce. The rice is also very fragrant.”

Five Izakaya The name should give it away.

The often-raucous place pours out Asahi beers, house wines and selected spirits for $5 all day long. Plus, there are tons of locations around town, so just pick the one closest to you.

16 Collyer Quay, 9826-1049, www.fivebar.sg

The Magic of Chongqing Hot Pot

Benjamin Tan chef at The White Rabbit (www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg) The place: Soon Kee Hokkien Fried Noodles (#01-322, Li Soon Eating House, Blk 155 Bukit Batok St. 11).

The order: Hokkien Mee ($3).

The rave: “The cooking style here is amazing because the broth is seeped into the noodles. It’s actually inspired me to adopt a similar approach when creating some of The White Rabbit’s menu items like the Alaskan King Crab Tagliatelle.”

Nixon Low

Benjamin Tan

Jason Tan

Antonio Facchinetti chef at Prego (www.fairmont.com) The place: Din Tai Fung (#B1-03 Paragon Shopping Centre, 290 Orchard Rd., 6836-8336, www.dintaifung.com.sg), famous for its affordable soup dumplings and la mian noodle dishes.

The order: Xiao long bao ($7.50/six pieces) The rave: “I love how the restaurant has maintained consistency in its dining concept at all its outlets. What I enjoy most of all is the exceptional variety of dishes on its menu.”

Sebastian Lepinoy

FOC Everything is made to order and cocktails like Madame Butterfly, with gin, lavenderhoney infusion and rose water, go for $13. There are also experimental creations like Blacked Out in Bangkok ($13.50) with lemongrassginger cachaca and jasmine tea infusion.

40 HongKong St., 61004040, www.focrestaurant. com

chef at Les Amis (www.lesamis.com.sg) The place: Two decade-old Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant (#01-59 Blk. 55 Tiong Bahru Rd., 6223-0810, www.sinhoisai.com). It’s a fuss-free eating house with fresh, live seafood tanks.

The order: The black pepper crab ($60/kg).

The rave: “You can find me here at least twice a week. The crabs here are affordable and never leave me disappointed.”

Isaac Tan

Sebastian Lepinoy

Hungry?

Your guide to some 200 affordable eats, hidden finds and mid-range gems all across Singapore. Download the ebook from sgnow.sg/eats and read it on the go

Your ultimate guide to 200 fun and fabulous eateries around singapore—from brunch places to late-night hot spots

In partnershIp wIth:

www.sgnow.sg

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

13

eats Send your food news to food@asia-city.com.sg

NEW AND NOTED

NEW BAR Copper

with Letitia Tandean

Shin Gi Tai

Kitchen Culture

Shin Gi Tai (#01-04 51 Waterloo St., 9768-4132, www.facebook.com/shingitai. waterloo) is a new Japanese-style bar by head bartender and co-owner Anthony Zhong. The cozy craft cocktail bar looks and feels like someone’s kitchen, with muted earthy tones but with a sleek, polished finish. Although the menu is small, it focuses on classic cocktails with a twist like the Negroni ($20) and Sidecars ($20).

Mischief Managed

Three local celebs—Cynthia Koh, Michelle Cheong and Daniel Ong—have opened new cafe Mischief (#01-12 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6532-0481, www. facebook.com/mischiefasf). It’s all about American street food like hot dogs, quesadillas and tacos with hearty dishes like Philly cheesesteak ($20) and St Louis ribs ($25) with fries on the

14

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

Mischief

menu. The restaurant takes over the space formerly occupied by Sauce and retains the long bar for casual drinks.

The buzz: Possibly breaking The Cufflink Club’s cocktail stronghold on Jiak Chuan is a hidden gin bar and degustation restaurant with a steampunk sensibility.

Foodie Capital

The decor: Lots of copper accents, as well distressed wooden tables and long leather booths that flank one side of the narrow bar.

The newly-refurbished Capitol Theatre is also home to mall Capitol Piazza (15 Stamford Rd.) with tons of dining options.

Although it’s not fully-opened, there are restaurants like Dazzling Cafe (#01-85), a twee Taiwanese cafe serving things like matcha toast, as well as London’s Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant (#0227) that sells their famed roast duck marinated in special spices. There’s also a hip pizza joint Spizza Mercato (#B252), which also features a retail section.

But if drinks are what you crave, there’s TAP Craft Beer Bar (#01-88/90) that’s slated to open in mid-May with all sorts of craft beers on tap and by the bottle.

The drinks: The drinks list focuses on gin, with 30 bottles like Sipsmith Sloe and Citadelle. Customized G&Ts (all $18) range from apple to coriander and tom yum, with special $10 G&Ts Mondays to Wednesdays. The enomatic machines pump out pre-bottled creations like the Copper Avenue with Amaretto, bourbon and vermouth ($18).

The food: There are mixed regional options like meatballs ($16), spiced lamb koftas with harissa mayo ($18) and spam and fries ($9) that pair well with drinks.

And while the babi guling tacos ($18) are far from authentic, they’re a great mouthful of indulgent spiced pork belly.

Why you’ll be back: The G&Ts are different but refreshing. And while it’s lesser-known, it’s a great respite for afterwork drinks in the area.

10 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6222-5565, www. coppersingapore.com. Open Mon-Wed 6pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 6pm-3am.

LETITIA TANDEAN

Foodie gossip For weekly updates on new restaurants, bars and events on The Dish. Sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE

A Day with Mom by the River 6 great ideas for treating the most special lady in your life this Mother’s Day (May 10).

Enoteca L’Operetta Decked out in refreshing shades of white, this homey Italian restaurant is plush and airy. It dishes out a range of classics from risottos and pastas to Neapolitanstyle pizzas and a signature 1kg Florence-style steak.

78-79 Boat Quay, 6438-2482, www.operetta.sg.

Enoteca L’Operetta

Studio M

The modern riverside hotel is a stone’s throw away from the coolest brunch places in Robertson Quay.

Weekend getaways with mom mean that you’ll be checking into a spacious Studio or Premier Loft room with free breakfast for two. Take advantage of the hotel’s alfresco rooftop pool, where you can also get buffet breakfast, too.

Plus, you’ll get at 15% discount when you book.

3 Nanson Rd., 6806-8888, www.millenniumhotels.

Studio M com.sg/studiomhotelsingapore

Rosso Vino This casual Italian restaurant pushes out authentic plates of favorites like pizzas, pastas and lots of freshly-grilled fish like sea bass and Norwegian salmon.

The pretty alfresco space, lit by dangling fairy lights, also has a range of cocktails like apple martinis and Cosmopolitans for when you and your mom want to let your hair down.

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

Ô Comptoir The airy French creperie perched on the corner of Circular Road is popular for both dinners and desserts. The chilled out vibe is perfect for grabbing a casual brunch with mom because this Mother’s Day, they’ve got a special brunch set that includes two hot drinks, juice, a sweet treat and an option to make your own crepe.

Plus, moms get a complimentary glass of Champagne, too.

79 Circular Rd., 6534-7645, www.facebook.com/ OComptoirSG.

Southbridge

O Comptoir

If you’ve got a mom who likes to let loose, this beautiful rooftop bar with fantastic views of the CBD and Marina Bay is sure to be a hit. Pop open a bottle of bubbly and tuck in to a tray of oysters like the addictive Unifeller with cheese and uni.

80 Boat Quay, 6536-5818, www.southbridge.sg.

Marco Marco The new Italian-tinged restaurant and bar on Circular Road is full of cheeky interpretations of cultural dishes. On the menu are sandwiches cheekily named after cities like Mumbai, stuffed with tandoori chicken, as well as pastas like Singapore made with prawns and laksa cream sauce.

23 Circular Rd., www.marcomarco. com.sg

Southbridge

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

15

CreDit: Singapore touriSm BoarD

Friends visiting Singapore?

Why Sims is Singapore’s next hot ‘hood

Send them this nifty guide! From a primer on ordering kopi to the best drinking and dining spots in the CBD, we show you how to navigate the city like a pro.

+

hot new restaurants great fitness options

Best bars and restaurants Neighborhood guides Awesome local brands

In partnership with:

exciting urban developments

Download the guide at is.gd/discoversims

A product of:

Find out how our custom content solutions can help you

Download the guide now from is.gd/BT2015

Email: customcontent@ asia-city.com.sg or call 6323 2512

Brought to you by:

A product of:

Creating Thoughtful Spaces

The best of Singapore’s bar culture, from bespoke cocktails to rare spirits to local flavors. s g n o w. s g

Traveling to Thailand?

To celebrate its 55th anniversary, Thai Airways brings you Essential Eating in Bangkok, an insider’s guide to the best restaurants and bars in town. Don’t miss the curated collection of fine dining, casual restaurants and bars with personality— and of course, tips from local experts. There’s even a section on the best seafood in Hua Hin and Lanna cuisine delights in Chiang Mai.

Treasure trove of Tipples

Download the guide at is.gd/BKessentialeats.

Supported by:

www.facebook.com/tat.sg

Brought to you by:

A product of:

Download the guide at is.gd/AMEXTTT

Brought to you by:

A product of:

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

island

MALL ALERT Ra Ra Taka Orchard Road stalwart Takashimaya Shopping Centre (291 Orchard Rd., www.takashimaya.com.sg) has got a lot of buzz lately, particularly around the third floor (from where Books Kinokuniya moved a floor up last year.) Now, at least two new shops have arrived. There’s Rue Madame (#03-13), a multi-label Parisian fashion store with clothes and accessories by the likes of Iro and Servane Gaxotte, and if that’s not enough Frenchness for you, Gallic brand American Vintage (#03-13B) has also opened next door, with its geometric, monochromatic apparel for men and women.

POP-UP Get Moving

Socially-conscious publication and store, Be Movement (#01-20 Liang Court, 177 River Valley Rd., www.bemovement.com) has opened a retail pop-up store. Open until Sep 2015, it carries a range of artisanal products like watches by Alchemist Creations, made using recycled soft drink cans, whimsical handmade crochet items by Kartina’s Rasta Crochet and even hand-crafted ceramics by Studio Asobi where 20% of the proceeds are donated to the homeless. Plus, everything is made in Singapore or nearby countries like Thailand and Hong Kong.

DIGITAL Grab Taxi Cheap

GrabTaxi’s pretty belated answer to UberX is here. Last year, the popular taxi app launched GrabCar, which offered not official taxis but chauffeured cars a la Uber, including six and 13-seater options. Now, they’re splitting GrabCar further into GrabCar+ (fancy rides in BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes) and the more affordable GrabCar (humble Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics, etc). Guess which ones will be easier to book in a rainstorm. The GrabTaxi app is available free for iOS and Android.

STYLE TGIF

Just when you’ve about managed to navigate around VivoCity, there’s a new shop on board. Multi-brand lifestyle store Weekends (#B1-10 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, www.weekends.com.sg) stocks 14 international brands that sell everything from stationery to jewelry and home decor. And while it’s a little more targeted at the ladies, there are fun ceiling lights in the shape of balloons

by Brokis, minimalist gold-tinged wall clocks by Acctim and highly-coveted Jonathan Adler accessories ranging from coasters to journals. Prices range from $6.90 for a notebook to $650 for ceiling lights.

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

17

Ahmed Amanatullah

island s g n o w. s g

TOP LISTS

HOT NEWS

NEW BARs

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Yabba-Dabba Yishun There’s more to the extreme north than just the zoo. We stumbled upon a bunch of cool new arrivals, tasty eats and possibly even our new favorite hangout spots. By SG Editorial

COOL EVENTS

NEW RESTAURANTs

Sembawang Park

T

here’s plenty to love about Yishun and adjacent Sembawang: sea views, great local food and lots of green space to frolic in. On our last trip there, we also discovered tons of hip places to eat and drink and some cool new developments that make us wish we actually lived there. Here’s the lowdown.

FUN QUIZZES Which Singaporean hawker dish are you? dish are you?

Which Singaporean hawker

QUIZZES

Where to Eat

Daily updates on what’s new and where to go next

sgnow.sg

....is out now.

The 2015 edition of our luxury coffeetable publication captures the finer side of the city through compelling editorial and stunning photography.

It’s packed with top picks for dining, shopping, arts and more, alongside fascinating feature stories on up-andcoming neighborhoods and the most interesting destinations in Singapore.

Since it opened last year, hip homemade ice cream specialist Holy Cow Creamery (#01-291 Blk 292, 22 Yishun St., www. facebook.com/HolyCowCreamery.SG)has been packing in dessert-hungry folks. They also serve pretty good coffee made with beans from local coffee roasters Santiano.

Plus, new kid on the block RoyceMary Cafe (#01-13 8 Jalan Legundi, 6753-4224, www. roycemarycafe.com) seems to be the only third wave coffee place around the north.

It specializes in non-traditional signature concoctions, like espresso combined with ice-blended yuzu juice, honey and lime.

On the traditional and hawker fronts, the choices are endless. Standouts include Chong Pang Market & Food Centre (104 Yishun Ring Rd.), Yishun’s mainstay for cheap and cheerful eats like the boneless braised duck rice (#01-161), chwee kueh (#01-142) and mee hoon kueh (#01-154).

Nearby, the Chong Pang Nasi Lemak (447 Sembawang Rd., 6756-0048, www. chongpangnasilemak.com) shop is worth a pilgrimage, as is cult favorite Sembawang White Beehoon (22 Jalan Tampang, 98434699, www.whitebeehoon.com) inside the sleepy Jalan Legundi estate that is closer to Sembawang and notorious for its snaking queues during mealtimes. A close second for white beehoon—and not as crowded—is Sembawang Traditional Claypot Rice (4 Jalan Tampang, 6757-7144). Their version is topped with clams and chilli padi, and they also do a flavorful claypot rice. And beside Sembawang Shopping Centre is 24-hour prata place D’Rubinah Restaurant (592

Sembawang Rd., 6752-9947), which also serves South Indian and Thai Muslim food.

Where to Drink You know a hood is hot when it’s got bourbon and craft beer, and Yishun has both. Located near Khatib, Quench (#01-10 81 Lorong Chencharu, 62573657, www.quench.com) is a laidback craft beer joint that overlooks a tranquil pond. Their selection is pretty decent (and cheap compared to craft beer places around town) with a focus on Belgian beers and inexpensive commercial beer towers. And we adore biker bar Handlebar (57 Jalan Mempurong, 6475-9571, www.handlebaroriginal. com) outfitted in all sorts of motorbike accessories and the menu has stuff like hot wings and bourbon. You have to drive or ride through a dirt path to get here but it’s worth it. Also, a long-time resident of the north tipped us off about Flamingg Mangos (50 Jalan MaluMalu, Sembawang Springs Estate, www. flaminggmangos.com), a surprisingly cool grill and wine bar in a residential estate behind Sembawang Shopping Centre.

Where to Play At the site of the old Bottle Tree park is the brand-new Orto. This new park is packed with lots of dining and sporting activities. There’s paintball, futsal, 24-hour prawning and fishing, and it’s even home to Singapore’s biggest trampoline park.

On a more historical note, there’s also Sembawang Park (Sembawang

Rd.), the 15-hectare green lung that occupies the historic site of the British Royal Navy’s naval base and has a natural beach, fishing jetty and a restaurant inside the conserved colonial Beaulieu House. For late-night make-out spots, look no further than Lower Seletar Reservoir (Yishun Ave. 1) A treasured late-night hangout, Yishun Ave. 1 forms a dam across the scenic reservoir. There’s also a Water-Venture (100 Yishun Ave. 1, 9710-1826, www.facebook.com/ waterventure), water sports center here. Yishun and Sembawang are both great for cycling as there are plenty of dedicated bike paths either already built or in the works.

Where To Live With all this action and new infrastructural development, Yishun’s property prices won’t stay low for long. There are lots of new and upcoming condos, such as Northpark Residences (www. northparkresidences.sg) right above Yishun MRT and the soon-to-berevamped Northpoint mall, the forthcoming The Brownstone (www. cdl.com.sg) next to the future Canberra MRT station and the forthcoming Nine Residences (www.cel-development. com.sg), to name a few. The highestprofile one has to be Northpark Residences (www.northpointcity.com. sg) right smack above Yishun MRT and the to-be-revamped Northpoint mall. Other developments of note are Victory 8 (www.victory8.com.sg), the forthcoming Nine Residences and two new as-yet-unnamed developments by property giant CDL

It’s the perfect souvenir for visitors to take home.

Available for purchase at $20*.

Contact us at 6323-2512 or email where@asia-city.com.sg if you’d like to purchase a copy. * Additional delivery charges may apply outside of Singapore A product of:

wheresingapore.com Where you are. Where you’re going.

18

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

Quench

Holy Cow Creamery

FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE

LIVE FROM

LAS VEGAS

1 8 M AY M O N D AY 9 : 0 0 A M PRIMETIME ENCORE 9:00PM

Ch 318

To subscribe to Singtel TV, call 1609 or visit singteltv.com.sg today!

Ch 509

To subscribe to StarHub TV, visit www.starhub.com/tv

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news

EVENTS

To Fly For

pass and RM150 ($56.20) for a two-day pass. www.kkjazzfest.com.

Imam Hartoyo

escapes

KOREA Ultra Music Festival

When: Jun 12-13 What: This mega-music festival is heading to Asia for the first time and its first stop is South Korea. Headliners include David Guetta, Knife Party, Alesso and Hardwell.

Where: Seoul Olympic Stadium Complex Price: Tickets start at 120,000 won ($148). www.umfkorea.com.

Here are six exciting events happening around the region in May and June. By Joyce See Waisak

Affordable Art Fair

HONG KONG Affordable Art Fair

When: May 22-24 What: Over 130 galleries will be on display at the third edition of the AFF in Hong Kong. You’ll find paintings, prints, sculpture and photography, with works starting from HK$1,000 ($176).

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Prices: Tickets start at HK$150 ($26) and go up to HK$200 ($35). www. affordableartfair.com/hongkong.

The Sound of Music

When: May 15-Jun 14 What: One of the world’s most iconic musicals is coming to Hong Kong. It tells the story of a governess who changes the MML Ad 170 x 254 PRINT.pdf

Y

20

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015

1

29/4/15

lives of the widowed Captain Von Trapp and his seven kids by re-introducing them to music.

Where: Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Price: Tickets start at HKD395 ($69) and go up to HKD995 ($176). www.soundofmusic. com.hk.

THAILAND Laguna Phuket Marathon

When: Jun 7 What: The 10th edition of Phuket’s biggest marathon returns with categories for all abilities, including a 10.5km run and 5km walk. The route takes you through scenic local villages and pineapple and rubber plantations.

Where: Phuket.

2:35 pm

Price: Race fees start at THB2,700 ($111) for a 10.5km run and go up to THB3,900 ($161) for a full marathon. www.phuketmarathon.com.

MALAYSIA KK Jazz Festival

When: Jun 12-13 Where: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

What: This highly-anticipated jazz extravaganza will see both international and local artists take the stage, with proceeds going to various charities.

Price: From RM100 ($37.45) for a one-day

Insider travel tips

INDONESIA Waisak

When: Jun 2 What: Every year, people gather at the magnificent 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple that plays host to the Vesak festival. Even if you’re non-Buddhist, the festivities still make for quite a sight.

Don’t miss the hundreds of lanterns that will be released into the night sky.

Where: Borobudur, Central Java. www.indonesia.travel. Free entry.

Sign up to Escape Routes, our weekly travel newsletter at sgnow.sg/newsletters

Week of May 8 © 2015 Rob Brezsny

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

TAURUS (APR 20-MAY 20): Here’s one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health: Withdraw your attention from the life that lies behind you, and be excited about the life that stretches ahead of you.

Forget about the past and get wildly inventive as you imagine the interesting future you will create for yourself. Forgive everyone who has offended you and fantasize about the fun adventures you’ll go on, the inspiring plans you’ll carry out and the invigorating lessons you hope to learn.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In the children’s book The Little Engine That Could, a little blue engine volunteers to pull a long chain of train cars up a steep hill, even though it’s not confident it has the power to do so. As it strains to haul the heavy weight, it recites a mantra to give itself hope: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” The story ends happily. The little blue engine reaches the top of the hill with its many cars in tow, and is able to glide down the rest of the way. As you deal with your own challenge, Gemini, I recommend that you use an even more forceful incantation.

Chant this: “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can.”

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Here’s a confession: I have taken a vow to foster beauty, truth, love, justice, equality, tolerance, creativity, playfulness and hope. To do this work is one of my life goals. I approach it with the devotion of a monk and the rigor of a warrior. Does that mean I ignore difficulty and suffering and cruelty? Of course not.

I’m trying to diminish the power of those problems, so I sure as hell better know a lot about them. On the other hand, my main focus is on redemption and exaltation. I prefer not to describe in detail the world’s poisons, but rather to provide an antidote for them. Even if you don’t normally share my approach, Cancerian, I invite you to try it for the next two weeks. The astrological time is right.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): The hill where I take my late afternoon hikes is teeming with the six-petaled purple wildflower known as the elegant cluster-lily. Every one of them—and there are hundreds—lean hard in the direction of the sun in the west. Should I deride them as conformists that follow the law of the pack? Should I ridicule them for their blind devotion? Or should I more sensibly regard them as having a healthy instinct to gravitate toward the life-giving light?

I’ll go with the latter theory. In that spirit, Leo, I urge you to ignore the opinions of others as you turn strongly toward the sources that provide you with essential nourishment.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Am I reading the astrological omens correctly? I hope so. From what I can tell, you have been flying under the radar and over the rainbow.

You have been exploiting the loopholes in the big bad system and enjoying some rather daring experiments with liberation. At this point in the adventure, you may be worried that your lucky streak can’t continue much longer. I’m here to tell you that it can. It will. It must. I predict that your detail-loving intelligence will paradoxically guide you to expand your possibilities even further.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): According to the three science fiction films collectively known as The Matrix, we humans suffer from a fundamental delusion. What we think is real life is actually a sophisticated computer simulation.

Intelligent machines have created this dream world to keep us in suspended animation while they harvest our energy to fuel their civilization. Now as far as I can tell, this scenario isn’t literally true. But it is an apt metaphor for how many of us seem to be half-asleep or under a spell, lost in our addiction to the simulated world created by technology. I bring this to your attention, Libra, because now is a favorable time to diminish the hold that the metaphorical Matrix has on you. What can you do to at least partially escape your bondage? (Hint: A little more contact with nature could do the trick.)

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In the coming weeks, you may be as alluring and intriguing and tempting as you have been in a long time. I suggest you capitalize on this advantage. Proceed as if you do indeed have the

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID THA

power to attract more of the emotional riches you desire.

Assume that are you primed to learn new secrets about the arts of intimacy, and that these secrets will make you even smarter and more soulful than you already are.

Cultivate your ability to be the kind of trusted ally and imaginative lover who creates successful relationships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Physicist Frank Wilczek won a Nobel Prize for his research into quarks, the tiny particles that compose protons and neutrons. The guy is breathtakingly smart. Here’s one of his operating principles: “If you don’t make mistakes, you’re not working on hard enough problems. And that’s a big mistake.” Let’s enshrine his advice as your meditation, Sagittarius. I think you’re strong enough and brave enough to go hunting for some new super-rich dilemmas. Yes, they may lead you to commit some booboos. But they will also stretch your intelligence beyond its previous limits, giving you a more vigorous understanding of the way the world works.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): In 1934, Capricorn baseball player Dizzy Dean was named the Most Valuable Player after winning 30 games. It was a feat that no National League pitcher has repeated ever since. After Dean retired, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Never shy about acknowledging his own prowess, he declared: “If you can do it, it ain’t bragging.” It is in this spirit that I invite you to freely expound on your talents and accomplishments in the coming week. You won’t be boasting. You will simply be providing information. And that will ultimately result in you being offered an interesting new opportunity or two.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): There has rarely been a better time than now to refine the art of being your own mommy or daddy. You’re finally ready to take over from the parental voices in your head and assume full responsibility for raising yourself the rest of the way. What do you want to be when you grow up? You may feel a giddy sense of freedom as it becomes clear that the only authority who has the right to answer that question is you.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The universe has always played tricks on you. Some have been so perplexing that you’ve barely understood the joke. Others have been amusing but not particularly educational. Now I sense a new trend in the works, however. I suspect that the universe’s pranks are becoming more comprehensible. They may have already begun to contain hints of kindness. What’s the meaning of this lovely turn of events? Maybe you have finally discharged a very old karmic debt. It’s also conceivable that your sense of humor has matured so much that you’re able to laugh at some of the crazier plot twists. Here’s another possibility: You are cashing in on the wisdom you were compelled to develop over the years as you dealt with the universe’s tricks.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Benedictine monks observe the Latin motto Laborare est Orare. The 19th-century abbot Maurus Wolter interpreted these words to mean “work is worship” or “work is prayer.” He was trying to impress upon his fellow monks that the work they did was not a grudging distraction from their service to God, but rather at the heart of their devotion. To do their tasks with love was a way to express gratitude for having been blessed with the gift of life. I propose that you experiment with this approach in the coming weeks, even if your version is more secular. What would it be like to feel contentment with and appreciation for the duties you have been allotted?

3 WAYS

SG DISTRIBUTION

All free! every two weeks

To never miss an issue

1 PICK up SG at over 200 venues ARAB STREET/KAMPONG GLAM · Artistry Cafe · Working Title · BEACH ROAD · Blu Jaz · The Plaza L1 Office Lobby Reception · BOAT QUAY · Enoteca L’Operetta · Harry’s @ Boat Quay · Southbridge · The Arts House at Old Parliament · Timbre @ The Arts House · London · O Comptoir · BUGIS · Hood Bar and Cafe · Essensuals

by Toni & Guy @ Bugis · K Suites @ Bugis+ · Kapok @ National Design Centre · Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Cafe · Tony’s Pizza @ Bugis · BUKIT TIMAH · The Great Beer Experiment @ Pasar Bella · CHINATOWN · Ô Batignolles · The Chamber · The Muffinry · Wa-Cafe · Morsi & Sorsi · CITY HALL · Smoothie King @ Suntec City · The Soup Spoon @ Suntec City · The Soup Spoon @ Raffles City Shopping Centre · Barossa @ Esplanade · Coffee Club @ Millenia Walk · Outback Steak House · Paulaner Brauhaus · Timbre @ The Substation · Ice Cold B’s · Brotzeit @ Raffles City · Coffee Club @ Raffles City Shopping · MICA Office Lobby Reception · The Substation · Front Row · Loof · Dome Café @ Singapore Art Museum · Privé CHIJMES · WineBos · CLARKE QUAY · Brewerkz · KURO Restaurant + Bar · Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk · Wings · The

Central L1 Customer Service · Crazy Elephant · DEMPSEY · Taphouse by Brewerkz · Jones The Grocer · White Rabbit · House, Barracks & Camp · Dome Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot Brewhouse · DHOBY GHAUT · Kith Café @ Park Mall · Dôme @ Plaza Singapura · EAST · SandBank · Tolido's Espresso Nook · The Tuckshop · City Square Mall Customer Service Counter · Loysel’s Toy · Morsels · HARBOURFRONT · King Louis · Prive Bakery Café · Brotzeit @ Vivo City · Coffee Club @ Harbourfront Centre · HOLLAND VILLAGE · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Holland Village · Barossa @ Holland V · Harry’s @ Holland Village · Wala Wala · Fosters - An English Rose Café · MARINA BAY · Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria @ Marina Bay Sands · Erwin’s Gastrobar · The Coffee Bean @ Marina Bay Sands · Bazin · Salad Stop @ MBFC · Smoothie King @ MBFC · MOHAMED SULTAN / ROBERTSON QUAY · Kith Café @ Watermark · Harry’s @ Pier Robertson · Blow+Bar · Wine Connection Cheese Bar @ Robertson Walk · Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro @ Robertson Walk · Toby’s Estate · En Grill and Bar · Singapore Repertory Theatre · NOVENA · Kitchenette

2 eBook: every issue delivered to your inbox

= new venues

ORCHARD · Active Life Center · ION Concierge counter · The Marmalade Pantry · Balaclava · Coffee Club @ Paragon · Dome Café @ Paragon · Dôme @ Scotts Square · PS.Cafe @ Paragon · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Paragon · Dome Café @ Shaw House · Saveur · Sky Pilates · Smoothie King @ Centerpoint · Essensuals

by Toni & Guy @ Orchard Central · Hansel · Lawry’s The Prime Rib · Leftfoot @ Cineleisure · Rockstar by Soon Lee · RAFFLES PLACE · &SONS @ China Square Central · The Bank Bar & Bistro · Coffee Club @ One Raffles Quay · 1-Altitude · Coffee Club @ Raffles Place Square · Impact MMA @ Shenton House · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Republic Plaza · The Exchange · The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar · True Fitness @ Chevron House · Dome Café @ UOB Plaza 1 · Salad Stop @ One George Street · Boathouse · Kinki · Capital Square · Simply Sandwich · RIVER VALLEY · Erwin’s Gastrobar @ Valley Point · Five & Dime · Bangkok Jam · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Great World City · True Fitness @ Great World City · Tony’s Pizza @ River Valley · SENTOSA · Kith Café @ Sentosa Cove · Hard Rock Café RWS · iFly @ Sentosa · The Coffee

Bean & Tea Leaf @ Palawan Beach · Tanjong Beach Club · Wave House Sentosa · SOMERSET · Smoothie King @ 313 · Actually · Editor’s Market@Somerset · Dean & Deluca · Ice Cold Beer · No. 5 Emerald Hill · Oriole Café & Bar · Brotzeit @ 313@Somerset · Jibiru · KPO Café Bar · Porterhouse Butcher Bar · Toni & Guy @ Mandarin Gallery · TANGLIN · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Forum Galleria · K Suites @ Orchard Parade Hotel · Hard Rock Café · TANJONG PAGAR · Jekyll and Hyde · Foodology Fresh · GAEST · Kyo · 137 Telok Ayer Street Level 1 Reception · The Ogilvy Centre · Boulevard · Pacific Coffee Company @ Reddot Traffic · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ CPF Building · Red Dot Design Museum · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ International Plaza · The Coffee bean & Tea Leaf @ Fuji Xerox Tower · Broth · Latteria Mozzarella Bar · Sprmrkt · TIONG BAHRU · Tiong Bahru Bakery · Coq & Balls · Forty Hands · Books Actually · WEST · Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar · Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar · Salad Stop @ Fusionopolis · One Rochester · Nosh

3 Follow us on issuu at issuu.com/sg_magazine

Sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters

by Kathy Macleod

kathymacleod.blogspot.com

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

21

last word

Kenny Lim Depression, the local goth brand that started with a humble T-shirt store, has now been sold in London, Tokyo and Paris and last showed at this year’s Fashion Steps Out. Here, one half of the design duo tells Joyce See about the Singapore scene and how people used to snub local designers back in the day.

I was a very normal ACS boy. It was only when I went to NUS that I became a bit more rebellious.

because we’re local we can’t be creative; we can’t do fashion? That’s rubbish.

like that? We can have a very strong base here. So we were quite resistant to go overseas.

After I finished secondary school, I wanted to go to Lasalle but my mom said she’d disown me if I studied fashion. She didn’t speak to me for days until I said I was going to NUS.

I had a stylist walk into the store and telling us, “This is horrible. What were you thinking? This is so bad.” But if you want to be a creative, you have to have thick skin, take criticism and rise above that.

The industry people know us, the locals know us. But after nine years, our focus is changing; we’re going to look at the overseas market more because Singapore is too small.

It was during my army days that I suddenly realized Singapore is all about blending in and uniformity. And I didn’t want that.

It’s very cliche to say passion for fashion but you must love what you’re doing. It’s been nine years but I still get moments where I finish drawing something and I chuckle to myself and think, “Oh, that was brilliant.”

On a recent trip, I went into a random showroom in Paris and I was wowed. I literally felt myself stop breathing. But here, I’ve not had that wow factor. It’s very disappointing. I wish to have a like-minded circle who can talk about these things but we can’t seem to do that; everybody seems boring.

I got into the advertising industry and did copywriting.

That was when I was exposed to a bunch of artsy and free-spirited people and that’s where I met my business partner Andrew.

Our colleagues from back then would call us the depressed boys. I’d go to work and be depressed because advertising is a very cutthroat industry and it’s very fast-paced. I was moving up the ladder but it was super shag and super depressing.

When we started out nine years ago, we were literally a small T-shirt store in Far East Plaza. My mom was really upset. She said to me, “What? You got a degree for this?

It’s shameful to be selling clothes.” That motivated me to work double as hard to show this is not just for fun.

Over the years, we felt less satisfied and we started buying our own sewing machines and practicing. To be taken seriously, you don’t want to forever be a T-shirt store.

People used to come in and say, “Wow I love your designs—Japanese, huh?” And when I said I designed them, their faces would immediately change and they would walk out. At that time, I was really pissed. Just

This translates onto the garments and the buyers will know that the designer was having fun. That is why fast fashion to me is nothing. It’s just soulless pieces and there’s not much love.

Today, people come up to me and ask for the local design section. It’s becoming cool to wear Singapore designers now.

It’s a far cry from where we were.

Staying friends with the right people will get you places—that’s just something we don’t believe in. We don’t belong in any cliques; some people might see it as arrogance but to me, it’s not having to play games and not getting distracted from we’re local any our vision and our work.

Just because we can’t do fashion?

That’s rubbish.

The local design scene has improved so much. There are very sophisticated and wearable designers who know their market and there are so many fashion events and platforms for younger designers.

Unfortunately, a lot of Singaporean designers might be very strong with their designs and the media knows them, but the locals don’t know them. You don’t see people wearing their clothes.

There is this perception that for Singaporeans to be famous, you have to take it overseas. But why must it be

I’ve met so many fashion students and designers who went to fashion school and they seem very textbook. Our designs are very deconstructed and I think it’s because we don’t have that fashion training and that allows us to create things so unabashedly different.

This name, it’s controversial. The label is not Depression is Cool, it’s just Depression. Our brand is very emo and very street goth style. We believe that life is not a bed of roses every day.

The truth is we’re not happy all the time. I don’t understand brands that are always happy with rainbows and all. Why must brands be so pretentiously happy when that’s not life?

SG HEROES Be part of our tribute to the city’s most inspiring individuals. Featuring 50 interviews and profiles covering musicians, filmmakers, creative leaders and more, it’s an opportunity to align your brand with Singapore’s most vibrant personalities.

Publication date: End June | Ad booking deadline: June 1 Call 6323-2512 or email sales@asia-city.com.sg

22

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2015