SG Magazine, Aug 7 by SG Magazine

w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

You’ve come a long way, baby

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #683 | AUGUST 7, 2015 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

what’s on what’s new what matters

Get in the SG50 spirit at Gillman Barracks, where veteran photographer Loke Hong Seng’s early Singapore images are on display. Turn to PHOTOGRAPHY , page 8 for his interview.

CITYSCAPE

DINING

NEIGHBORHOOD

TRAVEL

National Day Festivities

Cider Taste Test

Exploring Punggol

Hip Shanghai

w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Let's go to...

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #683 | AUG 7, 2015 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE

WEEKNIGHTS 11:45PM AUG 17

SEPT 3

CARPOOL KARAOKE

D&J UNDERWEAR

WITH

DAVID BECKHAM

JUSTIN

BEIBER

WITH

AUG 11

GOOFING OFF WITH

ONE

DIRECTION

Ch 318

Ch 509

page 3

16 signs you’re a #basic Singaporean

12 feature

Hot SG50 Fringe Events 6 films

8 interview

Films at the Fort

Photographing Singapore’s History

basic (adj) an individual who dresses, acts and behaves similarly to others; someone without individuality; lacks swag and uniqueness. 1. You actually go see Jack Neo movies. 2. You never eat a meal without photographing it first. 3. You unselfconsciously call yourself a foodie.

14 island

15 neighborhood

Customizable Shoes

Up-and-Coming Punggol

4. You go to all the Christmas light-up ceremonies. 5. You wear Native American headgear at Laneway. 6. You dress up to drink at Ann Siang Hill.

18 dining

18 new restaurant

5 Delicious Ciders

Coriander Leaf

7. You queued up for Krispy Creme… and In n’ Out Burger… 8. Rather than avoid it like the plague, you actually go to Bangkok for Songkran. 9. You go to parties on Sentosa in your best beachwear.

20 travel

22 interview

6 Cool New Nightspots in Shanghai

“Don’t be a jerk”

10. Your Facebook updates are comprised of the following: rants about late buses, rants about loquacious taxi uncles, rants about crowded MRTs and rants about people misbehaving in public. 11. You’ve righteously uploaded at least one image to STOMP. 12. “Cafe hopping” is a legitimate activity in your book.

Who's in charge? Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg

Content Sales & Custom Media Content Director Clara Lim customcontent@asia-city.com.sg

Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg

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

Features Editor Chelsia Tan Dining Editor Letitia Tandean Editorial Intern Madeleine Pang Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Celeste Chooi Design Intern Josephine Tan

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras

Marketing & Admin Assistant Geraldine Tan Contributor Terry Ong

14. You use the hashtag #blessed in an unironic way.

Finance Finance Manager Victorina Ocado finance@asia-city.com.sg

15. Partying at Clarke Quay is the high point of your weekend.

Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong, Swathi Raj

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th

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

Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg On the cover On Our Way to Pasar by Loke Hong Seng

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

16. You think bespoke cocktails with smoke are cool.

Who are we?

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

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issuu.com/sg_magazine SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

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

Fashion, fitness, tech and more

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

13. Your Instagram is full of pictures of you posing in front of colorful walls.

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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.

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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

JUL

Hot: Urban Farming

The upcoming general election has seen some changes to the electoral boundaries, which have raised questions of gerrymandering from opposition parties here. According to a Jul 24 report by TODAY, political analysts feel that the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee should provide a clearer and more detailed explanation for its decision behind the changes; otherwise it opens the door for such claims. One such expert, Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan said that “the generic reasons given for the redrawing of boundaries, which include taking into consideration population shifts and housing developments, still leave many questioning how they were done.”

Not: Concrete Jungles

Edible Garden City recently collaborated with Spa Esprit to grow organic produce for their new restaurant Open Farm Community. Not only that, they’re also using these ingredients in their spa and beauty products. While it remains to be seen if other hip establishments will jump on this eco-bandwagon, we’re still hopeful.

Hot: Comfort

NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG

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

Christopher

HOT OR NOT

Not: Style

Last year, it was Birkenstocks. Then, the homely Teva sandal became the next big thing. Now it seems like the Chuck Taylor All Star II is set to be the next must-have among fashionistas. With normcore being all the rage these days, these classic sneakers are definitely on-trend again and they go with just about anything.

Hot: Gourmet Wanton Noodles

Not: Ramen

Get this issue to go. Free eBook download from issuu.com/sg_magazine

One of Singapore’s popular hawker staples, this humble dish has gotten a gourmet makeover with the recent opening of Wanton Seng’s Noodle Bar. It’s been generating buzz over its elevated take on the noodles—you can make your own bowl with sides like slow braised trotters and batalong egg with spicy mayo. Plus we’re done with queuing at the overrated ramen joints.

(or sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters to never miss an issue)

BE GOOD

Dine in the Dark for Charity For those game for fancy fare set in pitch-black surroundings, Nox—Dine in the Dark (269 Beach Rd.) is celebrating its second anniversary on Aug 19 by throwing a six-hour party featuring 15 of Singapore’s top mixologists like Yugnes Susela from Tippling Club and Syafiq Rahim of 28 HongKong Street. The event also serves plates like wagyu beef tataki with goma dressing and crispy pork belly with cocoa sauce by head chef Desmond Lee. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped and tickets are priced at $60 for early birds. Go to www.noxdineinthedark.com.

3 awesome Singapore Grand Prix parties

Amber Lounge

The Singapore F1 season is around the corner, and the party press releases have started to pour in. To start, here are the entertainment headliners for three of the weekend’s biggest parties. Ultra gets three huge DJs The Road to Ultra party may not be as starstudded as the original Miami counterpart, but it’s still pulling in heavyweight DJs to play sets all night long. Happening Sep 19 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo hall, the music festival will see three DJs play adrenalinepumping sets. The line-up includes dubstep DJ Skrillex, one-third of the former Swedish House Mafia crew, Alesso and Dutch EDMelectro house DJ Nicky Romero. The Podium Lounge gets a Game of Thrones star As one of the official post-race after-party destinations, the Ritz Carlton basement is transformed into the glamorous Podium Lounge. Happening Sep 18-20, the weekend will see DJs Kristian Nairn (better known as Hodor from Game of Thrones); Mark Doyle of Hed Kandi fame, who will be accompanied by saxophonist Lady V and singer Soraya Vivian; and 8KY 6LU, one-half of LMFAO. Amber Lounge continues with more glitz While the DJ and performance lineup hasn’t been released for the season’s most glam party, Amber Lounge is certainly the hot ticket as far as F1 after parties go. This year, the post-race party taking place Sep 19-20 will feature a fashion show by Ted Baker, as well as more F1 drivers to grace the stages as male models. Website of the Year MPAS 2015

S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S

You can now pick up SG Magazine at these cool venues

Curated Records

Dutch Colony

Afterwit

55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-53, www.curatedrecords.com

113 Frankel Avenue, www.dutchcolony.sg

778 North Bridge Road, www.afterwit.sg

Or see every venue (200 of them!) at sgnow.sg/distribution FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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

SUN

Aug 9

ART Ping-Pong Go Round

Veteran local artist Lee Wen’s conceptual take on the ping-pong table recently made headlines. See the work for yourself or partake in a game with this alternative donut-shaped structure. Aug 9-31. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www. esplanade.com. Free.

FRI

TUE

MUSIC Passion Pit

Aug 14

Aug 11

This indie-electronica band Passion Pit returns with new album Kindred. Be prepared to be awed by singer-songwriter Michael Angelakos’ trademark falsetto and jiving tunes. Aug 11, 8pm. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link. $90-140 from Peatix.

FILM Films at the Fort

FRI

Aug 21

OUTING The Singapore Night Festival

The annual festival is held over two weekends, with late night activities including indie music by Bear Culture, Tantra and Stop Gap, plus various art exhibitions and film screenings. Aug 21-22, 28-29, 8pm. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535, www. brasbasahbugis.sg/snfportal. Free.

THU

SAT

MUSIC FESTIVAL Summerdaze

Aug 22

The second edition of this hip-hop and soul music festival features performances by American rapper Fat Joe, alternative hip-hop group Arrested Development and Detroit-based Slum Village T3 and Young RJ. DJs from Singaporebased collectives Pushin’On and Matteblac are also on board to drop thumping tunes throughout the night. Aug 22, 4pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www.summerdaze.sg. $87-170.

MUSIC

classical Guts & Steel Local quartet T’ang Quartet teams up with pianist Melvyn Tan, who will be playing the harpsichord, fortepiano and other period instruments, for a contemporary rendition of classical works. Aug 19, 8pm. Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, www.sifa. sg. $40-75 from Sistic.

concerts Sing50 The official SG50 concert will gather over 70 local artists who have shaped the local music scene in the last five decades. There will be everyone from Mandopop stars JJ Lin and Stephanie Sun, jazz legend Jeremy Monteiro, indie rock band The Oddfellows and multi-instrumental percussionist Mohamed Noor, alongside international

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

STUFF SUNDAYS x kapok Pop-Up Launch

Aug 13

Find a small selection of camo tees, cargo knit shorts, iron-on patches and scout hankies, as well as limited edition jumpsuits and ponchos from this popular local label’s pop-up concept store. Through Aug 13. #01-05 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., 6339-7987, www. sundays.sg. Free.

Kodaline Arguably Ireland’s most popular music act right now, this rock band will hold their debut concert here, performing tracks from albums including In a Perfect World and Coming Up for Air. They are supported by Australian Indie-pop band Sheppard. Aug 13, 7:30pm. *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, 6735-4144. $108-118 from Sistic.

acts like Apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas and superstar Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Aug 7-6, 7:30pm. National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub, 15 Stadium Rd., 6344-2660, www.sing50concert.sg. $20. Cody Simpson Yet another YouTube sensation in the likes of Justin Bieber, this time round in the form of Australian pop-singer Cody Simpson, who will be performing pop ditties from his albums Paradise and Surfer’s Paradise. Aug 10, 8pm. Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, 6348-7907. $68-118 from Sistic. Echosmith The Los Angeles alt-pop band are in town for their inaugural concert, showcasing their colorful blend of carefree pop. Expect a high-energy performance and sing along to their hit anthem “Cool Kids” and other songs from their debut album Talking Dreams. Aug 11, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $78 from Sistic.

The outdoor film festival is back with 10 different film screenings. On the roster are blockbusters like Alan Turning biopic The Imitation Game; Shawshank Redemption, the Morgan Freeman/Tim Robbins tearjerker set in a maximum security prison; and Rocky, Sylvester Stallone’s eponymous role of a rags-to-riches boxer. This year, there are also documentaries like the Singapore premier of Walking Under Water, about the Bajao people of the Mabul Islands and their seafaring nomadic lifestyle. Aug 14-23. Fort Canning Green, Cox Terrace, 6332-1200, www.filmsatthefort.com.sg. $28.

The Maine The raucous American pop-rock band from Phoenix, Arizona, returns to town to perform tunes from their latest album American Candy as well as earlier hits like “Happy” and “These Four Words”. Aug 15, 7pm. TAB, #02-29 442 Orchard Rd., 64936952. $58-68 from Peatix.

Echosmith

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From buttery croissants and great coffee to dim sum and hearty brunches, here's where to go for your next foodie craving at Scotts Square.

Dôme Café, B1

Best for: A laid back afternoon cuppa and comforting dishes. An institutional name in the Singapore cafe scene, this Australian coffee chain is a go-to for an afternoon pick-me-up. You can’t go wrong with their coffees, made with Arabica coffee beans, whether you like a long black or a hazelnut-flavored latte. If you’re feeling peckish, take your pick from the menu of well-loved classics such as the Dôme Club Sandwich, Laksa Pasta with seared scallop and gourmet pastries and cakes.

London Fat Duck, B1

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Best for: Reliable Hong Kong-style classics, especially roast duck. They don’t call the signature dish here “the wagyu of duck” for nothing. Founded by two big local restaurant groups, Akashi and Fei Siong, London Fat Duck’s star dish is succulent, melt-in-yourmouth and bathed in a tasty gravy. There’s also beautifully charred char siew and crackling pork belly. But if it’s dim sum you’re after, don’t miss the signature black pepper duck bun, cheong fun and London Duck dumpling. Be prepared to queue—but it’s well worth the wait.

Maison Kayser, B1

Best for: Parisian-style tea break. This French artisan bakery has amazing breads and pastries. Everything here is fluffy and baked to perfection, like the pure butter croissants and signature cotton soft French baguette monge. Don’t skimp on their addictive chocolate eclair and the almond croissant. The open-concept cafe is a good spot for afternoon tea (or coffee) while you clear those work emails, too.

Time & Flow Champagne, B1

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Best for: Classy evening tipples.

The chic wine salon is a hidden gem. It retails a wide range of premium organic Champagnes and wines from all over the world, and doubles as a wine academy where you can learn all about the different bottles and styles of wine available. Plus, the chic glass-flanked space is the perfect spot for an after-work drink or two.

Dôme Café

Crystal Jade Pristine, L3

Best for: Business lunches and family dinners. Crystal Jade is a household name in Singapore, best known for its delicious range of Chinese classics like dim sum, congee and noodles. The Pristine concept is the only restaurant under their umbrella that focuses on a menu using organic ingredients that are carefully prepared to offer a nutritious and wholesome meal. Plus, the decor is pretty luxe with its modern black chandeliers and sleek lines.

Maison Kayser

Wild Honey, L3

Best for: Quintessential brunching. True to their motto, this place is always a solid option for an all-day breakfast. Taking inspiration from global cuisines, the restaurant offers a selection of signature dishes like a hearty English breakfast, Corsican goat's cheese with honey omelet and Norwegian-inspired eggs benedict with smoked salmon, avocado and asparagus. For dessert, try their homemade cakes with coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters. Are you drooling yet?

Crystal Jade Pristine

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Scotts Square is located at 6 Scotts Road. www.scottssquare.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015, SG MAGAZINE

now HERITAGE A Social Portrait of Singapore : The Critical Years 1963-1985

Kumar’s Living Together

STAGE

theater Takizawa Kabuki Expect lavish sets, exaggerated acting, simple acrobatics and taiko drumming stunts in this Japanese kabuki performance by Hideaki Takizawa. Aug 18-23, 7:30pm. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 66888868. $95-170 from Sistic.

Loke Hong Seng

As one of the pioneers of local fine art photography, 73-year-old Loke Hong Seng trawled the streets of Singapore between the early ‘60s to mid ‘80s to document the building of our cityscape. Twenty black-andwhite photographs, unseen previously, are now on show for the first time, depicting the arrival of samsui women whom were instrumental in constructing our HDB flats, to vernacular views of HDB’s modernist designs. Here, Loke talks about the origin and content of this important archive. How did the series come about? It started by chance and was almost a casual affair. In fact the first few photos were taken with my brother’s camera, a humble Topcon, and from then on I was hooked. I was taking the sampan out to Kusu Island (where people used to go for worship) from the old Clifford Pier. The year was 1963 and I had no company with me during the trip. As I looked back onto the city landscape, a nostalgic feeling swept over me—this feeling of a journey, of going away, and I started taking some shots. Singapore at that point was changing rapidly and I took that as an opportunity to capture my feelings and emotions. While the first few shots were taken from the sampan, I started to wander around the city to shoot more and to improve my technique, and that’s how I started on street photography. Even though the photos were taken over the period of more than 20 years, you kept

the collection relatively small. I took about 200 photos overall. I didn’t just shoot randomly. I wanted to capture moments or scenes which depicted our changing landscape and to tell the different stories of how everything is fast disappearing. It required a lot of patience. The government was working on various changes for the city and its people to have a better future and that certainly affected the lives of everyone. You have to understand that Singapore in the ‘60s was still pretty much a kampong and most people can just survive for $35 a month because all they needed to do was feed to the chickens. How did you decide on the various locations to shoot? You have to learn to find your subjects—the pictures are as much about me as of the people. For the HDB flats for example, which I shot mostly in Toa Payoh, I wanted certain vantage points to provide an overall view. So I had to climb all the way up to the top of the construction site when they were still building it. Access was much easier compared to now but I had to be careful because I remember seeing bricks being thrown from one floor to the other! Why stop at 1985? Because by that time Singapore was already developed and urbanized. I’ve also lost the feeling to capture more shots because the series is after all about the change towards a better future. We were there by then.

A Social Portrait of Singapore : The Critical Years 1963-1985 is on through Sep 6. Yeo Workshop, #01-01 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Rd., 6734-5158, www.yeoworkshop.com. Free. TERRY ONG

Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore. 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, AUGUST 7, 2015

Versus With its distinct blend of stirring music, composite stage imagery and searing text, the experimental play by Cake Theatrical Production about an alternate future is written by Michelle Tan and directed by Natalie Hennedige. Aug 20-22, 8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said

Dr., 6594-8411, www.sifa.sg. $2545 from Sistic.

musicals Nanyang The Musical This coming-of-age story, inspired by the tumultuous lives and times of Singapore’s first-generation artists, depicts an up-and-coming painter from Xiamen moving to Shanghai to advance his artistic career. The musical is directed by Alec Tok and music is by lyricist Xiaohan and composer Eric Ng. Through Aug 8, 8pm. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, 3/F National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400, www.sifa.sg. $25-75 from Sistic.

comedy Kumar’s Living Together The irreverent Kumar takes it up at various community spaces

in his new standup series. He explores topical local issues such as generational gaps and racial harmony, with support from friends like actors Shane Mardjuki and Koh Chieng Mun. Aug 8, 13, 15, 7:30pm. Various venues, www. sifa.sg. Free.

dance Returning In collaboration with different generations of local dancers and creative artists, five choreographers —including Meenakshy Bhaska and Low Ee Chiang—construct a performance rooted in the traditions of Chinese, Malay and Indian dance forms. Aug 13-15, 8pm. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, 3/F National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400, www.sifa.sg. $25-75 from Sistic.

Fish Story, to be continued

Common Ground

ART

Common Ground 14 local artists, including Alvin Ong, Eugene Soh, and Ruben Pang, reinterpret what it means to be a Singaporean by exploring the unconventional ways of living here. Mediums explored include painting, photography and conceptual works. Aug 15-Sep 13. Chan Hampe Galleries, #01-20/21 Raffles Hotel, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6338-1962, www. chanhampegalleries.com. Free.

The Kingdom of Splendour A rapturous collection of works by emerging Chinese contemporary artist Wan Tai Feng can be found here, which depicts various rare animals set in alternate fantasy worlds. Through Aug 9. MAD Museum of Art & Design, #01/02-01, 10 Tanglin Rd., 6734-5688, www. madmuseumsingapore.com. Free. Remembering LKY: A Tribute to Mr. Lee Kuan Yew The exhibition is a collaborative effort by 10 artists, including Audrey Yang and Pamela Ng, to feature paintings that commemorate the legacy of Singapore’s late Minister Mentor. Expect to see some representational works as well politically-driven ones. Aug 7-9. Instinc, #04-163 soho2@central, 12 Eu Tong Sen St., 6227-9487, www.instinc.com. Free. Cutting Edge - Technology Meets Art This group show features some of the biggest names in new media art like China’s Lui Dao, Korea’s Bae Joon Sung and Italy’s Umberto Ciceri, touching on contemporary themes like identity, surveillance, and intervention. Through Aug 16. Opera Gallery, #0415 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6735-2618, www. operagallery.com. Free. The LIMPEH Show The city’s most controversial street artist SKLO (aka Sam Lo) returns with her first solo show about yet another sticky subject. Each work in this series about LKY is inspired by a specific point in Lee’s career, charting the various stages of his life and work. Aug 7-22. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535, www.substation. org. Free.

Constellations At this interactive art show, multidisciplinary artist Marco Fusinato invites visitors to strike a 46 meter-long wall with a baseball bat to generate a noise equivalent to the sound of thunder. Referencing popular representations of violence in film and television series, Fusinato aims to explores reverberative noise’s dual qualities of destruction and perfection, and its capacity to structure physical spaces. Aug 13-Sep 29. Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000, www.lasalle.edu.sg. Free. Convey Part of a traveling exhibition from Red Dot Germany, this show explores design communication through some of the most talked about advertising campaigns around the world—everything from websites to posters to TV commercials. Through Sep 24. Red Dot Design Museum, Red Dot Traffic, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-8027, www. museum.red-dot.sg. Free. Fish Story, to be continued The exhibition showcases the late eminent American artist-photographer Allan Sekula’s most ambitious project, Fish Story, alongside video essay Lottery of the Sea and his last film The Forgotten Space. Through Sep 27. NTU Centre for Contemporary Arts Singapore, Gillman Barracks, 43 Malan Rd., 6460-0300, www. gillmanbarracks.com. Free.

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It’s an Oasis Out Here

5 great reasons to stop by Changi City Point

T he Oa sis

here are dozens of malls in Singapore, but Changi City Point, located next to the Expo MRT, is worth the journey east. Not only is it home to a heap of premium outlets, there are lots of F&B options too, including hidden gem The Oasis, which offers great food and affordable drinks in a resort-inspired atmosphere. Here are five great reasons to head down now.

Tons of shops to visit

Changi City Point houses the largest “premium outlets precinct” in town, with international brands such as Adidas, Asics, New Balance, Nike, G2000, Esprit and Timberland. There are also fashion brands like Uniqlo and Charles & Keith, tech stores such as Challenger and Gain City, grooming salons such as Essensuals Hairdressing and Liquid Skin Beauty & Henna Art, and hundreds of other shops.

Delicious food

Not only will you find all-time favorites like TungLok Signatures, Ootoya Japanese Restaurant, Ajisen Ramen, Ichiban Sushi and The Manhattan Fish Market, there are also new and cool F&B concepts here that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss Beesket, where you can concoct your own drinks and juices and Wrap & Roll for its wide variety of gourmet wraps—from Vietnamese signatures like fresh spring rolls with prawn and pork to more adventurous combos like grilled beef in vine leaves.

The Oasis

The four restaurants at Changi City Point’s alfresco F&B space The Oasis offer a variety of cuisines. The 12,000 sq. ft. space also has a casual and relaxed vibe that invites you to while the day and evening away. On the food front, MOA Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill (#01-70/71, 6636-3353, www.trilogiesofbeers.com. Open daily 11:30am-midnight) does meaty dishes like the highly recommended Moa Burger & Grilled BBQ Pork Ribs and char-grilled sirloin cubes with mushroom ragout sauce. For wholesome European food, there’s Table Manners (#01-68/69, 6604-7669, www.tablemanners.com.sg, Open Sun-Wed 11.30am-11pm, Thu-Sat, 11.30ammidnight) where the menu offers a mixand-match selection, from generous platters of salads, succulent seafood, meats and hearty pastas. Some of the must-try

FI V E Izakaya

MOA Tik i New Z ea land Bar & Gr il l

signatures include TM King’s Burger, Acadian Chicken and Truffle Capellini with Organic Egg. For something Japanese, there’s FIVE Izakaya (#01-66/67, 6604-8255, www.fivebar.sg. Open daily 12pm-midnight), which does bar bites like Japanese-style chicken, beef and seafood skewers. Best of all: there is a wide selection at only $5 each. RessRoom (#01-72/73, 6636-3226, ressroom@gmail. com. Open daily 11am-11pm) serves a great mix of Italian dishes like homemade squid ink pasta, French favorites like their best-selling duck confit and American staples like their pork knuckle. Kick things off with their stuffed Mexican jalapenos.

Happy hours all day

That’s right: happy hour at The Oasis is all day. FIVE Izakaya serves $5 specials including Kronenbourg 1664 beers, housepour spirits, wines and sake all day, every day. Beer lovers, at MOA Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill, all beers by the glass are only $8-10 each from 11:30am8pm daily, with 12 craft beers to choose from. At Table Manners, you’ll find half pints of Stella Artois and Hoegaarden beers at just $6 and $7 each repectively—one of the cheapest in town. Over at RessRoom, classic cocktails like the Singapore Sling, Pina Colada and Bloody Mary are all 30% off every Tuesday and Thursday right up to closing time. They also have daily promotions for beers on tap. A glass of Erdinger is just $7 while a pint of Guinness is $15 (or two for $24). As you drink to your heart's content, there are also free live music to entertain you throughout the evening at FIVE Izakaya every Monday-Saturday between 7-11pm, at RessRoom every Wednesday-Saturday between 7-10pm, and at MOA Tiki New Zealand Bar & Grill, where they have themed music nights every Tuesday-Sunday 8pm onwards.

Table Manners

FI V E Izakaya

Table Manners

Re ssRoom

Free shuttle rides

Traveling here is a breeze. If you don’t drive, there are free shuttle rides from Simei MRT (available daily 11:30am-9pm at 30-minute intervals) that will bring you directly to the mall. Or alternatively, just take the train to Expo MRT as Changi City Point is located just next to it. MOA Tik i New BROUGHT TO YOU BY Z ea land Bar & Gr il l While you’re here, you can even hop onto yet another free shuttle bus route that will take you to nearby buildings IBM, Eightrium, Honeywell, Applied Materials and Standard Chartered (available Mon-Fri, 11:30am-2:30pm at 15-minute intervals), ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, S(486038), 6511-1088, www.changicitypoint.com.sg. Open 10am–10pm daily www.facebook.com/fcm.changicitypoint

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

now BOOK AHEAD Upcoming shows you can’t miss

Muse

Mambo Jambo

M.A.N.D.Y

familiar ‘80s tunes and reminxes. Aug 8, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.

NIGHTLIFE

A Design Film Festival

Attagirl! with A/K/A, Durio & Jaydah This alternative ladies night out features only female DJs, with DJs A/K/A, Durio and Jaydah, dropping the latest in house, techno and everything in between. Aug 7, 11pm. Zouk Winebar, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988, www.zoukclub.com. Free.

Kafka on the Shore

movies

musicals

A Design Film Festival More trendy design-inspired films at this popular fesitval, spanning fashion (Dior and I, Iris) to photography (The Salt of the Earth) to conceptual art (Station to Station), and many more. Sep 5-13. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd., www.designfilmfestival.com. $15-18.

Saturday Night Fever The movie-turned-hit-musical featuring the iconic Bee Gees soundtrack is packed with slick dance moves and dazzling choreography. A must for fans of ‘70s anthems such as “Stayin’ Alive”, “How Deep is Your Love” and the title track. Sep 25-26, 8pm; Sep 26, 2pm; Sep 27, 1pm, 6pm. Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www.entertainment.marinabaysands.com. $95-175 from Sistic.

sports 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix This year’s exciting edition will not only feature thrills from the racetracks; international acts like Maroon 5, Bon Jovi and Pharrell Williams are also set to perform at the Padang. Sep 18-20. Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay, Marina Bay Promenade, 6738-6738, www.singaporegp.sg. $258-1,288.

concerts Muse Following their previous successful gigs here, the popular English rock band returns to perform tracks from their latest album Drones as well as earlier favorites. Sep 26. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660, www.sportshubtix.sg. $108-228. Taylor Swift In support of her fifth studio album, 1989, the world’s biggest pop star Taylor Swift returns to perform hits such as “Style” and “Bad Blood”. Nov 7-8, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660, www.sportshubtix.sg. $128-328.

theater Globe to Globe Hamlet Already performed in 96 countries, the Shakespeare Globe’s rendition of one of the world’s most popular plays is another electrifying and dynamic performance. Directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst, with music by Bill Barclay. Sep 8, 9, 11, 7:45pm; Sep 12, 2:30pm, 7:45pm. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd. $88-148 from Sistic.

M.A.N.D.Y The brilliant DJ duo M.A.N.D.Y, comprising Philipp Jung and Patrick Bodmer, returns for another crowd-pleasing house and techno set. Aug 7, 11pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33. Mambo Jambo The party, slated to be the biggest Mambo Jambo reunion since its official closing in 2012, will have the popular DJ Aldrin on the decks dropping the most

dating Beneath The Moon & Stars This singles party hosted by CompleteMe is held at a cozy family-run European colonial themed heritage hotel, featuring engaging rotations and games, complete with prizes up for grabs. Aug 15, 6pm. Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. $58 from Peatix.

sports The Color Run Singapore One of the city’s most popular marathons is back for its third edition, promising even more sparkles and massive color throws. Th untimed five-kilometer race is best for those looking for casual, stressless runs. Aug 22-23, 2pm. Siloso Beach, www.thecolorrun. com.sg. $65.

outings Uniqlo X Noise Singapore Budding young talents from the popular art program Noise collaborate with high street giant Uniqlo to produce series of tees as part of the SG50 initiative. Through Aug 10. Bugis+, 201 Victoria St., 6634-6810, www.noisesingapore. com. Free. Couchcrash Singapore This social gathering is targeted at frequent travelers and fans of couchsurfing. There are various

sales & fairs Families for Life Picnics at Marina Barrage Taking place over the jubilee weekend, it features a carnival-like atmosphere, with aerial displays, performances by the SAF Music & Dance Company, food trucks, childhood games, inflatable bouncy castles and other family-oriented activities. Aug 7-8, 8am. Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Dr., 65145959, www.sg50picnics.sg. Free.

Spotlight on Singapore Cinema

FOOD & DRINK

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

DubVision The Dutch duo, comprising brothers Stephan and Victor Leicher, bring their progressive house tracks and remixes to town, supported by local act Lincey. Aug 15, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jihak Kim St., 6738-2988, www. zoukclub.com. $28-33.

activities lined up including kayaking, cycling, walkabouts, a picnic and a trip to the Southern Islands. Aug 7-10, 9am. Moni Gallery, 263 Lavender St., 62976290, www.couchcrash.sg. $18-23.

HAPPENINGS

Dementia In this harrowing film, Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó uses a heady mix of music, dark humor and fantastic décor to bring forth the issues of morality and the perils of the disabled. Aug 13-15, 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, www.sifa.sg. $30-60.

VINAI Italian producers Alessandro and Andrea Vinai bring their pulsating EDM set here for an euphoric night out. Aug 14, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub. com. $28-33.

The Color Run

movie

Epicurean Market

Bassic presents Shellsuit & Rah DJs Shellsuit and RAH drop an eclectic set including house, garage, dubstep and drum & bass. Aug 14, 11pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub. com. $28-33.

Kafka on the Shore Harumi Murakami’s cult classic Kafka On The Shore gets the stage treatment with an all-Japanese cast including Rie Miyazawa, Naohito Fujiki and Nino Furuhata. The plot centers on the various intertwining stories of 15-year-old Kafka, who runs away from home, and the elderly Nakata, finder of lost cats. Japanese director Yukio Ninagawa helms this production. Oct 30-31, 8pm; Nov 1, 2pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $48-118 from Sistic.

FILM

Spotlight on Singapore Cinema Catch free screenings of five iconic local films shot in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Films on show include Hokkien Opera Taming of the Princess, Indian rom-com Ninaithale Inikkum, Malay action drama Chu Chu Datok Merah, Chinese drama Lion City and Malay romantic drama Patah Hati. Aug 20-23. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd., www.mda.gov.sg. Free.

Dzeko & Torres Canadian duo Dzeko & Torres bring their progressive house and electro beats here for the first time, supported by resident DJ Lincey. Aug 7, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.

The Deep End with Cyril Hahn & Zushan Switzerland-based Cyril Hahn moves the floor with his well-known remix works for Solange, Jessie Ware and Haim, supported by local act Zushan. Aug 8, 11pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

#SGEatWithUs This pot-luck food carnival features 12 unique home-cooked local recipes, which are specially curated from the #SgEatWithUs carnivals and satellites events. There will be braised duck buns, ondeh ondeh ice-cream, lemongrass satay and many more unqiue dishes. Aug 7-9, 12pm. Waterfront Promenade, The Singapore Flyer, 1/F, 30 Raffles Ave., 67348829, www.sgeatwithus.sg. Free.

Epicurean Market Aside from the usual celeb chef booths by the likes of Waku Ghin, db Bistro and Long Chim, there are two new booths debuting at the annual MBS market: one by Wolfgang Puck’s forthcoming Spago and Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen. You’ll also find wine merchants, butchers, cheese booths and cocktail demonstrations. FAug 14-16. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8826, www.marinabaysands.com/ epicurean-market. $28 for a three-day pass.

Andsoforth presents The Karl Experience The pop up theatrical dining troupe is back with another immersive and actionpacked dinner. This time, the storyline is set in a dystopian future where humans have exhausted all natural resources. The four-course dinner runs every Wednesday to Saturday. You’ll be briefed on the venue the day before the dinner. Aug 19-29. www.andsoforth.com.sg. $98-108 for Fridays and Saturdays.

city scape

Party Central Singapore’s Golden Jubilee isn’t all about the fireworks. There are tons of fun fringe events, too. By Chelsia Tan

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Esplanade

100+50

Singapore Stories: Then, Now, Tomorrow

he main action may be at The Padang, but there are major National Day celebrations happening around town. And just in case you’re not a fan of fireworks, here are a bunch of alternative events to check out.

1. Feel nostalgic at live concerts in the park

The newly-crowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with free cultural activities, which are all part of the city’s SG50 Concert Series in the Park. Held from Aug 7-9, it’s all about nostalgia with a line-up that includes Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat, which resembles the 1959 People’s Variety Show. Plus, there are heritage tours, concerts, bandstand performances, an outdoor movie screening and a live telecast of the National Day Parade happening over three days. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7138, www.sbg.org.sg.

2. Stock up on made-inSingapore artisanal products If you are into the maker culture, then you wouldn’t want to miss the Maker’s Market (Aug 7-8, 6pm) featuring handcrafted goods by local designers and craftsmen at the National Museum. And when you’re getting weary of all the shopping, you can also catch an outdoor film screening of vintage Hollywood movies like Doctor Zhivago and The Sound of Music (because who doesn’t love that movie). It’s free entry for all from Aug 7-10, so don’t miss out on a guided tour of SINGAPURA: 700 Years, an exhibition about Singapore’s history, while you’re here. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659, www. nationalmuseum.sg.

3. Have a pot-luck by the bay Make sure you bring your own home-cooked dish to share with friends and strangers alike. Organized by #SGEatWithUs, the eponymously-titled gathering of the local foodie community is happening Aug 7-9 (noon-10pm) near Marina Bay Sands. The free food carnival has about 12 different recipes concocted by home cooks. The Waterfront Promenade (next to Marina Bay Sands), www.sgeatwithus.sg.

4. Jam out with local bands The Esplanade brings local bands like The Freshman, singer Gabrielle and Indian fusion band Kon-Fusionz for this five-day long free affair on Aug 6-10. There are also interactive art installations like Sing.La.Pura, which explores relationships through sounds in different Singapore neighborhoods, as well as a local entrepreneur bazaar with BooksActually and popsicle brand Popaganda. The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.esplanade.com.

5. Party in the heartlands Some of the city’s best bands and DJs will also be gathering for the much anticipated 100+50 gig, which will take place at Bedok Reservoir over three weekends. Marquee names like The Observatory, In Each Hand a Cutlass and Charlie Lim will play alongside emerging bands at this unexpectedly cool spot on Aug 7-9 & 14-16. Bedok Reservoir, Bedok Reservoir Road.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

6. Pick up some historical trivia In collaboration with The Straits Times, Singapore Stories: Then, Now, Tomorrow (through Oct 4) cover significant moments in Singapore’s history through a curated collection of images, videos and stories from the newspaper’s archive. Stretching across six galleries, the multimedia exhibition chronicles the nation’s roots from the 1800s to its path to independence in the 1950s. Plus, admission is free. ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8888, www.marinabaysands. com/ArtScienceMuseum.

7. Let out your inner flower child Snap-happy people will love Singapore Stories (Aug 7-10), a floral showcase at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, depicting the different tales and legends of Singapore. Award-winning Singaporean landscape architect Damian Tang shows famous local stories such as Sang Nila Utama, Redhill and Pulau Ubin through floral installations. And if you love music and light shows, there’s a special SG50 edition of the Garden Rhapsody show. Gardens by the Bay, Marina Gardens Dr., 6420-6848, www.gardensbythebay. com.sg.

4 cool parties happening around National Day The Tech No Street Party Figure It Out hosts an uninhibited night filled with urban music, great street food and lots of happy hour promos at Gillman Barracks. Aug 7. Red Baron, Blk. 45 Malan Rd., 63346734, www.facebook.com/figureitoutvibes. Pop Up Music Festival Dance to EDM from dusk to dawn at this huge pop up dome on one of Sentosa’s beaches. You can even pitch your own tent and stay overnight. Aug 8-9. Wavehouse Sentosa, 36 Siloso Beach Walk, 6377-3113, www. wavehousesentosa.com. The Ultimate Mambo Jambo: Blame It On The Boogie Zouk’s dance phenomenon is back for a special SG50 edition. Relive the classic Mambo spirit with ‘80s hits and choreographed dance moves. Aug 8. Zouk, 7 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com). SG50 National Day Fireworks at The Monarchy Just because you couldn’t get seats at The Padang doesn’t mean you can’t get seats at all. Nightlife events company The Monarchy set up at ME@OUE for a night of tapas, bottle service and fireworks. Aug 9. ME@OUE, Rooftop, 50 Collyer Quay, www.the-monarchy.com. LETITIA TANDEAN

ADVERTORIAL

Dinner with a View For Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, park yourself at these bars and restaurants with riverside views—and some fireworks vantage points too.

Southbridge

Pasta Fresca

Mad Men Attic Bar

Mad Men Attic Bar Kinara Timbre @ The Arts House

Cedar Grill This Mediterranean-Lebanese restaurant is pretty enough as it is, with its vibrant interiors full of rustic wooden furniture, beaded pillows and intricate tapestries. But for the National Day weekend, the big draw for this two-story space will be its amazing views of Marina Bay Sands and the CBD. Enjoy it with reliable classics like hummus, beef kebabs and delicious shawarma stuffed with chicken and garlic sauce. Oh, and if you’re lucky, you can get a table at their brunch, complete with free-flow sangria and Prosecco. 63 Boat Quay, 6438-7322, www.cedargrill.sg

Southbridge This cool oyster bar is also home to great Champagne and wine. The chic metal-and-marble bar is a suitably classy place to pop bottles of Prosecco, slurp down fresh oysters topped with ponzu and yuzu sauce and snack on lobster rolls and truffle bikini sandwiches. As far as Boat Quay bars go, it also has the distinct advantage of being perched on the fifth floor in a row of low-lying shop houses—great for catching fireworks. 5/F, 80 Boat Quay, 6877-6965, www.southbridge.sg

Café Iguana

Cedar Grill

The Arts House Feel patriotic at this beautiful colonial building that long ago used to be the Old Parliament, now turned into a hip and happening live music spot and dining destination. Whether you bask in the glory of the building’s interiors, park yourself on an outdoor riverside bench or head to one of the watering holes like Timbre for live music, Olivia Cassivelaun Fancourt for fancy French food or Earshot Cafe for comforting burgers, you’ll have unimpeded, impressive riverside views overlooking the CBD. 1 Old Parliament Ln., 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.sg

Nothing beats this raucous Mexican restaurant and bar if you’re looking for a wild night out. From the cozy decor of wooden chairs and tables to a mishmash of bright paintings, it’s exactly the sort of place where you’ll find pitchers full of ice cold margaritas and plates full of hearty nachos. All that and the pretty great riverside location are the big reasons this cavernous space is always buzzing and alive with happy revellers. #01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6236-1275, www.cafeiguana.com

Kinara This North Indian restaurant specializes in food from Rajasthan. There’s a plethora of naan, tandoori meats slathered in spices, dum biryani and fragrant curries like the murgh tikka masala. The ethnic space is decked out in traditional Indian touches, including a heavy wooden door, lanterns and carved art. This time, the picturesque views of the river have the added bonus of an atmospheric verandah. 57 Boat Quay, 6533-0412, www.thekinaragroup.com

It’s the go-to for after work drinks in the CBD and has local bands playing sets almost every night. The industrial space is perfect for beers and bottle service, with bar grub like luncheon meat fries and har cheong chicken chunks to fill the tummy. No riverside views here, but there’s nevertheless a killer rooftop that’s always packed to the seams with beautiful people, making it perfect for catching the fireworks amid vertiginous office buildings. #03-02 (Attic) 13 North Canal Rd., 6222-2539, www.tmmcollective.com

Pasta Fresca Da Salvatore Who can resist heaping plates of delicious pasta? Whether you order traditional Italian plates of mascarpone, Parma ham and rucola pizza or go for something a little more creative like the alla pastora, a shepherd’s pie-inspired creation with bacon, mushroom and chilli, there’s no resisting the homey goodness of this stalwart Italian restaurant. This newly-renovated outlet also boasts breezy outdoor seats for evening meals by the river. 30 Boat Quay, 6532-6283, www.pastafresca.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE

island

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

FASHION Far From Basic Grana, a newbie start-up brand by 31 year-old Luke Grana is famous for its soft, durable, luxe-feeling Peruvian Pima cotton tees available in 11 colors—and also for scoring a whopping $1 million in funding late last year. That’s not the best part. Unlike some second-line labels selling similar designs for $100, tees and polo shirts are going for $21 and $37 each, while the brand’s Japanese denim jeans are priced at $55. If you’re bummed that you missed the Hong Kong label’s recent pop-up at Orchard Central, you can still shop online at www.grana.com.

FITNESS Shake It Out

New fitness site GuavaPass gives you access to classes like yoga, CrossFit, indoor cycling and Muay Thai at over 70 gyms and studios in Singapore at $139 per month. While it’s not as wallet-friendly as KFit’s $99 or Passport Asia’s $59, you get to take as many classes as you want, as long as you’re not doing more than three at the same location in the same month. You also get GuavaPerks, which include invites to wellness events, community classes and special deals with partners like juice shop The Juice Junkie and raw food cafe Afterglow. Sign up at www.guavapass.com.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

TECH Get Your Groove On

If you are one of those people who need an extra push to get off the couch, Sony’s new Smart B-Trainer might just be it. It’s a nifty training gadget and application that helps you up your running game with intelligent music playback that’s based on your heart rate, a variety of training plans and real time voice coaching. What’s unique about this device is that it has six types of sensors (heart rate, acceleration, GPS, compass, gyro and barometer) and has 11 types of running logs. Plus, there are no annoying wires to grapple with as it’s designed like a neckband. $399 from Sony Centre, #04-03/04 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8880.

FASHION Make Me

For those who want a different shoe-shopping experience, Timberland (#01-30 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6333-3528) has brought back its customization program with more user-friendly features, and color and material choices. The Design Your Own option lets you make your own bespoke footwear from a choice of six shoe models and you can select from a range of leather and soles in a variety of colors, embroidery and even lace hardware. The program (www.timberland.com. sg) is accessible on desktops, tablets and mobile phones so you don’t have to make a trip down to the store. Prices range from $179 for a pair of men’s oxfords to $419 for a pair of women’s 14” boots.

island

NEIGHBORHOOD

Hai Bin Punggol

Park Life

Smart HDB homes, cool cafes and an idyllic waterfront—the former farming district that is Punggol looks set to be the place to live. By Chelsia Tan Punggol Waterway Park

Accommodation HHHHH

Bars HHHHH

The neighborhood still has tons of potential for development, but at least there are already a couple of Build-to-Order (BTO) HDB blocks, sleek condominiums, as well as up-and-coming launches like Flo Residence in the area. While it’s not yet built, the highlight has to be 1 Punggol Northshore (Punggol Eco Town, along Punggol Way), a waterfront HDB cluster, with smart homes starting at $28,000 for a two-room flat for first-time buyers, that’s slated for completion in 2020. It’s one of the seven waterfront building projects and the first to feature smart technologies like an energy management system tracking real-time energy consumption of home appliances; a monitoring system for elderly and patient care; a smart car park system monitoring parking lots; a pneumatic waste conveyance system and environmental modeling to monitor city planning conditions like temperature and wind flow. It all sounds great, but once it’s up and running, we hope for fewer hiccups (like sewage problems and cracks appearing in the new BTO flats) which have been hogging headlines lately.

The selection may still be niche, but it’s got other unpretentious choices away from kopitiam beers. 3 Georges by the Bay (3 Punggol Point Rd., 6702-6186, www.georges.com.sg) is an outdoor and sea-facing dive bar with Balinese-inspired beachy decor, cozy wicker furniture and great drink deals ranging from pints of Guinness to fancier spirits like Hibiki Japanese Harmony, which you can order with bites like black pepper tenderloin steak. Walk over to gastrobar 3 Fur Kicks (#02-03 3 Punggol Point Rd., 6702-6366, www.furkicks.sg) for small plates, Paulaner beer on tap, beer cocktails and a comprehensive list of wines. Further down is the delicious-sounding 3 Bacon & Booze (Track 24, 900 Punggol Rd., 6489-5679, www.baconbooze. com), specializing in bacon-infused food like bacon-wrapped enoki and bacon rolls. Plus, there’s craft beer, cider, Japanese sakes and wines, too.

Community HHHHH Wild Oats @ Punggol Park

3 PUNGGOL WATERWAY PARK

SERANGOON ISLAND

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PUNGGOL PROMENADE

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NE16 SENGKANG MRT SE NG

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NE15 BUANGKOK MRT SE N

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PE4 RIVERIA LRT

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If you love prawning, you’re in luck: the 15,000 sq. ft. 7 Hai Bin Punggol (#01-04, 6 Tebing Ln., 6447-8693, www.haibin. sg) rents rods at $18 an hour. 2 Punggol Waterway Park (along Sentul Crescent Road) is great for leisurely strolls but if you’re out for sea views, head to 3 The Punggol Settlement (3 Punggol Point Rd., www.punggolsettlement. com), a cluster of eateries along the tip of the district (see Dining, left). You can also rent a bike from 3 Jomando Adventure & Recreations (#01-13 3 Punggol Point Rd., 6702-6489, www.facebook.com/JomandoAdventureN Recreation) for a breezy ride along the coast. A highly anticipated off-shore attraction is 5 Coney Island, a 45-hectare recreational, residential and sports zone located off the northeastern coast and is currently undeveloped. Unfortunately, shopping choices are miniscule. 8 Punggol Plaza Mall (168 Punggol Field) is the only mall in the area and has fashion, beauty, lifestyle and food options like casual Japanese eatery Nihon Mura (#B1-05) and Koufu Foodcourt (#01-01). There’s also 10 Waterway Point, dubbed the first suburban waterfront mall in Singapore, slated to open later this year. However, if you want to do more complete shopping, head to the Sengkang’s Rivervale Mall and Compass Point.

There aren’t any notable hawker centres in Punggol (yet)—a major one at the town center is still under construction—but people flock here for the seafood restaurants. Don’t miss 3 Ponggol Seafood (#01-08/09 3 Punggol Point Rd., 64488511, www.ponggolseafood.com.sg), a zi char-style eatery famous for its mee goreng and chilli crab. Most items on the menu are on the steep side, but the food is reliable. There are also plenty of casual dining choices like the picturesque lakeside 9 Wild Oats @ Punggol Park (1 Punggol Park, Hougang Ave. 8, 6858-2087, www.wildrocket.com.sg), serving localized Western favorites like chicken chop and panfried fish fillet with sambal belachan and butter rice. Head over to 6 Whisk & Paddle (#01-01 10 Tebing Ln., 6242-4617, whiskandpaddle.com.sg) for your brunch fix: the alfresco cafe lets you assemble your own breakfast plate of bread, eggs, meat and seafood. Brunch aside, it has mains like pulled pork tacos and duck and lychee pizza. Not forgetting dessert, 3 Wayne’s Chill-Out (#02-11 3 Punggol Point Rd., 6288-6264, www.facebook.com/wayneschillout) is a popular spot known for sweet treats like homemade ice cream in flavors such as Lemon Puff and Black Forest, floats, milkshakes and ice cream on waffles.

As the area is compact, accessing the Punggol MRT and LRT systems is easy. There are also several bus lines at the temporary Punggol Bus Interchange, which may face future redevelopment. The neighborhood is flanked by major expressways like the KPE, CTE, SLE and TPE, so heading to the CBD takes about 15 minutes. Those who cycle aren’t neglected either as there’s an upcoming 8.8km intra-town cycling network slated for completion by 2017.

Dining HHHHH

Transportation HHHHH

This northeastern coastal area is surrounded by plenty of water and green spaces. Already popular among joggers and cyclists, the 2 Punggol Waterway Park is ideal for bird watching and walks, too. Other scenic locales include 9 Punggol Park, 3 Punggol Beach and the 2.4km 4 Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, which stretches between Punggol Point Walk and Riverside Walk. But if all that nature is too much, pop over to bustling neighboring districts like Pasir Ris and Sengkang.

Adventure Bridge, Punggol Waterway Park

Environment HHHHH

Whisk & Paddle

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

eats

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

EUROPEAN Garden City Ryan Clift’s new project isn’t about gastronomic dishes in test tubes. This time, he’s focusing on farmfresh produce, hearty eats and lots of pasta. Open Farm Community (130E Minden Rd., 6471-0306, www. openfarmcommunity.com) is a sprawling and airy 6,000 sq. m. space with a fruit orchard, herb garden and even an ant farm. The menu is full of wholesome dishes like seared tuna with green papaya and fresh coconut ($26), coal-baked omelette with smoked haddock ($24), rigatoni with local mushrooms and pancetta ($26) and pumpkin-parsley risotto ($26).

ITALIAN La Dolce Vita

Capitol Galleria is now home to a simple Italian restaurant serving modern takes on classics. Equilibrium (#0186 Capitol Piazza, 15 Stamford Rd., 6384-4069, www. equilibrium.sg) serves easy plates of carbonara ($29) with parmesan foam, squid ink risotto with seafood ($28), as well as thin-crust pizza (from $24) with toppings like mozzarella, coppa ham, mushrooms and egg. While we’re not a fan of the mall-like feel of the Galleria, at least this restaurant is completely enclosed making it more intimate with its warm wooden tones. If you’re looking for a quick fix, the open bar is ideal for pre-theater cocktails.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

TAPAS Spanish Inquisition

Dempsey is now home to a Michelin-starred chef. Barcelona’s Carles Gaig has quietly opened a Spanish tapas restaurant La Ventana (16A Dempsey Rd., 6479-0100, www.facebook.com/LaVentangaSG). The airy and white heritage building specializes in Catalan dishes with sharing plates of Canelon ($12), a cannelloni-style dish stuffed with beef and pork in truffle cream, slow-cooked black cod ($38) with vegetable ragout, Carabinero paella ($34) and pigeon two-ways ($38)—confit and Josper-grilled. Oh, and lots of sangria, too.

JAPANESE Go Go Garo

Chef Kenjiro Hashida of the famed Hashida Sushi has opened a new space in Mandarin Gallery. Hashida Garo (#04-16 Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 9159-3177, wwww.facebook.com/hashidagaro) is four concepts in one space: an art gallery, a Japanese set bento restaurant, a tea room and a retail store. While experimental art flanks the walls, the focus is on cooked food. There’s a Japanese-style brunch with compact bento boxes of silken unagi ($19.80) with rice and premium lunch sets of perfectly seared Miyazaki wagyu ($90). Don’t leave without trying the Hokkaido-style cheesecake.

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The Cider House Rules Not quite as sexy as craft beer, hard ciders are nevertheless arriving in droves. We taste some of the more popular ones. By Letitia Tandean

ome say hard cider is for those not brave enough for craft beer. Others find that a grievous insult. We’re on the fence, so we put the city’s most uniquitous ones to the test.

1. Somersby Pear Cider This commercial bottle may be better known for its apple flavor, but we think this pear rendition has a crisper and fresher taste. It’s not cloyingly sweet and is perfect for a hot day. Alcohol content: 4.5% Get it: $13 at CM-PB (7 Dempsey Rd., 6475-0105, www.cm-pb.net) Best for: Casual drinkers who are dabbling in ciders.

2. Reverend Nat’s Hallelujah Hopricot Hard Cider A craft bottle of extra hoppy cider made with American apples and apricot juice, Nat’s is drier than most ciders and intensely flavored—some might find it too sour. Alcohol content: 6.7% Get it: $13 at Beer is Food (#B1-55 Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Rd., 9734-0508) Best for: Seriously adventurous drinkers.

3. Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider This gluten-free bottle of craft cider is light but definitely an acquired taste. Although it’s raspberry-flavored, it’s got a slight medicinal taste that straddles the line of sweet and sour.

Alcohol content: 4.5% Get it: $14 at TAP Craft Beer Bar (#01-88 Capitol Galleria, 15 Stamford Rd., 6224-1607, www.tapthat.com.sg) Best for: Those on a gluten-free diet.

4. Rekordelig Strawberry-Lime Cider One of Sweden’s most famous ciders, this bottle is extra sweet and syrupy with a nose full of strawberry aromas. It pretty much warrants dessert drink status. Alcohol content: 4.5% Get it: $7.70 at all Cold Storage outlets Best for: People who like to hold a bottle, but don’t like beer.

5. Angry Orchard Traditional Dry Hard Cider A crisp and refreshing craft cider that’s got a spicy and dry edge that immediately makes you want to take another sip. This is easy-drinking but has a beer-like quality that deviates from traditional, sweeter ciders. Alcohol content: 5.5% Get it: $14 at TAP Craft Beer Bar. Best for: Cider skeptics who want their minds changed.

NEW RESTAURANT Coriander Leaf The buzz: After a short hiatus following the Clarke Quay closure, this mini institution is back in a sexier space that dishes out on-trend small plates with a mix of Indian and Southeast Asian flavors. The vibe: The dim but buzzing space is flanked with murals of geishas and Bengal tigers in addition to the dark wooden screens above the action-packed open kitchen. The plush seats also add to the allure of the otherwise cavernous space tucked away on the second floor of Chijmes. The food: Moving away from the predominantly Indian-influenced dishes found at the old Clarke Quay restaurant, this one’s all about small sharing plates with more emphasis on Southeast Asian flavors. The menu is divided into five categories: fresh, familiar, spicy, umami and sweet. Plates include the refreshing roast duck rice noodle salad ($12) with crunchy mint and

coriander leaves; a grilled eggplant “lasagne” ($12) and an open bao stuffed with braised beef brisket and kimchi ($14). Don’t miss the toothsome soft shell crab with salted duck egg yolk ($16) and the Nepalese chicken momo dumplings ($10) that come bursting with a peppery dipping sauce. While the oven-roasted kecap manis beef ($35) is perfectly seasoned, we found the beef a bit sinewy on our last visit. Same with the spicy wok-fried prawns ($25): great, deep flavors but a bit of a sandy texture. The drinks: An extensive list of predominantly Asian alcohol—sake, umeshu and whiskey—on top of a varied wine list. Why you’ll be back: It’s a beautiful space pushing out sexy small plates that’s finally not Spanish, Italian or modern European.

#02-01 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., 6837-0142, www.corianderleaf.com. Open Mon-Thu 6pmmidnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am. LETITIA TANDEAN

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

eats NEW AND NOTED with Letitia Tandean

GREAT FOOD, A WIDE RANGE OF DRINKS, SPORT ON SCREENS & EXCELLENT LIVE MUSIC

The Carvery

Happy 50th Birthday Singapore!

Chicken’s Coop

Chef Bjorn Shen of Artichoke has been on a roll lately and he’s not stopping. His well-received Thai fried chicken eatery Bird Bird (18 Ann Siang Rd.) is finally getting a permanent home. It’ll take over the space formerly occupied by French restaurant La Petite Navire over at Ann Siang Hill. The space serves Thai fried chicken, as well as green papaya salad with crispy chicken skin, salted eggs and fermented rice vermicelli. Drinks-wise, it’s also shaking up alcoholic slushies. Bird Bird is currently slated for a November opening. See our interview with the man on page 22.

Carnivores Only

We’ve been watching the Park Hotel at Alexandra come up for a while and now that it’s open, there are some interesting food options to look forward to. Most intriguing is meat-only outlet The Carvery (7/F Park Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Rd., 6828-8888, www. parkhotelgroup.com), a dedicated roast meat restaurant that’s all about cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken. This includes a decadent prime rib and brisket; New Zealand leg of lamb and pork

Bird Bird

knuckle. The best part is the fact that it’s all pretty affordable at $38 for a lunch buffet and $52 for a dinner buffet.

ALL BUCKETS OF BEER ONLY

Caffeine High

If the Circular Road outlet is a little out of the way, then head to high-tech cafe The New Black (#01-23/23A Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place), which has opened its newest and largest outlet at Republic Plaza. The cafe has roped in a former US National Barista Champion, Bronwen Serna, as its Director of Coffee. In addition to internationally sourced coffee roasts, this outlet is also cashless and has special barista training—which means there aren’t any clueless people making your coffee.

$50nett

(5 bottles per bucket)

NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG

Pasarbella isn’t the only foodie hotspot coming to Suntec City With the major revamp of Suntec City’s huge mall space, the second outlet of PasarBella isn’t the only new tenant to look forward to come September. There are a ton of other restaurants setting up shop in the mall’s North towers. One that’s already open is affordable and family-run Bottura Italian restaurant Bottura (#02-472/473/474 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Ave., 6238-7527, www.facebook.com/botturasg). It serves up traditional fare from Bologna, including thin-crust pizzas, handmade pastas and small plates of arancini and sharing platters of cold cuts and cheese. Most exciting in the forthcoming column is a new Japanese place, Eat at Seven, a multi-concept restaurant with seven different F&B brands, including sushi at Megumi, yakiniku restaurant NikuNoHi specializing in Japanese beef and Japanese-Italian restaurant Nigiro Cafe. Other yet-to-open restaurants include Terra by Limited Edition Concepts (the folks behind places like The Vault, Kyo and Refuge) and Indochine’s restaurants Saint Ma and Arn Nan. Website of the Year MPAS 2015

FIND US @ Block A, next to Tan Tye Gate, Clarke Quay, Singapore. Tel: +65 669 46911 Web: www.mcgettigans.com

S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

escapes

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news

Flask

CHINA

Hai Time 6 hot new nightspots in Shanghai. By Ric Stockfis Union Trading Company

The PuLi Hotel and Spa

o call Shanghai a party town is an understatement. Every week sees a new bar or club opening, and about a dozen celebrating anniversaries of some sort. Staying on top of where’s hot is a full-time job, but fortunately, we’ve done it for you.

1. The Cut

From the same group as the infamous Bar Rouge and dining experience Ultraviolet, this year-old restaurant and bar atop IAPM mall is now the hottest spot in town on a Thursday night (from 5-10pm two drinks go for just 60RMB ($13)). Come for the affordable steak and fries sets, but stay for the split-level rooftop bar with its glammed-up expat crowd, indiedisco soundtrack and views across the city. IAPM, Unit L6-606, 999 Huahai Rd., www.facebook.com/thecut.shanghai

for snobbery, but is in fact pretty low-key. It’s got some of the best (and best value) vodkabased cocktails in town and a soundtrack (think The Killers and The Smiths) far removed from your usual table-service spots. There’s an outdoor terrace, but if it’s views you’re after you’ll have more luck at newbie Shen (7/F, 7 Yan’an Dong Rd., +86 21 63169119), an upmarket Bund-side offering from the guys behind legendary local bar DADA. 6/F, 130 Beijing East Rd., near Huqiu Rd., www.facebook.com/THENESTshanghai

2. Le Baron

4. Union Trading Company

Local lifestyle mag City Weekend’s Best New Club 2015, this grungy, Parisian-styled nightspot is the place on everyone’s lips as soon as they’re done with the one they’re currently in. The guys at the door can be strict (dress up or else be born beautiful), but once you make it in it’s a refreshingly unpretentious place, decked out in every shade of red and witness to some loose behavior. 7/F, 20 Donghu Rd., near Huaihai Rd., www.facebook.com/lebaronshanghai

3. The Nest

Part of the stalwart MUSE family of clubs, this gastro-lounge is a few blocks back from the Bund. With prime real estate and the Grey Goose partnership, it checks all the right boxes

Le Baron

The Cut

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

Speakeasies are ironically, no longer hard to find in Shanghai, with crowds flocking to the likes of Speak Low (579 Fuxing Middle Rd., near Ruijin No.2 Rd.) and newbie Flask (432 Shaanxi South Rd., near Fuxing Middle Rd.) whose doors are hidden behind bookshelves and vintage Coke vending machines. And while year-old Union has the same Prohibition-era charm, it dispenses with all the pretense: it’s simply a very, very good cocktail bar (with a 100-strong seasonal list) in a cozy spot on one of the former French Concession’s leafy lanes. 64 Fenyang Rd., near Fuxing Middle Rd., +86 21 6418-3077, www.facebook. com/pages/The-Union-TradingCompany/1431244400479527

5. Starling

Styled like a cooler version of Raffles’ Long Bar (there’s even beef rendang on the menu), this cocktail bar is at the Taixing Road complex, a stack of F&B venues that opened mid-2014 in a restored courtyard amid the old lanes off Nanjing Road that’s extremely popular right now. The ground-floor, colonialinspired Starling is a great place to people watch, before moving on for tapas at Tomatito (from acclaimed Spanish chef and Shanghai kingpin Willy Trullas Moreno) and even more cocktails at El Ocho and Logan’s Punch, all of which are right next door. 99 Taixing Rd., near Nanjing West Rd., www.facebook.com/pages/ Starling/1424463991172136

6. Zapfler

A four-month old dedicated craft beer spot on the infamous Yongkang Lu (a quiet backstreet just five years ago and now the Shanghai equivalent of the Khao San Road), this simple hole-in-the-wall stocks beer from a German-run brewery out in the small town of Jintan. They’re currently using 10 of their eventual 27 taps and turning out a range of ales, including the flagship Bearded Bear IPA, smoked and honey lagers and an alcoholic ginger beer. 42 Yongkang Rd., near Xiangyang Rd, www.facebook.com/pages/Zapfler-CraftBeer/1632306466981914

Essentials HOW TO GET THERE China Eastern gets you there from around $380 return, Singapore Airlines from $550. VISA Singaporean citizens don’t need a visa for stays up to 15 days. Other nationalities most likely will and can apply either at the embassy or through the China Visa Application Service Center (#16-01/02/02A, 80 Robinson Rd., 6713-9380, www. visaforchina.org). WHERE TO STAY We stayed at The PuLi Hotel and Spa (1 Changde Rd., +86 (0) 21 2216-6973, www.thepuli.com), which is just off central thoroughfare Nanjing Road West. The chic, design-driven hotel backs onto the small and leafy Jing’an Park, which means unobstructed views from many of the stylish 200-odd rooms and suites. It also boasts Shanghai’s first Anantara Spa. Rooms start from $389/night if you book through Design Hotels (www.designhotels.com).

astrology

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): ”What are the best things and the worst things in your life, and when are you going to get around to whispering or shouting them?” This question was posed by Leo author Ray Bradbury in his book Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity. Even if you’re not a writer yourself, you will benefit from responding to his exhortation. It’s one of the best things you could possibly do to activate your dormant creativity and intensify your lust for life. This is one of those times when working with your extremes is not only safe and healthy, but also fun and inspirational. So do it, Leo! Get excited and expressive about the best and worst things in your life. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): It’s time to leave behind the golden oldies. You’d be wise to tiptoe away from tradition and give the ghosts of the past one last kiss goodbye, and wean yourself from nostalgia for the good old days. Frankly, my dear, you’ve got numerous appointments with the future, and it would be a shame to miss them because you’re mucking around with memories. In the coming weeks—for that matter, in the coming months—you’re most likely to thrive if you become an agent of change. And the most important thing to change is your relationship to the person you used to be. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): In Indonesia, the term gotong-royong is defined as the “joint bearing of burdens.” In practice it means that you and I and our allies get together voluntarily to help each other achieve a shared goal. It may also be an agreement to provide mutual aid: I help you do what you need to have done, and you help me with my task. Gotong-royong also implies that we enjoy working together. The emotional tone that we cultivate is affection and care. By sharing a burden, we lighten the load that each of us has to bear. I bring this to your attention, Libra, because it’s the gotong-royong season for you and yours. Be the ringleader who initiates and sustains it. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In one of his poems, Jack Gilbert mentions “the incurably sane,” who are “uncrippled by beauty” and “unbutchered by love.” When I read those lines, I felt a surge of protest. Is there a single person on the earth who fits that description? No! I was miffed by such starry-eyed idealism. Later, though, as I studied the astrological omens for you Scorpios, my attitude softened. I realized that the coming weeks may be a time when many of you will at least temporarily be incurably sane, uncrippled by beauty and unbutchered by love. If you’re one of these lucky ones, please use your blessed grace to spread an abundance of blessed grace everywhere you go. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): If you’re not skirting the edges of the forbidden zone, you’re playing it too safe. If you’re not serving as a benevolent mischief-maker for someone you care about, you’re shirking your duty. Your allegiance should be with X-factors and wild cards. You will thrive to the degree that you cultivate alliances with mavericks and instigators. Are you shrewd enough to mess with time-tested formulas? Are you restless enough to rebel against habits that stifle your curiosity? CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): How to be a Capricorn, according to my Capricorn reader Sadie Kennedy: When you are younger, take yourself too seriously. Look and act older than you actually are as you serve what’s most practical. Sacrifice fun and frivolity, working doggedly to achieve the goals you yearn for, until you reach some level of accomplishment. Then realize, as if struck by a thunderbolt, that fun and frivolity have practical value. Begin to age backwards like Benjamin Button as you balance work with play and discipline with leisure. Enjoy the fruits of your intense efforts as everyone tells you how relaxed and supple and resilient you are becoming. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Cracking open the shell of a soft-boiled egg is a tricky task. You must be firm enough to break the shell, but sufficiently gentle to avoid making a mess. If you live in Germany, you have access to a metal instrument that provides just the right measure of soft force. It’s called an Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher, translated as

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“soft-boiled egg shell cracker.” Your assignment in the coming weeks is to cultivate a talent that is metaphorically similar to an Eierschalensollbruchstellenverursacher. I believe you will need that blend of sensitivity and power on numerous occasions. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Americans often regard Cuba as impoverished and backwards. There is an element of truth in their prejudice, primarily because the U.S. has imposed a stifling embargo on the Caribbean nation for over 50 years. That’s why, for example, many Cubans drive cars that were manufactured in the 1950s. But I wonder how my fellow citizens would respond if they knew that in some ways Cuba’s healthcare system is better than America’s. The World Health Organization recently congratulated Cuba for being the first country on earth to eradicate the transmission of syphilis and HIV from mothers to babies. Can you identify a metaphorically similar situation in your personal life, Pisces? Are there people you regard as inferior or undeveloped who could teach you an important lesson or motivate you to grow? Now is a perfect time to benefit from their influence. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Charles de Lint is a novelist whose stories are influenced by folklore, myths, and science fiction. In his book Yarrow, a wizardly character named Toby is skilled at conjuring. He can make small objects appear and disappear, for example. But Toby yearns for more. I want to be magic,” he says. “I want to be a friend of elves and live in a tree. I want to marry a moonbeam and hear the stars sing. I don’t want to pretend at magic anymore. I want to be magic.” If you have ever wished for a comparable upgrade, Aries, now is an unusually favorable time to work on it.

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TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): An imaginative Welsh man named Liam Bennett has developed a “dausage,” which is a blend of a doughnut and sausage. One of his most requested treats is pork meat stuffed with strawberry jelly. Even if this novel blend doesn’t appeal to your taste buds, it serves as a good prompt for my advice: The coming weeks will be a favorable time to expand your notion of what types of nourishment are fun and healthy for you. I mean that in the metaphorical as well as the literal sense. Experiment with new recipes, both with the food you provide your body and the sustenance you feed your soul. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In the woods, living matter isn’t segregated from the decaying stuff. Rotting tree trunks are host to teeming colonies of moss. Withered stems of ferns mingle with cheerful saplings. Audacious mushrooms sprout up among scraps of fallen leaves. The birds and beetles and lizards and butterflies don’t act as if this mix is weird. They seem to be at peace with it. I suspect they thrive on it, even exult in it. That’s the spirit I suggest you adopt as you enjoy the paradoxical melange of your life in the coming weeks, Gemini. Celebrate the mysterious magic that emerges as you simultaneously fade and flourish, decline and increase, wind down and rise up. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Here are some tips on being the best Cancerian you can be: 1. Cultivate your sensitivity as a strength. Regard your emotional vulnerability as a superpower. 2. Nurture yourself at least as much as you nurture others. 3. Learn to know the difference between your golden hunches and the glimmering delusions that your demons stir up. 4. Be kind, but don’t be exorbitantly nice. 5. Remember that others’ unhappiness is rarely your fault or responsibility. 6. Keep reinventing the way you love yourself.

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last word

Bjorn Shen The bearded, bespectacled, Bermuda-shorted bro behind edgy Middle Eastern restaurant Artichoke is the real deal: he teaches at the CIA, his restaurant is as buzzing as ever, he’s expanded to making exotic popsicles with Neh Neh Pop and his delicious Thai food pop-up Bird Bird is getting a permanent home on Ann Siang Hill. Here, he tells Mrigaa Sethi about working the dangerous night shift in Australia, keeping his staff happy and what’s wrong with Thai food in Singapore. When I was four, my mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I told her I wanted to be a snowman. The next year, I told her I wanted to be a rice cooker. I didn’t mean the machine, I meant the person cooking rice. I spent my afternoons as a kid reading cookbooks. I was able to read a recipe and visualize how the dish started and finished. It was like learning kungfu from reading a book.

There were people doing Middle Eastern in Singapore, but they were very ethnic, traditional, grandma-style. No one was sexing it up. A lot of Singaporeans don’t want to do dishes, therefore you have to hire from abroad. But it’s not like the people from abroad want to do it either.

When I lived in Australia, I worked the midnight shift at 7-11, the most dangerous shift to work in a convenience store in Australia, where the crime rate is extremely high. I was whipping up my own nasty creations from But the Aussies didn’t want to do it. But I, the young Asian the time I was 12: all manners of instant noodles, all international student, wanted to not because I loved the job versions of eggs, canned but because the money was good enough sausages and barbecued to warrant the risk. Come on, part-time beans from a can. job pays you $38 an hour? A lot of Singaporeans I was living in Australia, having a very comfortable life. I almost did a PhD in food marketing. But then I got the itch to start my own restaurant.

don’t want to do dishes, therefore you have to hire from abroad. But it’s not like the people from abroad want to do it either.

I knew if I opened a restaurant there, I wouldn’t be able to fly back to visit my family and aging grandparents. So I opened a restaurant in Singapore.

There are so many restaurants here, and they’re all either French, Japanese, Italian or burger bars. So I thought if I were going to risk everything, give up my PR status, my car, my home, I better come back and do something totally different.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

by Kathy Macleod

Everyone who works for me has a career path. The path starts from the time they arrive to the time they become head chefs of their own outlets.

I’m a good manager because everything that my guys do now I’ve done before. There are a lot of people who have money, who open businesses and think, “If I’ve got money, I can hire someone to do the job. I can hire someone to pick up this piece of snotty paper on the table.”

Hot Hoods THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

A lot of restaurateurs complain about staffing issues. It comes down to management structure. We don’t just pay our staff a salary to be a pair of hands and legs.

You can hire someone, but you don’t have their loyalty or respect, unless you show them that you can pick up that snot-filled paper with your own bare hands before you ask them to do it. As my company grows, the next business will not start up the same way as Artichoke. I will not be driving around to my relatives’ homes, stealing their chairs and begging for money from different people. But my objective in any business moving forward is to make sure that, no matter how well-funded it is, it needs to have the same soul as Artichoke. It needs to be headed by someone hungry for success, hungry for survival. Their salary, their face, their fame, everything relies on it. You don’t find good versions of khao soi [northern Thai curried noodles] in Singapore—they’re too rich and coconut-y. No one has the balls to do it in a cheap, dirty way. A lot of food in Thailand is cheap and dirty, but unfortunately in Singapore—or anywhere else they export the cuisine—it becomes too polished, and that dirtiness is lost. The number one rule of running a restaurant: don’t be [a jerk]. Ego is very common in this industry. I’ve worked for people who, at the end of the month, when my paycheck is due, have said things like, “I’ll see how I feel about paying you.” They let the ego get to their head.

Where to eat, drink and play in Singapore’s coolest heartlands Download the free interactive eBook at is.gd/SGhothoods and start exploring.