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
Great month to meet arty types
SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #685 | SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
what’s on what’s new what matters
Shannon Lee Castleman had neighbors at Jurong West Street 81 film each other in this video installation on display at the Singapore Art Museum. Turn to VIDEO , page 8, for an interview. GETAWAYS
STYLE
INTERVIEW
TRAVEL
Boutique Staycations
Where to Get Cool Menswear
Breaking Bread With Migrant Workers
Biking in Taiwan
page 3
What’s that smell? 12 cityscape
Boutique Staycations 13 Ways You Know the Haze is Back in Singapore 6 wellness
8 film
Soulscape
Asian Film Symposium
10 guide
14 style
Shop and Dine at Pinacotheque
Where to Get Menswear
1. Every time you step out of the house, you ask, “Wait, it’s still Hungry Ghost Festival?” 2. The sunsets get dramatically Instagram-worthy all of a sudden—but guys, that’s pollution. 3. People care more about PSI than CSI. 4. You start wondering if the government-issue masks this year will have an SG50 logo on them. 5. The home electronics appliances aisle at the store looks like the zombie apocalypse is nigh.
16 new restaurant
18 food
6. Your air-conditioning bills are through the roof.
Oysters at Humpback
Indonesia in Singapore
7. You start considering Beijing for a delightful weekend getaway. 8. Diplomatic relations with Indonesia get pissy.
20 travel
22 interview
9. Coming in to work makes you feel like you’re in that Times Square scene from Vanilla Sky—because everyone’s on MC.
Taiwan on Two Wheels
Eating with Migrant Workers
10. Suddenly people with face masks on the bus stop looking paranoid and start looking sensible. 11. You have a ready excuse to bail on all your Tinder dates last minute. Or any appointment really.
Who's in charge? Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg
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Features Editor Chelsia Tan Dining Editor Letitia Tandean
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13. Chain-smoking Don Draper stops being your idol.
Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg On the cover Shannon Lee Castleman, Jurong West Street 81, 2008. Collection of the artist. On display at After Utopia: Revisiting The Ideal in Asian Contemporary Art currently at SAM
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.
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Awesome events, cool new places, the very best of the next two weeks
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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
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12. That sexy jogger in your HDB is nowhere to be seen
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
3
up front
Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends
Hot: Transport
OB INDEX Samferdselsdepartementet
Dickson Phua
HOT OR NOT
Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance
Not: Transport Minister
Gurmit Singh
After a rollercoaster four years of frequent MRT delays and breakdowns, the recent announcement of Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew’s break from politics comes as no surprise. We’re still optimistic, though, with announcements of the new Downtown Line opening in December.
Hot: Queueing
Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression AUG
21
Equal rights for single mothers in Singapore has been a contentious issue, with many asking for the same benefits that married mothers are entitled to, such as an extra eight weeks of maternity leave, tax incentives and child relief claims—all currently denied to those who become parents outside “the context of marriage”. But PAP candidate for MacPherson Tin Pei Ling has recently been quoted by local news channels saying, “I can empathize with the mom and I think we should be fair.” That doesn’t mean much yet, but we’re glad the issue is getting air time again.
NUMEROLOGY
Not: Typos
Our favorite past-time made headlines again on Aug 20 when long queues for the limited edition SG50 commemorative notes were seen forming at banks. But in an embarrassing twist, the Monetary Authority of Singapore misspelt the name of Singapore’s first president, Yusof Ishak as “Yusok Ishak” on the packaging. Oops.
$50,000 Amount Bread Talk is donating to the Community Chest, hot on the heels of a PR disaster involving mislabelled soy milk sold at their stores.
$100 Hot: Zouk in Kuala Lumpur Not: Zouk at Jiak Kim Street It’s the end of an era as Singapore’s clubbing stalwart, Zouk, moves from its Jiak Kim premises to Clarke Quay. Meanwhile, they’ve opened a new $14 million, 106,000 sq. ft. space in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 20 and it’s a mega outfit with an extremely exclusive password-activated lift that takes A-list guests from their cars in the basement carpark to the club.
WE
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
The daily wage for a Singaporean or permanent resident assistant at a famous wonton mee stall in Jalan Besar, but there have been few takers for the vacancy.
$20,000 The new grant for Singaporean families buying resale HDB flats near or with their parents or married children.
272
Archifest is back with walkabouts, screenings and some heady conferences
Archifest
Returning for its ninth edition, architecture festival Archifest is happening Sep 26-Oct 10 with a series of fringe events and activities. The most popular, we suspect, will be Architours, a walkabout of the city’s urban landmarks. On the more cerebral front, there’s Why Architect?, a dialogue about how to realize your dream home and L’aperitif— Italian Design in Asia, a conference by Association of Italian Designers & Architects and LopeLab. The design-centric festival also features art exhibitions about the urbanization of Singapore: Tabula Merah, an interactive mural installation and Plot, a digital art series by local photographer Caleb Ming. But wait, there’s the obligatory nod to nostalgia at Old Places and Old Romances. The free two-part film screening by directors Royston Tan, Eva Tang and Victric Thng will wax lyrical about personal experiences and memories of places slated for redevelopment. For updates and tickets, visit www.archifest.sg
The number of sexual crimes cases filed last year, a 60% increase from 164 filed in 2011.
Website of the Year MPAS 2015
Sources: The Straits Times, The New Paper, AsiaOne
SG
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
Get this issue to go.
This week you will mainly love your city for its...
Wheelchair-Friendly Playgrounds Singapore’s first inclusive playground at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, built by the National Parks Board and National Council of Social Service, features a wheelchair-accessible swing, merry-go-round, a sand table and a slide with special rollers for tactile stimulations, all to encourage integration between children with and without special needs. It’s the first of 11 to be launched by 2017 at places like Admiralty Park, Sengkang Riverside Park, Sun Plaza Park, East Coast Park, Jurong Lake Gardens, Choa Chu Kang Park, Pasir Ris Park and West Coast Park.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
25
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
Sep 6
THEATER Globe to Globe Hamlet
Having performed in 96 countries, the Shakespeare Globe’s rendition of one of the world’s most popular plays, Hamlet, is another electrifying performance. Directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst with music by Bill Barclay. Sep 8-11, 7:45pm; Sep 12, 2:30pm, 7:45pm. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd. $88-148 from Sistic.
TUE
Sep 8
MUSIC PianoBotanica This year’s concert in the park features Brazilian duo Bastos & Borges, or flutist Joao Bastos and pianist Yara Borges. They’re performing an energetic mix of both funky Brazilian tunes and classical favorites. Sep 6, 6pm. Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7361. Free.
FRI
FILM A Design Film Festival
Sep 5
Catch more trendy designinspired films at this popular festival, spanning fashion (Dior and I, Iris), photography (The Salt of the Earth) and conceptual art (Station to Station), and many more. Sep 5-13. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd., www. designfilmfestival.com. $15-18.
SAT
SPORTS Soulscape
The iconic beachside yoga festival is back with free dance and yoga workshops, a sunset yoga session and a dance party at dusk. Sep 12, 8am. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, www.soulscape.sg. $25-199.
WED
Sep 12
Sep 9
FOOD & DRINK STORIES
This pop-up theatrical dinner series features two chapters, with the first chapter held at Fort Siloso and the second chapter held at Customs House Terrace. The five-course modern Singaporean dinner is by chefs Malcolm Lee and Kenneth Francisco. Sep 9-12, 6:30pm. Various venues, www. myprivatechef.com.sg. $138-158 from Eventclique.
MON
LITERARY American Writers Festival
SUN
Sep 14
Sep 6
This year’s edition features readings, talks and panel discussions by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Adam Johnson, known for his novel The Orphan Master’s Son, and playwright and screenwriter Rajiv Joseph, who wrote a few seasons of TV show Nurse Jackie. The lineup also includes Poet Laureate of Brooklyn Tina Chang and journalist Nisid Hajari who has written for the New York Times and Bloomberg. Sep 14-18. Various venues, www. americanwritfest.org. Free.
OUTINGS Sentosa Fun Festival
Siloso Beach gets turned into a giant water and foam festival. There are tons of activities including sliding down a 12-meter tall, three-person inflatable water slide, getting slippery in foam pools and partying into the night with awesome DJs, barbecued food and cold beers. Sep 6-13, 2pm. Siloso Beach, www. sentosa.com.sg/en/sentosafunfest. $26-79.
6
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
now VIDEO Shannon Lee Castleman
Singapore Pinacotheque De Paris Race
Shannon Lee Castleman
Currently on display at the Singapore Art Museum is a 16-screen video installation by American digital artist and former assistant professor at NTU that was shot on location at Jurong West Street 81. Here she tells us why it was so hard to pull off and what she was trying to achieve. Tell us about the set-up for the project. The installation consists of 16 monitors that simultaneously play videos that were all shot at the same time. Each video was edited down to 13 minutes. The editing was synchronized so that when put together you would hear the audio recorded inside the flat along with what was filmed of them by the adjacent neighbor. The monitors are set up in a grid in an attempt to recreate the housing block. What were you trying to achieve? I wanted to invite people and give them permission to film their neighbors with the hope they might get to know each other a little better. How did you come to pick the block you did? I chose this particular block because the kitchen windows line up directly with the kitchen windows across the car park. By
setting up the video cameras in people’s kitchens rather bedrooms I hoped the project could be less about voyeurism and more about interactions between neighbors. What were some unexpected reactions from the residents? Getting the residents to agree to participate in the project was very difficult. I knocked on at least 144 doors before I got eight pairs or 16 flats to agree to participate. This success was achieved with the help of a small army of multilingual student volunteers who helped to persuade the residents to participate. And the biggest surprise? The biggest surprise was how much the student volunteers got out of the process. They each went into the homes to set up the cameras and then dismantle them at the end of the project. They all were quite touched by the experience and forged connections with the residents. What are some other things that fascinate you, as an artist, about Singapore? I am fascinated by Singapore’s melding of cultures and the break neck speed in which the city’s landscape is always changing.
You can see Shannon Castleman’s work, along with many others, at After Utopia: Revisiting The Ideal in Asian Contemporary Art at Singapore Art Museum, through Oct 18. MRIGAA SETHI
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
ART A Social Portrait of Singapore: The Critical Years One of the pioneers of the local photography scene, artistphotographer Loke Hong Seng captures intimate moments of ‘60s and ‘80s Singapore through 20 works depicting everyday scenes from the building of HDB flats to picturesque landscapes. Through Sep 6, 12pm. Yeo Workshop, #0101 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Rd., 6734-5168. Free. Cabanons This experimental installation by French conceptual artist Daniel Buren has aerialists, tightrope walkers and acrobats performing in tents that plays on their vulnerability. Through Sep 6, 8pm. Open field opp. Bugis Junction, Tan Quee Lan St., sifa.sg. $80 from Sistic. 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 through various mediums. Through Sep 13, 11am. Chan Hampe Galleries (Raffles Hotel), #01-20/21 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6338-1962. Free. Singapore Pinacotheque De Paris Race The French museum has special guided tours of exhibitions
since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
what’s on what’s new what matters
They look so good, we’ve even started hanging them on our walls.
GETAWAYS
STYLE
INTERVIEW
TRAVEL
Boutique Staycations
Where to Get Cool Menswear
Breaking Bread With Migrant Workers
Biking in Taiwan
Fifty Years of Singapore Design Explore the evolution of design from the early ‘60s to present day. The exhibition is divided into four categories: visual communications, product & industrial design, fashion & accessories and environmental design. Sep 13-19, 9am. National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., www.designsingapore.org. 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, from websites to
TV commercials. Through Sep 24. Red Dot Design Museum, Red Dot Traffic, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-8027, www.museum.red-dot.sg. $8. Contemporary Asian Landscapes This solo show by Malaysian artist Chankerk features local landscapes and various impressions of Asian locales such as Bali, Osaka and Siem Reap. Through Oct 16. One Raffles Quay, 1 Raffles Link, 64383328, www.chanhampegalleries. com. Free. Pablo Picasso & Salvador Dali Featuring pieces from two muchloved and internationally renowned artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, this show has cubist paintings alongside surrealist landscapes. Sep 18-Oct 18. Opera Gallery, #0415 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6735-2618, www.operagallery. com. Free.
The Enchanted World of Hayao Miyazaki II Local orchestral group West Winds presents the second instalment of their tribute to Japanese master animator and director Hayao Miyazaki. Expect to hear lush tunes from films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbour Totoro. Sep 6, 5pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade.com. $15 from Sistic.
Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore.
Shannon Lee Castleman had neighbors at Jurong West Street 81 film each other in this video installation on display at the Singapore Art Museum. Turn to VIDEO , page 8, for an interview.
showcasing masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. F1 ticket holders receive a 10% discount. Sep 18-19. Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris, Fort Canning Centre, 5 Cox Terrace, 6883-1588. www.pinacotheque. com.sg. $11-28.
MUSIC
Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks
Great month to meet arty types
SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #685 | SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Common Ground
To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg
IAM
IAM The French hip hop legends led by Akhenaton catapulted to the top of the charts with a string of ‘90s hits like “Je Danse le Mia”. They’ll be here to perform new and old hits for the first time. Sep 12, 8pm. Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, 6348-7907, www. figure8-agency.com. $90-110 from Eventclique.
classical Winterreise Baritone Matthias Goerne, pianist Markus Hinterhauser and South African artist William Kentridge come together to perform Franz Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise, which centers on an emblematic wanderer who travels through a frozen landscape. Sep 4-5, 8pm. SOTA Concert Hall, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411, sifa.sg. $40-120.
FILM
Asian Film Symposium
8
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Asian Film Symposium A four-day showcase of short films from partner countries in Southeast Asia. Curated by film programmers in the respective countries, these dialogue and screening sessions show the most cutting-edge films today. Sep 10-13. ObjectifsCentre for Photography and Filmmaking, 155 Middle Rd., www.objectifs.com.sg. $10 from Peatix.
Winterreise
DREAM
DEALS
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
27
now CITY LIVING Where to eat and shop at the Pinacotheque
HAPPENINGS
sports Fast & Fabulous: The Essential Workout for a Race Driver Find out how F1 drivers train before they hit the tracks at breakneck speeds at this unusual gym session. Sep 12, 11am. www.aileron.com.sg. $45. 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. $258-1,288. www. singaporegp.sg.
FORT by Maison Ikkoku
festivals Moshi Moshi Nippon Festival This Japanese pop culture festival features the best of Japanese fashion and music. Highlights include J-pop artists Yasutaka Nakata and his electronica group CAPSULE, as well as yanaginagi, kz of livetune, Hachioji-P, TEMPURA KIDZ and Anna Yano. Sep 5-6. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link.
Fort Canning Arts Centre
Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival The boisterous mid-autumn
Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix harvest festivities has paper lantern-making sessions, traditional musical performances and tours of different sculptures at Zhongshan Park. Sep 19-26, 7pm. Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, 12 Tai Gin Rd., 6256-7377, www. wanqingyuan.org.sg. Free.
sales & fairs Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention The latest edition of this popular convention features marquee names like illustrator Adam Hughes, known for Hellboy, Captain America and Wonder Woman, and Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, who worked on the animation The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Sep 12-13, 10am. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www. singaporetgcc.com. $19-28.
Fashion & Jewellery Pitstop This pop-up by Shopthemag has designers like Khoon Hui, Alice McCall, Johnny Ramli and a new Singapore-based jeweler Madly Gems on show. The focus is on light and breezy pieces. Sep 1819, 10am. Sofitel So Singapore, 35 Robinson Rd, 6701-6800, www. shopthemag.com. Free.
outings Choo Yilin Presents Joo Chiat’s Secrets: A Foodie & Fashionista Shopping Guide Local jewelry designer Choo Yilin collaborates with local businesses in the Joo Chiat neighborhood to create a special walkabout through the area. You can explore the precinct, attend maker workshops and eat specially prepared dishes. Sep 7-20, 1pm. Free.
Balzac Brasserie
Myra’s
The famed French museum has fully opened in the beautiful heritage building atop Fort Canning Park, and there’s more to it than ancient Asian artifacts and classical works of art. Here’s where to eat and shop when you’re at the Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris (5 Cox Terrace, www.pinacotheque.com.sg). FOOD & DRINK For cocktails... If you’re an Ethan Leslie Leong/Maison Ikkoku/Bar Stories groupie then FORT by Maison Ikkoku (#0102/03) should be the next cocktail destination. While it’s positioned as a full-fledged degustation-based modern European restaurant, Leong’s forte still lies in kooky cocktails. The dim and predominantly concrete space is offset by super reflective mirror counter-style tabletops and various forms of Edison lightbulbs. There isn’t a drinks menu, so everything here is made bespoke. Just be warned, it’s all quite sweet. For French fare... It’s a welcome relief to find out that Balzac Brasserie (#B1-08) lives again, after closing their Hotel Rendezvous digs a few months ago. The cozy restaurant still follows the same bistro feel, but in plusher surrounds. The mahogany wood palette is now swapped for a serene dove gray and wood color scheme, but the food remains hearty and delicious. There are dishes of summer truffle ravioli and braised wagyu beef cheek, complemented with an extensive wine list. For Indian-Mexican food... Next door to Balzac Brasserie is Myra’s (#B1-05/06/07), a classier reincarnation of its original East Coast beach bar premises. The open-concept restaurant retains its mixed-bag menu of hearty Mexican and North Indian fare. Don’t ask us why the two are combined, but crowd-pleasers like fajitas, burritos and nachos, alongside tandoori chicken and curries isn’t a bad option for large groups. Plus, they’ve got jugs of sangria and margaritas. For a sweet tooth craving... Peeking out behind the museum shop is Giojio Concepts (#01-01), an Italian-style gelataria serving Giovanni L gelatos from Hamburg. The same spot houses American chowder stall Seattle Pike Chowder, which serves scallop, South Pacific, smoked salmon and Manhattan chowders. SHOP For trinkets... The museum’s official shop La Boutique Pinacotheque (B1) sells a little bit of everything. From books dedicated to art and handmade precious stone jewelry to decorative homeware and various posters and postcards of the galleries’ key works. The airy store is located next to Myra’s. For a slice of Singapore... Heritage brand and boutique Arch Singapore (#01-04/05) has set up shop in the museum, too. The store is lined with 2D and 3D art pieces that have been carved into thin wood veneer boards. The extremely detailed works depict various scenes from the flora and fauna native to Singapore and the region and iconic monuments like Marina Bay Sands to traditional kebayan. Letitia Tandean
10
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Race Afterburner at Kyo
NIGHTLIFE Tanjong-lympics The beach club celebrates their fifth anniversary with a retro party where you should dress up in ‘80s neon leotards and headbands. There’s also candy floss, a photobooth and a turbo pong competition, too. Sep 5, 2pm. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 9750-5323, www.tanjongbeachclub.com. Haji Lane Street Party The Kampong Glam street is closed for this street party with three DJ decks playing ‘90s R&B, hip hop, funk and reggae music. There are lots of beers, tequilas and free shots, too. Sep 12, 7pm. Piedra Negra, 241 Beach Rd., 6291-1297, www.piedra-negra.com. Race Afterburner at Kyo The underground club spins classic house and boundary-pushing sounds by indie DJs like Ben UFO, Francois K, Miguel Migs and Nick Warren. Sep 18-19, 9pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. Road To Ultra The highly anticipated EDM event brings dubstep darling Skrillex, Swedish EDM heavyweight Alesso and Dutch DJ Nicky Romero for a night-long concert and neon rave. Sep 19. Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, ultrasingapore.com. $168-198. Amber Lounge This star-studded afterparty has F1 drivers, celebrities and big-name DJs making apperances. This year, expect Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap to perform, as well
Night Race Weekend at Ce La Vi as a fashion show by Ted Baker and Chichi von Tang. Sep 19-20. Temasek Reflections, Millenia Walk, 1 Temasek Ave., www.amber-lounge.com $900-31,000. Sky Grande Prix The vertiginous lifestyle complex 50RP hosts five nights of parties with four themes spread over their four concepts: Sear, Angie’s Oyster Bar, Patio and Empire. There are views of the tracks and a roster of DJs including Remy Kersten from Hong Kong’s Dragon-i. Sep 16-20, 6pm. Empire, 45/F Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Place, 6336-8111, www. skygrandeprix.sg. $88-288. The Podium Lounge This swanky post-race party is back for the seventh edition with lots of start power including Hed Kandi’s Mark Doyle, LMFAO’s Sky Blu, as well as DJ Kristian Nairn, better known as Hodor from Game of Thrones. This year’s edition also has F1 memorabilia up for auction and an Andy Warhol art exhibition. Sep 18-20, 10pm. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, 6337-8888, www.podiumlounge.com.sg. $188-390. Night Race Weekend at Ce La Vi The rooftop bar, restaurant and club-lounge all have something going on this F1 season. There’s an afternoon barbecue with Afro-Latin music near the pool; free-flow oysters, sushi and Champagne at the Sky High Sunday brunch and nightly parties with celeb DJs like Samantha Ronson and Cassidy. Sep 18-20, 12pm. CE LA VI, 57/F SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.celavi.com. $28-328.
Dylan Moran
Revolutionary Model Play 2.0 is performed in Sanskrit with English subtitles. Sep 4, 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, sifa.sg. $2560 from Sistic.
STAGE
comedy Dylan Moran This Irish stand-up comedian, writer and filmmaker brings his sardonic brand of observational humor that draws on materials from his latest touring show Off The Hook. Sep 5, 8pm. University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, 6516-2492. $88-158 from Sistic.
Lord of the Dance - Dangerous Games Directed by Michael Flatley, this popular dance performance features forty young talents showcasing a wide variety of dance moves—from Celtic to contemporary—set to music by Gerard Fahy. Through Sep 6, 7:30pm. Grand Theater, B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www. marinabaysands.com. $65-175 from Sistic.
dance
theater
The Daily Life Of Ms. D Choreographed by Chie Ito, this is modern dance piece chronicles how a woman shuts herself off from tragic world events in her own home. Sep 4, 8pm. Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 30 Keppel Rd., sifa.sg. $35.
Revolutionary Model Play 2.0 Unfolding live onstage through the innovative use of cameras and video projections, this documentarystyle performance examines the cultural and artistic significance of Madam Mao’s (wife of Mao Zedong) Revolutionary Model Plays. It combines traditional Chinese opera with patriotic storylines and uses eight different languages to explore art, culture and representation. Sep 4, 8pm. The Singapore Airlines Theatre, Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000, sifa.sg. $25-45 from Sistic.
Smriti Padha (Memory Route) Inspired by the story of Dussasana Vadham (The Slaying of Dussasana) it centers on the struggle for sovereignty between India’s rival Pandava and Kaurava clans. Presented by Santha Bhaskar with dancers from Kerala Kalamandalam and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy. It
PILATES REFORMER
RIOT
Fitness & Strength Training
Dude, Where’s My Food?
A Week with Remy Martin
FOOD & DRINK A Week with Remy Martin The finale of a week full of Cognac-related masterclasses ends with a big afterparty at this ‘90s-inspired Kampong Glam cocktail bar. There will be lots of cocktails and snacks on hand. Sep 4. Fresh!, #02-01 The Sultan, 101 Jalan Sultan, www.facebook.com/ RemyMartinSingapore. Free. Brazilian Day It’s a day of everything Brazil with samba and forro dances, Brazilian music and bands. There are also Maracatu Cachaca cocktails, too. Sep 12, 4pm. Lime House, 2 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6222-3130, www. limehouse.asia. $30 from Peatix. The Reunion: A Foreign Exchange Two Fat Duck alumni, chefs Ivan Brehm and Kim Ohman, prepare a gastronomic menu of Asian fusion dishes using ingredients from Bacchanalia’s organic garden in Cameron Highlands. Sep 18, 7pm. Bacchanalia, 23A Coleman St., 6509-1453.
Pit Stop at Bitter & Love This stalwart cocktail bar, which recently moved into new digs, has four exclusive cocktails including the Singapura Love, a version of the Singapore Sling, as well as other concoctions like Pitstop Lollipop and Strawberry Shakedown. Sep 11-19, 6pm. Bitters & Love, 118 Telok Ayer St., 6438-1836, www. bittersandlove.com. Free. The Black Swan Presents the Cecil Circuit The 1920s-inspired restaurant has extended their oyster and liquor happy hours for F1 week. Upstairs, the cocktail lounge hosts jazz nights with local band The Steve McQueens who will be playing their neo-funk standards. Sep 14-19, 5pm. The Black Swan, The Quadrant, 19 Cecil St., 8181-3305, www.theblackswan.com.sg. Free. The Best of Candlenut: Past & Present One of Singapore’s most prominent Peranakan restaurants, run by chef-owner Malcom Lee, whips up a special menu of their best dishes like satay, itek tim and ayam buah keluak. Sep 11-20. Candlenut, #01-03 Dorsett Residences, 331 New Bridge Rd., 8121-4107, www. candlenut.com.sg.
SG50 At Dempsey Hill The lush hill becomes a retreat for the Golden Jubilee where there are food and drink promos from over 20 cafes, bars and restaurants. Sep 11-20. Dempsey Hill, 8 Dempsey Rd., www.dempseyhill.com. Dude, Where’s My Food? Artichoke’s famous annual food event continues to cater delicious food with good music. Chef Bjorn Shen whips up meat-centric favorites like bacon cheeseburger gyozas and five-cheese grilled cheese sandwiches with Jack Daniels ketchup. Sep 15-20, 6:30pm. Artichoke Café + Bar, Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Rd., 6336-6949, www.facebook.com/ artichokesg. Peel Out The swanky hotel bar has special F1-themed cocktail nights. They’ve made special dishes and desserts like smoked duck breast with arugula puree and bitter chocolate with raspberry, as well as a small list of F1-related cocktails. Sep 12-21. Manhattan, 2/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 67253377, www.regenthotels.com.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
11
city scape
The Club
STAYCATION
Suite Satisfaction
Still going through a major SG50 weekend withdrawal? One way to deal is to go on a trendy staycation. By SG Editorial
Parkroyal on Pickering
I
Studio M
n a country where going on a break invariably involves a plane trip (sometimes a ferry), regular staycations are our lifeblood. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, an intimate party with friends or simply a very indulgent me-only R&R (we won’t judge), here’s our list of seven tried-and-tested staycations at boutique hotels around town.
Parkroyal on Pickering Best for: A lavish, romantic weekend indoors. The place: It’s hard to miss this sleek and slightly imposing building in Chinatown, with lush foliage perched on its architectural facade. Parkroyal on Pickering (3 Upper Pickering St., 6809-8888, www. parkroyalhotels.com) is an award-winning sustainable hotel with eco-friendly features like rain harvesting and a solar-powered, zero-energy sky garden. The perks: The Junior Suite is spacious and intimate—you’ll wake up to a nice view of the city—and it comes with a stylish, roomy bathroom. You get a limousine pick-up and drop off anywhere in town, a buffet dinner for two at Lime Restaurant and Bar, two 60-min massage treatments at St. Gregory spa and exclusive access to the Orchid Club, a private lounge located on the 16th floor. There, you can have a complimentary Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails away from the crowds. The rant: Great news for exhibitionists—the windows, which face rooms and offices in nearby buildings, are not tinted. The damage: The Suite Life package starts at $698 per night for a Junior Suite to $1,988 for a Presidential Suite, until Dec 31.
Studio M Hotel Best for: An affordable birthday or anniversary treat. The place: The hotel has a predominantly glass facade and the lobby has statement modern glass chandeliers. Studio M Hotel (3 Nanson Rd., 6808-8888, www. millenniumhotels.com.sg), known for its stylish loft rooms, is close to watering holes and cafes at nearby Robertson Quay. The perks: Depending on what you’re there for, you get a complimentary birthday cake,
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
wine and even a flower petal arrangement when you check in. The hotel’s most attractive feature has to be its 25-meter pool on its semi-outdoor deck with lush cabanas and an open-air gym on the second floor. The rant: The room we reviewed needed some sprucing up—the blinds were a little worn and the toilet was not thoroughly cleaned. Breakfast wise, it’s an international spread of local and Western dishes, but be prepared to queue if you’re down at 9am. The damage: The Celebrate with Style package starts at $330 for an Executive Loft to $480 for a Moonlight Loft. You get a 10% off for direct bookings.
Naumi Liora Best for: Self-sufficient yuccies who can’t get enough of Keong Saik Road. The place: The Naumi group’s newest offering is a chic, heritage hotel set in a row of refurbished 155-year-old shop houses. There are Peranakan-inspired design elements throughout the 79-room establishment, located right across Potato Head Folk. Naumi Liora (55 Keong Saik Rd., 6922-9000, www.naumiliora.com) is a hip outfit with mod-Asian interiors. The perks: The beautiful architecture and location is the hotel’s main draw. Trendy restaurants and bars like Burnt Ends, Muchachos, Neon Pigeon, The Library and The Cufflink Club are all within walking distance and it’s pretty near the CBD, if you have to work the next morning. The rant: The complimentary “grab-and-go” breakfast, catered by Amici, is an uninspired mix of yogurt, fruit, salad, croissants and orange juice. The damage: The Big 50 package starts from $164 onwards per night for the Liora Quaint Room to $230 onwards for the Liora Porch room, until Dec 30.
Hotel Fort Canning Best for: A classy secret affair. The place: A quiet drive up the lush Fort Canning Park, Hotel Fort Canning (11 Canning Walk, 6559-6795, www. hfcsingapore.com) is tucked away from any busy street making it perfect for a quiet night in. Built in 1926, the historic building is also beautifully restored and features touches of Chinese and colonial heritage. The perks: Even the smallest room, a Deluxe King, is airy and spacious. It comes with all the modern conveniences like free WiFi and a Bowers & Wilkins iPod dock. The best part is the full-glass bathroom, which has a rainshower and a standalone tub complete with rose petals. Plus, this package gets you a free in-room bottle of Prosecco. The rant: It’s hard to get to, which means you have to get a taxi or drive in if you want to get anywhere in the city. It’s a 10-minute walk to Plaza Singapura or City Hall, but be prepared to sweat. The damage: The Love Blossoms package starts at $385 per night, until Dec 31.
The Club Best for: Design-conscious foodies and cocktail fans. The place: After a total overhaul, The Club (28 Ann Siang Rd., 6808-2188, theclub.com. sg) now sports a luxe and vintage-modern vibe. The 20-room hotel is decked out in one-off art pieces, designer furniture and quirky antiques—befitting of its cool, diningcentric focus. The perks: For such a small hotel, it’s got no less than five restaurants and bars— including Tiger’s Milk, a Peruvian rooftop resto-bar, and Mr. & Mrs. Maxwell’s, an allday dining space with cocktails by the guys of Proof & Co. The rooms are equally plush:
Naumi Liora
The Club
designer beds by Hypnos (the same bed used by Queen Elizabeth II), Bluetooth Tivoli speakers and, of course, a minibar with artisanal drinks. The rant: Being so close to party central that is Club Street, expect late-night drunken choruses and thumping music to permeate the rooms. The damage: Introductory rates start at $280 per night for a Club Room and $460 per night for a Club Suite, until Sep 30.
The Scarlet Singapore Best for: Fussy types on a budget. The place: Housed in a heritage building, the hotel’s key feature is its burlesqueinspired decor. The recently-refurbished Scarlet Singapore (33 Erskine Rd., 65113333, www.thescarlethotels.com) is plush and flamboyant, with luxe boudoir furniture and campy gilded walls. It’s also located
The Sultan
The Scarlet Singapore
Hotel Fort Canning
The damage: The Escape with Me package starts at $190 onwards per night for a Deluxe Room to $210 onwards for an Executive Room, until Dec 31.
The Sultan
Parkroyal on Pickering
within the Club Street and Ann Siang Hill hotspots, so there are lots of pricey food and drink options if you want to grab a late bite. The perks: The package includes a complimentary San Pellegrino drink and the option of a 10-minute herbal foot soak, an oxygen recharge inhalation session or tension relief back massage at Beauty Empire. Picky guests can also choose from three types of pillows: goose down, Tempur and non-allergenic foam pillows. The Executive room offers a panoramic view of Chinatown from the balcony and facilities include an open-air Jacuzzi and a gym. One major highlight is the complimentary breakfast at Casa Tartufo, which serves items like truffle scrambled eggs with chipotle and grilled vegetables. The rant: It’s a great experience, but if we had to nitpick, the layout of the building with its narrow corridors can be disorienting.
Best for: Laidback culture vultures. The place: Situated on the edge of lovely Kampong Glam, The Sultan (101 Jln Sultan., 6723-7101, www.thesultan. com.sg) is a boutique hotel comprising ten restored shop houses, close to the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Haji Lane. What it lacks in facilities—no pool or gym, for example, and the in-room iPhone dock doesn’t work for anything after iPhone 4—it makes up in modest charm: unique rooms with fun features like slanting ceilings, wooden lattice work over windows, Persian rugs on the floor. The perks: There’s free WiFi and all guests get free entrance to the Sing Jazz Club on premises, which is open Wednesdays through Sundays (normally $10-35). The rant: Pretty rooms aside, there’s little reason to stay indoors. The breakfast comprises little more than croissants, white toast, a couple local deep-fried things and eggs on request. The damage: From $188 per night for a Standard Single room, $299 for the Puteri room to $488 for the Sultan Loft room. Their SG50 discounted rates are on average 30% cheaper than the regular price.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
13
island
The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore
STYLE
Man Up From quality basics to insider cult favorites, here’s where dudes, bros and gentlemen in Singapore can buy stylish clothes. By Chelsia Tan The Blind Clobber
q. menswear
Button N Stitch
FOR CASUAL BASICS...
The Faculty
If you love meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, Asian fits and are the type to wax lyrical about contrast stitching and placket placement, shop at this local label. Former creative turned designer Larry Peh’s label does elevated staples in Japanese-made, 100% pre-shrunk cotton oxford and poplin shirts, seamless jersey tees and raw denim jeans.
Jack Wills
Ed Et Al
FOR WORK...
FOR MAJOR EVENTS...
LASTLY, THE SHOES…
Jack Wills
q. menswear
The Blind Cobbler
High street stuff is ever-reliable, so zoom in on this British label for preppy staples that range from classic oxford shirts to casual chambray designs. We especially like the brand’s checked designs, available in patterns like gingham (for the quirkier dandy) and plaid (for lumbersexuals). Complete your outfit with a pair of wool trousers or colored chinos—either way you’ll look pretty sharp.
This multi-label footwear boutique specializes in brogues from British brands Grenson, Hudson and Swear. You’ll also find styles like slip-on loafers, desert boots and even pointedtoe sneakers. We are a little disappointed with the lack of more cutting-edge designs from Swear, famous for their cult sneakers, but we heard that the boutique may be bringing in more styles soon.
Best for: The city slicking boy-next-door.
Home-grown menswear designer Chong Han San has finally launched a ready-to-wear answer to his bespoke main line, Q Menswear. What’s different is the adventurous take on classic tailoring, such as slim-cut silhouettes, shrunken jackets and even lapels that can be popped up. There are unusual zig-zag prints, contrasting buttons and fabrics—our favorites include a white shirt with a pleated asymmetrical hem.
Price: From $77.43 (USD55) for a jersey tee to $730.67 (USD519) for a pair of jeans.
Price: From $44.50 for basic tees to $500 for a blazer.
Best for: Men who think pocket squares are absolutely essential.
Price: From $300 for brogues to $675 for leather boots.
Where: www.faculty.com.sg
Where: #01-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6338-6342, www. jackwills.com
Price: From $180 for shirts to $570 for jackets.
Where: 98 Club St., 6225-7463, www. theblindcobbler.com
Button N Stitch
Kevin Seah Bespoke
Best for: Those with a microscopic eye for detail.
Sifr
Giving chill-bros a less starchy alternative is this home-grown casualwear label by Suraj Melwani and Chris John Fussner. The brand is well-known for its quality Pima cotton tees, but its range of unfussy shirts in poplin, seersucker, linen and jersey, all sourced from Japan, US, UK and Thailand is also great. The relaxed fit 100% cotton designs might be more smart casual than boardroom sleek, but wear them with crisp work pants and oxfords and you could probably fake it. Best for: Channeling an “I’ve Got This” vibe. Price: From $39 for a Pima cotton tee to $129 for a button-down shirt. Where: PACT, #02-16 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-6362, www.sifrsite.com
It’s shirts galore at this local men’s label, which prides itself in offering affordable and finelycrafted shirts. They have a mind-boggling array of 100% cotton dress shirts for the office, which you can buy online if shopping is the least of your priorities. Plus, designs range from basic colors like white and blue to slightly more flamboyant prints like pink gingham (of course, it’s all very subtle and sleek). Best for: Those who are tired of same-same work shirts. Price: From $69 to $89. Where: www.buttonnstitch.com
Where: Level 3 Men’s Department, Takashimaya, www.q-menswear.com
Can’t find anything off-the-rack? Then invest in a suit tailored to, ahem, suit your style and preference. Taking a leaf from Savile Row traditions, each order is finished by hand and features 1/8” French seams, 23 stitches per inch and mother of pearl buttons. Customers can also choose cloths sourced from famous Italian and UK mills like Acorn Fabrics and Fox Brothers. Kevin Seah is all about a collaborative experience with his clients, so you’re in good hands. Best for: Dapper dudes who enjoy making an entrance. Price: From $400 for a bespoke shirt to $4,000 onwards for a bespoke suit. Where: 55B/C Boat Quay, 6532-2018, www. kevinseah.com
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Best for: No-brainer shoe shopping.
Ed Et Al
The formerly bespoke-only home grown shoe brand, launched by shoemaker Edwin Neo in 2010, now offers ready-to-wear options spanning 16 different styles like Double Monk, Derby and Wingtip. You can still expect the same level of craftsmanship off-the-shelves but if you prefer a personalized pair, there’s still the appointment-only bespoke service available. Best for: Gents with a weakness for fancy footwear. Price: $349 for ready-to-wear to $3,000 onwards for bespoke. Where: #01-67 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6337-8919, www.edetal.sg
ADVERTORIAL
Life in the Fast Lane Within walking distance to the F1 Singapore Grand Prix tracks, the Singapore River is the perfect place to grab drinks before the race this Sep 18-20. Head to these cool bars and restaurants for all the F1 fun and deals.
Boomarang Bistro & Bar This bar has a reputation for being one of the best places for watching sports screenings, with huge high-definition TV screens and an energetic vibe. There’s always a happy hour happening here, too, with $7 house spirits, $9 beers and $11 wines every day until 8pm. 52 Circular Rd., 6536-4990, www.boomarang.com.sg.
Harry’s
Hero’s
Hero’s Boomarang Bistro & Bar
Dallas Restaurant & Bar With their happy hour starting as early as 11am, this laidback Texas-inspired bar and bistro has $11 house wines and spirits and $13 pints of draft beers until 9pm daily. And just in case you’re too lazy to walk to a better vantage point, the bar is also showing live telecasts of the Grand Prix. 31 Boat Quay, 6532-2131, www.dallas.sg.
Harry’s The well-known local bar chain not only sports a classy new look, but also has great bar bites and drink deals. Over F1 weekend, Harry’s will have special beer buckets of the month where you get five bottles for $49, as well as wines that go for $59 per bottle. If you happen to be there early in the morning, look out for the $10 breakfasts with free coffee. 28 Boat Quay, 6538-3029, www.harrys.com.sg
The Wild West saloon-inspired bar is always raucous and happening, and the F1 weekend is no different. Great beer taps aside, this cavernous space will have a special “Pit Stop” shot deal for $10. Far more novel, however, is the chance to try your hand at their virtual race simulator game and stand a chance to win a $500 dining voucher. 69 Circular Rd., 6438-6058, www.heros.sg
Molly Malone’s The quintessential Irish bar has a bunch of great deals happening over F1 weekend. First off, they’ve got an $8 happy hour, but also $6 mini Jagermeister bottles on Friday, $8 San Miguel and San Miguel Lite beers on Saturday and Sunday, as well as 20% off the food menu. End the weekend on a high note with an Irish folk rock band on Sunday. 56 Circular Rd., 6536-2029, www.molly-malone.com
R ed Dot Brewhouse
Dallas Restaurant & Bar
Charlie’s Tapas Grill & Bar
Red Dot Brewhouse
The riverside Spanish-Mexican restaurant has an alfresco space perfect for pre-party drinks. Aside from the laidback vibe and extensive drink menu, there are killer happy hours and deals. Happening from 5-9pm every day, beer buckets go for $39.90, wines for $11 and house pour spirits for $9. If you’re looking for something refreshing, order full pints of draft beer and their specialty margaritas that are both $11. 32 Boat Quay, 6533-5880, www.charlies.com.sg
One of a handful of Singapore’s microbreweries, this Boat Quay gem is always buzzing and friendly. While most people get pints of their microbrews on tap, the modern and inviting space is also doing special shooters for F1. The shooter sampler, which goes for $35, comprises six different shots that are inspired by the colors of the F1 cars. 33/34 Boat Quay, 6535-4500, www.reddotbrewhouse.com.sg
Molly Malone’s Charlie’s Tapas Grill & Bar
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE
PECKING ORDER
eats
The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene
CAFE Day To Night SEAFOOD Whale of a Time The guys behind Jigger & Pony and Sugarhall have opened a new three-in-one eatery and bar over at Bukit Pasoh’s restaurant row. But the focus is on Humpback (18/20 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6750-4461, www.facebook.com/humpbacksg), a 40-seater seafood restaurant and bar that has fresh live oysters from America, namely the country’s western coast off Washington. Think plump and briny morsels of Kumamoto and Fat Bastards for $2 from 5-7pm daily. In addition to the raw bar, the cheery seaside space serves kale chips with buttermilk and pecan ($14), rainbow trout ($16) with egg yolk and pickled mustard seeds and Hamachi ceviche ($22).
Stanley Street may just be the CBD’s new up-and-coming dining enclave. A cafe by day and bar by night, The White Rocket (5 Stanley St., 6221-0108, thewhiterocket.com) serves third-wave coffee, salads and cold-pressed juices during the day and transforms into a full-fledged bar in the evening. Grab a quick lunch of tossed greens with seared tuna ($17) or spinach with smoked salmon and boiled eggs ($16). Head back for after-work drinks like beers (from $18 for one-for-one Asahi), wines (from $70 per bottle) and spirits in the industrial space decked out in dark steel.
EUROPEAN The Empire Strikes Back
A classically decorated restaurant inspired by the 16th century Habsburg Empire, Kaiserhaus (#02-06 Capitol Piazza, 17 Stamford Rd., www.kaiserhaus.com.sg) churns out dishes that span countries like Austria and Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are plates of tafelspitz ($38), slow-cooked rump with root vegetables; Bohemian pork roast ($24) with sweet sauerkraut and the classic weiner schnitzel ($38). The two-story restaurant also has a list of Czech and Austrian craft beers (from $8.50) and wines from Hungary and Northern Italy.
JAPANESE Chef’s Choice
Affordable omakase restaurants are now a dime a dozen in this food-crazed town. Add to the bunch new opening Cho Omakase (14 Lorong Telok, 6532-2098, www. facebook.com/choomakase). Located in a small alley behind Boat Quay, this cozy 30-seater does omakase sets that aren’t just limited to raw fish. Here, you’ll find hot and cold appetizers, single-serve sushi and mains using ingredients like Hida wagyu, lamb and oysters. Omakase sets start at just $50, but go up to about $120 or more.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
CL D EX N A T FIRS
USIV
E
PREMIERES SEP 22 TUESDAYS 9PM
SEPTEMBER JUST GOT SMARTER.
©2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved.
FIRST AND EXCLUSIVE
PREMIERES SEP 23 WEDNESDAYS 9PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
29
eats
Pagi Sore
Tambuah Mas
BEST OF
Spice Nation There aren’t many places serving authentic Indonesian food in Singapore. But if you’re ever in the mood for some spicy and tasty dishes, here’s where to go. By Letitia Tandean Ayam Penyet Ria
Easy, roadside food, ayam penyet is arguably the most well-known export of Indonesian food in Singapore. The nofrills restaurant at Lucky Plaza serves up crispy chicken, which has been marinated in spices like turmeric, with spicy chilli sauce, steaming hot rice and fried tofu and tempeh. If you’re not craving chicken, they’ve also got udang (prawn) penyet, empal (marinated beef) penyet and even lele (catfish) penyet. #01-45 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6235-6390, www.ayampenyetria.com
Es Teler 77
The closest thing to authentic Indonesianstyle chicken noodles you’ll get in Singapore, this franchise has significantly scaled down through the years. The one outlet you can easily get to still serves up delicious umami-rich egg noodles with minced chicken, dumplings and bakso, or beefballs. They also serve fried rice and fried turmeric chicken, if you’re not in the mood for noodles. Also don’t skip the es campur, an icy dessert filled with coconut milk, avocado, jackfruit and jelly. #B1-02 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6736-4439
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant This Indonesian restaurant has recently expanded with new outlets located at 100AM mall in Tanjong Pagar. The rustic-minimalist restaurant serves Chinese-style Indonesian food like udang mentega (prawns fried in butter), cah kangkong, rendang, ayam bali and their much-lauded ikan otah kukus, fish steamed in banana leaves. Far East Square, 88/90 Telok Ayer St., 6225-6002, www.pagi-sore.com
Resto Surabaya
Another reliable hole-in-the-wall serving fuss-free Indonesian food, this one takes cues from the east Javanese city. While it’s got its fair share of “penyet” dishes (including chicken, beef balls and beef short rib), their specialty lies in Eastern Javanese dishes like sop buntut, or oxtail soup; tahu telor, fried tofu with eggs; soto ayam Lamongan; a turmeric-spiced chicken soup and rawon, the famous black beef soup flavored with buah keluak. #02-63 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6732-1803.
The Rice Table
A traditional Indonesian dining experience, rijsttafel (literally translated as rice table) is the lavish way of presenting Indonesian food. It’s also a great option for those who want to sample a wide variety of dishes. The table is filled with a smorgasbord of meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable dishes—not forgetting the sambal. Sample at least 20 dishes like sayur lodeh, ayam kalio (spicy chicken curry) and sotong asam (squid in a sour sauce) for a flat price of $28.49. #02-09/10 International Building, 360 Orchard Rd., 6835-3738, www.ricetable. com.sg
Sai Ratu
Ayam Penyet Ria
Sari Ratu
Tambuah Mas
20 Pahang St., 6294-9983, www.sariratu.sg
#04-10/13 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Rd., 6733-3333, www.tambuahmas.com.sg
Arguably the best Indonesian nasi Padang restaurant in Singapore, this one’s got a die-hard following among the Indonesian community and expat wives. People come here for the extra fragrant gulai ayam, an Indonesian chicken curry; beef rendang; perkedel, potato patties which is known in Singapore as bergidil and sambal goreng udang. But, people really stay here for the chili that comes in red and green varieties.
For a restaurant located in a mall, this place sure serves great Padang, Sulawesi and Javanese food. For a complete taster of regional Indonesian food, get items like gado-gado, the famous Indonesian salad drenched in peanut sauce; all sorts of satay; opor ayam, a chicken curry; ikan pepes, seabass wrapped in banana leaves and the must-try yellow rice.
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Wine Fiesta
It’s that time of year again: Wine Fiesta is back Oct 23-25 for more tasting sessions and masterclasses at Clifford Square. This year, the three-day event by the bay will have over 70 wineries and 350 wines that you can taste and buy. There will also be 40 different types of masterclasses and food by chefs Malcolm Lee of Candlenut and Bjorn Shen of Artichoke. And there are special prices for tickets, too. Head over to any of The Straits Wine Company stores and buy wine bottles worth at least $200 to get two free tickets to the event. Plus, if you top up $50 you get another two free tickets and each $50 you spend on top of that entitles you to another free ticket. Standard passes go for $50 per head. Email winefiestatickets@sswc.com.sg to get your tickets. Website of the Year MPAS 2015
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
19
escapes
Holidays, hotels and insider travel news
TAIWAN
On Your Bike
Known as one of the most bicycle-friendly destinations in the world, Taiwan’s eastern coast is full of scenic routes, good for both advanced cyclists and interested beginners. By Lily Kittisrikangwan Taitung Seaside Park
Taroko National Park
East Coastal Line
Kaohsiung
With its own international airport and a growing cycling scene, this southwestern city is a great choice for beginners looking to try out an urban city route. There are many designated paths just for cyclists, plus fewer cars than bustling Taipei. There are also public bikes for rent at stands throughout the city under the City-Bike Program. See more at khh.travel/en/default1.asp.
CITY TOUR Difficulty: HHHHH We really like the Star of Cianjhen Bike Bridge for its intricate design that is built to accommodate cyclists. It’s also lined with two small pedestrian lanes on both sides for those who would rather walk and take in the scenery. The bridge connects to three different cycling routes: Formosa Boulevard Bike Path, West Side Harbor Line Bike Path and Cianjhen River Bike Path. It’s even more striking when lit up against the night sky. Another surprising highlight is the city’s MRT station. Considered one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world, Formosa Boulevard Station is best known for its “Dome of Light,” a massive colored glass installation designed by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata. Near the station lies the Liohe Night Market, a well-known bazaar catering to tourists (which means local products, seafood and other goods can be pricey). You can also cycle or take a stroll along the picturesque Ai River (Love River), which is peaceful during the day and colored with neon lights at night. For more information, check out the Tourism Bureau of Kaohsiung at tourism.kcg.gov.tw/en.
Taitung
Cycling between Kaohsiung and Taitung cities is timeconsuming, but worth the effort. Along the East Coast, you’ll be greeted by deep blue ocean views and other cool sights. SEASIDE PARK Difficulty: HHHHH Taitung Seaside Park is a great stop for cyclists, it’s the biggest public park by the sea, where you can easily cycle or walk down the paved trails. It’s also connected to Taitung Forest Park, which takes you one step closer to nature. Both are on flat land, making cycling through the trees a real breeze. Another iconic spot lies by the East Rift Valley in Taitung. Known as “Heaven Road,” the Chihshang Rice Field offers a scenic cycling route through green
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fields with the mountains as backdrop. You won’t want to miss the sunset. A trip to Taitung would not be complete without a visit to Sanxiantai Island, located off the coast of Chenggong township. It’s known for its eight-arch footbridge, which offers a unique view of the pebble beach by the peaceful Pacific Ocean. ALONG THE COAST Difficulty: HHHHH A cycle up north takes you to Shihyusan, which has impressive views of ocean-facing rocky outcrops and routes suitable for intermediate and advanced cyclists. Many cyclists stop at Hualien, a quaint foodie town, before continuing to Taroko National Park, famous for its natural marble gorge. It’s possible to cycle along the road shared with other vehicles throughout the park. The spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, the Shakahtang Ho and Leewoo rivers, and the suspension footbridge definitely make this challenging and hilly ride worth it.
Heaven Road
Taipei
There’s plenty to keep you busy in the lively capital of Taiwan. The usual tourist stops include Chiang Kai-Shek memorial hall, Taipei 101, Sun Yat-Sen memorial hall and Shilin Night Market, the latter of which is one of the busiest spots in the city once night falls. INNER CITY Difficulty: HHHHH Cycling around the city, though, is not advisable for beginners. Despite the growing number of cyclists, the traffic can be quite intimidating, especially if you’re not used to the layout of the city. Nevertheless, there are wellmaintained public bikes available for hire throughout the city (for where to get them, go to travel.taipei/en). There are separate bike lanes and official cycling routes through many parts of the city. You’ll come face to face with interesting graffiti, too, especially around Ximenting. RIVERSIDE RIDE Difficulty: HHHHH We would highly recommend a trip down the riverside bikeways in Taipei, where you’ll be completely shielded from the congestion outside the grounds. Roads inside are well maintained, and stretch over a distance of 40km. Riding all the way to Tamsui is popular among locals and tourists alike, as it’s an ideal stop for sunset-watching at the end of the day.
Star of Cianjhen Bike Bridge
Essentials The best time to visit Taiwan is usually from September to March. GETTING AROUND While there are plenty of public bikes available all over the island, taking a cycling tour is a convenient option for those unfamiliar with the terrains or beginners not ready to cycle from city to city. There are big local companies like Giant that can create customized cycling tours. They make sure that
your bikes are prepared, the trip is designed just the way you want based on your cycling ability and there’s even a service van following you along the way. GETTING THERE There are plenty of flights to Taipei. Return flights with full-service airlines like Thai Airways start at $771 with a stopover in Bangkok, while budget carriers like AirAsia start at $346 with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
escapes Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg
ESCAPE ROUTES with Letitia Tandean
Beijing, China
AUSTRALIA
Dane Under
Foodies take note: Sydney should be your next holiday destination. Come late Jan 2016, the famed Danish restaurant Noma (www.noma.dk/australia) is doing a 10week long pop-up in Sydney’s Barangaroo, an inner-city suburb that overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The restaurant will temporarily close its Copenhagen home as Chef Rene Redzepi transplants the entire team Down Under. This Sydney pop-up will offer lunch and dinner five days a week and features an entirely new and unique menu incorporating Aussie ingredients like pepper leaf from Tasmania and the fish and shellfish of South Australia. We hear the menu has 18 different parts with an optional wine pairing that will set two diners back a cool
Zouk Kuala Lumpur
Noma
$1,000, at least. But hey, that’s still cheaper than flights to Denmark, right? Due to the restaurant’s popularity, you’ll have to snag a table three months in advance.
over 77 F&B outlets, including rooftop bars, bistros, restaurants, cocktail bars and pubs— just in case you’re in need of a breather. CHINA
MALAYSIA
Funky Town
KL is great for a weekend getaway and is a sweet option for a weekend of partying. Zouk Kuala Lumpur (Jalan Tun Razak, +60 30 2178-6088, www.trec.com.my) has bid farewell to its Jalan Ampang home and re-launched in the TREC multi-purpose entertainment hub with over 10 different venues: Zouk Cafe Bar, Beer Garden, Zouk Main Room, Ace, Phuture, Velvet Underground and more. The seven-acre lifestyle and entertainment enclave in the neighborhood of Imbi will be home to
Scoot Over
Long-haul budget carrier Scoot (www. flyscoot.com) is taking over the Hangzhou flight route from SilkAir. Starting Oct 25, the airline will be flying to Hangzhou every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, departing from Singapore at 5:10pm. This will be the airline’s fifth China destination, in addition to Tianjin, Shenyang, Qingdao and Nanjing. And don’t worry if you’ve already booked your flights through SilkAir—the airline will be re-accommodating passengers on its new service.
TECH
It’s a Trip
One of the largest online travel agencies has expanded its presence in Southeast Asia. Ctrip (www.ctrip.sg) focuses on travel services in China, including accommodation reservations, transport ticketing and packaged tours. So if you’ve ever thought that booking a ticket to get around China was a pain, you can now capitalize on their international database of over 800,000 hotels, 5,000 flights and 1,000 different packaged tours. The website is like a TripAdvisor of sorts with tabs dedicated to hotels, flights and trains where you can view the most popular places to stay, round-trip travel deals and compare prices. It’s also pretty handy at gauging average room rates in various Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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last word
Adrianna Tan We interviewed Singaporean tech professional and philanthropist Adrianna Tan just last year. But a lot has happened since then. She just got a $20,000 grant from budget airline Jetstar to properly launch Culture Kitchen (www.culturekitchen.sg), a series of food events bringing together locals and the city’s various migrant worker communities for a meal. A Filipino-themed one last month sold out. The next one, featuring Yemeni food, will be in December. Here, she tells Mrigaa Sethi what it takes to execute something like this. To plan a Culture Kitchen, we talk to community leaders, solicit their suggestions and involve them in the process. We reach out to migrant worker NGOs, such as HOME and TWC2, and we also go to the places that certain migrant worker groups frequent, and invite them to come to Culture Kitchen. Lastly, we create a little take-home flyer which always comes with a little story or explainer, as well as a recipe or list of places to try out these cuisines on your own. With the Myanmar Culture Kitchen [in March 2014] we had the entire building of Peninsula Plaza to showcase. We decided to conduct walking tours, to show a documentary from young upcoming Myanmar director friends of ours, and also to bring all the food to one place—we tied up with a center that provided training and classes to Myanmar nationals.
I just don’t want Singapore to be that place for others. But sadly we so often are. The grant from Jetstar enables us to run events without having to pay for them entirely out of our own pockets. Each event can cost thousands of dollars. Now we will have a bit more time to think about how to make Culture Kitchen sustainable, how to pay for itself eventually. The second component of the grant is we have a $10,000 pot of flights. We are using those flights to set up a migrant worker flight fund with groups like HOME and TWC2.
I want Singapore to be the kind of place where anybody can make a better life for themselves and their families.
We charge $5 for the events, because we think that free events have huge drop-out rates, and we absolutely never want to get into a position where we generate food waste. We’re not an NGO. We’re just a group of people who are trying to make a small difference on an individual level.
Identifying a venue is the hardest part. Very often it would be much more authentic to hold our Kitchens in public spaces, but there are many permits to apply for and we just don’t have the bandwidth for that.
It doesn’t mean we don’t have strong opinions about the state of affairs, or that we hope to use our flashy liberal sentimental hokeyness to cover up real problems. We acknowledge they are there.
I’ve been living on the road for the past decade, clearly in a position of some privilege. But I care deeply about what it means to be an outsider in a society that can at times seem so closed, or hateful. And I’ve been on the receiving end of that in other places.
It’s perhaps an occupational hazard of working in tech that I believe in starting small. Best to have an MVP— minimum viable product, usually the first iteration of an app—than nothing at all.
There are many things that can be better. There is more that we can do. We start with this, and we build up and out. The Bangladeshis who came to our first Culture Kitchen also came to the second one, even though we were featuring Myanmar. They ate some of the food and said, “This tastes almost exactly like Bangladesh food.” I was happy to have introduced the food of two of my favorite countries to Singaporeans, and also to each other. I lived in Dubai for a while. I hope to God that our migrant relations don’t ever get to UAE-level, though some among you will say it’s already there. I think the Little India riots, stories of idiotic Singaporean teens beating up foreign workers for fun and the occasional anti-foreigner rant you see your Facebook friends post— all of these should give us pause. I can tell you what my wishlist for migrant relations will be like: better living conditions, better food, pathways to residency, educational opportunities, more recreational options, more opportunities for Singaporeans and foreigners of other socio-economic groups to interact with migrant workers. For Singapore to be the kind of place where anybody from any background can come and make a better life for themselves and their families. We’re working on a cookbook concept at the moment. What I can say is that it will be crowdsourced, and very tasty. It’ll be a fun exercise to collect recipes of all the cuisines which are available here in Singapore. Very few countries have the same depth and breadth. It would be a waste to not know anything more than that.
CAREERS
Top Tables
The definitive guide to more than 200 of Singapore’s finest restaurants w w w. t o p t a b l e s . s g
www.sgnow.sg
www.sgnow.sg
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FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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