SG Magazine, Nov 20 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

Art is sexy

Free Inside: Check out the complete guide to Singapore’s best bars. SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #690 | NOVEMBER 20, 2015 since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

what’s on what’s new what matters

Reflected Singapore images, like this one at the CBD, are a huge hit on local photographer Yafiq Yusman’s Instagram account. See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 12, for an interview. TRENDS

FOOD

EVENTS

TRAVEL

Singapore’s Sharing Economy

Healthy CBD Lunches

National Gallery Opening

London’s Hidden Gems

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

since 1995

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Celebrate the Festive Season at Pacific Marketplace Delight in traditional handcrafted festive goodies at Pacific Marketplace with sweet treats such as the new Raspberry P창te de Fruit with Szechuan Pepper infused Mascarpone Mousse Log Cake, signature Homemade German Marzipan Stollen; and savoury specials including Roasted Turkey with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing, and limited edition Smoked Juniper Berry Ham, created with the original recipe by talented Master Butcher Leonhard Weber. Specially handcrafted by Master Butcher Leo, Pacific Marketplace presents a wide selection of more than 30 varieties of exquisite and aromatic hams, sausages, salamis and cold cuts which are perfect especially for the festive season. To place an order, speak with us at 6826 8240, email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com, or visit pacificmarketplace.sg.

page 3 16 feature

Festival Fever

10 people you meet at Singapore music festivals 8 exploring

12 parties

Going Off Shore

Loof’s 10th Anniversary

12 photography

24 attractions

Architecture Instagrammer Yafiq Yusman

Funtasy Island

1. The Honorary Native American Because American bands have reached our shores before American political correctness. Giveaway: feathered head dress and cut off shorts 2. The Flower Child I can be corporate all the time, but one day a year, I embrace peace, love, understanding, see-through blouses and glitter.

25 trends

26 dining

Singapore’s Sharing Economy

Guilt-Free CBD Meals

3. The Kurt Cobain Lovechild Usually found self-deprecating at the smoking corner dressed in plaid tops and faded jeans 4. The Painful Hipster He has all the record of and knows all the lyrics of bands that don’t even exist. But don’t call him out on it or he’ll turn violent. 5. The Instagrammer We all know they are really for the music.

28 travel

30 interview

Quirky London

Kirsten Han on Fighting the Death Penalty

6. The Fashionista No OOTD (Outfit of The Day) is complete without traipsing across the lawn in heels. 7. The Litterbug Trash cans don’t apply to them.

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

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Features Editor Chelsia Tan Digital News Reporter Xie Shi Min Branded Content Writer Prabhu Silvam Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Carmen Chua

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras Executives, Media & Marketing Chan Xin Yee, Lee Wee Keong Media Coordinator Sharon Leong

Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg Finance finance@asia-city.com.sg Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg On the cover Yafiq Yusman

8. The Awkward Dancer Always dancing, always awkward, always alone. 9. The Lovebirds Eating each other’s faces—with an audience—is just part of the day’s line-up. 10. The Impossibly Tall Person There’s always someone blocking your view.

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.

Where to find us! Bangkok Asia City Media Group 9/F, Room A, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: 66-2-624 9696 Fax: 66-2-237 5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th

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

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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

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NUMEROLOGY

Not: More Delays

Milosh Luczzynski

zpsmxk8lvyc

The Downtown Line 2 will be completed next month and on Dec 5, all rides across its 12 new stations will be free from 10am-6pm. And that’s not all: from Dec 27-Jan 1, you get free rides on all new and existing stops on the Downtown Line. Let’s hope that party-pooping train disruptions, which have become a regular occurrence of late, will be kept at bay. For more, refer to page 8.

Hot: Museum Parties

Jail term for 27 year-old Briton Yogvitam Pravin Dhokia, who entered the F1 race track to take a video.

12,000 The largest HDB flat launch to date this month at Bibadan, Punggol Northshore, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang and Sengkang.

3,400 Number of birdrelated complaints the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has received from the public from January to October this year.

Eco-Link@BKE

849 Number of patients screened by the Singapore General Hospital for the Hepatitis C virus.

Sources: The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia

Not: Stuffy Exhibits

Museums are cool now-with a slew of major openings happening this month, some of the biggest events include launch of The National Gallery and the rejuvenation of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). If you’ve missed the 24HRS@ACM, which held a midnight-to-dawn party that included a pre-rave museum tour by the director on Nov 15, there’s still the outdoor block party by The National Gallery on Nov 27-29, with art workshops, installations and food stalls at the Padang. For more, see page 14.

Hot: Netflix

You can now go on a free guided eco-tour at this BKE linkway

Singapore Airline’s takeover bid for budget carrier Tigerair.

6 weeks Hot: Free MRT Rides

NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG

$453 million

Dickson Phya

sgtransport

HOT OR NOT

Not: Curation

Making waves on a smaller screen, Netflix is finally on its way to Singapore but there’s a hook: it is said to be working closely with the Media Development Authority on curating its content, so while we’re excited about its expansion here, local viewers may not have access to a full spectrum of TV shows and movies (boo!).

OB INDEX OCT

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

According to an annual report released by US-based NGO Freedom House, Singapore’s internet freedom got worse this year. On a scale of 0-100, with 0 being the most free and 100 being the least, the nation scored 41, down from 40 last year. The report also states that contributing to the score are cases like the Media Development Authority’s shutdown of political site The Real Singapore, teen blogger Amos Yee’s trial and jail sentence and the lawsuit against blogger Roy Ngerng by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The Eco-Link@BKE is now open for guided tours. You can sign up for slots on Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 19 and Jan 9 after which, tours will be conducted monthly. This path covers the Bukit Timah Expressway and also connects the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve. You might see some birds like the emerald dove, snakes and the lesser mousedeer. But if you’re really lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Sunda pangolin, which is critically endangered. One thing to note: you should avoid wearing bright clothes and applying insect repellent as the animals may be threatened by these unfamiliar colors and scents. Registrations for these tours are open now at www.nparks. gov.sg/ecolink.

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

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

Expanding options around new MRT stations As neighborhoods around Keppel, Cantonment and Palmer Road will be made more accessible when Circle Line stations like Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward are completed in 2025, there could be more residential and integrated residential and commercial projects lined up within these areas in time to come. According to a report by The Straits Times (Nov 7), redevelopment ideas could range from an integrated railway mall or a venue for cultural and lifestyle events at Cantonment, which will be connected to the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

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The essential guide to what's on in Singapore FOOD

MUSIC

2 1

Support indie bands from around Asia Sure, Neon Lights is a huge deal, but big-deal Asian bands from around the region converge at The Skechers Sundown Festival. Expect acts like Potato from Thailand, local band Caracal and Epik High from Korea. Nov 21, Marina Promenade, www.sundownfestival.sg. $88-118 from Peatix.

Go on a magical night time adventure

SHOW

The Singapore Night Safari begins its annual transformation into a magical realm, Mystica, with puzzles, obstacles and lots of magical creatures and black light performances. Nov 27-28; Dec 4-5, 11-12, www.nightsafari.com.sg. $42.

Dress in white for a picnic

The chi chi Diner en Blanc returns at yet another secret location. Remember to wear white at this fancy picnic. Nov 21, Location TBA, www.singapore.dinerenblanc.info. $62.

Official Media

ART NEW OPENING

Wine and dine at the gallery opening of the year The hotly anticipated National Gallery Singapore officially opens on Nov 24 and houses work from the city's pioneer artists like Georgette Chen and Cheong Soo Pieng, along with a permanent collection of regional pieces. Don't forget to have a glass of Champagne at restaurant Aura and check out Julien Royer's new French place Odette.1 St Andrew’s Road, www.nationalgallery.sg. Free.

Ride the city’s new Downtown Line 2 for free

EXPLORING

Your cheap ride to Bukit Timah and Bukit Panjang is finally opening, guys, and you can preview it for free. From10am6pm, you can ride across the DTL2's 12 new stations. Six of the stations—Rochor, Little India, Newton, Botanic Gardens, Beauty World and Bukit Panjang—will also have games, celebs and activities, if you're into that sort of thing. Dec 5.

BOOKS

Reminisce with BooksActually

Our favorite indie bookstore turns 10 with an anniversary party and an exhibition that recreates its journey as an independent bookstore in Singapore. Nov 22, The Substation, www. substation.org. Free.

Singapore Touriam Board

EXPLORING 3 great reasons to head off-shore this weekend

NParks

Pulau Ubin

Coney Island

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Coney Island Park, a new kelong near Pulau Ubin and up-and-coming Batam eco-resort Funtasy Island have made an off-shore retreat from the city even more appealing. With (almost) clear blue skies on the horizon here are some ideas for a quick getaway. 1. DINE AT A KELONG Move on from prawning and hook bigger fish from a "sure catch pond" at Smith Marine, a modern floating fish farm along Pulau Ubin. There are sea bass and snappers available for anglers ($15 per catch) and once you’ve snagged one, you can have it cooked by the restaurant’s chef for an extra $35 per fish. For a complete seafood feast, the menu also offers specialities like chili crab, lala bee hoon, cereal sotong and steamed prawns. Call the restaurant for a spot—they’ll help with booking a ferry there and planning a full-day itinerary which includes fishing and dinner. www.facebook.com/ smithmarine

2. SPOT ENDANGERED ANIMALS AT CONEY ISLAND PARK Avid bird watchers can give Sungei Buloh a rest, for now. At this newly-opened nature sanctuary near Punggol, attractions include 80 species of birds like the nationally critically endangered spotted wood owl, black-crowned night heron and the nationally endangered red junglefowl. There are also rare plants thought to be nationally extinct, and a single Brahman bull. Sign up for a guided walk, which covers the 600 sq. meter Haw Par Beach Villa, designed by leading ‘30’s architect Ho Kwong Yew and built by the Haw Par brothers of the Tiger Balm ointment fame. www.nparks.gov.sg

3. INDULGE IN A TREE-TOP RETREAT Funtasy Island (see page 24) may not be ready until the first quarter of next year, but until then, you can still opt for a luxurious off-shore staycation at the TreeTop Lofts at Resorts World Sentosa. The modern resort is hidden up in a canopy of trees and you’ll be surrounded by thick foliage, with a view of the island. Go all out and order a personalized 24-hour butler service or hit up the upscale ESpa, which offers relaxing hot stone body therapies and revitalizing cleansing rituals. 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www. rwsentosa.com

now SHOPPING Finn Avenue Online luxury home furniture store Finn Avenue recently launched a new showroom, with handcrafted pieces like sofas, dining sets and other accessories made from hardwood, wool and fabrics imported from France, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand and Spain. Some popular designers on their roster are Nolie & Finn and Florence de Dempierre. The store also specializes in modern reproductions of antique furniture like King Louis chairs, 18thcentury balloon chairs and other pieces inspired by Baroque, Oriental and Victorian influences. Prices range from $200 for a lamp to $3,780 for a sofa.

2016

Score a seat to Singapore's big-deal film fest The Singapore International Film Festival will play 146 feature and short films. Catch local films like Mee Pok Man and Bugis Street Redux. Nov 26-Dec 6, various venues, sgiff.com. $12-25 from Sistic.

FESTIVAL

LE NOW SIST

IC.COM.SG

SAT 30 JAN

#02-21 8B Admiralty St., 6753 3466, www. finnavenue.com

FILM

ON S

THE MEADOW, GARDENS BY THE BAY

BATTLES • BEACH HOUSE • BIG SCARY CASHEW CHEMISTS • CHEATS• CHVRCHES • DIIV EAST INDIA YOUTH • FLUME • GDJYB • GRIMES HERMITUDE • HUDSON MOHAWKE • INTRIGUANT METZ • PURITY RING • RIOT !N MAGENTA SHAMIR • THE INTERNET • THUNDERCAT TOBIAS JESSO JR. • VIOLENT SOHO

DRINK

Nose fancy whisky on Sentosa

Get cultural in Kampong Glam

The Malay CultureFest focuses on the history of the area, with mini events like Lintas Nusantara (Nov 20-21), a discussion about folk, traditional and classical dance performance, as well as a Gamelan Melayu (Nov 24-25), a traditional Malay drum performance. Until Apr 3, various venues, www.malayheritage.org.sg. Free.

Taste from over 70 brands of whiskey at The Whiskey Live Festival, or dive into a masterclass to know more. Drinks from Teeling Whiskey Distillery, a new Irish distillery in Dublin, will debut at this event. Nov 28-Nov 29, Capella Hotel Sentosa, www. whiskylive.sg. $95-250.

SPORT

Put your calf muscles to the test Masochists, the annual Swissotel Vertical Marathon is back. It's been too hazy to run outdoors, but how about joining 2,200 participants as they race up 1,336 steps over 73 storeys. Proceeds will go to the Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School. Registration closed a couple weeks ago, but you can always run bandit, or just take your participating friends to brunch after. Nov 29, Swissotel The Stamford, www. swisshotelverticalmarathon. SPONSORS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

Held in:

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PHOTOGRAPHY Yafiq Yusman

FOOD

Shop for artisanal goodies at The Grandstand PasarBella is back again with another Pop Market. There are 15 booths of handpicked and handmade goods, like cheese from the Cheese Ark, meats from James Butchery and Co. and sweet treats from the Bonheur Patisserie. Nov 20-Nov 21, PasarBella, 200 Turf Club Road, www.fleawhere.com. Free.

NIGHTLIFE

FOOD

Get down and dirty with fried chicken

22 year-old architecture major Yafiq Yusman has quite an Instagram following on Explore Singapore, an account dedicated to showcasing the city in a fun and interesting way. He's most famous, however, for his reflective images of the cityscape, in a series called "Reflections of Singapore." Here, we speak to him about the series and look at some of his most striking photos. What inspired you to shoot this series of mirrored images? I love sharing a different perspective with people, something they don't usually notice in everyday life. Reflection shots or #puddlegram(s) on Instagram are good examples. There are a few Instagrammers whose work I follow and who inspired me a few years back. They are @vutheara from Paris and @deebawr from Singapore. After learning from these outstanding visuals, I came up with my own style. What were some of your considerations when choosing the places to shoot? ? I don't really choose the place to shoot, as the opportunity to capture is everywhere. However, when I do, I love it when there are architectural elements that I can capture in the shot. I take note of leading lines, the perspective and also the people in it. Puddles will always excite me as they are very intriguing to capture. The curiosity of what the image would look like

after I shoot keeps me wanting to capture more. It’s addictive. Did you also have to wait for the streets to rain when shooting? Most of the time, yes. Rainy days bring a smile to my face as there will be opportunities for me to take puddle shots. When I'm out, I bend down and capture the reflection. No matter how weird it may look, I do it for the love of photography. Were there any funny or memorable things moments that happened while shooting? What goes on behind the scenes is always funny. As I am always engrossed in shooting my reflection shots, I didn’t take note of the way I’m positioning myself. Some of my friends love to capture me when I'm taking pictures because I look so awkward! What were some of the challenges that you encountered when shooting this series? There are a few times when the shot doesn't live up to my expectations, as the puddle isn't clear enough, or that the perspective that I have captured is not what I envisioned it to be. Sometimes, I also don't position my camera well and don't get the right angle or perspective. However, with the amount of experience that I have accumulated in taking these shots, it gets easier to predict the outcome of the image.

Follow Yafiq Yusman on Instagram at instagram.com/_yafiqyusman_/ or read the full interview on sgnow.sg. SHI MIN XIE

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

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

After a string of delicious popups, local bad boy chef Bjorn Shen (see page 18) has just opened Thai chicken place Bird Bird at the site of the former Le Petit Naivre. This 40-seater eatery serves Thai grilled chicken and the behemoth, The Schwarzenegger of Som Tum, an extra large plate of crispy chicken skin, green papaya, salted eggs and fried anchovies. 18 Ann Siang Road, www. facebook.com/birdbirdsg.

Be seen at this rooftop party

Loof's 10th anniversary party includes a sambal chicken wing eating contest, edgy urban art and lots of drinks. The first 100 guests will receive a goodie bag from the on-site mamashop. Nov 28, North Bridge Road, #03-07 Odeon Towers, Extension Rooftop, www.loof. com.sg. Free.

THEATER

LAST CHANCE!

Be blown away at this Mahabharata production We're lucky, guys. After its Paris premier in September, theater great Peter Brook's Battlefield is having its international premier here in Singapore. SRT has co-commissioned this production in which Brook takes the final scene from the Indian epic to make it a standalone play. Until Nov 21, Capitol Theatre, $48-$108

OUT OF TOWN Hot travel tips The haze may have gone (for now) but there are plenty of excuses to escape town: Clockenflap in Hong Kong sees indie giants New Order and The Libertines take to the state (Nov 27-29, www.clockenflap.com); while Malacca is throwing an Arts and Performance Festival the same weekend (www.melakafestival.com). There are lots of flight options to get excited about, too: Scoot (www.flyscoot.com) has just launched direct flights to both Melbourne and Hangzhou, and will start flying to Jeddah from May. Come April, you'll be able to fly direct from Changi to Nadi, courtesy of Fiji Airways (www.fijiairways. com). Oh, and masochists may like to know that Singapore Airlines will bag the title of world's

longest non-stop passenger flight when it begins direct flights to New York on-board the new A350 in 2018.

now

Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

NIGHTLIFE

Buy your ticket to ZoukOut

Zouk is soon changing ownership (and locations), and while we're told that nothing will change when it comes to parties and programming, there's going to be a lot of sentimental attachment to this ZoukOut. So even though it's not until later next month, better get online and book your ticket now. Dec 11-Dec 12, Siloso Beach, www.zoukout.com. $168-258

Karen McCarthy-Wolf

RIOT!

MUSIC What else to do at Neon Lights PHOTOGRAPHY

NETWORK

Learn to live sustainably

The fifth edition of Green is the New Black—The Conscious Festival, is a sustainability-championing event promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle. The line-up includes a panel discussion on the feasibility of sustainable fashion by industry insiders, a series of workshops and a market. Nov 28, The Working Capitol, www. greenisthenewblack.asia. $17 from Peatix.

Talk shop with fellow photographers

Salon at Objectifs is a cozy meet-up where photographers can come and get feedback for their work or discuss the craft. Nov 24, Objectifs, 155 Middle Road, free, www.facebook.com/objectifs.photography. filmmaking

The debut edition of the two-day music festival Neon Lights (Nov 28-29) has gotten more than some attention with a line-up of wellknown indie acts like Damien Rice, Nouvelle Vague and Flight Facilities. But we're equally excited to report that their recently released list of fringe events sounds pretty cool, too. The first is a performance by The Lords of Strut, a physical comedy duo from Ireland, who were crowned the World Street Performance Champions in 2013. There's also The League of Sideshow Superstars, a circus act that will perform acrobatic stunts at Club Minky. If you're looking to de-stress, then drag stand-up comic Becca D'Bus and her crew Noristar Narcisso, Mona Kee Kee and Ashley Fifty will host an event called RIOT! by Comedy Masala also at Club Minky. Stay for

the after party with Nu-jazz DJ Mr Scruff, best known for his track, "Get a Move On." Lit geeks will appreciate Lit Up @ Neon Lights, a two-day spoken word event featuring 40 slam poets and performers, such as Francesca Beard from the UK and Karen McCarthy-Wolf (she was shortlisted for the 2015 Forward Prize). And if you have literary friends, they may want to attend the Singapore National Poetry Slam Championship to get inspired. All of these events will be going on at the same time as these concerts, so if you're not that into music, you know where to go. Your Neon Lights tickets will also entitle you to free entry to these events—it's a pretty sweet deal. Fort Canning Green and Gate, www.neonlights.sg/tickets, $150-$250 from Sistic.

ADVERTORIAL

A World of Mystery Awaits

nce every blue moon, a mysterious portal opens at Night Safari, leading into the enchanted realm of Mystica. Pass through the magical entrance and be amazed by the sights, sounds, creatures and rhythms you encounter inside.

Luminous Realm

Dazzling Hours

Magical Beings

Visitors to Night Safari will encounter the magical entrance to Mystica: a mysterious gateway glowing with bioluminescent lights and exuding mystery and intrigue. Step right through and enter the enchanted world of Mystica, where you’ll experience a kaleidoscope of ethereal flora and fauna.

As you explore the sights and sounds of this otherworldly kingdom, do not be surprised when you encounter its wonderful inhabitants—they reveal themselves at the magic hours of 7:45pm, 8:45pm and 9:45pm. Watch in wonder as they dance and dazzle you with an array of spinning and swirling light props.

There’s no better time to see the creatures of Night Safari than during Mystica, when special enrichment devices are placed in selected exhibits so you can witness the noctural animals in action. Also, don’t miss the special glow-in-the-dark rendition of the Thumbuakar performance—an exhilarating fire-twirling display you won’t be forgetting any time soon.

Tickets at $42 per adult and $28 per child at www.nightsafari.com.sg.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Enter the world of Mystica on Nov 27-28 & Dec 4-5,11-12. 80 Mandai Lake Road, 6269-3411

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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BOOK NOW Upcoming concerts to catch

Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

Laugh out loud with Indian comedians

The Indian Invasion Comedy features four of India’s stand-up comedians like Kunal Rao, the co-founder of East India Comedy YouTube channel, Sorabh Pant, Aditi Mittal and Sanjay Manaktala. Fri, Dec 4-Sat, Dec 5, Klapsons The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Road, $56.50-$128, www.sistic.com.sg

MARKET

Def Leppard

Clean Bandit

COMEDY

NEW BAR

Find out what happened to Ricky Paiva

Our favorite moustachioed bartender at Manhattan moved on a few months ago, and has washed up on the shores of Vanity, Massive Collective’s new bar and lounge at the equally new South Beach Quarter. 38 Beach Rd., www. facebook.com/SBQ.vanity

Lenka

ELTON JOHN—ALL THE HITS TOUR The pop superstar is back in town again to perform hits like “Bennie And The Jets” and “Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” Dec 1-2, The Star Theatre, $148-488 from Sistic. LENKA LIVE IN SINGAPORE Indie-pop songstress Lenka is playing in Singapore to promote her new album, "The Bright Side." Expect songs like "Trouble Is A Friend", "Everything At Once” and the hit single,“The Show." Dec 1, *Scape the Ground Theatre. $74-138 from Peatix. TOE Famous for their unique and edgy sound, Toe will play two gigs in Singapore. Expect Kashikura Takashi on drums and Mino Takaaki on guitar. Sadly, the Nov 30 one is sold out, so catch them the day before instead. Nov 29, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St. $68-$80 from Peatix. DEF LEPPARD '80s rock band Def Leppard is in Singapore to relive their glory days with hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites." Nov 24, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. $108-168 from Sistic. CLEAN BANDIT The English electronic group is on tour to promote their new album, "New Eyes", although most fans are probably hoping for a live rendition of last year's "Rather Be." Nov 25, The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Singapore Resorts World Sentosa. $68 from Sistic. THE I LOVE ANISONG CONCERT Part of the Anime Festival Asia, the line-up features musicians who sang the original soundtracks of various anime productions. Nov 27-29, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. $58-$428 from Event Clique.

Shop for socially-conscious wares at Open Farm Community Featuring 25 vendors including urban farming community Edible Garden City, buy artisanal and locally-produced goods like homemade jams and delicatessens at the inaugural edition of The Social Market. Nov 28, 9am-2.30pm; Nov 29, 9am4pm,130E Maiden Rd., www.openfarmcommunity.com

FOOD

Pay your respects to the downtown PasarBella Styled like a modern food court, the new gourmet market, which opens Dec 1, has Kyle Henderson’s and Damian D'Silva’s sandwiches (of Lolla and South East Sliders fame). Healthy options include Pimp My Salad and 12 other stalls. #01-455 North Wing, Suntec City 3 Temasek Boulevard, www.pasarbella.com

BALLET

Watch Swan Lake

The sexy new French restaurant at National Gallery (see #4) is not the only Odette in town. Tchaikovsky’s tragic ballet tells the story of poor Odette transformed into a swan by an evil witch and then (spoiler alert!) betrayed by her man-love. Dec 3-6, Esplanade Theatre. $30-70 from Sistic.

ART 3 reasons why museums are the sexiest places to be this month 1. NATIONAL GALLERY OPENING CELEBRATIONS There are plenty of fringe activities to check out at the National Gallery's much-anticipated official opening (Nov 24-Dec 6). The Padang Art Carnival (Nov 27-29) has many different themed tents, with an installation that commemorates the survivors of the Bukit Ho Swee fire (5pm-midnight) and a Superfarmers workshop (5:45pm, 7:15pm and 8:15pm) that teaches you basic food-foraging survival skills. The ART FORUM 1 (Nov 24, 2-4:30pm) is a crash course for those who are clueless about the Singapore art scene, and Memora(Film)ia: Random Acts of Remembering (Nov 27-Dec 6) screens three short films with the themes of loss, memory and hope. Screenings from Nov 27-29 and Dec 4-6 run hourly from 10am-10pm, while screenings from Dec

National Gallery

Time of Others

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

3-6 run hourly from 10am-6pm. Most events are free, but entry to the galleries requires a ticket. #01-01 1 St. Andrew’s Rd., www.nationalgallery.sg. Free. 2. THE NEW BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION AT SAM Bring your geeky friend to Time of Others (Nov 21-Feb 28), a profound exhibit in which contemporary artists respond to the historical and social concerns that come with living in a globalized world. The Singapore Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, National Museum of Art Osaka and the Queensland Art Gallery join forces with more than 20 works of art from these collections. Get into a discussion about the region's history, cultural mores and post-colonial hangups. 71 Bras Basah Rd., www. singaporeartmuseum.sg. $10.

3. CERN EXHIBITION AT ARTSCIENCE This interactive, multi-sensory exhibition at Marina Bay Sands is all about the CERN's Large Hadron Supercollider (through Dec 30). It investigates this foreboding, 27km tunnel used to smash subatomic particles. And why? All this to find out what exactly makes up the universe. Last year, the scientists confirmed the existence of the Higgs Boson, (also known as the God Particle) that explains why objects have mass. Museum goers will look at how these scientists conduct their experiments, with some pretty trippy photos to boot. 6 Bayfront Ave., www.marinabaysands. com. $10 (residents); $15 (standard).

ADVERTORIAL

A Guide to Spending the Weekend in Serangoon Gardens Highlights include: French pastries, craft beers, hawker delights and lots of shopping.

AllScript

Plonk

Lemon Chiffon

Thirsty

Bakerzin Artisan

erangoon Gardens is officially one of the hippest heartlands in Singapore. Thanks to its exciting hawker food, up and coming standalone restaurants and established, leafy stalwarts like myVillage, it has become a destination in its own right. Here’s a complete list of what to eat, drink and do when you get there.

Have a decadent brunch

Get ahead on Christmas shopping

Weekends are made for brunching, and there are two excellent options at myVillage, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Little Wimbly Lu (#01-09/10, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6289-1489, www.facebook. com/littlewimlylu) is the offshoot of popular cafe Wimbly Lu and the eatery specializes in pancakes, waffles and crepes. For an extra shot of decadence, get their famous hot chocolate. If you’d like something savory, try Bakerzin Artisan (#01-27/28, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-5638, www. facebook.com/bakerzin), which has a cafe menu featuring items like the Norwegian scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and the Chef’s Breakfast, which comes with chicken chipolata and brioche.

November is here, which means scarcely six weeks left to buy Christmas presents for all the important people in your life—and that includes yourself. Fashionistas should swing by Serangoon Garden mainstays like Lemon Chiffon (12A Kensington Park Rd., 6858-3023, www.facebook.com/lemonchiffon) for flowy womenswear and understated accessories, and U-Design (#01-06, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-2136, www.facebook. com/udesignfashion) for chunky, bohemian-chic statement pieces. For the intellectual culture snob in your life, pick up a stack of fancy international glossies like Monocle, GQ, Lucky Peach and Kinfolk at specialty magazine shop AllScript (#01-05, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6509-3813, www. allscript.com) in myVillage. And to spruce up your place, there’s Bedroom Affairs (#01-20, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-5431, www.rincobonington.com), which specializes in sleek bed linens, curtains and towels.

Or gorge on local food A huge draw at Serangoon Gardens is Chomp Chomp Food Centre (20 Kensington Park Rd.). The options can be overwhelming, but save room for the $1 chicken wings at Chong Pang Huat (#01-26) and Hokkien mee at Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles right next door. Also packed with culinary delights, the Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre (49A Serangoon Garden Way) is a huge hit with Garden Street Kway Chap (#0121). And just up the street, the unassuming but perpetually packed Dessert Bowl (80A Serangoon Garden Way, 6285-1278), has crowds queuing for its signature durian mousse.

myVillage

La Petite Boutique

Grab pre-dinner drinks with friends

Design the perfect hamper Celebrate the festive season with curated epicurean goods like gourmet cheese, charcuterie and wine from La Petite Boutique (4 Kensington Park Rd., 9326-0432, www.petite-boutique-sg.com) and exotic olive oils, French biscuits and more from French grocery Le Quartier (78 Serangoon Garden Way, 6858-2540, www.quartier. com.sg).

Wimbly Lu

Cuttour

Schedule in some me-time After all that eating and shopping, you’ll want to cool your heels for a while. Head back to myVillage for a manicure and a haircut at Cuttour (#01-25 myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-4666, www.facebook.com/ NailLicious).

Good shopping and dining options aside, Serangoon Gardens is also up on the latest drinking trends. Load up on little-known American craft beers at the brand new branch of Thirsty (#01-04, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 9823-0282, www.thirsty.com. sg) or affordable wines from around the world at Wine Connection (#B105, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 66348245, www.wineconnection.com. sg), both at myVillage. But if you want to chill, grab a cocktail and a bite to eat, there’s Mediterranean tapas joint Plonk (7 Maju Ave., 6286-4688, www.plonk.com.sg).

BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYVILLAGE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

25 Delicious Reasons to Visit Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove The scenic little nook has plenty of international choices ranging from Asian, Australian, and Belgian to French, Greek, and Spanish. For a celebratory feast this festive season, make your way through this gastronomic checklist.

1. The Blue Moon Burger at &MADE Burger Bistro L’Entrecôte Express Bite into this juicy combination of dry-aged beef patty, French blue cheese and grilled bacon. #01-03, 6690-7570, www.andmade.sg Best for: A complete indulgence

5. Beef Bourguignon at Picotin Express

9. Stilton Et Betteraves at Saint Pierre

For a full and hearty meal, nothing beats a plate of braised beef, pinot noir sauce, mushrooms, bacon, shallots and mashed potatoes. #01-06, 6438-4747, www.picotin.com.sg

This epicurean creation of beetroot, pear, Stilton cheese and pine nut salad with apple balsamic dressing tastes as good as it looks. #01-15, 6438-0887, www.saintpierre.com.sg

Best for: A classic Christmas dinner

Best for: Discerning cheese-lovers

10. Huitres at Saint Pierre

6. Lamb Shank at Mykonos On The Bay Go on a meat bender by tucking into a lamb shank slowbraised in tomato sauce and served with smoked eggplant. #01-10, 6334-3818, www.mykonosonthebay.com

Take your taste buds on an exotic adventure with this molecular plate of Guillardeau oyster, pear carpaccio, shallot cream and watercress. #01-15, 6438-0887, www.saintpierre.com.sg

Best for: True-blue carnivores

2. Signature Chili Pomelo Crab at Blue Lotus

Best for: Gastronomy fans

A meaty whole Sri Lankan crab spiced up with lemongrass, ginger flowers and pomelo—bring on the tissues! #01-13, 6339-0880, www.bluelotus.com.sg Best for: Feasting with a local twist

3. Classic Cream and Chardonnay Mussels at BRUSSELs SPROUTS

7. House Made Pancakes at Kith Drizzled in maple butter, honey mascarpone, poached pears and mixed berries, this classic breakfast favorite is perfect for any sweet tooth. #01-08, 6734-9007, www.kith.com.sg Best for: A satisfying brunch

Savor this decadent concoction of mussels marinated in onion, parsley, butter, celery, leek, white wine and cream—best paired with Belgian beer. #01-01, 6684-4344, www.brusselssprouts.com.sg

11. Alaskan King Crab Legs with Truffle Mash at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro Dive into a large plate of Alaskan king crab legs with sumptuous truffle mash and fresh organic greens. #01-11, 6268-8633, www.qsfishbar.com Best for: A no-holds-barred dinner

Best for: A boozy appetizer

8. Fresh Atlantic Cod at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro Health nuts should have no objections to this fresh Atlantic cod, served with red wine jus, buttered leek and yellow frisee. #01-11, 6268-8633, www.qsfishbar.com

4. Crudo E Rucola at SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria For a light starter, order this gourmet pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham and rocket salad. #01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com Best for: Sharing with friends

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Best for: The health conscious

12. Sokolatopita at Mykonos On The Bay Complement a delicious Greek spread with the universallyloved chocolate pie, with raspberry sauce and vanilla icecream. #01-10, 6334-3818, www.mykonosonthebay.com Best for: An icy chocolate treat

18. L’Entrecôte Steak at &MADE Burger Bistro L’Entrecôte Express 13. Spiedino Di Pollo Alla Diavola at SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria Feeling peckish? Nibble on roasted chicken on skewers, cooked with herbs, olive oil, chili and black pepper. #01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com

You can never go wrong with tender cuts of beef cooked to your preference—this one comes with a special house made sauce and a side of crisp fries. #01-03, 6690-7570, www.andmade.sg

22. Ambi Paneer Tikka at Earl of Hindh Stuffed with delicious cottage cheese chunks mixed in sweet and sour mango chutney, you’ll want this tantalizing starter all to yourself. #01-16, 6681-6694, www.earlofhindh.com

Best for: A rich and succulent meal

Best for: Whetting an appetite

14. Pulled Pork Brioche at Kith

Best for: A pre-dinner snack

19. Truffle Mushroom Risotto & Hokkaido Sea Scallop at MUSEO

Not quite your average brunch option, salivate over this combination of pulled pork, cheddar, avocado mayo, lettuce and tomato atop a fluffy brioche bun. #01-08, 6734-9007, www.kith.com.sg

Savor the different combinations of textures in this rich stew of truffle mushroom risotto, sea scallops, Parmesan cheese and asparagus. #01-22, 6734-8066, www.mu-se-o.com

Best for: Starting your day right

Best for: A comforting meal

15. Pavlova Meringue at Saint Pierre

23. Chicken Kebabs at Miska Café Ordering to go? Try the juicy, grilled chicken chunks with Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Greek yogurt house sauce in a freshly baked pita wrap. #01-07, 6339-0903, www.miskacafe.net

This sugary dessert, served with vanilla cream and fresh berries, will hit the spot. Available from Dec 1-26. #01-15, 6438-0887, www.saintpierre.com.sg

Best for: Breakfast, lunch or dinner—it’s that versatile

24. Chocolate Ball at MUSEO This wonderfully decadent dessert has a crunchy frozen pistachio nougat center encased in a chocolate shell, and served with a hot butterscotch and berry sauce. #01-22, 6734-8066, www.mu-se-o.com

Best for: Ending your date on a sweet note

16. Raspberry Sorbetti at Note Di Sicilia If you need a cool and refreshing treat, go for this juicy sorbet, made with fresh, antioxidant-packed raspberries from Italy. #01-09, 8168-4341, www.notedisicilia.com

20. Gobhi Ke Shammi Kabab at Earl of Hindh

Best for: Gourmet chocolate lovers

No North Indian feast is complete without this pan-fried dish of minced cauliflower shammi kabab, seasoned with various herbs and spices and served with a sprinkling of saffron. #01-16, 6681-6694, www.earlofhindh.com Best for: Any traditional North Indian spread

21. El Pulpo at Sabio By The Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill

Best for: Indulging without guilt

If you’re planning a seafood spread, be sure to include this tantalizing tapas plate of grilled octopus, “Viola” mashed potato and paprika sauce. #01-02, 6690-7568, www.sabio.sg/bythesea

17. Seafood Pasta at Miska Café If you can’t decide on what to eat, fall back on the everreliable spaghetti with prawns and calamari in home-made tomato sauce. #01-07, 6339-0903, www.miskacafe.net

25. Raviolino Di Ossobuco Burro E Salvia at SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria Savor a creamy plate of handmade ravioli filled with yummy veal shank, and served in a butter and sage sauce. #01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com Best for: A solid, bite-sized meal

Best for: A seafood feast

Best for: Undecided diners

Mark Your Calendars

Check out these exciting events and promotions, happening only at Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove.

Italian Wine Tasting On Nov 21, 12-6pm, sample the best of Tuscan, Sicilian and Puglian wines at the Fountain Plaza. You can also purchase top Mandrarossa wines from $38 and Barone Ricasoli Chianti from $47, brought to you by The Straits Wine Company.

Roving Street Performances Catch whimsical angels on stilts and an LED juggler in a visuallyarresting outdoor showcase on Dec 19 and 25, and share your experience on Instagram through the hashtag #quaysideisle.

Free Weekday Lunch Time Parking

Having a mid-day meal at Quayside Isle? Head there after 12pm and exit the carpark by 2.30pm on weekdays (except public holidays) to enjoy complimentary parking with no minimum spend required.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Complimentary Admission to Sentosa Drive in after 5pm on weekdays (except public holidays) for free entry to Sentosa—applicable only for cars and taxis.

Quayside Isle is located at 31 Ocean Way, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375, 6887-3502, www.quaysideisle.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

city scape

And the Winner is... From new bars to music festivals, here’s who won SG’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2015. By SG Editorial

20 YEARS

he tribe has spoken—loud and clear. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards saw 50 percent more ballots cast than in 2014, with readers voting in the thousands! Clearly, y’all got opinions! Well, here’s where we shut up for once and let you do the judging. Here are your winners.

Best Restaurant

Best New Restaurant

Best Local Chef

Best Brunch

Best Cafe

Les Amis

Open Farm Community

Bjorn Shen

Artichoke

Last year, it was chef-next-door Willin Low. This year, it’s all about the loveable bad boy. He’s had quite a year with a slew of pop-ups around town, and the addition of a gourmet creamsicle stand Neh Neh Pop next to the eternally-packed Artichoke. The icing on the cake is the opening of his Thai grilled chicken place Bird Bird over at Ann Siang Hill just this month.

We’re scratching our heads over this one. We thought you loved eggs benedict, syrup-soaked waffles and other Instagrammable goodies? No, turns out you actually love cauliflower sabbich, lamb shakshouka and far more exotic late-morning foods. Good for you!

Common Man Coffee Roasters

Dethroning sky-high fine dining temple Jaan this year is this homegrown French establishment, which took in an impressive quarter of the votes this year. We’re not sure what has caused the upset. Could it be chef Julien Royer’s departure from Jaan? Or could it be that the pitch-perfect French fare (and delicious butters) at Les Amis are just that good? #01-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225, www.lesamis.com.sg

A Spa Esprit Group-bankrolled, semi-alfresco restaurant doing dishes made with seasonal produce grown in its own backyard in collaboration with the Edible Gardens folks—is there any surprise that Open Farm Community took one in three votes cast in this category? 130E Minden Rd., 6471-0306, www.openfarmcommunity.com

Sculpture Square, 161 Middle Rd., 6336-6949, www. artichoke.com.sg.

One of the coolest places for coffee snobs to brunch, this industrial-chic spot is packed to the gills most weekends, with hip folks clamoring for house-roasted beans (prepared pour over or Aeropress style, of course) and daintily portioned, hippie-chic plates of ox cheek eggs Benedict and pancakes. #01-00, 22 Martin Rd., #01-00, 6836-4695, www.commonmancoffeeroasters.com

Best Buffet

Best Food Event

Best Drink Event

Best Cocktail Bar

Best New Bar

The Line, Shangri-La

Singapore Restaurant Week

Oktoberfest (Clarke Quay)

Anti:dote

Club Street Social

It turns out that what you really want is not a high-end food market, but just the opportunity to dine as usual at your favorite restaurants, except with slightly more affordable set menus. What could be more ideal, then, than SRW’s $25-40 lunches and $3555 at places like Bacchanalia, Garibaldi and UNA. www.restaurantweek.sg

There were a bunch of exciting new contenders in this category this year, chief among them the debut of Singapore Cocktail Week. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like afterwork pints of beer, lederhosen, bratwurst, big hats and live cover bands at Clarke Quay.

Speakeasies come and speakeasies go, but a solid hotel bar with a creative signature cocktail menu and an adorable head bartender (hi, Tom Hogan!) is a rare thing. Anti:dote went from Best New Bar last year to Best Bar this year, toppling Tippling Club.

The newest watering hole along the Club Street/Gemmill Lane stretch is all about the exposed brick, a marble countertop and rustic touches. It’s easy to like the affordable wine list (glasses start at $13) and the brief cocktail menu by cult New York bartender John deBary—oh, and not forgetting the delicious Italian sandwiches.

We thought the opening of Colony at the Ritz-Carlton would give this long-beloved classic a run for its money, but not so, at least not this year. The tick-allthe-boxes international buffet (with a free-flow Champagne option on Sundays), with a bunch of live kitchens is still your favorite. 22 Orange Grove Rd., 62134275, www.shangri-la.com

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-5315, www. fairmont.com/Singapore

5 Gemmill Lane, 62255043, www.facebook.com/ clubstreetsocial

ADVERTORIAL

Paint the Town Red and Green It’s almost time for Christmas and New Year’s, and there are plenty of delicious meals along the Singapore River to get you feeling festive.

Marco Marco Circular Road’s industrial-chic Italian restaurant has an extra decadent Christmas Season Lobster Pasta ($18), involving hand-made spaghetti, chunks of juicy lobster and a herbalicious tomato sauce. 23 Circular Road, 6223-5001, www.marcomarco.com.sg

Wakanui The New Zealand-style grill is all about premium, grain-fed meats grilled using Japanese techniques. For Christmas, they’re doing an affordable set menu ($60), with dishes like poached prawns, charcoal-fired foie gras, roasted cod and fire-grilled lamb. Don’t forget to wash it down with a bottle of NZ wine. 70 Boat Quay, 6438-6321, www.wakanui.com.sg

My Little Spanish Place If you like their Bukit Timah location, have a holiday meal at their new riverside outpost. Famous for their fuss-free, home-style Spanish dishes, they’ve got a $55 Christmas menu involving their signature handmade sausage platter accompanied by a pitcher of sangria. 54 Boat Quay, 6532-0665, www.mylittlespanishplace.com.sg

sQue The big draw here is of course the dizzying selection of 200 beers from over 80 countries, but check out their $68 Christmas platter, big enough for three: it comes with a beef Wellington with mushroom and truffle duxelles and ample sides of roasted veggies. If you’re not into beer, wash it all down with either a Prosecco Brut NV Caroene Malvoti or Santa Helena Cabernet Sauvignon—both 50% off when you get the platter. 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central #01-70 6222-1887, www.sque.com.sg

Marco Marco

Harry’s It’s an institution when it comes to raucous get-togethers, and Christmas is no different. Top off your ale-filled Christmas night with a special deal on their dessert: Harry’s Signature Sticky Date Toffee Pudding is $10—did we mention it comes with vanilla ice cream? 28 Boat Quay, 6538-3029, www.harrys.com.sg

Hot Stones The riverside steak and seafood joint has a special three-course Christmas menu for a very reasonable $68. Choose from dishes like their lobster bisque, Australian tenderloin, tiger prawn and salmon. Perfect padding for a long night out. You can wine and dine aboard Singapore’s last pair of surviving Tongkang boats. #01-06 Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley Rd, 6333-4868, www.hotstones.com.sg

sQue

Harry’s

Hot Stones Steak and Seafood

My Little Spanish Place

Wakanui Grill

Fremantle Seafood Market You certainly don’t have to wait for a special occasion to chow down at this seafood stalwart, but they do have a four-course Christmas menu that’s worth a look. The $88 price tag includes your choice of the whole lobster Momay and the whole lobster thermidor, and the meal comes with a special Freemantle Christmas Cocktail. #01-05 Clarke Quay, 3E River Valley Rd, 6337-1838, www.fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg

The Coronas

The Coronas Live in Singapore What’s the festive season without a bit of music? Irish Pub McGettigan’s is bringing down Dublin rock outfit The Coronas who will perform a free concert at Clarke Quay’s Fountain Square on Dec 9. Expect fast riffs and alternative tunes from the three-time platinum-selling band as they dish out new singles from their latest album, The Long Way. While you’re in the area, order up Irish staples from McGettigan’s like their Guinness puff pastry pie, Irish stew and beer-battered fish and chips. 3A River Valley Rd, 6837-0577, www.mcgettigans.com; 8:15pm till late.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE

Best Wine Lounge

Best Craft Beer Bar

Best Club

Best Party Series

Best Beach Bar

Wine Connection Cheese Bar

Brewerkz

Zouk

Endless Summer

Tanjong Beach Club

Local pride for the win! This longstanding microbrewery does pilsners, IPAs and stouts, along with a slew of seasonal brews and single-hops specials. They’ve got outlets all over town, but our favorite has got to be the Clarke Quay standby. #01-05 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 64387438, www.brewerkz.com

It’s moving to Clarke Quay in 2016, and also changing ownership from Lincoln Chen to the much bigger Genting Group— but that hasn’t diminished your love for Singapore’s longestrunning nightclub in the least. See you at ZoukOut next month. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.sg

Not block parties in the streets, nor beer pong tournaments on the beach. What you actually love (this year) are cocktails, bubbly, bean bags, DJs—all happening poolside at the W Singapore Sentosa Cove. The next one is on Nov 29, and entry is $35. www.wsingaporesentosacove. com

Singapore’s chicest beach club wins another year, thanks to its gorgeous wood-and-glass restaurant (serving a classic but delicious menu of mains and snacks), the nautical blueand-white color scheme, the abundant lounge furniture and DJs spinning on the evenings. 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 9750-5323, www. tanjongbeachclub.com

Best Rooftop Bar

Best New Local Store

Best Local Online Store

Best Budget Airline

Best Regional Destination

1-Altitude

In Good Company

The Assembly Store

Scoot

Japan

It’s been the year of low-slung, cozy rooftop bars, but there’s no comparison to ridiculously gorgeous panoramic views of the city and the Straits beyond. 1-Altitude’s garden terrace vibe, great food and pretty people here have beaten out last year’s winner. 61-63/F, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1altitude.com

This womenswear label really upped the ante for local online retailers going brick-and-mortar: a 3,300 sq ft space at Ion Orchard that stocks not only their garments, but also international glossies by Magpie, local fiction and poetry by Math Paper Press and an in-house cafe managed by Plain Vanilla Bakery. #B1-06, Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, www.ingoodcompany.asia

A go-to for dapper dudes, this multi-label e-commerce site stocks well-curated garments and accessories from Benjamin Barker and Happy Socks, along with local labels Gnome & Bow and Hypergrand and many others. They have a brick-and-mortar boutique at Dhoby Ghaut, but with free shipping Singapore, you could just stay home. www.theassemblystore.com

For a second year in a row, Singapore Airline’s budget option comes out on top. Not resting on their laurels, they’ve been wildly expanding their routes, this year starting flights to Jeddah, Hangzhou and, perhaps most excitingly, Melbourne. One-way tickets in January start at $408. www.flyscoot.com

We really thought it would be Thailand again like last year, but we guess you’re taking a break from amazing markets and spicy food and planning ahead for cherry blossoms and skiing. Who can blame you? Visit sgnow.sg/ travel for tons more travel ideas.

Best New Hotel

Best Hotel

Best Local Attraction

Best Outdoor Activity

Best Gym

Gardens by the Bay

River Safari

Fitness First

Of course it doesn’t hurt that the billion-dollar, 101-hectare green zone hosts exciting concerts and music festivals and houses some of our favorite restaurants. But the big highlight, we think, is the impressive Flower Dome, a high-ceilinged, temperature—controlled structure housing Mediterranean and semi-tropical flora. 18 Marina Gardens Dr., 6420-6841, www.

Observe nocturnal animals on foot or by tram if you’re lazy like us. And if you go in the next couple of weeks, you can catch their annual themed event Mystica, which will involve bioluminescent decorations, LED light twirling and more. See page 8 for more info. 80 Mandai Lake, 6269-3411,

A mainstay at our Readers’ Choice Awards, one of Singapore’s biggest and most popular gym chains wins again, thanks no doubt to its abundant number of branches (17 islandwide) and its good mix of standard equipment, complimentary towel service and diverse classes.

For yet another year, Wine Connection’s affordable artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards, bottles starting at a sweet $35 and friendly service prove unbeatable for the fancier competition. #01-05 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 62381279, www.facebook.com/ WineConnectionCheeseBarSGP

The Scarlet Singapore ParkRoyal on The entire buzz lately had been Pickering about The Club just up the street, but this other boutique hotel, housed in a heritage building and reopened early last year has won you over with its flamboyant, burlesque-inspired decor and cozy rooftop bar, Breeze. 33 Erskine Rd, 6511-3333, www. thescarlethotel.com

It’s one of our favorite parts of the Singapore skyline, with its vertical gardens and curvy facade. It doesn’t hurt that the spa is by St Gregory, many of the rooms overlook Hong Lim Park and that the lunch buffet at Lime is both affordable and solid. 3 Upper Pickering St., 68098888, www.parkroyalhotels.com

gardensbythebay.com.sg

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

www.nightsafari.com.sg

www.fitnessfirst.com.sg

Best Wellness Studio

Best Boutique Gym

Best Museum

Best Art Gallery

Best Arts Space

True Yoga

R-evolution

ArtScience Museum

Opera Gallery

With two well-placed branches— one at Pacific Plaza on Scotts Road and the other at Ocean Financial Centre—True Yoga has all the advantages of a big brand but without compromising on a relaxing atmosphere. Pair that with diverse yoga offerings, offbeat dance classes and visiting big-deal teachers, and it’s easy to see why it has won again this year.

This VivoCity gym not only does yoga and Pilates classes, but also more intense MMA and TRX classes (the latter uses bodyweight and resistance to get you all toned and strong). They’re most proud of their proprietary RIOT, a 45-minute class involving cardio, calisthenics and weight training. #03-09, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9697, www.r-evolution.com.sg

The lotus-shaped, Marina Bay Sands museum has more than kept up with the high-quality programming of last year (we still miss Annie Leibovitz), with its super-arty ArtScience late events, the beautiful Deep Sea exhibition and, showing now, an interactive walk through the workings of the Large Hadron Supercollider. 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8826, www. marinabaysands.com/museum

The Orchard stalwart has won again this year, thanks to its regular programming of hugename, often long-dead artists. On display till Dec 6 is a group show by Chilean artist Eduardo Guelfenbein and French sculptor Marie-Madeleine Gautier and French painter Jean-Francois Larrieu (all alive, thankfully). #04-15 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6735-2618, www. operagallery.com

Esplanade—Theatres by the Bay

www.trueyoga.com.sg

Their regular jazz shows, small plays and classical concerts aside, Esplanade has really been on a roll the second half of this year, with back to back bigdeal productions of Murakami adaptation Kafka on the Shore from Japan and an all-male production of A Clockwork Orange. 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.esplanade.com

Best Music Festival

Best Local Startup

Best Co-Working Space

Inspirational Local of the Year

Laneway Festival Singapore

Carousell

The Working Capitol

Adrianna Tan

Year after year, you love putting on flowy blouses, flower tiaras, politicallydubious feathered headgears and cut-off shorts, and heading to an all-day indie music festival at Gardens by the Bay. Who wouldn’t? On Jan 20, 2016, you can get excited for Thundercat, Purity Ring, Beach House and many others. singapore.lanewayfestival.com

Second-hand shopping online is extra sweet when the app founder is local and got a massive injection of $7.8 million in funding just last year. Putting up your pre-loved goods, buying other people’s, laughing at absurd listings and arguing with vendors is a time-honored part of this experience, and it is all but a given that Carousell is your favorite local startup. www.caroussell.com

Aided no doubt by their Keong Saik location and their slew of trendy new restaurants like The Daily Roundup and Neon Pigeon, The Working Capitol has become a real community fixture, offering not just work space, but also lots of events and seminars open to the public. 1 Keong Saik Rd., 6805-4050, www.

When she’s not spending weekdays in Jakarta for her mobile commerce platform Wobe, this Singaporean startup wiz and philanthropist is organizing Culture Kitchen (which got a big $20,000 value grant from Jetstar this year) for migrant woker communities and locals to mingle (see page 25).

theworkingcapitol.com

THIS WEEK, WIN A $1,000 WORTH OF SPENDING CREDIT AT AURA It’s our 20th anniversary, but we’re giving you the presents! Follow us on Facebook (our calendar is packed full of awesome giveaways!) and expect loads of amazing treats including a grand suite hotel stay in Hong Kong coming your way in December. facebook.com/sgnow.sg

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island

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

ATTRACTION Island Life By the first quarter of 2016, Indonesian beach retreat Funtasy Island, or Pulau Munis, which touts itself to be the “world’s largest eco theme park”, will finally be open. The resort will feature 328 hectares of beaches across six small islands, 400 villas, a 200-room condotel and a 230-suite hotel, all located just 16km from Singapore. There are also plans for a theme park, a spa and a beach club, more underwater activities and perhaps a cave diving training center, too. Even better, it’s a 25-minute ferry ride from HarbourFront and you might also be able to charter a yacht charter service from the hotel. www.funtasyisland.com.

FASHION French Flair

Parisian fashion label Maje, known for its ethnic, glam-rock influences has launched its first boutique at Marina Bay Sands. Look out for designer Judith Milgrom’s timeless, feminine and easy-to-wear aesthetic as seen on her iconic bohemian-preppy dresses and leather and parka jackets, all available at the 1,496 sq ft flagship store. Prices range from $180 for a T-shirt to $4,210 for a shearling-lined coat. #B2-109 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 6688-7124, www.us.maje.com.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

NEW STORE Motor Head

Shop for a sleek two-wheel ride at the new 200 sq. ft. Piaggio Group concept store, Mah Motors, located along Serangoon Road. The showroom features sleek scooter and bike brands Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi and at present, there are 26 vehicles on display, along with accessories like helmets and apparel. You can even hang out at the mezzanine area and catch live events or races at the store. 1179 Serangoon Rd., 6295-6393, www.piaggio.com.

WELLNESS Under The Sea

For those who’d like to learn how to swim with a fancy tail, check out this mermaid school currently held at Sunset Avenue by Singaporean Syrena, also known as Cara Nicole Neo, who calls herself “Singapore’s first mermaid”. Her classes cover a complete syllabus comprising theory lessons on “mermaid lore” and exercises to strengthen your core and glutes. Students can advance from bronze for beginners to platinum for advanced learners, once they’ve met the minimum requirements of being able to swim one unassisted lap and tread water for 20 seconds. From $490 for five onehour sessions. www.themermaidsyrena.com.

Waste Is Not Waste

Sustainability gets a new lease of life through this online platform which provides businesses and organizations with a waste exchange program by connecting surplus resource generators with those sourcing for materials. www.wasteisnotwaste.com

DIGITAL

Fair Trade With the sharing economy in full swing, here’s where you can exchange cultures, borrow household items, rent co-working spaces and more. By Chelsia Tan

CAR-POOLING

Ryde

If you’re on a budget but need to get somewhere, use this app to share a ride with other locals going the same direction. It even helps calculate the exact fare contribution for each person, based on distance. www.rydesharing.com

Sharetransport.sg

Commute by bus, car or taxi with other passengers near you on this ride-sharing platform. www.sharetransport.sg CAR RENTALS

iCarsClub

Car owners can rent their rides to drivers of their choice (with insurance protection, of course)—they even get to determine car rental rates. www.icarsclub.com

Airbnb

Smove

Eco warriors will love this car-sharing company, which aims to reduce carbon footprint by offering hybrid alternatives on demand. www.smove.sg PRIVATE CARS FOR HIRE

Uber The Working Capitol

Ryde

lanning a dinner party, looking for an affordable office space or searching for the right travel partner? The sharing economy is now a cool and legit way to share extras (rooms, rides, items, you name it)—peer-to-peer style. Be part of the movement with our list of collaborative platforms.

ACCOMMODATION

Airbnb

Rent or host rooms, houses, apartments and even holiday villas in over 190 countries around the world. Or just for a staycation in Singapore. www.airbnb.com.sg

Homie

Find compatible roomies in Singapore by sifting through profiles listed on this roommate-searching website. www.homie.co

PandaBed

Quite similar to Airbnb, you can book or list a holiday rental in Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea. www.pandabed.com

BonAppetour

Invite yourself for dinner (for a fee, of course) or host international guests at this global meal sharing website through cities like Shanghai, Budapest and Paris. www.bonappetour.com

Plate Culture

Another social dining platform, that lets you meet with folks from Asia, Europe, Oceania, the U.S and U.K over a homecooked meal in Singapore. www.plateculture.com

Share home-cooked Singaporean dishes with other locals through this pot-luck community of passionate foodies—it’s all about bonding over food here. www.sgeatwithus.sg

It’s not your average office space—there’s a yakitori joint, bespoke cocktail bar and craft workshop all housed in a sleek loft studio for craftsmen. www.therefinery.sg

The Working Capitol Another impossibly hip, multi-concept outfit with private offices and an events space, slog with fellow yuccies in sexy Keong Saik and host meetings at the building’s in-house cafe, The Daily Roundup. www.theworkingcapitol.com

Mealsharing

Host or attend a dinner party by booking a meal via a global community of homechef profiles and menus. www.mealsharing.com

DINING

#SGEatWithUs

The Refinery

CO-WORKING SPACES

MettleWork Creative night owls will love this 24-hour communal studio in Geylang, which comes with meeting rooms, private offices, a warehouse and work benches complete with tools. www.mettlework.co

SOCIAL INITIATIVES

Culture Kitchen

Get to know Singapore’s migrant workers over a shared meal at an inclusive dinner party—there’s no pompous waiting list for this one. www.culturekitchen.sg

The Food Bank Singapore

Donate extra food to the needy through this local food bank, which benefits family service centers, soup kitchens and welfare organizations. www.foodbank.sg

If you haven’t already jumped on the private car service bandwagon, take baby steps with this popular app. Options range from low-cost rides (UberX) to fancy, designer cars (UberExec). www.uber.com

GrabCar

GrabTaxi’s new alternative, book private cars ranging from the humble Toyota to an upscale BMW 5-series. www.grabtaxi. com/grabcar BICYCLES FOR HIRE

Otter

No license to drive? No problem. Opt for this bike-sharing rental service which lets you rent or list a bicycle for hire anywhere. www.otter.sg EVERYTHING ELSE

BlockPooling

Get to know your neighbors through this website’s forum, social groups or marketplace. You can borrow or lend household items, offer any type of service (as long as it’s legal) and host open-house parties. www.blockpooling.sg

Rent Tycoons

You will find everything from electronics, home furniture, party props, fashion items and more. If you’d like to make a profit from hoarding, register as a member to list an item for rent. www.renttycoons.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

eats

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

LUNCH

Hale and Hearty Step away from artery-clogging hawker fare and tuck into these four new and healthy lunch options. By Shi Min Xie

Grain Traders

Yolo

hether you’re in the CBD or chained to your desk, take a break from greasy char kway teow and get a healthy lunch from one of these new places.

Food Matters

Grain Traders

Yolo

Aloha Poke

This delivery place is run by a certified nutritionist and has the lofty goal of making healthy eating fun. Sign up to have up to five lunches a week delivered to your desk, and choose from 40 options so you won’t get bored (hopefully). Options include local dishes like chicken rice, nasi lemak and even assam laksa; there’s also a calorie counter on the site to help you choose. Monthly packages for delivery range from $40-$140. www.sg.foodmatters. me

The newly opened YOLO at Icon Village in Tanjong Pagar does healthy versions of traditionally decadent dishes like chicken quesadillas ($11.90), coconut chicken on brown rice ($11.90) and Arnie’s Meatballs with Pasta ($13.90). Gym junkies can look forward to high protein pancakes ($6.50). There are also options for the dairy, gluten and wheat intolerant. If you’re glued to the screen, you can order online. Icon Village, 12 Gopeng St., www. yolofood.com.sg.

CBD workers can customize their healthy lunch at Grain Traders, brought to you by the folks behind Kilo. There is oatmeal and porridge ($8 for both), and bagels ($10) to fill with guacamole and Kilo-style wasabi tuna tartare. Their build-your-own meals ($16) are for those on a strict diet. If you can’t choose, try the El Hibaro that has striploin, salsa verde and wafu tomato. There’s also espresso and filter brewed coffee. #01-01/02/03 CapitaGreen, 138 Market St., 6348-6559, www.grain-traders.com.

This new bistro specializes in Hawaiian salad bowls (pronounced “pokay”) that traditionally involve chopped raw fish and here, you order up the traditional ahi tuna bowl or opt for a choice of salmon or tofu instead. Make your lunch a little fancier with toppings such as chia seeds, avocado and flying fish, and choose from sizes ranging from Lil’ Swell (a scoop of fish, $11.90), the Standard Nalu (two scoops for $15.90) or the Big Kahuna (three scoops for $19.90). 92 Amoy St., 6221 6565, www.alohapoke.com. sg

Aloha Poke

NEW RESTAURANT Joyden Treasures The buzz: Singapore-owned Joyden Concepts, which has been around for three decades, has launched a new fancy zi char restaurant at Leisure Park Kallang. The vibe: The space is modern, minimalist and unfussy, with simple wooden round tables, plush chairs and textured glass panels. For those who prefer a more private gathering, there are six VIP rooms that can accommodate a party of 10. The food: The restaurant prides itself in delivering elevated local favorites, and its reputation for serving up delicious, unpretentious food does not disappoint. Its list of specialities include the traditional salt baked crab (market price), steamed red grouper with homemade soy bean broth, a savory and addictive stew of made-fromscratch soya milk with fresh ginger, chives, straw mushrooms and black fungus (market price),

and the crispy fragrant duck with lotus-shaped buns ($58). The confit-style duck is cooked with a combination of herbs and spices, and underneath its crisp skin, the flesh is both juicy and tender— best eaten with the house-made sambal belachan. The desserts: Order Chinese classics such as the Teochew orh nee, a decadent yam puree with chopped water chestnuts, steamed pumpkin slices and ginko nuts (from $16). The humble brown sugar ma-la-gao ($4.20), a traditional steamed cake typically served with coconut and sugar, is fragrant and fluffy. Why you’ll be back: The food, while not as wallet-friendly as your kopitiam zi char places, is the main draw—its contemporary home-style dishes are refreshingly devoid of gimmicky EastWest fusions.

#02-42 Leisure Park Kallang, 5 Stadium Walk, 6446-8488, www.joydentreasures.com.sg. CHELSIA TAN

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

escapes

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news

DESTINATION GUIDE

Village People 5 reasons why Marylebone should be the focus of your next trip to London. By Ric Stockfis

Fischer’s

The Marylebone

Cox + Power

ucked away between Oxford Street and Regent’s Park, Marylebone Village keeps its charms wellhidden. It may not be hip like East London or up-and-coming like Peckham and places south of the river, but this collection of Georgian and Victorian mansion blocks set along elegant lanes and quiet mews somehow remains one the city’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what you’ll find.

Great restaurants

Take your pick! Marylebone is a real foodie haunt. The Golden Hind (73 Marylebone Lane, +44 (0) 20 7486-3644) serves some of the city’s best fish and chips—and has been doing so for 101 years. The Providores and Tapa Room (109 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7935-6175, www.theprovidores. co.uk) is where you’ll find award-winning fusion cuisine from Kiwi chef Peter Gordon (including what one critic described as “London’s best laksa”) and great weekend brunches. Other gems include La Fromagerie (2-6 Moxon St., +44 (0) 20 7935-0341, www.lafromagerie. co.uk), which offers a simply staggering array of cheeses and charcuterie; fine-dining French restaurant Orrery (55 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7616-8000, www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk), origianlly designed by Terence Conran; and Fischer’s (50 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7466-5501, www.fischers. co.uk), a ’20s-Vienna-inspired cafe which opened last year, courtesy of the team that launched both The Wolseley and The Ivy. Then there’s the nearby Chiltern Firehouse (1 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 7073-7676, www. chilternfirehouse.com), U.S hotelier Andre Balazs’ first overseas venture: a hotel, bar and New York-style brasserie so popular that when it launched in 2013 it spawned a Bloomberg article titled “How to get a Table at Chiltern Firehouse Without Being Famous”.

Eclectic shopping

One of the charms of this part of town is the number of traditional businesses still going strong: Howarth (31 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 79352407, www.howarth.uk.com) specialises in woodwind instruments; VV Rouleaux (102 Marylebone Ln.,+44 (0) 20 7224-5179, www.vvrouleaux.com) offers up eye-catching ribbons and other haberdashery; while

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

The Button Queen (76 Marylebone Ln., +44 (0) 79351505, www.thebuttonqueen.co.uk) is London’s only shop dedicated to, well, buttons of course. You can also find some great vintage clothing at weekend market Cabbages & Frocks (+44 (0) 20 7794-1636, www. cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk), held from 11am-5pm on Saturdays in the churchyard of St Marylebone Parish Church. And there are plenty of more modern places to visit too, be it contemporary jewelry at either Cox + Power (10-12 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 7935-3530, www.coxandpower.com) or Kabiri (94 Marylebone Ln., +44 (0) 20 7317-2155, www.kabiri.co.uk) or cult womenswear at KJ’s Laundry (74 Marylebone Ln., +44 (0) 20 7486-7855, www.kjslaundry.com).

Cultural inspiration

Housed in a gorgeous old Edwardian building, Daunt Books (83 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7224-2295, www.dauntbooks.co.uk) is best-known for its three-level, oak-panelled travel section, but it’s such a thoughtfully-curated place you could spend hours there, whatever your field of interest. There are now half a dozen outlets across London, but this original branch remains the most special. They also host literary evenings, with Tyler Brûlé among recent speakers. (Monocle have a store of their own at 18 Chiltern St.) Nearby, The Wallace Collection (Hertford House, Manchester Square, +44 (0) 20 7563-9500, www. wallacecollection.org) houses more than two dozen galleries of world-class art and furnishings, with a particular focus on Dutch and Flemish work from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as 19th century French painting, including works by the likes of Rubens and Rembrandt. And the building itself is a stunning example of the area’s architectural style. Even better: admission is free.

Metropolitan

Essentials WHERE TO STAY We stayed at the just-revamped Metropolitan (Old Park Ln., +44 (0) 20 7447-1000, www.comohotels.com/metropolitanlondon), part of Singaporean group COMO. It’s a stylish spot across the street from Hyde Park, with the design of its light, minimalist 144 rooms influenced by greenery visible through the window. Once synonymous with glitz and decadence, the focus now is on holistic living, with plenty of COMO touches, from an extensive spa menu to healthy breakfast options, although cocktail haven Met Bar is still going strong. It’s also home to world-famous (and Michelin-starred) Peruvian-Japanese restaurant Nobu. With such a central location, it’s a great base for exploring the more upmarket parts of London: Knightsbridge runs south of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace is only 10 minutes’ walk away, and embassy district Mayfair extends away behind the hotel. It’s also only a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride to Marylebone. Rooms start from $620, excluding taxes. Other options near to Marylebone Village include boutique newcomer The Zetter Townhouse (28-30 Seymour St., +44 (0) 20 7324-4544, www. thezettertownhouse.com), where rooms start from $460; and Dorset Square Hotel (39-40 Dorset Square, www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxuryhotels/dorset-square-hotel), with rates from $440. GETTING THERE British Airways (www.ba.com) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair. com) fly direct from around $1,600 return. Or go via the Middle East with Etihad (www.etihad.com) or Qatar (www.qatarairways.com) from $1,100 return.

astrology

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): If you were embarking on a 100mile hike, would you wear new boots that you purchased the day before your trip? Of course not. They wouldn’t be broken in. They’d be so stiff and unyielding that your feet would soon be in agony. Instead, you would anchor your trek with supple footwear that had already adjusted to the idiosyncrasies of your gait and anatomy. Apply a similar principle as you prepare to launch a different long-term exploit. Make yourself as comfortable as possible

Regent’s Park

Orrery

A fab farmers’ market

If you’re in Marylebone on a Sunday (10am-2pm), head for the Cramer Street car park (behind Waitrose supermarket) to find one of London’s best outdoor farmers’ markets (+44 (0) 20 7833-0338, www.lfm.org.uk/markets/ marylebone). The 30 or more vendors come from within 100 miles of London, bringing with them all kinds of good stuff: from freshly shucked oysters and awesome sausage sandwiches to artisanal breads, cheeses, jams and gelatos. It’s the perfect place to stock up for a picnic in the adjacent Paddington Street Gardens or up the road in Regent’s Park, just a 10-minute walk away.

An awesome array of pubs

It wouldn’t be London without a welcoming pub to retreat to, and there’s no shortage in Marylebone. While the likes of Coco Momo (79 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7486-5746, www.facebook.com/ CocoMomoMarylebone) and near-neighbors The Prince Regent and The Marylebone are now more bistro & bar than traditional pub, their corner locations make them great places for people-watching when you’re done eating and shopping. And, if you’re after a more authentic feel, Gunmakers (33 Aybrook St., +44 (0) 7487-4937, www. facebook.com/GunmakersMarylebone)— complete with friendly locals, unfriendly pub cat, portraits of Churchill and craft ales brewed in Camden—has you covered.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Here’s how Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins: “Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.” The preface I’d write for your upcoming adventures would be less extreme, but might have a similar tone. That’s because I expect you to do a lot of meandering. At times your life may seem like a shaggy dog story with no punch line in sight. Your best strategy will be to cultivate an amused patience; to stay relaxed and unflappable as you navigate your way through the enigmas, and not demand easy answers or simple lessons. If you take that approach, intricate answers and many-faceted lessons will eventually arrive.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A flyer on a telephone pole caught my eye. It showed a photo of a nine-year-old male cat named Bubby, whose face was contorted in pain. A message from Bubby’s owner revealed that her beloved pet desperately needed expensive dental work. She had launched a campaign at gofundme.com to raise the cash. Of course I broke into tears, as I often do when confronted so viscerally with the suffering of sentient creatures. I longed to donate to Bubby’s well-being. But I thought, “Shouldn’t I funnel my limited funds to a bigger cause, like the World Wildlife Fund?” Back home an hour later, I sent $25 to Bubby. After analyzing the astrological omens for my own sign, Cancer the Crab, I realized that now is a time to adhere to the principle “Think globally, act locally” in every way imaginable.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The Confederation of African Football prohibits the use of magic by professional soccer teams. Witch doctors are forbidden to be on the field during a match, and they are not supposed to spray elixirs on the goals or bury consecrated talismans beneath the turf. But most teams work around the ban. Magic is viewed as an essential ingredient in developing a winning tradition. Given the current astrological omens, I invite you to experiment with your own personal equivalent of this approach. Don’t scrimp on logical analysis, of course. Don’t stint on your preparation and discipline. But also be mischievously wise enough to call on the help of some crafty mojo.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): How well do you treat yourself? What do you do to ensure that you receive a steady flow of the nurturing you need? According to my reading of the astrological omens, you are now primed to expand and intensify your approach to self-care. If you’re alert to the possibilities, you will learn an array of new life-enhancing strategies. Here are two ideas to get you started: 1. Imagine at least three acts of practical love you can bestow on yourself. 2. Give yourself three gifts that will promote your healing and stimulate your pleasure.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Slavery is illegal everywhere in the world. And yet there are more slaves now than at any other time in history: at least 29 million. A disproportionate percentage of them are women and children. After studying your astrological omens, I feel you are in a phase when you can bestow blessings on yourself by responding to this predicament. How? First, express gratitude for all the freedoms you have. Second, vow to take full advantage of those freedoms. Third, brainstorm about how to liberate any part of you that acts or thinks or feels like a slave. Fourth, lend your energy to an organization that helps free slaves. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Urbandictionary. com defines the English word “balter” as follows: “to dance without particular skill or grace, but with extreme joy.” It’s related to the Danish term “baltre”, which means “to romp, tumble, roll, cavort.” I nominate this activity to be one of your ruling metaphors in the coming weeks. You have a mandate to explore the frontiers of amusement and bliss, but you have no mandate to be polite and polished as you do it. To generate optimal levels of righteous fun, your experiments may have to be more than a bit rowdy. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): You’ve arrived at a crossroads. From here, you could travel in one of four directions, including back towards where you came from. You shouldn’t stay here indefinitely, but on the other hand you’ll be wise to pause and linger for a while. Steep yourself in the mystery of the transition that looms. Pay special attention to the feelings that rise up as you visualize the experiences that may await you along each path. Are there any holy memories you can call on for guidance? Are you receptive to the tricky inspiration of the fertility spirits that are gathered here? Here’s your motto: Trust, but verify.

S O N GE B O B

LA LAND

20 Nov 2015 - 3 Jan 2016, 12pm - 10pm Ci ty Green (Outdoor Park)

Visit all your favourite places from Bikini Bottom this Christmas at City Square Mall! Simply spend $30* in the mall to redeem an activity pass and enjoy sponge-tastic fun and games!

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22): To activate your full potential in the coming weeks, you don’t need to scuba-dive into an underwater canyon or spelunk into the pitch blackness of a remote cave or head out on an archaeological dig to uncover the lost artifacts of an ancient civilization. But I recommend that you consider trying the metaphorical equivalent of those activities. Explore the recesses of your own psyche, as well as those of the people you love. Ponder the riddles of the past and rummage around for lost treasure and hidden truths. Penetrate to the core, the gist, the roots. The abyss is much friendlier than usual! You have a talent for delving deep into any mystery that will be important for your future. LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22): Normally I charge $270-an-hour for the kind of advice I’m about to offer, but I’m giving it to you at no cost. For now, at least, I think you should refrain from relying on experts. Be skeptical of professional opinions and highly paid authorities. The useful information you need will come your way via chance encounters, playful explorations and gossipy spies. Folk wisdom and street smarts will provide better guidance than elite consultants. Trust curious amateurs; avoid somber careerists. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): Some athletes think it’s unwise to have sex before a big game. They believe it diminishes the raw physical power they need to excel. For them, abstinence is crucial for victory. But scientific studies contradict this theory. There’s evidence that boinking increases testosterone levels for both men and women. Martial artist Ronda Rousey subscribes to this view. She says she has “as much sex as possible” before a match. Her approach must be working. She has won all of her professional fights, and Sports Illustrated calls her “the world’s most dominant athlete.” As you approach your equivalent of the “big game,” Scorpio, I suggest you consider Rousey’s strategy.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): English model and TV personality Katie Price has been on the planet for just 37 years, but has already written four autobiographies. ”You Only Live Once”, for instance, covers the action-packed time between 2008 and 2010, when she got divorced and then remarried in a romantic Las Vegas ceremony. I propose that we choose this talkative, self-revealing Gemini to be your spirit animal and role model. In the coming weeks, you should go almost to extremes as you express the truth about who you have been, who you are, and who you will become.

Visit www.citysquaremall.com.sg to find out more. *T&Cs apply

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

last word

Kirsten Han One of Singapore’s most vocal anti-death penalty advocates is also a filmmaker and freelance journalist who has written for Al Jazeera, The Guardian and The Diplomat. The co-founder of Singapore’s anti-capital punishment organization We Believe in Second Chances is also a regular contributor to The Online Citizen, where she has championed migrant worker rights, the elections and other social justice issues. Here, she talks to Mrigaa Sethi about click bait journalism, the problem with the death penalty and the advantages of freelancing.

I was quite the wallflower when I was in school. I can’t say that I was some sort of social justice crusader as a kid. I really only got started when I was 21 and starting to learn more about Singapore beyond the stereotypes of the “multi-racial, multi-religious and meritocratic” values that we were taught in school. Once I started to find out more about other people’s experiences, I found it very hard not to care, or to just walk away from them again. I sometimes meet people who seem to think that Singapore is a totalitarian or police state, and then find myself having to explain that’s not the case. But saying that doesn’t mean I think that we’re free. We’re not unfree, but we’re not completely free either. I wish Singaporeans would question things more. There are so many myths that we tell ourselves, and we don’t question so many of the assumptions that we have. It stops us from imagining different possibilities that might not fit into the current narrative of the Singapore Story. I don’t count on crowdfunding [on website Byline] to pay my bills, but I liked the idea of connecting journalists to readers so directly. It’s also really encouraging to see people who are so supportive of my work that they’re willing to fork out money for it. It can be quite hard to maintain, but I’ve always liked having an option, whether on my blog or on Byline, to self-publish. The more I am involved in the death penalty, the more I see the overlap with the other social justice issues I care about. So many of the death row cases we have come across involve ethnic minorities from

poor or broken families. I realized that so many of the families of the inmates we work with are made up of women—sisters and mothers who are taking on the emotional and sometimes financial burden of fighting for their brothers and sons.

I’m just as guilty of falling for click bait as the next person. I’ll click on anything that mentions or features cats. But I worry that we might be stuck in a situation where simplistic, click baity stories are what editors want to go for. They’re cheap to produce and get the eyeballs, but if we all move in that direction then we lose out on really rich stories that might be more expensive to produce, but actually give us a meaningful insight into our world.

So many people are being punished by the death penalty, from the family members who have to go through the anguish of counting down the days to prison wardens I wish who have to deal with the reality of the execution—and all for a Singaporeans form of retributive justice that would question has no proven deterrent* and certainly no rehabilitative effect. things more. I don’t find it hard to write about issues I’m invested in. When I write something that I feel strongly about, though, I have to remind myself to keep an open mind and give other arguments due consideration too. The lack of transparency is a real problem. Many advocacy groups—from us in the death penalty to migrant rights and gender equality—run into problems with access to information, which makes it hard for us to conduct proper analysis’ of issues and to give helpful recommendations. My family was quite worried when I first started volunteering for The Online Citizen, but five years on, they’ve got used to what I do. Now that I’ve got a Master’s degree, my grandparents do often mention that maybe I should stop running around and get a steady job teaching.

There are times when I wish I had a steady pay cheque and an office job that would let me switch off at the end of the day. It can be exhausting to feel like I should always be pitching or working because each pay cheque could be the last for a while.

But at the same time I know that a full-time job might not allow me the freedom that I currently have to choose the stories I want to do and when and how much to do. For example, I heavily pared back on work one week when we had a death penalty case to work on so that I could spend as much time as possible making sure that the family of the inmate had the support they needed. The best advice I’ve ever received came from a friend and former boss. She said that while one should strive to be a good journalist, one should always be a decent human being first. It’s really stuck with me throughout the years and influenced many of the choices I’ve made.

*Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly sideline event in September 2014, Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam argued that Singapore’s success in quelling drug problems in the city-state proved that the death penalty had been a successful deterrent in drug trafficking cases.

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015

by Kathy Macleod

presents

Live in Singapore Wednesday 9th December Central Fountain Square Clarke Quay Show 9.30pm

ADMISSION FREE

Block A, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020.

clarkequay@mcgettigans.com