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SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #703 | SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
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what’s on what’s new what matters
F1 Special Singapore’s biggest nightlife weekend is back with the F1 Singapore Grand Prix—roaring engines, glitzy parties, amazing concerts and lots of places to soak in the atmosphere.
NIGHTLIFE
GRAND PRIX
DINING
INTERVIEW
Fancy F1 Afterparties
Best Views of the Track
Late Night Eats
Formula 1 in the 1970s
w w w. s g n o w. s g | M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r
SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #703 | SEP 9, 2016
MARINA ONE RESIDENCES
LIVE IN THE HEART OF THE FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX EXCITEMENT
Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks
Artist’s Impression
Artist’s Impression
BETTER THAN BEING IN THE THICK OF THE ACTION
page 3
The Eight Stages of Schooling 18
cityscape
Best Views of the Track 8 drink
9 music
Savour Wines
Ultra Singapore
10 nightlife
12 art
F1 Afterparties
Photography on the MRT
With F1 fever in full swing, we find ourselves looking back to a recent sporting phenomenon: Joseph Schooling’s gold medal at the Rio Olympics. We’d heard of the five stages of grief; we as a nation have experienced the eight stages of Schooling. With the dust finally settling and the golden boy given some time to himself at last, we revisit the events after his win, and our corresponding emotions. 1. Anticipation
22 dining
20 wellness
Late-Night Eats
Go-Karting Tracks
While the majority of Singaporeans only became aware of his medal potential in the 12 hours prior to the 100m butterfly final, we were all swimming experts by the time 9:12am rolled around on Aug 13.
23 new places
“Our first gold! ‘Majulah Singapura’ at the Olympics for the first time!”
7. Exhaustion By the fifth time we heard how he likes his chai tow kway, we knew the media were scraping the bottom of the barrel. Some joked that the only thing left to do was follow him to the toilet. And they did. 8. Gratitude
4. Ignorance
Who's in charge? Managing Director Jane Bay jbay@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg Web Editor Adam Kerr Contributing Editor Kurt Ganapathy Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Carmen Chua
Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg
Finance Senior Finance Associate Nai Rohmat finance@asia-city.com.sg
Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras Manager, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong
Junior Finance and Admin Executive Rusydi Ya’akup
Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg
Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg
“Can he continue to defer his NS?” “Why aren’t we celebrating our other athletes?”
First the politicians chimed in. Then the full-page ads appeared. And before you knew it, people selling everything from alcohol to fast food and jewelry were “celebrating” Schooling’s success with promotions that put their products front and center.
Singapore’s Female F1 Driver
Craft Beer Bar Takumi
6. Questioning
2. Pride
3. Shamelessness
26 interview
and comical claims of credit for Schooling’s success it was a great time to be a comedian in Singapore.
“This means so much more than what those foreign talents have achieved.” “You sure he’s not ang moh? First time I’ve heard of Eurasians.” 5. Humor From the botched Singapore Airlines photo shoot to memes
The Schooling story has a bit of something for everyone: Lessons on parenting, inspiration for children (whether they’re aspiring athletes or not) and evidence against anyone who claims that Singaporeans can’t be world beaters. It’s a moment of sporting glory in the short term but potentially the first chapter in a complete culture shift. And the best part? He’s just getting started.
On the Cover 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
The F1 night race is an annual reminder of the energy, sophistication and of course stunning beauty of Singapore’s Marina Bay district. And the state-of-the-art Marina One Residences are poised to be at the heart of it all, incorporating commerce spaces, shopping as well as high-end residences into all the action. Best of all, they will be a great vantage point for all the F1 Singapore Grand Prix races to come. More information at www.marinaone.com.sg.
The Asia City Media Group Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07‑02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 contact@asia-city.com.sg
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Brought to you by Marina One Residences
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 ©2016 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 Allegro Print Pte. Ltd., 61 Tai Seng Avenue #05-02/03/04 Cresendas Print Media Hub, Singapore 534167. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 174/12/2014
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
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OWN THE MOST EXHILARATING F1 EXPERIENCE IN THE CITY NOW
Artist’s Impression
Artist’s Impression
Artist’s Impression
up front
Our regular study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends
Hot: Zika
NUMEROLOGY Charles Collier
conifercoifer
HOT OR NOT
Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance
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Number of Grands Prix in the 2016 Formula One season—the most in the sport’s history. The Singapore Grand Prix is the 15th race on the calendar.
Percentage of Singaporean travelers who would avoid swimming at beaches because of a fear of shark attacks according to the 2016 Expedia Flip Flop Report.
661,650
Not: Haze
Well, the experts and authorities did say that it was only a matter of time before Zika arrived in Singapore, and within a week the total number of reported cases has surged past 100. With Zika dominating the headlines, the annual haze has quickly fallen from top spot among public concerns. Keep the bug spray handy, people!
Dollars awarded to Joseph Schooling for his gold medal at Rio 2016 (after taxes).
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Chris Hoare
Number of USB charging ports on each of the 10 SMRT double-decker buses rolled out on Sep 1.
298 Internet love scam cases reported in the first six months of 2016, almost double the number of cases reported over the same period last year.
20,000 Meters of LED light cables being used for the MidAutumn Festival light-up this year. Sources: The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, AsiaOne
STREET TALK
Hot: Ice Cream Sandwiches
Not: BuzzFeed
nuTonomy
ICemoon
Listicle assembly line BuzzFeed drew the ire of Singaporeans after the beloved ice cream sandwich featured in a “story” entitled “21 Of The Absolute Worst Sandwiches That Have Ever Happened”. After receiving stern words from Singaporeans and other Southeast Asian readers—not to mention a polite dig from the Singapore Tourism Board—writer Luke Bailey dropped it from his list with a tail between-legs-apology.
Hot: Self-Driving Taxis
Not: The Circle Line
Singapore made international news after autonomous vehicle software startup nuTonomy announced that they’d be rolling out a public trial of self-driving taxis right here—the first in the world—beating Uber which planned to offer a similar service in the United States. The same world-leading standards can’t be upheld with our MRT system however, with the Circle Line experiencing several consecutive days of delays from in late August and early September.
OB INDEX Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression AUG
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After a period of consultation and study, the government has announced that changes will be made to Singapore’s elected presidency. While the full details of these changes have not been announced yet, The Straits Times reports that they will include “raising the eligibility criteria for candidates” and “ensuring minorities are elected from time to time”. The proposed changes have sparked considerable debate with some questioning the rationale behind the decision. The announcement closely followed a survey by Channel NewsAsia-Institute of Policy Studies which revealed that while most Singaporeans would accept a president or prime minister of another race, most preferred having leaders of their own race.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
Kak Yati is one of the most hard-working people at The Projector and that “secret” bar near the carpark. Apart from being the sole custodian of the two theaters at The Projector for the past three years, the 48-year-old widowed mother of three also takes it upon herself to help out in various roles there; from being that person who checks your ticket before entering the theaters to the person who firmly tells you to get back in line. Where were you before working at The Projector? I worked near Dairy Farm Road as a cleaner, and moved up the ranks and finally became a supervisor after seven years. That was my first job, because before that I was a housewife. My late husband did spur me on then to work because the children were already all grown up by then. How did you come across the job at The Projector? I worked as an assistant supervisor in this same building! Then my manager introduced me to Sharon (Tan, manager of The Projector) before The Projector even opened, because they needed a custodian for the place to help out with the cleaning. One thing I really like about this place is that we’re like a big family; there’s no real hierarchy here. We’re all close and treat each other like family. I invited everyone to my house for Hari Raya, and cooked a feast!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve had to clear after screenings? A tube top. So obscene! I found it below one of the bean bags in Redrum. Even some of the staff here didn’t believe it, so I took it out of the trash to show them. I’ve even found some rather nasty things at The Great Escape. It’s private property. They should use their brains even though there aren’t any signs or anything. Have you ever been discriminated against for doing what you do? Yes. When I was younger, this is what I told my mother: “Would you prefer me to be a cleaner or a social escort, which is better?” Because back then I already had children. If I were to do the latter, do you think my children will respect me? Of course not. As a single mother, I have to be an example to my kids. No matter what, I need to find money in a halal manner. If I worked as a social escort, the money is good but it’s not halal. I had dreams of becoming a teacher, but well, that’s life, right? Yeah, I guess. But for anyone else, I really don’t care what they have to say about me, as long as I have a roof over my family’s head and food on table for them, I’m happy. That’s all I need. What’s your favorite film of all time?
Flashdance because I can relate to it. She started from the bottom and became a great dancer. I’ll never grow sick of that movie. I also like Ghost.
The Projector is at 5/F Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd. Check out their screening schedule at theprojector.sg. ADAM KERR
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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE
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The essential guide to what's on in Singapore Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg
SPORT
CONCERT
Get ready for Singapore’s annual night race Now in its ninth year, Formula 1 Singapore Airline Singapore Grand Prix is back with more roaring engines, big-name performers and uber-glam huge parties. Sep 16-18, www.singaporegp.sg, tickets from $78.
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Sing along to the tunes of Kylie Minogue, and more
Related to F1, this year’s diverse line-up of concerts for the Off-track segment include Halsey and Imagine Dragons, who’ll be on the same bill as huge international headliners Kylie Minogue, Queen + Adam Lambert, Bastille, KC and the Sunshine Band and Pentatonix. Sep 16-18, www.singaporegp.sg, tickets from $78.
DRINK
FESTIVAL
CONCERT
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Channel your inner geek
The ninth annual Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) will turn the entire Sands Expo and Convention Center into a melting pot of pop culture, filled with local and regional cosplayers, die-hard collectors and more. Sep 10-11, Sands Expo and Convention Center, 1 Bayfront Ave., www.singaporetgcc.com, $19-$120.
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Back for its second, wine-heavy edition, Savour has doubled its size and will feature over 400 different wine labels from South America, Argentina, Spain and more. Wine connoisseur or not, have a dizzying time at the Marina Bay Sands Exhibition Center. Sep 9-11, Bayfront Avenue (next to Sands Expo and Convention Center), www.savour.sg, $15-20.
Party like a VIP
It doesn't stop there: Sophie Ellis-Bextor is performing at the Podium Lounge, where F1 drivers, celebrities, supermodels and the occasional mortal conglomerate to have a good time. Who knows, you could even rub shoulders with the likes of Sebastian Vettel. Sep 16-19, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Ave., www.podiumlounge.com/sg, tickets from $188.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
Have a few glasses of wine
PARTY
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Catch this English rock band live
Yuck recorded their first studio album in a house belonging to a band member's parents. They've been going strong ever since, touring with biggies like Modest Mouse, Tame Impala and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They’ll be playing at Hood Bar and Cafe come Sep 13. Sep 13, Hood Bar and Cafe, #05-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria St., $55 from Peatix.
FILM
Catch the last of this design film festival We sure hope you have your tickets already, because the mad popular A Design Film Festival would be at its tail end of the festival, with films like Original Copy, about the last film poster painter in Mumbai, Crazy about Tiffany's, about the iconic jewelry brand and In Pursuit of Silence. Tickets sell out fast. Sep 9-11, Capitol Theatre, 11 Stamford Rd. and Shaw Lido, 350 Orchard Rd., www.designfilmfestival.com, $15 per screening.
now FILM
FESTIVAL
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Bask in some indie music goodness
Music Matters Live is now in its 11th year. Look out for a wide range of music, with highlights such as The Veronicas, an Australian pop punk band fronted by identical twins; electronic indie pop band from Israel, Garden City Movement; New Zealand’s R&B songstress, Aaradhna; and more. Sep 12-15, various music venues, www.musicmatters.asia, free admission.
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FESTIVAL
Catch poignant short films from around the region
Objectifs is holding a series of short film screenings involving selections from South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and of course, Singapore, based on the theme, "Youth Today". On the line-up for the Singapore contingent of this year’s Asian Film Focus is The Tiger of 142B, The Trams, The Mountains, The Family Photo, 3 Seconds and more. Sep 7-10, Objectifs Center for Photography and Film, 155 Middle Rd., www.objectifs.com.sg, $5 per screening.
Show your moves at this EDM festival
THEATRE
Last year’s Road to Ultra proved that Singapore had a healthy stream of EDM lovers, leading the huge brand to set up camp with the full-fledged edition of Ultra Music Festival right here in Singapore, which sees EDM stalwarts like deadmau5, Axwell and Ingrosso, Above & Beyond and Kygo, alongside local acts like DJ Myrne, Shigga Shay, Rave Republic and Maurice Simon. Sep 10-11, Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Ave., www.ultrasingapore.com, tickets priced from $205.
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Laugh and cry with this iconic feminist play
Eve Ensler's monologue-driven play The Vagina Monologues is back in Singapore. Hosted by sexual awareness organization Lila Sutra, the format of this award-winning play sees real women with no acting experience talking about issues such as misogyny, female genital mutilation, slut shaming and more. Sep 13, Goodman Arts Centre Black Box, 90 Goodman Rd., www.bit.ly/ NextVaginaMonologues, $35 via Peatix.
NEIGHBORHOOD 4 reasons to head to Katong The pretty hood in the East is teeming with lovely Instagram opportunities and plenty of delicious food. But in recent weeks there have been a slew of new openings, making the trip to the east especially worthwhile.
Baba Chews
Naughty Nuri's
HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG Possibly the most compelling new reason to head to Katong is a new staycation option. A new boutique hotel has taken over one of Singapore's heritage buildings—the Joo Chiat Police Station, built in 1938. The 131-room hotel features design elements inspired by the culture of the Straits-born Chinese Peranakans and keeps the vintage charm of the Katong district across its 30 sq. meter guest rooms. The spa-inspired bathrooms in each guest room is stocked with aromatherapeutic toiletries from Biology Smart Skincare. There's also a 24-hour fitness center and an infinity pool on the rooftop with lovely views over the neighborhood. Regular rates start from $280. 86 East Coast Rd., 6723-7001, www.ihg.com/hotelindigo BABA CHEWS BAR AND EATERY Ok, so we're cheating a bit listing this new restaurant as a separate reason, since its actually part of Hotel Indigo, but with its lovely interiors and Perakanan-heavy menu, Baba Chews merits a special look-see, even if you aren't doing the
staycation. Try local delights like the mouthwatering ayam buah kelak (chicken brasied in a thick, spicy tamarind gravy with buah keluak nus) and foie gras tau kwa pau. If you're in need of a caffeine fix, they also offer coffee made from roasted beans from local specialty roaster, Common Man Coffee Coasters, and tea from TWG. 6723-2025, www.facebook.com/ babachewssg TOK PANJANG PERANAKAN CAFE Baba Chews is not the only new Peranakan restaurant in town. Restaurant group the House of Peranakan, which owns establishments in East Coast, Frankel Avenue and Eng Hoon Street, expands its turf with yet another traditional Nonya eatery in Katong. This 40-seater cafe offers Peranakan, Nonya and Straits Chinese cuisine from as early as 9am. The cafe features an allday dining menu, with simple breakfast options such as mee siam ($7.90), a Peranakan-style nasi lemak set ($10.90) with ingredients such as assam pork and baby squid, and Bob's pork bun ($8 for two), braised pork sandwiched in a
Chinese bun. The dessert selection may be small, but it's worth your time—items like durian chendol ($6.50), gula melaka sago pudding ($4), ubi kayu ($6), pulot hitam ($3) and bubur terigu ($3) are affordable and indulgent options. 392 East Coast Rd., 9663-3392, www.houseofperanakan.com.sg NAUGHTY NURI'S There was a bit of a buzz when this famous Bali ribs-and-martinis place opened its first store in Singapore, at Capitol Piazza. There's now a second branch on Tanjong Katong that has plenty more natural light and plenty less mall vibes. In addition to their famous St Louis barbecue ribs ($24.90 for a half-rack), there are also some solid Indonesian classics, such chicken with spicy turmeric and coconut curry (ayam lemak, $14), sup buntut (herbal oxtail soup, $8) and sambal prawns with petai beans. There are also Western/fusion meaty platters like shortribs rendang ($16) and Indo Buffalo drumlets ($16) with a spicy glaze. 30 Tanjong Katong, www.facebook.com/NurisKatong.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016 SG MAGAZINE
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now Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg
PARTIES Where to party over F1 weekend
New Asia
MARKET
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1-Altitude
Fill your shopping bags (and your bellies)
One of your last chances to hang out at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, the Fantastic Thai Market is bringing together over 100 vendors selling (presumably Thai) food and merchandise, live bands and food trucks by Kerbside Gourmet and Kombi Rocks, who specialize in food and restoring vintage cars and vans. Sep 12, Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, 30 Keppel Rd., www.facebook.com/fleawhere, free admission.
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Amber Lounge
DRAG
Get tickled by the city’s fabulous drag queens
Riot!, Singapore's cult drag revue, has officially made their home at, Wala Wala. Featuring the most divalicious drag queens who use their powers for good and for evil, prepare to belly laugh, drink copiously and blush furiously. Sep 17, Hive by Wala Wala, 407 Havelock Rd., www.riotdragshow.com, tickets from $25.
Ce La Vi
Empire
If you don’t actually care who wins the race or about Kylie’s final arrival, don’t worry, you can still ride on the Grand Prix nightlife coattails with parties big and small dotting the island over a few days. Here are some of the most exciting ones. 1-ALTITUDE It’s hard to say exactly which party is the “biggest”, because they’re all marketed the same way. But head over to 1-Altitude, which takes you 282 meters above sea level to give you the best vantage points of the race. At the same time, you can also check out Altimate’s Circuit Party in association with Johnnie Walker and a day-to-night Farmer’s Market at Stellar. Sep 16-18, 1-Altitude, 1 Raffles Plc., www.1altitude.com, $98 cover charge, incl. 1 standard housepour, cocktail and $10 coupon to the farmer's market.
CE LA VI Or you could just head over to Ce La Vi at the top of Marina Bay Sands. You can’t just can’t go wrong with this trusty venue to provide a beautiful view of the city skyline. At 200 meters above sea level, and being quite a distant from the race track itself, you’ll get a good unobstructed view of the 5km circuit. Also, they’ll be providing all-day entertainment from noon till 6am as part of their Night Race Week. Sep 15-18, Ce La Vi, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., www.sg.celavi.com, $38-$188 cover charge.
AMBER LOUNGE The Amber Lounge after-party promises to be a grand soiree. Held across two nights, this glamorous affair will see over 20 live shows, featuring club dancers, saxophonists, a yetto-be-named live international act (Apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas took the stage last year) and various international DJs. Malaysian and Indonesian fashion designer duo Sean and Sheila will also be showcasing pieces from their contemporary label, which focuses on fusing traditional silhouettes with modern tailoring, in subtle colors. Sep 17-18, Temasek Reflection, 1 Temasek Ave., +377 97 77 16 34, www.amber-lounge.com.
EMPIRE This penthouse lounge at Singapore Land Tower is pretty underrated. Empire, which is located on the 45th floor of the building, has views of six exciting turns on the Marina Bay circuit. Once the races and dry runs are over, lose yourself to some of Singapore’s finest DJs, who’ll be spinning R&B, Top 40s and EDM over five themed nights, organized by Vanilla Luxury. Sep 14-18, Empire, 45F Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Plc., www. fiftyrafflesplace.com/#!empire/c1vc2, $108 cover charge, $488-$2888 for drink package.
BANG BANG Another one you might wanna check out is is Bang Bang's Race Weekend party, only because Sasha Grey, who’s known as one of the most notorious adult film stars in the industry, will be on turntable duty for the night. Don’t worry, she’s not a noob at it either; she’s been spinning at parties and nightclubs for years, playing high-energy tracks with lots of dramatic drops, and even completed her Here I Am: Asia and Australia tour back in 2014. Sep 16, Bang Bang, Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd., www.bangbang.sg, $45 cover charge.
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FESTIVAL
Celebrate Gillman Barracks’ anniversary
It's been four years since Gillman Barracks, and they're celebrating with their beloved programs Art After Dark and Art Day Out, both happening on the same weekend, with tons of food, drink, music and mural painting. Sep 23-24, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., www.gillmanbarracks.com, free admission.
NEW ASIA Another great place to have a bird's eye view of the race is at New Asia, perched on the 71st floor of Swissotel The Stamford. One of the 50 best bars in the world, they’ll be holding a string of F1 parties, featuring one of the best party MC’s in the world, Big Ali on the first night, Durch electronic dance music duo NEW_ID will be taking over turntable duties on the second night and New Asia’s resident DJ Doze will be headlining the lineup on race day. Sep 1618, New Asia Bar, #71-00 Equinox Complex, Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd., $50 cover charge with a glass of champagne.
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ADVERTORIAL
Riverside Rendezvous
GONG
8 delicious meals for every occasion along the Singapore River
For DIY meals (without the clean-up) In business since 1992, Hot Stones specializes in meat and seafood which you cook according to your own preferences over hot stone slabs— serpentine volcanic stone slabs to be precise. This method of cooking seals in the food’s natural flavor and juices. It’s worth noting that Hot Stones offers executive lunch sets on weekdays from just $10. 3D River Valley Rd., 6333-4868, www.hotstones.com.sg
For meals with music Popular Irish pub McGettigan’s is perhaps best known as a sports bar and venue for comedy and live music, but before the Guinness really starts flowing, stop by for pub grub like gourmet bangers and mash ($24) or the all-day full Irish breakfast ($25). Be sure to ask about their daily specials. 3A River Valley Rd., 6837-0577, www.mcgettigans.com
For that special occasion Rosso Vino serves dishes that appear simple but have great depth of flavor. Helmed by Chef Aldo Chiloiro, Rosso Vino boasts a wide selection of pasta and pizza along with mains such as chargrilled beef sirloin steak in black pepper sauce and oven-baked cod fish with seasonal vegetables. Of course, there’s plenty of wine to choose from. 15 Merbau Rd., 6733-7735, www.rossovinosingapore.com
For a long night Modeled after a Wild West saloon, you know you’re in for a good time when you step into Hero’s. Before you get to your drinks—they have tables with your own private draft beer taps, so there will be plenty of drinks—start with a Big Boss pork burger ($17), a pork curry rice bowl ($12) or a Hawaiian turkey pizza ($15) prepared in collaboration with burger joint Dojo. 69 Circular Rd., 6438-6058, heros.sg
Hot Stones
;D Happy Factory
For Mediterranean flavors Circular Road’s Mediterranean-inspired establishment GONG is the place to go for a meaty meal. Take your pick from the rotisserie—half chicken with aromatic rice ($10), sausages with daily vegetables ($14) and beef burger with fries ($16)— or go for their weekly seafood specials (from $10). 25 Circular Rd., 8393-2216, www.gong.sg
Dallas
For a mid-week treat As its name suggests, ;D Happy Factory is all about making you happy, and when it comes to food, that means dishing out gourmet versions of classic Western favorites including signature oxtail stew ($24), chicken chop ($16) and US ribeye steak ($29). 76 Boat Quay, 6635-2715, dhappyfactory.com
Hero’s
For comfort food A Boat Quay institution, Dallas is a contemporary bar and bistro dealing in hearty Tex-Mex and southern American cuisine. Snapper fish tacos ($22), prime rib steak ($40) and Dallas fa jitas ($28) are among their signatures. 31 Boat Quay, 6532-2131, www.dallas.sg
For a slice of timeless tradition McGettigan’s
Rosso Vino
D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant
A new arrival at Robertson Quay, D.O.P Mozzarella Bar & Restaurant brings you authentic Mozzarella and Burrata cheese with DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta/Protected Designation of Origin) certification. It’s the next best thing to a trip to southern Italy! The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6908-0830 BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE
Sip & Dip
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE
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FOOD
Join in a theatrical dining experience at a secret location
The team behind theatrical dining experience AndSoForth is back with their latest interactive dinner sessions The Spy, The Thug, His Wife and Her Lover happening at a secret location. Tickets are at $88 here. Through Sep 18, www.andsoforth.com.sg/#spythugwifelover, $88 per person.
FESTIVAL
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Check out Singapore’s photography biennale
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Enjoy fancy lattes and cappucinos for only $1
FESTIVAL
As we gear up for the season of all things art—from dance productions, night festivals and theatre work— here’s another one to add to your list. The Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) returns for its fifth year to celebrate this widely accessible form of art. Through Nov 13, www.sipf.sg, $50 for SIPF Festival Pass.
Edward Hendricks
FESTIVAL
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Grab a beer or ten at this Erdinger’s Oktoberfest Gawk at these stunning Singapore residences
The annual Archifest is back, running Sep 23-Oct 9 with a big pavillion at Raffles Place Park, a slew of special events and, our favorite, an all-new series of Architours, guided tours through public, institutional and residential buildings done by top architectural firms. Sep 23-Oct 9, Archifest Pavilion @ Raffles Place Park, 5 Raffles Plc., www.archifest.sg, free admission.
Singapore joins in the celebration of coffee on National Coffee Day. Here, National Coffee Movement is working together with Kopi Pass to enjoy coffee at 30 different cafes, who’ll be pricing their coffee at $1, as long as they’ve purchased a Kopi Pass. Sep 29, www.oncoffeemakers.com.
Anyone who loves beer knows that Oktoberfest doesn't start in October. Erdinger's Oktoberfest is back for another cycle of limited edition brews and tasty bites. A highlight this year is the unique Erdinger Barcycle, which is basically a mobile bar counter that will roam around Suntec City this month and two other locations next month. More details here. Sep 21-Oct 2, Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd., www.erdingeroktoberfest.com.sg.
SCENE & HEARD SIDEWALK STANZAS Inspired by the Mass Poetry project in Boston, Singaporean literary non-profit Sing Lit Station announced that it would stencil and spraypaint verses from Singaporean poems onto sidewalks in Singapore. The charming caveat? They will use a special paint that is only visible when it rains. And since it's almost always raining (or about to rain) in Singapore, we should be seeing a lot of poems at our feet. And you have a say. They're holding a survey between now and mid-October, where you can vote on which verses you'd like to see. There's a selection of 18 excerpts, selected by Singaporean poet Pooja Nansi, up on their online survey and they will select a final list of 10. The selection includes the likes of Bani Haykal, Tania de Rozario and recent Sing Lit Prize winner Cyril Wong. The survey is at www.surveymonkey.com/r/957LRRD ISLAND ESCAPE Not everyone is down to party downtown. If F1 sends you running for the hills, you might be considering a sojourn to Sentosa. Good ol' party spot Tanjong Beach Club is hosting The Ultimate F1 Showdown on Sep 11, with daybeds, deals on beer buckets, beer pong championships and more.
More at www.tanjongbeachclub.com. And over at W Singapore Sentosa Cove, there's daytime pool party Splash and Dash on Sep 17, with DJ Marko Liv headlining. $35 gets you entry and a drink. More at www.wsingaporesentosacove.com/splashndash. PICTURE PERFECT COMMUTE One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Singapore International Photography Festival is the recurring Open Call Showcase, which pretty much gives the lesser known photographers a platform to showcase their work to a larger audience. What's so special about it this year? Well, for the first time ever, 240 works by 26 artists will be showcased in six different MRT stations along the Downtown line. Hop on and off to check out the photos at stations within the arts, heritage, and design district like Bugis, Rochor and Little India, right through to Newton, Botanic Gardens and Beauty World. For a full lineup of programs, exhibitions and workshops, visit sipf.sg.
Open Call Showcase
W Hotel
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
DRINK
DIRECTORY 1 Anti:dote
Modern Cocktail Bar
Level 1, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 5315
2 Asian Market Cafe
Halal-Certified Asian Buffet
Level 2, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 6156
3 Cafe Swiss
Sumptuous European and Asian Buffet
Level 2, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6431 6156
4 City Space
Cocktail Lounge
Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6837 3322
5 Alligator Pear
Poolside Restaurant & Bar
Level 8, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 6156
6 JAAN
Modern French Cuisine
Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6837 3322
Restaurant 7 Equinox Modern European Cuisine
Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6837 3322
8 Mikuni
Japanese Cuisine
Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 6156
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Lobby Court
Pastries, Light Snacks & Drinks
Level 1, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6431 6156
10 Prego
Italian Classics
Level 1, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 6156
11 Kopi Tiam
Authentic Local Cuisine
Level 2, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6431 6156
12 Introbar
Cocktail & Sports Bar
Level 1, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6837 3322
13 Sky Suites @ Equinox Events with a View
Level 69, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 6431 5175
14 Szechuan Court & Kitchen Szechuan & Cantonese Cuisine
Level 3, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, 6431 6156
15 New Asia
Sophisticated Club
Level 71, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 9177 7307
T H E U LT I M A T E
CITY HALL
Diningguide C A S UA L D I N I N G ◆ F I N E D I N I N G ◆ CO C KTA I LS & PA RT I E S
Ready, set, eat!
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JAAN’S SAFFRON TORTELLINI
ity Hall is one of Singapore’s top destinations for drinks and dining. At its heart you’ll find Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford. Within, there are 15 distinctive F&B concepts ranging from 1 Michelin Star French cuisine to traditional Italian cuisine to sumptuous buffets, an award-winning cocktail bar, a sophisticated club with scintillating cityscape views, and much more.
With this handy guide, you’ll have all the essential information you need to experience it all! You’ll get to know the people behind the venues and you’ll have inside information on the trends shaping dining in Singapore. Countless unforgettable moments await. Enjoy!
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Diningguide CASU
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RT & PA
Love this guide? Download the extended digital version of The City Hall Dining Guide, packed with more recommendations and interviews at is.gd/cityhalldining
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Experiences to Relish in Singapore’s City Hall
Discover new twists on classic cocktails at Anti:dote
Located on level 1 of Fairmont Singapore, Anti:dote is a sleek watering hole known for unconventional yet sophisticated renditions of classic cocktails, made using premium spirits and housemade bitters. Here, craftsman Bannie Kang recommends some highlights from the bar.
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Sip on premium cocktails with an incomparable view
Perched on the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, City Space matches breathtaking views with cocktails crafted from rare and exclusive spirits. Here, Beverage Manager Raquel-Loke Alcantara recommends four cocktails to savour at the bar. Please recommend some cocktails made with exclusive spirits.
Brown Derby ($23)
“Our version of the Brown Derby is an example of a classic cocktail with a smooth combination of simple ingredients. While the classic Brown Derby is served straight up with a hefty dose of grapefruit juice, ours includes more honey and is served with ice, making it great for easy drinking.”
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Corpse Reviver #2 ($23)
“The Corpse Reviver #2 is a popular choice here as it is a refreshing cocktail for Singapore’s tropical weather. We add our own house-made orange liqueur to replace lemon juice from the original recipe. ”
Hock, Hoof and Cannon ($23)
“Inspired by the classic cocktail, Remember the Maine, this drink is my personal favourite. I usually recommend it to guests who request for something uncomplicated. A lesser-known cocktail, it is a strong sipping drink with well-balanced flavours of bourbon, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur and bitters.”
Sample Asia’s iconic dishes at Asian Market Café
Expect a diverse halal buffet spread spanning Japanese, Indian, Local, Fusion and Chinese cuisines.
Chinese
Tuck into braised duck with yam rice, braised beef brisket with beef tendon, mushrooms and black fungus, and wok-fried five spice prawn.
Japanese
Options range from the all-time favourites sushi and sashimi to the more modern spicy seafood green tea noodles and teriyaki beef rolls with golden mushrooms served in a shooter glass.
Indian
JAPANESE
Desserts
Tell us a bit more about the spirits you use. Only pure spirits are used in our cocktails. Touching on the more exclusive spirits, the Bean Up All Night’s Galliano Ristretto is an espresso liqueur made from a variety of coffee beans. It has balanced flavours of strong and bitter from Robusta beans from Kenya and India, blended with the creamy, chocolatey Arabica coffee beans from Brazil and Colombia.
Alligator Pear focuses on healthy cuisine and its breezy poolside setting makes it a relaxing spot. After a luxurious session at Willow Stream Spa, indulge in these five guilt-free dishes.
Get a blend of flavours with the mix of baby romaine, white anchovies, croutons, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Top up for some grilled chicken or smoked salmon ($4 each).
Smoked Salmon Club Sandwich ($22)
SIGNATURE BEEF BURGER
Chill by the poolside with a classic club sandwich stuffed with smoked salmon, plum tomato, romaine lettuce, hard-boiled egg, topped with sweet and slightly tangy mustard-dill sauce.
Gourmet Hot Dog Indulgence Be tantalised by an all-star range of artisanal hot dogs inspired from around the world, such as the Pork “Poutine” and Texas Ranger, while you relax by the poolside. Gourmet Hot Dog Indulgence promotion rotates on a quarterly basis.
LIVE CARVING STATION - SHAWARMA
Local Favourites
Enjoy local delights like mutton rendang, chilli prawns and dried oyster fried rice for lunch and stop by the local noodle station for dinner.
Western Classics
Between a live station featuring pasta and the roast of the day to the traditional Swiss raclette station and hearty servings of braised beef cheek and SaintSaphorin trout fillet, you will surely leave satisfied.
Thai-style poached pink prawns with mango salad, salmon sashimi, sushi and soba noodles with traditional condiments are some of your options. SEAFOOD ON ICE
In our Pisco Sour, we include passion fruit as the final ingredient for an extra fruity flavour profile--and to follow what true Peruvians do!
If you’re looking for heartier fare—minus the guilt—go for this popular option with a 180gm angus beef patty topped with gruyère cheese and homemade burger sauce sandwiched between black pepper buns. There are options to top up for bacon, sautèed mushrooms or egg ($2 each).
Promising charming Swiss hospitality in a stylish and modern setting, Café Swiss serves sumptuous European and Asian buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are some of the mouth-watering dishes you can look forward to.
Asian Highlights
Anything special about your Pisco Sour?
Signature Beef Burger ($26)
Enjoy the international buffet spread at Café Swiss
LIVE CARVING STATION
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ginger flavour and is often drunk as a digestif. Rhude Not Too pays homage to Asian flavours including passion fruit and homemade cardamom syrup. City Space presents a slight twist to the concoction of Long Island Iced Tea, integrating TWG Earl Grey Buddha Tea which is locally produced, before a complementing finish of Coca-Cola and lemon.
Eat healthy at Alligator Pear
Caesar Salad ($14)
LOCAL
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Well, with Bean Up All Night, the most distinct ingredient is the Becherovka, a Czech spiced liqueur that is both aromatic and bittersweet. Produced in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, it has a cinnamon-
Go full on healthy with this vegetarian mix of fresh avocado, tomatoes, pomelo and cashew nuts tossed with house dressing. You can also add prawns, chicken, salmon or mozzarella cheese ($4 each) if you want a less-green option.
Local
The decadent list of desserts here includes international classics and local sweet treats such as egg tarts, kueh lapis, Nonya kueh, bubur cha cha, pulut hitam and durian pudding.
What makes these cocktails great?
Garden Salad ($12)
Eat your fill of butter chicken and dal tadka with biryani rice and garlic and coriander naan.
Get a taste for Singapore’s essential dishes with chilli crab, rojak, seafood fried mee sua, a live station serving up roti prata and a dedicated laksa stall.
I recommend Bean Up All Night, made with Becherovka, Galliano Ristretto, vodka and espresso; Rhude Not Too, involving rhubarbinfused gin with freshly pressed grapefruit, t cardamom and passion h ig N ll A fruit); our Long Island Bean Up Iced Tea, a classic which includes TWG Earl Grey Buddha Tea; and our Pisco Sour.
CITY SPACE
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Meet Singapore’s most exciting young chef at JAAN
Chef Kirk Westaway of one Michelin Star restaurant JAAN is one of the hottest culinary talents in the city. Here, he tells us about his career and what diners can expect at the modern French restaurant.
When developing a new dish, I usually start with one ingredient and work around it, carefully curating other ingredients that will enhance the flavour of the final dish.
I began my culinary journey from about 13 years old, doing odd-jobs such as dishwashing in my hometown of Exmouth in Devon, UK. It was during this period that I met various chefs and learned first-hand, about products and how to assess their freshness and quality. I am trained in classic French techniques, but I draw on my personal experiences and memories to incorporate familiar and comforting flavours which diners can relate to.
CHEF KIRK WESTAWAY
TOMATO COLLECTION
Diners in Singapore are very savvy and attuned to what is happening in the culinary world. They are well-travelled and are interested to find out about different culinary styles and ingredients used. This allows me to use a variety of premium produce sourced from all around the world in my creations.
The cuisine at JAAN is also produce-driven and I believe in presenting flavour profiles that showcase the natural characteristics and qualities of the ingredients. Only the finest seasonal ingredients from around the world are selected and it is important to allow each ingredient to speak for itself. SAFFRON TORTELLINI
City Hall Map
15 New Asia
7 Equinox Restaurant
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JAAN
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Chijmes
Sky Suites @ Equinox
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City Space Alligator Pear
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Cafe Swiss
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8 Mikuni
Introbar
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Asian Market Cafe
Lobby Court
Prego
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Experience the unforgettable cuisine of Equinox Restaurant
In a city where memorable dining experiences await at every turn, Equinox Restaurant has consistently delivered unforgettable culinary highlights. To find out what goes into creating the Equinox experience, we spoke to Chef de Cuisine Paul Hallett.
Anti:dote
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CHEF PAUL HALLETT
Savour three Japanese dining experiences at Mikuni
Helmed by three master chefs who are dedicated to teppanyaki, sushi and robatayaki respectively, Mikuni makes it possible to have multiple Japanese culinary experiences under one roof. The chefs each helm a live station while Executive Chef Moon Kyung Soo oversees his unique kaiseki creations in the kitchen.
Seafood Delights
For sushi and sashimi lovers, Mikuni offers a lavish spread of fresh seafood sourced from the far corners of Japan and beyond—Sanriku Gulf scallop, Hakodate sea urchin, Hokkaido prawn, sea eel, zuwai crab, red snapper and sword fish, to name a few. The moriawase platters with a chef’s selection of seven seasonal sushi or sashimi are good choices. EQUINOX RESTAURANT
MISO-ROASTED BLACK COD
Hot off the Griddle
ROBATAYAKI COUNTER
What’s your cooking philosophy?
Any other trends?
I see my role as setting the stage for the dish that is about to be presented to the guest, allowing the main ingredient to shine, not overpowering its flavour with other components.
Guests want to interact with the chef and be closer to the kitchen. One example is the chef’s table where a select group of guests have their entire meal at a dedicated table set in the kitchen.
Teppanyaki fans can look forward to garlic fried rice, king prawn with golden sauce, miso-marinated cod with asparagus, and Australian tenderloin with garlic soya sauce. Foie gras, lobster and king crab fried rice are among the more decadent items.
How has dining in Singapore evolved recently?
What are some highlights of dining at Equinox Restaurant?
Char-grilled Bites
In the last two years, we’ve seen smaller restaurants opening up, offering modern cuisine by well-known European chefs. There is also an increasing need for restaurants to cater to a more educated public who are well-informed about gastronomic trends.
First-time diners would be impressed by the unparalleled view of Singapore’s skyline. They can indulge in starters of octopus carpaccio, our popular miso-roasted black cod or the Iberico pork loin for the main course.
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MIKUNI BUSINESS BENTO
Have a power lunch at Lobby Court
Looking for a place for a meeting over a meal? Here’s why Lobby Court is the ideal spot.
The Location
With its central location in the lobby of one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks, you, your colleagues and your business partners won’t have any trouble getting to Lobby Court. LOBBY COURT
Hot off the charcoal grill, robatayaki options at Mikuni include Hokkaido scallop with onion butter, atka mackerel, Kagoshima wagyu beef with garlic soya, kurobuta pork tsukune with egg, and Kyotostyle herring soba. You can also opt for the Tsukiji market catch of the day.
The Light Bites
From salads to homemade soups and locally-inspired bites like satay and deep-fried spring rolls, Lobby Court keeps things simple and satisfying.
The Drinks
With the deal sealed and the big decisions made, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a few drinks. Lobby Court offers an impressive range of wine, fine spirits, cocktails and beer for your drinking pleasure.
Short and Sweet Alternatives
No time for a lunch meeting? How about a quick afternoon catch-up with freshly-baked pastries and homemade macaron sets, served with coffee or TWG tea.
The Grab & Go Option
Need some gourmet bites for a meeting at the office? Pop by Lobby Court and take your pick from their selection of Grab & Go treats.
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Practise your Italian at Prego
With its festive marketplace decor—picture Italian sausages hanging from awnings, rustic wooden dining tables and wine trolleys, it’s no surprise that Prego is the place for authentic Italian family-style dining. Order like a true Italian when you go there with this little foodie glossary illustrated with Instagram posts from satisfied customers.
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Host the ultimate event at Sky Suites @ Equinox
Imagine the views, exquisite cuisine, and all-around glamour of Equinox Complex. That’s the experience of Sky Suites @ Equinox. Here’s how you can plan the perfect event at this one-of-a-kind venue.
Pick the Right Sky Suite @genexter
Antipasto
@oyk_aaron
Primo Piatto
@ashley_ong88
Dalla Cucina
plural: antipasti
plural: primi piatti
What is it: Antipasti are slightly heavier cold starters in a traditional Italian meal, ranging from seafood platters and calamari to olives and pickled meat. Order this: For a heartier starter, get the Prosciutto di Parma ($24).
What is it: This is the first course—usually a pasta dish and essentially non-meat. Order this: The creamy Fusilli al Granchio ($38) is a satisfying option.
What is it: Meaning “from the kitchen”, Dalla Cucina is a curated selection of mains. Order this: Try the Merluzzo ($42), a chef’s signature dish which has tender and juicy baked cod fish served with a side of roasted vine tomatoes.
Equinox Complex boasts four sky suites and there are many different configurations to choose from. Capacity in the rooms ranges from 20 for an intimate sit-down dinner to 200 for a big banquet and up to 350 for a cocktail party.
Choose Between Set Menus and Buffet Options
Depending on the occasion, tailored set meals or a refined buffet might work best for your event. Explore the tantalising options and, of course, complete a perfect event with impressive set-ups.
Opt for Add-Ons
At Sky Suites @ Equinox, you can “top-up” your dining experience with finishing touches that are sure
@luvmaesie
Mangiafuoco
What is it: Meaning “from the grill”, these are grilled dishes ranging from organic chicken breast to beef tenderloin. Order this: Try the juicy and tender Costolette d’Agnello ($46), or lamb chops.
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@lexxfoodie
Pizza
What is it: Perhaps the most popular Italian dish, this is one type of food that needs no introduction. Order this: The Rustica ($36) is a favourite for its generous toppings of Italian sausage and pepperoni.
@ashley_ong88
Dolce
plural: dolci What is it: Dessert Order this: Fans of sweet treats, try their house signature Tiramisu ($14), a thick tower of coffee-steeped ladyfinger biscuits layered with mascarpone cheese and bitter cocoa.
to dazzle your guests. Add-ons range from stations specialising in freshly shucked oysters, cheeses, sashimi, charcuterie and pasta to live stations including roasted prime rib beef, pan-fried foie gras, Peking duck and more.
Explore Your Drink Options
From fine wines and top-shelf spirits to handcrafted cocktails and beer, the best of Equinox Complex is at your disposal.
Plan the Afterparty
Whether it’s a special family occasion, a company dinner or an important meeting, there’s always time to celebrate a little more once the main event is over. Fortunately you won’t have to do too much planning, as Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford have plenty of options for the continuation to the evening.
Uncover the intricacies of tea pairings at Szechuan Court & Kitchen
Wine pairings with meals are commonplace at all good restaurants, but few establishments can offer tea pairings. With their extensive menu of fine teas, Szechuan Court & Kitchen is one place where you can discover this delicate experience for yourself. Here are three teas and the sumptuous dishes you can pair with them.
Snowy Flake
A premium jasmine tea grown in the mountains of Sichuan Province, Snowy Flake gets its name because the tea bushes that produce it are often covered in snow. Rich yet subtle in flavour, this is a tea that will help you relax, rejuvenating both body and mind. Pairing: Wok-fried beef tendon, US beef and mixed capsicums.
Revisit iconic Singaporean dishes at Kopi Tiam
Singapore is a bustling modern metropolis, but one that holds fast to its roots—especially when it comes to its food. Kopi Tiam is a perfect reflection of that, serving classic Singaporean dishes that visitors must try and locals return to, again and again. Here are the essential ones.
Chilli Crab
The chilli crab at Kopi Tiam is a dish synonymous with Singapore, created in the mid-1950s by Cher Yam Tian and Lim Choon Ngee who sold it from a pushcart. Sweet, savoury and not too spicy, the stir-fried crab dish can now be found at seafood restaurants around the island.
Created by Hainanese immigrants with influence from the Cantonese, Hainanese chicken rice is an iconic dish that leads to big debates—everyone in Singapore has their own favourite version, including the one at Kopi Tiam.
A classic Straits Chinese (or Peranakan) dish laksa combines the best of Chinese and Malay
BRAISED PORK BELLY RIBS
Fish Head Curry
FISH HEAD CURRY
Laksa
CHILLI CRAB
cuisines to mouth-watering effect. There are many variations of the dish which are derived from rich coconut milk and sour tamarind-based laksa.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
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VIEW FROM SKY SUITES @ EQUINOX
Kopi Tiam's menu would be incomplete without this dish, which represents the melting pot culture of Singapore, bringing together Chinese and South Indian cuisines. Since its introduction in the early 1950s, its popularity spread rapidly, and it is generally available at both Chinese and Indian restaurants.
Ice Kacang
Emerging in the 1950s and originally served as an ice ball flavoured with syrup, ice kacang is the perfect dessert to beat Singapore’s heat.
WOK-FRIED BEEF TENDON
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Chrysanthemum Bulbs
This chrysanthemum tea is produced in a non-toxic environment in Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province, a region protected by China’s Ministry of Agriculture. Renowned for its anti-toxin and anti-heatiness properties, chrysanthemum is said to improve eyesight and complexion.
Pairing: Braised cod with fried garlic, black fungus and “bai ye” tofu.
Lion’s Peak Dragon Well
Sought after for more than 1,200 years, Lion’s Peak Dragon Well is one of China’s best-known green teas. To produce the tea, first flush leaves are harvested just before the Qingming Festival and dried in a labour-intensive process. The result is a pale jade-coloured tea that is sweet, delicate and smooth with a hint of chestnuts. Pairing: A digestive aid with antioxidants said to lower blood pressure, it’s perfect with braised pork belly ribs with crispy rice and sweet vinegar sauce. BRAISED COD
Party in the clouds at New Asia
One of Singapore’s ultimate clubbing experiences awaits. Events Sep 16-18 F1 Ultimate Race Party
Kick back for after-work drinks at Introbar Here’s why Introbar is perfect for weeknight get-togethers.
The happy hour deals are amazing
Good happy hours are hard to find, but Introbar gives you plenty of tempting deals. Come by early (5pm to 9pm daily) and enjoy discounts off beverages.
NEW ASIA
You’ll never miss the game
Catch up with all the latest happenings in the sporting world with live sports screenings at the bar.
INTROBAR
Discerning drinkers will be pleased
a real treat, try the roasted lobster pizza prepared in a wood-fired oven.
When it comes to fine spirits, Introbar doesn’t leave you wanting. Take your pick from their collection of single malt Scotch whiskies, top-shelf gins and vodkas, and sipping rums.
You won’t need to leave for dinner
Go for Introbar’s mezze platter with lentil chips, cheese steak sliders or spicy popcorn chicken. For
The vibe is laidback
With its sleek, soothing colour palette, its comfy armchairs and its ground level location, Introbar is the perfect place to kick back after a long day and watch the world go by.
If you’ve seen the towering Swissôtel The Stamford from afar, then you’ve probably caught sight of the party going on at New Asia right at the top. Helmed by resident DJs and a guest cast of international DJs, New Asia has long been one of Singapore’s top nightlife destinations, mixing the freshest dance music with some of Singapore’s best views. Champagne is very much the drink of choice up here and the bar even stocks massive 15-litre Nebuchadnezzars of Moët & Chandon along with magnums of Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal. For cocktail fans, try their classics or signature “twinkling cocktails” like the Singapore Merlion, a fruity blend of gin, Galliano, orange, pineapple, mango and lime.
DJ BIG ALI
With a stunning view of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, New Asia is an unbeatable destination to party during the Singapore Grand Prix. Over three nights, you’ll be wowed by the likes of DJ Big Ali and DJ New_ID. Individual early bird tickets start at $35 including a glass of champagne while table packages are available from $600. A special Champagne Vintage Indulgence promotion will also see top-shelf bottles of bubbly available from $88. Oct 28 Progressions Macallan Trinity Party New Asia presents the concluding party for Chefs With Altitude; a night of classic and exclusive bootlegs, huge anthems and quality trance featuring DJ Doze, Lord Arif, Yukun and P@t from Progressions. Individual tickets are priced at $25 including of a glass of Macallan while table packages are available from $300.
city scape NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES
Tipples and Turns
Where to catch views of the F1 track this weekend. By Adam Kerr
Ce La Vi
The Rooftop Bar at 1919 Waterboat House
Smoke & Mirrors
W
atching the race from home is one thing, but actually being there is another. Straddle between the two and bask in the atmosphere of Singapore’s now-iconic F1 night race without actually sitting in the bleachers.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Wooloomooloo
1919 Waterboat House / The Rooftop Bar
This steakhouse on the third floor of Swissotel is not just a great place to have steak, but it is also situated overlooking Turn 9 of the circuit, offering pretty good close-up views of the St. Andrew’s Road stretch through their floor-to-ceiling windows, where racers zoom past the Padang, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the National Gallery Singapore. They’re also opening up their balcony and private dining areas with big screens showing live feeds of the race. F1 Deal: For $200-$400, you’ll get to enjoy Wooloomooloo’s signature free flow of canapes and live stations and an open bar with selected champagne, fine wines, premium spirits and draught beer. More info at www.wooloo-mooloo. com/sg.
It’s the perfect spot to catch the racers make that hairpin Turn 13 from Fullerton Road to Esplanade Drive while enjoying views of both the Marina Bay and Central Business District skylines. Throughout the weekend, they’re cooking up a five-course menu with free flow house pours, with dishes like Roma tomato gazpacho with buffalo mozzarella frisee and basil caviar, Grilled foie gras, mango and mint puree, and more. F1 Deal: $195 for the five-course set dinner and champagne pairing, and four hours of free flow drinks. Other packages include the Rooftop Package ($75) that gives you access to the free standing area at The Rooftop Bar and one drink. There are lots of VIP packages too. More info at www.1919.com.sg.
Axis Bar and Lounge Located just opposite the Bay Grandstand area and within Mandarin Oriental, you’ll get to catch the racers manouvering round the short and difficult Turns 16 and 17 while in the comforts of luxury. From Sep 16-18, Axis Bar and Lounge will be turned into an Oyster and Champagne Bar, providing you with unlimited servings of premium oysters, champagne, miniature desserts, cheese and charcuterie. F1 Deal: $350 per person on the first two days, and $550 on race day. More info at www.mandarinoriental.com/ singapore/fine-dining/axis-bar-and-lounge.
Smoke & Mirrors While you’re at the 2,400 sq ft. National Gallery cocktail bar which overlooks the Padang and the St. Andrew’s Road stretch of the circuit, fuel up on the race-themed cocktail concocted by head bartender Yugnes. Named Rage The Bull, it’s made with Rye whisky, Maraschino liqueur, beetroot and pineapple syrup, angostura bitters, lemon juice and topped with champagne. F1 Deal: $298 (lounge seats), $368-$428 (terrace seats). Includes free flow drinks all night on Sep 16, along with a buffet spread of peking duck, canapes and more. More info at www.smokeandmirrors.com.sg.
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Altimate
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
1-Altitude / Altimate / Stellar You’re pretty much right in center of the Singapore Grand Prix action, even though you’re 282 meters above sea level. Providing one of the best vantage points in Singapore, you’ll get to hear the whirring of the cars’ engines as they zoom past between Turns 8 and 9, and onto the straight section of St. Andrews’ Road. For three days, Altimate’s hosting its annual Circuit Party in association with Johnnie Walker, a day-to-night Farmer’s Market at Stellar and the Williams Martini Racing Party at 1-Altitude. F1 Deal: $18 for a glass of Martini Royale. $180 for two bottles of Martini Prosecco. $280 for a bottle of Grey Goose. More info at www.1-altitude.com.
Empire This penthouse lounge on the 45th floor of the Singapore Land Tower offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and a race track view with six exciting turns. The race weekend line-up includes five themed nights organized by Vanilla Luxury, from Sep 14-18, with some of Singapore’s finest DJs spinning R&B, Top 40s and EDM for revellers to party the night away. F1 Deal: A single day entry is priced at $108. Other drink packages range between $488-$2888. More info at www. fiftyrafflesplace.com/#!empire/c1vc2.
View from Empire
FAR AND WIDE
Ce La Vi Good ol’ Ce La Vie; you can’t go wrong with this trusty venue to provide a beautiful view of our skyline. Over the race weekend, you’ll also get a good unobstructed view of the 5km circuit 200 meters above sea level. They’ll also be providing all-day entertainment from 12pm till 6am from Sep 14-21 as part of their Night Race Week 2016. F1 Deal: Entry fee ranges from $38-$188. More info at www.sg.celavi.com.
LeVeL 33 One of the best things about this place is that it’s not directly affected by the road closures, making it easy to get to. This urban craft brewery offers unparalleled views of the race circuit, along with sweet dining and beverage deals to go along with it. F1 Deal: For $33, you’ll get a half pint of their signature craft brew or wine, whilst the $333 nightlife package offers a front row view of the circuit for up to six guests, six craft beers or a bottle of selected boutique wine, two beer tasting paddles and the choice of a Ploughman’s board or seafood medley. More info at www.level33.com.sg.
SPLASH AND DASH Join us for the second lap of Splash & Dash as we take you from the race tracks to the WET® deck. Gear up for non-stop revelry with headliner
17 September 2016, Saturday 2pm – 8pm SGD35 nett
(entry includes 1 drink)
For more info +65 6808 7258 wsingaporesentosacove.com/splashndash
@wsingapore wsingaporesentosacove @w_singapore
21 Ocean Way Singapore 098374 FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE
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The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore Singapore Tourism Board
island
WELLNESS
Need for Speed
FITNESS 5 new places to work up a sweat EQUILIBRE PILATES STUDIO Just opened at Rochester Mall, Equilibre Pilates Studio is a soothing, minimalist, sun-drenched space lead by former Taiwanese ballerina Susan Su-Lengowski, offering Pilates and barre classes as well as gyrotonic sessions. The focus is on small classes. There are individual sessions, with just yourself or a couple friends, but even group classes are capped at six participants. Prices start at $50 for a one-time barre class, though packages are available. #02-13/14 Rochester Mall, 35 Rochester Dr., 9633-8016. PURE YOGA ASIA SQUARE Launched in late July, the new Pure Yoga space at Asia Square—a hop and a skip from Downtown MRT station and in the same building as Pure Fitness—occupies almost 11,000 sq ft, with four main practice rooms, a shop, beige-wood-and-whitewashed-brick decor, all their fancy changing room amenities and a new focus on the 5 Pillars class classification system (Healing, Grounding, Dynamic, Hot and Specialized). #06-02 Asia Square Tower 2, 12 Marina View, 6100-8866.
Live out your F1 fantasies at these go-karting tracks. By SG Staff
Kartright Speedway
Guavalabs by Guavapass
GUAVALABS BY GUAVAPASS Think of it as an offline form of the fitness pass app, where GuavaPass and its exclusive partners and will hold daily classes like yoga, pilates, barre, CrossFit and more at its Mandarin Gallery home, as well as other fitness and lifestyle events, which will be and made available for online booking for both members and the general public. This 2,000 sq ft hybrid space also has a juice bar and retail area, making it a one-stop health and wellness destination in the heart of Orchard Road. You’ll have to purchase GuavaCredits that will then be used for booking upcoming classes and events. #04-14 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., www.guavapass.com/events/guavalabs. KF1 Karting Circuit
The Karting Arena
T
he thrill of driving a Formula 1 car is something that only a select few ever get to experience. For everyone else, there’s go-karting! While they might lack the glamor of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, and your top speed will be measured in tens rather hundreds of kilometers per hour, you can bet that the races on these circuits will be as competitive as any involving Messrs Hamilton and Rosberg. Note: A driving license is required for karts with a top speed of 50km/h but not for karts with a top speed of 30km/h.
KF1 Karting Circuit Opened in 2014, KF1 is a state-of-the-art karting facility; they even have an app for you to check your timings and other stats. Their track at the Singapore Turf Club has many claims to fame. At 960m, it’s the longest in Singapore (and allows the pros to hit 110km/h), the only dual direction circuit in the world and offers Singapore Grand Prix-style night racing. Prices start at $28 for a 10-minute session. 1 Turf Club Ave., 6891-1191.
The Karting Arena Opened last year at Turf City in Bukit Timah, The Karting Arena has a 500m circuit made up of 11 meandering turns. If you’re going with a bunch of friends, choose the F1 race format, where only one will emerge champion. Need a bit of training before you hit the
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track? Familiarize yourself with the help of their racing simulators which let you choose from actual F1 circuits around the world or The Karting Arena’s own racetrack. Prices start at $25 for 15 rounds on the racetrack, and $10 for 10 minutes on the simulator. #01-01B The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd., 9627-6771.
Kartright Speedway Kartright Speedway became Singapore’s first competitive karting track when it opened in 2009—the result of more than a decade of work by enthusiasts from Karting Club Singapore. Their challenging 750m circuit can accommodate 10 racers at any one time and they also offer two-seater karts with shared steering columns—perfect for driving with children and first-timers. Prices start at $33 for 10 minutes. #01-05, 511 Upper Jurong Rd., 6265-3303.
The Yard
THE YARD Singapore’s largest gyming arena, The Yard, has opened in Jurong East, and we have the gymnastics experts behind Gym With Me to thank for it. The 20,000 sq ft facility provides more than enough space for you to take part in a variety of fitness activities. The Yard also offers open gymnastics and parkour sessions on the weekdays, eight-week trampolining classes, and personal fitness conditioning sessions. From Olympic-sized trampolines to gymnastics bars and vaulting tables, and an oversized spring deck, you pretty much have everything you need to fulfill your recreational or competitive acrobatic needs. #01-03, 10 Science Centre Rd., 6816-8022. BOUNCE SINGAPORE Well, it isn’t exactly a place to exercise per se but it still is an option (and a fun one at that) since they have 45-minute group trampolining classes that are said to work out your core. This new indoor adventure arena from Melbourne opened at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard last June. The 24,000 sq ft space is modelled after an urban playground, with 28 interconnected trampolines. Activities revolve around trampolining—for example, you can play a game of basketball, “run” down a wall, play dodgeball, complete an obstacle course or practice your skills on Olympic-grade performance trampolines. A 60-minute session costs $24 per person. #09-01 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6816-2879.
LIVE IN THE HEART OF THE FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX EXCITEMENT
Artist’s Impression
Feel the pulsating energy of the Formula 1 Night Race, as roaring international race cars and entertainment light up the night. And by day, live it up with the vibrancy of Singapore’s Central Business District and the nearby Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. Find your space in the epicentre of the action at Marina One Residences.
VISIT OUR SHOW GALLERY Off Central Boulevard Open daily from 11am - 5pm Call +65 6327 1011 www.marinaone.com.sg
Developed by
Managed by
Developer – MS Residential 1 Pte. Ltd. (UEN no. 201115260M) / MS Residential 2 Pte. Ltd. (UEN no. 201115262N) / MS Commercial Pte. Ltd. (UEN no. 201115267H) • Developer’s Licence no – C0943 • Tenure – 99 years wef 1 July 2011 • Encumbrances: Mortgage in favour of Malayan Banking Berhad, Singapore Branch • Lot no – Lots 361T, 362A, 363K, 364N and subterranean and airspace lots 481T(pt) and 462V(pt) of TS 30 at Straits View/Marina Way • Expected Date of Vacant Possession – 31 August 2018 • Expected Date of Legal Completion – 31 August 2021
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eats
The inside scoop on Singapore’s dining scene
Kko Kko Na Ra
LATE NIGHT
Late Night Munchies From dim sum and chicken rice to karaoke joints and Korean fried chicken, here’s where to head for a big night out. By ADAM KERR Bago at Lime House
Cin Cin
Meatliquor
Skinny’s Lounge
Employees Only
I
f you’re not up for the crazy parties after the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, there’s a bunch of other places to have a long, festive night. From bars to get your booze fix and quieter, more atmospheric ones that are perfect for warm conversations to eateries that will provide you with greasy grub to prevent hangovers, here are some places to eat, drink and hang out in Singapore.
FOR MOSTLY BOOZE (AND BAR BITES)
Skinny’s Lounge
FOR ATMOSPHERIC HEART-TO-HEARTS
FOR HANGOVER PREVENTION
Cin Cin
A typical night out at a KTV joint usually involves uninspired snacks, overpriced drinks, and off-key yowling. Unfortunately, singing in public spaces is still very much the domain of the tone-deaf but at Skinny’s, you can take the edge off the high-octave action with a couple of “Fast and Cheap” cocktails. Snacks are basic, including stuff like Ruffles with sour cream and onion dip and pretzel rolls with cheese dip. Closes at at 3am on weekdays, and 4am on Saturdays. 82 Boat Quay, www.facebook.com/drinkskinnys, karaoke@drinkskinnys.com.
Bago at Lime House
Highlander
If you’re already a fan of Caribbean restaurant Lime House at Jiak Chuan, then check out their recently launched extended bar just upstairs. It’s also possibly got the biggest rum selection in town, with over 150 labels covering pretty much every tropical former colony you can think of, from Guyana to India. Closes at 1am. 2F 2 Jiak Chuan Rd., www.limehouse.asia, 6222-3130.
The new Highlander outlet in Chijmes is open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s no wonder they’ve got a complete “Wee Bites” supper menu in tow. Since it’s basically open until dawn, there are still delicious menu items like scotch eggs and potted crab with truffle butter you can order to get you through the night. Don’t miss their interesting list of light whisky cocktails and the whisky-doused prawns. #B1-05 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., www.highlanderasia. com, 6339-1239. For more fun F1 deals at Chijmes, turn to page 27.
Oasia Hotel Downtown teamed up with Refinery Concepts to turn their lobby bar into a gin-focused cocktail bar, boasting a (probably) unparalleled selection of 100 gins. Much of the menu is devoted to a makeyour-own-martini option. Choose from five tiers of gins (price points range from $1826), pair it with one of 11 vermouths and homemade shrubs, topped with one of 14 bitters and then either stirred or shaken. It’s open till 1am on weekends, but don’t expect too much from the bar bites menu. #01-02 Oasia Hotel Downtown, 100 Peck Seah St., www.facebook.com/cincinsg, 6385-2604.
Employees Only This famous, swanky NYC bar (#4 on 2015’s World’s 50 Best Bars) opened an outpost on Amoy Street and is fronted by ex-Marine and bartender Steve Schneider, star of Hey Bartender, a cocktail documentary. The stylish and modern interiors, like its New York flagship, reminiscent of the Prohibition era. The all-important cocktail menu has highlights like the EO Gimlet and Ready Aim Fire. The last batch of revelers will be served warm cups of chicken soup upon closing (3am on weekends). 112 Amoy St., www. employeesonlysg.com, reservations@ employeesonlysg.com.
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Hero’s Situated along the busy row of bars, restaurants and small clubs on Circular Road, this 2,500 sq ft. Wild West-themed bar and music venue gives a lot of love to beer lovers. The highlight of this joint is its unique VIP area: there are six booths that come with two draft beer taps so you can pull your own pint of ice cold draft beer (choices are only limited to Asahi and Kronenbourg 1664 though). They also have a selection of quality bourbons, whiskys, cocktails and shots, as well as a bar bites like burgers, rice bowls, pizzas, all prepared by homegrown burger company Dojo. #01-01 Boat Quay, 69 Circular Rd., www.heros.sg, 6438-6058. For more action along the Singapore River, turn to page 11.
The Black Swan If you’re in the CBD and need a solid place for a bistro-style meal, head here. The menu comprises light bites like crostini with Iberico ham, sliders, charcuterie platters and plates of calamari and beef tartare. Closes at 1am (Fri-Sat). The Quadrant, 19 Cecil St., www. theblackswan.com.sg, 8181-3305.
Quaich Bar at South Beach Set in South Beach Avenue, the retail section of the exciting new South Beach development, Quaich brings you the same whisky bar experience you know and love with a few bells and whistles, and offers over 500 whiskies with many of them—including some of the oldest and rarest—available by the glass. The food? Think bar bites with a big upgrade—a Scottish cheese plate ($21), Scottish smoked deep sea salmon ($24), jamon iberico (from $24) and more. Closes at 1am daily. #01-16 South Beach Avenue, 30 Beach Rd., www.facebook.com/quaichsg, 6732-3452.
Kko Kko Na Ra Fried Chicken Who can resist the call of Korean fried chicken late at night? Just think of those glazed and juicy morsels that come steaming hot to your table after a night out. Whether you choose the hot & spicy rendition (bool dak) or the sweet & spicy version, there’s no going wrong. Plus, you can also just get traditional ramyun noodles or bibimbap. They’re open daily until 4am, making this a solid CBD bet. #01-01, 57 Tras St., www. kkokkonara.com, 6224-8186.
eats NEW BAR Craft Beer Bar Takumi The buzz: One of our favorite craft beer bars in Singapore, JiBiru is taking their beers beyond 313@somerset with the opening of sister outlet at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. The vibe: Takumi is essentially a Tokyo-style hole-in-the-wall bar minus the claustrophobia. It occupies a corner of Mandarin Orchard Hotel’s fifth floor lobby, just outside Bar on 5. Like JiBiru, it’s a great spot to people watch.
Meatliquor
Old House
Quaich Bar at South Beach
Meatliquor The London burger joint is a good bet if you want greasy, fuss-free and downright delicious burgers until 2 or 3am. Not only are the burgers grilled to perfection, you can get equally satisfying sides of huge onion rings, sambal fries and chicken wings. Plus, the raucous place churns out huge glasses of cocktails like the House Grog Slushy. 99 Duxton Rd., www.meatliquor.com.sg, 6221-5343. FOR DETOX AND LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Boon Tong Kee This popular chicken rice stall has tons of outlets islandwide and for good reason. They make legit white chicken rice on top of other Chinese-style dishes like oyster sauce kai lan and braised tofu. Stick to the basics by ordering a portion of chicken rice loaded with lots of ginger and chilli sauce. Although the original Balestier outlet is open the latest (they close at 4:30am), the River Valley one may be more convenient and is open until 4am. 425 River Valley Road, www. boontongkee.com.sg, 6736-3213.
This old-style-grandma’s-cooking restaurant is known for its delicious Dinosaur prawn noodles. Whether you have it dry or with soup, the huge prawns, pork bone and springy egg noodles make an addictive mix. They’ve also got a pretty extensive zi charstyle seafood menu with offerings like squid, prawns, clams and stingray cooked in a spicy paste, steamed or in one of their signature sauces. Plus, they’re open until 4am, which makes this a perfect foodie nightcap. 25 Neil Rd., www.oldhousefood.com, 6223-1633.
Swee Choon Dim Sum Carrying both Hong Kong- and Shanghaistyle dim sum, there’s an extensive menu of steamed favorites at this late-night joint. Open until 6am daily, except on Tuesdays, sink your teeth into classic dishes like siew mai, har kow and the famous Swee Choon big pau. On the Shanghainese front, they’ve got plenty of dumplings like chive pork dumplings and xiao long paus. If you fancy something heavier, there are also la mian and rice options, too. 191 Jalan Besar, www.sweechoon.com, 6225-7788.
Usman Restaurant Any late-night foodie list is incomplete without some spicy Indian food. This Serangoon eating house has an extensive menu, so you’ll be hard-pressed to not find anything you like. Whether you’re more of a chicken tikka with butter naan kinda person or prefer seekh kebab, this place packs a spicy punch to clear the sinus and get your blood flowing. 67/68 Bussorah St., www.facebook.com/UsmansPlace-715624095139647, 6297-0097.
The drinks: Takumi has many JiBiru staples on Craft Beer Bar Takumi its menu including Hitachino Nest White Ale (from $9.50 a glass during happy hour), Shiga Kogen Pale Ale (from $10.50 a glass during happy hour) and Owa ($16.50 a bottle). Adding to that, they have a focus on limited edition and barrel-aged beers like Kuro Owa Grand Cru 2013 aged in Bordeaux wine barrels ($58 for a 750ml bottle), Shiga Kogen No 10 Anniversary IPA ($21 a bottle) and Belgian offering Buffalo Grand Cru Barrel Aged ($58 for a 750ml bottle). Takumi also stocks sake and cider. Happy hour runs until 9pm each day. The food: With their limited space, Takumi doesn’t serve any of its own food. But if you do get hungry, you can order from some of the hotel’s other F&B outlets. Why we’ll be back: The beer list is constantly changing, so you’ll always have something new to try. We’re particularly excited about their tap takeovers which previously featured Sankt Gallen and Shiga Kogen. 5/F Mandarin Orchard Hotel, 333 Orchard Rd., 9299-5673, www.facebook.com/ takumibar. KURT GANAPATHY
More Mandarin Orchard news on page 5.
NEW BAR The S Bar The buzz: Unless you’ve had dinner at Senso, you probably didn’t know they had a tucked away bar on Club Street with ever-closed doors. Now, the Senso Group is changing all that with the reopening of The S Bar. The vibe: Nestled along some white shop houses as you pull in from Cross Street, the Italian-centric bar is small, but takes visual cues from the 1950s glamor a la Dolce Vita: floor-to-ceiling and antique black mirrors, paintings and a mix of red sofas and stools.
The S Bar
The drinks: The menu covers a range of cocktails, beers and Italian apertifs, and more. Try their special Prosecco cocktails if you like something sweet, such as the Rosecco ($18), a simple concoction of raspberry and rose Prosecco; or the Rossini ($17), made with strawberry puree and Prosecco. Their Club S ($18) is a delicious mix of Campari, Cointreau, orange and mint. But if you want to have something more classic, try the bar’s take on the Negroni ($20), Americano ($18) and more. The food: It’s not an extensive list but it’s enough to get you through the night. Apart from the usual platter of cheese and cold cuts, they’ve added a selected of arrancini stuffed risotto balls, six pieces with arrabiata sauce ($13). Why we’ll be back: No uphill walk involved, and their happy hour deals are pretty decent— glasses of Prosecco, house wines, spirits and beers are $10 a glass from 5:30pm to 8pm on weekdays. They also do these “cocktail of the month” specials, which you can get for $16. 21 Club St., 6224-3534, www.senso.sg/thesbar. ADAM KERR
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WHERE PASARBELLA, 200 TURF CLUB ROAD SINGAPORE 287994
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Entry near Giant Hypermarket and located next to James’s Butcher & Co.
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MORE THAN JUST RACING. GRAND PRIX SEASON SINGAPORE 9-18 September 2016
Be part of the hottest race season where the fastest cars, hippest parties, A-list stars, world-class entertainment, shopping, food and culture converge on this sunny island. DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE HERE:
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last word
Anne Wong Holloway Grand Prix fever is in full swing. Related to that, we recently took a trip down memory lane with Anne Wong Holloway, the Singaporean who won the 17th Macau Grand Prix back in 1970. Anne tells Adam Kerr about about becoming the first woman to win a race at Macau, how she developed an interest in cars and how Singapore has changed since the days of her girlhood.
I grew up in Singapore, and spent my younger days mainly in Cairnhill Circle. It doesn’t quite exist anymore because all those houses have been razed and replaced with condominiums and flats. But that was years and years ago when there were houses and big gardens up on the hill. I also spent part of my growing up years in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca before heading back to Singapore for my pre-U. I did my pre-U here at CHIJ, which was down in Victoria Street in those days. The current CHIJMES, you know? And then I went off to boarding school in England for a few years. I went to a Poly to study business, but didn’t like it so I came home. I never really liked the idea of schooling in the first place.
I don’t think I ever thought I was ready. A friend of mine wanted to participate in the novice race. My father said to her, “You can borrow one of our cars. It’s better than the car you’re “In the old days, driving.” At that moment, I decided that I wanted to race too. He drove my dad’s if you ran off the Ford Escort and I drove his Hillman Imp.
road, you could end up in some kampong or somebody’s farm”
My father and uncles were particularly interested in cars. We had a detached house with a garden, a long driveway and a garage at that time. They had quite a lot of space for cars so they messed around with them a lot. I had nothing better to do so I hung around and somehow got interested in cars; not particularly actively, but I just knew about them, like most kids do. In those days, the people racing in the Grand Prix were amateurs, so you knew the people who were racing. Unlike Formula 1 today, which is just a show that packs up and moves from place to place and you just can’t relate to it. I used to follow some uncles to the back of Thomson Road to chope a spot to watch people race. It was an annual affair. They were just normal roads, and oh, much less safe. They were narrow and natural, and there weren’t all
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these run-off areas or barricades. Formula 1 is far too safe these days—that’s why they drive the way they do now. In the old days, if you ran off the road, you could end up in some kampong or somebody’s farm.
While I was in the pits waiting to go out, I was in tears and told my dad that I didn’t want to do it because I was scared.
But he said, “You’re already here. Go off and just enjoy yourself.” During the practice run, my friend managed to wrap the Escort around a lamp post while I made it through to race that year. I didn’t manage to complete the race, but I went on to Batu Tiga anyway and then to Macau. After a few laps, I saw the number 20 on my pit board so I thought, “Mmm, not bad.” Another few laps later, I noticed some cars on the side of the road because they’d broken down and so on. Next thing I knew, I saw on my pit board, “1”, and thought, “No, can’t be. It must be somebody else’s.” The crowds came surging round, and you know Minis are quite small and I thought, “What if somebody pushes this car over?” It was a bit terryfing because after the race, the public would come in and everybody was
curious who this person who won the race in a Mini. My father said to me, “You better get in the car quick.” As a woman racer, I didn’t face any real difficulties because I knew most of the guys and they treated me like a younger sister. After Macau, I continued to race for a few more years but realized that it’s rather costly. I was looking for something else to do. Then I decided to change jobs and work for The Straits Times, but not as a journalist. I was in the business promotions department. That’s when one of my journalist friends came up to me and said, “Why don’t you ride horses? There are amateur races.” I’ve always been interested in pets like dogs and horses. We had dogs at home but I remembered whenever my parents asked me they could bring me from overseas, I’d always say, “I want a cowboy suit and a pony.” And you know, as a child, you don’t realize how impossible it is. My friend introduced me to a couple of friends who taught me to ride. When it’s still dark, I would go to the old Turf Club every morning before work in Bukit Timah to learn how to ride. I picked up golf in 1990. I went from having the horsepower the Mini had, to literally one horsepower and zero horsepower. It was a hobby for me. I’ve also picked up Nordic Walking this year as a form of exercise. Since I’m middle-aged, I thought I better stay toned and healthy, since it requires you to use 90% of your body’s muscles. To find out more about the first Grand Prix held in Singapore, visit the Singapore Policy History Project website at www.ow.ly/aZDq303P3ST.
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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE
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