week ender.com.sg
ISSUE 74 march 21 - 27, 2014
WK74B/MCI(P)060/08/2013
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ISSUE 74 march 21 - 27, 2014
be happier f oo d m a n i a
8 unusual cocktails to taste
what’s up with modelactress lum may yee? P4 style
what’s hot in audi fashion fest 2014 P5 t r av e l at i o n
dj shareen wong’s macau experiences P13
T R A V EL a t i ON
ladies, ENJOY LOVELY JAPAN
ENTE R TAINMENT
is shailene woodley the next jennifer lawrence?
WK74B/MCI(P)060/08/2013
March 21 - 27, 2014
Entertainment
FUN THINGS TO DO
Join the party for a good cause
WWF’s LARGEST
EARTH HOUR
Don’t miss the spectacular Earth Hour Lights Out Ceremony with special guest star Spiderman
29 Mar, from 5pm WWF-Singapore announced that the cast of the highly-anticipated motion picture Check out these now on Spider-Man The Amazing 2 will events be over the next two weeks coming to Singapore, the home of Earth Hour, to celebrate the largest lights-off event to date. This will put the country at the heart of Earth Hour celebrations worldwide. The cast of The Amazing SpiderMan 2 - Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jaime Foxx, together with director Marc Webb, and the film’s producers, will be in Singapore to lead the world’s largest Earth Hour celebration. Andrew Garfield will lead the Official Lights Out ceremony across Singapore’s signature Marina Bay skyline on Saturday, Mar 29, 8.30pm at The Float@Marina Bay. In line with this announcement, WWF-Singapore has launched a huge on-the-ground and online campaign for the planet driven by the power of the civic society and the ordinary man on the street. The Float at Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Avenue
NEW! Radikal Forze Jam Weekend 21-23 Mar Asia’s freshest street dance festival is back with a string of hottest freestyle, hiphop, house dancers and B-Boys from all over the world in a Radikal Forze (RF) Jam Weekend happening non-stop for three days. In its inaugural effort, RF Jam expands its reach to all genres of street dance as a celebrative gathering of all dance communities around the world and rejoicing a common heartfelt passion for dance. The RF Jam Weekend will host a ground thumping line-up of DANCE@LIVE Singapore Finals on opening day. Far East Square, Glass Pavilion (21 & 22 Mar) & Wavehouse Sentosa (23 Mar) NEW! GOING PLACES 26 Mar-18 May, 10am-10pm Presented by The Arts House, in collaboration with National Institute of Education and supported by National Library Board. Take a lyrical tour through various corners of Singapore, guided by the words of some of our most well-loved poets. Going Places is a visual-audio installation exhibition that features over 20 recordings by poets of their poems about places in Singapore, including Bras Basah by Prof Edwin Thumboo; Shophouse, Victoria Street by Eileen Chong; and Katong by Damon Chua. The Arts House Print Gallery & Film Gallery, 1 Old Parliament Lane
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NEW! Paul Scholes Autograph Session with Fans and courts Customers 22 Mar, 5.30pm-7.30pm Manchester United star Paul Scholes celebrates Courts’ 40th Anniversary in Courts Megastore. Known for his superb pinpoint passing and excellent ball-control skills, this former Manchester United and England legend will be there to meet you and sign autographs. Join in the birthday celebration with the cake-cutting at 9.30am, followed by a meet & greet session with Scholes in the evening. Courts Megastore, 50 Tampines North Drive 2, free shuttle buses from Tampines & Bedok MRT
Paul Scholes, Man U & England legend, is in town
NEW! FREE! PA Paddlefest 29-30 Mar, 9am-6pm Organised by PA Water-Venture, PA PaddleFest (formerly known as PA Paddle Championship) is the only dual paddling competition in Singapore. It promises to be the biggest two day paddling event ever in Singapore targeting 5,000 dragon boat and kayaking enthusiasts and the community with plenty of exciting and engaging public activities for everyone to enjoy. Entry is free. Visit www.facebook.com/WaterVenture for participation details.
HAVE A BLAST
WITH THESE FUN IDEAS
NEW! Made in Singapore: Rising Son (by Dick Lee) 27 Mar-12 Apr Rising Son, part one of the Family Trilogy, is written by Dick Lee. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation, it tells the coming-of-age stories of his father, aunt and a Japanese army lawyer next door. The play offers the younger generation insight into what everyday life was like during the Japanese Occupation; and the older generation, a different perspective of the period. 18-year-old Sunny is enlisted as an ambulance orderly when the bombing starts, and does his best to protect his naïve, but headstrong, younger sister Ruby from the horrific realities of war. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Robertson Quay NEW! FREE! Fusion 14: Spectrum 27 Mar, 12pm-6pm FUSION 14 will boast the best works of 300 students from six diplomas: Digital Media Design (Animation), Digital Media Design (Interaction design), Digital Media Design (Games), Digital Entertainment Technology (Games), Digital Visual Effects and Motion Graphics & Broadcast Design in five ‘megabooths’. You would be able to catch what went on behind-the-scenes of some popular clips you have seen, and these range from the 2013 National Day Parade videos to Made-inSingapore indie games that was featured in the USA, and the visual effects produced for local drama serials such as The Journey: A Voyage. Singapore Expo Hall 3B, 1 Expo Drive
NEW! FREE! The Events & Party Expo 2014 28-30 Mar, 10am-9pm (8pm on Sun) With an ever-growing demand from corporate consumers and the general public to organise their own events, weddings, parties or social gatherings, The Events & Party Expo 2014 caters to the needs of these consumers and provides a platform for them to explore and widen their choices. At the same time, this Expo will provide exposure and awareness to new event and celebration services, as well as their software and products - simultaneously creating further business opportunities, whilst reaching out to new consumer markets. Singapore Expo Hall 4B, 1 Expo Drive NEW! FREE! CONCERT ON THE LAWN 28-29 Mar, 9.30pm-11pm Get under the stars for two nights of original Singaporean music, as we showcase a line-up of Timbre bands and Singapore Original Series artists. Sit back on the lawn and treat yourself to some of the best music that our local talents have to offer. Musicians include electronic duo [.gif]; the ever-soulful Gareth Fernandez; acoustic singer-songwriter Nick Chim and UK Songwriting Contest 2013 double-finalist Natalie Hiong. The concert is supported by Timbre Music. The Arts House Lawn, 1 Old Parliament Lane
Full Steam Ahead 29 Mar, 4pm-4am Full Steam Ahead is back for an all-night beach party at Tanjong Beach Club, with 12 hours of non-stop seaside revelry. Bask in the glow of moonlight, strobes and light sticks to the tune of eight DJs – Zushan, Tyler Made; The Steam Team with KFC, Avneesh, SWTLKR and Serena Chan; Shawn Livewire and Modium. On top of great music, expect fire twirlers, beer pong and giant beach balls, and a Hello Stranger photo booth to commemorate the best night of your life. Tanjong Beach Club,120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Tel: 9750 5323 NUS ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 CONSUMED Until 29 Mar, various times & prices This year’s NUS Arts Festival offers food for thought about what we consume and what consumes us. Expect a diverse spread of offerings, exploring our favourite pre-occupations from shopping and eating, to deeper searches into the nature of human motivation. Tickets from Sistic. University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, www.nusartsfestival.com
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Visiting Artists Series: Andras Schiff Plays Beethoven 31 Mar, 7.30pm, $120 Andras Schiff is renowned and acclaimed as a pianist, conductor, pedagogue and lecturer. He has worked with the major international orchestras and conductors, but now performs mainly as conductor and soloist. In 1999, he created his own chamber orchestra, the Cappella Andrea Barca, which consists of international soloists, chamber musicians and friends. He will be performing Beethoven pieces. Tickets from Sistic. Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, NUS, 3 Conservatory Drive
Gain deeper insight into the world of dinosaurs
FREE! You Only Live Twice: A collaborative exhibition by the Civic Museum Until 2 May, 5pm-9pm (weekdays), 10am-7pm (weekends) Featuring the works of The Next Stop: A Quarter-Life Collective and Joanne Jonk Kwok, You Only Live Twice is a celebration of the possibility of change and the courage to pursue new beginnings. A collaboration between The Civic Museum, The Next Stop and Joanne Kwok, this exhibition gives voice to those who faced private fears and public misgivings in their quest to take the road less travelled. As part of the exhibition, the youth group The Next Stop will showcase video screenings and a portrait series of young adults battling with the quarter-life crisis, capturing snapshots of their voices, concerns and aspirations. The Civic Museum by School Of Thought, 222 Queen St, #04-00 dinosaurs: dawn to extinction Until 27 Jul Step back in time and journey through 600 million years with Dinosaurs: Dawn to Extinction. Get transported back to the Precambrian, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous prehistoric periods in the first exhibition of its kind, and relive the dinosaurs’ natural environment as you uncover how the different species lived on earth. With hundreds of remarkable fossils and specimens, and original vivid illustrations reconstructing appearances of the extinct species, gain deeper insights into the rich and fascinating world of dinosaurs through the collaborative efforts of skilled artists and scientists. ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Mark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks
preview
Choice event picks coming in a month or more
new! 11th ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2-7 Apr, $12 More than ten films from the recent 70th Venice Film Festival will be presented for the first time in Singapore at the 11th Italian Film Festival: Special Venice Edition. It will feature Italian and Asian films including Golden Lion winner Sacro GRA by Italian filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi; Bertolucci on Bertolucci, a documentary on the life and work of legendary director Bernardo Bertolucci; and Mary Is Happy, Mary Is Happy, a narrative based on 410 real tweets by an anonymous Thai girl. The Cathay and National Museum of Singapore
A TAPESTRY OF SACRED MUSIC 2014 25-27 Apr, various times Sacred music is perhaps the most primal music of all. It comes from a place deep inside us, and often leads us in our quest to transcend the “bonds of earth”, and to connect with the divine, whatever we perceive it to be. The sanctity of this desire has inspired man to create some of the most beautiful and entrancing music in the world. This quest, found in the sacred music of so many cultures around the world, is what the annual festival is all about. Esplanade Concert Hall/Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive
HAPPINESS ACOUSTIC GUITAR CONCERT 18 Apr, 7.30pm Enjoy this acoustic finger style concert by two outstanding finger style musicians - Takeshi Sakasegawa (Japan) and Paolo Sereno (Italy). Takeshi is a new generation of finger style guitarist from Japan whose musical abilities capture the heart of the audience. Paolo is an established player who has worked with Jacqueline Perkins and Walter Lupi (winner of the New Sounds of Acoustic Music in Italy). The Arts House, Chamber, 1 Old Parliament Lane
NEW! An Evening with John Cleese 4-5 May, 8pm, $98-$188 If you’re a fan of old British television series Fawlty Towers, Monty Python or even the movie A Fish Called Wanda, jump at the chance to catch the legendary John Cleese in Singapore for two nights only. The show comprises two acts with a 20-minute intermission. Tickets from Sistic. University Cultural Centre, NUS, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent NEW! The Final Countdown by Budak Pantai 24 May, 7.30pm When the world cried for a hero they answered the call. Armed with a guitar, these five heroes of Bukit Pantai spent the last 20 years stemming the onslaught of tedium, eradicating the threat of boredom and overthrowing the tyranny of convention with its irreverent music, their awkward dancing and politically incorrect jabbering. In so doing, many marriages were saved, cats rescued, toilets cleaned…they saved the world! Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive
Ah Boys to Men the Musical 18-27 Apr, various times, $38-$128 Falling in this April will be Recruits Ken Chow, Lobang, Aloysius Jin and I.P Man of top grossing local film Ah Boys to Men. This exciting new musical will be adapted from both Part 1 and 2 of the movie, and follows the adventures of Recruit Ken Chow as he enlists in the army, albeit reluctantly, as he has to say goodbye to his girlfriend who is leaving to study overseas. He goes on to develop a strong camaraderie with fellow recruits as they undergo their Basic Military Training (BMT). Tickets from Sistic. Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza Live in Singapore 2014 12 Apr, 8pm, $45-$198 Popular Malay songstress Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza is set to swoon music fans in Singapore once again as she returns to our sunny shore for a long-awaited night of music extravaganza. With a refreshed array of music arrangements, costumes and visual performances, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza will touch hearts with her powerful vocals and enduring renditions of her biggest hits at the upcoming Singapore concert. Tickets from Sistic. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green
mint museum of toys anniversary promotions Until 31 Mar, 9.30am-6.30pm (museum) All visitors get 30% discount off (packages not included) normal museum entry of $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids and seniors. If your birthday falls in March, you get to enter the museum free, with one paying guest. Also, get 50% off on selected items at Mint Shop, with a minimum purchase of $10 on a single receipt. You can even get a la carte food items from Mr Punch Restaurant at 20% discount if you visit the museum on the same day. Terms & conditions apply. Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street
Holiday Fun at AMK Hub Until 13 Apr, various times AMK Hub celebrates the March Holidays with a delightful selection of treats, including a series of exhilarating roving performances, fabulous promotions and giveaways in store for shoppers! Roving thematic monster mascots will make shopping even more exciting for shoppers as they make their way around AMK Hub! These friendly personalities will keep everyone entertained with their dance performances and will definitely put a smile on every little one’s face. Visit the website for more details. Ang Mo Kio Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio, www.amkhub.com.sg
COMING SOON
Photo: Syaheir Azizan / Shutterstock.com
Ocean Art Charity Until 30 Mar, 10am-7pm Fifteen shortlisted marine themed artworks by young budding artists, out of close to 60 artworks received, will be exhibited at S.E.A. Aquarium. Funds raised through a silent auction of the artworks will help realise the dreams of young artists and contribute to underprivileged children’s pocket money. SEA Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
NIGHT WALK WITH THE STORYTELLER 2-4 Apr, 9pm, $10, $8 (students, senior citizens & The Arts House members) Master storyteller Kamini Ramachandran and friends will take you on a multi-sensorial experience of live storytelling – heightened by food, scent and sound – through secret crevices of The Arts House that were previously not open to the public. Let them captivate you with tales inspired by the spaces and the walls of the House that have kept silent till now… Each walk is limited to 30 people per night so buy your tickets today to avoid disappointment! The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane
House of Bernarda Alba Until 29 Mar, various times & prices One matriarch. Five daughters. Eight years of mourning. To keep up appearances after the death of her husband, tyrannical mother Bernarda resolves to seal her family off from the world - a decision that effectively compels her five daughters to give up love and happiness for a life of duty and obligation. Within the oppressive confines of the Alba household, tensions swirl and emotions run high. The arrival of a seductive suitor lays bare the bitter rivalries and repressed sexuality that lie at the twisted heart of Bernarda’s family. Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, Level 3
Siti Nurhaliza will sing her hits in a musical extravaganza
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March 21 - 27, 2014
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Entertainment
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movie preview
Divergent:
Little
Bosses
Babies remind us of the beauty in the world. Canon presents Little Bosses to give us reasons to smile. Have a little darling born in the past month or so? Send us your photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can coo and ‘ahh’ over him / her too!
Division in dystopia Shailene Woodley has been heralded as the next Jennifer Lawrence
Young adult bestseller Divergent comes to the silver screen
Chen Li Min, Dwayne Mar 21, 2014
Lim Kai Le, Charlton Aug 23, 2013
Evan Wei Wen Fox Jun 25, 2013
Karthigayan Murugayan Jul 25, 2013
Varshini Apr 20, 2013 E-mail your baby’s photos to general@weekender. com.sg . Please make sure to include your baby’s name and surname, gender and date of birth, as well as your own Name, NRIC and mobile number. Photos of babies born in the past month will have priority.
Canon Photo Contest
Divergent is a thrilling action-adventure film set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (played by the beautiful Shailene Woodley) is warned that she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (played by Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious “Four” (Theo James of “Bedlam”) and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late. From Page to Screen Based on the best-selling novel by Veronica Roth, Divergent topped the New York Times Bestseller list in 2011 when it was launched. “I had this inkling about a subculture of people who wanted to eradicate fear in normal individuals, to create people without phobias,” explained Roth. “I didn’t actually write it until four years after that, and the first draft took six months. Then everything happened really quickly after that,” she said.
The Five Factions The five factions of this future society are: Dauntless (bravery), Abnegation (selflessness), Erudite (intelligence), Amity (peacefulness), and Candor (truth). The sets of all the factions were built with precision and detail to match that of the series of novels. “Obviously, you can’t fit every character and every subplot and every element in the movie, and it’s agonising to make those choices. But, I wouldn’t have done the film if I didn’t think that most, if not everything, could fit into the movie to bring out the real spirit of the story,” said director Neil Burger. “I am confident that the readers of the book will be happy,” said Burger. What’s interesting is the number of big-name supporting actors such as Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd and Maggie Q. Whether or not you enjoy the plot or find the story developed enough, Divergent promises to be a fun movie to watch. Divergent [PG] Director: Neil Burger Starring: Ashley Judd, Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Theo James & Maggie Q Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Run Length: 139 min Release: Mar 20
be happier
Send in your photo taken at an event and stand to win a Canon Selphy CP910 compact photo printer plus a chance for your photo to be featured! Simply E-mail in your best photo taken at an event to contest@weekender.sg to stand a chance.
Modelling, acting and now jewellery business
In your E-mail, please include: Your Name, Address, Title of Event & Mobile No. Please Note: Weekender highly recommends that readers use a Compact Digital Camera for the photo to be reproduced in better quality.
Chicken rice to jewellery
Closing Date: 10 Apr
Create your child’s first photo-exhibition
Solo exhibition: A creative way to boost your child’s self-esteem!
In this last part of the series, we explore ways to encourage your children further in their new hobby and boost their self-esteem In the previous weeks’ articles, we shared ideas on how your kids can develop their creativity and boost their confidence through digital photography. Since your child has embarked on a journey to develop creativity, give him or her a big boost. Create a Portfolio to Preserve Growing Talent Sure digital files of images are great space savers but, stored in the depth of a hard-drive, they don’t readily exhibit your child’s talent. To show how proud you are of their budding talent, encourage them to print their photos and then bind them into an album – creating a portfolio of their work. The portfolio should contain only the best photos grouped by themes such as “Portraits”, “Nature” or “Trip to Legoland”. Over time, the series of portfolios become a visual diary of their creative growth. Why Quality Matters To help maximise your child’s potential, make sure he or she is using a camera that can
counter at Tangs on Level 1, called byCanary. I carry international jewellery brands like MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza (USA), Jade Jagger (UK), John Hardy (Bali), Choices by DL (Amsterdam), byCanary (Singapore), Darsala (Paris) and Taramoor (Paris).
Part 3 of 3
produce quality work. The camera should have adequate resolution, optical zoom, and various functions to control the resulting photo. Avoid using a phone cam. A photo-print from a phone cam may be too blurry or pixelated and cause frustration in your child, ultimately discouraging your child. Since quality is important, make sure your young paparazzo is using a Compact Digital Camera to capture those precious images. A Solo Exhibition with your Child’s Masterpieces Before the prints go into the portfolio, you can create a solo exhibition with your child’s work at home. An exhibition is just a space, i.e. your living room, to present the prints. They don’t need to be framed. All you need is some Blu-Tack (or nonpermanent sticky putty) to stick them onto a wall at home for everyone to see. Then, ask your children to invite all their friends, and your extended family, to come over for the “exhibition”, and food and drinks. This will be a great way for your children to display their talent! It’s that simple.
Find out what this former model and actress is up to these days A little bird told us former Singaporean model Lum May Yee has settled down and opened her own jewellery business. This talented lady, known for her modelling career and her role in the films 12 Storeys and Chicken Rice War, has certainly grown into a savvy woman. We catch up with her to find out more. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you in the public eye. What’ve you been up to? I have just recently opened a multi-label jewellery
How did you become interested in the jewellery business? When I joined The Canary Diamond Company [her husband’s family business] five years ago, I never knew there was so much to learn about stones and diamonds. I was like a child in a candy shop… fascinated by all the colourful stones and the stories about them. Why did you call your brand byCanary? Because I wanted to link the name back to The Canary Diamond, especially because our mission statement is “Always something beautiful at The Canary Diamond”.
You had your first child in 2011. How is family life? I love being a mom but working and taking care of a child is sometimes challenging and tiring. But to see his cheeky smile, and to come home to “Hello, mama, big hug!” after a long day at the office is such a joy. [smiles] Any plans to return to the public eye? Not at the moment… I do miss hosting TV shows but, for now, my business needs me to be there full time. Do you miss the modelling or acting world? I don’t miss modelling and acting… It was a phase in my life and I enjoyed that part of my life very much. But I have already moved on from that. What makes you happy? My son, my work and being happy doing the things I love, and keeping it real and simple. MCL (USA) bangle from byCanary
March 21 - 27, 2014
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STYLE
weekender.com.sg
a ls o i n t h e a t r es The Wind Rises [PG] The Wind Rises is the final film by legendary filmmaker and Academy Award winner Hayao Miyazaki. In The Wind Rises, Jiro — inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni — dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes. Short-sighted from a young age and thus unable to become a pilot, Jiro joins the aircraft division of a major Japanese engineering company. The film chronicles much of his life and depicts key historical events that deeply affected the course of Jiro’s life, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the Great Depression, the tuberculosis epidemic and Japan’s plunge into war. The Wind Rises is an epic tale of love, perseverance and making choices in a turbulent world.
Oscar de la Renta
Ong Shunmugam
Genre: Animation, Drama Release: Mar 20 Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe [PG13] A universal story about the freedom of the human spirit, the struggle against slavery and despotism, and love, loss and betrayal. The story is seen in a unique perspective, through the eyes of simple Kazakh kids and teenagers. Starring: Tlektes Meiramov, Toleubek Aralbai & Eduard Ondar Genre: Period Drama, Adventure Release: Mar 13 The Second Coming [NC16] Ming and his wife, Jen, lead an ordinary life with their 13-year-old daughter, Lucy. Their 20-year-old son, Sunny, is in medical school overseas. Things seem perfect until Ming accidentally knocks Lucy down with his car. From then on, Lucy’s behaviour turns bizarre. Starring: Maggie Shiu, Kenny Wong & Joey Leong Genre: Horror Release: Mar 13
Audi Fashion Festival 2014:
Oscar de La Renta Singapore buzzes with excitement with the big names coming for this year’s Audi Fashion Festival
A
udi Fashion Festival (AFF) Singapore returns to the heart of Orchard with a large showcase of homegrown and Asian talents from May 14 to 18. In partnership with the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), AFF 2014 is themed “The Art of Progress” and will see a star-studded cast from the fashion world and even Hollywood. AFF is a privately-funded and fully-independent fashion week. Highlights of the Show The opening show for AFF 2014 will kick off with Nepalese-American designer Prabal Gurung, who will be showcasing his Autumn 2014 collection. His designs are inspired
by the rich culture and landscape of the Himalayas with brush tapestry effects by Cecily Brown. The biggest name coming to Singapore this year is legendary couturier Oscar de la Renta, with a show which includes his Autumn 2014 collection of signature dresses. His designs have donned the likes of Hollywood royalty such as Kate Beckinsale, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. He will be bringing the show to a close on the last day of the fashion week. Apart from those two big names, Asian designers at the show include London-based Singaporean designer Ashley Isham, with his Autumn/ Winter 2014 womenswear and a capsule collection of his menswear collection inspired by the beauty of the idyllic English countryside. Malaysian designer Dato’ Farah
GRAB THESE 8 COOL COLLECTIBLES! Exclusively from 7-Eleven GUYS and GALS! Empower your work desk with your favourite Marvel superhero figurines. Choose from among four: Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman and The Hulk. You can also get adorable figurines of Disney Pixar’s most celebrated characters: Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and Monsters University’s Mike and Sulley!
The Marvel figurines double as highlighters and the Disney Pixar models come with markers. Here’s how to get them: • Simply spend $3* at any 7-Eleven store to get a stamp. • Get one figurine at $3.90 with 8 stamps or collect 24 stamps to redeem one FREE figurine. • Get additional stamps* with purchase of these products: Yeo’s Chrysanthemum Tea
(500ml), Big Gulp (22oz) and Quickbites Butter Chicken Biryani (330g) until 25 Mar; M&M’s Chocolate Assorted (40g), Quickbites Macaroni & Cheese (230g) and 100PLUS Original (500ml) until 22 Apr. HURRY on to 7-ELEVEN now and start collecting! Promotion ends 22 Apr 2014, while stocks last! *Terms and conditions apply.
Khan and Parco Japan will also be presenting their respective works during AFF 2014. Singaporeans Shine Too Fear not, there is also adequate representation of Singaporean talent at AFF 2014, starting with Nic Wong (Saturday), Jo Soh (hansel) and Priscilla Shunmugam (Ong Shunmugam) featuring their quirky and modern interpretations of traditional garb. “Singapore’s fashion festival has come a long way and we are thrilled to continue contributing to Singapore’s progress as a fashion capital. This year marks the beginning of a new chapter for AFF. The festival has grown to international recognition…” says a spokeswoman for AFF 2014. “We are proud to present our largest showcase of home-grown and
Prabal Gurung
Asian designers at AFF 2014,” she says. Returning to the festival this year are upcoming local fashion labels Dzojchen, Revasseur and Mae Pang. AFF debutants Aijek and 2HB will be showing their collections as part of the Singapore Designers Showcase along with a third yet-to-beannounced designer. Adding to the star power this year are guests such as Asian male international supermodel Godfrey Gao, social media style icon Aimee Song, Hollywood starlet Kate Bosworth and CEO of the Council of Fashion Designer of America (CFDA) Steven Kolb. Young budding talent will also be participating in a chance of a lifetime in the Audi Star Creation Capsule Collection and the Lasalle Degree Fashion Show 2014, both of which will take place during AFF 2014. www.audifashionfestival.com By Cheryl Chia Cheryl@weekender.com.sg
March 21 - 27, 2014
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STYLE Stradivarius Spanish top model Sheila Marquez once again reprises her role in the spring campaign for Stradivarius. Spring by Stradivarius is young and fresh, thanks to three big trends: Botanic, Lady Sport and Rock Roller. The palette dances from different kinds of blue, pink and also light colours and metallic ones in the case of accessories and footwear.
Fash
Snips
Celebrity Sighting! The lovely Anne Hathaway was spotted at the Sundance Film Festival in her winter best and a pair of Carrera by Jimmy Choo shades.
Here are stirrings in the fashion world that you would want, need and love to know about
CHOCOOLATE & Mr Men :CHOCOOLATE has invited the popular children’s book characters, Mr Men and Little Miss to be featured in their February collection. The collection brings a range of cute printed T-shirts and accessories like tote bags, tissue cases, and luggage tags to all. Available at the i.t. store.
Sinequanone Founded in 1973 in Paris, this brand focuses on effortless French je ne sais quoi. Their summer line sees floaty dresses, swirling skirts and lace Teddy jackets contrasting glamour with sport. Available at Robinsons Orchard.
Beauty in Brief The long and short of the beauty industry 1. Jet Concepts Liquid Laser Serum & Cream Jet Concepts’ new Liquid Laser Serum and Cream counters the detriments of skin ageing with caviar and other highgrade ingredients. The laser serum contains vitamin C and E and hyaluronic acid to protect and repair the skin while the laser cream with peptides and fermented resveratrol to revitalise the skin. Available at Jet Concepts, Wheelock Place, #03-03. 2. Laneige Trouble Relief The Trouble Relief Spot Gel is an antibacterial gel for reducing pimples. It contains rose crysta, an antibacterial and Centaurium Erythraea extract to soothe redness. Available at Laneige Boutiques island-wide. 3. L’Oreal Everstrong Sulfate-Free L’Oreal Paris Hair Expertise introduces a new hair care range, the Everstrong Sulfate-Free Hair & Scalp System that is free of sulfates, harsh salts and parabens and is also 100 per cent vegan. The formula is packed with aromatic ingredients such as rosemary and mint to invigorate and energise the hair. 4. Soap & Glory Daily Youth face wash from Soap & Glory is a natural foaming cleansing gel with smoothing melt-in micro-beads. The Oxy-Ginseng technology helps increase blood circulation and cell respiration. It also contains glycerin to help skin feel soft and supple. Available at Sephora. 5. M.A.C Punk Couture The wild, untamed look of punk crosses with the fine elements of haute couture with M.A.C’s new line Punk Couture. The range features an eye shadow palette with extreme black, silvered amethyst, nude matte and blackened plum, Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash mascara, eye liner and kohl as well as neon pigments and dark lipsticks and nail lacquers.
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Club Monaco For spring, Club Monaco has redefined its classics in soft shades of grey and dark blue alongside simple graphics. As February arises, the colours shift to a warmer ambit using beautiful tones of pink peach with a hint of sea green inspired by the simple aesthetic of the 1990s. Evergreen emerges as the key tone in March.
From the
INSIDE OUT
See how our writer fared in trying to reboot her body from the inside out with a juice cleanse Juice cleanses and detox diets are aplenty but Beauty Cleanse, which is the one I came across, was the one I ultimately ended up trying. There has been talk about detox diets doing more harm than good. I think it would be sustainable only for a short period by letting the digestive tract rest, but not as a solution to quick weight-loss. And, yes, I did lose 3kg on this three-day juice cleanse. Clean on the Inside The brand of juice cleanse I tried was Beauty Cleanse’s Skinny Genes with supplements ($320, $315 without supplements). The supplements that came with the 18 bottles of juices were in a packet of Colosan Powder, Green Superfood, Flaxseed Oil, Acai Berry, Milk Thistle and Spirulina. The juices arrive at your home in a cooler bag with a small booklet of tips on how to survive. You’re allowed to ‘cheat’ on this cleanse with certain stipulated types of food, if you really have to. But, I am proud to say, I didn’t cheat at all during my whole cleanse. My favourite juice was definitely the carrot and pineapple juice as well as the night drink of cashew nut milk.
Boy, I looked forward to that every night. To The Toilet, I Go If you choose the option with supplements, you might want to stay in areas with a clean toilet that’s easily accessible. The Colosan Powder will cause you to purge and have the runs throughout the day. You won’t get a stomach ache. You just… gotta go. And, pray you don’t fart. I’m sorry if I gross you out here but you would really want to control that bodily function while on the cleanse. On Day 1, I had a slight headache the whole day but I was told that this was a common occurrence during the detox. The next two days were a cakewalk and the headaches disappeared. Beauty Cleanse will E-mail you a post-cleanse diet plan, which mainly comprises raw food, white meat and fish. Don’t get into the rich stuff so soon – you might feel queasy. Other companies providing juice cleanse diets are Hic’Juice, Sana Cleanse and Lucky You Cleanse. Do your research thoroughly before embarking on a juice cleanse. If you adhere to the guidelines, you can end up less bloated and healthier. Visit www.beauty-cleanse.com for more. By Cheryl Chia cheryl@weekender.com.sg
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Turning to
hdb inspirations
Get ideas for transforming your flat in our 8-week series!
Sheer Elegance A 4-room HDB apartment at Pinnacle@Duxton is transformed into a highly-configurable and spacious home by the designer, who is also its owner
“O
ne of the hardest things to do as a designer is to design for yourself,” admits Dennis Cheok from design firm Upstairs. The interior designer tasked himself with the renovations and design of this apartment unit at Pinnacle@Duxton, a challenge he never foresaw coming. He says, “It’s hard to find something that can encompass all your interests, and it’s just too close to your heart!” That didn’t stop the young designer from completely reconfiguring the 1,054 sq ft apartment unit, and transforming it into an airy and open home for him, his wife and their nine-month-old child. No more walls After weeks of ‘hair-pulling’, Dennis finally decided to keep the look simple and neutral. “I wanted to achieve a ‘gallery’ concept with open spaces that look very toned down and quiet,” he says. Dennis broke down almost every wall in the apartment, hacked the floors and even reworked the layout. Because of the limited space in this home, he created an entire wall shelf that stretches across the entire space. The shelves serve a lot of functions, and keep things tidy without looking too orderly. Dennis readily admits that he continually moves things around the many cubby holes. Flexible options “It really is like an exhibition gallery,” he says, “nothing really
belongs in any one shelf. The driving force is its flexibility; I can display different things at different places to completely change the look of the home.” This easiness is a factor that features strongly throughout the apartment. None of the furniture or fixtures is permanently mounted: huge posters casually lean against the wall, the coffee table is actually a loose door placed on top of a wooden pellet and the TV console is made of stacks of magazines propping the entertainment system. Open concept Even the interior walls are configurable; foldable doors give Dennis and his wife the freedom to leave the living room open, or cordon off a space. The open-concept kitchen continues the ephemeral nature of the interior. “The main intention,” Dennis says, “is to feel that no matter where you are in the house, you will still feel connected.” He and his wife love to cook and entertain guests, so a fullyfunctional kitchen was a necessity. Private quarters A corridor raised on a timber parquet platform leads the way to the sleeping quarters. “I wanted to confine the bedroom away from the rest of the house,” he adds. This also explains the folding doors that separate the bed from the wardrobe. “It took a really long time to figure out the space, and a lot of thought went into every single detail. Even now, two years after we’ve moved in, we’re still moving things around and touching up stuff.” Dennis doesn’t think that he’ll ever be completely finished with
the design and that, strangely, is the appeal of this gallery home. By Redzman Rahmat Photography by Edward Hendricks Home Design by Upstairs Design Highlights • The walls of the spare bedroom have been knocked down, and replaced with foldable panels that can cordon off the room for privacy. • White walls, grey concrete and black accents come together to create a home that is clean and uncluttered. • In the bedroom, the sleeping area is distinctly separated from the wardrobe, giving each space its own identity within its small confines.
Article first published in Lookbox Living #29, Nov/Dec 2013 Lookbox Living out now! Available at major bookstores and newsstands. For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg
The wall shelf accommodates the air-conditioning unit, a baby cot and bay window seat.
H OME M A KEO V ER T I P S
How to pick a mattress Five bedding professionals answer topical questions on mattress choice and care
Is a more expensive mattress always better? Although price doesn’t count for everything, a higher-quality mattress is usually bought at a higher price. So try to look for the best that you can afford. Remember, this is an investment that will last for years! Additionally, your new mattress shouldn’t deviate too far from your existing mattress. Your body needs time to adjust to the new firmness and feel. So if you’re used to sleeping on a soft mattress, I would recommend getting a firmer
mattress with a thicker pillow top. Your body can gradually get used to the changes. When testing out mattresses, try a maximum of three at any one time. Any more than that will simply confuse you! – Michelle Anne Ng, Marketing Manager, Simmons
What important factors should I keep in mind when buying a mattress? You can assess your needs before you start shopping by asking yourself these questions: Has your lifestyle changed since buying your last mattress? Has your comfort
preference changed? Does your partner have the same needs? Comfort, support and durability are the most important factors to look for first when buying a mattress. After that, take price into consideration. – Victor Lim, Sales & Marketing Manager, Serta
What properties should I look for in a good mattress? Choose a mattress that offers you good quality sleep, not just comfort and support. Quality sleep means you enjoy longer hours of deep sleep, and wake up feeling more refreshed. If you’re subconsciously tossing and turning during sleep, then you will have bad quality of sleep. This commonly happens when there are pressure points created by objects (like springs) pressing against your
body, which in turn, inhibits blood circulation. – Oey Mei Dee, Country Manager, Tempur
How do I take care of a mattress to ensure it will last longer? Mattresses today are quite durable. The biggest tip I can offer is to be sure that you buy a quality mattress pad to put over your mattress. This pad not only provides insulation from body fluids, but it also prevents body impressions in your new mattress. The No. 1 cause of body impressions isn’t weight, inexpensive foam, or a non-supportive coil system. What causes mattresses to break down is body heat and perspiration. Using a good quality mattress pad will assist in keeping
body impressions to a minimum. – Michael J Malkiewicz, Asia Pacific Sales Director, Restonic
What’s the best way to test a mattress? Before shopping for a mattress, make sure you dress comfortably and wear shoes that you can easily remove. Lay down on the mattress in the position that you most frequently sleep in. Then, starting from the centre of the mattress, roll to the sides to test the springs and support. If your spine doesn’t have the right support it needs, your muscles will be working throughout the night trying to maintain your spine’s natural curved position. Finally, take your time in the selection. – Yovi Lee, Marketing Manager, Castilla
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Foodmania
Savour the sip
Weekender introduces a regular column on cocktails, featuring ideas on where and what to enjoy. Cheers!
Gluttony ($23) Who would have thought that our local tau huay dessert could have its day in a cocktail glass? The sweet flavours of the famed Lao Ban bean curd pudding, butterscotch and kaya frame this concoction, enveloping it with vodka and notes of hazelnut. All in all, it is a well put-together drink or, should I say, dessert. Jekyll & Hyde, 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988, Tel: 6222 3349
Unusual
cocktails in Singapore
The Dirtiest Martini ($24) Adding a complex mix of flavours to the usual dirty martini, The Dirtiest Martini is best complemented with a meat dish. Inspired by food pairing, this rich and hearty cocktail was created by steeping rosemary and thyme into Distillery 209 gin before infusing in natural beef jus. Dry Mancino Bianco Vermouth is then added into the mixture and finished with a drizzle of lemon oil. B Bar at Bacchanalia, 23A Coleman Street, Singapore 179806, Tel: 6509 1453
Don’t miss out on the exciting Singaporean nightlife
Cocktails aren’t merely fancy drinks these days; they are almost art forms with innovation and creativity involved in their creation
T
he cocktail scene in Singapore is gaining worldwide recognition, with mixologists stepping up their game with one-of-a-kind innovative cocktail creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Start a conversation with any of these in hand and you can be sure you won’t be forgotten. By Mandy Lynn, Gourmet Adventures www.gourmetadventures.net
Ethnic Eats Some of the most interesting ethnic food in town
All-American Meals Food from the USA is easy to find in Singapore but most of the eateries here were started by locals. Here are a few authentic options – some owned by Americans themselves – with slightly less mammoth-looking portions to suit local stomachs. Smokey’s BBQ & Grill This place is as American as it can get with regard to barbecue ribs, brisket and hush puppies. The meat is smoked in-house before being slathered with their homemade barbecue sauce. The meat is so tender, it falls off the bone. Come during Super Bowl season for the full American experience. Visit www.smokeysbbq.com.sg for outlets. Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill This place has been tucked in the corner of Tanglin Road for the longest time. Dan Ryan’s offers authentic American steaks, ribs, sandwiches and salads in a diner-style environment with vintage light fixtures and an antique train circling above the bar. Tanglin Place, 91 Tanglin Road, #B1-01, Singapore 247918
Spicy Buffalo Wings has become a popular finger food in Singapore
Hooters Singapore What screams American decadence better than watching scantily-clad waitresses serving Buffalo wings and fried pickles? Arguably, some may say that our Singaporean waitresses have not much to show compared with those of the outlets in Texas or Florida but we’ll let you be the judge of that. Clarke Quay, Block 3D, River Valley Road, #01-03, Singapore 179023 California Pizza Kitchen Started by two American lawyers who wanted to introduce unique pizzas to the world, California Pizza Kitchen is known for their hand-stretched pizzas and thin crust. They also have American Chinese fusion dishes such as Kung Pao Spaghetti in the Singapore outlet. Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, #01-23, Singapore 238884
Fiery Empress ($22) Not for the faint of heart, this fiery cocktail means business. A potent mix of chilli padi, curry leaves and Patron silver tequila, the Fiery Empress was created with the notion of reinvigorating one’s senses. At first sip, you’ll be able to take in gentle aromas of curry before the warmth of the swirling liquid envelopes your taste buds. This is one hottie you won’t forget. LE Restaurant and Asian Tapas Bar, Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-314, Singapore 038983, Tel: 6338 8775
Foie Gras & Apples ($25) Before you grimace, strangely enough, this innovative concoction actually works. The foie gras is rendered with French apple brandy calvados in sous vide for four hours before fatwashing the calvados. Grade B maple syrup is then added to the mixture to increase its intensity and bind the flavours together. Top it up with bourbon, angostura bitters, sugar-caramelised green apples and Sourz apple liqueur and you’ve got yourself a refreshing and meaty drink. Bar Stories, 57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189250, Tel: 6298 0838
Brotzeit launches Top German chef’s rewards card at date with Dolce Vita 8th Anniversary Get acquainted with Thomas Bühner, a three Michelin star chef
Brotzeit’s brand new rewards card means more beer and benefits Brotzeit recently held a mini-carnival at its flagship outlet at Star Vista in celebration of its 8th anniversary. There, a new rewards card was launched to bring customers more benefits and more beer and food at discounted prices. How it Works The Brotzeit Rewards & More card is a membership and stored value gift card that provides privileges and rewards whenever you make a purchase. To enjoy membership privileges and rewards and protect the balance stored in the card, simply register at Brotzeit’s corporate website. Some of the benefits include 10 per cent off your total a la carte bill, complimentary birthday treats and a Brotzeit item every 6th visit, with total minimum spending of $20 in every single receipt. How to Use Firstly, you have to load your Brotzeit Rewards & More card with a minimum of $50. You can then use your card to purchase any item at all Brotzeit outlets in Singapore. The expiry date is only three years from the date of your last transaction with your Brotzeit Rewards & More card. As long as you keep using your Brotzeit Rewards & More card, the expiry date keeps rolling. Contact Brotzeit at 6222 9443 or E-mail info@ brotzeit.co for more information.
Langoustine by Chef Thomas Bühner
Chef Thomas Bühner will be in Singapore from Apr 1 to 4 for the 18th World Gourmet Summit. While here, he will cook up a storm of signature cuisines at the Dolce Vita in Mandarin Oriental, joined by Dolce Vita’s hosting chef, Johnny Meitei.
Only the Best One of Germany’s top chefs for more than 20 years, Bühner has been running Restaurant La Vie in Osnabrück since April 2006. Bühner received the accolade of becoming a Relais & Chateaux “Grand Chef” in 2009, while the La Vie was granted membership of “Les Grandes Tables du Monde” in 2010. In 2012, Bühner was awarded his third Michelin star. On the Menu Available from Apr 2 to 4, Bühner’s four-course lunch is priced at $98++ per person, the five-course lunch at $138 ++, and dinner on Apr 1 at $488++ per person. Guests can look forward to food fare such as the hamachi (yellowtail), quinoa three-piece cauliflower with yuzu pralines, foie gras Coca Cola, and turbot with parsley infusion paired with savoury tandoori crème. Noteworthy masterpieces include the flavourful spicy ginger marinated langoustine with kroepoek crust; succulent Iberico pig, served with bell peppers, potato and creamy butter beans; and delectable beef fillet with braised chicory. Complete the fine dining experience with Almond Milk Custard, Frozen Pandan or Strawberry Cucumber, an indulgent treat of Hendrick’s gin jelly and basil meringue. For reservations, please E-mail mosin-dining@mohg.com or call 6885 3500.
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r e s ta u r a n t r e v i e w Horse’s Mouth Bloody Mary ($28) This beefy cocktail took six months to perfect. Steeping beef fat into Ketel One vodka, the homemade Kagoshima wagyu fatwashed vodka combined with English smoked vodka and French cherry tomatoes makes this the epitome of a savoury drink. Quite a meal in itself, Horse’s Mouth Bloody Mary is much akin to a hearty beef stew. Now, who’s up for a liquid diet? The Horse’s Mouth, Forum the Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884, Tel: 6235 1088 Caviar Motini ($1,888) You might just catch your breath even before you get a whiff of this baby. Priced at a stunning $1,888, the Caviar Motini was created with luxury in mind — offering an indulgent departure from traditional cocktails. Consisting of unusual ingredients such as black vodka, dry vermouth, lime juice and olives stuffed with Beluga, this unique cocktail is served with (yes, more) caviar — Iranian Beluga too, all 30g of it. I guess there’s never a thing as too much caviar. Axis Bar and Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797, Tel: 6885 3500 The Jewel of Pangaea ($32,000)
The ultimate representation of the opulent Pangaea lifestyle can be found in this aptly-named cocktail, the Jewel of Pangaea. Costing a wallet-burning 32 grand, the Jewel of Pangaea is notably the most expensive cocktail in Asia. Exclusively created by award-winning mixologist Ethan Leslie Leong, it contains premium ingredients such as Richard Hennessy cognac specially infused with edible gold flakes, a hickory smokeinfused raw sugar cube with Jerry Bitters and 1985 vintage Krug champagne, garnished with a one-karat Mouawad triple-X flawless diamond — bringing a whole new level to “on the rocks”. Pangaea, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Crystal Pavilion South, #B2-05, Singapore 018972, Tel: 8611 7013
Lazy lunch in Forest Forest unveils new gourmet offerings for its diners If you visit Forest in Equarius Hotel, be prepared to be wowed by the beautiful décor and airy space. Forest, helmed by local celebrity chef Sam Leong, serves a lazy Sunday lunch for you to relax over the weekend. Chef Sam’s Sunday lunch is an update of the brunch; only, this time, it is served. Into the Forest Available from 12pm to 3pm on Sundays, the lunch menu changes monthly to provide variety to customers. The eight-course meal ($68++) comprises six appetiser combinations such as Pan-seared Foie Gras with Smoked Duck Breast on Homemade Crispy Beancurd Skin, and a soft and silky Steamed Egg Chawanmushi with Hokkaido Scallop. We liked the chawanmushi very much; we’ve never tasted an egg custard that silky in a non-Japanese restaurant. Its offer of Wokfried Japanese Pearl Rice with Squid Ink in XO Chilli Sauce accompanied by Seared Hokkaido Scallop was our favourite main course.
The pearl rice was not sticky and had the scent of the sea, and the accompanying chilli sauce and scallop added spice and more bite to the rice. Slow-cooked Delights Other main courses include Slow-cooked Pork Ribs in spicy and sweet rice vinegar sauce and Steamed Salmon with Ginger Flower. The salmon is slow-cooked until tender and flaky, perfect if you are hankering after something light. The Slow-cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek with Cumin Powder in Black Truffle Sauce, one of Chef Sam’s specialities, is also good for its very tender meat. We also liked the Wok-fried Crispy Duck pressed confit and yam served with mushroom sauce. The dish reminded us of the typical Chinese fried yam ring stuffed with crispy duck. Yummy. So why not veer away from the typical eggsand-bacon Sunday brunch and indulge in this Asian lunch instead? Forest, Equarius Hotel, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Lobby, Tel: 6577 6688
Bloody Maria-San ($24)
At first sip, robust notes of kimchi will hit you hard before gradually growing on you. Combining Don Julio tequila with fresh lemon, celery and cherry tomatoes, kimchi sauce is then stirred in with a hint of white vinegar to enhance the flavours of umami. Sip this with a dash of homemade celery salt on the rim — this rendition of Bloody Mary will have you screaming for more. Catalunya Bar, The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, Tel: 6534 0886
buffet alert
Middle Eastern buffet delights
r e s ta u r a n t r e v i e w
Grecian charms by the Sea Hunkar Begendi
Grab a taste of the Middle East in our own backyard The Line, Shangri-la Singapore’s in-house restaurant, has launched a limited duration Middle Eastern addition to their buffet line-up. Entitled Al Souq, meaning local market in Arabic, The Line’s resident chef, Khaled Mohamed Elelimi Elorabi, will showcase his culinary expertise through a diverse range of authentic dishes from Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. This promotion is available for dinner only. The Line’s “Al Souq” Middle Eastern Exploration is available for dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm, daily. The dinner buffet is priced from $72++ per adult and at $36++ per child. Guests who wish to enjoy the beverage package, which includes free-flowing sparkling wine, house pour white and Arabic sweets red wine, draft beer, chilled juices and soft drinks, may add $25++ per adult. The non-alcoholic beverage package with chilled juices and soft drinks is priced at $15++ per person. Feast Highlights Don’t miss this chance to feast without Highlights from the buffet include an Omanihaving to fly to the Middle East! style Octopus carpaccio, marinated octopus slices with roasted coriander dressing and Go to www.shangrila.com/singapore/shangrila/ onion sumac and small side dishes such as dining for instant online reservations. falafel, Warak Inab – a rice roll wrapped in grape leaves, Tunisian lamb tagine and Balila, barley cooked in milk and served with mixed nuts, cinnamon and kataifi [cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup]. Arabic Hospitality As a welcome drink, guests will be served a glass of exotic hibiscus tea, a common beverage in the Middle East. It contains vitamin C and is said to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To further add excitement to the dinner experience, guests will be treated to specialities at various kitchens, whenever the gong is sounded.
Sunday lunch at Forest, Menu B
Savour a taste trip to Quayside Isle with Mykonos on the Bay Apart from the longstanding Blu Cuzina, the Greek food scene in Singapore isn’t all that exciting or significant. Imagine my excitement when I found out this new place on Quayside Isle. Part of Mangiatutto Pte Ltd (the people behind Cugini, Solepomodoro and Los Primos), Mykonos on the Bay mimics the azure blue of the Aegean Sea; its fixtures for the décor were imported from Greece and the food, traditionally Greek. Sun, Sea & Breeze Mykonos’ convivial atmosphere on a Sunday makes you feel as if you’re abroad. The place is filled with expat and local families, with children and dogs running around. Think of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding and how big Greek family events can get. With that in mind, I’d say going to Mykonos in a big group would be a welcome option for communal dining. The appetisers are quite rich at Mykonos. I loved the Graviera Saganaki ($15.90), a sinful dish of pan-fried graviera cheese glazed with ouzo and lemon juice. And what is Greek food without a Dip Platter
($27). Mykonos’ version comes with a basket of freshly-baked pita bread and three varied dips – eggplant, fava and taramosalata spreads. Fans of feta cheese might enjoy the Horiatiki ($21), a traditional Greek salad with Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, red onion, cucumber and a large slab of feta cheese. My Big Fat Greek Meal Mykonos’ mains are equally filling and good to share if you’d like variety. The soft and comforting Mousaka ($27), an eggplant casserole with braised beef sauce and rich béchamel sauce is the star dish. If you love seafood, go for the Mixed Grill Platter ($89 for two). It comes with catch of the day, prawns, mussels, tender calamari and octopus. The taste of the sea is evident and the sizzling from the grill really comes through. Dessert didn’t disappoint either. The Baklava ($15.90), a filo pastry roll with bitter chocolate, orange zest and walnut filling spiced with clove and cinnamon was a sweet and light-enough end to the wholesome meal. Mykonos on the Bay, Quayside Isle, 31 Ocean Way, #01-10, Tel: 6334 3818 Cheryl Chia cheryl@weekender.com.sg
Tahini (pistachio dessert)
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Travelation
weekender.com.sg
jAPAN : The h liday for ladies The cities in Japan are among the most high-tech and bustling in the world
Visit beautiful places such as Otaru Japan is a shopper’s paradise
Among many things, Japan is known for its good customer service Japanese history and architecture is intriguing and colourful Sushi is a favourite in Singapore but the quality in Japan is incomparable
Japanese hot springs or onsen are the most relaxing places on Earth
Clean coastal waters produce a host of fresh and delectable seafood
From single ladies to corporate biggies, Japan attracts women because of its safety and quality of food, service, attractions, art and culture, and things to buy
J
apan offers a wealth of things to do for the successful woman, who will not bat an eyelid to spending big bucks on quality food and service, and a unique travel experience. Relaxing at traditional ryokans and spas, dining on exclusive seasonal food, train journeys, visits to castles and music concerts, and top city life are big draws. Among the Best Seafood & Scenery Towns like Otaru, a picturesque fishing town with cobblestone streets, romantic canals and gas street lamps along the waterfront, are attractions for successful women because of their good food and romantic ambience. Otaru enjoys a gastronomic calendar with wealthy Japanese and travellers from all over the world. Women food enthusiasts descend upon this tranquil town for some of the most superb seafood in the world. It may be expensive but it is seasonal seafood at its best. Clean coastal waters produce an abundance of crabs, clams, oysters and so many other types of delectable seafood. Local specialities include shako (mantis shrimp), sake (salmon), ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin) and kani (crab). Sushi is the highlight. A whole street known fondly as Sushiya Street is dedicated to sushi
with sushi bars and eateries serving the best sushi in the world. There are large restaurants to six-seaters at the counter, where the skilful chef gives you personal service. Ryokan & Wellness Ideal for spoiling yourself, ryokan are traditional Japanese inns located especially in hot spring areas. Ryokan offers the whole Japanese lifestyle experience and is not only a place to sleep. Exceptional hospitality incorporates elements such as tatami floors, futon beds, Japanese-style baths and local cuisine. Ryokan stays usually include an elaborate dinner in the evening, followed by breakfast the next morning. Meals are typically kaiseki ryori (Japanese haute cuisine) that feature local and seasonal specialities. Because of their emphasis on traditional style, ryokan may appear rigid and intimidating for the first-timer unfamiliar with the procedures and etiquette. In reality, they make a special and relaxing experience that everyone should take the opportunity to try. In order to help set your mind at ease, the following offers an explanation of what to expect during a ryokan visit. Some ryokan are small, family-run establishments with just a few rooms, while others are large, hotel-like facilities with hundreds of rooms. Wealthy women
Sensory and aesthetic experiences are important to the Japanese
appreciate the safety and Japanese tradition and will seek high-end ryokan, which costs thousands of dollars a day. But it is a unique experience not to be missed. On the Shinkansen to Osaka You will find speedy and efficient rail service on the famous bullet train, Shinkansen, which criss-crosses the country and connects many attractive sites. Speeding at 300kmh, the train takes you to towns such as Osaka, where women enjoy the history and culture of the ancient town. Attractions include: Osaka Castle – The construction of Osaka Castle (Osakajo) started in 1583 AD on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga, the samurai warlord, 13 years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to
become the centre of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time. Dotonbori – This is the heart of Osaka nightlife full of theatres, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and night clubs. It is perfect for women to forget about work and get together with girlfriends to let loose. Shitennoji Temple – The oldest temple in Japan, built over 1,400 years ago, this temple is famous for its symmetrical design and even has an architectural arrangement named after it, “Shitenno-ji-style temple layout”. Shopping & Nightlife Japan is known for its quality service standards from the largest retailer to the smallest familyrun shop. Top shopping districts in Japan include Ginza, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Harajuku, Omotesando and such. Each of these locales offer its own unique sub-culture such as the top labels in Ginza, shopping alleys in Shibuya, the otaku (anime and manga) culture of Akihabara and the hip hop and school crowds of Harajuku. Its relatively safe night streets mean that women can let their hair down till the wee hours without anxiety. Hundreds of dance clubs, gay bars, jazz bars and party spots entertain until 5am. For a unique experience, try night spots outside Tokyo. In Kyoto there are many geisha bars, and kabuki theatre at Minami-za Theatre. Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization Singapore Office at www.jnto.org or www.facebook.com/visitjapan2010 for more information.
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weekender.com.sg
March 21 - 27, 2014
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TRAVELation
Bucket List Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime
Pearl diving in Bahrain Pearl diving has been a source of income for Bahrain as far back as 5,000 years ago, before oil. Why not dive for your very own? Bahrain is known as a country of water. Its name means “two seas” in Arabic. Shallow waters lap the coastline as the small country nestles upon the western shores of the Persian Gulf. Known for its ancient Persian empires, it combines Arabic culture with its own ancient heritage. With 92 per cent of the country being desert, the seas and waters are a welcome sight. Keep the Pearl You Find Find that oyster, keep that pearl. The fresh water springs located beneath the sea bed are said to produce highlustre pearls that are much sought after. There are over 600 sqm of warm, shallow waters in which you can enjoy a diving experience as well as the unique adventure of searching for pearls and oysters. Few spots in the world have such an abundance of oyster beds. The good news is that every pearl you find is yours to keep.
New technology in diving equipment enables a better pearl diving experience. You can stay underwater longer and collect more oysters and pearls. As the dive spots of the oyster beds normally have currents, modern techniques simplify the dive with ropes from the boat attached to the collecting bag, so that you will not be hindered. Bountiful Bulthama Apart from pearls, there is one reef in Bahrain that offers lots of marine life – Bulthama. The small dive site is about a two-hour boat ride to the north of Bahrain and boasts beautiful hard and soft corals, moray eels, sea snakes as well as hundreds of species of fish. After your dive, you can visit the many souks (markets) for shopping and unique food especially the seafood, ghoozi (lamb stuffed with rice), flatbreads and pomegranates. Also, the district of Manama has festivals and concerts every year to keep you entertained. Forget about souvenir-buying in Bahrain. Dive for a pearl of the highest quality. By Freda Saunders Dive in Bahrain with a twist: for oysters and pearls!
L OW- C O S T G E TAWAY S
Medan for a change of scene
Experience the lush greenery, the blue lakes and the gentle animals in Medan
The intense competition among low-cost carriers and budget airlines is good news to travellers. This capital of North Sumatra in Indonesia is always a draw
M
edan in Indonesia is always on the list as an inexpensive but delightful break from the office and school. The bustling capital of North Sumatra has a wealth of ethnic diversity so that its culture and food are fascinating and attractive. Its population comprises Chinese, Javanese, Toba-Batak, Minangkabau, Mandailing Batak, Karo Batak, Southern Indians, Northern Indians, as well as other ethnic minorities. Medan’s colonial Dutch heritage also adds to its colourful ethnic mosaic.
Taste Paradise The food streets of Medan are packed with stalls selling anything from mouth-watering Padang cuisine to Indian curries, to Javanese desserts, to Chinese noodles, to the sizzling grilled meats of the Batak. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, Medan is food heaven. The food items that you should not miss include satay Padang, duck bee hoon, rendang, Dutch cookies and durian. The hawker stalls opposite the Dutch-built Hospital Santa Elisabeth open in the evening, with some of the best food the whole country has to offer. Idyllic Experience After eating your heart out, hire a becak (trishaw) for a day to see the lovely green parks and old houses
that the Dutch left behind. The beautiful Al Mashun Grand Mosque was also designed by a Dutch architect in a Moroccan style in 1909 and built with beautiful materials imported from around the world. Old shop houses also take you back to Singapore in the early 1950s. For a spot of wildlife, head out of the city to Bukit Lawang where you can jungle trek and see orang utans at an orang utan rehabilitation station. You’ll be charmed by these gentle folk of the forest. After that, you can tube down the river at exhilarating speeds for wet and wild fun that only nature can promise. Further afield, you can head to the tranquillity of the famous Lake Toba, the mountain villages of Brastagi, and Sibayak volcano, which you can climb. There are flights to Medan at promotional prices, on AirAsia or Jetstar.
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weekender.com.sg
P OWER 9 8 T R AV E L
5 THINGS TO EXPERIENCE IN
Macau
DJ Shareen Wong shares with us different reasons to visit this former Portuguese colony
C
hange the way you see Macau. It is no longer strictly reserved for gamblers. Get set for a weekend of chic hotels, fabulous gourmet and street food and an impressive list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here are five great reasons for you to visit the island.
Chan Kong Kei Black Pepper Roast Duck
5. Best Black Pepper Roast Duck Chan Kong Kei serves up the best roast duck and goose in Macau (and possibly even in Hong Kong). Head to this place that has over 50 years of experience in serving duck, with a special homemade black pepper sauce! It’s a stroll away from the famous Senado Square. Its other roast meats and porridge look fab too. Go early and be prepared to queue. 4. World’s Highest Bungee Jump If you’re a bit of a daredevil, why not experience the world’s highest
bungee jump? Enjoy sweeping views of the city and you’ll have a great story to tell. Even if a bungee or sky jump is not your thing, the skywalk around the outer rim of the Macau Tower, 61 floors up, is highly recommended. Although you might get a little weak in the knees initially, it’ll be one of the most thrilling things you’ll ever do!
The Ruins of St Paul’s
2. Guia Fortress While hordes of tourists head to Senado Square and jostle to take a picture in front of the Ruins of St Paul’s, I’ve always found another less famous attraction more fascinating. The Guia Fortress sits on top of a hill and promises a panoramic view of the city. You’ll also find the oldest lighthouse on the China coast, which was built in 1865, and a sweet little chapel that dates back to 1622! Inside the tiny chapel you’ll see frescoes of biblical stories and characters done in the style of a Chinese painting.
Macau, eat an egg tart a day or maybe three. Save yourself the trek to the original store in Coloane and just head to the Lord Stow Café at The Venetian. Also, don’t bother with Margaret’s Café (his ex-wife’s shop). The staff is rude and the tart is inferior. Top Tip Bring a box of six Portuguese egg tarts with you on the plane! By the time you return home, they still taste good and help the memory of Macau to linger. Catch Shareen Wong on the only travel show on local radio, “Getaways”, on Wednesdays, 7pm to 8pm, on Power 98FM. Follow her on Instagram @TheWongWay98
Michelin star restaurant Guincho A Galera’s superb Seafood Stew
3. Guincho A Galera Macau is known for its Portuguese influence and, besides the architecture, food is a great way to experience this mix of east meets west. As the first international branch of a Michelin star restaurant in Portugal, the food at Guincho A Galera is superb and so is the service. Great dishes include The Seafood Stew, the Baked Crab Meat in Shell and the Black Iberico Pork with Mussels. The set lunch is incredible value at about $40 for three courses, and $50 for five! Tucked away on the third floor of Hotel Lisboa, this is a gem of a restaurant.
About Shareen Wong
The famous Portuguese egg tarts in Macau
1. Lord Stow’s Egg Tart The light flaky pastry and filling of the Portuguese egg art are just right. What’s there not to love? When in
About Shareen Wong Shareen Wong is Programming Consultant of Power 98FM. She loves that Macau is quickly becoming a rival to its HK neighbour in terms of great eats and restaurants and loves its unique blend of East meets west. Tune in to her on Power 98.
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