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ISSUE 80 May 9 - 15, 2014
world cup fever
the most handsome Footballer is...
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT AND WIN! Photos: David Beckham: Photo Works; Cristiano Ronaldo: efecreata media group; Gerard Pique, Jesus Navas: Maxisport; Wesley Sneijder: Laszlo Szirtesi; Oguchi Onyewu: lev radin; Wayne Rooney, Jay Spearing: Ahmad Faizal Yahya; Ronaldinho, Ronaldo: Maxisport; Mesut Oezil: Herbert Kratky; All photos from shutterstock.com
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Entertainment FUN @ SENTOSA
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Free! Sebastião Salgado’s most epic 8-year photography journey Until 27 Jul, 10am World-renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado presents his journey into the distant corners of the world and the communities which reside in them. 245 black-and-white photographs will be showcased at the National Museum of Singapore marking the Paris-based Brazilian photographer’s premiere solo exhibition in Asia. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd, www.facebook.com/National.Museum. of.Singapore
The Beerkini festival will be held at Bikini Bar at Siloso Beach
Mother’s Day Celebrations Until 11 May, 11am–3pm (lunch), 6.30pm–11pm (dinner), from $70 per pax This Mother’s Day, treat your mothers and grandmothers to an exquisite four-course Thai cuisine meal that will pamper their taste buds. Thanying Restaurant, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Private Baxter Tour Every Fri–Sun and PH, 12.30pm & 3.30pm (Beach Station Bus Bay), 12.40pm & 3.40pm (Fort Siloso Tram Stop), Price TBA Meet Private Baxter at the Beach Station for an exclusive guided tour of Fort Siloso. Enrich your experience of Singapore’s past and explore the historical remains of the once-mighty Fortress of Singapore. Fort Siloso - sign up at the Beach Ticketing counter & board the Fort Tram with Private Baxter. Beerkini Rocks 31 May, 8pm till late Bring along your fun-loving friends and drinking buddies and party the entire Saturday away! A quarterly party, Beerkini Rocks is back bigger and louder for the second time this year. Rock-on to a lineup of spirited and entertaining live performances by Tabula, and supported by Inertia. Don’t forget to check out the crazy drinking promos and exciting games throughout the day. Bikini Bar, Siloso Beach Makan Sutra Eat with a vengeance at Palawan Beach. The eatery features iconic hawkers dishing out chicken rice, grilled satay and sizzling spicy crab and more for your feasting pleasure! All Sentosa Islander cardholders enjoy 10% off food and drinks. Islander Sweet Treats - Happy Mother’s Day! 11 May The first 100 mothers to present their Islander membership card at Merlion Plaza Islander counter will receive a Magic Towel (worth $3.90) on us, for their special day! Limited to 1 magic towel per card holder. Whilst stocks last. T&Cs apply. Unlimited fun all year round! There’s never a dull moment when you are a Sentosa Islander! Catch all the fun activities happening on the island every sat & Sun For more information, visit www.sentosa.com
A) North of the Ob River, about 100km inside the Yamal peninsula, fierce winds keep even daytime temperatures low. When the weather is particularly hostile, the Nenets and their reindeer may spend several days in the same place, doing repair work on sledges and reindeer skins to keep busy. The deeper they move into the Arctic Circle, the less vegetation is to be found.
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B) In the Upper Xingu region of Brazil’s Mato Grosso state, a group of Waura Indians fish in the Puilanga Lake near their village. The Upper Xingu Basin is home to an ethnically-diverse population, with the 2,500 inhabitants of 13 villages speaking languages with distinct Carib, Tupi and Arawak roots. While they occupy different territories and preserve their own cultural identities, they co-exist in peace.
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C) Teureum, sikeirei and leader of the Mentawai clan. This shaman is preparing a filter for sago, with the leaves of this same tree.
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a visual feast for the weekend A troubled German teen meets a Berber girl in Morocco, in Exit Marrakech
new! European Union Film Festival (Euff) 15 - 25 May, various timings A total of 27 films from some of the most relevant European Filmmakers will be made available at the 24th European Film Festival this May. Here are some of the highlights of Euff 2014. The Great Beauty (Italy) A film about a writer’s awakening from the inebriation of Rome’s success and pleasures. The Great Beauty won the Best Foreign Language
now on
Check out these events & activities happening this week
New! #UnicornMoment Until 10 May, 8pm (Thu & Fri), 3pm & 8pm (Sat), $28, $10 (Students), $19 (NSFs and Senior Citizens) The show stars Shu An who’s confident and bubbly, yet she struggles to discover herself. She experiences “unicorn moments” where flashes of clarity and knowledge disappear swiftly. Explore what it means to find happiness, meaning and your own way in life amidst the push and pull of outside voice and societal standards. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.sistic.com.sg New! The Rise and Fall of Little Voice Until 18 May, 8pm (Tue-Fri), 3pm & 8pm (Sat), 3pm (Sun), $18 onwards The Rise & Fall of Little Voice tells the story of a shy,
reclusive girl named LV - or Little Voice and her larger than life, boozy, out-ofcontrol mother, Mari. The award-winning showcase is set to change your life with a humorous and heartwarming story by colourful characters. Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street, www.sistic.com.sg Free! 10 For Keeps, Memories to Cherish Until 25 May, 10am-9pm It’s time to feel nostalgic again and we celebrate Singapore’s past memories that are close to our hearts. Boasting a curated selection of the top 10 most cherished memories from local personalities such as Anthony Chen, Kumar and Najip Ali. National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, www.iremember.sg
Film of the 2014 Oscars and Golden Globes. What Richard Did (Ireland) A teenager with a crime of passion ends the life of his love rival. The most commercially successful Irish film of 2012. This Is Sanlitun (Iceland) A comedy about a British expat in Beijing and his know-it-all mentor. Premiered at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Shaw Lido
New! Aquanova’s Vivacious Saturday Until 27 Dec, every Saturday, 10.30pm Ladies, enjoy free entry every Saturday at Aquanova with resident trio Patrick, Abby and Haizad. Let them enchant you with their various musical talents and distinct personalities. Enjoy 10% off all premium white and red wines! Aquanova, 3 River Valley Road #01-09 Clarke Quay, www.aquanova.sg
New! Free! Erdinger Maifest 2014 9-10 May, 7pm-11pm Welcome spring the traditional German way with Maifest (pronounced
May Fest), brought to you by Erdinger, the No. 1 privatelyowned German wheat beer in the world. Featuring a 5-metre tall Maypole in the centre of the event area, a limited-edition Erdinger seasonal brew, Erdinger Urweiss, specially created German dishes such as Dunkel hotdogs and performances by German band Ois Easy. Clarke Quay Central Foundation Area, 3E River Valley Road, www.facebook. com/Erdinger.SG New! Tailored and Precise 10 May, $15-$20 An afternoon at the Joyden Hall learning about the latest innovations and the progress in cancer treatment options. Hear from experts the use of genetic and molecular profiling for patients and know the new personal care for cancer. The Joyden Hall, 201 Victoria Street, www.sciencewerke.com
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weekender.com.sg New! Free! Garden SeriesLine Dancing 10 May, 6.30pm–10.30pm Bring the family with your mother and down to the Gardens and kick off the Mother’s Day weekend with infectious line dancing. Immerse yourself in the wondrous beauty around the Supertree Grove and get ready for the fun-filled performances and mass dancing. Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, www.gardensbythebay.com
COMING SOON
New! Asia Fashion Summit 2014 15-17 May, $149 onwards The fifth annual Asia Fashion Summit provides expert information on all things fashion. A gathering of global fashion thinkers and entrepreneurs to discuss how fashion is produced, consumed and understood. A must-attend for fashionistas. Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, www.asiafashionsummit.com New! Free! Transformers Age of Extinction Toys Launch 16-17 May, 10pm-3am Be the first to own the much-anticipated Transformers Age of Extinction toys at the stroke of midnight! As we count down to the launch, revel in fun-filled activities and have your photos taken with your favourite Transformers characters. Also, limited edition premiums to be won with purchase. Toys ‘R’ Us, Forum the Shopping Mall, www.facebook.com/hasbrosingapore
New! 2014 CN Blue Live- Can’t Stop 10 May, 7pm-9pm, from $108 Following the much-awaited release of their 5th mini-album, Can’t Stop, CNBLUE will be embarking on their new concert tour for in Singapore. Undoubtedly one of the most prominent bands in Korea’s music scene, don’t miss the only night to catch them belt out their newest release as well as classic hits! Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, www.sportshub.com.sg
New! Emergency Couple Fan Meet 16 May, 7pm, $98 onwards Look up, for the romantic comedy drama Emergency Couple’s Song Ji Hyo and Choi Jin Hyuk is heading down to the Kallang Theatre to meet their fans personally! Get to know your favourite television couple close up this May. Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, www.kallangtheatre.com
The School of Positive Psychology Open House Sat, 10 May, 10.30am5pm, FREE Decipher the intricacies of the human mind to develop a greater understanding of yourself and others at The School of Positive Psychology (TSPP) Open House. Those hoping to explore the complexities of emotions will be interested in talks such as “The Secret Language of Feelings” while those who are sceptical about hypnotherapy should attend “The Truth about Hypnosis”. Other talks include topics such as psychotherapy, business psychology and psychology course previews. TSPP is the first school in Asia to promote the art, science and practice of positive psychology – a recent branch of psychology dedicated to the study of happiness and fulfilment in life. Concorde Hotel, 100 Orchard Road, #03-20/21, Singapore 238840. Call 6884 5162 / 6884 5177 or E-mail info@positivepsych.edu.sg for more information about events this month!
FREE! DBS Marina Regatta 2014 17-18 May Be part of the biggest water sports festival ever in Singapore! Watch local and international dragon boat teams battle, against the backdrop of Marina Bay’s beautiful waters. Also happening on the weekend are the Asia Cosplay Meet, Drum challenge and Asian Food Festival featuring local Social Enterprises. With every selfie taken at the event and shared online with hashtag #dbsmarinaregatta, DBS will donate one meal to a needy primary school student. Marina Bay, 10 Bayfront Avenue, www.dbsmarinaregatta.com
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Book your tickets in advance for these choice picks
new! Affordable Art Fair 23–25 May, various timings, $15 onwards For the second time in Singapore, the Affordable Art Fair brings back its second fair with a new line-up of artwork from local and international galleries. Fun and affordable activities for the whole family to enjoy! F1 Pit Building, Republic Boulevard, www.affordableartfair.com/singapore new! FREE! Bluefin Tuna Cutting Ceremony 24 May, 3pm Witness the amazing skill and finesse involved in slicing a 60 kg Bluefin tuna, flown in fresh from Japan, Master Chef Takahiro Ishida performs the sacred art of cutting tuna at Jurong Point this May! Jurong Point Shopping Centre, Main Atrium New! Lion Dash 8 June, 8.30am Sprint, $75, 12pm Beast, $105 Summon the lion in you at the greatest mud feud in Singapore, with the return of the Lion Dash presented by Columbia! This June, get ready for more heart-pumping action alongside familiar obstacles and some devilishly challenging new ones including, the Python Pit, Escape Route, Push Up Poaches and Slippery Slope. www.liondash.com New! Stefanie Sun 2014 Kepler World Tour 5 Jul, 8pm, $98+ onwards Singapore’s very own Mandopop queen returns after her 5-year hiatus kicking off her 2014 Kepler Tour with two sold out shows in the Taipei Arena last February. Get ready for her one-night only performance at the National Stadium come this July. Tickets now available. National Stadium, Stadium Road, www.unusual.com.sg
New! Vasantham Live at Esplanade 18 May, 7.30-9.30pm, $20 Watch your favourite Vasantham celebrities at the Esplanade for live performances featuring local dramas Akalya, Vanjam and more! Also featuring local musical compositions and hosts Jay Nesh and Udaya. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive 03, www.esplanade.com
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Mark your calendars for these events happening in two to four weeks
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Handsome Footballers If you aren’t into the “beautiful game” here are some beautiful specimens for you to drool over Having a little more eye candy on screen never hurt anyone. Here are a few good looking footballers. Women, hold your drool.
1. David Beckham Rising from being a mere football youngster to a superstar and household name, the 38-yearold Beckham easily commands attention. He was most-recently seen (and drooled over) pimping out his physique in underwear ads for H&M.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo The highest-paid player in the history of football, this Portuguese native earns a purported $21 million a year. Apart from his prowess on the field, Ronaldo also has his own line of clothing, CR7 and the chiselled face of Adonis. Not surprisingly, hordes of women swoon over him.
3. Gerard Pique This Barcelona star is also known as Colombian singer Shakira’s partner. The pair just had an adorable son, Milan, last year. Other than scoring a hot WAG (Wife and Girlfriend), Pique also owns a pair of stunning baby blues for a gaze we could get lost in.
4. Jesus Navas Apart from being handsome, with piercing eyes, this plucky Spaniard was diagnosed with anxiety, seizures and chronic homesickness. He seems to have rid himself of the condition, being based with Manchester City now, to the delight of many Brits, we’re sure.
5. Wesley Sneijder This fair representative from the Netherlands stands out from the crowd of handsome Latinos with a distinctive boyish look of his own. He is also ambidextrous, enhancing his abilities on the field. But back off, ladies, this one is married and his wife is beautiful too.
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6. Oguchi Onyewu This American of Nigerian descent may have a name that’s a mouthful to some of us, and he’s caused a bit of controversy with racial accusations against Jelle Van Damme of Anderlecht. However, girls love a tough guy and his charming features are sure to convince.
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...and 5 who may lose out on looks but not talent We’re having a little mean-spirited fun here with some of the less comely footballers, in our opinion. You tell us if these are faces only a mother could love. Still, they are oozing with talent.
1.Wayne Rooney His foul temper doesn’t help sweeten his visage one bit. Mean fans have compared him to an ape and he is apparently considered “too ugly” to be included in Real Madrid alongside dashing hunks such as Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid fans have christened him with the not-soflattering moniker of “El Shrek”.
2. Ronaldinho All right, we don’t really need to say much for this one. The buck teeth, wiry hair, perpetual “struck” look on his face... OK, we’ve said it all. But, Ronaldinho does endear himself to all with his selfdeprecating admission that he is ugly but “has charm”.
3. Ronaldo We’ll cut the Brazilian Ronaldo some slack as he is already 34 years old and no longer playing football professionally. Still, even in his prime, he was no looker. Strange that he got hitched with a couple of babes!
4. Mesut Oezil Quite often compared to Sid the sloth from Ice Age, this German player of Turkish descent has the last laugh. Oezil is currently dating a pretty blonde, Mandy Capristo, and before that he dated a bevy of beauties. We guess the world works in mysterious ways?
5. Jay Spearing Despite being only 25 years old, Briton Jay Spearing looks much the worse for wear. As of 2011, he’s settled with his girlfriend and has a daughter as well. Not too bad.
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5 Photos: David Beckham: Photo Works Cristiano Ronaldo: efecreata media group Gerard Pique, Jesus Navas: Maxisport Wesley Sneijder: Laszlo Szirtesi Oguchi Onyewu: lev radin Wayne Rooney, Jay Spearing: Ahmad Faizal Yahya Ronaldinho, Ronaldo: Maxisport Mesut Oezil: Herbert Kratky All photos from shutterstock.com
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weekender.com.sg
Wo r l d C u p F e v e r
12 Best football films of all time You may not know this but there has been a number of great football films released that should not be missed So you eat, drink, sleep, watch and talk football. What’s there to do while waiting for a game or after? Catch any one of these brilliant films on football and it will give you new perspective on the beautiful game.
football history, scoring an own goal that eliminated his nation from the competition. That mistake ultimately cost him his life. The Two Escobars is a gripping, hard look at the intersection of sports, crime and politics. cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com
1. One Night in Turin (2010) Before the Premier League, in England, “football” was a dirty word. The game was in disgrace with the scourge of hooligans and poor international results. Then came Italia ‘90 – The World Cup. This shot at redemption did not come easy. Over six weeks, through sheer hard work, God-given talent and heroic exploits, the England team united a nation, coming within a heartbeat of reaching the Final. Narrated by Gary Oldman, this film features nostalgic action, including the silky skills of Gazza, the finishing of Lineker, and Platt’s last-gasp winner against Belgium. Together with previously unseen footage, this is a rousing record.
5. Green Street Hooligans (2005) Matt Buckner (Elijah Wood) is expelled from Harvard when a stash of cocaine is found in his possession. He moves to London to live with his sister and her husband. He is quickly introduced to Steve’s younger brother, Pete. One day, Matt is viciously attacked by a gang of Birmingham City hooligans, until Pete and his friends arrive to save him. Matt realises that Pete and his friends are also football hooligans, operating the Green Street Elite ‘firm’. This film is known to have one of the more realistic portrayals of football hooligans and their modus operandi. Stars Elijah Wood and Claire Forlani.
6. Goal! (2005) Former Manchester United star Cantona attends the premiere of Looking for Eric
3. Looking for Eric (2009) How can anyone overlook a film about Manchester United’s “King” Eric Cantona? Eric Bishop is a middle-aged postman working for the Manchester sorting office. He is going through a crisis and decides to seek advice from his idol, the United legend, Eric Cantona. The famously philosophical Frenchman aids him through a series of characteristic and peculiar aphorisms. Amusing, to say the least.
Santiago Munez is the son of Mexican immigrants in the USA. Instead of joining his father’s gardening company, he has even bigger dreams of a better life, which includes becoming a professional footballer. As fate would have it, he is spotted as a natural talent and gets a trial with Newcastle United. Will he rise to football stardom, or will his party animal housemate drag him down? There is a sequel, though many agree that this first film is better and less commercial.
s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
Photo Works / Shutterstock.com
8. Bend it like Beckham (2002) This modern classic is a comedy about an 18-yearold Sikh girl who dreams of becoming a professional footballer and playing with Manchester United’s David Beckham. Jesminder’s talent is overshadowed by her traditional parents’ desire for her to find a nice boyfriend, cook the perfect chapati, and settle down. Bend It like Beckham was the big screen debut of Parminder Nagra, who later went on to star in various popular TV series such as “ER”, “Psych” and “The Blacklist”. The film also featured Keira Knightley in arguably her first starring role. Shaznay Lewis of girl band All Saints also has a supporting part. This film is great for more than a few laughs and is meaningful too. s_bukley / Shutterstock.com
Maxisport / Shutterstock.com
Mean Machine stars former football hard man Vinnie Jones
A young Robinho is featured in Ginga Is football worth a life?
2. The Two Escobars (2010) Pablo Escobar was the most powerful drug kingpin in the world, ruling the Medellin cartel. Meanwhile, Andres Escobar was one of the biggest football stars in Colombia. Colombia was highly favoured to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, Andres committed one of the most shocking mistakes in
4. Ginga: The Soul of Brasilian Football (2005) This film was originally developed by Nike to promote its Brazilian ad campaign, and showcases rising stars. It is known for featuring a young Robinho, who moved to Real Madrid. A 60-minute version was screened at Nike’s parties and over some TV stations worldwide, to much acclaim. It is quite insightful and inspiring for a film of that length.
7. The Other Final (2003) Disappointed with the failure of the Netherlands to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Dutch fan Johan Kramer decides to do something interesting and meaningful to take his mind off. He organises a match between the two lowest FIFA-ranked teams – Bhutan and Montserrat. This match takes place on the same day as the World Cup Final. “The Other Final” is heart-warming and insightful.
9. Mean Machine (2001) Mean Machine is most famous for starring former football hard man Vinnie Jones, who played for Wimbledon, Leeds and Chelsea. A disgraced football star, Danny “Mean Machine” Meehan, is jailed for assault. He later leads a group of inmates in a match against the prison guards. The match is a chance for him to redeem himself, and to put one over the evil prison guards. Also stars Jason Statham of The Transporter fame. Definitely entertaining. Continued on Page 22
Stay ENGAGED It is near impossible to stay up to date on every game being played at the World Cup, or to stay up to watch every single game. Here are useful mobile apps that could help you stay engaged with the games you miss out on.
Parminder Nagra later starred in “ER”
Wout Kok/ Shutterstock.com
Bhutan squared off with Montserrat as the two lowest FIFA-ranked teams
How to get the best out of the World Cup
Oezil is one of the hottest names in football right now
Make the most of your World Cup experience with these tips The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil is just around the corner and, for football fans around the world, not a moment sooner. Here are some tips to make the best of your World Cup Experience!
Pick a Side! A football game is always more enjoyable when you are supporting one team. Be closer to the action by feeling the passion and the pain of your favourite team. If you don’t already have a team, or if your team is knocked out early, pick another one! It is not easy to pick a favourite among all the talented teams going to Brazil but a simple way is to pick the country from which your favourite football club is from, or from which most of your favourite players are.
Football with Friends Watching with company heightens your game experience and viewing becomes much more fun. Gather a group of your dearest friends at a bar or at home. If you support the same team, even better. You can share in the joy or stand in solidarity in sorrow. It may not be such a good idea to watch with colleagues as you would still have to see them the next day, even if you’ve had a big tiff! Nonetheless, a little friendly rivalry or pre-game “trash talk” is always fun.
The Football App Connect with leagues and cup competitions from around the world. The app gives you real-time updates on all World Cup Games. FIFA 14 by EA Sports EA Sport’s football game helps you get in on the action, virtually.
Catch the Superstars in Action The 2014 World Cup will be full of amazing football stars, and we have picked two from the cream of the crop for you. Be sure to watch these star players hit the field for 90 or more minutes of football wizardry.
Neymar (Brazil) The young Neymar moved to Spanish giants Barcelona not long ago, and is currently one of the hottest talents in world football. Neymar, along with his Brazilian team mates, is among the most anticipated talents not to be missed at the World Cup.
Mesut Oezil (Germany) With a shocking move to Arsenal from Real Madrid, Oezil is perhaps the greatest German midfielder in an already dominating German team. Oezil is sure to delight many with his elegant playing style. Which player do you think we should look out for? Drop us a personal message at www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp and tell us why. By Basil Lee
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Entertainment
be happier
Excuse me, are you an (ex-)model? We catch up with Pat Kraal, Singaporean supermodel of the ‘80s, who was recently in town The 1980s saw the dawn of the age of the original Supermodels. There was former First Lady of France, Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Iman, Christy Turlington and our very own Pat Kraal. Back then, Pat Kraal modelled for Parisian fashion designer and couturier, Jean Louis Scherrer for five years. She recently returned to Singapore to judge the Model Search Grand Finals, organised by Jurong Point, in partnership with Carrie Models International. She is now a talent scout for Global Faces Management.
and how has it been? It was a coincidence. I consider myself to be a foodie. I love gourmet dining and I absolutely appreciate good food. I have been following this Spanish chef whose impressive culinary experiences include a stint at the three-Michelinstarred restaurant Santi, in Spain. When the opportunity to work together presented itself, we went into it without hesitation.
be happier
Sing along with Constance Song Constance Song shares with us her experience with Toy Factory Productions and her involvement in its upcoming fundraiser
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ocal bilingual theatre company Toy Factory Productions is thrilled to present Like! Musical, to be held as part of a charity dinner at Singapore Marriott Hotel on May 16. The fundraising concert showcases the company’s most memorable musical tunes performed by a stellar cast of artistes such as Constance Song. We speak with Constance on her involvement.
Who is the beneficiary of the fundraiser? The beneficiary of the fundraiser is Toy Factory Productions. This inaugural fundraising initiative by Toy Factory Productions is conceived
by Chief Artistic Director Goh Boon Teck, who hopes that the company, with the support of the public, can continue to create and present more groundbreaking and inspiring works that will captivate audiences worldwide as well as provide the platform for more local talents to pursue performing arts in Singapore. With the company’s direction to do more musicals in the next two years, these funds will be beneficial in raising the standard and quality of future productions.
What will you be singing in Like!? I will be singing a track titled “I Have a Date with Spring”.
You have a stake in BAM! Tapas as well. What made you decide to venture into F&B
Any memorable or funny moments on stage that you can share with us? I was working with Toy Factory Productions on my first musical, “I Have a Date with Spring”, and I was constantly on the lookout in case anything unexpected happens. During one of the night performances, my microphone was not functioning well and I had to be called backstage to change the microphone mid-way through! We managed to pull through and all thanks to my experienced co-actors too.
What would you like to say to Singaporeans? Please support local productions so that we can have more opportunity to improvise and bring the best to our Singapore audience. Only with your support, everything will be possible. Please E-mail shapiee@ toyfactory.com.sg for enquiries on the charity dinner held on May 16. By Cheryl Chia
Being a super model from the 1980s, how do you think the modelling industry HAS changed? The competition these days is fierce, especially in Paris, thus it gets harder for a model to make it big these days. Photos are overly “Photoshoped”, putting pressure on the young to be “perfect”. During my time, we had fun doing shows; all the girls got along and we were like sisters. Nowadays, it’s “every model for herself”.
Do you have any advice for budding or aspiring models? Be prepared to work hard, take an interest in your material (portfolios, videos, composites, etc.), learn from your mistakes and communicate with your bookers.
Pat in recent years
what was it like working with Carla Bruni and Christy Turlington? Are you still in contact with them? Christy Turlington was one of the most professional, down-to-earth models I’ve met, while Carla Bruni was being the diva she naturally is. We aren’t in contact as we only did shows together.
What’s the worse modelling horror story you’ve witnessed? I’ll never forget the time when another model sprayed hairspray into my friend’s eyes. She pretended the hairspray can wasn’t working and came close to us trying to unclog the hole with a hairpin. Apparently, she was jealous that my friend was getting more jobs than her!
As a talent scout, what do you look for when searching for a new face? Female models must be at least 177cm tall, between 16 and 28 years old, thin but not ultra-skinny, have flawless complexion, healthy hair and a cheery disposition. The criteria for male models are: a minimum height of 187cm, fit, good skin and hair, between 18 and 30-plus, and be pleasant and easy to work with. They all need to be confident, organised, responsible, have stage and camera presence and a great personality.
Being in France, what do you miss most about Singapore? The three Fs. Family, food and friends. I go back every summer to recharge my batteries, so it’s not so bad. In her heyday, in the ‘80s
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weekender.com.sg
Grease: It’s got groove... review
Tell me more, tell me more
The Australian cast of Grease garners a mixed reaction
My favourite movie of all time has to be Grease. I know almost all the words to every single song by heart and phrases from the movie. So, when the Australian touring cast of Grease came to Singapore, I was excited but apprehensive as well. I was excited because I would get to see my favourite movie live on
stage. I was apprehensive as I didn’t know if they were going to mess it up and, after catching the musical, I have a mixed opinion of it.
Grease Is the Word For those who aren’t familiar, Grease the movie starred a svelte, young John Travolta as Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-
John as Sandy. They were a pair of summer lovers in high school that braved hormones, peer pressure from the greaser Thunderbirds and the Pink Ladies, and all with showstopping numbers. The musical opened with a bang with the theme song from Grease and quickly moved into the upbeat Summer Nights. Stephen Mahy (Danny) appeared a little stiff in his acting as he tried to emulate John Travolta’s effortless swag from the movie, but his voice fared much better. Gretel Scarlett (Sandy) had big shoes to fill and she did it well. I dare say her vocal range might have been better than Newton-John’s! However, the storyline was a little jumbled up after that. If you’re expecting it to be exactly like the movie, you’ll be in for a rude shock. The musical took liberties with the numbers, shifting them around to fit set changes and budget constraints. But, you will hear all the songs from the movie matched with hilarious physical comedy from the cast. Continued on Page 22
WEEKENDER MARIE FRANCE GIVEAWAY 10 Marie France Bodyline prizes worth $200 to $470 to be won! SIMPLY ANSWER THIS QUESTION: What is the name of Marie France Bodyline’s latest slimming treatment that goes deeper to reveal accentuated curves? A. Indiba BodyCurve System B. EitherBa Body Curve System C. Outerbody Curve System SMS YOUR ANSWER TO 9375 8706: <Answer> <MFWeekender> <Name> <Postal Code> <Age> <Gender> <E-mail> <NRIC> PRIZES TO BE WON: • 5 Main Draw winners will win a Cryocelle Phased Therapy (CPT) + Fat Mobilization System (FMS) slimming package worth $470 each. • Another 5 winners will win $200 worth of slimming vouchers. Don’t miss out – SMS now! CLOSING DATE: 18 May 2014
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Entertainment
movie preview
movie preview
Mindscape: A mind-screw? Anna (played by Taissa Farmiga, younger sister of Vera Farmiga, who starred in the Bling Ring), a 16-year-old with the darkest of memories.
strong showing
Mark Strong & Taissa Farmiga star in Mindscape
This is a satisfying thriller with an interesting story but does not measure up to its predecessors Mindscape brings out the themes of paedophilia and child abuse in an impactful yet tasteful manner. Its dark overtone and unsettling themes set the stage for an amazing response from the audience.
Let’s Play Mind Games The plot of Mindscape revolves around a gifted man (played by the talented Mark Strong who starred in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Sherlock Holmes) who is capable of reaching into another person’s mind to read his or her memories. This troubled “memory detective” is handed the case of
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The idea that set the plot for the film may be a little far-fetched. Nonetheless, Strong succeeds in bringing these themes down to earth and helps us to focus on the detective’s ability to solve crimes. Farmiga, as the haunted 16-year-old, brings an intriguingly dark and twisted personality to Anna, a role that cannot be overstated in this film. The feeling of the film Inception is sprinkled all over director Dorado’s Mindscape. In fact, it may give off the vibe of a lesser version of the former. However, Mindscape bears the potential to ride all the way to the top of the box office with its talented team of writers and actors, bringing to life a story that is pretty unique. MINDSCAPE [PG13] DIRECTOR: Jorge Dorado STARRING: Mark Strong, Brian Cox & Taissa Farmiga GENRE: Thriller RUN LENGTH: 99 min RELEASE: May 8
Are ghosts merely constructs of the mind?
The Quiet Ones: Cure one patient, cure mankind A group of rising stars shine in this new retro-horror classic Following the international hit The Woman in Black, Hammer Films’ new retro-horror film brings an up and coming cast into the spotlight with this terrifying story.
Demons Don’t Exist? Joseph Coupland (played by Jared Harris of “Mad Men” and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) is a university psychology professor with extremely unorthodox
methods. He is joined by a group of amateurs in his investigation into the mentally-unstable Jane Harper (played by Olivia Cooke, who starred as Emma in the recent “Bates Motel”). Holding on to his own belief that supernatural forces do not exist, Coupland insists that Jane’s alter ego, Evey, is simply a manifestation of her own telekinetic powers, which can be used to cure all mental illnesses.
Based on Actual Events The Quiet Ones is loosely based on the 1972 “Philips Experiment”, which sought to prove that ghosts are constructs of the human mind. Of course, it was without the satanic rituals, high body count and love triangles involving the supernatural that you will see in this movie.
Rising Stars Perhaps not as glamorous as the likes of Daniel Radcliffe in The Woman in Black, the group of talent that makes up the cast is still fresh and relatively unknown. Accompanying Harris and Cooke is Sam Claflin, of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, as well as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 & 2. You decide how these young stars fair on the big stage. THE QUIET ONES [NC16] DIRECTOR: John Pogue STARRING: Jared Harris, Sam Claflin & Olivia Cooke GENRE: Horror, Thriller RUN LENGTH: 97 min RELEASE: May 15
A L SO IN T H E ATR E S Bad Neighbours [R21] Family versus Frat as Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne lead the cast of a comedy about the conflict between a young couple suffering from arrested development and a fraternity house they are forced to have as neighbours. STARRING: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne GENRE: Comedy RELEASE: May 8 Filial Party [TBA] In a reality TV show with a 1 million dollar prize for the one who displays most filial piety, the three finalists Woo Yishuang, Yoona Zhuang and Peh Ah Beng have very different backgrounds and motives but all give their best shot. STARRING: Mark Lee, Christopher Lee & Ann Kok GENRE: Comedy, Drama RELEASE: May 8
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Vegetarian eateries to help your diet
Veganburg
go green & clean Original Sin
Being vegetarian does not equate to eating rabbit food for the rest of your life – here are five restaurants that serve filling vegetarian-friendly meals
The Living Café & Deli*
Photo: Orginal Sin Facebook page
V
egetarian food is quite often misconceived as being tasteless or light but there are several vegetarian restaurants that carry vegetarian dishes so delicious, even a carnivore wouldn’t mind chomping down on them. There are many types of vegetarian diets – some include eggs, some include fish – and we have a little bit of everything to suit all your dietary preferences.
Original Sin
The Living Café & Deli* The Living Café & Deli (TLC) specialises in raw food and they do not use red meat, cow dairy, white sugar, preservatives, artificial additives and artificial colourings. The Pumpkin Rocket ($17) salad is filled with wholesome
ingredients such as dehydrated onion, roasted pumpkin, organic Australian goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and balsamic citrus dressing, while the Gourmet Vego ($16) pizza comes with grilled vegetables. Heavier options such as lasagne and Shepherd’s Pie are also available on the dinner menu. TLC serves a range of white meat and fish as well. www.balancedlivingasia.com
Pita Pan With several outlets around the island, Pita Pan’s self-service style works well for the working crowd. It does Middle Eastern or Mediterranean food with falafel, pita pockets, soups and salads. The Mediterranean Platter ($26.90) is good for sharing, with hummus, babaganoush, dolma leaves, Jerusalem salad and chillies with two freshly baked pitas. But we like the Red
Pita Pan
Shashuka ($11.90), comprising poached eggs, spicy tomato ragout and sweet pepper sauce – perfect for breakfast or brunch. www.pitapan.com.sg
Veganburg Burgers and fries can be slightly less sinful with Veganburg. Since its inception four years ago, it has gained a loyal following. Soy patties nestled within organic ciabatta buns with flavours such as the Hawaiian Teriyaki ($10.80, with fries and a drink) and the Creamy Shrooms ($11.80, with fries and a drink) are available. Personally, I like the former with a pineapple slice, and with a soy patty glazed with teriyaki sauce. www.veganburg.com
The Green Room Café
Photo: Pita Pan Facebook page
One could say this place was one of the early pioneers of vegetarian food in Singapore. Opened in 1997, Original Sin is known for its Mediterraneanstyle vegetarian cuisine. And its dishes are not light at all. The Spanakopita ($28) comprises baked ricotta, spinach, feta and filo pastry served with grilled Portobello and mixed vegetable ratatouille. I like the Lasagna Rossa with assorted vegetables and shaved parmesan for an alternative heavy dish. www.originalsin.com.sg
The Green Room Café The Green Room Café prides itself on serving atypical vegan cuisine such as Vegan Soy Laksa ($14) – gluten-free noodles in soy milk laksa base served with mixed mushrooms and signature tofu – and the Guiltless Brownie ($12). How is that vegan, you ask? The vegan brownie is topped
with a vegan-friendly allnatural vanilla ice cream, handmade from organic brown rice and nuts. Who says all vegan food has to taste like soy gluten? www.greenroomcafe.com.sg *Pescatarian-friendly
By Cheryl Chia
n e w n ota b l e s Some of the newest eateries and menus in town for you to check out
Buta Ramen
Edge
inITALY Bar Ristorante
Pind Balluchi Bar & Grill
Sprigs
Reviewed in Feb 21 Issue Specialising in Hakata Ramen with a tonkotsu broth, the small shop seems to have gained traction with the working crowd in Raffles Place. If you like things hot, you will love the Spicy Chilli Boss Rib Ramen or the Spicy Chilli Cha Shu Ramen. Far East Square, 137 Amoy Street, #01-04, Singapore 049965
Reviewed in Feb 28 Issue The buffet at Edge is extensive but the additions for the champagne brunch buffet are spectacular! Spend a lazy afternoon munching on simple tapas, authentic local and regional flavours, or delicious light bites by the poolside. Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3, Singapore, Tel: 6826 8240
Reviewed in Apr 25 Issue Forget the typical pasta carbonara or aglio olio. Here, the lesser known yet more delicious seasonal Italian dishes are served, such as the Italian White Asparagus currently in season (until June). Gather, mingle and share in the convivial spirit at inITALY. 38 Craig Road, Singapore 089676, Tel: 6423 0918
Reviewed in Apr 25 Issue Savour Punjabi cuisine from Indian royal ancestry recipes in an inviting ambience of modern interiors. The menu offers an impressive variety of grilled meats and vegetables, curries and a wide selection of bread that appeals to the most discerning taste buds. 3B River Valley Road, #01-15, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179021, Tel: 6337 7350
Reviewed in May 23 Issue Thanks to this new opening, Purvis Street has become more happening! The menu is a symphony of French influence and a little Italian diversity. Don’t miss the Baked Cod with Saffron Broth, a constant favourite amongst guests. 12 Purvis Street, #01-01, Singapore 188591, Tel: 6338 3844
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potatoes, eggs and bread. So, be prepared for slightly heavier brunch items at My Little Spanish Place. The Torrada de Jamon ($16) is tapaslike with jamon Serrano, Manchego, and fried farm egg on toasted country bread. Break the runny yolk over the toast for the full yummy effect. I liked the Huevos Fritos con Chorizo Y Patatas ($18), a traditional Spanish dish with a fried egg, chorizo sausage and potatoes served with aioli – a Provençal sauce made of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and egg yolks. If you like a heartier meal, this dish can be for one person but I’d advise you to share.
new menu
Some of the brunch items
Mini Burgers & More
Big brunch at My Little Spanish Place Savour Spanish-style brunch items in this new menu In the Bukit Timah enclave sits an old favourite of residents in the area, My Little Spanish Place. The restaurant has launched a weekend brunch menu with Spanish delights. The new brunch is on from 9.30am to 3pm on weekends. Chef Maria Sevillano, the founding chef of My Little Spanish Place, has included an array of her favourite hometown dishes.
The slider-style Hamburguesa ($18), that comes with a beef patty, Mahon cheese and caramelised onions with a side of French fries, is great for those who’re hankering after a burger but who don’t have the stomach for a huge portion. Also try the Bocadillo de Cerdo Desmenuzado ($16), a toasted baguette filled with Spanish braised pulled pork, sliced tomatoes and cucumber with a side of fries. The fries were slightly tepid the day I was there but, apart from that, the sandwich was filling and had a good bite. If you wish, My Little Spanish Place has a range of premium hams such as 5J, Laudes, Joselito and Sierra Mayor, sold in 25g servings. Order it for a touch of lux to your brunch. My Little Spanish Place, 619 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269720, Tel: 6463 2810 By Cheryl Chia
Spanish Breakfast Typically, the Spanish eat a lot of
T R Y
S O M E T H I N G
n e w R e s ta u r a n t
Ocean Beef Bone-in Ribeye 1000g
Great grills at Wakanui Popular Japanese grill opens at Boat Quay I’ve been let down by many purportedly “great” steak and grill places in Singapore. Their meat is almost always overdone and quite dry. However, the Japanese grilling technique married with good cuts of meat is a winning combination at Wakanui. Wakanui Grill Dining opened in Tokyo in 2011 by a New Zealand-based meat company, hence the usage of prime New Zealand cuts with the binchotan charcoal grill. Its feature dishes are grain-fed beef from New Zealand - introduced in Singapore for the first time - and grilled New Zealand lamb chops.
Meat FIESTA I thoroughly enjoyed their starter of Short Loin Lamb Tataki with Shallot Sauce ($22). The lamb was tender and not gamey at all. The tangy shallot sauce masked the scent even further resulting in a palatable dish.
N E W
T H I S
Mellben Signature
Meat Specialists Wakanui also has a dry ageing room to further tenderise and saturate the flavour in the meat. The livestock from which Wakanui serves its Ocean Beef is raised on stress-free pastures with a plentiful supply of potable water that runs under the Canterbury plains before the cattle is brought into the Five Star Beef feedlot. The cows are then put on a grain-feeding programme to achieve an optimum level of marbling, which results in a tender and juicy piece of steak with a full flavour. Apart from the meat, you can also enjoy the Whole Yellow Belly Flounder ($52 for 400g) or a Whole John Dory ($68 for 700g). Desserts at Wakanui are probably a bit of an afterthought. But I did like the Wakanui Pavlova ($12), a creamy meringue filled with fruit as a light sweet end to the meal. The Hokey Pokey Ice Cream ($12), a vanilla and caramel homemade ice cream, was way too sweet for my liking and I wouldn’t recommend that unless you have an ultra-sweet tooth. Wakanui Grill Dining, 70 Boat Quay, Singapore 049858, Tel: 6438 6321
W E E K ! Location: 38 Circular Road, Singapore 049394 Tel: 6438 4792 Email: bar@operetta.sg Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/baroperetta
Location: 12 Prince Edward Road, Bestway Building, S079212 Tel: 6220 5512
15% off
with a minimum spending of $150 on a single receipt.
This coupon is valid until 31st July 2014 for either lunch or dinner, including on eve of Public Holiday & Public Holiday.
Locations: Tanglin Mall, Resorts World Sentosa, Clarke Quay Central http://www.chilis.sg/
15% off
The Ocean Beef Filet ($34 for 250g) was the best I’ve had in a while. Cooked to an ideal medium rare, the filet mignon yielded to the knife easily and the tangy and slightly sour marinade further whets the appetite. The Rack of Wakanui Spring Lamb from Canterbury ($32 for half rack) came a little overdone, but the meat was still edible and not dry on the inside. Both meat servings had a smoky flavour with beautiful grill marks from the binchotan – a Japanese charcoal grill with charcoal made from oak.
*
total food bill
*Terms & conditions - Offer valid only at Chili’s American Grill & Bar Singapore. - Offer valid till expiry date stated. - Multiple coupons cannot be combined. Not valid with any other discounts or promotions. - No splitting of bills allowed. Purchase of one or more adult main courses/ entrees required. - Not valid for weekends and Public Holidays.
Redemption period : 9th May - 30 June
Buffet Lunch every day at $10 nett (Pizza, Pasta, Salad) 11.30am-2.30pm Not valid for weekend, public holidays and eve of public holidays. This coupon is valid until 31st May 2014. Terms & Conditions apply.
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Penchant for a Yankee Doodle appetite easily choose to have it as a main. Roosevelt’s also serves an all-daybreakfast until 6pm daily, and the Eggs Roosevelt ($17) is definitely one of the must-tries. Similar to the huevos rotos in Spain, the runny poached eggs is covered with a brava sauce-like hollandaise with chorizo sausage and smashed potatoes.
Southern Food for the Soul Southern Fried Chicken
This nostalgic American diner lines up an all-day menu You would probably think of booth seats and red couches a la Archie comics if I cite an American diner here in Singapore. Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar at Dorsett Residences may be chic and a minimalist take on the loud American diner, but it certainly is not minimalist with the food. Opened in January, Roosevelt’s has had its detractors but I had a positive experience there. The airy and quiet space is great for a meal with the family, or a mid-afternoon chill-out.
All-American Menu, all day long My heart leapt when I saw Jalapeno Bacon Mac & Cheese ($11) as a side dish. I was not disappointed. The macaroni was creamy with cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. The smokiness from the bacon and the slight zing from the jalapenos kept the dish from being too rich. While it is listed as a side, you could
People from the South would be proud of what this eatery has to offer. The Southern Fried Chicken ($18), from Roosevelt’s is marinated overnight in fresh milk before being golden fried, and the homemade secret sauce to go with the chicken is made of seven different sauces. Good luck to you at trying to find out what they are! The side dish of the triple mash – sweet potatoes, potatoes and pumpkin – is tasty as well. Bacon buffs would love the juicy Candied Bacon Beef Burger ($20), the patties are marinated with house spices and the bacon candied. The result is a lunch meal with a juicy and sweetsavoury flavour, plus a side of fries. Desserts are available in a separate menu. I recommend the Apple Forrest Berries Crumble ($8). This tart and sweet take on the American cobbler sits in a warm cocotte with soft cooked fruit with a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. Come eat like a Yankee at Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar. Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar, 331 New Bridge Road, #01-02, Singapore 088764, Tel: 6538 3518
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VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTs AND WIN! Do you love good food? Are you a foodie who loves to blog about what you eat or to hunt for great deals? Do you have discerning taste? The search for Singaporean’s favourite restaurants and eateries is now on. In our Weekender Foodmania Awards 2014, readers can vote and win! Just let us know which of these restaurants is better and you stand a chance at walking away with valuable prizes. Stand a chance to win these prizes when you vote.
3 x Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 LTE 8GB (RRP $398 each)
3 x Château La Lagune 2009 (Magnum) Premium Gift Set + Decanter (RRP S$650)
10 x Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné Cotes du Rhône Parallèle 45 Box Set with Limited Edition Apron (RRP $200) - Box set includes Parallèle 45 Rouge 2011, Parallèle 45 Blanc 2012, Parallèle 45 Rosé 2013
Newstead Technologies carries the widest range of IT products to suit your needs. Visit www.newstead.com.sg for more info.
WEEKENDER FOODMANIA AWARDS 2014 PANEL OF JUDGES
Jasper Aston Lim Columnist six-and-seven.com
David Phey COO Weekender
Adrian Eugene Seet Founder & Editor SuperAdrianMe.com
Cheryl Chia Writer Weekender
Christine Yee Marketing Communications Representative (Asia) Château La Lagune and Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné
Frank Young CEO Weekender
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HOW THE WINNERS ARE DECIDED: - After 4 weeks of voting by readers, the top 3 restaurants with the highest amount of votes from readers will be the finalists. - There will be a 1-week break for vote consolidation. - The Weekender Foodmania Awards panel of judges will then visit the finalist restaurants. This will take place over a period of 2-3 weeks. - One restaurant in each category will be selected as the favourite in that category. - Finalists and winning restaurants will be announced in Weekender in July 2014. - The winning readers for voting will be picked by lucky draw from all votes received and announced in July 2014. - Readers may vote only once in each category per week. The more categories you vote in, the more chances you have at winning. - Get more chances to win with the Weekender Foodmania mobile app. See the app for more details.
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Ethnic Eats Grab some of the most interesting ethnic food in town
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s avo u r t h e s i p
Beijing cuisine: For the royal palate
Brew Profile: Limited Edition Yuzucha Beer notes, as well as a subtle tea finish. With two new ingredients involved, this brew proved to be a challenge for the Archipelago Brewery brewing team.
Beijing cuisine goes back to the “Emperor’s Kitchen” in the Qing Dynasty. Give yourself the royal treatment with the old Beijing flavour, with some dishes made from unchanged imperial recipes! Peking Duck, perhaps the most famous Beijing dish
Teabag Style Shou La Shou (Hand in Hand) Beijing Restaurant
The tender pork belly is the perfect comfort food after a stressful day at work
Dian Xiao Er You may feel like you’ve just stepped into a period drama as your dining ambience may be akin to a Chinese inn or a rustic timber shed. Dian Xiao Er is known for its duck with crispy skin in delightful sauce, with a hint of herbal infusion. Visit www.dianxiaoer. com.sg for its nine outlets.
Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck Restaurant Using the authentic imperial era method to prepare the signature Peking Duck, chefs roast each duck to perfection. Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, #05-42/45, Singapore 238859, Tel: 6732 7838; Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, #02-08/09/10, Singapore 018960, Tel: 6636 1868
What sets this gem in Little India apart is its xiao long bao – with flavoursome broth encapsulated within. 141 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208859, Tel: 6297 1398; Jurong Point, 1 Jurong Central 2, #03-37A, Tel: 6790 0696
Lao Beijing With its olden Chinese setting, it’s no wonder Lao Beijing is popular for familial gatherings. Tuck into specialities such as Sweet and Sour Pork with Lychee. Visit www.laobeijing.com.sg for its three outlets.
The new Limited Edition Yuzucha Beer, first of its kind to be brewed in Singapore
This limited edition beer is the first of its kind brewed in Singapore Archipelago Brewery has recently launched a new tea-infused beer, a first in the local craft beer scene. Light-bodied and crisp on the finish, the Limited Edition Yuzucha Beer is a balance of aromas and flavours. Categorised as a Kölsch, a pale German ale that is warm fermented and aged at cold temperatures, it has low hop flavours and slightly more prominent sweet citrusy Yuzu
Master Brewer Robert Beck said, “The style of beer that was chosen for this brew is very different from our mainstay beers. A special yeast was flown in from America, and to add a more Asian twist, we sourced hops from Japan.” “The tea and the Yuzu were added in ‘teabag’ style at the conditioning part of the process,” he explained. This innovative brew is made possible with Gryphon Tea Company collaboration. The tea specialist assisted in identifying the appropriate tea and flavours that would work for this Limited Edition beer. The tea used is a blend of Japanese Kukicha Green
Tea and Kochi Yuzu. Beck added, “The Limited Edition is a great way of challenging our brewers and giving them a chance to express their passion. It is also our way of introducing the entire spectrum of craft beers to our consumers. With every new flavour and pint, we want our consumers to discover a new experience.”
LIMITED availability Archipelago Brewery produces three to four Limited Edition beers a year to complement the four mainstay variants, and the Limited Editions are only available at Archipelago Brewery concept outlets. The Limited Edition Yuzucha Beer is available now and will be featured at Beer Fest Asia 2014, from 12 to 15 Jun.
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TRAVELation
Spotlight on Malaysia
weekender.com.sg
The Dead Sea – Frolic in Healthy Mud
Milford Sound in New Zealand has been voted one of the top destinations by travellers and is great for a family vacation
New Zealand – Bicycle trails & Bungee Leaps
ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com
7 Family vacation destinations not to miss Sam DCruz / Shutterstock.com
There are many beautiful destinations to travel to but few are great for the whole family
Y
ou may have travelled to a number of destinations in your life. If you have, you should know that while some places may be beautiful and interesting, not all of them are suitable as a vacation destination for the whole family. Here are seven family vacation destinations not to miss.
Austria – A School of Fun in the Mountains An unusual school can be found way up high on a mountain pasture in Kalchkendlalm, Austria, where you learn about life in a centuries-old farmhouse. From the pastures, you have breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountain peaks, toy-town houses down in the valley, thick forests, and craggy cliffs. If you want to know where your food comes from, you can also join the “bread and butter” class, which runs all year round.
Bucket List Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime
Sandboard in Peru
The dramatic sand dunes of Peru are much loved among sandboarders
Botswana – Animals of the Bush Here in Botswana, you can do a “Big Five Safari” and spot the five most dangerous animals of the bush: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, hippos and even buffalos. You can also go quad biking and camp out under the breathtaking stars (in dedicated safe areas, of course). Charter a plane and fly over to the African Plains to see the amazing wildlife and exotic plants. You’ll also be fascinated by how the locals live. This definitely beats any geography or science class you’ve ever attended!
It’s fun, exhilarating, and can be even more exciting when you tumble down the slopes Sandboarding or sand-surfing are popular activities anywhere where there are sand dunes. The sport is said to have originated in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago, when people used to skid down sand dunes during festivals. Sandboarding is a combination of snowboarding, surfing, and skating. However, instead of riding a wave, shredding in snow, or skating in the streets, you rush down the sand. Continued on Page 22
Going on a bicycle adventure can be very exciting. Setting off lakeside from Steamer Wharf in downtown Queenstown, the trail will appeal to cyclists who want to explore the region at a leisurely pace. Whether that means stopping for a photo of stunning wayside scenery, or leaping off the famous Kawarau Bridge bungee along the way, you are guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Oman – Desert Jaunts & Exotic Legends You’ve learnt about deserts in your geography class, but now you can actually visit one. While the place may be hot, you can still have lots of fun in camel rides, sand-surfing, buggy rides and trekking.
Along the way, you’ll learn about ancient desert cultures and nomads while you explore their old buildings and holy mosques. Most of them are hundreds of years old. If you like the story of Aladdin, you’ll love this place even more. Soak up the exotic feeling from the bazaars, souks [markets], and other wild legends that the locals can tell you.
UK – Jolly Seaside Escapades Catch a show at the renowned West End Theatre and visit infamous castles including the Tower of London, where Henry the VIII’s wives were beheaded. If that’s too scary for you, visit tranquil seaside haunts such as Brighton and Cornwall. These seaside towns offer lovely fish and chips as well as arcade rides, rock candy and picnics.
Cover yourself from head to toe in mud and not get a scolding! The healthy mud here at the Dead Sea is used as a healing agent for skin cracks, bites, burns, and other skin afflictions. The pure mud helps to detoxify and re-mineralise your skin, and is also antiinflammatory. The natural black mud is a mixture of the many Dead Sea salts and minerals that are rich in magnesium, natural tar (bitumen), and silicates. Have healthy fun frolicking in mud like the hippos!
Finland – Beautiful Coasts Dotted with thousands of islands, Finland’s Baltic Coast is the perfect travel destination for anyone looking for a unique sailing or seaside experience. Get a thrill out of trimming the sails as the wind and your course change, and practise your navigational skills through a total of over 10,000km of marked channels while brushing past some of the 80,000 islands. It would be like a pirate adventure for your family.
MAY 9 - 15, 2014
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TRAVELation
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The Tallest Sand Dune in the World
All the sand dunes around the world are important parts of the ecosystems that support many populations of rare animals, insects, and plants. So, if you don’t want to spend the whole time sandboarding, there are many other things to do and see. The sand dunes of Peru are some of the world’s most scenic areas, often with a blazing blue sky and a spectacular full moon, which have perfectlycontoured shadows of ripples and undulating crests.
Peru, located in South America, is an Inca [native Central American tribe] country and has a fascinating geography with a huge variety of dunes. These range from small to medium in size, to the mind-blowing tallest in the world called Yuraq Orjo, in the local Quechua language. It is also known as Cerro Blanco in Spanish (White Hill), and it reaches 2,070m. Cerro Blanco nestles in the east of Nazca on the way to the famous Cusco, and is recognised as one the most attractive dunes in the
world for sandboard lovers. The steepest part of Cerro Blanco is the 800-metre slope where sandboarders launch off for the ride of their lives. The views of the Andes from Cerro Blanco are breathtaking, with sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Many of these sand dunes are located near the coastlines and beaches. The formation of sand dunes is due to the speedy winds from the West to the East. They form from windblown sand that is deposited against obstructions such as bushes, rocks, and steep hills. As more sand particles
are deposited, the dunes grow in size, forming rows at right angles to the prevailing wind direction.
Beginners Should Get a Feel of the Sand First Don’t worry if you’ve never sandboarded before because you can start on the beginner dunes, which are more gradual and forgiving. Try the almost flat terrain and practice skating exercises. Simply strap in only one foot and use the other to propel you and the board around the sand. Next, strap both feet in and
get someone to push you slowly along the nearly flat terrain. This will help you get a feel for the sand. Take a few lessons, get the feel of things, build up your confidence, and then progress to steeper dunes. If you’re already experienced in snowboarding or skateboarding, proceed to a higher level. Other things to do in Peru include jungle trekking in the Amazon rainforest, boating along the Amazon river, exploring ancient Inca civilisations in Machu Picchu, and wine-tasting in the Santiago Queirolo vineyards.
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10. The Cup [Phorpa] (1999) While the 1998 World Cup is being played in France, two Tibetan boys arrive at a monastery-school in India. The serene atmosphere is disrupted by football fever. The chief instigator is the young Orgyen. Unable to watch the World Cup, the boy attempts to organise the rental of a TV set for the monastery in order to catch the matches. This gutsy enterprise becomes a test of character for the young monks.
11. Fever Pitch (1997) This is the British film based on the autobiographical book by Nick Hornby, not the Hollywood remake starring Jimmy Fallon. It is a mustwatch for all Arsenal fans and football fanatics. Essentially, Fever Pitch is a romantic comedy about a relationship and a passion for a football team. English teacher Paul Ashworth has a long-standing obsession with Arsenal but one day meets Sarah. Their relationship develops in tandem with Arsenal’s roller coaster fortunes in the league, both leading to a nail-biting climax. Stars Colin Firth.
12. Escape to Victory (1981) This is a surprising work, starring a post-Rocky II Sylvester Stallone and real football legends Pele and Bobby Moore! Set during World War II, a group of Nazi officers come up with a propaganda event in which an all-star Nazi team will play a team composed of allied prisoners of war in a football game. The prisoners agree, planning to use the game as a means of escape. With the game to be played in Nazioccupied Paris, the French Resistance and British officers are making plans to aid them. The stars alone are reason enough to watch.
SPECIAL MENTION:
Kallang Roar, the Movie (2008) OK, we couldn’t leave out this local nostalgic flick. Kallang Roar is based upon the Singapore national team’s famous Malaysia Cup win in 1977, including the semifinal match against Selangor and the eventful final against Penang. The film stars veteran Lim Kay Siu as Uncle Choo Seng Quee, Randall Tan as Mat Noh and former star striker Quah Kim Song’s son, Leon Quah, portraying him. Quah senior scored two goals in the epic final. While not a fantastic film, with somewhat unrealistic pitch scenes, it is a decent effort and fairly entertaining and insightful.
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Bad Girl Shines Lucy Maunder (Rizzo), who plays the antagonistic and brusque leader of the Pink Ladies, really caught my attention with her biting delivery of her lines and her goosebump-inducing rendition of “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”. Rizzo in the musical is depicted a little more unfeeling and mean than the original one, which makes you feel for the target of her anger, good girl Sandy. The choreography in the musical is stellar as well, with acrobatics and fun numbers. All in all, this production is an interesting take on Grease, and I can understand why they changed it to avoid comparisons with the actual film but, in spite of this, audiences can’t help but compare it to the iconic film. Despite their best effort, the musical still falls slightly short of the mark. You can catch Grease, while the Australian cast is still in town, until May 18. Visit www.MarinaBaySands.com/ Ticketing for more information and tickets. By Cheryl Chia
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weekender.com.sg
Spotlight on Malaysia
Up north in Kelantan is Stong waterfall, one of Malaysia’s tallest and most scenic, but trekking is required Air Terjun Lasir in Terengganu gives you unspoilt views
Refreshing waterfalls beckon Malaysia offers stunning nature and waterfalls for a dramatic change of scene Aren’t you tired of seeing the same scenery day in and day out? The good news is that you can have a complete and refreshing change of scenery, and it’s nearby and at a low cost! Just in neighbouring Malaysia, you can step up to the edge of a waterfall, and look below to see crystal-clear waters thundering down into rapids, enveloping you in a cool mist as trees, ferns and other elements of nature surround your views. Rocks, basins, streams, rapids, pools, and cascading water from gentle and soothing to frighteningly dramatic, certainly add to your invigorating experience.
Malaysia is so rich in rainforests, highlands and nature parks that there are hundreds of unique waterfalls to choose from with different difficulty or accessibility levels.
Different Types of Waterfalls The difficulty or accessibility levels of waterfalls are graded as follows. EASY: Suitable for family trips. Often part of a recreation park, with cemented pathways, shelters, toilets and a car park. MODERATE: Some effort needed. A 4WD vehicle might be useful, or trekking is needed. Generally, a day trip is still possible. DIFFICULT: Considerable effort needed. Possibly with an overnight camp, or a long
Enjoy a picnic by the clear waters of Kota Tinggi waterfalls in neighbouring Johor
jungle trek on a vague trail. Families and the more relaxed should go for the easy to moderate levels. If you wish for adventure and a real challenge, pick the difficult level. Almost every state of Malaysia has waterfalls, so you can couple your waterfall schedule with other leisure activities such as jungle trekking, good food, shopping, beach getaways and village visits. The waterfalls are affected by the seasons. Dry spells give you gentle cascades and flows, while the rainy season gives you much wilder, thunderous rapids.
Almost Every State has a Waterfall Near the city of Kuala Lumpur, and within Selangor, there are
about 35 waterfalls to choose from, all of which are graded easy or moderate level. If you’re not sure, ask the knowledgeable locals, as many of them escape to the waterfalls during the weekends and public holidays. Close by in Johor, there are 14 waterfalls ranging from easy to moderate or difficult levels. Taka Melor is graded easy and is located in Kampung Tenang, near the town of Labis in Segamat. It has one main stream, a single fall, and a pool below where you can have a dip. It is possible to climb to the top of the waterfall but do take care, as the rocks can be slippery. At the top, it is highly serene and soothing. Pack a picnic basket and your swimsuits and spend the whole day simply enjoying
the waterfall. In contrast, the Tengkil falls are difficult with a collection of falls and cascades. The natural surroundings are remote and unspoilt and a guide is recommended as there may be no clear-cut paths. There are about seven waterfall tiers, but some of them are quite small. There are no big pools but many ‘bathtubs’ which offer lots of fishing spots. The main fall is almost 90-degreeperpendicular to the ground and quite spectacular. Experience as many refreshing waterfalls in Malaysia as you can, for a wonderful change of scenery and a true taste of nature’s beauty and drama. For more information, contact: Tourism Malaysia (Singapore), 80 Robinson Road, #01-01 B/C/D, Singapore 068898, Tel: 6532 6321, Fb: Facebook.com/TMSingapore
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Moorish-style train station rings back images of the heydays of the British Empire
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Cebu
Let your hair down at the worldfamous Cottesloe Beach
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Take a dive at Mactan Island near Cebu and discover the mysterious underwater kingdom
Cebu is known as the “Queen City of the South”, and rightly so. From historical and religious
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