1. CELEBRATING 20 YEARSsince
1995
S G M A G A Z I N E | I S S U E # 6 9 0 | N O V E M B E R 2 0 , 2 0 1 5
w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r
what’s on
what’s new
what matters
Your FREE
independent
guide to the
next two
weeks
Art is sexy
Reflected Singapore images, like this
one at the CBD, are a huge hit on local
photographer Yafiq Yusman’s Instagram
account. See PHOTOGRAPHY ,
page 12, for an interview.
FOOD
Healthy
CBD
Lunches
TRENDS
Singapore’s
Sharing
Economy
EVENTS
National
Gallery
Opening
TRAVEL
London’s
Hidden
Gems
Free Inside: Check out
the complete guide to
Singapore’s best bars.
3. Delight in traditional handcrafted festive goodies at Pacific Marketplace with sweet
treats such as the new Raspberry Pâte de Fruit with Szechuan Pepper infused
Mascarpone Mousse Log Cake, signature Homemade German Marzipan Stollen; and
savoury specials including Roasted Turkey with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing,
and limited edition Smoked Juniper Berry Ham, created with the original recipe by
talented Master Butcher Leonhard Weber.
Specially handcrafted by Master Butcher Leo, Pacific Marketplace presents a wide
selection of more than 30 varieties of exquisite and aromatic hams, sausages, salamis
and cold cuts which are perfect especially for the festive season.
To place an order, speak with us at 6826 8240, email celebrate.sin@panpacific.com,
or visit pacificmarketplace.sg.
Celebrate the Festive Season
at Pacific Marketplace
6. up
front
6 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance
The Eco-Link@BKE is now open
for guided tours. You can sign up
for slots on Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec
19 and Jan 9 after which, tours
will be conducted monthly.
This path covers the Bukit
Timah Expressway and also
connects the Bukit Timah Nature
Reserve and Central Catchment
Nature Reserve. You might see
some birds like the emerald
dove, snakes and the lesser
mousedeer. But if you’re really
lucky, you may even catch a
glimpse of the Sunda pangolin,
which is critically endangered.
One thing to note: you should
avoid wearing bright clothes and
applying insect repellent as the
animals may be threatened by
these unfamiliar colors and scents.
Registrations for these tours
are open now at www.nparks.
gov.sg/ecolink.
You can now go on a
free guided eco-tour
at this BKE linkway
Eco-Link@BKE
SINGAPORE’S HOTTEST LIFESTYLE NEWS
Website of the Year MPAS 2015
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
Hot: Free MRT Rides Not: More Delays
The Downtown Line 2 will be completed next month and on Dec 5, all rides
across its 12 new stations will be free from 10am-6pm. And that’s not all: from
Dec 27-Jan 1, you get free rides on all new and existing stops on the Downtown
Line. Let’s hope that party-pooping train disruptions, which have become a
regular occurrence of late, will be kept at bay. For more, refer to page 8.
Hot: Museum Parties Not: Stuffy Exhibits
Museums are cool now-with a slew of major openings happening this month,
some of the biggest events include launch of The National Gallery and the
rejuvenation of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). If you’ve missed the
24HRS@ACM, which held a midnight-to-dawn party that included a pre-rave
museum tour by the director on Nov 15, there’s still the outdoor block party
by The National Gallery on Nov 27-29, with art workshops, installations and
food stalls at the Padang. For more, see page 14.
Hot: Netflix Not: Curation
Making waves on a smaller screen, Netflix is finally on its way to Singapore
but there’s a hook: it is said to be working closely with the Media
Development Authority on curating its content, so while we’re excited about
its expansion here, local viewers may not have access to a full spectrum of TV
shows and movies (boo!).
HOT OR NOT
Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning
(and dying) trends
DicksonPhya
Free eBook download from
issuu.com/sg_magazine
(or sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters
to never miss an issue)
Get this issue
to go.This week you will mainly love your city for its...
WE SG
6 weeks
Jail term for 27 year-old
Briton Yogvitam Pravin
Dhokia, who entered the F1
race track to take a video.
12,000
The largest HDB flat
launch to date this month
at Bibadan, Punggol
Northshore, Bukit Batok,
Choa Chu Kang, Hougang
and Sengkang.
$453 million
Singapore Airline’s takeover
bid for budget carrier
Tigerair.
3,400
Number of bird-
related complaints
the Agri-Food and Veterinary
Authority has received from
the public from January to
October this year.
849
Number of patients
screened by the Singapore
General Hospital for the
Hepatitis C virus.
NUMEROLOGY
OB INDEX
According to an annual report
released by US-based NGO
Freedom House, Singapore’s
internet freedom got worse this
year. On a scale of 0-100, with
0 being the most free and 100
being the least, the nation scored
41, down from 40 last year. The
report also states that contributing
to the score are cases like the Media Development Authority’s
shutdown of political site The Real Singapore, teen blogger
Amos Yee’s trial and jail sentence and the lawsuit against
blogger Roy Ngerng by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Charting the ups and downs of
Singapore's openness, tolerance and
freedom of expression
Sources: The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia
OCT 28
You can now pick up SG Magazine at these cool venues
Or see every venue (200 of them!) at sgnow.sg/distribution
Dimbulah @ Chijmes
Dimbulah @ Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, #01-17
www.dimbulahcoffee.com
Curated Records
55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-53
www.curatedrecords.com
Mad Museum of Art & Design
10 Tanglin Road, #01-01/#02-01
www.madmuseumsingapore.com
zpsmxk8lvyc
Expanding options around new MRT stations
As neighborhoods around Keppel, Cantonment and Palmer Road will
be made more accessible when Circle Line stations like Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward are
completed in 2025, there could be more residential and integrated residential and commercial projects
lined up within these areas in time to come. According to a report by The Straits Times (Nov 7),
redevelopment ideas could range from an integrated railway mall or a venue for cultural and lifestyle
events at Cantonment, which will be connected to the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
sgtransportMiloshLuczzynski
7. Start your day with the latest lifestyle news,
direct to your inbox.
Be the first to hear about brand new openings,
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8. 8 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
The essential guide to what's on in Singapore
Dress in white for a picnic
The chi chi Diner en Blanc returns at yet another secret
location. Remember to wear white at this fancy picnic. Nov
21, Location TBA, www.singapore.dinerenblanc.info. $62.
5 Ride the city’s new
Downtown Line 2 for free
Your cheap ride to Bukit Timah and Bukit Panjang is finally
opening, guys, and you can preview it for free. From10am-
6pm, you can ride across the DTL2's 12 new stations. Six of the
stations—Rochor, Little India, Newton, Botanic Gardens, Beauty
World and Bukit Panjang—will also have games, celebs and
activities, if you're into that sort of thing. Dec 5.
EXPLORING
Wine and dine at the gallery opening
of the year
The hotly anticipated National Gallery Singapore officially
opens on Nov 24 and houses work from the city's pioneer
artists like Georgette Chen and Cheong Soo Pieng, along
with a permanent collection of regional pieces. Don't forget
to have a glass of Champagne at restaurant Aura and check
out Julien Royer's new French place Odette.1 St Andrew’s
Road, www.nationalgallery.sg. Free.
Support indie bands from around Asia
Sure, Neon Lights is a huge deal, but big-deal Asian bands from around
the region converge at The Skechers Sundown Festival. Expect acts
like Potato from Thailand, local band Caracal and Epik High from Korea.
Nov 21, Marina Promenade, www.sundownfestival.sg. $88-118 from
Peatix.
3Go on a magical
night time adventure
The Singapore Night Safari begins its annual
transformation into a magical realm, Mystica,
with puzzles, obstacles and lots of magical
creatures and black light performances.
Nov 27-28; Dec 4-5, 11-12,
www.nightsafari.com.sg. $42.
SHOW
ART
Official Media
BOOKS
nownow
FOOD MUSIC
Reminisce with BooksActually
Our favorite indie bookstore turns 10 with an anniversary party
and an exhibition that recreates its journey as an independent
bookstore in Singapore. Nov 22, The Substation, www.
substation.org. Free.
1
4
2
6
3 great reasons to head off-shore this weekend
1. DINE AT A KELONG
Move on from prawning and hook bigger
fish from a "sure catch pond" at Smith
Marine, a modern floating fish farm
along Pulau Ubin. There are sea bass and
snappers available for anglers ($15 per
catch) and once you’ve snagged one, you
can have it cooked by the restaurant’s
chef for an extra $35 per fish. For a
complete seafood feast, the menu also
offers specialities like chili crab, lala bee
hoon, cereal sotong and steamed prawns.
Call the restaurant for a spot—they’ll help
with booking a ferry there and planning
a full-day itinerary which includes fishing
and dinner. www.facebook.com/
smithmarine
2. SPOT ENDANGERED ANIMALS AT
CONEY ISLAND PARK
Avid bird watchers can give Sungei Buloh a
rest, for now. At this newly-opened nature
sanctuary near Punggol, attractions include
80 species of birds like the nationally
critically endangered spotted wood
owl, black-crowned night heron and the
nationally endangered red junglefowl. There
are also rare plants thought to be nationally
extinct, and a single Brahman bull. Sign up
for a guided walk, which covers the 600
sq. meter Haw Par Beach Villa, designed by
leading ‘30’s architect Ho Kwong Yew and
built by the Haw Par brothers of the Tiger
Balm ointment fame. www.nparks.gov.sg
3. INDULGE IN A TREE-TOP RETREAT
Funtasy Island (see page 24) may not
be ready until the first quarter of next
year, but until then, you can still opt for a
luxurious off-shore staycation at the Tree-
Top Lofts at Resorts World Sentosa. The
modern resort is hidden up in a canopy
of trees and you’ll be surrounded by thick
foliage, with a view of the island. Go all
out and order a personalized 24-hour
butler service or hit up the upscale ESpa,
which offers relaxing hot stone body
therapies and revitalizing cleansing rituals.
8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www.
rwsentosa.com
EXPLORING
Coney Island Park, a new kelong near Pulau Ubin and up-and-coming Batam eco-resort Funtasy Island have made an off-shore retreat
from the city even more appealing. With (almost) clear blue skies on the horizon here are some ideas for a quick getaway.
Pulau Ubin
Coney Island
SingaporeTouriamBoardNParks
NEW OPENING
9. SPORT
Put your calf muscles to the test
Masochists, the annual Swissotel Vertical Marathon is back. It's been
too hazy to run outdoors, but how about joining 2,200 participants
as they race up 1,336 steps over 73 storeys. Proceeds will go to the
Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School. Registration closed a couple weeks
ago, but you can always run bandit, or just take your participating
friends to brunch after. Nov 29, Swissotel The Stamford, www.
swisshotelverticalmarathon.
10
Score a seat to
Singapore's big-deal
film fest
The Singapore International Film
Festival will play 146 feature and short
films. Catch local films like Mee Pok Man
and Bugis Street Redux. Nov 26-Dec
6, various venues, sgiff.com. $12-25
from Sistic.
FILM
7
9
Nose fancy whisky
on Sentosa
Taste from over 70 brands
of whiskey at The Whiskey
Live Festival, or dive into a
masterclass to know more.
Drinks from Teeling Whiskey
Distillery, a new Irish distillery
in Dublin, will debut at this
event. Nov 28-Nov 29,
Capella Hotel Sentosa, www.
whiskylive.sg. $95-250.
DRINKFESTIVAL
8Get cultural in
Kampong Glam
The Malay CultureFest focuses on the history of
the area, with mini events like Lintas Nusantara
(Nov 20-21), a discussion about folk, traditional
and classical dance performance, as well as a
Gamelan Melayu (Nov 24-25), a traditional Malay
drum performance. Until Apr 3, various venues,
www.malayheritage.org.sg. Free.
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Finn AvenueSHOPPING
Online luxury home furniture store Finn Avenue
recently launched a new showroom, with
handcrafted pieces like sofas, dining sets and other
accessories made from hardwood, wool and fabrics
imported from France, Italy, Belgium, New Zealand
and Spain. Some popular designers on their roster
are Nolie & Finn and Florence de Dempierre. The
store also specializes in modern reproductions of
antique furniture like King Louis chairs, 18th-
century balloon chairs and other pieces inspired by
Baroque, Oriental and Victorian influences. Prices
range from $200 for a lamp to $3,780 for a sofa.
#02-21 8B Admiralty St., 6753 3466, www.
finnavenue.com
now
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 9
12. 12Get down and
dirty with
fried chicken
After a string of delicious pop-
ups, local bad boy chef Bjorn
Shen (see page 18) has just
opened Thai chicken place Bird
Bird at the site of the former
Le Petit Naivre. This 40-seater
eatery serves Thai grilled
chicken and the behemoth, The
Schwarzenegger of Som Tum,
an extra large plate of crispy
chicken skin, green papaya,
salted eggs and fried anchovies.
18 Ann Siang Road, www.
facebook.com/birdbirdsg.
Be blown away at this Mahabharata production
We're lucky, guys. After its Paris premier in September, theater great Peter Brook's
Battlefield is having its international premier here in Singapore. SRT has co-commissioned
this production in which Brook takes the final scene from the Indian epic to make it a
standalone play. Until Nov 21, Capitol Theatre, $48-$108
Shop for artisanal goodies at The Grandstand
PasarBella is back again with another Pop Market. There are 15 booths of handpicked
and handmade goods, like cheese from the Cheese Ark, meats from James Butchery and
Co. and sweet treats from the Bonheur Patisserie. Nov 20-Nov 21, PasarBella, 200 Turf
Club Road, www.fleawhere.com. Free.
13Be seen at this
rooftop party
Loof's 10th anniversary party includes a
sambal chicken wing eating contest, edgy
urban art and lots of drinks. The first 100 guests
will receive a goodie bag from the on-site
mamashop. Nov 28, North Bridge Road, #03-07
Odeon Towers, Extension Rooftop, www.loof.
com.sg. Free.
Yafiq YusmanPHOTOGRAPHY
To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us
on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg
Cover Up
SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists,
photographers and illustrators and their
remarkable depictions of Singapore.
They look so good, we’ve even started
hanging them on our walls.
22 year-old architecture major Yafiq Yusman
has quite an Instagram following on Explore
Singapore, an account dedicated to showcasing
the city in a fun and interesting way. He's most
famous, however, for his reflective images of
the cityscape, in a series called "Reflections of
Singapore." Here, we speak to him about
the series and look at some of his most
striking photos.
What inspired you to shoot this series of
mirrored images?
I love sharing a different perspective with
people, something they don't usually
notice in everyday life. Reflection shots or
#puddlegram(s) on Instagram are good
examples. There are a few Instagrammers
whose work I follow and who inspired me a
few years back. They are @vutheara from Paris
and @deebawr from Singapore. After learning
from these outstanding visuals, I came up with
my own style.
What were some of your considerations
when choosing the places to shoot? ?
I don't really choose the place to shoot, as the
opportunity to capture is everywhere. However,
when I do, I love it when there are architectural
elements that I can capture in the shot. I take
note of leading lines, the perspective and also
the people in it. Puddles will always excite
me as they are very intriguing to capture. The
curiosity of what the image would look like
after I shoot keeps me wanting to capture
more. It’s addictive.
Did you also have to wait for the streets to
rain when shooting?
Most of the time, yes. Rainy days bring a smile
to my face as there will be opportunities for
me to take puddle shots. When I'm out, I bend
down and capture the reflection. No matter
how weird it may look, I do it for the love of
photography.
Were there any funny or memorable things
moments that happened while shooting?
What goes on behind the scenes is always
funny. As I am always engrossed in shooting my
reflection shots, I didn’t take note of the way
I’m positioning myself. Some of my friends love
to capture me when I'm taking pictures because
I look so awkward!
What were some of the challenges that you
encountered when shooting this series?
There are a few times when the shot doesn't
live up to my expectations, as the puddle
isn't clear enough, or that the perspective
that I have captured is not what I envisioned
it to be. Sometimes, I also don't position my
camera well and don't get the right angle or
perspective. However, with the amount of
experience that I have accumulated in taking
these shots, it gets easier to predict the
outcome of the image.
Follow Yafiq Yusman on Instagram at instagram.com/_yafiqyusman_/ or read the full
interview on sgnow.sg. SHI MIN XIE
FOOD
FOOD NIGHTLIFE
11
14
THEATER
Hot travel tipsOUT OF TOWN
The haze may have gone (for now) but
there are plenty of excuses to escape town:
Clockenflap in Hong Kong sees indie giants New
Order and The Libertines take to the state (Nov
27-29, www.clockenflap.com); while Malacca is
throwing an Arts and Performance Festival the
same weekend (www.melakafestival.com). There
are lots of flight options to get excited about,
too: Scoot (www.flyscoot.com) has just launched
direct flights to both Melbourne and Hangzhou,
and will start flying to Jeddah from May. Come
April, you'll be able to fly direct from Changi to
Nadi, courtesy of Fiji Airways (www.fijiairways.
com). Oh, and masochists may like to know that
Singapore Airlines will bag the title of world's
longest non-stop passenger flight when it begins
direct flights to New York on-board the new
A350 in 2018.
LAST CHANCE!
12 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
now
13. Buy your ticket to ZoukOut
Zouk is soon changing ownership (and locations), and while we're told
that nothing will change when it comes to parties and programming,
there's going to be a lot of sentimental attachment to this ZoukOut. So
even though it's not until later next month, better get online and book
your ticket now. Dec 11-Dec 12, Siloso Beach, www.zoukout.com. $168-258
NIGHTLIFE
15
Enter the world of Mystica on Nov 27-28 & Dec 4-5,11-12.
ADVERTORIAL
A World of Mystery Awaits
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Luminous Realm
Visitors to Night Safari
will encounter the magical
entrance to Mystica: a
mysterious gateway glowing
with bioluminescent lights and
exuding mystery and intrigue.
Step right through and enter
the enchanted world of Mystica,
where you’ll experience a
kaleidoscope of ethereal flora
and fauna.
Dazzling Hours
As you explore the sights and
sounds of this otherworldly
kingdom, do not be surprised
when you encounter its
wonderful inhabitants—they
reveal themselves at the magic
hours of 7:45pm, 8:45pm and
9:45pm. Watch in wonder as
they dance and dazzle you
with an array of spinning and
swirling light props.
Magical Beings
There’s no better time to see the
creatures of Night Safari than
during Mystica, when special
enrichment devices are placed
in selected exhibits so you can
witness the noctural animals
in action. Also, don’t miss
the special glow-in-the-dark
rendition of the Thumbuakar
performance—an exhilarating
fire-twirling display you won’t
be forgetting any time soon.
O
nce every blue moon, a mysterious portal opens at Night Safari, leading into the enchanted
realm of Mystica. Pass through the magical entrance and be amazed by the sights, sounds,
creatures and rhythms you encounter inside.
80 Mandai Lake Road, 6269-3411
Tickets at $42 per adult and $28 per child
at www.nightsafari.com.sg.
17Learn to live
sustainably
The fifth edition of Green
is the New Black—The
Conscious Festival, is a
sustainability-championing
event promoting an
environmentally conscious
lifestyle. The line-up includes
a panel discussion on the
feasibility of sustainable
fashion by industry insiders,
a series of workshops and
a market. Nov 28, The
Working Capitol, www.
greenisthenewblack.asia. $17
from Peatix.
Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg
Talk shop with fellow
photographers
Salon at Objectifs is a cozy meet-up
where photographers can come and get
feedback for their work or discuss the craft.
Nov 24, Objectifs, 155 Middle Road, free,
www.facebook.com/objectifs.photography.
filmmaking
PHOTOGRAPHY NETWORK
What else to do at Neon LightsMUSIC
The debut edition of the two-day music festival
Neon Lights (Nov 28-29) has gotten more
than some attention with a line-up of well-
known indie acts like Damien Rice, Nouvelle
Vague and Flight Facilities.
But we're equally excited to report
that their recently released list of fringe
events sounds pretty cool, too. The first is a
performance by The Lords of Strut, a physical
comedy duo from Ireland, who were crowned
the World Street Performance Champions in
2013. There's also The League of Sideshow
Superstars, a circus act that will perform
acrobatic stunts at Club Minky.
If you're looking to de-stress, then drag
stand-up comic Becca D'Bus and her crew
Noristar Narcisso, Mona Kee Kee and Ashley
Fifty will host an event called RIOT! by
Comedy Masala also at Club Minky. Stay for
the after party with Nu-jazz DJ Mr Scruff, best
known for his track, "Get a Move On."
Lit geeks will appreciate Lit Up @
Neon Lights, a two-day spoken word event
featuring 40 slam poets and performers, such
as Francesca Beard from the UK and Karen
McCarthy-Wolf (she was shortlisted for the 2015
Forward Prize).
And if you have literary friends, they may
want to attend the Singapore National Poetry
Slam Championship to get inspired. All of
these events will be going on at the same time
as these concerts, so if you're not that into
music, you know where to go.
Your Neon Lights tickets will also entitle you
to free entry to these events—it's a pretty sweet
deal. Fort Canning Green and Gate,
www.neonlights.sg/tickets, $150-$250
from Sistic.
RIOT!Karen McCarthy-Wolf
16
now
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 13
14. Pay your
respects to the
downtown PasarBella
Styled like a modern food court,
the new gourmet market,
which opens Dec 1, has Kyle
Henderson’s and Damian D'Silva’s
sandwiches (of Lolla and South
East Sliders fame). Healthy options
include Pimp My Salad and 12
other stalls. #01-455 North Wing,
Suntec City 3 Temasek Boulevard,
www.pasarbella.com
Watch Swan Lake
The sexy new French restaurant at National Gallery (see
#4) is not the only Odette in town. Tchaikovsky’s tragic
ballet tells the story of poor Odette transformed into a
swan by an evil witch and then (spoiler alert!) betrayed
by her man-love. Dec 3-6, Esplanade Theatre. $30-70
from Sistic.
Laugh out loud with Indian comedians
The Indian Invasion Comedy features four of India’s stand-up comedians like
Kunal Rao, the co-founder of East India Comedy YouTube channel, Sorabh
Pant, Aditi Mittal and Sanjay Manaktala. Fri, Dec 4-Sat, Dec 5, Klapsons
The Boutique Hotel, 15 Hoe Chiang Road, $56.50-$128, www.sistic.com.sg
20Find out what
happened to
Ricky Paiva
Our favorite moustachioed
bartender at Manhattan moved
on a few months ago, and has
washed up on the shores of Vanity,
Massive Collective’s new bar and
lounge at the equally new South
Beach Quarter. 38 Beach Rd., www.
facebook.com/SBQ.vanity
Upcoming concerts to catchBOOK NOW
ELTON JOHN—ALL THE HITS TOUR
The pop superstar is back in town again to perform hits like “Bennie And The Jets” and
“Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” Dec 1-2, The Star Theatre, $148-488 from Sistic.
LENKA LIVE IN SINGAPORE
Indie-pop songstress Lenka is playing in Singapore to promote her new album, "The
Bright Side." Expect songs like "Trouble Is A Friend", "Everything At Once” and the hit
single,“The Show." Dec 1, *Scape the Ground Theatre. $74-138 from Peatix.
TOE
Famous for their unique and edgy sound, Toe will play two gigs in Singapore.
Expect Kashikura Takashi on drums and Mino Takaaki on guitar. Sadly, the Nov 30
one is sold out, so catch them the day before instead. Nov 29, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St.
$68-$80 from Peatix.
DEF LEPPARD
'80s rock band Def Leppard is in Singapore to relive their glory days with hits
like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites." Nov 24, Suntec Singapore
International Convention & Exhibition Centre. $108-168 from Sistic.
CLEAN BANDIT
The English electronic group is on tour to promote their new album, "New Eyes",
although most fans are probably hoping for a live rendition of last year's "Rather
Be." Nov 25, The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Singapore Resorts World Sentosa. $68
from Sistic.
THE I LOVE ANISONG CONCERT
Part of the Anime Festival Asia, the line-up features musicians who sang the
original soundtracks of various anime productions. Nov 27-29, Suntec Singapore
International Convention & Exhibition Centre. $58-$428 from Event Clique.
COMEDY
3 reasons why museums are the sexiest places to be this month
1. NATIONAL GALLERY OPENING
CELEBRATIONS
There are plenty of fringe activities to
check out at the National Gallery's
much-anticipated official opening (Nov
24-Dec 6). The Padang Art Carnival (Nov
27-29) has many different themed tents,
with an installation that commemorates
the survivors of the Bukit Ho Swee fire
(5pm-midnight) and a Superfarmers
workshop (5:45pm, 7:15pm and 8:15pm)
that teaches you basic food-foraging
survival skills. The ART FORUM 1 (Nov
24, 2-4:30pm) is a crash course for those
who are clueless about the Singapore art
scene, and Memora(Film)ia: Random Acts
of Remembering (Nov 27-Dec 6) screens
three short films with the themes of
loss, memory and hope. Screenings from
Nov 27-29 and Dec 4-6 run hourly from
10am-10pm, while screenings from Dec
3-6 run hourly from 10am-6pm. Most
events are free, but entry to the galleries
requires a ticket. #01-01 1 St. Andrew’s
Rd., www.nationalgallery.sg. Free.
2. THE NEW BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION
AT SAM
Bring your geeky friend to Time of
Others (Nov 21-Feb 28), a profound
exhibit in which contemporary artists
respond to the historical and social
concerns that come with living in a
globalized world. The Singapore Art
Museum, Museum of Contemporary
Art Tokyo, National Museum of Art
Osaka and the Queensland Art Gallery
join forces with more than 20 works
of art from these collections. Get into
a discussion about the region's history,
cultural mores and post-colonial hang-
ups. 71 Bras Basah Rd., www.
singaporeartmuseum.sg. $10.
3. CERN EXHIBITION AT ARTSCIENCE
This interactive, multi-sensory exhibition
at Marina Bay Sands is all about the
CERN's Large Hadron Supercollider
(through Dec 30). It investigates this
foreboding, 27km tunnel used to smash
subatomic particles. And why? All this
to find out what exactly makes up
the universe. Last year, the scientists
confirmed the existence of the Higgs
Boson, (also known as the God Particle)
that explains why objects have mass.
Museum goers will look at how these
scientists conduct their experiments, with
some pretty trippy photos to boot. 6
Bayfront Ave., www.marinabaysands.
com. $10 (residents); $15 (standard).
ART
National Gallery
Time of Others Time of Others
Def Leppard
LenkaClean Bandit
18
FOOD
NEW BAR
BALLET
22
Shop for socially-conscious wares at
Open Farm Community
Featuring 25 vendors including urban farming
community Edible Garden City, buy artisanal and
locally-produced goods like homemade jams and
delicatessens at the inaugural edition of The Social
Market. Nov 28, 9am-2.30pm; Nov 29, 9am-
4pm,130E Maiden Rd., www.openfarmcommunity.com
21
19
Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg
MARKET
14 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
now
15. Thirsty
ADVERTORIAL
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYVILLAGE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 15
A Guide to Spending
the Weekend in
Serangoon Gardens
Highlights include: French pastries, craft beers, hawker delights
and lots of shopping.
S
erangoon Gardens is officially one of the hippest heartlands in
Singapore. Thanks to its exciting hawker food, up and coming
standalone restaurants and established, leafy stalwarts like
myVillage, it has become a destination in its own right. Here’s a complete
list of what to eat, drink and do when you get there.
Have a decadent
brunch
Weekends are made for brunching,
and there are two excellent options
at myVillage, especially for those
with a sweet tooth. Little Wimbly
Lu (#01-09/10, myVillage, 1 Maju
Ave., 6289-1489, www.facebook.
com/littlewimlylu) is the offshoot
of popular cafe Wimbly Lu and the
eatery specializes in pancakes,
waffles and crepes. For an extra
shot of decadence, get their
famous hot chocolate. If you’d like
something savory, try Bakerzin
Artisan (#01-27/28, myVillage,
1 Maju Ave., 6634-5638, www.
facebook.com/bakerzin), which
has a cafe menu featuring items
like the Norwegian scrambled
eggs with smoked salmon and the
Chef’s Breakfast, which comes with
chicken chipolata and brioche.
Or gorge on
local food
A huge draw at Serangoon Gardens
is Chomp Chomp Food Centre (20
Kensington Park Rd.). The options
can be overwhelming, but save
room for the $1 chicken wings at
Chong Pang Huat (#01-26) and
Hokkien mee at Ah Hock Fried
Hokkien Noodles right next door.
Also packed with culinary delights,
the Serangoon Garden Market
& Food Centre (49A Serangoon
Garden Way) is a huge hit with
Garden Street Kway Chap (#01-
21). And just up the street, the
unassuming but perpetually packed
Dessert Bowl (80A Serangoon
Garden Way, 6285-1278), has
crowds queuing for its signature
durian mousse.
Schedule in
some me-time
After all that eating and shopping,
you’ll want to cool your heels for a
while. Head back to myVillage for a
manicure and a haircut at Cuttour
(#01-25 myVillage, 1 Maju Ave.,
6634-4666, www.facebook.com/
NailLicious).
Grab pre-dinner
drinks with friends
Good shopping and dining options
aside, Serangoon Gardens is also up
on the latest drinking trends. Load
up on little-known American craft
beers at the brand new branch of
Thirsty (#01-04, myVillage, 1 Maju
Ave., 9823-0282, www.thirsty.com.
sg) or affordable wines from around
the world at Wine Connection (#B1-
05, myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-
8245, www.wineconnection.com.
sg), both at myVillage. But if you
want to chill, grab a cocktail and a
bite to eat, there’s Mediterranean
tapas joint Plonk (7 Maju Ave.,
6286-4688, www.plonk.com.sg).
Get ahead on
Christmas shopping
November is here, which means
scarcely six weeks left to buy
Christmas presents for all the
important people in your life—and
that includes yourself. Fashionistas
should swing by Serangoon Garden
mainstays like Lemon Chiffon (12A
Kensington Park Rd., 6858-3023,
www.facebook.com/lemonchiffon)
for flowy womenswear and
understated accessories, and
U-Design (#01-06, myVillage, 1 Maju
Ave., 6634-2136, www.facebook.
com/udesignfashion) for chunky,
bohemian-chic statement pieces.
For the intellectual culture
snob in your life, pick up a stack
of fancy international glossies
like Monocle, GQ, Lucky Peach and
Kinfolk at specialty magazine
shop AllScript (#01-05, myVillage,
1 Maju Ave., 6509-3813, www.
allscript.com) in myVillage.
And to spruce up your place,
there’s Bedroom Affairs (#01-20,
myVillage, 1 Maju Ave., 6634-5431,
www.rincobonington.com), which
specializes in sleek bed linens,
curtains and towels.
Design the
perfect hamper
Celebrate the festive season with
curated epicurean goods like
gourmet cheese, charcuterie and
wine from La Petite Boutique (4
Kensington Park Rd., 9326-0432,
www.petite-boutique-sg.com) and
exotic olive oils, French biscuits
and more from French grocery Le
Quartier (78 Serangoon Garden
Way, 6858-2540, www.quartier.
com.sg).
AllScript Plonk Lemon Chiffon
myVillage
La Petite Boutique
Bakerzin Artisan
Wimbly Lu
Cuttour
16. 16 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
10. Huitres at
Saint Pierre
Take your taste buds on
an exotic adventure
with this molecular
plate of Guillardeau
oyster, pear carpaccio,
shallot cream
and watercress.
#01-15, 6438-0887,
www.saintpierre.com.sg
Best for: Gastronomy fans
5. Beef
Bourguignon
at Picotin Express
For a full and hearty meal,
nothing beats a plate of
braised beef, pinot noir
sauce, mushrooms,
bacon, shallots and
mashed potatoes.
#01-06, 6438-4747,
www.picotin.com.sg
Best for: A classic
Christmas dinner
3. Classic Cream
and Chardonnay
Mussels at
BRUSSELs
SPROUTS
Savor this decadent
concoction of mussels
marinated in onion, parsley,
butter, celery, leek, white
wine and cream—best paired
with Belgian beer.
#01-01, 6684-4344,
www.brusselssprouts.com.sg
Best for: A boozy appetizer
8. Fresh Atlantic Cod at Quayside Fish
Bar & Bistro
Health nuts should have no objections to this fresh Atlantic
cod, served with red wine jus, buttered leek and yellow
frisee. #01-11, 6268-8633, www.qsfishbar.com
Best for: The health conscious
6. Lamb Shank at Mykonos On The Bay
Go on a meat bender by tucking into a lamb shank slow-
braised in tomato sauce and served with smoked eggplant.
#01-10, 6334-3818, www.mykonosonthebay.com
Best for: True-blue carnivores
7. House Made Pancakes at Kith
Drizzled in maple butter, honey mascarpone, poached pears
and mixed berries, this classic breakfast favorite is perfect
for any sweet tooth. #01-08, 6734-9007, www.kith.com.sg
Best for: A satisfying brunch
1. The Blue Moon
Burger at &MADE
Burger Bistro
L’Entrecôte Express
Bite into this juicy combination
of dry-aged beef patty, French
blue cheese and grilled bacon.
#01-03, 6690-7570,
www.andmade.sg
Best for: A complete indulgence
25DeliciousReasonstoVisitQuaysideIsle@SentosaCove
The scenic little nook has plenty of international choices ranging from Asian, Australian, and Belgian to French, Greek, and
Spanish. For a celebratory feast this festive season, make your way through this gastronomic checklist.
2. Signature Chili Pomelo Crab
at Blue Lotus
A meaty whole Sri Lankan crab spiced up with lemongrass,
ginger flowers and pomelo—bring on the tissues!
#01-13, 6339-0880, www.bluelotus.com.sg
Best for: Feasting with a local twist
11. Alaskan King Crab Legs with Truffle
Mash at Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro
Dive into a large plate of Alaskan king crab legs with
sumptuous truffle mash and fresh organic greens.
#01-11, 6268-8633, www.qsfishbar.com
Best for: A no-holds-barred dinner
12. Sokolatopita at Mykonos
On The Bay
Complement a delicious Greek spread with the universally-
loved chocolate pie, with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice-
cream. #01-10, 6334-3818, www.mykonosonthebay.com
Best for: An icy chocolate treat
9. Stilton Et
Betteraves at
Saint Pierre
This epicurean creation
of beetroot, pear, Stilton
cheese and pine nut salad
with apple balsamic dressing
tastes as good as it looks.
#01-15, 6438-0887,
www.saintpierre.com.sg
Best for: Discerning
cheese-lovers
4. Crudo E Rucola at SolePomodoro
Trattoria Pizzeria
For a light starter, order this gourmet pizza topped with
tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham and rocket salad.
#01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com
Best for: Sharing with friends
17. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 17
22. Ambi Paneer Tikka at Earl of Hindh
Stuffed with delicious cottage cheese chunks mixed in sweet
and sour mango chutney, you’ll want this tantalizing starter
all to yourself. #01-16, 6681-6694, www.earlofhindh.com
Best for: A pre-dinner snack
Italian Wine Tasting
On Nov 21, 12-6pm, sample the best of Tuscan, Sicilian and Puglian
wines at the Fountain Plaza. You can also purchase top Mandrarossa
wines from $38 and Barone Ricasoli Chianti from $47, brought to
you by The Straits Wine Company.
Roving Street Performances
Catch whimsical angels on stilts and an LED juggler in a visually-
arresting outdoor showcase on Dec 19 and 25, and share your
experience on Instagram through the hashtag #quaysideisle.
Free Weekday Lunch Time Parking
Having a mid-day meal at Quayside Isle? Head there after 12pm and
exit the carpark by 2.30pm on weekdays (except public holidays) to
enjoy complimentary parking with no minimum spend required.
Complimentary Admission to Sentosa
Drive in after 5pm on weekdays (except public holidays) for free entry
to Sentosa—applicable only for cars and taxis.
14. Pulled Pork
Brioche at Kith
Not quite your average
brunch option, salivate over
this combination of pulled
pork, cheddar, avocado
mayo, lettuce and tomato
atop a fluffy brioche bun.
#01-08, 6734-9007,
www.kith.com.sg
Best for: Starting your
day right
19. Truffle
Mushroom Risotto
& Hokkaido Sea
Scallop at MUSEO
Savor the different
combinations of textures
in this rich stew of truffle
mushroom risotto, sea
scallops, Parmesan cheese
and asparagus.
#01-22, 6734-8066,
www.mu-se-o.com
Best for: A comforting meal
21. El Pulpo at
Sabio By The Sea,
Tapas Bar & Grill
If you’re planning a seafood
spread, be sure to include
this tantalizing tapas plate
of grilled octopus, “Viola”
mashed potato and paprika
sauce. #01-02, 6690-7568,
www.sabio.sg/bythesea
Best for: A seafood feast
24. Chocolate Ball
at MUSEO
This wonderfully decadent
dessert has a crunchy frozen
pistachio nougat center
encased in a chocolate
shell, and served with a
hot butterscotch and berry
sauce. #01-22, 6734-8066,
www.mu-se-o.com
Best for: Gourmet
chocolate lovers
15. Pavlova
Meringue at
Saint Pierre
This sugary dessert, served
with vanilla cream and fresh
berries, will hit the spot.
Available from Dec 1-26.
#01-15, 6438-0887,
www.saintpierre.com.sg
Best for: Ending your date
on a sweet note
17. Seafood Pasta at
Miska Café
If you can’t decide on what
to eat, fall back on the ever-
reliable spaghetti with prawns
and calamari in home-made
tomato sauce.
#01-07, 6339-0903,
www.miskacafe.net
Best for: Undecided diners
MarkYourCalendarsCheck out these exciting events and promotions, happening only at Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove.
16. Raspberry
Sorbetti at Note
Di Sicilia
If you need a cool and
refreshing treat, go for this
juicy sorbet, made with
fresh, antioxidant-packed
raspberries from Italy.
#01-09, 8168-4341,
www.notedisicilia.com
Best for: Indulging
without guilt
25. Raviolino Di Ossobuco Burro
E Salvia at SolePomodoro
Trattoria Pizzeria
Savor a creamy plate of handmade ravioli filled with yummy
veal shank, and served in a butter and sage sauce.
#01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com
Best for: A solid, bite-sized meal
23. Chicken Kebabs at Miska Café
Ordering to go? Try the juicy, grilled chicken chunks with
Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Greek yogurt house
sauce in a freshly baked pita wrap. #01-07, 6339-0903,
www.miskacafe.net
Best for: Breakfast, lunch or dinner—it’s that versatile
20. Gobhi Ke Shammi Kabab at
Earl of Hindh
No North Indian feast is complete without this pan-fried
dish of minced cauliflower shammi kabab, seasoned with
various herbs and spices and served with a sprinkling of
saffron. #01-16, 6681-6694, www.earlofhindh.com
Best for: Any traditional North Indian spread
13. Spiedino Di Pollo Alla Diavola at
SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria
Feeling peckish? Nibble on roasted chicken on skewers,
cooked with herbs, olive oil, chili and black pepper.
#01-14, 6339-4778, www.solepomodoro.com
Best for: Whetting an appetite
18. L’Entrecôte
Steak at &MADE
Burger Bistro
L’Entrecôte
Express
You can never go wrong
with tender cuts of
beef cooked to your
preference—this one comes
with a special house made
sauce and a side of crisp
fries. #01-03, 6690-7570,
www.andmade.sg
Best for: A rich and
succulent meal
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Quayside Isle is located at 31 Ocean Way, Sentosa Cove, Singapore 098375, 6887-3502, www.quaysideisle.com
18. 18 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
From new bars to music festivals, here’s who won
SG’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2015. By SG Editorial
Best
Buffet
The Line, Shangri-La
We thought the opening of
Colony at the Ritz-Carlton would
give this long-beloved classic a
run for its money, but not so, at
least not this year. The tick-all-
the-boxes international buffet
(with a free-flow Champagne
option on Sundays), with a
bunch of live kitchens is still your
favorite.
22 Orange Grove Rd., 6213-
4275, www.shangri-la.com
Best
Food Event
Singapore
Restaurant Week
It turns out that what you really
want is not a high-end food
market, but just the opportunity
to dine as usual at your favorite
restaurants, except with slightly
more affordable set menus. What
could be more ideal, then, than
SRW’s $25-40 lunches and $35-
55 at places like Bacchanalia,
Garibaldi and UNA.
www.restaurantweek.sg
Best
Local Chef
Bjorn Shen
Last year, it was chef-next-door
Willin Low. This year, it’s all
about the loveable bad boy. He’s
had quite a year with a slew of
pop-ups around town, and the
addition of a gourmet creamsicle
stand Neh Neh Pop next to the
eternally-packed Artichoke. The
icing on the cake is the opening
of his Thai grilled chicken place
Bird Bird over at Ann Siang Hill
just this month.
Best
Drink Event
Oktoberfest
(Clarke Quay)
There were a bunch of exciting
new contenders in this category
this year, chief among them
the debut of Singapore Cocktail
Week. But at the end of the day,
there’s nothing quite like after-
work pints of beer, lederhosen,
bratwurst, big hats and live cover
bands at Clarke Quay.
Best
Cocktail Bar
Best
New Bar
Best
Brunch
Anti:dote
Speakeasies come and
speakeasies go, but a solid hotel
bar with a creative signature
cocktail menu and an adorable
head bartender (hi, Tom Hogan!)
is a rare thing. Anti:dote went
from Best New Bar last year
to Best Bar this year, toppling
Tippling Club.
Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras
Basah Rd., 6431-5315, www.
fairmont.com/Singapore
Club Street Social
The newest watering hole along
the Club Street/Gemmill Lane
stretch is all about the exposed
brick, a marble countertop and
rustic touches. It’s easy to like
the affordable wine list (glasses
start at $13) and the brief
cocktail menu by cult New York
bartender John deBary—oh,
and not forgetting the delicious
Italian sandwiches.
5 Gemmill Lane, 6225-
5043, www.facebook.com/
clubstreetsocial
Artichoke
We’re scratching our heads over
this one. We thought you loved
eggs benedict, syrup-soaked
waffles and other Instagrammable
goodies? No, turns out you
actually love cauliflower sabbich,
lamb shakshouka and far more
exotic late-morning foods. Good
for you!
Sculpture Square, 161 Middle
Rd., 6336-6949, www.
artichoke.com.sg.
Best New
Restaurant
Open Farm
Community
A Spa Esprit Group-bankrolled,
semi-alfresco restaurant doing
dishes made with seasonal
produce grown in its own
backyard in collaboration with
the Edible Gardens folks—is there
any surprise that Open Farm
Community took one in three
votes cast in this category?
130E Minden Rd., 6471-0306,
www.openfarmcommunity.com
Best
Restaurant
Les Amis
Dethroning sky-high fine dining
temple Jaan this year is this home-
grown French establishment,
which took in an impressive
quarter of the votes this year.
We’re not sure what has caused
the upset. Could it be chef Julien
Royer’s departure from Jaan? Or
could it be that the pitch-perfect
French fare (and delicious butters)
at Les Amis are just that good?
#01-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd.,
6733-2225, www.lesamis.com.sg
Best
Cafe
Common Man
Coffee Roasters
One of the coolest places for
coffee snobs to brunch, this
industrial-chic spot is packed to
the gills most weekends, with hip
folks clamoring for house-roasted
beans (prepared pour over or
Aeropress style, of course) and
daintily portioned, hippie-chic
plates of ox cheek eggs Benedict
and pancakes.
#01-00, 22 Martin Rd., #01-00,
6836-4695, www.commonman-
coffeeroasters.com
T
he tribe has spoken—loud and clear. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards saw 50 percent more ballots cast than in 2014, with readers voting
in the thousands! Clearly, y’all got opinions! Well, here’s where we shut up for once and let you do the judging. Here are your winners.
city
scape
And the Winner is...
20 YEARS
19. PainttheTownRedandGreen
ADVERTORIAL
It’s almost time for Christmas and New Year’s, and there are plenty of
delicious meals along the Singapore River to get you feeling festive.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE
Marco Marco
Circular Road’s industrial-chic Italian
restaurant has an extra decadent
Christmas Season Lobster Pasta ($18),
involving hand-made spaghetti, chunks
of juicy lobster and a herbalicious
tomato sauce.
23 Circular Road, 6223-5001,
www.marcomarco.com.sg
Wakanui
The New Zealand-style grill is all about
premium, grain-fed meats grilled using
Japanese techniques. For Christmas,
they’re doing an affordable set menu
($60), with dishes like poached prawns,
charcoal-fired foie gras, roasted cod and
fire-grilled lamb. Don’t forget to wash it
down with a bottle of NZ wine.
70 Boat Quay, 6438-6321,
www.wakanui.com.sg
Harry’s
It’s an institution when it comes to
raucous get-togethers, and Christmas
is no different. Top off your ale-filled
Christmas night with a special deal
on their dessert: Harry’s Signature
Sticky Date Toffee Pudding is $10—did
we mention it comes with vanilla
ice cream?
28 Boat Quay, 6538-3029,
www.harrys.com.sg
Hot Stones
The riverside steak and seafood joint
has a special three-course Christmas
menu for a very reasonable $68.
Choose from dishes like their lobster
bisque, Australian tenderloin, tiger
prawn and salmon. Perfect padding
for a long night out. You can wine and
dine aboard Singapore’s last pair of
surviving Tongkang boats.
#01-06 Clarke Quay, 3D River Valley
Rd, 6333-4868, www.hotstones.com.sg
Fremantle
Seafood Market
You certainly don’t have to wait for
a special occasion to chow down at
this seafood stalwart, but they do
have a four-course Christmas menu
that’s worth a look. The $88 price
tag includes your choice of the whole
lobster Momay and the whole lobster
thermidor, and the meal comes with a
special Freemantle Christmas Cocktail.
#01-05 Clarke Quay, 3E River
Valley Rd, 6337-1838,
www.fremantleseafoodmarket.com.sg
My Little
Spanish Place
If you like their Bukit Timah location,
have a holiday meal at their new riverside
outpost. Famous for their fuss-free,
home-style Spanish dishes, they’ve got
a $55 Christmas menu involving their
signature handmade sausage platter
accompanied by a pitcher of sangria.
54 Boat Quay, 6532-0665,
www.mylittlespanishplace.com.sg
sQue
The big draw here is of course the
dizzying selection of 200 beers from
over 80 countries, but check out their
$68 Christmas platter, big enough for
three: it comes with a beef Wellington
with mushroom and truffle duxelles and
ample sides of roasted veggies. If you’re
not into beer, wash it all down with either
a Prosecco Brut NV Caroene Malvoti or
Santa Helena Cabernet Sauvignon—both
50% off when you get the platter.
6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central #01-70
6222-1887, www.sque.com.sg
sQue
My Little Spanish Place
Harry’s
HotStonesSteakandSeafood
MarcoMarco
Wakanui Grill
The Coronas
Live in Singapore
What’s the festive season without a bit
of music? Irish Pub McGettigan’s is bringing
down Dublin rock outfit The Coronas who
will perform a free concert at Clarke Quay’s
Fountain Square on Dec 9. Expect fast riffs
and alternative tunes from the three-time
platinum-selling band as they dish out
new singles from their latest album,
The Long Way. While you’re in the area,
order up Irish staples from McGettigan’s
like their Guinness puff pastry pie, Irish
stew and beer-battered fish and chips.
3A River Valley Rd, 6837-0577,
www.mcgettigans.com; 8:15pm till late.
TheCoronas
20. 20 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Best
Craft Beer Bar
Brewerkz
Local pride for the win! This long-
standing microbrewery does
pilsners, IPAs and stouts, along
with a slew of seasonal brews
and single-hops specials. They’ve
got outlets all over town, but our
favorite has got to be the Clarke
Quay standby. #01-05 Riverside
Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6438-
7438, www.brewerkz.com
Best
Beach Bar
Tanjong Beach Club
Singapore’s chicest beach club
wins another year, thanks to
its gorgeous wood-and-glass
restaurant (serving a classic
but delicious menu of mains
and snacks), the nautical blue-
and-white color scheme, the
abundant lounge furniture and
DJs spinning on the evenings.
120 Tanjong Beach Walk,
9750-5323, www.
tanjongbeachclub.com
Best
Rooftop Bar
1-Altitude
It’s been the year of low-slung,
cozy rooftop bars, but there’s
no comparison to ridiculously
gorgeous panoramic views of
the city and the Straits beyond.
1-Altitude’s garden terrace vibe,
great food and pretty people
here have beaten out last year’s
winner. 61-63/F, 1 Raffles
Place, 6438-0410, www.1-
altitude.com
Best
New Local Store
Best Local
Online Store
Best
Budget Airline
Best Regional
Destination
In Good Company
This womenswear label really
upped the ante for local online
retailers going brick-and-mortar:
a 3,300 sq ft space at Ion
Orchard that stocks not only their
garments, but also international
glossies by Magpie, local fiction
and poetry by Math Paper Press
and an in-house cafe managed
by Plain Vanilla Bakery. #B1-06,
Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn,
www.ingoodcompany.asia
The Assembly Store
A go-to for dapper dudes, this
multi-label e-commerce site
stocks well-curated garments
and accessories from Benjamin
Barker and Happy Socks, along
with local labels Gnome & Bow
and Hypergrand and many others.
They have a brick-and-mortar
boutique at Dhoby Ghaut, but
with free shipping Singapore,
you could just stay home.
www.theassemblystore.com
Scoot
For a second year in a row,
Singapore Airline’s budget option
comes out on top. Not resting on
their laurels, they’ve been wildly
expanding their routes, this
year starting flights to Jeddah,
Hangzhou and, perhaps most
excitingly, Melbourne. One-way
tickets in January start at $408.
www.flyscoot.com
Japan
We really thought it would be
Thailand again like last year, but
we guess you’re taking a break
from amazing markets and spicy
food and planning ahead for
cherry blossoms and skiing. Who
can blame you? Visit sgnow.sg/
travel for tons more travel ideas.
Best
New Hotel
The Scarlet Singapore
The entire buzz lately had been
about The Club just up the street,
but this other boutique hotel,
housed in a heritage building and
reopened early last year has won
you over with its flamboyant,
burlesque-inspired decor and
cozy rooftop bar, Breeze. 33
Erskine Rd, 6511-3333, www.
thescarlethotel.com
Best
Hotel
Best
Local Attraction
Best
Outdoor Activity
Best
Gym
ParkRoyal on
Pickering
It’s one of our favorite parts of
the Singapore skyline, with its
vertical gardens and curvy facade.
It doesn’t hurt that the spa is by St
Gregory, many of the rooms
overlook Hong Lim Park and that
the lunch buffet at Lime is both
affordable and solid.
3 Upper Pickering St., 6809-
8888, www.parkroyalhotels.com
Gardens by the Bay
Of course it doesn’t hurt that
the billion-dollar, 101-hectare
green zone hosts exciting
concerts and music festivals and
houses some of our favorite
restaurants. But the big highlight,
we think, is the impressive
Flower Dome, a high-ceilinged,
temperature—controlled structure
housing Mediterranean and
semi-tropical flora. 18 Marina
Gardens Dr., 6420-6841, www.
gardensbythebay.com.sg
River Safari
Observe nocturnal animals on foot
or by tram if you’re lazy like us.
And if you go in the next couple
of weeks, you can catch their
annual themed event Mystica,
which will involve bioluminescent
decorations, LED light twirling
and more. See page 8 for more
info. 80 Mandai Lake, 6269-3411,
www.nightsafari.com.sg
Fitness First
A mainstay at our Readers’
Choice Awards, one of
Singapore’s biggest and most
popular gym chains wins
again, thanks no doubt to its
abundant number of branches
(17 islandwide) and its good
mix of standard equipment,
complimentary towel service and
diverse classes.
www.fitnessfirst.com.sg
Best
Wine Lounge
Wine Connection
Cheese Bar
For yet another year, Wine
Connection’s affordable artisanal
cheese and charcuterie boards,
bottles starting at a sweet
$35 and friendly service prove
unbeatable for the fancier
competition. #01-05 Robertson
Walk, 11 Unity St., 6238-
1279, www.facebook.com/
WineConnectionCheeseBarSGP
Best
Club
Zouk
It’s moving to Clarke Quay
in 2016, and also changing
ownership from Lincoln Chen to
the much bigger Genting Group—
but that hasn’t diminished your
love for Singapore’s longest-
running nightclub in the least.
See you at ZoukOut next month.
17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988,
www.zoukclub.com.sg
Best
Party Series
Endless Summer
Not block parties in the streets,
nor beer pong tournaments on
the beach. What you actually love
(this year) are cocktails, bubbly,
bean bags, DJs—all happening
poolside at the W Singapore
Sentosa Cove. The next one is on
Nov 29, and entry is $35.
www.wsingaporesentosacove.
com
21.
22. 22 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Best
Boutique Gym
R-evolution
This VivoCity gym not only does
yoga and Pilates classes, but
also more intense MMA and
TRX classes (the latter uses
bodyweight and resistance to get
you all toned and strong). They’re
most proud of their proprietary
RIOT, a 45-minute class involving
cardio, calisthenics and weight
training. #03-09, VivoCity, 1
HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9697,
www.r-evolution.com.sg
Best
Arts Space
Esplanade—Theatres
by the Bay
Their regular jazz shows, small
plays and classical concerts
aside, Esplanade has really been
on a roll the second half of this
year, with back to back big-
deal productions of Murakami
adaptation Kafka on the Shore
from Japan and an all-male
production of A Clockwork
Orange. 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-
8377, www.esplanade.com
Best
Music Festival
Laneway Festival Singapore
Year after year, you love putting on
flowy blouses, flower tiaras, politically-
dubious feathered headgears and cut-off
shorts, and heading to an all-day indie
music festival at Gardens by the Bay. Who
wouldn’t? On Jan 20, 2016, you can get
excited for Thundercat, Purity Ring, Beach
House and many others.
singapore.lanewayfestival.com
Best
Local Startup
Best
Co-Working Space
Inspirational
Local of the Year
Carousell
Second-hand shopping online is extra
sweet when the app founder is local and
got a massive injection of $7.8 million
in funding just last year. Putting up your
pre-loved goods, buying other people’s,
laughing at absurd listings and arguing
with vendors is a time-honored part
of this experience, and it is all but a
given that Carousell is your favorite local
startup. www.caroussell.com
The Working Capitol
Aided no doubt by their Keong Saik
location and their slew of trendy new
restaurants like The Daily Roundup
and Neon Pigeon, The Working Capitol
has become a real community fixture,
offering not just work space, but also
lots of events and seminars open to the
public. 1 Keong Saik Rd., 6805-4050, www.
theworkingcapitol.com
Adrianna Tan
When she’s not spending weekdays in
Jakarta for her mobile commerce platform
Wobe, this Singaporean startup wiz
and philanthropist is organizing Culture
Kitchen (which got a big $20,000 value
grant from Jetstar this year) for migrant
woker communities and locals to mingle
(see page 25).
Best
Wellness Studio
True Yoga
With two well-placed branches—
one at Pacific Plaza on Scotts
Road and the other at Ocean
Financial Centre—True Yoga has
all the advantages of a big brand
but without compromising on a
relaxing atmosphere. Pair that
with diverse yoga offerings, off-
beat dance classes and visiting
big-deal teachers, and it’s easy to
see why it has won again this year.
www.trueyoga.com.sg
Best
Museum
ArtScience Museum
The lotus-shaped, Marina Bay
Sands museum has more than
kept up with the high-quality
programming of last year (we
still miss Annie Leibovitz), with
its super-arty ArtScience late
events, the beautiful Deep Sea
exhibition and, showing now,
an interactive walk through the
workings of the Large Hadron
Supercollider. 10 Bayfront
Ave., 6688-8826, www.
marinabaysands.com/museum
Best
Art Gallery
Opera Gallery
The Orchard stalwart has won
again this year, thanks to its
regular programming of huge-
name, often long-dead artists.
On display till Dec 6 is a group
show by Chilean artist Eduardo
Guelfenbein and French sculptor
Marie-Madeleine Gautier and
French painter Jean-Francois
Larrieu (all alive, thankfully).
#04-15 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard
Turn, 6735-2618, www.
operagallery.com
THIS WEEK, WIN A $1,000 WORTH
OF SPENDING CREDIT AT AURA
It’s our 20th anniversary, but we’re giving you the
presents! Follow us on Facebook (our calendar is
packed full of awesome giveaways!) and expect
loads of amazing treats including a grand suite hotel
stay in Hong Kong coming your way in December.
facebook.com/sgnow.sg
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
23. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 23
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PICK up SG at over 200 venues
SG DISTRIBUTION
ARAB STREET/KAMPONG
GLAM · Afterwit · Artistry
Cafe · Maison Ikkoku ·
Working Title · BEACH ROAD
· Blu Jaz · The Plaza L1
Office Lobby Reception ·
The Projector · BOAT QUAY ·
Enoteca L’Operetta · Harry’s
@ Boat Quay · Southbridge
· The Arts House at Old
Parliament · Timbre @ The
Arts House · O Comptoir
· BUGIS · Hood Bar and
Cafe · Essensuals by Toni
& Guy @ Bugis · Kapok @
National Design Centre ·
BUKIT TIMAH · PasarBella ·
Skyve Elementary Bistro &
Bar · Spruce @ Firestation
· CHINATOWN · Lepark ·
The Working Capitol · The
Chamber · The Muffinry ·
Wa-Cafe · Morsi & Sorsi ·
CITY HALL · Dimbulah @
Chijmes · The Soup Spoon
@ Raffles City Shopping
Centre · The Soup Spoon
@ Suntec City · Barossa @
Esplanade · Outback Steak
House · Paulaner Brauhaus
· Timbre @ The Substation
· Ice Cold B’s · Brotzeit @
Raffles City · Coffee Club
@ Raffles City Shopping ·
MICA Office Lobby Reception
· The Substation · Front
Row · Loof · Dome Café @
Singapore Art Museum ·
Privé Chijmes · WineBos ·
CLARKE QUAY · Brewerkz ·
Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk
· The Central L1 Customer
Service · Crazy Elephant ·
DEMPSEY · Jones The Grocer
· White Rabbit · House,
Barracks & Camp · Dome
Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot
Brewhouse · DHOBY GHAUT
· Kith Café @ Park Mall ·
Dôme @ Plaza Singapura
· EAST · Dutch Colony @
Frankel Avenue · Group
Therapy @ Katong ·
SandBank · Tolido's Espresso
Nook · The Tuckshop ·
City Square Mall Customer
Service Counter · Loysel’s
Toy · HARBOURFRONT · King
Louis · Prive Bakery Café ·
Brotzeit @ Vivo City · Coffee
Club @ Harbourfront Centre
· HOLLAND VILLAGE · The
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @
Holland Village · Barossa
@ Holland V · Harry’s @
Holland Village · Wala Wala
· Fosters - An English Rose
Café · LITTLE INDIA · Morsels
· Workhouse · MARINA
BAY · Carnivore Brazilian
Churrascaria @ Marina Bay
Sands · Erwin’s Gastrobar
· The Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf @ Marina Bay Sands ·
Bazin · Salad Stop @ MBFC
· Smoothie King @ MBFC
· MOHAMED SULTAN /
ROBERTSON QUAY · Kith Café
@ Watermark · Harry’s @
Pier Robertson · Blow+Bar
· Wine Connection Cheese
Bar @ Robertson Walk ·
Wine Connection Tapas
Bar & Bistro @ Robertson
Walk · Toby’s Estate · En
Grill and Bar · Singapore
Repertory Theatre · NOVENA
· Kitchenette · ORCHARD
· Active Life Center · ION
Concierge counter · The
Marmalade Pantry · Coffee
Club @ Paragon · Dome
Café @ Paragon · Dôme
@ Scotts Square · The
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
@ Paragon · Dome Café
@ Shaw House · Saveur
· Sky Pilates · Essensuals
by Toni & Guy @ Orchard
Central · Hansel · Lawry’s
The Prime Rib · Leftfoot @
Cineleisure · Rockstar by
Soon Lee · OUTRAM · The
Redundant Shop · RAFFLES
PLACE · Club Meatballs ·
Dimbulah @ Anson House
· Dimbulah @ Chevron
House · &SONS @ China
Square Central · The Bank
Bar & Bistro · 1-Altitude ·
Coffee Club @ Raffles Place
Square · The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf @ Republic Plaza
· The Exchange · The Royal
Mail Restaurant & Bar ·
True Fitness @ Chevron
House · Dome Café @
UOB Plaza 1 · Salad Stop
@ One George Street ·
Boathouse · Kinki · Capital
Square · Simply Sandwich
· RIVER VALLEY · Erwin’s
Gastrobar @ Valley Point
· Five & Dime · Bangkok
Jam · The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf @ Great World
City · True Fitness @ Great
World City · Tony’s Pizza
@ River Valley · SENTOSA ·
Kith Café @ Sentosa Cove
· Hard Rock Café RWS · iFly
@ Sentosa · The Coffee
Bean & Tea Leaf @ Palawan
Beach · Tanjong Beach Club
· Wave House Sentosa ·
SOMERSET · Smoothie King
@ 313 · Actually · Editor’s
Market@Somerset · Dean
& Deluca · Ice Cold Beer ·
No. 5 Emerald Hill · Oriole
Café & Bar · Brotzeit @
313@Somerset · Jibiru ·
KPO Café Bar · Porterhouse
Butcher Bar · Toni & Guy @
Mandarin Gallery · TANGLIN
· Spruce @ Phoenix Park
· MAD Museum of Art &
Design · The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf @ Forum Galleria ·
Hard Rock Café · TANJONG
PAGAR · Group Therapy
@ Duxton · Jekyll and
Hyde · GAEST · Kyo · 137
Telok Ayer Street Level
1 Reception · The Ogilvy
Centre · Boulevard · Pacific
Coffee Company @ Reddot
Traffic · The Coffee Bean &
Tea Leaf @ CPF Building ·
Red Dot Design Museum ·
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
@ International Plaza · The
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @
Fuji Xerox Tower · Broth ·
Latteria Mozzarella Bar ·
Sprmrkt · TIONG BAHRU ·
Curated Records · Cycle
Project Store · Tiong Bahru
Bakery · Coq & Balls · Forty
Hands · Books Actually ·
WEST · Curbside Cafe &
Wine Bar · Salad Stop @
Fusionopolis · One Rochester
· Nosh · Harry’s @
Mapletree Business City
1
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24. 24 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore
island
For those who’d like to learn how to swim with a fancy
tail, check out this mermaid school currently held at
Sunset Avenue by Singaporean Syrena, also known
as Cara Nicole Neo, who calls herself “Singapore’s
first mermaid”. Her classes cover a complete syllabus
comprising theory lessons on “mermaid lore” and
exercises to strengthen your core and glutes. Students
can advance from bronze for beginners to platinum
for advanced learners, once they’ve met the minimum
requirements of being able to swim one unassisted lap
and tread water for 20 seconds. From $490 for five one-
hour sessions. www.themermaidsyrena.com.
WELLNESS Under The Sea
Shop for a sleek two-wheel ride at the new 200 sq. ft.
Piaggio Group concept store, Mah Motors, located along
Serangoon Road. The showroom features sleek scooter and
bike brands Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi and
at present, there are 26 vehicles on display, along with
accessories like helmets and apparel. You can even hang out
at the mezzanine area and catch live events or races at the
store. 1179 Serangoon Rd., 6295-6393, www.piaggio.com.
NEW STORE Motor Head
Parisian fashion label Maje, known for its ethnic,
glam-rock influences has launched its first boutique at
Marina Bay Sands. Look out for designer Judith Milgrom’s
timeless, feminine and easy-to-wear aesthetic as seen
on her iconic bohemian-preppy dresses and leather and
parka jackets, all available at the 1,496 sq ft flagship
store. Prices range from $180 for a T-shirt to $4,210 for
a shearling-lined coat. #B2-109 The Shoppes at Marina
Bay Sands, 6688-7124, www.us.maje.com.
FASHION French Flair
Island Life
By the first quarter of 2016, Indonesian beach retreat Funtasy Island, or Pulau
Munis, which touts itself to be the “world’s largest eco theme park”, will finally
be open. The resort will feature 328 hectares of beaches across six small islands,
400 villas, a 200-room condotel and a 230-suite hotel, all located just 16km
from Singapore. There are also plans for a theme park, a spa and a beach club,
more underwater activities and perhaps a cave diving training center, too. Even
better, it’s a 25-minute ferry ride from HarbourFront and you might also be able
to charter a yacht charter service from the hotel. www.funtasyisland.com.
ATTRACTION
island
25. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 25
ACCOMMODATION
Airbnb
Rent or host rooms, houses, apartments and
even holiday villas in over 190 countries
around the world. Or just for a staycation in
Singapore. www.airbnb.com.sg
Homie
Find compatible roomies in Singapore
by sifting through profiles listed on this
roommate-searching website. www.homie.co
PandaBed
Quite similar to Airbnb, you can book or list
a holiday rental in Asian countries such as
Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and South
Korea. www.pandabed.com
DINING
#SGEatWithUs
Share home-cooked Singaporean dishes
with other locals through this pot-luck
community of passionate foodies—it’s all
about bonding over food here.
www.sgeatwithus.sg
BonAppetour
Invite yourself for dinner (for a fee, of
course) or host international guests at this
global meal sharing website through cities
like Shanghai, Budapest and Paris.
www.bonappetour.com
Plate Culture
Another social dining platform, that lets
you meet with folks from Asia, Europe,
Oceania, the U.S and U.K over a home-
cooked meal in Singapore.
www.plateculture.com
Mealsharing
Host or attend a dinner party by booking
a meal via a global community of home-
chef profiles and menus.
www.mealsharing.com
CO-WORKING SPACES
MettleWork
Creative night owls will love this 24-hour
communal studio in Geylang, which comes
with meeting rooms, private offices, a
warehouse and work benches complete
with tools. www.mettlework.co
The Refinery
It’s not your average office space—there’s
a yakitori joint, bespoke cocktail bar and
craft workshop all housed in a sleek loft
studio for craftsmen. www.therefinery.sg
The Working Capitol
Another impossibly hip, multi-concept
outfit with private offices and an events
space, slog with fellow yuccies in sexy
Keong Saik and host meetings at the
building’s in-house cafe, The Daily
Roundup. www.theworkingcapitol.com
SOCIAL INITIATIVES
Culture Kitchen
Get to know Singapore’s migrant workers
over a shared meal at an inclusive dinner
party—there’s no pompous waiting list for
this one. www.culturekitchen.sg
The Food Bank Singapore
Donate extra food to the needy through
this local food bank, which benefits family
service centers, soup kitchens and welfare
organizations. www.foodbank.sg
Waste Is Not Waste
Sustainability gets a new lease of life
through this online platform which
provides businesses and organizations
with a waste exchange program by
connecting surplus resource generators
with those sourcing for materials.
www.wasteisnotwaste.com
CAR-POOLING
Ryde
If you’re on a budget but need to get
somewhere, use this app to share a ride
with other locals going the same direction.
It even helps calculate the exact fare
contribution for each person, based on
distance. www.rydesharing.com
Sharetransport.sg
Commute by bus, car or taxi with other
passengers near you on this ride-sharing
platform. www.sharetransport.sg
CAR RENTALS
iCarsClub
Car owners can rent their rides to drivers
of their choice (with insurance protection,
of course)—they even get to determine
car rental rates. www.icarsclub.com
Smove
Eco warriors will love this car-sharing
company, which aims to reduce carbon
footprint by offering hybrid alternatives on
demand. www.smove.sg
PRIVATE CARS FOR HIRE
Uber
If you haven’t already jumped on the
private car service bandwagon, take baby
steps with this popular app. Options range
from low-cost rides (UberX) to fancy,
designer cars (UberExec). www.uber.com
GrabCar
GrabTaxi’s new alternative, book private
cars ranging from the humble Toyota to
an upscale BMW 5-series. www.grabtaxi.
com/grabcar
BICYCLES FOR HIRE
Otter
No license to drive? No problem. Opt for
this bike-sharing rental service which lets
you rent or list a bicycle for hire anywhere.
www.otter.sg
EVERYTHING ELSE
BlockPooling
Get to know your neighbors through
this website’s forum, social groups or
marketplace. You can borrow or lend
household items, offer any type of service
(as long as it’s legal) and host open-house
parties. www.blockpooling.sg
Rent Tycoons
You will find everything from electronics,
home furniture, party props, fashion items
and more. If you’d like to make a profit
from hoarding, register as a member to
list an item for rent.
www.renttycoons.com
Airbnb
The Working Capitol
DIGITAL
Fair Trade
With the sharing economy in full swing,
here’s where you can exchange cultures,
borrow household items, rent
co-working spaces and more.
By Chelsia Tan
Ryde
P
lanning a dinner party, looking for an affordable office space or searching for the right travel partner? The sharing economy is
now a cool and legit way to share extras (rooms, rides, items, you name it)—peer-to-peer style. Be part of the movement with
our list of collaborative platforms.
26. The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene
26 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
3 Grain Traders
CBD workers can customize their healthy lunch at
Grain Traders, brought to you by the folks behind Kilo.
There is oatmeal and porridge ($8 for both), and bagels
($10) to fill with guacamole and Kilo-style wasabi tuna
tartare. Their build-your-own meals ($16) are for those on
a strict diet. If you can’t choose, try the El Hibaro that has
striploin, salsa verde and wafu tomato. There’s also espresso
and filter brewed coffee. #01-01/02/03 CapitaGreen, 138
Market St., 6348-6559, www.grain-traders.com.
4 Aloha Poke
This new bistro specializes in Hawaiian salad bowls
(pronounced “pokay”) that traditionally involve
chopped raw fish and here, you order up the traditional
ahi tuna bowl or opt for a choice of salmon or tofu instead.
Make your lunch a little fancier with toppings such as chia
seeds, avocado and flying fish, and choose from sizes ranging
from Lil’ Swell (a scoop of fish, $11.90), the Standard Nalu
(two scoops for $15.90) or the Big Kahuna (three scoops for
$19.90). 92 Amoy St., 6221 6565, www.alohapoke.com.
sg
1 Food Matters
This delivery place is run by a certified nutritionist
and has the lofty goal of making healthy eating fun.
Sign up to have up to five lunches a week delivered to your
desk, and choose from 40 options so you won’t get bored
(hopefully). Options include local dishes like chicken rice,
nasi lemak and even assam laksa; there’s also a calorie
counter on the site to help you choose. Monthly packages
for delivery range from $40-$140. www.sg.foodmatters.
me
2 Yolo
The newly opened YOLO at Icon Village in Tanjong
Pagar does healthy versions of traditionally decadent
dishes like chicken quesadillas ($11.90), coconut chicken
on brown rice ($11.90) and Arnie’s Meatballs with Pasta
($13.90). Gym junkies can look forward to high protein
pancakes ($6.50). There are also options for the dairy,
gluten and wheat intolerant. If you’re glued to the screen,
you can order online. Icon Village, 12 Gopeng St., www.
yolofood.com.sg.
LUNCH
Hale and
HeartyStep away from artery-clogging
hawker fare and tuck into these
four new and healthy lunch
options. By Shi Min Xie
The buzz: Singapore-owned Joyden Concepts,
which has been around for three decades, has
launched a new fancy zi char restaurant at Leisure
Park Kallang.
The vibe: The space is modern, minimalist and
unfussy, with simple wooden round tables, plush
chairs and textured glass panels. For those who
prefer a more private gathering, there are six VIP
rooms that can accommodate a party of 10.
The food: The restaurant prides itself in delivering
elevated local favorites, and its reputation for
serving up delicious, unpretentious food does
not disappoint. Its list of specialities include
the traditional salt baked crab (market price),
steamed red grouper with homemade soy bean
broth, a savory and addictive stew of made-from-
scratch soya milk with fresh ginger, chives, straw
mushrooms and black fungus (market price),
and the crispy fragrant duck with lotus-shaped
buns ($58). The confit-style duck is cooked with a
combination of herbs and spices, and underneath
its crisp skin, the flesh is both juicy and tender—
best eaten with the house-made sambal belachan.
The desserts: Order Chinese classics such as the
Teochew orh nee, a decadent yam puree with
chopped water chestnuts, steamed pumpkin slices
and ginko nuts (from $16). The humble brown
sugar ma-la-gao ($4.20), a traditional steamed
cake typically served with coconut and sugar, is
fragrant and fluffy.
Why you’ll be back: The food, while not as
wallet-friendly as your kopitiam zi char places,
is the main draw—its contemporary home-style
dishes are refreshingly devoid of gimmicky East-
West fusions.
#02-42 Leisure Park Kallang, 5 Stadium Walk, 6446-8488, www.joydentreasures.com.sg.
CHELSIA TAN
NEW RESTAURANT Joyden Treasures
W
hether you’re in the CBD or chained to your desk, take a break from greasy char kway teow and get a healthy
lunch from one of these new places.
Aloha Poke
Grain Traders
eats
Yolo
27. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 SG MAGAZINE 27
SG Nov.pdf 1 10/10/15 12:55 PM
Download WHERE Thailand Hot Spots
2015 for a trip to Thailand that you won’t
get from regular guidebooks.
bit.ly/wherehotspots2015
THE BEST NEW OPENINGS IN
BANGKOK • CHIANG MAI • HUA HIN • KRABI
• PHUKET • SAMUI
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WHERE Thailand Hot Spots 2015
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Don’t miss out on our guide to the best of Singapore
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www.sgnow.sg
28. 28 SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Holidays, hotels and insider travel news
escapes
DESTINATION GUIDE
Village People
5 reasons why Marylebone should be the focus of
your next trip to London. By Ric Stockfis
1Great restaurants
Take your pick! Marylebone is a real foodie
haunt. The Golden Hind (73 Marylebone Lane,
+44 (0) 20 7486-3644) serves some of the city’s best
fish and chips—and has been doing so for 101 years.
The Providores and Tapa Room (109 Marylebone
High St., +44 (0) 20 7935-6175, www.theprovidores.
co.uk) is where you’ll find award-winning fusion cuisine
from Kiwi chef Peter Gordon (including what one critic
described as “London’s best laksa”) and great weekend
brunches. Other gems include La Fromagerie (2-6
Moxon St., +44 (0) 20 7935-0341, www.lafromagerie.
co.uk), which offers a simply staggering array of
cheeses and charcuterie; fine-dining French restaurant
Orrery (55 Marylebone High St., +44 (0) 20 7616-8000,
www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk), origianlly designed
by Terence Conran; and Fischer’s (50 Marylebone
High St., +44 (0) 20 7466-5501, www.fischers.
co.uk), a ’20s-Vienna-inspired cafe which opened last
year, courtesy of the team that launched both The
Wolseley and The Ivy. Then there’s the nearby Chiltern
Firehouse (1 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 7073-7676, www.
chilternfirehouse.com), U.S hotelier Andre Balazs’ first
overseas venture: a hotel, bar and New York-style
brasserie so popular that when it launched in 2013 it
spawned a Bloomberg article titled “How to get a Table
at Chiltern Firehouse Without Being Famous”.
2Eclectic shopping
One of the charms of this part of town is the
number of traditional businesses still going
strong: Howarth (31 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 7935-
2407, www.howarth.uk.com) specialises in woodwind
instruments; VV Rouleaux (102 Marylebone Ln.,+44
(0) 20 7224-5179, www.vvrouleaux.com) offers up
eye-catching ribbons and other haberdashery; while
The Button Queen (76 Marylebone Ln., +44 (0) 7935-
1505, www.thebuttonqueen.co.uk) is London’s only
shop dedicated to, well, buttons of course. You can also
find some great vintage clothing at weekend market
Cabbages & Frocks (+44 (0) 20 7794-1636, www.
cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk), held from 11am-5pm on
Saturdays in the churchyard of St Marylebone Parish
Church. And there are plenty of more modern places
to visit too, be it contemporary jewelry at either Cox
+ Power (10-12 Chiltern St., +44 (0) 20 7935-3530,
www.coxandpower.com) or Kabiri (94 Marylebone
Ln., +44 (0) 20 7317-2155, www.kabiri.co.uk) or cult
womenswear at KJ’s Laundry (74 Marylebone Ln., +44
(0) 20 7486-7855, www.kjslaundry.com).
3Cultural inspiration
Housed in a gorgeous old Edwardian building,
Daunt Books (83 Marylebone High St., +44 (0)
20 7224-2295, www.dauntbooks.co.uk) is best-known
for its three-level, oak-panelled travel section, but it’s
such a thoughtfully-curated place you could spend
hours there, whatever your field of interest. There
are now half a dozen outlets across London, but this
original branch remains the most special. They also
host literary evenings, with Tyler Brûlé among recent
speakers. (Monocle have a store of their own at 18
Chiltern St.)
Nearby, The Wallace Collection (Hertford House,
Manchester Square, +44 (0) 20 7563-9500, www.
wallacecollection.org) houses more than two dozen
galleries of world-class art and furnishings, with a
particular focus on Dutch and Flemish work from
the 17th and 18th centuries as well as 19th century
French painting, including works by the likes of Rubens
and Rembrandt. And the building itself is a stunning
example of the area’s architectural style. Even better:
admission is free.
Fischer’s
The Marylebone Cox + Power
Essentials
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the just-revamped Metropolitan (Old Park Ln., +44 (0)
20 7447-1000, www.comohotels.com/metropolitanlondon), part of
Singaporean group COMO. It’s a stylish spot across the street from Hyde
Park, with the design of its light, minimalist 144 rooms influenced by
greenery visible through the window. Once synonymous with glitz and
decadence, the focus now is on holistic living, with plenty of COMO
touches, from an extensive spa menu to healthy breakfast options,
although cocktail haven Met Bar is still going strong. It’s also home
to world-famous (and Michelin-starred) Peruvian-Japanese restaurant
Nobu. With such a central location, it’s a great base for exploring the
more upmarket parts of London: Knightsbridge runs south of Hyde Park,
Buckingham Palace is only 10 minutes’ walk away, and embassy district
Mayfair extends away behind the hotel. It’s also only a 20-minute walk or
short taxi ride to Marylebone. Rooms start from $620, excluding taxes.
Other options near to Marylebone Village include boutique newcomer
The Zetter Townhouse (28-30 Seymour St., +44 (0) 20 7324-4544, www.
thezettertownhouse.com), where rooms start from $460; and Dorset
Square Hotel (39-40 Dorset Square, www.mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-
hotels/dorset-square-hotel), with rates from $440.
GETTING THERE
British Airways (www.ba.com) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.
com) fly direct from around $1,600 return. Or go via the Middle East with Etihad
(www.etihad.com) or Qatar (www.qatarairways.com) from $1,100 return.
escapes
T
ucked away between Oxford Street and Regent’s Park, Marylebone Village keeps its charms well-
hidden. It may not be hip like East London or up-and-coming like Peckham and places south of
the river, but this collection of Georgian and Victorian mansion blocks set along elegant lanes and
quiet mews somehow remains one the city’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what you’ll find.
Metropolitan
