1. food and drink
2. beverages
3. non alcoholic beverages
4. coffee and tea

MARCH 27 - APRIL 9, 2015
It’s getting
hot in here
Free with this issue!
See page 19
# 6 7 4 | S G M A G A Z I N E | PREVIOUSLY I-S MAGAZINE
In partn
since
1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
ershIp
wIth:
ate
and
Your ultim
200 fun
around
guide to
eateries
brunch
fabulous
e—from
spots
singapor late-night hot
places to
g
gnow.s
www.s
what’s on
what’s new
what matters
Local illustrators show us a different
side of Little India in a new anthology.
See BOOKS , page 8, for more.
page 3
Singapore
Personality
Test
10
feature
Is KL Cooler Than Singapore?
6
neighborhood
One-North and
Portsdown
Lee
Kuan
Yew
14
cityscape
Singapore’s
Dating Scene
18
drink
Meg White
DSTLLRY
22
interview
1923 - 2015
Singapore is a melting pot, with myriad races, religions, political
beliefs and social views co-existing in relative harmony. But a
recent red wine drinkers vs white wine drinkers article on the
Internet (ow.ly/Kwocm) reminded us that, at the end of the
day, there are only two types of Singaporeans: Kopi drinkers
and latte drinkers. Here’s what your coffee says about you.
Latte drinkers caffeinate with their MacBook Airs. Kopi drinkers
caffeinate at their office Lenovos.
Kopi drinkers hang out at the taxi stand. Latte drinkers use Uber.
Kopi drinkers go to Cineleisure. Latte drinkers go to
The Projector.
Kopi drinkers unwind with a six-pack of Tiger. Latte drinkers
unwind with a barrel-aged Negroni.
Kopi drinkers sleep with the fan on. Latte drinkers just have to
have AC.
Kopi drinkers tell you if you’re annoying them. Latte drinkers
write a string of passive aggressive tweets.
Kopi drinkers swear by Android. Latte drinkers are attached to
their iPhone 6.
Singapore Film
Heats Up
Kopi drinkers love big dogs. Latte drinkers are cat people.
Kopi drinkers hit snooze until the last possible minute. Latte
drinkers wake up early and do sun salutations.
Who's in charge?
Publisher & General Manager
Ric Stockfis
[email protected]
Content Sales & Custom Media
Content Director Clara Lim
[email protected]
Editorial
Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi
[email protected]
Advertising
Director, Business Development
Intan Agustina
[email protected]
Dining Editor Letitia Tandean
Lifestyle Writer Joyce See
Web Editor Aaron Khoo
Senior Manager, Media & Marketing
Shernan Plameras
Intern Erny Luiza Kartolo
Design
Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho
Senior Designer Fishy Toh
Designer Celeste Chooi
Where to find us!
Bangkok
Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd
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2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel: 02‑624‑9696
Fax: 02‑237‑5656
bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th
Shanghai
shonline@asia‑city.com.cn
Executives, Media & Marketing
Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong,
Joy Yao, Swathi Raj
Marketing
Marketing Manager
Silver Adrienna Ng
[email protected]
Marketing & Admin Assistant
Geraldine Tan
Finance
Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi
[email protected]
Accountant Huang Huiping
Group Directors
Chief Executive Officer
Gretchen Worth
gworth@asia‑city.co.th
Group Digital Director
Greg Duncan
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On the cover Illustration by Hock Choon Tan,
courtesy of Epigram Books
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issuu.com/sg_magazine
daily updates on news and events
sgnow.sg
Kopi drinkers only CC relevant people. Latte drinkers hit Reply
All willy-nilly.
Kopi drinkers love spicy food. Latte drinkers love espuma.
Kopi drinkers never call. Latte drinkers agonize over that one
text from last week.
Kopi drinkers wear aviator sunglasses. Latte drinkers are all
about tortoiseshell.
Kopi drinkers love old-school hip hop. Latte drinkers listen to
indie RnB.
Kopi drinkers partied at Zouk when they were teenagers. Latte
drinkers were in English Drama Society.
Kopi drinkers highlight. Latte drinkers underline.
Latte drinkers sleep on your side of the bed. Kopi drinkers
sleep anywhere.
entertainment & lifestyle
SG Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #07‑02, Singapore 159552.
Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 • Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The titles “SG Magazine”, “I-S Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of SG Magazine and I-S Magazine are the property of Asia
City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. SG Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and
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MCI (P) 174/12/2014
free ebook of every issue
Latte drinkers love Laneway. Kopi drinkers hit up local gigs.
giveaways, updates, stories
facebook.com/sgnow.sg
Kopi drinkers have no fixed bedtime. Latte drinkers have to be
in bed by 10, after a spot of journaling.
Latte drinkers go to heaven. Kopi drinkers go everywhere.
latest news and trends
@sg_now
see what we’re up to
@sg_now
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
3
up
front
hot or not
Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance
Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning
(and dying) trends
careers
throwback 20
We’re turning 20 this year, and
looking back at 20 Singapore
shopping malls that were super
happening back in the day.
NEEDS...
Hot: KL
Not: Singapore
Singapore wrested Future Music from KL, but then canceled. Meantime,
KL continued being fabulous, with cool, new galleries and sexy, secret
bars. Read about our recent trip there in Feature on page 10.
We are currently accepting applications
for the following positions:
• Finance Executive
• Lifestyle Writer
email us at:
[email protected]
Hot: Yoga
Not: Running
As it gets increasingly hotter earlier in the day, we’re hanging up our running shoes for a while. Instead, we’re heading indoors for some air-conditioned downward dogs. See our favorite yoga studios in Island on page 16.
Hot: Drinking in
One-North
Not: Drinking in the
usual places
Celebrating the city’s entrepreneurs, start-ups
and innovative thinkers
dilemma about whether I should
throw away items that I did not use
but have a lot of sentimental value.
The only solution was self-storage
units. But the process of renting
an entire unit for just a few boxes,
paying administrative fees and
deposits, plus having to transport
my items to an industrial area was a
painful process.
Duplicating a model already
successful in cities like New York and
Hong Kong, local startup Spaceship
(www.spaceship.com.sg) comes
to your house, picks up all your
sentimental clutter—big and small—
and stores it for you cheaply. Then, it
lets you access an inventory of your
stuff online and sends back any or
all of it whenever you need it back.
Here, founder Wei Yeo tells us about
the hoarding habits of Singaporeans.
What inspired you?
Spaceship was born out of a personal
experience I had while moving into a
one-bedroom apartment. Naturally,
space was limited and I had a
4
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, march 27, 2015
What’s the market like?
Average apartments in Singapore
have shrunk by as much as 34%
over the past six years. Surveys
show that 69% of Singaporeans are
hoarders, storing items they do not
use regularly—items like their old
school assignments, photographs
and gifts.
What are the weirdest things
you’ve had to store?
Thankfully we have not encountered
any weird items. We’ve put in place
some storage rules. One uncommon
order that we had, however, was
someone wanting to store 60 pallets
of wine. Erny Luiza Kartolo
2 City Plaza (opened 1981)
Once the go-to place for the latest styles from HK.
3 Katong Shopping Centre (opened 1973)
Our first air-conditioned mall. ‘Nuff said.
4 Thomson Plaza (opened 1979)
A.K.A. Thomson Yaohan.
5 Queensway Shopping Center (opened 1976)
First stuff your face with mua chee and tu tu kueh,
then buy some sporting gear to burn it off.
6 Lucky Plaza (opened 1978)
They were the first to have air-con in the elevators.
be good
Have a Heart
On Apr 12, for a $10 donation, you and your
dog can participate in a 2km Buddy Walk
at Woof-a-thon 2015 held at Bishan Park.
All proceeds will go towards supporting the
Singapore Heart Foundation in its
fight against heart disease. On
top of the walk, there are cute
activities, such as basic health
screenings, contests, pet photo
booth and even a fashion parade.
Register at www.myheart.org.sg.
We’re over the overflowing places and thronging sidewalks of all the usual
nightlife strips we hang out at. The slightly ulu hood of One-North has
been looking mighty promising lately with a cool new cocktail bar. See
New Bar on page 18.
singapore sparks
1 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
(opened 1978)
Now dominated by tuition centers, it was once all
about affordable clothes.
7 Golden Mile Complex (opened 1973)
Hard to believe, but this Thai restaurant hub once
won architectural awards.
8 Far East Plaza (opened 1983)
A youth magnet in the ‘80s due to (despite?) its
cutting edge computerized musical fountain.
9 Great World City (opened 1997)
In the swinging ‘50s and ‘60s, it had a theme park
and cabaret shows. Now it is a six-story mall.
10 Beauty World Plaza (opened 1983)
Most of the tenants from the Beauty World Center
moved here after a fire destroyed it in the ‘70s.
11 Parkway Parade (opened 1984)
Once a hotspot for artists from 5th Passage Gallery
who put up art and music performances.
12 Holland Road Shopping Center
(opened mid 1980s)
Situated in an area once home to the British
military, this mall was a hit in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
say what?
The best comments on our
most popular web stories
JoshuaSeth Kong Yee No more packed
lunches! —on “Best restaurants and bars at
One-North and Rochester Park”
Desmond SomethingSomething Foo
Mindset has to seriously change for local
food and local chefs to really shine. —on
“At last night’s San Pellegrino Awards, a
surprise entry from Singapore”
Dee George When will I be able to visit
these places? *SIGH* —“3 utterly charming
Japanese villages you must visit”
Nattiong Inspiring! —on “8 Made in
Singapore brands that make us proud”
Jeffrey Cuellar That’s an exceptional ‘stache
—on “Three beloved bartenders leave
their bars”
Be a part of the conversation at
www.facebook.com/sgnow.sg
13 Bras Basah Complex (opened 1980)
Book lovers will remember fondly the hours spent
at the mall’s countless bookstores.
14 The Centrepoint (opened 1983)
Home to the cool Centrepoint Kids of the 80s. Think:
avant garde hairstyles and over-the-top dressing.
15 Tang Plaza (opened 1958)
It was the first shopping center along Orchard Road
and kickstarted the rise of our shopping belt.
16 Peninsula Shopping Center (opened 1981)
In 1991, it shook up the peace in Singapore when a
lone gunman tried to raid a jewelry store.
17 People’s Park Complex (opened 1973)
It was once the biggest mall on our island; now it’s
the rooftop that’s got all the cool shows.
18 Plaza Singapura (opened 1974)
Having gone through two major facelifts, it once
housed Yaohan, Daimaru and Ponderosa.
19 Liang Court (opened 1985)
It opened beside a freshly clean Singapore River,
thanks the Singapore River clean-up project that
took place in the ‘70s to ‘80s.
20 Tanglin Shopping Centre (opened 1971)
It was the birthplace of multi-label fashion retailer
Club 21 back in 1972.
For more lists revisiting Singapore’s history,
visit www.sgnow.sg. JOYCE SEE
The essential guide to what’s on in Singapore
now
Send your events news to [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Mon
thu
Mar
30
Bill Ebbesen
Joel Lim @ Calibre Pictures
Apr
2
music Mew
The Danish alternative rock band was last here for indie music festival Camp
Symmetry in 2013 and will be back with tunes from their upcoming album +- that’s
set to drop in April. They’ll also be performing old faves like “Comforting Sounds” and
“Snow Brigade”. Mar 30, 7:30pm. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link. $90140 from Peatix.
TUE
Mar
31
Stage Normal
Checkpoint Theatre’s production of Faith Ng’s play revolves around the “normal”
secondary school stream (a course for students of perceived lower academic ability)
through the eyes of two adolescent girls, Ashley and Daphne, and their idealistic new
teacher, and explores the tensions in Singapore’s education system. Apr 9-19. Black
Box, Drama Centre, #05-01 National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400,
checkpoint-theatre.org. $38 from Sistic.
SAT
Mar
28
Food & Drink PasarBella Gourmet Hop
Concert Pink Martini
The 10-piece Oregon band is back after their first appearance at Mosaic Music Festival in
2010. They’ll be performing their signature blend of Latin, bossa nova and salsa classics
like “Sympathique” and “Hang On Little Tomato”. Mar 31, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1
Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $48-148 from Sistic.
Art
Hugging The Shore
fri
Mar
27
Singaporean artist Simryn
Gill presents her first major solo
exhibition in Southeast Asia
after living all around the world.
Featuring three photographic series:
Standing Still, Dalam and May
2006, as well as new work, Like
Leaves. Mar 27-Jun 14. NTU Centre
for Contemporary Arts Singapore,
Gillman Barracks, 43 Malan Rd.,
www.gillmanbarracks.com. Free.
Nightlife
Future Tokyo Programme
Le Gluttony and gourmet food market PasarBella team up for a two-day farmers’
market concept. There are over 20 food and drink booths by local merchants like The
Providore, Winchester Pies’ mac & cheese and paella by Le Patio. There’s also a local
film screening, live music and a flea market. Mar 28-29, 3pm. The Grandstand, 200
Turf Club Rd., 6887-0077, www.pasarbella.com. $45-50.
tue
Fri
Apr
7
Mar
27
The club’s celebrating their second birthday in a big way with five DJs (Godwin P,
Norman C, Shigeki, Ramesh K and Kenneth F) taking turns helming the newly-installed
decks with their unmistakable house beats. Plus, there’s a reconfigured dancefloor, all
new lights and party androids. Mar 27, 10pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil
St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $20-25.
comedY Russell Peters
The Canadian standup comedy sensation
is known for taking witty jabs at culture
and family backgrounds. This time,
his tour features all-new material and
more audience interaction. Apr 6-8,
8pm. Suntec Singapore International
Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles
Blvd., 6337-2888. $108-228 from Sistic.
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
5
now
Send your events news to [email protected]
Sunday Vocal Jam
Happening every last Sunday of the month, there will
be tons of capella singing here by you and like-minded
folks. This month’s edition takes place at the open
stage area in the library@esplanade. Mar 29, 3pm.
Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.acappella.org.sg. Free.
Dick Lee, Ivan Heng, Lim Kay Siu and Siti Khalijah
Zainal. Apr 1-12. Gallery, 2/F The Arts House, 1 Old
Parliament Ln., 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.sg.
Free.
SG PICK concerts
Tan Wei Xiang’s Grupo Clave feat. Miki Hirose
The world-renowned pianist and his contemporary jazz
band with South American influcences, Grupo Clave,
play alongside guest trumpetist Miki Hirose, a familiar
face in the New York salsa scene. Mar 28, 9:30pm.
Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377.
$25 from Sistic.
Punked Out!
Rock out to pop and punk beats by local bands Sign of
Five, JJ and the Paperplanes and Orangecove. Apr 4,
6pm. Hood Bar and Cafe, #05-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria
St., 6221-8846, www.facebook.com/punkedoutsg. Free.
SG PICK Curbside
The Studios: Fifty
Eclectic, eccentric and experimental theater
returns with 50 plays, five of which will be
staged as full-length productions, while the
rest are dramatized readings. Full-length
performances include Stella Kon’s Emily of
Emerald Hill, Huzir Sulaiman’s The Weight of
Silk on Skin and Tan Tarn’s How The Lady of Soul
and Her Ultimate ‘S’ Machine. Apr 2-May 10.
Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.thestudios.com.sg. $5-30.
The Piano Guys
Involving four guys making music on the strings,
keys and surfaces of one grand piano, the
YouTube sensations perform their most famous
covers like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”
and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”.
Apr 13, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre,
1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055, www.
lamcproductions.com. $88-158 from Sistic.
Stage
dance
Repertory Platform
This production by RAW Moves comprises two
performances: Singaporean choreographer Ebelle
Chong’s Standing, Sitting and Lying Down: 7, inspired
by her seven years of being a stay-at-home mom,
and Taiwanese choreographer Chang Chien-Hao’s
Floating Box about the mind’s perception of quotidian
experiences. Through Mar 28, 8pm. Goodman Arts
Centre Black Box, #01-53 Block M, 90 Goodman Rd.
$24-30 from Peatix.
Triple Bill
Catch three powerful dance works: Nexus, As Is and
Remains Remain all by award-winning choreographers
Sun Shang-Chi, Xing Liang and Singaporean Jeffrey Tan.
Apr 2-4, 8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the
Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411. $28-38
from Sistic.
theater
Pioneer (Girls) Generation
The Necessary Stage brings a comedy about a group
of independent and sassy seniors living in an upscale
retirement home as their strong opinions create
trouble and tension between friends. This play features
Dwayne Lau, Thomas Lim, Audrey Luo, Irene Ong,
Padma Sagaram and Catherine Sng. Mar 27, 8pm;
Mar 28, 3pm, 8pm; Mar 29, 3pm. Gallery Theatre,
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 63323659. $27 from Sistic.
Discord of Discourse
Written and directed by Khairul Kamsani, this two-man
play explores language, signs, symbols, semiotics and
how interacting with others forces us to change our
beliefs and question our realities. Apr 2-5, 8pm. Aliwal
Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., 6435-0131. $22 from Peatix.
Theatre Memories: 50 Years of
Singapore Theatre
There are personal recollections, anecdotes, screenings
and panel discussions, as well as an installation that
showcases famous local theater personalities like
6
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015
NeigHborhood Guide 4 reasons to go to One-North
and Portsdown this weekend
Tuckys Photography
Music
Public Enemy
This satirical production explores politics and
freedom of expression. When the protagonist of
the play finds out that his town’s water supply is
contaminated with bacteria, his decision to report it
turns the public against him. Apr 9-25, 8pm. Victoria
Theatre, 11 Empress Place, www.wildrice.com.sg.
$45-80 from Sistic.
A Night of Magic at Raffles
Swedish illusionist Joe Labero has sold out arenas
around the world and been crowned “Illusionist of
the Decade” at the Magic World Cup in Beijing. His
Singapore show has been extended another five
weeks, in case you missed him the first and second
time around. Through May 3. Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach
Rd., 6412-1323, labero.com.sg. $50-230 from Sistic.
Art
The Arts Open House
The historic arts building hosts an open house with a
day-long itinerary of literary art programs. There are
book exchanges, talks, workshops and performances
throughout the day from the likes of The Drama
Clinic and The Improv Company. Mar 28, 10am. The
Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln., 6332-6900, www.
theartshouse.sg. Free.
OH! Open House
After a two-year absence, this ambitious
art-in-the-heartlands project is back. They’ve invited
emerging Singaporean artists like Guo Yixiu to install
art in residences in Joo Chiat where there is a series
of guided tours to learn about the neighborhood’s.
Mar 28-29, 4pm. Various venues,
www.ohopenhouse.org. $20.
Moyang
The debut collection by young Singaporean artist
Fyerool Darma features small and large paintings
exploring the Malay Archipelago era. Through Mar
29. Flaneur Gallery, 129 Jalan Besar, www.flaneur.
sg. Free.
Visions by Francesca Leone
She has shown at the Museum of Contemporary Art
in Santiago de Chile and at the Academy of Fine Art
in Saint Petersburg. Now, she’ll be showcasing her
work in Asia for the first time. The series, titled Corpi
e terra explores the female form through striking
paintings on giant canvases. Through Apr 7. Partners
& Mucciaccia, #02-10 Gillman Barracks, 6 Lock Rd.,
6694-3777, www.partnersandmucciaccia.net. Free.
Ryan Gander: Portrait of a Blind Artist Obscured
by Flowers
The UK-based artist’s visual puzzles and oddly
assembled objects focus on the idea of parallel
history and time. The artist shares a space with Do Ho
Suh, Teppei Kaneuji and Haegue Yang. Through Apr
11. Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay,
6336-3663, www.stpi.com.sg. Free.
Contemporary Ink Art
See contemporary works of Chinese painting, from
Singapore’s ink art pioneers, Hong Kong’s renegade
Jimmy Monkey
The Lawn
One-North may be best known for unsexy
science and technology hubs like Biopolis and
Fusionopolis, but there’s a lot more going on
here than R&D. Here’s an itinerary for your next
journey to the west.
Conduct gastronomic research at Biopolis
Research cluster Biopolis isn’t necessarily the
first place you’d go to for good food, but there
are some gems hidden in there, like specialty
salad bar/grill The Lawn (#01-07 Nanos, 31
Biopolis Way, 6478-9739, www.thelawn.com.
sg), American diner-influenced cafe Curbside
(#01-21 Nucleos, 21 Biopolis Rd., 8181-1805,
fb.com/curbsidecafesg) and craft beer gastrobar
Bodacious (#01-15 70 Biopolis St., 6778-9585,
fb.com/bodaciousbistro). There’s even a posh
restaurant hidden in here, a modern French
place called Infuzi (#01-01 Chromos Block, 10
Biopolis Rd., 6478-9091, www.infuzi.com.sg).
See what the cult coffee fuss is about
Jimmy Monkey (#01-51 One-North Residences,
9 One-North Gateway, 6777-8470, www.
jimmymonkey.com) has been a cult hit among
in-the-know caffeine junkies for a few years,
partly because it brought in the first (superexclusive) Slayer espresso machine to Singapore.
It’s not easy to find, though; it’s hidden inside
a residential estate (near Meraki Yoga).
Fortunately, eastsiders who make the trek to
here get a discount.
Catch musical granddaddies before
they retire
The Star Performing Arts Centre (1 Vista
Exchange Green, 6636-0055, www.thestar.sg)
has played host to quite a few rock and heavy
metal heavyweights, including Deep Purple
and Joe Satriani, and evidently the trend is
continuing with folk rock granddaddies Crosby,
Stills & Nash having played there recently.
(Though note that the Backstreet Boys (May
2), from the other end of the musical spectrum,
are also set to play here.)
Explore up-and-coming Portsdown
The black-and-white colonial buildings in this
ulu neighborhood near One-North could give
Dempsey a run for its money, but other than
a small crowd of devotees to old standbys
Colbar (9A Whitchurch Rd., 6779-4859) and
Pietrasanta (#01-03 5B Portsdown Rd.,
6479-9521, www.ristorante-pietrasanta.com),
Portsdown has never really taken off. We’re
hoping that new cocktail bar DSTLLRY (#01-01
Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle, 9633-4890,
fb.com/dstllryco) at Infinite Studios is a sign that
things are about to change. Clara Lim
Stay in the Loop
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at sgnow.sg/newsletters
Music 3 new local albums to check out
The Kraken by
In Each Hand A Cutlass
It’s been four years since
their last album, but this
instrumental progressive/postrock quintet is back with an
exciting new record, produced
by US veteran Brad Wood. They
won the Best Instrumental/
World Music award at the
VIMA Awards 2011.
www.ineachhandacutlass.
bandcamp.com.
Art is Blood by
I Am David Sparkle
Formed in 2001, this homegrown four-man band is
no stranger to the local
music scene. Look out for
their third album set to
release in April, with songs
that cover everything from
instrumental post-rock to
shoegaze to sludge metal.
www.iamdavidsparkle.
bandcamp.com.
Bear Culture by
Bear Culture
This progressive/alternative
rock band has just recently
released its self-titled
debut album, featuring the
single “Premonition” and
funky crowd-favorites like
“Cheesecake” and “Valkyrie”.
www.bearculture.
bandcamp.com. ERNY LUIZA
KARTOLO
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
7
now
Tuckys Photography
SCENE & HEARD
with Letitia Tandean
graffiti ink artist Sun Xun, as well as renowned Chinese
artists such as Cai Guo-Qiang, Shih Hu and Wang Dong
Ling. Mar 28-May 10. Ota Fine Arts, #02-13 Gillman
Barracks, 7 Lock Rd., 6694-3071, www.gillmanbarracks.
com. Free.
SG PICK Co.Lab: Cocotte x Artichoke
Local restaurants Cocotte and Artichoke collaborate
for an Easter brunch special that includes
Artichoke’s famed mezzes and Cocotte’s brunch
cart dishes like beetroot tzatziki and clams steamed
with fennel cream and Swiss chard. Apr 3-5,
12pm. Cocotte, 1/F Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd.,
6298-1188, www.restaurantcocotte.com. $62.
World Street Food Congress
Held at the open space opposite Bugis Junction
along Tan Quee Lan St., it’s all about international
cheap bites from Mexican tortillas to Singaporean
chicken rice and Indonesian satay. There will also
be a bunch of masterclasses and discussions. Apr
8-12. www.wsfcongress.com.
happenings
Fifty
And That Which Was Always Known
Theater Geeks
April is a great month to catch local theater
productions. Esplanade’s The Studios debuts
its Fifty (Apr 2-May 10, www.thestudios.com.
sg) series with 50 plays and five full-length
productions like Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald
Hill and Tan Tarn’s How’s The Lady of Soul.
Tickets go range from $5-30 from Sistic. There’s
also Kumar’s latest light-hearted production,
Kumar Stands Up For Singapore (Apr 22-26,
Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.dreamacademy.com.sg) that tracks
Singapore’s journey from a swampy island to a
bustling city. For the full list go to ow.ly/KqGqx.
Work Horse
Little India is now home to gorgeous co-working
space Workhouse (2 Veerasamy Rd., 98531641, www.ourworkhouse.com). The sexy
three-story shophouse is outfitted in a minimalist
industrial look complete with sanded wood
furniture and polished concrete floors by
award-winning local studio FARM. It comes
equipped with two meeting rooms, a
reception area, a lounge area, an outdoor
terrace and even shower facilities. Rates
go for $40 per day to $450 per month.
This group exhibition curated by Roger Nelson
features paintings, photographs, videos,
documented performances and installations by six
artists living and working in Cambodia, Thailand
and Vietnam. Mar 29-May 10. Yavuz Gallery, #0223 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734-3262, www.
yavuzgallery.com. Free.
Pose and Strut
From Earth and Metal
This group exhibition features sculptures by
international artists including Bernar Venet, Pablo
Reinoso, Jedd Novatt, Armen Agop and Yves Dana.
Their works all revolve around sculptures made from
natural and industrial materials like bronze, steel, wood
and stone. Through May 16. Art Plural Gallery, 38
Armenian St., 6636-8360, www.artpluralgallery.com.
Free.
This year’s edition of Samsung Fashion
Steps Out @ Orchard (Orchard Rd., www.
orchardroad.org/fso) from Apr 10 to May
24 has even more events lined up. Aside
from the outdoor Orchard Road runway
featuring over 150 models cavorting on
the streets, there’s a special collection
to mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, too.
Plus, there’s an exhibit dedicated to
20 local labels like The Reckless Shop,
SABRINAGOH and Sans & Sans.
weekends, I picked up a pen and started
doodling. The first attempt turned out to
be not fantastic, but decent. I found the
Singapore chapter of Urban Sketchers and
joined them. When I finally went on one of
the public monthly Saturday sketchwalks, it
actually turned out to be really nice.
What made you draw this picture of
Rex Cinemas?
I was always a little amused that in the
modern world of super big multi-hall
cineplexes, a very small little cinema can
not only survive but also specialize in just
screening Indian movies. I pass by Rex fairly
regularly as my dentist is nearby, and I
thought it would make an interesting subject
for the book.
Tell us about how you got involved with
Urban Sketchers.
I started sketching about one and a half years
ago. During one of my dull business trip
What are your favorite things to draw?
My favorite subjects are old buildings or
cityscapes and I particularly enjoy drawing
in little details like pipes, cracks on the wall,
TV antennas or small plants peeping out
from the gutter. Obviously, Little India fits
this preference nicely. Interestingly, while
I was sketching once in Little India, I was
approached by a family to draw their
new home.
Hock Choon Tan’s sketch appears in We Love Little India, a collection by Epigram Books.
$12.90 from most local bookstores or www.epigrambooks.sg. MRIGAA SETHI
8
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015
Intimacy: Jiang Pengyi Solo Exhibition
Known for his illusory film images, Chinese artist
Jiang Peiyi showcases 26 photographs on Polaroids
and archival inkjet prints. Mar 28-May 17. Shanghart
Gallery, #02-22 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734
9537, www.gillmanbarracks.com. Free.
Gentle Paws Adoption Drives
The privately run non-profit shelter that is home
to over 50 dogs needs to find a new home after
their current Pasir Ris lease expires. They’ll need to
rehome as many of their dogs through a series of
adoption drives. Pups are as young as three to six
months old. Details of each upcoming event will
go up on their Facebook page. Mar 28-29. Various
venues, www.facebook.com/GentlePaws. Free.
The Good Fellas Charity Market
Organized by Marcella, Singapore’s largest custom
apparel retailer, this event brings over 10 local and
international men’s lifestyle and fashion brands.
20% of proceeds goes to Aware to support their
fight for gender equality. Mar 28, 12pm. Kyo,
#B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001,
www.marcellacustom.com/the-good-fellas. Free.
shopping
SG PICK Food & Drink
Books Hock Choon Tan
Local publisher Epigram Books is behind the We
Love series, a collaboration with artists from
Urban Sketchers which covers areas like Katong,
Tiong Bahru and Bedok. In their latest volume,
We Love Little India, we spotted the lovely Art
Deco building that appears on our cover. Here, we
speak to the engineering manager and amateur
artist who drew it.
charity
Cajun Kings & Burnt Ends Burger Pop Up
The grill kings come together with Southern American
seafood boil joint for a burger night at the Growell popup. Mar 29. Broadcast HQ, 107 Rowell Rd., 6292-4405,
www.facebook.com/thegrowellpopup. Free.
SG PICK HAY House Pop-up
Official Media
Danish travelling pop-up HAY House is hosting
a pop-up at multi-brand lifestyle store Kapok.
Expect a great selection of home and lifestyle
products that boasts minimal designs and are
modern and functional. Prices range from $9
for a paper tiger toy to $34 for wine glasses
and go up to $845 for rugs. Through Apr 12.
www.ka-pok.com. Free.
Savour
This year’s edition of the foodie festival has
more celeb chefs (both local and international)
who will cook up a tasting portion storm. The
line-up features more than 50 signature dishes
from the likes of Artichoke’s Bjorn Shen, Tippling
Club’s Ryan Clift and Restaurant Andre’s Andre
Chiang, among others. There’s also a gourmet
market selling hard-to-find fruits, cheeses,
charcuterie and even wines. The event will also
host masterclasses, cooking workshops and
tasting sessions. Through Mar 29. F1 Pit Building,
1 Republic Blvd., 6884-6940,
www.savour.sg. $55-65.
SuperBrunch: Under Construction
The hotel’s famously extravagant brunch series is
back, with a 15-meter long seafood station, a caviar
dispenser, foie gras au torchon and a charcoal-roasted
suckling pig. Brunch isn’t complete without bubbly,
in the form of Louis Roederer Cristal. Mar 29, 12pm.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue,
6337-8888, www.ritzcarlton.com/singapore.
$288-468.
literary
World Lit featuring Githa Hariharan
Political writer and activist Githa Hariharan
discusses socio-political and feminist issues, Indian
solidarity with Palestine and her new book Almost
Home: Cities and Other Places. Apr 2, 7:30pm.
Living Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament
Lane, 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.sg. Free.
sports
RUN 350
This is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest eco runs,
and supports the global 350 movement, which
aims to raise awareness for the need to lower CO2
levels in the atmosphere. You can choose take part
in either the 21.1km or the 10km categories. Apr
5, 5am. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 68846940. $20-65. www.run350.com.
Cycle Asia
Recently rebranded, the cycling event is now
open to all instead of being a professionals-only
event. This year there are categories like a 12-km
Community Ride, as well as a 59-km Yakult Ace
Light Super Challenge for more experienced riders.
Apr 10-12. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 68846940, www.cycleasia.com. $55-180.
now
Send your events news to [email protected]
OUE Singapore Open
Watch some of the world’s top badminton players
fight it out for a prize purse of US$300,000. Apr
7-12. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk,
6344-2660, www.singaporebadminton.org.sg. $20150 from SportsHubTix.
FILM
indie screenings
SG PICK Nightlife
Tiko Disko: The Return
The Asian funk and sultry disco duo (KidG and Chico
Montagut) are back with more kitschy, vintage
records full of Asian psychedelic soul. Mar 27,
10pm. Wonderbar, #02-00 101 Jalan Sultan, 67327119, www.facebook.com/wonderbarsg. Free.
Le Noir Lucky Seven Anniversary
The Clarke Quay bar passes a milestone not many
of its neighbors can claim. It celebrates its seventh
year with a rock-and-roll themed night where
guests who arrive dressed in the theme get freeflow drinks after participating in a dare-and-forfeit
game. Mar 28, 6pm. #01-01 Clarke Quay, 3C River
Valley Rd., 6339-6365, www.barlenoir.com. Free.
SG PICK Metropolis
As a part of the Endeavours Documentary Film
Festival, director Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi epic
centers around a futuristic city divided between
classes, when the son of the city’s mastermind
falls in love with a working class prophetess. Mar
27, 8pm. The Projector, 5/F Golden Mile Tower,
6001 Beach Rd., theprojector.sg. $18.
Italian Film Festival: From Venice to Singapore
This year’s festival sees movies from the 71st edition
of the Venice Film Festival that includes films Hungry
Hearts and Anime Nere. There is also a selection
of digitally-restored classics like Sophia Loren’s Una
Giornata Particolare (A Special Day) and director
Vittorio de Sica’s Umberto D. Apr 8-15. 5/F The
Cathay Cineplexes, The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd. and Gallery
Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford
Rd., www.iicsingapore.esteri.it. $13.
Midnight Shift with John Heckle
and Tapirus
cinema highlights
Supported by Lily’s Rose and Haan, this double
bill has DJ Tapirus’ deep and powerful sounds
as well as UK DJ-producer John Heckle’s fastpaced mixing with assorted hardware like
turntables and drum machines. Mar 28, 10pm.
Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St.,
6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $20-25.
Get Hard
A feel-good comedy about millionaire hedge fund
manager James King (Will Ferrell), who gets accused of
fraud and enlists the help of Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart)
to prep him for life behind bars. Little does King know,
Lewis has a clean sheet with the authorities. Opens
Mar 26.
Koi Bang Street Gang
This Haji Lane street party lasts all day, so load up
on tapas and drinks, and turn up with your crew
in gang colors to get freebies and prizes, though
actual aggression and other gang behavior is not
actually encouraged (we think). Mar 29, 2pm. KOI
Bangers + Izakaya, 9 Haji Ln., 9790-7535. Free.
Diamond Life ft. DJ Spinbad
Just in case you couldn’t snap tickets to comedian
Russell Peter’s show, DJ Spinbad is his official DJ.
He’ll be spinning a mix of Top 40s and dance party
jams and you might even get a glimpse of Peters
himself. Ladies get in for free. Apr 8, 9pm. Ku
De Ta, 57/F Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3, 1
Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.kudeta.com. $28.
Zouk x UOB Cards present Mambo Jambo
Good Friday is about to get a throwback with the
club’s most-loved night. On the playlist are classic
anthems that beg for some synchronized dance
moves a la Mambo Jambo tradition. Apr 2, 10pm.
Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.
com. $28-33.
Fritz Kalkbrenner
His famous DJ brother Paul may be a bigger
household name (and in fact they’ve worked
together on the cult film Berlin Calling), but this
electronic DJ can hold his own. His signature style
comprises warm, soul-infused electro beats and
dreamy, melodic dancefloor anthems. Apr 10,
10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.
zoukclub.com. $28-33.
McFarland
Inspired by a 1987 true story about high school coach
Jim White (Kevin Costner) and a last resort job that
lands him in a predominantly Latino high school in
California It’s all about a white family facing challenges
in a diverse and economically-challenge community.
Boohoo. Opens Mar 26.
Foxcatcher
Olympic Gold medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz
(Channing Tatum) struggles with poverty in Wisconsin
when he is invited by wealthy heir John du Pont (Steve
Carrell) to move in to his huge estate to train for the
‘88 Seoul Olympics. He takes on the job, eager to step
out of his older brother’s illustrious Gold Medal-winnign
shadow. Opens Mar 28.
Fast & Furious 7
One of Paul Walker’s last films before his untimely
death, the adrenaline-packed and race junkie franchise
is back with more fast cars, hot babes and far-fetched
stunts. Opens Apr 2.
Woman in Gold
An elderly Jewish refugee, Maria Altmann, takes on the
government to recover artwork she believes belongs
to her family. Starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds and
Daniel Bruhl. Opens Apr 2.
Escobar: Paradise Lost
Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games) plays an
American surfer who meets the girl of his dreams,
only to find out that her uncle is the Colombian drug
kingpin, Pablo Escobar, played by Benicio del Toro.
Opens Apr 9.
The Gunman
Sean Penn plays a gun-slinging action star in this
action-thriller by Pierre Morel (Taken). A cat and mouse
chase ensues all over Europe as he goes on the run
after he’s betrayed by the organization he worked for.
Opens Apr 9.
Download the free SG Now app
www.sgnow.sg/app
• Hundreds of listings, daily updates
• Restaurants, bars and other openings
• Save events to your calendar
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
9
feature
is KL cooLer
than sinGapore?
We knew something was up when our favorites Bandwagon and Peatix expanded
there, so we went to have a look. By Joyce See
Findars Gallery
W
e’ve never needed much reason to head to KL.
It’s only an hour away, there is plenty of great
food and the shopping is affordable. But the
Malaysian capital has really upped its game in recent
months. In fact, it’s so hot that local gig finder Bandwagon
and ticketing outlet Peatix are opening offices there soon.
One of the reasons for setting up shop there is KL’s
“vibrant music scene”, according to Bandwagon’s (www.
bandwagon.asia) founder Clarence Chan. “We’ve been
to many festivals and a lot of the local bands have very
sizeable followings.”
The small events scene is also thriving. Peatix’s (www.
peatix.com) Malaysian general manager Yeap Mei Yi told
us about all the “amazing alternative venues that have
popped up, like giving this huge APW (29 Jalan Riong, +60
3 2282-3233, www.apw.my), a factory space in Bangsar
that’s being repurposed.”
Not convinced? Here are five other reasons.
they’ve Got soMe cooL new Bar trends
Singapore is not the only one with cozy little secret bars.
There is a seriously cool one nestled in the residential area
of Jalan Sin Chew Kee. Barlai (3 Jalan Sin Chew Kee, +60 3
2141-7850, www.thebiggroup.co) could easily pass off as
someone’s house. Inside, you’ll find a wooden picnic tables,
hanging lightbulbs and road signs decorating the untreated
walls. They do a pina colada (RM24($9)) with a dash of
pandan syrup. For something more upmarket, hit up Mr
Brooks (3/F Bangsar Shopping Centre, +60 3 2282-0241,
www.thebiggroup.co) in the hip hood of Bangsar, which is
designed after a 1920s gentlemen’s club. It specializes in
gin and cocktails, so go for the cucumber and pepper martini
(RM75 ($28)). But finding the entrance requires some work.
Hint: keep an eye out for a purple Sunbeam Alpine car.
Also big these days are whisky bars. There’s The Whisky
Bar (46 Changkat Bukit Bintang, +60 3 2143-2268, www.
thewhiskybarkl.com) that stocks more than 400 labels
including some pretty rare single malts and Scotch. Gastrobar
Torii (18 Jalan Datuk Sulaiman 1, +60 3 7733-9309, www.
torii.my) specializes in Japanese whiskies and whisky-based
cocktails. Don’t miss the speakeasy-style Whisky Tango
Foxtrot (2/F 128b Jalan Kasah, +60 3 2011-2056, www.
whiskytangofoxtrot.com.my) and its wide selection of cigars
and refined single malts.
niGhtLife BiGGies are headinG over
Mr Brooks
10
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARch 27, 2015
KL is getting its new and largest lifestyle center. The fivezone Trec (Jalan Tun Razak, next to RHB Centre, +60 3
2178-6088, www.trec.com.my) is opening in the second
half of the year, and will be the new home of superclub
Zouk KL (+60 3 2171-1997, www.zoukclub.com.my). Exciting
openings in the enclave include the upscale Friendscino
Restaurant and Bar (+60 3 7710-0035, www.friendscino.
com) and that will feature local and international DJs and
The Scene by Pisco (+60 3 2142-2900, www.piscobarkl.
com), which will serve bespoke cocktails. What’s more,
Singapore nightclub Kyo (www.clubkyo.com) has plans to
open up a second outlet in KL later this year.
Q&A
One of our favorite event ticketing
portals Peatix has expanded to KL.
We speak to their Malaysian general
manager Yeap Mei Yi about her fave
KL haunts and why they decided to
set up shop in KL.
Why KL?
If you spend a week in KL, you may get
invitations to parties, or meet ups happening at
various venues, sometimes all on the same night. All these
give KL a sense of vibrancy and energy that’s very exciting for
us. What we also see is an underserved segment of small and
independent organizers in Malaysia. Peatix has traditionally
been strong at addressing their needs in other cities.
What do you think of KL’s music scene, as compared to
Singapore?
Given the diverse population, the music scene in KL sees
more breadth as it appeals to many distinctive sub-cultures.
At the same time, I also see a lot of similarities, especially in
the rise in support for local acts in both cities. There’s also a
good “performance exchange” that’s happening with more
Singaporean bands travelling to KL for indie gigs and festivals
and vice versa.
Where are your favorite hangouts in KL?
There are lots of great hang out places in KL, depending on
your mood and what you want to do. One of my favorite
cafes is Dr Inc. (8 Jalan Kemuja, +60 3 2283-4698, www.
fb.com/drincbangsar) and I love shopping at Publika (1 Jalan
Dutamas, +60 3 6207-9426, www.publika.com.my); you’ll
find lots of local independent labels and retailers there.
For events happening in KL, head to peatix.com/search.
Aku Cafe & Gallery
Aloft
Event List
Sherwynd Kessler
Three exciting music festivals
in Malaysia
Bijan
Findars Gallery
There’s a profusion of art cafes
Lots of new places to stay
Chinatown is a good place to go if you’re keen on cafe
hopping. Coffee fiends will love Aku Cafe & Gallery (1/F,
8 Jalan Panggong, +60 3 2857-6887, www.oldchina.
com.my) that does a mean cup of hand-drip coffee. This
hidden gem is found on the second floor of a shop house
and exudes modern Oriental charm. Upstairs, you’ll find
the Findars Art Gallery (4/F, 8 Jalan Panggong, +60 1
2350-1844, www.facebook.com/findars), a quaint art
space run by a local art collective that also occasionally
hosts indie music gigs. Nearby, there’s also the Lokl
Coffee Co (30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, +60 3 2072-1188, www.
loklcoffee.com) that’s a great pit-stop for those who like
to brunch.
We stayed at the iconic The Westin (199 Jalan Bukit
Bintang, +60 3 2731-8333, www.thewestinkualalumpur.
com) that’s located in the heart of Bukit Bintang and
we also drooled over the trendy Aloft Kuala Lumpur
(5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3 2723-1188, www.
aloftkualalumpursentral.com), the largest Aloft property
in the world. The decor is modern and futuristic and
there are 24-hour refueling stations. Plus, you can get a
pretty good view of KL from its rooftop bar on the 30th
floor. Another option is the newly renovated and arty Le
Meridien Kuala Lumpur (2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3
2263-7888, www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com).
It’s still a food haven
For Malay fine-dining, head to Bijan (3 Jalan Ceylon,
+60 3 2031-3575, www.bijanrestaurant.com) and try
the kerutup daging (RM35 ($13)), a beef stew in spicy
coconut gravy. Meat lovers, it’s worth making a trip to
Prime (5/F 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3 2263-7434,
www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com), an elegant steakhouse
at the Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur. If you’re feeling
adventurous, hop on a cab (approx. RM35 ($13)) to the
residential area of Puchong that’s a 30-minute drive from
the city center. It’s got plenty of authentic local eateries,
like the Hai Sang Kopitiam (17G Jalan Puteri, +60 3
8061-6919, www.fb.com/pages/hai-siang-kopitiam). Its
version of chicken rice (RM8.90($3.40)) has the chicken in
a hearty broth.
Essentials
GETTING THERE
Fly: Various airlines, including Silk Air and AirAsia, fly daily to
from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, and takes about one hour.
Return tickets on Jetstar (www.jetstar.com.sg) starts at $40.
Bus: Several companies like Grassland Express (www.
grassland.com.sg) and Konsortium (www.konsortium.com.sg
offer daily services between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and
takes four to five hours. Prices start from $20.
VISA
Singaporeans and Permenant Residents do not need a visa to
enter the country and can stay up to 30 days.
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = RM2.65
Penang World Music Festival
Penang World Music Festival
When: Apr 11-12, 2015
Where: George Town, Penang
What: The lineup includes musicians from Spain, Germany,
Sweden and Mongolia. Performances aside, there’ll also be
workshops on musical techniques and Penang’s famous street
food.
Price: From RM 80 ($30) for a one-day pass and RM140
($52.45) for a two-day pass. Get your tickets from
www.penangworldmusic.gov.my.
Rainforest World Music Festival
When: Aug 7-9, 2015
Where: Kuching, Sarawak
What: Expect music workshops, lectures, jamming sessions
and performances. Past performers include Scottish band
Peatbog Faeries, folk musician Ross Daly and British outfit
Blackbeard’s Tea Party.
Price: From RM90 ($33.70) for a one-day pass and RM340
($127.40) for a three-day pass. Get your tickets from
www.rwmf.net.
KK Jazz Festival
When: Jun 12-13
Where: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
What: This highly anticipated jazz extravaganza will see both
international and local artists take to the stage, with proceeds
going to various charities across the state.
Price: From RM100 ($37.45) for a one-day pass and RM150
($56.20) for a two-day pass. Get your tickets from
www.kkjazzfest.com.
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FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
11
STYLE
CENTRAL
From hot local brands to cult
European labels, here are five
snazzy options at this iconic
Orchard Road mall.
The Reckless Shop
PACT
A
side from its wide variety of food offerings, Orchard Central also caters to the trendy, fashionable crowd. It houses
a growing number of popular labels, stocking everything from hip European brands to local indie designers and offbeat
jewelers. Here are five shops to hit the next time your wardrobe needs an update.
SABRINAGOH
Housed in an all-white boutique with raw
concrete floors, this concept store is named after
the Singaporean designer herself, who launched
her first fashion label Elohim in 2009. Her pieces
create strong yet sensual silhouettes aimed at the
edgy, fashion-forward crowd.
Get this: Her latest Spring/Summer '15 collection
is inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art form
of fixing broken pottery with gold or silver dust
mixed with lacquer. The collection is all about
garments featuring digital prints with a cracked
texture. The pieces play on geometry and
androgyny, evident in the oversized shirt dresses,
apron skirts, layered pants and angular cuts.
#02-11/12
>> Quote SG Magazine and get 10% off regular
priced items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.*
SABRINAGOH
12
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
ADVERTORIAL
The Reckless Shop
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a carpet grasslined floor, it's easy to spend hours going through
racks of beautifully designed clothes here. Opened
by designers of local label Reckless Ericka—Afton
Chen and Louis Koh—this boutique houses Eurocentric menswear and womenswear as well as two
in-house womenswear labels, Reckless Jersey and
Still.
Get this: Still is great for the office, with its clean
lines, light color palette and sharp tailoring, but
still has quirky touches like a flowy pleated sleeve
on a basic button-up shirt or a back cut-out on a
sharp, two-toned dress. Reckless Jersey, on the
other hand, features affordable wardrobe staples
that are functional and versatile, made using comfy
jersey fabric. There are plenty of wearable pieces
like an asymmetrical draped dress and a flattering
cocoon-shaped midi dress cinched at the waist.
#02-08/09
>> Quote SG Magazine and get 10% off regular
priced items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.*
The Reckless Shop
The Reckless Shop
WeSC
This cult Swedish brand (pronounced We-S-C) was
designed with the skateboarding crowd in mind or,
in their words, the "intellectual slackers". Founded
in 1999 by five guys who love skateboarding and
snowboarding, WeSC marries streetwear with
fashion and often fuses elements of art and music
into its designs.
Get this: Their Fall '14 menswear collection is a
nod to their Scandinavian heritage with a focus
on fit, fabric and detailing. Using a dark palette of
deep green, chestnut and dark blue, the collection
is great for cool climates. We’re lusting after the
classic denim jacket and the on-point brogues
from their popular footwear label Bo Brogues that
now comes in a super-versatile rich caramel color
and pairs well with most outfits. #02-06
Pleatation
WeSC
>> Quote SG Magazine and get an additional 5% off
sale items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015. Gift/cash
vouchers cannot be used on sale items. *
WeSC
Pleatation
Pleatation
PACT
PACT
This multi-label concept store has expanded to
house five more creative heads, all under one
industrial chic roof. This clean, minimalist space,
first kicked off with Kilo restaurant, sifr clothes and
pact+LIM salon. Now, the lineup includes Code
Deco, Fred Lives Here, Killari, kiyone+LIM and
SPUR Hauswerks.
Get this: Pick up some semi-precious stone
jewelry from Killari. Founded by photographer,
designer and avid traveler Sofia Villacis, this
SPUR Hauswerks
Killari
bespoke jewelry brand features eclectic bohemian
statement pieces that will instantly dress up any
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181 Orchard Rd, 6238-1051, S(238896),
www.orchardcentral.com.sg. Open 11am-10pm daily.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
13
city
scape
EVENT LIST
Dating events to try
your luck at
Prawning + BBQ + New Friends
What to expect: The upside is that there is
prawning involved. The possible downside
has to do with the fact that you’re randomly
paired with one person. But no reason you
can’t have a wandering eye at the sunset
barbecue mixer.
How much: $49
Where and when: East Coast Prawning,
1020 East Coast Parkway, Apr 18, 3pm.
www.gopaktor.com
DATING
This is Why
You are Single
Why Walk When You Can Salsa?
What to expect: Super confident and
coordinated types, take this 10-class
opportunity to rip up the dance floor with
potential hotties.
How much: $130/10 classes
Where and when: Actfa Dance School, #043575 Blk 162 Bukit Merah Central, Apr 3-Jun
5. www.adancedate.com
We talked to our single friends and found five reasons
why it’s pretty much impossible to meet someone
nice in Singapore. By Clara Lim
W
e chuckled when Tinder started
charging premium fees earlier this
month. But when the Economist
Intelligence Unit said that Singapore’s
baby-making incentives haven’t worked,
we started to really worry.
Being single in Singapore is hard.
Single adults are denied plenty in our
family-obsessed state, from affordable
housing to positive representation in the
media, and there are only so many times
you can laugh about SG50 baby packages
to feel better about yourself. Yet it’s not
easy trying to change your relationship
status. Here’s why.
The numbers are low
Yes, Singapore’s population may be growing
as we speak, but the dating pool doesn’t
seem to be expanding at a commensurate
pace. Most people we polled who have
lived in other major cities, from London
to Beijing, report a huge difference in the
sheer quantity of people out there, looking.
“It took a week in London to get the same
number of Tinder matches as three months
in Singapore,” says one graphic designer.
Race baggage
It’s very telling that large bus ads for major
dating websites and matchmaking services
feature Chinese (or vaguely pan-Asian)
couples, says a researcher.
We’re so passive
Things get much more
explicit (and depressing)
It took a week in
We’re sure this isn’t unique
online. There’s no lack of
London to get the to Singapore, but some of
profiles with proclamations
our friends complain that
same number of
like “white men only please”
there aren’t a whole lot of
Tinder matches as single people who aren’t
and “I’m Indian—message
only if you’re OK with my
just coasting along in life,
three months in
race.” It’s a sad truth that
disinterested in culture
Singapore.
many Singaporeans are
and politics and music
socially conditioned to
and all those things that
categorize people that way.
make people sexy. It’s a little hard to get
an engaging conversation with people
Therapy isn’t widely available whose reading diet is entirely made of their
Facebook feed and whose typical weekends
It’s pretty sad that single Singaporeans
consist of just tagging along wherever their
spend all their time working out in the gym
friends go.
(if those profile photos are to be believed)
and so little taking care of their mental
Housing woes
health. We’ve encountered (and fled from)
innumerable red flags, from co-dependent
So you’ve met someone. What’s next?
tendencies to fear of abandonment to
Unless you’re above 35, an expat or making
shame about sexual orientation. But the
good enough money to rent a nice place,
trouble is that spending time and money
many single Singaporeans still live with
rn
ood po
f
a
t
s
n
i
From #
igans,
n
a
n
e
h
Fs
to #TGI
hrough
t
y
l
s
u
ario
live vic
candy
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e
#
our #sg
Follow SG on Instagram
@sg_now
14
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
on your sanity is nowhere near as widely
accepted as it is in more progressive cities.
And the fact therapy costs $200/hour
doesn’t help.
The Singapore Speed Dating Event
What to expect: If one-on-one speed dating
sounds too scary, consider this group speeddating session, where participants mingle in
two-on-two configurations. Just like a group
date, except faster.
How much: $25
Where and when: Exact location will be
revealed to confirmed participants but they
promise a quiet cafe five minutes from an
MRT station. Apr 19, 3pm. www.meetup.com
1-to-1 Rotation Tea
What to expect: If you don’t need alcohol
to steel your nerves before a round of oneon-one speed dating, consider this event
that takes place at a hotel coffee shop.
How much: $38
Where and when: Exact location will
be revealed to confirmed participants (a
hotel in Orchard), Apr 25, 2:30pm. www.
completeme.com.sg. Erny Luiza Kartolo
their parents or in less-than-ideal rental
situations (think oppressive landlords or
judgmental housemates). And that makes
it a little difficult to take things to the next
level. Not only does one have to furtively
make logistical arrangements in order to get
laid, the lack of housing and personal space
means it’s difficult to properly live together
and let your relationship grow.
The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore
island
Pop UP
Hey Hay
Danish design collective Hay’s popup store, Hay House, is making
its way through Asia and their
current stop is at Kapok’s National
Design Centre flagship until Apr 12.
Minimalist, pastel-favoring types
will love their range of mid-centuryinspired furniture and homeware
like stationery, tea towels, glassware
and storage boxes. Prices range
from $9.50 for a notebook to $34
for wine glasses and go up to $845
for rugs. Kapok, #01-05 National
Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd.,
6339-7987, fb.com/KapokSG.
tech Grown Up Sound
We’re over the candy-colored headphones we used to
favor a couple of years ago. Now it’s all about something
sturdy, well-made and ideally wireless. Sony’s new
lineup of Bluetooth wireless headphones includes the
elegant-looking MDR-ZX770BN, which has digital noise
reduction software and 13 hours of battery life. Available
in Apr at $249 from Sony Store, #02-28 313@Somerset,
313 Orchard Rd., 6634-9497, www.sony.com.sg.
MOTORING Wicked Wasp
Nothing like a scooter to up your quasi-hipster game. The
Vespa Primavera is the newest addition to the collection
of retro-themed transports. While it bears the signature
look of classic Vespas, the Primavera has redesigned
suspension, less engine vibration and a larger helmet
compartment. Now available for $7,700 (before the COE
and other costs) from Ai De Hua, 19 Genting Rd., 65474466, www.adh.com.sg.
HOME Robots in Dust-guise
We’re not yet completely convinced about robotic
vacuums, but the new PowerBot VR9000 promises to
do a better job with its new sensor and increased suction
power. There’s even a remote control for the micromanagers among you who can’t let the robot decide
where to clean for itself. Now available at $1,499 from
Best Denki, #05-01/04 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd.,
6835 2855, go.bestdenki.com.sg.
FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
15
island
Pure Yoga
WELLNESS
This Hong Kong chain has two locations
in Singapore, and it’s recently revamped
the Ngee Ann City studio (the other is
at Chevron House). We’re particularly
interested in the Aerial Yoga and Wall
Rope Yoga classes, which involve being
suspended in mid-air to relieve pressure
and help you hit your poses.
Zen Zing
Whether you’re looking for a big-name studio or a smaller,
more intimate outfit, we think these eight studios have
something special. By Eimear Elkington and Aaron Khoo
How much: One-time classes from $50
Where: 18/F Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391A
Orchard Rd., 6733-8863, www.pure-yoga.
com/en/singapore.
Real Yoga
The only yoga center with six hot yoga
studios across the island, Real Yoga does
over 30 types of classes. It has just opened
a Parkway Parade branch, and also hold
dance fitness classes (think Zumba and
Body Combat) to complement the yoga
offerings.
Pure Yoga
How much: One-time classes from $38
Where: #17-01 Parkway Parade, 80
Marine Parade Rd., 6348-2270, www.
realyoga.com.sg.
True Yoga
Hom Yoga
Bikram Yoga Katong
Hom Yoga
This boutique studio is home to a tight-knit
community who sometimes venture out
to the beach for a session. The mainstay is
classic Bikram yoga—26 poses (each done
twice) in 90 minutes. It’s a very hot room
and the instructors are hardcore, so it’s not
for the faint of heart.
Its newest outlet is inspired by a New
York warehouse, featuring two bright
rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows
and mirrors. It has over 60 hot classes
weekly, including Hatha and Vinyasa, but
the signature is the multi-level Hot Hom,
based on Hatha and Ashtanga, and is
great for detox.
How much: One-time classes from $40
Where: 130 East Coast Rd., 6348-8705,
www.bikramyogakatong.com.
Como Shambhala
Urban Escape
One of the city’s longest running yoga and
pilates centers offers Ashtanga, Hatha,
Iyengar, Pranayama and problem-specific
classes like Back Care Yoga and Yoga for
Runners. It’s also got massage services for
injuries.
How much: $175 for five classes over two
months
Where: #06-01/02 Delfi Orchard,
402 Orchard Rd., 6304-3552, www.
comoshambhala.com/singapore.
Best Yoga Studio winner in our 2014
Readers’ Choice Awards, True Yoga has
two locations (Orchard Road and Raffles
Place). It’s got premium facilities and
instructors from India. The two branches
have 16 yoga studios between them, as
well as member relaxation lounges and
steam rooms. Fancy.
Real Yoga
How much: One-time classes from $44.94
Where: 4/F Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd.,
6733-9555, www.trueyoga.com.sg.
How much: One-time classes from $40
Where: #06-12/13 Orchard Central,
181 Orchard Rd., 6238-0101,
www.homyoga.com/sg.
Yoga Movement
Set up by local singer and songwriter
Alicia Pan as a small yet cozy space in the
Boat Quay area, it’s now got branches in
Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Road and a new
one in Tiong Bahru, in the space formerly
occupied by Social Haus. Standout classes
are Yoga Basics (great for beginners) and
the signature Monster Hot class, which
happens every weekend.
Meraki Yoga
Tucked away in a tranquil condo near
One North MRT, this is one of the very
few yoga places in the west. The space
has lots of natural light and offers heated
and non-heated classes.
How much: One-time classes from $43
How much: One-time classes from $25, or
$190 for 10 classes
Where: #01-15 One North Residences,
7 One North Gateway, 6872-3711,
www.merakiyoga.sg.
Where: 31A & 33A New Bridge Rd., 65344670, www.yogamovement.com.
Yoga Movement
NEW PLACE MoodBox
The buzz: There have been a few new shops around Tanglin
recently and this one at Tanglin Mall opened just last month.
Created by Frenchwomen Valerie Oriol and Karine Lafon, this
homeware store aims to completely change its theme and
mood every six-to-eight weeks (hence the name).
The vibe: At the moment, the store sports a distressedindustrial look with refined and colorful touches, much like a
designer warehouse loft. The interior is furnished with a mix of
polished wood and raw pallet furniture (not all for sale), so that
the products they stock are the centerpiece accents.
The goods: A carefully curated selection of homeware and
personal accessories over a wide price range. They have
smaller decorative objects around the $50 mark, like their
metal tealight holders ($69) and white-washed rattan baskets
($49); further up the range are items like painted birdcages
($150) and Eygptian-handmade Zenza lamps that start at $190.
Personal accessories include cool reading glasses ($55), even
cooler reading sunglasses ($65) and men’s watches around
$200. Some items are significantly pricier, like the printed
tapestries that go for $500 or the Qlocktwo digital clock at
$1,799. That said, a lot of things are below $100, which makes
it a great place to pick up thoughtful gifts and trinkets for the
home.
Why we’ll be back: The inventory is a nice, boho change
from the uppity, mostly pricey stuff usually found in the area.
Plus, we’re curious about what sort of look they will do next.
#03-18 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 9627-4874, www.moodbox.com.sg.
Open daily 10am-9pm. AARON KHOO
16
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015
The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene
eats
NEW BAR
Ready to Rumble
Club Street’s Bar 83 has given way to Bumbo Rum Club (83 Club St., 6690-7563,
www.facebook.com/bumborumclub.official). The place has one of the largest
rum collections in Singapore including bottles of Plantation Reserve, Los Valientes
and Sailor Jerry (starting at $14/glass). The cheery Caribbean bar is decked out in
sunshine yellow and seafoam green and doles out cocktails like Pyrat Punch ($22)
with spiced rum and Grand Marnier and tapas like seafood ceviche ($13) and pork
ribs confit ($28) to line those stomachs.
NEW RESTAURANT Drifting into Town
Californian celeb chef David Myers’ Adrift (L/F Marina
Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-5657,
www.marinabaysands.com/Adrift) has opened in the
Marina Bay Sands Hotel lobby. It’s all about East-meetsWest flavors with dishes like king crab melt with pimento
cheese ($35) and the odd, but delicious, preserved green
papaya soup with Maine lobster ($28). Outfitted with
wood tones and slate gray tiles, the bar counter is great
for grabbing some cocktails and light bites.
festival Eat to the Top
This year’s edition of the World Gourmet Summit (Apr
6-May 3, www.worldgourmetsummit.com) features lots of
dinners, guest chefs and galas. Visiting chefs include the
Roca brothers from three Michelin-starred El Celler de can
Roca in Spain, Christophe Muller of L’Auberge Du Pont de
Collonges and Bruno Oger. There are dinners by the chefs
on different nights, sake sommeliers and masterclasses by
the likes of Franck Hasnoot, a chocolate master.
lunch Spanish Inquisition
Catalunya (The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay,
6534-0188, www.catalunya.sg) jumps on the set lunch
bandwagon with a three-course affair at $38. Taking
advantage of their airy bayside surroundings, you can
mix and match the Spanish restaurant’s signature items
to form your meal. Favorites include salmorejo, a tomatobased soup, and the red snapper with salsa verde, as well
as mushrooms with molten egg yolk. Plus, lunch options
change weekly, just to keep things exciting.
FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
17
eats
Send your food news to [email protected]
Imperial Treasure Super
Peking Duck
This swanky place also does great dim sum
dumplings. The har gow ($5) skin is smooth
and the filling generous. Same goes for
the Teochew-style dumplings ($3.90). If
you’re more of a dessert dumpling kind of
person, don’t miss the red bean cream with
glutinous dumplings ($4), either.
#05-42/45 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd.,
6732-7838, imperialtreasure.com.
Jing Hua
This family restaurant first set up shop on
Neil Road but we say go to their lush new
digs at Palais Renaissance. It specializes in
pork xiao long bao ($5/4 pieces) as well as
dessert dumplings. We recommend the sweet
osmanthus flower rice ball soup ($4) here.
Top 10
#B1-03A/04/05 Palais Renaissance, 390
Orchard Rd., 6733-8231, www.jinghua.sg.
Jing Hua
Dumpling
Delights
Paradise Dynasty
The xiao long bao you’ll find here are
unconventional. They come in a multitude
of rainbow colors and unorthodox flavors.
Expect flavors like crab roe, black truffle,
foie gras and, of course, the traditional pork
($13.80 for an eight-piece sampler basket).
Whether they’re Chinese, Japanese or even Russian,
it’s impossible not to love a starchy, meat-filled pocket.
Here’s where to find our favorites. By Letitia Tandean
Din Tai Fung
Buyan
Russians are no strangers to dumplings. The
version you’ll get here is the pelmeni ($18),
dough pockets with meat filling. They’re a
little less pretty to look at than traditional
Chinese dumplings, but the morsels are
pretty savory and moreish.
9/10 Duxton Hill, 6223-7008, www.
buyan.sg.
Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Sure, the place is a little frou frou with
purple chandeliers and heavy carpets. What
they do make are great dumplings. We
particularly love the vegetarian Teochewstyle dumplings ($4.80/3 pieces) stuffed
with mushrooms, radishes and peanuts. The
#04-12A ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn,
6509-9118, www.paradisegroup.com.sg.
The Provision Shop
Providore
key to a good one is the translucent skin.
#05-22/24 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd.,
6734-6866, www.crystaljade.com.
Din Tai Fung
This Taiwanese import needs no introduction.
It’s cheap and we are all obsessed with their
xiao long bao or soup dumplings. Whether you
go for the classic pork ($7.50/6 pieces) or add
a little bit of black truffle ($4.50/piece), the
soup is always flavorful and the meat moist.
#B1-03 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 68368336, www.dintaifung.com.sg.
Ding Dong
The Asian-inspired fusion restaurant makes
a mean interpretation of dumplings. The
roasted duck dumplings ($18) here are
also stuffed with shitake mushrooms and
bobbing in a clear duck consomme that’s
both light and comforting.
23 Ann Siang Rd., 6557-0189, www.
dingdong.com.sg.
Gyoza-ya
There are tons of dumplings to choose from:
pan-fried or boiled and stuffed with pork
($4.80), prawn ($5.80) or veggies ($4.80).
We love the pan-fried versions and each
dumpling’s quite a toothsome mouthful.
#B1-02A Robinsons Orchard, 260 Orchard
Rd., 6737-5581, www.facebook.com/
gyozaya.sg.
Pierogis ($5) are pretty common in Europe;
made of unleavened dough, the hearty
morsels are made with ricotta and potato and
topped with bacon, onions and sour cream.
#01-79 Blk 3, Everton Park, 6225-9931,
www.facebook.com/TheProvisionShop.
Swee Choon
Any late night eater will know this Jalan
Besar staple. The Shanghai dim sum menu
comes with items like xiao long bao, panfried pork dumplings and Sichuan oil chili
wantons (all $4). Plus, it’s open all hours of
the night.
191 Jalan Besar, 6225-7788, www.
sweechoon.com.
new bar DSTLLRY
The buzz: Portsdown’s Infinite Studios shows no signs of
slowing down with the opening of this bespoke cocktail bar
and Japanese-leaning omakase counter restaurant.
The decor: The cavernous space is understated, with the
large square bar acting as the anchor. With all-black walls,
concrete floors and a wooden bar, it’s a pretty blank canvas
compared to many other bars these days. Lights are low-lying
and strategically-placed as if on a sound stage.
The drinks: Leading the bar team is Taiwanese bartender
Red Chuang whose bar program is all about classic cocktails
with a twist. The place doesn’t have a proper menu just yet,
so feel free to order drinks based on your taste and alcohol
preferences. You can’t go wrong with Negronis and Last Word
cocktails, the latter made with gin, chartreuse and citrus. All
cocktails go for $25.
The food: On the other side of the bar are omakase-style
counter seats for Japanese bites. Although the menu changes
daily, dinner time sees ten courses of small plates for $95,
with bites of king crab with ikura sauce and botan ebi broth
and lunchtime chirashi bowls. Plus, you can get your cocktails
paired with food.
The music: Since the space was conceptualized by music
producer Andrew Lum, the tunes here are pretty select. While
early night beats vary from acoustic songs to experimental
genres, the late night cocktail crowd gets a sample of
soothing bossa nova, funk and jazz music.
The crowd: Currently comprised of in-the-know types and
Japanese food fanatics. It’s pretty relaxed and not at all a
dress-up-to-enter type of place.
Why you’ll be back: With the trek behind you, the mix
of music, cocktails and small plates is pretty addictive.
The place plays host to local music acts and photography
exhibitions, too.
#01-01 Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle, 9633-4890, www.facebook.com/dstllryco. Open Mon-Sat noon-3pm;
daily 6pm-midnight. LETITIA TANDEAN
18
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, march 27, 2015
eats
Cocotte
lunch
Game,
Set, Lunch
The latest crop of affordable set menus to
brighten up your workday. By Letitia Tandean
The casual French bistro has a grower’s
three-course lunch menu ($39) where
it’s all about communal dining. There are
classics like duck leg confit, steak and fries,
as well as the addictive mussels mariniere.
Everything is light and perfect for sharing.
1/F Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd., 62981188, restaurantcocotte.com. Lunch
available Mon, Wed-Thu noon-2:30pm;
Fri noon-3pm.
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao
Long Bao
The casual la mian (hand-pulled noodles)
restaurant now offers a set lunch menu for a
crazy $9.80. Get a choice of starters like xiao
long bao, veggie dumplings or barbecue
pork buns, and a choice of mains like la
mian with minced pork wanton and la mian
with minced pork and mushroom. Plus, for
an extra $2.90, you get a mango pudding
dessert too.
May May
#04-27 Takashimaya S.C., 391 Orchard
Rd., 6238-1661, www.crystaljade.com.
Lunch available Mon-Fri 11:30pm-5pm.
May May
Cocotte
Procacci
The new and airy Asian-inspired bistro
housed in a Tras Street shophouse does
healthy rice and quinoa bowls for lunch.
Toppings include red chilli chicken ($15),
braised pork belly ($16) and the light but
flavorful butter-poached cod ($18). Plus a
lunch combo (extra $3) gets you a house
salad and any non-alcoholic drink on
the menu.
65 Tras St., 6221-4698, www.facebook.
com/maymaydining. Lunch available
Mon-Sat noon-3pm.
Merchants
Be naughty and get a lunchtime glass of
wine with your no-frills two-course lunch
($12) that includes a mixed salad and either
a roast beef sandwich and fries or chicken
tequila spaghetti. For this cheap, you can
definitely afford a glass of wine ($12).
52-53 Duxton Rd., 6222-1162,
www.merchantsofsingapore.com.sg.
Lunch available daily 11am-3pm.
Procacci
The bayside Italian restaurant has a two($28) and three-course ($38) set lunch that
changes monthly and features classics like
parma ham-wrapped rock melon, braised
beef short ribs and sea bass taglietelle in
spicy white wine butter.
#01-04 Customs House, 70 Collyer
Quay, 6532-9939, www.facebook.com/
ProcacciatCustomsHouse. Lunch available
Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm.
NEW AND NOTED
with Letitia Tandean
Meat Smith
New
upda &
te
2015 d
editio
n
Carver & Co.
Bar Tabs
There have been quite a few shifts lately
in the cocktail bar industry. Firstly, the
unmistakable mustachioed bartender,
Ricky Paiva, has left Manhattan for new
digs at Massive Collective’s grill-centric
restaurant, Match. Nicholas Quattroville
has left speakeasy bar The Library and
moved across the street to Neil Road staple
L’Aiglon, where he’ll be shaking up drinks
alongside Louis Tan. Lastly, we’ve heard
Mark Thomas, formerly of Bacchanalia,
will be opening his own cocktail bar,
although details are scant at the moment.
Meaty Scoop
Raw food, quinoa and kale salads are on
the backburner these days. Meat is the
dining scene’s latest darling. Unlisted
Collection has opened Meat Smith (167
Telok Ayer St., 6221-2262, www.meatsmith.
Ricky Paiva
com.sg) which focuses on southern
American-style smoked meats like brisket
($16/100g), ribs ($50) and starters like crab
hush puppies ($12). There’s another new
player coming to town. The guys behind
London restaurant Meatliquor have been
seen dining and drinking in restaurants
around town, with plans for a spin-off
here. Expect messy but satisfying food
like mac and cheese and huge burgers.
Claim your copy
Your guide to some 200 affordable eats,
hidden finds and mid-range gems all
across Singapore
A Bientot
The Les Amis Group, known for
restaurants like Aoki and their San
Pellegrino-listed namesake Les Amis,
have a few renovations lined up. Firstly,
Les Amis closes until Apr 16 for a
renovation of their Shaw Centre digs.
They’re also closing Caveau Wine Bar
until Apr 22 to make way for a new
wine bar concept in the same space.
Your ultimate
guide to 200 fun and
fabulous eateries around
singapore—from brunch
places to late-night hot spots
In partnershIp wIth:
If someone has run off with the copy
free with this magazine, fear not.
Download the eBook from sgnow.sg/
eats and read it on the go on your
mobile devices.
In partnerShIp wIth:
www.sgnow.sg
FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
19
escapes
Holidays, hotels and insider travel news
Send your travel news and promotions to [email protected]
ESCAPE ROUTES
grand openings The Sanchaya
with Joyce See
example, and The Seng Trang Villas are
Vietnamese. What they have in common
are oversized four-poster beds, bathtubs,
enormous verandahs, black and white
photos on the walls, dark-wood furniture
and shutters and all that good stuff.
Niyama Resorts
CHINA
Morning Glory
Located 60km from Beijing’s city center,
the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel (www.
kempinski.com) is an architectural feat.
It’s shaped like a rising sun and is covered
with over 10,000 glass panels tilted to
reflect the color of the sky. Set along
Yanqi Lake, it has views of Yan Mountain
and the Great Wall of China. Bonus: their
introductory rate is $279.50 a night and is
valid through Mar 31.
MALDIVES
Underwater Party
Just 45 minutes by seaplane from
Male, Niyama Resorts (www.niyama.
peraquum.com) recently opened its
second island, Play. Connected to the
resort’s original island, Chill, by a bridge,
it’s got 48 new villas with panoramic
views of the Indian Ocean. Head over
to Chill for Subsix, the world’s first
underwater club. Book from now till Mar
31 for 31% off on the best available
rate. Also included is a lunch for two at
Subsix and a spa treatment. Prices start
at $1,381 a night.
SRI LANKA
Island Ashtanga
If you’re thinking of going on a
yoga retreat, consider heading to Sri
Lanka’s five-suite Maya Villas (www.
mayatangallesrilanka.com). The charming
colonial-style villas are surrounded by
greenery and their 10-day ashtanga yoga
retreat starts at a very reasonable $2,265
per person and covers accommodation
for 12 nights, 10 days of yoga and three
vegetarian meals a day. It’ll be happening
from May 1-13 and May 15-27.
Overview: After repeated delays, this
21-villa, nine-suite beachfront boutique
resort finally opened on Bintan late last
year, offering a quiet, luxe alternative to the
family- and/or party-friendly options along
the island’s northern coast.
Design: The sprawling estate has a
faux-colonial thing going on, courtesy of
Bangkok’s P49 design firm (also behind
Chiang Mai’s 137 Pillars House). The villas
are themed by Southeast Asian countries—
the Mali Villas are Thailand-inspired, for
Rave: From the perfectly decorated annex
at the ferry terminal, where you sip tea
on tufted leather sofas while they process
your visa elsewhere, to the collection of
ayurvedic oils at the spa, to the craft beer
in the complimentary mini-bar, there are
pleasant surprises everywhere. Also, who
knew we’d find the Holy Grail of free, fast
and resort-wide Wi-Fi on Bintan? The inroom Apple TV and iPad with a 300-title
collection of movies was also a nice touch—
as was the option to borrow bicycles for a
guided tour of the surrounding wilderness.
Rant: Service is a bit…effusive. We were
outnumbered by the resort staff, with a
shrill “Good morning, how was your day so
far?” at every corner. If you’d like to be left
alone, pick a super busy time.
Price: From $950/night for The Great
House Junior suites.
Lagoi Bay, Bintan Regency, Bintan 29155, +62 770 692-200
www.thesanchaya.com. MRIGAA SETHI
Insider
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
!
freewill astrology
Week of Mar 27 © 2015 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The term “jumped the shark” often refers to a
TV show that was once great but gradually grew stale, and then resorted to
implausible plot twists in a desperate attempt to revive its creative verve.
I’m a little worried that you may do the equivalent of jumping the shark
in your own sphere. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I’m not at all worried that you’ll
jump the shark. It’s true that you did go through a stagnant, meandering
phase there for a short time. But you responded by getting fierce and
fertile rather than stuck and contrived. Am I right? And now you’re on the
verge of breaking out in a surge of just-the-right-kind-of-craziness.
TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): If you happen to be singing
lead vocals in an Ozzy Osbourne cover band, and someone
in the audience throws what you think is a toy rubber
animal up on stage, DO NOT rambunctiously bite its
head off to entertain everyone. It most likely won’t be
a toy, but rather an actual critter. APRIL FOOL! In fact,
it’s not likely you’ll be fronting an Ozzy Osbourne cover
band any time soon. But I hope you will avoid having
to learn a lesson similar to the one that Ozzy did during
a show back in 1982, when he bit into a real bat—a
small flying mammal with webbed wings—thinking it
was a toy. Don’t make a mistake like that. What you
think is fake or pretend may turn out to be authentic.
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In the spring of 1754, Benjamin
Franklin visited friends in Maryland. While out riding
horses, they spied a small tornado whirling through a
meadow. Although Franklin had written about this weather
phenomenon, he had never seen it. With boyish curiosity,
he sped toward it. At one point, he caught up to it and
lashed it with his whip to see if it would dissipate. This is
the kind of adventure I advise you to seek out, Gemini.
APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. I don’t really believe you should
endanger your safety by engaging in stunts like chasing
tornadoes. But I do think that now is a favorable time to
seek out daring exploits that quench your urge to learn.
CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Novelist L. Frank Baum created
the make-believe realm known as Oz. Lewis Carroll
conjured up Wonderland and C. S. Lewis invented Narnia.
Now you are primed to dream up your own fantasy
land and live there full-time, forever protected from the
confusion and malaise of the profane world. Have fun in
your imaginary utopia, Cancerian! APRIL FOOL! I half-lied.
It’s true that now would be a good time to give extra
attention to cultivating vivid visions of your perfect life.
But I wouldn’t recommend that you live there full-time.
LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): “The national anthem of Hell
must be the old Frank Sinatra song ‘I Did It My Way,’”
declares Richard Wagner, author of the book Christianity
for Dummies. “Selfish pride is Hell’s most common
trait,” he adds. “Hell’s inhabitants have a sense of
satisfaction that they can at least say ‘they’ve been true
to themselves.’” Heed this warning, Leo. Tame your lust
for self-expression. APRIL FOOL! I was making a little joke.
The truth is not as simplistic as I implied. I actually think
it’s important for you to be able to declare “I did it my
way” and “I’ve been true to myself.” But for best results,
do it in ways that aren’t selfish, insensitive or arrogant.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): No matter what gender you
are, it’s an excellent time to get a gig as a stripper. Your
instinct for removing your clothes in entertaining ways
is at a peak. Even if you have never been trained in the
art, I bet you’ll have an instinctive knack. APRIL FOOL! I
lied. I don’t really think you should be a stripper. But I do
recommend you experiment with a more metaphorical
version of that art. For instance, you could expose hidden
agendas that are causing distortions and confusion. You
could peel away the layers of deception and propaganda
that hide the naked facts and the beautiful truth.
LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Give yourself obsessively to your
most intimate relationships. Don’t bother cleaning your
house. Call in sick to your job. Ignore all your nagging
little errands. Now is a time for one task only: paying
maximum attention to those you care about most. Heal
any rifts between you. Work harder to give them what
they need. Listen to them with more empathy than
ever before. APRIL FOOL! I went a bit overboard there.
It’s true that you’re in a phase when big rewards can
come from cultivating and enhancing togetherness.
But if you want to serve your best relationships,
you must also take very good care of yourself.
WIN UP TO
$10,000 WORTH
OF GIVEAWAYS, ALL
YEAR ROUND
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): It’s after midnight. You’re
half-wasted, cruising around town looking for wicked fun.
You stumble upon a warehouse laboratory where zombie
bankers and military scientists are creating genetically
engineered monsters from the DNA of scorpions,
Venus flytraps and Monsanto executives. You try to get
everyone in a party mood, but all they want to do is
extract your DNA and add it to the monster. APRIL FOOL!
Everything I just said was a lie. I doubt you’ll encounter
any scenario that extreme. But you are at risk for falling
into weird situations that could compromise your mental
hygiene. To minimize that possibility, make sure that the
wicked fun you pursue is healthy, sane wicked fun.
It’s our 20th anniversary, but we’re giving
you the presents! Fancy a luxurious
$10,000 grand suite staycation in Hong
Kong? A $5,000 fitness membership to
keep you in shape? A night of partying in
style that’s worth $1,500? A $500 dining
credit to splurge on an omakase dinner
with your partner? There’s all that and
much more to win throughout the year.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): If you were a ladybug
beetle, you might be ready and eager to have sex
for nine hours straight. If you were a pig, you’d be
capable of enjoying 30-minute orgasms. If you were
a dolphin, you’d seek out erotic encounters not just
with other dolphins of both genders, but also with
turtles, seals and sharks. Since you are merely human,
however, your urges will probably be milder and more
containable. APRIL FOOL! In truth, Sagittarius, I’m not so
sure your urges will be milder and more containable.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): “The past is not only
another country where they do things differently,” says
writer Theodore Dalrymple, “but also where one was
oneself a different person.” With this as your theme,
Capricorn, I invite you to spend a lot of time visiting
the Old You in the Old World. Immerse yourself in that
person and that place. Get lost there. And don’t come
back until you’ve relived at least a thousand memories.
APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating. While it is a good time to
get reacquainted with the old days and old ways, I don’t
recommend that you get utterly consumed by the past.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Some Aquarian readers
have been complaining. They want me to use more
celebrity references in my horoscopes. They demand
fewer metaphors drawn from literature, art and science,
and more metaphors rooted in gossipy events reported
on by tabloids. “Tell me how Kanye West’s recent travails
relate to my personal destiny,” wrote one Aquarius. So
here’s a sop to you kvetchers: The current planetary
omens say it’s in your interest to be more like Taylor
Swift and less like Miley Cyrus. Be peppy, shimmery
and breezy, not earthy, salty and raucous. APRIL FOOL!
In truth, I wouldn’t write about celebrities’ antics if
you paid me. Besides, for the time being, Miley Cyrus
is a better role model for you than Taylor Swift.
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Annie Edson Taylor needed
money. She was 63 years old, and didn’t have any
savings. She came up with a plan: to be the first person
to tuck herself inside a barrel and ride over Niagara
Falls. (This was back in 1901.) She reasoned that her
stunt would make her wealthy as she toured the country
speaking about it. I recommend that you consider
out-of-the-box ideas like hers, Pisces. It’s an excellent
time to get extra creative in your approach to raising
revenue. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. It’s true that now is a
favorable time to be imaginative about your financial
life. But don’t try outlandish escapades like hers.
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21
Lin Weidong
last
word
Boo Junfeng
Five years ago, his debut film Sandcastle premiered at
the Cannes Film Festival. Today, this young director has an
intriguing second project. Apprentice tells the story of a
young executioner and is due for completion in a couple
of months. Here, he talks to Joyce See about interviewing
executioners and why things are really exciting for local
filmmaking right now.
I wanted to be in filmmaking since I was 15. It was
never really just about directing. I was in love with
the idea of make believe and filmmaking in general.
My mind tends to wander. When I was a kid,
I was never good in maths or science. In fact, I
had a really hard time dealing with them.
Then I found out that there was a film school at
Ngee Ann Polytechnic and I decided to prove that I
could be good at something. And I went from being
second last in class to the top student in film school.
A lot of Sandcastle was written in my bedroom
and I was inspired by my grandma going through
dementia. From that to being given such a
platform, I felt like I was in a dream and it didn’t
feel real. I can’t believe that was five years ago.
When I showed it at Cannes, this old French lady
was in tears and slowly came down the steps to talk
to me. It’s incredibly moving to know something so
personal can resonate with a complete stranger.
I’ve always been interested in the discourses
surrounding the death penalty and I always thought
an interesting point of view would be from someone
who is training to become the next executioner.
Germany and France and is shot in Australia and
Singapore, so it’s quite a multi-national production.
I spoke with a couple of executioners and also
with families of those who have
been executed and it’s been very
heavy. But at the same time, it’s very
humbling knowing these stories.
People are slowly getting it. The success of the Singapore
International Film Festival is really a testament to a
growing discerning audience for different kinds of films.
No one
wants to take
ownership
of the death
penalty
No one wants to take ownership of
the death penalty. The executioners
say, “It’s just my job,” and the judges
don’t have discretion because it’s
mandatory. And it just makes me
think, “Who is responsible?” Ultimately,
it is society, so I think we should
know what happens when a person is executed.
Things [in the local film industry] are getting really
exciting. There is a whole new generation of young
filmmakers who really care about the craft, who have
similar ideologies about what filmmaking is and should be.
It doesn’t always have to be art house or
commercial comedies; there can be quality in just
storytelling, but it takes a lot of patience and a lot
of tenacity to create. We have been trying to break
that perception of what “local” filmmaking is.
The power of cinema is that it draws people
to the theater to watch a story. And if that story
not only speaks to them, but speaks of them, that
resonance can be extremely powerful because film
is both an art form and also a form of media.
Despite our small size and supposed lack
of history, the films of Singapore should be
made. This idea of identity or the lack of it is
wonderful material, especially for cinema.
I have been involved in Pink Dot right from
the start, and also issues with the death penalty,
migrant workers’ rights and historical narratives. I
empathize with those who are on the margins and
I like to tell their stories, because with stories, you
see the human side and break down barriers.
I wish people cared a little bit more about people
with whom they may not necessarily identify. With
everything that is going on in the world, there needs
to be a lot more connection between people.
This project is quite unprecedented in how it is
made—it’s a co-production between Singapore,
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That’s what she said
by Kathy Macleod
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22
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
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