For those of you about to have fun this weekend, we salute you. And, even better, we have a few suggestions as to how best spend your prized days of rest. With two public holidays landing on Friday and Sunday, Singapore’s performers, restaurants, and event spaces are bringing out the big guns in the hopes that you’ll choose to spend some of your time with them in the next few days. From an SSO concert themed around Japanese music to Orchard Road’s newest sky-high experience, there’s more than enough to do both on- and offline this weekend. Without further ado, here are five lovely ways to treat yourself and your loved ones this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Experience just One Summer’s Day with the SSO
On Friday evening: To celebrate 55 years of friendship between Singapore and Japan, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is rosining up their bows for a night of musical fellowship. A programme of chamber music, led by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi (known for his work on over 100 film scores, including multiple Studio Ghibli soundtracks), will include pieces from Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Kikujiro, as well as a spirited rendition of Japan’s most frequently performed classic tune, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. This Friday, for one night only, sit back and let the sounds of more than half a century of good diplomatic relations soothe you.
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, 9 Empress Place, Singapore 179556
One Summer’s Day will be performed on 23 April, 2021, at 7:30pm.
Embark on a cocktail flight with Origin Grill’s new menu
On Saturday afternoon: Origin Grill is known for its air of nostalgia and romance, conjured the second you step through its arched entrance, reminiscent of an old railway station. Now in its fourth year, the Shangri-La’s resident grill and steakhouse continues to redefine the meaning of a culinary voyage, rolling out a new repertoire of delicious creations. The Bar’s new cocktails—all 18 of them—are evocative of Singapore’s most famous districts: Orchard, Chinatown, Little India, Boat Quay, Marina Bay, and Balestier.
Imbibe the Nashi and Matcha, and be whisked to Boat Quay with its hints of pear and caramel cordial; choose the Urban Jungle and feel as though you’re strolling down the original Orchard Road, with its nutmeg and pineapple plantations; or pick the Saz-Mei and swan off on an ume-infused journey, resplendent with umami and floral cognac notes. Lovers of the gastronomic won’t be disappointed, either, as piquant flavours are coaxed from classic dishes like the Spicy Beef Tartare, Australian Pork Chop, and Smoked Canadian Cod Chowder.
Origin Grill, Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350
For reservations & inquiries: 6213 4398 / [email protected] / Online
Soar sky-high on Orchard Road at the newly-opened 1-ATICO
On Saturday night: A luxe, multi-concept destination housing three separate nightlife experiences, 1-ATICO is a Singapore’s newest sky-high landmark that absolutely cannot be missed. With sweeping panoramic views of the city from 218 above Orchard Road, 1-ATICO is is now finally home to ATICO Lounge, completing the trifecta of its dining locales, along with “fire-in-the-sky” Argentian restaurant FIRE and Japanese-Peruvian sumiyaki bar and grill FLNT.
Leave your troubles at street level and ascend to the clouds, soaking up the glamour of dim, sophisticated lighting and plush, modern furnishings. Featuring a collection of iconic cocktails crafted from artisanal spirits and house-made ingredients, with stories richly intertwined in the destinations that have inspired these drinks, guests may indulge their travel fantasies and embark on a transportative journey to Japan, United Kingdom, Italy and France, with a series of five cocktails from each destination being unveiled over the coming months. April will see Japan’s debut, followed by London in May, Brescia in June, and Paris in July. Sail away into the sky this weekend, only at 1-ATICO.
1-ATICO, 2 Orchard Turn, Level 56 ION Orchard, Singapore 238801
For inquiries: 6970 2039 / [email protected]
See what Life in Edo is like at Russel Wong’s new ACM exhibition
On Sunday morning: A double-bill coming to the Asian Civilisations Museum this month aims to unveil stories in traditional and contemporary Japan, spanning centuries of artistic expression and revealing just how often the past and the present merge into one another. Life in Edo is an extensive showcase (the largest ever in Singapore) of woodblock prints and paintings indicative of the ukiyo-e (“floating world”) style from the great masters, including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, Kitagawa Utamaro, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, and more.
Mirroring this half of the exhibition will be excerpts of celebrity photographer Russel Wong’s 13-year-long project to document the geiko of Kyoto. It will illustrate little-seen, little-known customs and traditions of the geisha culture. Emulating the ukiyo-e prints on display, nearly all of Wong’s photographs have been printed in ōban size, the most popular woodblock print format during the Edo period.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Life in Edo | Russel Wong in Kyoto will run from 16 April to 19 September, 2021.
Book your admission tickets in advance online through the ACM’s portal.
Unwind with a Peranakan Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons
On Sunday afternoon: It’s likely you’ve dined at (or at least heard of) Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. If that’s the case, you’ll know how special their collaborative projects are; how they never fail to reveal new flavour profiles and wonderous culinary inventions. Their most recent joint effort in this vein is in partnership with One-Ninety Bar, and comes in the form of a dazzling Afternoon Tea.
Diving deep into his own heritage, Candlenut chef-owner Malcolm Lee has pulled out all the stops to create an elevated menu of traditional Straits-Chinese dishes. Gorge yourself on kuehs, butter cookies, roti jala, and lemongrass cake, before turning to the array of locally-inspired craft cocktails mixed by Bar Manager Gabriel Carlos. Go for the Kopi-O, a spiced coffee and chocolate tipple, or the Kampong Fizz, a cheeky butterfly pea plant beverage that will have you thirsty for more. Celebrate Peranakan culture in style with your family and friends at Four Seasons, all through April and May.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646
The Peranakan Afternoon Tea will be served at One-Ninety Bar from 2pm to 5pm on weekends throughout April and May.
For inquiries & reservations: 6831 7671 / [email protected] / Online
Past Events
Celebrate Songkran with mouthwatering Thai dishes at Singha’s first decentralised Food Fest
On Friday evening: Ring in the Thai New Year, Thailand’s most famous weekend festival, with a unique decentralized Thai food festival. Run by Singha, the Food Fest is spread across different Thai restaurants around the island. With a focus on comforting and affordable street food, more than a dozen vendors around the country will fire up their grills to roll out dishes like BBQ Pork Jowl Kor Moo Yang, Basil Pork, and Old School Claypot Prawns.
Of course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of Singha’s signature beer; every time you dine out at a participating venue this month, you’ll be able to accumulate Singha points towards redeeming free brews. And like mango sticky rice, the best is saved for last: there will also be a lucky draw at the end of the Fest, where the winner will walk away with a two-day, one-night staycation at Andaz Singapore.
The Singha Food Fest will run from 13 April to 10 May, 2021. More information on registration and the Fest’s participating outlets can be found on Singha’s dedicated website.
Recalibrate yourself with adidas’ exclusive virtual running workshop
On Sunday afternoon: To coincide with the unveiling of their gigantic VivoCity concept store, the Home of Sport, adidas is pulling out all the stops to ensure that you can become your best self. Learn all about how to run—technique, timing, and tenacity—in Recalibrate You, a series of virtual workshops broadcast live throughout April and May from the Home of Sport. Also on offer is a concurrent series of football masterclasses, led by sporting legend Fandi Ahmad.
Also available in the Performance Brand store is adidas’ brand new MakerLab, where athletes both accomplished and amateur can customise apparel, shoes, and sporting gear with a selection of evergreen and Singapore Exclusive designs. The Singapore Exclusives in particular are exciting—created as they have been by local artists like Yana & Jun, Reza Hasni, and Marina A.
adidas Home of Sport, 1 Harbour Front Walk, #01-73/87 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
There are eight total adidas Recalibrate You workshops, which will run on on weekends from 17 April to 2 May, 2021.
To register for a workshop, email adidas’ team with the subject line “Vogue Exclusive—Registration for adidas Recalibrate You Workshop”
Have a theatrical encounter with a stranger, ahead of the Singapore International Festival of Arts
On Saturday evening: Run by the ephemeral Obie Award-winning duo 600 Highwaymen, the second part of A Thousand Ways will be running in advance of the start of this year’s international festival of the arts. Having run since 1977, SIFA is back and better than ever in a hybrid format, after having been moved completely online for its 2020 iteration.
In A Thousand Ways Part II: An Encounter, you are the actor and the audience. You need no training; you are the expert. Make contact with a stranger—meet at opposite ends of a table, separated only by a panel of glass. Using a script and a few simple objects, theatremakers (i.e. you, yourself) will experience a profound connection with another soul. May, 2021, will see the debut of Part III, where you and every other stranger who has participated in the project will assemble together for a final, unscripted performance.
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
A Thousand Ways Part II: An Encounter will run from 15 April to 2 May, 2021. To purchase tickets, learn more, or see SIFA’s full programme, see SIFA’s website.
Visit the newest Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet in the foothills of Fort Canning Park
On Sunday morning: Can you believe that this is Tiong Bahru Bakery’s seventh outpost? The iconic French bakery has taken over a cosy spot, nestled at the base of historic Fort Canning Park, which was once home to the River Valley Swimming Complex, opened in 1959. Accordingly, the design elements for this outlet have been lovingly inspired by the site’s history—keep an eye out for lifeguard stands, doughnut floats and faux “pool rules” signs.
With an outdoor patio, playground, and hilly area for exploration, the Foothills bakery will offer guests a unique Picnic Bundle, with an assortment of bakes, salads, and beverages for casual dining on the grass. Having only opened its doors earlier this week, the newest Tiong Bahru Bakery nevertheless hews close to its roots, delivering the same buttery, crusty croissants for which the brand is known. Come along, and grab a Kouign-Amann before they’re all sold out for the day.
Tiong Bahru Bakery Foothills, 70 River Valley Rd, #01-05, Singapore 179037
Dive deep into the environmental archives at NLB’s newest exhibition, Human x Nature
On Sunday afternoon: More than more than 150 books, maps, illustrations, and manuscripts have been hauled out and dusted off for showcase—many of them for the first time. Taken from the archives of the National Library, the National Archives, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, the materials will shape a story of Singapore’s natural environment and how we have grown and changed alongside it as a population.
The exhibition, Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore, will feature highlights such as a ledger of Malay village medicines, a rare nine-volume illustrated compendium of local marine life, and preserved specimens of creatures, from the tapir to the tiger. Observe these curiosities up close, and come away having learned a thing or two about our jungle home and its hidden but storied history.
National Library, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
Human x Nature: Environmental Histories of Singapore will run from 9 April to 26 September, 2021, on Level 10 of the National Library Building. Admission is free.
Live the rock-n-roll high life at Marina Bay cocktail bar Roxy
On Friday evening: Travel through time and space this weekend at Roxy, the Sail at Marina Bay’s newest hole-in-the-wall. Wind your way back into the hidden bar, and find yourself landed square in the middle of New York City in the 1970s. Luxuriate in the aesthetics of the gritty city’s greatest decade for culture and art, with the bar’s vintage panache, from décor bathed in a red-light hue to iconic images of NYC musicians, artists and socialites pinned up on the walls.
Named for iconic nightclubs, songs of the era and classic beverages from the five boroughs, each cocktail flight, boilermaker, and snack on the menu brings a unique story of New York Americana to Singapore. But it’s the signature cocktail where the bar truly gets to strut its stuff.
Do the CBGB Swizzle, and experience a riff on both the classic Mai Tai and the iconic Lower East Side rock club. Shake, rattle, and roll your way over next to the Jean Genie, a Bowie-inspired tipple that takes the idea of a daiquiri and smashes it apart, rebuilding it with a pear twist. Finally, finish up with The New York Dolls Sour—but don’t have more than one, otherwise you might actually start seeing Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain toasting you from across the drinking den.
Miss Fitz, 6, 01-17 Marina Blvd, The Sail, Singapore 018980
For inquiries & reservations: 8129 4617 / [email protected]
Observe the fine French art of dining at Alliance Française
On Saturday afternoon: In April, Alliance Française puts the spotlight on the French art of fine dining, with À TABLE! First, meet us in our gallery for an exhibition featuring the versatility and elegance of the French dining table, with three tables furnished with iconic objects from legendary brands like Christofle, Baccarat, and Bernardaud. Across the gallery, visitors will also get to appreciate a collection of historical menus linking France and the Southeast Asia region, such as those from state dinners offered by the French president to the late King Rama IX of Thailand or even to the former President of the Republic of Singapore.
But don’t think that the fun stops there. All through April, a series of films will be screened at the centre, with everything from dining docs to family romps through the French countryside. And though the wine and champagne tasting workshops are sold out, the spotlight’s cheese party workshop still has a few tickets left for its celebration on 16 April, 2021. À table!
Alliance Française, 1 Sarkies Road Singapore 258130
For inquiries: 6737 8422 / [email protected]
Catch Riz Ahmed’s greatest turn yet in Sound of Metal
On Saturday evening: Punk-metal drummer Ruben (Ahmed) begins to experience intermittent hearing loss while on tour with his girlfriend, singer Lou (Olivia Cooke). When a specialist tells him his condition will rapidly worsen, he thinks his music career—and with it his life—is over. Utilizing innovative sound design techniques and a large number of cast from the deaf community, director Darius Marder takes us inside Ruben’s experience to vividly recreate his journey into a rarely examined world.
A Projector exclusive, Sound of Metal is already generating massive awards season buzz. It’s high time to see the flick that’s garnered 65 wins and 156 nominations so far—all the more so given that potentially up to six Oscar wins could still be on the horizon for this little film that could.
The Projector, 6001 Beach Road, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Sound of Metal will be screened at 8:30pm on 8 April to 14 April, 2021. Tickets to the film can be purchased through The Projector.
Wander through centuries of Asian fashion at the Asian Civilisations Museum
On Sunday morning: Take a stroll through the annals of 18th, 19th and 20th century Asian digs at the Asian Civilisations Museum this month. With a focus on “innovation in the space of tradition,” the ACM is introducing a new showcase, Fashionable in Asia, which will explore how identity is constructed through clothing.
What’s more, nearly two dozen never-before-seen items will be on display in the Fashion and Textiles Gallery as a part of the exhibition. This includes a selection of dazzling Javanese batiks, Chinese painted silks, and Indian printed cottons.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
A standard ticket grants entry to all exhibitions, and may be purchased through ACM’s portal.
Welcome the arrival of spring at Yàn with a brand new menu
On Sunday afternoon: From now until 31 May, 2021, the Joy of Spring à la carte menu at Yàn promises light, flavoursome, vegetable-forward dishes. Imbued inherently with the charms of Cantonese cuisine, your Sunday lunch choice this week will be easy. At Yàn, will you introduce a medley of umami elements to your appetite, with the Mushroom Soup Scented with Truffle Oil? Or perhaps you’re more inclined towards comfort food this week; in that case, you’ll have to order the Fried Rice with Yam, Diced Chicken, and Crispy Rice,with abundant amounts of egg, zucchini, and scallions heaped on top.
In line with the Green Monday movement, though, you may want to sample some plant-based fare. Better your health and the environment in one fell swoop with dishes like the Steamed Beancurd with Minced Omni Pork and Pickled Vegetables or the Sautéed Heura Chicken with Fresh Mushrooms. Ultimately, between the steaming, stir-frying, and braising going on in the kitchen, you and your palate will be completely delighted, no matter what dish you land on.
Yàn, 1 St Andrew’s Road #05-02, Singapore 178957
For reservations & enquiries: 6384 5585 / [email protected]
Solve The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure at Raffles Hotel
On Friday night: Six suspects. Two eras. One missing treasure. From 1 April, 2021, Raffles Hotel Singapore, together with Double Confirm Productions and Sight Lines Entertainment, will roll out its brand new experience, The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure. An enthralling detective whodunnit tale and the first-of-its-kind virtual interactive play set against the backdrop of the iconic Grand Dame of Singapore, the mystery will let guests investigate through pure virtual gameplay, or live and breathe the adventure through exclusive experiences on-site or during their stay at the storied hotel.
Written by award-winning playwright Jean Tay and directed by critically acclaimed actor-director Hossan Leong, the experience immerses audiences into the role of a detective tasked to investigate the titular treasure. Audiences will explore the hotel’s historic grounds and venture through its illustrious property, all the while piecing clues together, and deciding how the story unfolds. A fast-paced, thrilling choose-your-own-adventure, The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure will show you a side of Raffles—its history, hallowed halls, and hidden secrets—you’ve never seen before.
Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Tickets to the experience can be purchased on SISTIC.
Contact: 6337 1886 / [email protected]
The daycation and staycation packages for The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure are valid for stays between 1 April and 30 June, 2021, while the virtual theatrical experience can be streamed on-demand any time during the same period.
Enjoy an iconic Singaporean pianist’s newest avant-garde concert
On Saturday afternoon: Called “the formidable doyenne of the avant-garde piano” by The Washington Post, Margaret Leng Tan is a classical music artist, and also known as “the queen of the toy piano” (The New York Times). Her newest work, Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep, is a sonic portrait of the artist in her autumn years. Taking a scalpel to concepts like memory, time, control, and loss, the 74-year-old Tan turns back to gaze at her career: four decades of radical experimental innovation.
Combining spoken and recorded text, projected images and original music for prepared piano, toy piano, toys, and percussion, Tan processes and explores two pivotal elements of her life in Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep: her lifelong relationship to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and the passing of her mother in December, 2018. The show is a cross-cultural collaboration, having been taken to Australia prior to landing at the Esplanade, but it’s also, at its core, a riveting collage of the forces that have shaped Tan’s life—including, most importantly, music.
More information about Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep, as well as a link to purchase tickets, can be found via The Esplanade.
Dragon Ladies Don’t Weep will run from 1 to 4 April, 2021, at 8pm. Two 3pm matinees will also show on Saturday and Sunday.
Bring sustainability to the (HongKong) street with TiNDLE, ecoSPIRITS, and Brass Lion Distillery
On Saturday night: TiNDLE’s mid-March arrival on Singaporean shores was lauded by audiences craving something new and eco-friendly. Now that the brand’s meatless chicken sandwiches have comfortably settled into the Singaporean food landscape, it’s all about ways to keep the sustainability party going. As such, TiNDLE’s next move will be to partner up with green distribution tech company ecoSPIRITS and gin joint Brass Lion Distillery. The iconic trio of consumption-conscious brands will then assemble at 28 HongKong Street throughout April.
Aiming to deliver a mind-blowing dining experience that also benefits the planet, the team-up will feature a specially-created vegan tipple, the Brass Ring Cocktail, delivered via the ecoSPIRITS system. Paired with Chef Melvyn Tan’s meat-free, made-from-scratch take on the bar’s famed Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles, topped with homemade herb butter. Come down this weekend (or at any point this month) to see what green innovation is truly all about.
28 HongKong Street, 28 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059667
For inquiries and reservations: 8318 0328 / [email protected] / Online
The TiNDLE x Brass Lion Distillery x ecoSPIRITS Proper Dinner is only available in April, 2021, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 5pm to 7pm. Reservations are recommended.
Have a Brooklyn Italian Easter Sunday at Lucali BYGB
On Sunday morning: In true Brooklyn fashion, Lucali BYGB’s Easter Sunday menu will have you feeling like you’re back in Carroll Gardens. Available for lunch and dinner, expect a classic Italian celebration, served family style. Indulge in a selection of Devilled Eggs, Chicken Parm, Manicotti, Lamb Osso Bucco, Hot Cross Buns and Ricotta Burnt Dessert—a true Italian feast.
For every lunch reservation booked, you will also get to take part in Lucali’s adult Easter egg hunt (“featuring booze and prizes” in lieu of eggs). Get searching, and get hopped up on some true Easter cheer this Sunday at Lucali BYGB.
Lucali BYGB, 66 Kampong Bugis, Level M, Singapore 338987
For inquiries and reservations: 8284 1325 / Online
The Brooklyn Italian Easter Sunday will run from on Sunday, 4 April, 2021, from 11am to 10pm.
Don’t worry, be hoppy—at The Fullerton Hotel’s Easter Brunch at Town Restaurant
On Sunday afternoon: Sit down to a hearty Easter brunch at Town, The Fullerton’s idyllic and gourmand-favoured brunch spot, with its global buffet and waterfront seating. For one Sunday this month only, the restaurant is introducing an egg-citing array of Easter-themed dishes, desserts, and drinks.
Prepared à la minute, such dishes include charred paprika octopus and six-hour-braised Australian lamb shank in red wine sauce. Also on deck? The Easter specials, like Huevos Rotos Con Chistorra, consisting of free-range eggs, chorizo, rosti and Manchego cheese, as well as the enticing and abundant dessert sharing platter, starring a ‘Rabbit Ears’ cupcake, vanilla custard-filled hot cross bun, pina colada ivory chocolate quail egg, calamansi coconut nest mini eggs and more. Call it over-easy like Sunday morning.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
For inquiries and reservations: 6877 8911 / [email protected] / Online
The Easter Brunch at Town Restaurant will be available only on Sunday, 4 April, 2021; 12pm to 3:30pm., with last pour at 3pm.
