Whether you’re staying in or going out, meeting friends or catching up with family, we hope you have a refreshing weekend. But if you’ve found yourself with an empty schedule for the next three days, fear not; we’ve been hard at work to find something enjoyable for everyone. So, without any further ado, here are five lovely ways to treat yourself and your loved ones this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Celebrate craft in all forms at Thirty Six Brewlab and Smokehouse
On Friday night: Revel in a pint of great beer at Thirty Six Brewlab and Smokehouse. The welcoming space on buzzing Club Street features a state-of-the-art 500-litre microbrewery with its 23 taps pouring a selection of the finest craft beers. Fresh on draught are Lion Brewery Co’s flagship and seasonal brews, with a rotating line-up of guest brews from other local and international craft breweries. Beer highlights here include Head Brewer Greg Brown’s award-winning Violet No-Regard—brewed using local butterfly-pea flower to give the beer its signature purple hue, along with Raspberry Beer-et, a Berliner Weisse bursting with bright raspberry flavours. The food menu here is one that is focused on open flame grilling, with a combination of small bites and large plates to pair with your drinks. Must-orders include the Sticky Pork Ribs, Scotch Egg and the vegetarian option, Wood Fired Cauliflower. A place of discovery and celebration, we can see this place turning into one of your favourite watering holes.
Thirty Six Brewlab and Smokehouse, 36 Club St, Singapore 069469.
For inquiries: +65 62390350 / [email protected]
Take to the skies with SkyHelix Sentosa
On Saturday afternoon: Enjoy a ride on SkyHelix Sentosa, Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic attraction. Delight in a 360-degree view of Sentosa island and the Greater Southern Waterfront as you sit back in a gently rotating open-air gondola with a cool drink in hand. A plethora of snack and beverage options await you at the snack bar before your take-off. Drink options range from juices to slushies and a selection of ready-to-drink cocktails from Mount Faber Peak’s Dusk Restaurant & Bar. We loved Nitro-Mr 42 Below, a refreshing cucumber and lime concoction, as well as Nitro-Frost Dusk Till Dawn, a fruity mix perfect for a day out at Sentosa. Come nightfall, the helix structure is illuminated with LED lights and the view from the top transforms into one focused on the twinkling lights of the Singapore skyline. If the past two years of travel restrictions have you longing for an experience off the ground, a visit to SkyHelix Sentosa is sure to hit the spot.
SkyHelix Sentosa, 41 Imbiah Rd, Sentosa, 099707.
Book your tickets here.
Explore life in the North with The Projector’s Nordic Film Festival
On Saturday evening: Catch feel-good documentaries, dark comedies, poignant refugee narratives, gripping true-story thrillers and award-winning films at The Projector’s Nordic Film Festival. A total of 10 films from the Scandinavian states will be screened until 26 December in collaboration with the Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
With limited screenings, be sure to catch Agnes Joy—an intergenerational story about a mother’s relationship with her estranged daughter Agnes. The ‘Best Film’ winner in 2020’s Icelandic Academy Awards (Edda Awards) explores themes of identity with Agnes navigating life as a coming-of-age teenager while her mother Rannveig struggles to accept her reality of being middle-aged. Hailed as a mixture of Lady Bird and Fish Tank, this Icelandic drama is one not to be missed.
The Projector, 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower #05-00, Singapore 199589.
The Projector’s Nordic Film Festival runs till 26 December. Book your tickets for Agnes Joy here.
Order in a perfect carb feast from Panamericana Bakery’s bread and pastries
On Sunday morning: If you haven’t been to Panamericana’s lush restaurant in Sentosa, where their Argentinian Asador grill takes centrestage, perhaps their new bakery will work its magic for you in the comfort of your own home. It’s not entirely the same, though. While the restaurant is known for its succulent grilled prawns and moreish tender steak, the bakery’s star product is its house sourdough loaf—a delightfully dense bread crafted with 30 percent Japanese wholewheat flour and 70 percent bread flour. Panamericana Bakery’s pastries rotate regularly and are baked without the use of artificial enhancers and preservatives. The winner in our books? Their blackberry tart, made with hazelnut frangipane filling and a rich, buttery crust. Pair it with a warm cup of earl grey tea after your meal for a languid unwind.
Panamericana Bakery, Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892.
To place orders, head to www.panamericana.sg or call +65 88170961.
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Blackpink with Blackpink: The Movie
On Sunday night: Catch Blackpink in your area with Blackpink: The Movie, an Access All Areas pass to the group’s two most recent tours. Created as a love letter to Blinks (Blackpink’s official fan club), the music documentary features exclusive interviews with members Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa as they reflect on some of their favourite moments from their past five years. Look forward to never-seen-before stories and behind-the-scenes clips from the group’s music video shoots and concert rehearsals. The highlight is of course, the 10 different live performances shot during the quartet’s ‘In Your Area’ and ‘The Show’ concerts. From Kill This Love to Ddu-du Ddu-du, nothing beats the sound of live music punctuated by avid fan chants. Whether you are a Crazy Over You Blink looking to rewatch clips of the girls for the umpteenth time, or if you are someone who missed out on one of their concerts in the past, Blackpink: The Movie is sure to have something for you.
Blackpink: The Movie is available on Disney+.
Past Events
Savour the best of Asian and Western flavours at Binary
On Friday night: Unwind after a long week at Binary at Palais Renaissance, the newest gastro-bar to hit town. The bar takes inspiration from the cosmic wonder of the binary star—where two stars orbit in such close proximity that they appear as a single star to the naked eye. Dishes here are prepared using either classic Asian or Western techniques—highlights include the Octopus, prepared pesto alla genovese or dressed in a Lao Gan Ma chilli crisp. Pair your meal with one of 60 wine labels available or opt for one of Binary’s signature cocktails to complete your experience. If you are feeling adventurous, order the Spice It Up cocktail, a blend of The Macallan 12 with green chilli, curry leaves, lime and rasam powder. Sounds like a great way to end a work week.
Binary, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd #01-01A, Singapore 238871.
For inquiries: +65 93630101 / [email protected]
Show your support at Flipping Creative Collective’s Holiday Fair
On Saturday afternoon: Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Flipping Creative Collective’s holiday pop-up at the Hollandse Club. Here, the spotlight is on small local businesses run by women. With a total of 16 vendors, you can expect a range of thoughtful homeware items from KRA Sanctuary and The House of Lili to one-of-a-kind upcycled champagne candles from Champagne Resolution. If you are in need of ornaments to decorate your house for the festive season, check out Tungaa Floral for their Christmas wreaths and floral centrepieces. Whether you are shopping for a holiday gift or simply looking to spruce up your home for the holidays, there is something for everyone at the Flipping Creative Collective Holiday Fair.
Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park, Singapore 299814.
Flipping Creative Collective’s Holiday Fair runs from 10 December – 11 December. Reserve your spot here.
Dine in privacy and style at Nest at One Farrer
On Saturday night: Experience the pinnacle of private dining at Nest at One Farrer. Located at the top floor of One Farrer Hotel, take your pick from 13 exclusive dining rooms that have been repurposed from the hotel’s villas and suites. Luxuriate in complete exclusivity and privacy as you savour a bespoke menu by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team. For a Japanese-themed evening, start your meal with a freshly sliced Maguro Tuna Tartare served alongside creamy uni, Osietra caviar and a wasabi-yuzu emulsion. For mains, enjoy Gratinated Mentaiko Black Cod and Braised Shoyu Abalone Claypot Rice, before finishing your meal with a Japanese Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky Tart.
This Christmas, treat your loved ones to a truly special meal with Nest at One Farrer’s Home for Christmas menu. Savour the truffle-scented Chestnut-Celeriac Velouté, as well as the Slow Cooked Turkey Ballotine. Served alongside chestnut stuffing, pancetta, roasted brussels sprouts and an Auchentoshan infused BBQ sauce, enjoy quintessential Christmas flavours in a private dining experience unlike any other.
Nest at One Farrer, One Farrer Hotel, Level 20, 1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562.
For inquiries: +65 67057828 / [email protected]
Honour the legacy of Nam June Paik at National Gallery Singapore
On Sunday afternoon: Treat your senses to a riot of vision, colour and sound at the immersive international exhibition celebrating the life and work of video art pioneer, Nam June Paik. A key highlight of the exhibition includes Sistine Chapel (1993), the centrepiece of Paik’s Venice biennale exhibition consisting of a series of fast-paced and overlapping images accompanied by booming audio and punctuated by periods of silence that create an experience that is reminiscent of a visit to the Vatican. Also not to be missed is Global Groove (1973), a 28-minute video that expresses Paik’s outlook on global communications in a world shaped by mass media. With 180 installations, projections, video sculptures and more detailing Paik’s five-decade career, pay homage to the pioneer of video art at this exhibition dedicated to celebrating his vision and legacy.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957.
Nam June Paik runs from 10 December – 27 March 2022. Book your tickets here.
Celebrate local music with .gif at The Projector
On Sunday night: Enjoy the first-ever live presentation of the 2020 record Hail Nothing by indie-electronic duo Chew Wei Shan and Nurudin Sadali. Originally intended as a live album launch show, the 42-minute film features lush new vocal arrangements and guest performances by music stalwarts Charlie Lim, Sarah Teh and Bani Haykal. Named after a line in Ernest Hemingway’s A Clean Well-Lighted Place—“Hail nothing full of nothing, nothing is with thee”, the album captures the duo’s attempt to break free from melancholy by taking on a more joyful approach to existential dread. Recorded at Snakeweed Studios and produced by Very Crafty Films, this performance/film explores the very best of our local music scene.
The Projector, 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower #05-00, Singapore 199589.
Hail Nothing is showing from 10 December – 12 December. Book your tickets here.
Embrace the yuletide spirit at Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland
On Friday night: Make merry at Singapore’s largest Christmas event—the illuminating Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition promises a magical time with Walk of Stars, a 40m-long light tunnel filled with thousands of star-shaped LED lights that gives the impression of a journey through the galaxy. Also not to be missed is the Enchanted Bridge, a slightly shorter, 30m-long glittering display that is reminiscent of Italy’s Rialto Bridge’s Christmas lights show. Apart from marvelling at the dazzling light displays, try your hand at traditional carnival games or check out the Mistletoe Alley Market for unique gift ideas for your loved ones. It may be summer all year round in Singapore, but there’s no mistaking the festive vibe and winter cheer at Gardens by the Bay.
Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953.
Christmas Wonderland runs from 3 December to 2 January 2022. Tickets can be purchased here.
Celebrate the best of local fare at the new Cluny Food Court
On Saturday morning: A new dining destination has popped up in the lush sanctuary of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Led by the Le-Amis group, this new all-day alfresco food court houses five stellar local food stalls, from Ayam Penyet at muslim-owned Project Penyek by Ansar—run by a second-generation hawker who honed his skills helping out at his family’s stall at Changi Village—to Laifaba Express, a noodle house best known for its bu jian tian char siew and wanton noodles. You’ll be spoilt for choice at Cluny Food Court, but if you are a lover of piping hot, comforting porridge, opt for the Garoupa Belly Congee, featuring juicy, expertly-charred chunks of fish belly simmered with silky smooth congee and tinged with the signature flavour of ‘wok hei’. Or if it’s a Western palate you’ve got a hankering for, try the selection of Texas-style barbecue meats at S’Mao Barbecue. Our recommendation is the All in Plate, a dinner-exclusive platter with two pieces of smokey bone-in pork ribs, tender honeyed pork belly, a side of pulled pork, fries, mixed pickles, and house-made coleslaw.
Cluny Food Court, 1J Cluny Road, Singapore 259607.
Light up your night at One15 Christmas Boat Light Parade
On Saturday evening: Make your way to the south of Singapore to witness a parade unlike any other. Witness an array of twinkling lights and Christmas-themed inflatables as the island’s boat owners deck the hulls for a chance to walk away with berthing credits and boating products. The 2019 edition of the parade saw the crew of the Abenaki decked out in colourful costumes and wacky mascots, while the crew from Achates opted for a more unified look by dressing up as characters from Super Mario. Having taken a brief hiatus last year over the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual boat light parade returns with a renewed format and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us this year.
ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, 11 Cove Drive, Singapore 098497.
ONE15 Christmas Boat Light Parade takes place on Saturday, 4 December, 6pm-10pm.
Dine in the company of marine friends at Ocean Restaurant
On Sunday afternoon: Indulge in a sustainable meal at the S.E.A. Aquarium’s Ocean Restaurant as giant manta rays and majestic sharks swim around you. This holiday season, treat your loved ones to High Tea in the Deep Sea at Southeast Asia’s first underwater dining experience. An afternoon tea here features a mouth-watering yet sustainable selection of treats—five savoury and six sweet—with highlights such as the creamy and refreshing Canadian Lobster with Seaweed and Citrus Zest Pie as well as the sustainably farmed Hiramasa Kingfish Tartare with Coconut Foam Kueh Pie Tee. Sink your teeth into Paris-Brest with Hazelnut Praline Cream—a crisp ring of pâte à choux paired with praline cream—to end your teatime affair on a high note.
Ocean Restaurant, Equarius Hotel, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269.
For inquiries: +65 6577 6869 / [email protected]
Sing along to Christmas songs with Mariah Carey
On Sunday night: Ring in the holidays with the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey. The voice behind many of our favourite Christmas ballads joins forces with Grammy-nominated artist Khalid and Grammy-winning legend Kirk Franklin for Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues, the sequel to last year’s spirited Christmas special, Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas. Stay tuned for a dazzling, new rendition of fan-favourite Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), as well as the first and only performance of Carey’s new Christmas single Fall in Love at Christmas. The songstress’ twins Moroccan and Monroe are also slated to make an appearance at this Apple TV+ exclusive holiday special, making it a heart-warming affair for the whole family. A watch that promises a whole lot of festive fun, that’s all we could want for this Christmas.
Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues premiers Friday, 3 December on Apple TV+
Celebrate film and storytelling with Singapore International Film Festival
On Friday evening: Return to the cinemas for the 32nd edition of the Singapore International Film Festival. With COVID-19 regulations slowly easing up, it’s time to experience films as they were intended to be seen: on the silver screen. Celebrate the best in film from the region, ranging from feature films Vengeance is Mine and All Others Pay Cash, to the festival-commissioned short Dreaming.
Also keep a look out for Foreground–a collection of the year’s global cinematic highlights. This Friday evening, catch the Southeast Asian Premiere of Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch–an anthology of short stories from an American publication that takes place in a fictional French city. With this year’s festival presenting over 100 films by filmmakers all over the world, you can expect a diverse and inclusive watch that is fitting of the time we live in.
Singapore International Film Festival runs from now till 5 December.
Book your tickets here.
Connect with nature through art at Goodman Grows
On Saturday morning: Visit the Down to Earth Market, a showcase of local produce from the Goodman Grows community farm and other unique eco-friendly wares from homegrown brands. Shop sustainably with a range of customised lamps by Project Itchy Hands, upcycled from empty alcohol bottles.
Also happening this weekend are several fun workshops from Goodman Grows. Learn how to make your very own ‘Cocodama’—a play on the Japanese Kokedama, where moss and soil are moulded into balls and used for planting and displaying bonsai plants. At Goodman Grows, however, these traditional materials are replaced with locally sourced coconut coir and coco peat, resulting in a product that is reminiscent of its Japanese roots but with a uniquely local twist.
Goodman Grows, Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053.
Goodman Grows takes place from 27-28 November.
Party after hours at Siri House
On Saturday night: Celebrate after hours with supper and some late-night retail therapy at Siri House. Starting at 11.30pm, catch up with your loved ones over platters of your favourite comfort food–Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Tomato Soup, Truffle Fries, Buffalo Wings and more. Pair your meal with a range of non-alcoholic cocktails by Reshawn Choo. From citrusy, fresh numbers to oaky and floral libations for the sober curious, the merriment here stretches late into the night with a promise of no hangovers the next day.
Looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping? Siri House’s Art Space transforms into a Crane Living Pop-Up after hours for you to get some early festive shopping done. Grab a friend and head on down, you’ll find gorgeous ceramics, vibrant prints and a selection of teas from single estate farms courtesy of The Tea Story.
Siri House, Dempsey Hill, Blk 8D #01-02, Singapore 249672.
Siri House Supper Club is a monthly event that takes place every last Saturday of the month.
Make your reservations via Chope, or call 9487 1552.
Defy gravity with ArtScience Museum’s Beyond Earth
On Sunday afternoon: Celebrate the boundless spirit of human aspiration and curiosity with Beyond Earth—a special programme that examines the mythology and science of space travel. Place yourself in the shoes of astronauts with Spacewalkers, a thrilling Virtual Reality exhibition that takes you on a jaw-dropping journey through space. Created using exclusive archival footage and recordings from NASA, relive the momentous Apollo 11 moon landing and explore the mysterious Red Planet in this unique VR experience. A celebration of humanity’s limitless quest into the unknown, turn your what if’s into reality with this multi-sensorial experience.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974.
Beyond Earth runs from now till 27 February 2022.
Journey to Pisa with Curate Cucina Pisana
On Sunday night: Savour traditional Italian recipes made with the finest artisanal produce imported from boutique Pisan grocers in Italy. Start your meal with a lush Pappa al Pomodoro di Mare, an antipasto of soft, melt-in-the-mouth Stracciatella cheese, fresh Tuscan bread, white clams and blue mussels in a pescatora sauce. Next, pay homage to Italian culinary traditions with Gigli, a handmade lily flower-shaped pasta dish that comes coated in a saffron sauce with cured baccala cod, chickpeas cream and oven dried tomatoes. End your Pisan feast with the show stopping Pera del Chianti, a lustrous dessert of Chianti wine poached pear with panna cotta filling and a sprinkle of edible gold flakes. If a trip to Italy is not in the cards for now, this might be the next best thing.
Curate Cucina Pisana, The Forum, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-231, Singapore 098138.
For inquiries: 6577 7288 / [email protected]
Bar crawl with Singapore Cocktail Festival
On Friday night: Drink your way through the city with exclusive festival cocktails from Singapore Cocktail Festival’s 36 participating bars. Each signature cocktail is centred around the theme of ‘music’–something the nightlife scene has been sorely missing of late. Start your night with pop songs from the last decade–an Ed Sheeran influenced Bombay Sapphire, butterfly pea mint shrub and juniper concoction called Live Free from Portman’s Bar, or indulge in Summer Beauty–a Chia Suntory Whisky, watermelon and thyme cordial and three-day infused watermelon sangria water mix from Anti:Dote inspired by, you guessed it, Harry Styles’ ‘Watermelon Sugar’. End the night strong with Atlas Bar’s All Night Long, a Hendrick’s Gin, peach, lychee and amontillado sherry drink that plays on the Lionel Richie’s song of the same name. Or head over to Nutmeg & Clove for Dear Teresa, a Hendricks Lunar Gin, pomelo shrub, allspice berry, camomile and ginger beer creation that pays tribute to the late Teresa Teng’s popular karaoke hit: The Moon Represents My Heart. Come for the cocktails and stay for the music, happy hour here is an all-night affair with the Singapore Cocktail Festival.
Singapore Cocktail Festival runs from now till 12 December.
Find the full list of participating bars here.
Celebrate all things French at Voilah! France Singapore Festival
On Saturday morning: Bonjour, ça va bien? Live out your Emily in Paris fantasies at Voilah! France Singapore Festival, a month-long celebration of French culture, education, science and lifestyle. Begin your day with a luxurious French pique-nique with the Atlas Coffret à Grignoter, a care package from Atlas Bar filled with all your favourite French specialities. Look forward to a variety of cured meats and cheeses including saucisson and bayonne ham, alongside the classic camembert and fourme d’Ambert. Delicate madeleines and homemade fig jam add a sweet finish to your meal, before washing everything down with a cocktail flight of Pomme Amère, Coligny Martini and Pêche Milk Punch. Now this is one way to experience French living without being there in the flesh.
Voilah! France Singapore Festival runs from now till 10 December.
Atlas Coffret à Grignoter–A French Care Package can be purchased here.
Revisit your favourite musicals with Grains of Glory
On Saturday night: Experience a unique musical expression of storytelling with Grains of Glory–The Best of Musicals. Combining singing, violin playing and live sand artistry into one extraordinary concert experience, it promises you an incomparable and mesmerising watch. Sit back and enjoy Singapore’s finest talents: international sand artist Lawrence Koh, Soprano Moira Loh and acclaimed violinist Seah Huan Yuh, as they bring to life hit soundtracks from The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Anastasia. A never done before concert experience, Grains of Glory is a must watch–whether you are a musical fan or not.
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956.
Book your tickets to Grains of Glory–The Best of Musicals here.
Find love with Netflix’s Love Hard
On Sunday morning: Navigate the perils of online dating with Netflix’s Christmas romantic comedy–Love Hard. With Christmas just about a month away, there is no better time to get in the festive spirit. Nina Dobrev stars as Natalie Bauer, a writer who documents her disastrous online dating experiences under the moniker Always a Bridesmaid. Her latest online match is Josh (Jimmy O. Yang)–charming, witty and seemingly perfect for her. But Josh isn’t who he claims to be, as he has been catfishing Natalie all along with pictures of his former friend, Tag (Darren Barnet). In this game of looks against personality, who will Natalie end up with? Stay tuned to find out.
Love Hard is available on Netflix.
Throw it back to the good old days for Grand Hyatt’s golden anniversary
On Sunday night: The Grand Hyatt Singapore is turning 50—and bringing us along on a culinary journey to celebrate. For the month of November, executive chef Gottfried Schuetzenberger is presenting archival menus in the hotel’s restaurants, paying homage to the dishes dreamt up within Grand Hyatt’s gilded walls in the last five decades. First having joined the hotel in 1983, Chef Schuetzenfirst has scoured through years of records to create these menus, inspired by Grand Hyatt’s former dining concepts: Nutmegs, Hugo’s and Branningan’s. At Mezza9, expect a nostalgic menu of classic but elevated flavours, featuring an aromatic Crab Bisque oozing with seafood flavour and Steak Au Poivre, a juicy black pepper crusted tenderloin served with nutmeg mashed potatoes and delicious French beans. For an opulent addition worth the price, top the dish up with tender grilled Boston lobster. Finish your meal with a glass of Tropical Itch, a vintage cocktail served in the 80s aptly named for its garnish—the fruity drink comes in a curvy glass, complete with a wooden back-scratcher placed inside.
Mezza 9, Grand Hyatt, 10 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228211.
Reservations for the limited-time archival menu can be made online.
Celebrate Australian lamb and beef at Kinki
On Friday night: Known for its premium quality and culinary versatility, Australian-grown red meat is being thrown a fitting celebration in the form of the TABLExperience food festival by True Aussie Beef & Lamb. For the month of November, diners will be treated to gustatory experiences at eight participating restaurants around the island, where chefs will be whipping up brand-new creations highlighting Australian red meat—from Italian fine-dining at Caffe Fernet to Sri-Lankan fare at Rishi Naleendra’s Kotuwa. Our favourite iteration is at modern Japanese restaurant Kinki, where the kitchen is taking up a notch with three new dishes, two of which utilise the finest Australian wagyu.
The Australian Wagyu & Foie Gras Don is not to be missed, featuring perfectly-seasoned Japanese rice, buttery-soft slices of Australian wagyu, seared foie gras and a creamy onsen egg. Another standout dish is the Crusty Lamb Rack, highlighting the robust flavours of koji-aged Australian lamb, dusted with mentaiko breadcrumbs. Wash it all down with one (or two) of Kinki’s well-crafted cocktails. Our pick? Tears of the Geisha—with its delicate balance of Roku Gin, yuzu umeshu, Japanese cucumber and Sakura no hana—keeps it simple, but gets it right.
TABLExperience by True Aussie Beef & Lamb runs from 1 to 30 November 2021. Reservations can be made online here.
Embrace your literary pleasures at Singapore Writers Festival
On Saturday afternoon: Celebrate homegrown and Southeast Asian creative talents at the Singapore Writers Festival. With the theme “Guilty Pleasures” surrounding this year’s festivities, you can expect engaging conversations and thought-provoking programmes curated and hosted by celebrated writers such as Julia Quinn, the author behind the Netflix hit Bridgerton.
Don’t miss Darling, You’re Fabulous!, an hour of conversation with fashion designer, stylist extraordinaire and star of hit series Queer Eye, Tan France. Stay tuned for the latest fashion tips, learn how to dress with confidence and consider how fashion can be used as a means of radical self-love.
Singapore Writers Festival takes place across multiple venues and timings from now till 14 November. Get the latest updates here.
Celebrate homegrown produce at Open Farm Community
On Saturday night: Make full use of the relaxation in dine-in regulations to enjoy Open Farm Community’s Farm Feast. Dishes here are kept as local as possible, with a proud use of locally sourced produce. Think sustainably farmed protein and greens harvested from Open Farm Community’s on-site garden.
Your feast begins with a series of snacks to whet your appetite–Locally Grown Baby Radishes served with dollops of house cultured cream and a sourdough crumble, Open Farm Community’s signature Cauliflower Wings that come coated in tamarind miso and Chips and Dips–crunchy sheets of house-made corn tortillas served with a flavourful chai poh aioli dip. Move on to the starters–Sweet Corn “Ribs” as well as seared Hokkaido Scallops. The star of the show is, without a doubt, Open Farm Community’s main course. We opted for the Tiberias Barramundi, a locally caught fish that was moist, buttery and simply delightful. Dressed in smoked mussels cream with puffed pulut hitam providing a delightful crunch, the dish is an excellent representation of often-overlooked local and regional produce, which is what Open Farm Community is all about.
Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Rd, Singapore 248819.
For inquiries: 6471 0306
Combine fashion and food at Conrad Centennial Singapore
On Sunday afternoon: Take ‘dining in style’ to a whole new level with Conrad Centennial Singapore’s Fashionista Afternoon Tea. Combining fashion and food—two words that are not often spoken in the same sentence—stand-outs at this afternoon set include Passion for Heels—high heels made with chocolate and mango and Lapis Purse, 55% chocolate crafted to look like your favourite designer bag. Before your fashionable meal ends, don’t forget to swipe on some Berry Rouge Lipstick. Made of raspberries, this is one lip product that is 100% safe to consume. Available at the Lobby Lounge, feast your senses on edible haute couture fit for the cover of Vogue.
The Lobby Lounge, Conrad Centennial Singapore, Two Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038982.
For inquiries: 6432 7483 / [email protected]
Fashionista Afternoon Tea is available till 22 November. Reserve your seats here.
Run off and join Circus Weekend at the Esplanade
On Sunday night: Enjoy an evening of high-flying performances by thirteen aerialists as they twist and turn through the air on apparatus such as the hoop, hammock and silks. Be enchanted by their gravity-defying skills and grace at Aerial Open Stage, an annual platform featuring the aerial arts community in Singapore. If you prefer something closer to ground, don’t miss Re:union, a circus piece involving the use of large Cyr wheels. Admire the performers of Bornfire Circus as they dance their way across the stage, spinning and rotating with the wheels as they do so. It has been a while since the circus came to town, so grab your tickets. This is one show you will not want to miss.
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981.
Aerial Open Stage and Re:union are part of Esplanade’s Circus Weekend.
Celebrate Mother Earth with a meal at Terra Madre
On Friday night: Pay a visit to Terra Madre, Singapore’s largest organic and natural store. Offering both a retail and dining experience with a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan and alternative options, there is something here for (almost) every diet.
Over at the Terra Madre restaurant, enjoy a healthy Australian-inspired dinner menu put together by Chef Gayatri, consisting of both small plates and larger sharing dishes. We enjoyed the Charred Eggplant which was beautifully roasted and dressed in a whipped feta and yoghurt sauce, and the Grilled Tasmanian Lamb Rack—marinated with sumac za’atar and dressed in a vine leaf salsa verde. The star of the meal was, without a doubt, the Oven Roasted Mixed Carrots, where the humble carrot is elevated with an orange nectar glaze and no part of the ingredient goes to waste with the leaves and greens forming the accompanying cashew pesto. You will want to save room for dessert, with the Calabaza Squash Mousse Cake being the perfect light finish to the hearty meal.
Exclusively available this Diwali weekend is Terra Madre’s ‘Modern Indian Menu’. A tribute to Chef Gayatri’s experience in Tokyo, don’t miss the Hojicha Smoked Spiced Lamb with Mango-Mustard Kasmundi & Mint Foam. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, the rest of the menu is quintessentially Indian, with traditional flavours shining through in the Awadh Paneer Kofta and Black Doubled Smoked Dal—a sixteen-hour labour of love with kidney beans in an onion, clove and tomato gravy. Finish up the meal with Terra Madre’s Spiced Baba Rum—a perfect way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Terra Madre, 71 Loewen Road, Singapore 248847.
For Inquiries: 6250 2052; Reservations can be made here.
Get to know Marvel’s newest heroes in Eternals
On Saturday afternoon: Catch the latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the silver screen. Eternals follows a group of ten heroes from beyond the stars who have long protected the Earth since the dawn of mankind. When the Deviants—monstrous creatures and sworn-enemies of the Eternals—return, our crew of crusaders reunite to defend humanity once again. Directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington, Eternals is the movie you do not want to miss.
Eternals premieres in Singapore on 4 November. Tickets can be booked here.
Enjoy a staycation fit for a Bond girl at Duxton Reserve
On Saturday night: Pay tribute to Bond girl turned interior designer Anoushka Hempel at the award-winning Duxton Reserve hotel. Here, large theatrical golden fans, orient-inspired screens and calligraphy wallpaper from Hempel’s personal collection take centre stage in each of the hotel’s exclusive 49 guest rooms and suites, with each one given a unique individuality by Hempel herself. Apart from basking in the hotel’s old-world charm, grab a drink or two at Anoushka’s—Duxton Reserve’s in-house bar. Here, the spotlight is on cocktails—all expertly crafted and injected with nostalgic Eastern influences. Looking for something classic Bond? You can’t go wrong with the Martini Triad, a tasting flight of Anoushka’s signature martinis—all shaken, not stirred, of course.
Duxton Reserve Singapore, 83 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089540.
Contact: 6914 1428 / [email protected]
Book your stay here.
Embrace Autumn at the two Michelin-starred Jaan by Kirk Westaway
On Sunday afternoon: Located on the highest floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, Jaan by Kirk Westaway needs no further introduction for fans of modern British cuisine. The newly minted two Michelin-starred restaurant presents a new interpretation of its award-winning ‘Reinventing British’ menu to celebrate the arrival of Fall. The first course–Salt Baked White Beetroot with Kristal Caviar, is an invigorating cold dish that celebrates the humble white beetroot. Each paper-thin sheet of beetroot is carefully rolled into cylinders that encase soft cheese and a hint of freshly grated horseradish within. Finished with pearls of Kristal caviar, locally sourced flowers and a robust cream sauce with dill oil, the dish that encapsulates what dining in Jaan is all about: a palette of the season’s finest produce, interpreted through a progressively innovative lens that elevates British gastronomy to the next level.
Jaan, Level 70 Swissôtel the Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
For inquiries: 6837 3322
Walk down memory lane with Boom Boom Room Live!
On Sunday night: Dress up to let loose at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre with Boom Boom Room’s contemporary cabaret show. The star of the show is undoubtedly Kumar, the ‘OG Diva’ and resident performer of the original Boom Boom Room in 1991. Alongside Kumar is veteran drag artist Vanda Miss Joaquim, who placed fourth in Drag Race Thailand. This year, Boom Boom Room also embraces a modern twist with thrilling contemporary acts by Volta Wheel, the world’s first holographic Cyr Wheel, along with performances by mentalist and magician Mark Wong, performing group BomBoxx Dancers and local singer Nat Ho. Directed by Dick Lee, the OG creator of Boom Boom Room, you can be sure that you are in for a fabulous time.
Sands Expo and Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956.
Boom Boom Room Live! is showing till 19 December. Book your tickets here.
Support local at Minor Miracles’ new store
On Friday night: Bid goodbye to a hectic week with some retail therapy at Minor Miracles’ new space at Ngee Ann City. Apart from the brand’s range of jumpsuits, dresses, activewear and masks, their physical store also features a curation of timeless essentials with a range of jewellery from [in]trigue and JeannieRichard, along with a selection of bags from LINGWU. With vibrant hues, bold patterns and abstract prints, Minor Miracles’ is not one for the colour-shy. Think florals, bold brushwork and ’60s inspired prints—this brand is dedicated to the maximalist in us.
Minor Miracles’ grand opening has been pushed to 13 November. They are currently having an opening special archival sale to celebrate their soft launch.
Minor Miracles, Takashimaya S.C, 391 Orchard Road #03-08B, Singapore 238872.
Explore Central Asian film at Oldham Theatre
On Saturday afternoon: Brought to you by the Asian Film Archive, Whose House Is This?: New Cinema of Central Asia showcases some of the boldest cinema from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. From narrative features to documentaries and short films, explore the negotiations of space and ownership that take place in this less explored region. With themes of culture, gender, nationhood and identity interwoven throughout the programme’s line-up, Whose House Is This?: New Cinema of Central Asia is not one to miss.
Highlights include the exclusive screening of Suleiman Mountain (Suleyman gora). The multiple award-winning film follows the story of middle-aged spiritual healer Zhipara as she enlists the help of Uluk—a young boy whom she claims is her long-lost son. The supposed return of Karabas’ (Zhipara’s husband) heir cements Zhipara’s place in the family as the first wife, with her husband none the wiser. However, Uluk soon grows uncomfortable living the lie he’s brought into and Zhipara is forced to re-examine her parental desires. Exploring themes of family, parenthood and culture, Suleiman Mountain is a must-watch for its portrayal of Kyrgyzstan life.
Oldham Theatre, 1 Canning Rise, Singapore 179868.
Suleiman Mountain is showing as part of Whose House Is This?: New Cinema of Central Asia. Book your tickets here.
Set sail on Royal Albatross’ Ghost Ship Cruise
On Saturday night: Ahoy! Step onboard the Royal Albatross for a voyage into the ‘Sentosa Triangle’. This Halloween, the four-masted 22-sail luxury tall ship is transformed into a pirate ghost ship—complete with tattered sails, ominous lights and a permeating fog. Keep your ears peeled for the ghostly howls of the sea hounds and other lost souls from the bilges below. Not yet spooked? Ask the crew “Where’s the ghost?” for a chance to explore the haunted Captain’s cabin. No experience, haunted or not, would be complete without food and the Royal Albatross delivers with its dark twist to a three or six-course dining experience out at sea. Ready to play Jack Sparrow aboard the Flying Dutchman? There’s only one way to find out.
Royal Albatross, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269.
Book your tickets for Ghost Ship Cruise 2021 here.
Treat yourself to a spooktacular Halloween feast from Tablescape
On Sunday afternoon: Start your Halloween festivities early with Tablescape’s Afternoon Tea Set–Halloween edition. Brand-new additions exclusive to the Halloween set include Monster Cake Pop with Caramel and Pumpkin–embellished with mummy wraps and Frankenstein-like stitching on the frosting around the surface of the cake pops. Original favorites such as the Foie Gras Tartlet with Nectarine and Pistachio have also been given a Halloween update with a Raspberry Sphere for a bloody red centre. No attention to detail has been spared, with staples Chocolate Hazelnut Eclairs and the Velvet Cheese Mousse outfitted with edible spiderwebs and white-clothed ghosts to ring in the festivities. With treats like these, who needs tricks this Halloween?
Tablescape, Grand Park City Hall, 10 Coleman St, Singapore 179809.
For inquiries: 6432 5566 / [email protected]
Uncover your perfumer skills whilst having high tea at SKAI
On Sunday night: Contemporary dining establishment SKAI, has teamed up with French perfumery Maison 21G, to bring you a multi-sensorial high tea experience like no other. As you soak in panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline from the 70th floor of Swissôtel The Stamford, enjoy SKAI’s Japanese-inspired high tea nibbles and craft your very own 30ml bottle of bespoke eau de parfum.
The experience kicks off with a personality test, designed to curate the scents that best match your character traits. This shockingly accurate quiz will point you in the right direction as you begin your perfume journey and sample over 35 scent options. Once you have formulated your perfect scent, you will next embark upon a gastronomic voyage of savoury and sweet treats. Our top picks include the fresh crab tartlet, topped with crème fraiche, ikura and pickled apple or the beetroot bun filled with a buttery-rich foie gras mousse. For those looking forward to the dessert options, the freshly baked crème brûlée cheese croissant danish is bound to pique your interest.
SKAI, Hotel Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178882.
Your SKAI x Maison 21G high tea experience can be booked here.
Prost! Raise a glass at Oktoberfest
On Friday night: Catch up with your best buddy over a night of drinks and celebration at this year’s edition of Oktoberfest. Brought to you by Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, the annual beer festival originating from Munich is a celebration of German culture, food and most importantly, beer. Deals on lager are aplenty and our top pick has to be Frieda German Restaurant located at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski for its authentic German fare. Whether you’re on the next VTL flight to Germany or stuck here in Singapore, there’s no reason not to raise a glass or two and more, Bavarian style.
CHIJMES The Lawn, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Oktoberfest 2021 runs from now till 31 October. Find out more here.
Celebrate urban spirit with ArtScience on Screen: Textures Of The City
On Saturday afternoon: Celebrate the people, textures and urban spirit of cities around the world. The ArtScience Museum presents a curated programme of films that highlight societal gaps, while also reminding us of the beauty of human relationships and how we can shape a more inclusive society for the people around us.
Don’t miss the Southeast Asian premiere of award-winning feature film Moriyama-San. The film centers around Mr Moriyama—an elderly man living alone in the famous Moriyama House by Pritzker-winning Ryue Nishizawa. Offering a snapshot into the lives of our aged population, witness how Japanese design can provide a template for meaningful living.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974.
ArtScience on Screen: Textures Of The City runs from now till 19 November. Book your tickets here.
Be transported to Japan with Singapore Cable Car’s Private Sky Dining
On Saturday night: Set in the intimacy of a private cable car cabin, experiential dining is elevated to new heights with Mount Faber Leisure’s Fly Me to Japan. The journey begins at Arbora’s Hilltop Garden & Bistro where you are greeted with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Hokkaido Scallop appetiser alongside a zingy Sake & Yuzu Jelly Shot.
Then you are ushered to the main event of the night: your very own cable car cabin where a luscious Japanese spread awaits. Choose between the Grilled Japanese Omi Wagyu or Pan-grilled Eel, each served with a range of inventive sides to fill you up, or order the vegetarian menu in advance if it better fits your dietary requirements. If it’s date night, opt for the sake pairing for a truly luxurious experience. The highlight of the meal, of course, is the stunning view across the hour-long journey to and from Sentosa. As you enjoy the flame of the sunset in the distance, lean back, relax and imagine that you’re en route to the land of the rising sun.
Reservations for Fly Me to Japan can be made online.
Experience a slice of Australia with Dewgather
On Sunday Afternoon: Australian cuisine-inspired cafe Dewgather is opening up its doors in The Star Vista. Inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture, the cafe Dewgather extends a more down-under approach to coffee. There are no frappuccinos here; instead stronger, more full-bodied espresso roasts rule the roost. And if the Australian approach to coffee won’t make you feel like you’ve stepped foot into one of Melbourne’s many cafes, it’s menu certainly will. Start off with a classically Western cheese toastie, bursting with gooey brie, in between slathers of vegemite. If you’re wanting a more Asian infusion, try the Dew Swordfish Pasta, an umami concoction of linguine, rocket salad, chili and lemon, under thick slices of the titular fish. For a savoury hit, turn to Waffle & Fried Chicken, where your typical Belgian waffle disappears under a hefty Korean-style fried chicken, complete with kimchi, garlic aioli and pickled daikon. For the sweet-toothed in you, their Instagram worthy French Toast made up of thick slices of soft brioche bread, covered in berry compote, crème anglaise ice cream and brown sugar crumble, and a crown of multi-coloured candy floss will hit the spot.
Dewgather, Vista Exchange Green #01-46, The Star Vista, Singapore 138617.
For inquiries: 8043 8398 / [email protected]
Get to know a different Dior sibling with Miss Dior
On Sunday night: From the author behind best-seller Chanel, Her Legend and Her Life comes another masterpiece–this time on a different French fashion powerhouse. Miss Dior covers the life of the enigmatic Catherine Dior–the beloved younger sister of designer Christian Dior and the muse behind the brand’s beloved fragrance, Miss Dior.
Don’t expect a romantic fairytale or one about an idyllic life—set against the backdrop of World War II, the real-life Miss Dior dedicated her life to the French resistance while her brother honed his couture skills at home. A story that celebrates unsung heroes and the often-forgotten ladies in our lives, Justine Picardie’s Miss Dior is a perfectly apt tale for our times.
Purchase Miss Dior here.
Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes with Murder at Old Changi Hospital
On Friday night: Take on the role of paranormal investigators as you seek to uncover the events leading up to the alleged murder of young canteen worker Farah Aiyah (Munah Bagharib) and the mysterious disappearance of the four Commandos (played by Joshua Lim, Jonn Cancio, Andre Chong and Wayne Lim) associated with her in 1996. Distant cries, multiple spectres and a haunting laugh continue to plague the abandoned hospital 25 years on and it’s time for the murder-mystery to be solved once and for all. The 360-degree video flashbacks and spatial audio surround sound promise an immersive and thrilling experience. Gear up and get ready to hunt for Farah’s murderer–or succumb to the vengeful ghost’s curse.
Murder at Old Changi Hospital runs till 7 November. Book your tickets here.
Dine alfresco in style at [email protected]
On Saturday afternoon: If you’re a fan of outdoor dining, the new [email protected] seated within Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is one to add to your list. Verdant and drenched in natural sunlight, it’s the perfect location for a boozy mid-afternoon meal with your girlfriends, with hand-crafted cocktails and punch bowls from the bar. Try the tropical Maracuya punch bowl made with vodka, apricot brandy, passionfruit and peach before being topped off with Prosecco for a final fizzy touch. The food menu is not to be overlooked either, especially if you’re on a health kick. With wholesome and fresh dishes at its heart (the Seafood Tower highlights the most luscious ocean-fresh flavours of Maine lobster, oysters, king crab, mussels, prawns, and Hokkaido scallops, while the Vietnamese Summer Rolls with green mango, papaya and avocado is invigorating with every bite), the paradisiacal venue also offers up a substantial plant-based selection for an inclusive, botanical dining experience. Brunch has never looked so good.
[email protected], Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646.
For inquiries: 6831 7671 / [email protected]
Get an insider view of Japan’s upper class with the film Aristocrats
On Saturday night: Pay tribute to female perspectives as The Projector celebrates the Japanese Film Festival. Featuring works from acclaimed filmmakers Naomi Kawase, Yukiko Sode, Akiko Ohku and Satoko Yokohama, dive deep and explore the multi-faceted lives of women in modern Japan.
With limited screenings, be sure to catch Aristocrats–a love triangle involving an aristocratic lawyer and two women–Hanako (Kadowaki Mugi), a wealthy Tokyoite and Miki (Mizuhara Kiko) a college dropout working two jobs. Although the two women are polar opposites, director Sode Yukiko veers from the classic love triangle storyline, opting instead to highlight the commonalities between the two. Spotlighting themes of class divisions and traditional expectations, Aristocrats showcases a side of contemporary Tokyo that is often unseen.
The Projector, 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower #05-00, Singapore 199589.
The Projector’s Japanese Film Festival runs till 24 October.
Stop to smell the roses at Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Festival 2021
On Sunday afternoon: Celebrate the rich heritage of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Our UNESCO World Heritage Site needs no further introduction with its more than 10,000 unique varieties of flora and fauna dotted over its 82-hectares. Pay a visit to the new Gallop Extension–home to the new Botanical Art Gallery and the Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum. The Botanical Art Gallery houses over 2,000 watercolours and drawings from the Gardens’ archives inside Inverturret House, one of the oldest black-and-white bungalows from the colonial era. Also not to be missed is a photographic installation of forest trees at the Forest Discovery Centre, which lends a bird’s eye view of Singapore’s diverse forests.
Also happening this weekend, admire the Singapore Garden Festival Horticulture Show (SGF Hort Show) horticultural and orchid competition submissions over at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Trust us, this will be a feast for all senses.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road Singapore 259569.
Singapore Botanic Gardens Heritage Festival and the SGF Hort Show runs till 17 October.
Try the refined recipes by Yan Ting’s new chef
On Sunday night: Fans of Cantonese cuisine would be no stranger to Yan Ting. The award-winning Chinese restaurant welcomes new Executive Chinese Chef Chan Wing Kwong. Leaving his post as Head Chef of the One Michelin Starred Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Chef Chan brings with him over thirty new traditional Cantonese dishes to Yan Ting. We recommend the Braised Bird’s Nest Broth with Peach Gum–served piping hot, the broth was nourishing with the perfect balance of savoury textures. Also not to be missed is the Baked Black and White Pepper Shrimps with Glass Vermicelli, a wok-hei infused dish with succulent prawns, crisp bits and a slight peppery kick. Don’t leave without trying the Stir-fried US Beef Tenderloin with Sliced Garlic–a masterful fusion of eastern and western techniques with the smokey, medium-rare beef cooked to perfection.
Yan Ting, Level 1U, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911.
For inquiries: 6506 6887 / [email protected]
Revisit Asia with Happy Hour at ACM: WONDERLUST
On Friday night: Indulge in your desire to escape as the Asian Civilisations Museum opens its doors after hours for a night of culture, crafts, and more. Take home gorgeous, hand-crafted paper peonies, or even an entire mini chair with workshops run by PAPERSYNTHESIS and Paper Carpenter. Inspired by the floral objects, and the museum’s heritage furniture collection respectively, this is your chance to bring a piece of ACM back home with you.
For those looking to unwind after a long week, keep your ears open for Gallery Sounds with Safuan Johari—an immersive sound experience inspired by the beauty and tradition of the various embroidered and brocaded textiles on display at the Fashion and Textiles Gallery. Wonder, wander, and enjoy a culturally colourful evening exploring themes of art and lifestyle.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Happy Hour at ACM: WONDERLUST will run from 8 October to 15 October, 2021.
Register for Paper Peonies and Fun Furniture! through the museum’s online portal.
Brunch like a true Latino at Canchita
On Saturday afternoon: Bringing the traditional tastes of Peruvian cuisine to Dempsey Hill, Canchita has now launched a weekend brunch menu that is guaranteed to bring a spring to your step. Featuring an extensive ceviche bar selection, start off your meal with the Aguachile. A glorious combination of bright zesty flavours, this dish consists of fresh prawns that have been marinated and cured in a lime, cucumber, and habanero chilli emulsion. Mop up any leftover sauce with a crisp tortilla made in-house—trust us, you won’t want to waste a drop. The weekend tacos are also a must-try and we recommend the Pork Carnitas, a taco accented with the smoky flavour of sucking pig. For the more adventurous foodie, go for the Beef Tongue variation. Still hungry? A personal favourite from Canchita’s latest offerings is the Arroz Con Pato—a succulent duck breast confit resting on top of a bed of moreish green rice, which is infused with fresh coriander and dark beer.
Canchita, Dempsey Road, 9A 9B, Singapore 247698
For inquiries: 6232 7895
Plan a pizza party at home with Wild Child Pizzette
On Saturday night: Pizza parties have become the Saturday night soiree of choice—what better way to relax on the weekend with minimal fuss and cheery slices of cheesy and tomato-topped dough? Wild Child Pizzette is the new kid on the block, with a generous menu that delivers. Restaurateur Liling Ong—of Cicheti fame—and Chef Lim Yew Aun bring their decade-long dough-making philosophy to the table with a selection of snug 10-inch pizzettas. Flavours are modern, fresh, yet authentically Italian. Our favourite pizzette had to be the Crispy Fried Margherita, a heady concoction of fried pizza dough, semi-dried san marzano, stracciatella, basil and aged parmigiana. It was nowhere near cloying, and we could have easily inhaled the entire four slices. Pair it with the Caesar-ish, a refreshing plate of endives, house Caesar dressing, focaccia croutons, cured egg yolk and parmigiana. Don’t miss out on dessert, because Wild Child’s pecan pie was an excellent finish—perfectly sticky, with the right dose of sweetness. Serve it warm with ice cream and you’ll have zero regrets.
Wild Child Pizzette, 50 Circular Road, Singapore 049405
For inquiries: 6970 6592 / [email protected]
Immerse yourself in art from around the world at the Mandala Club
On Sunday afternoon: Celebrate the brilliance of art masters—from Egon Schiele and Fernand Léger, pioneers of the modern art scene, to classical legends Diego Velázquez and Henri Matisse, at Homage to the Masters. A collaboration between Mandala Club and Opera Gallery, the exhibition presents works from Spanish artists Lita Cabellut, best known for her large-scale realistic oil paintings, and Manolo Valdés, whose signature style wanders between pop art and material art in a continuous search for reinvention. Also featuring sculptures from South-Korean artist Seo Young-Deok—famed for his human sculptures crafted from iron bike chains. A play on the power and fragility of human life, each body is meticulously and laboriously crafted by hand, coming together to reflect the strength and limits of the human spirit.
Drawing inspiration from renowned names in the art world from Andy Warhol to Pablo Picasso, Homage to the Masters is a tribute to the trailblazers of the past, while also celebrating the artists of the present.
The Mandala Club, 31 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089845.
Homage to the Masters runs from now till 14 October 2021.
Embark on Highball Heist 2, a literary-inspired escapade at Writers Bar
On Sunday night: Leave your worldly troubles behind and join Highball Heist 2, a literary-inspired escapade brought to you by Writers Bar and The Old Man Singapore. The exclusive, one-night only event features six new and delectable creations—three from the Writers Bar, and three from The Old Man Singapore. Gin lovers can expect to start their night off with Setengah Setengah, concocted with Hendrick’s Gin, barley, malt and lemon, or the Death In The Gulf Steam, crafted with Hendrick’s Orbium, toasted red rice and oat. If you’re a whiskey lover, opt for the Macomber’s Tombstone, a blend of Glenfiddich IPA, pineapple, capscicum, violette and beer, or try Des Lilas, Glenfiddich XX, coffee berry liqueur and gomme syrup. Before you end the night, check out Abridged, Glenfiddich XX, dry vermouth, grapefruit gum arabic, verjus and hojicha, or take a trip back with The Early Years, Glenfiddich IPA, salted lingonberry and citrus. Is there a better way to end the weekend?
Writers Bar, 1 Beach Road, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Singapore 189673.
Reservations for Highball Heist 2 can be placed via 6412 1816.
Bid farewell to Daniel Craig in No Time to Die
On Friday night: Daniel Craig’s tenure as the globe-trotting James Bond has come to an end with the 25th installment of the series, No Time to Die. Following the events of Spectre, Bond finds himself enjoying a well-deserved retirement after years of world-ending adventure. Unfortunately for him, world-ending villains seem to take that as an invitation to develop dangerous new technology. But Bond’s return to the game is no easy feat. A new agent has taken on the mantle of 007 in his leave—and his return to MI6, already unstable with the ever-growing worry of a mole amongst the agents, will only make this more complicated. With Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux, and Ralph Fiennes in their original roles, Lashana Lynch as the new 007, and Rami Malik as the Bond villain, it looks to be a fitting send-off to one of the best Bonds to strut the screen.
No Time to Die is currently showing in cinemas. Tickets can be booked here.
Hold onto the edge of your seat with Netflix’s Squid Game
On Saturday morning: You’d be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of the K-thriller that’s making waves. Squid Game is a pretty simple game to follow: you wake up, surrounded by 455 other people, with only numbers to mark out who you are. A mysterious masked man asks you to play sinister versions of your favourite childhood games, and if you lose, the consequences are irreversible. But survive, and you can win up to US$39 million. Such is the fate that follows Seong Gi-Hun, a chauffeur with gambling debts who has loan sharks on his trail. A series of terrifying games to survive terrible financial troubles doesn’t seem too bad at first—at least until he realises that everyone else is there for that exact same reason. And as the games grow more and more dangerous, the masked man, and his reasons for keeping everyone there, begin to emerge—and things unravel rather quickly. A true nail-biter to the very end, Squid Game is a must-watch this season.
Watch Squid Game on Netflix.
Journey through a pleasure palace for the senses at Sushi Ichizuke and Here Kitty Kitty
On Saturday night: At Sushi Ichizuke, your senses feast the moment you step through the entrance. Make your way to the dining room through a bamboo forest inspired corridor; then, a brief pitstop at the zen garden before embarking upon your culinary journey. Chef Nakatani has curated course after course of fresh seafood delights—be sure not to leave without trying the Ichizuke Signature Don. In a harmonious marriage of flavours, Chef Nakatani pairs yellow tobiko, ikura and crab topped with a generous helping of uni and caviar. With each bite, the sweetness of the crab teases your tastebuds, alongside creamy uni and the briny goodness as you puncture each umami orb.
Care for a nightcap? Just next door is Here Kitty Kitty, nicknamed the vice den. Take a trip to Shinjuku in the 1950s, as you meander through multiple rooms inspired by the bustling night scene of Kabukicho. The first thing to catch your eye as you enter is a mural of a samurai cat drunk on sake—a potential sign of things to come. Call for one of their 12 cocktails—our favourites include the Ume Whiskey Sour, a Japanese-inspired homage to the traditional whiskey sour. As the tipple hits your tongue, you’ll savour notes of sour plum, before it is then offset by the sweetness of apricots. For those in search of an aromatic cocktail, the Zen Garden is a beautifully perfumed beverage, brimming with curiously complex flavour notes including herbal muskiness, sweet Midori and a citrus zing.
Sushi Ichizuke and Here Kitty Kitty, 3E River Valley Road #02-02/01, The Cannery, Singapore 179024
For inquiries: 94898357 / 68058986
Ponder the concept of time at STPI’s On Time
On Sunday morning: “Time becomes most evident when we expect something,” says Marc Gloede, guest curator of On Time, now open at STPI. The show features the works of four contemporary Singaporean artists, Adeline Kueh, Jason Lim, Ian Woo and Zul Mahmod, who spent their month-long residency at STPI’s print-making workshops. The works which span from print to sculpture, relief to installation and sonic art address the complexity and role of time and rhythm. From Adeline Kueh’s memento-style works centred around the themes of domesticity and invisible labour, to ceramist Jason Lim’s rhythmic exploration of use of destruction and creation; to Ian Woo’s abstract Monotype paintings and Zul Mamod’s exploration of time through sound waves and circuitry, the immersive experience invites guests to ponder: how much time do we decide to engage with each work and how are our preconceived notions of time challenged?
STPI, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236. Admission is free.
For inquiries, guided tours and workshop reservations: 6336 3663
Book ahead for the Taco Tuesday special at Lucha Loco, Super Loco Robertson Quay or Super Loco Customs House
On Sunday morning: The iconic Super Loco Group is prepared to spice up your week with their new offerings on Taco Tuesday, which offers a fabulous DIY taco platter every Tuesday. You’ll be feasting your eyes on six soft traditional white tortilla wraps, mixed cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, jalapeños, crowd-pleasing guacamole and pico de gallo with crumbly cotija cheese, paired with a vast selection of protein depending on the outlet you’re at. At Lucha Loco, which is where we visited, tuck into a Chicken Tinga, consisting of spiced Mexican chicken, blended in with savoury crunchy frijoles and drizzled with sour cream. Or try the Ancho Spiced Skirt Steak Fajitas, with thin, tender slices of beef, smoked mayo, and sweet and sour tomatillo salsa. Pair it with a beer bucket of Mayan Dark Roasted Lager or classic Mexican Corona beer for a jolly good time, or go for one of the options on their spellbook of a drink list. From classic margaritas to tequila shots by age, it’s an idyllic way to round up the weekend.
Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 089598. Reservations can be made online.
For inquiries: 3158 3677 / 8798 1035
Fill in the gaps in your knowledge with The Conscious Festival
On Friday night: With climate change becoming more of a hot-button issue, trying to figure out how to truly make a difference can be daunting. How can you incorporate sustainability into fashion? What can technology do to help? And what is greenwashing anyway? The Conscious Festival is about to change all that. Collaborating with activists, teachers and owners from Singapore, France and England, the festival is an invitation to delve deeper into sustainability. With insightful talks by various people of different racial and national backgrounds, each with their own unique take towards a better future, it’s a remarkable opportunity to explore new ideas from around the globe. And if you’re wanting to meet the Singaporeans pushing for change, your chance comes over a plant-based dinner from Open Farm Community, served in nifty Barepack reusable boxes.
Tickets for The Conscious Festival can be booked here.
Savour the kappo creations of Chef Akane Eno at Ichigo Ichie
On Saturday afternoon: Chef Akane Eno is the first female Japanese chef in Singapore helming a fine-dining kappo restaurant, and is doing a brilliant job at it. At Ichigo Ichie, you’ll catch glimpses of her flitting around the open-concept kitchen, putting finishing touches on dishes or imparting skills onto her kitchen staff. A meal here is always remarkably memorable, featuring dishes Chef Eno enjoys eating and unconventional ingredients such as cream cheese, curry leaves and maqaw peppers.
Try their month-long sanpō yoshi menu, where a portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase rice from rice farmers in Yamagata—as part of a pattern of giving and gaining with suppliers and guests. Chef Eno’s signature Cold Ebi Somen with Uni, inspired by the varying flavours of prawn noodles in Asia, is one to savour for its moreish flavour and complex textures. The last course on the menu before dessert—the Iga Beef Sukiyaki, served with Koshihiraki rice—is equally sublime. The beef ribeye, from virgin female cows slaughtered at 30 months instead of the usual 20, is sliced thinly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience and served in a dashi-based sukiyaki sauce.
Ichigo Ichie, 1 Nanson Road, #02-07A, Intercontinental Robertson Quay, Singapore 238909
For inquiries and reservations: 90182897 / [email protected]
Seek out upcoming local artists With You Here Between: Defamiliarizations
On Saturday night: To defamiliarise is to make the known unknown—and that’s what the local artists behind With You Here Between: Defamiliarizations aim to do. Featuring work from emerging artists Dylan Chan, Fitri Ya’akob, Masuri Mazlan and Vimal Kuma, the exhibition presents art created in experimental ways, in varying mediums. Topics range from ecology, spirituality, and the body, as well as what it means to live and thrive in the margins. Art moves from video installations to sculpture to poetry—as photographs capture hands cupping flowers above burning incense. Furthermore, the show has an immersive programme running alongside the exhibition that aims to give further understanding to the artists themselves.These include opening performances, a curator and artist talk, and a poetry reading featuring five works responding to the exhibitions’ themes. The poetry readings are performed by the artists themselves, and audience members are allowed to take part in the poetry open call. If you fancy being a little more creative, you can join the Cyanotype Printing Workshop, or the Floral Arrangement Workshop, and bring home a little piece of art for yourself.
With You Here Between: Defamiliarizations runs from 23 September to 31 October. Workshops can be booked here.
Explore the Joo Chiat neighbourhood and stop for brunch at Common Man Coffee Roasters
On Sunday morning: You’ll spot the latest Common Man Coffee Roasters in Joo Chiat a distance away. The corner café is often buzzing, with happy Eastsiders (or otherwise) tucking into a delightful breakfast or brunch. CMCR’s array of thoughtful comfort food come in portions that are wonderfully generous, so you’ll never leave hungry. Call for the sourdough pancakes, a CMCR Joo Chiat exclusive, made in limited batches everyday. While you can pick between a sweet or savoury option, the sweet pancakes, with chocolate almond ganache, almond praline and vanilla bean ice cream is an instant pick-me-up. We personally think a good Caesar salad is hard to come by on this island, but CMCR’s rendition is close to perfection. The combination of butterhead lettuce and charred brussel sprouts dressed in a homemade manchego cheese Caesar dressing lends a piquant taste, while Stracciatella cheese adds texture and creaminess. Dining in a bigger group? The Umami Mushroom Avocado Toast and Smashed Burger are worth a try, too.
Common Man Coffee Roasters Joo Chiat, 185 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427456
For inquiries: 6877 4863
Binge the history-making Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
On Sunday night: Having made television history at the 2021 Emmys, catch up on Ted Lasso on Apple TV+, and soak in their hotly anticipated second season. Starring Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso is a small-time college American football team from Kansas, who finds himself hired to coach a professional football team in England—despite the fact that he has no experience coaching European football. It isn’t helped by the fact he’s an American in a sport that runs hand in hand with English nationalism, or that he’s only there because the ex-wife of the club’s owner is looking for an opportunity for revenge. With American-style charm, flair and a love of the game, no matter the ball, Lasso is on his way to Championship glory. The series nabbed 20 nominations and seven awards, making it the most-nominated freshman comedy series in Emmy history. Starring alongside is Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, and Hannah Waddingham as the aforementioned avenging ex-wife.
Ted Lasso can be streamed online on Apple TV+.
‘Dune’ Courtesy of The Projector
Grab your tickets to watch Timothée Chalamet in Dune
On Friday night: The wait is finally over: Dennis Villenueve’s blockbuster epic Dune has finally opened in Singapore with its star-studded cast. With Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa and dozens of other notable names on screen, you can be sure it’s an epic ride. In the far-off future, the most valuable substance in existence is Melange, a powerful drug that grants users immortality. Melange is found only on the inhospitable planet of Arrakis—whoever controls the planet, controls the precious material. The Duke of Atreides (Oscar Isaac) is granted this ownership, and moves to Arrakis, bringing with him his son, Paul (Timothée Chalamet). But Paul is awakening to a strange power that is only exacerbated by his arrival on Arrakis. And when a terrible betrayal rocks the family, he begins to realise that his power can control not only Arrakis, but the entire universe. With gorgeous visuals of the Jordanian desert and a haunting soundtrack, Dune is set to be the biggest film of the season.
Dune is currently showing at The Projector. Tickets can be purchased here.
Dine out in style with MO Bar’s brunch menu
On Saturday morning: The age-old tradition of Sunday brunch returns with MO Bar’s new offerings. Best known as the source of high-tea and fabulous views of Marina Bay, this indie-style bar in the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel has revamped its brunch menu. Covering a range of homey Western dishes and elevated Asian classics, their new offerings will be perfect for any palate. A must-have is the Seafood Platter, featuring briny oysters, tender prawns and fresh snow crab, accompanied by an army of condiments from lemon slices to mango tartar. For a jazzed up version of something familiar, try the zingy Tomato Soup, served with crunchy herb croutons and cheese swirled on top. If you’re looking for Asian flavours, opt for the Taiwanese Beef Noodles with soft bok choy, supple beef tendon and tender braised beef in a hearty, moreish broth. Dessert is nothing short of a work of art with their Strawberry Vanilla Cheese Mousse, featuring a dainty circle of strawberry and vanilla mousse with a cap of plain meringue and surrounded by dabs of strawberry marmalade. If you can, save room for some of the incredible new drinks on the menu. Everything is customisable—including the amount of liquor in each cocktail. From sugary coconut concoctions served up in Tiki-style cups to free-flowing champagne, MO Bar lives up to its reputation as one of Singapore’s favourite watering holes. Our recommendation? The Sarimanok, bursting with juicy mango and citrus, underlined with rum and garnished with beautiful rice paper art of a rainbow-coloured rooster.
MO Bar, 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039797. Reservations can be made here.
Have a burger party at home with Carne Burgers
On Saturday night: The man behind Carne Burgers is Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur, the top restaurant on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list—that in itself will pique anyone’s interest. If you’re having your fabulous group of five over for dinner, there’s nothing like ordering in a selection of burgers and fries, while kicking back in the comfort of your own home. Committed to sustainable gastronomy, Carne Burgers are crafted with 100 percent grass-fed meat, 100 percent organic vegetables, natural seasonal fruits and cage-free eggs. Call for the new Singapore-exclusive Grilled Beef and Double Mushroom Burger, for its delightfully rich flavour profile—there’s shiitake mushroom in garlic-parsley oil, sweet roasted onions, pickled pearl onions and a dash of confit garlic mayo. Go halves and share it with a friend having the limited-edition Crispy Fish Burger with Kimchi Slaw. The golden-battered fresh snapper pairs magnificently with a tangy kimchi tartar and lime-coriander mayo for that slightly spicy kick. Get onto it, because the fish burger’s limited run ends this weekend.
CARNE, 88 Amoy St, Singapore 069907. For inquiries: 8868 4388 / [email protected] Order online here.
Traverse the heartlands with People’s Gallery
On Sunday morning: Set up by the National Gallery, the unconventional People’s Gallery seeks to bring art into the community. Spread out amongst 25 void decks across eight heartland neighborhoods, the galleries are not exactly what you would expect—they exist as QR codes plastered up on the pillar walls. All you’ll need to do is scan them with your smartphone before the void deck transforms into a multimedia art showroom, brimming with work by Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. What’s more, the accompanying interactive augmented reality microsite includes multilingual audio guides, going into greater detail about the artists and their artwork. You can learn about Choy Weng Yang’s rainbow-laced Horizontals I, the Picasso-esque Batik painting Mother and Children by Chuah Thean Teng and much more from Singapore’s greatest creative minds—all through your phone.
Find out more about People’s Gallery here.
Wind down with the Women’s Fiction Prize winner Piranesi
On Sunday night: End your weekend on a relaxing note with the winner of the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi. You may remember Susanna Clarke from the 2015 television adaptation of her novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, set in an alternate-history England. Piranesi, her first novel in seventeen years, is written in the same fantastical vein. Piranesi lives alone in his house while an ocean lies at the bottom of his staircase, rooms span across entire floors, and thousands of statues line his walls. But there is someone else in the story: a man called ‘The Other’ who visits Piranesi twice a week to ask about something known as A Great and Secret Knowledge. The more Piranesi attempts to understand what this knowledge is, the more the reality around him begins to crack, and he begins to uncover a secret that threatens to destroy everything he knows.
Purchase Piranesi here.
Make your booking early for the Fossa x Marriott Bonvoy staycations
On Friday night: This one is tailor-made for all chocolate lovers—Marriott Bonvoy has paired up with local brand Fossa Chocolate for three unique staycation experiences. Taking place at the St. Regis Singapore, W Singapore and JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, each booking will include a stay in a luxurious suite, Fossa Chocolate amenities, an experiential masterclass and a dining or drinking rendezvous. From the St. Regis’ Singapore’s iconic high tea with indulgent treats by Fossa Chocolate to W Singapore’s inventive chocolate cocktails, look forward to an experience that your sweet tooth will remember.
For more information or to book one of the Fossa x Marriott Bonvoy staycations, click here.
Indulge in the flavours of Argentina with Bochinche’s new location
On Saturday morning: A contemporary reimagining of Argentinian cuisine, Bochinche’s menu brims with artistic takes on classic street food. Where they shine is their steaks—cooked with the Asado method of traditional Argentianian barbeque. A long roasting technique, the meat imbibes a smokier flavour and cuts out excess moisture, without becoming too dry. Start off with their delightful array of empanadas—we suggest the gooey Provolone Cheese and Smoked Ham in a surprisingly soft, black pastry shell, or the crunchy Argentinian Spring Rolls served with an umami brown miso mayo sauce. There are a vast array of steak options to please any carnivore, from the tender Ojo de Bife, to the salty, delicate Solomillo or their vintage Galiciana. Our personal favourite? The almost cotton-soft Solomillo, which melts beautifully on your tongue. If you’re not too full, finish off with their selection of dainty desserts. The White Chocolate Cheesecake is served with a delicate scoop of ice cream, while the Espresso Martini Crème Brulee is decadently creamy, with sweet caramelised sugar on top of an espresso-tinged custard base.
Bochinche, 27 Club Street, Singapore 069413. Reservations can be made here.
Celebrate Nordic art at Helsinki Design Week
On Saturday night: Nordic designers have been the talk of the town lately, and Helsinki Design Week is the perfect platform to keep you in the know. With five live streams available, the online event series, ‘The Kaleidoscope Online Festival on Creativity’ offers a unique approach to creativity, and experiencing artwork. There is also an online, 3D tour of the exhibition, as well as a 20-minute tour of Helsinki to encourage finding inspiration in nature. The festival also features some of the biggest names in the design world, all of whom are giving talks on contemporary, Nordic design, and finding inspiration even in a creative drought. Our tip? Sign up for the talk by Paola Antonelli, the senior curator of the MoMA, as she examines how design methods can be used to solve problems in the future, and the way the west interacts with Nordic design.
The livestreams for Helsinki Design Week can be accessed here and here. The 3D tour of The Kaleidoscope Online Festival on Creativity can be accessed here.
Get your tickets for Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings
On Sunday morning: A decade in the making, and Marvel has finally given the spotlight to its first Asian superhero: Shang-Chi. Played by Simu Liu of Kim’s Convenience, Shang-Chi looks to be a martial arts extravaganza, with Liu’s background in stunt work and co-ordinating by Brad Allan, a member of Jackie Chan’s stunt team. Raised as an assassin, Shang-Chi fled China after being forced to exterminate a group of rivals as a teenager. Now an adult, he is forced to grapple with his past after coming into contact with the Ten Rings organisation—based on a mythic object that grants its user god-like powers and immortality. Asian film giants Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh also star, as well as fan-favourite Awkwafina, in this thrilling blockbuster. Keep an eye out for Ben Kinglsey’s cameo as the Mandarin in a hilarious spoof of his Iron Man 3 appearance.
‘Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings’ is currently showing in theatres. Tickets can be purchased here.
Dive into French fine-dining with a wine pairing dinner at The Summerhouse
On Sunday night: For an epicurean experience that feels distinctly non-Singaporean, look to sprawling conservation bungalow The Summerhouse. Seated on the seldom-explored grounds of Seletar Airport, the idyllic French farm-to-table restaurant is destination first, eatery second. As part of annual wine event Wine Lust’s special four-course dinner menu, Chef Wendy Quek is deftly serving up an array of elegant plates that bring together elevated French culinary technique and sustainably farmed produce from a collective of growers, producers, fishermen and even an in-house edible garden. Fresh prawn and scallop is topped with scallop foam, capers raisin and cauliflower, while a memorably fragrant Bergamot Consommé envelops delicate duck tortellini. For your main, opt for the fork-tender Petite Tendre Wagyu Grillée, a luscious cut of meat dressed with a truffled Périgord sauce and paired with an inventive take on broccoli. The best part, of course, is the impeccable wine pairing—from a robust, fruity Pinot Noir to a full-bodied Chardonnay. You’ll leave rejuvenated, satisfied and with a good buzz going.
The Summerhouse, 3 Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore 798387. Reservations for the Wine Lust 4-course wine pairing dinner can be made here.
Immerse yourself in a flowery shipping container at Petals Fall, Now and Then
On Friday night: Forgo canvas and paper in this brilliant commission by Singapore-based British artist Chloë Manasseh. Instead of traditional paintings, Manasseh has created a gallery of artwork within two large shipping containers, titled Petals Fall, Now and Then. One container contains translucent blue and white paintings, whilst the other—a collaboration between Manasseh and Scent by SIX, a home-grown fragrance label—is a multi-sensory experience. The floor and walls are transformed into a rainforest, as real plants mingle between the painted, and petals are stuck permanently to a pastel-coloured forest floor. With Scent by SIX lending a customised scent to enhance the immersive installation, Manasseh invites you to explore the power of the imagination and the relationship between memory, in this jungle that borders between real and unreal.
Petals Fall, Now and Then runs until 3 October 2021 at Bugis+ Outdoor Plaza.
Feel a sense of nostalgia at Singapore Food Festival’s kueh workshop
On Saturday morning: What better way to start a Saturday morning than by making everyone’s favourite childhood treat? Thanks to the Singapore Food Festival, which runs until the 12 September, you’ll be floored by the dearth of workshops promoting Singapore’s unique foods and desserts. If you’ve never been able to master the art of these delicious glutinous rice desserts, this is your chance. Choose from making the two-tone ang ku kueh, or coconut-covered ondeh ondeh and kueh ko swee. Under Mrs Sim, founder of Cooking Art, you’ll be making kueh that’ll rival grandma’s.
Singapore Food Festival runs until 12 September. Tickets for Kueh workshops can be purchased here.
Take a trip to Japan with new restaurant IKO
On Saturday night: If you are a fan of fresh, Japanese seafood, new joint IKO is serving up well-loved dishes with a modern twist. Nestled amongst the array of shophouses on Neil Road, IKO’s sleek grey interior and glowing neon lights could put it anywhere within Tokyo’s neon Akihabara district. Start your meal with a decadent cup of Uni, with slivers of the briney delicacy layered atop a tangy dashi jelly and a smooth cauliflower pudding, finished off with caviar. If buttery-soft torched ebi is more your scene, opt for the creamy Somen, enveloped in a moreish ume sauce. For your entree, don’t overlook the unassuming Japanese Black Cod—within the charred, crispy skin is incredibly succulent white fish that falls apart with the slightest touch of your spoon, infused with smoky-sweet flavour. The climax of your meal will be the volcanic Asari Zosui, a claypot that releases bellows of steam to reveal clams and rice simmering within a viscous dashi and sake sauce that lingers on the palate. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, especially their 74% Dark Choc, an imaginative deconstruction of a Ferrero Rocher capped with a piece of futuristic-looking raspberry jelly. Wash down the indulgent meal with a glass of premium sake (our recommendation: the Hagi no Tsuru Junmai Ginjo Mid Summer Nero), and slip away to Tokyo in this fun, experimental diner with a strong base in Japanese culinary technique.
IKO, 65 Neil Road, Singapore 088897.
Get your flow on with Yoga Movement’s Novena Pod Concept
On Sunday morning: Time for an energetic start with Yoga Movement at their Novena Pod Concept. Founded in 2012, this home-grown studio has branched out to create a studio located outside of the CBD, giving an opportunity to enjoy an easy weekend morning trip. The Novena Pod Concept offers 50 classes each day, including all seven of YM’s signature class types, as well as Pop Up classes, YM’s version of themed classes. All the classes are multi-levelled, catering to newbies and veterans of yoga alike. Join Basics to become acquainted with foundational poses, or the dynamic Core and Power Flow to work up a real sweat. What’s more, at the Novena location, YM keeps company with some of the best F&B outlets in Singapore—including Two Men Bagel House, Slow Bakes and Real Food. There’s no better time to treat yourself.
Yoga Movement Novena Pod, 8 Sinaran Dr, #01-08 Specialists Centre, Singapore 307470.
Pair North Indian delights with hand-crafted cocktails at The Tiffin Room
On Sunday night: Raffles Hotel Singapore’s historic Tiffin Room welcomes you in for a celebration of Indian cuisine with their collaboration with The Elephant Room. With a menu of North Indian delights, each dish is accompanied by cocktails inspired by the streets and markets of Little India. Start with Jhinga Till Amrud, a crispy fried prawn with sweet and spicy guava chutney and masala peanuts, accompanied by Buffalo Road, a gin and tonic featuring pink guava and vetiver. The delectable main course is served in the iconic copper tiffin boxes—your tastebuds will be delighted at the incredible selection of food. Fom Dalcha Chop Masala, lamb chop curry with yellow lentils and species, to Paneer Pulao, with basmati rice mingling with cottage cheese and cumin, the marriage of flavours are second to none alongside The Elephant’s Room whiskey-based Mr. Desker. Finish off with the creamy dessert dumplings, Gur Kheer and Gur Mini Cheena Pyas, with the sweetly crafted Sippin @ Seventy-eight, made of Bru Coffee rum and coconut kombucha.
The Tiffin Road, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673.
Treat yourself to a staycation with Capella x Net-A-Porter’s “A Considered Life”
On Friday night: Capella teams up with Net-A-Porter for a staycation that will encourage guests to discover a consciously-crafted edit of fashion, beauty and grooming products on Net Sustain. In addition to enjoying the lush grounds of Capella, guests will be gifted an exclusive Net Sustain beauty and Mr Porter grooming kit. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend a series of conscious workshops, from craft to cooking and making your own edible garden—vegetarian kueh pie tee, anyone? Also make time for an exhibition titled ‘Please Insert Women’, a partnership with The Meshminds Foundation featuring nine augmented reality artworks from four local female artists. Prepare to be both rejuvenated and inspired.
Capella x Net-A-Porter’s “A Considered Life” runs throughout the month of September. Reservations can be made here. More information about ‘Please Insert Women’ can be found here
Bring your inner child to the Museum of Ice Cream
On Saturday morning: You may already have seen the tantalising pink walls and Asia’s first sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream all over Instagram. With only two other museums in Texas and New York, their latest location in our very own Dempsey Hill is a real treat, given that travel is still limited. Expect unique exhibits such as a jukebox in their Scream’s Diner, a unicorn playground in Playspace, and the renowned Sprinkle Pool, a sea of yellow, white and red sprinkles which you can dive right into. Don’t leave without trying their delicious ice cream treats, all with local twists, like lychee bandung, taro milk tea ice cream sandwiches and pulut hitam potong ice cream.
Museum of Ice Cream is located at 100 Loewen Road, Singapore 248837. Tickets can be booked online.
Savour a taste of New York City in Singapore with Proper Slice
On Saturday night: Hospitality pioneer Gibran Baydoun, of Lucali BYGB fame, has launched his latest endeavour inspired by the hole-in-the-wall pizzerias of Manhattan’s East Village. Proper Slice is dedicated to perfecting grab-and-go pizza, complete with a beautifully thin, handmade crust. From gooey, classic cheese pizzas, to more contemporary takes like spinach and ricotta, as well as white and red pizza bases, there’s definitely enough options on the pizza roulette each time you visit. If you don’t feel up for pizza on the day, their meatballs and garlic knots, as well as meaty stromboli and dessert calzones will also satisfy.
Proper Slice, 110 Amoy Street (back entrance, or along Gemmill Lane), Singapore 069930.
Bring an appetite to the Softhaus ice cream installation
On Sunday morning: Enjoy art and ice cream all at once with Janice Wong’s brand new installation, Softhaus. Whilst she’s normally known for her eponymous brand, and the incredible 2am:dessertbar, Wong has turned her eyes towards a well-loved Singapore dessert. With 16 flavours of ice cream and sorbets there’s something that will tickle your fancy, whether it is mango banana passionfruit or the keto-friendly chocolate sorbet. But it doesn’t stop there—heap on their wide variety of toppings, from baked macarons to handmade chocolate. Alternatively, have your custom creation sandwiched between rainbow-coloured bread, an ode to Singapore’s iconic ice cream sandwich.
Softhaus, Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B1-K135, Singapore 237994.
Grab some popcorn and catch Ryan Reynolds in Free Guy
On Sunday night: What do you get when you cross the comedic likes of Ryan Reynolds and Taika Waititi—the director of Stranger Things—and a love for all things video games? Free Guy, a tale that follows a bank teller called Guy who one day realises that he’s a background character within a popular video game. Unfortunately for him, his video game will be shut down in a few days to make way for a sequel, losing him and his life forever. With the game’s coder in tow, Guy sets out to save his life and his world.
Free Guy is currently showing in theatres. Purchase tickets here.
Celebrate Singapore’s easing of restrictions at Tippling Club’s “A Guide to Modern Drinking, Volume II”
On Friday night: The time to enjoy a well-deserved Friday night drink has arrived, and there’s nowhere better prepared than Tippling Club. A continuation of their incredible “A Guide to Modern Drinking Volume I”, chef Ryan Clift and head bartender Andrew Loudon have now created a much-anticipated second volume. Whilst Volume I explored the history of French culinary dishes, Volume II draws upon modern art and celebrated artists. Each drink tells the story of the piece it draws on, and with seven categories to choose from, there is definitely something available for everyone. The savoury Ciphers & Constellations, named after Joan Miró’s painting, is an intriguing concoction with dill, calvados, Sudachi lime, champagne and sherbet. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the Dali-inspired Living Still Life, made with vermouth, plum blossom, coconut, rambutan and sugar cane. If you’re having an alcohol-free evening, their mocktails offer complex, sophisticated flavours without the spirit.
Tippling Club, 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461.
For inquiries & reservations: 6475 2217 / [email protected] / online.
Catch a display of Singapore at LivingwithArts
On Saturday morning: In light of Singapore’s National Day, visit LivingwithArt’s exhibit, National Day 2021, featuring art from 56 local emerging artists spanning the ages of 12 to 70. The exhibit hopes to explore the complex question of what it means to be Singaporean, and highlights Singapore’s resilient spirit. Medium is not a limitation; the pieces on display range from digital art to ceramics, and paintings to stitched pieces, all reflecting strength in the face of 56 years of nation-building. Our tip: Check out Keith Ang’s pop-culture inspired Stamford Raffles flashing an ok-sign, or Amanda LapuSantos’ capturing of the colourful chaos of a hawker centre.
National Day 2021 runs till 22 August, at LivingwithArt, Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road, #02-5, Singapore 169074.
Tuck into KOMA’s new National Day menu items
On Saturday night: KOMA Singapore is prepared to give you a refreshed dining experience, inspired by Singapore and its flavours. Better known for its contemporary interpretations of Japanese traditional dishes, KOMA has decided to incorporate a little bit of our nation in time for the National Day celebrations this weekend. Try their KOMA Sling, their take on the iconic Singapore Sling, a delightful mix of a Brasslion Butterfly Pea gin, and pineapple-infused umeshu liqueur. They’ll also offer the Kiat Roll, an inside-out maki roll, featuring prawn tempura, grilled scallions, avocado and topped with sliced tuna and scallops.
KOMA Singapore, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-67, Singapore 018972.
For inquiries & reservations: 6688 8690 / online.
Make your way down to Kki Sweets x Gellyvieve’s installation
On Sunday morning: What better way to start a Sunday morning off on a sweet note than with the iconic Kki and their wonderful cakes? This Japanese inspired bakery is renowned for their rotating menu of desserts, made with carefully sculpted mousse exteriors and delicate decorations. Taking things a step into the art sphere, Kki has decided to collaborate with artist Genevieve Ang to host her artwork within their outlet. Through her sculpture, ‘In Space, A Sign’, Ang attempts to examine time and its impermanence in our lives. In addition, Ang has produced custom-made ceramic-ware for the restaurant’s latest menu, “Me:Time”, which encourages self-care and treating oneself.
Kki Sweets, 3 Seah St, #01-01, Singapore 188379.
For inquiries & reservations: 9799 2668 / [email protected] / online.
Catch the Oscar winning Another Round at the Projector
On Sunday night: With the stunning Mads Mikkelsen at the helm of this Oscar-winning Danish-language film, Another Round tackles the topics of societal expectations and dependencies. Four teachers approaching middle age find their lives and careers in a dead end, and want to embark on a change. However, instead of taking up sport or exercise, the group decides to implement drinking alcohol daily to see what change it makes. With an incredibly talented cast of Denmark’s best actors, Another Round focuses on the weight of life’s expectations, and how we deal with the harsh realities that we encounter when we try to change. Keep an eye out for a spectacular funeral scene, showing off Mads Mikkelsen’s history as a dancer.
Another Round is currently showing at The Projector. Tickets can be purchased here.
Indulge in a weekend with the boys at Fairmont Singapore
On Friday night: To all the boys who watch this space, it’s time to pester your partners for a weekend getaway. Fairmont Singapore is back with open arms for all your brothers, best friends and husbands with a luxury ‘mancation’, designed just for the males in our lives. Alongside Truefitt & Hill and Glenmorangie, the hotel is offering a chance to de-stress and enjoy the spoils—starting with a specially-curated spa treatment by Hommage at Willow Stream Spa. Afterwards, sample the finest whiskies at an exclusive Glenmorangie tasting experience, and your choice of a decadent A5 Miyazaki steak dinner or four-course dinner set—to the breathtaking views at SKAI. Included in the package is a gift card for a choice between a cut or a shave at their Truefitt & Hill’s Ann Siang Hill shop, if you’re needing to sort out any poor lockdown choices.
Fairmont Singapore’s Mancation runs at Fairmont Singapore, 11 August till 30 November 2021. Packages can be booked here.
Enjoy a streetside 28HKS Tuck Shop brunch
On Saturday morning: Ever ordered brunch from a quirky stand in front of a bar? There’s a first for everything—28 HongKong Street is ready to offer up a fresh menu of snacks and meals at their newly-opened Tuck Shop. Expect juicy hot dogs and vegetarian-friendly quesadillas filled with your choice of mushrooms or plant-based TINDLE. For a sweet finish or a drink to go with your delightful meal, they also offer freshly-baked cookies, cold brew, power smoothies and lemonade—with a clever choice of whether to go boozy or not.
28 HKS Tuck Shop offers pick up from 28 HongKong Street, Singapore 059667. Orders can be placed online.
Catch Fat Kids Are Harder To Kidnap at Wild Rice
On Saturday night: Having spent the last year performing mostly online, Wild Rice has brought How Drama’s hysterical Fat Kids Are Harder To Kidnap back to the stage. The play had a successful 33-show run over Zoom last year, and it’s not hard to understand why. It features 31 different plays—all during a one hour performing slot—with a talented cast of seven actors, including Ross Nasir, Pavan J Singh and Victoria Chen. What’s interesting is they don’t get to choose which play to perform: you, the audience do. We love that each play tackles topics such as ministerial memes, TikTok, Hari Raya standees and, of course, all the crazies who materialised in the wake of COVID-19, with perfect comedic timing. I
Fat Kids Are Harder To Kidnap runs at Wild Rice at Funan from 12-15 August. Tickets can be booked here.
Explore the medium of sewing at Sewing Discord
On Sunday morning: Forget clay and swipes of acrylic and oil paint at this art exhibit dedicated to the art of needlework and sewing. Often overlooked in favour of paintings and sculpture, the art of craftwork is usually limited to DIY projects or pieces of clothing—something this exhibit aims to change. With artwork by Ginette Chittick, Hazel Lim, Nature Shankar, Berny Tan and Jodi Tan, each art piece is structured around a different embroidery and sewing technique, all reflecting their own artistic focuses. Examine wooden stands punched through with rainbows of wool, and hanging white name slips embroidered with wavelengths of red embroidery. Cross-stitch embroidery, weaving and punch needle embroidery fill the frames that make up this exhibit, in a classy way to start the last day of the weekend.
Sewing Discord runs from now till 29 August 2021 at Jendela Visual Arts Space at Esplanade.
Celebrate homegrown flavours with takeaway from Po
On Sunday night: No meal will ever taste like Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, but the Singaporean delicacies at Po come pretty close. Known best for its selection of sumptuous, ready-to-assemble popiahs, the chic restaurant at Warehouse Hotel is presenting a range of re-imagined local dishes to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Start with the Braised Mahjong Tofu, with soft and silky spinach beancurd that melts instantly in your mouth. Then try Po’s unique take on a Singaporean classic: XO Crab Carrot Cake. With handpicked fresh flower crab and dried shrimp chilli stacked on top, each bite is layered with flavour. The pièce de résistance is the Paper Spring Chicken. Marinated in sesame oil and Shaoxing wine, it is generously packed with glutinous rice, conpoy, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushroom and dried shrimp before being slow-baked in parchment paper for over two hours. It is given a final rest in its own savoury juices as it travels to your doorstep, delivering a masterpiece the whole household can get behind. Round out the meal with Lion Brewery’s Island Lager and Straits Pale Ale, or any of the other Asian-inspired cocktails in the restaurant’s delivery catalogue.
Takeaway orders from Po can be placed online.
Check out Candlenut’s tempting Peranakan offerings
On Friday night: As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut stands supreme with its offerings of contemporary Peranakan food. Influenced by his Nyonya mother and grandmother, chef Malcolm Lee creates authentic Peranakan dishes such as handmade rempah and kerabu with a contemporary twist. Though dining out at Candlenut’s Peranakan-tiled store isn’t an option at the moment, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Start with Bakwan Kepiting Soup, with blue swimmer crab chicken tofu balls, tofu puffs and four-hour broiled chicken broth. Then dig into a Buah Keluak Burger, made with chicken cartilage and ikan bilis sambal, or an Ikan Bakar of charcoal-grilled local red snapper, and charred garlic chives. Finish with a Kueh Salat, made with a perfectly smooth custard topping of coconut milk and pandan, steamed over fragrant glutinous rice coloured white and blue with pea flowers to share with those around you.
Candlenut is open daily for islandwide takeaway and deliveries at Block 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676. Orders can be placed here.
Order in brunch from W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
On Saturday morning: While you may presently be unable to visit Sentosa in person, W Singapore is bringing National Day cuisine to you at home. In celebration of Singapore’s 56th birthday, the hotel is whipping up a Ro-jiak brunch from the hands of four award-winning chefs, each with their own distinct culinary style. Feast on Singapore Chilli Lobster with steamed golden buns, Butter Chicken served with basmati rice and garlic naan, Singapore Char Kway Teow; crispy Tandoori Salmon and sweet and savoury Rojak, to name a few. Complete the meal with four to eight cans of the nation’s favourite Tiger Beer.
Ro-Jiak Brunch is available from 7 to 9 August. Islandwide takeaway and deliveries are available from W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374. Orders can be placed here.
Catch ‘The White Crow’ at Alliance Française de Singapour as part of DANCE
On Saturday night: This summer, Alliance Française de Singapour is dedicated to celebrating the life and accomplishments of the legendary male ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Nureyev was responsible for revolutionising the art of ballet in the modern era, and bringing forth the figure of the male dancer. Born in poverty, Nureyev showed immense talent in ballet, and rose to fame for his talent throughout the Soviet Union. In 1961, he travelled to Paris as part of the Kirov Ballet company and became enamoured with the freedom and culture he saw there. Expect to be wowed by the beautiful scenery of ’60s Paris, and keep an eye out for a special appearance by Ralph Fiennes.
The White Crow is currently showing at Alliance Française de Singapour. Tickets can be bought here
Learn about Singapore’s cultural history at ROUTES
On Sunday morning: Make your National Day one to remember with ROUTES at the National Arts Council—an exhibit dedicated to exploring Singapore’s cultural history through the medium of dance. Focusing on local Chinese, Malay and Indian traditional dance, ROUTES tracks their evolution and their individual approaches to storytelling, using immersive technology to bring moves and dancers to life. It includes the knowledge of dance masters and pioneers in the fields, such as Santha Bhaskar, Som Said, Lim Moi Kim and Noramin Fari, with first-person accounts and personal stories of their experiences in Singapore. Enjoy the beauty of the performing arts that Singapore has to offer, and keep an eye out for any of the dancers themselves at the parade.
ROUTES runs till 12th September at Stamford Arts Centre, 155 Waterloo St, #01-05, Singapore 187962. More information can be found here.
Prepare for a National Day at home with Chico Loco
On Sunday night: Chico Loco is ready to offer a fresh lineup of rotisserie meats, locally-inspired sauces and special sides, all in time for National Day. Whilst this Mexican restaurant is normally the place to go for all your taco, burrito and craft beer needs, they’ve decided to incorporate a little bit of Singapore into their usual fare in time for Monday. Tapping into the craze for anything salted egg and crispy, they’ve created Salted Egg Chicken Skin featuring their signature rotisserie chicken skin tossed in chilli padi and curry leaves. Chicken Fat Rice is served up alongside their new sauces, all inspired by Singapore flavours: Salted Egg, Spicy Curry, Nutty Satay, and Black Pepper. They may not offer any traditional Singapore Slings to go with their choices, but they do provide wonderfully cold frozen margaritas of the Prickly Pear or the classic Lime variety.
Chico Loco offers islandwide takeaway and delivery from 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922. Orders can be placed here.
Order gourmet dim sum from Direct to Masses
On Friday night: What’s better than a dimsum dinner that tastes just like it’s from a restaurant—except it’s as easy as heating it up from your freezer? Direct to Masses’ frozen gourmet food is made without MSG or preservatives, and takes only 15 minutes to prepare by steaming or deep-frying. Upping their game this month, they have included amongst their repertoire of Franco-Asian inspired dishes, gourmet dim sum, from glutinous rice dumplings, siew mai and steamed pau.
Choose from a juicy Crackling Roasted Pork or the gravy-drenched Duck Leg Confit, peppered with thyme and bay leaf, before being cooked in duck fat for 12 hours. Finish off with their Premium Golden Custard Pau—a soft white pau which oozes with sweet and savoury piping hot salted egg custard.
Direct to Masses is open Monday to Saturday for pick up and delivery from 3015 Bedok North Street 5, #01-07, Singapore 486350. Orders can be placed here
Read Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguru
On Saturday morning: Have a cosy start to your weekend with Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguru’s new book—already a favourite for the Booker Prize. Following Klara, a solar-powered Artificial Friend, with exceptional observation qualities, who is bought by a mother to look after her teenage daughter Josie, whose health is beginning to deteriorate. With the topic of artificial intelligence and the ethics of technology becoming ever more relevant with the rise of A.I software that replicates people perfectly, Ishiguro’s questioning of what makes humanity and what kind of object can love is a perfectly apt tale for our times.
Purchase ‘Klara and the Sun’ here
Party at home with Staying Alive’s two-hour in-home concert
On Saturday night: Both bars and their patrons have struggled with the frequent lockdown rules, but A Phat Cat Collective, owner of concept bars NINETEEN80 and Rails, is determined to counter this and support the local industry through Staying Alive—a fundraiser that aims for you to enjoy your favourite outlets from home, with money raised through purchase of pay-it-forward vouchers for when dining in resumes, daily alcohol and food deliveries and trivia nights. Join them on Saturday night for their premiere event of a livestream party, featuring resident DJ’s Brendon P, James Selva and Joshua P performing two hours of back-to-back tracks of House and Disco music.
Stay Alive’s livestream and event schedule can be accessed here
Traverse the Amazon with Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson in Jungle Cruise
On Sunday morning: It’s always interesting to see where a film adaptation of a theme park ride goes; first, Haunted Mansion, then Pirates of the Carribean, and now, Jungle Cruise. It stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt respectively as a skipper escorting a researcher down a river to an ancient tree that possesses healing abilities that will surely change the face of medicine forever. However, as they travel further into the Amazon rainforest, the stakes grow ever higher, and the future of mankind begins to fall into their hands. Get your popcorn ready, because who can resist a full-on action extravaganza?
Watch ‘Jungle Cruise’ on Disney+ or purchase tickets here
Call for Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails to avoid a Monday hangover
On Sunday night: If Monday morning meetings are a thing, and you still want to unwind, Lyre’s have you covered with their alcohol-free cocktails—that are also vegan-friendly, as well as nut and gluten-free. Lovers of gin, the G&T is all yours. This non-alcoholic take on the classic, with flavours of juniper, citrus and tonic, best served iced and with a slice of grapefruit and thyme, is a light and refreshing number perfect to start the evening. Otherwise, Classico, which pays homage to the classic Italian prosecco, and Amalfi Spritz, which evokes notes of bittersweet oranges, are your next best bets.
Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails can be purchased at select Cold Storage outlets or purchased here
Get your beef fix with The Gyu Bar’s luxurious takeaway options
On Friday night: If your dining out plans have been cancelled this week, make up for it with The Gyu Bar. Co-founded by Michelin-starred Chef Tomoo Kimura in 2018, the restaurant along Stevens Road is the destination for lovers of beef and Japanese cuisine.
Try their Truffle Wagyu Sirloin Sukiyaki Don, featuring tender onions, shaved truffle and a poached egg atop a bed of delicate beef slices and fluffy Japanese rice, which comes nestled in a bento box. Or the Uni Chirashi Don, which pairs cubes of aburi wagyu, silky Hokkaido uni, ikura, diced takuan, tamagoyaki and cucumber in a masterpiece of textural delight. If you’re looking to indulge with your family members, their Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki sets include a small army of appetisers, including assorted vegetables, tofu and two litres of nourishing homemade broth. For a full-on Japanese hot pot experience, The Gyu Bar offers rental for a portable table top gas stove and pot for an additional $40—which includes pick up and delivery.
The Gyu Bar is open daily for delivery from 30 Stevens Road, #01-08, Singapore 257840. Orders can be placed here .
Be guided through centuries of tradition at the Asian Civilisations Museum
On Saturday morning: Start your day bright and early in a dazzle of gold and jewels in the Asian Civilisation Museums’ virtual tour of Materials and Design. Focusing on ceramics, fashion and jewellery, the exhibit takes you across Southeast Asia and invites you to discover Asian history and identity.
Their Jewellery gallery is the first permanent gallery in the world to spotlight Southeast Asian jewellery, with an incredible display of solid gold head-gear and ceremonial pieces. Fashion and Textiles explores the shifting culture and identities that occur through changes of dress and history, whilst Ceramics narrows in on the beauty of Chinese ceramics, spanning from the Neolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. Aiding in all of this is the Virtual Museum host Allie—who not only gives you an introductory tour of the space and navigation help around the 3D gallery, but can promptly answer any questions you may have.
Materials and Design is ongoing on the Asian Civilisations Museum’s website. It can be accessed here.
Catch Henry Golding in his debut action film, Snake Eyes
On Saturday night: Almost a decade since his last appearance onscreen in 2013’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation, the iconic silent ninja Snake Eyes has long been out of the limelight. But Snake Eyes, opening this weekend in Singapore and starring Henry Golding, brings the mysterious loner back to the big screen. Follow his beginning as a young boy who swears vengeance on the men who murdered his father, and 20 years later, now a brilliant fighter, his opportunity comes when he enters the secret Arashikage clan as a double agent. But as more secrets come to light, his values and loyalties will be put to the test.
Snake Eyes is currently showing in theatres. Purchase tickets here.
Grow your green thumb at Gardens By The Bay
On Sunday morning: If you’ve been thinking of cultivating an interest in plants but aren’t sure how to do the same for them, head over to Gardens By The Bay’s online hoard of educational videos and talks on plant care. This is your chance to gain exclusive information and insight into the running of one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions.
There is an immense range of videos available—enjoy documentary style focus on the creative choices that go into making the Flower Field from designer Marziah Haji Omar, or the hopeful diary of the behind the scenes that followed lockdown that charts the Garden’s determination to stay open. These educational videos focus mostly on easy basics for plant care, making them perfect for first-timers in need of guidance, or if you need any help jogging your memory. Don’t forget to check out their DIY videos on making terrariums and hanging kokedama.
Gardens By The Bay’s workshops can be found here.
Savour the flavours of Italy with Buona Terra’s drive-through takeaway
On Sunday night: Finish off the weekend with a feast from Buona Terra, where each dish is certain to delight your taste buds in a different way. Start with a decadent entree of Artigiana Burrata with tomato tart and anchovies, before moving onto mouthwatering pastas. The Beef Agnolotti, with shaved marbles of black truffle, is excellent, and so is the moreish Cold Capellini Pasta with Sea Urchin and Tomato Essence. If you were looking for a celebratory meal, call for the Chef’s Experiential Five-Course Tasting Menu, which highlights the best seasonal ingredients of the week for an unforgettable meal.
Buona Terra is open Monday to Sunday for delivery or pickup from 29 Scotts Road, Singapore 228224. Orders can be placed here.
Champion female empowerment at an all-digital arts festival
On Friday night: N.O.W stands for Not Ordinary Work, but it is simultaneously a reminder of the urgent need to shed more light on the under-discussed issues plaguing females of all generations even today—precisely what the Festival of Women N.O.W aims to do. Now in its third and final iteration, the festival has assembled a vivacious line-up of arts and lifestyle events. Thamizhachi thoughtfully presents a museum of artefacts that exposes the nuanced everyday reality of being a Singaporean Tamil woman, while (un)becoming is a provocative livestreamed performance that grapples with the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships in Singapore today. For those wishing for a more interactive experience, nudes.jpg invites you to photography yourself undressed and share a story about your body as part of a virtual exhibition, and Let’s Talk About Circumcision gathers participants in a Zoom workshop-cum-discussion that focuses on circumcision within the local Muslim community.
Festival of Women N.O.W runs till 31 July. More information on events and how to book tickets can be found online.
Cop a world-renowned, IG-famous pastry at a new bakehouse
On Saturday afternoon: The only thing better than one pastry is two, and Mr. Holmes Bakehouse’s cruffin—a flaky, sugar-dusted and cream-filled croissant baked in the shape of a muffin—offers the best of both worlds. Although the bakery-café’s Singapore store only just opened this week, we won’t be surprised if you’ve been hearing of the cruffin for quite some time now, for its unique concept and camera-friendly appeal made it viral online since its launch at Mr. Holmes Bakehouse’s San Francisco flagship years ago. Now’s your chance to finally try this world-famous pastry in a variety of flavours such as Mint Chocolate Chip, Tiramisu Cream, and Peanut Butter Milkshake. If you still have the stomach space, other bakes we’d recommend include Matcha Croissant, Cinnamon Concha, and Sticky Bun.
Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd, #01-01/02/03, Singapore 228210
Escape pandemic reality with a virtual reality art exhibition
On Saturday night: If the recent rise in local COVID-19 cases has got you feeling down, then consider taking your mind off it by immersing yourself in a virtual world. The ArtScience Museum is staging its first-ever virtual reality (VR) programme, Hyperrealities, with a trio of innovative artworks by world-renowned artists Olafur Eliasson, Marina Abramović, and Anish Kapoor. They say good art is meant to make you feel things, and these VR creations elevate that to an unprecedented, multi-sensory level. With a state-of-the-art VR headset on, you will be able to behold with a new perspective the intricate network of your flesh and muscle, touch and shape a rainbow, and immerse yourself in the drama of crumbling polar ice caps. With reality looking far from ideal, Hyperrealitities might be the way to go.
VR Gallery: Hyperrealities is ongoing at ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Level 4, Singapore 018974. Tickets can be purchased online.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day with sundaes on Sunday
On Sunday morning: Not that we need any reason to celebrate this deliciously icy dessert, but to not do so on National Ice Cream Day seems like a crime. On this special day, the Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC) Singapore is offering ice cream lovers the chance to not just indulge in their favourite treat, but also support home grown ice cream brands, including Icebar, Tom’s Palette, Holy Cow Creamery, and the island’s iconic “ice cream uncles”. To take part in this adventure, simply upload an Instagram photo of yourself enjoying a scoop (or several) at any of the participating vendors and tag MOIC. Not only do you get to collect limited edition MOIC stickers at each stop, but sweetening the deal even further is the grand prize for the most supportive ice cream fan: an exclusive and private tour for up to eight guests at the sold out MOIC Singapore.
MOIC’s National Ice Cream Day celebration runs from now till 18 July. More information on the rules and participating vendors can be found online.
Chase away those post-Cannes blues with a Hollywood classic
On Sunday afternoon: Cannes Film Festival makes a triumphant return this year after a 2020 hiatus, but it is set to wrap up on 17 July. While Vogue’s got plenty of material to help you reminisce on the fashion and glamour of Europe’s biggest film extravaganza, actually catching a film is another way of tackling the post-Cannes withdrawal, so here’s an oldie but goldie for you at The Projector. Singin’ in the Rain, a 1952 rom-com, is perhaps the most meta of movie musicals for it is centred on Hollywood’s filmmaking industry in the late 1920s and a trio of actors grappling with the transition from silent films to sound movies. Its long line of accolades include a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, Writers Guild of America Award for the screenplay, and two Academy Award nominations. Almost seven decades later, the film has achieved cult classic status and is a must-watch for any movie fan.
Catch Singin’ in the Rain at 5pm at The Projector, Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road, #04-13, Singapore 058282. Tickets can be bought online.
Elevate date night at home with Siri House’s Netflix and Fill dinner set
On Friday night: Spice up your Friday evening at home with Siri House’s six-course spread for two. The Netflix and Fill menu changes bi-weekly, and this weekend’s curation incorporates the best of Asian flavours and ingredients, taking soul food to the next level. For those who think romance shouldn’t be cheesy, think twice when you dig into the Grana Padano Biscuit dish, featuring Italian cheese crackers topped with curry cream cheese and succulent slivers of iberico bellota. The main course offers a difficult choice between Pepper Crusted Iberico Pork Ribeye, served with wild berries compote and verjus vinaigrette, and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, bathed in a miso butter broth. We recommend you and your partner get one of each so you can both sample this irresistible surf and turf duo; just don’t be annoyed if your date keeps stealing food off your plate because one bite just isn’t enough. A delectable Yuzu Meringue Tart strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour, ending your at-home dinner date on a high.
Takeaway orders for Siri House’s Netflix and Fill set can be placed online.
Pay tribute to fatherhood’s beautiful complexities with film Beautiful Boy
On Sunday morning: Beautiful Boy, the 2018 film starring Steve Carrell and Timothée Chalamet as the father and son duo, is an emotionally gripping watch anytime of the year, but its core theme of fatherhood is especially poignant on Father’s Day. Based on the true story of David Sheff and his son Nic, the movie details a father’s heartbreaking efforts to save his child from drug addiction, helpless as their relationship deteriorates the further Nic slips into the clutches of substance abuse. It is an unflinching exploration of a somber and dark subject matter, but underlying it all is unconditional familial love and a father’s relentless hope for his son. Watching Beautiful Boy might just inspire you to view your own father in a different light.
Beautiful Boy is available on Amazon Prime.
Explore what it means to be “a modern woman” through a fashion retrospective
On Sunday afternoon: People through the ages have employed dressing as a means of self-expression, and in this exhibition, the viewer gains an incisive understanding of how Chinese women from the late 1800s to the 1970s explored and redefined their femininity through their evolving fashion sense. Over 90 artefacts and archival photos from China and Singapore paint an intriguing picture of how those women melded traditional Chinese ideologies with Western trends, such as choosing form-fitting garments over shapeless ones, shoes with taller heels, and skirts with higher hems. This “liberalisation” of fashion runs parallel to their increasing assertiveness in fighting for their rights amid a rapidly modernising East Asian landscape.
Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore runs till 12 December 2021 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
Savour the taste of Central Asia with Nomads’s communal set menu
On Friday night: With everyone largely staying at home during the Phase 2 (HA) period, our lifestyle these days are the furthest thing from nomadic. However, we can still get a taste of adventure with Nomads’s Central Asian-inspired delivery menu: The Bonfire. Standouts in this curation, suitable for two people, include: Nomads Nan, an aromatic bread that pairs well with the in-house seaweed butter and the carnivore-friendly Wagyu Plov, featuring tender wagyu cooked to perfection. A salad (which Nomad calls Salat), tossed with grilled pears, crystallised walnuts, cherry vinaigrette and anchovy sauce, will refresh your palate before you dig into the Adjika Chicken Shashlik, beautifully-charred chicken skewers spiced up with a fiery marinade.
Delivery and takeaway orders for Nomads’s The Bonfire set meal can be placed online.
Scoop up fuss-free Japanese rice bowls and sandwiches with new virtual restaurant Coop
On Saturday afternoon: It’s time to make Sandwich Saturday a thing. Coop subverts the age-old controversy—can a burger be considered a sandwich?—with its Sando offerings that combine the best of these two carby worlds. Two fluffy potato buns bookend the fillings of your choice: there’s the classic Pork Katsu, with tonkatsu sauce and romaine lettuce; New Zealand Cod Katsu, with wasabi aioli and tamari onions; or Tofu Katsu for those looking for meatless options. If you prefer the likes of rice bowls or ramen, there is a slew of options for you as well. The Yakiniku Wagyu Beef Bowl is an excellent choice, topped with umami onions, crispy shallots and an onsen egg. It travels well and is packed full of flavour on arrival, which is the main thing when it comes to food deliveries.
Delivery and takeaway orders for Coop’s menu can be placed online.
Whisk yourself off (mentally) to Malibu with this summer’s must-read book
On Sunday morning: From the author behind bestsellers The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and the Six comes another masterpiece that looks set to be this summer’s must-read book. Nowadays, Malibu is synonymous with gorgeous beaches and Kardashian sightings, but Malibu Rising transforms this celebrity hotspot into something much more personable: the hometown of the four Riva siblings, progenies of Mick Riva (Taylor Jenkins Reid loyalists will recognise him as the debonair playboy in Evelyn Hugo). The story is centred on one particular night in the ’80s—the annual Riva summer bash—but masterfully interweaves almost three decades of family history and intergenerational trauma into a page-turner that you won’t be able to put down.
Purchase Malibu Rising here.
Feast on meatless Persian delicacies from Shabestan
On Friday night: Vegans and vegetarians, rejoice. The multi award-winning Persian restaurant, Shabestan, has put together an islandwide delivery and takeout menu consisting of their top meatless dishes. This star-studded line-up includes Zeytoon Parvardeh (marinated olives bursting with zesty flavours from herbs, spices, nuts, and pomegranate), Ghormeh Sabzi (a charcoal-grilled vegetable medley commonly called the national dish of Iran), Impossible™ FasenJan (in-house vegan meatballs cooked in a pomegranate sauce), and of course, the cult favourite: Falafel.
Shabestan Singapore. Orders can be placed online from 12pm to 9pm daily.
Slip into a food coma with KOMA’s new takeaway menu
On Saturday night: KOMA’s famous orange arches—a replica of those at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine—might be out of reach while dining in is banned, but the restaurant’s most popular dishes are still available for takeaway. Known for their bold interpretations of classic Japanese dishes, some of KOMA’s must-tries include the Wafu Carbonara with Uni (served with smoked butter), Barbequed Short Rib with gem lettuce and kochijan, and the Miso Marinated Black Cod that comes with fresh beets and burnt jalapeno vinaigrette.
KOMA Singapore. Orders can be placed on Marina Bay Sands’ Gourmet Takeaway Platform between 11am and 9pm daily (online orders close at 8pm).
Revel in villainy and punk fashion with Disney’s Cruella
On Sunday morning: It is hard to make a sympathetic character out of a woman whose life mission is killing puppies, but Disney makes an entertaining effort with Cruella, starring Emma Stone in the titular role. Centred on the villain from the 1961 animated film 101 Dalmatians, this live-action movie will show you a character’s story is never so black and white—even if her hair is. Cruella is also a true feast of the eyes: everything from the makeup to the jewellery to the costumes are the peak of 1970s punk fashion. Trust us, it’s worth two hours on a lazy Sunday morning.
Cruella is out in cinemas islandwide and also available to stream on Disney+ through Premier Access.
Celebrate International Burger Day with Omakase Burger
On Friday night: If you ask us, there’s never a bad day to enjoy a scrumptious burger meal, but not to do so on International Burger Day is almost sacrilegious. Look no further than Omakase Burger for this special occasion. A must-order is the classic Omakase Cheeseburger, featuring a beef patty charred till its crust is slightly caramelised, its smokiness perfectly complemented by the sweet tinge of the potato buns. Meanwhile, vegetarians and vegans can opt for the Omakase x Impossible Burger, with plenty of umami flavour in every bite of the special plant-based patty.
Omakase Burger offers islandwide delivery and pickup at Orchard Central, The Bedok Market Place, Madnest @ Katong, and Bar Bar Black Sheep @ Cherry Avenue. Orders can be placed here.
Pair Southeast Asian soul food with craft cocktails from Jekyll & Hyde
On Saturday night: Known for its gourmet twists on classic Southeast Asian cuisine, Jekyll & Hyde is dishing up a selection of its signature soul food and cocktails for delivery and takeaway. We recommend the Wagyu Char Kway Teow (wok-fried flat noodles topped with wagyu beef slices), the Chili Crab Nachos (luxed up with crab meat and tobiko), and Mr Hyde’s Satay (skewers of marinated Iberico pork served with a peanut dip and pineapple jam). For cocktails, there are classics such as the Negroni and Old Fashioned, but consider going for more adventurous options like the off-menu Mr. Bean (a Lau Ban beancurd vodka-based cocktail). Great booze and great food—what could be better?
Jekyll & Hyde is open daily from 11am to 9pm for takeaway and deliveries. Orders can be placed here.
Feast like kings with brunch from the Kingdom of Belgians
On Sunday morning: We might all be staying at home, but at least Kingdom of Belgians’s new takeaway menu allows us to enjoy hearty comfort food from the “capital of Europe”. The Boulet Liegeois offers massive meatballs cooked until they are golden-brown and braised in a sweet and sour sauce, while the Beef Carbonnade is no less indulgent, featuring a rich beef stew cooked with Belgian ale. There are also ready-to-eat frozen options such as lasagna and shepherd’s pie. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Belgian meal if it is not finished with the classic Liege Waffle sprinkled with icing sugar.
Kingdom Of Belgians, 8 Rodyk St, #01-05/06, Singapore 238216. For takeaway orders, please contact 6634 0500.
Indulge in cocktails at home with delivery from The Old Man Singapore
On Saturday night: The bars might be closed, but it doesn’t mean happy hour has to stop. Treat yourself to well-loved libations from The Old Man Singapore delivered straight to your house. We recommend the locally inspired The Sun Also Rises, a curry leaf-infused gin with pandan leaves, and The Torrents of Spring, a smoky, bittersweet drink with glutinous rice cooked mezcal. The star-studded lineup also includes two special collaborations with Oslo’s globally-ranked Himkok Bar: Sea Buckthorn Negroni, a Norwegian spin on the classic negroni, and Furu, a blend of soda and rosemary and pine cordial. And if you bring the empty bottles back once the bar reopens, you will be rewarded with a round of cocktails on the house.
The Old Man Singapore‘s drinks are available for both delivery and pickup from 12pm – 10pm daily, no minimum order required. Pick ups are at 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-04, Singapore 089158.
For inquiries & orders: 6909 5505 / Website
Unwind with cocktails with an Eastern flair at Anouska’s Bar
On Friday night: Stepping into Anouska’s might be just what you need to wash the week away. Restored under the gifted hands of bond girl turned interior designer Anouska Hempel, the bar serves up an eclectic mix of classic cocktails elevated with distinctive Asian flavours. If you like your martinis strong and floral, try the bar’s signature Escape to Kaifeng, featuring a house-made chrysanthemum-infused cordial paired with Tanqueray London dry gin. Those with a sweet tooth can opt for the Hong Long Choc, a concoction of whisky and chocolate liqueur infused with smoke-dried black tea native to China’s Fujian province. And if you see this becoming your regular watering hole when the restrictions are lifted, don’t miss out on the newly-launched Ladies Night promotion that promises a free glass of Cava on Wednesday nights.
Anouska’s, 83 Duxton Road, Singapore 089540
For inquiries & reservations: 6914 1428 / [email protected]
Savour a slice of Italy at Dolce Vita
On Saturday night: Known for its contemporary take on classic Italian cuisine, Dolce Vita celebrates spring with a new line-up of dishes showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients. A must-try is the Spaghetti Chittara, featuring homemade ragout prepared with a mixture of red wine, herbs and yellow datterino tomato coulis, and simmered for six hours until the pork becomes unbelievably tender. Should you crave something from the ocean instead, look to the Ricciola for a citrus-infused amberjack in a spicy broth, or the Sogliola for a pan-seared dover sole in a creamy mussel sauce. Dolce Vita also offers takeaway for weekend brunch—the perfect way to treat yourself in view of the new ban on dining-in beginning Sunday.
Dolce Vita, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039797
For inquiries & reservations: 6885 3500 / [email protected]
Enjoy the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with Fat Prince’s new dinner menu
On Friday night: Fat Prince has long been a stalwart in the local Middle Eastern cuisine, reimagining traditional dishes with a contemporary spin. Never content to rest on its laurels, the restaurant recently launched a refreshed dinner menu sure to thrill diners. New mezze additions, such as the Kingfish Crudo and Roasted Bone Marrow, accompany fan favourites such as Artichoke and Herb Hummus and New Zealand Clams. And forget the outdated ‘Don’t play with your food’ rule, because Fat Prince is adding an interactive element to the meal with its new Build It section. Diners can ‘build’ the kebabs of their dreams using ingredients such as wagyu beef cheek, fried turbot and celeriac shawarma. That wagyu beef cheek is superbly tender, and pairs beautifully with pillowy soft pitas, za’atar yoghurt, pickled yellow chilli and harissa sauce.
Fat Prince, 48 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079317
For inquiries and reservations: 6221 7794 / [email protected]
Admire nature with a man-made twist at the Glass in Bloom exhibit
On Saturday afternoon: World-renowned American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly has brought his garden works to Asia for the first time. The interplay of light, colour and form as well as the vivid contrast between the man-made and natural come to life in this immersive exhibit at Gardens by the Bay, which over 80 sculptures and 25 large-scale installations. All the beauty of flora and fauna has been captured in this magnificent display using the most delicate of materials: catch majestic red bamboo reeds soaring towards the sky, ethereal white and blue Persians in full bloom, and awe-inspiring coral towers backdropped by a field of real flowers.
Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
For inquiries and reservations: 9272 4929 / [email protected] / Online form
The full exhibition runs from 1 May to 1 August 2021.
Complement your brew with selections from Heart of Darkness’ new menu
On Saturday night: With its lively atmosphere, stellar playlist, cosy decor, and more than 25 beers on tap, it’s obvious why Heart of Darkness has been a Keong Saik staple for years. The recent expansion to its menu, comprising delectable sharing plates, tapas, tacos, and meats, has given diners new reasons to keep returning. Must-tries include the Fruits and Vegetables Platter (we recommend pairing it with the Aperol-based Bloody Sunset), the Bánh Bao Gà (pair it with either the rich Director’s Cacao Nib Porter or the lighter Futile Purpose Cucumber Pilsne), the Pan Seared Barramundi and the Bone Marrow. The Khoai Môn Dùa, a taro coconut panna cotta that just barely grazes sweetness, will end your night on a wholly satisfying note.
Heart of Darkness, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
Contact: 6208 7940 / [email protected]
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 October, 2021.
Book your admission tickets in advance online through the ACM’s portal.
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 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]
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]
