Nespresso Pixie

This is coffee as Apple might design it. iLatte, if you like. It’s a sexy little number the Pixie, what with its six color options and satisfyingly neat loading mechanism. Crucially, the coffee it produces is actually rather good, with all kinds of interesting bean profiles available. The latest arrival is the eco-certified Dhjana “Grand Cru” ($10.70 for a ‘sleeve’ of 10 capsules) which boasts a level eight intensity rating (we did warn you coffee was a world of nerds).
$398 from Nespresso Boutique.

Nescafé Dolce Gusto Circolo

Launched here in September, this striking objet d’art produced in partnership with Krups has won numerous awards for design. Its USP is the proprietary milk capsules, dispensing with the need for a separate milk frother. And it can make cold drinks, too. The coffee ($10.90 for 16 capsules) is pretty average, and it’s a pain having to manually stop the drip, but it sure does look pretty on your desk. It’s also by far the cheapest of the three.
$269 from various stores, including Harvey Norman.

CBTL Kaldi

This one-stop system for serving espresso, brewed coffee and brewed tea manages to convincingly evoke the café experience. In terms of taste it sits somewhere between the other two (though the Nespresso really is leagues apart), and is best suited for people who aren’t completely obsessive but want a bit more variety (think Continental Espresso, Viennese Brew, French Brew and quite a few others) than you get with the Nescafé machine.
$389 from all The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets. Capsules $9.10 for a box of 10.

What’s in a capsule?

It’s basically freshly roasted coffee, ground and measured very precisely. It’s more expensive than ground coffee and the capsules don’t work with every machine, but they can save a lot of mess and fuss. Plus, the result is far more consistent.

Those in the know have always loved Tiong Bahru for its white-washed art deco architecture and some of the best local food around. Yet over the past year, so many funky cafés and stores have opened their doors that it now vies with Duxton Hill and the Arab Quarter for the title of Singapore’s trendiest neighborhood. Here’s 13 good reasons to spend your weekend there.

1. Open Door Policy

A newbie from chef-owner Ryan Clift of the Tippling Club, partnering with Spa Esprit and Harry Grover of 40 Hands, this casual bistro is already drawing the crowds.

2. Books Actually

Embrace your inner bookworm at this delightful indie store. They stock the widest collection of Singapore literary publications including some out-of-print titles. And they host the fortnightly Babette’s Feast literary get-together.

3. Strangelets

Having moved from Amoy Street, Strangelets is still one of the best spots in town for cool lamps, accessories, bags, notebooks and other unusual objets d’art.

4. Bhutan Shop

Dedicated to all things Bhutan, this space carries a small selection of contemporary works by Bhutanese artists (with 20 percent of sales donated to transport children books to Bhutan’s rural schools), organic teas, handmade bags and other lifestyle products. They also organize specially curated tours of the country.

5. 40 Hands

Unbeatable coffee and a convivial vibe (they’re packed every weekend) continue to make this year-old joint the place to see and be seen in.

6. Nana & Bird

What started out as a pop-up concept store is now a staple among trendy young things. Highlights here include accessories by local brand By Invite Only and ready to wear by emerging Guangzhou label aijek. It only opens on weekends, 11am-7pm.

7. White Canvas

Setting the tone here since 2009, this truly indie gallery is a friendly and welcoming space showcasing emerging local and regional artists. Currently on show through November are the watercolor works of Ong Kim Seng.

8. Thrive

Not just a regular fitness center, newbie Thrive specializes in workouts that focus on natural human movement patterns, with personal trainers watching over your every move (in a good way). Rates start at $96 for an introductory session.

9. Flea & Trees

Opened just last month, this is a treasure trove of eclectic vintage furniture, clothes, accessories, books, ceramics, homeware and magazines, mostly one-of-a-kind, founded by designer Terence Yeung and his wife Bella Koh.

10. Nostalgia Hotel

Quaint and charming (even if the rooms are incredibly small), we often come here to watch football at the alfresco bar Potion out front. You should, too.

11. The Orange Thimble

A great place for brunch or an espresso. Highlights include its Breakfast Burger and the BBC (bacon, brie and cranberry), with artworks adorning its wall and a nice open space out back.

12. Drips

This old-school-styled café and bakery is one of the newer additions here, dedicated to whipping up sweet and savory treats as well as coffee standards.

13. Foodie Market Place

A great alternative to Cold Storage, with friendlier service to boot. Cheese, ice cream, yogurt and coffee grounds are well-stocked at this new spot—great if you’re passing through on your way home.

Index

Dining Retail Art Hotel Fitness

Celebrate the return of smooth grooves at the Velvet Underground’s 3rd Party with Tiger & Woods, Darker Than Wax & Jeremy Boon on November 4.

Ruggers, it's your time to shine at the 64th SCC International Rugby 7s (November 4-6)—great location too, we think.

Get your invites ASAP to a special show, Mixtape + Confessions feat. The Analog Girl on November 5.

Don't miss The National's gig in Singapore—let's hope nothing shatters their plans this time.

Make a trip to Singapore’s only floating club Avalon on November 16 for Holyf*ck & Klaxons.

Check out the eclection collection of artworks at this year's Affordable Art Fair (November 18-20) for great investments that won't break the bank.

You have to see New Wave—a showcase of some of the world’s best street art, including works by Seen, also known as the Godfather of Graffiti, November 11-27.

See Hollywood star Kevin Spacey play the tyrannic Richard III, King of England in another Sam Mendes masterpiece opening November 17.

Really, there’s more to the man than just “Candles in the Wind”. Go see what else at his one-night only concert, Elton John—The Greatest Hits Tour on November 20.

Musical genius David Foster once climbed the Swissotel—all 55 floors of it—see more brave souls at The 2011 Swissôtel Vertical Marathon on November 20.
 

So here we are. Sixteen years old! In magazine years, that's like 60. Our knees aren't creaking just yet, but we have acquired some wisdom along the way. And one thing we know for sure is that we wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, our lovely readers. So we've called in some favors from some good friends, come up with special treats of our own, and put together a whole stack of great prizes to say thank you. 60? Try $60,000.

1. $10,000 OF AMAZING ART

Yes, you read that right. Our Grand Prize is a whopping $10,000 of credit to spend at one of the city’s premier independent art spaces, Vue Privée. Celebrating photography, street art and everything in between, and championing accessibility for all, this little powerhouse of a place has put on some of our favorite shows of the last year. We only wish we were eligible to enter. Fortunately, you are. www.vueprivee.com

2. ALL-INCLUSIVE, THREE-NIGHT LUXURY GETAWAY TO KOH SAMUI

Where else but Samui to kick back and get away from it all? At the InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam, you and a special someone can relax for three nights in a Beachfront Pool Villa and enjoy welcome cocktails at world-famous sunset spot Air Bar, dinner at Frame Beach Restaurant & Bar and a spa treatment at Baan Thai Spa. To get there, the package includes two roundtrip Singapore-Samui tickets on boutique airline Bangkok Airways, as well as airport transfers. Valued at $7,084. www.intercontinental.com/samui and www.bangkokair.com

3. ROMANTIC WEEK FOR TWO IN THAILAND

This amazing trip begins with two nights in a Full Spectrum Suite at LIT! Bangkok, one of the City of Angel’s hippest hotels. Then you’ll be transferred directly to the Let’s Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort, an award-winning retreat on one of Thailand’s most mellow stretches of sand, where you’ll have five nights in a Moon Deck Suite to soak in the stars (or each other’s eyes, if you like). Valued at $5,588. http://litbangkok.com and www.letussea.com

4. THE REAL SLIM LADY

Not that you need to worry about your weight, but this course of no less than 10 body wrap slimming sessions at Suddenly Slender will have you looking leaner and meaner (in the best way possible) in no time. Just look at how mean she is. Valued at $5,000. www.suddenlyslender.com.sg

5. WELL, WELL, WELLNESS

Stressed? You won’t be if you win this one. The prize is a $5,000 lifestyle and recreation package par excellence at G.Spa, entitling you to your pick of the special spa treatments on offer at any of their “multi-sensorial” retreats. www.gspa.com.sg

6. SEE THE SEA FROM CEBU

Round up a gaggle of friends or your family flock and take them to one of SE Asia’s most colorful destinations, the island of Cebu in the Philippines, jumping off point for some of the world’s best beaches and diving. Up for grabs are four return tickets aboard Cebu Pacific Air (valued at $3,400). www.cebupacificair.com

7. 365 DAYS RUNNING

Make 2012 the year you finally get in shape, with one of these very sweet packages from those legends of the locker room, Pure. Up for grabs are (7.1) a year’s membership at Pure Fitness Knightsbridge (valued at $2,388) and (7.2) a year’s membership at Pure Yoga Chevron House (valued at $2,094). One winner for each. www.pure-fitness.com and www.pure-yoga.com

8. STRIKE GOLD!

Whether it’s for you or a lucky lady in your life, this stunning purple gold motif pendant with chain from Aspial Lee Hwa (valued at $2,146) is sure to turn heads. Best of all: No-one need know that you got it for free. www.leehwajewellery.com

9. THE ULTIMATE NIGHT OUT

Do the legendary Zouk in style, with table sponsorship and drinks for you and your closest pals, on a night of your choosing. Valued at $1,800. Berocca remedies not included. www.zoukclub.com

10. A BETTER KIND OF BEACH ROAD

Grab a friend, loved one, or just the nearest person with a hot bod, and get yourself to Thailand, for a two-night stay at the idyllic seaside sanctuary that is the Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin. Valued at $1464. www.restdetailhotel.com

11. A ROOM WITH A (REMARKABLE) VIEW

Boasting the most impressive views this side of the International Space Station, the new Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is currently the world’s tallest hotel (reception is on the 103rd floor!). Set aside your vertigo and lap up the luxury with a partner for a one-night stay in a Deluxe Harbour Room. Valued at $1,177. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong

12. SIAM, SIAM, BUT DIFFERENT

Ah, the joys of language, of words with multiple meanings. For those in the know, “Hansar” means happiness and joy. For you, it could also mean a two night stay at the Hansar Samui, with a sea view room that offers stunning views of Bophut Bay, breakfast for two and airport transfers. Valued at $1,105.
www.hansarsamui.com

13. A CAPITAL IDEA

The Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel is the perfect spot from which to explore the Thai capital, even if the on-site dining makes it tough to leave (French spot Reflexions is one of our favorites). Recover from your very own Hangover, with a two-night stay in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast. Valued at $1,000. www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

14. THREE x FREE x SPREE

Three of our local fashion heroes are throwing open their doors and each offering one winner $1,000 to spend on whatever they like. It could be some carefully crafted menswear from cult favorite (14.1) Sifr (http://sifr.myshopify.com), an eye-catching black and white item or two from (14.2) Depression (http://depression.com.sg), or the latest looks from multi-label boutique (14.3) The Society of Black Sheep (www.societyofblacksheep.com). Whichever you win, you’re going to look a lot better for it.

15. EAT, DRINK, RELAX AND… STRIP

The nice folk at Spa Esprit Group are giving up plenty of the good stuff, with a $1,000 package of vouchers all rolled into one. That’s $200 to spend at each of the following five: Skinny Pizza, House, Strip, Spa Esprit and Browhaus. Preferably not simultaneously. www.skinnypizza.com.sg; www.dempseyhouse.com; www.strip.com.sg; www.spa-esprit.com; www.browhaus.com

16. BEHOLD, ANOTHER GREAT PRIZE!

We could suggest you spend $1,000 credit from Lo & Behold on a special evening at The White Rabbit, splurging on cocktails at Loof, or perhaps treating your nearest and dearest to burgers at OverEasy. But we know you’re going to go blow it all at Tanjong Beach Club on a Sunday afternoon. And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. www.lobehold.com

THAT'S IT, GUYS!

OK, not really. We've decided this year is the year we're going to be more generous and giving, which means.... MORE PRIZES FOR YOU! Here you are... the 16-and-aboves:

17. GADGETS GALORE

Thanks to Sanyo, your tech credentials could be about to go up, with a pack that includes a camera, an air purifier, and a pair of kick-ass speakers. Valued at $757.

18. BUNK UP IN BANGKOK

Make it a weekend to remember, with two nights in a Deluxe Room at the five-star Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, including breakfast for two. Valued at $705. www.sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

19. A MALAYSIA GETAWAY

Enjoy a night in an Executive Deluxe room at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. Includes breakfast for two in the contemporary restaurant César’s. Valued at $650.
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KualaLumpur

20. THE WATCH, MEN

Wrist looking a little bare? Grab one of five rugged Nixon Volta PU watches to complete your look. Each watch valued at $560.
www.nixonnow.com

21. A LOT OF BOTTLE

Quit Russian around, and invite some friends over to crack into this case of 12 bottles of Smirnoff vodka. Valued at $540.
www.smirnoff.com

Love i-s? Then you’ll love these opportunites to get to know us even better.

22. ALL-ACCESS XPERIENCE

If you haven't already joined us for an I-S Xperience event, you've missed out. So far this year we've been wine tasting, art-walking, cocktail making, coffee appreciating, gym spinning, whisky sniffing, and even over to Bintan. But these are intimate events, and we never have room for everyone that applies. So we're offering one winner guaranteed entry (for you and a partner) to your choice of five I-S X events between now and the end of next year. On the slate already are a Japanese beer tasting session, some indoor golf and a lesson in pasta making, with plenty more to come. This is your chance to be one of the lucky few.

23. YOUR 15 MINUTES

Always dreamt of being a cover star? This could be your big chance. We're offering one lucky winner the chance to be featured on the cover of an upcoming issue of I-S. You'll go behind the scenes to help us come up with the concept, and visit the printing plant to see the magazine in production. And then you'll be famous!

24. FOODIE TRAIL

Think you know your grub? Then join our Dining Editor, Jalean Wong, for a special day touring her (and your) favorite haunts. Three winners will be given a tour of the island’s best-kept dining secrets; and if you’ve some of your own to share, all the better.

FEELING LUCKY?

PICK THREE PRIZES AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN THEM ALL HERE!