Suan Pak Nam

This restaurant is run by a friendly (and healthy) uncle who started the hydroponic farm some 14 years ago, long before the practice was in vogue. Even though the venue is simple and small, with only a few wooden tables in the al fresco area, the greenery of the veggies on display makes it a real feel-good spot. As the owner likes to say, healthy food doesn’t have to be bland, and this is reflected in the recommended dishes, likes the pasta which comes with a variety of sauces like mushroom and garlic (B80) or salted fish with herbs (B80). The drink options are really refreshing; try the juices like apple and greens (B35) or beetroot and passion fruit (B35). Or just buy some butterhead, red oak or cos to take home, together with some healthy salad dressing that features a liberal amount of black pepper.
17/136 Sukhontasawas Rd., 02-907-9989, 081-816-6741. Open Fri-Sun 10am-1pm

Home Fresh Hydro Farm

Decorated in girly floral prints, the dining area here is more polished than most on this list. It overlooks a pretty large hydroponic garden where filey, red oak and green oak grow. Choose the time of your visit wisely as the place usually packs out at lunchtime on weekdays with hungry hordes coming to feast on classic nosh like Caesar salad (B185), salmon steak (B320) and pasta (from B210). Naturally, the homegrown veggies feature prominently while some other ingredients are imported.
2 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 167, 02-917-2445, 081-844-8801. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm; 5-9pm; Sat-Sun 11am-9pm

My Home

Bored of the city? Why not make the trek out to this charming restaurant tucked away on a small soi close to Don Muang Airport. My Home is actually part of the owners’ home and has a nicely relaxing vibe thanks to the garden and its pond where the resident geese offer a natural soundtrack. A large greenhouse sits in the middle of the front yard, and the vegetables grown here make their way into dishes like the kai jiew tod krob (crispy omelet with spicy sauce, B75) and hom kum (onion and pork sausage, B95). The hampers, in their wooden baskets, also look pretty nice and start from B350 with butterhead, green oak and cos.
17/4 Kosum Ruamjai Soi 23, 02-981-0200, 085-123-4458. www.myhomeveg.com. Open Mon-Sat 7:30am-7pm

Rasbit Hydro

Those more adventurous might like to set aside their weekend to visit this far-flung restaurant with a hydroponic garden out back. The place is only a few years old, but that doesn’t stop the many budding gardeners from dropping in to ask the owners for pointers on growing veggies—something the owners are all too happy to help out with. While you’re there you might as well try the dishes like mee pad pak wan (stir-fried noodles with vegetables, B70) and stir-fried cos lettuce (B70) or sample the mushrooms the owners grow. End your meal with their homemade ice cream (B45) in flavors like lemongrass. Call ahead for directions or closely consult the map on their website before setting off.
36/10 Pinklao Nakhonchaisri Rd., SamPran, 084-666-0771, 089-791-5107, 087-356-4224. www.rasbithydro.com. Open daily 10am-10:30pm

How did you first get into music?
At very, very first I started borrowing my older sister's records as a young kid. She listened to Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, Duran Duran and so on. Shortly after that I remember standing focused, super alert and ready to press the play and record buttons as I listened to this pioneering Danish radio show presented by a speed-talking, very, very cool and very gay host named Kim Schumacher, who played all the new exciting stuff from abroad. I was really into making these "mixtapes", and took it very seriously! The mixing exercise was getting as little silence between the songs making it feel like a continuous mix! I remember handing out these cassettes to the older kids at school and feeling very proud—without showing it, of course.

You tasted some success with your previous band Rio; what did you learn from that experience?
I learned a lot. First of all, the other guys where really great musicians, so I learned a lot music-wise. Before joining those guys, I had mostly just played around with music software for the fun of it and since the other guys each had their instruments (drums, bass, guitars), I guess I eventually got the role as the guy putting it together on the computer, arranging, and mixing it. We put out a 7-track EP and the result was far from perfect, but it taught me a lot. It's quite funny actually, now that I think of it, when they asked me to join them, on the first night in the studio they said: "so, Kristian, we thought maybe you could sing!" and I went, "No, I don't sing!". So, for the next time we met, I bought a MicroKORG and brought my laptop to make myself of some use.

How did you hook up with Erikka Bahnsen [vocalist] and begin Leodoris?
We were friends and one night, after a few too many drinks, we had a spontaneous acoustic jam session. I had never heard her sing, and she hadn't sung since childhood, but still I was really blown away by the character of her voice. In-between the very late-night jam session errors I heard snippets of her vocals that were pure gold and like nothing I had heard before. We agreed to form a band and see if we could turn those snippets into entire songs. 

How would you describe the Leodoris sound?
It has electronic music characteristics to it, sometimes with a house-like beat, synths, and so on, but it's also more melodic I guess than a typical house track. It has a warm side to it as well, I think, especially with Erikka's vocals. Maybe you can hear some disco-ish elements here and there too.

You’ve remixed some big names; what makes a good remix?
I think a good remix takes the original somewhere else and makes it a track of its own without losing reference to musical elements from the original. But a good remix can also be to make a not-so-danceble song work in a club without taking it too far from the original. The audience has to think "hey, that track is awesome!" not just "hey, that's a funny take on the original."

Could you tell us a bit about your creative process—do you have a set idea of how a track is built or does it come organically?
It's never thought out before it's created. Personally, I do have a lot of ideas of what I think works well in songwriting, but they more just come to mind as we start jamming. The process is quite simple in a way, it often just begins with a basic beat and then we add instruments like bass, synths, guitar and then the sound that appears often surprises you by having a mood or sound to it that you didn't expect. From there we usually add vocals, arrange the track and see how it works live.

How did you come to the attention of the This is Music record label?
We were actually about to release on our own again, since releasing "Run" ourselves had been quite a rewarding experience. But established labels can do a bit more of course, so we picked a few that released artists we could relate to, and sent them what we thought of releasing. We went with This Is Music, partly because they are not only releasing underground electronic music, but also alternative pop and other genres. 

What are your plans for future releases? Have you got any new material ready to go?
We've got some finished tracks that we have performed on our live shows that we might put out. But no specific dates yet. 

What can Bangkok expect from your DJ set?
That I won't play a single track that I don't think is awesome! Well, I usually figure out what to play when I get there, get a sense of the vibe of the crowd. The range of music could be all the way from slow-house/disco to house music and all the way to more uptempo minimal techno dubby stuff if people are up for it - as long as it makes your hips or feet move, preferably both. But actually I'm super excited to see this new venue with a bigass LED ceiling that should make Watergate in Berlin look like a tiny pizza sign!

How did you become a street sweeper?
I’m originally from Amnat Charoen province. After I finished my army conscription, I came to work in Bangkok. My first job was in a dry battery factory where I earned B70 a day. I quit because I wanted a more independent job and started working as a motorcycle taxi driver. I made B200-300 a day and did that for five or six years before I heard about this job from my wife, who worked in a district office. My initial salary was B4,100 per month which I earned for three years as a temporary worker. Once I became an official worker I started receiving welfare benefits including medical cover and tuition fees for my children. For my first six months I was assigned to clean Narathiwas Road, then I was moved to Silom Road, where I’ve been for 12 years now.

What’s your daily routine?
Every day I start work at 5am, take a break at 8am, and then continue working from 9am to noon. The street inspector comes around at 5:30am to check on progress and the garbage truck comes at 6:30am. There are eight sweepers on my side of Silom Road. When we finish up working, we have to go to the district office to sign our names. After I’m done, I join my wife at our secondhand book stall at Soi Suanplu. I take the afternoon shift there, while she goes to work as a street sweeper on Sathorn Road. I close up the stall at 3pm and go home to rest and then do it all over again the next day. I usually get Sunday off. I can’t take more than five days off at a time because the street must be kept clean. Recently some workers have quit, so I have more work to do.

Is there anything dangerous about your work?
I have to be careful when I sweep the street, especially in the early hours of the morning, as there could be drunk or sleepy people driving recklessly.

What new policies would you like to see implemented by the newly-elected governor?
I want a better trash collection system. Bars and restaurants put their garbage in bags, but many food stalls just throw it on the ground where it can be hit by cars or buses. Sometimes people go digging for plastic bottles or other things they can sell, and leave behind a mess on the sidewalk. Some just want the garbage bag, so they dump whatever’s inside it onto the ground.

What’s your dream job?
I think I will work as I do now until my son, who is in grade 11, graduates from university, then I might open an amulet shop because I find them very interesting.

Amuse 

Available Tuesday 6-10pm

Helmed by Austrian mixologist Klaus Leopold, Amuse has concoctions that are both delicious and inspired. Swing by on Tuesday nights, 6-10pm, for their “My Boyfriend Is Out of Town” martini nights. Don’t worry, guys get to enjoy the drinks as well. Expect monthly rotating drinks such as the refreshing spiced apple martini and elderflower martini going for $10++ each. 

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Available Monday-Saturday 5-7pm

This prime steak joint’s MORtini nights are immensely popular so come early. The signature classic martini comes with house blue cheese-stuffed olives in gin or vodka, and the chocolate mortini has melted chocolate swirled into the creamy drink. There’re also the Cosmopolitan, appletini and lycheetini; each will set you back $12.95++. The highlight, however, is the free-flow medium rare filet mignon sandwiches served butler-style which makes this martini deal as good as it gets.

No.5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar

Available daily 9pm-1am

The good folks at this iconic, relaxed bar actually ring a bell to announce the start of their daily martini promotion. Get two martinis for $16 (usually $14 each) every night—and there are a lot to choose from. We like their lychee and specialty Choya martinis as well as the fiery Bangkok martini, made with their chilli vodka brew.

Speakeasy

Available Wednesday 5:30pm-midnight

What’s more apropos than drinking martinis at a 1920s Prohibition era-styled bar? Pounding their $5 martinis—dirty, watermelon and grapefruit varieties as well as other specials—all night long like they’re going out of style. This martini night is only for the ladies getting midweek drinks however. Guys get to enjoy the eye candy. 

[THAILAND] Angsana Laguna Phuket
After extensive refurbishment totaling US$30 million ($38 million), the property now features a new beach club, XANA, run by the Singapore-based Attica group. Accommodation starts at THB6,410 (S$254).

[THE MALDIVES] Niyama
This resort never sleeps. Not only does it offer 24-hour butler service and spa treatments, it also houses the world’s first underwater music club, Subsix. It’s 500 meters offshore and six meters below the surface of the Indian Ocean. Room rates start at US$650 (S$837).

[INDONESIA] W Retreat & Spa Bali—Seminyak
W’s Bali outpost has a 24-hour spa with locally inspired treatments such as the Hot Mama, a traditional Balinese abdominal massage. At night, congregate at W Lounge, which has live DJs, Mediterranean nibbles and a menu of 50 martinis. Rates start at US$380 (S$489).

 

If you're not fond of the typical Lunar New Year offerings, try celebrity chef Guy Savoy's six-course Kraemer's Dragon Menu ($250++), which has items like their signature artichoke and black truffle soup, pan-seared duck breast, as well as quince dragon fruit, on it. Through February 28

The award-winning fine dining Cantonese restaurant Hai Tien Lo once again presents its yu sheng platter, plus other festive delights like traditional stewed chicken with eight treasures and lotus seed, and their Treasure Bowl, which is made up of whole abalone, dried oyster, sea cucumber, pork knuckle, hokkaido scallop and deer tendon, amongst other ingredients. Seven to eight-course set menus are available for $98-999++ depending on number of diners. Through February 24

The Prosperity Chinese New Year Menu ($338-668++ for four-eight persons, inclusive of red wine) at Peranakan restaurant Indocafe - The White House features lo hei (with abalone, salmon and of course, yu sheng), prawn gulai tumis, ayam buah keluak, sambal eggplant and the favorite pulut hitam. Through February 24

Modern Chinese restaurant Jin Shan is offering three different menus: Good Harvest Set (braised shark's fin with crab meat in soup, baked king prawn, stewed ee fu noodles shredded duck and sweetened rice dumpling with almond cream), Fortune (prosperity salmon raw fish salad, braised fish maw, fried rice with preserved meats) and Success (braised abalone with sea cucumber in oyster sauce, steamed live lobster with minced garlic, braised mee pok with minced meat in XO sauce). $128-288++ per person for minimum two people. Through February 25

For a Japanese twist, try Keyaki at Pan Pacific Singapore. The Wafu Lohei is a sahimi laden toss of shredded pumpkin, carrot, radish, cucumber, Mandarin peel, rice crackers, tuna, salmon, yellow tail and tobiko. $98-288++ depending on number of diners. Through February 24 

Enjoy the likes of double boiled chicken broth, salt cured black tiger prawns, roast kurobuta pork belly, pineapple layer cake and more at Ku De Ta, for $158++ (with a wine and champagne pairing option at $88++). Available for lunch and dinner through February 28

Not only is The Terrace at The Sentosa, A Beaufort Hotel offering a buffet dinner menu ($75-88++) featuring prosperity salmon yu sheng, Cantonese hand-carved roasted meat, treasures fried rice, as well as a dessert table with golden mandarin orange cake and a pink chocolate fountain, they're also hosting Auspicious Sunday Champagne Brunches ($152++) on February 10, 17 and 24. These will feature Lunar New Year specials from around the world like fish amok (Cambodia), lemongrass tilapia (Thailand) and spicy green papaya salad (Laos). The hotel's also got a special menu for large groups ($888++ for a table of 10) hosted at the Conference Centre. February 9-24

The award-winning Thai restaurant Thanying at Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is offering a Chinese New Year menu ($78 per person) with a Thai twist, with three yu sheng options (Thai-style salmon, abalone and vegetarian), tay-po curry with codfish, stir-fried softshell crab with curry sauce and the Double Happiness Fish Niangao. Through February 24

Istanbul is hot. While the rest of Europe continues to sink deeper and deeper into depression, the Turks are busy attending art openings at private galleries, chugging raki on sun-drenched rooftops and stocking up on handmade crafts with contemporary twists. Istanbul is also sexy for another reason, and this one is very practical. Turkish Airlines flies newish planes to every corner of Europe, and Istanbul makes for a much more exciting stopover than Dubai or Qatar. So even if your plan was to check out London or Paris, or you’re headed to a meeting in Berlin, Istanbul is just about the most pleasant way we can think of to break up that long flight. Not that Istanbul isn’t a destination in its own right. As well as being a contrast of old and new, the city is also right at the point where the European continent meets Asia. This heady mix means one second you’re watching an old man sipping coffee in a café that could be in an old street in Lisbon, the next you’re walking past crumbling wooden houses that look like Russian dachas, and finally the call to prayer rings out, reaffirming the city’s Arabic heritage.

Old Stones

The Ottoman Empire was the world’s wealthiest and most powerful for centuries (mostly during the 15th to 17th centuries). As a result, the city is dotted with elegant wooden villas, domed mosques and minarets reaching for the sky. How many you can take in depends on your passion for the intricacies of Islamic art and Byzantine architecture. The good news is that the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Aya Sofya are all within a very short walk of each other, in an area called Sultanahmet. (Just grab any free tourist map and off you go.) More importantly, Istanbul is the perfect city to get lost in, as charming streets abound. If that’s too daunting, make sure you at least stroll down Soğukçeşme Sokağı, a row of perfectly restored wooden homes behind Topkapi Palace.

Buzzing Art

Istanbul has seen some healthy competition between its art patrons of late. The result is a string of new art galleries of very high quality. The most impressive is Istanbul Modern (Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi, Liman İşletmeleri Sahasi, Antrepo 4, Karakoy, +90 212 334-7300). This former warehouse designed by Italian architect Monica Bonvicini devotes several thousand square meters to contemporary Turkish artists—and sweeping views of the Bosphorus.In 2006, Orhan Pamuk won the Nobel Prize in literature, and he has now sold over 11 million books in 60 languages. His latest novel, The Museum of Innocence (Çukurcuma Caddesi, Dalgıç Çıkmazı 2, +90 212 252-9738), inspired him to create an actual museum by the same name crammed with small objects like old movie tickets, sepia photographs and household goods. It doesn’t sound like much but it comes together as a touching portrait of the Istanbul of yesterday.

Rooftop Sundowners

There’s nothing like strolling through a beautiful city to work up a thirst. One of the most stunning backdrops for your shot of arak liqueur is the Blue Mosque, whose colors famously shift as the sun sets. There’s a whole row of hotels with terrace bars on Ticarethane Sokak, such as Istanbul Hotel Nomade (Divanyolu Caddesi, Ticarethane Sokak 15, +90 212 513-8172). To oversee the old town (Sultanahmet), you’ll need to cross the Golden Horn inlet and find a rooftop bar in Beyoğlu, like the one at Anemon Galata (Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyükhendek Caddesi Kuledibim, +90 212 293-2343), right by the Galata Tower, whose views sweep over the tower itself, the Golden Horn and the Old City. If you’ve got a third evening in town, we’d recommend catching the ferry from Eminönü to Üsküdar. Not only is it a great ride but you’ll find tea houses there to smoke a nargile (shisha) pipe while the Bosphorus and the city are gradually shrouded in darkness. (At the pier, simply go right towards Şemsi Pasa Mosque; the cafés are just after the mosque.)

Boutique Beauties

The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is stunning. But when it comes to shopping, the amount of stuff in there can be intimidating and the sales tactics can be very aggressive. In fact, it’s not a very good place to look for trinkets to take home unless you’re a toughas-nails bargainer. And if you’re serious about buying a genuine Turkish rug, they cost hundreds to more than a thousand in Singapore dollars! Still game? Sisko Osman (Zincirli Han 15, +90 212 528-3458) are well respected and, at the very least, the shop is in a lovely part of the bazaar that you should absolutely see.For something more modern (and a lot less overwhelming), check out the boutiques in Beyoğlu. Start with the Tunel area, just next to the funicular. Apart from all the cool places in that hip enclave, we also stumbled on Hic (Haci Mimi Mah, Luleci Hendek Sokak 35, Tophane Galata, +90 212 251-9973), a contemporary crafts store in a residential street.

Hot Bites

In the old town, we recommend Balikci Sabahattin (Seyit Hasan Koyu Sokak 1, +90 212 458-1824). Although its starched tablecloths and well-heeled guests say special occasion, the prices are not too bad given that you’re dining under the trees by an old Ottoman mansion. The food is incredibly fresh, simply prepared seafood and some excellent mezze (small plate appetizers). Do book ahead, though. Still in the old town, there’s a homey bistro that gets kebabs, that quintessential Turkish specialty, just right. Of course, Ziya Sark Sofrasi (Alemdar Caddesi 28, +90 212 512-7750) also has a wide selection of super fresh mezzes to go with those grilled meats.After your bazaar shopping, hit up Hamdi Et Lokantasi (Klacin Sokak 17, +90 212 528-0390). The views of the Golden Horn are amazing but do book ahead for a terrace seat. Here, too, the food is a mix of well-executed kebabs and flavorful mezzes.In Beyoğlu, by the Istanbul Modern museum, you should drop by Fasuli Lokantalari (Iskele Caddesi 10-12, +90 212 243-6580). We love the old-school bistro vibe and uniformed waiters. The hearty Anatolian-style beans cooked in butter and meat are not exactly light, but it’s a nice change from all those kebabs.

Getting There

Singapore passport holders don’t need a visa for travel up to 90 days. Turkish Airlines flies direct from Changi Airport to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, from €1,550 (S$2,490) return and Singapore Airlines flies the same route for S$1,743 return.

Where to Stay

Park Hyatt Istanbul Macka Palas

Housed in a 1922 Art Deco building by Italian architect Giulio Mongeri, this hotel saw its interiors revamped by New York Design firm Gerner Kronick + Valcarel. It’s a combination of last century opulence—dark parquet floors, 19th century chandeliers—and 21st century design—giant sky windows and a hammam-inspired spa. Rates start at €255 (S$410). 

Garden House

This old house has plenty of charm thanks to its wooden façade and inner courtyard. Located in the historical center of town, within walking distance of all the major sites, the sea is nearby, too, and it’s a great spot to watch Turks chill in the evening. Lovely, clean rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet complete the picture. Rates start at €137 (S$220). 

Green Corridor Run

Fitting in perfectly with the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s efforts to promote community activities  along the Rail Corridor, the Green Corridor Run (January 27, 7am) is a 10-kilometer run with a difference. If the thought of running through a scenic trail with fellow sports and nature lovers doesn’t spur you to put on your running shoes, nothing will. The Green Corridor Run promises to be a unique course over former railway land—from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station to the old Bukit Timah Rail Station. “Most races in Singapore are road races,” says Green Corridor Run founder Ben Williams.  “This is a trail run... and runners will be surrounded by greenery from start to finish and will get to see a part of Singapore that not many have seen. The main aim of the race is to raise the profile of the Rail Corridor and to give the community an opportunity to show their support for keeping the area as natural as possible.” Participants will be capped at 6,000 (with slots almost filled up) with three start waves separated by 30 minute intervals, aimed to reduce the amount of people on the course at any one time; though a recent recce run suggests it's the mud, not your fellow competitors, that you'll need to look out for.

Jamie's Italian

There's plenty of F&B openings on the horizon, but this is one of the biggest. After all, Jamie’s Italian will be the first of Jamie Oliver’s chain restaurants to arrive in Asia (and at VivoCity, no less). A collaboration with mentor Gennaro Contaldo, this highly-anticipated venue opens in the third quarter of the year. Expect the same kind of unpretentious, fresh yet rustic food that The Naked Chef is known for.“Jamie’s Italian is all about taking really authentic Italian flavors and offering something exciting and delicious, but at an affordable price,” says Oliver in an exclusive interview with us. “We don’t serve anything fussy, just great produce cooked well. The restaurants have a nice casual, relaxed ambience but there’s always a really fun buzzy vibe, too. It feels like we’ve cracked that great balance when, be it business lunches, people out shopping or families, everyone can have a great time. Oh, and we’re aiming for a really cool, relaxed, industrial feel.” You heard the man.

John Clang's first major solo show in Singapore

The first major solo exhibition here by revered New York-based local photographer John Clang has been a long time coming. Housed at the National Museum, Being Together: Family & Portraits (January 23-May 26) amasses a total of 90 works by the 39-year-old, featuring his past oeuvres like Being Together, new portraitures of the modern international family with its juxtapositions of images through a series of photographic projections as well as Fear of Losing The Existence, where images of Clang’s parents are blurred out, shot while they were on a vacation in Hong Kong. “For this exhibition, I have the majority of my work installed as a typology. This attempt will allow viewers to look at the various images and allow them to compare the subtle differences and similarities between them, to allow for further analysis or contemplation,” says Clang. “It speaks about my fascination with time and the different dimension. I would like the images and the installation to evoke an expression... a feeling. A well-curated exhibition always makes me think beyond what was presented and I hope to be able to achieve that with this one.”Certainly, with the works’ effortlessly haunting and lyrical quality about time and existence, this monumental exhibition is simply unmissable.

Super Fly

Last year was great for frequent flyers: It marked the introduction of local low cost airline Scoot and plenty of new routes. In 2013, expect even more new flights to historic destinations like Chinese cities Qingdao (from $202 return) and Shenyang (from $262 return) both starting on January 11. Indian budget carrier SpiceJet is also set to fly a Singapore-Madurai route from mid-April, making easier to get to India’s Southern state Tamil Nadu for its famed Dravidian architecture, beach resorts, religious landmarks and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Further afield, look out for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS)’s new Singapore-Zurich service going for US$1,384 ($1,700) return. The airline flew a Singapore-Bangkok-Zurich route for decades but stopped in 2009. Fans of SWISS can hop back on the national carrier starting in May.

Quayside Isle

Sentosa heats up with a new swanky dining destination that’s right across from the equally luxe W Singapore at Sentosa Cove. Quayside Isle features more than 20 dining and retail concept stores targeted specifically at hotel guests from W, residents of Sentosa Cove and trendsetters (that will be you). While establishments like Spanish joint Sabio by the Sea, Tapas & Grill and Belgian bistro Brussels Sprouts are already open, Australia’s Grillado and Kith Cafe, Japanese restaurant Ezoca, and American barbecue specialist Cove Stadium will open next month.“Quayside Isle has an enchanting location that offers escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing you to experience a unique getaway without having to leave Singapore,” says a spokesperson from City Developments Limited, which is behind the concept. “You get to enjoy a well-curated list of international cuisines with a panoramic marina backdrop, providing the perfect magical setting for lovers to romance, families to celebrate, and special occasions to be remembered. With a strong concept and so much to offer, Quayside Isle is set to be the Capri of Southeast Asia.”

River Taxi

With the newly launched river taxi service jointly managed by the Singapore River Explorer and Singapore River Cruise, the days of battling atrocious jams during commutes to work may well be over. The route runs between the Marina Barrage and Jiak Kim Street, with 13 overall stops. Each one-way trip costs $3, with an express service which brings you directly to a designated point for $4. Talks about acquiring car parking spaces nearby the 13 landing points are already underway, and intervals between departures are expected to be no more than 10 minutes during peak hour, with the first starting at 7am. Whether it'll be a success remains to be seen—but you have to applaud the attempt to improve commuting infrastructure.

Three New Hotels, Three Great Concepts

Far East Hospitality’s The Amoy is a 37-room boutique hotel located at Far East Square, with various types of rooms showcasing a unique blend of modern furnishings and traditional Chinese design and architecture, targeted to open mid this year, while Sofitel So Singapore will be the city’s first hotel to offer a fully connected lifestyle with complete Apple-based digital solutions including the provision of iPad minis in all rooms, also opening mid this year. But if you can’t wait till then, check into the just-opened PARKROYAL on Pickering. Centrally located near Chinatown and the CBD, this “hotel-in-a-garden” has over 15,000 square meters of lush gardens, waterfalls and planter walls. It’s also one of the most environmentally-conscious in town, boasting comprehensive energy and water conservation features such as the light, rain and motion sensors, and the use of rain harvesting and NEWater in its showers.

Singapore's First Goyard

Move over LV. If there is a luxury brand that no local fashionista should do without this year, it's Goyard. Its classic monogrammed shoulder bags were some of the hottest sellers over the past few seasons, and when its Singapore flagship store opens in the fourth quarter at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, expect a long crawling queue for these babies. Fans previously had to fly to Hong Kong to visit its flagship store located at The Peninsula (the closest they’ve got) to purchase its full range of trunks, bags and accessories—all of which will be made available for local shoppers soon enough.“Goyard is a special brand and one that evokes the romance of luxury, no ordinary task in today’s saturated luxury marketplace,” says Nash Benjamin, CEO of F J Benjamin Holdings, who is responsible for bringing in the French label. “As the retail environment in Singapore continues to evolve, Goyard will continue to be a leader in the highest tier and bespoke luxury segment.” Beyond the full range of ready-made bags, fans can also look out for bespoke trunks and personalized Goyard items featuring hand-painted monograms. Go gaga.

River Safari

Now that Kai Kai and Jia Jia have settled in, the River Safari, which was supposed to open last year, is scheduled to open in the first quarter this year (furry fingers crossed). Apart from our panda friends, the $160 million attraction from Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the same crew behind Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, will bring the world’s eight greatest rivers—the Amazon, the Congo, the Nile, the Ganges, the Mississippi, the Murray River, the Mekong and the Yangtze—and their wildlife to town in an attraction that is half walking trail, half river cruise. It will also feature some 300 animals including 38 endangered species such as the Mekong’s giant catfish and giant stingray, and the Amazon’s capybara (the world’s largest living rodent), as well as over 150 plant species.And even more to look forward to: the Frozen Tundra, which will have a climate-controlled environment that simulates the glaciers and semifrozen freshwater systems of the Arctic North to better house Inuka the polar bear. There are also plans for three viewing levels, including one with an underwater view. Better late than never.

Ford Ecosport

The director of Ford Thailand has confirmed that in 2013, the American automobile manufacturer is set to roll out a compact SUV, the Ford Ecosport. Not much has been revealed but rumors abound that the Ecosport’s engine will be available in 1 Liter ecoboost or 1.5 Liter Ti-VCT, and it will come with 16” alloy wheels.

Toyota New Vios

Not much has been revealed about the next Vios model due for 2013 except for confirmation that it has already passed the car tax refund law for vehicles with 1.5 liter engines. Expect only minor changes but keep your eyes and ears open, though, as it should be rolled out no later than mid-2013.

Toyota 86

After a long break from the sports series, Toyota finally rolls out its latest two-door automobile, the Toyota 86. Available in three lines, the 86 comes as a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, with 1,998cc FA20 Boxer four-cylinder 16 Valve DOHC engine producing 147 horsepower. Prices start from B2.49 million.

Nissan Pulsar

As confirmed at the Bangkok International Motor Expo, Nissan is set to roll out the bigger brother to its Tida, the hatchback Nissan Pulsar. Get it with either 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine and as a six-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission with 16” alloy wheels. Due mid-2013 with prices starting from about B766,000.

Honda Accord

The 2013 Honda Accord is said to be packed with new toys, like the Eco assist function, forward censor warning system, lane watch warning system on side mirrors and a touch screen audio system. Specs include four-cylinder 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine, 2.0L cc 185hp, six-speed manual or automatic transmission with sport mode and push start function. Starting from approximately B1.26 million.

Mazda CX5

In response to the CRV, Fortuner and Captiva, the Mazda CX5 (a smaller brother of the CX7) is expected to hit Thailand in late 2013. Specs include a SKYACTIV-G DOHC 4-cylinder, 2.0L 155hp engine, six-speed manual or automatic transmission, navigation system and push start function. Price TBA.

Nissan Leaf

While the likes of Fiat, Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota are expected to roll out new electric cars in the US and Europe, we Bangkokians will just have to wait a little longer. The first electric car expected to hit our streets is the Nissan Leaf, with 80kw AC Synchronous electric motor generating 107 horsepower, navigation system, push start button and 15” aluminum wheels. Charging is done through a port located in the front of the car. Price TBA.