Ten Ten Nails & Spa

Ten Ten Nails & Spa offers a host of beauty services to choose from: hair cuts, body massage, spa treatments, nail care and more. A manicure and pedicure starts from B800 and nail art from B1,000.
2/F, Ten Ten Building, Sukhumvit Rd. between Soi 33 and 35, 02-259-3510.

Pretty Cozy Nail Cottage

What makes this little store special is the imported brands of nail care products they carry, including Essie and Deborah Lippmann. A manicure and pedicure starts from B850 and nail art from B500.
2/F, Penny’s Balcony, Thonglor Soi 16 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-714-9657.

Nail Story

The name says it all and they offer everything from a nail spa, to extensions, enhancements and nail art. They use products from leading brands like OPI while featuring CND Shellac nails, a cross between nail polish and gel that lasts at least two weeks without chipping or smudging. A manicure and pedicure starts from B900 and Shellac colors for B600 for ten fingers.
2/F, The Manor, Sukhumvit Soi 39, Sukhumvit Rd., 080-591-0800.

The Magnet

This nail polish uses metallic and magnetic particles to create horizontal and diagonal nail patterns, just apply the polish and then pull the supplied magnet close to your fingernails to create the desired pattern. Available at B500 per kit which includes one nail polish color and two magnets at Pupa Milano, M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam.

The Sticker

Could this be the easiest and most painless way to make your nails look chic? Peel off the nail foil stickers, cut them down to size and place them on top of your chewed cuticles. We tried and the result was messy, though—good enough for a party but forget about wearing this for 10 days, as promised on the packaging. Available from B150 with 16 stickers per pack at www.colorplate.net, 087-510-8808.

The Matte Effect

For those who like constant change, this little trick could be the perfect solution. The Matte About You finisher by Essie allows you to transform any shiny nail polish into a matte one within seconds. It’s pretty simple: just apply to your nails once the polish has dried and, hey presto, the glossy shine is gone. We tried and the results are fabulous! Available for B360 at www.facebook.com/opibybboutlet2, 081-810-3635.

If the recent sake dinners by celeb chefs LP+Tetsu’s Laurent Peugeot and Japan’s first overseas sake ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda of Waku Ghin held here are anything to go by, Japan’s underrated national beverage nihonshu is the hottest spirit of the moment. We’ve scoured the island for some great places to drink the stuff.

Orihara Liquor Shop and Bar
If you’re just looking to dip a toe in the water, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot in town since they have a range of tasting flights ($30 for three sakes) to choose from. This bar/liquor store is reminiscent of some of our favorite izakayas in Tokyo (be prepared to stand) where you’re bound to find other like-minded boozehounds. In addition to an extensive selection of sake (brace yourself for over 500 labels), addictive bar snacks and friendly service, we also like the selection of ceramic and glass cups you get to choose from when you open a bottle.

Fukuichi Japanese Dining
Skip the main dining room in favor of their al fresco terrace with its nice, relaxed vibe, dark furniture and dim lighting, populated by local and Japanese 30-somethings alike. It’s not just the laidback atmosphere that we find so appealing, it’s the well-stocked bar of around 70 premium sakes that’ll ensure a return visit.

Mikuni
A real highlight here is their very own certified sake sommelier, Sano Nobuhiko, who’s happy to talk you through the extensive list of drinks and food pairings. Combine that with a big, well-dressed space that houses a main dining room, an intimate live robatayaki counter (with only 10 seats), a teppanyaki station and a sushi/sashimi/sake bar, as well as modern Japanese dishes, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot with those with generous company expense accounts.

Aoki Restaurant
It’s more swanky Japanese restaurant than casual bar which explains the chi-chi crowd, but its very premium sake list (with prices to match; award-winning Isojiman 2011 Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35% goes for $1,000/bottle with a SMV of +5 and a seimai-buai of 32%) is reason enough to pay it a visit. The Zen interior ensures the focus is firmly on chef Kunio Aoki’s simple yet contemporary fare; (though he’s no slouch, having even served Japanese emperor Akihito).

Sake 101

Nihonshu
The Japanese word for sake. Neither term technically refers to “rice wine” since the drink is produced through brewing not fermentation.

Sake meter value (SMV)
Refers to the specific gravity of a sake. The more unfermented sugar in the sake, the more dense it is. The sweeter the tipple, the lower the number. The scale generally runs from -10 to +10.

Seimai-buai
The rice polishing ratio, or the percentage of weight remaining after polishing. Generally, the lower the number, the better the drink.

Go
The typical serving size of sake (180ml). A bottle is four go (720ml).

Song: “Mai Tong Klua”

Artist: Sky Band
Label: Parinam Music
Led by famous actor, screenwriter and director Kleur Kitti Cheawwongkul and Frank Pakachon Vo-onsri (an MC from TV show The Star), Sky Band put out a first album in 2009, produced and distributed independently. For their second album, the band has signed with indie label Parinam Music. Their first single “Mai Tong Klua” takes a simple but melodic pop line and combines it with big brass sounds for a 70s touch that works wonders with their lighthearted and humorous lyrics about life in the city during the floods.

Song: “Sen Chai” (Goal Heart Soul)

Artist: Yokee Playboy
Label: Spisydisc
Following first two singles “Collagen” and “Ar Kad” released last year, Yokee Playboy’s back with his third single “Sen Chai,” a soft and sweet pop tune composed for his first child. The lyrics both inspire and touch as he describes his feelings for his kid as the greatest achievement in his life. Not that he could have pulled it off without his catchy sound and well-crafted lyrics.

Song: Crush

Artist: Palmy Feat. Erlend Øye
Label: White Music GMM Grammy
No, you’re not hearing the latest single from Kings of Convenience, the folk-pop duo from Norway. But Erlend Øye, one half of the duo, is indeed on board for this single from Palmy. Well, just like the music and lyrics for “Crush,” Øye brings his trademark smooth, soft and beautiful pop to the Thai songstress. And don’t miss the beautiful cinematography in the MV directed by Chardchakaj Waikawee.

Song: “Fun Suan Tua” (Dream)

Artist: Barbies
Label: Smallroom
After the band Barbies led by Paopon “Tar” Thephasdin returned to the music scene with the single “Kon Wan Soos Tai” last year, the band follows it up with “Fun Suan Tua,” a much softer track. It tells the story a guy who dreams of being a khon dancer and works hard to get there. Resolutely an easy listening piece, it still manages to convey energy, in part thanks to the uplifting message it contains. And this is another highly recommended MV.

Song: “Pawinee”

Artist: Electric. Neon.Lamp
Label: Sony Music
If you’re an indie fan, you might have heard of Electric Neon Lamp, as the band from Lampang played at Fat Festival in 2010 and 2011. The band has recently gone from being an independent group to joining Sony Music Thailand. Their latest single “Pawinee,” tells the story of a guy who tries to turn back time to before he broke up, delivered with a muscled pop rock sound despite the lovey-dovey vocals.

Song: “La”

Artist: Polycat
Label: Smallroom
The energetic band from Chiang Mai, Polycat, rose to fame for their awesome synth sound. The self-avowed synth-pop band displayed all its electronic keyboard wizardry in its first single “Ta Ter Kid Ja Luem Khao.” But in their latest release “La,” they’ve seemed to have unplugged their Rolands and picked up some brass instruments, like trombones, for a more melancholic tone befitting of this end-of-relationship song.

Fly-Yoga uses a piece of highly stretchable fabric to support your body while suspending it in the air. This allows you to kick, stretch and pirouette gracefully in all kinds of positions, even while hanging upside down. It sounds extreme but it’s just the opposite: by supporting some of your weight, the hammock prevents overstressing of the joints and compression of the spine. Try it out at these three venues.

Yoga and Me

Where: CDC Building L5, Ekamai-Ramintra Rd., 02-102-2975/6. www.facebook.com/yogaandme
Prices: 30 classes, 4-month period, B13,900. 50 classes, 6-month period, B17,900. 100 classes, 1-year period, B27,900.

The Pilates Station

Where: 3/F, Ten Ten Building (opposite Benjasiri Park), Sukhumvit Rd.,
02-662-3341. www.facebook.com/PilatesStation
Prices: 10 classes, 3-month period, B5,000. 20 classes, 4-month period, B8,900. 30 classes, 6-month period, B 11,900.

Sukhoyoga

Where: Behind 904 Silapacheep Shop, Sukhothai Rd., 02-243-1773/4
Prices: 20 classes, 3-month period B7,900. 50 classes, 6-month period B12,900. 100 classes, 1 -year period, B19,900.

Yoga with a Twist

IYENGAR YOGA

What: This method focuses on body alignment through the use of props like belt, cushions and blankets as aids.
Where: Iyengar Yoga Studio Bangkok, 3/F, Fifty Fifth Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lor), Sukhumvit Rd., 02-714-9224
Prices: Single class B500, 3 classes 1 month period B1,200, 10 classes 3 month period B3,400.

VINYASA YOGA

What: Vinyasa yoga highlights the control and alignment of breath to assist your yoga session.
Where: Yoga House, 2/F The Circle Ratchapruek, 39 Ratchapruek Rd., 02-863-8771.
Prices: 1 month unlimited classes B,2950, 4 month unlimited classes B8,900, 8 month unlimited classes B16,900.

Farm to Table Organic Café

Farm to Table Organic Café not only grows their own vegetables out in Phu Chee Fah, but they take things one step further, making ice cream from their own produce—pumpkin, potato, carrots, and strawberries—which is guaranteed by the IFOAM (International Foundation for Organic Agriculture). We’re particularly impressed by their ability to blend their organic milk with vegetables, a long process of trialand- error they describe as very difficult, due to the flavors and acidity of some veggies.

179 Aussadang Rd., 02-115-2625, 081-868-9942. Open daily 10am-8pm.

Icedea

As crazy as it sounds, tonkatsu ice-cream (breaded, deep-fried, melon flavored ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, B145) has actually gained global appeal. Here in Bangkok, Icedea is the place to grab your ice cream cutlet. Not weird enough? They do global warming ice cream (B49), which reflects the melting world we live in. Also, don’t forget to taste the popular Grass Brownie (B69), a brownie topped with green foi thong (Thai dessert made with egg yolk). They’ll also sculpt your ice cream in any shape you want.

4/F Bangkok Art and Cultural Center (BACC), 939 Rama1 Rd., 089-834-4058.www.icedea.com. BTS National Stadium. Open daily 10am-7pm.

Simple Day

As the name suggests, Simple Day is a pretty simple, yet satisfying, ice cream parlor. Owned by the same people as the adjoining Think Café, here you can sit back in the cute, clean space while licking great-tasting homemade ice cream flavors. Served in cups adorned with cute scribbles, the ice-cream comes in many flavors, from favorites Ferraro Rocher and Forest Berries to rotating specials like Melon Sherbet. Enjoy them with a smiley shortbread cookie or some lovely macarons. Prices starts from B85 for two scoops with a cookie.

The Bloc, 18 Ratchaphruk Rd. (next to Think Café), 085-370-6367. Open Tue-Sun 2-9pm.Facebook.com/simpledayicecream

Natthaporn Ice Cream

Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, and a bit hard to find if you don’t know your way around Tanao Road, but this half century-old ice cream parlor is a sure bet for light and refreshing Thai-style frozen treats. Back then, they only offered coconut flavor, but now they serve up a slew of homemade flavors, including favorites like chocolate, Thai iced tea and coffee (all B25). Mix and match the ice cream with your favorite toppings or pair it with homemade buttered cake.

94 Soi Phraeng Phutorn, Tanao Rd., 02-221-3954, 02-622-2455. MRT Hua Lamphong Open Mon-Sat 9am-4pm.

Creamery Boutique Ice creams

This warmhearted boutique ice cream shop serves up frozen delights in a homey setting. Owned by a foodie who works in a five-star hotel, it offers some pretty weird and wacky ice-cream flavors, like Bacon & Eggs (aka Brit- Pop), alongside slightly more conventional concoctions, like Apple Crumble (huge chunks of cooked apple, caramel and cinnamon), Nutella Kid-Cad (a must for chocolate lovers) and the ever-popular Berry Cheesecake. And it’s only B49 a scoop or B250 a quart. Their new creation is the Very Hot Pan-fried Cookie, a mountain of your favorite ice-cream served on an enormous, just-out-of-the-oven doughy cookie with choices of classic (B89), brownie (B99), choc-a-lot (chocolate lava, B119) and a generous amount of whipped cream on top.

U-Center Chulalongkorn University, Chulalongkorn Soi 42, Phayathai Rd., 087- 909-8080. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8pm.

Milk Solid Nitrogen

If you’ve ever had Dippin’ Dots (small icecream balls served in a cup), this ice cream of the future is even smoother. The laboratory-like shop uses liquid nitrogen to flash freeze their ice cream in just 30 seconds, so as to avoid any ice crystals forming in the texture. More than 50 flavors are available with milk and summer flavors like passion fruit being the most popular. B99 for small and B149 for medium.

2/F The Portico Langsuan, 081-810-1681. BTS Chidlom. Open daily noon-10pm

Tongue Fun Ice Cream

This may be a street-side stall, but don’t expect cups of coconut ice-cream. The gimmick here is to serve their ice cream in moh fai (hot pot). But the flavors, too, are out of the ordinary (B30): milk, seasonal fruits, beer and our favorite Red Bull vodka. This amazing local parlor made it to the giant mall terminal 21 as the other branch.

In front of Elvis Suki, Soi Yosse, Plubplachai Rd., 089-111-6836. Open daily 7-11pm

5/F Terminal21 Food Hall Pier21.Open daily 10am-10pm 

*BEST DESIGN* Bose OE2i
Quite a stunner, this designer pair is slimmer and lighter so you won’t look like you’ve got winter mufflers on. Besides its durability and reliability, enhanced TriPort acoustics and redesigned ear cup ports mean you never have to check if your ears are blocked. You can also interact with you iPhone via an inline remote and mic.
$269 from Bose@milleniawalk

*BEST SOUND* Philips SHB6017
If you find yourself getting frustrated at earphones that constantly slip off during exercise, you’ll love the Philips SHB6017. Sweat-proof and washable, these wireless babies fit comfortably and securely while providing 4.5 hours of bass thumping stereo sound—fuel for your workout.
$159 from Harvey Norman

*BEST VALUE* Plantronics Audio 478
If you Skype with friends often enough, you’ll understand the importance of noise canceling mics—low frequency noises and echoes just don’t make for a cozy conversation. Released barely a month ago, the Plantronics Audio 478 is portable and lightweight (264g), and comes with a built-in mic.
$79 from EpiCentre@ION Orchard

Jabra EXTREME2
Ever misheard your client (or worse, your boss) because of traffic noise? Equipped with NoiseBlackout™ 3.0, Jabra EXTREME2 blocks out unwanted background sounds so you get the crisp clarity you need. You can also connect to two different devices and at just 10g (it’s an in-ear model) you’ll barely notice it’s there.
$128 from Challenger

112 KATONG
Opened: December | Size: 282,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 150
112 Katong bids goodbye to the cobwebs of the old Katong Mall; trading it in for six levels of retail and lifestyle shops, including a lush landscaped garden on the roof. The heritage of the area is preserved in the architectural details of the mall: subtle Peranakan-inspired designs inscribed on its features and glass exterior.

What’s hot: First timers in the East include Max Brenner Chocolate Bar (#01-05) and Da Paolo Gastronomia (#B1-21), giving East-siders a new place to go gourmet; not forgetting Din Tai Fung’s (#01-04/#02-05) signature steamed dumplings at their first duplex store in Singapore. But that’s not all. Joining them with extended dining hours (till 3am on weekends!) are Baci Italian Café (#01-07), Toast Box (#01-03), Nando’s (#01-04) and T.G.I. Friday’s (#01-13).

What’s not: With the exception of Springfield (#01-30) and Charles & Keith (#01-22/23), fashionistas will be greatly disappointed at the lack of options.

How to get there: Free shuttle services from Paya Lebar MRT.

Rating:      

CHANGI CITY POINT
Opened: April | Size: 207,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 122
Located right next to Expo MRT station (yes, it really is that far away), this family-oriented mall features a landscaped rooftop garden, interactive art installations, outdoor amphitheater, playground and a tree-house trail for children. The mall is also home to VSA (Very Special Arts Singapore).

What’s hot: Fans of Esprit (#02-43/44), Lacoste (#02-38/39), Timberland (#02-46/47) and Nike (#02-31/34) rejoice. Their discount stores carrying past season collections are located here, typically offering 30-50 percent off. You can also get quality meats from upmarket butcher Mmmm (Meats, Marinates & Much More; #B1-23) and all-day breakfast at Eggs & Berries (#01-37/38).

What’s not: The only form of entertainment here is Timezone (#02-22/23), which targets kids.

How to get there: MRT to Expo.

Rating:       

JCUBE
Opened: April | Size: 204,000 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 110
Taking over from Jurong Entertainment Centre is JCube. Boasting the only IMAX theater out of the city, an Olympic-size ice skating rink (#03-11) cleverly named The Rink, and a cool exterior of six façade walls resembling an ice cube, this is by far the biggest mall out West.

What’s hot: Keep an eye out for Francfranc (#02-27), Japan’s renowned premium home furnishing brand, set to open its doors this month (the flagship opens at VivoCity in June). Also new to the city is Eat at Taipei (#03-03/18), which specializes in (yep) Taiwanese delights. And late night dining (till midnight) is available at desserts joint Pique Nique (#01-08) and Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant (#01-17).

What’s not: Clearly, fashion isn’t their strong suit; with none of the high street labels or even indie boutiques available here.

How to get there: MRT to Jurong East.

Rating:     

ROCHESTER MALL
Opened: February | Size: 99,997 sq. ft. | Number of stores: 30
This is no hokey suburban mall. A fresh white space in lush green surrounds, everything from the colorful rubbish bins (designed by Italian firm Metalco) and wall hangings by Lasalle students to the integration of a black and white bungalow (housing Starbucks and Italian restaurant, Pasta al Salvatore) has been tastefully done.

What’s hot: Already bustling is Pies & Coffee (#01-02), with some 18 savory and sweet pies—including duck confit, savory ricotta and peach. East Coast dessert institution Obolo Galeria (#01-08) is here, too. To work off the treats, try Celebrity Fitness (#02-01/07). The first Singapore branch of the international gym chain, which looks not unlike a Beverly Hills nightclub, features unusual classes like Floating Yoga, done using a hammock.

What’s not: Hard to grumble really, though all the tenants are pretty upmarket. A little more variety would be nice.

How to get there: MRT to Buona Vista.

Rating:     

Zouk Member Card
Perks include: Free entry for you and one guest to Zouk, Phuture, Velvet Underground-Dance and Members’ Bar.
How to get one: By invitation only, although, if you’re spotted often enough on the dancefloors, the management team might just give you one.
Must-have factor: Zouk is one of the top five clubs in the world, nuff said.

The Butter Factory “Buttered for Life” VIP Card
Perks include: Free entry to all rooms and access to VIP areas with up to three guests.
How to get one: Put down a cool $2,500. Renewal depends on whether you actually use it.
Must-have factor: Members also enjoy privileges at popular overseas clubs such as Seoul’s Club Ellui, Bangkok’s Bed Supperclub and Jakarta’s Equinox, although you only get up to 10 percent off drinks—bummer.

St. James Membership Card
Perks include: Special drink promotions and free entry for the member and up to seven guests at all their clubs including Powerhouse, Movida and Dragonfly.
How to get one: Hand over $388 and you’re in (for a year).
Must-have factor: How’s “a single card with access to seven different clubs” for good reason?

Filter Membership Card
Perks include: Free entry for you and a guest list of up to 15 guests.
How to get one: By invitation only. But again, like Zouk, frequent the joint often enough and you’re likely to get one.
Must-have factor: VIP access to top overseas night spots like Hong Kong’s Prive and Bali’s H’uu Bar; priority dining reservations and preferred rates at exclusive hotels overseas. Now we’re talking.

Rising stars David Choi, Jason Chen and Singaporean Clarence Liew will be at The YouTube Stars Concert on May 5.

Somebody's gonna get hurt (or be in painful stitches, at least) at the Russell Peters: Notorious World Tour 2012 Singapore from May 5-6.

The Morrissey Greatest Hits Tour Live concert in Singapore is set to be the most heated stage event this month. May 8. Check out our interview with Mad Morrissey himself.

Not everything about Kelis has to do with milkshakes and you'll find out why at her May 12 gig at Avalon.

One of the fashion events we're looking forward to the most is the Audi Fashion Festival (May 16-20), which features the likes of Thierry Mugler and Zac Posen this year.

The über hip party people have struck again, with an exciting lineup of musical and art-bent DJs at  Midnight Shift x Zouk: Now is Found (May 18).

See how a group of artists translates the Asian middle class population's obsession with luxury shopping into masterpieces at the Buy Bye exhibition (through May 20).

Anyone whose live revolves around whisky (either professionally or as a favorite poison) will haev an enjoyable time at Whisky Live Singapore 2012 (May 21), a sampling showcase that's now in its third year.

50 local and international artistes will be at Music Matters Live! 2012 (May 24-26), which is the performance segment of a giant music conference.

The Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball has been expanded to three shows (May 28-29, 31) so the pop queen can fit all her Monsters into one visit.