Artisan Cellars
#B1-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6838-0373. Mon-Sat 11:30am-8pm
Best for: Those who are seriously into the bubbly. They’ve got a list of about 100 different varieties on offer, with an emphasis on boutique grower champers. Their focus on Old World French classics from Burgundy, especially reds, is also impressive.
Number of labels carried: About 200
Price range: $50-10,000
Quick picks: Schloss Lieser, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2009 ($60), Dosnon & Lepage Cuvee Alliae NV ($145), Jacques Selosse Brut Initial Grand Cru NV ($213)

Culina
#01-13 Blk. 8 Dempsey Hill, Dempsey Rd., 6474-7338. Mon- Thu 10am–9pm, Fri-Sun 9am–9pm
Best for: If you’re a novice wine drinker, the range of offerings from well established wineries from Australia, Spain, Italy and USA, many of which are familyowned, aren’t the least bit intimidating.
Number of labels carried: About 300
Price range: $23-3,100
Quick picks: Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($38), Torbreck Bothie 2010 ($42), Torres Mas La Plana 2005 ($89)
 

Booze Wine Shop
111 Jalan Besar, 6294-7500. Mon-Fri 10am–7pm
Best for: The countries that their wine selection is from reads like a World Cup line-up. Aside from Old World favorites from France and Italy, they also have Spain, Portugal, Germany and Chile covered.
Number of labels carried: 1,624, to be exact
Price range: $23-3,100
Quick picks: Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 ($170), William Fevre Chablis 'Vaudesir' 2008 ($140)

Crystal Wines
#01-02/03 Valley Point, 491 River Valley Rd., 6737-3540. Mon– Sat 11am-8pm
Best for: If you don't have a strong allegiance to Old or New World wines, the range of primarily French, Italian and Australian offerings here will suit you nicely. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate their list of Sauternes.
Number of labels carried: Roughly 600
Price range: $23-3,500
Quick picks: Pecavvi No Regrets Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 ($45), Rieussec 2007 ($84), Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé ($135)

Vinum Fine Wines
#03-20/21, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6735-3700. Mon-Sat 10:30am–7:30pm
Best for: Francophiles who positively love classics from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhône. Their cellar is heavily French-based (almost 90 percent).
Number of labels carried: 2,000 (give or take a little).
Price range: $31-28,800 (yes, you saw that right)
Quick picks: 2000 Oremus, Aszú 6 Puttonyos Tokaji ($108), Rossignol Trapet, Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru 2008 ($125), Bruno Paillard, Blanc de Blancs 1996 ($158)

The Oaks Cellars
#B2-03/04 Great World City, 6835-3511. Daily 10am–9pm
Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds. The wine list here is balanced between popular Old World wines from France and New World champion, Australia. You'll also see bottles from New Zealand and USA.
Number of labels carried: More than 1,000
Price range: $29-15,000
Quick picks: Gipsie Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($52), Salomon Estate Finniss River Cabernet Merlot 2005 ($65)

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Sommelier Recommendations
Where to Buy
Tasting for Dummies
Organic Wines: Old Methods in New Bottles

Even without a tasting class, there’s a lot you can learn by just following the four S’s of tasting: See, Swirl, Smell and Sip. Try to sample more than one wine at a time. Tasting by comparison can be quite telling.

See
Wine experts say you need good daylight and a white surface to assess wine. (The perfect excuse to drink in the day!) Tip your glass about 45 degrees, and examine the color. What to look for: Clarity—is it clear or cloudy? A cloudy wine could be faulty, or in some cases, merely indicative of an organic wine. Intensity—is the color pale or dark? For example, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is usually much paler than a French Chardonnay. Color—is your white wine straw-like in color? Gold? Tints of green can indicate a young wine. Unlike white wine, red wine gets paler with age, starting out dark purple and moving from ruby through to tawny.

Swirl
Swirling brings the wine into contact with air, releasing its aromatic compounds. It’s a good idea to do this immediately before you sniff. Only fill the wine glass a third of the way or be wary of spills. What to look for: See how the wine drips down the inside of the glass in rivulets? These are called the legs or the tears. Are they thin or fat? Do they fall slowly or quickly? These signs indicate the sugar and/or alcohol levels in the wine. The fatter and slower the legs, the higher the levels and the fuller the body of the wine once it’s in your mouth.

Smell
What to look for: Don’t be disheartened if the experts say “butterscotch” and “freshlycut grass” and all you come up with is “yummy.” It gets easier with practice. If you’re having a hard time pinpointing what you’re smelling, start with categories. Does it smell flowery? Fruity? Spicy? Which flowers, which fruits, which spices?

Sip
And finally, the best bit. You drink. A good wine should confirm on the tongue what you have already smelled. Suck in a bit of air with your mouth half-full of wine, which will whoosh the aromatic compounds to the nasal passage in the back of your mouth. Swoosh the wine around so it touches all parts of your tongue. It may seem counterintuitive to spit out the wine instead of swallowing it, but trust us, you’ll need your wits about you, especially if you’re at a tasting. What to look for: Acidity—a good wine needs some to make it taste fresh and balance the fruitiness. Sweetness—is it sweet or is it dry? Use the tip of your tongue for this. Tannins— an astringent quality, like you’ve just drunk super strong tea, in moderate amounts are essential for balance in red wines. Finish—how long does the taste stay in your mouth? A good wine will last (as should a good lover).

More

Sommelier Recommendations
Where to Buy
Tasting for Dummies
Organic Wines: Old Methods in New Bottles

No matter what the occasion, whether you’re a full-fledged, out and proud oenophile or a newbie to the grape juicedrinking game, there’s a wine for you. We rounded up a panel of trusted sommeliers for their recommendations in real-life situations, give you the lowdown on local wine retailers, and delve into the world of organic wines.

Sommelier Recommendations: The Panel

Darius Allyn
Master Sommelier

Matthew Baker
Chef and sommelier

Dario Buonavoglia
Chief sommelier, Ku Dé Ta

Maximilen Fedkiw
Co-owner and sommelier, Le Bistrot du Sommelier

Daisuke Kawai
Sommelier, Les Amis

You’ve just been given that promotion you’ve been working your ass off for, or finally gotten rid of that dead-beat husband of yours. It’s time to celebrate.
MB Nothing says celebration like Champagne. Billecart-Salmon Rosé NV is my favorite non-vintage Rosé as it’s nice and crisp, without too much bite and subtle notes that come through. Alternatively, a bottle of 96 Dom Pérignon should do the trick. Not because all the rappers drink it, but because it’s a big, symbolic Champagne. And well, that’s just how I roll.

DB Try a good Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Sit with a very good friend or your partner and enjoy very, very slowly.

DK If it’s a big promotion, a big name like Jacques Selosse Substance Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV is a good choice. It’s rich on the palate, with a fresh, soft flavor and with almonds, peaches and apricots on the nose. I imagine if love had a flavor, this would be it. It’s like real love in your mouth. If it’s a small promotion, reach for Vouette et Sorbeé Blanc Fidéle Extra Brut NV. Like the Jacques, it’s also very soft with earthy flavors of mushrooms, yet is very refreshing with a pleasing natural sweetness. The style is similar, but of course, the price is much lower.

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon and you’re hanging out with some mates who don't know anything about wine.
MB Californian Cabernet Sauvignons are good middle-of-the-road wines that please most. Stags’ Leap’s is a fruit-forward wine that’ll serve as a good introduction to wine. It’s not overly oaky, with big ripe fruit that comes through on the palate.

DB If someone’s a cocktail-drinker, a good approach is to try Sauvignon Blanc from NZ, think fresh and crisp with lovely aromas such as tropical fruits. If they’re beer drinkers, just go for the cheapest wine available. It’s going to take them a while to warm up to wine.

MF You can play it safe with Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis or crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Central Otago. A 2010 Mt Difficulty would work well.

You’ve been invited to a poolside barbie by an acquaintance and don’t want to rock up emptyhanded.
DA Think ripe and balanced flavors, so go with American Zinfandels (Seghesio or Outpost), Australian Shiraz (Mount Langi or Rockford) or Grenache (Clarendon Hills or Torbreck). All are all safe bets with BBQ flavors, whether it’s chicken or red meats.

DB A very nice sparkling Shiraz from Australia should do, such as Charles Melton from Barossa. Enjoy this plummy and peppery wine slightly chilled. It goes well with barbeque sauce and smoky flavors.

MF If you think you have a crowd that’s receptive and you want to treat them, create an impression with taste. There are some smooth, full-bodied Rhône Valley wines that are both decently priced and approachable. For reds, try a Rhône Valley Syrah or Grenache. They’re usually not too tannic, with a beautiful fruit flavor and quite flexible with a lot of different food. It can even take spicy food.

DK Try a light Bordeaux such as Château Pibran from Pauillac. For great value, there are some nice reds from Spain such as Palacios Remondo Propiedad Rioja Tinto. Not only is it reasonable, it’s very good value for the price. It’s quite a fullbodied wine that still has silky tannins with some cassis and blackberry notes.

It’s the all-important third date, and you’re looking to impress the pants off them.
DA Probably hard to argue against a great small producer Champagne—at least to start. Egly-Ouriet, Pierre Peters, and Jacques Selosse are a few terrific examples. Get a better idea of what your date likes and what would be the best choice according to their and your taste. That way you can get something that you could both enjoy—that’s the key to a great date, right?

MB Definitely a Californian Zinfandel such as Ridge’s. Expect an easy-to-drink wine that’s packed full of jammy fruit flavors and decent acidity. More importantly, it’s got one of the highest alcohol percentages, usually 16-17 percent. (Nudge-nudge, wink-wink, say no more.)

DB I’d suggest Jacques Selosse Version Originale NV. This is a good Chardonnay with bubbles, like a white Burgundy, that’s opulent and full-bodied. It’s got maximum ripeness and yet has preserved great acidity, with minerality. At the same time, it’s also respectful of nature and fully biodynamic. You should drink it out of a Burgundy glass to fully enjoy all it has to offer.

MF I drink Delamotte Brut NV with a lot of pleasure and it’s good for almost any occasion. This one will give you good sensations.

You’re hosting a cheese and wine do for a few close friends.
DA Depends on the friend. If they are “wine geeks”, then usually something more unusual like Portuguese, Greek, or Uruguay wines. If not, then I would bring something from the same country and specific region as the cheese served, and with a little age.

DB Mature cheeses like Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano do well with Grenache, which has tannin to balance the flavor of the cheese. A classic with blue cheeses is a sweet-style wine. Try a Pinot Gris from Alsace which has a bit of structure and enough residual sugar to be a good match.

DK Camembert and brie go best with white wine, such as a New World Chardonnay. Strong blue cheeses such as gorgonzola pair well with sweet wines like Sauternes and Tokaji. Something like manchego, depending on how aged it is (which dictates how intense the flavor is), needs a medium- to full-bodied red wine. It being Spanish is entirely optional.

More

Sommelier Recommendations
Where to Buy
Tasting for Dummies
Organic Wines: Old Methods in New Bottles

With its grand opening on April 25, Seenspace is the latest addition to the growing community mall pantheon around Thong Lor and Ekkamai. Still the sentiment you’ll get here is more akin to Aree Garden (Aree Samphan Soi 13), only with more floors, more space and more choices.

As previously covered by BK, this is a mall with plenty to eat, from the Korean recipe fried chicken of BonChon up on the second floor to the fresh coffee and new American dining experience of Roast Coffee & Eatery (F2-3). Fans of Japanese cuisine can try the DIY BBQ at Gyu Gyu Tei O-Jung (F2-5) or Ramen Planet Mutsumiya (F2-2), for a bowl of soup noodles. The only place currently serving Thai is Tiao Na Klang (F3-4), with its Thai-French style noodles with rib eye, sirloin, and kurobuta pork steak. Elsewhere drinkers can look to Wine Me Up (F3-1) and Ash Sutton’s third nighttime hangout, Clouds (F1-16), for their snifter of choice.

For those born to shop Apostrophe’s on the first floor is possibly the prettiest shop in the mall, offering handmade home decor and simple but cute stationery. Dear (F1-4) is where to head for brand name handbags while fashion hungry shoppers are served by Monlada (F1-7/8), The Era (F1-9), Chic Boutique (F1-3), and Siam Square favorite Dancing Riot (F1-6). For beauty services, there’s a hair salon, ZAP (F3-2), Vincenzo, a hiso nail salon, and another branch of Pruksa Clinic (F3-5).

251/5 Thong Lor Soi 13, 02-185-2728/9. www.seenspace.com

Zillions of bunny- and egg-shaped products can only mean one thing: Easter’s back. While the appeal of crawling around our backyard in search of Easter eggs has long since passed, there’s still something about the humble egg. We pay homage to this understated ingredient and list our favorite egg dishes of the moment.

Beef Tartare at Table 66 ($18)
We’d say that the highlight of chef Vincent Teng’s version of beef tartare is the firm but still creamy semi-solid egg yolk that’s been marinated in miso and truffle, then sousvide. A light wasabi mayonnaise dressing on the side adds a nice finishing touch.
66 Tras St., 6225-6690.

Black Palm Island Salt Macaron at Jewels Artisan Chocolate ($2)
We truly adore macarons (one “O,” not two) and these gems by chocolatier Then Chui Foong are exemplary. Nestled between two perfectly light yet chewy egg white meringue shells is an almond cream filling and salted egg yolk, which, together with the sprinkle of black palm island salt on top, brings a balanced harmony of sweet and savory.
#02-31/32 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-8998.

Fried Egg White at Restaurant Ten ($5)
There’s much to be said for simplicity and skilful execution, and this is a great example. Fried egg white lounges in a crunchy potato nest, topped with crisp dried scallop strands, while just a touch of apple cider vinegar provides the subtlest hint of fruity sweetness. 7 Purvis St., 6333-9901.

‘Glass’ Sydney Crab Omelet at Salt Grill ($29)
Strips of fresh crab meat are concealed in a fluffy omelet, which sits comfortably in a sea of white miso and mustard broth. Mint, basil, chili, enoki mushrooms and sesame seeds provide a symphony of textures and round out the flavors of the dish.
55/F ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6592-5118.

Humpty Dumpty & Vegemite Soldiers at The Plain ($5)
We all know the classic Singaporean breakfast: Kaya toast and softboiled eggs. Well, consider this the Aussie version. There is a certain satisfaction to be had from dunking Vegemite-smeared sticks of toast into deliciously runny yolks. Mmm... 
50 Craig Rd., 6225-4387.

Only released in March, but already the company’s fastest selling console of all time, the Nintendo 3DS breaks new ground and gives the competition a real run for its money.

Pros:
• The new and improved Nintendo console for gamers on-the-move includes more powerful graphics, an analogue control stick (the industry standard for console gaming that the original DS sorely lacked), multiple cameras and gyroscopic wizardry.
• The big one: 3D effects, without the need for annoying 3D glasses. Those effects certainly live up to all the hype and, at least until the technology becomes commonplace, will have friends and onlookers cozying up to you just for a peek.
• Likely to be well supported by game developers, due to the success of the original.
• A number of great games, including Pilotwings, Street Fighter and Ridge Racer are already available. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a re-make of the legendary N64 title, is the big release on the not-too-distant horizon.

Cons:
• The novelty of the 3DS’ cool surround vision may soon wear off. Remember how the best thing about the original DS was the revolutionary second (touch) screen? Neither do we.
• The launch lineup of games isn’t exactly something to shout home about. It’s probably worth waiting a couple of months for Zelda, Mario et al to join the party.
• Competition is hotting up. Sony’s replacement for the PSP (codename “NGP”) will probably be released later this year, and the “Playstation Phone” (officially named “Xperia Play”) is also due out soon.

Verdict:
The 3DS is an easy choice for anyone who liked the DS—it’s a capable portable console with a great hook and is well-placed to build on the reputation of its predecessor. That said, we’d suggest waiting for some stronger games and, potentially, a better bundle deal (although don’t hold your breath for a price drop).

$399 from Best Denki, #04-05/10 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd., 6509-3122.

The buzz: It’s their first freestanding store in Singapore. What’s not to love about that?

The vibe: The space oozes sophistication with its smooth limestone floors and stainless steel fixtures complemented by clean lacquered surfaces. Illuminated semi-transparent glass fins on the walls add an interesting touch. A custom-made dropped ceiling panel takes center stage in the main area of the store which is bathed in cream colors with a classy splash of metallic. Sleek, you might say.

The goods: Feast your eyes on the complete collection from the designer’s bridge line. Items range from shoes and bags including tote bags, clutches, briefcases and travel luggage, to watches, jewelry, eyewear and fragrances for both men and women. Worthy of special mention are their handbags made from ostrich and calf-skin leather.

Why you’ll be back: Minimalism is always in style and no one does it better than Calvin Klein.

#01-204/205 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6304-3561. Open daily 11am-9pm.

The buzz: Ralph Gracie—the legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) champion—was just in town for a 3-hour seminar during the launch of this new Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym. This being the only official Ralph Gracie-associated BJJ school here, it’s the ideal place to go to pick up some kick-ass skills.

The vibe: Located out in Turf City, students are able to focus their minds entirely on their martial art craft away from the din of the city (the only possible distraction being horses from the Gallop Stable nearby).

The goods: Currently, only BJJ classes, taught by professional BJJ instructors, are available. Training programs catering to different needs include the Beginner, Intermediate and No-Gi (Submission Grappling), as well as classes for kids and teens. It’s $280 per month for all levels with unlimited usage.

Why you’ll be back: Because you want to be the perfect fighting machine. With lessons conducted in a small-group setting, every detail of your performance is supervised and mistakes can be corrected immediately by the BJJ experts.

100 Turf Club Rd., House J & S, 6468-8978. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:30pm; Sat 11:30am-5:30pm.