Vaccuum Pump

B240 from Emporium Wine Cellar

Wines that stay opened, even with the cork shoved back in and stuck in the fridge, rapidly deteriorate and lose their flavor in a day or two. That’s where this handy (and cheap!) gadget comes in. Stick one of the rubber corks into the bottle, fit the pump over it and pump away until it feels nice and tight. Now your opened bottle may last up to a week without compromising too much of its initial flavor.

Thermometer

B1,850 from Emporium

Most red wines that suggest serving at room temperature mean European room temperature, not mid-April Bangkok room temperature. Even white wine, which you should serve a great deal cooler than red, won’t reveal as much of its aroma and flavor if it’s too cold. Following the suggested temperature of individual wines greatly enhances your enjoyment, and this very sexy thermometer will also make you look super knowledgeable.

Aerator

B480 from Wine Connection

This cute, funnel-like, rustic aerator goes over your glass or a decanter before you pour in the wine. The many holes increase the surface area of the wine that comes into contact with the air, thus speeding up the breathing process. Many wines will need a bit more breathing than this supplies, but it should work nicely with full-bodied red grapes that are meant to be drunk immediately. Don’t try this with decades-old, super delicate wines, though.

Carafe

B1,600 from Wine Loft

You’ve seen these at Italian restaurants. Carafes are a nice, slick way of serving your wine, particularly if the color is especially beautiful (or if you bought a super cheapo bottle and don’t want anyone seeing the label). Incidentally, the process of pouring your wine out of a bottle and into the carafe will air it out a bit, too.

Decanter

B900 from Wine Connection

If you need some more intensive breathing action for your wine, opt for a wide-bottomed decanter instead of a carafe, especially if the wine you’re drinking has some sediment. The wide base will not only collect the sediment and let it settle to the bottom and not into your wine glass, it will expose more of the wine to the air. Do let the wine sit for about 15 minutes after decanting it to allow everything to settle, though.

Decanting Pourer

B3,990 from Emporium

This is probably only appropriate for when you’re having a party and want to look extra clever. But what it does is avoid that dribble at the end of your pour (that a waiter would stop with a twist of his wrist and a wipe of the towel). And this fancy one from Menu has an in-built mini-aerator, too!

Foil Cutter

B290 from Emporium Wine Cellar

Seems simple enough to peel off the tough foil casing that covers your wine bottle’s cork, especially with that little toenail-shaped blade at the end of your wine opener. And yet many a finger has been disfigured trying to hack through to the cork. Use this instead

Champagne Stopper

B1,180 from Emporium

Your stoppers and wine pumps won’t work on the slightly different bottle neck and higher pressure of Champagne bottles, so if you are bubbles fan then invest in this little gizmo. It won’t prevent oxidization, but it will stop your Champagne from going flat if you’re planning to nurse it over all afternoon.

6-Bottle Wine Rack

B390 from Index Living Mall

Your wine bottles should be stored horizontally, not vertically. If you’re not ready to invest in one of those fancy wine fridges that keeps them at the correct temperature and humidity, make the first step with this cheap, efficient wine rack that stacks nicely to save you space. Just keep it away from direct sunlight and changing temperatures.

Wine Glass

B269 from Index Living Mall

If you’re not experienced enough yet to have a different-shaped glass for every type of wine out there, you should still avoid silly cut glass ones. Stemless ones may be very chic but holding the bowl warms up the wine faster than normal. If you’re too poor for Riedel, get a dozen of these simple, generic tulip-shaped glasses from Rona.

How to Care for Your Wine Glasses

1. Do not wash your glasses with detergent or special glass cleaner. Use only warm water.
2. Drain them on a towel, away from your other dishes.
3. The idea is to keep the glass as clear and shiny as possible, for accurate appraisal of the wine. Don’t use normal kitchen paper towels to dry them as this will lead to scratches. Try micro-fiber towels.
4. If you want to be super fancy, hold your glasses over some steam (from a boiling kettle, maybe). It’ll add an extra shine.

Essentials

Emporium Wine Cellar 5/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-269-1000
Index Living Mall 2/F, 78/1 Sukhumvit Soi 63 (corner of Soi 6), 02-714-8300
Wine Connection G/F, Sivadon Building, Soi Convent, Silom Rd., 02-234-0388
Wine Loft Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-260-0027

Get your portrait done by local artists.

Head down to the F1 Pit Building for one of Singapore’s biggest parties of the year—City Alive!

Why give a dozen roses for V-Day when you can surprise that special someone with more than 200 types of flowers?

Load up on some Korean art at ION Art.

Pamper yourself at Dr. Georgia Lee’s new spa.

Take a chill pill at one of these bars with great gardens.

Cure that bout of singlehood at one of these V-Day parties.

Groove to hard-hitting bass and dub at Home Club.

Finally fulfill that New Year resolution about keeping fit by signing up at Pure Fitness.

Catch one of the most talked about movies this year.

1. DULY Sport Shirt, B4,450.

2. Earphone, Skullcandy: Smokin’Bud, Paul Frank. B1,290, Loft.

3. Lantern, B250, Zeen Zone.

4. Hot water bag, B295, Zeen Zone.

5. USB drive, B590. Zeen Zone.

Essentials.

DULY. 3800 Rama IV, 02-672-2891.
Loft. 4-5/F, Siam Discovery, 02-658-0320.
Zeen Zone. 7/F, Central Chidlom, 02-793-7777.

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Celebrate Singles Awareness Day (SAD). Head to Q Bar for Find your Valentine (or not).

Get dirty in a movie theater. Bangkok’s movie theaters can be dodgy for one of two reasons. Type A offers legit double-bills for B70 but no one is watching the movies. They’re gay cruising zones or just dark places for couples who can’t afford a motel. Is your seat sticky? It’s not a spilled soft drink. Try Phaholyothin Theater opposite Big C, at BTS Saphan Kwai. Type B is a more straight forward porn movie theater, like the Laem Thong Rama on Rama IV Rd. An all-day screening of up to five movies will set you back B50.

Find the love of your life. If you’re actually not that happy alone, do something about it. Matchmakers will usually interview you and then set up dates with people they think are a good match. Try these:
- MeetNLunch. 02-652-0044, www.meetnlunch.com. Rates: B5,000 for a single date, B12,000 for 3, and B27,000 for 7 dates.
- Bangkok Matching. 083-687-9343, www.bangkokmatching.com. Rates: B5,999-B9,999 for a single date, B52,000-B77,000 for 1-year of unlimited dates.
- ILikeDate. 02-711-6860, www.ilikedate.com. Rates: B7,000 for 3 dates, B12,000 for 1 year of unlimited dates, B25,000 for a lifetime VIP membership.

Unleash all that frustration. The Mingles Pub at Amari hotel (1880 New Petchburi Rd., 02-718-2000) lets you down a vodka shot before smashing the glass in a designated cubicle. B248/shot.

Egg couples. Ideally, you need rotten eggs, but fresh organic free-range ones—if that’s all you’ve got in the fridge—will do. Head to any of our recommended restaurants, wearing a ski mask, and simply pelt the couples with the eggs. You’ll feel better. They’ll have something to tell their grandchildren. Top tip: Wear running shoes.

Get plastered at home. How about a Yaowarat Toddy? A signature cocktail of Soul Food Mahanakorn (56/10 Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 085-904-2691), it’s pinkish red (to mark the occasion), pretty easy to make, strong and delicious. Restaurateur Jarrett Wrisley supplies the recipe:
* Chop about 1 tsp of fresh ginger, and muddle it (smash it, to release the juices) in the bottom of a highball (tall) glass.
* Add 5cl of white rum, preferably Havana Club.
* Add 2cl of Monin raspberry syrup (available at Villa Supermarket).
* Add 2cl of freshly squeezed lime juice (or, the juice of 1/2 a good Thai lime).
* Add 3cl Cranberry Juice.Stir.
* Top with plenty of ice an and soda water.

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Go on a cruise. A romantic cruise down the Chao Phraya can be a good warm up for your special night. If you don’t happen to own a yacht, for B4,000, love birds can enjoy a 2-hour international buffet, live music, and a stunning view of the shining stars and temples. Try Chaophraya Cruise (02-541-5599. www.chaophrayacruise.com). But if the idea sounds better suited for your parents (it kind of is), just head to Lumpini Park (MRT Silom) instead. For B80/hour, you can hold hands and breathe in loads of slightly less polluted air as you pedal your little boat into the sunset.

Play it safe. If you’re not ready to raise a baby, then wrap it up. But if you’re bored with Durex, go for something with ticklers or some exotic flavor. Too shy? Try www.zeedcondom.com for discreet home delivery.

Sing your love. But don’t just head to any karaoke joint. R&B Karaoke has over 10 concept rooms to help you set the mood, with rates starting B300. Don’t forget to call 02-675-4224 and ask them for an all-night promotion. Karaoke not enough? Then we suggest you do it at Yes!! R&B (Arena 10, Thong Lor Soi 10, 02-675-4224) before heading down to the dance floor at Demo or Funky Villa. The place features over 16 themed rooms based on concepts like Prison Break or Dream Girls. B399++ each, inclusive of karaoke room and dinner buffet, 6-10pm.

Reach for the stars. If you’ve already done it in the pool, the stairwell, the car and on your desk, it’s time to go inter-galactic by doing it in the Star Wars room of short-time motel Banana State (55/1 Moo 6, Kanjanphisek Rd., Nonthaburi, 02-459-2121/-4.www.bananstate.com). It’s clean, it’s whacky and you can always ask for the Madonna or Marilyn rooms if Ewoks aren’t your idea of sexy.

Skate before sex. Ice skating is the ultimate romantic outing. Hold hands, pretend you’re in a romantic comedy set in New York, and cozy up together to fight the blistering cold.
- Blu-O. Nightclub vibe and lots of teens. B150/ hour or 180 from 9pm-midnight. 4/F, Esplanade, Ratchada Rd., 02-354-2138.
- The Rink. Small and surrounded by curious shoppers. B250/90 minutes. 1/F, Forum Zone, CentralWorld, 02-613-1480.
- Imperial World. Affordable but crummy ice. B150/session (3-4 hours). 5/F, 2539 Ladprao Rd., 02-934-9253.
- Imperial Samrong. Serious, olympic-sized, industrial and a little scary. B200/day. 02-756-8217.

Heat thing ups. If the same old sex routine’s getting too dull, heat up your bedroom temperature with some assistance from all the sexy goodies at The Hidden Closet at Mansion 7 (Ratchada Soi 14, 02-275-0057). We like the edible undies for him and her (B220 each) made from selections of flavored jelly—passion fruit, cherry, vanilla, and strawberry chocolate. But if you have a thing for sadism, get one of their paddles (B2,300), a handcuff (B950), and start the spanking exercise. Hot and steamy costumes, erotic sextivity games, and special condoms are also available to turn things on.

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Ensnare her senses. Don’t bore your sweetheart with the same old moves tonight in bed. After lighting the candles and slipping on her blindfold, soak your hands with aromatic oils and move themsensually over her body. You’ve got two left hands? Forget the blindfold, just draw a bath and mix in some Red Roses Bath Oil from Jo Malone (B3,000 at M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-7755).

Learn to give her a proper massage. Everyone knows about Wat Po, but did you know that you can also opt for a superspeed 2-day course at Hi Care Beauty&Spa and know how to allure her with an enchanting foot massage too. 15-hour course for B1,990. Call 084-001-8987 or go to www.hicarespa.com

Go All Wong Kar Wai. With Sunday brunches you can eat and drink all you want in a five-star atmosphere, without getting too nasty a surprise when you ask for the bill. The problem is that they’re not that sexy. Except at China House (Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000. www.mandarinoriental.com), where B1,600 (booze included) gets you great Chinese food, a private little alcove (make sure you ask for it when you book) and a passionate sensual décor of red and black lacquer.

Impress on a budget. Can’t afford Sirocco or Vertigo? We know of a dining spot on top of a hotel residence with spectacular 360 degree views and dishes that cost only B150-500. Top 10 ( 649/1-176 Asok Dindaeng Rd., 02-641-6060. www.top10bkk.com. If she’s a foodie, stick to our food editor’s recommendations on page 26.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. If a ring sounds too scary, we suggest you take a smaller step with this heart-shaped pendant from De Preco. They make an adorable18-karat white gold covered with dazzling round diamonds. Available in leading department stores, Try 2/F, Emporium, call 02-267-4619, or go to www.deprecodiamond.com.

Buy her the sweet scent of luv. Perfume isn’t any more groundbreaking than flowers—and fraught with so a lot more perils. Here are three tips for the odor-impaired. Dior Addict (B3,800) has sugary and spicy notes (we’ll let you picture the matching girls) with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, patchouli, cedar, jasmine and myrrh. If she’s more innocent and active, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (B3,580) is filled with flirty exotic notes, including Sicilian orange, bergamot, bourbon vanilla and white musk. But the most elegant is perhaps Chanel Beige (B5,000), a covertly alluring choice with a refined bouquet of freesia, frangipani and hawthorn, with the smallest drop of honey, only at Chanel Boutique.

Get her flowers. Clichéd? Yes. Will it make her happy? Definitely. Try Close To Nature (B/F, Chamchuri Square, 02-269-9992. www.close2nature.net), whose flowers come in fresh and unique designs, offering you also choices of cards, teddy bears, and includes a delivery service (starts from B550). But if you prefer a more traditional handover, check out the Valentine’s offer at www.misslily.com (starts from B1,500).

Cook for her. Need a recipe even a Neanderthal could make? Fear not, we spoke to Chef Aaron Adler, of small-plates bistro Serenade (Grass Thong Lor, 264 Soi Thong Lor, 02-713-8409. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; daily 5-11pm), and here’s his failsafe suggestion: a crabmeat and rocket salad.
* 250g of blue swimmer crab lump meat (easily found at any market)
* 75g mayonnaise (I prefer to make my own, but any American or European style mayonnaise is fine.)
* 1Tbsp Spanish capers
* 1Tbsp finely sliced celery
* 1tsp minced shallot
* 1Tbsp minced onion
* ½ Tbsp minced dill
* ½ Tbsp minced Italian parsley
* 1 squeeze of lemon
* A dash of red wine vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 50g rocket
* 2/3 tsp extra virgin olive oil
* A dash of salt and pepper

1. Mix gently in a bowl—being certain not to destroy the full, meaty texture of the crab while incorporating all of the ingredients and their flavors.
2. Place your rocket and olive oil in a separate bowl, add the dash of salt and pepper. Stir together gently and place on a chilled plate. Top the rocket salad you’ve just made with a healthy spoon of the crab, garnish and serve!
3. Now kiss the lady/gentleman that you love.

For 29 more dining ideas, Click HERE

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7 Ways to Make Him Happy

Give him a lap dance. Pole dancing is a great way to de-stress, get fit and seriously spice up your foreplay. A one-hour class is only B400 at Rumpuree Dance Studio (5/F, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 081-430-6684. BTS Chil Lom. www.rumpuree.com).

Show him you’re GGG. According to sexpert Dan Savage, we should strive to be “Good in bed, Giving equal time and equal pleasure, and Game for anything—within reason.” Nothing says GGG louder than getting him a Tenga; cans filled with mushy latex and goo that can simulate just about any human orifice— only wetter, tighter and with more tickly things inside. Your best best is www.tenga.co.th.

Take him for a shave. Every man dreams of getting a classic barber shop shave, but few ever splurge on this old-school indulgence. And just think of the smooth kissing session to follow. Try Blue Harbour (93, 2/F, K-Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-2901). Or the even more classic Barber Shop (left) at the P&L Club (Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd., 02-690-9999).

Show off. If he gets you lingerie for Valentine’s Day, he’s a douche. But if you get yourself lingerie for him to admire, then it’s more than OK. Try the Lingerie Salon (1/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000) or, for something more hi-so, go to Boudoir by Disaya Boutique 2/F, Beacon Zone, CentralWorld, 02-646-1455).

Then take it off. If you’re going to be wearing a sexy thong, please make sure there are no hairs poking out. Head to Reveal Wax Salon (Thonglor Soi 13, 02-712-8209. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-8:30pm. www.revealwaxsalon.com) for a wax job that can cover (or uncover, rather) any of your intimate parts. We highly recommend the “all off” Brazilian/Boyzilian (from B1,200) for a super smooth sensation.

Indulge the kid in him. Get your man an XBox 360: Kinect and he’ll love you for life (you may also see him a lot less). Although not officially sold here, you can try Pantip or www.nadzproject.com for the authentic Japanese version, B5,400-B5,900.

Get him a new ride. Let him pay for his own new car, but why not spoil him with a sexy new bike from Bike Zone (2/F, Outdoor Unlimited Zone, Amarin Plaza, 02-652-1559. BTS Chitlom). Apart from the fact that riding in the city’s so naew now, his legs will be so buff and sexy you won’t be able to keep your hands off him.

7 Ways to Make Her Happy

HAPPY TOGETHER

HAPPY ALONE

Valentine’s buyspy

BK Asks: What’s the dumbest thing  a guy has done to impress you?

BK Asks: What do you do when you like a boy/girl?

Feb 2011

Hadaka Matsuri at Saidai-Ji Temple, Okayama
Feb 18. Japan. Free admission. http://tiny.cc/fcxyx
Hadaka means naked, so you know what to expect from this festival. Nearly 10,000 Japanese men roam the streets in their traditional fundoshi underwear in search of the one fully naked man hidden among them. The one to find and touch the naked man will have good luck throughout the year. After a winner is declared, the mass moves to the Saidai-Ji Temple, where monks give blessings for good luck at midnight.

Jeju Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival
Feb 17-19. South Korea. Free admission. www.buriburi.go.kr
Not just a favorite resort island for Koreans, Jeju is a great place to enjoy age-old folk traditions. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people join in a fire ceremony, praying for good health and good harvest in the coming spring. There are a number of events you can participate in throughout the festival, the highlight of which is the setting fire to old grass on the hill. Everyone does this together, to banish harmful insects and bad luck, and to prepare the land for cultivation.

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Feb 19-Mar 6. Australia. Free admission.
www.mardigras.org.au
When the Asia Pacific gay headquarters organizes a festival, you can rest assured that it won’t be small. The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is the region’s largest and most famous LBGT festival. The 11th edition of this two-week long event is packed with highlights like parties on the beach and at poolsides, arts events, stage shows, a film festival organized by Queerscreen, a sports festival and, on Mar 5, a grand parade involving thousands of LGBT and non-LGBT folk dressed up in some outrageous costumes.

39th Hong Kong Arts Festival
Feb 17-Mar 27. HK$60-HK$1,380
www.hk.artsfestival.org
Thirty-nine days, 15 venues and more than 200 music, dance and theater performances make the 39th Hong Kong Arts Festival larger than ever before. Headliners include Tristan und Isolde performed by Germany’s Leipzig Opera, Britain’s Halle Orchestra and The Golden Lotus by the Beijing Dance Theatre.

Grape Harvest Festival
Feb 3-Mar 31. Thailand. 1,000 THB-4,800 THB (approx). www.thaiwineassociation.com
Picture yourself strolling through sunny vineyards with your sweetheart, lending a hand to the harvesters, topping things off with a glass—or a bottle—of wine and a good meal. Like what you see? Well it won’t take a trip to Bordeaux to make that happen. Thai wine producers in the Khao Yai region, a two to three-hour drive from Bangkok, have joined forces, offering month-long festivities to mark the harvest season. The grape picking is already underway, hitting PB Valley tomorrow (Feb 12) and then Village Farm (Feb 26), which will also host the Winter Music 2011 event on Mar 5. Or head south to the beach, also a couple of hours’ drive from Bangkok. There, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, home of Monsoon Valley, has grape picking going on from Feb 18-Mar 31, and a special wine harvest dinner on Mar 5.

Cricket World Cup
Feb 19-Apr 2. India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. INR 240-INR 7,500. www.cricketworldcup2011.co.in
The thwack of leather on willow can only mean one thing: Cricket. Held every four years, it doesn’t get any bigger than this, especially since the tournament is being held in cricket’s spiritual home, where fanatical crowds are as much of a spectacle as what takes place out on the crease. Fourteen teams will compete in a series of one-day matches over two months and across three countries.

Mar 2011

Japan Fashion Week
Mar 18-25. Tokyo. ¥1,000-¥2,000 (approx).
www.jfw.jp/en
For its 12th year, the fashion week of Asia’s hippest dressers features creations by 30 Japanese fashion entrepreneurs. Highlights include araisara, fur fur, Theatre Products, Yuki Torii and Somarta, famous for the extravagant bodysuits they created for Lady Gaga. And Japanese fashion is not all harajuku, so don’t expect every show to be full of avant-garde designs and manga. Pre-registration is required.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Mar 25-27. HK$1,250 for a three-day pass.
www.hksevens.com
No matter who you’re supporting—All Blacks, Springboks, Wallabies, Lions, or Dragons—this is one of the world’s premier rugby events and a great warm up to the World Cup in New Zealand in Sep. Get your crazy costumes ready now.

Jue Festival
Mar 12-Apr 3. Beijing, Shanghai. Tickets: Free-RMB180.
www.juefestival.com
China’s best arts and music festival returns with a cavalcade of independent film screenings, underground exhibitions and appearances from the likes of The Whitest Boy Alive.

Hong Kong International Film Festival
Mar 20-Apr 5. HK$40-HK$4,200 (approx). www.hkiff.org.hk
One of Asia’s oldest film festivals is fighting back against the influx of Korean films with an array of flicks, from indie films to multi-million dollar productions. While details have yet to be confirmed, we’re expecting the world premiere of Quattro Hong Kong 2, an omnibus project featuring short films by award-winning directors Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Brillante Mendoza, Ho Yuhang and Stanley Kwan.

Apr 2011

Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix
Apr 8-10. Kuala Lumpur. RM500-RM1,600. www.malaysiangp.com.my
Started in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit is Southeast Asia’s first F1 racing event. Book your seats early to catch world-famous racers from world-famous teams—including Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes—race round a 5.543km track.

Songkran Festival
Apr 13-15. Thailand. Free admission. www.songkran.net
Songkran, the week-long water war that rings in the Thai New Year, is definitely one of the things to do before you die. In Bangkok, the action is concentrated around Khaosan (more backpackers) and Silom (more locals) but Chiang Mai is where the insanity is at its peak, particularly along the Northern capital’s main canal. If you’ve seen it all, try Khon Kaen’s Khao Niaw road for a change. If you just can’t get enough, the action tends to travel east of Bangkok after Apr 15, towards Bang Saen and Pattaya. Finally—Muscle Marys take note—the gay dance party, gCircuit Songkran 5 is back, Apr 15-17. More info at www.gcircuit.com.

Taipei Flora Expo
Through Apr 25. Taiwan. One-day NT$150-300, three-day NT$600, unlimited entry NT$2,500. www.2010taipeiexpo.tw
A chance to walk through 25 million flowers and plants of every color, covering an area of more than 90 hectares in the city center. Highlights include the diagram garden from The Netherlands, a zen garden from Japan and a Buddhist garden from Thailand, as well as eco-gardens and cultural events. ■

Pata Negra
Named after the black toenails of the Iberian pig it comes from, pata negra is also known as Iberian ham, or jamon Iberico. The pigs are raised free-range on a diet of acorns and grain. The ham is cured with salt for a number of weeks, washed, and then aged for as long as 36 months.

Parma ham
You may not know this, but prosciutto is just a fancy, Italian word for ham. So Parma ham and prosciutto are the same thing, except it’s ham made under the designation of origin laws particular to the Parma region. For instance, the pigs there are sometimes fed leftover whey from Parmegianno Regianno cheese, giving the ham a nutty flavor.

Mortadella
What Americans call baloney and Italians call bologna, mortadella is a large, fat sausage that dates back to Roman times, the name possibly referring to the mortar used to grind the spices and meat together. You can recognize it from the large circumference of the slices as well as the widely-spaced squares of pork fat that stud the surface, taken usually from the pig’s neck.

Nduja
This Calabrian cured sausage is akin to the French andouille, and it’s made from all the trimmings of the pig, such as the head, belly, entrails, skin, and more, mixed in with spices and red peppers. Sounds gross, but the result is a smooth, spreadable sausage that goes great on bread.

Chorizo
What distinguishes the Spanish chorizo from other cured pork sausages is the use of sweet or spicy Spanish paprika, depending on the type of chorizo, and sometimes wine. Chorizo can also sometimes be smoked. Don’t confuse this with Mexican chorizo, which uses dried chili peppers and is fresh, not cured, so it needs to be cooked.

Find out where to find cold cut platters

Salami picante
This Calabrian pork sausage is essentially what Americans call pepperoni, though many European cultures have a word for dry, cured sausages. In France, for instance, they are called saucisson. A dry-cured, slightly fermented sausage, salami has a tangy flavor that other dried sausages lack. In the salami picante, additional pork fat, dried chillies and paprika are added. The most famous salami of the Calabria region is soppresata.

Coppa
Italian for “nape of the neck”, coppa is a dry-cured sausage that comes from the neck and shoulder of the pig. It’s similar to prosciutto, though ham technically comes from the butt and thigh of the pig.

Bresaola
Not to be confused with carpaccio, this is paper-thin sliced beef cured in a dry spice rub of salt and nutmeg, cloves or other spices, depending on the producer, and then air-dried. Unlike many other sausages, bresaola is very lean and has no visible white fat streaks or dots. Try it with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Salami Milano
Similar to its Calabrian counterpart, Milanese salami is very popular, due in part to its pleasant, slightly sweet flavor. You can recognize it from its fine grain appearance: the white spots of pork fat in the sliced sausage are small and well-distributed.

Where to find cold cut platters

LeVel33
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Blvd., 6834-3133.
The chef’s discretion charcuterie plate comes with assorted cold cuts available on the day, such as bresaola, coppa, Iberico lomo and saucisson, as well as parma ham and salami. They even have pork rillettes to pair with pickled vegetables and their own beer.

OSO Ristorante
46 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6327-8378.
They do a platter of Italian parma ham, bresaola and mortadella ($24), that’s served with cornichons (pickled baby gherkins). In addition, they also boast a selection of homemade cold cuts such as coppa, salami and speck.

Stellar at 1-Altitude
62/F One Raffles Place, OUB Centre, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410.
One of the best platters in town in our book. Their charcuterie taster ($48) has an array of items including Jamon Serrano, 20-month parma ham and chorizo, served with homemade pickles, quince compote and rustic bread. They also make their own Wagyu beef bresaola. Or try the rabbit rillettes ($18).

Wine Connection Deli & Bistro
#01-05/06 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6238-6878.
If you happen to be in the area and are looking for a nibble, order one of their platters ($18) and a bottle of vino to go with. While their plates run on the basic side of things, with parma ham, sliced beef and honey-baked ham, it’s a good deal that you can supplement with cheese (if you fancy some dairy).

The buzz: Celebrity skin doctor Georgia Lee’s new concept spa boasts the same kind of luxury as her aesthetics clinic TLC Lifestyle, which is located a mere stone’s throw away.

The vibe: There’s none of your elaborate, earthy décor that’s typical of spas here; the minimalist white space absorbs you the moment you step in. Dr. Lee is partial to pampering her clients so it’s only natural that there’s a relaxation lounge here, as well as a vanity corner for her guests to doll themselves up.

The goods: You’re spoiled for choice. Cleansing, polishing, whitening, rejuvenating and lifting treatment options abound for you to customize your facial experience with. There are also aromatherapy treatments for the body that use only organic essential oils, as well as body slimming and anti hair loss procedures. The only anti-ageing device missing is a time machine.

Why you’ll be back: Being treated like royalty (so long as it doesn’t involve being hounded by paparazzi) is a pretty addictive experience.

27 Lorong Liput, 6465-8880. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm.