Pronto

Siam Square Soi 2, 02-251-7448. www.prontodenim.com
Pronto retails three Japanese brands, Edwin (B3,500-8,000), Flat Head and Pure Blue Japan (both B8,000-11,000). You can also opt get Nudie Jeans from Sweden, or American brand PRPS that both use Japanese denim. They have a Denim Weekend sale, with a visit by the Flat Head owner, on Oct 30-31. (See BK+, page 22)

Out Cast

2/F, Room 204, Siam Square Soi 1, [email protected]
Perched on the second floor of a women’s wear shop, Out Cast retails a wide range of imported sneakers, printed t-shirts and jeans, including the Maru Q brand.

Denim Corner

A jeans outlet in Central Chidlom that offers authentic Evisu jeans. Prices are ranging from B8,900-13,900.

Working in a weekly magazine means you don’t always have the time to attend chi chi events. There are some I don’t really care for but there are others, like the Rebellious: Hoyu Professional Hair Show 2010 held at the marvelous Hotel Re!, that I regret missing. I heard the entire show was a fantastical phantasmagoria of colors, textures and costumes; almost like theater except the stars of the show were hairstyles. Want to emulate the “I am Female” look below? Track down hair designer Wina Zhang from Hair Fusion Salon (#01-108, Blk 824 Tampines St. 81, 6787-1675).

Staying in the office when I’d rather be out and about means I’m now 10kg heavier than I was in January. So when an invitation to try the Cool Sculpting by Zeltiq procedure—a new non-invasive way to reduce fat—came in the mail, I jumped at it. According to Dr. Yvonne Goh, the machine draws your targeted bulge up between two panels and intensely cools the area so that your fat cells are crystallized, eventually resulting in a 20 percent reduction of fat. But if you have a low threshold for pain, you may find it uncomfortable. The nozzle tugs and sucks on your targeted area and cools it to the point of freezing. It’s like being pinched by someone wearing gloves of dry ice. The discomfort does go away though. $1,500 is a lot for a single session but considering that most of their clients feel satisfied by the results after three to six weeks, I reckon it’s a small price to pay. Watch this space for progress on my muffin top. In the meantime, call Medical Aesthetics @ Cluny (#02-12 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Rd., 6462-2259) to book an appointment.

Like any good doctor, Dr. Goh advised me to maintain a healthy lifestyle to fully enjoy the effects of my sculpting session. A fun way to remain fit is by participating in the upcoming Salomon X-Trail Race Clinic on Oct 30, 7:30am at MacRitchie Reservoir, in preparation for the real run on Nov 14. Familiarize yourself with the scenic trails of the park and enjoy all the under-rated benefits of trail running like quick muscle recovery and unpolluted air. To register, email your name, IC number and contact details to [email protected] with “Salomon Race Clinic Race” as the subject. A $15 registration fee will be collected on site. For more information, log on to www.salomonx-trailrun.com.

The buzz: Direct from Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels, it’s the latest contender for best gym in town. And it’s certainly one heck of a billboard they have hanging outside the new Knightsbridge building.

The vibe: It looks luxurious, all 15,000 square feet of it. Stepping onto its parquet floors bathed in mood lighting is like sliding into a warm bath, especially if you’ve had to wrestle the merciless Orchard crowd to get here.

The facilities: It wouldn’t be a world class gym if it didn’t have state-of-the-art goods: In this case, the Life Fitness Signature Series line of equipment. There’s spacious areas for strength training, boxing and free weights, plus advanced cardio machines equipped with—wait for it—DVD entertainment systems and personal screens. You can even plug into your favorite cable channel. The first thing you see when you step in though, is the stylish kitchenette, complete with a fridge (help yourself to the soft drinks and water) and a coffee machine. The crème de la crème (for us at least) is the complimentary workout gear, toiletries and all the other stuff you usually have to carry around with you all day if you want to go to the gym after work.

Why you’ll be back: Because Coco Lee says you should. And because, on top of everything else, there are also 30 group exercise classes every week, including studio cycling, hip hop and Bodypump. There are also boot camp workouts.

3/F Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6100-3813. Open Mon-Sat 6am-midnight, Sun 8am-10pm.

Four Fixes For Fragrant Feet

1. Apply baby powder on your feet before putting your shoes on, and clean your feet thoroughly after taking your shoes off.
2. Blend a one-lid amount of mouth wash with 2-liters of warm water in a basin. Keep your feet in the basin for 20-30 minutes, before drying them thoroughly.
3. Vinegar also works. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into 2-liters of warm water, and then leave your feet in the tub for around 10-15 minutes or until the water gets cold. Don’t forget to dry your feet.
4. Make your life easy with the Odor Control Foot Spray from Scholl, B200, or the Super Deodorizing Foot Spray from Boots at B180.

ESSENTIALS

Mango Mojito. 1/F, Shoe Café, Paradise Park, Srinakarin Rd., 02-787-1641.
Greyhound. 2/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8664.
Clarks. 3/F, Eden,CentralWorld, Rachdamri Rd., 02-613-1332.
Miss Selfridge. 1/F, Atrium, CentralWorld, Rachdamri, 02-613-1703.
Cole Haan. 1/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777.

It’s always refreshing to get slapped in the face by numbers that shock. During a Save our Seafood Luncheon at Fairmont Singapore (80 Bras Basah Rd., 6339-7777), I was told that Singaporeans get through 100,000 tons of seafood a year. For a population of four million-ish, that works out to be roughly 25 kilos per head. Thanks to WWF Singapore (that’s World Wide Fund for Nature; no greasy, protein shake-guzzling, overgrown men with chicken legs were spotted) for the five course meal using only sustainable seafood, such as wild caught Australian coral trout and Sri Lankan mud crabs, as well as their handy seafood guides. Also in attendance was Aun Koh, aka Chubby Hubby, who even got up and gave a short speech about this important issue. If you feel passionately about the environment, or just want a good excuse to get all decked out in a penguin suit, these good folks are also throwing an exclusive charity dinner titled Saving our Seas 2010 on Nov 25 at Klapsons, The Boutique Hotel. To find out more, email [email protected].

In between chatting with charming chef Curtis Stone and garnering valuable information about my seafood, I managed to pop by Gaia Korean Restaurant (#03-10/12 Tower 1, Suntec City Mall, 3 Tamesek Boulevard, 6339-3313) for a quick but satisfying meal. The concept is simply home style Korean food. Many of the dishes are made from scratch by owner, Mrs. Oh. My picks are the lotus root slices braised in a sweet, sticky sauce (similar to the Shanghainese version but without the glutinous rice filling and osmanthus honey), a crisp-bottomed seafood pancake ($17) and marinated pork ribs ($15). Her ox bone soup ($16) is a milky-colored broth that’s been boiled for at least 24 hours and really speaks to my Cantonese roots.
 

Everyone’s got their go to drink when it comes to boozing. For some, it’s easy drinking wine and beer; while others, namely us, reach for something that much stronger to take the edge off. While we enjoy them all, we’re focusing on some of the hard stuff (only liquid goodness with a minimum alcohol by volume percentage of 20 percent need apply). Spirits aka liquors are produced by the distillation of fermented grain, fruits or vegetables. The process doesn’t sound terribly appealing but the end result certainly is. We break it down for you, one spirit at a time. (And before you say it, yes, we’ll get to whisk(e)y before too long.)

Gin
It’s not the most common drink in Asia but all the manly men know what this is. Hell, all of them drink it. This grain-based (usually wheat or rye) liquor is historically flavored with juniper berries. While there are various styles of gin, one of the most popular is London dry gin. Think Beefeater and Bombay Sapphire. If you’re looking to enjoy it simply, order yourself a gin and tonic. But the most world renowned gin cocktail is still the martini—just gin and dry vermouth for a stunner. Sure, there’s the eternal debate about olives versus lemon peels for garnish. Frankly, we’d go with the former, but don’t let us boss you around. And we certainly can’t forget the sexy spy who drinks a vodka-spiked rendition (never you mind that he’s entirely fictional).

Drop by Morton’s The Steakhouse (4/F Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Marina Square, 5 Raffles Ave., 6339-3740) for a taste of their legendary martinis.

Rum
Made from molasses or sugarcane juice, there’s light, golden and dark versions of this cask-aged spirit. We favor the fuller taste of dark rum, with a tinge of caramel to round out the flavor. Unlike gin and tequila, rum goes well with food. It’s no mere coincidence that this liquor is the essential ingredient in one of our all-time favorite drinks—the mojito. A good spot for them is Nueva Cuba (#01-03 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, 6535-0538). Try their signature Bulljito, which uses Mount Gay Eclipse rum and Red Bull, for that extra kick.

Tequila
Blame it on spring break if you will, but just the thought of this one gives us the shivers. Admittedly, that’s because we were downing quantity, not quality, back in the day. Let’s just say we knew Jose very well. Made with blue agave plants which need to be harvested manually, tequila is often aged in oak barrels to impart a woody flavor. We reckon the best way to learn more about it, is to drink it. For 100 percent blue agave tequilas, you simply must hit up Café Iguana Riverside Point (#01-03 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Rd., 6236-1275). Have it straight up if you’re feeling brave, or in one of their many margaritas.

Vodka
We’re not afraid to admit it. This is our poison of choice. In fact, we’ve been known to have nothing in the freezer but a bottle of Belvedere (Polish quadruple-distilled goodness, thank you very much). And yes, the Russians do a superb job of making some of the best in the world. We wouldn’t expect any less from vodka’s birthplace. We’re partial to Russian Standard Vodka’s Imperia, made from only the finest winter wheat. There’s something to be said for pure, unadulterated classics. So (wo)man up, and pour yourself a stiff one. Enjoy ice-cold as a shooter or on the rocks. If you’re in the mood for something a little less lethal, head to martini bar @mezza9 (Mezzanine Level, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10 Scotts Rd., 6738-1234) for a unique honey pandan martini (see recipe to right). Their 4b and tropical chocolate ones are fabulous, too.

Make your own
Honey Pandan Martini by mixologists Jamey Merkel and Vasantha Kumar
 

What you need: 
Main ingredients
• 45ml Russian Standard Imperia vodka
• 15ml Bols Triple Sec
• 20ml honey pandan syrup
• 1 lime, juiced
• Handful of ice
For honey pandan syrup
• 2 bunches of fresh pandan leaves
• 0.5kg honey
• 1.5l water

Method: 
To make honey pandan syrup
1. Cut pandan leaves into small pieces, add to water and bring to a boil.
2. Turn off, cover and allow to steep for one hour.
3. Strain, then reheat liquid, add honey and stir until dissolved. Adjust sweetness with additional honey if required.
4. Allow to cool completely. Store in glass containers and keep in fridge for a maximum of two weeks.
To make Honey Pandan Martini
1. Shake with ice and strain all ingredients into a chilled martini glass.
2. Garnish with pandan leaf.
 

Lanvin hits the spot with this handbag in calf-hair leather.

Price upon application from On Pedder (#02-12P/Q Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Rd., 6835-1307).

Flaunt your inner diva with this piece by Aigner.
$450 from Aigner (#01-07 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6738-4039).

Mulberry keep things minimal with this suede handbag. There’s just a hint of branding in the decorative clasp, otherwise it’s classy and discreet all the way. $1,170 from Mulberry (#01-01 Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6887-5100).

Black cut-work floral patterns adorn this sleek bag by Tous. Ladylike chic at its best. $1,179 from Her Glass Slipper (#02-26 Chevron House, 30 Raffles Place, 6438-0211).

Singapore’s not called a melting pot for nothing—people from all over the world feel right at home in our cosmopolitan city. We find out where they all like to hang, and recommend some easy ways for you to join in the fun.

Japan

The Community: Made up in no small way of extremely wealthy businessmen and their families, the Japanese community can be found at the Singapore Japanese Association (120 Adam Rd., 6591-8136), which organizes large scale events such as the Summer Festival, or at the Japanese School (11 Upper Changi Rd. North, 6542-9600), where these events are often held.

Eat the food: For one of the best bowls of tonkotsu ramen (a signature Japanese noodle dish with a milky pork-based broth) in Singapore, try the one at Tampopo (#01-23/24 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Rd., 6338-3186) which is best enjoyed with slices of their signature black pig and the quintessential tamago (hard boiled egg). Another way you can enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine is by visiting a kaiseki restaurant like Goto Restaurant (14 Ann Siang Rd., 6438-1553), where multiple courses of sashimi, grilled seafood, marinated vegetables and seasonal soups are served during lunch and dinner. Relishing the idea of cooking your own kaiseki dinner? Stock up on all your essential, imported ingredients at Meidi-Ya Supermarket (#B1-50 Liang Court Shopping Centre, 6339-1111) or Isetan Scotts (#01-00 Shaw House, 6733-1111).

Get your fix: If you want to hang out with like-minded otakus, hop on board the bizarre but undeniably fun cosplay bandwagon, and check into the Singapore Cosplay Club (Bukit Merah Lane 1, 9329-5127, www.sgcosplayclub.org), which organizes and participates in events such as the Asia Cosplay Meet, or witness actual cosplaying at the upcoming Anime Festival Asia (Nov 13-14, 10am, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Ctr., Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6337-2888). The Japanese are also known for their design acumen so if dressing up’s not your thing, don a masterpiece from Y-3 (#01-05 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6838-0292.), the monobrand store that combines Adidas sportswear with the craftsmanship of renowned designer Yohji Yamamoto.

Middle East

The community: Largely Muslim, the Arab community first came to Singapore in the form of wealthy entrepreneurs involved in the textiles trade. You can still see many of the descendants of these Arab merchants in Kampong Glam and more recent immigrants from the Middle East.

Eat the food: At places like Café le Caire (39 Arab St., 6292-0979), you can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern fare including hummus, harissa, flatbreads and even an entire carcass of lamb while seating cross-legged on an old carpet.

Get the fix: Syed Umar, a corporate executive from Dubai, counts Nabins (32 Sultan Gate, 9732-4647) as one of his favorite hangout places in Singapore. “This area makes me feel at home. It’s one of the few places where you can hear people calling each other ‘habibi’ in Singapore,” he adds. Entertain your friends (and yourself) with some Arabian belly dancing and a spot of shisha.

France

The community: The French know a good thing when they find it. To find them, you need to go where they’re best taken care of—a really good French restaurant. Try Les Amis (1 Scotts Rd., 6733-2225), whose ambiance is perfect for power lunches.

Eat the food: No matter how much you try to lay off rich French food, it’s almost impossible to resist their desserts—the melt-in-your-mouth macaron filling and buttered crêpes are just some of their signature sweets that are worth flying to Paris for. For a more economical alternative, visit Crêperie des Arts (44 Prinsep St., 6333-5330) and try both their savory and sweet crêpes. Even better, pop by Hediard Café—Restaurant & Boutique (Tudor Court, 125 Tanglin Rd., 6333-6683) and have some of their delicious éclairs and madeleines to go so you can treat yourself to a little French tart at home.

Get the fix: Culture vultures—catch French films from myriad genres at the AF Theatre (Alliance Francaise de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Rd., 6737-8422) every Tuesday night. Dress up your outfit with a touch of Parisian glamor in the form of a Hermes (#02-02 Ngee Ann City Shopping Ctr., 391 Orchard Rd., 6735-5228) scarf for that quintessential French touch.

Thailand 

The community: Also known as Little Thailand, the Golden Mile Complex (5001 Beach Rd., 6291-6945) is a popular area with the Thai community. You can find hordes of them here mingling with friends, enjoying a few mugs of beer and stocking up on supplies.

Eat the food: Sample some exquisite Thai street fare at Kha (#02-02 HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Rd., 6476-9000) or Patara Fine Thai Cuisine (#03-14 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6737-0818), which complements its food with a refreshing, lemongrass-scented ambiance.

Get the fix: Drop by Golden Mile Complex for all sorts of authentic and affordable Thai food, CDs, beer and fashion. There are also a few small pubs here that host Thai bands for your entertainment. Want more nightlife action? Head down to Neverland (#05-20 Orchard Plaza, 150 Orchard Rd., 6738-5855), one of the more popular Thai discos here, which plays both international and Thai top 40 hits, besides hosting regional bands artistes such as Thai rock band Big Ass. New kid on the block Grand Hollywood (#03-01 Blk. A, 3A Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6336-1328) is another after dark destination for live, chill-out music performed by Thai acts.

Italy

The community: Wherever there’s good coffee, we reckon there’ll be an Italian or two suggesting ways to make it even better. Try hanging out at the stylish Oriole Café & Bar (#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 6 Somerset Rd., 6238-8348).

Eat the food: The Italians are known for their mastery in the art of fine dining, which is apparent at Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar (#01-02 Talib Centre, 36 Purvis St., 6837-1468). If you prefer something more traditional, try the street Italian cuisine at Sapore Italiano (#01-15 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6333-4236), then chill out with an aperitivo like their delicious Grande Bellini. One more restaurant worth mentioning (and also a good place to catch the eye of an Italian) is Italiannies (#01-02 TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Rd., 6736-4211). Try their signature Napoli Bianca pizza—it’s delicioso.

Get the fix: If, like the Italians, you appreciate quality leather, head down to Galleria Italiana (#02-28 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6884-6128) for its variety of wallets, purses and laptop holders. Want something a little flashier? Do a spot of shopping at Paragon Shopping Centre (290 Orchard Rd., 6738-5535), where boutiques for renowned Italian brands like Prada, Moschino and Ermenegildo Zegna can be found.

Australia

The community: “Aussies generally like to hang out in places that are as chill-out as can be (read: Sell lots of beer),” says Jack Cameron, an Australian designer now based in Singapore. If that’s true, then a few good places to find them would be Uluru Aussie Bar & Steakhouse (40 Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area, 6223-3654), Barossa (#01-11 Esplanade Mall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6534-5188) or Boomarang (#01-15 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6738-1077), which also screen live rugby and soccer matches.

Eat the food: Opt for the modern fare and laid-back experience at Graze (4 Rochester Park, 6775-9000), situated in a pretty colonial building amid the greens—such a charming Sydney-like vibe.

Get the fix: Jones the Grocer (#01-12 Blk. 9 Dempsey Rd., Dempsey Hill, 6476-1512) stocks cheeses and wines imported from Australia in a pretty, leisurely space. Rich in fragrant food smells and delicious mood lighting, Jones is also equipped with a fromagerie, bakery and grocery so you can get all you need at one place. For a bit of Aussie culture, head to the ReDot Fine Art Gallery (#02-06 Tanjong Pagar DistriPark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6222-1039), which features works from renowned and emerging aboriginal artists from Western Australia.

Malaysia

The community: The Malays from Malaysia are not easy to spot in Singapore because they blend in so well with the Singaporean Malays. Malays in general, however, like to hang out at Kampong Glam, a district originally set aside for the Malays by Sir Stamford Raffles during the British Occupation.

Eat the food: It’s a well-known fact that Hjh Maimunah (11/15 Jalan Pisang, 6291-3132) serves up some of the best kampong-style Malay cuisine in Singapore, laying out the dishes in a classic buffet style so you can sample a bit of everything. From tapioca leaf stew and beef rendang to their special escargot in coconut gravy—the food here evokes a sense of nostalgia for village life in Malaysia.

Get the fix: We’re lucky to have Malaysia as our neighbor, which means we can jet off (actually, driving would be more appropriate) to Johor Bahru for a quick getaway. Food, groceries and even movies are much cheaper there so you can indulge in some retail therapy without having to blow your budget. Don’t feel like traveling? Get as close as you can to Malaysia at the Tanjong Pagar KTM Railway Station (30 Keppel Rd., 6222-5165), where you can sample Malaysian delicacies like nasi lemak and satay. The most convenient way to soak in the vibrant Malay culture is to make a trip down to Geylang Serai, where you can find bolts of cloth in traditional batik patterns, traditional ready-made outfits and food bazaars you can lose your head in. While you’re there, pop by the Malay Village (39 Geylang Serai Rd., 6848-7040), a miniature village designed to give you a glimpse of Malaysian rural life, where traditional dance performances are sometimes held.

America

The community: Americans love to vacation in Singapore and many have followed their careers here. Find them in the Orchard Road district where many of them live, or check into The American Club Singapore (10 Claymore Hill, 6737-3411) to find them engaged in networking activities such as meet and greet sessions, wine tastings and seasonal parties.

Eat the food: Enjoy a vibe similar to that of sports nights in the US at O’Learys Sports Bar & Grill (#01-04 Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Ave., 6337-6718), where the walls are generously plastered with bits of sports-related memorabilia and hearty American fare is served. Enjoy dining like an American by eating super-sized versions of everything (sorry guys!). The large milkshakes and bowls of chili at Billy Bomber’s (#01-12 The Cathay, 1 Handy Rd., 6735-5381) coupled with its bustling diner ambiance make for a classic American meal.

Get the fix: Love watching an old Western once in awhile? Check out JR Texas (#03-33 Peninsula Shopping Ctr., 3 Coleman St., 6334-3534), which stocks an impressive range of real leather boots, pants and cowboy-style flannels so you can look like the real McCoy. All dressed up and nowhere to go? Not anymore! Join hundreds of other Singaporeans at the Country Line Dance Association as they jive to old hits like “Rock Around the Clock” or “Achy Breaky Heart”. Yee-haw! Log on to www.cldas.com to register.

Indonesia

The community: Wizened Indonesian expats still appreciate the laidback coffee-drinking culture of their home country and can be found at places like Warung M Nasir (69 Killiney Rd., 6734-6228) while the younger crowd blends in with the locals in busy town areas such as Orchard Road.

Eat the food: Be sure to sample the gado gado (salad with boiled vegetables and egg) and pulut kuning (yellow glutinous rice) at Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant (3/F Furama Riverfront Singapore, 405 Havelock Rd., 6739-6463) or the otherwise hard to find murtabak manis (sweet bread) at Jtown Café (B1 Midpoint Orchard, 220 Orchard Rd., 9230-5040).

Get the fix: You don’t have to fly to Bali to enjoy its tranquil setting now that we’ve got Little Bali (Gillman Village, 9A Lock Rd., 6473-6763), a resto-bar made up of little wooden pavilions with bale rooftops. Chill out with a glass of wine or look into their stock of Balinese artifacts, paintings and furniture if you want some ole ole (goodies) to take home. If that’s not relaxing enough, treat yourself to a traditional Javanese urut (effective deep tissue massage) at Wayan Retreat Balinese Spa (61 Bussorah St., 6392-0035).

China

The community: Singapore is, of course, largely populated by the Chinese, many of whom are descendents of the early Chinese immigrants. You can still see a few third-generation Chinese merchants engaged in ancient trades such as calligraphy and tea brewing in shops like Amoy Tea (331 Joo Chiat Rd., 6346-0929).

Eat the food: Sample the pork dumplings at Qun Zhong Eating House (21 Neil Rd., 6221-3060) for an authentic Shanghainese experience, or grab a drink at the Forbidden City (#01-02 Blk. A Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6557-6268) for a taste of Chinoiserie chic.

Get the fix: Pick up some tea appreciation tips at Yixing Xuan Teahouse (30/32 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6224-6961), whose interior resembles a quaint teahouse slash dim sum kitchen. You can buy quality tea leaves and exquisite tea sets here, too, or just get lost in time to softly tinkling Chinese classical music. For a wider range of authentic Chinese goods, visit the Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium (70 Eu Tong Sen St., 6538-4222) for its tea, herbal and handicraft offerings. If you want a piece of China’s picturesque landscape, take your camera out on a day trip to the Chinese Garden (1 Chinese Garden Rd., 6261-3632), a tranquil bolt-hole that attracts horticulture enthusiasts and couples keen to explore its imperial-style pavilions and pagodas. The best time to visit is during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the area is transformed into a twinkling wonderland of paper lanterns and fairy lights. Of course, no journey into Chinese culture is complete without a trip to Chinatown. Surround yourself with lanterns, streamers and myriad decorations in gold and red accents as you dine on some of the finest street food in town. For a little Shanghai-like night time action, hit DragonFly (3 Sentosa Gateway, 6270-7676) for a dose of Mandopop. International acts like Wonfu, Alien Huang and Ding Dang are known to play here. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at Lunar (#01-03 Blk C The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6305-6767), an opulently-styled entertainment space which has just relaunched and boasts “coyote dancers” from Taiwan and China.

Korea

The community: “It’s a known fact that where there is good Korean food, there are Koreans. Tanjong Pagar is such a place,” reveals hairstylist Lee Ha Ni. The influx of Korean eateries and hangouts in Tanjong Pagar draws hordes of Korean expats and enthusiasts alike, which is probably why it’s been cheerfully tagged “Tanjong Korea.” In fact, the Korean Association (Singapore) (#03-01, 71 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6299-8966) recently moved its office here, so if you’re looking to make some Korean friends and learn Hangul, this is where you should head to.

Eat the food: For some of the best authentic Korean food in Singapore, make for Manbok Korean Seafood Restaurant (58 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6224-6061), where dishes like the seafood pancake will bowl you over faster than you can say, “Ah, mashita!”

Get the fix: Record stores like HMV (#04-23/24, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6733-1822) stock the latest K-pop albums (Big Bang, anyone?) and Korean drama DVD box sets and play K-pop on a permanent loop. Another place to shop for Korean-inspired paraphernalia is the third level of Novena Square 2 (10 Sinaran Dr., 6397-2288). This is Singapore’s first and only Korean-themed shopping enclave, selling anything from imported apparel and pop culture goodies to Korean snacks. Lee says Korean concept hair salons have been enjoying steady business, probably due to the fact that many of the resident stylists are indeed Korean while the local stylists have had training in Korea. “I get asked about Korean dramas a lot. Although I don’t watch a lot of them myself, I do know the pop stars, which is useful when a customer requests to emulate a certain star’s look,” she says. Want to do the same? Drop by Hair Plus (05-61 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6235-2234), where you’re greeted with a cheerful “Anyeong!” the second you step in.

CuisinArt Griddler

B9,950 from Pantry Magic
Check out this amazing contraption. The top plate is adjustable, so you can make ten-decker paninis if you really wanted to. Or you can just raise it off the bottom surface and use it to make pancakes, grilled cheeses, et cetera. Three helpful dials let you adjust cooking temperatures to your liking.

XL Chopping Block

B4,900 from Pantry Magic
You can enjoy feeling like a manly butcher, even in your little kitchenette with this large, heavy and rather pretty cutting block. And that little indented rim means that the bloody, juicy mess you make, say, spatchcocking a chicken will stay on the block for an easy clean-up.

Chef’n Palm Peeler

B265 from Emporium
This dinky little device about the size of a flattened golf ball will make you excited to do food prep. Peel vegetables in exactly the same motion it takes to stroke a cat or hold the computer mouse. It’s comfy, soft rubber with a stainless steel blade and also comes in three, bold, cute colors.

Progressive Magnetic Measuring Spoons

B659 from Pantry Magic
Have you ever experienced this? You’ve got measuring spoons on a ring, but you only need to use one of them, but you’re too lazy to separate it from the rest, and then all the spoons get a bit dirty and you have to wash them all? We love the simple genius of these magnetized guys. No ring! Just pluck the one you need and stick it back on when you’re done.

Lodge Cast Iron Grill

B15,000 from Emporium
Even you, yes you, can grill a piece of meat and produce a gourmet meal with minimum effort. This cast iron grill is beautiful and heavy, but will still fit easily on your balcony. And because it uses charcoal, it’ll save you the terror of propane gas tanks. Besides, it’s common knowledge that cast iron holds more heat (perfect for searing) and the iron makes meat taste better than any non-stick pan or oven.

Severin Fondue Pot

B3,315 from Verasu
Now you can have people over for dinner without actually having to cook. This party-sized fondue pot comes with eight forks, each with a little splash guard so no one burns their fingers. The pot itself is equipped with a thermostat, so you don’t even have to deal with the stove or any sort of flame at all. It also comes out for easy-cleaning. Costing what a night out with friends might, this is worth the price.

Silicone Zone Close Garlic Peeler

B160 from Emporium
Sure you can easily smash garlic cloves to get the peel off, but then you have a sticky goo and garlic smell on your fingers for days. But this cute little garlic-shaped bag is straightforward and helpful. Just pop in up to three garlic cloves, roll the bag on a work surface and voila. The bag easily turns inside out to minimize handling the cloves, making you that much more likely to return to the kitchen.

Severin Food Processor

B9,990 from Verasu
Even if you’ve never set foot in the kitchen, you’ve probably lusted over the CuisinArt food processor at some point, only to be put off by the price tag. But we actually like the option from Severin, which is almost half the price, and has some nice accessories like the dough hook and the splash guard that lets you refill the mixing bowl without removing it. And the 4.5 liter bowl means that unless you open a restaurant, you won’t need a bigger one.

Fackelmann Zenker Icing Gun

B99 from Emporium
This icing gun comes with a syringe for icing/cream, a set of different-shaped nozzles, and even a set of stencils. Even if you don’t use this in the kitchen to decorate that batch of cookies, we can think of at least one other room where you might get creative with this little icing gun and its many accessories.

ESSENTIALS

Verasu, 83/7 Wireless Road, 02-254-8100. BTS Ploenchit. Open daily 9am-7pm
The Emporium, 5/F, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. BTS Phrom Phong. Open daily 10am-10pm
Pantry Magic, G/F, Eight Thonglor, 88 Soi Thong Lor (corner of soi 10), 02-713-8651. Open daily 10:30am-9pm