B1, Isetan Orchard, Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6735-2191.

The uninhibited and vibrant Fiorucci is now in town. Candy-colored fashionable wear inspired by American mass culture will shake up your wardrobe. Designs display not-so-subtle hints of political causes, rock ’n’ roll and the ecology movement. This funky streetwear label will be a hit with sexy ladies looking for unusual clothing.

#03-03 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6735-4550.

Puce embodies the best of the modern woman’s desires. The boutique is a treasure trove of opulent luxurious treats from evening wear, jewelry and runway gear to feminine lingerie, body and bath products and sleek swimwear. You’ll want to pick an item from every designer showcased here and add it to your wish list. Puce stocks, among others, the high-end Brown Label, Bare by Rebecca Davies, Margo London, Melissa Odabash, Mrs Chow, Vera Wang Lingerie, Zimmerman and a ReshamM line. The stunning OSEL jewelry collection by model Nadya Hutagalung is also available exclusively in the store. Her debut signature range is priced between $500 and $5,000 and includes 18-carat gold, sapphires, aquamarines, tourmalines and rose quartz gems. Intricate details can be found in these adornments which, while understated, convey a statement of confidence and elegance.

The Office Christmas Party

Here’s a roundup of all the food you can whip up for a sit-in-your-swivel-chair, hang-out-around-the-water-cooler office party with your colleagues.

(Image on top)
1. Clink your glasses to a good year ahead with Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rose champagne (750ml, $27.10). Available at Cold Storage outlets.

2. This delightful selection of Swiss chocolates from Chocolat Alprose (Swiss Premium Napolitain in mixed and dark selection, 200g, $6.95; Swiss Premium Chocolate Dragees, 125g, $7.60; Swiss Premium Milk Chocolate and Dark Swiss Premium Chocolate, 100g bar, $2.95) will soon get you addicted. Available at selected Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice and Watsons outlets.

3. End the year on a sweet note with candied gingerbread coins ($5.50 per 80g) with a custom-made chocolate sleigh ($26) from Conrad Centennial Singapore.

4. What’s Christmas without a log cake? Enjoy this stunning and delectable macaroon log cake with crispy Lindt chocolate mousse (1kg, $54) from Grand Hyatt Singapore.

5. Have a fab time dipping all these tasty organic tortilla chips (spicy blue corn chips, chili lime chips, yellow corn chips and nacho cheese chips, $2.25-2.35 per 100g) into these fabulous organic dips (zucchini mint, hummus chick pea, tuna avocado, baba ghanoush, red pepper eggplant, $3.20-4.10 per 100g) from Bunalun.

6. Marvel at the beauty and fabulous taste of this gorgeous chocolate Christmas tree ($88), made of handmade premium Valrhona chocolate pralines and chocolate truffles on a chocolate cone from Bakerzin.

Christmas Cocktails with Friends

You don’t have to go to work tomorrow so knock back a couple of drinks, indulge in some tempting finger food with your friends and laugh about the exploits of the soon-to-be-gone year.

1. Drink the night away in style with the sophisticated Möet & Chandon Star of the Night champagne (750ml, $105). Available at all leading wine shops.

2. These tasty nibbles from Da Paolo Gastronomia (black olive dip, $7 per tub; fresh tomato dip, $4.50 per tub; focaccia with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, $3 per loaf; country bread with basil leaves, $3 per loaf; spicy olives, $5 per 100g; bocconcini and cherry tomatoes, $4.50 per 100g) are almost guaranteed to break the ice at any party.

3. This platter of cold meats and antipasto from Espirito Santo (mortadella, $4.07 per 100g; German salami, $7.05 per 100g; premium ham, $3.10 per 100g; mixed antipasto of feta cheese with herbs, semi sun dried tomatoes, grilled marinated peppers and marinated stuffed green olives, $3.65-6 per 100g; Espirito Santo roast beef, various prices; parma ham, $8.65 per 100g; air dried beef, $9.60 per 100g) is perfect for any fan of premium meats.

The Yearly Christmas Family Dinner

Sit down with your friends and family for the dinner of the year. Tuck into that perfectly-browned turkey and have the biggest feast ever.

1. A wonderful meal demands nothing but the best whisky. The Glendronach 33-year-old Oloroso sherry cask 40% (700ml, $775) from La Maison du Whisky is an excellent choice.

2. Just a few slices of this heavenly honey baked ham from the Pan Pacific Singapore Bliss Hamper ($280) and you’re on your way to gastronomic bliss. The ham forms part of the Bliss hamper that also includes fruit cake, gingerbread tree, premium mixed nuts, pralines, bockwurst sausages and much more.

3. Toast to good health, happiness and good times ahead with G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge champagne (750ml, $84) and Montana Malborough Pinot Noir 2004 (750ml, $46.30). Available at Cold Storage outlets and Serangoon Gardens Country Club respectively.

4. Nothing beats the feeling of rounding off your meal with a premium cup of coffee from Wiener Kaffeehaus ($11.80 per 250g), which come in three gorgeous blends.

5. This unbelievably marvelous Christmas fruit cake from Meritus Mandarin Singapore is called the Martel Cordon Supreme Cognac aged traditional fruitcake (250g, $188). Marinated with Martel Cordon Supreme Cognac, there are only 50 pieces up for sale in Singapore.

6. Quite obviously the staple of any Christmas dinner is the turkey. You’ll certainly be tucking into the roast whole oven roasted turkey with brussels sprouts and gravy (5kg, $115) from Sheraton Towers Singapore with the utmost relish.

7. To enhance the taste of your turkey, all you need are some condiments. These condiments (heirloom tomato relish, $12; organic apple and pear jelly, $12; organic lemon curd, $12) from Poppi suit a wide range of tastes.

8. Accompany your turkey with potato gratin ($2.60 per 100g) and a cooked vegetable platter (maple roasted sweet potatoes, maple glazed pumpkin, classic brussels sprouts and potato porcini gratin, $2.90-4 per 100 g) from Bunalun. They make a healthy end to a very rich meal.

Boxing Day Brunch

Christmas is over, the presents have been opened and it’s time to laze around, finish the leftovers and sleep in.

1. Have a sip of Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Chardonnay (750ml, $26.50) in the morning for ultimate luxury after a tiring night of partying. Available at Cold Storage outlets.

2. This lovely, moist quiche Lorraine (670g, $8.90) from PrimaDeli is a fabulous way to start the morning after Christmas Day. Available at all PrimaDeli outlets. Call 6276-3333 for ordering and enquiries.

3. Clean off your leftover Christmas meats with some bread from Archangel (squid ink bread, $8; multigrain bread, $8; walnut raisin bread, $8; sourdough bread, $8).

4. These assorted festive sweet tarts from The Marmalade Pantry consist of pecan pies, brownie tarts (with cream cheese swirl), Mont Blancs (chestnut paste in a tart shell) and cherry crumbles (any 16 pieces, $45). They taste as delicious as they look.

5. What better time to enjoy a seafood platter than after Christmas? This cold seafood platter (that includes half a fresh lobster, tuna tartar and freshly shucked oysters, $59) from Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro will leave you truly satisfied.

Address Book

Archangel
#03-33 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6836-4424

Bakerzin
#01-18A/19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6336-6006

Bunalun
43 Jalan Merah Saga, 6472-0870

Cold Storage
#02-18 UE Square, 81 Clemenceau Ave., 6733-3054

Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Blvd., 6334-8888

Da Paolo Gastronomia
#01-74 43 Jalan Merah Saga, 6475-1323

Espirito Santo
#B2-11/12 Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6256-5070

Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Rd., 6738-1234

Greenwood Fish Market & Bistro
34 Greenwood Ave., 6467-4950

La Maison du Whisky
20 Emerald Hill Rd., 6733-0059

Meritus Mandarin Singapore
333 Orchard Rd., 6737-4411

NTUC FairPrice
#B1-01 Junction 8 Shopping Centre, 9 Bishan Place, 6259-0461

Pan Pacific Singapore
Marina Square, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6336-8111

Poppi
2/F, The Legends Fort Canning Park, 11 Canning Walk, 6339-8977

PrimaDeli
6276-3333 for ordering and enquiries

Serangoon Gardens Country Club
22 Kensington Park Rd., 6286-8888

Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Rd., 6737-6888

The Marmalade Pantry
#B1-08-11 Palais Renaissance, 6883-2258 (to order)

Watson’s
#B1-26-30/39-42 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd., 6235-3357

Wiener Kaffeehaus
148 Neil Rd., 6226-3148

Christmas is a time for parties. And like every year, different nightspots are putting up smashing Christmas Eve revelries to pack punters in.

We give you a lowdown on the parties at the local hotspots worth going to, so that you’ll know what to expect when you club hop round the island and make merry with your friends.

Zouk

17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988.
This year, the award-winning Andy Moor is gracing Zouk’s decks. A member of Leama & Moor, Tilt and Whiteroom, this famous globe trotter is competent in various genres, from progressive house to trance. He played his first piano piece at five, mastered six musical instruments at 11, DJed at 13 and graced renowned festivals at 21. Moor has also remixed for Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne, Paul Oakenfold, Brian Eno, Tiesto and Arthur Baker. After you’re done with Moor, do drop by Phuture to witness homegrown talent Andrew Chow whipping up a mean concoction of hip hop and R&B grooves.

Ministry of Sound

#01-02 Blk. C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6235-2292.
Ministry of Sound will be the place where electro and tech house fans will congregate and groove this Christmas Eve. Swedish jock Axwell, who just released his latest solo offering “Feel the Vibe,” is in the club hurling out cool music. He has remixed for Rasmus Faber, Moby, Usher, Faith Evans and more. Having played in Miami, Ibiza, Manila, South Africa and London, Axwell looks set to rock the dance floor in Singapore. Watch how he’ll pave the way to sonic wonderland.

The Clinic

The Cannery, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6887-3733.
Things are going to get swinging at The Clinic too. We reckon Bert Bevans, a veteran DJ who has played at the private parties of Mick Jagger, Sylvester Stallone, Diana Ross, Halston, Grace Jones, Marvin Gaye, and Steve Wonder, will definitely get the club rocking with his signature sexy, soulful and funky house sound. With remixes for Depeche Mode, Paul McCartney, Style Council and Red Hot Chilli Peppers under his belt, don’t doubt his powers. Just arrive all pretty and glamourous and expect a splendid time at this spanking new space embellished with Damien Hirst’s art works. Martin Taylor and Jason T will be at the decks showing off what they have up their sleeves too.

Attica

#01-03 Blk. A Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6333-9973.
Jeremy Healy and his bag of house records will be at Attica. This DJ based in the UK is the music person behind leading designer Galliano’s fashion shows. He has also worked for Versace, Jigsaw, Katherine Hamneff and Vivienne Westwood. Together with his friend Amos, they’ve remixed for the likes of George Michael, Boy George and Eve Gallagher.

DXO

#01-13F Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Ave., 6582-4896.
Decked entirely in white, DXO is putting DJ Normski at the DJ console to woo R&B and hip hop lovers this year. He has shared decks with Groove Armada and Mylo. Watch out for a custom-made space at the front of the club too where professional ice skaters will whirl, twirl and slide (and hopefully not fall) in order to impress punters. Oh, don’t forget to poke at the Santa Claus’s belly, chat up the cute Santarina, and kiss under the mistletoe.

Q Bar

#01-04 The Annex @ The Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6336-3386.
And if you prefer to check out what our local DJs have in store this Christmas Eve, hop over to Q Bar, where you’ll see DJs Debbie Chia, Adrian Tan and Martin Yeoh churning out deep house, electro and house respectively. Debbie Chia has been nominated for the Motorola Street Style Awards 2006 and Adrian Tan is the winner of Pioneer Battle Juice DJ Quest 2006. Who says our local DJs suck?

Bar None

B1, Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6831-4657.
If you are the romantic type who swoons when you watch movies like Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, Bar None will be the place to go to.

The bar will be specially revamped according to a fairytale theme, with bar staff being dressed as elves, princesses, princes and more. Lounge away at the corner decorated like Cinderella’s room, and dream of a sweet happily-ever-after ending with your lover. Resident band Energy will be taking to the stage to dish out rock numbers.

Hit these places for some action. After all, Christmas is a time to get all high and happy. Dance away and celebrate with your friends with the clinking of champagne glasses as the clock strikes midnight. Party till late!

Places to Shop - Expert Advice

For ... Parents

Think of all the times you’ve forgetten their birthdays, yet they still love you as much as when you were their little kid. At this festive time of year, take the opportunity to make amends and treat them properly. They deserve it.

Start with a handwritten note on the card that says, “This will keep you beautiful” and you’re sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face. The RMK X’mas Set (B2,600) from Central features RMK make up base and liquid foundation in a flash silver box.

For dad, get him something classic yet modern—just like him: a Nano shirt. Choose from the Cullinan Nano Capsule, which has anti-bacterial fluid injected into the fabric or the Cullinan Nano Perfume (B1,450), which is imbued similarly with perfume. Both available at Central.

Your mom’s been carrying around that old keychain for ages. Get her a new one with a touch of luxury: a Large Bohinc Key Purse (B6,645) from Playground!.

How about a multi-use box for your parents? Try a flower painted box by At Home (B450) from J-Gallery, which can hold anything from jewelry to spoons and forks.

For ... Colleagues

You work in the same soulless rabbit warren, you have coffee together, you share your feelings when the chips are down, you ask them for help when you are hungover or to lie to your boss when you sneak out to see your gig in the afternoon…aren’t these enough reasons for buying them something, jerk? You don’t want to spend too much, though.

Even if your female colleague is neither an executive or a lady, the DoiTung Ladies Executive Set (B1,500) from Mae Fah Luang, with a scarf, notebook and cosmetics bag, might make her look more lady-like, somehow.

For that colleague you’ve been secretly admiring, go Juicy Couture from Central: Lipstick (B1,650) or the Juicy Couture T-shirt pendant (B2,450). They double as key rings, too.

The Evita hair pin (B1,190) from Central, is specially designed with two legs and is suited for chicks who not only have thick hair but thick heads. Throw in a book and the package is complete.

A Starbucks Cash Card (starting from B100) is easy and something you know will get used.

For your astrology-reading friends, pick up some fortune cookies (box, B100) from My Place restaurant.

Climbing bags and roll top totes from RENE CHU Copenhagen (B3,500, B6,500 respectitvely) at Manga in CentralWorld are the epitome of hip and super-functional for all urbanites.

Give those with pillars of documents on their desks a Flower Paper Weight by M.L. Chiratorn Chirapravati (B2,000). Or try a painted photo frame by At Home (B450).

Help your friends get a good start on the year by planning ahead with this chic 2007 planner (B888) from Playground!.

For ... Gigs

Want to impress that new heartthrob in your life? Appeal to her cute side with a custom-made bear from Build-a-Bear (B695 plus) from Central, which you can stuff with tiny hearts, your own voice messages or, if you are at a loss for words, their ready-made messages. Dress it up with a Jean Jacket (B395) or other tops as you wish or just go bearback. It takes just 10-30 minutes to make one.

Keep her pretty in pink next year with a pink gift set from Marks & Spencer (B1,495). Though it may appear to be a more appropriate gift for grandma, your mattayom gig will surely love it.

Impress him with a Nokia N5300 XpressMusic (B9,620) from Nokia Shop, which can hold 1,500 songs in a microSD card (2GB) and can transmit music to your home stereo without wires.

Everyone loves an Apple. Try an inMotion iM500 (B6,590) from Mac Studio.

Planning a secret rendezvous with your gig? Surprise her with a Juicy Couture passport holder and bag tag set (B3,250) and your holiday season will surely be sweet.

She’s a smoker? Show your love with a Smokeshirt (B350) from Playground!, which covers the nasty warning picture with a pretty one. A healthier choice is the Little Music Box (B395) from Playground!, which plays one of four songs; “Happy Birthday,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Close to You” and “Can’t Take my Eyes Off You.”

An empty face pillowcase by Pang Nualphan Prasantong (B200) from J-Gallery is a nifty gift on which your gig can draw your face whenever you are apart.

For ... the Authorities

They are the ones keeping an eye on your street and just can’t wait to get a hold of your urine. Mr. Brown-Uniform has to work his ass off in order to keep us safe and it would be a good thing to get them something nice. Start with a DoiTung Coffee Lover Set (B990) from Mae Fah Luang—two coffee mugs and DoiTung Arabica coffee in a nice box. If he doesn’t like the mug inside the box, try a Starbucks Christmas Tree Mug (B380), an On With the Tradition Mug (B380), or better yet a Red Cup Tumbler (B460) for the longer hot drink.

A Motorola Bluetooth Headset H500 (B2,190), which works with all brands of phone, from the Motorola Shop is ideal for your neighborhood traffic cop. It’ll allow him to take his mistress’ call and still stop traffic so you can enter your soi.

Don’t forget to get something for the security guard in your building. Instead of the usual bottle of Black, surprise him with an Anti-Stress Back & Shoulder Massage from Suk Spa (B600/1 hour), which may help him release some of the tension you’ve been inducing all year.

For ... the Boss

Bosses may be the only lifeforms that you hate all month long, then love on payday. If you’re lucky enough, you might even love them more when they authorize your requested bonus or raise (hint, hint). No matter how bad they treat you during the year, you still “should” get them something to show that you know how to give and not just take, take, take!

Get your metrosexual boss a male toiletry gift set from Marks & Spencer (B1,495) at Central. That will please him during this celebratory time of year. Remember: bosses are human, too.

The leather Desk Pad from Liberia (B16,900) will surely make your boss’ desk look more exclusive and make it quite obvious that your lips are firmly placed on his/her butt. Or be less blatant and go for an elegant mocha and pink paperweight (B1,590).

What boss couldn’t use a little Colon Hydrotherapy (B2,400) from HydroHealth? Hand it over and hope for the best in the coming year.
Everyone loves to listen to music, even your cruel boss, so gather some cash from your collages and chip in for this JBL time machine dock for iPod (B11,990) from Mac Studio: Apple Center. It also has radio (FM and AM) and an alarm clock.

Spend Money Here

Central Chit Lom: Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7777. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chit Lom.

HydroHealth: 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ploenchit Rd., 02-250-7800, 02-250-7808. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Chit Lom.

Jay Mart: 4/f MBK Center, Phyathai Rd., 02-217-9368. Open daily 10am-9pm.

J-Gallery: 4/F, J-Avenue, Thonglor. Open daily 10:30am-7pm. Products are available through Dec 15 only.

Liberia Fine Stationer: Siam Society, 131 Asoke, 02-661-6480. Open Tue-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm.

Mac Studio Apple Center: 323/1, G/F, J-Avenue, Thonglor, 02-712-7620. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9pm.

Mae Fah Luang: 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-2427. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Manga: 1/F CentralWorld, 02-613-1177. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chit Lom. www.manga.com.

Motorola Shop: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9574. BTS Siam. Open daily 10am-9pm.

My Place: 824 Thonglor, 02-381-8812. Open daily 11am-10pm.

Nokia Shop: 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9778/9. Open daily 10am-9pm. BTS Siam.

Playground!: 818 Thonglor, 02-714-7888. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Starbucks: Try 231 Thonglor, 02-712-9691. Open daily 7am-10pm. BTS Thonglor.

Suk Spa: 1/30 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-2672, 02-651-0461. Open daily 11am-10pm. BTS Nana.

Expert Advice: Personal Stylist

Name: Apiwat Yodpraphan
Company: The Emporium
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-269-1000 ext 1336.
Thursday and Sunday 10am-6pm

1. Buy something practical that is good value for money. Pricey but useless items do not count as much as gifts people can use.
2. Avoid personal stuff such as perfume, earrings, bracelets and clothes that involve size.
3. Find something that enhances their appearance and is handy in their career.
4. Quality is another element in choosing a good gift. Fine quality represents courteousness, thoughtfulness and the taste of the giver.
5. Keep up-to-date and study the trends.
6. Take into account his or her hobbies and interests.
7. Do some research beforehand. Ask their close friends or observe what particular items the recipient needs, what brands he/she uses, his/her favorite color and his/ her lifestyle.
8. Find something that goes with their personality. If he/she is an outgoing person and has to attend social functions a lot, an accessory that transforms his/her formal attire to a social dress without hassle is perfect.
9. Find something meaningful for your special or beloved one. Pamper them with a precious watch, or limited edition gift.
10. If you really can’t find the right gift, come to us for help.

Expert Advice: Personal Shopper

Who: Varindran Chancharoeng
Where: Central Chit Lom
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-793-7044

Great Gifts From Boys to Girls
1. White gold with a small diamond pendant, or heart shaped jewelry on small chain like a necklace or bracelet
2. Heart-shaped brooch or pin (says “I always love you,” “You’re always in my heart,” or “I’m saving money for Valentine’s Day”)
3. Small eternity ring
4. Silk or charmeuse baby doll lingerie with bikini bottom to heat things up in the bedroom
5. Black or red silk satin or charmeuse teddy, one or two-piece. Should be very, very short for the same purpose as the baby doll

Great gifts From Girls to boys
1. Fun and affordable sports watch
2. Palm pilot
3. IPod with your voice programmed in it so he can concentrate while working out at the gym
4. Sweater or cardigan, just to remind him that you’re always around to warm him up no matter where he goes
5. One dozen fun and bold printed boxer shorts. Clothing you can share wearing for fun

Expert Advice: Lifestyle Consultant

Name: Ruankaew Dechprom
Company: Gaysorn Shopping Center
Cost: Free
Booking: Recommended. 02-656-1177

Suggestions for Holiday Gift Shopping
1. Purchase gifts when you find them, even if an occasion is several months away.
2. Great ideas come from everywhere. Don’t be afraid to talk to the people who know the recipient best. They’re likely to have great suggestions.
3. When in doubt, choose a gift that the recipient will actually use. Practical items are usually better than novelty.
4. White is classic, practical, and safe. When you have to buy a gift for an unfamiliar person, white is best as everything looks gorgeous in white.
5. Go surfing through websites for a wide range of choices and gift ideas to match the person’s interests.
6. If you don’t know the person well or are going to someone’s home for the first time, traditional gifts of wine, food, coffees or teas are foolproof.
7. Save your receipts just in case a return or an exchange is necessary.
8. Select a container that the recipient will want to save. Every time they use the container, they’ll remember you.
9. Gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated or appropriate. Gifts that show your time and effort are just as special as expensive ones.
10. If you run out of ideas, let me know!

Club 420

Next door to this Japan-meets-Jamaica reggae/hip hop bar is a t-shirt shop selling products made in the Land of the Rising Sun. International (mostly from Japan) guest DJs perform monthly.
1860/26 Petchaburi Rd., next to Amari Atrium Hotel, 02-716-6067/8. Open daily 7pm-2am.

Hippie de Bar

This two-story house hidden in Soi Tom Yum Goong is the perfect place for Britpop, jazz and retro pop fans to have a drink and a boogie. The tiny shop next-door, Made in Paradise, offers very colorful, over-the-top clothing, which most of the time is one-of-its-kind. Economic prices and limited sizes.
46 Khao San Rd., Taladyod, Phranakorn, 08-1820-3762, 08-1438-4738. Open daily 11am-1am.

Prop Bar

One of the more relaxed and stylish venues in RCA, Prop Bar features two floors with all sorts of vintage and designer furniture. With local bands jamming nightly, this place attracts a packed crowd on the weekends. The aesthetes amongst you might find it interesting that the whole interior is on sale.
Royal City Avenue, 21/51-53 Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0669. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Crystal Lounge

Boasting a restaurant, bar, alfresco area and crystal shop all under one roof; this elegant place has everything you need. A nice place to lure your date for dining, then scoot to the crystal shop to buy her a little surprise. A chill atmosphere in a luxurious environment.
28 Sukhumvit Soi 20 (next to Koi), 02-258-1599. Open daily 11am-1am. www.crystal-lounge.com.

With an entire stretch of venues that cater to the in-crowd, Lang Suan is a great place to scavenge for good food. So it’s not surprising that one of Singapore’s acclaimed restaurants, Ember, has decided to open its Bangkok baby here. Located in the front of Lang Suan Balcony near Soi 5, this fashionable eatery is located in a three-story house. The third floor, which will house a room for private parties, is under construction. The all-white ground floor has all glass walls with a bar in the center.

As is the case in the Merlion City, European with a touch of Asian is what you’ll find here—naan instead of pizza breads, for example. For starters, crisp-fried Japanese oysters in a buttery vegetable sauce (B450) and fried soft-shell crab in a creamy wasabi sauce (B250) are both recommended. Or, for lighter palates, a spicy gazpacho soup with onion pakoras (B265) will jumpstart your tastebuds.

Fans of foie gras will want to try not one but four different foie gras dishes (not on the same day, though), starting with the signature crispy foie gras with pear chutney and beet-orange chili reduction (B650). And while we’re on the subject of politically incorrect foods, the Chilean seabass with mushroom and bacon ragout in truffle-yuzu butter (B650) is another delicious choice. There are also meat dishes ranging from B570 for chicken to B880 for a ribeye steak, as well as a lone pasta: linguini with seafood and Thai basil pesto (B510).

Desserts are vicious killers at Ember. Highlights include a warm banana tart with homemade lavender ice cream (B250) and an extremely chocolatey warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream (B280).

At lunch, Ember offers very reasonable two- (B345) and three-course (B370) sets, which include coffee or tea.

After our superb tasting and tour, we sat down with Suif Ahmad, operations manager of Ember Bangkok, and Chef Haikal Johari.

Why did you decide to open a branch here in Bangkok?
Suif Ahmad: The opportunity was given to us by Dr. Bhichit Rattakul, who helped us find the place to expand our restaurant. It is our first branch outside Singapore.

How would you describe the food? Is it fusion?
Chef Haikal Johari: We are making modern European dishes with an Asian touch. We are not a fusion restaurant. I think the term is misused a lot these days. Fusion brings up the image of throwing different types of food together without any identity, but here we are focusing on the European while also adding in Asian flavors to make them distinctive.

What are your signature dishes?
Suif Ahmad: Crispy Foie Gras (B650), Pepper Crusted Australian Lamb Rack (B850) and Chilean Seabass with Mushroom and Bacon Ragout (B650).

Are the customers here different from ones in Singapore?
Suif Ahmad: They are different here. In Singapore though our restaurant is located in a hotel, the customers come from all over. But here in Bangkok right now the customers are mainly the people who come to Lang Suan and when they see us they walk in. Our target customers are mainly foreigners and businesspeople.

Enjoy European with Asian accents at Ember, 99/11-12 Lang Suan Balcony, Ploenchit Rd., 02-652-2086. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2:30pm, 6:30-10pm.

First, it was mammoth dance club Ministry of Sound (MoS), which spans 40,000 square feet. And now, Lifebrandz Ltd, who brought us the successful club, is swinging into full gear to launch four new bars and two restaurants at another 40,000 square feet at The Cannery, Clarke Quay by mid-Dec. This is quite a feat, considering that they are all ambitious projects. We will be seeing restaurants Bice and Aurum, and bar chains FashionBar, Kandi Bar and Barfly, and the highly original The Clinic, which is a bar, club and restaurant all rolled into one, inspired by the artworks of controversial Brit artist Damien Hirst. We find out more about these establishments.

The Clinic

This is the brainchild of Lifebrandz’s Executive Director Clement Lee himself, and is based on the shapes of pills taken from Damien Hirst’s series The Stations of the Cross. Every room in the 15,000 square foot space is shaped like a pill, and has chemical names. Comprising two levels, the ground floor is where the main rooms are. Morphine houses the main dance floor, while Cyanide, Sarin and Amino are lounge areas, with different live music elements thrown in, and Anthrax is the main bar. Level two consists of the restaurant Aurum, a private dining room called Phobia and the ladies-only space Delusion.

Explaining The Clinic’s concept, Lee says: “The segmentations and the different rooms will draw different types of personalities who will then create different atmospheres. This will open a whole new dimension to our partying scene as different crowds are channeled to the different areas.”

But more than just that, what is impressive about The Clinic is its unconventional décor and design. Case in point: To have access to the different rooms, punters will have to find well-hidden sensors that are located at the entrances of each room before they can bar hop from one space to the other. This will ultimately create a jam at the doors, but Lee insists that this adds more fun to the party atmosphere. “By virtue of the fact that it’s so unique, clubbers will certainly be drawn to it and discover the club for themselves,” he says.

Indeed, even before The Clinic opens its door, we are intrigued by its edgy concept. Also to look out for here: Original Hirst artworks that will grace the different parts of the club, a secret staircase that leads to the ladies-only room, an area selling exclusive T-shirts and merchandise inspired by Damien Hirst, and an overall “clinical” vibe that runs throughout the club—think bar entrances that are modeled after labs and clinics—so expect to see colorful pills, syringes and test-tubes decorating the club’s main bars. You have been warned.

FashionBar

When it opens its door, this will be where fashion editors, stylists and fashionistas will congregate, sip champagne and pose all night long. Inspired by the TV channel FashionTV, the vibe here is very chi chi and exclusive, and if you can’t tell your LV from your CD (that’s Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, darling), don’t bother coming here. But for those who make the cut, you can expect the décor to be glamorous—think silver, black and white tones that run throughout the establishment, a crystal bar, and lots and lots of champagne cocktails and martinis, including “Sex on the Runway,” the bar’s signature martini comprising green apple liqueur and cinnamon. Ooh la la.

Kandi Bar

Fans of the CD series Hed Kandi will relish in this one. Think kitschy and groovy house music as well as chill out essentials, and what you have is this small, intimate bar that fits 180 punters. This is where it is for small party gatherings that are casual and unpretentious, as the convivial vibe here will certainly get things going. “We see it almost as an inevitable extension of MoS,” explains Lee of the space. “Kandi Bar will be the new sexy chill out destination for anyone who wants an atmosphere with the whole package of good music, drinks and surroundings. In fact, we predict that it’ll be the pre-clubbing meeting place for many as well as the venue to wind-down after a hard night’s clubbing.” You heard the man.

Barfly

Also a further extension of sorts from MoS, the equally chic bar-restaurant Barfly, aims to draw in a sophisticated crowd. The vibe is sexy and chilled, but with a twist. Punters not only have the opportunity to gyrate at the dance area, they can also dip into the superior bar food, with sushi and seafood being staples. But if you’re feeling a famish, there are also luxuries such as Pacific lobster noodles and seafood ravioli with XO sauce to choose from. Since when did bar food get so decadent, huh? We simply can’t wait.

Aurum

Located within The Clinic but accessible by a separate entrance, Aurum is strictly for the initiated. The décor is clean and stark, with no tables and chairs. But before you flip over, hear us out. Before dinner time, Aurum poses as a pre-dinner bar. Come dinner time, gold wheelchairs, steel tables and exclusive tableware will be whipped out for an ultimate dining experience. The menu is limited strictly to a degustation menu of 13 courses, specially prepared by Executive Chef Edward Voon and Pac Roncero. Only 60 diners are able to feast at any one night, assuring a quality and absolutely decadent night out.

Bice

For something more low key, Italian eatery Bice is a real treat. Think a homey setting reminiscent of a small and intimate Italian bistro that serves yummy and familiar range of pastas and pizzas, and what you get is Bice. We reckon that this is the perfect place to grab some grub before all that partying later on, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the extensive range of starters, mains, and Italian desserts (we hear that its ice mandarin parfait with almond biscuit is absolutely delicious). And with a cellar that stocks 80 old and new world wines, what more can you ask for?

Cult fashion houses Ambush and Surrender in Far East Plaza have done much to inject culture and identity into Singapore’s fashion scene. Stocking exclusive indie labels such as Head Porter, Medicom, Original Fake, UNKLE, Neighbourhood, Acronym, Visvim and Good Enough, both stores have gained a big enough loyal following over the years to allow them to step out of the overcrowded mall to the more exclusive neighbourhood of Devonshire Road. Now housed under one roof, they have more room to play and display.

The décor of the double storey shophouse is art in itself. Level one is a mini art gallery with open space and white washed walls. Level two carries Ambush’s and Surrender’s underground fashion items, and the air is filled with incense. T-shirts with attitude, bags, punk accessories, quilted leather sneakers are illuminated with art, and black-and-white photos of classic race cars and Damien Hirst inspired toys. Earn Chen, owner of the store, reveals some of his plans to I-S.

Tell us about your new store, its location and the shophouse. Why did you decide to move here?
We wanted to get out of Far East Plaza. We started out really cool there but we’ve outgrown it. The new location is perfect for us: A shophouse in town. The gallery is very important for us too—we want shoppers to experience the art before they even see the clothing. In the gallery, we now have Ambush/Surrender artworks on display. It’s a platform for local artists and artists from overseas that we admire. We try to have an art show every six weeks. The next art show will feature Rostarr from New York.

How about the interior design? Whose efforts are behind the décor?
We basically brought over stuff from the old stores and fine-tuned it. I have a friend, Jasper from FUUR Architects, who took James’s (James Lavelle is a co-founder) concepts and made them happen through his work.

Your store previously stocked mostly streetwear items. What made you switch to high-end fashion?
We have always stocked exclusive labels. They are not something the average person can easily afford. Our prices compare to Prada and other designer wear. So I won’t say we are moving from streetwear to high-end fashion because we are still selling the same stuff, and our prices have always been at those levels. I guess you classified us as streetwear because we were at Far East Plaza.

Surrender is your in-house label. Can you tell us more about it?
Surrender is basically a record label cum clothing label. In Singapore we are a design and production unit for the record label, everything else runs in our headquarters in London. We try to incorporate a blend of music, film and clothing.

Have you brought in any new labels lately?
For Surrender, we brought in a new label called Supreme from New York.

Any previews for I-S readers?
We have a recent collaboration with Allan Forbes from Poster Pop, an artist based in LA. We commissioned him to a collection for us. He designed some logos and did illustrations for t-shirts. We’ll have lots of collaborations come next year and behind the gallery we’ll start a cafe. Surrender will be releasing a new album and we’ll go on tour.

Who are your customers?
Mainly youths, as well as working adults, young professionals, creative people and more recently fashionistas because of the location.

How do you advertise? How do your customers know you’ve moved?
We don’t advertise. What we carry is mostly exclusive. We are the only stockist in Asia, besides Japan, for most of our labels. People who are looking for those brands know to look for us. The last time we launched something—Neighbourhood in Surrender, the response was overwhelming. A pair of jeans costs around $950 and we managed to sell 100 pairs in two hours, with restrictions of one pair per customer. Lots of customers flew in from Hong Kong, London and China and queued up just for those jeans. This may sound arrogant, but in Singapore I don’t think even Gucci is able to pull off something like that.

What music do you play in the store?
Rock and down tempo mix tapes from friends. We’re playing on loop now Benji B from London. We really like his stuff.

Do you think the local market is big enough? How far are we from the Hong Kongers or Japananese who are more willing to spend on premium fashion?
Singapore is right behind Hong Kong and Japan. Singapore’s doing alright based on the amount we spend given our population.

Do you have plans to take over the local fashion scene?
No...no ambitions for that! We’re pretty low key.

What are you going to do with all this space?
No runways for us. We’ll have more space for art, music and we can start throwing parties for our friends.

However you plan on enjoying the upcoming holidays—whether you’re heading on a much-deserved getaway, spending a quiet Christmas with the family or just getting absolutely sloshed with friends—an essential tool for the festive season is a digital still or video cam to capture those special moments, memories and instances of drunken debauchery.

So, before you serve up the eggnog or stuff those stockings, take a gander at these cool cams.

Olympus µ 1000

What Is It: The Olympus µ 1000 is the brand’s first foray into 10 megapixel cameras—and talk about making one heck of an entrance. Night time shots aren’t a problem for the µ 1000 with its BrightCapture Technology, which is pretty useful for anyone who wants to close the year dancing away in a dark club. Clear pictures aren’t the only thing you can expect as BrightCapture is now available in the camera’s movie mode as well, for the first time, so your clips are going to be clear as day too.

The 3x zoom lens means you get to capture shots from a distance and still maintain clarity, while the Digital Image Stabilisation Edit will compensate for blurry shots caused by pesky hand-shakes. The µ 1000 also boasts a stainless steel, waterproof body, so if you’re planning on heading down to some far-flung beach resort, you won’t have to worry about it getting wet. It even sports a crystal clear 6.4cm LCD screen, to help you get the shot just right.

Why You Need It: This baby is perfect for either chilling by the beach or grooving in a club, so don’t leave home without it.

How Much Is It: $699

Where to Get It: Pan Photo & Electronics, #02-42 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6733-1131.

Kodak Easyshare V705

What Is It: Although it may be one of the smallest ultra-wide-angle cameras on the market today, the Kodak Easyshare V705 most certainly isn’t a lightweight. The coolest thing about it is its panorama stitch mode, which can capture tricky wide shots. If you’re holidaying somewhere with gorgeous vast landscapes, take this baby along with you. It can capture 180 degrees worth of scenery in just three shots. And, another plus if you’re traveling is that the V705 has 5x zoom capabilities, so even if your subject’s quite a distance away, you can still get a clear shot.

The V705 also allows users to take video clips and even edit their mini-movies right from the camera itself and even create prints from the videos. What more, the V705 includes Kodak Retina Dual Lens Technology as part of its photographic arsenal. This addition touts seven megapixel sensors and anti-blur technology, so you can expect clear and clean shots. But, coolest of all, is that the V705 is one compact fellow, with a thickness of only 20mm, and measuring 101mm by 50mm.

Why You Need It: The V705 was practically designed for exotic holiday getaways.

How Much Is It: $649

Where to Get It: Alan Photo, #01-38 Sim Lim Square, 1 Rochor Canal Rd., 6336-0922.

Canon HV10

What Is It: If you’re going to store those priceless memories in video, there’s no better way to do it than in high-definition (HD). Enter: Canon HV10. Using the highest number of recording pixels (1920 x 1080), it shoots super clear videos. To add on to that, it has an impressive 10x zoom as well. With an ergonomic design, the HV10 won’t feel bulky to carry around. What more—this baby looks as sleek as it feels.

The HV10 also has a super quick focusing function, which will help you optimize your filming experience, and make sure you don’t miss out on any of those moments. There’s even a one-touch Focus Assist button, which will enlarge the image displayed on the cam’s LCD screen to ensure that it’s made easier for you.

And if you’re looking to capture still pictures, you can do that as well via an easy to use screen grab. There’s even a number of editing functions built in, so you can adjust your pictures accordingly.

Why You Need It: With an HD-enabled video cam, you’re going to end up bringing this beauty everywhere you go this holiday season. And you’re going to spend a lot of time just playing around with it too.

How Much Is It: $2,899

Where to Get It: Edison Electronics, #01-43 Sim Lim Square, 1 Rochor Canal Rd., 6337-4444.

Sony HDR-SR1

What Is It: If we’re talking about HD products, however, you just know Sony’s name is bound to come up. The Sony HDR-SR1 is a hard-disk based video cam that boasts an impressive 30GB worth of space, allowing you approximately 11 hours worth of recording in HD-LP mode at five megabytes per second (Mbps), and four hours worth of recording in supreme quality HD-XP mode at 15Mbps.

And in case you’re worried about losing your precious memories, the HDR-SR1’s got a way to help you out with that too—the HDD Smart Protection System, which utilizes a special memory buffer to safeguard your recordings.

What more, its 3G sensor will detect falls and uses a specially designed shock absorber to protect the hard drive.

Why You Need It: Like the HV10, the HDR-SR1 is going to have you enthralled for hours. Let’s, of course, not forget about that tiny fact that it captures everything in HD.

How Much Is It: $2,899.

Where to Get It: Sony Gallery (Bugis), #01-58/59 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St., 6837-0646.