Philippine art has been gaining more attention—and raising more eyebrows—in Singapore’s galleries recently. And one artist who is causing a buzz here is Rodel Tapaya. Catch his stuff at his first overseas exhibition Parables, held at Utterly Art.

Absorbing, whimsical and a little uncanny, Tapaya’s paintings are inspired by mythical stories originated from the barrios. Each work comprises a character derived from folklore and set against a patterned background. The characters look a little apprehensive, and, sometimes, even sulky, while neatly camouflaging with their surroundings. When asked about the process of making these works, Tapaya says, “I tried to capture the personality of the main character of stories or parables by painting portraits with suspicious gazes. Prior to drawing these portraits is the making of the leitmotif, or the recurring theme, for the background.  The motif or patterns are composed of figures, things and symbolisms relevant to the story. Each painting has a different motif.  And the motifs interweave with the representations of the characters.”

Parables shows a departure, as well as a continuum, from Rodel’s previous works. Curator Pwee Keng Hock explains, “Rodel’s earlier paintings were not as figurative or portrait-based and were more academic or abstract, but the element that carries through his works is the use of a grid system. Here, the grid is used to demarcate the patchwork motifs that he has used as background to his works.”

This may only be Rodel’s first overseas show, but his works are worth a look. Come expecting a visual banquet of patterns and motifs entwined with wary characters staring back at you. Riveting and with a distinct rural flavor, Parables is set to be hypnotic.

Adhere

This small and cozy bar is a good place for chatting and enjoying music with friends. However, if you go alone, things get a bit creepy. Beware of friendly creatures appearing from the floorboards that will talk your ears off the whole night through. Some are downright freaky.
13 Samsen Rd., Phranakorn, 089-769-4613, [email protected]. Open daily 6pm-midnight.

DJ Station

If loads of crazy drunken gay guys aren’t scary enough for you, try heading up to DJ Station’s third floor where the dark gloomy room is perpetually filled with wails and howls. Don’t go alone. Bringing a friend—or two, for a threesome—is the key.
8/6-8 Silom Soi 2, 02-266-4029. BTS Sala Daeng. Open daily 9pm-2am. www.dj-station.com.

Snob

Everything is “cheap cheap” here—the prices, the vibe and the customers. It’s a spooky Clone City where all girls wear spaghetti tops, tight short pants and slippers, while all guys wear super-tight jeans, black tops, plenty of piercings, tattoos and slippers, too. Fights and police raids are frequent so be sure you’re a fast runner.
Ratchada Soi 4, 02-612-2459. Open daily 7pm-1am.

Unicorn

The story goes like this: A DJ went to Unicorn early one night and found a lady clad in white from head-to-toe on the empty second floor. He ran down to the maid to asked who the lady was. The maid simply it was the ghost she saw there many times while doing her cleaning. Don’t say we didn't warn you.
Khao San Rd., 02-281-2366. Open daily 7pm-1am

Remember Coffee Berry, a homey coffee shop in Ozono complex? It’s gone; and taking its space is My Favourite, the new steak bar that proves it’s possible to serve big portions of meat without charging the earth.

Instead of the cowboy kitsch typical of most steakhouses, My Favourite went for a refreshingly casual modern look. The earth-tone palette exudes a business power-lunch flavor but the snug sofas and rattan chairs provide balancing laidback touches.

Owner Ken S. R. Jao is a genuine meat lover so it comes as no surprise his menu gives center-stage to a wide selection of premium imported meat. Whether you choose to have grass-fed US beef, racks of Australian lamb, or Japanese Kobe steak, everything comes in large servings and at reasonable prices. The three racks of grain-fed Australian lamb (B495) are tender and carefully grilled to your liking. The chunky slap of Australian rib eye (B495) is just as good, which makes choosing difficult. If the dilemma is just too much for you, go for the mixed grilled dinner (lamb, beef and salmon, B750). Meats are served with your choice of sauce and side dish. Highly recommended for carnivorous diners looking for something special is Wagyu beefsteak topped with foie gras sauce (B800-990).

The menu also features an array of Ken’s favorites—recipes such as spaghetti carbonara served with rack of lamb (B395), seared tuna with wasabi-hollandaise sauce (B220), and Thai-style beef basil spaghetti (B210) which substitutes sun-dried beef with juicy beef sirloin strips.

Here we talk to Ken about his carnivorous passion.

What sets My Favorite apart from other steakhouses?
I think we offer one of the best values for money in town. For example, Wagyu beefsteak elsewhere is probably over B1,000 but here you can have it at B800. We take pride in serving high-quality steaks and offer many beef-related dishes. We keep things simple because we want the atmosphere to be relaxed and laidback. Eating here is like dining at a friend’s house.

What are the must-haves of My Favourite?
Grilled rack of lamb, grilled rib eye steak and grilled 600-day-grain-fed Kobe beef. If you are a meat devotee, these three dishes are not to be missed. We now have a special promotion offering racks of lamb, which usually are B495, at B395 till the end of the year.

What’s the best cut of meat?
Each cut works well with different recipes and cooking methods. If you make stew, there’s no need to use top-grade tender cuts—shank and brisket will do fine. As for steak, it also depends on your liking. Those who like their beef juicy with some fat should order sirloin and rib eye. If you like lean and tender beef, go for tenderloin.

Dining Details
Rip into juicy steaks at My Favourite. 307 Ozono Complex, Sukhumvit Soi 39 (Phrom Phong), 02-259-5960216-3700. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. AE, MC, V.

Vodka today is bar none the chicest white spirit on the top shelf, and in a class all its own. Its place as the premium inebriant for the style elite is unchallenged, taking over a throne traditionally occupied by gin, and the liquor’s superbly designed bottles and glossy marketing campaigns have every other spirit struggling to emulate. Even here in Thailand, where whisky still reigns supreme as the most popular hard alcohol, vodka growth has been substantial, expanding by over 30% since 2003. But not all vodkas are equal. There are the standard (or “well”), premium and now even “super-premium” vodkas sold at super-premium prices. Do you get what you pay for—or is it just marketing hype?

Fluid Origins

The exact place of origin of this noble spirit is a bit speculative as both Poland and Russia claim it as their own. Legend has it that in 8th century Poland, a peasant mistakenly left his wine outside all winter, which eventually turned into a crude version of vodka. It was initially only used for medicinal purposes, not being distilled for public consumption in Poland until the late-1500s.

Conversely, the Russians came up with their version of the spirit and started distilling it for consumption much earlier—the 12th century. By the 1500s, the Russians began infusing honey into the cold, heady mix to improve the spirit’s aroma and flavor, and used charcoal as a filter to rid the mix of undesirable by-products.

Regardless of where it came from exactly, vodka is unique among alcoholic beverages. Unlike beer, wine, whisky or tequila, which are judged by their distinctive taste or adherence to a set of flavor codes, vodka is evaluated by exactly the opposite—its lack of taste, its purity and its inoffensive, ghostly presence in a cocktail. This in turn poses a dilemma for distinguishing one brand of vodka from another—especially since it is a drink rarely sipped neat and most often consumed with mixers.

A Pretty Penny for Super-Premium

How do the super-premiums achieve this level of purity that sets them apart from the mass-produced vodkas? Put simply, multiple distillations.

Any amount of taste that vodka has comes from two things—the primary ingredients used in the distillation, and the water used. While some spirits can only be made with specific ingredients, vodka can actually be made from a wide variety of fermentable substances, including vegetables, grains and fruits. While the mass-produced vodkas will use cheaper ingredients and water and run the distillery just once, the super-premiums spend a bit more time running it over and over, increasing the purity of the final product, as well as the cost per bottle.

“Basically it’s all about taste,” says Geoff Ross, CEO of New Zealand-based 42 Below. “The super-premiums tend to be a little smoother and should have a bit more character…a nice one will have a good texture, a bit of weight to it, not like water, but heavier like a good aged wine.” The key to producing these is to run the distillery very slowly, repeating the process multiple times to pull out all the unpleasant flavors. “If you run the distillery fast, obviously it’s cheaper,” Geoff says, “but in doing that unfortunately it allows some of those unpleasant aspects of distillation to sneak through.”

Interestingly, a number of the most prominent super-premium vodkas do not emerge from the traditional birthplaces of the white spirit, Poland and Russia. One of the clear leaders of the group, Belvedere, does come from Poland, but Ciroc Snap Frost and Grey Goose emerge from France, Ketel One from Holland (now unavailable in Thailand) and 42 Below from New Zealand. These relatively new birthplaces for the spirit have earned them a nickname—the “New World vodkas.”

The differences between vodkas can be very subtle, but they are noticeable, as we learned from our taste test of several leading super-premiums (see below).

“This is just the beginning we are seeing now for vodka,” says Jonny Palsson, vodka connoisseur and Global Mixologist for Absolut. “Believe me, in 10 years…maybe we’ll be making super duper premium quality. Whatever is the demand from the consumer.”

Taste Test

42 Below - New Zealand
(B1,200/750ml)
Gaining its name from the fact that it is distilled 42 degrees below the equator, this New Zealand vodka is straightforward, pure and smooth. Perfect for those who like it neat.

Belvedere - Poland
(B1,420/750 ml)
Exceptionally pure taste with overtones of vanilla, this vodka sets itself apart with a buttery finish. Good for a Tom Collins.

Ciroc Snap Frost - France
(B1,590/ 750 ml)
Distilled entirely from grapes, this vodka has a fresh aroma with notes of citrus. Mixes with tonic, lime and ice to perfection.

Grey Goose - France
(B1,550/750 ml)
Carries a bit of a punch with a more alcoholic taste than some of the others. Exceptionally clean finish. Martini material.

Level - Sweden
(Official launch in 2007 but available in exclusive locations now)
The super-premium from the Absolut family carries with it a wave of heady aromas and a just a hint of grapefruit aftertaste. Perfectly smooth. Nice mixed with a splash of soda, lemon and lime.

Skyy - USA
(B480/700 ml)
The American spirit in the bright blue bottle has a distinctive taste with unusual flavors of citrus and mint. Try it in a dirty martini.

VivoCity (1 HarbourFront Walk, 6377-6860) is the latest kid on the block. If you thought Suntec City or Ngee Ann City were huge, VivoCity is gargantuan. The one million sq. ft. mall boasts more than 300 retail, food and entertainment outlets. It counts entertainment complex St. James Power Station as one of its neighbors on the HarbourFront precinct, and sees Golden Village Multiplex and Tangs Department Store as two of its key anchor tenants. As Edmund Chen, chairman of VivoCity’s developer, Mapletree Investments Pte. Ltd., says, “We wanted to create an iconic destination that will constantly surprise and stimulate visitors with its vibrant mix of unique retail and entertainment concepts and ever-changing activities.”

VivoCity will attract a host of first-to-market local and international brands, as well as firmly established names like American fashion giants GAP and Banana Republic. It will also be an exceptional venue for year-round events and activities. This includes cultural or music performances in an outdoor amphitheatre, themed festivals and international bazaars. In addition, it will also house retail and lifestyle stores, restaurants and spas, making it a holistic hub of retail, leisure and entertainment.

A new concept hypermarket is also open. This 114,000 sq. ft. store is the largest hypermarket in Singapore—comprising the most extensive range of groceries sourced from across the world, as well as a new natural food concept store.

Other hip tenants include:

• Bosses, a modern update of a traditional dim sum restaurant, with a show kitchen where diners can see how chefs make their delicious la mian and xiao long bao.
• Brotzeit Beer Bar & Restaurant, which serves authentic German and European fare and premium imported German beer.
• Corduroy Cafe, a new concept cafe featuring a bar from the people who brought us the hugely successful Corduroy & Finch.
• Naf Naf, a classy French boutique offering cool threads for women.
• Nota Bene, which will showcase designs from well-established young designers from the UK, Japan and Australia in an extremely stylish atmosphere.
• Pull & Bear, a Spanish label with the latest ladies’ and men’s fashion for the young and trendy.
• Ted Baker, with ladies and men’s fashion for all fashionistas
• Jean Yip Hub, where customers can enjoy a range of hair-styling, skin-care and slimming services, and also get new looks from consultants at a brand-new retail area
• PAGEONE, an international book wholesaler and retail group known for their stylish and comprehensive books selection.

Avid shoppers will find VivoCity a dream. Time will tell if this huge retail space will take off among trendier crowds as well as the average heartland shopper.

While shopping malls in town always present an exciting onslaught of sights, colors and sounds, heartland malls have their own homely appeal too. Not only can you find just as many upmarket shops in the tenant list of most heartland malls, but you won’t have to wander out of your neighborhood just to sniff out those sizzling buys and awesome deals that are waiting to be discovered and snapped up. Here’s our pick of some of the best.

PARKWAY PARADE, 80 Marine Parade Rd., 6344-1242.
If you live in the east, you must have hit this mall before. It’s cool factor has certainly gone up quite a bit recently, no doubt in part due to the completion of the Level One Fashion and the Basement Gourmet & Lifestyle precincts at the end of last year. The mall houses six levels of retail tenants, one level of tenants who offer medical services, as well as a 17-story office tower. Established fashion names such as Dorothy Perkins, Marks & Spencer, Topshop/Topman, and Esprit can be found here, which means that there is no need to travel all the way to town in order to find some decent clothes.

TAMPINES MALL, 4 Tampines Central 5, 6788-8372.
Another great shopping mall to visit if you are in the east is Tampines Mall. Considered one of the leading suburban malls of the east, Tampines Mall gives great choices and offers ever-changing shopping experiences for the fashion-conscious heartland shopaholic. Colorful, vibrant, and always pleasant, shoppers can be sure of keeping abreast of the latest fashion trends and fads in this mall.

JUNCTION 8 SHOPPING CENTRE, 9 Bishan Place, 6354-2955.
Film addicts will be able to satisfy their movie cravings at Golden Village Junction 8, located on Level 4, or they can head down to Sembawang Music Centre (located on the same level) to seek out the latest CDs and DVDs. Foodies will be delighted to know that there is a branch of the renowned Taiwanese dim sum restaurant Din Tai Fung on Level 1.

JURONG POINT SHOPPING CENTRE , 1 Jurong West Central 2,
6792-5662.
A west-side mall that has become extremely popular of late, mainly due to its size and strategic location. Located between Boon Lay MRT station and a 65-bay bus interchange, and supported by a residential and office population that is close to 400,000, the seven-level center has a lettable space of 408,000 sq. ft. and a staggering 200-plus specialty shops and eateries. So what are you waiting for?

With the recent launch of retail giant VivoCity at Harbourfront, Singapore’s shopping scene is heating up. But who’s the toughest kid on the shopping block?

THE HEATS

THE HEEREN SHOPS vs FAR EAST PLAZA

THE HEEREN SHOPS
Stats: 102 lifestyle shops on six levels that target hip, fashion-conscious individuals.
Secret Weapon: The tenant mix—comprising giants like HMV, as well as an array of small but cool shops. Lovers of coffee culture can hang out at Spinelli and n.y.d.c., while The Annex is the perfect hangout for youths.
Form: Giving off an overwhelming air of always being at the forefront of anything shiny, new and funky, The Heeren continues to evolve, improve—and attract.
Address: 260 Orchard Rd., 6733-4725.

FAR EAST PLAZA
Stats: More than 500 shops on five levels.
Secret Weapon: The fact that it’s a treasure trove of cheap buys, quirky trinkets and cool shops; there’s always something new. From funky food outlets to streetwear to bookshops to toyshops, you’ll definitely find something fascinating here.
Form: Recently renovated and refloored, the newer, shinier Far East is doing as well, if not better, than before. It’s simply funky, offbeat and very street style.
Address: 14 Scotts Rd., 6235-2411.

WINNER - THE HEEREN SHOPS

This is still the place to be for cool youths and funky scenesters. The recently refurbished HMV also boasts a stronger DVD section, with more revamps happening for other outlets underway. It doesn’t help that Far East Plaza’s cooler tenants such as Surrender and Billie Jo have moved out too.

PALAIS RENAISSANCE vs THE PARAGON

PALAIS RENAISSANCE
Stats: 25 shops on 4 levels.
Secret Weapon: Its alluring mix of prestigious, classy boutiques that range from designer labels such as Prada, Vera Wang, The Link, Gianni Versace and DKNY. If you’ve got money to splash, this is heaven.
Form: Not a mall for the masses, but one that seems to be built with the tai-tai in mind. However, it still possesses the pull (and glam) factor for its die-hard fans.
Address: 390 Orchard Rd., 6737-6993.

THE PARAGON
Stats: 200 shops on one basement and six floors that offer a mind-boggling range of fashion, home décor, health and fitness and gourmet choices.
Secret Weapon: Its classy, up-market, exclusive image. It’s a haven where you can find all your top designer boutiques in one posh, air-conditioned establishment.
Form: Looks set to conquer more of the fashion pie after its refurbishment. Definitely a place for fashionistas who are into clothes, shoes, bags, makeup—the whole works.
Address: 290 Orchard Rd., 6738-5535.

WINNER - THE PARAGON

Fashionistas still swear by this place for upmarket labels Miu Miu, Prada, Valentino and G-Star. And eateries like Din Tai Fung and Project Shop Café are also a hit here.

SUNTEC CITY MALL vs PLAZA SINGAPURA

SUNTEC CITY MALL
Stats: 270 shops on four retail levels.
Secret Weapon: Its wholesome family appeal. From Carrefour to Eng Wah Cineplex, to fashion outlets like U2, G2000, Mango and Polo Jeans, you’ll find somewhere to shop no matter where your interests lie.
Form: A sprawling all-rounder (880,000 sq. ft.) that should continue to do well and enjoy a steady crowd of families, couples and teens.
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd., 6295-2888.

PLAZA SINGAPURA
Stats: 202 shops on nine levels that center on food, fashion and entertainment.
Secret Weapon: Its mass appeal. A comprehensive range of tenants gives shoppers what they need in an unpretentious, mid-range environment. It’s also convenient to get to as it’s located near Dhoby Ghaut MRT—an interchange stop for the North East Line.
Form: Makes a convenient shopping stop for the busy shopper.
Address: 68 Orchard Rd., 6332-9298.

WINNER - SUNTEC CITY MALL

You can’t keep the crowds away from this place. Besides, Plaza Singapura pulls in too many bengs and lians.

WHEELOCK PLACE vs PACIFIC PLAZA

WHEELOCK PLACE
Stats: 47 trendy, mid to upmarket lifestyle shops on two basements and five floors.
Secret Weapon: Anchor tenant Borders that carries a wide selection books, movies, music and food all under one roof, plus the ever-hip and growing Apple@Orchard.
Form: An offbeat, but still interesting mall that provides a good range of retail alternatives from the conventional mall. Great for those who love books, movies, music and great food—with less crowds.
Address: 501 Orchard Rd., 6733-1188.

PACIFIC PLAZA
Stats: 24 shops on six levels.
Secret Weapon: An eclectic mix of shops, most of which focus on surfer (Rip Curl, Quiksilver) and streetwear (Adidas, Roxy, Stussy) culture. Also houses the two-story That CD Shop—which throws up a sleek, quirky alternative from other conventional CD stores.
Form: A bit lackluster, but still enjoys a niche, underground following made up of firm fans of specific tenants.
Address: 9 Scotts Rd., 6733-5655.

WINNER - WHEELOCK PLACE

Pacific Plaza is still struggling to bring in the numbers. Wheelock Place, on the other hand, is keeping ’em coming back with cool music, books and plenty to eat.

NGEE ANN CITY vs WISMA ATRIA

NGEE ANN CITY
Stats: More than 160 shops on seven levels.
Secret Weapon: A killer tenant mix that boasts Takashimaya Department Store, Kinokuniya, Best Denki, Food Village and Crystal Jade, among many others. Is directly linked to Orchard MRT station and enjoys the capacity to host indoor and outdoor activities.
Form: Widely regarded as Singapore’s retail icon, and even won the Best Shopping Experience Award (1999 to 2004) conferred by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Address: 391 Orchard Rd., 6739-9323.

WISMA ATRIA
Stats: 94 shops on five levels.
Secret Weapon: Has top-of-the-mind recall to shoppers because of its distinctive blue façade and in-house aquarium. Also has a nice blend of local and international fashion brands. The five-level Isetan department store is an added draw, along with UK’s Topshop.
Form: Since its relaunch in 2004, Wisma Atria has expanded and improved its tenant mix and should have no problem maintaining its status as one of Orchard Road’s best draws.
Address: 435 Orchard Rd., 6235-8177.

WINNER - NGEE ANN CITY

Wisma Atria may be hot on its tail, but Ngee Ann City is still the biggie to be reckoned with.

CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD vs SHAW HOUSE

CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD
Stats: 68 shops on 10 levels.
Secret Weapon: A one-stop entertainment center for youths and movie lovers. It combines great shopping, movie watching and youth-related activities to garner a foothold in the competitive shopping landscape.
Form: Excellent. Its ability to get together a vibrant and entertaining tenant mix has assured that youths continue to flock there.
Address: 8 Grange Rd., 6733-5969.

SHAW HOUSE
Stats: 13 shops on the podium level of the mall.
Secret Weapon: The biggest two anchor tenants—Isetan (occupying B1 to 4th floor) and Lido Cineplex (5th to 7th floor). There are plenty of food and shopping choices here, and the multi-level Isetan Scotts as well as Isetan supermarket are very popular.
Form: Its strong Japanese tenant mix has established it firmly in the consciousness of Japanese and locals alike.
Address: 350 Orchard Rd., 6235-2077.

WINNER - CATHAY CINELEISURE ORCHARD

Youths love to throng to this lively mall, especially after hours. This is also the only place to watch movies till the wee hours of the morning during weekends.

BUGIS JUNCTION vs GREAT WORLD CITY

BUGIS JUNCTION
Stats: 220 specialty shops, F&B joints and entertainment outlets.
Secret Weapon: Shaw Bugis Cineplex, Kinokuniya and the shopping enclave The Edge—made up of a maze of shops selling everything from hip bags, cool threads and funky accessories to the cutest ornaments.
Form: Doing pretty well, judging from how packed it is on weekends. Easily accessible via Bugis MRT station.
Address: 200 Victoria St., 6557-6557.

GREAT WORLD CITY
Stats: 400,000 sq. ft. of shopping space that houses a wide variety of shops, including over 20 F&B joints.
Secret Weapon: GV Grand, along with its GV Citibank Gold Class Theatre. Plus, it’s a great shopping choice for shoppers who want that shopping rush but hate the crowds.
Form: Even if it’s been around for close to nine years, this is a mall that’s off the beaten track but still gives pretty good mileage.
Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6737-3855.

WINNER - GREAT WORLD CITY

Growing from strength to strength, this is the pick for those staying around the area. Shops such as LifeStorey plus new tenants like Archangel are ultra hot, too.

MARINA SQUARE vs FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL

MARINA SQUARE
Stats: 700,000 sq. ft. of lettable space, with more than 300 outlets under its roof.
Secret Weapon: Established top fashion outlets such as ZARA, Mango and Topshop, as well as a number of smaller shops offering an even wider array of fashion choices.
Form: More stylish, especially after its refurbishment. Looks bigger, brighter and better. Easy to get to after the establishment of 1 Raffles Link. It’s also within walking distance of City Hall MRT station.
Address: 6 Raffles Blvd., 6339-8787.

FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL
Stats: A family and fashion-oriented mall that sees Blackjack, Tribecca, Club 21 Kids and Giorgio Armani holding fort, along with 60-plus other tenants.
Secret Weapon: Chi-chi big fashion names and a relaxed atmosphere.
Form: Not a mall that comes immediately to mind when one is in town, but leftfield fashionistas love this place.
Address: 583 Orchard Rd., 6732-2479.

WINNER - FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL

Marina Square is a still trying to establish itself as a shopping mall, while the cooler-than-thou brands at Forum makes it the frontrunner for the fashion conscious.

QUARTER FINAL

The Heeren Shops vs Cathay Cineleisure Orchard

Winner - The Heeren Shops
The lack of a commanding anchor tenant at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard proves to be its downfall.

Wheelock Place vs Great World City

Winner - Wheelock Place
A tough one, but we love Borders and the cool eateries at Wheelock Place too much to pass it up.

Forum The Shopping Mall vs The Paragon

Winner - The Paragon
The Paragon’s prime location at the heart of Orchard Road earns it a bonus point. Besides, well-heeled tai-tais and the beautiful crowd prefer to shop here.

Ngee Ann City vs Suntec City

Winner - Ngee Ann City
No doubt about it, Ngee Ann is sleeker and better than the family-oriented Suntec.

SEMI FINAL

The Heeren Shops vs Wheelock Place

Winner - The Heeren Shops
Location aside, The Heeren is also more inviting than Wheelock Place. The latest music coming from HMV also draws the masses in.

The Paragon vs Ngee Ann City

Winner - Ngee Ann City
While Paragon may be newer, the shop tenants at Ngee Ann are more balanced—providing something just about for everyone. Not everyone can afford Prada, y’know?

FINAL

The Heeren Shops vs Ngee Ann City

WINNER - NGEE ANN CITY
The young at heart and trendy prefer The Heeren, but Ngee Ann City is still the second home (when it comes to shopping) for many Singaporeans. This is the only place where you can find Fendi, Guess, Burberry, KFC, Kinokuniya and Takashimaya under one roof. Don’t believe us? Ask just about anyone.

List of the best of heartland malls

We asked, " What Makes a Great Mall?" Find out at pg.2.

What Makes a Great Mall?

“I’m first drawn by how a mall looks—the attractive lights, modern aesthetics and fun décor. Once I step inside the shopping centre, I expect the mall directory to be easy to locate—listing all the potential stores I could walk into to makes my day even better. Knowledgeable sales people are always a big plus in my book. I want to know what I’m buying, putting on my face or carrying around under my arm. Having all my favorite brands under one roof makes my heart skip a few beats every time. I look forward to discovering one-of-a-kind pieces, and interesting brands which can’t be found in every mall. And when it’s time to rest those ankles, I love sinking into a comfortable chair within arm’s reach, and having a leisurely conversation with friends over a cuppa and cake, away from the heat, the noisy streets and sweaty crowds. Very importantly, the ladies bathroom has to be clean and pleasant-smelling. It’s where we refresh ourselves, touch up on our makeup, rearrange our hair, and re-style our outfits. Of course, when it’s time to return home, an accessible cab stand is always welcome.”—Jill Sara, PR Consultant

“Personally, I prefer a small, compact mall that comes with a few right shops, and is easy to navigate around. It must also have a good combination of fashion, music, electronics, and F&B outlets, and close late as my working lifestyle only allows me to shop at later hours. I really cannot stand those mega, huge malls that take forever to walk from one end to the other, as there are too many shops to browse through. I am most unlikely to go shopping at such malls, not to mention, buying anything from them.”—Douglas Kee, Event Organizer

“A good shopping mall should be spacious and well-designed for easy access from one area to the another. There should be easy-to-find directory boards and clear directions given on the signage. In terms of retailers, there should be a good mix of tenants to cater to the different needs of shoppers (fashion, beauty, home, arts, entertainment, F&B, specialty shops and IT). Good customer service is also a must with staff knowing their products and able to provide advice or recommendations. Ample parking with reasonable parking charges for drivers and more taxi stands for non-drivers is also important. And restrooms need to be clean, dry and regularly maintained. The malls here could also be more user-friendly for the elderly or disabled, for instance, more seats and ramps for wheel chairs. Interesting and creative window displays, exciting promotions and events and bigger outdoor areas or al fresco style areas are always good. “—Jansen Siak, PR Director

“I wish we had a shopping mall that opened till midnight or later during the weekend and more variety in the styles of fashion that is being brought in. In Singapore, all the shopping malls carry the same brands, which makes the whole shopping experience very boring. All the malls here carry Levi’s, Esprit, U2, G2000 and GG<5. If the shopping malls could bring in some other brands like Bettina Liano and Satch from Australia,
it would be great. Besides that, more variety of unique cafes is also important so that shoppers can rest and relax after long hours of shopping.”—Yohanna Laurus, Avid Shopper

We spent last year’s Halloween club-hopping and promptly cringed when we saw our 30th vampire, whined when we glimpsed the 20th wicked witch and screamed when we spotted the 5th Frankenstein (and it wasn’t out of fear). Yes, spider webs, ghosts and the likes are getting way tooooo predictable and boring. So imagine our elatedness when we heard a few party spots this year are welcoming the night of horrors with some refreshing themes. Come all tricked out in something other than Dracula’s teeth and check out these hangouts for a real treat.

I’m a Glam Oddball

Inspired by clubs such as Blitz, Taboo and Mudd Club in the UK and the US of the ’80s and ’90s, The Butter Factory (#01-03 Riverside 48, 48 Robertson Quay, 6333-8243) puts up a Halloween party on Oct 28 with the theme “Freakshow Fashionistas.” Things are going to get grotesque, shocking and yet, fashionable.

Performance art is going to be one of the highlights. Greet the headless butler, pick up the bearded lady Mariah Scary, chat with the heads on the tables, get chummy with a disjointed man and shake hands with the conjoined twins. Just leave your common sense at the door.

The dress code? Glitzy, glamorous, wayward, eccentric and OTT. Owner Bobby Luo quips, “We don’t want a normal cobweb-and-broomstick kind of Halloween. Take some time to put together your outfit rather than just renting the whole costume from a shop. Pick something from your wardrobe, or from the hardware shop, and just mix and match everything!”

There will be a mini runway for people who are in costumes to strut their stuff. Local designers Ernest Seah, Ling Ling and Mark Ong have also been commissioned to create outfits which will be showcased.

If you don’t have the time (or imagination) to put together an outfit outrageous enough to suit this party, step into the face-painting booth “The Freak Machine” outside the club to be made up, then piece together a costume at “The Chic Freak Boo-Teeq” for free. We bet you won’t be recognizable after that.

Save Me

Bar None’s (B1 Singapore Marriott Hotel, 320 Orchard Rd., 6831-4657) Halloween party on Oct 28 is titled “Superheros Convention,” and the place will be decked accordingly. Lounge away in the bat cave of Bruce Wayne, or call your buddy from Superman’s signature red phone booth. Forget reality.

Think again if you think the organizers of the party want the bar to be packed with punters wearing their underwear on the outside. Marketing Executive of Bar None Pamela Tan says, “Guests are encouraged to invent their own superheroes powers. So what will the staff of the bar wear at the party? “We’re inventing our own outfits too: Expect spandex, tights and all that stuff in technicolor!” she adds.

High Seas

If Pirates of the Caribbean is your favorite movie, and you say “Ahoy!” instead of “Hello!” whenever you greet your friends, head down to Thumper (Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Rd., 6735-0827) on Oct 28. The place is being transformed into Davy Jones’s ship.

Like all pirates, drink up and make merry. WAT Da Funk! will be hurling out chart toppers and rock tunes, while DJ Ann churns out dance numbers. Come pretty in lots of eye shadow like the sexy Jack Sparrow, and don’t forget to bring a parrot (if you have one, that is).

Big on Fun

Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988) is tying in with theater company Dream Academy in this year’s revelry, and the title of the party is “The Not So Little Club of Horror,” a spin off from Dream Academy’s latest musical Little Shop of Horrors.

Come dress to kill on Oct 28, and see if you can catch a glimpse of stars such as Hossan Leong, Selena Tan, Pam Oei and Emma Yong, who are headlining the musical. Hop over to Phuture where a new night “Holla! With Nervous” is being launched. DJ Nervous will be dropping hip hop and R&B beats to make all fly girls and b-boys carve up the dance floor.

Reviving the Dead

If celebrating Halloween with local bands and DJs sounds like a hell of a lot of fun, head to Home (#B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 6538-2928) on Oct 31. This year’s party “The Dead Come Home” features some local musicians who want to make heads turn with their music.
Outfits 1234X, Destroy All Monsters, Happy Hour Gizmo and Ronin will be singing punk, rock and hardcore songs praising the dead, before DJs Sham, Zahir, Aida and Joe Ng seize the decks and hurl out indie numbers.

This year’s Halloween is no time to be cowering in your abode, or banging on neighbors’ doors and demanding sweets. Put together a bizarre outfit and hit these party spots. With these novel themes, they could just renew your interest in the supernatural.

1. This delicately conceived "Kiku Neckpiece" from Kwodrent is eye-catching and beguiling. $550 from Asylum.

2. Purple reigns in this Moondust pin, and you will too when you put it on $46 from Eclecticism.

3. Bring out the animal in you with this pendant from Vice and Vanity, featuring a cow motif. $69 from Fling.

4. Look pretty and dainty with this classy yet girly bracelet by Twinkle from Front Row. $130

5. Coffee, tea or me? Put on this Vice and Vanity necklace with a teapot motif to find out. $115 from Fling.

6. See red (and then some) with this bold and chunky Pinc necklace. $49 from Oppt Shop

7. Channel your inner drama queen with this absolutely droll brooch from Pinc. $45 from Oppt Shop.

8. Quirky and outstanding, this bracelet by Missy's Possesions featuring a Lego toy us perfect for the young and young at heart. $55.90 from C.O.L

9. Shine in the dark (or anywhere else for that matter) when you wear this Pinc earring featuring a gorgeous moon motif. $35 from Oppt Shop.

Address Book

Asylum, 22 Ann Siang Road, 6324-2289
C.O.L, #04-140 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, 6735-0887
Eclecticism, #03-22/23 Mandarin Gallery, 330 Orchard Road, 6735-7290
Fling, #04-05 The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Road, 6732-0067
Front Row, 5 Ann Siang Road, 6224-5502
Oppt Shop, #04-36 The Heeren Shops, 260 Orchard Road, 6733-9406

Japanese food in Singapore used to be just about sushi and udon, but in the past few years yakitori and teppanyaki have begun to establish a place on our dining palates. Now, with the arrival of Singapore’s first fully fledged robataya restaurant, we decided to find out exactly what’s the difference between these forms of Japanese dining where all the chefs are performing acrobatics with the food, some using a paddle, others serving their food on skewers and the rest carving it up at the grill.

Yakitori

Unlike its counterparts, yakitori’s focus is usually on chicken and vegetables, with high grade fish thrown in (yakitori actually means “grilled chicken”). But unlike teppanyaki, yakitori is cooked on a grill rather than a hotplate (in other words, an open flame) and is served on skewers (known as kushi). But if you think yakitori is just expensive barbeque, think again. Mishima Taoki, customer service officer of newcomer Torisho Taka by Aoki (#02-01 Gallery Hotel, 1 Nanson Rd., 6732-3343), insists yakitori is a finely honed skill. “Asking the difference between yakitori and barbeque is like asking the difference between sewing and tailoring. Everyone can do simple sewing but not everyone can tailor. Yakitori is a skill as compared to barbequing,” he says.

Because the artistry of the cooking is also an experience, Taoki suggests guests always request counter, rather than table dining, especially for small groups. “High end dining is more than a feast for the palate—it’s a multi-sensory feast: You take in the chargrilled smells and you see the chef’s deft handling of the grill. The yakitori counter is akin to a stage where the chef performs nightly.”

For instance, at Torisho Taka, the traditions of the craft are taken so seriously that only binjo charcoal from the Kochi prefecture is used as it is traditionally considered to give the best flavor to the yakitori grill.

For those of us not used to the yakitori concept, it can be difficult to comprehend just how it works. Unlike a Western meal, the food is shared, but unlike a Chinese meal, the portions tend to be bite-sized (literally two or three items on a skewer). Taoki says if you’re eating a full yakitori meal, then its best to start with the skewer items first. These are the equivalent of an amuse bouche. Follow these with cold and hot appetizers, then don (rice) or udon (noodles) as the mains. Finish with the freshest fruit the season has to offer.

However, if you’re having your yakitori more as an accompaniment to a long drinking session, then ordering a few dishes at a time over a prolonged period of time is better, as you get to see the chef at work and the food tastes better piping hot from the stove.

Robataya

Robataya is the traditional blue collar form of dining in Roppongi, Japan, and Robataya Yoyogi (#01-04 The Pier, 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6733-8711) is trying to emulate the tradition for Singaporeans. Unlike yakitori, robataya focuses on several different kinds of grilled items rather than predominantly chicken, and many of these are not served on yakitori skewers.

Indeed, robataya chefs in Japan serve their customers kneeling, so they place the food on large wooden paddles to better reach their diners. Here in Singapore the chefs are standing, but the large paddles are still used making the dining a visually interesting experience.

True to its working class roots, robataya as a communal form of eating is supposed to be noisier and more robust than the refined yakitori restaurant. According to Edwin Tan of Robataya Yoyogi, most patrons would sit around the counter, rather than at tables in a robataya restaurant. In fact, robataya restaurants are predominantly drinking establishments, where small amounts of food are consumed over several hours in company with the drinks. Tan says that at his restaurant customers often sit for hours at a time, chatting and drinking and ordering a few dishes and enjoying them, rather than dining quickly and leaving.

Teppanyaki

We all know that seats at the counter in a teppanyaki restaurant are coveted because it’s only here that you get the true teppanyaki experience: The chef slicing, dicing, tossing and throwing your food in all manner of crazy acrobatics. Indeed, the whole teppanyaki experience is largely about watching how your meal is constructed, so getting a seat at the counter is not just ideal—it’s a must.

Executive Chef Hiroshi Ishii of Keyaki (4/F, Pan Pacific Singapore, Marina Square, 7 Raffles Blvd., 6826-8335) points out that the major difference between teppanyaki and other types of dining is that the food is grilled on a hot plate or griddle, rather than on an open flame so the flavors are quite different. Common ingredients used in teppanyaki cooking include cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, sausages and corn.