Our genetics are such that our Thai skin isn’t as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as our fair-skinned farang friends. But for beauty’s sake no one wants to spend too much time outside and unprotected, especially during summer. It’s not just our fear of dum-ing our expensive skin; bright-red burn marks don’t look too hot, either. Plus they can hurt something fierce.

You can see what we’re getting at. Protect yourself! You’ll want to use a product with at least SPF 15—and make sure you give yourself at least 15 minutes before exposing yourself to that naughty sun. You should re-apply sunblock every two hours, every hour if you’re wet or really sweaty. And don’t go for the cheapest item on the drugstore shelf, either. Remember: You get what you pay for.

And don’t think you’re safe just because the sun’s gone down. Next time you’re out clubbing, try not to spend too much time under black lights, as they also are a source of nasty UVA and UVB rays. Your other option is to apply facial sunblock—but you don’t want to look like Casper when you’re trying to pull, do you?

Wondering what in the world is World of Warcraft? Don’t know squat about SWAT? Then you’ve come to the right place.

It’s certainly no exaggeration to say that computer games are a phenomenon of religious proportions. But with such a devoted following and a plethora of genres, the lifestyle isn’t something you can easily waltz into. So, we’ve set up a little cheat sheet for you to ensure that you don’t seem like such a n00b when you boldly and finally enter the world of computer gaming.

Now, we’re not going to tell you how to play the games themselves; that you’re going to have to train up on your own. But we will fill you in on some of the idiosyncrasies of the lifestyle, so that you don’t reek like a free frag when you walk into a Local Area Network (LAN) café, or log on to an online game.

What’s that? You don’t know what a “frag” or a “n00b” is? Oh, dear …

Lingua Fragger

We’ll start with the basics: language. There are two very distinctive things about a gamer’s vocabulary that will strike you instantly. First off, they swear like you wouldn’t believe, usually in a combination of English and Hokkien.

Second, and more importantly, they’ll be using a myriad of phrases that are going to sound completely alien to you. There are several dialects of gamespeak and explaining every single term would take ages, so we’ll just clue you in on the first thing most people need to know about any language: its derogatory terms and insults.

A “frag” is a notch on a player’s body count, which makes a “free frag” someone who’s so efficient at getting killed that he’s practically a guaranteed point.

After having your virtual brains blown out, expect your demise to be followed by your opponent’s cry of victory: pwned! This started off as a typo of “owned,” which in gamespeak is essentially the word for rubbing it in after you’ve kicked someone’s ass.

A n00b (derived from “newbie”) is the new guy, or to put it more bluntly, the fresh meat. It’s also a title you’re going to be stuck with when you start out, so get used to it. Gamers love to jump on n00bs, with a lot of friendly typed-out jabs (and some not-so-friendly kills) so believe us—you’re going to have to learn the ropes awfully quickly to shake this tag.

On the other end of the spectrum, however, are the gamers who’ll be dominating you in every possible way. These guys we refer to as being l33t, which comes from “leet,” a short version of “elite”. Expect to hear the cockier ones proclaim their status quite often, especially to all the n00bs.

Game On

This brings us to actually picking out a type of game that’s most suitable for you. While it’s great that you’ve already started clearing space on your hard drive so that your computer doesn’t lag in the middle of a game, let’s not jump the gun here.

There are tons of different genres for you to get your game on—sports, puzzles, adventures and even God games (which allow you to create whole worlds and run them as you see fit). The two most popular types, and probably the best to start with, are role playing games (RPGs) and first-person shooters (FPSs). These genres best encourage some sort of team structure with other players, and there’s no better way to learn than from more experienced gamers.

Inspired by pen-and-paper games, like Dungeons & Dragons from way back when, RPGs are story-oriented, focusing on getting your character (which you’ll have to customize, statistics and all) through a series of levels and challenges. The most popular subset of RPGs are the Massive Multiplayer Online RPG (or MMORPG), which is set on a much larger, global scale.

While you could fly solo for RPGs, playing with a team makes a whole lot more sense. Not only do your characters level up (become more effective and powerful) a whole lot faster, but there’s the child-like glee that fills players when they’re planning out strategies as a collective. That’s right, the proper strategy will definitely be a huge boon to you in RPGs. To play as part of a group, you could head down to your local LAN café, but most people go online and team up with players from all around the world.

FPSs are more for those of you who love your action fast, furious and (to use the utterly out-of-date, yet totally accurate catchphrase) in-your-face. The object of most of these is simple: run around with your dangerously large array of weapons and kill your enemies before they do you in.

Pixilated Tambourine Men

Now that you know what you want, the main question is where to get it. There are a number of outlets you can check out, the most notable being Funan Digitalife Mall, which features a number of computer game stores. A couple of gamers have specifically singled out Challenger @ Funan (#06-00, Funan Digitalife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6339-9008).

However, if you’re willing to head out of the central areas to hunt for a good place to pick up some games, we recommend Computex Computer Services (#04-30, 756 Upper Serangoon Rd., Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre, 6285-7058). It’s a small store with a huge reputation that has reached as far as the US, thanks in part to a very loyal customer base. Not only is it synonymous with great PC games at decent prices, but if you’re looking to beef up your computer’s capabilities to fit your increasing number of games, this is the place to turn to.

Battle Grounds

It’s “go” time, folks, so the next step is to pick your arena of choice. The online route’s certainly a lot less daunting. At the end of the day, the anonymity of the Internet doesn’t make going toe-to-toe with other competitors such an intimidating encounter, especially if you have shown some semblance of knowing what’s going on. Be sure to have a decent connection though. The last thing you want is for your game to lag for a few seconds and, before you realize it, your character’s been reduced to a vaporized smear.

You’re looking for a broadband connection at the very least, so check with Starhub (#01-36 and #B2-38, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, Hotline: 1633) or SingNet (#B1-36, CityLink Mall, One Raffles Link, Hotline: 1610). They’ve got plans designed for the gaming crowd.

Like we said earlier, online games generally tend to be more suited for RPGs, but if you don’t have the right speeds, you might want to try hitting the LAN cafés. Catering more to the FPS crowd, however, some of these can be pretty intimidating—they’re dark, cold, noisy and usually filled with kids … or worse—childish adults.

But pick the right haunt and LAN cafés are a whole lot more enjoyable. A large group of friends certainly helps enhance the experience. Don’t be fooled by the name though. A lot of LAN cafés’ idea of food sometimes means that there’s just a snack bar selling chocolates and sodas, if you’re lucky.

Neighborhood cafés are great if you don’t plan to play for extended periods at a time, but for late nighters, e2Max @ Cine-L9 (#09-01, Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6235-9249) is the perfect place for doing battle. Open till the wee hours, and conveniently located in town, this is the place to go to if you’ve got the sudden itch to blow things up in the middle of the night. Prices range from $2.50 to $3.50 per hour, depending on what time you’re playing.

Another great spot for LAN gaming would be Head Quarters (#02-07, Parklane Shopping Mall, 35 Selegie Road, 6720-6780). It’s a quieter spot than e2Max, especially during the evenings. Expect rates hovering around the $2 per hour range.

You could also give Holland V Cyberspace (25C Lor Liput, 6463-8467) a try. It’s not nearly as well known as the others, so it’s normally a little emptier, but it’s still a great place to check out. Rates here are at about $2.40 an hour.

Side-Effects

We feel it’s fair to warn you that extensive PC gaming will lead to a number of side effects, the most common of which is the nagging significant other. For this little headache, we suggest you turn them onto gaming too. A disadvantage is however, sharing the computer, but staying out late at LAN cafés won’t be seen as much of an offence anymore.

You should also expect to lose quite a bit of sleep. Whether it’s an extensive run in RPGs that go on a lot longer than you realize or a late night FPS assault with the guys, you’d better be prepared to hog the whole pot of coffee at the office the following day.

Finally, you might want to take a little time after each game to recover from the adrenalin rush that you’re most likely going to get. These usually involve getting a drink and (proper) food somewhere to go over how badass you were … or at least how close to being a badass you were.

LOL!

A big part of PC gaming (and gaming in general) is its humor, and nowhere can you immerse yourself in this weird breed of hilarity better than in the culture’s web comics. Embracing as well as satirizing the lifestyle all at once, these strips have become just as much a part of a gamer’s daily routine as … well, gaming. So, log off your server for a second and LOL (that means “laugh out loud”, you n00b) at these.

Penny Arcade!, www.penny-arcade.com

The strip that’s become almost synonymous with gamers, Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkin’s Penny Arcade! pokes fun at everything from the industry to some of the less-than-stellar games on the market with Monty Python-like silliness and pointlessness. With punch lines that are so deeply immersed in the culture, this one’s strictly for the gaming initiated.

PVP, www.pvponline.com

Slightly more accessible to n00bs than Penny Arcade!, Scott Kurtz’s PVP stars the eclectic staff of a gaming magazine. Showing how gaming culture has intertwined with their “normal”, every day lives, the strips deals with exaggerated gaming situations like a relationship on the rocks due to an obsession with World of Warcraft, and how a supposedly lucky hat helps you transcend into the class of the gaming l33t. PVP’s great fun while waiting for the servers to load up.

Mac Hall, www.machall.com

With the amount of time that the characters of Mac Hall spend gaming, you’d have to wonder why creators Ian McConville and Matt Boyd even bothered putting the comic in a school setting. With a sense of humor closer in tone to Penny Arcade!, this irreverent series’ best moments usually revolve around ironically funny in-game situations that most gamers can (unfortunately) relate to from personal experience.

Located right near Buona Vista, Rochester Park is the latest dining neighborhood to hit the scene. This group of 11 tastefully restored black and whites, surrounded by foliage to give a sense of retreat and privacy, makes good use of our warm weather with large outdoor decks for plenty of alfresco activity. Cool crowds have been onto this for the last few months, but it’s only now that most of the dining joints are fully operational.

There are five food and beverage outlets open, with more lifestyle establishments planned. Landlord Jurong Town Council (JTC) is hoping to bring in more choice tenants such as a spas, galleries and boutiques sometime “soon” (that’s all JTC would tell us), adding even more drawcards to the mix.

But even with just the restaurants and bars, Rochester Park is a hip and happening place to chill, eat and drink among the beautiful people. What’s unique about Rochester is that patrons are surrounded by colonial architecture. This marks a significant change whereby restaurants and bars are moving back towards embracing our history, our heritage and (shock! horror!) our weather. I-S gets the lowdown on what’s happening at Rochester Park.

No. 1: One Rochester

6773-0070
This bar was really the first to attract the crowds to the new scene at Rochester Park, and we can see why. A large deck area with plenty of greenery, couches and candles make this a simply fabulous (dah-ling) place to chill out with a group of friends. Upstairs there’s a balcony and more seats, and the crowd is very chi-chi and cool. This is the place that everyone’s heading to and, thankfully, crowd control is good, so your table won’t be surrounded by the vultures waiting for you to get up and go. The flip side of this is that, unless you get there very early, you can expect to wait. Very little standing room allocated. No reservations are taken so once the place is full, you’ll just have to mooch around until space becomes available. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-1am; Sat-Sun 6pm-2am.

No. 2: North Border Bar and Grill

6777-6618
This is South Western cuisine from Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, so you know what to expect: Big serves, tangy hot sauces and a friendly casual atmosphere. What you might not expect, however, are the wine room, the subdued and restrained décor of the interior and the gorgeous outdoor decking that has become Rochester Park’s signature architectural feature. They like things hot hot hot at North Border, so be prepared for spice in everything, including the desserts (chili ice cream anyone?). There’s also a retail store selling sauces and other accessories, including its range of Ass Kickin Hot Sauce products. Happy hour is from 3-8pm daily, and there are changing drink specials every day, including free corkage BYO on Wednesdays. Open daily 11:30am-midnight.

No. 3: Da Paolo Bistro Bar

6774-5537
The latest edition to the Da Paolo group has just had a soft opening. Diners can sample the usual Italian fare they have come to expect from the Da Paolo group, and there are the signature Rochester alfresco seating arrangements, polished floor boards and chilled ambience. Signature dishes have yet to be decided, but we’re expecting lots of antipasti, pizzas, pastas and drinks. Da Paolo Bistro Bar claims to be open Wed-Fri, Sun-Mon noon-2:30pm, 6pm-1am; Sat noon-2:30pm, 6pm-2am—but we suspect that, with the soft launch, they may also be ironing out their hours of operation, so call ahead.

No. 4: Graze

6775-9000
The latest venture for Hong Kong’s JIA Boutique Hotels is Graze, where contemporary dining, relaxing drinking and a good old barbecue meal all meet. The restaurant has a large outdoor drinking area, with rattan chairs, white cushions and a huge projector backdrop showing old black and white movies. Upstairs there’s the lounge bar, Mint, and inside there’s a modest range of sauces, spices and other culinary concoctions available for purchase. Chef Matthew Lawdorn offers a range of dishes, from barbecue meats to modern Western dishes. Graze’s point of difference, however, is its grazing menu, where the indecisive can order smaller tasting portions to share as they while their time away over a good glass of wine. And don’t miss the oyster shooters. Graze is open Tue-Fri 6:30pm-midnight (last food order 10:15pm); Sat-Sun 9am-3pm, 6:30pm-midnight (last food order 10:15pm); Mint is open Tue-Fri, Sun 6:30pm-1am; Sat 6:30pm-2am.

No. 5: Min Jiang

6774-0122
Forget the tacky décor and deafening cacophony we’ve come to associate with Chinese restaurants—Min Jiang is taking Chinese dining to a whole new level. And what a refreshing change it makes. The place is decked out with tasteful antiques, sedate colors and a fully stocked bar, as well as a large alfresco dining area. Owned by the folks at Goodwood Park Hotel, this upper mid-range restaurant offers a full page of Chef’s Specials, such as shark’s fin soup with spinach ($45 per person) and Chinese red wine fried rice ($16 for small, $24 for medium), but the one that you cannot miss is the Beijing Duck ($40 for half, $80 for whole). This is perhaps one of the few Chinese restaurants in town where you may want to stick around for a few drinks after your food instead of getting out as quickly as you can to go somewhere nicer. Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm; Dim Sum High Tea Sat-Sun 3-5pm.

Whatever your preference in food or drinks, Rochester Park offers a unique, tasteful and übercool place to hang out. Check it out before it becomes so popular that you can’t get in.

Spring is the season of life when every creature is reborn after a long period of hibernation. In the West, it is also the time when farangs take stock of their possessions and do a big cleaning. Thailand doesn’t really have “Spring”—but the New Year is as good a reason as any to tidy things up. Yes, though you probably clean your home regularly, admit it—there are a few things you have been neglecting. How about that closet where all your old clothes have been disappearing? The windows too hard to reach that never get wiped off? And when’s the last time you had a look at what’s hiding beneath that bed? Oh yes, you have a lot of work to do.

Clean Machine

The core idea of spring cleaning is, obviously, to clean. But we know, we know—it’s hard work. Plus, you could scratch your diamond ring. Why don’t you try a miraculous innovation—the robot vacuum! Verasu introduces the Karcher Robo Cleaner (02-254-8101/-8; www.verasu.com) from Germany that is able to work on wood floor, tiles and carpet. This automated vacuum is only 10cm in height and weighs just 2kg, so cleaning underneath your bed or carrying it around is no problem. Don’t bother looking at the price; just think how easy cleaning is going to be (B159,000; hot summer sale B127,200 through May 15)! Another somewhat cheaper option is the Electrolux Trilobite (B89,000. Call Electrolux for airfreight, 02-718-0200, 02-725-9000; www.electrolux.co.th).

If those prices—or thoughts of artificial intelligence cleaning your floors—freak you out, let these folks give you a hand. Happy Cleaning (101/123 Rama 3 Rd., Bang Kor Laem, 02-291-6584, 01-842-3905; www.happycleaning.net) offers service for houses not larger than 200sq.m. Five cleanings will run you B3,000. Miss Clean (02-736-7579, [email protected], www.geocities.com/missclean2546) provides different levels of service, starting at B1,000 per visit.

Taking Care of Business

It’s also time to check up on all your household facilities. This may take time, but it helps in reducing monthly expenses. Here are a handful of services for specific products.

Air-Conditioner: Some say it needs to be cleaned twice a year, but even once a year is better than never. The Ministry of Energy has teamed up with several vocational schools in offering an air-conditioner cleaning service at B350 through May 31 (call 1579 or 02-282-7060 ext. 1391, 1704/-5; www.eppo.go.th or www.thaienergynews.com).

Bicycle: You’ve worked that bike hard throughout the year on numerous treks. Why don’t you treat it right with a nice check-up at Probike (237/2 Sarasin Rd., 02-253-3384, www.probike.co.th)? Professionally trained staff members are waiting to give you the ride of your life.

Car: Forget streetside car wash services. Spoil your MINI with full-board treatment instead. Opt for services at 27 Speed Kar Klinic (2072 Sukhumvit 62, 02-741-5906/-7, www.27speed.com), Classic Care (Off Soi Soon Vijai, 02-716-5667/-8, [email protected]) or Wash Mania (581/2 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39, Procha-Uthit Rd., 02-935-6958, www.iamwashmania.com). These places provide more than just basic automobile care—their selection of wash programs are specialized for hi-end cars, too. Visit their websites for fares; they’re not that pricey.

Carpets: Imagine all the dirty feet that have walked across your floor this year. The vacuum is good for the short term, but if you need something a bit more intensive, go to the pros. The Living Company (860-870 Sukhumvit Rd., Phra Kanong, opp. Soi Thong Lor, 02-381-8301, www.dema.biz) will do a good job with this, as this is a fine carpet vendor. Specialized staffs can service your antique Persian or silky Jim Thompson carpet here, as well. Picking up a rug from your home costs B1,000; if it’s a wall-to-wall carpet, rates start at B3,500.

Plumbers: If your plumbing is a bit slow and you don’t have your own handyman, call Tortan (45 Soi Taan Samrit 15, Tiwanont Rd., 09-473-9501, 09471-8160, www.tortan.com) to the rescue. They will unclog your drains and toilets for approximately B1,000 per clog point. (Just remember that drains are sometimes clogged at more than one location in a pipe.)

Re-paint For a New Outlook

It’s widely said that changing a room’s tone can heal your mood. Getting a bright new outlook with a newly decorated room could be exactly what you need. ITV has a new program called Changing Rooms, which offers you and a friend free new decorations within a B50,000 budget and two whole days to do it. The idea is that they let you guys swap room-decorating roles—you redecorate your friend’s room while he/she manages yours. All you can do is pray it will turn out OK! They provide an interior designer to guide your vision and to prevent any serious design disasters. Contact How Come Entertainment (3/F, Shinawatra Tower 3, Viphavadi-Rangsit Rd., 02-791-1717, www.howcome.co.th) for details. For new design ideas, check out Architect’06 through May 7, where household services, products and innovations are gathered in one stop for your shopping convenience.

Clear and Recycle

Time to clear things out that you “haven’t used in the past year.” Follow this rule slavishly, or you’ll end up keeping everything for future use. OK, we respect your fashion sense; you can keep that vintage Birkin. But what to do with the leftovers? You could sell them to that saleng that occasionally drives by your home, or you could make more merit by donating them. Though you may not need what you’re getting rid of, there’re many in the world who do. Wat Suan Kaew Foundation (Bangyai, Nonthaburi, 02-921-6262, 02-921-5602/-4, 02595-1945/-7) accepts all second hand products, from clothing, books, electronic devices and furniture to construction items. Other choices for donations are voluntary student groups in universities that do rural development twice a year. Visit the Donation Exchange Center (www.thaigiving.org) for listings of foundations or groups that have been thoroughly checked out.

Freshen It Up

After a long day on cleaning duty, ‘tis time to clean up your body. No, we’re not talking about washing your skin with luxurious skincare products. We mean detoxification of your digestive tract. Detoxification (a.k.a. detox) washes away toxins from your body by injecting warm water into your colon. Advanced detoxification services are available in various hospitals and medical clinics, but you could just as well do it at home. Buy a detox kit from any drugstore (try Fascino, 02-889-5820/-9, www.fascino.co.th) and follow the directions. Afterwards, you will discover that you feel lighter and fresher than ever. You might alternatively want to take an extended break or fast at a detox program of some sort. Check out courses at Cheevachit Magazine (www.cheevachit.com, www.amarintraining.com), New Body and Mind Retreats (www.thinkdetox.com) or HydroHealth (4/F, Erawan Bangkok, Ploenchit Rd., 02-250-7800, 02-250-7808, www.hydrohealth.co.th), which offer several detoxification programs matched to your type and time frame.

Spring Cleaning Check List
 

Q: How should I start cleaning my place?
A: Follow this list.

Clean shades, curtains and ceiling
Check if lights work well
Clean windows with newspaper and check for cracked panes
Beat cushions and mattresses to remove dust. Replace if necessary
Dust and organize table and cupboard
Sort messy wardrobe
Defrost refrigerator, then wash with warm water and baking soda
Replace filter and clean air-conditioner
Clean the floor last

Q: Should I throw this away?
A: Check this list. If you mark four of them, get rid of it.

You haven’t used it for more than a year
You can’t remember how you got it
You have no idea how to use it in the near future
You don’t know what it is
It wouldn’t hurt to lose it
You could buy a new one if you suddenly needed it

Q: What should we keep in the wardrobe for the coming season?
A: If it matches just one thing in this list, keep it.

It’s white
It’s navy/nautical design
It’s a silky dress/blouse
It’s printed
It’s short

Lots of us love Isaan food, no matter how much of a negative connotation it has. It’s healthy, tasty, cheap and makes us sweat like pigs, giving our blood pressure pleasant jolts without the need for sexual contact. But sometimes when we want to have that low down food, we can’t be bothered to wait in a long line or sit next to some exhaust laden parking lot in the hot Bangkok sun. If this sounds like you, scream hallelujah! A brand new Issan restarant just flung open its doors on the ground floor of the air-conditioned Glorious Phenomenon itself, Siam Paragon. It’s called Café Chili. Not so fast: Rumor has it that the owners of the place are hiso gals. Is it going to be fusion food or perhaps Isaan fare so mutated that it no longer resembles the dirty, stinky plaa raa we all know and love? We went in to get a closer look.

This foxy café sports a high ceiling and mezzanine with over 70 seats, as well as an alfresco area at the front of a tiny lagoon. The place might look like the typical extravagant décor of a Paragon restaurant, but it’s quite distinctive as a café where you can just sit and chill, sipping your wine with some larb. Don’t be fooled by the location and the décor—this outlet guarantees all customers authentic recipes straight from their original provinces. (For instance, their plaa raa is from Khon Kaen and muu yor is from Pathum Thani.)

Generally, all the dishes here have preserved the genuine flavor of Isaan—salty, sour, spicy and not sweet (unless you ask). The look might be different from what you’re used to, as some dishes have been adapted for this setting. Their grilled lamb with jeaw dip and sticky rice (B350) looks a little different, for example, but it tastes great. One of the local foods that we haven’t seen around for ages, steamed chicken with local herbs (B150), is available at Café Chili. Of course, somtam is a must and they offer not just ordinary tam Thai, tam Lao or tam Thai with puu (somtam Thai with salted crab), but they also have jungle som tam (with bamboo shoots, phak grached, papaya, kaffir lime, B110). You might want to try O My God (laap salmon, B250) with black sticky rice (B25) for a light lunch with selection of wine (B900-3,000) or a glass of Black Label (B180).

While we were dipping our sticky rice in jeaw, we chatted with Khun Nawarat Sittapak, co-owner, about her unique outlet.

Why Isaan food?

I personally love Isaan food. Every time I’ve heard of a new and tasty Isaan food restaurant anywhere, I’d jump in my car and go for it. No matter where or how much it cost. Then I realized, there’re a lot of people who love to have Isaan food but can’t be bothered with the heat, the crowds and the environment where most Isaan restaurants are located. So my friends and I came up with the idea of having an Isaan restaurant that everyone could enjoy—both for the food and the venue. You can sip your wine while enjoying your laap.

Seems like you have gathered a lot of dishes from throughout the Northeast.

Yes, what we do now is try to introduce people to Isaan foods that they’ve never heard of, which are all yummy. Introducing these to people is hard but I think we’re doing very well. We still have an endless list of items we will add bit-by-bit. We don’t want to give our customers culture shock, and we don’t want them to be like "what the f***?" I’m certain that customers will experience the authentic taste of Isaan at our restaurant since our ingredients, recipes and chefs are from the region.

Dining details

Expose your Isaan inside in an upscale atmosphere at Café Chili. Open daily 10am-11pm, at G/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9877/-8. MC, V, AE.

There’s one. Hey, there’s another. Wait one more! Yes, despite the fierce competition, new bars and clubs are still popping up before our eyes. Being people who pride ourselves on being at the forefront of everything new, fun and exciting, we nobly braved nights of clubbing and drinking to bring you the newest bar babies in town.

Butter It Up

The latest of the slew of clubs spinning hip hop and R&B, The Butter Factory (#01-03 Riverside 48, 48 Robertson Quay, 6333-8243) unlocked its lip-lined doors in March. This babe was first conceived in August 2005 by Celeste Chong, Bobby Luo, Ritz Lim and Tay Eu-yen. These proud parents hope to repackage hip hop in Singapore. Expect to see street culture infused with the bling factor, and hear novel sounds from Asian DJs and MCs.

The Butter Factory is divided into two sectors—The Great Indoors and the Art Bar. Clubbers will feel right at home exploring the various sections of The Great Indoors, which are furnished to resemble different parts of an abode. The sleek bar, for example, is made to look like a cool kitchen, the red glittery Moet & Chandon VIP Lounge like a lavish bedroom, the funky chill-out section a barbecue area, and the dance floor a swimming pool.

After partying boisterously at The Great Indoors, merrymakers can rest their heels at the Art Bar. The décor is more laid back, but still holding true to the fun factor prevalent in the club. Ornamenting the place are bold, colorful and quirky cartoon characters who stared out at us very hard; we’ve never had so much attention. We hear 100 more pairs of cartoon eyes are going to join these characters soon.

Although there are several clubs spinning hip hop and R&B nowadays, The Butter Factory delivers a fresher sound. Besides having local DJs Drem and Mylk at the turntables, Asian turntablists and rap masters will be the focal point when creating the music list of the club. Japanese DJs Tashi, Fujimi and rap assemblage Triforce have already graced the decks, while Hongkong’s DJ Gruv is all set to conjure up some magic come Apr 30.

The music, outrageous décor, and most of all, the fun, set this new party venue apart from the rest. As Celeste chirps, “Where else can you drink beer from a BBQ pit, while having a gnome hold up your ass?”

On The Rocks

This unpretentious watering hole by rock DJ Syvester Henry may look humble, but it definitely packs a mean punch. Nestled away on the third floor of one of the shophouses lining the Singapore River, Chillies (75B Boat Quay, 9689-1154) is a small cozy bar which made its first cry on Apr 7.

The furnishings of Chillies are simple. Lava lamps, black sofas, red pillows with gold trimmings and posters of luminaries such as Chuck Berry and B. B. King craft a chilled-out atmosphere that invite everyone to unwind. We dig the centerpiece of the bar—a large projector which showcases music videos and concert clips. Beer guzzlers may smoke sheesha on the balcony under hanging drapes (which are actually saris belonging to Syvester’s mum). More sporting individuals can challenge one another to darts.

The selling point of this quiet bar is undoubtedly its song list. As Syvester quips, “Besides playing music by local bands, I play music by people who started rock, such as that by The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin. The rock music that the other clubs play is different and more commonplace. They may play stuff by Bon Jovi, for example.”

This is not to suggest that other kinds of music cannot be found at this joint. The last time we were at Chillies, we caught a concert screened from the projector which saw Daniel Powter slamming on piano keys and members of Linkin Park jumping around on stage. Though primarily an old school rock ’n’ roll outlet, Syvester is a friendly guy willing to change the song list to suit the eardrums of different customers.

The crowd at Chillies is fairly diverse. Early hours see bankers and CEOs lounging away, whereas musicians, bartenders and pub staff trickle into the bar in the wee hours to sink their teeth into hot finger-licking chicken wings—the delicious creation of Chef Gerald Tan.

With weekly jam sessions featuring members from bands such as Heritage, Xbred and Ronin in the pipeline, things are going to get rocking hard in this new, modest bar.

In A Class of Their Own

Residing on the former premises of China Jump, Le Baroque (B1-07 Fountain Court, CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6339-6696) is a bar, a restaurant and a dance club all rolled into one. The creation of Linda Tan, Jane Loo, Daniel Tong and Bee C Loh, this gothic party venue has caught the eyes of several expatriates, yuppies and professionals since it unveiled its elegant face.

This dame is sectioned into three parts. There is the landscaped alfresco space, the dance floor and the elevated lounge area. Lavish decadence is the underlying thread beneath its modern, gothic décor and ambience. From classy chandeliers to seductive paintings of Adam and Eve, dazzling gold-tinged walls to the cool main bar, Le Baroque exudes quiet sensuality.

Live acts lovers will dig the electrifying set by The Music Express. This six-piece outfit is fronted by crooners Rudy and Jess, and churns out groovy numbers and contemporary favorites that make you wanna dance, and dance some more.

It’s a wide variety of entertainment options housed snugly under one roof. We recommend you pig out on their sumptuous main courses and desserts, then check out the performance before hitting the alfresco area to chat and down your favorite drinks. We must give the service here a big thumbs up too. Waiters and waitresses hovered near our table the last time we were there—eager to clear our plates and take our orders, and not to eavesdrop on the juicy gossip we were sharing.

For breathtaking panoramic views of the South China Sea, il Lido Lounge Bar (Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Rd., 6866-1977) is a sure bet. Overlooking the sea, the terrace of this stylish cocktail and wine bar is a hot spot for lovey-dovey couples to catch awe-inspiring sunsets and whisper sweet nothings to each other.

Besides providing stunning views of its surroundings, a pull factor of il Lido Lounge Bar is its plush designer furniture. Sit back, chill out to the cool sounds by X’Ho and appreciate the classic clean-cut contemporary pieces by Phillippe Starck, Arne Jacobssen, Antonio Citterio and Piero Lissoni.

Nibble traditional Italian finger food from thee restaurant and take your pick from over 400 wine choices. This well-stocked and dynamic cocktail and wine bar is for the sophisticates who wanna chill out to fabulous scenery after slogging away in the office.

Two other enclaves that urbanites will love are housed in the refurbished Red Dot Design Museum, or as it is more popularly known, the old traffic building. One of them, Skin (#01-05 Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-4638), is an exclusive and sexy bar that was conceived after Trevor Guan and Kaz spent hours daydreaming by the beach.

Think glimmering chandeliers, eye-catching ornaments hanging from the ceiling and black embossed wallpaper. The main hall of Skin simply exudes exotic bohemian vibes. Its alfresco area is no less luxurious. Featuring more clear-cut furnishings with some greenery, Skin is definitely a cool place to chill out at before you hit one of those boisterous clubs for a dance.

Expect ear candy to accompany the glamorous décor too. Ambient house music fills the air in the early evening hours before local DJs spin some chill out and soul numbers in the later hours.

Another newbie tucked away at the Red Dot Design Museum is Artery (#01-04 Red Dot Traffic Building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-4820). This bar may be small, but it is quickly packing in drinkers who love its friendly vibes. The innovation of Ho Kee Lam and Ken Koo, Artery is breathing fresh life and blood into our nightlife and fast becoming a hot spot among the creatives.

To instill a sense of openness and to promote interaction among the patrons, the red, lush sofas in Artery are generally aligned in a row. The furnishings are clean with well-defined lines, and the ambience laid back and intimate. As Jess Kong, the manager of Artery says, “We want Artery to be a place where people feel as if they are coming home to their living rooms. It’s a more personal space where people in this table can talk easily to people at the adjacent table.”

There are plans to install plasma TV screens and revamp the outdoor area to
give the place a more edgy feel. Look out for their various upcoming events and promotions too.

So there you have it. The newest clubs and bars in town rocking our local nightlife scene. With the increased options to hang out at, we predict more satisfied souls filled with great drinks, good times and new friends.

Amaltery

88/6 Camp Davis, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 01-849-4405. Open Mon-Sat noon-11pm.
Price: B60 for one scoop, B110 for two.

The Selection: Over 30 flavors of alcohol infused ice cream and sorbets that rotate daily. These frozen cocktails contain about 5% alcohol—not enough to make you tipsy but enough to make you smile. If you’re underage or not into the spirit of things then opt for the ever-ready malt flavored ice cream—the only non-alcoholic ice cream available. Popular flavors include ATV (almond, toffee, vodka) and Sex on the Beach (vodka, peach schnapps). A real drink list with cocktail menu and imported beers is also available.

The Service: Cool, calm and laidback, which makes sense in this small space.

The Setting: Small, sleek and chic—it looks more like a bar or hip café than an ice cream shop. On your left, find a concrete cubist relief on the wall, which is lined with a sofa and plush pillows. In the back, rows of liquor line the shelves as if to remind you of their ice cream’s distinctive characteristic.

The Verdict: Two words: yummy and ingenious! We can’t think of anything better to have on a hot summer day than these icy, alcoholic treats. We dare say this innovative approach to serving a drink is almost as fun as having the real deal, the only catch is that there is too little alcohol—but that’s what the cocktail menu is for!

Buono Gelatorante

145 Thonglor Soi 10, 02-392-4675/-6. Open daily 9am-midnight. www.buonogelato.com
Price: B45 for one scoop, B85 for two.

The Selection: They specialize in gelato—an Italian style treat that is lower in fat than regular ice cream with a lighter, smoother consistency and served semi-frozen. They have about 40 flavors that rotate on a daily basis throughout their branches, 10 flavors at a time. Popular flavors include brownie milk, stracciatella, mascarpone, tiramisu and Belgian chocolate. Also have sorbets and sherbets like roselle, santol and limoncello.

The Service: Service is friendly and amiable. Waiters are knowledgeable about the menu and can give good recommendations if you’re having a hard time deciding what you want.

The Setting: Equal parts gelatoria and ristorante (thus a gelatorante), the venue is comfortable and pleasant thanks to the converted house it is set in. Windows give diners a glimpse of the green garden outside. The interior is stylish but not over-sophisticated or stuffy.

The Verdict: Homemade ice cream that is professionally done. The gelato has an even texture and appearance and a wholesome, authentic flavor where the all-natural ingredients really shine. Some of the best ice cream in Bangkok.

Ete

1/F, Penny’s Balcony, Thong Lor Soi 16, 02-714-9813. Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. www.etedairy.com
Price: B40 for one scoop, B75 for two.


The Selection: Ete features 40 flavors of ice cream all made with fresh milk from their own farm in Nakon Ratchasima. They feature both traditional and local flavors. Popular flavors include cookies and cream, Nutella, kiwi strawberry and durian. Ete is like the Swensen’s of the homemade ice cream movement, regularly featuring promotional sets, flavors of the month, and daring seasonal flavors (ma muang nam plaa wan, anyone?). They distribute their own retail packaged ice cream (B90/400g) to supermarkets like Foodland and The Mall.

The Service: Service with a smile that is friendly and a tad aggressive in that promotion-pushing sort of way.

The Setting: Ete’s first standalone screams “internet café” but without any computers. The interior sports really bad décor with a loud pseudo-retro pattern on the walls colliding head-on with generic abstract paintings. Better to get a seat by the window and enjoy the view, or just get it to go.

The Verdict: The ice cream here is definitely denser and harder than other places we’ve tried, which some may like depending on preference. We prefer their creamier flavors as opposed to their fruitier ones.

Hay Café

1/F, Siam Paragon, 911/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7561. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Price: B45 for one scoop, B90 for two.

The Selection: Italian homemade style with 50 flavors of sorbet, frozen yogurt and milky ice cream, 22 of which are found in the daily ice cream case. Flavors include green apple, blueberry yogurt, coffee caramel, cookie and cream, and chocolate banana. Each scoop is huge. Hay’s ice cream flavors, whether fruity or milky, are nicely done with a smooth, soft, rich taste.

The Service: Cold and not really well trained. Be prepared for dirty looks when you want to try a number of flavors. That’s not to say they are all bad, but if you’re lucky enough to find a nice one, try to stick with him or her.

The Setting: The new branch at Siam Paragon is small but sweet with feminine looking pastel colors and flowery wallpaper. Despite limited space, transparent partitions help keep it comfortable and promote window-shopping while taking an ice cream break.  

The Verdict: Hay Café is an ice cream heaven that we love to revisit often. Aside from the service and small selection of toppings, its flavors are rich and their big scoops score big with us. The central location is convenient, as well.

IBerry (Mousse and Berries)

J Avenue, Thonglor Soi 15, 02-712-6054. Open Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. www.iberryhomemade.com
Price: B40 for one scoop, B70 for two.

The Selection: Iberry was one of the first to jump start the homemade ice cream craze by making local flavors to suit Thai tongues. They feature over 100 flavors but are most popular for the local fruit flavors they introduced like madun, tamarind, santol, gooseberry and lychee. Popular fruit flavors at this branch include the two-timing blueberry mango and gooseberry; for creamy flavors, macadamia and Nutella are top picks.

The Service: Prompt, friendly and professional, even for such a busy branch.

The Setting: The shop is circular and glass encased with a refreshingly white interior and touches of leaf green and soft yellow. Marble table tops, wicker chairs, tree branches and bird cages—all in white—strangely give you a feel for summer and gardens without there being any trees, flowers or birds.

The Verdict: We like them for their overall image and their variety of unique flavors—especially their selection of fruit flavors that is extensive and definitely earns them points for creativity. The fruit flavors have the upper hand for this brand and are what you should really come here for.

Ice Connection

Verasu, 4/F, Verasu building, Wireless Rd., 02-254-8101-8 ext 4100. Open daily 9am-7pm.
Price: B35 for one scoop, B69 for two.

The Selection: Ice Connection comes with a selection of healthy ice cream flavors that match your blood type. People with blood types B and AB can eat ice cream made from cow’s milk, but this kind of milk isn’t suitable for people who have type O and A. Instead they should consume ice cream made from soymilk. Their cones are also made from flour imported from the US called spelt, which is a healthy wheat.

The Service: Pretty waitresses are well trained, friendly and helpful.

The Setting: Located at a corner of the Verasu building’s fourth floor, Ice Connection has pretty good views from glass windows. The ambience is quiet as there are not many people passing by.    

The Verdict: Having ice cream that matches your blood type is a unique experience, but if you aren’t a health freak, you probably won’t go out of your way to make it to the Verasu building. Because of the low sugar andmilk content, every flavor is  light. Don’t expect any creamy, rich desserts here.

Spice Story
G/F, Siam Paragon, 911/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-7561. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Price: B50 for one scoop, B100 for two

The Selection: This stylish shop doesn’t focus on ice cream exclusively, but as its name suggests, stocks spice-infused ice cream to lure in passing shoppers. Its creative selections are limited to just seven flavors—chili, pepper magic, orange charm, morning glory, lemongrass, cinnamon and green tea poppy seed. No toppings or fancy stuff.

The Service: Friendly and helpful. Though people always dip in to taste these unusual selections—especially chili and pepper flavors—the staff always smile and are willing to give customers a try.  

The Setting: With shocking pink color, this modern Chinese shop is adorable. The inside may be too small to sit down at and chill for long, but the tables right out front are lovely.

The Verdict: Great creativity, but chilli and pepper flavors are too hot!  They increase the temperature in our bodies instead of cooling us down like other ice creams do. New flavors like wasabi or kaeng khiaw waan may come soon so check back in the future. 

Tuscanini
229 Thonglor Soi 11. 02-391-3164. Open Sun-Thur 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm.
Price: B39 for one scoop, B69 for two

The Selection: Boston-style homemade ice cream with about 100 daily rotating flavors. Its sorbet types are adequate while their milky ice creams are excellent—rich and not too sweet. Fancy ice creams are displayed on the board menu, including waffle ice cream (B125) and taco ice cream (B125). Toppings are similar to other places. Its whipped cream is light and smooth. Outstanding flavors are kahlua, white chocolate, ginger, cookies and cream, and blueberry.

The Service: Perfectly helpful and informative. The staff greet you with big smiles. If you don’t know what to order, they recommend new and popular flavors. Also, they encourage trying unfamiliar flavors and are endlessly patient.

The Setting: The first branch at Thong Lor is quite old, but still cozy. Soft, big orange sofas are great for laying back or even to take a short nap; especially the one inside the shop. The board menu is helpful, presenting the customer with mouthwatering ice cream pictures.

The Verdict: Two thumbs up for fantastic service. Super friendly staff creates a pleasant ambience at the shop. Beside service, smooth, rich, milky ice cream, with crispy waffle cones and comfy sofas are other criteria that draw us back again and again.

Atrium Athletic Club

Tipco Tower, Rama 6 Rd., 02-271-4200. Open daily 6am-10pm

The Scene: The pool itself is simple, but the area is impressive. Housed in the atrium of the club, you could take a dip while overlooking traffic congested on expressways and residential areas with a sunset backdrop. This is a small temperature-controlled pool, so it’s limited to only five swimmers at one time.

The Price: B4,280 for one month and B17,000 for three month memberships. No day passes.

Best For... Low-profile, (very) high-profit residents of the area.

Benjasiri Garden

Sukhumvit Rd., beside The Emporium, 02-258-2377. Open daily 10am-8pm

The Scene: On your left is a well-decorated garden, on your right is the flashy Emporium Tower. No, you’re not in a hiso sport club—believe it or not, this is a BMA-owned pool featuring simple but perfect surroundings.

The Price: One-year membership: B10 for children, B40 for adults. B5-15 entrance fee to use the pool for 90 minutes. You’ll need to present a medical certificate when applying for membership.

Best For...Those who have limited budget but love to say, “Where do I swim? Well, around the Emporium.”

Lumpini Park

Rama 4 Rd., 02-252-8035. Open daily 7am-8pm

The Scene: This is the older version of the Benjasiri pool, but most importantly it’s populated by ah mah and ah sor with their little nieces and nephews. People here know they’ll have to queue if they want to go swimming, so if you’re a new kid on the block, watch and learn.

The Price: One-year membership: B10 for children, B40 for adults. B5-15 entrance fee to use the pool for 90 minutes. You’ll need to present a medical certificate when applying for membership.

Best For... Ah muays and ah tees that need to bring their elderly relatives for poolside social activities.

Millennium Hilton

123 Charoen Nakorn Rd., Klongsan, Si Phraya pier, 02-442-2000. Open daily 7am-10pm

The Scene: Is this a view to die for or what? While you’re dipping your tummy, you can also enjoying the astonishing scenery. Forget hard, cold tiles: This luxurious hotel pool gives you white sand—yes, white, soft sand. There are also pool beds along the side of the pool and even in the pool. Five-star everything, so you can get whatever you desire—drinks, snacks, towels or a pool boy with nice abs.

The Price: It hasn’t “officially” opened yet, but you can bet the price won’t be cheap. Call for info.

Best For... Ladies who lunch, posh Thai yuppies, foreigners, tourists, wannabes, lottery winners, and umm… maybe some BK readers.

Nai Lert Park Hotel

2 Wireless Road, 02-253-0123. Open daily 7am-7pm

The Scene: Here’s an oasis in the middle of the city. The overall size is big but the shape is not Olympic, so if you’re thinking of doing laps, forget it. You can expect every service here that a luxurious hotel can offer.

The Price: Various flexible memberships are available for individuals, couples, corporate members and for off-peak times, too. Prices range from B5,000-33,000 and B500 for a day pass. Membership gets you a 20-25% discount on some facilities and outlets.

Best For... Greenpeace members, Jane and Tarzan or the kind of people who want to feel like them, people who love to have afternoon tea or cocktails.

The Olympic Club

Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Rama 1 Rd., 02-216-3700. Open daily Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, weekend and public holidays 7am-10pm. www.theolympic-club.com

The Scene: This outdoor, 25m long pool is in one of the most popular fitness centers in Bangkok, which means showing off your breast stroke is a must. But the major highlight is the water: The pool is treated with sodium chlorinate that doesn’t spoil your hair and skin.

The Price: Day pass is B550. Membership ranges from B2,500 (one month off-peak) to B35,000 (one year full-time).

Best For... Baby boys or girls whose skin is purer than a gold bar, serious swimmers or elderly folks who don’t want to spoil their skin and what hair they have left. 

Sports City

20/262-4 Moo 9, Prachachuen Rd., Bangtalad, Pakkred, 02-575-0078/-86. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm. www.sportscity2002.com

The Scene: Located in the mega Sport City complex with lagoon scenery next to the lake. Worth driving to even if you don’t live or work nearby.

The Price: General fitness memberships, which include pool access, range from B26,750 to B32,100 for one year. Day pass is B650.

Best For... Suburbanites who have escaped the inner city, big families with fat wallets, kids being groomed for athletic greatness.

Rabbit food no more, salads are fast becoming fancier and funkier. Weight watchers and vegetarians aren’t the only ones heading to salad bars for lunch nowadays. Those preferring a light lunch so they won’t be caught by the post-lunch Z-monster are wise to eat their greens.

Often these salad joints also include sandwiches, soups, and sometimes pastas, on their menus. Some outlets have dine-in facilities, but these aren’t exactly your sit-and-chat places. In fact, most cater to the grab-and-go busy executive working nearby. We bring you the lowdown on where you can crunch into a decent bowl of salad.

Juiced Rawbars

#B1-08 Republic Plaza, 9 Raffles Place, 6535-3230.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 9am-2pm.
This is a true salad bar, where juices and salads are the main items on the menu. Juiced Rawbars pride themselves in providing only fresh premium seasonal produce, mostly from Australia (after all, this is a Sydney import). Opened at the start of this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Design your own salad for $7.50, which comes with a Rawbar leaf mix, any six base ingredients from the 32 available, such as cous cous, beet, mushroom and kidney bean, and top it off with any of the 13 dressings on offer, such as Rawbar vinaigrette or the honey and mint dressing. If you want something fancier with your greens, pay an extra $1 to $2 more depending on the ingredient.

The juices and smoothies (there’s soy and low fat milk too) take up half the menu. Apart from traditional smoothies, there are citrus smoothies, exotic smoothies (mostly berry-based) and tropical smoothies (expect pineapple juice in most). Of course, you can also design your own juice, but what sets this place apart is that you can boost your juice with ingredients like echinacea, ginseng and spirulina. As much as it is primarily a salad and juice place though, the daily-made soups and freshly-made wraps are definite must-tries. Stop for lunch or pick a salad to complement your dinner on your way home.

Tossz

#01-29, 3 China Square, Pickering St., 6536-6280.
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-7:30pm; Sat 11am-2pm.
As the name implies, you pick the ingredients, they toss. Here’s how it works: Choose a base salad of either mesclun ($4), romaine ($3.50), or iceberg ($3.50) and then pick a minimum of four ingredients from 42 available ($0.50 and $2.50 for each topping), such as baked tofu, bacon bits and green apples. Decide from the 15 salad dressings you’d like and ta-dah, you’ve got a salad. For quality control, most of their dressings are home-made. The honey mustard dressing and the fat free Asian dressing are the two most popular. If making a decision is too much of a strain during your lunch break, then there are ready-made salads to pick from. Apart from traditional salads like Greek salad ($4) and garden salad ($5.20), there are also special Tossz creations, such as blackened steak salad ($7) and the Southwestern salad ($7).

Post Express Deli

The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 6877-8995.
Open daily 7am-8pm.
Tucked away in the corner of the Fullerton Hotel is this tiny nook brimming with delicious salads, sandwiches and pastries. This three-month old deli offers mouth-watering salads that are both exotic and unusual. Must-tries include the Chinese roast duck salad ($6), grilled vegetables and cous cous salad ($5) and the shellfish salad with Thai guava and apple lily ($7). Being part of Fullerton Hotel, expect five-star hotel quality, right down to the last detail. Everything is made with the best and freshest ingredients—which means each bite is full of flavor and truly delicious. Because there are no seats at this deli, it really is a grab-and-go joint. But rest assured, each meal comes with sufficient utensils and napkins packed neatly so you can enjoy the food at your office desk, or leisurely on a bench by the Singapore River nearby. Post Express Deli makes deliveries at a minimum of $200 per order. Place your orders in the morning if it’s just lunch you’re after.

The Moomba Tuckshop

#B1-01 Bank of China Building, 4 Battery Rd., 6536-5235.
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-2pm.
This is literally a hole in the wall, and what’s more, it’s in the basement. So you could easily walk past and not even notice it. Obscure as it is, the Moomba Tuckshop has been a popular lunch-time place for executives who work around the area. Offering a selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads and pastries, there’s not a lot of space to sit and eat there, so when it gets crowded, you’re better off crunching into your salad elsewhere. Better still, have your lunch delivered to your office (a min. $20 order is required). The Thai chicken salad ($6) is a specialty, though you can find six other ready-to-go standard issue salads like chicken and egg salad ($6) and Caesar salad with fresh romaine leaves ($6) too. Service is fast and efficient, perfect for those who don’t have much time for lunch.

Something To Go

The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6720-8000.
Open daily 8am-9pm.
For those in the Orchard Road area, Something To Go at The Regent Singapore offers some interesting salads. Spinach salad with citrus, papaya seed dressing ($9) and lemon and parsley tuna salad with black pepper ($12) are two that stand out from the usual options. A new salad that has just been added to the menu is Mozzarella Alla Caprese ($10). Created by their new chef Joseph Oldham, this is a traditional south Italian dish. Cheese made from buffalo and cow’s milk is accompanied by fresh ripe tomatoes, sliced basil, cracked pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Low in fat and calories, it’s a must-try. Not exactly a sit-and-eat place, the best part of the deli is that there are parking lots right outside the deli for a quick drop-in and dash-out.

Diane von Furstenberg

When a dress that is poured over the female form to bring out her best assets is discovered, history is made. And that is exactly what Belgian fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (DVF) did in 1972. Celebrating the contours of the woman’s body, the wrap dress became synonymous with women’s liberation, and who better to represent the movement than von Furstenberg herself?

“My role as a fashion designer is to give women clothes that will enhance their personalities,” she says. “The wrap dress is timeless and classic … it is worn the same way it was worn in the ’70s … and it is effortless.”

Von Furstenberg has, since then, kept that as an underlying inspiration for all her collections. The stunning showcase of her autumm/winter collection at the recent Singapore Fashion Festival exuded her signature style of subtle sexiness, coupled with functional femininity. Weightless satin and silk chiffons fluttered gracefully on dresses suited for glamorous evenings, while classic bold prints on snug silhouette pieces fluently hugging the female form spelt practical day wear.

Without formal education or training in fashion, von Furstenberg was dabbling with jerseys when the light bulb to the legendary wrap dress flashed. Daughter of an Auschwitz survivor, ex-wife to an Austrian Prince and former cover girl of Newsweek, the designer is an amalgamation of beauty and strength. It is this epitome of independence and glamor that has been incorporated into the way she fashions her clothes.

Women are, and always have been, powerful engines in society, and von Furstenberg created for them an avenue to feel confident and commanding without having to compromise their femininity—seen especially in her recent show here that featured many colorful and fun gowns, skirts, blouses and jackets that went beyond her signature warp dresses. “The Diane von Furstenberg woman is an independent woman who lives life to the fullest and is always on-the-go, so it is important to design clothes that allow her to go from the office to after-hours by simply changing her shoes.”

Today, the owner of chic boutiques in New York, Miami, London, Paris, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, has expanded her expertise to include cosmetics, swimwear and maternity pieces, to name just a few. And with the recent availability of her collection in Takashimaya, those who have always gone gaga over her pieces—which have graced the bodies of many international celebrities such as Madonna, Ashley Judd and Paris Hilton—can now bask in their very own.

Glamorously modeled after a glittering jewel box, her boutique is chic and posh. Always keeping elegance and comfort composite, she promises to keep “dresses and separates in lighter fabrics, like silk chiffon or charmeuse, that are breathable, fluid and appropriate for the weather in Singapore.” From the latest runway designs to easy wear dresses, feel and look like royalty without even trying. Live it up DVF style, day and night.
Available from Diane von Furstenberg, 2/F, Takashimaya, 391 Orchard Rd., 6732-6626.

alldressedup

When recently cat-walked at the Singapore Fashion Festival, insiders lauded alldressedup as one of the most accessible and striking Singaporean collections to ever show at the four-year-old event.

alldressedup, the homegrown fashion label from Sven Tan, available exclusively from The Link at Mandarin Gallery, has moved on from its “Out of Africa”-themed collection last year—which featured mostly dresses and accessories adorned with braids, leather cords and trims—to something sexier and more modern.

Drawing influences from Japan and Morocco, alldressedup’s autumn/winter pieces are made with both working and party girls in mind. The lines are clean and the materials, infused with delicate origami details and Islamic jacquard title prints, are subtle and gorgeous all at the same time.

But what stands out most from the collection, especially its gowns and dresses, is that they are not as elaborate and haute couture-based as Tan’s previous series, and they are more accessible and effortless in their execution. “In the spirit of modernity, this collection is tailored for every modern woman who truly appreciates the allure of effortless grace and uncontrived sensuality,” Tan says of his new direction. “The concept evolves around the idea of contrasts and oppositions: A bit feminine, a bit boyish, a bit sporty and a bit sophisticated. But the main objective is always to create a versatile collection that is absolutely desirable.”

Indeed, alldressedup’s latest series is just that, desirable. From the plain white dress which comes replete with detailed and gorgeous origami prints and illustrations that won’t look out of place in any art gallery; to the bold, chunky, yet inherently feminine accessories; to some highly wearable and comfortable dresses featuring see-through linen jersey; to funkier jackets and blouses made out of Swiss cotton embroidery anglaise and silk micro taffeta, it is a uniformly eclectic, stylish and highly coveted collection.

“The pieces are designed for the bohemian-spirited traveler in every woman who owns her style,” says Tan. “This season, the collection may have traveled to a new destination, but the spirit of alldressedup remains unchanged. It is not an evolution of design but always a modern interpretation of a multi-faceted woman. Depending on the styling, this collection can be styled for most occasions.”    

Certainly, the dresses from alldressedup are some of the most inspired we’ve seen from a Singaporean designer, and depending on how one mixes and matches them with various accessories, bags and shoes, these ready-to-wear pieces are good to go for any social meeting, or for a wild night out in the clubs.
Available from The Link, 1/F, Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 6836-3238.

Ashley Isham

Our homegrown London-based fashion designer Ashley Isham brought luster and magic into the Singapore fashion industry recently. His awe-inspiring collection, lauded for its energy, fluidity and movement, was one of the star attractions at last month’s Singapore Fashion Festival.

Touted as one of London’s most sought- after fashion talents, with an unprecedented rise through the rungs of the global fashion capital within just five years and a flagship boutique called Ashley’s off Bond Street, Ashley was one of the prestigious judges at the recent Mercedes-Benz Asia Fashion Award Regional Finals 2006.

Make no mistake: This highly acclaimed fashion designer’s interest in fashion did not spark off from any whimsical or fairytale-like milestone event in his life, but rather from his simple, down-to-earth mother who worked as a seamstress when he was a child.

Design-wise, Ashley derives inspiration for his clothes, from anything and anywhere—from photographs to art pieces that he sees at galleries and museums. “From my college days at St. Martin’s in London, I have learnt how to put a proper collection together,” he explains. “After getting ideas from various sources, I develop a mood board … that’s the beginning of a collection. I believe that you can find inspiration anywhere if only you are willing to absorb.”

Having a critical eye for both East and West elements, Isham is able to fuse Asian glittery motifs like prints, beading and exquisite threadwork into well-draped fabrics. His eclectic collections range from simple but elegant summer dresses, to dramatic, floor sweeping evening gowns. With a finesse for differing cuts and styles, he incorporates a matchless glamor and sophisticated touch to each of his feminine designs.

Isham, however maintains that draping remains his signature style, and discovering silhouette is his forte. His favorite all-time piece is his spring/summer red halter neck dress.

Despite the groundbreaking success of Ashley’s boutique in London, and being made the official womenswear stylist during the 2004 British Academy of Film and Television Arts for actresses such Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Isham is not resting on his laurels. He is launching a new Ashley Isham Demi Couture line, which is an even more glamorous collection than his main one. “I have noticed that women are now more discerning and more glamorously dressed,” he states, when asked about how his entrance into the fashion business has affected the industry.

Indeed, though Ashley Isham’s clothes collection since inception seems to be accessible to the rich and glamorous of London and Hollywood, it is still well within reach of Singapore women, here and now.
Available from Pois, #02-47/48 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6238-0151.