CoreAlign
Head to Sky Pilates for classes that are conducted on the CoreAlign, a revolutionary training tool designed to improve posture and balance. With an array of deep stretches and challenging exercises, your core stability muscles should feel the burn.
Sky Pilates, #09-01 Forum The Shopping Mall,583 Orchard Rd., 6100-7597, www.skypilates.com.sg.

Les Mills CXWORX™
Launched at California Fitness last September, this workout, which involves the use of an elastic resistance tube, will do wonders for your core muscles—all in just 30 minutes. It’ll strengthen and tone your abs, butt, back and obliques, as well as improve your balance and mobility.
California Fitness, 8/F Ngee Ann City, 391A Orchard Rd., 6834-2100, www.californiafitness.com.

ViPR
This 30-minute class places an emphasis on loaded movement training and 3-dimensional movements with the ViPR, that log-shaped exercise tooL you may have seen lying around the gym. You’ll get to build up your functional strength, while torching tons of calories.
Pure Fitness, 6/F Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, 6100-2233, www.pure-fitness.com.

Zumba Step
This workout, which debuted worldwide last month, combines traditional fitness, dance and step aerobic moves, all set to sexy, infectious tunes. It’s a fun and effective way to tone those glutes and hamstrings, plus you’ll get to burn up to 1,000 calories in a single session.
Virgin Active, 6/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6908-7878, www.virginactive.com.sg.

The Tiffin Room

Open Since: Apr 1910

With its antiquated surroundings and ceiling fans whirring slowly overhead, The Tiffin Room is redolent of the colonial era, and almost seems like a place untouched by the passage of time. The food here is good too—mulligatawny soup, butter chicken, Hyderabad fish and spinach with cottage cheese—by Chef Kuldeep Negi are ever delectable.

Raffles Grill Singapore | City Hall area
 

Raffles Grill
Open Since: Jan 1923

Even though Raffles Grill has been around forever, the impeccable service, formal colonial ambiance and gourmet menu that reads like poetry all remain. From caviar, duck liver, lobster medallion and prime steaks, the food is one rich culinary delight after another. A pianist provides soothing music, while smartly-attired wait staff perform discreetly.

Col Bar (Colonial Bar) | Portsdown area

Col Bar
Open Since: 1953

This quaint black-and-white in Portsdown's Wessex Estate served mainly as canteen to British soldiers when it first opened. But ever since, it's kept its facade, decorations, and menu the same. The vintage space serves Western food with a slight local flavor that suited the palates of Singaporeans, like a traditional English fry up with a side of goreng pisang. It still proves to be a popular hangout for both expats, locals, and their dogs on weekends.

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant Singapore | Marina Bay area

Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant
Open Since: Aug 1956

Founded in 1956, Palm Beach touts itself as having invented Singapore’s famous black pepper crab, making its situation next to the Merlion along the Singapore River particularly apt. The Coco Lobo (lobster with vermicelli in superior stock); double baked crab; and chili crab are signature treats.

Gordon Grill Singapore | Orchard area

Gordon Grill
Open Since: Jan 1964

Fitted out in shades of cream and latte, Gordon Grill is one classy place to bring your wife (or that chick you’ve been trying to impress all year). The emphasis here is on clean, elegant flavors and highlights include the steamed garoupa fillet; chilled angel hair pasta with king crab, seaweed and caviar.

Samy's Curry Restaurant | Dempsey area

Samy’s Curry Restaurant
Open Since: Dec 1970

Since 1970, Samy’s has been offering finger licking curries in their very unassuming and casual environment, and the profusion of trendy eateries in this area hasn't made a dent in Samy’s popularity. Don’t miss the house specialties: The fish head curry, along with Samy’s famous masala chicken; mysore mutton; tandoori prawn; and fish cutlet. 

Chatterbox Singapore | Orchard area

Chatterbox
Open Since: Jan 1971

Open since 1971, this institution is where you can try their widely-lauded, award-winning Hainanese chicken rice—with chili sauce, fragrant rice and all. Also worth trying is the seafood laksa. However be warned that the dishes here don't come cheap.

Rang Mahal Singapore | Marina Bay area

Rang Mahal
Open Since: Apr 1971

This long-standing (it dates back to 1971) fine dining Indian restaurant is still impressive after all these years. Serving regional Indian cuisine (North, South and coastal), signature creations that should be ordered are the tandoori masala oyster, hot stone tandoori lamb chops, tandoori salmon tikka, smoked bharta (aubergine) and spicy cottage cheese (lal mirch ka paneer tikka). There are excellent and extensive vegetarian options too. With a contemporary yet traditional vibe, we’d recommend the elegant Rang Mahal anytime. 

Pete's Place Singapore | Orchard area

Pete's Place
Open Since: Jan 1973

The fact that Pete’s Place has been around since 1973 must mean it’s doing something right. Resembling a cozy, family-run trattoria, it serves up similarly rustic fare such as the seafood-laden cioppino and pizza pam pam (a two-in-one special comprising a half calzone filled with mortadella, mozarella and ricotta; and a half pizza with minced sausage, cherry tomatoes, fresh chilli and mozzarella).

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant | Southern area Singapore

Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant
Open Since: Jan 1977

Singapore’s oldest revolving restaurant specializes in genuine Beijing cuisine. Besides the spectacular views, you can always count on the venerable Chef Chan Sung Og to cook up a storm—be sure to order signature favorites such as the crispy barbequed Peking duck, delectable shredded scallops with fish and egg whites, as well as its toffee banana dessert.

27 (and counting...) great places to go for your Easter celebrations (or simply put: a pig-out session).

If you want brunch

Sample both Mediterranean fare and Asian signatures at 21 on Rajah (April 20; $45). Try mains like parmesan chicken breast with tomato salsa, local favorites such as rojak from the D.I.Y. station and desserts like chocolate truffle and strawberry shortcake.

Easter Sunday brunch at Balzac Brasserie (April 20; from $98) features appetizers like confit of warm quail, mains such as roasted lamb shoulder with coco beans, desserts like strawberry crumble and best of all, live stations (free flow!) showcasing oysters and charcuterie.

Easter brunch awaits at Raffles Singapore's Bar & Billiard Room (April 20; from $178), where the main highlight is a massive dessert display that promises to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Treat yourself to a Champagne brunch at Brasserie Les Saveurs (April 20, from $168) and go crazy with decadent treats like iberico ham with truffle chicken live parfait on brioche toast, pan roasted beef tenderloin and seared scallops and foie gras.

It's a grand all-you-can-eat affair at Greenhouse's Easter Vintage Champagne Brunch (April 20; $172) showcasing eight types of freshly shucked oysters, slow roasted wagyu leg, iberico ham bellota, sweet treats such as coconut chiffon with lemon curd, and plenty more.

Help yourself to a Mediterranean buffet spread at The Knolls (April 20; from $188). Highlights include seasonal specials like  Alaskan black cod and salt baked yellow chicken.

Jamon iberico, chili crab, herb-crusted Chilean sea bass, pan fried foie gras with fried quail egg—these are just some of the tempting creations on offer at Lime (April 20; from $108).

Enjoy a lazy Easter Sunday BBQ brunch by the pool at Oasis (April 20; $88). Select from a wide range of grilled meat and seafood and pair them with free flowing alcohol.

Senso Ristorante & Bar, known for its monthly Prosecco brunch specials, presents their Italian Easter & White Asparagus Brunch (April 20; $148), featuring items like roasted lamb shoulder and penne with rabbit ragout.

Dining with a big group? Head to Spathe Public House for their brunch specials (April 18-20). Order items to share, like eggs benedict ($17), crispy chicken leg with Belgian waffles ($17), and the main star, the Spathe Slam ($24), a platter featuring garlic and thyme pork sausage, bacon, mushrooms, honey tomatoes, toasted bread and eggs (any style).

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Stellar at 1-Altitude's Chocolate Indulgence brunch (April 20; $110). Expect a sweet spread with desserts like white chocolate raspberry cake, milk chocolate eclairs, blackout mud cake, rocky road ice cream, and lots more.

If you want to indulge in a buffet spread

Pig out with a seafood galore at AquaMarine (April 20; $68). Get your hands on all sorts of fresh treats from the seafood counter and don't forget other specials like sweet crepes and carrot scones with flower scented jams.  

Easter specials await you at Atmosphere by the sea (April 20; $128), including a seafood spread, roast meats, gourmet cheese, sweet treats, and heaps more. It's a kid-friendly event too; the little ones can have some post-meal fun in the resort's pool—complete with water slides and a splash pad.

At Carousel, you can feast on specials such as oven roasted prime ribs, Maine lobsters, freshly shucked Canadian oysters and desserts like chocolate orange tarts and carrot cake with cheese frosting (April 20, $68).

Savour creations like truffle risotto balls, paella with prawns in mint sauce and oven roasted whole leg of lamb at Plaza Brasserie (April 20; $48). There's also a Kid's Corner featuring a mini-buffet with treats like mini burgers and cupcakes.

Have dinner at Silver Shell Café (April 18; $78) and chow down on creations from the various stations which feature seafood, noodles, and roast, grilled and barbecued meats. If you're a seafood lover and want an extensive range of fresh delights to choose from, go for Seafood Night on April 19 ($78) where you can enjoy Boston lobsters, New Zealand green lipped mussels, Alaskan king crab legs and much more.

Eat to your heart's content at Spuds & Aprons (April 20; $55) and pick from salmon sashimi, scallops, beef striploin, barbequed chicken, hot cross buns and more.

If you don't want to hurt your wallet

Flavours At Zhongshan Park offers an Easter Sunday High Tea buffet spread (April 20; $38) with classics like pan fried carrot cake, braised pork belly with steamed buns and grilled chicken satay.

Go Mexican and try Lower East Side Taqueria's Glorious Easter Feast (April 18-20; $26 per pax, minimum four pax)—an eight-course meal with highlights such as spicy mozzarella fritters, chargrilled sweet corn with butter and cheese, and crispy dory with homemade guacamole.

If you want to impress your hot date

Get a taste of Italy with over 25 authentic dishes at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante (April 20; $138), including octopus salad, bresaola carpaccio with honey and ricotta cheese and gnocchetti sardi in campidanese sauce.

Head to Basilico (April 20; from $158) for an extensive buffet spread with highlights like tortello stuffed with stewed rabbit (how apt), figs and foie gras terrine with black truffle and the main star: Roman-style suckling baby pig.

Book a spot at Boathouse Restaurant for a French-inspired brunch with a killer view. Available April 19 and 20, choose either the two-course brunch set ($35) or the three-course brunch set ($42) and tuck into creations like truffle-scrambled eggs and soup of porcini with foie gras crostini.

From April 18 to 20, head to KU DÉ TA for their five-course menu featuring Japanese-inspired brunch favorites. There will also be special desserts for the occasion, including raisin hot cross buns, chocolate Easter eggs and a coconut angel food cake.

Dine at the beautiful White Rabbit (April 20; $108) and tuck into dishes like hamachi ceviche, brandt short ribs, eggs (cooked any way you like) and sweets like yogurt panna cotta and crunchy chocolate mousse.

If you're taking the parents and in-laws out

Enjoy East-meets-West fare at Arossa this Easter. Their special four-course meal (April 19-20; $50) includes highlights like asparagus with poached egg and grilled lamb loin with rice salad.

Throughout the month of April, you can enjoy afternoon tea specials at Axis Bar & Lounge ($42). Expect fancy treats like carbonara eggs en cocotte, lumo crab meat and avocado sandwiches, ham and green pea pies, strawberry yogurt scones and all sorts of sweet treats, from cupcakes to macarons.

Café Mosaic's Weekend High Tea (April 19-20; $65) features a spread of international delights, including fresh seafood like oysters and black mussels, light bites such as scones and siew mai, mains like slow oven leg of lamb and pork scaloppini, and desserts such as macarons and pumpkin pudding with melted marshmallows.

Feast on classic Italian fare at La Nonna, where the chef's specials (available throughout the month of April) include asparagus salad ($18), squid ink sauce risotto with pan seared king scallops ($22) and lemon pie with fresh strawberries ($12).

On April 20, tuck into Lawry's signature roasted prime ribs of beef and add $18 to your main course to create a four-course brunch. Choose from items like a homemade hot cross bun, Mexican shrimp deviled eggs, the famous Spinning Bowl salad and a "four-carrot gem" dessert.

Always been an adventurous foodie? Find out what Bhutanese cuisine is like when The Soup Spoon launches its seasonal Bhutanese-inspired soups from March 20 to May 14.

There will be three choices to pick from, including a beef and radish stew (which has glass noodles, New Zealand grass fed beef, white radish, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, green chilli and French beans), a spicy chicken stew (features marinated chicken thigh, Bhutanese red rice, chilli and spinach), and a vegetable chilli cheese soup (contains roasted cauliflower, cheese and Bhutanese red rice).

Director of The Soup Spoon Anna Lim, fresh from a visit to the country, was so intrigued by the local cuisine that she decided to bring the exotic flavors over to Singapore (even though it's only for a short period of time).

"Bhutanese cuisine is very much influenced by Indian and Chinese food. Chilli and cheese are commonly used in most of their dishes. What left the deepest impression from my visit was ema datshi (chilli with cheese) and ezay (dried chilli salad)—two dishes that I had never tried before," said Lim when asked what was so special about Bhutanese fare. 

The Vault
The Vault’s new space stays true to its trademark industrial aesthetic of brick and metal—and yes, they moved their original three-tonne bank vault door, too. Drinks like beer ($16) and cocktails (from $15) are pretty standard, but the revamped food menu is impressive—expect sophisticated plates like raw tuna with marinated watermelon, mentaiko and chilli emulsion ($16).

Boomarang
The laidback Australian bar from Robertson Quay has a new outpost on Circular Road, which opened its doors just a few months back. A favorite with Aussie expats, the bar is also popular with sports nuts, thanks to its multiple flat-screen TVs. Tuck into the hearty steak sandwich ($25) or kangaroo burger (also $25), and wash it all down with a wide range of Australian draught beers, such as Pure Blonde (from $12).

Guitar Heroes
We’ve barely recovered from the eardrum-blistering Singapore Rock Festival earlier this month, but we’re already prepping for another musical onslaught as more old school metal royalty descend upon us. Practically playing back-to-back are guitar god Steve Vai and ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’anno.

Perfect 10
The Arts House Turns 10 this month, and we couldn’t be more psyched for its unusual lineup of theatrical events. “We didn't want to do the usual celebration with pomp and flair,” says The Arts House director William Phuan. So the team, with playwright Chong Tze Chien, created “an alternate universe where The Arts House does not exist anymore, but is replaced by a boutique hotel, dance hall and a giant bookstore.” Join in the bash to find out how exactly they’re going to pull that off. Find out more at the Arts House website.

In the Frame
Shutterbugs, rejoice: There’s going to be a new major contemporary art fair with a focus on your favorite hobby this year. The Milan Image Art Fair is debuting in Singapore, hand in hand with the Singapore International Photography Festival. With a purported 50-50 mix of Asian and Western exhibitors, this looks like the place to be if you want to check out cutting-edge photographic and video works from all over the world.

If you always struggle to get a workout in during the day, there’s some good news—a small, but increasing, number of gyms are beginning to accommodate late-night fitness buffs. 

US-based chain Anytime Fitness opened its first 24-hour gym here last October at Woodlands’s ACE The Place Community Club, and has just launched another 24/7 branch at Macpherson Community Club. The group also has grand ambitions to open a whopping 100(!) franchised outlets in Singapore by 2019.

We paid a visit to Anytime Fitness Macpherson, and liked what we found. While it’s a compact, no-frills gym, it features a decent range of basic equipment—there’s a number of treadmills, stationary bikes, and exercise machines that will provide an effective workout for the average gym-goer. (However, if you’re looking for more luxe facilities like pools and steam rooms, you’ll be left disappointed.) Members are each given security keys that enable them to access the gym at any time of the day, as well as the other 2,400 Anytime Fitness gyms worldwide.

According to Ming Koh, one of Anytime Fitness Macpherson’s franchisees, “the response has been amazing. Many people are excited about the 24-hour access, as this allows them to exercise whenever they want.” Ming and his partner, Joanne, were inspired to bring Anytime Fitness here, as they feel that “Singaporeans tend to finish work later, making it hard for them to work out at conventional gyms.”

While Anytime Fitness Macpherson is already attracting a decent number of late-night gym goers, it seems that early hours workouts have yet to catch on islandwide. Some Gymmboxx outlets operate till 11pm on weekdays; but, says, Gymmboxx’s Marketing Manager, Ikram Kalil, “the peak period is between 5 to 9pm. Thereafter, the crowd will either be finishing their last reps, or washing up”. However, he says that they still choose to extend their operating hours to accommodate “a small group of gym goers who work late, or have to tuck their kids into bed before enjoying some ‘me time’.”

Fitness First Singapore’s Managing Director, Anthony Tottman, agrees. The majority of Fitness First outlets operate till 10pm, as they currently don’t see a demand for an extension of operating hours. “Based on our observations, we find that the busiest periods of the day are usually in the mornings and evenings—before and after work,” Tottman says. “However, we’d be happy to work out how we can potentially extend our operating hours if the need arises.” 

As fitness trends go, it looks like this one has more legs in it than most.

Here’s a list of gyms that open till late, so you can squeeze in that extra bit of workout time.