&MADE
From celebrity chef Bruno Ménard comes a casual Yankee burger-and-fries joint re-imagined with European sensibility for a liberal dose of escapist fun. Look forward to gourmet goods like the B burger, with beef, onion confit and Comte cheese, sandwiches and salads. End on a sweet note with desserts such as hot caramel lava cake. Plus, house wines are better quality and value than at a lot of more upscale restaurants.

GRUB
Set in Bishan Park, this idealistic eatery offers food that’s sustainably sourced where possible. The menu comprises dishes we could eat every day—unfussy recipes including lots of burgers, which you can wash down with value-for-money craft brews. They also do a good brunch on weekends.

Ippudo SG
If you’ve yet to visit this ramen joint, you really should. After all, which self-respecting noodle fan hasn’t heard of Shigemi Kawahara’s acclaimed ramen emporium? A long line of hungry patrons snaking out of and around the restaurant is a testament to their popularity, and we can assure you it’s wholly worth the wait. The ramen is incredibly satisfying, as are the addictive pork buns.

Lolla
Lolla's a nice space with de rigueur industrial chic décor, an open-concept bar counter/ kitchen and a semi-private dining room with a large communal table in the basement. Food here is simple, if modestly-portioned, which is where they excel with items such as scrambled eggs crowned with generous shavings of bottarga. To wash it all down, there's an excellent collection of wines from countries like Spain, Portugal and France.

Lucha Loco
A laid-back yet bustling spot, courtesy of Aussie brothers Christian and Julian Tan, with worthwhile options like pork belly tacos and Mexican street corn. With its lively atmosphere and music, good service and grub, this is one of those joints built for a great time. Be sure to try their cocktails (created by 28 HongKong Street bartender Michael Callahan) too.

Tanuki Raw
This bar delivers a simple, classic rendition of the oyster shooter—the drink consists of a raw oyster and vodka, topped with cocktail sauce for that added zing. $10 

Oyster Bar
Shooters come in five flavors here, which is good news for people who don’t particularly like oysters. Our favorites are Bloody Mary and the Limoncello Balsamico—though if you want one with kick, go for the turmeric and chilli padi-enhanced Infernal Kiss.

Hooters
Tiger beer is used instead of the usual vodka, giving the Hooters Shooter a local twist. It’s served with the customary oyster, lemon wedge, cocktail sauce and Tabasco sauce, as well as a pinch of horseradish that packs a mighty punch. $6.90

Movie Month
Singapore Art Museum’s eye-opening Southeast Asian Film Festival is back this year for its fourth edition. This almost month-long affair promises to be as impressive as the last one, with opportunities to catch rare documentaries and challenging indie films from the region, as well as meet their creators. That’s not all SAM has planned; keep your eyes peeled for an exhibition of art works in response to earth science in March, and a mega-exhibition of their permanent collection in April. Stay tuned at www.singaporeartmuseum.sg for more updates.

Culture Club
Hot on the heels of Mosaic Music Festival’s swan song (Mar 7-16) is another eclectic music fest that’s about to please your ears with Latin, Afro, soul, funk and brass band sounds. With a lineup of acts like Blitz & Squash Brass Band from Japan, our very own funk-metal band The Voodoo Sound, and DJs including the much-loved Kilowatt crew, this year’s Culture Clash Festival (Mar 22, 5pm onwards. 22 Dempsey Rd., 6476-5961) looks pretty damn good. Save the date and get dancing shoes for this one. Read more at www.facebook.com/cultureclashsingapore.

Checking In
Trend alert: This year, you’ll want to be seen at hotel bars, which, judging by the slew of recent openings, are no longer stuffy. Upping the game are casual-cool gastropub Cook & Brew and Anti:dote—the latter even has a hipster herb garden. Hotels are also collaborating with drink experts, like Spanish cocktail legend Javier de las Muelas for One-Ninety Bar and “mod Sin mixologists” Mixes From Mars at Duxton’s Mars Bar.

L’Aiglon
Inspired by owner Pierre-Emmanuel Plassart’s travels, this new upscale 76-seater exemplifies Parisian chic, with Asian accents such as Chinese lanterns. The menu features American-style dishes like the Pep’s chicken mini burger ($14) and fusion plates such as the obsiblue tartare with ginger flower and lime caviar ($16). Drinks-wise, expect premium tipples with hefty price tags. Rare Champagne offerings include Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Cuveé La Grande Dame ($5,000), while signature cocktails, by mixologist Louis Tan, include At World’s End ($20), comprising applejack, lemon juice, chai tea syrup, egg yolk and lime powder.

Mars Bar
This pop-up bar (here till the end of the year) by the folks behind event bartending company Mixes from Mars looks like a boutique hotel lobby, with large coffee tables, plush chairs, and art sculptures. What’s really special is the creative “mod Sin” cocktail menu. Offerings include the Chilli Crab Cocktail ($22)—kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass reduction, chilli crab paste, orgeat syrup, Malibu and Tanqueray gin, or for something a little safer, try the creamy Milo from Mars ($20), with vanilla ice cream, butterscotch Schnapps, Mozart chocolate bitters, applejack and good old Milo.

Scoop
This journalists’ bar, inspired by foreign correspondent clubs, is targeted at the media industry, though non-media types are also welcome. The interior features newsprint walls and photographs of media personalities, as well as two TVs broadcasting the latest scoop. There’s even a small lounge for conducting interviews. The American-style food menu includes mac and cheese ($12) and handmade pizzas ($20). Cocktails like the raspberry and passionfruit Pornstar Martini ($22) are to be had, alongside wine, beer and shooters (from $10). Media professionals get to enjoy 1-for-1 drinks every Wednesday.

Fans of The Great Gatsby will be smitten with British perfumer Atkinsons’ new 1920s-inspired fragrance, Oud Save The Queen, which has an air of exotic royalty with earl grey and bergamot.
$288, from Robinsons Orchard, 260 Orchard Road, 6735-8838, www.robinsons.com.sg.

What do you give a girl who likes anything pink? Swarovski’s super glam Slake ring should do the trick.
$260, from #B1-17/18 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-9293, www.swarovski.com.

Boyfriend who thinks he’s James Bond? The edgy Scuba watch from Superdry is perfect for casual wear and dive trips.
$139, from Aptimos, #01-17 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St., 6339-2322, www.superdry.com.

Bring the party home with the portable, high-performance Jabra Solemate Mini wireless speakers.
$148, from Tech@Vogue , #B2-26 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Blvd., 6634-7807, www.jabra.com.

It doesn’t say “I love you” but Seletti’s Neon Art lighted script adds quirky romance to any room. No need for candles.
$74, from Fred Lives Here, #02-14/15 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-1051, www.fredliveshere.com.

In Hong Kong, the second a neighborhood becomes “trendy,” two things happen. 1) Lifestyle magazines gush about it and 2) investors rush in, snap up all the remaining property, causing artists and artisans to pack up and leave. The trick is to find out about an area when it’s just on the cusp of awesomeness. Here are two areas on Hong Kong island to include in your itinerary.

Stone Nullah
There was a time that Stone Nullah Lane, at the northeastern limits of Wan Chai, was home to only three things: the St. James’ Settlement charity; the historic Blue House, and a lorry-load of auto repair shops. These still remain, but the lane is increasingly growing into a community thanks to the government’s heritage-driven approach to the Blue House, which has kept its residents post-renovation and given the area a real sense of character. “I think it’s going to be a cool area,” says chef Maureen Loh of neighborhood restaurant Maureen. “Right now you see four old men playing mahjong—but if the government decides they want the big names coming in, it might destroy the area.”

Stone Nullah Tavern
The food is “New American”, complete with craft beers. And with floor-to-ceiling windows, you can sit here all evening and watch the neighborhood get cool around you.  
69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 3182-0128.

Maureen
This 16-seater restaurant, serves up a molecular take on classic Chinese lo mein, complete with a foamed shallot sauce. You get specials such as 48-hour beef short ribs and Cantonese-style sous vide salmon. Just next door, Tai Lung Fung (5 Hing Wan St, Wan Chai, 2572- 0055) is a bar with a 60s-era Hong Kong décor—and some very modern cocktails.
11 Hing Wan St., Wan Chai, 2915-2261.

Green Ladies
A women’s vintage clothing shop that splits profits 70:30 between itself and its donors. It’s a great place to pick up a bit of pre-loved Lanvin. If you’re more oatmeal than haute couture, check out Green Shop (3A Kennedy St., Wan Chai, 2116 -1106, greenshop.sjs.org.hk) just around the corner that produces organic food for the rabbit in us all.
85 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 2831-3204.

Headtable
Headtable is no ordinary deli: high-quality frozen meat is their specialty and there are monthly specials—right now they’re offering US dry-aged beef steaks, Canadian lobster tails and candied fruits.
64 Stone Nullah lane, Wan Chai, 2574-7767.

Wan Chai Visual Archive
A hyper-cool community-centered art space that tries to combine the spirit of the area with art.
5 Hing Wan St., Wan Chai.

Caroline Haven
South of Causeway Bay, sandwiched between Caroline Hill Road and the cul-de-sac of Haven Street lies a creaky block called Lei Shun Court. It doesn’t look like much, but go around the sides and you’ll find a strip of restaurants that’s recently bloomed into life. Plunge into the dingy, strip-lit interior, among the tailors and a shop dedicated to bowling balls to find some of the coolest little places in town. “The area’s kind of amazing: old stuff and new stuff, old people and new people,” says Leo Li of super-hip design, accessory and home store In Between (Shop 12, Lei Shun Court, 1 Caroline Hill Rd., Causeway Bay). “The whole feeling’s like Star Street ten years ago.”

Hola Classic
Fortunately there isn’t a Hawaiian shirt or board shorts in sight. The charming menswear establishment is all about classic English tailoring—tweed-heavy as you’d expect—with a little hipster flair. A window in the shop opens onto a tailor’s workshop, where a custom suit will cost from just HK$1,980 ($326).
17A Haven St., Causeway Bay, 2870-0245.

Bunkaya Zakkaten
The only overseas branch of the legendary Tokyo outlet, this chaotic zakka (“many-things”) store is full of life-improving delights. It’s jam-packed with simultaneously useless-and-must-have items, and everything
spills outside.  
11A Lei Shun Court, 1 Caroline Hill Rd., Causeway Bay, 2808-0304.

Burgeroom
Three words: foie gras burger.
7 Caroline Hill Rd., Causeway Bay, 2890-9170.

Oscary Wine & Art
Art lessons and booze? This space has got it all. But if you’re after a creative place to sit and work, there’s R&C Design Library (22-24 Haven St., Causeway Bay, 2890-9838, www.facebook.com/cafernc). It’s like Starbucks, but nice.
Shop 30, 28 Haven St., Causeway Bay, 2964-9111.

5. Danish Bakery
This place has been here since time immemorial, but you’ll find no smørrebrød here. The bakery specializes in Hong Kong-style deep-fried delights, such as breaded pork chop buns. There’s always a queue and you have to like grease, but it’s an unmissable landmark.
106 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 2576-7353.

There’s loads more to Caroline Haven. Check out this map put together by the community.

Essentials

Getting There
Flights with Singapore Airlines start from $338 through March 31, while Tiger Airways flies to Hong Kong from $168.

Where to stay
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
242 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Sar, Hong Kong, +852 3926-3888.
This slick accommodation has a cool vibe offers stylish rooms, an impressive rooftop pool and great breakfast. Rates per night start from $263. Elsewhere, a perfect compliment to your hip hood exploring is the newly opened Pentahotel Hong Kong Kowloon.

Weightlifting

Solitude of Strength

The buzz: This underground gym caters to powerlifters, Olympic weightlifters and crossfitters.
What it offers: The gym is essentially a warehouse—don’t expect fancy lights or air-conditioning. With Olympic bars and weight plates littering the space, it’s every serious weightlifter’s dream. To switch-up your training routine, try out the battle ropes, prowlers and giant tyres. According to owner Lewis Chua, Solitude of Strength is a community of “strength enthusiasts”, where patrons can exchange training tips.
How much: Entry passes are $10 a pop, so it’s more economical to sign up for a monthly pass at $100. Senior national athletes get to train for half the price.

Martial Arts

Trifecta Martial Arts

The buzz: This Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym conducts age and skill specific classes to ensure everyone learns at their ideal pace.
What it offers: The spacious gym is sleek, modern and temperature-controlled, with multiple Taekwondo and BJJ training areas. Various sessions are conducted daily, from beginners’ classes to more advanced ones for competition. Class sizes are intimate and the instructors are friendly.
How much: Sign up for day passes (from $50) or monthly membership (from $255)—rates that are lower than most other martial arts gyms in town.

Pilates

Momentum Studio

The buzz: The only boutique studio in Singapore to apply Pilates techniques to functional training.
What if offers: This small studio space is polished, yet homely. The star is without doubt the Total Gym Incline GRAVITYSystem, a training machine that harnesses your body weight as resistance, as you lie on an adjustable, inclined rolling glide board, while executing moves such as pull ups and squats. Most of the studio’s programmes revolve around this piece of kit. Classes have no more than six participants, so there’s plenty of student-trainer interaction.
How much: The starter package for first-time customers starts from $200 for 4 sessions. Customers can sign up for group ($250 for five) or private ($1100 for 10) sessions thereafter.

Indoor Surfing

Surfset Fitness

The buzz: Singapore’s first Surfset studio enables you to mimic a surf workout, without getting wet.
What it offers: The studio is compact with cool, surf-inspired wall motifs to help you find your element. Each 45-minute class is conducted on custom-made unstable surf boards, and combines elements of balance, aerobic exercise and core training. Try the beginner-level Balance class, or torch some calories at the Sweat class, which includes high-intensity intervals. Whatever you pick, you’re in for a total body toning workout.
How much: A single class costs $35, while a package of five costs $165—cheaper than flying to Bali.

Now there's no excuse not to work out, with even more fitness spaces popping up across the island.