By The Way - Art Attack!

I can’t draw for nuts, but I can appreciate art. I started buying artwork about ten years ago when I moved into my current home and over the years, I noticed that the galleries here are getting plenty of very enjoyable work. I say ‘enjoyable’ because I am no connoisseur – I just know what I like. And I think, like wine, that’s the most important thing – that you like what’s hanging on your wall and it gives you pleasure. Lately there have been some lovely things that have come into the galleries around town…..

I really like Filipino artist Michael Cacnio’s sculptures. I saw them at Utterly Art some years ago and was seriously itching to buy one, but every piece was sold out! His style is so charming, full of life, joy and exhilarating childhood. His latest solo exhibition, Up! has just arrived at Utterly Art and features his signature brass sculptures mixed with pyrex balloons. See the pretty pictures! So tempting! The exhibition runs from now til 18th July. Enough said!

Utterly Art

229A South Bridge Road (2nd Level)

Tel: 6226 2605 or 94872006

Our Simply Fab girl, Tan Wyn-Lyn is also exhibiting her latest series called Weight of Water. It’s her 2nd solo exhibition, which means she is going places! I popped over on her opening night at FOST Gallery off Mohammad Sultan Road and found large, dramatic pieces that reminded me of Chinese landscapes. According to her, these works reflect her “Chinese sensibilities towards contemporary Western abstraction” and that her paintings “hover between nature and abstraction”. Her inspiration is watery and comes from “the ebb and flow of tides, calm pools, stormy seas”. I really like this one here (above). It's called 'When White Turns To Gold'. It comes in three pieces and very drama. I can't afford it though.... Pop in when you’re in the area and take a look. The exhibition is on until end July.

FOST Gallery

65 Kim Yam Road

Tel: 6836 2661

Finally, at The Arts House, Chinese Canadian artist Zhou Su Yin is presenting her solo exhibition, Sound of Ink, from 14 to 24 July. Mainly water colour and calligraphy works, this is the first time she is presenting in Singapore, after a successful show at the United Nations Headquarters, New York in August 2009. Known for her style that ‘embraces the spirit of Eastern philosophy and Western culture” – very Singaporean actually – she is the youngest artist to hold a solo exhibition at the UN Headquarters. Sound Of Ink features 40 art pieces, out of which, nine new works will be unveiled. She says of her art: “I think my works have depths and details like in symphonies, sometimes it can look loud, careful, or quick. The rhythm of the brush, the flow of the water, could be seen and likened to sound.” So if a may paraphrase a memorable quote from last year, “Sit down, shut up, open your eyes and listen!” And in the meantime respect your elders!

1 Parliament Lane

Tel: 6332 6900

- Ee Waun

Continue reading...

Breakaway - Old World Journeys - Part I: Sailing The Far East

I’ve always thought Old World journeys – by ship, train and caravan – are infinitely more glamorous and romantic than the incessant rush of air travel these days. The latter may be more efficient, yes, but not necessarily more comfortable or enjoyable. Old world travelling may take longer to get from A to B, but but you can languish elegantly with wine and good company, and let’s face it – it’s a luxury if you can afford that kind of time just for pleasure!

So now that one is no longer struggling to climb the corporate ladder, and there is some extra cash for the occasional indulgence, maybe ‘tis time to revisit the art of travelling. Squished in a teensy-tiny seat in cattle class on a plane is in no way romantic, compared to a suite (not bunk!) on a ship with a view. So when I came across information on cruises and train trips, I figured I had to give it a bit of SimplyFab air time. Here goes in Part 1….

The Rolls Royce of the Sea, Silversea’s Silver Shadow is slipping into our waters end September to do its Asian runs. This marks the start of its winter season through the Far East and South Pacific (See? Doesn’t that already sound romantic?) with seven eastern journeys meandering past giant cities and remote islands. Here’s a sampling….

A round-trip journey to Hong Kong departs 16 – 26 November, hugging southern China with calls at Xiamen, Shanghai then northward to Naha Okinawa in Japan, Keelung in Taiwan and Kaosiung in China on the return leg of the voyage. From US$5712 (S$7950)

If you’re already in Hong Kong, head home to Singapore in style on another cruise which departs 26 November, sailing through Vietnam, stopping at Haiphong in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh city. Reach Singapore on 6 December. From US$5,358 (S$7460)

Prepare ahead for Christmas and New Year on a cruise with its Sydney to Auckland trip 21 December – 4 January. A 15 day treat, it leaves Sydney to reach Melbourne on Christmas Eve in Melbourne. Spend Christmas day onboard the Silver Shadow with gourmet dining and festive entertainment, arriving in Hobart on Boxing day. From here, push on to Dunedin and Christchurch in New Zealand where there’s a tea party awaiting with Maori entertainers and punting down the Avon River in a boat guided by an Edwardian punter. Then sailing onward to Wellington, Napier and Tauranga and finally Auckland. Prices from US$8,187 (S$11,400)

On a tour of one of their ships a couple years ago, someone had remarked that the prices were high. Well, it’s no cheap date, for sure, but let’s compare: a 13-hour flight on SIA’s A380 first class suite from Singapore to London costs almost S$20,000. Hold that up against S$11,400 for the 15-day trip to with luxe, free-flow everything with a suite I can dance around in, and I think I know where I’d like to lay down the moolah.

What else is thrown in apart from the trip? All-suite accommodation, gourmet meals, complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits, all gratuities, excursions and onboard activities, plus 24-hour complimentary room-service – from formal multi-course dinners to full breakfast. Evenings are filled with entertainment from classical music performances to theatre shows, and insightful lectures given by luminaries from around the world on food and wines, famous explorers, celebrities and renowned authors and artists at each destination.

Log onto www.silversea.com or Tel: 65 6223 7066
(Photos courtesy of Silversea Cruises)

Continue reading...

Binge - Nice Nibbles With A View

Newly opened at One Fullerton, San-sui Sumiyaki and Tsuki Bar is a very stylish set up with cool restaurant and bar vibes indoors and out. You get a nice view of the bay on the broad terrance (see the nice picture?) with our wonderful, stand-up-for-Singapore IR dominating the spectacle as you sippy-sip your sake.....

Inside, we're not quite sure where the restaurant ends and the bar starts or vice versa - clever partitions all around give you blocks of smaller, semi-private spaces. The thing here is to graze on ‘Japanese dim sum’, or sumiyaki comprising a whole array of grilled Japanese dishes in small portions, best washed down with heady libations.

Yums!!!

Let’s see….I absolutely loved the deep fried long yam ($9), which looked like thick potato wedges and sooo good – grown up fries! – the minced chicken ball with lovely cartilage so its bite-bite-chewy and served with raw egg ($6), the shishito roll ($4) of Japanese chilli wrapped with kurobuta pork belly slices. (below) 

Love the pork belly

All are grilled over the sumiyaki, traditional grill fired by premium binochan at very high temperatures. That’s what makes the food here taste deep and juicy and luscious…..’cos it cooks fast and hot. And great news for us: no food smells in our hair, ‘cos the charcoal burns without smoke. Another forte of theirs: salted, air dried seafood all sorts, from from grilled squid ($12) to Barracuda ($20) and Alfonsino ($52). In case you’re not full, top up a little more with mini chirashi sushi ($10) – very cute presentation – chicken porridge or chicken rice ($10) which all come in small portions.

For drinks, I highly recommend the yuzu umeshu ($12.50 a glass) – served with crushed ice and very refreshing. They also have over 50 sake labels, 15 shochus and 10 umeshu’s, as well as cocktails. The best time to come is after work and watch the evening fall when the view is best across the bay. Quick alcohol tip: sit indoors at the main dining area for a free glass of sake at 8pm!

One Fullerton #01-05
Tel: 6423 1555

- Ee Waun

Continue reading...

Binge – Fabulous Food at Heart Bistro

When William Tan told me last year that he was going to open a restaurant serving “healthy food”, I didn’t get over-excited. I imagined lentils, dehydrated rice, hay and birdseed – nothing with taste or temptation. But after many enthusiastic emails from William, I finally got behind the wheel of my Honda Jazz and sped down to Heart Bistro at the basement of Palais Renaissance one afternoon. (For the record, this is where Marmalade Pantry used to be.)

And you know what? Not only was Madam proven completely wrong about the hay and birdseed, lunch turned out exceedingly well indeed!

Situated in the basement atrium just outside the CYC boutique and my facial salon, Sothys, Heart Bistro is an airy, spacious and cheerful restaurant.

Firstly, William set me straight about this ‘healthy food’ business. “It’s not so much healthy food, but wholesome food,” he clarified. “The menu here is wholesome food, global cuisine.” Yes, it defies labeling, but as we SimplyFab ladies view it, there’s no need to angst and ponder – just eat!

Lots of yummy stuff on the menu. Madam started with a juice called “Botox” ($7) comprising watermelon, grapes and mint which was a little sweet, but nice. I’d rather have wine though, but his juice menu is extensive, humorous (lots of funny names like Fit and Fab, I feel good, etc) and creative so I just had to try.

From the kitchen helmed by his young and painfully shy chef from Hong Kong rolled out really good food. First up was a trilogy of tofu, homemade tofu made with vegetables blitzed into the soy, so it’s not smeared on top but integrated. Flavours change daily, but what I had included bell pepper tofu, and mushroom. I forgot the last one, I’m afraid. They were all very smooth and full flavoured. I also enjoyed the Hawaiian sashimi poke ($14), a rare find in Singapore’s menus! But what really stood out for me was the pickled tea leaves with tomato and mung bean salad ($14). Ooh, it was absolutely fabulous! Crunchy and springy, with a little pickled, tangy saltiness and lovely Oriental flavours. If you’re on a diet, this would make dieting delicious. I could have this every day! (No pretty picture though...)

For mains, the roasted black cod with baby spinach and edamame in ginger broth ($28) was very light, with largely traditional Chinese flavours. If you want a full lunch that doesn’t weigh you down, hungry but watching your weight, this is a very nice indeed. The cod was moist and flavourful, and the meat came off tenderly in its natural layers. The soup was a light consommé, but very tasty and not too salty.

My vote though goes hands down to the braised beef cheeks ($34). Two rotund cheeks (above) sitting primly in an unctuous, rich sauce, so tender it just falls away and melts in your mouth, opening up into big, robust, meaty flavours. It’s an absolute must-have, especially if you’re a meat person. One of the nicest mid-priced beef cheeks around. I believe this will be a winner for the guys (– though I must say this place continues to be dominated by ladies-who-lunch with a sprinkling of men when I was there). Other lovelies on the menu that caught my eye were the duck ragout parppadelle ($22), crabmeat and shrimp sandwich ($18) and twice-cooked short rib of beef in a merlot reduction ($38).

I had a lovely light carrot cake for dessert – good for sharing – but will also potter back one day to try the signature sticky date pudding with ice-cream (right) which comes highly recommended and chilled cream of double-boiled milk with berries ($12, below). Definitely worth checking out also is the list of ‘Nice Cakes’.

 

Open all day, it also serves light little tea sets from 3pm – 6pm: $9 for coffee and cake; $12 for quiche and caffeine, or $22 for a platter for two with free flow caffeine. Heart Bistro also serves brunch on weekends and holidays from 10.30 pm to 4.30pm, priced at $32++ for three-courses including caffeine. It’s perfect for those who like brunch but don’t want to gorge. For the record, there’s also a decent kid’s menu every day, so good for heaving the tots along, too.

All in all, a place I would go for a quiet, civilized and particularly yummy meal. With good value and good food, you don’t need a deep tai-tai bank account, yet it is perfect for those tai-tai immersion moments! This goes down onto my list of Little Treats.

atrium @ palais renaissance

390, Orchard Road, B1-08/09/10C
Tel : 6737-2148
- Ee Waun

Continue reading...

Bytes - Meet Navibot, The New House Pet

If you’re itching for a pet, but realise you don’t have the time to brush its hair, pick up its poo and tickle its tummy every day, may I suggest Samsung’s Navibot ($799)? No hair, no poo, no fuss – the Navibot is not just nifty around the house, it cleans too.

This robot vacuum cleaner, a new gadget from Samsung, is a smart sucker. It is armed with a ‘Visionary Mapping System’ which takes 30 photos per second, making a virtual map of its surrounds so it can plot the best and fastest path for cleaning. It’s got 38 motion sensors keep it from tumbling downstairs and colliding into your precious antique furniture and the ‘Virtual Guard’ keeps it obediently out of where you don’t want it to go. What’s more, the ‘bot’ can return to its original position during its second round of cleanup after the initial charge. You can time/delay the start of the cleaning program whenever you want so you don’t even have to be home. In short, Navibot takes itself for walkies…..and it cleans up after you – not vice versa!

Power Brushes and a sweeping blade helps your new pet clean hard to reach spots quickly, and compared to conventional vacuum cleaners, is 95 per cent more effective at picking up pet hair and fluff. Plus, its new technology prevents pet hair from wrapping around the brushes – so it’s easier to maintain. It comes five cleaning programs such as Auto-, Spot-, Max-, Edge Clean-, or Manual Mode…the only thing it doesn’t do is cook and bathe the kids!

- Ee Waun

Continue reading...

Buys - Pet Couture: Hot Dawgs, Go Juicy!

Pooch lovers, designer togs for your pet has arrived at Juicy Couture, the new haven for well dressed Tinkerbells. So the next time you find yourself at IFC or Harbour City in Hong Kong. make sure you pre-order and pick up your poochy Christmas present early this year.

What's in the basket? The basket is actually a gray felt pet bed with a removable faux fur cushion that allows you to clean the bed easily. Only HKD 1,790. Talk about reclining in style!

Alternatively you can get your Tinkerbell a resplendent pink leather adjustable leash with studs and enameled Juicy gold charms all pieced and packed into a Doggy Couture gift box at HKD 690. Or dress your doggy dolly in an elegant felt trench coat and vest with faux fur that will keep her warm in winter. Both HKD 690. Now available at all Juicy Couture stores in Hong Kong. We woof in approval!

- Elaine

Continue reading...

Breakaway - Luxe Africa Is Calling!

The World Cup does nothing for me, I’m afraid. But I’ve always wanted to do safari in Africa…despite that story my old uni friend from Kenya told me about a couple staying in a luxury safari lodge who was woken one morning by something crashing through their window, only to find a lion at the foot of their bed killing some antelope creature for brekkie!! But I don't think (cross my fingers) that this will happen in any of the hotels were are talking about here....

There are lots of swanky hotels making their presence felt over in South Africa to cater to our luxe holidaying needs, and offering deals to make things more tempting.

The relatively new urban chic resort One and Only Cape Town, with its views of Table Mountain, is offering complimentary nights for guests who are o booking big game safaris at the exclusive Singita lodges. What’s the deal? Four nights for the price of three at both properties - One&Only Cape Town and Singita Kruger National Park. Valid from July 12 - December 15, it includes a couples’ Swedish massage at Singita Kruger National Park, with game drives, walking safaris (don’t eat me!) and all meals included with all the alky you want. One&Only Cape Town sweetens the deal with room upgrade and breakfast at maze, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. You may like to know that Nobu is also there. Singita Kruger National Park on the other hand is a 33,000 acre concession with the highest concentration of wildlife in Kruger National Park – that includes the Big 5.

Email reservations@singita.com for Singita Kruger National Park and reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com for One&Only Cape Town.

Leading Hotels of the World is also offering a good deal – 30% off some of the fanciest hotels and resorts in Africa from September 1-November 30, 2010. We'll just let the pictures do the talking….

The deal gets you into in Zululand’s Thanda Private Game Reserve, one of the most awarded reserves in Africa, voted South Africa's leading safari lodge and Africa's leading luxury lodge at the World Travel Awards 2008 & 2009. Thanda Private Game Reserve has also been involved in land rehabilitation in KwaZulu-Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into game viewing land and reintroducing species that used to freely roam the area, including the Big Five.

Or how about The Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe, for some history and spectacular views? Steeped in history, the hotel overlooks the Victoria Falls Bridge and gorges below. Ask for deluxe rooms and suites in the original section of the hotel as they offer views across the Zambezi River gorge to the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Falls.

When you’re done drinking in the view, watch Makishi dancers and an indigenous choir who will entertain every night, and amuse yourself with elephant-back safaris and guided walks. There are lots more in their portfolio, so it's really worth logging into their website (see below) to check things out.

Visit www.lhw.com/africa or quote L14 for the deals.

Continue reading...

Binge - Must Eat! Massive Japanese Buffet at Kiseki!

If gargantuan quantities are called for, head to Kiseki, a Japanese buffet restaurant which recently opened at The Heeren. Guess you’ve gotta wade through a sea of angst-and-acne-filled teeny-boppers with their flip flops and facial perforations but there is a spread of 200 buffet items over 29 categories that await.

Apart from the usual suspects of sushi and teppanyaki, there’s a cold seafood counter with spiny lobsters, sweet clams and blue swimmer crabs; robatayaki with items like salmon head and saba, yakitori selections such as grilled salmon belly, okonomiyaki of octopus with shitake and salmon, nabemono, sukiyaki. Four action counters get food cooked up in front of you as you order, including western grills like ribeye steaks, barbecued beef, assorted mushrooms, and beyond, there's pasta like vongole and scallop spaghetti; and a full salad bar featuring rare offerings such as octopus salad and raw tuna salad, with loads of Japanese sauces and dressings. There’s lots more deliciousness going on which we just can’t list here – consider it a food-filled playground to mix and match your meal in unlimited quantities, and end off with over 20 desserts including yummies like Tofu Cheesecake, Goma Pudding, Crepe with filling. Drag the kids along ‘cos there’s a play area too. Weekday dinner and weekend spreads offer more options by the way. (Prices: from $19.80 to $32.80 for adults; $12.80 to $16.80 for kids depending on time and day of week)

The Heeren #B1-01


260 Orchard Road


Tel: 6736 1216
- by Ee Waun

Continue reading...

Bling - 1-2-3 Ogle! Chopards 150 Beasts in Bling!

Oooh! Pretty jewels! Chopard, the Swiss watch maker and jeweller celebrates its 150th anniversary with a blinged out exhibition ‘Animal World’ with 150 superluxe trinkets and timepieces!

The travelling exhibition arrives in Singapore 16 – 18th July, as part of its tour around 12 other cities including Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London. It sounds like absolute fun – the press release promises a show of candy “all dedicated to one single theme and highlighting a stunning array of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects; impressively accentuated by the realism and boisterous persona of each handcrafted jewellery piece”. Take a look at this sneak peek. I like the frog best!..Gorgeous cocktail ring with humour!

Need to get an eyeful, of course, so trundle down to the Chopard boutiques at Takashimaya Shopping Centre (#01-18) and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (B1-107) on those three days. (Be warned though: I paid $16 for 2 hours just to park at MBS' convention centre....and I didn't use the valet!)

Why beasts in bling? ‘Cos Chopard is supporting WWF's work to save tigers, which aims to double the number of tigers in the wild by the next Year of the Tiger in 2022. Ooh! That makes me elegantly 54 then! ("Look grandma. Tiger in your garden!")

Scroll on now and let’s ogle….

I don't mind this bee in my bonnet....

Seahorse earrings? Perfect for those glam out, Venus de Milo, out-of-the-clamshell moments that we all have some time or other....

"Mama! You got monkeys round your throat!"

Isn't this extravagant necklace just IT? Love it for samba parties and limbo-limbo-limbo!! Just add on coconuts! ...Or how about some wicked, chunky, blinged-out bunnies (below) to luxe up your Yang Gui Fei, mooncake moments!

See, it just shows we all need a bit of bling at every moment in our lives!

- Ee Waun

(pics courtesy of Chopard)

 

Continue reading...

Binge - Molecular Meets The Masses at Carousel

Here’s something really quite commendable. Royal Plaza on Scotts has brought ‘avant garde’ cuisine – all that Ferran Adria molecular magic that turns drinks into drumsticks, and drumsticks into caviar – to a more level playing field. They’ve introduced avant garde dishes into their usual buffet spread at Carousel, complete with lab-like action station (pictured above), so people can see it being made and eat it, too.

 

This sort of cooking has always been confined to the hushed, uppity-uppity restaurants that allow people in only if they can pronounce ‘foie gras’, so it’s a real hoot that Royal Plaza on Scotts is serving up molecular morsels and bringing it to more people across the board, Aunties and Uncles, kids and Grandma, included.

I had a tasting of it when they launched the first day it flooded on Orchard Road (remember Orchard River? I waded down there through the rain just to check it out!). While the lab coats on the chefs were a bit campy, overall what they were doing for the diners was quite funky, and very admirable.

(Left: Mango ravioli)

 

I remember the ‘reverse buffalo mozzarella with olive ravioli (minus the ravioli)’ which was a cute bulbous morsel that popped in your mouth into a flavourful soup; the miso spaghetti and a rather pretentious 60-second ‘smoked’ lobster (pictured right) that looked like normal poached lobster blasted with some apple chip wood smoke generated from a handheld 'fogging' machine. This was served with a spray of lavender scent - you're just supposed to smell it, not taste it, I was informed - which threatened to send me to sleep. Then there was the ginger-lemongrass ice cream made with liquid nitrogen that created a real show by encasing everyone in a cloud of mist. It tasted very nice though, with an unusual pairing of gazpacho crumble which had a texture of dry marshmallow.

For avant garde cuisine, this is pretty basic – don’t expect gob-smacking behind it. But just remember, they don’t have the luxury of doing it in small portions like the fine dining restaurants; they are churning it out for a larger crowd, which deserves a pat on the back too. (Left: Tomato Jelly Consomme)

 

But those who have not seen it before would enjoy the novelty of it – plus the fact that it hsa been made affordable. I’d say, bring the kids, Ma and Pa just for the fun of it. The avant garde counter will be available at the buffet only until end September.

 

Available only on weekday and weekend dinners only from $58-$70 per adult and $37 - $42 per child.

- Ee Waun (Credit: Pics from Royal Plaza on Scotts)

Continue reading...