Audience: Foodies

A Taste Of Home: Paradise Classic’s New Menu Will Remind You Of Grandma’s Cooking

Winning our hearts with Chinese cuisine since their opening in 2009, our favourite Paradise Inn has since rebranded themselves as Paradise Classic. The intention is to allow everyone to appreciate the art of fine Nanyang-style cuisine.

Inspired by the widespread use of local ingredients and spices, together with the different cooking styles across Asia, a new menu was born. As expected, the dishes are all well-prepared with the hearts of a team of well-trained chefs, bringing you that familiar taste of home-cooked dishes.

The Menu

The nutritious Double-boiled Chicken Soup ($24.80 per pot) is a mainstay on their menu. Kampong chicken, together with seven Chinese herbs, are slowly simmered for more than 4 hours to produce a nourishing and satisfying pot of soup.

So robust and rich in flavours, this soup is a definite must-try.

Craving for something a little more to the classic side?

Try the Crisp-Fried Fish Tossed in Sweet and Spicy Sauce ($6.80 per portion). The balance of sweet and spicy notes is sure to stimulate your palate.

A new addition to their mains is the Espresso Chicken ($13.80 [Small]). Switching things up a little, Paradise Inn has replaced the usual pork ribs with chicken for this dish.

A full hour is needed to condense and reduce the coffee sauce to a glaze, so you can imagine all the efforts their chefs take to perfect this dish.

The Braised Tofu with Crystal Prawns ($18.80 [Small]) has accompanied Paradise Classic since their early beginnings and of course, this simple but wonderful dish will be staying on the menu.

Just look at those succulent prawns perched on top of the soft and silky tofu. What a wonderful combination!

Another returning favourite is their Stir-fried Pork Ribs with Bitter Gourd ($13.80 [Small]). Pairing the juicy pork ribs and crunchy bitter gourd with black bean sauce brings out the delightful and unique taste of the dish without overpowering it.

Tantalising Desserts

End the exquisite gourmet Nanyang experience with dessert.

A new dish inspired by our local flavours, the Trio Layered Osmanthus Pandan Cake ($4.20 per portion) looks as good as it tastes.

Layers of coconut milk, pandan and osmanthus jelly come together to create that well-balanced harmony.

Take a bite to relish the interplay of flavours of the three layers.

If that’s still not enough, try the chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Lemonade ($3.80 per portion).

This dessert will certainly wow you with its tantalising citrusy note. Perfect for cleansing the palate after a great meal.

Our ambassador, Diana, visited Paradise Classic. Here’s what she had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNeOlKfjtgP/?taken-by=dianabakar_

Yearning to book a table at Paradise Classic already? No one is stopping you, so do it! Enjoy a classic and divine meal that is full of Nanyang’s heritage with your family.

Credit: We Got A Sneak Peak Into The Highly Anticipated Central Perk Singapore – And “OH MY GOD!”

Dessert Buffets In Singapore: So You Can Gorge On Ice Cream, Cakes & Chocolate!

If you thought that normal buffets were sinful then well, you might want to rethink that thought. In this list, we’ll present you dessert buffets in Singapore because we know everyone loves desserts. We always somehow have space for dessert, no matter how full we are, no?

1. Club 55’s Cheese and Chocolate Buffet

Can’t decide between the sweet and the savoury?

Imagine this: Chocolate, your very best friend, is getting married to his total opposite, Cheese. You’re quite weird-ed out by the idea but attend the wedding anyway. Club 55’s Cheese and Chocolate Buffet is a brand new experience for all who love chocolate and cheese, but have never tried them together.

With more than 40 chocolate themed desserts and 12 types of cheeses, this buffet will be a symphony of flavours.

Try pairing your cheeses and chocolates together to taste something you’ve never experienced before. Think milk chocolate and blue cheese cream as suggested by Club 55.

Club 55
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Level 55, Hotel Tower 2, 018956
Price: $48++ per person (Additional $19++ or $28++ for three glasses of wine)
Tel: 6688 8858
Daily, 8:00pm – 12:00am

2. The Courtyard’s Chocolate Buffet

If you’ve ever wanted to be Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this is your chance.

After trying out The Courtyard’s Chocolate Buffet, you might never want to settle for just a regular bar of chocolate ever again.

Indulge in a variety of chocolate themed desserts from pralines (3 kinds), tarts, crepes, souffles, and cakes for an all out chocolate pig out.

If you’re feeling a little brave, try their different mousses and crème brûlée. Think wasabi chocolate mousse and crème brûlées without the burnt sugar top, and you’ll get what we mean by needing a bit of bravery. Yes, we know how weird it sounds.

The portions here tend to be bigger so if you’re planning to try everything, pace yourself.

Not feeling enough of the chocolate love? The buffet also offers chocolate drinks that come in the 2 main flavours with 8 different variations of white and dark chocolate.

The Courtyard
Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Price: $42++ (festive period), $38++ (non-festive period)
Tel: +656877 8129
Day: Friday and Saturday only, 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m

3. Swensen’s Ice Cream and Dessert Buffet

The much loved classic dessert buffet.

Ask anyone for a place where you can find a decent dessert buffet and you’ll probably be steered in this direction.

Now it’s pretty obvious why Swensen’s Ice Cream and Dessert buffet is particularly popular; it is home to 50 flavours of ice cream. Think that’s impressive? Think again.

It has 40 toppings; syrups, nuts, marshmallows, and cereal to name a few, for you to shower your preferred dessert with.

If ice cream isn’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, other delectable treats like cakes, a chocolate and white chocolate fountain, along with other pastries are also available.

Swensen’s ice cream and dessert buffet
À la carte buffet:
Adult: $19.90 (weekdays)/ $20.90 (weekends)
With food orders excluding soup, sides and salads:
Adult: $13.90 (weekdays) / $14.90 (weekends)
Tel: 6884 5967
Daily 10.30am-10.00pm

4. Lick (Little Ice Cream Kafé)

All-you-can eat ice cream buffet on Fridays? TGIF indeed!

To all ice cream lovers, you’re going to want to add Lick (Little Ice Cream Kafé) to your list of dessert buffets to try. You might be thinking: “Huh, ice cream only? What kind of dessert buffet is this?” Well, with 40 unique flavours (25 will be available at their counter) and more toppings than you can count, Lick is definitely be a strong contender in our best dessert buffets list. It even has free wifi. Score!

All ice cream at Lick are made daily from scratch to ensure you get the best quality. If you’re craving for local delights, try their D24 or Mao Shan Wang durian (or both!), Kaya Toast, Horlicks and Teh Tarik flavours.

Want something a bit more out-of-the-box? Give yourself a treat with creative flavours like Ginger Bread Man, Popping Candy Yogurt, Avocado and even Cucumber Yogurt.

Lick
Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437046
Price: $15 ++
Tel: 64408526
Fridays only, 2pm – 4pm and 6pm-8pm

Are you drooling? Because we certainly are. Let’s all admit it, dessert is our favourite part of any meal and we somehow always have space for it no matter how full we are. So, why not go for some of these dessert buffets and make them your entire meal instead? Trust us, you won’t regret it.

Header Image Credit: fullertonhotels.com

Also, read 10 Crazy & Unusual Ice Cream Flavours You Would Have Never Dreamed Of!

Durian Guide: 9 Trusty Heartland Stalls That Are Worth Your Every Dollar & Cent!

Mmm.. durians. Just thinking about it makes us drool!

But the king of fruits can get a little pricey and it sucks if the taste doesn’t match the price you paid for.

There’s a stream of loyal customers who know that Uncle Leong only serves the best durian.

Just look at the amount of fans he’s got on Facebook. With close to 3000 followers and a general rating of 4.8/5.0 for his durians, you really need to make Uncle Leong one of your go-to heartland durian stalls.

Plus, Uncle Leong is known for is honesty too!

His all-you-can-eat durian buffet is priced at $40, and a kilo of Mao Shan Wang (Musang King) will cost you about $18.  That sure is a pretty sweet deal!

Leong Tee Fruit Trader
Address: 264 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437051
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 6346 6683
Facebook: Leong Tee Durian

2. It’s All About The Kampong (Wild) Durians – Wan Li Xiang Durian Stall

This is probably the last durian stall still standing in Dempsey.

Here’s another fun fact – Wan Li Xiang is one of a few durian stalls that still offers durians sourced from our very own Pulau Ubin.

These Kampong durians come by usually at 3pm, but are usually gone in a matter of hours.

Fortunately, you can secure yourself some tender durian goodness by placing a pre-order.

Just let the Ah Di, the veteran stall owner know your preference of bitter or sweet and he’ll pick the right one for you.

Wang Li Xiang Durian Stall
Address: 7 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 249670 (Secluded carpark at the end of right hand side of the fork road after Blk 7 Dempsey Hill)
Opening Hours: 3:00PM – 12:00AM (Daily)
Contact no.:+65 9756 2385,+65 9018 2853
Facebook: Wan Li Xiang Durian @ Dempsey

3. Best For Non-Mandarin/Dialect Speaking Patrons – Sindy Durians

Shy to flaunt the Mandarin you picked up from watching Channel 8?

Just head to Sindy Durian to get your durian cravings fixed without any miscommunication as they converse well in English.

A family-run business, Sindy has been running their durian stall for over 30 years! They were previously in Balestier before moving to Whampoa.

They were also one of the first durian stalls in Singapore to provide durian vacuum packing for overseas travel since 2005. In fact, they occasionally ship durians to Hong Kong. Other durian stalls were then inspired by this ‘durian influencer’ and have since followed suit.

Sindy Durian
Address: 01-835, 89 Whampoa Drive, 320089
Opening Hours: 2:00pm – 10:00pm (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 97102427
Facebook: Sindy Durian

5. Yesss to Durian Buffet – 211 House Of Durian

Ask anyone from Toa Payoh about the best durian stalls and they’ll surely mention 211!

Formerly known as Sin Yee Wang Durian, 211’s durians are driven in daily from Malaysia! This ensures the freshness of the fruit that we all crave for.

But the real attraction of this durian stall lies in their durian buffets held usually end of season to clear durian stock.

Expect to shell out S$20 as an adult, BUT be prepared to fall in love with the endless supply of fantastic durians for just a fraction of its usual price.

Keep a look out on their Facebook page for the next buffet details.

While you’re at it, you can also try their durian soft serve ice cream or buy a pack of durian puree for your baking needs.

211 House of Durian Pte Ltd
Address: #01-21, 211 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310211
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9108 3710
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: 211 House Of Durian

6. Seriously Reasonably Priced Durians – Botak Kho

He gets his name from his squeaky clean shaven head, but he’s also known for selling high-grade durians at an affordable price.

Botak Kho
Address: Block 157 Bukit Batok Street 11
Opening Hours: 1:00PM – 10:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 8156 2247
Blog: Image source: Durian Kaki[/caption]

The business is formed by a tight knit group of durian lovers.

They went high and low, from Malacca to Johor and even Kalimantan, Indonesia to learn everything about the king of fruits.

After some flat tyres, getting lost in foreign land and countless mosquitoes attack, Durian Kaki was formed.

Today, there are 6800-odd followers on their Facebook page and their durians are rated at 4.5/5 stars.

Their Mao San Wang, Mei Qiu and Jin Feng will not disappoint you.

Here’s a true story coming up. We’ve visited Durian Kaki a few times. Once, they opened a durian that just didn’t smell so good. Without hesitation, they threw the whole durian into a bin, and opened another. That just shows their commitment to serving their customers the best durians.

Durian Kaki
Address: Junction 9, Yishun Avenue 9, #01-83 Singapore 768897
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 11:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 8405 8509
Facebook: Durian Kaki

8. Durian King of the West – Ah Seng Durian

Here’s super famous durian stall for Singaporeans in the west. In fact, Ah Seng Durian is regarded highly by Singaporeans all over the island.

Ah Seng Durian carries a wide range of durians – Mao Shan Wang, D15, Bak You, Xian Hong and even Green Skin durians.

Here’s how crazy the crowd gets at Ah Seng Durian. We can’t believe it!

Just look at the picture below. Their Jin Feng (golden phoenix) is absolutely gorgeous.

Image source: Ah Seng Durian

We have to constantly remind ourselves to not check their Facebook page before lunch time. It’s super tempting, you just can’t wait to head there straight away after work.

They also have durian puree at $20 per packet while a vacuum packed Mao Shan Wang goes at $40 per pack.

Ah Seng Durian
Address: Block 20, #01-119 to #01-122 Ghim Moh Market, 270020 (stall is right inside the middle of the market)
Opening Hours: 10:00AM – 8:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9465 6160
Facebook: Ah Seng Durian

9. Best For Durian Party – The Durian Tree

This heartland durian stall is known for three things – great durians, fantastic customer service, and honesty.

They also offer deliveries – you don’t even need to step out of your house to get your durian fix!

And the best part of all, The Durian Tree has ample sitting space for those who would like to hold a small durian party.

The durians available include the luscious Black Gold durian, King of King, Mao Shan Wang, XXXOD24 and D88.

Just give their hotline a call or check out their Facebook page for availability.

The Durian Tree
Address: Block 277 Bukit Batok East Avenue 3, Singapore 650277
Opening Hours: 2:00PM – 11:00PM (Daily)
Contact no.: +65 9812 4148
Facebook: The Durian Tree

There you have it, 9 good old heartland durian stalls that are bound to keep you durian happy for days.

Enjoy the fruit and feast as soon as you can. But don’t forget to drink lots of water after your date with the durians!

How do you like your durian? Drop us a comment and let us know.

Header image source:  yelp.com.sg

Also, read Bitter or Sweet? Guide To Identifying Your Favourite Durian Types

Ultimate Guide To Dog-Friendly Places: Hang Out With Your Doggy All Day, Every Day!

Have you had your little pooch begging you with those innocent puppy eyes hoping that you’d bring them along with you? Well, you are not the only one. We too, spend at least 5 minutes every single day at the door assuring them that we’d be back in a few hours. However, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t guilty leaving them all alone. *inserts crying emoji*

Why not bring your pooch along to your next gathering? We have compiled a fun list of dog-friendly places: cafes, beaches and even a hotel, that allows you to spend some time with your fur-kid! No more sad, droopy eyes staring back at you. Plus, they also get to socialise and make some new friends. That’s definitely a win-win for doggy and us!

Dog-Friendly Restaurants/Cafes

Admit it, all of us dog owners secretly wish all cafes are dog-friendly.

We’re glad to announce that this secret dream of ours is actually coming true. There are quite a few dog-friendly cafes with excellent food in Singapore.

Not all of them have separate menus for our furry friends though, but we are sure that they are contented just lying around and spending time with us!

1) The Coastal Settlement

A superb area located in Changi, The Coastal Settlement has both indoor and outdoor seating areas. It is a cosy and spacious cafe with pretty awesome food for the humans. Also, water bowls are complimentary for our little ones.

This will be great for some quality, cosy time with both your human friends and furry loved ones. Order some finger food to share and enjoy the well-deserved weekend!

The Coastal Settlement
200 Netheravon Road, Singapore 508529
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 12am (Closed on Mondays)
Credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19175" align="alignnone" width="2816"] Credit: Basking in Laughter[/caption]

Think wood-fired pizzas and our favourite pastas. Casa Verde is a splendid place with great, authentic Italian food. Awesome, yummy food and you get to spend time with your little one – what’s more to ask for?

Casa Verde
1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Monday – Sunday: 7:30am to 11pm
Credit: Project | Qanvast | Home Design, Renovation, Remodelling & Furnishing Ideas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19177" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Credit: Amber Golden Retriever[/caption]

Aside from the usual food, pet accessories and apparels are available as well, if you are intending to give your little one an even bigger treat.

Happenstance Cafe
39 Opal Crescent, Singapore 328425
Mon to Tue, Thu to Fri: 12pm – 10pm; Sat to Sun: 11am – 10pm; Closed on Wed
Facebook

4) Coastes

Located at Siloso Beach Walk, Coastes is a beach-side bar with plenty of shady spots, sun beds and benches. Both of you get to enjoy a rustic, chilled-out day right along the beach.

Enjoy simple Western fares like the usual Eggs Benedict and barbecued ribs. Fancy some ice cold beer while soaking up the sun? You can do that too!

Coastes
50 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099000
Mon-Thur:  9am – 11pm; Fri, Sat & Eve of Public Holiday:  9am – 1am; Sun & Public Holidays:  9am – 11pm
Credit: Michelle Chiang[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19179" align="alignnone" width="900"] Credit: Honeycombers[/caption]

This is also a great place to hang out with your friends over a bowl of mussels and a few Belgian beers. Your fur kid gets to tag along as well. Perfect!

Brussels Sprouts 
80 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-12 The Pier @ Robertson, Singapore 239013
Mon to Thu : 3pm to 12am; Fri : 2pm to 2am; Sat : 11am to 2am; Sun : 11am to 12am
Credit: Dishmaps[/caption]

The cafe is divided into two areas – one for the humans and the other one for the humans with the fur kids.

If you are there for a weekend brunch, be sure to get the Big Brekkie for yourself. For the pets, they have a pretty great selection that includes Cream Cheese Salmon Rolls and Beef Shepherd’s Pies. With those yummy treats, your furry one is definitely going to jump around with joy after that hearty meal.

Bonus: They serve really decent and affordable coffee!

Sun Ray Cafe
79 and 81 Brighton Crescent, Serangoon Gardens Estate, Singapore 559218
Mon & Tue: 6PM – 11PM; Wed – Fri: 11AM – 11PM; Sat & Sun: 10AM – 11PM; PH: 10AM – 11PM

The whole restaurant is dog approved and dog friendly – both their indoor and outdoor alfresco dining areas!

[caption id="attachment_19465" align="aligncenter" width="1152"] Credit: PastaJ[/caption]

Head on down if you are craving comfort western food and a comfortable friendly place to dine with your doggy. All doggies get a bowl of ice water when they arrive too!

Pasta J
205 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574345
Weekdays: 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm; Weekends & Public Holidays: 10.30am-10.30pm
Credit: Les Amis Group[/caption]

What’s more, a few of their outlets are also pet-friendly!

Your fur-kid will be so stoked by the aroma of the pizza. They can’t have any, but a little bit of crust once in a while wouldn’t hurt, right?

Pepperoni Pizzeria (Pet-friendly Outlets)
GREENWOOD, 6 Greenwood Avenue, Hillcrest Park, Singapore 289195
Mondays to Saturdays: 12pm to 11pm; Sundays: 11am to 11pm; closed from 3pm to 5pm on Mon to Thurs

BIOPOLIS, 10 Biopolis Road, #01-01, Chromos Block, Singapore 138670
Mondays to Sundays: 11am to 10pm; closed from 3pm to 5pm on Mon to Fri
Credit: The Dirty Stall[/caption]

The casual environment at The Garden Slug is perfect for a lazy weekend with your furry friend. They will thank you as well, since it is located next to a few pet stores and you could get some doggy treats or toys!

Since they are famous for their huge platters that are great for sharing, grab your buddies and head down together!

The Garden Slug
55 Lor L Telok Kurau, Singapore 425500
Mon-Thu 6pm-10.30pm; Fri 11am-10.30pm; Sat, Sun, PH 9am-10.30pm
Credit: Anymap[/caption]

There are a few fenced up areas in Singapore called dog runs. These facilities are created just for our cute little ones. Remove those leashes and set them free, so they can enjoy the freedom of being in the great outdoors at least for awhile. We reckon they’d be so happy (and tired!) afterwards.

1) Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

An area that spans over 3km – we get why this place is a hot favourite on the weekends! There is also a fenced area designated for the bigger doggies out there.

Bishan Park
Along Bishan Road and Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 569981
Website

2) West Coast Park

A place for the Westies! The park is open at all times so you can head there for a workout with your dog any time of the day.

On top of providing biodegradable poo bags, water taps are also available, just in case our little ones get thirsty.

West Coast Park
West Coast Highway, West Coast Park, Singapore 126844
Website

3) Katong Park

Though the dog run is not that big, we are sure it is sufficient for a mid-week workout and training for our furry kids.

Katong Park
59 Fort Rd, Singapore 439105
Website

4) Tampines Central Park

Though the dog run is small, you can go for a walk with your doggy together in the spacious dog-friendly park.

Tampines Central Park
Tampines St 83 (Tampines Avenue 5)
Website

5) The Animal Resort Off-Leash Park

This animal resort is more than just big. It’s massively huge – spanning across two hectares!

Besides a dog run, there are also other facilities such as a pet hotel, grooming school as well as agility facilities. Time to train our fur kids!

The Animal Resort
81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798061
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays
Facebook

Dog-Friendly Places

All dogs are required to be leashed up (except for Marina Barrage) at these places, but we are certain that doggy won’t be blaming you for that leash, since they will be spending some quality time with their favourite person!

1) East Coast Park

One of the most popular parks in Singapore, East Coast Park, is huge so there are plenty of spaces for your pooch to run around. A picnic with both your dog and human friends sounds really great!

East Coast Park
East Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore 449876
Website

2) Botanic Gardens

A walk with your furry companion in the scenic, award-winning Botanic Gardens is just pure enjoyment. Definitely a photo-worthy location for the both of you!

Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Website

3) The Green Corridor

Want a good, long walk with your pooch and explore a little bit of Singapore’s history at the same time? Try The Green Corridor!

With a photogenic old railway line connecting to a few other green spaces like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – things are certainly going to get interesting.

The Green Corridor
Credit: Jake Wang[/caption] [caption id="attachment_19183" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Credit: Vanillapup[/caption]

Marina Barrage is our ultimate favourite kite-flying site in Singapore and of course, our little ones are tagging along! Spend a peaceful family day at the open space flying your kites and having a picnic with that amazing paranomic view of Singapore’s cityscape.

Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Website

We are really glad to see so many great dog-friendly places that warmly welcome our pets. After all, we love them (a lot!!!!) and always want to give them the best.

Just hanging out together and giving them a small little treat once in a while is certainly worth it. So, give these dog-friendly places a visit and we are pretty sure that your furry kid is so going to jump around with joy.

Header Image: Vanillapup

Also, read The Ultimate Guide To Work-Friendly Cafes With WiFi In Singapore For 2016!

Hello, December: 13 Fun Activities To End Your Year With A Bang [1-15 Dec]

December is finally here! If 2016 was an average year for you, here are 13 fun activities to help you wrap up the year with a bang!

Play & Discover

1. ZoukOut

Party people, it’s time for ZoukOut again!! Woohoo.

And the lineup for this year’s beach blowout is mega exciting, with more activities to keep you happy from dusk to dawn.

From headliners like Zedd and Hardwell to a food village fuelled by Park Bench Deli, Decker Barbecue and more, ZoukOut is going to be a weekend of non-stop partying.

We are heading to ZoukOut with our ambassadors, follow us on instagram for updates!

ZoukOut
Date: 9 & 10 December 2016
Time: 8pm- 4am (Day 1), 8pm – 7am (Day 2)
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Website:ZoukOut Official
Instagram:@zoukoutofficial

Also, read ZoukOut 2016 Returns With Amazing Headliners Like Zedd, Hardwell And More!

2. Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy

Remember the days where we thought Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy was super hot?

We might have outgrown that phase but it’s never too old to relive those memories through a different format.

Watch newly produced Final Fantasy video footages as an orchestra perform pieces composed by Nobuo Uematsu for the much loved game.

Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: The Star Performing Arts Centre  #04-01, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 138617
Ticket Price: $75-$215
Event/ Ticketing Website: Image source: Paloma Rincon[/caption]

For two weekends over the month, IKEA will be hosting a series of events to celebrate Christmas!

There will be a gift wrapping demonstration, tea light decoration workshop, origami workshop and even a Santa walkabout!

It’s definitely going to be about the Christmas spirit and festival cheers, not just the furniture!

IKEA Xmas
Date: 3-4 and 10-11 December 2016
Time: 1:30pm- 6:45pm
Venue:
IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Rd, 159965
IKEA Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2, 528764
Website & Event Schedule:  4. Lang Leav Book Tour

Our favourite poet Lang Leav is coming to town! Mark your dates!

Come and get your 2016 bittersweet sentiments together and join Lang on a 3-day bookstore hop around Singapore.

Lang Leav SG Book Tour
Date: 9 December
Time and Venue: 10:30am (Popular Bookfest, Suntec Convention Hall), 4:00pm (Kinokuniya Bugis Junction)
Date: 10 December
Time and Venue: 10:30am (Times Bookstore, Tampines 1), 4:00pm (Kinokuniya Singapore Main Store, Level 4 Ngee Ann City)
Date: 11 December
Time and Venue: 3:00pm (Kinokuniya Jurong Store)
Event Page: Lang Leav Book Tour

5. Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2016

Mums… they nag you for wearing flip flops all the time. But this time round, she won’t nag you because it’s flip flop for a good cause.

A good pair of shoes will get you to places. But what’s it like to walk in the shoes of underprivileged children?

Head down to Safra for a 3.5km walk on 10 December. You’ll get to flip flop your way down the scenic waterway!

With the aim of inspiring Singaporeans to be part of a community-driven effort, The Slipper Race 2016 intends to raise SGD$100,000 in funds to empower educational programmes in Singapore and Cambodia.

Since it’s the season of giving, why not contribute a little to charity?

Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent, Punggol, Singapore 828654
Price: $15 (4-12 years old), $30 (Students), $40 (Adults & SAFRA members), $144 (Group of 4 adults)
Ticketing Website: Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2016

6. Doggie Retreat Xmas Fundraiser

Looking for something fun to do with your fur babies? This event lets you do something good at the same time!

Join the Doggie Retreat, a Christmas fundraiser, for the less fortunate dogs on the streets and in the shelter.

All you need to do is to enrol your doggie as a participant of the walkathon, walk with them, and raise funds in their name to donate to the cause.

Proceeds of the fundraiser will be channelled to Causes for Animals (Singapore), a no-kill shelter that strives towards a stray free Singapore.

Registration is currently closed due to overwhelming response, but you can still donate to the cause or just head to the event to spend time with furry friends.

Doggie Retreat Christmas Fundraiser
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 9:00am
Venue: Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449874
Donation Page: giveasia
Event Page: Doggie Retreat

7. SCAPE Naughty or Nice Xmas Special – Art Jamming Experience

If shopping is not your kinda therapy, painting might just be it!

Bring your family and friends down to SCAPE for a mass art jamming event this festive season.

It’s a no stress art jam session. All you need to do is to let your creative juices flow. Go wild on your own canvas – no one will judge you.

Art jamming slots are limited, so hurry up and sign up today!

SCAPE Naughty or Nice Art Jamming
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Venue: SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #04-01, Singapore 237978
Price: $30/ pax (free flow of acrylic paint is provided)
Ticketing Website: SCAPE Naughty or Nice Art Jamming

Eat

8. Indie Wine Tasting

There’s indie music, indie films, and of course Indie Wine!

This December, head to Kith Cafe at Millenia Walk for your one of a kind vino tasting.

At just $48 nett per person, you get to taste 5 very hard to pronounce yet exquisite French wine! On top of that, they will also be serving some grub to go with your wine.

Be it Chardonnay or Cabernet, we bet you’ll be extremely happy with your grape fix.

Indie Wine Tasting
Date: 9 December, 2016
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue: Kith Cafe Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-44/45, 039596
Ticket Price: $48
Ticketing Website: Indie Wine Tasting

9. A Taste Of Ishikawa At Keyaki

You’ve worked hard this year, so how about rewarding yourself with some Japanese Snow Crab and Premium Beef?

For the second time, Keyaki at Pan Pacific is bringing back the Ishikawa taste for us to savour this December.

Known as the ‘Food Treasury’ of Japan, the Ishikawa Prefecture is all about the good stuff (read: high quality seafood)!

From the soft textured with high quality fat Noto Beef to the King of the Sea Kanougani (Snow Crab) that is famed for its delicately sweet meat, you are in for a treat!

A Taste Of Ishikawa At Keyaki
Date: 16 November – 16 December 2016
Time: 1.30am-2.30pm, 6.30-10.30pm
Venue: Keyaki 4/L Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard, 039595
Price: Sets at $180++, Ala carte at $15++
Reservation: +65 6826 8240 or email [email protected].
Website: Pan Pacific Singapore

10. Fundraising Supper Club for Oogachaga

Fancy the idea of a menu curated by celebrity chef Bill Ho while doing charity at the same time?

Head to 8 Cafe & Bar for a 3-course dining experience while contributing to Oogachaga’s fundraiser.

Oogachaga is Singapore’s only community-based support and development organisation working exclusively with LGBTQ individuals and families since 1999.

As their main funders have cut back on their fundings, Oogachaga is organising a series of fundraisers, seeking the community’s support so that they can continue supporting the local LGBTQ’s community in the years to come.

Fundraising Supper Club
Date: 10 December 2016
Time: 7:00pm- 10:00pm
Venue: 8 Cafe & Bar, 8 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 089822
Price: $90, $160 (for 2 pax), $300 (for 4 pax)
Ticketing Website: Fundraising Supper Club

Shopping

11. MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up

Tis’ the season to be giving. Still struggling with your Xmas shopping?

Head to the Red Dot Design Museum for a different kind of flea market.

Featuring 130 artists, designers, crafters and creators from the community, this will be one of the largest art and design marketplaces.

The best part of all, it only ends after 12AM!! Late night shopping, anyone?

MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up
Date: 2 December 2016
Time: 5:oopm – 12:00am
Venue: Red Dot Design Museum 28, Maxwell Road
Event Page: MAAD Pyjamas Xmas Pop Up

12. Sunset Pasar

If shopping is your thing and you’re sick of the same old malls, head over to Sunset Pasar for some alternative retail therapy!

This pasar is not just about shopping. There will also be live open mic sessions, music, cocktails, art & craft workshops and it’s pet friendly!

That sure sounds like a good vibes Saturday!

Sunset Pasar
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 12:00pm- 7:00pm
Venue: CANVAS 20 Upper Circular Road, B1-01, The Riverwalk, 058416
Event Page: Sunset Pasar

13. Christmas Farmers’ Market

Want to cook up a storm but don’t know where to look for super fresh ingredients?

The Farmers’ Market at Loewen Garden is the perfect place to go to for some organic vegetables and fresh food.

If you’re too lazy to cook, there will also be vendors selling gourmet meals, wines, home-made baked goods, as well as handicraft.

Pretty sure you won’t go home empty handed… or in this case, with an empty stomach.

Christmas Farmers’ Market
Date: 3 December 2016
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Venue: Loewen Gardens 75E Loewen Road 248845
Event Page: Farmers Market

With so many fun activities and charity events going on, December is set to be a feel good month! Keep the good vibes going by dropping us a comment!

Header image source: Not IKEA: 4 Places To Buy Good & Cheap Furniture So You Don’t Have To DIY

9 New & Cool Restaurants In Singapore You Shouldn’t Miss Out On!

Does your date often complain about going to the usual haunts for dinners? If your answer is yes, it’s time to check out our low-down of the best new restaurants in Singapore.  These range from Michelin-starred restaurants to those with stunning views.

Best New Restaurants In Singapore For Dates

1. Birds of A Feather

Calling all Sichuan cuisine fans! It’s time for you to flock to one of Amoy Street’s new restaurants!

Opened by the owners of Chengdu cafe chain  Credit: .

[caption id="attachment_19057" align="alignnone" width="960"] Credit: Credit: 113 Amoy Street, Singapore
Opening Hours: 10am- 11pm daily
Tel: +65 6221 7449
Website

2. Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles

Tsuta, aka the first Michelin starred ramen joint, has finally landed on our sunny shores.

Credit: The Ranting Panda

The 18-seater restaurant at Pacific Plaza created a stir in Singapore on its first day! Crowds  Credit: Pinky Piggu[/caption]

On the other hand, the Shio broth is prepared with seafood and chicken stock mixed with sea salt and rock salt and served together with green olives.

3. Renga-Ya

Renga-Ya is a Japanese BBQ and steakhouse. Its name means ”brick house” in Japanese and that is also the theme of Renga-Ya’s decor.

Aside from that, Renga-Ya also has a wide variety of yummy side dishes such as beef tataki and deep fried oysters as well as pork katsu.

Renga-Ya
Address: #01-11/12 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., Singapore, 187996
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 2.30pm daily, Dinner 6 – 11pm (Mon – Sat), 5pm – 10pm (Sun)
Tel: +65 6352-1966
Email: [email protected]
Credit: Credit: NAHMJ[/caption]

Monti also counts authentic Italian dish Rombo, a baked turbot dish with potato discs and ravioli with braised veal osso buco filling, among its signature items.

Besides good food, you can also look forward to an exciting line-up of music performances daily. Monti’s resident DJs are Stephen Day and Adam Sky.

Monti
Address: 82 Collyer Quay, The Fullerton Pavilion, Singapore 049327             
Opening Hours: Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Wed – Fri), Dinner 6pm – 1am (Mon- Thurs) and 6pm – 4am (Fri & Sat)                                                                                                                                                                                        Tel: +65 6535 0724
Email: [email protected]
of Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific (a prestigious international cooking competition).

[caption id="attachment_18297" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Jiaksimipng[/caption]

For meat lovers, we suggest ordering the Limestone Ridge full-blood wagyu beef rump ($32 for 150g) or Heritage US Kurobuta pork rack (S$39 for 300g) for maximum satisfaction.

[caption id="attachment_19070" align="alignnone" width="1620"] Credit: Credit: Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Tel: +65 6694 -3291
Email: [email protected]
Website

6. Upper Place

Perched atop Wangz Hotel, Upper Place offers a stunning bird’s eye view of the cityscape.

Upper Place specialises in European small plates with a pronounced Asian influence.

We recommend the Thai-inspired Slow Cooked Pork Belly Tacos ($10), Miso Norwegian Salmon ($17) and the Lobster Kueh Pie Tee ($10).

[caption id="attachment_19074" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit: Credit: Credit:
Opening Hours: 7am- 9.30pm daily
Tel: +65 6595 1380
Credit: Credit: Credit: Daniel Food Diary[/caption]

Besides that, Marziga Indian Bar & Grill also has a variety of Indian cocktails and mocktails.

[caption id="attachment_19082" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit:
Opening Hours: 12 -3:30pm, 5pm-1am
Tel: +65 62537307
Email: [email protected]
 

8. Red Tail Bar

Red Tail Bar is the latest addition to the new restaurants in Clarke Quay.

[caption id="attachment_18323" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit:
Opening Hours: 6pm – 2am daily
Tel: +65 6738 2988
Credit: Credit: 0 Collyer Quay, #01-01, Customs House, Singapore 049323
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Weekdays), 12pm – 12am (Wed & Fri), 4pm – 11pm (Weekends and public holidays)                                                                                                                                                                   Tel: +65 6532 1011
Email: [email protected]
So there you have it, 9 new restaurants in Singapore with distinct styles and different cuisines to impress your date!

Discover SG confirm plus chop you will have a great time exploring and indulging in great food at these new restaurants. Who knows, maybe one of these new restaurants will turn out to be your new favourite hangout or dinner spot.

Also, read 15 Delectable Meals In Singapore Below $2.50 That Will Make You Question Reality