Author: andrewwong

The Balvenie x James Stroud Partnership Is A Shining Light For Craftsmen Worldwide

The Balvenie is the world’s most handcrafted single malt. And they have been handcrafting it the traditional way for a long time in their Spreyside distillery.

Today, they’re renowned and have won multiple awards for their malt whiskies.

As testament to their commitment to and support of traditional craftsmanship, they have gone on a journey to find other craftsmen worldwide, assisting them with a bursary fund titled

Well then, you might have seen the videos on Youtube with Anthony Bourdain titled raw craft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKgg38lQ_1k&list=PLdg0QhLNc29XuXmmv5Vu__bfNUeZI76ve

In the videos, he goes all over America in search of craftsmen, true to The Balvenie tradition.

James Stroud x The Balvenie

Similarly, The Balvenie has partnered with worldly acclaimed photographer,

After spending time with the people at the distillery and hearing their stories, Stroud was inspired by their dedication to their work. Hence, he chose their one-of-a-kind Spreyside distillery as his subject.

Succession

“I became fascinated by the fact that one human started a process that would be finished by another, years down the line.”

Stroud termed his art exhibition, succession, and focused on a theme, Time.

 “I was surrounded by flaking paint and weather-battered equipment in a place of tangible ageing, where everything and everyone was maturing and getting better with time. My aim was to capture the sense that everything improves with age, just like a barrel of whisky.”

The process and result

Taking a year to assemble, the project was completed using a multitude of photography techniques, both old and new.

In the end, the collection features 11-unique pieces. These pieces showcase the spirit of craftsmanship at The Balvenie distillery in Dufftown, Scotland.

The exhibition was held in Singapore just recently.

Each image is broken up into grid systems and framed using wood from a 150-year-old American Church.

The result?

Absolutely stunning images that showcase the brand’s famed distillery coupled with a touch of pure craftsmanship.

Furthermore, Neil Strachan, regional brand ambassador for The Balvenie in Southeast Asia, elaborated,

“Many of our craftsman have been at the distillery their entire working lives and we are the only location still using all the five rare crafts of whisky making by hand, so James’ concept of time reflects our practices and ethos perfectly. The collection is astonishingly beautiful and wholly unique.”

Our Thoughts

The exhibition, succession, was hauntingly beautiful. Particularly, we loved how you could visibly see the ageing processes that feature so strongly in the 11 pieces.

Now, more so than ever, the commitment that The Balvenie has towards craftsmanship is admirable.

With technology steadily taking the human elements out of businesses, we are still offered some hope that craftsmen like James Stroud and ardent supporters like The Balvenie are still around. Trust us, we are all the better for it.

The Balvenie
Website | Facebook
For more information about The Balvenie Commission, click New Hangout Spot, Chip Bee Gardens, Is Where All The Cool Things Are

Singapore’s Largest Wine & Whisky Event Is Back With 100+ Free Tastings!

Wine & Whisky Week, Singapore’s largest wine & whisky event presented by 1855 The Bottle Shop, is back by popular demand.

Following the successful debut of the Wine & Whisky Week in July this year, the second installation will be held from 8th t0 13th November.

Located at Suntec City Tower 4 East Atrium Level 1, the event will be hosted by 1855 The Bottle Shop. 

The brand was awarded ‘Singapore Wine Retailer of the Year’ at the World Gourmet Summit Awards earlier in the year. This speaks volumes about their reputation as the go to place for wine enthusiasts.

What’s So Special About Wine & Whisky Week?

With more than 500 labels by over 200 producers, we are pretty sure you’ll be able to find something that suits your wine and whisky preferences.

1855 The Bottle Shop organised Wine & Whisky Week to cater to everyone, whether connoisseurs or amateurs, through diverse brand offerings at great value.

When asked about the motivations behind such a quick successive event, Mr. Sng, CEO of 1855 The Bottle Shop stated,

“With the second edition of WWW, we are committed to up the ante in terms of customer experience and deliver yet again an exceptional portfolio of international products. It is crystal clear to us that wine and whisky consumers crossover and we want to offer them a platform where they can elevate that discernment.”

What Other Activities Can We Engage In Wine & Whisky Week?

The Wine & Whisky Week is open to public and will be free to attend.

You can take part in tastings of renowned wine and whiskies (100+ tastings available) and receive educational experiences by wine connoisseurs.

Moreover, you can look forward to attractive discounts of up to 50% on the labels. These include sought after wines from renowned vineyards and rare whiskies from notable distilleries.

Highlights include Karuizawa 12, the sadly discontinued Japanese Whisky, Big Peat Christmas 2016, an “All Islay”, Cask Strength Limited Edition and Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain (Non-Vintage).

There’s More!

Customers with a minimum spending of $500 will be entitled to an exclusive 1855 Neoprene Wine Bottle Tote Bag.

The first two customers who spend S$8,000 in a single receipt will walk away with a Vintec V30SGME wine fridge – valued at $958 each.

Attractive prizes will also be up for grabs during the period of 8 to 13 November 2016.

Prizes include Chateau Pichon Longueville 2011 (worth S$180), Macallan Edition 2 (worth S$150), Nikka From The Barrel (worth S$90) and Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut (worth S$80).

What Are You Waiting For?

1855 The Bottle Shop Wine & Whisky Week 
Date: 8 November to 13 November 2016.
Time: 8 November, Tue (11am-5pm); 9 – 13 November, Wed – Sun (11am-10pm)
Address: Suntec City, Tower 4 East Atrium, Level 1.

The Wine & Whisky Week is a free admission event

Also, read Wind Down Your Week – 6 Whisky Bars All Whisky Lovers Must Visit

The Hard Truths About Migrant Workers In Singapore.

Google Singapore and many beautiful pictures of our city appear. In just half a century, we have progressed from a struggling, developing nation to a first world independent country.

As we grow from strength to strength, there are still kinks in our country that are being overlooked. With our current strength and resourcefulness, we no longer have the luxury of ignoring them.

[caption id="attachment_16389" align="alignnone" width="1140"] credit:  credit: credit:  credit:  credit: , provides a vast array of social assistance. The Cuff Road Project is an initiative that provides 2 meals a day, 6 days a week to migrant workers who require help. There are also many other non-governmental organisations where you can volunteer at that offer their services to migrant workers.

However, we cannot rely on just a few organisations to initiate change. It all comes down to us.

By creating more awareness, we can shine a light on these workers who desperately need our help.

After all, these migrant workers are not asking for anything more, only something just. As we go on to celebrate our 52nd year of independence, can we really forget those who have built our beautiful city in the first place?

If you’d like to lend a hand:
Transient Workers Count Too
Address: 5001 Beach Road, #09-86, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore 199588
Phone: 6247 7001
Email: [email protected]
Helpline: 1800 888 1515

Header Image Source: Tired Of Our Increasingly Aloof Society? Here Are 11 Organisations You Can Volunteer At!

The Tippling Club: Where You’ll Not Only Sip Cocktails, But Also Smell Them!

With the introduction of new head bartender, Joe Schofield, Tippling Club has revamped their cocktail menu. Their new menu, titled Sensorium, seeks to unify aromas with spirits to invoke memories and emotions of our experiences.

“80 per cent of the flavours we taste come from our sense of smell”

It’s with this idea that the new menu was conceptualised. We’ll now not only sip cocktails, but also smell them! Sounds awesome, no?

Widely regarded as an innovative and forward thinking bar, the Tippling Club’s new menu has proven once again, that they’re ahead of the game.

The birth of the Sensorium Menu

The new menu places the emphasis on the aromatic rather than alcoholic.

“Nothing stirs up cherished childhood memories like the smell of red crayons”

The idea was that customers should choose their preferred cocktails based on an aroma that interests them. It’s about your personality, your chosen smell, more than the choice of alcohol.

The process

We were honoured to have been given the opportunity to attend a tasting session.

First, they presented the whole menu through a bouquet of perfumed blotters.

Scofield encouraged us to smell each one and to pick out our favorite scents. This was in line with their philosophy of placing precedence on smell.

And god, did they smell amazing.

He even stated at one point that he would be happy to see customers ‘stealing’ the blotters to keep for memories sake.

After showing us the scents and cocktails, it was time to taste them.

‘Potentially, we could be the first bar in Singapore to marry aromatic fragrance to our cocktails to such an extent. Perhaps even globally.’ Chef-Owner Ryan Clift

Well, we don’t doubt him.  The cocktails did not disappoint.

Cocktail – Rain

Have you ever actually thought about how rain smells like?

Somehow, Tippling Club has managed to accurately capture the scents that immediately invoked my memories of rainfall upon the first whiff.

Rain is a eclectic mix of citrus, soda and vodka, served with an edible stone.

Don’t worry, the stone, unlike its namesake, is actually cushiony. The initial bite is chalky, but it soon melts in your mouth for that earthy aftertaste, just like how I feel rain would taste like.

The drink itself is light and refreshing. The flavours and the alcohol were delicately balanced.

The Negroni

They say you can’t beat a classic.

Well, we think that Tippling Club has just made the classic even better! Negroni doesn’t just taste good – it smells just as delish!

Essentially still equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and campari, Tippling Club used ultrasonic sound waves to emulate a barrel-aged flavour. The traditional orange garnish is actually a negroni-flavoured gelatine mix!

Refreshing, punchy, and uplifting. We’d love to go for seconds.

The Campfire

Do you reminisce your adventurous days spent outdoors by the campfire?

This cocktail will help you relive those memories.

This is an incredible melody of marshmallow milk, burnt syrup, ash and gin, served together with a slightly roasted marshmallow.

How does it smell? Smoky, and absolutely delectable. We never thought we could describe a smell as delicious, until now.

The Caramel

The caramel was a clear favourite both in terms of sight and smell.

The aroma was pleasantly tart, elevating the rich, saccharine flavour of caramel with just a hint of citrus and rum.

The drink itself proved to be well balanced and not overly sweet, served along with a salted caramel lollipop made in house.

No better treat than this.

Details

The cocktails on the Sensorium menu go for 22SGD a pop, which was a pleasant surprise. With such detailed thought and meticulous care put into the menu and cocktails, we fully expected them to go for more conventional premium prices.

Alas, we forgot that Tippling Club does not do conventional, they’re that special round peg in a square hole. Furthermore, it only goes to show that the priorities of Tippling Club are to delight their customers.

Tippling Club
Address: 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
Opening Hours (Bar): 12:00PM to 12:00AM (Mon – Fri), 06:00PM to 12:00AM (Sat), Closed on Sundays.
Call/Enquiries: 64752217/ [email protected]

This was an invited tasting session.

Image credits: Tippling Club

Also, read Crab Buffets So Amazing That You’ll Have To Crabwalk Out The Door After!

The Workbench Bistro @ AMK: More Than Just Waffles ‘Cos Their Mains Do Not Disappoint!

The Workbench Bistro is a hip contemporary cafe nestled under a block of HBD flats in the quiet neighbourhood of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, just behind Christ the King church.

Serving up mains, a host of drinks including artisan ciders, dessert and even breakfast items, the café oozes simplicity and a homely, warm, and cosy charm.

The Workbench Bistro: Food

The café is small in size, but big on food.

The ice cream here is supplied from local brand Bing Bing while their food creations are a fusion of western and Singaporean flavours.

The Workbench Bistro takes pride in the presentation of their dishes! All are super picture worthy.

Salted egg chicken wings

The salted egg chicken wings ($12.90) was as delectable as it could get!

They were super generous with the salted egg sauce. The sauce wasn’t overpowering, and it was just right – creamy and flavourful.

Egg lava beef burger

Next up was the egg lava beef burger ($16.90). The beef patty comes in the shape of a donut with the half boiled egg positioned inside.

The burger is then topped with crispy grilled bacon and cheese.

When you cut the burger open, the yolk flows out nicely, hence the name egg lava. There were plenty of herbs infused into the meat. If you love your meat with a herby taste, you’d love this.

All the burgers are served with freshly made brioche buns and paprika fries!

Crab meat linguine

The crab meat linguine ($15.90) was our favorite main, the dish was very refreshing. Here’s what our ambassador, Ruth, had to say!

The lumpy, jumbo crab meat was more than sufficient and the pasta itself was cooked to perfection – Al dente!

The sauce is a mixture of white wine and light tomato cream sauce. Surprisingly, it was delicate and light. We didn’t feel gelat at all! Could totally eat this forever.

We also had their signature truffle fries ($9.90), which smelled heavenly, and their iced chocolate ($5.50) and the iced green tea latte ($6.00), which were served in pretty mason jars.

The Workbench Bistro: Dessert

Finally came the behemoth that is the s’moreffles supreme ($29.90).

By the time we reached this part of the meal, we had to ask the chefs if they could just give us 2 instead of 3 waffles, which they did so with a smile.

The waffles were dark red and green. As a dish together, it certainly provided the wow factor. It looked impressive and tasted even better – the perfect guilty indulgence!

It was a tad sweet, and should definitely be shared.

Our Verdict?

The café itself was very comfortable. We were there for almost 2 hours and did not feel unwelcome at any point of time. The service was prompt and food was served at a brisk pace upon ordering.

With a cosy, rustic interior and reasonable prices (they do not add any service taxes or GST!), this café is definitely worth a visit!

The Workbench Bistro
Address: 332 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, #01-1881, 560332
Opening Hours: 12:00PM to 10PM (Mon-Thurs), 12:00PM to 11:00PM (Fri), 10:00AM to 11:00PM (Sat), 10:00AM to 10:00PM (Sun)
Phone: 6452 0810

This was an invited tasting session.

Also, read BAKE Cheese Tart Continues Singapore Invasion With Its Second Outlet In Westgate Mall!

Cheese Truck Coming Through! Here’s Your Chance To Savour Gourmet Cheese From A Truck!

If you think that cheese can only be eaten with crackers, think again! We were invited to a cheese appreciation session hosted by Chef Emmanuel Stroobant at St. Pierre Restaurant. Guess what they served? Cheese with mint, lemon grass salad, kiwi, and even papaya.

Curious to know how these snacks would taste? Read on to find out more as a cheese truck will be making its way around Singapore!

The tasting

We were invited to different stations where cheese canapés were being prepared. At each station, a different cheese was used.

You’d be surprised by the different kinds of ingredients that can pair with cheeses. There were some super unique and surprising combinations that worked well together.

Blue cheese with papaya, kiwi, and apple cider

For example, Chef Stroobant paired this blue cheese with papaya, kiwi and apple cider.

The result was a light and fresh bite – not something you would normally associate blue cheese with.

Pont-l’Évêque cheese with mint, brioche and iberico ham

Another popular french cheese, Pont-l’Évêque, was paired with mint, brioche and iberico ham.

This resulted in a very tasty, slightly salty bite.

Gouda cheese with fried lemon grass salad and carrot puree

The first live station was an asian inspired spring roll that contained fried lemon grass salad, carrot puree and Gouda.

Each bite gave a hearty burst of flavour that was well coupled with crunchiness from the nuts in the spring roll.

Morbier cheese with Vin Jaune and cherries

The Morbier was paired with Vin Jaune, cherries and presented on cherrywood.

The presentation was exquisite and the cheese helped to balance out the intense burst of alcohol.

Emmental with strawberry sorbet

Lastly, Emmental was used in a delicious strawberry sorbet dish that was hand mixed with live nitrogen oxide.

The dish was extremely light and delicious, a perfect end to the different courses.

So why the sudden interest in Cheese?

A cheese truck will be making rounds at different locations in Singapore, that’s why!

Here’s your chance to try different cheese canapés served with unexpected and unusual ingredients.

Click here for the locations of the trucks. They’ll be coming round from the 26th to the 28th of October.

You’ll get to try different types of cheese with easier recipes – so you can prepare them at home as well!

Be sure to enjoy the delectable treats prepared by Chef Stroobant! 

#SayCheese event details:
Date: Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Time: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Venue: Changi City Point, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, Singapore 486038

Date: Thursday, 27 October 2016
Time: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Venue: Mapletree Business City, 10 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 117438

Date: Friday, 28 October 2016
Time: 11:30am to 2:30pm
Venue: 1 Fusionopolis Place, Singapore 138632

This was an invited tasting session.

Also, read Singapore’s First Popbar Outlet Serves Up Gelato – On A Stick!

Dear Amos: Should We Feel Sorry For You?

Last Thursday (29th September), teen blogger Amos Yee was sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment. In addition, he was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000.

Teen blogger, Amos Yee, convicted for wounding religious feelings.

Refusal to pay the fine will result in an additional 10 days in prison. The incarceration commences on 13th October later this month.

[caption id="attachment_15369" align="alignnone" width="1280"] credit: 

credit: 5 Secret Spots In Gardens By The Bay That’ll Make You Wonder WTH They’re Doing There

Here Are The Best Study Spots In The East All Students Need To Know About

If you have been looking for study spots to take your study and work to, but are unwilling to travel too far from home, we’ve got you covered! For the Easties, here are some study spots in East that you can take your work to if trying to study at home becomes too much of a challenge.

#1. Starbucks – Parkland Green

Unlike many other outlets, Starbucks at Parkland Green is an absolute gem located in East Coast Park.

Don’t believe us? Here, just look at it.

credit:  credit: Credit: credit: credit: greedyporcupine[/caption]

Known for their coffee from their starting days in Pasar Bella Market, you can be sure to partake in your daily hourly (not that we recommend that) caffeine fix while rushing through your deadlines.

Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Address: 113 Frankel Ave, Singapore 458230
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 8:00PM (Sun-Thurs), 8:00AM to 10:00PM (Fri-Sat).

#7. To-gather Cafe

To-gather Cafe is a warm, inviting cafe right from the onset.

The cafe is beautifully designed with warm lighting and an eclectic array of accessories. Best of all, prices are much lower than what most cafes normally charge.

Plenty of tables and power points are available. Furthermore, the library also boasts of a cafe that frequently has student deals on their offerings.

Bedok Public Library
Address: 21 Bedok North St. 1, Singapore 469659
Opening Hours: 10:00AM to 9:00PM

Marine Parade Public Library

Marine Parade Public Library is a modern, 3-storey building with ample seats for students.

The library also has a cafe, although you may want to head over to nearby Parkway Parade Shopping mall when you are bored or hungry. Just for a break, of course.

Marine Parade Public Library
Address: 278 Marine Parade Road, #01-02, Marine Parade Community Building Singapore 449282
Opening Hours: 10:00AM to 9:00PM

Header Image Source: Study Spots In Town That Will Make Every Mugging Session A Conducive One!

Study Spots In Town That Will Make Every Mugging Session A Conducive One!

Going to be around the central region and need study spots?

The central region is where life in Singapore intersects the most frequently. With blistering paces and overwhelming noises, it may seem impossible to settle down on a spot to study or work.

Here, we uncover study spots in the central region that are perfect for students who need to focus on their work at hand.

#1. Starbucks

Here’s everyone’s default and favourite study spot – Starbucks! The quintessential coffee house that serves delicious coffee, offers new and exciting seasonal drinks and is conveniently located all around the country.

Starbucks – Plaza Singapura

This is one of the most convenient Starbucks outlets in Singapore, located near Dhoby Ghaut MRT station.

The cafe serves all day breakfast along with mains which will fuel your studying marathon all through the day.

Pacamara
Address: 185 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574333
Opening Hours: 9:00AM to 11:00PM

#4. Drury Lane

It’s hard to miss the bright red doors of Drury Lane Cafe at Tanjong Pagar road.

With seats on ground and upper levels, this hip cafe is extremely apt for those in the neighbourhood looking for a good spot to finish up on some readings.

Drury Lane Cafe
Address: 94 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088515
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 06:00PM (Mon-Tues), 8:00AM to 09:00PM (Wed-Fri), 9:00AM to 06:00PM (Sat-Sun)

#5. The Daily Press

The Daily Press is an unpretentious cafe located within the mature estate of Toa Payoh that serves a variety of sandwiches and good coffee.

[caption id="attachment_15167" align="alignnone" width="839"] credit: draken4130 on Flickr[/caption]

Just be sure not to occupy the tables reserved for those referencing the library’s materials.

National Library
Address: 100 Victoria St, Singapore 188064
Opening Hours: 10:00AM to 9:00PM

Library @ Esplanade

This one comes as a surprise to many. Yes, there is a library inside the Esplanade. Yes, it is super quiet and conducive.

[caption id="attachment_15168" align="alignnone" width="960"] credit: credit: Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance To Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!

Tsuta: Japan’s Super Famous & First Michelin-starred Ramen Stall Opens Next Month!

Foodies and ramen enthusiasts rejoice! The world’s first ever Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, opens in Singapore next month!

If you are on the hunt for world class cuisine that promises to challenge your palate without breaking the bank, this is it.

Where and When?

Tsuta Singapore will be located at 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza.

The bad news? The restaurant will only open their doors sometime in October.

Unless you are already in Japan, at which we suggest you to head over ASAP, we can only look at pictures…

Meanwhile, here’s something you can salivate at.

As much as we want a steaming hot bowl of Tsuta’s ramen to devour this instant, maybe the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can apply to our stomachs as well?

Tsuta in Japan

This is the first overseas venture for Tsuta. The original shop is located in Sugamo, a neighbourhood in Toshima, Tokyo.

In Japan, Tsuta is a 9-seater joint that serves roughly 150 bowls of ramen a day. In addition, it is one of the most affordable Michelin-Starred establishments you can visit.

As a result, it is not surprising for queues to start forming outside the small shop in Japan as early as 6 in the morning.

The catch? The shop only opens at 11am for business.

Tsuta Singapore

Tsuta Singapore will offer 3 different soup bases. They are the renowned shoyu soba, infused with their signature black truffle oil, shio soba, and miso.

[caption id="attachment_15060" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] credit: In keeping with tradition, the Singapore branch will be a small 18-seater joint.

Tsuta Singapore
Address: #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore
Opening Hours: To be confirmed
Official Website: Header image source : Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!