Author: Ian Lim

Orchard Road Turns On The Christmas Magic With A Disney-Themed Light-Up This Year

Every year, in the months leading up to the festive Christmas season, Orchard Road is decked out in the prettiest of lights and glittery decor thanks to Christmas on a Great Street.

Who can forget the giant glowing arcs?

Now that National Day is over, that means it’s time to prepare for Halloween and Christmas. And this year, Orchard Road is about to be taken over by everyone’s favourite childhood characters.

This Christmas, Hitachi proudly presents Disney Magical Moments – Christmas on a Great Street!

A Very Disney Christmas

Disney fans can expect to see themed installations featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, the Disney Princesses, characters from Frozen, and Pixar’s Toy Story, all along the stretches of Orchard Road!

The Disney spectacle begins from Tanglin Mall along Tanglin Road with the Disney Princesses greeting you, and ends at Dhoby Ghaut, with the beloved characters of Pixar’s Toy Story.

Some of the highlights to look out for along the stretch include the Ariel (The Little Mermaid) photo spot at Shaw House, Mickey Mouse and friends set pieces, and pop-ups by popular brands such as OWNDAYS, Häagen-Dazs, Uniqlo, SK-II, and OPPO!

We heard there’ll be 25 brands in total, so stay tuned for more details on the other participating brands!

Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will also host the Endless Wonder Christmas Village, with bouncy castles, food vendors, and musical performances!

That’s not all, head over to Plaza Singapura for the Light-Up Ceremony on 10 November 2018 at 7pm and watch as the Disney-themed decor lights up Orchard Road and usher in the spirit of Christmas!

The lights and decor will be up 1 January 2019 so you’ll have plenty of time to get all your photos.

Disney Magic Moments – Christmas on a Great Street
Venue: Along Orchard Road
Date: 10 Nov 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Let It Glow, Let It Glow – Tsum Tsum Takes Over Vivocity With 2000 Lanterns This Mid-Autumn Festival

(Header Image Source: Study Break)

Art After Dark Returns – Another Round Of Good Food, Musical Acts And Exhibitions At Gillman Barracks This Sep

Singapore’s art scene has blossomed over the years, with numerous art festivals annually, celebrating the nation’s growing appreciation for the arts.

One of the most consistent and popular events is Art After Dark.

We had the first Art After Dark of 2018 back in January, in conjunction with Singapore Art Week. This time round, it’s coming back on 21 September 2018 as part of Gillman Barracks’ 6th Anniversary!

In celebration of the arts, galleries will open their doors with free entry to their ongoing or new exhibitions. Artists will also take the opportunity to showcase the works that they’ve been working on.

And of course, no arts festival is complete without entertainment in the form of musical performances.

Jam to a wide range of tunes by local Rock ‘n’ Roll quartet The Pinholes (7:50pm to 8:30pm), eclectic punk rock band Tiramisu (10pm – 10.40pm) and indie group, Pleasantry (8.50pm – 9.30pm).

After a long night of jamming to local music, dig into a variety of savoury bites and sweet treats by Handlebar, Park Bench Deli, The LAB, Hopscotch, Super Simple and Iskina Cebu.

This upcoming Art After Dark is set to be the biggest one yet, as Gillman Barracks celebrates its 6th anniversary, complete with live performances, interactive art experiences, precinct-wide activities and programmes and much more!

If you plan on going by public transportation, one-way FREE bus services to Gillman Barracks will be available from:

1. Raffles City (Swissotel Bus Bay) (7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm)

2. Vivocity Bus Bay (7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm)

3. Art Stage Singapore at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre (8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9pm and 9.15pm)

Please note that cars will be directed to Alexandra Retail Centre carpark when the carparks onsite are full.

Come 21 September 2018, gather your friends and family and head over to Gillman Barracks to show your support for the arts and also for a night of good food and great fun!

Art is not just for the elite anymore. Art is for everyone.

Check out the full exhibition lineup here.

Art After Dark x 6th Anniversary Celebrations
Venue: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Date: 21 Sep 2018
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Website

Also Read Calling All Roald Dahl Fans: Matilda The Musical Is Coming To Singapore In Feb 2019 

(Header Image Source: Gillman Barracks)

Follow The Yellow Brick Road And Bask Among 16,000 Sunflowers In The Flower Dome

Have you ever pretended like you’re Dorothy in the Broadway musical “Wicked”? Just me? Okay.

But anyway, now’s your chance to pretend like you’re Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, travelling on the Yellow Brick Road.

This is Singapore’s largest sunflower display ever, with more than 50 varieties and over 16,000 sunflowers on display!

Some of the rare sunflower species on display includes the “Teddy Bear” which resembles a shower sponge, and the gigantic “Russian Mammoth” that’s as big, if not bigger than, a human face.

That’s not all, spot familiar characters from The Wizard of Oz such as the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, nestled among the sunflower displays as you trek along the Yellow Brick Road leading to the Wizard’s castle!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnGTQJKBp3L/?taken-at=253770366

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnFeT2MnjTf/?taken-at=253770366

What’s more, you can try your hands at the Fondant Painting workshop or the Flower Clay Craft workshop!

More details are available Also read 6 Dishes Crazy Rich Asians Should Have Tried At Newton Food Centre Instead Of Satay

(Header Image Source: Gardens By The Bay)

Legendary Heavy Metal Band Judas Priest To Bring Some ‘Firepower’ To S’pore On December 4

For all you headbangers, one of the most legendary heavy metal acts ever, Judas Priest, is bringing their ‘Firepower‘ tour to Singapore on 4 December 2018!

The British heavy metal legends will be performing at ZEPP@BIGBOX.

The last time the band performed in Singapore was back in 2013 together with Lamb of God.

You can purchase early bird tickets at $148 from 5 September 2018 at 10am. Early bird ticket sales will be available till 12 September 2018.

General ticket sales will begin on 13 September 2018 at $158.

Tickets will be available for purchase via all SISTIC outlets.

In the meantime, here are some of Judas Priest’s greatest hits to make the waiting more tolerable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM__lPTWThU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L397TWLwrUU

Are you ready to rock hard with Judas Priest this December?

Judas Priest ‘Firepower’ Tour Live In Singapore
Venue: ZEPP@BIGBOX
Date: 4 Dec 2018
Price: Early Bird: $148, General Price: $158
Website

Also read Maroon 5 Is Coming To S’pore In 2019 – Here’s A Likely Setlist So You Can Start Memorising The Lyrics

(Header Image Source: PledgeMusic)

Warner TV Is Challenging You To Escape From Their FREE Themed Escape Room This 3-9 Sep

Fans of The Big Bang Theory, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Gotham, and Lethal Weapon will soon be able to take part in the Warner TV’s themed escape room challenge once more!

That’s right, from 3 to 9 September 2018, the Warner TV Escape Room Challenge is back!

Can You Escape?

Here’s what you can expect from the Warner TV Escape Room Challenge 2018!

https://vimeo.com/284891072

This year’s challenge will be held at the ground floor of The Centrepoint.

Besides the usual 3-stage Escape room challenge, try your hand at the Home of the Super Fan Puzzle challenge, where participants will have to piece together the Super Fan Puzzle image within a minute!

Think you have what it takes to be Star City’s next vigilante? Test your archery skills at the Arrow Archery Arena!

There will also be exciting stage games held every hour where you’ll stand a chance to walk away with exclusive Warner TV merchandise.

The Singapore Cosplay Club will also be hosting a DC Cosplay contest on 7 September 2018 at 7.30pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch intricate costumes made by Warner TV super fans!

At the end of the day, take home a free 4R photo print from the Fallen City photo booth!

The best part is that admission to the Warner TV Escape Room challenge is FREE.

So head over to The Centrepoint from 3 to 9 September 2018, anytime between 12pm and 8pm and take on the Warner TV Escape Room challenge!

Warner TV Escape Room Challenge
Venue: The Centrepoint, Level 1
Date: 3 – 9 Sep 2018
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Website

Also read From Fusion Dishes To Tea Tastings, Grids & Circles Has Everything For The Perfect Date

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Maroon 5 Is Coming To S’pore In 2019 – Here’s A Likely Setlist So You Can Start Memorising The Lyrics

Growing up, if you spent all your time, singing in the shower and crooning about heartbreak, then I’ve got news for you.

Maroon 5 has announced that they will be bringing their ‘Red Pill Blues‘ World Tour to Singapore on 7 March 2019!

The band, fronted by lead singer Adam Levine, last performed in Singapore during the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

Red Or Blue Pill?

Red Pill Blues is the sixth studio album by Maroon 5. It was released on 3 November 2017 and spawned hit singles such as ‘Cold’, ‘What Lovers Do’, ‘Don’t Wanna Know’, and ‘Girls Like You’.

https://www.facebook.com/maroon5/videos/vb.5330548481/952533981601939/?type=2&theater

While the concert venue and ticket prices has not been revealed, we do have a glimpse of the setlist that was played in the previous opening concerts.

https://open.spotify.com/user/22ggozfbcukl3rz5mzc353yua/playlist/4E2UDgudJLC9nXxVND1LYS?si=xC43XVKrQryo0AD8XxihCQ

We’re not saying that this is the definitive setlist for the Singapore concert, but it’s just a rough gauge.

In the meantime, do keep checking back for future updates on ticket prices and venue!

2019 has never felt further at this point.

Maroon 5 ‘Red Pill Blues’ World Tour Live In Singapore
Date: 7 Mar 2019
Website

Also read Didn’t Get Enough Of Baybeats? Here Are 3 Upcoming Local Gigs You Should Look Out For

(Header Image Source: Billboard)

From Fusion Dishes To Tea Tastings, Grids & Circles Has Everything For The Perfect Date

Cafes have become increasingly popular across the island in the recent years, favoured by millennials due to their Pinterest-worthy aesthetics and brunch menus.

However, the truth is, most cafes have a pretty basic food menu. Call me cynical but pretty latte art and a good brew can only go so far.

But there’s a newcomer in town and they’re gearing up to spoil market.

A Cafe And More

As I stepped out of my Grab, I saw the place – an entirely white shophouse save for their pastel-coloured logo and address.

Stepping in, I feel like I just walked into a Scanteak x MUJI showroom.

Of the 3 levels in the shophouse, level one houses the coffee bar, cashier, kitchen, and some seating space.

Level 2 is where you’ll find the Flex Space, which is a larger area that can accommodate up to 32 people comfortably, and can be booked for corporate or private events.

The Flex Space is divided into 2 sections.

Flex Space 1 is the larger of the 2 and provides additional seating for customers who are simply there to dine.

Flex Space 2 is primarily allocated as a work space. It can also double as a space for conducting workshops.

East Meets West

Now, for the part you’re all waiting for, THE FOOD.

The menu at Grids & Circles doesn’t really centre around a specific cuisine. Though the easiest way to describe it would be “East meets West”.

I managed to try a few dishes specially curated by the Head Chef and Co-Founder, Daryl Lim.

To start things off, I was served a Watercress Potage with Bacon.

I’m a big fan of vegetables and chunky soups and this reminded me of a chunkier cream of broccoli. All I can say is, it didn’t stand a chance against my spoon – gone in 60 seconds.

The next dish was a Tamago Sando ($12).

A fat slab of Japanese tamagoyaki sits between 2 slices of white bread, one slathered in house made konbu mayo, and the other with a thin but useful layer of pear compote.

I’m not going to lie. This sandwich comprises everything I love, so I was a little disappointed with the flavour of the tamagoyaki because it tasted a bit bland.

The konbu mayo was generous but did little to elevate the sandwich and it was quickly becoming jelak, 3 bites in. That was until the pear compote came into play.

The sweet pear compote helped to balance the flavours of the sandwich so maybe a little more pear compote and less konbu mayo would be great.

The next dishes were mains in the form of their Summer Pasta ($16) and Almond Bacon Carbonara ($16).

The Summer Pasta has tagliatelle tossed in a bacon cream sauce with fennel, watercress, Japanese cherry tomatoes, and garnished with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

The Almond Bacon Carbonara also uses tagliatelle tossed in bacon cream sauce, toasted almonds, an onsen egg, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

If I had to choose one, I’d go for the Summer Pasta. The textures and subtle flavours from every ingredient made it a very enjoyable dish to eat. 10/10 will order again.

For the vegetarians, vegetarian options are available for all pastas.

The next to arrive was an interesting Modanyaki Slider.

Modanyaki is a type of okonomiyaki which also contains yakisoba for a double whammy of carbs. What Head Chef Daryl Lim has done, is that he took the key ingredients of a modanyaki and turned it into a slider.

There’s the beef patty, lettuce, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), okonomiyaki sauce, konbu mayo, spring onions, and a unique “noodle crisp”.

The noodle crisp is made by blending cooked instant ramen into a paste, smearing it on a baking sheet and toasting. What you get is a thin, pale crisp that looks like uncooked tau kee (beancurd skin). While it’s tasteless, it does add an interesting texture to the slider.

Next, the Salmon Ochazuke ($16).

Now, I’m a huge fan of Ochazuke and it’s really hard to find good ones in Singapore.

The version here comes with seared sous vide salmon, shredded shiso leaf, nori strips, umeboshi (salted plum), brown rice, and bacon dashi green tea.

If you’re looking for something comforting for lunch, this is it. There’s no other way to describe this. You have to try it for yourself.

Ending off the meal were 2 desserts – the Matcha Affogato ($11) and the Strawberry Wonderland ($16).

The Strawberry Wonderland comes with 2 pancakes, strawberry compote, basil and mint sauce, and fresh strawberries sitting on a cloud of chantilly cream.

It’s simple, straightforward and so darn good.

You can also choose from their seasonal homemade cakes and pastries in the display at level 1.

Now, for the drinks, Grids & Circles has a rather extensive drinks menu. Choose from coffees, teas, cold brews, coffee and tea-based lattes, and even craft beers!

I got myself an Iced Hibiscus Tea with Honey and Mandarin Oranges ($7.50) because I’m boujee and I like sweet drinks. Bite me.

It was great for a while, before the ice melted and the drink started tasting a little like Ribena. But I liked it nonetheless. It’s refreshing for sure.

Finally, what makes Grids & Circles so unique, is that they hold tea degustations for the public, conducted by Clement Lim, a coffee and tea connoisseur and certified sommelier. He’s also the younger brother of Head Chef Daryl Lim.

The Fine Teas menu is separated into Classic Teas, Artisanal Teas, and Pinnacle Teas, in ascending order of quality.

Tea degustation ranges from $18 to $58, depending on the set of teas you choose for the session.

I highly recommend the tea degustation if you love your tea.

Despite their rather bustling location, Grids & Circles provides a respite from the hustle of the city. With good food, great coffee and tea, a cosy ambience, and even greater service.

I’m definitely returning for more, and if you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?

Grids & Circles
Address: 200 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058749
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 9am – 11pm, Sun: Closed
Contact no.: 6935 3546
Website

Also read This New Cafe Serves The Dopa-st Gelato In S’pore, And You Can Choose To Have It With Croissant!

(Header Image Source: DiscoverSG)

Have Breakfast At Tiffany’s: Free Croissants And Coffee From Tiong Bahru Bakery Available 27 Aug To 3 Sep

For those of you who loved the classic 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn, having ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is no longer a dream.

Tiffany & Co. is collaborating with Tiong Bahru Bakery as part of the launch of their Tiffany Paper Flowers collection in Singapore.

From 27 August to 3 September 2018, Tiong Bahru Bakery will be handing out free croissants and coffee from their striking turquoise kiosk outside ION Orchard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm-WspPHqTb/

There are, however, certain prerequisites before you proceed to claim your croissant and coffee.

First, you’ll have to take a photo of the kiosk.

Next, upload it onto Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #tiffanypaperflowers and #tiongbahrubakery.

That’s it. You have earned your breakfast. Or lunch. Note that the kiosk operates from 10am to 2pm daily.

But if a croissant and a coffee isn’t sufficient, then you might want to head to the actual OG Tiong Bahru Bakery instead, which has also been taken over by Tiffany & Co.’s signature colour.

This is a feast for eyes, as much as it is for the stomach.

For those of you who are more interested in the Tiffany Paper Flowers jewellery collection, check out their ad below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTjxuqn67d4

The collection arrives in Singapore on 1 September 2018. In the meantime, can I interest you in some light refreshments? A croissant, perhaps?

Tiffany & Co. x Tiong Bahru Bakery Kiosk
Venue: ION Orchard, outside Tiffany & Co.
Date: 27 Aug – 3 Sep 2018
Opening Hours: 10am – 2pm
Website

Also read Life’s A Beach – Sentosa Offers FREE Entry For S’poreans From 1 to 16 September

(Header Image Source: @tiongbahrubakery)

Life’s A Beach – Sentosa Offers FREE Entry For S’poreans From 1 to 16 September

It’s almost September. You know what that means? It means Mercury is no longer in retrograde and that the 1-week September school holiday is almost here.

That’s right. From 1 to 16 September 2018, all Singapore residents will get free entry into Sentosa as the island gears up for Southeast Asia’s largest sand festival, the Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition!

Free Admission For All Modes Of Entry

Whether you’re entering via the Sentosa Express trains or driving in with Singapore-registered vehicles, admission fees will be waived.

What’s more, there will also be a competition where 14 of the world’s best sand sculptors will take part in a MARVEL-themed sand sculpting showdown.

You can catch the sand sculptors at work if you visit Sentosa from 1 to 3 September 2018.

Admission to Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition is free.

Dress Up And Win

Lastly, stand to win $700 worth of credits from Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore and $250 worth of credits from Capella Singapore when you dress up for Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition!

All you have to do is take a photo of yourself posing in your superhero costume at Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition, upload it to Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #sentosasandsation before 2 September 2018, 11:59pm!

So this September school holiday, it’s time to take the family to Sentosa!

Sentosa Sandsation: MARVEL Edition
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Date: 1 – 16 Sep 2018
Website

Also read Take Your Tastebuds Around The World At S’pore’s Largest Food Fair – Happening 30 Aug To 2 Sep

(Header Image Source: RSBU)

Take Your Tastebuds Around The World At S’pore’s Largest Food Fair – Happening 30 Aug To 2 Sep

As the end of August approaches, many events are taking place. If you love your booze, then you’ll be glad to know that Beerfest Asia will begin this Thursday all through the weekend.

However, if you’re not much of a drinker, then how about munching your way through the World Food Fair?

(Header Image Source: