Category: Cool Places In Singapore

The F1 Side Events This Year Are As Lit As The Main Event – Here Are 5 Free Ones To Check Out

We are less than two weeks away from the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, and the entire city is already gearing up for the weekend with an influx of off-track activities. Hello, exclusive F1 party that I cannot afford.

Maybe you didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a grandstand to watch your money flash by in barely a second, or maybe you just aren’t that into racing.

Here are 5 things that your broke ass butt can do to make fully make use of all the exciting events and promotions happening during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. You deserve to enjoy the weekends!

1. Dance the night away in Haji Lane

Here’s one for those who cannot afford the ridiculous prices at all those F1 parties (nobody has $900 to spare for Amber Lounge). Blu Jaz Cafe will be hosting a street party in Haji Lane, and hip-hop, reggaeton, and 90s R&B will be your soundtrack for the night.

Not only is there be free admission and lucky draw prizes to be won, there will also be FREE SHOTS for the first 200 people! You don’t need to say no more, I’m so there.

Haji Lane F1 Street Party (Open Air Hip Hop X Rnb X Reggaeton)
Address: 241 Beach Road & Haji Lane, Singapore 189753
Date: 9 September 2017
FREE ADMISSION
More info

2. Watch Lau Pa Sat transform into a fashion runway

Lau Pa Sat, our favourite CBD makan spot, will turn the heat up during the F1 weekend (and not because of excessive orders for satay and chicken wings).

Heineken will be presenting their own fashion collection on a catwalk for the first time in Asia! Expect to see models like Sheila Sim, Angie Watkins and Jason Godrey. Former F1 racer David Coulthard will also be making an appearance at the show which features the latest pieces from the collections of local designers Sabrina Goh and Amos Ananda.

Even if you don’t have front row tickets, you’ll be able to catch a bit of the action from the sidewalk. There will be a live mannequin performance and roving iPad magic show nearby, which you might bump into if you’re lucky.

Heineken F1 Fashion Party
Address: Lao Pa Sat, along Satay Street
Date: 13 September, 9pm – 10.15pm
Website

3. Get free supper delivery from foodpanda

Okay, it’s actually $5 credit off your order. But its pretty much the same as free delivery, plus a couple more dollars off your meal.

foodpanda wants to extend thanks to all those workers and volunteers who worked hard in order to ensure the smooth success of the Singapore Grand Prix, but no one is stopping you from using the code.

The code ‘VOLUNTEER’ will get you $5 credit, and is only redeemable from 16 to 18 September, between 1-3am.

4. Try out the race car simulator onboard the Grand Prix’s roving truck

Maybe it’s too late for you to realize your full potential as a F1 race car driver. But you can always indulge a little by hopping aboard the GP roving truck for a chance at taking on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

If you didn’t catch the race car simulator at its various pop-ups, your last chance to try it out will be this weekend at Ang Mo Kio Hub. Time to get your a

GP Roving Truck 
Address: Ang Mo Kio Hub
Date: 9 – 10 September
Website

5. Make use of the extended MRT times to have a couple more drinks

If you are one of those who don’t really care for racing or partying, this one’s for you. All weekend from 15 to 17 September, bus and train services will be extended by about half an hour.

Four bus services – 222, 222G, 181 and 243G – will also be extended. You can finally say yes to one more round!

There you have it. Just because you are too poor to afford concert tickets to go watch OneRepublic or Calvin Harris, there are still plenty of ways for you to enjoy the F1 weekend. You don’t have to empty your wallet to have a good time!

Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

This Cafe’s Unique Éclairs Will Have You Choux-ing Them Over And Over Again

When you think of éclairs, a cream-filled pastry with chocolate icing probably comes to mind.

Made the same way in pretty much every bakery that sells its, there’s a cafe in Singapore that’s re-energising the pastry, one unexpected flavour at a time.

L’éclair is Singapore’s first éclair specialty store and cafe. Set up by a duo that was trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, the two are all about discovering and expanding the possibilities of the éclair.

Their inventive handcrafted éclairs are not only an exquisite treat for the tastebuds, they’re also extremely easy on the eyes and look great on the ‘gram.

Located at Dhoby Gaut, this cafe is a short 5 minute walk from Dhoby Gaut MRT Station.

A Taste Of Paris

While L’éclair has created quite a variety of éclairs to date, you’ll find that they only serve 10 flavours each day – a blessing, considering that you’ll have enough trouble picking just one to eat.

One day, you’ll find a Kaya Pandan Éclair, a fancy twist on Singaporeans’ favourite breakfast toast; and another, you’ll find a Baileys Cheesecake Éclair that’s filled with baileys pastry cream, topped with baileys cheesecake cream, and drizzled with baileys ganache for good measure – a triple hit of the delicious Irish cream liqueur.

Some of the customers’ favourites here include the Ispahan, a pretty pink éclair filled with a light rose cream, cut lychees and fresh raspberries. Another beaut is the Matcha flavour, which comprises a smooth, premium matcha cream and white chocolate – a match made in dessert heaven.

Made using only the finest and freshest ingredients, you get all your money’s worth off these éclairs that are priced between $8 – $9 each.

A Mid-Autumn Special

Limited edition flavours are not unusual for the creative team at L’éclair.

To celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, they’ve created 3 brand new flavours: Salted egg yolk lotus, black sesame red bean, and taro macadamia.

Available from 9 September onwards, you can pre-order these éclairs for first dibs on these mooncake-inspired éclairs!

In the past, they’ve also created a bunch of Chinese New Year-themed mooncakes, with CNY staples like pineapple tart, bak kwa, and pork floss making an appearance in these typically sweet pastries.

High Tea Degustation

Can’t quite decide on just one? Treat yourself to a whole meal of éclairs with L’éclair’s High Tea Degustation!

Savour an assortment of 5 assorted mini éclairs, alongside savoury bites including a Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini, Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent, Tomato & Basil Bruschetta, Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie, and Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet. You’ll also get one beverage per person to go with your elegant bites.

Super Insta-worthy individually and as a whole set, you’ll want to keep your phones on standby because you won’t be able to get through this tea without snapping at least a couple of pics.

The degustation will set you back $50 on weekdays (Tue – Fri) and $60 on weekends and public holidays, and are 9101 1971

Also read Lady M Created A Light-Up Lantern For Its Mooncakes, Because Boxes Are So Mainstream

(Header Image Source: @leclairpatisserie)

Placing Your Order In Sign Language Will Get You A 10% Discount At This Cafe

You can order in English – or sign language if you prefer – at Puzzles.

If you order in sign language, you’ll get an additional 10% discount.

Don’t know how to speak sign? Don’t worry, as there is an instruction board at the counter to guide you. The servers will be super appreciative that you tried to converse in their language, so take your time.

A Cafe With A Cause

Puzzles, a cafe that serves up pizza bombs and other snacks, was started by two Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates, Suzana Slemat and Shazlina Sulaiman, who wanted to shed some light on the struggles that deaf people face when interacting with service staff.

Pizza bomb toppings (or fillings in this case) are constantly on rotation, which means you’ll never get bored by the selection. You can expect flavors like salted egg, Hawaiian, chilli crab, beef satay, black pepper chicken, and cheesy spinach.

Other than pizza bombs, there are all sorts of snacks and desserts to sate your appetite in a long lecture. Think glazed chicken bites, brownies, meatball puffs, and mac and cheese.

Sometimes, they will have an all-day breakfast menu going on, with offerings like breakfast buns, roti johns and the super popular hashbrowns.

For now, Puzzles only operates in Ngee Ann Polytechnic during term time as that’s when they get most business. Puzzles takes a break during school holidays, but is still open for catering orders.

Suzana and Shazlina has plans to continue operating Puzzles for two more years, and hopefully expand to other tertiary institutions. Soon, you might even be able to see Puzzles at other universities and polytechnics!

Till then, you’ll have to make do going to Ngee Ann Poly for your pizza bomb fix while learning some sign language on the side!  

Puzzles
Address: Ourspace@Ngee Ann Poly, 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm (during school terms)
Website

Also read 10 Quirky Mooncakes That Break Tradition With Flavours Like Bubble Tea, Chilli And Salted Egg Yolk

(Header Image Source: Images from Puzzles Instagram)

10 High-Octane Events To Kick Off The First Half Of September [1-15 September]

It’s finally here – September!

September is always a busy month because of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix stop. As the drivers descend upon our shores, we are armed with loads of parties and festivities to welcome them to our sunny island.

If you aren’t into the racing and/or partying scene, here are some ideas on what else you can get up to the first half of this month.

Play & Discover

1. Star Wars: Experience The Force

On the stroke of midnight of 1 September, you’ll be able to get first dibs on exclusive merch from the upcoming movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, at Ion Orchard.

The celebrations will continue with pop-ups and installations like the Millennium Falcon and a super adorable BB-8 virtual reality experience.

It’s never too early to start, so bring your young ones to their very first Padawan training class to kick start their journey to being a Jedi Master.

The festival will culminate in an entire zone dedicated to fans of the galaxy at the annual Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC). Go crazy taking photos with replicas of Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer, J.J. Abrams’ autographed Rey’s Speeder, and a film replica of the interior of the Millennium Falcon.

Star Wars: Experience The Force Festival
Address: Ion Orchard and Sands Expo & Convention Centre Hall D, E & F, Level B2, Marina Bay Sands 
When: 1 – 10 Sep
The Imaginarium Of David

The greatest suspense is the feeling of mystery!

Andsoforth, who is well known for bringing whimsical fantasies to life in a theatrical dinner setting, are back again with another hit production.

This time round, the tale of David and Goliath is re-imagined in a modern disco setting, with b-boys, swan ballerinas, Shaolin Ballerinas, and a cabaret that will ensure you won’t have a peaceful dinner.

Here’s what went down at their previous show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wam9Iq6eSvM

The food will also be extraordinary, with a four course meal to tease your tastebuds and a sneaky cocktail thrown in at the end to finish off the night.

The Imaginarium Of David
Address: Secret location – only revealed on the day of the event itself
When: Every Fri & Sat till 30 Sep
Website

3. Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore

Relive your childhood with one of the icons of the 2000s emo era – Dashboard Confessional!

Even though they’ve been to Singapore twice previously, they were both stripped down, acoustic shows. This time round, they will come at us full force, with the entire band in attendance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j82FBbgpUy4

You can expect old favorites like ‘Belle Of The Boulevard’, ‘Stolen’, and also newer material off their latest album, such as ‘Hopes Up’. Their sound has changed slightly over the years, but still retains the same poignancy and rawness that we loved in our teen years.

Dashboard Confessional Live In Singapore
Address: D’Marquee@Downtown East
When: 9 Sep
Tickets

4. Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention 2017 (STGCC)

Our local version of Comic Con is celebrating its tenth year this year!

Anything from manga, anime, comics to cosplay and collectibles goes at STGCC. Attendees can score limited edition drops, meet artists and famous cosplayers, and take part in the festivities by dressing up as their favorite characters.

C.B. Cebulksi, editor of Marvel Comics and talent scout, will be here doing his portfolio review rounds for aspiring cartoonists and illustrators. Also visiting are Japanese toy designers Hinatique and Yasu, who will be visiting Singapore for the first time.

This year, there will be a dedicated zone for Star Wars fans, with a live replica of the Millenium Falcon.

An entire hall dedicated to competitive and casual gamers will also see three gaming tournaments – ROG Masters 2017 – DOTA 2 – Singapore Qualifier and ROG Masters 2017 – CS:GO – Singapore Qualifier finals, and semi-final to finals Tickets

5. West Side Story

Pretty much the underworld version of the Shakespearean romance tragedy Romeo And Juliet.

One of Broadway’s biggest spectacles will be making its way to Singapore after selling out shows in Sydney, Tokyo and London.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evqC4HTIOjY

West Side Story is a tale of two star-crossed lovers from rival teenage gangs, set in the slums of 1950s New York. The musical will take to the stage in a flurry of explosive choreography and jazzy tunes.

We’re sure you won’t be able to resist singing along to this ill-fated violent romance that painfully reveals the injustice of the social system in America back in the 1950s.

West Side Story
Address: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
When: 13 – 30 Sep
Tickets

6. Music Matters Live 2017

Held in conjunction with the All That Matters Live Conference and Apple Music, Music Matters Live is back again this year, happening from 9 – 13 Sep! Artists from all over the world will gather to showcase the best of their country’s burgeoning music scene.

[caption id="attachment_29427" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: DANakaDAN[/caption]

This event will see rapper DANakaDAN from USA, indie outfit Fairchild from Australia and Taiwanese rock heavyweights Elephant Gym 大象體操 making up some of the international acts.

Repping Singapore, we have Falling Feathers, M1ldl1fe and Tabitha Nauser.

[caption id="attachment_29429" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Image Credit: Falling Feathers[/caption]

Head over to the Various locations, including CHIJMES and Timbre outlets
When: 9 – 13 Sep
Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017

The highlight of the racing world is finally here!

[caption id="attachment_29433" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Singapore Grand Prix: Singapore F1 2017
When: 15 – 17 Sep
CHIKIN

Spice up your yakitori with CHIKIN’s Szechuan-style yakitori.

[caption id="attachment_29347" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Chikin skewers[/caption]

Instead of using the usual tare sauce, CHIKIN uses mala to season their yakitori. Expect to find over 11 parts of the chicken available on the menu, as well as various other kushiyaki like veggies and other meats.

[caption id="attachment_29349" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cocktail[/caption]

The pop-art inspired bar also has an extensive range of Japanese whiskies and sakes to choose from, as well as an entire menu of cocktails that reinterpret old favorites with a twist.

CHIKIN
Address: 6 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089820
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 5pm – 12am; Sat: 6pm – 12am
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website

9. Ben and Jerry’s new flavors: Frozen Flakes and Cocoa Loco

We just cannot get enough of Ben & Jerry’s new ice cream flavors!

This time, their two new flavors remind us of breakfast. Cocoa Loco is a chocolate cereal milk ice cream with crisp chocolate cereal swirls. Frozen Flakes is the normal milk ice cream version of Cocoa Loco, just without chocolate.

[caption id="attachment_29430" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Image Credit: @nylonsg[/caption]

Who says we can’t have ice cream for breakfast?

Ben & Jerry’s 
Address: Various outlets
Website

Shop 

10. Superga X Disney collection

No matter how old we are, Disney characters will always have a place in our hearts.

[caption id="attachment_29431" align="alignnone" width="300"] Image Credit: Superga[/caption]

The classic 2750 cut gets an adorable update with a baby pink Minnie mouse print and a fire-truck red shade covered in Mickey’s handprints.

These shoes also comes in kid sizes, so that you can be all matchy-matchy with your younger siblings.

These shoes can be found in-store at Wheelock and Vivocity, and you can also purchase them online.

Superga
Address: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place #B2-04, Singapore 238880
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6634 2916
Website

With such an exciting and star-studded month ahead, we can’t wait for it to come! You definitely won’t want to stay in and miss out on all the fun.

Also read Make Your Heart Go “Dookki Dookki” At Singapore’s First Ever Tteokbokki Buffet

(Header Image Source: Expat Living)