Category: Cool Places In Singapore

2017 Is The Year Of Star Wars – Singapore Has Its First Star Wars Festival And Everyone Is Invited

For those of you who live and breathe Star Wars, good news for you! The Star Wars Festival is coming to Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay this May.

A three day festival that begins on 4 May (of course) and runs till 6 May, this is an event chock full of Star Wars-themed activities that will delight and knock the socks off any Star Wars fanatic.

A collaboration between the Singapore Tourism Board and The Walt Disney Company, here are some of the highlights from the festival that are worth checking out!

Star Wars Run 2017
Where: Gardens by the Bay, The Meadow
When: 6 May
Time: 4pm – 11.15pm

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 
Where: Gardens by the Bay, The Meadow
When: 6 May
Time: 9pm – 11.15pm

Casual and die-hard fans alike, head on down to Gardens by the Bay this May! The festival is bound to be an amazing evening out with family and friends!

For more information on the events, head to the DJs Above & Beyond Will Be In Singapore For One Night Only – Here’s Where They’ll Be Spinning

This S’pore Bar Charges You Based On The Hour – The Earlier You Drink, The Happier Your Wallet

Hey there, Singapore After Nine is back with a new find!

Situated just off Clarke Quay, this new gem is located at the peaceful 11 Keng Cheow Road. For those in the know, Stickies Bar has come to be synonymous with 3 things: food, fun and affordability. 

It’s a game cafe, diner and bar, all rolled into one – the Holy Grail for lovers of games, food and booze.

While the merry-making usually begins after dark at most bars, Stickies Bar keeps its fires burning round the clock.

This means you’ve got a good option for lunch, and a place to chill after the sun goes down. Stickies Bar offers great promotions and dishes up some tasty food, so you don’t go hungry in between shots.

We at DiscoverSG popped in to take a look and lo and behold, it was indeed all fun and games at Stickies Bar.

They’ve got game…

It has a pool table that’s open at all hours, which you can play to no end.

There’s also a PlayStation 4, with a huge range of games including Mortal Kombat and FIFA 17. The best thing? Stickies Bar doesn’t charge any user fees!

If darts are more up your alley, dart boards are also on the ready.

What’s a game place without some good ol’ party games? Stickies Bar has a shelf packed full of them including Exploding Kittens, Uno-Jenga, Saboteur, and more! If you’re a sucker for the classics, they’ve even got chess!

And finally, how can we do without party favourite, Beer Pong?

Games aside, we loved how customers could plug their music devices to the speaker system and play their own songs! Blast your favourite tunes and feel right at home with your own jams playing in the background!

Next, we got a taste of what the kitchen had to offer.

What’s for dinner?

1. Appetizer Party Platter (NA)

To start things off, we were served a very special party platter—special because it’s nowhere on the menu. We got to try a mix of cheesy curly fries ($11), popcorn chicken ($11), chicken karaage ($12) and sesame wings ($14).

These bites stayed crisp long after they were served and we loved that they didn’t come dripping with oil!

2. Soup of the Day ($4)

The soup of the day when we were there was tomato soup, a rich, tangy soup topped with crisp squares of garlic bread. The tomato flavour was strong, but it was a little too sour for my liking. Then again, if you like your soup with a little more zestiness, this would be it.

The soup of the day here is changed up regularly. Some days, they serve the classic mushroom soup, and on other days, they serve a cheesy broccoli soup. As for the others…. We’ll leave you to discover them for yourself!

3. 10-inch 4 Cheese Pizza ($13)

Think you know what a pizza looks like? This thin-crusted wonder will surprise you!

Topped with a decadent mix of 4 cheeses–mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and nacho cheese–this pizza is a serious game changer. The crust was crisp, and there was (surprisingly!) enough crust to balance out all that cheesy goodness. The cheesy flavours were complemented by the additional top-up of turkey ham, and the pizza came lightly seared.

4. Beef Lasagna ($14)

Beef layered between sheets of pasta, bathed in flavourful bolognese sauce… If that sounds good, it tasted even better. As we sliced our forks through the layers of meat and pasta, they came away with stringy strands of cheese. The pasta could have done with a little more resistance, but hey, we all have our preferences. The dish was served with a salad on the side, drizzled with a yummy homemade sesame dressing.

5. Flamélicious Spicy Chicken Quesadilla ($18)

This Flamélicious Spicy Chicken Quesadilla was the highlight of our night!

Spicier than Stickies Bar’s waitresses, this dish had us gulping down cups of water in between mouthfuls. Sandwiched within a crispy, toasted quesadilla shell was a generous helping of gooey, stringy cheese and fiery chicken pieces, tender and marinated with 3 secret spices.

Thankfully, the shell managed to stay intact despite the substantial fillings inside it, making it a much less messy affair than it could have been.

Food & Drink Promotions at Stickies Bar

Besides the array of games and facilities, Stickies Bar has some sweet deals you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Considering the quality of the grub here, these promos are the real deal.

If you love your drinks, Stickies Bar has got your back…

With that, Stickies Bar definitely makes it to our list of go-to places after hours, both on weekends and on weekdays.

Westies, you won’t have to travel all the way to town for your Stickies fix soon enough! The bar will be opening its second outlet at Sunset Way in May. For more updates, be sure to follow them on Instagram!

To many more happy hours,

Singapore After Nine

Stickies Bar
Address: 1 Keng Cheow St,#01-10, Singapore 059608
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am

Picnics Are So Overdone – Wine And Dine On A Donut Boat From Just $29

Boat parties have long been an activity favoured by the high SES demographic.

There’s something about being on the ‘high’ SES (read: seas) that makes a party appear more lavish than it seems. Is it the sun or the sea breeze?

While there are plenty of yacht rental options to choose from on our tiny island, The Floating Donut Company is changing up the experience altogether by giving us a brand new kind of option – dining out at sea on a donut boat.

Wine And Dine On A Donut Boat

On a tight budget? Opt for the Marina Cruise. You’ll get to sail around Marina Bay for 30mins ($29 per person), 60mins ($45 per person) or 90mins ($58 per person).  This package requires you to have at least 3 other friends and everyone is entitled to one soft drink each.

Trying to score brownie points with bae? Book the Romantic Cruise and sail around the Marina Bay for 60mins ($198 w/o food) or 90mins ($299 incl Cold Cut Platter). Save on drinks as this package includes a bottle of Sparkling Wine to share with your loved one.

Looking to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and graduations? Or simply an excuse to hold a unique and intimate get-together? Book yourself the Celebration Cruise. With a choice of cold cuts or seafood platters to choose from, you’re guaranteed a fuss-free experience! Starting from $312 for 4 pax, you’ll be out at sea for 2hours – the perfect amount of time to fill your stomachs and catch up with friends!

Our only qualms? You can’t bring your own snacks on board and the lack of bathrooms can be a setback. But fret not, the captain is more than happy to head back to shore if nature calls!

The firm, which also operates in Phuket, said it is the first to offer such a private outdoor dining experience in Singapore. However, the project was initially stalled for three years, after its German founder, Ms Miriam Becker, hit roadblocks with several local regulatory agencies.

However after making compromises by tweaking its proposal such as replacing its boats’ barbecue grills and adhering to speed limits and other safety measures, The Floating Donut Company will officially launch on Friday, 30 November.

Be the first to experience this exclusive dining voyage in Singapore. With a private captain at the helm, speakers you can hook your phone up to and the calm seas, this is one party that will blow you out of the water (pun intended).

The Floating Donut
Address: Clifford Pier at Collyer Quay
Opening Hours: 10am – 7.30pm daily
Website

Also Read Tiong Bahru Bakery Takes A Walk On The Wild Side With A Safari-Themed Cafe In Dempsey

(Top Image Credit:

In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5

As they say, old is gold.

This time, Singapore After Nine is casting the spotlight on an oldie but a goodie: Five Square (FIV五 Square) in the busy CBD.

It’ll have you covered from lunch through to dinner and drinks, and with live performances, no less!

Just like its name, food and drinks here go at the unbeatable rate of $5 each, every hour of everyday.

Take your pick between dining indoors or out at the alfresco area.

The Bar

Chill out with your pals over sake, wine or beer at just $5 a glass.

To liven up the party, have a go at Five Square’s pool table or dart booths. Sports fans will feel right at home here too, as Five Square often screens games on their large-screen televisions.

Their drink menu features an extensive selection of premium whiskies, a hundred or so different brands of wines, and various labels of icy cold beer.

The Bazaar

Next to the bar is a large, open food hall that can hold a total of 300 diners. Home to 5 gourmet food stalls with extensive menus, take your pick from international cuisine ranging from Japanese to Spanish!

The dishes are reasonably priced, making them a popular choice for those working in the CBD, and attracting crowds from farther away.

It’s no wonder, as the dishes beat what regular food courts can offer in terms of taste and quality, yet are not as pricey as those in upscale restaurants.

Cinqo Tapas

A take on the popular Five Tapas Bar at Cuppage Terrace, Cinqo Tapas brings on a whole host of palate pleasers.

1. Carbonara Fettucine ($9.90)

This plate of pasta was worth every dollar–and every calorie! We swear we’re not exaggerating when we say we could literally smell the aroma of the smoky prosciutto ham and rich cream while it was on its way out from the kitchen!

The fettucine was topped with thinly shaved parmesan slices and a glistening orb of an egg. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the rich creaminess of the sauce was complemented by the smoky ham, which was chewy and crisp.

2. Angus Beef Cubes ($12)

Fried beef topped with a generous smattering of golden sautéed garlic–yum! The beef cubes were well-marinated and packed a punch of flavour. Texture-wise, however, it was a tad too chewy for my preference. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it, and the fresh rocket leaves at the side were a refreshing accompaniment to the meat.

3. Bacon Mushroom ($6)

Springy, juicy mushrooms wrapped in bacon is what this dish is all about.

It was a pity the juices from the mushrooms softened the otherwise crispy bacon. Still, it was a winning combination, as the sweet taste of mushroom offset the savoury flavour of the bacon.

Just Pho Fun

Don’t let that name fool you–this place takes its food seriously.

4. Fresh Summer Roll (2 pcs, $5)

Stuffed with vermicelli, fresh prawns, mint leaves and assorted vegetables, these rolls were a delight to crunch into. If the rice paper wrap had been a little bit softer, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, the sweet-sour chilli dip lent the roll a kick of flavour, and was very pleasing on the whole.

5. Dry Vermicelli with BBQ Pork ($10)

The texture of the noodle was good, and the accompanying sweet-spicy-sour sauce was thoroughly interesting on the taste buds. However, the pork leaned slightly on the dry side and could have been more tender. A generous shower of ground nuts, fried shallots, and freshly julienned carrots and turnips added some colour to the dish and was the perfect way to round it off!

6. Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef Soup ($10)

The rice noodles were cooked to just the right degree of springiness, and the beef slices were cooked to tender perfection. The soup was less savoury than we had hoped, but well-flavoured nevertheless!

As a bonus, with each main dish ordered at this stall, you get a free mango salad!

Teppei

A branch-off of its renowned parent outlet at Tanjong Pagar, this stall at Five Square serves equally good grub.

Without missing a beat, it continues to spread chef Teppei’s legacy in the form of top-notch taste, quality and affordability.

7. Kaisendon, Seafood Donburi ($16)

The cubes of salmon and tuna sashimi were fresh and tender, well-marinated and flavourful.

Small chunks of sweet scallop were nestled in the middle of the sashimi pyramid. Along with the tobiko, which exploded with savoury goodness with every bite, they went perfectly with the Japanese rice. A lick of wasabi to the side of the dish cleared our palate in between mouthfuls.

8. Seared & Salmon Sashimi, Seafood Donburi ($16.80)

This was really, really good.

The salmon sashimi was fresh and chopped into thick slices. Marinated with what tasted like a mixture of soy sauce and mirin, it was the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

The seared salmon, on the other hand, had just the right amount of smokiness to it. Even though we were too full to eat all the rice, we devoured every single bit of the salmon.

The Grill Knife (Western)

An offshoot of The Soup Spoon, The Grill Knife also offers nutrition-packed meals made with fresh ingredients, paired with their delicious homemade sauces.

9. Chicken Combo ($13.80)

Grilled over high heat, the chicken thigh was tender and moist, as were the Bratwurst sausages.

As the saying goes, the more the merrier! This was true of the Herbivore salad that came with more than 5 different vegetables! Our only gripe was that the fried wanton skins that came with the salad could have been crispier. Apart from that, this dish was a tasty balance of protein and fibre.

Gogibox (Korean)

The Gogibox offers a unique twist on Korean cuisine, with the Gogi Taco ($6.80), and the Gogi Dog ($6.80).

It also sells bentos such as the Gogi Plate above ($8.50). Take your pick from fried rice, 8 different choices of meat and a salad. Unfortunately, we did not manage to sample food from the Gogibox as it was closed, but we will definitely be back to get some!

All things considered, Five Square is definitely a top contender on our list of chill out spots. Not only does it provide affordable food and drinks with great taste and quality, it’s also conveniently situated near the workplaces in the CBD.

It’s never too late for food and drinks at Five Square. Supper, anyone?

Cheers to the next round of great food and beer,

Singapore After Nine

All prices are subject to 7% GST and 10% Service Charge. 

Five Square
Address: 1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-03, Singapore 04865
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 12am (Closed on Sundays and PH)

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

10 Electrifying Experiences To Enjoy To Close Off April [16-30 April]

We’ve been having a rad April so far, and we hope you have too!

If you haven’t, don’t fret! The second half of the month has even more to offer. There are parties, runs, run parties, and so much more! Not forgetting the many new food spots that have sprung up, to satisfy cravings we didn’t even know we had.

Here’s a calendar of fun and exciting activities to fill up your 15-30 April! We wouldn’t miss them if we were you. 

Play & Discover

1. Amoy St. Bloc Party

This month, Amoy St. Bloc Party returns for its second edition!

If you were there for last year’s affair, you’ll remember a rowdy celebration of food, drinks, play and music, with more than 3,000 party-goers.

Expect nothing less at this year’s street festival! Soak up the bustling atmosphere of the area, which houses a bunch of cool, edgy restaurants and bars in a row of colorful shop houses.

Participating chow joints include French-Japanese Izakaya Le Binchotan, Mediterranean Maggie Joan’s, New York cocktail bar Employees Only, Burger Joint, Birds of a Feather, boCHINche, and many more!

Groove the evening away with yummy food and boozy drinks, to live performances, featuring local music acts and an exciting headliner.

The party doesn’t stop there–come night, Ding Dong’s playful restaurant space will be reworked into a retro dancefloor for the after-party.

Amoy St Bloc Party
Where: Amoy Street
When: 23 April, 3pm-10pm (Afterparty at Ding Dong until 12am)

2. Singapore Ink Show

Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting your first tattoo. Maybe you’re already a tattoo veteran on the hunt for your next masterpiece.

Regardless, come celebrate body art at the Singapore Ink Show!

3. City 65 Music Festival

Because Singapore can’t get enough of its music festivals, here’s the latest one to join the list!

The first CITY65 Music Festival will be taking place this Saturday, within the chill, urban forest vibes of Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar.

Local bands and singer-songwriters are set to steal the spotlight at this music event that aims to bring together and support local musicians.

It’s about time we got in on the local indie music scene! Expect to see a total of 13 acts including Jack & Rai, Dru Chen, Falling Feathers, Stopgap and Kings.

Admission is free for children under 12, so feel free to bring your little ones to this family-friendly event!

Did we mention all tickets come with a free drink? Consider your Saturday night plans made.

City 65 Music Festival
Where: Tin Hill Social Kitchen & Bar, 100 Turf Club Road, Horse City, Singapore 287992
When: April 15 – April 16 (Apr 15 at 1pm to Apr 16 at 2am)
The only thing that can get you more pumped than a good run or a dance party is a smashing combination of them both. 

That’s exactly what you can expect at this year’s Electric Run Recharged!

[caption id="attachment_24948" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: 22 April, 6pm – 9pm
Price: $95/pax
Maybe you want to do something a little more relaxing.

Whether you appreciate art, love flowers, or anything in between, Gardens By The Bay has the perfect exhibition for you.

[caption id="attachment_24945" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Image Credit: See art blossom before your eyes as you take a leisurely stroll with your loved ones through this year’s Tulipmania.

Be enthralled as Vincent Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait and art piece “The Starry Night” come to life with the vivid hues of tulips.

More than 100 varieties of tulips and hyacinths will be on display in this striking palette of colours.

Tulipmania at Gardens By The Bay
Where: Flower Dome
When: 1 Apr – 7 May, 9am – 9pm

6. Nat Geo Earth Day Run

Runs seem to be a recurring theme this month. Here, we have one you can participate in for a good cause!

National Geographic is holding Singapore’s first and only run, powered solely with renewable energy!

[caption id="attachment_24949" align="aligncenter" width="1058"] Image Credit: 23 April, 2.30pm – 8.30pm
Never fret again if you’ve been looking for all-day dim sum eatery!

Canton Paradise’s newest outlet at Marina Bay Sands serves up dim sum, roast specialties, Hong Kong style congee and noodles, and Cantonese wok-fried dishes.

[caption id="attachment_25072" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

Feel right at home in its swanky interior, and bask in its naturally lit, lively atmosphere.

Must tries include the Handmade Meatball Congee ($9.80) that have a velvety smooth and silky texture. Mmm.

The tasty Steamed Molten Salted Egg Yolk Custard Piggy Bun ($6.80/3 pieces) is also sure to make it to your Instagram!

Canton Paradise Marina Bay Sands
Where: 2 Bayfront Avenue #01-02 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
 Singapore 018972
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm; Fri – Sun, Eve of PH, PH: 10.30am – 11.00pm
Contact no.: 6688 7052
Always wanted to try Ebi Ramen by a Japanese Michelin starred chef?

Jimoto Ya’s signature ramen was created by Chef Nobumasa Mieda of Michelin-Starred Kaiseki Restaurant Mieda from Sapporo Hokkaido.

[caption id="attachment_24946" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Jimoto Ya[/caption]

A distinctive aroma that’s similar to prawn noodle soup will hit you the moment you enter this eatery.

You’ll taste the difference in their ramen immediately. The broth is made from a special blend of amaebi (sweet shrimp) and tonkotsu.

Take your pick from the 5 types of ramen available: Ebi Shio ($16.50), Ebi Miso ($16.50), Ebi Shoyu ($16.50), Ebi Curry ($16.50) and a cold Hiyashi Cyuka ($18.50).

Jimoto Ya
Where: 3 Pickering Street, Nanking Row, 01-44/01-45 (opp Hong Lim Complex) Singapore 048660
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 10.00pm, Closed Sun
Contact no.: 6223 3397

9. Garang Grill

This is one grill that lives up to its name.

With cuts infused with bold charcoal flavours that are truly Singaporean, this pop-up restaurant by New Ubin Seafood has our mouths watering.

[caption id="attachment_24939" align="aligncenter" width="1366"] Image Credit: Garang Grill[/caption]

Garang Grill is perfect for those with a garang appetite, with their Western spread mixed with a touch of local flavour.

Charred to perfection, their signature USDA Prime Rib-Eye Steak ($90 for 500g) is complemented with Garang Fried Rice, where the rice is infused with beef fat and chilli padi.

End your sumptuous meal with a sweet bang, with the Mao Shan Wang Creme Brulee ($9) or the Gula Melaka Banana with coconut ice-cream ($8).

We must press that this restaurant is open for a limited time only. So do head down before it disappears forever–don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Garang Grill
Where: 5 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
When: Till 25 June, daily except Mon, 11.30am – 2.30pm AND 6.30pm – 10.00pm

Shop

10. The Local People X Singapore Changi Airport Art Market

The Local People are travelling to the east this month!

The organizers of the coolest art markets have set their next meeting ground for artisans and craft-hunting hipsters: Singapore’s Changi airport.

[caption id="attachment_24944" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: Terminal 3 Basement 3, Changi Airport
When: Art Market 29, 30 April 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Concept Store 29, 30 April and 1 May 2017, 12pm – 9pm
Website

What are you waiting for?

With Labour Day weekend just round the corner (yay to short work weeks!), there’s more than enough time to check out these exciting activities, and round up your April with a bang!

Also read, Discover SG Ambassador Highlights #8 – Sarawak Noodles, Toys, Virtual Reality & More!