Location: Central

Raise The Woof On Your Dog’s Birthday With Treats From These 5 Pet Bakeries

Your pet’s birthday (or barkday) is round the corner. Sure, the fur kiddos may not actually know what the occasion is, but why not treat them to some birthday goodies anyway? Put the kibbles aside for a day and pamper your pet with baked treats from these paw-some bakeries.

1. Barking Good

This artisanal pet bakery serves up tons of pet-friendly treats that are preservative-free, made from all-natural and human-grade ingredients and AVA-licensed to boot. (And yes, the grub here is in fact barking good.)

Get a bouquet of floral-decorated Pupcakes ($30) or indulge in a made-to-order whole Personal Cake (from $28)! Think juicy, succulent meat fillings on the inside, frosted with your favourite colours on the outside.

Besides the usual baked goods, Barking Good also doles out unconventional pet treats fresh from the kitchen. Get your pup a Pizza Thin ($18) made of lean, minced meat and assorted vegetables baked into a crispy cheddar & apple thin-crust base.

And when durian season comes around, your fur kids can indulge in the nation’s favourite fruit too. Treat them to some of Barking Good’s Durian Tartlets ($17)—made from durian, organic oat flour, organic brown rice flour and eggs.

Barking Good
Address: 128 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #01-1849, Singapore 560128
Contact no.: 8121 0241
Website

2. The Barkery

From broths to cakes, The Barkery is where you can pick up some luxury eats for your posh pooch.

Indulge your pet in a slow-cooked bone broth ($9.80 for 350ml) that’s cooked for over 48 hours, made of real beef and pork bones, and frozen into adorable bone and paw-shaped blocks. Or treat them to a hearty serving of mutt-loaf ($15) made of ground meat and vegetables!

Planning a party for your paw pals? Order up one of The Barkery’s signature Big Paws ($68). This massive cake feeds up to 15 dogs, and sure packs a punch while making for a nutritional treat—it’s made with minced meat, wholemeal flour, rolled oats, molasses, eggs and celery.

The Barkery
Address: 326 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427583
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm; Sun: 10am – 6pm
Website

3. Bossi Paws

If adorable cake designs are what you’re looking for, Bossi Paws is the place to check out.

Go crazy and order an extravagantly decorated birthday cake for your pup’s next barkday, or pick up a batch of made-to-order pupcakes to simply spoil your furry kiddo with.

The cakes here are so Cake Boss-worthy, they’ll definitely up your ‘gram game. Think sweet treats made in the stylings of a massive sushi, topped with salmon chunks, and delicately-frosted pupcakes beautified with strawberries that are cut to look like flowers.

Bossi Paws
Address: 110 Turf Club Road, Singapore 288000
Contact no.: 8858 6661
Website

4. Feed My Paws

The cakes at Feed My Paws are handmade with lots of love by professional dog-sitter-slash-cake-maestro Crystle.

Her pet-food business started in her days of pet-sitting, where she’d make nutritional and healthy meals from scratch for the pets in her care. Crystle also keeps up a DIY recipe blog, if you’re looking for some food inspo!

Variety is the name of the game here. Feed My Paws does it all, from Mini Donuts ($22.50+) to cheese crackers and organic pupcakes. Feed My Paws also doesn’t forget the feline friends! Here, you can pick up a treat for your cat in the form of Salmon Chips ($15) or tasty Fish Jerky ($9).

Feed My Paws
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 12pm – 6pm; Sat: 12pm – 2pm; Closed on Sun & Mon
Website

5. The Snoring Dog Gourmet

When you’re man’s best friend, you surely deserve nothing but the best. The Snoring Dog is where you’ll get it.

Specialising in custom-made fancy cakes, The Snoring Dog’s kitchen doles out elaborately-decorated layer-cakes complete with custom figurine cake-toppers.

The figurines are made of polymer clay, carved according to your dog’s dietary needs or party theme, and in the image of your pup. Who can say no to a mini Lucky!

The Snoring Dog Gourmet
Address: 47 Mandalay Rd, Singapore 308227
Opening hours: Thu – Tue: 10am – 6pm; Closed on Wed
Website

With these great bakeries, you and your fur kid will be spoiled for choice, so ditch the dog food and let them eat cake!

Want to pamper your pup even further? Check out some pet-friendly hotels in Singapore that will treat your dog like royalty.

(Header Image Source: Feed My Paws)

This Restaurant Deep Fries Their Chicken Rice Balls And The End Result Is Super Shiok

Chicken rice is a dish that has a special place in all our Singaporean hearts.

Our national dish, ask any Singaporean where their favourite chicken rice stall is and you will see people fiercely defending their favourites.

Enter Roost, a restaurant that focuses on the iconic dish, and that celebrates it by reinterpreting it in a variety of interesting ways!

Located at The Centrepoint, in the heart of Orchard, this is the place to go for a plate of your favourite chicken rice after a whole day of shopping in town!

A Unique Spin On Chicken Rice

One of the most inventive dishes sold here is the Chicken Sushi ($4.90 for 4), Roost’s signature soya chicken and chicken rice assembled in sushi-form, and glazed with Teriyaki Sauce. Perfectly bite-sized, these are great for popping into your mouth!

Another is the Crispy Chicken Rice Balls ($4.90 for 4), a chicken rice ball that is coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Served with a saucer of homemade chilli sauce, the crispy chicken rice balls are lightly battered and deliver an explosion of flavour when you bite into it. Can’t fully enjoy your chicken rice unless there’s chilli? Dip it into the sauce for a spicy kick!

Torn between Poached and Soya Sauce Chicken Rice? Get the best of both worlds with the Yin Yang Chicken Rice ($8.90), a must try at Roost. Serving up a tasty rendition of Soya Sauce Chicken, this is definitely our pick of the two.

Yin Yang Chicken Rice (Image Credit: Time Out)

Machine-Cooked Chicken

A unique feature you’ll notice about this restaurant is the cooking method employed here. The chickens at Roost are cooked using an automated poultry machine called the ‘iKook’.

Inspired by the automated machines Krispy Kreme uses for the production of their donuts, the iKook is the world’s first automated poultry machine. It can poach, braise, and sous-vide chickens, ensuring the chicken is of a consistent quality!

So, onto the million dollar question: How does machine-cooked chicken taste?

The answer is not bad, not bad at all. With a silky skin and flesh that is tender and moist, the all-important chicken at this chicken rice restaurant fares decently. Not the best, but definitely decent.

Here, the standout dishes are undisputedly the starters – especially the Crispy Chicken Rice Balls! Crispy on the outside, packed with chicken flavour on the inside, and with a great chilli sauce to go along, this was definitely a unique taste experience for us chicken rice fans.

The next time you’re feeling peckish when in town and have no idea where to eat, make a stop at Roost for their unique spins on everyone’s favourite chicken rice! With both an unusual way of cooking their chickens and an unusual array of chicken rice-related dishes, Roost is a unique food spot worth checking out!

Roost
Address: 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint #B1-17/18/19, 238843
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6909 0411
Burpple User Xing Wei Chua &

KOOZA Ignites The Child In You With A Wondrous Journey Of Nail-Biting Acrobatics And Playful Clowns

Many of us have the impression that a circus is where you see contortionists, jugglers and tight-rope walkers doing stunts and tricks, and clowns goofing around with their silly antics; we think of it as a place for slapstick entertainment.

Last week, I caught Cirque du Soleil Kooza, and I realised just how wrong I was.

The latest addition to the world-famous theatrical producer Cirque du Soleil’s series, KOOZA, is back in Singapore.

Presented in the intimate setting of the iconic blue and yellow Big Top tents that sits beside Marina Bay Sands, KOOZA pays homage to Cirque du Soleil’s roots by combining thrilling acrobatic acts with the traditional art of clowning.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Koza”, which means “box”, “chest”, or “treasure”, the 140-minute show follows the journey of “The Innocent”, who opens the portal to a magical world through a mysterious box.

Portrayed by an endearing pyjamas-clad character, “The Innocent” took us through the acts, the whole time reflecting exactly how we felt as an audience – in awe of everything.

We were thoroughly impressed by the stunning stage props, seamless transitions, the dazzling lights that complemented the acts, the adorable antics of the clowns, and the incredible stunts by the performers.

The Hoops Manipulation was one of first to leave an impression.

While most of us can’t even handle one hula hoop, the performer showed off her exceptional balance and impressive dexterity, spinning up to seven hoops at once, and making it look effortless while at it!

It’s no exaggeration to say that she was one with the hoops as she glided around on the aerial hoop, changing poses quickly while still managing to look graceful while doing so.

Another highlight was the Double Highwire, which involved four nimble performers who not only demonstrated their remarkable ability to balance, but who also had to jump over one another, have a fencing match, and even cycle on a thin wire!

The Skeleton Dance takes you to the craziness of the dark side with its choreography and flamboyant feather costumes. Pretty as it was, it served as a well-timed break (to us at least) as our hearts were racing from the intense acts happening back to back.

Our favourite act of the night was undoubtedly the Wheel of Death.

As the name suggests, a small slip up on the wheel can send you plummeting to your death. Be prepared to have your breath taken away and your nerves at an all time high as you watch the brave duo tame the enormous spinning contraption.

Throughout the night, we were kept at the edge of our seats. The crazy stunts we saw had us raving through the intermission and at the end of the show. The live singer and band, as well as goofy antics by the adorable clowns made it that much more entertaining.

True to Cirque du Soleil’s mission to invoke imagination and evoke emotions, we left the show wondering how amazing it would be if we worked or lived in a circus. Whether you’re already a fan of Cirque du Soleil, or have never caught any or their shows, don’t miss KOOZA! You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy your experience!

DiscoverSG Pro-Tip: Visit the toilet before you head over to the Big Top, and head over early! You don’t want to squeeze with the crowd for both ticket collection and bag check at the entrance.

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA will be performing in Singapore until 20 August 2017. Tickets are still available so get your preferred seats before they’re gone. Ticket prices start from $61.50, with the top tiered VIP Rouge – First Row tickets starting at $318.

Cirque du Soleil Kooza
Address: Under the Big Top Tent, next to Marina Bay Sands
Date: 12 Jul – 27 Aug
Duration: Approx. 2 h 20 min (including 30min interval)

Purchase your tickets to Cirque du Soleil KOOZA here.

Also read, 10 Fresh Events And Food Spots That Have Just Popped Up In The Second Half Of July [16-31 July]!

(Header Image Source: Cirque du Soleil)

This Cafe Specialises In Dark Chocolate – And The Darker The Chocolate, The Bitter

Craving some chocolate?

A new chocolate joint has just opened up at Millennia Walk, and it’s what all your chocolate-y dreams are made of!

The Dark Gallery specialises in the bittersweet dark chocolate (hence the name), but don’t worry, fans of milk and white chocolate will also be well taken care of here.

Offering a wide selection of goodies from artisanal ice creams to hot chocolate, to pastries, to macarons, The Dark Gallery lets you enjoy chocolate in all its delicious forms.

Only the finest grade of single origin chocolate sourced from Madagascar, Ecuador, Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela, from premium brands such as Valrhona and Cacao Barry are used at this chocolate specialist cafe.

The people at The Dark Gallery take the business of chocolate very seriously, and here, you’ll discover a newfound appreciation for the nuances between different single origin chocolates and chocolate blends!

Taste The Difference

To help choco-holics taste the difference between different kinds of chocolate, The Dark Gallery offers up four curated tasting platters, each of which comes with at least three single origin chocolate items that vary in cacao content.

These are set on a print-out that describes the flavour profile of each chocolate, so you can better pinpoint the finer differences between them!

Dark chocolate lovers, their dark chocolate ice creams are a MUST try. With ice cream of different cacao percentages, differentiated by the region they’re sourced from, every scoop delivers a punch of rich chocolate flavour. These ice creams are smooth, creamy and not overly rich or sweet – a real delight on the tastebuds!

Choose from the Single Origin Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Platter ($12), the Single Origin Hot Chocolate Shots Platter ($8), the Single Origin Chocolate Pastries Platter ($12) which includes 2 macarons, a tartlet, a s’more and a trifle, or get the best of all three worlds with the Single Origin Chocolate Medley ($10), which comes with 1 pastry, 1 scoop of dark chocolate ice cream, and 1 hot chocolate shot.

For The Love Of Chocolate

We managed to try the Chocolate Rhapsody ($18), which comprised 3 scoops of chocolate ice cream – dark, milk, and white – served with chocolate meringue, chocolate mousse, cacao tuille, and chocolate soil.

As expected, the dark chocolate ice cream was a standout among the three ice cream flavours, and the milk and white chocolate weren’t too sweet, which we liked as well! Giving us a little taste of all three ice cream flavours, we also enjoyed the biscuit-y tuille and the silky smooth mousse that added to the texture and flavour of the dish!

We also got to try the Signature Frozen S’mores ($7.50), a toasted marshmallow cube with a surprise chocolate ice cream (80% cacao) centre. Torched just before serving, the s’more is nicely charred on the outside. The bitterness of the chocolate ice cream contrasted nicely with the sweetness of the toasted s’more, making for a delightful adult version of everyone’s favourite camping treat!

A cafe that truly celebrates chocolate, The Dark Gallery puts out amazing chocolate treats for a reasonable price. With desserts you can’t go wrong with, make a trip down to The Dark Gallery the next time you’re craving something (bitter)sweet!

The Dark Gallery
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-K5 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.00am – 9.30pm
Contact no.: 6255 0368
6 Irresistible Molten Lava Desserts That Will Melt Your Heart

10 Fresh Events And Food Spots That Have Just Popped Up In The Second Half Of July [16-31 July]

We’ve been having a whale of a time the first half of July.

The rest of the month doesn’t disappoint too! There’s a whole host of amazing activities and yummy new eats we can’t wait to try out.

This month’s line-up includes a Disney concert, international football stars on our shores, a dainty tea festival, and new food spots your tastebuds will thank you for. Whether you’re a music fan, party animal, or self-confessed foodie, here are some ways to keep busy the second half of July!

Here’s a calendar of 10 of the freshest events and eats to head to this month!

1. Disney in Concert: A Dream Is A Wish

“A dream is a wish your heart makes”.

So if you’ve been dreaming of reliving your childhood, let Disney In Concert take you back!

Disney in Concert: A Dream is a Wish
Where: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956
When: 14 – 15 Jul | Fri: 8pm; Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Contact no.: 6348 5555
Website

2. Baybeats

Grab your gear, roll up your cuffs, and gather your troops.

Baybeats is back, and it’s the biggest music festival of its kind in Singapore and the region!

This year, it presents a fist-pumping line-up of both Singapore and international acts.

The line-up covers genres including folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between.

Baybeats aims to gather the best of our homegrown talent in music-making, while creating a festival village that brings together local indie crafters.

Best of all–it’s free!

So reach out, touch faith and rock on at Singapore’s very own alternative music festival.

Baybeats
Where: The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
When: 14 – 16 July
Contact no.: 6828 8222
Shout out to all the party people!

The first edition of the Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party is just around the corner!

[caption id="attachment_28336" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: After a week of Rasa Fiesta Singapura Bar Adventures, come to Jiak Chuan street for the hottest party this month.

On the street, you will find dancers, limbo games, beer pong, live DJs and workshops.

Then, duck into participating outlets Lime House and Phat Cat Laundry for a drink, or check out the street booths!

Food vendors from Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the French Carribbean will also be here to satisfy your appetite.

There’s even a special free kids playground area so Mums and Dads can also have a drink!

Rasa Fiesta Singapura Block Party
Where: Jiak Chuan Road / Keong Saik Street
When: 15 Jul, 3pm – 10.30pm
Facebook

4. TED x Pickering Street

If you spend your time on YouTube binge-watching TED Talks, you’ll wanna check this out.

TED x Pickering Street is a self-organized TED event for our own little community in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_28340" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image Credit: TED believes that great ideas and stories are not found only in the movers and shakers of the world, but in the most ordinary everyman.

Great ideas can and should be shared, regardless of language, and TED hopes to achieve this with this bilingual, language-blind TEDx event.

At TED x Pickering Street, live speakers from all backgrounds will spark deep discussions and connections.

Because sometimes, inspiration lives right next door without us even knowing it!

TED x Pickering Street
Where: ArtScience Musuem, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: 15 Jul, 1pm – 6pm
The Botanic Gardens is known for its occasional chill, picnic-style concerts.

This month, we have one supported by The Straits Times!

[caption id="attachment_28335" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: The Ladies Room[/caption]

Join the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor Jason Lai at the park for an evening of well-loved classics.

The more musically inclined may recognize some pieces from the line-up, which includes “Morning Mood” from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, Third movement (Poco allegretto) from Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90.

There are also selections from West Side Story, Cinema Paradiso: Theme, First Youth, Love Theme, and “Ritual Fire Dance” from El amor brujo.

What’s best? Admission is free!

So make it a day to remember, and don’t forget your picnic mat!

The Straits Times Concert at Gardens
Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
When: 22 Jul, 6pm
Contact no.: 6602 4200
Website

6. The xx: I See You Tour

If indie music is your groove, this indie phenomenon must be a central part of your playlist.

London-based band The xx is landing on our shores this month with their I See You Tour!

[caption id="attachment_28341" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Image Credit: Following two spectacular headline shows here in 2013, The xx are set to bring the house down in their biggest Singapore show yet.

Formed in 2005, The xx are Romy Madley Croft (vocals, lead guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals, bass guitar), and Jamie Smith (beats, MPC sampler).

The xx reveal that they are exploring a more playful, eclectic and expansive musical direction, winning new and old fans with singles such as ‘On Hold’ and ‘Say Something Loving’.

They’re also travelling with electronic/R&B musician Sampha, one of the UK’s most soulful rising artists!

This one-night-only concert promises to be an unforgettable experience – don’t miss it!

The xx: I See You Tour
Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
When: 25 Jul, 7pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Heads up, football fans!

The 2017 International Champions Cup is set to be held in Singapore this month.

[caption id="attachment_28337" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: The International Champions Cup (ICC) is the world’s premier summer football tournament, bringing the best in football to iconic venues around the globe.

ICC Singapore will feature Chelsea FC, FC Bayern and FC Internazionale in a round-robin three-match tournament.

The fixtures in July will mark the first time these top European teams have played each other in Singapore.

So grab your jerseys and head to the Singapore National Stadium to catch your teams in action!

2017 International Champions Cup
Where: National Stadium,  1 Stadium Dr, 397629
When: 25, 27, 29 Jul, 7.35pm
Contact no.: 3158 7888
Website

8. The O.P.E.N.

Ready to gain new insight into our world?

The O.P.E.N. is a public engagement initiative from the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) that offers just that.

[caption id="attachment_28339" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit: Singapore International Festival of The Arts[/caption]

A pre-festival of ideas before SIFA, The O.P.E.N. presents 5 weeks of exploration.

It presents a curated selection of events through diverse platforms, including film and creative displays.

You’ll be sure to come across fascinating questions and eye-opening insights about our world and humanity.

The curatorial theme for SIFA 2017 is “Enchantment”, so be prepared to be taken in with the unusual and unexpected of everyday life.

The O.P.E.N.
Where: Various Locations
When: 28 Jun – 9 Sep
Website

Eat

9. Singapore Tea Festival

If your answer to the standard “coffee or tea” question is always the latter, read on.

The inaugural Singapore Tea Festival (STF) will be making its debut at the upcoming Food Festival!

[caption id="attachment_28343" align="aligncenter" width="1984"] Image Credit: Singapore Tea Festival[/caption]

Organised by The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., STF celebrates one of the world’s most popular beverages with a showcase of 17 homegrown tea brands.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiasts and just tea-curious, there’s something for you.

The weekend festival will feature new tea collections and signature tea blends, tea-inspired wares and modern tea bites, alongside tea-themed workshops and a tea heritage exhibition.

Adding to the mix are tea-related lifestyle offerings such as tea-pairing literature titles curated by BooksActually, lifestyle products from Naiise, and ceramic wares by Mud Rock.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, be sure to head on down!

Singapore Tea Festival
Where: B4 ION Station, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 238801
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 10am – 10pm
Facebook

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10. Sunset Social Market

It’s no secret that our biggest national pastimes are eating and shopping.

Well, Open Farm Community (OFC) combines the best of both in its popular Social Market.

[caption id="attachment_28338" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image credit: Expat Living Singapore[/caption]

The market’s tenth edition is extra special.

It’s its first foodie-friendly edition, and also the first time it’s held in the evening instead of during the daytime.

Taking its cue from local foodie culture, the two-day market will bring together some of the island’s best artisanal bakers, gourmet grocers, small-batch producers, and modern-day hawkers.

More than just a day of feasting, the market grounds will also play host to communal activities for all ages.

Think a cocktail masterclass, DIY flower crowns, and leisurely strolls through OFC’s flourishing outdoor farm.

Sunset Social Market
Where: Open Farm Community, 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
When: 22 – 23 Jul, 3pm – 8pm
Contact no.: 6471 0306
Website

What’re you waiting for?

With so much happening this month, your weekends are bound to be a rollercoaster of fun-filled activities!

Also read Ambassador Highlights #11 – High Tea, Custom Tendon, DIY Perfume & More!