Location: Central

We Got A Sneak Peak Into The Highly Anticipated Central Perk Singapore – And “OH MY GOD!”

FRIENDS fans your wait is finally over! Singapore’s very own Central Perk has finally opened its doors after months of anticipation. Located along Clarke Quay, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak!

Stepping into Central Perk Singapore, the first thing that we noticed is the different ongoing themes. Making our way around this eatery, we found three distinct features; the “outdoor patio” area which has a bit more privacy away from the main storefront. The main dining area is styled exactly like Central Perk itself. And the cafe’s character feature walls  feature the most memorable aspects of the characters!

Central Perk Singapore

The “outdoor patio” area gives you the “street view” of Central Perk. While this might not be the number one spot you would come to Central Perk Singapore for, it gave us a bit of a thrill standing “outside” the cafe looking in!

The all too familiar orange couch, we die-hard fans have been wishing to sit on! From the high tables and stools, the light up embellishments and the odd brick walls Central Perk Singapore has gone all out to get every detail from the popular US tv show right. All that’s missing is the famous group of 6 to make this set exactly that of FRIENDS. The team behind Central Perk Singapore injected their own local twist by showcasing a Singapore featured artwork displayed against the back wall.

Unfortunately, Central Perk Singapore does not have a Gunther just yet, but the bar area looks pretty identical with its onscreen counterpart. Complete with the gold plated coffee machine featured in the show!

The backdrop of most of Phoebe’s performances, they’ve even set up a little performance area complete with keyboard and standing microphones.

Character Feature Walls

A MUST SEE feature at Central Perk Singapore has to be the cafe’s Character Feature Walls. Step into a replica of Monica’s kitchen from the blue shelves and Chandler’s number one enemy, the Ms Pac Man machine (yes it works)!

Say hi to smelly cat and Gladys as you stroll pass Phoebe’s featured wall, complete with scatterings of potpourri and her guitar her featured wall is all about Phoebe’s boho and hippy vibe.

Play a quick game of foosball with your friends alongside the chick, duck and the cabinet Joey (willingly) locked himself in. Central Perk Singapore doesn’t skip the details, take a quick peek at Chandler’s door, there’s a huge cut where the “power saw kinda got away” from Joey.

Come For The Atmosphere, Stay For The Food

Let’s be honest, what’s Central Perk without a coffee? Here at Central Perk Singapore, they serve up six different coffee blends. Each coffee roasts is characterised after each of the main characters. Not much of a coffee fan? Get a cup of the Rachel. With a light roast, body, acidity and hints of berries this roast is perfect for those who prefer their coffee sweet. Served in Central Perk’s “traditional” oversized mugs, the coffee here is the perfect companion to your leisurely Saturday afternoon.

Not a coffee drinker? Don’t fret because Central Perk Singapore has a menu that will have you drooling! Named after the characters and their many escapades ( Monica’s Lasagna and “Joey’s Special” 2 Pizzas are just some examples), we had to try Ross’ Thanksgiving Sandwich aka The Moist Maker.

The Moist Maker

Unlike the Moist Maker, the turkey sandwich at Central Perk Singapore is pretty fancy. Served in a small caste iron pan, several turkey slices sit in a toasted ciabatta bun alongside alfalfa sprouts and sun-dried tomatoes. The piece de resistance of this dish, is surprisingly not even on the sandwich, it’s actually the warm gravy served on the side. Tying the whole sandwich together, the gravy adds a whole dimension to the Moist Maker.

Mrs Braverman’s Cheesecake

While Rachel’s English Trifle wasn’t a feature on the menu (to be brutally honest, we aren’t sure if we would have the guts to sample that dish!), we did spot Mrs Braverman’s Cheesecake from Mama’s Little Bakery. No ordinary cheesecake, this original creation is plated with berries, layered with a passionfruit meringue and topped with popping candy and candied walnuts. With each bite, you can taste the light cheesecake paired with a fruity bite and a sort of fizzness from the popping candy. A delectable dessert that will you wishing you could have just another slice!

Central Perk Singapore has stayed true to its tv counterpart and a menu that serves up traditional dishes with its own unique twist. Casual or mega fan, either way, you’re going to enjoy spending hours here with your FRIENDS.

Central Park Singapore
1 Magazine road, Central Mall #01-01. S059567
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10am – 10pm; Mon Closed

Also Read: 10 Crazy & Unusual Ice Cream Flavours You Would Have Never Dreamed Of!

15 Delectable Meals In Singapore Below $2.50 That Will Make You Question Reality

A Singaporean’s love for food can be seen by the multitude of culinary delights found in almost every corner of the island! Despite the increasing rent and food prices, these stalls have miraculously withstood the test of time and the ever-growing inflation rates. Check out this list of food places for mouth-watering cheap meals to fill your tummies at just $2.50 or less!

EAST

1. 820 Hainan Chicken Rice

Enjoy a basic serving of Singapore’s unofficial national delicacy for as low as $1.50!

Savour this fine bowl of noodle goodness with black vinegar or enjoy that extra zest with their fiery chilli sauce.

58 Minced Meat Noodles
Address: 3 Yung Seng Road #03-150 Taman Jurong Food Centre, Singapore 618499
Operating Hours: Daily, 6.00am to 2.30pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Price: $2.50

11. Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak

Looking for cheap supper spots at wee hours? Head down to Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak!

Try their Set A which comes with two fishes, ikan bilis and an egg. Pair it with that slightly sweet sambal chilli and soft fragrant coconut rice. A great supper place to placate those midnight hunger pangs!

Boon Lay Nasi Lemak
Address: #01-06, Boon Lay Place Market and Food Centre, 221 Boon Lay Place
Operating Hours: Daily, 5.00pm to 2.00am
Price: $2.50

12. Fried Carrot Cake @ Clementi Food Centre

A mere short walk from Clementi bus interchange lies cheap and good fried carrot cake – just look out for that large sign board ‘Fried Carrot Cake’.

We recommend you to order five fishballs together with their springy noodles. A generous serving of bean sprouts, spring onions, and pork lard will be mixed in. It’ll all be drenched in vinegar to bring out that sourness. Alternatively, savour 10 bouncy fishballs at just $2.50!

Xiang Xiang Fishball Noodle
Address: Blk 105 Yishun Ring Road #01-153 Chong Pang Food Centre Singapore 760105
Operating Hours: Tue to Sun, 6.00am – 10.00pm (Closed on Monday)
Price: $2.50

14. Lik Ming Toa Payoh Laksa

Laksa is undeniably one of Singapore’s popular noodle dishes – you can find it in almost every food centre or coffeeshop!

Michael Kors: New Flagship Store At Mandarin Gallery & Orchid Diplomacy

You might have heard of ‘Koala Diplomacy’ or ‘Panda Diplomacy’ but in Singapore, we have our own unique twist in the form of ‘Orchid Diplomacy’. Now, a new public figure, Michael Kors, has joined our list of celebrities and notable people who’ve been honoured with a namesake orchid.

American designer Michael Kors now join big names like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Barack Obama, Jane Goodall, Bae Yong Jun, Shah Rukh Khan, and Jackie Chan to name a few who have had an orchid named after them.

Held at the National Orchid Garden, the Dendrobium Michael Kors was unveiled to the fashion designer by Kirk Wagar, U.S. ambassador to Singapore, and Serene Tan, a member of the Singapore Tourism Board.

This is to commemorate Mr Kors’ trip to Singapore and the opening of his new Mandarin Gallery flagship store.

Largest flagship store in Southeast Asia

Kate Hudson, Jeanette Aw, Velda Tan, Arissa Cheo, and Nathan Hartono were some of the big names who graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the brand’s first free-standing location in the region.

Apart from offering watches, jewellery, eyewear and several of the brand’s fragrances, the ground floor of the shop will also feature a shoe salon. It will offer collections from Michael Kors and MICHAEL Michael kors footwear.

This will also be the first store in the region to offer a full selection of Michael Kors Men – located on the upper level.

With exclusive rooms, spacious layout, and almost the full range of products, this flagship store is set to be everyone’s favourite MK store.

Our ambassadors, Jessie and Vanessa, attended the flagship store’s opening party. Here’s what they had to say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM3mEwwhwZZ/?taken-by=jessiecupcakegirl

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM59WzihyQ0/?taken-by=vaneszs.h

As Christmas approaches, it’ll be the perfect excuse for you to snag up that MK bag you’ve always been eyeing.

Celebrate the end of the year in style and be ready to shop till you drop.

Michael Kors Mandarin Gallery Flagship Store
Address: 391A Orchard Rd, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238873
Phone: 6723 8038
Hours: 10AM – 9:30PM

All images by Getty Images for Michael Kors.

Also, read Benjamin Barker 2016 Collection Ditches Its Usual Dapper Style For The Adventurous Traveller

Late Night Gyms: Because You Build Muscles While Others Sleep

Ever heard of the saying, “Treat your body like a shrine”? Besides ensuring that you have a nutritious diet, exercising is also a must. Late night gyms are on the surge in Singapore because there is definitely a demand for some of us nocturnal creatures.

Sometimes we get that intense rush of adrenaline in the middle of the night (especially when we want to take our mind off work, or if we had a particularly sinful dinner) and have to look for ways to expend those extra bouts of energy. That’s where late night gyms make all the difference.

1) Anytime Fitness

24-hour or late night gyms aren’t just a privilege anymore because they are slowly crawling into our residential areas. United States based fitness chain Anytime Fitness is a thriving franchise with over 30 late night gyms across the island.

Unlike typical gigantic gyms, Anytime Fitness operates on a smaller scale in your neighbourhood.

Equipped with cardio machines and free weights – basically everything you need to get a great workout in, we are sure the gym is perfect for everyone.

Since these late night gyms are usually unmanned after 9pm (to 9am, on weekdays), members will be given an all-access pass where they can access all 3,400 Anytime Fitness gyms worldwide, 24/7! We have to admit that this is kind of insane, but totally worth it.

Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness Branches

2) Gymmboxx

Gymmboxx was established in 2010 and they have branded themselves as an affordable gym brand ever since.

Looking for a spacious gym with premium workout equipment? This is it!

If you typically go for a run in the great outdoors and hit the gym only occasionally, Gymmboxx is perfect for you as well.

At just $6 per entry (for 2 hours), you can switch up your usual workout and make full use of the equipment that is available in the gym.

Do note that only 3 out of their 7 branches are open 24/7.

Gymmboxx
Credit: Beaupass[/caption] [caption id="attachment_18716" align="alignnone" width="800"] Credit: Active Lifestyle SG[/caption]

Both their branches are open till 12 midnight from Mondays to Saturdays. With a space of over 32,000 sq-ft (Asia Square branch) and a wide array of state-of-the-art fitness equipment from all over the world, you can get an extraordinary workout in a modern and comfortable environment.

Pure Fitness
Asia Square
Level 6, Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, Singapore 018960

Ocean Financial Centre (Opening December 2016)
Level 4, Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315

Opening Hours
Monday-Saturday: 6am – 12midnight
Sunday & Public holidays: 8am – 10pm

With all these late night gyms island-wide, we can now avoid the evening crowd and workout at our own pace, and time.

This is too good to be true! Having more time (and less excuses) to get a workout in, we are now a step nearer to our fitness goals. Say yay to a stronger body and a better health!

Header Image: Here Are 7 Things You Can Do At BOUNCE – Singapore’s Largest Indoor Trampoline Arena!

Secrets From Experts: Tips On Buying The Right Furniture & Personalising Your Home

You know what they say, there ain’t no place like home! And for good reason too, because when you shop at Tan Boon Liat, your crib is gonna be pretty hard to beat.

Retailing modern, solid teak, walnut and oak wood pieces designed in Belgium, their furniture is also known for its environmental stewardship and ethical craftsmanship.

What’s more, they provide lifetime warranty and lifetime maintenance service on all products.

Tip: To ensure that your pieces live to a ripe old age, it’s best to look for pieces from reputable, well-established brands or companies. These pieces are fumigated to ensure the absence of mould and pests, and kiln-dried to minimize the risk of warping and cracking. Last but not least, make sure your purchase is covered by a product warranty or after-sales maintenance services.

2) Purchase modular pieces to mix and match, and furniture designed with extra functionality in mind

Pieces that can be taken apart and re-arranged will increase their mileage as you assemble them to create an infinite number of new looks.

For instance, the Theo Wall Unit from Journey East (#03-02) is the master of all trades.

Tip: A module-based system gives homeowners the power to customise the furniture based on their needs.

Where space constraint is the name of the game, this versatile piece contains modular units that can be taken apart, or combined together in a multitude of ways to fit any space. Plus, it’s made of hard-fumed oak, which translates to high quality.

Next up is the PLAYplay collection from Journey East as well.

Designed by award-winning design studio Lanzavecchia + Wai for Journey East, each piece was carefully conceptualised with the modern home in mind; in terms of design, proportion, and functionality.

Hamburger Side Table

These colourful little “hamburgers” are sure to be conversational starters.

Take off the top “bun” for a slightly larger coffee table surface when you have friends over during a house party. Take your pick from 3 designs: round, oval and pentagon.

Cots from  (#07-05).

[caption id="attachment_18910" align="alignnone" width="4110"] Fynn Cotbed from Ethnicraft Online[/caption]

Neatly hidden when not in use, no one will be any the wiser when you whip out this party trick.

3. Seek out items with high transformative value and small price tags

Tip: A little goes a long way. Here’s why – small accessories can play up the value of a piece of furniture, transforming a cut-rate table to one that looks like a big-ticket item straight out of a designer showroom.

For home accessories, head to Arete Culture (#06-01), Make Room (#11-09B), or Plain Vanilla Home (#08-06). Bang-for-your-buck accessories include:

• Flowers: Arete Culture stocks a wide range of high-quality artificial flowers that require no maintenance, and they can even be washed.

[caption id="attachment_18924" align="alignnone" width="3344"] Floral Kokoro.

[caption id="attachment_18926" align="alignnone" width="600"] Cochine, Maison by Amanda Dyer, and Park London. [caption id="attachment_18911" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cochine Candles[/caption]

• Trays: Trays are always useful when entertaining at a house party or serving dinner guests. Featured below are Ethnicraft Online’s Notre Monde Trays, which are individually hand-crafted and double as pieces of art.

[caption id="attachment_18930" align="alignnone" width="3362"] Ethnicraft Online‘s Notre Monde Tribal Quest Trays[/caption]

4. Collect meaningful memorabilia and make full use of Nature’s gifts to personalise your home

To go about making your home the most beautiful place on earth:

• Travel mementoes and personal memorabilia are a fun way of incorporating your personality throughout the home!

Tip: The trick is to edit: Display only your absolute favourites.

[caption id="attachment_18912" align="alignnone" width="650"] Pinterest[/caption]

• Pick a wall and paint a mural or a statement colour. You can also wallpaper it.

[caption id="attachment_18920" align="alignnone" width="600"]

Bring the outdoors in: Natural touches such as branches and shells are an elegant way of adding more organic textures and shapes to your home. This lends a tranquil touch to a visually-interesting space.

[caption id="attachment_18928" align="alignnone" width="455"] Pinterest[/caption]

Bonus Tip: How to Doll Up Your Home for the Christmas Season

• For some holiday cheer, all you need is a little sparkle. Create a simple but stunning table centerpiece with some tree branches in vase, which you can spray paint or decorate with Christmas baubles.

• To spice things up for the Christmas season, fill up a clear bottle or vase with festive items e.g. coloured eggs for Easter, and pussy willow for Chinese New Year.

The best part? Make Room currently has a collection of Christmas items, such as recycled wooden Christmas trees and a wide range of Christmas décor.

To keep things sophisticated, stick to the same colour family. Silvers and golds add a touch of glamour, and red is a good idea for the season.

[caption id="attachment_18932" align="alignnone" width="554"] Pinterest[/caption]

To lend your home a burst of character, do also drop by Singapore Trading Post (#07-01) or FairPrice Antique (#01-10) for fun and eclectic accessories.

Tan Boon Liat Block Party

This weekend (26 and 27 November), Tan Boon Liat will be throwing its first ever Block Party!

20 participating showrooms such as Journey East, Arete Culture and Make Room will be opening their doors for a train of design workshops, food and wine tastings, seasonal gift ideas and special offers.

It doesn’t just end there – over $5,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs!

For more information, check out their Facebook Page.

Tan Boon Liat Building
Address: 315 Outram Road, Singapore 169074

Header image credits:

Riverside Grilled Fish – For Lovers Of Tongue-Numbing And Spicy Ma La Goodness!

Singaporeans love their Ma La dishes and steamboat. So much so that many restaurants specialising in Si Chuan or Chong Qing cuisine have set up shop in our sunny little island. Riverside Grilled Fish 江边城外 is one of the latest restaurants to take the bait and join the fray. It specialises in Chong Qing style grilled whole fish.

Discover SG has got the scoop on it and we are here to share more.

Riverside Grilled Fish’s History

Riverside Grilled Fish was founded by two friends who happened to try grilled fish topped with Ma La sauce while travelling in Wushan Town, Chong Qing.

[caption id="attachment_18809" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Grilled Fish with Double Cut Red and Green Chillies Sauce[/caption]

Needless to say, both of them were so taken with the robust flavours of the grilled fish that they set up their first restaurant in Beijing in 2005. Their restaurants all over China see long queues every day, much like what we experience at Hai Di Lao here in Singapore.

The rest as they say, is history.

Have your fish and eat it

Diners can choose from 4 types of locally sourced saltwater fishes priced between $35 and $42.

These include red tilapia, sea bass, black promfret and garoupa. The chef will cook the fish in the sauce of your choice.

Riverside Grilled Fish offers 8 sauces for you to choose from.

[caption id="attachment_18812" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Riverside Grilled Fish – Signature Fragrant Spicy Sauce[/caption]

According to the team at Riverside Grilled Fish, their Signature Fragrant Spicy Sauce (spicy and sweet) is a must try!

[caption id="attachment_18813" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Riverside Grilled Fish – Ma La Sauce[/caption]

For those who die die must eat something spicy for every meal, the Ma La sauce is specially concocted for you!

However, if you can’t take spicy food at all, opt for the black bean sauce. It is the only non-spicy sauce in the menu.

[caption id="attachment_18773" align="alignnone" width="1654"] Riverside Grilled Fish – Black Bean Sauce[/caption]

Once you have decided the fish and sauce of your choice, you can choose the ingredients to go with your fish.

Riverside Grilled Fish offers 18 items priced from $2.50 to $4.50 per dish. These include sausages, pork belly, tofu sheets and flat vermicelli.

Side dishes

The Si Chuan Crispy Duck ($12.80) is a must try, because it looks oh-so-tender on the inside, yet so crispy on the outside!

According to the Riverside Grilled Fish team, the duck is first marinated in Juniper spice, then steamed. Lastly, it is deep fried for that crispy taste and golden brown exterior.

[caption id="attachment_18664" align="alignnone" width="940"] Credit: The Ranting Panda[/caption]

Another item you’ll love is Si Chuan flat noodles ($4.80).

The translucent looking flat noodles is made with quality soya beans directly sourced from Si Chuan. This explains its chewy texture. The red sauce of the flat noodles is spicy yet sour, which is refreshing to the palate!

Finally, end your meal with the popular pan-fried rice cake with soya powder ($6.80).

The rice cake is first pan fried with eggs then sprinkled with soya powder.

You can also choose to dip your rice cakes in white sugar to sweeten it.

Big fish in a little red dot at Raffles City

Since opening its first outlet in Beijing, Riverside Grilled Fish has expanded to 54 outlets in 12 cities in China.

Its Raffles City outlet in Singapore marks its first foray overseas.

Occupying a sprawling 5000 sq ft at the basement, Riverside Grilled Fish seats 150 pax.

Its interior is tastefully furnished to resemble a traditional fishing village so you see fishing nets, lanterns and wooden doors all around.

Tantalising Lunch Deal

Fish and spicy food lovers can now look forward to a tantalising lunch deal at Riverside Grilled Fish.

The restaurant is offering a weekday set lunch for two at $25++.

This includes a Japanese saba fish, white rice, and two drinks (soya or barley).

This deal will run till 31 December 2016, so bring your friends, family, colleagues for a meal before it ends!

Do make a reservation in advance as the restaurant can be packed during peak hours.

Our ambassador, Stephanie, visited Riverside Grilled Fish. Here’s her experience:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM87NTHAfts/?taken-by=piinkmasquerade

Now that you have our cheat sheet of mouth-watering dishes to try, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to make a reservation and start indulging in the spicy delights that Riverside Grilled Fish has to offer!

One last thing, don’t forget to bring packets of tissue. These will come in useful when you tear or sweat after eating the spicy dishes.

Riverside Grilled Fish
Address: Raffles City Shopping Centre, #B1-06/07, 252 North Bridge Road
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Tel:  +65 6352 2035  
Website

All images are courtesy of Riverside Grilled Fish unless otherwise stated.

Also, read G’day Mate! 7 Australian Cafes In Singapore That Feel Just Like The Real Deal