Savvy Local’s Guide: Fill Your Calendar To 15 Jan With These Must-Not-Miss Events!

Rise and shine, peeps! It’s time to add another resolution to your list, “to make 2017 the greatest year ever” (if you haven’t already done so). In keeping with that, our calendars are fully marked till 15 January and we’re GOOD TO GO!

Calendar of Events (1 – 15 January 2017)

1. Singapore Art Week 2017

The fifth edition of Singapore Art Week is back with a dazzling array of installations ranging from visual treats, exhibitions, art workshops, to tours and performances.

All this will be take place across art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces across the island.

Singapore Art Week 2017
When: 11 January 2017 – 22 January 2017
Where: Various venues
Explore: https://www.artweek.sg and Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

2. Legend of the Moon 3D Musical

Known as the first 3D musical of its kind, the Legend of the Moon showcases the life, culture and art of the Dong people, a minority race in China.

3. Chinese New Year 2017 happenings at Chinatown

Usher in the year of the Rooster with a bang!

[caption id="attachment_20948" align="alignnone" width="740"]

[caption id="attachment_20945" align="alignnone" width="960"] 5. Pongal Festival 2017

With its name derived from the Tamil term “pongu”, meaning to “boil over” or “overflow”, this Tamil harvest festival is traditionally celebrated from 14 – 16 January in India.

[caption id="attachment_20949" align="alignnone" width="640"] 6. DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class

[caption id="attachment_21028" align="alignnone" width="800"] Eventbrite[/caption]

If raw fish was never your thing, there’s no better time than now to learn how to DIY this Yu Sheng dish. What’s best is, vegans can dig in too.

DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng With Vegan ‘Raw Fish’ Class
When: 14 January 2017, 10.30 am – 12 pm
Where: Mahota Commune, Kitchener Complex, Level 3, 809 French Road
Explore: Eventbrite – DIY Prosperity Yu Sheng with Vegan Raw Fish

7. Simply Organic Brunch (Cooking Class Series)

8. Thaipusam Festival 2017

Join throngs of devotees as they partake in a traditional kavadi ceremony

[caption id="attachment_20955" align="alignnone" width="3456"] 9. Art Stage 2017

[caption id="attachment_20960" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 10. PJ Harvey (Mosaic Music Series 2017)

Musician, poet and artist PJ Harvey started out two decades ago, earning numerous Grammy and Brit awards nominations along the way. That’s not all – the iconic master of all trades has also worked alongside Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, Björk and more.

[caption id="attachment_21026" align="alignnone" width="752"] Esplanade Mosaic Music Series[/caption]

Stopping over in Singapore for her international tour, she and her band present music from her latest release The Hope Six Demolition Project.

PJ Harvey
When: 13 January 2017, 8 pm – 9.15 pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Explore: Esplanade Mosaic Music Series 2017 – PJ Harvey 

11. Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro

In this fifth instalment of the Local Chef Showcase, pursue the legacy behind renowned Szechuan delicacies with 2-star Michelin chef Chen Kentaro.

Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase: Chen Kentaro
When: 13 January 2017, 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: Shisen Hanten, 333 Orchard Road, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
Explore: Eventbrite – Michelin Guide Local Chef Showcase (Chen Kentaro)

12. CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

Ready for a tipple or two, or heaven forbid, three?

[caption id="attachment_21031" align="alignnone" width="650"] Eventbrite – CNY Japanese Sake Warehouse Sale

If you thought this was all, well… We’re right smack in the middle of the Singapore Biennale which winds up on 26 February.

On top of that, Mulan the Musical is currently in full swing at the Resorts World Theatre till 5 February. Now, the countdown begins… Here’s to ticking off these unmissable activities on your bucket list!

Header image credits: Blacklimosg

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!

The Only Guide You Need To Exploring Lavender: Food, Cafes, Fitness & More!

What is the one thing that is most synonymous with Lavender?

Most would say the ICA, but there’s so much more to Lavender than expired passports, automotive shops and hardware resellers.

We decided to spend some time in the neighbourhood to see if there is truly plenty to see, eat and do to keep us entertained throughout the day.

Things to do

CrossFit Fire City

If you aren’t already familiar with the jargons WOD, AMRAP and EMOM, the idea of CrossFit might sound daunting to you.

It is a common misconception that CrossFit is only for the fit, or the very strong. But that’s not true because the WODs (Workout Of the Day) are tailored to each individual’s abilities.

At CrossFit Fire City, box owner, Sam (affectionately known as Uncle Sam), and his friendly community of CrossFitters will ease you right into the workout.

Because the WODs are different each time, your muscles will never get used to any particular routine. This makes CrossFit one of the most effective ways to tone up those muscles.

Just an hour-long WOD will get you pumped up and energised for a day of exploring.

CrossFit Fire City
Address: 111C King George’s Ave, Singapore 208559
Tel: 9113 8587
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 06:30 – 21:00
Fri: 06:30 – 20:00

Trium Fitness

Just a stone’s throw away from Sam’s box lies Trium Fitness – a newly opened fitness studio specialising in yoga and pilates.

Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the studio as you breathe in your downdog, or invert in aerial silks.

The studio not only teaches conventional yoga styles, but also allows you to stretch your head (and body) in classes like wheel or aerial yoga.

Wheel yoga is relatively new in Singapore.

The class makes use of the Dharma wheel to open the shoulders and arch the back for a deeper stretch. This will aid in your poses on the mat.

Aerial yoga needs no introduction – cirque du soleil style, aerial yoga helps yogis gain confidence in being upside-down. Also, it helps to build arm and upper body strength.

You’ll have so much fun that you wouldn’t even remember that you’re working out.

Trium Fitness
Address: 12 Kallang Ave, Aperia Mall, #03-01, Singapore 339511
Tel: 8782 8633
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8AM – 9PM
Sat: 9AM – 5PM
Sun: 9AM – 2PM

What to eat

The Refinery

The Refinery is just a couple units down from Sam’s box, perfect for post-CrossFit refuelling.

High ceilings, local art, marble table tops, and wooden communal tables – The Refinery is one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes on the island.

But that’s not all this cafe has to offer.

The Refinery boasts an extensive menu that changes depending on whether you’re heading over for a weekday dinner or weekend brunch.

The food is Japanese-inspired with a local twist, so expect yakitori-style skewers from the grill, donburis, and local cafe classics such as food laced with truffle and salted egg flavours.

We loved ‘The Epic’ Beef Gyudon with Foie Gras because, really, who can resist rib eye beef, foie gras, onsen egg and truffle flavouring in a single dish?!

The Refinery
Address: 115 King George’s Ave, Singapore 208561
Tel: 6293 1204
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 00:00
Fri: 12:00 – 15:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sat: 11:00 – 16:00, 18:00 – 01:00
Sun: 11:00 – 16:00

AEIOU

At the other end of CrossFit Firecity lies an understated cafe, its signage reading “Oriental Antique House”.

Though it is actually a cafe called AEIOU, its signage hasn’t proven to be entirely wrong.

AEIOU is adorned with upcycled furniture – rattan chairs, wooden tables and all things vintage. It is pretty much like a modern karang guni’s very well put-together home.

Their upcycling extends to tableware, where vodka bottles are cut into cups that hold their drinks and desserts.

Bask in nostalgia as you sip on your avocado coffee – one of the highlights of their menu.

Creamy avocado blend in one hand, and a shot of espresso in the other, marry the two for a party in your mouth.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how the butteriness of the avocado mellows out the bitterness of the coffee.

AEIOU
Address: 111 King George’s Avenue
Tel: 6291 2698
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 11:00 – 22:00
Fri: 11:00 – 23:00
Sat: 10:00 – 23:00
Sun: 10:00 – 21:00

To shop/ explore

Mahota Commune

If you find joy in shopping for fresh produce, then Mahota Commune is as close to food heaven as you’ll get.

Mahota Commune occupies the entire third level of Kitchener Complex – all because they are a market, kitchen, pantry, clinic and wellness studio all rolled into one.

Windows surround the area, allowing natural light to pour in – complementing the home-grown greenery and wooden furniture in this relaxing space.

At Mahota Market, load your basket with fresh, organic produce like fresh meats and vegetables, to imported condiments and whole food snacks.

Credit: Mahota Commune

Then, enjoy garden-to-table goodness at Mahota Kitchen.

The restaurant serves up an interesting choice of italian fare or hot pot choices. You can delight in vegetables grown organically in their farm in Shanghai, and sustainably sourced meats that are reared without antibiotics or hormone injections.

Before you leave, pick up some cold pressed juices and pastry for the family at Mahota Pantry. The pastries are baked fresh in-house using unbleached, wholemeal flour, no less!

As mentioned, the space is also home to a TCM clinic and a wellness studio. The studio conducts yoga, meditation, tai chi and HIIT classes – some of which are complimentary.

I can totally envision myself spending the entire day here, winding down and indulging in the goodness of whole foods.

Mahota Commune
Address: Blk 809 French Road, Kitchener Complex, #03-31, Singapore 200809
Tel: 62996809
Opening Hours: Daily, 9AM – 10PM

Though seemingly understated, Lavender is oozing with charm, making it the perfect spot for cafe-hopping over the weekend.

Got a favourite haunt in the Lavender area? Let us know in the comments below!

Also, read Feeling Experimental? Try Alchemist Beer Lab’s Super Funky Infused Beers!