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.

[caption id="attachment_29422" align="aligncenter" width="300"] (Image Credit: Expat Living SG)[/caption]

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!

[caption id="attachment_28993" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: Andsoforth[/caption]

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!

[caption id="attachment_29423" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]

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!

[caption id="attachment_29426" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Image Credit: STGCC[/caption]

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.

[caption id="attachment_29425" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A replica of the Millenium Falcon (Image Credit: STGCC)[/caption]

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 TheatreMastercard 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)

This Bar Is Serving Yakitori With A Mala Twist That’s Sure To Make You Chikin Out

Have you ever tried mala yakitori? Probably not. Because CHIKIN is the first place in Singapore to serve up Szechuan-style yakitori!

[caption id="attachment_29338" align="alignnone" width="300"] Step into mala and pop art heaven[/caption]

Besides bar bites, CHIKIN has also curated an extensive selection of sake and created an exciting cocktail menu that will make you want to keep coming back until you’ve tried everything.

[caption id="attachment_29337" align="alignnone" width="300"] Neon lights[/caption]

Pop art vibes

When you first step into CHIKIN, you’ll be greeted by neon signs and walls covered in pop icons, especially everyone’s favourite mouthless kitty. There’s even a wall covered with tuna cans.

[caption id="attachment_29346" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tuna cans featuring the Boba Kori[/caption]

Sit at the bar to soak in the bustling atmosphere of the open bar and kitchen, or head to the second floor for a more relaxed and quieter lounge area.

The third floor, vibing hard with the same pop art furnishings, opens up to a cosy attic that also comes with karaoke machine, so you can sing a few tunes with your friends. The room is open from 8pm onwards, although you need to make a reservation for it. The space can also be rented out for an intimate event.

[caption id="attachment_29350" align="alignnone" width="300"] Pop art fills the walls[/caption]

Sticks and chikin parts

CHIKIN is not your typical yakitori joint. Instead of using the typical tare sauce to season their meats, they use a mala – a Szechuan peppercorn – sauce for a spicier kick.

[caption id="attachment_29347" align="alignnone" width="300"] It’s chikiiiiiiiiiiiin time![/caption]

Other kushiyaki like vegetables and other meats are also available. Must-tries include their Quail Egg, Iberico Pork Collar With Leek and Shiitake Mushrooms.

If you like various body parts, you can try the Beef Tongue or Foie Gras skewers.

The yakitori and kushiyaki sticks are all grilled over Binchotan flames to order, before being transferred onto a super cute plate designed to look like a square in a Japanese action comic.

Skewers are priced individually, starting from $3 a stick. Alternatively, grab a tasting platter at $30 for 10 sticks or 15 sticks for $40.

[caption id="attachment_29352" align="alignnone" width="300"] Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe[/caption]

If you need your carbs, load up on their rice. Chikin makes a delicious Plentiful Ikura Garlic Rice and Unagi Garlic Fried Rice With Fish Roe to pair with your yakitori. The rice is seasoned with their homemade garlic and tare sauce, which means you cannot get the same taste anywhere else!

Other popular bar bites like Umami Fries, Chikin Karaage and even a Chikin Collagen Onsen Soup are also available.

Tip: Add some homemade miso into your food, which is mixed with their Szechuan peppercorns if you just cannot get enough of mala.

Cocktails for everyone

No matter how diverse your tastes are, we’re sure there is something for everyone on the cocktail menu.

[caption id="attachment_29351" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sake sangria for a fruity finish[/caption]

The cocktails are created by Sam Wong, who has won various bartending awards in and around Singapore, and is quite well known in the bartending scene for his creative cocktails.

You might even have tasted his creations at Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall and Nutmeg and Clove. For CHIKIN, Wong recreated a range of classic cocktails with a twist, inspired by Japanese flavors.

A large part of the cocktail menu is made up of whisky and sake infusions, although there are also gin and cognac infusions. The cocktails are usually left aside for a few days to infuse with the alcohol, before they are served. The result is a more blended, smooth concoction.

[caption id="attachment_29349" align="alignnone" width="300"] Smoky nights ahead with the Sumoki Raisin[/caption]

Sweet-tooths will love the Sake Sangria, a fruity infusion of sake and gin. Those who do not like the taste of alcohol can give the Boba Kori a go, as it is similar to a bubble-tea-slash-slushie drink which masks the taste of gin (unfortunately, there isn’t actually boba inside).

Whisky fans are in for a treat, with an Oolong-inspired Oold Fashioned on the menu. The Sumoki Raisin is a smoky whisky and sherry infusion that leaves behind a strong aftertaste, and comes topped with raisins that were left to soak in the whisky infusion for three days – they are sure to pack a punch!

If the Sumoki Raisin doesn’t give you enough of a kick, then CHIKIN challenges you to the ultimate cocktail spice challenge – the Szechuan Bloody Mary.

The vodka cocktail is mixed with Szechuan peppercorn, tomato, chilli oil, and comes in 5 different spicy levels: Novice, Hungover, Expert, Hao Lian, and WTF.

How daredevil are you?

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

Also read No Holds Bar-ed – 5 Bars That Let You Take On Karaoke, Arcade Games And More