Zen Guitarwerkz

“The people at Zen Guitarwerkz are warm and friendly, unlike many other bigger guitar shops around Singapore.”
— Brice Chambraud, 19, student at Ngee Ann Polytechnic

AN avid music lover, Brice Chambraud, bass guitarist for local alternative band Cardinal Avenue, often ensures that his guitars are always in tiptop conditions for jamming sessions and live performances. Both his Fender Japan precision bass and Fender American jazz bass guitars need monthly maintenance, and Brice always heads back to a particular shop to set-up his bass guitars. Interview by Mavis Ang

Who are you recommending today?
The people at Zen Guitarwerkz, who are warm and friendly unlike the other bigger guitar shops around Singapore. I went to another guitar shop recently (not mentioning any names, of course), but they were not friendly at all, and gave a very negative attitude towards me.

Many shops I’ve been to usually don’t attend to my requests very kindly. I suspect it’s because I look pretty young, and look like I can’t afford much, so maybe that’s why they don’t bother to offer good service to me.

Zen Guitarworkz is so much better because they are friendly towards every single one of their customers, and they are usually willing to go all out to help you look for your item. They don’t have the attitude like "Nah… they’re so young, why bother wasting my time on them because they won’t buy my expensive guitars like the adults can.”

How did you discover the shop?
Word of mouth, through one of my friends.

When do you visit them?
To get my bass setup so that it plays better, and occasionally when I want to browse around for smaller items.

How's the service there?
Their services is the best out of all the many, many guitar stores at Peninsula Shopping Centre. Whenever I enquire about some of their products or request them to set my bass guitar up, they would ask me (in extreme detail) exactly how I want my bass to turn out, or whether I have any other specific needs. That really impresses me because other stores usually just ask very vague questions.

How often do you go back?
Usually once a month or so, because my bass guitar only needs to be set up monthly, and I always go back to them.

Any other products of that shop that you'd like to recommend?
They have a "big brother" stall (Maestro Concept Store) located in the same building that sells really good local acoustic guitars, too

Zen Guitarwerkz is a one of Maestro Guitars’ retail outlets, specialising in electric guitar servicing, repairs, and other related accessories. Maestro Guitars first opened in Esplanade in September 2006, and now has two other outlets, Zen Guitarwerkz and Maestro Concept Store. Maestro Guitars also takes pride in offering affordable guitars which are largely handcrafted and made in Singapore.

Zen Guitarwerkz
3 Coleman Street #B1-34 Peninsula Shopping Centre
Tel: 6337 3886
Opening hours: 12:30pm to 7:30pm (Mon – Sat), 1:30pm – 6:00pm (Sun)

View original article of Zen Guitarwerkz.

Brazil Churrascaria

“Pork, lamb, fish, beef tenderloin, sausages, even chicken heart. It’s the best meat buffet!” — Karen Yeoh, 21, student at Nanyang Technological University

A HUGE foodie, Karen Yeoh’s mission in life is to taste every dish featured in Makansutra. Perhaps that’s how Karen often finds herself in the outskirts of Singapore savouring food from all kinds of countries, cuisine, and cooks with her regular food buddies. She may be petite, but deep down in this 21-year-old’s bottomless tummy pit lies an insatiable appetite for the finest food in town.

One of her recent discoveries is Brazil Churrascaria, which serves eat-all-you-can barbequed meat brought to your table. But they’re only open for dinner.

This kind of service has become a successful formula for a lot of Brazilian restaurants around the world, and it’s popular because it’s real value for your money. If you love your meat, that is. For those who’d rather eat vegetables, there’s also a salad bar.

What are you recommending today?
A Brazilian restaurant, called Brazil Churrascaria, located at Sixth Avenue.

What’s so special about it?
I like the way waiters and chefs carry the main courses around the room — instead of leaving them on a buffet table — and ask if you would like some. I’ve only been there once, but its service and overall environment did leave a deep impression on me.

Exactly how good is their service?
Majority of the staff are Caucasians with heavy accents, but no matter how many questions you ask about what kind of meat, sauce, or ingredients they are holding or ask them to repeat themselves, they continue to be approachable and serve you with a genuine smile.

How much do you have to part with?
Be prepared to part with $40 or more for a fulfilling meal, which ranges from pork, lamb, fish, steak, beef tenderloin, sausages, and even chicken heart. It’s a meat buffet — and they definitely are living up to it.

What’s the best dish you tasted?
Their beef is a must-try. Tender, tasty and juicy. According to the owner, their meat are flown in from America.

How often would you go back?
I’d like to go back at least once a month — if I had extra pocket money. It’s so good, but pricey too. The price is worth it for its high food and service standards, though.

Brazil Churrascaria
14/16 Sixth Avenue
Tel: 64631923
Opening hours: 6.30pm - 10.30pm

View original article for the food review for Brazil Churrascaria.