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.

Ramly Burger

“They provide serviettes to customers because the owner understands that the burger is so juicy, eating it can get very messy.” — Chia Shan Na, university student

FRIENDS of Chia Shan Na swear that the 21-year-old student loves to eat anytime, any day, and that she’s tasted an extensive range of food all over the country, from coffee shops to restaurants. And she always remembers where the good stuff are.

“She also likes to steal people's food, and we always end up ordering a lot more when we have dinners with her,” adds a friend. “She likes meaty stuff and thinks vegetarians are super boring.”

In this installment of I Recommend, Ms. Chia recommends a 24-hour canteen that serves her favourite hamburger.

“I love Ramly burgers, and it’s always hard to find them around, but M. Hasan canteen at the Tanjong Pagar railway station has divine Ramly burgers!

The Ramly burger first appeared in Kuala Lumpur back in the late 1970s, invented by a man named Ramly Moknin. How different is it from Western burgers? The extras — onions, egg, cabbage, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, cheese and Maggi seasoning — are wrapped around the patty using a thin layer of egg. Much like the way the Japanese do their omoraisu.

What are you recommending today?
M. Hasan canteen at the Tangong Pagar Railway station, which sells Ramly burgers.

What's so special about their Ramly burgers?
The stall owner only starts cooking after he takes your order. Although it will take about 5 to 10 mins for the burger to be ready, it is still worth the. The stall also provides serviettes to customers because the owner understands that the burger is so juicy, eating it can get very messy.

How did you discover it?
A friend recommended the place for supper since the place is open 24 hours.

How often do you crave for their burgers?
All the time.

How's the service at M. Hasan canteen?
Fast and efficient.

What's the best way to eat the burger?
Munch and gobble down the burger while it is still warm. Suck the juice and the sauce occasionally to prevent the sauce from getting onto your hands and clothes.

What’s nice to drink with it?
The burger is so good on its own, but any drink will complement it.

How often do you go back there?
At least once a month.

How many Ramly burgers can you eat in a day?
Two.

How much does it cost?
$2.50 to $3.50 (depending whether you want to add cheese or egg or both)

Other dishes there worth trying?
The stalls there sell relatively cheap and good food.

M. Hasan Canteen
Malayan Railway Tanjong Pagar Station
30 Keppel Road Singapore 089059

View original article for Ramly Burger in Singapore.

The Turquoise Room

“Arguably the best pizza in Singapore can be found at The Turquoise Room.” — James Ong, 88DB.com Editor

ALL my life I have been in the quest for the perfect pizza, perhaps because I grew up across an American pizza parlor chain and Friday nights were dedicated to trying all its flavors. This was the time when Japanese food had not yet become an international sensation, and so the idea of having carbs and protein in one slice of pizza (the equivalent of one full meal!) was sensational. Plus, we didn’t have to wash the dishes afterwards.

In Singapore, if I go to a restaurant, the first thing I ask is, “Do you have pizza on your menu?” More often than not, they don’t. So those restaurants that do serve it, and serve it well, have easily become my favourites, such as The Turquoise Room.

What are you recommending today?
The thin-crust pizzas at The Turquoise Room, particularly the Prosciutto and Parma Ham pizza which is ingeniously served with fresh rocket arugula and topped with shaved — take note, not grated — parmesan cheese.

What’s so special about it?
Eating — or if you want to be profound about it, life — is all about the yin and yang, so when you’re served a dish where you taste the contrast of hot and cold, it’s something very memorable (that said, don’t get the impression that the arugula is served straight from the chiller; it’s room temperature). The leaf’s piquant flavour also blends well with the saltiness of the prosciutto ham. Costs $22, but it’sworth every bite.

How about the place?
The Turquoise Room is hidden within the Gillman Village off Alexandra Road, which makes it perfect for afternoon trysts or an intimate getaway with friends. It is open 12 noon till late. The interiors, tables and chairs are bathed in white, and details are painted in French blue. It’s vibe spells linen-shirt, Arcopedico sandals, world music, and chilled white wine. It’s very South of France. The service is excellent; the staff are good in anticipating your need so you never so much as need to lift a finger for attention. The calamari is also intriguing, but too chewy. Their main draw is really the pizza.

How did you discover it?
I read about it in Singapore City Scoops, my lifestyle bible here. It’s published and written by insiders so chances are, the places they recommend are places where you can see (and taste) the local flavour, and not tourist traps.
Will you go back?
I’ve been back a few times whenever I crave for pizza. And it’s always top of mind when I have out-of-towners visiting. It’s a different side of Singapore that’s very urbanista.

Any other pizza places?
Trattoria Lafiandra beside the Singapore Arts Museum does good pizza, but the service borders on rude and the chef’s policy is a turn-off. He requires guests to order one entrée each if they’re not ordering starters — which is so not the philosophy behind a trattoria. I’d rather pay the extra taxi fare to go back to The Turquoise Room.

The Turquoise Room
7 Lock Road Gillman Village
Tel. No. 6473 3655

View original article for this food review on The Turquoise Room.

Reds @ Takashimaya

“My hairstylist is so good that she convinced me to chop off my frocks of 13 years!”
— Cheyanne Chan, senior sales officer

WHEN Cheyanne Chan, a senior sales officer with JobsDB.com, cut her long hair after 13 years, it wasn’t because she had been thinking about it for months. It was an impulse decision — not by her, but her stylist. “She’s dared me to explore hairstyles that I never thought would suit me,” she tells us.

The hairstylist is Anne Chea, who has been with REDS Hairdressing for nine years now. She started styling hair 14 years ago, and her regular clients include a girl who’s not even in kindergarten, an a 60-year-old plus lady.

Who are you recommending today?
My hairstylist, Anne Chea from REDS Hairdressing @ Takashimaya

Why are you recommending her?
She delivers good service and is confident of what she is doing.

How did you discover the place?
I was lucky! I just walked in randomly and found her!

How often do you go there?
Once in two months for a trim. Or just to gossip about the latest stuffs in town! *LOL!*

What makes her different from other salon stylists you've tried?
She gives a personal touch to customer service. And she’s dared me to explore hairstyles that I never thought would suit me. I would definitely give her credit for having the guts to totally change someone's look.

She is so good that...
She convinced me to chop off my frocks of 13 years. Beat that!

What time is it best to go there?
There is never a best time as she is always booked out. Do make an appoinment. A morning appointment always works best for me!

REDS Hairdressing
Takashimaya S.C. #B2-10A/11
Tel no: 6735 5711

View original article for REDS Hairdressing.

Sembawang Music

“Music CDs can be purchased convienently in most places today, but I will always return to Sembawang Music at Plaza Singapura”
— Allan Teo, arts gallery owner

ALLAN TEO likes music the way he does art. As owner of Momentous Arts gallery located off Boat Quay, he is a man who appreciates the finer things in life: music, painting, sculptures, clothes. He likes special details, as well as good service. JPO

Who are you recommending today?
This nice lady at Sembawang Music by the name of Siswanti bte Roosli. I have been to many other CD shops and the experience I get is no different from supermarkets where staff are hard to find, and when you do find one he or she might not be of much help. Sis is the main staff at the outlet.

How good is she?
Often I went there without knowing what I want to get and Sis would find out what I like and then bring out a stack of CD for me to test and listen.

Does she earn points for being extra thoughtful?
Sometimes I hear a song over the radio and would go to her, then sing her what I remember and she would most of the time know the song. Even when I find nothing I like after testing several CD, she would cordially ask me to come back again.

How did you discover the place/service?
I visit Raffles City a few times a week and Sis was originallyworking there before she was assigned to Plaza Singapura.

How often do you go there?
It depends. If I discover a new song I like, I'll head there. Sometimes I long for old songs and I would be there again.

What makes it different from other music shops?
The friendly staff. And if they do not have the stock, they will call me when it's in.

What time is it best to go there?
I'm normally there on weekdays. It gets a bit crowded after office hours.

How much does it cost?
I think the prices are pretty standard just about anywhere.

Sembawang Music
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road,
Plaza Singapura, #03-05

ASICS

“The sales person spent 20 minutes explaining a product to me, and didn’t even show signs of annoyance when I walked away.”
— Yeong Mun Jun, 19, student.

THIS 19-year-old full-time student isn’t a full-time runner, but he does indulge in athletics every now and then, especially running. “I am not an avid runner, I would only buy running shoes when I need one,” he says. But that may be about to change now that he’s disco the customer-oriented Asics store. “I also realised that the Asics staff are really familiar with the store’s products, as many of them are runners and athletes themselves. Somehow I think their personal experience enables a kind of special connection and trust between the customers and the sales person,” says Yeong Mun Jun.

What set it apart from other sport shops?
“Firstly, Asics specialises in running equipment, unlike general sport shops like World of Sports and Royal Sporting House which sell a wide variety of sporting goods. Being a specialised sport store also means that the Asics’ staff have a better knowledge of running shoes compared to the sales assistants at general sport shops.”

Exactly how good is their service?
“When I first entered their store in Marina, I was not willing to spend $200 on a pair of running shoes at all, but after listening to their advice on how shoes can really affect my health and such, I was totally convinced I should invest on some running shoes.

“One of the sales assistant spent 20 minutes explaining to me the functions of various shoes, but I left the store as I still wanted to try other brand like New Balance and Nike, which were just around the corner. I felt pretty bad for wasting the staff’s time, and was even more surprised that he didn’t show any signs of annoyance. They just said a warm ‘Thank you and see you again!’

“I did return to Asics eventually, and proceeded to look around again and ask even more questions just to be sure about the product. The sales person also took the initiative to introduce other products, further explaining its functions, and started asking me some very specific questions like ‘When you run, does your heel or ball of your foot strikes the ground first.’

“That first experience with Asics left me a great impression of them, and I’ll always remember them as a very customer-oriented store.”

What advice can you give to those who visit their store?
”There are a lot of pricey shoes there, but no worries; they will not push you for more sales if they know you don't need them at all. The sale people are a friendly bunch of dudes who are more than willing to serve even the most clueless customers!”

Sets you back by?
“Running shoes cost around $200 to $250. Its a real good deal knowing that your pair of shoes would last you a couples of years depending on your running frequency. As for running apparels, they cost around $60.”

He likes Asics so much that:
“As I am not an avid runner, I would only buy running shoes when I need one. However, I would always pop by Asics whenever I am in Marina Square just to have a look around and check out the latest shoes.”

Where can you find Asics?
Establised in 1949, Asics is the acronym for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, which means “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body” in Latin. The brand takes pride in their vision of a healthier and more positive lifestyle, and you can find this sense of well being at 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, #03-110. Opening hours are from 11am to 9.30pm daily.

View other shop recommendations.

Naumi Hotel

“Naumi Hotel’s poolside bar offers the most amazing view of the Marina Bay.” — Lazius Kaye, events venue agent

SINGAPORE is known for its many design-rich boutique hotels, with their quirky looks and individualistic styles: a barber’ s chair in the lobby of Hotel 1929, leather doors in Scarlet Hotel, a glass-bottom pool in The Majestic.
But no one has yet gone where Naumi is going: true-blue luxe. The same company that formerly owned The Imperial Hotel developed Naumi. The 10-storey building (formerly Metropole Hotel) is a stone’s throw away from the legendary Raffles Hotel and has a creeping vine on its façade.

Here, Singapore Parties founder Lazio Kaye, the person to contact when you need help in looking for and booking party and event venues, tells us about his latest discovery: Naumi’s poolside restaurant, which transforms into a bar as sunset approaches. It is open to walk-in guests. James P. Ong

What would you like to recommend today?
I recommend Naumi hotel’s poolside bar. It offers the most amazing view of the Marina Bay.

How did you discover it?
I read about it in Singapore Tatler. Naumi eventually became a venue partner of [my company] Singapore Parties.

What sets it apart from other poolside bars?
The pool is amazing, but the ambience truly is private and exclusive.

Exactly how good is their service?
Tops.

Does one need to book in advance?
They are always fully booked best contact them sooner than later.

Sets you back by how much?
It costs $4,000 book the venue exclusively for a maximum of 50 people. I can help you get them, just send an email to info@singaporeparties.com.sg.

View original article for Naumi Hotel.

Thomas D’Esthetique

"I like the place as the owner always give meaningful and genuine advice for my needs.”
— Gabriel Goh, 28, Mister Singapore 2007

“I BELONG to that group they would call metrosexual,” admits Mister Singapore 2007 Gabriel Goh. The 26-year-old engineer, whose interests are swimming, cycling and working out at the gym, says he is “merely keeping up with the trend of looking young and good. In my line of job — in fact, in any — to look better than presentable is quite a norm now.”

And so he goes to Thomas D’Esthetique Urban Homme Salon for his vanity needs, enjoying the detail to attention given by Thomas Tong, who himself established the spa.

What service are you recommending?
“The PPx and VI Peel for facial skin have worked wonders for my complexion. And the VelaSmooth Body Contouring program, go for it; especially if you are concerned about obesity. For me, it's to tone those muscle areas I have problem making obvious (laughs). Of course, not forgetting the famous Brazilian waxing they are popular for ( which 88DB Lifestyle has reviewed ). Pure perfection. Hey, men need it, all the good pleasures of showing nice smooth skin, or refined hair.”

How did you discover Thomas D’Esthetique?
“A close friend recommended it to me. I used to complain to my friend about the lack of establishments truly dedicated to making aesthetic difference to men.”

How often do you go there?
“Let’s just say I am going back for more. True, I may not need some of their services anymore but I like the place as the owner always give meaningful and genuine advice for my needs. “

How good is their service?
Ah, same as previous. That's why I keep going back.

What time is it best to go there?
Always make sure you book beforehand! There's not a perfect time to go. If you don’t work on afternoons, then between 2pm to 4pm would be best.

Any staff you’d like to recommend?
Thomas himself. He's the pioneer and knows all there is to know about men’s and grooming. Go to him, and you will know what I mean.

View original article on Thomas D’Esthetique.

Ambrosia, the Mediterranean Lounge

“I love the fact that there are so many cushions spread out for us to lean back and chill out for hours.” — Georgina Robinson, sales executive

Sales executive Georgina Robinson, in her 20s, is young, single and fabulous in Singapore. She lives on her own and loves going out to enjoy the city that almost never sleeps (at least on weekends). That means shopping, eating and enjoying a night out. It’s become her habit to run to Ambrosia in the Arab Street area once a week to catch up with friends.

Ambrosia first opened in 2004 and is inspired by Southern European dishes like Catalan lamb and escargot marinara, and Middle Eastern cuisines such as khoresh, kebab and pollo Marakesh. It now has two outlets on Baghdad Street: Ambrosia, the Mediterannean Restaurant (for fine dining), and Ambrosia, the Mediterranean Lounge (for drinks).

Georgina loves the restaurant’s unpretentious ambiance that “helps you melt away any tiredness/stress from a long day at work.”

Here she tell us more,

How she discovered it:
My friend took me there a few years ago and I loved its down-to-earth concept!

How she would describe it:
Ambrosia has a very laidback environment; it’s tucked away in a small street, which makes it a quaint and cosy hangout. Upstairs, you can sit on a carpeted floor, around square wooden tables. I love the fact that there are so many cushions spread out for us to lean back and just chill out for hours...helps you melt away any tiredness/stress from a long day at work.

How good is their service:
Once, even though there was only my friends and I occupying one table once at the no-smoking section upstairs, there was always one staff on hand. They served us everything as ordered and were very polite. The food was quite good for a late-night outlet and it was definitely worth the money. Generally it was a very pleasant experience, although some might need patience to understand the waiters' accents.

What time is it best to go there:
As it’s open from early evening till early morning, anytime is good. I've recommended Ambrosia to my friends in audit who work late. I always go there on a weeknight for dinner (time varies) and spend a few hours catching up with friends. It could get busy on weekends though...

How to enjoy a day or night out at Ambrosia:
Grab a table, have some food, follow it with shisha with a bunch of close friends, and have a blast.
Ambrosia, the Mediterranean Restaurant and its annex, Ambrosia, the Mediterranean Lounge, are both open for lunch from 12 noon to 2pm and for dinner from 5pm to 5am.

19 and 25A Baghdad Street, Singapore Tel. No. +65 62927313

View original article for Ambrosia food review.

Trattoria Lafiandra

“The staff at Lafiandra are an experienced, relaxed, and warm bunch.” — Anne Marie Lu, student

Anne Marie Lu, 20, might be familiar with most fine dining places offered in Singapore, but when it comes down to quality Italian food and friendly staff, only Lafiandra pops right into her head.

She recalls one particular dinner at Lafiandra in Singapore Arts Museum, “We were a table of 10, and the waiter patiently stood behind our table even though we kept ignoring him and continued our chitchat while ordering. He didn’t appear annoyed at all, even when it took about 15 minutes for us to finish placing our final orders.”

“The waiters at Lafiandra give professional and honest recommendations and aren’t stiff and formal like those at high-end dining areas.”

What sets it apart from others:
“Lafiandra has earned a reputation for great Italian food by word of mouth, and I heard that chefs from other Italian restaurants choose to dine here, too,” Anne explains.

It's not just the food:
Anne believes that an eating experience isn’t just about the food. Ambience and service are equally important factors. “The waiters at Lafiandra give professional and honest recommendations from their menu, and they aren’t stiff and formal like those at high-end dining areas. They are an experienced, relaxed, and warm bunch, and because of that, their service stands out.”

Exactly how good is there service:
“I’ve been to both outlets at Prinsep Street and the Singapore Arts Museum, but I recommend the latter because of a particular waiter. I’ve yet to find out his name, but he’s a middle-aged man with slightly dark skin tone.”

Piece of advice:
Make a reservation even on non-peak hours, as it’s a pretty popular place. “There are also two reasons you should make their starters your main course: Besides its large portions, their starters are so good, my friends and I often end up ordering six starter dishes and would be too full to have any of the desserts.”

Sets you back by:
Do set aside about $40 per person for a very substantial meal at Lafiandra. Anne feels that the pricing is pretty mid-range considering the high quality food they serve.

She likes it so much that:
“I make a point to go back once or twice a month, and I’ll make a point to fit in their desserts on the next trip.”

Where is it located:
Set up by a Singaporean Brenda Khusnin and her Italian husband Cataldo Lafiandra, Trattoria Lafiandra can be found at 46 Prinsep Street #01-01 and 71 Bras Basah Road, #01-02 Singapore Art Museum. Make your reservations at 6884 4035, for a table between their daily opening hours from 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm.

View original article of Trattoria Lafiandra food review.