Books Actually, Earshot Café, Page One, 25 ºCelsius

Assistant book editor Adeline Loh recommends her favourite speciality bookstores in Singapore

ONCE upon a time, in a land far far away, all Adeline Loh had were her books and all she did was to just read. We know that is fictional but at least that is what Adeline dreams of. Since young, Adeline loved her books from romance novels to Disney fairytales. Fast forward to present day, the bookworm has since graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in – you guessed it – English literature. The bibliophile, who is an assistant editor at Page One, a publishing house specialising in art and design books, shares with us on her favourite bookstores and newsstands in Singapore. Interview by Ronald Wan.

Books Actually (No. 5 Ann Siang Road; Telephone no: 6221 1170). “This is one of my favourite bookstores. You should come here for the literary gems not found in big bookstores and the discerning selection of books on poetry, critical theory, film and art. I appreciate how the owners bring in the edition of a book with the most beautiful covers because I’m quite picky on the book covers myself!”

Earshot Café (1 Old Parliament Lane; Telephone no: 6883 1019 ). Located in The Arts House, this new shop is dedicated to the local arts scene selling Singapore’s music, film and books with about 780 book titles and 130 music titles to choose from. “I like the cosy environment and the comprehensive selection of Singapore’s literature, poetry and plays,” says Adeline.

Page OneBookshop (Vivocity 1 Harbourfront Walk #02-41/42 Tel: 6272 0822). It started out as a small bookshop but has since evolved to become a brand known to be specialising in design and art books.
“Of course I have to promote this bookshop! Besides the design and art books that the bookstore is well known for, Page One actually has a very good range of Chinese books and literature as well. See it for yourself!”

25 Degree Celsius (25 Keong Saik Road #01-01 Tel: 6327 8389) For those who love to whip up a storm in the kitchen, this is the best place to get favourite recipes and advice. The assortment of cookbooks is classified by region such as Chinese, Japanese, French and Thai. You can also hang out in the café for a drink or two with your favourite read. Adeline enthuses, “I love to come here just to browse and pick up a cookbook if I’m in the mood to learn a new dish!”

View original article of Books Actually, Earshot Café, Page One, 25 ºCelsius.

Fairmont Singapore's Room 2639

“At $13,800 per night, the most expensive place to watch the F1 night race is Fairmont Singapore's presidential suite.”
— James P. Ong, 88DB.com editor

FAIRMONT Singapore's (formerly Raffles Plaza Hotel) Room 2639 is a very popular address among the very, very important people of this world. King Juan Carlos of Spain and Muhammad Ali, to name a few, have stayed there.

And with 200-odd days left before the Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, this two-bedroom presidential suite, located on the penthouse floor, is still available to the highest spender.

As of this writing, it is Singapore’s most expensive accommodation during the historic F1 week: $13,800 per night, for a minimum stay of five nights. That’s easily $69,000 in total — enough to buy you a decent Japanese-made car.

“As one of September’s races’ 11 trackside hotels, the Fairmont Singapore has been receiving numerous queries from various companies and individuals — here and abroad since the latter part of 2007,” says Mr. Ian Wilson, general manager of Fairmont Singapore and Regional Vice President, Asia of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

“During this time, guestrooms and suites which boast not only a panoramic vantage point of the magnificent races but also a dramatic backdrop of Singapore’s picturesque skyline are highly coveted,” he adds.

Fairmont Singapore's presidential suite comes with these other amenities: your own sauna, Miller Harris toiletries from London, a sun room, and an eagle’s view of at least three F1 tracks.

In addition, you can throw your own party and invite a gazillion of your friends — the windows are wide enough for everyone to see something. If you're still looking for accommodations during the F1 week, this is it.

Don’t forget to invite us over for cocktails.

You can reach Fairmont Singapore (80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, 189560) through tel. no. (65) 6837 3883 or email them at reservations.singapore@fairmont.com.

View original article for Fairmont Singapore here.

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.

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.