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.

Ming Kee Chicken Rice

"A plate costs only S$2.50. The chicken skin is often removed, so you don’t have to worry about high cholesterol.” — Richest Chia See Thian, housing agent

WHEN housing agent Richest Chia See Thian, 52, moved into Bishan 15 years ago, one of his best discoveries was a “healthy” chicken rice stall in his neighbourhood that serves skinless chicken, with a smile. Not a common site in hawker centres!

Mr Chia, a father of two sons studying in Sec 3 next year, says his passion is “always striving very hard to make my customers happy in whatever things that I do. My company, HSR International, always taught us to go for the best.

He has been an 88DB.com member since August, 2007, and is one of the lucky winners in our recent “I Recommend” contest, to which he contributed this entry. He won a $30 Isetan voucher, which he says he is giving to his wife.

One of Mr Chia’s hobbies is photography, and he took the photos that appear here with his Sony Ericsson k810i camera phone, “which serves me well”. Other things he does on his free time: “karaoke…and admiring beautiful things like flowers and girls.”

How long he's been going to this stall:
For the last 15 years, since I moved into Bishan.

How he discovered it:
One weekend when there was an unusually large crowd queueing to buy chicken rice from the stall. People just wait patiently for their turn and they never complain even though the waiting time can be very long, especially on Saturday and Sunday evenings. It’s because it’s cheap and good.

Why he likes it:
They offer the best and freshest chicken rice at an affordable price, which is cooked fresh every lunch and dinner. A plate costs only S$2.50. The chicken skin is often removed, so you don’t have to worry about high cholesterol.

Anyone he wants to commend:
All the uncles and aunties who work diligently and with a smile at the stall. They never get angry no matter how busy they are. They also work for very long hours.

What time is it best to go there:
The best time to buy is at 10 am everyday, because then the chicken is fresh and tender and tastes very nice. On Tuesdays, they are closed.

Anything else good to order:
Vegetables.

Where is it located:
Ming Kee Bugis Street Chicken Rice Stall is at Blk 511, Bishan Street 13, at the 24-hour Kim San Leng Food Centre.

View original article for Ming Kee Chicken Rice review.

Settlers Café

“The staff there are friendly, and they'll be glad to help you if you're stuck with your board game.”
— Hilda Cheng, student

WHERE other establishments have football or billiard tables as come-on for its customers, Settlers Café offers board games. One of the reasons why people flock to restaurants and cafes such as Settlers (which has been open since 2003), is that "it is like having a gathering at someone's home without the hassle of cleaning up the place,” declares its website.

“Our objective is to let people be aware of board games as a fun form of creative socialising that promotes bonding and learning,” it says. “Our vision is to see board games becoming popular again as a form of recreation.”

It certainly has won a fan in Hilda Cheng, a 15-year-old student whose hobbies include singing, online shopping and hanging out with her friends. An 88DB.com member since October this year, joined our “I Recommend” contest (which ended last month) and entered Settlers Café as her recommendation.

“They offer Western cuisine, finger foods and so much more that you'll be spoilt for choice. They provide really delicious meals and, while you're enjoying your meal, you could even play a board game,” she says. “The staff there explains how to play the game you have chosen very clearly and helps you get started. Some examples of the games are Snorta, Cash and Guns, Cashflow and Pit.”

Hilda tells us more...

How did you discover it?
My mum actually told me about it, and I’ve gone there twice already.

How would you describe it?
Settlers Café is a warm and cosy place for relaxing. It is the perfect place to stimulate or relax the mind.

How good is the service?
The staff is friendly, and they'll be glad to help you if you're stuck with your board game.

What time is the best time to go there?
You need to reserve a table first, so there isn't any particular “best time of the day” to go there. I always order fish-and-chips, it's my favourite, and English breakfast tea, also my favourite drink, really.

How to enjoy a day or a night out there?
Just be yourself, as the cafe is suited for relaxing.

Settlers Café’ has three branches in the island, all of which are open until late night.
Reservation is a must. We recommend sending your reservation via SMS.

Central Outlet
39, North Canal Road,
Singapore 059295
SMS: 8234-5215

HollandV Outlet
Blk 15 Holland Drive
#02-98 Singapore 271015
SMS: 8234-5216

Katong Outlet
107 East Coast Road
Singapore 428799
SMS: 8234-521

View original article for Settlers Café.

Discover Chiropractic Clinic

“I would like to recommend this wonderful clinic to as many people who need spinal treatment not by drug, painkiller or surgery.”
— Adeline Chua

One evening, Adeline Chua, 52, felt an intense and sudden excruciating sharp pain running from her right hipbone down to her knee. “I had to struggle out of the bath tub and the pain left me out of breath, sweating and motionless,” she remembers.

She was brought to a hospital where she was given painkiller and warded for three days. “I couldn’t sleep because the pain was there permanently. The hospital kept prescribing painkillers to me and I lost weight, sleep, and energy,” she remembers. “Worst of all, I was told by the doctor to go home and to resort to surgery if the pain didn’t go away.”

Adeline, who has been an 88DB.com member since June, 2007, went home after getting her MRI results, which revealed disalignment of her vertebrae caused by bone degeneration.

“I was in pain for 24 days at home, could not move or walk, and I had to buy a wheelchair at the time of discharge from hospital and a walking frame to enable me to move at home,” she says.

It was then that a friend recommended Discover Chiropractic Clinic to Adeline, who is one of the lucky winners in our “I Recommend” contest that ended on 30 November. She won a $50 Isetan voucher for the entry below.

What sets it apart from the rest:
“This wonderful chiropractic clinic does not recommend painkillers or any other drugs, and consider surgery only as a last resort. They heal patients by gentle and precise treatment of the spinal column and you get instant results.”

What convinced her to try it:
“I had tried various Eastern physicians for treatment, but there were no visible results. Finally a friend recommended a chiropractor to me. I was curious after reading their articles on non-drug and -surgery recovery.

Exactly how good is their service:
“By my second session of chiropractic care, my pain had subsided and I could walk some distance. Gary Tho, the Australian chiropractic doctor who attended to me, is very gentle and attentive to his patients and gives a lot of encouragement, reminding us that our minds can also help in the healing process. By my eight session, I was able to walk with less pain and I was so glad that I did not have to rely on my wheel chair and walking frame anymore.”

Piece of advice:
“It's regrettable that many people do not know about chiropractic care and I would like to take this opportunity to recommend this wonderful chiropractic clinic to as many people who needed chiropractic treatment not by drug nor painkiller nor surgery.”

Where you can find them:
165 Tanjong Pagar Road, #04-16A The Amara Professional Centre, Singapore, Tel: 6238 7276 (book through Kelly).

View original article on Discover Chiropractic Clinic.

Summer Salon

"Stylists at Summer Salons scrutinise give haircuts that best suits you, based on your face shape and features."
- Adeline Chong, Graphic Designer

A SELF-DECLARED perfectionist, 20something Adeline knows exactly what she wants when it comes to good haircuts, and that’s why she’s been going to the hip and trendy Summer Salon for a decade now. Interview by Mavis Ang

What sets it apart from the others:
“They have a very relaxing interior, and the branch at Pandan Valley condominium has a small backyard with water features that overlooks an open field. It’s an excellent touch, as customers doing hair colouring and perming can take a stroll while waiting for the treatment to finish.”

Exactly how good is their service:
“Stylists there will scrutinise your face shape and features, then advise you on what hairstyle best suits you. It's not an easy thing for me to put my trust in a hairdresser, but when I finally did, I wasn't disappointed.”

Piece of advice:
“Definitely call for an appointment if you're planning on getting a haircut after office hours and on weekends.” As their services are on the pricey side, get a senior hairdresser only if you want an elaborate haircut. A junior staff will do if all you need is a trim and tidy-up.

Sets you back by:
“A simple wash and cut cost around $35-50 depending on your gender and hair length.”

She likes it so much that:
Adeline’s been going to Summer Salon since her primary school days, and would go back every now and then when she wants a particular hairstyle that she wouldn’t trust other salons with.

Where you can find them:
Summer Salon has four branches in the island, including Adeline’s recommendation, located in Pandan Valley. The newest outlet, photographed here, is called Color Bar and located at Holland Village just above Cold Rock Ice Creamery. “They have re-branded pretty well, with a sleeker shop design and a wide range of hair-colouring services,” shares Adeline.

Location:
Summer Salon
2 Pandan Valley
Tel. 6468 6800

Color Bar (by Summer Salon)
24C Lorong Mambong
Holland Village
Tel. No. 6468 6468
Open from 11am to 8pm (Mondays to Saturdays), and from 11am to 7pm (Sundays)

Other branches:
Marine Parade Central (Tel: 6344 1136)
Siglap (Tel: 6441 1136)

View original article on Summer Salon.

Joe Fishing Tackle

“The staff of Joe Fishing Tackle always strive to understand your needs before recommending products.”
—Bobby Ang Meng Kong, Security Supervisor

Fishing enthusiast Bobby Ang has been angling in Singapore and Malaysia’s waters for 30 years. Whether he’s fishing in deep sea or farm ponds, Ang believes in using the right gear suitable to each venue. As he goes fishing almost every weekend, he restocks regularly, and knows exactly where to get the best service: Joe Fishing Tackle along Beach Road.

What sets it apart from others:
“Beach Road has many shops selling fishing gear, but Joe Fishing Tackle is the best because they always ask where I’m going to fish, so they can help recommend the right equipment. Its owner, Joe, is always very friendly and willing to talk about his products.”

Sets you back by:
“Average spinning reels with two ball bearings cost about $15, which is pretty cheap! As the prices of reels are based on the number of ball bearings they have, those with three ball bearings are sold at $65 there.”

He likes it so much that:
He visits Joe Fishing Tackle twice a month, replenishing his stock of lures, baits, and wires.

Find out where you can visit Joe Fishing Tackle.