Miettas

Miettas is a fusion of classical and modern French as well as Italian fusion.

You'll find wooden beams, lovely paintings and well decorated tables draped in well steamed white linen.

Miettas is Chef Angelo newest venue venture. With over 15 years in the business, you will get to enjoy top quality food and top quality service.

We highly recommend Miettas for intimate corporate events, product launches as well as weddings and solemnisations as they have a second floor that is under a different brand name called HUGO.

This means that the total amount of space allocated for events is actually quite decent, you can choose to enjoy the first floor, the second floor or both at the same time!

You are also very welcome to book a table to schmooze your clients, celebrate a birthday, a hen party.

Miettas is also family friendly so you'll be able to enjoy your time with your children as well.

For info call +65 6396 5493 or click here.

Source: Miettas

Art Zone

This is the perfect venue if you are looking for something fun and new!

You can hire Art Zone for conducting varieties of art workshops and corporate events. Activities range from painting (on paper, wood, canvas, ceramic), working with coloured clay, crafts, etc.

Perfect for Corporate team building and for friends or families/kids to unleash their creative genius and just have fun!

Two thumbs up from Singapore Parties!

For info call 6333 8203, 6472 0963 or click here.

Source: Art Zone

Far East Gem Institute

“Practical and updated knowledge for current gem identification industry… highly recommended in the National Council of Jewellery Valuers magazine in Australia” — Kym Hughes, president of Australia's Nat'l Council of Jewellery Valuers

IN THE world of gemologists, Tay Thye Sun is the real thing. A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and president of the Singapore Gemologist Society from 1993 to 2003, Mr. Tay has saved many a client from purchasing fake items. Flying off to far-flung locations to appraise stones, upon the request of his well-heeled international clients, is just part of his job.

Mr. Tay draws from this expertise in the day-to-day operations of Far East Gemological Laboratory and Far East Gem Institute, which he has founded.

The Institute has trained staff from reputable companies such as Chopard, Bvlgari, Mont Blanc, Lee Hwa, Soo Kee, On Cheong, and Poh Heng.

Mr. Tay’s courses are attended by buyers, appraisers, bench jewellers, supervisors, and sales associates in the jewellery industry — such as Kym Hughes, a president of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers in Australia, who today gives us her recommendation. James P. Ong

Who are you recommending today?
Far East Gem Institute for their courses in gem/gem stones identification.

What do they offer?
Gem stone and gem identification courses as well as gemstones and jewellery trading.

How good is it?
Friendly lecturer. Good student-to-lecturer ratio. Complex topics are made easy to understand for layman. Practical and updated knowledge for current gem identification industry. Modern lab equipments for hands-on purposes.

How did you discover it?
Lecturer Mr. Tay Thye Sun is a figure of authority in the field of gem identification and trading. He has also been highly recommended in the NCJV (National Council of Jewellery Valuers) magazine in Australia.

What makes it different from other establishments that offer the same course?
The specimens and gems covered in this course are detailed and precise. For example, similar courses conducted in Australia seldom have jade specimens, as they are hard to come by in Australia.

What's the most important lesson that you learned from them?
I am a registered gem valuer in Australia. I am required to ascertain the value of different kinds of gems and gemstones. This course has definitely enhance my knowledge especially in Jade Specimens.

How much does the course cost?
Around $600 — which is relatively cheap. Courses of similar nature in Australia would probably cost twice as much.

Source: Far East Gem Institute

Best Art Galleries In Singapore

“I really like Opera Gallery's collection. I've bought all sorts of paintings from them, from French ones to Romanian...” — Patricia Liang, Mulan Gallery owner

PATRICIA Liang has a case of art attack. The art director of Mulan Gallery, an art gallery selling resplendent contemporary sculptures and paintings, travels extensively around the world in search of good art. Take a look inside her sprawling apartment and you will find paintings dotting the walls and sculptures lining the floors. It’s as if one has walked into an art gallery or museum. Patricia is that passionate about art. Hence, we speak to the mother of two boys on her recommendations on her favourite art galleries in Singapore. Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Opera Gallery Singapore (Ngee Ann City; 321 Orchard Road #02-12H; Tel: 6735 2618): “I always buy my art from them. I really like and admire their collection here. I have bought all sorts of paintings from them from the French ones to Romanian,” says Patricia. Opera Gallery is an illustrious international gallery and the Singapore gallery is located in the heart of Orchard Road. The huge space i offers the perfect spot for art lovers to appreciate fine art in the best setting. Master artists featured here include Salvador Dali, Pierre Bonnard, Damien Hirst, Claude Monet to Eugene Boudin. Asian art is also available here such as works by Chang Xin, Kim Chang-Young and Chen Yi Fei. A professional team at the gallery will provide any information or advice to interested art collectors.

Mulan Gallery (Tanglin Shopping Centre; 19 Tanglin Road #02-33; Tel: 6738 0810): “Of course I have to recommend Mulan Gallery. We are the new kid on the art block and we are certainly making ourselves known among art lovers and even the companies with vested interests in art,” enthuses Patricia. Mulan Gallery is the latest and brand new contemporary art gallery set up in Singapore, which offers original and resplendent contemporary bronze and clay sculptures and paintings by celebrated artists worldwide, especially in Europe and China. Mulan Gallery aims to put together a diverse and esteemed portfolio of eminent and well-respected artists, including young emerging artists from all over the world. Famous artists whose works have been highly sought after by art aficionados worldwide and featured in Mulan Gallery include Jiang Huan, Zhang Hua, Fernando Suraez, Zheng Yu Kui, Yu Qing Cheng, Lu Peng and more. The gallery also aims to raise awareness and standard of contemporary art appreciation, especially in sculptures, in Singapore.

View original article of the Best Art Galleries In Singapore.

Toys N Toys, Ng’s Collections, G&B Comics

Digital artist Gary Choo recommends his favourite toy shops in Singapore

GARY Choo, a digital artist who works in one of the world's biggest studios, has always loved his toys and figurines. He counts his Iron Man figurine and all the superheroes in the Marvel and DC Comic cosmos as favourites.

Growing up, Gary was enraptured both by the wonders and magic of those toys and the morning cartoons he saw every Saturday morning. So he pursued his lifelong dream: to be that artist who draws and sketches those superheroes and characters to life. His portfolio back at Nanyang Polytechnic was just the beginning of things to come.

Now back home in Singapore after stint in the United States, this 20-something jovial chap (and geek boy) humbly recommends his favourite toy stores. May the force be with Gary! Text and interview by Ronald Wan

Tell us where you can find special collectible toys, gadgets, comics and anything a geek – such as you – desires!
Toys N Toys and Ng’s Collections at China Square Central. G & B Comics at Bras Brasah Complex.

What’s so special about these shops?
Toys N Toys and Ng’s Collections bring in awesome toy imports from Japan and Hong Kong. You can find almost any speciality toy from Die Cast Chogokins to 12-inch figures all here. You name it and they probably should have it. They also have a catalogue for you to pre-order your toys. G&B Comics at Bras Brasah is the one-stop comic shop that will satisfy your Marvel’s cravings and DC fix. They also import comic speciality statues and the latest action figures!

Do you go there often and what do you get there?
I go there bi-weekly. There’ are more than enough stuff to find something new almost every week, which keeps me coming back for more! I usually hunt for figures. My most recent purchase is a Kotobukiya 12-inch movie Ironman statue from Toys N Toys! Janga janga janga!

Toys N Toys
18 Cross Street #01-25/26 China Square Central,
Tel no: 6438 6806

Ng’s Collections
18 Cross Street #02-09 China Square Central,
Tel. no: 6536 5320

G&B Comics
Blk 231 Bras Brasah Complex #03-47,
Tel. no: 6837 2280

View original article of toy shops in Singapore.

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.

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.

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.

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.