SingFling


Raffles…then and now.
November 28, 2008, 11:23 am
Filed under: Singapore | Tags: ,

Did you know that Google is now hosting LIFE’s photos?  I just searched for Singapore and found the below shot from 1941…compared to a shot as it stands today. rafflesthenandnow

If you didn’t already know, Raffles Hotel is a Singapore landmark. Home of the “Singapore Sling,” it’s a colonial-style hotel from 1887, named after Singapore’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles. 

So, friends: when you come to visit, stay here!  I want to see what the rooms are like…



Da Paolo Pizza Bar, Holland Park
November 27, 2008, 3:33 pm
Filed under: Dining, Singapore | Tags:

dp-pizza-bar

I recently went to dinner at Da Paolo Pizza Bar in Singapore’s Holland Park neighborhood.   It was a welcome change from everything I’ve been eating lately (read: something with rice).   The pizza was reminiscent of pizza from home – I had fresh mozzarella with arugula and prosciutto paired with prosecco.   Yum, right?  And a fresh, mixed greens salad.  (Btw:  Don’t say boring, say yum.  I have found salads to be few and far between.)  The aesthetic was cool, too.  The pic is from their site.  The chef from Tippling Club was there.  That’s a good sign.  And then we ran into him again at Hacienda.  And that makes me look like a stalker.  But it was double confirmed today by a friend: Singapore’s small.  The social circles are small.  Better watch that second glass, Katie!

 



Slikachu
November 27, 2008, 10:21 am
Filed under: Art, Cool | Tags:

manhole2bswimming2b12b-2bblog

Slikachu is an artist from the UK.  Slikachu has nothing to do with Singapore.  It would be pretty cool if he did. 

from Wooster Collective



Kanye vs. Kylie
November 26, 2008, 3:27 pm
Filed under: Music | Tags: , ,

kanye    kylie-show2

Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark tour came to Singapore in October – I was lucky to catch the rescheduled show.  He performed most of the hits from College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation and a handful from 808s & Heartbreak…including “Pinocchio Story,” which surprisingly made it on the album – live from Singapore.   It was “Stonger,” “Homecoming,” “Through the Wire” and “American Boy” that really got us out of our seats though.  Oh, and “Love Lockdown” is still stuck in my head. 

 

The show was not nearly sold out.  We could have easily had floor seats; who knew?  

But Kanye was late to start. And last night, so was Kylie. 50 minutes late. Aren’t all concerts late? It’s expected…

But, it’s what everyone mentions…rather, complains of, the next day.  Check out Kanye’s MTV Asia review (ouch).   It’s not a shock, right?  Jay-Z and R. Kelly were two (maybe three) hours late in Chicago during their Best of Both Worlds tour. 

Kylie put on a SHOW last night: dancers, lights, costumes, the works.  I think every Aussie gal in Singapore was there.  It was great fun–exactly what it should be. She performed the faves: “Can’t Get You out of My Head” and “Love at First Sight,” as well as a ton from X, her latest album. 

It was a blast dancing, but I just didn’t know her other songs that well.  She was kind to the audience and so, so, so gorgeous. No wrinkles and a teeny, tiny tush.  Kylie Rx: 50 SPF + 50 min runs = 40 and hot. 

Kanye vs. Kylie?  I’ll call it a tie.      

 

kylie! wrinkle free!

kylie! wrinkle free!

 

 



Travel Tip #1
November 25, 2008, 11:03 am
Filed under: Travel

There are no – or very few – napkins in Singapore.  Just like Nana, I carry packets of mini tissues everywhere.  I suggest you do the same.



Adam Gyorgy in Singapore
November 25, 2008, 5:45 am
Filed under: Music, Singapore | Tags: , ,

I read this story in the local paper and it prompted me to check out Adam Gyorgy at the Victoria Concert Hall last week – nothing like a mid-week dose of culture!  Ah, the power of editorial… I am a huge music fan, but admittedly don’t know a ton about classical music…as probably most of my generation would say (even though some days I feel like an old lady). 

As you can imagine, Adam was incredibly impressive.  He reinterprets the classics – shall I say, remix? The Girl Talk of classical music? Might be a stretch.  There was a video screen on stage for the audience to follow his fingers across the keys.  I met Adam; he’s cool, too.  Of course, my brain started spinning about a marketing/PR campaign — ha!  If he’s smart about it, he could introduce classical music to a wider audience and give it a needed boost of “hip” cache.  Check him out on YouTube, iTunes or his site.



Yami Honeydew Yogurt. Shiok!
November 24, 2008, 10:28 am
Filed under: Malls, Singapore, Treats | Tags:

I learned a new Singlish word today: Shiok

I also had Yami yogurt today. Shiok!

Shiok (adj)
Pronounced ’shee-oak’
Derived from the Malay language (Straits Chinese) meaning fantastic or marvellous.
Example: That prawn mee soup was shiok!



Murakami’s South of the Border, West of the Sun
November 23, 2008, 3:15 pm
Filed under: Literature | Tags: ,

Starting the book tonight. 

It’s been around for awhile, but I will have to let Dan at BKREV know…



Singapore’s Dempsey Hill – just plain delicious
November 23, 2008, 2:03 pm
Filed under: As close to camping as it gets, Dining, Singapore | Tags: , , ,

The day that I came across Dempsey was a good day.  Not only was I with good company, it’s a welcome respite from the retail-a-thon. 

I will start with The Tippling Club. The aesthetic of the space is striking – it’s set in a lush, green forest, juxtaposed with clean iron and white linen. The bar, the tables, the lighting fixture – all uber-modern, but made to feel less so due to the overwhelming green surroundings.  The decor detail is impeccable, too. Their logo is subtly (and creatively) appears throughout the room.  Truth be told, I’ve been twice, but have only had cocktails.  So, it’s not a fair assessment, but I did speak to the handsome chef, Ryan Clift…and watched the cooking prep – and it looks outstanding.  Ryan told me of his recent trips to NYC, catering for major events, etc. Hilarious stories of NYC frustration trying to hail cabs in the snow, I naturally could relate…except for the part about “desperately trying to find XX to cook with.”  Hmm, no.  Have never been panicked for an ingredient.  I digress.   I’ll return to dine before I leave. 

img_1214

I also celebrated a friend birthday at The White Rabbitt — another great space.  This time, it’s an old chapel/church converted into a restaurant.  There’s a lush outdoor space with a DJ on Fridays – so much better than a jam-packed bar or club.  I’ve been twice, as well.  The first time I had the sea bass; second, salmon.  Both were good.  But the best?  The Mac n Cheese!  Creamy, buttery.  Just the way an American likes it…

whiterabbitinside

Time Out Singapore

http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/clubs/feature/see-the-bunny-side



Roughing it.
November 15, 2008, 1:39 pm
Filed under: As close to camping as it gets | Tags:

(NB: I handled it well with pretty pedicured toes and Michael Kors silver sandals.)

bang-flood-foot

bang-water