This is not just a usual week in Singapore. Yesterday kicked off iconic Negroni Week, which is back for another round of drinking for a good cause from 12 – 18 September.
In 2013, Campari and Imbibe Magazine launched this global philanthropic initiative to raise money for charitable causes around the world. Now in its 10th year, the 2022 version involves 10 bars across Singapore whipping up their own interpretation of the Handshake Negroni, and over 60 venues paying homage to the classic cocktail. That’s a lot of drinking opportunities!
Creations & classics
The 10 bars recreating the “Handshake Negroni” will take inspiration from the “Bartender’s Handshake” – a ritual known in the industry as a way to greet friends, colleagues and familiar customers by offering small serve cocktails or shots on the house. These creations, along with the classic Negroni, will not just pay homage to each bar’s hospitality and creativity, but also work as a symbol of some post-Covid normalcy at last.
What’s more, for every Negroni purchased, a donation will be made to a charity of the bar’s choice, so it’s the perfcet excuse to get gulping the perfect mix of gin, sweet red vermouth and Campari. Some of the 10 bars tasked with showcasing their experimental flair include:
Featuring rum, sweet vermouth and Campari, the addition of ruby port adds an exuberant red fruit sweetness that mellows the bitterness. Garnished with dark cherry and cacao nibs, this cocktail is best enjoyed with bites in between for a reminder of famous Black Forest cake.
Fascinated as a quirky, fictional character of the gilded age, Count Olivier boasts an intricate mix of gin, mezcal, vermouth, Campari and dashes of chocolate bitters that brings forth a curious eccentricity of floral, tropical and classic bitterness with chocolate notes.
Those with a penchant for botanical-forward renditions of the Negroni will love this. Utilising smoked rosemary-infused gin with hibiscus-infused Campari and Rosso vermouth, this bright red tipple carries a woodsy, aromatic profile with a tinge of tartness that complements herbal bitterness.
Special Negroni events
In addition, special events will take place in the days to come to mark Negroni Week. Don’t miss the Italian brunch at Publico Ristorante on Saturday 17 September, where Smoke & Mirrors’ bartenders Edu Zamora and Mel John Chavez will be producing Negroni specials along with their representing Handshake Negroni for those craving a bittersweet hit. From 12 – 25 September, guests can also participate in the ‘Table 10’ experience – an intimate, Campari-branded space, featuring a selection of Negroni specials.
Also, the Campari Table Photo Booth at Opus Bar & Grill is the place to be from now until 24 September. Get a pic here and upload your shot to Instagram tagging @opusbarandgrill and #NegroniWeekOpusBarandGrill, and you could win complimentary full serves of Negroni for every subsequent visit throughout the year. Thirsty work, but somebody’s got to do it!
Ristorante Pietrasanta is one of the most acclaimed Italian restaurants in Singapore renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. And now Ristorante Pietrasanta does a spin-off with Casa Pietrasanta, a new private dining concept that has opened its doors at One North. This new space brings the same refined flavours made famous by Chef-Owner Loris Massimini but curated for smaller, more intimate celebrations.
There’s endless pasta-bilities at Casa Pietrasanta
Cafe Pietrasanta concept was born from Chef Loris’s passion for cooking and hosting friends with a menu that pays tribute to the different generations of Italians who enjoy cooking together as a way to bring family and loved ones around the table. This intimate 20-seater space with an open kitchen allows diners to interact with the chefs in a home-like setting.
Given Ristorante Pietrasanta’s excellent reputation for Italian fare, we were looking forward to trying the new set-menu and checking out the space. For appetisers we started with the seabass carpaccio, thin slices of seabass, pink peppercorn, lemon zest and Tuscan extra virgin oil. It was a succulent and refreshing start to the meal.
The second appetiser was the Stracciatella, luxurious burrata cream served with 18-month Parma ham, rocket salad, semi-dried tomatoes, and homemade balsamic glaze; a dish that is simple in its ingredients but the outstanding quality made it for a decadent and fulfilling dish.
Before we had our mains, we wanted to try the pasta, after all Pietrasanta is known for their fresh pastas, so we had the Fettuccine “La Bussola” a delicious fresh handmade tagliatelle doused in an earthy portobello sauce and laced with Genovese’s pesto sauce and truffle. This dish lived up to PIetrasanta’s well-earned reputation for outstanding pasta with the dish earning its fair share of oohs and aahs!
On to the mains, the Chicken “À la Fricassée”, a juicy spring chicken cooked in silky porcini sauce with golden and red beetroot; a dish that evoques Mediterranean country cooking. Our second main was the Gianciale di Manzo, this beef cheek was cooked “long and slow” in a punchy green sauce and further dressed with red and yellow capcisum. A luscious and hearty dish with deep flavours without being overpowering.
To end the meal on a sweet note, we tucked into the Tortino alle Mele e Vaniglia, not your everyday apple tart, this was a melt-in-your-mouth apple crumble tart with many layers of textures as with all good crumbles, served with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.
Casa Pietrasanta offers two menus for lunch and dinner. For lunch, a 3 and 4-course lunch is priced at $49.90 and $59.90 per person respectively, while the 3-course dinner begins at $64.90 per person and $74.90 per person for 4 courses. It is a small and intimate venue with a simple and cosy décor which would also be suitable to book-out for private events.
Verdict: Overall, the food quality and high standards from Ristorante Pietransante are faithfully maintained in this new venture. We felt the outstanding service, the flavours and the two menu options are great value for money.
Casa Pietrasanta
1 Fusionopolis Way
02-04/05, 138632
Tel:8125 1154
How did your role at Raffles Hotel Singapore come about? I’ve been writing for seventeen years and as I’ve always loved the hotel, I wrote a murder mystery set there. When I finished the manuscript, it occurred to me that the hotel might not appreciate me murdering people in their lovely property! I got in touch to double check. After asking to read what I’d written,they invited me to be their second Writer-in-Residence.
How long has the residency programme been running? It began in 2019 with Pico Iyer. The idea behind it is to offer authors a place to retreat and draw inspiration from the hotel’s architecture and rich literary heritage. Raffles Singapore has long played muse to renowned writers and the aim is to continue that tradition.
You began your residency online due to the pandemic. How easy was this? I was lucky to visit Raffles post restoration in August 2019. This allowed me to revise my manuscript with all the up-to-date atmospheric details before travel stopped. After that we had to adapt the residency online. Raffles Writers Bar head bartender Nicholas Alexander and I had great fun chatting over Zoom about the new cocktail list based on the characters in my novel. Sadly, I had to imagine them rather than taste them!
Now your book’s completed, please give us an overview. . . The Raffles Affair is a modern-day whodunnit; a glamorous revival of the Golden Age mysteries. It begins with former MI6 agent Victoria West arriving at Raffles Hotel Singapore to attend her friend’s wedding. I often retreat into old classics for the fun and sophistication they exude, and that’s what I’ve tried to do with this book.
What do you love most about writing from Raffles Hotel Singapore? Its calmness and rich literary heritage make it the perfect place to write. As far back as 1887, the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Joseph Conrad have inaugurated legendary literary tradition there. For any writer, it’s impossible not to feel inspired.
What’s your go-to cocktail at the Writers Bar? In the past, I haven’t been able to go past a chilled glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne. But on my next visit, I’ll order an Agent Provocateur cocktail, which is Nicholas’ creation inspired by my book’s protagonist, Victoria West.
Where are your favourite things to do in SG? The first thing I do is head to a hawker for rambutans and a mango juice (mangoes are horrendously expensive back in New Zealand!). No visit to Singapore is complete without visiting the local bookstores. We don’t get much Singaporean literature in New Zealand, so I enjoy discovering new authors when I travel.
Purchase The Raffles Affair ($29.90) online at rafflesarcade.com.sg or can be purchased in person at Raffles Boutique.
The Australian and New Zealand Association (ANZA) provides social, sporting and recreational opportunities for Australian and New Zealand expatriates, as well as all other nationalities living in Singapore.
We are in search of an enthusiastic, conscientious, organised individual to join the ANZA team as Events Manager. The Events Manager will be responsible for the association’s annual events from conception to completion, including managing the event budget whilst ensuring our events are creative and innovative. The role requires an effective communicator with initiative and a keen eye for detail, someone who can perform efficiently under pressure ensuring deadlines are met.
Job Summary
Plans, coordinates, organises and manages approximately 30 events yearly. Facilitates effective communication with key stakeholders ie vendors/hotels/sponsors/members. Ensures all events organised are successfully executed and concluded.
The role of Event Manager is hands-on and involves working as part of a team. The Event Manager must be able to complete a wide range of activities requiring clear communication and excellent organisational skills and must respond quickly to change, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of any event under his/her management.
Overall Responsibility
End to end management of ANZA events on a monthly and annual basis.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Responsible for all key areas of event management
Plan and implement the associations yearly social events programme from conception to competition including concept, budget, risk evaluation, sourcing of venue, entertainment, catering, promotion and marketing of monthly events
Establish and manage event budgets and key expenses
Develop creative design briefs on all event collateral and coordinate with the inhouse designer through to delivery
Coordinate with Editorial team on all internal media content for all events ensuring that marketing deadlines are met
End to end management of approx. 4 key annual events for 400+ attendees
End to end management of approx. 20 social events for 40 – 80+ attendees
Managing event marketing including internal and external media
Sourcing of prize sponsorship for events
Terms of Employment
Full-time, salaried (part-time will be considered)
Some evening and weekend work is required
Key Strengths
Minimum 3 years’ experience in event management from conception to completion
Ability to work to deadlines
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Excellent command of written and spoken English
Initiative, eye for detail and a team player
Interested applicants please email your cover letter and CV to Kerry Low [email protected] before Friday 14 October 2022.
Singaporean or PR only. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Great news! 2022 has been a fantastic time for ANZA Nippers! Back in January we had just four children in each age group due to restrictions, but today we have a whopping 85 participants – and counting.
In the months of March to June alone, we’ve seen more children interested in joining Nippers than ever before. Indeed, we have 72 children on the waitlist right now. But while we love to see our community growing in strength and numbers, in order for us to open up more spots for the second half of the season, we desperately need coaches and assistant coaches to join us down at Palawan beach to teach children invaluable lifesaving and water safety skills.
If you’re holding a Bronze Medallion or First Aid Certificate, are interested in one of the above positions, or are willing to volunteer your time in any other way, please register your interest by email at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you.
Meet the ANZA Nippers Committee 2022
From front left to right: Jaq Molloy – Events, Gareth Thomas – Treasurer, Kat Gilzmer – Communications, Sarah Andrews – Secretary, David Howard – President, Paul Harding – Gear Steward
All new volunteers are invited to join the Nippers committee. We meet once a month (usually on the second Tuesday) to discuss all pressing issues, plan for the season ahead and fuel ourselves with coffee and lunch.
Become a Medallion Man (or Woman!)
Each year, ANZA Singapore Nippers offers all current members the chance to attain their Bronze Medallion here in Singapore via our association with Avalon Beach Surf Living Club. The course runs over two weekends plus there’s online learning that can be done in your own time. The number of Nippers spots we can offer each year depends on how many Bronze Medallion qualified parents we have to lead and assist in each age group. In a place like Singapore, where people come and go, the continuation of ANZA Nippers relies on parents willing to attain their Bronze Medallion qualification and be counted on during sessions for water safety. Over the past few years, thirty people have successfully completed the course. It’s a unique opportunity to become a lifesaver and to get involved with ANZA Nippers, plus it’s lots of fun!
Going out in Singapore after dark doesn’t have to mean a boozy session followed by bad dancing at BRIX (although these are perfectly acceptable pastimes). There are heaps of activities to do and places to visit to keep everyone occupied well into the small hours. Here are some of our favourite nocturnal happenings to take on when everyone else is sleeping.
Fun activities
Things to do solo, or with friends and family
Late night kite flying
Sweating away at Marina Barrage in the middle of the day as you try to send a kite sky high is no-one’s idea of fun. That’s why flying a kite at night against Singapore’s shimmering skyline is far more enjoyable (and sensible). There’s a certain sense of stillness that is only achievable in the small hours when temperatures are more comfortable, so night-time offers perfect conditions. Get LED night kites from kiteculture.sg to make the experience even more awesome.
Culture spot at People’s Park
As the lights dim in Chinatown, it’s the locals who truly shine, especially at the back of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. While the secret societies, gangs, and dodgy dens of Chinatown’s past are long gone, you’ll find the locals continuing their games of mahjong and putting the world to rights. Nearby, another group indulge in some line dancing. Watch them groove to a sound system and trusty tapper who “keeps the beat”. They put on quite a show as they shimmy and sway their way around the old square, and offer a heart-warming slice of community life.
Prawning
The only thing to be doing at midnight in Singapore? Catching a prawn! Orto (orto.sg) is open 24 hours and offers round-the-clock prawning with rods and bait included. With 10 ponds containing big head prawns and yabbies, it’s a spacious set-up with plenty of options to choose from. Grab a beer from a nearby bar counter, and you could be forgiven for thinking you’re cooking up a barbie back home. Rumour has it that this place will be redeveloped soon, so get there sharpish. Orto, #01-09 81 Orto, Lorong Chencharu, 769198
Stargazing
Our skyscape is constantly flooded by city lights, whether seen from a rooftop bar or on the sands of Sentosa. Changi Point Coastal Walk is not only a lovely wander at night, but it also offers great stargazing opportunities. Head to the 140-metre Changi Bay Point boardwalk on the newly opened Changi Bay Park Connector for the magical sight of twinkling stars and sweeping waterfront views. Want to stay inside? Woodlands Galaxy Community Club is home to the Andromeda Observatory and features a 30cm telescope that gives astrophiles the best view into space. It closes at 6pm so you only get a snippet of sunset, but it’s worth it. Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, 31 Woodlands Ave 6, 738991
Hit the arcade
Release your inner child at Level Up (1-levelup.com), an adults only arcade and bistro bar at Clarke Quay. Their motto is “Eat, Drink, Play” and this is certainly the place to do it. You’ll find old-skool arcade games (Space Invaders! Daytona racing!), beerpong, table football, drinking games, local music and delish bar bites until 12am. Alternatively, Cow Play Moo Cow (cpcm.com.sg) is a huge amusement space for all ages full of machines and games, with some outlets open until 12.30am. Level Up, #02-04, 3A River Valley Road, 179020, Cow Play Moo Cow, islandwide
Watch the port at work Senoko Fishery Port does not smell pretty, but it sure is a feast for the eyes! Open from 2am – 6am, night owls or early risers can come here to glimpse over 30 stalls including an array of stingray, sotong and mud crabs which are – quite literally – fresh off the boat. Perhaps more fascinating, however, is watching the staff at work and observing how things operate in the dead of night. Remember to bring your NRIC or passport to get past the security checkpoint. 31 Attap Valley Road, 759908
Cosmic bowling
There’s bowling, and then there’s cosmic bowling. Bringing bowling and disco together, K Bowling Club (kbowlingclub.com) pulls out all the stops with lights, good tunes, food and booze alongside the game. Open until 1am, the venue also boasts dart machines, karaoke booths and old school arcade games making it a heap of after hours for families and groups of friends. Likewise, Sonic Bowl (sonicbowl.sg) is also where it’s at for a late night strike. Sonic Bowl, various venues. K Bowling Club, #03-27, 313 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, 238895
Sing it out
Karaoke is back and if your vocal chords don’t start coming into their own until nighttime, there are plenty of places to let rip at! K.Star Karaoke (kstar.com.sg) houses 22 themed rooms featuring the likes of space and carnival decor. If you feel sleepy upon arrival, we recommend opting for a panorama room which takes it up a notch with 360-degree wall projections with high-tech animations. As the venue opens until 3am, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself thinking you’re in a dream, or a nightmare?! K. Star Karaoke, Orchard Central, Suntec City, Plaza Singapura
Sporty stuff
Because fitness isn’t just for daylight hours
Night cycling Cycling after sundown is super relaxing as the crowds disperse and the air grows cooler. Favourite routes include Punggol Waterway, Kallang River, and the breezy sea-view trail from East Coast Park to Changi Village. Up the fun by including supper stops along the way. ANZA Cycling and ANZA Easy Riders are always ready to welcome new members.
Go-karting
For a night drive with a difference, The Karting Arena at The Grandstand, with its electric and petroleum-powered go-karts, ticks all the boxes (thekartingarena.com). Go all F1 around the tracks at speeds of up to 30km/h, or 50km/h if you’ve got a driver’s license to show. Along with single karts, double seaters with one dummy wheel are perfect for parent-child duos. We guarantee everyone will sleep well afterwards. 200 Turf Club Road, #01-01B The Grandstand, 287994
Photo by Balakrishnan, Secret Sunrise Singapore
Sunset dancing
Prepare to dance like no-one is watching (although a few people actually will be) at locations around the island with Secret Sunrise Singapore. This fabulously unselfconscious bunch host facilitated events at sunrise (and sunset) with the aim of taking you on a journey of music and movement, connection and joy. Pop the headphones on, turn the tunes up, and prepare to sweat!
Rock climbing
Rock climbing at night is a unique way to hang out (literally!). Many outfits across the island stay open up until 11pm, allowing you to scale walls while the sun goes down. Climb Central (climbcentral.sg) has locations across the red dot and welcomes all ability levels. Upwall (upwallclimbing.sg) hosts occasional midnight climbing sessions that run till as late as 2.45am. Upwall, 1 Pasir Ris Close, E!Hub@Downtown East, #01-105, 519599
And relax
All exercised out? Soothe achey muscles at a spa. Open 24 hours, G.Spa (gspa.com.sg) is a world of indulgence with saunas, steam baths, hot and cold pools and a relaxation lounge. They even offer all day dining so if you fancy food after your 2am footsie, go for your life! Natureland Spa (natureland.com.sg) has great packages on massages, scrubs and foot massages. Multiple locations in town open until 3am so bear it in mind if you can’t sleep. G.Spa Singapore, #02-02, Guillemard Village, 102 Guillemard Road, 399719
Late night bites
Some dishes taste better after dark
East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Courtesy of Singapore tourism board
East Coast Lagoon Food Village
If you’re indulging in a late bike ride, this food centre in East Coast Park is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and soak up some evening vibes. Satay, hokkien mee, BBQ stingray, and cereal prawns are served up under the twinkling stars. Tuck in while you take in the sound of the ocean and a tranquil atmosphere that is quintessentially wee-hours. East Coast Lagoon Food Village, 1220 East Coast Park, 468960. Open until 2am daily
Cafe Gavroche
If your midnight cravings involve cheese, cold cuts, Fines de Claire oysters and a glass of fizz, may we suggest Cafe Gavroche (cafegavroche.com). This 1930s-style French-inspired cafe opens until midnight on Saturdays, adding a splash of sophistication to post-cocktail snacking. Don’t miss the delish chocolate cake which may be the fuel you need to get you back home. Cafe Gavroche, 69 Tras Street, 079008
The Ramen House
A hearty bowl of ramen could be the key to curing impending hangovers, so head here if you’re feeling fuzzy before 6am. The 30-hour boiling process provides flavour-rich, milky, and smooth broth with the ramen noodles, meat and vegetables. Their bestseller, Volcano Ramen (S$12.90), is as satisfying as it is sobering. The Ramen House, 6 Short St, 188213
Superstar K
If you want to hang out with the cool kids (or if you have cool kids yourself), opt for a Korean BBQ before bed. Superstar K is an authentic place with a relaxed atmosphere serving up Seasoned King Size Beef Rib, Pork Belly Bulgogi, Black Pepper Chicken, Kimchi Stew and more. Once home, demand that all dining participants strip off immediately and put their smoky clothes in the wash. Unless you were eating out with friends, obviously. 75 Tanjong Pagar Road, 088496
The Ramen Stall
Visit The Ramen Stall (theramenstall.sg) not just for ramen, but also a wide range of Japanese appetisers, sushi, sashimi, kushiyaki, gohan and desserts. It’s open until 2am on Friday and Saturday and as it’s halal, all dishes are free of pork, lard and alcohol. The Ramen Stall, 787 North Bridge Road, 198755
The Roti Prata House
Hidden within a row of shophouses, The Roti Prata House (facebook@TheRoiPrataHouse) is one of Upper Thomson Road’s iconic supper spots. As well as prata, you’ll find briyani, maggi goreng and soups, making this low key late nighter a must. For something different at 2am, give their durian or ice-cream prata a whirl. The Roti Prata House, 246 Upper Thomson Road, 574370
BKK Bistro & Bar
After working up an appetite prawning with friends at Orto, head to BKK Bistro & Bar (facebook.com/BKK.Bistro.SG) for Thai bites and lakeside views. You’ll find a whopping 24 different combinations of boat noodles, as well as a variety of staples such as Tom Yum Seafood Hotpot, Spicy Basil Pork Rice and a good ol’ Green Curry. Bkk Bistro & Bar, 81 Lorong Chencharu, 769198. Open until 2am
Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice
If the quality of your night depends on the curry you complete it with, this is for you. Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice (facebook.com/curryscissorsrice) is a laid back spot in two old shophouses at the junction of Jalan Besar and Kitchener Road. Serving curry Hainanese style, expect favourful gravy, crunchy cabbage and crispy pork chop until 3am – perfection! Beach Road Scissors Cut Curry Rice, 229 Jalan Besar, 208905
Maxwell Hawker Centre by Danny Santos. Courtesy of Singapore tourism board
Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre is one of Singapore’s most famous and busiest hawkers, but visit at night and you’ll find a distinctly more chilled vibe. Ideal if you’ve been on the sauce, soak up your sins with a comforting 2am bowl of noodles or a plate of fried char kway teow. Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, 069184
89.7 Supper Club
If you’re looking for no-frills comfort food to end your day, 89.7 Supper Club (897supperclub.com.sg) will satisfy any craving. This food court houses a mountain of different stalls comprising local, Chinese and international cuisines so options are endless. Need a bowl of post-partying pasta? Something to soothe little ones to sleep? A midnight mixed grill? Open 24 hours a day, and in two locations on the island, drop in and take twilight dining to a whole new level. Located at Changi Village and Geylang
The celebrated 28 Hong Kong Street bar recently invited us to the launch of its new cocktail menu. As a member of the Top 50 Asia Bars list, they certainly know a thing or two about creating exemplary cocktails. But this charismatic speakeasy, discreetly located in an unremarkable 1960s shophouse, is not one to rest on its laurels, which is why the team have created a new menu where guests can “hop” around uniquely different bars in one place.
Sin Misery
The new 28 concept menu is divided in four parts: Sin & Misery at the Oldham, Brenda’s Bad Hand, Halogen, and 28 HongKong Street. A whopping 32 cocktails are included, presented by labels such as AMASS, Michter’s, Bacardi, Bombay Sapphire and Maison Ferrand. While enjoying the food and drinks, guests can scan the Spotify code on each menu and jam along with 28s special music picks.
From The Oldham Hotel’s Sin & Misery (representing an intimate and ‘elegantly wasted’ hotel bar), we were served a refreshing and savoury Brick Lane Martini. This traditional mix featured Hendricks & Hendricks Orbium Gins, Secco Vermouth and Red Onion, but it was the Brick Lane Seasoning that gave it an intriguing but subtle twist. Another interesting option was a MidTown Manhattan, a boozy blend of Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Rich Sherry Elevated Ratafia and Amaro.
After “Sin and Misery” we moved on to Singapore’s best Honky Tonk with Brenda’s Bad Hand. This part of the menu speaks dearly to whisky lovers. Made with Michter’s Bourbon, Monkey Shoulder Whisky brown butter, salted Maple and smoke, the smoke and brown butter notes summon a nice country breakfast in cocktail form. Another option was the Pickleback Sour, a somewhat richer and intriguing mix of Michter’s Rye, Mancino Bianco Vermouth, Cucumber, Dill and Albumen.
Black Forrest Negroni
The next stop in our journey was Halogen. Sceptical at first, I wanted to leave this part to the ‘younger kids’ but this blend of fun, techno and disco was a crafty way of retaining 28’s laid-back vibe. We were presented with two options: a Hue Bluwaiian and/or a Vodka-Cran-22, a mix of Plantation Pineapple Rum, coconut, Blue Curacao, Sherry, and lime. Our second choice was a throwback to the 80s with the Vodka-Cran-22, a winning combo of Reyka Vodka, Cranberry, Mancino Bianco Vermouth, bay leaf and pink peppercorn.
To close the evening, it was time for a tribute to 28 Hong Kong St with two amazing choices: Black Forest Negroni and the Fancy Champagne Cocktail. My choice was the Black Forest Negroni and it was one of the best I’ve had in some time with perfect ratios of Diplomatico Mantuano rum, Campari, cacao nib, Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Taylors Ruby Port and Dry Cherry. The Fancy Champagne Cocktail was an elegant mix of Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac, nori black sugar and Telmont Champagne served elegantly in a champagne flute. The balmy mix gained strong accolades from the table.
VERDICT: Fans of 28 HongKong Street and cocktail enthusiasts must make a date to visit or reacquaint with this place. The new four concept bar is only going to support its already sparkling reputation as one of the world’s best.
Buying property and moving home can be a complex process at the best of times – going through this process whilst overseas or heading overseas can make if even more difficult.
The team at Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory in Sydney and Canberra are here to help make things easier. Read on as they answer some frequently asked questions shared with them by expats, using advice from the experience of some of the team being expats themselves.
What are some of the biggest concerns expats have when buying property?
The biggest fear many buyers have is over-paying for a property. This is especially the case when they are not able to be physically present for much of the process, or simply because they aren’t aware of the current state of the market in a particular area. The answer is knowing how to judge a property as being a fair market price and not inflated by other factors.
How do buyers go about finding the right home?
The fundamentals of finding the right property apply for all buyers – whether expats or not – and begin with extensive research and a well-defined brief. Buying your ‘forever home’ is very different to buying an investment property – but what if you are looking to merge the two by renting out a property in the short term, and living in it long term? This is a common scenario for many.
What makes a property a good buy for expats?
Expats often need a property to do double-duty – both performing well as an investment property as well as meeting the specific needs of the buyers to live in as well. These factors can include universal attributes such as a good layout, natural light and proximity to transport and shops, as well as being comfortable and suiting any lifestyle factors the buyers would like to consider. You would still want to maximise rental yield and value for money, but perhaps pay closer attention to features you desire for your own home in the long-term.
What professionals does an expat need on their team?
A good conveyancer is essential – someone who is dealing with property on a full-time basis and can interpret and explain the nuances of a contract. If looking to use finance, you will need a savvy mortgage broker with access across special divisions within financial institutions specifically for expats, and who can advise beyond just the rate of a loan but show understanding of the situation and goals.
An experienced tax accountant is also required to bring expertise in paying different rates and knowing the impact of timelines for how long an expat plans on being overseas. And of course, they also need someone on the ground they can trust to do the footwork. Often using friends and family can be complex and a very big ask in terms of time investment, but also in their ability to offer a professional and impartial opinion. You will need someone who is an experienced negotiator, and who can offer true insight into a property and the market in general.
What makes the process of buying a home remotely easier?
Someone to provide videos of not only properties but the local areas being considered. Many suburbs go through periods of change whilst families are overseas, and videos are a great way to gain an immediate sense of what a suburb is currently like and future development on the way.
What key considerations do you have when working with expat buyers?
Working with fixed dates and tight timeframes is a very common scenario. Making
allowances for different timezones and finding a communication pattern that works for our buyers is always the first step. Sometimes one or two members of a family have arrived in Sydney, but we are also working with family members yet to arrive and ensuring everyone is included int he process. We also ensure detailed video coverage of properties and lots of photos, including of the area outside the home such as in the street or local area.
Buying property from overseas does not need to be stressful. What is required is a trusted partner with effective communication. At Brady Marcs we pride ourselves on delivering great results for our clients and providing an exceptional level of service and attention to detail throughout the process.
If you are an expat returning home, or you are keen to explore investment opportunities whilst overseas, we’re here to help. Visit our website for more resources and videos for Expats, and to book a time to chat with an experienced member of the Brady Marcs team at www.bradymarcs.com.au
We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for health and happiness, but more and more of us are finding it difficult to achieve. It might be due to staying up late and watching too many K-Dramas. Perhaps you’ve got a lumpy mattress. But chances are, a lack of quality sleep is down to a medical issue.
Singaporeans have been cited as the most sleep deprived globally, and it seems that unsatisfactory shut-eye might be contagious. According to a recent survey by YouGov, other residents living on the red dot also generally sleep less than they would like – 80% wish they had seven or more hours of good sleep each night, but only a quarter (27%) actually do.
“The most common sleep condition I see in Singapore (by quite some margin) is insomnia,” says Dr Sue Smith of Singapore’s International Medical Clinic (imc-healthcare.com). “I frequently see two exacerbating factors: working in a global role leads to calls at both ends of the day and burning the candle at both ends.” She continues, “The pandemic, of course, impacted our sleep in multiple ways. Some people benefitted from the absence of travel schedules and got better sleep, others struggled with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression, which has resulted in the term ‘coronasomnia’.”
Why it happens: Snoring is the vibration of the tissues in the throat as you breathe in and out. There are exacerbating factors, and management is based on treating the suspected or proven cause. How to help: Try not to sleep on your back and treat exacerbating factors such as allergies and allergic rhinitis. Avoid substances that relax your airways, like alcohol, or cause nasal congestion, like smoking. Most snorers tend to be overweight and shedding excess fat can often decrease the issue. Mechanical devices like snoring head straps, sleep strips and pillows are also available.
Snoring is the fifth leading cause of divorce in Australia
Insomnia
Why it happens: Along with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, insomnia can be caused by the late use of screens, pregnancy, physical illness, pain and some medications. How to help: Get a good night’s sleep bu organising your night-time surroundings, avoid screens in the bedroom and develop a regular sleep routine (easier said than done, we know!). Chamomile tea and other herbal remedies might also make a difference. Some people find sleep apps, meditation, calming stories, and white noise (we love Calmand Insight Timer) useful. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is considered a supplement in Singapore and can be purchased over the counter. Sleep medications are also available (IMC stocks a newer sleep medication called Dayvigo which can be prescribed as a longer-term solution).
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Why it happens: Sleep apnoea is when your airway briefly blocks while you’re sleeping. This is usually due to very relaxed tissues in the airway or because of the disruption of signals from the brain telling the body to breathe (or sometimes both). This can cause the symptom of waking up feeling unrested and suffering from severe fatigue throughout the day. It’s often noticed by someone’s partner who’s observed their other half snoring, snorting, and waking up at night gasping for breath after a short period of not breathing. How to help: According to research, 58% of moderate-severe OSA is due to obesity. This can lead to excess fat deposition around the neck and chest, narrowing the airway and leading to OSA. See a doctor straight away if you suspect you have sleep apnoea. Treatment includes managing risk factors such as obesity, alcohol, smoking and some medical conditions, and using mechanical devices to ensure the airways stay open.
Some of us drift into a peaceful slumber in a second, others dread hitting the sack due to a sleep problem. We look at some of the most common issues and how to handle them.
Bruxism
Why it happens: This grinding or clenching of the teeth can occur during the day or at night. It’s often related to stress and anxiety and is common in children and teenagers. Some medications, such as SSRIs like Fluoxetine for depression, can cause bruxism as well as substances like caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, and cocaine and ecstasy. It can cause headaches, neck pain, jaw pain and tooth erosion. How to help: Again, treating the cause or avoiding known triggers is essential. A mouthguard, relaxation techniques and meditation is a sensible place to start. Medications can aid muscle relaxation. Botox can also relax the muscles if other treatments are unsuccessful.
Night terrors
Why they happen: These usually affect children (aged 3-8) but can affect adults in rarer cases. The sufferer is asleep but can talk and sometimes sleepwalk. Screaming or shouting
is possible, and there is generally no recollection afterwards. It tends to happen in early sleep and lasts upto 15 minutes, though is usually much shorter. Sometimes night terrors are precipitated by something frightening, like a scary film, and they can be related to existing mental health conditions like stress, PTSD, anxiety or the use of medications. They run in families and can be triggered byother sleep conditions like apnoea and restless legs. How to help: Avoid or treat triggers as optimally as possible. If the night terror is at a regular time, wake the sufferer 15 minutes beforehand, which may prevent it. Children are likely to grow out of night terrors, but they may be alarming to the observer. If you witness one, try not to intervene but ensure the sufferer is safe.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Why it happens: Restless leg syndrome or Willis-Ekbom disease is an overwhelming and uncontrollable urge to move the legs, sometimes accompanied by pain or an altered sensation as though something is crawling on them. The cause remains unknown, although sometimes there is an underlying deficiency or kidney failure. It can also occur in women inlate pregnancy. How to help: Treat any potentially reversible causes. Lifestyle changes can be useful, such as having a regular bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol and stopping smoking. Some prescription medications may assist if lifestyle changes are ineffective.
Chef Teo Yeow Siang is not only the Culinary Director at Singapore catering company Three Embers, but he’s also overseeing the food menu for this year’s iconic ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day. Given the history of this famous annual event which takes place in Melbourne on Tuesday 1 November 2022, and is recreated at Singapore Turf Club on the same day, he has a big role to fill! The event promises all of the usual razzmatazz, charity prizes, the Fashions on the Field competition and – of course – exquisite food and drinks. We speak to Chef Teo Yeow Siang about his culinary career and his plans for feeding us up at the Cup!
When did you discover your passion for cooking?
When I was in secondary school, I started cooking for my brother when my mother was working. At the time, I realised that I could cook quite well and went ahead to enroll in culinary school and learn more about this industry.
When did you become a qualified chef please?
I was Kitchen Director at Purple Sage and Executive Chef at Lavish Dine catering. Prior to entering the catering scene, I was sous Chef at Unilever and Beaufort Hotel. I also had the privilege of leading our nation’s culinary team to clinch a double Gold medal performance at the Culinary Olympics 2016, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions. This will always be a highlight in my career.
What are your favourite types of dishes to cook?
As a personal mission, I aim to showcase the best of Singapore’s offerings through my cooking and source for locally farmed produce as much as possible.
What most influences the dishes you create and why?
The dishes I create are mostly inspired by local delicacies. I enjoy bringing out the distinct flavours of our heartland classics and elevating them through diverse textures and extraordinary presentations.
You’re overseeing the menu for ANZA’s Melbourne Cup this year. Can you share a little about the flavours and concepts?
It is a great honor to be given the opportunity to curate the menu for ANZA Melbourne Cup. The menu is curated based on using freshest ingredients and locally farmed produce, with an element of New Zealand and Australia produce.
How are you hoping guests will feel after dining on your cuisine?
I am hoping that the guests will feel delighted from enjoying the dining experience which brings together a slice of New Zealand and Australia combining with fresh locally farmed produce.
Where are your favourite restaurants in SG and why?
Chin Huat Seafood Restaurant. I enjoy their live seafood; the style of cooking brings out the freshness and flavours of the seafood.
What’s your fave hawker/local dish and where do you get yours?
I love a good fried Hokkien Prawn noodle, a hawker stall that I frequently go to at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10. Their hokkien prawn noodles has great wok hei and very robust prawn stock.
What are your views on Singapore’s dining scene right now?
We have a very vibrant dining scene, from the many chefs from all over the world choosing Singapore to establish their restaurant here. When I dine at these restaurants, I am also learning from these chefs, and it gives me ideas to try using their techniques to our local cuisine.
This is not just a usual week in Singapore. Yesterday kicked off iconic Negroni Week, which is back for another round of drinking for a good cause from 12 – 18 September.
The second appetiser was the Stracciatella, luxurious burrata cream served with 18-month Parma ham, rocket salad, semi-dried tomatoes, and homemade balsamic glaze; a dish that is simple in its ingredients but the outstanding quality made it for a decadent and fulfilling dish. 
How did your role at 
What’s your go-to cocktail at the Writers Bar?
ANZA Job Vacancy, Events Manager
Great news! 2022 has been a fantastic time for 
Going out in Singapore after dark doesn’t have to mean a boozy session followed by bad dancing at BRIX (although these are perfectly acceptable pastimes). There are heaps of activities to do and places to visit to keep everyone occupied well into the small hours. Here are some of our favourite nocturnal happenings to take on when everyone else is sleeping.
Sing it out
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Chef Teo Yeow Siang is not only the Culinary Director at Singapore catering company 