the Arriviste

Cold Brewed Iced Coffee

 

So I like coffee a lot. It's a recurring theme on this blog, you may have noticed. And Singapore is so damn hot, especially lately, that I often like to have my coffee over ice. Several years ago in the culinary wonderland that is Oakland, California (dead serious on that one, Oakland has spectacular food) I had an iced coffee epiphany: Blue Bottle Coffee's cold brewed iced coffee. Cold brewing calls for steeping the grounds for 8-12 hours in room temperature water, a method that brings out the beans' mellow chocolate and caramel flavors and results in a super smooth, super strong cup. It's a revelation.  

I've only found cold brewed iced coffee at Oriole (see here and here), which is a little out of the way for me for daily consumption (and also a little gasp-inducing at $7, or something like that). But the good news is that it's dead easy to make, and if you start on a Sunday night and brew a round each evening after that then you've overcome the biggest hurdle, the long brewing time, and will have a fresh cup ready every morning. (I realize that doesn't solve the instant gratification problem, sorry.)

Brew away!

Cold Brewed Iced Coffee

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh-ground coffee beans
• 2 cups water
• Simple syrup (optional)
• Milk (optional)

This will make 2-4 cups depending on whether you take your coffee black or with milk.

Instructions

• Add the coffee grounds and the water to a jar or pitcher. Stir. Cover and leave for 8-12 hours.
• Strain through a coffee filter. You can also use a french press.
• If you take your coffee strong, mix the cold-brew with ice and/or milk (strong). Add 1/2 to 1 part water to the brew to for a less robust cup. Sweeten with simple syrup if desired.

The cold-brew will keep in the fridge for a few days.

 

Missed Connections: The Blond in the Aviators and Knockout White Dress

Can't you just imagine her? She was an icon of style icon to me, if only for 15 seconds.

So the story goes thus: two girlfriends and I are in a taxi on our way to a much needed day at Spa Botanica yesterday, Sunday, when we spot this respendent young thing standing on the corner of Kreta Ayer and Kiong Saik in Chinatown. She's got on the most arresting white dress with a woven corseted top and a knee-length hem in the front that flowed to the ground in the back. Add to that picture her rock-star bangs falling over gold aviators, a bold, colorful bib necklace, the tough-chic black clutch, and the gladiator sandals (I think, it all happened so quickly) and you start get the idea.

She looked damn cool.

So cool in fact that we all swooned, debated stopping the cab to take her picture, and then decided I would seem like too much of a weird stalker if we did that, and so we kept on our way.

And now I totally regret it. It was a missed opportunity to document devastating style and real originality. So, I'm posting a Missed Connections ad:

Dear White Dress Girl,

If you're out there, email me, 'kay?

xoxo

A Snapshot: My Mornings in DC...

...Where I spent much of last month for work.

My little black book. Or, where to find a decent dry cleaner, haircut, manicure...

Among the most daunting things about moving to a new place is establishing a roster of trusted services. Who's really going to be able to get that stain out of my accordion-pleated Marchesa gown without ruining it? Why do I have to pay $25 for a manicure, for godssake?? Is there anyone in this country who can cut curly hair properly??? The answers are you don't and yes, to the last two questions at least.

It has taken some time to assemble it, but I finally feel pretty confident about my services lineup and so I’d like to share it with you. My Most Valuable Players...

DRY CLEANER

Jeeves

http://jeevessingapore.com

Multiple locations

More expensive than independently run outfits, but still not exorbitant and worth every penny for the care they take with your clothes.

NAIL SALON

Elegant Nails

Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd, 247933

Tel. 6235 8235

An express manicure goes for $12, less if you buy a package, and the manicurist called Orange does a particularly nice job. Be prepared for a postage stamp-sized shop. Call ahead.

HAIRDRESSER

Andy Ong at Kim Robinson

#02-12 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, 238872

Tel. 6738 8006

www.kimrobinson.com

You may need to refinance your home to pay for a cut with Andy (a heart-attack inducing $248, as of this posting), but your hair will look expensive.

WAXING

Pink Parlour

www.pinkparlour.com.sg/

Multiple locations. I like Rachel at the Far East Plaza location, although it's tiny and not very luxe.

While I wish the decor were simple—the moody colors and boudoir-theme always leaves me feeling a little like I'm at a one-woman bachelorette party—the wax is gentle and aestheticians thorough (yay!). A bikini wax starts around $40, but you can get a considerable discount if you buy a package.

 -------

And some other favorites...

REASONABLY PRICED ESPRESSO

McDonald's McCafe

Multiple locations 

Yes, don't scoff! I was sceptical too, but their small cappuccinos cost only around $2 and are BETTER than other chains’! Just think, you'll never have to pay almost $6 for a tall S'bux cappuccino ever again! The joy, the sheer joy!

CROISSANTS

Paul

03-16/17 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, 238872

For a delish mini croissant to go with your McCafe. (You'll have to eat it elsewhere though. For some reason Paul doesn't like it when you try to drink your McCappucino in his cafe. Paul can be so uptight...)

ELEGANT CAKES, LICKETY-SPLIT

Canele

Multiple locations.

www.canele.com.sg/

An easy stop for lovely cakes and macarons to take to that dinner party, even at last-minute, thanks to Canele’s many locations.

ORCHIDS

Hawaii Landscape

559 Thomson Rd, Tel: 6251 3963

http://hawaiilandscape.com.sg

While the orchid plants you find here will already be in full bloom, I've found they still last for weeks, and at $12 a stem, how could you not? Read more here.

 

Style: Laneway Hipster Love

St. Jerome's Laneway Festival on Saturday was a gathering of Singapore's hipsters if I ever saw one. And it was glorious, all...

...PRETTY GIRLS in perfect outfits for a hot, sunny indie festival on the grass—cutoffs, barefeet, and super shades...

...And sometimes a GORGEOUS LITTLE DRESS, perfectly hip and pretty at the same time...

 ...FEDORAS EVERYWHERE!

 ...were bested only by WAYFARERS...EVERYWHERE!

...With the occasional pair of quirky shades adding a little individuality in a sea of Ray Bans.

Hipsterific.

Oh, and the music was awesome too.

Traveling is so good for my soul...

...But so baaaaaad for this blog! Look at all those teeny, tiny skiiers below.

 

OMG, Laneway, I love you. AKA, If you're into indie music, do not miss this show.

 

Image via singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au

Wow. So there aren't a lot of indie music shows that happen in Singapore, which is why I just about hyperventilated when I saw the Laneway Festival's 2013 line up: Gotye and Kimbra, Monsters and Men, Divine Fits, and--OMG, OMG--Poliça! Only the soundtrack of my entire year! Laneway, did you sneak into my house, steal my iPod, and build a festival around it? If yes, thank you. 

So, yeah, I'm excited. And if you're into indie music, hopefully you are too, because along with the bands above, other amazing, highly acclaimed acts like Alt-J, Bat for Lashes, and lots more will also be there on Jan 26.  It's going to be a good, good time. And because I like you so much, I made you a Laneway mix tape. Kind of.

Tickets are available at singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au.

 

 

Closing the deal: Lucha Loco

A few things have and haven't happened in Singapore since I've been away. On the face of it, Singy seems to have gotten hipper with the addition of some new restaurants and bars (28 Hong Kong Street and Jigger and Pony are notable picks). But what hasn't changed is how many of these places emphasize style over substance, making you think, on first glance, that they'll become regulars on your rotation. But you soon realize that like so many other slick, design-y establishments, they just can't close the deal. Prices are exorbitant, food is underwhelming, cocktails aren't made properly, blah, blah, blah. I'm not going to point fingers here, but you know who you are, overpriced, average, OZ-American-Western-expat magnet bistros.

My continual dissapointment with these places is why Lucha Loco, perched on happening Duxton Hill with its rowdy tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, is such a welcome addition. Not only are the setting and decor are as cool as you'll find, but, and this is key, the food is great. (Tostadas! Beef tacos! Ceviche!) And it's that rarest of rare species: Mexican food! Good Mexican food! In Asia!

My only suggestion (and I strongly suggest this--the bartender and I have discussed it at length) is that they add a traditional Margarita to the menu. The house Margarita is made with agave syrup, and this offends my purist sensibilities.  But even that I am willing to overlook, because Lucha Loco closes the deal.

And I'm Back!

So, friends, I've been away for some time, but now I'm back. Work, life, adventure took me out of Singapore for over a year, but I've been happily reintegrating back into the louche life, and I'm looking forward to sharing it all with you.  In the meantime, here are some shots of just a few of the locales where I spent the past month.

And of course...

Watch this space

My dear, dear readers,

You may have read in the last post that the Arriviste is going on a bit of a hiatus.  This arriviste is about to arrive in yet another new--albeit temporary--location, far, far from tropical Singapore.  But we won't be gone forever, and hopefully not even for very long, so do check back in to see what's new from time to time. 

For now, I leave you with this--a not terribly good shot of a terribly good outfit.  Drapey jacket + drapey skirt + gladiator sandals = effortless hot-weather chic.  

 Sending you much love and gratitude for your support!  Singapore, you're awesome.

 

Supreme relaxation: Spa Botanica

 

And we're back!  I'm so very sorry for the summer absence, and with no explanation provided.  Very rude of me, indeed.  It started innocently enough as a trip back to the Western Hemisphere to visit family and soon turned into an extended hiatus for a number of demanding reasons, principal among which is the start of a new job that is going to keep this arriviste away from blog posting for some time.  Sniff.  So we're back, but just for this post, at least not until we recruit some stellar contributing editors.  

But before I leave you again, I wanted to tip you off to Spa Botanica, a veritable oasis of relaxation.  Forty-five dollars gets you access to the spa's gorgeous grounds for the day, which include a warm water pool (top picture), a cold water pool (bottom picture), a mud bath (more luxurious than it sounds!), tennis courts and the wonderful, healthy Garden restaurant.  

The entrance fee is waived if you purchase a spa treatment, but they're a little on the pricey side.  But think about offsetting part of your entrance fee by skipping the cab to Sentosa, which can run more than $25.  Instead, pick up the spa's complimentary shuttle from the Paragon shopping center on Orchard Rd every two hours starting at 10am, or from Vivo City twice an hour on the 15 and 45 minute marks.  Happy spa-ing!

The Helipad Party

 

Top photo via dawningthoughts

It's the end of the month, lovlies, and you know what that means--the Swissotel The Stamford's helipad party is here again!  On the last Thursday of every month, Swissotel opens up its helipad for music and drinks way above the fray.  The drinks can be so-so but, but the breeze and 360-degree view from more than 70 stories up are spectacular.  And I think partying on a helipad is kind of a cool thing--call me easily impressed.

The helipad, accessed via the New Asia Bar,  is open from 8-10pm, and if you arrive before 8pm the $25 cover, which includes a drink is waived.  Plus you avoid the queue to the roof that that builds up later on.  At 10pm people head down to the New Asia Bar to finish the night out club-style.  It gets very busy, so book a table if you're inclined to stay.   

Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore
2 Stamford Road
Singapore 178882

 

Sample Sale at Doorstep Luxury!

 

That's right, the tastemakers over at Doorstep Luxury have invited you, lovers of pretty things, to a sample sale that promises to be delectable! Now sally forth, as they say.

Style: Londoners make it look so easy

 
Do they not?

Is that a pink xiao long bao?!?

 Sichuan xiao long bao at Paradise Dynasty

Why, yes it is.

If you're an early reader of the Arriviste, you may know that I am a devotee of Chinese dumplings, but you're probably not aware of my deep love for spicy Sichuan cuisine, formed in Chengdu in 2009 on a panda-hugging excursion with Mr Arriviste.  We thought it was exceedingly amusing, and useless, that the local tourist map listed among its useful Chinese restaurant phrases "no mouth-numbing peppercorns, please." Let's just say that at our first lunch the joke was on us. But once we had recovered the feeling in our mouths, we actually developed a real appreciation for the tangy pique of Sichuan chili.

This pink dumpling, my friends, is the sublime marriage of two things I love, sichuan spice and xiao long bao.  Brimming with soupy, porcine, spicy peppercorn goodness, Paradise Dynasty's sichuan XLB is more than a gimmick, an accusation I leveled at it when the restaurant debuted its rainbow colored XLB in 2010--purple truffle! yellow cheese! green ginseng!  I was highly skeptical of any tampering with the XLB, which was already in my pantheon of perfect foods.  

But it turns out all of the flavored XLB are quite good, and the sichuan XLB is so good that I eat it once a week.  Head on over to Paradise Dynasty in Ion Orchard to try it for yourself, but expect to wait 30 minutes for a table at busy times.

2 Orchard Turn 
#04-12A ION Orchard 
Singapore 238801 
Tel: 6509 9118

11.00am – 10.00pm (Mon – Fri) 

10.00am – 10.00pm (Sat, Sun & PH) 

Last order 9.30pm

 

Walking around the colony

   

Walking amidst Singapore's beautiful colonial architecture is a great way to spend a day with visitors interested in local history, especially since Singapore's many colonial buildings house such interesting things: museums, hotels, churches.  Most guide books on Singapore will suggest a colonial walk--Fodors and DK have online itineraries--and there are so many well-preserved buildings you could run yourself ragged trying to see them all in this heat.  To spare you that unfortunate outcome, the Arriviste's itinerary, below, is an abridged one, perfect for spying some key sights without overtaxing oneself. And for those partial to itineraries with food breaks, like myself.

1. Fort Canning Park

 Pack yourself a nice little picnic--perhaps of DaPaolo Gastronomia's yum prepared food and desserts or Jones the Grocer's addictive cheeses and truffle honey--and head to lush and shady Fort Canning Park for lunch.  The hilltop park is home to a smattering of colonial relics, like the Gothic Gate pictured above and Singapore's largest WWII-era underground military complexes.  Oh, and some giant coins stuck in the grass. Tres sculpture garden.  It's a beautiful park and a perfect place for a sunny-day lunch on the lawn. And very well signposted with interesting historical facts.

2. National Museum of Singapore

Follow the signs just down the hill to the National Museum of Singapore, a stately neo-classical building originally home to the Raffles museum and library.  Singapore's oldest museum has taken a decidedly new approach to its exhibits, engaging visitors with the smells, sights and sounds of local history and culture.  You could easily spend a couple of hours here immersed in Singapore's past.

3. Armenian Church

If you're feeling energetic after your museum visit, wend your way over to the beautiful Armenian Church, Singapore's first Christian church, on the corner of Canning Rise and Hill St.

4. Raffles Hotel

Not so much energy?  Head directly over to the Raffles Hotel for a stroll through its leafy garden and whitewashed arcades, so evocative of a Graeme Green haunt.  The Long Bar, the provenance of the famous Singapore Sling, is generally overrun with tourists and the Sling apparently comes from a mix.  Poke your head in to say you've been and then head down to the 1920s style Empire Cafe for an iced tea.

6. The Fullerton Hotel

Or, if you can make it another 10 minutes for your drink, jump into a cab and head to the Fullerton Hotel, on the site of the old General Post Office and arguably Singapore's most elegant hotel.  The cool, quiet Post Bar will fix you a nice cocktail or have your drink quay-side in the dimming afternoon light at The Lighthouse.

And it's all mapped out right here.

Style: Graphic + neutral

Photo courtesy of Doorstep Luxury

Another stunning look from the Natalie Dissel launch hosted by Doorstep Luxury and Gallery Reis last week.  I haven't been able to get this dress out of my head, or those Jimmy Choos--they're a subtle, unexpected complement to the bold geometric print of the dress.

Style: Seriously cool cut

Between the Matthew Williamson dress and the modern punk do, there is some serious cool going on here.

Style: Designer Natalie Dissel

 
Designer Natalie Dissel, pictured above, uses semi-precious gems and rare stones in her stunning line of jewelry to evoke organic, natural forms.  Each hand-made piece, like the necklace Natalie is wearing, is unique, ethically produced, and undeniably sophisticated.  Available at Doorstep Luxury starting next week.

Tanjong Beach Club: Hollywood chic Sentosa retreat

  Images courtesy of Tanjong Beach Club.

Oh the sun, the sand, the sangria, the cabanas! Stepping into retro-chic Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa is like happening upon a very cool 1950's Los Angeles poolside retreat, and this arriviste, for one, cannot help but imagine herself a silver screen starlet lounging in Hollywood luxury the minute she settles into a beach bed. (Active imagination, I know!)  

During the week, the restaurant-slash-beach club is every bit the calm idyll you see in the pictures above. From Tuesday to Friday you can saunter right in, take your pick of spots, and order a fresh salad to go with that pitcher of mojitos.  But if a beach-side, DJ-fueled party is more up your alley, head to TBC on the weekends when Singapore's pretty young things come out in full force (and call ahead to reserve a comfy spot).

Whatever your preference--a quiet movie-star-off-duty day by the pool or weekend carousing with the party set--TBC doesn't disappoint.

Tanjong Beach Club

120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942