How to ace Father's Day
In this week's BT Lifestyle, get a head start on planning the perfect day for that special man, with dozens of gift ideas, gestures, and – for procrastinators – genius last-minute saves to make it look like you've been planning for this all year long.
In Travel, we head to Sapporo and Seoul as the MGallery collection of boutique hotels kicks off World Cocktail Months, which runs till end-August. We also check out the set of exclusive glassware that MGallery is launching in collaboration with French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine.
In Shopping, payment-solution provider Adyen recently released a retail report highlighting a rising momentum among consumers using AI to help them shop. We dive into its findings.
In Arts, a new exhibition at National Gallery Singapore showcases the best of ink art, not just by artists from East Asia, but all over the world. And in Dining, sample some casual French bistro fare amid lush greenery at La Terrace, a new addition to Claudine brasserie in Dempsey.
For all this and more, don't miss this week's BT Lifestyle.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Vogue Singapore
New restaurants in Singapore: Firebird by Suetomi, Leila and more
Courtesy of Firebird by Suetomi When it comes to Singapore's culinary scene, there's always more to discover. Exclusive pop-ups regularly bring unique new gastronomic experiences to our door, and chef collaborations continually yield creative and delicious results. And of course, who could forget the constant slate of inventive new restaurants that are finding their place on our shores? Cruising off exciting ventures from Japan (see: Pizza Studio Tamaki), comes a very first international offshoot—Firebird by Suetomi, the sister restaurant of Makitori Shinkobe—the yakitori joint that holds a one-year waiting list in its hometown. Hailed as the master of woodfire, Makoto Suetomi welcomes Firebird by Suetomi at Mondrian Singapore, an omakase yakitori that focuses on tori (bird) and serves up skewers of different parts, each kissed by fire and paired accordingly with other accompaniments. Canto-cuisine lovers will also be pleased to know this: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore welcomes a new beginning via the reopening of Cherry Garden, under the hands of Chef Fei , who has established a reputable name back in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Bangkok and Jakarta. Courtesy of Firebird By Suetomi For a casual night out with friends, the cocktail bar-cum-restaurant Leila will bring forth Middle Eastern-inspired Mediterranean iterations, where the finest ingredients come together through innovative sharing plates. And if it's hearty Italian fare you're seeking, iL Giardino, the latest venture at the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens from 1-Group will surely sate your appetite. Thoughtfully crafted by 1-Group's culinary associate director Felix Chong, the menu scours the vastness and richness of Italy, think influences from the North, central parts and special spots like Tuscany. Ahead of your next big night out, look to our list of the city's most exciting new restaurants to check out. Courtesy of Firebird by Suetomi 1 / 4 Firebird by Suetomi A highly sought-after name in the culinary world, Makoto Suetomi is the famous chef-restaurateur behind Makitori Shinkobe—the yakitori hotspot with a one-year waitlist in Japan. Earlier this year, the restaurant's very first international offshoot has found itself in the middle of Duxton's lively dining district; enrobed in a cosy, intimate setting, Firebird by Suetomi teems with excellent taste for the finer things in life. Just as the original restaurant puts the focus on chef's appreciation for tori and its myriad of flavour profiles from simply wood-grilling it, it also sets the same precise standard for its new sister omakase-style restaurant, from where its chicken and other seasonal ingredients are sourced from to the techniques utilised for roasting, grilling and smoking with wood-fire. The humble chicken, thus comes to the fore at Firebird by Suetomi. Like in the astute restraint of its first dish: a clear consommé made from simmering organic French chicken bones into a stock, before being clarified with egg whites and seasoned with Japanese sea salt. A sumptuous array of skewers of different parts of the chicken follow, each one having undergone tailored settings of temperature and smoke, achieved with dry Japanese cedar as a fire starter, moist oakwood to develop steam and cherrywood for a richer flavour profile. To balance the palate, other standout vegetable dishes such as a kushinai of sauteed water spinach, lightly tossed in Japanese white sesame oil, or the simplicity of a mushroom beurre blanc served with wood-grilled Shiitake mushrooms. Yet the star of the show arrives in its claypot dish, with three different ways to enjoy your bowl of Akitakomachi rice. Combined with minced chicken that has been sauteed in a basket directly over the flames and smoked with burnt oakwood. For a rich, hearty fill, it's the topping of soy-marinated raw Japanese egg yolk you'll want. Firebird by Suetomi, #01-05 Mondrian Singapore, 83 Neil Road, Duxton Hl, Singapore 089813 Courtesy of il Giardino 2 / 4 iL Giardino Sometimes, Italian cuisine is best served cicheti style. And at 1-Group's latest venture iL Giardino—translating to The Garden in Italian—its appeasing warm interiors at the Singapore Botanic Gardens house a plethora of original creations that sing of local herbs and Asian nuance. Thoughtfully crafted by 1-Group's culinary associate director Felix Chong, the menu scours the vastness and richness of Italy, think influences from the North, central parts and special spots like Tuscany. Within the dishes, subtle Asian adaptions can be traced whilst still keeping authentic flavours. We see this through a fresh salsa verde that's spiked with ginger flower, one that was quickly mopped up with the restaurant's house beer bread. A surefire favourite, the signature iL Giardino Slow Cooked Venetian Octopus that's dished table side—sees a fork-tender octopus that's been braised for eight hours and finished with fresh lemon, Laudemio extra virgin oil. And as far as pastas go, the Spaghetti all Vongole made a delectable impression, by elevating the classic dish with its use of herb crumbs and garlic. Piquant and loaded with spices, fresh clams tossed with al dente noodles were the cherry on top. While you're on that carb streak, make sure to call for the Parma pizza. Loaded on a flatbread, condiments like fresh truffle cream and a touch of honey add a sweet contrast to the savoury ham. When it came to the mains, the corn-fed chicken exceeded expectations and was yet another testament to a simple roast. Supremely tender and all the more divine with an Amalfi lemon caper sauce. To end off the meal, save that dessert stomach for c hiacchiere —sugary buttery fried dough sticks—perfectly complemented with a scoop of gelato. iL Giardino, The Garage, Level 2, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488 Courtesy of Leila 3 / 4 Leila The newest kid on the block? Leila, a soulful gastro-bar with a honed focus on Middle Eastern and Balkan flavours. Clad in brick terracotta tones and moody lighting, an evening of lively banter and good food is par for the course once you step into this Chinatown hideout. With a friendly crew of staff that makes you feel right at home upon stepping in, take further delight in its homely, vibrant setting of sharing dishes that are perfect for debriefing the week with your favourite chaos crew. Kick things off with the Arais Cigar, a long, crispy pastry filled with spiced beef and tahini for dipping. Consider the restaurant's take on the bruschetta, using salt-cured anchovies on challah toast, enlivened with some flavourful roasted eggplant cream and olive oil. Then dig deep into fresh, grilled shrimps–spectacularly brightened with a piquantly spiced tatbila sauce—or some juicy beef kebab skewers. One way of loading up on carbs would surely be with the Tripoli Freekeh Fish, of a pan-seared fish fillet slow-cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served with peppers and freekeh , a rice-like grain of Middle Eastern origin. But the no-skip option at Leila? To mop up all your remaining sauces with its homemade bread; the Kubana Bread proves itself as a wondrously fluffy brioche, baked in-house to golden perfection. As far as spirited libations go, take heed from the gastrobar's team of mixologists, who capture the essence of the region in a range of creative cocktails and mocktails. Sure enough, Leila understands the concept of a good time. Leila, 12 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390 Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Singapore 4 / 4 Cherry Garden by Chef Fei What was once the beloved Cherry Garden at Mandarin Oriental Singapore is now Cherry Garden by Chef Fei—boldly transformed under the direction of two-Michelin-starred Chef Fei, one of China's most renowned culinary figures. Marrying Cantonese and Teochew influences, the brand new menu is a remarkable showcase of seafood specialties, meat delicacies and handcrafted dim sum creations, each a shining testament to Chef Fei's years of culinary expertise. Awash with natural light, the refreshed dining rooms evoke a timeless elegance. In a beautiful nod to the rich heritage of Chinese architecture, old-world stone walls and wooden furnishings come inspired by traditional courtyard houses, giving the restaurant a distinct sense of place. Chef Fei's mastery of flavours is evident in creations such as the diced wagyu beef with Sichuan peppercorn, sautéed to tender melt-in-your-mouth perfection and topped with paper-thin ribbons of dried chilli. Another highlight is the blanched geoduck in a rich chicken broth, brightened with basil and chilli. But if there's one dish that truly cements Chef Fei's genius, it is his signature boneless crucian carp congee. Known for being immensely difficult to prepare due to its countless fine bones, the fish is skillfully and meticulously deboned, then simmered in a silky smooth porridge that is at once both flavoursome and comforting. Cherry Garden by Chef Fei, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave., Floor 5, Singapore 039797
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
The Chic Home: ‘Petit Paris' in Tampines HDB maisonette
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Home to a family of three, this maisonette was inspired by residences in the French capital. SINGAPORE – This French-style home belongs to married couple Ronald Wan and Rachel Ong, who love travel and based their Tampines home on apartments they saw in Paris. As a former fashion blogger, Ms Ong – who is 34 and an assistant marketing director – loves the style of the French capital and wanted to reflect this in the interior of their 1,679 sq ft Housing Board executive maisonette. Like many Parisian apartments, their flat is decked out in shades of white and cream. 'A lot of Parisian apartments and houses are in either cream or pastel tones, which look elegant, chic and timeless,' says Mr Wan, a 41-year-old content strategy lead. They chose The Merry Men Interiors to overhaul the unit, as they had a positive experience working with the local interior design firm on their first home. 'The interior theme is a contemporary take on the classic French villa reimagined through an Asian understanding of the style, and adapted to the specific materials, resources and construction methods available in Singapore,' says Mr Douglas Choo, one of the firm's co-founders. The interior theme is a contemporary take on the classic French villa. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA For the first floor, the designer focused on opening up spaces by removing existing walls around the main entrance, utility and kitchen areas. The former access corridor now forms part of an entrance foyer that evokes a French villa. The former access corridor now forms part of a foyer that gives the impression of a French villa. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The wainscotting in the living room, together with the herringbone wood vinyl flooring, adds a sense of symmetry to the space and a touch of architectural refinement. A boucle sofa augments the French theme. A cream boucle sofa augments the French theme in the living area. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA With the walls between the living room and balcony removed, the two adjacent areas are one seamless space. As the balcony faces west, the afternoon sun gives the room a warm and welcoming glow. When bathed in this golden light, the Japanese Everfresh tree in the balcony looks enchanting. The kitchen island is a space for the home owners to have quick meals or prepare food. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA Opening up the spaces also made it possible for Mr Choo to add a kitchen island that doubles as a culinary workspace and bar counter for quick meals or chats with guests. The staircase's glass balustrade makes the space resemble an art gallery. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The all-white staircase and clear glass balustrade are eye-catching features. Accentuated by a sculptural pendant light fixture, the space resembles an art gallery. Although visitors with young children are often anxious about the stairs, the couple say it is safe, thanks to the double-layered glass panels. Wainscotting can be found throughout the home, from the living area to the master bedroom. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA More wainscotting can be found on the wall by the bed in the master bedroom on the second floor. Together with the fluted panels behind the headboard, they add visual interest and depth to the white palette. A spacious shower compartment in the extended bathroom. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The common and master bathrooms have been combined into one large, spa-like bathroom with a spacious shower compartment and a freestanding bathtub. A freestanding bathtub creates a spa-like atmosphere. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA 'Self-care is important and our bathroom is our sanctuary. Merging two existing bathrooms creates a new bathroom that is spacious, open and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a long day,' says Ms Ong. Since moving into the home in August 2022, their son has been born. Despite being first-time parents, they are very laid-back, and the home reflects their approach to life. The couple's baby boy has a dedicated corner. PHOTO: SPH MEDIA The renovation took three months to complete and cost $164,000.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Straits Times
YouTube's Lofi Girl finally finishes homework and ‘graduates' after 8 years
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Jade, better known as Lofi Girl, announced that she had finally graduated on July 30. An online personality that has accompanied millions across the globe through hours of study, work and chill sessions has finally finished her homework. Jade, better known as Lofi Girl, the face of the popular French YouTube channel of the same name, announced on X on July 30 that she had finally graduated. In a video animation, Jade is holding up a laptop with the words 'The End' on the screen. Initially in her signature red and green outfit with headphones, she is seen donning a navy-coloured graduation gown and mortarboard once the laptop is shut . 'Finally finished with all my homework. I don't know what I learned, but I know I'm done learning.' she laughs, recreating the dialogue from a a teen sitcom that has become a trend on TikTok. Since its inception in 2015, the YouTube channel has amassed more than 15 million subscribers, racking up more than a billion views through its videos – the most popular of which is the constantly-running 'lofi hip hop radio beats to relax/study to' stream, which features Jade in an animation loop over music. Fans were quick to congratulate her on her graduation. 'All of that studying paid off! Congrats' said live-streaming site Twitch . Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia US-Malaysia tariff deal set for Aug 1 after Trump-Anwar phone call Asia Malaysia PM Anwar says Trump to attend Asean Summit in October Singapore Underground pipe leak likely reason for water supply issues during Toa Payoh fire: Town council Singapore Driver in 2024 Tampines crash that killed 2 set to plead guilty in October Multimedia 60 years, 60 items: A National Day game challenge Asia US CDC weighs travel notice for China as chikungunya cases rise Singapore Wegovy and beyond: Will weight-loss drugs change the way people look at obesity? Singapore 'Switching careers just as I became a dad was risky, but I had to do it for my family' 'She's been studying since September 2017. Just to put it into perspective, it's been 7 years 10 months and 28 days 2861 days 68,673 hours 41,20,419 minutes HARDWORK AND DEDICATION!' said YouTube user kabirmalek5488 . It is unclear what this may mean for the future of the channel. So far, despite her graduation, it seems to be business as usual on the popular stream, with Jade still doing what she has done for the past eight years: Writing in her notebook and occasionally looking out the window as her cat lounges beside her, through a never-ending stream of lo-fi music. Lofi Girl first appeared in her first iteration in November 2017, while the channel was still known as ChilledCow. Although the channel's most famous videos are the 24/7 lo-fi streams, it also features short animation clips. Lo-fi music, according to Forbes , has roots dating back to the 1960s, but is best known today as a 'subgenre of downtempo electronic music containing hip-hop beats with a relaxed aesthetic'. The Lofi Girl channel has cemented its place in pop culture, with myriad of memes inspired by its content. A multitude of similar streams - which include a central animation looping as lo-fi music plays - have spawned on YouTube and other video streaming platforms. Lofi Girl has even found her way into politics. In the 2019 UK general election, the Conservatives YouTube channel released a video featuring then-prime minister Boris Johnson titled 'lo fi boriswave beats to relax/get brexit done to'. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in 2023 called for members of the public to submit their lo-fi music for his '2024 Healing Music Submission Project' , describing the subgenre as 'an essential healing companion for modern people'. His channel, called Lofi on Lai, features 'healing, vocal-free versions of the Democratic Progressive Party's presidential campaign songs from 1996 to 2024'.
