EAT IT THIS WEEK! World Gourmet Summit 2013′s Master Chef Matt Moran at The Prime Society

Sorry for the mild absence people, I am back from Japan and I hope you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you! Have so many deer-in-headlight type of stories to tell you about the trip, but first I’d like spill the beans on an incredible meal I had yesterday.

Straight off the plane this week from Japan, to find out its the first day of World Gourmet Summit 2013 in Singapore. Am I the most blessed girl in Singapore or what?! (I will soon also be the fattest. Keep reading.)

World Gourmet Summit 2013 is basically one of the most esteemed culinary events in Asia, and it runs from 16-26 April 2013 through a calendar of unique dining experiences, brand-name F&B outlets, and exclusively flown-in international ingredients, served up with a side of celebrity and master chefs.

As part of their participation in WGS2013, the classy people at The Prime Society (Restaurant and Bar) brought down revered Australian chef Matt Moran.

“Wait, wasn’t he one of the judges on that TV show Junior Masterchef?” I first asked, like you might.

Yup, he sure is. Restaurateur, Businessman, and high profile TV personality – Matt Moran wears many other hats besides just being a chef. He is the co-owner of a number of successful restaurants, including ARIA Sydney, ARIA Brisbane, the newly opened CHISWICK Restaurant in Sydney’s Woollahra, and also co-owns some event and catering companies when he’s not busy filming a platter of different TV programmes.

Who misses and knows how to appreciate some good Australian cooking? Me me me! Read on if you do too.

ON THE EPICUREAN DELIGHTS MENU: BY CHEF MATT MORAN AT THE PRIME SOCIETY, SINGAPORE
A total steal at $168++ for food only, or $248++ including premium wine pairing.

My Dad, passionate food-lover and designated cook at home, was the ideal lunch date for my gastronomic journey. The 5-course symphony otherwise known as lunch started with smiles all around, and a small, warm handful of sourdough bread. I adore sourdough, and this was easy to eat as I tore it into little pieces and smeared truffle-infused butter all over it.

All dishes were served so promptly – the moment I put down the ruins of my bread, my waiter glided in with my first course.

FIRST COURSE: Yellow fin tuna sashimi with cucumber, wakame and avocado puree.
WINE: 2011 Pewsey Vale Riesling, Eden Valley, Australia.

The tuna was excellent, and tasted fresh off the sea. A little trick was pulled on me – what I thought to be wasabi was actually avocado puree. In the mix was a tinge of wasabi powder, but the puree gave my tuna a creamier finish than if it was served up in the usual Japanese style.

The formula for good food to me is just like buying property – location, location, location.

The best meals I’ve had in the world weren’t the most expensive, but are usually the freshest. Give me some snapper in Australia, mangoes in Philippines, suckling pig in Spain or salmon sashimi from South East Asia – I just love all sorts of seasonal produce, and they completely change the centre of every platter.

Chef Matt Moran would agree with me, since he has a new TV programme – From Paddock to Plate – doing just that. I can already imagine him trooping around and plucking vegetables from the ground, tossing it into a wok and frying up a hot plate of some farm fun. The focus of this Epicurean Delights menu, as well, is fully dedicated to the freshest seasonal ingredients. Chef Dallas Cuddy (head chef at The Prime Society) is equally armed with an impressive culinary pedigree and the same beliefs in seasonal produce. I guess life – as in cooking – does not have to be so complicated.

SECOND COURSE: Alaskan crab scotch egg with celeriac and lemon salad
WINE: 2011 Prager Hinter der Burg Federspiel Grüner Veltliner, Wachau, Austria.

Most seasonal ingredients used in the total menu were brought by Chef Matt Moran from Australia, except for this Alaskan crab – which was from Alaska.

This was the stand out dish for me. I completely underestimated how overwhelming and small ball of something could be. Chef Matt and his team demonstrated absolute skill with the scotch egg – it’s certainly not easy to deep fry an egg on an outside, while keeping its inside so fluffy and pillowy soft.

An understated quail egg embraced in Alaskan crabmeat, deep fried and then crowned with rock salt? Dont mind me. Totally worth the tiniest spike in my cholesterol and calories. I would have this meal just to consume this course all over again – the tartness of the salad against the salty, toasty egg both meet in the middle nicely to exalt the Alaskan crabmeat. All textures in this dish was perfect and worked hard to melt in your mouth.

Honestly, this is probably one of the most favourite things I have eaten in my life (next to Italian Ferrero Roche gelato ice-cream).

PS: This dish is available as an à la carte option for S$28++.

THIRD COURSE: Steamed sea bass with puffed quinoa, pine nuts and Jamón
WINE: 2008 Luca Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina.

I am a huge fan of fish, but this wasn’t my favourite. Maybe it’s because I was riding such a high from the second course (nothing to do with the wine, of course), but I still enjoyed the sea bass against the mild sweetness from the berries, crunch from the flavourful nuts and saltiness of the Jamón (Spanish ham). I’m not a sous chef, nor a scientist, but I think the Jamón should have come out stronger than it did (Spanish ham usually gives you a big kick). Anyway, what a party in my mouth.

We are still on white wine, and the 2008 Chardonnay brings out a heavier intensity of the meal as it progresses. I’m ready to take on the meat!

Food is better with friends: With Suan Fatt from Tatler.

FOURTH COURSE: Roasted fillet and slow cooked shoulder of lamb with black olive and fennel
WINE: 2010 Craggy Range Te Kahu Bordeaux Blend, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

I’m usually more of a beef person (and The Prime Society is SO good for their beef), but the shoulder lamb was a splendid dish. The lamb was wrapped in plastic and slow cooked for 24 hours in 64 degrees, and you can definitely taste the TENDER loving care. The spinach with white fennel and olive purée was a lovely accompaniment and I wouldn’t have wanted my lamb any other way. Except maybe as a little pet.

The New Zealand red wine celebrated the dish nicely. It was 80% merlot,8% cabernet-franc, 8% cab-sauv, and 4% malbec and in other words, went down our mouths quickly.

FIFTH COURSE: Summer berry trifle with strawberry jelly and buttermilk sorbet
WINE: 2004 Pauleczki. Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary.

It makes me so sad to write about the last dish! (Already?!) Read it and weep.

Not just a visual treat, this was an absolutely delicious and pleasant dessert that wasn’t too sweet. Trifle is traditionally a dessert of sponge cake, fruits, jelly and custard, and this balance of berries with butter milk sorbet bowled me over.

The Hungarian wine was significantly sweeter than the dessert itself, but such sweetness is the signature of the Tokaj wine region. (Sorry I didn’t get a picture of the bottle, I was totally distracted by this point!) Aszú grapes are all handpicked and I felt like royalty, being given the opportunity to savour it. Obviously, we were given the best.

THE EPICUREAN DELIGHTS MENU BY MASTER CHEF MATT MORAN AT THE PRIME SOCIETY, SINGAPORE is available for a limited time only (17-20 April 2013). Priced at S$168 ++ with premium wine pairing at an additional S$80++, the tasting menu is available for lunch and dinner during this period.

I would strongly suggest the pairing with wine – it takes the dining experience to new heights and helps to envelope the taste of each plate.

Select dishes are available à la carte, or indulge instead in premium cuts of ethically sourced Rangers Valley grain-fed beef, Cape Grim grass-fed beef, and Mayura Station wagyu – all free of growth hormones.

For more information on this menu, check out this link.

*I must give special thanks to our waiter Efren – his service was spectacular. He was well-spoken, prompt, attentive in the right doses and as smiling as he was knowledgeable. If I was still working in F&B at Fullerton Bay Hotel, I might just try to hire him!

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THE PRIME SOCIETY SAYS… “Dedicated to the Upper Cut.”

I guess the best deserve the best. Besides the exciting medley of meat and other good food, the elegant yet homely steakhouse encourages cocktails at the central island bar, conversations in the open-concept kitchen, and lush afternoon-till-evening alfresco dining. Good times with friends or exquisite corporate entertainment will be a sure-fire hit here.

THE PRIME SOCIETY IS LOCATED AT:
10 DEMPSEY ROAD. BLOCK #01-20.
Operating hours: 12pm – 10.30pm
Call 64747427 for reservations or email info@theprimesociety.com

With Entrepreneur and the perfectly put-together Prime Society owner Ingrid Prasatya; her head chef Dallas Cuddy.

Me and Dad with The Prime Society chef Dallas Cuddy and Master Chef Matt Moran’s right hand man, Chef Ben.

What a remarkable meal. Thank you to The Prime Society, the exceptional culinary team and World Gourmet Summit 2013 for the invited tasting.

Welcome April 2013. It’s not 1 party – but THREE parties. :) It’s called the DUNLOP STREET BLOCK PARTY!

HEY! WHAT’S EVERYONE DOING ON SATURDAY EVENING? If you’re feeling like some easy drinks, come join me and my friends for a POP UP PARTY!

Come and help me conquer not one bar, but THREE – Zeffir, Zsofi Tapas Bar, and my ultimate favourite cocktail bar in Singapore, Barkode Cocktail Bar will be hosting the one-time festivities.

Side by side parties across the whole block = BLOCK PARTY

When I first heard about this concept earlier in the week, I loved it. These kind of things happen all the time in London and New York, and it’s about time Singapore caught up to the fun. Somehow, a block party inspires thoughts of “new kids on the block” having a street party! (What comes into YOUR head when YOU think of a block party?)

Let’s kick it off at Zeffir, expect 4 live bands on the rooftop of Zsofi Tapas Bar till 11pm, then party on at Barkode Cocktail Bar with 4 live DJs. It’ll be as underground as underground can be. Only fabulous and fun people should come!

ALL ACROSS DRINKIE SPECIALS! (Glub gloob.)

1-4-1 Pinnacle Vodka at $10nett
2 for $20 nett bottled beers, wine and housepours all night long
2 for $20 nett Caprioskas

Barkode Cocktail Bar is owned by my good friend, Caryn, who was one of the runner-ups for DIAGEO RESERVE World Class competition and I guarantee you – she sure knows her drinks! She’s a cocktail star, so make sure to ask her to create something special for you!

PS: Dunlop Street is in the Little India area.

Let’s wander around and get lost in the music, bands and new friends.

See you there and don’t forget to RSVP on the Facebook event page HERE!

Oh, the silly things we do in Singapore… Robertson Quay, Kudeta, Lantern, and an ultimate night at Pangaea’s Pillowfight Party

I haven’t been going out as much as in 2012, which means more time to document the times when I did! I had friends visit from Dubai and London the other week, and such special occasions call for my special attention. So excited to see A&Z, and welcome Nel into my city! I’m a bonafide tour guide, showing off the best Singapore has got, and in these two nights, I pied pipe-red my friends down and around my favourite nightspots.

TIME TO GET SILLY IN SINGAPORE -
FRIDAY: Dinner at Brussels Sprouts Robertson Quay, Drinks at EM by the River, Dancing at Kudeta Marina Bay Sands

I’m not a big fan of mussels, but if you like that sort of thing, Brussels Sprouts (they have a few locations) is pretty popular. I settled for steak, and kept myself happy with the company. EM by the River within Robertson Quay is an easy stroll away, and their alfresco setting is nice enough for multi-purpose catch ups. The drinks are nothing spectacular, but they do have special deals at certain hours.

Managed to convince my friends to come along to Kudeta Singapore – Now we’re talking. That’s more like it!

SATURDAY: Dinner at Yazawa Robertson Quay, Drinks at Lantern rooftop of Fullerton Bay Hotel, Dancing at Pangaea Singapore

The meat at Yazawa Japanese restaurant (Robertson Quay) was excellent, and I would do it all over again! The boys were kind enough to grill the first round of food for us, but we harassed the service staff afterwards to help out. How patient and service-oriented of them! The only self-service we were doing was cleaning up bottles of wine and sippin’ on teacups of sake.

We were the last customers out of their restaurant but I don’t think they hated us… How could they?

I made my few calls as the evening’s Entertainment Director… and it was up and away on the rooftop of Fullerton Bay. I don’t know if I will ever get tired of showing off these splendid sights of the night – it’s always a nice time at my usual haunt, Lantern. (Try to book a table in advance if you plan to drop by for drinks – they can get pretty busy after office hours and on Friday/Saturday nights.)

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Alright, let’s stop pretending to be sophisticated – I know you clicked on this post to see some childish destruction!

Let me halt halfway through this blogpost with a warning: I think a pillowfight themed party in a nightclub is a terrible idea, but everyone else seemed to disagree…

So sit back, relax, and laugh at my friends – as everyone gets mouthfuls of flying feathers stuck in their bodies. Watch us wreck countless glasses of champagne, and act like we’re thirteen!

The girls are so beautiful it’s a thrilling tease, and the dresscode is close to none – come as casual as you please. Break out your best pyjamas and prepare to partay like its 1990!

“So, what’s a pillowfight like?” You’ve probably always wanted to see one. It’s kind of like snowing, but really more annoying. Feathers get into your throat, your eyes, and usually also your underwear. You might not find a feather here, but you will surely find a feather later over there! (Surprise!)

Mmm… not so tasty.

Girls of a feather flock together. Girls also flock together because of feathers.

We are desperately trying to break open this pillow… it’s like a really bad film in the making! Guess who wins in this dramatic end?

GIRLS 1: PILLOW 0!

Be free my pillow, be free!

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The monthly themed parties at VIP lounge Pangaea are always as exclusive as they are a hoot.

Parties in Asia: Massive Collective celebrates one last dance/champagne shower at Filter Member’s Club Singapore

Filter Members Club in Singapore celebrated its last night ever, last night.

First time at Filter – OPENING NIGHT

Favourite night at Filter

I just got back from Kuala Lumpur and was so sick that I had to give it a miss. If pictures could tell tales, then I can see from a frenzy of friendly postings on Facebook that the crowd came out in full force last night, to show their last spend of support.

Filter is kind of legendary. It was the beginning of many firsts for me – the first “members-only” concept club in Singapore I frequented. The first time we were so young and everything was fun. The first time we could turn up on any weekend, and always expect to see cute guys (the yuppy kind). Boys always wanted to buy us drinks, but it was the first time we always had a table waiting and friends to tear it up with. The first club to create a fashion of hashtags of its own (#filtered), and spread its viral use as a community adjective.

Filter welcomed the first time we sipped on Dom Perignon, and the first time this advanced into a champagne shower. I don’t mean to dish the dirty behind this velvet rope, but oh, the spraying of this bubbly alcohol, and the baller bottle wars! If you were there for it, you could never forget it!

Party like a VIP, for every weekend was documented and distinguished. FILTER was a fraternity of sorts – you either belonged, or you were bounced. Those who didn’t know how to get IN didn’t get IT, and gave much flak for it, but we treasured every moment of it. Everyone knew everyone inside the club, and stories were whispered outside of the club.

Friends were always spotted in a sea of familiar faces, and familiar faces became friends. Which came first? This wasn’t clear – amidst the smoke, celebrities, special guest DJ appearances and endless bottles of champagne. Life was good, and we were living it the best we could.

“Okay, it sounds great. So, what happened?” You might ask.

Alas, time flies. And although I can still remember how it starts, it’s suddenly the end of an era. Massive Collective did well, debuting and developing its own nightlife culture, and establishing a new pedigree of party scene in the interim. And then, when you have choices, people start to split up in-between places. Mink opened up, and the party crowd crammed themselves into it.

FILTER Members Club never died, but Mink did dilute it. Lots of things changed it. FILTER wasn’t the same, and mostly, we blame ourselves. I got older. We got older. We worked harder, and partied a lot lesser.

The guys were the same, but new girls started arriving, and they were younger…

I haven’t aged that much since, have I!? @_@

But enough about me, and our time defying partying. Big ups to the MASSIVE COLLECTIVE team, and for building the dream they always deserved. Are they creating culture or wreaking havoc? A killer cocktail of both, we would assume They were the first with Filter, but now dominate Southeast Asia with a powerhouse of sounds and F&B outlets – Mink, Royal Room, Foodbar Dada, Playhouse, Vertigo KL, Providence KL, and Rootz KL.

The boys behind MASSIVE COLLECTIVE don’t let their club doors close without kicking another one open – Check out their newest edition to the Singapore party scene, DREAM @ Clarke Quay. I haven’t been, but it’s promising. It looks like an electro and trance-y sort of spot.

Whether I’m remembering it for the boys, soft toy animals, biggest bottles or lights-on songs, Filter was first to many of us and you know what they say about your first – it’s unforgettable! Thanks to everyone for the good times, champagne showers, and dancing on the couches.

All watermarked pictures used in this post are owned by me, and unmarked pictures are from FILTER’s Facebook Page.

Keep checking my blog space for the local word on the street and the best global parties where my crew is rolling! I’m no expert, but just a once-young partygirl in Asia who has a whole lot of respect for the scene I grew up in.

xxx Peace, love, and glitter dreams! xxx

Best holiday ever in Phuket with The Sail Spin – Hello from the land of Sun, Sea, Sand, Party and Sailing!

It’s mid-week. You’re at your desk in the office, tired of doing the same number crunching you have been doing for the last 3 and a half years. Maybe you need a break, or you’re just bored. You’re poking about on Facebook and other sites, and somehow land up here on the internet. How about a little daydreaming? Wouldn’t you love to be on a boat?

 

GET ON BOARD THE NEXT SAILING TRIP COMING RIGHT UP:

28th March – 1st April 2013 (Singapore public holiday: Good Friday weekend)
23rd – 27th of May 2013 (Singapore public holiday: Vesak Day weekend)

AHOY, MATE!

The Sail Spin is a world of pristine islands, chic sailing yachts and party people. The success formula is simple – you grab your best friends, choose a trip date, pick out your favourite sailboat, and cast off. Great holiday idea, right?! Modelled after the infamous European Yacht Weeks that I’ve watched wishingly on YouTube, each Sail Spin trip brings together 5-10 yachts full of like-minded people.

Yacht Week in Europe had always been on my bucket list. Now, I get to do it a little closer to home, in Asia!
C’mon, Asia. Let’s do it better. The people are hotter. The waters are warmer. Everyday here is summer.

LOCATION OF PLEASURE: PHUKET, THAILAND

The Sail Spin world revolves around ours… Trips are usually scheduled around Singapore’s public holidays and weekends, to minimize the number of day offs you will have to take at the office. Everyone makes their own flight arrangements to Phuket, because while some ballers want to ride first class, someone like me might not mind flying budget. Also, this way, you are free to travel up from whichever city, or to extend your Phuket pleasures whether it be pre-sailing trip or post-sailing.

PREPARING FOR PLEASURE WITH A WORRY-FREE CONCIERGE SERVICE

I was picked up from the airport and chauffeured to wherever I needed to be. For most landing on the day of, you would choose to join The Sail Spin kickoff party – ours was hosted over a swim and drinks at Catch Beach Club.

SIDENOTE ABOUT CATCH BEACH CLUB: I’ve been to many bars and beach clubs, but let me tell you, this one is breathtaking. I started whining about wishing I came earlier, and if The Sail Spin chooses not to hold their parties here in the future, it is still worth a separate visit. You’ll be plenty entertained just sitting prettily on elegant white furniture, while you stare at the swells of the sea. It swirls seamlessly into a stunning sunset, while the rhythm of Cafe Del Mar ripples into your head. I couldn’t have asked for a more magnificent introduction to my new sailing group of friends.

After this, the shuttles took us straight to Yacht Haven, where a heavenly getaway would begin.

Each trip spans about 4 nights, 5 days, and hops about designated stops around Phuket. The yacht route, on-land activities, in-boat groceries and night-time delights are all pre-planned as part of a ‘worry-free’ hospitality package. Alcohol can either be purchased for cheap at the Phuket International Airport, or show up as an extra charge on your bill if you would like the staff to take care of that.

Before VS After:
(The ‘worry-free’ service is a new and good move by The Sail Spin staff, as during my trip we didn’t have this and we went more than overboard with groceries. The boys bought enough Belvedere Vodka to last a war, and the girls each wanted about 10 cans of spaghetti. Needless to say, we were undomesticated, a lot of food was wasted, and we all got a little bit fat.)

SAILING ON BOARD OUR YACHT – THE JEANNEAU 57 “BAGGY”

Do you have to know how to sail to go on a sailing holiday? We certainly didn’t, but some of the boys on my boat tried to learn over the course of our great getaway. A professional skipper handles that, among much else. Your job is not to sail, but to swim or suntan.

We picked a beautiful boat called the Jeanneau Baggy, run by THE PINK SHRIMP. It was 58.4 foot long, catered for 6 guests in three double cabins, and came with a young and strapping captain full of fine service – his half-British half-Japanese hospitality was like a button that was switched on every hour of our trip. He couldn’t have done it without the help of his co-captain, of course.

Don’t expect a villa-sized room on board any boat, for rooms are small and toilets are tight. Everything is squeaky clean, and your new home is a splendid suite of classy and cosy. Do note that our sailing yacht was fully air-conditioned, but not all boats have this.

PS: Luxe Nomad just ran a sale on this yacht, among a couple of others! Sign up for Luxe Nomad’s email list for first-hand news on luxury vacation flash sales.

ZERO SEASICKNESS
Let me get real here and tell you that this is not a trip for everyone. If you get claustrophobic in smaller spaces and hate the idea of being out at sea, then this is not for you. However, you don’t have to be a daredevil to enjoy this special themed getaway – my friend Marlies gets seasick easily and she wore a seasick wristband from the beginning to the end of the trip. Not only was she never nauseous AT ALL, I never saw her stop smiling once.

I’m a bit of a hero when it comes to motion sickness, but the ocean got to me a bit on the third day as I was on the boat all day that day. I started to feel a rumbling in my tummy and my mood was extra cranky. I pulled Marlies’ wristband off her and put it on myself. I promise you – within merely minutes, the seasickness disappeared completely and I was back to my normal happy self. There is some serious magic in this band. If you sign up to go sailing, I highly advise you buy this.

FYI, The bigger your boat, the less it rocks so feel free to splurge on some stability!

THE SAIL SPIN EXPERIENCE AND PEOPLE

The experience is created for you, but making memories is your job to do!

Sailing is typically deduced to be a hobby for the rich or filthy rich, but this luxury is now pretty affordable for young pleasure seekers like us too. As long as you have a passport that allows you into Phuket, people of any ages are welcome. Join as one person, or pull more friends along. During my trip, the cosmopolitan crowd tended to average around working adults in their 20s-40s. I’m not going to lie, they weren’t an ugly bunch!

The best thing about The Sail Spin is that it is just so special – it’s boatloads better than a normal holiday in Phuket, and more fun than going sailing with just one group of friends. This is package tour group 2.0! Choose to holiday side by side with other sailors in the sunshine, and share a drink or a laugh over a beachside dinner in the moonlight.

Each yacht sails beside each other in the day, and join in the on-land island stops where activities like snorkelling, spa massages, cave kayaking, cliff diving, sailing or more can be done. Personally, there were not a lot of activities planned during my trip, but it was The Sail Spin’s first big trip and with our feedback, they have now beefed up the list of fun that can be done.

My favorite stop was when we docked near a little island (think it was named Chokdee island), and it allowed for few casual hours of mingling over lunch, playing pool, snorkelling, and ultimately an afternoon of pure relaxation. Who needs hammer time when it’s hammock time?

You are free to request a light customisation of your own itinerary, although the plan is to stick with the programme. Consult with your captain if you want to make an extra stop or a tiny detour… Don’t get lost though, Robinson Crusoe!

By sunset, the party options kick in and drinks on your yacht will definitely start flowing. A couple of people choose to stay in and enjoy the yacht, but most jump off the boat to enjoy a little evening bustle. Some nights, buffet barbecue dinners are orchestrated by the beach, but other nights are free and easy. Wander around the little shops, or grab a drink at one of the local bars with old friends and new friends. Phuket is one big general party, and everyone from The Sail Spin ended up at this dingy beach club called Slinky. (Expect cheap shots, rowdy tourists, hardcore locals and plenty of glowing in the dark.)

This awesome holiday saves the best for the last, and a final night boat party ensues. A DJ (did I mention the sailing trip usually includes one resident DJ?!) breaks out the beats on board while everyone else downs the remainder of their drinks, dancing on deck and singing along to the chorus when their favourite song comes on. The final party is a little surreal – you hold hands with your new best friends and look over the vast waters and islands in a distance, feeling ever so slightly afloat as you listen to the rise of the fall of the tempo.

Sleeping at night (if you should choose to) is not conducted in the middle of the open sea, but all yachts are safely docked either close to shore or inside hotel sea ports.

QUITE HONESTLY, BEST HOLIDAY EVER

Although I didn’t have a summer love nor meet my mer-man, every single person that I met on this trip made this trip better, and boy did we have a whirlwind of a sailing holiday together. It was such a new experience jet setting off to a luxe vacation in and around Andaman sea, spoiling myself with 5 days of refreshing mornings on my own personal yacht with my favourite friends, and catching up on reading, swimming, suntanning or plain ol’ conversations.

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love being on a boat or just running away on a holiday. The feeling of being able to do both is completely enchanting, but rolling out of bed on a yacht and jumping into the perfect waters of Phuket to wake up is another dimension of deluxe.

This was, quite honestly, as of lately, my best holiday in Asia ever.

Feel free to email me at loveyouwrongtime@gmail.com for enquiries and bookings, or if you just want tell me how awesome my vacation pictures look!

THE SAIL SPIN is on Facebook: Say hello to them and see what the sailing fuss is about!

If you haven’t OD-ed on my pictures yet, dare yourself to browse through my full Sail Spin holiday album for extra envy.

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This is a sponsored post for The Sail Spin.

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EXTEND YOUR INDULGENCE – STAY AT INDOCHINE RESORTS, PHUKET

If you would like to extend your trip and unwind a little bit more in Phuket, I recommend staying at Indochine Resort where I was – they currently have a mega saver March promo on as well.

This resort is not in Patong itself, but rather scenically perched on the Patong hillside. Depending on what your personality is, this decision could be as good for you as it was for me and my friends. We enjoyed the proximity to Patong without having to live within it, for it is a crazy town that never sleeps. A 5-10 min shuttle or taxi from Indochine Resort will get you into the heart of the Patong action, while a 20 min walk for us to Patong was nice and breezy whenever we weren’t too hungry.

Only on offer until 31st March 2013, pamper yourself with a 3 day/2 night experience at the Oceanfront room. (I stayed in this very room during my stay – it’s named a hotel room but feels like a villa.)

Rates are based on 2 persons/per room and includes a day activities package, a daily international breakfast, dinner at their restaurant (the alfresco area is absolutely relaxing), 2-way airport transfers, and shuttle services at scheduled intervals.

If you stay a bit longer and want a lazy good great spot for dinner without venturing too far from the hotel, try one of these fine restaurants – Joe’s Downstairs (Aussie/Western), White Box (International/Mediterranean), Acqua (seems sort of European), Baan Rim Paa (Local Thai/Seafood).
Quite honestly, I ate at Baan Rim Paa and felt it was rather over-rated and over-priced, but my tourist friends liked it most. If I wanted to eat local, I would go local. My favourite food and view was at Joe’s Downstairs – the lofty white furniture was a joy to sit on while dinner-watching the swirls of the waves.

The food at Indochine’s Resort is really good as well, and we were addicted to their Viet beef noodles. Me and my friends ate this about 4-6 times over our stay! The duck crispy noodles and starter platter are worth mentioning and tasting as well.

If you don’t crave bar-hopping and clubbing, Indochine Resort is saliently self-sustainable – the restaurant is multiple-meal worthy, the views are arresting, the public rooftop pool beckons from day to night, and not forgetting your Oceanview room also comes with either a private pool or outdoor jacuzzi. This hotel IS a holiday in itself, and I would have gladly given myself into house-arrest for there was no reason to leave pleasures of the premises. I must sound so terribly spoilt having two amazing holidays smack side-by-side!

Specially for bookings from Singapore – The full dates and details for this promotion can be found on the Indochine Group website.

Pool Parties in Singapore – W Hotel, Sentosa Cove debuts with a splash this Sunday 10 March 2013

3 weeks ago, The super people at the Starwood Preferred Group told me they were throwing their first ever pool party at W Hotel Singapore soon. I was getting excited. Guess what? It’s THIS SUNDAY!

SINGAPORE
W HOTEL SENTOSA COVE, POOLSIDE
10 March 2013, Sunday
2pm-8pm
Featuring: Some pretty notorious names in SG.
-> DJ Aldrin, DJ Has (ex musical director of the Lo and Behold Group), and DJ Xeum
$35 Cover charge per person for pool access, includes 1 drink

I’ve always a huge fan of the W brand – Everything from the glamourous boutique decor in the rooms and lounge, to the thoughtful service and generally hip culture, has always been consistent.

I have been twitching for an opportunity to jump into this -

There isn’t enough weekend pool-time hotspots in Singapore, but there are a few that I’ve been to -

1) GET WET at Hard Rock Hotel gave me a ‘Palm Springs school break’ sort of vibe, but
2) My usual weekly favourite is Tanjong Beach Club.

3) I also started the St Tropez Sunday champagne x pool party series at LANTERN ROOFTOP (Fullerton Bay Hotel), all thanks to my hardworking team back when I was in employment with them (above picture, no blog post yet). You can check their Facebook page or Fullerton Bay Hotel’s Facebook page for current updates.
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I hope the first of W Hotel’s pool party series will succeed. It’s time for an extra splash of fun in our Singapore party scene!

If you’re in an oh-so sunny mood on Sunday, I will see you there.

Future Music Festival comes to Asia – KL, Fri & Sat 15-16 March. Armin’s 600th A State of Trance, The Prodigy, etc. VIP tickets sold out!

I can imagine it already – 40,000 young’ons will will be in their matching tie-dyed outfits, jumping, shouting and throwing their hands up to the terrific tunes of global music maestros. The stages will be platform after platform of remarkable performances, lit by a hectic symphony of lasers and visuals. Sunlight will streak away into the moonlight, but spirits will not die. Party-hunters will be energetic, some sweaty, and friends mostly straggled on the grass – smiling as they sing along. Couples will cuddle as they murmur sweet nothings, stroking each other’s hair. The atmosphere will be abuzz with some of the greatest melodies of our generation, and we will enjoy this soiree of surrender as we soak in the stars.

Some people will want a shower, but most won’t care. What will YOU be thinking about at an incredible party like this?

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ GET YOUR FRIENDS TOGETHER ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Future Music Festival 2013 (FMFA2013) has come back to Asia for the second time, and the organizers in Malaysia seem to be going all out to ‘chope’ that this is as big as it gets. I have been to the original Future Music Festival in Australia, and if it is any indication to go by, this upcoming fiesta will be an epic one. My good friend from Australia has even decided to fly in this year for the fun!

My friends always forgive my tagging Good things are meant to be shared, and a party isn’t a party without your friends, right?! I’m really blessed and extra glad that the organizers have selected me and two of my favourite blogger friends, Dawn Yang and Agri Velt, to fly up. It’s been a while since the 3 of us Singaporean sisters have partied together, so I expect no less than a mayhem-filled weekend as we shake up Future Music Festival with our fruity loopy flavour!

I have told many of my friends to come to FMFA2013 in Malaysia this year, and this is why YOU should gather your troops and party with us.

Future Music Festival 2013 (FMFA2013): 2 days, 4 stages, and a line-up full of win!

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ Day One (Friday, 15 March 2013) – ‘A State of Trance 600: The Expedition World Tour’ ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

• Armin Van Buuren
• Aly & Fila
• Ben Gold
• Cosmic Gate
• Super8 & Tab
• W&W

Visit http://www.astateoftrance.com for more details on Armin Van Buuren’s ‘A State of Trance 600: The Expedition World Tour’.

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ Day Two (Saturday, 16 March 2013) ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

• The Prodigy
• PSY
• Rita Ora
• Fun.
• Bloc Party
• Temper Trap
• Rudimental
• DJ Fresh (Live)
• Stafford Brothers
• Timmy Trumpet
• Tenzin
• Feed Me
• Kill The Noise
• Zeds Dead

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ OTHER INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
• Naughty by Nature
• De La Soul
• Sidney Samson
• Angger Dimas
• Ladytron (DJ set)
• Andy Moor

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ REGIONAL ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
• Idiotape (South Korea)
• Shut Da Mouth (South Korea)
• Sixteen (Indonesia)
• DJ Stas (Singapore)
• DJ Bento (Japan)

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ LOCAL ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫
• Goldfish & Blink
• Joe Flizzow
• Kyoto Protocol
• LapSap
• They Will Kill Us All
• Brains & The Eye (B.A.T.E)
• H3 featuring Arabyrd
• Dangerdisko
• Eva T
• OMP DJs
• Deer Society
• Darren Ashley
• Bud Culture
• Mr. Fluff
• Twilight Action Girl
• Mister Ariffin
• FONO
• DJ Fuzz
• Mr. Nasty
• GuruGuru
• Johan Nasir
• Jakeman & Skeletor
• Nadira

If that isn’t a huge line-up, I don’t know what is! A schizophrenic selection like this can only mean musical success for anybody and everybody. This music festival in Malaysia celebrates everything from Electro to Indie.

I’m not such a TRANCE fan (I adore House music), but my Armin-fan friends tell me that having one of the few global ‘A State of Trance’ (ASOT) events at this year’s FMFA 2013 is a magnificent deal. Armin in Asia is making a lot of them very happy.

The only thing I will be overdosed in is good music, and I am ready to say hello to HIP HOP legends Naughty By Nature & De La Soul!

Prepare your horse-riding moves, because everyone else probably will. It’s your choice whether to enjoy POP sensations like PSY live at Future Music Festival Asia, or on your radio at home.

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ GET YOUR TICKETS ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Don’t get duped with duplicates or fakes, only buy your tickets from the official links and partners! Click this AirAsia link or FMFA’s official website link; it’s RM 158 for a single day pass (either Day 1 or Day 2) and RM 238 for the 2-day weekend pass (so much better). Pre-Sale tickets will be available for purchase till March 14, 2013 or while stocks last.

VIP tickets are officially sold out but you can try your luck with Livescape Asia at tickets@livescape.asia or +60.3.7773.6272.

As of Tuesday 26 Feb, AirAsiaGo Singapore is giving out free festival tickets to people living in Singapore, on their Facebook page. Check it out!

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫ GET YOUR STUFF TOGETHER ♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) is only a 4-5 hour first-class bus ride or a 1 hour flight from Singapore. In my upcoming blog post, I will explain logistic type details – how to get to KL real cheap and easy, where we girls will be staying, any deals I can find, and more.

I hope to see you there!

PS: Follow Future Music Festival Asia on Facebook or Twitter if you want details, gossip, or free stuff.

PPS: I’ve been going crazy over the live remixes DJ ENFERNO has been doing – check out this one he did of Temper Trap’s Sweet Disposition. I found him on YouTube and he deserves to be recognized. I hope they bring him in sometime in Future Music’s future!