Smartphone manufacturer HTC launches its latest Facebook-friendly models, with a host of headlining music acts in tow.

Contributed By Terence JR Lee

Jayesslee performing at the HTC Likes Awards 2011.

What do American rock band Plain White T’s, K-Pop idol Jay Park, Singapore-born singer of Project Superstar fame Derrick Hoh, and twin Korean-Australian YouTube stars Jayesslee have in common? They shared the stage at the inaugural HTC Likes Awards 2011 night held on Friday, July 24 at the Suntec Singapore.

The event was a one-of-its-kind social media awards ceremony in Singapore held to crown Singapore’s new media “socialholics,” a term referring to people who actively use the internet to socialize. It was held in conjunction with the launch of HTC’s latest Facebook phones, namely HTC Cha Cha and HTC Salsa, which feature the latest Android Gingerbread 2.3.3 and a dedicated Facebook button for one-touch access to the key functions of the Facebook service.

Jay Park

The Facebook button on HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa boasts a one-touch functionality—with a single press of the button, users can update their statuses, upload photos, share links, post song clips and “check in” to a location and more.

Indeed, social media was the focus of the evening, with prizes given to winners from various innovative categories, such as the “Best Music Parody,” “Most ‘OMG’ Photo Award,” “Most Interesting Status Update Award” and “Most Ideal Check-In.”

Derrick Hoh

The winners had been chosen partly on the basis of their popularity—measured by how many “Likes” their entries received online. While many entered the contests because of the attractive prizes, which included cash, HTC ChaCha and Salsa phones, and a cruise to Redang Island in Malaysia, more attended the event because of the star-studded lineup.

It was hard to tell who the most popular artiste was, as each was greeted by rousing cheers, raucous applause and unabashed exclamations of “I love you!” from the audience. Jay Park wowed his female fans with the mere mention of his name, while the sweet-voiced Jayesslee had the crowd clapping along to their music. The duo had brought their band along, and delighted fans with covers of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are,” as well as a beatbox-cum-rap of Jessie J’s hit single “Price Tag.”

Derrick Hoh’s fans brought LED-lit signs spelling out his name—they were in turn treated to a sneak peek of his upcoming album when he sang a single from it.

Plain White T’s. CN PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

American pop band Plain White T’s brought the evening to a close with its brand of easy rock tunes, performing hit songs like “Boomerang” and “1, 2, 3, 4,” and ending with the number-one hit, “Hey There Delilah.” The five-man band flew in just for the event, arriving in Singapore early Friday morning, and left almost immediately after their performance that night. They got the crowd on their feet, swaying and clapping to the beat as they performed song after song.

A surprise fashion show from co-sponsors Denizen caught many off guard, but it soon became the highlight of the night for Park’s fans when he took the stage with his slick dance moves and boyish charm.

Organizer for the event, Launch, set up an initiative where S$1 from the sale of each ticket sold went to the Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) Charity Fund. Additionally, the artistes at the event auctioned off autographed HTC phones, with proceeds going toward the fund.

YouTube breakout duo Jayesslee talk about fame, faith and fulfilling the vision of God in their lives.

Contributed By Terence Lee Jun Rong

CN PHOTO: Michael chan

They have over 30 million views and close to 200,000 subscribers to their channel. Meet Australia’s most popular YouTube sensations—Australian-born Korean twin sisters Janice and Sonia Lee, 25, more widely known as Jayesslee. Apart from two sold-out shows at TAB, the restaurant and bar, the duo performed at City Harvest Church on the weekend of July 9 and 10, to the delight of their fans. They also shared a touching testimony about their mother who was stricken with cancer when they were just 7, and how actively she preached the gospel to others though she was ill.

When not performing, the girls—who claim that their training constitutes mostly “singing in the shower”—help out with the praise team at their home church in Sydney, New Life Community Church. City News met up with the talented twosome to find out more.

You performed at TAB to sold-out crowds. What was that like?
Janice: For us, having made videos and sung songs behind one camera, we’re not really used to a huge live audience. We’re never really used to the fame, the attention, but we were really blown away when we heard that the Singapore shows were sold out. I mean we’ve only interacted with these guys through Facebook or YouTube, so to really meet them face-to-face is really a huge treat for us. And we feel so loved to be able to meet our fans.

What made you upload your first video on YouTube in 2008? What inspired you?
Sonia: We first saw other musicians on Youtube, such as David Choi, Jennifer Chung and Kina Grannis, and we thought it was very interesting how they just uploaded their music from their bedrooms in their pajamas, so we just gave it a go. Honestly, it wasn’t to show the world our music, but it was more for our friends and our family. It was just the easiest way to show them our music. But more and more people started to watch it and request more songs, and that’s how it all started.

How has being Christian influenced your music?
S: I think our faith comes into everything that we do, everything that we sing, the places we go. We make sure that, before musicians or anything, we are God’s children. We’re His daughters, we’re His ambassadors. We incorporate that even into the secular songs that we sing. We want to make sure that wherever we go, we share hope and joy and love.

How has it changed your life so far?
S: I guess it’s the little things like going to the mall … Janice and I, we have to be more conscious about the fact that people do recognize us on the street now, we have to be more conscious about the way we act, the way we treat each other—we have to be much nicer to each other in public (laughs). I guess it holds us accountable.

Only in public … ?
S: Yeah, only in public, hahah. You should see us in our bedroom (pauses). The influence that we have now—that we can just speak a truth into somebody’s life and give them hope, has definitely changed our lives. So yes, it has changed our lives in crazy ways.

Earlier this year you performed during Freedom Sunday in South Korea in support of ending of human trafficking. Tell us more about it.
S: We feel so strongly about this because of it’s reality: people are actually struggling and they’re suffering behind our backs. These are real people, real lives—somebody’s daughter, somebody’s mom, someone’s sister, someone’s brother. I think when we took part in Freedom Sunday, we understood for the first time that, “Yeah, I can make a difference in even the littlest things, like the things that I purchase.” If you purchase certain products, you actually could obliviously be supporting these kinds of acts, like child slavery. Just being conscious of these little things can actually make a difference.

Are there any other causes that you feel strongly for?
S: Oh my, there’re so many! Through our work against human trafficking, we know that there are other causes that people feel strong about, just like how we feel strongly about this cause—such as abortion. It happens everywhere but people don’t speak about it. And of course, there are the issues that are integrated into everybody’s life, such as depression, loneliness, self-image and insecurities. That’s huge on our hearts because we went through it ourselves. We definitely support any organization that offers resources or anything that helps people out with that.

What has the Jayesslee journey been like?
J: It’s been nuts! Honestly, the opportunities are really opening up. After our video, “Officially Missing You” came out, we’ve received e-mails from companies, record labels, and we had the opportunity and the privilege to fly around the world and share our music and story, which actually was our dream five years ago. It was such an impossible dream, but just three or four years later, God has been so faithful in keeping his promise. Once He plants a seed, He will follow through. It’s been amazing.

What’s next for you both?
J: We don’t intend to stop singing, simply because we enjoy it, but we are doing this as God calls us and as God guides us, so if He does put an end to this career then we will go wherever He leads us. We do aspire to have families, and get married and have children, but we also love doing praise and worship at church, so we’ll never stop serving.

S: We actually saw a vision, Janice and I. We were standing before a stadium of thousands and thousands and thousands of people, and wow, it seemed impossible but I think visiting City Harvest Church brought us a step closer. I think it was the biggest crowd that we’ve ever sung to or shared our story with. We’re very hopeful as to where God will take us next.

Any parting words for the City Harvest Church?
J: You guys are amazing! God definitely has so much favor upon this church, this generation, and what He has started, He is going to complete and He is going to be faithful. We’re just excited to have been on this journey with you, even if it was just this week or just this day.

Jayesslee will be back in Singapore for the HTC Likes Awards 2011 on July 22 at 8 p.m. Alternatively, catch them on youtube.com/jayesslee, Twitter or Facebook.

Youth avoided balls but not fellowship at this dodgeball event.

Contributed By Terence Lee Jun Rong

The dodgeball match saw a turnout of more than 120 players and supporters. PHOTO: Terence Lee Jun Rong

Cheers and screams split the air at the indoor sports hall of Beatty Secondary School on June 25. Youth in the zone under Goh Yock Kiang’s pastoral care were embroiled in a friendly, but heated, dodgeball tournament, dodging and throwing balls at cracking speeds.

The fun-filled outreach event featured 15 six-player teams, with a total of more than 120 players and supporters. Meant as a time for youth members to interact with one another, as well as their friends who had come for the zone’s youth camp, the dodgeball match was a thrilling one, with the top three teams walking away with prizes.

“This outreach was a success,” said organizer Pauline Kong. “Many of the youth who attended the youth camp came back, and we had 10 youth cell groups organizing and attending the tournament.”

Smiles all around were testament to the good time the sporting players and their supporters had.

This year’s 10 finalists are ready to take the stage at Miss Singapore Universe 2011 on July 10.

Contributed By Terence Lee Jun Rong

The Miss Singapore Universe 2011 finalists were officially presented to the public on Wednesday, June 22 at a press conference held at Groove nightclub in Clarke Quay. With eveningwear sponsored by local designer, Hayden, the 10 finalists were radiant and ready to talk about their experience in the MSU ’11 pageant.

“It’s been fun,” said Nicole de Souza, 20. “Getting to know the other girls and become friends with them has definitely been the highlight of this experience.” Shaznaz Nazimuddeen, 19, agreed. “The girls are great. They’ve been so helpful and supportive, it’s like we’re a family.”

The contestants were also ready to talk about serious social issues. When asked what she would do if she won the pageant, Shn Juay, 24, replied, “I really hope to raise awareness about breast cancer, which is the cause for this year’s pageant. With a crown, people really look at you differently, and take what you say or do more seriously. I feel very privileged to be a part of this competition.” Shn had previously represented Singapore for the Miss Earth 2006 pageant held in Manila.

Some contestants felt that beauty pageants were about a good self-image and lifestyle habits. “Beauty is more than just about your size or how you look, it’s about how you carry yourself. Confidence is the most important thing,” said Michelle Ang, 18. “If you live healthily, you’ll be beautiful,” added Sheila Yeo, 21.
Even pretty girls don’t mind a boost from professionals. The girls credited Ida Ong, the pageant’s grooming trainer with enhancing their natural beauty. “She’s really transformed us—our posture, the way we walk,” said Shn. “The contrast from how we were before is amazing. We’re all shining now.”

The gala finals of the pageant will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel on July 10. Tickets, from S$200, are available through the organizers, Derrol Stepenny Promotions.

A.R. Bernard exhorts believers to realize that like the oyster, we can turn the negatives in life into a beautiful pearl.

Contributed By Terence Lee Jun Rong

Bernard’s sermon sent a message of hope to CHC. CN PHOTO: Yan Juyi

Chaos, darkness, turmoil, confusion. These are the difficulties that the church and the individual believer must weather as they grow. Chairman of City Harvest Church’s Advisory Committee, A.R. Bernard, preached up a storm at Suntec Singapore on the weekend of June 25 and 26. His return after eight months was met with a rousing reception.

Over two services—5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday—Bernard unpacked Jesus’ teaching regarding the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:45-46. He expounded on how the merchant realized the value of the pearl and gave up everything he had to acquire it. Likewise, Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of that which was truly valuable to Him: His Church. “What is true for the Church as a corporate entity is true also for the individual believer,” said Bernard. “You are that special treasure. Each one of you!”

On Saturday, he described how pearls were formed from adversity. “A parasite invades the oyster, boring through the shell, right into the muscle. In response, the oyster coats the parasite with nacre, suffocating it and creating a beautiful pearl. It is through these obstacles that the Church grows.”

On Sunday, he described how pearl-bearing oysters weather the storms of the ocean, living through “chaos, darkness, turmoil and confusion,” but despite the circumstances, “the pearl inside keeps growing!”

Bernard reminded the congregation that Jesus knows the storms that each of them will go through in life, and how God is determined to do what He has purposed to do. Storms, he explained, come for myriad reasons. “Sometimes, all you can do is ride it out and thank God when it’s over.”

Bernard concluded his message with these powerful words, “God is the author and the finisher of our faith. He has great plans for you and for me. And I know He is faithful to those plans.”

City Harvest Church members give praise to God through social media.

Contributed By Terence JR Lee

City Harvesters actively tweeting their appreciation to God and to one another. CN PHOT: Kenneth Lee

Three decades after “Video Killed the Radio Star,” organizations of all kinds are finding it necessary to keep ahead of the social media curve to stay ahead. For the two-week dedication of its new worship premises at Suntec Singapore, City Harvest Church used the micro-blogging tool, Twitter, to celebrate the move and show appreciation to those who labored behind the scenes to make the move possible.

On March 15, the church’s official Twitter account, @chcsg, suggested that worshippers send their wishes to CHC via Twitter, using the topic tag, #anewday or #chcsg. Worshippers immediately responded with messages of anticipation and appreciation. For instance, cell group W453 tweeted, “Suntec was where we multiplied our cell group. We love #anewday #chcsg.”

On the second weekend, ushers and other helpers wore blue shirts with the slogan “Praise Him with your Tweets” to encourage the congregation to use social media to praise and glorify God. Twitterers channeled their words of appreciation to the church workers who labored to set up the hall in time for the opening services. Tweets were then displayed on the LED screens before and after the service.

Churchgoer and Twitter user lildrummergie said, “Standin in Your house, I’m reminded again of Your initial callin in my life. Humbled n in awe of Your work in my life.” Fellow Tweeter k00kie1 thanked the church workers, saying, “Thank you for all the volunteers of making our service in Suntec such a success!! Love u all!!”

CONNECTING THE CHURCH

CHC has pioneered the use of technology to disseminate information to its congregation. This use of Twitter is not CHC’s first: similar efforts were seen at the 2010 Asia Conference as well as its 20th anniversary services. Furthermore, churchgoers can now inquire about car parking availability by calling an automated system (6722 9225)—a new initiative that was implemented on the second week of its move to Suntec Singapore.

CHC was an early adopter of social media and set up the church’s Twitter account in April 2009 using the ID @chcsg. According to deputy executive pastor, Aries Zulkarnain, social media is an important tool to connect with the congregation especially in this age of technology.

“Twitter allows members to feel closer to the church and stay abreast of all the various happenings in the church on a daily basis. It also allows information to be shared in a personal and interactive way. ”

Overseas members have found the use of new media very helpful to keep in contact with the church. Member Kenneth Tan, who is currently studying in Perth, Australia, calls CHC’s online webcasts every weekend “the next best thing to being at the place I call home, City Harvest Church.”

As a medical student in Moscow, Dalvinder Singh would gather his cell group of students to watch these webcasts of CHC’s weekend services.

Founder and senior pastor, Kong Hee, maintains a website and a blog where he posts biblical teachings on a variety of topics, for example, “The Power of Fasting,” and “Gratitude.” He also has a podcast and a video cast.
The enthusiastic Tweeting of CHC members last weekend made #chcsg a top tag that week.

To follow CHC on twitter, visit www.twitter.com/chcsg. Kong’s website can be accessed at www.konghee.com.

PHOTO: Francesca Soh

After The Rain

PHOTO: Francis Lim

“Double Rainbows” were seen all over the island last Sunday, March 27. The sight drove Singaporeans to upload pictures of it on Twitter and Facebook, such as the ones above by Francesca Soh (top) and Francis Lim. The rainbow served as a reminder to Christians of God’s faithfulness as a covenant-keeping God, as laid out in Genesis 9:12-13, when “God said … I set my rainbow in the clouds and it shall be a sign of the Covenant between me and the earth.”

ERG Media enjoys a booming business importing and exporting entertainment media to and from China.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERG MEDIA HOLDINGS

Eleven years ago, when China-born Li Chuan was in New Zealand, he observed a strange phenomenon. “There was a new community of Chinese immigrants, and they were not into mainstream TV. This created a huge demand for VHS cassette rentals. Seeing that gave me the idea to bring Chinese content to Singapore, to serve the Chinese consumers here.”

The next year, in 2000, Li founded ERG Media Holdings Pte Ltd. Starting with content such as drama serials, the company soon progressed to bringing China Central Television channels CCTV-4 and CCTV News to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. ERG Media Holdings also has an office in Jakarta.

From there, for ERG to enter into the China market was only natural.

“We started an office in Beijing in 2001 to source for more content, and people started to approach us with offers. We felt that there might be a demand in the media market there, which had just opened up.”

In 2002, ERG Media was founded. As a program distributor, it focuses primarily on animated children’s programs. A year later, its sister company, ERG (Beijing) Film Corporation Limited was formed to bring independent films onto the Chinese silver screen.

The company has so far brought over 50 foreign films into China, past stringent censorship regulations. Alongside theatrical releases, ERG Films also works with broadcasters to release films on DVD. Its acquisition team sources for new content from major film festivals in markets all around the world to bring to China. Some examples of these films include: Asterix And The Olympic Games (France), Donkey Xote (Spain/Italy) and The Counterfeiters (Austria/Germany).

ERG Films works closely with the China Film Group and Huaxia Film to distribute its films. Internationally, it imports films via large companies such as EuropaCorp, Studio Canal and BetaFilm.

Li, who is chairman of all three companies, described his strategy as “bringing quality content to entertain audiences”. This consumer-centric approach has reaped rich dividends for ERG.

“I think our biggest achievement is that currently, we are one of the leading independent distributors in China for foreign films, with a substantial market share. The Chinese market is fast opening up and developing.”

China’s film industry is projected to reach US$900 million in profits this year (according to online market resource company Research and Markets), and continue to grow to almost US$2 billion by 2015. This growth is fueled particularly by the accrual of wealth and increase in entertainment spending by Chinese consumers.

“ERG Film has a substantial minority shareholder which is a Chinese state-owned company. We consider this investment a vote of confidence in us.” Currently, Li is looking to new media as an avenue for expansion, particularly Internet Protocol Television, which uses the Internet to distribute content, rather than traditional cable, satellite or radio frequency broadcasts.

However, today’s successes did not come without sacrifice.

“I had no experience in the media business; I learned my lessons the hard way,” shares Li. Also, the frequent commute between Singapore and China is hard on the whole family. Li has a 5-month-old daughter, Faith with his wife, Angeline.

“Because of the nature of my business, I have to travel frequently while my wife and baby daughter are in Singapore. We sacrifice our time together.”

The quick expansion has also been a challenge for the company. “Three years ago, we tried to produce a film with a US$10 million budget, but we failed. The budget was too big and we didn’t have enough experience. It was quite a big setback for us. After that, we decided to focus on distribution rather than production.“

Still, Li has big plans for his companies for the next decade.

“ERG Media started as a company doing content distribution, focusing on animation, particularly children’s shows. In the future we hope to focus on channel management rather than content distribution. We’re looking at taking over some animation channels, managing them, and bringing them to the international market.

“ERG Film is a very traditional film distribution business. We have plans and strategies to make it the largest film company in China.”

Despite the fact his business is in China, Li still carries a torch for Singapore. “I hope to come back to Singapore as a film distributor one day.”

This year’s Audi Fashion Festival 2010 was clearly the most successful by far, with big sponsors and bigger fashion names. City News attended the Marchesa show.

Part of the Asian Fashion Exchange, the Audi Fashion Festival featured top local and international designers in a five-day extravaganza of beautiful clothes and equally beautiful people. Held at the Tent@Orchard outside Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, the Festival opened on April 28 with Canadian duo DSquared2’s high octane mix of grit and glamour and a surprise performance by German glam-rock group Tokio Hotel (reportedly fans of the designers).

The AFX combines its predecessors—Singapore Fashion Week and Singapore Fashion Festival—into a power-packed fashion week. Apart from the AFF, the other pillars of the AFX are Blueprint, a business-to-business trade show, the Asia Fashion Summit, a networking event for creative directors, retailers and designers, as well as Star Creation Competition, a local and regional talent-spotting contest.

Launched last year, the AFF is the high-profile pillar of the AFX, starring local labels like alldressedup and Raoul, regional labels (South Asian designers have their own feature show) as well as big international names like the king of print Roberto Cavalli;  Madonna’s designers for her Drowned World Tour, DSquared2; red carpet favorite Marchesa and London label KTZ.

Marchesa was founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, who met at London’s Chelsea College of Art and Design. The brand has since shot to fame as Hollywood’s red carpet label of choice. The duo named their company after 19th century aristocrat Marchesa Luisa Casati, famed for her striking sartorial tastes, including wearing live snakes in her outfits.

While there were no live reptiles at the Marchesa show, there were certainly gowns given to flights of fancy. A “retrospective collection” that displayed the best of the label, the pieces took the audience from Marchesa’s Asian inspiration to the best of its Hollywood red carpet collections (including the gold column gown Sandra Bullock won an Oscar in this year). Other Marchesa signature looks included intricately detailed bodices and Grecian silhouettes.

Claire Yeo, 21, owner of an online shop, said, “The show was wonderful. The dresses were so beautiful. The models were great, and the crowd was good!”

Korean supermodel Song Kyunga anchored the show, opening with a purple over-the-shoulder number, while Singapore favorite Sheila Sim modeled an astounding origami cocktail dress.

Gavin Lim, 44, director, said, “It was good! It was short, sharp and sweet, and the music was well-matched.”

The Marchesa show was presented by Samsung, which held a launch of its own at the AFF for its brand new mobile. Singapore designers Desmond Yang of Abyzz and Ben Wu of BenWU were commissioned to create accessories to complement the new Samsung Wave. They also pitched concepts for 3D glasses to accompany Samsung’s 3D TV.

Both Abyzz and BenWU were exhibited at Blueprint, the AFX’s tradeshow, and Yang and Wu were present at the Samsung after-party to exhibit their collections.

Yang’s collection, titled “Wings—Take Flight” featured three different necklaces, “Soaring,” “Independence” and “United.” Known for his “transformational” designs, Yang’s necklaces can be worn differently for varied effects.

CN PHOTOS: Kenneth Tan

Wu, an interior-designer-turned-fashion-designer, applies an architectural aesthetic to his creations. His collection, titled “Archetype,” was inspired by the diamond shapes on the Samsung Wave smartphone. Comprising a hoodie (“Fanatic”), a glove (“Addict”) and a handbag (“Ethic”), each is uniquely designed to work with the Wave smartphone. “Fanatic” and “Addict” both feature new ways to carry the phone, while “Ethic” is sound-proof, for “when you don’t want to be disturbed,” Wu explains.

The AFX proved a success, with local and regional designers lauding the tradeshow as a place to see, be seen and be signed by agents and boutiques, while international labels like KTZ and DSquared2 are drawn by the chance to penetrate Asia, given the rise of the Asian luxury consumer.

CN PHOTO: Terence Jr Lee

619 Bukit Timah Road
Tel: +65 6463 2810

Paella takes centerstage at this Spanish restaurant.

For authentic paella, look no further than My Little Spanish Place at Bukit Timah Rd. Replacing The Cellar Door, it delivers a variety of tapas, ranging from the familiar to the more exotic.

The restaurant is a small 50-seater with warm lights and a low ceiling. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a Spanish tavern. The impression is reinforced by the rows of wine bottles on display.

Their tapas pale in comparison to the Paella, but they whet the appetite and stimulate conversation.

The Tortilla arrived a little cold, but its savory crust was tasty, especially when accompanied by the Aioli. The Pimientos (peppers) were slightly too mild, served on soft, crusty bread that could do with a little more crunch. Caracoles (Snails) were served in a rich broth flavored with jamon and chorizo. The caracoles were plump and moist but sadly lacking in flavor, which seemed to have seeped out into the rich broth, making it perfect with bread.

The Patatas Bravas (literally “fierce potatoes”) were a welcome dish—hot, crunchy with a spicy sauce that enlivened the dish. The Squid Stuffed with Caramelised Onions was interesting—the tender squid with the burnt-caramel sweetness of the onions presented a unique flavor combination that I liked.

Among the tapas, two characters stole the show. The Aioli was flavor-packed but not overpoweringly garlicky; well-balanced and piquant, with a mellow sweetness. It redeemed the otherwise too-salty Tortilla, and seemed to be the base for the spicy sauce in the Patatas Bravas. Later, when eaten with the paella, the Aioli completely changes the taste of the dish, like a good wine. Definitely a must-try.

The second show-stealer was the Filetes Rusos. I had my doubts initially: minced meat patties are usually “kid’s menu” fodder, but these swept me away. The well-spiced Filet had a loose, open texture inside, and its well-crusted exterior was browned nicely. The meat was rich and smooth, making the melted layer of cheese on top seemed extraneous.

]The meal is well-paced, with dishes following one after the other. By the time you’re done with the tapas, the Paella will have arrived. Taking around 40 minutes, each Paella is individually made a la minute (each is made only when the order is placed). Risotto’s cousin, paella, is traditionally made with saffron, rice and olive oil. Here, you can have it “house style,” with seafood, or with squid ink. Feeling adventurous, we decided to try the Arroz Negro (literally, black rice).

The Paella arrives in its pan, fresh off the stove. The rice is tasty, and packed with subtle flavour from the stock. Upon tasting it, my dining companion remarked that it was like “Singaporean sa-po-fun (claypot rice).” Indeed, the edges and bottom of the pan had that characteristic almost-burnt, smoky flavor. Seafood was plentiful­—squid and clams were nestled in the paella. The mussels on top were bursting with flavor. Following Chef Maria’s advice, we mixed the Aioli into the Paella. Garlicky and wonderful, the Aioli brings the best out of the seafood. The Paella defines “more-ish”: You’re full to the brim, but you just have to take that next spoonful. At S$38 for two people, this dish is a must-have.

With enthusiastic staff and cozy setting, My Little Spanish Place highly qualifies as a date-worthy location.

CN PHOTO: Terence JR Lee

8Q SAM, 8 Queen Street
Tel: 6338-9887
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m

This is the restaurant incarnation of Food for Thought—the little corner café across from the National Library (FFT1). This new arrival takes itself more seriously, but thankfully, under the up-market makeover, it still has the sense of humor and grace that made FFT1 such a success. The food is a little more expensive here, but still representative of Chef David Heng’s enjoyable interpretation of Singaporean Western food.

The restaurant boasts a hip, futuristic concept, and seats up to 100. The geometric light wave that dominates the room is a talking point: Made up of 540 pasta sauce bottles hung from the rafters, it captures the idea of doing well by doing good. “We used the sauce in the bottles to cook for several orphanages, and we asked the orphans to write down their dreams and aspirations. You can see these notes inside the bottles,” explains Heng, 28.

Like the décor, the food is similarly eye-catching. The Sage Roasted Pumpkin Risotto comes as a bright-orange hill. Another winner is the Chinese Chicken Caesar Salad. The ginger sesame soya dressing complements the crunchy ikan bilis, and the soft poached egg was delicious.

Chef Heng’s strength lies in his sauces. The blue cheese butter makes the Really Good Steak really Knowgood, and the hoisin har cheong sauce on the baby back ribs is heavenly. The ribs are fork- tender and meaty, but it is the sauce you dream about afterwards. The Chai Spice Brulee Salmon is well-crusted without being dry, as the accompanying mango ginger chutney brings out the full flavor of the fish.

The curry powder on the Crispy Curry Chicken is an interesting touch, and it is served with a tangy sauce that tingles the tastebuds. This is the kind of food that Singaporeans remember from kopitiams, but refined and taken to the next level.

The desserts, however, were universally good. The White Chocolate Orange Mousse came beautifully layered—a sandwich of orange between light sponge and white chocolate mousse. The sweet citrus cuts through the milky, rich chocolate, and left
us nicely surprised.

The Black Sesame Chiffon is a gift-worthy cake—the kind that you’d bring to your in-laws. The chiffon texture is well-done, and the black sesame infuses the cake with a subtle and delightful countertaste that is not too sweet.

The Butterscotch Apple & Mixed Berries Crumble initially seemed pedestrian, but we were surprised by its butterscotch-iness. The berries were tart, accompanied by firm but yielding apples in salty-sweet crumble topped with vanilla ice cream.

The staff were friendly and efficient. They were responsive and quick to refill our glasses. However, they were too quick in serving our courses—before we were done with the salads, the mains had arrived. And dessert arrived prematurely, which was a little shocking—then again, I was there to dine on its fourth day so it was likely the enthusiasm of new staff.

This is a place where divine eats meet social needs. Heng says, “We’re looking at events and programs, some fund-raising, maybe some food competitions, photo exhibitions … The idea is to have community initiatives to bring people together and create social awareness.”

Overall Rating: