How to ace Father's Day
Father's Day is just one week away. If you're thinking of gifting him socks again, please don't. How about taking him on a nostalgia walk through an old neighbourhood? Or surprising him with a birthday cake featuring his face superimposed on Iron Man? Maybe even a shirt from a great new brand that fits him perfectly, or a massage gun his back will truly thank you for?
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.
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Vogue Singapore
19 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Father's Day grooming gifts to present a moment of self-care
@luckybsmith Father's Day—it's the perfect time to show our appreciation for the dads, grandfathers and father figures who support and shape our lives. But finding the right gift can be a challenge, especially for the man who has everything. This year, consider swapping out the usual socks or gadgets for something a little more indulgent: self-care gifts that combine style, substance and sophistication. Whether he's a grooming enthusiast or simply deserves some TLC, a well-chosen skincare hero or stand-out scent is a thoughtful way to elevate his daily routine. Does he enjoy bold, energetic scents? The vibrant notes of Ralph Lauren's Polo 67 or Rabanne's arresting Million Gold should hit the mark. Looking to upgrade his skincare game? Stop at a sensorially rewarding and hard-working formula like Aesop's Lucent Facial Refiner or Origins' Ginzing Gel Cream. Meanwhile, design-forward dads will treasure the sleek minimalism of Sachajuan or Le Labo on their shelf. The latter is a one-way ticket to elevated ambience—as is the olfactory whirl of Frédéric Malle's Essential Coffret, scented novelty in a box. Guaranteed to please even the most discerning men in our lives, read on for Vogue Singapore's edit of grooming gifts that will make any father's day: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren 1 / 7 Ralph Lauren Polo 67 Eau de Toilette Bold and bright, this powerful fragrance is 'sporty elegance' in a bottle—just as you'd expect from a scent with soccer star Son Heung Min as its face. Blending the warmth of citrus, vetiver and bergamot, it's ideal for the get-up-and-go dad who loves to pack his days while making time to enjoy the sunshine. Ralph Lauren Polo 67 Eau de Toilette, $156 for 125ml, available at Sephora Courtesy of Aesop 2 / 7 Aesop Lucent Facial Refiner This luminosity-imparting, exfoliating mask is a significant six years in the making. Joining Aesop's Lucent Facial Concentrate serum, this vitamin-rich formulation innovatively pairs a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to result in unparalleled refining of the skin's texture. What's more, its comfortable gel-cream format and enveloping aroma (courtesy of essential oils) invite instant tranquility. Aesop Lucent Facial Refiner, $196, available at Aesop Courtesy of Rabanne 3 / 7 Rabanne Million Gold Eau de Parfum Intense Feel like a million dollars with Rabanne's signature sleek, sensual fragrances. Here, unfolding layers of mandarin and cardamom, creamy sandalwood, and cinnamon and cedarwood make for an exhilarating journey. Rabanne Million Gold Eau de Parfum Intense, $196 for 100ml, available at various retailers including Sephora, Tangs and Metro Courtesy of Origins 4 / 7 Origins Ginzing Energizing Gel Cream Know a father who could do with a complexion—and confidence—boost? Signs of fatigue are no match for this beloved gel moisturiser, which harnesses Origins' trademarked Vital-Synthesis Technology alongside the likes of ginseng and coffee bean-derived caffeine to up energy, brightness and hydration. Origins Ginzing Energizing Gel Cream, $79 for 75ml, available at Sephora Courtesy of Sachajuan 5 / 7 Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo Sachajuan melds Scandinavian philosophies and innovative Ocean Silk Technology to present purity-focused, algae-powered formulas. Equal parts clean and effective, start with their Scalp Shampoo, which combines anti-fungal climbazole, soothing ginger and growth-stimulating rosemary to nourish strands from the scalp. Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo, $41, available at Sephora Courtesy of Editions De Parfums Frédéric Malle 6 / 7 Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle The Essential Coffret - Men For the father who values variety and exudes refined taste, look no further than this sublime curation of Frédéric Malle scents. In collaboration with some of the world's most esteemed perfumers, six fragrances await discovery: Bigarade Concentrée, French Lover, Geranuim Pour Monsieur, Monsieur, Musc Ravageur and Vetiver Extraordinaire. Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle The Essential Coffret – Men, $260, available at Escentials Courtesy of Le Labo 7 / 7 Le Labo Encens 9 Classic Candle More than just a candle, this sumptuous blend from Le Labo brings a serene ambience to any surroundings. With the woodiness of precious frankincense at its core, added notes of warm amber and rich clove lend themselves to instant calm. Don't forget to personalise the label for bonus gifting points. Le Labo Encens 9 Classic Candle, available at Le Labo
AsiaOne
19 hours ago
- AsiaOne
New French restaurant concept by Zouk Group to open in Bugis, Lifestyle News
Whether you're a French food connoisseur or just a foodie in general, you'll be glad to hear that there's going to be another option to choose from. Zouk Group announced that it will be launching its first-ever French restaurant concept The Plump Frenchman in Bugis on the week of June 16, the group said in a press release on Thursday (June 5). According to Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, the restaurant's launch is something that he has always envisioned doing. "As a longtime French food enthusiast myself, I've always dreamed of creating a place that blends all the things I love about French cuisine and brasserie culture with the energy of our Zouk brand. It's wholesome, playful and full of personality," he stated. The 70-seater brasserie will focus on serving classic French comfort food. The menu is conceptualised by Zouk Group's Chief Culinary Officer Lorenz Hoja — who was the executive chef at French gourmet restaurant L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Singapore. During his time there, he had helped to secure two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017. "French cuisine doesn't have to be rigid or overly refined, it should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting. At The Plump Frenchman, we're bringing back the joy of slow meals, shared plates, and dishes made with real heart," the chef stated. Some examples of items on the menu include the Demi Poulet Rotisserie ($17++), a slow roasted chicken dish, and Chipirons ($16++), a baby squid dish stuffed with chorizo, parsley and garlic in olive oil and lemon. For dessert, there's the Tiramisu au Citron ($11++), a classic Italian dessert with an innovative touch — swapping traditional coffee for lemon as the main flavour. From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant will offer Menu de Canut, a curated selection of set menus. The selection will include a two-course set (one main and one dessert) at $25++, three-course set (one starter, one main and one dessert) at $35++, and four-course set (two starters, one main and one dessert) at $47++ and is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm. The new restaurant's interior is inspired by retro French aesthetics. Zouk Group is also behind the launch of artisanal sandwich and donut shop Korio and the Five Guys franchises across Singapore and Malaysia. Address: Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-20, Singapore 188107 Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Mon to Sat), 11.30am to 3pm (Sun) [[nid:716572]]
Business Times
a day ago
- Business Times
Casual French cooking in a garden setting at La Terrace
NEW RESTAURANT La Terrace by Claudine 39C Harding Road Singapore 249451 Tel: 8031 9935 Open daily: 5 pm to 12 am MAYBE we've been binge-watching TV, but we can't help thinking that if there were a restaurant version of a chaebol, Odette could well be the patriarch of one. Firstly, it's the all-powerful flagship – a three Michelin-starred name ceaselessly uttered with a sense of awe and worship. Then you have its firstborn, Claudine, complete with eldest child syndrome – working hard to continue the legacy while asserting its own identity. And now there's the youngest, La Terrace – playful, maybe a little lazy, riding on the family name because, really, it doesn't have anything to prove. As its name suggests, La Terrace literally sits in the backyard of Claudine – which already occupies a sweet spot amid the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill. A bright-red Claudine food truck is parked on the grass like it took a wrong turn after a hotdog delivery. Outdoor seating makes this great for dogs – just remember it's not your garden, so don't yell at any owners to scoop if their pets poop. It feels like a great place for breakfast or brunch but La Terrace only opens in the evenings, when you can enjoy the transition to dusk from the comfort of a conservatory dining room dressed in French country chic. The food plays second fiddle to the view – a window to nature with no man-made distractions. It's entry-level casual French fare, a practice run before you graduate to the 'real' food next door in Claudine's main dining room, and then – maybe – the hallowed halls of Odette. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Don't expect anything exciting. It's properly executed if pedestrian, and there isn't a lot of choice beyond a handful of hot and cold starters and just one main dish: French-style chicken rice. There's sourdough bread (S$8) but it's the butter, flavoured with iberico ham and topped with crispy salty sprinkles, that elevates it. If you're in the mood for oysters, they offer Normandy ones at S$8 a pop, topped with a sharp and salty shio kombu dressing. Service is slow or leisurely, depending on your interpretation. Just when we decide on 'slow', everything suddenly comes at once, like latecomers to a party who arrive all at the same time. We only have so much time before the fried stuff starts to soften, so we have to eat fast. Deep-fried zucchini flowers with cottage cheese dip. PHOTO: LA TERRACE Battered and deep-fried zucchini flowers (S$24) are heavy, but the crunch is worth it. They're fine on their own, or with a tangy cottage cheese dip. We'll pass on the shrimp toast (S$24) next time – chopped shrimp smothered in a 'curry' mayonnaise that's such a garish yellow, it must have a serial number rather than real turmeric. It doesn't help that the bun that it's stuffed into is toasted hard and dry. Shrimp in curry mayo dressing on toast. PHOTO: LA TERRACE A curl of octopus leg (S$32) is dependably resilient to cut, and comes in a romesco sauce that's pretty garden variety. And S$18 is what it costs for them to hand cut potatoes into thick sticks and deep-fry them – best if you can polish them off within five to 10 minutes, tops. Grilled octopus in romesco sauce. PHOTO: LA TERRACE Hand-cut French fries. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT Most of the kitchen's effort goes into the solitary main course – half a roasted chicken (S$58), beautifully browned and tender on a bed of Japanese rice cooked in broth, served in a cast iron pot with some decent socarrat at the bottom. A rich chicken jus is poured over the rice, which is garnished with crispy bits of skin and soft roasted cloves of garlic. Squeeze out the garlic, mix with the rice and chicken, add a touch of extra sauce and you've justified your visit. Half a roasted chicken served with rice. PHOTO: LA TERRACE Stay for dessert, too. Its self-named 'pariterole' (S$14) is said to be a marriage of profiterole and Paris-Brest. It's like eating a giant Ferrero Rocher, with its crumbly nutty praline, filled with vanilla ice cream and studded with candied pecans. Madeleines (S$16) are fluffy little cake nuggets, served warm and dusted with powdered sugar. Pariteroles are a hybrid of profiterole and paris brest. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT Baby madeleines dusted with powdered sugar. PHOTO: JAIME EE, BT If you want serious food, go next door. La Terrace isn't the most satisfying, but it serves its purpose well. It makes good use of a very nice space, and caters to a crowd that wants a bit of the Odette shine without a major investment. Call it a nepo baby if you like, but La Terrace succeeds without really trying. Rating: 6.5
