
CNA938 Rewind - Sip Seoul with MO BAR's Charlie Kim
CNA938 Rewind
Play
In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out where holidaymakers can enjoy memorable cocktail and drinks concoctions, while exploring Seoul in South Korea. Charlie Kim, bar manager from MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental Singapore will talk about the recommended artisanal cocktail bars he usually frequents whenever he goes home for a visit. Kim will also talk about MO Bar's latest cocktail menu, 'The Echoes of Singapore: Volume 6'.
CNA938 Rewind - Dlash - How a Passion Project Became a Thriving Beauty Business
In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Demi Goh, founder of Dlash Singapore, a local beauty company specialising in eyelash extensions. Goh will recall how, as a teen and with little savings, started a lash business from home – eventually turning a side hustle into an established beauty brand with multiple salon locations in Singapore. Goh will also talk about what's trending in lash artistry as well as the challenges involved in running a beauty startup.
24 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Sip Seoul with MO BAR's Charlie Kim
In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out where holidaymakers can enjoy memorable cocktail and drinks concoctions, while exploring Seoul in South Korea. Charlie Kim, bar manager from MO BAR at Mandarin Oriental Singapore will talk about the recommended artisanal cocktail bars he usually frequents whenever he goes home for a visit. Kim will also talk about MO Bar's latest cocktail menu, 'The Echoes of Singapore: Volume 6'.
19 mins
CNA938 Rewind - GE2025: PAP lunchtime rally and WP walkabouts (Day 6)
Opposition leader Pritam Singh has dismissed claims that losing key ministers would weaken Singapore's ability to manage crises, while Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says a clear mandate for the PAP will allow him and his team to speak for Singapore confidently. Daniel Martin gets the latest from CNA's Afifah Ariffin and Jeraldine Yap.
12 mins
CNA938 Rewind - P. Ramlee's timeless melodies recomposed & deconstructed by Wild Rice
In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro finds out what theatregoers can look forward to when they attend the Wild Rice production, 'Tunggu Sekejap: The P. Ramlee Suite', a tribute to film and music legend P. Ramlee. Arranger Julian Wong, will describe how he mined P. Ramlee's body of work to re-compose familiar melodies – like Azizah, Geteran Jiwa and Tunggu Sekejap – into three movements, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. Ivan Heng, performer and founding artistic director of Wild Rice will talk more about P. Ramlee's enduring legacy and how differently this production will be presented to the concertgoers.
30 mins
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AsiaOne
a day ago
- AsiaOne
Top picks for Father's Day 2025 in Singapore: Best restaurants, experiences and gifts, Lifestyle News
Fatherhood rarely comes with fanfare, which makes Father's Day all the more deserving of a thoughtful celebration. Whether your dad's the type to unwind over a wagyu brunch, geek out over vintage barbershop culture, or take a Porsche for a spin before dessert, there's no shortage of memorable ways to honour the man who raised you. This year, we've handpicked eight standout experiences and gifts in Singapore. Ranging from steak-forward feasts to bespoke grooming sessions that go beyond the usual socks-and-voucher routine. And if he's a true carnivore? Don't miss our guide to best steaks in Singapore to plan your next meat-centric meal. Porsche x Mandarin Oriental Singapore - Teatime Dreams & Test Drive [embed] This Father's Day, Porsche Singapore is swapping horsepower for high tea in a refined celebration that merges elegance with adrenaline. "Teatime Dreams" at Mandarin Oriental Singapore invites dads to indulge in an afternoon tea menu laced with culinary nods to the marque: think crispy beef medley spheres slow-simmered in dark beer, and a Porsche-crest mousse cake with fruity, nutty layers. While the dining experience itself is available all month, the real ignition comes on Father's Day weekend. From June 14 to 15, guests can pair their tea with a 30-minute spin in a Porsche 911 or Taycan, an urban escape that doubles as a bucket-list tick. And for those looking to extend the celebration, Porsche's curated lifestyle gifts, from sleek thermal mugs to smart key trackers and rugged-chic rolltop backpacks, offer form and function for the modern dad. Porsche's Father's Day "Teatime Dreams" is $68++ (afternoon tea only), or $78++ with the 30-minute Porsche drive on 14-15 June. Held at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, 5 Raffles Ave. Limited slots available; book early via Pharaoh's Horses Classic Barbershop - A Cut Above for the Modern Gentleman For the dad who values timeless style and meticulous grooming, Pharaoh's Horses Classic Barbershop offers an experience steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Haji Lane, this barbershop is renowned for its vintage-inspired interiors and a commitment to the art of classic barbering. Services range from precision haircuts to traditional hot towel shaves, all delivered by seasoned barbers dedicated to their craft. It's more than just a haircut; it's a nod to the rituals of refinement that every gentleman deserves. Appointments can be booked online at Pan Pacific Singapore - Luxe Brunches, Big Toasts For the dad who prefers indulgence with a side of Champagne, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore is the scene this Father's Day weekend. On both June 14 and 15, the all-day dining destination dials up the decadence with a curated buffet brunch by Executive Chef Andy Oh, and his culinary team, that's high on variety and poured with generosity. Think seafood towers, premium roasts, artisanal charcuterie, and pan-Asian signatures. Each paired with free-flow pours of Taittinger Brut Reserve, craft cocktails, or juice for the abstinent. With views as sweeping as the offerings, it's a celebration that impresses without overcomplicating. After the feast, drop by Pacific Emporium for a slice of house-made Chocolate Banana Cake by Executive Pastry Chef Edina Si. A glossy, ganache-filled tribute to sweet fatherhood. Edge's Father's Day Lunch (June 14) starts from $128++ and Sunday Brunch (June 15) from $158++ per adult. View full menus here and book a table. Pacific Emporium's Chocolate Banana Cake is available until June 22, priced at $70++ whole or $13++ per slice, and can be ordered online at LeVeL33 x Butcher Box - Sky-High Steak & Craft Brews Father's Day at LeVeL33 isn't your standard steak-and-a-beer affair. It's a culinary summit. Perched 33 floors above Marina Bay, the world's highest urban microbrewery has teamed up with premium purveyor Butcher Box for a one-day-only feast on June 15. The centrepiece? A 30-day dry-aged Black Angus ribeye, kissed with umami from LeVeL33's own spent grain and koji blend. It's joined by truffle mash, IPA-roasted garlic, oysters, burrata, and stout-laced desserts like a lava cake with cookie crumble. As the skyline glows, dads sip signature brews. Each one gets a complimentary half-pint, with celebratory pours at just $6++. Throughout June, the same steak stars on the à la carte menu for carnivores seeking a more casual graze. LeVeL33's Father's Day Sharing Menu is $98++ per person (min. 2 guests) on June 15. À la carte steak special available all June at $28++ per 100g (min. 600g). Reservations via Crossroads Buffet - Big Flavours, Bigger Plates for Dad If Dad's love language is "seconds, please," Crossroads Buffet is where the conversation starts. For one day only, this Orchard Road institution is laying out a lavish spread of over 60 dishes, from truffle cream-slicked mantis prawns to Grilled Tajima Wagyu steak seared à la minute at the Egg & Gourmet Grill live station. Add roasted Greek lamb, snow crab, and a whiskey chocolate tart spiked with Jack Daniel's, and you've got a feast that hits high and low notes with equal finesse. For dessert? Coconut mango panna cotta, and a chocolate fondue fountain that refuses to be ignored. Bonus points: every dad gets a bespoke cocktail on the house. Crossroads Buffet's Father's Day brunch is on June 15, 2025, $118++ per adult, $59++ per child. Add $68++ for champagne, house wines, and draught beers. Book at Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay - A Father's Day Feast with Flair Forget subtle. Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay is going full throttle this Father's Day with a three-course menu that embraces boldness, balance, and a touch of British cheek. It opens with a seared yellowfin tuna Nicoise, brightened by briny olives and a punchy parsley-caper dressing, before diving into choice mains. There's the signature Sliced Beef Wellington, a tender classic cloaked in flaky pastry and red wine jus; a Roasted Black Cod with smoky mussels and creamy curry katsu; or Ricotta Gnudi al Limone, a zesty, spring-forward vegetarian ode. Dessert lands with a Scottish wink. A Diplomatico Cranachan Cheesecake with mango sorbet and raspberries, laced with the Venezuelan rum's velvety depth. It's comfort food, but dressed for the occasion. Bread Street Kitchen's Father's Day set is available June 15, 2025 for lunch and dinner, priced at $98++ per guest. Located at Marina Bay Sands. Book via Chico Loco - Loco for Roast, Ribs, and Frozen Margaritas [embed] Chico Loco is going full fuego this Father's Day with a Sunday roast that skips the fuss but doubles down on flavour. Only on June 15, the Mexican spit-roast joint is rolling out hearty bundles that pack in the good stuff. Think whole rotisserie chicken basted with spice, BBQ pork ribs slathered in chipotle and lime, and smoky Wagyu brisket dry-rubbed to slow-cooked perfection. Pick the La Familia Fiesta (1 roast, 3 sides, dessert) or El Grande Banquete (2 roasts, 4 sides, dessert), and line the table with crispy wedges, agave-glazed carrots, and queso fries. It's designed for sharing, but good luck prying the last churro from Dad. Frozen margaritas and Corona buckets seal the deal. Chico Loco's Father's Day roasts are available June 15, 2025 from 11.30am. Bundles from $69++ for 2-4 pax. Book at Estate - Lobster, Wagyu & Champagne Brunch Fit for a King If Father's Day calls for a statement meal, Estate's brunch does more than deliver. It reigns. This one-day-only affair transforms Hilton Singapore Orchard's buffet flagship into a carnivorous playground layered with decadence. Picture a whole Australian Wagyu leg, slow-roasted after a 14-hour marinade, Guinness-glazed chicken joints, truffle-laced Wagyu ravioli, and black cod ceviche topped with caviar. The seafood bar? Towering with Boston lobsters, grilled rock lobster, oysters, and mud crab laksa. Add à la minute yakitori, lamb skewers, and an entire dessert room featuring osmanthus brûlee and Baileys tiramisu. Champagne flows freely, tableside magic keeps the little ones mesmerised. And dads? They get the royal treatment, from bites to bubbly. Estate's Father's Day Champagne Brunch is on June 15, 2025, 12-3pm. $158++ per adult; early bird 20 per cent off till June 1. Top up $50++ for Collet Brut or $70++ for Billecart-Salmon. Book at No two fathers are the same, and neither should their celebrations be. Whether you're toasting over truffle mash, booking him in for a precision fade, or simply carving out time over cake and conversation, the heart of Father's Day lies in showing up with intention. And if the way to his heart is still through his stomach? Check out best steaks in Singapore, from premium cuts to wallet-friendly grills, for even more meaty inspiration. [[nid:718390]] This article was first published in City Nomads .


Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Independent Singapore
‘Make space for Singaporeans to dream': Business struggles spark debate featuring Calvin Cheng over rent, manpower, and the future of local business
SINGAPORE: A recent Facebook post by businessman and former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng has stirred heated conversation online, after he suggested that rising rents are not the primary cause of Singapore's F&B crisis—and that the government should resist interfering in the free market, especially by imposing rental controls or mandating support for local entrepreneurs. Cheng didn't shy away from admitting that the closures have been heartbreaking—familiar neighbourhood hangouts, late-night bars where friends gathered, even family-run cafes that felt like home, have all folded one after another. Yet he urged us to pause before pointing fingers at landlords. 'Most mall spaces are still taken,' he reminded readers, suggesting that behind every lease negotiation is a landlord weighing risks—sometimes betting on higher rents only to discover too late that demand has shifted. In his view, it's not a matter of landlords callously letting spaces sit empty; it's a delicate, often agonising decision that can leave both tenant and landlord worse off if the timing or market dynamics don't line up. 'It is simplistic to just blame rentals,' he wrote. 'Most of the time, landlords also take a gamble during renewal… If they make the wrong decision, they may end up with a lower rent.' Cheng also claimed that many local F&B entrepreneurs overestimate their financial capacity and falter due to inexperience, rather than being unfairly priced out. Manpower shortages and government policy While defending the market's self-regulation on rents, Cheng was more critical of the government's stance on manpower quotas, especially in the service sector. He asserted that tight restrictions on hiring foreign workers could have led to increased labour costs and service inefficiencies. See also Stories you might've missed, June 16 'I am often served by young, inexperienced and/or disinterested local service staff who never see F&B as a long-term career,' he said. 'If the government really wants to do something, they should relax the quotas on foreign manpower.' Cheng concluded that excessive government intervention in the market often leads to unintended consequences: 'When local entrepreneurs shut down, everyone loses their livelihoods anyway.' Yet Cheng's criticism of young local workers in the F&B sector has struck a raw nerve among many Singaporeans, especially youth and their families, who see part-time service jobs not as careers, but as lifelines. In a country where the cost of living continues to rise sharply—from transport fares to food prices and education costs—40% of polytechnic and university students take up part-time work at cafés, fast-food chains, or bubble tea outlets simply to make ends meet. For some, it's pocket money. For others, it's helping to pay for tuition fees, rent, or to lighten the financial burden on their families. To many of these young workers, the implication that they are 'disinterested' or 'inexperienced' misses the point. The service roles they hold are rarely career pathways—they're a means of economic and social survival in the city. For every customer served with a weary expression, there may be a backstory of exams, caregiving duties, or savings goals stretched thin by the realities of urban school life. Backlash from entrepreneurs and advocates His remarks were met with swift rebuttals from industry figures and local entrepreneurs, many of whom argue that the state has a responsibility to protect small businesses in the face of mounting structural disadvantages. Credit: Calvin Cheng Facebook Wally Tham, owner of the social impact marketing agency Big Red Button, issued one of the most widely resonant rebuttals. 'If the government doesn't protect small local businesses, and Singapore cannot produce large enterprises, we won't have a local culture of business,' Tham wrote. 'Imagine all restaurants only serving Mala offerings and all services imported from the West.' Tham's emphasis on preserving space for uniquely Singaporean business voices—both literal and symbolic—was echoed by other commenters who see rental costs as more than just an economic issue. Cheng, however, dismissed this framing. 'Business is not a culture. Business is about making money,' he replied. 'Good service is a business proposition… Culture is just a misnomer.'hmm. The emotional economics of leasing In a separate comment, Kina Huang, who identified herself as having three decades of experience working with landlords, shared a more human-centred critique. She called attention to what she described as a growing ruthlessness in commercial leasing practices, even toward long-standing, loyal tenants. Credit: Calvin Cheng Facebook 'If a business has been around for more than 15 years, they must have been doing something right. And if they have to close, something external must have gone terribly wrong,' she said. See also MOM: 3 workplace fatalities in 2020 to date 'Lease renewal should be renamed Lease Increment Exercise,' she concluded her comment. Huang recounted how only one leasing agent she encountered in 30 years showed genuine empathy toward tenants, suggesting that most decisions in the space are coldly transactional. A bigger question: What kind of country do we want? Do we want a country where only the biggest players can afford the rent and survive, or do we want to make sure there's still breathing room for the smaller spots that give our neighbourhoods personality? It's tempting to let free-market forces decide—after all, high-profile brands bring in foreign investments and big leases fuel massive growth. But when a local hawker or startup can't renew their lease because the rent jumps too much, it isn't just a business closing: it's one less place where friends meet for kopi, one less corner of our community. If the sheer cost of business keeps squeezing smaller operators, soon there won't be any local names left on the storefronts—just global logos. The real test is whether we can find a way to let big and small businesses coexist, so that big brands, aspiring and small entrepreneurs feel at home here. That balance can shape what Singapore looks and feels like in the years ahead.


CNA
2 days ago
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Why businesses target the elderly?
CNA938 Rewind - Coffee clubbing in the daytime: Are more youths looking for a sober clubbing experience? Day parties have been gaining popularity in Singapore, as more young people look for alternatives to traditional nightlife options. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin learn more from Aden Low and Matteo Lie, Co-Founders, Beans and Beats - one joint offering such experiences. 15 mins CNA938 Rewind - Why businesses target the elderly? What sort of unscrupulous tactics are some businesses using here and are employees being encouraged to use these tactics to trick seniors? Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin find out more from Associate Professor Lau Kong Cheen, Head of Marketing Programme at Singapore University of Social Sciences School of Business. 15 mins CNA938 Rewind - Kebabs, Bazaars, Yurt-life & More - Travels in Uzbekistan In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro catches up with foodie traveller and globetrotter, Nithia Devan, who'll talk about her adventures in Uzbekistan, the landlocked country in Central Asia. Devan describes her travels to its capital Tashkent, as well as the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. She'll talk about how she visited historical sites, mosques, madrasahs, bazaars, and squares – the most notable of which was Registan Square in Samarkand. 16 mins CNA938 Rewind - Dads and their sons – the immense importance of their relationship In 'Made in SG', Melanie Oliveiro explores the topic, 'The Importance of the Father-Son Relationship' with Anita Krishnan-Shankar, a therapist at Alliance Counselling. A survey conducted by charity, Focus on the Family, found that fathers confessed they could be a better parent, and even gave themselves a lukewarm rating on how well they play their roles. Krishnan-Shankar will discuss these findings as well as talk about what she notices about typical father-son relationships in Singapore – why some fail to connect with each other; what guidance a son needs from his Dad; and the challenges that come with raising a teenage son. 31 mins