ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Party/Festival of the Year
ZoukOut
There’s just no stopping the annual beach dance music festival, already in its 11th year, despite stiff competition from Laneway and Mosaic. More than 26,000 punters (another record year) made their way to Siloso Beach for a round of the latest dance sounds by Roger Sanchez, Armin Van Buuren and Ladytron, dancing their way through sunset till sunrise.
Best Concert Venue
Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay
This is where the likes of rocks stars Yeah Yeah Yeahs and avant-garde theater director Robert Wilson have held performances—proof that the Esplanade is the city’s most versatile concert venue. Its outdoor concourse area, a platform for local bands to jam at, gets an extra vote from us.
Best Exhibition or Arts Event
Dali—Mind of a Genius
Mind-boggling or mind-blowing? Readers reckoned that Catalan surrealist Salvador Dali’s debut solo exhibition at the ArtScience Museum featuring over 250 works including iconic pieces like Alice in Wonderland, Woman Aflame and the Mae West Lips Sofa belonged to the latter.
Best Museum
Singapore Art Museum / SAM at 8Q
SAM’s the man. One of the city’s oldest museums (it turns 16 this year) is also the most relevant, putting out annual blockbuster shows (2011’s massive video art exhibition in collaboration with Centre Pompidou) at its main wing, plus more contemporary exhibitions showcasing the works of emerging young local and Southeast Asian artists at sister gallery 8Q. We like.
Best Art Gallery
The Substation
The city’s original outsider art space finally gets the recognition it deserves. From confounding performance art pieces to works by emerging and interesting young artists and designers, regular experimental exhibitions held here keep it on the periphery. Not anymore.
Best Theater Company
W!ld Rice
Artistic director Ivan Heng and team have a knack for reworking classics into hip, energetic plays (the recent Romeo & Juliet) and brave, witty pieces that take subtle jibes at the government (Cooling Off Day), and for that they got your vote.
Artist(s) of the Year
:phunk Studio and Sean Lee
One is a four-piece design collective gaining further international recognition for their Pop Art-inspired silkscreened works, collaborating with legendary Jap artist Keiichi Tanaami for the last two years; the other a winner of the ICON de Martell Cordon Bleu award for his dark autobiographical photos which have been compared to the works of Cindy Sherman. Both are testaments to the sophisticated state of the local art scene today.
SHOPPING
Best Fashion Brand
Hansel
Fashionistas can’t get enough of local womenswear designer Jo Soh’s vintage-inspired creations that are a hit among tai tais and hip young things alike. Hansel was also a winner for Best Fashion Brand last year.
Best Indie Boutique
Blackmarket
Also a winner in the same category last year, proprietor Jasmine Tuan’s 1,500-sq. ft. boutique is still the go to place for edgy contemporary fashion, with its unpredictable mix of quirky menswear (brands like Evenodd) and funky accessories (Stone For Gold).
Best Bookstore
Kinokuniya
Although smaller indie book retailers like Books Actually and Littered with Books are fast gaining ground, readers still prefer staple giant Kinokuniya. Although the bookish certainly won’t find more variety under one roof. Prices are more competitive, too.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Best Gym
Fitness First
Singapore’s largest fitness chain has 11 outlets altogether, equipped with cycling and Mind & Body Studios, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Our pick is their One George Street outlet, with a heated infinity pool and a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Best Spa
Banyan Tree Spa
If what you desperately need is an escape, this tropical wellness destination is probably your best bet. Its majestic location means you get unrivaled views of the gorgeous cityscape, and facilities such as the heavenly double rain-mist room do their job of making you feel like royalty.
Best Yoga Studio
Pure Yoga
With an extensive variety of classes like Restorative Yoga and Ashtanga, not to mention over 100 classes per week, it’s no wonder they’ve garnered such a loyal following.
Best Gym Alternative
Wave House Sentosa
People from all over the world visit just to try their hand (and feet) at international sensation, the Flow Barrel. And once you get off, you can hit the bar for a couple of chilled beers. Who said working out has to be boring?
Best Pilates Studio
Sky Pilates
If you’re not into mat work, then give one of the city’s largest machine-based studios a go.
NIGHTLIFE
Nightspot of the Year
Zouk
The granddaddy of local club culture is still No.1 with weekly offerings of top-notch international acts (too many to name) that get clubbers all worked up on the dancefloors. Its growing stable of local in-house DJs and producers makes going down to the club anytime of the week a rewarding experience too.
Best Lounge Club
Velvet Underground
Following a $3 million revamp late last year, the luxe lounge club now comprises two distinctive areas: Velvet Underground-Dance is where punters can groove to some smooth house tunes, while the lounge has tables from $1,500 (only a dozen tables up for grabs each night) and coveted Warhol paintings for you to gawk at. How’s that for lounge-worthy?
Best Bar / Best Rooftop Bar
Ku Dé Ta
High cover charges aside, we love this Balinese import atop the Marina Bay Sands with its killer view, good cocktails and a smooth playlist. Explains why it won in both categories.
Best New Bar / Best Cocktail Bar
28 HongKong Street
Word’s out: 28 HongKong Street is the freshest new watering hole in town, nabbing two wins for Best New Bar and Best Cocktail Bar. Never mind that it was all hush hush when it first started operations, the cocktails here are potent stuff. Plus, they make some killer nibbles, all the better to pad your stomach with.
Best Live Music Venue
Timbre @ The Substation
Owners Danny Loong and Edward Chia keep the local live music scene rocking with daily live performances by bands such as 53A and Goodfellas.
Best Microbrewery
Brewerkz
Marking its 15th anniversary this year, there’s still no beating Brewerkz when it comes to microbreweries, with recent innovations like a beer brewed with red sticky rice following an ancient Chinese recipe (who would have thought?). Various locations.
Best Wine Bar
Wine Connection
Affordable wines. Check. Great outdoor space. Check. This household wine bar and retailer is the go-to place for quality wines with locations at Cuppage Terrace and Robertson Walk, with a new concept at Robertson Walk added late last year that is already packing them in. Various locations.
Dining
Best Restaurant
Les Amis
After all this time, still one of the best damn restaurants in the city. The ambiance is lovely, the wait staff seriously know their stuff, there’s a remarkably comprehensive wine menu and the French fare is nothing short of sublime.
Best New Restaurant
Fat Cow
A recent addition to join the steakhouse movement with a modern Japanese twist, this classy establishment is all about the beef—Wagyu, of course. If you can, score yourself a seat at the counter in front of the open concept kitchen—chatting with the chefs as they prep your food is half the fun. Mean cocktails, too.
Chef of the Year
Justin Quek—Sky on 57
Homegrown local boy Justin Quek’s returned to Singapore to helm Sky on 57, featuring scrumptious Asian- and Singapore-inspired dishes, as well as a dazzling view. Looks like you folks are fans, giving Quek the title over several other very worthy local celeb chefs.
Best Brunch
Wild Honey
This all-day breakfast spot has some loyal fans, as is evident from the long line snaking around their entrance, particularly on weekends. In fact, they’ve been such a roaring success that they’ve recently opened a second outlet at Scotts Square (fortunately, this one actually takes reservations), although the homey rusticity of the original is hard to beat.
Best Coffee Joint
40 Hands
When this specialty coffee spot, founded by Perth native and barista Harry Grover, set up shop in Tiong Bahru, we really took notice; as did a steady stream of fellow caffeine addicts it seems.
Best Dessert Spot
2am:dessertbar
We’re pleased to report that chef-owner Janice Wong has really hit her stride at this dessert lounge, with innovative creations that often feature unusual ingredients that she incorporates in surprising ways. You’ve gotta love that they’re open till two in the morning (we sure do).
Best Hawker Center
Old Airport Road
It’s a bit of a trek to get out here, but it’s completely worth it for some of the best street food around. Most of the hawkers have been in the business for over 20 years. Translation: authentic, cheap and tasty grub. 51 Old Airport Rd.
TRAVEL
Asia Pacific’s Best Airline
Singapore Airlines
Yet again, the national carrier reigns supreme. Singapore Airlines remains the go-to for plushy spare-no-expense flying.
Best Budget Airline
Jetstar
With the most comprehensive choice of routes (29 and counting) including fresh additions such as Hanoi and Osaka, this inexpensive sibling to Qantas is your top pick
Best New Hotel
Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa
This five-star Sentosa Island getaway brings staycations to a whole new level. The interior blends colonial and contemporary influences, and their Onsen and Penthouse Suites feature outdoor Japanese-style hot tubs and private rooftop pools.
Best Boutique Hotel
Wanderlust
Singaporean hotelier Loh Lik Peng’s latest project hasn’t lost last year’s crown. Not only is this smartly designed space smack in the middle of the food bonanza that is Little India, it also boasts an excellent French restaurant, Cocotte.
Best Hotel
Fullerton Bay Hotel
Set above the smooth waters of Marina Bay, this hotel has it all, luxe décor (marble floors, walls upholstered in leather and stained glass mirrors), a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the bay, a rooftop gym, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Best Weekend Getaway
Bali
Winner for the second year running, Bali proves that this tropical island escape never loses it charm.
Heritage Initiative of the Year
We Support the Green Corridor
This initiative by the Nature Society Singapore aims to keep the now disused Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) Railway—connecting Singapore and Malaysia—and the surrounding land as a Green Corridor.
TECH
Coolest App
YourSingapore Guide
Some great features include the built-in maps—very pretty and fairly precise—and its ability to post on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. Plus it’s got most of the city covered.
Most Promising Startup
Gushcloud
A fun marketing platform that encourages people to share stuff they like in exchange for rewards from brands and businesses.
Best Blogger
Mr. Brown
Mr. Brown offers his take on the important things that happen in Singapore, unleashing his wit and sarcasm on people who just don’t get it. Take that.
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Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 We received thousands of votes in the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards (the most ever) and here’s your pick on the best, coolest, most awesome individuals, venues, products and services Singapore has to offer. See all 41 winners and the full list of nominees in this free downloadable guide. |
