DINE@LXG: Spruce

In the chaos and confusion that is Orchard Road on a weekend morning, it really pays to know of some places where one can retreat to, when all the crowds and traffic jams in Singapore's Shopping Capital become too much.

And better yet, a place where one can also relieve mid-morning hunger pangs without having to resort to the 50-cent upsize options so easily available on every street corner…

One such retreat from the city can be found just a few minutes away from the centre of Orchard. Tucked away in the Phoenix Park complex along Tanglin Road lies Spruce, a hardwood hideaway surrounded by greenery and sheltered on all sides by trees and shrubs. Although just a stone’s throw away, all traces of the city are gone, and it’s a relief to just step into the restaurant’s open-planned entrance.

Originally created to represent the flavours and influences of classic American and European dishes, the menu has evolved to include more exotic ingredients into the mix. I’m here for Brunch, and at the top of the menu is the House Special, Spruce’s Signature Burger. But for all its popularity, I’ve been fore-warned that it’s a monster, and I’ve come here with the intention of getting through more than just one dish!  So I give that a miss and scour the menu for my favourites…

A sure sign of a good restaurant is the freshness of its seafood and the subtlety in the way it is prepared. Strong favouring is not required and of course over-cooking is to be absolutely avoided. And so, with this in mind, I choose my starter:  the Ahi Tuna Tartar…

This dish is served with chunky slices of Ciabatta and Avocado, but I first sample the tartar on its own. It’s literally a taste explosion – with the various spices and distinct flavours of lime, chilli and vinegar igniting on the tongue. The texture of the finely chopped tuna combines perfectly with the buttery avocado and chewy, freshly-baked bread.

This dish definitely goes into the ‘must-have’ list. The only problem is that it’s over too soon. But that was down to my own greed; the serving was a generous one.  

Carrying on with my need for seafood, the main course is soon decided: Cajun Prawns Eggs Benedict.  Served on a toasted Bagel, and drizzled with Hollandaise Sauce, a piquant Hot Sauce and a sprinkling of chopped Dill, a generous serving of juicy prawns shares centre-stage with poached eggs; the contents of which run wild as I eagerly dig in. The combination of texture and taste is wonderful, and no flavour outdoes the next. Again it’s a generous serving and I am left completely satisfied with my two choices… 

But of course… there’s always room for dessert!

My meal is finished off with another Spruce favourite – the Steamed Ginger Date Pudding with Chocolate Toffee Sauce.

This little piece of heaven is a contrast in hot and cold. Rich vanilla ice cream slowly melts and absorbs into a sandwich of warm ginger pudding. The chocolate toffee sauce adds further decadence to the dish. Just forget about the calories – it’s the flavour that counts here!

The Lunch and Dinner menus at Spruce build further on these combinations of texture and flavour, and ‘East meets West’ fusion.

In a drive to further whet the palates of their clientele, Spruce have also built an impressive wine collection, sourced from select wine-producers from around the world.

Spruce is open during the week from 10:30am to 10:30pm, and during the weekends from 8:30am to 10:30pm. They also have their own in-house bakery and even an outdoor Taqueria, serving tacos during the week.

Check out the complete Spruce menus at www.spruce.com.sg

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MUSIC@LXG: Henry Rollins Tells It Like It Is.

Henry Rollins has a lot to say... and he's not afraid to rip into the state of the modern music industry.

Sarcastic, vitriolic and highly opinionated, the veteran rocker tells it like it is...
Jaded? Oh yeah - but the man needs to be heard:

WELLNESS@LXG: KNEIPP WARMING MASSAGE OIL

In this day and age, you can't avoid becoming part of the Rat Race. You can choose to be a willing participant or not - but either way, you're in it for the long run...

Unfortunately a 5-day-a-week, 9-to-5 schedule is going to eventually lead to wear and tear in some form or another - no matter how well you look after yourself.

So now and again, its nice for even the most resilient of us to take a break and impart some care and attention to our weary muscles and bones...

There's no shame these days in borrowing a page or two out of our better-half's books and using the odd therapeutic remedy to ease the discomfort brought on by stress and fatigue.

Okay so most of us reach for the good old Medicated Balm to bring about some relief. But even the most effective balm is hardly a delight to the senses - watering the eyes, overpowering the nose and often leaving behind a greasy slick on the skin. And all thoughts of hot dates and romantic evenings out will be shattered as long as you are wandering around reeking like a chemical factory.

Which is why I am suggesting this very effective Warming Massage Oil from Kneipp...     

...Warming Massage Oil with Arnica and Ginger to be exact. Fortified with the active ingredients of the Arnica Blossom, Ginger and Almond Oil, the oil provides a warming and moisturizing sensation: Ginger creates warming and soothing effects on the skin; and Almond Oil, known for its high content of Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, helps regulate the skin's natural hydration.

But the special ingredient here is Arnica - a flower with some surprisingly potent effects. Arnica montana, found on mountainsides at 2,500-5,000 feet, has been revered for centuries for its miraculous benefits on sprains, bruises and wounds. In fact Kneipp's founder, Sebastian Kneipp held the plant in very high regard, often stating that, “Gold could not buy Arnica…”

After having recently used the massage oil during a long overseas flight, I can now appreciate the rich praise. I always have problems on long-haul flights - plane seats and foot-rests were never designed for anyone over 6ft in height, and after the 6 hour mark, I invariably begin to wish I could cut my damn legs off...

But this time a little birdy told me to use the oil on my legs - so just before I started getting restless on the plane, I rubbed a palm-full on my feet, forelegs and knee joints. The oil spreads and absorbs easily - and there's no residue left on the skin. The fragrance of ginger is pleasant and there is actually a warming sensation that quickly takes effect.

So the Warming Massage Oil actually does what it says on the container; I wouldn't give it a thumbs-up if it didn't.  My legs felt like they had been treated to a soothing massage, and the rest of my flight was stress-free.

Of course if you're more athletic than me and work out regularly or indulge in sports, then this Arnica-based concoction can really be put to work in an intensive, post-exercise massage - easing sore muscles, joints and ligaments.

But don't just take my word for it...

KNEIPP GIVEWAYS:

For all our readers in Singapore, I've got 3 top prizes worth $58.80 each comprising of a Set of Warming Massage Oil with Arnica and Ginger and Warming Foot Balm with Cardamom and Ginger from those nice people at Kneipp.  

All you've got to do, is to Like the Kneipp Facebook Page, and then tell us here at the LXG, why you feel you deserve one of these Oil and Balm Sets. 

Our Winners will be announced on the 19th June. But even if you're not one of our winners, we will also have 10 consolation prizes worth $20 each, up for grabs.

Good Health!
Mr. C.
 

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FILM@LXG: Valhalla Rising

Yes, yes yes - we, the entire human population have watched The Avengers and have all been suitably gobsmacked by the stunning visual effects, the wise-guy script, the incredibly entertaining rendition of the Hulk, and a storyline that actually kept us enthralled for all of it's 2+ hours of screen-time.

Threading all the story tie-ins neatly together from the previous films, which in a sense served as a prequel to The Avengers, (namely Iron Man 1 + 2, Captain America, Thor, and The Incredible Hulk), my main concern was how to incorporate Thor into the mix...

With origins and powers based almost completely around magic and mythology, Thor's character initially seemed at odds with the others who herald from a more reality-based world of science and technology.

Although The Avengers did manage to involve him satisfactorily in the script, if the true story (nay, legend) of Thor is to be adhered to, the fact remains that he is a God, and could in effect squash all those puny humans if he so desired - in fact more in keeping with the way his father Odin was portrayed in the Thor movie.   

Which is why, if you will now kindly remove yourself from the popcorn fantasy feel-good world of The Avengers, and follow me to a very different world - far, far away...

I have always felt that the subject and origins of Norse Mythology must be treated on celluloid as it was recounted in legend. In a landscape at the dawn of civilization; in a state of primal instinct; in a culture of mud and mist. Very few films have ever been made with this treatment; never really bringing to life the savagery of the Viking existence.

But Valhalla Rising changed all of that...

I would be the first to admit that my initial reaction was "WTF is this?!" The central protagonist is mute throughout the entire story. He is named One-Eye for obvious reasons, but none of the other few characters are ever mentioned by name. There are some exceptionally brutal scenes of violence; and some epically stunning visuals of harsh highland landscapes.

It seems like a complete contradiction to begin with, but director Nicolas Winding Refn has a cunning plan, solemnly unfolding his primitive world of life and death - until he rips you out of your comfort zone and plunges you into a harsh, unforgiving place where your next breath could very well be your last.

This is the story of One-Eye; in a sense it traces his personal journey from brutal beginnings to a brutal end.

There is an obvious comparison to be made here between his character and the one-eyed Odin, Lord of Valhalla. Some may even interpret Valhalla Rising as just that - the beginnings of a Legend, the origins of a mythology.

But it also could be seen as the eradication and demise of a pagan religion, wiped away by the onslaught of the then all-engulfing Christian Crusades.

Valhalla Rising is yours to interpret. It will do your head in - but in a good, thought-provoking way. If you give the film some justice and see it through to the bitter end, I'll guarantee it will leave you with plenty to think about, long after the credits have rolled...

Mr. C.

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MUSIC@LXG: Dub FX & Stamina MC - Only Human

A loop station, effects pedals and a microphone - put 'em all together and you get DUB FX, the next generation DJ from outta Australia, who's been taking Cyberspace by storm.

Developing his own innovative sound and emulating well-known dance genres. Dub FX has collaborated with various rappers and musicians thar has now taken him on a musical odyssey around the world.

Recently touring India and Sri Lanka, he's also added some eastern flavour to his music.   

Even in promoting his work, Dub FX is completely independent, using only: live performance, word of mouth, internet social networking and a number of easily accessible free music samples.

All hail the Independent State of Dub FX!

Doing his thing with collaborator, Stamina MC:

Breaker Red.

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STYLE@LXG: The Panama

If you're spending a lot of the time in the great outdoors, or indeed you live close to the Equator, you're going to need something to protect your crowning glory from the sun.

You need a suitable piece of headgear - and one that still exudes an air of stylish manliness. 

Baseball caps are fine - in their own specific, laid-back setting. But if you are to maintain that gentlemanly air, just walking down the high street, or attending an afternoon business meeting, or indeed wining and dining your better half at an exquisite open-air eaterie - you've got to up the stakes and go for a much classier option.

There are really only two choices here – the panama and the boater. Both have connotations that put off most men, whether of The Man from Del Monte or the Chap from the Boarding School...

The classic Panama, as worn by The Man, is stark white with a navy blue ribbon. Very sharp, very smart. But if we want something a bit more casual – suitable to odd jacket and chinos rather than a white linen suit – we can change the ribbon to a more casual brown, café au lait or mossy green.

Then wear the hat suitably so that the body tends towards tan rather than cream. For it will cook slowly in the sun, darkening the colour. There are models that are already more of an off-white, but they tend to be made with coarser straw and take away too much of the elegance of a good panama. Plus the other advantage of wearing the hat in, is it will become personal: moulded to the shape of one’s skull and dented in line with one’s misuse of it. This too will remove the air of starched men in banana republics.

If it looks a little dry or liable to crack through overexposure to the sun, give it a spritz of water inside and out. This should be done with any panama after a month or so of use.

The finest panama (made of course in Ecuador, not Panama) is the Montecristo. It is the finest because the leaf has been split into the greatest number of strips, creating a particularly tight weave. It is this weave that makes it flexible and therefore rollable. However, if you desire a more casual panama hat, go for the cheaper model with the larger weave. Or, indeed, the cheaper folding model with the distinctive line across its crown where the hat is folded. Both options will scale back the formality of what has to be a dominant summer hat.

  Again, as previously stated, it does take a certain air of confidence to carry off a Panama. Don't feel overwhelmed by it, or apologetic and shy. Your accessories are what you make of them, so wear that Panama at a slight angle, and stroll along as if you're the only one walking down that street...    

JSM

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TheLady@LXG: Be prepared...

In every man's life, no matter how far he has travelled or how much he has achieved, there will always remain one inevitable, enigmatic, wonderful mystery...

She is known by many names, depending on our moods. For now let us simply address her as The Woman.

We can study her, we can examine her under a microscope. We can even spend an entire lifetime in her company, but we will never truly comprehend a woman. Even the best informed gentleman will only have a limited understanding of his Lady, depending largely on how much she chooses to divulge.

It’s like fishing in the shallows when there is a much deeper ocean just beyond your reach. A woman's depths can reap a rich harvest or reveal a deadly primeval monster. And that's why it is imperative, for your own good, to handle your lady with care.

So we figured the best source of advice when it comes to understanding women is not going to come from any mere male mortal. There is only one person who knows what women really want – and that, of course, is another woman.

In the upcoming weeks, a very special guest writer will join our pages. Style, beauty, psychology and people-watching are just a few of her myriad talents. She is a force to be reckoned with…

So look out for TheLady@LXG.

The League of Exceptional Gentlemen will never be the same again…

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