Weekout (Aug 7): National Day festivities, nostalgic eats, and where to watch the fireworks

From now till Nov 13, look forward to an exciting array of programmes such as Behind the Scenes Curator tours, interactive bus tours, film-screenings and more. There are also programmes where the public can share their stories and take part in conversations that will help shape the Founders’ Memorial.

As part of the exhibition, there will also be a digital trail dedicated to the life and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. When you’re there, catch the commissioned short film by local filmmaker Royston Tan which showcases our nation’s successes from past to present under Lee’s leadership.

Singapore Street Festival | Lendlease

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Lendlease celebrates its 50th anniversary by bringing the community together through performance and art with the Singapore Street Festival 2023. Now on till Aug 13, you can catch exciting performances and activities such as the Singapore Yo-yo Championship, Street Soccer Competition, and busking performances across PLQ, Jem, Parkway Parade, and 313@somerset.

Art lovers, do head to 313@somerset to view vibrant mural art installations, based on the theme “Build on our 50 (years) for the next 50 (years)”. The art envisions Singapore in the next 50 years with Lendlease’s contribution and commitment to create a more liveable and sustainable future for our communities. Participating artists include Antz, Race Krehel a.k.a. SuperCyberTown, Taketo Kobayashi a.ka. humanoise, and TraseOne.

Shoppers can also look forward to five weeks of attractive deals and exclusives across all four Lendlease malls. For more information, visit singaporestreetfestival.com.

See also: Weekout (Dec 11): Janice Wong, Butcher’s Block, Cat Bite Club, 39+ Art Space

DRINK | Artistic libations | Smoke & Mirrors

Enjoy the panoramic view of fireworks as you sip on the latest tipples at cocktail bar Smoke & Mirrors. Its newest Volume III sees the team moving beyond the confines of the National Gallery Singapore and paying tribute to traditional and contemporary art concepts: painting, sculpture, cinema, music, tattoo, dance, performance, cooking, architecture, photography, installation, and literature — all serving as the wellsprings of inspiration for 12 innovative drinks featured in a beautifully illustrated menu.

Unique creations include the Kiss of Revival ($30), a libation that transports you into the timeless tale of Snow White. Like a witch’s brew, the Espolón Blanco tequila, Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, Bols Sour Apple, Cointreau, citrus, and bitters blend is served in a cauldron-like vessel, with citrus peel smoke gently wafting from it.

Embodying the bold and vibrant spirit of artist Yayoi Kusama, Round & Round ($30) encapsulates a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues within its very essence, weaving together a symphony of flavours blending the rich notes of Kakubin Whisky with Martell Noblige.

Inspired by Ng Eng Teng’s iconic bronze sculpture Mother and Child, Heartstrings ($28) combines Roku Gin, Junmai Sake, distilled coffee, Giffard strawberry, citrus, and milk into a sweetly piquant whirl. It comes served with a music box playing the song You are My Sunshine. Meanwhile, Bridge of Glory ($32) is a delicate blend of gin, tequila, and plum sake infused with aromatic shiso leaf. This harmonious combination pays homage to the rich tapestry of Asian traditions.

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Nonya keepsakes | Starbucks

In celebration of National Day, Starbucks Singapore is proud to announce its first collaboration with The Intan, an award-winning local private home museum renowned for its ornate collection of artefacts celebrating all things Peranakan.

For a limited time only, relish in the distinct and colourful designs of Peranakan culture with the exclusive Starbucks+The Intan Collection, a three-piece drinkware collection available in all Starbucks Singapore stores. To view the merchandise in its full glory, visit Starbucks Jewel Changi Airport flagship store where you’ll find the official Peranakan showcase.

While you’re there, grab the limited edition Shiok-ah-ccino in two flavours — Intense Coffee with Earl Grey Jelly Shiok-ah-ccino and Intense Tea with Earl Grey Jelly Shiok-ah-ccino — made with less sugar and delicious earl grey jelly. In partnership with Singapore Kindness Movement, the Shiok-ah-ccino will include a chocolate topper featuring the movement’s iconic mascot: Singa, the Kindness Lion.

Island-themed cocktail | Paradox Singapore Merchant Court

Crossroads Bar at Paradox Singapore Merchant Court presents a limited edition cocktail called Island 65 ($22++), now available till Aug 31. Created by in-house mixologist Shaughn Scully, the thirst-quenching tipple is a blend of award-winning Cherry Liquor by Frederiksdal, Havana Club 7 Years Dark Rum, longan herbal tea, and Frederiksdal Sur Lei-soaked longans.

The bar’s refreshing drinks are a great complement to Crossroad’s Durian Afternoon Tea ($88 for two), featuring three tiers of decadent delights such as durian crème brulee, durian hazelnut tart, durian cucur, and durian choux puff. Savoury offerings include chilli crab éclair, hae bee hiam and cucumber sandwich, and beef rendang pie tee.

On National Day, buffet restaurant Ellenborough Market Café will be serving a special brunch of local hawker inspirations and Peranakan specialties such as chill crab, beef rendang, buah keluak fried rice, nasi lemak, Hokkien mee and carrot cake. The buffet is priced at $98 per adult and $38 per child. Those born before and in 1965 will enjoy 58% off the buffet. For reservations, call 6239 1847 or visit www.paradoxhotels.com/singapore.

EAT | Michelin dining | Braci

At Braci, guests can look forward to a Michelin-starred Italian cuisine while enjoying the National Day fireworks from the restaurant’s al fresco rooftop. An exclusive Italian hideaway in the heart of Boat Quay overlooking the Singapore River, Braci is open daily for both lunch and dinner services.

This season, Braci brings guests on a journey to the North of Italy through the Padan Plain, delta of the Po River, Coast of Liguria, Milano City, Alpine Lakes and the Dolomite Mountains. Painstakingly sourced ingredients are treated with chef de cuisine Matteo Ponti’s creativity and personal experiences, transformed into a menu that serenades guests’ curiosity and demonstrates a reverence for classical Italian roots and a youthful, vibrant innovative spirit. Experience a taste of Italy in style at $258++ per person for dinner. For more information or reservations, visit www.braci.sg or email book@braci.sg.

Mediterranean delights | Artemis Grill

Located at CapitaGreen’s 40th floor with unparalleled panoramic views of the superb Singapore skyline, Artemis Grill & Sky Bar is serving an exclusive three-course dinner menu only available on Aug 9 at $98++ per person.

Start your meal with a choice of delicious appetisers that include creamy Burrata served with black figs and prosciutto di parma, Beef Tartare, Hamachi Crudo and Fremantle Octopus. For the mains, enjoy Black Cod with Bouillabaisse and Confit Fennel & Leek, Iberico Pork Loin with pea purée and pancetta or Moroccan Lamb Chops with cauliflower saffron pilaf rice, to mention just a few. An optional sharing platter is also available, featuring Australian F1 1.1kg Wagyu Côte de Boeuf, served with grilled asparagus. For vegetarians and vegans, the Quinoa “Falafel” with cumin hummus and tahini is a popular choice.

Dessert lovers won’t be left disappointed with the choice of three indulgent selections, including Sticky Date Cake served with vanilla ice-cream, Chocolate & Coconut Rice Pudding with caramelised coconut sorbet and Apricot Tart with vanilla chantilly.

Bookings for National Day are taken on a first come, first serve basis, and are open online at artemisgrill.com.sg/reservations.

Oysters + drinks | Southbridge

Gather your loved ones and get ready for an evening filled with pure excitement at Southbridge. Tucked on the fully al fresco rooftop of a refurbished heritage shophouse at Boat Quay, Southbridge has arguably one of the best 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline. Its elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere extracts the very best of the European savoir-vivre lifestyle while guaranteeing convivial service and the finest quality without needing to break a bank.

Indulge on sumptuous oysters, sip on delightful drinks and witness a breathtaking fireworks display against the city skyline. On Aug 9, guests can enjoy exclusive National Day Packages on wines and spirits from $120. For more information or reservations, visit www.southbridge.sg or contact info@southbridge.sg.

Izakaya style | Kinki Restaurant + Bar

Lower to the ground but closer to the action, Kinki Restaurant + Bar is the place to be for more rooftop shenanigans. Revel in the festive atmosphere and await the celebratory fireworks from Kinki’s Rooftop Bar on Level 3.

For Aug 9, book a National Day Package at $588++ per table for up to six persons. The packages comprise spirits (Roku Gin, Haku Vodka, or Chita Whiskey), mixers ranging from soft drinks to juices, and a sharing platter of sesame-marinated and deep-fried Chicken Kaarage, Ebi Fries (deep-fried breaded prawn), as well as Cassava Nachos — Kinki’s signature take on the nachos with crispy cassava chips and moreish tomato miso beef with dollops of guacamole and crème fraîche.

Singapore-inspired eats | LeVeL33

This year, LeVeL33 located at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower, joins in the National Day celebration with a revelry themed around the nation’s favourite dishes and snacks. For one night only, at $268+ per diner, indulge in unlimited pours of house-brewed beers, wines and the Singapore Sling, as well as live food stations serving innovative renditions of local cuisine curated by executive chef Jake Kowalewski and his team.

The food spread includes Westholme Wagyu Rendang Slider, Beer Brined Charcoal Grilled Soy Chicken Wing stuffed with glutinous rice and Chinese sausage, and Ice Cream Sandwiches with novel flavours like Pineapple and Wheat Beer as well as an extra-malty Milo and Stout Beer. For reservations, call 6834 3133 or visit bit.ly/LeVeL33NationalDay2023.

Rooftop revelry | Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Enjoy one-night only specials at Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar on Aug 9. Gather around the table for the whole chilli crab ($69++) starring a melange of fiery chillies, ginger, garlic, ketchup and fermented soybeans, best enjoyed with crispy mantou.

The sky-high Italian American restaurant also acknowledges Singaporeans’ love for crustaceans with its whole grilled lobster thermidor ($80++) served with crispy salad and a side of lobster bisque.

Cool off from the heat with Lavo’s National Day edition of ice cream sandwich ($19++) decked in patriotic colours of red and white, with strawberry and vanilla gelato between two red velvet burger buns. Pair these indulgent creations with Lavo’s signature series of hand-crafted cocktails in hand as you enjoy unparalleled views of the fireworks from 57 storeys high. For reservations, visit marinabaysands.com/restaurants/lavo

Neighbourly ties | Path

If the celebratory spirit has awoken an appetite for something local, contemporary Asian restaurant Path has something specially planned for the festivities. Chef Marvas Ng is opening his kitchen to chefs Lee Zhe Xi and Soh Yong Zhi of Malaysia’s Eat and Cook (ranked 79th on Asia’s 100 Best Restaurants) for a National Day celebration unlike any other. The chefs will collaborate in a cross-border, cross-national celebration of food and fraternity to mark the two nation’s National Days. Available for two nights only on Aug 7 and 8, diners will get to relish an eight-course six-hands degustation at $258++ per person.

Showcasing each of their personal stories, each dish embodies friendship, kinship and a deep sense of national pride. The essence of the menu would be the Chinese food heritage common to both countries. Canapés include Crystal Chicken Feet with Teochew Chilli & Yuzu Pickled Cherry Tomato, and Century Egg Shu Mai & Siew Bao, followed by headliners like the Maine Lobster “Sui Gao” and Oita Farmed Hamachi inspired by the traditional Hainanese chicken rice dish. Other courses include Penang Oyster — Eat and Cook’s rendition of an oyster omelette — and Japanese Sesame — Ng’s take on the Chinese black sesame dessert soup.

This collaboration continues on in Kuala Lumpur at Eat and Cook, on Aug 31 and Sept 1, for lunch and dinner. For the menu that will be served in Malaysia, both sides will incorporate more unique Malaysian ingredients that are farmed, caught and foraged. For reservations, visit pathrestaurant.com.sg/reserve.

Caviar cravings | Caviar Colony + Sunday Folks

Local brands Caviar Colony — known for its affordably priced world-class caviar — and quality hand-crafted dessert concept Sunday Folks join hands to create a first-of-its-kind caviar ice cream, served exclusively at Sunday Folks’ Ion Orchard outlet till Aug 13.

A flavour that was three years in the making, the savoury-sweet creation contains more than 100g of Russian Hybrid caviar — a Caviar Colony exclusive. Sunday Folks tweaked its proprietary ice cream recipe that includes milk infused with rosemary, extra virgin olive oil and Okinawa sea salt to showcase the caviar in the best possible way.

The Russian Hybrid caviar comes from the proprietary natural mating of a female Osetra sturgeon with a male Siberian sturgeon. Harvested humanely in a stress-free environment, the charcoal-coloured eggs are nutty with a sweet finish reminiscent of Kyoho grapes — offering the perfect umami hit to the creamy richness of Sunday Folks’ ice cream base.

You can choose from two formats: The classic cone ($68++) is served with two scoops of caviar ice cream on toasted breadcrumbs and topped with 5g of Caviar Colony Russian Hybrid caviar. The dessert bowl ($168++), available for dine-in only, features one scoop of ice cream under a layer of cold piped mashed potato “strings”, and served with a 10g tin of Caviar Colony Russian Hybrid caviar.

For the duration of this collaboration, a 30g tin of Caviar Colony Russian Hybrid caviar is also available as an additional top-up or as a retail offering at $150++. Pre-book your dine-in slot at order.sundayfolks.com.

Afternoon tea | The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore

Bask in birthday festivities and indulge in the nation’s favourite pastime of dining with scrumptious month-long offerings by The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.

Pop by the Lobby Lounge to experience the National Day Afternoon Tea ($56++) filled with elevated local treats such as the Chili Crab Tartlet, Charred Carrot Cake, Hawthorn Financier, Beef Satay and Pandan Scone. Guests can choose to pair the meal with a selection of premium teas or sparkling wine to toast to the celebrations.

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung has also prepared a decadent edition of Lobster Hokkien Mee ($115++ for two), filled with succulent chunks of lobster meat and a medley of umami-filled noodles. For reservations, call 6715 6871 or email reservation.15stamford@kempinski.com.

Ocean’s bounty | Seafood Paradise

Paradise Group’s chefs reimagine their specialties with Singapore culinary inspirations to celebrate five decades of glorious eating. Head over to any of its outlets — Paradise Teochew, Paradise Dynasty, Canton Paradise, Taste Paradise, Paradise Classic, Seafood Paradise, Beauty in the Pot, LeNu, Le Shrimp Ramen — to enjoy special National Day promotions available till Aug 31.

For seafood lovers, we highly recommend the Seafood Paradise’s Stewed Assorted Seafood in Singapore Laksa Broth at $65 (usual price $78). Brimming with prawns, mud crab, scallop and mussels, this dish is every seafood lover’s dream come true. Boasting tantalising notes of tangy and spicy, the house-made laksa sauce gets its thick consistency from the addition of coconut and full cream milk. The dish also comes with bean curd puffs, which soaks up the sauce.

Enjoy it with a side of Crispy Dough Fritter Stuffed with Seafood Paste tossed with Salted Egg Yolk for $11.80 (usual price $13.80). Ideal for both adults and kids, the dough fritter is filled generously with seafood paste, then garnished with sesame seeds. Not at all unctuous, the inside of the fritter is soft and fluffy, while the outside boasts a delightful crisp. It is then tossed with a silky and fragrant salted egg yolk sauce that gets a herbaceous lift from laksa leaves.

Snack attack | Rempapa

To mark this National Day, Rempapa is bringing two well-loved local snacks into the limelight: Epok Epok Sayur ($8 for three pieces) and Roti John ($10 each). Available only from Aug 7–13, these snacks join Rempapa’s Cultural Celebration Series, launched in 2022 as part of chef Damian D’Silva’s advocacy for promoting Singapore multi-racial heritage cuisine.

Served with special chilli cuka, the homemade shortcrust pastry shell of the Epok Epok Sayur is filled with a refreshing mix of lightly sautéed vegetables such as cabbages, bean sprouts, carrots and jicama, along with tau kwa and fragrant dried shrimp.

The Roti John presents the warming flavours of Masala Spiced Chicken, accompanied with onions, peas, sliced cucumbers and shredded lettuce, all served in a grilled bun resembling a burger bap, with chilli and tomato sauce on the side.

Rempapa is also launching a new kueh heritage gift box of hand-crafted kuehs and cakes from rempapa.oddle.me.

To honour local senior citizens for their contribution in our nation-building, Rempapa is offering a gratitude discount of 20% on dining for Pioneer and Merdeka generation cardholders. The discount is available for the whole month of August for a la carte dine-in food orders only during brunch and dinner. The offer is not applicable for set lunches, promotional items and beverages.