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In My Element: Howard Lo

Cien Xu
30 Sep 2014
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Where do F&B people go when they want to kick back on the weekend? To find out, we trailed Howard Lo, restaurateur behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid, to some of his favourite haunts. He may be the brains behind one of Singapore’s hottest craft spirit bars, but as we discovered, this American transplant favours small and intimate settings, and the comfort of his neighbourhood.

AM: How do you spend your weekends?
Usually I’ll limit the work I do on the weekends. I’ll have a couple of work meetings late Saturday afternoon, but mainly during the day I like to relax at home. Friday and Saturday nights I’ll check out a new restaurant or bar. After a few drinks, it’s great to head to my favourite haunts which tends to turn into late night drinks. It explains the late starts the next day – I’m not a Sunday brunch type of person.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_1395e80db078eb72b881f1f704c1dd9323_5de91f5275657fe68f7e3dac4630d34a39

Howard can often be found at The Secret Mermaid recommending American craft spirits to customers.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_8802bcb470065c135c0893ada520344058_bf4f79a218b656c011585f20cdaeb8ac69

Shop the Look: Timberland Thompson Lake Chino in Botanical Garden, Timberland Jones Brook Cardigan in Medium Grey Heather and Timberland Earthkeepers Harborside 3 Eye Leather Oxford

AM: What’s your regular Friday night like at The Secret Mermaid?
Because of its small size, The Secret Mermaid is a really conducive place for striking up a chat with people. I’m always curious about what people are ordering so I have no qualms about talking to them about the spirits or cocktails they’re drinking. It’s opened up great conversations. Alcohol is a funny thing – it leads to aspirational thoughts, and in the belly of Raffles Place there’s no bigger group of people dreaming for something else.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_e0ccfac37bb487bc2dac6169566f6fec42_f241419275deddbce3251eba402375cf75

Howard lives in the arts district of Bras Basah, home to galleries like the former Sculpture Square.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_804a62e73038ce8db8bdce70cbc8324b85_25a4cdb2da1e07ea01ca6ac8aafdb38897

Shop the Look: Timberland Long Sleeve Allendale River Shirt, Timberland Canobie Lake Short in Glazed Ginger, and Timberland Earthkeepers Brook Park Monk Strap Wedge Shoes

AM: You live in Bras Basah. What do you like about the neighbourhood?
I’ve lived in the Bras Basah neighbourhood since I first arrived in Singapore back in 2003. I had looked at something like 20 apartments in two days across a variety of districts, and Bras Basah was the last area I saw. Immediately I knew it was the spot for me: close to town yet nothing like Orchard Road or Raffles Place, an incredible array of food options, and a mash-up of all kinds of people and cultures. Just walk down Waterloo Street and you’ll find the Sri Krishnan Temple next to the Kwan Im Temple next to a big hawker centre, all just down the road from one of Singapore’s most concentrated church districts.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_91818b0abdf48d5039e0755769ddfabd69_cf9e2c3ee7903a8537f8d3c7d3df6bd991

Orihara is a standing-only sake bar located at Robertson Walk.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_ada31fe602b902f00377f756718ed0e127_229e018d3995c75d994410c58ba48ee538

Shop the Look: Timberland Thompson Lake Denim, Timberland Mount Greylock Bomber in Dark Sapphire and Timberland Madbury Cupsole Chukka in Wheat

AM: One of your favourite drinking holes is Orihara. Tell us more about it.
I’ve been going to Orihara for 5 years and still love it. I think part of it is similar to the charm of the Mermaid, it’s a small place you can go by yourself and start talking with people. The service by the Orihara team is the best in Singapore, bar none (heh). Orihara imports over 80 types of sake from boutique breweries, so I like to try a bottle of something new each time and then follow it up with a bottle of my favourite – the Seikyo Maboroshi Jyunmai. They also have a good selection of Japanese bar food and you can order yakitori from Tori Tama next door. I like their Orihara Don which has an onsen egg and juicy chicken.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_35956aa0a866002d5d8a83a62a84092151_22de571d363a17b7072143618557454b68

Howard enjoys trying new spirits, so it’s no surprise that he loves recommendations from Orihara staff.

How would you describe your style?
Mobile urban casual. I find myself moving around within the city to many spots daily. From MRT to bus, construction sites for new spots, and cafes to restaurants to bars. I like clothes that can fit into a variety of situations and thankfully most places in Singapore aren’t too fancy, so smart casual style like Timberland can apply to broad settings.

In My Element: Howard Lo-am_il_v1001_i_d25d8a3504cc0ff7644ec9d6ed0c10cd71_5a8b1dbfa32b87e71267d1e2343d7c2188

Light footed in Timberland Earthkeepers Brook Park Monk Strap Wedge Shoes.

What’s your opinion of Timberland?
I’ve worn Timberland shoes off and on since I was 14. They are solid, comfortable, and last for years even with heavy use. The expanded shoe range means that, depending on the situation, I can wear many of their shoes in my regular workday settings, while other pairs work well for more formal occasions. For shirts, Timberland has always been great with shirts that work together for layering. For the new season there seems to be a wider and brighter set of colours to work with, so it’s interesting to mix and match.

Which was your favourite item of clothing and why?
The brown boat shoes. They are classic and lightweight, yet the sole is thick and rugged. They are very comfortable to wear and I can pair them with all kinds of outfits.
 
This post was brought to you by Timberland. To find out more about Timberland, visit www.timberland.com.sg and the Timberland Singapore Facebook page.

Cien Xu
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