Micro-Precision – Audio products made in Germany

www.facebook.com/bestcar.sg

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31 JULY STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A MICRO-PRECISION

3-SERIES SOUND SYSTEM WORTH

$1,500!

The 3-Series provide the best value for its price. Its aluminium membrane-technology is strong and suitable for universal use. The speakers cover a wide spectrum of musical energy and they are easy to install because of ISO sizing. The 3.28 MK III Silk-dome tweet-er is excellent in dynamics, resolution

and staging, and features a full alu-minium body and base plate.

And now, thanks to the fine folks at Morphosis Technology, we have a brand new system worth $1,500 to give away!

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト ： 車

BESTWHIZBANGS: CARS88 PLEASE DON’T STOP THE

MUSIC: IASCA SINGAPORE CAR AUDIO CARNIVAL 2011 Get your groove on at the IASCA Singapore Car Audio Carnival 2011!

90 LIQUI MOLY PASSES THE TEST WITH FLYING COLOURS! German testing centre, APL, confirms that LIQUI MOLY’s additives are truly as effective as it claims.

ガ ジ ェ ッ ト ： ラ イ フ ス タ イ ル

BESTWHIZBANGS: LIFESTYLE92 BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Crafted with precision and intricate detail, these timepieces are both accurate instruments and stunning works of art.

94 HOT REELS Sometimes you just have to go with life’s flow and trust that everything will turn out fine.

95 HOT PLAYLIST Even the best and brightest musicians had to start somewhere.

フ ァ ッ シ ョ ン

BESTRUNWAY96 GET YOUR ROCK ON!

We jam with the boys of Deck 5!

ラ イ フ ス タ イ ル

BESTLIFESTYLE102 A BLAST FROM THE PAST

Relive the swinging ’60s and ’70s at the vibrant Hotel Re!

104 SOUND AND SUBSTANCE Stretch your advertising dollar with 988online.net!

グ ル メ

BESTGOURMET106 JUICY BEEF DRAWS LICKING

FLAMES Revel in the sweet fragrance of succulent Wagyu beef at Gyu-Kaku!

ギ フ ト

BESTGIFTS108 FREEBIES R US

You Like, we give, you take.

特 集

BESTFEATURE70 MIMOTO’S AUTOMOTIVE

SCRAPBOOK VOL. 2: WATCHING AND WAITING Kazuhiko Mimoto returns with more advice for Japan’s eight automakers and flags some of the enhancements users can look forward to.

キ ー パ ー ソ ン

BESTA-LIST76 SUPER CARLIFE VOL. 6

Koji “Prince” Aoyama dons the cloak of a crime-fighting hero behind the wheel of a Knight 2000 replica.

80 FUN CAR LABORATORY VOL. 8 Terry Itoh sings the praises of the inconspicuous Audi R8 Spyder.

82 A FAMILY AFFAIR AT FORMULA NIPPON 2011! Satoru Nakajima made his mark on the Formula 1 circuit—now, his sons attempt to stake their claims.

85 JAPANESE DOMINATION AT FORMULA DRIFT SINGAPORE 2011! The drifting world’s Japanese triumvirate wowed at the Singapore leg of the 2011 Formula Drift Asia!

768285

92

102

2244スクープ

Scion launched its FR-S at the New York Auto Show. The 2ℓ direct-injection flat engine can supposedly generate

200bhp/21kgm. The finishing of the new bumper and headlights are likely to make FR-S a commercial hit.

FR-S’s official overall width is 1816mm, but it may be listed as 1795mm in the Japanese specifications.

TOYOTA’S FT-86II WAS LAUNCHED AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW.

TOYOTA FT-86 EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS**

Overall length 4270mm

Overall width 1795mm

Overall height 1270mm

Wheel base 2570mm

Engine FB20 F4

Displacement 1995cc

Maximum power 200bhp/7200rpm

Maximum torque 21kgm/4600 rpm

Transmission 6-MT

Price* ¥2.3~2.6 million

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.JULY 2011 7

SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW!TEXT • MITSUHIRO KUNISAWAIn 2010, China surpassed America by manufacturing 18.96 million vehicles and

with the top spot again this year, it is more of the same.

中 国 車 の 脅 威 を 実 感

China’s might was particularly pro-nounced at the Shanghai Auto Show last April. During the event, Chinese automakers dominated the

scene with copies of foreign automakers’ models—for example, BYD’s Corolla-esque car and Changc-hun Automotives’ versions of Toyota’s IST and Vitz. However, sales drastically slowed late last year, and the local automotive industry reeled following BYD’s fall from favour. In an attempt to raise sales, price cuts of up to 20 percent were implemented in Feb-ruary.

China’s retail slump may have been a learning experience for its automakers. While some counter-feit products may be convincing enough to sell well,

SHOWING OFF AT THE

BEST EVENTS

イ ベ ン ト

SAIC RONGWEI E1

In collaboration with Volkswagen and General Motors, Shanghai Automotive has launched its outstanding Rongwei E1 electric car. Its lightweight 18kWh battery has a larger capacity than even the lauded Mitsubishi i MiEV’s. Moreover Rongwei weighs just 1080kg!

SAIC MG5 CONCEPT JAC IEV

Since Roewe is a subsidiary of SAIC, the MG5 hatchback shares the Roewe 350 sedan’s FF platform.

The Chinese automaker, JAC, exhibited its own electric car and plug-in hybrid, departing from the traditional low-cost mentality. Do note that both are equipped with nickel hydride batteries.

30 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

BEST EVENTS

イ ベ ン ト

NEW RIDES AT THE

LEXUS LF-GHAt the New York Auto Show, the main Japa-nese highlight was the prototype for the next generation Lexus GS, called “LF-Gh”. The newly designed hybrid was supposedly de-veloped to enhance driving pleasure. (We sus-pect that this cutting-edge model is a revival of Toyota’s Aristo, its so-called “fastest sedan”.)

Since the current GS grand tourer’s design is slightly subdued, we were happy to see how aggressive LF-Gh’s design was. In particular,

its front grille and headlights impressed during the show—though these may be downplayed in the retail model.

LF-Gh was designed by Tokuo Fuku-ichi, who had transferred back to Kanto Auto Works and was subsequently appointed the Executive Officer of Toyota’s Head Office’s Design department. He also conceptualised the original Estima, and Toyota counted on him for Lexus’s exciting design.

These Japanese concept cars made big waves at the Big Apple!

THE COMMERCIAL MODEL DEBUTS AT THE TOKYO MOTOR SHOW IN DECEMBER, AND RETAILS IN JANUARY 2012.

Lexus’s newest design trademark is a front grille that is set lower than the headlights. It looks utterly stunning on LF-Gh!

ニ ュ ー ヨ ー ク ＆ 上 海 シ ョ ー で

わ か っ た 日 本 車 の 未 来 !

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW!

JULY 2011 33

JOURNEYS

TEXT • SOICHI SHIMIZU

BEST DEBUTANT

デ ビ ュ ー

Italian and French cars are in a different league from the massive American models, intricate German autos and conservative Japanese offerings. Soichi Shimizu discerns the worldwide charm of Italy and France’s automotive gems. T

here is something “human” about Italian and French cars—I would even go so far as to say that they resemble demanding women. They may

keep you on the edge with worry, but they are never truly problematic. Despite the hassle of maintaining them, they still retain their appeal.

While Italian and French cars are more reliable than they once were and boast enhancements in their handling, design and performance, they still completely miss the point in other areas—and therein lies their charm. For example, the Alfa Romeo 147 that I currently drive mistakenly activates its warn-ing lights, often warns me about problems with the rear fog lamps despite them being intact, and fails to alert me when one of the headlights stops working. Still, I laugh and continue on my merry drive.

One would think that no car could be

worth all that trouble. But that is exactly the reason why I did not describe Italian and French models as old women: if that were the case, you would not try so hard to main-tain them. Rather, since they resemble fine women, any proper man would try his hardest to take care of them the best way he can.

If you suddenly shifted to a German car after driving an Italian or French one, it would be similar to meeting a smart, no-nonsense businessman. On the other hand, driving a Japanese car promises a more conservative experience. While all cars have their own dis-tinct advantages, once you fall for an Italian or French model, you can never get enough.

Unfortunately, you would be the odd one out if you drive an Italian or French car in Japan. But if you think of your car as a woman, you would just laugh it off and ignore all those stares—all because your beloved car is worth it!

TO THE

WEST

＆

伊車

仏 車

イタリア

フランス

Ferraris resemble beautiful women.

Italian cars have fine suspension.

Shimizu has owned an Alfa Romeo 155, Peugeot 306, Fiat

Punto, Citroën Xantia, Maserati 430, Lancia Ypsilon, and several

Ferraris.

40 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

Trading-in Italian and French cars is much more affordable.While you are likely to receive some perks from the distributor when you switch models, it may be cheaper to switch to another automaker,

regardless of whether you drive a Japanese or Continental car.On the other hand, since Italian and French models are highly desirable to en-

thusiasts, there are typically high offers from specialty and buyback shops, as well as from individual dealers. A low trade-in price is definitely a bargain—the more expensive the car, the bigger the price reduction. For example, a ¥13 million* Maserati Quattroporte can cost as little as ¥3 million* after just five years. Limited edition and sports models tuned by customisers like Abarth and Renaultsport typically enjoy high trade-in and buyback prices.

HERE ARE SOME STEREOTYPES OF ITALIAN AND FRENCH CARS:

Italian and French cars are not durable.During the 1980s and early 1990s, Italian and French cars were indeed more prone to breaking down. This changed in 1993, when the Single European Act made Europe an internally-free market. Following the

widespread availability of well-made German cars, Italian and French automakers were forced to improve the quality of their vehicles to remain relevant in the market.

Even if Japanese cars are more reliable than both their Italian and French counterparts, the latter two seem to be sol-diering on. I used to drive a 1998 Peugeot and a 2001 Citroën, neither of which gave me any trouble. In fact, I had driven the Citroën for eight years, and my only complaints were the rot-ted muffler and broken power windows.

My Italian cars—with the exception of the Ferraris—were much the same. My Fiat was mostly reliable, but the electric fan of my 1997 Alfa Romeo often stopped and overheated, while the 2003 model had slight oil leaks. No repairs were required though.

French cars have the world’s best suspension systems.Though some modifications have been made, French sus-pension systems are still generally superb. The best option is Citroën’s Hydractive 2, which is equipped in the C5 that I cur-

rently drive. It is simply amazing—driving it makes you feel as though you are floating above the gravel! The sensation is unquestionably comparable to that of the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

Even Peugeot’s large cars boast incredible comfort. Its trademark “cat’s paw” suspension system makes its ride almost indistinguishable from a model with Citroën’s hydropneumatic system.

Three or four years ago, European automakers were working to develop stiffer suspension systems, and even the French ones attempted to hop on the bandwagon—I thought that this was a shame. Fortunately, the recent trend seems to be seeing a return towards soft, supple systems, which means that French cars may soon be returning to their former glory.

The only foreseeable disadvantage is that most European automakers are following the Germans’ lead and building more rigid bodies. I really do think that this renders their handling too stiff.

Italian cars are the world’s most alluring.All Italian cars have attractive designs—while the cabins of German models lean more towards the conservative side of the spectrum, Italian cars are

more daring, even if the quality of their finishing is slightly rough. Alfa Romeo’s offerings are the case-in-point.

However, the problem lies in performance. After Alfa Romeo affiliated itself with General Motors and collaborated with Opel to develop engine blocks, the functionality that it was famous for eventually disappeared. While the body and cabin designs of 159 and Brera were excellent, driving them was disappointing—even the newer engines equipped in MiTo and succeeding models are passable at best. So I am already looking forward to the upcoming Giulietta.

At present, the most alluring engine is undoubtedly the turbocharged 2-cylinder equipped in Fiat’s 500 TwinAir—I predict that this will signal the birth of a 2-cylinder Ferrari. Abarth’s turbocharged 4-cylinders are also exceptional.

Italian and French designs are world-class.Italian and French automakers have distinct design sen-sibilities, and their final products are of equally excellent quality.

A well-known Italian philosophy says that “Life is beautiful”, and this maxim is embodied even by Italian cars. Design is one—if not the—most important facet of an Italian vehicle, and is of a quality other international automakers can only aspire to reach. While BMW is currently the automotive world’s design trendsetter—followed closely by Audi—its designs are easily imitated. Italian vehicles’ de-sign, on the other hand, are utterly unique—take MiTo, for example.

Meanwhile, French designs tend to violently fluctuate. Peugeot’s 206 dominated an entire generation, but it fell out of the running after that. Renault varies wildly with each of its models. Citroën has been much quieter, but it has managed to release some stunners on occa-sion—C6 is its main event.

1

3

5

2

4

Maserati models designed by Marcello Gandini are not as durable as they should be.

This is the “cat-footed” Peugeot 205.

In older Alfa Romeos, the most exciting point came after the “red line” was reached.

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

BEST SHOWDOWN

対 決

特 集・元 気 出さんか j 今のクルマたち

TIMELESS TUSSLESThe appeal of certain models persists through the ages, threatening to overshadow their newer, bolder counterparts. This month, Best Car pits 48 famous models against each other in a battle of design, performance and potential for fame.

52 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

RX-7 FD3S (1991) The first RX-7 series—called “SA22C”— was launched in 1978, and was followed by the upgraded FC3S in 1985. Finally, in December 1991—the height of Japan’s “Bubble Era”—the FD3S RX-7 was released.

FD3S was characterised by several enhancements. First, it was equipped with an aluminium bonnet and suspen-sion arms, among other parts. Second, it was fitted with powerframe technology. Third, the suspension system was repo-sitioned. Fourth, its fender arches were removed, and the installation of a plastic inner fender reduced the car’s overall weight. These modifications resulted in a wider car with larger tyres, brakes and other embellishments. At just 1240kg, it weighed almost the same as its prede-cessor. Despite its high manufacturing quality, there were compromises to its shelf life. Nevertheless, its FR layout made it an ideal and attractive example of a proper sports car.

The original Fairlady Z debuted in 1969, and its Z32 variant was launched

First Round:

TEXT • TAKAO OOI

Z34 Fairlady Z (2008)NISSANMAZDA

versus

RX-7’s rotary engine rotates like an electric motor.

Fairlady Z’s VQ engine has powerful torque.

While they have similar ride comfort, RX-7 made a stronger impression on developers.

MAZDA RX-7 FD3S TYPE R** NISSAN Z34 FAIRLADY Z VERSION S**

Overall length 4295mm 4250mmOverall width 1760mm 1845mmOverall height 1230mm 1315mmWheel base 2425mm 2550mm

Weight 1290kg 1500kg

Engine Inline-2 Rotor V6 DOHC

Total displacement 654cc x 2 3696cc

Maximum power 255bhp/6500rpm 336bhp/7000rpm

Maximum torque 30kgm/5000rpm 37.2kgm/5200rpm

Transmission 5-MT 6-MT

Price* ¥3.9 million ¥4.1 million

at roughly the same time as Mazda’s RX-7 FD3S. Though its 3ℓ engine earned it a fol-lowing, the Z33 that succeeded it reverted back to the original specifications. When the Z34 model was released, its wheel base had been drastically shortened by 100mm. Still, this did not distract from its innovative and attractive 3.7ℓ engine. Its 6-speed manual transmission is also supplemented by Nis-san’s synchronised downshift rev-matching system, SynchroRev Match.

Owing to the 20-year difference between the cars’ releases, Fairlady Z has the more advanced technology, responsive handling, ride and finishing. But RX-7 is still the quintes-sential sports car—it was lightweight, low and drove well even with massive tyres. Even better, start-up was a breeze thanks to its turbocharged rotary engine. Even if it was sus-pended in 2002, it remains a popular choice for use on the circuit.

That said, there is no news regarding the possible reappearance of RX-7—even if it were re-introduced, it would have to be tuned in accordance with the strict safety and environmental requirements for contempo-rary cars. In this respect, Fairlady Z has the advantage.

Despite the current automotive trend, automakers should not be complacent about their cars’ features. Rather, they could strive to improve the “fun factor” of their offerings to entice users. If the interest of sports car fans is not piqued, then it is unlikely that RX-7 will be revived.

As

se

ss

me

nt

Mazda RX-7 FD3S

Nissan Z34 Fairlady Z

Ride comfort 8 8

Other aspects

Impact at launch 10 7Technical focus 8 9Design 10 7Potential for renown 10 5

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships.

** Specifications of available models may vary. For more information, please contact the relevant dealerships.

VerdictThe

特 集・元 気 出さんか j 今のクルマたち

SUPERスーパ ー

CarlifeSUPERCarlife

VOL. 6

BEST A–L ISTキーパーソン

KOJI “PRINCE” AOYAMA DONS THE CLOAK OF A CRIME-FIGHTING

HERO BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A KNIGHT 2000 REPLICA.

Knight Rider, the popular American television series, began with the line, “Who waits for him today?” It aired in Japan from 1987 and

quickly became a cult favourite. The series’ true charm lay in the daunting Knight 2000, the beloved car of the main character, Michael Knight. Based on Pontiac’s Firebird Trans Am package, the Knight 2000 defined the automotive dreams of an era—and these fantasies may have just become realities.

Our first stop is Ina in Japan’s Saitama Prefec-ture, the home of customiser Area Ten-One. What makes this workshop unique is that it produces and retails replicas of the infamous Knight 2000. Our test vehicle was a reproduction of the convertible featured in Knight Rider’s fourth season, which was based on the 1991 Trans Am. As a fan of the series, Aoyama is only too happy to drive it—in a matter of minutes, the “Prince” transforms into a “Knight”.

“Every week, I looked forward to Knight Rider because of the car-related action sequences,” Aoyama recalled. “I have always liked the Trans

In the Knight Rider television series, Knight 2000 was built by the Wilton Knight Memorial Foundation and was equipped with the “K.I.T.T.” artificial intelligence system—it eventually became the car-of-choice of the series’ main character, Michael Knight. It could go as fast as 520km/h during normal drives, and 720km/h in “super tracking” mode.

IN A MATTER OF MINUTES, THE “PRINCE”

TRANSFORMS INTO A “KNIGHT”.

76 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

Am, and bought two units of its third generation. The first was a white 1992 Trans Am GTA, but I was not contented with its design—so I later purchased a black 1988 model. The angular 1988 and 1989 models are particularly fetching!”

Although several Japanese customisers create Knight Rider vari-ants of the Trans Am, only Area Ten-One’s matches the original Knight 2000 down to the smallest detail. “It’s great!” Aoyama gushed. “It feels just like sitting in the original. Even better, all the buttons lining the centre console seem to be operational—I had to press five different ones just to start the engine! It’s great to see that they are not only for show.”

One of the things that endeared Knight Rider to fans was the inter-action between Michael Knight and the Knight 2000’s artificial intelli-gence system, K.I.T.T. The replica was furnished with a remote control that activated a recording that enthusiasts will recognise as K.I.T.T. “The car says ‘Get away from me!’ if the steering wheel is turned while the engine is off,” Aoyama said. “It’s wonderful to see how thorough Area Ten-One has been in reproducing Knight 2000.”

The Knight 2000 replica shared the genuine PMD front seats of the 1982 and 1983 Firebird Trans Am models. The customiser obviously spent much time ensuring that even these resembled the originals featured on Knight Rider, where an aperture was drilled on the backs of the front seats to give rear passengers a view of the front.

So how does the Knight 2000 perform on the road? “It drives exactly like the Trans Am I had,” Aoyama said. “At the time, there

1 Activating the “flasher” in the rear releases a nostalgic sound that will bring you back to your childhood. 2 While this wheel may look

customised, it is actually a genuine part. 3 A multitude of buttons line the centre console. The blinkers are activated by the push of a button. 4

The monitor on the right displays a view of the rear. 5 We just had to photograph the genuine

PMD seats!

1

2

4 5

3

THE KNIGHT 2000 REPLICA CUSTOMISED BY AREA TEN-ONE WAS BASED ON THE 1991 FIREBIRD TRANS AM CONVERTIBLE. SINCE CONVERTIBLES ARE RARE, THIS CAR COSTS ¥8.5 MILLION*.

In Knight Rider, Michael Knight uses a wristwatch to communicate with K.I.T.T. Aoyama proudly shows off his replica of it.

* Prices are only indicative of the Japanese automotive market. For local pricing, please contact the relevant dealerships. JULY 2011 77

BEST A–L ISTキーパーソン

82 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

A FAMILY AFFAIR AT

Kyushu offers an idyllic respite from the hustle-and-bustle of the urban land-scape. Throughout my 7-day visit, I marvelled at the tranquillity of the is-land and delighted at experiencing the

very best of traditional Japanese fare. I dabbled in making umegae-mochi—rice cakes that are a local favourite—soba noodles, and even traditional Japanese candles. I rode a rickshaw to the Kikuchi Gorge, tried painting a Hakata doll, and even sampled horse meat delicacies. I ended my days with a relaxing dip in my hotel’s onsen (hot spring).

Yet the highlight of my trip was undoubtedly a visit to the renowned Autopolis International Racing Course, which hosted the second round of this year’s Formula Nippon, Ja-pan’s premier motorsports event.

When a man has a motorsports background or was for-merly a racer, it is no surprise when his son—or in some cases, his daughter—decides to step into his racing shoes. Such is the case for retired Formula 1 driver, Satoru Naka-jima, who now runs his own race team, Nakajima Racing.

“I left F1 at the age of 38 and I wanted racing to remain a part of my life,” Nakajima said. “It is infinitely more stressful being a team owner since I have to take care of my staff and my drivers, as well as a host of management issues. When I was a driver, all I had to worry about was my driving—now, I handle the logistics while my sons are the ones racing.”

Nakajima’s passion for motorsports clearly runs in the family. From 2007~2009, his elder son, Kazuki, drove for the AT&T Williams Formula 1 team before being dropped at the beginning of the 2009 season. He was supposedly recruited by Stefan GP, a Serbian F1 team whose entry for the 2010 season was rejected. This prompted the 26-year-old Kazuki to take a year-long break from racing—now, he returns to

Satoru Nakajima made a name for himself on the Formula 1 circuit—now, his sons attempt to stake their claims.

TEXT AND PHOTOS • CHERYL TAY

JULY 2011 83

BEST GOURMETグルメ

Since opening its doors in September 2005, Gyu-Kaku has renewed and expanded its menu. Take the Wagyu, there is now a wider variety of bone-less cuts for diners to indulge in. It is because diners are now more informed about Wagyu, said Paul Teo, the Restaurant Manager at the UE Square branch. “We started with Karubi, short rib, and Rosu, chuck roll, and two years ago we in-cluded the rump cap.”

But there is more to Gyu-Kaku’s menu than the Wagyu gospel: it now serves Kurobuta pork—flown in from the US—Gindara (black cod) and Salmon Hot Stone Rice. Notably, Teo feels that the French Duck is underrated and deserves more recognition for its excellent taste; sample a small serving for $12.90++ and indulge in a large one for $18.90++.

Most diners are satisfied regulars who know their stuff. First-timers are advised to check out the bevy of set meals to satisfy their gastronomic curiosity about the available kinds of meats and

Basking in the sweet fragrance of Wagyu barbequed over sawdust charcoal, the Best Car editorial team wondered whether another glowing review would lengthen the reservation queues at Gyu-Kaku, how soon after it could make a return visit, and why the phone lines were engaged.

LICKING FLAMES

JUICY BEEF DRAWS

cuts, and to order preferred ones, ala carte, dur-ing their next visit. These also deter over-order-ing, which we learned was common occurrence for newcomers. Feel free to ask the knowledge-able staff for advice and recommendations—we did. [Tip: to “lock in” the flavour, the meats should not be flipped more than thrice during barbeque.]

The Wagyu Karubi and T-bone (steak cut) are Gyu-Kaku’s most popular barbeque offerings. Most of the beef cuts are imported from Australia where they have mastered the Wagyu “methodol-ogy”—special grain feed, beer, minimal exercise, massage—but there is an exception. As part of an ongoing promotion, cuts of Ito-Wagyu with high-marbling score, which originates from Kagoshima prefecture, are served at special prices. A small 300-gram platter goes for $128++, while a large 600-gram plate is available for $248++.

We started off with the Horenso salad ($9.90++). It was savoury. The flavour of the finely chopped bacon bits was complimented by the

subtle texture of the spinach. Along with the tan-talising dressing, well, we were definitely off to the races.

The marbled Ito-Wagyu platter came next. We popped sliver-thin slices, chewed, attempted to “absorb” the succulence, chewed, slurped and swallowed. “Tender” is an understatement. The beef also went well with the rock salt and the juic-es—goodness—the sizzling juices. It was a truly sensational gastronomic experience, one that we cannot recommend strongly enough.

Somehow, we managed to tear ourselves away from the beef long enough to try some Ishiyaki Bibimbab (small: $8.90++, and large: $12.90++)—rice with minced meat and seasoned vegetables, topped with egg, shredded seaweed, and sesame seeds. It was a fitting accompani-ment to the Ito-Wagyu, especially since its deft flavours did not overpower the richness of the beef.

Dessert came next, and from what we heard the Yuzu Sorbet is a “must try”, but we, ahem, over-ordered and had to call it a day. Greedy us.

PHOTOGRAPHY • NEO AIK SING

106 BEST CAR ISSUE 08

PARKING AT UE SQUAREBefore 5/6pm: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hourAfter 5/6pm: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hour Saturdays: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.50 for every subsequent half-hour Sundays and Public Holidays: Free parking from 8am to 8am the following day

FLAMES

駐車場案内

Gyu-Kaku is packed

to the seams during

weekends and

prospective diners are

advised to make their

reservations at least a

day in advance for choice

seats—booth or sofa.

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