From David Beckham-induced pandemonium at Pangaea to parties with larger-than-life plushies at Bang Bang, nightlife maven Sarissa Rodriguez-Schwartz has been behind some of the industry’s most outrageous moments.
The Singapore-based New Yorker began her hospitality journey at just 14. She has since worn many hats in the industry, from bartending, working in bottle service to managing the coveted nightclub door in the United States.
The launch of the now-defunct ultralounge Pangaea brought her to Singapore in 2011, where she quickly identified a significant industry gap and tailored the VIP guest relations director role for herself. In the decade since, she has owned and operated iconic venues such as cocktail bar Employees Only and Bang Bang nightclub with her company SJS Group, which she co-founded with her husband, Joshua Schwartz.
She now brings her expertise to the table as the co-founder of C.O.T.U. (Centre Of The Universe), an ambitious lifestyle and entertainment destination atop CapitaGreen, slated to open in mid- to late November.
The audacious $12-million project is a first-of-its-kind venue, housing five unique concepts across 18,000 sq ft above Singapore’s Central Business District. Together with SJS Group, C.O.T.U. is co-owned by a team of industry veterans from homegrown nightspots, including Phillip Poon and Cedric Chong (Filter, Mink), Cher Ng (Amber Lounge), and Mikey M.S (Attica).
The sky tower’s five signature experiences on the 38th and 39th levels of CapitaGreen comprise Enso, a high-end steakhouse; Little Birdie, an intimate cocktail nook; Whisper Room, a jazzy New York-style watering hole; Dashi Sky Pool, an elevated “beach club”; and Dashi Go Go, a highenergy ultralounge.
A SEAMLESS NIGHT OUT
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From Screen to Store
Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.
In the Dining Spotlight
Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.
All for One
How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.
Pods and Swirling Staircases
This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.
Stories Behind the Kebava
Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.
Good to Go
Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.
Seasons of the Snake
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.
Phoenix Rising
One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.
Preserving Paradise
Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.
