QIN (亲) Restaurant & Bar @ The Clan Hotel

For guests staying at The Clan Hotel, the breakfast is provided for via QIN Restaurant located at Level 4 and 5 of the Hotel.

Was there again for breakfast and dinner during the recent staycay. Made reservations for dinner prior to the staycay via Chope as am not sure how busy is the restaurant during weekends. I do know the restaurants at that area tend to get very very busy on Fridays and Saturdays.

Breakfast

For breakfast this time round, I was seated at the bar area. My breakfast slot was 730am but I only made it downstairs around 8am.

Level 5

The daily special was nasi lemak, so decided to try that since we had tried all the possible combination of breakfast during our previous stay.

interesting ceiling

default breakfast items; bread with kaya butter, fruits bowl, juice

Hmmm, spotted a new item for breakfast. There was an additional piece of kueh on the plate.

The nasi lemak's portion was a tad too much for breakfast. Unfortunately, the entire dish was cold except the rice. The best tasting items were the sambal onion chili and the chicken rendang. The sambal chili was strongly flavoured, so might want to go easy with it. Liked that the chicken rendang served, was thigh meat. The otah was unexpectedly chewy/dense and the egg block was too compact for liking. Fluffier version would be better.

Daily Special - Nasi Lemak

To conclude for breakfast, I think I'd just stick to QIN breakfast with omelette the next time.

Dinner

This was my first time, the restaurant replied to confirm my reservation with pdf menu attached. I was having some minor issue updating the room number (couldn't edit it via Chope) so whatsapp'ed the restaurant and the staff kindly updated on behalf. Pretty efficient service, I must say. There are some discounts offered for hotel guests when they dine at the restaurant.

menu

My dining companions were late, so I got myself a drink to sip while waiting. According to the friendly staff, the #1 cocktail in terms of its popularity with female diners is 'The Five Kings' and #2 would be 'The Roar'. Hmm, Pineapple Pisco (The Five Kings) sounded pretty sweet so opted for the #2. Turned out to be a good choice because the drink is in my favourite hue. Coincidental and not on purpose.

The Roar - Brass Lion Butterfly Pea Gin @$25++

I liked The Roar. Sweet but not overly and the curry leaves bits in there gave it an Asian twist. Lovely.

MT ordered the Kurobuta as one of our mains and Wendy ordered the Sang Mein. I got ourselves an appetiser; The Chili Crab Crostini. And then, we gonna do dessert after that.

Chili Crab Crostini @$25++

Oooh, one thing I didn't realise, was that the chili crab was in jellied form. Pretty interesting.

Chilled Chili Crab

Crispy Crostini

let's take a peek

fully loaded crostini

On closer view, there were pomelo bits, avocado bits mixed in with the flavoured crab meat and it should be eaten together with the jellied top for that's where the chili crab full flavours are. Quite enjoyable!

Sang Mein @$38++

The Sang Mein smelled awesome but was a tad disappointed with the amount of prawn in the dish.

red leg prawn, crustacean oil and truffle scent

Nevertheless, we enjoyed the flavours of the noodles.

For the same price as Sang Mein, the Kurobuta Pork Rack with its massive 400g looked ready to satisfy any meatatarian cravings!

Kurobuta @$38++

The Asian salsa with its bright orange colour. looked like chicken rice chili sauce but it was not. Tasted of fish sauce, non-spicy and a tad tangy. Wouldn't mind if the sauce had a spicy kick to it.

The outer parts of the meat was slightly dryer than those nearing the bone. Overall, we were happy with this. Loved the grilled vegetables too.

We were surprised when staff sent over complimentary love letters for us to try. Wow, that's a super nice gesture. Thank you!

Rose Love Letter (complimentary)

The kuih kapit (love letter) was crispy yet does not crumble that easily and managed to hold the cream pretty well. Lovely flavours and enjoyable.

We also ordered their popular dessert of Hot & Cold Orh Nee and the Childhood Memories.

Hot & Cold 'Orh Nee' @$12++

so pretty

Am inclined to think that the "Orh Nee" while it looked very instagramable and of a visual treat, the taste was rather mild. I made a mistake and probably subsconciously had the expectation that it'll taste like what was familiar but it doesn't. But still pretty lah.

Childhood Memories @$15++

The staff who served our last dessert, "Childhood Memories" said "There's a surprise in this." Then, she left. So mysterious ah? What's the surprise? Is it the popping candies or the milo dinosaurs? We never knew, 'coz she never say. Hahaaa!

But indeed, there was some popping candies in the concoction and am inclined to think, is popping candy the childhood food for friends in SG? In my hometown or my era, popping candy 'aint my childhood stuff. My favourite item in there was the wafer-like thingy that melts in your mouth. Was it made of Horlick's? I hope it was! This dessert was cute.

All in all, dinner service was good and we were there for almost 3.5 hours. Wow. 

QIN Restaurant & Bar

Address: 10 Cross St, Level 5, Singapore 048417

Website: https://www.qin.com.sg/

Contact: 6980 3535

Business Hours: Daily 

Guccio Ristorante by Chef Marco @ 20 Gemmill Lane

Am a supporter of Restaurant Week organised by DiningCity for a while now and recently made reservations for their Chef's Signature event at Guccio. It is actually within 2 minutes walking distance from The Clan Hotel, which I was staying for that weekend. Events such as this, would be a nice opportunity to try new places without having to think too much about what to choose as the set menu is usually pretty limited choice and is meant to showcase the specialty cuisine of the selected restaurant.

I arrived on time for the 1.30pm slot, which I think would be pretty late for lunch? A quick look revealed that most diners were nearing the end of their meal.

Was given a choice of sparkling or still, but I am with Bernice and the choice is clear, because why pay for still when you could get sparkling? Hahaa!

sparkling @$10++

Chef's Signature Lunch Menu

Wendy arrived shortly after I had quenched my thirst, with refreshing taste of sparkling with a slice of lemon.

Bread was served after we placed our orders. Requested for balsamic as it was not offered by default. The bread was cold when served.

Was happy when our appetizer was appeared. The Calamari, came looking colourful and succulent. The olive coloured blobs were actually eggplant puree. The poached baby calamari was tasty and soft but not mushy. Each component on the dish played a part but the star of the dish was still the unassuming yet flavourful calamari.

Calamari

  

Next, was the Gamberi - New Zealand prawns 'tartare'. I think this would be my first time having any prawns 'tartare'. The sprouts on it was rather cute. The green pea puree was fragrant (because I do like green peas~). Not sure why but there was a light hint of citrus on this dish and it was a refreshing taste with mild sweetness.

Didn't enjoy the trout roe as much because it was of an awkward size. Was bothersome (for me, not sure if anyone else shared the same sentiment) because it was not big enough to 'pop' nor was it small enough to ignore and swallow.

Gamberi (supplement $10++)

Next, was our main course. Pork and fish.

Salmone

The pan-fried Norwegian salmon was Wendy's choice. The blobs of red that I thought was tomato, was actually beetroot cream. The seasonal greens on the plate was tasty. Fish was good although we would have preferred it to be slightly more pink.

Salmone - side view

I had the Maialino, slow-cooked Spanish suckling pig belly. Lovely plating. There's red apple compote and berry sauce.

Maialino (supplement $10++)

lovely layers

The skin was not of the crispy crackling kind, but the meat inside was lovely. The downside, was that the meat had stronger flavours of pork, hence a glass of wine would help. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the flavourful meat with lovely textured layers of lean and fats.

And then, we were at dessert. The choice was obvious. Of course, we got to try Chef Marco's mom's signature Tiramisu.

Tiramisu

Just be careful not to inhale while trying to get that spoonful in. I was careless and choked a bit on the cocoa powder. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed the tiramisu.

The Chef's Signature event menu is a good way to try some of the signature dishes on their regular menu without doing too much damage to the wallet. Guccio's Set Lunch Menu @$38++ had similar mains offered as well.

The Chef's Signature lunch set was good value and portions were adequate. Compliments to Chef Marco and his team.

Spent about $68 per pax.

Guccio Ristorante 

Address: 20 Gemmill Ln, Singapore 069256

Website: https://www.guccioristorante.com/

Contact: 6224 1684

Business Hours:

Tues to Sun: 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:30–11pm

Closed on Mondays

Una Una @ Suntec City (Eat at Seven)

Chose this place because Wendy likes unagi. For me, I'd like to try new places and the draw of Una Una, is its reasonable pricing and availability without overly long queues.

The restaurant is located within the inner section of the Eat At Seven area. Reservation is encouraged if you'd like a place after 630pm on a weekend.

dining utensil

Ordered two appetisers; Unagi Omelette and Sashimi Salad. For drinks, we had Sapporo Beer (bottled). It was value for $$ at $10++ for 2 bottles. Can't say the same for Unagi Omelette though. 

frosted glass

'Sapporo Buddy' @$10++ (2 bottles)

Unagi Omelette @$9.80++

However, the Sashimi salad made us happy again. Was pleasantly surprised by the thick-cut sashimi and the generous portions on the salad for that price. The colour of the tuna slices was rather dull but taste wise was alright.

Sashimi Salad @$10.80++

salad dressing (goma sauce)

Next item, was the Grilled Hokkaido Squid. It was such a huge squid! Portion was good for sharing amongst at least 3 people.

Grilled Squid @$14.80++

The squid has a very mild smokey aroma and of light seasoning with natural flavours. Texture was chewy tender with a gentle bite to it. Good with drinks. The mayo and ginger paste served, provided extra oomph for those seeking a change of flavours every now and then.

table-ful

On hindsight, should have just ordered the full unagi Hitsumabushi (double portion). But we had the Kaisen Hitsumabushi instead. No point having more chopped sashimi on this bowl when there is sashimi salad.

Kaisen Hitsumabushi @$18.80++

lovely grilled unagi

Loved the flavours on the grilled unagi which leaned towards the sweeter side of things. The texture was not too soft and neither was it too dry. Would gladly have more of the flavourful unagi but alas, there wasn't any ala-carte option for it.

For the eating style, I liked it as it is (without the soup). Or place a portion of the rice, the chopped seafood and a piece of the unagi (mash up the unagi to release more of the flavours), a dab of wasabi and with a bit of the dashi.

Expect to spend about $35 per pax for a meal with drinks.

Una Una

Address: Temasek Blvd, 3 #03-315 Singapore 038983

Website: https://www.facebook.com/unaunasg

Contact: 6266 5338

Business Hours:

Daily 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–10pm

Pipes By Hattendo 八天堂 - Cafe Bar & Roasting Gallery @ Dorsett Residences (New Bridge Road)

Was there for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by its izakaya-ish menu. Had always thought of it as a cafe.

They are running a promo for oysters, so we got ourselves some to try.

Seasonal  - Hiroshima Sake and Oysters Set

Opted for Sugaki (Momiji Oroshi & Koichi Yuzu Pon) which essentially was a trio of marinated oysters. Natural (unadorned) was $5 per piece and while those with Okinawa Umibudo, was priced at $8 per piece.

Loved the oysters and wished we could have more. Plump, creamy and flavourful. Natural was good too. 

Sugaki (Momiji Oroshi & Koichi Yuzu Pon) @$16++

Umibudo and Natural

Seagrape, quail egg yolk and shoyu

I opted for Calpis Sour while Ivan had the Yuzushu. Staff served us some nuts to go along with the drinks.

Calpis Sour @$13++

Pipes Original Yuzushu @$23++

assorted nuts - almond, cashew, macadamia

For appetizers/alcohol bites, one could get the Eihire (stingray fins) to go along with the sake. The version here seemed to be meatier and awesome flavours. Best parts? Those charred parts for some sexy smokeyness along with the sweetness.

Eihire with Yuzu Mayo @$12++

We also tried the Yaki Onigiri. It was like a triangle-shaped fried rice. Didn't taste any pork belly in there but I liked the pickles.

Yaki Onigiri @$12++ (2 pieces)

Next, we had the aburi Hokkaido scallops. Pure indulgence.

Aburi Hokkaido Scallops @$32++ (6 pieces)

Next, we had the Chestnut Pork Belly, and this was one of my favourite dish. Yummy, satisfying slice of pork with good oily mouthfeel. The visuals, the taste and personally, I think best eaten in one mouthful!

Chestnut Pork Belly @$18++ (150g)

The Wagyu Tongue Stew, was surprisingly good too. Comforting taste and the texture of the tongue was good.

Wagyu Tongue Stew (Daikon, Potato, Carrots) @$32++

And, we can't leave without trying their sando. Hmm, am not sure if a single person can finish the entire Tonkatsu Sando, because the meat was really thick! There was no doubt that after this dish, our stomach space was nearing its limit.

Tonkatsu Sando @$20++

And, we went all-in with our orders. A very rich plate of A4 Wagyu complete with foie gras. 

Char Grilled A4 Wagyu (Foie Gras, Berries Compote, Shimeji) @ $ 38 ++

But, we wanted dessert too. The seasonal bun was the Hiroshima Lemon Bun, so we got one to try. Also tried their soft-serve ice-cream.

assorted cream buns

Hiroshima Lemon Bun @ $ 3 ++

Hokkaido Soft Serve @$6++

By the end of the meal, I was seriously stuffed. But do try their coffee, if you still have space. If unsure, the friendly barista would be able to recommend based on your preference.

Thank you makan-kakis as always. 

Pipes by HATTENDO

Address: 331 New Bridge Rd, #01-02 Dorsett Residences, Singapore 088764

Website: https://hattendo.net/

Contact: 8113 6096

Business Hours:

Tues to Sat: 11am–4:15pm, 5:30–10:30pm

Sun: 11am–6:30pm

Closed on Mon