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

Dim Sum Brunch at Spring Court 詠春园 Upper Cross Street

It was those days when dining in was possible in maximum groups of five. Public holidays and weekends are sure recipe for maximum headache when finding a place to dine out. Had a craving for dim sum and most places were already fully booked, but managed to secure a table at Spring Court for 11am. Had dined here prior with the makan kakis, so came back to try some other items.

Arrived before 11am and already there was a queue to get in. They were not opened for business yet, so the young and old were queuing outside and seemed like there were two lines. I opted for the one that was in the shaded area.

finally at the entrance

Was finally let in after queuing for half hour. The staff checked the reservation and informed that the seating time limit was just one hour. This came as a surprise as the reservation site did not indicate as such. Hence, he relented and added another half hour. Ok, thank you for accommodating but best if it was stated clearly during reservation to avoid any future frustrations.

So, the game plan is to order quickly so that we have time to enjoy the food. The place was really packed and bustling with families, mostly. Some, looks like all three generations are present.

condiments tray (removed shortly after)

yummy pickled radish

Tea and pickles are chargeable at $3.30++ per head. Tea is refillable (add water to the pot), but not sure about the pickles though. I liked the pickles, and don't mind if I can have another portion. Hehe.

Baked Char Siew Bun @$3.80++

Baked Char Siew Bun (insides)

The staff said the baked buns are weekends limited edition. Ok, can. Am easily convinced. Smallish and tasted sweet savoury. Liked that it was non-oily. 

When ordering dim sum, the de facto would be har gao and siew mai, so we got those. And also one, basket of xiao long bao to try.

Ha Kau Dumpling @$5.80++

Siew Mai @$6.20++

Shanghai Dumpling @$4.80++

We ate the har gao and siew mai first, then the Shanghai dumplings. By then, the skin on the Shanghai dumplings had hardened considerably with the top fold, being thick. Hence, least enjoyed this item.

Beef Innards Claypot @$12.80++

Best dish that day for me, was the comforting beef innards claypot because it was served hot. There's tripe, some brisket, fried beancurd and vegetables. Lovely with a hint of herbal.

Next up, a dish that everyone liked. The Wafer Prawn Chee Cheong Fun. There's thin crispy fried fritters inside wrapped within those silky smooth rice flour sheets and drizzled with soy. It was good the last time we tried it, and still good this time round.

Wafer Prawn Chee Cheong Fun @$6.80++

And for desserts, the custard lava buns. Super good but very intense. One is enough.

Liu Sha Bun @$4.80++

dripping good

At that time, there was credit card promotion for OCBC card holders and we got 15% off the bill. Nice!

Spring Court 詠春园

Address: 52-56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348

Website: https://www.springcourt.com.sg/

Contact: 6449 5030

Business Hours:

Mon - Thurs: 11am–2:30pm, 6–10pm

Fri - Sun: 11am–2:30pm, 5:30–10pm

Let's Sip Some Champagne for Breakfast, Shall We? @ The Edge Pan Pacific Singapore

The blackout curtains in the room did a good job to keep one well rested. That, and the comfy bed. For Day 2, I was up early before 8am and went down to The Edge where breakfast is served for Pacific room guests. For Day 3, I overslept and went down at around 9+am.

morning view

sunrise

taking the lift down to Level 3

The Edge

After Safe-Entry, the staff would pass you a piece of paper with a code written on it. This is the number that one keys in when ordering breakfast from the QR code located at each seat assigned on the box containing sugar sachets.

Items such as eggs, waffles and pancakes are ordered through own device. After trying the omelette with capsicum and the one with ham and cheese, I'd prefer the capsicum version for the fresh taste of the bell peppers.

breakfast menu

What is your must haves for a staycay breakfast? For me, it is eggs. Usually I'd go for scrambled or omelette. 

breakfast must haves - omelette

omelette with capsicum, mushrooms and tomato

omelette with virginia ham and cheese

The waffles also fared better than the pancake. Pancake was a tad too dense for my liking while the waffles was crisp on its outerside and fluffy inside.

waffles with gula melaka creme fraiche and pandan kaya

Pancake

Day 2 morning, which happened to be my birthday. Was surprised when one of the staff at The Edge, Fahmi came out with a cake slice after I had done with breakfast. This made the other table looked at us and sang along. Hahahaa! Thank you for the sweet gesture.

thank you Fahmi for the birthday treat

Taittinger Brut Champagne was available upon request. It is rather unusual for me to be sipping alcohol that early in the day and I shall remember this Champagne Breakfast at Pan Pacific.

Taittinger Brut Champagne

snacks from the buffet counter

The Edge was really busy on a Saturday morning and there were guests who came by for breakfast at about 10am. My order for omelette which was placed at 915am was also missing till I enquired for it after I had finished the pancake.

Had the chance to observe and liked that the staff treated all guests similarly with polite greetings upon arriving and leaving the restaurant.

For solo guests like me, when staff are not too busy, they'd drop by to enquire if you'd place your order or if there's anymore drinks that you'd like. It was a welcoming feeling in general.