And with the New Year resumed the pre-arranged catch-up sessions. Three continuous days of toiling away at a major, soon-to-be released project had resulted in the over-exertion of wrist and ocular muscles. A breath of fresh air was needed before one could summon up the strength to proceed with the lengthy assignment.
I first stopped at Chinatown, a district that has never witnessed a shortage of bubble tea joints. Arriving after 3 PM meant the availability of Cactus Tapioca, so I headed to the spot that I hadn't frequented for quite some time. (Of course, I had to have forgotten my stamp cards at home...)
I first stopped at Chinatown, a district that has never witnessed a shortage of bubble tea joints. Arriving after 3 PM meant the availability of Cactus Tapioca, so I headed to the spot that I hadn't frequented for quite some time. (Of course, I had to have forgotten my stamp cards at home...)
With utmost confidence, I can now proclaim that One Zo has officially gone down the drain.
The pricing system and loyalty program have been altered such that customers are paying even more than before, but with fewer rewards even swearing loyalty. What's more is that drink quality has plummeted significantly - terrible to the point where nausea and stomach sickness were experienced after only one-third of the cup had been consumed.
Purchasing a large-sized Caramel Oolong Latte had been an awfully uninformed decision, and I ultimately tossed the seven-dollar atrocity into the trash to prevent further unpleasantness.
The pricing system and loyalty program have been altered such that customers are paying even more than before, but with fewer rewards even swearing loyalty. What's more is that drink quality has plummeted significantly - terrible to the point where nausea and stomach sickness were experienced after only one-third of the cup had been consumed.
Purchasing a large-sized Caramel Oolong Latte had been an awfully uninformed decision, and I ultimately tossed the seven-dollar atrocity into the trash to prevent further unpleasantness.
To atone the lingering slickness of One Zo, I made a brief stop at Juicy Dumpling at Dragon City Centre. It was appropriately named after their signature $2.99 Steamed Soup Pork Dumpling - also known as Xiao Long Bao (小籠包/XLB), though the menu also comprised of savoury pancakes and other carby delights.
At a measly $3.14 after tax, one could not go wrong with the eatery's namesake S1 order. The bite-sized dumplings were positively delicious with an insanely reasonable price. Moreover, seating was plenty and service was friendly and efficient. Several diners took their orders to go, but many also stayed to enjoy some chitchat time with their fellow feasters.
I met up with feedthebear shortly afterwards, at which point we leisurely made our way over to our chosen dinner destination in the Entertainment District.
Fune was located in close proximity to Roy Thomson and the largely familiar King/John intersection, yet I had never batted an eyelash while striding past in the past (unintentional homograph usage).
Fune was located in close proximity to Roy Thomson and the largely familiar King/John intersection, yet I had never batted an eyelash while striding past in the past (unintentional homograph usage).
The Japanese restaurant was located at the basement level of the building, with three areas of separation: a bar with backless stools, an oval-shaped sushi bar, and table seating. We opted for the second option, as the concept of à la carte items revolving about us on small, wooden boats proved both fascinating and intriguing.
Once seated, we were informed that items could be plucked from the boats as they were traversing along their passageway, and that we would be charged according to the colour of the plate. Unlike Hana, our seats were devoid of a printout that listed these rates. Instead, a series of labelled plates floating atop the waterway informed customers of the associated prices.
Alternatively, customers could also order from the given menu; this was a great option for those craving hot plates such as udon or donburi.
Once seated, we were informed that items could be plucked from the boats as they were traversing along their passageway, and that we would be charged according to the colour of the plate. Unlike Hana, our seats were devoid of a printout that listed these rates. Instead, a series of labelled plates floating atop the waterway informed customers of the associated prices.
Alternatively, customers could also order from the given menu; this was a great option for those craving hot plates such as udon or donburi.
We weren't completely made aware of the dishes we were consuming, but it wasn't much of an issue for us. For those with allergies, on the other hand, it is best to inquire the ingredient breakdown from one of the five sushi chefs at the bar to ensure the meal progresses without health hazards.
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Amongst our selection were: kanpachi sashimi, rice paper maki, sushi pizza, cuttlefish/shiso roll-ups, torched salmon California Rolls, and avocado-scallop nigiri. Sweet finishes such as dorayaki (original and matcha flavours) and daifuku were also witnessed occasionally. The cost of the items added up quickly, and before we realized, the bill had totalled a whopping sixty-seven dollars. Eleven plates had been consumed between the two of us, yet each ceramic serving device had only held two pieces of each variety. Some items were tasty, while others lacklustre and somewhat warm from being left out for extended periods of time.
The scallop nigiri, in particular, wasn't half bad. Though, the slightly bitter aftertaste was an indication of inadequacy (whether it be in terms of freshness, quality, or handling techniques). Conclusively speaking, inconsistency surfaced periodically; still, it remained far better than AYCE (and Hana).
The scallop nigiri, in particular, wasn't half bad. Though, the slightly bitter aftertaste was an indication of inadequacy (whether it be in terms of freshness, quality, or handling techniques). Conclusively speaking, inconsistency surfaced periodically; still, it remained far better than AYCE (and Hana).
The bathrooms were disappointing given the overall atmosphere and intricate furnishings of the dining floor. On the other hand, staff members were friendly and attentive throughout our prolonged stay, and didn't hesitate to aid us in taking countless commemorative shots upon our request.
Adopting a "fune" (boat in Japanese) concept is interesting, however it entails steep prices reflective of its coordinates in the Entertainment District. The novelty of it all guarantees a fun experience. That said, be mindful that taste and value may not necessarily live up to expectations.
Adopting a "fune" (boat in Japanese) concept is interesting, however it entails steep prices reflective of its coordinates in the Entertainment District. The novelty of it all guarantees a fun experience. That said, be mindful that taste and value may not necessarily live up to expectations.
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