Can you share a lunch venue you know well?

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Hi everybody,

For members who are still working, we tend to have our gatherings in the evenings and on weekends.

For members who are not working, we tend to meet during daylight hours. We tend to avoid evening hours. No beers and loud music.

To many, Saturdays and Sundays are considered family time, so weekend activities suit some.

What about lunch time? Everybody needs to eat. Some of us have lunch 12-1pm, others 1-2pm. Retirees and those whose hours are flexible can go out lunch 12-2pm.

Our monthly gatherings are usually on a weekday, between 4pm and 8.30pm. Sometimes, we try weekends. I don’t remember we having a lunch time gathering.

Do you know of a cosy place that we can meet? Frequency: once a week. For a start, we can consider any weekday 12-2pm.

1. Have lunch at the venue, maybe $6-10 @ person (I pick this number from the air). Lunch could be single dish with Tea/coffe or a set lunch with a soup, main and Tea/coffee. The venue decides the food.

2. Must be near a MRT station, without need to change to a bus, etc. We have limited lunch time.

3. Free seating, and confirmation of the number of Pax, one day before the lunch. Give the venue time to arrange the food.

4. Participants open to SilverHairsClub members, booking of lunch one day before the actual lunch date, and pre-paid.

5. Members can bring friends. Friends and non-members pay $2 per Pax, over non-member’s lunch.

6. Objective of this lunch is to facilitate members getting to know other members, and their friends. Can also bring parents so that they get to know one another too. We have to break the loneliness in our life when we get older and retire.

If you cook or can organise the food, and know of a venue, again meeting the above criteria, this can also be considered.

If you have been to a venue that meets the criteria, please mention the place here. You can also whatsapp me or speak to any of member whom you know.

SilverHairsClub believes that when members and seniors gather together, they will finally find common interests and friends. The rest is up to you.

Terence Seah

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

34 thoughts on “Can you share a lunch venue you know well?”

  1. Hi Terence

    Good idea. I’m interested to join in the lunch with members as and when I’m free.

    Time available: 12.30 – 2 pm
    Venue: Convenient .. near mrt station

    Cheers

  2. Terence

    I think the problem is the place or venue… where can we find one?

    We need a restaurant or coffeeshop that would cater a lunch at $10 or less, have enough space for us, every week and near an MRT station. Also the time for lunch is limited.

    The monthly Coffee Meet is the closest thing to what we are looking for. We can start from here.

  3. Yes, the monthly coffee meet by Gabriella is great. She is keeping this ongoing, that’s good.

    I am hoping to look for a venue, more specific. Lunch time. Less noisy, except for our noise.

    I have another hope, to develop the venue into a permanent lunch time for SilverHairs. Again, I pull this idea from the sky.

    Terence Seah

  4. Hi Terence
    the badminton kakis at Gombak also has to eat after playing.
    we play Tuesdays and Thursdays, and our regular haunt is across the road from Gombak MRT station, identified by : that Chinese mee rebus coffeeshop, or Pat’s gf coffeeshop..
    (another location is the Home Team clubhouse when we have mini celebrations).
    i have tried to encourage non badminton players to join us for coffee or lunch, but none had come.. (is it because Gombak MRT is too ulu for many??)
    :(

  5. Hi Terence,
    Here is one:
    JUST ACIA PTE LTD at DHOBY GHAUT MRT STATION.
    Noodles and rice set from $5.90 with free flow of coffees and drinks.
    Check it out!

  6. I consider a place can fit the requirements you mentioned in your post

    Place – “The Kitchen” food court in “The Star Vista”
    Environment – food court, clean, big area with a lot of seating places
    Food – food court food, a lot for choose
    Price – food court price, a lot to choose within $6 – 10 @
    MRT – 5 to 10 min walk from Bona Vista MRT

    One question – if the eating place is a public one (like the one I mentioned above), are those non members brought by the members still have to pay $2 per pax over their lunch. If yes, please enlighten me the reason, thanks.

    1. Hi Andrew,

      Thank you for the suggestion. I shall let all the suggestions of venue come in, and hopefully make a decision mid June.

      As to your 2nd point, I may charge $2 for non-members. For this lunch, I am not sure if it will take off. But I think it is good to have a lunch gathering, right where the MRT is located. The $2, I pick it up from the air. Don’t really have a formula. For the lunch, I feel that members should pay on a per Pax basis, depending on how the venue charge us. I guess members can have this benefit. Do you think members should be charged $2 or be given a discount?

      As for walk-ins and non-members, maybe you can offer your suggestion, if you were the EO.

      Terence Seah

  7. Hi Terence

    Thanks for your reply. My thinking of the extra fee for non-members is as follows:

    The lunch event should be an EC event (since the non-member can also take part), how to charge should be decided absolutely by the EC(s) . If I am the EC, I would do the following:

    If the EC event is held in a private place, there should be extra fee for the non-member who wish to join to differentiate the members and non-members

    If the EC event is held in public place, there should be no different for members or non-members.

    I don’t pick this from the air, but from one of our regular activity group – the Monthly Walking. It changed from EO event to EC event last year. The EC never ask the non-member to pay $1 for the walk, and another $1 extra if the non-member like to eat together after the walk.

    1. Hi Andrew,

      Your comment is refreshing indeed.

      Since the Club started in 2005, the Club has always left the decision on events to the EC. How much the event is charged is left to the EC. This encourages creativity. We should continue leaving this decision to the EC. So, to repeat, the EC organises his/her own events and decide how to go about the event. Same, if you were the EC.

      As for the lunch venue initiative, this is a new initiative. In fact, I am looking for an EO to initiate I have set the guidelines and concept for a start. You are most welcome to organise the weekday lunch activity. Organisers have always had difficulty confirming the numbers, and walk-ins and unregistered complicate the organising. If you had organised events which includes food, you will understand the need for the venue to confirm the number of pax. Many organisers have cancelled events because the numbers are uncertain or fallen short.

      The lunch activity is intended as a place and time for SHCmembers to meet. However, being lunch, and since every body needs to eat, sometimes, members may like to bring a friend. This explains why I have given a guideline that the EO can charge a different amount from members. Obviovsly, the EO can make this decision. Perhaps, you can take the lead, and be the EO for this lunch activity. As always, the Club has always let the EO make the final decision.

      Let’s not control the EO’s creativity and planning. Every member can be an EO; you too.

      Terence Seah

  8. Hi Terence

    Before my eyes operation, I have planned some projects for myself after the operation. Now, I am quite busy to try to achieve them.

    For the EO you mentioned, I have to say: “Thanks, but no thanks”. Sorry.

  9. Kenneth, Dorine, Andrew, and members,

    thank you for the venues suggestions. I like to reach a number like 10 places for suggestions. Many of our members are still working, altho not all work inside the CBD. Yes, it is absolutely important that the lunch venue be very near the MRT.

    CBD areas venue places are very crowded during the lunch hours. Actually, so are other places. We need you to share with us places you know, for example, a not so popular but convenient location. We all know that pubs are busy at night, but quiet or not even open for lunch. the settings could be great, and these venues are ideal.

    There are some very modern companies or buildings with an inhouse F&B. These makan places are set up because there are a nice to have, but could not draw extra crowd. We can occupy the place during lunch.

    I hope members can help to suggest some of these places. If we think aloud, we may even consider Changi airport. What about Toa Payoh, any venue you think that we meet our criteria? Many places need a crowde. Please share with us their name.

    Terence Seah

  14. Hi, Kristy and all. I had lunch at Rajah inn this morning, 11.30 am to 1.00 pm, with a friend. About 25 varieties of food to go with sweet-potato-porridge. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give 6 to 9 for each and every dish (savoured all 25). Skip breakfast if you don’t want to get bloated too soon. Warm or cold barley water (optional) at an additional $2.20 per person (free-flow).

    1. Hi DanielC,
      Ishall keep your suggested venue on the list.

      Hi everybody,
      Can you recommend a quiet food court during lunchtime? Big enough that we dont need to pre-book.
      Just walk out of the MRT station, and that’s the venue.

      Hopefully, we can use the place permanently for this lunch gathering. Starting once a month, to once a week.
      Keep the suggestions coming. We have yet to find 10 suggestions.

      Terence Seah

      1. I hear there is a preference to use a foodcourt because the menu is varied, and members can choose what they want to eat and drink, since we are talking about lunch.

        Two other food courts have been suggested. I have not been there but the feedback given to me is worth looking at.

        1. One-North MRT. Above there is a food court, on the 2nd floor. Being right at the MRT, members who are working can reach here on time, without have to take another bus or a walk. However, the food court may be crowded during lunch, and we cannot chope the tables.

        2. Toa Payoh HDB Hub. I understand there is a food court in the basement. And again, exit the MRT and the food court is there. No reservation, sit anywhere, cannot pre-book, and food is similar food courts.

        3. There is an earlier suggestion for 313@Somerset MRT station, a few floors above the station.

        Perhaps, there is a lot of flexibility to hold the lunch gathering at a MRT statio foodcourt. But no seats, crowds may be a concern. Price will appeal, so will the food.

        Any comments from you?

        Thank you to the members who have suggested the venues, gone to recce, try the food and take pictures. Good I don’t have to see for myself.

        Terence Seah

  15. Hi Terence
    Perhaps, we can arrange an earlier and longer lunch break (starting from 11.30 am – 2 pm), in which case, we can have it at a food court. Wd propose the food court at 313 Somerset which is at a convenient and centralised location ~ just next to the Somerset mrt station.

    There is a wide variety of food/beverage/dessert at this food court.

    Will be a flexible arrangement wherein those present will order and pay for their own food.

    For your consideration.

    Regards.

    1. Hi Gabriella,

      Thank you for suggesting the use of 313 @ Somerset. Club had a gathering there a few times in the evening, and it is right above the Somerset MRT.
      Having a gathering at a food court has its advantages. I have not been there during Lunch time. Lunch time gathering suits working SilverHairs and non-working SilverHairs.

      Can you or anyone tell us if this place is crowded and noisy during lunch time, or it is manageable.
      We eat and drink what we like.

      Personally, I like it because we dont have to pre-collect money and we dont have to pre-book.

      Terence Seah

      1. Hi SHCians,

        Let’s select the venue for the twice-a-month lunch gathering by 22 May 2014. The use of the venue will be valid until June 2015.

        ** Venue: From feedback, we are likely to start with a food court as the venue. But, all depends on you. Please choose from the locations given by other members, and we decide by 22 May. If we opt for a foodcourt, the exact location at the foodcourt will be announced, after selecting the venue.
        ** Date: Monday of the 1st week of the month and Thursday of the 3rd week of the Month.
        ** Time: 1100 am to 1400 hours. (official hour is 1130 hour to 1330 hr).
        ** Food and drinks as per your order, at the counter.
        ** Charge: Nil
        ** Seating: Free seating.
        ** Registration: Not required. You may indicate your coming on the Post, but Club will not track your coming.
        ** Membership batch: All members should bring their membership batch so that other members can see and recognise your name. No membership tag will be issued.
        ** Participants: For members. Friends, colleaques and family members of SHC members can come.

        ** Agenda: May be announced by the EO and any SHC participanting member, from time to time.

        We hope that a lunch time gathering will encourage both working and non-working members to come together, and get to know new and more friends.

        Terence Seah

        1. We have selected the venue for our SHC lunch gathering.

          ** Venue: 313@Somerset, Food republic, on top of Somerset MRT.
          ** Date: 1st Monday of the 1st week of the month. The Thursday of the 3rd week of the Month will be on hold for now.
          ** Time: 1100 am to 1400 hours. (official hour is 1130 hour to 1330 hr). Seats are available if you come before noon.
          ** Food and drinks as per your order, at the counter.
          ** Seating: Free seating. SHC members to gather near the glass windows, between the SOUP and the KOPI Toast stalls.
          ** Registration: Not required. You may indicate your coming on this Post, so that other members know you are coming.
          ** Membership batch: All members should bring their membership batch so that other members can see and recognise your name. No membership tag will be issued.
          ** Participants: For members. Friends, colleaques and family members of SHC members can come.

          We hope that this lunch time gathering will encourage both working and non-working members to come together, and get to know new and more friends.

          This Post is now closed, and a new Post for the first event will be up soon.

          Thank you to the members who have helped to identify the venues, recce the place and offer their feedback.

          Terence Seah

  16. Hi Terence
    Ref your enquiry above.
    Yes, 313 at Somerset is one of my favourite haunts with friends for lunch or tea. The food is affordable and varied. The place is spacious and clean with many long tables that can accommodate at least 8 people per table. It is rather empty and quiet especially between the hours 11 am – 12.30 pm before the lunch-time crowd comes in. I can EO one lunch on a first Monday if it is decided to be held at this venue. Of course, date must also be suitable. But we need to have an estimated number of ppl joining the lunch in order to ‘chope’ the tables with ’tissue paper’ (Singapore style)… jus kidding.

    Looking forward…..

  17. Dear Terence and Gabriella,

    I feel the foodcourt at 313 at Somerset is going to be a good choice!

    Let’s go for it!

    Cheers
    Kristy

  18. The indications are I am hearing more interests for the use of food courts as our SHC lunch gathering. So far, if the MRT station is right where the venue is, the support is strong. This will enable working members to zoom to the venue, without walking and changing buses or finding a carpark.

    Almost everybody likes a wide choice of food, from a cup of coffee to a big 3-course lunch, at their own choice, price and taste.

    Ok, so be it. it will be a foodcourt, right below or ontop of the MRT station. Thank you to the members who have contributed their thoughts.

    Registration will not be required, also it will be nice if others know you are coming.

    Terence Seah

  20. Dear All,

    I just ate at Little Hiro. Good value for money.

    Little Hiro
    Hawaiian Japanese BBQ & Grill
    King’s Arcade, #01-01
    559 Bukit Timah Road

    Flamed-seared Tenderloin Steak $14.90
    Apple Pie with a scoop of ice-cream $5.50

    Cheers
    Kristy

    1. Thanks Seok Cheng for letting us know One-North Food court is crowded over lunch. I am not surprised.

      We will have to balance between a formal lunch with pre-bookings vs free-for-all at a food court.

      We will still choose a food court, and adjust outselves, depending upon the interest.

      Members have so far identified One-North foodcourt, ToaPayoh HDB hub based foodcourt and 313@Somerset (Food Republic) as possible venues.

      All other places require pre-booking and confirmation of seats.

      Waiting for comments.

      Terence Seah

  23. Hi Dan,

    Yes, Asia Square Food court is ok, but it is quite a distance from the MRT. I had visited it and it can be a place for other gatherings. Really, looking for somewhere right at the MRT.

    Terence Seah

  24. Terence,
    Yesterday and today, I was at NUH, MRT is Kent Ridge. All I can said is that there are various varieties of foods and some places are not that crowded during lunch hours. Maybe you can consider this is 1 of the lunch venue.

    Yesterday, I ate $3.95 lunch at BurgerKing and today, I hv my lunch at kopitiam at 5th floor. There are many other eateries also… and coupled the fact is that the plc is still very fairly new so less crowded and many are spoilt with many selection of food choices…

    Give this a recess to try out lot….

    Cheers… Dolly

    1. Thanks Dolly for the suggestions.
      For this SILVERHAIRSCLUB lunch, I am looking at a permanent place. No need to take registration, no pre-booking, choose what you like to eat and right where the MRT is.

      How do u access the foodcourt from the MRT station?
      Which place are you suggesting.

      Terence Seah

  25. Terence, so sorry for the late reply. Hv been very very bo eng…

    The KR MRT station is right where all the eateries are located at from Level 1 to Level 5. Just need to walk around to explore the different eateries that you wanted to lo… Like I had mentioned earlier, there are many many eateries, from lower end to upper end spending power.. From Kopitiam food chains to the various restaurants… you will be spoilt for choices there… So long as all of you are there slightly after 1pm, there are plenty of plcs to choose from…. These days, I hardly ate there as right now, I am always at the other side of NUH which also offers food varieties at reasonable price but very crowded at lunch times so will not proposed this lor…

    So folks, eng eng bo tai zhi cho, take a mrt there and see for yourselves lor.. ai sai bo?

    Cheers.. Dolly

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