Jack's Place @ Compass One

#localhistory - For A Little Bit of Nostalgia Address - Compass One, 1 Sengkang Square, #04-07, Singapore 545078 Operating Hours : 11:00AM - 10:30PM Monday - Sunday (Daily) Ambiance/Facilities - Cosy restaurant Highlights - Daily Set Meals and more Avg. Price per Person - From $20.00 up Rating - 4.6 / 5 Sengkang / Compass One Feature Series - 5 This iconic casual Western dining restaurant is located at level 4 of Compass One. A little bit of nostalgia and local history : As a Hainanese, Jack's Place holds a special place in my heart as it's a restaurant operated by Mr Say Lip Hai. Mr. Say arrived in Singapore from Hainan Island (China) and started as a cookboy with the British troops where he homed in his culinary skills especially over steaks and roast. Hack's Place was started in 1966 as a British pub at Killiney Road owned by Mr Jack Hunt (British). Mr Hunt's wife tasted his meals, loved it so much that she suggested he partner up with her husband at his pub. Hence, in 1968 Mr Hunt entered into a partnership with Mr Say to start a catering business. Shortly after, he sold the shares to Mr Say who kept the namesake of the pub. As a child and part of the close knitted local Hainanese community, my family and I would support and visit the restaurant at AMK Central on weekends for special sizzling treats. When I grew up and moved, I would continue to patronise their other outlets at Serangoon Nex, Safra Punggol and now Compass One. Decor of each outlet has that historic family appeal with iconic square tile flooring and food served on their signature square dining mats. Their Daily Value Set Lunch Menu which is available from Monday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm is immensely popular. Each set comes with Garlic Bread, Soup of the Day, Choice of Main Course, Choice of canned drink (Coke or Sprite) or hot Coffee/Tea and Dessert of the Day. Price varies from $14.50 to $17.50 depending on your main. Other premium sets will be at a higher price, for eg if you order the NZ Ribeye Steak. Also, there are upgrade options like paying an additional $2.80 for their iconic Lobster Bisque. Our order from the Value Set is usually the NZ Striploin Steak @ $17.50. Depending on the day, the sauce will be different. Done medium rare, the meat is tender and juicy as always like the good old days, and serving quality portions. The Lobster Bisque is a must have as it's smooth, creamy and has some lobster meat chunks in it too. End off the meal with a slice of apple pie (Dessert of the Day, we were lucky as they can serve us ice cream instead) plus a cuppa hot tea. Jack’s Place is certainly a favourite meeting dining point for family and friends to meet over hearty quality meals. If you go to the AMK outlet, you can still see many older generation patronizing them even if it's just for a cup of hot drink. As I age further, I will continue to visit them as they created fond memories for me and my parents. #makansutra #sgfoodie #rediscoversg