It has been half a year since our last visit to Bornga and we decided to beat the Monday blues with a leisurely hearty lunch. The restaurant was almost full on Monday when it's usually crowded. Must be the school holidays that has drawn the crowds. Three groups of Korean families dining here is proof that the food here is authentic since native Koreans have discerning palates and demand high quality.

Bornga has the most generous portions of ssamcheban (mixed salad leaves for wrapping the BBQ meats) and ban chan (side dishes) among all Korean restaurants in Singapore. Prices for the BBQ items have gone up significantly. Samgyupsal or sliced pork belly which used to cost $18 per platter when we visited in end 2012 now costs $22. The signature dish of sliced beef brisket marinted with fruit juice which used to cost $22 per platter now costs $28. Quality of the food continues to be excellent. However service standards have dropped. Due to the lunch crowd? During our last visit, a waitress did the grilling at our table but this time around, the girl just put the plates of meats on the table leaving us to do our own cooking. Empty cups were topped up only on request this time. We would be quite happy with our meal if this had bern our first visit to Bornga. However, we are less ecstatic this visit due to the higher prices and drop in service quality.

The Wendy's outlet at Liat Towers B1 is my favourite partly because of the super cool aircon and free wifi and partly because the crew are always helpful, friendly and attentive. Staff here will always help out with trays, holding open the doors and are prompt with clearing tables.

I ordered three items a la carte - baked potato with broccoli and cheese $3.90, caesar side salad $2.60 and small coke light $2.30. Caesar salad was nice with zesty dressing and crunchy croutons. The baked potato was smooth and fluffy but I didnt like the heavy tasting melted cheese. Will revert to my usual order of baked potato with spur cream and bacon bits next time.

Ichiban Sushi has just introduced a new off peak menu with a hot stone rice bowl set meal at only $5++. Each set comes with miso soup and free flow of hot or iced green tea. Pick one from five toppings for your rice - wafu salmon, sliced kurobata pork, tsukune curry, yakiniku squid rings or isari clams. The salmon donburi set that I had was tasty but just a little short of gravy for the rice. Better quality, value and dining environment than Yoshinoya. Will return to try other sets.

Okonomiyaki - Japanese savory griddle cake is a satisfying comfort food. Pretty sauce art with a contrast of textures & flavors below - fresh springy squid, fragrant egg & slightly crunchy chopped onion. Best shared among dining companions so one can savour other dishes too. Good value at $10.90++ with prompt service from the friendly crew.

Pineapple rice set at Jai Thai is very good value at $8.80+. The rice is good enough on its own with mixed vegs, diced pineapple, chicken and generous chicken floss topping. The green curry and thai chilli fish are good but the highlight has to be the fragrant, juicy and toothsome pandan leaf chicken.