Review of Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to Shanghai in First

Welcome to a series of flight reports around, you guessed it, the Asia Pacific. This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 2 airlines. The final leg on Delta PVG-LAX I will not report on.

The carrier, route, equipment, class, lounge, and procurement method were as follows:

Cathay Pacific - LAX-HKG - 777-300ER - First - Qantas First Lounge - Alaska Mileage Plan
Cathay Pacific - HKG-TPE - 777-300ER - First- The Wing and The Pier - Alaska Mileage Plan
Cathay Pacific - TPE-HKG - 777-300 - Business - Cathay Pacific Lounge - BA Avios
Cathay Pacific - HKG-CGK - A330-300 - Business - The Bridge and The Cabin - BA Avios
Singapore Airlines - CGK-SIN - 777-300 - First - Esplanade Lounge and a TPR "Arrivals" Lounge Experience - Krisflyer Miles
Singapore Airlines - SIN-PVG - A380-800 - Suites - The Private Room - Krisflyer Miles (This Report)
Delta Air Lines - PVG-LAX - 777-200LR - Business - No Lounge - NRSA (No Report)

Check in and The Private Room

With a heavy heart and a heavy belly of Teochew delights is was time to bid Singapore adieu. For me this involved a taxi from the Intercontinental Singapore to the the SQ T3 First Class check in lobby. This facility was very quiet and efficient, as I always find it.

No other passengers today at the dedicated immigration station.

Conveniently the lounge is just outside the immigration point.

The escort leads the way.

Ready to indulge once again I review the menu.

How about a coffee and sparkling water to begin.

There were about 4 tables occupied which I call busy for TPR.

I cannot get past the eggs Benedict here. It's exceptional.

Still wanting a last taste of the Teochew I opt for the fried carrot cake. It's a fine example of the dish.

After a very satisfying meal I retire tot eh seating areas to enjoy some fizz.

With still a good amount of time before boarding I opt for a walk about the terminal so watch aircraft movements.

Eventually my trek leads me here.

Boarding begins and I'm impressed to see they have an intimidating sentry guarding the entrance to Suites. After a thorough vetting I am allowed to pass.

SQ830 SIN-PVG

One of the best walks in the sky.

Of course 3A or 3F for the extra window.

Thank you Raminah, job well done.

Refreshment is offered promptly and as well as the menu.

The view from 3A.

A review of the menu. It's impressive to me for such a short flight. 18 pages!
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There were only 2, well 3, other passengers in Suites. A young couple, wearing matching minions t-shirts, and their 1 year old(ish) child.
Our push from the gate was on time and a leisurely taxi to 2C.

The friendly and conversational steward sprung into action with my beverage of choice. My preference for post departure beverage was secured on the ground and relayed to him.

Some amenities are dispersed.

The canape service is the savory Singapore satay. Always a please at altitude.

Offers for additional satay are regretfully declined. I want to have a taste of everything so I can't get bogged down here, as much as I would like to.
This table has a lovely view.

The Krug is kept brimmed and the table is set. I opted for the crab starter and some garlic bread. The starter looked better than it tasted. The flavor of the crab was somewhat overpowered by the mayonnaise and the salmon roe.

The Chinese soup is opted for next. I quite like the clean pork flavor of the broth.

Must eat your greens. The salad is rather plain but I enjoy the peppery arugula quite a bit. I switch tot he crisp Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc for the time being.

So, apparently I booked the cook to the tune of a Boston Lobster Thermidore. I'm not sure why I did that as It really isn't my favorite lobster presentation by any means. Of course I could have switched to any of the other mains on the menu I stayed with the lobster to see if perhaps I was missing the reason for the hype. So many SQ reviews mention ordering the Lobster Thermidore via BTC ex. SIN. Nope, still not my thing. The heavy handed sauce just nullifies the reason I would like to eat lobster in the first place. I must admit that it's visually very impressive.

The flight attendant observed that I had only picked at the main she offered to bring any of the other dishes. I asked for the Laksa. I know it's a funny contrast from the haute lobster dish to the Katong comfort food but it was far more to my liking. I always make time for Laksa when I visit SIN yet on this trip I didn't have an opportunity so this was perfect for me.

I'm going all the way with this so I gladly accepted the offer of "70 Surprise", the 70 step dessert. Also the 70th anniversary of Singapore International Airlines. This was a beautiful treat with great fruit and coconut flavor.

The basket of whole fruit made a round and I opted for son longan, papaya, and some sort of apple thing. The papaya was magnificent.

Cheese is offered next. I am powerless to resist.

Finally lunch has ended and a selection of pralines are delivered after the table is cleared. It's a pretty stunning meal for a 5 hour regional flight. It was a joy to experience all of the flavors, textures, and wine pairing. The service throughout was impeccable. Timing was perfect. All the dishes were presented with a description and asked after to my liking. Everything that an F experience should be.

I had been watching the light load today thinking that I may have a chance at the elusive "double bed" experience for the first time. This would not be the day as the couple with the young baby were seated in one pair of adjoining suites and the other pair was made up for them to rest. Of coursre they could make better use of the space than I could.
Instead I was offered a bed in 1A, away for the action somewhat, and I gladly accepted. To the lav first to freshen up before nap time.

I'm giddy with the presentation of the bed and pillows. While the 777 F bed is probably preferred for space there is something so special about closing the doors and being secluded in your own space.

I manage a very enjoyable 2 hour nap and awake just as decent/landing procedures are being carried out by the crew. I ask if there is time for some Blue Mountain and of course the answer is in the affirmative and the coffee is delivered to 3A.

We're on time and have a long taxi over to Terminal 2.

Time to face the cold harsh world without the sweet embrace of Singapore Airlines.