Occasional Bon Vivant Diva

Its time to say goodbye

2010-03-31T08:00:00.001+08:00

Hello all, its been a sweet few years of sharing my life thru this blog but I find that I am no longer the Diva that I used to be.

Domesticated life is a totally new outlook to my future. As such I have now moved to a newer blog-site

Fish Sans Water

Like a fish out of water, I've moved out of my comfort zone to a new country and life with my partner.

Meanwhile stay cool....

Alexis, The Gardens

2010-03-06T06:27:00.000+08:00

I took my loved ones to Alexis in The Gardens long back before I leave the country, special desserts for the special moment. Well you see, its the last full year I will be spending with my love ones that had seen me through thick and thin. They will still be able to do so but from afar and more based on my updates for I am now into my next chapter in life, a married life.

Oh well, no more about my personal banter, here's the scrumptious selection (clockwise) Mango Cream Tart, Banoffee and the delightful Tiramisu(with Cognac). If I should categorize the selection below to my liking, Tiramisu will come up top followed by Mango Cream Tart and Banoffee.

Need no further guessing why Tiramisu is the top, the Mango was a more refreshing choice compared to the banana toffee which is quite complicated. I had a poor sense of which is the more dominant flavor, banana or the toffee, but that does not meant you should not try.

Alexis Gardens
www.alexis.com.my

Lot F209 1/F, The Gardens, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+603 2287 2281

Cleaning up for Spring!!

2010-02-11T13:58:00.001+08:00

I've been busy trying to clean up the house today. Its a mess what 3 boys can do with so much grime and dust that has been collected in all the nooks and corner. Why do I put myself through all these troubles? Well to usher the Year of the TIGER of course!!!

Going to be my first year in Melbourne and spending Valentines helping in the temple. I'm guessing it will be too busy for me to steal sometime to do any touring.

Taking this opportunity to wish everyone,

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!

GONG XI FATT CHAI!!

I took a long break

2010-02-01T11:40:00.001+08:00

Hello... sorry I took an extended break away to settle in to my new home:

MELBOURNE!!!

Will be posting some blogs soon! Sharing some night shots from Oz Day.

Capri Dessert - Durian Pancake

2009-12-16T10:58:00.000+08:00

Little did I know this restaurant hides so much "gem" to sample(that will have to happen in the near future).

The durian pancake comes in 2 piece that is sliced into half. As you could tell from the picture, the pancake is basically a wrap of whip cream and durian flesh, soooo rich it is sinful not to share! Should have asked for hot Chinese tea after taking the rich desserts. I still taste durian after 2 hours.

Also sampled was the egg custard with ginger juice, well if you don't mind the slight curdling the taste is quite alright. More to explore.

Capri Dessert

33 Jalan Radin Anum, Sri Petaling 57000 KL.

Oriental Cravings - Curry Noodles

2009-12-15T22:45:00.001+08:00

I think a picture paints a thousand words, agree! hahaha...

What you see below is the scrumptious serving by Oriental Cravings @ 1U. Crispy roast pork curry noodles oozes all the best of a bowl of curry laksa noodles that is rich in coconut cream and not too spicy minus the cockles.

Served in the right portion and pipping hot!

ORIENTAL CRAVINGS
359, Ground Floor (new wing), 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: (03) 7727 2581/7726 3801

Mersing-Pengerang

2009-12-13T22:23:00.000+08:00

Mersing a port most famous for destination Tioman Island, but that is not our intention. We've stop over the location for an overnight stay for our KL-JB leg of a road trip.

Whilst it is a port town, seafood restaurant is sadly lacking and most are fully booked by locals. We sampled a few items from Mersing Seafood Restaurant, and the standout item had to be the stuffed squid! Its a wonder how they manage to stuff salted eggs into the squids and deep-fried before serving.

Mersing Seafood Restaurant address from Yellow Pages

We wasn't satisfied with the seafood meal and went walking around town and spotted a local fried chicken shop. We were surprised indeed as the fried chicken plus the deep fried buns were pretty amazing! Two thumbs up. Forgotten the name but its located opposite Giant supermarket in Mersing town.

Not satisfied with our seafood dinner the previous night we had another attempt this time in Sungai Rengit, Pengerang a little town at the bottom of the west peninsular. We were lost!!! Extremely lost but thanks to some locals we finally got back on track nearly an hour later.

We settled in at Restoran Makanan Laut Yoou Kee at Sungai Rengit, Pengerang but the queue was 2HOURS!!! Some of us stayed on to book the table whilst BottomlessPit and me went off around looking for some snacks to ease our hunger. A quick walk to the junction was a corner coffeeshop that housed a Char Kuey Teow stall - EXCELLENT!

We placed an order of Char Kuey Teow and they did it the southern style in dark sweet sauce-yummy! Also not missed was the ikan bakar, the fish and chili paste were fresh, but I would had prefered the ray-fish to be slightly more crispy.

Our seafood finally arrived after an additional snack of otak-otak, a brilliant find by my other travelmates! Salute salute to you GKH!! The meal comes in set to serve 8-10 persons comfortably(too long ago I had forgotten the price) The steamed fish and prawns is highly commendable!

Restoran Makanan Laut Yoou Kee

Sungai Rengit, Pengerang, Johor.

ION Orchard, Singapore

2009-12-02T16:36:00.002+08:00

Orchard Rd, Singapore was swarming with locals and tourists who were mostly taking site tour before the night F1 begins. I'm only posting about ION Orchard the latest malls offering brands that ranges from luxurious to the daily use as this was the place I had spent the most interesting time!

The plaza housed many brands that ignorant me had not seen before. Including one Gusttimo Di Roma, that got people queuing up right down to the sidewalk. There were some interesting facets to the building too, at one foyer, a look up at the blue glass ceiling will provide you with shadows of sea creatures, be it sharks or turtles! There's also a hallway that house only jewelers, standing there suddenly make me feels so rich (or poor)... hahaha...

The varieties in Food Hall in B4 are AMAZING!! The taste of the few that I had so far weren't bland at all! It was quite delicioius. You can check more about the wide varieties of restaurants in the food hall here in the website supplied by ION Orchard main site.

I'm gonna share a few shots of some interesting bites I had; clockwise from top left; pancake rolls of green tea and red bean, Teochew style scallop on noodles, art pieces from seating area, Teochew noodles that was the base for the scallops, another art piece from seating area, The Nautilus Project not in Food hall but specialize in seafood and interior does feels like a shell.

One of my favourite stalls in Food Hall was Marvelous Cream the Japanese ice-cream stall of course! I had a hard time selecting which petite little parfait concoction to savour. In the end I had, No.5 Belgium Noisette Chocolat and No.6 Passion Mango Trifle and a little spoon off No.1 Strawberry Shortcake. (Each retailed at SGD5.90. Travel packing sold separately)

Besides the cute packaging, what's so amazing about them parfaits??
Here's how its all made up and I'll let you imagine how good it was:

No.5 Belgium Noisette Chocolat were layered of(top to bottom): MY FAVORITE

Roasted Hazelnuts
Dark Chocolate Sauce
Belgium Chocolate Ice Cream (thick)
Brownie (thin layer)
Hazelnuts Praline Ice Cream (thick)

No6. Passion Mango Trifle were layered of(top to bottom):

Crushed Raspberry Fruits
Exotic Sauce
Golden Vanilla ice cream
Raspberry confiture
Sponge cake (thin layer)
Alphonso Mango Ice cream

No.1 Strawberry Shortcake were layered of(top to bottom):

Leave chocolate
Freeze dried strawberry
Fresh cream
milk confiture
white milk ice cream
strawberry confiture
sponge cake (thin layer)
natural strawberry ice cream

Cons about Food Hall; Ok, finding a seat during peak hours(well most hours on weekend is peak) is quite a challenge especially if you are in a large group. Just need to hang around awhile.

ION Orchard

Orchard Road, Singapore

Kluang Station (The Origins)

2009-11-30T21:48:00.001+08:00

Took a road trip down south ages ago and finally sat down to do some semi-documenting of it.

Our first leg took us to Kluang to meet up with the rest of the gang. You can read more of Kluang here but my tour lead focused on Kluang train station, the very very old and operating station that see many travelers crossings from Singapore to greater parts of Malaysia.

Our target: KLUANG RAIL COFFEE!!! The original! This is where it all started before spreading to shopping malls in Klang Valley and others. We hang around mostly doing the touristy thing of snapping photos while awaiting for the shop to open. Quite scenic as most of the structure had remained the same for some years.

When asked for kuih(small eats) nearly everything was not available for afternoon tea... aisehman!! Had to make do with whatever that is available, hence nasi lemak bungkus, a glass of milk tea and corn toast ordered by my travel buddy. Food & drinks were nothing extraordinary but enough to fill the stomach with some taking more than 2 packs of nasi lemak... goodness!!

A good stopover if you are driving towards Merang for Tioman Island.

Kluang Rail Coffee
Kluang KTM Station, Jalan Station, Kluang, Johor.
Open 7am -12pm, 2:30 – 6pm. Closed Thursdays.

(Google Map here)

Bread & Olives Cafe @ Ampang Lookout Point

2009-11-19T20:11:00.002+08:00

Bread & Olives Cafe had been on lots of blogger's list, I must be one of the last ones to give this place a go. Reputably as restaurant serving middle Eastern food with a view of KL at night.

I was sold by VKeong's post to follow his footsteps there and still got lost! Terrible me, well I was the navigator and my partner was the driver, I can't really share with him where/what exactly as this was suppose to be a surprise birthday dinner place for him. A quick check with one of the local gas station customers directed us to the right path.

Finally reach the place but parking was a challenge even though its on a Monday night at 8pm!!! Why is everyone out on a wet Monday night? Luckily Bread & Olives provides car jockey service at a minimal fee.

We sat at the lower level right at the edge of the site for an unobstructed view of KL city night lights. Service was a tad slow but they accommodate to my request for a small burning light so we could at least watch what we're eating.

Our orders were 1 seafood marinara and 2 of middle eastern dish, one Fatayer and another with lamb sausages with nice fluffy freshly baked bread, I didn't manage to snap any picture of the latter, cos I was having too much fun eating with my fingers! hehehe...its fun once in a while to eat like I was a kid again, all sloppy and sticky.

The Fatayer was lovely! Fluffy mini pastries stuffed with choice of Zattar(thyme), Akawi Cheese, Spinach, Chicken and Beef(I excluded this). As stated in their menu, it is baked in a brick oven specially flown in from the Mediterranean.

Serving mainly middle east dishes, I had little expectation of the pasta but its was surprisingly tasty! The sauce was actually hot when served with generous amount of seafood.

Might had been too much carb. intake, we couldn't even dig into the cake that we had bought elsewhere earlier and vow to take it instead for mid-night supper.

Using my little point and shoot camera this was the only sight I could present. The weather was lovely, with cool breeze after a short drizzle at sundown. From a distant, there were some folks setting off those mini fireworks, so colorful so peaceful. Romantic indeed.

I shall miss this immensely!!

Bread & Olives Café
No. 7, Lot Perniagaan Komplex Pelancongan, Menara Tinjau, Jalan Ampang Hulu Langat, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Eshan.
Opening hours: (as of now) 6 p.m. to 1 a.m
Pork-Free

Nyonya Colours @ The Gardens

2009-11-13T19:21:00.002+08:00

My love for Nyonya food brought me to Nyonya Colours @ The Gardens basement even before they are open for business!!! That's how much I like them. Besides serving a rainbow of small kuih(sweet/savoury small eats) there are pipping hot laksa, noodles and curries.

The pleasant to the mouth eats were also reasonably priced considering the rental in a prime location between MidValley Megamall and The Gardens.

Some of my orders whose pictures are passable for blogging ^o^

Onde-onde is one of my favourite local Malaysian sweet treats! The skin is made of glutinous rice flour soaked in pine-screw leave juice hence the green that lovingly wrap crushed palm sugar, steamed and coated with salted shredded coconut flesh...ah... reminiscing the first bite!

While the Pulut Panggang is both savoury and spicy. I believe the key to a good pulut panggang lies in the sambal laid on top. Not sure how this is being done, nonetheless this was tasty. I remember the best pulut panggang I had was from this stall in Langkawi, in middle of nowhere when we're so lost n hungry... so much for having it again.

Onde-onde and Pulut Panggang

I had the Yellow Curry Noodles to fill my stomach with something warm. Sinfully rich with coconut cream! Me LOVE!!!

Yellow Curry Noodles

All in all its been a pretty decent meal; liked the pick your food and near self-service concept.

Nyonya Colours

Lower Ground, between The Gardens and Mid-Valley Megamall

Tel: +60377282288

Claypot Lo Shi Fun @ Oriental Cravings, 1U

2009-11-08T19:07:00.000+08:00

One of the best Claypot Lo Shee Fun(rice noodle that shaped like rat tails, hence the name) ever! Well for me anyway.

Oriental Cravings styled the Claypot Loh Shee Fun(Rm11.50) is served in a thick dark gravy with a pretty just broken egg in the boiling claypot. The aroma is mouth watering, taste and texture is heavenly.
Besides this pipping hot claypot dish, there is also the heady Rice Wine Chicken Mee Sua(Rm15.90). Highly recommended considering if you wish to dine simple non-halal Chinese food in 1U.

ORIENTAL CRAVINGS
359, Ground Floor (new wing), 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: (03) 7727 2581/7726 3801

James's Cendol @ Sitiawan

2009-11-07T19:14:00.000+08:00

I was away for road hunt a few weekend back and one of the challenge was to find, buy and eat the famous James's Cendol in Sitiawan.

James, he must be the most iconic figure in the whole of Sitiawan and greater Perak sans the Sultan. Ever ready with his RED bow tie and white long sleeved shirt regardless of the heat to faithfully churn bowls after bowls of delicious cendol ice! I absolutely love his service, the man is smilling the whole time. He must love his job very much. Seen here with his similarly dressed wife, Devi.
Besides the basic cendol (+santan+palm syrup+red kidney beans), you could also ask to add pulut.
The lovely cooling cendol with generous palm syrup... I'm gonna miss you so much...

JAMES CENDOL

Jalan Lumut, Sitiawan (In front of Maha Mariamman Temple near Fajar Supermarket.)
Open 11am-7pm. Days off not fixed.

Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

2009-11-07T16:04:00.002+08:00

Simple to make pasta dish - one that got my mom singing "hou-sek hou-sek" and made me very happy.

Here's the ingredients, chopped garlic, smoked bacon back, Italian parsley, a handful of cashew nuts, a tbsp of dried chilies and 350-375gm spaghetti and a tsp of oregano(optional). It took me less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
When cooking pasta, make sure there is ample boiling water and olive oil is added into the water to ensure the pasta do not stick to each other. Use enough salt in the water till it taste like seawater. Place the pasta into the pot when the water is boiling.

Immediately after placing the pasta into the pot, toast the cashew nuts on dry deep dish pan or using medium hot oil(this is add flavor to the oil for cooking later). Strain the nuts from the oil once it turns gold, do it fast otherwise it will be burnt.

In the same pan of 1/2-3/4 cup of hot oil, toss in the minced garlic, chili flakes, oregano and bacon together. This is to ensure garlic is not over cooked and browned. Add in black pepper, white pepper and salt to taste. Turn of the heat once it is fragrant.

Cut the parsley to 5mm length and toss in the non-leafy parts into the garlic and chili sauce. This is to allow the tougher part, which is usually more aromatic, to blend in gently with the rest of the ingredients.

By now the pasta should be cooked, strain and toss the hot pasta in the pan of garlic and chili sauce. Put in the rest of the parsley(leafy) and cashew nuts and toss evenly. Serve immediately.

Ta-Da! My weekend homemade spicy pasta! If you like it spicy, add more chili flakes and pepper. I find this recipe versatile, you could always stick to the basic garlic and chili flakes and replace the meat - prawns, scallop, roast chicken or veal and nuts - pine nuts, walnut, almond slices, etc.

Jalil Seafood Restoran

2009-11-06T18:01:00.000+08:00

To kick start again with seafood at Jalil Seafood Restoran. I was there months ago and picked only 2 tasty morsels to blog about here.
The butter mantis prawn in yam ring! Strange as it is the combination although may seems dry to some is actually very Very VERY fragrant and palatable! Everything is perfectly deep-fried yet maintained juicy within. Extreme demonstration and knowledge in controlling oil temperature. Dessert of coconut pudding, must be crowd favorite cos a family of 10-12 actually went there after their dinner elsewhere just for this dessert. Coconut is opened and juice was taken to make the pudding concoction before pouring it back to the coconut with flesh intact and set in the freezer. Mellow and sweet with the beautiful aroma of a young coconut. 1 serving is good for 2 persons.
Pros: Besides speedy service there is ample parking spaces available. Reasonably priced.
Cons: Limited seating and noise level may be a nuisances when all diners starts talking at the same time

Sorry for the Hiatus!

2009-11-06T17:27:00.000+08:00

Well that's me when I'm working anyway - finally getting off busy work to blog now!

Vintry Damansara

2009-09-24T18:21:00.000+08:00

Out about at the worst kind of traffic area in Damansara Heights for wine and food. Well me minus wine that is. Flipping thru the menu is all about pork, nearly every page offers at least one pork dish. Like its caption for the menu; Seriously non-halal.

Our orders mostly starters to whet the appetite, of pork, squid, pate and noodles.

Caramalised pork came up with thinly sliced crispy pork generously coated in sweet soy sauce.
Squid Fritters... so crispy and juicy at the same time. Love the spicy Thai chili sauce.
Chicken liver pate is not everyone's palate. Only me and another dining mate took most of these. Caesar salad with roast pork... is AMAZING!! both vegetables and was really crispy and tasty. So much for healthier options the pork does amazing things for the taste buds.Grilled Lamb shoulder... is a bit fat. The dark sauce looked more orange than dark is quite special indeed.Our main dish of Angel Hair pasta was again tossed with the same caramalised pork we had earlier only more spicy. Love the generous portion for the price that we paid.Fried Korean Noodles... ermm... a more flavourful of the two and again with the spicy caramalised pork. The noodle however looks suspiciously like those that cook within 2-minutes.Desserts!! First up is the Tiramisu which is also not a favourite cos they dislike the rich mascarporne cheese top. Others may well keep complaining fat but I ate anyway.Another sweetie, the hot and cold Banana & Peach Crumble. Lovely combination. There were a lot of laughs and the waiter/tress were kinda efficient given the busy crowd that is every demanding of attention. Reservation is a must to avoid dissappointment as seating is limited.

Vintry Damansara
130, Jalan Kasah, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 2094 8262 (Call for reservation)
Closed on Sundays

Colmao Flamenco

2009-09-11T19:47:00.001+08:00

A night for romance in Melbourne... he brought me to a dimly lit street and a turn to an alley decorated with bright signs, all pitching authentic Spanish food.

We went to the popular Colmao Flamenco and tried our luck with the waiter and wahlah! Table for 2 is set up for us. Stuffed olives were served as appetizers... yummy.Our starters of escargots cooked in onion, tomatoes and a few more herbs in pipping hot clay plate. This was really good and is off the menu and written on the blackboard instead, so please check around before placing your orders.Next starters is a bowl of mushrooms infused with garlic and spices... me love... although the mushrooms and garlic were equally strong in tastes, they blended very well together.
Our only main dish of seafood paella. Again the chef had whipped a dish that is not only served hot and delicious, the seafood were really fresh!! Unfortunately we can't finish it all but had to resort to cleaning up the seafood and take as much of the rice as possible.We were also entertained by whom must be the owner, a grandfather of maybe in his seventies on his string guitar and Spanish songs. He must enjoyed performing as much as we had with his energy and enthusiasm.

What I like most about the restaurant is the family atmosphere. The restaurant was clearly operated by a family who not only manned the counter but also the kitchen, bar and even the stage! A good upkeep of quality food and hospitable service. I will certainly return for more.

Colmao Flamenco
60 Johnston St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065.
Tel: (03) 9417 4131 (dial within AU)

Kenzan @ GPO

2009-09-02T20:55:00.000+08:00

Another long outdated post... hehehe... still so long the restaurant exists this will still be worthy read.

Thinking about quick Japanese fast-food in Melbourne CBD, one would think about Kenzan at GPO. This place is highly popular with the working lunch crowd, with variety choice of sushi rolls for take away or dine in.

Our order of miso ramen with cold pork slices and lovely hard boiled egg whose yolk is still soft and yellow. Love the feeling of hot tasty soup on cold day. The pork meat had retained its juicy tastes too! Yummy!The variety of sushi rolls; check out the generous amount of ebiko rolled with sushi rice. The other seaweed wrap was tuna and unagi... me love UNAGI!! Very fresh without those stale fishy smell.Quite 'de value' for money and service was fast, efficient and clean.

Kenzan @ GPO
350 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000.

Malacca n Singapore

2009-08-30T15:23:00.000+08:00

Went for a day trip from KL all the way downsouth to Singapore which took us to Melaka for breakfast and dinner.

Our first stop was at Bukit Beruang, Melaka for some simple duck noodles from a stall located in Kedai Makanan & Minuman Chia Yean.

My order of the noodles comes with sliced duck meat. The duck meat was cooked to tender and remained its moist and taste. Delish! There is a choice of meehoon, flat rice noodles and good old flour noodles.The bowl of duck meat noodle usually consumed dry and tossed in housemade dark sauce with bits of bean sprouts.

Duck Mee @ Chia Yean - Malacca

Walking in shopping malls is good exercise, trust me. And walking from malls to malls in Orchard Road is exhausting and my stomach was protesting for refuel. I've decided to take MOS Burger since its not available in KL anymore. Pics of my burger as below, well its tasty but as expected moderate oil, salt, sugar and I think no-MSG is added in the food.

Scallop Rice Burger @ MOS Burger - Singapore

In record time, its makan again... hahahaha... honest I've tried to stop but just too hungry. Instead of a main meal, we've opted for a rich cuppa to warm the stomach and raise the spirit... hehehe caffeine always helps... but not too sure if this is suppose to be decaf. Love the cookie and cinnamon stick inplace of a spoon.

Cappuccino Italiano @ TCC - Singapore

Not much has changed along Orchard Road since my last visit except a new mall is coming up and it house another LV flagship store. Not sure if they will close down the other when this is up, will it be like Bangkok where you have 2 in a single road? The clueless me shall await and see.

Hanaichi @ QV Melbourne

2009-08-28T19:03:00.000+08:00

Quickie post of even faster food in Melbourne. Hanaichi has a small menu list and all rice are mostly served in huge paper cup/bowl. Not very eco-friendly but never-the-less makes service fast and minimise labour reliance.

My order of Miso Katsu Don, tasty and comes in quite large a portion which is deemed value for money. Well to me and alot of students. Some of the lanky girls even share a single bowl.

Thumbs up for being fast, courteous, tasty and portion.

Hanaichi
QV Square, Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Apple Crepes

2009-08-25T18:55:00.000+08:00

I had in my fridge sheets of ready made crepes that I had bought months ago. Since there are bundle of green apples at hand might as well make some apple crepes!

I've browsed thru a few recipes on the internet and decide to "agak-agak" mine based on what is available. Here's the ingredients:

2 tsp Butter and 2 tbsp cooking oil
2 tbsp Brown sugar
2 tbsp Granulated sugar
4 oz Rum (can alternate with Brandy)
5 fresh Granny Smith apples - peeled - sliced thinly
1/4 tsp grated Lemon peel (obtain before slicing and squeezing the lemon juice)
1 tsp Cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon
Squeeze of Fresh lemon juice

Clean the apples, peel and cored before slicing. I cheated with a machine slicer.Mix the measured brown and granulated sugar into the apple slices. Add lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning further from oxidation.

Melt butter with oil in a sauté pan. Add apple, lemon peel and cinnamon, sauté briefly.
Remove pan from heat and add liqueur. Carefully return pan to heat, as liqueur will flame.
Simmer for one minute. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.

I heat the crepes a bit to make it soft to fold. 20-30 seconds on HI in the microwave will do.Top with apple mixture and gently fold like a popiah.Drizzle with honey or chocolate and accompany the now ready crepes with vanilla ice-cream! Enjoy! Its easy to make, I just find preparing the apples tedious and you need to do it fast or the apples will turn brown.

Kitty Zen...

2009-08-22T16:43:00.001+08:00

Tanjung Sepat - Pao & Seafood

2009-08-22T15:02:00.000+08:00

This is a long long delayed post of Tanjung Sepat.

We followed the loosely drawn map that my dad did on a thin(near transparent sheet) parchment to Tanjung Sepat via Sepang F1 circuit... hehehe the paper did brought a lil feel as though we're on a hunt for long buried treasure.

We were greeted at Tanjung Sepat with trees after trees that is heavy with mangoes!!! Each tree one having more than the other. That was sometime in May and I don't know what's in season now.

Hainanese pao(previous post) was a must for my fellow travelers first trip to Tanjung Sepat. Buses loads with tourists will stop here so why not me. Their specialty is the pork in preserved vege dumpling. A must try.The dining area is still attached to the "rumah papan" but there is a working kitchen with glass windows across the road for tourists. Another perk for stopping at the coffee shop is the maps posted on their wall would help provide you at a glance interesting places to visit in Tanjung Sepat; snack factory, mushroom farm, longan farm, etc.

Hai Yew Heng
405, Jalan Pasar, 42800 Tg Sepat, Kuala Langat, Selangor.
31974144/012-2729009

For serious lunch, we headed to Ocen Seafood(previous post) next to Lover's Bridge. This is a must stop whenever I come to Tanjung Sepat. Since it was only 3 of us, our orders were pretty much limited.
Deep fried red snapper in tomato sauce, the fish must be thoroughly covered in oil when deep fried as it was evenly crunchy and crispy on the outside but maintained its moist within. To quote QQ, it feels like eating KFC.The medium sized razor clam ala "kam heong" style > fried in spicy sauce.The overflowing "hou jien" aka fried egg with oyster. Crispy but could use more oyster next time.

Ocen Seafood Restaurant

Lot 109, Jln Tepi Laut (Jln Laut), Kampung Baru, 42800 Tanjong Sepat, Kuala Langat, Selangor.
Tel: 603 31974443 H/P: 019 3338589

Mizi Shabu Shabu @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2009-08-21T17:45:00.000+08:00

Went back to Mizi Shabu for dinner since nothing came to mind. There have a choice of soup base which you will need to boil on your own for an additional sum, can't recall how much just that it was not expensive.

A few varieties of raw food platter to be cooked by the diners. The bestest part, no sharing of hotpot ensuring hygienic condition of the food prepared depending on how patient I was to await for it to cook.
Additional selection of lamb slices to go with my herbal soup pot, yummy!!!
Costs varies but on average its less than Rm20 per person. Since there is so many health scare around, best to dine where you can control how much I want to boil things before consumption.

Mizi Shabu Shabu
No 17, Jln Puteri 2/5, Bdr Puteri, 47100 Puchong.
03-80603221

Brunch & Tea @ The Gardens Midvalley

2009-08-12T22:22:00.000+08:00

Another lazy weekend spent having brunch and then tea at Midvalley. Nothing much to speak of just a few snapshots from "makan" stops.

Brunch at Canton-i, was torned between porridge and noodles... the noodles won.

Jasmine flower tea... the flowers tends to float thus creating an eye candy for a drink.

Steamed prawn and vege dumplings. Quite decent.

The bouncy char siew wantan dry egg noodle tossed in dark sauce.

Canton-i
The Gardens, Mid Valley City,
LG-202 &203A Lower G/F. Tel: +603 2284 6888

Tea time and leg break at Cova for coffee and cake. Well the selection was much lesser when they started out, not sure why... hiya sad.

Latte with cookie. Smooth and rich.

The slice of sinfully rich apple cheesecake... me like.

COVA Cafe Lounge & Bistro,
F-226-B, The Gardens Mid Valley,Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2287 6260
Business Hours: Wed-Sat (10am - 12am) , Sun-Tues (10am-11pm)

Fifteen @ Melbourne

2009-08-02T10:29:00.000+08:00

What's behind Fifteen?
Fifteen is the brainchild of Jamie Oliver's to provide a better future for youths to become professional chefs from his pioneering restaurant called Fifteen. Each year a total of 20 apprentice will be selected for the Fifteen training program.

Excerpts from the website: Fifteen Melbourne
Every month, funds from the restaurant are reinvested into the apprenticeship schemes. So not only will you have great food and an unforgettable experience, but you know you’ll be directly helping our hardworking apprentices to turn their lives around.

Our handpicked bread slices while awaiting for our starters. When asked to add balsamic vinegar to olive oil, they pour 30 year old bottle... impressive and really extraordinary. Bottomless Pit's starter; I can't recall what's it called but there are a variety of cheese and fruit paste to go with the crackers. Cheese not my favourite...I was savouring my starter; lovely mix of savoury pate with crunchy pistachio, wiped with marmalade jam on crusty toast while drinking in the lovely ambience. The ceiling was surprisingly tall for a basement room, lovely chandeliers and each wall has their own unique design which makes the whole place feels roomier.

Pistachio Liver Pate with Marmalade and Grilled Bruschetta(I think...)Bottomless Pit's main dish, a seafood stew. Love the stew... all the sweetness from the seafood is simmered in the stock.

Wicked Sicilian fishermans stew

My main dish of Western style Siew-yuk. Had to love it for the melt in your mouth roasted slab of porkbelly. So crispy yet so tender... a slice of a lovingly roasted pork, well the aroma is amazing. The scrawny vegetable were tasty too, the looks is the turn off but surprise surprise, its very sweet and full of flavour.

*****Roast Berkshire Pork Belly with Winter Vegetables

I wouldn't say it is cheap but definitely value for money for the quality of the food they served and the noble idea behind the kitchen counter. I'm saving desserts for another day =)

Fifteen Melbourne
Basement, 115 – 117 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.
(Enter through George Parade)
Reservations: 1300 799 415 / 0061 3 9639 7586

Coconut life in Pulau Lang Tengah

2009-07-28T19:06:00.000+08:00

Spend the most relaxing weekend ever... free of tv, radio, newspaper and NO internet... not even iPod... Pulau Lang Tengah is a near perfect retreat after a long stressful months and weeks running away from work and life.I signed up with Pulaupulau.com for a 3d2n package to D'Coconut Lagoon Resort. Our initial booking via bus from Hentian Putra to KT bus terminal then complete with all the necessary transport to get to the island and back with Superior room was moved to Deluxe Low since they ran out of Superior room on our intended weekend.The bus ride was quite pleasant, I slept most of the overnight ride to KT. The downside, the waiting room is torturing. I think the agencies need to do something better to improve the standard and the air-conditioning quality for the bus terminal in Hentian Putra. The outskirts, Kuala Terengganu(KT) bus terminal is WAY much better with multiple bus lanes and actually having a tall self-ventilating ceiling.
Upon reaching KT, we were brought to Ping Anchorage backpackers hostel to freshen up and await for the rest of the tourist to be transported to Merang Jetty. It was 6am, the "freshing-up" was a welcomed break. The bus dropped us off at Merang around 9am and we've been told that the boat will depart only at 11am... 2 hours of waiting!!! Spent our time eating nasi lemak over Milo at one of the biggest stall at Merang jetty to kill time.
We shared the little boat with 3 other couples. The ride was bumpy and full of mist... hahaha... all from breaking the waves on the speed boat. We reached Lang Tengah, D'Coconut Lagoon Resort within an hour and was told that our booking for Deluxe Low was nonoccupational, GOOD NEWS!! we're bumped up to Executive Deluxe in the West Wing a 2 minute walk away from East Wing where we beached. Although the weather was cloudy the water were crystal clear. The resort was a pretty as the picture posted on the website, surrounded by lush forests.All meals were provided and the variety was limited but each dish was finely done. I love each and every soup made for lunch and dinner. Not sure who was the chef but complimented the dishes to the serving guys to convey. The dishes were mostly catered for Western, and they do not serve barbecue unless specifically requested before arrival. Dishes includes lasagna and orange poppy seed cake!! I loved the cake! it feels like home.Day 1 was more for resting and I skipped the first snorkelling trip. Day 2... nearly drove both my travel-mate and me MAD. It was raining first half of the day!!! what else is there to do?!?! ... I read and read and read, she poke and poke and poke at her hand phone games. It was finally clear during lunch that there were some sun shining thru after the morning drizzle.
The snorkelling trip was such joy! I've seen new unexpected creatures like Jellyfishes, one as huge as a basketball... hahaha... yes, I swam away and told the tour guide. Blue spotted stingray, family of clown fish(Nemo), yellowfin parrotfishes, butterfly fish and even a cute bright yellow box fish with black polka dots. The local guide took us to 2 spots around Lang Tengah for snorkelling.On the day we left, it was so bright and sunny... sad... why do I have to leave now... but then I believe I would be bored if I had stayed any longer. Halfway thru the boat ride out we were sent off by an eagle who glide so low. Sorry no pictures... it was a really bumpy ride back. Just glad there were no sprays.The bus ride home was really boring and slow... but glad we got to take a bus 2 hours ahead of our schedule and reach home safely.
Total costs for package Rm650, plus Rm10 for one day rent of flippers and mask and Rm6 mineral water at D'Coconut; Rm15 total for onshore meals and water. Also bring plenty of loose change for toilet visits onshore.

Senses Restaurant @ Hilton KL

2009-07-19T08:27:00.000+08:00

A much written about fine dining Senses Restaurant at Hilton KL... food and wine(by my fellow dinners) seems to be up to standard for the priced they charged.

Since I don't take beef/veal and chicken seems common with seafood of raw oysters being shared, I had nothing left but opt for duck as my main course.

hahaha... I pride myself for making that choice. The duck meat was seared to tender and maintained all its juicy tastes. A well balanced flavour of sweet sour pepper light sauce. Oh and raw whole peppercorn were used in the dish. The duck was accompanied some garden vegetables and less than an inch thick pasta ribbon; my best guess is a pappardelle rolled with tuna/mackerel cooked in fresh peppercorn.
Personal thoughts; while it is a variety of taste and texture journey for the culinary senses, I do not find it spectacular but unique in its own way.

Senses Restaurant
Hilton Kuala Lumpur Hotel
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50470
Tel: 60-3-2264-2264 Fax: 60-3-2264-2266

My Elephant spread again

2009-07-08T18:52:00.000+08:00

Visit My Elephant one pass weekend again for a hearty spread and a sampling of its pre-ordered Snow Fish.

The fish whilst its covered with salt and slowly baked to perfection, does retains what light taste the fish contains. Its not salty at all and peeling away the skin is akin to slipping off a piece of hanky.

Platter comes with a variety of samplings; I love all of them but needless to say, had to share since it comes in 3 per variety.

Our favourite for the night was still the paku belacan and omelette with fish otak-otak... eehehe... very sinful and extremely mouth-watering. A single taste will make you wish for more. Must be the fragrant belacan and otak-otak.
As usual Thai green curry goes excellent with steamed rice, thus the constant demand to get the steamed rice topped up. I took up most of the gravy... burp*

My Elephant

Block C-G4 Happy MansionSection 17/1346400 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 012-3285028 or 019-3608911
Business Hours: Lunch : 12 pm - 2.30 pm Dinner : 6 pm - 10 pm

(Tuesday-Sunday) Except Sunday - only dinner available

Set Lunch at Rm8.90(Main+Drinks+Salad+Dessert) available on Weekdays

East Imperial @ Carlton, VIC

2009-06-29T19:12:00.000+08:00

A long procrastinated post... hehehe... of Carlton, Victoria.

Yum-cha is still one of the deeply rooted habits of the Asian Chinese migrants in Melbourne. I followed Bottomless Pit to meet up with a few of his friends from university to East Imperial at Carlton a few blocks from Lygon Street.

The interior spells POSH. Yes, that is the only word I could think off, there were sectional dining area separated by rising platform and hanging chandeliers.

We were seated in a huge round table next to the shop window, well no complains as we're waiting for the rest of the party to slowly trickle in. I think its no accidental strategy for show of popularity.

The variety of dim sum, no complains its quite alright just I prefer the food to me more heated in steaming trolleys, (spoilt by M'sian dimsum house.)
Love the mango pudding but the chee cheong fun is too thick for my liking. All the dishes were prettily presented in paper doillies. Service was courteous as expected. Price wise, I'd tagged it to AUD25-AUD30 per person.

East Imperial Chinese Restaurant
323 Rathdowne St, Carlton.
Tel: +613 9347 3322
Tue-Sun 11am-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm

Restoran Fu Gua Thong @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2009-06-26T17:32:00.000+08:00

Bitter gourd many not be a favourite to most people but this restaurant seemingly crowded most of the time during lunch/dinner even on weekends. Their specialty, the bitter gourd soup with pork ribs and livers and kidneys.

The menu that comes in 4 serving size! I've never seen any other publishing this many.My bitter gourd soup, hot and delicious. So rich with the bitter gourd and porkie tastes, well the porkie tastes actually manage to hide away the bitterness. The bitter gourd is thought have detoxing healing properties, and especially welcome to my mom for anyone whose got excessive outbreak... me, so long its edible and delicious I'd welcome them... hehehe...A side order of fish; forgotten what it was called but found it appetizing but a little too salty.A simply prepared steamed white tofu with stir-fried minced pork. Yet another dish that goes very well with white rice.Basic stir-fry potato greens with garlic.
I wouldn't say its a 3-4 star rating but this was a satisfying meal considering the gourd is suppose to be bitter. I however would like it even better if the bitter taste was stronger.

Restoran Fu Gua Thong
32-G, Jalan Puteri 2/4, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
Tel: Mr Pang 012 286 8669

San Terri Cottage @ Bangsar Village

2009-06-23T19:35:00.000+08:00

Some days are better spent alone... savor the peace and enjoy in solitude. Well, I'm not suggesting isolating yourself away locked in tower in La-la Land.

Just sitting back with a hearty slice of raspberry cheesecake and a smoking latte; watching time pass by.

I love my time-out, interrupted only by the small random bites of cheesecake alternate by a sip of latte. Simple pleasures like this are hard to come by, ... at least for me.

San Terri Cottage

Upper Grnd Flr, Bangsar Village II, No.2, Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar Baru

Tel: +603 2284 1522

Yut Kee revisit

2009-06-16T20:16:00.002+08:00

Yut Kee is not always about Roti Babi it seems to my mentor. One of the best selling items happens to be its butter and kaya roll cakes.

The kaya on the sponge cake were quite delicious and the sponge was soft yet not too oily like what is usually found in the bakery today. What you have instead is the very traditional way of preparing the sponge. The butter cake on the other hand was special to me, it has orange!! yes the little bits of orange that actually makes it tangy and tastes even better. The texture again is yet another that seems to stick to the origins. How to tell? it doesn't left your mouth feeling a cling or sandy afterwards.Toast to better savour the homemade kaya... well it was homemade alright but I find it better than average but not exceptional... hehehe... I recently found another that is silky smooth and green. Yes I like pandan in my kaya.I took a quick spy around before ordering and noticed that the Hailam mee seems to be the most popular order in the house. Nearly each table had a plate if not more of these Hailam mee. I took an order... but really find it not to my preference. Although its a simple fare prepared with variety of seafood; prawns, fish fillet and squid - the noodle don't seem to soak in the taste. However I enjoyed the simplicity - at least its not too starchy and thick in oil.It was really crowded on that day but the proprietress had an excellent talent for memorizing face and numbers... hahaha... she was the one-woman show for crowd control. We moved from one corner to another and yet she remembers our queue minus any assigned ticket number and gave us our seats. That's some service that ought to be complimented.

I had wanted to purchase more of the cakes unfortunately the guy that went immediately ahead took up all the remaining. It was more than 5 boxes ~ too much. Next time I must buy first then only wait for my food to be served.

Kedai Makanan Yut Kee

35, Jalan Dang Wangi, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2698 8108 Business hours: 8am to 5pm Close: Monday

Markov Place @ Carlton VIC

2009-06-14T03:28:00.000+08:00

Some days in Melbourne when you feel like having a little something sinful... hehehe... these were the days where we went out at night when all the shops were starting to close... it was really cold at that hour.

Our walk brought us to the non-descriptive building next to the Carlton Police Station called Markov Place. Their specialty for us; desserts!!! Hot chocolate pudding!

The waiter went and check for us even though we were late if the kitchen is still open for desserts. Voila! We were seated and told to wait a good 15-20 minutes for the hot from the stove pudding.

The pudding is amazing! The crusty outside wrapped a rich silky molten chocolate inside. Spoon the crust and fill the silky chocolate and wipe a little vanilla ice-cream before savoring. Heavenly~~~ bits of bite from the crust and let the rest of the melting liquid both hot and cold swim in you mouth. The feeling? Indescribable delight!

Markov Place
350 Drummond St (Cnr Markov Pl), Carlton 3053 VIC
Phone: +613 9347 7113

O'Briens Niçoise ... French salad?!

2009-06-13T18:57:00.001+08:00

You must think I'm starting to eat healthy lately. I didn't ask for the house favorite crispy ham sandwich but salad as I was feeling guilty from all the indulgence I had in the pass.

The Niçoise salad as published in www.epicurious.com is a French salad pronounced as nee-SWAHZ. The O'Briens version came with hard-boiled egg nicely split and decorated around the bowl. Love the presentation.

Like the generous sprinkle of pine nuts and olive too. Well considering its a Rm11 salad, I'd agree this is pretty good deal. The sauce was a little sour for my taste, especially when I'm near 1/3 to finish. Besides that, this had been a great and healthy meal of greens, nuts, egg and tuna.

O'Briens Sandwich Bars
Wisma UOA Damansara II, Level G-2 No.6 Jalan Changkat Semantan, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2093 2178 Fax: 03-2093 7178

i Mushroom Culture @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2009-06-07T13:48:00.004+08:00

Hi! Its the 15th day of the lunar month again and as usual I'll be practicing vegetarian diet on this day. An occasional vegetarian diet is also good for health after all the indulgence during my recent trip.

Given the convenience of getting cooked vegetarian food in Puchong its no issue at all. There's been plenty of vegetarian restaurant that had pop up in Puchong. I say pop since its like 1 in a span of 2 weeks.

One of the longest serving restaurant happens to be Mushroom Culture in Bandar Puteri Puchong. The portion is big comparatively and they whip up delicious dish at value for money price.

In my last visit, they had come up with a promo of set meals in response to the global economic situation - good for me! I get my generous spread of "mutton" curry at a very decent price.The bak kut teh ordered by my dad was pretty good too. I like the strong herbal flavour infused in the soup.

Highly recommended also for (of course) the choice of mushroom dishes; be early or make reservations ahead on the 1st/15th of the lunar month.

i Mushroom Culture
无国界菇料理
No. 22, Jalan Puteri 2/2, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor D.E.
Tel:03-8061 2252
(Google Map)

Sepang Goldcoast+Farms+Tanjung Sepat

2009-06-05T16:29:00.004+08:00

Just another outing...

Passion fruit farm

Sepang Gold Coast

Tanjung Sepat - Lover's Bridge at mid-day

Il Dolce Freddo @ Lygon St, Carlton.

2009-06-02T02:43:00.005+08:00

II Dolce Freddo must be the most popular gelati shop in Lygon St. Just check out the swarms of uni students hanging out there especially after dinner. The newspaper cutout they put out front reported them as the award winning gelato at the international gelato fair at Longarone, Italy in 2000. All gelato is made fresh daily.

The price is not cheap but given the current economic condition I couldn't blame them. It used to be AUD4 for 2 scoops back in 2007 and now it retails at AUD4.80 choice of cup or cone. I had the berry and roche flavoured - soo soo good! So soft so flavourful not too sweet and so creamy. Nevermind the cold weather - I still love it.

I'd since been there twice during my recent short trip and had to fight off Bottomless Pitt for my second cone... gggrrrrr~~~

P/S: They also have durians!! hehehe which packs the Uumph!

Il Dolce Freddo
116 Lygon St, Carlton.
Tel: +613 9639 3344

Melb - A1 Cafe & Shanghai Dumplings

2009-06-01T02:20:00.002+08:00

To enjoy Melbourne is to best linger in their alleys and corners on foot. The same applies to food-hunting!

Dinner at Shanghai Dumplings is really crowded; with crowds (not just Asian students) piling to the streets waiting to get into the restaurant. Why?! Besides being value for money the portion and the speed of serving is really fast! Where else can you get AUD8/bowl of freshly made handmade noodles?

The hot soupy or stir-fried servings is most invigorating away from the cold outside. Our orders of fried dumpling; bottom L-R: stir-fried shanghai noodles, blanched vege in oyster sauce and stir-fried shanghai rice-cake. This is my 3rd visit there and the orders was made by a friend, something unusual from the soup based dishes which is equally good if not better. Best part the locals sitting next to us was spying on our orders - I guess they would return again to sample our orders.

Shanghai Dumpling Restaurant

23 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne CBD

For my recovery, Bottomless Pit brought me to A1 Cafe for quick big plate of rice with roast meats! He knows me Best!! Lunch time is packed with office workers nearby for again value for money that will keep your tummy happy till dinner time. For AUD12 you get the set meals that comes with main dish of rice/noodles, plus drinks and soup.

I had the infamous egg chiffon rice with roast pork and choice of mushroom + chicken soup. It turns out to be fungus soup but no complains cos its lovely - steaming hot to keep me warm. The rice dish was excellent too! Generous roast pork mixed in the steamed rice covered with fluffy fried egg; no wonder they called it chiffon egg. The other lighter soup was called Chinese soup or something in that order. It was really good, clear but taste excellent must be result from the dried honey dates used in the soup. Me love.

A1 Cafe

191 Russell St, Melbourne CBD

Canton-i @ The Gardens Midvalley

2009-05-29T23:23:00.001+08:00

Canton-i produce one of the best egg tarts in The Gardens/MidValley Megamall. Its dainty and flaky and tender in the inside, like a lovely lady minus the flaky... hahahaha... Its pricey too - you need to invest alot of $$$ to remain lovely O~kay.I had the creamy porridge of fish slices and pork meat balls after the tarts; so called trying to take things less oily. The porridge is quite something to rave about. The cook had diligently boil the porridge with Japan, Thailand and Australia rice before adding in the variety of mix and match savoury ingredients that makes it one of their signature dish. This should be a favorite for new moms with toddlers - its so smooth, try imagining drinking soup.
Highly recommend the porridge for the taste, texture, blend and varieties. One bowl could probably feed 1.5 person.

Canton-i
The Gardens, Mid Valley city, LG-202 & 203A, Lower Ground Floor, Lingakaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel +6 03 2284 6888

J.PoPs Baby Donuts...

2009-05-26T21:47:00.004+08:00

Homer Simpson once said he'd spit out the hole of the doughnut, he might think again when he sees these!! Think of all the VARIETIES minus the guilt per flavor!
A box of 24 little indulgence costs Rm20. While it has not lost the airy softness of the doughnuts the flavors were made more interesting complete with savoury selection of cheese & pizza ~~ yuMMMM~~

J.CO DONUTS & COFFEE
Pavilion, BB KL - Sunway Pyramid - Giant Kota D'sara

Pasta Zanmai @ MidValley Megamall

2009-04-25T20:31:00.000+08:00

My other attempt at Japanese food > the fusion or diluted version = Pasta Zanmai. The world has just become smaller with Pasta Zanmai bringing fresh and new ideas, picking the best from "pasta" culture and coagulating it to the Japanese cuisine.

They have set meals which me thinks is value for money. The salad that comes with the set is scrumptious "...GIVE ME 2 More SERVINGS PLZ!!!... " The savoury peanut salad dressing is absolutely delish! The sesame makes is more fragrant.

My friend J insists that being Pasta Zanmai one must order "pasta" - O~kay fine... you can have the Ebi Tempura with spaghetti. Not sure if he likes it though... he's his usual melancholy and being pretty self... hehehe... hope he doesn't strangle me after this. My dear J, only QQ, A and PS wld understand.I will never miss unagi from my order whenever I crawled into any Japanese restaurant. I believe the unagi is the barometer to assess the finer details of the kitchen skills. Unagi rice set complete with salad + miso soup. The shiny kabayaki-unagi is layed ontop of the rice with poached egg perched above. Verdict: not bad at all... but must finish the egg fast fast!I've since been there again recently but was too exhausted from work to stressed about snapping pictures. Just wanna chew very very ecstatically on anything and eat my worries away. Yes that including unagi pizza... ah-hahaha~~

PASTA ZANMAI (Mid Valley Megamall)
Lot F-051, First Floor, Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 KL.
TEL: 2283 2160 FAX: 2282 6448 EMAIL: pastaz-mv@supersushi.com.my
CONTACT PERSON: 012-720 2160 DAILY BUSINESS HOUR: 10am - 10pm

Baba Cendol @ Jonker Dessert 88

2009-04-17T19:01:00.000+08:00

We finally made it to Jonker Dessert 88 to discover what's the fuss about the cendol there... besides being cheap it turns its run on a fast food concept where the buy takes the order to their own table. Ef~ficient~
One of the few antiquities that earned it a museum title. Besides the stairwell there are plenty more knick-knacks lying around - all complete with price tag.My Baba Cendol, down to the very basic red kidney beans, slivers of rice flour cendol, shaved ice generously drowned with santan and palm sugar. I find the cendol lack the fragrance but the palm sugar according to my galpal more than enough to compensate where lack-off.They do sell the palm sugar, solid/liquid for interested buyers.

Jonker Dessert 88
No. 88 Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka
Phone: +60 19 251 7667

Limau Limau Café & Others

2009-04-16T19:37:00.000+08:00

A well deserved break at Limau Limau Café after idling along Jonker street on a hot and scorching afternoon. I've passed this quaint little shop a few times, and never venture in. Such a waste for insisting eating locals and not try it out. Yes they serve lots of sandwich and the varieties is impressive. The selection of juices and yoghurt or ice-cream blend are to die for at that heated moment.We opted for Mango Lassi(Rm8) and Honey Dew Lassi(Rm7). Ooo so refreshing and cooling. I love sitting at their bar counter with the fan blowing, the relaxing hula bosa nova music in the background - most of all the smell of food!!! Freshly squeezed lemon/lime, cooked omelette, hot from the oven toasts... the list is endless... I'm amazed the way the shop is being operated. Its clean fast and efficient - something that reminds me of the bistros in Melbourne where all the waiters are also dressed up in black working furiously behind the long and narrow open kitchen.The interior is deck with some lovely chandeliers and curious... all so curious to the eyes. Quirky and fun too.

2-3 hours later I had to eat again... hahaha... yes a glass of honey dew lassi won't be able to satisfy this glutton. We took a leg break again when it was raining and hung out quite awhile in the shop next to 88(it was packed) and asked for the Nyonya Laksa. The broth was pretty good - thick and rich but not too spicy. I love the extra chili placed on top of the rest of the ingredient.Postcards from Jonker... hehehe... I didn't know Shanghai babes was this HOT!!! Couldn't resists, had to post it off out of the country... =) To my lucky recipient hope you enjoyed this...

Limau Limau Café

No. 49, Jalan Hang Jebat/Jonker St, 75200 Melaka.
No. 9 Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka.

Tel: +6012 698 4917(Sharen) Email: limaulimau@gmail.com

Tow Kee @ Pasar Besar Seremban

2009-04-15T19:33:00.000+08:00

ah... lardy noodle that no one can resists... our first foodie stop @ Pasar Besar Seremban on the way to the historical city. Check out the shiny slick homemade noodles.Tow Kee will usually operate from the market if you find their shop near Public Bank closed.

My order of sui kow noodles... very huge sui kow... erm should have asked for the dried version or the curry noodles. The later seems to be a recommended dish by the aunty that sells drinks. The same aunty helped me order my noodles too... how sweet...

- Tow Kee @ Pasar Besar Seremban -

Nancy's Kitchen

2009-04-14T19:35:00.001+08:00

Who could resists a bowl of cendol dripped with fragrant palm sugar. None. I returned to Nancy's Kitchen on a quickie break down in Melaka. Having cendol away from the hot sun is refreshing and pleasing to the palate. The cendol, those little slivers of green is so full of pine-screw aroma.I asked for my previous order of cincaluk omelette again - hahaha... can't resist the fluffy omelette immersed with the fragrant cincaluk. New order of braised pork belly, tofu and hardboiled eggs in dark sauce. A little dissappointed with the later dish though, the saviour came in the form of sour/spicy chili.The spicy steamed otak-otak. My friend liked this more than the barbequed type cos she could bite the fish meat. I liked it too after the cincaluk omelette. Its fragrant and spicy and soft that melts in your mouth.Our starter actually was a roll of popiah was the thickest popiah in Jonker Street. The ingredients were freshly made daily so it says something about the popularity of the restaurant and the proprietress Nancy. Love the occasional crispy pork lard too.
Nancy is certainly popular, it's even listed in Lonely Planet. (follow link to address and map)

Restoran Nancy's Kitchen
7, Jln Hang Lekir, Off Jln Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka.
Tel: +6 06 283 6099 Closed on Tuesdays

Mee Kahwin @ Restoran Ming Huat

2009-04-13T19:48:00.002+08:00

Spotted this article on the Star while checking out of the hotel from Melaka... Yummm another foodie find - Mee Kahwin! Hahaha if we can only find the whereabouts. The hotel receptionist was equally clueless just tell us to follow the signboard to Bandar Hilir. Feeling adventuress, I took the wheel and started off circling around town for Bandar Hilir... hahaha finally get to some outskirt location that resembles the road to Portuguese Settlement which I had been once 5 years back!!

Spotted the Portuguese Settlement by accident actually and found Restoran Ming Huat right smack opposite the entrance to the settlement.

Mee Kahwin HERE WE COME!!!

Mee Kahwin; a marriage of mee rebus and indian rojak... funny how it tastes a bit sourish too. Its not bad at all just need to get a little bit more used to the unique blend of tastes. This was a hit with the locals especially cabbies. Plenty of customers were already seated awaiting for their plate savoury sourish noodles.

No straight map just note that it's opposite the turning to Portugese Settlement, Melaka.
Operating in the stall in front of the restaurant from 0930-1500 daily except Fridays.

Kedai Makanan Laut Zhen Liew Siang

2009-03-22T18:02:00.004+08:00

Pork knuckles attack!!! hahaha... went to Kedai Makanan Laut Zhen Liew Siang with the 4 Stooges(4S) before attending Conquest of the Galaxy: MARS by Condors, ok this is another story for another time.

Pork knuckles on thick sauce. Can't tell if its cheesie or roe like sauce but strangely delectable. Can I have some deep fried buns with the sauce? The meat tastes very good, tender and juicy but the skin was not crispy enough, I guess with the demands of orders you can't ask too much.The siong tong(superior soup) lala is actually more like rice wine soaked lala. I love the sweet mellow soup gravy. It so so nice to just sip it... pass me an empty bowl to savour it please... hehe...A little balance of tofu and vegetables... the choysum was partly deep fried - wrong choice actually since choy-sum is naturally wet and thin will cause it lack of crisp. Tofu was very very flavourful.I didn't manage to take the deep fried chicken pics, too busy fighting with the guys for food. Total bill comes up to Rm95 for 5pax.

Next visit must order - Stingray with Szechuan chili sauce, Sizzling sotong and prawns on banana leaf on hot plate, stir fried sweet potato leaf, seafood beancurd soup, pork ribs and claypot curry fish head.

Kedai Makanan Laut Zhen Liew Siang
No. 30, Jalan 14/48A,
Sentul Raya, off Jalan Sentul,
51000 Kuala Lumpur.

Business hours: 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm

Seafood @ Pandamaran Klang

2009-03-16T21:54:00.000+08:00

Stopped by in Pandamaran for dinner during CNY as recommended by my uncle so please excuse me for a non descriptive kind of logistic narration. Apparently the restaurant that we went to is operated by a Chinese whose previous portfolio including serving the Sultanate, yes the dishes are halal. If I remember correctly it should be Kedai Makanan Laut Kebun Kelapa.

Here's the selection, which I find the usual fare served in Klang Valley. Only exception is the tofu soup whose thick and tasty. The best part being the speed of the service. Stir fry noodles and oyster in egg was YUMMY!!!

Kedai Makanan Laut Kebun Kelapa
1354 Jalan Nipah, Lorong 4, Pandamaran, Port Klang

Macha Ice Cream

2009-03-01T19:03:00.000+08:00

Tried making Green Tea ice-cream on the very first weekend that I'm free!! yes FREE off work and studies!! so happy - must celebrate by making something yummy to reward me-self.

I've been seeing this green tea recipe sometime back but never got around making it. Quite simply get a tub of vanilla ice-cream and some green tea powder. yes... you guessed it... just mix them together.
Let the ice-cream rest in room temparature but not till its all liquid cos the cream will tend to loose its air. Mix in the green tea - how much depends on how strong the tea you wished it to be. The difficult part is getting the green tea evenly mixed in the ice-cream. In my second attempt, I mixed the green tea ahead with a few drops of hot water and let it cool before mixing into the ice-cream.
Ta-da ~ not very pretty but taste alright cos I dont really like having my ice-cream too bitter. I'd experimented with some toast almond, M&Ms and a squeeze of chocolate.
Next time best mix with more green tea and azuki beans plus cornflakes... yummy... *salivating*

My Vegetarian @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2009-03-01T10:03:00.000+08:00

Vegetarian break can be good for You!!

My mom is an avid fan of My Vegetarian - I think I've posted this place awhile back before. We usually opt for the singles meals as we will usually dine in 3s so few people to make it worth trying out the complete dishes.

First up a highly recommended fried rich by mom. They'd used some dried vegetables flakes added together. I can't really describe the taste of the vegetables. Its not tasteless or unpleasant - just something very different from my usual palate.

see how its lovingly prepared

My order of Lo-Hon-Jai with steam rice... hehehe... ultra healthy ley... I doubt you'd expect me to do this based on my previous posting. Yes I will from time to time choose to be healthy too, can't be indulging every other day. So called to clean my system once in a while.

Deep fried tofu for sharing. Love the tossed salad top.Cheap, good and clean meal - definitely a winner in my list.

MY Vegetarian
31G, Jln Puteri 5/20, Bdr Puteri Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor,
Tel: 03 8062 1777

Weekend Cooking

2009-02-28T22:31:00.003+08:00

ah been a long long time since I last start the hob for anything yummy...

kick start back with a simple dish of pasta- quite simply I wasn't left tired out and one-woman show within an hour to complete... fast fast...

Here's the ingredients used (soup optional and taken separately):
Broccoli is blanched in boiling water with oil and salt. Not too long just a quick 2-3 minutes will do to leave some room for crunch.The white and brown button mushrooms were sliced thickly as it will shrink further after cooking. I didn't tossed it into the Heinz sauce but stir fried and to topped it up when upon consumption which allow one to fully savour the natural taste and texture of the mushrooms. Prepared by fry garlic in low heat with a little oil and the moment the garlic starts to cook add in the mushrooms and stir fry with a little salt and black pepper. Need not add in liquid as the mushroom's natural moist will seeped out.
Minced meat is substituted with sausages, cut and pan fried. Alternately devined prawns or chicken cutlets may be used.Any pasta varieties will do. Of course the multi-coloured fusilli and gomito maccheroni helps store most of the fairly liquid sauce in their nooks and corners making it more tasty.Ta-da the end product... very very filling and topped with the little varieties of simple and healthy serving.
Next time I'd like to have red wine in the tomato sauce...

New Paris Restaurant @ SS2 PJ

2009-02-28T09:48:00.000+08:00

Been up to eating non-stop during Chinese New Year and this was one of those spread at New Paris Restaurant in SS2 PJ. One thing that is remarkably New Paris is the speed of the service. I could only guess that the staff had been with the restaurant for years to be able to run efficiently and speedy in response. It took us less than 30minutes in the restaurant for lunch.

The yee-sang exorbitantly priced for half pint portion at Rm30 but if you take full its only topping up by Rm9... can't finish so didn't order the bigger portion. The added flavouring was pretty well proportioned.

Salmon Yee Sang @ Rm30

Haha- the deep fried pork knuckles... so meaty ah - its pretty good considering the skin is really crispy yet the meat is still juicy and tender. Not sure if they have this on regular days though.

Pork Knuckles @ Rm36.00

Our other orders just to balance out the meal - normal nothing much to comment vegetables and tofu.

Vege and Tofu @ Rm9 / Rm8

New Paris Restaurant
No.62, 64, 66, Jln SS2/72, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel : +60379559180 +60379550186

Home made Desserts

2009-02-24T22:09:00.002+08:00

have I blogged about this?!?!.... hehehe not that I can remember... this had been one of the most tiring but sweetest midnight spent... hahaha... my darling hostess friend was all fired up making us this superb dessert. Quick fix and delectable in sight and taste.

Put a few broken cooking chocolates and melt over double-boiler. Proceed to cut pastry sheets into 4x4 inch and loosely pressed onto metal cups before shoving it into an oven of 200-220 Celsius for a quick 6-12 minutes.

The moment the pastries are ready it will puffed up, quickly remove from the oven and let it cool a little not too much to remove from the metal cups. Let it cool further and top with a generous dollop of ice-cream, drizzle with the melted chocoloates and cherries/strawberries.
We have both strawberries and cherries. It was fun playing and taking pictures of the end results. I know I should not play with food but these were the few random moments not to be missed. We didn't finish House Bunny(movie) but the desserts instead... hahaha...

I love my hostess' kitchen, if I could have one like hers I will not change anything. Thanks again K for a lovely night and love you creativity in coming up with the beautiful dessert.

[p/s: Bottomless Pit went further with bigger piece of pastry sheets and layer it with banana slices, topped with ice-cream and mixed berries of raspberry & blueberry drizzled with melted white chocolate ~~~ its a SIN not to share with me... ]

大大鸡 and sweets @ Gourmet Emporium Pavilion

2009-02-17T23:37:00.000+08:00

I had my sampling of 大大鸡 aka big big chicken during my trip to Taipei a couple years back and given that Bottomless Pit had not been to Taiwan this should be a good representative of the local street snacks - well too huge for street snacks but it is a good and affordable bite.

We tried this out in Pavilion and I've seen a few others in most major shopping mall in KL...alas... it lacks the original tastes. However they did quite a good job to made up for it by adding chili powder and throw in a box with side and steamed rice. I however found the side dish more appealing... hehehe... the white tofu mixed with century eggs was an excellent combination. They both paired like a perfect couple in sight, taste and texture; black/white, pungent/light and soft/bouncy.
Cheap, fast and hearty meal for a leg and stomach break after a day's shopping.

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
K 1.14.00 Gourmet Emporium Pavilion

Our dessert hunt - hehehe - ended with something which I can't remember the name but this stall is located just right opposite Mercano in Gourmet Emporium in Pavillion. It tasts as good as it looks.Besides the pretty topping of strawberry and chocolate coated puffs the inner vault is generously filled with creamy cheese for the strawberry and chocolate cream for the later.
To savour it all at once... throw away any table ethics and please open your mouth BIG-BIG... hahaha... A must try; it costs only Rm2.50 each. A box of 6s is at Rm13 while 9s at Rm19.

Happy Hunting!

Canton-i @ The Gardens

2009-02-16T23:13:00.001+08:00

I'm lost for words when it comes to Canton-i. We went there based on Bottomless-Pit's father's suggestion and everything turns out GREAT! I love the ambiance, the wan-tan noodle, the porridge, the egg tart and many more... Not going type down too much but let the pictures speaks for itself.

The open kitchen where the chef tossed your egg noodles.

The ultra smooth chee-cheong fan of generous portion of char-siew...

The cute little twin porky bao - red bean paste filling, the skin was a little tight.

The lovingly boiled to perfection porridge... it truly a Cantonese style porridge.

My wantan/egg noodle with dumplings - see the huge dumplings; I could only find these sizeable dumplings in HK and now at Canton-i. Love the soup too!

The dry type with bbq pork / siew yuk... the crispy skin was oozing with melted lard...*slurp*

A MUST try - the flaky egg tart is to die for. Small in size but pack Ooommpphh!!

The bill came to Rm30 per person due to the enormous orders that Bottomless-Pit can seem to stomach... its terrible... I need to diet but if anyone is going again; GET me some egg tarts!!

Canton-i
Lot LG-203 & 203A, Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens Mid Valley City.
Tel: 03-2284 6888

Kedai Makanan Heun Kee @ Pudu KL

2009-02-15T12:51:00.000+08:00

Been meaning to come for a good pot of rice for the longest time. Finally got my fancy granted earlier this year... I'd never be able to find it on my own if tis not for Bottomless Pit... his Pit really knows no boundary, no KL road is less travelled for him.
Tucked in a corner right across from the main roads in Pudu is the infamous Huen Kee Claypot rice. The lady boss that took our orders can be quite intimidating and hard selling all the expensive stuff on the menu, to the point of rushing us to place claypot rice order with scare tactic tt it will take 30minutes to cook a pot. The pot came in less than 10minutes =P

Our side order of house tofu - crispy n yummy. As usual excellent pairing with mayonaise with added stuff within. I must try to make these on my own one of these days. Its quite simply smashed white tofu with some fish/pork paste then set by steaming then cut into blocks before deep fried.Our first variety of chicken claypot rice... love the ideal mix of sauce and rice is not over burnts however it could use a little more chicken with less bones.The chicken though could use a little more.
Pepper pig stomach soup and blanched kailan. Love the soup.Our second order of claypot rice - with waxed meats of Chinese sausages and wax duck meat. This is simply more superior than the claypot chicken rice, must have something to do with the quality of the meat used.The bill didn't come cheap though and it is always advisable to go on groups of 4-6 to be able to sample more dishes.

Kedai Makanan Heun Kee (Claypot Chicken Rice)
59, Ground Floor, Jalan Yew, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9200 1603
Opening Hours: 11.30am to 9.30pm

Ministry Of Food Japanese Sweets & Coffee

2009-02-08T10:32:00.002+08:00

I don't often travel to KL for shopping as its very confusing to drive around KL - well for me that is even if I could eventually find my way around when I'm there... in short - I picture my route until I'm there so its quite stressful to plan out the whole journey.

Bottomless-Pit had always liked Pavillion so we went there as early as possible to find a good carpark and avoid the weekend traffic. First was for CNY clothes shopping and eventually hanging out and of course sample out what our eyes fancies.

This was something that caught our fancy - the lightings and the arrays and arrays of ice-creams not to mention pretty and salivating picture menu to attract.
Our special order of Kurian - a generous dollop of soft ice-cream surrounded by fruits and red bean paste which hides the Kanten Jelly underneath... I love the soft soft ice-cream with red bean pastes.

Kurian @ Rm10.50

The treasure underneath the ice-cream; Kanten Jelly made from the root of a plant that is rich in fiber - believed to have slimming effect. Jelly is to be poured over with MOF Black Sauce which is made from black prunes and black dates. Love the bouncy texture.

The toasted Abekawa Mochi with red bean paste... the mochi is so so fluffy and crispy. The abekawa is tasteless and relies much on the red bean paste. Goes very well with the ice-cream too! ^_^

Abekawa @ Rm11.00

Ministry Of Food
Japanese Sweets and Coffee
Food Republic, Pavilion, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: +603 2144 1489

Loving Hut @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2009-02-07T19:55:00.000+08:00

Dunno what to eat at one fine day and got my bro for a spin trying to shop for restaurant for dinner. Finally opt for vegetarian meal....

French Vanilla Iced Coffee @ Rm7.60

Nasi Lemak @ Rm8.80Lemongrass Curry Rice @ Rm9.80

The tossed vegetables and seaweed/jellyfish served with the rice is pretty good.

The Lemongrass Curry

The appetizing curry to go with the rice - between me and bro we both wipe out the gravy.

Special Promotion Aromatic Lotus @ Rm5.80

The beancurd skin tastes just like duck slices. Not sure what make of it but I'd say this is the best serving for this seating.

Loving Hut
15, Jalan Puteri 2/7, Bandar Puteri Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor.
Tel: 03 80761811 Fax: :03 8064 2138

Road Trip - 3rd Day of Xmas

2009-02-01T23:56:00.000+08:00

Our final leg and morning in Melaka before heading back to KL, we decided to catch Nancy's Kitchen as early as possible. This restaurant is noted in Lonely Planet guide - explains why there are random foreign travellers with a little book standing right infront.

Nancy is turns out is bigger than life!! Why I said that?!?! Have you seen a tauke-niong(boss lady) that heads and cooks in the kitchen, take orders, do hard sell, serve dishes and collects the bills at the sametime without having any of her makeup/hairdo out of place? Well this multi-talented lady is none other than Nancy herself!

I salute to her Nyonya cendol and popiah... its love at first taste! The Nyonya cendol is fragrant with generous amount of coconut syrup. Popiah is huge and round with loads of freshly cooked ingredients. The rest of the orders are all if not extremely tasty feel much like home. I'm not Nyonya or Malaccan native but somehow tis prepared like a home cooked meal. Clockwise from top-left: Cincalok(mini preserved shrimps) fried with eggs, four-cornered beans(whatever this maybe) with sambal and prawns, The Cincalok-imagining my blood vessel closing in but sinfully delicious that I will still asked for seconds, kapitan chicken-non spicy.Steamed Otak-otak, the texture makes it a delectable dish. I still can't figure out what makes the otak-otak red though... must dig for recipes.The price may be slightly higher than average, but given the maximum capacity of 18pax at a time and the homely feeling of the dishes coupled with seeing Nancy in action, it is definitely worth it! A MUST!!!

Road Trip - Boxing Day 2008

2009-01-28T20:47:00.001+08:00

Boxing Day! We started off from Pulai Springs early as it was raining then and we felt since we can't use the facilities might as well hit the road for Malacca.

Our first stop is at Yong Peng. Both exit for Yong Peng will do as you will still end up in the same main street of shops. Our target is for Saito fish paste and fish balls and fish cakes, etc... hehehe... this is a first for Bottomless Pit which he savour with gusto. Yuan Yuen Fishball Eating House(click for details) is my usual stop at Yong Peng. Simply fuss free with a few stuffed vege and noodles both dry or soupbase. Here's our spread with drinks and costs a total of Rm18.20. Not too bad considering the purity of the Wolf Herring.Hotel reservation in Malacca/Melaka was placed in Hotel Puri(click for more details) located conveniently behind Jonker Street. Free parking complete with valet service. Love the ambience and space planning. It may be located in a shoplot(probably a few other taken over within) but this hotel is complete with meeting rooms, cafeteria, an open air patio and the lobby is a display of its origins. Room rates for superior double room at Rm184nett at peak period with simple breakfast thrown in. Not sure what was served cos we slept on it... hehehe... Love the hotel aplenty and marking it down permanently as THE location whenever I intend to stay over in Melaka.All the food galore and indulgence in Jonker Street from as early as 5pm till late... I will pay for my sins later sans diet/exercise/starvation...NOT... hehehe. Clockwise from top-left; Nyonya cendol plus HongKong Siew Bau at Low Kong Jong, Char Kuey-Kak/Fried Rice Cakes with loads of soy sauce, the old uncle(whose back is permanently bent from toiling his popiah) who prepares and sells wet popiah on the spot. I love the popiah - tis like a landmark in Jonker Street and sad to say the uncle is aging and to cherish it while we can by buying from him whenever I drop by in Jonker Street.We had a few other snacks there but spent most of our time wondering aimlessly from one stall to another, trying to find shade here n there as it was awfully hot tt day. Visits includes shopping for spa house for a good scrub and massage. We decided on Season Sorvana Spa(Contact: +606 2868707) located on Jalan Hang Lekir(one of those small alleys from Jonker St) whose just less than a month old. I was feeling adventuress and asked for Chocolate body scrub and Frangipani massage oil. My masseur as she had answered is from Bali and no prize for guessing what method she had used on me. It felt good but not as instant as it would had been with a Thai massage. Not sure if they had revised the price by now cos I took up the opening offer.

We took a bit of a leg rest back at the hotel and went for dinner at around 10pm and ended up in a small alley house turned to shop that serves Hainanese dishes. Don't ask why it just felt like the right choice then. Can't remember the name of the outlet though... Mama something. I'd missed taking a shot of the Bread with Chicken Curry but here's the Fried Rice with some large prawns. I love both - must be hungry then. Bottomless Pit went on further to stomach Asam Laksa at a stall near the stage at the end of Jonker St, which according to him the broth is very very rich and worth the price he paid for. That was our day and night on Boxing Day. Need to be strict on the budgeting else one can over spend there. For me it was simply a fix amount for food or purchase.

Yong Peng - Malacca

Road Trip - X'mas 2008

2009-01-27T20:14:00.001+08:00

Trying to rush this belated post out in anticipation of the coming long weekends after CNY for those of you who might want to plan a road trip of your own. I went south with Bottomless-Pit recently for vacation of makan and drive out of our own to see all the small towns in M'sia that is less explored by the ulu-city folks like us. I had a need to fill up the gap of being deprived of small town warmth.

First plot down the end location then the attractions along the way. Then a thorough research on Google map and directions and estimated time and distance. (This proves very helpful in verifying directions/roads - we were never lost when referring to these maps)

Main point of the Christmas + Boxing Day + 3rd Day of Christmas to kick-start from KL to Pulai Springs Resort Johor to Melaka and back to KL.

First stop to fuel up at Seremban for some good old Hakka noodles. Tow Kee shoplot behind Public Bank in the town area was closed so dissappointing tt we opt to explore the wet market as it also house a huge food court on the first floor. HAHA!! to my utter surprise, Tow Kee also has its little stall here which is busy with plenty of orders and customers waiting to be served. Here's our order for breakfast, clockwise from top left; Pan Mee with dim sum in the background, Tow Kee stall at the food court and finally my "kill" the lardy Hakka noodle, prepared simply with homemade noodles and minched pork with a dash of superior stock and generous sprinkle of spring onions... ooo the lard.Warning! Parking is a nightmare at the Seremban wet market and ticket is compulsory irregardless of public holidays and compound of Rm10 is payable at the nearby council booth... yes... shamefully had to pay compound at the very first leg of our well planned trip. Rm10 reminder to watch out for all those "compulsory" parking.

After a satisfying palate we head back to North-South Express and exit at J33 then follow through road 5 for Muar. Target: (clockwise from top left); Muar Otak-otak of fish and prawns(love this) filling, Ice-kacang from the local vendor, pork-satay and Char Kuey Teow complete with Otak-Otak!!! Otak-otak must get from a fat boy according to one of the locals as there are so many manning the stalls in Wai Sek Kai.All can be found in Jalan Haji Abu aka Wai Sek Kai... hehehee... so much to drool so much to try so much to eat... all CHEAP CHEAP!!! Ate to our heart's contents unfortunately can't fill up with Mee Pork and Bbq Pork/Siu Yuk. We actually parked way off in Jalan Abdullah and asked around for directions and savour the buildings under the pleasant weather. Some sights to share and big big slabs of siu-yuk in Kim San Public Cooked-Food Market.

We gave the rest of the places on the list a pass and went back on the way we came to North-South Express and head for Pulai Springs Resort Johor. Didn't took that much of photos to share though but the resort was awesome, if it wasn't for rain we'd have an excellent time at the resort pool. It costs me Rm168nett for a nights stay in their Studio with bfast for 2 but for 2009 they'd decide to up the price to Rm198nett.
As we're very close to Johor Bahru by then Bottomless-Pit decide to make a call to his JB buddy(many thanks to WL for the tips) to make recommendation for a good Christmas dinner. We ended up in Chez Papa for French meal. (see website for more interesting read of the restaurant and the chef =)
We got lost got misearable along the way, but in the end we had a GREAT meal!!! Special menu for Christmas; mushroom/tomato soup, roast turkey and chicken cordon bleu complete with excellent side dish. Very french and very very delicious, turkey is sweet n juicy, chicken is loving wrapped with oozing cheese n ham. I love...We left feeling very very full after. Besides the restaurant has plenty of quirky decorations like aprons from around the world and their wine room has a pleasant and homely feel to it too. Thank you Bottomless Pit for an unforgettable evening.

Seremban Wet Market - Jalan Haji Abu, Muar - Johor Bahru

Restoran Fatty Tiger@Puchong

2009-01-25T23:04:00.001+08:00

Wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year - May the OX bring health, happiness, joy and prosperity to all. Nien-nien You Yu - roughly meant excess in every year, to never have need.

The typical Chinese household will use the fish(Yu) dish to symbolise the well wish...hehehe... since we're at it might as well introduce you to Restoran Fatty Tiger whose branch expanded to Puchong. (I suspect it was named after the owner who looks a fat cat...hehehe)

Restoran Fatty Tiger specialised in exotic fresh water fish, according to the owner, got its supply from the aboriginals. My try at this outlet this time is the wild red Bujuk(malay) or Channa lucius. We're unsure what to make of it and went as suggested by the owner.
The fish will be sliced to steam with a few Chinese herbs and bones be made into soup with bitter gourd - well known properties for detox.

Our first dish... the steamed bujuk. The meat was so tender - better than pomfret, so soft and sweet. The sauce complimented with the herbs collects all the goodness from the fish slices.... heavenly. Beware of over eating steamed rice as the sauce goes awfully well together.
Next the soup... another super sweet and savoury soup. The bitter gourd is not bitter at all though but the rest of the soup is SUPERB!!! The bones were first soaked in salted water before deep fried then simmered in the soup to make superior stock. Can't get enough of the soup... *slurp*
Do give it a try if you're feeling adventuress and always trust the owner to recommend the way to prepare the fish - he's the owner after all whose motto is to share with every customer the joy of eating fresh water fish!!

FATTY TIGER - Puchong
No.123 Ground & 3rd Floor, Jalan Kenari 23A,
Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong Selangor.
Tel: 016-212 8572

Revisit Fong Lye Restaurant

2009-01-17T09:37:00.002+08:00

Revisit Fong Lye again, hoping to dip my dessert spoon into their peanut ice-cream. Alas-Bottomless Pit is not a fan of peanuts... sad.

We ordered a starter which turns out to be too much to stomach... hehehe don't get it wrong its delicious but very filling lor since we each have our own main course to finish. The starter is a savoury meat ball wrapped in thin almost translucent skin called Taiwan Rou Yuan - loosely translated as Taiwanese meat ball.

Rou Yuan@Rm6.80

A daring try at Osmanthus Oolong tea... spied the little flowers? Osmanthus or Gui Hua the last time I tried it made me categorise it under the acquired taste category. Surprise surprise it is actually quite pleasant when made into tea.

Gui Hua Oolong Tea@Rm12.00

Bottomless Pit's pick from Chef's recommendation, fish in tomato sauce and fried egg with steamed rice and small dish. I personally felt it is not much of a chef recommendation, something that can be made from home anytime... not worth spending the money eating out.

Fresh Tomato Fried Egg with Fish Set@Rm19.80

My favourite and as always must order the 3 Variety Supreme Diced Chicken. Strongly seeped and coated in with the aromatic sauce...Yum... well if the chicken piece were chopped in a more decently size will be better... too much skin and bones.

3 Variety Supreme Diced Chicken@Rm19.80A pretty shot of the rice topped with minced pork lightly cook in bean sauce and small dishes. The small dish varies each time I dine there and differs too.

Fong Lye Tea House
Lot T-208, 3rd Floor The Gardens
03-2282 8699

Sushi Zanmai @ The Gardens

2009-01-11T17:30:00.000+08:00

Been trying around for good Japanese food and as recommended by my friend Sushi Zanmai is the place to start experiencing sashimi at reasonable price - my ultimate dislike.

For a start I had chawanmushi. Its lovely, very very tasty with plenty of mushrooms and prawns at the bottom. I tried the same dish at their other outlet in 1U but it seems that outlet in The Gardens does it better.

Chawanmushi @ Rm4.80

Next for something easier for me to stomach, Yasai Tempura. Pretty decently made with sweet potato.

Yasai Tempura @ Rm6.80

My favourite Unagi Nigiri, tasty sad that I had to share this with my friend. I could have finished 4-6 of them on my own.

SS Jo Unagi @ Rm6.00

Sake Zanmai Sushi - a mix platter salmon sushi. I can't recall the variety but I think I like the smoked variety the best cos its partially cooked - hahaha - just had a try on each variety can't finish the excess.

Sake Zanmai SS @ Rm19.80

Dessert; my favourite serving for the whole dining experience, Macha & Macha comes in multiple layers of green tea ice-cream surrounded by whip cream, cornflakes, then azuki bean paste, another layer green jelly in green tea ice-cream. YUMMY!!!

Macha & Macha @ Rm12.00

Something beautiful from the menu to share...

SUSHI ZANMAI
T-217, 3/F, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 KL.
Tel 03 2282 1160
Business Hours: Daily 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Salted Chicken @ Damansara Utama

2009-01-05T20:41:00.004+08:00

Salted Chicken no longer just available in Ipoh. Yes it may be short of the original, nonetheless the thought of sitting in the congested traffic during public holidays is a sure kill-joy.

Choice of rice or alternately soupy noodles. First order a cheng-tong hor-fun aka flat rice noodle in clear soup.Bottomless Pit took the other route and asked for egg noodles in herbal soup. The soup is quite thick and strong against the other dishes ordered. Not the best combination.Jiu-pai(house) tofu, delectable and not too strong to be combined with the main dish...coming up.
The Herbal Salted Chicken, although not as fragrant as the one found in Ipoh it still strive to satisfy the taste buds of the Klang Valley folks. Well if only I can travel on regular days or traffic were better - Ipoh here I come.

Taste & Taste
No.25, Jln SS21/56B, Damansara Utama, 47400 PJ.
Tel: +603 7722 2172

Amarin Heavenly Thai @ Midvalley

2008-12-23T19:15:00.000+08:00

Of courteous service and soft decor, that's how Amarin Heavenly Thai reflected to me. I was there earlier this month for team dinner before the year closes to an end.
Refreshingly sour, spicy and cruchy Thai salad to whet the appetite.Steamed fish; my colleague had the hindsight to ask for less spicy, otherwise I would not have the courage to take any. The fish stocks goes very well with steamed rice.Uber HOT! I never knew Thai Green curry could be this spicy. It was a let down really, too spicy and short of the fragrance. I miss the authentic cooking.Water chestnut with jackfruit slivers. Sweet, cooling and crunchy! YUMMY! The jackfruit slivers were really sweet that made the water chestnut paled in comparison.

Amarin Heavenly Thai
Lot S045, Level 2, Mid Valley Megamall, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel:03 – 2938 3187
Business hours : Daily 12:00 noon till 10:00 pm

Keppel's Hotel Bistro @ Marysville, VIC

2008-12-21T12:14:00.000+08:00

Keppel's Hotel Bistro as recommended by the locals as the best in town and with the 2 gluttons this would falls into the must NOT miss box. We had called ahead to secure a table and sure enough by the time we reached 2/3 of the patrons were already there enjoying their meals. The smell really caused us to salivate even after having a snack of deli platter earlier.

We were seated infront of the fireplace. My favourite spot; land my bum facing the heat! I dislike the cold so the closer to heat the better.

We had earlier toyed the idea of buying trout from Buxton(a short visit to the fish farm) but can't be sure how to prepare trout. Lucky thing this bistro serves a WHOLE trout which is cheaper and prepared for you. The trout was delicious! Everything tastes and feels fresh and warm.

Whole Buxton Trout
Oven baked with lemon wedges, served with chips & salad or Vegetables

We basically shared everything and tried the soup of the day; tomato soup. Its made from locally produced tomatoes... ooo fresh... it is more of a puree than soup. So thick! with a little spice and salt.

Inspiration of the day aka Soup of the day: Tomato Soup
Made of fresh local produced tomatoes.

For a healthier option Bottomless Pit selects salad as the next order. Again its very very fresh and feels like its just plucked from the garden. I'm unsure if the cold weather had a hand in it but certainly the food served in the bistro is indeed one if not the best in Marysville.

Garden Salad
Colourful, generous and freshly prepared with savoury dressing. So worth it.

Keppel's Hotel Bistro
Murchison Street, Marysville Ph:(03) 5963 3207

Restaurant Vegetarian & Organic Yong Sang @ Happy Garden

2008-12-20T09:56:00.001+08:00

Sponge-bob Gal brought me to this restaurant a finding of hers during her brief stint of becoming a vegetarian... scared sinned too much that time woh... all talk nothing permanent I found out that night over dinner. Neways this restaurant is a gem of a find. The dishes are cheap and good as they serve organic food.

First up is the daily prepared soup and herbal drink. I especially love the soup. So fragrant and peppery @ only Rm0.60 per bowl. Take-away costs slightly more at Rm1.00 for the quantity. Blogging this makes me so hungry now...*slurp* Its prepared daily.Sponge-bob Gal's order of claypot mushrooms! So much gravy to lou-fan(mix with rice). Choice of white or brown steamed rice which we chose the later at no extra charge. So many different mushrooms in one pot sure is healthy and the braised deep fried tofu sure goes easy on the stomach. The portion could easily feed 2. Available at Rm4.00 with rice.My order the spicy claypot Mutton Curry... uwah... check out the colour... looks spicy rite. The best part its sour too! The sauce is to die for to lou-fan. Me LIKE this very very much. The vegetables included in the pot is also unique. I didn't know brocoli could be added into curry. The fake mutton made of beancurd was excellent too! So infused in curry that chewing practically squeeze out all the curry sauce. Most value for money at Rm4.00 with white/brown rice. Like the earlier the portion is also good enough for 2.Besides ala carte, the other specially offer is ONLY RM2.50 for 3 dishes and 1 rice!!

CHEAP and HEALTHY = EXCELLENT

Business hours as published in their fliers below.

Restaurant Vegetarian & Organic Yong Sang

9, Jalan Lazat 1, Happy Garden, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

Golden Egg Noodle @ Bandar Puchong Jaya

2008-12-17T22:01:00.001+08:00

Been seeing this is few blogger's posting and certainly I have the excuse as its so nearby. Ample parking space too on weekends as crowd usually focuses on the other side of Puchong.
The original pan mee which I must say the best in the house. Stayed true to its origin with added pumpkin in the noodles, I would compliment the refreshing anchovies soup, nicely textured noodles, fragrant anchovies and spicy and mouthwatering chilie. One bowl costs Rm4.80.My order from another weekend, the Dry Chilli Pan Mee (also pumpkin noodle) somewhat short of KinKin's level but still alright. More like si-yau(dark sauce) pan mee with wet chili flakes... lots of them and very flavourful. Priced at Rm5.30 per serving.Claypot Chicken Rice, must stir thoroughly to ensure the flavour is evenly distributed otherwise some might not taste of anything at all. Somehow I like it since its not too salty or overly oily. Retailed at Rm6.80 for 1 pax pot.Teocheow Fishball, somehow the meat within got blended with the fish paste so no special juice within. Nothing special. Rm5.00 per bowl of 5 pieces.
This is what makes Golden Egg Noodle unique, special selection of seaweed, chilli, coriander or original pumpkin infused pan mee! I must try coriander next time in one of those fried pan mee.

Golden Egg Noodle
23-01, Jalan Kenari 19A(next to Old Town Kopitiam), Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong

Marysville, Victoria

2008-12-15T00:19:00.000+08:00

A few lovely snapshots of Marysville, Victoria for viewing pleasure...

Truth or Myth: The Gunni (pronounced 'goon-eye')

Australian Post landmark: Sent an AUD1.50 postage included postcard home.

The quaint little post shop and knick-knacks.

View from post shop.

The beautifully formed drainage along the main street.The original matrimonial seat...hahaha

Afternoon latte with pastry and a slice of rich rich moist chocolate cake.The most dangerous shop in town, The Lolly Shop! Heaven for sweet tooth.

MARYSVILLE
Peace & Serenity - Sunset & Picnic Spots - Dining - Walks & Waterfalls - Horseriding - Salmon/Trout Fishing - Photography

Keppel's Lookout & TerraCotta Room

2008-12-13T12:30:00.000+08:00

Keppel's Lookout provides a vantage point of the whole Marysville township. The lookout is just 10-15 minutes drive from the town. Sunset would be the best time to visit... its cold and its romantic.
Unfortunately there were clouds concealing the sunset... sheesh... such a damper. All is not lost though, the reflections made from the sunset lightings sure mad up for it. Its lovely to see the forest top, from faraway it sure looked like a collection of mini green cotton candy... ahaha...Ah~ no sunset is complete without some nibbles. We had placed an order from Terra Cotta Room which is tucked nicely in the village walk. Terra Cotta Room is a mix of café, restaurant, deli, and wine which specialised in gourmet food. We ordered a take away of Local and Regional Platter – a selection of meats, antipasti served with crackers and preserves; minus the glass of wine for more cheese and antipasti!It all tasted exceptionally good with a bottle of red wine(complimentary of the resort) or bitter lemon lime(moi is alcohol intolerant). I loved the array of cheese~ didn't know I can like them either and the chicken liver pate is absolutely fresh fresh FRESH!
We were leaving by the time its getting colder and darker and we're in LUCK! Manage to catch a glimpse of the sunset on our way down to town for some toasty dinner.

TerraCotta Room
Village Walk, 19 Murchison Street, Marysville, Victoria
+61 (03) 59634004

Rose Garden BBQ Shop @ Melbourne

2008-12-11T20:42:00.001+08:00

Melbourne is not all about western dish and fine Chinese dining. Found this jewel of cheap quick and fabulously tasty Chinese eating house within a few blocks from Queen Victoria's Market.

First up, the braised Pork Belly with mui-choy on steamed rice. Prepared at top speed yet resulted in tender succulent savory, fragrant to the bite and fats that would melts in your mouth.A side order of green beans stir-fried with chicken in spicy bean sauce... vegetables never tasted so good. All fired up (must be the wok-hei) yet the beans still managed to maintained its crispy texture.My stir fried flat rice noodles with roast pork and generous amount of broccoli among other vegetables. The sauce is made to silken perfection that evenly coats the flat noodles. Luscious roast pork whose skin is crispy and crackly to the bite! Heavenly! The large portion of vegetables made this a healthy balanced dish!
The portion was really huge - probably to serve the appetite of all and sundry. I'm just glad I had Bottomless Pitt to help me finish the meal. Ah...was very very satisfied with the meal. Each plate costs less than AUD10 and good enough for 3 person which 2 of us happily wipe the plate clean.

Rose Garden BBQ Shop
435 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
+61 3 9329 1560‎

Lunch @ Melbourne Central

2008-12-09T12:29:00.001+08:00

I tried and tried to recall what's the name of this cafe/restaurant that served my first lunch in Melb this spring... sheesh! I can't! oh well so much for making an effort for proper documenting. Forgive me... for I had endured a nearly 8 hour overnight flight without sleep.

Bottomless Pit(such a darling) went back and found out the name of the restaurant with details below:

Metoo Cafe & Bar
Shop 013 Ground Level, Melbourne Central
9654 1322

~~Located in Menzies Alley, Melbourne Central(either Food Inc./Spiga/Cafe Era I suspect the earliest)~~. The first plate served was a starter with mix of smoked salmon(with olive), bacon, tossed garden salad, toasted bread and two varieties of vegetable mix of which I'm partial to the preserved sun-dried tomatoes. There were so sweet and the smoked salmon never tasted better.Next up; potato gnocchi cooked with chicken in broccoli and cheese sauce. Yes fat I know but it was cold, excuse to gain some layers to keep warm... Hehehehe... I love this so much even though it gets filling very very fast. This is my first taste of gnocchi and it had made a lasting impression... I miss this no matter how fat its going to make me. The sauce complemented perfectly with generous bite sized browned chicken breasts and ham slivers.Ooo must learn how to make gnocchi with my choice of pasta sauce - hhhmm recipes wanted. Might try this : Potato Gnocchi

Where had it gone wrong?

2008-12-07T15:52:00.001+08:00

To say bullying drives the victim to the extremes; is this always true? Looking at all the massacre supposedly violent revenge, does the reason really justifies the reaction?

I believe the author was trying to do so but in the end no one ever wins. The bullying will still continue so long society accepts them and "educate" the victim to retaliate at their own means.

I'm not here to judge but read for leisurely pursuit. The beauty as what has become Jodi Picoult's trademark is the twist in the end which I found both captivating and intriguing.

Slow start but definitely a good read.

I'm already looking forward to plow through another piece from Jodi. ^_^

KoKo Black @ Collins St, Melb.

2008-12-06T22:55:00.001+08:00

Lazy to type ... all as described from the Koko Black menu... all worth the money we paid for the Argentinian Chocolatier to spoil us with "Aztec Gold".

Belgian Spoil - The Ultimate Indulgence
A traditional chocolate platter: chocolate cake, two Belgian chocolates, a shortbread, chocolate ice cream and chocolate mousse $12.00 (contains nuts)

Cappuccino with generous chocolate shavings.

KOKO BLACK
52 Collins St, Melb, VIC.
Tel: 613 9663 5567

(Disclaimer : Description as taken from online menu)

Kedai Makanan Yong Tat @ Teluk Gong

2008-12-04T21:33:00.001+08:00

A lesser known and not as highly publicized Teluk Gong seafood restaurant that is Kedai Makanan Yong Tat. About a 5km drive from the main road you will spot this less than 10 shops in a row on your left.

Our order for the lunch outing comprised of a few delectable dishes that is fuss free and absolutely delicious.

First up was the boiled for hours chicken soup with scallop and fish maw. You can tell from the colour of the soup all the sweetness of the ingredients is well immersed into the stock.Simple stir-fried spinach with garlic just to balance it off. Nothing much to be shared here... its just a vege mah...Ah this is really superb! Garoupa cutlet steamed to perfection! You can tell from the texture its super fresh and the ingredients used brought out the aromatic flavour.
The house dish - lardy fried vermicelli with la-la... hahaha... mind you the lala ultra small and you won't wanna know how they extract it from the shells. A MUST order whenever we go there. In fact we asked for second serving.Kam-heong lala, not the usual but the more rotund varieties that is more superior in taste and quantity. Love these and order while its available as tis seasonal.Sorry, no picture of an untouched crab... hehehe... yes I like crabs and these didn't need to wait to be profiled. Its fresh as with the rest of the dishes that is served here. Love the kam-heong sides which includes crispy deep fried lard... hehehe...Even when its located in one of those dingy town far n away, they still have fans from all over, me including that help to ensure all the seafood remains fresh always. Just a bit noisy as its enclosed to trap the air-conditioning.

If this is your first time to the restaurant, best make it a lunch outing as its difficult to spot as night falls.

Kedai Makanan Laut Yong Tat
Lot 9185, Kampung Telok Gong, 42000 Pelabuhan Klang.
Tel: 03-3134 1167

Chocolate Kooglhoupf @ St. Kilda

2008-11-28T21:14:00.003+08:00

Finally went down to St. Kilda on another sunny day and hunt for FOOD!!! I had been told much earlier that there are some significant cake shop along the main street. Ah~~ yummy. We went passed a few interesting and quirky shop that sells almost anything that spells fun, from rubber ducky to *blink* talking vibrators!!

Some of the outrageous showcased

Finally made a stop at the first bakery which has the most crowd - well the typical style of any food hunter is to go where there's crowd. The shop is very well maintained to its origin from the cash register to the weighting machine.

Shirley Markham and who must be her granddaughter sharing a warmth moment.

The rows and rows of produce makes it really difficult to decide. We finally settled for one significant cake. Mini mind you cause it don't come cheap.

The still running cash register and weighting machine.

The best part is the chocolate KOOGLHOUPF It was love at first bite! Not a looker but its absolutely amazing. Orgasmic tunnel of crumbly, soft, crackly wave of butter and chocolate flavored cake and covered with generous layer of aromatic cocoa powder. Wish I could spend more time trying out the rest of the produce. They are all so sinfully tempting and betcha its yummy too!

My bitten mini chocolate kooglhoupf - was fighting Bottomless Pit over it.

Turns out Monarch Cake Shop is one of the earliest bakery to set foot in St Kilda and had remained so. If I could, I would want it to stay forever and remain its authenticity. A labour of love by the Markhams to maintain the traditional Polish recipes. More can be found at

MONARCH CAKE SHOP
103 Acland Street, St Kilda, Victoria, Australia 3182
Phone 613 9534 2972

Barcelona @ St Kilda, Melb.

2008-11-24T20:48:00.000+08:00

A lovely place to fill up before heading down to or away from St Kilda. Barcelona is tucked on the main street it will be hard to spot this restaurant as the entrance is narrow and dim within. We headed there after Bottomless Pitt read about it from a few review journals and thought to give it a try when we're down in St Kilda.

It was raining; the usual sudden drizzle expected from lady Melbourne that can lasts for hours much to my disappointment of having to see St Kilda on a bright sunny spring day. Sad -_-"

We started our order with a potato stuffed to hilt with spice and other goodies to warm the stomach; sorry I forgot what its called, Spanish or not it sure is delicious. A good recommendation from the new waiter. Very appetizing indeed especially on a cold spring day.Next up was seafood soup with loads of clams, prawns and crab too!! I love the mouthwatering taste. Recalling it makes my mouth waters too. The proprietress suggested we have hot bread along with the dish just to enjoy the thick soup. WOW you won't belief how great it goes together.The bread was fluffy and straight from the supplier, sliced and lightly toasted with oil and sprinkled with salt. A little crispy on the crust and super soft on the side. It soaks up the gravy nicely. We cleansed off the sweet, sour and savory. I just wished we have more bread to go with the dish.

A quick shot of the interior before I end this post. Notice all the drinks available on the wall space? Its interesting indeed; rows and rows of bottles. Pretty amazing how restaurant here can fully utilize what little space available. The kitchen is no more than 4x10 feet.

Cafe Barcelona

25 Fitzroy St, St Kilda 3182 VIC
Phone: (03) 9525 4244

Food around Melb

2008-11-16T20:25:00.005+08:00

I finally had my fish and chip during my spring trip to Melbourne again. Amongst others were the sinful much praised cheesecakes from Cafe Greco's and weird never seen before Adelaide tomatoes.

Fluffy deep fried to perfection fish (minus chips) at Clarendon St one of the best and operated by Chinese family with loads of local customers. Tartar sauce sold separately.
The pan-seared seafood on a stick - check out the size of the scallop!!!
The weird but taste great when taken raw Adelaide tomatoes! Found in Box Hill market. It only looks different and less sour compared to normal tomatoes.
Berry cheesecake with cream from Cafe Greco @ Crowns. For the price that we paid, me thinks the cheesecake was so-so only. The cream was nicer than the cake... hehehe...

Its a calorie nightmare - all the oil and cream and cheese! Just glad there's tomatoes to compensate.

SenJyu Sushi @ Sunway Pyramid

2008-11-16T12:03:00.005+08:00

Some how the pictures are not sorted in the correct order but nevermind.

For those of you who knows me - I'm the rare Japanese food diner just because there is much more to complain of the local Japanese restaurant than to compliment.

The exceptionally tasty wasabi

SenJyu Sushi is a jewel. Food are really FRESH and scrumptious. Their concept is more personal - customers are encouraged to engage with the service staff to place orders off the menu.

Simple yet classy decor

Selection is different from the typical conveyor belted sushi joint. They even have slabs of tuna belly, foie gras and Wagyu beef!!! You basically get what you paid for, a plate of Rm4 comes with 1cm deep of ebikko.

Very fresh Nigiri Unagi with a distinctive sesame flavour @ Rm6

Alas, I was suppose to be on diet but can't help myself; I had to order the Yasai Miso Soup. T0 my delight, it came with 4 types of mushrooms, asparagus, carrot, spinach and wakame seaweed! A Rm8.90 worthy mouthwatering soup.

Yasai Miso Soup - I enjoyed the varieties of mushrooms @ Rm8.90

The Yasai Kinoko Tempura however is slightly oily but still the vegetables used were fresh. Mushrooms were fan out and deep fried and there's even shiso green perilla leaf in the platter.

Yasai Kinoko Tempura @ Rm12.90

The charcoal udon ordered by my friend - hahaha - this is not easy to consume, need to put in a little hardwork here for each bite. The sauce again comes in unique combination of raw quail egg(carefully shelled), wasabi, spring onion and seaweed. The quail egg is suppose to help coagulate the sauce on udon.

Charcoal udon @ Rm14.90
Mixture for Udon - carefully opened quail egg, spring onions, wasabi and julienned seaweed.

Tightly wrapped egg and unagi maki @ Rm4.00

Last but not least - an order from my dessert loving friend Mochi Crepe Vanilla. Well, its not vanilla but common corn ice-cream bagged in thin yet chewy mochi. Liked the chewy mochi.

Mochi Crepe Vanilla @ Rm9.90

Last look at the decor - sushi chef hard at work! GANBATTE! and thanks for whipping out such an enjoyable meal.

SENJYU SUSHI
F1.05, Sunway Pyramid. Tel: 03 5632 8119
~
Lot G2 & G3 G/F, Cineleisure Damansara. Tel: 03 7727 9028
~

My Vegetarian @ Bandar Puteri Puchong

2008-11-12T21:47:00.006+08:00

Each 1st and 15th of the Chinese Lunar month I'd join my parents in their "go vege" ritual. Call it religious or health - I take it as trying out the creativity of mankind; one in particular the Chinese chef.

Its their ingenuity that there is considerable "vegetarians" today. At times the flavouring and bite texture makes it difficult to differentiate what is real meat and "fake".

Sharing here is from one such dinner at a new outlet in the shops opposite Puteri Mart called My Vegetarian, specialised in singles meals(favoured by lunch crowd). My order sambal prawn petai with white steamed rice... yummy just wished the portion is much bigger.Crispy deep fried oyster mushrooms with mayonaise dip - ah a good healthier alternative for calamari.

MY Vegetarian
31G, Jln Puteri 5/20, Bdr Puteri Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor,
Tel: 03 8062 1777

Ice Monster @ Subang Jaya SS15

2008-10-13T21:14:00.005+08:00

The classic mix fruits for all the kiasu people!!! hahaha.. quite worth though - the fruits are fresh cut and unlike some similar shops that had their fruits cut too early ahead and gone bad. The mango sorbet is really good too - all natural healthy ingredients.My order of mango with milk yogurt - EXTREMELY GOOD!!! and portion is just right for one person. yummy-yummy-yummy-yummy-yummy-yummyTheir branch in Philippines has got some interesting varieties http://www.icemonster.com.ph/products.htm

ICE MONSTER
No. 26, Jalan SS15/4D, Subang Jaya
~

The Great Epiphany 04

2008-10-11T08:21:00.000+08:00

Life is pretty much in the grays for the most part and if you insist always on black and white, you are going to be very unhappy.

June Thai @ TTDI

2008-10-09T21:31:00.000+08:00

Stumbled into this place by accident on one Friday after roaming around aimlessly in TTDI. No regrets - the set meal at Rm10.90 with ice lemon tea, main dish plus dessert choice of bubur cha-char or chendol.

Lovely interior with soft lights and designer worthy high-back solid wood chair.Ice lemon tea.The extra big big BIG portion of Pad-Thai with peeled prawns and sotong. VALUE for Money.

The hot bubur cha-char with secret ingredient of durian! The secret ingredient is seasonal as we found out during our second visit.

Other main dish from the set meals are highly recommended too especially the house nasi lemak. A whiff of the fragrant coconut milk rice could get your mouth watering.

Tasty and attractively priced at hard to come by rate that is so lacking in today's living.

June Thai
No 44, Jln Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 KL.
03-77254548

Nippy Tuck Noodle @ Jalan Kuchai Lama

2008-10-08T21:10:00.002+08:00

One of the bounciest(if this is even a word) noodles ever. The place gets crowded fast during weekend and best to be early there. 3 orders here below;

Soupie char siew wantan noodles with sui-kow in the background.3 meat varieties noodle - crispy pork, sausage and char siew.Dry wantan noodle with pork dumplings.A must try on any weekends! Be early to ensure you get a seat.

Nippy Noodles Restaurant

No 25, Jln Kuchai Lama Maju 7, Entrepreneurs Park, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel No : 603-79821781

Revisit Seoul Korea @ Taman Desa

2008-10-08T19:49:00.002+08:00

Revisit Seoul Korea at Taman Desa again, that was a long long time ago... had one too many meals there must have a breather in between. Again the generous spread of banchan.The long lasting charcoal for bbq meat.The lovely slabs of meat for grill. Don't understand what is that partial mushroom and onion suppose to help.Fried glass noodles - the less lardy Korean variety. Pretty good considering one need tubs of oil and lard not to get the glass noodles stuck on the frying pan.Pajeon - spicy kimchi variety ~ AppetizingAlways the best place to go for Korean food - generous banchan, friendly service and tasty food.

RESTAURANT SEOUL KOREA
No. 1-1 (1st), Plaza Danau 2,
Jalan 4/109F, Taman Danau Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: 11am – 10.30pm
Telephone number: 03-7982 4607

The Great Epiphany 03

2008-09-06T09:06:00.001+08:00

Life's like a movie. Write your own ending.

-The Muppet Movie, Jim Henson-

Fong Lye Taiwan Restaurant @ The Gardens

2008-09-05T23:25:00.003+08:00

Fong Lye had been around in The Gardens for sometime and I've only been there recently... sad ley... and doing lazy posting here so follow the pics will do.

Dainty porcelain tea set of Rm12/- for 2 for Chrysanthemum Green Tea

Up close of the design.

My set meal of Rm17.80 of fragrant 3 Cup Chicken complete with Ginseng Chicken Soup, Side dish(love the stuffed brinjal), steamed rice topped with minced pork.

My friend's Seafood hotpot set complete with stir fry side dish and steam rice topped with minced pork. The hotpot was stuffed to the max!

Tomato Fish! Appetizing sauce complete with the same sides, soup & rice as the 3 Cup Chicken.

Be Hungry Be Envy

muahahahahaha...

Fong Lye Taiwan Restaurant
Lot T208, 3rd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: 03- 2282 8699

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY to ME!!!

2008-09-03T22:28:00.001+08:00

well me blog actually...

The Great Epiphany 02

2008-08-31T08:45:00.000+08:00

One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it.

-Master Oogway of Kungfu Panda-

BoatHouse @ TTDI

2008-08-30T19:19:00.001+08:00

BoatHouse treat on my birthday with my best buddy and good heng-tai. Ordered the set lunch minus the wine.

First up is the wild mushrooms soup... perfect blend of mushrooms and cream.
The side order of cempedak chicken! Much blogged about by floggers a must try. Deep fried to perfection, crispy on the outside but oozes with character within, YUMMY!
Steak of lamb with grilled vegetables. Nicely done with no stinkie lamb smell.
My birthday cake from Baskin Robbins... To my dearest thanks for giving me such a nice treat.
Our little piece of expression after meal... =) Sheets of white paper on the table top and crayons is available for the kiddie in us.
Summary: Lovely ambience, courteous service, freedom of expression and creative menu.

BoatHouse Restaurant
16, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03-7727 4426

The Great Epiphany 01

2008-08-24T19:26:00.004+08:00

Your heart is free.
Have the courage to follow it.

Banquet again - no tiramisu

2008-08-18T21:56:00.000+08:00

This time went for the set meals that comes with a slice of cake from the display counter, soup and rojak starter, main dish minus the drinks. Very affordably priced but alas you must have at least 2 person requesting for set meals otherwise they refuse to take your order.

I'd opt to start with the dessert; slice of almond sugee cake. The cake may be coarse but it taste good especially with the crackly toasted almond slices. I LOVE THIS CAKE! must dig for sugee cake recipe.The starter of tom yam soup and fruit rojak. Like the rojak and the soup was spicy enough just short of being more fragrant.
Banquet's fried noodles - much like a pricey mamak mee goreng. However the portion was better especially the crispy stuff and hygiene is guaranteed. Taste wise its alright.
All the above had been sponsored by a group of girlfriends for my recent birthday... ladies thank you very much. Its been great catching up with you all again. =)

Homemade Brown Rice with Pumpkin

2008-08-15T21:50:00.000+08:00

(the ultra short post)

Homemade brown rice with pumpkin... very healthy and tasty... well mbe not for my dad though. Adding some diced siew yuk might help... hehehe =)Good to experiment.

Wonders of Nature

2008-08-10T10:29:00.000+08:00

Getting lazy... sharing some flowers collection that I had been having recently... not sure why but a couple of fresh cut blooms always cheer up a gloomy room...

White daisies to cheer up the room

Mum picked these purple and yellow chrysanthemums...looks like space clustersRocher surrounded by half dozen of Red roses...

White stargazers from mom...

Pink/purple stargazers also from mom... its a whopping Rm7.50 per stalk

The dozen roses recently for my birthday... sweet and adoringly lovely!

hahaha~ the beanie that swings left and right...

Revisit Restoran Tai Siew

2008-08-09T22:05:00.001+08:00

I missed the pan-mee and my bro had obligingly agree to bring me there... I'm hopeless with Kuchai area. Promised this time I learn and know exactly how to get there.

New sampling of colourful buns... well it comes in 3 and turn out to be the same kind that you can get off the supermarket except they steamed it for you. Although they had made sure they purchased one of the best to be served.

Chocolate sandwiched Pau

My original pan-mee, with lovely anchovies stock soup, sheets of flat noodles accompanied with spinach, crispy deep fried anchovies and fragrant shallots strips. Lovely... hhhmmm another craving satisfied!

Restoran Tai Siew
No.32 Ground Floor, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

Restaurant Kim Gary @ The Curve

2008-08-07T22:16:00.003+08:00

New tryout at Kim Gary, well its new for me anyway. Set meal of baked seafood spread with cheese. Started with borsch soup, desserts, drink(all 3 came before the main course) and a glass plate of steam white rice and platter of seafood unagi, abalone slices, green mussels, fish fillet and mini octopus all covered with white sauce and cheese.Very sinful spread of cheese with white sauce... ter-filling... *burp!*

A so-so affair, just remember to check the seafood's freshness and reminder to myself to never have white sauce with cheese... its awful. My dining companion like it though. The dessert... uuummm... I shouldn't be expecting too much of a set meal should I?

Introducing JET the puppy

2008-08-05T21:25:00.003+08:00

Jet the puppy the latest addition to my home... hehehe... check out Kitty prowling behind... He must be fascinated by Jet's constantly flicking tail.Jet's a mix breed of dunno what... he's still very much a puppy and a lot of feeding to do to hide away his ribs...

My aunt picked him up from at a dog adoption drive at Hartamas... he's already gotten his jab and medication. More can be found at http://www.rescue2rehome.blogspot.com/

So far he's been pretty quiet and an obedient fella... we can let him run around the garden unlike Kitty who's always out to terrorize!
I would encourage good Samaritans to run around and get yourself a pup/kitty if you have the time to take care of them. Please don't leave the pets out on the streets if you're tired of them, set them up for adoption so they will still have a home and a family that will love him.

Thanks also to my aunt whose kind gesture had brought us this little joy.

Do drop by at any adoption drive if you think you are ready to welcome and care for a household pet! =)