LIVe.LOVe.LAUGh

Coffee Connection @ Wanneroo Markets, WA

2011-01-16T16:16:00.006+08:00

A family business established since 1997,

Its first retail outlet in the Fremantle Markets offering coffee beans & tea leaves of all types, confectionery ranges from french style nougats to home made fudge to..

this warm tasty Savoury Muffin

Their specialities' chocolate covered coffee beans are slightly flavoured with Hazelnut, Macademia, Mint etc..

Mocha Hazelnut Creme Coffee
Wanneroo Markets (Stall 105-110),
33 Prindiville Drive Wangara, Western Australia.
WEBSITE
"Having a good product is one thing, getting the best out of your blend is in the making of the brew." Coffee Connection.

44 King St @ Perth

2011-01-16T12:11:00.008+08:00

Despite learning about the not-so-nice-reviews about this place, there are still people crowded into this rustic cafe/restaurant from time to time.

From the cafe, overlooking King Street aka the upmarket lane-way of Perth..

The menu too themed-up well with the dining ambiance,

the never-ending wine list..

Scrambled Eggs & Venison Sausages
with Toasts and Rocket Salad

On an English muffin topped with ham, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce (an emulsion of egg yolk + butter + lemon juice + salt & pepper),

Eggs Benedict

The coffee is OK (not as bad as it was reviewed), but the hard wooden seats did not keep us too long in the cafe.

44 King St, Perth CBD
(08) 9321 4476

Little Creatures Brewery @ Fremantle, WA

2010-12-25T15:05:00.002+08:00

Little Creatures Brewery-cum-restaurant and cellar-door-bar is shed right on the Fishing Boat Harbour in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Every pint of beer are poured directly from the conditioning tanks.

On the Tap: BRIGHT ALE aka Sunshine in a glass with refreshing fruit fragrance, pineapple, passion fruit and melon. PALE ALE batch takes about six weeks to be fully infused with intense citrus and grapefruit aroma in the live-yeast condition. PILSNER (or the pale lager) is made famous by the German but bare in mind, Czech Republic is where it's born..

The Aussie version of Satay, Kangaroo meat with tomato salsa.

Charred corn to accompany the booze..

Open 7days a week, morning to midnight.

Website

Levain Boulangerie Pâtisserie @ Jln Delima, KL

2010-11-30T22:36:00.003+08:00

Levain is an alternative to baker's yeast, used traditionally in France to produce breads with rich aroma and pleasant structure. Boulangerie Pâtisserie (try pronouncing it..) means a French style bakery specializing in pastries and sweets.

Do you know? LeVain Boulangerie Patisserie is owned and managed by Beryl’s Chocolate & Confectionery Sdn Bhd.

The bread

Pumpkin Soup

olio spaghetti

Coffee - far from good!

This is indeed a great place for photographer-wannabe, I was impressed with the French-influenced ext/interior but not the quality of food and drinks. I would still say The Loft for the bread and Dome for the coffee!
P/S: Butter (mini block 50g) is chargeable! BYO

Address: 7, Jln Delima, KL (beside Fukuya Jap Restaurant)
Tel: 03-2142 6611
OPEN: 8am till 8pm daily

Marutama Ra-Men @ Fahrenheit 88, KL

2010-10-10T21:46:00.004+08:00

Marutama finally landed in KL following two (or more?) successful branches in Singapore. Their specialty, Ramen in chicken broth (choice of spicy/ non-spicy) topped with either char-siu (sliced roast pork) or Chicken Meatballs or Vegetarian. You guess it right, only FOUR main courses - all Ra-men in their fast-food-like-one-page-menu..

The Ra-men are surprisingly thin and firmer than the usual ones while the distinctive broth was brewed to perfection with 7 kinds of nuts. The spicy broth is tangy with a squeeze of lemon, not overwhelmed by the chili. However, the regular non-spicy broth would still be my bowl of Ra-men...

Marutama Ra-Men [RM18]
with sliced roast pork, seaweed and spring onions

One of the must-try additional topping is the Ajitsuke Tamago - RM2 (Half-boiled seasoned egg), runny in the inside. If you are not full, leave some soup and ask for additional Ra-men for just RM3. Besides Ra-men, there are some side dishes such as char-siu, pork belly, Gyoza and also the

Cha-siu Gohan [RM8]
A small bowl of rice with roast pork (the pork version of gyu-don)

Website (Jap)

El Meson (Breakfast) @ Bangsar

2010-09-12T01:16:00.001+08:00

Breakfast like a King at El Meson starring the homemade pork sausage which is slightly charred from the outside but juiciness retained inside, good stuff. The bacon, not as streaky as I would like it to be, guess it was the Italian pancetta instead of the typical-bellyfat piece of goodness.

This breakfast value meal comes with the only healthy side, the freshly squeezed OJ as well as a cuppa..

A very porky burger topped with mushroom, caramelized onions and cheese melted between the sesame bap. Homemade potato cubes and leaves as deco..

The Ultimate Pork Burger (only available for Lunch)

Piggy in Blanket

El Meson Website

El Meson [Dinner] @ Bangsar

2010-03-24T22:26:00.002+08:00

El Meson is known for its Iberico ham, a type of cured ham. The black Spanish Iberian pig (cerdo negro) are fed organically with barley, herbs, acorns and maize which is why it is good for our cholesterol... The hams are salted and left to dry for two months before curing process for at least 12 to 36 months. [Wiki]

TAPAS Gambas Al Ajillo (Prawns in Garlic & Chilli)

served with their home-made bread

Whole Crispy Trotter
(great to have with wine or even better BEER)

Pork Belly and Pork Ribs Stew
with Chorizo and Beans on Boiled Potatoes

Address: 61-63 Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL

Tel: 03-2282 8290

Cafe Cafe Fine Dining @ KL

2010-03-16T22:37:00.007+08:00

A hidden gem in a least expected area, Jalan Maharajalela instead of Champs Elysees. I was blown away by the intimate yet elegant classic decadence of the continental European charm.

Cafe Cafe's Menu is a blend of modern and traditional French dishes using "old-world renaissance techniques" and "fine new-world innovations".

French Apéritif and some Carbo to start,

Baked Escargot With Butter And Parsley

San Medin Savignon Blanc
Miguel Torres

Cafe Cafe Signature - Duck Confit
Pan Fried Tiger Prawns With Aioli

Lemon Sorbet
Chocolate Tart
Adress: 175, Jalan Maharajalela, KL
Tel: 03-2141 8141

Don Too Jap Fast Food@ Melbourne

2010-03-15T23:33:00.001+08:00

Don Don/ Too has been my reliable cheap place for Jap food especially during my uni days. It's located along the Little Lonsdale St (between King & Bourke St).

Sashi Don $8+
(Salmon Sashimi on Rice served with salad, mushrooms, ginger..)

Don Don Box $8+
(Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Sukiyaki, salad on Rice Box)

These are the two most pricey dishes in the (less than 10 items) menu, pay attention to the quality (and quantity) and please try to restrain from comparing with 'our so-called Jap Fast Food King?'...

Address:
330 Little Lonsdale St
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Water Front @ Port Melbourne

2010-03-15T23:18:00.003+08:00

WaterFront Station Pier is 15 minutes tram-ride away from the city which provides "an elegant oasis for lunch alfresco" with a strong emphasis on seafood.

Near the entrance, showcase catch-of-the-day with an open kitchen concept.

Tasmania Oysters

Salad of roasted baby beetroots, fetta, walnuts & watercress

“Waterfront fish and chips” king george whiting,
thick cut chips, lemon, tartare sauce

Silver dory, sherry mushroom coulis,
broccolini & sauce vierge

Wiki says : Port Melbourne serves as a transport hub for passenger and cargo vessels including the Spirit of Tasmania.
As manufacturing industry has moved out of the inner city area, Port Melbourbe has become a residential suburb (luxury).

The suburb is bordered by the shore of Hobsons Bay and the lower reaches of the Yarra River.

Max, IHaus @ Imbi, KL [Set Lunch RM25]

2010-01-26T17:40:00.008+08:00

Set Lunch at Max IHaus is priced at rm25 (was rm22).

Complimentary Ice Lemon Tea

To start,

Warm balsamic glaze cod fish on mesclun greens
with cherry tomatoes, olives and fig vinaigrette

Tomato cream soup garnished

with smoked duck and potato

To fill-up,

Pan seared butter fish fillet

with garlic pesto tomato sauce on sautéed potatoes

Char-broiled chicken bread

with grain mustard sauce and mushroom mélange on garden greens

Max’s dessert,

Strawberry kataify

with rum macerated fresh fruits and vanilla ice cream (+RM14)

Fresh brewed Italian style ILLY Arabica coffee (+RM8)

iHaus was founded by an RMIT Melbourne grad and his wife and this place carries the big-international-high-class furniture brands. For me, it’s the food that I am here. But I have to say it was a great dining experience despite having to eat in a furniture shop. Well, at least I could now say that I’ve dined on dunno-what-brand table + chair which could easily cost me a trip to Old Trafford….

Address: Lot No 32 Jalan Jati Off Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 603 2142 9720

Business Hours: Everyday from 11:30am - 10:00pm

MAP from WWW

Dim Sum @ Grand Imperial Restaurant , Hartamas

2010-01-22T15:50:00.006+08:00

Yum Cha at Grand Imperial Restaurant.

To tell whether a restaurant serves good dimsum, one does not really need a menu. Just the following few common ones would give us a very good idea.

Ha Gao (Shrimp Dumplings)

Siu Mai (means 'to cook & sell' - wiki)

Cha Siu Bao (Pork Bun)

Wu Kok (Fried Yam with Pork fillings)

Har Cheong (Rice Noddle Roll with Shrimps)

Pei-dan & Sau-yuk Juk
(Century Egg & Lean Pork Porridge)

I was craving for dimsum for awhile and probably that’s why I have no complaint. The little dishes served hot and was great in term of taste. Besides, the dining ambience is comfortable, looks ‘grand’ in the in-side-out and the service was good.

Address: First Floow, Hartamas Shopping Centre, Sri Hartamas

Tel: 03-6201 3777

*The other two branches are in Bangsar and Subang USJ.

Cava Spanish Restaurant @ Bangsar

2010-01-07T13:11:00.002+08:00

We have seen the sudden emergence of the Spanish influences in town, such as El Meson (in Bangsar) and Bar Madrid (of Jaya One). This reminds me of a visit to the great Spanish restaurant, Cava.

Complimentary ~~Doritos~~ Corn Chips to start with.

Do you know Tapas means cover/ lid in Spanish? This is the story.. “Bar tenders were said to have placed a slice of bread on top of customer’s glasses in order to keep flies and insects out of their drinks. Later, the creativity of certain bar tenders saw slices of cheese and ham added on the bread which created very enticing snacks.”

Tapas - Prawn pil pil

Tapas - Sautéed Baby Octopus

Paella (means “frying pan” in Spanish)

with fresh mix seafood - Great fragranced dish, left me craving for more..

Sangria

with fresh orange shaken with red shiraz, triple sec and lemon juice

Address: 71 Jalan Bangkung, Bukit Bandaraya, KL

Tel: 03-2093 6637

* Operating hours:

12pm – 3pm on Mon to Sat and Only Open for Dinner on Sunday/ Public Holidays

Di Stasio Italian Restaurant @ St Kilda, Melbourne

2009-12-17T09:43:00.010+08:00

St Kilda is a south-eastern suburb of Melbourne, around 30-minute tram ride from CBD. Besides the beach, most people are here to eat! From budget pizza, fish & chip take-away to mouth-watering pastries and the renowned Fitzroy Street's high-end fine dining restaurants.
For anyone out there who is ready to splurge, Donovan (facing the beach) is a must-try, followed by Café di Stasio. Rinaldo (Ronnie) di Stasio is also known as the godfather of Melbourne restaurants started serving elegant Italian food in this small yet intimate dining room since 1988.

After going through a very extensive Food and Wine menu-reading session, we finally made up our minds with help from the white-jackted waiter (also a translator).

Prosciutto Con Parmigiano
cured ham sliced thin and served uncooked
accompanied with slices of parmesan & char-grilled garlic bread

Risotto of the day
Rich smooth cream binds the medium grains
and favoured with the combination of pork and herbs

Paillarde Di Vitello
Char-grilled baby veal minute steak

Red Wine

“… Cafe Di Stasio is pure, born of the singular vision that pervades every nook of this unique restaurant …”

31, Fitzroy Street, Melbourne (near The Prince of Wales)

Kampachi Jap. Buffet @ Equatorial Hotel, KL

2009-12-11T12:33:00.013+08:00

Sunday Brunch at Kampachi Equatorial KL isn't something new. There are well-assorted range of Japanese delicacies prepared by one of the finest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia.

Assorted Sushi and Sashimi

Grilled Fish

Sukiyaki Beef & Chicken

Beef slices in Sukiyaki broth with raw egg - one of the best Sukiyaki I had so far..

Teppanyaki Beef/ Salmon/ Chicken

I could still drool over this medium-rare beef,

The list goes on, Tempura Seafood & Vegetable and even CheongFun ..

To end:

Ma Chi

Very- Fresh Fruit (sliced on the spot)

Macha Ice Cream (with mashed Red Beans)

They also serve dorayaki a.k.a. Doraemon's favorite snack..

I would recommend this place to anyone who takes Jap food seriously, Kampachi chef runs the buffet counters (unlike some of the you-know-where buffets which were operated by mainly foreign 'labourer' - what a turn off!). Nonetheless, Kampachi really shows that they are at least a class above the rest, in term of dining ambience and most important the food quality!

Price: RM75++per pax (12 to 2.30pm)

*Reservation is recommended.

Austin Chase Cafe @ Gardens, Mid V

2009-12-08T18:15:00.003+08:00

My last sip of Austin Chase cuppa was at the BSC, a decade back when coffee was a Fucha (bitter tea) to me. The cosy interior of this café caught my attention. So, I decided to try-out their breakie set from 10 till 12pm with in-house brewed coffee.

The breakfast sets are very reasonable, ranging from rm6.90 (for toast, butter & Jam)

to rm9 for a mini (Mickey mouse version) English Breakfast – with toast, scrambled eggs and chicken sausage

or you can opt for pastry/ muffin at rm9.

The Austin Chase cuppa (originated in Seattle – also Starbucks' home town) is very rich and aromatic. I am referring to the Americano cuppa here, the complimentary coffee was too dilute and very disappointing.

They also serve sandwiches and coffee at rm11.90. I stole some of the cafe photos from their Facebook.

Isn’t this screen ideal for football updates while indulging a Sunday morning coffee?

Where? 2^nd Floor (Robinsons side), Gardens, Mid Valley City, KL

FACEBOOK – Austin Chase

Karl's Beisl @ Solaris, Mon't Kiara

2009-12-03T15:38:00.013+08:00

Beisl in Austrian means bistro, beer house or casual dining place. This place serves traditional Austrian home style cuisine (similar to German's). Their signature dishes are the roasted pork kunckles, suckling pig, grilled meat..

A meat lover's heaven, indeed.

Garlic Bread

Cream of Forest Mushrooms

Spinach Salad

"Karl's Beisl" Roasted Pork Knuckles

Choucroute
(Pork Belly, Kasseler Ham, Bratwurst,
Frankfurter Sausage, Sauerkraut & Bread Dumplings)

There are also a vast varieties of wine and European beers, check out their Happy Hour..

Address: Lot K-OG 13 & 14, Jalan Solaris, Mon't Kiara, KL
Tel: 03-6204 0628

La Fourchette Restaurant @ Saigon

2009-12-03T15:37:00.003+08:00

Saigon, the city that was influenced by French during their colonial occupation in Vietnam.

La Fourchetta was the place to be really, a traditional French style table settings enhanced by artworks from the mother country. There is also a old French bar with great selection (of unfamiliar looking) of French labeled liquor and wine.

France being the top wine production country, it's a shame that I haven't really tasted a great glass of French Red. Merlot is the most commonly grown grape variety in France, so, I took a shot. And also a glass of rosé which is originated in Bordeaux, France.

Some Carbo to start with,

La Fourchetta specialises in simple, traditional French fare and most importantly in a pretty 'hearty' portions. Our Entrees..

?Soupe De Poireaux & P De Terre?
Leeks and Potato Soup

Garlic Sausage in a Pastry with Dutch Sauce

Next, Plats Du Jour...

I could still drool over this dish whenever I stare at it for a little longer. The duck fat melts with every tender bite of meat.

Duck Magret cooked with Honey & Lemon

Another excellent serve,

Pork Stew with Red Wine, Onions, Bacon & Mushrooms

The dessert,

Creme Brulee

I thought I could never over-order in a French restaurant, La Fourchetta proves me wrong. I left the restaurant with a baloon-ish tummy and a big smile of satisfaction...

Address: 9 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Tel: (84-8) 829 8143

Ho Chi Minh

2009-11-20T13:29:00.010+08:00

I was in 'Paris in the Orient' during the Raya Break. It was a food heaven and considering the much lower exchange rate! You can easily become a Vietnamese millionaire with less than Rm200..

Wiki Facts:
Hồ Chí Minh was a Vietname Comminist revolutionary and statesman who was prime minister (1946–1955) and president (1945–1969) of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. His city aka Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam. It was known as Prey Nokor before being annexed by the Vietnamese in the 17th century. The city center is situated on the banks of the Saigon River. The metropolitan area is populated by more than 9 million people.

Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral

Shopping...

HK Dessert Brother 甜品哥哥 @ Kepong

2009-11-20T12:31:00.008+08:00

I traveled almost 30 km from KL to this dessert place and it worth every drop of my fuel. They have a you-name-it-you-got-it kind of menu and some pretty 'outstanding' ones as well.

Mix of Almond + Black Sesame

Durian Pancake
(it was too creamy, but I like the durian fillings.. )

Mango Chee Cheong Fun
(Mango 'prawn' and sweet mango sauce)

the 'rojak'

Desser Brother (Tim Bun Kor Kor)
Address: D-G-6, Jalan Metro Perdana, Taman Usahawan, 52100 Kepong Kuala Lumpur. (Opposite Jusco Kepong)
Tel: 03-62510209

Operating Hours: 11am to 12am

Zang Toi West 57th St. Cafe @ Pavillion, KL

2009-10-30T13:38:00.002+08:00

Zang Toi was born in Kuala Krai, Kelantan on 11 June 1961 and attended Parsons School of Design [Project Runway]. He dresses Sharon Stone, Ivana Trump, Kelly Preston, Meg Ryan and Fergie of BEP. - Wiki info -

ZangToi cafe is not new, his first outlet is located in Sungai Wang (where I used to dine-in more than a decade ago). His second cafe is located in Parkson of Pavillion KL, black & white and a chantelier for a touch of elegancy.
Set Lunch Rm15.90/ Rm19.90..

Fruit Punch - refreshing

There are a selection of eastern and western delights..

Nasi Lemak @ rm15.90 set

Hainanese Chicken Chop @ rm19.90 st

For dessert,

Warm Banana Chocolate Cake

Lime Cake with Mint flavor ice cream

In general, the dessert is fantastic especially the choc cake. The main is quite ordinary and would prefer a full cup of punch..

West 57th St Cafe

Address: Lot 4.42, Parkson Pavilion, 55100 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Tel: 03-2145 7701

Monte @ Bangsar SC, KL

2009-10-20T13:11:00.003+08:00

Monte Bangsar has been around for a pretty long time, popular for its down-to-earth menu in term of its servings and $$. Besides, what make this place so INFAMOUS is the Canny Ong Case back in 2003. She was brutally raped and murdered ~~by an asshole~~ after a farewell dinner in Monte with friends, before returning to the United States.

Monte after a face-lift,

Warm bread with butter cream..

Pumpkin + Carrot Soup

Tomato based Pasta with shrimp

Seafood Combo with Prawn & Fish

Address: Lot F112, Level 1, Bangsar Shopping Centre Phase 2, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar, KL
Tel: +603 2094 1112

Kung Fu Pan Mee @ Sri Sentosa, KL

2009-10-15T17:08:00.003+08:00

This place is highly recommended by some of the food bloggers. So, I decided to make a trip there. Each elongated-pieces of dough is hand-kneaded on the spot, it was indeed very smooth..

RM 5-6 (not cheap for a bowl of Flour..)

This is what I meant by elongated ..

Pandan Chicken for RM4.50 PER PIECE !!!

Cendol-ed Ice Kacang

Address: 28, Jln Seri Sentosa 9A/133, Tmn Sri Sentosa, Bt 6 1/2 (off Jln Klang Lama) KL

Map to KungFu Pan Mee

Carat Club @ Pavillion KL

2009-10-08T12:48:00.003+08:00

Carat Club, need I say more *Diamond* which they claimed to be "Life's necessary Luxuries". This world famous mineral are displayed in Level 1 while the upper level is where my life's necessary luxuries are.. FOOD

For stater,

Baby Spinach Salad
with Button Mushrooms & Feta cheese

Rocket with grilled pumpkin

Duck Confit

One of their house specialty, grilled salmon served on thyme infused braised oxtail stew, topped with foie gras and balsamic palm sugar glace..

Pan Seared Salmon "Rossini"

Lamb shank accompanied by Risottto, peas & tomato..

Confit of Herbacious Lamb Shank

The more-ordinary Mains are the

Seafood Pasta

Grilled Chicken

View from C Club: overlooking Bukit Bintang Traffic

while enjoying my glass of 'life's necessary'..

Happy Hour 50% off

Address: Lot 5.11 & 6.11, Level 5 & 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Tel.: 603-2141 8260

Wonder Milk CupCake @ PJ Uptown

2009-10-04T02:50:00.001+08:00

+wondermilk is a cupcake specialty brand which I randomly found out about when I was surfing the net. The cupcakes are creatively moulded and most importantly yummy (unlike some "see-no-eat" cupcakes).

Other than the cakes,

Hotdog

Baked Potato

At the WM cafe, you'll also find candies/ junk which we used to not-be-able-to-live-without..

But what I like about this cafe is the relaxing ambiance and the drinks. Their caffeine doses are from Italy, Bristot Tiziano at Rm5 Long Black and Rm7 Latte.

Passion Fruit Surprise (Seasonal-MUST TRY!) & Latte

And the following Set Lunch Menu are for the lucky folks who work nearby..

Address: 39 & 41 Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, PJ
Tel: 03-7725 8930

Operating Hours: 9am-10pm daily
Or check out their WWW or Blog..

Kuriya Jap Restaurant @ Bangsar Shopping Centre

2009-09-24T16:17:00.003+08:00

Kuriya is another Singapore based Jap Restaurant. We got to enjoy the crunchy strands of Soba while flipping through the menu..

Complimentary ~~muruku~~ Fried Soba

Its family restaurant "Ichiban Boshi" @ Pavillion KL is where their chef 'show-off' their SOba-making skills through the window. So, what's better than a serve of fresh buckwheat noodles accompanied with fine cut of duck breast meat and an egg to moist it a little. Fantastic!

Cold Soba with Duck Breast & Egg

The essence are served in dobin (means small clay pot) which help 'seals' the flavour. This pot of soup is steamed (i.e. Mushi) and drink from a small cup. The usual ingredients are the Matsutake mushroom (which I doubt it's in it, very expensive). The citrus lime is added to add a sour tinge to it..

Dobin Mushi

I was also told that fish (selectively) are air flown from Japan. Nevertheless, the cheaper ones, Salmon and Saba which I had was fresh and 'up to the standard'..

Salmon Roll

Grilled Saba Fish

Address: T2, 3rd Floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Ma'arof,
Taman Bukit Bandaraya, KL

Tel: +6(03) 20939242

Kuriya Website

Ho Ho Steamboat @ Sri Petaling, KL

2009-09-14T17:48:00.002+08:00

Ho Ho Steamboat is pretty popular among the KL folks, started off humbly in a single shop lot. Thanks to its fresh ingredients at reasonable prices, the crowd started to flood-in especially during the weekends and thus, parking has been an issue..

Besides the standard steamboat set, one could always opt for side orders such as crabs and fish maw. Notice their serving (below), it was meant for two people..

Rm13/pax (i think..)

Ho Ho steamboat is cooked on an induction cooker and we dine in an air conditioned area, No sweat!! However, for those who prefer the traditional-sauna-steamboat-method can dine outside in the open-air..

Address: No. 19, Jalan Radin Anum 1, Sri Petaling 57000, KL.
Tel: 012-2893119

Ramadhan Buffet @ The Apartment, KLCC

2009-09-11T08:47:00.002+08:00

For just RM49++ and not expecting a great deal of food, fresh oysters, rib eye or free flow of beer.. And I'm not a big fan for curries but what tempt me for my second Buka Puasa session are the unlimited Apartment specials..

Baked Dory with Lemon Butter

Honey - Lime - Chilli - Ginger MUSSELS

Besides, there are also the Grilled Chicken topped with creme sauce served with baby spinach and also the glorious Stewed Lamb shank. These Apartment specials would definitely cost me more than double of the Ramadhan buffet price if I would to order it from the Menu..

*Happy Hour*

For the local spread, they have curries, rice, keropok and the following..

Roast Lamb

Local Delicacy

Satay with Peanut Sauce

Mee with Laksa or Ox Tail Soup

The dessert section is not as impressive, mainly the kuih-muih while the bottomless drinks are the Soya Milk and Bandung..

Desserts

Address: 1st Floor Suria KLCC
Tel: 03-21662257 (KLCC) or 03-77278330 (The Curve)

Website

Ramadhan Buffet @ Atrium, Sunway Pyramid Tower

2009-09-07T15:29:00.003+08:00

We didn't hesitate to return for a Buka Puasa Eating Spree at Sunway Atrium after the previous Hi Tea session. The Malay themed buffet spread across the whole dining area including some stalls along the walkway. One of my favourite stalls is the ..

Deep Fried Pigeon aka Ayam Percik

At the seafood counter, no oysters but there are ..

Buckets of fresh crabs and prawns

A wide varieties of curries to chose from including Lemang..

Steamboat in Tom Yam Soup

Yee Mee Claypot

Roast Lamb

For the drinks and dessert,

Ice Kacang

Longan Tongsui, Bandung & Soya Bean Milk

Cakes and Kuih

Happy Hour !! 4-9pm

Atrium Café & Lounge
Lobby Level, Pyramid Tower Hotel,
Persiaran Lagoon - Bandar Sunway, PJ.
Tel: (6-03) 7492 8000 Extn. 6305

WEBSITE

Shabu Shabu Buffet @ Kuchai Lama

2009-09-04T08:18:00.000+08:00

Very similar to the Puchong one (not sure if it's a branch). The following photo was taken at 5 mins before 6pm, don't expect this to happen if you are late !! Better early than hungry...

Eat as much as you can Shabu-Shabu a.k.a. Sa Sa Guan at rm29.80.

Three types of broth to choose from:

Miso (no no..), Tom Yam and chicken

Besides the balls, beancurd, vege, taufu, noodles...

Fresh Prawns

Mini crabbie

Scallops

Meat slices (Pork, lamb and beef)

What else on the choo choo train?

Sushi (not great, really!)

Century Egg (Pei Dan) with ginger

What else? Bottomless carbonated drinks, a complete range of sauces, Fruit and Ice cream

Where?
Jalan Kuchai Maju 18, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, KL

Brussels Beer Cafe @ Jaya One, PJ

2009-09-01T22:07:00.011+08:00

I was reminded of those care free memories at the Belgian Beer Garden along St Kilda Road in Melbourne, the over-flowing foamy beers and pots of beer mussels. Well, can I really live my dream again in Jaya One?

Spare ribs? (A big No No!)

A pot of Mussels with celery

Cha Siew for my booze

It was a great disappointment but the food did no harm to my drinking appetite..

Hoegaarden & Leffe Brown

Another Leffe Brown with Stella Artois

Where? Ground Floor, Jaya One, Jalan Universiti. PJ
Tel: 03-7954 2000
WEBSITE

SKH River View Seafood Village @ Ulu Klang, Ampang

2009-08-28T16:04:00.001+08:00

If you are after a Klang or Teluk Gong type of seafood restaurant and do not wish to have a long drive. SKH Riverview Seafood Restaurant in Ampang had it all (perhaps a little pricier !). It is in the Ulu Klang residential area and parking is never a problem.

The >2kg river Soon hok or Live Sand Goby (notice the sand?!) costs us a whopping rm200+ at least. It was supposed to be more tender and fresher (cause it's a alive? or from the river?).

Another fish, Braised chicken with chinese wine
the house special taufu

Leaves and stem in Claypot

Complimentary chinese herbal jelly
Guai Lin Go

Address: 6 & 8 Lorong Embun 2, Kuala Ampang, Hulu Klang, AMPANG

Directions: Along MRR2 in between the ZOO and Jln Ampang. It's on your LEFT if you are from Jalan Ampang. If otherwise, make a U-turn after Ampang Puteri Hospital.
or call if you are lost ..

Tel: 016-6831111, 012-931 8566 or 03-4252 3166

Pink Sage @ Campbell Road

2009-08-20T12:43:00.010+08:00

Pink Sage: A cross between an American-style diner and an Italian trattoria..

Located along Campbell Road (a.k.a. Dang Wangi) intersecting Jalan Doraisamy (accessible from the Capital Square/ modesto's lane). They serve breakfast all day on weekends which means I can have my 1pm Sunday-breaky, Hooray!

Stacked Breakfast Rm14.50

Buttermilk (fluffy) Pancakes RM12.50

The Morning Drinks
(refillable Long Black..)

We decided to let our tummies have a much deserved rest. So, we'll be back for the Red Velvet and Banoffee pie some day..

Pantry Desserts

Patrons are free to dribble messages aross the mirror..

The Pink Sage Diner & Pantry
Address: Ground Floor, Wisma RA, 12 Jalan Dang Wangi, KL
Call: 03-2693 6000

House + Co @ Bangsar SC

2009-08-18T18:23:00.008+08:00

House + Co is a home furniture show room with an in-house cafe. This makan place is pretty obscure, I would not have realized if the waiter did not approach me with a Food Menu.
For appetizer,

Top Hat

Pumpkin Soup with Garlic Bread

a hearty dose of cream soup

We were there for dinner and thus, most of their signature dishes were gone, no Laksa.

Nasi Lemak
Sotong/ Rendang/ Chicken accompanied with the almighty Kangkung
Cream based Fettuccine
with lots of Clams and two Mussels

Before leaving, we spotted some great cakes on display, Prune Layer Cake that prompt us to return for Lunch perhaps..

Grape Juice
very refreshing, great for Post-Spicy-Meal

Address: 2nd Floor East Wing Bangsar Shopping Complex, KL
Tel: 03 -2094 4393

Website

The Blue Cow Cafe @ Plaza Damas

2009-08-11T22:52:00.011+08:00

Formally known as Fogal Meat Market Deli, located on the same stretch as Yoga zone, Plaza Damas.
A pork butchery place which also serves meat (straight from the cold room) in the aussie-barbie style.

Streaky Bacon with Scrambled Eggs + toasts

Pork Chop (thin slice of meat, too dry)
with Sunny side up + toasts

Sausages (Chorize & Italian) - very juicy
with Omelette + toasts

Address: N-1-4, Plaza Damas, No. 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas, Sri Hartamas, KL
Tel: 03-62013206

Food court [Seong Kee YTF] @ PJ Old Town

2009-08-08T10:01:00.013+08:00

My dad told me that I used to come here when I was little. Frankly, I couldn't remember this place at all and probably my taste buds weren't fully developed that time. So, in order to bring back some memory, we had the NG TEW LEE [intersting name - in canto] Fish Ball, which was here almost 20 years ago.

very soft and springy
(good stuff - comparable to TongShin Fish Balls)Ng Tew Lee Fried TongFun

Ng Tew Lee (gosh, I love the name) used to be the busiest stall in the food court. However, 20years later, this is what happened. .
Seong Kee is featured in the recent TV foodie show and this is why they drew such a crowd to this heaty open-spaced area. They 'wrap' each of the Yong Tau Fu on the spot and fried each dish of yam abacus individually.

We waited for an hour under the afternoon sun for the following delicacy..

Hakka Kao-yuk

Hakka Yam Abacus Bead (Shun Pun Ji)

Hakka Yong Tau Fu Besides the Hakka dishes, they are also popular for thier Assam Fish.

It was quite worthy of the wait, but we were half-fulled when the Seong Kee orders arrived. This is because during that one-hour, we had been ordering from their neighbours.

Taufu Bakar
Chinese Wine Chicken with Ginger

Ice Kacang

Address: Taman Selera Jalan Othman
PJ Old Town

Lin Yuan Pumpkin Steamboat @ Peel Road

2009-08-01T13:19:00.002+08:00

Golden Pumpkin Porridge steamboat is Lin Yuan's signature. The soup base is rather special unlike the usual watery-base or perhaps the clear porridge (in Pudu). One could taste a slight sweetness from the pumpkin in every sip of the light porridge. And I like the concept of cooking in a clay pot.

RM12.90/pax for standard

Besides the steamboat, they do have some side orders, crabs (remember to ask for the price..) as well as the fried noodles/ rice.

Cantonese Fried Noodles

Where? Queen's Park Cheras, Jalan Shelley, KL

Open from 5pm till 12am

WEBSITE

Daily Grind @ Bangsar Village I

2009-07-29T18:54:00.007+08:00

Whenever I decided to have a booze-free weekend, I would think of The Daily Grind. It is located at the lower ground of the Bangsar Village I Shopping Centre, overlooking the busy Jln Telawi 1. And it operates till late during the weekends, unlike the other cafe in the mall.

Hummingbird Cake
Banana and Pineapple cake moistened with layers of cream cheese

Peanut Butter & Roasted Banana Pie

Strawberry flavoured cheese pudding

Besides the sweet delish, they make their own burgers, sauces, cakes and even pickles.

Burger of the Week
Medium-doneness-beef-patty topped with grilled banana

Address: LG 8 Lower Ground, Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar KL
Telephone: +60 3 2287 6708
Open: Everyday 11:00am-11:00pm

WEBSITE

Sushi Tei @ Tropicana Mall

2009-07-23T16:09:00.006+08:00

With almost a dozen of Sushi Tei outlets in Singapore alone and FIRST in Klang Valley. The most significant difference is that there's no Q outside the Tropicana Mall Jap Restaurant unlike the SG chains.

From the Sushi Train,

Salmon Mentai Sushi
(Salmon topped with codfish roe - creamy & rich taste)

Octopus

Thought we need something to warm our tummies.

Seafood paper hot pot
in Miso soup

Then, fill it nicely with some Fresh Sashimi and Carbo,

Chirashi Don

Address: Tropicana City Mall, Lot 6-16 Ground Floor, Jln. SS20/27, PJ
Tel: 03-7728 9299

WEBSITE

Xan Ling Bak Kut Teh @ Segambut

2009-07-16T23:27:00.007+08:00

This is absolutely a gem for BKT lovers and it's not as far as Klang, located along Jln Kuching. It is right behind an abandoned wooden-furniture factory and opposite some newly-built shop lots.

The dining area is an open-air space with plenty of fans (need I say more?). But, you will be surprised with the finely crafted wooden furniture.

The hokiens, the BKT specialist are very capable in cooking 'soupy' or dark-soya-sauced dishes. Besides the herbal Pork soup, their specialties are the home-made noodles, Yam rice and other Porky delicacy.

Bak Kut Teh
clear soup with generous pork sevings
(but lacking in Yok choi - chinese Herb taste)Home made noodles
in Hokien style, Seafood-Pork-Vege soup

Braised Pork - Kao Yuk
(Very addictive, especially the fat/skin!)

Chicken Feet
dark sauce with a little spiciness from the dried chili

Sweet Potato Leaf - baby

Last but not least, my favourite

Yam with Gai Choi + Ha mai (mini-prawns) Rice

Business Hours: Morning till 3pm (Closed on Tuesday)

Tel: 012-379 1549 (Karen) or 016-210 0826 (Xan Ling)

My Elephant Thai Restaurant @ SS17

2009-07-16T22:33:00.020+08:00

my Elephant is nothing like the Thai Restaurant chain in Klang Valley (Amarin-Flying Chillies-Bangkok Jam-Just Thai-etc..) - in term of its Thai originality and also the dining experience is fantastic.

It is in one of the ground-floor-shop-lots in the SS17 Happy Mansion Flat (not far from 6to9Grill), not facing the main road. However, during dinner time, you will see cars (including the fancy ones) filled the parking lots along the dark alley and the non-stop flow of customers. So, Reservation is essential especially during the weekends.

Nikom, the cook who hails Thailand's northern most city - Chiang Rai as the heart and soul of Thai food. His menu looks very 'authentically Thai', it took us a long time to figure out what to order. For the Thai Teaser (appetizer), we had paper roll/ popiah previously, so this time, we opted for..

Tod Man Plah
.Handmade Deep Fried Thai Fish Cakes.

Not just Tom Yam, they have Tom Ka [Semi Sweet Galangal-Lemongrass Soup with Aromatic Herbs & Coconut Milk] , Tom Som [Clear Galangal-Lemongrass-Lime Soup with Aromatic Thai Herbs] and also the non-spicy soups.

myElephant Tom Yum Seafood
.SUPER Spicy Galangal-Lemongrass-Lime Soup
with Aromatic Herbs & Homemade Red Chilli Paste.

As for THai curry (besides the Green and Red), you could try their Curry + Fruit (such as lychee/Rambutan) or perhaps the DUCK curry which has this extra twist of fruit sweetness, refreshing yet spicy - very special, MUST TRY.

Gaeng Keow Wan
Thai Green Curry with Chicken.

Other Must-Try's are the SnowFish -salt baked and the Thai Salads. These Thai dishes are accompanied with the healthy Rice mix (Jasmine + Brown).

The Siamese Drinks are the Coolers, Mojito (non alcoholic) and smoothie which are all very good firemen, particularly the Pandan Cooler.

Address - C-G-4 Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, SS 17, PJ
Call (rsvp.) - 010 - 220 1283
myElephant WEBSITE

*CLosed on MONday*

Tak Fok Crab @ Kepong

2009-07-14T23:14:00.007+08:00

"Tak Fok HK Seafood Restaurant in Kepong - RM18/kg Crab" is the reason why we settled-in for an early-6pm-dinner. The main reason is to avoid the crowd, whereby one will have to Q in order to place an order, then wait for a vacant table.

Their house specialities are the Salted Egg Crab as well as the calories-packed-

Cheese Crab
Kam Heong Crab

Sweet & Sour Crab

man tao (for the crab-sauce)

Besides crabs, we also had

Tong Bo Yuk (Pork) RM20

Spinach Tofu with mushroom

Stir-fried Taiwanese long beans
with button mushrooms

Tak Fok Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant

Address: 2-24 Jln. Desa, Desa Aman Puri, Kepong. TEL: 03-6272 3346

Branch: 23, Jln. Puteri 2/5, Bandar Puteri, Puchong. TEL: 03-8060 6994
Business Hours: 12pm-3pm & 6pm-11pm

Woo Pin Fish Head Noodles @ Tmn. Desa

2009-07-06T22:45:00.013+08:00

Arguably the best Fish Head Noodles in town. Woo Pin operates from early morning (7.30am) till their last bowl of fish head noodles everyday (except Monday).

Their specialty is definitely the fresh fish head (non-fried) mee-hoon soup. the broth is fantastic - with chunks of tomato, smoothness from the milk and not forgetting the Chinese-wine.

Price: RM6.50 (small) & RM8.00 (big)

The Yee-mee (and fried fish-head) version,

Besides, they also serve pretty good beverages.

Sour plum - Barley with Fu-chok & gingko

Address: Jalan 1/109F, Taman Danau Desa, KL (right opp. Sek. Keb. Danau Perdana)

Yuen Steamboat Buffet @ Sunway

2009-07-06T16:08:00.008+08:00

Yuen Buffet has been a very popular place among the students, even during my college days. During the weekends, the patrons are happy to wait more than an-hour for their eating spree for only Rm19.80/pax. One can either choose TomYam or ChickenSoup or both.

Fresh Seafood

Meat (balls)

Vege

Nooodles, Bean-curb skin, etc..

Besides steamboat, Yuen also offers Meehoon, curry chicken,

Chicken Wings - first grab first serve basis

and also the dessert such as ice cream, jelly and kuih.

Address: 32A-1 Jalan PJS 8/6, Mentari Plaza, Bandar Sunway, PJ
Tel: 03-5637 5825 or 016-208 6678

Business Hour: LUNCH 12-3pm
DINNER 5pm-12am

Restotan Asam Batu Laut @ Tg. Sepat, Sepang

2009-07-05T16:58:00.008+08:00

After the Fruit farm visit, we went to a more obscure seafood restaurant as it was recommended by the locals for their unbeatable price and freshness.

Their popular dish -

Assam flavoured sauce poured over a Red snapper

Steamed LaLa with ginger and chili-padi

Oyster Egg (Ho Jian) served on Hot plate

Stir fried KangKung with Belacan

Fried Home-made Seafood Tofu (with chili dip)

*FlashBack - Marmite Crab*
At 9.15 pm (after 30mins wait), we were told that the chef are preparing our dish and was not allowed to cancel the order.
At 9.45 pm, the "auntie boss" said the crabs are on their way..
At 10.00pm, we saw Fresh-Live-Crabs being delivered - meaning we were actually waiting for the delivery boy and not the chef !!
At 10.15pm, the crabs finally arrived. It was tasteless as we were all flaming with anger..
At 10.30pm, we complained to the boss and left with a rm10 discount (=rm150 for 7 pax)

How to get there?
Drive approx. 40mins along the straight stretch of road from Sg. Pelek, passing by Bagan Lalang. The restaurant is on your right.
Address: Sungai Mosok, Batu Laut, Kuala Langat
Tel: 019-384 4362.

Dragon Fruit Farm @ Sepang

2009-06-14T16:57:00.011+08:00

Sepang International Circruit, KLIA, Cyberjaya - silicon valley, Sepang Gold Coast (Bagan Lalang), Palm Oil plantation and also the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in 1999 are all we know about this southern district of the Selangor state.

Nonetheless, there is a small town - Sungai Pelek which has a growing popularity for their Dragon Fruit Farms @ Kg. Baru.

The farms in Sepang grows the 'high-end' Costa Rica Pitaya (red-skinned with RED flesh) is the fruit of a cactus-like-tree.

The Pitaya cacti flower only blossoms around 7-12 am. Thus, the farmers will have to keep a close eye on their crops and 'fertilize' it with other pitaya plant during this time.

A typical Pitaya fruit only has approx. 50% edible parts. Therefore, half of the rm25/kg (for 3-4 huge fuits) I paid was for the skin !! The fruit is also converted to juice, ice-cream, jelly or even wine - which is very highly-recommended for its 'health-goodness'.

Guess what I discovered in one of the hottest spot in Malaysis?

the passion fruit
(and they even have grapes - sour ones)

How to get there?
Directions to Sungai Pelek & Google Map
Address: No. 71, Kampong Baru, Sepang.
Tel: 012-355 2776 / 016-693 2117 (Dragon Fruit Farm)/ 012-6611 322 (Mr. Lee)

Hi Tea @ Atrium - Sunway Pyramid Tower Hotel

2009-06-09T22:39:00.013+08:00

Instead of joining the crowd in a shopping mall or having a coach-potato-session at home, we opted for a Hi-Tea session in Atrium cafe, Pyramid Tower Hotel (right next to the ~~elephants~~ Sunway Hotel).

The settings of this restaurant is rather special in which most of the diners are seated in a circular area in the middle of the restaurant where buffets are served around the dining area.
At first, I was a little disappointed with the absence of fresh Oysters, however, their seafood dishes are too good for me to complain any further, particularly the crabs & prawns.

Chinese dim-sum

Their satays are 'un-expectedly'-very-good..

Satay & Peanut sauce

One of their Must-Try is the HongKong Noodles (lai min or egg/wantan noodles). I have to give it a thumb-up especially for their dumplings.

Besides the usual Ceasar salad mix, they do have some pretty unique cold dishes.

Antipasto - Malay version

Soup/ bread/ fresh-baked-chicken-pie

Dessert
Cakes, Tropical Fruit & Ice cream

Snake fruit ?!?

We signed off with our Standard Chartered Credit card for just rm30+ (50% off). I was also informed that there are still on-going promo for other credit cards.

Atrium Café & Lounge
Lobby Level, Pyramid Tower Hotel,
Persiaran Lagoon - Bandar Sunway, PJ.
Tel: (6-03) 7492 8000 Extn. 6305

Buffet Hi-Tea:
12.00noon - 4.00pm (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays)
WEBSITE

3U Restaurant @ Cheras

2009-06-03T10:41:00.007+08:00

Cheras is one of the residential areas which is blessed with abundance of food sources. For instance, Taman Tayton View is popular for their eateries namely the 3U Restaurant.

This restaurant was featured in a few local TV food-programs and newspaper. We were handed a thick menu of around 15pages which includes vast selection of noodles dishes - from laksa to meat-ball-noodles to wantan, even drinks like bubble milk tea and dessert are available.

Their speciality is the Mixed-Beef-Noodle-Soup (ngau chap min), served with marinated cow parts in a clear and flavourful broth.

Dry Beef Brisket Noodles (ngau lam min)

Fried & Soup Prawn Dumpling
(a prawn in each of the dumpling)

Rojak for dessert

Besides, they sell meat balls too (such as their famous - FuChou Fish balls). Overall, I have no complain about the food, nevertheless, this meal was a little pricier than I have expected.
I have also heard rumours about the departure of their Chef who now open his own restaurant in Puchong.

Restoran 3U
25, Jalan Dato Haji Harun
Taman Tayton View,
Cheras, KL
Tel: 03-9130 6119 or 012-2997 222 (Ow)

Nite-Out @ Hark Rock Cafe KL

2009-06-02T21:07:00.008+08:00

On a Friday nite, in order to quench our thirst for booze and at the same time to delight our palate, HRC came to mind. And we were just in time for the Happy Hour (before 9pm) - Buy ONE Free ONE. So, we took full advantage and ordered ~~a margarita, long island and~~ a jug of beer [RM68] that came in double ~~each~~. *Slurp*

For starter, we had

the Jumbo Combo [RM48]

[ClockWise] Hickory-smoked Chicken Wings (very salty!),

Onion Rings, Potato Skins, Chicken 'fingers' and salad + Spring Rolls.

And to share,

HicKory Smoked bar-B-Que Combo [RM62]

the 14-hours-hickory-smoked Beef Brisket served with the tender (and fatty) Beed Slices topped with BBQ sauce and crisp fried onion straws. *Sexymoomoo* And I almost forgot the sides which are the grilled-half-Chicken, ranch beans, coleslaw and fries.

We dine, drink and chat while enjoying the philipines band who performed at 11pm that night. Trully a great night-out, CHEERS.

Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur

Ground Floor, Wisma Concorde
Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL

Mon - Sun 11:30AM - 2:30AM
(Kitchen Closes at 10.30pm)
HRC WEBSITE

Lemon Garden @ Shangri-La, KL

2009-05-28T21:27:00.016+08:00

After signing up for Gym, now I feel less guilty indulging myself with the weekend feasts. So, I 'reward' myself with a Lemon Garden High-Tea Session for a start.

As usual, my first dish is never the green green salad, but always..

the raw Sashimi, Oyster, Prawn and Mussels

Sushi (limited choices but fresh)

I repeated a few rounds of appetizer, well, just couldn't resist..

. The Garden-food (all kind of greens) & Cold Meat .

The Western spread was very 'delicate', near fine-dining standard, from the roast to the braised duck breast meat and to the grilled asparagus.

Lemon Garden's Chinese Food - Dim Sum, Steamed Fish (very fresh, love-it!) and the Noodles stall ..
Malay/ Indian - lots of curries, tandoori, keropok (but not my favorite)..

When I first-stepped into this restaurant, I've been reminding myself to leave half of my stomach for the dessert.
And this is why ..

White & Dark Chocolate Fountain

The best Dessert Buffet Spread in town.
The noteworthy dessert are the fresh-fruit-tarts,

and the Black sesame ice cream..

Last but not least, the caffeine..

Phone (60 3) 2074 3900

Address: 11 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL [map]

Website

Day Trip @ Pulau Ketam

2009-05-25T18:24:00.034+08:00

The Crab Island is a renowned Chinese fishing village, located off the coast of Port Klang. The main spoken dialects are Hokkien, Teochew and Mandarin.
The island population is approx. 6 to 7 thousands.

KTM from KL [to Port Klang - Final Stop],
Walk to the Jetty,

""The 60-year-old floating concrete pontoon cracked after a ferry rammed into it on Sunday, 26th April."" NST

So, we walked 20 minutes to the next Jetty and boarded on a ~~Submarine~~ Air-Con-Ferry (aka the Hokien-Karaoke coffin),

RM7 per way - No Ticket counter, pay to the Ferry-auntie
Ferry Time Table:
Weekdays - depart hourly from Port Klang (845-1845) & Pulau Ketam (745-1745)
Weekends - depart every 45mins from Port Klang (845-1910) & Pulau Ketam (745-1800)

40 minutes later, we arrived at KUAI Lok Hian - the biggest and most expensive seafood Restaurant in the island. *Promo: Dine-in and get Free Sea Breeze*

So, we explore further into the village
and found Kia Hong Haun,

Kam Heong Elongated-Clam-Type-Seafood
RM12 [Not my Favourite]

Sweet & Sour Mantis Prawn (a.k.a. Lai Liu Har)
RM12
Steamed Local Crabs x 2
RM28 (for 1kg)

The food servings are very fresh and generous <2 crabs ="1kg"> I was wondering if there is a difference between their weighing ~~skill~~s scale and KL's.

Lau Zhi Hau
(Fried Lala with Eggs - Ho Jian)

After filling our tummies, we took a detour around the village. The entire village is lifted above the sea level/ mudflats.
The narrow concreted pavements only allow walking and cycling.
These floating houses rest on long wooden stilts and most of their doors are wide open (indicating low crime rate?). However, the 'nicer' houses are usually locked..

The Nang Thiam Keng Hall, common place for wedding dinners. On the 6th of 6th Month of Chinese Calendar is the God's birthday, the celebration lasts at least 14 days with Chinese Opera and Mini Concert

Hock Leng Keng Temple in the biggest temple in pulau.

Pulau Ketam Township

Fancy a-nite-stay?
The not-so-nice about this island,

Smell of salty fish

the Garbage

Ref: Pulau Ketam webiste

Uncle Duck @ Berjaya Times Square

2009-05-14T12:51:00.018+08:00

Recently, I found myself stepping into the Berjaya Times Square regularly. Don't get me wrong, it's not because of the recent economic Tsunami, but for the eateries! One, for the World famous Donut, Krispy Kreme and secondly is for Uncle Duck HK Restaurant, 得哥火锅餐厅. This is Chef Marco Ma's (from Yue Kee HK) first branch, as his first venture was 港飮港食 Hong kong Food Culture in Plaza Low Yat LG. I've been there numerous times, never once disappoint me.

Uncle Duck's Interior & Private Room

His specialty is obviously his Roasted Duck - very crispy skin and so aromatic with his special marinade spices "that one gives in to temptation and chew on the bones a bit".

Roasted Duck Rice Set (with Ribena)

Up next is his hand-made wantan noodles which I actually witnessed him working on his noodles in his kitchen during one of my visits. Besides, his squid balls are so springy and one could even chew on bits of squid.

Squid Ball (Must try!)
with Marco's handmade Wantan Noodles

Uncle Duck's Steamboat is rather special, it is served in an individual pot filled with the selected broth on an electronically-controlled hotplates which is installed in every seating spot. I tried the Duck Congee Stock - amazingly duckie-licious and also the unsual Fish & Tomato Stock. There are also TomYam, Chicken Stock, Satay and Hot & Spicy SOup (with 7types of Chilies!).

Stockpot on hotplates
served with a-rather-special sauce
(with nuts & dried mandarin skin)

while the ingredients are served in a BentoBox (from RM18.90 with any soup),

Seafood Set

Beef Slices

There's an interesting side-order which I have yet to try, the CuttleFish Noodles - the paste is wrapped with a plastic 'piping' bag which one could squeeze it out in noodle-form and cook it straight in the pot.

Uncle Duck also offers some of the HK-Roadside-snacks such as the Curry Balls, Pig Skin, ~~SharkFin~~ chicken soup etc..

Last but not least,

the HK Milk Tea (Lai CHa)
is another 'Must Try' !

Uncle Duck HK Restaurant
Lot No. 03-107, 3rd Floor (near GSC in the ThemePark),
Berjaya Times Square, KL.
Tel: 03-2144 8998

Hong Kong's Food Culture
LG-18, LG PLaza Low Yat,
Off, Jln Bukit Bintang, KL.
Tel: 03-2141 6998

Low Yau Kee Porridge @ KL

2009-05-06T16:39:00.010+08:00

It was 10+ years ago since I sweat over a bowl of steamy hot Fish porridge by the roadside, along Jln. Silang's 'heritage row'. I remembered I used to eat with my legs 'held high' as Ratatouille & friends run freely around.

Low Yau Kee Porridge is now re-located in a proper kopitiam a.k.a. the Restoran Soong Kee Beef Ball Mee (which is also well-known for their Cows).

Chicken or RawFish garnised with coriander, shallots & ginger
served with Porridge

There's no better way to enjoy the fresh slices of fish than dipping it into the hot porridge before slurping it up.

And how could I resist a bowl of ..

Beef noodles 'chap'
(with beef balls, sliced beef and the moomoo tripe) - RM4.50

The minced meat perfected every strand of the 'springy' egg noodles while their home-made chilli-sauce spiced up the 'chap'.

*Direction:
Opposite RHB at Jln. Tun H.S. Lee intercepting Jln. Tun Tan Siew Sin (a.k.a. Jln. Silang before)

*Low Yau Kee Porridge is only open for dinner*

Serena Brasserie @ Hotel Nikko, KL

2009-05-04T22:01:00.027+08:00

The Hotel Nikko KL's new look after the completion of its major renovation,
A Weekend High Tea at the all-new Serena Brasserie [RM50++ /pax],

Cafe Serena after a face-lift, "bask in cozy and delightful ambience.."

"and allow Serena Brasserie's creative Chef Alexander Reilly and his team to satisfy your palate with a variety of zesty cuisine that will leave you craving for more.."

Cold Dish & Antipasto

Chinese Food
(Dim Sum & steamed vege.)

Asian Food
(steamed fish, curry, keropok, noodles etc.
are served on a rounded-buffet counter)

BBQ
(Sate, Fish, lamb/beef & skews)
.BBQued Salmon.

Western Food
(also includes a Pasta kitchen & Roasted meat counter)
Dessert
(Chocolate fountain, creme brulee, fruit & ice cream)

Overall, I had a very pleasant dining experience, in particular in the relaxing dining area - over-looking the artificial waterfall. As for the food, I like their cold dish/ antipasto, very refreshing and they are prompt in refills. The unique part of Serena is the BBQ kitchen (where the chef will cook as we order) - a smart way to serve sate and grilled meat. However, for the dessert, there is still plenty room for improvement - limited selection of cakes/ pastries.

For RSVP:
Call 03-2782 6228
Location - Along Jln Ampang & right opp. Ampang Park Shopping Complex
WEBSITE

Fukuya @ KL City Centre

2009-04-29T13:23:00.020+08:00

Despite its location in the middle of the city, Fukuya brings back the reminiscent of a wealthy Japanese family home in the olden days..

with a courtyard surrounded by mock houses and secret corridors.

Fukuya, or the House of Happiness, specializes in its Kaiseki menu (literally means "stone in the bosom") served by the restaurant’s Master Chef Ando.

FUkuya's FUku-FUku Lunch [RM38] - where you can choose TWO dishes out of a dozen,

Appetizer, Salad with tofu & ChawanMushi

Cod Fish Teriyaki and Pan Grilled Salmon w' Soya Sauce
with Pickles, Rice & Miso Soup

Also in the Fuku-Fuku menu are Salmon Sashimi, Fried scallops/ Oyster/ Bean curd, Chicken/ Beef Teriyaki, Grilled Saba Mackerel, Grilled Eel and Soft Shell Crab Tempura.

FUkuya's Seiro Lunch [RM40],

Steamed rice with Salmon, Sashimi and Soft Shell Crab
served with Appetizer, miso soup and pickles
Dragon Fruit

FUkuya gave me a very pleasurable dining experience, considering the food quality as well as the ambient. A great Japanese hideout place for me..

Fukuya Authentic Japanese Cuisine
[Lunch] noon - 1430 [Dinner] 1830 - 2230 [Closed on Sunday]
No 9 Jalan Delima, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
03-2144 1022 /1077

Ref: FUKUYA website

Tenji Japanese Buffet @ Solaris

2009-04-22T15:16:00.032+08:00

I received an SMS from Tenji, informing me about the RM1 Supper Meal Promo and RM49.90++ (= RM61 nett) Weekday Lunch Promo. Without hesitation, I booked a Friday lunch session there.

This is my second visit there since last year, there are obviously more tables/chairs in the indoor

and also at the balcony (right next to the busy highways..).

The Sashimi bar, refiils are very prompt and fresh.

Fresh Oyster

Salmon Sashimi & Prawn Jelly

Maguro (Tuna), Horse Mackerel (Aji),
Abalone slices, Octopus (Tako), Smoked Salmon roll...

There are also some not-so-common cold delicacy in Tenji, such as the Prawn Jelly, CenturyEgg Sushi and Strawberry Yam Sushi.

As for the Shabu-shabu, there is a wide variety of meat or seafood and broth to chose from. Prepared by the chef and cooked on our table. I would prefer the beef slices to be served raw (and where is the sesame sauce?).

The BBQ counter is at the far corner where patrons rarely notice, the dishes are cold. On the other hand, chefs are busy frying and grilling at the Teppanyaki & Tempura Kitchen. Remember to look out for their Kangkung Tempura (?) when you are there.
ONE Ebi (Prawn) Tempura per order - be a little more generous, Tenji.

In Tenji, I'm more impressed with their Chinese Kitchen than the Jap's.

Dim Sum - steamy hot siew mai

Stir-fried Vegetable

Steam Fish,
Chinese dishes & Soup

The Western Kitchen,

Pan Fried Fish Fillet (with Lemon sauce),
Roasted Lamb Leg, Black ~~Truffle~~ Squid Fettuccine & etc..

Tenji provides juices of all kind including the cordial (such as Kiwi) and also some fresh ones (watermelon, cocoNUT, blended honeydew-must try!)

and a chocolate fountain (for kids).

Last but not least, the dessert section,

Haagen-Daz Ice Cream

Mochi - Grape, Lotus, Cookies (must try) & etc..

Black sesame Ginger cake,
Eggless Chocolate Walnut Cake or Pandan Durian Cake

Kiwi, Peach Jelly

Lavender Cookies,
Lemon Cheese Cookies & etc..

Chocolate & Pudding

Coffee or tea?

or perhaps some Popcorn??

Visit their WEBSITE or BLOG for more information.

For reservation,
Type RSVP<24hour> and send to 016-9201899

Dragon-i [RM1 Chicken] @ Pavillion

2009-04-22T08:36:00.020+08:00

Dragon-i is celebrating their 3-year-old birthday with RM1 Chicken Promotion for the whole of April. Initially, I was a little wary of any 'catch' or hidden T&C, but really all you need is two more friends to dine-in with you from 6-9pm (First come First serve].

The restaurant is packed with customers but no queue (so, it's always smarter to enjoy the promo. on a weekday).

Our RM1 soya sauce chicken with ginger-oil. It's a small chick but was claimed to be 1kg, however, it's more than enough for 3-4 people. The poultry is very well-stewed, juicy and not too salty, worth every cents of my RM1.

No catch but don't get caught ordering too much..

Egg Plant & Shredded Pork in Hot Pot (yu hiong ke chi po)
with an exciting fling of Salted Fish and chillis

Shanghai Lai Min(hand-pulled noodles)
in flavourful soup. Eat it fast before it gets soggy.

8-bo Fried rice
with tiny Yam cubes, Braised Pork (kao yuk) and Egg

Evidence:
++ Plain water = RM1 = a chicken++

PROMO for Citibank Credit Card holders:
ONE free order of Shanghainese Meat Dumplings with min spend of RM50 in a single receipt.
*Only valid on weekdays till 30th Jun 2009*

You can also catch the Chick in
1-Utama, Centre point @ BU, Mid-V, Curve, Pyramid, Leisure Mall, AEON Bt Tinggi and Queensbay Mall

or check-out their WEBSITE for the latest Promo.

Tetsuya Smoked Salmon

2009-04-21T14:35:00.010+08:00

"Tetsuya cuisine is unique based on the Japanese philosophy of natural seasonal flavours, enhanced by classic French technique and the freshest possible ingredients." Quote from Website
"Tetsuya is part of an elite group of international chefs that has influenced other chefs through their personal styles and unique approaches to food. His culinary philosophy centres on pure, clean flavours that are decisive, yet completely refined. His amazing technique, Asian heritage, sincere humility, worldwide travels and insatiable curiosity combine to create incredible, soulful dishes that exude passion in every bite." Charlie Trotter

Tetsuya relocated his restaurant from Rozelle to 529 Kent Street, Sydney in Nov. 2000. Since then, he has evolved his style & reputation to become one of Australia’s, if not the world’s, most renowned chefs and these are some of the awards he earned in the past year.

Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide
- Three Chef's Hats 2008 & 2009 (Highest rating)
- Restaurant of the Year
- Sommelier of the Year 2009

Restaurant Magazine, London
- The World's 50 Best Restaurant 2008 (No.9)
- Best Australasian Restaurant 2008

Remy/ Gourmet Traveler Restaurant of the year 2008 (No. 2)

Home made food featuring the air-flown Tetsuya's Smoked Salmon

with thinly sliced green apple & onion,
drizzled in olive oil

with tangy lemon

with spring onions and (chopped & fried) garlic
sprinkled with light Jap. soy sauce & Olive oil

Rocket salad with Balsamic vinegar & Olive oil

Roasted chicken drumsticks with potato
seasoned with rosemary & Tetsuya's Truffle Salt

Tetsuya's Truffle Salt
(Black truffle is a fungal and grows exclusively with oak,
priced between USD$130-380 per pound)

Prawn and Chilli Linguine

Wine - De Bortoli's Willowglen (Shiraz Carbenet 2006)
from Yarra Valley, Australia

P.S. Special thanks to CL.

Plus One Shabu Shabu @ One Utama

2009-04-20T09:07:00.000+08:00

What draw us into the restaurant was the buffet counter (at first, I thought they serve Shabu-Shabu Buffet), then I realized it was there for the 'bottomless' sauces. As soon as we stepped-in, we were greeted by a hong-kie woman who enthusiastically explained their specialty, set meals and soup base.

After placing our orders, we were left stranded with No food No drinks for almost an hour. All we had was our own-uniquely-mixed sauces (namely Satay, Sesame, Sze-Chuan, California?, garlic/spring onions and beef sauce)

and also some empty plates/bowls/stomachs... thanks to the waiter who did not process our orders %$#..

We had the water cress 'liong-sui' that comes in a jug (and a CArrot?) - very refreshing.

There are approx. 10 types of broth to choose from, we opted for the chew-chow (with salty vege, Yam and tomato),

the drunken-chicken (below), herbal soup and water-cress + centuryEgg/Pei-dan soup (recommended). The soup tasted all right, not too sure it's the sweetness from the Ajinomoto or it is the real broth..

The standard mix set (see below) is valued at 'round RM20, that includes, a scallop, a prawn, fish slices, chicken, pork, enoki mushrooms, bean-curd and vege. There are also sets which comes with extra seafood/ meat. In general, the food servings are fresh but a little pricey.

Besides Shabu-Shabu, there are also some HK hawker delicacy in the menu such as the Fried Fish Skin (ran out of stock - thank you Mr. Waiter)
P.S.: Remember to claim your PRAWNS @ RM1 for every RM50 spent in the restaurant.

I wouldn't consider a re-visit after having me to wait an hour for my meal. But with the RM12.90-RM15.90 Lunch Promo, I might go give it another shot.

For RSVP,
Call 03-7725 3322 (Level 1 - Rain Forest, 1 Utama)
or 03-2148 0322 (Jalan Imbi)