Melur & Thyme @KLCC

July 23, 2013, 1:21 am

≫ Next: Saga Highland Steak Cafe 傻瓜山中西露天扒坊

≪ Previous: Universal Studios Japan: Waterworld

It was a gem discovered when I was walking to taxi station in front of Isetan, KLCC. Little do I know this sidewalk cafe facing main road and Harrods (ground floor) has got its attention from the social media, especially some of the famous food bloggers.

Together with Agnes, we dropped by Melur & Thyme for dinner, just one month after their opening on May 2013.

With a mixture of 2 languages in its name, Melur (meaning 'jasmine' in Malay) & Thyme aims to bring a memorable mix of East and West dining experience.

Contemporary design yet maintaining its nostalgic charm with elegance in the air.

(left) Gunner RM15

Ginger beer, ginger ale with a dash of fresh ginger extract and honey

(right) Mint Limeade RM15

Fresh mint leaves, fresh lime squeeze, topped with water or soda

Agnes and I were more than happy to take up their Digi rewards offer of free drink worth RM15 upon ordering from selected mains. She had Gunner and I who'd always love the minty flavor, opted for mint limeade. I was expecting the mocktail version of mojito with visible mint sprigs followed by moderate lime and sugar, perhaps in the proportion of 3:2:1. But mint leaves were nowhere to be seen as in the menu description, more of like lime/lemonade soda.

Grilled Herb Chicken RM29

Boneless chicken breast marinated with thyme and spices, sous vide to perfection and served with vegetables, mash potato and cilantro garlic oil

Sous Vide, a French word of "under vacuum" is a method of cooking food sealed in airtight plastic bags in water bath for longer than normal cooking time, in order to maintain the level of "doneness" inside out. ~ Wikipedia

This grilled herb chicken was mediocre in terms of flavor with stuffed spices but lacking when it comes to texture. I am unsure of its cooking method of sous vide and/or grill because it has failed to grasp the essence of either. Mash potato was good with its less milky flavor and potato chunk contributing to better texture.

Carbonara with Smoked Duck RM28

Traditional rich creamy carbonara sauce with duck eggs blanketing spinach tagliatelle and juicy slices of smoked duck

Wise combination of spinach Tagliatelle, a narrower flat ribbon pasta than Fettucini in matching its sauce of carbonara with duck eggs: Rich (in flavor), yet not cloying. Did I even mention that the pasta was cooked to al dente? Each bite is heavenly and we wiped clean till the last drop.

Encountered with previous horrible experience of spring onion with carbonara, I overlooked on this because the taste was so insignificant. However, it's better to leave them out of sight next time.

melur & thyme peanut butter chocolate cake

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake RM10

For one who can easily finish up one whole jar of peanut butter, this was too dry and too dense for me to take. Appreciate the fact that it came warm, but it was not a happy ending.

Melur & Thyme

G03H-I Level Ground,

Suria KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

03 - 2181 8001

8am - 10pm (Monday - Sunday)

Website

Facebook

↧

Saga Highland Steak Cafe 傻瓜山中西露天扒坊

July 30, 2013, 2:35 am

≫ Next: Oden おでん

≪ Previous: Melur & Thyme @KLCC

I believe many would conjure images of high end ristorante with elegant settings if I were to mention a perfect romantic dinner of steaks and view from high ground. Which of course, could easily come with a price tag of 3 digits and above though it might only be a dinner for 2.

Big thanks to Suyvon, a friend of Daniel who'd introduced us to a more affordable aka "mamak" way of having steak with enjoyable view: Saga Highland Steak Cafe (傻瓜山中西露天扒坊).

Simple setting of zinc roof, plastic chairs,striking yellow tables with hanging green plants and bamboo blinds serves as a perfect dinner venue for the families.

Like other open but sheltered cafes, Saga Highland Steak Cafe has no entrance, no exit, and no door.

Not a clear night view of KLCC and Petronas Twin Towers with flat/condo in front but breezing wind is also one of the advantages of being on high ground.

(Left) Carrot Milk RM4, Mango Super Jumbo RM11.80

Were pretty surprised by the size of that super jumbo fruit juice but when we saw other couples sharing their drink using 2 straws, we realized that this was supposed to be a romantic drink (sort of).

Who would reject crispy bread with thick layer of cheese? especially when it came as complimentary.

Another complimentary breads with Bridel salted butter.

Special Honey Mustard Salmon Fish 蜜香芥辣酱三文鱼 RM19.80

Grilled ham on top of "blanketed" salmon and raw romaine lettuce, served with sides of mayonnaise salad (cabbages and carrots) and zigzag french fries.

Sizzling Saga Combo Beef 傻瓜山铁板大虾牛扒 (RM28.80 Argentina)

Argentina beef steak and 2 cheese-slice-covered big prawns on top of zigzag french fries and raw romaine lettuce.

Drizzled with Suyvon's recommended Mongolia sauce out of 4 others: Garlic, BBQ, Black Pepper and Mushroom. They may want to consider the heat of sizzling plate for steak doneness as Daniel's choice of medium had turned into well done, though not to the extent of shoes leather texture.

Cheese Baked Escargot 1/2 Dozen 芝士法国蜗牛 RM13.80

Too mushy and not chewy at all, unfortunately, were the indications of stale. Cheese was dilute enough to be in liquid form. A big no no.

Scallop 带子

A dish that gathered 3 huge scallops and baked in cheese. Scallop was chewy enough but again, I do not fond for liquid form cheese.

Carbonara Pasta presented in slanted enormous white ceramic plate.

Carbonara Pasta 芝士奶油意粉 RM15.80

Spaghetti topped with processed crabsticks, canned button mushrooms, prawns, squids, mussel and romaine lettuce.

I would say that this was a plate of catastrophe for carbonara lover. Instead of the typical creamy carbonara sauce, they offered chinese style sweet creamy butter sauce, sort of like 奶油鸡. It wasn't inviting at all with the cheapskate canned mushrooms and processed crabstick. (Don't get me wrong, they can be very tasty in mushroom soup and Subway seafood&crab but not here and not in this way.) It became my worst nightmare with the taste of Carnation condensed milk down my throat. I beg you, avoid this at all cost!

Saga Highland Steak Cafe 傻瓜山中西露天扒坊

Gerai 1, Jalan Saga 20, Taman Saga,

68000, Ampang, Selangor.

Monday-Sunday 6pm-1.30am

Facebook

↧

Oden おでん

August 4, 2013, 11:14 pm

≫ Next: Floating Garden Observatory 空中庭園展望台 @Umeda Sky Building 梅田スカイビル

≪ Previous: Saga Highland Steak Cafe 傻瓜山中西露天扒坊

"Oden (おでん) is a Japanese winter dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, konnyaku, and processed fish cakes stewed in a light, soy-flavoured dashi broth." ~Wikipedia

Most Japanese convenient stores (often called as Conbini "コンビニ") sell Oden in their simmering hot pots during winter. It is also often sold from food carts.

While Nagoya named this as 関東煮 (Kantō-ni), it is often known as guāndōngzhǔ by Taiwanese even though they share the same kanji/chinese characters and referring to the same Oden.

Can't be amazed enough with the detail Japanese has put into the menu, especially on the calories indication.

Other than these ingredients, customer can always opt for addition of mee, soba and udon along with a variety of condiments such as wasabi and mustard.

Instead of having my first Oden at Family Mart, I bought them at Lawson.

お魚団子 Fish Dumpling 120yen

ベーコン串 Bacon Skewer 120yen

餅入巾着 Mochi (Pounded Rice Cake) in Tofu Pouch 120yen

ローソンファーム大根 Lawson Farm Radish 75yen

Radish have the tendency of absorbing the essence of dashi broth and all flavours of other skewers. Hence this is the cheapest and my favourite of all!

↧

Floating Garden Observatory 空中庭園展望台 @Umeda Sky Building 梅田スカイビル

August 5, 2013, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: Rinku Premium Outlets @Osaka

≪ Previous: Oden おでん

Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル) is a tall building of 173 meters consisting of mainly two main towers connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory", a doughnut shape roof that provides an unobstructed 360 degree view on the 39th floor.

Known as "New Umeda City", it is located at the Kita district of Osaka and is accessible through Osaka/Umeda station.

From the bottom it looked as if those UFO rays and the next thing you know, you're abducted and lying on the table while alien approaching you with its scalpel. #Too_many_movies_spoil_the_brain

Interesting lighting that turned passage into milky way colors of blue and green, or perhaps the intention was to resemble grass in the conjured images of garden in most minds.

Not surprised to see another high rise building being "marketed" as lover's paradise in keeping their love forever in the form of lock. Though it seems romantic in every way, I despise the fact that love is being exploited for the sake of their thick wallet.

What's not to love for this 360 degrees night view on open air observatory garden with breezing cold wind?

Overlooking Yudo River.

I believed that the best time to visit Floating Garden Observatory (also best time for photos) is during sunset.

Floating Garden Observatory (空中庭園展望台)

10am-10.30pm (last entrance at 10pm)

Admission: 700yen

↧

Rinku Premium Outlets @Osaka

August 11, 2013, 9:11 pm

≫ Next: Restoran Oz: Aussie Outback Roast Chicken and Fusion Cuisine

≪ Previous: Floating Garden Observatory 空中庭園展望台 @Umeda Sky Building 梅田スカイビル

Together with my family, we went to Kansai Airport much earlier than the check in time and kept our luggage at the lockers.

Then we hopped on to Sky Shuttle Bus directly from Kansai International Airport to Rinku Premium Outlets that took about 20 minutes and cost 100yen one way per adult.

"The largest outlet shopping center in western Japan across from Kansai International Airport. A 2-story building in the style of the old American port town Charleston houses over 210 shops.A rich shopping experience at reasonable prices in spacious floors."

ベーコンクリームオムライス Bacon on Rice Omelette with Cream Sauce 680yen

Many have raved about the Japanese Omuraisu (Omelette Rice) and I imagined that it would be similar to our Nasi Pattaya but I was totally wrong. It has got to be the perfect "marriage" of sticky Japanese rice, tomato sauce and heavenly half-cooked omelette with inner running yolks!

This post finally draw an end to my Osaka, Kyoto and Nara trip October 2012.

Restoran Oz: Aussie Outback Roast Chicken and Fusion Cuisine

August 14, 2013, 8:58 pm

≫ Next: Paradise Inn 樂天客棧 @Sunway Pyramid

≪ Previous: Rinku Premium Outlets @Osaka

It was a random night at Ipoh when Jason suggested this restaurant with huge portion. Normally I don't fancy of these kind of restaurants knowing that the quality might be a bit off to compromise with quantity for reasonable price.

Yet whatever that can pass Jason's (the picky Ipohian) tongue test usually turned out to be not bad.

The hopping kangaroo with Aussie wording certainly helped those who may not understand the meaning of Oz as a slang for Australia.

A mix of Australia style between cowboy and tribal, decorated with koala bear and lots of roosters.

As the theme suggests, it's not hard to notice the cowboys (wearing the iconic hat) taking orders and even serving food.

Coke with Float (Chocolate) RM4.90 (Left)

Honey Dew Fruit Juice RM4.00 (Right)

Gold Coast Pork Schnitzel RM15

Garlic pork fillet pan fried served with ratatouille sauce on a bed of tomato rice

While ratatouille means stewed vegetable dish and schnitzel is a boneless meat that fried along with flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs, they've made a perfect combination of crisp and moist.

As a pork lover, I'm glad to see this on the menu because of its porky taste but I doubt its meat texture for such kind of fried steak as it might go very dry and ended up munching shoe leather. This schnitzel had no such problem, but it could be very risky in the wrong hand.

Outback Roast Chicken RM17.90

in Herbs Bread Sauce with German Potato Salad, Caesar Salad and Onion Rings as side dishes.

"Quarter of the outback roast chicken served with a choice of sauces and 3 of your favorites choices"

Side dishes: Mashed Potatoes / Thick Fries / Fruity Coleslaw / Roast Potato / Rice / German Potato Salad / Caesar Salad / Onion Rings / Curry Potato n Pumpkin

Sauces: Blended Creamy Mushroom / Herbs Bread Sauce / Homemade Mayonnaise / Outback BBQ Sauce

It was good: chicken was tender, caesar salad done right with fresh romaine lettuce and crunchy crouton, skin potato salad with onion, crispy yet not too oily onion rings and even a bed of potato with herbs beneath the roasted chicken to absorb the remaining essence. Perhaps a wee bit more seasoning to make this dish a memorable one?

Also, it would be better to have more side dish varieties for those who do not fond of potato.

Restoran Oz

No 26, Jalan Medan Ipoh 1D,

Medan Ipoh Bestari, Ipoh.

Monday-Sunday

12pm-3pm, 6pm-9pm

016-442 5472

Facebook

↧

Paradise Inn 樂天客棧 @Sunway Pyramid

August 21, 2013, 7:50 am

≫ Next: Have you seen the Longest Line of Nasi Lemak Bungkus?

≪ Previous: Restoran Oz: Aussie Outback Roast Chicken and Fusion Cuisine

To begin with, here's a little fact about me: I cannot survive without soup, Chinese in particular.

My cravings tend to bias to any type of food with hot piping soup such as steamboat and ramen, a fact that anyone close enough with me would easily notice. While other ladies claim to have a separate "stomach" for desserts, I have bottomless stomach for soup. Take all the ingredients you want, but leave me with the steamboat soup and I can finish all by myself.

Therefore, I was delighted to be invited along with Agnes to Paradise Inn, which famed for its double-boiled soup.

Upon entering, I was surrounded by modern wooden dining chairs, light blue pattern that resembles traditional Chinese window pattern, along with orange lanterns in river stream-like arrangement.

More effort on details can be seen at Paradise Inn's custom-made tableware of 清明上河图 "Along the River during QingMing Festival", one of the world renowned Chinese paintings.

Even their menu cover was embossed with ancient Chinese calligraphy.

Double Boiling is one of Chinese cooking techniques in preparing delicate dishes such as bird's nest where one pot of soup is boiled/steamed in another pot of water to ensure no loss of essence during the process.

As such, Paradise Inn double-boiled soups are serve in earthenware pots that would cater to 2-4 pax.

Double-boiled Water Goby with Fresh Apple Soup 苹果炖生鱼汤 (RM42.90 per pot)

2 Different versions of this soup was served: The previous one of overpowering spare ribs flavour while the one with improved recipe was more balanced with natural sweetness of apples and water goby.

Double-boiled Bamboo Fungus with Dried Conpoy Soup 干贝菜胆炖竹笙汤 (RM43.90 per pot)

Alternatively, one can always opt for double-boiled soup of the day for RM12.90 per person.

Stewed Pork Belly served with Lotus Bun 招牌扣肉包 (RM4.90 per piece)

Paradise Inn certainly know what's best for their patrons where pork belly can only be right with the fatty part. Just gobble this tender and fatty layered pork belly that has been simmered for hours, sandwiched in soft Chinese bun along with lettuce and embrace as it moves down to the throat from your tongue. A must-have for pork lover.

Coffee Pork Ribs 咖啡排骨王 (RM20.90 small)

Though we Malaysians might not heard of this interesting combination of coffee and pork ribs, this dish is pretty common in Singapore. Thanks to the Paradise Group, which was originated from Singapore to include this unique dish in Paradise Inn menu. I would say whoever that have come up with this combination is a pure genius. Slices of pork ribs being deep-fried and coated in the coffee-based sweet sauce: maintaining the fragrance of coffee but not the bitterness. Odd, but perfect.

Stewed Eggplant with Minced Pork and Salted Fish in Claypot 渔香茄子煲 (RM18 small)

Crisp-fried Crystal Prawns in Wasabi Mayo Sauce 青芥末虾球 (RM29.90 small)

Another dish that would take lots of effort in preparation: removal of intestinal vein, crisp fried the prawn to curl into pretty ball shape, coated with wasabi mayo sauce and garnished with fish roes. I personally prefer prawn with intestinal vein removed as it's much more comforting to know that I'm not eating the prawn's waste and it could also be affecting the overall taste. The usage of wasabi in this dish was minimal, just enough to stimulate the nasal passage and clear its way for prawn and mayo flavor. One of my favorites for that night.

Crisp-fried Crystal Prawns with Salted Egg Yolk 黄金咸蛋虾球 (RM29.90 small)

Prepared in almost the same way as "Crisp-fried Crystal Prawns in Wasabi Mayo Sauce" except that it was obviously coated in salted egg yolk. Sinfully delicious.

Poached Chinese Spinach with Egg Trio and Minced Pork in Superior Stock 金银蛋浸苋菜 (RM18 small)

Flavorful with varieties of eggs (salted egg, century egg and (chicken) egg) and maintaining the clear texture in its superior stock (上湯).

Crisp-fried Shrimp Paste Chicken 脆皮虾酱鸡 (RM18.90 small)

Bites of crispiness off the wing and into juicy meat of shrimp paste.

Again, Paradise Inn was very considerate in providing disposable gloves whenever chicken wings were served. Keeping hands clean for the next dishes without rushing for washroom which is inconveniently located outside the restaurant.

Braised Vermicelli with Pork Trotters 猪手焖米粉 (RM19.90 small)

Braised alongside with pork trotters, mushroom and vermicelli has absorbed all the gelatinous gravy. Paradise for die-hard fans of all things pork.

Chicken with Fragrant Spices in Claypot 砂煲金香鸡 (RM18.90 small)

Resembling to Taiwanese 3-Cup Chicken but its skin was crisp-fried in light batter.

Steamed Minced Pork with Water Chestnut and Salted Egg Yolk 手剁马蹄咸蛋蒸肉饼 (RM18.90)

A simple dish made perfect with blending of minced water chestnut and mince pork for extra texture and full moon-like rolled out salted egg yolk for enhanced taste.

Hot Plate Tofu with Preserved ‘Cai Xin’and Minced Pork 菜香铁板豆腐 (RM18.90 small)

What's not to like for this smooth bean curd served in sizzling hot plate with a layer of egg at the bottom and topped with generous amount of 'cai xin', minced pork and mushroom? We were told that this is one of parents' favorites in feeding their kids with another add-on rice.

Individual Mini Wok Set Meal

Supreme Seafood Fried Rice 海鲜皇鸳鸯炒饭 (RM20.90)

Brilliant solution made specially for single patron or companions that would like to have their own set of dishes from RM19.90++. There are also other varieties of individual set meal such as Hot Steaming Basket, Chargrilled and Hot Stone Bowl where each set comes with a traditional double-boiled soup of the day, a platter of fresh vegetables and side dishes of the day. (with compliments homemade Thai Chili Sauce)

Mango Sago (Chilled) 杨枝甘露（冷）(RM8.50)

Mango puree topped with mint leave, sago and slices of pomelo.

Chilled Lemongrass Jelly with Lemonade (Chilled) 酸甘香茅冻（冷）(RM6.90)

Rice Dumplings (2pcs) in Red Bean Paste (Warm) 红豆沙汤圆（温）(RM6.90)

Black sesame rice dumplings (tong yun) served warm in red bean paste of sago, accompanied with lovely scent of dried citrus peel.

Paradise Inn @Sunway Pyramid

OB3, Lower Ground 1.7 & 1.8, Sunway Pyramid

46150 Petaling Jaya

03-5637 8822

Paradise Inn Menu

Paradise Group Facebook

*Special thanks to arrangement by HungryGoWhere Malaysia

↧

Have you seen the Longest Line of Nasi Lemak Bungkus?

August 28, 2013, 9:24 pm

≫ Next: An Evening with Worthy Book

≪ Previous: Paradise Inn 樂天客棧 @Sunway Pyramid

Judging from the many status updates on Facebook, HungryGoWhere has made its mark on Malaysia by setting Guinness World Records of the Longest Line of Nasi Lemak with Sunway Pyramid shoppers as witnesses last Saturday, 24th August 2013.

When asked about the choice of Nasi Lemak, Linda Foo, as director of HungryGoWhere said,"We chose nasi lemak because it is everyone’s favourite food and can be eaten at any time of the day, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even supper." which I couldn't agree more. Not only Nasi Lemak is the most representing food of Malaysia, but it is also affordable for everyone.

She also further added that the event was held in conjunction with the official launch of its Malaysian website and mobile app.

Awesome host of the day, Jeremy Teo from Red FM.

At about 3pm, Ms Calem Valerio, as adjucator from Guinness World Records announced that HungryGoWhere, the support of SingTel Digital Media Pte. Ltd. (Singapore) has set a new record with 11, 315 packets of Nasi Lemak lined up.

She then handed the much awaited official certificate to Singtel’s CEO, Mr. Allen Lew, who represented HungryGoWhere Malaysia.

Kudos to the great team of HungryGoWhere that has been arranging those Nasi Lemak since 8.30am!

¼ cup rice, 1 slice of cucumber, half a boiled egg, a soup spoon of sambal belacan and wrapped traditional-style in banana leaves according to the Guinness World Record guidelines.

If you're wondering on the waste of such world record, rest assured that those 11,315 packets of Nasi Lemak were distributed to nearby charitable homes while the remaining was given to shoppers at the mall.

HungryGoWhere Malaysia Website

HungryGoWhere Malaysia App

↧

An Evening with Worthy Book

September 2, 2013, 8:20 pm

≫ Next: Restoran Muar 麻坡乡厨 @Tengkat Tong Shin

≪ Previous: Have you seen the Longest Line of Nasi Lemak Bungkus?

Discount is probably the most convincing word in the world of consumers. Who doesn't love item that comes in striking yellow 50% discount tag? Imagine if this were to apply to our food, we would save tons by the end of the month or put it in another way, that we can enjoy even more luxurious food at our regular expenses. Which would be the reason why bargain sites like Livingsocial gained high popularity among us consumers. However, there are so many terms and conditions that tie along with it like reservation in advance, short validity period of mostly three months and high chances of forgetting the existence of that particular coupon.

Introducing Worthy Book FnB (Food and Beverage) 2013-2014 Edition, a food guide and voucher booklet that does not require reservation and long validity period of 1 year until June 2014.

Not only the index was arranged according to category, it was also by area and shopping malls. Quick glance for restaurants nearby.

For just RM29.90, I got myself a Worthy Book of fnb discounts and deals that would save even more.

Together with Jason at e@Curve, we tried to prove what we have saved in just one evening would easily cost the same or even more than a Worthy Book.

After 8 (Mint & Chocolate) (left), Weekly Special (Chocolate Brownie) (right)

The weekly special of chocolate brownie has left us rather good impression with its spongy brownie texture in between the chocolate gelato. After 8 on the other hand refreshed our taste buds.

These 2 bowls of Lecka-Lecka Triple Scoop Cup only cost us RM12.90 instead of RM25.80.

Saved: RM12.90

Lecka-Lecka e@Curve

Lot 210 (ii), 2nd Floor, e@Curve, Jalan PJU 7/3,

Mutiara Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

03-6274 9900

Website

Home-made Socialized Fruit Tea (with Lychee sorbet) RM12.90 (left)

Lemonade RM9.90 (right)

We were so in love...with this home-made socialized fruit tea. It had the natural aroma of tea with a tinge of lychee sweetness but no presence of sugar. Lemonade was just being lemonade.

Creamy Carbonara with Beef Bacon RM24.90

Spaghetti was al dente along with chewy beef bacon but cabonara sauce was a bit of disappointment with its slightly thick sauce.

Penne Pasta with Salmon RM29.90

In smoked salmon cream sauce, vine ripped cherry tomatoes

Penne pasta was cooked to perfection,with cream sauce bursting out on every bite,leaving me speechless in its wonder. Differ than the one I had at its G Tower outlet, the salmon was perfectly grilled.

House e@Curve

G25 & G26, e@Curve, Jalan PJU 7/3,

Mutiara Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

03-7722 2414

Facebook

We used the deal of Buy 1 Free 1 at House e@Curve, which saved us RM24.90 for this meal.

Sum that up with Lecka-lecka gelato that we purchased earlier, we have saved a total of RM37.80 on just one evening, which exceeded the amount of RM29.90. It is truly a Worthy Book.

Get yourself a copy now at all major bookstores (MPH, Popular, Times, Borders, Kinokuniya) and selected myNEWS.com outlets in Klang Valley.

Visit Worthy Book Facebook and Website for more info.

↧

Restoran Muar 麻坡乡厨 @Tengkat Tong Shin

September 4, 2013, 9:18 pm

≫ Next: Sunday Brunch @Thirty8, Grand Hyatt

≪ Previous: An Evening with Worthy Book

Despite the many years of living at KL, I seldom step foot to Jalan Alor area due to the its status as tourist attraction. Yet we have found a very pretty boutique hotel where we spent a night there and it was a chance for us to explore the area.

We passed by this restaurant the night before and there was a long queue where patrons would have to stand on the roadside. It appeared that this Restoran Muar is also one of the favorites for foreign tours.

We were lucky to secure a table on the next day for lunch.

Crispy Fried Egg 炸蛋 RM5 (small)

If you're someone who fond of crispy edges of a fried egg, I assure you that you can have a whole egg of crispiness here! Instead of having the conventional soy sauce to go with this dish, Restoran Muar has added cooking caramel for its slight sweetness along with aroma of dark soy which balanced out the greasiness. It might not be a dish for those health conscious patrons judging from the amount of oil needed, but this is the best fried egg I can ever find in KL town.

Salted Egg Chicken 咸蛋鸡肉 RM16 (small)

How can any food goes wrong with salted egg?

Petai Squid & Prawn 臭豆苏东虾 RM18 (small)

Another thumbs up dish of fresh prawns,squids and petai fried in belacan sauce that goes very well with white rice. Not too spicy to numb the tongue but enough to add in the fragrance.

Restoran Muar Home-Cooked Cuisine 麻坡乡厨

No 6G, Tengkat Tong Shin,

Off Jalan Bukit Bintang, 50200, KL.

03-2144 2072

↧

Sunday Brunch @Thirty8, Grand Hyatt

September 10, 2013, 9:54 pm

≫ Next: Jaya Grocer @Intermark

≪ Previous: Restoran Muar 麻坡乡厨 @Tengkat Tong Shin

While others wrote about breakfast selections and even come up with a list of breakfast hot spots, you can barely see it here. With a full time job during the day, photos editing during the night, and also occasional wedding jobs / florist assistant scope during weekends (and I'm not complaining about all the opportunities) , I just tend to appreciate every possible hour of getting up late. In fact, I consider waking up naturally is the simplest form of blessing one could possibly have.

Still, breakfast is vital for the body and its benefits have been proven in so many ways. I couldn't risk skipping breakfast, perhaps a late one but lunch time might be closer than my stomach can handle.

Brunch, would be the perfect solution.

Thanks to the invitation from Thirty8 that both Agnes and I get to enjoy ourselves at their Sunday Brunch buffet, on 38th floor overlooking the captivating scenery of Kuala Lumpur.

(again, I love reviews that do not require me to buzz the alarm)

Dining at Thirty8 with its 360 degrees unobstructed view of Kuala Lumpur was great, but watching how those chefs in their open kitchen preparing my customized order from fresh ingredients to piping hot dishes was even better. For one moment I felt like I was in the set of Iron Chef but with very friendly chefs. The dishes were then sent to my table without any indication of numbering/area. After all, there were limited tables at Thirty8 and it was all about getting personal.

There were 3 cuisines in general: Western, Chinese and Japanese.

Now, the best thing about being in buffet spread is to sample a bit of everything.

I adore beautiful texture of raw meat especially the balanced layers of fat and flesh. Still, Thirty8 Japanese chefs did not excel as these sashimi pieces were the best I can find from the selection. Keep the best on plate and let presentation do the talking.

A simple photo that shows how well-trained their staffs are: Realizing that the spoons were missing, the waiter brought us 2 spoons and placed in 2 different directions in case we were to share.

Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” sang by this little girl and the live band certainly was the best highlight of the day.

After meal dessert was inevitable. Though their macarons have improved in terms of texture from my previous unfavorable review on Thirty8 afternoon tea, I wish they would consider on lowering the sweetness level too.

Thirty8 Sunday Brunch

12pm-3.30pm

RM190++ per person inclusive of free flow juices

RM360++ per person inclusive of free flow liquor

Thirty8 Restaurant and Lounge

Grand Hyatt Hotel

12 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

03-2182 1234

Website

↧

Jaya Grocer @Intermark

September 12, 2013, 7:26 pm

≫ Next: WEVents 3rd Anniversary Party

≪ Previous: Sunday Brunch @Thirty8, Grand Hyatt

Jaya Grocer has recently opened its 7th and largest outlet of 30,000 square feet at Intermark; a 2.2 billion development of 2 grade A office towers, an international hotel and a retail podium in emphasizing the design as well as quality. Good news for us folks working in the central business district of KL as grocery shopping after work couldn't be easier.

Expect nothing but premium imported foodstuff on Jaya Grocer’s neatly arranged shelves. Special attention of the night went to Shizuoka Crown Melon, which its exclusivity was to bear only one fruit per tree in fully receiving the sweetness.

VomFass, the two German words which means "from the cask" has clearly denote their concept of “look-taste-enjoy” shopping experience where patrons can request to sample their finest products of liqueurs, vinegars, oils, spirits, whisky cognac & rum, and then decanting into their choice of beautiful bottles or jars.

A shopping experience made pleasurable at their spacious walkways without the clinking sounds of shopping carts followed by “oops”, “sorry”, or “excuse me”.

Notice the green colored stickers of “cooks for you”? At Jaya Grocer, one can purchase his choice of fresh meat/seafood and have it cooked for free at Fresco with minimum order of one side dish. Which in my interpretation, it simply means better grade of beef of larger piece of salmon given the same price as what I would have pay elsewhere. Another post shall be dedicated to this outstanding service of Jaya Grocer as I was really impressed with the cooking and presentation shown by their Fresco.

We were then dined at their non-halal food court that serves favorites from Lam’s Kitchen, Woo Pin Fish Head Noodles, Sun Huat Kee’s pork ball noodles, Hamky Panky and Menya Musashi. To end our dinner, we had two flavors of Mei-Xin mooncakes as dessert: Mango Crunch and Angel Chocolate Crunch.

Purchases above RM30 will entitle shoppers to first 2 hours of free parking at The Intermark.

Also, Jaya Grocer’s Demo Kitchen is coming soon at Intermark with something new to learn every Saturday and Sunday so stay tuned!

Jaya Grocer

Lower Concourse Level @The Intermark

348 Jalan Tun Razak , Kuala Lumpur

Website

↧

WEVents 3rd Anniversary Party

September 16, 2013, 11:20 pm

≫ Next: KL Restaurant Week with Alessio Publika

≪ Previous: Jaya Grocer @Intermark

It was indeed my pleasure in volunteering photography services to WEVents for their 3^rd Anniversary at Armada Hotel one month ago. For those who may not know about WEVents, they are WomenOnlyMENnotinvited social events organized by working women volunteers.

“WEVents was born with the objective of allowing women to have an outlet (vent) after office hours, get to meet new friends and catch up with peers.All the people working behind WEVents are WEs who freely volunteer their time or provide sponsorship in terms of products or services towards the events. Just so women can relax, enjoy themselves in an event they can truly call their own.”

An interesting and unique theme has been set this year for their 3^rd Anniversary - Superwoman.

Women these days no longer stay home and take care of the household as what prototyped by the older generations but to venture into career path as well. To this, we as women play the important roles of daughter, wife, mother, entrepreneur in the way of multi-and parallel-tasking.

(Bloggers from left to right) Cik Lily Putih& InnanieArrifin

Being an honorary patron of WEVents since 2011, Winnie Loo, the founder of A Cut Above inspired us with her speech of work hard, play hard.

Mimi Teh, founder of Bag Of Love, portraying as Audrey Hepburn shared her story as entrepreneur and mother of two.

We were then entertained with the talent performances by 10 pre-selected contestants while enjoying the buffet spread.

Congrats to Edazz Lucinda that has wowed the audience with her amazing catwoman dancing and singing performance thus walked away with the grand prize of brand new Fujitsu laptop and many others. Watch video of her singing “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys here.

Winnie Loo with Jeanisha Wan, founder of WEVents

Thank you to all the contestants and volunteers in making the night a memorable one.

Check out WEVents Facebook Page and Website for more details.

↧

KL Restaurant Week with Alessio Publika

September 24, 2013, 9:19 am

≫ Next: Dolce Far Niente @The Shorea

≪ Previous: WEVents 3rd Anniversary Party

Restaurant Week might be news for us Malaysians though it is very common and in fact made tradition at other countries ever since the two restaurateurs Joe Baum and Tim Zagat started the concept back in year 1992 with the Big Apple as setting.

Though execution varies, the concept for Kuala Lumpur Restaurant Week is simple as they have gathered 45 restaurants from casual to fine-dining categories in offering fixed-price menu on top of their regular menu during the period of 4^th October -11^thOctober 2013. This prix-fixe menu differs in terms of numbers of courses as well as flexibility of options hence leading to price differences between restaurants where the minimum spending for lunch would be RM20 and expect no less than RM50 for dinner.

Together with Agnes, we were invited over for dinner at Alessio, Publika and here is the insight of their prix-fixe menu for KL Restaurant Week:

Spaghetti Vongole

Spaghetti tossed in virgin olive oil, basil, garlic butter & clams dripped with Alessio's house basil & mint sauce

Distinct from those with sauces, it forefronts the simple flavors of Alessio house basil & mint sauce on Vongole (clams in Italian) and good quality olive oil on al-dente spaghetti.

Nasi Lemak Istimewa

Coconut flavoured rice with a scent of pandan accompanied with a whole leg chicken rendang, chili paste, peanut, anchovies & cucumber topped with a sunny side up

Everything done right to complement each other on this plate of Malaysia symbolic dish, but rendang chicken excels with its tender texture.

Orange Crème Caramel

Caramel custard with a hint of orange

Though Grilled Vegetable Pomodoro and Black Pepper Chicken were not available for sampling, they are the 2 out of 4 main dish choices along with Spaghetti Vongole and Nasi Lemak Istimewa. Pair that up with Orange Crème Caramel as 2 course meal for only RM20 nett during lunch.

Grilled Aubergine & Mushroom Bruscetta

Grilled marinara aubergine on Alessio's house focaccia bread and fresh button mushroom baked with cheddar & mozarella on Alessio country wholemeal bread

An appetizer combination made specially for KL restaurant week in getting the best of both worlds: Grilled Aubergine Brucetta and Mushroom Bruscetta.

Grilled Norwegian Salmon

Grilled deep sea Norwegian Salmon on a bed of creamy mashed potato served with coral & rucola salad, garlic butter focaccia & fresh mango sauce

Grill salmon might be of no challenge but it takes master to have crispy skin. Mango sauce comes in great with its tinge of freshness.

Fungi Misti

Trio of wild mushroom & thyme with panna & 3 cheese pizza

What's not to like for this thin crust, hand-tossed and oven-baked slice of dough? The toppings of mushrooms and cheese already making its own statement.

Apricot & Chestnut Chicken Involtini

Chicken involtini with apricot, chestnut & smoke duck bacon served with arugula salad & toasted focaccia

As Involtini means rolls in Italian, it implies a small bite of food consisting outer layer wrapped around the filling. Its complicated process paid off as I indulge in sequence like how one door leads to another: crisp layer of chicken skin, to soft and cushion layer of fat, to firm chicken meat, and finally to smoke duck bacon with apricot & chestnut.

Lamb Shoulder

Charboiled XL lamb shoulder loin with fresh button mushroom and grilled vegetable in a marinara sauce served with creamy jacket potato on a hot plate

Crème Brulee

Fresh vanilla crème brulee with caramelize raw sugar touch

Rich custard base topped with right amount of sugar as contrasting layer of hard caramel and served in ramekin.

3 Course dinner at Alessio consists of Grilled Aubergine & Mushroom Bruscetta with 4 main dish choices of Grilled Norwegian Salmon, Fungi Misti, Apricot & Chestnut Chicken Involtini, Lamb Shoulder and finally Crème Brulee as dessert for RM50.

Check out the list of participating restaurants here and make your reservation on http://klrestaurantweek.com/ before 29th September 2013.

Alessio

A2-G2-09, Jalan Dutamas 1,

Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

03-6211 2838

↧

Dolce Far Niente @The Shorea

September 27, 2013, 3:17 am

≫ Next: Haeun Khon Korean Restaurant 海云轩 @Amcorp Mall

≪ Previous: KL Restaurant Week with Alessio Publika

Milestone Moon - Zee Avi

Most of the time we do what should, what must and what planned.

Some other time it's about entertainment: watch movie, attend hobby classes, or even meet up with some old friends over coffee/dinner.... no matter what it may be, there is still something to tick on that to-do-list checkbox.

An Italian phrase from Eat.Pray.Love just spoke to me recently:

Dolce Far Niente

which implies the sweetness of doing nothing.

Exhausted from our routine life, we set sail on a journey of Dolce Far Niente to The Shorea, a perfect place for short getaway from the city of KL with no attraction to tick off the travel list.

We got ourselves theVilla Bougainvillea with ample space to fit 5 adults, equipped with private kitchenette, bathroom and balcony of forest view.

Those were the fond memories of us squealing and wincing over the burning sensation imposed by hot sun on the wooden bridge that link our villa to others.

My favorite spot would be the cave pool, directly under the plunge pool where I can hear echo of water dripping from the pump nearby and felt totally secluded in my own enclosed space.

Swimming at the pool couldn’t be more pleasant with the infinity view as if nothing stands between me and the nature.

I immersed in the chilly river water that felt exceptionally light and gentle, the 2 qualities a chlorinated water pool could never offer.

This carrot cake topped with cream cheese and embellished with hazelnut was from no other but our very own Yen.

No food review here but pure gratitude towards the cooking effort these 2 friends of mine, Yen& Agnes had made in turning raw ingredients to edible pasta.

Uniqueness of The Shorea lies not only on their location within the Berembun Forest Seremban, but also the way it is presented so differently during day and night. It was as if I’ve entered a new place and started taking photos of every angle again.

The high possibility of having a starry night at suburban area has made this trip worthwhile. It was indeed a blessing for this city girl to lie down on that wooden bench, gaze at the stars as long as I could while enjoy the night breeze and let the crickets sing to me. We then had some girls talk and I felt asleep on the daybed in our room. It gave me this inexplicable sense of security within the solid structure while being embraced by the nature.

On the next day, the sun shines through those glass doors and warmed my daybed. I went explore the area again with my camera hoping it would be different on the morning and I was right.

Sunlight went through the slit of Villa Shorea giving the illusion of it glowing. I may know nothing about architecture but at that moment, it was stunning.

As if time halts in its tranquility.

We had Nasi Lemak as breakfast which included in the room rate and it was prepared by Kak Su, the Indonesian housekeeper that keep her smile intact.

The owner Elaine was kind enough to show us a waterfall nearby along with her family and dogs. It has been long since I step foot into the wild after those days of school camping. That walk reminded me the beauty of our nature again.

Reserve a room at The Shorea and may you find yourself at the best destination the world could ever offer: this small piece of land called "me".

↧

Haeun Khon Korean Restaurant 海云轩 @Amcorp Mall

October 4, 2013, 1:59 am

≫ Next: Afternoon Tea @TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, Pavilion KL (Second Visit)

≪ Previous: Dolce Far Niente @The Shorea

I have always liked vintage items but funny how Amcorp Mall, the one with flea market of collectibles and antiques had skipped my mind. Together with Jason, we explored this treasure land on a weekend and stopped by for lunch at Haeun Khon, a small restaurant on the third floor that deemed to serve one of the most affordable Korean food in town.

Simple setting of faux marble tiles along with wooden set of chairs and tables

Kim Chi Jjikeh (Boiled Kim Chi Soup) 韩国泡菜汤 RM15.90

Isn’t kimchi a must whenever we go for Korean food? This came in generous portion of enoki mushrooms, tofu, glass noodle, chicken and napa cabbage.

To tell the truth, I only began to accept Kim Chi after the trip to Korea due to their perfect balance between spiciness, sourness and mild burning sensation. Unlike my other friends that commented on how this is the best Kimchi they had or how the flavor stood out from others, I couldn’t feel anything but the burning sensation on my throat that was so much stronger than the spiciness and sourness I could taste from this stew of fermented vegetables soup. I stopped after a few scoops and even Jason struggled to finish this off.

Side Dishes

of Kim Chi (Napa Cabbage), Dried Anchovies and Chilled Tofu with Diced Chilies

The side dishes are non-refillable which is against the norm of Korean restaurants. Still, the portion of main dish is big enough to ask for second helping of these side dishes.

SamGyeTang (Korean Ginseng Chicken) 参鸡汤RM17.90 for half chicken

Another piping hot soup in stew: Ginseng, jujube (red date) and glutinous rice beneath the spring chicken. The chicken meat was tender enough to fall off the bone by its own and I must say for that instance, this tiny restaurant was filled with none other but fragrant of these herbs. It very much resembles Chinese herbal soup. I still miss the samgyetang I had back then of thick and creamy texture of chicken broth along with a small complimentary cup of insamju (ginseng wine). Yet, one can’t complain as that would easily cost double of what Haeun Khon offers.

In contrary with what others might think of the lack-of-smile service, I find them to be more or less friendly. Perhaps it was the after peak lunch hour of our visit. Haeun Khon is definitely one of the cheaper alternatives for Korean food but I doubt if it can be crowned the best.

Lot 336 & 363, Amcorp Mall,

No. 18, Persiaran Barat,

Off Jalan Timur 46050 Petaling Jaya.

03-79572181

Operating Hours: (Tuesday-Sunday) 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm

↧

Afternoon Tea @TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, Pavilion KL (Second Visit)

October 23, 2013, 3:17 am

≫ Next: Japan Okashi Fair @Isetan KLCC

≪ Previous: Haeun Khon Korean Restaurant 海云轩 @Amcorp Mall

Believe me, I have tried not to feature the same restaurant that has been published earlier on in ensuring the variety in posts but my experiences at TWG Tea were so wonderful it broke my principle. Indeed, Agnesand I returned to TWG again for the second time upon agreeing on the best and rather affordable afternoon tea we’ve had so far.

Surrounded by luxurious brands like Prada and Chopard, I couldn’t help but to feel atas (high class in Singlish) for 3 hours. We managed to have some private chats despite the unbelievably close proximity to the next table.

And how often do you get to drink from 18k gold-plated teapot? Minor scratches have been found compared to my previous visitbut it doesn’t affect the reflecting shiny golden surface that seemed to be popular among their patrons for self-portraits.

The two of us used to order the Fortune Tea Set which included TWG Tea Croque Imperial, 2 baked scones/muffins or 1 patisserie, 3 macarons of our choice and 1 TWG tea for RM55++ where 2 cups were served for 1 pot of tea (non-refillable). Unfortunately TWG has changed to meet most of the hotels afternoon tea standard where 1 person has to order at least 1 pot of tea. Therefore on top of the Fortune Tea Set we have added another tea for RM18, making wonderful white and black teapot pairing of Earl Grey and Pink Flamingo. They have an amazing service of tea sampling in case you’re drowning in the sea of their comprehensive tea options.

TWG Tea Croque Imperial

How can I ever complain on the generous amount of salmon slices sandwiched between warm toasted bread with Gruyère cheese, while green salad with house vinaigrette tucked in the middle of these 3 heavenly pieces and finally embellished with striking red cherry tomato?

Sakura Cake

This was chosen as the choice of our patisserie from their trolley where its appearance contributed mainly to the decision. Another lesson learnt of not judging by its cover.

Moroccan Mint Tea, Earl Grey & Chocolate and Lemon Bush Tea were our choices of macarons. Consistency is my word for food review and TWG has maintained its high benchmark.

TWG macaron is a must-try and it has a total of 8 tea-infused flavors which are Bain de Rose Tea, Grand Wedding Tea, Passion Fruit & Coconut, Napolean Tea & Caramel, Camelot Tea & Praline, 1837 Black Tea and Blackcurrant other than the 3 that we had chosen. It comes in an affordable price of RM4 each.

Scones with Clotted Cream and Tea Jelly

I will never look at those ordinary jams anymore as this tea jelly has spoiled me in its signature 1837 black tea infused jam with notes of fruits and flowers. Delighted to see generous portion of clotted cream and tea jelly, I didn’t have to be calculative on the amount of spread on these raisin scones. The temperature difference between chilled clotted cream and tea jelly against warm raisin scones managed to excite my taste bud and elevated the gastronomic experience.

This extra order of scones (RM13.50) was made separately but the bill came to us as 1837 Tea Set (RM26.50) that combined these 2 scones and the pot of Pink Flamingo (RM18) I’ve ordered earlier. A saving of RM5 might not be much but I am very pleased with the service and initiative TWG has shown us.

Absolutely. As always.

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Level 2, Lot P2.16.00 & 2.34.01 168,

Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur

03-2142 9922

10am-10pm daily

(Afternoon tea from 2pm-6pm daily)

Website

↧

Japan Okashi Fair @Isetan KLCC

October 26, 2013, 11:09 pm

≫ Next: H&M Now Open @Avenue K

≪ Previous: Afternoon Tea @TWG Tea Salon & Boutique, Pavilion KL (Second Visit)

The pronunciation of Okashi (お菓子) might be a bit tricky that when the sound is lengthened it became Okashii (可笑しい) which the meaning was being twisted from Japanese confectionery to funny/laughable in a strange way. Fun fact aside, rather good news for KL folks that Japan Okashi Fair (yes, the edible one) is currently being held at Isetan KLCC from 18^th to 30^thOctober 2013. With that intro ahead, it’s not hard to guess that I was being invited for an insight so here it goes:

To be honest, Japan Okashi (Sweets) fair is not a rare scene and was held several times previously thanks to these Japanese department stores namely Isetan and Jusco. They have educated us on famous confectionery such as senbei (rice crackers), sakura mochi, dango and so on.

Let's find out what makes this fair so special that they deserve a feature.

Anmitsu (あんみつ) by Chōshiya (銚子屋)

Chōshiya was established in the year of 1935 and was named after the founder's birthplace, Chōshi city (銚子市) in Chiba prefecture (千葉県), Japan. Out of their many products, 3 are being imported for sale at this fair: Anmitsu (あんみつ), Omatcha Kanten (お抹茶寒天), and Omatcha Mitsumame (お抹茶みつ豆).

Anmitsu (あんみつ) is a Japanese dessert that has been popular for few decades since 1930s.
Kanten (寒天, also known as agar jelly) serves as the fundamental, top with azuki bean paste, orange, pineapple and akaendo mame (赤えんどう豆, red peas). It also comes with Kuromitsu (黒みつ), a type of black sugar syrup which bears a strong resemblance to our gula melaka in terms of aroma, thickness and taste.
Anmitsu is available throughout the year at Japan and can last up to 6 months if kept refrigerated.

Also, feel free to get these kuromitsu or matcha mitsu for your own version of anmitsu.

)
Okowa (おこわ) by Kakutani Seika (角谷製菓)
Okowa is a type of rice dish of steamed sticky glutinous rice(also known as mochi rice) with vegetables or meat. There are many varieties of okowa but I am glad enough to see these 5: Sakura Shrimp & Fusiforme (桜海老ひじき),
Black Bean (黒豆), Crab (かに), Mountain Vegetable (山菜, Sansai) and Congridae (穴子, Anago).
Hijiki (ひじき), also known as fusiforme, is brown sea vegetable growing wild on rocky coastlines around Japan, Korea, and China.
My favorite being sakura shrimp & fusiforme, where crispiness of sakura shrimp shell blends well with the sticky yet chewy glutinous rice.

Of all these years in the business, Kakutani Seika always believe in handmade okowa (wrapped in bamboo leaves). With this, it has remained the tradition and nostalgic memories those that made from machines can never give.
For those who seek a smaller bite, do consider these okowa wrapped in bamboo leaves and crab okawa in the shell. Another plus point of fragrance when heated up.

Koda san from Kakutani Seika

Kaname (かなめ), a twice-baked senbei (rice cracker) by Kakutani Seika.
More than 70% of the dough was kneaded with snow crab flesh and sent to bake for the first time, followed by a 10 days ripening period using unique method by Kakutani. Finally it was sent for a second time baking to complete the process.
There are 3 flavors namely Seaweed(green packaging), Black Sesame(black packaging) and Kani the original(red packaging).

A crunchy bite of snow crab fragrance.

Premium Caramel Ice-Cream and Ice Candy by Gazebo
The lavish addition of Wasanbon (和三盆), a fine-grained Japanese sugar which deemed to be the king of sugar has made this caramel ice-cream somewhat premium. Since 200 years ago, wasanbon is traditionally made from thin sugarcane plants grow locally in Shikoku (四国) prefecture and is rather expensive due to its complicated production procedures thus the limited amount.
I am now left with red wine and peach flavors for these non-additive ice candy but there were 6 flavors at the beginning of this fair. Others being red bean, grape, green tea and milk.

Arare(あられ) by Twhy Twhy
Named after snow pellets/soft hail due to the similarity in size and shape, Arare, a type of bite-sized Japanese crackers were made of glutinous rice and flavored with soy sauce.
There are many flavors that come in different shapes and sizes where you can sample one by one and opt for the individual pack of 1 flavor. If you can't make up your mind, "Try-it" set (お試しあられセット) is always available which include the 6 flavors recommended byTwhy Twhy: Kakinotani (柿の種), Ebony Soy Bean, Shrimp, Wasabi, Black Pepper, Squid Squid.

Senbei for those who would like to express their gratitude (感謝).

Okashi (お菓子) by Mebukiya (芽吹き屋), under Abe Seifun (阿部製粉)

There are many varieties of Manjū (まんじゅう), but it generally refer to those that have an outside layer of flour and rice powder with filling of red bean paste. Slight tweak was done here at Mebukiya where each filling is matched to different texture of flour. Peanut manju surprised me with its al dente texture much like fishball.

(clockwise from left to right)
Black Beans Daifuku (黒豆塩大福), Yomogi Daifuku (よもぎ大福) and Sakura Mochi (桜餅)
Daifuku was initially named Habutai Mochi (腹太餅, belly thick rice cake) due to its nature of rounded filling. It was then changed to Daifuku Mochi (大腹餅), the big belly rice cake. Since the pronunciation of belly and luck are the same "fuku" in Japanese, it was further changed to Daifuku (大福), a more auspicious name hoping to bring luck.
Ichigo Daifuku (いちご大福, Strawberry Daifuku) can generally be found in Malaysia amid the many varieties that had come up from the plain Daifuku.

Though all 3 of them were of azuki bean paste filling, it was the outer layer that differentiate them. Yomogi Daifuku (green colored) was made from Yomogi leaf, a type of Japanese mugwort while Sakura Mochi was made from red bean paste wrapped with glutinous rice and edible sakura leaf.

Other than the usual senses of visual, smell and taste involved in eating, I also felt the extraordinary tenderness of the outer layer by black beans daifuku.

Sanshoku Dango (三色だんご, 3 Colors Dango)
Dango to us Malaysians need no further introduction as we've met Hanami Dango, which has the similarity of 3 colors (pink, white and green) but with no filling unlike this signature product from Mebukiya.

Yomogi mochi with red bean paste (green), pure mochi with walnut paste (white), carrot mochi with black sesame paste filling (yellow), each giving the taste of their own unique combination that it was hard for me to pick a preference.

Goodday For You Roppongi
A western confectionery(洋菓子) shop of scones and cheesecakes that started out at Roppongi, Tokyo.

Made without eggs and some without butter, it has a rougher surface, powdery texture and less moisture than those that we would have with clotted cream. From another perspective, this is a healthier option with many flavors to choose from. The recommendation would be "orange, raisin & almond" and "pumpkin & sweet chestnut".

Another try for this blueberry cheesecake of extremely dense texture.

The cheese & cheese cake, their number 1 hot selling product.

Water Drippe Ice Tea Bags of Earl Grey
Unlike the usual tea bag that we would immerse in hot water, these need to be left in cold water for an hour.

Thanks to Sakuma san for the invitation and Yoshimi san for the tour.
Also, my gratitude to Akindo, the company in bringing 6 of these Japanese confectionery houses to Isetan KLCC.

Reminder: This fair ends on 30th October 2013, Wednesday.

↧

H&M Now Open @Avenue K

November 3, 2013, 7:18 pm

≫ Next: B Station @Ampang Korean Town

≪ Previous: Japan Okashi Fair @Isetan KLCC

H&M needs no further introduction and ever since its first store at Lot 10, it was blooming into another 4 stores at Gurney Paragon Mall, 1Utama, Paradigm Mall, Setia City Mall and now its 6th store at Avenue K, all within one year.

Another store coming soon at Sunway Pyramid.

Thanks to Agnes that I get to attend this pre-opening party on 30th October.

Simple outfit of the day #ootd: black loose top (H&M), 2 layers semi-transparent long skirt (H&M), black handbag (H&M).

↧

B Station @Ampang Korean Town

November 6, 2013, 10:36 pm

≫ Next: Next Thai Destination: Hat Yai

≪ Previous: H&M Now Open @Avenue K

B station, a restaurant branding that once had 4 outlets is now focusing on the one and only at Ampang Korean Town in better control of quality and consistency. Amid other traditional Korean restaurants that serve BBQ, B station creates its own exclusive line of fusion and MSG-free healthy food.

Upon stepping in, I lay my eyes on their white walls against many little cute details that blend in, giving the vibe of comfy and homey. Along with Anna as invited bloggers of the night, we went for a tour upstairs.

Another bar was being set up here to cater for private functions that can accommodate up to 40 people.

There were valid explanations for the homey vibe earlier on as John Lee, the Korean owner of this restaurant put his effort in making some of the furniture by his own hands: white-painted wooden planks as lamp shade, mosaics on the table, cushion with floral patterns…some decorations were brought in from home and Joseph the son also added that some of the books were of his.

Interesting how this particular tree at the center has gone through the process of preserving and being imported from Korea.

We then proceeded to the ground floor. One can easily spend the whole afternoon here and won’t be bored as there was endless creativity on every corner with every detail urges me to look deeper and deeper.

Much resemble traffic light with their colors of red, yellow and green, these drinks stand out as Dragon Fruit Vinegar (RM5.80), Lemon Enzyme(RM7.80) and Mojito Apple Enzyme(RM7.80). They were all mixed with home-made enzyme so patrons can be guaranteed that this is one healthy drink. In fact, there was no non-healthy drink here as John the abeoji (father) forbid them from entering the menu.

I once encountered a person that has concern of the ice cubes in his cold drink. It has never brought up to me that even that single ice-cube might be contaminated and mixed along in the drink. Here at B station, John imported an ice cube maker just to produce his own ice, which of course he makes sure that the water is going through 4 layers of filters before the process hence the very clear ice cube.

Taking great consideration on our country of Muslims, B Station offers only pork-free food that cooked by Muslim chef.

GgongChi (Souri Fish) Set RM18.50

Beansprout Bachan, Fried Kimchi Banchan, Traditional Kimchi, Japchae (korean glass noodle), Potato Banchan

Banchan (side dishes) is a must at Korean restaurants and I believe many of us would be happy with the unlimited refill service here and that they will change the varieties every week.

Danjang Soup RM14.50

Also known as Doenjang Jijigae, Doenjang is a traditional Korean fermented bean paste where its name literally means "thick paste".

Bulgogi Beef Pot RM18.50

Sweetness in a pot: scallions, onions, cabbages, marinated beefs and glass noodles that came sizzling hot.

Teriyaki Chicken Hotdog RM12.50

An illustration on the wall that explained everything. For someone as particular as John, he makes sure he knows all the ingredients in producing the food. The best way to do this is perhaps to home-made everything, from bread to sausages. Yes, sausage of no chemicals, halal made only from chicken breast along with other herbs and spices. Soft homemade bread sliced open and in you go homemade sausages, topped with generous (almost overflowing) amount of teriyaki chicken and onions, zigzagged with mustard sauce, then slit in few pieces of fresh cucumber and tomatoes at the sides.
One cannot eat like a lady but with mouth wide open and chew on those different textures by this teriyaki chicken hotdog. I heard this is one of the bestseller and I’m not surprised.

Jumbo Sausage Set RM15.50

2 poached potatoes covered with cream sauce, sunny side up and 2 sausages with mustard sauce that resemble face features. Same sausages and mustard sauce from the teriyaki chicken hotdog.

Seafood Pancake RM18.50

Generous amount of prawns and squids: chewy, crisp and non-greasy.

Dukbokki RM11.50

Also known as rice cake, it was cooked with onions and cabbage slices then garnished with white sesame and sliced scallions. My past experience of dukbokki was chewy but this strikes it off with its soft texture. Turned out John has his source from Goong, a Korean rice cake manufacturer operated by his son for local supermarkets that makes rice cake out of pure rice instead of mixing with flour.

Belgium Waffle RM8.80

Other than the waffle iron pattern that was similar to me, the taste and texture were so different: yeasty, dense and chewy. Covered with home-made whipped cream, maple syrup, citrusy fruit of orange and kiwi, finally embellished with red cherry.

Apple Muffin RM3.80

Made with their very own homemade apple enzyme and topped with almond slices.

B Station

Ampang Korean Town

C14-1 Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1,

68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor.

Facebook

↧