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Krispy Kreme, Midvalley & Papa's Cafe, Atria PJ

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:06:12 GMT

Was at Midvalley on Saturday and couldn't resist trying out the Krispy Kreme. Bought 2 pcs of Halloween themed donuts at RM2.80 each. Tried the ones in London but maybe it's the weather or that it was late at night, the donuts weren't as expected. It wasn't as smooth and melt-in-your-mouth as lots of people who have tried it before have told me. So I was disappointed as it was rather expensive (after converting from Pounds to RM). :P But to my great relief. The 2 donuts that I bought, freshly baked, were really nice! And cheaper too. HAHA. I liked that it wasn't too sweet, smooth, creamy and that it melts in your mouth. Yum yum...

For dinner, we went to try out cheap Western food at Papa's Cafe in the Atria Shopping Centre. There was a half price off promotion for October on their selected Western dishes. KW had the sizzling lamb (RM7.50), his dad and I both ordered a chicken chop (RM6.50) each and his mum went for the fish and chips (RM6.50). Can't quite recall the exact prices but it's about there. I expected the portions to be rather measly but the chicken chop and sizzling lamb turned out not too bad. However, the fish and chips was a real rip off. Overall, the food was quite tasty. But as the place was rather small, it felt really crowded in the restaurant.

Carnaval Churrascaria, D'sara Jaya PJ

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:44:53 GMT

It was our second year anniversary and we were craving for meat. Carnaval Churrascaria is a mere 5 minutes drive from my place and yet, I've never step foot in the restaurant before that day. I somehow had the perception that it was an expensive place to eat in. Not sure why I've never quite thought of doing a Google search on it before. Probably because I can never quite get the name spelling right to begin with. :P

So, curiosity got the better of me one day as we were thinking of a place to eat in and to celebrate our anniversary. Then I decided to just type in whatever I can recall into the Google search box. And out came suanie's review. I was salivating and itching to try it. Luckily KW said ok as it wasn't too expensive at RM48++ per pax. Quickly called up to make a reservation. And we were told to expect a big crowd on that night. But they were still able to accommodate us.

When we got there, parking was aplenty as the area is usually rather dead after working hours. As we got seated, we were explained on the system. We were quite familiar with it as we've eaten in a similar restaurant before in Langkawi. The advice given was to eat slowly (conserve the stamina) and to try everything at least once before deciding which to have more of. With that, we were recommended the caipirihna (mixture of rum, lime and sugar) and the honey lemon drink to wash down the meal.

There was a salad bar with an assortment of items such as coleslaw, potato salad, beans, pasta, beef stew, rice, etc. I can't quite recall the items as I was too busy devouring the meats. :)

Left: Coleslaw, potato salad, pasta and beef stew, Right: mint vinaigrette and lemon vinaigrette

Left: Lamb and garlic bread, Right: Curry spiced chicken and chicken ham

Left: Garlic beef and more garlic bread, Right: Lamb cutlet

Left: Rare steak, Right Grilled pineapple

Left: Beef shoulder and curry spiced dory fish, Right: Our drinks

Us devouring the food. I just love the killer garlic bread!

The meats were fresh and cooked really nicely...as they should be. Juicy and tender. Also, I am a big fan of garlic. So I couldn't get enough of the delicious garlic bread. Should keep a pack of Clorets in your bag for times like these. The Brazilian chef did a great job with the meats served being still warm and the waiters come round with the skewers often enough to keep our plates full most of the time. And the host kept checking on us to make sure we were alright.

Overall it was a great dinner. We were stuffed to the brim. And we didn't have to burn too deep a hole in our pockets. The full buffet meal cost us RM48 each and the drinks were RM16.80 (alcoholic) and RM7.80 (non alcoholic). There was a 15% discount (ladies' day promotion) off the total bill on Wednesdays for tables with at least one lady. So our bill came up to slightly above RM122. ;) Worth trying it out if you can really eat and if you like grilled meats.

Little Taiwan, 1 Utama New Wing

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:01:00 GMT

Had an hour before our movie, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (it was hilarious!) and we didn't quite know what to eat for dinner in 1 Utama. Walked around a bit and went to check out a place opposite Penang Flavours and beside Teppanyaki which I recalled passing by numerous times but never tried. Found out it was Little Taiwan, of which I've tried but at the Gardens Midvalley outlet. Saw the delicious looking beef selections and we settled into one of the booths happily.

A quick flip through the menu and I saw their specialty beef dishes up front with many other noodle selections following that. Also, many choices of appetizers cum snacks and beverage selections. I ordered the spicy hot ramen (RM9.90) with a honey Jasmine tea (RM4.90) while KW went for the special beef shank rice (RM13.90) and a fresh watermelon juice (RM5.90). We ordered an extra appetizer - the four colour roll (RM6.80), when we saw the portions on KW's rice.

Left: Our drinks, Right: The four color roll of fish paste, crab stick, seaweed and parsley

Left: Spicy hot ramen, Right: Special beef shank rice

My honey Jasmine tea tasted like it came straight from a tap and mixed with honey. Rather evident from the froth. I'd very much prefer freshly made tea. It was too sweet for my liking as well. The four colour roll was good with a crispy skin and flavorsome filling. My spicy hot ramen was...spicy hot. Yum yum. Hehe. And KW's beef shank was superb. It melts in your mouth! Although, they could be a tad bit more generous with the portions.

Overall ambience was alright. The waiters were prompt however the kitchen was a little slow despite there not being many other customers then. Our bill came very fast though. Haha. It was RM45.55 in total (including the 10% service charge). And off we skipped merrily for some laughs. :)

One Noodle Restaurant, SS2 PJ

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:39:56 GMT

KW and I wanted to survey some bridal studios nearby and where else better to do that than in SS2? So we decided to have lunch in One Noodle Restaurant (same row as KFC). Have previously tried the dim sum there but it was so long ago that I can't recall. Maybe the girls might but I doubt so.

Anyways, we were interested to try the la mien noodles. So I went for the Beijing sour and spicy la mien with a watercress drink while KW ordered the pork dumpling soup la mien and a hot tea. There was an ongoing promotion on the dim sum - 50% discount on all items from Mondays to Saturdays and 30% discount on Sundays. So I couldn't resist ordering a salted egg yolk steamed bun.

Left: Hot tea and watercress drink, Right: Salted egg yolk steamed bun

Left: Pork dumpling soup la mien, Right: Beijing sour and spicy la mien

Food was alright. Nothing spectacular. The steamed bun was rather good though. As well as the watercress drink. Our bill came up to RM30+. The noodles were RM8.90 each. I would probably go back to try some dim sum with the current ongoing promotion. Prices of the dim sum ranges from RM6.00 and above. Rather pricey if not for the discount. I guess I might have to go back soon then. Anyone care to join me? :)

Ichiban Boshi, Pavilion KL

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:21:37 GMT

KW and I took the rare opportunity to spend some time in KL during the Raya break where it normally takes an hour stuck in traffic jams to drive down to KL, took us only 15 minutes then. So we decided to pop by Pavilion for lunch and some window shopping after that. Not being frequent visitors to Pavilion, we walked around a bit to survey the available eateries that we've yet to try in our previous visits.

Spotted a man garbed in Japanese overalls working his magic on what seemed to be the Japanese restaurant's famed buckwheat noodle in a display window. Not that seeing a stranger working his sweat into a potential bowl of noodle soup, that I would be slurping down, whets my appetite but I couldn't take my eyes off the long conveyor belt at the sushi bar which was filled with yummy looking sushi of every kind imaginable.

The restaurant's menu is rather extensive too. I think we spent 15 minutes poring through the menu front and back trying to decide which of so many delicious looking options to try. I settled on a bento set of soba noodle, sushi and sashimi while KW went with the beef soup ramen. And we both had hot green tea as well as a California roll and a combination of three salad (baby squid, clam and jelly fish).

Left: Bento sets and ramen, Right: Sashimi and sushi

Left: The conveyor belt at our table, Right: Green tea

Left: My bento set, Right: KW's beef soup ramen

Happy customer

My bento set was alright. Have tasted better. KW's beef soup ramen was delicious. Tender beef slices and large sized meatballs served with buckwheat noodle in a fragrant beef broth. As it was quite a while back, I can't quite recall the prices. This place wouldn't be on my list of favourites as the sushi and sashimi were so-so only. Oh well...never try, never know. ;)

Lala Chong Seafood Restaurant, Kg. Sg. Kayu Ara PJ

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:53:16 GMT

Despite the restaurant being famous for seafood, I've not heard of it until they shifted from the old Subang airport road to their new premises in Kg. Sg. Kayu Ara. Why would I have heard of it now and not before? That's because the new place is just a stone's throw away from my house and they have put up roadside buntings that only the blind would fail to see. Anyways, being within walking distance from Pantai Seafood Restaurant would also help it gain some awareness among the regulars of it's competitor.

The opportunity popped up when my elder bro turned 30 yesterday and we were eager to do what we do best...EAT! Once the green light was given from every member of the family, I decided to call up and book us a table to avoid any potential disappointment from lack of vacant tables as we were going on a weekend i.e. yesterday. We turned up 20 minutes late (yes, despite it being a stone's throw away from my house) but they held the table for us as it was still rather early - before 7pm.

We ordered their signature clam dish, bamboo clam, two types of crab, prawns and oyster omelette. Similar to Damansara Village Seafood Steamboat Restaurant (nearby as well), there is a lady selling satay. So we ordered the beef and chicken satay as starters. The restaurant provides pickled mango and peanuts as appetizers. For drinks, we ordered mostly Chinese tea, two coconuts and an orange juice.

Left: Clams, Right: Bamboo clams

Left: Kam heong crabs, Right: Marmite crabs

Left: Salted egg prawns, Right: Oyster omelette

The food was yummy and tasted different from other seafood restaurants. There tend to be more distinct flavors in the dishes served. Seafood were all fresh and portions were adequate. My favourite was the signature clam dish. Definitely a must try. I spotted the dish at almost every table. Price was reasonable as well. Our total bill came up to RM245 i.e. approximately RM35 per adult. It was a seafood overload indeed! Will definitely be back for more. :)

Lan Je Steamed Fish Restaurant, Kota Damansara

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:22:26 GMT

Dad has been going on and on about Lan Je's steamed black tilapia fish ever since he found out about it. Nothing special he'd say but he kept going back whenever he's passing through Rawang. And naturally, he couldn't resist giving the new branch a try now that it's so nearby. So off we went last weekend. We decided to go before 7pm to avoid the dinner crowd. And sure enough, by 7.15pm, the place was packed with no more available seats.

Here's what we ordered. A medium sized fish of approx. 700gm cost about RM15 each. Cooked in one style only and yes, you got that right - steamed (with light soya sauce). We ordered 4 fishes, one non spicy (for KW) and three medium spicy for the rest of us to share. Also, a kung pow style chicken and cuttlefish, and a braised tofu with minced chicken.

Left: Steamed fish - non spicy, Right: Steamed fish - spicy

Left: Kung pow style chicken, Right: Kung pow style cuttlefish

Left: Braised tofu with minced chicken, Right: Exterior of the restaurant

As I've never tried the steamed fish in the Rawang outlet, I've no basis for comparison. However, the steamed fish was yummy although a little salty. The other dishes were good too. And they were generous with the pepper on the tofu but I did not mind it. The bill for the meal with single rice servings for 7 pax inclusive of drinks came up to approx. RM130. A must try for fish lovers as they are famous for serving fresh and clean fishes without the muddy smell. They manage a facility where they rear the fishes in clean water to rid of the mud before supplying to their restaurants.

And yesterday, KW and I decided to head back to Food Foundry for dinner as we've only managed to try the mille crepe the last time we were there. We got hungry rather early and henced reached the place slightly after 6pm. KW was drooling over the Morrocan lamb shank but thought it rather pricey at RM26.00. So he ordered a Mexican chicken (RM19.00) and ice lemon tea (RM3.00) while I, the nasi ulam with ayam percik (RM12.00) and and ice peach tea (RM3.00).

Mexican chicken in pesto sauce - stuffed with vegetables and served with mashed potato and vegetables

Nasi ulam with ayam percik - served with acar and sliced cucumbers

Food was yummy. Tried a little of KW's chicken and the pesto sauce was a bit creamy which was really nice. My rice was fragrant however not as fragrant as the one my grandma and mum makes. The ayam percik was not heavy with coconut cream as expected but it was delicious nonetheless with herbs and spices. The portions for both could have been bigger though at that price. Perhaps it's the location that does not quite register in my mind the higher than average pricing of the food items. :P

Food Foundry Sec 17 & Euro Deli D'sara Kim, Petaling Jaya

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:38:36 GMT

It was a very wet morning yesterday but the rain subsided somewhat after lunch. So, KW and I decided to take a drive and try the mille crepe at Food Foundry in Section 17 that everyone's raving about. It was relatively easy to find with the maps provided including one hand drawn by KY. After a one month itch to try it out, I finally did. We reached at about 1.30pm and probably due to the rain, it was rather quiet. Fine by me as I saw there were still plenty of mille crepe available. Hehe. We ordered a slice of vanilla (RM8) and chocolate (RM9) plus a hot mocha (RM6.50).

Left: The vanilla mille crepe, Right: Chocolate mille crepe

I guess from all the rave reviews, I had high expectations of the mille crepe. It was yummy - layers of thin crepe with melt in your mouth cream. But I wasn't exactly in cloud nine. So I guess it's not quite my favourite dessert at the moment. But it sure is a good dessert. KW asked if I would mention an incident which happened. And I believe in giving an honest feedback. Hence, I'm sharing that i found a piece of rubber band in my hot mocha drink. One which fortunately, I've not gulped down. At least it wasn't like a cockroach or something worse. :P

As for dinner, we were having an early celebration of KW's dad's birthday. And he wanted to try Euro Deli in Damansara Kim. As usual, we played safe by reserving a table and a serving of pork knuckle. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they've renovated and expanded the outlet. Finally! And luckily we reserved a table as the place was packed with no tables available for walk in customers - just like before they expanded the place.

Left: Newly renovated entrance, Right: Cold cuts for sale at the display chillers

Left: The bar area, Right: The inner section with a wine rack to the left and toilets at the end

We quickly settled down and scanned through the menu to see if there are any new additions. Not that I memorized their menu. But I think the menu didn't quite change much. So we ordered the pork knuckle (RM28), stuffed pork belly (RM28), lamb chop (RM28) and German pepper sausage (RM18).

The famous pork knuckle served with sauerkraut, mashed potato and coleslaw - two thumbs up!

Left: German pepper sausage with mustard, Right: Stuffed pork belly in mushroom sauce served with mashed potato and red cabbage

Left: Lamb chop in black pepper sauce served with mashed potato and flat beans, Right: The "table mat"

The pork knuckle was still the best amongst the other items and the portion was still as generous as I remembered too. The others were just average. Am glad that the restaurant management decided to retain the prices albeit a more posh looking dining outlet now. If you've not tried it yet, I'd really recommend that you do. But please remember to reserve a table as well as the pork knuckle if you're interested to avoid any disappointments.

Oh, and you'd get to pack the pork knuckle bone back for your four legged friend who will love you for as long as it can remember. My dog, Coco, will be high in heaven when she wakes up to find hers waiting for her. ;)

Okuchi Japanese Restaurant, Kota Damansara

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:08:55 GMT

Spent the afternoon walking in 1 Utama today. Lunch was at TCK 1920 Hakkakya Old Pasar Road Cafe next to Kenny Rogers, at the LG floor of the old wing. It was our first time there and what attracted us was the 20% discount on all items in the a la carte menu. The place serves an adequate range of local and Western food. Desserts are local only though. We were not very hungry so we shared the special of the day - a roasted half chicken that comes with a serving of aglio olio pasta, mashed potato and fresh vegetables as well as a complimentary ice lemon tea drink at RM19.90.

KW was happy with the meal except for the raw vegetables and sour ice lemon tea. I felt that the roasted chicken was a little dry, the fresh vegetables were definitely raw and the mashed potato was just that...mashed. It was not creamy at all. I enjoyed the aglio olio pasta though. A right blend of herbs, dried chili and splashes of olive oil that was not overwhelming.

With our tummies stuffed, we started walking around and found this huge piece of machine gleaming at us. KW was thrilled! Look at the happy boy. Think he flinched a little when he saw the price tag on this baby though. :P

After that we walked some more until we could not walk anymore. And it was time for dinner. I was craving for Japanese food. So we drove around Dataran Sunway looking for some new place to try out but we only managed to find one Japanese restaurant there. Okuchi is situated between Neighbourhood coffee shop and Tanjung Tualang Prawn seafood restaurant. So we decided to give it a try.

There was a non air-conditioned area at the restaurant front. As usual, we walked straight into the air-conditioned area. Inside, there is one small private room to the left, 3 cubicles to the right and 3 tables in the center with the drinks bar, cashier counter and kitchen at the back portion. The place wasn't packed for a Saturday at 7.30pm. We settled down in one of the cubicles nearest to the front door.

Left: Iced green tea, chopstick and menu, Right: Interior with private room at far wall

Flipping through the menu, it was rather extensive! There were the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, shabu shabu, teppanyaki, ramen, bento sets and etc. However, there were so many options. Took me a while to go through the whole menu and decide on what to eat. KW said that the items look very similar to what Rakuzen at Hartamas Shopping Centre offers...price wise too. :P

After placing our orders, I had a look around. The interior decor was rather nice with dark wooden panels, lighted paper lanterns, framed 3D Japanese doll paper crafts, and touches of red here and there. There was an electrical plug point at every table as they serve Shabu Shabu as well using an electrical hot pot. After taking a few photos, the food arrived.

Left: KW's tempura and teriyaki chicken set, Right: Yummy teriyaki chicken

Left: My gyudon (sukiyaki with rice) and miso soup, Right: Tender beef slices

Left: My raw egg yolk, Right: Green tea ice cream with red bean paste and whipped cream

Food was really yummy. But I was a little disappointed with the green tea ice cream as the texture was rather coarse and not as creamy or smooth as expected. The two mains were RM26 each and dessert was RM5.50. Green tea drinks were complimentary. Our bill came up to RM63.25 with a 10% service charge. Rather pricey but food was really good. Check it out if you are in the mood for Japanese food and happen to pass by the area.

Fullhouse Lifestyle Store & Cafe, Ara Damansara PJ

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:53:06 GMT

It was a sweltering hot Sunday afternoon and I was at Covershots Bridal in Plaza Kelana Jaya doing a recce for a wedding job. The studio has an outdoor venue for an intimate wedding ceremony or reception by the lakeside. Would be lovely once nicely decorated however am not too sure of the weather as it might melt the guests under such hot rays or even strong windy rain.

Left: At the lakeside waterfront, Right: Where the wedding cake will be placed

After that, KW and I decided to look for a place to have some drinks at the Niu Ze Xui Commercial Centre in Ara Damansara. The place was practically deserted. Most of the retail stores were closed and some of the cafes or restaurants have moved elsewhere. It was such a sad looking place!

Seeing that Fullhouse Lifestyle Store and Cafe was the only "happening" place to drink, we decided to try it. The "menu" has a very interesting concept. In that it acts more like a lifestyle mag (something like AirAsia's inflight mag) with a kitchen menu. And quite cleverly done, aside from content such as comics and catalogue of retail items, there were advertisements as well. Talk about smart making money ideas.

Left: Menu cover page - cute eh?, Right: Inside pages showing comics and an advert

KW and our drinks with the petit fours display chiller at the back

I ordered a honey lemon with aloe vera while KW had a Jasmine tea with aloe vera. Each cost RM6.90 and it was a rather big glass. The aloe vera bits were a yummy twist to the usual honey lemon drink however artificial lemon was used and it just tasted too sour for my liking. KW was happy with his drink. He got rather desperate cause we were really thirsty.

Fullhouse's menu features a range of pastas and Western grill items. Price ranges from RM20 for the mains. The petit fours were RM2.50 each. There was a wide range to choose from. Probably more than 15 different types. Did not manage to try them as we were still stuffed from lunch. Perhaps if we were passing by in the future. The store section sells pretty merchandise for display or as nifty gifts. Do check it out.