FoodnTravella

TEXAS CHICKEN

2013-05-12T09:00:00.000+08:00

Finally, the talk in the town 'chicky meal' has arrives in Malaysia with stores in Jalan Sultan Ismail, AEON Bukit Tinggi in Klang and Sri Gombak in Batu Caves.

Flyers on their grand opening were circulated to offices.

In conjunction with their opening on 02 May 2013, customers are given freebies on every purchase they made ranging from cone of ice cream, nuggets and etc. This offer is valid until 16 June in Jalan Sultan Ismail store.

My virgin visit here and after perusing their colorful menu, I opted for kid's meal which consists of 1 sizable original fried chicken, mashed potatoes, ice milo and not forgetting 1 free ice cream for only RM5.30 nett. Definitely value for money.

Nicely fried to golden brown. The skin was really crunchy and crisp. A look at the meat, you'll know that it is fresh. Juicy yet tender even without the help of chilly sauce.

I will certainly come back again for this and other items in the menu. I heard their chocolate volcano and burgers are good too.

Lot 44-1, Jalan Sultan Ismail

50450 Kuala Lumpur

(few shops away for PHD/Dodge Restaurant)

TOKYO SHOKUDO IN MID VALLEY

2013-05-09T10:00:00.000+08:00

We arrived Mid Valley before lunch time. The mall was quite empty after GE13 although Selangor was declared a public holiday but not Kuala Lumpur.

After walking around here and there scouting for nice Jap food, we finally settled for lunch in Tokyo Shokudo located in the Center Court leading to The Gardens.

Both of us were the first patron. I adore and luv the colorful deco.

so stylish...red and black Jap wordings adorned the wall

Salmon Set (RM22++)

My friend enjoyed the grilled salmon, fresh salad and sweet clams soup. She dislike chawan mushi but I helped her to polish this little bowl of soft and silky steamed egg

Tempura Set (RM23++)

Although no trace of oil, I find the tempura batter/skin not crispy enough and it still hold the prawns & veges even after few bites. I would definitely go for the fresh slices of salmon served in 3 pieces only.

Spicy Beef Ramen (RM18++)

Instead of the usual pork, we opted for beef. Unlike pork ramen where you'll except slices of char su but for this version, only few cubes/shredded beef meat topped the bowl. Slurpy noodles in a reddish (a bit oily) tasty broth with lots of cut cabbages and an egg. Chilly spicyness still within tolerable level despite few cough. For this bowl of noodles, it's too pricey for me.

The salad dressing was a killer. It simply accentuate the taste of plain & ordinary greens to a star level.

Total bill was RM76.55 nett (inclusive of 2 glasses of ice green tea).

Upon coming out from the restaurant, shoppers and working Executives flooded the entire mall making it more lively as compared to the early morning.

G-098 & G(E)010 Ground Floor, Center Court

Lingkaran Putra Syed Putra,

Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03 2284 1211

VEHICLES IN USA

2013-05-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS AND ROAD

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000+08:00

California is known as a desert with low rainfall and dry weather. We were on the way to San Jose in the early morning under the glaring sun, strong wind and cold air, thus need few layers of thick clothing whenever we made a pit stop at the petrol station and rest area.

Clean and well maintained rest area. Look like a park to laze around.

DAYS INN @ SAN JOSE

2013-04-27T02:30:00.000+08:00

On our way to San Francisco, we stopped in San Jose and overnite here. My friend had pre-booked the room via internet at USD100 per nite for the three of us. This includes western breakfast. We checked into the hotel in a hassle free process.

located at the hotel lobby,

a table lined up with hot water, coffee and tea which are meant for guest

free of charge for guest...hot drinks from vending machine..

3 in 1 Cappuccino, French Vanilla Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate

inside the room

microwave oven and small fridge

iron and sachet of coffee and tea, coffee maker machine

two king size bed with plush pillows. we sleep soundly!

The next morning, we had a simple DIY breakfast at the hotel lobby the place where the vending machine is stationed. I had fun making my own waffles. Hot & fluffy yet buttery and I had two coated with Philadelphia cheese cream and drenched it with 2 cups of hot cappuccino. I didn't pay attention to the red apples, cakes and biscuits. (forgotten to snap photos)

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS....CITY WALK

2013-04-24T14:35:00.000+08:00

I made it to here but I didn't enter the Universal Studios.

Tell you the reason later.

It was gigantic but alright to walk around under the sunny yet breezy wind

This is the ticket booth to buy your admisstion pass(es). If you can read clearly, one have to pay at least USD129 in order to enter the studios. But being a stingy person, I did my calculation and not way I will pay for such an expensive fee! I would rather spend on buying branded handbags, watches and etc that will last me perhaps for 2-3 more years.

For those who are lazy to walk around, just hop and sit to enjoy beautiful sceneries.

This is what I reward myself for not entering into the studios. USD80 for the latest design Guess watch which was available in Malaysia during Valentine's Day this year.

Few lovely key chains and they aren't cheap after currency conversion. My life time habit buying things where ever I travel...lasting memories!

JOY MARONI'S SAUSAGE KINGDOM IN UNVERSIAL STUDIO CITYWALK

2013-04-21T09:30:00.000+08:00

Along the street of Universal Studio Citywalk are rows of colorful yet funky fine dining restaurants which are certainly eye catching. Both my friend and I were there before lunch but the weather was so sunny with strong cool wind and I had layered myself with two jackets but still feeling very cold and also hungry.

Standing and looking at the display menu in Joy Maroni's famously known for its special sausages, I decided to have my light breakfast there. But my friend had warned me that I will not like the food here which I didn't bother at all as I was feeling terribly hungry.

Hot Dog combo @ USD6.99++

(beef sausage in a bun, fries and cold soft drink)

Not a fan of french fries, I took a few and the taste wasn't distinctive at all, dried and soggy.

Non addictive to me cos' the bun was tad dried and the beef sausage was like a regular plain sausage

Even all these condiments and sauces can't help tantalize my tastebuds

Admittedly, the food here wasn't fresh, no quality and slight over priced. I should have listen to my friend (( @-@)).

HOME MADE PIZZA

2013-04-18T07:30:00.000+08:00

One of the supermarket where I spent almost 4 hours is Walmart. From fresh ingredients to dried stuffs, I was totally shocked to find that most items are tagged at USD2 or lesser each. These includes branded cheese, burger patties, potatoes chips, different types of sauce, fresh strawberries, yoghurt, pre mix powder for cake/muffin/pizza, packet of SPAM ham/tuna, fresh orange juice and the long list goes on. Since it was such a bargain (even after converted into our own currency), I moved from section to another and ended up with four bags filled with wet & dried food. Such a good feeling.

Earlier, I had baked muffins and cake using the pre mix powder and the result was fantastic evident by compliments from family and friends who had tasted it. Really quick, easy, non complicated method...just following the easy pressie instruction.

This the only box of pizza crust pre mix powder I bought (regretted for not buying more boxes including muffins/cake). The pizza turned out as expected..beautiful without any burn on the edges.

Crust

Follow the amount of water and method written at the back of the box

Base

tomato paste

Toppings (own choice)

slices of button mushroom, cheese sausage rings, cut onions, mozarella cheese and cheese powder

I baked according to the temperature and duration. When cooked, the aroma of cheezy smells filled the kitchen and everyone was salivating...can't wait to taste the hot piping pizza from 'US'. I was so happy everyone enjoyed it so much and keep asking for more! Luckily, I save 3/4 piece for myself.

These pre mix powder didn't failed me at all especially when I want to bake at the last minute as compared to our local pre mix powder which mostly disappoint me!

GO RAE JUNG AGAIN!

2013-04-15T05:30:00.000+08:00

After my first visit trip to this restaurant, I came back again to try their BBQ. With four of us, the joy of cooking and eating piping hot meat was so much pleasant.

As usual, a free bottle of cold water is served

Refillable and unlimited ban chan. We replenished five times cos' it was irresistable.

whole table full of food

Chicken Meat and Fresh Octopus

We mixed white rice with the left over on the hot stone.

Gone in a blink...a total satisfying meal

ACADEMY OF PASTRY ARTS MALAYSIA

2013-04-12T16:00:00.000+08:00

OVERDUE POST

Few bloggers were invited for a hands on experience making Chocolate Easter Egg in one of the studio inside Academy of Pastry Arts . Under the guidance of Executive Pastry Chef Frédéric Oger, we had fun making the Easter eggs from scratch using dark and white chocolates. It was Chef Frederic's personality i.e humble, friendly yet full of patience which made all of us feel comfy and enjoyable interactive baking course.

We started the whole process by making small and big shells from white and dark chocolate, spraying colors on egg shells followed by cosmetic and touched up.

before spraying with colors

Chef carefully sprayed color to each chocolate shells

personally made by me...weird rite! I don't have 'fine' skill

all chics in the garden

It was a well spent Sunday learning and acquiring skills from the expert. And I won't mind coming here again for another baking session!

The Academy offers courses on Certificate in Pastry & Bakery Arts – Full time, Diploma in Patisserie – Full Time, Advanced Diploma in Patisserie – Full Time, Certificate in Cake Making & Designing – Part-time.

Lot 2-A, 2nd Floor,

WISMA THRIFTY,

No. 19, JALAN BARAT,

46200 PETALING JAYA,

Tel: +603 7960 3846 / +603 7960 3848

Email: info@academyofpastryartsmalaysia.com

Website: http://www.academyofpastryartsmalaysia.com/web/

SAN FRANCISCO

2013-04-03T07:30:00.000+08:00

Am sure this lovely classic song still playing in your head...

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair , If you're going to San Francisco, You're gonna meet some gentle people there

Well, I don't wear flower in my hair but I do met gentle people there. Having said this, I will revisit SF again, if there's is an opportunity ((~:^)). Definitely my no.1 choice destination in US. Let the pictures show you the beauty of SF.

THE GROVE & FARMERS' MARKET

2013-03-30T02:30:00.000+08:00

We passed by Beverely Bouvelard, an upper class residential area with low traffic flow in order to reach The Grove, a retail and entertainment complex and the historical Farmers Market.

I was totally amazed and speechless standing right in front of a 14-screen movie theater complex. It was so huge just like the shopping malls & center park.

Anchored by Nordstrom and Crate & Barrel.

Walking here in the morning was such a relax stroll. What's more,clean air and cool wind!

Large center park

Portable patio heater (in metal triangle) is commonly placed

outside restaurant during winter

Overlooking from the top of the shopping mall.....

animated fountains

Great restaurants

Big shopping malls

Top fashion chains

Live entertainment outside the Farmers Market

Clock Tower an icon of

Farmers Market

SANTA MONICA

2013-03-27T09:00:00.000+08:00

Looking back, I captured a total of 750 photos during my 3 weeks vacation in US. But then I realised I had blogged mainly on food only. Now, I shall share with you photos on places I visited which was indeed memorable too me. Not only I was awed with a big WOW looking at scenic views but overall I love the winter breeze (sunny yet cool and windy) made me feel fresh even after hours of walking without any tired feeling. Having said this, the weather is dry and humid too and I didn't drink enough of water which causes dehydration from lips cracking, body heatiness, skin dries up easily even after layer of lotion.

The Santa Monica Pier

a large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in California/west of Los Angeles overlooking Pacific Ocean. I was totally fascinated by the beautiful and charming beach.

spotted cute chihuahua. seems that dog is the most fave pet

colorful painted shop houses

oldest hotel in St Monica..The Georgian

Trendy hotel made of glasses...

cycling, walking, driving in a relax manner

road leading to the pier

beautiful and clean beach

bicycle for rent

popular Pacific Park

This is my no.3 fave spot in US

VIETNAM HOUSE IN SAN GABRIEL, CA

2013-03-24T09:00:00.000+08:00

Overdue Post

With three days left before I fly back to KL, I wanted to treat my friend and family to a lunch in one of the few Vietnamese restaurant situated in San Gabriel. But, alas they won't allow me to pay at the end of our meal!

According to my friend, finding a parking spot is quite tough as there is limited space during lunch hour. But we were lucky on that day as we got to park our car in less than 10 minutes! ^^

This is the worst service I have ever encountered among all my dining experiences in US. From the moment menu was placed on our table till the time we finished our food, the server is unfriendly ~~yet arrogant~~ which did spoilt ~~our~~ my mood. After our third call, we managed to get the Vietnamese waiter to take our order and the same applies when we wanted to settle our bill. If it's not for my friend's parent, I will lose patience and walk out from there.

Expect big crowd comprises mainly chinese from HK & Taiwan

Not too elaborate, so do expect a simple menu with cheap price tag. Runs by a family from Vietnam including the cooks too.

Obligatory to serve and to have!

A plate of fresh basil and beansprouts for popular PHO Bo noodles/Vietnamese Beef Noodles Soup. Very generous portion of beef slices,vermicelli in aromatic boiled beef soup which I shared with my friend's mom.(forgotten to snap photo on this staple). Fish & Sweet sauce for Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls

Fully packed with load of fresh greens, boiled vermicelli and fresh prawns rolled with a layer of transparent rice paper. Lack of flavor even after dipped with accompanied sweet sauce.

Rice with Grilled Pork and Egg Rolls. I managed to taste a small piece of the grilled pork and it was fragrant, moist and tender enough. Seeing my fried truly enjoying this platter, I regretted for not ordering the same.

Vietnamese Coffee

wait for the coffee to drip, stir to mix up the coffee with the condensed milk, and then pour it over the ice in the glass. I didn't taste and can't vouch for it.

Red bean with coconut milk and green jelly

It looks good 'on the outer' but not in the inner.

Bottomed up with 1/2 glass of thick red bean,

and layered with thick and sweet coconut milk which make it difficult to even stir or mix up all together. Not my choice of dessert..in this restaurant.

Restoran Korea Go Rae Jun

2013-03-21T01:00:00.000+08:00

An impromptu Korean lunch with a foreign friend. A 1st timer who put her taste buds on Korean cuisine and as for me, my virgin visit to this restaurant. At the end of the meal, she says cheap and délicieux with a big smile!

It was almost 2pm when we set our foot into the clean & airy restaurant without any sight of diner. To eat like a Korean, we certainly need to sit on the floor although chairs is available too.

Banchan/side dishes are aplenty here and refillable too. She was awed when all these was served on the table. Replenished three times simply because it was too good to resist. I had all of these without ordering any main.

My friend was feeling hungry and didn't know what to order after perusing the menu. She took my suggestion and had Bibimbap + Kimchi Soup.

Beef Bibimbap with soup + hot sweet paste

came piping hot in a black casserole bowl filled with cooked white rice at the bottom and garnished with garden of shredded lettuce, cabbage, carrot, black seaweed, raw egg yolk, minced beef and sprinkled with fried sesame seed.

Kimchi Soup

Spicy traditional soup full of kimchi, tofu, veggies and glass noodles made of sweet potatoes

Total bill was RM38 nett.

Definitely a good place for great food, service and small bill.

Address:-

1-G, Jalan Excella 1,

Taman Ampang Hilir,

Ampang, Selangor

03-4270 9794

NEW SHANGHAI IN PAVILION, KL

2013-03-18T08:00:00.000+08:00

Our initial plan was to have Japanese dinner after unsatisfactory meal in Hinata during the day. After walking around from one restaurant to another searching for pork free Jap food , we decided to have the on going Dim Sum Tower promo in New Shanghai, located near Mercato Supermarket.

Price @ RM13.80++ per person without drink (min 2 person) plus 30% off after 7.30pm. Incredibly cheap for a 5 star halal dim sum.

My foreign friend fancy the vintage setting combines with modern look. The classic pictures on the wall brings one back to the 1920's Shanghai era. Who don't love chic restaurant!

After waited for 15 minutes, the 4 tier dim sum in a tower arrives at our table. FYI, these items are shown on the menu and changing to other items is not allowed.

Shrimps Dumpling (pic 1)

medium size fresh prawns wrapped with thin & tranluscent skin..crunchy

Shanghai Dumplings (pic 2)

wantan skin filled with minced chicken meat

Steamed Chocolate Bun (pic 3)

spongy & infused with chocolate

Steamed BBQ Chicken Bun (pic 4)

chicken fillings was tad sweet but tasty

Deep Fried Chicken Roll (pic 5)

the fried popiah skin is non greasy but the chicken fillings was a little dry

Fish Cake (pic 6)

bouncy and flavorful

Fried Chicken Dumplings with sauce (pic 7)

nicely absorbs by the sweet tangy plum sauce

this fiery chili sauce will give you more ummpp.....within tolerable level

If I were to come again, I won't mind ordering pic no.1,3, 6, porridge plus other items not in this promotion.

Chicken and Century Egg Congee

Smooth and delicate porridge loaded with chunks of chicken meat and cut century eggs and sprinkled with spring onions and sesame oil.

Lot 1.02.00, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Business Hour: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Mon-Sun)

Tel No:03-21422833

Sushi HINATA @ ST MARY RESIDENCES

2013-03-15T10:29:00.000+08:00

The news of a newly opened Japanese restaurant housed inside St Mary Residences spread fast particulary to those whose offices are within this vicinity.

As usual curiosity kills and all of us in the office chose to dine in this restaurant when an ex-boss wife offered to buy us lunch.

Our arrival was greeted by a beautiful and sweet Japanese girl.

Cute yet cozy exterior and interior simply amazed us.

We were informed that all food are prepare and cook by the chef hails from the land of the rising sun. Upon hearing this, our food expectations grow higher.

Once seated, a lady server gave us few menus written in English and Jap. There is no pictures to illustrate each food item and we had problem what to order. I wanted to have ramen but can't find it in the menu. We asked the server (from Myanmar) and each time, her reply was 'I don't know' or 'I will check with the chef'. And this really upset us. In the end, the five of us opted for bento set.

included in our bento set are:-

Miso soup

unusual salty dark brown colour soup with 2 clams

and

Chawan mushi

delicate and dilute egg custard without chicken meat or other ingredient

Appetizers

braised small potatoes, cut chicken meat, carrot and cut green beans (l)..my fave

fried tempura: green beans, white fish & black mushroom served with salt (c)...bland

stir fried fish fillet (r)...tasteless

main course

river eel sushi

I ended up finishing all thinly sliced eel only. Instead of chewy texture, the rice was tad dry, does not bind and easy collapsed/break even after they changed my first unpleasant platter.

We can't get enough of the fresh and sweet brined pickled ginger (in green plate) and had 3 plates.

salmon sushi

everyone was expecting slices of fresh salmon topped the rice but instead we got this colorful sushi tucked with cucumber, tamago, salmon fish, a dollop of mayonaise and fish egg roe.

Compare to river eel, this is much better...moister and tasty.

To end this meal with a sweet ending, we asked for ice cream but it wasn't available in the menu. Another set back. Ended up with our free flow of cold and hot ocha/green tea.

Overall, not only the food was disappointing but the service too. Our total bill was wrongly calculated and readjusted with refund. Despite our constructive comments during the one hour lunch, it was well accepted by the servers with smile & apologies.

Sushi HINATA

A-0-1 Ground Floor

St Mary Residences

No.1 Jalan Tengah

50450 Kuala Lumpur

Tel:03-20220051

UNCLE JANG KOEAN RESTAURANT

2013-03-12T10:21:00.000+08:00

If you are not familiar with Ampang area, finding this restaurant could be quite tricky. Maybe these landmark or road name can help you to get there. Galaxy Ampang, Police Station, Taman Dagang, Tiara Condominium and Sri Ampang Apartment .

It was raining heavily when we arrived there before the operating hour i.e. 530pm. Obviously, no diner(s) except the Korean owner and few male foreign workers.

I love this traditional Korean dining concept. Dining area on a raised platform with round dining table and cushions on the floor.

A two page laminated menu

Signature staple

It is common to see plates of fresh green lettuce, kimchi, banchan/side sides, cut garlic and red sauce serve to every customer in Korean restaurant. But over here, they don't give banchan which is quite upsetting.

Uncle Jang is famous for it's Dak-Galbi, a popular Korean dish made by stir frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang (chili pepper paste), cut cabbage, onion and rice cakes on a huge hot plate. The waiter will cook this dish right in front of you and you just need to sit down and watch 'the cook in action'.

Dak Galbi can be enjoyed on its own or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy taste. I like everything in the hot plate from the chicken tenderness, chewiness rice cakes which absorbs the kimchee paste and blend well with the crunchiness of the cabbage.

Since the weather is cold, we ordered Chicken Ginseng soup to keep us warm. Unfortunately, this hot piping soup was way below our expectation. We were served a whole drumstick with glutinuos rice inside the soup plus two ginseng roots. It tasted bland without any hint of ginseng.

UNCLE JANG KOREAN RESTAURANT

Taman Dagang, Ampang

(opposite Sri Ampang Apartment)

D7, Jalan Excella II

Off Jalan Ampang Putra

Taman Ampang Hilir

55100 Kuala Lumpur

H/P No:016-9075021

DRAGON I

2013-03-08T10:00:00.000+08:00

Once in awhile, when the boss is in good mood a good treat is asurred. The three of us were treated to a lunch in Dragon i housed inside Pavilion, KL.

Although it was quite full house, we managed to get our seat fast. It was a noodles day for us cos we ordered the famous 'la mien'/ pulled noodles cooked in different style. We got a chance to taste of everything ordered on the table.

1st pic:-

Spicy Szechuan la mien with fried pork fritter

Instead of spicy, the soup tasted sweet filled with pounded peanuts. I would go for the non oily fried pork which is crispy and fragrant

2nd pic:

Hot & Sour Szechuan La Mien

Top notch. All of us prefer this hot and sourish soup. A dash of black vinegar helps us polish this whole of bowl noodles.

3rd pic

Fried Seafood La Mien

Another winning dish. Noodles was non greasy but appetizing

4th pic

Seafood La Mien Soup

Clear light soup with juicy prawns, squids, cut crab meat.

Overall, the la mien was decent and not overcooked.

Xia Long Bao and Dessert to complete our meal

Individually packed with juice & a dollop of porkball, I wish I could the whole basket but sadly, each of us have 1 XLB only.

All of them had hot dessert while I enjoy my heavenly glass of pure Mango puree with glutinuous rice balls.

Level 1, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,

168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang,

55100, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan

Tel No: 03-2143 7688

K K WONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

2013-03-05T17:30:00.000+08:00

It was one of the Friday night, we had our dinner here. Except this restaurant, other eateries was packed and finding a parking spot is really tough. After 45 minutes, we found a parking space which is quite far away from K K Wong Seafood Restaurant. When we arrives at the door entrance, we noticed there are few parking lots reserved for restaurant customers.

Like I mentioned earlier, this restaurant was totally empty and we were their only customers. Feeling a bit skeptical, we did not order much food. Just a plate of seafood noodles and two dishes in case we don't like the taste.

Wa Tan Hor/Cantonese Seafood Flat Noodle (RM12)

Supposedly for 1 person consumption but this big serving is enough for two. Drenched with flavorful egg gravy, sweetness from the seafood, crunchy greens, (kinda of eating 'sharkfins soup' if you add few tablespoon of black vinegar) over wok hei fried noodles at the bottom.

Fried Yam Basket (RM18)

Well executed. Mashed yam formed into a baskett shape and perfectly deep fried till golden brown yet retaining yam smooth texture. Tucked with tasty cut chicken meat, fried cashew nuts, green capsicum, slices of carrots, onion and mushroom.

Fried Eel with Black Pepper (RM12)

We expected this dish to be spicy judging from the amount of dried red chillies on the plate, but it tasted mild only. Overall, overpowered by aromatic black pepper.

No.18 , Jalan Kaskas 3 ,

Taman Cheras,

56100 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-9133 3621

PASTY D AMORES PIZZA IN FARMERS MARKET, LA

2013-02-28T01:00:00.000+08:00

I wanted to try pizza and my wish came true when my friend and family finally took me to the Farmers Market on my last day in LA. The Farmers market there is quite similar to our wet or flea market here but much more better in terms of cleanliness and air ventilation due to cold weather.

As planned, came lunch time, we queued up at Pasty D'Amore's Pizza, a stall located inside the market. This is one of the oldest stall selling legendary New York pizza baked in the original brick oven and also other stuffs such as spaghetti and etc.

2 slices of Pepperoni, Hawaiian and Pepperoni + Sausages + Mushroom thin crust pizzas for the four of us.

I had my pizza with Pepperoni + Sausages + Mushroom toppings. This New York style slice was cut from a medium size pizza freshly out from the hot oven. I get the nice charred taste from the crust with plentiful melted cheese and generous ingredients i.e tasty cut ring sausages, salami and cut mushroom. With a hot cup of coffee, this totally complete my pizza craving.

Tips to make good pizza dough from the owner of this stall

The hard part of making a good pizza is knowing how to mix the right ingredients into the dough. They’re simple, but you have to know the amount of water to put in so the dough isn’t too hard, soft or sticky. It’s hard for some people to learn. The dough reacts to your hands immediately.

It takes practice. You have to press it down, turn it, press it down, slap it. Then you put it on the other side of your palms, on the back of your hands, away from each other, to stretch it. And keep stretching it. You could toss it up and some guys do, it helps make it round and spread it out. Then you put it on the board and flour the board a bit. It’s pretty easy getting the cheese and sauce on it, but the other problem is getting it off the paddle and into the oven. That’s why flouring the board the right way is important because if it doesn’t slide right off, you could mush it into itself and then you have to start over.

SEAFOOD VILLAGE

2013-02-25T08:00:00.000+08:00

This is the restaurant we had our lunch, three hours after our dim sum breakfast. Though still feeling half full, I would say all food flavors are spot on as this eatery serves excellent authentic Cantonese seafood dishes.

Most of their special menu items are nicely plastered on the wall, so you can just point to them your choice of dishes

Free large bowl of boiled pork & barley soup

Brimming with barley and sweetness from the pork ribs, comforting enough to quench my dried throat

Hot piping white rice in a red container

Customer who can't finish this entire pot of rice can take away

without additional charges

Fried Flounder Fish drizzled with light soy sauce

Lightly battered, it was fried till crisp while retaining the meat tenderness

Best known for their House Special Crab, we ordered live dungeons crab deep fried, leaving a thin crispy coating on the crab shelled and then stir fried with spices, chillies and deep-fried garlic bits. Meaty and sweet, it is lip-smacking good.

Steamed Tilapia (t)

no hint of unwanted mud smells and not overly steamed

Fried Omelette (b)

It was definitely an enjoyable lunch and would want to try more dishes if my tummy do permit me to do so during that moment.

CNY & VALENTINE'S DINNER IN RESTORAN HOKKAIDO

2013-02-22T09:00:00.000+08:00

Let's put aside my US story for awhile since CNY mood is still in the air. A day after I returned to work which coincides with 5th day of Chinese New Year and also Valentine's Day, my friend invited me to a Yee Sang & seafood dinner. And, this marks my 1st Yee Sang in 2013!

Many times, I heard from friends raving about delicious gourmet served in Restoran Hokkaido, a halal seafood restaurant. That night, we thought of having dinner in Cheras but the terrible jam took over our route to Jalan Pekeliling with lesser traffic on the road.

I was given the honour to choose my favorite dishes from the given menu. And for sure, I can't resist Yee Sang which is a must to eat during this festive mood together with other seafood.

I wanted to order a smaller portion but unfortunately only this big palate of yee sang was available.

With fresh cut salmon, a packet of pepper & 5 spice powder topped this colorful platter of Yee Sang (RM75) , we tossed and tossed higher for better luck. Appetizing and fulfilling indeed. Emptied before next dish arrives.

Steamed Escargots with Pounded Ginger and Garlic Sauce

I didn't know this kind of cooking style can churned out a robust taste, maintaining the soft & chewy escargot meat drown in flavorful gingery sauce.

Fried Butter Prawns

Combining Indian and Western ingredients, this is totally a knockout dish. Aromatic curry leaves, creamy milk and butter enhanced the taste of giant juicy prawns covered with crunch fried grated coconut.

Steamed Garoupa Fish with Assam Gravy

Another winning dish. Caught from a live aquarium, the fish meat was fresh and firm came soaking in a moderately spicy, rich sweetness balanced with a sour undertone gravy.

We cleaned our plates of rice and all the dishes feeling satiated. Even better, we ended the night with jokes and laughter.

Oh yeah, I noticed that most tables ordered crabs. Another dish to try in my next visit. The owner and servers are friendly, so tell them your taste preference i.e spicy, mild & etc.

Hokkaido Seafood Restaurant (facing directly Vistana Hotel)

No.68 Jalan Lumut, Damai Complex,

Off Jalan Ipoh, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-40411316

Business Hours: 6.00pm - 2.00am

LUNASIA CHINESE CUISINE

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Do I miss chinese food? Not really because most of the nights, we have home cooked chinese dinner and during weekends, dine in chinese restaurant is a common practice in my friend's family.

Unlike our Malaysian restaurant practice, most chinese restaurant here only place or give 3 menu eventhough there are more than 3 diners sitting on the same table. Their service is not as good as those in western restaurant as the servers could be rude and inattentive to you most of the times.

In a classier ambiance like this, you won't see the prerequisite dim sum ladies pushing their carts around. Instead, expect a server to take your order.

Lunasia is one of the finest chinese restaurant serving fine dim sum and authentic cuisine in Los Angeles. We were there for breakfast on a Saturday.

Upon entering, you'll be greeted with this wood and metal based gong at the entrance

lovely plate inscripted with Chinese calligraphy

customary to have... chinese hot tea

served in a fancy and heavy black metal pot

1st item arrived at our table, my fave Har Gau (Prawns Dumpling)

translucent and silky skin stuffed with one whole fresh prawns

Beef Meat Balls

bouncy, chewable and flavorful

Jumbo Pork Dumpling

I was surprised to see such a big dumpling served in a clear broth

hidden gems...cut sea cucumber, scallops, crab sticks, black mushroom and minced pork meat nicely marinated and packed with oomph

Braised Chicken Feet

non greasy, well seasoned and skin easily detached from the bones

XO Raddish Cake (t) too oily and

Macau Egg Tarts (b)..pastry skin easily breaks off and filled with warm egg custard

Vegetables Chee Cheong Fun
skin tad too thick and wrapped with tasty vegetables

Steamed Layered Caked

rolled with green tea jam, it was light and fragrant

Lunasia is impeccably clean and the menus and staff are English-friendly. Most of the dim sum are bigger in size compared to normal restaurant. This what you get for paying quality food and worth while the trip.

ARBY'S - SLICING UP FRESHNESS

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Arby's is well known for slow-roasted and freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches and famous Market Fresh® sandwiches, wraps and salads, made with wholesome ingredients. Having said this, Regular Roast Beef is surely the most popular item and Beef 'N Cheddar is the second option among customers.

A tall size of soft drink refers to small cup

but look its big to me! Each customer is allowed to refill drink without any limit

Market Fresh Chopped Salad topped with Turkey slices

and salad sauce

I opted for Dijon Honey Mustard to complement the fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, bites of crispy bacon and mozzarella cheese. Bursting with the uniquely delicious combination of robust Dijon mustard and sweet natural honey, it’s a standout on a fresh salad and turkey tenders

Arby's Roast Beef (Regular size)

dotted with sesame seeds on top, soft burger bread slabbed with slices of tender roasted beef tasted like turkey, simply melted in the mouth even without chewing

USD1 each..Apple Pie & small Arby's Roast Beef

cheap skate like me will go for these

Apple Pie

Glazed with icing sugar on the outer flaky pastry skin and tucked with apple stuffing, I find it hard to finish this overly high is sugar dessert