Also in today’s F&B arena, serving great food just isn’t enough anymore. To complete a guest’s experience, restaurateurs continue to step up their game to offer Instagram-worthy interiors complementing their picture-perfect menu items that are sure to spice up anybody’s feed.

Design and cuisine?
That’s Apollo Dining

The restaurant combines a contemporary take on its food offerings with stunning aesthetics.

However, the downside was = under the par service, considering the price we paid for, at such higher end restaurant
The staffs weren’t very attentive but thanks to their food and ambiance, it was generally forgiven.

STARTER
Tiger Prawn Dumpling – RM30
with Japanese Tobiko

Garlic Prawn – RM40
infused with ginger garlic & Spanish Paprika

Potato Croquette – RM15
with caramelised onion & Apollo’s sambal

MAINS
Pan seared Grouper Fillet – RM40
with grilled asparagus & Apollo’s secret sauce

Chilli Crab Squid Ink Pasta – RM48

Risotto – RM38
with duck, goji, mushroom & cheese

Great lightings for photos too!
Was here to celebrate BFF Citygal’s Birthday!

APOLLO DINING
28, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 03-2201 7565
Opening Hours: 
11am – 11pm (Tuesday – Thursday)
11am – 12am (Friday – Sunday)
Close on Monday

Highly recommended by some foodie friends, we went there for a treat.

Their menu sees a variety of authentic traditional Japanese fare alongside an array of modern Japanese dishes thoughtfully created. They have been operating for 4 years around the neighbourhood and many regulars loved them.

Experience for yourself a sumptuous spread of quality Japanese fare in a casual and trendy setting, or a relaxed and cosy afternoon of temptations with your favourite cuppa.

Two Chefs Lab – something’s bound to satisfy.

Ikura Chawanmushi – RM12.50
The steamed custard is smooth & silky, while the savoury ikura lends contrasting mouthfeel to the dish.

Assorted Sashimis (16pcs) – RM68
Consist of 5 types of chef’s selection sashimis

Aburi Engawa Sushi – RM8.50 per piece
The frilly edge from a flounder’s tail fin, engawa is definitely a treat to eat. The meat is thin, with a soft and slightly chewy texture, and has a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth flavour. We ordered 2 rounds!

Tamago – RM2 per pcs

Japanese Cold Somen – RM18
Somen served with homemade sesame sauce and topped with cra meat stick, cucumber and flying fish roe

Salmon Fried Rice – RM18

Tofu Cheesecake – RM12.50
Love this light & airy cheesecake with a subtle sweetness & a hint of tofu taste.

Casual Cafe ambiance with high quality Japanese treat!

For Valentine’s Day 2020 – yummeh!

Two Chefs Lab
No 23G, Jalan Temenggung 27/9
Sek 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras
Selangor
Tel: 03-9011 9910

Located on the 41st floor of Alila Bangsar, here stands a posh and luxurious looking restaurant that serves creative French fare with quality seasonal produce…

ENTIER FRENCH DINING

That combines traditional yet innovative French cuisine, knowledgeable and friendly staff, thoughtful design that evokes ‘social’ element of its sharing concept. A spatial experience created with a deep understanding on the use of materiality, the design approach was largely inspired by the nave of a church – a place where the concept of communal gathering is celebrated. Also very chic & sophisticated.

There is agreeably defiant plainness in the ambiance and food – the better to frame tip-top eating and drinking.

It was during our BFF’s Ivy birthday when we visited Entier and everything was top-notch. Affordable Lunch Menu aside, each dishes was presented beautifully and they were all very impressive taste wise too.

WEEKDAY LUNCH SET MENU
2-COURSE MENU – 58
3-COURSE MENU – 80

More menu views on: https://entierfrenchdining.com/menu/

Complimentary freshly made corn bread and kombu butter is da bomb!

STARTER
CAULIFLOWER
Roasted caulifower soup, Spanish cecina beef ham, crouton

SEAFOOD
Seafood soup, cured salmon, cuttlefish, kohlrabi, potato

Open up and savour those soups!

MAIN
OX
Ox tail risotto, ox cheek, crispy honeycomb tripe, egg yolk confit

BEEF
Hand-made semolina pasta, bavette beef ragout, mushroom

CHICKEN
Roast spring chicken, sweet corn, Sarawak black pepper sauce

LAMB
Herb crusted braised lamb belly, grilled baby gem lettuce, watercress jus

DESSERT
CREPE
Coconut, banana, jack fruit

DARK CHOCOLATE
Souffle, 70% single-origin Pahang chocolate

BLACKFOREST
70% single-origin Pahang chocolate, chocolate oat crumble, dark cherry, strawberry

Being so thoughtful, Entier’s team even prepared a complimentary cake for our birthday girl! So pretty!

More happy faces!

Entier French Dining
Level 41, Alila Bangsar,
No.58, Jalan Ang Seng,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: (60)3-2268 3819
Email: bonjour@entierfrenchdining.com

During his “more baby days”, when he’s less wriggly, he used to sleep either flat or only on one side (Yes, he can sleep quite well and we’re very thankful for that). Afraid of waking him up, we seldom turn him. Noticing about his “not-so-round” head shape, I bought him a dimple pillow (pillow with a hole in the middle) online. Bad move – it got worse. I even changed his dimple pillow to a memory foam pillow, but that just wouldn’t help much.

Look at the number of different pillows we’ve tried!

Our recent discovery on Mimos Pillow was a saviour as it worked on reversing and also preventing Flat Head Syndrome.

From the Mimos team’s house visit, Papa C and I got to know about Plagiocephaly.

Plagiocephaly – also known as ‘Flat Head Syndrome’, is a disorder that affects the skull, making the back or side of baby’s head appear flattened.

What are the signs of plagiocephaly?

• ​A persistent flat spot on the back of the head – either across the back or on one side
• A bald patch on the head corresponding to the area that baby predominantly lies on
• Flattening of the opposite side of the forehead
• Uneven positioning of the ears
• One eye may appear lower and/or smaller than the other
• An increased head height toward the back of the head
• A tendency to turn the head to one side

Well, plagiocephaly might seemed a very small term in Malaysia as the awareness is still poor. But after learning about it, we think we should share our thoughts and most importantly, the RESULT – after using it for a few months!

How to choose the Right Pillow & Size for your Baby?

Measuring Head Circumference is definitely a first, in which all of us don’t really do it as most conventional baby pillows are of “free size”.
Also, try placing a hand below baby’s neck to check if there’s too much gap. It should be just nice. High pillows with too much gap may cause baby to choke on saliva while sleeping.

I was enlightened by these little facts and very happy to find out about the details now.

Mimos Pillow is no ordinary “dimple pillow”, as it is categorised as a Medical Class 1 Approved Baby Pillow with certification.

How it works?

By reducing pressure! It provides 4x times less pressure, protecting baby’s soft head from flattening on the back or side of the head. And most importantly, it is soft & comfortable, and baby is happy to sleep on it!

Suitable from Newborn onwards! (from premature to toddler)

Quote “broughtup2share” for RM15 off 

Though he’s always off his pillow most of the time when he sleeps now, we will still try to place him back whenever we sees that he’s off.

Our Happy Takoball’s head is round now! Hehe

Even I get to try on it, and felt my head is being lifted up – no direct pressure on the surface.

More pictures on his previous measurements experience!

For more info on Mimos Pillow:
https://www.facebook.com/MimosPillowMY/
https://mimospillow.my/

Dear Mini C,

You are now five! May this day remind you of all you can be sweetheart, you are great and we will always love you for that. Happy 5th birthday Mini C! Thank you for being an easy boy to please and a champion in winning mommy’s heart! May you stay healthy and kind as always!

Mini C was really obsessed with Fireman, Fire Engines and Fire Station recently and what’s more appropriate than having his birthday celebration right here at the Balai Bomba!

It’s free of charge to host a birthday party at a fire station, as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative to spread fire safety awareness to the public and for us to understand their roles as a fireman better.  You may give them a token as appreciation if you wish and remember to order extra food to also cater for all personnels at the station. 

Just follow these easy steps if you wish to organize a party at the Fire Station:

1. Decide the preferred Fire Station that you wish to visit.
2. Write a “Surat Permohonan” to the Ketua Balai – stating your purpose of visit / party with event details and number of pax, as well as the activities you wish to have.
3. We visited the Fire Station ourselves to hand in the letter. You may email them as well.
4. Wait for 1-2 weeks for approval. Thus, plan ahead!
5. Reconfirm and remind them again when the date is nearer

We brought our own deco – I did a simple table arrangement. Red Red Red!
And of course everything Fire Engine themed! Thanks to https://printalovable.myshopify.com/ for the awesome printable designs!

We were there early for the setup before our guests arrive, so the fireman were really kind and helpful, and showed us around the emergency vehicles, already parked nicely. And of course, a mini photoshoot! They even let Papa C wear their fireman outfit and insisted a photoshoot around!

DIY Dessert Table
Burnt Cheesecake, Fruit Tarts and Walnut Carrot Cupcakes by @loccoberrylifestylediary (on Insta)

Personalised Door Gifts for the Kids!

The Food
We catered some Halal Food from our favourite caterer who also caters for small parties : Eva’s Baby Kitchen (On Facebook)
Delicious and healthy options for both kids and adults as everything is made from scratch! Thanks to my beloved sis-in-law who prepared the Nasi Lemak as well! Remember to prepare extra food for the fireman, also to thank them for their hardwork!

Riding around on the REAL FIRE ENGINE with its SIREN ON!

The Celebration

After cake cutting, here comes the long awaited activity that the kids and parents have been anticipating…

WATER PLAY!

Special thanks to Balai Bomba Kajang and the Fireman for being so accommodating and helpful. The kids had so much fun! and so do we!

Once again, Happy 5th Birthday Mini C! We love you!

And not to forget, our littlest Fireman, Tako!

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur will be hosting a week of Italian Week, from now till 28th September.

Chef Daniele’s approach to Italian cuisine is gastronomic, by holding true to Italian way of cooking, by highlighting the quality of the ingredients and with lots of the authentic passion. He is bringing his recipes all the way from his homeland.

Featuring wine pairing menu on 26th and ala carte menu as well, his Italian fix will surely impress your tastebuds.

Here are what we sampled for the night! Thanks to Traders Hotel for having us!

Starter
Homemade semola friselle bread, DOP burrata, sweet tomatoes and basil

Pasta
Orecchiette pasta in anchovies and fresh tomato base chilly, broccoli mash, grilled mackerel fish

Main
Salted cod and sweet prawns in light Italian butter, saffron polenta, trikalinos bottarga shaving

Braised Lamb shank in nero d’ avola wine, coffee scents, smoked mashed potatoes, roasted pumpkin

Dessert
Homemade cannolo siciliano, ricotta cheese, orange zest, chocolate chips, coffee English cream

Hot and fluffy puff pastry that Chef specially made for all of us! Too good!

For reservations, call +603 2332 9818 or email at fbreservation.thkl@shangri-la.com

Located one floor above Guardian, their signboard is easily missed! Remember to look out for this Golden Bull Head on top!

I’ve not been to Shin Nihon so I won’t be comparing, but these 2 restaurants (same owner) are very differently themed in terms of choices but one thing’s for sure: premium Wagyu of great consistency.

Known as the Wagyu Cuisine from Tokyo, Kin Gyu 金牛 serves an array of ala carte menu that includes Wagyu Sushi, Steak grilled on Mt. Fuji lava stone, Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki hot pot! These are just the main highlights, and there were many other delicious choices as well.

Premium Japanese meats at an upscale Hartamas address may sound like a pretty expensive combination, but we’re happy to report that it was reasonable too.

Let our Wagyu feast begin!

Wagyu Carpaccio – RM50
Sliced raw lean cut with soy sauce, flavoured with olive oil, yuzu citrus, green seaweed and kelp. Using the freshest high-quality wagyu fillet, this dish makes it for a pleasingly gourmet appetiser.

Sesame Wagyu, Watercress & Arugula Salad – RM35
A vibrant fresh Salad.

Wagyu Soboro Chawanmushi – RM16
One of the “richest” chawanmushi in terms of taste, I’ve tasted, the silky smooth egg custard blends nicely with the beefy minced wagyu and as I scoop deeper in, there are a few cubes of cheese in it. So flavoursome!

Hotate Uni Chawanmushi – RM18
I would still prefer lighter version of chawanmushi, naturally sweetened with scallops and sea urchin! So good!

Paste Tofu with Walnut Dressing – RM14
Made in-house, the tofu was silkily smooth and the dressing was very aromatic.

Soy Milk & Cream Cheese Tofu – RM15
So rich and creamy that you would wanna share this! Slurp!

Shredded French Fries – RM15
Mini C’s favourite, it was very addictive ok.

Suki Yaki Hotpot – RM250 (for 2-3 pax)
Hotpot with sliced wagyu, wheat gluten, garland chrysanthemum, green onion, grilled tofu, glass noodles, Chinese cabbage, Udon seasoned with sweet soy sauce. Served with raw egg and their homemade dashi sauce.

When I first started to indulge in Japanese food, Sukiyaki is the very first dish I fell in love with. Maybe because it was the easiest dish to accept as it’s a hot dish, but many would find the sweetness of sukiyaki too empowering to their liking. Well, not for me. *drinks more soup*

Sukiyaki is a Japanese winter dish that is prepared and served in the nabemono (Japanese hot pot) style consisting of meat (usually thinly sliced beef) which is slowly cooked or simmered at the table, alongside vegetables and other ingredients, in a shallow iron pot in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and mirin. Traditionally, ingredients are dipped in a small bowl of raw, beaten eggs after being cooked in the pot, and then eaten. Here are Kin Gyu, they do the same.

You may add Wagyu Slices at RM100 per 100g or Premium Loin at RM150 per 100g

Wagyu Beef Soup Rice – RM100
Charcoal grilled Wagyu beef served on top of a bed of rice in a claypot. On the side, with Japanese soup stock of bonito flakes, dried sardine and mackerel flakes poured over.
This is heavenly lip smacking. I was taught how to eat this Gyu Kabayaki Hitsumabushi – first we eat the original flavour without adding anything. Then, add in condiments for another taste. Lastly, add in the dashi to the rice. 3 ways of enjoying this rice!

Claypot Rice — RM40
Served with Minced Beef Tongue with soy sauce and Mentaiko
Even white rice mixed with these ingredients can be so delicious. I had “carb-overload”.

Ending our meal like a Japanese with hot soup!

Hard Shell Clam Clear Soup – RM16

Nameko Mushroom Red Miso Soup – RM12

Kin Gyu is very kids friendly too! They will make sure your kids are entertained, hence a basket of toys for Mini C to choose from and bring home!

金牛 Kin Gyu
1st Floor, No.8, Jalan 24/70a,
Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Business Hours: 5.30pm to 1.00am daily
Tel: 03-6206 3515/ 012-214 2373
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingyukl/
Instagram: @kingyu_kl

Combining both culture and tradition from Chengdu in through their food selections, settings and ambiance, Xiao Long Kan Hotpot is set to bring us one of the best hotpot experience in Malaysia!

As many of you are aware, Xiao Long Kan Hotpot originates from Chengdu in China, boasting a traditional secret recipe from a master chef in Chongqing. According to the chef (also flown in from Chengdu), the broth is made using a selection of finest chilli peppers, perfectly balanced with herbs and seasoning for that unforgettable experience.

It’s all about authenticity at Xiao Long Kan Hotpot. Most of the ingredients are imported from Chengdu to ensure flavours are on par and also, the Chengdu chef is here now to train his team.

They have 3 types of soup (broth) available, and if you’re new to Xiao Long Kan like us, we would recommend their 3-Flavoured Pot 三国演义 that consist of Traditional Spicy Soup 紅油, Double Flavoured Soup 红白鴛鴦 & Tomato Flavoured Soup番茄鴛鴦 – RM48

Their Traditional Spicy Soup 紅油 is thick, spicy and aromatic – a popular favourite among hotpot lovers. Experience it for yourself to see why it’s much loved in China and worldwide! You could actually select the level of spiciness and if you’re a huge fan of Chengdu hotpot, you’ll definitely want to go for their level! We had the privilege to taste both Malaysian spicy version and Chengdu’s version (with more chilli and peppercorns added!)

Don’t forget about their dipping sauce! A mixture of garlic, coriander, bird’s eye chilli, a dash of their spicy soup and the special oil provided! This also serves to bring the food temperature down when u dip ’em into it.

Here are what we had for the night!

• 3-Flavoured Pot 三国演义
  • – (Traditional Spicy Soup 紅油, Double Flavoured Soup 红白鴛鴦, Tomato Flavoured Soup番茄鴛鴦)
• XLK Spicy Chilli Beef 双辣牛肉 – RM48
• Supreme Australia Sliced Beef 澳洲精品肥牛AA – RM48

• Australia A5 Beef – RM90
• Pork Belly 上品五花肉 – RM28
• Pork Neck 上品豬頸肉 – RM20
• Pork Aorta 极品豬黃喉 – RM24
• Pork Blood 清肺豬紅 – RM10
• Crystal Glass Duck Intestine 冰球鴨腸 – RM28
• Shrimp Paste 手工蝦滑 – RM38
• Rose Meat Ball 手工玫瑰丸子 – RM26
• Vegetable Platter 田園蔬菜拼盤 –
• Fried Crispy Meat 现炸酥肉 – RM16
• Pig’s Brain – RM10

Xiao Long Kan 小龙坎老火锅 Malaysia
Lot 03, Block D,
179 Fahrenheit88,
Jalan Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +6010-220 9618

Aves World Eco Farm

Pretty near to our place! It is a small petting zoo located at Broga, with the aim to nurture more love for animals and plants in children. Definitely fun & educational at the same time!

The Sheep Family:
We were introduced to this sheep family at this station consisting, Ram, Sheep & Lamb. Obviously Mini C knows his animals and he could tell the difference between a male and a female sheep!

The Rabbit Compound
Keeps Mini C very busy, moving around with his Alfafa Grass, trying to feed the rabbits and bunnies!

Feeding the Ducks
Ducks and Ducklings ahead!

Cow, Horses, Pony & Goats

Catching the Fishes

Mini C teaches me about Guinea Fowl!

This farm is usually open on weekends and Public Holiday.
If you were to plan a visit on a weekday, please remember to give them a call for arrangement. They are also open for group visits or school field trip with packages as below:

Look! There are so many activities that can be done!

Worth the visit?
A YES from us. Though it’s pretty small, we feel the amount of money and time spent there is just nice. And it’s not too crowded (for now). The kids can take their own sweet time, feeding, petting and cuddling the animals!

Aves World Eco Farm
Lot PT 133 & 134
Broga, Semenyih
Tel: 010-528 6118
Opens: from 10am onwards on weekends & Public Holiday
Call for appointment / arrangement for group visits on weekdays

Finding the perfect sofa to match your furnitures or house design / layout can be very challenging. It has to be of good quality, your preferred colour and size, nice fabrics and the right design. We spent quite sometime scrutinizing websites and visiting show galleries to hunt for the right sofa for our family hall upstairs. Thank god we stumble upon this:

Flexis Haus

They design, build and sell their very own concept of sofas; from contemporary to premium.

We absolutely love Custom-Made Sofas: tailor-made to your exact requirements. Who doesn’t?
In spite of the many advantages of purchasing a custom-made-sofa, doing so is becoming rare – as many thought it will definitely cost a bomb!
Well not now!

Buying a customised sofa is the best option! First of all, it is far quicker to have a sofa made to measure.  This is certainly quicker than searching online or in-store for the ideal sofa.  For the most part, the ideal sofa does not exist (very true).  Therefore it is much easier to create the perfect sofa by choosing the fabric, leg design and the dimensions of the sofa.

Just choose your preferred design and colour, you’re all set to buy your dream sofa!

Additionally, to have a sofa that is completely customised is an opportunity to own a rare, one-off sofa.  Imagine creating the only sofa of its type on the planet! Well, we love that!

Talking about price and budget, that’s one of the main criteria we focus on besides quality. At Flexis Haus, you can have your sofa designed and made with this price:

1 seater : RM1980
2 seaters : RM2880
3 seaters: RM3680

They adhered to the requirements of their clients and balancing between design & comfort. With their own manufacturing capabilities, quality is assured. And the what we love most besides its design, is their Fabric!

Using the FibreGuard technology

1. Woven to protect

Proven both stain resistant and long lasting, FibreGuard fabrics are engineered from the inside out to perform.  They’re ‘life-friendly’: offering fabrics ready to stand up to anything daily life can throw at them.

2. High Quality, Durable Fabrics

The FibreGuard effect is permanent, meaning that the stain-free properties in your fabrics will last long after washing or prolonged use. They’ve ensured this as all FibreGuard fabrics undergo numerous textile tests in independent laboratories to ensure that they’re durable, reliable, and of a consistent quality.

3. Cleanable with Every Stain

FibreGuard fabrics are seriously easy to clean!
There’s four steps to cleaning our fabrics, and two of those are ‘water’.

1. Don’t Panic!
2. Water & Blot – Blot up the stain with water and a paper towel.
3. Water & Circles – Apply more water and gently rub with a microfibre cloth.
4. Air-Dry!
   
   How to Clean (in details) HERE: https://fibreguard.com/how-to-clean

FibreGuard fabrics have undergone stringent testing to ensure that not only are they easy to clean, they’re tough enough to withstand our harshest testers: kids!
It is able to stand up to whatever household stain you throw at them, no matter whether it’s ice cream, coffee or ketchup, ballpoint pen or red wine!

And as for ours, we went for a 3-seaters sofa with FibreGuard fabric of course, and of turquoise colour. It just shines on our 1st floor family hall. They also have extra legs beneath the sofa to withstand the weight (as Mini C loves jumping on it sometimes).

6 years WARRANTY!

Quote “broughtup2share” for 20% Discount for all sofas

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY: RM500 Flexis Haus voucher X 3

1. Like @flexihaus & @broughtup2share on Facebook
2. Tell us why you love Flexis Haus’s sofas?
3. The best answers will be picked by Flexis Haus!

*RM500 vouchers only applicable for 3 seaters and above

Click HERE to join!

Contact person: Yfonne Choo at 016-5537119
Flexis Haus:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/flexihaus/
Website: https://flexishaus.com/