tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46066127904294154022024-02-19T13:12:52.714+08:00The Dragon's LairK.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-67462631490624456692014-10-05T23:17:00.001+08:002014-10-05T23:26:42.604+08:00Double Park @ SS2<span xmlns=""></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have to admit that when before I stepped into this F&B café, I didn't have much expectation of this place. Afterall, the deco suggests that it's more of a music café and pub rather than a decent dining place. How wrong was I! The food is so great that I went back a second time within a short span of time. Even my family members give this place a thumb's up after trying the food here. So I decided to combine the food I have tried over the 2 visits into this one blog.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Double Park is actually situated along the same row as SS2 police station and it's at the row of shophouses behind the durian stalls. It's not hard to find with its black signboard with the words "Double Park". The theme of this place as I mentioned before is a musical café at night with nice setting and makes it a good place to chill out be it day or night. I have not been to this place in the evening though. Both my visits were in the midday.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It has both Asian and Western cuisines to cater for different taste buds. We tried about 8-10 items in its menu and the spread of the variety of foods is not bad! The Chicken Ham and Cheese Bun is a simple sandwich but I wonder it's called bun though. The presentation of the sandwich ( yes, I will call it sandwich instead of bun ) makes it rather appetizing with cherry tomato and slices of cucumber topped with mayonnaise. Like what I said earlier, it's nothing to shout about and a bit on the high side in terms of the price of RM7.90.</span><br /> </span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Chicken Ham & Cheese Bun – RM7.90</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Club Sandwich looks more mouth-watering as you can see below. Again, it has slices of ham and fried egg sandwiched between the bread. This taste much better than the former and I like this better even for RM1 more at RM8.90.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm8GfqJlgNEl_NdSFd5AGm7WKw2t2dQoJtgOc98pEFqNaPx71zbTB5kd8ZmRVQdlugqIZzUyVuhcoHp8EjZDgNYvikgV80gPe8M-fJPfCtvdxzU7Ki55XMlB80elhbvI1FxDjFdgsvHmF/s1600/Club+Sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm8GfqJlgNEl_NdSFd5AGm7WKw2t2dQoJtgOc98pEFqNaPx71zbTB5kd8ZmRVQdlugqIZzUyVuhcoHp8EjZDgNYvikgV80gPe8M-fJPfCtvdxzU7Ki55XMlB80elhbvI1FxDjFdgsvHmF/s1600/Club+Sandwich.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span xmlns=""> </span><span style="text-align: center;">Club Sandwich – RM8.90</span></span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For the main course, I ordered the Double Park Mix Chop. You get to choose different type of gravy. I wanted the mushroom sauce but it was not available on that moment. I opted for the red gravy ( I think?! ). The Mix Chop comes sizzling on a hot plate. The first impression of this meal it that the portion is too much for me. It comes with a slice of grilled chicken, a lamb chop and a fish fillet. The sides are the cherry tomato, broccoli and corn. There's definitely lots of meat on this plate and the gravy turns out to be very tasty. It's a bit salty but it complimented well with the meat. I am a person who is very particular over my broccoli but I find the broccoli here cooked just right for my liking. For meat lovers out there, you should try this dish. You will not be disappointed at RM18.50!</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wjvZPT51MF0QpvwVhrA2yCYTNz30_SAuM6hwUtI1gOKxRK1w4CZx51c0Es3IBMaEEXYWBgBgz111cnMbqFu3VYClJe0h7eMjwxS-kxLc8U3cjf93FX1ZwAkEfhHW5qB0BulddcDvTaU1/s1600/Double+Park+Mix+Chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wjvZPT51MF0QpvwVhrA2yCYTNz30_SAuM6hwUtI1gOKxRK1w4CZx51c0Es3IBMaEEXYWBgBgz111cnMbqFu3VYClJe0h7eMjwxS-kxLc8U3cjf93FX1ZwAkEfhHW5qB0BulddcDvTaU1/s1600/Double+Park+Mix+Chop.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span xmlns="">Double Park Mix Chop – RM18.50</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My Mum ordered the Signature Spare Ribs which is priced at RM12.90. We could not make out what the gravy is made of but it definitely goes well with rice. Double Park is generous with the gravy too. This Signature Spare Ribs certainly earned its reward that we ordered the same dish the second time we came back here. The ribs are cooked just nice and not too tough or chewy, just right! It comes with cucumber, lettuce and onion.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Signature Spare Ribs – RM12.90</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The other time I was here, I tried out the Salted Butter Pork with Rice. You get to choose whether you want it to be pork, chicken or fish to go with the Salted Butter. Double Park did not disappoint me with my choice. Again, the gravy earned my thumbs up! It's very tasty. The salted butter pork comes with a mix of curry leaves, lettuce and a little bit of chopped bird's eye chilli to add a little oomph! to the gravy. There is a generous amount of gravy to go with your rice. For RM13.90, this is another dish that I highly recommend to you foodies out there.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Salted Butter Pork – RM13.90</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Double Park Platter was ordered as an entrée for everyone. The platter comes with a mixture of fried food – French fries, fried wanton, potato wedges and fried popiah. I find the fries a bit powdery as it contains more flour than potatoes. The wanton is a bit disappointing but the popiah tasted better. I would not recommend this for an entrée. Perhaps, should give others in the menu a try.</span><br /> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuij1C9asCSqwe4sTmvWOFgbEyA7yRJI8LgS78T0KzhEOHU4Zc58HtZCfnx_MvRyQBBwzKpjxwz14yqCs7XNwC2t0LU51eBCzjdC8pa81ppPTdiY7oY3yfjGAVwOzaHZIJVUEW-j8h9LF/s1600/IMG_20141005_122917.555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuij1C9asCSqwe4sTmvWOFgbEyA7yRJI8LgS78T0KzhEOHU4Zc58HtZCfnx_MvRyQBBwzKpjxwz14yqCs7XNwC2t0LU51eBCzjdC8pa81ppPTdiY7oY3yfjGAVwOzaHZIJVUEW-j8h9LF/s1600/IMG_20141005_122917.555.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span xmlns="">Double Park Platter – RM14.50</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Fried Taiwan Sausage is a better option. The dish comes with 2 sausages wrapped in a strip of bacon each. This dish did not let me down. It definitely tasted better than the platter above. I enjoyed the juicy sausages and the bacon complimented well to bring out the salty taste in both the sausages and the bacon. The crispy taste of the bacons certainly make this a delight to the mouth.</span></span><br />
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<span xmlns="">Fried Taiwan Sausage – RM8.90</span></div>
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<span xmlns=""><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ambience and the setting of this place certainly makes it a good place to go for good food be it for a family outing or an evening winding down with your pals. Go ahead, give Double Park a try!</span></span><br />
K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-45521860178542589192013-12-19T11:03:00.001+08:002013-12-19T11:03:17.576+08:00Independence Monument – Phnom Penh<p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20131018_205234" border="0" alt="20131018_205234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXwGkGbW7fZ4HZqN_U0hD7FkF4YFZrr3mUGma4ztNec76m0kCKAWR-PIgoSAXMVHNW8VKWw9F6C8JZhHepeObP2DGAzKXTUnNReBfy212TmXqZyhMa-yjvowmzdeAERGn1p0mlSbhEtU/?imgmax=800" width="290" height="500"> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">This is something I found online about the Independence Monument of Phnom Penh. The above picture is by far my favourite picture I have taken from my Phnom Penh trip. It’s captured using my Samsung Galaxy S4.</font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"><a href="http://www.canbypublications.com/phnompenh/ppsights.htm" target="_blank">Independence Monument</a></font></p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">The Independence Monument was inaugurated in November 9, 1962, celebrating Cambodia’s independence from foreign rule. Renowned Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann was the architect of the monument which is patterned on a lotus flower bud, adorned with Naga heads (multi-headed cobras) and obviously reminiscent in design of the towers of Angkor Wat. The Independence Monument now also serves as a monument to Cambodia’s war dead as well as her independence. The Independence Monument sit in the centre of the traffic circle at the intersection of Norodom Blvd. and Sihanouk Blvd. and is the site of colourful celebrations and services on political holidays such as Independence Day ( January 7 ) and Constitution Day ( September 24 ).</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS">It’s best to visit the monument at night to absorb in all the wonderful colours from the spotlights that makes this monument a sight to behold.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20131018_205309" border="0" alt="20131018_205309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs7JiJhZthxYxC14pSuTJdvrK8qc9QiePhfSVXZy5ZewBCvR3h3VAHqisBdfuI3i0h-bmInlIw0XOAQ2_lDQLv8mVeWYd6QBc1i8KRZBOFc36GupXZZcEg7nArmQ-cscPXfnISRK-xkQ/?imgmax=800" width="290" height="500"></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-63412988859210305622013-12-13T13:34:00.001+08:002013-12-13T13:34:23.951+08:00A Walk To Remember<p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><em>This post is extracted from “The Star – 3rd December 2013” as a tribute to Paul William Walker, 1973-2013</em></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="paul-walker-picture-5" border="0" alt="paul-walker-picture-5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uY0FDy9Qr-4/UqqcVXxyK9I/AAAAAAAACuE/kPgM3RKLNkU/paul-walker-picture-5%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="510"> </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Actor Paul Walker’s death in a fiery car crash under a clear-blue California sky Saturday continues to feel so incredibly sad and so surreal. </font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">How can it not?</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The actor, 40, spent much of his life on-screen behind the wheel of fast cars, walking away from the worst possible pileups in the <em>The Fast And The Furious</em> franchise. He was one of the central players in the hugely popular series and a part of the cast from its 2001 beginnings, when it created a world where there was no curve its drivers couldn’t navigate, no wreck they couldn’t survive. Cars stood for high-octane escape, freedom at 200 mph.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">No one was prepared for a day like Saturday. That Walker’s final moments would carry such heart-breaking irony; that the sort of images that defined his life in film would also frame his death.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="picture-1-138587327778" border="0" alt="picture-1-138587327778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ro358hMDVqfCqo2MCkdPVWaYHOC7Ba1k0jfR2TDAWsNROPfrmVw6Q2omJrzrGlNwdyKgqxlUgoJW7b-c25eerYEx0fbGjoMm7ZB8cgRBMnkzXLp7jFSIm9dMBEmz7JQwfGp8QzGqVxs/?imgmax=800" width="740" height="425"> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Though the <em>The Fast And The Furious</em> anchor is Vin Diesel playing Dominic Toretto, a local Los Angeles tough with a heart of gold, a few of the core cast members became minor constellations in their own right. Walker, as the undercover cop who became Dom’s best friend and his most reliable partner in crime, was one.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Part of the films’ appeal was its blue-collar ethos and its love of all things American, except for a law here or there. The pull was powerful enough that even Walker’s cop Brian O’Conner couldn’t resist. Dom’s crew of gear-heads, grease monkeys, guys willing to get their hands dirty when duty called, soon won him over.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Walker’s character was our entry point to this very real underground scene. The actor helped us see the merit in these renegades, to be seduced by the adrenaline rush of the race. There was also Brian’s sweet relationship with Dom’s sister Mia, played by Jordana Brewter. Together, the actors embodied a classic working-class couple, their courtship remarkably innocent in an outlaw world.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That was Walker’s strength in front of the camera. The actor was ever the rock-sold guy.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Fast-furious-the-fast-and-the-furious-movies-23782410-1200-796" border="0" alt="Fast-furious-the-fast-and-the-furious-movies-23782410-1200-796" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr2wHjpxIS9ZVA0dydeeNqA8a_SABwnOWdtm3r5JRbtOwv1WaxT1hBzC9eiL3t6mCuGSwlolxxeSsODgjtrdFMIPyshdQYF5hbeIzIPFmnFgCLW0Lqmac3KnTwH5nqQJ9BK9GbpgR0AE/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="445"> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">He certainly looked the part with that strong jaw, slight scruff, clear blue eyes, golden smile. It is no surprise the actor landed on <em>People</em> magazine’s most beautiful list. Walker could ooze sex appeal. But far more often, what you saw on-screen was an inherent decency.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">From all accounts, that was an accurate description of the man, someone who held friends and family close, who had enough fame and fortune to abuse it, but never did. The heartfelt outpouring of love and regret from fans and friends alike in the wake of his death speaks eloquently to that.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Walker was born in Glendale, California in the United States and he never moved far from home. A California boy, he liked to surf and to drive fast cars. The car Valley on Saturday.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">That he would become an actor was almost a given. He began spending time in front of the camera as a toddler, diaper-clad in a Pampers ad for his first performance. At 13, he made his big screen debut in 1986’s <em>Monster in the Closet. </em>The B-movie would in a sense set the course for his career.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The TV and film roles that followed were mostly modest ones, drawing more fans than critical attention. In some of the better movies, Walker took secondary parts, overshadowed by bigger stars of his generation such as Tobey Maguire in 1998’s <em>Pleasantville</em> and James Van Der Beek in 1999’s <em>Varsity Blues.</em></font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">Until <em>The Fast And The Furious – </em>a box-office juggernaut with international appeal – changed his life forever. He was a specialist in the mainstream, in a league with countless actors who show up year after year, give us their best and don’t ask for much in return. Including awards on the shelf. Just to act is almost reward enough.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">The franchise has never claimed to be high art, but it is always solidly entertaining. Its brash bravado is tempered by the fact that these bad boys are really good guys. No. 6 in the series, which came out in May, outdid all the rest.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">In more recent times, the actor had been taking on other types of roles. In one of his last projects, <em>Hours</em>, which is due for release in a couple of weeks, he plays a father desperate to keep his baby daughter safe in the face of Hurricane Katrina.</font></p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS">There is no official word yet on the fate of <em>Fast & Furious 7,</em> which is still in production. I would be surprised if they didn’t find a way to turn the film, at least in part, into a final tribute: to Walker and the memory of a good man, a good father, a good friend and a good actor – in that order – who sadly died too young.</font></p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="index" border="0" alt="index" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPmEi7yOrnsHb_qpGMogcPwB1Baa3z8srJqqwtuHz3oqhdSAFxDFOzSuaTxddrwoVXYE2BSSCoLk_0apSkT80JP0GOg0xwHhsr-fqYVwvqV7tHFJUibjBKiP-f_eI3Thj5xvEAdiwty8/?imgmax=800" width="531" height="788"> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="4" face="Comic Sans MS"></font> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-45582710575266140322013-12-01T16:21:00.001+08:002013-12-01T16:21:53.699+08:00Laugh Out Loud<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Today’s Sunday and to beat tomorrow’s Monday’s blues, here’s a few jokes I extracted from “<em>The Star</em>” newspaper to share with everyone:</font></p> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Arial">A Matter of Trust</font></h1> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">A police officer is being cross-examined by a defence attorney during a felony trial. The lawyer is trying to undermine the police officer’s credibility.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “Officer, did you see my client fleeing the scene?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “No, sir. But I subsequently observed a person matching the description of the offender, running several blocks away.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “Who provided this description?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “The officer who responded to the scene.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “A fellow officer provided the description of this so-called offender. Do you trust your fellow officers?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “Yes, sir. With my life.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “With your life? Let me ask you this then, officer. Do you have a room where you change your clothes in preparation for your daily duties?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “Yes, sir, we do.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “And do you have a lock on your locker?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “Yes, sir.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Lawyer: “Now, why is it, officer, if you trust your fellow officers with your life, you find it necessary to lock your locker in a room you share with these same officers?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cop: “You see, sir, we share the buildinng with the court complex, and sometimes lawyers have been known to walk through that room.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The courtroom exploded with laughter, and a recess was called.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font> </p> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Arial">Downsized</font></h1> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Interviewer: “To whom you owe your success as a millionaire?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Millionaire: “I owe everything to my wife.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Interviewer: “Wow, she must be some woman. What were you before you married her?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Millionaire: “A billionaire.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font> </p> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Arial">Brother and sisters</font></h1> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">One day, a young man tells his father that he is ready to marry and settle down.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">His father is happy for him. He asks his son who the girl is, and he tells him that she is the girl next door.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">With a sad face the old man tells his son: “I’m sorry son, but I have to tell you the truth. The girl you want to marry is your sister. Please don’t tell your mother.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The young man shrugs and says he has other girlfriends and names them. But the father tells him the same thing, that they are all his sisters because of his past indiscretions.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The son is upset and decides to tell his mother. “Mom, I want to get married but all the girls that I propose, Dad says that they are my sisters and I mustn’t tell you.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">His mother smiles at him and says: “Don’t worry my son, you can marry any of those girls. You’re not his son.”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font> </p> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Arial">Pricey meal</font></h1> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">A cannibal is strolling in the jungle and comes upon a restaurant operated by a fellow cannibal.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Feeling somewhat hungry, he sits down and looks at the menu:</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Raw Tourist: $5</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Broiled Missionary: $10</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Fried Explorer: $15</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Grilled Politician: $100</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The cannibal asks the owner: “Why so expensive for a politician?”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The owner replies: “Have you ever tried to clean one? They are so full of shit, it takes all morning!”</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-4752887869983208972013-10-30T18:49:00.001+08:002013-10-30T18:49:24.353+08:00King Grand Boutique Hotel<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">During my recent trip to Phnom Penh, I chose to stay at <a href="http://www.kinggrandboutiquehotel.com/" target="_blank">King Grand Boutique Hotel</a> (KGB). I made the booking months earlier via <a href="http://www.booking.com/hotel/kh/king-grand-boutique.en-gb.html?sid=d2f9ae44dd4c5574254dc8386c2cf095;hotel_id=319697;lang=en-gb" target="_blank">Booking.com</a> and managed to get myself quite a good bargain. Since we have booked earlier at a discounted website, we do not have to pay for the room and cancellation is FOC up to 3 days before checking in. As there are 5 of us including 1 child, we booked 2 Superior rooms for 3 nights which came up to USD336.00 altogether. That comes up to USD56 per room a night including tax. It comes with breakfast as well.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">We arranged for airport pickup prior to our arrival date and was quoted USD20 for a van which can sit 7 adults. Since we arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport around late afternoon, traffic was a bit heavy. It took us about 45 minutes to reach the hotel from the airport while usually it takes about 30 minutes or less. KGB is located at Street 258. The hotel is not facing the main road but it is strategically located. In fact, I strongly recommend tourists to stay at KGB as there are a few tourists sites near the hotel.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Upon checking in to KGB, we were greeted by very polite and courteous staff. Their smiles almost immediately put away the tiredness that they guests may have. We were given a welcome drink while the receptionist does the check in process. To our surprise, I was informed that one of my Superior room has been upgraded to Deluxe Triple Room since I have a 5 years old daughter travelling with us! That totally won me over. KGB is really a guest-oriented hotel. I am not sure about the occupancy rate of the hotel since its website states that KGB has 40 stylish, well equipped bedrooms and two swimming pools. While waiting at the lobby, I switched on my phone’s wifi and managed to get a very strong signal strength from the hotel.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">When we brought to our room’s entrance, I noticed the room door security system a bit more advanced that other hotels that I have been to. You need to scan your palm first before a 2 digit pin is being reviewed and then only you swipe your door access card. Stepping into the room, I find the room pretty clean with no hint of any odour. We had a queen size bed and from the balcony, we can see the Royal Palace.</font> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Phnom Penh 17-20 Oct 2013" border="0" alt="Phnom Penh 17-20 Oct 2013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-biTvAcMoDfc/UnDkDRwGjHI/AAAAAAAACow/mHiTdtwG1S8/PhnomPenh1720Oct20131.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><font color="#ff0000"><strong><em>The Superior Room and the Balcony </em></strong> </font></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="1-Phnom Penh 17-20 Oct 20131" border="0" alt="1-Phnom Penh 17-20 Oct 20131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9m-0OVQzzRTPPtzopdMSiI9t0ARAZzkYDiZxMzw7ojVCWEYnDHWT2IHH-KcvPmWBl0MlRUQx0vncQzBMdcY_DCQr-twvCcoOHh9JSeOw2WE-zxiE9VLgg3jibk9jX5eFiGCh9mmNa2pA/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="380"></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"><font color="#ff0000"><strong><em>The Bathroom and the Wardrobe </em></strong> </font></font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The bathroom is also very spacious and have a hair dryer for the convenience of the guests. The LCD TV has got around 20 channels for the guests to watch. A set of bathrobes and a mini safe is also available for the guests to use.</font></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUALGCYBHc2Zj54WC_kzPvdE9l58U15mHr6EF0Vfg-bDuFUanjSW98uuGjHSfJ1P66w5pcdKery3UiUGhyphenhyphenmSZrJVrOKNd-ZU5QRmaCvIimmhxQCIqJoKEXXmNWasdWhz_q_z0rs6JH3xw/s1600-h/20131018_082750%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131018_082750" border="0" alt="20131018_082750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8dFVvwosR_I/UnDkFS-NopI/AAAAAAAACpI/rzoU-8HwYyE/20131018_082750_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NmzMuHK9Zo0/UnDkGfUCuII/AAAAAAAACpQ/MvFDxtds64g/s1600-h/20131017_195850%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131017_195850" border="0" alt="20131017_195850" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pDGibEmMuU4/UnDkHNK5SMI/AAAAAAAACpY/s6Ia3yEHQzQ/20131017_195850_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-me9K0i65Ty0/UnDkH82m0OI/AAAAAAAACpg/Z1XJXmfME0w/s1600-h/20131017_195800%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131017_195800" border="0" alt="20131017_195800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKD6SR_dCpPCIGlRHmBy1nmAm1hkNirVQevuMxG7tHM0Hdfw07VpMZ-g3toLNNXGOq8QJNjZzUzTsv2y3BBDYyY0aXMDQAiCOPBIwfGFHVwmz8aqrG-_Z4Sgs2NLJDb2lPfPMi92oH38s/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Y9SsgX5iZk/UnDkJcK7G0I/AAAAAAAACpw/O_Ps_x1v03w/s1600-h/20131017_195552%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131017_195552" border="0" alt="20131017_195552" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oe-2E7eeIi4/UnDkJ-LIpwI/AAAAAAAACp4/CgG_cHW9ysc/20131017_195552_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> </p> <p align="justify"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FCoyIAVN3eo/UnDkKjzZQ1I/AAAAAAAACqA/Fy1re2Ytn1k/s1600-h/20131017_195508%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131017_195508" border="0" alt="20131017_195508" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jGGw3soSf14/UnDkLSJL2FI/AAAAAAAACqI/hbv_R-irJHs/20131017_195508_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5BQ_ClLwi4w/UnDkMBAuJXI/AAAAAAAACqQ/fUj0BV6_jV0/s1600-h/20131018_081522%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20131018_081522" border="0" alt="20131018_081522" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4UzVeP7a_V8/UnDkMqp-k5I/AAAAAAAACqY/bj27sfLlS1w/20131018_081522_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="139"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">The above is the collection of photos from the pool side. The coffeehouse is divided into indoor and outdoor section. Sitting besides the pool is so relaxing and you will definitely enjoy your breakfast even more. Besides the standard serving of Asian breakfast as well as cereals, you can also order bacon, eggs and pancakes. The ever polite waiters and waitresses are more than happy to bring them to your table. Service is top-notch here. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">There is a pool on the ground floor as well as a jacuzzi pool on the 7th floor which is also the rooftop. The rooftop provides you a magnificent, panoramic view of Phnom Penh city and not to mention the Royal Palace is just a stone throw away from KGB.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you need to travel around, have no fear. There are many <em>tuk-tuk</em> waiting outside the hotel for tourists. You can bargain for you destination.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you like what you read, below’s the address for King Grand Boutique. You can visit its website or make your reservations via <a href="http://www.booking.com" target="_blank">Booking.com</a></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#ffff00"><strong><font face="Arial">Address: #No 18, Street 258, Sangkat Chat Tomuk, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia</font> </strong></font></font> <p><font size="3" face="Arial"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Phone: +855 23 215 848 / +855 23 215 849 Fax: +855 23 215 846 </strong></font> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Email: </font><a href="mailto:info@kinggrandboutiquehotel.com"><font size="3" face="Arial">info@kinggrandboutiquehotel.com</font></a></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-67016258626686829422013-10-23T08:43:00.001+08:002013-10-23T08:43:37.957+08:00Phnom Penh’s Central Market ( Phsar Thmei )<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Just came back from a recent holidays to Phnom Penh. For the next few posts, I will blog about the various places I have visited during my 4 days’ stay at Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Cambodia is famous for its Buddhist temples as well as its long history of cruel regime under Pol Pot where many Cambodias were tortured to death. As such, today, Cambodia has a Killing Field and Genocide Museum to “tell” the stories of its gruesome past.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Arial">Fast forward to present, shopaholics who would like to get hold of some souvenirs from Cambodia can do so at the Central Market. The market sells a wide variety of items including handicrafts, silks, t-shirts, postcards. According to a source I found from the Internet, prior to 1935, the market area was a swamp/lake known as Beng Decho that received the runoff during the rainy season. The lake was drained and the market constructed in 1935-37, during the French colonial period, and originally dubbed the “Grand Market”. As I have a colleague who likes to collect stamps, I am disappointed that I can’t find any stalls in the market selling souvenir stamps. There are a few stalls which sell locally printed tourist guide books ie Lonely Planet etc. I bet that you will be approached by a few mobile vendors who will try to sell you lottery tickets, bookmarks, travel guides.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Central Market 1" border="0" alt="Central Market 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o6qwBlsUC3g/Umcbs9d-wLI/AAAAAAAACnM/rT6sSUBAQYY/SAM_035214.jpg?imgmax=800" width="788" height="628"><font color="#ffff00" size="3"><strong>One of the 4 entrances to Central Market </strong></font></p> <p></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Along the entrances to Central Market, you will find mostly stalls selling clothings & clothing accessorries, fridge magnets and fresh flowers. At the centre of the Central Market, you will find items mostly like watches (read fake designer brands), fashion jewelleries, handphone mobile accessories. Do note that Central Market sells a combination of wet & dry goods. There is a section of the market which sells poultry meat and vegetables. Hawker food is also available in the market. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">The items being sold in the market are mainly quoted in USD and price haggling and deep bargaining is a must. Please, please bargain for 50% of the price being offered by the seller. Do bear in mind that Central Market is popular for tourists. Therefore, prices of items here are mostly marked-up.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="SAM_0353" border="0" alt="SAM_0353" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oE_mjritGbs/Umcbt7Hyc4I/AAAAAAAACnU/WsuzYyTRcJg/SAM_035315.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="788"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3"><strong>The dome inside Central Market </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Central Market is opened from early morning around 7am to late afternoon. <em>Tuk tuk</em> (motorcycle taxi) are freely available outside the Central Market. Happy shopping!!</font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-75324628704271529702013-08-01T12:45:00.001+08:002013-08-01T12:45:04.900+08:00Sin Hup Kee Restaurant – Bandar Puteri Puchong<p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Last Sunday, our lunch took us to Bandar Puteri, Puchong where we tried out a Chinese restaurant – Sin Hup Kee (SHK). It occupies a single shop lot in Bandar Puteri Puchong and has about 10-15 tables (both round table and square tables). </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Sin Hup Kee" border="0" alt="Sin Hup Kee" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhDQ2WtgluSymOLIw0YIZ6qfGyyug-qhc3frzpQQVm3foAuoKfPhZfOSlHYUlIs9subhmwGfLxrCmFQTsNqhKwvluaF4Gn6jder06X4x2MT4l5EK30yfW_JhxbuPJu9xWAhhK7qLsNMc/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe">SHK – from the outside</font></strong> </p> <p> <font size="3" face="BatangChe">Bandar Puteri Puchong has grown into quite a “makan” place with many restaurants at this area. This commercial hubs also house a few local and international banks as well and you have a hypermarket at this area too. It’s really a busy commercial area during work days.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Sin Hup Kee" border="0" alt="Sin Hup Kee" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zdXnzXwlNGQ/UfnniIiub_I/AAAAAAAABzA/JYGsfjHs2uQ/20130721_1232553.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="516"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe">SHK’s menu</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">One complain I have about this restaurant is the quality of their menu. Don’t get me wrong! They have a good spread of dishes but the menu book itself is quite worn out. I think it will give customers a better impression if they take pride in their menu instead of presenting worn out copy to customers.</font> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Sin Hup Kee" border="0" alt="Sin Hup Kee" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeT2_cm9nzTFr5IAM7uIaVBGhdqpGPxaYdVhN-Lp5jRpDtO195YG2zorUzm-uG4ngVeomeP3dpI6F3FGeBQQ3YGIRxSgJVlgq9FClZZ5rNDZKjPc2Xbkw5mWIgpC_G0cVA76B0exVI1Q/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe">SHK – from the inside</font></strong><font size="3" face="BatangChe"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">I like the wall of Sin Hup Kee as it’s decorated with big photos of their dishes. It gives the diners an idea of what to expect and whet up the appetite before the actual dishes arrive. We reached there about 12:30pm and it was quite packed with lunch crowd on a Sunday where families usually eat out on weekends. Despite being full house, we didn’t have to wait too long for our dishes to arrive. 20 minutes is an acceptable time frame, considering the crowd. We ordered a few dishes which I am going to share below:-</font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Salted Egg Squid (Small - RM18)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Deep fried food with salted egg is always a favourite within our family. The little kiddo loves the savoury taste of salted egg in the food as it enhances the batter. Squid itself is rather bland in taste, with rubbery texture. So, it’s usually cooked with curry or deep fried based on Oriental cooking style. Since we ordered a small portion, the size of it came as expected. Simple dish garnished with lettuce and curry leaves. SHK gave a generous amount of salted egg and hence, you can really taste the salted egg in the deep fried batter. Also, it comes with a hint of pepper to enhance the taste.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Deep Fried Salted Egg Squid - RM18" border="0" alt="Deep Fried Salted Egg Squid - RM18" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_DaSr2f6azV7rpagP3gWwTXBsa79ORWIuUkYva5M0PmMPGpDqlMPwUFE5s19PKGCv_7E1_zu7fsOA3YSSeN4wYXP9cQWbgI1Grpxdd0R6Rk3ST1xsQuzTuLZ4VYbF4fHAl7gCClMJYY/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Salted Egg Squid</strong></font></p> <p><font size="4"><font color="#ff0000"><strong><font face="BatangChe">Marmite Sauce Chicken (Regular - RM16)</font> </strong></font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Since my daughter also loves marmite, marmite chicken is a regular order whenever we dine out and the restaurant happens to have a dish with marmite sauce. SHK uses chicken breast meat to cook with the marmite sauce. I am not a fan of chicken breast meat as this part of the chicken is too dense with meat. I prefer other parts like thigh or drumstick. As a result, I feel that the marmite sauce didn’t really get sipped into the breast meat. The sauce only managed to coat the surface of the meat but not sipped into it.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Marmite Sauce Chicken - RM16" border="0" alt="Marmite Sauce Chicken - RM16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxNNgXtRmaegjFdlPLIbM_1vnl9OxZsJXe4FeSnWyMpXEIaQxlq7m7S1W-4UPgwdoxfS_YCKOx-QAbTCmOtpFGGVuZCtSQKGWC6tUEdyjw3aAAVf00HbTScGPhBxLb91LibtaG3aGG4o/?imgmax=800" width="516" height="516"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3"> </font><strong><font face="BatangChe"><font color="#ffff00" size="3">Marmite Sauce Chicken</font><font color="#ff0000"><font size="4"> </font></strong></font></font></p> <p> <font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Fish Tail (700gm - RM49)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Initially, we did not order this dish but the fish slices with mango sauce. The dish was not available on that day and the waitress recommended this dish to us. We obliged and it turned out quite tasty. The fish tail is deep fried and very crispy. You can tell that it’s fried on the spot and then the sweet and sour sauce poured onto it immediately right before being served to the table. I would much prefer more garnishing ie more slices of tomatoes and onions to accompany the generous portion of sauce that comes with the fish. Overall, this dish is worth a go. </font><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Deep Fried Fish Tail in Sweet & Sour Sauce - RM49" border="0" alt="Deep Fried Fish Tail in Sweet & Sour Sauce - RM49" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ficZs9DQZxk/UfnnnnbPW5I/AAAAAAAABzg/P-iPWcdT7q4/img13749924514382.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00"><font size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Fish Tail</strong></font> </font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Stir Fried Long Beans (Regular - RM12)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">We also ordered the stir fried long beans with minced meat as we need to balance meat intake with veggies right?? For a regular plate of the dish, I think the portion given is quite generous. The taste of this dish is nothing to shout about, a regular dish that you can find in most Chinese restaurants. However, I do find the long beans a bit overcooked. It should have been crunchier but I find it a bit on the soft side for my liking.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Stir Fried Long Beans - RM12" border="0" alt="Stir Fried Long Beans - RM12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl6oTthFASHyKgeV7Gq3KV9227W3VO7cZxmVTOwxtxyzia7nl1KFM-BDJ4OioS4_A3uLV4NIPKRWtZInY0rwqrkgVTZmm0PvhLdOeLpqWYLIszQ_NIJzer1fMWtJy3ddvdA3K7XpN1oQ/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Stir Fried Long Beans</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Salted Egg Mantis (Small - RM18)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Here’s another dish that is cooked with salted egg :-) Mantis prawns. Another of our family’s favourite seafood. Again, the popular style of cooking the mantis prawns favoured by us is to deep fried it with salted egg. Similar to the squid, the batter came with a generous portion of salted egg. This makes the mantis prawns well-coated with the batter mixed with salted eggs. Another thumbs up for the dish.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Deep Fried Salted Egg Mantis - RM18" border="0" alt="Deep Fried Salted Egg Mantis - RM18" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD_-06ME7h8qtGrdDgYdtGK_zRvrfcvE1hOaQ6QoVah4PtsL51TKF7PhMchoU_4LxbH_EtLIPYV41QblaoPNwwZJ3Tw-JICIO5g5b12U8MdeMbFi2S8FbnkeI5Bnpwjaf25m3iKG_41M/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font size="3"> <font color="#ffff00" face="BatangChe"><strong>Deep Fried Salted Egg Mantis</strong></font></font></p> <p><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Fiery Pork Ribs (Small - RM12)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">This dish is chosen by my Mum as it was one of the items featured on the wall of SHK. Since none of the dishes above has got pork, we decided to order this dish as well. Let’s see how one of their signature dishes fair. Well, it actually tasted quite good. It taste like sweet & sour pork ribs with a hint of vinegar in it to bring out the sour taste. The ribs are cooked just right with the sauce managed to seep into the pork ribs. The right temperature of the <em>wok</em> is important in bringing out the finer taste of the food and with this pork ribs, I have to say it deserve to be one of their signature dishes.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Fiery Pork Ribs - RM12" border="0" alt="Fiery Pork Ribs - RM12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IIPQSt_TyOhv0LthqieHGhY27JRH5xU0hY-6h-40RBqraoOd9K1_zVg2L_zNPpXcURVGTJtHsRgz4ah-0w3inJEyYNgNCvznfCuSwcxSgGjA2DNXDfdy6gi2m-1B8tbEd_jR5TJXirk/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00"><font size="4"><strong><font face="BatangChe">Fi<font size="3">ery Pork Ribs</font></font></strong></font><font size="3"> </font></font></p> <p> <font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Steamed Eggs with Century & Salted Eggs (Small - RM10)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">This dish is ordered to balance out the rest of what we have ordered so far. We are missing some protein based dish :-)</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Besides, my daughter loves to eat eggs too. So, this is also another dish ordered for her. With century and salted eggs cut into small pieces and added into the steam eggs, you do not need additional flavouring. The combination of these 3 types of eggs itself is enough to make it a tasty, protein-based dish. I would suggest to top it up with some fried scallions and spring onions would be a good garnishing. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Steamed Eggs With Century & Salted Eggs - RM10" border="0" alt="Steamed Eggs With Century & Salted Eggs - RM10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFBpwd3uiNc/Ufnnw0cBGjI/AAAAAAAAB0A/k3uL34bRSKI/img13749926530413.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Steamed Eggs with Century & Salted Eggs</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="BatangChe"><font color="#ff0000" size="4"><strong>Yin Yang Kailan (Regular - RM12)</strong></font></font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">Our last dish ordered is another vegetable. This dish is gaining popularity amongst Chinese restaurants. The catch is frying the green leaves of the kailan. If the chef is not careful, he may over-timed the frying and as a result, you will end up with a bitter taste a.k.a burnt taste of the leaves. Luckily, I didn’t experience the burnt taste with this dish. The chef managed to deep fry the shredded leaves without overcooking them. The stalks part of the kailan are also blanched just right, not too hard for my liking. Again, I think this dish is a thumbs-up for me.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="Yin Yong Kailan - RM12" border="0" alt="Yin Yong Kailan - RM12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh7pdXtT6ZCWPThXLH3yrgBBuliGSk6uKapQzA7hGQwGW_m6kXE2cPM89RuxAeAGGQncDD5CwWMooJHjw39aYhFzzAgPnXRsom4emYNndzypIUPxgiIPl4_QMbgaWpFgIKi3DL4fr80g/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Yin Yang Kailan</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="BatangChe">As a whole, it was a fine dining experience at SHK. Service was within the expected time frame despite it being a full house on a Sunday afternoon when I visited the restaurant. As mentioned before, my only complain is that the menu book should be re-print as it looked worn out. Not a very pleasing sight for customers.</font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong></strong></font> </p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Address:</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Sin Hup Kee</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>No. 64, Jalan Puteri 2/4, </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>Bandar Puteri, </strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="BatangChe"><strong>47100 Puchong, Selangor.</strong></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-26462143873091017852013-06-30T01:17:00.001+08:002013-06-30T01:17:52.986+08:00The Apartment Restaurant & Bar @ The Curve<p> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">When you have a group of great colleagues as your dining companion, it already add “flavour” to your meal. This has certainly happened to me on Wednesday when I invited my colleagues and team-mates for a department’s dinner at The Apartment Restaurant & Bar, The Curve Mutiara Damansara.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"> This is my first complete meal at The Apartment <em>per se </em>as my previous visit was for dessert and to unwind after dinner at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant. When I wanted to invite my mates for a dinner this time around, The Apartment came to mind as it’s a Theme Restaurant and I personally love the deco of this place. The “homely” feel of this restaurant sets the mood for a cozy and relaxing dinner. The place exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere just as if you’re inviting your best buddies to your own apartment for a home-cooked meal.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"> Located along “The Street” section of The Curve shopping centre, The Apartment has TGIF, Marche, Starbucks amongst its neighbours. It’s not hard to find The Apartment as it’s situated right in the middle of The Street.</font></p> <p><img title="Collages" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Collages" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lcEsS76IoSM/Uc8Wr49BKyI/AAAAAAAABoM/EWs251fozRc/Collages%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4">The Apartment</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"> The decorations and settings of this restaurant are mainly adapting the concept of …… you guessed it, an apartment! It gives you the feel as if you’re walking straight into an apartment with all the deco and furniture pieces which you are expected to find in a decorated and furnished home. The Apartment is segmentised into the living area, the study area, the bathroom area and not to forget the dining area and patio. Here, you can opt for the indoor dining area or the alfresco area. Of course, when you’re at an apartment, it just feel right to be seated in the apartment itself. Right? Right! Of course, if the alfresco or balcony presents you with a majestic sunset view and you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, then naturally the balcony would be the ideal setting. Else, sitting inside The Apartment would be a natural choice, duh!</font></p> <p><img title="Apartment2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9F53sk5tBQA/Uc8WsupU_7I/AAAAAAAABoU/LnyAcrETxdY/Apartment2%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4">Welcomed by the little sofa, work desk and soothing lights – great ambience!</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"> A stone throw away from the entrance, you will be greeted by the Study area which comes complete with tables and chairs best suited for couples ( perhaps couples who enjoy reading more than eating, haha! ) Along the wall, there are book shelves come complete with magazines and books for those who don’t naturally take out their smartphones and start social networking the moment they sit down. Ooh, I forgot to mention that The Apartment comes with free wifi too! So, you can really start <em>“viber, whatsapp, foursquare, check in” </em>before you warm the seats!</font></p> <p><img title="Apartment1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwA_8O4p2qG7v-UDXDdqiUyKtVbBajGrtoHoZJP3SbYCLPeBesExIA1sfH1E2_hsoUUc1NVhQztCgtsPsX0XJJQ277kWrr3YS7PiXgnqHxE4S6KtH375J8kHxTd3ge29coO16WEC1gOo8/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Batang">I guess with the dimmed light, you’re not supposed to read here. Start looking into each other’s eyes and build up the coziness</font></em></strong></p> <p align="center"><img title="Apartment" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7PeXYjxrsE5crK7iatKk6DhIqKH2bqFXzvHzSkzW4W-Js6SXjsOVU_tsOJIOqIGl2YkAS2MRKTiO90iwMSoFLfjdfZEFafpjDWabNYArjzCZXeorPeF-yy7inLsVdx5N2ZgZFYAIaYM/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Batang"><strong><em><font size="4">The Bathroom – an interesting section of The Apartment. Shower before you eat ?</font></em></strong> </font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#0000ff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffffff"> My reservation was made a week ago in order not to be disappointed by not getting a table at my favourite section of the restaurant. From my previous visit, I think that the dining area setting would be the best area for the 8 of us since it’s situated right at the end of the restaurant and flanked by 2 smaller tables. The dining table sits 8-10 and decorated with portraits and picture frames.</font></font></p> <p align="center"><img title="Collages1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Collages1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NxUXNCVCZ78/Uc8WucPypmI/AAAAAAAABoo/atm_Qv-R57k/Collages1%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Batang">Pencil sketch or charcoal drawing ? Can you tell ?</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"> <font size="3" face="Batang">As much as what Murphy’s Law epigram: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong", it did happened to my reservation. On my first reservation made a week ago before the actual date of the dinner, I did asked to be seated at the Dining Area of The Apartment. Was being told that the section is available and I’m being reserved for that. 2 days before the day, I called again to re-confirm my reservation and again reiterated that I wanted the Dining Area. Again, was being told that it’s available. On the actual day of the dinner itself, I received a call from the restaurant’s supervisor to confirm my reservation. To my horror, when I reached the restaurant, I was ushered to another section of the restaurant. I was puzzled and annoyed when being informed that the Dining Area has been reserved by another guests! I called for the Supervisor; who unfortunately was not available, but another person-in-charge (sorry I forgot your name Bro!) came to look into my complain. Upon checking the reservation book, I saw that I was indeed being allotted the Dining Area but it was erased and changed to the Window section. I don’t want to look like some goldfishes in aquarium and be seated along the corridor with people passing by us! I want a private corner where we can eat & laugh & be loud if we want to! In the end, the P.I.C got things sorted out and moved us back to our reserved corner – Dining Area. Phew!!</font></p> <p><img title="Apartment3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aTvo7hhO6Qk/Uc8Wu8EB5MI/AAAAAAAABo0/BOnlZYfNh84/Apartment3%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Batang">My favourite corner – the Dining Area</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"> <font size="3" face="Batang">The “Hungry Eight” did not take long to decide what to eat (by my standard, this time it’s not long). Some of us ordered the same dish despite the variety ranges from Asian to Western dishes….2 minds, 1 heart perhaps? Haha, get over it! I was surprised that no one ordered any Mocktail or drinks. I wanted to try the range of mocktails available. I guess the 2 bottles of plain water that came earlier put off the idea.</font></p> <p><img title="Apartment4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96FkqCQ-bu_FGUANcXf8kAuce5viCwEtaxRHCHLO6q-79l2uGlmYouWw42HDxksvy0APLrysJ2JGkbpAO_EZGyxgW_akm6Ni9RNbHvmeRKUr12XOqZfR849t22LRC0DjWGUUH76coi7Q/?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="BatangChe">Clockwise from top left : Irish Lamb Stew, Seafood pasta, Baked Fish, Surf N Turf, Piquant Chicken and Salmon Fettucine</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">When everyone’s busy chatting and laughing away, time passes by without you realising it. I guess our orders came in around 15-20 minutes?? Here’s my personal opinion of some of the main courses we ordered. I didn’t pinched all the food from some of my colleagues but managed to taste some of the them.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Irish Lamb Stew</strong></font> : The lamb is cooked to tender and the gravy is not too watery but just nice. The bread slices made great companion to dipping the gravy.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Seafood Pasta :</strong></font> I didn’t taste this but the muscles look tempting! I didn’t get too much complain from the person who ordered this though she prefers Chinese food :-)</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Baked Fish :</strong></font> This is what I ordered. I find the fish is too dry for my liking. The melted cheese is rubbery and does not complement well with the fish. I would much prefer it to be more watery like the carbonara sauce. The potatoes are lightly salted and come with some herbs. It tasted better than the fish. I don’t know what you call the vege but it has some bitter taste. Ah ah, I don’t like this vege. Perhaps blanched baby carrots & baby sweet corns would be safer bet.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3"><font face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Surf N Turf :</strong></font> I am confused by the name of this dish as it’s a combination of grilled beef topped with prawns. I didn’t get to eat the beef but the prawns are big and juicy. <em>Perfecto!</em></font></font></font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Piquant Chicken :</strong></font> The name sounds complicated! I don’t know about the taste…</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Salmon Fettucine :</strong></font> An Italian version of Chinese <em>pan mee</em> :-) You need to “hunt” for your salmon on the plate. They’re rather small slices but the taste of the fettucine is alright. For me, carbonara is still my ideal sauce for fettucine.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"> No dinner at The Apartment is complete without ordering some of its signature desserts. Since I have eaten the Baked Chocolate Pudding before this, it’s a must try for first timer here. Since there were 8 of us, the main course already filled up most of the tummies. We only shared 4 desserts. Since I highly recommend the Baked Chocolate Pudding, we ordered 2 of this. Be assureded that it’s worth the wait even though you have to wait 15-20 minutes for the pudding to be baked. Just continue chatting please and wait for your dessert.</font></p> <p> <img title="Apartment5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Apartment5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rR4bz2jBhEc/Uc8Wv6WHliI/AAAAAAAABpE/_outXO62Y5E/Apartment5%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="364"> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong><em><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Batang">Left to Right : Apple & Pear Crumble, Strawberry Pavlova, Baked Chocolate Pudding</font></em></strong></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Apple & Pear Crumble :</strong></font> I’m not a big fan of apple. Given a choice, I would not order this dessert but those who loves apples, this is quite nice with the crusty top layer hiding the gems below : the apple & pear cubes. I did tasted a spoonful of it but I find it sweet though. Also, I’m not a fan of vanilla ice-cream. I leave it for the rest to cherish the dessert.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Strawberry Pavlova :</strong></font> The name exudes class and stirred our interest. Of course, the menu with its picture in it, made it more tempting to order. We had not much idea what it’s going to taste like. It tasted like some frozen marshmallow. I can still bear with its sweetness but 3 portions of pavlova on 1 plate is a bit overwhelming even for the 8 of us.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Baked Chocolate Pudding :</strong></font> I deduced that this must be the “star” of The Apartment’s dessert as it is described as heavenly. I didn’t realise the same adjective was used in the menu when I described the taste to my fellow colleagues. I did tell the rest of them that this is a “must-try” in The Apartment ( very <em>hard-sell </em>). At the end of the day, from the look of everyone’s face, I believe that I didn’t make a poor recommendation to them. I did saw satisfied faces after trying out the pudding. The freshly baked aroma of chocolate evoke the “I wanna try” spirit before the chocolate pudding reached our table. After you savour the top crust, the rich chocolate pudding is complemented by generous offer of chocolate sauce inside the hot pudding. This is best eaten while it’s still warm and complementing it with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream brings out the best of hot and cold in 1 serving. I wonder besides vanilla ice-cream, do they have other flavour? I should have enquire this earlier.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"> The total bill came close to RM350.00 (including service charge and govt. taxes) for 8 main courses and 4 desserts. A reasonable price considering that it’s a dinner at a Themed Restaurant in a popular shopping mall. I guess in the end, I got my desired table and managed to gather my team-mates for a get-together dinner. All well, ends well. I always believe that having the right ambience and the right companion(s) do compliment a GREAT meal !! The price of the meal is secondary in this aspect.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Thank you guys and gals for being able to share the moments.</font> <font size="3" face="Batang">Love you all !!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font></p> <h1><font size="3" face="Batang">Address:</font></h1> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Batang">The Apartment</font></h1> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Batang">Lot 72, 73 & 74, 152 Ground Floor,</font></h1> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Batang">Western Courtyard, The Curve</font></h1> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Batang">Mutiara Damansara</font></h1> <h1><font color="#ff0000" size="4" face="Batang">Tel: 03-77278330</font></h1> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-78839939413766004922013-05-02T18:39:00.001+08:002013-05-02T18:39:42.333+08:00Ganofarm – Tanjong Sepat<p><font size="3" face="Batang">The last place I would like to share with my fellow Netizens of Tanjong Sepat is <a href="www.ganofarm.com" target="_blank">Ganofarm</a>. According to its website</font></p> <blockquote> <p><font color="#808080" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Ganofarm Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian based mushroom research company that cultivates, develops, manufactures and markets edible and medicinal mushrooms together with a wide range of mushroom-based products to promote healthy lifestyle. Our vision is to continuously provide superior quality nutraceutical products through state of the art, innovations and solutions, helping mankind to improve health through eating mushroom.</strong></font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">I have read about Ganofarm before years back in a newspaper article about this place. I was not able to make a trip to visit this place until now. In fact, Ganofarm offers homestay and local tour package for tourists who would like to explore more of Tanjong Sepat. For those who are interested to learn more about Ganofarm and its mushroom, its website is very informative. You can read up quite a lot about the different types of mushrooms Ganofarm has to offer as well as the history of the Company. It’s also an Online Shopping website where you can purchase Ganofarm’s products.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-1" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJppheQBPbYriSf_TVDzztUWCScUe2GohLOPdqoPKFF92v2wn8DTSDQ7eJGKVW90sHCy8CVOBzeXu5A4PfqAosBycXon7EyUu_RkrkBbdShQApukt-QHbeCySxX__NYI40ZKyQVyRZsH4/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Entrance to Ganofarm</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Ganofarm specialises mainly in 4 types of mushrooms; namely the Ling Zhi Mushroom, Abalone Mushroom, Monkey Head Mushroom and the Black Jelly Mushroom. As we were welcomed into its premise, a guide from Ganofarm introduced us to the company and its mushrooms.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-2" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDt8jvH1NGzbiQpAl6FK4w2evwVZj0qdGAxcECEtQNPGRS3qMvwQVOuTpM9HZT8LfpzKrJ5ZVlk1GBrX8pVv7ulwjO9QPK5s-MfpUp-SbGdG2k-B54v5Es5_wSlR4XrDW-VMCbh3w33o/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Interesting deco</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">As you can see from the photo below, the briefing also includes a walkthrough of the mushroom cultivation process. However, what disappoints me is that the guide did not show us the actual mushroom cultivating area. After the brief explanation of Ganofarm, we were ushered to the Product Sales Gallery. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-3" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WrSIXC7lRJE/UYJCRPxp3RI/AAAAAAAABcQ/HhcbiU8QSmA/IMG_26636.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Briefing by Staff of Ganofarm on Mushroom Cultivation</font></strong> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-4" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pQi7RYOM6XE/UYJCSeic5lI/AAAAAAAABcY/th5XlFesWgk/IMG_26806.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Signboard Leading to the Product Sales Gallery</font></strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-5" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2w3TKUZcdfKVSOGgs_DkgaXRaarllIQRW-TEYsAKW4rEbzgL581nncHwGsjnkDxZTceegcO3eNAuh7YGmLnXDR8wGVs0O_vsYKNlzCpfBnFQPFr2ZK6RR0OEEf_-FcMfDea_V1moDgc/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">The 4 Different Types of Mushrooms Cultivated at Ganofarm</font></strong> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-6" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-6" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4evwp1WC7Dkhs9IgKJ56Tkb6KLpaGQuhADP_hzKWGBixzOyc3NbM9pmWpzdzZHk72FXZMDZ_snBlQ7wht90M1ZGHcKv3XeHwoulppHfiaoOnBHMamaudUJ7D9iXfoKHRzlF_fgRFkwxU/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Ling Zhi Mushroom & Abalone Mushroom</font></strong> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Ganofarm-7" border="0" alt="Ganofarm-7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwjfSMzcT5eCfqzfYYZTd2lzzeHxJX6NwPFoDaC21tVRdD2rSiqNbEcrBx9Wyd6yBit7pz6UUMa2_vB_34QL1cKmNfNK9hTkeZBQXf12pZqPHN9-wNPpiFm-2gCiYY2ZGmNNChA7M3Nk/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Black Jelly Mushroom</font></strong></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Monkey Head Mushroom" border="0" alt="Monkey Head Mushroom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2u7o4Qlm5EbFMsC26GpiM0b_ReEFEI9ALqdSpKe04myU-WVsv-enon7XZfZCWIBQNuDgTsi-g8OyOUK-_sbX0-_l8HScyMHFr8n9jo219KbbAGCx3jEipFmXfS-CW2dexneQ6A7IVLI/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Monkey Head Mushroom</font></strong> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Black Jelly Mushroom" border="0" alt="Black Jelly Mushroom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJrlZ2565QsMTcRCF7LMHYjmt3efq_IWdJK2t8Do1LWimKkvODXCl4VUrpZQPYvdCSNMIZt4F4yXDzuktJhdmuFkL5vyjJCi_KhzJFyXuBv71BtXc-itt4JlzSgvpM7dGVxTHZ-w6Ckw/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Oyster Mushroom" border="0" alt="Oyster Mushroom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSK-fvwcHpT0L96uwuxEl38gMjJZYIIq-xnV7RrFpZ6g8Q6ryect9sqz1IOXYPTZpjZmalbC4EWDXv7ByM2rY6CS_j7jY4_Phj8DWHaQ_t6v6ww28gNC_SSo5KbUVCtjalpaz91qOiJE/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">More Pictures of Mushrooms</font></strong> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Lingzhi Mushroom" border="0" alt="Lingzhi Mushroom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQzgybVErOk7K22eSdf_9dn2s7-HX2i2DZyqFuHtEtVeeyY1r0FsrxpCF5zsGG_S0YKkr0zqwcSY6zg97yP1_dTFFX4bzxX6RxSjaLOZLgH1f9o5PNO_jRgqR2jpMKCifE660G8hzMeI/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Up Close and Personal with Ling Zhi Mushroom</font></strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2678" border="0" alt="IMG_2678" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YBb8pJfMI5c/UYJCaIE2DvI/AAAAAAAABdY/0npxNeUmRHk/IMG_26786.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">The Product Sale Gallery offers an extensive of items made from mushrooms. Of course, besides mushrooms, Ganofarm also sells other local produces from Tanjong Sepat. It’s interesting to learn of the medical values brought about by mushrooms and the extracts of mushrooms can even be incorporated into toiletries products ie shampoo and soap. Every visitor to Tanjong Sepat should make a stop to Ganofarm to learn more about the medical benefit of mushrooms or to purchase something unique to this town. I would say Ganofarm would be a good representation of Tanjong Sepat since a mushroom farm is not something which is available in any part of Selangor </font></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Sales Gallery" border="0" alt="Sales Gallery" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uGRt5wBFdt4/UYJCbAXsAaI/AAAAAAAABdg/3HBsMQHtsxU/20130414_1247078.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="788"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Mushroom Shopping</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"></font></strong> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">For those who are keen to visit Ganofarm after reading this post, below’s the address, contact details and website to the Company.</font></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000" size="4">GANOFARM SDN. BHD. <br>Lot 700, Jalan Laut Membiru, <br>Taman Pelangi, <br>42800 Tanjung Sepat, <br>Selangor, Malaysia.<br>Tel: 6-03-31975600<br>Fax: 6-03-31975717<br>Website: www.ganofarm.com</font></strong></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-2590924809522053482013-04-25T12:05:00.001+08:002013-04-25T12:05:13.088+08:00Joo Fa Trading – Let The Aroma of Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans Lead the Way<p><font size="3" face="Batang">My Tanjong Sepat’s day trip brought me to another local specialty in the form of a famous local coffee trader. </font></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">Joo Fa Trading is one of the famous local coffee manufacturer cum trader in Tanjong Sepat. Ask around and you can be easily directed to its premise. It’s not a big time coffee trader in the sense that it operates from a house. It’s more like your neighbourly coffee brewer than a serious manufacturer. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2688" border="0" alt="IMG_2688" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lmaBM5ohd48/UXirEjJxMXI/AAAAAAAABaU/hbP-79ORBvI/IMG_26886.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Joo Fa Trading – signboard leading the way</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">From the outside of the house (in fact, from the main road leading to Joo Fa Trading), you will be greeted by the sweet aroma of coffee. The smell of coffee is heavenly for a coffee lover like me. I bet those coffee enthusiasts will agree with me on this. Moving inside along a narrow alleyway before reaching into the main area where the proprietor roast his coffee. This is where the actions are and you can surely see coffee beans (fresh and dried) being displayed. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Joo Far Trading roast their own Hainanese coffee powder here. The owner is very friendly. He will take you on a full tour of his coffee roasting and grinding process in the house. Quite interesting if you have never seen how it is done. His explanation gives us a better understanding of coffee and how the roasting process works. What I didn’t know is that the coffee bean has 4 layers of skins to be shelled before you reach the bean itself. The big kiln where the coffee is roasted reminds you of the good old days where wood is being used to fire the kiln.</font></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2689" border="0" alt="IMG_2689" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfoblqqfbHEJwZXUS_X3-0JcqZVhB8jFfbjrAde2GNH57uXmcGkU5RdjD8CczDYTFqhH2N3zUoM8-iI2HARhJf8B77Bk5gNdfGBVNvHuIwB5Sr_yRzUPmmEwIhQdsqaudxWFEDlVAmS8/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>The coffee beans – fresh and shelled</strong></font></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2690" border="0" alt="IMG_2690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_QOyjcXKuFB031Cic2wFVVh4_D2qYfmvNTMps3nST9akf35P10kiYHA6A6U2pD3Pds-gXxQzrt65CSXOUW9s0A9s4G0Msc2YhsNbirII4BLQ6iNyS9EKyW2Hlsm1SQfBcQkS184JS3U/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>The kiln – where the coffee beans are roasted</strong></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2691" border="0" alt="IMG_2691" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8dmDRaizZOM/UXirLpnBvlI/AAAAAAAABas/adVxKeUxzMc/IMG_26916.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>The old way – wood fired kiln</strong></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0149" border="0" alt="SAM_0149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnPxAEVavrlCT-6Dqk58_XaDrmLcmDJD_-06IgIdhtxakHB4Neccr5bzMWhqosl-8uJoj9bJOBKxyEeGrBiqhX1jR1QPIZpQQt6P4dtWaw6ElHqx9EaZZKkWZeOPsMcjjlb1h9bwDIhQ/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>A Closer Look of the Coffee Beans</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">The proprietor himself is not a Hainanese but a Hokkien. He trades in Hainan coffee as Hainanese is famous for their coffee.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0150" border="0" alt="SAM_0150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M1f87jkhZqU/UXirPFpQAtI/AAAAAAAABa8/07xtKujdFlY/SAM_01508.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="788"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>The owner explaining his trade</strong></font> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0152" border="0" alt="SAM_0152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ze2sBco6vyc/UXirR1Y4ZvI/AAAAAAAABbE/L_xjo6P4yx4/SAM_01526.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Coffee grinding machine</strong></font></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">I took a quick peek of the backyard and saw some smaller coffee grinding machines. Since Joo Fa is a coffee trader, surely you won’t miss the opportunity to taste some of its coffee. The owner gave us some samples of his coffee to drink on the spot. So, if you like it, you can buy it on the spot! What I find funny is that the coffee is being served in Chinese tea cups. Doesn’t it amuse you that you drink coffee from Chinese tea cups. Honestly, I have not drank coffee this way before. Have you?</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The coffee is quite nice to drink. I purchased 2 packets of Joo Fa’s coffee. They actually sell the coffee in a few forms : black coffee powder, sachet or white coffee. I am not sure if I missed out other varieties, perhaps I did. At home, after I had tried out both the ground black coffee powder and the sachet form, I prefer the latter. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0154" border="0" alt="SAM_0154" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t-j5qCQrxho/UXirUqUmE6I/AAAAAAAABbM/1_J_i8uyqnU/SAM_01546.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0155" border="0" alt="SAM_0155" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_cmExu-iLII/UXirWTmpk1I/AAAAAAAABbU/dwJkrToP4yk/SAM_01556.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Drinking Coffee using Chinese Tea Cups</strong></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0156" border="0" alt="SAM_0156" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mVv1FNuOexY/UXirYMtETbI/AAAAAAAABbc/991fCjIBLyA/SAM_01566.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>As I sipped on my coffee, I noticed this quote on the wall</strong></font></p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20130414_222256" border="0" alt="20130414_222256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA_1ZlSZGiE5pyDHOaHVwGIO0O9WzHyFaTOGxTdIDR8A-bMtHjw6h7m9eGNrZKzwVai8ErChYibw-HuJaVvoRFg_8ctIeHnnjiN07VIxyv30ZslT84TJ75UZa06BmxS7mGRMWqUAyDWY/?imgmax=800" width="500" height="660"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Coffee is sachet form</strong></font></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0157" border="0" alt="SAM_0157" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pXvP-xdV7Pw/UXirdHQ--_I/AAAAAAAABbs/gNvUeHD5TKY/SAM_01578.jpg?imgmax=800" width="596" height="788"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Joo Fa Trading – the entrance</strong></font> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">For those of you who plan to make a trip to Tanjong Sepat or happen to be there, do visit Joo Fa Trading as it’s considered one of the tourist spot in this town. Below’s the address to Joo Fa Trading:</font></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Batang"><font color="#c0c0c0"><b>Joo Fa Trading</b> </font></font></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="4" face="Batang">No. 356, Lorong 5,<br>Jalan Besar, 42800,<br>Tanjung Sepat </font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-28344927355099866912013-04-22T10:27:00.001+08:002013-04-22T10:27:03.141+08:00Baywatch Restaurant – Tanjong Sepat<p><font size="3" face="Batang">The weekend short trip to Tanjong Sepat, Jenjarom & Sepang Goldcoast turned out to be a fun and outting of discovery. I personally like to visit small towns in Malaysia as they have other sights to offer. Having stayed in the concrete jungle of Klang Valley for more than 15 years, it’s good to have a different kind of “feel” to bring some stability to our hectic lifestyle.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Our stop at Tanjong Sepat started with lunch at Baywatch Restaurant. The entrance of the restaurant is decorated with a “sampan” (fisherman’s boat). Afterall, Tanjong Sepat is a fishing village where seafood is at abundance. <font color="#ff0000"><strong>The decoration at the restaurant is simple but tastefully done up. It’s also lined with coconut trees for the beach and “kampung” feel.</strong></font></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20130414_120932" border="0" alt="20130414_120932" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y47lxesPrdU/UXSfipLuwNI/AAAAAAAABYs/yM02a2TlQ5o/20130414_1209326.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>The Sampan welcomes its diners to Baywatch Restaurant</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Stepping into the restaurant, I saw a poster with our local TV celebrity Axian. Axian has came here before to do a TV food programme’s coverage of this restaurant. Hmmm… It should be not bad then since Axian has recommended this place to his TV viewers before.</font></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20130414_120150" border="0" alt="20130414_120150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGWMk3YwPBeSokg1YECFeDxG2z1ErUJPAc3GRvVLEr4KRD4wBEONjRaFd0ANyX_iS59CjbLBF-lRQby1hIIg_SRrwZ-G6VWz3Zyf_1kGIHJO6APqb-d_6NGKZj1iakA8CDiefGLnMUXs/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Axian was here</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">As we were on a trip, our lunch menu has been pre-booked. We didn’t get to see the menu or check out the pricing of the dishes here. However, I would expect it to be cheaper as it’s a fishing village as I have mentioned it earlier and the sea is just next to the restaurant. However, I would share the dishes that we had and how they fared.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">First to arrive on our table was the steamed chicken with soya sauce. From the texture of the meat, you can tell that it’s not kampung chicken. However, it was not a letdown, never! <font color="#ff0000"><strong>The steamed chicken actually tasted NOT BAD</strong></font>! The flesh is steamed just right, not overcooked. The skin is smooth and it’s a thumb’s up for me!</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0000" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0000" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rJm_jJgVaMA/UXSfnmSBdII/AAAAAAAABY8/qdK24dhgeY8/IMG20130414WA00006.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="514"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Steamed Chicken with Soya Sauce</font></strong> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Next up was the fishball soup. Tanjong Sepat is known for its fishballs. Therefore, you will find the fishballs being served in most of the restaurants here. <font color="#ff0000"><strong>Nothing special about this soup</strong></font>. Throw in some fishballs and some leafy veggies and there you go – fishball soup…. </font></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0001" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m3GqwVBTDOY/UXSfpdhHd-I/AAAAAAAABZE/DlfF3jLQnnc/IMG20130414WA00016.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="498"></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Fishball Soup with Leafy Greens</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">The next dish – Stir Fried Mantis Prawns with Dried Chillis, The dish was served straight from the wok as you can still <font color="#ff0000"><strong>taste the crunchiness of the deep fried mantis prawn. And, they are fresh too. It tasted right although I would have prefer it to be more spicy</strong></font>.</font> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0002" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx0rKT9PhWSzq9ocUzlkqRPxnz7CECGq8FZYDuowRag3rDhwQGoBR3ibOHvhXL7orvuEkyNTpZcjlp4lyKZjLmd3aUrj8mcWkscqGz4sAENW4bemomfSnrgOBIEEO8H56_79sFQrkGLg/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="498"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Stir Fried Mantis Prawns with Dried Chillis</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">The next dish is something that I like – prawns and more prawns! We opted for the prawns cooked with Baywatch’s special sauce. It tasted something like the XO sauce – sweet & salty taste. Since the sea is just next to the restaurant, the prawns should be as fresh as you can get. So, one should not expect anything lesser than fresh prawns :-) <font color="#ff0000"><strong>The XO prawns did not come disappointed as you can literally taste the freshness of the prawns.</strong></font></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0006" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0006" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sq3Z0ulWjOA/UXSft3QfqHI/AAAAAAAABZU/xC8yUoFiwIo/IMG20130414WA00066.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="498"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Prawns in Special Sauce</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The next dish is one of the “must have” when my daughter is around. She loves marmite over her meal. It’s the only gravy which she loves. Hence, having a dish of Marmite Pork serves as a taste bud opener for her. The pork are cut into bite size pieces of about an inch thick apiece. The pork pieces are deep fried and doused with marmite sauce and given a quick toss in the wok for the marmite to seep into the pork pieces. This dish did not disappoint too. <font color="#ff0000"><strong>It got the “thumbs up” from my daughter</strong></font>.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0004" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKV_8_YzPHch6FOi7_6t55fYpWE6n3wB7YL5jwrv6Sap1bnm-601dfzbOkK4X10UuXxvZzoqccvRMjrgvb5ygn_89uJTeT2CiDu5kASrnPwhXwEivT-vGF3O5IXTJZcXqYofJoMB1Nk8/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="514"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Marmite Pork</font></strong></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">The next dish is not something which I could comment as I don’t like to eat this dish. It’s called 4 Heavenly King locally. For those who’s not familiar with Malaysian local Chinese food, this is actually 4 different types of veggies, stir-fried with belacan (“a type of chilli paste”). Since I’m not a fan of lady’s fingers, I gave this dish a miss.</font></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG-20130414-WA0005" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssfDgWmT-v9cbIBmx6u8iZW8HJHSsxSQvxX_p3YUwDfVPVkQlnQ17xTwfRVtIlBoEmPHvaRLu5OT9Rro1TmBM3B5RiXvNfuulz6Ep2Znf9ncZa8lvmrJlJCnD0koJevBpoujJh_jz2Qw/?imgmax=800" width="378" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">4 Heavenly Kings</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3"><font face="Batang">Crab is not something that I fancy when I’m on a road trip since I’m not good with “dissecting” crabs. The presentation of the next dish, Sweet & Sour Crabs, looks good but again, I gave it a miss. I did note that <font color="#ff0000"><strong>the gravy look a bit watery</strong></font> though. My concern was correct when I tasted a spoonful of the gravy. Baywatch Restaurant <font color="#ff0000"><strong>should have served the diners with toast bread or bun for those who would like to enjoy the crab’s gravy.</strong></font></font><font color="#ff0000"><strong> </strong></font></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0003" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B0fjzvPe98ioju7h5TVxpZ0V6reQUj-O-vd3qgkZlgRzpUgnenCUZQKHWsZpkHw09rCxTdbuVhs3w4cbvf3z55mlPEyfJemOlzOpyuASwCrJcDbK6WKxaD4V_bVb0dsrz8-ZIAzPAuU/?imgmax=800" width="676" height="514"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Sweet & Sour Crabs</font></strong></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">The final dish; Hot Plate Tofu, came with generous portion of Japanese tofu. <font color="#ff0000"><strong>The thick gravy makes a good meal mixed with rice</strong></font>. I would prefer if Baywatch Restaurant had added in some salted fish or silver anchovies to add in some saltiness to compliment the tofu and the gravy.</font> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG-20130414-WA0007" border="0" alt="IMG-20130414-WA0007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n0VNaIwKQfI/UXSf4zC0xXI/AAAAAAAABZ0/UAc8SGNEqtc/IMG20130414WA00076.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="498"> </p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Hot Plate Tofu</font></strong></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">Before I end this post about Baywatch Restaurant, I would like to share some photos of the beach & jetty that’s nearby the restaurant. </font></p> <p><font color="#00ff00" size="4" face="Batang"><strong>Cheers !!</strong></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_2656" border="0" alt="IMG_2656" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nzrqCbyFPCc/UXSf6gfumDI/AAAAAAAABZ8/HXmu22ApD9g/IMG_26566.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="516"> </p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="SAM_0119" border="0" alt="SAM_0119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cjx_zqKCu0U/UXSf8qdgZUI/AAAAAAAABaE/k2n-8y5iByA/SAM_01196.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">The Jetty besides Baywatch Restaurant</font></strong></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Batang"><font color="#00ffff"><b>Baywatch Restaurant</b><br>72, Jalan 3, Tepi Laut,<br>42800 Tanjung Sepat<br>Tel: 03 3197 3843</font></font></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-54280878384751376852013-04-13T16:39:00.001+08:002013-04-17T07:58:07.431+08:00Ah Tuan ee’s Place<p><font size="3" face="Batang">My latest gastronomic adventure took me to Ah Tuan ee’s Place in SS2. After I have had my lunch at this restaurant, I googled up the place and found that there are actually 2 branches of this restaurant. The other one is at The Curve. SS2’s branch is supposed to be the original branch.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Ah Tuan ee’s Place basically serves Nyonya cuisine. Ah Tuan Ee is famed for its delicious jeu hoo char (fried dried squid), perut ikan (fish stomach), and sambal prawns with petai. Stepping into the restaurant gave me a nostalgic feeling as it’s decorated with old Straits Chinese furnitures. The table top is made from white marble, ala kopitiam style. You feel like stepping back in time going into this place.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20130407_120336" border="0" alt="20130407_120336" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3RrF94kmZD8/UWkZwAA_nXI/AAAAAAAABWw/ArmZA2vM0fg/20130407_120336%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p><strong> <font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Stepping back into time with kopitiam’s style furniture</font></strong></p> <p> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20130407_120402" border="0" alt="20130407_120402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0_FTd61KWh6O9vMFo5sGS5BDxmwJTPr7kkz7V-rh5XL0JKWv4QOatissh57v3dfolnRQv26Uk9UJpdpi0gLnyOToEtmKZ_8zAv6kZlB9gjnbg1JFlBYeLxHeVOjBjyseCaR-kxQhcY0/?imgmax=800" width="692" height="532"> </p> <p></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">I ordered a plate of yellow noodle soup, a plate of honey ginger chicken and a glass of mango juice to complete my meal. As I was there early (read 12 noon) on a Sunday, I was the only customer to start off the business for the day. The waiters and waitresses nowadays are all non-Malaysian and from their skin colour, you can’t really judge from which part of Asean are they from. You can only tell that they’re from Indo-China. That’s all. Sometimes, you speak to them in English, they reply in Bahasa. At time, you ordered in English, they reply you in Cantonese and speaks much better Chinese than you do.</font></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">My order came in less than 10 minutes. Hack, if they take longer to cook a bowl of noodle with only 1 customer, they can fold the business within 1 month. I was actually served with my drink first – mango juice. It was really a shocker to me. At RM5.80, I only get a cup of cordial mango juice. You can immediately tell outright that it came from a bottle of “off the shelve” cordial, diluted mango juice!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">My main course of yellow noodle with shredded chicken and prawn came next. It was disappointment from the very first spoon! The soup was very plain. I just can’t wait to get out from this nightmare at lunch time. The drink was cordial juice, the noodle was blant. I wonder what can my side order turn out to be? </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="20130407_121628" border="0" alt="20130407_121628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_8hSpt70UeRClg7ZMdl2CHgjs9hK_FfOHbtTVQUdB5zhvFRkOug-edOCg7o2Bud1QEx1YpkdL4asTM91x8qL9KJ3iybwRgZNljl-iNyn_QUE_LFxUaoldfEthpaB_JAK_C9HEnOjJLo/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"></p> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Yellow noodle with shredded chicken and prawns ( Mee Siam – RM12.80 )</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">As I was brooding on my chair, waiting for my honey ginger to be served, the saving grace reached my table. The look of the honey ginger chicken was good enough to be eaten. Biting into the chicken piece proved not to be deceiving. It actually turned out to be very nice! Ginger was cut into small bite chunks. Lightly fried I guess just to bring out the taste of ginger. Honey was diluted and mixed with the ginger, toss in the fried chicken pieces and voila, you have a dish of honey ginger chicken! At least something did turn out right in the end.</font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20130407_122048" border="0" alt="20130407_122048" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v86ORDJ-L5U/UWkZyhO8CsI/AAAAAAAABXI/qvmMwp0-4LI/20130407_1220485.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"></p> <p></p> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Honey Ginger Chicken ( Small – RM 20.80 )</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Pricewise, the food here is priced above average and please, please go easy on the drinks. Don’t order the juice if you don’t want to be disappointed. Since this restaurant is more famous for its Peranakan cooking, perhaps I should give Ah Tuan ee’s Place a benefit of a doubt by ordering its signature dishes. Perhaps, it was my fault that I didn’t order the right dishes but instead opted for some non-Nyonya noodle. One day, I will visit The Curve’s branch and check out Ah Tuan ee’s Nyonya dishes…</font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-64389766123563925772013-04-08T22:14:00.001+08:002013-04-08T22:14:29.955+08:00Loa Yau Kee–Sikly Smooth Mixed Pork Porridge in Kuala Lumpur<p><strong></strong> <p><strong></strong> <p><strong><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130309_191313" border="0" alt="20130309_191313" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7g7Q4ke_DyQ/UWLQv6YUztI/AAAAAAAABWQ/WoDsOUyVJ_0/20130309_191313%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></strong> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Loa Yau Kee is situated in front of Soong Kee Beef Ball Noodle Shop</font></strong> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Anyone asking around for a famous eating place in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown will most likely be directed to Soong Kee Beef Ball Noodle shop or the Loa Yau Kee Porridge. Both are now located at the interjunction of </font><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Jalan+Tun+Tan+Siew+Sin+Kuala+Lumpur+Federal+Territory+of+Kuala+Lumpur+Malaysia&hl=en&ll=3.147045,101.696861&spn=0.001513,0.001725&sll=3.143846,101.69275&sspn=0.024211,0.027595&oq=jalan+tun+tan+siew&hnear=Jalan+Tun+Tan+Siew+Sin,+50050+Kuala+Lumpur,+Wilayah+Persekutuan+Kuala+Lumpur,+Malaysia&t=m&z=19"><font size="3" face="Batang">Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin</font></a><font size="3" face="Batang">. If you’re looking for a landmark around this area, look for the RHB Bank which is situated across the shop. Or, it’s a stone throw away from the Bangkok Bank. for those who intend to drive to this place, you would have to park further away from the shop as there are not many open parking spots around this area and the traffic is heavy practically from dusk till dawn. From the photo above, you can see that eating at Loa Yau Kee gives you the option of either eating “alfresco” style (read “eating your wonderful porridge” in a fume infused environment ) or opt for the indoor air-conditioned seatings. While Soong Kee’s beef ball noodle starts its business from the morning, Loa Yau Kee is only available from the evening and is closed on Sundays and public holidays.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image001" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkd145pcQEdki1PqN6FGxiH3XF5I2GIVVvh3e67tzT3i-8qPbTpq-g6T_pj3P-dHuzVpFwdyJiOIYlswT44FimG-EPiN8wWjK5VDVFdMRlo-7Dn0CjCl0HotZxhHdHeFrYPT7kVne-r8/?imgmax=800" width="657" height="500"> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">The silky smooth mixed pork porridge with a generous portion of deep fried pig intestines</font></strong> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Loa Yau Kee’s specialty as the name says; is its Pork Intestines Porridge. You get a bowl of mixed pork that comes in slices or chunks. The porridge is boiled to a very smooth texture. Loa Yau Kee is generous with giving its customers a good portion of fresh mixed pork (and other “spare-parts”) and the deep-fried pig intestines. The pig intestines are very crunchy. I love the combination of the silky smooth porridge mixed with the crunchy pig intestines. Ever spoon of the porridge is pure delight! A bowl of mixed pork porridge sets you for RM4.50 if I do my maths right ;-)</font> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cRgClz_Zq-E/UWLQxI6LLII/AAAAAAAABWg/qBcJdRKaIkA/clip_image002%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="657" height="500"> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="Batang">Smooth Steamed Chicken</font></strong> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Besides the mixed pork porridge, one can also order Chicken Porridge, Fish Porridge and others at Lao Yau Kee. The one thing that I highly recommend foodies to try is the Smooth Steamed Chicken. You can order from a plate of the Smooth Steamed Chicken or up to 1 bird. The steamed chicken is glazed with a a mixture of sesame oil and good old soya sauce. The result is a very nice plate of smooth steamed chicken that certainly compliments well with the mixed pork porridge.</font> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Loa Yau Kee opens from 5pm to 10pm. Do make your way to the stall early to avoid disappointment as the crowd usually builds up by 6pm onwards. You will have to wait for your table if you come anytime later than that.</font> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-52884222300139092072013-03-04T14:07:00.001+08:002013-03-04T14:07:35.257+08:00One Noodle–Desa Parkcity<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">On the 15th day of Chinese New Year, we had a simple dinner at Desa Parkcity. Sis bought vouchers for New Zealand Natural ice-cream at Waterfront @ Parkcity. So, we decided to end our 15 days of CNY with a dine out. Even though Waterfront is not far away from my house, I’ve not been to the mall before.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Upon arriving at the Desa Parkcity, we headed for Waterfront. Since the little one can only eat certain non-spicy food, our options were limited. We decided to try out One Noodle restaurant since it’s not too packed with customers and offers cozy dining.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">After selecting our table, we were offered the menu with some interesting dishes albeit not many choices like what you would expect a Chinese restaurant has to offer. Anyway, the choices in the menu is wide enough for a small group of diners like us.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">We quickly set ourselves into motion and ordered 4 dishes since the little one has already complained of being hungry. We opted for the <strong><font color="#ffff00">Golden Beancurd, String Bean with Pepper & Salt, Pan Fried Minced Meat with Salted Fish and lastly, a Seasonal Vegetable.</font></strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BNCTPeDdQ2o/UTQ6GQMh2pI/AAAAAAAABVQ/IuHyk_260WA/s1600-h/20130224_192229%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130224_192229" border="0" alt="20130224_192229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-AAZMGcFJpr1iOhFRfbpvaaXrA-RebTf53JKRtK4okdh9GDx5a77dTEGtYPNUwoobOCQ3P1FnmpjgbmaA3hYTskPkJDlQOPyNrnbNNPG_UIvSEHC6vsytn1BVtJp2otKgxbtGJ4jrHw/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="4"><strong>Pan Fried Minced Meat with Salted Fish</strong></font> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">As there were not many people when we arrived, it didn’t take long for our dishes to arrive. The <font color="#ffff00"><strong>Pan Fried Minced Meat with Salted Fish</strong></font> came with much delight from my daughter. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>The patties smell aromatic with a hint of salted fish. The patties were fried to golden brown, with minced meat as the fillings. Salted fish was added to enhance the taste</strong></font>. It was a winner and got the nod of approval from everyone. Do note that it will go better with rice or else you will find it a tad salty.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yLc9w0NaZlw/UTQ6HSacBAI/AAAAAAAABVg/kqXQoe12UoA/s1600-h/20130224_192234%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130224_192234" border="0" alt="20130224_192234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpWmh6y3WCwNpoTQK4jDQYdUes0WlAM6EUPL5x4ipT8Gqn-ckndYu_EIvSpJBqviqUeOrIAyEdexgH_A4xSIqQt3z_HlZenorCgJIrx1wTAN6pe89lJfyqMK3KuKddCmX923jqOXxXJQ/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="4"><strong>Golden Beancurd</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Next came the Golden Beancurd. One Noodle cut <font color="#ffff00"><strong>the soft, white beancurds into little pieces like mini bricks and deep fried them into crispy bites. It comes with a sweet and salty sauce as dipping</strong></font>. However, I think the chef should have garnish the dish with some slices of tomatoes and cucumbers. If you look from the photo above, it looked rather bare without any garnishing.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130224_192245" border="0" alt="20130224_192245" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XJJVCVGY2ms/UTQ6IXP4IsI/AAAAAAAABVw/LhOmEi0hPzY/20130224_192245%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="4"><strong>String Beans with Salt & Pepper</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Of all the dishes, I like the above the most. I ordeed the String Beans with Salt & Pepper to my delight. Thank God I made the right choice. The String Beans were fried with a light flour batter, then sprinkled with salt & pepper as the name goes. The dish is a bit salty and again, it’s recommended that you have it with rice. Trust me, this dish is nice. Really appetizing.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-GEAXirAZLtot5K1h-RXvRuBn4jOwuRkrM-bTukYXVIonS82pW5y4nasO5tZNZgafAtpU8YKZRPuuHExLVfZfsmi7KE_TzzAGdPBc2qJ3pXcGZYtyyblaUketrfKumggjleVFO0DoL0/s1600-h/20130224_192408%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130224_192408" border="0" alt="20130224_192408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipoKwInSZHadVTUQs4vKpZPvu1k3SbGVCoFqF6YN-JxT0YZjMxhSoBvihycFDyEr2TY_UzlON3aCjqQHaPZuoWee9onBRDY50L457lUyen6O9eoZLDO476UtKNqCp90EwWIXkZ1RS7FKA/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff0000" size="4"><strong>Stir Fried Kailan</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Since we didn’t order any vegetables, we opted for a <font color="#ffff00"><strong>stir fried kailan</strong></font> to go compliment the rest of the dishes. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>There’s nothing to shout about for this dish</strong></font>. A simple plate of kailan which you can find from any of the Chinese restaurant.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Overall, the dining experience was good but the drinks are a bit pricy though. Then again, you’re dining at Desa Parkcity. I guess you would expect the price of food here slightly above the normal going rate.</font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-15685041262158724362013-02-01T10:42:00.001+08:002013-02-01T10:42:26.732+08:00Soft Shell Crab Specialist Restaurant<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">When it comes to food, no bad weather can stop the hungry stomach. Last Sunday, it was raining very heavy in the late afternoon. We had earlier made a reservation at a soft shell crab restaurant in Jalan Kuchai Lama at 6:30pm. Braving the almost stormy weather, we headed south from our house in Petaling Jaya towards the restaurant at 6:00pm. Despite taking a wrong turn at Jalan Sungai Besi and ended up heading towards City Centre’s direction and having to make U-turn back, we made it to the restaurant at 6:30pm sharp.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">When I reached the restaurant only I realised that I had been to the same place for dim sum before. I like the ambience at the restaurant. The ground floor features an aquarium with live fishes. A “condominium” which supposedly houses the soft shell crabs but I don’t see any crabs inside. The highlight of the restaurant would be the wall that is decorated with photos of local as well as foreign celebrities who had dined in the Soft Shell Crab Specialist Restaurant before.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_184713" border="0" alt="20130127_184713" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD_pSZhTZreDPHVoy1_jKDqzyGbfaSHd1V5jDt0Wh7PkC2th3NKnMwKpWR3__2nVcVaFuazSpgVcrwi6pS_grHnbHhZn6RCn_ewsWnVlgHt6-fDDHQAyoZmd6Nv0VlsE_oHSYjxs7pHs/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe">Soft Shell Specialist Restaurant </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"></font></strong> </p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_185113" border="0" alt="20130127_185113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyvfKcsuF-pUjasvLXeYZoWw2H9krtS4ZElPq-H5pjzN9_zpTyWcmP8sk21haxA4AvSX3YLc3BsdoTwaChZm_WgttfxN5J0anKtT1BxV7mdrxuRnhMaUhGToHoq1aClYNUSn3g8iJfEU/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>The “Who’s Who” who had dined here before</strong> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Having 5 adults at the table, we each ordered a dish to make the ordering process faster. In no time, we have ordered a mixed vege, a salted egg soft shell crab, a stewed pork fillet and a beancurd. Wait a minute! We actually ordered 5 dishes but I have forgotten to take the photo of the dish – marmite pork! Argggghhh!!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_190242" border="0" alt="20130127_190242" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-prOBwYj5Gmc/UQsrhnw6jgI/AAAAAAAABUU/E62n1UAkluU/20130127_190242%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Mixed Vege with Cashew Nuts (RM20.00)</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> <font size="3" face="Batang">It didn’t take too long for the dishes to arrive. We waited for about 10 minutes after ordering for our dishes to start arriving at our table. First came the <font color="#ffffff">mixed vege with cashew nuts</font>. The serving portion is just nice for 5 adults. <font color="#ffc000"><em><strong>The lotus root is crunchy and so are the snow peas</strong></em></font>. Of course, from the whole dish, my daughter kept on asking for the cashew nuts only <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D3krmFDjK6w/UQsriKmtwGI/AAAAAAAABUc/L6skznv5zuc/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_190345" border="0" alt="20130127_190345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8EmLAlhJ9O0gCAv8czZHZ_BERAxliVeqjSveQpXPONsD-Wy_W2LvirmDKTvEqefI3v0amqMGjj3hIuqA3g773aGPj084LKcaqPZJjSM-oSMNOa1UU35nhr2AtkWr72NEQFshCFvl6D4/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>House Special Beancurd with Crab Meat Sauce (RM18.00)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The <font color="#ffffff">House Special Beancurd with Card Meat Sauce</font> came next. I find the <font color="#ffc000"><em><strong>portion a bit small though for this dish considering that beancurd is not that expensive. The thick gooey crab meat sauce goes well with rice.</strong></em></font> The dish is not so salty and the taste is just nice IMHO.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_190510" border="0" alt="20130127_190510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKQJHxzo2R5ikWPYRqc4ZDiKbq6aQ10hGk_Ulq5qTpdcg3_Jd7EW7NQAQQUmleUHrMzHVEKBlC3IPz3ytpIcdbWT2Y-0V0N_hyqzDvEMoKZhHELqvyvScdtJjfNWq_6oH-vLfE0Wg9n0/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Salted Egg Soft Shell Crabs (RM40.00)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">When the restaurant named itself a specialist in a certain dish, it better live up to its name and I find the next dish indeed lived up to expectation. <font color="#ffc000"><em><strong>The salted egg enhanced the taste of the soft shell crabs. The crabs were deep fried, golden brown and crispy</strong></em></font>. We ordered 2 crabs and it was priced at RM8.00 per 100gram.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20130127_190533" border="0" alt="20130127_190533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmALFz9Q8zj2TCV2VYZKwsFojhMSL9fTt3PXJNPRzO9gmMfwhxcyFuAHK6W8AH2urTqpM2s1dFiu6OrQhOWwXbVFBmII-qh44ejpJen1JIfa08QV8rS9kwDV_mZUVGM_bzqGTbJCemow0/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4" face="BatangChe"><strong>Stewed Pork Fillet with Salted Fish (RM25.00)</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> <font size="3" face="Batang">Since I forgot to take a photo of the <em><strong><font color="#ffc000">Marmite Pork</font></strong></em>, I would skip the details but in general, it tasted nice too. Last came the stewed pork fillet with salted fish. Despite the big claypot, I find the portion disappointingly small. Of course, <font color="#ffc000"><strong><em>the combination of the pork fillet and the salted fish and cuttlefish brings out a very nice aroma from the claypot</em></strong></font> but it was kinda letdown seeing the portion.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">As a whole, the Soft Shell Crab Specialist Restaurant was a good dining experience. Just realised that there are many eating places at Kuchai Lama. Perhaps, in another day, we’ll try out other restaurants at that area.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Location:</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Soft Shell Crab Specialist Restaurant</strong></font><br><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Jalan Kuchai Maju <br>No.6&8, Jalan Kuchai Maju 1, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur <br>03-7982 6612 / 03-7982 6693 / 03-7982 6632 (Fax)</strong></font></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-88239156302067146842012-12-25T13:46:00.002+08:002012-12-25T13:46:28.855+08:00Merry X'mas<br />
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Wishing everyone a very Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year! Happy holidays !!</div>
K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-50697667001769199952012-12-24T12:48:00.001+08:002012-12-24T12:49:00.070+08:00Gastro Cafe – Nice Food, Reasonable Price. Good to Go<p><font size="3" face="Batang">Discovered a nice eating place over the weekend and would like to share this place with readers ofthis blog.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gastro+Cafe+Malaysia&hl=en&ll=3.146001,101.585083&spn=3.098576,3.532104&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.235538,56.513672&oq=gastro+cafe&hq=Gastro+Cafe&hnear=Malaysia&t=m&z=8&iwloc=A">Gastro Cafe</a> is situated at SS15/4B of Subang Jaya. It’s just a short drive from the colleges like Taylor’s, INTI & ELS Language Centre. Those the signboard looks a bit old, don’t be deceived by it. The interior is tastefully furnished (at least, to my taste :-) ) It occupies 2 shoplots and and next to Ipoh Chicken Rice Restaurant. The 4 Chinese words on the signboard indicates that this restaurant serves Hainanese cooking.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">We choose a table at the air-conditioned area which is also next to the non-airconditioned area. Service is fast, perhaps it’s a Sunday. I bet if you’re at this place during weekday, getting a parking place will be a challenge too. The cafe uses a wireless system to buzz for waiter/waitress if you need to be served.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Gastro-1" border="0" alt="Gastro-1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiJiZ1-UBmd-ZAwMCCVsxEohJ88DsyKh0sIynnYlFscJkSuLpUfMGRQs8ngubf68K2aXibuVJES5QOTCRM7fZk8A1VsPUfARjgt4rhRkHYlenfXlYrVpCxl_W5jJ5SaGcpHCIH2Up-7w/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"> </p> <p align="left"><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Gastro Cafe – No. 4 Jalan SS 15/4B</font></em></strong></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">We ordered the Hainanese chicken chop and Nasi Lemak with Chicken. For drinks, we had the Ice Lemon Tea, Herbal Tea and Barley. Topping it up, dessert were Cendol and ABC. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Gastro-2" border="0" alt="Gastro-2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6BQ_zdpaY8R-lh1KbVLDXTfxXZ0qEg-COqopyb1EDZbvbzPMaYDYY_RZR1hYTsmFDd1aBmUnS_4z5xwtaMqVTTW-qEMYCCPzxVGLES8ocS7sqZFFYW5KG7qVO98Rsve51xyZkmRKXVg/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"> </p> <p><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Malaysians’ All Time Favourite – Nasi Lemak</font></em></strong></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">We waited for around 10 minutes for our orders to arrive. Since Nasi Lemak is usually a pre-cooked dish, it arrived to our table first. We found slices of ginger in the rice. It adds a nice aroma to the steamed rice. Standard condiments and side dishes came as one would expect from a Nasi Lemak. Gastro Cafe’s Nasi Lemak comes with a half soft boiled egg, some sambal, anchovies, peanuts and a few pieces of chicken. Mum like the Nasi Lemak. To me, most importantly, the anchovies should be fried crispy and not those left overnight with soft texture. Even though I didn’t taste the Nasi Lemak but from the feedback I got from both Mum and my Wife is that the Nasi Lemak is tasty. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Gastro-4" border="0" alt="Gastro-4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh1_4aBHipFCFepaJxGJbzF_c_clGNhdXMPGmPABZa9V1KZClrUBdQJWkPQQiKyDeT7rnPhGU2yBRiOUjfyW8lZIGRJMatLDKUpT0XnodANhpTmr74WkwOTlrty2CSLgR9tGafrkVak0/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="486"> </p> <p><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"></font></em></strong> <p></p><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Hainanese Chicken Chop – Yummy!! Must Try!</font></em></strong> <p></p> <p> <font size="3" face="Batang">Next came my highly anticipated Hainanese Chicken Chop. I love Chicken Chop and Gastro Cafe’s Hainanese Chicken Chop is done in an authentic Hainanese style. The gravy comes in a generous serving and the chicken piece gets to be soaked in the gravy instead of having some miserable scoop of the gravy on the chicken piece. The gravy comes with peas, onions and slices of carrot. What surprises me is that Gastro Cafe serves its Chicken Chop with a slice of Hainanese steam bread. This is for the diner to dip the steam bread into the gravy and entranced with another gastronomic experience. Very thoughtful of Gastro Cafe. I have not come across another cafe that serves Hainanese Chicken Chop to offer a slice of steam bread to go along with the Chicken Chop. Even Mum commented that the Hainanese Chicken Chop tasted nice, like an original Hainanese Chicken Chop. ( You see, we’re Hainanese and Mum can really whip up a good Hainanese Chicken Chop! ) To get a credit from her on someone else’s Hainanese Chicken Chop is really a great compliment. Personally, I really enjoyed this Hainanese Chicken Chop myself. Love the gravy lots!! </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="Gastro-3" border="0" alt="Gastro-3" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-onIW3yNXGi4/UNfes_tXvCI/AAAAAAAABTM/i6zW8O9wvgQ/Gastro-3%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="486"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">ABC with finely shaved ice</font></em></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">My drink were a letdown though. My Herbal Tea tasted so bland that even my Sis didn’t finish hers. The Ice Lemon Tea was better, along with the Barley. I didn’t take any photo of the drinks as these are very standard servings in every cafe. After our main course, we asked for our desserts to be served. I ordered ABC. It comes with some basic serving without those overly coloured syrup, which is good for me. The ice is finely shaved and this makes the ABC taste good. My only grouse is that adding some <em>gula melaka </em>would enhance the taste of the ABC. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Gastro-5" border="0" alt="Gastro-5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v8GVKoXbtWgHPgXmhvBe-r-8o0ve0n2hdGCCP2Kwpw4WaCqCbf-ZV0_ieVq8UhdyLhOXDKbeVTU5eLwcYg4wQn9MDCEXALFqMeS-5F6l0X_uG96wMX2NUvwzOIZ3423x54sbhW-wKno/?imgmax=800" width="366" height="486"></p> <p><strong><em><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Gastro Cafe’s Cendol</font></em></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The Cendol and ABC are basically the same thing except that in ABC, it’s topped with sweet corn while in Cendol, you guess it – Cendol strips, duh!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The price of the food serve in Gastro Cafe are reasonable considering that this place is of high catchment area that serves both college students as well as office workers. Will definitely re-visit this place for another round of Hainanese cooking……</font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-56947963121152566792012-12-21T21:29:00.001+08:002012-12-21T21:29:43.815+08:00Bukit Merah Laketown Resort<div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:94f62ba1-1bbe-42a6-aaf1-8bce0acbf137" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;width:410px;border-collapse:collapse;'><tbody><tr><td style='margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;width:auto'><a style="outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;" target="_blank" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8b1a36827eb941d7&page=play&resid=8B1A36827EB941D7!152&type=5&authkey=!ABzK-s1F-lO9YZg&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos"><img style="outline:none;border-style:none;padding:0px;margin:0px;border:0px;background:none;background-image:none;vertical-align:bottom;" alt="View album" title="View album" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dv1qh1iecNA/UNRkRTQ9GBI/AAAAAAAABSc/pmhGV37B_vo/Bukit%252520Merah%252520Laketown%252520Resort%25255B28%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style='width:410px;text-align:center;overflow:visible;padding:0px;margin:0px;'> <div style='width:410px;overflow:visible;'><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8b1a36827eb941d7&page=browse&resid=8B1A36827EB941D7!152&type=5&authkey=!ABzK-s1F-lO9YZg&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:1.26em;padding:0px;width:410px;font-size:26pt;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" defaultText="Enter album name here">Bukit Merah Laketown Resort</span></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;padding:9px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style="text-align:center;width:auto;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;border-collapse:collapse;"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 12px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8b1a36827eb941d7&page=play&resid=8B1A36827EB941D7!152&type=5&authkey=!ABzK-s1F-lO9YZg&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">VIEW SLIDE SHOW</a></td> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 0px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=8b1a36827eb941d7&page=downloadphotos&resid=8B1A36827EB941D7!152&type=5&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos&authkey=!ABzK-s1F-lO9YZg" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">DOWNLOAD ALL</a></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Went to Bukit Merah Laketown Resort last weekend for a family gathering. It was easy to find along the North South Expressway. Directional signboards aplenty and the resort is just nearby, after exiting from Bukit Merah/Selama toll after Taiping.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Chose a wrong day to go there and the place was jam-packed to the maximum. Didn’t enjoy the trip a bit at all. Car park area was horendous. There are simply not enough of proper parking lots to cater for a big weekend / school holiday crowd. The resort operator should re-look into improving the parking area. Having an un-tarred, sharp rocks and dusty alternative parking area is giving the place a very bad impression even before entering the resort area.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">The guest houses ie. the chalets, the service apartments are badly maintained. The 2 toilets in our Suria apartment unit are leaking water. One of our air con remote control is missing the cover at the battery compartment. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Buffet breakfast is also very disappointing. You have the local semi-“nasi lemak”. I named it this way as it has the rice cooked with the fragrant pandan leaves but what’s missing from the nasi lemak are the side dishes that make up a nasi lemak ie the fried anchovies, the peanuts, the cucumbers and the soft boiled eggs. Even the sambal with onions is missing. It only comes with a chicken curry where the chicken is as good as a rubber piece. It tasted like some badly cooked overnight chicken pieces. For those who like some western breakfast choices, brace yourself for toast bread, cereals and ham. No sausages even. I’m totally disappointed with the buffet line at Suria Apartment.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">For a proper dinner, I would suggest that you venture outside. At least the road stalls outside the resort that serves tomyam and some local Malay cuisines look more appetising than the food in the resort. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">I wouldn’t recommend this place for a family holiday.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-88307210628732848902012-12-03T22:56:00.001+08:002012-12-03T22:56:26.553+08:00Hotel Royal Penang<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> </p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Any visit to Penang spells fun to me irregardless whether it’s for business or leisure. No wonder Penang is also known as the Pearl of the Orient for its beauty and one of the more enchanting state in Malaysia. I had the opportunity to drop by Penang again last week for an overnight business trip.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Making a room reservation through <a href="http://www.booking.com" target="_blank">booking.com</a> is so easy that I managed to book 2 superior rooms with <a href="http://www.hotelroyalpenangmalaysia.com/ppc/?gclid=CLj-7uC0_rMCFQh66wodm20ANA" target="_blank">Hotel Royal Penang</a> in a breeze. What’s more is that I am able to learn a fair bit of the hotel from booking.com’s website. Some of the deals in this website is quite attractive and allow you to cancel your booking within 3 days prior to the check-in date. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Though I’m not very much familiar with the roads in Penang, having a GPS comes in handy even though Penang is not that big and you always have the Komtar building as your “compass” or reference point.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Hotel Royal Penang is situated in the heart of Georgetown, Penang. It is about 20km from the Penang International Airport and from the Penang bridge, it takes you about 10-15 minutes to reach the hotel.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Checking into the hotel is made easy with the friendly receptionist manning the front desk. I managed to check into my hotel room and also for my colleague within minutes. While you’re waiting for check in, you may also log into web with the free wifi available at the lobby area of Hotel Royal Penang. The wireless broadband connection speed is pretty decent too during evening.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">After being presented with the hotel keycard, I moved to the 10th floor of the hotel. There are 4 lifts taking the guests up to the respective floors, so you don’t have to wait that long.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">Our rooms are the superior double which cost RM188.00 nett or about USD60/night. Pretty decent considering that it’s situated at a convenient location and not too far away from Gurney Drive. Upon entering the room, I did not detect any smoke smell or odour coming from the room. I stay in a non-smoking floor though.</font></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181557" border="0" alt="20121130_181557" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cI7Y7w9-LhY/ULy9dFuWM-I/AAAAAAAABQY/04skXwmVQTM/20121130_181557%25255B28%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">Double bed with 4 pillows of various sizes</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181613" border="0" alt="20121130_181613" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aUQYXSBzBUk/ULy9d5QGHgI/AAAAAAAABQc/JTQU_l5t_Aw/20121130_181613%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>Wired LAN for the convenience of the hotel guest while in the room</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">After putting down my luggage bag, I surveyed the room for the facililties that it offered. Below are what I have discovered:-</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">1. Internet – wired LAN cable that provide FOC internet service. ( I didn’t use the LAN though as I didn’t bring my laptop with me for this overnight trip ).</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">2. Safe deposit box – previous guest mishandled the safe and an error message came out. I managed to get the front desk to resolve this for me and they came to my room within my desired time frame.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">3. Mini fridge – a disappointment as it was empty.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">4. Iron – Iron and iron board were in wardrobe compartment for the guest’s usage.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">I do find the cable TV a letdown as the channels are all out of tune. I can’t tune in to a channel without those “snowy” effects, hindering a decent view of the TV programme.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181626" border="0" alt="20121130_181626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFz3rppjNWClmhGBI_onUZJ6myQDJvPhVhfDr3HPvBV4fMzQ2f2TrdX5wxcumFNRtwarlhiw-6jfkgP-dTT3TIP2r43aIAH9fnHpp7gyiY2lrPtM96gLGb5k10F1FKN6DvvOzJ5wBKBM/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">Cable TV – a letdown</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The bathroom comes with a speaker for those who enjoy some music or TV sound while soaking in the bathtub. However, you’re not able to tune the volume to your liking <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HXy0dxb0mc0/ULy9f_zHkjI/AAAAAAAABQw/I8KRyy1bCjU/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The extra roll of toilet paper comes in convenient for the guests to use but I do find the quality of the toilet paper a bit of a letdown, too thin and have a “cheapo” feeling.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181642" border="0" alt="20121130_181642" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7skGTFUwm7M/ULy9hcYMZRI/AAAAAAAABQ4/9aDa6j78lIg/20121130_181642%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4">Decent bathroom but toilet paper a bit “cheapo” feeling</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The sofa seat by the side of the window is my favourite spot. Together with the stand lamp, it provides the best ambient for reading and relaxation. A good spot to wind down after a hard day’s work. However, I didn’t stay in my hotel room much for that night since we went food hunting after we finished work in the evening. In total, I spent less than 5 wake up hours in my hotel room to fully soak in to comfort the room has to provide.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">One thing that I have to complain is that the tuner for the bedside lamp is spoilt when I wanted to adjust the lighting by the bedside. The knob came off when I turn to adjust the brightness of the lamp. Housekeeping should have detected the spoilt knob earlier as I don’t think the damage was recent.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181707" border="0" alt="20121130_181707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJoJ9_yOXvciVgGM1tmRh1jqk_80fC5qCqDxowEpQqJo07iIFLVgq_zJFMuAc7NMgZV6GjHMzS9PKuxAhHv56HgZi5kJA23oVWkaZNUXN5CydipdfacaXVTpA52f_Vm0ozd8wF8CNOKg/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>Warm lighting illuminates the room</strong></font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181717" border="0" alt="20121130_181717" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xXQof6wAORoHRgPxE5v1WVQSWE9JxBGED_0fZVXzAei-KvfJEy0m99yHlHtVLR6Hzk_owy9quCi9gbF8CRvy1ZAO6nmtTsBmvu8PjhkT1dON4CeDAIvWOGaJlSeb80vqMI7GDqEktVc/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The view outside the hotel room is quite nice. Since I stayed at an end unit, I managed to have an uninhibited view from my room. Lots of greens surrounding the hotel room makes one don’t think of being in a concrete jungle. You can clearly see the tall and short buildings lining the roads around the hotel.</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181819" border="0" alt="20121130_181819" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5gpTE0KHu88/ULy9kRChCXI/AAAAAAAABRQ/Ip-6jMGP33U/20121130_181819%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>A view across the hotel room</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Since this trip was not for sight-seeing, I didn’t bother to check the nearby tourist attractions but a quick check on the hotel’s website reveals the following nearby attractions:-</font></p> <ul> <li><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Fort Cornwallis – 5 km </strong></font> <li><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>UNESCO Heritage Cultural Site – 5 km </strong></font> <li><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Botanical Garden – 10 km </strong></font> <li><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Batu Feringgi Beach – 15 km </strong></font> <li><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Snake Temple – 20 km </strong></font></li></ul> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">For those who plan to make a trip to Penang, I would think Hotel Royal Penang is a decent place to stay and within the budget of most travellers who wanted a decent room without much fanfair. The other thing that disappointed me is that the gym is only available from 8am-8pm. The hotel should consider its guests who wake up early and wanted to start off the day with some exercise. Opening the gym only at 8am does not do justice to those early riser like me. Even the swimming pool was not available when I passed by before 7am. I do hope that the Management would consider making the gym available at an earlier time.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Before I sign off this post, I would like to share with you a picture of the “old” and “new” – where history and progress can co-habit at the same time at the Pearl of the Orient.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Cheers !!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="20121130_181823" border="0" alt="20121130_181823" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-APfQ4WEnHvE/ULy9l9nQgZI/AAAAAAAABRY/zjLfSTHHa2Q/20121130_181823%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="770" height="657"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>Penang – Pearl of the Orient</strong></font></p> <p><font face="Batang"><font size="3"><font color="#ff0000"><strong></strong></font></font></font> </p> <p><font face="Batang"><font size="3"><font color="#ff0000"><strong>Hotel Royal Penang</strong><br></font>No 3, Jalan Larut, 10050<br>Georgetown, Penang<br>Malaysia</font></font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-59212669334852171112012-11-23T23:47:00.001+08:002012-11-23T23:48:18.679+08:00ELS 22nd Anniversary Scholarships for Malaysians | ELS Language Centres, Malaysia<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.els.edu.my/en/apply-to-els/els-22nd-anniversary-scholarships-for-malaysians/#.UK-ZhTLyr0Q.blogger">ELS 22nd Anniversary Scholarships for Malaysians | ELS Language Centres, Malaysia</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See you in ELS !! </span></span>K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-52339041088809356622012-11-13T22:53:00.000+08:002012-11-15T15:40:22.844+08:00Back To Nature–Gopeng Rainforest<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Went to a great getaway last week and if you are someone who loves to spend time at a quiet, back-to-nature kinda retreat, read on. <strong><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/7ii75" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0000">Gopeng</font></a></strong> is a lesser known nature getaway compare to places like Taman Negara or any rainforest reserve. Located about 1.5hours drive away from Kuala Lumpur and south of Ipoh, Gopeng is a pretty laid back town away from rapid development. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">In this blog, I would like to introduce you readers to<font color="#ff0000"><strong> </strong></font><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/4pEk4" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0000"><strong>Gopeng Rainforest Resort</strong></font></a> is situated about 15 minutes drive from Gopeng town. Visible directional signboards are placed along the road leading to Gopeng Rainforest Resort. One can easily find the way to the resort without needing much help from a GPS. One word of warning though is that since this place is not commercialised yet, the road leading up to the resorts is pretty narrow and windy. The road is just wide enough for 1 vehicle and it serves both direction. So, make sure your vehicle’s horn is working as you need to honk at every blind turn to ensure that you alert any car/lorry/motorbike coming from the opposite direction of your presence. Often, either party has to move his vehicle to the side of the road or reverse to a broader path for the other vehicle to pass through. </font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02542" border="0" alt="DSC02542" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l6zPI2lrTOE/UKSb9Nfo27I/AAAAAAAABNQ/XRfyRkDsn00/DSC02542.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="246"></p> <p align="center"><font face="Batang"></font><font size="3"> <strong><font color="#ffff00" face="Arial"><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/4pEk4" target="_blank">Gopeng Rainforest Resort</a>’s signboard with its contact detail</font></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font> <font size="3" face="Batang">As the name suggest, this resort is built with the intention of giving its visitors the experience of being close to nature. The resort is managed by a Chinese couple with the help of some locals. By the way, the owner’s name is Mr. David Poon. Thanks for the great hospitality you had given us David!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Visitors are not allowed to drive the car up to the resort. There’s a parking area at the foot of the resort which can accommodate about 20 cars. From there, you have to walk up to the resort.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02543" border="0" alt="DSC02543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjK9iiWgJookT6qBHJUE7KfbT9p2WHG3QcVAGwEARkinE6odRpFPdVFmZNknPKziAzdchj0ZE4AIim9R3yEf1vBAYh6mgIG41z-OiRe74U-r08G23lw1j2p3Al1x9d6xNvjGFu3h8SbGs/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"><strong>View of the resort from the parking area</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Next to the parking ground is the camping area. Guests of Gopeng Rainforest Resort can opt to stay in the <em>kampung</em> style cabins or camp at the foothill of the resort.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02544" border="0" alt="DSC02544" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xbPnpVYcdZs/UKSb_3qPv0I/AAAAAAAABNg/M_i_yBm37so/DSC02544.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"><strong>Parking and camping ground</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">As out group is for a company’s staff family day, we form the bulk of the guests of the resort. The 60 of us are housed in about 10 cabins which houses from 3-6 people each. These log cabins are mainly built from wood and natural materials found in the surrounding area. Trees are aplenty surrounding the resort.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8q4roEvMcgo/UKScBBLd7JI/AAAAAAAABNo/s2UCPL_fgqY/s1600-h/DSC02549.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02549" border="0" alt="DSC02549" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fSTdUoY22U8/UKScEu7BUMI/AAAAAAAABN0/-CWSVWhZ87Q/DSC02549_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Cabins and dining area. Our room was the middle unit on the right of the above photo.</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">The rooms we stayed are pretty basic as you can see from the photo below. You have mattresses and thin blankets to cover you up at night. No bed. There’s a ceiling fan and power sockets for you to use your electrical appliances. One thing to note is that you will not get much phone reception here. Most of the time there is no signal on the phone. A real hideout if you don’t want to be disturbed by phone calls. Also, keep you broadband away. There’s no wifi signal here too.</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"></font></strong><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02535" border="0" alt="DSC02535" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1-9V4AFVJwI/UKScF_zKoyI/AAAAAAAABN8/VoTg4D1VUGI/DSC02535.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="486"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">The mattress and blanket</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">The rooms are pretty airy as its surrounded by trees, lots of trees. As it was rainy season, Gopeng also gets a fair share of rain during our visit. I was greeted by a heavenly sight the next morning as cool mist enveloped the surrounding mountains. It was really a sight to behold and makes you cherish Mother Nature more.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02541" border="0" alt="DSC02541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvmKvmUGtS1rLqD7pyLzSnJCINEp2H3amLNV5kDeTz3UIgJIV2F_963F9O97aUnf64x9AASzK269z0dMJWC3r1-EK-rd9bwTfqNUCih301DijM3tt4dczgRJVTz-yFNN5MRjhXUuqI7I/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Cool mist greets you in the morning..…heavenly</font></strong></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02550" border="0" alt="DSC02550" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4GicXGNEGA4/UKScIKnyQ2I/AAAAAAAABOI/YDs_UdOge9M/DSC02550.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Private cabins</font></strong></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02548" border="0" alt="DSC02548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kpFB1AUDH4SOKdAQhNLVDIcTjQMfGwobcSlpNB3kko9z3p8-H-BobJMYMfzHYe6frnIUFwWuTTipYeAFifbEZ7ez2gDP-1DDrjpSX3x_LJbNXVZKH9Bh0SmFca_HdfQ8iEGcxic_kiQ/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Lots of kampung influence in the design of the cabins</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">By the way, did I also tell you that surrounding Gopeng Rainforest Resort are durian trees? I was being informed by a durian orchard operator here, Mr. Leong that there are about 5000 durian trees which produces about 300 varieties of flavours. Each of the trees are natural on its own and no cross breeding of species. Since I love <em>kampung</em> durians compared to designer breeds like D24, red prawn, <em>Musang</em> king etc., this place is definitely in my good book.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02536" border="0" alt="DSC02536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHFkpSI8IMg5McS0bhDHmW33xWy8q__wAv5lV-zT1dMq9Q4Djd5wqtKhXGwmhAwEDHGibetgwsuxiz2Gje02-l1Pom1Z1gZb8zMo-2S4Zje9sjD_8b4_UXuM_fMtVzEVLixeWC2Ft5Qs/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Durian tree bearing fruits outside our room</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Besides durians, there are also a few <em>pulasan</em> trees planted by David. Pulasan is actually a cousin of rambutan with thicker skin but juicier flesh inside. The outer skin is thick.</font></p> <p align="center"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02545" border="0" alt="DSC02545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NkJS11KSchQLwBaueVeXeln-iYP9Zjf1GPHz5uRy8svyRjIRlyUlzqr8bTuEYPZwcVWvWY-SC_FtJJaa9S4rG1JbrWyucOt4xRCNSx_s91Mh6iW8oPIjnXRuNkK1yUH16H3LB3lpUmg/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Pulasan, a distant cousin of rambutan</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Gopeng is famous for its white water rafting activity. The river actually has its source from Cameron Highlands. If you do not like rafting, you can also consider wet absailing or go caving. There are also Rafflesia flowers in Gopeng’s forest.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02538" border="0" alt="DSC02538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7ohLTomCuPSkxEjJ9daCsQCiuczCSpdKsmka6owR9iWNVduW9yYfxoYg4zb79OdnlS_ue6Gk1bc37Rm6tSquF3BslSeobAVYg6EPeqbYP0Is4FXmAMwtw1qAgX_k255V5L-a1wE8dYE/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Riverbug, the operator for white water rafting</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">Many people would opt for rafting as the past-time activity in Gopeng and the rivers certainly present a great challenge especially after the rain where the water come gushing down from upstream like a steamroller, taking on everything that comes its way.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02554" border="0" alt="DSC02554" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7qmBE6o8mYw/UKScOKhhumI/AAAAAAAABOw/TH1qXUSco6g/DSC02554.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">The river wild</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">According to David, there is also a trail that can get hikers from Gopeng to Cameron Highlands. If you’re up for a walk, this journey takes a day and a half. I’ll give it a pass <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iLFgu3M0oLU/UKScPOHre2I/AAAAAAAABO4/cdv2OS071e4/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02559" border="0" alt="DSC02559" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JdslxLWf5_k/UKScQmWFtMI/AAAAAAAABPE/6aWVB76n6qM/DSC02559.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Clear, cold water gushing down the river</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">As I didn’t go for the water rafting activity, David was kind enough to take us for a ride, exploring the surrounding area of Gopeng in his 10-seaters van. We toured the rivers that ran through Gopeng. According to David, the British settlers came to Gopeng in the late 1800 and started tin mining here. Gopeng was also known to be a communist area during the British as well as the Japanese occupation in Malaysia. The tarred road around the hills of Gopeng were only made available around 6 years ago. Before that, they were all gravel paths. Jeeps and 4WD vehicles are more suitable as a mode of transportation here. The locals are mostly on motorbikes.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Batang">After tin mining was exhausted here, agricultural activities took over with rubber trees and oil palms form most of the greens here besides the durian trees. Gopeng also hold the natives or locally known as <em>orang asli</em>. The <em>orang asli</em> form settlements around the higher grounds. They are the natives of the forest and expert of the jungle. In an effort to bring better lilving condition to them, the Government has provided each household with solar panel that enable them to generate some electricity for their daily necessity. I was told that each day of solar charges can provide the natives with around 1.5 hours of electricity. </font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02564" border="0" alt="DSC02564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Hn_R_JmFIcczD_QY8lrBBidllz8deLNIULVRe9lQDLCLBUBGI5e0LvQSp4rGrn3wMBApyQXhH3tWTGHgvRUnjnec8R4y9AuUIeeyzfloCcBZaAV6YBYXHIuF4v1EEfoO8hxe0Og0P5U/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"><em>Orang asli’s</em> settlement</font></strong></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02569" border="0" alt="DSC02569" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6YAFXFq9Uk16YHqOfH0MZ-301HtIx4FypxvQef8Kc_mjpqHvTtViIPprTYSCfeoeq2E0jzle3pSBPXtBVVTgbFwhLgRwgNeU0ye_oBWDRFbRnD_g-Cr5kJ2t-yFrM64Xfbs8xcVuvlY/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Solar panel providing some electricity for each household</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">David also took us to visit the oil palm estates and showed us fungus that grew out from decaying oil palm’s husk. It certainly was an interesting sight to see how one plant thrive on other.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02572" border="0" alt="DSC02572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8q_LHy5ogkFjp7C6vEmLyohg5jXwi8MwynoEVfVJP287moHj6B1S_X3svczaybR1Ghe5Erv13VOp9fKzGV2g6J35zR5teDGBo1THBA2IZvCi0EAK_xlu8a7fBmWcjRXe9WCpr-l0ajM/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02556" border="0" alt="DSC02556" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dVLfI0KtFeE/UKScVfILTfI/AAAAAAAABPg/EZXCn4RLums/DSC02556.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Fungus mushrooming from oil palms’ husks</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">Nearby, we also saw a mini hot spring. The hot spring was just a small patch in the middle of an oil palm estate. It’s about 3 feet x 3 feet wide.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02575" border="0" alt="DSC02575" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gwHmX5MSPIE/UKScWwMLQLI/AAAAAAAABPs/OqGfw9UckLs/DSC02575.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">A mini hot spring in the middle of an oil palm estate</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">The water from the hot spring certainly contain minerals as it attracts Raja Brooke’s butterflies to the stream that flow from the hot spring. We were surprised to see this species of butterflies as it certainly is a unique species. To find them in a well hidden area certainly adds more element of happiness and awe to be able to see these butterflies in their natural habitat. The butterflies were seen happily sapping up the minerals that came from the hot spring.</font></p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC02576" border="0" alt="DSC02576" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3vyenOBjkiU/UKScYMz0AsI/AAAAAAAABPw/-GDuND0KGHA/DSC02576.jpg?imgmax=800" width="646" height="367"></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial">Raja Brooke’s butterflies congregating at a small stream</font></strong></p> <p align="left"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">This 2 days 1 night experience in an eco-resort was really a memorable trip thanks to the generosity of David who brought us to a journey of discovery in his van which was not part of the retreat’s package. Also, getting to know Mr. Leong who runs a durian orchard here certainly add more interest to the trip. Mr. Leong also told us that in future, we can make a detour to Gopeng’s town if we want to order his durian kampung. We don’t have to drive up the narrow road to the hill to buy his durians. Hmm… I will certainly call him for my next trip north since a detour to Gopeng town only take abour 10 minutes from the North-South Expressway. Mr. Leong also brought us to see his 120 years’ old durian tree. He also told us that come next month, December, there will be more durians as the durian season in Gopeng will be at its peak. The fruit from the 120 years tree will also ripe by then. I am quite certain I will call Mr. Leong next month since I’m making at least a journey up north next month <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7v8DDmv6F4g/UKScY2jL9YI/AAAAAAAABP8/03QkLpBJBI8/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800">!!</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Arial"></font></strong></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-15289904007453878992012-11-05T19:03:00.002+08:002012-11-06T18:31:21.192+08:00Pin Xiang Restaurant – A “Thumb’s Up” Gastronomic Experience<p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121104_195415" border="0" alt="20121104_195415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6NRwrN763Z9q1HL_qunxPPCDIFDIYKxeMNGF8qcNslVi5bgS8l82jgh2izRL-lE-4e4ywvBDZD9GkE7rV_9JgnXp1AvDrPWWQjpFYaOCmLuacs1cxtmBBT8RndxFqxELIJEl6t2yPWI/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></p> <div align="center"><span style="color: red"><b><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffff00" size="3">Bright signboard and located at a T-junction makes Pin Xiang easy to locate</font></span></b></span></div> <div align="center"><span style="color: red"><b><span style="font-size: small"></span></b></span> </div> <div align="justify"><span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"></span></span> <span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff"><font size="3" face="Batang">A recent dinner brought us to a new oriental dining restaurant situated at Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya. Thought it was raining cats and dogs, the hungry stomachs won the day. We decided to carry on with our reservation and reached Pin Xiang restaurant slightly over 6:30pm for our dinner. Pin Xiang is a restaurant that serves oriental dishes ie seafood & noodle. The restaurant is just facing the T-junction behind the corner Nasi Kandar in Aman Suria. </font><a href="http://maps.google.com.my/maps/ms?msid=203517128294316056976.0004a2e33f586890a2626&msa=0&ll=3.120987,101.595801&spn=0.006074,0.006899&iwloc=0004a2e342f7b165ec0b6"><font color="#ff0000" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Pin Xiang</strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Batang"> is also next to the Lotus Curry House and same row as the Guardian Pharmacy in Aman Suria. Occupying 2 shoplots and a extended corner, Pin Xiang caters to diners who can opt for air-conditioned sitting or open air dining.</font></font></span></span></div> <div align="justify"><span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"></font></span></span> </div> <div align="justify"><span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">Once seated, we were attended to promptly. Dishes were decided ahead before we reached the restaurant. We decided to have the <font color="#ffff00"><strong>Marmite Crab, Crispy Long Beans, Signature Tofu, Butter Chicken, Special Spare Ribs and Deep-Fried Tilapia</strong></font> as part of our gastronomic experience with Pin Xiang. 6 dishes althogether.</font></span></span></div> <div align="justify"><span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang"></font></span></span> </div> <div align="justify"><span style="color: red"><span style="font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">As we have pre-ordered our dishes, they arrived in a short period of time, no more than 10 minutes. First came the Signature Tofu. Since we ordered a large plate, the portion came deservingly for 8 person. The topping is something new to me as usually, in most Chinese restaurants, they usually top the tofu with minced meat, salted fish and spring onions. Pin Xiang topped it with <font color="#ffff00"><strong>fried, sweet preserved vegetables which I find blends quite well with the tofu.</strong></font></font></span></span></div> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121104_184308" border="0" alt="20121104_184308" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BzKrNRq_fPE/UJc9PaiSXCI/AAAAAAAABIs/cAmyuPdoBaM/20121104_184308%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3">From top left: Special Spare Ribs, Butter Chicken, Crispy Long Beans and Signature Tofu</font></strong></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Batang">The crispy long beans was everyone’s favourite, even Mum wanted to try this style of cooking the long beans in the future. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>The long beans were coated with flour and salted egg yolk before frying</strong></font>. Hence, you will feel the crunchiness as well as the saltiness of the egg yolk before you get to taste the long beans. As the dish was served right after they came up from the frying wok, you will still find the long beans hot and crispy. Do order this dish if you happen to be in Pin Xiang.</font></p> <p align="justify"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121104_184346" border="0" alt="20121104_184346" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iualCVCX2KE/UJc9SrqNNzI/AAAAAAAABI8/h_ZPSk2Yxl0/20121104_184346%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: small"><font size="3">Signature Tofu</font></span></b></p> <p align="justify"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: small"><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="Batang">A self-profess meat eater will hardly go for a meal without meat. Here, we have the Special Spare Ribs to give us a different flavour to wet our appetite. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>The Special Spare Ribs came in a sweet and sour sauce</strong></font>. The special homemade sauce tasted like plum sauce in it. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>Pin Xiang uses a bigger cut of the pork ribs so that the diners can taste more of the pork instead.</strong></font> Pin Xiang also gave its diners a generous cut of the pork ribs as I can see each slice of it is about an inch thick. <font color="#ffff00"><strong>This dish also receive a thumbs up from me. Every piece of the pork ribs are evenly coated with the sauce that leaves you wanting to have another piece</strong></font>.</font></span></p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121104_184351" border="0" alt="20121104_184351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwowNHc5yQ5yJfAkEXP844V-d55MJxmluLO2d4geYY54sqTz-Y2vVmQcenhBkstLmmANTKp2gomxbSUemXflzK87yj5PnvrBlb3MHj45a-WJ3BP-13dth9vlzCzRZEF0-y2Twcd9v_6Nc/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> <br> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: small"><font size="3"><b><span style="color: yellow">Special Spare Ribs</span></b><font color="#ffff00"> </font></font></span></div> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_1YCqwFVYgcurquPz18JuugtSVLkppYKizHYm3Y-M2a-nSh_7ZoFpDipY4lUMPexFKOGj5LZ2cSl25i073pcPwzpmBJkK3BqvrA0dKUg_T5WyfYdX3zvn0eIdo4abmvDgZh-6U0M-PE/s1600-h/20121104_184359%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121104_184359" border="0" alt="20121104_184359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6j2SE9tq_93UBRniSWIqUCutf0sdfAi67gXSf8UU8cB8oQSwdaRwDWx655e3TzA8z13Z12hiruRL_s03cCfXJe5Tw42ADFfUFpOb0bPwzRG59RNfO0mpUDm0m-jYVHCRJDBX5BbGW8YQ/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></a></p> <div align="center"><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="3">Deep Fried Tilapia</font></strong><br></div><br><font size="3" face="Batang">Right before the final dish came the deep-fried tilapia fish. I know the photo above doesn’t do much justice to the fish but it was actually quite tasty too albeit some minor complain. I do like the fish deep fried and I don’t recall eating anywhere else having <font color="#ffff00"><strong>the fish topped with chopped garlic, chillies and lime juice.</strong></font> In fact, I initially mistaken the chopped garlic for cubes of cucumbers, sort of like a Thai style cooking. For a person who loves garlic, <font color="#ffff00"><strong>I somehow find that there were too much garlic on the fish instead. Hence, the strong aroma of the garlic overwhelmed the fish when you savour the fish.<br><br></strong></font></font> <div align="center"> <img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG-20121104-WA0000" border="0" alt="IMG-20121104-WA0000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6sTYZ3JqbJr3CN6eCqhwelmmqpFXDL6-DgpzROxLgR6PR65LSVg7USuLDVdhSrfvoHus8h2RRLGJ4KWJWpuT0N7rNTkdigaBQMHDo3-z8lpNqQ-uAaCkYKseYKpzdnA4sdHCCZRLPpc/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="500"></div> <div align="center"><b><span style="color: yellow; font-size: small"><font size="3">The finale – Marmite Crabs</font></span></b></div> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">For a seafood fan, I’m not big-time on crabs. Like many people, I find it a challenge eating crabs. I’m totally hopeless in getting into the finer parts of a crab. This dish is more for my wife and my sis. We had a serving of 3 regular-sized crabs in the plate. As the name goes, <font color="#ffff00"><strong>the crabs were coated in a thick marmite paste</strong></font>. I do like the salty taste of marmite coated seafood. Marmite prawns would be a better option for me instead of crabs. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">We topped the hearty meal with a glass of barley and bean curd drink. A nice sweet drink to go with a “thumb’s up” meal. The bill came up regularly to RM253 including taxes. Below’s the price breakdown of each dish:-</font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>1. Marmite crabs (3 pieces) – RM99</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>2. Crispy long beans (large) – RM20</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>3. Butter chicken (large) – RM26</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>4. Signature tofu (large) – RM20</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>5. Special spare ribs (large-8 pieces) – RM40</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#c0c0c0" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>6. Deep fried tilapia – RM24</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang"></font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Batang">Here’s the location of the outlet and my rating for the place.</font> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Address: Lot H-18-G, Jalan PJU 1/45, Aman Suria, 47301 Petaling Jaya.</strong></font> <p><font size="3"><font face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Location: 4/5</strong></font> <em>( easy to find, just look for the Nasi Kandar restaurant and Lotus Curry House )</em></font></font> <p><font size="3"><font face="Batang"><strong><font color="#ffff00">Ambient: 5/5</font></strong> <em>( spacious seating with both air-conditioned and open-air dining available)</em></font></font> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="3" face="Batang"><strong>Food Quality: 4/5</strong></font> <p><font size="3"><font face="Batang"><font color="#ffff00"><strong>Food Price: 4/5</strong></font> <em>( for a large portion and in Petaling Jaya area, I think the dishes are fairly priced ) </em></font></font> <p><font color="#ffff00"><font size="3"><font face="Batang"><strong>Service: 4/5</strong> <em><font color="#ffffff">( prompt service despite an almost full house on a Sunday evening) </font></em></font></font></font> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-86725337077559600342012-10-12T09:34:00.001+08:002012-10-12T09:34:50.228+08:00Chatterbox @ 1Utama Shopping Centre<p> </p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_122722" border="0" alt="20121007_122722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBvByRHmIotdvyaCA90sN12odct1Gec3AExj2q7RQNURrPRjVrT9dVvY51SdsCkbTMN6n0OiZHiMX-rG0EOV0ekEzYwdc3cTu4-8EY3YYOwcpckhBXyf_Wga1g3FV6fupSOGmvEr7-ig/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">My first comment about this eating place is the chinese words of this eating outlet loosely translates into Gossiping instead of Chatterbox. Chatterbox is <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>located near the Rainforest section of 1 Utama’s new wing</strong></font>. It’s a very relaxing corner, facing the man-made rainforest and a walking distance to the Aviary. When I got there at 12 noon, the place is fully occupied but I managed to get my family of 6 person to sit outside the restaurant.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">Once we’re seated, we got into business by ordering our dishes as fast as we can. Deciding what to eat is normally not an easy task for me but having your family around makes thing easier as each of us can choose a dish that we like. With the help of a courteous waitress, we managed to put our order of dishes in no time. </font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_122801" border="0" alt="20121007_122801" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GRoAi-XIXvI/UHdzdk_bGxI/AAAAAAAABHY/B2DjAR3PL4U/20121007_12280111.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#00ffff" size="4"><strong>Slice Fish Fillet with Garlic & Ginger</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="times">First up was the <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>slice fish fillet with garlic & ginger. </strong><font color="#ffffff" size="3" face="time">The dish came in about 20 minutes after our order was placed in. Considering that it was nearly full house during lunch peak period, the waiting time is somewhat reasonable. The fish slices were warm when it reached out table. <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>The garlic and ginger were crispy and no hint of overnight oil smell on both items.</strong></font> Since I am a big fan of garlic, I picked up most of the slices. However, I do find <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>the gravy a bit salty</strong></font> for my liking. In the time where people are more health conscious, I think the chef should take this into consideration.</font></font></font></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_122936" border="0" alt="20121007_122936" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r9iTvfVLrJk/UHdzgbFe1YI/AAAAAAAABHg/6E4izUx_5NE/20121007_12293610.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#00ffff" size="4"><strong>Stir Fried Hong Kong Kailan with Oyster Sauce</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="times">Next came the stir fried Hong Kong kailan with oyster sauce. Kailan is one of my favourite veggie and I like them stir fried too :-)</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Times">This leafy green when blanched for the right amount of time, can have a really nice texture when you bite into it. Chatterbox hit the right note with the texture of the kailan. However, the length of the veggie poses a challenge to the person eating it. The chef should have cut the veggie shorter for easy eating.</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#00ffff" size="4"></font></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZinacgf9b1njC1aA7M54QP8a-j6fGKyVW-HAubT5wS5F9IwpAxOKrg27MbFgn4Sqg8muU1IEKdIkRC5AHvxSZh-P39ZvXKJOIiSNoiZzFdcBugKFttoQApw70hEnPeMjmpPPSMszoZs/s1600-h/20121007_1233547.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_123354" border="0" alt="20121007_123354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rMzqfBITilRr9CxyBs5ltUnt2faob4P78EnzoVOaDNN9nmXqNF32Snd5kKFD9GvaMChgFj_rpgbDVrwhQ2zUM_dnpeVfJGRlqTrVvoyaKNpLr_Isf8x1bT80u26v_kXodhMBs7Pld4Y/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#00ffff" size="4"><strong>Deep Fried Chicken with Onion Ring in Special Sauce</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="times">After the kailan, the deep fried chicken with onion ring in special sauce was presented to our table. I looked at it with much enthusiasm as the chicken doesn’t look too soggy. You know, sometimes, in some restaurants, they can get too carried away with the sauce that the chicken pieces looked like some wet bathing suits, dripping in water. Both the chicken and the onion rings were crispy and up to our liking. Even my daughter liked the onion rings. For a picky eater, that’s something encouraging. <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>The sauce was a blend of sweet and salty but not too salty like the previous 2 dishes</strong></font>.</font></p> <p align="center"><strong><font color="#00ffff" size="4"></font></strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_123357" border="0" alt="20121007_123357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8zLuywVfK9wYiDlvQDwJY9ul635-Wy-8CGHx8mBmTMekm3PJVYwFDdcdI_rXAJwDzPOnFCmADdryd0k1CFrbauSHHea-IVnkf8K_EJ7FI-2GQ4P92QcanrQJi6VBxoGa2JWQ9jRJMrY/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"> </p> <p align="center"> <font color="#00ffff" size="4"><strong>Deep Fried Squid in Curry Leaves</strong></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="times"></font><strong><font color="#00ffff" size="4"></font></strong><font size="3" face="Times">The deep fried squids in curry leaves made its entrance after the chicken. This is one of my wife’s preferred dish. I like this dish too. <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>Chatterbox has</strong> <strong>also cooked it well with enough of curry leaves to give out the aromatic smell of the curry leaves. The flour batter is also mixed with butter to give it some salty flavour.</strong></font></font><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="20121007_123805" border="0" alt="20121007_123805" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9dr571UcDS-XKhAfoDJh5VX16_m6s1OkHrZlZeH1xO-xHeDCQwF6knF-4Q0l9jXKBVpuByfCszg24NGnRw0kroRg6DqldYh_QI970ZdmSZUc1k2BUvjE7NrnXvjTsm9qHtWxlWzgFTQ/?imgmax=800" width="660" height="500"></strong></p> <p align="center"><font color="#00ffff" size="4"><strong>Braised Broccoli and Tofu in Pumpkin Sauce</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="times">The last dish that we ordered; braised broccoli and tofu in pumpkin sauce, looked vibrant in the seas of “orange”. I love broccoli a lot. And tofu too. Mum wanted to try out this combination as well as having pumpkin puree as the sauce. We feel adventurous for the day in trying out new flavour. That’s what our gastronomic sense is asking us to do. <font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>The broccoli again was blanched right. The tofu is an egg tofu.</strong></font> I like that. However,<font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong> the pumpkin sauce isn’t working its magic in this dish. Someone, something just didn’t work right with the combination</strong></font>. Even Mum agreed that the combination doesn’t taste up to her expectation. The mixture of green, white and orange</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Working our stomachs to 5 dishes were good enough for the 6 of us who are small eaters. We enjoyed the atmosphere, the location of the restaurant, the good customer service and most of the dishes we ordered. You guessed it. The only letdown we had was the braised broccoli and tofu in pumpkin sauce. I do like this place though for lunch or dinner. The dishes are reasonably priced for a family shopping mall like 1 Utama.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Here’s the location of the outlet and my rating for the place.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Address: LG338 Lower Ground Floor, 1Utama Shopping Centre</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Location: 4/5 ( easy to find with 1 Utama having the self-help interactive directory situated by the side of the escalator at every floor )</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Ambient: 5/5 ( next to the artificial rainforest, what more can you ask for )</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Food Quality: 4/5</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Food Price: 4/5</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Times">Service: 4/5</font></p> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-44300908665089121842012-07-30T22:45:00.001+08:002012-07-30T22:45:08.422+08:00To Bring or Not To Bring<p> </p> <p><font size="3">The recent announcement by the Education Ministry to allow students to carry hadnphones to schools starting next year had caused much of a hoohah in the papers. Many have expressed their disagreement to the idea. </font> <p><font size="3">Personally, I disagree to the idea too. Here’s my rundown of why we should not allow our primary/secondary students bring their phones to school:-</font> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="4"><strong>1. Classroom distraction</strong></font> <p><font size="3">How are the teachers to ensure that every student switch their phones to “Silent mode” when in school? Easy right? Put up a civic message all over the classrooms? Did we not do that in cinemas and you still have some recalcitrant who will not silent their phones and even answer calls in the cinema.</font> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">2. Games, games, games</font></strong> <p><font size="3">Handphones come with games and applications installed in them. While the teachers are writing on the blackboard, I am sure there will also be students trying to play handphone games behind the teacher’s back.</font> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="1332480086.png" alt="1332480086.png" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5CvOHkQdm0A/UBad7OXz2wI/AAAAAAAABGU/8jsDkznuN4s/1332480086.png%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="480"> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">3. Video recording</font></strong> <p><font size="3">Almost all handphones now has at least 1 camera in it. This will be posing another problem. By allowing them to bring the handphones to classes, some mischivious students may secretly record their teachers, their classmates’ antics in schools. We have had a few incidents of students bullying in schools and these videos were uploaded into YouTube. By allowing handphones to be in school, are we opening the floodgate to more recordings? What if the students go a step further into becoming peeping tom and record their female schoolmates in any stage of undress? </font> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hdvideo_imovie" border="0" alt="hdvideo_imovie" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4EvATBJi3HbTewpAf9M-h4KpaN-FDovFsA8HssW7WS2zQ_SOFQVetIkJwc3eEb7PiFwlAv6ez__ck8iveDnmP4G-EDGY7yyCTf5SgzUL3b0Ir__WzvRccqiJHDaM9h6Iy-7mq10DLfY/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="326"> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">4. Mine is better than yours</font></strong> <p><font size="3">Phones are getting more and more advanced. Parents nowadays are also getting the latest model of phones ie iphone, Samsung Galaxy S3 etc for their children. I am sure the children will have the tendency to bring their latest high tech phones to school and show their schoolmates. Are we indirectly introducing peer pressure in school? Am sure those with the older models will feel inferior compared to their classmates who are “blessed” with the latest phones and will start to pester their parents to buy the same phone too.</font> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="timthumb.php" border="0" alt="timthumb.php" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFz7m1GxmRjWnAVNSYzKGoJjETZQlbTWsFkJBa_DvHWb4J1nW6N2RG8g2T1vIB_YhJpqYgSYDZSOWmM6hCyP36gJZJmMNPr8soN300PdaBJ21MWNIYo1xXciW2OEkTmjqBr_X_6lkgFw/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="379"> <p><strong><font color="#ffff00" size="4">5. Safekeeping</font></strong> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">Next comes the question of where to safekeep the phone? In school, students are to take on non-classroom activities like physical education on the field, attend extra-curricular bodies ie. Boy Scout etc. Is the school going to provide lockers for the students to keep their valuables which in this case is the phone? How about during recess time? When the phone gets stolen or misplaced, the school is going to be facing unnecessary headache of attending to students whose handphones are stolen. Worse still will be overzealous parents who are going to confront the school on their children’s missing phones – blaming the school of not ensuring their children’s properties are taken care of. I am sure we can all see this coming….</font> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-1-22" border="0" alt="Untitled-1-22" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-snyF9WeSf-k/UBad8v16YBI/AAAAAAAABGs/ecsgbNYm2T4/Untitled-1-22%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="486" height="486"> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3"></font> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3">Given more time, I can name even more reasons why the politicians and Ministries should put mroe thoughts into this idea before opening their mouths. Sigh!! We all know nowadays it’s the mouth that perform faster than the brain….especially when it comes from politicians.</font> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3"></font> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="3"></font> K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4606612790429415402.post-25372215427120425532012-07-16T22:50:00.000+08:002012-07-16T22:51:54.868+08:00A Porky Lunch<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When it comes to roast pork, I always associate it with the way Chinese cooks it - crispy skin that crackles with every bite, usually quite dry as it's roasted over direct heat onto the skin. When you're savouring over the juicy bits of roast pork, don't think about the cholesterol that comes with it OK?! Just enjoy the good moments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was during a rare occurance that I chance upon a deal online that offers traditional English roast pork. I'm quite curious of how an English roast pork is going to taste like. After parting with RM58.50, I got myself a deal of traditional English roast pork that comes with 2 side dishes of coleslaw and mash potatoes at BBQ @ Benji. Since it's situated in a residential area called Happy Mansion, I believe I will leave the place a happy guest. By the way, the deal is supposed to feed 2-3 pax.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When I reach Benji around 1:00pm, it's not too hard to find if you have a GPS with you. Happy Mansion has also been in the neighbourhood for quite some time, so ask around and you will easily be directed to Happy Mansion. Despite it being noon time on a Saturday, I found Benji to be quite empty with only 3 tables occupied at that time.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Deco is at its minimal in Benji as the place looks like it has been there for a while. Being at the corner of the ground floor, Benji's not easy to find.</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The wall is mostly painted black with photos of its specialties alining the walls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQmnHCtXrf9hDokEU0xopzPEhTWZDhRlCWracx2dINyIi1K4tag7k2D4kFoy6cZ7VvDXsC4nd8XD1xe07xb82ZNZ8WBg8sfXAWAS25qTEb2vOyM_q6g_LYcuFipFEJ_bpG8SXjSNSRdk/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2012-07-07 13.40.06" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQmnHCtXrf9hDokEU0xopzPEhTWZDhRlCWracx2dINyIi1K4tag7k2D4kFoy6cZ7VvDXsC4nd8XD1xe07xb82ZNZ8WBg8sfXAWAS25qTEb2vOyM_q6g_LYcuFipFEJ_bpG8SXjSNSRdk/?imgmax=800" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block;" title="2012-07-07 13.40.06" width="380" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had to say service is prompt with the friendly and attentive waitresses. After showing the waitress my voucher for the traditional English roast pork, our entree of coleslaw and mash potatoes were served within 10 minutes from ordering. I like the coleslaw as it was prepared just as I like it, the cabbage still moist and with right amount of dressing. I was a bit disappointed with the mashed potato though as the serving is kinda small - just 2 small scoops of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While waiting for the "star" dish to arrive, I looked around at what others ordered. Seems like the BBQ baby ribs seem to be everyone's favourite. Many were seen ordering the same thing. In about 5 minutes' time, the roast pork arrived. The aroma of the succulent meat filled the air; whetting my appetite even more. </span> <br />
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<img alt="2012-07-07 13.15.36" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nLQijcffgew/UADP4h3QQ_I/AAAAAAAABF8/mX5l84h0aks/2012-07-07%25252013.15.36%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2012-07-07 13.15.36" width="660" /> <br />
<img alt="2012-07-07 13.24.42" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlz_YwyG0nLLBcgeOl4fx8VIS1MPvPplVllrxWakLkKbuUxUu_PwSyl3Fzgc66-XOAY6P1tCmfYfhw6AEYGjg88aEYKAFccp7NerY0VuaPGh9AtGCEJHgyGKf978aRx5NPIl4yqU6Utw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="2012-07-07 13.24.42" width="660" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I find that the roasted pork were cut in big slices. Somehow too big of a slice for my liking. It's about 1inch thick per slice, almost like a slab of pork instead of a slice of pork. Is that how it's being served by the English? The first bite of the roast pork wins me over though. Unlike the Chinese way of cooking, this roast pork still retains the juiciness of the meat in it. The skin is usually the highlight of a roast pork. How highly a roast pork is rated usually depends on how crispy the skin can get. It has to have the cracking sound when you bite it without it being too hard to bite. The layer of fat is also have to have the right proportion so as it is not too oily or fatty when you bite deeper into the roast pork. It has to give you the "love at first bite" kinda feeling and Benji just got that right. Benji's roast pork must have been marinated with garlic as you can't be mistaken with the scent of garlic as you move to the inner part of the meat. However, it's this part of the meat which I have another comment. I find it a bit too salty for my liking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The apple sauce is a compliment to the roast pork. I simply love the sauce very much as I glaze every bite of the roast pork with the apple sauce before I fork it into my mouth. On a scale of 10, I would rate Benji's traditional English roast pork an 8. Those of you who have not been to Happy Mansion, below's the address as well as location of Benji's restaurant:-</span><br />
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BBQ @ Benji’s</h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lot AG-6, Ground Floor, Block A, </span><br />
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Happy Mansions, Jalan 17/13<br />
46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.</div>
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Bona petite!! </div>
<br />K.E.Y.Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04420026166289745970noreply@blogger.com0