Buka Puasa @ Paya Serai, Hilton Hotel PJ

Buka Puasa Series 2010! - Part 1...

Ok....
First up, just so you know - This was an invited review.
So, as usual, here are my disclaimers:
1) I have not been paid to write this, but neither have I paid a cent for my meal,
2) I will still be as objective as possible re. the food/ restaurant, and
3) If I go back to the restaurant incognito and find that the food/service is horribly different from this experience, I will amend my ratings here...

This time, I was invited (along with the lovely Rokh and Jason and erm, sorry the other blogger I didn't get your name... *blush* My bad!) to try out the Ramadhan Buka Puasa Buffet at Paya Serai, the coffeehouse/restaurant on the Ground Floor of the PJ Hilton:
Inside Paya Serai....
I think the response must be really good so far... because other than the normal area within the restaurant, tables had been extended further out into the main area of the hotel. Still, the setting remained well arranged and classy:
(As would be expected of the Hilton)
The tables arranged outside....
A great thing though, is that no matter how packed it got (and trust me, there were a lot of people there later, around 7.30/ 8pm), the replenishment of the buffet was very good as I hardly saw anything left empty for more than just a moment.

As for the selection of food? Well, first of all there were about 6 "stalls" just outside the main area:
So many stalls!....
Most of the stalls featured freshly made food - ranging from Noodles to Malaysian favourites like Nasi Lemak, Apam Balik, Mi Sup and Putu Mayam to international fare like Japanese Tempura and Middle Eastern Kebab:
Freshly made food prepared by the chefs....
Of course there was also a LOT of choice inside, arranged in the more traditional ready/ pre-prepared buffet format - ranging from Chinese to Indian to Western and Malaysian dishes:
- Chinese food:
(Various meat dishes & veggies & some dim sum at the side too)
Sweet & sour chicken and fried rice....
- Raya favourites like Ketupat and Lemang (with serunding served too):
The epitome of Hari Raya (to me)....
- Freshly made satay!:
Take your pick! Grab a stick!....
- Heaps of fresh seafood:
(Prawns, mussels and oysters)
Seafood galore....
Yup. My head was spinning.
(So much choice!)

In the end I started off with a plate of Nasi Lemak from the stall outside, with a large dollop of sambal sotong, fried chicken, bergedil and the usual accompaniments like sliced cucumber and peanuts:
(I figured since I was indulging in a buffet I might as well go all the way...)
(Oh they also had stuff like fried paru (LUNGS) and gizzards if you want, but I wasn't feeling that adventurous)
My carb laden plate....
About 2 rounds of food later, I decided to attack the dessert table... as something beautiful had caught my eye earlier.

Hello there, gorgeous:
(I love chocolate fountains... and really liked the bouncy little marshmallows they had for you to dip it in...)
ISN'T SHE BEAUTIFUL?? :D....
There were also a lot of other pastries (cakes, tarts, etc), ice cream and traditional kuih-muih:
(There was also some Pengat Durian that had the durian lovers on the table in a frenzy. Me? I was busy holding my breath. *lol*)
Some of the more traditional options....
... I have to admit though, other than chocolate, one of my favourite-st dessert on earth is the simple agar-agar. :)
(I'm a bit of a kid sometimes, I guess?)
Colourful jelly....
The pricing seems to be tiered (promotion in the first week?) but here's how it works:
- Monday 16th Aug till Sunday 22nd Aug: RM 99++ (adult), RM 59++ (children below 12 y.o.)
- Monday 23rd Aug till end Ramadhan: RM 109++ (adult), RM 69++ (children below 12 y.o)


PS/ Thank you so much to Frat Mustard for extending the invite... and to the beautiful Elaine and Shiuan of the Hilton PJ who were both such warm hosts.
:)


So, it's: CRAZY variety of food (>100 types, they say) that changes every day, good balance of ready made food and freshly made food, good rate of replenishment BUT other than the fact that the price may be a bit steep for many, there's nothing really bad to say - it's the PJ Hilton after all :)....

Summary Information:
Buka Puasa @ Paya Serai, Hilton Hotel PJ

Opening Hours: For the Buka Puasa - 7pm onwards.
Phone: 603-7955 9122 ext. 4260/ 61
Address: Hilton Petaling Jaya, No 2 Jalan Barat, 462000 Petaling Jaya

Websites:
- PJ Hilton F&B Blog: Click here
- PJ Hilton Main Hotel Website: Click Here

HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Tham Jiak
- Frat Mustard
- Jason Mumbles


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Hilton Hotel, Paya Serai, Bulan Ramadan, Buka Puasa Buffet

Kick Ass

Dark movie (drugs and violence galore), but witty and entertaining at the same time....

There has been so much buzz* about this movie, which is based on comic by Mark Millar.
(* Mostly good)

While I enjoyed it, I have to say: The violence is really over the top (gratuitous, even).... and to have a story where such young characters** are manic killing machines?
(** Hit Girl is supposed to be around 12 years old)

Well, let's not discuss whether it is right or wrong.... but maybe we just agree that without this (rather controversial) element then it would not be the movie it is.

- Masked heroes making a splash on the Kick Ass Movie poster:
Colourful characters ...
As for the storyline, it's simple enough and most people will be able to relate to it - after all, who can say that they have never harbored some sort of fantasy of being a super hero?

The main character of the movie, Dave Lizewski, definitely does... but the difference between him and other people? He actually did something about it.
(Despite not having any actual super powers. *lol*)

- Geeks rule! (Hanging out at a comic store):
Yo ...

- The main character, who named himself Kick Ass:
Hero in Green ...
Armed with nothing but 2 batons, he tries his best to fight crime, encountering some bad guys and also some like minded friends who help him out....

I know this may not sound very interesting/ unique, but as with any good movie - the difference is in the overall delivery.
(Good acting all around, well paced storyline, fantastic stunts/ effects/ action sequences and well written lines...)

- Do NOT underestimate her:
Looks can be deceiving...

So?:
I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, even Nicholas Cage's performance**. Hope you enjoy it too. :)
(** He surprised me, as I had actually grown to hate him after he disappointed me in "movies" such as The Wicker Man)


Main characters:
- Aaron Johnson as Dave Lizewski/ Kick-Ass
- Garrett M. Brown as Mr. Lizewski
- Elizabeth McGovern as Mrs. Lizewski <--- Short, but impactful presence.
- Clark Duke as Marty
- Evan Peters as Todd
- Deborah Twiss as Mrs. Zane <--- *LOL*
- Lyndsy Fonseca as Katie Deauxma
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris D'Amico/ Red Mist
- Chloe Moretz as Mindy Macready/ Hit-Girl <--- Cool but crazy
- Nicolas Cage as Damon Macready/ Big Daddy <--- Also, cool but CRAZY
- Omari Hardwick as Sergeant Marcus Williams


Synopsis:
"How come nobody's ever tried to be a superhero?"
When Dave Lizewski - ordinary New York teenager and rabid comic-book geek - becomes the no nonsense vigilante Kick-Ass, he soon finds an answer to his own question: because it hurts.

Overcoming all odds, though, Kick-Ass quickly becomes a phenomenon - only to be reminded that he’s not the only superhero out there. As Kick-Ass gets drawn into this no-holds-barred world, the stage is set for a final showdown between the forces of good and evil.

(Note: Synopsis adapted/borrowed from Rotten Tomatoes, which gave this movie a great rating of 75% fresh!)


Here's what some others thought of the movie:
- .: ShaolinTiger – Kung-Fu Geekery :.
- www.joshuaongys.com/
- « d e r e k y a p . c o m »
- Thoughts On Films
- Eye On Everything


In awe of Hit Girl,
J


PS/
If you think the movie is controversial, apparently the original comic series is even "worse", with many dark twists and elements which they decided not to include in the movie.
(Curious?: Go buy the comics, or Wikipedia can tell you a little more...)


TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Power To The People! (TOKL Food Awards 2010)

Time to nominate/ vote for your favourite restaurants....

I don't think the Time Out Kuala Lumpur (TOKL) magazine needs much introduction...

Although it's only been launched in Malaysia since 2008, it's an extension of an already famous international magazine, and has definitely been making waves in KL over the last 2 years.

Anyway,.... :)
Nazeen (from Mongoose Publishing) very kindly extended an invite to the unveiling of their TOKL Food Awards 2010 and well, how could I say no**?
(** I was very curious about how it all worked)

- Mini garden in the sky? (At the top of Il Lido, KL):

The weather was perfect as we chilled out on the roof top lounge at Il Lido and soon after, the Editorial Director of TOKL, Mr Matthew Bellotti, explained the Awards process to us.

In short, here's how it works:

1) NOMINATION/ VOTING:
From now till 16th September 2010, you can nominate/ vote for your favourite restaurants (& chef) - The fields are left blank so you can nominate whichever restaurant you like.

Don't be put off that there are so many categories (15!) - you are allowed to vote for as many/ few as you want, even if you submit just one restaurant in one category.
(Click HERE to go to the TOKL website voting page)

2) VOTING ROUND 2 - Shortlisted Restaurants/ Chefs
Check back on October 1 to see if your favourite made it through to The Shortlist and cast your vote again to select the overall winner.

3) WHO'S THE WINNER? :)
Results will be announced in the December ‘Food Awards Special’ Issue of Time Out Kuala Lumpur and on the main TOKL website shortly afterwards.

FYI:
The 13 + 2 Categories:
1) Chinese
2) Continental
3) Fine Dining
4) Healthy Eating/ Vegetarian
5) Indian
6) Italian
7) Japanese
8) Malay
9) Middle Eastern
10) Seafood
11) Steak house
12) Thai/ Indochinese
13) Mamak/ Hawker

14) Outstanding Chef of the Year
15) KL’s Best Restaurant


So?:
I AM REALLY EXCITED! :) :) :)

I am sort of having a huge internal debate (J vs J. *lol*) on which restaurant to nominate in certain categories but I am definitely gonna be voting this year.


PS/
A really big thanks to Nazeen and the entire TOKL Team (including Mr Matthew Bellotti who MADE ME FEEL LIKE A MIDGET. *pout* - He's so tall!). Had a really fun time that night, finding out about this. :)

Also: *waves at all the bloggers there that night* So nice seeing you all there. It's always so much fun to catch up/ meet new people. :) :)


Every vote counts!,
J

PS/
It's Friday the 13th today - Hope that your day is pleasant and otherwise, uneventful.... :)

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Morton's Bar @ Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Singapore

Singapore post #2 - Living it up at Morton's Singapore :)...

Mini confession:
I have had the great pleasure of staying in the Mandarin Oriental Singapore before, more than a year ago*.
(* Was very lucky - Went to SG for work and all the usual places my company books for lowly executives were full... so I got bumped up this 5 star hotel instead. YAY!)

Still, as I walked in (last week), I was a bit in awe of the hotel's old world elegance, with its high ceiling/ skylight and lush fixtures like elaborate crystal chandeliers:
Rows and rows of gleaming crystals....
That night, we were headed to Morton's, located on the 4th floor of the hotel. I had heard so much about it but never eaten there before, so I was really looking forward to the experience.
:)

We were not going to the main steakhouse though, but to the cheapo/ smart person's option - the Weekday Happy Hour at the Bar At Morton's:
(The Bar is an extension of the main restaurant, and is located in a separate treehouse-like structure - cute!)
The luxurious "treehouse"....
Happy Hour only starts at 5pm but we arrived a little earlier, at 4.40pm.

At that time, the bar was still pretty empty with only a few tables taken up**:
(** WARNING: It filled up completely by about 5.20pm. Apparently this was most probably an anomaly caused by the bad traffic jam induced by the rain, as it is usually completely full by 5pm sharp)
Where's my eye candy? *pout*....
So what's the deal with the Happy Hour?
- Weekdays from 5pm to 7pm.
- Cocktails at SGD 12++ each (Classic Martini, Appletini, Lychee Martini, Chocolate Martini and Cosmopolitan).
- Free flow of filet mignon sandwiches.

All the Martinis were yummy*** but if I had to choose I think I preferred the Apple and also the Lychee one as the Classic Martini was just a TAD too strong for me:
(*** ... although there were complaints within the Sg bunch that the martinis used to be stronger)

Of course, the Chocolate Martini was also good, with melted chocolate swirled inside the milky, creamy drink:
First round - cheers! :)....
Anyway, the friendly wait staff started passing out the free sandwiches soon after.

Note: They pass out the sandwiches at (roughly) 15 to 20 minute intervals and will only give out one per person, until they ensure everyone's gotten one. IF there is any to spare then you can ask for another:
The waitress hands out the rations....
My first thoughts when I got my sandwich?

"Wah lau. SO SMALL WAN!!"
2 bites at most....
After one bite, I had no more complaints*** - it was AWESOME.
(*** Except that I wished that the waiters would replenish the sandwiches faster)

- Fluffy bread, lightly buttered and grilled,
... with a
- Light swipe of creamy mayo/ mustard,
... encasing the
- Perfectly cooked, TENDER, tasty, small but thick cut of steak with a lovely hint of smokiness:
1 chomp down, 1 to go....
Inspired, I anxiously awaited every round of sandwiches, wolfing down at least 5 in my time there....

Of course, while you wait, you are more than welcome to order more and more drinks... and a few cocktails later:
Um. It wasn't all for me, really!....

.... I imagined that my martini was smiling back at me:
Can you see it? :D....
Needless to say, I had a fantastic time there with Jo and the SG bunch...

I must say though, the well dressed office crowd are very unapologetic about the Happy Hour. Generally:
- All tables are taken up by 5.15pm,
- very little standing room left by 6pm,
- and after the last sandwich at 7pm, almost everyone immediately disappears.
:)

So, it's: Casual dining, fast and fairly friendly service, nice martinis, AWESOME (free) steak sandwiches during Happy Hour! :) BUT gets very packed and sandwiches only come around every 20 or so minutes :(....

Summary Information:
The Bar at Morton's @ Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Singapore

Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday 5pm to 7pm (Happy Hour @ The Bar)
- Monday to Saturday 5.30pm till 11 pm, Sunday 5pm till 10pm (The Restaurant)

Phone: +65 6339 3740
Address: 5 Raffles Avenue, 4th Floor (in Mandarin Oriental Hotel), Marina Bay, Singapore 039797.

NO PORK SERVED
(I think. Didn't go into the main restaurant)

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Lady Iron Chef
- The Local King
- His Food Blog


PS/
This post makes me kinda sad because writing/ reading/ posting it makes me think about my holiday (Want holiday again!) and the SG bunch (Miss you all!! *hugs*).
Bleh.

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Happy Hour, Morton's of Chicago Steakhouse, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Steak, Western, Martini, Singapore

Spain 2008 (Part 3)

Desktop holiday for you... European Edition - Spain (Part 3)....

More of Gaudi's art! - this time at the very unique Guell Park.... :)

- Beautiful day with bright blue skies:
Branches reaching up towards the blue sky...
- Artists selling stuff in some part of the park:
Open air art gallery? :)...
- Some people were walking their pets - Look, a ferret! :)
Little feet padding along...
- Some buildings were fairly normal....:
Pastel pink walls...
- ... While some other buildings were quite outlandish:
Looks strange but interesting...
- Beautiful mosaic in the main square area:
No 2 exactly the same (I think)...
- The famous Happy lizard/ dinosaur of Guell Park:

Perched for all to see...
- Smile!:
:D

If you were wondering:
Park Güell is a garden complex that was the idea Count Eusebi Güell... It is situated on the hill of el Carmel in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain... designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and built in the years 1900 to 1914. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Works of Antoni Gaudí".
(According to Wikipedia)

That's all I have for my Spain photos. Hope you enjoyed reminiscing with me. :)
(Have to save up so that I can go back one day - there's so much more to see, and eat!)

On another note, (if I'm not wrong) today is the first day of bulan Puasa (Fasting month).... so, I just want to take a moment to wish my Muslim friends out there:
Selamat Berpuasa! (Happy Fasting!)
(You are so strong! I don't know how you do it - it's really quite amazing....)


In awe,
J

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Restoren New S.E.A. Seafood @ Sri Hartamas, KL

Tasty Chinese fare in Sri Hartamas...

Hartamas - a gastronomic haven where you are spoilt for choice if you are looking for Japanese food, Korean food, mamak food or booze-y places....

.... but it can be difficult if you are looking for a simple, no frills Chinese style meal (tai chow style). So far, there's only one such restaurant which my friends and I go to in this area - New S.E.A. Seafood.

It's pretty conveniently located in the horse-shoe shaped block of shops where Uncle Don's mamak used to be:
SEA from the outside....
One really shouldn't expect a fine dining ambience here - it is a basic coffeeshop set up of plastic tables, chairs and a slightly greasy tiled floor (indoors) as well as an "al fresco" dining option on the sidewalk area:
Al fresco dining....
They have a fairly wide range of options there for dinner, ranging from a la carte orders of chicken/ vegetables/ seafood cooked in various Chinese Malaysian styles (like normal tai chows) as well as fried noodles/ rice and soups.
(For lunch time, they scale back and just serve fried rice/ noodles/ simpler fare)

My fave noodles there is the Venison with Spring Onions & Ginger Fried Kuey Teow (RM 6.50):
Carbs are yummy....
If I'm not wrong, they also have a dry version of this but I prefer this comforting sauce-y, carb-y Cantonese style of noodles.

Admittedly, the venison that day was not very tender (although still tender enough) but I still enjoyed the yummy noodles that thankfully, had a touch of that much loved wok hei (wok-fried aroma?)....

I washed down my meal with a cool Iced Chinese Tea (RM 0.50), happy that I had economically spent less than 10 bucks for a fulfilling meal*:
(* Which helps to counter the fact that I had "accidentally" bought new clothes at a nearby Hartamas shop just moments before....*guilty grin*)
Oil combating Chinese Tea....

So, it's: Wide range of tasty Chinese Malaysian food, reasonable prices for the Hartamas area BUT nothing bad to say except that parking can be a pain and there's no pork served there for you babitarians (but that opens it up for the general public lah).....

Summary Information:
Restoren New S.E.A. Seafood @ Sri Hartamas, KL

Opening Hours: Daily, lunch and dinner (around 11am-3pm, 6pm-late).
Phone: - (oops, will get it soon)
Address: No. 4, Jalan 25/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, KL

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
-


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Restoren New S.E.A. Seafood, Seafood, Chinese, Desa Sri Hartamas

Miharu @ Gallery Hotel, Singapore

Singapore holiday post #1 - Hearty (non Halal) ramen :)...

It was a gloomy, rainy day when me and Jo arrived in Singapore... and a part of me was afraid that we really should have packed an inflatable raft* since it had been raining for the entire day:
(* As advised by Super Banker Fai, in reference to the Orchard Road area flooding last week)
Dark and gloomy....
Of course, dahling Kelvin immediately whisked us away into a taxi, saying that he knew the perfect place to brighten the day, or at least help warm us up.

"Where?...", we asked, curious. :)

He teased that he was "bringing us to a hotel"**, but finally revealed that we were headed to Miharu, reputedly one of the best ramen restaurants in Singapore:
(** LOL. Sorry Kelv - Almost like putting words in your mouth but hey! It really was part of the conversation, wasn't it?)
Outside Miharu....
Located at the base of the funky Gallery Hotel (near the Robertson Quay area), this little eatery is popular with the office lunch crowd so it was packed when we arrived.

In the end, the friendly waitress could only offer us a table outside but it was cool and breezy (Thanks to the rain), so we didn't mind at all:
Seated in the outside walkway area....
Looking at the menu, there was only a small selection of dishes (about 7 ramens, 3 rice dishes and a couple of side dishes) but we still had trouble deciding because everything looked interesting...
(... and we were really hungry! Haha...)

With Kelv's recommendation, we ordered the Chashu Rice (about SGD 5++):
Rice 1....
... and also the Mayo Pork Rice (about SGD 5++):
Rice 2....
(Both servings were kinda small but with a decent amount of meat on top - seemed pretty reasonably priced by Singaporean standards)

While the Chashu Rice with its thick slices of fairly tender and tasty pork hit all the right spots, I found the Mayo Pork Rice more interesting - chilled cubes of pork tossed in a sweet-ish mayo sauce served with some preserved? minced vegetables and hot rice.
(To be fair, the mix of these 3 ingredients was just a tad too salty but overall still tasty....)

Of course, the specialty there is their Sapporo styled ramen, so I couldn't miss trying it. :)
(They use the famous Sapporo Nishiyama brand noodles imported from Japan and reputedly made with fresh well water...)

Pictured here is my bowl of Miso Ramen (SGD 13++):
Tummy warming meal....
At first I thought the soup was a tad too salty, but when eaten with the bouncey ramen, it balanced out well:
(Note: It is stated on the menu that while this is the style of the soup, you can request for some clear soup to mellow it down if you find it too salty)
Springy strands of ramen....
As I continued eating, I realised that there was more to this bowl of ramen - every single ingredient seemed to have been lovingly prepared:
- the ramen, as mentioned, had a nice bouncey/ springy texture,
- the soup, while salty, didn't taste at all "flat"/ one dimensional as most ramen soups can be,
- the corn was fresh and tasty, complementing the noodles, and
- even the boiled egg was perfect, firm yet the yolk was still moist!

What a meal....
:)
Partly because of the good food, but mostly because of the long overdue catch up with a dear friend and lots of laughter.
(Definitely the best panacea for any form of blues)

THANKS KELVIN! *waves*

So, it's: Casual dining, fast and fairly friendly service, yummy ramen! :) BUT quite focused menu (just a couple of ramens/ rice and side dishes) and could be a bit too salty for some....

Summary Information:
Sapporo Ramen Miharu @ Gallery Hotel, Singapore

Opening Hours: 12noon - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (Closed Wednesdays)
Phone: +65 6733 8464
Address: 1 Nanson Road, #01-11/12 Gallery Hotel, Singapore 238909

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- I Eat I Shoot I Post
- Camemberu
- The Travelling Hungryboy

MAP:

View Larger Map

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Robertson Quay, Nanson Road, Gallery Hotel, Japanese, Sapporo Ramen Miharu, Singapore

(Updated) Yut Kee @ Jalan Dang Wangi, KL

A short update on an already famous KL eatery...

Went to Yut Kee recently, for lunch with my colleagues.
I hadn't been back there for about a year (or 2?) because well, I don't work in the main KL area anymore...

... but one thing's for sure: It's not like they missed my business anyway because they (literally) have customers spilling out onto the sidewalk!
:)

We had made an effort to leave office a little earlier and managed to get there at 12.30pm sharp but the entire restaurant was packed to the brim,.... with people waiting outside the restaurant for a table.

Thankfully, as hectic as it was, the owner controlled the crowd pretty well - you just have to tell him how many people are in your party and he will put you in his (unofficial but efficient) waiting list.
Glistening "chop" of pork, Hainanese style...
Prices have gone up a little since my first post in 2006. For example:
- Hainanese Pork Chop, from RM 8.50 to RM 9.00,
- The "Roti Babi", from RM 6.50 to RM 7.50.

Still, no complaints! It's an acceptable increase (50 cents/RM 1 in 4 years!) and the serving sizes are still big enough to induce an after lunch food coma. *lol*

Hmmmm, I must say though, although the Pork Chop was still good, the Roti Babi we had that day seemed to be a bit soggy and generally not as nice as I remember.

Anyway, if you're interested - please click here for my original review.
(From 2006, but still applicable - have adjusted the prices though...)


So, it's: (Still) Yummy food, decent prices, very simple but wonderfully quaint traditional "coffee shop"/ restaurant setting BUT nothing much bad really... except that it can be a pain to find parking in this area during week days and sometimes you have to wait quite a while for a table.

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Yut Kee Restaurant @ Jalan Dang Wangi, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 4*
Service : 6
Price** : RM 15/++ per person
Parking: Weekdays - Painful, Weekends - OK.
(The cops here are pretty active so try not to park illegally)

* Sorry, I think it's nice for a coffeeshop but it's STILL a coffeeshop - no aircond, rustic, noisy, etc.
** Approximation - 2 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2698 8108
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm (Closed on Monday)

NOT HALAL

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Local Food, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, Jalan Dang Wangi, Yut Kee, Kuala Lumpur, KL

Just Hanging Out

Funny photo of something random and unexpected ....

Cruel? Or Cute? - debatable, I guess:
Poor little bear....
Anyway, Happy Wednesday!
:)


Hugs,
J

TAGS: Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Personal

Las Vacas @ Shoplex, Mont Kiara

Beef it up! - STEAK in Mont Kiara....

Steak,
Oh steak,
You make,
me break into song!
:D

Haha.. Don't mind me. Just feeling silly. :)

Anyway, *clears throat* Las Vacas used to be just a butcher/ meat distributor located in Kelana Jaya.... Then they started a small restaurant section which took off very well, and now expanded to a second outlet in Mont Kiara.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mini language lesson (Spanish):
LAS VACAS

Literally: The Cows.
(Las = The, Vacas = Cows)

(According to Babel Fish)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The new location isn't too hard to find - it's in the small corner shop lot where the original Marmalade used to be/ sort of in between Baskin Robbins and Coffeebean Mont Kiara:
Las Vacas on the corner...
There is a pretty well stocked cooler inside where you can buy fresh meat (different types of beef/ lamb) but as for dining in, like I said - it's quite small (only about 7 tables):
At the table...
The menu is also fairly limited (revolving mainly around beef, beef, beef and some lamb) but there are several good types of steak** available and also a few lighter items like sandwiches and salads.
(** eg. Wagyu, Angus, grain fed, etc)

We started off with the Beef bruschetta (RM 10):
Carbs + beef...
The crusty bread topped with a small heap of juicy, peppery minced beef was yummy!
(Although just a tad too salty)

We also had another starter - the Beef wrap (RM 18):
Beef slices + veges inside...
Looks simple (and not very appetising), right?

WRONG.
They were awesome - AWESOME, I tell you! :D
Cross section :)...
Fairly thin but tender slices of beef, lightly seared and wrapped around crunchy French beans and carrot slices, with a slather of melted cheese - all are normal ingredients, but when put together? - YUM.

Moving on to the mains - the Lamb burger (RM 19):
The lamb burger...
It was massive.
Tastewise though, it was just ok (to me) - Juicy patty and no discernible flaws but dunno why, somehow it just didn't rock my world.
(Just call me fussy loh.. haha...)

Of course, going to Las Vacas and not ordering steak would be sacrilege so we went with the Grain fed Rib eye (RM 24 per 100g):
My steak...
The steaks are very simply prepared there - just grilled with a little seasoning tossed on, emphasising/ relying on the quality and freshness of the meat:
JUICY...
There are no sauces to mask any imperfections but it's fine (as much as I like a good mushroom sauce with steak) because what you get is a nice thick, juicy steak. :)

Minor gripe:
I'm pretty sure that I asked for 200g of steak but somehow, the friendly guy taking our order decided that I can eat as much as Sooj (who btw is a HEAD TALLER THAN ME at 6' 3") so I was served 300g of steak too.
(Oh, but I did manage to finish it loh... *blush*... Haha....)

All in all, a good (and very filling) meal.
Just strange that as much as I liked the steak, what I really LOVED was the Beef Rolls.
(Want. To. Eat. Now...... *pout*)

Take note that there is no dessert served at Las Vacas. When asked, the wait staff will recommend you go next door to Baskin Robbins if you feel like having something sweet to cap off your meal.


So it's: Restaurant/ butcher - serves yummy fresh steaks (almost) straight from the source, friendly service, simple yet comfortable ambience BUT limited menu, no desserts and area is quite small (only about 7 tables?) so do book ahead to avoid disappointment AND bring cash! Their credit card system is not set up yet unfortunately (Now it's set up already!)... :)

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Las Vacas @ Shoplex, Mont Kiara, KL

LG, Lot 1A, New Wing Mont Kiara Shoplex,
Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
(Right next to Baskin Robbins/ where Marmalade used to be)

Taste: 7
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM 50++ per person
Parking: Limited in the Shoplex parking lot***

** Approximation - 2 course meal, excluding drinks
*** You can also try parking inside Plaza Sunrise...

Telephone No.: 603-6205 2258
Opening Hours: 10am - late (Closed on Mondays)

(Kelana Jaya outlet. Address: No.23, Jalan SS 5A/11, Kelana Jaya 47301 Petaling Jaya. Tel: 03-7874 0711)

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Eat Drink KL
- Loh and Behold


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Hartamas, Mont Kiara, Shoplex, Las Vacas, Butcher, Steak, Beef, KL, Kuala Lumpur