Warning: Toxic Waste

*sigh*
What's with people nowadays?

I mean, I believe that everyone has a right to their own opinion.... but I have found out that my blog (and I) had been given an absolutely damning description of:
"A worthless BLOG, seems it was created by scum dwarf of an ugly bitch in Malaysia, but WTF do you expect from a Muslim .......

http://chocoholicmemoirs.blogspot.com

Horrible, very anti white, very anti American, very pro Islam.
Ramblings of a distrurbed female mind who seems to be eating chocolate while on the rag" at this website.

Actually, it's almost funny now that I read it again... but it really makes me wonder why there is so much hatred in the world (UNPROVOKED hatred at that).
(And why is it that so many people assume that all Malaysians are Muslim?)


Amused yet pertubed,
J the Chocoholic

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

Bits and Pieces

A 2 in 1 deal...

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(May 2009)

Added a photo and food prices to the Sid's review. :)

[ END EDIT ]

Question: Do you trust my taste? :)
If your answer is "Yes" - please accept these small photo-less reviews of places that I have tried recently that are nice:

1) Sid's Pub @ TTDI (Non-Halal)

This cosy neighbourhood drinking hole is styled in the manner of a traditional English pub, just up the road from the Boat House in the Taman Tun Dr Ismail area. It's one of the few places that serves Guiness (RM20+ a pint only!) and cider on tap, and all at a fairly reasonable price too. :)
(The wait staff are friendly too so that's definitely a plus)

Do not miss out on the:
1) Starters:
- Pigs in a blanket, RM16+:
Gourmet cocktail sausages, wrapped with crispy bacon. A good as a snack to go with beer,
- Pork Ribs, RM20+
Yummy! Moderately tender and deliciously well marinated - supposed to be a starter but it's big enough to be a main for me.

2) Mains:
- Sunday Roast, RM35+
Tasted ok. Hefty plate with a bit of everything (beef/lamb/ etc) - could have been more tender but otherwise ok.

[ BEGIN EDIT ]

Apparently me and Jo go to Sid's often enough for the waiter/ manager there to think that our one week away is "a long time". Haha....
("Where have you girls been? Haven't seen you for so long"...)

The Steak, Cheese & Onions at Sids - No frills and fancy decorations, just simple but yummy pub fare........
Anyway, just FYI:
- the fish & chips, RM32+, there is ok (although I still think it's a waste of a good piece of cod to deep fry it!),
- the burger, RM18+, is not bad served with their sinfully delicious chips (I like that the burger patty is fairly juicy and tastes fresh),
- the steak, cheese and onions (RM16+), moderately tender slice of steak topped with a generous amount of cheese and pan fried onions on a slightly crisp bun - strangely I know it's not all that special but I really like this,
- the desserts are not that great (very normal), and
- if you find the Snakebite, RM25+, (apple cider mixed with Ribena) a little too sweet then you can ask for "kurang manis" (I think it's nicer that way actually).
:)

Cheerio,
J

[ END EDIT ]

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Sid's @ TTDI, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM 50/++ per person
Parking: OK on weekends, Difficult during working hours

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-7727 7437 (New Bangsar South outlet: 03-2287 7437)

Opening Hours: 12pm till late

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- A Whiff Of Lemongrass
- KY Speaks
- Kimberly Cun
- Mouthwatering Food


2) Marketplace @ off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng (No Pork served)

This romantic restaurant set in a bungalow off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng (on the same road as Sassorosso). They serve beautifully presented fusion western food in the dining area, and turns into a pretty cool looking bar/ club at night. Prices are definitely on the high side but the food is good (Nice place for a date).

Do not miss out on the:
1) Starters:
- Mushroom soup (Such a small serving but so luxuriously delicious!),

2) Mains:
- Amuse bouche (Interesting concept - a selection of a few small and beautifully presented dishes for a light yet delicious meal. There are about 5 variations to choose from),
- Grilled lamb cutlets (Yum yum. Juicy and tasty. Would have loved if the serving was bigger though)

3) Dessert:
- Chocolate mousse (Nice texture and taste but Pat would have preferred it without the topping of passionfruit sauce, although I thought it was ok)

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Marketplace @ off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 7
Service : 6
Price** : RM 100/++ per person
Parking: OK on weekends, Difficult during working hours

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2166 0750
Website: Marketplacekl.com
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri - 12pm till late, Weekends - 6pm till late

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Alan's Makan & Makan Angin


Hopefully I will upgrade these to proper reviews one day.... Sorry about the current photoless-ness. :) But like I said, if you trust my taste (and are looking for new places to try out) then you can consider these 2 restaurants.


Hugs,
J

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, TTDI, English Pub, Marketplace, Sid's Place, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Mo' Emo

.....

Fickle heart,
Evil heart,
You want, you yearn,
Without discern.

At times I wish to tear you out,
To live my life without your clout.


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

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back...

How weak the human heart can be.....

Ok.
So apparently I'm not as ok as I thought after my breakup.

Good:
1) Stopped my excessive boozing,
2) Started going back to the gym,
3) Trying to start dating again, and
4) Generally keeping busy.

Bad:
1) I am still not even close to actually feeling happy again.

It's terrible.
I am trying so hard to tell myself : "It's ok. Sadness/ Happiness is a choice. You can choose!"... but all that happens is that I end up:
a) best case scenario: numb, when successful, or
b) when I fail: still feeling sad.


I know this a pointless emo rant (which is far, far, faaaar from being a food review) but I just needed to let it out. Oh, and you know how sometimes you hear a song on the radio and think : "OMG. That's exactly how I feel?". Yeah, I found it:


Bloody hell.
*sigh*

J

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

My Kingdom For A Flu Cure

Bmy NDose iz Blocked.....

Hi.
*sniffle*

Just so you know: I am still alive... Have been having a run of bad luck lately (of which one of the highlights was falling sick during the Hari Raya holidays *sigh*) but I have sort of survived.


Hugs,
J

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

I Love Bubbles

Please sir, can I have some more?.........

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(June 2009)

Despite being so expensive (and the supposed** worldwide recession), this brunch buffet is extremely popular. So please make your bookings at least 2 weeks ahead to avoid disappointment (especially if you plan to go in a big group).

** It's not that I'm trying to make a joke of it, but I am perplexed by how many people are still shopping so much (from my last visits to One Utama / Midvalley)...

PS:
(as at Jan 2010) I've heard that the price has gone up, again, to RM228++.
Happy New Year. =_=

[ END EDIT ]


What would I do if I had RM 198++ RM 228++ to spare?

If you asked me before, I may have named a couple of things I'd like to do like go for a massage... or maybe buy a new pair of shoes.... but now, I know for sure that I'd happily blow all that cash on the Sunday Bubbly Buffet Brunch at the Westin Hotel...
(*hic*)

I know, I know - It's definately a lot of money but not only is there free flow of champagne (Laurent Perrier!), wine (red & white), appletinis (yummy), etc, there's also a seemingly endless flow of freshly made pastas, pizzas and other Italian specialties....
(And mind you, the food is actually good! - unlike many other buffets)

They even have GIANT bottles of champagne ready for alcoholics like me... *grin*:
Wah - so BIG!.....
The 3 hours (11.30am to 2.30pm) that I spent there was heaven. The staff there were very attentive and it was almost like my champagne glass was bewitched! - Everytime I turned around, it was magically refilled! :) :) :)

Needless to say, the price is extremely painful to the average wallet (like mine, although I didn't pay that day - thanks R! You're such a darling)... but I will be counting the days till I can afford to go there again.

So, it's: Wonderful combination of delicious Italian food and free flow of yummy champagne and other alcoholic beverages BUT it's SOooooooo expensive :(.....

Summary Information:
Sunday Bubbly Brunch @ Prego, Westin Hotel, KL

Opening Hours: 11.30am till 2.30pm
Price: RM 198 228++ per person
Phone: 03-2773 8338
Address: 1st Floor, Prego, Westin Hotel, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL, Malaysia.

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Sweets For My Sweet Tooth
- Cooking Up A Storm

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Pavilion Shopping Center, Pavillion, Westin Hotel, Italian,Buffet, Prego, Champagne, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Another Day, Another Diappointment

RESULTS! WHERE ARE MY RESULTS??.....

BAH.
I've been working hard at the gym over the last (more or less) 2 months... and I don't see any results.... :(

Well,... I see a eencey weencey bit of difference - my thighs seem to be slightly less blobby than usual (or is it my imagination??) and my arms are a bit smaller than before (I think....).

But if my clothes are still as tight as ever then it can't be such a big difference, can it? *le sigh*

Well, at the very least, it's a comfort to know that I can almost survive one of those intense one hour gym classes now.... as opposed to my condition when I first started going back to the gym: feeling like I was going to DIE after just 15 minutes.

Other than the gym, things are picking up at work so I've been pretty busy...
(I still miss my old office and colleagues a LOT though.... I guess they've really left a mark on me)

I know my (food) updates are still sparse, but *guilty grin* it's still better than the long period of emo posts and the subsequent semi-hiatus, right? :)


Hugs,
J

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

Kissaten @ Jaya 1

Fusion Japanese restaurant in the new Jaya 1 complex....

Hey everyone, I'm back! :)
(More or less)

This time, let's have a look at a new Japanese restaurant/ cafe in the up and coming food glutton haven, Jaya 1 in the PJ area.
(FYI: (For those who were wondering) Kissaten means "old style Japanese coffee shop")

The Dinner

Overall, I liked the design of Kissaten, which was very "light" and modern.

If I had one gripe though it would be that the outside seating area doesn't seem to be sectioned off so you get many people walking to and fro.
(Not a BIG issue - but still, better to avoid the outside seating if you are trying to have a romantic date):
Looking into Kissaten from the outside seating area.....
As we browsed through the menu, we couldn't help but wonder: "Wah - Why so many different types of food wan?".

It's not that there is a huge variety of items but there seems to be a strange mix of a couple of classic Japanese dishes (eg. Chashu Ramen, Sashimi), Fusion Japanese (eg. Japanese style pizzas and pastas) as well as some Local Food (eg. Lam Mee, Ipoh Horr Fun).
(Hmmm... a bit of an identity crisis I think... Haha)

Anyway, we eventually decided to try out the interestingly named Springy Balls (RM 8.90++) and Cheese Balls (RM 5.90++):

Top: The Springy Balls,
Bottom: The Cheese Balls.....
We were off on a bad start that night because both appetizers were not very nice:
- the Springy balls' texture were (as described), springy but it tasted very normal in it's "Ipoh Sah Horr Fun" soup gravy,
- the Cheese balls were a starchy, gloopy disappointment which left us wondering whether the chef accidentally left out the main ingredient (Well actually, we could smell a hint of cheese aroma but couldn't seem to taste any cheese no matter how much we chewed)

Understandably, our expectations then plummeted but thankfully, the Katsu Curry Rice (RM 18++) and Char Siew Pizza (RM 23.90++) that we had for our mains were nice:

Top: The Char Siew Pizza,
Bottom: The Katsu Curry Rice.....
The deep fried Pork Katsu was tender, with a nice crispy crust... and was generously topped with suitably thick Japanese style curry sauce (which has a slightly sweet taste). It would have been better if the sauce was served with the usual chunky slices of radish, potatoes and carrots but overall, I wouldn't mind ordering this again.

As for the Char Siew pizza (actually, it's supposed to be Japanese "Chashu") - it was lovely! It was a slightly crispy (on the edges), medium thickness pizza with slices of tender pork, and topped with sinfully creamy mayo....
MMMMmmmmm.... Yum.
(I suspect it could be very "jelak" if you try to finish it all by yourself though)

We were pretty full by then but decided that we couldn't end the night without trying the Rich Chocolate Pudding (RM 7.90++):
The Rich Chocolate Pudding.....
The texture of the Chocolate Pudding was dense, smooth and not too sweet. Pat and I liked it, but my friend V took a bite and said that it reminded her of jelly (which she found a bit strange).
Oh well, more for me then! :)
(I love it when chocolate desserts have a very slight bitter note)

Overall, I liked the enjoyed the dinner at Kissaten but I'm going to make it a point to be more careful when picking out appetizers the next time I go there....

So, it's: Casual yet stylish restaurant with good selection of interesting selection of fusion Japanese-Western dishes (and some Asian food) for reasonable prices BUT nothing much to complain about except that some of the appetizers weren't that nice (but they were Ok lah)...

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Kissaten @ Jaya 1, PJ
(In the Palm Square area of Jaya One)

Taste: 6
Ambience : 6
Service : 6
Price** : RM38/++
Parking: OK (but I've heard the surrounding roads are pretty jammed on Weekday nights)

Website: (with map!) CLICK HERE

** Approximation - Per person, 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-7954 1990
Opening Hours: 11am - 12midnight

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- A Whiff Of Lemongrass
- I Just Wana Eat
- Pink Painter
- Sweets For My Sweet Tooth
- Motormouth From Ipoh


TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, PJ, Petaling Jaya, Japanese, Kissaten Coffee and Restaurant, Jaya 1, Palm Square, Asian Food, Fusion

Baby Steps

Easing back into the whole food review thing...

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(Jan 2010)

Great.
They had a concept change - a MAJOR one!....

Get this: They're now pork free.
*sigh*

Anyway, thanks to Jazz for pointing it out. Will try to swing by the new B&O sometime to have a look.

Hugs,
J

[ END EDIT ]

Wow.... Has it really been so long since I updated properly??
*tries to sidestep all the accusatory glares*
(Sorry!)

Well, I guess I've been pretty busy (just changed jobs recently) and also still feeling a bit down (same ol', same ol' - bloody heartache not healing fast enough)..... but actually, I have still been trying out new restaurants with my friends. It's just that I've been too damned lazy to do proper reviews....
(Sorry again!)

The problem is that I was in a very "bleh"/ "boh-chap" mood so there were many occasions where I didn't even bring my camera to take photos of the food!
(Can you imagine?? Terrible, I know.... Not like me at all)

Anyway, I'm trying to ease back into the whole restaurant review thing so here is my 2 cents on a restaurant I've tried recently (sans photos though):

1) Bermuda & Onion @ Changkat Bukit Bintang

We had (strangely) received some really bad word of mouth about this new-ish place in the Changkat BB area before we visited (Quote: "Not nice at all" and "Too expensive"), hence we were quite hesitant but still went ahead to try it out since we were feeling very adventurous.

And thank goodness we did because the food at the quirkily named Bermuda & Onion is yummy. :)

I do admit that the prices are a bit on the high side but it's definately DEFINITELY worth a try.... Do not miss out on the:
1) Starters:
- Prawn wrapped with Parma Ham skewers (juicy and absolutely delish!),
- Mushroom and Ham Soup (fragrant and luxurious).

2) Mains:
- B&O Platter (hefty plate with a bit of everything to share),
- Pork Ribs with Spicy Beans (succulent ribs - good serving size too).
NOTE: The Wild Boar spaghetti and the Pork Cordon Bleu are only Ok. Nothing spectacular.

3) Desserts:
- Tiramisu (MUST TRY! Good texture, taste and the generous dose of alcohol really gives it an extra edge).
NOTE: The other desserts are just OK. Not bad but not great in my books....

Other than the food, I also really like the airy and casual yet stylish ambience there - am definately revisiting to try out more of the items on the menu.

There.
That wasn't so bad, was it? :)
(I hope you didn't mind how rusty I am after all these months though - patience, patience... I'm trying!)

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Bermuda & Onion @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 7
Service : 7
Price** : RM 60/++ per person (!!)
Parking: OK

(!!) Warning: You can definately eat there for about RM60++ but there are some meat dishes there which cost up to >RM60++ each.

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2145 8333
Opening Hours: Weekdays 12pm till 11pm, Weekends 10am till 11pm

NOT HALAL

OTHER REVIEWS:
- KY Speaks
- 3iLing
- she, the epicuriousgirl
- Jule's Eating Guide To Malaysia
- Kampung Kayell
- So Much Food So Little Stomach

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Pork, Bermuda & Onion, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Dream A Little Dream

Proudly brought to you by a wonderful concoction of flu meds and whiskey......

She dreams of a day when she no longer hates,
When life becomes calm, painless, sedate.

Alas. The fantasy is far from her grasp,
Reality is haunted by ghosts of the past.

Painful reminders of what she can’t have,
The warmth of happiness, to smile, to laugh,

The worst of all pains, to know it exists,
Just not for her. No. She’s not on the list.

So many questions are stuck in her head:
Is it stupid to keep trying? Is it stupid to wait?

All she knows is: she’s written another stupid rhyme.
And worst of all, the whiskey bottle is dry.
Damn.


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

Blog Birthday No. 3 (+2 days)

Another year zips by and my blog has made it past its terrible twos! (sort of)

[ YIKES - what's wrong with me? My blog's birthday is supposed to be 10 September! *sigh* My brain must have failed during the Uber-workaholic part of my life.... ]

Memoirs Of A Chocoholic is now three years old!

A part of me never thought that I would get it this far actually, but what a ride it's been so far! Well, it's not like I've prospered from this blog or anything like that though:
1) HAVE I GAINED FAME?
No lah. Not at all I think.....
Although every once in a while one of my friends will tell me that their family/ colleague/ friend has referred to my blog for reviews....
.... and my friends are all like "Oh, I know her personally lah - she's my friend",
.... and their friends are all like "Wah, so cool... You know one of those famous bloggers!"
*Fuu yoh* So glam, right?
(Hahahaha..... Yeah right!)
(:P Don't take me seriously, ok? I know I don't.....)

2) HAVE I GAINED FORTUNE?
This one definately not at all. I added in Nuffnang ads to support Mr Timothy Teoh in a "Malaysia Boleh" sorta way but let's just say it's definately not paying any bills.
:)

3) HAVE I GAINED FAT?
*silence*
*sigh*
This one's a 110% definately - YES (without a doubt).


Oh well, this blog has still given me the greatest excuse to take a bite of everyone's food so I think I'll try to keep it running for the time being....
(Muahahahha....)

Seriously though, I realise I have been heavily infrequent with the updates, especially in the last couple of months.... So, to those who still continue visiting (and especially to the ones who leave comments *HUGS*):
I am so so sorry.

Thanks for all your support so far... but this heartbreak is taking much longer than I thought it would take to heal. After so many months, it still hurts like heck.

(Good news!:) I am however, progressing somewhat because I have definately moved from the stage of DEPRESSION to SADNESS and am now entering ANGER.
(Hopefully next stop will be HEALING and then HAPPINESS, but we'll see - I've currently lost all hope in love and men)

Anyway, enough sadness.
:)

Today is a happy day - my blog has survived (more or less) one more year... and I promise I'll be back.


More hugs,
J


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

All Apologies

Gomenasai......

Me busy:
- New boss is here!
- House buying stuff....
- Two weddings in 2 weekends... *phew*... (Kuching and KL)

Oh, and very "no mood".
(Horrible excuse, I know.....)
It's not that I haven't been going out to try out new restaurants with my friends... Just that when I look at the blank blog post, I don't really know what to write....
(GAH. IT'S THE DREADED BLOGGER'S BLOCK!!!)

I promise I'll snap out of it soon.... but in the meantime *HUGS* I hope you are all well.


Sorry,
J


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

Out Of Office Message

Please leave a message after the beep.... *BEEEEP*......

Yay! Its finally my Labour Day weekend break!
:)
I've been really looking forward to it - I'll be on my way across the sea to Sarawak, to attend my friends' wedding. We (all the single guys and girls) were hoping that the bride and groom would have some nice eligible friends to introduce to us but *sigh* FAIL!

Well, it's very "FAIL!" for me anyway.
Out of the best man and 2 grooms men: One is my very good friend from uni days (who's like a brother to me), one's my ex-bf and the last one is married.

The guys are not much better off though. Out of the maid of honor and 2 bridesmaids: One is getting married soon, the other is already married and the third one? Well, let's just say she's not interested in men.
*lol*

Oh well, at least I will have plenty of Sarawak Laksa and Kolok Mee and yummy yummy Midin to stuff my face with/ drown my sorrows in....
:)


Looking forward to the Sarawak Laksa... oh, and the wedding, of course,
J


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

J Has No Common Sense

Some movies should come with warning labels......

Good thing:
Making a long overdue plan to go to the gym after work, and actually sticking with it.
(YAY for me!)

Bad thing:
Watching the movie P.S. I Love You at home (alone) and crying my eyes out like a silly little girl because I realize that I'll never find any man who will love me that much, let alone a caring, kind, intelligent AND good looking (in this case, Irish) man.
(Stupid, stupid, STUPID)

So angry at myself - I should have known better than to watch that movie, especially at this time.
*sigh*
I suppose I grossly overestimated my emotional strength?

Anyway, here's a WARNING to all single girls out there who have still not fully recovered from their last heartbreak: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT watch P.S. I Love You unless:
1) you enjoy inflicting pain on yourself,
2) you are an unbelievably positive thinking person who will instead absorb the saccharine sweet corniness of this movie and take it as a sign that one day you will also find that true love for yourself, OR
3) you really are THAT strong willed.

You have been warned!
(Choose to heed it or not? Up to you dearies…)


Curses unrealistic Hollywood standards,
J

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(July 08)

Hilarious...
My friends are just HILARIOUS.
*amused smile*

My recently married friends watched P.S. I Love You recently, and you know what they told me their first thoughts were (when it reached a really sad part and they both starting crying)??

Well, apparently they looked at each other, and said "OMG. *sniffle sob sob* Poor J!!! I can't believe she watched this alone.... "


Haha,
J

[ END EDIT ]

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

Drama Minggu Ini

Drama of the week......

I'm sorry that I hate you,
Forgive me but I do.
You think my hate is baseless?
Prove me wrong, that your heart is true.

If you can't, or just won't,
Then I beg you: please, just go,
Grant me just one kindness,
Some space to heal my soul.


The fool,
J


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

[ Enter Title Here ]

Wow.
Thursday already.

(Even bigger) WOW.
APRIL already???

Time is really passing too quickly!
And I don't think it's because I'm having so much fun...
Haha....

Well, it's ok been ok lah.
THe great thing about being single is that now I have more time for myself... More time to relax, meet up with friends, etc.... but it'd be a total lie if I said it's been a bed of roses.
:)

(Unless you mean a big bed of bristly roses with plenty of thorns)

Workwise, I've been super busy (as usual) but am feeling strangely "sien" of my work. I know I really shouldn't feel like that - my bosses have been good to me this year (My promotion came through! Yay!).

Maybe I'm hitting a one third life crisis?:
- half of me is so tempted to just say, "Screw this! You only live once." and just quit my job to travel the world,
- while the other side of me is saying, "Oh J. It's time for you to grow up! You're a big girl now." and tie myself down into investments, concentrate 110% on my career and find a nice boy to take home to the parents.

*sigh*


In 2 minds,
J


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

Sassorosso @ Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, KL

Great Italian restaurant to try in the heart of KL city (practically down the road from KLCC)....

The Dinner:

Situated in a cosy little bungalow on Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, Sassorosso is a convenient stone's throw away from the bustling KLCC area. I found the exterior very inviting, with its patches of greenery around the low key white building:
The exterior of SassoRosso....
Inside, it was modern and stylish (without being "hoity-toity"):
Sassorosso interior....
I particularly appreciated the fact that they did not put the tables too closely together, making the space inside feel much more comfortable and look more spacious than it actually was.

Scanning the extensive menu, we felt spoilt for choice. There was a wide range of deliciously described meats, pastas, pizzas and seafood - ranging from the affordable (about RM20++) to the expensive (RM80++).

As we were feeling especially greedy that night, we actually chose the Quattro Formaggi - 4 Cheese Pizza (RM 28++) as our starter that night:
The Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheese Pizza)....
Mmmmmmm......
I really enjoyed this pizza - simple but satisfying.
The crust was just nice..... slightly crispy but with some "bite" to it and topped with a generous amount of fragrant cheese.
(Still, I can imagine that it would be very "jelak" if you try to eat this on your own)

Moving on to the mains, we tried the Veal Ossobucco (RM 68++), Duck Breast & Confit (RM 42++), Pasta Bigoli all’anitra (RM 28++) and Stuffed Chicken (RM 38++):

Clockwise from top left: The Lamb Ossobucco, Duck Breast & Confit, Spaghetti Bigoli all’anitra and the Stuffed Chicken....
The clearcut "winners" here were definately the Veal Ossobuco and the Duck Breast:
- The Veal Ossobuco - lovingly stewed veal (so tender!) served with a side of either potatoes or risotto
- The Duck Breast and Confit was not particularly tender, but stood out with it's smokey fragrant taste and totally non-existence of "ducky" flavour in the meat.

As for the other two, they were not that nice (by my tastebuds):
- The Spaghetti Bigoli all’anitra - a thick spaghetti cooked in a savoury duck broth, was unusual (cannot find in other restaurants here) but I found it a bit starchy (due to the thickness of the spaghetti)
- The Stuffed Chicken - Ok only lah. The lemon butter sauce was ok but the chicken was a bit too dry.

Of course, we could not miss out on dessert. That night we had the Panna Cotta (RM 14++) and Strawberry Millefeuille (RM 16++):
The Panna Cotta and the Strawberry Millefeuille....
The Panna Cotta was pretty good - good texture that was not too dense yet not too light and just right in terms of sweetness.

As for the Strawberry Millefeuille - only just ok. The pastry layers were a bit too dense, bordering on hard.
(I was disappointed... I like strawberry desserts and was hoping this would be good)

The highlight of the night for me was definately the Chocolate Flan (RM 22++):
The chocolate flan....
I must admit, at first I thought: "Wah, so expensive!" but decided to order it anyway.... And thank goodness I did!
MMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm - Perfecto!
Slightly crisp outer layer, harbouring a moist yet light spongey cake with a wonderfully sinful molten chocolate center.... complemented by the serving of vanilla ice cream and contrasting sour berries on the side.

(I know this sort of dessert is pretty common nowadays but I found that Sassorosso does it really well)

Overall, I really enjoyed our dinner there that night. It's not like it's super affordable but I felt it was good value for money considering the yummy taste of the nicer dishes (Just be a bit careful on what you order). I'm definately going back to try out some of the other items on the menu!
:)

So it's: Stylish but comfortable setting in a cosy bungalow, wide range of delicious Italian food, friendly service BUT nothing much except that there are some "misses" on the menu and prices there can be quite expensive for some dishes (serving sizes are good though).

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Sassorosso @ Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, KL

Taste: 7
Ambience : 7
Service : 7
Price** : RM 50/++ per person (!!)
Parking: OK
Website (with map): www.sassorosso.com.my

(!!) Warning: You can definately eat there for RM50++ but there are some meat dishes there which cost up to RM90++ each.

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2166 6428
Opening Hours: 12noon till late, closed on Sunday

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Lots Of Cravings
- Kampung Kayell
- Sweets For My Sweet Tooth
- Jule's Eating Guide to Malaysia
- Places and Foods
- Euphoric Moments
- Pink Painter

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, Club Lounge, SassoRosso, Italian, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Dusha @ Changkat Bukit Bintang

Some soulful Russian and Uzbek food in the Changkat Bukit Bintang area....

[ BEGIN EDIT ]
(Nov 2009)

Sorry but Dusha has closed down...
A new Japanese restaurant/ bar called Daikanyama has taken over this location - I haven't tried the food there yet but will try to soon and update on it here.
(So far, I've heard that it's good)
:)

Hugs,
J

[ END EDIT ]

I suspect this is one of the reviews where I will feel a bit guilty for being brutally honest....
(The owner and the wait staff at the restaurant are really friendly....)
:(
... but oh well, I gotta tell the truth.

Anyway, we had decided to be adventurous that week and try out a Russian restaurant called Dusha that had opened recently in the bustling Changkat Bukit Bintang area.

The Dinner

Dusha (which means "soul" in Russian, by the way) looks fairly inviting from the outside with its cheerful green signage:
Dusha's exterior....
Inside, it is simple but modern, with a small bar area by the side:
The Interior of Dusha....
We all sat down comfortably and scanned the extensive menu, with the super friendly waitress explaining and recommending some of the Russian (and Uzbekhistan) dishes available.

For our starters, we chose the Sate (RM 22++), the Borsht (RM 14++) and the Russian Dumplings (RM 22++):

Clockwise from top: The Sate, Borsht and Russian Dumplings....
The Sate tasted normal - it was basically some diced tomatoes with garlic and herbs, wrapped with grilled eggplant.
(Nothing wrong with it really... Just nothing special, especially for that price)

The Borsht was also just ok - light, clear vegetable soup that had a strong undertone of beetroot and a really bright purple-red colour.

As for the Russian dumplings in clear broth, they were moderately tasty but tasted too similar to its Chinese brethren, the "sui kow" (except that the "sui kow" is more to savoury where else this has a slightly sour taste)....
(Oh, btw the dumplings were supposed to be a main but we ordered it to share)

Moving on to the mains, we had the Beef Stroganoff (RM 38++), Genghis Khan Beef (RM 38++), Chef's Special Lamb (RM 48++) and Tzar Beef (RM 38++):

Clockwise from top left: The Beef Stroganoff, Genghis Khan Beef, Chef's Special Lamb and Tzar Beef....
Hmmmm....
How do I put this tactfully?
Well, I suspect that the beef was purchased from a farmer who owned (and was trying to get rid of) a very old, very underfed and very overworked cow (or maybe even a kerbau).
*sigh*
It was a waste actually, because the sauce for the Stroganoff and the Genghis Khan was quite nice. Anyway, these 2 dishes come with an option for chicken and I would advice you try that instead.

As for the Tzar Beef, errrrrr - Let's just say it was a cultural experience on its own. The minced beef had a strong taste of beetroot and topped with a pungeant cheese (which was almost like a mild blue cheese).

The one nice dish that night (that I would recommend) is the Chef's Special Lamb - tender and tasty, you could tell that it had been well marinated and lovingly cooked over a slow fire.

Lastly, for dessert we tried the Apple Pie with ice cream (RM 15++) as well as 2 other Russian desserts that I have forgotten the names (sorry!):


Clockwise from top left: The 2 Russian Desserts and the Apple Pie with Ice Cream....
Overall, all 3 desserts were fairly nice. Again, nothing spectacular but a nice simple way to cap off your meal without feeling too guilty.
(I liked the Apple Pie best)

What can I say?
It's still worth a try if you want to experience Russian or Uzbek food....
(I don't think there are any other restaurants in KL serving Russian as far as I know)
... just please avoid the beef at all costs.
(Unless you feel like giving your jaw muscles a good work out)

So, it's: Russian food in a simple but stylish setting, wide range of food and really friendly service BUT dangerous menu (do NOT order the beef if you can help it, chicken would probably be a MUCH better choice) and a bit pricey considering the serving size.

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:
Dusha @ Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL
(Near the main Tengkat Tong Shin area, almost opposite Frangipani)

Taste: 5
Ambience : 6
Service : 7
Price** : RM70++ per person
Parking: Painful (unless you jockey or park in slightly dodgy parking lots)

** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2144 9990
Opening Hours: 12noon till late

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- A review at Trip Advisor.com (Sorry but this was the only other review* I could find)
* That is not from a newspaper or magazine

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Restaurant Reviews, KL, Kuala Lumpur, Dusha, Uzbekistan, Russian, Bukit Ceylon, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Tengkat Tong Shin, Jalan Ceylon

Stupid Humans

A-R-G-H.
No, really:
Ohmyeffinggodwhattheheckiswrongwithyoupeoplewhymustyoucomplicatethingssomuchjustbecauseofyourownselfinterestsaren'tweonthesameteam?AAAAAAAARRRRRRGH.

*breathes in*

Ok.
I feel slightly better now.
(Just a case of too many things happening at the same time lah - (I think) I'll survive)
:)

In other news: I had a revelation after meeting up with my friends the other night.
What is it, you ask?

Basically, it dawned on me that it's my own fault that I can't seem to meet the right guy. I've never really liked kids and have very little interest in popping out a couple of my own one day so I suppose it permeates through my thoughts and into my aura. Therefore, warding off all stable, eligible men who want to find a loving wife to start a family with.

Great.
Just great.


Don't call me negative - I'll admit I'm wrong and cheer up when someone proves me wrong!,
J the Chocoholic


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

Singapore Hokkien Mee @ Thye Hong, Pavilion

A small update on an interesting Singaporean invader in Pavilion....

One day, me, Pat and Al were wandering around Pavilion shopping centre in KL when we decided to drop by the food court (called Food Republic) on the lower ground floor.

I was pretty impressed with the simple yet modern design of the food court area (which is surrounded by a perimeter of "nicer" restaurants) and the variety of food offered (everything from local to japanese to thai to western, etc):
The Food Court area...
I was feeling a bit confused on what to eat but then I saw the Thye Hong stall and made up my mind immediately:
Thye Hong...
Basically, Thye Hong (in Pavilion) is a branch of the famous Thye Hong Singapore Hokkien Mee from the Food Republic in Singapore. I had tried it once before when I was on holiday there and remember it being really nice so I figured that the Malaysian outlet should be nice too.

After lining up patiently I got my nicely presented dish of Singapore Hokkien Mee (RM 7++) (BTW, be warned! - my friend who works in KL says the line can get crazily long during weekday lunchtimes):
The Singapore Hokkien Mee...
It tasted ok - ok texture of the noodles, clear savoury sauce served with an ok tasting sambal on the side (the seafood could have been a bit fresher though).
:(
I guess I was expecting too much?
(Don't get me wrong - it's still worth a try.... It's just that it falls short of the original outlet in Singapore)

They also serve one or two other dishes at the stall, one being the Oyster Omelette (RM 7++):
The "Orr Chien" (Oyster Ommelette)...
Overall, this was also just ok - it was a tad too oily and not quite crispy enough for my taste, but there was a fairly generous amount of reasonably fresh small oysters encased in a thick layer of fragrant fried egg.
(Cannot compare with the top hawker stalls lah.... but it's really not bad for food court standards!)

So, it's: Ok tasting Singaporean Hokkien Mee (and average tasting "Orr Chien") in a clean and modern food court in Pavilion shopping centre BUT nothing much to complain except that I feel the original one in Singapore tastes better.....

Summary Information:
Hokkien Mee @ Food Republic Food Court, Pavilion, KL

Opening Hours: 11am till late.
Phone: -
Address: Lower Ground, Food Republic food court, Pavilion Shopping Centre, KL, Malaysia.

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Two Super Heroes
- Yowazzup? Food
- Jule's Eating Guide To Malaysia
- Kuan Chong's Photography, Travelling and Discovery
- Very SEDAP!!!

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, Pavilion Shopping Center, Pavillion, Thye Hong, Singapore Hokkien Mee,Shopping Centre, Food Republic, KL, Kuala Lumpur

Hunting Season

J is glad to see her dear friend, Saturday.....

Haaaaaaaaah...........
*huge sigh of relief*
Thank GOD the weekend is finally here - It's just been such a long week!
(Long story.... but basically it involves having to attend a mandatory training session + normal work not stopping + a million urgent things thrown in my mailbox as usual)

I did actually mean to finish up on one restaurant review I've been slowly writing and post it up by this weekend (to make up my review drought) but *yawn* sorry, cannot! My batteries are almost completely drained....

Hopefully I won't feel too tired and grumpy during my house hunt this weekend. I guess it may be a bit overdue but I've finally decided that it's time I stop wasting money on shoes and bags and start investing in a place I can call my own.
(I've been sitting on my @ss and just thinking about it long enough)

It's just so hard to find the "right" place though - you know, that hallowed place that has the perfect mix of price+location+quality... in other words: a decent place that I can afford on my limited income.
:)

Wish me luck!


Hugs,
J

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

Centro @ Sooka Sentral, KL

(I'm trying to make up for lost time!) A review on fairly new restaurant/ bar/ club lounge in Sooka Sentral - right next to the main Plaza Sentral....

The Dinner:

If I had to sum up the feel of Centro's interior into 2 words, it would be - 1) Funky, and 2) DARK:
The Interior of Centro....
*lol*
Well, it was nice lah - modern, sleek but just a bit too dimly lit for a restaurant.
(It was really hard at times to get the attention of the waiters, considering they don't have night vision goggles - we were waving our hands around frantically like "Hello?.. *wave* .. HELLOOOooooooo??")

I also found the music was a bit too loud in there but you can request for them to turn down the volume a bit during dinner time...
(Actually, it's like they kinda forgot that they have to be a restaurant from 7 to 9+ pm before they turn on their club/ bar mode)

Moving on to the food, there is a fairly extensive range of Western and Eastern food - ranging from pastas, poultry, seafood and steak to fried rice, noodles and (strangely) some dim sum.

After some deliberation, we started the night with an array of soups and finger foods - the Lobster Bisque (RM 12.50++), Super Nachos (RM 22.50++), Deep Fried Baby Crabs (RM 12.50++), Deep Fried Calamari (RM 12.50++) and Chicken Wings (RM 13.50++):


Top to bottom, left to right: The Lobster Bisque, Super Nachos, Deep Fried Baby Crabs, Deep Fried Calamari and Chicken Wings ....
(Hmmmm, ok - I'll try to be brief considering there are so many dishes... or this review may never end! O_o....)
Nice!:
- Lobster Bisque : Thick (but not TOO thick), creamy soup with robust aroma of seafood/ lobster without being "fishy"
- Deep Fried Calamari : Fresh, "springy" calamari rings encased in a light crispy batter

OK lah:
- Deep Fried Baby Crabs : Good value serving but just a bit too salty and could have been crispier

Nothing Special:
- Super Nachos : Overpriced and average. Crispy nacho chips topped with cheese, sour cream and guacamole (Oooh, and the salsa was super garlic-y)
- Chicken Wings : Not very tender or tasty (Needs to be marinated a little better, methinks)

That night, we also tried the Dinner Set Meal (RM 33++) which comes with a soup or starter, main (that night it was either steak, lamb chops or pasta), dessert and coffee or tea:


Top to bottom, left to right: The mushroom soup, Prawn and Banana salad, Lamb Cutlets, Steak and the Dessert....
OK.
So, it's very decently priced for a set meal in a fairly nice restaurant setting... but the overall quality of the food was a little disappointing:
- Mushroom Soup : Not bad. Creamy and tasty.
- Prawn and Banana Salad : (For lack of a better word) Weird - I'm not sure that prawn & banana & lettuce & thousand island dressing go so well together.... It definately does not suit my tastebuds anyway.
- Steak : Ok serving size but texture was a bit stringy/ tough and not very tasty.
- Lamb Cutlets : Ditto.
- Cake a la mode : Not bad! Was surprised but the dry crumbly cake and the smooth creamy ice cream actually went quite well together.

We also tried a couple of other mains that night - the Fried Beef Hor Funn (RM 14.50++) and Grilled Seabass (RM 30.50++):
The Horr Fun and the Sea Bass....
Both dishes were ok.
- The fish was a bit limp and only moderately tasty but the accompanying creamy pasta was nice (although a bit too oily).
- The Horr Funn was smooth and tasty (but just cannot compare to the top hawker stalls!).

Lastly, dessert! - we had the Apple Crumble (RM 15.50++), Sticky Date Pudding (RM 15.50++) and Tiramisu (RM 15.50++)

Clockwise from top left: The Apple Crumble, Sticky Date Pudding and Tiramisu....
Nice!:
- Apple Crumble : Yummy - Moist, tender, tasty apple chunks topped with a crispy crumble pastry and vanilla ice cream on the side (Serving is so small though....)

Nothing Special:
- Sticky Date Pudding : Just way too sweet...
- Tiramisu : And this was way too creamy (almost non-existent texture)...

Overall, we had an OK night at Centro... (Most of) The food really wasn't anything to shout about but it was convenient to be able to have dinner there and continue on to drinks/ dancing/ etc without changing venues or having to drive deep into the jammed Saturday night traffic of central KL.


So it's: Sleek, funky modern setting with wide range of Western and Eastern food, friendly service BUT blur wait staff (either that or it's just too dark) and hits and misses on the menu.

Restaurant Review
Summary Sheet:

Centro @ Sooka Sentral, KL

Taste: 5
Ambience : 5^
Service : 5*
Price** : RM 50/++ per person
Parking: OK

^ Nice as a club but a bit too dark/ noisy as a restaurant
* Either it's just too dark in there or the waiters are just too blur
** Approximation - 3 course meal, excluding drinks
Telephone No.: 03-2785 1811
Opening Hours: 12noon till late, closed on Sunday

NO PORK SERVED

OTHER REVIEWS:
- Pink Painter
- Journal Of Life

TAGS: Food, Blog, Weblog, Malaysia, Restaurant Review, KL Sentral, Sooka Sentral, Club Lounge, Centro, Bar, KL, Kuala Lumpur