Night Bazaar @ Kota Damansara Uptown (30th April 2013)

Our very own version of Chatucak market, albeit on a much smaller scale, and it operates through the night right till the wee hours of the morning.

It's got stalls selling all sorts of stuff, from clothing, to gadget accessories and other knick knacks. Oh, there's a food area too. =)

The fashion corner has got this very nice air conditioned small stand-alone shop lots.

We were there pretty early, at about 9pm, and many stalls were not opened yet or still in the midst of being setup. A very interesting place, as I was never aware of its existence.

Worthed another visit at a later time.

http://streetfashionbazaar.wix.com/damansara#!aboutus/c2414

A Day of 1st Experiences, and a Wonderful Day It Was (28th April 2013)

Sunday was sure a thoroughly fulfilled experience, one that had me trying out things for the first time. Sure, those things have definitely been around for some time, and are really mundane every day stuff (save for one), but I am glad I got to do them, and of course what makes the experience all the more meaningful was by doing them with *Heart and a bunch of friends.

List of stuff:

• Having a meal in Kepong
• Watching a stage play.
• Having Pork Katsu don for the very first time in Malaysia.
• Traversing the air-conditioned overhead bridge from Pavilion to KL Convention centre.
• Walking through the KLCC park to Suria KLCC.
• Braving rising flash floods out of KL city centre.

10.30am

I once spoken very fondly of a Wan Tan Mee place behind my home (@ Sunway Mas commercial centre), due to unforseen events, the stall operator was forced to vacate the Shang Yee Fatt coffee shop on short notice into unknown territory, much to me and Hearts* dismay, and so we made an effort to track down their new location which started with a quick google on blog sites.

A vague hint by one said Wan Tan Mee fan has pointed out its relocation to Kepong Metroprima, next to Aeon retail mall, and so we made our way there. Travelling to a place unfamiliar to myself is an adventure of its own and I definitely would be doing this again.

We reached our destination, but there were just too many shop lots in the area, and I had clearly underestimated the sheer size of the place. However, after some quick googling by *Heart in some foodie forums, we managed to narrow down the exact location. Such a joy it was, as we were both rekindled with one of our many true loves.

It was heartening as well, that the family operating the Wan Tan Mee stall actually showed surprise, and excitement by our presence. =)

The famous SFS/Shang Yi Fatt/Aman Suria Wan Tan Mee, now relocated to  Kepong metro prima. At a coffee shop (SFS) on the Ground Floor of the Metro Prima apartment, literally behind Jusco Aeon Metro Prima, Kepong.

12.30pm

Off to Pavilion KL we were, and in the nick of time to collect tickets to attend a stage show hosted by KakiSeni.

Tickets to the show

http://festival.kakiseni.com/

The show that we caught is titled 'Andre and Dorine' and what makes this so special is because:

1. It's performed only by 3 actors (2 guys and a lady)
2. Their faces are covered by a rubber mask with just one expression.
3. It's a silent show, means no vocals, and commanded solely by body language, musical cues, and lighting.
4. Simple story, yet infused with deep meaning, and light comedy.

Long story short, I was literally in tears at the end. The characters and story spoke really well to me and it discusses subject matters close to my heart. I was also surprised by how good looking the actors behind the masks were. =P

2.45pm

Joined by another friend and we were off to late lunch at t a place called Tonkatsu which basically serves Japanese dishes (non-halal). Typical of me when visiting any Japanese foodie establishment, I went for Katsu Don, with the slight difference that the meat is fried pork cutlets instead of chicken found in other places.

Top floor of Pavilion, overlooking Tokyo Street.

Tonkatsu

This is certainly an interesting contraption. It's a bowl meant for pounding sesame seeds.

After pounding, add some soy-sauce (presumably) to concoct a nice sesame seed sauce for your meat and such. I know 3 guys had a great time pounding away. =P

My set meal. Tofu, miso soup and can't remember what's the other condiment. 

Delicious and juicy pork cutlets.

4pm

We made our way to the KL convention centre to attend the Health expo. I wasn't aware that we were able to cross an overhead bridge (fully air-conditioned) right to the convention centre. I mean, I knew of its existence, just wasn't sure of where it traverses. A worthed while experience, as I wasn't keen on sweating in the humidity courtesy of our mad weather these days.

4.15pm

First contact with the convention centre, looks nice through and through, made our way to Hall 5 for the health expo and spent a short time there. Suffice to say, the whole expo was much bigger in my head. I am baffled as to how traditional beauty regimen could make its way into one of the exhibits... 10 dollars wrinkle free solutions anyone? And we see a guy lying on his side, having some sort of suction cup (with incense smoke coming out of it) on his body, undergoing 'treatment'. -.-"

6pm

Bid our farewells to the rest of the gang, and off we were to Suria KLCC (Through the park) for a quick visit to Kinokuniya. Browsed a little, shopped a little then we were on our way back to Pavilion through the same route.

Coincidentally, bumped in to the gang again and after a little ding dong (which also involved us having a quick break at Hoi lou san),  re-united with them for dinner at Food Republic.

Heart's Mango cooler with sweetie balls.

Shared a plate of Mango Muachi.

My mango cooler with pudding underneath.

Dinner @ Food Republic

8.30pm

As we exit the basement car park, we were greeted with a freak storm that had the roads mildly flooded along the Bukit bintang road, which got us worried for a while. Took a gamble and traversed through Jalan Sultan Ismail inbound toward Jalan Parliament in hopes of escaping potential flash floods that could hit the area. Thank you Samsung Galaxy Note and google map that comes with it for leading us through safe paths. =P. It was definitely a hair raiser... after looking at all the news the past few weeks about floods hitting areas in the city.

Got home safe at about 9.30pm. and that concluded the day.

It was a fun-filled day. And I enjoyed every moment of it. =)

3A Yong Tau Food and Chee Cheong Fun (20th April 2013)

The place is near the Rothman roundabout, located along a short row of shop lots opposite of Lisa De Inn hotel. The view is sheltered by fruit stalls by the road, you can't miss it.

We were supposed to have Pan Mee for dinner @ Taman Paramount, but since the place was closed, our re-direction to SS2 area had landed us here.

Being a Chee cheong fan/Yong tao foo place, it was only logical to order as such:

Hearts* Curry Chee Cheong Fan. The curry broth was flavorful with coconut milk. MYR 3.5

My sweet sauce Chee Cheong Fan. Serviceable. I have tasted better. MYR 3.5

Honey Chicken. Not bad. Flavorful, they could have spared a tad more honey sauce though. MYR 10 (Small)

Assorted fried Yong Tao Foo: Foo chok and Sui Gao. Not bad. MYR 1.2 per piece

Assorted Yong Tao Foo in clear soup broth. Standard ones e.g. Brinjal, Chilli, Bitter-gourd, Tao Foo Pok, and Sui Gao. MYR 1.2 per piece. The broth was a little bland, but that is a good thing in its right, as you can be assured there's little flavoring (MSG) added into the mix.

Coconut drink to wash it all down. MYR 4.5

Overall the Yong Tao Foo was so-so. I must confess that I have tasted way better stuff than that served in this establishment (Referring to the one in Puchong, shall review about that later when I re-visit the place).

The bill came up to about MYR 40, which was a little overpriced in my opinion for a mediocre fair.

2.5/5.

3A Yong Tau Foo & Cheong Fun
Location: 12 Jalan 19/3, 46300 Petaling Jaya, just after Rothmans roundabout & next to Restoran Green View.

Brunch/Lunch @ Ribs King Sea Park (14th April 2013)

We were both hungry, and were searching for a no fuss no muss foodie place to satisfy our hunger nearby. We happened to be in the Paramount/SEA park area that time, and since O&S coffee shop was packed, this came to mind.

*Heart ordered the standard Sweet & Sour Pork ribs rice. As for me, I had the Nam Yue fried pork ribs and a side dish to go with- Sambal Stingray, with a glass of milk tea to wash it all down.

My Nam Yue pork ribs rice. The pork ribs were marinated well. 4/5.

Ordered a large side dish- Sambal Stingray. 3.5/5.

Food was satisfying, environment was good (Air conditioned), there are free movies to watch (HBO is on), and there's even free wi-fi. 4/5.

Ribs King 排骨皇 is located at:

No.25 , Jalan 20/7,

Taman Paramount,

46300 PJ, Selangor.

Tel 03-78650589

Dinner @ Bee Won Korean BBQ Restaurant @ Little Korea Ampang/Cozy wrap up @ Alexis Ampang (13th April 2013)

13th April 2013- 6.30pm

I was whisked away by mah zhi muis for a birthday dinner at a Korea BBQ place in Little Korea Ampang (KL). Previously the venue was to be had in New Paris SS2, but thank God the ladies decided otherwise, as  I am always game to try out new places, and this certainly was a very pleasant first time experience indeed. Thanks Ladies! ;-)

I simply love the sign boards all over the entrance of the restaurant. It certainly provides a feel that you are in a totally different than in Malaysia.

We were allocated a private stall. Love the authenticity of it all, seated on the floor.

Spring onion Omelette. Delicious with accompanying soy sauce, but not to be consumed heavily due to a layer of flour underneath.

Assorted yummy side-dishes/appetizers. I hear this is free-flow.

Yummy Kimchi broth. Was never a fan of Kimchi based food stuff but this was totally the bomb! Filled to the brim with vegetables, meat dumplings and Korean noodles. 

BBQ Pork. This ones requires a tad more marinate. Otherwise, it tastes quite ok.

Another bomb! BBQ chicken wrapped with lettuce and assorted condiments. Flavorful!

We finished our meal at about 9.30pm. The bill came up to about MYR 140 which was quite reasonable according to the zhi muis (Considering the amount of food we ordered).  5/5.

Then it was off to a bar for some chillin.

And the place was at Alexis @ Great Eastern mall located just a kilometer away (Also along Jalan Ampang). I was really excited to have experienced the whole candle-blowing over a cake activity. Felt like a happy kid all over again. =)

Good atmosphere, great company, and a bottle of Prosecco brought the entire night outing into a wonderful close.

A glass Prosecco next to the candlelight. A very cozy photo.

The crowd awaiting the start of the live-band performance.

Indeed, it was a wonderful night out! Thanks zhi muis! 5/5.

Lunch @ Coconut Flower Restaurant @ Teluk Gong (13th April 2013)

13th April 2013- 12pm

Once in a while I decide to go to a slightly far-reached place for food, in the name of adventure. I mean, doesn't it get a little mundane having the same food again, and again near your living area?

Hence, the idea of travelling to Teluk Gong for lunch came up. Since *Heart has never been there before, and that signified the most opportune moment. This was my second time to the place, so I vaguely recalled the way to the place.

After fetching a friend from Kota Damansara, off we were onto the NKVE highway headed for Teluk Gong. The entire trip took up about 40 minutes from PJ.

Once we turned into the Teluk Gong area, we were greeted with a light industrial structures... and unfortunately badly paved roads (Courtesy of huge trucks traversing in and out), but certainly don't let that deter you from reaching the place. It certainly is well worth-it.

The restaurant.

Nothing like a nice coconut drink to coowl down from the heat while waiting for your dishes to be served.

Admire the serene setup. If you so choose, you could even dine under these tiny personal shades.

One of the highly-recommended dishes. The Fried Butter Squid. I am not a squid fan, but this goes very well with me.

Fried Mee Hoon with Oysters (Lala). Absolutely yummy.

The Assam fish. Was fresh, but the sauce didn't quite mix well with the fish.

Fried Oysters (with egg- Oh jien). Certainly one of the better ones with have tasted outside of Penang!

Overall, the bill came to about MYR 100 nett. It was certainly alright in my books, and we were thoroughly satisfied.

It's nice to find new places to dine in. And it's always lovely to do it with a loved one. Nothing beats exploring new venue with them, the sense of adventure certainly does strengthen bonds.

4/5.