tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6541686019949288892024-03-13T20:36:55.317+08:00Nicolekiss Food and DietNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-29177517379405038542013-01-10T03:03:00.000+08:002013-01-10T03:03:25.938+08:00Lintillac, Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I paid a visit to this restaurant after reviewing some good reviews about affordable but good foie gras served here.<br />
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But what I got was disappointment beyond contempt. I wouldn't say it was worse than my <a href="http://nicolekissdiet.blogspot.com/2012/10/lardoise-restaurant-paris.html">previous dining experience in another French establishment</a>, but it's pretty bad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8238674489/" title="IMG_2545 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2545" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8238674489_9e072d7683_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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First of all, to avoid disappointment, I called up early a day before to make a reservation.<br />
And when I arrived, it was still early and we were the first customers there. It was empty.<br />
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When provided our name, we were adjourned to our table, a tiny laden square located just in front of the TOILET and the wine shelves!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8239740780/" title="IMG_2542 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2542" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8239740780_efcc1fcb80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We asked to change table but they said it was all fully booked, even though it was still extremely early and the restaurant was empty. When we asked why were we placed in such a horrible seating even though we reserved, they said we never specified which seating we wanted. So what? You just put us in the worst seating in the restaurant possible?<br />
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I don't believe that every single patron of the restaurant that was scheduled to come in for dining at least 1.5 HOURS later have requested to sit at a particular seating in the restaurant. Being very hungry and not wanting to walk more to look for restaurants, I even suggested that we could eat really fast and be gone before their guests arrive, and they refused. I strongly believed they were being prejudice, it was my first experience of racism in Paris.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8238674621/" title="IMG_2548 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2548" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8238674621_02d679dd85_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
wine we ordered<br />
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So the whole night I was dining next to the wine shelves where the waiters literally reached over (in front of me!) to grab the wine bottles every so often for their arriving guests. It was utterly rude and extremely bad attitude. I bet they were laughing at us behind the bars: "dumb Asians, won't leave even after we pester them so".<br />
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If I knew this was going to be this way, I would have left, but like I said, I was too hungry to begin with, and really wanted to just eat and leave.<br />
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I ordered some of the dish that were suggested online, and to my dismay, none of them but one lived up to my standards.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8238674919/" title="IMG_2552 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2552" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8238674919_09e2d43795_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This must be the saddest piece of Foie Gras pate I've seen in Paris. The pate itself was smooth, but the pairing was poor. I can't even remember if they gave us breads.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8239741240/" title="IMG_2549 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2549" height="412" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8239741240_c503153b9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
the Foie Gras de Canard was another mediocre dish. It was nice, as most cooked well foie gras would, but again, nothing special. No sauce whatsoeve, only couple of plums to pair with. I might as well bring home a piece of foie gras from the supermarket, seasoned with salt and pepper and seared it myself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8239741460/" title="IMG_2556 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2556" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8239741460_a76aee4a86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
my partner ordered the duck confit, I've never been of a fan of duck confit so I wouldn't know how to comment on this dish. Though it was a pretty small dish.<br />
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The only thing that excelled superbly in this restaurant was their chocolate mousse, however the sad the presentation was.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8239741730/" title="IMG_2558 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2558" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8239741730_db8dee48ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Sadly, I got wasted that night after finishing half a bottle of wine and puked out all my delicious chocolate mousse onto Paris pavement not long after. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-19787885286392540872012-12-02T06:34:00.000+08:002012-12-02T06:34:00.889+08:00KFC @ Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the best KFC Burgers I've had was in Paris.<br />
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The French paired their burgers really well with bacons. They perfected the concoction if anything. Even Mcdonald there has made its CBO (burger with bacon and chicken and bacon bits on the buns, divine) a top notch 'cuisine'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8234821471/" title="IMG_2287 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2287" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8234821471_b40b63cc22_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Bacon with grilled chicken on ciabatta bun (ciabatta! in KFC!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8235886312/" title="IMG_2289 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2289" height="489" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8235886312_87a6666cc5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Another favourite is the boxmaster, which is a tortilla wrap with deep fried chicken piece, cheese and hash with lettuce and mayo.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8234821691/" title="IMG_2293 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2293" height="459" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8234821691_ab5e63e4df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Just yumz... </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-70762462498738924372012-11-12T22:55:00.000+08:002012-11-12T22:55:08.141+08:00Madisons @ Bangsar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099319549/" title="IMG_7970 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7970" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8187/8099319549_444dc6e583_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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On a friend's birthday, I made a dinner reservation at Madisons with Peter, owner of the other four restaurants: Opus Bistro, Leonardo's and Cava along Jalan Bangkung in Bangsar.<br />
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I later also read that the head chef of Madisons was the Australian Chef Kelly Delaney who previously headed Auge Ristorante in Adelaide.<br />
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What I loved about Madisons was the service and common sense that many of the restaurants these days lack. They handled my birthday cake very well and have enough sense to call me to one side when it was time to lit the candles.<br />
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Madisons offer some delicate fancy appetizers which would not agree to patrons who were expecting a stomach satisfying starters; but thankfully they serve rather big portioned main courses so that compensated things.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099327632/" title="IMG_7971 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7971" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8099327632_3250824c17_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099320207/" title="IMG_7977 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7977" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8099320207_5dd67b3e9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
cured meat platter<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099327910/" title="IMG_7976 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7976" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8099327910_ac71165fee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
mediocre Waldorf salad priced at RM27, a little steep for something so light, you can find a whole sliced apple inside the salad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099320467/" title="IMG_7978 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7978" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8099320467_9ae80a290a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
lovely chicken liver parfait, fit for only one person to eat (not to share) with dollops of Chianti jelly and baby pears to tantalize the taste-buds; would do with more baguette slices though.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099328504/" title="IMG_7979 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7979" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8099328504_10b0e7d16b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099328676/" title="IMG_7988 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7988" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8099328676_43ac397e6e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
An unusual pasta, oxtail pappardelle sheets. Nothing beats freshly made homemade thick slices of pasta all hot and steamy dropping with oxtail meat and juices fused in your mouth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099329028/" title="IMG_7990 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7990" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8099329028_50e36aa980_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
my favourite dish of all time, risotto. Not just risotto, pork belly risotto. This must be someone's prayers answered.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099321247/" title="IMG_7991 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7991" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8099321247_653a62b979_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Giant potato gnocchi. Carb overload but it was heavenly, creamy and a raw egg yolk in the middle made this dish a carb craver's dream come true. Is that bacon hiding in them cream?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099328880/" title="IMG_7989 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7989" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8099328880_96c52e4260_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
some pork loin with cripsy bacon on it. This was rather tough but necessary for the night as it was the only meat on the table. So it was wiped clean along with all the other pastas.<br />
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We didn't order dessert because one, we were so full; two, I have a mille crepe blueberry peanut butter cake from Humble Beginnings waiting in the kitchen's fridge to be served.<br />
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The restaurant ended our night with a sweet note by lighting the candles on the cake, taking it back, cut and served them in a fancy looking stone plate with peanut and chocolate cookie crumbs and chocolate sauce. That's personalisation and good service for bonus points.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099329504/" title="IMG_8006 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8006" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8099329504_04819858a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I will return for dessert another day.<br />
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<b>Madisons</b><br />
Jalan Bangkung,<br />
Bangsar.<br />
Tel: 03-2092-1222<br />
Closed Sundays.</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-6847210560743106732012-11-08T01:11:00.001+08:002012-11-08T01:11:10.580+08:00Humble Beginnings Mille Crepe @ Bangsar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099318563/" title="IMG_7952 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7952" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8099318563_8301fab50b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A friend Amos who owns <a href="http://www.humblebeginnings.com.my/">Humble Beginnings</a> invited me over for a tasting one day at his shop in Bangsar.<br />
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I've always loved Mille Crepe cakes and coming from Melaka, where Mille Crepe cakes first began in Malaysia, it's always a dessert that's rather close to heart, a pride almost.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099317525/" title="IMG_7936 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7936" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8099317525_5b3a603163_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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Situated behind Telawi street, right next to Subway sharing a corner is a very humble outlet littered with tulip designs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099319083/" title="IMG_7967 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7967" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8099319083_d9b62249d2_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099325494/" title="IMG_7938 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7938" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8099325494_865c5820e0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099317971/" title="IMG_7944 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7944" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8099317971_2a562a197f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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They have18 flavors of Mille Crepe cakes to choose from and they usually take online or phone orders with delivery, if you walk in to the shop you can buy a piece but the choices will depend on the availability that day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099318171/" title="IMG_7946 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7946" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8099318171_8b44f65d96_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099325698/" title="IMG_7939 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7939" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8099325698_580e72ce7f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099318371/" title="IMG_7950 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7950" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8099318371_5bec56d449_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My favourite flavor has got to be the Blueberry Peanut Butter. A unique selection and surprisingly good combination.<br />
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I love their packaging as well, and coincidentally I was wearing a polka dot dress which fit the theme of the shop, so we did a little camwhoring too. Hehe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099326858/" title="IMG_7960 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7960" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8473/8099326858_a30f89142e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099317097/" title="IMG_7962 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7962" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8099317097_890619c2a7_c.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099324896/" title="IMG_7963 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7963" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8099324896_1a078860d1_b.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
Owner Amos and I<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8099325162/" title="IMG_7966 by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7966" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8323/8099325162_02a566100d_b.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />
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Humble Beginnings<br />
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30, Jalan Telawi
Bangsar Baru<br />
Kuala Lumpur 59100
Malaysia<br />
Tel: +603 2282 8035</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-15798069964426109812012-10-29T02:59:00.002+08:002012-10-29T02:59:44.669+08:00L'Ardoise Restaurant @ Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109583604/" title="horrible french restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="horrible french restaurant" height="722" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8109583604_eebfce46f6_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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It was a restaurant highly recommended by a friend that turned out terribly wrong.<div>
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It was meant to be a meaningful New Year's Eve dinner. I was in France, and of all places, Paris. </div>
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A fine dining experience was to be expected. And L'Ardoise was strongly suggested; and soon it would be added to my list of series of unfortunate events in France. </div>
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This was a long time ago, and my first lesson to French fine dining: always reserve before arrival. First rule of thumb to the start of any good dining experience, always call up to reserve a table, and always ask for the best table. With the best view, in a quiet corner, avoid seating close to the toilet or entrance. </div>
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In this case, I called to reserve, but didn't inquire about a table. In Malaysia, it is fine to assume when you call up to reserve early, the restaurant manager will automatically assign you to the best table, or a reasonable one; but in France, if you don't ask for it, you get a table, but you don't get guaranteed a good one, and in most cases, you will be allocated to one of the worse tables in the house. As you've guessed, I was seated terribly close to the entrance. </div>
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Upon entrance, I was asked to sit down immediately, and was served an amuse bouche (basically a pre-appertizer, usually comes in bite-size serving). I assumed it was complimentary since we weren't given any menu. So I ate it. And then looked through the drinks menu while waiting for the food menu. It didn't come. So I asked for it. </div>
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To my utter surprise, the waitress told us we have already been served first course of that evening's set menu. And it cost 80 euro each. That was more than RM700 at that time. And we weren't even given a choice! Neither were we informed about the fix set menu info on NYE's dinner, since we read up all the reviews and knew what we wanted to order that night. </div>
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We could have walked out, but it was NYE and we didn't know where else to go and we felt bad for having eaten the first course, thought now that I think back, we SHOULD have walked out. But in my defense, that was not knowing what we would be expecting next. </div>
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Food came. First, second, third, fourth courses. Appertizers were good, first main and second main, bad and worse. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109582212/" title="pea soup and salmon tartar by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="pea soup and salmon tartar" height="656" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8109582212_8b2a3a14b9_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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some bisque soup that was decent</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109573917/" title="scallop dish by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="scallop dish" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8109573917_13c3c781ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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by now we were impressed because scallops and sauce were great. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109582618/" title="pot of foie gras by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="pot of foie gras" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8109582618_38d7d75375_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was when things go downhill, the foie gras that came in a jar was tasteless, possibly because it was steamed and there's the taste of lard and fat and well.. nothing else. It was one of the worst foie gras I've ever put in my mouth. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109573663/" title="foie gras by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="foie gras" height="435" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8109573663_a09bd4e33b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109583214/" title="dry chicken by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="dry chicken" height="436" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8109583214_3008d7ef55_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8109583424/" title="chocolate tart by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="chocolate tart" height="825" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8109583424_39d0956b56_b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Really good dessert, perhaps the only thing the French can never do wrong; apart from good appetizers, the French can really do excellent dessert. </div>
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When the main course chicken (before the dessert) arrived, it was too much to bear. The chicken was SO DRY and TOUGH it was impossible to even chew and swallow. We complained this to the waitress, to which she just shrugged and said: " well we can't do anything about it."</div>
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WTF?</div>
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"Well, if you could head in and inform the chef, that's all we want" we said. Which was true. We weren't looking for any compensation, but if the food's bad, I think it's the customer right to voice it out, and an opportunity for the chef to improve.</div>
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"Okay I will do that but we can't do anything about it" said waitress.</div>
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WTF x2 ?!</div>
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Few minutes, she walked out from the kitchen.</div>
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"The chef said he cannot do anything about it." she said. </div>
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Effing serious? Are you running a restaurant? Are you qualified to even be in the service line? </div>
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And then we realized the senior French couple sitting next to me were having something we're not. They were having a la carte food! (with wine) Did we just got conned into having the set menu?</div>
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Furthermore, what's with the horrible service attitude? Well, apparently it's extremely rude to complain that the chef's food is horrible in France. I suppose it's also the best response to tell their customers there were nothing they could do about it. Viva la France, indeed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-52818597759007345522012-10-19T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-19T08:00:04.035+08:00My Elephant Thai Restaurant @ Hartamas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016322047/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8016322047_16cde8555d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Decided to have something spicy one night and ended up in My Elephant in Sri Hartamas at 930pm. Great thing was that they opened till 10pm that night (called to check) and it was one of the few proper sit-in restaurants that's opened so late.<br />
<br />
Between the two of us, we ordered a seafood tom yum gung, BBQ chicken with lemon grass and some tomato based fried tofu.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016320281/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/8016320281_c12247feef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The tom yum soup was a bowl big enough to share among four people. Or two spicy-loving people with no other dishes.<br />
<br />
We couldn't handle our spicy food well so this was a challenge despite ordering it 'mild'. Credits to the freshness of their seafood and well booked it is in the soup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016313234/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/8016313234_5cdc5e30da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016316177/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8016316177_2d5b15222e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Most of their food are heavily herb-ed so one might get the illusion of a big servings; in truth the food are politely portioned so feel free to order more varieties even if you come in a small group of two.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016320222/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8016320222_d46476025e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016312237/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/8016312237_33a0d886bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
My Elephant only serves brown rice for their patrons. It makes you feel a little (just a little) better about having a healthier choice for food.<br />
<br />
We were panting from spiciness by the end of the meal and I had to take-away the leftover tom yum so I could dilute it and recook the next day for lunch (nothing beats left-over food seriously). The bill came up to about RM80+ for both of us which was very reasonable.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this restaurant for Thai (or spicy) food lovers.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8016326478/" title="my elephant thai restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="my elephant thai restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/8016326478_886d8b943b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
My Elephant Thai Restaurant<br />
20-2 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8<br />
Taman Sri Hartamas<br />
50480 Kuala Lumpur<br />
Tel: +603 6201 0649<br />
<br />
<i>Section 17 branch: </i><br />
Block C-G4 Happy Mansion<br />
Jalan 17/13 Section 17<br />
46400 Selangor.<br />
Tel: +6010 220 1283<br />
website: <a href="http://www.myelephant.com.my/">http://www.myelephant.com.my/</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-87122418432897905022012-10-17T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-18T16:35:08.666+08:00Aromatic Duck London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>blogged about this before <a href="http://nicolekiss.blogspot.com/2011/04/aromatic-duck-only-in-london.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073338307/" title="london aromatic duck by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="london aromatic duck" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8073338307_e7b2a94110_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
<br />
Can't remember which restaurant I had this in, but it was one of the famous ones in Chinatown, London.<br />
<br />
And I have to be really bold to say this but I think that London has THE best duck in the world. From their roast duck to aromatic duck; which frankly, the latter was created in London as a replacement of the dish peking duck to serve to the local Chinese immigrants in the past; because it was such a waste to just eat the crispy skin when you can have the whole duck, shredded up and wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce and shallots. Yum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073338417/" title="aromatic duck by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="aromatic duck" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8073338417_3edd39f97f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
In a way, you could say that the most authentic aromatic duck in the world is, actually, in London.<br />
<br />
Among other things we ordered that night.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073338515/" title="tong po meat by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="tong po meat" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8073338515_57b828f939_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
exorbitantly expensive 'tong po' meat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073338585/" title="fried mantis prawns by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="fried mantis prawns" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8073338585_ed32759069_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
exorbitantly expensive oat deep fried mantis prawns.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-4872453468013088272012-10-15T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-15T08:00:06.208+08:00English Steak Pie with Mash and Peas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073331430/" title="steak pie and mash by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="steak pie and mash" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8073331430_6fa6b14a1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the most staple food in England; the English Pie.<br />
<br />
Usually with mince meat, or chunks of beef, or chunks of beef/steak with liver.<br />
<br />
It's a whole lot of goodness and it's one of those feel-good finally-I'm-back-in-England meals I must have whenever I visit the UK.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073331530/" title="steak pie and mash london by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="steak pie and mash london" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8073331530_f1d1a9dab6_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
<br />
The gravy, the awesome peas (would have been bleh~ if served in another country, but then I'm biased lol); It's all perfect. Best ordered in an English pub.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8073331606/" title="steak pie and mash and peas by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="steak pie and mash and peas" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/8073331606_6710eb1833_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
What's your favourite English dish?<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-72464696066902087892012-10-13T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-13T08:00:01.628+08:00London Marks and Spencer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I do love Marks and Spencer in England.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8071812783/" title="marks and spencer wine section by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="marks and spencer wine section" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8071812783_791735ab67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Hellooooo alcohol...<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-86074728381405349162012-10-11T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-11T08:00:04.790+08:00Bird Nest Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bird Nest Soup = Motherly Love.<br />
<br />
It was a hot afternoon in Melaka as I sat watching my mom, with her reading glasses, hand-picked tiny feathers out of the soaked bird nest from bowl to bowl.<br />
<br />
I should have helped, but it was too hot, and it was too surreal a moment just to sit there and stare.<br />
<br />
It's one of those extremely previous moment you know you will never be to buy back no matter how much money you have. The snapshots of those moments burnt deep into my mind. There was so much love, so much care, so cautious and so gentle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8058986836/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8058986836_0e18ffa75f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8058987002/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8058987002_483898a738_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I think this would be the beginning of my addiction to bird nest soup. And I will never get sick of it, even if it meant I have to drink those horrible tasting herbal things she ever now and then likes to put in soup, it's bitter but I drank every sip of it. Because I've never tasted anything more amazing than this. I want to be able to drink this forever.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8058987260/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8058987260_242abc5708_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Although she did promise to make a more pleasant, minus the herbal ginseng thing (whatever it's called), bird best with red dates and honey for me this weekend. Looking all forward to it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8058987494/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8058987494_cd0418f7ec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Best mom in the world. Period. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-67144732076001435502012-10-09T03:11:00.002+08:002012-10-09T03:11:35.217+08:00Ciao Ristorante @ Off Jalan Tun Razak<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905156286/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7905156286_36a6b9de91_c.jpg" width="491" /></a><br />
<br />
Visited Ciao Ristorante for dinner during my imprisonment at the model search, it was one of those nights that we had off, rare nights those were.<br />
<br />
Ciao claims to serve authentic Italian food in KL and said to be the oldest Italian restaurant in KL.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905154524/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/7905154524_176253a282_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
<br />
Which was a surprising fact for me since it was my first visit to Ciao; but upon arrival I was taken in by the no-pretense ambiance here. It's tastefully furnished and decorated that it provides its patrons a relaxed no fuss semi fine-dining experience. One could come here in T-shirts or an evening gown and would fit right in immediately.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905152442/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7905152442_88c34094fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We ordered two dishes, one was a spinach ravioli <b>Ravioli di Spinaci alla Caruso</b> which my dining partner swore by. Generous amount of buffalo mozzarella with eggplant, basil pesto and tomato cooked with spinach and ricotta-filled freshly made ravioli.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905164006/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/7905164006_0d3a675dcd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Honestly, I haven't had good ravioli for a long time and Ciao did this really well. It was cooked perfectly, not al dente as I usually find that too 'raw' for my liking, this was cooked slightly longer that gave off a softer texture. just my style, and I had a knack that they've fine-tuned the recipe to suit Malaysian taste after all these years of operating. No complains there.<br />
<br />
I had the seafood platter <b>Grigliata di Pesce</b> that came with whole lots of salad, very fresh and very healthy, just what I needed as I was watching my weight.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905162178/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7905162178_88aff844af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It was surprisingly fresh seafood to be served in an Italian restaurant that's not operating by a coast.<br />
<br />
We also ordered a side dish of fried calamari, fried to perfection and rather fresh squid, which was a joy to have.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905157674/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7905157674_c54f2c8872_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And ended it with a molten lava chocolate cake for dessert.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905150294/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7905150294_b714d91f1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905148574/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7905148574_9827258697_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It was a simple typical dessert and they perfected the recipe. I was more blown away by the rich creamy homemade vanilla ice cream on meringue while my dining partner declared he absolutely loved the molten lava cake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7905146104/" title="Ciao Italian Restaurant by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Ciao Italian Restaurant" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/7905146104_eeb5bc18c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Food here are not fancy, but they're good. And very reasonably priced at 20-40 per dish on average. My platter was at a higher range of RM62, which was still reasonable for a dish with king prawns and scallops.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ciao Ristorante<br />
No. 20A, Jalan Kampung Pandan,<br />
off Jalan Tun Razak,<br />
55100, Kuala Lumpur<br />
<br />
Mon - Fri : 12.00 pm to 02.30 pm (Lunch),
06.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Dinner)<br />
Sat - Sun : 06.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Dinner only)<br />
Tel : 603-9285 4827<br />
URL : <a href="http://www.ciao.com.my/">www.ciao.com.my</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-64455527230109216212012-10-06T18:55:00.004+08:002012-10-06T18:55:57.582+08:00Ikkousha Ramen @ Bugis+ Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During my <a href="http://nicolekiss.blogspot.com/2012/09/model-search-diary-singapore-weekend.html">short modelling trip</a> to Singapore, I made it to Bugis+ mall on the free evening we had to try out the famous Ikkousha Ramen, URC (Ultimate Ramen Championship) of 2011, being Singapore's best selling ramen last year.<br />
<br />
100,531 bowls, to be exact.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8022536403/" title="ikkousha ramen by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="ikkousha ramen" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8022536403_2c9bbca123_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Special Ramen, $16.50 (sing dollar)<br />
<br />
Famous of their Hakata-style thin ramen, which I love, blanched exactly 15 seconds only, Ikkousha ramen has amazing broth. Very rich pork flavor without the pungent taste. Their <i>ajitama</i> (flavored egg) has good accurate runny yolk but I still prefer's Marutama's soy-salty darker appearance eggs, which were more flavorful given the extra savory taste.<br />
<br />
The pork slices were generous and very big in portion; thin, but big. But they lack fat in them which resulted in a tougher texture. I like my 'char siew' fattier and softer.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8022536625/" title="ikkousha ramen by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="ikkousha ramen" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8022536625_58ecf5cd4a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Spicy TAKANA Ramen, $15.50<br />
<br />
The spicy version doesn't have the eggs and with only one slice of pork but given the extra chili flakes, which provided oomph to the broth. You can order add-ons of the eggs and pork.<br />
<br />
Ordered Gyoza which was a tad oily and mediocre. No photo.<br />
<br />
Verdict: love the broth, the noodles, not so much the pork slices and eggs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8022539252/" title="ikkousha ramen by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="ikkousha ramen" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8022539252_fd7711b694_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
located inside Ramen Champion<br />
201 Victora Street, BUGIS+ (formerly ILUMA)<br />
in BUGIS, #04-10<br />
Tel: 6238 1011<br />
Opening hours: daily 11:30 am to 10:30 pm<br />
<br />
Ramen Champion<br />
Changi Airport T3<br />
Tel: 6214 2958<br />
Opening hours: daily 11:30 am to 10:30 pm</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-35773279358746660342012-10-03T08:00:00.000+08:002012-10-03T08:00:06.894+08:00Cadbury Highlights Milk Chocolate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend got me this years ago from Brunei knowing I was a fan of anything chocolate.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8043000698/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8043000698_d20c22213d_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
<br />
I didn't know why but I kept it in my cupboard and has since moved between two homes before settling down in my current place. And now that I've started to be more conscious of what I eat, there would be times where I'd rather a cuppa of simple chocolate drink instead of a full on meal.<br />
<br />
But this came in just handy because it doesn't require mixing the powder in milk, instead just add hot water to it and it will taste great.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8042995024/" title="Having a cup of imported Cadbury ice chocolate my friend got for me from Brunei in air-conditioned room. Love it! #snug #cozy #dessert with #starbucks mug by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Having a cup of imported Cadbury ice chocolate my friend got for me from Brunei in air-conditioned room. Love it! #snug #cozy #dessert with #starbucks mug" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8042995024_1e6c244ffa_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
<br />
I had it with three teaspoonful of the cocoa powder mix (and additional tsp for good measure) with hot water and added lots of ice to it. Since it's Malaysia and I usually prefer my chocolate drink cold than hot here.<br />
<br />
Each serving (3 tsp) is only 40 calories, 3g of sugars, 1.4g of fat, with sweeteners of course. Which was an incredibly good replace for old fashion chocolate drink that comes heavy with full cream milk.<br />
<br />
It's the perfect and best low calorie chocolate drink I've had so far.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8042989373/" title="starbucks mug by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="starbucks mug" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8175/8042989373_198b4e06bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Imported from the UK and suitable for vegetarians.<br />
Guess I'll be hoping by an expat-friendly supermarket soon to scout for more of this. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-50681122423081375732012-10-01T19:10:00.000+08:002012-10-01T19:10:32.782+08:00Tomato Juice Tastes Nicer in the Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
A research German airline Lufthansa showed that people prefer tomato juice more when they fly than they would on ground.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/photos/tomato-juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/photos/tomato-juice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reason to this is that our sense of taste varies with pressure. In higher altitude where there's lower pressure, tomato juice taste sweeter than in normal ground pressure.<br />
<br />
No wonder tomato juice tasted sweeter the last time I visited England than the musky taste here in Malaysia.<br />
<br />
The next time I fly, I'm going to order myself a glass of tomato juice.<br />
<br />
<i>Article <a href="http://www.omg-facts.com/Science/Do-you-ever-feel-like-you-like-Tomato-ju/53585">Source</a>.</i></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-84709079640622486902012-10-01T02:32:00.003+08:002012-10-01T02:33:42.598+08:00Unreal Candy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YOOeNvls7qc" width="640"></iframe><br />
If candy won't get you to click on the video, Gisele Bundchen will. ;)<br />
<br />
The coolest thing on earth.<br />
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I want one so bad. I don't care if I have to pay more to get it. It sounds too good to be true, it's unreal! lol<br />
And it taste better than Reese and M&M's? Get outta here!<br />
<br />
See the nutritional facts on <a href="http://getunreal.com/">getunreal.com</a><br />
<br />
<i>Article <a href="http://www.giselebundchen.com/novidades/11001/unreal-candy">Source</a>.</i></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-69520533860913517902012-09-28T12:23:00.000+08:002012-10-10T03:12:39.460+08:00Carcosa Seri Negara English Afternoon Tea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When one thinks of afternoon tea, one thinks of Carcosa Seri Negara, the mother of all afternoon teas in Malaysia.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8010000221/" title="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8010000221_aa453c8786_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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A little history recap: Set on a prime 40 acre land in the heart of KL, Carcosa Seri Negara is a luxury hotel that consists of two colonial mansions (Carcosa, and Seri Negara). Built in the late 1800 and early 1900; it was presented as a gift to the British Government as a token of goodwill but was later returned to the Malaysian Government by 1987. It's still the residence of British Royals whenever they pay a visit to Malaysia. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8010876135/" title="Afternoon tea at Seri Carcosa yesterday. #dessert #foodporn #aftertoontea #relax by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Afternoon tea at Seri Carcosa yesterday. #dessert #foodporn #aftertoontea #relax" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8010876135_04c2d3801b_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Setting foot in Carcosa Seri Negara is like a walk in the park of England, a very hot England. Still it's a nice feel whenever I come here, despite the run-down mansion that has obvious traces of a desperate attempt to keep it anew; pretty good effort thus far, I might say, compared to Smokehouse in Cameron Highlands.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8010003122/" title="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8010003122_33561966f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A pax will cost RM70 with tax and it comes with a teapot of tea of your choice. The servings in the photos are for two.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8009995353/" title="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/8009995353_9d9e614f5e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8010004826/" title="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8010004826_0a24b15f9d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8009997991/" title="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Seri Carcosa afternoon tea" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8009997991_183ea3ee98_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There are definitely better, more modern and fancier afternoon teas around town, but if you want some old school version of a typical English afternoon tea (as old school and typical as Malaysia goes), Carcosa Seri Negara is where you'll want to be.<br />
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<br />
Carcosa Seri Negara<br />
Taman Tasik Perdana
Persiaran Mahameru<br />
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia<br />
+603 2295 0888</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-6978897808757613672012-09-26T08:00:00.000+08:002012-09-26T08:00:07.314+08:00McDonald Samurai Beef Burger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The launch of the latest promo product Samurai Beef Burger in Mcdonald struck a cord in my belly when I first got notified via SMS.<br />
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I knew I have to try it.<br />
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And one couldn't help but to compare it to its famous counterpart, a permanent menu item in Thailand's McD: Samurai Pork Burger.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007064087/" title="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8007064087_632cfcf29f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Order large and it comes with Katsu Curry Shaker Fries.<br />
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I have never missed a shaker fries. It's one of the perks (for me) of dining in Mcdonald.<br />
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I wasn't so keen on the sakura fizzy drink so I opted for mineral water instead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007069878/" title="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/8007069878_cb312673f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007068061/" title="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mcdonald Samurai Beef Burger" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8007068061_12368a4270_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007066338/" title="Mcdonald katsu curry shaker fries by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mcdonald katsu curry shaker fries" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/8007066338_ee96345611_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007061303/" title="Mcdonald katsu curry shaker fries by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Mcdonald katsu curry shaker fries" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/8007061303_a5bb387a53_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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The verdict:<br />
Good sizing for a burger, not too big but the usual cheeseburger size, lots of samurai sauce (which sort of resembles more of teriyaki sauce; sweetish, I like it), with an unhealthy dose of mayonnaise on top of the brown sauce, lettuce and very well cooked beef patty - soft, tender and juicy.<br />
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This is from the Mont Kiara branch, They do serve very good beef burgers in their outlet here.<br />
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The shaker fries is a let down, though. Overly salty, which made me bloat that night. The katsu curry flavor wasn't there and it has a yellow-ish stain like most curry or satay sauce would; which is weird coming from some artificial seasonings. This is the first shaker fries that I actually do not like. :(<br />
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I will be back for more of the Samurai Beef Burger alone and here's hoping that McD adds this to their permanent menu item. </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-10231215745726231652012-09-25T14:28:00.001+08:002012-09-25T14:28:19.082+08:00Kuih Bakar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've always been a fan of Malay Kuih-muih (cakes); last I tried <a href="http://nicolekissdiet.blogspot.com/2012/09/kuih-lompat-tikam.html">Kuih Lompat Tikam</a> though I still prefer my all-time favorite Kuih Talam (green pandan top white coconut milk bottom), my second favorite has to be Kuih Bakar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020097319/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/8020097319_022b2a8485_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's an egg-based cake using pandan as dye, hence the aromatic pandan flavor
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">❤</span> . Usually drizzled with sesame seeds (not my favorite :S)<br />
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Kuih Bakar is a very traditional Malay kuih, you can find this in almost all malay cake stalls.<br />
And it's always the cake I will always keep my eyes peeled for whenever I approach one of these stalls.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020096515/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/8020096515_a18353a25e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020095333/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/8020095333_7ae29e7b79_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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What's your favourite Malay kuih? </div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-75560663691665296912012-09-25T14:16:00.000+08:002012-09-25T14:23:23.877+08:00Kuih Lompat Tikam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Which is very similar to Bubur Sum-sum, the latter which only contains only the white part of the cake made of rice flour dipped in palm sugar sauce (or gula melaka).<br />
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However, with kuih lompat tikam, it has a layer of green color (pandan flavored) base at the bottom with white layer (coconut milk) on top; usually also served in palm sugar sauce.<br />
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A modern day Kuih Lompat Tikam looks like this, found in a warung near TTDI.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020105038/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/8020105038_fd84145b6e_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020100613/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8020100613_ee91d66565_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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It's a lot of softer than the usual kuih talam (green bottom white top malay cake); though my favorite Malay kuih will always be pandan kuih talam, the modern kuih lompat tikam is an interesting variety.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8020099069/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/8020099069_b0ed62b8a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-29675429585404945492012-09-23T17:22:00.000+08:002012-09-23T17:22:04.140+08:00Menya Musashi @ Isetan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8005488137/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8041/8005488137_6142e50875_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
RM26<br />
<br />
When the old wing of 1 Utama mall had a revamp and had its first Isetan store opened in the area, Menya Musashi ramen became the hype amongst the foodies.<br />
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Thus the first thing I did when I got out of my model search was to dive into the Isetan and sinked my teeth into a hot bowl of the highly-raved ramen.<br />
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I ordered the <b>Musashi Ramen</b> with <b>Shiro</b> broth (onion flavoured oil broth) consisted of two pieces of Chashu (roast pork) and half an egg. Which was a bit of a let down considering in Marutama they give a whole egg for a similarly priced bowl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8005487415/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/8005487415_ecf140d522_c.jpg" width="598" /></a><br />
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The broth was thick rich and despite the oiliness, very delicious. The bowl was big so it's enough to share between two people. Chashu was big in servings but tougher compared to its competitor's Marutama tender roast pork slices. The egg yolk was not as runny as expected and lack in flavour for a ramen egg.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8005487799/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/8005487799_d9f69c1522_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A very 'meh' ramen egg. RM2<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007058157/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/8007058157_7c8c98ffbb_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
RM26<br />
<br />
We ordered another Musashi Ramen with <b>Kuro</b> broth (Special oil of fried shallots and garlic oil). The garlic scent in the broth was very noticeable but personally I prefer the Shiro broth.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8007062522/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/8007062522_36421bc47f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Musashi Ramen with Kuro broth<br />
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My favourite in the shop, ironically, was the Chashu Gohan (rice with roasted pork pieces).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/8005490803/" title="Untitled by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8005490803_2c55b180fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
RM9<br />
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Something about the sweet sauce, the shallots, the soft perfectly cooked vinegar rice and the nicely proportioned fatty roast pork pieces made this dish my nirvana. At only RM9 it was very affordable and very delicious. I would order this for lunch everyday if it were near where I live.<br />
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<b>Menya Musashi</b><br />
Level 2, Eat Paradise<br />
Isetan, 1-Utama<br />
Bandar Utama City Centre<br />
Petaling Jaya<br />
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</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-66330038286818124292012-09-23T16:42:00.000+08:002012-09-23T17:21:41.128+08:00Lewisgene Espresso @ Solaris Mont Kiara<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Made a breakfast trip to the newly opened Lewisgene Expresso at Solaris Mont Kiara (above Chilla Cup).<br />
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I don't drink coffee but I read that they serve waffle with peanut butter, mmm...<br />
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The place was locked when I arrived in the morning even though Chilla Cup was always packed with business people. After comtemplating for 2 minutes whether to leave and settle for Chilla Cup's pretzel, a waiter came over from the counter (blind spot) and unlocked to let us in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7998683237/" title="My breakfast this morning. Peanut buttery goodness. #foodporn #breakfast #peanutbutter by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="My breakfast this morning. Peanut buttery goodness. #foodporn #breakfast #peanutbutter" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7998683237_b5a882f1f7_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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Partner and I ordered two pieces of waffles, one each, and settled for water, neither of us is a coffee drinker. The irony of dining in such a place. lol.<br />
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Crispy, a tad too hard but overall nice. Lovely peanut butter. Free refill of peanut butter was always a plus.<br />
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Saw some chocolate velvet mille crepes over the counter and had to order one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/7998879136/" title="Chocolate velvet crepes. Looks nice, taste tough. #dessert #foodporn by nicootan, on Flickr"><img alt="Chocolate velvet crepes. Looks nice, taste tough. #dessert #foodporn" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7998879136_040f7813b0_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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turned out to stone cold. Tasted like overnight cream cakes. Completely inedible. Had the waiter taken the whole piece back, good that they didn't charge us for the cake.
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<br />
Would have been nice chill-out place for a cup of coffee, well hidden on the second floor.<br />
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<b>Lewisgene Espresso Tea & Machines</b><br />
2-1, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.<br />
016-328 4438</div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-36376826112606272162011-02-16T17:44:00.003+08:002011-02-16T17:50:22.405+08:00Pineapple RollsAhh... Chinese New Year cookies. Who doesn't love them. <br /><br />Actually I don't. <br /><br /><br />Except for these. Pineapple rolls. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/5450002391/" title="unbaked pineapple rolls by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5450002391_0189033b69.jpg" width="500" height="326" alt="unbaked pineapple rolls" /></a><br />before entering the oven.<br /><br /><br />Though people have the habit of calling them <a href="http://nicolekissdiet.blogspot.com/2008/02/making-pineapple-tarts.html">pineapple tarts</a> since they originated from tarts. Or mini pies. <br /><br /><br />I never knew how these were made till recently I witnessed it myself in bb's house. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/5450611048/" title="rolling pineapple mixture by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/5450611048_234935a096_o.jpg" width="500" height="369" alt="rolling pineapple mixture" /></a><br /><br /><br />You roll those pineapple paste mix into an oval shape ball and then wrap it around a long strip of pastry. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/5450002455/" title="rolling by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5450002455_de054896a2_o.jpg" width="500" height="366" alt="rolling" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then cut when the pastry meets. <br /><br /><br />Pop into the oven, the whoila!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/5450610982/" title="pineapple tarts by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5450610982_0e556c449a_o.jpg" width="500" height="667" alt="pineapple tarts" /></a><br /><br /><br />Freshly baked Pineapple Rolls. YUM!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-69437738592387257852011-02-08T01:59:00.001+08:002011-02-08T02:01:41.103+08:00Burning off CNY WeightsChinese New Year has come and gone and I have found myself two kgs heavier right after the festival.<br /><br />I have a shoot in two weeks so I'm setting a goal to lose off these two kgs in 14 days.<br /><br />Now I'm not an exercise buff but I don't mind walking. I disgress going to the gym, or any sort of sports because frankly, I don't really have that sort of stamina to last long. Strangely enough, due to my travelling habit, I have adopted a skill in walking.<br /><br />And I don't just mean a walk in a park. I mean I can walk for hours non stop in a day and I can still find myself going on. I once walked an average of 5 hours a day for 10 days in Beijing.<br /><br />Or even once hike-walk across a tiny peninsula on the Isle of Skye (in Scotland) in search for some lost village, one way journey took me five kms across the green hills and land, and another five km back. And I had been walking all over the island that morning.<br /><br /><br />So I decided to dedicate two weeks starting from today to walk. As my form of exercise. On a treadmill. Thank god for that. No sun for me thanks. I don't mind the sweat, I just hate having darker skin.<br /><br />Now here's the calculation.<br /><br /><br />One kg of fat = 7700 calories (holy!)<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">(One pound is 3500 calories)</span><br /><br />So to shed off that much, I can't just cut off on my daily intake of calories (which would be 1800 calories since I'm a girl) by 500/1000 everyday because then my body would take the carbs I consume and transform it into fat to burn.<br /><br />And I can't just cut down on carb while cutting back on calories either, and focus on protein. Because then my body would transform protein into carbs in my liver (called Gluconeogenesis) and the process will just repeat itself.<br /><br />And technically, due to the complexity of our metobolism, it would take more (than 7700) calories to burn off one kg of fat.<br /><br /><br />Generally, I should cut back on 500 calories a day and exercise at the same time (aka walk).<br />So by calculation, that would mean I should limit my consumption to 1200 calories a day.<br /><br />But because I've been binging so much during CNY. It's actually healthy to detox for the first three days of the two weeks; because then it allows the body to burn your bodyfat first before realising it's calories deficient.<br /><br />I'm talking about fruits, fresh juice, lots of water and no heavy solid food yet. Limiting myself to only 500 calories, this would help me cut back a further 700 a day on the first three days.<br /><br /><br />As for walking,<br /><br />1 hr normal walking = 150 calories<br /><br />But I'm doing a slight brisk walk at 4km/hr so 45 mins walking would take 155. (estimate, base on personal treadmill walk)<br /><br />Hence, 1 hr 30 mins walk = 310 calories.<br />That would be 6km of walk every day.<br /><br /><br />First three days: (1200 + 310) x 3 = 4530<br /><br />Following days: (500 + 310) x 11 = 8910<br /><br />Total: 4530 + 8910 = 13440 calories.<br /><br /><br />Fat lost in two weeks: 13440/7700 = 1.745<br /><br />That's a whooping 1.75 kilo of fat!<br /><br />In two weeks and simply by walking. Not limiting much your intake as long as you stick to a 1200 cal daily benchmark.<br /><br /><br />Considering the possibility of water retention and undiscarded stools in my body, I'd say two kgs in two weeks should be a healthy and very possible achievement.<br /><br />Wish me luck! (on my determination)<br /><br />You should try it too.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-67071027831347309912009-12-18T03:55:00.000+08:002012-09-23T16:55:08.192+08:00Cabbages & Condoms @ ThailandFirst time I heard of the name was two years ago. In a lonely planet guidebook when I was exploring through northern Thailand.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189230964/" title="cabbages and condom by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2770/4189230964_373bedb137_o.jpg" alt="cabbages and condom" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Since it has become one of my favourite places to dine at for good authentic Thai food in Thailand.<br /><br />The concept was this: cabbages were a common dish for the poor that can be obtained everywhere in the olden times, and with new concept, they wanted to make condoms as common and attainable as cabbages, hence the name.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231178/" title="condom man by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4189231178_c4e23b9b12_o.jpg" alt="condom man" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />I's become obvious that their objective was to promote anti-aids and safety first when it comes to sex among the people, the title would appeal the most to the young minds for obvious reason.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188468921/" title="safety first by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4188468921_8df38bb96d_o.jpg" alt="safety first" width="500" height="329" /></a><br /><br /><br />In the restaurant you'll find various displays that are inter-connected to condoms.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231966/" title="mona lisa with condom by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2556/4189231966_4ef428582e_o.jpg" alt="mona lisa with condom" width="333" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188470025/" title="condom santa man by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/4188470025_eded0bd9b1_o.jpg" alt="condom santa man" width="316" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />Names apart. They do provide really fancy, nice and affordable Thai food. Perfect for those who wants to savour authentic local food minus the noise from passing-by cars. It's a romantic place for couples and quiet night out with families.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231530/" title="appertizer by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/4189231530_94da651caa_o.jpg" alt="appertizer" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br />We started off with some Miang Kum as appetizers. A form of dish that are served with Chaboo or La Lot leaves which you then wrap the ingredients around and dip it in sweet sauce.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231384/" title="appetizer with leaves by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2781/4189231384_c5aa94019b_o.jpg" alt="appetizer with leaves" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />The restaurant however have already prepared everything in a platter for you. So all you need to do is splatter some sauce and pop it in your mouth.<br /><br />We then moved onto tom yum kung, something you must have in Thailand. And they served it pretty well here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188469871/" title="tom yum kung by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4188469871_6385eb1cb6_o.jpg" alt="tom yum kung" width="600" height="400" /></a><br /><br /><br />Red curry chicken was not bad either, though didn't know why we didn't order the green curry instead.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231722/" title="curry chicken by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4189231722_ae010a9b87_o.jpg" alt="curry chicken" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br />I would suggest the seafood in a coconut, great presentation and good taste too.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188469787/" title="coconut curry seafood by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/4188469787_09350e1883_o.jpg" alt="coconut curry seafood" width="600" height="900" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then end your meal with a cold local Thai beer, the perfect way to end any meal.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189231296/" title="thai beer by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4189231296_3093aba78f_o.jpg" alt="thai beer" width="600" height="836" /></a><br /><br /><br />Perfect.<br /><br /><br /><br />Rating: 4.5/5<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cabbages & Condoms </span><br />10 Sukhumvit Soi 12, Bangkok, Thailand.<br />Contact: +66(0)2-2294610<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://www.cabbagesandcondoms.com/restaurant.php">www.cabbagesandcondoms.com</a>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-654168601994928889.post-88984068564775120842009-12-16T10:27:00.000+08:002012-09-23T16:55:52.655+08:00Baliku @ Jimbaran, BaliIf you ever get lost and confused when landed in Jimbaran, amidst all cluster of available restaurants for tourists along the coast, this restaurant is where you should pick when dine out for an evening romantic dinner.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4189301220/" title="baliku jimbaran bali by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4189301220_2d1690c391_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="baliku jimbaran bali" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ask for discount, haggle for it. They'll usually give. We got it for 35% for two person. If you have more people, you can even get it at 40%. :D<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4187744311/" title="couple at jimbaran beach by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4187744311_d74fedc585_o.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="couple at jimbaran beach" /></a><br /><br /><br />Introducing the magic of night.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188507518/" title="baliku special sauce by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4188507518_c5ef24bf51_o.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="baliku special sauce" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is Baliku Special Sauce - the best damn thing your taste bud will ever try in Asian cuisine.<br /><br />Ask for a bowl before the start of your meal, then you're ready to go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4187744511/" title="calamari by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4187744511_729bc9fedd_o.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="calamari" /></a><br /><br /><br />Best dipped with calamari. Crunchy and sweet.<br /><br />They even put some of the magic on our oysters appetizer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188507302/" title="oysters by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4188507302_60fc1b246f_o.jpg" width="600" height="761" alt="oysters" /></a><br /><br /><br />We had Baliku special sauce grilled fish which was HEAVEN.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4187745611/" title="fish by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/4187745611_32d466c9a8_o.jpg" width="600" height="400" alt="fish" /></a><br /><br /><br />We ordered tiger prawns too but camera wasn't fast enough for our mouths.<br /><br />The crabs were so so, fresh though. Nothing fancy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188507418/" title="fresh crabs by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4188507418_aa112fa499_o.jpg" width="600" height="900" alt="fresh crabs" /></a><br /><br /><br />The bill totaled up to 283k rupiah, which was roughly RM100 that time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolekiss/4188507632/" title="baliku receipt by nicootan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4188507632_0d4cbc12e0.jpg" width="460" height="500" alt="baliku receipt" /></a><br /><br /><br />Seafood for two at such a romantic destination, I'd say it's pretty reasonable. :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Rating: 3.5/5<br /><br />Location: Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10836980999308116832noreply@blogger.com2