celebration, Chinese New Year, Food, Sarawak, Sarikei, Sarikei

My Trip Back to Sarikei for CNY 2013

February 27, 2013 thammelissa 22 Comments

So fast CNY has over. But my mind still stuck in this festive season lar. Can’t CNY be 1 month? hehe….

HB and I often travel few days earlier before the CNY to avoid the crowd and also the expensive air fare.

While most of my friends were at work, I say goodbye to KL. Making many of them feel envious :-p soli lor….

We missed the cheap fare which fly directly to Sibu. Therefore we took the alternative way by going to Kuching then from there took another flight to Sibu in the late afternoon. Alex’s friend, Frankie who is in Kuching brought us here for the nice Sarawak Laksa. I also had a bowl of “Tian Miang Ngu” which look like our ‘min fun kou’ but they taste differently.

Frankie also brought us to this place selling lots of Kek Lapis (Sarawak Layer Cakes). Here, you can sample varieties of kek lapis for free. Very attractive isn’t it? But some are quite dry. I did not buy much, because Alex said MIL has ordered alot for the CNY. I still have those cakes in my fridge ler…next year kena tell MIL not to buy so much for us edi 😉

When I reached Sarikei, what I must eat the following day is the Kampua Noodle! I do know there some people in West Malaysia prefer Wantan Mee over this. For me…I think I like both of them also la..cos they are different!

Also not forgetting the Kolok Mee. I will never miss having both of them!

Although Sarikei is famed for its pineapple, but I seldom eat. Too cooling for me. Trust me..the pineapples there are very sweet!

Other then pineapple, Sarikei is also famed for its pepper. Have you seen a real pepper plant? I meant before they were process. I often come back to buy their pepper. And I noticed each time I buy, the price also increased 😦

A day before eve of CNY, followed MIL to a CNY bazaar at Nyelong.

It was a wet CNY. Luckily the rain stopped while on our way to the bazaar and I noticed this rainbow. I feel joyful each time I sees a rainbow.

Beautiful orange sky at about 7pm.

Have you ever seen this kind of dish served in a fast food outlet? Yes..you can only get this from Sugarbun Sarawak! I also never fail patronizing this place whenever I return Sarikei. I seldom order the burger but will normally order the fried chicken with their special rice.

On one afternoon, we skipped lunch and felt hungry later. So, MIL steamed these plump and meaty ‘siew mai‘.

Family reunion dinner. Some of it are bought from restaurant and some are prepared at home. Too much of food, we couldn’t finish all.

People were launching Kongming Deng (Sky Lantern).

It was like a fireworks competition on eve of CNY. Watched them for free. Unfortunately I sprained my knee when I was running back home when a firework at our neighborhood went haywire. *so dangerous* 😦

As usual, we will go friends house visiting (pai nien) on first day of CNY, after having a bowl of mee suah.

Time flies…its time for me to return to my own hometown. I traveled back on 2nd day of CNY. Beautiful sky leading my way to Sibu airport.

Before traveling back…I want to have these for my breakfast! Kampua, pig’s liver soup and bien nuk! Will miss them for several months lu…

MIL knows I like midin. She bought a few bunch for me (they are nicely wrapped in layers of newspaper) and that night we had stir fry midin (cooked with garlic, ginger & red rice wine) for dinner.

For more food photos and places in Sarikei, do refer to my previous post:-

Chinese, Crabs, Food, Non-Halal, Puchong

Dinner @Restaurant Tak Fok,Puchong

February 26, 2013 thammelissa 17 Comments

I must say that Puchong is a food haven. There are eateries till sometimes I couldn’t decide what to eat. ‘Big Fry‘ (Tai Chow) is often a good choice among the Chinese especially on family dinner.

But how about ‘big fry’ + seafood? My friend, Wanyi recommended this place at Restaurant Tak Fok. She said they serve seafood (crab) with reasonable pricing. She also enlightened me about the crowd during dinner hour.

Just a simple and casual dining place. Often crowded on weekends.

We came here for the crabs. 2 pieces of crabs for just RM28. As shown on their menu, they have 13 different types of cooking method. I chose Crabs with Butter and Milk Sauce. Nice flavors and not overly creamy. Although the crab size is a lil small, with the price I’m paying…it does satisfies my crab craving.

Fried bun to pair with the crab’s Butter and Milk Sauce.

Soft bun with crispy skin. But not as good as the one I had before at South Sea Seafood Restaurant.

I will always order at least one vege dish. Ordered a stir fry kailan.

Deep Fried Mantis Prawn with Salted Egg Yolk was quite good too.

We wanted Siong Tong Lala, but too bad Lala ran out of stock. So we were recommended to these Fresh Razor Clam (still in aquarium) for RM5 each. Cooked with rice wine, ginger and garlic. And also some cili padi and wolfberry.

Verdict : Looking for some good and affordable seafood, do pay a visit to Restaurant Tak Fok. Requires abit of waiting time during peak hour.

Restaurant TaK Fok
No 23, Jalan Puteri 2/5 Selangor, 
Puchong 47100 
 
Tel: +603-8060 6994

Bakery, Cakes, Coffee, Food, Halal, Pasta, Seremban

Nice Coffee @ La Roasteria Coffee, Seremban 2

February 21, 2013 thammelissa 18 Comments

I am delighted to know that there’s a decent cafe for me to tarn kopi (enjoy coffee). I meant like those in KL…aromatic coffee with pretty coffee art on it..Also, I received good reviews from some friends who had tried their coffee.

~~Recently I found out that they’ve opened another outlet at Seremban 2..which is nearer to my mom’s house.~~ The main outlet is at Seremban town (Jalan Kong Sang).

La Roasteria Coffee is the name of the cafe.

Nice ambiance. Isn’t it? Its a good thing that we can have brunch or have a drink with friends in this lovely place. In Seremban, we have very limited choice of places like this. Unlike in KL, people are spoiled with choices and places for brunch.

Other than coffee, they do serve these freshly baked scones and also cakes.

I came here for brunch. So, lets order something to fill our stomach.

I wanted light coffee, so I ordered a cuppa Caffe Latte – RM7.20.

*A heart shape for me*

Bro had Cappuccino – RM7.20. Pretty coffee art right?

While mummy had Mocha – RM8.

I chose to order sandwiches. I picked Butter Croissant with Fried Wild Mushroom filling – RM9.80. Choices of bread are Butter Croissant, Ciabatta, Panini, Baguette. On menu stated, “Fried Wild Mushroom filling” is recommended. Unfortunately I find it rather dry and tasted too mild. However I do like their butter croissant. Fresh, flaky and buttery!

Creamy Chicken Mushroom Pie – RM12.80. A savory pie with chicken filling. Light, flaky and buttery pastry. Comes with creamy soup. This was good!

Spaghetti Chicken Bolognese – RM10.80 was just average.

Can’t leave without having dessert. There wasn’t much choice of cake during my visit. I chose Moist Chocolate Mud Cake – RM7.80. Indeed very moist. Rich chocolate taste too. The cake was served warm. Therefore I thought it would be perfect if they added a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the cake.

Soon after I uploaded this colorful photo collage on my FB, friends got excited and drop by La Roasteria Coffee the following day.

Verdict : Simple and nice cafe to catch up with friends and have a drink. Recommended to try their coffee and cakes!

La Roasteria Coffee

~~(Next to S2 Hotel. Behind SAINS building)~~

~~No. 69, Persiaran S2 B2,~~

~~70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.~~

~~Contact No. : 012-623 8088~~

Operating Hours :

Daily (10am – 10pm)

New location:-
Seremban Prima, (formerly known as Seremban Parade)
Lot 4973, Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal,
70000 Seremban.
Negeri Sembilan D.K.

Essential Oil, Product Review

Product Review : Amphora Aromatics Essential Oil

February 20, 2013 thammelissa 4 Comments

It has been a stressful period with much work loads.

I don’t practice bringing work back home. When I’m at home, I just want to stay away from all the office work. The long hours in office is already more than enough.

I was given the opportunity to sample Amphora Aromatics Essential Oil.

I often relate essential oil –> aroma therapy –> relaxation.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are the fragrant essence of a plant. These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties. Essential oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants – the easily evaporated essences that give plants their wonderful scents.

Some aromatherapy oils are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. In this case, the oil is combined with a ‘carrier’ oil or lotion to dilute its strength. Applying stringent oils to the skin can cause harmful reactions, such as rashes or burns. And, certain essential oils should be avoided if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a specific illness.

Amphora Aromatics is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of Pure Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Sundries. Founded in 1984.

Sampling Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa, Lemon Eucalyptus. Each of them are made of different ingredients and has its own scent. These essential oils are only for external usage.

Lavender –

Properties: Calming, sleep inducing, analgesic, disinfectant, anti inflammatory, anti septic, anti fungal.
Health Benefits: Nervous system, insomnia, pain relief, urine flow, respiratory disorders, skin care, hair care, blood circulation, indigestion, immunity.

Ylang Ylang –

Properties: Anti depressant, anti seborrhoeic, anti septic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine and sedative.
Health Benefits: Fights depression & uplifts mood, stops sebum secretion, protects against septic, increases libido and cures sexual disorders, reduces blood pressure, cures nervous disorders, sedates inflammations & nervous afflictions.

Palmarosa –

Properties: Anti septic, anti viral, bactericide, cytophylactic, digestive, febrifuge and hydrating.
Health Benefits: Protects against septic, inhibits viral & bacterial growth, promotes growth & regeneration of cells, facilitates digestion, reduces fever.

Lemon Eucalyptus –

Properties: anti septic, anti viral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative, tonic.
Health Benefits: Protects from septic, inhibits viral & bacterial growth, strengthens gums, stops hair fall, lifts skin, induce firmness in muscles, stops haemorrhage, fights infections, cures fever, heals damages, tones body.

I personally like the smell of Lavender and Ylang Ylang. Both are more on soothing and calm smell. However dislike the smell of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Using an oil burner and water plus few drops of essential oil. The vaporized oil creates a good scent to my room. Its gives me a peaceful mind.

notes — source from “http://www.aromatherapy.com”

Essential oil can be use in many ways.

To purchase, kindly visit NATTA COSME. For every purchase above RM50, key in “MEL2013” on ‘use coupon code’ in ‘shopping cart’ for an instant rebate of RM5.

celebration, Chinese New Year

Balik Kampung….Gong Xi Fa Cai lor…..

February 5, 2013 thammelissa 8 Comments

Chinese will be celebrating the Chinese New Year on this 10th of February. An important day celebrated among the Chinese. I assume these few days people shall be balik-ing kampung. Tomorrow I will be flying to Sarawak, Alex’s kampung. As usual we will go back days earlier before Chinese New Year. One of the reason is that the flight ticket will be cheaper. Kesian people there…need to buy flight ticket as early as 1 year before hand.

This year is the year of Snake. So, I shall snake throughout the year. Pssssttttt…. Sorry Boss…can’t help. The zodiac ask me to do that.

Before taking off…I shall have an early reunion dinner with my family.

So, we came here for dinner.

And had this set of Chinese New Year package to accommodate 6 eaters.

Yee Sang commonly serve here in West Malaysia but not in East Malaysia.

Lets toast for a better year. Lou ar….Huat ar….

So, I will be celebrating my Chinese New Year in Sarawak and also Seremban! Where will you be celebrating your Chinese New Year?

To friends who are driving..please don’t rush and have a safe journey home.

I hereby wish everyone an early Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

Food, Fusion, Halal, Paradigm Mall, Pasta, Thai, Western

Lunch @Fa-Ying by Rama V, Paradigm Mall

February 4, 2013 thammelissa 16 Comments

Recently there are several bloggers visited and also reviewed about this new place, at Fa-Ying by Rama V, Paradigm Mall. So I was here feeling anticipated to check out the place and also the food.

Fa-Ying by Rama V is a new concept restaurant from the multi award-winning Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine. Kuala Lumpur’s connoisseurs of fine Thai cuisine are now presenting a new modern style of enjoying Thai food in a casual chic setting.

Located at the Boulevard. The setting up, the deco, the name, are so chic. Pretty attractive I guess.

The modern interior with some beautiful art sculptures on the wall.

While the smoking area(outdoor) gives you the comfy feeling of dining here. Couch and colorful cushions.

View from my seat onlooking to the bar counter. On every Wednesday, they are having Ladies Night! *Free flow of Special House Cocktail to all ladies, all day long.

Ribena Lychee – RM13, gives you the refreshing feel.

On hot weather, Lemon Juice – RM8 will be ideal to quench your thirst.

For people who like to have drink with some light coffee taste,….

I chose Latte – RM10.

An appetizing starter, Pomelo Salad with Prawn – RM16. This salad seems so fresh. Love the crunchiness of fresh prawns and vegetables. Not forgetting the juicy and not sour pomelo. Combination taste of sourish, sweet and spicy.

The tasty Fish Cake – RM12

Spaghetti with Green Curry Pesto – RM22. The flavors combines well. But I feel that the green curry taste was too mild. Its non spicy spaghetti.

When dining in Thai cuisine..I often order Tom Yam. This bowl of Tom Yam Prawn – RM16 however was quite disappointing. Soup was dilute and not rich. Doesn’t give me the ‘kick’.

Roast Duck Sandwich – RM20 was good. Its something new to me. The tiny looking fries were quite good actually. They were very crunchy.

The roast duck meat were all good. Not dry and its tasty. I wish they could put more duck meat. Hehehe…..

Not forgetting a dessert to conclude my meal. Deep Fried Mango with Vanilla Ice Cream – RM16.

Crispy batter crust with cooked glutinous rice wrapping some mango flesh. I cut them into smaller pieces and preferred to dunk it in the vanilla ice cream. The warm and cold plus crispy texture was nice!

Fa-Ying by Rama V

 
Ground floor, Paradigm Mall, 1 Jalan SS7/26 A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya.
Tel:  03 7451 2933
Business Hour : Mon-Thu & Sun, 11am-12midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am.
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/faying.com.my

i-City Shah Alam, MALAYSIA

At Trick Art Museum, i-City Shah Alam

February 1, 2013 thammelissa 20 Comments

It was still early to watch the colorful LED lights here at i-City…I meant the lights will only turn on around 7pm. So, we decided to pay RM5 per person to visit Trick Art Museum….since most of the rides are for kids. Yes…you need to queue to purchase the tickets and additional RM5 deposit (dunno the deposit is for wat oso). Deposit money is refundable..but queue again lah…

Earlier I’ve read and seen some of the photos published on newspaper about this museum. It looks quite interesting.

THE Trick Art Museum at i-City in Shah Alam has earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first trick art museum in the country. The walls and floors of the 8,000 sq ft museum are adorned with hand-drawn 3D images, enticing visitors to pose with the paintings. The effects are magnified especially when the fun poses are captured on camera. (source from The Star)

The 8,000 sq ft museum spanning two floors is the latest attraction in the Selangor capital. The museum in i-City has been divided into five areas with different themes — animal kingdom, Egyptian, marine life and selected masterpieces, which include modern classics and famous masterpieces. All the paintings are done on walls and floors. Well..the painters are from South Korea, Iran and China.

The first painting that you will see as you enter the room.

*Alex so jahat….go pull down people’s pant.

Woahh….I din know mummy is such a good painter. Mona Lisa le….dun play play hoh…

*I fetch!

Hmmm…..was hoping to find some hidden treasure underground…

Aiyo….Mummy was so excited! She said the blocks are falling down!

Elo….anybody home? *he whisper to the mice kut…

Climb ladder…aiya…easy job la..no problem.

Wahh….got hidden door le…push hard*

Hey….this balancing ain’t easy okay.. I don’t want to fall into the deep hole.

Pity the tree…kena chopped =_=

The baby elephant is cute hoh. So friendly summore. Aiyoo…reminds me of the baby elephant at Sabah. So pitiful 😦

*dunno can feed or not. I think the elephant likes me lar. LOL!

Run fast! The bull is getting angry!

Ima bad angel…hehe huhu haha….

The giraffe is also friendly.

Help…I don’t want to be eaten by T-Rex!

Alex volunteer to be life bait.

Wow…this slide was fun. But there’s a buaya waiting there. Alamak!

Penguins here are so tame.

Aja!

Chinese New Year coming edi….I need more money. *open bag*

Over Here* Drop it all….

Batman & Robin are here to guard the museum I guess ^^

One can be creative in their posing together with the wall art..It gives you the 3D effect which looks quite real. However not every painting gives you the WOW effect. Some looks quite boring (I skipped that). Those arts are impressive!

But the one at Jeju Island, Korea look much nicer!

This is Me; Melissa's Blog

Monthly Archives: February 2013