Food, Friends, Halal, Japanese, Pavilion

Lunch @ WATAMI Japanese Casual Restaurant , Pavilion KL

April 27, 2012 thammelissa 21 Comments

When I was browsing through Pavilion’s FB Page…I saw they posted about WATAMI Japanese Casual Restaurant. Well..since I’ll be meeting the gals at Pavilion, KL…so I suggested to lunch at WATAMI. A new place for us to dine…so, why not give it a try.

“Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is a new type of tavern that concentrates on providing food with less emphasis on alcohol at affordable prices. It serves delicious Japanese food and drinks in a comfortable atmosphere. The dining environment is good for causal gathering and family.”

Why do they name it ‘casual’?? I see it as quite ‘class’ also ler…

The Interior & also the nice wall deco. *Creative idea.

Looking through the ala-carte and set menu, we were more interested on the set menu. We’ll be able to try more types of dishes.

We took the order of ‘Value Set for 2 at RM100++’.

Though it says Set for 2…But the amount and types of food in this set able to eat for 3 person. Ashley, Wanyi & I…we were struggling to finish the food!

Wafu Pizza. Very thin crisp pizza topped with Teriyaki Chicken. A savory dish! My first time seeing pizza served in a Japanese restaurant.

Ashley working on the pizza.

Onsen Tamago Caeser Salad. Fresh lettuce, cherry tomato, onions, hot spring egg, tasty chicken slices and lastly sprinkled with cheese powder and cream sauce. It was a good salad!

Wanyi working on the pizza.

How bout me le? Working on what? Think Think…Oh ya…I worked on the ‘Hot Pot’. hahah…

2 plates of Ni Hotate Sushi. Cooked scallop sushi. Not sure why both plates don’t taste the same. 1 was fine…while the other plate..the scallops were rather rubbery. *Chew chew chew*

Crispy Chicken & Potato. Deep fried chicken with french fries. I like the fried chicken very much. The meat was juicy and tender with real crispy batter…hmm…not sure what secret ingredient they uses lar…But I tasted the hint of ‘nam yee’ (fermented red bean cube).

Shio Chanko Nabe. Something like sukiyaki. Tofu, vege, enoki & shitaki mushrooms, egg with tasty and delicious broth.

You can choose 1 of 3 types of rice noodles. Udon, Ramen and Gohan. So we chose Udon.

(From Left to Right) Green Citrus Yuzu Marmalade Soda, Green Citrus Soda. I preferred Green Citrus Yuzu Marmalade Soda!!

Goma Ice Cream(Sesame Ice Cream) & Matcha Ice Cream(Green Tea Ice Cream). Here, I find that their sesame ice cream is smooth and creamy.

Food : 8/10

Price : 7/10

Service : 7/10

Watami Malaysia @ Pavilion KL

C4.04.00, Level 4, Pavilion KL Shopping Mall,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T: +603-2141 6671

Website

Friends, My Collection, Shopping

Pimp your kicks from KUMO by Leng Yein

April 24, 2012 thammelissa 12 Comments

I’ve been keeping track on Leng Yein’s FB updates. (am just a silent reader but not a stalker ^^) Knew about her ups and downs. Well…it doesn’t matter anyway…I know she is hardworking and strong. She now spent most of her money onto her new branding, which she was aiming and planned earlier.

KUMO by Leng Yein, located at Tokyo Street of Pavilion KL. Opened for business since April 2012. When I knew about it, I dragged my GFs to pay a visit. hehe….

Apparently KUMO is selling varieties of cool and funky shoe accessories for people who love to create a ‘new look’ for their shoes.

The Interior (By the way…I like the vibrant colors of the paper bags!)

Adorable Poppies price starts from RM18

Cool Wings are price at RM150/ pair

Okie…I started off with something simple 1st. In future will purchase more so that my shoes can ‘make up’ abit. ^^

Ashley trying out the “Hello Kitty” frames. Haha….so cute lahh…She was forced to use this photo as her FB profile picture. *nice wat…

Varieties of “Hello Kitty” frames. Price starts from RM35.

My fuchsia color ribbon poppie for RM18. Does it resemble Hello Kitty??

Pimp your kicks from KUMO by Leng Yein. So, what do you think? Matches my shoe or not?

KUMO BY LENG YEIN
P6.18.00 & P6.19.00 ,
Level 6, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

Facebook Page

Remark: This shop has closed down. Thank you.

Dessert, Food, Halal, Seremban

Time for Gelato @ Gelato Cafe, Seremban

April 20, 2012 thammelissa 13 Comments

After my dinner at Ding Cha Cafe, I decided to continue with dessert.

I walked few doors away to this Gelato Cafe which is also quite new. (around 2 months) Serving Gelato, an ice cream from Italy.

What is Gelato?

(source from Caffe Gelato)

1) Gelato has significantly less butterfat than ice cream’s typical 18 and 26 percent. However, less fat does not mean less taste. With the lower butterfat content, gelato is less solidly frozen than ice cream and melts in the mouth faster.

2) Gelato has a much higher density than ice cream. Ice cream is produced by mixing cream, milk and sugar, then adding air. Manufacturers add air to ice cream because it nearly doubles the quantity of their product. But, it cuts their quality in half. No air is added to gelato. The result is a higher quality dessert with a richer, creamier taste.

3) Gelato is served slightly warmer than ice cream. While both gelato and ice cream are served well below the freezing temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, gelato is served 10 to 15 degrees warmer than ice cream. Because it is less solidly frozen, gelato’s taste is further enhanced as it melts in the mouth.

Most of the ‘good’ flavors are almost finish. So laku..look at the about to empty trays. If you can’t decide which flavor to choose…well they do give free sampling. Just like other gelato kiosk in KL.

Mummy picking up some real fruits flavors

RM3.50 for a compact single scoop. Its creamy, smooth and rich in flavors.

Not just Gelato…they do serve other food and snack as well as drinks. The menu above is suitable for Vegetarian.

Mummy concentrating on the menu…to see what she can order in future ^^

Not enough with just single scoop. I then return the following day with hubby and Sis…HAHAHA…This photo was taken during ‘Earth Hour’! They switched off most of the lights.

Haha…on 2nd day, I went for 2 scoops! (this is how I’m getting fatter!) =_=

My friend commented that I have sweet tooth. Well..she’s absolutely right. When I’m feeling down, anything sweet will definitely made my day. And chocolate is my favorite. Chocolate ice cream, chocolate cakes…….

Gelato Cafe

No. 337, Ground Floor,

Jalan S2B8,

Uptown Avenue,

70300 Seremban.

(Closed on Thursday)

Remark: This restaurant has closed down. Thank you.

Chinese, Food, Non-Halal, Seremban

Dinner @ Ding Cha Cafe, Seremban 2

April 19, 2012 thammelissa 14 Comments

I realized I’ve abandoned my blog for the past 2 weeks.

I am so sorry. Minta ampun….

All thanks to my boss who is so ‘involving’ with the current supermarket project.

Boss involving = Me forced to be involving.

Back to the subject. Recently there’s a new eating place opened at Uptown Avenue, Seremban 2. I’m telling you…this area is soon gonna be jam when all shops are fully occupied. And all the ‘good’ shops are all located at the same row. Therefore being kiasu, I paid a visit on the 2nd day of its opening and my assumption was wrong too. I thought if I go on weekdays, it wouldn’t be so crowded. Mana tau…everyone also ‘new toilet’…so crowded lar…

The Interior…very nostalgic & classic. Wooden chopsticks, stools and tables.

Red lanterns and dim lighting.

The open kitchen for preparing certain food like dim sum, tong sui, and garnishing. Everything is still new. Staffs are inexperience as well or probably untrained. They couldn’t cope with the ‘messy’ situation when the place is crowded. While for the menu, they have quite alot of varieties too. (Soup, Rice, Noodles, Dim Sum, Tong Sui, Tea, Milktea)

Crowd at 7+pm.

Any shop with name of ‘CHA’, I thought their signature drinks would be tea or milktea.

(From left to right)

1) Ding Cha Oolong Milk Tea – RM5

2) Pearl Milk Tea – RM5

3) Obai Red Tea – RM4

All the above are quite bland. I believe it can be better.

Bitter Gourd Noodle (Dry) – RM5.60

Lai Fun mixed with seasonings and black sauce, topped with minced pork & roasted pork.

Pork Noodle (Soup) – RM5.60

Rice with Salted Fish, Chinese Sausage & Chicken – RM5

Rice was quite dry..if only they add a lil gravy into it. Did not spot any ‘salted fish’ here pun.

Crowd at around 8.45PM…Most of the customers has left. Because most of the food has sold out. WOW…total madness!!

Food : 5/10 (I wish to return to try more food 1 month later. Hope there’s an improvement)

Service : 4/10

Price : 5/10

Ding Cha Cafe

No.333, Jalan S2B8,

Seksyen 8, S2 Seremban,

70300 Seremban.

Tel : 016-6052648

Dated 9th June 2012, I revisited this restaurant. Food quality has improved! I ordered ‘Konlou Lai Fun’, Soup Pork Noodles..both are good. Unfortunately the original pan mee, soup taste a lil bland. While milktea has improved too. It has nicer taste of tea. No longer bland as earlier.

Remark: This restaurant has closed down. Thank you.

My Food Creation

I cooked Foochow Red Rice Wine Mee Suah (Hong Zhao Mian Xian)

April 10, 2012 thammelissa 17 Comments

There are many nice food in Sarawak. Hardly get a similar ones here in Penisular Malaysia. One of my favorite is Red Rice Wine Mee Suah. Hubby is a Foo Chow. Therefore each time we balik kampung, mother in law will sure to cook red rice wine mee suah, which I enjoyed the most! Mee Suah is their specialty when it comes to any auspicious day. Eg: Birthdays, Chinese New Year & Weddings.

When Hubby went back Sarawak last month, I asked him to buy me some ‘mee suah’ and ‘red rice wine’. Both mee suah and wine are homemade.

Read how they made the mee suah HERE.

Sometime ago, mother in law has briefly taught me the cooking method.

Hence, I also google for the proper recipe. (takut I lupa)

Pieces of beautiful white thin strand mee suah.

I successfully made a bowl of warm and hearty Foochow Red Rice Wine Mee Suah. (With 2 hard boiled eggs for Hubby.) I particularly love their mee suah very much. Its so SMOOTH and thin. If no teeth oso can eat. No need to chew. Just swallow. hahaha…Apparently Hubby commented that it tasted similar to his mom’s version. That means GOOD?? Compliment??

Here’s the recipe (source from HaveYouEaten.Net)

What you need:

Rice Wine preferably “ang chiew” or red rice wine
2 Chicken Legs chopped into small pieces
A sizable piece of old ginger sliced into strips (I did not slice them. Instead I grate the ginger)
2 pieces of Rice Vermicelli (Mee Suah)
2 tbsp of Sesame Oil
1 tbsp of Shaoxing Chiu
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
Black fungus (optional) (I replaced with black mushrooms)

Serves: 2 persons

How to cook the rice wine chicken:

Marinade the chicken pieces with the oyster sauce, soy sauce and a bit of pepper for at least half an hour.
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or pan. When hot, fry the ginger strips until they are fragrant and crispy but don’t burn them! Set aside a little to garnish. (I didn’t use it as garnishing. Instead I cook together with chicken and into soup)
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the ginger and stir fry to brown the chicken pieces. If you are using black fungus you will add it at this point.
When chicken is browned (The meat is opaque and brown in parts) add some water to cover the chicken and cover the wok/pan. Bring to a boil then let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Taste and add salt or soy sauce to taste.
When chicken is cooked, add about 1/4 of a bottle of the rice wine and 1 tbsp of Shaoxing Chiu.
Stir quickly through and turn off the fire.

Cook the Vermicelli noodles:

Wash the mee suah pieces in a bowl of cold water to remove the starch.
Boil up water separately in a pot and add the mee suah pieces when the water is boiling.
Using a pair of chopsticks, separate the noodles as they cook so they don’t lump together.
Bring water to a boil for about 2 minutes then turn off and pour away the water.

To assemble your rice wine chicken noodles:-

Place the vermicelli in a bowl.
Ladle the chicken pieces and soup over the noodles.
~~Garnish with the ginger slices you set aside earlier.~~
Serve immediately.

♥ Happy Cooking! ♥

Dine With Coupon, Food, Korean, Seremban

Dinner @ Jade Dragon Restaurant, Seremban (with coupon!)

April 6, 2012 thammelissa 16 Comments

My 1st dining experience here was a pleasant & satisfying one! Read Here.

Thank to the deal offered in http://www.everyday.com.my/ which gave me a chance to dine here once again at a discounted price. Unfortunately the word “Pleasant & Satisfying” has vanished in just one night! That is the reason why I need to insert the word “with coupon” on my title.

Pay at 50% off = 50% off Service

Pay at 50% off = 50% off Food Quality

Pay at 50% off = 50% off Food Quantity

Enjoy 50% OFF Authentic Korean Cuisine with a Korean Set Meal (3 Choices with Rice + Drink

——> Anyway, I don’t seem to enjoy. Handed my coupon to the restaurant owner and only came to confirm my order 10 minutes later ,even asked me again whether I’ve handed the printed coupon. Duhhh…Okay..I sounded like a cheapo dining there. Then waited for 30 minutes just to get our drinks served after we reminded them (gave us ~~an excuse~~ the reason is that Korean usually serve drinks after meal!) Wat Da!

Then another 15 minutes to serve our food. (For your info; the restaurant was just 1/2 occupied!) *I was trying to be cool, though I’m so frus.

Dwenjang Chigae (Bean Paste Stew with Beef and Vegetables) is a stew made from Korean dwenjang. Usually, it contains a variety of vegetables and several shellfish including small mussels, clams, shrimp and/or large anchovies. (Note : I couldn’t find any mussels, jellyfish nor large anchovies)

Soondooboo Chigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew) is a spicy stew made with soondooboo, a soft uncoagulated tofu which is produced without undergoing the process of compression which removes water and curdling it firmly. It is usually made with some pieces of pork, several small clams, chopped garlic and red-pepper powder (kochukaru) along with chopped leeks and sesame oil.

(Note : Yes..indeed there were just ‘several’ ‘small’ clams, few pieces of pork & the mushy tofu.)

Kimchi Chigae (Fermented Chili Pepper Cabbage Soup) is a very popular soup made with kimchi and kochujang, served in a stone pot that allows the soup to continue boiling when served. The Kimchi Chigae contains kimchi as well as other ingredients that vary widely such as green onion, onion, tofu, beef and seafood.

One of our rice is 1/2 full! Wat Da!!

Do compare the food photos published on the deal HERE

Note : Ban Chan is no longer free. You’ll have to order and pay RM7

Jade Dragon Restaurant Sdn Bhd
No. 109-1, Lorong Haruan 5/4,
Oakland Commerce Square,
70300 Seremban,
Negeri Sembilan

Tel : 06-632 9646 (For Reservation)

Business Hours:
Lunch: 11:30am – 3.00pm
Dinner: 5.00pm – 10:30pm
(Open Daily)

Sorry…this will be my last visit!

Food, Friends, Fusion, Halal, Midvalley, Pasta, Pizza, Snack

Lunch @ Delicious, Mid Valley Megamall

April 2, 2012 thammelissa 15 Comments

Often heard about this place. Used to passed by this place. But have not tried their food. When I meet up with both my UNI buddies, Sheima and Susan at Midvalley…Sheima then suggested this place, Delicious..a chain store.

I thought it would be a…good idea!

At Delicious, you may choose to dine indoor or outdoor. Outdoor look more spacious to us, so we decided outdoor. This place seems cozy.

The bright exterior creates beautiful and contrast outcome. I like the way they furnished their restaurant.

Makcit Sheima and her handsome son, Afy reading the ‘no photos attached’ menu. Sheima and I often call each other ‘Makcit’. Because we both are so ‘auntie’. LOL

Their menu is so simple! Just names and prices.

Aglio Olio Spaghettini + Add Seafood = RM24.80

Something light and simple. Prawns were fresh and crunchy. However squids were …hhmmm…’rubbery’! Not recommended.

Napolicious a Creamy Tomato based Spaghettini with ~~Beef Bacon~~ Chicken Strips – RM20.90

Rich in tomato gravy. Serving was quite big too.

Classic Beef Lasagne – RM20.90

Rich flavors, very cheesy and meaty!

Fish & Chips (from Kids Menu) served with Carrot and Cucumber Sticks – RM12.90

Crispy Fried Mushroom – RM13.90

I was tempted by the long list desserts printed on the menu. Hardly decide one. If only I could order more. Unfortunately, a wrong choice was made! *sigh.

Berrilicious Chocolate Pavlova – RM13.90 Not recommended.

Appearance can deceive. Looks pretty..but tasted below average. All I could taste was just the rocky, thick and airy meringue topped with thick cream. Moreover strawberries are so sour =_=

Both Sheima and Susan are my good friends during UNI days. We took the same course, went to class together, joke together. Moreover Sheima was also my roommate. Both of them are now blessed with 2 kids. Had a great time with them. It was nice to hear from them. Knowing that they are now doing well. Though we hardly meet or talk these days…but we still put an effort to meet. Well its the heart that counts.

Afy is so leng cai…Ya..obviously he knew the camera was onto him =p

Food : 6/10 (good presentation..but some food are just average)

Price : 5/10

Ambiance : 7/10

Delicious

Lot G(E)-011 & G-001, Ground Floor, Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.
T: 603 2287 5770 F: 603 2287 8670

Website

birthday, celebration, Family, Fast Food, Food, Halal, Seremban

We celebrated Vernice’s Birthday @The Manhattan Fish Market, Seremban

March 27, 2012 thammelissa 13 Comments

It was Vernice, my beloved niece’s birthday.

Vernice turns 3 on 25th of March.

Her mom, my sis decided to celebrate Vernice’s birthday at The Manhattan Fish Market, Seremban. The Manhattan Fish Market is currently offering great savings set meals called “Greatest Hits From the Ocean” starts from 1st March to 29th April 2012.

We chose ‘Chart Highlight’.

With every purchase of “Greatest Hits From the Ocean” , you are entitle to purchase these starters (shown above) with a discount of 50%.

We decided to get 1 Fried Country Mushroom. Crispy battered button mushrooms served with Cajun Honey Mustard.

We also add on Cream of Mushroom Soup.

‘Chart Highlight’ comprised of 1 Caeser Salad

1 Grilled Catch of the Day – Dory (Light)

1 Small Grill (Flaming prawns served with grilled squids, fish fillet, Chips, garlic herb rice with broccoli and carrots on the side )

1 Giant Fried Platter (Chips, fried fish nuggets, shrimps, calamari, fried country mushrooms, embedded with garlic herb rice)

See how my niece pose (ok la…I admit..she learnt from me..the poser yiyi)

Some said their standard of quality has deteriorate. However the food I had that day were all good. The seafood were quite fresh, especially the prawns. I specifically love the flavorful Garlic Herb Rice very much.

MFM Jusco Seremban 2

Jusco Seremban 2, Shopping Centre

No G.41 Ground Floor

112, Persiaran S2B1

Seremban 2

70300 Seremban

Tel/ Fax : +606-6011707

Business Hours : 11am – 10pm

Website

Sis ordered a beautiful set of cupcakes for Vernice. One of her favorite cartoon character, Angry Birds! The thoughtful baker was creative to make them sort of more girlish after she knew its an order for a GIRL.

Details are so neat. The chocolate flavor cupcakes were moist and the fondant was not too sweet either. Check out her FB page (Thecupcakelicious – Couture Cakes & Gifts). Her name is Leni…..a very pretty baker.

Ello piggy~~~~

Yeah…HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Clapssssss….

Vernice : Hmm…let me rip off this angry bird. Chomp…Chomp…Chomp…

Happy Birthday Vernice! ♥♥♥ you!!!

Better be a good gal ya…& don’t kek sei your mummy =p

Food, Friends, Halal, Kuala Lumpur, Nyonya

Dinner @1919 Restaurant & Gallery, KL

March 22, 2012 thammelissa 20 Comments

Filled my day with outings and food.

First half of the day, gathered with my gfs.

Then the other half of the day, gathered with UNI friends.

Live Life to the Fullest

Located in the busy city of Kuala Lumpur, Jamie recommended us to this place – Restaurant 1919, for dinner.

Restaurant 1919 occupying this bungalow unit along the busy road. Its newly open here in KL. I googled for Restaurant 1919 and discovered that its originally from Ipoh, existed years ago.

The Interior. How do you like about their arrangement of tables and chairs.

It was a rainy evening. I then settled myself on their rattan sofa. While waiting for my friends to arrive, I was served with hot tea.

*good hospitality*

*Alex pura-pura reading travel magazine* =p

Jamie made a reservation and this was where all 16 of us sat.

Really tough huh?? Had a hard time selecting the food. Can’t decide? Get some recommendation from their waiter.

Deep Fried Eggplant – RM11.90 (S)

A good choice of appetizer. Deep fried eggplant or the locals usually call it ‘brinjal’. Its like a concoction between tempura and french fries. *crispy*

Stir-Fry Spinach with Garlic – RM12.90 (S)

Salted Egg Chicken – RM37.90 (L)

The deep fried chicken coated with salted egg was so good. The outer part is so crispy and has an equal coating of salted egg yolk on each piece of chicken.

Mango Kerabu – RM18.90 (S)

This Mango kerabu serving is quite special. It comes in a deep fried yam ring. The mango is crunchy but not too sour. I would say its an appetizing dish. Moreover the yam is well mashed before its deep fried till golden brown.

Indonesian Style Spicy Prawns – RM73.80 (S) seasonal price

Another well recommended dish. The prawns that we gotten here are so fresh and succulent. A lil spicy, Indonesian style of cooking method …not just prawns but were cooked together with some lady’s fingers.

1919 Tofu – RM23.90

You may mistakenly interpret this as steam egg. Because their tofu or beancurd is so smooth. Cooked in light braised sauce.

Free Shanghai Pancake from 1919

A group photo of us at 1919

We then continued with ‘yum cha’ session at Overtime, Jalan Genting Klang =p And I returned home at 2am looking just like zombie. =_=

That’s all….my call it a day!

Food : The food may look simple..but they all tasted good. Quite close to home-cooked food.

Ambiance : 8/10

Price : 6/10

I found this deal, and I thought it would be a good chance for you to try the food here.

75% OFF King Sauce Chicken with Onion + Indonesian Style Squid + Seaweed Soup for 2. Pay RM 12.95 instead of RM 26 per person!

1919 Restaurant & Gallery

No. 15A, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
Kuala Lumpur 50450 Malaysia

Tel : 603-2161 9919

Dessert, Food, Friends, Frozen Yogurt, Halal, The Gardens

Moo Cow Frozen Yogurt again…..

March 20, 2012 thammelissa 15 Comments

Having the same thought…..

All 3 of us agreed to Moo Cow Frozen Yogurt for our tea break.

just like this tagline…we are the happy customer with great satisfaction!

These was during month of February. And the seasonal flavor on that particular month was Belgium Chocolate & Strawberry. I’ve tried both flavors days earlier. (both were good) Therefore this round…we decided to go for ORI flavor. The original yogurt flavor with 1 topping (RM9.90). PEACH for myself. BLUEBERRY for Ashley. OREO for Wanyi. Look at the generous amount of topping we were given.

3 beautiful cups of Frozen Yogurt in-line for their photoshoot! ^^