I think by now you might have realized my overly affection for two things when it comes to eating, western breakfast, and high tea.
The high tea offered by Carcosa Seri Negara has been nagging at the back of my mind for quite awhile now, after few failed attempts to make some last minute reservation, which ended up with disappointment from being fully booked, we tried again to book- this time 2 weeks well-in-advance.
Carcosa Seri Negara has pride itself to serve one of the finesse afternoon teas in KL. The hotel offers afternoon tea in two different mood tone: their indoor atmosphere define an understated elegance complemented with dim lightings, carpeted floorings, and plush maroon colored sofa seat, which is comfortable enough for us to sink into, while indulging in soft conversations. Their outdoor terrace embraces a more casual atmosphere overlooking the greeneries, I was rather taken to the serenity of the environment, with beautiful sounds of birds chirping at the background and English conversations at our neighbor tables, no trace of traffic can be heard. It was definitely a perfect afternoon getaway which explains my reluctant to leave at the end of the session.
The English Afternoon Tea of RM60++ per person was served in a white fine bone china and comprises of the following offerings:
Selection of sandwiches: Smoked Norwegian Salmon Croissant Sandwich, Cream Cheese with cucumber sandwiches, Egg Mayo Sandwiches.
Selection of Pastries: Traditional English Fruitcakes, Apple Crumble, Fresh Fruit Tartlets, Chocolate Brownie, Mango Sorbet, Crème Brule
Also, a choice of warm plain scones or raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jams
Whilst the overall delicacies were rather plain, and forgettable in taste, it was the Mango Sorbet, and Crème Brule that captured my heart. The refreshing Sorbet was served towards the end of the meal that got me melting with happiness.
What were also note-worthy are their oven fresh scones. (I’ve chosen plain ones) Give me a good scone anywhere, and I’m easily swayed. The ones served here was delicious, light fluffy texture inside while retaining the delightful crust on the outside. Arguably the best scones I’ve tried in KL so far. Even Ritz Carlton Lobby Lounge cannot beat this.
Malay Afternoon Tea Set is also available here on Saturday & Sunday. Enjoy Malay delicacies such as Prawn Fritters with Sweet Chilli Sauce, Chicken Satay with Lemongrass, Baked Sweet Potato with Anchovies & Chilli, Caramelized banana with grated coconut, Fresh spring rolls, Mini chicken murtabak, Salmon Cube Pie Tie, Dodol, Malay cake for RM65++ per person. I don’t know about you, but I thought the prices is pretty steep considering you can get these at a local stalls for much more affordable pricing. But hey, you are paying for the environment too, right?
One should be excited when they see new cafes sprouting around town, after all, there isn't many decent ones available, especially one that serves a good breakfast selection and decent coffee.
Antipodean gives us exactly that, a cosy cafe settings that remind us of Australia's. Blackboard were sprawled across the side walls of the cafe, serving the purpose of a menu, as well as a decor. Much to my delight, a whole list of breakfast items were available, and if they serve PORK bacon (yessss they do!), and all day breakfast (yesss they do too!), i'm SOLD. Scrolling down the menu on the board with alarming speed -i'm well trained like that. I was somewhat dissapointed that eggs benedict/ egg florentine wasn't one in the menu. There wasn't even a choice of poached/ scrambled for your big breakfast, how is that possible? i wish the owner who reads this re-consider to put it in! Trust me, all the breakfast lover would be thrilled!
Truth is, i was a bit hesitant to write this, fearful that if people discover this place, it will be swamped with people, and i end up not able to enjoy my peaceful sunday breakfast day here. But then i thought, heck with it, i'm sure word of mouth gets around faster than my measly little blog. And if eatdrinkkl wrote about it, there's really no hiding. :(
So among all the offerings of what sounds like a delicious set of menu, we opted for Pumpkin & Corn Fritter with Bacon (Pork Bacon yessssss!) for RM15. I had my expectations with Corn Fritter, Especially when you tried the ones in Mart130, Melbourne. You don't go for the secondary.
The version here tasted a bit odd to me, It was served in a soft texture filled with what i suspect an egg mixture and corn kernels with a mild taste of indian spices. It doesn't come with relish like the ones i was accustom to, and it was a bit dry. All in all, i didnt quite like it
Open shredded chicken sandwich (RM16) , sour dough topped with a bed of rocket leaves and a generous amount of shredded lean meat and drizzle with mayo-like sauce. Simple comfort food, but the chicken lacks seasoning, and the sauce fail to uplift the flavours.
Both dishes standard may not be up-to-par but i must add i'll still be back to try if not all, most of their items in the menu. i mean how can you resist banana pancake with butterscotch (RM14) Big Breakfast (RM18), or French Toast with bacon and maple syrup (RM18)?
Antipodean places a strong emphasis of their coffee, using quality coffee bean from Indonesia , i've given their Cappuccino a try, it has a strong bitter lingering taste, but lacks the luscious coffee scent i look for, but gratefully, the foaming was perfectly done.
Last weekend, i made a visit to Melaka. My sister has just been sent by the government to Melaka to continue her practice as a general practitioner. She'll be there for awhile, hence the perfect opportunity for me to hangout over the weekend. Who knows, maybe it will be my third home =)
So do look out for Augustdiners as i share more of my experiences in Melaka in the near future.
What We Ate....
Hing Loong Taiwanese Noodles
11-J, Jalan Bachang, 75350, Melaka
Tel: 06-2842529
Opening hours: 7.30am- 6.00pm (Closed every 2th week and 4th week of Thursday)
I've always had a thing for Beef Noodles, Especially taiwanese spicy braised version's. When i knew we were stopping by to sample some apparent famous taiwanese noodles, i was thrilled!
We ordered the porkribs dry noodles and braised beef soup noodles. Out came some piping hot noodles, the colour and scent that looked promising.
The Noodles resembles closely to the pan mee texture, only this is softer. The beef broth is thick consomme which was filled with flavours, however i wasn't particularly impressed with the overall taste. Let's just say i've had better ones in Taiwan!
Hing Loong's pork rib noodles were also well received, and according to my sister, it is worth trying. So will this be my next agenda in Hing Loong? Let's See.