HELLLLOOOOOOO!!!! *waves* Does anyone still remember me and my (non-) existence?? hehe

Sorry.. was having A BIT of a writer's block.. Thus the hiatus.. *sheepish grin* You must be rolling your eyes, murmuring: "Yeah right.. What's new.. What bs".. 

I'm back with super backdated review, as far back as 14th Feb...

Being the only unattached ones left in my group of friends, we've decided to have a foursome dinner on Valentines day at Cilantro. It was definitely unusual because the attendant to my phone reservation had to repeat after me "Table for 4" several times before he confirmed my booking. 

Excuse me Mister, we like it crowded okay? =P

Greeted with assorted pastries and truffle butter.. Oh yumz.. Can i have a spoon to scope those butter into my mouth pls?? I'm a BIG FAT sucker for anything truffle.. Anything with the T word, i'm sold..

Had the tv playing some cooking show at the background while doing some other work the other day, as soon as Jamie Oliver mentioned the word Truffle, i looked up from my work and went "OooooOooooOO.. truffle.. *sniffles the air*"  :xwhatevah:  

Complimentary from the kitchen

Cold Capellini with King Crab and Tomato Coulis. 
I love the combination of the entire cold dish- how succulent the chilled king crab brings out the sweetness and freshness of the dish. I must comment on how brilliant the tomato coulis is done just so that it doesn't overpower the entire dish with merely tomato taste. Oh, not to mention the sprinkle of caviar.. 

Tip no.2 on how to bribe Crazieapple's tastebud: DROWN HER WITH CAVIARS!!!

Hokki and Scallop with Jus. 
Hokki is also know as surf clam; we voted this as our best dish for the night.. It's the most maddeningly delicious dish for the entire course, i would claim!! 
  Bresse Pigeon Salad

Almost forgettable dish as the meat was dry and uneventful. Not a big fan of walnut (or any kind of nuts) in my dish.. MOST Definitely not a grass-eater as well.. *Screams "MEATTT!!"*

Wagyu Beef Rossini

Being a well-trained monster eater from overseas,  this tiny toy was a mere appetizer to my stomach.. I've definitely had better wagyu than this and i've swore foie gras off my eating list after watching this cruel video of how they stuffed poor goose to death so that we'll get good fatty foie gras.. =( So i didn't manage to enjoy my main as much as i would like to. Credits to those smooth silky mash. But then again, how wrong can you really go with your mash??   :xwhatevah:

Maine lobster with Japanese Sole

Mel, Crazieapple, Elyn

Who's the lucky guy?  :xlaughing:

Please excuse my friend as he develops a weird habit of stuffing everything rod-like into his mouth.. haha 
I KID!!

Thanks for the dinner DBB!! 

Raspberry Granite with Mascarpone Ice cream

Three types of Chocolate

Dark chocolate being my favourite, the other chocolates were nothing to scream for except "Serviettes PLEASEEE"! They were melting by the time they were being served to us!!! Bless our Msia weather..
Our magnum- sized wine which we were having a difficult time finishing as i wasn't allowed to drink too much as i was working as driver round the clock.. =(

My overall dining experience at Cilantro was rather disappointing. Probably due to the fact that it's valentine's day. You're meant to eat overate, poorly prepared food just because you have to... My indulgence for the dinner basically ended at course number 2 (Hokki and Scallop), everything after that just sort of went down to the drain.. And really, being called Cilantro, one would expect a more spectacular dinner than this.

I'd definitely like to give it another try on a normal operating day.. Hmmm.. Are they still serving the cod's sperm??  :xlaughing:  

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?




All in all a very enjoyable afternoon with my lovely companion. Although the English delicacies failed to Impress me by a big notch, like I said- if the scones are good, I’m a happy woman. Come with such beautiful environment, I’ll definitely be back for more.

Ratings:

Food: 7/10
(p.s. if you are wondering, you can share for the set! Say if 4 people come don't go order 4 sets as it can be pretty filling!)

Service: 8.5/10
(attentive and polite)

Ambience: 9/10
(i love love love this place, perfect for a getaway)

Presentation of food: 7/10

Overall ratings: 8/10

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Carcosa Seri Negara
Jalan Kebun Bunga
50480 Kuala Lumpur,

Tel: 03-2295-0888
Reservation is mandatory as they are often booked up for functions and weddings.

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.

Potato Salad on the side

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.  


Antipodean Cafe
20, Jalan Telawi 2,
Bangsar, KL
Tel: 03-22820411
Open 8am- 10pm on all days

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!


A quick google search however shows me that they have branches spreadout across Malaysia. There's even one near my very doorstep- damansara utama, haha.. like seriously??

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.





Overall rating: 6/10
Revisit? Maybe

Bukit Cina Soya Bean House
29, Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/17,
Taman Kota Laksamana
Seksyen 2, Batang Melaka
Tel: 016-6639993

Opening hours: Mon- Sun 10.30am- 6.00pm

The once humble shop from 3rd generation ago now turns into a heritage recipe, their specialty is everything made of soya bean and the menu is seemingly endless with drinks and desserts. They've also thoughtfully include some local dishes such as rendang, sambal prawn rice for those who wishes to have a proper full course meal there. 

We only went for the basic orders such as soya milk cham Taufu Fa, and the Sesame Taufu Fa. Pretty decent desserts, but if you feeling adventurous, i spied something call the "sambal taufu fa" *shudders at the thought*

I don't know about you, but it was unsightly to see ice cubes in your beancurd with you ask for "cold" version.
I've ordered an egg to mix with the Soya Milk and Taufu Fa. Tasted a bit like the hk dessert - 燉蛋



Rating: 5.5/10
Revisit? Maybe. Only when soya craving hits.

Seafood at Melaka Portugese Settlement
Ujong Pasir
GPS coordinates: N02 10.976, E102 16.011 (you'll need it, it's a little tricky to find as it's in the inner kampung)
A tourist trap, as i call it. Many has written about their cheap seafood. And indeed it was cheap. But does the taste justify?
There's about 10 stalls in total overlooking the malacca straits, and a local portugese friend told us to check out the first and last stall, as they are the most decent ones.Sure enough, Stall no. 1 named "SEA TERRACE" is already filled with diners while the rest of the stalls were relatively empty.
Turns out a dissapointment. Most of the things we ordered were not satisfactory, but what's worth recommending would be their otak-otak and portugese style baked fish.
Our bill came up to RM70+, what can i say- cheap, cheap and cheap. But be picky with things you ordered. The Mee Goreng was just a failure.com.my

Not with the Sea Terrace but a small stall located by the side, the seafood is grill-to-order. just take a pick on the selection of seafood (which is fresh and very much alive by the way) and i emphasize this because i kept on asking her whether it's fresh and she got really annoyed and exclaim "can't you see it's moving still, stop asking me!?" oops.

I dont know about you, but i felt grilled seahum (sea cockles) were not the best way to enjoy the delicacies, as it loses its moisture and turned out dried and wrinkled.

Apparently famous for their deep fried squid ring, we opted for the sambal squid instead.
Paste was too concentrate, end up tasting nothing but spiciness

Deep Fried Terung (Eggplant), taste about as unmemorable as its name
Flesh turns out deliciously tender and with the right balance of sauce that compliment the overall dish.

This version differs from the version we often have, and many people used to compare them with muar's which was unjustly as both cooking style are very different. The Portugese Style otak otak has its own distinct flavour, and i enjoyed having them

We had a competition whereby who ate the most cockles wins and loser has to buy DINNER and DRINKS SESSION later.
I forked the bill in the end, but the winner ended up with some pretty nasty tummyache (serve him right for maximizing the situation during drink session and left me with a sore wallet)
HAHA. im evil like that.

Overall: 5.5/10
7/10 for the fish and otak-otak
Revisit? No.
By the way, if you are keen, the portugese settlement holds a yearly "June Festival" where the settlers will perform their folks songs while dressed in colourful costumes.
Jonker 88
88, Jalan Hang Jebat
Opening hours: Daily- 10.00am- 6.00pm
                           Saturday 10am- 10pm
Tel: 019-3975665 / 019-2517667/ 019-6695959

As famous as Jonker Street is, and the fact it was lined up with heaps of eateries mainly focusing on nyonya cuisines, Jonker 88 manage stands out among all, and it was always filled with people (majority tourist) i was told that the locals will not eat here. Their "famous" dishes are cendol, asam laksa, and nyonya baba laksa.

Naturally, i went with all three, with the highest expectation for the Cendol, as the pictures on the web looks wickedly promising.

With its highest expectation came the highest dissapointment. Am i the only one who thinks that this cendol barely made the mark? The gula melaka which was salivating in visuals, lacks fragrant and fail to become the main ingredient to bring up this whole dish, then i look in hope for its support- the cendol, which i was hoping to be the plump short ones with nice texture, instead i'm getting those long limpy ones found anywhere. (but that's just self preference)

Assam laksa, Curry Laksa, and Dry Curry Laksa has gotten nods of approval and smile of satisfaction.

Interior that reminisces old times, with antique decors and chinese calligraphy.


Dry Curry Chicken Laksa which Mr. S almost gotten a second helping

You'll enjoy this if you prefer laksa with coconut gravy versions.

Assam Laksa has the right balance of spicyness and tangyness (is there such word?), served with fried beancurd sheet, which surprisingly went pretty well together, i asked for extras.

Assorted fish cakes

My durian Cendol- The colour of gula melaka was tantalizing, and that's where it all ends.
The search for the best cendol in melaka must go on.




High tea @ Majestic Hotel
188, Jalan Bunga Raya,
Melaka 75100
Tel: 06-2898000
Opening Hours: Daily 3.00pm- 6.00pm

Who goes high tea in melaka? You ask?
Well.. people who get sick of being under the heat all day long. KL is hot, but Melaka is STUFFY hot.
For RM48++ per person, you get a selection of savoury sandwiches, an assortment of cakes and pastries, freshly baked english scones with a choice of coffee and tea. We chose the Mango flavoured and Passion Fruit. Both tea was nicely fragrant.

The afternoon tea set however turns to a dissapointment, the "delicacies" presented was rough. The top tier was a selection of nyonya kuihs, middle tier comes with 2 types of dried out sandwiches, and must i add (no i mustn't) it was the weakest tasting sandwiches i've had in a long long time. Scones thankfully manage to save what could turn out to be a castrophic high tea. Nice firm texture yet delightfully moist, always can't go wrong with clotted cream and strawberry jam. On the side, we were also served two medium sized chicken pie which was thoughtfully warm, but again, it didnt quite meet our mark.




Overall: 4/10
Revisit: No.
(my suggestion is for you to brace the scorching sun instead)

Restoran Pak Putra

Famous for its Tandoori chicken, and recommended strongly by a friend who claim boldly that this is the BEST and nothing else matters.
My verdict matches his exactly. Among all tandoori i've tried, this is by far the best- the chicken was so wonderfully flavoured and the meat texture is absolutely tender. Just close your eyes and devour the juicyness of the chicken, almost asif dancing within your mouth. The mint sauce by the side combines perfectly if you want some extra zing to this delicious find.

If you prefer soft naan's, you might enjoy the ones serve here, however i always prefered crispier versions. But this is entirely with self preference


Palak Paneer - Spinach with cottage cheese.



Overall rating: 7/10
Tandoori chicken rating: 9.5/10
Revisit: YESSSSSSSSS

Orang Belanda Cafe
32, Heeren Street (Tun Tan Cheng Lock)
Tel: 014-9283830

A cosy little cafe just off the busy buzz of Jonker Street serving simple traditional french dishes. Husband is a Dutch hence the name "Belanda - dutchman in french" 
I've only tried their savoury pancake through recommendation of the sister. She enjoys coming in with a book and spend many undisturb hours relaxing with a cup of french coffee.
The thing about these pancakes, however, was not cheap. If i'm not mistaken, each portion amounts to approximate RM15. But to be fair, their pancakes were pretty nice 

My choice with combinaation of bacon slices, mushroom, cheese and cream seasoned with pepper.

Mixed seafood with cheese and cream wasnt as nice in comparison

Top: French Coffee consisiting of 80% milk and 20% Coffee
Bottom: Hot Chocolate

Me and Mr. Moo.

Rating for Pancake: 6.5/10
Revisit: Maybe

Donald and Lily's
Off Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (near Kota Laksamana carpark)
75200 Melaka
Opening hours: All days except mondays (9.30am- 4pm)
GPS coordinate: N2 11.662 E102 14.812


Their specialty being Nyonya Curry Laksa , and Mee Siam

The Nyonya Curry Laksa is absolutely to die for. Do not go to Melaka without eating this. It's that good. The main instigator would be the rich curry gravy which was, *smacks lips* Perfecto. Enough said. You've got to try it to KNOW it. 


Ratings for Nyonya Laksa: 8/10
Revisit: YES!

Nadeje Mille Crepe
Flagship store: G-23 & 25, Jalan PM 4, Plaza Mahkota, 75000, Melaka
Tel: 06-2838750
Other Outlet: Dataran Pahlawan
Opening hours: 11am- 10pm

This has got to be my new favourite dessert place. Don't go home to wherever you are from without tasting Nadeje Mille Crepe, it's absolutely HEAVENLY AND CREAMY! I couldn't put it in my mouth fast enough.They offered many flavours and each piece cost around RM8-10. The original flavour is among the most popular, but also do look out for Mango Yogurt, and Chocolate Banana. I'm still craving them as i speak!
Freshly made everyday, the mille crepe can only be kept up to 2 days, and will melt under heat within 2 hours, so for those who wishes to takeaway, a cooler bag can be purchase there for RM5.  

Original flavoured
Did I mention to you that it was absolutely divine, every bite is orgasmic

Chocolate Banana

Mango yogurt

Overall Rating for Mille Crepe: 9/10
Revisit: ABSOLUTELY!

All these accomplished within one and a half day, mostly between two of us, you REALLY got to give us a pat on the back! hehe.
Hopefully this guide will be useful to you, shall update more Melakan food next month! So keep tuned! 

Ending with a Customary picture in Jonker Street. Yums yums!

Oh by the way, in case you are wondering, where is the Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Balls/ Capitol Satay Celup, i've decided not to try them for now- since the queue is forever long, and i was just too lazy to do any lining up. =)

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