Ms. Jazz Reviews: Hanare @ The Intermark

Hanare in The Intermark was one of the newest Japanese eatery which was much hyped and gushed over by many re-known foodies, they are known for bringing in freshest ingredients directly from the fresh markets in Japan. Despite the worries of radiation infected possibilities, they still insist that their raw food is still directly imported from Japan but gave assurance that any imported food has been certified with clearance letter from both immigration- Japan and Malaysia. And are we assured? Hell no.

Despite it all (u know women being co-related to hypocrite and all) =P, we still ordered sashimi, tataki, and oyster (raw, raw, and raw) and ignored the nagging voice at the back of our mind.

Prices are exorcist. Do not come here without at least RM200 in your pocket (per person). The Zen-like ambiance with soothing brown tone and spacious tables signal quiet and slow dinners.

We started off with ½ dozen of fresh oysters (RM70), Amayzing commented that it is one of the better ones she had in a long time. And I suggest you stick by her words. I’ve ate with her dozens of times and never once she left a restaurant without complaining about the oysters =)

Moriawase (RM160) which Hanare proudly proclaim that it’s imported from Tsukuji fresh market. This is suitable for 2-3 pax and it consist of assorted sashimi such as salmon, tuna belly, scallop, yellowtail, and snapper. I can’t quite say I enjoyed it as much as I wish to, because of that nagging tone behind my head screaming- radiation! Nevertheless to be fair, the raw cut was in thick slices and it tasted rather fresh. I had a good time with my chutoro

Wagyu Tataki (RM95) was lightly seared and mildly marinated. A dish that was simply carried out yet able to create the delightful melting sensation.

Negi Toro (RM95), I cannot justify the price of this dish given that it came with such measly portion, it is after all just tuna sashimi chopped up in small pieces, marinated with their special ingredients, and accompanied by spring onions and wrapped in seaweed. But to give credits, the few components goes really well together, it’s just the price (sigh!)

Shiokara (RM18), squid with was heavily salted; the traditional making of this dish is to fermented it for up to a month, hence creating a rare taste of fishiness that resembles anchovies. This is something different to my food context, and i must say that I quite like it.

On the hot plate, we’ve ordered the Kinoko (RM25) mixed mushroom, and chicken teppanyaki. Both are fairly forgettable.

Nothing spectacular with their Unagi Tamago, Japanese eel wrapped in cooked omelet. But anything to do with eggs, I’m good to go.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyed dish of the night (probably because it’s not raw- i'm not too good with raw food in general) Inaniwa tsuke udon (RM35) was served cold with warm chicken and vegetable broth on the side. The noodles came with wonderful chewy consistency and are slightly soften when being dipped into the warm broth. A perfect marriage of flavor as the broth was light without overpowering the natural taste of the noodles.

For desserts, we had the rice flour dumpling, red bean with green tea ice-cream (RM24)

While I felt that the food in Hanare is somewhat overpriced, with nothing that wowed me thus far, I heard that their champagne brunch is quite a steal – which is only available on Sunday. For RM298++, you enjoyed vast list of buffet items and hear this (its free flow of G.H.Mumm’s Champagne and Hakutsuru Sake all the way). I mean, who’s complaining about the price now, I know I won’t since I can eat all I want, and my friends all know how scary I could get with buffets (Kiasu is my first, middle, and last name). But for non-alcoholic options, RM150++ is all you’ve got to pay.


Considering their ala-carte with limited choices cost around that much, and most items in the menu is offered in the buffet spread, I’d suggest you to consider the buffet instead when dining in Hanare.

Ratings:

Food: 6.5/10

(fresh, uncommon ingredients used. I heard they served fugu here on seasonal basis)

Ambience: 7/10

(suitable for those who looks for a quiet night out)

Service: 7/10

Presentation of food: 6/10

Overall: 6.5/10

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Hanare Japanese Restaurant

Grnd Floor, The Intermark

Jalan Tun Razak, KL

Tel: 03-2164 2133

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Nihon kai @ Jalan Klang Lama

I feel like a foreigner as i descend my steps onto the far far away land namely, Taman Desa. A place i only go to once a year during CNY to visit my friends and coincidentally a couple of them stay around that area. Jalan Klang Lama has a sea of restaurant worth trying, and Nihon Kai is one of them.

Turns out that the restaurant is operated by a friend's relation, so during his birthday, i suggested to buy him dinner there. It helps that he offer to pick me up otherwise i'll be as lost as mary's little lamb.

Nihon Kai is a family friendly japanese restaurant that occupies 2 storey of a corner shop lot, it was hidden from the main road but oh boy, was i surprise with the amount of patrons there despite being a weekday.
The restaurant was packed to its brim, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the pavement, and the very scene continues despite being almost 10pm.  RESERVATION IS A MUST.

Naturally my expectation of the place lifted up by a notch. We were kind enough to be shown into the limited private rooms to ensure a quiet meal. The interior of the restaurant has nothing to brag about, with chinese restaurant resemblance chair, and worn out tables. Nevertheless it was comfortable and you can talk loudly without getting hard stares.

The menu covers a balance range of affordable offerings, with their main focus on bentos and set meals.
Expect to pay RM16-20+ for their set meals, and RM10+ for their lightbites.

Koebi Karaage (RM6) Deep fried shrimp nicely salted that goes well with sake

We strongly recommended the Shake Sashimi Salada (RM15.00) with it is what i suspect to be sesame dressing. The greens were so fresh and crunchy- organic i was told. And the sesame dressing complements perfectly.

Chuka Wakame (RM5). A mixture of cucumber and seaweed, lightly soaked with vinegar

My friend commented that the scrambled egg with rice varieties are quite popular in this restaurant, so i opt for the Torikatsunabe Sashimi. (RM20) A set combination consisting of chicken cutlet with scrambled egg and raw salmon and butterfish slices.

I find the chicken to be slightly in on the sweet side which is not to my preference, but the egg was nicely done, i.e. nice runny texture. The sashimis tasted fresh and i particularly liked the butterfish. All these plus chawanmushi, miso soup, pickled veges only comes up to RM20, what a deal!

Something similar with Rakuzen's Ebiten roll, the tempura ebi was rolled with vinegared sushi rice and fish roe.

Many may call this a super good deal. Imagine various type of sushi, including tuna, salmon, butterfish, octopus, ebi sashimis sitting on a bed of rice, looking pretty..and calling out your name.

All this for only RM26 you've got to be kidding me. But that is exactly what Chirashi Sushi offers. Although the sashimis were not at its highest grade, i'd say its still above average given the affordable pricing

Soft Shell Crab Karaage (RM16) was thinly battered and has a nice crispy texture. It was however quite unmemorable in taste.

Last but not least for desserts, the green tea ice cream. Not a home made version, but it was a refreshing end to a good meal.

Our bill came up to RM100 odds after a good discount

Ratings:

Food: 7/10

(good for the price)

Ambience: 5/10

Service: 6/10

Presentation of food: 6/10

Overall: 6/10

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Nihon Kai

No. 4-2, Jalan Telok Gadong

Off Old Klang Road

KL

Tel: 03-79823668

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Aoyama @ Sri Hartamas

Among many japanese restaurant that resides in Sri Hartamas, which stands out among the crowd?

If you are looking for a place for sake and light bites, look no further than NONBEI (a sister branch to sugimoto) which is frequently filled with japanese expats.

But if you are craving for good fusion japanese cuisine, AOYAMA is just a few footsteps away- and dare i say, that this is one of the better japanese restaurant in Hartamas.

Gone with the old, and in with the new. The restaurant has since renovated and shifted few doors away and is now looking cosy and welcoming with a serene ambiance. Tables were carefully segregate into different sections to accomodate families and those who wishes more privacy.

The menu itself should be a deserving celebration on its own. Seemingly endless, the menu is filled with luscious food pictures with a wide selection of fusion sushis, sashimis & kampachi, and a fair selection of grilled items and noodles. There's so much to eat that we didnt know where to start from. Good thing is, there is heavy usages of my favourite ingredients such as foie gras, truffles and caviar. And for that, i've had my buttock planted firmly on the chair for the night.

It helps that the offerings are affordable, with their sushis ranging at RM20s and their main at a similar price range.

The interplay of soft curtains, and cubicle gives diners a sense of privacy without feeling too uptight.

Kanpachi Carppacio (RM28) is truly a wonder. The yellow tail sashimi salad is drizzled with light dressings and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. We thoroughly enjoyed the melt-in-your mouth texture with the sashimi being very fresh that day and was fighting to secure the pieces in our plates before it was all gone (by the way, there were only two of us, shows how kiasu i am, really)

Another favourite of the night has to be the Salmon truffles tataki (RM28), the salmon was seared very briefly and placed on a bed of sinfully good mashed with truffle oil. It is then drizzled with sweet sauce (which im guessing it's ponzu sauce?)

We ordered just to amuse ourselves the Fuwagua Sushi (RM35) that comes in two pieces.

Thankfully, the simple grilled foie gras complement pretty well with the sushi rice. But there is nothing too exciting about it in taste.

(front- mema-u-maki; back- Crunchy Auomaki) 

There was such generous choices of sushi @ AOYAMA! how can i not love this place?

We ordered this time the mema-u-maki (RM34) and Crunchy Auomaki (RM28)

Mema-u-maki is filled with sea urchins, tempura asparagus, topped with unagi and bamboo shoot and finished with truffle sauce. Dismiss the bamboo shoot which i dislike with a vengeance, it was definitely an above average creation.

My preference would fall on the Crunchy Auomaki, a combination of jelly fish, unagi, soften avocado topped with salmon roe with 3 special sauce.

Special garden salad (RM24) was a recommendation made by one of the servers. A riceless sushi with a mixture of lobster wrapped around with seabass slice, topped with mango, and caviar. Served Cold.

A worthwhile refreshing dish that made me go ga-ga over them.

That's before i decided to stuffed greedily the whole portion into my mouth in one go and have the special sauce squirting out unglamly. I do that sometimes without a male audience. But If with opposite sex presence, i normally eat in bite size pieces, chew delicately and dap my mouth with napkin after each bite. 

(so fake hor? only the girls see my true personality)  =) 

To my defense, my true intention to woofed down the whole piece in one go is because i wanted to have all the flavours in my mouth while i taste the original thoughts behind the creation of this dish.

I can't taste it if i had to eat all the scattered pieces by bites, can i?

Not much desserts to choose from but you'll be satisfied with their home-made ice cream with 4 flavours, we tried 3 of them. (except for green tea flavour)  All has a character of its own, and i must say their XO raisins ice cream came with a strong alkie punch, i can literally drown myself in these. (and hey, im not complaining)

Sesame ice cream is definitely a must order. Packed with heavenly dense sesame flavours with smooth texture. And If you are up for something different, how about their Sea Salt Ice Cream?

My date of the night.

Remember my resolution to lose weight? *ahem* threw outta the window on the 4th day

Thanks for the complimentary ice creams!

Our bill came up to about RM100+ per pax. Pretty reasonable considering we had something similar in YUZU and paid RM300+ per pax for it 

Question: How can a Riceless Sushi be a sushi? If there's no rice, is it still consider a sushi? I'm confusing you, aren't i?

Ratings:

Food: 7.5/10

(many more interesting items worth trying in the menu)

Service: 7/10

(friendly and efficient enough)

Ambience: 6.5/10

(good for friends gatherings, and family dinners)

Presentation of food: 7/10 

Overall: 7/10

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AOYAMA

No. 8 (Grnd Floor)

Jalan 27/70A

Desa Sri Hartamas

50480 KL

Tel: 03-23000683

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Marufuku @ Jaya One

I am glad to have a bunch of food loving friends whom despite not having a flog, loves exploring for new food places, and willing to go to restaurants with an open mind.

Most importantly they don’t mind me talking about food 24/7 (if they want to talk about something else, they’ll just ignore me, haha); neither do they care much of having me slowly finding the right angle for the food photos.

A recent comment however arised from the bunch
“Finally we are dining in a more affordable place”

I looked out the street with guilt. She’s right, the recent places I’ve been bringing my friends to all left us with empty pockets.

So it was perhaps a right move to suggest them to MARUFUKU @ JAYA ONE one night for some udon love affair. Located in an unseeming corner but visible from Brussels Beer Café, next to Frontera , sits this no-frills but clean comfortable Japanese café. Their forte is their freshly made udon by daily, however there are also some decent appetizers and yakitori offerings.
I’ve heard of their sister outlet Sanuki in Taman Bukit Desa, but have never visited the foreign land to indulge, but little bird told me that the udon there is very good too. Seems like they’ve gotten the whole concept right, as expansion is underway and next outlet will be at Taylor’s college, so for those subangers do look out for them in the coming months.

I can see the reasons of their potential success,
1. Japanese food (familiar cuisine to malaysians)
2. Simple, quick-to- prepare dishes is always a plus point for franchise opportunities
3. Cheap! Affordable as Lots of Craving puts it (the cheapest being their house special udon(RM6)
4. Yummy food!
5.Low set up cost

Order Counters for busy days.

Edamame, nicely salted. Can't go wrong with this one

We've had a couple of yakitori which ranges to about RM2-3 per stick, quite affordable: Chicken Skin, Okra, leg and  I Like all things fatty so naturally i had my sight set on the chicken skin which was salted and crispy. (only a bit oily) but not that im complaining.

House Special udon (RM6)- what differentiate this udon from other japanese outlets is the springy and wonderfully chewy texture. Topped with runny egg yolk, and simple splash of spring onion is all it needs. End result of a very refreshing mild tasting udon dish that was an addictive eat.

Curry udon was again unlike other outlets whom like to include a big amount of starchy curry sauce which could be rather overwhelming at times if you have to eat a big bowl of it, but rather the ones here was served with minimal curry sauce enough for you to get a small taste of curry flavour. Again it goes well with the noodles which i believed to be quickly blanched to retain its original texture. 

*correct me if i'm wrong*

Nabeyaki udon- A combination ingredients of shitake mushroom, tofu puff, tempura ebi, beancurd skin and spring onion, the texture of the noodles is softer as a result of cooking it for a longer time. Quite a nice comfort eat.

More chicken skin please? =D now if only they serve ox tongue- i'm so gamed.

Umeshu with soda water (RM12) for two shots.

Our bill came up to RM70+

Ratings:

Food: 7.5/10

(one of the better udon place in town)

Ambience: 5/10

(good for casual hangout, or quick japanese fix)

Service: 7/10

(friendly staff during a quiet night, hope same goes to busy days)

Presentation of food: 6/10

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Marufuku udon

Unit L-18-G-1

Ground Floor, Palm Square

Jaya One

Tel: 03- 79576368

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Santouka Hokkaido Ramen (Singapore)

One of the greater advantage of having friends spread all around the world is that they can recommend you all the good makan places without you having to search high and low for it.

Santouka Ramen is consensus to be one of the best ramen places in Singapore. "as close as you can get to japan" was a comment from SG friend.
Having been to Japan many times now, and lovinggggg their ramen there, there is NO way i can go by Singapore without trying Santouka Ramen. So on the first day in SG, i drag my counterpart for the feast.

Turns out ramen in singapore is very popular, having to passby many japanese restaurants specialized in ramen, i.e. ippudo, sapporo etc etc. Santouka Ramen has several branches spread across town, but the most convenient to us would be the one at The Central, Clarke Quay (not to be mistaken with Orchard Central)

Santouka Ramen in The Central is a humble shop that occupies a prominent location of the shopping mall overlooking the idylic view of Clark Quay. Not a very large seating capacity so you may need to wait for a bit to be seated. The interior is to the bare minimum, but was kept clean ensuring diners a comfortable meal.

The menu was somewhat brief with its main characters being- of course the ramen, there was also minor selections of side orders such as gyoza. One of the most popular choices would be the Tokusen Toroniku Ramen (also known as the pork cheek ramen), the meat texture was so soft and tender. For a moment there, i thought i was in love.

But what also distinguish this popular japanese franchise is really their superior stock. A good broth goes a long way and i believe Santouka Ramen do live up to the name to be the best in town. (not that i would know comparitively since i've only tried this particular one, but it does taste like the best, hehe) Rich, Thick flavours from the stock is so tongue pleasing that it creates a euphoria sensation within me. However, some people may find the soup slightly salty.

Tokusen Toroniku Ramen with Kara Miso Soup Base i.e. spicy miso soup. *Recommended*

Charsiew Kara Miso Ramen

My Justin Bieber wannabe with her Charsiew Miso Ramen. *Recommended*

From what i've heard the SHIO Ramen (Soya Soup base) pales in comparison with the other two types.

The gyoza was decent, but ordinary

I'm addicted to iphone games =D

Ending with a spectacular night view of clarke quay

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Santouka Ramen

6 Eu Tong Sen Street,

#02-76, The Central

Tel: 03-6238 8820

Opens daily from 11am- 9.30pm

Crazieapple Reviews: Kobe Jones (Melbourne)

Kobe Jones is an option of Japanese food if you prefer a more modern take with innovative dishes and unique tastes. The extensive menu offers a wide range of options including a selection of Kobe Jones signature dishes which are an absolute must.

Prepare to salivate as you scroll down: (Don't say i didn't warn you!! hehe)

Sashimi Platter- chef's selection of sashimi inclusive of kingfish, yellow tail, oyster, scallop, salmon, snapper.

This platter of sashimi was fresh and melts in your mouth.. If only it wasn't 64aud, i'd gobble down the entire platter to myself!!! Too Heavenly~~ ♥ ♥ ♥

 

NUMBER ONE SPECIAL- 21aud

two pieces of crab salad with avocado wrapped in kingfish and baked with our secret sauce 

(additional pieces 10.0 each) 

I know, i know.. The price is ridiculous. 10 aud for one fish-ball sized dish?? Who are they kidding?

But the rich creamy special sauce was explosively scrumptious, the ball just burst in your mouth and you jizz in your pants. That's scientifically proven!! I wanna know what's in their DAMN SECRET SAUCE!!!! Better ask Nooei for secret recipe since he used to work there.. =P

Wagyu Tenderloin Tataki - 39aud
seared and chilled, served rare with garlic, ginger and ponzu sauce.

The beef was lightly seared on the outside, left very rare inside, thinly sliced and drizzled with a citrus soy sauce. Texture was perfecto!!! Too Sensational...

Green Tea Salmon (32 aud) 

warmed six hour cold smoked seared smoke salmon, marinated in green tea, served with nori cream and wasabi mash

It was a pretty ordinary dish as the salmon has little (almost none) green tea taste.. but wasabi mash was quite interesting..

Baked Dynamite Scallops- 33aud 

Spicy Hot! Scallops baked on a bed of rice in Kobe Jones secret sauce with fresh chili sauce and sprinkled with tuna flakes

Photos might not do justice to this dish. It look like some messed up pile of crap.. But it's far from the truth.. It was an explosion of flavor, sweet secret sauce with a fiery burst in your mouth. It was flavorful and addictive really..

Spider Roll- 31 aud

Cruncy soft shell crab with avocado, crab salad and cucumber with smelt roe sprinkle

Super California Roll- 27 aud

Tamago, crab salad, avocado and cucumber roll, layered unagi and smell roe

Love their sushi, fresh and rich in flavor. 

It's important how the sauce does not outshine the taste of sushi itself, which is in my opinion, how a good sushi should be. Dont you reckon? I'd be damned to eat a soggy sushi filled with taste of the sauce. It's almost as good as eating soy sauce congee..

Tenderloin Amiyaki grilled ansd sliced, served with wasabi mash, stir fried capsicum and amiyaki sauce.

 The meat is tender and soft, medium cooked. It's almost a perfection until you look at the price- 41aud. FML.. Good things in life do come with extortionate price, dont they?? Paid 41dollars for something that wasn't even a quarter filling..

Next up,

Dynamite Roll- 21aud

Almost similar with the baked dynamite scallop with same sauce plus extra mayo. The sauce was so addictive that the boys took over the leftover sauce for their plain rice..

Happy Belated Birthday Matt!! Happy Sweet 16!! (still 16 after 5 years... -.-)

My gluttony love ♥

Group picture of the satisfied diners 

It's not my first time visiting Kobe Jones. And despite most of the reviews that are not favouring this restaurant, Kobe Jones has never disappointed me before.. Love the ambience, service might not be perfect but it was good. I mean, who wouldn't wanna please a party of 12 with the total bill of up to 1k aud!! haha

Ratings:

Food: 8.5/10

 Ambience: 7/10

Service: 6.5/10

Overall: 8/10

(If you have extra money to splurge at the end of the month, or that extra weight in your wallet is your excess baggage you wanna get rid of, this is the place to go!! hehe)