Mukha @ TTDI

Mukha in panaroma

Mukha has a mix of Arabian and Western influence judging by the menu and deco but whatever influence it has, the equation brings the answer to = simply comfort food.


Wake up to a cuppa Latte - RM7

After our first experience of sitting by the bar counter at Yeast, we didn't mind doing it the second time here though it wasn't as interesting as the first because the kitchen is... in the kitchen. We did have a good view of the barista at work. The coffee did not disappoint and I was very delighted as it was a big cuppa too.


Asparagus wrap - RM13

I settled for the asparagus wrap as anything with poached eggs and bacon (halal - so it's beef) will never fail to catch my eyes when it comes to breakfast. 2 perfect poached eggs and asparagus wrapped in beef bacon, nothing mind blowing but surely comforting.


Choc banana French toast - RM15

The most successful (food) marriage in any country and culture - banana and chocolate (Nutella in this case)... kids will love this, but adults will love it more as it is childhood comfort food once more.


Winning combo of Nutella and banana

Our inner child wanted more of Nutella and the serving staff quickly abides. Yums!


Menu on the board and barista at work


Coffee. The universal legal caffeine.

I love how the KL & PJ scene is quickly mushrooming with these indie joints that serves good coffee, comfort food and a cozy environment.



Mukha
15, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-77322248
Website: http://www.mukha.com.my/home/about-us/


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]

pH Pastryhouse @ Lakefields, Sg Besi

pH Pastry House

A soon-to-be neighborhood to watch out for is Lakefield @ Sg Besi where a township of lakeside living is being built and will be the home to many middle to upper class in the future. pH Pastry House was established in Jln Imbi before this, but it was torn down to make way for the MRT. It has since relocated to Lakefield.


Mushroom soup - RM9.90


Seafood chowder - RM9.90

I've never been to the Imbi establishment, but have read about the good things especially its affordability. The soups proved the point - hearty, comforting and easy on the wallet (anything under RM10 is a steal these days!).


Soft shell crab salad - RM12.90


Duck confit with plum chutney sauce - RM20.90


Beef Wellington - RM42.90

Another appetizer we shared was the soft shell crab salad. 2 breaded pieces of soft shell crab served with spicy marinara sauce and lemon butter sauce - doesn't shout amazing but the affordability was something.

For mains, we had the duck confit and beef Wellington. The duck confit fell short of expectations being a little dry and not too tender, perhaps should have opted the pastas instead. The beef Wellington was pretty good, 200g of well seasoned tenderloin beef with the right doneness, stuffed with mushroom and spinach, enveloped in a fluffy puff pastry. It is hard to find Beef Wellington on restaurant menus, we had our first taste of this English dish at Smokehouse, Cameron Highlands. Now at least we know where we could get a fix in case of a 'Beef-Wellington-cravings'.


Delectable desserts



Being a pastry house, there are also cakes, desserts and bread available.



pH Pastry House
1, Jalan Tasik Utama 3,
Lakefield Sg Besi,
57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-90548339
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pastryhousekl


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]

CNY Dinners #2 @ Sek Yuan Restaurant, Pudu

Yee Sang

Sek Yuan Restaurant in Pudu has been in existence for almost 5 decades (and still counting!). It is a well-known landmark and is on the list of a must-visit where you get to enjoy Chinese dishes (famously known to be cooked using charcoal) and enjoy the ambiance of yesteryears. It has been quite some years since I had a meal at Sek Yuan, and I still remember seeing all the waiter and waitresses where no one is below at least 60 years old!


Four Seasons Cold Platter


Suckling pig


Crabmeat egg with fresh crisp lettuce


Stuffed treasure duck


Waxed meat glutinous rice

We made reservations for a CNY dinner with some friends at Sek Yuan this year. All the dishes fared very well with exception of the fish which unfortunately was sent back to the kitchen (and never returned, but we got it off the bill) due to unacceptable smelly-fish smell and taste. Portions are generous even with 12 of us, there was still "ta-pau" takeaway. Corkage is free.




Sek Yuan Restaurant
315, Jalan Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-92220903


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]

Ril's Steakhouse @ Jln Tun HS Lee

Ril's dining setting

Winner of the Time Out KL Food Awards for the category of 'Best for Meat' instantly upgrades Ril's from a previously unknown hidden steakhouse housed in a pre-war upper shoplot along Jalan Tun HS Lee (just about a stone's throw from Petaling Street). The ground floor is set up as an art gallery and cafe (The Last Polka ice cream is available here). From the ground floor, a black metal (very) steep staircase leads you to Ril's. If you've read it elsewhere to be cautious of the staircase, I'd like to repeat the same warning too... ladies, do not attempt to wear your 4-inch stilletos.


Assorted butter to go with your bread


Lobster bisque - RM28


Tuna tartare - RM28
Finely chopped raw tuna with spicy marinated onions, served with dragonfruit compote and ginger soy vinaigrette


Green goddess - RM22
Crisp baby romaine hearts served with a tangy and delicious anchovy-tarragon dressing


Tuna tataki - RM28
Slices of seared tuna with a velvety rich butter and soy reduction, served with candied cinammon apple and a ginger chilli jam


Mac and cheese with truffled oil - RM28


Wagyu rib-eye (300g) - RM168


Mmmmmm.....


Rib-eye (ladies portion - 300g) - RM72

We've visited Ril's twice - thanks to 50% off cash vouchers sold off on Livingsocial (though I have a very bad experience with the Gaucho Grill vouchers bought - outlet closed down but refusal of a refund, but that's another story altogether).

Most of the appetizers and salads are priced about RM22 - RM30, while steaks start at RM76 with sides costing at least RM10, other non-steak mains ranging between RM28 - RM72 and desserts at RM16 - RM26. The appetizers were ok - not great. Amongst the few selections of appetizers we sampled, I would recommend the lobster bisque, though at RM28, it's not exactly the most affordable! Mac and cheese was good, portion just right to let you some room to 'steal' some meat from others. The wagyu rib-eye is perhaps the most expensive item on the menu and made affordable with the 50% off voucher but still not without making a dent in the wallet. We requested it for medium-rare and it was just a heavenly piece of beef... a little fat fringing the meat offering a melt-in-your-mouth ecstatic-ism. On my second visit, I tried the rib-eye (without the wagyu word - costing less than half the price!), had it done medium but disappointed it came out raw-ish since it was a thick cut and after it returned again from the kitchen, the juice was lost.

Would love to see Ril live up to its name of 'Best for Meat' in KL, but consistency needs to be a focus and perhaps we will return when those 50% off vouchers are available again, else this would go to 'The List of Places to Dine When There's Spare Cash or Special Occasions'.



Ril's @ The Warehouse
198, Jln Tun HS Lee,
50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-20220528
Biz hours: 10.00am - 1.00am, closed on Mondays
Website: http://www.thewarehouse.com.my/rils-steakhouse/restaurant/
View Ril's menu


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.] 

BBQ Thai @ Old Klang Road

 
BBQ Thai - little huts, interesting seating concept

We stumbled upon this Thai eatery when we were over at their neighbor steamboat restaurant (Coco Steamboat - another post for another day). The catchy 'signboard' interestingly made from a plastic water container and brightly lit caught our attention to make sure we check it out soon.

I search through the internet for some or any reviews and was surprised to see the interesting seating concept. Instead of open air dining on communal tables or the usual round plastic tables, the dining area was split into multiple little huts, each fitting from 10 to 20 pax. The planks that make up the huts are salvaged from boats (it's becoming quite a trend). Communal dining under the stars is available too.


Paku pakis - RM13


Seafood tom yum (small) - RM20


Thai deep fried platter (4 x fish cakes, shrimp cakes, pandan chicken, mango kerabu) - RM48

I concur with what has been blogged / reviewed about this place. Food is so-so, nothing spectacular though the tom yum was commendable as it's not diluted but very spicy! In my opinion, prices are steep considering these are just normal dai chow style Thai food. 


BBQ Thai
17, Lorong Jugra,
Off Batu 3 1/3,
Jalan Klang Lama,
58000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-79819888
Website: www.bbqthai.com.my



* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]

Doraku @ KL Life Center

After a (pretty) long hiatus, I'm reviving the food blog once more. I did initially thought of retiring from blogging but as they say, "never say never". January 20th, perhaps a good day and date to put up my first post for the year.


Agedashi Tofu - RM18

Since the inception and launch of group-buying sites like Groupon, Living Social, Dealmates, etc. in the online-sphere, I've unashamedly became one of 'em who downloads all the apps and check on the latest deals everyday! However, I must say some of the deals especially F&B are pretty good buys, like this 50% off cash vouchers for Doraku from Living Social.

Ahi Hawaiian Poke - RM36

Fresh Ahi tuna, sweet onion, seaweed mix and nuts, marinated in Doraku special sauce (sesame-ish)

A quick search on Doraku revealed that it's a modern Japanese-American concept. Founded by Kevin Aoki (doesn't the 'Aoki' family name rings a bell? Steve Aoki - the house musician or Devon Aoki - the Hollywood actress, they're all siblings). Anyway, with all the famous connections and 50% vouchers, we hit Doraku for dinner! 

Sashimi Moriawase - RM55
4 slices of 4 variants of maguro, shiba saba, tako, hotate

 
Sirloin Garlic Steak - RM48
200g grilled sirloin with ginger garlic sauce


Emperor Roll - RM38
Tuna, salmon, crab, shrimp & avocado rolled then crusted in Panko breadcrumbs and then flash fried served over a bed of greens and tempura sweet onion finished with special Aioli sauce


Doraku Roll - RM30
Crabmeat and avocado roll topped with seared tuna, Daikon radish, Shiso leaf and crispy garlic chips, finished with special Wasabi Yuzu Citrus sauce


Sweet Philly Roll - RM45
Marinated salmon, cream cheese and avocado laced with deep fried sweet potato strings and finished with eel sauce

Doraku reminds me of Sushi Groove (if you remember, later became Tokyo G) where you will find the menu is focused on creative and fusion rolls. Ingredients are fresh but unfortunately not everything was mind blowing - we love the Ahi Hawaiian Poke, the sesame-ish flavour sauce complimented the cold dish with thick generous cuts of Ahi tuna. The other favourite was the Sweet Philly Roll - I love the deep fried sweet potato strings, so crispy and addictive! The sashimi was fresh but the restaurant seemed to run out of salmon, so maybe that's why we got the cured mackerel which normally doesn't appear in sashimi platters? The rest fared in between ok and so-so. I expected more from the Emperor and Doraku Roll but they didn't impress much.

With half price vouchers, it's well worth. At full price, I would have expected more.



Doraku Sushi & Sake Bar
Mezzanine Floor, Life Center,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-21814828


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.

Sunday Buffet Brunch @ Acme Bar & Coffee

Acme Bar & Coffee

On my birthday a month ago, my sister suggested to celebrate it with a Sunday brunch at Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC) @ The Troika. For those unaware of where The Troika is, it's a new luxury condo located in the heart of KL with KLCC as its neighbour - how awesome is that. Needless to say, one can expect high standards and quality if any retail or eateries open at that location.


The array of salads

The setting of the outlet is simple yet brilliant. Instead of plain solid walls, the area overlooking outside of the building is surrounded by glass for sunshine (feng shui says sunshine is good chi), laminated wooden floor, comfortable furnitures and space for people to enjoy their meals with a good catching up session.


Smoked duck pizza and selections from the sea - mussels with chilli pesto, smoked salmon potato fritters, fresh prawns with dips


Poultry carving section - roasted spring chicken, roast leg of lamb, roast beef, salt baked fish


Desserts corner - Apricot bread & butter pudding, profiteroles, christmas fruit cake, opera cake, churros with choc sauce, sago gula melaka


Prawn bisque and mussels

The buffet is segregated into a few sections, an array of almost 10 types of salads / small chomps, the poultry carving section where roast beef, lamb, spring chicken and salt baked fish is dished out freshly from the oven, a few other trays of mains like pasta, fish, and chicken, and at the bar area lies the desserts section.

Overall, I think we all enjoyed the array of salads, my favourite being the grilled zucchini and eggplant salad, the prawn bisque is served warm and individual, and the mussels, prawns, salt baked fish, roast lamb and beef are delicious too!

My only grudge is the desserts selection which we all agreed is too limited and not exactly people's favourite type of desserts - we ended up only enjoying the churros and ice cream which was individually served as well.


Clos du Caillou 2009

The Sunday brunch buffet is priced at RM89++ per pax and does not cover for beverages.


Good company

Thank you to all who celebrated and treated me to a good birthday brunch! Cheers :-)

Read Eiling's review here.



Acme Bar & Coffee
Ground Floor @ The Troika,
Jalan Binjai,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2162 2288
Business hours: Daily 11:00am - 12:00 midnight, Fri & Sat till 1:00 midnight


* Visuals by iPhone 4 and Olympus XZ-1

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]