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.]

Tanzini @ GTower

Complimentary bread with assorted dippings

This may come by as a pretty old post, thanks to group purchasing websites, we were able to get a deal that offers a RM30 voucher for RM70 worth at Tanzini @ GTower back in mid last year (2011). It certainly does not take a genius to know that meals at any of these 5 star hotels in the heart of KL will not be easy on the pocket!


Sashimi yellowtail tuna


Frutti smoked duck

We chose the set dinners which was perfect as there were 2 options for each of the entrees, soups, and mains so it gave us the opportunity to sample all it has to offer! (The set dinner was at RM155++ if my memory serves me well)


Prawn bisque


Wild mushroom soup


Sorbet to cleanse the palatte


Lobster tail angel hair


Aged wagyu tenderloin (160g)


Done medium rare


Petite 3 desserts

I really enjoyed my wild mushroom soup and steak. A bite into the medium rare juicy tenderloin makes you wish the cut to be just a little bit bigger. The prawn bisque was very flavourful and the same flavour seems to be used for the lobster tail pasta as well, the both tasted very similar. While everything hit the right note, the only forgettable part of the almost perfect dinner was the desserts which were nothing more ordinary than 3 little pieces of cakes.

With the picturesque night view of KL as the background setting, dimmed lights and posh environment which will certainly impress any first dates, I do recommend Tanzini as a venue for any dinner dates (order the steaks!).

Happy New Year 2012 to all, may the year fill us with more good food!


Tanzini @ G Tower
Level 28, GTower,
Jalan Tun Razak,
50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2168 1899
Business hours: Monday to Saturday (11:30am - 2:30pm > Lunch; 6:30pm - 10:30pm > Dinner) Closed on Sundays


* 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.]

Allo Paris @ Damansara Perdana

Ahi katsu with ginger and wasabi sauce (RM15.90)
Breaded yellowfin tuna loin served with ginger and wasabi sauce

There's always a new makan place in town opening every other day and joining the foodscene in Damansara Perdana is Allo Paris. I came to know about Allo Paris through the alternate days 4sq check-in by my friend and later found out that his friend owns this new eatery and he told me he has almost tasted everything on the menu!


Cream of mushroom (RM6.90)
A classic veloute of mushroom made from fresh button mushrooms served with a swirl of cream

Since the Ahi Katsu has been tried, tasted and blogged to death, we decided to taste it for ourselves. For such serving and cuts at such pricing I would forgive that it doesn't taste great but not half bad either- perhaps because I generally do not prefer breaded food. The mushroom soup was also forgiven for the lack of mushroom taste presence, I feel it's too light and doesn't leave me wanting more.


Mentaiko pasta (RM13.90)
Pasta, cooked with Japanese daishi stock base, tossed in mayo and codfish

The mentaiko pasta was anticipated having tasted Ploy's version which received thumbs up and made us on the lookout for other eateries' version of the same Japanese fusion pasta. Unfortunately Allo Paris's version did not impress as we suspect it's not mentaiko (spicy) but ebiko being used and the mayo was a tad too much making it instantly filling.


Salmon steak with yuzu beurre blanc (RM21.90)
A peppercorn crusted salmon steak served with potatoes roasted in duck fat and a fennel salad with yuzu beurre blanc



I wanted a non-meat dish and decided to go for this salmon dish (always a sucker for fancy names but never knew what they were). Yuzu is a citrus fruit that looks a little like mandarin orange and is widely used in Japanese cuisines. Beurre blance is also known in French as 'white butter' where a whole butter is blended off with a reduction of vinegar and/or white wine and grey shallots. The salmon dish offers us some consolation and is pretty well marinated.


Apple Julep (RM7.90)
Refreshing drink with a mixture of apple juice, syrup and topped with soda water

New eateries are no stranger to hits and misses and Allo Paris is of no exception. We applaud the affordability and value for money (nice ambiance and set up, with eye candies for the boys - a luxury and supercar showroom next to it), we will definitely be back to sample other dishes... and we wish the dessert menu could be extended too.

Merry Christmas ya'll.


Allo Paris
Ritze Perdana 2,
No.3, Jalan PJU 8/1,
Damansara Perdana,
47820 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-7732 9909
Business hours: 11:00am - 10:00pm


* 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.]

I'm Spicy (Thai) at Seksyen 17, PJ

Fried chicken wings (RM18)

People usually think of My Elephant or Khuntai when they want to go for thai food in PJ. Unknown to many that there is actually another option in PJ - I'm Spicy, which is located a little bit hidden from the main road but regular visitors to Kanna Curry House will be able to locate it as it's just the same row at the corner.


Fried chicken skin (RM12)


Tom Yam Gai (RM20)


Thai Omelette Prawn (RM15)


Thai Omelette Pork (RM15)


Deep fried tofu and minced meat (RM18)


Thai green chicken curry (RM20)


Pork Ribs (RM25)

My colleague suggested I'm Spicy to celebrate my birthday. I have always wanted to give I'm Spicy a try but has never gotten around to do so... the suggestion to have dinner here was indeep very apt! There were 9 of us and we ordered 8 dishes with the tom yam and pork ribs double portion. Food wise, it's comfort thai food - tom yam to whet the appetite, omelette just like mom's home cooked, fried chicken wings, pork ribs and chicken skin for those who don't mind some protein and extra calories, I love the silky smooth tofu and the green curry goes really well with rice.


I'm Spicy house drink (RM12/jug)

With all the spicyness from the tom yam, it's best to order a jug of their house drink which is essentially an ice blended lime lemon minty concoction that is both refreshing and soothing. Whilst the ambiance is cosy (at least I feel it's not as 'packed' as MyElephant) and the establishment is brightly lit, my only grudge is the pricing - I think it is a little too steep.

I wouldn't mind returning though as doing a walk-in at MyElephant is usually impossible without advanced reservation.

Thanks to my colleagues for the treat ;-)


I'm Spicy
No. 1, Ground Floor,
Jalan 17/45,
46400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7954 2281 / 7954 2271


* 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.]

Hing Ket Grill House, Kampung Jawa Klang

Grilled Squid (RM6)

Read so much about Hing Ket Grill House in Klang that some time a month ago, I decided that enough is enough - it's about time I give this much raved grill house a visit!


Grilled Crab (RM30)

Fortunately, this place is near where I live though it's hidden a fair bit deep in after exiting from the highway, but nowhere is unfound with the help of GPS! Parking is quite limited though I don't think it's impossible to find any parking. We ordered a few grilled favourites to sample but the much raved and reviewed grilled lamb was the main anticipation.


Grilled stingray (RM17)

Since the grilled lamb is the main star, let's talk about it later and go through the other dishes first. We ordered a portion of everything, the grilled squid portion was a tad too small to be honest. The grilled seafood fared well, fresh and nicely grilled. Delicious but not to the extent of getting me to rave about it though.


Grilled lamb (RM19)

Then came the star. I'd say, it lived up to the expectations that I had - juicy, not too gamy, it has a nice grilled lamb-ish smell and taste with burnt chargrilled bits. There is nothing to dislike about this as we go to order a second portion for takeaway!


Stir fried vegetable - Choy Tam (RM8)

With so much grilled food, nothing more satisfying (or perfect balance) to chomping on some crisp stir fried choy tam.

The lamb was definitely the star of the night, but I find the prices pretty steep. The dinner and takeaway cost about RM100+.



Hing Ket Grill House
Lot 3569 Batu 3¼,
Kampung Jawa, 41000 Klang.
Tel: 03-3371 3913 or 3371 0861
Business Hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm; 5:30pm - 10:30pm


* 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.]

The Hungry Hog

3 Little Pigs (RM15.90)

More porky joints mushrooming in the town, ho ho ho! I first discovered The Hungry Hog via 4Square where I saw a friend, Hsu Jen checking in. Curiousity then drove us here (actually this was quite a while back, and since it's opening in June this year, many have visited this joint and reviewed about it).





Everything about this porky joint is minimal and simple - from the location (pretty well hidden within SS15 Subang), to the decoration, food presentation and menu. The 3 Little Pigs caught our eye, name probably inspired by the '3 Little Pigs' children story. This signature burger is made up of a porky patty, streaky bacon, ham, caramelised onions & melted cheese. Simple, yet delicious.


Homemade Pork Sausages (RM11.90)

We also tried the Homemade Pork Sausages which is delish too, and can get quite filling as well. The affordability for all walks of life - from college students to office workers who wants to indulge in a bit of porky goodness during their lunch and dinner time is a plus point too.

My next visit will warrant a try on their acclaimed siew yoke and desserts!



The Hungry Hog
71, Jalan SS15/4C,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Tel: 012-225 0877
Business hours: Daily except Mondays (12:00 - 2:30pm; 6:00 - 10:00pm)
http://www.hog.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.]

Bistro à Table

bistro à table

You know there's a new place in town when everyone talks about it online and offline. Joining the masses who've been here, let me give you my review on bistro à table.


Château Citran 2006

Looking for a new place to dine 2 weekends ago, I suggested bistro à table and invited my sisters to dine with Calvin and I as I always believe more people = more food we can try! We BYOB'ed a bottle of Château Citran 2006 (RSP about RM200) with a corkage charge of RM60++/bottle. Pretty expensive corkage if you ask me but we wouldn't mind if it compliments great food.


Bread & Olive Oil - where's the balsamic??


Cointreau Duck Parfait with Cornichons and Caper Berries (RM19)


Coddled Maple Syrup Egg with Crouton Dust and Fleur de Sel (RM16)

Now, this is usually where I come in to make a recommendation on what to order after going through some reviews and 4sq tips. I knew the menu is gonna be expensive, but I wasn't quite aware that they're THAT expensive, with the cheapest of entrees at RM16 and most expensive at RM40++! I ordered the two most cheapest entrees.

... which turned out to be disappointments! The Cointreau Duck Parfait with Cornichons and Caper Berries (wish they would have just worded in laymen's term of 'duck pate' - I hate pate), did not go well with us as none of us is a fan of pate! Forget about the fancy accompaniments of cornichons (??) and caper berries (??), if pate is not your thing then this is definitely not something you'll enjoy and want to pay for. The Coddled Maple Syrup Egg with Crouton Dust and Fleur de Sel did not go well with us either - issue was we didn't know how it's supposed to taste like, looks fancy yes but it's half boiled egg mixed with crouton dust (??) and fleur de sel (??) dipped with asparagus. I'd go for just half boiled egg, at 1/20 of the price anytime, thanks.


Risotto with Fresh Chanterelles, Trompete de la Mort & Morel Mushrooms with a 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano (RM42)


Stuffed Cured Quail with Parsnip Puree and Puy Lentils (RM68)


Australian Lamb Rack with Pink Pepper Jus and Crispy Savoy Cabbage (RM85)


Always have my red meat Medium / Medium Rare for the pinkish raw effect

For the mains, we ordered 3 different courses to share. The Risotto with Fresh Chanterelles, Trompete de la Mort & Morel Mushrooms with a 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano is the cheapest but also best amongst the 3 courses... fills you up with the rich creamy taste and flavourful shrooms. The Stuffed Cured Quail with Parsnip Puree and Puy Lentils didn't exactly make a memorable entrance to the table as it was taken back to the kitchen shortly after it was placed down on our table. When asked, the waiter said it was undercooked but did not tell us why when he took it away. I did not like the stuffing and the dish is just forgettable. The supposingly anticipated Australian Lamb Rack with Pink Pepper Jus and Crispy Savoy Cabbage was a letdown too despite it being the most expensive! Portion is small and although it was done medium the way I like my red meat to be (steak at medium rare), but there was no 'fireworks in the mouth' moment.


Truffled Mash (RM12)


French Beans with Hazelnuts (RM10)

If there was any right decisions that we made that night, it was to order these 2 sides: Truffled Mash and French Beans with Hazelnuts. I think the sides are executed perfectly and they're just simple delicious food. We even made a joke that we'll return for a revisit and just order these 2 sides and wonder if they will kick us out.


I like these hanging lightbulbs and orchids though

The chef did come out to ask us how the food were (we already knew who she was the moment we sat down as her voice was heard shouting "There's no more fish for tonight!!" from the kitchen - not a very pleasant experience). We provided our feedback on the food being served on a not warm plate causing food to get cold quickly, but she excused herself to bid a group of diners farewell and never got back to our table for at least a closure to the conversation.

That's exactly like if you're engaging in a conversation with your friend and she picks up a phone call and walked away without at least saying goodbye.

A revisit? Hmmm, I think I'll go spend my hard earn money elsewhere, thanks.


bistro à table
No. 6, Jalan 17/54,
46400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7931 2831
Business hours: Tues - Sun (6.30pm - 11pm)
(Directions: If you know Decanter PJ, it's just behind it)


* Visuals by Nikon D300 & iPhone 3Gs

[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.]