Saturday 31 December 2011

Friday 30 December 2011

Review: Goon Wah Restaurant

**Non-Halal**


My previous post on Goon Wah Restaurant, gee was so many aeons ago. I guess it's time for an update. Since my last post, Goon Wah now occupied another lot next to the old one and this section has air-cond for the putera and puteri lilin (literally translated from Malay as candle prince and princess... meant to be the people who tends to perspire easily).

When one come here, there are 2 items ought to be ordered. First is the Claypot XO Fish Head Noodles and the other one being the Claypot Loh Shue Fun. Let's dig on the first item... I supposed it's named XO because of the amount of ingredients in the claypot and it doesn't contain any cognac but it's very fragrant with the use of Chinese rice wine. I like the usage of thick bee hoon (rice vermicelli) here. Other than deep fried fish head and the usual tomatoes, ginger slices, spring onions... there are the addition of yam slices and fried foo chuk (beancurd sheet). We loved the slight sweetish broth with a slight tang infused by the tomatoes.

Claypot XO Fish Head Noodles

Goon Wah's Claypot Loh Shue Fun (a type of rice noodles) has a rather fancy name in Chinese and it came with a flame underneath. It's a dry version as compared to Yoke Heng's thick gravy. The loh shue fun is topped with a generous amount of minced pork and deep fried shrimps. To eat this, one has to give them a good stir to mix them all up evenly. This is BoiBoi and kids favourite! Other than these 2 noodles, they serve other delicious noodles as well such as Kong Nam Meen or even Wat Tarn Hor.

Claypot Loh Shue Fun

They have a few other popular items that tends to appear on every table. One of which is this Stout Chicken Wing. I can't detect the stout flavour, perhaps it's just one of the many ingredients of the marinade which results in a slight sweetish caramalised sticky gravy that clung onto the chicken wings. It's so good we have another round especially for the kids. We also ordered some steamed mantous to mop up the gravy.

Stout Chicken Wings

We have a Thai Style Tofu which is essentially deep fried tofu pockets filled with fresh cucumber and turnip strips with a sweet Thai chilli sauce drizzle over before a generous amount of crushed peanuts scattered on top. I find the tofu is a bit on the dry side but it was ok when combined with the rest of the ingredients.

Thai Style Tofu

We also have an obligatory greens - stir fried lettuce which I did not took a pic with my mobile (that explains the quality of the pics). Since I did not pay for the food, the total of the above plus additional pot of fish head noodles and loads of drinks orders, it came to about RM25 per head for our party of 8 adults and 3 children.


Goon Wah Restaurant
G13 Jalan 3/115C, KP2, Taman Kuchai Lama
Off Jalan Kuchai Lama
Tel: 603-79820048/79840722

Sunday 25 December 2011

Love, Peace & Joy

christmas greetings 2011

Hope your Christmas is filled with all the things that makes you happy and that make this a such wonderful time of the year. Have a blessed Christmas!


Tuesday 20 December 2011

Review: Canoodling & Ricetaurant

The BIG group's empire does not stop short at Western food. You may find Asian fares at both Canoodling and Ricetaurant at Bangsar Village II. Canoodling focused on all things noodles, whilst Ricetaurant serves various rice dishes on top of dishes that goes with steamed white rice. The best part of this combo is that they are situated next to each other, hence you can cross order from each other's menus.

We have been here several times and we find both outlets served quite good food even though the price may be a little high as compared to hawkers or dai chow (big stir-fry) shops. Dining in air-cond with comfort does come with a price ;-)

Ricetaurant

If you were to sit over at Canoodling side, you'll be peppered by bright yellow and black utensils and decor items. Where else over at Ricetaurant side it's silver, black and red. Totally dig the menu that came like school exercise book! The kitchens are enclosed in glass where you can actually have a look at how your food is being cooked here.

Canoodling

On one visit, I had a hearty bowl of Braised Beef Brisket Noodles (RM13.90). The broth is peppered with spices like star anise and cloves, thin slices of brisket and tripe. Loved the slight bouncy texture of the tendon.

Braised Beef Brisket Noodles (RM13.90)

Capt'n Hook had Thai Belachan Mango Fried Rice (RM13.90) which as usual, I have a little bite. This fried rice is not too bad eh, filled with wok hei (breath of a wok) but I personally like the belachan (shrimp paste) to be slightly stronger though.

Thai Belachan Mango Fried Rice (RM13.90)

There is an addition of Four King Belachan Vegetables (RM12.90) which surprisingly came up tops in terms of wok hei and sambal belachan used to stir fry the vegetables (French beans, ladyfingers, brinjal & onions) which can beat quite a number of dai chow places! Our only complaint is the brinjal sticks were sliced a bit too wide.

Four King Belachan Vegetables (RM12.90)

Capt'n Hook tried the Bubur Cha Cha (RM4.90) but was displeased with the sago that clumps together otherwise this would be something that could satisfy Capt'n Hook's craving. Mid way into this, a tiny piece of plastic was discovered. We informed the staff about both the clumpy sago and the plastic piece. We were offered a replacement but declined since we're quite full already. Coincidently, one of their management staff was seated nearby going through the restaurants stuff with the chef. We went by to say hello and feedback to her about the bubur cha cha and in general. We were glad that their chef had actually told her about the clumpy sago moments ago seeking for a solution. Talk about being efficient! Anyway, we have a great chat with her and glad to say that she welcomed all our feedbacks with open arms. When we leave, she said she's going to order the Four King Belachan Vegetables to spot check on the kitchen lol.

Another time, I ordered the Lemongrass Chicken Chop & Fried Egg with Rice (RM15.90) from the One Plate menu which come with soup and dessert. The soup came piping hot and seriously tasted homemade. On that day, a Monday, ABC soup was served and we both concurred that the soup has been boiling for hours that made it so tummy warming. My dish came very quickly actually, like within 3 sips of my soup upon serving. The chicken chop is tender but the lemongrass marinade is a little too mild to my tastebud.

ABC Soup

Lemongrass Chicken Chop & Fried Egg with Rice (RM15.90)

Capt'n Hook who used to like Delicious (formerly owned by The Big Group which is now sold to E&O) nasi ulam & ayam percik and was delighted to find the same dish here. Ayam Percik and Salted Egg with Nasi Ulam (RM19.90) also comes under the One Plate menu.

Ayam Percik and Salted Egg with Nasi Ulam (RM19.90)

Dessert served on that day was Mung Bean Sweet Soup which tasted like homemade.

Mung Bean Sweet Soup

Pleased to note that both Canoodling and Ricetaurant are pork free. We're glad that there's finally some good Asian food found inside Bangsar Village II, well of course other than the super delicious fried hokkien mee at Reunion Restaurant (which so happens to be formerly owned by The Big Group too!).


Canoodling
Ricetaurant
2F-29, Bangsar Village 2
No. 1, Jalan Telawi Satu 
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2287 1566
Daily Opening Hours: 12noon – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm

Monday 12 December 2011

Review: Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Opportunity to spend Sunday at leisure while sipping champagne and feasting to a smorgasbord of gourmet offerings doesn't come often for us at least. Thanks to my friend, Kevin Eu, we were invited to Shook!'s latest offering of a champagne brunch that starts from noon to 5.00pm touting to be one of the longest brunch in Kuala Lumpur at least! This champagne brunch is not your ordinary brunch served with champagne cos be prepared to party with your masks on that is with the theme Sunday Masquerades.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

As you walked into Shook! located at the Feast Village of Starhill, you'll be greeted by a bevy of beauties and handsome lads in Venetian costumes. Tables are decorated with ornate masks, "gems" in all shapes and glittery. The wait staffs and chefs are equally dressed up as well, some as court jesters, and one can't help but to feel nothing but festivities in the air. There's even a band to entertain diners and it doesn't stop just there.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

For the younger ones, there's a clown occupying them with the art of balloon sculpting. A magician goes round playing tricks on your eyes and even shared how some of these tricks are done ;-) BoiBoi was totally enthralled! The atmosphere is totally carnival-like. So put on your masks and get on with the party!!!

magic

Laurent Perrier Champagne is served free flow whilst teetotalers can opt for mocktails specially created for this brunch. The buffet brunch showcases offerings from the Japanese kitchen, Western grill, Italian kitchen and the Chinese kitchen that also dishes out Vietnamese and Thai dishes.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

For starters, there is a seafood bar with towering prawns, fresh and baked oysters, smoked salmon and gravlax.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

prawn tower

BoiBoi kept going to the antipasti section where a huge selection of cheeses, cold and cured meats, large variety of marinaded tomatoes, roasted vegetables and olives. Freshly baked breads of all shapes and sizes, crackers, fruits and nuts to go with them. We loved the novelty of having a cheese drum to toss our Caesar Salad in.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Over at the Japanese section, we satisfied our palate with sashimi, sushis, and some cold appetisers. At the Chinese side, we managed some cold jelly fish, dim sum, Thai fish cakes and there's even a pretty Thai lady dishing out my som tam upon order.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

The day we went, it was Hari Raya Aidiladha, hence there's a small selection of must haves like lemang, ketupat, rendang, serunding, kuah kacang, masak lodeh and kuih-muih.

malay

For mains, you'll get some grill actions and be prepared to juicy chicken, lamb or beef served with their appropriate sauces. There's even a whole lamb on a spit roaster! Apart from buffet, all the four kitchens are all fired up to cook up your choices of mains in the ala carte menu. You can find this menu on your table or as per listed on the blackboard at each kitchen. Ordering from a wait staff would be great here as they would know which table to bring your order to. As we went on the second Sunday, there were some minor glitches on the ordering which we feedback to Kevin and he acknowledged that as one of their main problem with the brunch staff who are not as knowledgeable as those in dinner service. He assured us that action will be taken on this and I do trust he will ;-)

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

A special mention to the excellent risotto that was done perfectly for Capt'n Hook's baked mussels.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

We went easy with the food as the dessert counter is something ought not to be missed! BoiBoi has been eyeing on the gelati cart the moment we stepped in. The gelati are from Gelatomio and you can opt for hand scooped or like our BoiBoi, he preferred the pre-packed version.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

There are lots of luxurious chocolate desserts, some laced with gold flakes, others like macarons and profiteroles turned into high tower of decadent delicacies. Pavlovas, pannacotta, fresh honeycombs, cheesecakes and handmade chocolates are available too to satiate everyone's sweet tooth.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

There are also desserts made ala minute so just place your order at the counter. Remember to check the counters right at the entrance as there were just too much desserts to be offered inside lol.

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

creme brulee

Sunday Masquerades @ Shook!

This Masquerade Brunch is available every Sunday from noon to 5.00pm. The price per person is RM268++ for free flow of champagne or RM158++ for non-alcholic drinks and RM88++ for children above 6 years of age. I'm very surprised at the turn out as it was almost fully occupied so remember to call to make your reservation at +03 2782 3875.

champagne

Pssst... there are a whole lot more photos on my Flickr album.


Shook!
Feast Village, Starhill Gallery
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +03 2782 3875

Blog Revamping

Hello... I'm in the midst of revamping my blog to make my life a little easier. So do not be alarmed as work is still under construction.

Cheers,
Babe_KL
16 Oct 2012