It's been a while since I've written a post - April flew by with a glorious couple of weeks back home in Sydney surrounding myself with the familiar people and places that I love and miss.
Good coffee, even better wine, proper chocolate and all the meat (including pork) you could want without any 'spare parts' as my friend Jana would say. After living in a high-rise apartment building in the middle of the city, it was so nice to get back to the sense of space, fresh air and quiet in the Sydney suburbs where I grew up. I whiled away a couple of delicious breakfasts with my best girlfriends and enjoyed a few glasses of wine on leisurely evenings at home with my parents and our dogs.
It was hard to come back to the jungle, it really was. But being with The Boy and being there for him keeps me here. And really, it's not all bad. In fact, in many ways it's good. It's almost 6 months since I moved to KL and I think I'm slowly finding my feet. Sometimes I find myself smiling to myself and that can only be a good thing.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Dinner at Watami, Pavilion KL
I am constantly on the lookout for good Japanese food and as I've said on this blog before, I'm happy that there are so many places to choose from in KL as it will keep me going for a while!
As part of our ongoing quest to find delicious food from my mother country, The Boy and I paid a visit to Watami, a 'Japanese Casual Restaurant' in Pavilion. We had received a flyer with their menu on it and thought it looked appealing enough to try. The menu is extensive to say the least and usually that's a danger sign for me as typically, restaurants that try to do too many things tend to excel at none of them.
The clincher for me was the mochi cheese okonomiyaki on the menu. Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) is one of my favourite Japanese foods and the mochi-filled variety my favourite of them all. Unfortunately, I've found decent okonomiyaki very hard to come by outside of Japan. So when I saw this on the menu at Watami I had to try it even if it was going to be average, just to satisfy my cravings.
So on a casual Saturday night we strolled up to Level 4 of the constantly buzzing Pavilion mall and were quickly shown to a table. After a few minutes of deliberation (as I said the menu is big!) we decided on edamame and kani hotate cream croquettes to start, then okonomiyaki for both of us - Hiroshima style (with soba noodles) for The Boy, mochi cheese style for me.
The edamame arrived within minutes, pleasantly salted and warm as we had requested (you can choose to have them served hot or cold). As we happily munched our way through these delicious beans, the croquettes arrived.
These are another food I love and usually request when I visit my grandparents in Japan. The traditional croquette (obviously not a Japanese word!) is potato and beef mince, but I love the decadent creaminess of the crab cream variety. The ones I usually have in Japan are slightly flatter circles rather than balls and have a drier crumb.
But there was certainly nothing wrong with the ones we were served at Watami. They came out searingly hot and in my impatience I burned my tongue but they were delicious all the same. It was the first time The Boy had tried this dish and it got his thumbs up of approval.
When my okonomiyaki came out I was pleased to see it served on its own hot plate with an authentic metal spatula and topped with delicious okonomi sauce, mayonnaise and dried bonito flakes. I could almost imagine I was in Osaka sitting at the counter as the chef prepared the okonomiyaki on the hot plate in front of me. Almost.
I found the okonomiyaki to be slightly smaller than the ones you would expect in Japan. But there was plenty of mochi inside and plenty of sauce on top, which got big ticks in my book as there's nothing worse than being tight with the toppings. And it was delicious, I polished the whole thing off in a few minutes and was only sad to find myself too full for dessert!
I settled for a refreshing drink instead and ordered a Strawberry & Citrus Coola.
It was full of real strawberry pieces and had a delightfully refreshing fizz without being overly sweet. Perfect end to a wonderful meal with prompt, friendly service and all very reasonably priced.
We will be back again to sample more of the menu which also has sushi and sashimi, meat, noodles, salads and an array of Japanese desserts. Watami also has set menus for lunch (starting from RM17.90++) and dinner starting from RM40++ per person for dinner for 2.
Details:
Watami Malaysia
Level 4, Pavilion KL
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
www.watami.com.my
As part of our ongoing quest to find delicious food from my mother country, The Boy and I paid a visit to Watami, a 'Japanese Casual Restaurant' in Pavilion. We had received a flyer with their menu on it and thought it looked appealing enough to try. The menu is extensive to say the least and usually that's a danger sign for me as typically, restaurants that try to do too many things tend to excel at none of them.
The clincher for me was the mochi cheese okonomiyaki on the menu. Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake) is one of my favourite Japanese foods and the mochi-filled variety my favourite of them all. Unfortunately, I've found decent okonomiyaki very hard to come by outside of Japan. So when I saw this on the menu at Watami I had to try it even if it was going to be average, just to satisfy my cravings.
So on a casual Saturday night we strolled up to Level 4 of the constantly buzzing Pavilion mall and were quickly shown to a table. After a few minutes of deliberation (as I said the menu is big!) we decided on edamame and kani hotate cream croquettes to start, then okonomiyaki for both of us - Hiroshima style (with soba noodles) for The Boy, mochi cheese style for me.
 |
| Edamame (RM7.90) |
The edamame arrived within minutes, pleasantly salted and warm as we had requested (you can choose to have them served hot or cold). As we happily munched our way through these delicious beans, the croquettes arrived.
 |
| Kani hotate cream (crab and scallop in cream) croquettes (RM12.90) |
These are another food I love and usually request when I visit my grandparents in Japan. The traditional croquette (obviously not a Japanese word!) is potato and beef mince, but I love the decadent creaminess of the crab cream variety. The ones I usually have in Japan are slightly flatter circles rather than balls and have a drier crumb.
But there was certainly nothing wrong with the ones we were served at Watami. They came out searingly hot and in my impatience I burned my tongue but they were delicious all the same. It was the first time The Boy had tried this dish and it got his thumbs up of approval.
 |
| Mochi cheese okonomiyaki (RM17.90) |
When my okonomiyaki came out I was pleased to see it served on its own hot plate with an authentic metal spatula and topped with delicious okonomi sauce, mayonnaise and dried bonito flakes. I could almost imagine I was in Osaka sitting at the counter as the chef prepared the okonomiyaki on the hot plate in front of me. Almost.
I found the okonomiyaki to be slightly smaller than the ones you would expect in Japan. But there was plenty of mochi inside and plenty of sauce on top, which got big ticks in my book as there's nothing worse than being tight with the toppings. And it was delicious, I polished the whole thing off in a few minutes and was only sad to find myself too full for dessert!
I settled for a refreshing drink instead and ordered a Strawberry & Citrus Coola.
 |
| Strawberry & Citrus Coola (RM9.90) |
It was full of real strawberry pieces and had a delightfully refreshing fizz without being overly sweet. Perfect end to a wonderful meal with prompt, friendly service and all very reasonably priced.
We will be back again to sample more of the menu which also has sushi and sashimi, meat, noodles, salads and an array of Japanese desserts. Watami also has set menus for lunch (starting from RM17.90++) and dinner starting from RM40++ per person for dinner for 2.
Details:
Watami Malaysia
Level 4, Pavilion KL
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
www.watami.com.my
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Afternoon tea at Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC), The Troika
KL seems to me a city that is forever competing against the jungle it came from. And yet there are some spots where everything is neat and tidy - the pavements aren't cracking from the pressure of huge tree roots, there isn't any rubbish scattered around, trees and plants line up in neat rows, and even the blare of the traffic is in the distance, not right in your face.
Persiaran KLCC is one such place and it is here I found myself one sunny Saturday afternoon. I was meeting a new friend at a fairly new cafe I had read so much about - Acme Bar & Coffee in The Troika building.
Acme Bar & Coffee, or ABC, is as the name suggests, a cafe/bar. And it's a trendy one at that. I walked in and immediately felt at home with memories of great cafes in Sydney and Melbourne floating through my head.
The rather industrial structure has been softened by abundant flowers, mirrors, lights and a rather pretty menu. It's the kind of place that's just perfect for you and a group of girlfriends during the day or a romantic late-night date for two.
The menu is enticing and had I not already eaten lunch, I would have been sorely tempted by the brunch/all-day selection, cutely named 'Too Late for Breakfast'.
Instead, I decided to order a tea and a slice of apple and olive oil cake, having read a good review recently. The menu is on the pricey side with a cup of tea costing RM15++ and when it arrived, I was slightly disappointed that it was just a tea bag in a cup as for that price, I would have hoped for a teapot with proper tea leaves. Just as well the teabag was super adorable and the tea delicious.
The cake didn't disappoint. It was on the slightly fluffy side of moist with a lovely apple flavour that was made decadent by the rich cream cheese icing on top and in the middle.
As I enjoyed my cake, I found myself already mentally planning a return visit with a Sydney friend who is coming to stay and who I know would love this place.
Acme Bar & Coffee has recently started offering a Sunday Brunch Buffet for RM99++ (RM199++ with free-flowing sparkling wine) which my friend had been to and enjoyed. It's on the pricey side like everything else on the menu but for a slightly special occasion or when you feel like a bit of a splurge, Acme is a good place to go.
I'm looking forward to going back to try one of their cocktails!
Details:
Acme Bar & Coffee
Ground Floor, The Troika
50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
www.acmebarcoffee.com
Persiaran KLCC is one such place and it is here I found myself one sunny Saturday afternoon. I was meeting a new friend at a fairly new cafe I had read so much about - Acme Bar & Coffee in The Troika building.
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| Approaching The Troika building on Jalan Binjai/Persiaran KLCC with the Petronas Towers in the distance. |
Acme Bar & Coffee, or ABC, is as the name suggests, a cafe/bar. And it's a trendy one at that. I walked in and immediately felt at home with memories of great cafes in Sydney and Melbourne floating through my head.
 |
| The bar at ABC, its shelves lined with exotic blends of tea and bottles of Italian mineral water |
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| Pretty flowers at the front desk |
The rather industrial structure has been softened by abundant flowers, mirrors, lights and a rather pretty menu. It's the kind of place that's just perfect for you and a group of girlfriends during the day or a romantic late-night date for two.
 |
| Plenty of natural light prevents the place from feeling dark and cramped |
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| Lights hang from the ceiling in a row, streetlamp style |
The menu is enticing and had I not already eaten lunch, I would have been sorely tempted by the brunch/all-day selection, cutely named 'Too Late for Breakfast'.
Instead, I decided to order a tea and a slice of apple and olive oil cake, having read a good review recently. The menu is on the pricey side with a cup of tea costing RM15++ and when it arrived, I was slightly disappointed that it was just a tea bag in a cup as for that price, I would have hoped for a teapot with proper tea leaves. Just as well the teabag was super adorable and the tea delicious.
 |
| Storm in a C cup...White Ambrosia tea served in one of Acme's signature ABC cups |
The cake didn't disappoint. It was on the slightly fluffy side of moist with a lovely apple flavour that was made decadent by the rich cream cheese icing on top and in the middle.
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| Apple & olive oil cake at Acme Bar & Coffee |
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| Dessert menu at Acme Bar & Coffee |
As I enjoyed my cake, I found myself already mentally planning a return visit with a Sydney friend who is coming to stay and who I know would love this place.
Acme Bar & Coffee has recently started offering a Sunday Brunch Buffet for RM99++ (RM199++ with free-flowing sparkling wine) which my friend had been to and enjoyed. It's on the pricey side like everything else on the menu but for a slightly special occasion or when you feel like a bit of a splurge, Acme is a good place to go.
I'm looking forward to going back to try one of their cocktails!
Details:
Acme Bar & Coffee
Ground Floor, The Troika
50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
www.acmebarcoffee.com
Friday, March 23, 2012
A walk in KLCC Park
Sometimes you just need to escape. KL is such a bustling city day and night and living right in the thick of it, there are times when it all feels too much. The constant traffic noise, the horrible black smoke belching out of bus exhausts, the crowds of people in the mall, KL is an urban jungle.
And at times when I need to get away, the easiest refuge for me is KLCC Park. Just behind the massive Suria KLCC shopping mall, this park is known as the 'green lung' of KL and is great for some peace and quiet.
Venture into the park and the shade of the giant trees and the quiet surroundings soon soothes the spirits and you quickly forget about the city craziness that is really only metres behind you. You usually find small groups here and there enjoying a picnic, a few couples sharing a romantic moment, maybe a keen jogger working up a sweat, and possibly several KL-ites escaping the heat and taking a nap on one of the undercover benches! But noone talks loudly, it's as if the park casts a spell on everyone who goes there.
As I sat dabbling my feet in the water, I thought how nice this was and for perhaps the first time, really appreciated how good life in KL can be.
Nearby there is also a giant whale statue in the water, and a colleague of mine back in Sydney recalled fond memories of the whale and the enjoyable picnics shared with friends on the banks.
For tourists venturing to KLCC Park there are signs directing you on a good walking route with several 'photo opportunities' along the way. You can get some amazing shots of the soaring Petronas Towers in all their glory.
KLCC Park is located behind the Suria KLCC shopping centre, about 5 minutes walk from KLCC LRT station.
And at times when I need to get away, the easiest refuge for me is KLCC Park. Just behind the massive Suria KLCC shopping mall, this park is known as the 'green lung' of KL and is great for some peace and quiet.
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| The paddling pool area in KLCC Park with the Petronas Towers in the background |
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| Waterfall feature in KLCC Park |
On my most recent wander through this park, I happened across the delightful paddling pool/waterfall area near the KL convention centre. A true oasis on a hot KL day, here little kids splashed about happily in the sparkling water, a group of girls sat reading books and getting a tan, and locals enjoyed their lunch break in the cooling surrounds. A guard watches closely from nearby to make sure everyone takes their shoes off before walking onto the wooden boards surrounding the paddling pool.
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| Enjoying a dip on a sunny day at KLCC Park |
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| A bigger waterfall in KLCC Park - those blue steps are perfect to sit on and enjoy the cool water on your feet |
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| The whale with his dolphin friends in KLCC Park - Petronas Towers are in the background |
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| View of the famous whale and the Petronas Towers in KLCC Park |
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| Petronas Towers, a KL icon |
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sushi Zanmai, Fahrenheit 88 KL
Sushi is one of my favourite foods. I know it's a bit stereotypical, my being half-Japanese and all, but honestly I think I could live on the stuff.
I've been fortunate that over the past few years sushi has really taken off in Sydney and among the many (some of them unfortunately very average) conveyor-belt sushi places and tiny shops at stations, there are some real gems.
Since moving to KL, I've happily discovered that sushi, and Japanese cuisine in general, is popular here and Japanese restaurants are ubiquitous. I'm yet to go anywhere truly incredible but I have been making a point to try the various sushi train/conveyor belt outlets nearby. They are a good option when you're looking for something tasty, affordable and fast that's a little nicer to your waistline than McDonalds!
The best one I've tried so far that's walking distance from my place is Sushi Zanmai, tucked away in Fahrenheit 88 on Bukit Bintang. I like to browse the shops in Fahrenheit every once in a while and can usually find a new dress or top to buy - the shops makes a nice change from the likes of Suria KLCC and Pavilion and they're so cheap!
I paid a visit to Sushi Zanmai on my most recent browsing trip through Fahrenheit, though I actually first discovered it last year when I was visiting The Boy in KL before moving here.
As soon as you walk inside, you forget you are in a shopping mall. The restaurant is beautiful, done largely in black and white with muted lighting which gives a classy feel. Sit at the counter and you can see the fresh fish behind the glass where the sushi chefs are hard at work.
On my most recent visit I was only there for a quick bite quite late in the afternoon so the sushi train selection was quite sparse and I ended up ordering off the (very extensive) menu. Although Sushi Zanmai mainly offers sushi, you can also choose from a big range of other Japanese dishes like udon and soba noodles, donburi (rice in a bowl with topping like chicken or eel), tempura and bento (Japanese lunch boxes).
I ordered aburi salmon, salmon roll and california roll, plus hot green tea (1RM) to drink. Every dish was beautifully presented, which is what really made it a memorable experience.
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| Aburi salmon |
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| Salmon roll |
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| California roll |
I'll be going back there again soon to sample some more of their menu!
Sushi ZanmaiLot No. 2-03
Fahrenheit 88
Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Website: http://www.supersushi.com.my/f88.html
Monday, March 12, 2012
H&M to open in KL
I was excited to read in the news today that H&M, that international fashion brand beloved by cost-conscious shoppers the world over, is finally opening in KL.
The first outlet is scheduled to open in Lot 10 on Jalan Bukit Bintang in autumn this year. Having lived in the Southern Hemisphere for so many years I had to stop and think for a moment when 'Autumn 2012' in Malaysia would actually be. My friends back in Sydney have just started their autumn or 'fall' season you see.
So it looks like us girls in KL will have another big store to spend up in come September as H&M is taking over the space where department store Debenhams used to be. Can't wait! Sometimes items in Zara and Topshop are a little pricey, and H&M is just that bit friendlier to your wallet.
Here is the link to the original article in today's Business Times.
The first outlet is scheduled to open in Lot 10 on Jalan Bukit Bintang in autumn this year. Having lived in the Southern Hemisphere for so many years I had to stop and think for a moment when 'Autumn 2012' in Malaysia would actually be. My friends back in Sydney have just started their autumn or 'fall' season you see.
So it looks like us girls in KL will have another big store to spend up in come September as H&M is taking over the space where department store Debenhams used to be. Can't wait! Sometimes items in Zara and Topshop are a little pricey, and H&M is just that bit friendlier to your wallet.
Here is the link to the original article in today's Business Times.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Brunch at Wild Honey Singapore
I have to write about another food highlight of my recent trip to Singapore - brunch at Wild Honey. I've already said how much I love brunch and this particular place was fantastic if a little overpriced.
Located up on the 3rd floor of the rather posh Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Wild Honey is open early till late serving all-day breakfast. Got to love a place that knows the value of a good breakfast at any time of day!
They don't take reservations so Father and I showed up a little ahead of our meeting time with Brother #1 and had to wait 15-20 minutes to be shown to a table. At 11am on a Saturday the place was rocking and it stayed consistently busy for the next couple of hours we were there.
Inside, the decor is cosy and homely, dimly lit with plenty of small tables and an assortment of quaint furniture like fabric-covered chairs. There are no individual menus; rather, everything on offer is written up on several blackboards and you place your order at the counter. (This and they still whack on a 10% service charge to your bill, a bit cheeky!)
Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take photos of the interior so I will let the pictures of the food do the talking.
We each ordered one of their various all-day breakfast options named after places around the world. They're not cheap, ranging from $18-22 SGD before tax, but it is a tempting selection and we had a hard time choosing. Well, perhaps not Father who was always going to choose the English Breakfast!
The English Breakfast comes with scrambled eggs and bacon, pork sausage, sauteed mushrooms, vine-ripened tomato, home style baked beans and toasted brioche. Filling much?
Brother, tired after a late night, considered the Mexican and Tunisian options before choosing the New York breakfast. Scrambled eggs with smoked sturgeon (fish), caramelised onions, a sesame bagel plus cream cheese. Yum.
And lucky last, I chose the European Breakfast after even more deliberation than my sibling. Eggs Benedict is one of my favourite breakfast treats but it's always a risk at a new place because it can be done so badly. Luckily, the European Breakfast, which is Wild Honey's 'interpretation' of this dish, was beyond good.
Two poached eggs, sauteed mushrooms and prosciutto on toasted brioche with hollandaise sauce. The prosciutto made it a little more special than your average ham, and the brioche tasted like heaven to this closet bread addict.
Wild Honey might not be cheap but it certainly is cheerful and I will happily go back next time I'm in Singapore to sample another dish from their All Day Breakfast menu...or just get the same again!
Located up on the 3rd floor of the rather posh Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Wild Honey is open early till late serving all-day breakfast. Got to love a place that knows the value of a good breakfast at any time of day!
They don't take reservations so Father and I showed up a little ahead of our meeting time with Brother #1 and had to wait 15-20 minutes to be shown to a table. At 11am on a Saturday the place was rocking and it stayed consistently busy for the next couple of hours we were there.
Inside, the decor is cosy and homely, dimly lit with plenty of small tables and an assortment of quaint furniture like fabric-covered chairs. There are no individual menus; rather, everything on offer is written up on several blackboards and you place your order at the counter. (This and they still whack on a 10% service charge to your bill, a bit cheeky!)
Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take photos of the interior so I will let the pictures of the food do the talking.
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| Sweetly decorated cappuccino at Wild Honey |
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| Proper sugar cubes make a nice change from sachets |
We each ordered one of their various all-day breakfast options named after places around the world. They're not cheap, ranging from $18-22 SGD before tax, but it is a tempting selection and we had a hard time choosing. Well, perhaps not Father who was always going to choose the English Breakfast!
 |
| English Breakfast |
The English Breakfast comes with scrambled eggs and bacon, pork sausage, sauteed mushrooms, vine-ripened tomato, home style baked beans and toasted brioche. Filling much?
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| I Love N.Y. Breakfast |
Brother, tired after a late night, considered the Mexican and Tunisian options before choosing the New York breakfast. Scrambled eggs with smoked sturgeon (fish), caramelised onions, a sesame bagel plus cream cheese. Yum.
 |
| European Breakfast |
And lucky last, I chose the European Breakfast after even more deliberation than my sibling. Eggs Benedict is one of my favourite breakfast treats but it's always a risk at a new place because it can be done so badly. Luckily, the European Breakfast, which is Wild Honey's 'interpretation' of this dish, was beyond good.
Two poached eggs, sauteed mushrooms and prosciutto on toasted brioche with hollandaise sauce. The prosciutto made it a little more special than your average ham, and the brioche tasted like heaven to this closet bread addict.
Wild Honey might not be cheap but it certainly is cheerful and I will happily go back next time I'm in Singapore to sample another dish from their All Day Breakfast menu...or just get the same again!
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