Off For A Day!

I'm off to Ipoh for a one day Makan trip! Stay tune for more foodiescapades...

Hmmm...what shall I eat? ;o) One thing for sure, I'll definitely be eating my usual chee cheong fun from this place. Here's an excerpt from an old post dated Nov 23, 2006.

This is where Czar gets her usual fix for her fave Chee Cheong Fun. Tai Kar Cheh has boycotted this guy as she says he's pretty rude, especially when there are lots of customers. He did seemed pretty quiet to me, not rude but serious looking. But he did recognise Czar as one of his regulars as she would pack about 8 packets back for her family each time she visits Ipoh.
The chee cheong fun was served on a metal plate (plus point for me) and was lovely. Served with pickled green chilli, it was a good breakfast. Anyway, we left the place with Tai Kar Cheh still vowing to boycott his stall (she ate noodles while the two of us had the yummy Chee Cheong Fun!).




P.S. Jason, thanks for the list! *hugs*

Apom @ Ming Tien Food Court,Taman Megah, P Jaya

A long time ago (yes, another post from my archive!) I introduced Precious Pea and Masak-masak to a favourite stall of mine located at Ming Tien Food Court in Taman Megah. I might have a problem ordering food from the many stalls located here but one stall that I never fail to get my favourite snack from will be from here...

Apom - pancake like snack; made from batter mixture of coconut milk (santan) and flour, egg and sugar:o)

Making of the Apom - batter is poured into a miniature wok

Several miniatures woks line the hot stove; apom is cooked when its brown and it's then folded into these...

Apom - thin and cripsy snacks . Almost as light as air, these snacks are dangerous as one can eat pieces and pieces of these without realising the damage till later or end up leaving none for their friends :o).

Here are some Banana Apom Balik in the making. A thicker and softer version, some grated coconut is added to the batter which is poured into the 9 piece apom mold.

Here's the Sweet Corn variety - which I prefer as I don't like the slightly sourish aftertaste of the banana variety.

Once they turn brown, it's folded into halves and whallah....

These Apom Balik beauties are ready to be eaten; just as "dangerous" as the thin Apom.

I normally get a bit of both as I can't decide which I like better! Best eaten warm and though a light snack; they can be quite a tummy filler as one can easily "overdose". Hahaha...Well, of course this can't beat the ones from Penang but as long as I'm in Petaling Jaya, this will be where I get my apom fix :P


Ming Tien Food Court
Jalan SS24/8
Taman Megah
Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Tel : 03-7806 4991

Obviously, a snack can't be called a snack when you eat not 1 or 2 or 3 but an "uncountable" lot! - wmw

Exotic Enigmatic Egypt! Part 9

After the trip to the Temple of Philae, we went back to the cruise ship for lunch and rested a while. Soon, we were off again! This time, we had another tour on a felucca around Elephantine Island.

Some feluccas we saw along the way. The feluccas are mainly used to bring tourists around the island.

Our felucca Captain is from Nubia. They are of a darker skin colour (due to the strong sunlight for sure! The heat gets to scorching level!)

As we sailed along further to the West Bank, there were some strange structures on hills at several areas. Turns out that these structures were actually tombs of nobles (note the stairs). Most of the them were tombs of priests or high officials.

We gladly retreated back to the cool comfort of the cruise ship after the sailboat ride. After dinner, we went to Aswan Bazaar to see the sights which is smaller as compared to Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo.

A spice shop at the Bazaar - the bright blue powder at bottom right is some washing detergent additive. I asked the shopkeeper as I had not seen such a colourful spice before! Hahaha...

A cheery shoe and belt maker

We called it an early night as we were informed that our wake up call the next morning would be at 2.30 am!!! Yes, you read that right, 2.30 am!!! Abu Simbel was our next destination; 290 km away from Aswan. Due to some terrorist attack on tourist before, all tour buses met at a specific point (there were 3 time slots to choose from - 3.30 am, 4 am and I couldn't remember the third time slot) and had to travel by convoy complete with police escorts!

The line of buses goes all the way back! Tourists alighted from the buses to enjoy the very early morning air as we waited for the clock to strike 4 to start on the four hour journey. Most of us slept through the journey ;o).

This is Abu Simbel - Temple of Ramesses II!





The temple was reclaimed from the dam and reconstructed in its present state.

Slaves as depicted along the walls of the temple

Temple of Nefertari - the smaller temple in Abu Simbel

Unfortunately, no photo taking was allowed inside these temples. I was in awe of Abu Simbel's surroundings and felt like I was in a National Geographic documentary (once again!), a feeling that I kept experiencing on this Egypt trip.


To be continued ...

Coffee Break at Black Canyon Coffee, Centrepoint

When I'm usually free for a coffee break, I end up at Black Canyon Coffee, Centrepoint with my usual coffee gang. What's my fave coffee here?

Ancient Coffee - "gau" strong and full bodied, almost like the usual Vietnamese Coffee with condensed milk. Each order comes with Jasmine tea in a shot glass (to get rid of the coffee aftertaste) and a small plate of of "ABCs" Marie biscuits.

And my favourite side order would be the Glass Noodle Salad - Lots of "oomph" with raw onions, peanuts, prawns, mook yee (wood ear's fungus), minced chicken with lots of chili padi (bird's eye chili).

William Potato (took this with my friend's SE handphone). It looked so cute - it's mashed potato coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. Sort of like pear shaped potato wedges!

And if one has too much time on their hands, why not play a game of anagram with the Marie biscuits??? I like this one I made "Feed Me"...Hahaha....

Here's to more coffee breaks!

Retirement is one great big giant coffee break. ~ Author Unknown

The Miele Guide

What exactly is The Miele Guide?

The Miele Guide is an exciting, new and truly unique Asian restaurant guide. The Guide is set to become the newest and most respected standard by which restaurants in Asia are judged. Written by food lovers who know and love Asia, The Miele Guide will rank and profile restaurants across the region’s major cities in a slim, indispensable volume.

Unlike most guides, there will be no arbitrary, secretive selection procedures. Instead, an initial list of restaurants has been shortlisted by 84 of Asia’s most respected food journalists. The restaurants that make it to the guide are decided by people like you and me via online voting. From 15 May to 31 July 2008, they have invited the public to cast their votes via their website www.mieleguide.com. Voters can vote for restaurants that are already shortlisted or can nominate restaurants not yet on the list. In July, a Special Jury of foodies and F&B professionals will also cast their votes. The results from these two polls will then be tallied and confirmed by our in-house team in August.

The Miele Guide 2008/09 edition will be released and distributed internationally at the end of October 2008.

To thank you for your time and effort in voting, they are pleased to offer you a special discount with every pre-order of The Miele Guide. You also stand to win an all-expenses paid meal at the top ranked restaurant in Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo (upon registration, you’ll be asked to choose the country/city you want to be eligible for), plus a stay in one of Asia’s most luxurious hotels! So, wait no more...

VOTE NOW! You have until 31 July!

Ben & Nick's Diner, Subang Jaya

Still going through my archives, I thought I should highlight on a little diner that I was introduced to when a friend of mine came back from overseas earlier this year. Fancy that! Someone who hasn't been around for a couple of years bringing me to a diner that had opened not long ago. So, we killed "two birds with one stone" that night, catching up over dinner and me taking photos of food as usual.

Tucked away in a rather obscure area, one would probably miss this place during the daytime. Come night time though, the bright B&N neon lights of Ben & Nick's Diner calls out to us. Driving along the road that is currently going through some road works, we arrive at this small but pleasant diner located at an apartment building.

We were warmly greeted by Sonny and Christine, who recommended us on what to order. Their son, Ben is the chef while Nick, the other son drops by once in awhile. The diner is rather small but pleasant and cozy with a seating capacity of 50. So, do call in advance if you're thinking of bringing a big group there. There are only several tables inside and some outside which was where we sat as we preferred alfresco dining.

C ordered the Combo Blanket (RM18.90 nett/USD5.90) which is a combination of Australian chilled sirloin and specially house marinade grilled Cajun chicken smoked with beef bacon, onions, cheddar, mozzarella cheese and fresh white button mushroom. These were tortilla wrapped and smacked in the center of the plate was an adequate serving of Caesar salad too. I preferred the chicken as it was more flavourful of the two. Oh, do remember to eat them quick while warm. For one who is a food blogger, it can get a bit dry after the entire photo shooting session. Hahaha....Well, I would definitely order this again.

As for me, I had the Cajun King Prawns (RM29.80 nett/USD9.30) - Grilled king prawns seasoned in cajun spice and sauteed with veggies and served with buttered rice. I loved this dish; the prawns were huge, really fresh and springy! Peppered with spices, I slowly savoured each bite of the prawns and cleared the plate clean!

We had ordered Mushroom soup too (which I forgot to take a pic of) but what C and I enjoyed more was the Garlic Bread! I think we had about 3 orders of them! It came slathered with a generous amount of herbs and garlic butter.

I loved sitting outside that night; the rain had just stopped and it was cool and breezy. This little diner has its charm but this is also where one needs to know that it will take a while for the food to arrive (longer if it's packed!) as the food is done home cooked style. The tiny kitchen area would attest to this fact. Be patient...for when it comes to Ben & Nick's Diner, it's truly a case of "Good Things Come To Those Who Wait".


Ben & Nick's Diner (next to Carrefour)
Lot G10, E-Tiara Service Apartments
Persiaran Kemajuan,
Subang Jaya
Tel : 016-2010189

Monday-Fridays 12 pm to 2.30pm, 6pm - 10 pm
Saturdays -6pm-10pm; closed on Sundays

Other diners : -
Neko Hime

MochaSourcream

The diner is everybody's kitchen - Richard Gutman

Exotic Enigmatic Egypt! Part 8

Before we left Cairo, we spent a couple of hours in town and ended up sitting in Groppi for coffee and strawberry juice! Groppi is a quaint and rather empty cafe with only a few tables taken up (it was a big and high ceiling cafe). Seeing that it was established since 1891, I decided to Google and found out the story of Groppi.

Some of the goodies which we didn't eat cos we just had lunch! They looked really sweet though.

In the evening, we made our way to catch a sleeper train to Aswan. The last time I took a sleeper train was to Singapore many moons ago and I had no memory of how that went. So, this was considered an experience indeed; coping with the limited space that I shared with my mom and trying not to go to the toilet that often as I don't fancy climbing up and down the ladder.

There's a ladder behind the head rest. Pop that out, take out the ladder and pull the brown area above the head rest. That will be the bed on top, accessible via the ladder hooked on the rack at that top left corner. The little table contraption at the corner (next to the luggage) opens up and it's actually a sink and the metal lid is kept stuck to the wall by strong magnets!

Here's a rough idea of how it's like. Mom's such a trooper, the Egypt trip is really an experience for her!

Arrving the next day in Aswan, we went off to visit the Temple Of Philae by boat.

I like the place where we docked. Look at the natural "canopy" they use and how everything seems to blend with the surroundings.

And here's The Temple of Philae

It's hard to imagine that this Temple of Philae was once submerged under water!!!

To be continued ...

Chilling at The Apartment, The Curve

Rushed to The Curve last night only to miss Jun by about 5 minutes or so. I had a meeting to attend and couldn't meet up with the floggers for dinner at The Apartment, The Curve. The Apartment interior consists of different areas; just like any apartment/house would be. Anyway, this reminded me of some pics that I took and which have been sitting in my archives. Since I last had my wisdom tooth surgically removed I haven't been in the right frame of mind and "teeth" to take photos; hence posting pics from my archive.

Well, how do I find The Apartment? It's a nice place to chill; have your coffee, snacks and chat but when it comes to meals, I much rather prefer to "eat out", you know what I mean?

The living area

The Kitchen Area

Peanut Butter & Kaya Crepes...yumz! Eat it while it's warm!

For those who want a "little" indulgence, there's mini cupcakes!

End it with a macchiato, though I prefer flat white which they do not have.

Or if you're feeling lazy, you can choose to eat and drink right in the bathroom area ;o).

Anyway, thank goodness it's Friday! Yay! Have a great weekend everyone! Time to chill...


The Apartment (click to find out more)
Lot 72, 73, 74 & 152, Ground Floor
Western Courtyard
The Curve
Mutiara Damansara
Tel :03-7727 8330

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.
~Bill Watterson

The Other Japanese Goodies - Ninja Jones, Northpoint

After posting on the Japanese goodies earlier, I looked through my archives (yes, yet again!) and decided to finally post on Ninja Jones. Just like the Japanese goodies, Japanese food are usually presented in a visually appetizing way and they do taste good (can't say the same for the earlier cakes I posted on). The first time I was at Ninja Jones was for Precious Pea's birthday celebration and the 1st JFKA (Japanese Food Kawan Association) Meeting! This took place late last year; by now you should know just how dated some of the pics in my archives are!. Hahaha... Well, 5 of us ended up ordering a whole lot of food! Subsequently I have gone back and tried more items. Here are some pictorial evidence of the food we ate in Ninja Jones which has now been long digested and "processed" ;p. Not many words necessary, enjoy the visual treat!

The dark and cosy Ninja Jones at dinnertime

Avocado and Soft Shell Crab Namaharumaki (RM22/USD6.70) with light sourish sauce.

Next, the grill was set for our next dish...

Kobe Beef (RM130 per 100 gram/USD40 per 100 gram). We ordered 150 grams and the five of us had three slices each. It was a chance for me to try this acclaimed meat; it was lovely but I wasn't bowled over.

Eringi Ninniku Shoyu Grill (RM15/USD40.60) - Being a mushroom fan, I found myself really enjoying this dish. Thinly sliced mushroom with light shoyu; it's one dish that I usually order each time I dine here. I think I shall attempt doing my own version at home one day :o)

Volcano Roll (RM30/USD9.20 for 6 pieces) - Now this was a surprise hit for me as I don't like unagi . However, the combination of the ebiko (prawn roe) and unagi roll topped with cheese was just too delicious for me not to like. The rest of the JFKA's members were proud of me that day! Hahaha....

Salmon Zukushi (RM38/USD9.20) - A combo platter of salmon, salmon belly and salmon roe. Obviously something not ordered by me but I do like the way it looked :o).

Spider Roll (RM18/USD5.50) - Soft shell crab rolled with cucumber and topped with bonito flakes which was crunchy delicious.

Read Precious Pea's post on her birthday celebration here and check out Zique.org's post for more visual treats too!








Ninja Jones
A-G-5 Ground Floor, Northpoint
Mid Valley City
No. 1, Meday Syed Putra Utama
59200 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 03-2288 1646/1676

Mimes, Ninjas and Cholesterol : The Silent Killers
- found on a t-shirt on sale at http://www.squidoo.com/ninja-tees

Dad, it's the Big One O!

Gosh, it's been 10 years Dad! When I think of today's date, I will always feel sad at first but then when I remind myself that you have had 10 wonderful years so far in your new paradise, I'm happy for you. You must be having quite a celebration yourself up there! :o)

I've never stopped wondering how it would have been, had you stayed on till present though. I remember that time when I honestly told you that I tried smoking a cigarette for fun (I was 17) and you calmly looked at me and said "I appreciate your honesty but I would appreciate it even more if you didn't try it again". Hehehe! I did really treat you like my best friend. You weren't only my father but my best friend too...I learned this during a seminar today; "When you are your children's best friend, that means you did a great job as a parent". Dad, you did great indeed. Dad, I could not ask for more but rather wished I would have given you more in return, I wished you were still here...

Wishing You Were Here

Though it's been years

Missing You Dearly
Keeping You In My Memory
- wmw

Everything I Own - Bread

You sheltered me from harm
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, set me free
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you
And...

(Chorus:)
I would give anything I own
Give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give ev'rything I own
Just to have you back again

You taught me how to love
What it's of, what it's of
You never said too much
But still you showed the way
And I knew from watching you
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can't let go
And...

(Repeat chorus)

(Bridge:)
Is there someone you know
You're loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day
Someone takes them away
And they don't hear
The words you long to say

(Repeat chorus)

Just to touch you once again

Japanese Goodies

Seem to be clearing my archives nowadays! The Japanese are such creative people. Check out my old post where I bought some rice crackers and they were packed into shapes of little people! Sis-in-law went to Japan for work sometime late last year and came back with lots of goodies. Sorry, not able to furnish details of where to get these cakes but they are such a wonderful sight. Here are some of them!

The only non food related photo in today's post - some cute accessories and lots of origami paper! I just love the colours and the motifs.

The Japanese are really good at "packaging" marketing. I love this bright orange box. What's inside??? Cakes from Patisserie Dojima, Dojima Hotel

The famous Dojima Roll Cakes, Original and Green Tea Flavour. Looks like two rolls of some double sided tape, eh? Hahaha....Its texture is nice but somehow it doesn't score on the flavouring. Pretty normal but visually appealing!

Another package to be opened!

Ahhh...this time, lovely assorted rice crackers! Have always loved "sembei" - Japanese rice crackers as I like the combination of soy sauce, nori (seaweed) and other ingredients that makes this such a tasty snack!

And here we have assorted shapes of dorayaki - red bean paste cake. They taste better when eaten warm, heat them up a bit before eating.

Another type of well known cake from Japan though its origins is from Spain - the Castilla Kasutera Japanese Sponge Cake.

Just looked at how fine the cake texture is! It's another visually appealing cake but again, lacking in flavour for me. Maybe some of you reading this would like to try the recipe out and see how it turns out. Let me know of your success stories!


If you understand everything, you must be misinformed
- Japanese Proverb