Fave order @ La Yosh, Plaza Damas

I just had a thought about La Yosh and felt that I need to go back to eat my fave set lunch pasta order there (it comes with soup and salad).  I've been there in the past and had ordered the same pasta dish and the dish has been consistently good or shall I say great!  What's my fave order in this Japanese Western restaurant?

The Chicken Teriyaki Pasta!  I just love the full flavour of the whole dish, a generous portion of it too.  The pasta seems to be tossed lightly in the pan together with herbs and garlic.  The chicken itself has been well marinated and together with the teriyaki sauce, it really hits the spot.  Such a succulent piece of meat.  I should find my way there soon sometime this week!  Can't wait!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD!

La Yosh Japanese Western
F-0-2 Plaza Damas (across from Starbucks in Hartamas Shopping Center)
No. 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 603 6201 8648

Friday Quick Bites Series - My Fave Order @ Pasta Zanmai, Tropicana City Mall Petaling Jaya

Another quick post and today's Friday Quick Bites Series is on my favourite order from Pasta Zanmai at the the Tropicana City Mall outlet.  Yes, granted they have some service issues to sort out, I somehow have yet to encounter any problem with their service though I have always seen other customers around me having issues about their food order taking too long to arrive! Yes, every single time I've been there, there will surely be an incident like this.  However, fortunately I always have my food order served within an acceptable waiting period. I hope they sort out this problem soon for all as I do enjoy the food and it's such a shame that some people might shun this place due to this issue.

For someone who isn't into sashimi, a Japanese pasta outlet like Pasta Zanmai definitely appeals to me.  What more when they opened an outlet at Tropicana City Mall; 5 minutes away from my home?  I realise whenever I dine at Pasta Zanmai, I order the same thing over and over again.  A creature of habit, I am... If it ain't broken, why fix it? Hahaha.... My fave order would be from the Mini Pasta Set - the Mini Teriyaki Chicken Pasta and Mini Hotate (Scallop) Pasta, RM22.

The Mini Hotate (Scallop) Pizza has four scallops on it; one for each quarter.  I love the thin crispy crust of the pizza dough and the somewhat "smokey" flavour of the scallops.  Lovely flavours overall.

My mini Teriyaki Chicken Pasta bowl ... Ahhh, I just love all that gooey egg yolk from the onsen egg - adding on to the smoothness of the pasta.  The Chicken Teriyaki itself is good.  Overall, the portion is just nice ... together with the Mini Hotate Pizza, it makes one lovely meal that satisfy my appetite.

It's really something I look forward to whenever I'm here...a delicious meal of two mini courses. Best of both the pizza and pasta world :o).

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! MAKE IT A CLEAN WEEKEND! :o)

Pasta Zanmai, Tropicana City Mall

Lot G-40, Ground Floor

Tropicana City Mall

No. 3, Jalan SS20/27

47400 Petaling Jaya

Tel : 03-7727 1020

Opens Daily 10am-10pm

Friday Quick Bites - Teriyaki Pork Burger @ Kissaten, Jaya One Petaling Jaya

(NON-HALAL)


Just as I am recovering from my Phuket holiday and getting back to routine, the weekend's here again (Yay!) and come next week, I'm off again for another mini holiday ...

It's Friday (no more jokes/parodies about Rebecca Black's hit, please!), here's another Friday Quick Bites series ... presenting Kissaten @ Jaya One.  I had previously blogged on Kissaten for another Friday Quick Bites post too.  Check it out it HERE.

*taken with HTC Sensation

One of my faves along with the usual order of Teriyaki Chicken Onsen Tamago Pizza from Kissaten (in Jaya One, though I quite like the outlet at IOI Boulevard too).  Served sans the usual potato wedges/french fries ... this beauty is quite substantial size serving and can definitely fill one's tummy!  I love the mix of runny egg yolk & the teriyaki sauce along with the moist meat pattie. The burger bun is comes with generous amount of sesame seeds too.  I normally 1) cut this into half, 2) remove the top bun and 3) eat this part by part with my fork & knife else there will be messy hands and maybe traces of meal evidence on my Ts! Hahaha....

Both outlets are open from 11am till 12 midnight on weekdays and till 2am on weekends! Woo Hoo! I've asked before, apparently kitchen closes at 1am (if my memory doesn't fail me).  Fancy having a Teriyaki Pork Burger at such an hour :o)?

Kissaten
L12A-1-1 Palm Square
Jaya One
72A Jalan Universiti
Petaling Jaya

D-G-57 Block D
IOI Boluevard
Jalan Kenari 5
Puchong Jaya

I would rather be having a burger and beers with my mates but I can't do that when I know I've got to dance

- Michael Flatley

Gonbei San, Starhill - Itadakimasu!

How about this lovely pic taken from Gonbei San, Starhill ?

Lovely assorted sushi

ITADAKIMASU!

Gonbei San

T2, Relish Floor, Starhill Gallery

181 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : +603 2782 3801

Kyoto House @ Dundas Street, Toronto

Now, there were mixed reviews about this place.  Kyoto House Japanese Restaurant serves ala carte and also All You Can Eat $13 lunch and $19 dinner. Approaching with caution as bro-in-law did a print out of eateries in the area, we were aware this wasn't top in the list.  However, it seemed to be what we were drawn to among all the other eateries in this particular area after we walked round the few blocks a couple of times!  We entered Kyoto House and found it to be a rather cozy place.  Deciding not to go for the buffet, we ordered ala carte instead.  We gave our standard Japanese fare order and wondered how it would be. It should fare better and definitely safer than ordering something that was different from the usual.  So, was it as bad as some of the reviews about this place?

Special Sushi $9.99 Bro-in-law enjoyed this ... 

Turning Japanese At Senjyu Sushi - e@Curve, Mutiara Damansara

Senjyu Sushi's outlet at e@Curve first opened its door back in late 2008.  It's actually one of the better sushi places I've been to and one that I still go to now and then.  I like the ambiance, where one can indeed have a nice meal at one's leisure - and not feel the hustle and bustle that makes one just wants to gulp down their food, pay the bill and leave.  With some premium items not available else where (at least not that I know of) and introducing a newer and lower price items sometime back, I was glad as this place serves more variety than just sushi. But I'm sad to see that this nice place seems TOO quiet after these two years plus or so... and when it's too quiet and under patronise, that's not good news! It's not that the food's not good, could it be the location?

Friday Quick Bites - Kissaten @ Jaya One, Petaling Jaya

(NON-HALAL)


It's time once again for another Friday Quick Bites post! I like the simplicity and the clean look of Kissaten and enjoy dining here. It's one of those places where you still have the bliss of enjoying one's meal amidst the pleasant ambiance and yet don't have to speak in hush tones, you know what I mean?

While much has been said about their Char Siew Pizza, my highlight is on something else. I am a creature of habit sometimes when it comes to ordering the same dish when I dine at the same place. But only for certain restaurants ... while at other times I might feel adventurous and try something new! However for Kissaten, I'm the former - when I come here, I end up ordering Teriyaki Chicken Onsen Tamago all the time.

Happy Mother's Day @ Kiku Zakura, Tropicana City Mall Petaling Jaya

I like dining at Kiku Zakura in Tropicana City Mall for the reason that it's rather quiet and if I go for early lunch/dinner(before few other customers trickle in), I really do have the whole place to myself ;o). I also kinda like the food here, having first tried Kiku Zakura's food in the early days when I first discovered it in Section 14's Jaya Supermarket back in the 90s (I think). Meals here have always been relaxing and enjoyable.  So, it's been around awhile.  This time round for Mother's Day, I took Mom to Kiku Zakura and told her jokingly that I had reserved the whole restaurant for us and us alone.

Hahaha...she almost bought it till some customers strolled in half an hour later.

I just love to snack on Koebi Karaage (RM13) each time I'm here! It's addictive :oP

Mom ordered her favourite Nabeyaki Udon, which was a set that came with 3 pieces of gyoza (RM27) while I took a longer time going through the rather extensive menu. Since I was in the mood for something cold I opted for the Tenzaru Chasoba (RM25).

Kushi Q, Tropicana City Mall

(HALAL)


With the opening of the new Tropicana City Mall that's located just at the back of my home, I made a trip to see what's "cooking" in there. There are still quite a number of lots not opened for business yet, however there was this place that caught my eye, Kushi Q - a little Japanese grill restaurant. Googling for the definition of "Kushi", I found out that it meant skewers used in Japanese cuisine such as yakitori. Yakitori is traditionally grill chicken but nowadays other types of meat are also used. Oh, I also found out that there is a chain of Kushi Q overseas and wonder if this is from the same chain.

The yummy food on display - Chicken wings, prawns, lidako (octopus) to name a few.

Izakaya Ichiban, Hartamas Shopping Centre

I was first introduced to Izakaya Ichiban when Precious Pea and Masak-Masak brought me here and tried to induct me into the Japanese Food Kawan Association (as far as I know at present, number of members is still in the one digit range and has not grown since 3rd Quarter of 2007! Hahaha....errr, we are a rather exclusive club).

They failed to get me to try sashimi but still accorded me the membership after getting the greenlight from Lyrical Lemongrass, the President - letting me handle the Cooked Food Division (CFD). Since then, I've been back here quite a number of times and yes still only eating cooked food.

Appetizer

Spiced deep fried long beans - a rather tasty snack. I forgot the name of this dish.

Interlude - Lavender in Hokkaido

I'm having a crazy schedule this week and decided to post this "interlude" for now. My life should be back to normal next week. Phew! I'm really looking forward to having a break. Korean Princess went to Hokkaido last year in time for Lavender season and had sent me these photos which I'm sharing with you all. Makes me wanna go Hokkaido.....isn't this lovely?

Lavender Field in Hokkaido

Here's some info on Lavender season in case you folks are thinking of going to Hokkaido at this point in time.

Season/major sites
Late June – mid-August Farm Tomita (Nakafurano), Kitanishiyama Lavender Garden (Nakafurano)
Early July – late July Higashiyama Lavender Farm (Niseko), Miyama Toge Lavender Garden (Niseko)
Early July – mid-August Zerubu-no-Oka (Biei), Kanno Farm (Kamifurano), Hinode Lavender Garden (Kamifurano), Saika-no-Sato (Nakafurano)
Mid-July – mid-September Potpourri-no-Sato (Furano)
Major events
Mid-July Nakafurano Lavender Festival (Nakafurano), Kamifurano Lavender Festival (Kamifurano)

Now, if you asked me what sort of lavender products am I familiar with, I'll probably answer - potpourri, aromatherapy oil, shampoo, soap and perfume to name a few (do you know any other lavender items?). However, it was a pleasant surprise to find this available on a commercial scale in Hokkaido ...

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Lavender soft serve ice=cream!

I know of home made lavender ice-cream but hmmm....lavender soft serve ice-cream??? This stall is cute looking too; what a lovely sight indeed, hahaha! So, Hokkaido....when, oh, when? ;o)

Thanks again, Korean Princess for the photos!

Sushi Zanmai @ The Gardens, Mid Valley

Lately my life seems to be in the fast lane; starting the day and ending one before I know it. When it comes to times like this, I find myself having quick meals - before running off to tend to some other stuff. Whenever I need to do that when I'm in a shopping mall, I end up at Sushi Zanmai (either at The Gardens or the outlet in 1Utama).

Well, it's a place I go to for a quick meal like I said, not so much of it being for good food. I do find the food here while pleasing to the eye and at reasonable prices - mediocre. There are a couple of items that I do like though. Of course I'm one who never eats sashimi, so I'm unable to comment on that. When it comes to the rest of the food, it's a meal of convenience to me.

Gyudon - a tiny bowl. Good for those going on a diet or trying not to take too much carbo. Obviously it's not enough for me! Hahaha...I find the beef not marinated well enough.

Nagomi @ Hartamas Shopping Centre

The good old gang gathered recently for a birthday celebration at Nagomi in Hartamas Shopping Centre. Both SL and I arrived early and the restaurant was pretty quiet and this gave me some time to take photos (using JC's camera which I borrowed - had forgot to bring my camera!) of the place.

Outside looking into the private room where we sat

Inside looking out into the outer part of Nagomi

Nagomi specializes in Shabu-shabu and also has sashimi/sushi on its menu. The group of us all went for the Shabu-shabu sets, choosing the Nagomi signature broth (which I opted for) and the Chicken broth which is boiled with chicken bones for 4 hours! It comes with each shabu-shabu set order but if one chose to order an additional pot it's RM8/USD2.25 for it (there's spicy broth too).

Xenri, Old Klang Road Kuala Lumpur

Sugar Bean's post on Xenri made it to The Sunday Star, congrats! It also reminded me that I have yet to blog on this place myself though I went there a few months ago.

Now, it's was a bit confusing when I turned up with KA to meet an old friend, JT and she suggested that we do lunch at Xenri. When we walked up to the restaurant, we found that they were doing some renovation work and thought that we had to find another lunch venue. Before we could even turn around, we were ushered towards another direction about 2 lots away to another entrance which was also Xenri! Xenri at two places with different deco within the same block? Hmmm....that reminds me that I didn't find out the reason why there were two Xenri/s. Stepping in with confusion, our minds were quickly cleared as we were were wowed by the "Zen-ness" of the restaurant.

Private rooms and more secluded areas were linked by a small path with a gentle stream of water running through beneath.

Inside one of the private rooms

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

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

Rakuzen @ Hartamas

Many years ago, I've been to the 1st Rakuzen outlet in Subang Jaya and enjoyed the food there. So, it was great to see them doing so well with other outlets opened in Hartamas and Chulan Square. One of the outlets that I go to is the one at Hartamas Shopping Centre. This place is packed during the usual lunch and dinner time. So, do make reservations, else be prepared to wait!

Surumeika, Grilled Squid (RM18/USD6) was fresh, eaten after squeezing lemon juice over it and dipped into the shoyu. It was a tasty snack, Mrs Pitt would agree with this dish here :o).

Something which I obviously didn't eat, hehehe...Hama Sashimi (RM45/USD15) which had salmon, octopus and would Japanese sashimi lovers fill me in on the other three and the rest below???

Now this is just one part of the Rakkaku Bento my friend ordered (shared by two). The scaly fish was interesting looking and reminded me of a snake! I tried some of the braised radish on the right was not bad but I didn't like the sweet miso paste on it.

The other main part of Rakkaku Bento (RM55/US18) was a pretty sight. The salmon roe was laid onto the sashimi and looked like a sunny side up egg to me :o). This Bento set was huge and came with the usual rice, chawan mushi (steamed egg), bowl of miso soup, salad and slices of watermelon.

I'm not one to eat raw meat, so whenever I go for Japanese food, I'm usually the least adventurous one. I ordered the Yakiniku Zen set (RM35/USD12) which also came with the usual side dishes. The beef slices was tender and really tasty. I sprinkled lots of shichimi toragashi (mixed chili powder) on it to kick it up a notch, something which I usually do on most of my Japanese food!

Prices are a bit on the high side but the good quality of food makes it worthwhile. I like the ambiance here though service can be a bit disappointing at times due to the crowd. The place still remains busy despite this shortcoming.

Rakuzen Hartamas
P-17, Plaza Ground Floor
Hartamas Shopping Centre
60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 03-6201 2060

Here are some of the reviews on Rakuzen by other bloggers. Check them out :-

Masak-Masak
KL People KL Food
Da Wheel Of Life & Happiness
PeachJon
Memoirs Of A Chocoholic

In Mexico we have a word for sushi : bait. ~ José Simons