Portofino @ Lucky Garden, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

This F&B outlet surely had caught my attention when I passed by. 2 days later, I received an invitation by Chef Keli which I gladly accepted. Could be the "The Secret" presented itself. Hehe. 

Striking blue signage that enough to catch ones' attention  

The lower level of Portofino definitely drew some similarity to Porto Romano where I see frames of pictures made up of movie posters hung neatly all around the wall. 

Intimate seating environment 

As I stepped upstairs, the ambiance drew a more simple and classy setting with ample space, that is very well suited for company events, or parties. I was informed that on every Tuesdays and alternate Saturdays, there are group of salsa lovers that would dine and enjoy some salsa moves throughout the night.

Ample space upstairs 

The name of the restaurant was taken after this beautiful Italian fishing village and famous resort vacation spot famed for its picturesque harbour. 

Named after Portofine,, Liguria 

Portofino in Bangsar is jointly owned by 2 Italians, Chef Keli, Lucas, and owner of Porto Romano. As I shared my conversation with these two gentleman blessed with good Italian genes, I immediately gathered that they were both incredibly passionate about running this F&B outlet. Chef Keli had vast background in the culinary field ever since young, and during a trip to Malaysia, he was shared the idea of setting up a restaurant. When back to Italy, the idea was proposed to his dear friend, Lucas and before we know it, Portofino was made possible, and they have recently celebrated their 1st anniversary on 6 Oct 2015. 

Varieties of spaghetti were the main highlight for my lunch. Apart from the standard pastas, I've not seen one restaurant offering this many varieties - from ravioli, pappardelle, gnocchi, tortellini, tagliatelle. All their pasta are freshly made, and Chef Keli ensures that he uses the best supply available and am highly particular with each ingredient used. He also goes personally to the fresh market for some selection of fish and prawns. 

The highly recommended pasta was their Cannelloni ai Fruitti di Mare/Seafood Cannelloni. The fresh pasta are cut into long shape, to form a round shape. Within it, it is filled with cuts of fresh prawns, squid, mussels, fish and bechamel sauce. I love this fresh and reviving outlook of Cannelloni. Love the 3 round shape of pasta, served on top of very yummy gravy, accompanied by a neat portion of salad and decorative chocolate sauce. The gravy was cooked using fish stock, and to ensure quality of every sip of taste that goes into the mouth, the stock was cooked using prawn head, red snapper and its bone, together with tomato paste, celery, red onion, carrot, parsley, and cooked for 3 hours.

The pasta was baked with perfection, with slight crisp on top, and the creaminess of cheese on top. I love the generous portion of seafood used that tasted so delicious. That's not all, I found more generous cuts of prawns below the pasta, and with sweetness of the gravy, this tasted heavenly. 

Seafood Cannelloni. Price-RM36

Secondly, we were served the Tortellini Caserecci / Homemade Tortellini. It was the fresh tortellini stuffed with chicken meat and beef bacon, then cooked with cream, mushroom and turkey ham. The texture carried a slight thickness yet chewy and soft when eaten, and love the extremely creamy sauce. 

Homemade Tortellini. Price-RM38 

Each tortellini were filled with so much of chicken and beef bacon, and I could taste the freshness of the meat. 

All the goodness goo-ing out of the tortellini 

Thirdly, we had the Squid Ink Pasta. This was freshly made using black ink from squid. The tenderness of the pasta was apparent, and it was extremely fresh. The gravy has the fishy sweetness taste to it, and a hint of basil. Yumms.. 

Squid Ink Tagliatelle. Price-RM36

I thank Chef Keli to use cream quality that tasted so incredibly good that made this Gnocchi so luscious. This is made using mashed potato, flour, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese, and then cooked with imported cooking cream, blue cheese, and bacon. This indeed was my first time trying 'potato dumpling'. 

Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cheese. Price-RM36

In the past, I have been recommended tiramisu which I was disappointed after I tasted it. I can't wait to taste what is this bowl of tiramisu made of. 

It was made using a long process, to ensure the authenticity of the tiramisu could be savored by its customers. First marsala being cooked, and then mixed with mascarpone, whipping cream, and combined with italian fingers soaked with almond liquor, kahlua and coffee, to derived with this bowl of tiramisu. The softness and the creaminess of the mascarporne was indeed melodious, and coupled with the apparent taste of alcohol, this was indeed a blissful bowl of tiramisu. 

Tiramisu. Price-RM16

The spoon of goodness

My meal ended pleasantly with a plate of dessert that brightened my mood instantly. This has to be one of the best well presented plate of dessert. This pannacotta tasted perfect - soft, and creaminess of the cream made me so delightful. The tinge of orange, and lemon zest gave the taste of this pannacotta an extra umph.  The fact that I'm so full and I can still feel how delicious this was, it must be divine. It indeed was one of the best dessert I ever tasted.

Tasted so good and so beautiful to see. Pannacota. Price-RM14

Flanked by the really tall chef, Chef Keli and Lucas 

I was indeed so pleased with the food quality, and more so of the passion that I felt that brimmed through Chef Keli as he explained to me on each and every dish served. The hospitality extended by both Chef Keli and Lucas were so warm. After this visit, I had the feeling of falling in love during my 1st date, and I can't wait to go for the next date, which I in fact had done so, the week after.  

Food - 9/10; Price - 9/10, Service - 9/10, Ambiance - 9/10 

Portofino
No 1 Persiaran Ara Kiri, 
Lucky Garden, Garden,
59100 Kuala Lumpur 
Tel : 03-2094 8490 

Business Hours : 
11am-11pm daily 

Pork-free (serves halal meat)

Yellow Brick Road @ Jalan Batai, Kuala Lumpur

The newly revamped shoplot at Jalan Batai has sprung a new life to this area. The combination of the cafes, and the soon to be opened Ben's Independent Grocer, seemed to bring plenty of anticipation towards this 2 row of shoplots. 

If one have not been here, the queue that is a norm may have caught your attention. Decided to visit here during the odd hours, ie. the morning of a weekday. 

Outdoor seating @ Yellow Brick Road

A peek into the cafe

Part of its design is the yellow mosaic blended with its cement floor which drew a connection between its swirled up yellow brick road logo. Its wooden lighted panel that resembled a tree in the center seemed to stand out among the other seating available in the cafe. 

A look towards the front of the cafe

I ordered their Cappuccino. It has a highly strong aroma, and the right thickness through each sip of the cup of coffee gave me a good kick-start to my morning. 

Cappuccino. Price-RM11

The green tea was certainly a good choice for one that doesn't fancy coffee. It carried a distinct taste of green tea yet well balanced off with its level of sweetness.

Green Tea.

The presentation of the Big Breakfast was overwhelming, in a good way. It came in a big pan size, filled with many parts that made up the breakfast set. It was filled with toasted rye bread topped with 2 poached eggs (other options of eggs are available), chicken sausages, turkey ham (optional choice is the beef bacon), which were served with mixed beans, grilled mushroom, sweet potatoes, red bean, grilled tomatoes, and hash brown. 

As much as Big breakfast depend mainly on the taste of its ingredients, the overall delivery of this plate of dish was a tad dry, and lacked of seasoning to alleviate the taste of each. In addition, the mixed beans tasted rather odd. 

Only bonus was, for the price paid, this was a portion adequate to fit 2. Some may comment that this is expensive, but try buying each item and cook yourself at home, the cost would have easily doubled, or more. 

The Big Breakfast Bash. Price-RM30

How beautiful is the runny yolk 

I truly enjoyed my pancake. Based on the many diners that ordered their pancake, these goody must have been one of their specialty. 

My version was topped with lots of bonito flakes, the slight saltiness, and the fragrant of these flakes made my meal truly appetizing. I loved the 3 grilled prawns and salmon roes that were served with the pancake. Pancake was light and fluffy,and the blend of takoyaki sauce and japanese mayo really gave me a pleasurable meal.  

Lucky Takoyaki. Price-RM24

Yes. I shall return again very soon. And I suspect, I will be ordering pancake too. 

Food - 7/10; Price - 8/10, Service - 8/10, Ambiance - 9/10 
(Service would have been a 10, and it was only one particular long hair girl server that responded in a slight unwilling manner that gave me a slight unpleasant feeling. Apart from that, all other server seemed to have responded in a highly well mannered way). 

Yellow Brick Road 
7 Jalan Batai, 
Bukit Damansara, 
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-2035 5922

Business Hours : 
9am-5pm (Sun-Thu), 9am-10pm (Fri & Sat - during which kitchen closes from 4-6pm)

FB link, here

Mei by Fat Spoon @ Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur

One of the most recommended F&B outlet by friends to me of late was the Mei by Fat Spoon where I was told they serve very interesting Japanese fusion food. I had in the past saw recipe book by this 2 sisters that runs Mei, where the recipes shared are beyond the ordinary ones, and they cleverly add different ingredients to add twist to the otherwise could have been ordinary dish. With that, great anticipation surrounded me when I headed towards this outlet last week. 

I somewhat missed the spot when I passed by for the first time as the sign of their name was mainly on the glass door. Much sunshine goes through its glass window by the front and side of the outlet.  A feeling of freshness gushed through me as I stepped in. Just loved the simplicity of the place where they used mainly whites as part of their interior design. 

The outside of Mei by Fat Spoons 

Certainly very packed during lunch time

Drink counter and cash register area 

Overall, I find that they have good selection of food and drinks. Plus point is that, their prices are reasonably priced, as compared to many other F&B outlets. I liked how they name their juices, from Red, Green, Orange, Yellow and White, describing the colors of fruits used to derive with the juices. 

I ordered the Red Juice, which comprised of red dragonfruit, watermelon, apple and goji berries. Tasted naturally good, with dragonfruit taste being more apparent than the rest. 

Dina ordered the Yellow Juice, which comprised of passionfruit, honey pineapple, banana and lemon. Slightly sourish, this was just the right drink to open up anyone's appetite.

Red Juice. Price-RM12, Yellow Juice. Price-RM10

As starter, we took the Hokkaido Scallop and the Lychee Tartare. Just imagine yourself eating sashimi scallop, where you get to taste the largely chopped scallop, coupled with canned lychee, placed on top of lightly blend sauce, and accompanied by cuts of spring onions and fresh baby tomatoes. Refreshing offering.

Scallop and Lychee Tartare. Price-RM28

Sashimis are always welcomed by Japanese food lovers, and me being one, couldn't resist to order their bowl of rice that seemed to offer many good stuffs in one order. 

I was absolutely happy with presentation of the bowl of rice, mainly because the freshness of the fish and ingredients which seemed to brimmed onto me, and I love the combination of the colors. Natural and bright. 

Freshness indeed is the most crucial when it comes to Japanese food, and thus, this order certainly fits the bill. Generous amount and size of salmon were provided, avocado, japanese cucumbers, pickled, ikura (I just love the feeling of my tongue bursting them inside my mouth) and shreds of seaweed. The mixed texture felt by the tastebud was certainly satisfying. It ranged from crunchiness of the items, combined with softness and freshness of the fish, mixed with bits of wasabi to each bite - and all this combined, made a good bowl of rice.  

Within the rice, was the light homemade sauce which tasted just nice. Not too salty yet carried enough taste to give you a good balance of being able to taste the natural ingredients from all the good stuff that came with this order.

Salmon, Ikura and Avocado. Price-RM28

Salmon, Ikura and Avocado. Price-RM28. Upon mixed up, still look so good.

What my friend ordered was in fact very similar, with an exception of additional scallop and yellowtail fish. I love how fancy they have named this dish, the Summer Bara Chirashi Bowl. This would be much recommended for hard core fish lovers, as it had the salmon fish, salmon roe, yellowtail, and scallop as well.

Summer Bara Chirashi Bowl. Price-RM38

This place definitely calls for another visit soon, and when I stole a look at their spaghetti,, being ordered by a customer seated next to me, I have already planned in mind to have that the very next time I'll be here. 

Mei by Fat Spoon 
22G, Jalan 27/70A, 
Desa Sri Hartamas 
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03-2300 3327

Business Hours : 11am-10pm 
Closed on : Mondays 

FB link, click here

Frontera, Sol of Mexico @ Jaya One, PJ

For a special dinner with my BFF, I searched for some ideas of recommended eateries around PJ. Read some reviews on Trip Advisor, and Frontera at Jaya One seems to have gotten many positive reviews. 

In fact, I have passed by Frontera countless times in the past, thus these reviews that I read online did help in getting additional businesses for some F&B outlets. 

The feeling I got when I stepped in was it was very simple, with minimal decorative items that represent the feel of a Mexican restaurant. We chose the inside seating, with apparent bright orange color walls that exudes warmness and cosyness of Frontera. 

Entrance of Frontera

My BFF started with plate of Caesar Salad. This was a plate of fresh romaine lettuce served with their homemade Southwestern Caesar dressing, and topped with some tortilla strips to add in the crunchiness to the tastebud. Some shaved Parmesan cheese were also included in this salad. 

Overall all their food were presented in a absolutely neat manner. Nice. 

Southwestern Caesar Salad. Price-RM11.95

All main meals came with Mexican rice. Main ingredients to make consisted of white rice, tomatoes, garlic and onion. 

One of my dinner companion had the Tex-Mex Burrito, whereby it was homemade flour tortilla filled with shredded chicken (option available for beef too), refried beans and cheese. 
Very tasty with the cheesy wet cheese accompanying each bit of the tortilla filled with chicken. 

Tex-Mex Burrito. Price-RM19.95 

The Enchiladas Nortena is corn tortilla wrapped with fillings, and this particular one that we ordered was the roasted beef. The entire corn tortilla was oven baked, and then served with more slow roasted beef, topped with cheese. This style of cooking made the beef much softer, and the juiciness of the beef was truly satisfying to the stomach. Sides included the beans, cooked in a nice sauce, pico de gallo (tomato salsa), and Mexican rice. 

Enchiladas Nortena (Beef). Price-RM32.50

Me and my bff had seafood, and throughout eating, we were just nodding our head, with sense of satisfaction apparent on our faces. 

She had the maple glazed Salmon, whereby the salmon was flame grilled, cooked to just the right level, to bring out the pure taste of salmon. It was then glazed with maple chipotle, served with Mexican rice, and saute vege. 

Maple Glazed Salmon. Price-RM37.50

I was craving for prawns thus went for the Seafood Skewers. One of my best choice of food I ever made. It came with 3 skewers, with each consisted of 2 big prawns, 2 chunks of salmon, bell pepper and mushroom at one end of the skewer. I was highly satisfied with the portion, and the taste. It tasted divine, with just the right balance of aroma and natural sweetness of of the ingredients. 

The sides consisted of guacamole and pico de gallo. Healthy and tasty. The combination of the Mexican rice, the skewers and the sides were just right to deliver a satisfactory meal. 

Seafood Skewers. Price-RM39.50

It has been a long time since I had such an awesome dinner. We were all very pleased with our food, and am certain to be back to repeat the same order, and try out their other offerings. 

During my dinner, it was apparent that most of its air-conditioners weren't working well, and for the one working that was close to where we were sitting, it has some water leakage. Overall, it was rather warm. The interior and furniture seemed a little over-used, and some slight touch up wouldn't definitely give their patrons a much better experience.

Food - 10/10
Price - 9/10
Service - 8/10 
Ambiance - 5/10

Frontera, Sol of Mexico
18-G-2 Palm Square, Jaya One, 
72A Jalan Universiti, 
46200 Petaling Jaya 
Tel : 03-7958 8515

Business Hours : Tue-Sun 12noon - 12mn (Fri & Sat close at 1am)

FB link, here

Bird Park @ Kuala Lumpur

It has been a few years since the last I visited the Bird Park. I took advantage of the Raya holidays to make another visit there. 

The Bird Park indeed is still very well maintained. However, I do noticed less quantity of birds at certain areas. This is one park that will definitely be enjoyed, for family with kids outing. 

Taman Burung KL 

Within the park, there are many trees to offer shade to the patrons. 

 Trees are everywhere within the park 

I like the fact that we can get upclose and personal with some of the breeds within the park, as they are left to roam and fly around (some within restricted caged area). 

Here's sharing some of the photos I took : 

There are some photo opportunities with the parrots and other birds. Fees is at RM15, and RM38 including a print out photo by KL Bird Park. Love their colors. 

The bright lively colors of parrot 

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Love the blend of nature within 

Beautiful Indian Blue Peafowl

Enter their Nursery section that explains all about eggs incubation. Its nice to refresh ourselves with the simple facts that we used to learn in school. 

Beautiful cute chicks 

Beautiful Southern Cassowary

I love the flamingos where this wading birds originated from Africa, and its amazes me to see them standing on just one leg. 

Self balanced is part of life for flamingoes 

Being in pair is always more fun

Quite a handful of the Western & Victorian Crowned pigeon

Am I beautiful?

Drop by for ice-cream, to ease the hotness from the park 

Around the Wall's kiosk, we spotted many Milky Stork that build their own nestle on the trees. I witnessed how this Milky Stork attempted to bring some branches, to build a stronger nest. 

Milky Stork at work

Roaming around

I ended my visit by visiting this very cute Buffy Fish-Owl. Love their blur yet adorable look. 

Owl in a pair, taking their nap

Love the sleeping looking owl 

Dos : 

i.Try to be at the park by the opening time (it's also easier to find parking) and finish your visit before its gets too humid. 

ii. Wear a hat or cap if possible, as there are some areas where you are at risk of being greeted by birds dropping.

Entrance fee : 

Without MyKard : Adult RM50, Kids RM41 

With MyKard : Adult RM27, Kids RM13 

(for a limited time, there is RM5 discount using Aeon membership card)

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park 

920 Jalan Cenderawasih 

Taman Tasik Perdana 

50480 KL 

Tel : 03-2272 1010 

Operating Hours : 9am-6pm daily