Ampang Yong Tow Foo @ Jalan Imbi

Ever since Eric brought me to Ampang Yong Tow Foo (he has been a regular customer for years), this ought to be 1 of our favorite yong tow foo - Joe's Ampang Yong Tow Foo at Jalan Imbi, located at the side of Honda Showroom.

During the hour we were there on the particular Friday evening, we saw that the flow of customers to Joe's stall was literally non-stop.

Bowl of fresh sui kow paste & fish paste

Joe serving his regular customers

In total, Eric and I ordered 8 spring rolls, 1 sui kow, 2 fishballs, 2 ladies finger, 2 dried beancurd/'taupok' and 1 chilli. You will know why the spring roll is their best selling upon trying it. The beancurd skin wrapped with sufficient fish paste, is fried till real crispy, and the fish paste tasted really good after deep fried. The rest of the ingredients tasted just as good.
Upon trying a few other yong tau foo around town, the soup that comes with the non-fried stuff does make a difference, and Joe's prove to the best, as it isn't too watery, and quite tasty too.

Real appetizing Yong tow foo. Price-RM0.80 per pc

Joe's yong tow foo isn't just popular amongst the locals here, and in fact, its popularity has gone beyond Malaysia where his yong tow foo has been featured in a Japanese program, Japanese magazine, Singapore program - 'Hou Sik Hou Chue' and also Malaysia's own programming - 'Ho Chak'. Boy, he must be really proud with his 'secret recipe' to this delicious tasting yong tow foo.

For the size of the yong tow foo and the amount of fish paste within each piece of ingredient sold, I feel that it is reasonably priced at RM0.80 per pc.

Joe with his big smile

Variety of the yong tow foo sold

Behind the stall with Joe

Upon seeing quite a good crowd of customers at the kuih stall behind Joe's, we were curious on how tasty the kuih is, thus went to order 4 different types of kuih - kuih lapis, talam, yam cake and kuih sago to try. Just love the traditional tasting kuih.

Kuih. Price-RM0.70 per pc

Ampang Yong Tow Foo
Jalan Imbi, next park Honda Showroom
Tel : 016-2212 549 (can call Joe to pre-order/big quantity of order)

Business Hours :
6-9pm (or while stock last)
Close on Tue

Pork-free

(my actual visit here : 140509)

Kinnaree @ Jaya One

I can't wait to blog about Kinnaree for the total opposite reason from me having enjoyed a meal here. Alice, a long lost friend whom I got in touch recently through facebook, happened to be having dinner at Jaya One, while I too had appointment with another friend. Thus, dropped by to meet up with Alice before my dinner. When she told me she's chosen to try Kinnaree, I wanted to tell her no, as I've been there when they were first opened. I didn't enjoyed 1 bit my lunch during the 1st visit, however, I thought to myself, what about a 2nd chance.

For this matter, I was proven that 2nd chance is really not required. And somehow, I can't seem to relate how they could have gotten award and quotes from some publication complimenting the food here.

The best thing I felt of Kinnaree is the really nice ambience

Alice was joined by 2 of her friends, and having ordered the dishes, she insisted I had some share of it while waiting for my friend. None of what I was served the other night satisfy my taste bud.

The most basic dish that needs to be of standard of any Thai restaurant has to be its tom yam soup. Eagerly trying out the soup, this tom yam prawn soup was wrong from the very first sip. It tasted a little less plain than plain water, added with spiciness, which went through directly to my ears and stomach.

The pandan chicken was ordinary tasting, and not aromatic at all.


The fish tasted alright. Fried till really crispy, topped with Thai chilli sauce.

Can't go too wrong with kangkung.

Simon, Alice and I. Thank you Datuk for being our cameraman.

I doubt I will ever return here for another meal. For this meal we had, the total bill came up to RM183, which is totally not worth it. (Anyway, thanks Datuk for the dinner).

Kinnaree Thai Restaurant
12-1 Palm Square, Jaya One,
72A Jalan University, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-7957 3910 / 014 688 9098(Natalie)
Fax: 03-7957 3920

URL : kinnaree.jayaone@thaiinspired.com

**Halal

(my actual visit here : 260509)

Kissaten @ Jaya One

The upper floor of Kissaten in fact is a rather cool place to hang out. What else to ask for when from here, we can overlook the stars in the sky, with lights litted up, and breeze of fresh air once a while. One of their main drink sold here is the Paulaner, beer from Germany.

Cool place to hang out

Inside of the restaurant which is a totally different atmosphere from upstairs

My babe friend - Jo had glass of the Paulaner, and me tried out the Choya. I like the Choya served with soda, and plum, and 1 glass is the max I could take.

Choya and Paulaner. Price-RM18 / RM26

Stacks of Paulaner. Highly popular here

Me & Jo

Jo ordered the teppan mushroom burger steak which was really tasty, and we end the dinner drink night with a scoop of Haagan Daz green tea ice-cream. Yummy.

Haagan Daz Green tea ice-cream. Price-RM8.90

Having been here quite a number of times, this is in fact a good dining place, and also a happening drinking place. Chef Chung whom has worked in Japan for more than 10 years is surely a well experienced chef, for he had came up with the entire menu, which in fact some are rather creative creation.

Kissaten
L12A-1-1, Palm Square,
Jaya One
Tel : 03-7954 1990

* Non-Halal

(my actual visit here : 260509)

Memphis Bistro @ PJU1A, PJ

I love it when friends suggest dining places that I've not been. During 1 of the Fridays, had the pleasure to meet some friends from overseas.

Not knowing what to expect when we followed his car, we find that Memphis's location is rather secluded, and is hidden within rows of unoccupied shoplots. However, at the end of the dinner, I must say that I am delighted to discover a restaurant like Memphis.

The owner - KJ Tan must be a real fan of Elvis, for his restaurant is named after Elvis's Graceland Mansion in Memphis, and of course with posters of Elvis seen displayed on the walls, enabling us to relax in the country western ambience. KJ Tan started Memphis upon retirement from his job as the main chef responsible for Genting's F&B outlets for the past 25 years, and with such record in hand, I am not surprised by the standard of food served here. From seeing him in action, in the kitchen and him sharing on the meticulous process in getting the best quality of ingredients, this is 1 chef that is truly passionate with what he does.

And lovin it even more when the ordering is handled by Mr Loh, whom dine at Memphis whenever he returns to KL, and he certainly knows exactly what to order.

We were first served the escargots.This baked 'snails' were really good, and just love the garlic and butter that comes with it. Yummy.

Escargot 1/2 dozen. Price-RM18.50

The mushroom soup I had isn't just the ordinary home made mushroom soup. The thickness of this soup - makes me feel like I'm having some 'dong sui' as its just so rich and creamy. Simply delicious.

Forest Mushroom Soup. Price-RM8

We were lucky for that night the goat soup is available. On usual days, this may be served upon "reservation" subject to availability of goat. This is the first time ever I tried such unique soup, which combines real tender meat of a young goat, onion and spinach. The soup tasted like the typical Chinese soup, with sweetness that comes from all the ingredients within.

Goat Soup. Price-RM15

The fries is also a must-have here, as it taste better really good. I enjoyed every bite of the fries, tasting the freshness and originality of the potato.

Love the portobello mushroom that is baked with tomato-basil coulis and gratinated cheese. Each bite of the mushroom filled with the slightly sourish tomato and cheese, and add on with the softness with the mushroom, this is another must-have. All in all, the escargot, the soup, fries and this mushroom really set a good start to our dinner that night.

Grilled Portobello Mushroom. Price-RM9.80

Mr Loh recommended me to try out the spaghetti oriental chili prawn. This is a rather unique spaghetti I've tried, as the chef use the hainam chilli and chowder to cook this. It has this tangy taste, slight spiciness, and served with 3 king prawns cut into halves. And this is a real big served, recommended for sharing.

Spaghetti Oriental Chilli Prawn. Price-RM28

The rib-eye steak took by 2 other friends were swept clean, and was told that the meat was really tender, and taken together with the mushroom and LP sauce, this is just simply delicious. Btw, Memphis also serve the top grade wahyu rib-eye at RM160, and was told that this is way cheaper than what is served in hotel.

Rib Eye Steak. Price-RM46

This is a house specialty dessert which is an absolute must have, the hot chocolate Lava cake served with vanilla mixberries ice-cream. Once you cut into the chocolate cake, there is indeed 'lava' of chocolate melting out. Take the 'lava' , together with the cake, plus a sip of coffee, and this ought to be the best ever tasting dessert.

Hot Chocolate Lava Cake. Price-RM10.50

Non pretentious, relaxing environment. Can tell that most customers are regulars, and after trying out, bet you too will be a regular *<>*

Quite a quiet neighbourhood, yet Memphis does have good crowd patronizing it

For the amount of food ordered, the total bill came up to RM303 (Thanks KC for the dinner). I must say that the dishes here are reasonably priced, and real value for money, considering the quality of food served.

Map to Memphis

Memphis Bistro
D6-7-G, Blk 7, Pusat Perdagangan Dana1,
Jalan PJU1A/46, PJU 1A,
47301 PJ
Tel : 03-7843 6818

Business Hours :
12.30pm-10.30pm (daily except weekend where they are open for dinner only)
Close on Monday

Pork-Free

(my actual visit here : 220509)

Bubba Gump @ Sunway Pyramid

Bubba Gump restaurant is inspired by the 1994 movie "Forrest Gump" which offers feel down-home American southern charm and amusing dining experience.

Having vague memory of this movie, I till now only remember the most famous quote of of this movie being "my mama always say that Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you're gonna get". Yes, I agree that this is how we should face life, always so full of surprises, and to take things as it comes.

I just love Bubba Gump's logo - cutie shrimp. Met up with Sharon for a small celebration 3 Fridays ago.

Being skeptical on how much we will be paid attention should we require one, as we are depending on this signs that are available on each table - flip to STOP if you need attention, and to RUN if everything is good. However, the crew at Bubba Gump has proven that it works, as within secs of flipping to STOP, we are being attended to. *<>*

STOP and RUN signs

I ordered the Blueberry Smoothie which is a concoction of blueberries, strawberries and non-fat vanilla frozen yoghurt, while Sharon had the Jenny's Favorite, a concoction of strawberries, cranberry juice and non-fat raspberry frozen yoghurt. Both tasted good, however felt the Blueberry Smoothie is s alittle too sweet.

Jenny's Favorite.Price-RM11.90, Blueberry Smoothie.Price-RM11.90

The appetiser we ordered was the shrimp and fish with golden corn, deep fried and served with Remoulade dippin sauce. I felt this was a little dry, and somehow didn't like this very much.

Hush Pups. Price-RM19.90

The other dish that we ordered was the charbroiled cajun spiced Baramundi with bourbon street sauce and shrimp, served over mashed potato. Love the fish and the sauce.

Bourbon Street Baramundi. Price-RM29.90

Me & Sharon , my ex-schoolmate from Convent Klang

We were joined by 2 old friends from school days whom though only had drink, paid for the bill. So nice of them (Thanks BL for the meal).

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co Restaurant
OB.K2, OB.K3, OB.K3C & OB.K3D,
Oasis Boulevard, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall,
NO 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway,
46150 PJ
Tel : 03-5638 4559
Fax : 03-5632 4559

** Halal

(my actual visit here : 080509)

House & Co @ BSC

Decided to try out the new home living and lifestyle store which also offers dining at House&Co, BSC few Fridays ago with BG & Remus. Love BSC's entire new look. House & Co offers a simple yet cosy dining environment. Just a note of caution, to not think the area surrounding the outer side of the restaurant for some slightly more glowing tiles, as they are actually water.

Outside House & Co

Both BG & Remus decided to try the curry chicken tiffin. It is indeed a good choice as the chicken was cooked till real tender, with the right curry spices. The whole set comes with rice, papadam, salted egg, fried ikan bilis, fresh cucumber and pineapple.

Curry Chicken Tiffin. Price-RM21

The 3 colorful drinks we had.

I went for the Steamed Chicken + Rice. The serving is just as big as the size of the plate - it comprises of a quarter chicken steamed with ginger and rock salt, and this tasted really good. A little like herbal chicken. It also comes with chicken pilaf rice, vege, lotus root crisp and chick-cabbage clear soup. Love the chicken, and the fragrant rice.

Steamed Chicken + Rice. Price-RM21

For not too big eaters, I would think that to order 2 portion for 3 person should be just nice.

Concentrating in conversation with Beng Geok

Posing during lunch. Me & Remus

Posing for upcoming 'Money No Enough' ????

House & Co
Lot S15, 2nd Floor, East Wing,
The Bangsar Shopping Centre,
Jalan Maarof, KL

Operating Hours :
10am-3pm / 3pm-6pm
Tue - Sun (close on Monday)

** Halal

(my actual visit here : 080509)

Zen Japanese Restaurant @ Sunway Pyramid

Zen Japanese Restaurant is the 1 Japanese restaurant that I frequent the most. On the Wed that I was there with MY, decided to have something light.

I really love Japanese salad. The vege and the snow crab meat is just so fresh, and the salad sauce really made a whole lot of difference.

Kani Salad.Price-RM18

Thought to order salmon belly for MY to try. However, for someone that doesn't fancy raw stuff, he tried 1, and said that is the only 1 he could stomach. Thus, I was left to finish it by myself.

Toro Salmon.Price-RM25

The shishamo was really good. It was fried till really fragrant, and there were loads & loads of egg inside.

Shimshamo. Price-RM10

The chasoba are soba noodles made of buckwheat flour and wheat flour with added ingredient of fresh Green Tea leaves. This cold greentea bucket noodle tasted so good, however, it really seem to taste much better when its shared. I couldn't really finish this on that night. Only took 1/2 of this.

MY had the claypot udon and handroll set. Everything was swept clean. As for me, I've always love the udon noodle broth.

Nabeyaki Udon to Temaki Zen.Price-RM38

Zen Japanese Restaurant
0B2-F-U2, Oasis Boulevard 2,
Sunway Pyramid, 46150 Bandar Sunway, PJ.
Tel : 03-7492 4922

(my actual visit here : 060509)

Hot Chocolat Cafe @ Damansara Heights

Fei wanted to try out this dessert which he saw the picture I shared with him previously, after our mother's day lunch celebration. Thus, drove to Hot Chocolat for the Chocolate Cake with vanilla ice-cream.

Tucked deep into the Damansara Heights neighbourhood, Hot Chocolat makes a good hideaway eatery. This is a restaurant with really simple deco - nothing too fancy. Ordered what we were there for, the chocolate cake, and we were all satisfied with it. The cake is really moist. The vanilla ice-cream that accompanied it was a little whitish, and was told its still the same but changed of colouring.

Chocolate cake with ice-cream. Price-RM10.90

Eric decided to order the lamb chop to try out. The lamb turned out to be really good, as it does not have the strong lamb smell - and the mint sauce was good too.

Ala Romana. Price-RM18

Had the above and few drinks. Total bill came up to RM64. (Thanks EL for the meal).

The Hot Chocolate Cafe Sdn Bhd
25 Lorong Setia Bistari 2,
Medan Damansara, Damansara Heights,
50490 KL
Tel : 03-2093 9133
H/P : 012-370 0463 (Jim)

** Halal