J.Co Donuts & Coffee

He told me about you.

You needed the money.
And I had an urge.

Yes, we were both desperately lonely that night.

Friends will be laughing their Rses off.
If they ever find out.

I was quick, wasn't I?

Hush now.

First, a taste of the skin. Followed by the savoury alizarin crimson meat.

We tried many and you seemed to know. To know Japanese macha zensates me.

As I nibbled, I knew the time has come. For your climaxing specialty.


You were good at it.


And you left in the morning.

With a kiss of honey sweet glaze. Still moist.


Thanks.


I had fun.

***

Mona Pisa (S$1.30) – cheese and chicken sausage donut
Miss Green T (S$1.30) - green tea donut
Alcapone (S$1.30) – Belgian chocolate, Californian almonds donut
Glazzy (S$1.20) - sweet honey glazed donut

***

J.Co Donuts & Coffee
Bugis Junction
#B1-24/25
Tel: (+65) 68847412
(Informative) Website: http://www.jcodonuts.com/

New York, New York

I imagined a little as I read the headline today.

"Stocks soar on plan for US$500b lifeboat".

The cider of the Big Apple seemed to have sweetened a bit, I sniggered at my bad joke.

Wall Street has become the centre of attraction yet again, after a recent lacklustre trading season which lasted quite a number of months. Well, in fact, NYC has been quite quiet after Godzilla stampeded the city, hasn’t it?

Oh yes, NYC. Madison Square Garden, Central Park, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, big yellow taxis and Carrie Bradshaw’s endless complaints (someone stop her, please) of the mathematically derivable relationship equation. We all have a memorable slice of the Big Apple pie, don’t we?

But do we really remember munching anything distinctively New York? No, McDonald’s and Subway don’t count.

If it was true, then I must have had a taste of New York the day I paid my annual e-pilgrimage to Comex. Yes, gadgets turn me on. So do words. And food.

Hoping to be serenaded by Sinatra’s New York, New York and Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind, I got lots of Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown instead. Not that it was a bad thing though. That got me wondered if modernity is the food of New York.

The Meat Platter for 2 was a serious affair. We are talking about pork ribs, roast chicken, chicken cigars, baked beans, corn on cobs, coleslaw and potato wedges on a platter that could fit a whole cow’s head. Do not attempt this if your eating partner is the type that can’t even finish half a plate of chicken rice (I believe some children can do better).

The golden hue of the assorted meat was appetizing while the taste did not totally disappoint. Biting into the pork ribs was a flavoursome affair with tender meat absorbing all the salt, I mean spices. To wallop half a chicken each was quite a challenge when beneath the aromatic skin was nothing but bland white meat. The keywords to success were determination and ketchup. Cooked to the right moment of tenderness though. Billy Joel, get outta my mind now! Whatever batang-like object you call it, KFC to me, still tops when it comes to crispy strips. The crunch, the taste, the aroma, the stroke. Ahhh.. This version, though flavourful (with chili dipping), was rather hard. Despite the generality, for S$36.90, it was definitely value-for-money. No doubt about that.

Now I remember vaguely that New York is famous for its cheesecake. Or is it mudpie? Though I enjoyed the warmness of the chocolate fudge drenching the chocolate pie (S$7.90), I didn’t quite like the dryness of the pie. Give it a bit more butter for that smoothness and I’ll be humming Moon River. The scoop of vanilla ice-cream was a nice touch though, giving the dessert a bit of that ‘yin and yang’ness.

Fastfood chains have been proclaiming the healthiness of their meals but I don't believe that constipation can be prevented with the amount of fiber I’m getting from them two slices of green. Nor can I prevent a runny nose from the amount Vitamin C in the dessert. So, when a peach jello glacier (which the menu claimed was diet friendly) was ordered, I kind of knew what to expect. And I was right. Crushed ice with syrup and some fruits at S$6.90. By the way, I didn’t order that. So, yeah.

If New York, New York was really New York, then I guess New York is all about magnitude, convenience, complex carbohydrate and immensity of taste.

I’m a not diggin’ it too much, but it’s kinda cool.

Sometimes.

*Munching fries and chips while typing this and watching business news*

New York, New York
No. 1, Raffles Link
#B1-47A
CITYLINK
Singapore 039393
Tel: (+65) 63419695

Min Huang Restaurant

...爱情像一本游记
我会找寻它的谜语...
...看月牙湾下的泪光
在丝路之上被遗忘...

...Love is like a travelogue,
the riddles of it that I will solve...
...Gazing the shimmering teardrops on the crescent moon bay,
forgotten on the steps of the Silk Road...

It was only until earlier today, when MTV China was showing a Mid Autumn Festival special, that I began to rediscover F.I.R. Their catchy, oriental tune called 月牙湾 (crescent moon bay) caught my attention, as I was reading about the turbulences surrounding us.

It’s funny how we tend to stereotype certain things in life, isn’t it? When F.I.R. broke into the scene a few years back, I was not a bit excited. Wannabe, I thought. Too much resemblance to Do As Infinity. Even Every Little Thing. And as 月牙湾 keeps playing in my mind now, I realize that they do have a musical direction of their own. And it’s brilliant. Silly me.

Oh, and lead singer Faye’s pretty pretty too, don’t you agree?

Just like the eateries in Taman Usahawan Kepong. To a point, I believe I described all these colourful restaurants bearing interesting names as kitschy. Then, came along a lovely blogger called Mimi who started introducing mouth-watering restaurants in this area, one after another. It was then I came to know what I’ve been missing. Thanks, Mimi.

First on my list was Min Huang. I must say that it was their steamed bun with custard/salted egg filling (RM3.60 for 2 buns) that attracted me. Not exactly runny, but it was definitely flavoursome, the filling. The richness of the salted eggs is worth mentioning.

A 5% service charge aside, the complimentary salad consisted of cucumber strips dressed in soy sauce and sesame oil was refreshing. Beats having peanuts, anytime.

Ask me not why of all the noodle dishes, I had chosen the Shanghai-style fried mung bean sheets (RM4.20). But if you ask me how it tasted, I will say ho jiak (delicious)! Being Shanghainese cuisine illiterate, I couldn’t help but find it similar to our beloved char kway teow. Perhaps that’s what globalization is all about. The mildly charred sheets were absolutely aromatic. Loved it.

Another Shanghainese dish, the xiao long bao (RM6.00 for 3 pieces) was surprisingly good as well. The skin was rather thin and the melted, jellied lard oozed with a subtly sweet and savoury flavour. Let’s not make comparisons and just enjoy these tasty morsels since a meal at the nearest branded xiao long bao restaurant costs another RM1.60 (one way) more for just using the LDP.

The only disappointment perhaps, was the steamed char siew bao (RM3.20 for 2 buns). Though came steaming hot, the bun was slightly crumbly while the filling was bland, despite the moist texture.

For dessert, the fried avocado paste wrapped with kataifi (RM5.00 for 2 pieces). With the crunchy kataifi strands complementing the sweet, smooth avocado paste, it was nice. Like how 月牙湾's melancholic music video motioned to the beautiful melody of the song. It’s good to know that there are desserts beyond lotus paste puffs for dim sum.

I’ll be back to try a few more signature dishes. As for F.I.R., there’s always YouTube.

Here’s wishing everyone a Mid Autumn Festival of peace and joy.

Min Huang Restaurant
12, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 3
Taman Usahawan Kepong
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: (+603) 62587996

Check out Mimi’s review here.

Izakaya Nijumaru

I believe grayness has unraveled. Perhaps it’s a daily ritual, as darkness falls. If the walls could talk, they would have asked to be repainted with livelihood. And the escalators would love to dance once again.

Nagomi, Nishiki, Kushigin, Kazu.

This must be a Japanese enclave.

None of those neon vivacities of Shinjuku nor Shibuya but rather, dim lighting from small restaurants that almost coincides with the fatigued spirits of salarymen, after a hard day’s work. Offering opportunities for baseball talks, Nihon Shimbun and a hearty meal, this is where the heart should be. Home.

We wanted to be a part of home. For a taste of home. So, we referred to the best and just let the beaten soul rest. Hence, Izakaya Nijumaru.

The two thick slabs of grilled eel; though slightly tough, were worth coming home to. With a dense, sweet soy based dressing to coat the rice, every bit was as flavourfully moist as ever. It was part of the Unajyu Bento Set (S$20.00) which also consisted of a mini sashimi platter, miso soup, side salad and preserved radish slices.

When enjoying the freshness of the sea bream, salmon and tuna slices as they melt in the mouth, we should smile and say.....umai.

And when a taste of home calls for commonness, the Nijumaru Bento Set (S$18.00) clearly represents it all. There’s the braised pork belly. The main attraction that definitely did not gain our affection. Soft it was not and the braising sauce could have been slightly saltier. Even a touch of mustard couldn’t perk up the tastebuds.

The grilled mackerel, tempura prawn and mini sashimi platter completed the proportionally satisfying bento set.

Perhaps something that can be done at home, these thick pieces of flaky Salmon Wrapped With Bacon (S$12.00). A solid special of the day.

Nijumaru was home for the generous portions, coziness, authenticity and regularity.

And maybe that’s the reason why we need to eat out sometimes.

Izakaya Nijumaru
5 Koek Road
#02-10/12 Cuppage Plaza
Singapore 228796
Tel: (+65) 62356693/62354857

Other reviews:
Camemberu (with links to more reviews)
KL People KL (and Singapore) Food

Yuzu Japanese Restaurant

When they met...
Constellations of thoughts collided,
resulting in a spectacular fall of sakura petals.

When they spoke...
The surrounding seemed bleak,
like the withering leaves amongst striking, ripe yuzus.

When they ate...
They spoke of fresh sashimi;
of firm hotate and hamachi,
of rich sake and maguro,
of crunchy akagai,
of tough otoro silence.

When they yearned for more...
An encapsulation of crispy fried prawns with salmon and avocado teased their senses.

And when they left...
Wishes were for a beautiful autumn,
and another good harvest...

...of Yuzu.


Menu:
Yuzu Moriwase (RM150)
King Prawn Roll (RM28)

Yuzu Japanese Restaurant
T236, 3rd Floor
The Gardens Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (+603) 22847663/22847763

Click here for a review on Yuzu by Christine and links to reviews by other food bloggers.

One

Ma Miso Black Cod, Ma Miso Black Cod, Ya taste so soft and milky, Ya make me say Gawd!Life is certainly...a weekend extravaganza.I don’t like fruits with body odour.We washed our hands.So, what's real anymore?I heart my liver.A celebration of life indeed.Perhaps inspiration does not always translate into rhymes and reasons.Like makeup sex, the S$28 dinner (for two) was very much satiating.Malaysians, the naturally gifted badminton players had no problem with zapping them flies with the e-racquets.An enhancement that distinguishes the inspired from the required.It’s all about indulgences.And it made mine, well, like being touched for the very first time lor.Though simple, I believe KLites prefer to pay for convenience these days, which is a pity, actually.Strike while it’s still cold, really.I certainly didn't expect my coming resulted in a blown-out-of-orgasmic proportion experience.For you are worth every moment of this torment.A masterpiece perpetually engraved on the beautiful body of a centuries-old vase.Awesome! or Awesome??In my next life, if I ever get reincarnated in a non-human form (thanks to my impressive repertoire of committed sins), I wish to return as a man's best friend.The teary-eyed good ones and the humorously bad ones.The foie gras basically melted in the mouthm, releasing an aromatic flavour, leaving everyone with a smile on the face.Soft as clouds you see, Sweet as her lips can be.It almost felt like a wedding of an arranged marriage.Talk about the fast lane, huh? I was on overdrive that night.With the truffle salsa scent alluring, A sexciting bruschetta awaitingIt acts as a pulmonary artery, sending workforce and leisure seekers to the pulsating beat of the city and vice versa, much like the function of the pulmonary vein.And yet, you like to engage in that little dirty conversation once in awhile.Self-indulgences.For locals, it’s a reminder of the food that made them who they are today.And most of all, a heritage.Accentuating. But how disappointing, you were not soft.Despite some stains and silly mistakes, I thought my virginal do was quite satisfying.If tranquility is the green of the mind and trees are nowhere to be found through your window, the matcha latte may come in handy.Alone in his room he writes, Missing home, a song he cites.Perhaps there are 48 hours on Sundays.My first KL restaurant post!Shall we, sugar?Colleagues have been telling me about this bakery for the longest time but somehow, I can never find the time to break the belt.I drowned with fear, I rose with cheer, A golden brown sphere, His praise I hear.Like the infatuation for Sundays, we often overlook what’s right in front of us.Perhaps we should learn a thing or two from Nature.Thank you.Who knows what tomorrow will bring?The Chinaman in me was reluctant to dine al-fresco at first, as we do pay for the air-conditioning afterall.Just one piece and I left it to XLB to proceed with her sacrificial ritual.You just have to enter, not too deep, and offer a kind word or two.The price of siu yoke usually hikes up during Chinese festivals; therefore, we really treasure this dish.Theory of relativity, law of attraction,chemistry, the black hole, karma, destiny, Chumbawamba, Kawabunga or whatever you call it, I am always drawn to Marmalade Kafe whenever I’m in Bangsar Village 2, even when I'm not looking for healthy, comfort food.A comfortably lonely word.Perhaps only simplistic dishes are cooked in real apartments.A Maggie Q.Like todayIt’s the time when you can’t differentiate between breakfast & supper or ramen & la mian.I have always been fascinated, intrigued, irritated and inspired by bloggers and their blogs.like underwear, one will wear this recollection to carry out one’s mundane routine, providing comfort and support in more ways than one.There's something pretentious about it, I feel.For everything.A thick skin he wished he had this afternoon.Somewhere between dial-ups and broadbands.Who would have thought that a piece of pandan (screwpine) leave and a dainty white chrysanthemum could go so well together?When was the last time Robbie Williams had a real great hit?Here, at Ma Maison, my house.Your blood never felt so fresh.For the mains, an interesting observation was the ability of the dishes to complement each other, in an arbitrary manner.A good Delhi Belly at that.Dan jangan kita lupa bahawa kepimpinan itu cuma pendorong dan kewarasan serta kematangan minda masih menentukan arah tujuan hidup kita.I wish her well.Perfection = Taste + Aroma + TextureMy tastebuds are laughing at me.Black Tie, White LieWhats even harder is a chance to reminisce those good old days of Cantopop with your long-time friends.I guess I will never know until I find what I have been looking for.As weekends are more or less similar to a RM50 pre-paid reload these days, (in true kiasuism fashion) should we make full of the 2880 minutes by catching up on things/people we missed or should we save up our qi (or credit) and just chill, and enjoy the tranquility away?The smell of butter was haunting, as I unwrapped your skimpiest of sheets.A few minutes ago, I was still in dreamland, having an intimate moment with my maguro sashimi and I was about to devour it.Filgrimages (food pilgrimages) are paid to Geylang whenever time permits.Turns 1 today.If the quality of everything else local is as good as this, I'm all game for it.But let us continue to celebrate this festival that provides us with good food, not just for the stomach, but also for the soul.

Kedai Makan Kok Heng

It takes a post to remember the last time I had a proper dinner in a restaurant with relatives. Yes, this post. Those were the days of (almost) regimental family dinners and the (very) young ones would detest at the idea, citing the other rascals’ ugly faces as the main reason for the reluctance to dine in the same restaurant or table. I wonder if the kids of today still feel the same.

Growing up in the 90s (ok, late 80s), Chinese dishes like honey lemon chicken and marmite spare ribs were novelties and kids loved them. These days, they are as common as sweet and sour pork with white rice. International flavours have stamped their presence in the local dai chow (tze char) scene and is ever expanding. Kids can now choose from cod fish with teriyaki sauce to champagne/red wine ribs to butter prawns/crab/pork to fried pork with wasabied mayonnaise, the list just goes on and on. And how about the endless provincial Chinese dishes making their way to our mouths faster than their glorious gold medals sweep at the Olympics, which ended two few weeks back?

Heck, even new breeds of local fishes (and chicken) are swimming (flying) towards the tables of our local, friendly dai chow stalls at an impressive Phelpish speed.

Yes, the creative, wonderful world of MSG-laden dai chow! Sky’s the limit.

All these thoughts were sparked by the dinner I had at Kok Heng, a Chinese dai chow restaurant in Kepong (with a branch in Bentong) which specializes in freshwater fish from the Pahang rivers.

Just basic flavourings and aromatics like garlic, dried shrimps and bird eye chilies plus a massive amount of heat for the wok hei will make a good stir-fry dish. Chaotic deliciousness. Of course when you have crunchy fallopian tubes from sows for texture, it called an elevation. Think of it as intestines, if it makes you feel better.

The Japanese have their chawan mushis, Westerners perfected their soufflés while the Chinese came up the simplest yet most flavoursome of them all, steamed egg. Preserved century eggs, mushroom cubes and garlic oil were added for that little luxury in taste yet maintaining a relatively cheaper price than its counterparts.

I grew up to believe that snakeheads (haruan) are best to be stir-fried with ginger and scallion (unless it is boiled for the medicinal purposes) for the freshness in taste and to get rid of the earthy smell of the fish. Definitely a more affordable choice than its fellow saltwater swimmers.

What in the world is a GuangXi (广西) chicken? I assume that everything 广(expansive) should be good. Take the Cantonese cuisine from Guangdong (广东) for example. Deliciousness at its finest. So the GuangXi chicken was good. An immense rush of taste of ginger, soya sauce, cilantro and certain unidentifiable ingredients triggered the tastebuds. Rather tough chicken aside, it was flavourful. When came the dipping sauce, it was like adding an exclamation mark to a sentence of BLOCK letters. Consisted of what was presumed as a mix of fermented bean paste, scallion, cilantro and ginger, it definitely added a sense of freshness to the chicken.

But of course we should be proud of our very own steamed assam (tamarind) tilapia as well. With a tinge of heat, the sourish sauce was as ballistic as it could get, regardless of the freshness of the fish, which in this case, was rather fresh. The measure of a good assam sauce, I feel, is one where it makes you jerk, mentally, while the physical composure remains. It’s all in the subtlety of taste, like many other things.

For the richness of the evaporated milk and sourness of the tomatoes, fish head noodles remain as one of the local dishes (Malaysia and Singapore) that I truly enjoy. Preserved vegetable is optional but the zing of ginger slices should prevail, minimal at least. And disappointment was far and away, with a good soup base and al dente bee hoon (rice vermicelli). The absence of liquor was a pity though.

When we talk about the compulsory vegetable for fibre, we are not kidding. The starchy ones like sweet potato leaves are even better for they provide lubrication as well. Fresh, slightly charred plus aroma from the garlic, the greens are usually the underdogs to the red heroes. The rascals did not understand this, until the day they forced it into their children’s mouths.

The inevitable thirstiness was felt to an extent but sometimes, it might not be solely due to the monosodium glutamate but the aggressive, continuous conversations (cursings included) as well.

A typically good Chinese dinner with the relatives.
In a commendable restaurant with speedy service.

Something to look forward to, now that the Olympics is over.

Kedai Makan Kok Heng
No. 10, Jalan Burung Pucung
Taman Bukit Maluri
52100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: (+6012) 4022959, (+6012) 928 9231, (+6012) 289 2959

Hooters @ Clarke Quay

Oh no! Oh no!
What has he done??
He has no one to blame but himself.
Please forgive him for he had disappointed you.

For he couldn’t resist.

As the endless booze they had made them happier and laughed harder.

As the absolutely professional and pretty Hooters Girls attended to their polite demands. Yes, the guys were no horny b*&#^%&s.

As he made a fool of himself (thanks to his friends like James and the rest of the Aussie gang) by taking part in the hula hoop contest. He could barely make 3 full turns to save his bellyful life. It doesn’t affect his other performances though. Yes, he meant karaoke.

As the crispy, “Almost World Famous, Often Imitated, Hardly Ever Duplicated” Hooters Chicken Wings were so flavorfully savoury (despite the darkened bones), he had to gulp more of those Sol with lime. Followed by a vision of everything winged.

As the Philly Cheese (beef) was filled with flavourings and onions to add a little sexcitement to their game.

As he tasted a moist, juicy piece of meat. Yes, the flaky, sweet/sour/savoury BBQ Baby Back Ribs. Mmmmm, he said and shook a bit, to say the least.

Please forgive him for he had been good.

And let him in, once more.

Hooters
3D River Valley Road
#01-03
Shophouse Row
Clarke Quay
Singapore 179023
Tel: (+65) 63321090
Website: http://www.hooters.com/

Tell-A-Tale (Part 17): Lemon Yoghurt Pistachio (With Toasted Sunflower Seeds) Cake

Not too shabby.
For a beautiful day.

Like today.

Click here for the original recipe from the fabulous FatBoyBakes (aka Guffawing King).

Thai Food @ Restoran New Neighbour (and Kay Tse)

There are times when one finds a something so mesmerizing, it sticks in one’s mind for a good few weeks. Just like underwear, one will wear this recollection to carry out one’s mundane routine, providing comfort and support in more ways than one.

In the past few days, I’ve been wearing two such interchangeable supports. So much for hygiene, eh? One is 謝安琪 or Kay Tse’s 喜帖街 (loosely translated as wedding invitation cards street). When I first heard it on the radio, I had no idea whom this pretty voice belonged to. And what soothing melodies it brought. Oh, on a rainy day, at that. With the wonders of the internet (and a few Chinese words I managed to catch from that DJ), I found the video and title of the song. Some might call it stereotypically sweet, but I guess that’s just the trend in Canto/Mando pop these days. Like Ivana Wong, Janice Vidal and Vincy Chan. We have to evolve with the times lor, I guess. I miss the 90s! Oh, interesting, slightly gray lyrics as well, by the eccentric genius, Wyman Wong.

The second support comes in form of a Thai food stall, in a coffeeshop called Restoran New Neighbour in Bandar Menjalara. I have been coming back to the same stall for the past 3 weekends. Unless one reads Chinese, it could have easily been mistaken for a typical soupy noodle stall. Heck, even the owners (whom speak minimal Cantonese/Hokkien) look local. Ever-friendly, nevertheless.

I have been told that the Tom Yam Noodle here is good. Very. At RM5.00, the portion was huge. Upon seeing the fiery stock, I began to perspire. A sip of the soup revealed an aptly sour and sweet taste that screamed salivation. The generous amount of ingredients, including prawns, squid rings, onion slices and oyster mushrooms gave the dish an extra boost of flavour and texture. The bee hoon was al dente and rather fragrant as well. Perspire I didn’t, relatively, as heat was kept minimal. If Kay, I mean a date craves for tom yam, I’ll know of a place where I won’t have to embarrass myself. Now.

Cooling down the heat with a glass of herbal tea, infused with winter melon cubes, from the drinks stall. Kay’s song comes to mind again.

There is also the Braised Pork Rice, another Thai staple. Flaky meat meets flavoursome gravy. Yummy. Value for money as well, given the big chunk of meat. Unlike the dark, heavily spiced version, this stall’s was rather mild and sweet as well. A dish that complements the compulsory white rice.

On the third visit, I tried the braised chicken with rolled rice sheets. The purpose was of course, to get a feel of the sheets. Well, I must say it’s quite interesting to slide the smooth rolls into the mouth, together with a tasty soy sauce/five spice powder infused stock. Perhaps a little too sweet, but that aside, a good alternative to the usual clear broth.

And what better way to end breakfast than with a bowl of hearty barley/ginkgo/soy concoction. Again, wedding invitation cards street comes to mind.

This particular street in Bandar Menjalara boosts a few good coffeeshops that I absolutely love coming back to. A few restaurants can be found here as well. Across the street is that heavily lit Goldhill Club restaurant. Check out Bernsy’s review. I saw Kanna Curry House too and wondered if it’s a branch from the infamous joint.

Above, above all, I hope to come back to some comfort this weekend.

On the street of coffeeshops.

With that street of wedding invitation cards in my mind.

And Kay's voice, of course.

Thai food stall at Restoran New Neighbour
Cornershop along Jalan 9/62A (damn those a*#$holes who stick adverts on signboards!),
Bandar Sri Menjalara
Kepong
55200 Kuala Lumpur.