Category:

Happy Hour

Collins Sake and wine bar @ TTDI, KL

by Taufulou 03/09/2020

written by Taufulou

One of my favorite private hidden wine bar Private Room at TTDI had now change to Collins Sake and wine bar. A slight chance of concept to iron out their new route towards Japanese. Some good selection of Japanese Gin and Sake you can find in here with many of the Japanese Gin I have not seen before. Of course, you can still pick your selection of wine at the rack.

Still the same as you need to find this blue door, to head up to their secret hideout.

Ding dong and there will be some one to lead you in.

Menu is pretty direct.

Jeng jeng jeng, here are some of the Japanese Gin that you can pick for your order.

for a start, we start off with Sake mix.

If you are hunry, they got local infusion of bar snacks and their pricing is very reasonable. For snacks I would be recommending:

any of their Roast Pork Series as it is pretty good.
Squid
Signature Mezasoba for mains

Penang Lor Bak @ RM 15

Baby Octopus with Thai chili Sauce @ RM 12

Collins Beef Burger @ RM 15

Chicken Karage @ RM 14

Garlicky Spicy Siew Yuk @ RM 18

Grill Saba fish @ RM 20

Deep Fried Nam Yu Fried Pork Belly @ RM 14

Japanese Fried Gyoza (6pcs) @ RM 16

Collins Signature Mezasoba @ RM 25

Siew Yuk Ramen @ RM 18

Grilled Lamb Chop @ RM 30

They classic Japanese Gin is quite awesome. IF you love variety of Japanese Gin in PJ area, they options are pretty alright. For ladies, you would definitely love the Sakurao Japanse Dry Gin or Yuzu Gin. These two are so easy to drink that the effect will knock you off direct. Both have its own fragrant.

My personal favourite is this among the 3 we have tried. Okinawa Gin is in deed a classic yet unique. A flavour that not many will enjoy as it is quite strong and pungent after taste. A bit woody end. This is like drinking Isle whisky which is on the oaky side.

03/09/2020 1 comment

Bar Bar & Bistro Food Fusion Happy Hour Local Food Location Non-Halal PJ Selangor SpeaksEasy/Cocktail Bar

MiyagiSays @ Uptown Damansara

by Taufulou 19/02/2020

written by Taufulou

A new eatery had pop up in Uptown Damansara and this is the new MiyagiSays. I really do give me an impression of Karate Kid movie. Not only that, I personally felt that it is a nice place to hang out with friends too.

This new bar in Uptown Damansara do have its own twist in both the stories and also their food. They are serving Japanese Fusion food with a twist of local infusion. More like a Japanese Mamak style. Hence you can see some of the servings are like Mamak version. This Japanese Bar in PJ also serve pretty well known Highballs. It is actually soda with whisky. One of a famous streetfood or yakitori moment that a must have drink.

A place which is minimalist interior with raw finishing and their lvl 1 will blow you away.

Starting off with signature Miyagi Highballs. A refreshing drink that have a nice balance of flavour, bubbles that I like and with a slice of Lemon.

Onigiri Original – with a Nasi Lemak Twist in it. Serve with fried popiah base and seaweed sheet

Miyagi Potato Chips. Crispy that goes well with my highball and to dip along chef special sambal which is not too spicy yet fragrant. Just nice.

Sup Tulang Nabe is more like a combination of Bak Kut Teh but they make it into a twist of Japanese version. Love the soup which is slight pappery that give you a hint of heat at the end.

Maggi Ox Tongue

I quite like Miyagi Nga Pou Kai Fan. Using Japanese Soy Sauce and Chicken being grill first before adding on top. Can ask for extra soy sauce if you want it to get a little salty. Just nice as the flavour really does goes well with the highball.

If you want some snacks to bite then Bak Kwa Pork Belly is pretty good. Nicely glazed and grilled.

Butter milk Kai

Cream Cheese Kai Si Fatt is da bomb! A must order if you like Kai Si Fatt (Chicken Backside)

Egg bomb turns out to be better than expected. Potato and mash with perfectly cooked egg in the middle with a bed of salmon tartar.

Another 2 drinks we got is Henny Highball and Sake Highball. The uniqueness of their highball is the tap behind is being imported from Japan that gives it a unique kind of soda water.

After that we adjourn to upstairs with liveband on every weekend. A different kind of look whereby the bar is fitted with white titles and alot of neon corner which is perfect for picture taking. Best to come here around evening.

There are 2 different menu being served as mains are only available downstairs and only some snacks are available in Level 1.

Continue our night with Gin with Plum (I think girls will like this a lot. Simple drink). Cocktail highball.

They also have a unique tai wah sek game. Do check them out.

Indeed a nice Japanese bar in PJ to chill out.

Location:
#miyagesays
52G, Jalan SS 21/35,
Damansara Utama, 47400
Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel: 03-7731 6195

Operating Hours: 4pm – 2am

19/02/2020 1 comment

Bar & Bistro Happy Hour K.L KL area Location SpeaksEasy/Cocktail Bar

Sakura Den @ Off Old Klang Road, KL

by Taufulou 10/02/2020

written by Taufulou

When I was driving to this place, it seems like the area would not have a bar as it seems out from Old Klang Road. Indeed Sakura Den located at Off Old Klang Road is actually in Kampung Pasir area. After checking this place out, this would be one of a recommended speakeasy bar in Old Klang Road to hunt for.

This hidden bar in KL is head by Arsenio Mariano Jr., better known as Ash. Holding up as winner of the Bar Awards Luminaries 2019. With his vast exploration around South East Asia had is making his drinks quite adventurous. A local mixologist Sabahan that did pretty outstanding drinks with local infusion.

A place where the regulars come often for their usual drink with a glass or two before heading back to their home.

Cocktail’s Creed, which takes place every Sunday from now until March 2020, sets guests up for a surprise with every drink. Going against the grain, Ash prefers that you tell him the flavours or ingredients you don’t like, and he’ll conjure up a custom cocktail that just might make your favourites list.

Select 2 cocktails for RM70+ or 3 cocktails for RM90+ and journey with Ash through unique flavour profiles derived from using house-made ingredients such as ginseng flower and tongkat ali infusions, peach gum, and jujube syrup. Ask him about Mexican worm salt aka sal de gusano and he’ll be happy to oblige your curiosity.

For some quick snacks/bites, hit on their :

1. Tomato Salsa Bruschetta with feta cheese @ RM16+

2. Chili Garlic Prawns served with garlic bread @ RM18+

3. Fish Metti catfish with coriander, butter and Parmesan cheese baked with garlic bread @ RM18+

For a start, we try out his signature: Birds Nest – Kinsey Gin, Birds Nest, Peach Gum Infused With Longan Jujube Syrup & Ume @ RM 48. Clever mix of flavour that gives you hint of longan jujube along with peach gum gives you the substitute of bird next texture and gin that goes well with it. A nice balance of flavour.

Twisted Queen – Brugal Blanco, Carpano Antica Formula, Mangosteen Juice, Pandan Syrup, Lime @ RM 36

For a simple light drink to go with, as I want to maintain my palate for the night simple. Ginza Spritz – Kinsey Gin, Mathilde Poire Liqueur, Nigori Yuzushu, Shiso leaves, Lemon and a splash of Soda @ RM 38 is one of a right drink to hunt for. Simple yet spot on with few flavours that linger in your mouth.

This is like the limited edition bottle or its supply is very limited, only 1000 bottles produce a year. Ume Hi One of a very unique flavour. Its kind of must try if you are a gin lover. A clean and refreshing cocktail that uses Benichu 19° – an oak barrel matured umeshu.

Kopi Jantan – an espresso based cocktail with a local influence using our house-infused Borghetti liqueuer with Tongkat Ali root. A rather interesting cocktail that gives you hint of bitterness yet liquier is not too strong but slightly prominent.

I am a big fan of Negroni and especally smokey negroni. However for their version of Sakura Negroni – Sakurao Original, Umeshu,Chartreuse Gentiano @ RM 48. There is a slight twist. It is refershing yet, a strong lingering flavour of chartreuse and mild after sourness from umeshu is kinda interesting twist after it.

Now I really know there is this hidden speakeasy bar that serve pretty good cocktail. Even better if you are indecisive, just inform Ash on your flavour profile and ask him to surprise you. I think that would be quite adventurous.

Location:
Sakura Den
First Floor,
24, Jalan Kampung Pasir,
Kampung Pasir,
58200 Kuala Lumpur,

Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am

TeL: 012-393 8627

10/02/2020 1 comment

Bar Bar & Bistro Food Golden Triangle Happy Hour K.L KL area Location SpeaksEasy/Cocktail Bar

JANN @ Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown, KL

by Taufulou 20/01/2020

written by Taufulou

A Cocktail bar that gives you a nice vibe is this nice heritage interior at JANN Bar in Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown, KL. As for their new opening of the hotel and also this bar, we get to enjoy a 30% off on all their cocktail till 31st January 2020. This is indeed a great bargain.

A place you get to sit outdoor to enjoy the direct view of Petaling Street or the new 4 skytower of KL. KLCC, Petronas Twin Tower, The Exchange 106 and Merdeka PNB118

check out their menu as all their cocktails are specially crafted out to infuse with inspiration of all the best hawker or a trail of heritage around the area.

We are trying out quite number of cocktails for the night. One of the must interesting cocktail is this Bak Kwa – Jalan Hang Lekir @ RM 45 – Inspiration from Jalan Hang Lekir famous Oloiya meet Jerky artisan, who made this by selling orange juice. Who knows that vodka and blood orange pair well with dried orange.

Interesting combination which turns out to work well.

One of the girls favourite is this Dear Jann @ RM 50. A drink which is smooth, fragrant and fruity end is indeed a drink that is easy to consume. Gin base and pink Himalayan Salt.

Little Devil

To my surprise, Asam Laksa – Madras Lane @ RM 45 turns out to be better than what I expected. Flavourful, tangy and hint of spicy . A gin base with Olmeca Reposado, ginger flower, asam keping, orange and calamansi. A drink that makes your palate dance.

Have you ever thought that our normal dessert taufufa can become a cocktail? Well, Tau Foo Fah, Jalan Petaling @ RM 40 – an actual taufufa, with grass jelly and infuse with rum. A good taste experience, as a hint of nice aroma of soya infuse well with the rum. Not too overopowering yet a nice balance of flavour.

Right next to it is also indeed a unique drink by its own. Rojak – Jalan Sultan @ RM 40. Baradi Carta Blanca, Rojak Sauce, Ambra, Pineapple, Mango, Calamansi. I would best advise for all of you to share this drink. Not only a strong knock on your palate that gets you confuse but an very interesting drink.

This is the most unique drink of all. It is a love hate relationship. by the name The Tailor – Jalan Sultan @ RM 45 is indeed a drink that is created to suits on the odor of the shop. A century old tailor shop at Jalan Sultan still uses traditional sewing machine. A drink with Jack Daniel whisky with infusion of bonito flakes. A drink that give you a strong knock on both smell and taste.

Location:
JANN Bar
Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown
2, Jalan Balai Polis,
City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Tel : 03-2035 7333

Operating Hours: 4pm – 1am

20/01/2020 1 comment

Bar & Bistro Food Happy Hour Japanese Food Location Non-Halal Others PJ Recommended Selangor

Tomo Ramen Bar @ Uptown Damansara, PJ

by Taufulou 14/12/2019

written by Taufulou

Recently I crave for Ramen again and was browsing through blogs to see where do have new ramen shop to hunt for. Stumble upon this very new shop Tomo Ramen Bar at Uptown Damansara, PJ and it seems that they just operate over here as flowers are flocking in their main entrance.

From other blogs mentions that the founder travel to Kyoto and I think it is inspired or a recipe from that region.

The ambiance of the shop is chic and hip, filled with neon lights. For picture purpose, at night it is a huge challenge as the red neon lights are the culprit of it. Picture will turns out red. Seating here is limited. As what you see in the picture. Once gotten well known, I guess you will need to queue.

In the menu, “miso soymilk” certainly capture my attention as this is not the usual soup base that you will get to find and it seems its a recommendation by the Japanese waiter. In the menu also mention that the pork broth is being cooked for more than 20 hours and also the price seems quite average.

usually will go for The classic – Tonkutso @ RM 28.90 filled with classic soup broth that been cooked for 20 hours and it is absolutely thick. Not your usual classic. Love the piggy mild after taste and it feels like a layer of pig oil had been diluted, that gives a nice layer of paint fats in your throat.

Chef Special Miso Soy base Ramen

Tomo @ RM 30.90 – chasu pork belly, nori, soft boiled egg, wood ear fungus, scallion, bean sprouts. It is indeed a very interesting soup base. Love the thick soup base that punch with light soy, miso and pork bone soup after taste. Both are well balance and did not overpower each other. Sounds weird but taste awesome – recommended for first time order

Spicy Jigoku @ RM 25.90

Anything spicy in ramen soup base is my second choice of order and turns out to be better than I expected. IF you love a punch of flavour in your first bite then this is the perfect bowl for you. A fragrant spicy that you must eat and slurp with care. Once over you will choke quite extreme as the spiciness level is there. One of the best among the 3 and certainly a recommended one.”

all the eggs done to perfection as you can taste a nice soy after taste and runny egg yolk is perfect! The slices of meat is torch burn that gives you a nice burnt smoky aroma.

Finally found another ramen shop that is worthy to dine in. I felt that the portion might be a little too small compare to any ramen shop out there. Would be great if they can at least add on additional 50g of noodle to make it up. I think that because of the long cooking broth hence that’s my justification of the slight small portion. Also I also think that they portion it small because of the broth is thick. If it is too much then I guess might be too over.

However, this place will definitely be in my top 3 recommended place. A place that worth to pay a visit. I am certainly going to come back again. Do note that, if you are not a thick broth lover, you might find this too “”geli

Some of my other favourite:
1: Menya Shi Shi Do (great bargain)
2. Menya Hanabi (didnt blog)
3. Menzo Japanese Ramen – Solaris, KL

could this be one of the best ramen in PJ or perhaps one of the best ramen in KL? Well, to me it is different level, cant really be compared as none in the market yet.

My recommendations:

Soy base
Spicy

*Non-HALAL

-= KA CHING =-

Food rating 9/10 , pretty good ramen if you love thick broth ~ -Stamped-

-WARNING –This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
Tomo Ramen Bar
75, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Open Tues-Sun, 11am-12am.

Tel: 03-7733-7755

14/12/2019 2 comments

Bar Bar & Bistro Events Food Happy Hour Kota Damansara/ T.T.D.I Location PJ Selangor

The Singleton Social @ Lavo, Tropicana

by Taufulou 05/12/2019

written by Taufulou

The Singleton Social that took place at Lavo, Tropicana is indeed a place to get together with friends. No doubt that when comes to year end, there are alot of celebrations and festives that will be taking place. Agree that, great moments with friends are a cause for celebration, and usually if we get to choose, single malt whisky will be prefered.

The pairing of Singleton with uniquely curated sharing platters gives consumers the experience of the great taste that Singleton has to offer – a result of the slow batch distillation and fermentation process. The rich and smooth taste of this single malt whisky is best enjoyed at any casual get-together at gastrobars around Klang Valley.

The Singleton is filled with notes of cherries and apples on the nose; dried summer fruits, rich raisins and apricots flavour on the palate at first, followed by a smooth, rich chocolate finish, Singleton will encapsulate senses with its rich and smooth flavours.

Consumers are able to indulge in uniquely curated sharing platters and Singleton together with friends at various gastrobars – Powerplant Malaysia, #MiyagiSays and LAVO – to uncover the rich and smooth flavours of this single malt whisky when paired with different types of food. From meats to sides, each outlet has an array of different sharing platters to complement the 200 years of expertise Singleton is made of.

The Singleton Social Platter Package

Powerplant Malaysia
- One (1) The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 YO bottle @ RM370++
- One (1) The Singleton of Glen Ord 12YO bottle + one (1) The Singleton Platter @ RM420++ (add on RM50++)
- One (1) The Singleton Platter @ RM85++
- The Singleton Platter includes siu yuk, mashed potatoes, cross trax fries, German black pepper sausages, boneless chicken, garlic mash, and assortment of cucumber, carrot, celery sticks and cherry tomatoes, accompanied with gochujang mayonnaise, pineapple sauce, kimchi mayonnaise and mango salsa.
#MiyagiSays
- Promo 1: One (1) The Singleton of Glen Ord 12YO bottle + six (6) The Singleton Sharing Platter @ RM430++
- Promo 2: Five (5) The Singleton highballs + two (2) The Singleton Sharing Platter @ RM90++
- The Singleton Sharing Platter includes Miyagi fried chicken, Miyagi potato chips, tamago fries, buttermilk kai, tandoori chicken, satay ayam.
LAVO
- One (1) The Singleton of Glen Ord 12YO bottle + one (1) The Singleton Meat Platter @ RM470++
- The Singleton Meat Platter includes breaded calamari rings, smoked chicken, baked chard potato, grilled lamb shoulder, grilled pineapple, Chilli Beef Con Carne, mint mayonnaise and citrus lemon sauce.

05/12/2019 0 comment