Happy Hour Archives

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

3 Malaysian Bartenders Win into #HennessyMyWay 2022 challenge Global Top 40

21/06/2022 No Comments

With over 500 entries across the globe, Hennessy has narrowed down their search for the world’s best sustainable cocktail. The world’s bestselling cognac has just announced the Global Top 40 winners in the #HennessyMyWay 2022 challenge. The cocktail challenge saw three Malaysians as among the Global Top 40 winning bartenders.

The global challenge is Hennessy’s third installment of the competition which encourages bartenders to be inspired by Hennessy to push their creativity to the limit. This year calls on bartenders across the world to create their version of a sustainable cocktail using Hennessy.

No-Waste Nucifera By Thanesh Joel (Backdoor Bodega – Penang)

“Every year the standard of the talent pool in Malaysia seems to be raised even higher. We are incredibly lucky to have such exceptional bartenders that can bring out the versatility of Hennessy by creating unique pairings to suit every taste,” says Nausicaa Charrier, Marketing Director of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia & Singapore.

Casa-Nova Highball by Rolend Ten (Backdoor Bodega – Penang)

Beacons of the Malaysian bartending scene, Thanesh Joel (of Backdoor Bodega), Rolend Ten (also of Backdoor Bodega) and Chloe Tan (of Cabinet 8 by JWC) were commended for their strong understanding of ritual and role it plays in a great cocktail experience while demonstrating great ability to integrate sustainable practices in their expressive cocktails.

See Trust by Chloe (Cabinat 8 by JWC – Johor)

In demonstrating such exceptional skill the trio have earned a place in the Global Top 40, joining other bartenders from countries including Canada, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. Other ASEAN winners included one each from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, putting Malaysia firmly ahead in this region.

“It’s exciting to see how our Malaysian bartenders compete on the global stage. To have not just one but three winners, the highest number of winners from a single country in South East Asia, is a testament to why we must continue to nurture the local talent to their full potential,” adds Charrier.

The Global Top 40 winners will each receive a cash prize of 1000 EURO and 1 bottle of Hennessy X.O. The cash prize is in addition to the 200 EURO received for winning the Malaysia Top 10 challenge round. The Global Top 40 winners will also move into the final challenge round to compete for a spot in the elusive Global Top 5. On this level, they will stand a chance to win another 2000 EURO each, and their choice of either a Hennessy Experience in Cognac or a VIP NBA Experience.

The winners are among Malaysia’s Top 10 whose entries were submitted for the global challenge with three cocktail creations out of the 10 being further selected as the Global Top 40. The judging was done by The Maison Hennessy in Cognac, France, by a panel including Hennessy Global Ambassador Jordan Bushell.

Cocktail lovers can also taste the Malaysia Top 10 winning cocktails at the respective bars as part of the Hennessy Cocktail Trail:

Backdoor Bodega – “No-Waste Nucifera” by Thanesh Joel
Backdoor Bodega – “Cassa(no)va Highball” by Rolend Ten
Bartailor – “Elixir of the God” by Mike Fan
Cabinet 8 by JWC – “See Trust” by Chloe Tan
DC Restaurant – “Henny-Ways” by Sebastian Jeremy
Gekko Dining – “Queen With Benefits” by Raz Ng
[email protected] – “Monkey Business” by Joshen Chew
Moon Bar – “Method in Madness” by Arsenio Mariano
Wetdeck W KL – “Henne-City” by Avai Saravanan
61 Monarchy – “Teguk Wangi” by Loo Hoong Xiang

For more updates and information, follow Hennessy Malaysia’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HennessyMalaysia/

#HennessyMyWay #HennessyMY

In Bar By Taufulou 3 Mins Read

MadMen Tropicana Avenue PJ

24/05/2022 No Comments

Madmen in Tropicana Avenue had been one of our regular hang out spot with me and my friends, even before MCO. Right till recently, they have revamp the place with Liveband and new Menu. It was then an instant hit as it is rare that you will find a bar with live band in PJ. Madmen certainly is one of them. Check out their daily different live band here: MadMen Live Music, Wine & Beer
Cozy ambiance as the aircon is on full blast. If you enjoy such environment like me, you will be lurvin it. Right after a few drinks, then you will star to feel warm. Do make bookings if you wish to seat in the mean live band area. It is constantly fully book not to mention especially on Friday and Saturday. On weekdays like Tuesday to T

hursday is often full house. That is why you see most of the table are with reserve.

Chill out place that will never break your pocket and if you are a wine lover, this is one of a wine bar in PJ that you can go after. Not a huge selection but enough to hit your palate with price range from RM 109 onwards.
Often we are here for beers, and only till recently they starting off with cocktails. For that day, they were on from to order some food before the main famous Modern Jazz Band in PJ go live at 8.30pm.

So we start off with Madmen Platter @ RM70 combination of cold cut. one of an easy combination to go with wine lovers

If you are a beer drinker like me then these 2 works well. Egg Plant Chips with honey coated @ RM 18. Perfectly goes very well with my Asahi.

Garlic Prawn @ RM 35. Grilled fresh tiger prawns, head fumet reduction, garlic bread and Chives
Mains:

Mains we had Hudang Pasta @ RM 32, Spaghettini, Grilled fresh tiger prawns, cilantro, lime, prawn head infuse olive oil
Haram-Biata @ RM 28. Love the taste of it as it is generous with mince spicy pork. Spaghetti is cook to al dante. Goes well with wine or beer.

Eggcellent Carbonara @ RM 28. Simple and direct that will never go wrong. Tagliatelle, Smoked bacon, onsen egg, grana padano, white wine creme

Wah Gyu Brrr-gger @ RM 50. 200g wagyu patty, cheddar cheese, brioche bun,bacon,caramelize onion. Cook super medium rare.Ending our night with their signature Flaming Brownie @ RM 20

Main highlight for the night is this famous Modern Jazz live band in PJ. I didnt know that they do have such a strong follower that one of my friend is also one of their fan. The combination of saxophone : Eddy, Keyboardist : Lee Peng and singer Celist voice is pretty amazing. No wonder they have such strong follower. They are here for the whole month of mid May to June 2022 on every Thursday. Do remember to book a spot!

could this be one of the best live band bar in PJ? I think so as every day they do have different genre of band. Check them out here : MadMen Live Music, Wine & Beer

Location:

MadMen Live Music, Wine & Beer

PJ 01-17 & 18,

No, Lot P, 12, Persiaran Tropicana,

Tropicana Avenue,

47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operating Hours: 3pm–1am

Tel: 03-76606808

In Ampang/Cheras By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

Blackbyrd KL @ Naza Tower, KL

15/03/2022 1 Comment

It has been a while since I last dine in an upscale restaurant where MCO just took our 2 years away. I have seen alot influencers in this casual dining resturant in KL known as Blackbyrd KL in Naza Tower which is just a stone throw away from KLCC Petronas Twin Tower or in this area Platinum Park KL.

It was special treat for me on my special day, was just brought here to enjoy the view, ambiance, food and drinks. Just head all the way up to 55th Floor if I remember correctly.

We are here for early bird as it is still so called “endemic” reservations are divided into 2 sessions. 6-8pm / 8pm till late.

if you choose early session and if you are lucky, you get to see sunset
night just enjoy night view and drink all the way

Dining area are divided into 2, as I was seated in both dining and bar area. I would say you enjoy early dinner then you move to the cocktail bar after 8pm to continue your chilling at the counter or high spender table with the perfect view.

The VIP table with the view where you get to see Petronas Twin Tower, KL Tower and Merdeka 118 Tower, KL.

I guess to our sheer luck as this would be their new menu of 2022 and was told that what we previously wanted to order is no longer available and it seems that they have new head chef on board.

after looking at the menu, Blackbyrd food seems more like fusion with towards Asian, Indonesian local inspired cuisine. Of course there are a few items that caught my attention.

This is Blackbyrd all time signature: Crispy Nori Crunch @ RM 29 – tempura nori seaweed, spicy salmon, salmon roe and parmeson cheese.

Nicely presented that have colour to it, however I find that it lacks of flavours. Cripsy inside out with a bit of saltiness from fish roe and hint of parmesan.

Of course by name itself, I imagine it sounds simple that caught my attention. Truffle Tagliolini @ RM 59 – fresh truffle and truffle butter.

Upon serving, the smell of truffle is already pretty strong. Topped with 4-5 thin slices of fresh fresh truffle to make it look more solid. Taste is indeed spot on. Creamy to my liking with a punch of Pretty strong truffle taste. Felt that tagliolini is made fresh with cook to perfection. Slight chewy and al-dante – recommended

After staring for a long while, nothing that caught my attention as I find the rest are quite normal. So I pick something familiar to me. Iga Bakar Sambal Idjo @ RM 145 – Black Angus Short Ribs MB 2, green chili, gurih Rice.

This is certainly one of a atas Indonesian or Balinese kind of food. Flavours are pretty spot on as I just find that the Sambal could be spicier like the one I had in both Jakarta and Bali. Black Angus ribs is marinated and cook well . Certainly do have the taste of atas Indonesian street food version.

Since I have heard Gordan Ramsey or some cooking show keep using saffron. Originally was suppose to go with King Prawn Saffron Risotto and it was not available. Changed to this Rendang Saffron Risotto (If i remember correctly which is special of the day)

Risotto is spot on. I have not tasted Saffron before so do not know how to describe. First time doing this Rendang and risotto apparently the taste seems to blends well.

Was here for my Birthday celebration in Mid February 2022.

This is the night view of Blackbyrd Skybar KLCC view.

Overall, If we guess correct as since most of the dishes wanted to order on that day menu no longer available and assuming the chef just reported, with its cooking I am impress.

If you are in the mood for atas ambiance dining or for celebration with Asian inspired food flavour with KLCC view then can consider here as one of the options.

*Pork FREE

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 7/10, okay la good pun but expensive! Stamped-

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

Location:
Blackbyrd KL
Platinum Park,
Naza Tower,
10, Persiaran KLCC,
50450 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 012-689 8576

Operating Hours: 12pm–12am

In Ampang/Cheras By Taufulou 1 Min Read

Wet Deck @ W Hotel KL

08/03/2022 1 Comment

If you are looking for one party place, hangout place, chill place is this famous bar in Wet Deck in W Hotel KL. Before MCO it was pack with humans. Right now it is more relax and chill. I usually come here for their happy hour as it is affordable, with great ambiance and a bar that over look KLCC Petronas Twin Tower.

This is their evening view and below is their night ambiance. 360 change and of course with the ambiance below to kicks in you need to make a reservation as it is always fully book.

Be prepare to spend more too.

see see the view. Jeng leiii. Imagine at night?

a bar with pool view and our grand Petronas Twin Tower View

If you are here in the evening, it is going to be warm.

Just chilling away.

Call them to book : +60 12 347 9088

Check out more details: Wet Deck Bar

In Bar By Taufulou 4 Mins Read

Tiffin At The Yard @ Sentul Depot, KL

03/12/2021 No Comments

Before we coming to end of the year and feeling festive yet not too sure where to go for a nice place to chill. Well, lets head to the new atas food court known as Tiffin At The Yard at Sentul, KL. Love the location as the surroundings is quite oversea with rustic and classic red brick buildings around and Sentul depo is just around the corner. Many instagramble corner can be taken in this premises.

The best part is Tiffin At The Yard is going to be permanent.

Just look at the surroundings.

do note that if you are taking anything for commercial, do apply permit at their office. In Tiffin At the Yard : Who is here and what to eat: check out their page : Tiffin at The Yard

There are plenty of parking space and it is free. Just prepare to walk abit as there are 3 segment of carpark.

Tiffin At The Yard is going to be a permanent area

For this round, these are the vendors that currently taking place. What to expect:

variety of mixture of food is avaiable.
do prepare to fork out some money for it as food here is ranging from RM 15 onwards. Average about RM 25-RM 35 per portion.
what you get in return, is a cool vibe oversea ambiance.

there are vendors like Red Red Botak Head

Little People that sells pastries

Superfine Tacos

Thyme Out Mexican food

Casa lisboa

Some no stranger from Kedai Roti Universal cafe

Yum.Cha

Feeling chilling and some mixologist corner right at mezzanine floor. Above the area selling wine.

beverage corner and wine corner

Tiger beer corner is not operating and beloeve they will operate at night. Quite a cool corner they have.

There are variety of vendors in the area and I find that Olivia Deli is a must hunt stall. I find that their Squid Ink Paella is da bomb @ RM 35! one of the best paella I come across. Did spoke to them as currently they do not have a restaurant yet. This is their first pop up.

Their new restuarant currently under renovation and will be operating in Bangsar. I am looking forward for this.

Serve pippin hot as I was aiming them quite a while and all their service are made to order. Once, this portion is sold out, they will make a new next batch. So aim for the corner area which gives you a little crunch and also this is pack with flavours. With the kind of stock that they are using and it is cook to perfection!

I also tried their Chicken and Duck Paella @ RM 32. It is not too bad, not the usual you can get in KL. Worth to give it a try but still Squid Ink is the best.

Beef Jianbing @ RM35, which is fried rice wrapped with egg, and topped with sous-vide beef shoulder.

Not a bad dish, as it heads towards more on the salty end.

One of my friend is vegan so she opted for Bagellicious.

I see many instagrammer post about this so my sis bought to try it out. Lickin Chan ice cream. Not bad as they got a few interesting flavours.

Mr.Crab

Another recommended stall is this Philipno Jamaican stall. I totall miss out their stall picture as this stall sits right opposite Red Red Botak Head.

Pretty good dish, as meat is soft and generous with avocado. Pack with spice flavours and it is something unique that I come across. Worth to give it a try as it is at RM 35.

read some other post : Alta burger seems to be a big hit here which I think I miss out or do not see them. Will certainly aim them on my next visit.

2 stalls I think would recommend that I personally think worth to try:

Olivia Deli – Squid Ink Paella
Jamaican Philipno food – oppsite red red botak head stall.

This is a cool place to be in if you are not too sure where to do during this festive season. A great place to chill and catch up. Certainly will come back again!

Location:
tiffin at the yard
PT189-PT183-PT185 Jalan Strachan,
Off, Jln Ipoh, Sentul,
51100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
Thurs & Fri : 5pm – 12am
Sat & Sun : 10am – 11am

In Bar & Bistro By Taufulou 1 Min Read

Harbin Beer now available in Malaysia

10/11/2021 1 Comment

I am actually a big fan of this Harbin Beer after discover it in my China trip last round. One of the best China beer I guess?Happy to see that now Harbin Beer is available in Malaysia and I saw it in a few outlets already available in like some China Steamboat and also Mix.com.my

Bought a carton from them thru their isnta: @HarbinMalaysia or can order thru their FB

The alcohol content for us is slightly different as this is at 5.5% compare to the one I had in China I think was at 2%. Certainly love the higher alcohol content. One of the best beer to go along with steamboat.

Love this lager beer as it is crisp, easy to drink and have to drink it at super chilled/cold. the satisfaction of drinking this in our hot weather is just perfect!