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I guess most of you have read in many blogs about this new Ramen place – Ippudo Ramen, with so much hype at that time for the first 3 weeks after its opening. Till now I manage to pay a visit to this what so called famous ramen to many people.

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IPPUDO was founded in 1985 in Japan’s ramen capital of Hakata by Shigemi Kawahara, the internationally renowned Ramen King and CEO of Chikaranomoto Company, which encompasses some of Japan’s finest restaurants. There are over 65 stores in Japan, and globally in places such as New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Shanghai. IPPUDO has become the most popular ramen restaurant over the years. Kawahara was crowned Ramen King in 2005 and holds a place in the Ramen Hall of Fame after winning the championship 3 times consecutively between 1995-1998, on “TV Champion Ramen Chef,” a reputable Japanese television show produced by TV Tokyo. (source from Ippudo)

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Interior of this shop is very much different compare to other ramen joints as instantly you can know that this place does not comes cheap. As right at the main entrance, this outlet also do have a bar area. I guess during the night, they do serve alcohol along.

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Love their second session of design that I would say more like the original dining area that design in contemporary yet ambiance of Japan eatery feel.

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Menu is pretty straight forward that only comes in a few pages. Most of them are filled with Ramen and some appetizers. My guess is correct that its surely does not come cheap.

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As we place our order, we were ask to choose our type of noodle Soft, Normal or Hard and I ask what is the best preferred. The guy answer Hard. Ended up order 1 bowl of hard ramen and normal ramen.

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I order Akamaru Shinaji  Special @ RM 36, slow cook till its a bit oily and liquid, creating a rich and flavorful Tonkotsu that enhances the essence of pork-bone topped with IPPUDO secret miso, garlic oil, belly chasu and spring onion of course have to add an egg.

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 Soup looks pretty decent and the aroma of the soup definitely smells good.

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the broth is not bad that its a hint of sweetness and light end spicy taste from this flavour, noodle for this bowl is Hard, its a bit springy towards al dante side and I like it.

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Next came as we order somethng more origninal which is Shiromaru Motoaji Special @ RM 34 serve along with belly chashu and egg also.

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one thing I like the most is their juicy slices of belly charsu. . so soft that it nearly melts and with a good balance of fats in between.

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this bowl have the normal texture ramen and my friends loves it. I don find it any much different. If they can standardize it all Normal I am okay too.

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Egg is abit tasteless without running yolk too. Original taste of this soup is a bit more pale and add in some pepper and chili powder.

Overall, I find that its overrated by many people and price of the noodle here is slightly more expensive than the rest as the portion is smaller.

*NON-HALAL

-= KA CHING =-

Food rating 6.5/10 , so so lah -Stamped-

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

Location:
Ippudo Ramen
Lot C4.07.00,
Connection Level 4,
Pavilion KL.
(same row as overtime)

Tel: 03 2110 6233

11am – 11pm (daily)

Any one of you fancy China food? I do, as I have dine before many good authentic China food before and definitely not in Malaysia. One of my best friend introduce me her all time favourite sze chuan food that located in Jalan Alor (click here). Then recently, I am being introduce to another type of China food which hail all the way from North China. Dong Bei is actually a province in North China and the owners have migrated to Malaysia, hence that is how the Dong Bei Restaurant is name after. The family came to Malaysia as early as 1992 and also known as one of the pioneer of authentic China food back in those early days. As now the restaurant is located behind Times Square, can you see that area is like a mini China eatery street.

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In China, there are many province and taste definitely different for any other town that they have, it is the same as Malaysia too, as the East coast and WEst cost taste bud are very much different. So what is the difference for Dong Bei Food. The food have more sourish end and not that spicy. ( as the owner have localize it)

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Its a simple restaurant and indoor seating is a unique dining experience as they have design in a way to give a little ambiance of what Dong Bei dining feels like.

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 this is the first time I came across utensils are properly wrap to kept the cleanliness of it.

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Beancurd Dong Bei Style (风味干豆腐丝)RM18. Import all the way from China as its hard to find this kind of texture that originate the authenticity of it. Its a cold platter with chewy texture and hint of garlic and spicy chili oil taste. Pretty good to start off with.

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Crisp Potato (香辣土豆片) @ RM18 for a start would be another good option.

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This is another unique dish which is Dong bei Da La Pi sheet with Cucumber Salad (东北大拉皮)RM14. AT first glance I thought it was pig skin that finely cut then its not. Sprinkle with some garlic and eat it sheet by sheet, that taste a bit like jelly fish and pig skin texture cross over. 😀

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Sauerkraut, stir-fried with glass noodles (酸菜粉) @ RM18

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Stewed Eggplant, Bean, Potato and Meat Dong Bei style (东北大乱炖) @ RM25. This is rather simple as I would rate this North China Curry, thick n creamier gravy and its a little sweet in taste at the end. Well fried and I quite like it. Goes well with my rice.

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Hot & Spicy Seafood (麻辣香锅)RM28

Amount so many dishes, this would turn out one of the most spicies compare to the rest, the spiciness is not to the extend to make our mouth numb, as I find its well balance, even though cook with lots of dry chili, do not let the look to scare you off. I love how they cook along with lotus root make it crisp on the bite and prawns is fresh.

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Boiled Fish with Sour Cabbage and Spicy Soup (酸菜鱼) RM32

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This turns out to be one of the favourite among my table, as strong sourish taste with veggie and fresh fish. Those who like mild spicy, this would be a good option.

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“Gardens”Prawn, Lotus Root, Potato and Vegetables (田园小炒) RM28

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I rate this is super star for the night as Sweet & Sour Pork ( 锅包肉 ) was fried to perfection and its so cripsy outside and the pork inside its not overcook. Taste with a bit of sour vinegar taste with soy sauce that turn it a good combo@ RM18 – recommended

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Lastly, we did not order the Dumplings (10 pcs) (饺子) but looking at so many tables order dish its like a must have thing and ended up we order 2 portion. One is steam @ RM10 and another one is fried.@ RM8

Great starter to go along and if mix with a bit of chili oil with ginger and vinegar, I just like mine to be in that way. 😉

“This Dining With Moola experience is courtesy of Moola, the first-ever Cash-Back Lifestyle Programme specially designed for shoppers to enjoy free shopping, great savings and best deals in town. Moola is a mobile application that utilises QR code technology for all interactions; from member registration, Moola accumulation and redemption, to the actual shopping.

 Moola Frenz who dine at Restoran Dong Bei are entitled to a 10% cash back everytime! What’s more, you can also grab FreeMakan vouchers for even MORE savings here!

 Moola is completely hassle-free; no administrative effort; no joining fee; no cards; and comes with even greater flexibility for shoppers to enjoy the variety of rewards for redemption. Visit www.moola.my for more information and download the Moola app today! Apple, Android and Blackberry phones supported.”

Location:
Restoran Dong Bei
No. 280, Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah,
off Jalan Pudu, 55100
KL.

Tel: 03-2148 7694
Business hour: 12pm – 12am daily

Every exclusive dinner have their own trademark theme, and I must say that second time being invited to Hennessy X.O Appreciation Night 2013 is another memorable night. Looking back at the pictures, I still remember how the food taste when Chef Edward Lee came over last year (click here). Cannot deny that the team really pull the whole event into another level, as when I received their classic invitation card I am already looking forward the event, as it mention are going on little trip “Spirit of Conquest” by taking guests on a specially crafted journey of the past, present and future of the original cognac.

At first, it makes me wonder, how this whole thing would be as the location is at Chin Woo Stadium.

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Upon my arrival, all our cars are taken care by the jockey service and I am totally surprise to see that they actually build up a mock up ship for this dinner. Then only realise this is how we going for a conquest.

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 First of all, of course we have to check in and verify ourselves. .

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 and happy to see Bangsar Babe and her husband Rif are into this cruise. . 😀

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Out of my expecatation, I get to see some Uni friends in this event with Sampson, Vincent and Wife. .

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 Of course first thing first, that we are being treated with unlimited amount of Hennessy X.O.

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As walking into the room, they have converted the whole look and feel into classic old sailing ship

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Leather cushion and classic painting are being place into the room to make up the ambiance even better.

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A world map to show where are we heading later.

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As we were called into the dining area, and walk thru the walkway, this totally caught my attention as we are actually dining above  a stunning floating platform on water, to make it looks like actually we are in a ship.

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With the dinning area are well decorated with huge screens are being place at the side and front to make it like a ship window ..

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Transparent panel as walkway that makes it looks like we are actually sailing on sea and projection images on the screen are showing we are actually docking at a modern city at the moment.

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 Reading at the menu for the  night, its all very unique and cant wait to dip into the dishes.

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 With the official Emceeing is Will Quah which is no stranger to all of us .

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Right before the dinner, we were shown a glimpse of what to expect for the night, with video presentation on the screen, showing little history of Hennessy follow by journey of Chef Lee Anne Wong with Hennessy X.O.

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 Nevertheless, it start off by Chef Lee will introduce us on her dishes, and how do we pair it with X.O after that.

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First to be on the table is Parisian Regalia, a foie gras flan with duck confit, green apple and Frisee lettuce.

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It look rather plain when being serve and I am very curious how does it taste like, and it did surprise me that foie gras is cook to perfection as a simple cut on the cube that makes it burst with flavour in smell and taste. It just melts into the mouth and to drink a sip of neat X.O, it makes the taste even more robust. A remarkable dish to kick start with.

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After first dish, it gets us moving around and sharing with drinks and how do we feel about first dish. Apparently every one is impress that makes it a great kick off. Of course with some photo moments with BangsarBabe and another famous blogger Kinkybluefairy.

Another thing that caught my attention is when the first dish is done, the screen of all the panels change to sea view like we are sailing to another place and it is just right, that we are now sailing to China which is our next destination.

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 Golden Crab and Corn Soup

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 with golden crab and corn soup with caviar, lime and coriander accents.

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Then I put in the whole spoon and stir it into the soup. A great combination that makes the soup sweet, bitting off chunks of crab meat and corn along with ebiko that makes it bursting feeling. Had a sip of X.O mix with a bit water and brings out great aroma after taste.!

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 None the less manage to catch up with the guys that night ..

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 In China we are being pamper with classic Chinese music  .. . and moments after that we set sail again to another new location.

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Done with the first two light dishes, then we are serve with modern-global cuisine Western Allure, a bed of cowboy-style peanuts, with salmon place ontop looks like a  sailing ship for me, and I pair it with neat X.O again. The taste brings the peanut very oak flavour and salmon is sweet after taste. Unique!

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Venetian Ambrosia – Chicken with Porchini Mushroom ravioli, truffle paramesan cream is one of the best dish for the night that prepared to perfection that ravioli is al dante.

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 Then we have our very own little Pavoratti performance.

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Looking at the menu, I am loving it as there are 2 types of dessert that going to be serve, and Mazuka Splendour first to arrive. Filled with Syrimiki Cheeze curd fritters, sour cream and dark fruit sauce. A great combination of taste with light sour berry taste and sugar and its origin from Russia.

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 While we are enjoying this dessert, we were entertain with Russian dance.

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 Last country that we are going to visit is Japan . . .

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 Dark Chocolate Ganache to tantilize our taste bud before nice ending of the last dessert.

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Nihon Grandeur . Grapefruit gelee with cream, Grapfruit Ice, and sesame brandysnap. Taste refreshing as it looks with smooth ice and sour grapefruit gelee taste make it well balance in taste.  Brandysnap is crunchy. A perfect dessert to end our wonderful meal.

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Indeed it is another remarkable night with great food and friends. Chef Lee Ann Wong impress all of us with her master culinary skills  with her well known  modern-global fusion cuisine style. Her creation with Hennessy X.O will live in our memory. . With my friend even commented

“Bok, do you remember when we had fine at overseas? All of them taste so good and back in Malaysia cant taste any till tonight. One of the best fine dine dish she ever come across to dine in Malaysia. ” I must agree with her statement. 😀

With that, only I realize why my friend is a big fan of hers. More about her? (click here)

 Special thanks to Hennessy X.O for the invitation again.

Tug in a very hidden corner inside of Sapura Kencana Petroleum building in the area of Publika, you will find this little fine dine restaurant, Millesime. I have heard friends mention about this restaurant last year, as they serve excellent food that is a little pricey but worth the spending.

Update 1/1/2017]: NO Longer in Operation

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I do believe some of you are like me, eat till do not know what to eat for the day or next meal. One special style about this restaurant is that they do not have a proper menu for you to choose from, mostly will be the best set of the day as both of the chef uses or sources best ingredient of the day then come out with the menu in the morning itself. Therefore, if you dine daily here, you will have different types of food being serve.

Or if you feel being adventurous, just sit down and let the chef enlighten you with their specialty.

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Ambiance of the restaurant with their hidden corner of the building, that gives us alot of privacy, not to mention service here is excellent as the floor manager really do know their stuff.

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The restaurant also just recently won an awards.

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Its a huge open concept restaurant that they  have and you can look at the chef cook right infront of them at viewing area.

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Left menu will be set of the day and the right menu which they have recently came up are ala – cart menu for the week.

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As we were seated, we are serve along with toast of the day that made fresh daily and serve along with seaweed butter, that is one of the chef signature.

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When the manager put this few slices of bread on the table, it smells so good that we have to get a slice of it. Love grew towards the bread when we spread the seaweed butter along. Strong taste of seaweed with mild butter end, as eat more and we tend to spread the butter ticker till we ask for another round of butter, till Ken and me just cut half of the butter slice, and just eat it.

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After stuff myself for 5 slices of bread, next serve along is Amuse Bouche serve with a cut of shitake mushroom wrap with a slice of slice of smoked duck is bursting with flavour in my mouth follow by and  mashed roasted aubergines got top with feta cheese.

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Some of them commented, this is one of a beautiful presented dish that its so hard for them to start eating is Gravlax of Snapper and Salmon with Mizuno Leaves and Shaddock Nuggets @ RM32. Hard work had been putting in to prepare thsi dish, as been marinated with sugar, salt, lemon rind and dill for 4 days.  Then little round of salmon are place on the side, then shower with a golden-hued tangy citrus vinaigrette, Manukka honey and mustard.

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This is no ordinary tomato soup, as Smoked Herring and Oregano Oil are poured into Rustic Tomato Soup.

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Soup is creamy and slightly thick, as smoked carrots and leek were blend along. The taste is perfect when mixed with the smoked herring as it add the kick onto the taste. . I am definitely recommending this soup, as its unique in its kind.  @ RM23

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Squid Ink Linguine with Calamari, Chilli and Pesto in Olio @ RM45

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As the pasta is cook slightly moist, and with the perfection of al dante in spaghetti . Squid were fresh as its chewy, cook along with cherry tomato.

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Before our mains, we next have our Palate CleanserStrawberry Sherbet

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This dish will definitely be top in my list as Slow Braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs with Polenta and Mushroom Ragout @ RM58  by the side.  Chef Patrick explained that the short ribs been braised for 6 hours with red wine and the taste of the sauce is extremely good, aromatic and strong in taste that the wagyu beef need not knife to cut it, a gentle touch is good enough to separate it. I enjoy every bite of it by slowly munching.

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Comes to dessert – Valrhona Dark Chocolate Souffle served with vanilla ice-cream.

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Chocolate Souffle is fluffy soft .. .

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The superman behind the kitchen is Chef Patrick Keith

If you are looking at good dining experience, surely this is one of the place to recommend, needless to say for special occasions. If you do have time to spare on Wednesday, its their wine Lunch and in the hurry with your client, they have  3-course Set Lunches at RM60++ per person.

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To be specific, the restaurant is located at this corner of carpark entrance.
Location:
Millesime
G1-01-3 Ground Floor
Menara Kencana Petroleum
Solaris Dutamas
1 Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-6211-0648
Email: [email protected]

I have heard quite many bloggers rave about this cafe Antipodean, and wanted to pay a visit at their Bangsar Branch, hunting parking around the area is a pain in da ass. After rounds of hunting we gave up. Then found out that Antipodean have another outlet in downtown KL which is at Menara Tan & Tan.

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It was Sunday and head for the event for Somersby Brunch Club that taking place at this cafe. To my excitement I am keen to try the food there especially on their brunch.

With Bangsar Babe, Rif and Anna along for brunch.

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Love the cafe ambiance here. A typical foreign cafe area that many love to hang out especially during summer if they have outdoor area. Definitely not applicable in Malaysia.

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What to order? You can view on their giant chalkboard menu on the wall.

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Quite a huge chunk of deserts to hunt for.

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Well, since they fall into the catagory of Shortlisted for best coffee in Time Out KL, wasnt the best I have tried so far. Still above average.

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In Malaysia, if you drink alcohol for breakfast or lunch, many people will stare at you like you are from another planet or alien. Its just different culture we have here. For me, it doesnt matter as long as I have great friends around, alcohol drinking will starts to kick in. This would be my first time tasting this Somersby Apple Cider that had been rated as one of the favourite drink by a few girl friends of mine.

A drink that is all rounder, easy to drink with apple taste is pretty visible, slightly gassy and perfect that you can drink it at all day long.  For a 4.5% of alcohol, you wont feel it when you have down 1 bottle. The kick will only kicks in when you down at least 4-5 bottle. Then you will be starting to float around. 😀

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Its a unique brunch whereby we have 2 great host in da house with Chelsia Ng and Jeremy Teo. Entertain us with their entertained with their humor and kitchen musical.

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Below is the video of their kicthen musical performance. Apologize for my shaky hand on that day . . . 🙂

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It was a event open to public and patrons were giving samples of Somersby and special bottle price for that day.

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Love this Exotic Fruit Salad with Yoghurt, Honey and Mint. A simple fruit salad that pairs very well with the dressing and some cider. I find it more cider added in it taste much better, that still did not over power the sweet taste of honey. 😀

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Then we got ourselves for All Day Breakfast @ RM29.

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Then after sharing of one plate, we decided to order another plate with extra sausage. Scramble egg and bacon were decently prepare.

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Grilled Chicken with Tomatoes, Green Beans and Balsamic Vinegar @ RM28. Dressing of Balsamic vinegar, definitely stood out in taste along with fresh green beans, just that, the chicken breast find it slightly dry for me. Overall still good.

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Eggs Marlborough with Salmon. Salmon are pretty salty to my liking and luckily it was covered well with the runny yolks. Love the bread as its crips and eat along with the yolk is just something simple and nice.  RM32

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Kiwi Style Lamb Burger with brie and egg

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Lemon Meringue Pie & Chocolate Cake

Antipodean cafe definitely a big hit to many people, and pricing of the breakfast set surely will keep me away.

Location:
Antipodean Cafe
Menara Tan & Tan,
Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2161-0752


View Antipodean Café in a larger map

After saw some pictures posted on Jennifer’s Instagram, then on our lazy weekend, we decided to hunt this coffee place, since its nearby to my place. Located in Plaza Damas 3 (New section) that is located on the first floor. If you drive pass by the road daily, you would not have notice this place because of the road heading downwards.

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I love how the owners play with their concepts. Very simple yet creative. If this outlet is in heritage area in Penang, it would have a superb response.

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Reuse back all electronic items to become display.

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wall painting to make it look colourful.

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The Brew Culture offers coffee and breakfast set for you to relax and chill on.

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With a few types of cookies for you to choose from.

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Long Black Coffee which is rather mild in taste.

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My cup of Latte, well presented with creamy froth, if the coffee taste is slightly stronger then it would taste better as currently being diluted with milk taste.

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Hazelnut Latte

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Love this wall coffee art painting. Colourful and eye catching.

Found other coffee are much nicer than this outlet. If you are up for the ambiance do drop by ~

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 5.5/10 so so nia . . -stamped-

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

Location:

The Brew Culture Cafe
Location: B-01-06, Plaza Damas 3,
Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Kuala Lumpur 50480
Contact: +603-03-2857 0181
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun 09:00-21:00
(Close on Tuesdays)

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