Fat Boy's Burger @ Publika

If you are a burger fanatic who feels restrained by options, Fat Boy's Burger will taste like freedom. The menu is extensive with savory, spicy, sweet, umami burgers, dictated by your choice of meat, sauce, bun and toppings. You can have as many permutations as you want. If you are out of ideas, don't fret, just choose one of the popular burgers available on the menu.

Wimpy (RM19) - He maybe wimpy but he sure knows how to clam the sandwich well. The juicy Beef Patty was cushioned on a Sesame Bun, paired with Cheddar Cheese and Fried Egg. It was further coated with some homemade Fatboy's Sauce. 

Sky is the limit when you create your own. While the Big Fat Bastard burger was on every other table, I have decided to create my own version - hearty Honey Oat Bun pillowing the sultry Beef Patty topped with Guacamole and Curry Remoulade. The result? Soul satisfying! 

VERDICT: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Ril's Steak House @ K.L. Chinatown

Every chef has a forte, and Chef Saad Siddiqui happens to be steak. Ril's steak menu is split into two parts: Bone In (steak with bones) and Bone Out (fillet steak). The restaurant currently serves 7 different types of steaks with prices ranging between RM72 - RM208. 

This 90 year old building was formerly a warehouse for textiles before transforming into a trio of art gallery, cafe and steak house. 

The gallery provides a place for local and national artists to showcase their work all year round in the heart of Chinatown. New artists are being featured every month.

Behind the main gallery lies a Warehouse Cafe, which offers delicious non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks such as sandwiches, salads, cakes and pastries.

The lavish Ril's Steak House is located on the second floor of the WAREHOUSE.

Ril's Tiga Rasa Scallops (RM28) - Signature seared scallops served in three unique ways : sweet, sour and salty. The scallops were lightly seared, retaining its moisture and flavor. 

Homemade fizz strawberry basil (RM14) 

Spicy Grapefruit Margarita (RM28) - The tequila was super spicy with a tiny hint of grapefruit.  

Filet Mignon 300g (RM96) - The steak was big and thick! The sides of the steak were well browned, while the top and bottom were charred to a dark brown color.

My medium Filet Mignon was slightly under cooked. The steak was more of a medium rare with mostly pink to red center. Even though it was under cooked, it was still extremely delicious and juicy. I had no problem finishing the entire steak by myself.

Medium Rare Australian Angus Rib Eye 300mg (RM 116) - The Angus Rib Eye was just done right, with hint of red in the middle. The rib eye was simple, succulent and satisfying.

Green Goddess (RM22) -  Baby romaine and fresh tomatoes tossed in delicious anchovy tarragon dressing. 

Chocolate Fondant (RM26) - Sinful dark chocolate served with The Last Polka salted gula melaka ice cream. 

A perfect chocolate fondant should be soft and spongy on the outside, with a center that oozes out chocolaty goodness. Unfortunately, the center was a tad overcooked with limited oozing. Nonetheless, the cake paired well with the gula melaka ice cream. 

Despite the under cooked steak and over baked chocolate fondant. It's still a steak worth climbing up the steep cast iron stairs.

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Boon Fly Cafe @ Napa Valley

Located right next to Carneros Inn, lies a quaint little red barn that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu toggles between signature dishes and fresh creations, inspired by the agricultural heritage of the region.

Our first stop at Napa - A modernized red barn with a chair swing.

The restaurant was homey in its modern minimalist design. 

The open kitchen gave the feeling that I was dining at someone's home.

World Famous Boon Fly Donuts (US$9.75) - Tiny donuts dusted with the right amount of sugar and cinnamon. Worth US$9.75? Definitely not. 

Boon Fly Benedict (US$15) - Beautiful poached eggs covered with a generous amount of Jalapeno Hollandaise sauce. The Caggiano Ham was a sweet surprise, tucked between the eggs and artisan pain levain.

Poppa Joe's Eggs In Hole (US$13) - Griddled sourdough bread with 2 fried eggs in the center, paired nicely with a THICK piece of ham and "oil free" hash browns.

 The eggs were the focal point of the bread.

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but it turns crucial when one decides to spend the entire afternoon roaming the vineyards.

 I always like the idea of food before drinking =)

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

In-N-Out @ Los Angeles

Our trip to L.A would not be complete without a visit to In-N-Out. This family owned fast food restaurant which started in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder is a must stop for every tourist. Back in the 90's, only Californians get to savor this magnificent burger. But since then, it has expanded to 258 locations, which includes region such as Arizona, Nevada, Utah an Texas.

Our first stop in Los Angeles =)

The kitchen is always sparkling clean despite the heavy orders.

The menu is fairly simple consisting of 3 burger varieties: Hamburger, Cheeseburger and Double-Double. Of course, there is the secret menu which includes the popular 3x3 (3 patties and 3 cheese), Flying Dutchman ( 2 meat patties and 2 slices of cheese by itself with no bun, condiments, or veggies) and Protein Style (burger wrapped leafed lettuce instead of a bun).

Free flow of fountain drinks ~~

At In-N-Out, burgers are prepared the old fashioned way. The patties are made from 100% pure beef which are free of additives, fillers and preservatives. Microwave, heat lamp or freezer are forbidden in the kitchen. The never frozen beef patty, fresh hand leafed lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crispy onions coupled with the old fashioned sponge dough bun and spread is what every burger needs. I could taste the freshness and quality of the burger in every bite. **Yummmm**

What is a great burger without great fries? In-N-Out's fries are cut at site and cooked in 100% pure cholesterol free vegetable oil. The results? Fresh, crispy and fluffy fries - I almost forgot how real french fries should taste like after eating frozen fries for so many years.

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN

Modesto @ The Royal Selangor Golf Club

Not many restaurants survived the ups and downs of an economic cycle. Modesto is probably one of the few that have battled through the perfect storm and still remained steadfast to its tradition and origin. Started in 1995, Modesto has always been a popular place for people to gather for drinks and good food. The convivial atmosphere and massive picture windows set this location apart from its other outlets.

A plate of green to start our meal

Carpaccio with rockets. The briny meat provides a heft that complements the rocket's peppery taste

Appetizer platter - These bite sized are well seasoned giving us little tingles

This plate featured a pan seared cod fish nestled on a bed of grilled vegetables. The fish was fresh and cooked to perfection, mirroring the level of care the Chef brings to Modesto

Recommended by the waitstaff. The swordfish was a tad too dry, due to overcooking. What a pity

Located inside Royal Selangor Golf Club, Modesto is an unexpected choice to have a quiet Sunday lunch.

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTE

Ye Ole Smokehouse @ Cameron Highlands - Breakfast

Surroundings - Located at Tanah Rata, The Ye Ole Smokehouse is one of the most famous boutique hotel in Cameron Highlands. Built in 1939, this iconic building is situated near the 18-hole golf course. The eclectic mix of furnitures and fittings helped set the right English ambiance for this old colonial.

Menu - The Smokehouse offers traditional English breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. As expected the British kitchen serves tea all day long. Fruits and vegetables are sourced locally from Cameron Highland, while the meats are sourced from the reliable producers around the world. The kitchen has also long been famous for its homemade scones, cakes and jams.

It was a bright and sunny day. Unfortunately we woke up a tad too late to secure a table at the patio area.

Fresh orange juice without ice!

English Breakfast Tea.

"The is ultimate English breakfast" says Mr. Smitten. Hmmm....really?

The blueberry muffin was cold and it reminds me of the muffin served on FireFlyz. The croissants suffer similar criticism. Its not my prerogative to start my day with a sorry pastry. =(

This hearty bowl of English porridge is smooth and has a light consistency. Did you know that porridge should be stirred only using the right-hand and in a clockwise direction to ward off evil spirits?

Homemade jams

My big breakfast set.

Honestly I was quite disappointed with the service and food quality. The pastries was not up to standard and the big breakfast was just mediocre. I much prefer the breakfast at La Bodega. Nonetheless, the stay at The Smokehouse is something to be treasured.

Verdict: NOT SMITTEN