Hanare @ Intermark KL

I came across this very interesting word recently, its called Hedonic Treadmill. What does a treadmill got to do with finance? Well, it turns out that it is highly correlated with finance. In fact, it answers some of the most important questions in life.

Definition from Investopedia - The tendency of a person to remain at a relatively stable level of happiness despite a change in fortune or the achievement of major goals. According to Hedonic Treadmill, as a person makes more money, expectations and desires rise in tandem, which results in no permanent gain in happiness. The Hedonic Treadmill theory also explains the oft-held observation that rich people are no happier than poor people, and that those with severe money problems are sometimes quite happy. The theory supports the argument that money does not buy happiness and that the pursuit of money as a way to reach this goal is futile. Good and bad fortunes may temporarily affect how happy a person is, but most people will end up back at their normal level of happiness. On the food:

Surroundings - Hanare is located at the ground floor of Intermark KL. The layout of the restaurant is simple and spacious, comprising of a sushi bar, teppanyaki grill, a few privates rooms and some tables. The earth color decors give a very Zen feel, making it a good place to unwind after a hard day at work.

Menu - The menu is extensive offering a wide range of Japanese delicacies. Instead of scratching our heads over what to order. We decided to place our dining experience in the hands of the Chef by ordering 2 sets of Omakase which cost RM250 per pax ~ RM27 per dish (not too bad if you computed it that way). The Omakase Course consists of 9 dishes:

1. Zensai - an assortment of appetizer
2. Sashimi - an assortment of select fresh fish
3. Nimono - simmered dish
4. Yakimono - grilled dish
5. Kawarizara - today's special
6. Agemono - deep fried dish
7. Gohan - rice or sushi
8. Soup - seasonal
9. Desserts

Entrance to the restaurant

Love the color of the menu

The Teppanyaki Grill

The Chefs' Playground

These lightly salted deep fried Sawagani are crunchy and appetizing - good way to start off a sumptuous meal.

Info on Sawagani - There are over 200 freshwater crab species in Asia. Japan host only two: the sawagani (marsh crab) and the mokuzugani (mitten crab). The sawaganis are diminutive 3cm little crab, which changes sex in their lifetime and give birth to fully developed babies, rather than partially formed zygotes like most crab species.

Zensai - Grilled corn, deep fried Sawagani, Silky soft Japanse Tofu and beef.

I was thrilled to see such a bright color tuna sashimi. The tuna was fresh with little tuna lions. A good piece of tuna is very similar to a good piece of steak. Aside from the tuna, the "filet mignon" of raw fish - Toro is extremely fatty and best of all - It melts in your mouth....

Sweet potato, egg plants and crab meat soaked in seasoned gravy topped with some spring onions

A dusting of the Japanese spice on the grilled beef tougue leaves an electic tingle on the tongue.

Wagyu Beef grilled to perfection.

Honestly, the deep fried dish was forgettable. The batter was rather boring.

More tuna for me~~

The miso soup was accompanied by a few huge clams

We finished off with a scoop of green tea ice cream and some sweet Japanese grapes

Overall - The presentation of the platters was simple and we both agreed that the Chef could do a better job at presenting his delicious food. Nonetheless, the quality of the food is top notched. Hanare indeed brought abundance of sipping, feasting and laughing to our meal.

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN