Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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

Friday, December 16, 2011

Huize van Wely @ Bangsar Shopping Complex

Surroundings - Located on the 2nd floor of Bangsar Shopping Complex, HvW is situated near the Apple Store. The setting is rather classy with dark furnitures filling up the open space. With limited obstruction, this is an ideal spot to vegetate and do some people watching.

Menu - The menu largely comprises of sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes, pastries, cookies and chocolates. Prices are rather steep ranging from RM8.50 to RM90. According to the waitstaff, the pastries are flown in fresh from Holland. It is made with quality ingredients, using tradition techniques dating back to 1922. The end result : balanced, high quality and of course expensive products.
The du Hammam (RM15/pot) - Japanese Green Tea with scent of rose, green dates and red fruits. This was recommended by the waitstaff and frankly it was quite tasteless. I could only taste the green tea, where did the rose, green dates and red fruits go?
Egg Sandwich (RM18) - For RM18, I was expecting something more, not just egg + bread.

High Tea Set For Two (RM90) offers a choice of coffee or tea served with a selection item from its patisserie, an assortment of savories and mini quiches. To finish off are two macaroons. The only thing memorable about this Tea Set are the macaroons. It was fresh with a thin crust giving way to the silky filling. Not to mention, the texture was extremely smooth and pleasant.

There was some hits and misses. Perhaps it was my mistake to come here for brunch. To embrace Huize van Wely's sweet side, you may want to drop by during tea time.

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Huize van Wely Big Badge

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Soo Kee Restaurant @ Jalan Imbi (Sang Har Mee)

In Malaysia, it's often hard to remember what time of the year it is, since is sunny all year round. But you know the holiday season is here when friends from overseas are dropping by Malaysia for a visit and what better place to bring them than the iconic Soo Kee Restaurant @ Jalan Imbi.

Happy marriages of Siu Yok and Kai Lan. The smoky Siu Yok is the perfect enhancer for the earthy Kai Lan.
The stir fried vegetables with intestines deserve a nod too. The vegetables are fresh and crunchy, while the intestines are an excellent taste of the Chinese tradition.
These deep fried paper-wrapped chicken are marinated in oyster sauce and bean sauce. Even though this is not the best paper-wrapped chicken in town, it is still worth trying.
This plate of Sang Har Mee is worth going GAGA over. The humongous prawns coupled with deep fried noodles soaked in gravy, infused with ginger is worth every penny.
Thinly sliced beef and green onions are tucked among the silky soft Koay Teow. Each bite is packed with delicious beef and ginger taste.

The Sang Har Mee at Soo Kee has long been the city's best source of noodle. Each dish offers strong flavors that stand up to the diner's expectations. Not to mention, this meal would not be complete without a few glasses of ice cold beer.

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN
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Friday, December 9, 2011

Tate @ Intermark KL

Surroundings - Tate is probably the hardest pub to find in KL and perhaps the closest we have to a genuine hidden drinking den. There are two steps in finding it; firstly, locate Tea 42 and walk to the cashier, you will see a white door with a long gold handle engraved with the word "Tate" on it. If you have perfect eye sight, locate the hanging hat and push the door to enter.

Menu - They have a good selection of cocktails, consisting of classics and house specials, which are well-crafted. However, they have a rather limited beer list. There are no food menu, so be ready to drown yourself with drinks.

A special drink from the bartender - Chili Martini (RM30). I was perfectly happy with the amount of chili which blended very nicely with the orange juice.

Mai Tai (RM39) which means "Out of this World" in Tahitian is made out of rum, lime juice, orange curacao and some mint.

This Pomegranate Margarita (RM39) consists of tequila, pomegranate and lime juice. This was slightly stronger than the previous two drinks - absolutely love it.

Tate is a bar with opulently designed, well-crafted cocktails, friendly staff and good music. Even though the drinks are slightly more expensive, Tate is an ideal place for you to unwind and challenge your friends at the pool table. Strangers are compelled to make friends due to its intimate ambiance.

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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

Ye Olde Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant Big Badge