Restaurant Xan Ling @ Segambut KL

Restaurant Xan Ling is a quirky Segambut gem located behind an abandoned furniture factory. The restaurant was bare, with menu banners strung across the space as decors. While, the extensive menu includes the famous Bak Kut Teh, we have decided to try their Claypot Porridge with Pork Ribs this time around (p/s: you are required to call and order this dish 1 hour before arriving).

Despite the sunny weather, the restaurant was packed with people 

Soy Sauce Braised Pork - Vintage sweet savory, well seasoned braised pork. 

Deep Fried Bean Curd - Deep fried bean curd evoked the word "lovely".

Sweet Potato Leaves - The abiding love of starchy vegetables and chopped garlics.

Porridge with Pork Ribs -  The rice porridge thrived with the sweet pork ribs, while the green onions and sesame oil topped it off with a flare. 

Hokkien Mee - This was the less compelling dish of all, with sluggish noodles drenched in watered down and under seasoned sauce.  

Verdict: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Trattoria Il Porcellino @ Menara Hap Seng

If you are a pasta fanatic crisscrossing town in search of the finest pasta in a non-halal way, beeline to Trattoria Il Porcellino, where Manager Edbardo Guerrrni and Executive Chef Olivari Vlanni have set up their latest camp at Menara Hap Seng. Located on the ground floor, next to Starbuck Coffee, Trattoria truly live up to its name as an informal restaurant serving simple Italian food with an emphasis on boar.

The bread did well beside a plate of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Prosciutto e Melone (RM28) - Parma ham served with fresh melon and toasted bread. Fresh parma were delicious in their minimalism. 

Rigatoni Bologenese (RM32) with minced beef and pork. This pasta captured the restaurant's prowess with rustic flavors. Just when we thought we were done with pastas, along came Trattoria Il Porcelliono. 

Tortellini Panna e Prosciutto (RM29) - Home made pasta stuffed with pork and chicken in creamy cooked ham sauce. The flavorful sauce added depth to the dense packets.

Chocolate Vodka (F.O.C) - The crisp flavor of the vodka paired effortlessly with the creamy chocolate.

 This is our current go-to place for delicious non-halal  pasta. Trattoria also offers lunch set menus that ranges between RM29 - RM35 : a choice of main, salad and free refill of soft drinks. *oink oink*

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN