Yamagoya Ramen @ Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Located on level G2 (same level as Rakuzen and Ben's) at Publika, Yamagoya Ramen which opened its doors in April 2012 has garnered quite a good following over the last few months. 

Seasoned Soft Boiled Egg - Never leave the eggs in the kitchen, as there are meant to be served. Even though the eggs were a tad over cooked, nothing can come between our love for eggs, especially well seasoned eggs.

Yamagoya Ramen (RM19) - Yamagoya Ramen was probably the plainest option on the menu, which was nothing more than a twirl of silky soft noodles, bean sprouts, 2 slices of char siu, wood ear fungus and thinly chopped green onions. The char siu was tender and well flavored with a nice salty and intense pork flavor. 

Mukashi Special Ramen (RM24) - This was probably the most popular ramen on the menu, where noodles luxuriated in hot broth, together with seasoned egg, bamboo shoots, char siu, wood ear fungus, seaweed and green onions. The broth was rich and creamy, while the noodles were thin, round and buttery soft. 

Black Garlic Ramen (RM22) - The blackened soup was garlicky and more pungent compared to the milky pork bone soup. The noodles were perfectly toothsome with a touch of nutty garlicky flavor. This was definitely a healthy blend with a different depth of flavors.

Gyoza (RM11) - While we appreciate the wholesome ramen broth, we can't help but to love the gyoza, which completed the meal with another tang. 

Many Asians believe that noodles represent longevity and it is not meant to be cut or bitten half way. So if you are planning to have noodles tonight, make sure you slurp them in one go and try not to choke yourself in the process =)

VERDICT: SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Rakuzen @ Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Thanks to its value-for-money proposition, Rakuzen has continued to be one of my favorite Japanese restaurants after so many years. Here you will be treated with a parade of Japanese food, served in a tastefully decorated dining room. To solidify your fantasy, the restaurant offers a seasonal menu, crafted by its master chef. 

Ika Okura (seasonal menu @ RM19) - This silky, slimy marinated squid with lady finger was pleasantly refreshing.  

Salmon Belly - The delicate salmon belly was good on its own or gussied up with some fresh wasabi. 

Rakuzen's sushi has a devoted following. Among all the sushi choices, Hojo has always been the apple of my eye. For RM80, be ready to dive in for some Toro, Toro Kanpachi, Toro Salmon, Anago, Hon Zuwaigani, Ameabi, Uni, Ikura and Tekka Maki. Each sashimi subtly worked its way into the bed of rice, imparting a burst of umami into each bite. 

Awabi Chawanmushi (seasonal menu @ RM20) - The chawanmushi was topped with abalone, sea cucumber and okra instead of the usual fish cake and crab stick. Augmented with a special layer of sauce, the steamed egg balanced the exotic toppings wonderfully. 

Tempura Moriawase (RM26) - The lacy prawn and vegetable fritters were expertly fried, yielding a plate of airy and crispy finish products. 

Life is short and you should always take the gastronomic road less traveled, but once a while, its nice to venture back to some familiar cooking. Rakuzen is definitely a welcome addition to the Publika's dining scene. 

Verdict : TOTALLY SMITTEN

Red Beanbag @ Publika

Red Beanbag's menu dazzled with hearty Australian dishes that are fairly priced. The interior was modeled after Australian-inspired cafes, with rustic tables and concrete counters filling up the empty space. 

Cute beanbags hanging above the kitchen window.

Leave it to the passionate baristas to provoke your taste buds.

Beautiful coffee art.

Eggs Atlantic (RM17.90) - Poached eggs with hollandaise, asparagus, mushrooms and smoked salmon. The eggs were cooked perfectly with hearty vegetables and fresh smoked salmon. The only disappointment was the bread - a toasted bread would make a good finishing. 

Long Black - Very drinkable coffee with a soft body and decent aroma.

Eggs Benedict (RM15.90) - Poached eggs with hollandaise, asparagus, mushrooms and streaky beef bacons. A simple hearty meal to kick start our day.

 A meal at Red Beanbag feels like a blissful Melbourne vacation. We are fortunate to have new cafe like this popping out around Dutamas area.

Verdict : SOMEWHAT SMITTEN

Marmalade @ Solaris Dutamas - Breakfast

Surroundings - Jump start your day with a hearty meal at Marmalade. This child friendly restaurant is located at Level G3, right next to the children playground of Solaris Dutamas. The homely atmosphere coupled with friendly wait staffs set the right tone to start your morning with a glow.

Menu - The restaurant focuses on delivering simple home cook food with big flavours. The salads, gourmet sandwiches, spaghettis and other comfort food makes it an excellent spot for health conscious diners. Marmalade was voted the Best Healthy Eating/Vegetarian Restaurant in the Time Out KL Food Awards 2010. Bravo!

The intensely chocolaty milk shake and refreshing fresh apple juice.

Sounds of Havana was staked with crunchy pineapples, diced pepper, fresh lettuce, roasted chicken cubes and some fragrant cashew nuts. To finish, the bowl was drizzled with honey mustard and coconut salsa.

The combination of strawberries, bananas and french toasts echoed the sweetness of life.

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Ben’s Independent Grocer

For those due to host a Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas party but dread the hours in the kitchen. Dread no more as Ben's Independent Grocer will change the way you shop and cook. This 50,000 sq ft. grocery store offers a wide variety of local and international goodies, ranging from fresh produce to dry goods. Fresh As Fresh Gets - Soil is no longer required for plants to thrive here. For RM4.50, you can enjoy a fresh head of Hydroponic Lettuce. Imagine grocery's fridge being replaced by rows of hydroponic system. That would truly revolutionize the way we shop for food.

Food for thought: Since no pesticides or herbicides are used, would you consider this an organic produce?
The Ginger Bread Man section is an excellent stand for homemade breads and pastries. I was loafed away and ended up buying a loaf of Rosemary & Olive Focaccia Bread and a Whole Grain Bread. My parents enjoyed it very much as both breads were dense and wholesome.

Pick up Cracking Pork Belly, Mousse of Goose Liver and Black Goose Foie Gras at S.Wine - the non halal section of Ben's Independent Grocer. There are a wide array of salami, pepperoni, proscuitto, sausages and hams at the freezer counter waiting to be bought and consumed.

The signage at Ben's is extremely cute and creative. The layout was well thought of and it has subtly integrated gourmet cafe and coffee counter inside the 50,000 sq ft. compound. Ben's Independent Grocer has earn another brownie points for the team, setting new standard to the Malaysia's supermarket scene. Long gone the dreadful preparation of Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas party.

Verdict: TOTALLY SMITTEN

Ten Japanese Fine Dining @ Solaris Dutamas

Thinking is addictive. The more you think, the less you live. A wise man would rather live than questioning living. But how did the wise man figure it out? By thinking? On the food:

Surroundings - Ten is housed at Solaris Dutamas where parking can be quite confusing for first timer. The best way to reach Ten is to drive all the way up to D5 and you will see the restaurant on your left. To park, drive pass the restaurant and look out for a parking sign on your right. Remember to validate you parking ticket near Joseph Kitchen before exiting.

Menu - Prices are on the high side with main dishes costing more than RM35. Entree ranges from RM10 - RM80, while desserts are RM25 each. If you are looking to splurge RM300, the Supreme Ten Kaiseki Course, which comprises 8 course degustation menu is a good way to savor the Chef's culinary skills. If you are an ardent sushi eater, you can opt for a Sushi Omakase Course, which cost the same amount of money.

Chawan Mushi (RM30). This is probably the most expensive Chawan Mushi in town with standard toppings in it. For this price, you will probably get a foie gras in your Chawan Mushi at other restaurants.

The plate of Salmon Carpaccio was dressed with Ten's unique carpaccio sauce and showered with some fried garlics. All you need to do is wrap the sashimi around the garlics and drag it through the sauce...

Unagi Maki

The Sushi Moriawase (rm70) was delightful, the fish was fresh and the rice was comforting. However, I wasn't too happy with the unagi maki as there were some bones stuck between the meat. =(

I'm a big fan of Chazuke. Its actually very similar to Hakka Lei Cha except that it uses less vegetables. The Shiromi Chazuke @ Ten was quite unique. The green tea paste was earthy and smoky. The sliced snappers, black sesame seeds and finely chopped onions toppings worked well with the dish. Nonetheless, a dab of wasabi and some salmon roe would make this dish even more exciting. =)

The Black Sesame Ice Cream was sublime - smooth and silky. The sponge cake underneath the ice cream gave an additional texture to the sweet delight.

The dining experience at Ten was pleasant. One thing I really admire is the tableware, the ceramic bowls, tea cups and plates were beautiful. Not to mention the Japanese wait staffs were very helpful and good looking too. Will definitely be back on a special occasion to try their Kaiseki Menu or Sushi Omakase Course.

Verdict : SOMEWHAT SMITTEN