Seafood paradise and Eateries in Boracay

We had four times of Seafood Meals at Boracay Seafood Lovers' Oasis, D Talipapa during our 7 nights in Boracay.  Gosh feeling cholesterol level shooting up.  However, just could not resist the temptation of the fresh live seafood there with so many varieties to choose from.  You must bargain at least 50% lower than quoted price.

There are so many restaurants around to provide you the cooking services.  We tried Sababi, Natalia and Plato D.  We preferred Plato D but Natalia was also not bad if we were to compare.  However, all restaurants have their own cooking skill and style, is just a matter of you own preference.  Cooking service charges range from Php75 to Php220 per kilo depending the style of cooking you wish, be it steam, barbecue, saute, bake etc.

Clam ('Tan')

1st day
We decided to go for the famous D Talipapa for our 1st night dinner here after a long travel journey by air, land and sea. Just a walking distance from our hotel from the main road or go by the beach, we just need about less than 10 minutes walk from where we stayed, Hotel Regency Boracay.

These were what we bought:

Clam ("tan") 1 kilo Php350

Scallop 1/2 kilo (14 pcs) Php250

Crab 1.5 kilo (2 large) Php900

1.5 kilo  crab

Sababi Boracay cooking service with 3 rice, stir fry water spinach and 1 bottle 1.5L coke cost us Php840. Cooking service for clam saute Php150, scallop bake cheese Php200, crab steam Php150.

Our total dinner for 4 pax cost us Php2,340, equivalent to Php585 per person and we are talking about live seafood here, reasonable price.

2nd day
We woke up a bit late and had brunch instead as it was raining.   Lucky, the hotel rooms were provided with umbrellas.  We decided to go slow today since we have another 6 nights here. We walked through the eateries at D Mall and ended with Lemon I Cafe. Total bill came up to Php2,107.77.  We did not try their desserts although it was recommended as we were too full after the brunch.

Along the white beach, you will see stalls selling fruits shakes and also mango.  Per mango was about Php40 - Php50.  You select and the stall owner will slice for you.  My husband loved the mango shake (Php60 per cup) whereas me and son loved the buko (coconut) shake (125ml bottle Php65, cup Php50).  

For our dinner. we could not resist another seafood meal and ended at D Talipapa again. This time, we tried Plato D Boracay cooking service with 3 plates of rice and a 1.5L soft drinks cost us Php780.

These were what we bought from the wet market:-

Vegetables (brinjal, lady finger and long bean) Php30

Squid 120 half kilo

Prawn 6 Large less than 1 kilo Php700 (1 kilo 800)

Snapper Fish Php800

However, we did not like the way they steam the fish.  There was no vegetables selection from their menu so if you wanted to dine here, you need to purchase your own vegetables unlike Sababi and Natalia, they both have vegetables selection in their menu.  But no worry, there were a number of stalls selling vegetables here, so no issue, just grab whichever vegetables you like and get the restaurant to cook.  Total meal cost us PHP2,430.

By the way if you like crab congee, you can try their cooking service here.

3rd day
We decided to wake up earlier to have our breakfast and later to seek fun in the sea activities.

Real Coffee famous for their calamansi muffin, however since no one likes muffin, we did not order any.  Real coffee breakfast total Php1,035 which comprise of 3 pancake, 1 toast, ice latte, coffee and tea.

Since my hubby and son wanted to laze in the room, me and my mom went to Hap Chan Restaurant for lunch.  Chinese Tea is served complimentary here.  We had a bowl of Wontan noodle (wontan with prawn) Php900 and Garlic Fried rice Php110 (s).  My son ordered in room carborana spagetti Php308 ++  and I bought for both of them each McDonald Fillet O Fish ala carte Php122.   If you order set which comes with fries and drinks, a small set will cost you Php162 and Medium Php192. A double fillet fish set cost Php276. More expensive than back home.

Our choice for dinner as we wanted to try local cuisine, we decided to go to Smoke Resto at D Mall.  These were what we had:

Crispy pata deep fried port shank Php350

Spicy garlic squid with rice Php160

Spicy Garlic Kangkung Php140

Pan grilled chicken with rice Php160

Bulalo beef shank soup Php180

Extra one rice, 3 calamansi shake and 1 banana shake

Total Php1,490

The food here not bad but my son did not like the beef shank soup, maybe he was not used the very local taste.

My growing up teenage son, always feel hungry! Pizza at Aria with drinks for supper cost us Php1008. To me, is just another normal pizza but Aria is always full with customers.

4th day 
We  had lunch at Lishui Chinese Restaurant located at Lishui Beach Resort Station 2 Php1,444.80.  We loved the Stir Fry Brinjal here.

Again, D Talipapa for dinner, a definite cholesterol level shoot up!  Hubby could not resist what he had on first day, the fresh clam.  This time, we tried the succulent Lobster.

Clam (Tan) 1 kilo Php400

Green Lobster 1.25 kilo Php3000 Per kilo Php2400

Crab 1.4 kilo Php1000 (1kilo = Php700)

Four angle bean very soft Php50

We chosen Natalia's Kusina for the cooking services and with  1 garlic rice, 2 plain rice, 1.5L coke, 1 bottle coconut shake total Php915

5th day
It was raining in the morning.  After the rain stopped, we walked towards Station 1 and had our brunch at Jammers Breakfast.

XL 1/2 pound australian beef bacon cheese Php360

Egg-cellents Omellette with classic vegetables (onion & tomato) c/w toast bun with butter/jam Php130

Bun Sandwhich with ham Php125

Slice Pickled bacon snoop hot dog Php165

Mango & coconut shake each Php100

Total Php1,095

I could not recall where we had lunch or dinner today.

6th day 
We went Island Hopping and was brought by the boatman for breakfast at 

Igli-Igligan Island. The stall operator charged pricey for simple fried noodle and fried rice, even the coconut and mango shakes.

After the Island Hopping, hubby was dizzy and thus me and mom had our lunch again at Hap Chan, chinese restaurant in our hotel.  Mom loved the Pork and Century Egg Porridge which was much better than my Fish Porridge.  It cost us only Php219.60 with complimentary chinese tea. 

In late afternoon, we went for Lemon i cafe dessert Php598 as we wanted to try their mango madness cake.

4 pcs at Php200

For dinner, where else if not D Talipapa.  These were what we bought:

Medium size lala 1 kilo Php200

Scallop 1 kilo Php400

Oyster 4 Php200

Prawn 8 pcs 600 g Php420

Water Spinach Php20

Brinjal Php 35

Natalia's kitchen Php,1060 (with 2 rice, 1 garlic rice & coke)

7th Day

We had been wanting to try this place looking at the restaurant that normally full with customers. I Love BBQ for brunch cost us Php1,024.56.   You should try and you will love it.

We had simple dinner at Hap Chan Restaurant which is located at Regency Boracay Hotel for Php1,592.10.  My son that always need extra boost went for supper at Shakey and we spent Php753.83 for pizza and drinks.

8th day
"Goodbye Boracay,  I am going miss you" thats what was on my mind on our last day here.  We need to check out in the morning and head to the airport.

As we need lunch, you will not find any good restaurants inside airport.  Look around those opposite the airport.  We had our lunch at Lemon Grass but I do not recommend as the food was so so.  For total Php565, we had 1 btl coke, 1 buko shake, 1 seafood fried rice 280, 1 chicken noodle soup Php130.  Maybe, try Miggy's place which got a good review.

To summarize, plenty of restaurants, cafe, bars and entertainment along the White Beach all night long.  Hope to be back soon!

A City that never sleeps @ Genting Highlands

Is a 24 hours business round the clock, 365 days a year. Gambling is a business that never stop in Genting casino. Having their groupier with 3 shifts, customers all day long anytime of the day.

Many can forego their sleeping time just to try winning but as the saying goes "10 gamble 9 lost". This is very true as one tend to be greedy. Winning a small amount is longer consider winning. I have a friend who asked "I have won RM2,500, is this enough if for you?" I replied "yes". And he said "RM2,500 is enough? No, I am targeting RM20,000". So that night he has indeed hit the RM20,000 but loosing it to Genting.

First time walking into VIP room where I witnessed most rooms were full. Do not mistaken that I am owning a platinum card that can access to VIP rooms but somehow through connection, we were allowed to go in.

There was a table where the gamblers were betting RM200,000 per bet. There are indeed lots of wealthy people around but to me that is not a lifestyle that I want.

Some people would like to try their luck in winning some money. Some just love the excitement and no longer about winning or loosing. Some might be addicted to gambling. One person that we met said "The thrill in flipping the card is something that money cannot buy".

Genting has been in business since the first hotel formerly known as Highland and now Theme Park was ready in 1971. And since then it has been growing and expanding.  Now moving towards target of opening its RM1 Billion project, 100,000 square metres 20th Century Fox Outdoor Theme Park in early 2017, a delayed caused by depreciation of Ringgit Malaysia.

Meanwhile, during its transformation, we will have to wait for the magical moment where this place not only an exciting place for locals but will be great to bring in millions of tourists.

What else can you do in Genting Highlands besides Casino? There are plenty, watching movie, shopping, bowling, feel the chill of snow in Snow World, Spa, pub, karaoke, theme park, international artist performance, have coffee and of course eating! Or just do nothing, relax and enjoy the cool air.

Genting Highlands is a place to be proud of as an attraction to many tourists around the world.

Land and Sea Transfer - Boracay

If you prefer a stress free land and sea transfer, you can always book online prior to your departure to Boracay.

A few companies that you can check with for which I have checked their charges as below for per pax providing door to door services from Kalibo Airport to Hotel in White Beach, Station 2, Boracay.

BPHT Php1165
Boracayguide Php1500
Southwest Php1225
Cbtmpc Land transport door to door Php900

Those with big comfortable bus will be Southwest and Island Star Express. Others will be providing you van.  If you prefer private car, you could find outside the airport,  the operator will be holding placard showing Php1,000 (this is prior to bargain).

Is alright if you do not pre-book.  Upon arrival outside Kalibo airport, you will see counter (tables) with these operators holding placard with the rate and service provided.  It depends on your bargaining power.

The lowest you can go with van and boat at Php200.  When you reach the Catiglan port, you will have to look for the booth to pay Terminal Fees and Environmental Fees total of Php175. So in total it cost you Php375.  Upon arrival at Cagban jetty in Boracay, just pay for tricycle (4-6 person) or their electric cab (8 -10 person).  Tricyle is real small so number of passengers comfortably 4 persons also depending on your size.  Estimate electric cab from Jetty (station 3) to White Beach Station 2 will cost Php150 for 4 pax. 

On the day of return, we departed from Tambisaan Jetty. Terminal fess only Php30. Boat only Php25. Boat & Van Php250.  Porter carry your luggage up or down boat 20 pesos per bag.  It was a 40 seaters Marina-V1 boat reach Tabon Port.

We left our hotel at 10.15 am and reached 11 am to Tabon port.  The van we took from hotel belongs to AMC Tour. As we reached Tabon port, we took a van to airport.  Our flight departed at 3.05 pm.  We have time for lunch before we check in. We were all ready after custom cleareance 1.5 hours prior to flying time as the airport here is small.  Do take note to keep Php700 for departure airport tax.  Prior to 1 June 2015, departure airport tax was Php500.  From where you pay airport tax to departure gate will takes you about 30 minutes if you do not have any check in baggage. This timing including scanning of your luggage and custom passport clearance.

Note there are 2 jetties at Boracay Island. The one near Station 3 which is Cagban Jetty, terminal fees upon departure will be Php100.  Whereas Tambisaan Jetty will cost you only Php30.  On departure from Boracay Island, no need pay environmental fees.

 

 

Water/Land Activities in Boracay

Plenty of activities for you to enjoy, after all is an island, so have fun in Boracay! Along the beach, you will find lots of touts/middleman trying to sell you the activities. They give you a package price if you can commit at least 3 types of activities. We met middleman Jerson and Rey. Or if you are not budget conscious, just go with company such as Southwest or My Boracay Guide or just go to White beach or Bulabog beach (depends on season) look for Diamond Company.

Parasailing
Kiting activity where you will be towed behind a boat.  Minimum 2 person or maximum 3 person.  This was so fun to be in the air overseeing the sea, however, you totally do not have any control over the parachute.

Boat for Parasail

Rates:
Diamond Php1500 Christopher 0908 20 14146
Lowest Php1100 per pax min 2 max 3, solo Php2000. We paid Php1200 with Diamond through Jerson.

Up to the sky!

Island Hopping
Visit to best snorkeling spot, swimming in the open sea and feeding the fish. Those with buffet seafood meal at Tambisaan beach are on 6 hours day trip include snorkel gear and fees. Soft drinks and beer will be provided.

You can always choose private boat with (4-6 hours) or without meal (3-4 hours).

Rates:
Allan B Fun Tour which you can find along the white beach standard price Php 800.
Try reduce to Php700 include snorkel gear and fees inclusive buffet seafood lunch and drinks (soft drinks, beer) at Tambisaan Beach.
Hotel pick up between 9.30 to 9.45 am. Tour starts at 10am daily.

Southwest price as per their website:

With Meals: Php 1,000.00 per person ( 6 hrs. day trip)

Without Meals: Php 2,800.00 ( 3 - 4 hrs. day trip)

1-5 pax capacity (private boat)

With meals & Private boat : Php 1,500.00 per person (4-6 hrs day trip)

-minimum of 10 persons

We went with Rey with private boat Php2000 (only 4 of us) include 4 snorkeling gear.  We exchanged 1 gear with bun for fish feeding. However, you are require to pay snorkeling fees of Php20 per person. We were actually on a medium size boat fit for 16 pax.  Different rate quoted from Php2000 to Php2300 without lunch depending on your bargaining skill.

From Station 2 White Beach, we took a tricycle Php80 to Bulabog beach for Island Hopping, as all activities have been transferred to Bulabog since third week of September.  First stop  was near Ilig-Iligan where we were shown lots of bats on top of trees. Our boatman, Jeros who is from Cagban Island told us how tasty is the bat/flying fox just by bbq. Then to Ilig Illigan breakfast as per our request.  After you ordered, there were these few people came with souvenir items to sell to you.  

We then proceeded to Crocodile island where you see fishes. Passed by Crystal Cove Island where you may stop to explore the two caves and beautiful scenery and relax on hut/cottages. Entrance Php200. We did not visit this place, just passed by.   After the island hopping, we went back hotel by tricyle (Php75).

Helmet Diving
Is fun as you walk down using a stairs into the sea and so many colorful fishes swimming around you.

Rates:
Helmet diving Php500 x 3 include CD and transfer phone photo and video. We went with Shingley. Look for their kiosk at Station 3 White Beach.  A number of kiosk there for you to deal with. Lowest could go down to Php400.

Land activities
View of island from Mt Luho
Tricyle to the place where we can rent ATV cost us Php 75 for 5 paq was  inclusive in quoted Php2400 (Buggy for 4 pax)

Bring your own mask or scarf but freak not if you forget, they are selling for Php20 per mask.

Zipline will cost you Php600 if you want CD with video and photo. If only to transfer to your phone for photos, the operator charged you only Php20.  You need pay Entrance to viewing tower Php120 per pax.

Puka Shell Beach
Glass bottom kayak to see reef and fish from 20m down.

This beach is 30 minutes from station 2.  Nearest restaurant Tesebel.  This beach is actually 10 mins from the ATV rental place.  We chartered a motorcar who charged us Php400 two ways, which was 20 mins from our hotel at Station 2, waited for us approx 40 mins.

Puka Shell Beach

Bon Ga @ Solaris Mont Kiara

My elder son has suggested to dine in Chicken House at Solaris Mont Kiara for my birthday celebration.  However, when we reached there, the shop was closed.  Not sure if close permanently or it was their off day.  It was a Monday, so I guessed could be their off day.

I have then decided to go to Bon Ga Korean Restaurant, as I recalled a friend telling me she often dine at this restaurant. There were at least refillable 12 ba chans (side dish) served.

The boys went to buy a small Tiramisu cake to surprise me as myself, hubby and mom went to the restaurant first.

It was a good choice as everyone loves the food here.  Hubby loves the Kimchi soup whereas I liked their stir fry chicken.  We had chicken, rib and smoked duck. Best thing not much heat from the electric grill here even it was on our table.

The ever smiling face owner was so sweet to give me a little present after I have blown the candle.  It was a passport holder bought in Korea as the little price tag of  KRW 5,500 was at the back.

Grilled Rib ready 

Plate of smoke duck and Grill Chicken in progress

Tiramisu cake

Location
Bon Ga
3A-2, Jalan Solaris 3, Mont Kiara, 
50480 Kuala Lumpur, 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone:+60 3-6204 0012

Winter Solstice Celebration

We were away to Kunming during the actual day of Winter Solstice Celebration which was on 22 December. Today my three "boyfriends" (aka hubby & sons) wanted to eat the glutinous rice ball ("tang yuen") in sweetened soup.  I went to buy a packet of 500gm glutinous rice flour for hubby to  knead the dough. Each of them chosen a color to shape into the little ball.

So we were actually celebrating my birthday by eating "Tang Yuen" and officially I am a year older!

This time round, with my elder son's suggestion, we rolled in brown sugar in pieces into the white ball. Yum, these tasted so much better.

As for the soup, just boil with bruised ginger, screwpine leaves and rock sugar.

As this is a tradition that should goes on, my "boyfriends" have suggested that they should do it every year!

Chocolate Ville @ Bangkok

During our this short trip, we were able to squeeze in Chocolate Ville. Thanks to our friend in Bangkok for driving us all the way there, about an hour from Sutthisan where we stayed.

Amazing night visiting Chocolate Ville in Bangkok. What a beautiful sight while listening to Christmas songs.

However as this is a tourist attraction, be prepared for bad traffic and not able to find a parking.  We were lucky to find a parking easily as by the time we arrived, it was after the peak hour.

With the place lit up beautifully at night, definitely a place worth visit.  This place is equally beautiful day time. Climb up the observation tower, you will be able to see the whole place. You may also dine here at its restaurant serving Thai and Western cuisines.

Cab will cost you around THB300 - 450 depends on your location or distance to this place.


Location:
Chocolate Ville
351, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230

Marketing Organization for Farmers @ Bangkok

Interesting clean market where you find lots, from live fish, vegetables, mixed rice, dessert, dry stuff, fruits, juice and even mango sticky rice, somtam, cooked large prawn and crab meat, cashew nuts and dried longan.

We had our breakfast, moo kar rice and noodle soup as there are quite a number of food stalls here.

We were staying at Sutthisan where the MRT is just 1 minute walk away, so convenient with THB26 one way to Kamphaeng Phet station. Exit 1 right into this Marketing Organisations for Farmer market. Local language this market is called Or Tho Kor. You can also go to Chatuchak weekend market from this station.

Look what we found, plenty of goodies here.

Varieties of cooked dishes

These are yummy

Plenty of fruits and also fruits basket

Cooked Crab & Prawn

Dried Stuff eg Dried Shrimp

Restoran Lucky Seven Plus @ Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya

We passed by this row of shop and saw this newly opened intermediate lot restaurant with a unique name, Lucky Seven Plus. Quite a lot of customers considering this restaurant is new.

So for dinner on a Saturday night, we thought of why not we should go and check it out. Their specialty here, Steam Fish Head using Grass Carp Fish ("Sung Yue"). You have a choice of steam with Ginger, Radish, Asam, Bean Sauce, Patong (sweet sour with bit spiciness) or Nyonya.

We ordered Steam Fish in bean sauce, Stir fry French Bean with radish and Claypot Village Chicken.

The fish was steamed with right amount of time that its flesh was cooked perfectly soft. You must not over steam a fish which I always ensure that whenever I steam fish at home. The village chicken is tender. As for the French Bean, the crispy radish went well with it.

When I asked for their business card to look for their address, I was told their business card was still with old address. No wonder there were many customers who were already regular patronizing this restaurant. Previously there were located at No. 7 Medan Selera Tapak Zon Penampan, Taman Perindustrian Bukit Desa, 52100 Kuala Lumpur. If you come from Taman Ehsan, the shop is on your left facing main road.

Steam Fish RM22.90

French Bean with Crispy Radish RM8

             Claypot Village Chicken RM30

Location:

Lucky Seven Plus Restaurant

Jalan 18, Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya
52100, Kuala Lumpur 
(Same row as Restaurant Chandran Corner) 

Simple Recipe - ABC Soup

Soup has always been in my daily meal.  As I have grown up for having soup daily with my meal, I am doing the same for my children.  Sometimes, I just have my rice with soup especially if is ABC soup as you have all the vitamins in this simple yummy soup.  But of course I will still cook three dishes besides the soup for my family.

I will normally put carrot, tomato, potato, big onion into my pork rib based soup.  I added peppercorn too to give the soup a twist which both my boys will ask why if certain time I never put them.  As they preferred with peppercorn for the added flavour.

Soup is the easiest as you just need to throw everything in the pot and leave it on to boil.

Ingredients
2 carrot
2 potatoes
2 tomatoes
1 big onion
1 Pork Rib or 1 Chicken whole leg
Water
2 tablespoon peppercorn

Method
Once water boiled, put in the rib
Boil for 30 minutes, then throw in carrot for 20 minutes
Follow by potatoes, tomatoes, big onion, peppercorn
Salt to taste
Boil for another 1 hour using slow fire

Simple Recipe - Pork Belly with salted fish

Another simple recipe here for you to try,  yummylicious Pork Belly with salted fish to go with a steaming hot bowl of rice.

No one could resist this dish though I know is full of "guilt" as pork belly is with a layer of fats and salted fish is not healthy but who cares! Just a little will do no harm right?

Ingredients:
Pork Belly, cut into thin slices
(marinade 30 minutes with 1/2 tblsp each of oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cornflour)
Salted Fish
Chopped garlic
3 Dried Chillies, cut into half, remove seeds
6 slices of ginger
Water
1/2 tbsp cornflour (dissolve in 2 tbls water)
Cooking oil
Big Onion quartered
Spring Onion, cut into strip

Seasonings
1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tblsp light soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp Shoaxing wine

Method
Pan fry salted fish till fragrant, set aside
Heat cooking oil
Add garlic, ginger and dried chillies
Stir in pork belly
Add water and sugar, bring to boil
Simmer low heat till pork belly soft
Add salted fish and seasoning for few minutes
Stir in spring onion and big onion, toss few seconds

Jarrod & Rawlins @ Bangsar

Since is a school holiday, we decided to dine out for lunch. However, this is real late lunch as we went to their outlet at Damanasara but it was under renovation. By the time we reached Bangsar outlet it was almost 2pm, late lunch and everyone was hungry.

You may find Jarrod & Rawlins (J&R), a bar and restaurant  for fine food and wine in Damansara Heights, Bangsar and Jalan Ampang.  Obtaining a few food awards from 2010 till 2012, this is certainly a place to try as it serves one of the best breakfast in town.

Overall, a satisfactory lunch and hope to be back again to explore on other signature dishes.

Pasta with smoked duck

Chicken Breast Gratin

Baby Back Ribs served with potatoes and coleslaw

Location
Jarrod & Rawlins
No 63 Jalan Bangkung
Bukit Bandaraya
Bangsar
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2095 1608

Opening hours:
Mon - Fri 11 am onwards
Sat - Sun & PH 10 am onwards

Kampachi @ Pavilion KL

Our first ever visit was like at least 15 years back when our Principal from Italy was here and it was a treat from them.  This was our second visit and today marked our 25th wedding anniversary. Yes, 25th and inclusive of dating years, we have known each other for 32 years!

Is not easy as we have our hugs and fights, ups and downs! In a relationship, it takes both to work it out.

We decided to have our anniversary lunch in Kampachi, the award winning Japanese Restaurant together with our two boys.  Here, they serve the finest sashimi air flown all the way from Tokyo.

These were what we had as we decided a light lunch follow by dessert or snacks somewhere else:

Soft Kani & Shake Aburi Maki Sushi RM65.18

Chicken Bento Set RM47.17

Kaga Gold Green Tea RM22.30

Sashimi of 5 kinds RM210.12

Kampachi has three outlets i.e. Pavillion, Troika, Persiaran KLCC and Plaza 33 in Petaling Jaya. Since Christmas is coming soon, we went to the outlet in Pavilion, just to have a joly feel of the festive season.

Location:
Kampachi
Level 6, Pavilion
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-21489608

Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday 11 am - 10 pm
Friday to Saturday 11 am - 10.30 pm

Simple Recipe - Sambal Petai Udang Kering (Dried Shrimp)

This is my hubby all time favorite, stinky bean in dried shrimp cook in chilli paste. Whenever we travel overseas for example to China, Australia or NZ for a week or more, he will request me cook Sambal dried shrimp, of course minus the stinky bean and bring it along.

Not difficult to cook Sambal Udang Kering (Dried Shrimp) and it goes along well with a hot bowl of rice.  Leave out the stinky bean if you do not like the smell.

Ingredients
1/2 medium soup bowl of dried shrimp, pounded
16 tblsp chili paste 
Stinky bean (petai)
1.5 teasp sugar
5 tblsp vinegar
Cooking oil
Small piece of shrimp paste (belacan)

Method
Heat up wok, pour in oil
Put in chili and shrimp paste, sugar, stir till fragrant
Add stinky bean, cook for about 10 minutes
Then throw in pounded dried shrimp
Lastly vinegar


Chili Paste (to blend)
Wash and soak a bowl of dried chili
7 small onion - cut small
6 garlic - cut small

Famous Siam Laksa @ Balik Pulau

Kim Siam Laksa is a must each time we are in Penang. Broth is slighthy different from Assam Laksa because Siam Laksa is with coconut milk.

Just look at this bowl of appertizing Siam Laksa, full of mackerel fish. I am sure no one could resist bowl or two!

Kim Siam Laksa was previously operating at Nan Guang Coffee Shop at Balik Pulau town but now has moved to Kim Seng Kopitiam.

Try out their Assam Laksa, Siam Laksa or better still mix the both of them, merely RM4 a bowl.

Location:
Kim Seng Kopitiam
20 Jalan Sg Air Putih
Bandar Baru Air Putih
(Botanical CT)
11000 Balik Pulau
Penang
Tel 012 428 6235

Our Project - Laman Ceylon @ KL

We love interior design though both of us have never been studying or graduate in any interior design schools.

Hubby is the one who is on creative side and I m the one who will give my opinion whenever he saw something nice.

The owner  wanted to rent out their 2 bedrooms unit at Laman Ceylon and thus we were tasked to purchase all furniture and the necessities.

Starting with curtain design, material and color, we have engaged a curtain shop whose owner provided a good service hanging up, steam ironing and folded all the curtains so neatly that i do not think as a woman i can do better than him.

Being choosy type, we went to quite a number of shops to source for furniture and given a tight budget, we need to ensure the whole furnished condo will not cost owner a bomb.

Items for decoration and also placemat, table runner, to choose the right theme, color and size took us to a few shopping mall as we wanted something suitable to make the whole atmosphere simple and cosy yet stylish.

We prefer a cosy ambiance thus our color scheme is more to brown and grey.

The very first tenant was from France, working with luxury watches company. He was transfered out from the country barely less than a year of staying. The owner was lucky to have easily rent out the unit after the first tenant moved out. The next tenant a Canadian, is teaching in International School. And the current is a Datin from Sarrawak dealing with clothing retail.

We love the lobby of this condominium and is so convenient as lots of bar and restaurant just 5-10 minutes walk away.  Location wise is at town centre.

Location:
Laman Ceylon
Jalan Ceylon
Bukit Ceylon
50200 Kuala Lumpur

Pretz n' Beanz Cafe @ Solaris Mont Kiara

School holiday is here for 6 weeks, it was a Friday night and we have decided to go for dessert  after dinner at home.  Initially thought of going for ice cream at Haagen Daaz but ended up "lepaking" (do nothing) at Pretz n' Beanz Cafe.  

Our usual hang out nearer to us has always been Solaris Mont Kiara.  We were attracted to Pretzel as we walked pass Pretz n Beanz Cafe, so our venue plan changed immediately.

First we ordered two type of Pretzel but could not resist Waffle!  After finishing Pretzel, we ordered the yum Waffle. The milk shake here was good, thick and delicious just like the way we like it.  Another chill place for "lepaking".

The bill total to RM85.55 with 3 drinks.

Parmesan Pretzel RM6.90 & Hot Dog Pretzel RM10.90

Waffle with caramel butter RM17.90

Location:
Pretz n Beanz Cafe
22, Ground Floor, Jalan Solaris 4
Solaris Mont Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6204 9733

Opening Hours:
Sun - Thurs 7.30 am till midnight
Fri - Sat 7.30 am till 1 am

Seafood Bah Kut Teh @ Klang

Talk about Bah Kut Teh (BKT) or Meat Bone Tea, normally you will think of Klang. But now this place has come up with Seafood Bah Kut Teh, try it out!

As my elder son never like prawn, we had it separated from the Seafood Claypot BKT.  We were there quite late for dinner maybe but it was only 8.30 pm, no more lala and they replaced with scallop.

Hubby had tried it out once with his business partner for lunch and had always wanted to take us there.  So one fine Sunday and since my two boys did not have to attend any class on the next day,  we drove all the way to Klang. Thumbs up for the creativity of seafood to go with BKT and we loved it.

Seafood Bah Kut Teh RM98

Dry Claypot BKT RM13 and Claypot Prawn BKT

We also tried their braised chicken feet but feedback from my mom, my cooking is better! Anyway, a small bowl of chicken feet cost RM10.

Total bill came out to RM139.70 for 5 person.

Location:
Restoran Bah Kut Teh
Klang Coast BKT Sdn Bhd
No. 16 Jalan Remia 5/KS6
Bandar Botanic
41200 Klang
Selangor
Tel: 03-33221706

Opening hours: 8am - 11 pm