3 plates of DimSum @ RM10

Golden Sun Restaurant in Kuchai Lama is offered this ‘yumcha’ experience via JackCow.  Over 40 items on their menu is available for selection.  They even had a menu printed for the JackCow promo.

Overall, the dining experience is similar to that of most chinese restaurants so nothing really outstanding there.  Food was tasty and service prompt.  The steamed pumpkin dumplings are worth a special mention. However, the egg tart (which took a very long time to make while we waited) was basically too much fluff ie. too much pastry.

Buffet dimsum is on every Saturday for RM25+ (adults) and RM13+ (kids).  If you have already bought this voucher, you can top up the remaining balance which really defeats the purpose of buying a ‘discounted’ voucher in the first place.

The deal  is worthwhile if you are a small eater and ordering ala carte.  Unlike other online deals, there are there are hidden costs with this voucher:

1. Tea is chargeable at RM1.80++ per person

2. Towels are chargeable at RM1.20++per person

The above charges are not included in the meal deal but will be served.

 

 

iCe nail beauty manicure & pedicure RM29.90 by EziVoucher

Brought to your own home, this steal includes 2.5 hours of manicure and pedicure plus the option of either nail art or French art services.

Only available in Penang (and soon to be available in Taiping) but nevertheless, I bought 2 sets :P 

iCe was over half an hour late for our appointment but did a terrific job with the manicure and pedicure.  Her usual fees are over RM100 so this deal was definitely value for money. 

The nail art work is gorgeous as pictured below.

 

Pangkor Village Kitchen @ Scott Garden by Everyday

Purchased these RM4 vouchers which are worth RM10 each.  Menu includes Mango & Prawn Rolled (crispy mint spring roll stuffed with mango and prawn), Pangkor Fried Rice (wok and tossed fried spice rise, with raisin, pineapple and prawn), Curry Mee (mildly spicy coconut based soup, garnished with curry chicken, tofu puffs, long beans, eggplants and bean sprouts over yellow mee), Fried Ice Cream (available of vanilla chips, chocolate, strawberry, yam, mocha, mango) and many, many more.  How could I say no?!!!! 

For starters, we tried the deepfried eggplant and the fried ‘tau kua’ which came with sweet Thai chilly sauce.  The eggplant were finger sized and tasted absolutely delicious as it was wrapped with fluffy batter topped with dried shrimps.   We also sampled the Pangkor Fried Rice which reminded me very much of pineapple fried rice (without being served in a pineapple, that is).

We also tried the much recommended pandan lemongrass tea.  It knocked my socks off!  This drink is made from blended pandan leaves with a hint of lemongrass from the stick that protruded from the glass.  Only recommended for those who enjoy fresh green (very green!) taste.

Perhaps this place is still new but I sure hope that business picks up.  I have never seen more than 3-4 tables filled – not even at peak meal times.  This is rather surprising as the food is tasty (with hardly any trace of MSG) and reasonably priced.  Perhaps the deterrent was the loud music blasting bollywood tunes from the shops nearby!

I’d give this restaurant another go anytime.  Must try the mango & prawn roll next :P

Pictured above (from left to right): fried eggplant, pandan lemongrass tea and fried ‘taukua’.

4 course-meal @ Star Cafe by Everyday

The voucher priced at RM17.90 per person included:

• Cream of Fresh Mushroom Soup
• Choice of:
  • Tagliatelle (Fettuccine cooked with seafood, mushroom, capers, olive & a touch of chili)
  • Star Giant Fresh Water Prawn Noodle (Served with Fried Prawn with Flat Rice Noodle or Crispy Noodle with Creamy Sauce)
  • Braised NZ Lamb Shank (Osso Bucco with Aromatic Herbs served with mashed Potatoes or Noodles & Vegetables); or
  • Supreme of Chicken Cordon Blue (Chicken Breast stuffed with Ham and Cheddar Cheese, Deep Fried and served with Fries & Vegetables)
• Dessert: 2 Scoops of Ice Cream with Banana
• Drink: Star Milkshake

 

What we got was the following:

 

The mushroom soup was light and tasty.  Although nothing original nor special about the taste, it served well as an introduction to the menu.

 

We had two meals which consisted of  the ‘sang har’ mee and chicken cordon bleu.  The chicken was rather dry with hardly any ham and cheese but the noodle was delicious.  A must-try for anyone visiting this joint.  The drinks in the background came with the meal.  We ordered chocolate and vanilla milkshakes respectively.  Both were well made and not overly sweet.

 

By the time dessert arrived, we’d already had our fill with whipped cream from the milkshakes.  Hence, this dessert was an overkill.  I could locate a single scoop of ice-cream (and not two as advertised), a few slices of banana and a whole lot of of whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce on top.  A real let down to a rather pleasant meal.  I would not recommend this all-too-boring dessert.

Overall, the experience at Star Cafe was pleasant.  Waiters and staff were keen on ensuring customers were served promptly.  However, the menu is nothing out of the ordinary and if it were at it’s regular pricing, it would be not be worthwhile.

RM59 for 2 organic set meals at Yogitree by Dealmates

Okay, I got suckered into this one.  But hey, the food at Yogitree is really good and why not splash since my birthday is coming up…

Here’s my waghu beef burger…

It came with mint & lime drink

  Plus dessert  which was a choice of macaroons or mousse

Aside from using the voucher, we also ordered the special of the day which was the seafood pie – absolutely delicious!

And a favourite on the kids menu is the spaghetti with mushroom in cream sauce.  I must add that the adults enjoyed this dish very much.

Overall, the experience in Yogitree is pleasant. Staff are friendly and helpful.  Food is never a disappointment – always tasty, fresh and appetizing. 

The waghu beef burger is slighty overated though and at a cost of RM44+, I would not order it if not for the voucher and this promotion.  Having tasted it, it is  amazing that beef can be cooked so well without the oily feel and yet moist enough to eat plain without the addition of sauces. 

The drink and dessert which were part of the meal set was nothing out of the ordinary. 

Traditional Recipe, Kuchai Lama (2 set meals for RM14.90) from JackCow

 

Supposedly 50% off the total bill for 2 set meals.  This unassuming place located centrally within the bustling Kuchai Lama food haven deserves top marks for serving tasty food. 

True to its name, the food used age-old recipes in its preparation and tasted amazing without the chemical additives of MSG and such. 

This voucher entitled us to sample their spinach pan mee and chang (chinese dumpling) with additional side dishes and drinks.  The pan mee was absolutely delicious – its soup is the tastiest we’ve ever had and the portion was generous.  The chang was well made and not salty.  The side dishes which included fried tofu and ‘lor bak’ were simply yummy and despite being deep fried, they did not reel the oily feel. 

Drinks are not their forte as evidenced with premixed ice cold sour plum. In addition to using the voucher, we also ordered an orange juice which looked nothing like the one displayed on the menu.

Plus points:

1. Great tasting food minus the MSG.

2. Ample menu to suit most tastes.

3. Voucher definitely value for money at RM14.90 for 2 set meals.

Cons:

1. Finding parking in the area can be a hassle.

2. The menu is not kid-friendly and doesn’t cater to young ones.

3. Drink section of menu needs to be tweaked to avoid misrepresentation.

50% off summer drinks at Austin Chase from Groupon

For RM8.50, I am entitled to one regular summer frozen drink worth RM17.05.  Must have been one of the first to redeem it a day after it was made available.  Staff were still learning about to the voucher but it was fairly easy to use seeing that there wasn’t a crowd at Austin Chase.  The summer drink (Strawberry Mocha Cookies Frappe) was light and refreshing.

Pros:

1. Definitely a pick-me-up drink on a warm day.

2. Straightforward & easy to use voucher.

3. Relaxing ambience of Austin Chase – tucked away in a quieter corner, away from the hustle and bustle of Mid Valley traffic.  Btw, they serve a mean breakfast sets as well.

Cons:

1. Pretty plain old frappe.

My first review

Okay, I admit it.  I am now hooked on getting discounts. Not just any discount, but real value for money.  So here's where it starts.  I'll scour the web for sales, promos, offers, coupons, vouchers, u-name-it!   Then, try it out and publish my findings.  Simple.  A great resource to remind myself (and broadcast to others) both happy/satisfied or not-so-great outcomes.

My first review: Lecka2 ice-cream (Dealmates)

For RM20, I got RM50 worth of Lecka-Lecka ice-cream and treats!  What a steal! Used this voucher over the school holidays and kids had a lovely time indulging in sweets! 
Pros:
1. Great value for money. 
2. Voucher used as per terms stated.

Cons:
1. Only valid at e-curve - goodness was it hard to find!  Had a merry-go-round looking for the place with 4 young kids in tow.
2. Staff at Lecka2 not helpful and not keen on usage of voucher. 
3. Several items on the menu were not available on a despite being a weekday.

Facial @ Serenity Skin Therapy (Hahah deals)

Aha!  Yet another steal...TWO sessions of 120 minutes Marine Collagen Facial + Eye Treatment + Neck & Shoulder Massage, all for a mere RM60!  What a deal.  I bought 2 sets of these naturally :P

Booked way in advance just to be sure I had a clear 2-hour slot and when I arrived a few minutes early, I was immediately ushered into the awaiting therapy room.  It was a simple, basic therapy room with minimal instruments.  A little too cramped to really unwind and with no doors (just curtains), it was hard to relax.  Nevertheless, we were treated to a facial, mask, steam and massage.

Pros:
1. Very efficient registration process which was even able to accommodate customers who were early for appointments.
2. Staff well trained and skilful at facial and massage.
3. Room comfortably ventilated.
4. Super value for money (at RM30 per facial using Thalgo products).

Cons:
1. Hardsell - this was expected but then who would forsee that they would take time out of our facial and short change customers of 30 minutes!  Yes, facial/massage only lasted 90 minutes instead of the advertised 120 minutes.  What a croc!
2. No eye therapy provided - another instance of short changing customers.
3. Additional discount voucher given to DiGi customers only valid for month of visit (ie. 3 July-31 July).  Customer service kept pushing for our second facial to be completed in the same month eventhough we were allowed to utilise it anytime between June and September!