Saturday, December 31, 2011

Jade Pot Dimsum & Steamboat, OKR

 

It all started with a simple booking and although the voucher said 3 days advance booking required, the restaurant was fully booked for the next 2.5 weeks!  All said and done, I quickly made a reservation and patiently awaited my turn.

The restaurant is located in the ground floor of an entertainment outlet.  There is a thick stench of cigarette odour as you walk in the foyer.

When we arrived, our reservation was no where to be found.  This, after waiting 2.5 weeks!!!  Luckily, the quick thinking attendant ushered us to an empty table despite being unable to locate the reservation.  The restaurant was half empty and I noticed that diners were all using coupons (various ones from Ilovediscount, Groupon, Everyday). 

I soon learnt the reason for the poor turnout.  The food was priced restaurant standard but taste very mediocre.  There was not one dish which left us asking for more.

To top it all, the restaurant staff (with the exception of Dennis and the cashier), were extremely dim.  They didn’t take notice of visitors calling for their attention (even if the guest in question was right in front of them!) nor did they refill the chinese tea (which costs RM2 per head – billed separately).  To cap it all, these foreign workers could not communicate well and were not allowed to take orders which meant that we would have to wait for the head waiter if an order or additional orders were to be made! 

I am utterly disappointed with this service and quality of food.  Please don’t waste your money nor time here.  It is very apparent that the restaurant is a front for something else and maintaining food nor service is no where in their list of priorities.  Definitely a no go for families with young children.

IMAG0460Siu mai – plain and ordinary

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Beancurd Roll   – the sauce was starchy and sweet.

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Steamed BBQ Pork Rice Noodle Rolls – Char Siew Chee Cheong Fan served in a long, single roll

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Century Egg Porridge – highly watered down.  I did not locate the century egg in this bowl.

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Steamed Fishballs – plain and simple.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Par Tea Time, Subang

Have you been caught up with the bubble tea craze?  Well, try this outlet in Subang Jaya offering 2 medium-sized teas for RM6.40! 10 flavours to choose from:

  • Pearl milk tea
  • Three QQ milk tea
  • Lychee QQ milk tea
  • Fresh Passion Fruit QQ green tea
  • Brown sugar pearl milk
  • Brown sugar agar pearl milk
  • Brown sugar wintermelon pearl
  • QQ brown sugar wintermelon
  • Osmanths Plum aloe vera green tea
  • Roselychee coconut jelly tea

Vouchers available for purchase from: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3548

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Sherlyn’s Little Dream, Subang Jaya

Go ahead, spoil yourself!  You deserve it! What better way to do so than with this discount at half price!  Get 50% off RM10 vouchers at this delightful shop offering carrot cake, cheesecake, chocolate cake, tiramisu, brownies and cupcakes.  Vouchers available for purchase from: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3460

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Veneeze Restaurant, Jaya One

1 thin crust pizza + 1 pasta + 2 soup of the day + 2 ice tea + 1 dessert + 20% off all other food = RM29.90.  Vouchers available via: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3449

Monday, December 26, 2011

Dim Sum Express, Cyberjaya

3 plates of halal dimsum (choose from 30 varieties) plus a drink (12 varieties) for only RM9.90! Valid daily except Sundays and public holidays.  Best of all, no reservation required.  Thought this was a good deal but alas the dimsum was no better than the frozen variety.  In fact, some parts of the dimsum was inedible and completely frozen! 

To add salt to the wound, this discount voucher by Everyday was as good as none as walk-in students are entitled to similar discounts!

Reminder to self: DO NOT VISIT DIM SUM EXPRESS EVER AGAIN!

Bubbles, Bangsar

Go grab this Groupon quick!! 4 bubble milk tea for RM13.90 or 2 bubble milk tea for RM7.90 at Bubbles, Bangsar. 

Unlike other outlets where synthetic teas may be used, this one offers a truly Malaysian tea with genuine Cameronian tea leaves being used.  For variety, they’ve got Durian bubble tea and all-time Malaysian favourites like Milo bubble tea and Teh Tarik bubble tea!!  Vouchers available now and redeemable from Christmas eve till March 2012 from: http://www.groupon.my/in/.35lScJ?nlp

IMAG0397Bubble tea galore (from l-r): Milo ais bubble tea, Lychee bubble tea, Mango milk tea,  Strawberry milk tea, Chocolate milk tea.

This voucher is truly value for money – we enjoyed 5 cups of bubble tea for RM13.90.  Bestsellers include lychee bubble tea (a tad sweet but light and refreshing), mango bubble tea (creamy concoction and goes well with jelly fruit pieces), strawberry bubble tea (yummy and creamy) and milo bubble tea (you can opt not to have sweetened creamer if you want something less sweet).

Toppings include black pearls, yogurt peals (this is an amazing treat – the yogurt pops in your mouth as you chew the white balls) and jelly pieces.

The only downside with the tea is it is way too mild – hardly (if any at all) tea flavour once the tea/fruit series flavours are added.

Gloria Jeans

Ah, nothing beats a cuppa and scone for tea! Gloria Jeans offered a terrific deal for RM10.  A warm scone and latte warms the tummy.

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Raisin scone – warm scone served with margarine. Wonder what happened to the strawberry jam and cream???

IMAG0374Latte – beautifully presented and  went down well on cold, rainy day.

This particular outlet next to Maybank, Mid Valley, did not have seats for non-smokers in its corridor outlet.  Hence, you’ll have to bear with a bevy of passers by and cigarette stench as you attempt to enjoy your cuppa.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas

This is the season to be jolly…falalalalala lalalala…

The most beautifully decorated mall I’ve visited this season is Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens.  The themed decorations have outdone any other city mall and those in charge surely deserve a pat on the back for an excellent job.

IMAG0353Centrecourt Mid Valley Megamall – giant Christmas trees fill the area with pebbled walkways and majestic decor.

IMAG0364  Crystal chandeliers fill the corridors of The Gardens, Mid Valley.  The ground floor is decorated with English tea-party theme and would make lovely photo mementos.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year 2012!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Subarashi Nihon Restaurant

The Japanese Bento Set at Subarashi Nihon Restaurant, Crystal Hotel Kajang at RM9.90 was value for money. 

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Tempura bento set – simple bento fare with 1 fried prawn and a few pieces of deep fried vegetables served with tofu, rice, salad and miso soup.

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Salmon sashimi bento – 3 thick slices of salmon served with salad, tofu,rice, and miso soup. The salmon was fresh and generous.

The only snag at this restaurant is that they are unable to cope with volume.  We had preordered our food a couple of days prior to our visit but had to wait almost half an hour after we arrived before it was served.  This, despite being the first visitors to arrive for dinner.

Perhaps, the buffet served on Friday and Saturday nights might be more worthwhile..

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Winter solstice Festival

Winter solstice aka  Dongzhi/Tang chek festival is a thanksgiving celebration which occurs annually around December 22.  This is when the sun has reached the Tropic of Capricorn, and therefore it is the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere.

The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in.

In Malaysia, the Winter Solstice Festival is celebrated by eating Tang Yuan aka Kueh ee. These are balls made from glutinous rice flour that is served in a clear syrup. The roundness of the balls signifies completeness and prosperity. The traditional colours of the balls are white for abundance and pink for good luck. Other colours may be added (such as blue, green and/or yellow) to create a multi-coloured dessert to delight the young and young-at-heart.

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Legoland Malaysia

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Can’t wait for this to open at the end of 2012!  Discounted annual passes are  available on their website: http://www.legoland.com.my/ but watch out for a con job by payment gateway AirAsia Tix.  They are full of crap when it comes to online sales and delivery of paid merchandise.  Read more on my blog under ‘AirAsia RedTix’.

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In the meantime, head down to Bangsar Village II to view 12 ft LEGO Santa, participate in LEGO activities and purchase LEGO sets at discounted prices!  For more details, visit: http://www.bangsarvillage.com/

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

ComeBuy, MV

Wah!  These drinks were truly value for money.  2 drinks at Comebuy, Mid Valley for RM4.90!  This new outlet, situated in the Megamall strip facing The Boulevard Offices (a few doors from Maybank) was hardly crowded on a rainy evening. 

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Ultimate QQ (pictured left) – a milking concoction of oolong tea with bits of pearls and stringy clear jelly.  To be honest, the milk tea was nothing out of the ordinary but the clear long stringy jelly bits resembled worms and looked rather disgusting.

Passionfruit Blast (pictured right)– a tangy, refreshing drink with pearls and jelly bits.  The drink starts off a little sourish but goes well with the plain jelly pieces.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Dining @ Viva Home Mall

Fruitland is offering RM20 vouchers for RM10 – yes that’s 50% off the food bill!  Redeemable at their outlets in Jusco Cheras Maluri or Viva Home Mall. Purchase vouchers via: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3340

Alternatively, opt for Korean dining at Ko Hyang Korean Country Delight at Viva Mall at half price.  RM20 vouchers for RM10 available at: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3355

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Restaurant Little Italy

 

RM9.90 for Hawaiian pizza or spaghetti bolognese + soup of the day + half price for ice lemon tea (RM2) at Restaurant Little Italy, Puchong Jaya. Coupons available at:http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3076

Alternatively, opt for tiramisu and coffee for just RM6.50: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3074

PJ Hilton Christmas Trains

 

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Every year, from December to early January, PJ Hilton sets up an elaborate train display in its foyer.  We’ve been going there every year for the past 4 years.  Years ago, they invited local colleges and conducted a competition for theme, landscape and train designs. Hence, designs were intricate and elaborate. Sponsors from MNCs and large corporations then ensured that funds were amply generated and channeled to worthy causes, particularly since it is always held at year end in the  season for giving.

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This year, the supported cause is Rumah Hope and a donation box can be found on site. The decoration was done by in-house chefs and consisted of gingerbread houses with colourful jelly decorations on the roof.  It was apparent that sponsors were mainly from the hotel’s group of suppliers.

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Compared to previous years, the decoration was rather simple.  Nevertheless, it provides a good opportunity for the young and young-at-heart to appreciate the simple things in life and in particular,the merriment and joy of Christmas.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Fisherman’s Cove, Starhill

Ever try finding a place for quiet, pleasant, romantic candlelight dinner at the last moment on a Friday night? Since Lafite was already fully booked, we opted to try our luck in Starhill.  The lower ground floor has been renovated to mirror a slightly upmarket version of Hutong in Lot 10, with several food outlets (from Chinese, Korean, Indian to Western and fusion food). 

We settled for Fisherman’s Cove (fusion food) which was quite when we arrived at 8pm. There was a couple’s special at RM350++ which consisted of appetizers, main, dessert, coffee/tea plus a bottle of wine.  What a treat!!

Here’s a glimpse of our meal:

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Mantou served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  Although the steamed and fried mantou variants were a delight, it didn’t quite jive with the olive oil and vinegar mix.

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Starter 1 - Smoked fish on fried cheese.  This was interesting because somewhere under this was a spoonful of pineapple tart mix! Thoroughly enjoyed the fried cheese which was crisp and light.

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Starter 2 – abalone on puff pastry.  I was a little guilty about having this since it came with shark’s fin but upon closer inspection, it was copycat shark’s fin.  Abalone was ample and tasty.

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Starter 3 – Beef with pappardelle.  My absolute favourite.  The beef was very tender and the pasta was lightly sprinkled with black pepper. 

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The main courses:  Fish or beef (pic below).  Barramundi was out of stock (sigh) but thankfully the alternative was palatable.  The potato circles were almost as good as freshly fried french fries which sat on a sauteed mushrooms.   A slight overdose of potatoes here as there was mash on the side.

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The beef was well done but a tad plain compared to the impressive starters.

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Dessert: meringue on stewed pear. Sweet endings indeed – a tad too sweet honestly.  The blueberries, pear and strawberry were the only items worthy of mention!

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Overall, fusion dinner was good with minor loopholes.  Although staff were attentive and efficient, the wine pairing (we opted for rose wine) was not ideal as we had both steak and fish.  To top it all, the wine was not far off from table wine! 

All said and done, this restaurant did indeed provide a cozy setting for couples and even groups/families.  Definitely a place to go if you are in search of something out of the ordinary.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Star Village

Star Village (Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, OUG, Puchong Jaya) is offering a terrific meal deal for RM14.90. Each voucher gets you:

  • ONE Main Course with side dishes (Choose ONE from 4 choices)
    • Lamb Chop
    • Cheezy Chicken Chop
    • Seafood Spaghetti
    • Grilled Butter Fish
  • ONE Mushroom Soup
  • ONE Ice Lemon Tea
  • ONE Ice Cream

Purchase them now via: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3033

Vitagen Factory Visit

If you are keen to organise an outing for family and friends, try visiting the Vitagen factory in Section 19, Petaling Jaya. The 1.5 hour tour encompasses an introduction to Vitagen and other Malaysia Milk products via video presentation followed by a short factory walk-through tour of their bottling area.  Refreshments and goodie bags (can you guess what’s in it?)  will be given to all participants.

The VITAGEN Health Educational Tour itinerary is as follows:
2:30pm - Arrival of visitors at Cotra Enterprises Sdn Bhd (Function Room)

2:35pm - Introduction of the Company and Products

2:50pm - Video Presentation

3:00pm - Plant tour for VITAGEN

3:30pm - Refreshment / Question and Answer

4:00pm - Special Token to Visitors

The tour is organised free-of-charge although you’d have to book weeks in advance if you were visiting during school holidays.  There are several dos and don’ts such as no jewellery/watches/bags permitted during the factory walk through.  Also, children under 4 are not permitted in the factory as there are many large vehicles (vans/trailers/lorries) in the premises.  Full terms and conditions are as follows:

1. While every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of visitors, Malaysia Milk Sdn Bhd and Cotra Enterprises Sdn Bhd will not be held liable for any mishaps, injury or accident that may occur during the visit.

2. The plant will provide a hair cap for every visitor. All visitors are required to wear the hair cap to cover their hair during the production plant visit. Hair cap is prepared by Malaysia Milk Sdn Bhd and Cotra Enterprises Sdn Bhd.

3. Visitors entering the production plant shall comply with the “No Jewelry” policy, i.e. ring, necklace, bracelet, watch, etc. are not allowed to be worn inside the production plant. For earrings, please cover with hair cap.

4. Bags/handbags/pouches, food, water bottles and other personal belongings are also not allowed inside the production plant. We have provided a locker to keep all the belongings.

5. Kids below 4 years old are strictly not allowed to join this tour for safety reason.

Photographs are not permitted in the plant hence, the lack of photos in this space.

For more details and to make reservations, do call Malaysia Milk at: 03-7955 4388.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Simply Mel’s, Bangsar South

Keen for some Malacca-Portugese cuisine?  Simply Mel’s in Bangsar South is beckons with a sweet invite of a voucher worth RM20 with purchase of this RM10 voucher by iLovediscounts. 

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It was a good thing we made reservations as the place gets pretty crowded on weekends.  The food is good if you fancy Malaccan food, although prices are pretty steep for simple fare (average cost per pax is RM25 on weekends).  Opt for weekday set lunches (RM12.90) which are definitely value for money.

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Fish cutlet – 3 pieces for RM9.90 – it makes a great snack and is filled generously with fish and served with ample chili sauce.

PC111254 Chicken pongteh – a Malaccan favourite, the dish was sweet and tasty.

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Crab omelette – several pieces of thickly fried omelette.  The dish was marred by the shells and other indigestibles found within the omelette.

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Curry laksa – very typically Malaccan.

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Coffee – give this one a miss as it is similar (although less aromatic) than the mamak stall variety.

Overall, this family run outlet serves delicious food and provides good service.  Mel will always pop out of the kitchen to greet visitors and seek feedback.  Definitely warrants repeat visits.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Wellness Recipe

Go green, go organic, go visit Wellness Recipe!  For RM9.90, you’ll be entitled to a main dish (yin yang spaghetti OR brown fried rice OR green curry noodles) plus a drink. Available now at: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3080

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Live for Colour

More pampering time.  RM12 gets you a manicure OR pedicure at Live for Colour Nail & Beauty.  Deal available from: http://www.jackcow.com/team.php?id=372&r=7795

Dining House, Kepong

Fill that rumbling tummy with steamboat at Restaurant Dining House.  For a mere RM8, you will get a set of 25 types of steamboat ingredients to satisfy your hunger pangs. Soup options include either chicken or tomyam.

Weekday vouchers available from:http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2847

Weekend vouchers (1 week reservation required) can be bought from: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2958

LSY-Pot, Bandar Puteri Puchong

RM11 gets you:

  • Large Claypot Steamed Chicken Rice
  • Vegetable - Small (choose 1):
    • Choy Sum
    • Lettuce
    • Yaw Mak
    • Bean Sprouts
  • Soup (choose 1):
    • Chicken Wine
    • Bitter Gourd
    • Lotus Root
    • Old Cucumber
    • Black-eyed pea + Peanut
    • Pig's Stomach With Pepper

Deal available at: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3085

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Apple peeler

Looking for nifty holiday gift which doesn’t cost a bomb?  Look no further for ilovediscounts is offering an amazing apple peeler for RM19 inclusive of delivery!  This deal saves you over 50% off the normal price of the item. Further details and purchase (via products page) can be made via: http://www.ilovediscounts.my/invitation/?i=leetc

The Big Mouth, Subang Jaya

For RM9, get 'bangers & mash’ + caesar salad/soup of the day + Dessert + Coffee/Tea – what a treat! Grab them quick from: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2971

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Spaghetti Pantry, Subang Jaya

For RM5.90, enjoy 1 spaghetti meal (Spicy Aglio Olio Chicken OR Bolognese Chicken OR Carbonara Chicken) plus 1 soup of the day at The Spaghetti Pantry in Subang Jaya.  This deal is available now via: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?3054

Friday, December 2, 2011

KL Bird Park: RM10 for adults and RM5 for kids (that’s 50% off!!!!!) by Everyday

 

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This offer was truly value for money!  Nestled amongst the greenery of surrounding Lake Gardens, this tourist attraction is a must for both local and foreign visitors. 

It takes approximately 2-3 hours to stroll around the park which is well shaded with nets and shade trees.

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The park is well laid out and many birds roam free (as do rodents and monkeys scattered around the area!) with the exception of those which require cages for reasons only known to keepers.

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Highlights of the park include the 20-minute Bird Show at the amphitheatre.

 

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Feeding time (omnivores at the Hornbill area were fed bananas and chicken)

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  Flamingos having lunch

 

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Flamingo pond

 

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Nursery

 

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Incubator

 

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Peacock walkabout

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Malaysia’s pride, the Hornbill

 

Feathered friends roaming about…

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Tips:

1. Grab a few bottles of water, snacks, rub on some sunblock, wear a cap, bring your camera and set off on an amazing exploration of one of our better managed tourist destinations. 

2. There’s ample free parking for visitors of the park.

3. Refreshments and souvenirs are available on site at tourist prices.

Happy holidays everyone!