3D studio cafe

I couldn’t resist this deal by JackCow mainly because it offered the opportunity to whet my appetite with a 3D view of my meal via its menu and while waiting – the availability of 3D TVs.  It’s also rather reasonably priced (more like dirt cheap for soft shell crab really). So, for RM8.80, one gets a soft-shelled crab burger + jasmine tea +ice-cream at 3D Studio Cafe in Kuchai Lama.

From the outside, the restaurant was not really inviting.  It looked more like an cybercafe with its highly tinted windows.  If not for the voucher, we’d have never ventured in.

Inside wasn’t very much different.  It was spartanly made up and more like a test market for dining with 3D rather than a serious restaurant.  The food and menu was haphazardly done with very little thought to highlighting it’s specialties (if any). 

The soft-shell crab burger was filled with mayonaise and a little vegetable.  The bun was an off-the-counter sort which one purchases from the supermarket.  The crab was crispy and remained the only item worthy of mention.  The main meal came with cabbage drenched in mayonaise and some french fries.  The jasmine tea had a tad too much sugar.

We ventured to try the fried rice but considering the restaurant had only 2 tables filled when we were there, the chef somehow managed to burnt this dish! 

Overall, the dining experience was plain and not necessary worth a repeat.

Ceggo pan mee, Taman Desa

I’ve always wanted to try this noodle shop and now bought a great deal at RM2.50 for Ceggo’s signature traditional pan mee in Taman Danau Desa. 

Pan Mee (dry)

We tried the dry pan mee which came with a distinct black sauce which is presumably Ceggo’s own concoction.  It was sweet and mildly tangy.  Sprinkled with spring onions, minced meat, black fungus and anchovies, this dish was a tummy filler which was nothing out of the ordinary.

Available at their store was malat pan mee, tomato pan mee and a variety of other offerings including sandwiches for breakfast. Best to go early (before 10am) or weekends to avoid the hassle of looking for parking in this reasonably crowded neighbourhood.

Hailam Kopitiam, South Cheras

We got to sample a few items from Hailam Kopitiam via the Everyday deal which consisted of 1 main course plus 1 iced lime juice at South Cheras branch.  For RM5.90, the meal was definitely great value for money.  Food and service were surprisingly good. 

Nasi Lemak Special With Rendang Ayam – the dish was so saleable that they had to cook more rice on the evening we visited.  The staff were apologetic and offered plain rice or chicken rice substitute if we were in a hurry.  The rendang is a must have with its rich, thick gravy and adequate spices.

Hailam Traditional Chicken Rice Special – an all-time favourite garnished with fried shallots.  It’s the slightly upmarket version of those found in the hawker centres.

Vegetarian Spicy Chicken  - this dish was a surprise.  I hadn’t been expecting much but the tofu pieces (vegetarian chicken) was cooked in sweet and spicy sauce which blended well with the plain rice.  The dried chili provided the extra  ‘ooomph’ to an otherwise simple and tasty meal.  I’d give it a 9/10 for flavour and taste. 

Iced lime drinks – a thirst quencher.

Big Bad Wolf Aftermath Sale

If you missed the BBW sale at MAEPS, here’s a 2nd chance to buy books at RM5 or less.  BBW Aftermath Sale hits town from 24-28 November 2011 at South City Plaza, Persiaran Serdang Perdana (10am-9pm daily). (http://www.fac.book.com/bbwbooks)

It was sheer madness!  Compared to MAEPS, the location within South City Plaza was cramped, noisy, messy…It took over half an hour to find parking (imagine Mid Valley parking scenario) and followed by a queue to enter (this was throughout the day for crowd control purposes).  Browsing for books was nearly impossible as payment queues zig-zagged all the way through the book aisles and beyond!

So, if you are a die-hard fan of getting your money’s worth, go grab a friend or two, start queueing for payment the minute you get in and take turns grabbing books for sale!!  (Note: it takes approximately 2-3 hours to clear check-out so you will have ample time to get your books if there is someone in queue!)

 

Review of visit to BBW Sale @ MAEPS: October 2011

I am a bargain hunter but wasn’t particularly looking for any book when I visited the Big Bad Wolf sale, recently held in MAEPS.   I had heard about people taking leave just to attend this sale and hence, opted  not to join the mad dash on the first few days. 

So on a beautiful Wednesday morning, I visited the sale and it was thoroughly worth my efforts.  I was pleasantly surprised that there there were already people ahead of me considering I was 5 minutes into the opening hour of the sale that day.  Indeed, over 1.5 million books were spread over what must have been at least 100 tables. 

The organiser did a terrific job in promoting the event in the newspapers, TV and social media.  They also well prepared for crowd control and looked into the finer aspects of ensuring visitors had enough space to browse and purchase the books.

Most books were priced between RM3 and RM10 which made it almost impossible to walk away without purchasing at least one item.  

Part of my haul.

After spending over 2 hours walking (almost non-stop) through the area (yes, it was massive and one actually needs much more time than that to  review the possible purchases), I walked away with several items.  Even signed up for the OCBC card as there was RM20 cash voucher giveaway for books purchased :P

I had to revisit the place a few days later just to be sure I hadn’t missed anything out but alas, the crowd was just amazing on a weekend.  We arrived 15 minutes before opening time and there was a queue of well over 1000 people waiting to enter the premises.  It took a good 8 minutes for the queue to make it through the entrance that Saturday. Yours truly made a quick dash when the line cleared and was out within 30 minutes before the queues started to build up at the exit.

Can’t wait to go to the next BBW sale (http://www.bigbadwolfbooks.com/)

Desa Kopitiam, Taman Danau Desa

Get 2 bowls of fish head noodles + 2 drinks + 1 dessert for just RM15.60 at Desa Kopitiam.  Each voucher entitles the holder to:

• Choose 2 main courses :
  • Premium Fish Head Noodle
  • Fish Paste Noodle
  • Curry Laksa
  • Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Kampung Fried Rice

• Choose 2 drinks:
  • Ice Lemon Tea
  • Soya Bean
  • Lime Juice
  • Chrysthanthemums Tea

• 1 dessert :
  • ABC Special

Voucher available for purchase via: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2788

Hin Kee HK Dimsum: 4 plates @ RM10!

Get 4 plates of dimsum for RM10 at Hin Kee’s in SS2 or Damansara Jaya.  Vouchers available now at: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2559

Feeling Cafe, Wangsa Maju

Have a chicken chop or spaghetti plus  bubble tea at  over 50% off at Feeling Cafe.  This RM9.90 deal is available at: http://www.everyday.com.my/coupons/kl/leetc.ec?2702