KAMPUNGBOYCITYGAL A MALAYSIAN FOOD & TRAVEL BLOG

Betty’s Midwest Kitchen
Where (is it):
A-G-40, Jalan PJU 1/43,
Aman Suria Damansara,
47410 Petaling Jaya.
Phone: 03-78800196
Opens from Tues – Sun: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Why (here):
Betty’s Midwest Kitchen is a family run restaurant. Betty, the chef, picked up the recipes from her daughter who is married to an American and lives in Iowa for years. Oh, and did I tell you that it is all about porky goodness?

Bread & Olives Cafe
Where (is it):
No. 7, Lot Perniagaan Komplex Pelancongan,
Menara Tinjau,
Jalan Ampang Hulu langat,
68000 Ampang.
Tel : 013-2506119
Why (here):
From the cafe’s terrace, a breathtaking view of the Ampang Jaya skyline is stretching into Kuala Lumpur, that meets the eye with the multitude buildings, houses and skyscrapers dotting the landscape! Prominent in the background are Menara Kuala Lumpur and Petronas Twin Towers with the growing city and its suburban areas in plain sight.

Buonasera Italian Restaurant
Where (is it):
42, Jalan SS 2/66,
Petaling Jaya.
Tel No: 03-7877 8586
(non halal. same row as Nam Heong and Hoppy Duck)
Why (here):
With only some minor quirks here and there, Buonasera is still a decent place to go for some authentic home cooked Italian food. The pork dishes fare better and the desserts are to die for!

Cristang, 8 Avenue PJ
Where (is it):
B-G-19, PJ 8 Avenue,
Jalan Sungei Jerneh (8/1)
,
Petaling Jaya.
(behind the Courts Mammoth, Wisma Thrifty)
If you are coming from Federal Highway, go up the ram and turn left after you see PJ Hilton on your left. Turn left at the traffic light. Go straight and turn right at the traffic light when you see CIMB on your right. Go straight till the end of the road and turn right. PJ 8 Avenue is on your right.
Tel : 013-2506119
Why (here):
I believe Cristang needs no further introduction because the restaurant itself has been blogged to death. Located at PJ 8th Avenue, Cristang is often referred as neh-that-secluded-restaurant-famous-for-their-petai-pork-burger-and-fried-nasi-lemak- arrrrrrr.

Dave’s Pizza Pasta Vino
Where (is it):
Ground Floor,
1-Utama Shopping Centre,
Bandar Utama,
Petaling Jaya.
(opposite TGI Friday’s and Burger King)
Tel – 03-7726-5327
Open Weekdays 10:30am-10pm
Why (here):
I love meat. The smell of it cooking can fill me with desire, and I find its juicy, rich flavor uniquely satisfying. So does my man – KampungBoy and Dad who loves meat. There isn’t any other better way than to celebrate their big day with a porky lardy splendor dinner. Just forgo the prim and proper and go straight for the tried and true – Dave’s it is.

Dessert’s Bar
Where (is it):
Casa Tropicana
B-0-12, Block B, CASA Tropicana,
No. 5, Jalan Persiaran Tropicana
Tropicana Golf & Country,
47410 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: +603 7885 0227
Fax: +603 7883 0356
Why (here):
There is no need to leave your conscience at home as you give in to that sinful pleasure of a delicious sweet treat at Dessert’s Bar. Here, they have thought about what constitutes a healthy dessert while retaining the yummy factor in it.

Full House Lifestyle Store & Cafe
Where (is it):
Fullhouse Fashion @ Sunway Pyramid: LG 1.96 , Sunway Pyramid .Tel:03-56219960
Fullhouse Fashion @ Jln Yap Kwan Seng KL: No. 2, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng , KL. Tel: 03-21646466
Fullhouse Fashion @ NZX : C-G-11,Nui Ze Xui,Ara Damansara. Tel: 03-78850
Why (here):
I tend to think that most themed restaurants would rely on hype and glitz rather than good food. It comes to my surprise when the food was by no means a dreadful meal, but much of it was mediocre and acceptable, with more rooms for improvement. Full House is exceptionally relaxed and convivial. It creates the perfect atmosphere for any individual to sit, read a book, meet new people, have some coffee or simply hang out.

Garden Lifestyle Store & Cafe
Where (is it):
One Utama Shopping Center
Tel: 03-77286441

The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
03-77242469
Why (here):
In all honesty, Garden offers above all excellent ambiance and services with mediocre food. We do appreciate the chefs’ effort in incorporating the freshest ingredients, but taste wise, there is room for improvement. We really like Garden and think that it is the perfect place for a date and it would be fun place for a crowd celebrating special occasions too.

Italiannies
Where (is it):
2nd Floor,
The Gardens,
Mid Valley City.
Tel: 03-2283 3675
Why (here):
I think that with constant somber musings on recessions, downturn and credit crunch playing over our ears every day, it is time to tighten our belt a little bit. No more fancy/fine dining but for that little treat of a hearty Italian fare that is light on the wallet, Italiannies would be the obvious choice.

Izakaya Ichiban
Where (is it):
Lot P-3M 
Plaza
Ground Floor
Hartamas Shopping Centre
Jalan Sri Hartamas
Kuala Lumpur
Tel No: 03 – 6201 5905
Why (here):
With quite an extensive sake list, Ikaya Ichiban is a no-frills place to meet up with friends for a pint and bite. We’ll come back to check out the other items in the menu for sure.

Jarrods n Rawlins
Where (is it):
Jarrod & Rawlins Damansara Heights
No. 6, Lorong Dungun
Damansara Heights
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2093 0708
Fax: +603 2095 3221
Email: damansara@jarrod-rawlins.com
Other available outlets include Desa Sri Hartamas, Ampwalk & Capsquare.
Why (here):
As the purveyors of fine food & wine, Jarrod & Rawlins has been serving only the best food and wines with warm friendly services for the past decade.  We were so excited about the new menu, knowing that it will only get better and tastier.

My Elephant
Where (is it):
Block C-G4,
Happy Mansion,
Section 17/13,
46400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 012-3285028 or 019-3608911
Why (here):
My Elephant at Happy Mansion has a look of elegance sophistication with some small little details such as daisies, candle light and cute elephant painting. The quality of food has somewhat wavered due to the large crowd. This has not hampered our enjoyment because the award giving ceremony was far more interesting. We’ll definitely return for the ala carte menu due to positive reviews from other floggers’ previous visit.

Ole Ole Bali
Where (is it):
Ole Ole Bali
J-0G-15 & J-0G-16
SOHO KL,
Solaris Mont Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur.
Why (here):
Ole Ole Bali is a Balinese themed restaurant (duh!) that serves authentic Balinese cuisine and also a small selection of Western food.
The interior of the restaurant features many arts and crafts, decorations and handicrafts made with Buddha theme. One can choose to dine on the outdoor patio with long woden benches and soft pillows or inside the air-conditioned room.

Palate Palette
Where (is it):
21, Jalan Mesui,
Off Jalan Nagasari,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 – 2142 2148
Why (here):
5/5 ratings for the ambiance, service and food.

San Francissco Steak House
Where (is it):
03 – 2938 2882 (Mid Valley Megamall)
03 – 2382 0329 (Suria KLCC)
03 – 5635 3338 (Jaya Square, Subang Jaya)
03 – 7728 8010 (Tropicana City Mall, PJ)
Why (here):
The gracious ambiance and the juicy cut of steak are the factors that make our evening a memorable one.

Senjyu Sushi
Where (is it):
Senjyu Sushi
Cineleisure Mutiara Damansara (next to McDonalds)
Tel: 03-7727 9028
Sunway Pyramid
Tel: 03-5632 8119 (Old Wing, one floor below TGV Cinemas)
Why (here):
It was such a pleasant dining experience with good food, classy interior and great companions like Vkeong, Yi Wen and Rainie. We love the Oyster Sashimi, Trio Salmon Sushi, Salmon Kimchi Nabe and Idako Mentai Cunkan so much that it’ll definitely warrants a third visit!

Sky Bar
Where (is it):
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-23329911.
Why (here):
The breathtaking view overlooking KL city is stunning! It was also named Best Malaysian Bar by Malaysia Tatler last year.

The Cave
Where (is it):
No 42, Mezzanine Floor,
Jalan SS2/61,
47300 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-78739888/9698
Why (here):
All in all, I love the cave-theme interior but the menu has failed in keeping with the theme. Imagine having CKT at such a nice place. The food was rather disappointing too; I can’t be so mean because they are still fairly new and probably need some time to ’settle down’. It would be a great place for chilling out and drinks, but if you ask what about a proper meal? All I can say is let’s just see how thing goes then.

The Yogitree
Where (is it):
The Yogitree
F-237B, Level 1,
The Gardens,
Midvalley City,
Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 03-2282 6213
Opening Hours: 10 am –10 pm daily
Why (here):
All in all, Yogitree is a very charming, relaxing restaurant with excellent food so go with an empty stomach because you will leave with you belt open. It has totally changed KampungBoy’s perception towards healthy eating too. Healthy food can be as mouthwatering as creamy pasta or a sumptuous pork burger if it is done the right way.

Disclaimer:
* The list was painstakingly compiled by the author of KampungboyCitygal. Please credit the source for any images/articles taken.
* The list referred to only places that the authors have actually been to and compiled based on their personal preferences and opinions. For restaurants that we have been to, sans the blog posts, pictures were taken from other sources with link backs.
* Price and quality might differ from the Big Day itself. Please dial to inquire about the menu before proceeding with reservations.

For any other suggestions (on places to go on Valentine’s Day) or inquiries (what’s our take on the food, ambiance, etc), feel free to drop us comments or emails at kampungboycitygal@gmail.com

See also Valentine’s Day Dining Guide Part I – The Luxe.

I wanted to write about some other “remote places” around the island, but it’s probably too far away or too unexciting for some of you. So this is truly, probably my last post on Taiwan (unless I’m going there again )

Yong He Dou Jiang is almost synonymous to a traditional and authentic Taiwanese breakfast. However, as I googled around, I was shocked to read about Yong He Dou Jiang’s history.

*clear phlegm and start my grandmother’s story*

In 1950’s, there was an influx of China Chinese immigrants to Taipei and most of them settled down at Yong He, a small town in the Taipei county. To make a living, most of them set up stalls that sells soya bean products and staple food such as you tiao and shao bing. Business usually starts as early as 3am because a lot of preparation need to be done.

It wasn’t until the baseball fever that these stalls got a lot of businesses and attentions. It was a nationwide thing to watch Taiwan baseball team in Little League Baseball, Williamsport during the 1970s. As the nationals stayed awake into the wee hours of the morning watching and listening to the live broadcast due to time differences, everyone is hungry by the time the game ended. These stalls were the only eateries that starts business early. So everyone  flocked to Yong He area to cure their hungry pangs. Through words of mouth, the Yong He area is booming with identical soya bean shops which created a trade mark issue.

Most people referred Dou Jiang shops around Yong He area as Yong He Dou Jiang. In 1985, a Taiwanese businessman registered a trade name under Yong He Dou Jiang and manufacture the soya bean drink and manage it as a brand. However, there are still other similiar names like Yong He Mei, Yong He Tian Xia etc that exist.

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A year ago, Ken from foodpoi told us, “You must try this stall call Ah Khai at Section 20! Their char siew is simply divine! Ah Khai, the Bangla look alike stall owner used to work in Hong Kong to master the technique of roasting.”

A month ago, David from Nuffnang told us the same thing. He described the char siew as fork tender with crispy burnt bits, and its cut into large chunky pieces.

Their words kept repeating in my mind but we are always occupied during the weekends. It wasn’t until last last Saturday that we made a detour to Restoran Simon’s Delight for Ah Khai Char Siew instead of going to our favourite breakfast haunt at O&S.
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This year both Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year happen to be in the same day. I’m sure most of my (guy) friends who were under immense pressure picking out a gift or choosing a perfect place for the candle lit dinner will feel relieved.

For those who still make it a point to celebrate V-Day, I hope this little dining guide will do some help. It is a continuation from last year’s dining guide with some newly featured restaurants. Have a great Valentine’s Day (or CNY) people!

21 Kitchen & Bar
Where (is it):
20-1, Changkat Bukit Bintang,
Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03 2142 0021
Why (here):
Locating at a superb location at Changkat Bukit Bintang, the spanking new Twentyone Kitchen and Bar offers a large variesties of dishes but the fusion cuisine clearly dominates, it is also a great place for a drink or two as you can see, the bar is heaving with bottles of alcohols.

Alexis Bistro & WIne Bar
Where (is it):
Lot f209 1st Floor
The Gardens
Mid Valley City
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
T +603 2287 2281
Why (here):
Alexis Bistro & Wine Bar, a place that has been blogged to death. Beautiful cakes, extensive wine list, jazz performances; there isn’t any reason to hate Alexis though. I just realized that I have not written anything about this uber cool place despite having numerous tea sessions here.

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We were invited to Taylor’s Lakeside Campus for the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts Campus Preview Day last weekend. Initially we thought it’s just another ordinary campus open day but we were so wrong! As we toured around the campus, we kept exclaiming “wow! oh wow!”. We were so impressed with what we had seen that we stayed vaguely sensible. ☺

Set on 27 acres of tropical greenery near Jalan PJS 7/5, the flagship campus is built around a 5.5 acre lake and many ecological sustainable principles such as natural cooling systems have been used on this “eco-friendly campus”.

The Lakeside Campus is divided into Phase 1 and Phase 2. The Phase 1 of the campus will be fully completed in July 2010. It welcomed its first batch of students in January 2010. Work is still ongoing for the 80-room boutique hotel run by the students and lecturers as well as a Commercial Block that houses a food court, bookstore, restaurants, convenience store, money changer, ATMs and more. Phase 2 is slated for completion in 2012.

You lucky Taylorians!!

Upon our arrival, we met up with Emily at the Administration Block, a 6-storey glass-encased building that houses key departments that provide services to both prospective and current students.

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