Of birds & eats during Malaysia Day Weekend

Thursday ~ 16th September 2010

What a peculiarly long Malaysia Day weekend. Things kicked-off on Thursday (which was Malaysia Day) with my question “who was Tan Cheng Lock?” Somebody mentioned “Jalan Tan Cheng Lock” in the car, and out popped this question from my mouth. What a question to ask on a day like Malaysia Day. Patriotic, aren’t I? And from that question onwards, I guess I pissed off the Gods of Patriotism (if there is one), and all plans went out the car window as me, Uncle, Maj & Jon drove intently for the famous Curry Fishhead in Kampung Attap (closed) and onwards for the Nasi Lemak in Jalan Tanglin (closed) but somehow ended up at the KL Bird Park. If anyone even had possibly somehow guessed that we might have ended up at the KL Bird Park with the original intent for Curry Fish Head, I totally respect you for your zaniness. Not only we had lunch at the Bird Park (Hornbill restaurant), but we even paid the park a visit. How utterly random was that. That’s why I just had to post this on this blog, ‘cause afterall, my blog’s called Random Rabbit Holes (Geddit? Geddit? Random? Ha!) The park was pretty cool, very decent and very well maintained. No wonder the “Domestic Goddess of USA” Martha Stewart even stopped by. Didn’t bring my DSLR along (remember: we left home with curry fish head in mind) but here some snapshots in random:

Never speak randomly to birds!!!

Friday ~ 17th September, 2010.

Work work work, sad sad sad.


Saturday ~ 18th September, 2010.

It was jalan-jalan cari makan time and this time it’s Hainanese food, and it no other that ‘Restaurant Yut Kee’. Tucked away quietly and somehow untouched by time along Jalan Dang Wangi, this coffee-shop serves delectable Hainanese fare at reasonable prices. Famous servings are such as chicken/pork chops, noodles, roti bakar, kaya rolls and even marble cakes. There’s more in store of course, but here’s what me, Uncle and to some extent, SL ordered:

Forget Old Town Kopitiam, forget PapaRich. THIS IS THE REAL DEAL RIGHT HERE. The kaya is rich is flavor, the bread crunchy and Bridel salted butter. HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY GO WRONG??!!

Kaya rolls. The kaya simply made it great. But the skin is just normal only tho.

One of the best roasted pork I've ever tasted. Comes with apple sauce. Skin is delectably crunchy and brittle with the meat tender and succulent. SIMPLY DELICIOUS.

The standard order here is hainan chicken/pork chop. Hence, I ordered the chicken. The gravy made it worthwhile, but sadly the potato wedges were not so top-notch.

Uncle's order. Good?

Evening fell and arranged to meet up at Maj’s place for dinner as she had some sudden craving for ‘Chicken Mee Suah’. The gang of me, Nei, Uncle, Maj and Jon were there. Very nice dinner and appreciate the effort, ‘cause dinner came will nicely decorated table arrangements and all. Felt like the Ritz minus the service charge!

After dinner and a SUPERB movie i.e ‘The Decent’, is where the zaniness started. Instead of practicing for a dance thingy to be recorded for a friend’s wedding, we ended up playing Saidina instead. God knows how long ago I’ve played this board game (last 20 years ago???) and it showed. 15 minutes into the game, I’ve gone bankrupt. Yes, bankrupt. 15 minutes. Won’t be appearing in the front page of the latest Fortune 500 mag anytime soon (or will appear for all the wrong reasons). Jon kicked major @SS as he swept through all the player’s fortune like a ‘Tai-Yee-Lung’ (illegal debt collector) hell-bent on bankrupting each and everyone with his over-luxurious-RM4,000-a-nite-hotels-in-oh-so-glam-places-like-Taiping. The remaining players even ganged up to topple this living freak manifestation of capitalism, but to no avail. Alas, the game ended with the utter annihilation of the consortium known as M-U-R-N (Maj-Uncle-Ray-Nei - sounds like mourn). This game shows clearly that capitalism rules the world whereby the rich get richer and the poor just gets trampled over and die, or live puny lives similar to any low-grade bacteria existing by the dirtiest corner of one’s little toe. Am I even able to contemplate another round of this devilish amusement of the greedy, and dare to face the possibility of re-living this ghastly experience of all over again? God (and Satan) only knows.


Sunday ~ 19th September, 2010.

Went to see ‘Devil’ at GSC 1U. Not the normal summer blockbuster fare, shot with a minimalist budget and with B-list actors, this first-part-of-three saga called ‘The Night Chronicles’ from the twisted mind of M. Night Shayamalan was a decent movie with a very simplistic core storyline but done with enough twists and psychological mind-bending that it just touches that satisfactory button enough to leave the cinema not regretting the price of the movie ticket paid. It’s the kind of movie that one either likes or dislikes, I’ll personally give it a 6 out of 10.

Dinner time, and me and Uncle headed off to Sunway Giza for ‘New Restaurant Ipoh Chicken Rice (a branch from the one in Jalan Gasing) and of course, watched THAT footie game between none other than the greatest rivalry in English football history: Manchester United Vs. Liverpool. Suffice to say who won by now, and I can only produce to you one and only one word: BERBA-TOP. Watched at a new bar called ‘The Beer Factory’, we went adventurous and tried-out some German beer called ‘Erdinger Weiss Beer’. Verdict? It will definitely appeal to the ones that prefer light beer. Hoegaarden fans, this is another option for you lot. When all was done and settled, went back to Subang (with a stop-over for McD ice-cream to boot) by around midnight.

Until next time, cheers.

Gone Up North: A Weekend in Penang

Went to Penang on a recent short trip a few weekends ago together with a slice of the usual travel gang. One would expect any Penang trip to be filled will over-zealous food devouring and go on that customary trip up the ‘Kek Lok Si’ (which we did that of course. It’s Penang after all!!) But Penang is certainly so much more than that, and going off this beaten path abit, we tried-out the ‘Khoo Kongsi’, a clan house of the Leong San Tong clan. A tourist spot nonetheless (complete with ‘visitor’ sticker required for visiting after completing with the entrance fee), but the ‘Khoo Kongsi’ doesn’t always frequently pop-up into the mind of many individuals whenever they visit Penang. But after experiencing this place, I seriously think everyone should. Here’s a photo journey of the place as well as other places/events that we came across.

The facade of the Khoo Kongsi.

Detailed decorations of the building.

How did it take them to complete this? Amazing.

From a different angle.

At the entrance of the Khoo Kongsi.

The timeless interior. A classical ambiance of a world prosperious.

Notice the old grandfather clock? Simply classical.

One of the many murals garces the walls of the Khoo Kongsi.

Pictures do no justice to the grace and spendor to the beautiful murals. You just have to see it for yourselves.

The new addition of the majestic rooftop for the Kuan Yi @ the Kek Lok Si.

The gang @ the Kek Lok Si.

Tortoises showing us the good life @ the Kek Lok Si.

It was the Hungry Ghost month, and the traditionals show are out on display. Haven't seen these kind of shows in decades!

There always some peculiar lure to see how things work backstage. Here's the band playing the accompanying music to the show.

An "all dressed-up" uncle and his cello for the show, with drink standing-by. I like this pic.

As usual, there's more on Facebook. See you there. Cheers.

Merdeka!!! Merdeka!!! Merdeka!!!

Merdeka's over, and it was a tad bit quiet this year wasn't it? Less fanfare and fireworks probably due to the double whammy of cost-cutting and the fear of A(H1N1) subdued the celebrations. But what was not shown on the outside, it was celebrated on the inside by many of most Malaysians I'm sure. As for me, well, hectic as usual with "the event" and busy delivering "bombs/summons". I was back in KL on Thursday, 27th Aug. until the 1st Sept., so here's a briefy on the days of Merdeka 2009.

Thursday, 27th August 2009.

Arrived LCCT airport and was immediately whisked away to Subang for my contractual obligations with a certain restaurant (hint: chicken rice). There’s no real contract in place of course, it’s just that every time I come back to KL, I always end up at this place one way or another. Thus, I’ve been “contracted” to this place. Can’t really complain coz the food is actually quite good…

Noon time, had to wait for my new cupboard to arrive. No probs on that as supplier was dead on time. Lovely.

By evening, went to meet up with SC to discuss on a certain performer for a certain event. Massive discussions ensued between me, SC and the performer until the wee hours of the morning. 3AM to be exact (actually there was more eating than discussing as we were at SS2 and simply just eat and eat and eat).

By that time, SC’s car which was park at her Subang office's basement car park was LOCKED, with roller-shutters dead shut all over. Massive panic erupted with SC, so had to ask a guard on opening the roller-shutters.

"Bolehkah encik tolong bukak pintu carpark?!!"

“Sorry ‘bang, pukul 6 pagi baru bukak.”

=.=”

“Tolonglah boss, bukak pintu saja la. Nanti pergi minum ok.

"Puasalah."

=.= """

All hope died on the spot.

It was 4AM and caught in between too early and too late to wait for 6AM, I ended up fetching SC back to Damansara Perdana instead. SC then had to bring along another fren the next day and drove 2 cars back to SC’s place. Talk about a logistics cock-up.


Friday, 28th August 2009.

Had to wait for another furniture to arrive, nothing to do but to rot at home until the lorry appears. All afternoon wasted. Haihz.

By night, SL was free from the shackles of work and ended up in Pyramid for dinner at Popeyes. Yes, Popeyes. Tempted by something that we haven’t tried, and thus ordered the below:

The fried chicken was just so-so lah. Spicier then the other fried chicken offerings out there, but really, it’s nothing to shout about. The taste is slightly different from the other fried chicken offerings out there, but nothing unique. But that biscuit on the side however was a surprise as it was shockingly good for a pathetic looking piece of side…

This fish burger was extraordinary ordinary. Nothing to go ga-ga over whatsoever. Was just abit surprised at the size of the offering though, as it will fill you up pretty darn good. Be warned of massive fish breath post finishing of dish.


Our healthy lifestyle continued by going straight for a movie, relaxing our tummies after a fatty round of fast food. Go large on life, I always say, the McD way. The movie was ‘Up’, and being a Pixar film, Pixar delivers what Pixar does best with sugar-coated sweetness of touching stories mixed with innocent jester that guarantees to satisfy the most lucrative demographic in the world, i.e. families. Overall, 8 out 10 if you are into 3-D cartoons/Pixar fare, or just 6 out of 10 if you prefer Wolverine to Shrek.


Saturday, 29th August 2009.

You know what, I have completely no clue on what I did on this day. I remember going for a swim at my friends apartment, had a simple dinner and then gone out with Z to Plaza TTDI for the Man Utd Vs. Arsenal match. Had a few beers, place a 10 bucks bet on Arsenal to win (yes, betted on Arsenal to win. Considering Arsenal was kicking massive ass from the previous matches and Man Utd lost to lowly Burnley of all teams, Arsenal was a safe bet. How happily wrong I was. Coz I’m actually a Man Utd fan hahaha).

We found a ‘Ramly’ burger stall and just had to eat an ‘ayam special’ with telur. My "go large on life" motto never ceases to leave me. After some chit-chat, and bla bla blas, went home at 5am.


Sunday, 30th August 2009.

Woke up late as hell. Bummed around the house. Ran around naked shouting “De Nazi’s are comminggg!!!”

Had a quick yamca session with a buddy from Labuan, and of course, gave out more summons. He’s bringing his gf along. First time can see his gf!!!

Night time, no large groups of agent H1N1 please (i.e big masses of peeps with potential H1N1 at clubs, fireworks shows, etc), so we headed to a slightly secluded restaurant for our Merdeka dinner. It was 'Han Woo Ri' @ Taipan area and In attendance? Me, SL, TK and V. OMG. V. Well what to do, old friends need to maintain some contact right. But I noticed all night long, V and TK never spoke at all!!! C’mon lah…Kiss and makeup ya?

Things we ordered:

Spicy BBQ Sliced Pork. Tastes alot like satay. Satay more cheaper. beh.

But the service is pretty good (as usual with Korean BBQ place in general). They cut, flip, change the metal plate very very regularly. OHhh speaking of service, when you leave the place, ALL the waiters will line-up and in synchronized fashion shouted "anyonghee kahshipsheeyo!!!!!" (or goodbye or something to that effect laaa) haha. Sigh, made me feel soooooo important!!!! Like VIP!!!! I don't mind to come again just to experience that again haha. Now that's sales tactics right?

Doooooone, yummy yummy. This is the usual sliced pork marinated in BBQ sauce. Not the best BBQ pork I've tasted but good nonetheless.

There's so many sides, I've actually lost count. I noticed kimchi, tofu, pickled asparagus, dried seaweed, sliced eggs etc etc etc. And it's unlimited. Free re-fills. The best.

The sauces didn't lose out either. Go dip-crazy!!

But this fried rice however, leaves much to be desired. No taste :( Still prefer Chinese fried rice muuuuch better. Btw, noticed Mickey Mouse?

Dessert drink was on the house. What was it already ah? I forgot. Soya rice or something funky like that haha. Tasted sweet. A good parting drink.

After the dinner has ended, V went her to her separate way while the rest met up with the usual gang at Station 1. Yup, Station 1. Of all places. Well better than another Kopitiam lah (I’m starting to feel intruded by these kopitiams mushrooming all over the place. Now’s there’s Papa Rich, what’s next Mama Poor? I feel we are forced to live with these establishments!!). Highlight of the night? TK going French over his uncle-esque Carlsberg Gold. 0.5% more alcohol!! Phoo-yooh!!! But tastes just the same lah (never fancied beer anyway). Here’s TK almost going orgasmic with a bottle…

"Bottles are my best friend. It offers me pleasures like no other...."

After all the gang’s fanfare has ended, I’ve sent SL home while I dropped by P & S’s house for some late night BBQ session (2AM to be exact, and BBQ indoors. Ohhh the fumes, the fumes. Thank God there’s no fire alarm, or the neighbors will be pissed). Chit-chatted and bla bla bla until 4AM.


Monday, 1st September 2009.

All these late nights were taking a toll on me as I was completely crashed for the day. Wanted to sleep so badly. But mum and dad shook me up like a hurricane for breakfast. Haihzz. There’s a nice Hainanese shop serving delicious ‘Mee Pok’ in SS2 they said. Fair enough, good food conquers all bad troubles, I always think. So off we go, and arrived at the shop to find that is it aptly named ‘Hainanese Taste’. How original!!

Here’s my breakie for the day:

Mee Pok with minced beef. Very tasty and quite spicy!!! Finally there’s an outlet for good Mee Pok around PJ…

Bored with the usual Old Town/Uncle Lim/Papa Rich kaya bread? Dread no more, here’s a excellent substitute. The bun is slightly crunchy on the outside but tender soft inside, and the kaya, Mmmmmm, perfect. I’m going back to this place just for the buns!!

After breakie, headed off to Mid Valley for our retail therapy. With no more cash to splash, window shopping was it. Dusk soon came and for dinner time at the Gardens, dropped by the ever-popular 'Fong Lye' Taiwanese joint for some grub:

The Tea Smoked Duck with Noodle. A weeeee bit expensive at RM15.80. But the duck portion is quite large to be fair, fit for 2 pax if you ask me (considering this as a noodle dish, not rice) and the smokey taste is very evident. The noodle's soup base is quite good too. Quite recommended.

One of their signature dishes, the (obviously) titled Taiwanese Burger!!! Ehhh, so where's the burger? THAT's the burger. Either the Taiwanese has a wicked sense of humor on what is called a burger, this is actually one heck of an original culinary concuction. There are many, many variants of a Taiwanese Burger, but generally it encompasses the skin similar to those found in 'Char Siew Pau' and it wraps in slabs of meat (usually pork belly, yuuum) and hints of some veggies. A must try if you haven't tried before!! Give it a kiss!!! MUACKKSS!!!

Another signature dish, the Sweet Potato Balls (but not really sure this is an authentic Taiwanese dish, coz China will no doubt claim property to this as well as it's easily found in chinese areas, and even Petaling Street has a stall that sells very very good potato balls). This is ever popular among the patrons in 'Fong Lye' as almost every tables ordered this. At RM5.30, you get I think 10 balls. A bit pricey, but hey, it's at the Gardens. Expected lah.

And with that, another Merdeka weekend drew to a close. It is one of the quieter Merdeka celebrations, but it was one of the most filling. My stomach’s still digesting the food as I write this. ***Bruurrp***

Of Food and K...

Ahhhh.....The morning is rainy again, no mood to work yet again, and thus my blog comes a-calling!! Massive windy rains last nite by the way, dustbins and garbage strewned all over, windows smashed from flying debris, tents akimbo, signboards awry, but enough of my room already, here's some updates on weeks past....

No, didn't go woody horse-riding, it's actually the front of Ming Room @ Bangsar Shopping Center. Come, come, follow me and I'll shall you what's on offer...

Promo promo promo: Buy 1 dimsum dish and free another @ Ming Room, BSC. This one is the pomfret, 2 bowls of it for only RM8. And yes, it is delicious!! It's so good, I had to order 2 bowls...

'Chee Cheong Fun' warpped in 'Yau Char Kuai'. One of my mostest favouritest dishes for Dim Sim. Crunchy crunchy 'Yau Char Kuai', again had to order 2...Btw, that chilli concoction is to die forrrr.

Don't remember what this was, but it's something fried tinged with dashes of mayonise. Caterpillar perhaps? Maybe not in a place like Bangsar. But it was yummy yummy yummy nonetheless.

Of course, what is Dim Sum without the 'Siew Mai' and 'Har Kao'. But to be honest, these dishes here wasn't that good. I've had much better someplace else. Quite a shock that this was just so-so but the rest of the not-so-popular dishes was so good.

But enough of Dim Sum. Time to get some flower-power going. And no, nobody gave that flower to me unfortunately (and contrary to popular belief, guys DO appreciate getting flowers too y'know. Sounds completely weird, but besides the usual stuff that gals give guys, i.e. CDs, ties, shirts etc., some cool flowers are a new and modern way to go. Cool flowers? Purple roses rock). But enough of my feminine side, here's me @ Meatworks, Solaris Damansara for some meaty action (steaks and all, not call girls).

The T-Bone @ Meatworks, Solaris Damansara: Simple it may seem, but its surprising yummy. Good place for your meat fetishes...I guarantee it.

The Rib-Eye @ Meatworks, Solaris Damansara: Succulent and tender meat made to perfection. I'm saying this not because they gave me a free meal or anything, but this place is GOOD. I bumped into this place at Solaris when Tenji was fully-booked, and still am glad Tenji was fully-booked.

Flower Power!!! Nothing like a cuppa hot warm tea to wash down the meat grease. Ok that sounds yucky but it's true...

And on the same night, joined some frens for some K-Session @ Red-Box, Sunway (now you guys know why I was so late. But fret not, the Meatworks was for a good cause, i.e. to celebrate SL's achievement is some academic certification, so I have my alibi!!)

...and when you take off the top from the mike, it becomes a Lightsaber!!! Luke, I AM YOUR FATHER!!! The Force is indeed all around us.

*Wooot Wooot!!!!*

And that's all for now lah. More updates on my next post. Cioz!!