Second Homecoming: Part Three

Day 4 - Sunday

Thank God I was able to squeeze in this trip into my KL break. I was so looking forward to this trip coz I haven’t been to ‘Melaka’ for ages. I think it was 10 years ago since I stepped into ‘Jonker Street’. It finally happened and I had such a blast with that bunch of 7. Thank you all for organizing the trip!!! We went with 2 cars and of course, being the gentleman that I am (ahem) I drove SL's poor 'MyVi' all the way back and forth. Not only that, we drove around inside Melaka looking for yummy yummys and places to chill (it’s so cool that Melaka has so many chill-out spots!). Anyway, we went through the usual tourist route, i.e. ‘chicken ball rice’, shopping and chillin’ in ‘Jonker Street’, buying those biscuits, ‘A’Formosa’ sight-seeing, cooling down in ‘Mahkota Parade’ and had ‘Satay Celup’ for dinner. I guess I need to say a big THANK YOU to all (you know who) for organizing the trip and I had such a blast!!! Because pictures speak louder than words, here are some random pics I took out from my camera that day:

Day 5 - Monday

The day to leave KL had finally arrived and overall, I loved it. I seriously loved it. I still didn’t get to do many things (like going to ‘Maison’ for Derek’s b-day party. Sorry dude), but I had total enjoyment and relaxation way beyond my expectations. So, again, thank you all for spending time with me and thank you for all these great memories!!!

But before I boarded my car to KLIA (the flight was 6pm so there was still time for more!!!) Me and SL went to ‘Sunway Pyramid’ for lunch and I finally tried ‘Wendy’s’. With all the hype of ‘not cutting corners’ and people saying its better than McD’s (really?) I just had to see it for myself. I ordered the ½ pound beef burger and after much thinking and discussion with SL, yes I think it is better than McD. Why? Coz we are just simply bored with McD haha. A ½ pounder beef burger has 3 levels of beef goodness, and eating it with French fries and Coke, you will feel so full you will not want to any food for the entire day. My ranking among all the burger fast foods outlets are:

1.) Burger King
2.) Wendy’s
3.) McDonald’s
4.) Carl’s Junior
5.) KFC Burgers

Definitely worth a visit and money!!!

Time for my flight and left for the airport around 4:30pm (scary eh? My flight is at 6pm) and knowing that when I arrive in Labuan almost 9pm, I had to ‘tapau’ something for dinner to eat: it was ‘JCo Donuts’. All 6 pieces of them as dinner. YUMMY!! Anyway, until next time friends and family!!! Love u guys and gals loads!!! See you all in my 3rd return to KL soon!!!

Second Homecoming: Part Two

Day 3 - Friday

As it was a working day for many people, the only guy I managed to find free to accompany me today was DK. I suggested we go for some ‘dim sum’ (since I didn’t get it at ‘Reunion’) but DK just had it a few days ago so, since Labuan did not have ‘McDonald’s’ and I didn’t patron them since I left KL ages ago, both of us went to the nearby 'McD’s' at Subang SS15. I tell you I’m really starting to love those breakfast sets. I remember having them when I was still in Taylor’s College and I didn’t enjoy it as much as now. I don’t know why. The ‘Sausage McMuffin’ is just irresistible haha. And the ‘hash brownies’….MMMMMMMmmmm!!!! But I like fast food anyway so anything fast food will taste good to me ^_^.

While enjoying the food, DK and I chit-chatted about life, love and everything else in between. The conversation started off well, we were joking and talking cocke until I asked a stupid question: “What happened to V?” And then the floodgates opened. At first DK was cool about it, and eventually he told me what had happened and his eyes started to dampen. DK said they broke-off last week and he has been crying ever since. DK kept saying how things were going fine and it was impossible to think such a thing could happen and he tried to amend things but its now completely over. And that hit him damn hard. But it did happen, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m no love doctor but my initial advise to him that day was to take time to mourn your loss, as we all need to, and let go of the past.

“Yesterday is a memory, no matter how bitter or sweet may it be; tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift, which is why it is called the present.”

Corny and cheesy words I know, but it does make some sense, doesn’t it?

Also take time to move on and balance your new life as a new person with your job, and also for your needs such as some personal down-time. No matter how sad or busy your life maybe DK, you must allocate some time, a few hours at least, for your own emotional and physical well-being. Take the time to exercise, socialize, soak in a tub or eat a tub of 'Haagen-Daz' with peanut butter and splash plenty of 'Hersey’s' choco toppings (yummy!!) and life will eventually move on.

Think of a break-up not as a negative, but a positive: you are now one step closer to the one you are really meant to be with….it was not V, you are now closer to the one you will truly love. Eventually.

We left a few hours later and since he was not working that day, I accompanied him to a karaoke session at Sunway Pyramid just for him to scream his emotions out until his heart was contented (OMG he can really scream. I think one of speakers broke. Don’t go to Pyramid’s 'Red Box' anymore people!!!). If I can find cheap plates for you I’ll let you smash them to the ground if it makes you feel any better haha, but sadly there were no cheap plates, the cheap ones were all plastic. I don’t think plastic has the same effect as glass plates right? Oh well, at least the sofa in the karaoke room was soft enough for your crazy jumping. And kicking. Omigod people don’t go to Pyramid's 'Red Box' anymore!!! Sofa is broken & speakers burst, you have been warned!!!

Take good care of yourself DK and when there are days of darkness, there will sure be days filled with rays of light, as light shines brightest when there is total darkness. Things can only get better…

The day was almost over by the time DK stopped screaming and jumping in the karaoke room. I sent him home and coz I didn’t want to go home yet, I drove to Cheras to meet SL for dinner. We didn’t want to go to any shopping malls, but eventually ended up at place that did provide plenty of shopping: a pasar malam. I haven’t been to a pasar malam since the dinosaurs died (and also I’ve noticed there ain’t any in Labuan. Not dinosaurs la, pasar malams) so a pasar malam was a cool idea. We went to the one in ‘Taman Muda, Ampang’ which was not the biggest I’ve been to (I think the ‘Taman Connaught’ pasar malam was the biggest I’ve been) but this place has plenty to offer:

Dinner was 2 bowls of ‘asam laksa’. One of the best ‘asam laksa’ I’ve tasted in KL!!!

One of my favorite snacks in a pasar malam: 'apam balik'!!!

Something unique in pasar malams: 'Vietnamese Popiah'!!! Coconut shreds with chinese lettuce leafs wrapped in rice paper. But that's not all...

Auntie Popiah here attractively adds a dash of sesame seeds for extra taste...

And finally Auntie Popiah folds them. Take a look at Auntie's hand of delicacy in folding them!!! With such care i'm sure it tastes alot better ^_^

Chill-out with some fresh fruit juices!! Here the fruits are up for you to choose; apple, orange and lemon juice with slight hints of lemongrass flavor all in one cup? No problem!!! They will juice them up right in front of you!!!

After 3 hours there I was literally melting, so we ran for the car and started full-blasting the air-con. Anyway, that’s the beauty of a pasar malam, you can get so many stuff you just can’t get in a shopping mall!!

Day 4 – Saturday

The ‘Iron Man’ movie was right on top of my ‘must-see’ movie list for this year and thanks to SL, I got tickets for the afternoon show with seats right smack in the middle of a THX cinema at KLCC. The movie was very good, not perfect and honestly I expected more, but it was satisfying nonetheless. It wasn’t cheesy like some recent superhero movies nowadays, the balance between fantasy and realism was just right and the director Jon F did a fantastic job, but the kudos have to go to Robert Downey, Jr for his portrayal as Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man as his personification of the uber-successful weapons industrialist was simply charming and was oozing with character. Like what Johnny Depp did with his pirate character Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, Robert Downey, Jr. rammed in a home-run on this one with Iron Man. This is one movie that I certainly don’t mind watching again.

Happily satisfied with the movie, me and SL went around KLCC just window shopping and chit-chatting until dinner time. And when we finally decided to have dinner, I finally got to taste the gloriousness that is ‘DELIcious’ not in KLCC, but nearby at an uber-plush and poshy Marc Residence. How I wish I can have such an apartment one day. Sigh, I always say “when I strike lottery, I’ll buy one.” But the problem is, I never buy lottery. So I’ll never have the chance to buy a super luxurious apartment!!! Haha. Anyway, the dinner at DELIcious was, for a lack of a better word, delicious. Scrumptious. Very worth your money, even if the prices are abit expensive. Totally well worth your time. Perfect for a reunion gathering, a date with your lover or simply chilling out amid its calming and comfy interior décor, it is a great place to unwind and dine. In my humble opinion, this place is really highly recommended. Check it out:

Getting ready for the feast!!!

Chargrill Grain-fed Sirloin Steak: Meltingly scrumptious with wonderful chunks of pototo wedges, served with a dollop of cheesy gravy.

Mushroom Marcarpone Spaghetti: Twistingly delightful with abundance of mushrooms!!!

Wild Mushroom Soup: Good to the last mushroomy drop!!!

Seriously Delicious Cheeseburger: Don't doubt its title for this dish, 'coz when they say it's seriously delicious, it is seriously delicious!!!

Chocolicious Sundae: Chocolicious in every sense of the word!!! Very generous offerings of chocolate ice-cream with choco chucks imbedded in between layers and layers of strawberries. A perfect dessert in my opinion!!!

Cabernet Sauvignon Grant Wine: Happiliciously smooth, fantastic when its chilled and a perfect companion to the steak!!!

Me!!! Trying to act posh, but sadly I am not. Looking so casual. Haha ~~~

After dinner, TK wanted to join us too, but we wanted to match a football match live on a big screen so we headed off to nearby ‘Baruk Borneo Club’ for some after-dinner drinks and play catch-up with life in KL and friends. This ‘Baruk Borneo Club’ or ‘BBC’ as I like to call it may not be the most happening of clubs as it caters to a more ‘mature’ audience. But, it was not crowded and we got a sofa with giant TV screens to view the match so why the heck not? We drank, watched and chit-chatted until late and duly went home and crashed into sleep.

On the next post will be my 1-day Melaka trip and leaving KL on Day 5 & 6!!!

Second Homecoming: Part One

KL Return, 30th April to 5th May.

Just got back from my 2nd trip back to KL, and what a trip it was. I managed to do most of the stuff that I wanted to do, which was to watch ‘Iron Man’ on the big THX screen (you can never get this in Labuan!!!), finally tasted the deliciousness of ‘DELIcious @ Marc Residence’ restaurant that everyone seems to be raving about, tried-out the newly opened ‘Wendy’s’ at Sunway Pyramid and even managed to pay Melaka a visit on a 1-day trip. Oh, and yes, I managed to get my J.Co donuts too, and not forgetting a steaming hot cup of ‘Hazelnut White Cofee’ at ‘Oldtown Kopitiam’. For more details, kindly read on my dear friends!!!

P.S. I’ll be splitting the post into a few parts as I think it’s going to be waaaaaaay too long for a normal decent person to digest it all at one go. So, for the first part it will be ‘Day 1 and 2’….

Day 1: Wednesday Night

I still remember the day when I touched-down in Labuan, fresh from my 1st trip back to KL that another journey to the capital was going to the a long and hard one. But would you know it, before I got time to feel home-sick and all that, a month had passed and my second journey to KL is now upon me once again. While packing my things for my 5-day home trip, I could not contemplate that I am actually packing for a trip home, and not for work. I could not feel excitement; I could not feel the thrill of heading home. Why was that? I could not answer you, probably because I am now so used to the life in Labuan, or my last trip back to KL was just a short distance back. Or probably I was just dead tired that day from the rush to complete my work. And that was how I felt when I boarded the plane.

Tugging all those “excess baggage” of chocolates, alcohol and souvenirs had become a big burden too, as on my left hand there was a big bag containing 10 bars of ‘Cadbury’ chocolates, 3 bars of ‘Meiji Rich Strawberry’ chocolates and bars and bars of other chocolates that I had no memory of buying, and yet its in my bag. How come??!! Then on my right hand was a bag for alcohol; 1 bottle of ‘Dom’ and another bottle of ‘Chivas’ (‘Dom’ is considered medicine so I think I am entitled to cross customs with another bottle of alcohol). Then there was my backpack which contained my laptop, a few stuffed bears as souvenirs and a few loose cans of imported drinks and beer (which I think is illegal as I am already bringing over 1 bottle of ‘Chivas’, but what the hell). And the sad point is, all this stuff is not for me but for silly friends that are so demanding. See how good a friend I am??!! When I die I want my ashes to be kept in a jar inside all of your rooms!!! Just joking ;)

Upon touch down in LCCT airport, I coolly walked straight out of the gates to avoid any custom checks (but nowadays I hardly notice any customs officers anymore) and the first thing I see is….no one I know. Crap. There was no one to fetch me from the airport back to my Subang home. Sigh. My friend can only fetch me from ‘KL Central’ (which is probably a good idea as my friend was a girl and I didn’t want her to drive all the way from Ampang to LCCT at night all by herself). I bought a bus ticket to ‘KL Central’ and the bus was conveniently parked a few feet away. Just as I was sitting down, the bus departed nicely on time. Perfect. Around 40 minutes time I arrived at ‘KL Central’ and my friend was already waiting, my first contact of KL life for over a month.

We didn’t head straight back to Subang as I was feeling hungry. So, since we are so near to KL and it is KL that I had not seen for over a month, we drove straight into the heart of KL itself: Petaling Street. At this infamous street known for its right and wrong reasons, pockets of eating stalls lie along it with offerings of bountiful delicacy. No, there are no fried crickets or cockroaches to be had, here lies gifts of ‘Lo She Fan’ (very famous not only among the locals that reside around Petaling Street, but famous throughout KL in general), ‘Tai Chow’ (ever popular with the late-night eaters) and humble offerings of porridge. We sat ourselves at the ‘Tai Chow’ corner and tucked-in a big plate of ‘yee mee’ cooked in Hokkien style. This stall was not a stall in particular, but its actually a restaurant that had extended its cooking area onto the streets, I guess to appeal to the ‘Tai Chow’ eating masses that ‘Tai Chow’ should always be cooked out-doors and not in-doors!!!

After that satisfactory late dinner we headed back home to Subang and I had my rest for the next day…

Day 2: Thursday

The next morning I woke-up feeling very puckish for hot mouthfuls of ‘Dim Sum’. SL was around to accompany me to satisfy my body-burning desire for buns of the pork variety, so I suggested we go to a restaurant that had recently expanded its reputation for not only providing good and fresh baskets of ‘Dim Sum’, but also dishes of Chinese delicacy that is not only tasty but plush with variety. The place was ‘Reunion’ at ‘Bangsar Shopping Village 2’, and when we arrived, it was packed and we were placed on a waiting list. No matter, a man that looked like the Captain of the restaurant wrote my name and hand-phone number down and politely asked us to walk around the mall while waiting for their call when seats become available. It was a good idea at that time, so we walked. And walked. And walked until my stomach was rumbling. We went back to the restaurant and asked if there are any seats available but they gave a shrug of disapproval. However, I did notice that big crowds were going into the restaurant quite regularly but a table for 2 persons for me was not yet available. And why was that? Is business for 2 persons not profitable enough for this restaurant? I do not know, so we walked off and gave up on this place. So remember guys and gals out there, they do not serve groups of 2 and below as I guess it is not profitable enough for them, so don’t waste your time there as they are hungry, money-minded parasites gunning for nothing but your $$$$!!!!

Anyway, we headed downstairs and decided on another place to eat and ended up in ‘Marmalade Café’. I’ve heard a few good things about this place so we decided to have a try. Ambiance-wise there wasn’t much to shout about but I have to say that the place was bright with adequate sunlight coming into the café so it gave the patrons a sunny spark to eat and chat enthusiastically.

So this was what I ordered:

Spaghetti Cabonara: Not so good, I’ve tasted much better. Not creamy enough!!!

Spaghetti Funghi: This is much better as the taste of garlic and mushrooms was nicely blended, not too heavy and not too light. The best dish of the afternoon!!!

Salmon Frittata & Chocolate Oreo Mint Shake: The drink was very nice (how can you go wrong with Oreo’s?) but the Salmon Frittata however was disappointing. It was not salty enough and the salmon was just too hard to find!!!

The bill came out to be around RM70 for those few dishes so this place can be quite expensive!!! I mean, I don’t really mind the price as long as it is worth my money. So, as a warning, do not simply order and check prices first before messing with the waiters as not only are the dishes kinda expensive but not all dishes tastes good. As a better and safer bet, go to ‘DELIcious’ just downstairs of ‘Bangsar Shopping Village 2’. Prices are about the same but MUCH tastier, and most of the time you cannot go wrong with the dishes you order (which means most the dishes tastes good lah).

P.S. I didn’t go to ‘DELIcious’ this time because I was saving it for Saturday at Marc Residence, KL. It will be in next post soon!!!

With my stomach filled up, we walked around the mall and bumped into a ‘FJ Benjamin’ clearance sale inside the mall. If you don’t know what ‘FJ Benjamin’ is, they are a fashion apparel supplier of top brands such as Guess, GAP, Raoul, La Senza, Banana Republic, watches from brands such as Nike, Victorinox, Nautica, Bell & Ross and many more.

This sale was by invitation only or if you have a HSBC credit card, you are allowed to enter. Luckily, me being a guy filled with debt and have to rely on credit cards to survive (haha), I whipped out my HSBC credit card and was politely whisked into the sale. The place was packed to the brim with people, but fortunately the air-con was powerful enough so shopping was a breeze. I saw a GAP khakis that I really liked, the color was greenish-greyish and the cutting was semi-baggy and was not too straight. Perfect. But the price: RM 250. CRAP. Isn’t this supposed to be clearance SALE??!! I was really tempted but decided not to buy it as I am saving to buy a new handphone soon ;) I saw so many nice stuff there, simple good quality ‘Guess’ T-shirts was selling at RM 40 and ‘Guess’ jeans was going for RM 100. The design and style may not be the most current but for casual branded wear, I think all this stuff are a steal!!! But I didn’t buy anything haha.

However SL went berserk on the buying and bought 3 ‘Raoul’ shirts, 2 ‘Guess’ T-shirts and nearly bought a ‘GAP’ bag. Total bill for the spurge: RM500. Omigod, I can eat so much with RM500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Luckily I didn’t pay for the bill so I’m safe kekeke….

We spent almost 3 hours inside there, looking and testing out garment after garment of apparels. After our shopping was done, we were dead tired and wanted to go somewhere to drink and chill. ‘Coffee Bean’ was packed so we left the mall and crossed the road to ‘Mango Mania’. We were chit-chatting about the things I’ve missed since I was away from KL and suddenly another group of people that had done their shopping at the same clearance sale sat beside us. They noticed we had bought something there as well and politely asked us what we bought. Wow, I didn’t know people can start a conversation with strangers just by asking on what we bought at the same place!!! They looked like friendly people so we compared stuff and chatted on when and where will be the next clearance sale. At the moment, with all the shopping and chitchatting about clothes and sales, I truly felt like a 40-year-old auntie. God, what’s happening to me??!!

On the next post (Day 3 & 4), shopping and eating at a pasar malam & dining at DELIcious @ Marc Residence, KL. See you then!!!

Back with Prezzies...

Before heading back to KL for the weekend, there was a bombardment of calls asking me to buy this and that (ciggies and alcohol tops the list). I got calls from people I know, and calls from people I still have no slightest clue who they were. Someone even called me ‘Rashid’ and asked for a carton of ‘Marlboro Lights.’ What, I’m now the ‘Labuan Pimp’ or something?! Anyway, went shopping to get those stuff you guys requested (see how good a guy I am? Bank money into my account NOW). Here’s what I got:

So many chocolates for SL: Want 'Cadbury's' Turkish Delight flavour? Or Peppermint flavour? How about Black Forrest? So many to choose, all for you ~~~ Only RM8.50 each, KL is selling for RM16.50 I think...

More chocolates for SL's sister, MM: Rich Strawberry chocolates and choco bombs from popular Japanese choco & shacks maker, 'Meiji'. Only RM7.50 each!!!

Japanese plum drink for QT: Sweet and sourish taste, but VERY nice to drink!!! Must try, must try ~~~ but its RM4 per can. But I think it's worth it!!!

Taiwanese (I think) beer for Dav.Q: Dunno nice anot ah, you said you wanted something unique, so I got this. Don't kill me if not nice ah !!

And of course, something for my mum and dad: 'DOM Benedictine Liquor'. It's medicine but it has 40% alcohol. Hmmmmm, now i know why it's so 'good'....

I think thats all I can bring over back to KL, I think anymore I'll be shot by customs officers. So, Jaq, Greg, BT, TK, Pique and the rest, but worry your 'Chivas' bottles are safe with me...for now.

The 2nd Coming...Back to KL That Is....

It’s the time of the month again (no, not those girly periods) but it’s time to head back to KL again!!!! 1st of May is Labor Day and it falls on a Thursday, so why not take leave on Friday and also Monday to get a super long weekend? The plan makes perfect sense to me and hence, air plane tickets are booked, annual leave are booked, and ¾ of my brain are already in KL thinking of what to do (and eat) already. Only few days to go, so see you guys in KL!!!

Arrival: 30th April, midnight.
Departure: 5th May, 6:00pm.

JCo donuts here I come againnnnnn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Videos & Photos of KL Freeze in Unison @ Pavillion, KL

I’ve done something that I regret terribly. I should have been there, but I couldn’t. I would if I could. How can I be so useless? I’m so sorry. On Sunday, the 13th of April, it happened. It happened and I wasn’t there. It became one of the biggest regrets of my life…I didn’t make it to the ‘KL Freeze in Unison Gathering’ @ KL.

If you don’t know what this is, it’s basically “where human beings get together to do something in unison, without speeches or reference to their age, color, sex, beliefs and background.” In this case, we just freeze and stop moving for a certain time, in a public place and humiliate ourselves silly by being public art pieces for normal people to ‘admire’.

Jason, KT, Josh, Katie and BT were really into this bizarre idea and were dragging me into it. We heard of this freeze thing looooong time ago and really wanted to do it in KL (I know Josh did it in Singapore). I myself was going ape-crazy with this too, I even followed the whole thing on ‘Facebook’, where the whole ‘event’ started. From a simple invitation to join and to the actual revealing of the gathering date and place, I followed it all over ‘Facebook’. But sadly, as some of you would know, I’m still in Labuan (crap!!!) and couldn’t make it.

I heard the freeze location was at the entrance of ‘Pavillion’. Sorry guys for not being there. I wish I was there, really!!! Hope to get your pictures and reports on it soon!!! In the meantime, I share with you videos of what unfolded that day, thanks to ‘the Zestful One’:

So cool so cool. For pictures, click onto randomalphabets' website.

Anyone else out there froze their butts in this event?! Lemme know, I would love to know you and to get more info on this amazing (if not daring for Malaysians) experience!!!

Jom Ketam !!!

Back to my memoirs of Labuan life, yesterday I and a few of my SLB buddies decided to go out for dinner, and one of them suggested KFC. Good God in Heaven, WHY??!! I mean, considering we had a car and all, why not go somewhere far from our usual hotspots (i.e. Financial Park & town area). I suggested seafood (naturally) and lo & behold (I’ve been that a lot lately. I wonder why. “Lo & behold, it’s 5pm and time to go home. Lo & behold, I found that piece of sock that went missing since last century. Lo & behold, it’s time to shit. Etc, etc, etc. I’m just simply using for the sake of using it. Genius at work, obviously), anyway, a local buddy had a light bulb moment and we ended up in ‘Anjung Ketam’.

So where is this ‘Anjung Ketam’ restaurant you ask? I don’t have the slightest clue, mate. I asked the driver on the location, and all I got was some vague directions and heard ‘Tanjung Aru’ somewhere in between his sentences. Ring any bells? Not mine, nope. But I noticed its kinda near to the airport, so there you go, go crazy searching for this place, just don’t end up on the airway strip.

Upon arrival, the place just hits me with a sense of nostalgia. It’s similar to restaurants in Port Klang, where the eatery is on a wooden platform extended onto the sea, so the view as you guessed it, is mesmerizing. If you are lucky and arrive early, you will catch views of fishermen mending their nets and glimpses of their catches for the day, catches that would probably end up on your dining table if you are eating there. Hence, freshness is guaranteed.

Looking around the place and I noticed that this place is packed to the brim with customers. A chat with my local buddy and he mentioned that this place is so popular, it requires customers to place table bookings at least a few hours in advance, otherwise be prepared to wait for long periods. That being done will not even guarantee you getting a table; you will need to book ONE DAY in advance to be on the safe side!!! Blimey, it’s like Christmas Eve in KL everyday for this place.

I noticed the place is packed with locals (coz they speak with a certain dialect) and lots of ‘semenanjung’ people (coz they just can’t stop talking about comparisons between Labuan seafood and Semenanjung seafood), and also a few foreigners that successfully found their way to this place.

My local buddy, being the ‘happening’ and well-connected guys that he is, managed to convince them to give us a table and we ordered steamed crabs, curry crabs, ‘ikan bakar’, steam fish, and a few local fish dishes that I can’t remember the name. 30 minutes pass and lo & behold (here it is again) the food arrived and it looked…...ordinary. Hahahah. Maybe my expectations were WAY high considering that you need to book tables to eat here and all walks of life come here to eat y’know. No matter, good food ain’t about the looks right? I stuffed my mouth with my first bite of the curry crab and OMIGOD…it tasted…ordinary hahahah. Seriously ordinary. In fact, everything tasted ordinary except for the steamed crab, although plain, but it tasted yummy as any freshest crab would taste. But besides this, everything else was normal tasting dishes that you can get anywhere in KL really…

Later the local guy told me that why the steam crab tasted so good and the curry crab doesn’t is because they used crabs caught from the sea for the steam crab dish. As for the curry crab or any crab dishes that requires lots of cooking, they use crabs caught from land, swamps, lakes or whatever. And I told the local guy that as long as it’s not from some ‘lokang’ with a river of piss running though it, then it’s fine by me!!!

Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to snap many photos, coz for one I didn’t bring my digital camera and two, I will look silly taking photos of food while eating coz remember, people from this part of the world aren’t used to blogging yet. But I really felt like needing just one shot of the food, just one. So, I sneakily pretended I was texting someone with my handphone and ‘curi-curi’ captured one photo:

Normal leh? Sadly, it is…

Spent the night chit-chatting and one of the SLB guys within our group who is also from KL agreed to what I said about the crabs being ‘so-so’, “the taste biasa sajalah, tapi bezanya ia memang fresh saja” (the taste is normal only, just the difference is that its really fresh). So there you have it, folks. Although this is just one of the many seafood outlets in Labuan, I’m sure there are other places that are better than this….perhaps?

Until next time.