Zipangu - Fine Dining Japanese Restaurant @ Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

This is it. Finally, we made our way to this famous Japanese restaurant. So much has been said about it from their loyal fans and from Japanese food lovers. The highlight of this place is that their head chef is from Japan and with lot's of culinary skills and experience under his belt. His experience includes working in some fine Japanese restaurants in Tokyo before moving on here. He being 'the catch of the day' has brought along his skills and expertise in preparing unique and healthy delicacies to us here at "Zipangu".

Zipangu is truly an amazing place to go to. You will be welcomed with some really beautiful architectural works and some marvelous designs which will makes you want to catch another glimpse or two. This place is huge and it actually took me some time to walk all the way in as I was admiring the place.

Zipangu represents a balance of perfect harmony between contemporary design and authentic cuisine. This is something that I am really looking forward to. Zipangu also features a walk-in-wine and sake cellar ~ a great place for those who would want to enjoy some cool wines or sakes with an amazing set-up which is very relaxing. Besides this Zipangu also have some individual sushi, grill and kappou counters as well as private and ala-carte dining areas.

Since this was supposed to be a special event and function we already had made a booking for a private room so that we will have all the time to indulge to all the good food that is waiting for us whole night long.

 This is going to be a difficult blog for me to write as there was just so much food and so much sake that made it hard for us to take some really good photos and we did not capture all the photos of all the food we ordered. So, I am going to do a simplified version for now.

We started off with some different types of sashimi ~ Sashimi Moriawase (five kinds of assorted sliced raw fish) @ RM200.00, Maguro (Tuna) @ RM80.00, Salmon @ RM60.00 and best of all Toro (prime belly part of tuna) @ RM200.00.

One thing for sure you will not be disappointed with it's quality of the sashimi. Freshness is a priority and none of us complained or even winced a word of displeasure. Salmon tasted really sweet and amazing but most amazing was the 'Toro'. Words just couldn't explained how well this was. It really does melts in your mouth and you will never get enough of it. It was so good that we had to order another round .... and still not enough. We had to stop as Toro alone costs us RM400.00.

There was also an abundance of sushi which we ordered ~ Uni (sea urchan) @ RM45.00 per piece, Hotate (scallop) @ RM25.00 per piece, California Roll @ RM35.00, Soft Shell Crab Roll @ RM40.00 and Tokusen Chirashi Sushi (assorted premium sashimi served on vinaigrette rice @ RM160.00.

We also had Tempura Moriawase ~ assorted tempura which consists of 5 pieces of prawns, 2 kinds of seafood and 4 kinds of vegetables. We had a couple of charcoal grilled Yakitori Moriawase that consists of 1 piece Tebasaki, Negima, 1 piece Tsukune, Momo and Kawa @ RM40.00.

The one all was waiting for Wagyu Amiyaki ~ charcoal grilled Australian Wagyu beef @ RM150.00 per 100grams was a little disappointed. It does tastes good, well marinated but just a little over cooked. Meat texture was rather hard otherwise a superb meal.

Sukiyaki Don

Sukiyaki Don @ RM 65.00 was a real bargain. Serving was pretty huge and the amount of beef that came with it was good and delicious. This soup based dish goes very well with some Japanese white rice. It is very aromatic and soup was a tad salty but very delicious.

Salmon Ikura Don

Some of the rice box meals we had includes Salmon Ikura Don ~ Salmon and salmon roe on rice @ RM60.00 was terrific. Again. it was the freshness of the fish that made this a winner. Pure delight to sink your teeth onto the salmon meat and salmon roe coupled with some really aromatic Japanese white rice.

Other rice box meals we had include Maguro Tataki Don ~ minced tuna on rice @ RM80.00, Oyako Don ~ simmered chicken and egg on rice @ RM50.00 and Una Jyu ~ grilled eel served on rice @ RM70.00.

Gindara Kousou Mushi

Not to be missed "Gindara Kousou Mushi" ~ steamed Cod fish with herb oil and vinegar soy sauce @ RM60.00. This killer dish was so good that it took us less than a minute to finish it off. And we had to order another 2 more.

Goes very well with Japanese white rice as the sauce is really out of this world. Frankly you could finish a whole bowl of rice by just having it with it's sauce. Cod fish was also cooked to perfection. Salute to the chef.

Conclusion : If you are looking for a fine dining Japanese restaurant and would want to enjoy some good wines or sake this will be the place to go to. Environment is simply marvelous ~ elegant, cosy and classy. Food was simply marvelous. Good service. A tad pricey but not complaining based on the quality of the food. A4.5/5.

Cheers !

Zipangu

Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

No 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail

50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel : 03 2074 3900

Note : The above review is solely based on my personal opinion.

Canoodling @ Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Just can't believe that I have been 'Missing In Action' for almost 1 year. Oh Blimey !!! Thousand apologies to all my followers and readers. Time have not been favourable to me. But I will do my very best to keep on blogging and make it more interesting. - T3T4.

Alright ! Back to business. What's on for today? 'Canoodling' .... at Bangsar ! Yeah, I should start off with this lovely restaurant situated at Bangsar Village 2 which I personally was attracted to.

This place took me by surprise with it's simple yet elegant setup and it's surroundings. It made me feel at home instantly and frankly I was telling myself hoping that their menu and food can be of the same. My fingers was crossed the whole time as I didn't wanted to feel disappointed after a rousing start.

Before I move on to the menu I would like to share some lovely pictures of the place and it's environment. I am sure you will find it cozy, simple and elegant. The theme here is yellow.

The place was pretty packed with lunch mongers and we were told by regulars that the place is always packed. So it will be a great idea to come in early. And I am sure the food is good judging from the crowded place. So, let's move on ....

The Canoodle Oodles of Noodles @ RM11.90++

Marinated Minced Chicken in Dark Soy & Coriander Root

Lettuce Leaves & Coriander and Spicy Coriander Garlic Sauce

Steamed Silken Rice Noodle Sheets

To start off with the dry noodle selection with the funky name 'The Canoodle Oodles of Noodles', darn it I am getting tongue tied by saying it.... This is a greyhound Thailand inspired complicated noodles with stacks of iceberg lettuce leaves & coriander, marinated minced chicken in dark soy and coriander root plus steamed silken rice noodle sheets, each served in it's own bowl with a spicy coriander garlic sauce.

I am getting tongue tied plus tummy growls just by it's name and description of this dish. I would say this will be my appetizer for the day. Even though it can be quite filling. And how do you eat them?

Just like how one will eat a 'popiah'. Yeah, it's the same way but with a different twist of flavor and taste. Remember this is a Thai inspired dish and with it's spicy garlic sauce and all the other stuff that came with it this will be a great start.

To eat, assemble into little parcels and share as you please. Yeah ! this was what was printed on their menu. The guys running this place really does have an artistic mind ... and mind you this dish does tastes good. Really. I am not into such 'wrap and makan' foodie but this really changed my perception on it. Chicken tasted really good and was well cooked and well marinated which is good and top it with the spicy coriander garlic sauce .... viola...... faint ! I am speechless.

Tom Yam Noodles @ RM13.90++

Fiery clear Thai soup made with lemongrass, chilli and galingale served over rice vermicelli with prawns, squids and straw mushrooms.

Who dare to take this challenge! OMG .... omg .... lost of breath. It's kind of spicy but I can take them hands down. Yeah, the broth surely does tastes spicy and sour which lives up to it's characteristic. It does spice up your appetite. Loved it. Truly a hearty meal. Burp!!! excuse me....

Wok Fried Loh Shu Fun @ RM12.90++

After two Thai inspired tongue boggling dish let us move back to some local street foodie, 'wok fried loh shu fun'. This dish can be found all over Malaysia as it is considered one of the famous hawker food which most Malaysian enjoy. Since hawker food in Malaysia is world famous it will be a test of culinary skills whether the guys at 'Canoodling' can dish up a good one.

I am a little worried that my 'taste buds' will fail me. It will be a test for me to dig deep into the taste of this lovely pot of 'loh shu fun' as I have just finished a hearty bowl of Thai Tom Yum noodles. The strong taste of the tom yum still lingers in my mouth and I wouldn't want to mis-represent the 'loh shu fun'.

Munch... munch ..... hmm.... wow.... I was amazed !!! It does taste good and comparable with those along Petaling Street. Really... I really hope it's not a 'one off wonder' thing but the noodle I am having in front of me is really good. Noodle was cooked just right not too soft and the whole package was just lovely. Not too salty (something I really hated)... darn it I just don't know what to say anymore.

Red Curry Duck Confit Noodle @ RM13.90++

Charcoal noodles topped with Thai styled red curry with lychees finished with a whole crispy duck leg and fresh basil.

This is really something special. Curry Duck. I have never tried curry duck before and this will be my first. I love curry and all this time it's either curry chicken, curry mutton, pork curry or beef curry. But not duck. Nevertheless, there is always a first time. BTW this duck noodle is supposed to be one of 'Canoodling' famous dish.

Curry was pretty good since it is another one which is Thai inspired. I would have preferred two duck leg since one is not enough for my indulgence. LOL. The rich aroma of fresh basil take this noodle a notch up and I was totally delighted with the guys from 'Canoodling' for coming up with such a delicious noodle. Now I know how well duck goes with curry!

Braised Duck and Ginger Noodle @ RM12.90++

Another famous duck noodle and this time it is Hong Kong inspired 'yee mee' tossed with aromatic braised duck leg and wood ear fungus in dark soy.

I couldn't make it whether this is a 'soupy' noodle or just 'dry' noodle. It was supposed to be 'dry' but with a little extra broth in it makes it something like 'semi-soupy'. LOL. I think I must be drunk with too much good food here.

Nevertheless, this Hong Kong style noodle is a must! Duck was perfectly cooked and I just couldn't resist the aroma of this noodle. Anything that has 'yee mee' in it tasted good and this is what this noodle is all about.

Conclusion : Everything that is connected to this place is just funky. Funk name for the place as well for the food. Lovely environment. Nice ambiance. Pretty good service. Pretty good serving. Pretty fair pricing. Pretty good food.  Just pretty. Recommended. A 4/5.

Cheers!

Canoodling
2F-29, 2nd Floor
Bangsar Village 2
No.1, Jalan Telawi Satu
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : 03 2287 1566



Note : The above review is solely based on my personal opinion.

Snowflake - taiwanese dessert secrets @ Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya

Drums rolling ....... mouth drooling ....... it's time ........ to experience the famous Taiwanese dessert specially brought to us by 'Snowflake'. I have heard so much about this place but never had the chance to have a go. I have heard that many of it's outlets are packed with patrons whereby the queue can be quite bad.

Anyway, I will not miss this chance today and will make sure I get a taste of it. I was with a friend, J who highly boasted of the 'thong shui' and highly recommend it. I will leave it to J when it comes to ordering as he knows the menu inside out.

GJ Bestseller (Cold) @ RM6.90

J recommended me their bestseller 'thong shui' which was pretty impressive. The portion was pretty reasonable and it was making me all excited. I could feel that I was being a little child again and couldn't stop myself from having the first bite.

This bestseller is made of Grass Jelly and Grass Jelly Ice filled with Taroballs with some creamer. Beats me really ... don't know what those balls are about ... LOL . But it does taste good ! Very refreshing and very original. Loved it. Now I know why die hard fans are willing to queue up for a bowl of 'thong sui'. This particular one I had came with 'ice' and you can get a similar bowl served hot or warm. So, the choice is yours to decide.

Tohua Peanut c/w 2 scoops of Ice Cream @ RM8.00

As for J, he choose to go for something really special, something that amazed me .... really. It's the 'Tohua' series ~ peanuts with extra 2 scoops of ice cream. I had a go at it and I was surprised with how good it tasted. Wow, if only I could have another bowl but I will skip for now..... But this bowl will not escape from my grasp the next time I pay them a visit ,,,, and that will be pretty soon indeed.

Conclusion : Funky place with some funky menu and some funky 'thong shui'. I just love this place and the 'thong shui' they served. Very delicious, very addictive and very refreshing. Portion is huge considering the money we pay for it. A 4/5. Taiwan... here I come....!

Cheers!

Snowflake Cafe ~ taiwanese dessert secrets     Operating Hours :
26-1, Jalan PJU 5/10                                           Sun - Thurs : 1pm - 11pm
Dataran Sunway                                                 Fri - Sat : 1pm - 12am
Kota Damansara
47810 Petaling Jaya

Face To Face Noodle House - Sarawak Kolo Noodle @ Damansara Perdana

The search continues.... for some noodles .... which was fabulous when I first tasted it ..... during my business trips to Kuching, Sarawak. The magic word .... 'Kolo Mee'.

This noodle is really a killer. It is really delicious and unique in it's own way that will really kick start your day with a bang, especially on your 'taste buds'. I will never want to miss this delicious noodle whenever I made a trip to Sarawak as I am unable to find one similar stores anywhere in KL. So this is really and truly my inner deepest love which I will miss dearly whenever I am in KL.

This search continued until today when I was rather lucky to be introduced to this place which serves this famous East Malaysian Sarawak kolo noodle. And why not? This friend of mine comes from Sarawak and I was pretty sure that this place will not disappoint me.

The name of this restaurant sounds really funny. It is situated at Damansara Perdana and it is called 'Face To Face Noodle House'.

There is simply to shout about on the interior of this eatery. It is simple with wooden tables and chairs spread across the dining area both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned areas. Finding this place is a breeze but it is otherwise if you are looking for a parking space for you car. Most people will 'double park' their vehicle as space is pretty limited. This is something that I will not do as it is truly 'BTC' and it could be dangerous too. And for those who simply double park make sure you have a good view of your car as this action will get you a fine from the local enforcement officers doing their rounds and also not to anger the owner of those cars you are blocking.

A quick browse at the menu tells you that this is a noodle house. From 'pan mee' to this unique Sarawak kolo noodle. Drinks menu is pretty colourful too ~ from green tea to ice blended drinks, etc....

Traditional Sarawak Kolo Noodle @ RM5.60

I can feel myself grinning from ear to ear (not face to face eh) when my bowl of noodle was brought to me. The aroma was simply breathtaking (considering I have not had this for ages) and I nearly teared (just kidding). The only thing that I was disappointed was the portion of the noodles. I reckon I must order 2 bowls to be able to fill my belly up.

Texture of the noodle was brilliant ~ not overcooked and still have that 'springiness' feel in it. Comes with a few slices of 'char siew' or BBQ pork and some minced meat and spring onions sprinkled on it. And the first thing I had to do is to mixed it all up.

Tasted really good, pretty closed to the original I had in Kuching. But it was slightly too dry. But then again I reserved every rights not to complain as this is one of the best 'kolo mee' I have tasted in KL.

Dark Soya Sauce & Chilli Sauce Sarawak Noodle @ RM5.60

This 'not too original' noodle which was done and mixed with dark soya sauce and chilly sauce tasted unique too. Comes with some slices of 'char siew' with some minced meat and spring onion sprinkled on it. It is cool that they came out with something different as it tasted secondary to the original kolo noodle. LOL.

Wonton Soup @ RM4.00

We had some wonton soup as our side dish and I must say this wonton tasted really lousy. First of all the wonton was overcooked and the 'skin' is falling apart. Secondly, it was rather tasteless and thirdly the size of the wonton is so pathetically small. I can get a better wonton from the local stores nearby my house.

Conclusion : Original Traditional Sarawak Kolo Noodle was superb. Portion was rather small and the wonton is lousy. Service was pretty fast and place was crowded. Reasonably priced too. A 3/5.

Cheers !

Face To Face Noodle House                         Operating Hours : 10:30am - 9:30pm
11A-1, Jalan PJU 8/5i
Damansara Perdana
47820 Petaling Jaya
Selangor.
Tel : 012 336 6303

Kites Restaurant @ Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie - Ramadhan Celebration

It's the time of the year again to celebrate the holy month of Ramadhan with friends and family members. A  month filled with fun and laughters, a month for forgiveness, a month of happiness and a month to cherish every moment with close friends and family members with good foodies. A time to 'melantak'.

One place I frequently goes to for such occasion is at Kites Restaurant at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie. This is one place where all must make a date with to buka puasa as they have a wide spread of local cuisine buffet style for this auspicious Bulan Ramadhan. Breaking fast starts from 1st Aug - 29th Aug, 2011.

The two Chef behind the scene

This two Chefs and it's team are the person responsible for all the goodies dished out by Kites Restaurant. Can you imagine that there will be more than 120 local and international dishes being featured in the buffet dinner.

I am totally delighted with the environment of this restaurant. Beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, cool environment enhanced by wooden tables and chairs widely spread across the dining area and you will never need to drop a sweat as the air conditioning system is at it's best. A fabulous place for a fabulous meal.

Nasi Briyani

Not to be missed is their famous 'Nasi Briyani'. Beautifully done and goes very well with various curry dishes. Topped with some fried shallots, this nasi will make you want to have more. Not to be missed.

Kambing Mamak

Kambing Mamak is a spicy and gragrant lamb curry which was specially created for this Ramadhan season. And goes very very well with the nasi briyani.

Telor Itik Masak Lemak

Another that does wonders with the nasi briyani. This simple dish is marvelous as the curry is creamy with coconut milk and it is very aromatic too. Pure delight to be able to enjoy it.

Ayam Panggang Bugis

Another irresistible cuisine that will blow your mind off. This chicken is grilled to perfection yet succulent and it is truly finger licking to the very last bite. Well marinated with belacan, tamarind and salam leaves.

Ikan Keli Salai Berlada

Want something that will fire your adrenaline up ~ then this is one fried catfish that you have to get your hands on. Cooked with really spicy chilli and pepper which will make you long for more.

Ketupat Palas and Nasi Ketupat

This is made of glutinous rice that tasted really good and goes very well with curries.

And the following are the other dishes that is made available for this special Ramadhan season.

Jelatah

This is a must and is very appetizing. Jelatah is an appetizer dish which is very good indeed and very addictive. Jelatah consists of pineapple, sliced shallots and chilli and lot's of other stuff in it :) which will turn a gloomy day into a shiny one. Try it and you will know what I mean.

Ketupat Palas and Kuih Talam

Kuih Kasui

Some of the desserts made available after a lengthy hearty meal. Good to have some sweet stuff after a heavy meal.

There are just so much you can choose from where I am unable to review but only you will be able to try it all out. You will find lot's of authentic Malay desserts, Daging Deng Deng, Pulut Kuning, Ikan Bakar, Singapore Murtabak and lot's more.

This year, Kites Restaurant will be maintaining it's famous dishes from previous years, while converting it's poolside and Gazebo area into a complete traditional Ramadhan feast! To Compliment the atmosphere, a 'live' 'Ghazal Performance' will be featured to keep the guest entertained as they break their 'fast'. So, sit back and enjoy the splendid cultural performances as you will enjoy the traditional Malay cuisine reminiscing the good old days of time honored traditions.

The buffet dinner at Kites Restaurant is priced at RM88.00++ for adults and RM50.00++ for children and senior citizens. There is also a special price from 1st - 10th August. During this period adults are charged RM78.00++ and RM40.00++ for children and senior citizens. Truly a marvelous deal which cannot be missed.

The hotel also accepts Group or Company bookings for buka puasa while surau facilities with 'Imam' for 'sembahyang Terawih' for the guests is available at the hotel.

For bookings and reservations please call +603 7802 5200 Ext : 3/2941 and be quick to avoid disappointment. 


Conclusion : Full marks from me. It's all up to you now ! Not to be missed !


Cheers !

Kites Restaurant
Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie
1, Jalan Usahawan U1/8
Seksyen U1
40250 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel : 03 7802 5200 ext 3/2941