Prayer for Ummi.

Assalamualaikum,

Ummi went for CT Scan again. Insha Allah tomorrow she will go through the Lumbar Puncture procedure or in Malay we call it 'ambil air tulang belakang'.  The doctors said there are nothing much to worry about, but we are still anxious definitely. Anyways, we shall think positively insha Allah and we do see the doctors are trying their very best for her. For those who pray for my Mother, thank you so much, may Allah bless you. Wassalam.

"There is a cure for everything in the 'Opening of the Book' (Surah Al-Fatihah)"
Al-Baihaqi & Ad-Darimi 

XOXO,

Sue

Effortless Da'wah.

Assalamualaikum wbt,

Watching this video shared by my junior in MRSM KKB, Bro Azmir Azlan, made me feel I would like to share one of my status updates (trust me if you are a follower of my Facebook account, one just have to bear with me with super lengthy status updates. I always hang out with Ummi, my mother especially when she is always and out of the hospital and we have doctors' appointments almost everyday, so I release my stress on it just to communicate with other people) about da'wah and hidayah on women.

This video, enlightened me on the fact that if we keep having good intention among others, without trying to preach them but showing good examples, and especially pray for them, Allah will help us to spread da'wah effortlessly. This 5 minutes video also made me cried a bit, because in this vid, Aamir Khan pushed his mother's wheelchair among the millions of humans during Hajj season. Reminded me during Hajj 2008 when Ummi was sick as well, and I had my lunch but Ummi was too weak to follow me to the dining area. I got a plate of food for Ummi, but as usual, there were too many people waiting for their turn to get on the elevator. I gave up on waiting, and Allah knows where I had the might to climb up 20 flights of floor to reach our hotel room at the 10th floor. Just because I was worried Ummi was getting hungrier by the minute. We might think that it would be something for us to do for our parents, but no that kind of deed could never ever be compared to our parents' love and sacrifices for us.

You may see that right now I keep updating my blog more, even backdated posts because sometimes it gets too exhausting from managing my mother's illness, I just relax myself a bit by updating my blog. Where I feel like I am in my own zone. Although I intend to have my blog more like a Travel-Foody blog (not so lifestyle because I mainly focus on travelling and eateries reviews) but insha Allah if I have status updates which I might feel beneficial on us mankind generally and Muslims specifically, I will share just with the intention and hope that it will bring benefit to others no matter how small it may be.

This status update was well-received (almost 200 likes) so maybe, insha Allah, if others read it, ponder over it, might spread more benefit I hope. I have edited it to add some more points which I think explains more of it. So here goes :

"One reason I am never sarcastic or harsh about Muslimahs who do not observe their aurah (yet) because I always remember who I was before I observe my aurah. 

And I always remember my sister when she wore skirts & definitely no Jilbab yet, she was condemned & those who condemned her also condemned my mother & I for observing our aurah while my sister did not, were the ones who observe their aurah 

or as for the men, the so-called pious ones. And yes these 'pious' people hurt my feelings so bad till I cried wondering "What have I done to them? Did I ever hurt their feelings?" 

However when my Sister obtained hidayah to finally wears hijab, lillahi taala, after she read a Malay novel which had the sentence "What if when one wants to repent on the 12th hour, dies at the 11th hour?" Only when she confessed to me, that moment I confessed I wept when people condemned her for not wearing hijab yet, while I know she's a good daughter, protects her modesty and prays 5 times a day. And on 1st Ramadhan last year, she started to wear Hijab, I remember most of those who congratulated & supported her are the ones who don't observe their aurah, while those who condemned my family, and made me cried with such bitter words, the 'pious' ones, did not make a sound at all.

So yes those are the reasons that I don't judge people by their appearance. Some people I opine, are riya' and takabur with their piety. They look down upon those who are not as pious as them. I reckon that is wrong because I always remember Allah is Powerful, if He wants to make us all humans as Muslims or all of us Muslims as obedient Muslims, with all his Might & Power He can, only He chooses not to for His own reasons because He is the Wisest. I am also in the opinion, if, we are sarcastic to whom we may think not as pious as us, and we only mingle among those who may be on the same level as us, then how can we spread da'wah? 

I have experienced in my life a few ladies, whom wore skimpy clothes before but when I complimented them after their Hijrah, they told me "I wore them because I see that you are so beautiful in Hijab. And you are nice to me although I didn't wear like you before." So for me, da'wah can be spread with smiles, tender loving care, and especially good kind words & respect. One of these ladies I mentioned, she past away right after a few weeks she wore Hijab in Ramadhan, and past away in Shawal. Before that when I knew her, she would wear the skimpiest clothes even during Ramadhan, but when she started to wear Hijab, she started to be close to Al-Qur'an back, but Allah had better plans for her when she died in a car crash, the car was entirely burnt. It gave me goosebumps when I saw her photo in the news that she was wearing the Hijab that she bought from my booth (our Ramadhan booths were neighbours so our families became close). So I wonder, she past away when Hidayah came to her, so it was not impossible that she was purer than most of us at the time of her death. Wallahu'alam. I also recently encountered a 63 year old woman, sitting very high positions, but she humbly asked me "Can you teach me how you wear your Hijab? Your style is so pretty. I just recently wore Hijab." I just smiled to her and said "Alhamdulillah of course I can." So if a lady that is so much like my own Mother, can have great humility on the aspect of life which she feels she does not master, who are we to belittle others on the imaan?

I always pray for my Hidayah to be steadfast, but I don't like to judge, I will always remember who I was before. And who I am going to be tomorrow, I don't have the power to foresee my future. I may still be observing my aurah, or nauzubillah I may not. I may still be a Muslim, or nauzubillah I may not. However I always try my best to pray for myself & others, with the hopes others will pray for me too. However sarcasm on one's ibadah or 'amal is never my way of life. Allah is the Most Powerful to turn someone into a better or worse person. If we love our brothers & sisters just like the Rasulullah SAW loves us, I believe we should be kind to them, and pray for them insha Allah. And Allah will help us insha Allah. Wallahua'lam bissawab."

Just to recap, the lessons learnt from this very video are :

1) Allah can guide anyone he pleases, so never give up hope.

2) Do not pre-judge anyone, no matter your perception of them is.

3) Allah draws the creation to his friends and grants them honour.

4) Do dawah with wisdom and kindness, so as not to overburden and pressure people.


As usual, thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

Mr. Bala's Deepavali Open House @ Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Assalamualaikum wbt,

The day before Ummi was admitted again, for her Lumbar Puncture procedure (I realized that lately most of my blog entry openings must have something to do with Ummi's hospitalization). My mentor at Rakan IJN which I regard as my own father, Mr. Bala invited Ummi & I for his Deepavali Open House.

Recalling our previous conversation in the past years;

Me : "Mr. B, so how was your Deepavali celebration today?"

Him : "What lah celebrate. I went to the temple to pray, then relaxed at home ate biscuits." (-__-)

Yes Mr. Bala is pretty strict with his diet, I remember recording his daily readings of sugar & blood pressure levels. =)

So I was pretty surprised that this year he wanted to throw an Open House. So after visiting Aunty Ana at Putrajaya since Ummi wanted to have a chat with her bestfriend prior to her hospital stay, we later on went to Bangsar for Mr. Bala's. I always teased me that Mr. B is Jovian Mandagie's neighbour since his boutique is only across the road from his house, while he never had any idea how famous he is as a fashion designer though he always notices that flashy cars always parked in front of his boutique. Yes lucky people. =D

When I arrived at his place, little did I know that it would be a pretty big affair with pink and white scalloped canopies and balloons! Hahaha! I really looked like a mess at that time I wished I dressed up a bit more to respect the occassion. Mr. B and Mrs. B were delighted to see me and when I asked him didn't expect such an occasion he responded that he hasn't thrown an open house for many years hence this kind of celebration. I noticed some familiar faces from Rakan IJN, as well as some unfamiliar ones, mostly Indians, Chinese and Sikhs. Ummi and I were the only Malays there and typical me clad in an Abaya I realized the photographers were excited to snap my photos maybe because "Ahhhh now we see a Malay here ." =D It felt truly a Malaysian celebration I was pretty excited. And of course, Mr. Bala just had to introduce me as his girlfriend to his friends and family there haha typical Mr. Bala. =D

Oh of course we have to check out the buffet line. =) Mr. Bala hired an Indian catering company serving Indian food but they divided 2 separate areas where one you can have all the chicken and lamb, whereas another area was for Vegetarians which would be suitable for Muslims as well. Cool thing was they still prepared chicken for the Vegetarians or Vegans, but they were all organic, which I know are made from Tofu.

I had these the most. Shrimps!

Putu Mayam & Prata bread as well as Bryani rice.

Organic Satay. Yes, believe it. =D

My favourites of the night were definitely the Sambal Udang (Shrimps in Chili Paste) and the Papadoms. The prawns were amazing.

As for the Organic Satay they were pretty good, of course taste like Chicken-ish tofu but it was pretty good.

Ok tried to capture those sharing my table, not a good photo here but the women and kids really dressed up here. =)

And there was a cake.

I could not recall whether they just wanted to cut a cake to celebrate the event or it was their anniversary, but I don't reckon on the latter. Anyways I loved this part because I felt like I was in a Din Teksi or Lat's comic strip (now when was the last time you heard of Din Teksi? =D ) where you could see all races of Malaysians in it. When everyone teased Mr. B to feed the cake to Mrs. B first (those two aren't very romantic) they all insisted to feed the children first and said "Always feed the children first." Awwwww. =')

I am glad I could make it to this occasion, before more days to check in at the hospital. I truly love this couple of husband and wife, both are like my sister's and my own parents. From another race, from another religion. I pray for them to be blessed always in this world and in the HereAfter, insha Allah. =')

Thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

PS* Just a random pic of Boboy and a plate of Bubur Cha-Cha before I left for Mr. B's.

Jom Makan! Wagyu Beef Pie @ Ben's, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

Assalamualaikum wbt,

After one of Ummi's doctor's appointments at HKL, spent half of the day there, so I decided to treat Ummi and I with a delish lunch, hopefully. I craved to try Ben's at Suria KLCC. Not a new eating place, I know it belongs to Benjamin Yong, the former owner of DELIcious, and I always heard that Ben's is like DELIcious only DELIcious has the more feminine interior design while Ben's offers a more masculine interior design.

Ben's Kitchen Sdn Bhd,

Lot 140, 1st Floor,

Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Since I love business, so I did my reading. You may read further or if you just want to focus on the food at Ben's you may skip the few paragraphs below. =) Benjamin Yong, the son of owner of Ms. Read's clothing apparel for the plus size boutiques, graduated in some mentioned Graphic Design some mentioned Architecture in Australia. Although he did not specialize in Culinary, but he was always into the F&B field. He started to sell Carrot Cakes with minimum cost, but doubled or tripled to profit selling it to a friend's family cafe. When he was a student in Australia he worked at a restaurant where he learnt the basics of restaurant operation. He always dreamt of having Aussie-like eateries at Malaysia, where the Western food are amazing while the ambience are more laid-back and relaxed, a lifestyle concept restaurant where people go to enjoy great food and relax with friends.

So he borrowed RM 300,000 from family and friends (lucky him) and he initiated DELIcious. Does not feeling embarrassed, humble Ben confessed that he, who lacked  In 2 years span only, he managed to make sales of RM 2 million. Then the infamous E&O company bought some shares in DELIcious at RM 3 million, and later bought the entire ownership of DELIcious at another RM 8 million. Intelligent person he is, Ben, although it was hard for him to leave his baby DELIcious, but with the massive capital he has now, this only 30 something year old man founded the BIG Group where he initiated more conceptual eateries such as Ben's, Plan B, Journal by Plan B, Canoodling and some other eateries which I cannot recall their names, which are mostly scattered at Publika, Solaris Dutamas and Bangsar. Not only that he opened this very not Malaysian-like supermarket, BIG (Ben's Independent Grocer) at Publika which is like a way bigger version of the DELI groceries stores where you can find halal and non halal imported groceries products. Usually my family and I always go to Hock Choon, Jalan Ampang which is closer to home to buy imported groceries products, especially much cheaper Salmon there, but BIG of course offers a greater variety with a more modern ambience.

One thing about Benjamin's restaurants, I noticed that although they do not obtain the JAKIM halal status (would be better if they do but I think that is impossible since they sell alcohol at all their restaurants) but I appreciate the fact that he is sensitive about the Muslims customers when most of his staff especially the chefs and cooks in the kitchen are Muslims. When he was questioned aren't he afraid of having numerous chain of eateries and stores now simultaneously, he confessed that before this when he started DELIcious, he saw it as his own business, but with the growth of his business which flourished greatly, he now sees it as a huge responsibility for his hundreds of staff, where he realizes that the continuity of his business means the continuance of his ability to pay the salary of his staff, which feeds their family's livelihood. (awwwww~) =)

Ok so yes Benjamin Yong is one Malaysian I am proud of, and one of my business idols. I hope to be as BIG as him in business insha Allah.

Ok now coming back to eating at Ben's, I read that Benjamin always wanted to have different atmosphere for his customers regardless they are eating at Ben's which offers the same menu, but different branches have different interior design. As for Ben's KLCC, the interior design is inspired by the concept of a Manhattan apartment of loft, so customers would feel comfortable as though enjoying good food at home. Oh yes the classic looking bicycle parked at the front of the restaurant would be the first thing you see upon entering.

A table with decor which is at the front of the restaurant you see once you entered it.


Since it was lunch hour, it was full house. I noticed that most of the customers are Caucasians more than the locals, which is a good sign that they serve good Western food.

See Ummi here always checking her phone.

And here is a card on top of every table which asks us to
"TALK. STOP LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE AND GIVE YOUR FINGERS A BREAK." LOL.

A bunch of Table Topics. Some are pretty deep while some are pretty random.

The Menu.
Inspired by great memories shared over meals, we believe in building relationships through food thus "To eat is to love" See how much they want customers to enjoy great food while bond at the same time.

Printed in handwritten cursive letters, same like the previous DELIcious menu where no photos of the food are available. E&O now put photos in the DELIcious menu. I don't know, perhaps the idea is for customers to actually be adventurous to try the dishes offered maybe. 

Oh by the way, I read a few blog entries on Ben's most of them recommend any dish that has Duck because the Duck is good here. Also I noticed the prices are increased RM 3 for each food (drinks excluded I think) from the prices in 2011. RM 3 increment per meal is pretty high I opine, but I don't know maybe it has to do with their rental maybe but it is still pretty high. 10 meals and they make extra RM 30.

A waiter. Our waiter worked fast, not smiling, although most of their staff always smiled (even the workers at BIG the grocers are always smiley, helpful and seemed so happy to work), but I understand perhaps due to the huge number of customers at that time and there is traffic in the kitchen. However he worked efficiently.

We start with our drinks. I ordered Root Beer Float (RM 7.90) while Ummi ordered Iced Lemon Tea (RM 8.90)

The Iced Lemon Tea was served chilled without added sugar, so you may add the warm sugar water that they provide according to your liking. As for my Root Beer Float, very satisfying especially on a hot day like this. The glasses are tall too, so you won't finish it in one to two sips only, just the way I like it.

As for the appetizer, we shared Chunky Mushroom Soup (RM 14.90)

With Truffle Oil and Garlic Toast. Once it arrived on my table, I can straight away sniffed the strong aroma of truffle oil. I did not notice that it had truffle oil, I thought it was Olive Oil but it was Truffle Oil. I had this terrible experience with Truffles where it caused me terrible, terrible dizziness at dinner till I could not drive my car. Malays say Mabuk Cnedawan so Truffles are bad for me. Luckily this time, it did not make me dizzy at all. Phew.

The Garlic Toast is huge and taste great. Cruncy and moist at the same time. The Mushroom Soup, tad too thick and too strong for Ummi & I. Felt good at first few sips, but later we did not enjoy it as much.

Ummi's main course was Wild Mushroom Spaghettini with Mascarpone
(RM 25.90)

With Lemon Zest and Truffle Oil. If you like creamy, Carbonara styled Spaghetti then this is for you. This dish is DECADENT! Loaded with different types of mushrooms, and the sauce is uber thick and delicious. Of course any creamy sauce spaghetti will fill you up fast.

Here, as Malaysians, must always add up Chili Flakes, which add more kick and made it taste better.

As for mine, I ordered Wagyu Beef Pie (RM 25.90)

With carrots,  onions and bay leaves.  I felt so happy I ordered this. Reall great meal.

Let me start with the salad, masha Allah, I am not a fan of veggies, but this salad was amazing. The salad, carrots, tomatoes and whatever peanuts they put on top made it an amazing dish of itself. Crunchy and simply yummy. Love, love, love the salad.

Now check out the Pie. The entire pie was served hot, and the pastry was so flaky, crispy and tender at the same time. The filling, oozes with huge chunks of Wagyu Beef, Carrots and Onions. Love this dish.

Now check out, as good as they taste, the portions at Ben's are huge. As Malaysians, meant for sharing. So I asked the waiter to pack all our left-overs (including the soup) because just see the amount of our left-overs, and yet we felt totally full. So twice the good food is always good. =)

Our total bill : RM 96.85
Inclusive of Government Tax & Service Charges.

Oh yes, I read that their cakes and dessert are to die for as well. However we were too full to try any. Next time insha Allah. They do look tempting and lovely.

Next : Lemon Meringue Tart insha Allah. Hopefully when I crave for something smooth and sweet. =)

Thanks for reading! =)

XOXO,
Sue

Jom Makan! Best Salmon Omelette @ Suzi's Corner, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Assalamualaikum WBT,

Oh yes previously long time ago I reviewed one of the cheapest but still the yummiest Grilled Chicken Chop in KL, which was of course at Suzi's Corner. Tonight I will review another favourite order of mine there, the Salmon Omelette. 

Still ordered from the same Western Food stall, this is one of the yummiest lighter orders but still will fill you up, just at the right point. =) 

Salmon Omelette
RM 8
At only below RM 10 you will get this pretty huge portion of Omelette & crispy Fries. Cooked to perfection and once you dig in, mamma mia, the amount of huge Salmon chunks will just feel like a party in your mouth. It's loaded with Salmon chunks! And so hot, and so yummy. It is PERFECT. =)

So yes dearies, if you feel like eating lighter for dinner, but still tastes oh so super good and healthy, do try it the next time you go to Suzi's ok. =)

Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Sue

Jom Makan! Dark Cherry Cake @ Decanter Setiabakti, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Assalamualaikum wbt,

This evening I had a meeting with a bunch of ladies at Decanter. Never heard of it because Bukit Damansara is not really my familiar vicinity, so this is my first time trying out the food they offer.  Apparently there are a few branches of this restaurant and this one is located at Jalan Setiabakti, Bukit Damansara hence it is called Decanter Setiabakti.

I was welcomed by a friendly waiter clad in the typical black and white uniform. It appears to me that Decanter reminds me of Hillside Corner, Bukit Antarabangsa as a neighbourhood restaurant/cafe that offers Western & Local delights except that Decanter presents a slightly more posh image with its interior decor and it also serves liquor.

Diners can choose to seat on the black chairs or orange booths which are both comfortable.

The Menu. "We try harder..." What a tagline. =)

Decanter here serves English breakfast sets such as Eggs Benedict, a variety of Omelette, Muffins, Scones, Sausages and Bacon together with Coffee at very reasonable prices where you can get the sets at RM 16.90 the highest. Others you may get them lower than that and for individual orders are below RM 10.

As for Malaysian and Asian delights mostly are below RM 15 and below RM 10.  Not to forget for Western lunch or dinner main courses from Steaks to Pasta are mostly below RM 30 or below RM 20. I opine the prices are reasonable and the food are good maybe from the number of customers they have for that day, and most of them,  I assume they are regular customers.


Since I ate a heavy lunch at the hospital, I just ordered drinks and shared a piece of cake with Kak Linda.

Kak Linda ordered Teh Tarik - RM 6.50

Mine was Lime Sour Sop Smoothie - RM 9

The taste was definitely refreshing, definitely filling.

Dark Cherry Cake - Missed the price but I think it was below RM 10
Huge portion. Very rich cherry taste. It was too strong for Kak Linda so I finished the most of it though she was the one who ordered this. I feel it tastes pretty ok since the taste was soften with the whipped cream. Presentation wise, I like. =)

Oh yes nice thing about Decanter, Senior Citizens above 60 years old get a 10% discount for eat-in food (not tapau) and non-alcoholic drinks. I laughed when I read that youthful looking seniors are asked to remind the staff about the discount. How witty, and flattering. =D

Ahh, saw this hung nearby the bathroom. A gift from the Children with Down Syndrome Foundation for Decanter. Perhaps Decanter did something charitable for them - Thank you for touching our hearts. Awwwww~ =)

So yes, insha Allah will come to Decanter again with my family to try their lunch or dinner even breakfast maybe. Friendly staff and service was fast too. =)

Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Sue