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! Fresh Grilled Salmon @ El Fresco, the Italiano Cafe, Empire Subang.

Assalamualaikum wbt,

Today we went to meet Dr. Kumar for another episode of Ummi's numerous doctors' appointments. He, unfortunately decided for Ummi to be admitted, again. I was so sad for her, I cried a bit, just a bit though because I pity Ummi. Since the doctors at Ampang Puteri have surrendered Ummi's case to the General Hospital, everytime Ummi is admitted we have to bunk in at the 3rd Class first since the 1st Class is always full, so we have to be in the waiting list for our turn. We don't have any problem about staying at 3rd Class, my family adapts easily with whichever situation that comes in, but of course, 1st Class would be better so I can take off my hijab and it is quieter there because sometimes it could be too noisy (although Ummi enjoys chatting with her new friends at the 3rd Class).

Although we had to admit immediately, I just told Dr. Kumar that we had to run some errands and he was OK with that. Actually since last week, Ummi was craving to eat the Grilled Salmon at Empire, Subang Jaya, the one which was recommended by Aunty Lin's son-in-law Abang Sham, which he claimed to be super delicious. I just wanted to cheer Ummi up, especially at 3rd Class the food, well not being grateful, but taste-wise they taste terrible so I want her to enjoy her last meal before being admitted this time.

So from HKL we drove to Subang Jaya, apparently this was my first time going to Empire Subang haha although I passed it hundreds of times using the Federal Highway. Ummi previously went with Deena. I thought we were supposed to head for a restaurant but surprisingly this eatery locates at the front area of Jaya Grocer supermarket at the Ground Floor.

The Main Counter & Cashier.

The Menu.

There, the concept at El Fresco is that we need to go to the supermarket area specifically the Butchery or Seafood counters for fresh ingredients. As they state here, REALLY FRESH. I take their word for it since Jaya Grocer is the official main sponsor for the Masterchef Malaysia pantry. Yes you get your desired meat or seafood and without paying for it yet, you head over to the El Fresco cashier counter to pay and specify your cooking instructions. However as for the cooking instructions we asked for choices, the cashier cum cook informed that they only grill here. 

Jaya Grocer Supermarket, the view from El Fresco actually.

Fresh Seafood. Lots of different sizes of Salmon pieces. Prices according to weight. I was too shy to snap at the Butchery just next to the Seafood counter because the workers kept smiling at me, but anyways they have different choices of meat including Wagyu Beef for some great tasting luxurious steak.

The simple dining area, cafeteria like, with lights slightly dimmed.

Right in between of the dining area, there are some already prepared food for your liking such as Roast Chicken, Lamb, Ratatouille etc. I always find similarities in Italian and French food especially on their poultry and potato dishes  but of course the Italians are more distinct in their Pasta while the French with their breads and pastry department. 

Roast Chicken.

Sandwich chicken hams and bacon with Salad.

Roasted Beef Striploin.

Both of us ordered Grilled Salmon. Cool thing about El Fresco, you may just pay the price of the meat/fish not inclusive of their cooking service charges and they will serve you just that with the sauce which I think are sufficient enough to fill you up. However we added side orders; mine with Pasta of the Day while Ummi combined it with Mixed Vege which cost additional RM 6 each. 

While waiting for our main dishes, we dug in into the
 Potato Gratin
RM 6.80
that we ordered from the Ready to Eat Counter.
Hot, creamy, and quite a huge portion actually that filled both of us already.

Drinks;
Lemonade & Pink Lemonade Snapple
RM 7.50 each
It's naturally flavoured without preservatives, so the taste haha no sugar what else could I say? =D

It took some time for our main dishes to be ready, but we saw the cooks working non stop in the kitchen which can be seen from the dining area. I enjoyed chatting with Ummi (I feel like a motivator these days due to Ummi's condition) while looking at other customers who do the typical thing of snapping photos of their food before digging in. =) Finally they arrived. =)

Ummi's
Grilled Salmon with Mixed Vegetables.
RM 19.52 (RM 13.52 + RM 6)

Mine
Grilled Salmon with Aglio Olio Spaghetti.
RM 21.08 (RM 15.08 + RM 6)

Verdict : BEST GRILLED SALMON EVER TASTED! One, because it's cooked fresh. Second, because the way they grilled the salmon blocks so perfectly you could just feel the natural good oils of the Salmon oozing in your mouth, because they serve you them while it's hot from the wok and the meat taste ultimately succulent, tender and juicy. I could literally feel I am feeding on Omega 3 for a healthier heart haha! Even typing this reminds me of how good it was! *drool* The portion of both side dishes are sufficient to be shared for two, mixed vege was good except for the spaghetti was tad too oily (although they use healthy Olive Oil but too much made it not so good tasting) and the Honey Cajun Mustard for the sauce was heavenly. A definite must try! Cannot wait to bring Deena to eat here. =)

The price tags to prove they actually cooked the pieces of Salmon we chose.

Ummi enjoying her Grilled Salmon. Alhamdulillah everytime Ummi eats Salmon and Char Kuey Teow without fail she will finish up her meal, as opposed to other food which she would only eat very little of them.

Smile Ummi. =)

Oh yes, regardless of the super delish meal, Ummi cannot help feeling depressed and anxious but it is my duty to make her mood lifted up and to know that she is not alone in this difficult times. And alhamdulillah she finished her Salmon too this time though the Vege was a bit too much for her.

Ok total damage here, RM 62.40 only. So peeps, yes El Fresco is a must try, and for me it is cheap because if you eat at hotels for Grilled Salmon as huge and as good as this it may cost you approximately RM 35-40 I opine. There are also numerous of other Italian dishes for you to try. Service is also attentive and good. Cleanliness, good.  Will definitely come again. I just wish it is closer to home though hehe. =)


Thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,
Sue

Jom Makan! Salmon Cappanelli @ eToile Bistro, Equatorial Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. (February 2012)

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Today I was scheduled to serve a function / night make-up on a client at Equatorial Hotel, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL. Since she was still at Bukit Bintang to do some last minute shopping, it was just perfect for me to have my late lunch. My family and I we always eat at Nipah Coffeehouse since I was a kid because the buffet are delicious and my father really likes the warm hospitality of the staff here, thus I intended to order some local delicacy there.

However I was greeted with a closed for public Nipah since it was the location for a 2 year old birthday party there. I saw this tall, beautiful woman smiled warmly at me and walked towards me. I quickly approached the Manager and asked for the venue for me to dine since Nipah was closed for me. The Manager brought me to the upper level and informed me that Nipah held a private event for Johan Raja Lawak's son's birthday party. Oh so the woman who approached me was his wife Ozlynn Wati! I really like to watch them on the cheesy yet fun Jejaka J series on Astro Prima. Both of them are real whackos. =D Then I was starstruck to see Johan walking towards Nipah with his retro looking Jeans and Shirt with Big Afro hair. Oh I really hope he will win this upcoming Anugerah Bintang Paling Popular because he is so funny and entertaining. =)

Oh yes, so coming back to my grumbling tummy, the Manager led me to a bistro which he said sells Western especially Italian food.

Welcome to eToile Bistro. Please do not add a T at the end of the name. =D

Cosy decor with sunlight coming through. Yes I just ordered iced water to quench my thirst and definitely to save. =D

They specialized on Pizzas.

Obviously selling mostly Italian dishes.



Most of the dishes in the menu cost RM 20 to 30 above and I was getting hungrier by the minute looking at the selection of Pasta such as Meatballs with Spaghetti,  Spaghetti Formaggio, Shrimp Scampi and Clams and Cappellini even Spaghetti Seafood Tom Yam to name a few.


I made my order (most of the staff are Filipinos, very warm and friendly) and yes I was literally famished by then. Was expecting for the best obviously since the name and the description was so good.


And here came my order. 

Salmon Cappellini. RM 35
Sauteed fresh salmon with spinach, olive oil and herbs.

The colours, the aroma, really made me happy already.

I tell you, this dish came hot from the wok and MASHA ALLAH IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DELISH! The chunks of salmon covering the Angel Hair spaghetti were so fresh, tender, juicy and generous.  And of course we know salmon is rich with Omega 3 Fatty Acids which is good for the heart. The tomatoes and spinach were drenched with healthy and yummy olive oil (all 3 ingredients are awesome for beautiful skin and youthfulness). Sprinkled with Cheese and caramelized onions. It was a brilliant dish! Compliments to the Chef! I don't think it's hard to cook this but anyway I was glad I was the only customer inside (most were outside) so I could look as ugly as possible enjoying my meal. =D


So yes people, seriously, this is an order you will not regret.
So yes, inclusive of Government Tax and Service Charge, total damage was about RM 40 but I was happy because I loveeeeee what I ate. =)

Ah yes, since it is a bistro, you may order lovely (insha Allah great tasting) cakes here too.

I was attracted with a variety of Cheese Sticks offered.

The bread and doughnuts look good too.




After leaving some minimal tip, I left eToile Bistro with a satisfied grin, now to satisfy my customer with awesome make-up service insha Allah. =)


Thanks for reading! =)

XOXO,
Sue