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

In Person with Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil @ Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Assalamualaikum,

Yesterday I received a phone call inviting me to the residence of former Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Datuk Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. I was definitely ecstatic since I admire her so much regardless of the recent controversy surrounding her political career. I don't need to justify, enough said I admire her since long long long time ago but never had the opportunity to meet her in person.

It was a multiracial lunch meeting, which I cannot disclose details just yet. I am just happy to share my wonderful day for meeting one of my greatest idols in the legal & political scenes, you know the first time to meet her and not only to shake hands, but having lunch with her next to me, and giving my opinions while she listened attentively. It felt surreal when she mentioned my name many times in the room. Call me pathetic but that made my day. =D

She is beautiful and is a very warm person just as how I've seen her in the media. She smells really good too haha. I can't show my photos with her since she was not wearing hijab at that time, well it was just a cosy homey meeting. I am excited I am going to be a part of this upcoming programme, so I hope that I may contribute as much as possible to Barisan Nasional especially to the people at the same time learn new things which will come along the challenges insha Allah.

I hope for the best amin. =)

Thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

Jom Makan! Gourmet Ice Cream @ The Cream & Fudge Factory, Alamanda, Putrajaya.

Assalamualaikum,

When I slept at Aunty Ana's in Putrajaya, Kak Aerma & I were feeling pretty bored the next day. We left our mums, the best of friends at home while we headed to Alamanda for Kak Aerma to do some groceries shopping. I was surprised to see how fresh the vegetables are at Alamanda's Carrefour as compared to the one nearby to my place at Wangsa Maju.

After that, we treat ourselves with some sweet, cooling desserts. There's a joint of The Cream & Fudge Factory, serving gourmet ice cream. Kak Aerma chose some Caramel with Strawberries ice cream while I opted for Mint & Chocolate Chips ice cream. We chose cones rimmed with chocolate dip, mine the plain one while Kak Aerma had peanuts on them. 

RM 15++ each. Both tasted delish (especially mine) and filling. Kak Aerma barely finished hers. The Cream & Fudge Factory is also available at Suria, KLCC (their other branch that I am aware of).

Thanks for reading. =)

XOXO,

Sue

Jom Makan! Coconut Shake @ Jasin, Melaka (March 2012)

Assalamualaikum,

I was heading to a friend's wedding with Ummi when I saw this Coconut Shake stall. Yes I know it is not the infamous Klebang Original Coconut Shake but the Coconut Shake I ever only tried was at Giant, Taman Permata which tasted awful like drinking Coconut Milk @ Santan thus my hopes for this one was high since I was already in Melaka.

This stall is located at Jalan Gapam. On the way to Selandar right in front of this food court which is next to Sekolah Kebangsaan Bemban.

The stall operator. He is polite I like.

Fresh coconuts.

He scooped generous, succulent flesh of the coconuts blended with Vanilla ice cream and crushed ice. 


The prices per cup :

Normal : RM 2.00
Special : RM 2.50

I just bought one Special Cup for us to share.

Special means it is topped with additional Vanilla ice cream. And to differ his Coconut Shake, he sprinkled Chocolate Rice on top. 


IT, WAS, AWESOME.
ESPECIALLY ON A HOT DAY LIKE THIS. =)


So guys, if you drop by here, please do try ok. =)


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

Day 3 - Jom Makan! Best Nasi Kandar Ever @ Nasi Kandaq Beratoq, Pulau Pinang.

Assalamualaikum,

Finally it's time for us to try one of the best Nasi Kandar in Penang. Yes we ate Subaidah but that was not at the original Butterworth branch but we were dying to try the most infamous Nasi Kandar brands which are not available in Kuala Lumpur. As for Original Kayu Nasi Kandar was very famous in Penang but since they made themselves available in KL & Selangor they had to close shop in Penang since tourists no longer look forward to eating their Nasi Kandar once they are in Penang, but I still bet they make a fortune in other states. So perhaps some labels especially food just need to be stationary at their original premise so people would always come back to them.

We always hear when we go to Penang we must eat either Nasi Kandar Line Clear or Nasi Kandar Beratur although I always hear Nasi Kandar Line Clear more often. Nevertheless, we went to Nasi Kandar Line Clear which is located at a narrow street space, but when Ummi saw it operates 24 hours and the premise was not very clean we know that it would be a no for us. Ummi always reminds us to try our best not to eat at 24 hours food joints because she always says "When do they clean their premises if they are opened 24/7?" and so when we saw Line Clear was pretty dirty we did not eat there.

We were lucky because Nasi Kandar Beratur (or in English it means Queueing Kandar Rice) joint is located just next to Masjid Kapitan Keling. As stated on the signboard here, the brand was established since 1943 and the original recipe will only be sold from 10 pm onwards. So the one selling during the day might be their competitor with not the so original recipe or might be their family members I am not sure but we were famished we would try them anyway. Another fact about my Mum, she dislikes eating too late at night and then she would start her lecture about how the European countries would already be with their families sleeping at 10 while us South East Asians would still be consuming calories and cholesterol when we should sleep. =D

We were lucky because although it's around noon not so many customers were occupying the premise so it was easy for us to get seats.

Yup just located on the right hand side of the Masjid's entrance, so easy to find.

While waiting, let me explain some facts about Nasi Kandar especially to you non-Malaysians. Nasi Kandar is the original 'fast food' from Penang which harks back to the British colonial period. Rice and an accompaniment of curry dishes were originally sold by travelling Indian-Muslim vendors which balanced two heavy containers laden with food on each end of a yoke (or pole) on their shoulders. These food containers were conveyed to the jetties to satisfy hungry immigrant workers at the port looking for a quick, affordable, hunger sating meal.

Today Nasi Kandar, which literally means 'rice carried on a shoulder with stick' is only found in Indian-Muslim restaurants or stalls and is a national favourite of Malaysians. You will be able to find popular Nasi Kandar chain restaurants across Malaysia, but the most authentic experience is to savour this dish in its birthplace, Penang. To partake in Nasi Kandar is an event. Firstly you queue by the counter to make your individual choice of dishes. Everything starts with the rice, of which a generous mountain of fragrant white rice is heaped onto a plate. 

This is the guy who will attend your orders. Quiet but all smiles and work fast. =)

You will proceed to point out your selection of curried dishes which will be ladled on top of the plate of rice. The choices will depend on the restaurant but some common selections will be Sambal Udang (giant tiger prawns soaked in an array of spices), Daging Kicap (beef simmered in thick soy sauce), Burung Puyuh (tasty marinated quail), Ketam Masala (stewed crab with spicy masala curry), Kari Kepala Ikan (fish head curry), Gulai Sotong (squid curry), Kari Kurma (a mild, non-spicy curry which can be of chicken or lamb) and Ayam Kampung Goreng (deep fried free range chicken which is coated in aromatic spices). Vegetable or non-meat dishes are generally considered side orders, but will nevertheless be heaped onto the same plate as well. This selection includes Kacang Bendi (curried okra or lady's fingers), Kacang Panjang (stir-fried long beans), Sayur Kobis (cabbage stir-fried inturmeric which both of my parents hate, they said Mamak's vegetable are meant to feed goats but me on the other hand love them haha!) and Telur Dadar (vegetable omelette). 

After your selection of dishes, you will then be asked which Kuah (gravy) you would like on your rice. If does not really matter if the rice is now buried under the selection of meats and vegetables, you will still be given the option of gravy. If you would like to experience the dish in a truly authentic manner with the richness and flavours of all the spices used, you can reply 'banjir' (which means to flood the plate with an assortment of curries, as for me I like Kuah Campur (Mixed) with Kuah Kurma lebih (extra Kurma gravy!) ). Alternatively, for the timid of heart, you can point to the curry of your desire and say 'kuah sikit' (a little gravy). When you think that the plate can hold no more, it will be crowned with few pieces of crunchy Pappadom. 

At Nasi Kandaq Beratoq you must pay first before you eat.

A note of caution, the prices of your meal will depend on the choice of your selection. A simple selection of chicken drumstick with curry and one vegetable side dish with white rice should average around RM 5. This may rise dramatically if a giant tiger prawn (averages around RM 9 per prawn, and it has occurred to me at Nasi Kandar restaurants sometimes may charge up to RM 18 per piece, so always ask the price before you decide to have it, otherwise you will have a heart attack at the counter and it's not because of the cholesterol) is selected or if Nasi Briyani (long grain briyani rice cooked with herbs and spices, around RM 6 per serving) takes your fancy over white rice!

For the truly adventurous, Nasi Kandar is best eaten with your fingers! Do it the Malaysian-way using your right hand only by using your fingers to form a mix of rice, curry and a small piece of meat into a mound. This is then balanced on your index, middle and ring fingers as a scoop and your thumb to push the mound of food into your mouth politely. A tip is to start with a small mound if you are worried about making a mess. (Source Penang Street Food iphone App).

Oh yes people, I am sorry because I totally lost the note of prices I made during this trip. I can't recall the prices of food here but trust me, we were surprised with how much cheaper the prices here compared to the prices in KL for Nasi Kandar and just check out what we had.

Teh O Ais Limau (Iced Lemon Tea)
RM 1 plus.

Plain Rice, Curry Fish, some Curry Mutton, Cabbage & half of Salted Duck Egg.

Plain Rice, Fried Chicken, Fried Egg, Sambal Udang (Tiger Prawn) and cabbage. Best of all they have caramelized onions to top the rice which made the whole taste explode in your mouth. Awesome.

The huge size of the Tiger Prawn.

One rare dish here as compared to other Nasi Kandar outlets is this, Burung Puyuh Goreng (Fried Quail). See the caramelized onion on top of it? Yum.


To sum our gastronomic experience here, masha Allah, it is THE BEST NASI KANDAR WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED! I cannot describe just how much we love it, but it tasted so awesome!! And with good prices too! Maybe Line Clear is better or at the same level, but seriously, this is the best Nasi Kandar we ever tasted although it may not be the original 10 pm outlet recipe. So please, if you drop by to Penang please try the Nasi Kandar here, and another thing I like is its cleanliness. Two thumbs up! =)

Oh yes, after we had stuffed our faces, we dropped by at a nearby Original Gems Stones named Nafil Gems. 

Lots of choices of colourful gem stones. 

One thing we did not like about this shop was when Ummi asked for prices, he straight away answered "The cheap ones are over there." Wrong answer. Underestimating the customers will never gain you business, so toodles.

Ok darlings, thanks for reading anyways. =)

XOXO, 

Sue