• Header

    Blog
  • Posts under "horng" tag

    January 16, 2012

    KY eats – Lobsterman at SS2 PJ

    Lobster is one of those sea creatures that usually means slightly different things to different people. The image of lobsters that we’re familiar with are usually the spiny lobster, which is quite a bit more prevalent in Chinese cuisine and local seafood restaurants.

    The Lobsterman, however, serves only Homarus Americanus, or the American lobster, which is easily identified with their iconic big claws. Lobsterman is in fact the only lobster specialty restaurant in the country.

    The Lobsterman. Homarus Americanus
    The Lobsterman. Homarus Americanus

    My only previous visit to this restaurant was some 7-8 years ago, prior to the birth of this blog. I’ve been longing to head there again for a while now, so for Haze’s birthday, we went there for dinner.

    The menu at Lobsterman is quite extensive (you can find a full listing on their website).  Other than lobsters, they serve beef, chicken, salmon, cod, and a couple lamb dishes too.

    Lobsters are priced according to weight:

    • 550gm (1.25 lb) QUARTERS RM 98
    • 700gm (1.50 lb) HALVES RM 118
    • 800gm (1.75 lb) SELECTS RM 128
    • 900gm (1.75 lb) SELECTS RM 138
    • 1kg and above lobster count by weight rm160 per kg

    this sweet lobster was our dinner, your life will be well delicious
    this sweet lobster was our dinner, your life will be well delicious

    However, the best deal would be their lobster special menu priced at RM 128. For that  you get baked escargot/half dozen New Zealand mussels, soup of the day, live Atlantic lobster (550 gram) prepared in style of your choice, seafood rice/pasta, dessert of the day, and tea/coffee.

    If I remember correctly, I ordered the same deal during the first visit and it was something like RM 98 then. Marginal increase in price over the years, plenty reasonable.

    escargot and cream of mushroom
    baked escargot and cream of mushroom

    We ordered the special set with and upgraded lobster (700 gram for extra RM 20 just cos the ran out of 550 gram lobster) and an Uruguayan tenderloin (RM 56) to share.

    First to come was the baked escargot and it was much better than expected. The escargot is shelled and served in a special plate. Plenty of cream, cheese, and the snail goodness. We loved it.

    The cream of mushroom soup tho, was very ordinary, and I wouldn’t recommend ordering if it wasn’t part of a set.

    700 gram lobster, chargrilled the traditional American style
    700 gram lobster, char broiled the traditional American style

    We had our lobster prepared the good old American way – char-broiled.

    Alternatively you can have it prepared HK style (garlic), Japanese (sashimi or soup), American (stuffed, simmered), France (Terragon butter baked), Italy (lobster thermidor), local (stir fry salt & pepper or XO sauce), Chinese (braised yee mee, steamed, lotus leaf), Indian (curry), Thai (tomyam) and more.

    I’d recommend sticking to methods that involves less spices in order to enjoy the natural taste of the seafood. I had tried lobster sashimi before and it was really good.

    the birthday girl was obviously enjoying the lobster much
    the birthday girl was obviously enjoying the lobster much

    The char broiled style too was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the lobster. It was fresh (obviously), firm, and flavorful. There was a side of butter to go with the lobster but I find it unnecessary, it was really good on its own too.

    we also ordered the filet mignon, pleasantly surprised with how well it was
    we also ordered the filet mignon, pleasantly surprised with how well it was

    The Uruguayan tenderloin was a slab of prime barrel cut filet mignon at 220 gram. Haze loved it rare and that was how we had it. We ordered it with the sauce on the side and ended up not touching the sauce at all. The meat was tender and really turned out to be much better than anticipated.

    It was probably one of the best non-wagyu/kobe beef that I’ve ever had. Would probably go there again when I am in for some good beef. :D

    Horng, Suan, Yuki, and Kerol came in to surprise the birthday girl :D
    Horng, Suan, Yuki, and Kerol came in to surprise the birthday girl :D

    After the dinner, Suan, Horng, Kerol and Yuki came in for a little surprised cake for the birthday girl. I had to delay our departure from the restaurant to make this happen as the guys were stuck in traffic, but alas it was a real surprise.

    A good dinner, and pretty reasonably priced (I wouldn’t say affordable). Everything ended up around RM 250 (with drinks & taxes), but it was well worth it.

    map to Lobsterman at PJ SS2

    Address:
    Lobsterman Homarus Americanus
    53 Jalan SS 2/30
    Ss 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya,
    Selangor
    Websitelobsterman.com.my
    GPS: 3.114334, 101.621717
    Tel: 03-7877 6772

    December 30, 2011

    Xmas Eve Party 2011

    The first xmas eve party that I hosted was all the way back in 2005, which actually didn’t feel at all like it was already 6 years ago, with everyone still talking about Douglas’s epic puke fest after having one drink too many.

    After last year’s absence (we spent xmas eve at Suan’s), the 5th installment of xmas eve party at my place resumes, and this time around we decided to have it back to basic – without the buffet line, satay man, or sponsored beer.

    A big thank you to everyone who shows up, and even bigger thank you to those who brought alcohol and home made red velvet cupcake (Lainey) to share.

    KY's xmas eve party 2011
    Horng, Haze, Terence; Aaron, Ruby, Derek; Terence & Celine

    Those who came before in previous years:

    KY, Haze, Terence, Horng, Suan, Ruby, Eiling, Michael, FA, Ringo, Ginny, Arthur, Yee Hou, Gareth, Kimberly, Huey Fang, Chan, Kerol.

    Newcomer this year:

    Lance, Melissa, Michael (yep 2 of them), Li Ling, Lainey, Aaron, Zach, Vinn, Pearl, Derek, Celine, Yuki.

    KY's xmas eve party 2011
    Eiling & KY; Lance & Melissa, FA, Michael & Li Ling; Michael & Ringo

    Unlike previous year’s crazy binge drinking style, this seems to be the year where everyone sorta take things slightly more maturely. Everyone was just having a good time, sipping some single malt whisky or having a cold one.

    No, there is no beer bong  this year, and if you want to look at pictures of people passing out, I’ll have to disappoint too. Some might say this is a sign of old age, hmmmm…

    KY's xmas eve party 2011
    Yee Hou & Ginny; Ruby; FA; Lainey; Suan; Haze; Robb & Zach

    The gift exchange part tho, was as fun as ever. Every year we had this rule, and I highly recommend that you do the same for your xmas gift exchange. I initially got this from working at Unisys in Cincinnati (man that was over 10 years ago)

    • every participant contribute a gift, and then draw a number from the box
    • smallest number start by picking and unwrapping a gift
    • next number can snatch the opened gift, whereby the person who lost it gets to choose another gift, or snatch another opened gift
    • you cannot snatch a gift that was in your possession before

    KY's xmas eve party 2011
    Gift exchange was again the highlight of the night – best was the 1kg bacon

    In essence, having the last number usually means you get to pick anything that’s opened, with only one unknown gift. However, even the last person can get his/her gift snatched if she (A) snatched B, then B snatched C, but C can actually snatch back A’s gift.

    Loads of fun, try it.

    The most snatched gift this year was from Lance & Horng – who contributed a whole 1 KG bacon and a small water feature thing. Those gifts exchange hands at least half a dozen times.

    The funniest gift tho was from Robb, and drew by Kerol (after what she chose initially got snatched) – two bundle of bananas!

    KY's xmas eve party 2011
    fire works; Gareth telling stories; bacon; Kim & Michael

    I prepared a bit of BBQ (20 wings, some sausages) for those who happened to be hungry, Lainey brought her home made red velvet cakes (super yummy!), and at the end of the night we bbq some bacon too.

    And no, this year we did not have any cops coming to end the party. Now that’s a first.

    Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!

    Olympus E-PL3

    filed under Parties
    November 16, 2011

    KY eats – Racks at Changkat Bukit Bintang

    Several weeks ago I braved the rush hour traffic and got myself to Changkat Bukit Bintang, a place I wouldn’t normally go during rush hours thanks to the horrible traffic situation and exuberant parking fees. That night, however, I had an invitation from Racks Bar & Baby Backs for a food review session.

    More importantly, there was promise of good pork, and a lot of them.

    Racks at Changkat Bukit Bintang
    Racks at Changkat Bukit Bintang

    The setup at Racks is much like many other bars and eateries at Changkat Bukit Bintang – hip interior, a bar stocked full of all sorts of alcohol, alfresco as well as airconditioned dining area, and decorated by expatriate diners.

    If the decoration of this place brings a sense of deja vu to you, it was probably because Racks is run by Paul James, the guy who is also behind The Magnificent Fish and Chips just a few doors down.

    pigs in blanket, oyster with ham, peaches and parma ham
    pigs in blanket, oyster with ham, peaches and parma ham

    Anyway, lets look at the food.

    We started out of course, with some pork laden appetizers. Pigs in blanket (meat in prosciutto, RM 24), oyster with ham (seafood in prosciutto, RM 32), and peaches with parma ham (peaches n parma RM 22).

    All three involves parma ham, and all delicious in its own way. My favorite was naturally, the raw oyster which carries a punch with those pepper. The combination with the saltiness of parma, hotness of paper, and freshness of oyster worked well. Beats oyster with lemon anytime.

    cold cuts platter
    cold cuts platter

    This cold cuts platter promises plenty of meat with jam, in house mustards, pickles, and freshly baked bread for the price of RM 54. The dish reminds me of the cold cuts I had at El Meson in Bangsar, but instead of the more common winter melon, the pairing of jam, mustard, pickles, and bread makes for very good light meal with beer.

    Supper anyone?

    molotov shooters, a happy Huai Bin, and "illusions"
    molotov shooters, a happy Huai Bin, and “illusions”

    Then the alcohol came out.

    There were more Molotov shooters (a dozen for RM 200) than there were people on the same table, bad idea. This stuff was very potent and of course I only had one, Huai Bin, HorngMichael, and Gareth were there to make sure nothing is going to waste.

    We also had a rack of Illusion, a mixture of Midori melon, pineapple juice, and vodka. I actually find this quite tasty, a taste of festivity, almost.

    Asparagus under prosciutto
    Rack’s Big Bad Sandwich, Asparagus under prosciutto

    The last of appetizer was aspagarus under prosciutto (RM 22), a pretty common combination. I often make bacon & asparagus, but parma ham makes an even better combination, and perhaps slightly healthier.

    The main courses came next, we first tried Rack’s Big BAD Sandwich (RM 26) – BAD stands for back bacon, avocado, and dried tomato. I’ve never had sandwich with avocado, but the mixture actually works, the buttery taste of avocado goes well with savory bacon and the acidity from dried tomato.

    pork burger, pulled pork burger, and hot & spicy pork ribs
    pork burger, pulled pork burger, and hot & spicy pork ribs

    Then there’s the standard pork burger (RM 28) with smoked back bacon, pork patty, dried tomato, smoked bacon, and even ahem, vegetable. This was as delicious as it was difficult to eat. Prepare to make a splendid mess.

    Pulled pork burger (RM 28) might be a Boston’s favorite, but it doesn’t work with me. I’m not a big fan of the drier texture on the meat, but your mileage might vary.

    marmalade sweet and spicy pork ribs
    marmalade sweet and spicy pork ribs

    Then there were of course, the ribs, after all ,this place is called Racks Bar & Baby Back for a reason.

    There’s the more typical hot & spicy ribs, and then there’s the marmalade sweet & spicy pork ribs (RM 52 full rack, RM 32 half rack).

    I wasn’t too crazy over the coleslaw, but the ribs were fantastic! Absolutely full of flavor and the meat falls off the bones easier than skimpy cloths from Las Vegas strippers. You gotta try this for yourself, if you think the photo of the ribs look good, it tastes at least twice as well!

    the hungry diners, and the 3 servers at Racks
    the hungry diners, and the 3 friendly servers at Racks

    And just like The Magnificent Fish and Chips, this outlet is another one worth visiting at Changkat. The food is good, prices are in line with other restaurants at the area, and services are commendable too.

    It was a good night with great company, and bless those pigs too, they were delicious.

    map to Racks at Changkat Bukit Bintang

    Address:
    Racks Bar & Baby Backs,
    18-1, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
    GPS: 3.147581, 101.707934
    Tel: 03-2110 1550

    September 16, 2011

    KY eats – Hai Peng Kopitiam at Kemaman, Terengganu

    Hai Peng kopitiam is no stranger to the beach goers and divers alike who frequent the beautiful islands at the East Coast of Malaysia – Redang, Tenggol, Lang Tengah, and Perhentian alike.

    The kopitiam is strategically located at Cukai, at the Southern tip of Terengganu; which means it is about the end of trunk roads before heading to Karak Highway. The perfect place for a rest stop after a nice weekend dive trip before continuing the journey back to Klang Valley.

    Hai Peng Kopitiam at Kemaman
    Hai Peng Kopitiam at Kemaman

    On my recent dive trip to Lang Tengah island, that was precisely what we did.

    The kopitiam was established 3 generations ago (1940), and the old owner can still be seen hanging around while the younger generations run things.

    Hai Peng serves quite a good variety of different foods, and they are the truly 1Malaysia restaurant before 1Malaysia was hip. You can find nasi lemak, nasi dagang, toast, meehun goreng, tapai, half boiled eggs, and a host of other things suitable for any race or religion to consume.

    curry puff, tapai, prawn crackers, toast with banana and peanut butter
    curry puff, tapai, prawn crackers, toast with banana and peanut butter

    To start, we had some of their curry puff, prawn crackers (very light and flavorful), and tapai. The tapai comes wrapped in some leaves and were really good, I wished there were some cendol to with.

    Their packet nasi lemak came soon after and we grabbed a few packets too, it was oily, spicy, and an absolute must try to those who love things wholesome and not in a diet.

    half boiled egg, nasi lemak, special curry toast, garlic bread
    half boiled egg, nasi lemak, special curry toast, garlic bread

    The half boiled egg at Hai Peng is a little tricky, they serve the eggs in a jar of boiling water, and it’s up to you to know when the eggs are ready. As a rule of thumb, 5 mins is about half boiled, and 7-8 mins 3/4 boiled, and so forth. The one in the photo was about 7 minutes.

    Horng ordered this curious toast that had banana and peanut butter in them. While the description might be a bit gross, it actually tasted very good and the dude ended up ordering a second portion.

    For those who love things spicy, the special curry toast is a must order. The set comes with a sunny side top, a big piece of toast, and curry chicken with potato that is very, very spicy. Not for the faint hearted.

    special coffee breeze, pina colada, kopi ice
    special coffee breeze, pina colada, kopi ice

    Then of course, there’s the coffees. I love their iced coffee (tho not enjoying the plastic cup), and probably should have ordered the hot coffee instead.

    The special coffee breeze was sort of a local version of those Starbucks ice blended on steroid, a bit too much flavor going on I thought. The pina colada, on the other hand, was a disappointment, overly sweet and of course, no alcohol.

    map to Hai Peng Kopitiam

    Food at Hai Peng had more hits than misses, and definitely a decent stopover place on return trips. They are opening up branches here in KL soon, but it remains to be seen if the quality suffers.

    Address:
    Hai Peng Kopitiam
    K-3753, Jalan Sulaimani,Chukai,Kemaman
    Terengganu, 24000, Malaysia
    GPS: 4.2351, 103.4225
    Tel: 09-859 7810

    April 26, 2011

    KY eats – Mai Ramen at Jaya One

    Non-halal Japanese Ramen used to be a bit of a novelty in this country. For a long time, Wisma Central’s Tenka Daiichi and Ton Chan at Wisma Cosway were two of the few places that serves it.

    Mai Ramen at Jaya One
    Mai Ramen at Jaya One

    But with the seemingly rapid maturity that Japanese cuisine enjoys in this country over the last decade or so, I’m glad that there are now more ramen shops that don’t feel like they have to make compromises to capture a wider demographic.

    Mai Ramen is one of such places, a relatively new comer to the scene that serves ramen as intended – with pork!

    chasiu ramen, always my go-to ramen of choice
    chasiu ramen, always my go-to ramen of choice

    I ordered basically the measuring stick of any ramen place – chasiu ramen. If you ask for a set, it comes with 3 pretty tasty gyoza, a somewhat forgettable salad, and some interesting salty+spicy vegetable on the side that goes pretty well with the ramen.

    As for the bowl of ramen itself, it was certainly not a disappointment. The broth was pretty thick and flavorful, the noodle palatable, and the chasiu were commendable too. It was actually, quite good.

    I think we might have over ordered..
    I think we might have over ordered..

    Yuki had ramen that comes with unagi. The unagi sauce certainly made the eel tasted as good as any. The 3/4 boil egg in the ramen too were perfectly done. Good stuff.

    The yakitori (grilled stuff) at Mai Ramen, on the other hand, were a pretty disappointing affair. They somehow tasted a little old and you don’t get the flavor and punch you’d expect from good yakitori such as those you can get from the excellent Sumi Ka or Hyotan at SS15.

    Horng, Yuki, Kerol
    Horng, Yuki, Kerol at Mai Ramen

    A dinner at Mai Ramen would come to about RM 20-30 inclusive of drinks. The best ramen I’ve had in the region is still Santouka in Singapore, but Mai Ramen is certainly not a place to be dismissed if you’ve got that pork ramen craving coming. Now I just wish they don’t take nearly as long to serve…

    map to Jaya One

    Address:
    Mai Ramen
    D-13-G, Block D
    Jaya One,
    No. 72A, Jalan Universiti,
    Petaling Jaya
    GPS: 3.117537, 101.635680
    Tel: 03-7957-6689

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
  • Copyright 2010 KYspeaks.com | Designed and coded by HazeLong.com
  • Copyright 2010 KYspeaks.com | Designed and coded by HazeLong.com