tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58456781826352935162024-02-06T19:16:53.431-08:00donnowhere2eatThe journey of the Innovative Baker to foreign lands, trying out foreign food, enjoying, relishing and creating a wave of new interest for foreign food in foreign lands.Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-60851751996266930762012-05-15T08:59:00.000-07:002012-05-15T08:59:26.629-07:00The Thai Restaurant in Clapham Junction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was one of those days where mom and I decided to have a stroll in Clapham Junction. By far one of my favourite areas to get to for everything (heck if I could move here, I would), I thought having gone there for some nice lunch would be good.</div>
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We started the day off quite late so the meal ended up being our semi lunch + tea together. We weren't intending to go for something Asian as I was intending to steer my mom to trying out some British food. However...we ended up going to <a href="http://www.thaitho.co.uk/Clapham/">The Thai Restaurant</a> because they were having quite a good offer for lunch!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">They were offering two courses for £8.95, so we figured why not! In we walked and was quite taken by the contemporary meet traditional Thai decorations that is quite simply signatory of the Thai people. They're very design savvy I must say. </span>
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For drinks, we decided on the traditional. I ordered the Thai Iced Tea (£2.95) while mom had the Pure Lemongrass Tea (£2.00). I loved how the straw was presented on the tall glass. Anyhoo.... the Thai Iced Tea was actually quite good. They normally use condensed milk for it and there is always a touch of sourness to Thai Iced Tea. The Pure Lemongrass Tea came out of a tea bag so the only way I would say is, the brand they used was good. I can taste the lemongrass rather than assuming that I would. </div>
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For the meal in itself we ordered:</div>
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Tom Kha Gai (Creamy coconut soup with chicken, galangal, mushrooms, lemongrass and lime leaves) normal RPP £6.50</div>
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Tod Man Pla (Fish mixed with mild curry and long beans, deep fried and served with arjad sauce) </div>
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normal RPP £6.95</div>
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Of the two starters, I liked the fish cakes better. You could see strands of kaffir lime leaves as well in the fish cake which added depth to the starter. I am not entirely sure how many pieces of fish cakes you get at its normal retail price but I guess for the lunch special, three does suffice. The Arjad sauce, had bits of peanuts, chilli and coriander in fish sauce. Typical dipping sauce from Thailand, I think a bit more of added condiments would have been good.</div>
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The Tom Kha Gai was too coconuty for my liking. The filling was also a bit lack lustre, with bits of chicken, mushrooms and galangal. The wee bit of chili oil did not do it for me but at least it was good that my mom could have some seeing that chilli isn't her thing. Again portion wise, I doubt it would actually reflect the usual retail price so for what it was worth, I don't mind it.</div>
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For the mains, we ordered:</div>
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Gang Pak (Green curry in coconut milk with mixed vegetables) served with egg fried rice RPP £7.50</div>
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Pad Kee Mao (Fried rice noodles with chicken, chilli, holy basil, long green beans, bamboo shoot and lemongrass) RPP £8.95</div>
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I keep forgetting that Thai food always has a heavy dosage of bamboo shoots. Coming from Malaysia, bamboo shoots are practically non-existent and the smell of fermented ones puts me off even further. So when the Gang Pak (Green Curry) came, both mom and I were not exactly too keen on it. However, I must stress that the curry was of good consistency, is certainly aromatic and the portion of vegetables that came with it, traditional or not, was indeed fulfilling. The egg fried rice was also quite well prepared with bits of egg popping up here and there between the rice. Flavourful, fragrant, not mushy (as some fried rice can be) and a good portion for one to eat for lunch.</div>
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My Pad Kee Mao however was yummy.... yes...yummy...It had a good balance of flavours, just the right touch of spiciness and the vegetables were fresh as can be. There was also enough chicken fillets in there to constitute my five a day too. It wasn't oily as is with fried noodles normally, the texture had more bite than just mush...so I did like my noodles. I did specifically say no bamboo shoots, so that could be one reason why I prefered this over the green curry.</div>
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The dining experience in general was great. We were sitting near the kitchen, so we could see the action going on. And not too far from us were waitresses and kitchen assistants assembling rice paper rolls and paper prawns from scratch. At least you know what you're getting is properly made and not just because it is a dish on offer.</div>
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I would say that for Thai food, it is not entirely mind blowing. Though at the end of the day, Thai restaurants do do attract a certain number of customers based on its large appeal. Now if only Malaysian restaurants could expand far and wide like the Thais, I'd say we have a winner.</div>
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So what did I think of the place?</div>
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Ambience 4/5 (nice decoration, good environment for chats)</div>
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Food 3/5 (the hits and misses)</div>
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Price - for lunch specials 4/5 (portions were good)</div>
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Drinks - 4/5 (not only they have the usual offerings of wine, but at least traditional drinks are part of the menu)</div>
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Average price per person with the lunch special: £11.00 (lunch special + non-alcoholic drink)</div>
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The Thai Restaurant in Clapham is one of the many other branches it has. It also located in Chelsea, Wandsworth, Ealing and Parsons Green. The restaurant is also part of a group that owns Fat Boys and Thai Tho. </div>
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Where was the restaurant that I was at?</div>
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54 Northcote Road</div>
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Battersea</div>
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London SW11 1PA</div>
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Wanting better Thai,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br /></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-22040014129787248342012-05-09T03:06:00.000-07:002012-05-09T03:09:19.920-07:00C&R Cafe-Restaurant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Right...being utterly Malaysian, and my mom being in town, Malaysian food is always on the menu. So we always try, or rather I always try to find a Malaysian restaurant or two to try out when she's around. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cnrrestaurant.co.uk/chinatown/">C&R Cafe-Restaurant</a> has been around for a long time. Neatly tucked away on Rupert Court in Chinatown, London, the restaurant is somewhat a household name with many the Malaysian guest, full time Londoner or a casual passerby. The decor is not one to look at, simple, straightforward as is with many Malaysian restaurants, packed with no space to walk and staff that reminds you of Malaysia...for sure...LOL! The restaurant has a basement as well to sit more customers so don't be deceived by the very 'many' tables you see upon entry.</div>
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Getting on with the food, C&R offers a fairly good selection of street food, or in Malaysian terms, hawker food. There are of course dishes that people can share but their hawker food remains much more desirable as compared to their shared dishes. My mom is typically chinese when it comes to her palate. So here's what we ordered for mains:</div>
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House Special Rice: King Prawns, Fish balls, squid (calamari), fish cake, pork slices, egg & vegetables in gravy on steamed rice £6.50</div>
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This would be what we call braised rice (man fan in Cantonese) and is quite the staple in open-air Chinese restaurants in Malaysia. The no-flair, plastic chair, melamine table, plastic plate, cheap cutlery kind of place Chinese restaurant is what I am referring to. The difference with this dish served at C&R is the egg cooked omelette style wrapping the steamed rice before the gravy is poured on top. It is actually proportionate in terms of your 5-a-day requirements. The gravy was thick, which is the usual way of serving this dish. The seafood was quite proportionate as well to the price charged and with pork alongside fish cake and fish balls, I must say the value here was far better compared to some other Chinese restaurants I've been to in Chinatown. It wasn't too salty which is good...at least you know you won't have your hair falling out at the end of the day. The vegetables were also quite fresh and crunchy adding that extra bite.</div>
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Mee Siam: Fried vermicelli with beancurd, prawns, beansprouts, fish cake and spicy yellow bean paste sauce £6.50</div>
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The Mee Siam was huge! But then again so were the portions of other dishes in C&R. For the price paid, you get a load of sliced fried beancurd, a ton of beansprouts, a good number of prawns and of course the customary egg stirfried into the vermicelli and freshly sliced iceberg lettuce leaves. Served with a slice of lemon to be squeezed on, the noodles was almost similar to what I remember Mee Siam to be. Even my mom liked it. It is on the spicy side (not for me) so for those who cannot handle spicy, opt for a normal stir-fried vermicelli version. This dish has its many different ways of cooking, with the Singaporean version being a lot wetter than the Malaysian version. Easily replicated at home, but for those who don't wish to buy a bottle of spicy yellow bean paste, then omit it when you're trying it at home. It was for me huge! The egg was fried well and well mixed. The beancurd was also properly fried and fresh as well. You can tell when beancurd isn't fresh. The prawns were of good size and the ton of vegetables you get, fresh and cooked, was proportionate. I couldn't finish everything...that was how big it was. It wasn't salty either plus the squeeze of lemon juice does give it the extra kick one normally seeks when eating Mee Siam. </div>
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For desert we ordered Boo-boo Cha Cha:</div>
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Yam and Sweet Potatoes cooked in a coconut broth with sago balls £3.50</div>
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This one was a let-down. There wasn't enough 'filling' as one would like and the coconut broth was too watery. Boiling this particular desert, doesn't take much skill though it does involve a lot of work. But the right balance of coconut milk and then coconut cream does normally allow one to savour this desert nicely. For £3.50, I would think I was paying for a sizeable desert. The disappointment in my face was apparent and so was it on my mom's. At least you know not to order deserts at C&R.</div>
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They do offer a range of home-made drinks like Aerated Tea (Teh Tarik), Kopi Ais (Iced Malaysian Coffee) and the usual offerings. They do serve a sizeable portion of ice kacang which can be recommended for the sweet-tooth what with its varied syrups, jellies, nuts and beans served up with shaved ice. </div>
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Overall, my dining experience was the eat and go kind. It isn't somewhere you'd sit for hours naturally but it does serve the purpose of filling your rumbling tummy.</div>
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So what was my verdict:</div>
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Ambience: 2/5 (for the simplicity of it)</div>
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Food: 3.5/5 (middle juncture as deserts seem to be a let down)</div>
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Drinks: 4/5 (for offering a fair share of local varieties to the usual British staple, they even serve beer)</div>
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Price: 4/5 (value for money for sure)</div>
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Average price per person: £8.50 (one main dish + drink)</div>
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Where is C&R?</div>
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4-5 Ruper Court</div>
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London W1D 6DY</div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Rupert+Court,+W1D+6DY&hl=en&sll=51.510906,-0.130924&sspn=0.004667,0.011362&hnear=Rupert+Ct,+London+W1D+6EB,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16">Map to Restaurant</a></div>
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Tel: 0207 434 1128</div>
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Next to review, Melati Restaurant on Windmill Street,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br /></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-62867460604983171152012-05-01T08:42:00.000-07:002012-05-01T08:43:41.264-07:00HOMA - belissimo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I finally have the time to write a review for a really exquisite Italian restaurant located up in Stoke Newington called <a href="http://www.homalondon.co.uk/index.php">HOMA</a>. My sister is a foodie in her own right and when she says the food is good, the food IS good. So one sunny Saturday mid-morning, we decided to go rampaging through London and found ourselves at HOMA for a good Italian meal after shopping at the not too far away Broadway Market at Londonfields.</div>
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The cake counter is the first thing you see when you enter the restaurant</div>
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The decadent dried meats hanging by the kitchen downstairs</div>
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Some of the table arrangements and the bar located downstairs</div>
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HOMA feels very homey. (I'm taking a pot shot here guessing that 'homa' means 'home' so correct me if I am wrong). I love how the space was used to its maximum and gently decorated with tasteful decorations from everywhere. I forgot to take a picture of a supposed instrument that the owner's sister bought from Africa but it was part of the decoration. In any case, there is no feeling of claustrophobia and some restaurants give out (though some might say this is quaint and not claustrophobic). I like how the old meets the new, a great use of wooden furnishings to add to it, the staff were extremely friendly too. Given that my sister does go there quite a bit and knows the owner so I can't vouch for when they don't know the customer. And they all let slip that I do blind tasting for restaurants, so am not sure whether they'd be looking to watch out for this review or not.</div>
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Anyway, the wine list was extensive. We are unfortunately not wine drinkers as such so I cannot comment on the wine choice since we never ordered one. But flipping through the pages, I could tell the owners must know a thing or two about what wines to serve and so forth. My sister also trusts their taste, so enough said.</div>
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Here comes the best part, the food! (Disclaimer: the menu changes daily so you have to call them or check their website to know what is being served)</div>
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Fresh homemade bread with good quality olive oil</div>
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First the condiments came, bread with olive oil. Now seriously, the olive oil was luscious. I doubt you needed anything else to accompany it with. The bread, freshly baked in house, went very well with the olive oil. No doubt about that!</div>
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Butternut squash soup with sage, nutmeg & creme Fraische £6</div>
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My mom wanted an alternative starter instead of the pizza because she dislikes chorizo, so we ordered the soup for her. It was lip-smacking yummilicious. Very fine, very delicate, the sage and nutmeg wasn't overpowering and I must say the small dollop of creme Fraische did the soup justice. For £6, I'd readily pay that amount again. The portion was not huge either that when your main came, you'd be just right to finish it up as well.</div>
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Chorizo Pizza - Tomato, Mozzarella, Chorizo, Red Peppers & Red Pesto £10.50</div>
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The pizza was baked in a wood fired oven. I went down to the kitchen, and caught a glimpse of the oven and was extremely delighted to note how the restaurant owners do care about food quality. The crust was thin enough and the filling was evenly distributed allowing everyone who had a bite to taste every bit of the pizza, the crust to the meat to the peppers. It was a good portion to and at £10.50, why not eh? For small eaters, order one and you'll be full. No need for a main dish.</div>
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Moving on to the mains...</div>
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Baked Aubergines in Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella topped with Breadcrumbs £7.50</div>
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My sister ordered the baked aubergines to be slightly different. It was layers upon layers of aubergines and tomato sauce and mozzarella. Baked in a casserole dish, it was a sizeable dish if I might add. To me it was a tad saltier than usual but that could be from the tomato sauce in general. </div>
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Slow cooked Pork Belly, Braised Red Cabbage, Bramley Apple & Potato Puree £14</div>
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My father is a pork lover. So you can imagine when he saw this on the menu. I think we all knew he was going to opt for it. The pork was delicately roasted. The skin was crunchy and the fat rendered beautifully into the meat. The belly was succulent and not dry, juicy enough to melt in your mouth. The red cabbage was braised nicely as well. Am not a fan of it, and neither is my dad but he dutifully finished it off. The only thing left on the plate was the puree as we were already stuffed from the pizza dough. </div>
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Gnocchi with Tomato & Basil Sauce £11</div>
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The gnocchi is not my favourite pasta. But my sister's boyfriend ordered it quite possibly because he wanted something simple. I had a bite and I was surprised to find the texture it had that was not stodgy nor hard like a rock. I won't be ordering gnocchi anytime soon but this one at least provided a better representation of what proper gnocchi should be like. The sauce was also not too tart as you would have with tomato based sauces, and I for one am not a tomato based sauce person. I do not even own tomato ketchup. The portion was heaping huge! And for the price you pay, I think for all gnocchi lovers out there, you'd gladly pay again. </div>
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Roast Cod Fillet, Braised Lentils & Parsley Oil £12</div>
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Mom, the ever seafood lady, opted for the roast cod fillet. My sister and I are not huge lentil fans, but the braised lentils was not bad. (I even opt never to eat dahl if I can) My mom found the fish cooked perfectly. When pressed down, the meat springs back up giving it the freshness that fish should always have. The Parsley Oil was my favourite bit. Gotta make me some of that! All in all, the dish was a healthier option compared to anyone of ours... lol!</div>
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Boudin Noir, Slow Cooked Egg, Potato Puree & Caramelised Apple £9.50</div>
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And this was my dish. Yes, it was actually part of the brunch menu but I didn't want anything too big because I had try everyone else's. When first ordered, we couldn't figure out what Boudin Noir was, then when it came, we went ah.... black pudding! But a French black pudding. So unlike the English relative, this one was delectable. The crust it had on both sides gave it its edge and when you bite into it, you do get pieces of meat falling of it too. My father cringed when he saw it. Not European enough just yet... the slow cooked egg was also very nicely done. Though I was wondering what the difference was between a slow cooked one and a poached egg... the caramelised apple complimented the dish which had different flavours all round. Of course the potato puree (fancy name for mashed potatoes) was finely made though nothing special about. The green sauce is if I am assuming right was the parsley oil too. The perfect finish to an almost perfect dish.</div>
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By the time we were done with the meal, we were stuffed to the brim! We could not even factor in desert! But just to give you a glimpse of what was on offer:</div>
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Pretty cakes lining the cake counter...</div>
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The meal for five without wine was about £80 in total. Now that isn't too bad right? I was told then by the owner to come back for dinner and try the chocolate fondant...does that mean it is time for a second trip?</div>
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The overall dining experience was fantastic. We spent probably a good 2 1/2 hours sitting around, chatting, enjoying our meal, and basically just absorbing the many different facades that HOMA offered. They offer and outdoor eating experience located the steps towards the entrance that could perhaps be perfect for the hotter summer days that London is still waiting for. </div>
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So what is my overall dining experience?</div>
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Ambience 4/5 (need to experience the dinner session to fully evaluate this)</div>
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Food 4/5 (again...as above... just an excuse I think)</div>
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Drinks 4/5 (purely based on the fact that they offer a large array of wines.....)</div>
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Price 4/5 (still affordable and not overpriced)</div>
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Average price per person: £15 (not too bad for lunch I think)</div>
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Where is <a href="http://www.homalondon.co.uk/index.php">HOMA</a>?</div>
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71-73 Stoke Newington Church Street</div>
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London N16 0AS</div>
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Tel:+44 (0)20 7254 2072</div>
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<a href="http://www.homalondon.co.uk/index.php/deli-cafe-restaurant/contact">Map to Restaurant</a></div>
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Now to plan for my next visit so I can eat that chocolate fondant.</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br />Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-54674289169395721242012-04-10T05:35:00.001-07:002012-04-10T05:35:52.007-07:00Duck Eggs anyone?I've always wanted to visit this quaint little cafe on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton for a while now. Walking past it, but always with another intention in mind, I always said to myself, I have to go there just to see what it is all about. So when my parents came a visiting, that gave me the greatest excuse! So off we went to the Duck Egg Cafe...<br />
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Since the Duck Egg Cafe opens only for breakfast and lunch (closing at 4pm), it must definitely be a good spot for breakfast. The pictures above are of my parents waiting for their precious breakfast and me the photographer snapping away in the cafe!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlZcGAsfJFI5G5nQLbnCBgLmxmR2YydZfQ9gxxDrhygek9dYyd9h4U4DFZIPfkvjtTHyU5P2R9Xy647EswDgEcgMRjDqLZpFC3CWn70ueEWQZ_myqQ29wW7samGI2gPEYFL_r1P0svJ5/s1600/P1000161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDlZcGAsfJFI5G5nQLbnCBgLmxmR2YydZfQ9gxxDrhygek9dYyd9h4U4DFZIPfkvjtTHyU5P2R9Xy647EswDgEcgMRjDqLZpFC3CWn70ueEWQZ_myqQ29wW7samGI2gPEYFL_r1P0svJ5/s320/P1000161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What I like about quaint cafes is that they always have an element of individuality. Though of course most small cafes always have a chalkboard to write their menus on. Cheaper alternative to the expensive printed ones...<br />
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In any case, we three sat patiently for our breakfasts to arrive as the cafe (that sits 26 indoors and 4 outdoors) slowly filled up with Brixton's new yummy mummies and alternative looking crowd. Soon our breakfasts arrived!<br />
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My dad ordered the single English breakfast knowing full well that we will be eating a hearty lunch soon after.<br />
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Comes with a slice of bacon, one sausage, one duck egg done sunny side up, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, a grilled tomato and four slices of toast (£6.95)</div>
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My mom and I opted for poached eggs instead in two varieties, the Eggs Benedict and the Eggs Florentine. My mom is strangely not a duck egg fan (probably from the size of it) and decided to have chicken eggs instead (£1 cheaper than duck eggs).</div>
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The Eggs Benedict with poached chicken eggs (£5.95)</div>
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The Eggs Florentine (replacing Bacon with Spinach) but with an additional order of Bacon (£6.95 + £1 for the additional Bacon)</div>
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Notice the missing hashbrown on the Eggs Benedict plate? Mom wanted toast instead of hashbrowns but totally forgot the dish does actually come with muffins, so she had a double dose of carbo in one seating.</div>
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The English Breakfast needless to say was hearty and fulfilling. The bacon not too fried to a point that you'd need to use a hammer to cut through and the sunny side up done with a runny yolk consistency. When the poached eggs came, you could tell that the eggs were poached in those industrial poachers rather than by hand (as mentioned by another reviewer - <a href="http://northsouthfood.com/the-duck-egg-brixton/">Miss South</a> on her visit there). I am not one to complain as I've never actually attempted to make poached eggs, hearing as to how difficult it can be. The hollandaise sauce was nice and creamy and not overpoweringly buttery for me. Even my mom who doesn't like anything too creamy enjoyed her eggs. My spinach wasn't salty which was good complimenting the salty bacon that I ordered extra of.</div>
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All in all the experience was quite filling! A hearty breakfast for sure. The drinks weren't expensive, and we saw the staff making fresh beetroot juice (healthy!!!) I'd come back for lunch just to see what they have to offer. </div>
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The cafe also sells duck eggs on behalf of a farm (stupidly enough, I didn't snap a photo of the sign as I was busy gorging down my breakfast instead). £2.99 for half a dozen eggs, organic at that. Not cheap, but still...better to buy local then to buy battery farmed chicken eggs right? </div>
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So what was my take on the cafe?</div>
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Ambience - 3/5 (simplicity so can't give it like 5/5)</div>
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Food - 3.5/5 (selection for breakfast was not limited but could do with a little more maybe)</div>
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Drinks - 4/5 (we ordered English Breakfast tea but the juice options were totally yummy by the looks of it)</div>
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Price - 3.5/5 (average pricing but fitting to portions served)</div>
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Average price per person - £8.00 (with a breakfast portion and hot beverage)</div>
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Where is the Duck Egg Cafe?</div>
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424 Coldharbour Lane</div>
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London SW9 8LF</div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=424+Coldharbour+Lane,+London&hl=en&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=18.199598,46.538086&oq=424+Coldha&hnear=424+Coldharbour+Ln,+London+SW9+8LF,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16">Map Location</a></div>
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For other reviews on the cafe, aside from Miss South, click <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=duck+egg+cafe#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=duck+egg+cafe+brixton+review&oq=duck+egg+cafe+brixton+review&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_l=serp.3...7689l14513l0l15184l25l16l3l6l6l0l86l945l16l28l0.llsin.&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=37b244dfe41e981b&biw=1440&bih=799">here</a>. </div>
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Egged out for the time being,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br /></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-4970260494913557362012-03-27T05:32:00.001-07:002012-03-27T05:32:20.370-07:00Uplifting Siamese food in Covent Garden - Yums!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Scouring London for new places to eat is definitely easy but finding the dime in a dozen that does deliver good food is another. I am a huge foodie when it comes to Asian cuisine. Yes, I am Asian and therefore am partial to Asian food. However, I do love my Italian, Greek, Spanish and everything in between so I know when good food is served! So... I was recommended by a friend to try out a newly opened Thai restaurant / Bar in Covent Garden's new St. Martin's Courtyard. <a href="http://www.suda-thai.com/">Suda Siamese Rice Bar</a> is rightfully located just off the high street in Covent Garden, where you can access either from the entrance between Jamie's Italian and Cantine Laredo or another side where clothing boutiques are in abundance. </div>
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A well designed entrance with some tables outside for those who prefer the nippy London weather or the sunny sides of London when Spring and Summer comes along, Suda has two floors to its premises. (I seem to always forget in taking photos of the environment of the restaurant but I can attest to the fact that it has beautiful dining furniture mainly out of wood and is tastefully decorated as well with wooden carvings resembling moose or horses on certain tables. They are on sale too!)</div>
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(I have a feeling that is a donkey)
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The restaurant staff was indeed friendly. As is with Thai service. Here of course you have the multi-cultural mix of East meets West so the waiters and waitresses were of different nationalities. But supervisors and restaurant managers were Thai. Our waitress was fantastic and recommended many dishes that suited our palate. So it really doesn't hurt when you ask!</div>
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I have visited Suda twice now and have ordered a variety of dishes to give it a fair rating. So far, I have been impressed by its offerings but with some dishes having its hits and misses.</div>
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Combining my two visits, the starters that were ordered were </div>
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Pla Hor Bai Teoy (Pandan Wrapped Sea Bass with coriander root and sesame @£6.25) </div>
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Tod Mun Pla Goong (Fish and Prawn Lollipops @£5.50)</div>
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and Satay Gai (Chicken Satay @£5.25). </div>
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Of the three, the Satay Gai was disappointing. Its saving grace was the peanut sauce. While the chicken was cooked through and look yellow enough from the turmeric powder, it did not have the chargrilled taste from a flame grill nor had it enough seasoning to constitute a satay. I have a feeling it was just dusted with turmeric powder instead of being marinated as it normally is with South East Asian satay variations. The peanut sauce however was indeed a joy to partake with a dash of creamy coconut milk to give it an extra kick. I loved the Pandan Wrapped Seabass best. Beautifully fried and when unwrapped, the fish is still delectable and delicately tasty. You can taste the sesame oil, the marinade it has been sitting in and most importantly it was not overcooked. My dining partners were also similarly impressed with it. (We ordered it on both my visits...yes it is that good). Of course, the fish and prawn lollipops looks and tastes like it should. Nothing special about it unfortunately. The sweet tangy chilli sauce was also not bad but nothing much can be said about it. I would happily pay £6.25 anytime for the Pandan Wrapped Seabass but as for the other two starters, perhaps not. But if you are looking at portion wise, they both reflect the prices offered.<br />
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For the mains, the two repeated dishes were<br />
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Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (Roast Duck Red Curry @£9.50)</div>
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See-Krong Moo Ob Sapparod (Tender braised spare ribs with pineapple @£7.50)</div>
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Both dishes speak for themselves. The Roast Duck Red Curry was a crowd favourite. Served with lychees and grapes, the curry was definitely delicious. The sauce was thick enough and had the perfect balance of coconut milk and curry spices. It was not too overtly spicy to a point that you would be sweating (though in the Asian context - sweat = delicious), and you could taste each individual element in the curry, from the duck to the tropical fruits for the added natural sweetness and the fresh red chillies that gave just that additional boost you would want. The price was also value for money as the amount of meat and condiments you got with it was certainly proportionate. </div>
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The spare ribs was also great for the palate. Falls right off the bone once you put into your mouth, the portion carried a healthy portion of pork ribs (the last I counted was about 8 medium sized chunks of ribs) and for the price, it was certainly well worth the price. The sauce was sweet and savoury as it carried on a hint of pineapple that the ribs are cooked together with. You would not have it any other way I think. </div>
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Other dishes that were ordered for the mains were</div>
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Gaeng Massaman Gai (Chicken Massaman Curry @£8.50)</div>
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Pad Thai Goong (Prawn Pad Thai with rice noodles @£8.50)</div>
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Gai Phad Med Ma Muang (Stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts and water chestnuts @£8.50)</div>
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Pak Choy Nam Mun Hoy (Pak Choy with Oyster Sauce @£4.50)</div>
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Choo-Chee Tofu (Sizzling Tofu in kaffir lime leave red curry sauce @£7.50)</div>
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There was the Broccoli Hed Hom (broccoli and shiitake mushroom) side dish that we ordered after the first round of mains came, which I conveniently forgot to snap a picture of. That dish was £4.50. </div>
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The Chicken Massaman Curry was exactly how I would remember a Massaman Curry to be. The chicken portions were definitely an added bonus for the price it is retailed at and added to it were fresh untoasted peanuts (so this dish is not for the peanut allergy peeps). The chicken did not crumble when poked into and held its texture which I think is gravely important especially when chicken meat nowadays are lacking in flavour and texture. The curry was also thick and creamy with a good balance of curry spices.</div>
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The Stir-fried Chicken reminds me of a Chinese Stir Fry except it probably has some added elements of siamese cooking. A slight tamarind taste at the end of it, the nuts that accompanied were crunchy and not soft, adding an additional bite to it. A tad salty for my liking as was the vegetable side dishes but otherwise good for someone who cannot eat spicy.</div>
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I also liked the Choo-Chee Tofu as the tofu looked like Halloumi Cheese, grilled (evident from the grill marks) with a suitable red curry accompaniment. The kaffir lime taste was not entirely there perfects due to the red curry overpowering it and could possibly be due to using too few lime leaves as well. But otherwise, for the portion in came in, definitely worth its value.</div>
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The vegetable dishes were normal and not much difference as is with many vegetable stir fries. You can only go so far with it in any case. But both were salty (me thinks the chef was a bit heavy handed with the salt or oyster sauce) but for portions served, definitely I would say were good healthy portions.</div>
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With the main dishes, we also ordered</div>
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Kao Klong (Steamed Brown Rice @£2.25) and Kao Mun (Steamed Coconut Rice @£2.75)</div>
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The portions were similarly proportionate and can feed two people. I prefered the Brown Rice over the Coconut one simply because the coconut rice lacked a touch of something. I would think an added spice would give it more depth but simply steaming it in coconut milk did not help it. I would have ordered simple white rice instead. The brown bits you see on the coconut rice are toasted dessicated coconut. </div>
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What I like about this restaurant was that they do offer quite an extensive variation of vegetarian dishes. This provides the would-be vegetarians the opportunity to partake of its menu without having to resort to only plain vegetable stir-fries. </div>
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Finally, we finished off the meal with some deserts. Again, over zealous with my enthusiasm to dive in, I forgot to take photos of two deserts but made sure to take photos of THE desert that I think should be placed on a pedestal. That would be</div>
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Kao Tom Mud Sai Chocolate (Sticky Rice Roll with bitter chocolate filling @£4.95)</div>
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(The chocolate oozing out of the sticky rice roll)</div>
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This dish was served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and fresh mint leaf garnish. Once I dived into it, I could not stop. It certainly compliments every bit of your tastebuds when you put it in your mouth. The sticky rice wasn't oversteamed to the point of no return. You can still feel, taste and bite through each grain of rice that also exuded the creaminess of the coconut milk that it was steamed in. Next the injection of chocolate within the rice roll was heaven. Bitter enough to offset that sweet sticky rice, it was served warm so that the chocolate would melt and ooze as you spoon a portion. As it was warm, the cold ice cream gave it all the more a sensual experience. I would happily pay £4.95 every time just to partake of this yummy desert. </div>
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As I did have two other deserts but no pictures, I would deem it unfair to judge them without photos to represent them. So the next time I do end up going, I'll make sure to take more photos of the deserts.</div>
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All in all, the meal at Suda Siamese Rice Bar was invariably good. Certain dishes do need improving but otherwise most dishes were good. They offer a good selection of juices, shakes with an added twist of the tropics including innovative servings of cocktails with lemongrass and lychees and tropical fruits. The first meal costed us (for 3 people including drinks) about £40.00 while the second (for 5 people, drinks and additional dishes) was about £110. They also periodically serve tap water and can be requested as well, so that helps with the pocket too.</div>
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They also offer various rice dishes in the afternoon between 12pm to 5pm with the lowest at £8.50. A complete Thai lunch experience would be £12.95. This I gotta try just so I know whether I prefer dinner over lunch! Greedy aren't I? Well, good food I would never give a miss.</div>
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So what did I think of my dining experience?</div>
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Ambience: 4/5 (Nice decor, good lighting, not too noisy)</div>
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Food: 4/5 (Despite the various misses, the menu is great in offering variations)</div>
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Drinks: 3/5 (Did not have alcoholic drinks but options for non-alcoholic was by far greater than most other Asian restaurants)</div>
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Price: 4/5 (Portions reflect Price - nuff said)</div>
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Overall: 4/5</div>
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Price per person: Main meal plus drink £11.00 on average</div>
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Where is Suda?</div>
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St. Martin's Courtyard</div>
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off Upper St. Martin's Lane</div>
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Covent Garden</div>
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London WC2E 9AB</div>
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<a href="http://www.suda-thai.com/contact-us/">Restaurant Location</a></div>
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Tel: 0207 240 8010</div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:info@suda-thai.com">info@suda-thai.com</a></div>
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Give it a go I say...at least you have more alternatives!</div>
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Blogging about Italian next!</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br />Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-9186063783099879232012-02-02T04:22:00.000-08:002012-02-02T06:40:59.145-08:00Ola MEXICO!!!!! Here's...WAHACA!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc9wPJttQFrxxPZ_CB-w9ET94xO97K0s9rx47p6e9Fb0GPzON2v7cWrpvnNtnERBIr1qxwcXUML9OjIEANuShn4yHkeOLsabQ2RJ871s_hKoln8HYUgopRtcILrp5JjRfCQohsMa6hfdd/s1600/P1000007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc9wPJttQFrxxPZ_CB-w9ET94xO97K0s9rx47p6e9Fb0GPzON2v7cWrpvnNtnERBIr1qxwcXUML9OjIEANuShn4yHkeOLsabQ2RJ871s_hKoln8HYUgopRtcILrp5JjRfCQohsMa6hfdd/s320/P1000007.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8udoGhaGrl2Lt8fo1VCMdcPhVALmmqHfbATnSLtOsi1la-KCQU6jXugJ8GP-QoUdnnMGJ_rUpXwfOfAaJkO_7iQuZvucmN0hj6Yut9xBI22mLuNueuRH0ZPAq2rhbqNTQJLT5sbwmW_l4/s1600/P1000008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8udoGhaGrl2Lt8fo1VCMdcPhVALmmqHfbATnSLtOsi1la-KCQU6jXugJ8GP-QoUdnnMGJ_rUpXwfOfAaJkO_7iQuZvucmN0hj6Yut9xBI22mLuNueuRH0ZPAq2rhbqNTQJLT5sbwmW_l4/s320/P1000008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After a year and a half of mulling around and a ton of recommendations from friends, I finally made my way along with another friend to taste London's best Mexican (which is also one of the cheapest eats around) food, <a href="http://www.wahaca.co.uk/html/1_restaurant1.html">WAHACA</a>. </div>
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Owned by Masterchef winner Tomasina Miles, the restaurant has been around for the last few years, and has outlets in Bluewater, Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, Soho, Stratford, White City and Mexican Street Kitchen located in Canary Wharf as well. The appointment to partake of Mexican Street Food took longer than expected as my friend had to disappear into the furthest end of the stratosphere before turning up again to share the delightful food with me.</div>
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(My excitement or rather my hunger led me to forget to take photos of the ambience but the food speaks for itself).</div>
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The <a href="http://www.wahaca.co.uk/html/ASSETS/Downloads/Wahaca_menu.pdf">menu</a> wasn't entirely too overcrowded with choices that it allowed you to be adventurous...</div>
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Our waitress was extremely helpful and explained how the menu works as well as recommended some popular dishes that we could try seeing that we were first timers at the restaurant. This was how the menu looked like after scribbling and recommending:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFAGJAIgZcZHKQpIA20d4-NXEJ7DWWs0LQt_PfU-u2COqnD1SnzOT-owAMmdiWVruld61PtElGADJH9kBefsxWNbeDUkOxRaZEhPeqr5L1OPD-ID2sJ6_fXbHjntEjFzm4tJmPDMN4Bl/s1600/P1000012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHFAGJAIgZcZHKQpIA20d4-NXEJ7DWWs0LQt_PfU-u2COqnD1SnzOT-owAMmdiWVruld61PtElGADJH9kBefsxWNbeDUkOxRaZEhPeqr5L1OPD-ID2sJ6_fXbHjntEjFzm4tJmPDMN4Bl/s320/P1000012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So at the end, we decided to get the Guacamole with tortilla chips at £3.75 a portion and the Wahaca Selection (£19.95) which consists of 3 pork pibil tacos, 3 winter vegetable tacos, 1 large huitlacoche quesadilla, 2 black bean tostadas, 2 chicken taquitos with green rice and black beans. For drinks we had the Horchata and Citrus Fizz.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYlJBN88LUvEyzI6XvaJce69J5jIbJO8VmDIGED5-1mrbMeqrjktizxYhqByRyBw6SZmTWQsH4mClwd04otE63kbTpHaFvWeHX6VoY5DHZ_568xxeTFbnTJUtHxt2t4UXwW9ozhcFlxTU/s1600/P1000016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYlJBN88LUvEyzI6XvaJce69J5jIbJO8VmDIGED5-1mrbMeqrjktizxYhqByRyBw6SZmTWQsH4mClwd04otE63kbTpHaFvWeHX6VoY5DHZ_568xxeTFbnTJUtHxt2t4UXwW9ozhcFlxTU/s320/P1000016.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bhyJZH6iRrrggwk_aUBfMo28KQKjOuAnNcIDAhQQfTn3Uh6cACbqa97qD-JdAScr4PCsuOasztojHucA0dzKOf5wAYjEwXKSR3YqjzD6wtRHejoijSqRgUg0QHHmMZudPqrqZpwj4eNY/s1600/P1000018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bhyJZH6iRrrggwk_aUBfMo28KQKjOuAnNcIDAhQQfTn3Uh6cACbqa97qD-JdAScr4PCsuOasztojHucA0dzKOf5wAYjEwXKSR3YqjzD6wtRHejoijSqRgUg0QHHmMZudPqrqZpwj4eNY/s320/P1000018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Horchata Citrus Fizz</div>
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The Horchata at £1.50 is a mexican drink consisting of dairy-free almond and rice milk with a touch of cinnamon. Am not much of a fan of almond in a drink format, so found the taste a bit odd. I naturally always have something citrusy, so my drink, the Citrus Fizz at £1.75 was yummy. Not sweet which is good, a touch of fizz and everything else about it was fresh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12T5ZS3Cu8Oqij8OComtV1NHxgLNXC9gllbw0JutAGJFR12CMvVIxBcjda67iJAoCM4kLRab0HYaruUVcHPPgJNDCezJLVJnum8vC2auEghB_cl4CCEROUKAVDmF5pKzNMsWXwkxXD7vN/s1600/P1000015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12T5ZS3Cu8Oqij8OComtV1NHxgLNXC9gllbw0JutAGJFR12CMvVIxBcjda67iJAoCM4kLRab0HYaruUVcHPPgJNDCezJLVJnum8vC2auEghB_cl4CCEROUKAVDmF5pKzNMsWXwkxXD7vN/s320/P1000015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The guacamole portion came shortly after and you could see chunks of avocado, onions and parsley in it. Now that is what I call a guacamole. It did not seem to resemble a paste, and when eaten with the tortilla chips, you could taste each individual ingredient. It wasn't too overly seasoned with salt so that also gave it its natural taste. However, I would have prefered a tad more lime juice in it but that would just be my preference. </div>
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The Wahaca Selection came quite quickly after after the guacamole appeared. The service I might add is super fast and super friendly too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuOPhZRudLH00C1lKtukInp4-ZP4y3UNeKjlvy6sgmPENq7Vsz32QXEyAQPm7TJ0qe5pgbmk3igum1g9vopnh0hQwoV_TEwqyz5_H4r2hNBkGwaMdLHwfgLW78_n6YZwMFvWjqNE9L7mw/s1600/P1000019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuOPhZRudLH00C1lKtukInp4-ZP4y3UNeKjlvy6sgmPENq7Vsz32QXEyAQPm7TJ0qe5pgbmk3igum1g9vopnh0hQwoV_TEwqyz5_H4r2hNBkGwaMdLHwfgLW78_n6YZwMFvWjqNE9L7mw/s320/P1000019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Black Bean Tostadas</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNNobfEXRjjZTULz7JWsiOHmR-xQLKkWrRLCnjgUdyqlq1Etfi-py7om1ZarTDHY5P7VJl4xgMTo-EjtBYZ2iAarwAyuwSHZVYhyphenhyphenjwPoN9RSXF08lLFPwgQSSL9VJhHp_SePTjqOAJEKZ/s1600/P1000020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNNobfEXRjjZTULz7JWsiOHmR-xQLKkWrRLCnjgUdyqlq1Etfi-py7om1ZarTDHY5P7VJl4xgMTo-EjtBYZ2iAarwAyuwSHZVYhyphenhyphenjwPoN9RSXF08lLFPwgQSSL9VJhHp_SePTjqOAJEKZ/s320/P1000020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Chicken Taquitos</div>
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The pork pibil tacos</div>
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The huitlacoche quesadilla with black beans and green rice</div>
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The winter vegetable tacos</div>
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This selection is indeed very filling. Us two girls certainly couldn't finish the whole selection but we were indeed amazed by the taste and the amount of ingredients used. The Black Bean Tostadas was quite interesting. Asian diets don't include a lot of black beans but it is very common in Latin American dishes. So having black beans in not one but two dishes was quite the feat for us already! However, the tostadas were yummy. Full of vegetables, freshly prepared and I must say a very generous portion of it too. The seasoning was just right. I'm no expert on Mexican food but nonetheless, this was a good introduction to the ever expanding cuisine choices London has to offer. </div>
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The chicken taquitos was excellent as well! The crispy pastry exterior was not oily and filled with a ton of superbly marinated chicken and served with sour cream on a bed of tossed salad and more cheese. Notice every single dish does have a dollop of cream and cheese on it? My favourite was the pork pibil tacos. They are actually slow cooked pork and is spicy. Not overtly spicy to the extent of I can't feel my tongue kind of spicy. The tacos were served with freshly sliced red onions to give it a bit of a kick when munching on it and boy does it compliment each other. The quesadilla was also great tasting. The least favourite of the dish was the black beans and green rice. </div>
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This is perhaps due to the fact that I have had enough black beans to last me a life time and the amount of cream and cheese already encroaching my usual limit for the week. The rice however was very fluffy and the whole combination does compliment each other. </div>
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Finally the winter vegetable tacos was in fact stir-fried mushrooms and onions served with fresh parsley and cheese. Another winner actually as this one proved to be quite delightful to the mouth. It isn't entirely heavy as the vegetables were seasoned well and had the ever so slight Mexican spice thrown in. </div>
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The menu of course is much more extensive then what we ordered with salads served in tortilla bowls (which I think is really quite innovative), a varied selection of burritos which is actually the favourite of many customers alongside dishes that come from the grill. So while the menu is quite heavy in terms of bread servings, there is always something for the ones who do not want bread, tortilla or anything carbo-related. The menu is also quite extensive in terms of vegetarian choices. Just from our Wahaca Selection itself, there were 3 dishes which were vegetarian and the other 3 more carnivorous. A good balance I should say for the 5-a-day portion. Price wise, it certainly is affordable especially in London with the most expensive dish for a single person just under £10. Even the Wahaca Selection at £19.95 was certainly a bargain because it still only divides to a tenner each.</div>
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We were of course not to leave without desert in the bag. So we both ordered... Churros y chocolate (£3.95).</div>
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It kind of reminded me of the chinese fried dough, but a lighter version of it. Fried to a light golden brown, the dough was crispy on the outside and not too gooey in the inside. Tossed with cinnamon sugar, it went perfectly well with the chocolate sauce served on the side. It was not just any chocolate sauce but dark chocolate to compliment the already sweetened churros. When you hold it, you know it isn't oily to the touch and you don't have greasy hands after. The perfect way to end the night.</div>
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The total bill came up to about £40 odd. For the portions we got and the ingredients used, I thought it was well worth the money. Wahaca certainly lived up to its aim when it came to its value and portions. No wonder it has grown to be a popular dining venue for many Londoners and visitors alike.</div>
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So what is my verdict?</div>
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Ambience 4/5 (noisy atmosphere but it is also because it is more informal)</div>
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Food 4/5 (can't say an all round 5 because I have yet to try the burritos)</div>
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Drinks 4/5 (a selection of Mexican beers does give it variety)</div>
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Price 4/5 (certainly a place for people on a budget)</div>
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Average meal per person : £10 not inclusive of VAT yet</div>
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Where can you find Wahaca? Here's a link to all their <a href="http://www.wahaca.co.uk/html/1_restaurantvan.html">restaurant locations</a>.</div>
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We went to the one in Covent Garden and is easily reachable via Charing Cross station Covent Garden station or even Leicester Square. Buses that stop on the Strand will also get you there quite quickly.</div>
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So for a touch of Mexico, why not head down to Wahaca? I was certainly impressed. And Tomasina Miles definitely does Britain proud!</div>
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Another restaurant review underway,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br /></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-12190597518258852092012-01-08T10:34:00.000-08:002012-01-08T10:39:39.571-08:00Ning away?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A recent visit to Manchester, saw some friends and I paying a visit to Ning Restaurant, an acclaimed restaurant for Malaysian food. Following many recommendations, we decided why not since it isn't easy to find Malaysian food aside from London. We however did keep an open mind since it was the UK after all. We Malaysians can be very fussy.<br />
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As we entered the restaurant, we were amazed at the ambience.<br />
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The interior decoration was very tastefully done and you cannot really ask for more really. The restaurant maximised its space with a practical table layout. The curtains are drapes of black, white and purple and lanterns strategically placed. Thankfully we reserved a table, so we were quickly ushered to our table when we arrived.<br />
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We scanned the menu and found a number of dishes that were popular Malaysian favourites and rarely seen on most Malaysian menus here in the UK. So right off, we were impressed by the selection (though for a vegetarian, you might be hard pressed to find a lot of variety for it). That night, the restaurant was offering currypuffs as a special starter, so we all decided that that would be ordered alongside cucur udang (prawn and vegetable fritters).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuLvCPh-goxBAFlzH69ZQYJUqpnQgHC4r1sC1YC7uxIfWrRwY6Y_rDJqOJImQSrxQO2Ty0cu7WzKaYk5oc3lu5YjXyYdTRuNwOLy7BlJHWw_eZ5jl_JQW1rNO8AxVFX7xV-VJtqEMq7Lu/s1600/397770_10150462410902600_599572599_8689924_250479106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuLvCPh-goxBAFlzH69ZQYJUqpnQgHC4r1sC1YC7uxIfWrRwY6Y_rDJqOJImQSrxQO2Ty0cu7WzKaYk5oc3lu5YjXyYdTRuNwOLy7BlJHWw_eZ5jl_JQW1rNO8AxVFX7xV-VJtqEMq7Lu/s200/397770_10150462410902600_599572599_8689924_250479106_n.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xYwweI3FDOLf5v641Mnqpp_XPW31UYn8M4_4_B25gYsw9R9pPTbJGSmuUpUgEUaOou5pKAWbj30g33f-xiXoobyuI0lGgsJsKy-nb-2VTAz4StEGufPDuO0hdP8w1LZo-e5gACkllTTq/s1600/389993_10150462411142600_599572599_8689925_1286102020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xYwweI3FDOLf5v641Mnqpp_XPW31UYn8M4_4_B25gYsw9R9pPTbJGSmuUpUgEUaOou5pKAWbj30g33f-xiXoobyuI0lGgsJsKy-nb-2VTAz4StEGufPDuO0hdP8w1LZo-e5gACkllTTq/s200/389993_10150462411142600_599572599_8689925_1286102020_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Currypuffs - GBP3.95 Cucur Udang - GBP 7.50 </div>
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The Cucur Udang has also got a vegetable option priced at GBP6.50. Presentation wise, we were pleased. However, for us, currypuffs with sweet chili sauce was quite an odd combination whilst Cucur Udang has a side of satay sauce which we thought would have been better off with the sweet chili sauce. Nonetheless, we tucked in. The currypuffs were nicely prepared and quite filling. The pastry was not oily which was good but it stopped there. The potato curry filling was slightly lack luster and for me, I couldn't entirely taste the curry either. We tried it with the sweet chili sauce and still, we felt, the combination was still really odd. My friends were a lot less critical with this dish and compared to the offering of a stall at a local station in Malaysia. So in true Malaysian spirit, we said...OKLAH... The sweet chili sauce does come out of a bottle as we noticed that there was a little section in the restaurant that sells ingredients and saw the bottle of sweet chili sauce being sold. </div>
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The Cucur Udang was not a major let down either though for the price we paid, it was too expensive. We only detected 2 prawns in the whole serving. The price of GBP7.50 was totally unrealistic. Figuring that I can only purchase two packs of prawns from Marks & Spencer for GBP5, how this got charged that much money is beyond me. But we still thrudged on. The fritters were indeed crispy but we prefered it with the sweet chili sauce instead of the satay sauce. It was not oily either so for those who normally pad their french fries dry before eating wouldn't have to with the fritters. It was a tad salty but that could be due to the batter mix. The saving grace despite the odd combination was the satay sauce. I was actually quite impressed with it and could safely say that it was one of the better satay sauce available out there. </div>
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For drinks we ordered Roasted Coconut Juice and a Ginger and Lemon Twist Tea</div>
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Roast Coconut Juice - GBP1.95</div>
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Ginger and Lemongrass Twist Tea - GBP2.50</div>
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The two boys had water. The roasted coconut juice was flavoursome. You can taste that the coconut was indeed roasted with the smokey taste and it was not too sweet. Bits of coconut were also served so that made the drink worth drinking. The tea however was so so. The ginger was missing and the lemongrass seemed to have overpowered the tea. Looking into it, it was definitely a pre-mix so can't really comment much.</div>
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For the mains, we decided to order dishes instead of fried noodles or rice dishes (oddly enough there wasn't any fried rice on offer). We ordered:</div>
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Beef Gulai - GBP11.95</div>
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Ayam Percik - GBP10.75</div>
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Spinach, Mushroom & Tofu Stir-fry - GBP8.75</div>
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We ordered four servings of rice that cost GBP2.20 each. It was served in a miso soup bowl, creative, but for the price, definitely not worth it. We also ordered a side of chili sambal that cost us GBP1.25 and was served in a small dish which we also thought lacked a little something. It was stated that it was the restaurant special. Not entirely sure whether it was because it was sweet or just tasted mediocre.</div>
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The mains were left to be desired. Of the three, we found the vegetable stir-fry to be the only one that was quite tasty. It was fried properly and you could taste each individual vegetable. It wasn't salty which was good. But everything else went down from there. The Beef Gulai, which is a traditional Malay yellow curry is usually served with cubed beef cooked in a curry broth that isn't as thick as a traditional curry that should be accompanied with potatoes. The curry sauce was supposed to have curry oil floating on the top which you can see did not come with it. The beef was sliced and not cubed, plus there was probably only 5 to 6 sliced beef in the portion. For GBP11.95, it was not worth the money at all. Taste wise, it was lacking a lot. The curry was powdery as if too much curry powder was used or not cooked long enough for it to bring out the curry oil (that could explain the lack of curry oil). The ayam percik was also a huge disappointment. I doubt grilling was going to be difficult as proven by many other restaurants (non-Malaysian and Malaysian restaurants) but the dish was entirely different. Perhaps the chef was taking a modern take on it but deep frying the chicken breast was not exactly a healthy option. Aside from that, the chicken breast was not basted in the sauce that the dish is supposedly famous for before being fried but instead was drenched in it after being fried. The sauce was totally off the mark and to save it, we added the satay sauce from the cucur udang to the sauce and it sort of made it taste better. For GBP10.75, again not something I'd pay for. </div>
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Already disappointed from a mediocre main meal, we decided to order desert to give the restaurant another chance. This again proved futile with the only exception of the vanilla ice cream. We ordered:</div>
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Sago Gula Melaka - GBP4.95</div>
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Rose Syrup Ice Cream - GBP4.25</div>
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Seri Kaya - GBP5.50</div>
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First off, we would attribute the fact that the chef was quite inventive with the ice cream flavours as rose syrup as a flavour stood out. The taste however wasn't exactly entirely our favourite bit. The first spoonful, it tasted not bad...after that it leaves a funny end taste that somehow resembled medicine. We wondered whether the ice cream was made from scratch or was vanilla ice cream dipped in rose syrup. </div>
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The sago gula melaka was a let down. When it came, we could not locate the palm sugar syrup that is usually served. The syrup is also normally quite thick like caramel but ended up being quite watery which we had to send back for a second helping of it because we just couldn't taste it. Nevermind the syrup, the sago was a blob of starch rather than individual balls moulded into a semi-circle. The coconut milk was also diluted which made it worse for taste as well. Dishes like this should also be a tad salty that should come from the coconut milk but that lacked as well.</div>
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Now, the biggest argument that the four of us had was with the Seri Kaya. We were thinking Seri Kaya should be steamed glutinous rice with flecks of blue colouring (from a particular flower) and served with a dollop of coconut jam (Kaya). But when the dish came out, it was Seri Muka instead. We read the description again and agreed that it describes what a Seri Muka is but the name for us was quite deceiving. We even had a continued debate after the meal with other people and even researched online for the proper dish. There were different versions of it so perhaps the description can be tweaked to provide diners a blast of Malaysia. But, the saving grace for the dish was not the cake itself but the vanilla ice cream that was served with it. There was no coconut jam served and the slightly brownish syrup on the plate was actually caramel. We're still wondering where the coconut jam went. The glutinous rice section was clumpy and too dry whilst the green pudding we felt had way too much green food colouring. (I think my version tasted better and I don't even run a traditional Malaysian restaurant). The pudding was also hard and lacked the coconut milk taste. For GBP5.50, it was entirely disappointing.</div>
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Overall, our experience was very disappointing. We paid GBP73.10 in total and did not bother paying any tip. We left our comments on the comment card and did not spare the restaurant with our criticisms. After we left, one of my friends wrote a review on a well known website giving tips to visitors on where to eat in Manchester.</div>
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The next day, we received a phone call from our friend who made the reservations at the restaurant. Apparently the chef called to ask why we wrote such a damning review on his restaurant. We were quite amazed at his reaction and was readily open to discuss our views. However, instead of discussing, he shot us down with defending himself about how he needs to survive in a very competitive arena of good dining. Of course we understand that one needs to tone down the authenticity of the food so to as to make sure the general public can accept what is served but taste needs to be there and that was what was lacking. He went on to say Malaysians should be supporting each other and not criticising. My response was reviews will be written regardless of whether we are Malaysian or not. It is a democratic world and reviews are personal opinions of individual people. My personal opinion would be he took it harder as the review was written by a fellow Malaysian. Here I would like to say: for some of the more famous chefs out there who has also undergone far more drastic reviews than ours like losing a Michelin star rating and suffering from the current economic climate, they picked themselves up, reviewed what went wrong and made it better and improved the overall dining experience. While the chef here isn't as famous as Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver, his refusal to entertain the fact that sometimes you will get the odd customer who just didn't like his dishes is beyond me.</div>
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I wouldn't say I am not open to trying out the restaurant again providing the chef remains open to criticism. The website where the review was written did have more than 40 over fantastic reviews in favour of the restaurant and for any discerning customer, they would able to deduce whether the food is good or not. </div>
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So what is my verdict?</div>
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Ambience 4/5</div>
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Food 2/5</div>
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Drinks 3/5 (I'm not an alcohol drinker so hence the rating)</div>
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Price 1/5</div>
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Where is Ning?</div>
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The Burton Building</div>
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92-94 Oldham Street</div>
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Northern Quarter</div>
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Manchester M4 1LJ</div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=M4+1LJ&hl=en&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=15.84337,39.506836&vpsrc=0&hnear=Manchester+M4+1LJ,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16">Map to Restaurant</a></div>
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Tel: 0844 414 5484</div>
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Searching for the next Asian restaurant,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br />Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-64125506196527258952011-05-07T09:55:00.000-07:002011-05-07T09:55:15.941-07:00Phat Phuc - Chelsea's answer to good Vietnamese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqYjmTFOYDptc_K5WS0rufGruq8NaoGmjnS0P7EFaRJtlqA7Q3VnvL2aRb68_n-S_h65VxugyS9yq3aGwAOaTz8FrQ8gbu6d0U2AiYXCgSvA1pHbgh8DZOdNK41w6Y4j-H1yni0G_Ugv7/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqYjmTFOYDptc_K5WS0rufGruq8NaoGmjnS0P7EFaRJtlqA7Q3VnvL2aRb68_n-S_h65VxugyS9yq3aGwAOaTz8FrQ8gbu6d0U2AiYXCgSvA1pHbgh8DZOdNK41w6Y4j-H1yni0G_Ugv7/s320/IMG_0319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I can't remember was the last time I posted a review. Forgive me for such utter laziness. I think i experiment more cooking than I do eat outside. (Guilty...I do eat quite a bit on the go) But this place is somewhat my ultimate Vietnamese haven aside from Kingsland Road in East London. Phat Phuc, or Happy Buddda in Vietnamese is a household institution in Chelsea. Found just off King's Road in a nice open air garden next to a beautiful flower stall and a stone's throw away from the Chelsea Market, Phat Phuc has been around for quite many years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I was first introduced to it by a good friend and now have been a regular hang out for us as and when we meet up on King's Road. Even a meal on your own is good as the portions are large and the value is irresistible. No kidding!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrwJNpkj9KkrGv-2wmMwKqfYMRE_3FvweEFqPxlYA4ZNZ3bmOV9mAayjP4EknwBe2J-9SURO_opYIJ4s6Il5-OzUDvbtFDUbm6HCVAxi-YVCqLPOz38wR3eVNdGL__JLgx5QyB0wldo_1/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrwJNpkj9KkrGv-2wmMwKqfYMRE_3FvweEFqPxlYA4ZNZ3bmOV9mAayjP4EknwBe2J-9SURO_opYIJ4s6Il5-OzUDvbtFDUbm6HCVAxi-YVCqLPOz38wR3eVNdGL__JLgx5QyB0wldo_1/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The seating area</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqsOopeEmk6IZwLm3sBasgDiHybp95stAVUextnonOU0r-CBfss-lADbLmJOnsYPLDVrPLV4EFJi0eJexdMi1pDdPf_AMo0QHsuRbz5FktNkTtZMkLiq6rWU7QqFoAU4_D7wpESywh_ZW/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqsOopeEmk6IZwLm3sBasgDiHybp95stAVUextnonOU0r-CBfss-lADbLmJOnsYPLDVrPLV4EFJi0eJexdMi1pDdPf_AMo0QHsuRbz5FktNkTtZMkLiq6rWU7QqFoAU4_D7wpESywh_ZW/s320/IMG_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where you need to order</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a nice windy but sunny day, Phat Phuc has always proven to be a great place to hang out and is frequented by many locals. I don't live near there but it is well worth the travel. However, when it rains, it isn't as conducive as the umbrellas protecting your head don't protect your feet. So make sure to know how the weather is like when you depart for Phat Phuc.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqClhwV_UfUnZKs5N2MLrjfAuCOcX7qxgphGxZ2wc4n2ULhql-gVfsxARDVSKcaV5Hes8VdWZ0mMtNhcRJx6BzsTLeZ-cd_IRf_Gql4Rclg7lbzqWPP3yV_DALvatY6g1p4GL3HDzwGXH/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqClhwV_UfUnZKs5N2MLrjfAuCOcX7qxgphGxZ2wc4n2ULhql-gVfsxARDVSKcaV5Hes8VdWZ0mMtNhcRJx6BzsTLeZ-cd_IRf_Gql4Rclg7lbzqWPP3yV_DALvatY6g1p4GL3HDzwGXH/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I always order the Pho Bo as it is traditionally what Vietnamese noodle houses are famous for. And to top it off i get a Green Tea. Unfortunately they don't have the Vietnamese Coffee, otherwise that would have been the ultimate drink!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Anyway, here's how the Pho Bo looks like</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_4Pzc4LktbpL333FHjhCU4Dd9gF6HK7bKOQHIK_eVid9OXzyQUxFvnKbOd20AlAFvntvjQi4mU_CbDHtzI8e6ycG8ClJS_al7go8N5BVq4hSfeC0N671aoTPrJ3p_iYKMIkd6oUfHvJQ/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_4Pzc4LktbpL333FHjhCU4Dd9gF6HK7bKOQHIK_eVid9OXzyQUxFvnKbOd20AlAFvntvjQi4mU_CbDHtzI8e6ycG8ClJS_al7go8N5BVq4hSfeC0N671aoTPrJ3p_iYKMIkd6oUfHvJQ/s320/IMG_0326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unlike most traditional Pho Bo where thinly sliced beef is served, here they serve chunks. Nonetheless it is still fragrant and beautifully made. The broth is clear but deeply infused with beef stock that you know they've put a good amount of ingredients to make it taste exquisite. And naturally you have the condiments that you can add on to make it spicier or not!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At £6.50, that bowl of noodles was so hearty, I couldn't finish it. Prices since I've last been there hasn't gone up but you never know since VAT rates have increased and inflation rate has gone up too!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've had the prawn laksa not too long ago and it is also a firm favourite amongst the clientèle. There's more to what they are than a simple noodle bar but I simply love the easiness of the staff (who are all Vietnamese I think). Phat Phuc's <a href="http://www.phatphucnoodlebar.com/">website</a> is also very simple and straight forward. Businesses in the local area can also get delivery over £15. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what is my verdict?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ambience 4/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Food 4/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Drink 3/5 (for lack of choice)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Price 5/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Where is it?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'Lucida Grande', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">151 Sydney Street<br />
London<br />
SW3 6NT</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=151+Sydney+Street+London+SW3+6NT&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.104954,43.286133&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=151+Sydney+St,+London+SW3+6NT,+United+Kingdom&ll=51.487787,-0.169339&spn=0.001684,0.005284&z=18&iwloc=r3">map to restaurant</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-83512833885704889452010-10-08T04:23:00.000-07:002010-10-08T04:23:13.088-07:00Malaysia Kitchen's Big Pasar Malam at Trafalgar SquareOkay, I am a victim of non-photography for this particular blog post. I was busy working on the night of the event so don't blame me.<br />
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Getting on with it... the Malaysia Kitchen's attempt or rather effort for putting up an event at Trafalgar Square on the 24th of September 2010 dubbed Malaysia Night was quite an eye opener. I learnt that due to council limitations on certain aspects, the organisers had to downplay the decorations and sound. Though that is quite an interesting observation as many other events at Trafalgar Square did make quite a ruckus.<br />
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I reserved my comments until now after having read many different kinds of reviews on the world wide web with many coming from Malaysians themselves either living abroad or invited journalists who had every comment to make.<br />
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Not to say that it was the best event, though it did successfully attract about 10,000 people or so I've heard from the organisers. The point at hand for such an event was to expose people to what Malaysia has to offer in terms of food. Yes, we Malaysians have expectations in terms of what a night market was to offer, the fishballs, the assam laksa, the fried bread with chicken floss, the many varying drink stalls, the vegetable sellers shouting at the top of their lungs 'Satu Longgok RM5!!!' (One bunch RM5), the many varying snack stalls that only Malaysians can actually cook and the list goes on. I agree that the food offered could have been more varied and considerably could have had more portions. Yes, the queue was terrible that many people went home hungry or stormed off to China Town for a proper meal. Yes, there was not enough seats and tables to sit down to eat properly (but which Malaysian night market had tables and chairs anyway??) The stalls were a bit scarce and small and vendors could have had the opportunity to rent from one to two stalls to create a better atmosphere. Encircling the square was not bad but seriously, there wasn't as much to offer as one could have.<br />
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I understand the frustrations of the many Malaysians as I am Malaysian myself. Yes, I agree that the food could have been more varied showcasing the different ethnic cuisines Malaysia had to offer. But look at it this way: it was the first event. The fact that it garnered attention in the news is good no? The fact that unbeknownst individuals and tourists who were oblivious to Malaysian cuisine have a slight inkling now should be suffice. Now people are looking forward to the second one, should there be a second event which I think should be done annually anyway with more festivities in place. One night is enough and that should play up already the popular demand for Malaysian food.<br />
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This event should also be viewed as a rating for Malaysian restaurants. Do you want to be known as a half pass six restaurant offering substandard fare or would you up your game and try to outrank the rest? Most of the restaurants offered almost similar food and therefore did not provide much difference in terms of food offering. Next time communicate with each other. Offer varying foods including curry chee cheong fun. So simple, yet so delicious.<br />
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I come away from the event knowing that we've made a slight impact in the UK. More people are interested in Malaysian cuisine and notably worthy as well is the effort of many Malaysians out there who blog constantly about their love for Malaysian cuisine. So why not instead of mocking the country, join hands and promote? I'd give it a go!<br />
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Being less judgemental,<br />
The Innovative BakerInnovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-2895497793193596692010-07-22T03:59:00.000-07:002010-07-22T03:59:01.818-07:00Bi Bim Bap Soho - all about the stone bowl I say!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZUwIT9uwCUkCQac-R1S5zgMPtevKtI72oNCNXnHwn46QcgyWn3jcyUj4DYbGRjdvLZd6muPTQHmA98iXjdv0h_G55GDtcH3RceQiWXT5b2Gsg8IVQVY8gSJU0ytB4my6gilPLAzI1nkm/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZUwIT9uwCUkCQac-R1S5zgMPtevKtI72oNCNXnHwn46QcgyWn3jcyUj4DYbGRjdvLZd6muPTQHmA98iXjdv0h_G55GDtcH3RceQiWXT5b2Gsg8IVQVY8gSJU0ytB4my6gilPLAzI1nkm/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Bi Bim Bap, Korea's much sought after dish by many diners all over the world, is now probably a dish that can be found almost anywhere. A friend of mine recently recommended a place located in Soho just to enjoy the magic of the stone bowl. So hence we found ourselves at Bi Bim Bap to cater to the love of the dish in itself. But!!! Bi Bim Bap also serves other dishes aside from their famous signature dish including an array of starters and side dishes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9k4vtyAHsIHAeUdPINO_vAOOfJXpd6r5Vf2jqcAiZfuaDX3TsiERdZt0oawlOeTqrMCPk5xYvHCe0UwFytkS-jZdQdr-qfsy-Ld6a53Nb7505P17RaQqfU0cCVwtL2-C33_NedRbmcqM/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9k4vtyAHsIHAeUdPINO_vAOOfJXpd6r5Vf2jqcAiZfuaDX3TsiERdZt0oawlOeTqrMCPk5xYvHCe0UwFytkS-jZdQdr-qfsy-Ld6a53Nb7505P17RaQqfU0cCVwtL2-C33_NedRbmcqM/s320/IMG_0034.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Amongst the variety available, they have an interesting combination of starters with Prawn Katsu (Japanese) and Chilli Squid (Chinese) along with their Kimchi Pancake and Jap Chae. We decided to order the seafood pancake that was priced at GBP5.25. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSHpuO5193jybzWAgQlc0jE10IeLf4KRiZwDq-MKGOKdvmNooOR-rap_QT2cGJe9J1oXtEhHq2iLzJRlzb20DeN5-PTnI47EFoU2LlKa2N5Q3kcewB8cKkLby_XWd0kkdDPqaZwEP9thr/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSHpuO5193jybzWAgQlc0jE10IeLf4KRiZwDq-MKGOKdvmNooOR-rap_QT2cGJe9J1oXtEhHq2iLzJRlzb20DeN5-PTnI47EFoU2LlKa2N5Q3kcewB8cKkLby_XWd0kkdDPqaZwEP9thr/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood Pancake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pancake was crispy, filled with a good amount of seafood and vegetables and served with a side of what I think is Korean soy sauce with a dash of sliced spring onions. Indeed quite the bite, it was a good starter. Not too heavy and just enough (3 pieces per person) to start the meal.<div><br />
</div><div>Our main dishes comprised of three different Bi Bim Baps!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqzeVrjbAMnygtNAznqtMDto3yYkbyJxexLVFxpLn5uO1pFv4PNQ5EOWCbcyYE5z7uQ5M74xQmQvio9IFeooGnQHRQNSoapv9dx_0IT5ASmcsmfX7W_OiSEiJbI3GcgkZn398AjVBp8oP/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiqzeVrjbAMnygtNAznqtMDto3yYkbyJxexLVFxpLn5uO1pFv4PNQ5EOWCbcyYE5z7uQ5M74xQmQvio9IFeooGnQHRQNSoapv9dx_0IT5ASmcsmfX7W_OiSEiJbI3GcgkZn398AjVBp8oP/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy Pork Bi Bim Bap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vtASIs3PUGcDC7Uv_QCdjtMoWzipAmGlKIjZmaiKU776CUzis0vJw8OzX9oceGpSMrhKHqRrz9dTI9t9QuB2XOiUFZLyqvRVi9BoayaKNRGtyBYL9S_Rx6jvXEVgWX-6G6PojGkMIgD/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vtASIs3PUGcDC7Uv_QCdjtMoWzipAmGlKIjZmaiKU776CUzis0vJw8OzX9oceGpSMrhKHqRrz9dTI9t9QuB2XOiUFZLyqvRVi9BoayaKNRGtyBYL9S_Rx6jvXEVgWX-6G6PojGkMIgD/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Bool-gogi Bi Bim Bap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8moYb1vvQm_HlW7eRW1qJwvu5GAXtJLJCEZIqJTVPzUQjxv6Df4tSBEolCSaYSnvAk0xAFVgWRVaKgWdwHE_ibhxHBHpjFbwrGLeFvigAES-LzdkS0h-4ASd-YfW5JG3zNVILPkQto7_J/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8moYb1vvQm_HlW7eRW1qJwvu5GAXtJLJCEZIqJTVPzUQjxv6Df4tSBEolCSaYSnvAk0xAFVgWRVaKgWdwHE_ibhxHBHpjFbwrGLeFvigAES-LzdkS0h-4ASd-YfW5JG3zNVILPkQto7_J/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap (signature dish)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div>The Bi Bim Baps don't come with the sauces already poured in but in individual sauce bottles so you can add how much sauce you want. Me being the spice queen, decided the more chilli the better. So despite having ordered Spicy Pork Bi Bim Bap, I added more chilli sauce and a round of the sweet sauce (kind of like hoi sin sauce). My other two friends, Gjin and David were a lot less fiery with their sauces. After adding the sauces and stirring them to kingdom come, we finally dug in and boy were they good! </div><div><br />
</div><div>The Dol Sot if you're wondering what it is, is actually a vegetarian Bi Bim Bap with cucumber, mushrooms, beansprouts, spinach, carrots, mooli (as described in their menu) and a fried egg. For vegetarians who do not eat eggs can opt out off the fried egg as the sauces and vegetables will complement each other. As to my knowledge, Korean food is relatively meaty, so it was quite nourishing to know that this particular place does serve vegetarian food with the first five Bi Bim Bap offerings being totally vegetarian. This breathes a welcome sign to many vegetarians who tend to stay away from Korean food (well to the vegetarians that I know at least). The Dol Sot was quite yummy even when there was no sauce in it. Koreans are particular about their sesame oil and a can of it can retail at a hefty price, so having a dash of it within the dish was actually quite a delight. Priced at GBP 5.95 with a portion to reflect the price.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The Beef Bool-gogi and Spicy Pork Bi Bim Bap are typical traditions of the Korean Stone Bowl dish. Both the beef and pork were marinated and fried quite nicely. Of course being priced at GBP 6.45 respectively, the portions do justice to the price. I liked my dish as of course with the spiciness, I do love the kick of sweating while eating. Not the most pleasant of sights, but heck...why else do we eat spicy food anyway (contrary to what my mom says). The combination of vegetables with the meat served along with the rice and sauce did go well.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Note to first time Bi Bim Bap eaters, each Korean restaurant serves a different version of it with different condiments so it does not necessarily mean that the vegetables served at this particular restaurant will reflect what other Korean restaurants would serve. So don't judge when your Bi Bim Bap looks different!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Our drinks were of course typical - green tea and water. Not much variation there!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The atmosphere at Bi Bim Bap was quite uplifting. Giving a different vibe to typical Korean restaurants that are usually decked in traditional ware and decorations (right down to the furniture), Bi Bim Bap was contemporary and even had a wall full of photos of customers who patronise the restaurant. It was bright with reds, greens, yellows and white walls, the restaurant was not too big but with enough space to accommodate the large crowd of diners who flock to Soho for an alternative dining experience.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What is my take on it?</div><div><br />
</div><div>Food 4/5</div><div>Drinks 4/5 (quite welcoming to see a large offering of traditional Korean alcohol and non-alcohol)</div><div>Price 4/5 (reflecting portion)</div><div>Ambience 4/5 </div><div><br />
</div><div>Average price per person: GBP 9.00 (Main Dish + non-alcoholic drink)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Where is Bi Bim Bap?</div><div>11 Greek Street</div><div>Soho</div><div>London W1D 4DJ</div><div>Tel: 0207 287 3434</div><div><a href="http://bibimbapuk.com/2.html">Map to Bi Bim Bap</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Definitely a cheaper alternative to the many varying Korean restaurants that I have patronised, give Bi Bim Bap a go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bi Bim Bap away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Innovative Baker</div></div></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-56802476654649464262010-07-17T06:02:00.000-07:002010-07-17T06:05:18.321-07:00Rasa Sayang (Feel [The] Love)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV141-05-QrA4pH6gwCLzgcT4sivUkEWR5cxYWcbAtRcAN1awi574qMFykA9cyigNUzcMV16R4-iHHekYKQt16KZTt7VnJrsF_J6VSlKUcQw0FNauEM_cGcrr_9w2Vl250BKa1er4DeAm/s1600/IMG_9819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV141-05-QrA4pH6gwCLzgcT4sivUkEWR5cxYWcbAtRcAN1awi574qMFykA9cyigNUzcMV16R4-iHHekYKQt16KZTt7VnJrsF_J6VSlKUcQw0FNauEM_cGcrr_9w2Vl250BKa1er4DeAm/s320/IMG_9819.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt604VoIfw44aEOpLSEAri7mJxgRdGt4rQzfhSDGvXY8ehJgUPJ_LcOicDb9HyT6KckmhW788CoAQN8ZvJfkMl9GcwtYqyZYTJ8sSfELCZLNUN2KLqlHb33VlV1ljOEqHuYOpBwgbOFMi/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNt604VoIfw44aEOpLSEAri7mJxgRdGt4rQzfhSDGvXY8ehJgUPJ_LcOicDb9HyT6KckmhW788CoAQN8ZvJfkMl9GcwtYqyZYTJ8sSfELCZLNUN2KLqlHb33VlV1ljOEqHuYOpBwgbOFMi/s320/IMG_9820.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Not too long ago, I was invited along with some fellow colleagues to partake at a restaurant centrally located in China Town but with no offering of Chinese Food. This place is called Rasa Sayang. Loosely translated at Feel [The ] Love, it is actually the title of a children's rhyme back in Malaysia that is also used during cultural performances. A very lively tune it is, it has been translated quite fluently into the menu of the restaurant. With six of us in tow, we set out to taste the difference that Rasa Sayang had to offer.<br />
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After having mulled over for a bit we decided on a couple of starters, mains and deserts with a bit of take aways too. Warning: the review will be a tad long due to the monstrous number of dishes we ordered. So to kick things off we ordered our drinks:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiER9PrJtQJ0Du_Oksf4iK9uu5ePcRAfINewjLpW2RuhOcZ2YblAwE_iPO0ZxUDud5bJg8N6Qg3aj1CFSQSmn2SHTHDq_OH_rtrmUBUKmTkhrmEX5dILsA_42Qiut_pPGWrQLveKT-Jkv/s1600/IMG_9823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiER9PrJtQJ0Du_Oksf4iK9uu5ePcRAfINewjLpW2RuhOcZ2YblAwE_iPO0ZxUDud5bJg8N6Qg3aj1CFSQSmn2SHTHDq_OH_rtrmUBUKmTkhrmEX5dILsA_42Qiut_pPGWrQLveKT-Jkv/s200/IMG_9823.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xjlpkOlMTbseLYq2k_9vUQZeE9tafXSoGu3QV2i9q_9eyriuw8RpNyZm2WSFZF8chP7Nybtn5JbIdyCiWSFAulO9hwjsAdOyXQ9ZpibhKOMI_A6pe4owzzaQPTX_QLaM8aar8caN_bc9/s1600/IMG_9824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xjlpkOlMTbseLYq2k_9vUQZeE9tafXSoGu3QV2i9q_9eyriuw8RpNyZm2WSFZF8chP7Nybtn5JbIdyCiWSFAulO9hwjsAdOyXQ9ZpibhKOMI_A6pe4owzzaQPTX_QLaM8aar8caN_bc9/s200/IMG_9824.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YoHbVzTtVvBxXFhve7ogR9iZd0zpvk9LQjQXcmROPuxDfbAM77J7APTXdpdqZ1o2EYvPvZcw5ON84fUtQ0Qq8MNNK8yCGTSsawaXgEQ2BJmOb19gDWVcxRWNHmjncf6Qtc6GStNwADKS/s1600/IMG_9826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YoHbVzTtVvBxXFhve7ogR9iZd0zpvk9LQjQXcmROPuxDfbAM77J7APTXdpdqZ1o2EYvPvZcw5ON84fUtQ0Qq8MNNK8yCGTSsawaXgEQ2BJmOb19gDWVcxRWNHmjncf6Qtc6GStNwADKS/s200/IMG_9826.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L - R - Hot Lemon Tea, Grass Jelly Drink, Michael Jackson [Soy Milk with Grass Jelly])</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two most common drinks offered were of the grass jelly drink and hot lemon tea. However the soy milk and grass jelly is a tad different where the combination is ultimately unique. One may only think about the soy milk drank alone. But in Malaysia, we combine them and have a large following. Mike, the guy in the picture, is Canadian, and having tried this the first time, he says, not bad a combination. The prices for drinks were quite affordable having only to pay between GBP 1.50 to GBP 3.00 for non alcoholic drinks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came the starters:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVrQ6LKImtuh7oIR7k5DWI04ZIJUg8ASkzE2XeLs9DddMfoDbR8mWEQGmAtA9xPgiUSAY9J43hdHUyW41U9J9LAAqWPThJ8u3StPq5SD8duSBosNOYw4sw5OmtASZ9VxvoY3zfvQRUSNu/s1600/IMG_9828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVrQ6LKImtuh7oIR7k5DWI04ZIJUg8ASkzE2XeLs9DddMfoDbR8mWEQGmAtA9xPgiUSAY9J43hdHUyW41U9J9LAAqWPThJ8u3StPq5SD8duSBosNOYw4sw5OmtASZ9VxvoY3zfvQRUSNu/s200/IMG_9828.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1M0-uCqyYbUBPX_hG0FqRW5uBjg7HWmuwh5tjb8mZf_G0JEa8KlJ8-pg13vvkx0TzEGE59y29stdZDmq1Kufs7uyKFJir3x_AffxqIYxgKNHER3jDFg3Cpqf9wPAbESNCW4VyOAeei1N/s1600/IMG_9846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1M0-uCqyYbUBPX_hG0FqRW5uBjg7HWmuwh5tjb8mZf_G0JEa8KlJ8-pg13vvkx0TzEGE59y29stdZDmq1Kufs7uyKFJir3x_AffxqIYxgKNHER3jDFg3Cpqf9wPAbESNCW4VyOAeei1N/s200/IMG_9846.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhOOeM34hBuhCLS-NFrDpq6N2oC844imJh1bwvuLsXTwZoMhb3aqaNQxpzB3oyDuhSw03yAFTAc0VQZmtbBO3Rkzr-5T_NvEp6X5zzIVEiGXwYbsmSiKvewKU7G0EMT5gmMDBtoP5olzx/s1600/IMG_9830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhOOeM34hBuhCLS-NFrDpq6N2oC844imJh1bwvuLsXTwZoMhb3aqaNQxpzB3oyDuhSw03yAFTAc0VQZmtbBO3Rkzr-5T_NvEp6X5zzIVEiGXwYbsmSiKvewKU7G0EMT5gmMDBtoP5olzx/s200/IMG_9830.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L - R - Fried Wantons, Crispy Chicken Wings, Oh Chien[Fried Oyster with Eggs])</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The portions were small as is always with starters. The fried Wantons were crispy but with not much filling, the chicken wings were surprisingly tasty and not very oily. I detected a hint of fermented tofu as part of the marinade, and that perhaps gave it is quite noticeable taste. The Oh Chien or Fried Oyster with Eggs, is a delicacy only known in South East Asia with perhaps the best coming from Thailand. Malaysia has its own take on it and replicating it in a foreign country is not easy. The cooking process involves fresh oysters, loads of eggs and a special ingredients, loads of corn starch to give the gooeyness in the dish. This was unfortunately not my favourite although I am a big fan of this dish back home. I was told that the difficulty was in obtaining the size of oysters we Malaysians were accustomed to. I say, size doesn't matter, the preparation counts! The prices for the appetizers ranged between GBP 3.00 to GBP 5.00. Not bad when portions were small but quaint.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the mains, I think we definitely pigged out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSXfAVwfKOwjL0z080dou8K1NdnkbocEBhkpDSNPoGgJfxKQlu7wHuUNhfPP5-7zF29MkmYTFdICQqmn_gc7HkrHuqCk43SdfA90JaNxVvIwebVzVmI4dEKaMl-Dl6sXXzcjfxuoppQkp/s1600/IMG_9836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSXfAVwfKOwjL0z080dou8K1NdnkbocEBhkpDSNPoGgJfxKQlu7wHuUNhfPP5-7zF29MkmYTFdICQqmn_gc7HkrHuqCk43SdfA90JaNxVvIwebVzVmI4dEKaMl-Dl6sXXzcjfxuoppQkp/s320/IMG_9836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6FxGfsd3d9QQieb1JR9g6RGT6jy06ZQx6SB4zYtLZm-737UrVcirZEELN6QgSg5W1sCCoOkg_Oaz6njAU7GENzufZKMsxT-6zhKzzbsuD_L5Nrvz0NmGaspMDTvNMthTOdHR1U_VBNYA/s1600/IMG_9837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6FxGfsd3d9QQieb1JR9g6RGT6jy06ZQx6SB4zYtLZm-737UrVcirZEELN6QgSg5W1sCCoOkg_Oaz6njAU7GENzufZKMsxT-6zhKzzbsuD_L5Nrvz0NmGaspMDTvNMthTOdHR1U_VBNYA/s320/IMG_9837.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">(L-R - Curry Laksa, Nasi Lemak with Chicken Curry)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciJblzBlGbrFS-Hiyq2Gyg1HY6nrrgvFiA5W9Ym-6Frk9hxFseT5mtiHrnT69m4x32x7AkSqRwt2QgxN6F_cPWvr3EW6lUUQs3bMZxqGkqmYSjWJ-MowTE_BE8KpuzEJUmCiL65OPjXoP/s1600/IMG_9838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciJblzBlGbrFS-Hiyq2Gyg1HY6nrrgvFiA5W9Ym-6Frk9hxFseT5mtiHrnT69m4x32x7AkSqRwt2QgxN6F_cPWvr3EW6lUUQs3bMZxqGkqmYSjWJ-MowTE_BE8KpuzEJUmCiL65OPjXoP/s320/IMG_9838.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTohQ-a1KClrAsmLbSzHeNhW7sqtUOL4jjnM1xTgp7g_cjVF8olFzCRA7kSrF9io2kV5DgBpEqdrrt-yxp8Odo9nxIOunmOzihjUkI0MPC_vYa3n8nuT_UyYp-WaJOkd-_P-hypAFKWMnY/s1600/IMG_9843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTohQ-a1KClrAsmLbSzHeNhW7sqtUOL4jjnM1xTgp7g_cjVF8olFzCRA7kSrF9io2kV5DgBpEqdrrt-yxp8Odo9nxIOunmOzihjUkI0MPC_vYa3n8nuT_UyYp-WaJOkd-_P-hypAFKWMnY/s320/IMG_9843.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L - R- Tangy Assam Fish, Sautéed Sambal Prawns)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMh-r2U78Zzx74C9I-3QgaDMtGaDQ1q3_1PY4d9IE1Z7uGeS0_bf25Sc0eDi248ms_QbAauvq6vBbM6aulgZEfUx8h6sfJk0o1RwmrWPhOffAuPtMOnr7W6GqwIcvGj34P0vi9QuXlOod/s1600/IMG_9842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMh-r2U78Zzx74C9I-3QgaDMtGaDQ1q3_1PY4d9IE1Z7uGeS0_bf25Sc0eDi248ms_QbAauvq6vBbM6aulgZEfUx8h6sfJk0o1RwmrWPhOffAuPtMOnr7W6GqwIcvGj34P0vi9QuXlOod/s320/IMG_9842.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt8fEYWOyHMHb3RjtGYNG8gGQ_VZt_Jl0o8wB9M0-NUW4yqUIHzCDB5LCkMsb-VJ4AanrxYEW3YwflGV19zf-gPdInXueaqLmeUgqkjoXztWAYeRfjLIcpdZzUbsCdEwsWuyvCLwRuANf/s1600/IMG_9839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt8fEYWOyHMHb3RjtGYNG8gGQ_VZt_Jl0o8wB9M0-NUW4yqUIHzCDB5LCkMsb-VJ4AanrxYEW3YwflGV19zf-gPdInXueaqLmeUgqkjoXztWAYeRfjLIcpdZzUbsCdEwsWuyvCLwRuANf/s320/IMG_9839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L - R - Kangkung Belacan [Stir Fried Morning Glory with Prawn Paste Sambal], Char Kueh Teow)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Fried Hokkien Mee Malaysian Style)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Curry Laksa, the first to be served was not bad. It is in fact not easy to prepare a curry laksa as there are many versions to it. This one was probably the normal version of a curry laksa that is commonly found in most hawker stalls in Malaysia. However, the one thing it lacked was the chilli kick it normally provides. The soup was slightly grainy as if there was too much curry powder used to cook the soup. Makes me wonder whether the soup went through a strainer before being served. But, one thing I give credit, the serving size was huge. For GBP 6.60, this is something for the people who have huge eating portions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Anchovies Nasi Lemak, as it is aptly called in the menu, is actually just the normal Nasi Lemak we get back home with a serving of Chicken Curry. I suspect the chicken was deep fried first before being placed in the curry sauce. The rice was a little sticky but not overpowered by the coconut milk that is used to cook it. The anchovies were indeed a pleasure to eat as it was the crispy kind that we love. The Acar or pickled vegetables was sweet and did not contain much peanuts. The sambal was sweet, reflecting a more Malay take on a sambal rather than Indian. Normal for my standards as you can't really go wrong with this dish. Priced at GBP 6.90, it gives you a hearty meal as it also provided sliced cucumber as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My two favourite dishes were the Tangy Assam Fish and Sautéed Sambal Prawns. This was ordered by my colleagues because of their preference for dishes to share. I must say the fish was a good sized portion with different vegetables used - eggplant (aubergines), fresh mint and okra. The fish was fresh and did not taste frozen. For an establishment like Rasa Sayang, this was probably its best offering to date. I sizzled with its sauce as it gave me the sour taste I seek when eating Assam fish, and it is not all the time Assam Fish is available. A delicacy often offered in Nyonya restaurants, this was definitely a triumph for the restaurant. This dish is priced at GBP 7.50. The Sautéed Sambal Prawns were also seriously delicious. The prawns were crunchy and did not reflect any notion that it was frozen before hand. The okra used was also fresh and did not emit its famous slime. The Sambal used was quite authentic as well giving out the tinge of oilyness the dish so needs. It is not too spicy either with a touch of sugar sweet that blends the tastes at its right proportions. This dish is GBP 6.90.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came the Kangkung Belacan (price not taken down), was mediocre. The vegetable was still crunchy but I found the sambal used lacked substance. Slightly watery unlike other places, the dish was simple naturally. I could not detect the dried prawns that are normally used in cooking this dish hence it was a little bit of a let down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two last mains were the Char Kueh Teow and Fried Hokkien Mee. Out of the two, I preferred the Char Kueh Teow simply because it gave me the the taste of the wok or in Chinese 'Wok Hei'. The Hokkien Mee lacked it despite its dependence on it. The Char Kueh Teow was not dark enough but then again, every type of Char Kueh Teow differs in colour as well. It did come with prawns, chives and beansprouts. The restaurant recently turned halal, so the one essential ingredient that unfortunately cannot be included is the Chinese sausage. This ingredient normally adds to the flavour of the dish but nevertheless the dish was quite delectable. By this time, my tummy was 3/4 full and I had to leave space for desert. The Hokkien Mee was not pleasing. It did taste of it but I found the noodles too hard. The noodles looked more like udon noodles than it did thick egg noodles and I asked the owner why. He says that it is difficult to obtain the original noodles and therefore a substitute was used. Still, my take on the dish was not a disappointment. I am huge fan of this dish as well and having been let down was not a pleasant sight. Even for a first timer, Mike preferred the Char Kueh Teow over the Hokkien Mee because it seemed to be a tad salty for him. Both dishes are priced at GBP 6.60 each.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally we come to desert. We ordered additional drinks along with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU114nsjDa6mqVF0PtYQhT-pa31Puu06JnF1EjhdfUkVHnSJEN_y_m0XS3eMtYb8lOtjwfJnA_X-dxgAqyxr_abhAQX2d9NKnZgUt6OEyyKOu3__1ElDFEgGaOpQOExOy-GSgtLrbYw0n1/s1600/IMG_9854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU114nsjDa6mqVF0PtYQhT-pa31Puu06JnF1EjhdfUkVHnSJEN_y_m0XS3eMtYb8lOtjwfJnA_X-dxgAqyxr_abhAQX2d9NKnZgUt6OEyyKOu3__1ElDFEgGaOpQOExOy-GSgtLrbYw0n1/s320/IMG_9854.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Top to Bottom - Bubur Cha Cha, Sago Gula Melaka, Roti Bakar, Milo Dinosaur, Teh Tarik)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Sago Gula Melaka was in fact quite a delicious dish. Despite not having a tinge of pandan (Screwpine Leaf) colouring, the sago held its shape and looked like a perfectly shaped half sphere. Served a generous serving of coconut cream, this dish was indeed a yummy one. It was decorated with a sliver of pandan, but it was a simple dish to begin with. Priced at GBP 3.00, it is not at all pricey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Bubur Cha Cha came with its required ingredients, large sago pearls, beans, yam and sweet potato. Served in hot coconut milk boiled with syrup, this desert held its own. Also priced around the same with the previous desert, it is quite affordable seeing how much ingredients it came with. This is a particular Nyonya Desert that has crossed over the rest of the cultures in Malaysia and is now often found in most restaurants regardless of cuisine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Roti Bakar is not an easy dish to emulate. From the bread to the coconut jam (Kaya), the roti bakar depends on many factors. The bread in particular is actually called the Hainanese Bread, because of the origin of the dish in itself. It is normally found in old coffee houses called Kopitiams (Coffeehouse), and it is baked in house. Even the coconut jam, a long and difficult jam to make consisting off loads of egg yolks and coconut milk, has to be made to perfection. Good coconut jam is brown and the one here is green. Perhaps green colouring was used but the natural colour of coconut jam is in fact brown. I suspect the coconut jam is from a can as it would save time and money for the restaurant. The bread is again by tradition, toasted over charcoal fire but again, this was probably done with a toaster and not dark enough. The price wasn't taken down but seriously, only try this when you need to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two drinks, Milo Dinosaur and Teh Tarik are typical offerings of the Indian Muslim fare. Teh Tarik being more common, the Milo Dinosaur is normally a concoction invented to attract the many late nighters that Malaysia is famous for. Now with it being offered in London, it is an instant hit with many Malaysians who patronise Rasa Sayang. The same with Teh Tarik. Both weren't overtly sweet and they were quite the perfect ending. Priced at GBP 1.60 for the Teh Tarik and GBP 2.50 for the Milo Dinosaur, it is quite the good bargain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall the dining experience was quite enjoyable. A good use of space as they have also basement seating like most of the Chinese restaurants in China town, the location is top notch, opposite a Danish Bar and on the high street of China Town. Easy to find and easy to get to with busses and the tube plus probably the most prominent location aside from Malaysia Kopitiam that is situated on Charing Cross Road. You could see that it is a well patronised restaurant amongst Malaysians and locals despite its hits and misses. As one very wise man said, to survive in the restaurant business, you need to have a loyal following of your own kind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What was my verdict?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Food 3/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drinks 4/5 (because of an offering of wine and beer)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Price 4/5 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ambience 3/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Average price per person GBP 10.00 (Main Dish plus non alcoholic drink)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where is Rasa Sayang?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5 Macclesfield Street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">London W1D 6AY</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/places/gb/w1d-6ay/london/macclesfield-st/5/-rasa-sayang?hl=en&gl=uk">Map to Rasa Sayang</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately the restaurant does not have a website. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For simple fare but a wide offering, Rasa Sayang is quite the restaurant. Like all restaurants, it has its share of hits and misses. But whose to say that what they offer is not fitting?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still looking for the perfect Malaysian fare,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Innovative Baker</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-83982240914359581862010-06-23T14:01:00.000-07:002012-04-11T03:55:39.900-07:00Ed's - An American Dinner amidst the hustle and bustle of London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first time I went to Ed's was a few years ago with a good friend and her brother. She raved about the Peanut Butter Milkshake which I was tempted to try once more but seeing that my craving was entirely different that day, I passed on the milkshake. This time I decided to go for the old traditional burger, onion rings and a coke! </div>
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The Big Bubba (GBP6.35) and Onion Rings (GBP2.95)</div>
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The combination was indeed large reflecting the sizeable portions of American food portions. I couldn't finish the rings and left part of the bread behind. But you had the choice of adding a ton of sauces. The Big Bubba is the "Original" with bacon and American cheese.</div>
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The beef patty was grilled to perfection with enough moisture and texture left for me to savour the rich beef flavour. The cheese wasn't the stretchy kind which makes it easy to eat without having the strings stretching out of the burger itself. The rings however were the frozen kind instead of freshly cut onions. So that was a bit of a let down. My one peeve however is the prices charged. Despite the portion, I doubt I'd pay GBP6.35 for a burger in the near future unless I start going to a slightly upper class restaurant, even then a burger would be the last thing I'd order.</div>
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Ed's does however give you the feeling of a typical diner complete with a jukebox that still works. </div>
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The songs available were most definitely from the 50s and 60s with Elvis Presley headlining song choices. The customers were of diverse backgrounds as the outlet I patronised was in the heart of Leicester Square and Piccaddily Circus. No surprises there. The waitresses however were extremely friendly, dispelling my previous notion that diner waitresses were rough and tough like the movies. Everyone was clearly having fun which added to mood of the place.</div>
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Needless to say, despite the prices, the place was overall welcoming, clean and typical American.</div>
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So what is my verdict?</div>
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Ambience 4/5</div>
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Food 4/5</div>
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Drinks 4/5 (they do serve beer here and a load of other drinks especially the milkshake)</div>
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Price 3/5</div>
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Average price per person: GBP 12.00 (Burger, Side + Drink)</div>
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Where is Ed's?</div>
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Unit 34b London Trocadero</div>
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19 Rupert Street</div>
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London W1D 7PA</div>
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Tel: 020 7287 1951</div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=Ed's+Easy+Diner&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=Ed's+Easy+Diner&hnear=London&cid=0,0,5227236817378385511&ei=E3QiTOCZFciMOKLHkK0F&ved=0CBsQnwIwAA&ll=51.511667,-0.133016&spn=0.006944,0.01929&z=16&iwloc=A">Map to Ed's</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.edseasydiner.co.uk/">www.edseasydiner.co.uk</a></div>
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Ed's is also in 2 other locations. So look up the website to know where the nearest Ed's is. If you are missing a piece of American history in the shape of a diner, then Ed's is your place.</div>
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Buuuurrrrppppp,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-66422257767823480722010-06-23T09:27:00.000-07:002010-06-23T09:27:16.083-07:00Melati 1 - at Peter Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI_CyFsDqAaYyjlj5Qmg-F96YrNGwa0PYgvu-nX89Bae6qAhCtakN0umhE0geQqhd-leU_5QcNHowZBfiN9lBtaKfM8X2pnuswo3IMD2jXkwhKZXxpdf2FzCLV-cCr7oaWaERTlvsDvuV/s1600/IMG_9618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI_CyFsDqAaYyjlj5Qmg-F96YrNGwa0PYgvu-nX89Bae6qAhCtakN0umhE0geQqhd-leU_5QcNHowZBfiN9lBtaKfM8X2pnuswo3IMD2jXkwhKZXxpdf2FzCLV-cCr7oaWaERTlvsDvuV/s320/IMG_9618.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After having visited London for a great many times, one of those cravings you get was to fulfill your local food tastebuds. For me it was always Malaysian food. Don't get me wrong, I love tasting the world's cuisine for sure, but there's always one thing that draws me back - Malaysian food. Melati Peter Street in Soho was the first Malaysian restaurant that I stepped foot in and still go back off and on for a good sit down dinner.<br />
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One thing that Malaysian restaurants are famous for is the offering of hawker food. But, Malaysia is also known for its other dishes, the ones, like most Asian families cook, to share during family dinners or lunches. My normal meal at Melati was always that. But, this time I decided to go against the grain and order hawker food.<br />
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I had along two other friends, one German, who doesn't like seafood or eggs, the other was half Indonesian Chinese and probably English. Never asked but it doesn't matter. Both were relatively new to the world of Malaysian food, so I suggested to go with something more neutral otherwise they'd be having too much of a surprise!<br />
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We all ordered the infamous Grass Jelly Drink which I think I have covered in most my Malaysian Restaurant reviews.<br />
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For food, we settled for Prawn Crackers and Chicken Satay as German friend wasn't too keen on beef either.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chicken Satay, complete with Steamed sticky rice, fresh red onions and cucumber (GBP5.95)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prawn Crackers served with sweet chilli sauce (GBP3.00)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The chicken satay did not resemble the typical Malaysian style skewers. On taste, it was more 'qwailo style' then it was Malaysian. Perhaps, with the fact that skewering the Malaysian way and barbequeing the Malaysian way will stink the whole kitchen. But nonetheless, for the price we paid, we got 6 skewers and enough side condiments. The peanut sauce was a bit more puréed than usual but the spicyness was there. Overall, not bad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The prawn crackers was normal. The sweet chilli sauce is probably Lingam's Chilli Sauce. For GBP3.00, I could buy a whole packet of dried crackers and fry it up at home! Ah, but that is the way it is with restaurants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For the mains, we all somehow ended up calling stuff that looked the same. The only thing different was the type of carbo it came in. Two noodles, one rice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nasi Istimewa (Special Fried Rice with Acar, satay skewers, Fried Egg and Beef Rendang) ( GBP8.50)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mee Goreng Istimewa (Fried Noodles with prawns, chicken & fishcake, satay skewers, beef rendang, fried egg and acar) (GBP8.50)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W7-OLabgcM8Vz5KjeG1FNdOlNqfHdeVQsh4K4a1YzIycI0WOYAVuINw_ykhuSWarQ3FdgIqWVT4kBs20dE_JQo6Aa3SDPO4eZeFv6N5MN8le6joFC7tsF8OsCBPDE9QFDzzeEQqC9Too/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-W7-OLabgcM8Vz5KjeG1FNdOlNqfHdeVQsh4K4a1YzIycI0WOYAVuINw_ykhuSWarQ3FdgIqWVT4kBs20dE_JQo6Aa3SDPO4eZeFv6N5MN8le6joFC7tsF8OsCBPDE9QFDzzeEQqC9Too/s320/IMG_9628.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles with Fishcake, Chicken and fresh lettuce) (GBP7.00)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">All came on a similar presentation and all were brown in colour. Hahahaha... perhaps we weren't in the mood for other colours that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So what is my overall rating for Melati on Peter Street?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ambience 4/5 (clearly a popular restaurant with both ends of the spectrum)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Food 3/5 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Drinks 3/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Price 3/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Average price per person: GBP10.00 (One main meal + Drink)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Where is Melati?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">30 - 31 Peter Street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">London W1F 0AR</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Tel: 020 7437 2011</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Website: <a href="http://www.melati-restaurant.co.uk/">www.melati-restaurant.co.uk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are in Soho, then this is a better choice of the two Melati Restaurants around. But you'll have so many different choice now anyway :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.melati-restaurant.co.uk/contact.htm">Map to Restaurant</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-27140189651019290962010-05-06T04:48:00.000-07:002010-05-06T04:48:19.175-07:00Let's be Caribbean for a day - Bamboula is your place :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h4ENr1JOMFynKjKSkCCyNul7FVTDKNtX3WzT5iZXnpJoxy5zr6jNlF4SCQoISgOzpzvz7EjeccJb70LodxypLDJM7-iu1fzlaJILy4nG7g22aymuXcCYE_nKY4owwG0AajFSb2YmRkJm/s1600/IMG_8802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h4ENr1JOMFynKjKSkCCyNul7FVTDKNtX3WzT5iZXnpJoxy5zr6jNlF4SCQoISgOzpzvz7EjeccJb70LodxypLDJM7-iu1fzlaJILy4nG7g22aymuXcCYE_nKY4owwG0AajFSb2YmRkJm/s320/IMG_8802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I stay in a part of London that is predominantly Afro-Caribbean and I am proud to be part of that community. Brixton is known for its colourful and loud natured environment and boasts a bevy of restaurants that run from European to Asian. However, my one favourite haunt in Brixton is Bamboula. Possibly the best Afro-Caribbean food one can get, the restaurant is located off Brixton's high street, so it's not too noisy. My dad and I went to Bamboula for lunch after tossing around a few options and since he's never been there before, why not try it out right?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The restaurant was decorated with plenty of bamboo, painted with loads of tropical flowers and plants and brightly coloured walls, the place can sit 20 at any one time. But the restaurant is so popular that the line for take out is immensely popular. Lunch time tends to be quieter which is a good thing as you are guaranteed a place to sit. Dinner comes and there will be a line. Either you call ahead to reserve a table or stand about 30 minutes at any one time for a table. Yes, it is that good.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We ordered two lunch menus. One was the Bamboula Jerk Lamb. A signature dish comprising of rice and peas, plantains, salad and a whopping portion of jerk lamb. The price has gone up since but at GBP7.50, it is well worth your visit at the portions are spilling out of the plate!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY4WXn192giawaDW72B3zoUzdD2egk1pylTiKbF1jsLRaLdq0jtQ749cWLxkeLFc_6Oo_Rj2RJgOmHkgnlu1yjYsKwSyWigwGxIdsOCTzXDzU007H0Z-6laSzd9nOh9i_x4Dcx5uba8sr/s1600/IMG_8805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSY4WXn192giawaDW72B3zoUzdD2egk1pylTiKbF1jsLRaLdq0jtQ749cWLxkeLFc_6Oo_Rj2RJgOmHkgnlu1yjYsKwSyWigwGxIdsOCTzXDzU007H0Z-6laSzd9nOh9i_x4Dcx5uba8sr/s320/IMG_8805.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikprL91K2mMA-4QjQ2S2BdWcAhDEkPwxUl9aZ_gc2WV0_daAv8IhYEty4MumBq2yQfuY70aAv4CabyBrxMeoSp14E5mlPuxfKFgInHiQeTix64Oyk4IIMQgCZ2OMUbagKiwgmgoEZDnMr_/s1600/IMG_8806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikprL91K2mMA-4QjQ2S2BdWcAhDEkPwxUl9aZ_gc2WV0_daAv8IhYEty4MumBq2yQfuY70aAv4CabyBrxMeoSp14E5mlPuxfKFgInHiQeTix64Oyk4IIMQgCZ2OMUbagKiwgmgoEZDnMr_/s320/IMG_8806.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bamboula Jerk Lamb</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The lamb was fantastic. Falling off the bone, not rubbery and tastes like a piece of Caribbean all rolled into one. Seriously, it was fantastically delicious. The accompaniments were a good blend for the already powerful meat and trust me, you'd never want to trade your plate for anything else. It has a slight spicyness to the taste which is probably reflective of the Jamaican taste buds but one can only imagine the taste. I have never personally been to Jamaica so this is just assuming that they eat spicy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The second lunch menu we had was the Satisfaction, a serving of 1/4 jerk chicken served with rice and peas, plantains and salad. At a mere GBP 5.50, seriously, this plate can feed two meals. I for one don't eat as much, and we were left with a heaping portion of left overs.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Satisfaction</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Strange how I like Jerk Chicken here but never the ones by Nando's. Needless to say, the portion and the price is definitely a bonus point and kudos to Bamboula for the standard it has kept for the many years it has opened. The chicken, despite being served the breast, was succulent. Falling off the bone once more, it proved to be every bit as tasty as the Lamb. One could only imagine, if we weren't full from the first dish, we'd have devoured this to the bone, leaving nothing behind. Alas, our tummies were already packed and thus had to give up half way.</div><br />
The service albeit a little slow during the day was really friendly. One reason why I keep coming back for more food :) My last visit was with my sister and we cracked the house! The waiters would definitely remember us for life as we sat there, talking to the waiters and poking fun at each other at the same time.<br />
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Prices however defer for dinner but still well worth your time and money to go.<br />
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So what is my verdict?<br />
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Ambience 4/5<br />
Food 5/5<br />
Drinks 4/5 (they actually serve Guava Juice)<br />
Price 4/5 (based on lunch set menus)<br />
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Average price per person: GBP7.50 (lunch set menu includes drink)<br />
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Where is Bamboula?<br />
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12 Acre Lane<br />
Brixton<br />
London SW2 5SG<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=sw2+5sg&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=13.544511,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=London+SW2+5SG,+United+Kingdom&z=16">Map to Restaurant</a><br />
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I yam a Jamaican for a day!<br />
The Innovative BakerInnovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-53244182892472432492010-04-06T14:31:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:31:52.265-07:00New Belachan Restaurant: How new is new?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20Qy3KzY-28Cq4Df26kdXiCqWF-r_O-WDf4T6COA_EApyL73V0oIw_-ve3wi69yMgFzyDfMDvphtYwbrbX57PyIxM32pG8jPY4BGUus-QjmJpd6DV871jjXa8d7qrBpIDi5zNdWj0Sdrq/s1600/IMG_8832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20Qy3KzY-28Cq4Df26kdXiCqWF-r_O-WDf4T6COA_EApyL73V0oIw_-ve3wi69yMgFzyDfMDvphtYwbrbX57PyIxM32pG8jPY4BGUus-QjmJpd6DV871jjXa8d7qrBpIDi5zNdWj0Sdrq/s320/IMG_8832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Diverging from all the Vietnamese food that I've had in New York, my friends and I decided to try our hands at Malaysian Cuisine. So whilst at 8 Avenue, after taking a little dash to the local hair salon, we came across New Belachan Restaurant. Apparently, it was a Malaysian Restaurant before but changed ownership. A little poster was pasted up indicating a grand opening. So we jointly decided that this would be the place to be. Upon entering it was filled to the brim. Notably not everyone was Malaysian as you could note the language spoken in the restaurant by the patrons. You could tell that the opening was a rushed one as the menu was not vetted through properly leaving typo errors in the most hilarious manner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-sWZnDMdyj1VPWW2QcA6WjvtQjt6sxFPhqjsL7H5-AyvSBhSQNbD-Sv_9oySA3MRPHPyoEMGo43VJS0fF1cUYvW22RNJL0g5iL-kjU1GlVv_SnWuqgkQjp6dcGDPeP8dLdRBAvCkxNuH/s1600/IMG_8842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-sWZnDMdyj1VPWW2QcA6WjvtQjt6sxFPhqjsL7H5-AyvSBhSQNbD-Sv_9oySA3MRPHPyoEMGo43VJS0fF1cUYvW22RNJL0g5iL-kjU1GlVv_SnWuqgkQjp6dcGDPeP8dLdRBAvCkxNuH/s320/IMG_8842.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I have a feeling they're trying to say Salted Egg with Green Vegetables Soup - keyword missing: Vegetable)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, my friend and I having spent a good deal of time laughing at the menu, we finally decided on our orders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For drinks we had:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lMSrAyCl_rIu5rXpLKfSM97BN5ra3W-_M0pL-GrEMmhoMbKK85FLKpPn76bSnL10dyDuTYlrTlcxsPVonXxe_B7iaCrRqBKgII6Yamp6tb4tCIwFIxF5Poa_gM_QXTUezEewMRFTNEKL/s1600/IMG_8847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lMSrAyCl_rIu5rXpLKfSM97BN5ra3W-_M0pL-GrEMmhoMbKK85FLKpPn76bSnL10dyDuTYlrTlcxsPVonXxe_B7iaCrRqBKgII6Yamp6tb4tCIwFIxF5Poa_gM_QXTUezEewMRFTNEKL/s320/IMG_8847.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHUfPuSEc1kR9LFV8Gq1bi5I8Z-7n-rjf7SmcTVgkj9lBD8Ap1v3h1NA7GaMcMogq75KRwldJZoU2zlgL9-rANXHlGj_FpF1XaC1ZI9uUiHgfY2LGtLXbEhhSRTpcRi-nrG15bw3_Ra3X/s1600/IMG_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHUfPuSEc1kR9LFV8Gq1bi5I8Z-7n-rjf7SmcTVgkj9lBD8Ap1v3h1NA7GaMcMogq75KRwldJZoU2zlgL9-rANXHlGj_FpF1XaC1ZI9uUiHgfY2LGtLXbEhhSRTpcRi-nrG15bw3_Ra3X/s320/IMG_8845.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L-R: Thai Iced Tea and Soy Bean Cincau)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I actually wanted:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N5ZTzDsVFwWeJDRnEf6Kh7R7oz4UaQcG-uCFwL0TFgBvWnUC_7CPxZi30aAb8wr3yvfr-JRRFb-qZwxk5pMDELo09eujaadoEsAha1WvnQz_xgOjmTCbgoO_mRh-a8IGCyECDy5K7gnc/s1600/IMG_8843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N5ZTzDsVFwWeJDRnEf6Kh7R7oz4UaQcG-uCFwL0TFgBvWnUC_7CPxZi30aAb8wr3yvfr-JRRFb-qZwxk5pMDELo09eujaadoEsAha1WvnQz_xgOjmTCbgoO_mRh-a8IGCyECDy5K7gnc/s320/IMG_8843.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Malaysian Ice Tea (note another typo error)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But, they actually ran out of it. So, settled for the Thai version. It actually does taste like how I remembered it to be so kudos to the drinks maker. No doubt when it came, it looked a tad more brown then I was used to. My friends gave me disturbing looks and actually asked whether that was how the tea should look like. Trust me, it looked and tasted like how it should be: a slight sourness due to the dried sourplum, accentuated by the thick tea that they pour in and an embarrassingly huge dollop of condense milk. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My friends had the soy bean and cincau concoction. In Malaysia it is referred to as Michael Jackson - with the connotation leading towards his song, Black and White. I am not a huge fan of soy bean milk, but I was quite surprised at how milky the milk was. The Cincau (Grass Jelly) was of course not too sweet making it taste even better in combination with the soy bean milk. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then came our mains:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbdwBBD0LtzAjGX3JQ6_aoeCPcxyMSUDVko6R1y8pxlozrfTUDZ99AGRUl2lYk6a7xCBrBt5lDCmhB8lZAmaPYzbsGr7ppJHoGBcHArKCLhf6STAHB2ra22eWi8QKgx3qplWO6SWEL6NB/s1600/IMG_8850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbdwBBD0LtzAjGX3JQ6_aoeCPcxyMSUDVko6R1y8pxlozrfTUDZ99AGRUl2lYk6a7xCBrBt5lDCmhB8lZAmaPYzbsGr7ppJHoGBcHArKCLhf6STAHB2ra22eWi8QKgx3qplWO6SWEL6NB/s320/IMG_8850.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiQmWBjnZlp0jSTM2WR5nEVUcvNLAWvC32K7TASgiKJ7rPKn2xpBCBw22twuIKDcyu4HSYiA7EJcaUBPa6fSI-hJ2j0rp7cAKB1xMNmjEt4KYvJAQbCWldRTfh2wjIsI_LKkWG6dRmyqw/s1600/IMG_8851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiQmWBjnZlp0jSTM2WR5nEVUcvNLAWvC32K7TASgiKJ7rPKn2xpBCBw22twuIKDcyu4HSYiA7EJcaUBPa6fSI-hJ2j0rp7cAKB1xMNmjEt4KYvJAQbCWldRTfh2wjIsI_LKkWG6dRmyqw/s320/IMG_8851.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV5SBaXPIEb8aXnCwCmWvltBEREz3eUWv3bmiKgWOjRKxRPTJH7ME9XxxiGpIZH8dkZxCJo4LJuyjvWdM3gPq0UKQKmHsZax6bI8wn0pHAoKP-dyo2fnDQOxp6ATpANAtSnpJf2pcsDDx/s1600/IMG_8853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV5SBaXPIEb8aXnCwCmWvltBEREz3eUWv3bmiKgWOjRKxRPTJH7ME9XxxiGpIZH8dkZxCJo4LJuyjvWdM3gPq0UKQKmHsZax6bI8wn0pHAoKP-dyo2fnDQOxp6ATpANAtSnpJf2pcsDDx/s320/IMG_8853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Top to Bottom: Cantonese Fried Noodles, Hakka Flour Noodles and Loh Mein)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Cantonese Fried Noodles was actually fantastically prepared. How so? There is something we Malaysians refer to as 'Wok Hei' or the seasoning of the wok. The longer you use a wok, and the hotter the fire (which in actual fact is essential in the preparation of such dishes including the Loh Mein), it usually results in the fire (not spicy but heat) tasting noodle dish. It is actually quite difficult to describe what the taste resembles, but the minute we taste it, we go...yum!!!!! That's when we know that there is enough 'Wok Hei'. My friend couldn't help but devour the dish to its remnants leaving loose noodles behind. The one thing missing in this dish was the Pork Crispies or rather referred to as deep fried pork fat. This dish cost US$ 6.50</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Hakka Flour Noodles looked and tasted almost similar to what I would have back in Kuala Lumpur. Naturally portion size is over sized but for the price you pay (US$6.50), it is of course well worth it. The noodles were however too thick for my liking. It is prepared similarly to pasta but without the yellow tinge. The broth is usually from dried anchovies cooked with minced meat, diced chinese mushrooms, sliced morsels, sliced pork and vegetables (usually a type of vegetable not available overseas). I must say that with the adaptation of it to suit the type of ingredients one could get in the US, this was as close as you could get. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My dish which was the Loh Mein is the soupy version of the Hokkien Fried Noodles. The same thick egg noodles, but cooked in an extremely starchy eggy broth served up with sliced pork, seafood and vegetables and a serving of Pork Crispies. I must say that this was bliss! Despite the soup being a little more watery, it was a reminder of home. I have not found this dish in any other Malaysian restaurant so this was like a little girl finding a stash of chocolate treats hidden. This dish is supposed to have a dash of Chinese vinegar as well but it was not something I was actively looking for. Despite this missing ingredient, it tasted fantastic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We of course had to order an accompaniment. The ever staple vegetable dish, Stir Fried Morning Glory with Malaysian Chilli Paste (Kangkung Belacan)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRuyvbub5cD4gd8d2QuXsr3TqfnHhCcZ6jPHFcjdOoqZw4RiWKkhNmZaJ3CICuFQ7p1drBytfHFnnsQ2s2orMrBHRVIUzEzFzxCnP5EgjzIGKUE_8h-rZ37yzk8llVsUBlkg0iP5ciIan/s1600/IMG_8855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRuyvbub5cD4gd8d2QuXsr3TqfnHhCcZ6jPHFcjdOoqZw4RiWKkhNmZaJ3CICuFQ7p1drBytfHFnnsQ2s2orMrBHRVIUzEzFzxCnP5EgjzIGKUE_8h-rZ37yzk8llVsUBlkg0iP5ciIan/s320/IMG_8855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was on the border for all three of us. Perhaps this was a serving mainly catered for the locals there and therefore taste was compromised. But, seeing that most of the dishes were cooked to almost perfection, we wondered why this particular dish was compromised. Needless to say, it was a heaping portion, but taste wise, it just lacked a little something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And apparently, all Asian restaurants serve sushi despite it not being a Japanese restaurant. Apparently everyone in America who goes into an Asian restaurant always requests for sushi. And it is evident when you do walk to every Asian restaurant including, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. It is an odd combination as you do not find it here in the UK. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58nx0AOGWhZVT6Y3sXn1FfqTgmsAEOWlihsEjxax2tqITVf0wZsQTuIHQvYz6c8Mv5qghB90Ro0c_O18urK95JJBUJtk4v7_xK75XyzeHdI_jO0xaOvxP1vkNMVIB5ZkmrT2HG2WWYMZ4/s1600/IMG_8849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58nx0AOGWhZVT6Y3sXn1FfqTgmsAEOWlihsEjxax2tqITVf0wZsQTuIHQvYz6c8Mv5qghB90Ro0c_O18urK95JJBUJtk4v7_xK75XyzeHdI_jO0xaOvxP1vkNMVIB5ZkmrT2HG2WWYMZ4/s320/IMG_8849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(note picture of Sushi along the left side of the menu)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The restaurant also serves a number of dishes that can be ordered to share ranging from fish, chicken, pork and of course other meats and vegetable dishes. Soups in abundance, deserts as well. But Malaysians being Malaysians, we go for the hawker food (dishes served by little stalls in coffee shops).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The ambience that was trying to be recreated was that of a rustic looking village house made out of palm leaves. Unfortunately I did not take photos of the interior, but in any case, it does look like it with a lot of bamboo around. But the seating was pretty messy, with many tables too small for the abundance of dishes that people would order. Cramped would probably describe it best but that did not deter the crowd from coming to the restaurant. Before we left, there was a line of customers waiting to be seated. That would already explain the popularity of the restaurant. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So what is my verdict?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ambience 3/5 (judged on seating arrangements and cramped space)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Food 4/5 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Drinks 4/5</div><div style="text-align: left;">Price 4/5</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Average price per Person: US$10.00 (A Main dish like noodles or rice + a drink)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where is New Belachan Restaurant?</div><div style="text-align: left;">5918 8th Avenue</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brooklyn, NY 11220</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=5918+8th+Avenue+Brooklyn,+NY+11220&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.231745,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=5918+8th+Ave,+Brooklyn,+Kings,+New+York+11220&z=16">Map to Restaurant</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, for an alternative cuisine is crazy New York, try out New Belachan Restaurant. Besides, you know you are in a part of New York that is totally ASIAN!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Still looking for the best Malaysian Cuisine outside of Malaysia,</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Innovative Baker</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-74021942349867785352010-03-26T08:51:00.000-07:002010-03-26T08:51:30.547-07:00Vietnamese Fusion - Republic!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfms1b-DdK2cx1bZwM0Up3XO_LcFA6CnxLwDSEKzeziCNkjEprbq9IHp-j4Plcn-sly4EBmrD0WQifMPWqAs_8CqbB46cJZh0vMs8CCtSaDtpTWZ07iToq4JFseQsY-z4x4UEZhd3fp8L/s1600/IMG_9000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfms1b-DdK2cx1bZwM0Up3XO_LcFA6CnxLwDSEKzeziCNkjEprbq9IHp-j4Plcn-sly4EBmrD0WQifMPWqAs_8CqbB46cJZh0vMs8CCtSaDtpTWZ07iToq4JFseQsY-z4x4UEZhd3fp8L/s320/IMG_9000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
America is no short of fusion restaurants and <a href="http://www.thinknoodles.com/index.html">Republic</a> is one of it. Whilst in Union Square, friends decided to take me to this restaurant. From the outside it didn't seem that inviting but when you enter the restaurant, you are invited into a tastefully done restaurant complete with a bar, individual tables lining the walls and super friendly staff.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xJ5zeoCUUmSYLRBL7ISjR2kB7SR__qZVE7Wmfz2TBsu3IcWdf3y9TF36uhQzpdcMpbodq98icgg4RirXe6RgCR460bTEYxHlIsyAvvqOciVZeE6JJKuGIkVhcNcvhBzVGdKoLFp9ufHc/s1600/IMG_9011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xJ5zeoCUUmSYLRBL7ISjR2kB7SR__qZVE7Wmfz2TBsu3IcWdf3y9TF36uhQzpdcMpbodq98icgg4RirXe6RgCR460bTEYxHlIsyAvvqOciVZeE6JJKuGIkVhcNcvhBzVGdKoLFp9ufHc/s320/IMG_9011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the inside leading to exit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After being led to our seats, we pondered over what to eat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuJ_CT_nKTTRw26WLda0Yig4gnTn_LOmvNKLppwSHbc8Xfxg-WNwpb0l9O60MUIJbZZnYsrvq0d_T84GKh9L1CZrsgjhR7Dr0exSMiCjKixcKWVJQovS0umBS842gzhGSxQXSURxa96wP/s1600/IMG_9003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuJ_CT_nKTTRw26WLda0Yig4gnTn_LOmvNKLppwSHbc8Xfxg-WNwpb0l9O60MUIJbZZnYsrvq0d_T84GKh9L1CZrsgjhR7Dr0exSMiCjKixcKWVJQovS0umBS842gzhGSxQXSURxa96wP/s200/IMG_9003.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2foriKQP7aLb6LAfJSmdYXA0NsChhAFbep6yHp9Z0wmk6ru0E6lb9vIAs6cST2qvnKhM6wgwCiPyyOmQuFBngc26Pfyostwt7nmqa3mjskNE4cZGG31RlbDg8wepSDuHGNjI229CVtki/s1600/IMG_9001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2foriKQP7aLb6LAfJSmdYXA0NsChhAFbep6yHp9Z0wmk6ru0E6lb9vIAs6cST2qvnKhM6wgwCiPyyOmQuFBngc26Pfyostwt7nmqa3mjskNE4cZGG31RlbDg8wepSDuHGNjI229CVtki/s200/IMG_9001.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujEgzhpPAWSPpjS6RVx5mqQtt-83s0-rng_jc5Nrcmj09Re_C8k5CsuIZG0_HQW8LACuGocXK4Rn6Lf0rja0GBpgx9CFVSWxXc3ut4dpSgMgZiUmUJQt00pSHYClOPSvWhpPE4GIwSze9/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujEgzhpPAWSPpjS6RVx5mqQtt-83s0-rng_jc5Nrcmj09Re_C8k5CsuIZG0_HQW8LACuGocXK4Rn6Lf0rja0GBpgx9CFVSWxXc3ut4dpSgMgZiUmUJQt00pSHYClOPSvWhpPE4GIwSze9/s200/IMG_9004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the link to the full <a href="http://www.thinknoodles.com/menu.html">menu</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Many people were ordering the unique bento box, that was served unlike typical bento boxes. This one came with a large claypot and two side bowls of appetizers depending on the order. I All bento boxes cost only US$12.00. So I chose Bento Box option 1 which was the Beef Vegetable Soup, Seafood Dumplings and Chicken & Rice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMXkomwUCx9caqEl8K0sm_xIDiP7uDi-09jJbR2KWf8UPbx8war5YgMRp3qiGaDVvxm7_dYB3IsfXr34dInPfb0dn-4FIkpfWNCC8YVGeAhj93wmydkdMXSQQnboaIuArWrB4HtBmzTCM/s1600/IMG_9007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMXkomwUCx9caqEl8K0sm_xIDiP7uDi-09jJbR2KWf8UPbx8war5YgMRp3qiGaDVvxm7_dYB3IsfXr34dInPfb0dn-4FIkpfWNCC8YVGeAhj93wmydkdMXSQQnboaIuArWrB4HtBmzTCM/s320/IMG_9007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wouldn't say it was the best of dishes that I've had. The dumplings were normal, the soup reminded me of salty vegetables cooked with tomatoes in a beef broth, very typically chinese and the chicken and rice portion was actually in fact Chicken stir fried in Blackbean sauce and morsels served over broken rice. Everything aside from the dumplings that were more Japanese, was Chinese...so I have eaten Chinese in a Vientnamese Fusion Restaurant.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A friend ordered the fourth bento option which was Seeweed Corn Soup, Crispy Tofu and Asian Chopped Salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6i3gKbo_DlbydTkJcYODL1GH_EgAWxoYmPEdijqKKOep4viMFNFz2py97iV5CXRkGuk8TZzrokpx-jITdL3-ihC7cBnuojBRCth5oZ28TbBeOVJ0xkks0VLG2GjPKULv1spbOyJExLP0/s1600/IMG_9008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6i3gKbo_DlbydTkJcYODL1GH_EgAWxoYmPEdijqKKOep4viMFNFz2py97iV5CXRkGuk8TZzrokpx-jITdL3-ihC7cBnuojBRCth5oZ28TbBeOVJ0xkks0VLG2GjPKULv1spbOyJExLP0/s320/IMG_9008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was also not convinced about this one. The seeweed soup looked like miso soup but didn't taste like one. I was wondering where the corn went. The Crispy Tofu was served with a sauce which I couldn't really make out what it was and the Asian Chopped Salad, is an Asian Chopped Salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Another friend ordered <a href="http://www.thinknoodles.com/m_small.html">Salmon Sashimi Salad</a>. I forgot to snap a picture but it looked appetizing enough. However, the slices were thinner than a normal Sashimi portion. And it costs US$7.00 per plate. So go figure.<br />
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For my drink, I decided to order a hot lemongrass ginger tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_yq1omJ49TvcrPlWLKppG9saYv2QoAl5sxxtJGhpIS2sNQaANAEAenLY3GcTjCrC8Zu2wkBshlTeKcVIConSpzYb5WGb6GvwI6gJlTy0A92nO6WZKozPsJqGPU6olT09QaDoTX_nfOXp/s1600/IMG_9005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_yq1omJ49TvcrPlWLKppG9saYv2QoAl5sxxtJGhpIS2sNQaANAEAenLY3GcTjCrC8Zu2wkBshlTeKcVIConSpzYb5WGb6GvwI6gJlTy0A92nO6WZKozPsJqGPU6olT09QaDoTX_nfOXp/s320/IMG_9005.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uxdii-F74QXt4b04-uSPEloEDBLHuQ-zXWHeVdAFdPLTkayhMsbgghu7SK-LUxaFLWxO4X9eB-ixHsJvtV0e8FoWpqMIKXkOrWp5YZuCYPiSkzgc5PJkS-7Fvwb5csLLIsnI11Lbbui4/s1600/IMG_9006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uxdii-F74QXt4b04-uSPEloEDBLHuQ-zXWHeVdAFdPLTkayhMsbgghu7SK-LUxaFLWxO4X9eB-ixHsJvtV0e8FoWpqMIKXkOrWp5YZuCYPiSkzgc5PJkS-7Fvwb5csLLIsnI11Lbbui4/s320/IMG_9006.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The packaging it came in was indeed unique. Though, I could taste more of the flavour from screwpine leaves (pandan) rather than the two main ingredients, lemongrass and ginger. Paying US$4.00 for this is not cutting it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In any case, their menu is quite innovative with Vietnamese Sandwiches for the sandwich person and of course the usual noodle soups. But for what its worth, I'd rather go to the Vietnamese Restaurant in China Town to have a 'Pho' anytime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what's my verdict?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ambience 4/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Food 2/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drinks 2/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Price 3/5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Average price per person: US$16.00 (one main dish + one drink)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where is Republic?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">37 Union Square West NYC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tel: 212 627 7172</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thinknoodles.com/location.html">Map to Restaurant</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Not overly impressed,<br />
The Innovative BakerInnovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-41142689386325075832010-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:002012-04-11T03:57:48.475-07:00Pho Viet Huong - Vietnamese in the making?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a few weeks hiatus, I have finally set down to write my reviews. I am currently in Chicago, US and travelling has so far been amazing.<br />
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My first meal outside in New York was at a Vietnamese Restaurant called Pho Viet Huong. From the number of reviews it has online, mine would probably be no different. Then again, each has their own views and here are mine.<br />
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The menu was extensive.<br />
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Just the 'Pho' selection was diverse enough with 16 dishes to choose from. My friends and I decided to go with ordering something from the pictures that was displayed on the table.</div>
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(L - R: BBQ Beef and Springrolls on Vermicelli and Yellow Curry Shrimp with Coconut Milk over Vermicelli)</div>
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The first dish, where two of us ordered was from the 'Bun' Section which is a serving of Rice Vermicelli with barbequed Beef and Springrolls and fresh salad with a small serving of the usual Vietnamese salad dressing on the side. Another friend ordered Yellow Curry Shrimp with Coconut Milk Over Vermicelli. It didn't look like yellow curry when it came but it definitely tasted like one. </div>
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My dish tasted quite authentic. I am a big fan of the 'Pho' (soup noodles) but I decided to go for something a little more fresh in terms of ingredients and it proved to be quite a surprise. The Vermicelli was cooked to perfection, fluffy yet light, the beef was barbequed but till it was rubbery and of course the Spring rolls were how I'd remember them to be but without the many other ingredients you'd see it being stuffed in KL. However, portions are extremely large so for the small eater, you'd have to make sure you share the dish with a friend. I couldn't finish the vermicelli but all of the flavours you expect to savour is there. Sweet, sour, salty and everything else under the sun. The Yellow Curry plus point was the soup. Spicy and tangy, though not very yellow in colour, it delivered its kick though lacking in punch. </div>
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For drinks, we had Fizzy Lemonade, 7 Jewels and Iced Black Espresso with condensed milk.</div>
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I found the fizzy lemonade combination quite interesting. It was actually a fresh squeeze of lemon pulp into glass, and then a can of club soda brought over. Pour it in and let it fizz together, stir with spoon, voilà you have fizzy lemonade. If you're not one for sour drinks, this is not what you'd order but the 7 jewels was as always, sweet! For someone with a sweet tooth, this would be your drink. Typical of Vietnamese cuisine, you'd be hard pressed not to find such a drink not served in a typical Vietnamese restaurant. The most common of Vietnamese drinks is the coffee. Served with its unusual coffee perculator over a glass cup filled with probably 2 tablespoons of condensed milk, the coffee is allowed to drip into the glass before it is eventually mixed together with the condensed milk and ice. Not for the faint hearted as the coffee is unusually strong.</div>
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The prices weren't all that bad with an average of US$ 6.50 per bowl of noodles and about US$2.50 per drink. The atmosphere was pleasant enough. But one would wonder whether you are in a Vietnamese Restaurant especially when everyone in the restaurant speaks a Chinese Dialect, Cantonese. I for one was thinking to myself whether the place was actually run by Vietnamese or Chinese. </div>
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So if you fancy a bit of Vietnamese in downtown New York, then try your luck at this place. After all, you're not losing out in value nor taste.</div>
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What is my take on the place?</div>
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Ambience 3/5</div>
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Food 3/5</div>
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Drinks 3/5</div>
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Price 4/5</div>
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Average price per person: US$9.00 (One main dish + one drink)</div>
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Where is the place?</div>
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Pho Viet Huong</div>
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73 Mulberry Street</div>
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=73+Mulberry+St,+New+York,+10013&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=39.184175,79.013672&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FflHbQId2duW-w&split=0&hq=&hnear=73+Mulberry+St,+New+York,+10013&z=16">Map to Restaurant</a></div>
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Still looking for the perfect Vietnamese,</div>
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The Innovative Baker</div>
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<br /></div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-275249421615610042010-02-28T03:52:00.000-08:002010-02-28T03:52:53.865-08:00Uncle Lim's Kitchen - not too sure whether it was international?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg_RfQr-7nq2-sG13c_mWwL5Sx0u_kyyVuSd25ITAENRnz1uw4JLSDkf0no-v6XSaP4ahh6Y_8MChRkW6gL5o7KFS8eu8zulVFH3deFU8SEkvLpS93UGG2YlT6B7LwFt4eagxtg5800U1/s1600-h/IMG_8588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg_RfQr-7nq2-sG13c_mWwL5Sx0u_kyyVuSd25ITAENRnz1uw4JLSDkf0no-v6XSaP4ahh6Y_8MChRkW6gL5o7KFS8eu8zulVFH3deFU8SEkvLpS93UGG2YlT6B7LwFt4eagxtg5800U1/s320/IMG_8588.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Uncle Lim's Kitchen tagline says International Gourmet Food. However, it is set in a very typical Asian setting. What do I mean Asian since it is located in Croydon, London? Take away decor, take away expensive furniture and take away place setting and replace all of that with canteen style looking cafe, then that's what Uncle Lim's Kitchen is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I knew of its existence through conversations with colleagues who live in Croydon and thought it apt to visit the place to see what was on offer. I must say, it did bring back a flash of Malaysia by the way the food was presented - economy rice style. That means, many dishes on display, opt for rice, noodles or perhaps porridge (rice congee) and choose a type of meat and vegetable dish to accompany it for a flat price of between GBP5.00 to GBP6.50. Not bad in actual fact that the flat price comes with a drink as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our choices were Char Kueh Teow (Stir Fried Flat Rice Noodles) with some chilli, Cantonese Fried Noodles, a side order of stir fried assorted vegetables and a portion of Sambal Prawns. The noodles were standard prices at GBP6.50 per plate. The portions were heaping!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtmmODKPfgumLf1omgRHylL3UJYXANYoc51ZszWiLdZlyuKWPq-xaPdPkB3rHE8gXKZ0Af0Aq3QFiOjmlvyXuoaVpby-UAMAxg2m7Mt7kFmOjBFeDwJNOEnZtkGCl3IL-47dczMBPjSg4/s1600-h/IMG_8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtmmODKPfgumLf1omgRHylL3UJYXANYoc51ZszWiLdZlyuKWPq-xaPdPkB3rHE8gXKZ0Af0Aq3QFiOjmlvyXuoaVpby-UAMAxg2m7Mt7kFmOjBFeDwJNOEnZtkGCl3IL-47dczMBPjSg4/s320/IMG_8584.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawv3olWz3lAQMdIBuhYyDxnoYFyfH3vyBXgDNgEmP-aoDQ-WbWWKL2ZfpvbclzT8xSmyThnp5KTHn5hX5nsyAHpfGKjpQxwLCawplT4XvVKxB9BwtZDw445GAQSMm4AdmoIpkmk12O2qw/s1600-h/IMG_8587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawv3olWz3lAQMdIBuhYyDxnoYFyfH3vyBXgDNgEmP-aoDQ-WbWWKL2ZfpvbclzT8xSmyThnp5KTHn5hX5nsyAHpfGKjpQxwLCawplT4XvVKxB9BwtZDw445GAQSMm4AdmoIpkmk12O2qw/s320/IMG_8587.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L to R: Char Kueh Teow and Cantonese Fried Noodles)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The side orders were sizeable enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">(L to R: Stir Fried Assorted Vegetables and Sambal Prawns)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">First the noodles, the Char Kueh Teow was not bad. Although the portion was huge and value for money, the taste was in the middle. Not exactly the world's best but given the situation and surroundings, you'd appreciate it a little more. The Cantonese Fried Noodles was also enormous but not my favourite. Perhaps because I cook my own, but there was one missing ingredient, the deep fried pork fat or 'Kacang' as we tend to refer to it back in Malaysia. I prefered the Char Kueh Teow much better over the Cantonese Fried Noodles. The Stir Fried Assorted Vegetables was normal and nothing to shout about. The Sambal Prawns however was the cafe's saving grace. Quite authentic, I believe that the dish did justice to the meal we had. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other dishes on offer was Singapore Fried Beehoon, Curry Noodles, Hainanese Chicken Rice and the like. This restaurant also offers Barbequed Pork, Roast Pork and even duck. Needless to say, it does tug at the strings of international cuisine. But probably a better tagline would south east asian cuisine. It definitely was not gourmet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The drinks were not typical of an Asian restaurant. You can't get 'Teh Tarik', though you have a choice of Ipoh White Coffee (mediocre). You'd be better of with normal soft drinks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The location of the cafe was at a very odd corner of the Whitgift Centre in Croydon and perhaps would take a few more minutes to locate for newcomers who are not accustomed to the location. But, the cafe does enjoy a steady patronage of customers perhaps because not all Asian restaurants down in South London actually serve good Asian food. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Price wise, it was good. Definitely for those on a budget and wanting to pay only a certain price for a meal, this place does justice for you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what is my take on it?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ambience 3/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Food 3/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Drinks 2/5 (simply because choice was not varied)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Price 4/5</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Average price per person: GBP 5.50 (main meal of rice + one meat dish and one vege dish plus a drink)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Where is Uncle Lim's Kitchen?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Upper North Arcade</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Whitgift Centre</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Croydon</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">London CR0 1UZ</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Uncle+Lim's+Kitchen,+Upper+North+Arcade,+Whitgift+Centre,+Croydon,+London,+CR0+1UZ&sll=51.375491,-0.100358&sspn=0.007554,0.01929&ie=UTF8&hq=Uncle+Lim's+Kitchen,+Upper+North+Arcade,+Whitgift+Centre,&hnear=Croydon,+CR0+1UZ,+UK&ll=51.375651,-0.100358&spn=0.007219,0.01929&z=16">Map to Uncle Li's Kitchen</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Still looking,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Innovative Baker</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-23579986449304545522010-02-05T10:03:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:03:17.705-08:00Awana - a meal in the clouds perhaps?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYuRRNa1sAPYOS5DUyj1Y7eIQoFuUfQmAZgBf21dZrOB01QjNw0YgV0988emRSUtkFYZqrrdZppilV7ddlUXLucYkxTd_uTeHR4vpQuABNxeDX8gZP42OH8y8M-M2uI9uKFulI404iynn/s1600-h/Restaurant+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYuRRNa1sAPYOS5DUyj1Y7eIQoFuUfQmAZgBf21dZrOB01QjNw0YgV0988emRSUtkFYZqrrdZppilV7ddlUXLucYkxTd_uTeHR4vpQuABNxeDX8gZP42OH8y8M-M2uI9uKFulI404iynn/s320/Restaurant+Front.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.awana.co.uk/">Awana</a>, Malaysia’s finest fine dining restaurant located in swanky Chelsea, is a jewel, providing the ultimate experience in savouring delectable Malaysian dishes in an upscale setting. Conveniently located between the South Kensington and Sloane Square Underground Stations, you'd be there in no time! The name refers to the clouds. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">Tastefully decorated; Awana is a world away from the typical open air restaurant Malaysia is known for. The food is also exquisitely presented, inviting diners to partake of the deliciousness it would provide.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The successful pairing of carefully chosen wines with its wide range of dishes, displays the ability to accentuate the ingredients used in cooking Malaysian food. We were served, with much to my surprise, an Argentinean House Red Wine, Don David dated 2007 to accompany our dinner. The taste was subtle, not too dry and ultimately a good choice for the evening’s meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOPOujIFNjUtE1Angx8j6hhow7Vg-w04d4zYK2zMVW1nzwfe3Z3pnAiXUqk1h5BU4OLTXKYjODQ02zIz53vknBmR1rN8ZG_JiSsgn8Z9KrT3NCozL8DiGljy78L89CusSA805cslTn0Zg/s1600-h/Wine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOPOujIFNjUtE1Angx8j6hhow7Vg-w04d4zYK2zMVW1nzwfe3Z3pnAiXUqk1h5BU4OLTXKYjODQ02zIz53vknBmR1rN8ZG_JiSsgn8Z9KrT3NCozL8DiGljy78L89CusSA805cslTn0Zg/s320/Wine.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">The wine list, when you actually really explore it, was indeed one for the affluent. There were bottles that were priced as high as GBP250 per bottle so do not be surprised when you want to indulge. There was also a choice of cocktails, that has elements of Asia with lychee syrup and various other syrups. So for me, I'd be stinging on the alcohol to get to the food. After all, my alcohol skills are basically novice at best, so dabbling with alcohol would only mean disabling my ability to taste the food.</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">The menu was indeed wide and innovative showcasing the chefs' cooking abilities. We had for starters, the Ketam Lembut Lada Hitam (Black Pepper Soft Shell Crab)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">, Rusuk Kambing Panggang (Barbequed Lamb Ribs Char Siew Style) and a portion of Roti Canai (Indian Flat Bread) with fresh herbs. A complimentary bowl of black pepper prawn crackers with sweet chilli sauce was served as well. The lamb ribs were indeed a superb choice for a starter. Carefully barbequed, the meat was tender and tore away from the bone quite easily. Not too overpowered by its marinade, you can taste the quality of the meat what more finish every single bit of it. On another note, it is not a common thing to have lamb ribs. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw599h7JQESZqmohSug-cvlntLg5tGrmTRlY1iQ63_aDdHTZBhQ6T2KnVv6-2zWgfFozxGP4gas4MpJKVwZd03XunFFO0vWZDfXGBIY9O8XnVAd51cFprMoLHLqsIsp1TNveWw9uQe9IRF/s1600-h/Kulit+Lembut+Ketam+Lada+Hitam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw599h7JQESZqmohSug-cvlntLg5tGrmTRlY1iQ63_aDdHTZBhQ6T2KnVv6-2zWgfFozxGP4gas4MpJKVwZd03XunFFO0vWZDfXGBIY9O8XnVAd51cFprMoLHLqsIsp1TNveWw9uQe9IRF/s320/Kulit+Lembut+Ketam+Lada+Hitam.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vjrDYMJmGSofXrH-1a20DbGzY_KJZ43uXu4Qfj2NrieG_dwXfyPTuYJtHHpZUC-W2g8OW0fuqYHx139g-_RGp1CrpEa817x_Hailtne69obxgQiMVebSiAKExL1L4DZ6L4bGzwfF6-01/s1600-h/Rusuk+Kambing+Panggang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vjrDYMJmGSofXrH-1a20DbGzY_KJZ43uXu4Qfj2NrieG_dwXfyPTuYJtHHpZUC-W2g8OW0fuqYHx139g-_RGp1CrpEa817x_Hailtne69obxgQiMVebSiAKExL1L4DZ6L4bGzwfF6-01/s320/Rusuk+Kambing+Panggang.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">They insist on quality ingredients, and therefore have their seafood freshly delivered four to times a week. So for our mains, we had the Udang Harimau (Butter Fried King Prawns Tails with Coconut and Curry Leaves, Rich Cream and Peppered Cress) The Udang Galah Cha Kuew Teow (Lobster Tail Fried Flat Noodles), a side order of Stir-fried Morning Glory with Sambal and a bowl of basmati wild rice. The dishes did not disappoint. The portions were also sizable ones, providing value for money especially their seafood dishes. Each dish had its distinct taste, carefully dictating the diner to savour each bite slowly. Just a heads up though, Cha Kueh Teow is normally only with normal sized prawns. This is a jazzed up version for the upscale location in which Awana is located at. Truth be told, I would like to see this served up more often in Malaysia. The King Prawns is a traditionally Malaysian Chinese dish. The size of the prawns were humongous, tastefully presented but taste wise was a tad sweeter than what I would remember it to be. Nonetheless, we devoured everything in sight!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Stir Fried Morning Glory with Sambal was like how we would remember it to be. Yet, what we would cook it with contained roasted shrimp paste as well, so I am assuming that it was easier to sum it up with 'sambal' or chilli paste rather than a lengthy description of what the paste would be. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">For desert, we had a trio of sorbets and ice cream. The sorbets consisted of Kalamansi (Asian Limes) and Lemongrass and Chilli whilst the ice cream was Durian flavoured. The second desert was Bakar Krim Durian or loosely translated Durian Crème Brûlée. The chefs are indeed innovative as they adapt the Crème Brûlée to include the king of fruits. I would say my favourite was the <o:p>Crème Brûlée. You could literally taste the Durian Pulp and see the fibres. I am not joking. The sorbet flavours however gave both of us a kick. The Kalamansi was refreshing, similar to lemon sorbet but the Lemongrass and Chilli Sorbet took the cake! It leaves you with a tingle at the end of your tongue especially after you swallow. This is not for those who look for subtlety but a definite try. </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7cdGyhrKwPRuKGD878AivIaMnE1K7RuTaf3RtmuYQwZVwEPgkfm4GedE4O70rAD1ueeBK8tlu1V9uSasEbNEx6ekrJaluD51gCyANCY8Ky4zqU9-vDlIbQDu1OUT6a8Xr4M3TfVPqRLl/s1600-h/Sorbet+%26+Ice+Cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7cdGyhrKwPRuKGD878AivIaMnE1K7RuTaf3RtmuYQwZVwEPgkfm4GedE4O70rAD1ueeBK8tlu1V9uSasEbNEx6ekrJaluD51gCyANCY8Ky4zqU9-vDlIbQDu1OUT6a8Xr4M3TfVPqRLl/s320/Sorbet+%26+Ice+Cream.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCbUn8vgk4F8HSXflws64u-kxypiiOriU2Q475s3GXpEuJGRmI1e8ZBQSNaRe15I1hVkgD8Ou8hWdgvmEx5_6Vdei5yvDj5_tfIIIT-jrkH-x-Q3GCMeEzXIUNuEE1IsaTsIb9byqB_bK/s1600-h/Bakar+Krim+Durian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCbUn8vgk4F8HSXflws64u-kxypiiOriU2Q475s3GXpEuJGRmI1e8ZBQSNaRe15I1hVkgD8Ou8hWdgvmEx5_6Vdei5yvDj5_tfIIIT-jrkH-x-Q3GCMeEzXIUNuEE1IsaTsIb9byqB_bK/s320/Bakar+Krim+Durian.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">All the dishes were truly scrumptious. The portions were amazing and for what its’ worth, the prices do justice to what you are served with. Plus, a divine atmosphere for the ultimate dining experience, Awana, true to its core, does serve heavenly food from a heavenly location.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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The waiter who served us was more than knowledgeable as he played an integral part in recommending what to eat. My next trip would definitely encompass the more spicier versions. This time round, we went with the milder dishes.<br />
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We were there on a Tuesday night and even then it was busy. The restaurant manager even discouraged us to come on the weekend. Best to patronise during the week. So if you ever want to go, then best to make a reservation or turn up late. Even then, you're testing the waters.<br />
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The food is halal so for the many who shy away from eating at such establishments, Awana makes it a point to provide halal food suitable for everyone.<br />
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So what is my take on it?<br />
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Ambience 5/5<br />
Food 4/5<br />
Drinks 4/5 (for the sheer number of different drinks offered)<br />
Price 3/5<br />
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Average price per person: GBP 20.00 (main meal + non-alcoholic drink)<br />
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Where is Awana?<br />
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85 Sloane Avenue<br />
Chelsea<br />
London SW3 3DX<br />
Tel: 020 7584 8880<br />
<a href="http://www.awana.co.uk/contact_us.php">Map to Awana</a><br />
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This is one of those locations that you'd only go if you want to indulge yourself. So be prepared to burn a whole in the pocket. Nevertheless, the experience is truly one of a kind so going there at least once would hopefully buy you over.<br />
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Being posh for a night,<br />
The Innovative Baker</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-81932958428895563322010-02-05T03:13:00.000-08:002012-04-12T06:34:23.309-07:00Sausage & Mash, simple food but simply devine :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">S & M Cafe was introduced by a friend not too long ago. At one glance, you’d think the name would actually mean something else, but tongue-in-cheek as it is, it actually simply means Sausage & Mash.<br />
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The English are huge fans of sausages, and there are different variations of it in each restaurant and you can purchase them in every major supermarket including off licenses. S&M proves to provide that extra something to fulfil your cravings.<br />
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I went back once more with fellow foodie, Kitchen Virgin, of www.kvt27.blogspot.com before her holidays in Malaysia. This time we met for breakfast and boy did we have a fantastic time!</span><br />
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She ordered the Great British All Day Breakfast that comes with London Traditional Sausage, bacon, free range egg, Heinz baked beans, roasted mushrooms, bubble & squeak, grilled tomatoes, with toast. I ordered the S&M Big Breakfast, that has 2 London Traditional Sauges, double bacon, 2 free range eggs, bubble & squeak and toast. And in true traditional British style, we had tea with milk to accompany our breakfast!</span><br />
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The dishes weren’t all that expensive with a rough estimate between <span class="caps">GBP 6</span>.00 to <span class="caps">GBP 6</span>.50 per dish. The tea cost <span class="caps">GBP 1</span>.40 and comes with unlimited refills! Can you beat that in price?<br />
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Both portions were truly scrumptious. We both were somewhat stuffed. But we still had space for desert…yes yes, we only had breakfast what desert? S&M Cafe is actually famous for their deserts too so we couldn’t leave without having the Apple Crumble with Custard Sauce.</span><br />
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Served warm, the apples and cinnamon shone through accentuated with the warm custard sauce. I must admit that while I normally bake most of the time and give it away, this was one desert that I’d gladly have on my own. But we were stuffed, so we shared the desert. Kitchen Virgin also shared her latest addiction to custard and have ventured on to explore how to make various custards as well.<br />
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Oh in case you’re wondering what bubble & squeak was, it is actually mashed potatoes with stir fried english vegetables mashed together. I initially wondered what in the world it was. Now that I know what the combination of ingredients was, I have now become a big fan of it, not only for its name but for its ingenious combinations!<br />
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So, if you’re looking to dine at a place with a ton of sausage and mash, then this is your place! For the vegetarians, don’t worry. They also have vegetarian sausages on offer so you’ll be delighted by their choices. Same goes for seafood lovers as they smoked haddock fishcakes!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">So what is the verdict?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Ambience 4/5</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Food 4/5</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Drink 4/5</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Price 5/5</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Average price per person: GBP 8.00 (one dish + drink)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Where is it?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">48 Brushfield Street</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">London E1 6AG</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.sandmcafe.co.uk/spitalfields.php">Map to S & M Cafe in Spitalfields</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Sans Serif'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.sandmcafe.co.uk/spitalfields.php"></a><br />
Looking to go for dinner this time round,<br />
The Innovative Baker</span>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-49878799285326768962010-01-26T03:51:00.000-08:002010-01-26T04:07:33.725-08:00Kiasu: Afraid to lose??? Definitely not in the case of this RestaurantContinuing on my quest for the best Malaysian food in London, I was cordially invited by Kiasu Restaurant's owner to taste his Asian delicacies. Where and what in the world is Kiasu? Kiasu according to Wikipedia, means fear of losing. It originates from the hokkien dialect and is widely used in Hokkien speaking communities. <a href="http://www.kiasu.co.uk/">Kiasu</a> recently underwent a make over and now has deco with words using 'Kiasu' accompanied by other Hokkien words to show different meaning associated to it.<script type="text/javascript">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My colleagues and I were prepared to pay for this meal but before I get on to the cheque, let me just go through the night's event. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by ever friendly waiters. The atmosphere was indeed emulating a slightly more upmarket 'kopitiam' (coffee house) something similar to that of Uncle Lim's or Papa Roti back in Malaysia. But, the range of dishes offered at Kiasu is one that amazes me. Over 80 dishes are on offer and not only from Malaysia but from Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia as well. It's slogan, Food from the Straits, is very fitting as you can find the most popular dishes from this part of the world. One might wonder whether the food quality would be compromised but we were extremely surprised at the level of authenticity the restaurant was able to produce.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our host decided to arrange our starters whilst we decided what we would have for our main course. In traditional style, we'd order 'Cincau' or Grass Jelly Drink. It is in actual fact, a block of jelly made out of a natural ingredients grated into fine pieces or cubed and then served with a dose of sugar syrup, water and ice.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cincau<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We didn't know what was coming for the starters, but when it came, it poured.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kueh Pie Tee<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Indonesian Gado Gado, Murtabak<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beef and Chicken Satay (complete with spicy satay sauce, Steamed Ketupat, Red Onions and Cucumber)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chai Tow Kueh (Fried Radish Cake), Assorted Roasted Meats<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Aside from the assorted roasted meats, the first six dishes are traditionally South East Asian. Each dish was presented beautifully. No compromise on quality of ingredients either. My craving for Chai Tow Kueh was definitely conquered as I savoured every bit of the dish right till the very last morsel. This dish is served in two versions, the Singaporean Way without the beansprouts, and the Penang Way which is with beansprouts. Either or, it was definitely a dish to be reckoned with. The Kueh Pie Tee, a more innovative version of the Spring Roll, was excellent as well. A touch of bamboo shoots, though never an ingredient I would use in my kitchen, was what made the Pie Tee what is was...simple and delicious. It normally uses the same set of ingredients as that of the fresh spring roll, but served in fried pastry cups and chilli on the side. This Pie Tee emulated that which could be served for the upper class as slices of prawns were decked on top of it. Yum was all I could say.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Gado Gado was also extremely delicious. We were told by the restaurant manager, who is also a foodie herself, that the peanut sauce is made in house. The fact of the matter is, the peanut sauce defers from region to region. In Malaysia, the sauce looks and tastes exactly as that of the Malaysian Satay sauce. In Singapore it is slightly darker. In Indonesia it is sweeter and gooey, almost like peanut butter sort of like consistency. Here, it was not pale but looked almost like the satay sauce, has a bit of a chilli kick and accompanied the vegetables perfectly!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Next came the Murtabak. Small in size, but big in taste, the Murtabak was packed with a meaty filling that you would not imagine having. It looked and smelled like how you would get from a Malaysian Indian Muslim Restaurant back home plus it was accompanied with an almost perfect curry sauce. Yummy to the core, the Murtabak was devoured within seconds. The satay was also fantastic. All if not most Malaysians prefer their satay to have a slightly burnt taste at the end of their bite and the servings we got were by no means short of that burnt taste. Just having the meat alone was enough to savour the marinade that it is known for. Even the satay sauce was like how we would get back home.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">By then we were already half full, if not, 3/4 full. Then came a healthy serving of roasted meats from their sister restaurants. Apparently, you can get an order of such a dish and get it delivered over to Kiasu. The roast pork (of which I forgot to take a picture of) was the yummiest of the lot. I know my dad would fall in love with it.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After a bit more of chit chat with the owner and the restaurant manager, the main dishes came out. Oh yes, we decided to let the owner decide what we would be having for our main course. I must give it to him though. He actually remember my craving for Hokkien Noodles.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hainanese Chicken Rice, Nasi Lemak with Padang Chicken Curry<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nyonya Laksa with Fresh Daun Kesum, Hokkien Mee<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Starting off with the Hainanese Chicken Rice, it was indeed a delight to have it as the chicken was succulent and juicy to the bite. The chicken skin was yellow and so it should be as it would be back home. The restaurant manager stressed that the chicken used was corn fed chicken. She's even tested different kinds of chicken and finally decided on corn fed chicken because of how close it would emulate that chicken back in Malaysia. The chilli sauce, ginger and soy sauce combination was also truly delectable. The rice of course needless to say was cooked to perfection.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Nasi Lemak combo with the Padang Chicken Curry was also a dish prepared with much precision. The rice was not too overwhelmingly cooked with coconut milk which meant that we could at least taste the rice as well but it was fragrant enough to give out what most Malaysians know Nasi Lemak to be. For those who are wondering what it is, Nasi Lemak loosely translated means Fatty Rice. But it is in actually fact referring to the type of milk used to cook the rice with - coconut milk. A traditional Malay dish, it is served usually with 34side orders of a hard boiled egg, anchovy sambal, fried peanuts and anchovies and of course not forgetting freshly sliced cucumber. This dish has since gone through a transformation and is now served with additional servings of Acar (vegetables soaked in turmeric powder and vinegar and then later tossed with some crushed peanuts) and a serving of meat curry of your choice or fried meat. Here we had the opportunity of savouring their Padang Chicken Curry which I think was simply delicious. Needless to say, by then we were already full... but we simply had to eat as everything tasted fantastic!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Then the noodle dishes came. The Nyonya Laksa served with fresh daun kesum was truly heaven. In actual fact, the Nyonya Laksa is probably one of the most difficult dishes to prepare. The number of ingredients needed plus the freshness of these ingredients is key to preparing it. And I must say that despite us being full, we ate and savoured this noodle dish like it was the last thing we would have. Finally, it was the serving of the Hokkien Mee. I am quite critical when it comes to this dish as my father practically fed us this dish since I was 5 years old or rather for as long as I remember. The fat egg noodles is what makes the dish. The egg noodles used here was a tad fatter than I would remember it to be and had an al dente feel to it. The sauce was how I would remember it to be plus it was served with 'Chi Yau Char' (fried pig fat). The sambal belacan accompaniment was actually THE best accompaniment ever served along with it and that my dear readers, was the way to eat it. I had two servings of it despite already feeling like I couldn't get off my seat. It was just that good!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We continued our conversations with the restaurant manager and was pleasantly surprised to know that they are much sought after for catering during events at the Sri Lankan Embassy, Indonesian Embassy and the Singaporean Embassy. The big question was, umm...where is the Malaysian Embassy is all of this? We also had the joy of meeting the head chef of Kiasu. Very shy, you could see that he was not the kind of person who'd feel comfortable in giving interviews but nonetheless obliged in allowing me to take a photo of him.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Not long after, we started having deserts. Not having the space to stomach more than 4 deserts, we ordered three:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pulut Hitam, Sago Gula Melaka, Ice Kacang with Durian Ice Cream<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Three very traditional deserts from Malaysia, each dish had its own distinctive taste and presentation. The Pulut Hitam (Black Sticky Rice) was served with a healthy serving of coconut milk. The Sago Gula Melaka (Sago Balls with a touch of coconut milk and Palm Sugar) was not as thick as we would have it but the creme de la creme was the Ice Kacang with the Durian Ice Cream. Unfortunately the ice was not as snowy like due to the fact that the ice machine was deemed a health hazard by Health and Safety Authorities. The restaurant manager ended up using a Japanese made ice machine that unfortunately left the Ice Kacang more crunchy than usual. However, the Durian Ice Cream was simply orgasmic. Durian, the king of fruits, is not something that would be devoured by most Europeans. However, it is an extreme favourite for people coming from South East Asia especially Thailand and Malaysia. A foul smelling fruit, it sort of emulates the blue cheese or the stinking bishop. But this was what we ate and finished first!!!!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Stuffed like a stuffed pepper, we were extremely amazed by the food at Kiasu. All of us went back with a pot belly and could still feel the remainder of the food next morning. That just goes to show how much we ate.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To sum it up, it was indeed a dining experience. The prices too were very competitive. Ranging from GBP 3.50 to about GBP 10.00 at the most, Kiasu does have affordable dishes. Even during lunch they have a lunch set menu that starts at GBP 5.50. The owner is a chef in his own right and has clearly stated that even if they make less in profit, they make up for it in taste.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What's my take on it?<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ambience 4/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Food 5/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Drinks 5/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Price 4/5<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Average price per person: GBP 10.00 (main meal + drink)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So where is Kiasu?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">48 Queensway<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Bayswater<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">London W2 3RY<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.kiasu.co.uk/contact/">Map to Kiasu</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The best time according to them is go during Lunch time. Less people because the area that they are situated is not an office area. However, if you are looking to have a more crowded atmosphere, then dinner time is best. Don't forget to call to book a table. You might have to wait a bit if you don't reserve one.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So if you are looking for a Malaysian dining experience, complete with authentic Malaysian food, Kiasu is the way to go.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Having her Malaysian taste buds fulfilled,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Innovative Baker<br />
</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-80084550478063613902010-01-20T06:45:00.000-08:002010-01-21T07:40:44.906-08:00Bonda Cafe - A small dose of Malaysian Food in flavoured abundance<script type="text/javascript">
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London, UK has always been the melting pot for international cuisine. More so for Asian cuisine. Over the number of years, Malaysian cuisine has spread across the UK and now numbers around 62 restaurants to meet the rising taste buds of budding food connoisseurs in and around Europe. Within London, you can find about 30 odd number of restaurants catering to a combination of Malaysian street food to proper shared dishes. Following the lead of the Malaysia Kitchen Program launched by MATRADE, the growing popularity of Malaysian cuisines within the UK and the US will see a staggering increase in the number of people looking to explore Malaysian cuisine.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Being a Malaysian, and like all Malaysians, we live to eat :) So my fellow Malaysian friends and I decided to savour our taste buds at one of the Malaysian Restaurants located at Sussex Gardens.<br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.bondacafelondon.com/">Bonda Cafe</a>, has been around for quite a number of years and serves up quite a good range of Malaysian food. From the traditional economy rice (choosing from a range of malaysian dishes onto a plate of rice), to the snacks like spring rolls and satay, Bonda Cafe enjoys a large patronage from Malaysians to foreign visitors. I am actually quite picky when it comes to Malaysian food and when the food doesn't pass my standards, you will find it hard pressed for me to go back there to eat. Bonda Cafe successfully convinced me that they can still cater to my fussy needs.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When I was there, I ordered Tom Yam Beehoon, Seafood Spring Rolls, and a Teh Tarik (Pulled / Stretched Tea).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlvRHM3L1CQiDvnDYYGDQOewi1KL-UWf8Mk0bjLsYPY4iUJHqCsqX5tP4hITZcNEyCxF_Ta28eRU_69hhNk4HCuE0P9cf9Nh5-1N_VUuqcJY1A8Qu6ZRZG2dqcG4BIxMzwAhe6bwqavgQ/s1600-h/IMG_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlvRHM3L1CQiDvnDYYGDQOewi1KL-UWf8Mk0bjLsYPY4iUJHqCsqX5tP4hITZcNEyCxF_Ta28eRU_69hhNk4HCuE0P9cf9Nh5-1N_VUuqcJY1A8Qu6ZRZG2dqcG4BIxMzwAhe6bwqavgQ/s200/IMG_8334.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpZdSM7tRXuRN8vUmFwK9McExQpkOkoOHlg8fmNJ-s0wPlVWZW58OtMDikKZOUk9uPF6m4FbO5k7qtn1F5EsoVpDH_Pvu0VPkgq6c_Lm_r8fnO2ZJwNBUmx2zY0sMX65QV6pg046PWQ3k/s1600-h/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpZdSM7tRXuRN8vUmFwK9McExQpkOkoOHlg8fmNJ-s0wPlVWZW58OtMDikKZOUk9uPF6m4FbO5k7qtn1F5EsoVpDH_Pvu0VPkgq6c_Lm_r8fnO2ZJwNBUmx2zY0sMX65QV6pg046PWQ3k/s200/IMG_8335.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x9VvYWjm9gf_-jTlOTkfS5o7zouREWuZAFd5Fjx3w7m2r37XvFWm1Upv-j5gkTt7L6MT1jcGFE7IO99K6UjYdhYvg6KrLLVl3iZfci7QUriNcmyJ3lZtfvvnw4KZAf082CDwhjWXHEFp/s1600-h/IMG_8333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x9VvYWjm9gf_-jTlOTkfS5o7zouREWuZAFd5Fjx3w7m2r37XvFWm1Upv-j5gkTt7L6MT1jcGFE7IO99K6UjYdhYvg6KrLLVl3iZfci7QUriNcmyJ3lZtfvvnw4KZAf082CDwhjWXHEFp/s200/IMG_8333.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(L - R: Tom Yam Beehoon, Seafood Spring Rolls, Teh Tarik)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In a normal restaurant, three items on the menu would normally amount to about GBP18.00. Drinks alone would cost about GBP3.00 especially when it is a special drink. I paid GBP11.00 for all three items. And I was full!<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now one would wonder why I ordered Tom Yam Beehoon despite being in a Malaysian Restaurant. Believe it or not, Tom Yam, although being Thailand's super signature dish, has found ground in many Malaysian cafes, side road stalls and even Chinese Hawker Stalls. So, even if you're thinking that Tom Yam may not taste like Tom Yam, think again. It is of course somewhat different from the typical Tom Yam Soup from Thailand as it has been localised to meet the Malaysian taste buds. However, it still takes after its original taste by about 95%. A large portion of vegetables, seafood and noodles is served and by no means are they stingy with their soup either. Just the way I would imagine Tom Yam Beehoon the Malaysian way to be.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The seafood spring rolls is actually not a typical Malaysian dish as spring rolls in Malaysia encompasses cooked shredded yam bean, fried tofu, beansprouts, a number of other crunchy ingredients wrapped in fresh spring roll pastry dough. Here, the spring rolls sees a revolution and takes on seafood. It was indeed a delight. Fried to perfection, not too burnt that still allowed the freshness of the seafood to come through with a tinge of sesame oil at the end of it. The chilli sauce is most likely Lingam's Chilli Sauce, a staple chilli sauce served on Malaysian dining tables. A good combo I must say.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Teh Tarik or loosely translated as pulled / stretched tea is a very traditional mamak style drink served up at road side stalls. Mamak, a short form normally referred to the Indian Muslims in Malaysia, is a cultural past time for Malaysians of all ages, as it is actually road side stalls along closed shop lots that normally starts from dinner time till wee hours of the morning. This culture has now stretched into actual cafes and restaurants that now open 24 hours a day. Teh Tarik in actual fact is just a process in which they pour the tea mixture (tea made from tea dust, condense milk and evaporated milk and hot water strained through a sock sieve) from mug to mug until the heat from the water cools somewhat slightly. Then it is poured into a coffee mug or a tall glass served with a plastic spoon. Teh Tarik is actually diabetes in the making as the content of sugar could send shocking shivers through your spine. But you always have that option to lessen your sugar. So in true Malaysian style, I would say, 'Teh Tarik satu! Kurang, kurang, kurang manis!' (One pulled tea! Reduce the sugar please!). Tea Dust is a type of tea not commonly used here in the UK. As alternatives, we used prepacked Boh Tea or Lipton Tea satchets to make the base of the tea. But if you are looking for authenticity, try finding the actual tea dust from Sri Lanka or local branded tea dust in Malaysia. It tastes way different.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My friends ordered Mee Soup (Soup Noodles), Nasi Campur (rice with various dishes), Bandung Cincau (can't find an actual translation for this) and Soy Bean Milk.<br />
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Now, Bandung Cincau is very much a favourite amongst Malaysians and is not everyone's cup of tea. The ingredients include, rose syrup, milk and grass jelly. In Malaysia it would be rose syrup, condense milk, water and grass jelly. It has since seen an evolution in which the drink now comes with a fizzy tinge to it. Definitely not for the faint hearted. The taste is also an acquired one so if you're not the adventurous kind, I'd suggest to go for a juice or better yet, ice lemon tea.<br />
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Bonda Cafe also served a variety of deserts, some traditional, some not. The next round, I'd give those a go.<br />
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So what exactly was my take on it?<br />
<br />
Ambience 4/5<br />
Food 4/5<br />
Drinks 4/5<br />
Price 5/5<br />
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Average price per person: GBP 8.00 (Main Meal + Drink)<br />
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Where is Bonda Cafe?<br />
<br />
190 Sussex Gardens<br />
London W2 1TU<br />
<a href="http://www.bondacafelondon.com/?page_id=117">Map to Bonda Cafe</a><br />
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Catch my next visit to another Malaysian Restaurant, Kiasu at Bayswater on the next blog entry.<br />
<br />
Having enjoyed a dose of Malaysian food,<br />
The Innovative Baker<br />
</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-82946732432196090522010-01-06T04:35:00.000-08:002010-01-21T07:41:09.680-08:00Dim Sum in Duesseldorf??<script type="text/javascript">
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Duesseldorf is probably one of the cities in Germany that houses a great many variety of international cuisine. It has a Japanese Street, due to the large Japanese community it has. So it is without a doubt that Korean and Chinese would also follow suit. There are of course a great number of Chinese Restaurants around. One of which used to be a favourite haunt of mine. <a href="http://www.restaurant-rosengarten.com/">Rosengarten</a>, translated as Rose Garden.<br />
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Rosengarten is famous for its Dim Sum. You cannot find a great deal of Chinese Restaurants that do serve Dim Sum in Germany, so we would count ourselves lucky that Rosengarten serves up Dim Sum. Amongst the Dim Sum dishes we ordered:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1st row L to R: Prawn Cheong Fun, Squid in Chilli, Prawn Dumplings)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(2nd Row L to R: Steamed Tripe with Spring Onions, Braised Chicken Feet, Fried Vietnamese Prawn Rolls)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(3rd Row L to R: Sesame Balls with Lotus Paste Filling, Fried Prawn Sushi Rolls)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(4th Row: Deep Fried Prawn Wantons)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As we were a table of 14, we promptly ordered other dishes as well.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(1st Row L to R: Stir Fried Kai Lan in Oyster Sauce, Unknown Vege Dish (i didn't do the ordering), Stir fried Vegetarian Noodles)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(2nd Row L to R: Claypot Vegetables, Crispy Duck)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Overall? I would say, it is not for the Asian taste. Most of what we ate was edible. But service was terrible. The dishes didn't come out accordingly, one of the Dim Sum dishes we ordered was replaced with something else without us being told, plus it was mediocre in taste. I probably think the only dish that was best eaten was the chicken feet. It tasted the same as before, so there must be something about the recipe that did not run. The vegetables were overcooked, leaving me and most of my friends thinking we were eating pulp rather than crunch.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">However, it is not without its merits, the location is superb. A street away from the main train station, next to a hotel and it is at the beginning of the Japanese Street. So if you can't a better located Chinese Restaurant this would be your bet.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What was my rating?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ambience 3/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Food 3/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Drinks 3/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Price 2/5<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Average price per person: Euro 15 (can't really divide per dish + drink)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Where is Rosengarten:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Karlstrasse 76<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">40210 Duesseldorf<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Karlstrasse+76+40210+Duesseldorf&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=14.671726,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Karlstra%C3%9Fe+76,+Stadtmitte+40210+D%C3%BCsseldorf,+Nordrhein-Westfalen,+Germany&ll=51.222542,6.79131&spn=0.00758,0.01929&z=16&iwloc=r0">Map to Rosengarten</a><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're dying for Chinese Food in Duesseldorf, then go, otherwise, skip it. I wouldn't be going anytime soon.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Her chinese taste buds weren't satisfied enough,<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Innovative Baker<br />
</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-24632172697886109712010-01-04T03:48:00.000-08:002010-01-21T07:40:05.475-08:00Flingern - your new hangout spot!<script type="text/javascript">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">When staying in Germany, I was constantly reminded to go to Flingern, a lessser known part of Duesseldorf for a walk around. Apparently it has changed since the days of gangsterism and danger to an upscale shopping haven catering to offbeat products and one of a kind designers. True enough, I was pleasantly surprised when I went there. Though the street where most of the shops are located looks like a mini scene out of the yesteryears of communism (the buildings looked like they never got upgraded), it added to novelty of it all. It kind of reminded me of Bangsar in Malaysia only less shops and more intricately designed. Anyway, whilst walking, I came across a cafe, called <a href="http://www.cafehueftgold.de/">Cafe Hueftgold</a>, that was laying probably at the beginning of the shopping street. The number of people in the cafe proved to be a success as I finally ended up going in to enjoy a cup of tea and cake. (After having spoken to many other friends, after my visit, did they tell me that this cafe is famous for their cakes, and rightly so!)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I browsed through their menu after having ordered an apricot vanilla crumble and fresh mint tea.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The menu is not that extensive, but serves what us, as we would call ourselves, yuppies, the right portion for a meal.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAORXbEbgVTLXeKaJunkD0v_3Ao8Lo3O0_d9VRgqTNMMKKrcg4jp5z_WC5rGD9JET2gbwLDJYkhsyGc715GauCe8bmnt7EwU9qEJbCW2PbCrLvgEiETjalQMJjL4Vosx75mowr2S-FRxJ/s1600-h/IMG_7706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAORXbEbgVTLXeKaJunkD0v_3Ao8Lo3O0_d9VRgqTNMMKKrcg4jp5z_WC5rGD9JET2gbwLDJYkhsyGc715GauCe8bmnt7EwU9qEJbCW2PbCrLvgEiETjalQMJjL4Vosx75mowr2S-FRxJ/s320/IMG_7706.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkASlfYgrh02LkVlBs4PTrh7OA7N6GU1P1dJn3OUYhejH6a1PtKVJ9TyEdzERRVAqaNC_0aKOfljvSyFUukOUjLovV5FZS_vJc4bQMq_SJHB8E1Sf_8LwndkIM1HhX-TR_g0MRDIqZI2Xa/s1600-h/IMG_7705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkASlfYgrh02LkVlBs4PTrh7OA7N6GU1P1dJn3OUYhejH6a1PtKVJ9TyEdzERRVAqaNC_0aKOfljvSyFUukOUjLovV5FZS_vJc4bQMq_SJHB8E1Sf_8LwndkIM1HhX-TR_g0MRDIqZI2Xa/s320/IMG_7705.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The first picture shows a typical type of pancake that literally translated into flamed cake. Flammkuchen is normally found during the Christmas season, so having the pleasure to savour a flammkuchen all year round is fantastic. It has a crispy base and is served with different ingredients, here you'd have a choice of bacon and onion, leek and ham, salami and chilli and of course your vegetarian choice that would have goats cheese and paprikas. Judging from the price, the size must be quite large. Schnittchen, or little slices actually means little slices. A choice of cheese, ham, meat sausages, salmon and probably a ton more other choices would allow your tastebuds to be met. They also serve up toasties with many variations as well.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But as I was there at the peak of tea time, cake was the right way to go. I must say, it was simply the best crumble I've had. They naturally had a ton of other cake choices too with chocolate brownies and cheesecakes to mention a few.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFtVmFbPEi3KReZobI0MENj49H_M1Ux3DzR-UXlCjmLNRW5yPP0iG_W25MuOiR9z6SM3n7EPV5X0GIxE2Oq6VbVVT2KZ3wunfmyQtR9mJN7ncEBLi8G7__wiZHpzkmpe4TPr4y1jvL3ku/s1600-h/IMG_7709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFtVmFbPEi3KReZobI0MENj49H_M1Ux3DzR-UXlCjmLNRW5yPP0iG_W25MuOiR9z6SM3n7EPV5X0GIxE2Oq6VbVVT2KZ3wunfmyQtR9mJN7ncEBLi8G7__wiZHpzkmpe4TPr4y1jvL3ku/s320/IMG_7709.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Strangely enough, when I spoke to them about frozen cheesecakes, they blinked and stared back with a very dumb founded look. Apparently frozen cheesecakes, like the ones from Secret Recipe do not ring a bell whatsoever. So whoever wants to create a new wave of deserts, this is probably the way to go. Getting back on track, I think I finished off the cake in 2 minutes, literally. Not because I was hungry but because it was that good.<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhiEvHFwrvrQz6LVmLoMEvEGI520tyiIIeTh82S1VR5c7dIl45KWtWu_WfH5MNWKpZr4h_ubFVAXSNkseKTVWxy-eoHx2gxBV6EZMoyTPB-gW4Xbroiu1uPB0ipRrQYYvNgjvylDqoT8G/s1600-h/IMG_7701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhiEvHFwrvrQz6LVmLoMEvEGI520tyiIIeTh82S1VR5c7dIl45KWtWu_WfH5MNWKpZr4h_ubFVAXSNkseKTVWxy-eoHx2gxBV6EZMoyTPB-gW4Xbroiu1uPB0ipRrQYYvNgjvylDqoT8G/s320/IMG_7701.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">There you go, no cake left...left only the crumbs... The tea was immensely refreshing of course. I have developed a love for fresh peppermint tea and that I must say was a heaping portion of it. I only paid Euro 3.80 in total. That was probably the most fulfilling tea break I had. The cake cost Euro 2.20 whilst the tea, fresh as it may be, only cost Euro 1.60. So who says that having a meal out in Germany is expensive??<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So what is my take on Cafe Hueftgold?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ambience 5/5 (they have two sections to the cafe, one specifically for take out and the other for<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> diners)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Food 5/5 (I'm only judging the cakes)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Drinks 5/5 (you'd be surprised that a cafe also served up alcohol - an extensive menu I might add)<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Price 5/5<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Average price per person: Euro 4.00 (for tea time - cake + hot drink)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Where is Cafe Hueftgold?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ackerstrasse 112<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">40233 Duesseldorf<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Ackerstrasse+113,+40233+D%C3%BCsseldorf&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Ackerstra%C3%9Fe+113,+Flingern+Nord+40233+D%C3%BCsseldorf,+Nordrhein-Westfalen,+Germany&z=16">Map to Cafe Hueftgold</a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So if you're ever in Flingern, and would like to have a great tea time, this is where you should go. I know I enjoyed my visit.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Conquering Duesseldorf bit by bit,<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Innovative Baker<br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</div>Innovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845678182635293516.post-87210550391083717882009-12-29T03:18:00.000-08:002010-01-21T07:41:53.806-08:00Brauhaus Sion - one of Cologne's best breweries!<script type="text/javascript">
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It is strange how I ended up having a great GERMAN meal in Cologne. Duesseldorf has its fair share of it of course but I do not patronise German breweries until I have at least an accomplice in tow or a gang of 4 to 10. The portions are that big. German breweries or brauhaus is not exactly a brewery in its sense. It does brew its own beer but it also serves food. Thus I introduce <a href="http://www.brauhaus-sion.de/">Brauhaus Sion</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Uo9kUOQABCqmnE2kd-Cm9RYNep6AtyvQ-IGzZeZOYgmt5j_JBedCp3J4lpO3E474ZoxBBMM7ZngU1pDxDCb3rMT63v1hnwnuDuGZznMEQmfsRY-lUcOW3otG7oIKckPc89TdPeGZUvF/s1600-h/IMG_7288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Uo9kUOQABCqmnE2kd-Cm9RYNep6AtyvQ-IGzZeZOYgmt5j_JBedCp3J4lpO3E474ZoxBBMM7ZngU1pDxDCb3rMT63v1hnwnuDuGZznMEQmfsRY-lUcOW3otG7oIKckPc89TdPeGZUvF/s320/IMG_7288.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Tucked not so far away from the Cologne Dom, about 10 minutes walk in exact, Brauhaus Sion has the reputation for serving up 1/2 meter sausages or according to our waiter Mr. Hanske,<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TS-et6Zs-xoKlaCY7VAl4colGu4bzTNuiqc2ZO4TCFtXUNqmAyMqyycKrCTDmmA_9Yiqtyka3fCqNkWCQmFlFRgxCw9S5pU1LJ0K9DnH1DRZniop9UBIUpDhFZ7_Hu9sWSLl5MOhSCYT/s1600-h/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TS-et6Zs-xoKlaCY7VAl4colGu4bzTNuiqc2ZO4TCFtXUNqmAyMqyycKrCTDmmA_9Yiqtyka3fCqNkWCQmFlFRgxCw9S5pU1LJ0K9DnH1DRZniop9UBIUpDhFZ7_Hu9sWSLl5MOhSCYT/s200/IMG_7290.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43EP3mGGC7Wf-c0gtwSZseVz6ffyUcuYMCktkympMcCAVa98LEQq7nXiG3UpHUUH6y2FjqQH57UJLRgpHV7POXDEAt1uypR41M6vm3Nv1FAHQI_gIG8uAmUB7sZPXAUbaAn5J8qeThQCB/s1600-h/IMG_7296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43EP3mGGC7Wf-c0gtwSZseVz6ffyUcuYMCktkympMcCAVa98LEQq7nXiG3UpHUUH6y2FjqQH57UJLRgpHV7POXDEAt1uypR41M6vm3Nv1FAHQI_gIG8uAmUB7sZPXAUbaAn5J8qeThQCB/s200/IMG_7296.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">you can even ask for 1 meter sausages to be served. That takes up the whole table. This time round, we ordered the traditional German Pork Knuckle served with German green cabbage and roasted potatoes, a 1/4 meter sausage with the same sides and an apple pancake (which I did not take a picture of). Trust me, three dishes is enough for four Asians. Our waiter was also very helpful in terms of the portions.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IzBruRNYNUFvbW-tl_AdrPHq2qnxidSW2GMicCNPKEUBr3OiPDbEyYbvJPjB3P7oVUZDoiV9geNAlovR2BkpJDZ0g3Yxt_4mZYwsYbDo9PNb87AR8JHlT-crJik81mqVqhul4PV_gBer/s1600-h/IMG_7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IzBruRNYNUFvbW-tl_AdrPHq2qnxidSW2GMicCNPKEUBr3OiPDbEyYbvJPjB3P7oVUZDoiV9geNAlovR2BkpJDZ0g3Yxt_4mZYwsYbDo9PNb87AR8JHlT-crJik81mqVqhul4PV_gBer/s200/IMG_7294.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5knSBd_9mDgGyS854duedn-zDgZWE8grlW7K3IYbgVhv84oBhKQac71HMvldLArOighSjW-5v_RUf_U2Go2DDAyW6I6Nd4674UdBUMPVbohrjJXXBjsMkHtmz3IKIvE2JL-iMbJAjRnxR/s1600-h/IMG_7295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5knSBd_9mDgGyS854duedn-zDgZWE8grlW7K3IYbgVhv84oBhKQac71HMvldLArOighSjW-5v_RUf_U2Go2DDAyW6I6Nd4674UdBUMPVbohrjJXXBjsMkHtmz3IKIvE2JL-iMbJAjRnxR/s200/IMG_7295.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCmrP7p44-80ohBn863uZ70tnNRDonqJZiyJZmE3oer9QkgX6lGuV1aj94Fkp4xYMbkO1YAuVHOqGAPl0M5mPn2TitNRXJn7up0b-tFwYlc3tKg8lZLVd1urib74RNx-Q_gzJZK2ea7n8/s1600-h/IMG_7297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCmrP7p44-80ohBn863uZ70tnNRDonqJZiyJZmE3oer9QkgX6lGuV1aj94Fkp4xYMbkO1YAuVHOqGAPl0M5mPn2TitNRXJn7up0b-tFwYlc3tKg8lZLVd1urib74RNx-Q_gzJZK2ea7n8/s200/IMG_7297.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>Trust me you would have devoured every single piece of meat, morsel you could get your hands on. German pork knuckles are normally the size of a turkey leg, if not bigger. Not easily prepared, though many have asked whether I could prepare it for them, the skin has to be roasted properly to have its crunchiness just right so you could devour it as well. In tradition, most German dishes are eaten with mustard. In between the tanginess of the French mustard and the pungent-ness of the Japanese Wasabe, I find German mustard to be my taste.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eWP6Yd3J4BOJg-EpGtVVFICOrEL35oGGC0Pub3D8p_J7nqutRBe8Tjdlnxp5s4B05v2vSrKD6nRVDTYcCLZQP9d9xtnkUCnKp7ysPrkui1948muh-NtjWk0ZB69ZZNX5DfAnd3esiQYB/s1600-h/IMG_7291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eWP6Yd3J4BOJg-EpGtVVFICOrEL35oGGC0Pub3D8p_J7nqutRBe8Tjdlnxp5s4B05v2vSrKD6nRVDTYcCLZQP9d9xtnkUCnKp7ysPrkui1948muh-NtjWk0ZB69ZZNX5DfAnd3esiQYB/s200/IMG_7291.JPG" /></a><br />
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So after dolloping a good portion of mustard on my plate, we began eating. Rani, my colleague from home had the time of her life eating her first traditional German meal. This was how the plate looked like after we finished eating.<br />
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The interior (should have taken more photos) was quite innovative. The ceiling was made out of recycled beer kegs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuio4uDApL-i8l5PDKCCXpyp5z9L5j5bj2TyZzodN-Q85jDs6KZMOd1roqn0jt7iXhjg_DpAZmVRKQPfCfc9OVamqvJJvnPp5ylpM5Z_ug04CR4CM3oiAYgNg6MhpmtN2L-UMsL5NJuGS/s1600-h/IMG_7289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuio4uDApL-i8l5PDKCCXpyp5z9L5j5bj2TyZzodN-Q85jDs6KZMOd1roqn0jt7iXhjg_DpAZmVRKQPfCfc9OVamqvJJvnPp5ylpM5Z_ug04CR4CM3oiAYgNg6MhpmtN2L-UMsL5NJuGS/s320/IMG_7289.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Imagine the time they took to put that together? In any case the meal was utterly satisfying on a not so cold autumn day in November. It was a fitting departing meal for Rani as well since she was flying off the same day too. The food was entirely expensive either as many Germans patronise German breweries for their beers. Oh yes, it is interesting how my table did not order the Cologne beer called Koelsh. We are not big beer drinkers and therefore, we skipped having it this time round. In any case, German food without German beer is still a treat!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what was my take on it?<br />
</div><br />
Ambience 5/5<br />
Food 5/5<br />
Drinks 4/5 (I don't drink beer that much remember?)<br />
Price 4/5<br />
<br />
Average price per person Euro 12.00 (main meal + 1 drink)<br />
<br />
Go easy on the beer, you don't want to be carried away when you end up leaving the brewery. So having blogged about Japanese, Italian and the like, I figured German food was in line to be featured. Where can you find the brewery?<br />
<br />
Unter Taschenmacher 5-7<br />
50667 Cologne<br />
Tel: +49 (0) 221 2 57 85 40<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Unter+Taschenmacher+5-7++50667+K%C3%B6ln&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=14.671726,39.506836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Unter+Taschenmacher+5,+Altstadt-Nord+50667+K%C3%B6ln,+Nordrhein-Westfalen,+Germany&z=16">Map to Brauhaus Sion</a><br />
<br />
More German food to come,<br />
The Innovative BakerInnovativebakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16142889272788737334noreply@blogger.com0