Thursday 29 March 2012

Nasi Lemak "Musical"

Just a quick plug on this interesting video which featured the folks of Pudu Wet Market with some talents thrown in. Nasi Lemak is touted to be our national dish, hence I guess this video is a good reflection of that. It doesn't show you the process of making it but rather some of the basic ingredients that go into Nasi Lemak.

Nasi Lemak from Grain Media on Vimeo.



If you have the sudden urge to indulge in nasi lemak after watching the video, visit Sister's Kitchen, Mak Wanjor, Chawan, Jalan Alor/Changkat Bukit Bintang junction, Miss Kwan, Nyonya ColorsBlue Boy Vegetarian Food Centre (yes we do have vegetarian version of nasi lemak!), and Kluang Station Kopitiam plus the many more nasi lemak stalls that practically littered the streets in Malaysia :D

Monday 26 March 2012

We're 65 Blog Malaysia Pilihan InTrend!

Woohooo I accidently found out that Babe in the City - KL was featured by InTrend March 2012 as one of the 65 blogs in Malaysia! What made it sweet was I happened to meet the editor, Rosie, at an event at Bayan Indah the day after  I bought the mag :p Rosie mentioned that they do this on an annual basis and this is the third installment.

InTrend March 2012 - 65 Blog Malaysia Pilihan InTrend

We're deeply honoured as InTrend is a Malay magazine. To have our predominantly English blog picked under Santapan (food) category is truly amazing. We also shared the glory with friends Sean (Eat Drink KL), Boo_licious (Masak-masak) and Bee Yinn (Rasa Malaysia). The 6 other food blogs errrr I need to visit all of them, pronto, as I have not heard of them but they must be darn good to be featured. They are ...In A Whiz; Elinluv's Corner; Cupcakes Vs Chocolate; Mad About Cake; Luscious Treats and Periuk Belanga Zarin.

InTrend March 2012 - 65 Blog Malaysia Pilihan InTrend - Santapan

Congrats to all the 65 blogs featured!

Friday 23 March 2012

Cameron Highlands 2011: Uncle Chow Kopitiam & Hatter's Cafe & Bakerie

Uncle Chow Kopitiam

We just couldn't leave Cameron Highlands without a pitstop at Uncle Chow Kopitiam. We have been here several times and each time we're here, Uncle and Aunty Chow treat us like old friends. Maybe it's nice to meet up KLites once in a while hahaha.

On our way back this trip, we came here to have lunch even though we were still stuffed from our luxurious breakfast at Cameron Highlands Resort. We really had a long long lunch here as after our meal, it was raining heavily that we waited out. We moved from the patio to the inside of the shoplot as the wind got so strong that the whole patio was wet. Uncle Chow was lamenting that it was rather odd to rain this heavy for the past few days.

Capt'n Hook had a bowl of hot steaming Curry Laksa (RM8.90) just like what he had the previous visit, well not that he will remember what he had ordered hehe. Loved the creamy curry infused coconut milk broth with loads of plump beansprouts, long beans, tofu puffs, fishcake slices, fish balls and chicken. He literally emptied the entire bowl until we can see the bottom of the bowl!

Curry Laksa RM8.90

BoiBoi's standard order of Fried Koay Teow (RM6.00) which has the wok hei strangely even cooked on a range cooker! This is a slightly wettish style koay teow and I liked how the egg retained it's omelette shape which I have been trying very hard to achieve back home.

Fried Kuey Teow RM6.00

I've heard their Assam Laksa (RM8.90) is good so that's what I had. The spicy soup is piquant so much so that I emptied my bowl as well heh :p I would like it to be slightly thicker though which means more mashed up fish meat.

Assam Laksa RM8.90

They are not stingy with their ingredients as you know that is why we loved the honey lemon drink. From the colour, can you tell how much honey there is inside?

Honey Lemon

Capn't Hook would never leave a place that serves Bubur Cha Cha (RM3.50) without ordering one. We know their bubur cha cha would not let us down since we have them before. The fresh coconut milk is nice and thick with lots of soft pieces of yam and sweet potatoes.

Bubur Cha Cha RM3.50

While you're here, do drop by Hatter's Cafe & Bakerie to pick up some breads, buns and chocolates! Btw, Normah made one of the best chocolate fudge cake! Capt'n Hook ordered one for our birthday and our young foodie BoiBoi preferred Aunty Normah's cake as compared to the one made by Cameron Highlands Resort! Since the cake is only made upon order, so do ring her up if you fancy some nice fudgy chocolate cake while you're in Cameron Highlands.

Normah Choc Cake

Kindly excuse for the "mini landslide" as we have collected the cake in the afternoon and thinking that it was cold enough we did not ask the hotel to keep it in the fridge :p


Other Cameron Highlands posts in this series:



Uncle Chow Kopitiam
C2-G-01 Block C2
Taman Royal Lily
39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Malaysia
Tel: 6012-205 2778


Hatter's Cafe & Bakerie
(Norsham Homemade Confectionery & Western Food)
RLC1-G-9 Taman Royal Lily
39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Malaysia
Tel: 6012- 6200193 (Badrul) / 6012 364 0292 (Normah)
GPS Coordinates: E101° 22' 26.9" N4° 28' 10.7"


Wednesday 21 March 2012

Cameron Highlands 2011: Rosette Cafe

**Pork Free**


We are creatures of comfort, so much so that we usually stick to places that we are familiar with especially so when the food is good and the place is always pack to the brim hahaha that was our most important indicator. We discovered Rosette Cafe after we asked around the locals where to eat. Guess what, this was where we have our 2 dinners in a row cos we were just too lazy to look around where to eat, playing safe at least!

Rosette Cafe

On the first evening, we opted for Set Menu A priced at RM42.00 (excluding rice and drinks) which is suitable for 2 - 3 pax but Capt'n Hook was feeling famished and placed an extra order of Stir-fried Beef with Asparagus (RM14).

We started off with some Fried Crispy Spring Rolls. Hot off the oil spring rolls have fillings mainly of turnip strips which is quite ample actually.

Fried Crispy Spring Rolls

A nice hot pot of Claypot Bean Curd that have loads of vegetables that I liked, satiated the cold and wet evening. There were slices of baby corns, cabbage, sweet peas, carrots, enoki mushrooms, button mushrooms (canned :( ) but fresh black fungus.

Claypot Beancurd

Who knows a simple Stir Fried Pea Sprout (Pea Shoots) could taste so good here. Could it be of the pea shoots here are so so fresh hence can taste its natural sweetness??? Even Capt'n Hook gave thumbs up to this one.

Stir-fried Pea Sprouts

Luckily there's a dish of BoiBoi's liking in this set - Sweet and Sour Chicken. My boy can live with just sweet and sour everyday! The chicken in bite sized pieces were crispy and lightly coated with the sweet and sourish tomato sauce.

Sweet & Sour Chicken


Asparagus is something that Capt'n Hook liked hence he got an extra Stir-fried Beef with Asparagus (RM14). The beef is tender and nicely done, went well with crunchy asparagus and an oyster sauce gravy.


Stir-fried Beef with Asparagus (RM14)

On the next night, Rosette Cafe was jammed packed! Luckily we got hold of the last table. Both the boys opted for Chicken Chop with Orange Sauce. A whole boneless chicken thigh that has been grilled on the pan with a nice sweet and tangy orange sauce was appetising. It was served with some coleslaw; fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes and canned pineapple slices; and a dollop of mashed potatoes. If not mistaken, all this was for RM12.00.

Chicken Chop with Orange Sauce (RM12)

I had Venison Fried Kuay Teow (RM9.00) that surprises me totally. The tender venison pieces went well with the dry fry version of kuay teow. My only problem is it's just a little greasy for me but it ain't fried kuay teow if it's not greasy haha.

Venison Fried Kuay Teow (RM9)

We wanted to head to Brinchang after dinner but it was so foggy that visibility was only like 50 meters. Very very dangerous hence we retreated to the hotel early.


Other Cameron Highlands posts in this series:
Cameron Highlands 2011: Mossy Forest & Gunung Brinchang Lookout Tower




Rosette Cafe
42, Jalan Besar, 39000 Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Malaysia
Tel: +605-491 3159

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Cameron Highlands 2011: Mossy Forest & Gunung Brinchang Lookout Tower

This trip to Cameron Highlands is basically just a chill out kind with nothing pre-planned, we went as we pleased as the day unfolds. One of my ex-colleague had just returned from Cameron Highlands and I saw some unfamiliar places on his photo album. I asked him where about the places and he told me it's towards Gunung Brinchang and the Lookout Tower.

There was once we tried to access here but our car got stuck in the slippery bank when we let another vehicle passes us by. So we never attempted to continue the journey as it was rather narrow and bumpy. This time round with a 4WD, Capt'n Hook was more confident. Since we were already at Sg Palas' Boh Plantation, heading here was easier. There was a branch off not far from the security post of Boh Plantation where you turn left to head here (turn right will head to Boh Plantation). There's a huge signage of a strawberry farm which name escaped me now. Then there's a fork road, turn left. Just be careful as the road is bumpy and narrow, at some point pretty steep.

We saw a lot of cars parked around an empty space and there's a series of stairs and we got curious. We stopped and got down to have a peek. Ahhh it seems this is one of the hiking trail to the Mossy Forest.

DSC03919

There are boardwalk built here to make things easier for visitors. On the day we were there, it was drizzling on and off, the mist is so thick that it blanket the forests so we can't really see much ahead.

DSC03929
We Saw The Communication Towers And That's Where The Lookout Tower Is Located

There is a series of wooden boardwalk and stairs that winds through here. It is slippery and at some point missing a couple of planks, so watch your step. Check out the trees, branches, ferns and plants around, they're very different from the low land kind. We did not continue till the end of the walk. There are a few huts to rest your tired feet, if you wished. Later on I found out that at the end of the walk, you could step out onto the forest floor and this is where the trail starts towards Gunung Irau, the highest peak in Cameron Highlands.

DSC03939

DSC03941
Check Out The Vegetation Here, Very Diiferent... Mossy

We got back down the slippery planks and stairs, hopped into the car to look for the Lookout Tower. It was a mere short drive that many people chose to walk here instead. Since it's our first time, we didn't know that, otherwise could have just walked here.

DSC03945
The Road Heading Towards The Tower

DSC03946

We finally found the Lookout Tower on top of the second highest mountain, Gunung Brinchang. It sits next to a few huge and tall communication towers. It wasn't as tall as I thought it would be. The structure is made out of steel and due to moisture, there are signs of rust here and there. The stairs on the tower is really steep and everyone was careful and take one step at a time. Coming down is very fearful and my advice is to come down with your back facing outwards so that you can hold on to the banister and step down just like how I taught BoiBoi to climb down from bed or chairs when he was a baby, bottom down first to prevent head injuries. On a good day, I was told that one can view up to Ipoh but again it was way too misty to see anything.

DSC03954

On our way down, I caught some pics while we were winding our way down. This couple whom we met up at the station, hiked up all the way there. This is them taking a breathtaking view break going downhill. The vast tea plantation is in view too.

DSC03972

DSC03975

This is the main reason why Capt'n Hook likes to visit Cameron Highlands, the breathtaking green and the other plus factor is the cold weather ;-)



Other Cameron Highlands posts in this series:




Gunung Brinchang Lookout Tower
GPS: N4°31.113' E101°22.973'


Monday 19 March 2012

Review: Breakfast @ Cameron Highlands Resort

Our 2 nights stay at Cameron Highlands Resort (CHR) includes 2 complimentary breakfasts for both mornings. It was also a nice and kind gesture that when we looked at our bill upon checking out that they did not charge BoiBoi's breakfast.

Breakfast is served at the table cascade style here meaning The Dining Room serves tea/coffee and real freshly juiced fruit juices followed by a basket of baked goods, fresh fruit and yoghurt while waiting for your hot items that you can order from the menu to be cooked. This is a luxurious breakfast at its best indeed. Best while browsing the newspaper on a lazy weekend.

DSC03905
Towering Fruit Pieces

DSC03901

Freshly squeezed orange juice, real butter with plus point of serving both salted and unsalted and choices of orange marmalade, strawberry jam and mango jam.

On Day 1:

DSC03910

Bakery Basket contained buttery croissants, fluffy banana muffins and a buttery danish roll.

DSC03911

BoiBoi's Two Eggs Any Style of bull eyes fried eggs served with beef bacon, breakfast sausage, sauteed mushrooms, stewed tomato, fried farmhouse bread and hash brown.

DSC03915

Capt'n Hook requested for Omelette with the additional accompaniments from Two Eggs Any Style. The omelette has aged brie, smoked salmon and chives.

DSC03918

I had Free-Range Eggs poached and served with macaire-style potato croquets with wild mushrooms and hollandaise sauce but not sure why I had the rest of the accompaniments as the Two Eggs Any Style. I liked how the eggs are poached here without using the help of cling wrap and nary a hint of vinegar. Luckily the hollandaise sauce is light, otherwise I would have a hard time to finish up.

DSC03914

We shared an absolutely fluffy buttermilk pancakes layered with apple compote, crisp pineapple fritters laced with honeycomb nougat and thick double cream o.O

Day 2:

L1000671

Today's Bakery Basket has the croissants, danish and chocolate chips muffins.

L1000566

BoiBoi asked for bull eyes again for his Two Eggs Any Style.

L1000676

Capt'n Hook repeated his order as well.

L1000678

I requested for the omelette without anything else otherwise it's a struggle to finish my breakie. Loved the creamy brie and generous douse of smoked salmon.

L1000688


L1000686

For sweets, this round we tried waffles filled with warm banana butterscotch, topped with strawberry compote, king island cream, and cinnamon crusted mango tempura. Whoa what a mouthful!

If you can't live without noodles for breakfast, there's a choice of noodles of the day, so ask the wait staff, on day 1, I spied the next table had mee goreng (fried noodles).

When it comes to food, YTL group really know their thing, just like the Sunday Masquarades @ Shook! filled with gourmet food and champagne. Looking forward to more luxurious experiences with YTL group ;-)

Thank you Capt'n Hook for the posh birthday bash :x


Other Cameron Highlands posts in this series:



By The Golf Course,
39000 Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands, 
Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
GPS: N 4° 28' 15.67", E 101° 22' 12.41"

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Review: Cameron Highlands Resort

Last year, Capt'n Hook booked us into Cameron Highlands Resort (CHR) to celebrate BoiBoi and my birthday. We stayed a total of 2 nights and we have to say we're charmed by not only the resort but the staff as well.

DSC03758
A Welcoming Hot Chrysanthemum Tea & Warm Towel

DSC03766
Jim Thompson Tea Room

DSC04051
Highlands Bar

DSC04050
Jim Thompson Tea Room

DSC04052
Sitting Area In Front Of Koi Pond

We have stayed here, formerly known as Merlin Inn, prior to YTL's refurbishment of this building across the golf course. Since this is a YTL's resort... everything just spell posh and the best thing of all... is the service which is of course excellent at all times. Kudos to the management in training the staff to be on all alert. Every little gesture is appreciated.

DSC03777
Four Posters Bed in Deluxe Room

DSC03769
Sitting Area in Deluxe Room

DSC03771
Dressing Table in Deluxe Room

DSC03787
Bathroom in Deluxe Room

As I've read the reviews on Tripadvisor, CHR have this ceremonial of lighting up the fire place at 7.00pm everyday and they actually allow guests to do the honour. Capt'n Hook arranged to have this done for both of us as he casually mentioned that it was our birthday. We were even served cocktail after that. The staff had a little accident while doing that and the manager on stand by was very apologetic.

By the time we got back to our room after dinner, surprise surprise... we have a beautiful birthday cake together with a framed picture of BoiBoi and I lighting up the fireplace.

DSC04124
The Cake On The Left Is Ordered From Normah And On The Right Is By CHR, Both Choc Fudge!

One thing to highlight, they have turn down service and on the first evening, BoiBoi's Beary got a star treatment as he had left Beary on the bed before we went out for dinner. The next night, the rose was casually placed on the bed.

DSC03865
After Turn Down Service

DSC03870
Beary & Rose

To summarised, CHR is a nice place to chill out with every little attention of details taken care of, all you need to do is a book and a mug of hot chocolate to sit by the fireplace or balcony. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only one nagging thing which almost every guests would complain is the noise from the vehicles passing by the main road. In the still of the night, the sound does get magnified. Since we lived in a noisy area, it doesn't really posed a problem for us. If you're a light sleeper, just let them know when you place your booking so that they'll place you on higher floor.

DSC03880


Other Cameron Highlands posts in this series:


Cameron Highlands Resort
By The Golf Course,
39000 Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands, 
Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2783 1000
GPS: N 4° 28' 15.67", E 101° 22' 12.41"

Blog Revamping

Hello... I'm in the midst of revamping my blog to make my life a little easier. So do not be alarmed as work is still under construction.

Cheers,
Babe_KL
16 Oct 2012