Courage of Conviction

Happy Chinese Dragon New Year 2010

2012-01-18T16:02:00.001+08:00

WISHING ALL MY READERS A VERY HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Journey Back KL

2012-01-10T15:19:00.000+08:00

What could a guy on the bus sitting next to a big guy who is snoring so loudly that the eardrums is having problems listening to even the music over a stereo headphones do with a camera on hand? No, I am definitely not gonna stuff my expensive lense into his mouth... So this is what I did.. I found an interesting kid seated in front of me to be my involuntary model..

Curious kid... peekaboo

Seriously this kid reminds me of my hyperactive and curious childhood..

*Chak

He was making noise in the bus and guess what happened? The mum just stuff his mouth.. That doesn't really stop him. Just like when I was young and energetic

For about 2 hours the kid had been climbing up and down.. Finally he is tired.. He slept for like an hour.

First thing he did when he wakes up was to peep behind...

Last picture taken before the sky turned dark... Brings back those good old memories...

Baiyok Thai Restaurant Review

2012-01-09T17:09:00.000+08:00

I know this post should come up earlier but I was very much caught up during the weekends. I was invited for an eating session to Baiyok Thai Restaurant by another blogger about a month++ ago..

Located in the Heritage Club opposite Penang Sports Club, this hidden restaurant would not be noticeable by passer by unless you are a member at the Heritage club,

They are open daily and free WIFI...

A variety of drinks selection here from the lemon grass water to coffee and fruit juices..

PLA RAD MAKHAAM(Deep-fried fish topped with tamarind sauce)

The fish head...

KAI YANG(B.B.Q. chicken with dipping sauce)

GOONG KHAI DAENG(Finger food- deep-fried bread with prawn and salted egg)

MIANG PLA KRAPHONG(Traditional appertiser-deep-fried seabass cubes, condiments and

sweetener wrap with wild betel leaves(daun kaduk) )

The above was wrapped and so called the correct way to eat them.. It comes in these 2 original plates...

This dish is definite to clear your ears due to it's spiciness but for me who is used to spicy food, this dish is just so good and fresh. PLA MEUK NEUNG MANAO(Squid steamed with lime juice)

The other end of the same dish

YUM YOK MAPHRAU(Coconut shoot salad)

A must try as they use fresh prawns. GOONG CHOO CHII(Deep-fried prawn topped with 'Choo Chii' sauce)

Not too spicy and good for the kids. TOMYAM TALAY(Seafood Tomyam)

BROGCOLI PHAT KAPIT(Brocolli stir-fried with thai belacan)

The seafood variety found in this is in a gracious portion. HOR MOK TALAY(Seafood 'Otak-Otak')

and finally for dessert we have the THAP THIM KROP(Water chestnut and jackfruit in coconut milk)

Environment: 4/5 (Fully air conditioned and could caters only for big groups)
Service: 4/5 (Waiters are friendly and helpful)
Taste: 4/5 (They have food that is catered for the less spicy locals to those spicy ones for those who loves them)
Consistency: ??? (First time there but would visit again "real" soon)
Price: 3/5 (A little on the expensive side for seafood but reasonable for non seafood items)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thai.b.restauran
Address and Contact:
2, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Georgetown Penang
Business Hour: 1130am – 10pm
Tel: 04-227 8308 / 016-478 4090
Website:http://thaibaiyok.webs.com
GPS: N5.418988,E100.304371

Lighthouse Coffee review

2012-01-08T16:22:00.001+08:00

Ask anyone around what is the first name that comes into mind when you ask them about coffee.. Most would say Starbucks but after I visited this cafe, I found my true passion in coffee and learned things I never did know in the first place visiting Starbucks since my secondary school days.. And yes that is very long ago and I am old I know that. Do you know that coffee brewed at the right temperature and right way is sweet on it's own? Did you even know that there are specific amounts to follow to a certain temperature and duration makes all the difference in the coffee you sip? Heck, even they way you drink makes a difference... Even the way you roast the beans makes it different... This is what I have learned on my visit here.. The owner gave us an impromptu coffee appreciation class...

Located at the hidden corner around Bishop Street intersecting with Beach street and part of the Logan Heritage Building... I was actually given the chance to get to know coffee better as part of being a participant in the Penang Heritage Food Trail event.

What is Lighthouse coffee without Lighthouses right?

The menu is all on the board for easy ordering..

Real roasted beans on hand. You could basically smell the aroma of roasted coffee by standing just outside the cafe..

Introduction to the beans here..

And you could leave a note on their wall of notes...

Espresso...

Latte.. Oh and did I mention they do provide training to those who wanted to learn how to create a perfect cup of latte... Patterns are poured not etched... Look at the last pic for the steps..

Latte Mocha...

Signature drink, Red Devil for Her 2.0... not bersih 2.0 ok? This is one of the fruity drinks I have had here...

Mochachino with other drinks... Feel the difference with what you can have outside yet? Read on...

Orange Moon... Coffee with chocolate powder, a slice of orange and a touch of cinnamon.. It's already nice on it's own till i start drinking it with the cinnamon "straw"... Heaven...

Coffee Baked Rice with cheese... I would recommend you to have this before you try any strong coffee unless you have a glass of water to rinse the coffee taste away to retaste this..

Focaccia Special.. Turkey ham, scrambled egg..

Pannani with cheese...

Tiramisu... What makes this special is that they are made with their own roasted beans coffee powder.. Fresh and strong I would say..

Red Devil For HIM...

The perfect cup of latte...

Environment: 4/5 (Fully air conditioned and caters only for small groups - place is quite small. go early as they are always full)
Service: 3/5 (Different waiters have different attitudes for different customers... Some are very friendly... Some are just quiet...)
Taste: 4/5 (The coffee and tiramisu is a must try again...)
Consistency: 4/5 (Second time there and coffee remains the good old taste I had on my first visit)
Price: 3.5/5 (A little on the expensive side but fair as it's still cheaper than Starbucks but serves smaller portions of drinks)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lighthouse-Coffee/100000540104506
Address and Contact:
Logan Heritage No 4,
Bishop Street,
10300 Georgetown, Penang
Business Hours: 8:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
Lighthouse Coffee Enterprise
Office Phone: 04 - 228 8628
Direct Mobile: 012 - 436 0836 (Victor - Chief Barista & Roaster)
Web site: www.lighthouse-coffee.com.my
Email: lighthouse.coffee@yahoo.com

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Behind 50 review

2012-01-07T10:43:00.000+08:00

If there is one place I would hang out and be stuck in the "olden days", it would be this cafe. It's name is unique in a sense that behind 50 doesn't mean that it's really pre 1950s but it is named so because it was the shops address which was behind lot No.50 which was split into front 50 and behind 50. about A few minutes walk from the front door of Cititel Penang where you just walk straight along the road facing the front door. Located in the intersection of love lane, stewart lane and muntri street. GPS Coordinate 5.419693,100.336745. Here's a look of the interior. Yes there are 50 pictures hanging on the wall..

The Penang Heritage Food Trail Banner!!!

So, why did I say stuck in the olden days? Typical Chinese would understand why. Look at the cupboard below. I used to see one of these in the olden days when my grandmother was still alive. This kind of cupboard was the source of food(freshly cooked or leftovers) whenever I was hungry as a young hyperactive boy. I was literally stuck and bombarded with the memories of the past here.

They toys and items all reminded me of the good olden days which makes this place a good hangout place for me if I ever wanted to dwell in the past. Not a bad thing as I think most of the old stuff had been dumped when I shifted my house.

What makes it better is that they are serving food so I could continue my dwelling in the past till night.

Ice cream coffee.. One of their signature must try. Not sweet at all and refreshing on a hot sunny day.

Pizza Time. Fresh and hot from the oven..

This smoked salmon salad is another must try for those on a diet.

Toast with salsa... The new way of eating your toasts..

Spagetti with asparagus and a whole range of pastas to choose from.

Mustroom soup with garlic toast

Almond fish with crispy almond slices which is a taste to remember

Cheesy chicken chop with penne pasta as sideline..

Environment: 4.5/5 (Definitely brings back memories from the pasts but caters only for small groups - place is quite small)
Service: 4/5 (The cafe is opened by the owners, and you are served by the owners themselves so expect good services here.)
Taste: 3.5/5 (The taste is ok but add in the environment it's a perfect place to be)
Consistency: ??? (First visit there. Will update when I return to this outlet again)
Price: 2.5/5 (A little on the expensive side, depending on what you have ordered too but I would definitely return for the memories)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Behind-50Love-Lane/146112812124793

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Tong Pak Fu Dessert Pulau Tikus review

2011-12-29T02:36:00.000+08:00

This is another new dessert shop opened in the Pulau Tikus area opposite the street from Public Bank. I'd recommend this outlet if you love cold desserts.

The painting on the wall.... brings the calmness in you while you enjoy your dessert..

Red bean with tang yuan...

Red bean with beancurd.. This is something out of the norm and I think the only 2 desserts which are hot.

Mango with gluteneous balls

Coconut ice, grass jelly with green tea ice cream

The 4 scholar... all mango flavor for mango lovers...

Black gluteneous rice with honey dew.. I'd recommend this for those who wants less sugar in their diet

This is another must go for.

Last but not least, their chocolate fondue set.

A mixture of fruits and ice cream for the fondue..

Environment: 3.5/5 (Great place to hang out with good lighting but caters only for small groups - place is quite small)
Service: 3.5/5 (The staffs are attentive when taking orders)
Taste: 2.5/5 (Most desserts are cold based and sweet but freshness is there)
Consistency: ??? (First visit there. Will update when I return to this outlet again)
Price: 2.5/5 (A little on the expensive side, depending on what you have ordered too)

BlackBall Dessert Penang Pulau Tikus Review

2011-12-24T00:41:00.000+08:00

Went for a review on a new Dessert store around Pulau Tikus and found a gem indeed. I would say the price is a little high but reasonable for the taste and what you get.Located same row of the Pulau Tikus Police Station opposite 7-eleven.

Delicious... Yes... Refreshing... Yes... Irresistable... Errr... If this is a yes then I would be in deep trouble... But nevertheless I can say I would return anytime for their desserts.

The UFO that rings when your order is ready

Their signature dessert which is the Blackball signature. Comes with grass jelly, red beans, taro balls, red bean ice and black pearls.

This is a must try... Winter melon tea with sky pearl.. The pearl taste like gummy bear!!

Boba milk tea is another signature drink although I prefer the Fresh Milk Grass Jelly more.

BlackBall combo... with imported barley, grass jelly, black pearl, taro balls and lotus seed.

Environment: 4/5 (Great place to hang out with good lighting but caters only for small groups - round tables)
Service: 4/5 (The staffs are attentive when taking orders plus the use of UFO for self service)
Taste: 4/5 (Something fresh and not too sweet - you could choose to have less sugar)
Consistency: 4.5 (Good old drinks like what I had the first time.. Haven't tried the desserts again thou..)
Price: 3.5/5 (Not really expensive for the ingredients given and also their location. Most desserts and drinks range between RM5.9 and 6.5)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBallPenang

Chicago Rib House Review(Non Halal)

2011-12-18T23:06:00.001+08:00

This was supposed to be up for some time now but well it's here now.. Recently Chicago Rib House had a new menu serving pork here in Penang Gurney Plaza. So me and a few of the bloggers decided to go and have a try.

World famous pork ribs

The halloween theme decos

They basically have nearly everything. Talk about getting drunk

One of the signs in the restaurant

The story of how the ribs came by

Our drinks. All are alcoholic except one that I had later which was the Pine Slussy was non alcoholic and recommended refreshing tasting drink

This is the Quesadillas. Best eaten when it's still hot and crispy. and when the cheese are real hot.

Oriental wedge salad that somehow this dish taste like peanut butter to me.

Trio Sampler. A must try if you are here.

Here we have Mark with his European Herbal Tea(aka BEER la...)

Pork Ribs in Flaming Kansas City Sauce. This is the main dish. The ribs are roasted using only hickory wood. My mum who doesn't really eat much, just had the baked potato sideline on my second visit there. So I can say no complains about it.

The only problem I have with this dish is the consistency of the taste. I went back 3 times and once it's the best and freshest I had. The second was with my dad and it is fresh(from the freezer that is as both of us could taste the distinct refrigerator taste). The third time was so-so.

Grilled Bourbon Chicken for those who are worried about getting fat as this is 2 boneless chieken breast grilled lightly with cheese.

8oz Pork Tenderloin. 2 very small portion for a maincourse but satisfaction guaranteed for it. I think this would be a good "sideline" for those heavy eaters.

Southwestern Chilli Pasta was another dish to try. The fresh ripe tomato taste was real distinct in this and the taste one of a kind.

Just another version of the Pork Tenderloin with different sides.

Lastly we have the dessert which is the Brownie Royale. Chocolate brownie with ice cream on top with a sprinkle of almond chips.

So as a conclusion

Environment: 4/5 (Great place to hang out with good lighting for fine dining thou I did prefer to sit outside when I am in a group)
Service: 3/5 (The staffs are most of the time attentive but I noticed that at times they would slack a little)
Taste: 4/5 (Most of them taste good on the right day)
Consistency: 2.5/5 (2 not so good experience and only 1 good one with the taste/freshness)
Price: 2/5 (a little high on the expensive side)

Oh yes they have a new branch in 1 Utama KL. I have yet to visit that branch. Maybe I will when I get back to KL over the weekends.

Lonely Beach Stroll

2011-12-11T22:08:00.000+08:00

For the past few weeks some questions from those around me almost always starts with, Hey, Kellaw, are you going to turn your blog into a full time food blog or what? I have given it a thought and feel well life is not just about food but also lifestyle. I seldom go out often nowadays so the only posts I have would automatically be on food. This doesn't mean my life is only about food. It's just that no matter where you go, you still need to have a meal here or there. So this will be a non food post unless you are fond of eating jellyfish that is..

Joyous cafe review

2011-12-04T23:27:00.000+08:00

The penang Heritage food trail brought me to this hidden place.. I didn't really know this place exists till that very day.. For me this cafe is unique in the sense that not only does it lies in the heritage zone of Penang and occupying one of the old pre war buildings but somehow you have the new sense of feeling that this is a modern outlet.

This cafe located at 5, Union Street would remain hidden from the main road but you could google map them out.

Here we have Aerilynn interviewing the 3 of the 4 owners who are there with us that day.

We have the Penang Heritage food trail project banner and well you would be surprised at the concept of this store.. They specialize in baby full moon products and at the same time caters for health drinks.

You can preorder some full moon packages which comes with name cards for your baby.

Even the furniture are somehow condusively modern in this heritage zone. It gives you the Fullhouse(another cafe) kind of feeling.

Their specialty joyous buns but I am not really a fan of softrolls with custard but you could try them out. Personally I feel they are more of health food for me.

Fresh from the oven...

Cheese cake. This is what I really came for.. They were marvellous and priced at RM6.50/piece

And this! We have a mixture of fruit drinks and their detox and health benefits. I did recommend the Spinach Smoothies which comes with a soft touch of sour plum. I'd also recommend the Red Apple Carrot. The taste is quite nice actually.

Well, this is me with my weird hairstyle which is getting longer by the day...

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Kerachut Beach Part 2

2011-11-22T12:26:00.000+08:00

Read Part 1 HERE if you haven't

Sunset over at the beach. You have gotta stay overnight to be able to see this as it would be dangerous to leave as darkness falls.

The lonely and silent beach.

The jetty area.

You can release some turtles as the sky gets dark. This is the best time to release turtles as there is less prey waiting for them.

Those turtle in the polystyrene box ready to be released

To freedom and beyond...

It's calming looking at the bunch heading towards the beach one by one... I felt like I would go swim with them if I am not holding my camera.

Sunset. Using low shutter speed with my tripod

The night sky using low shutter speed(30 seconds in total darkness)

Soul Kitchen Trattoria Penang Review (Non Halal)

2011-11-20T11:25:00.000+08:00

I guess there's always a story behind each eatery or Trattoria(Italian style eating establishment - that is more than the local mamak stalls and less than a restaurant for those of you who wants to know) in this case.

Let me sleep all night in your soul kitchen
Warm my mind near your gentle stove
Turn me out and I'll wander baby
Stumblin in the neon groves

~ Jim Morrison ~

Of course that is not the story behind this trattoria. That's just where the name of trattoria came from.

This trattoria hidden from the main road located at 102, Lebuh Muntri, just about 100 meters walk at the road facing directly in front of Cititel Hotel Penang. Look for their signboard on the left. I can tell you it's real easy to miss if you don't know where to find.

They even have their own post card which tells you where the trattoria's name came from.

This trattoria is started by a quirky and loving Malaysian German couple, Michele and Tonio, who met in Munich, engaged in Venice, married in KL, lived in Berlin and finally back in Penang and started this trattoria. According to Tonio, Michele is the boss and he is just the chef...

Menu of the day.. You can see that's a whole handfull of dishes.. One more thing is that they have their weekday lunch menu too priced at RM28 for one soup, fresh juice, choice from 6 pastas and a yummy dessert. Expensive you say? Wait till you see their ingredients.

I would say the trattoria found it's right place in the Penang Heritage zone. The trattoria is just one of the units in the ancient chinese streetscape with 1960's Berlin's interior for you to enjoy your food. I would say this is truly a feeling you can't get anywhere else. Even I myself was taken aside by this homely feeling.

Ok enough about the place. Now we go for their food. I can frankly say I am not that familiar with Italian food other than pizzas and pastas but this is an eye opener or should I say mouth waterer.. This is the dried tomato salami entree. At first being the ape in the forest in a town now, I went for the mushrooms alone. It tasted... errmm cold? and someone told me to try it all together. The mix of dried tomatoes, salami, mushrooms and rocket salad taste like heaven, perfect for starters.

Next was the fish soup. Lots of fish (a mix of fishes as I was told), shrimps with a mix of potatoes and carrots and a dash of herb taste. I would say this is one of a kind of clear soup I had had in my life. Totally different from those Chinese herbal soup I cook in the kitchen. One thing is the potatoes wasn't cooked to softness. It's more of giving you the crunchy feel instead of being soft, just like those I expect from the carrots which were just soft enough yet retained it's crunchiness. Just nice! Note* I scopped the ingredients up for this pic so you guys could see what's in there.

Next up we have the Pasta Chicken Al Limone. Chicken done in white wine and lemon juice. A little sour taste just perfect for the dish. The chicken is marinated just right for taste. I would recommend this for those on diet. It's low on cheese, and the sauce is low on carbs with a plus side of the acidic side of the lemon juice.

Then we have the Pasta Salsiccia where we have homemade herb pork sausages in ripened tomato paste. This dish is perfect for those who wants to have the clear taste of the fresh tomatoes and also a taste on their one of a kind of homemade herb pork sausages.

This baby named Pasta Como is a must try if you ever visit Soul Kitchen. Cooked with Bacon (they source their own bacon and only selected ones from the ribs are selected as per Tonio) which is perfectly tasty, white wine and goat cheese which gives it a one of a kind distinct taste. The mixture of the ingredients was just a perfect blend.

Then we have the Pasta Salmon with mustard cream sauce which I could taste that only fresh salmon was used to cook this dish. I can say I had enough of the distinct frozen salmon taste down my throat that I could recognize one from far away. I didn't put high hopes on this dish as first as I prejudged that they would use frozen salmon. When I had this, I was surprised there was no frozen salmon taste. They were fresh.

Here we have the Pasta Sardella, a more localized Malaysian flavor with a fusion of Italian taste cooked with anchovy filets in oil, capers, olives and tomatoes.

Next came the pizzas. This is the first time I came about an oval pizza. I have seen round ones, square ones but never an oval one. Imagine sitting in the trattoria while they bake this in the kitchen. The aroma and smell of the cheese in the over is just mouth watering. I told myself this is definitely what I must lay my hands on at that moment. After several minutes of agony waiting which seems like hours to me, it finally arrived. Pizza Parma Ham as it name suggest was made with parmesan cheese, ham and rocket salad. It's a simple dish actually but they made it so tasty and irresistable, I am just lost for words. Definitely 100% better than those delivery pizzas you could get with one call away.

Then we have the Pizza Gorgonzola with Pears which was baked with basil and a touch of blue cheese. Let's just say I was never accustomed to something sweet in my pizza and thus this dish didn't stand out on my list. I'd go for the pizza without the pears anytime but still this depends on your individual preferences.

Then I got a little busybody and "ventured" into the kitchen to look at them preparing the desserts. This is definitely homemade.

"That's the best Tiramisu you can get in Penang!!!"

The other chef, Richard at work.

Michele preparing our Panna Cotta dessert. It's a type of jelly like pudding made by simmering together Italian cooked cream, milk, sugar and gelatin and then letting it cool down to a set.

This is the cappuccino Panna Cotta with a touch of orange on the top.

The more "original" lemon Panna Cotta. A refreshing dessert I would say.

Then we have the main spotlights of desserts. The Tiramisu with homemade mascarpone. Like what the other chef says, this is the best you could get in Penang!!!

Then we have all sorts of coffees, ranging from hot to cold, cappuccino to latte to espressos.

I would say that trattoria is a must visit and I am sure I would return for more.

Environment: 4/5 (Great place to hang out with good lighting. Could caters for small and big groups - square tables that could be stacked to make one long table)
Service: 4.5/5 (You are served by the owners themselves and one friend even commented that we seldom see such friendly owners)
Taste: 4/5 (Just Right!! Enough said!!)
Consistency: 5/5 (Been there like 4-5 times now and the portion, taste remains the same)
Price: 3.5/5 (Not really expensive for the ingredients given and portion size that is just right to make one full)
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soul-Kitchen-Penang/131793516842343

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Green House Bak Kut Teh Penang

2011-10-28T11:38:00.001+08:00

Some foodies would know this place I am talking about. It's been raining for the past 2 weeks(This is why I can't get a pic of the front of the shop with my cheap camera) but nonetheless, I found this place where the bak kut teh is one of the best I have had in Penang so far. It's located opposite the 7th Day Adventist Church/Him Hiang at Jalan Burma. You can see that even on a rainy day they are on full mode. The restaurant is usually full. On a note you can't see the stall as it's located towards the end of the shop hidden from the main street but the Green House Bak Kut Teh is unmissable to the left of the main street of Jalan Burma headed from Komtar.

Everything is made to order. You choose what you want and they cook it.

Selection ranging from ribs, lean meat, taufu, internal organs, meatballs, mushrooms and a few other

The smoking hot pot of soup could be smelled from a street away.

My claypot for 2 person with rice and yau char kuai costs RM19.50. Quite worth the money if you ask me.

Close up on my claypot..

The other side..

This is one thing you cannot miss as I can swear they fry their yau char kuai with butter.. The butter taste is distinct in it. Makes soaking them in the soup base more flavourful...

Z-Classroom Penang with free beer!!!

2011-10-22T16:21:00.007+08:00

Was invited to Z-Classroom for a review over the last weekend. It's located in Penang Times Square.. You could easily just pass by this place mistaking this as one of the colorful restaurants without knowing it but it's at the ground floor facing where the fountains are.
Look up and you will see the signs.
An ambient place if you asked me. Good for late meetings where you discuss not so classified stuffs, have cake over coffee and wants to directly grab a beer after that. Condusive and quiet during late evenings.
This is how the top floor looks like. The joke on this pic was that someone failed their science or was asleep during class. This is why they opened a cafe cum bar.
They have a private Karaoke room for more private functions where you can start singing when you are half drunk. Good for parties too.
Cakes for coffee or tea. Nice presentation here and clean too.
Hot coffee with strawberry cake.
Tiramisu cake and ice cold white coffee. Oh yes, you get liquid papers to actually write, draw or mess with their tables too.
Imported beers available there when you finally decide to be done with their coffee and tea and have some fun.
King of beers!!
They have this spiral tower that dispenses beer which are kept cold. First and only one in Penang as we were told.
My glass of beer with liquid paper scribbles of my blog on the table.
Special made glasses.
Oh yeah did I mention free beer? Oh yes I did. Here is it. How are you gonna get it? Wear this and you get a pint free.. This is crazy but if you are planning to get that hot female friend or colleague of yours to dress sexy, this is the place.. Or you could attempt it yourself... I think the owner would give you guys one too for "attempting" but don't quote me on this yea?
Group picture of the group who was there.

Conclusion of the place, ambience was quite good and nice for discussions, drinks and hang out. The price is a little on the expensive side for the coffees, teas and cakes but for beers, they are always having promotions like buy 1 free 1 or buy 2 free 1 on certain time of the day.

Pulau Aman Seafood Trip

2011-10-17T01:28:00.001+08:00

Went on a food trip all the way to Pulau Aman the last weekend..
To and fro journey from the Batu Kawan jetty is only RM6... A short but enjoyable trip if I may say.
Guess what I found on the boat. See this picture without seeing the next...
I found superboy!!! Seriously this kid had been staring at me with that facial expression for the entire journey.
Arriving at the old Jetty in Pulau Aman.
The new jetty is still under "renovation"... The last I remembered it was completed and somehow they are rebuilding it...
Only found on the island. I didn't even try as my main intentions was the seafood there...
Fresh from the sea. The fishermans will drop their cargo into these little tanks and you just choose which one that you want..
Mantis prawn, I CHOOSE YOU!!!! This big bugger was caught swimming real fast running away from the net when I wanna haul him up... It's a little on the expensive side but I would say it's worth it. RM85/Kg.
Horseshoe crab!!!
The underside of it reminds me of Aliens vs Predators... Of course this is the Predators...
My 1kg of big prawns.. I found that their price varies according to their seasonal catch.. At this moment they are at RM38/Kg. Steaming them at the restaurant costs another RM5.
Just ordered the normal mee udang as I had the whole kg of big prawns in the steamer screaming for help... RM6/plate for normal.
Finally my Mantis prawn "jumped" out of the steamer...
The size of one of the buggers compared to a plate...
You know what this reminds me of? Cockroaches... see the lower abdomen part? exactly like a cockroach more than a mantis if you ask me.. Those sharp spikes are what you really wanna avoid in a fight with the prawn..
The whole KG of prawns out of the steamer which also symbolizes how it shoot my cholestrol level out of the calculatable range...
I was thinking of if my company were to suddenly make us all go for a mandatory medical checkup and I am sure I wouldn't be a good news but hell who cares... Guess what happened next? There wasn't a single one left on the plate...

Conclusion? They are good for freshness if you steam it then and there but if you are looking for variety, you should prepare your own icebox and cook them any way you want when you are home.

Koi Japanese Restaurant Gurney Plaza Penang

2011-09-26T18:11:00.009+08:00

My friend who went over there for their buffet came back and told me that their food was bad and not to mention food presentation was as it's worse. So me being me, I decided to give it a try. I went in between the buffet sessions and viola. Found something that is my money's worth.

I would let the pictures do the talking. Free flow of sushi for RM25++ so don't expect much in terms of presentation for mass produce to cater for 70 customers at full seating right? Just when I was expecting the worse as what my friend had told me but the price is cheap enough to say satisfy my stomach and attract me over to give them a try. This is what i got.

Their Buffet menu.. You'd be suprised if you match them to their ala carte menu. Comparison? If you come at normal times and not the buffet style, the chefs would have more time to dress the sushi with better presentation. Having said this, it's not that their presentation during the buffet time is that bad either. Have a look yourself.

Sashimi Special order! This goes at normal menu price if you decides to order them. Not too thick, not too thin. Just nice when it melts in your mouth. And that's the salmon nigiri at the background.

Yes I am seated in front of the chef bar. So I get to see fresh sashimi getting sliced and how they make my sushi! Best seat in the whole restaurant if you ask me. This is only if you are going in gang of say 2-4 peoples.

Chicken Katsu Maki hot and straight from the oven.. Still smoking hot when I had them.

Ebi tempura handroll.. Ordered like 4 of them.. Couldn't stop eating them..

Salmon Skin Hand Roll... Best eaten when the skin is crunchy!!

The sushis ordered. Not a bad presentation at all right?

Oh yes. This is their signature dish. Catered for lightweight stomachs. You did be surprised if I tell you that it's not a rice based sushi but bread. The Bread Crunch Maki is definitely a must try if you visit. I think they are doing a promotion for this in October. I went home all full and satisfied. There aren't really a vast variety of sushis to choose from as compared to other outlets with kaitan belt like sushi king and sakae sushi but I would say the experience without the kaitan belt gives it a totally different atmosphere and in case you wonder, No I don't get paid for writing this up. Nor did I get any discount. Come on la RM30 this food is above cheap and good.

Karachut Beach Part 1

2011-08-06T02:18:00.008+08:00

Monkey near the entrance. These little fellas finished my snack for the day

Didn't really take any pictures along the way. The hike is hard if you are travelling alone.

Observe and you shall see...

One of the last signboards you will ever see before you reach your destination..

One of the streams leading towards the meromictic lake.

The bridge that stands between me and the beach. Really!

The lake.

This is half of the lake all dried up.

Finally the beach!!!

I just don't know why, I have this feeling I am the kid. This picture just brings up some feelings I couldn't explain so I decided to take it down.

One of the adopted little guys..

Cute ain't it?

The rather empty beach on the left of the jetty. Yes there's a jetty there.

The right side of the beach.

Read Part 2 HERE

Muka Head(Penang National Park) Lighthouse hike(photos)

2011-06-02T22:58:00.001+08:00

Yup.. I am nuts enough to travel all the way by foot there...
The map of the area

The new jetty

You would need a permit to get in..

Rules and regulations.. Which are meant to be broken as what a new friend taught me..

4km++ to the light house entrance...

Spiderman's house...

wormy which is on the way..

The longest 1 km of my life..

Life through my camera lense

2011-05-12T13:42:00.001+08:00

Ever since I tendered my resignation, life had been more relaxing. Things had changed from a busy me to a more relaxed me. The first step was always the hardest to take but I am glad I did what I should. The past few days have been real good that I had finally went to several places in Penang that I had been dying to explore since I set foot in Penang. I can tell you that there are no regrets for waking up early just for this.

Sunrise...

I love the feeling of serenity in this and the next few pictures..

One taken in the fishing village...

Dawn with the Penang bridge as background

This picture you need to click and enlarge.. Actually the focus was on the boatman rowing his boat

Taken at a different variation

The last of the dawn series

Near the jetty area early in the morning

On a calm Saturday morning..

Same place

Found this doll on the roadside with one missing teeth... Never picked him up. This is how life is. At times you just don't get a hand to pull you up.

This is another picture. Taken at chew jetty.. I like the feeling of this picture where the old man is looking at the sea as if waiting for someone to return

Same place

Chew jetty with editing to give it the classical look

Got poisoned by my photographer friends on a fish eye lens...

Where to eat in Langkawi?

2011-05-02T16:12:00.006+08:00

So now you are in Langkawi and you don't even know where to get good reasonably priced food, looking at the KFC and McDonalds outlet at the Jetty point thinking where you should head for lunch or dinner. Sounds like you? Fret not. I have visited one of the restaurants there during the last trip which is definitely going to tickle your taste buds. Introducing Weng Fung Seafood restaurant. Damm this is starting to sound like an ad but seriously the food is real good and I am not paid to write this.

Look closely... No pork...Reminds me of the good old "no pok, no pok" audio.

Fresh lobsters right from the sea daily into the tank

Mantis prawns. They are huge about 15cm or more compared to those 5-10cm guys you get from the market.

Flower crabs fresh from the sea, kept in the tank for display. What you see is what you get.

Fresh fishes in icebox.

More fishes!!

Big prawns? I assure you these are giant prawns. Look at the size of those things. 1 was never enough? Think again

Steamed teochew style fish. This is a real treasure I assure you.. was fully eaten right to the sauce(except the bones of course)

The spicy tomyam bowl with squid, big prawns/shrimps, fish.

This is another treasure you don't want to miss. Spicy and sour crabs. They are fresh and sweet on the inside. Spicy and sour on the outside.

Lastly the vege for those who can't live without them.

How to get there?

Weng Fung Restaurant,
26, Kompleks Cayman, Jalan Penarak, Kuah
07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.
Business Hour: 11.30-3.30pm, 6.00-10.30pm
Tel: 04-9666287/012-4783448

Penang Floral Fest

2011-01-24T00:01:00.000+08:00

Yup.. I know I am late as usual... So this will only be a post with pictures. If you are interested in the pics, they are for sale.. Contact me directly. Don't plagiarize or steal them.

Langkawi Trip Review

2011-01-09T10:32:00.000+08:00

This trip happened 2 weekends ago.. Yeah I know I am always late for posting up. Why? Scroll down and you will see the huge load of pictures I had to choose and watermark. With my ~~potatochop~~ photoshop down, I am relying on ms paint... Yea the slowness and the un-user friendly but that's what I got. Things are going real hectic with no light at the end of the tunnel for me. Rushing here and there. Even on weekends. And this trip? Another review 1 day trip but this was done at the very last minute notice. Yes, I was only told about half an hour before the trip... So I rushed all the way running to the jetty to just board the ferry in time. A minute later, I will have to swim to Langkawi... Sound like amazing race now doesn't it?

For all the rush, you can see my buddy Chee Wah(front row) sleeping already while Sam(second row) still looking around..
You are tagged with a sticker so that they could recognize you for the trip.
Finally arrival at Langkawi Jetty
Eagle Square, the symbol of Langkawi
Embarking out of the jetty area
Jep, our tour guide explaining the trip to us.
Jetty point. Somehow they made it to look like KL Sentral with KFC and Starbucks
First stop. Lunch at thr Royal Yatch Club, Charlie's Place with sea view.
Bloggers will always be bloggers. Snapping away...
Table prepared for us. We were dead hungry with me not having my breakfast prior to the 3 hours ferry ride to Langkawi from Penang.
While waiting for our food to be prepared, we were enjoying the view around the area.

Finally our starter, tomato soup. It tasted real good.... Must be partially due to the hungry stomach speaking here but seriously it tasted good.
How about enjoying a glass of fruit punch while looking at the sea view?
Or served with a glass of fresh orange juice?
The main course of the day, Chicken and beef burger.
And nope, that's not it. We have fish and chips
Spagetti
Nasi Goreng with satay
Club Sandwich
Scrumptious meal and makes you salivate right?
Then comes dessert. Ice cream..
Then we rushed off to the Langkawi Cable car which is located inside the oriental village
The map of the village
You can get your hands on some handicraft items here too.
There are tons of shops around but do look at those funny T-shirts. I am not gonna post pictures of them here and let you explore yourselves.
There were motored vehicles to keep the lazy ones going too... Oops I mean those "adventurous" ones.
Or you can always op for the water activities but I doubt time will permit you as you would be rushed from place to place. Maybe enjoying the scenery and taking pictures and some fast shopping.
Yup, you get to play with ducks too.
The view of the cable car which due to the enormous queue, we skipped this in favor of Langkawi Underwater World. Not that I am complaining anyway.
So we spend some time feeding the fishes and ducks
Yup, you can see the fishes under the water.
Next up is the mangrove tour.
Part of the Langkawi Geopark, this is the place where most of our trip takes place.
The map of the area. Nope, not gonna show you the pricing. You have gotta explore yourselves here again. But I can tell you, it's worth the money you are paying.
The boats we were going be ferried around for the tour.
Monkey hill...err I mean rock... They were always there.
The mangrove swamp.
The gang on the boat trip
First stop, fish farm
Play with the stingray and watch some archer fish squirting water for their food.
Lazy fish. You practically have to spoonfeed this fish.. Sound like Malaysian students right?
Next stop eagle feeding and watching.

Final stop, the bat cave. Don't expect to see batman or his bat mobile here. One word of advice is bring your torchlight and wear rubber shoes as it's real dark and slippery in here.
The map of the cave. No they are walkways, not driveways for the batmobile.
Entering the gates of hell... oops I mean bat cave
The bats. No flash is allowed in here. Else there will be no more bats around when they leave.
Next Rushing stop, Underwater World Langkawi. The penguin signboard is here to greet us.
You basically have an indoor sheltered park with birds
Flamingoes
Seal show
Main attraction, pingu!!!
Live aquariums with urchins
Corals
Various fishes...
Starfish
More fishes
Stingray

Exhibition hall on the various shells
Sharks
err... more fishes?
Now I know where the Boeing JFS program get their plane design from. Look at the yellow fish
Jellyfish
Finally after a while day of rush you RUSH back to the jetty and get a first class seat on the ferry. This is the captains deck here.
The sunset ferry ride back to Penang.

Conclusion:-
Pros:
-Good training for The Amazing Race. Gets you the feeling of being in the participants shoes for a day.
-Good and scrumptious food for lunch.
-Visit most of the Langkawi Island in a matter of few hours.
-Good for those busy folks planning a headrush getaway from city life
-Good trip if you are surveying the island for a longer trip.

Cons:
-You are rushed through the trip and could easily get left behind as you are covering most of Langkawi in a matter of few hours time.
-No beach trip if you are planning to see the clear waters of Pantai Cenang.
-Not recommended for those elderly ones who have trouble walking fast.

and oh did I mention, I came back to Langkawi a week later just to get more of the trip? We'll have to just leave that for another post.. I am darn behind posts...

This trip had been courtesy of
Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
16, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel : 604-899 8822
Email: sales@langkawicoral.com
Website: http://www.langkawicoral.com

Do contact them for more info on the packages available.

Pulau Payar Coral Reef Platform Marine Park Trip

2010-12-05T22:55:00.001+08:00

As some of you have noticed, I haven't been blogging for the past few weeks. This is due to my hard disk crashing after a drop. Had to extract all the pictures bit by bit and thus the lateness of posting causing a backlog of posts. Anyway back to the topic, the Payar trip I had courtesy of Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd with a group of bloggers. Have you ever felt like vacations, lasting several days or even weeks are taking too much of your time that you decided to skip it altogether but wished to have a relaxing getaways from life? Well I am going to provide you guys with the solution. A one day holiday trip package to Pulau Payar. Want to know more? Read on...

Early morning view at Port Swettenham, Penang where you are going to board your Ferry to Pulau Payar.

Yup. This is how it looks like in the morning. Magnificent?

The tower while you wait for the ferry!

The ferry. It's a near 2 hours ride but I am sure you would enjoy the whole ride there.

The wristband that distinguish you are coming from the Penang group

Leaving Penang island
The sea and the skies. Not to mention the cooling breeze of the wind.

Nearing Pulau Payar. It's actually an island situated to the south or Langkawi which still retains it's virgin forest. It's a protected forest area thus it's safe from development of any kind. No hotels.

The island jetty and stop

The coral reef platform where you would dock on for your activities.

The view from the platform

Briefing session by the staff: "You will be on your own out there. Only you and the fishes!"

The platform has an underwater observatory too. It's a mini underwater world.

See the fishes with the coral reef background? That's where I am headed too after the observatory visit. Anyway this is a good place for those who doesn't swim

The group of blogger friends I had with me on this trip.

The snorkeling gear and light machine(camera). Oh did I mention, they also have diving packages for those who are daring enough to try and for those who wanted to get closer to the underwater life.

The fishes in the clear water. That's where you are going to swim there.

Lunch is a buffet style eat all you can meal.

Next you get a boat ride to the island for a surprise. See the clear waters heading towards the island?

Picture taken from the docking jetty leading to the island. This is so that the boats doesn't damage the coral reefs which you can see are aplenty around the beach area. less than 20 meters and you have the coral reefs in front of you.

Platform walkways for those who wants to enjoy the greenery instead of only the beach.

Just to show you how clear the waters were. This is around a meter deep.
The waters are actually clearer than Redang in comparison.

The view from the island. Even in this picture you can see the underwater reefs.

Yup! This is the surprise I mentioned earlier.. Sharks! These are black tip sharks and no I am not joking when I said you can play with them.

Just be a little careful when you play with them. Make sure you are not bleeding anywhere else... well I will leave that to your imagination...

For the less adventurous ones, You can always sit at the beach and enjoy the scenery and cold breeze.

For the brave ones, you can always opt to swim with the sharks. Yes, I went in to have a swim with the sharks there. This is as far as my DSLR goes.

The corals. I kept struggling to keep myself afloat to get this picture... It's over 2 meters deep and yet you could see the coral reefs crystal clear.

After the island trip, you will head back to the platform where you get to swim with more fishes.

Remember to bring some bread to feed the fishes. Here you see a whole loaf of my bread for the fishes. Look at the amount of fishes?

This is the platform for those who doesn't know how to swim. It enables you to get close to the fishes without literally needing to know how to swim.

Feeding the fishes my leg... and yes they do bite your feet albeit not piranha kind of bites.

You can also spend time looking and ponder upon the slow calming scenery there on the platform.

One last picture before heading back to Penang.

The group shot which was "stolen" from one of the bloggers. Hey I loaned my tripod for this ok? Hahaha. From left to right with their blog links on the trip: Ray(owner of this pic), Kean Hooi, Kelvin, Me, Sherming, Calvyn

The souvenir? Compare with one of the earlier pictures of my hand and you will know what..

This trip had been courtesy of
Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
16, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel : 604-899 8822
Email: sales@langkawicoral.com
Website: http://www.langkawicoral.com

Do contact them for more info on the packages available.

Droidpad review

2010-11-16T23:20:00.000+08:00

I was invited for a bloggers review on CSL's latest android codenamed the droidpad last Saturday at Gurney Plaza. Being a tech enthusiast, I went for it to see what they had to offer.

Regional sales deputy manager, Wee Jit introducing the pad...oops I mean droidpad to us.

7 inch Multitouch capacitive screen

Documents to go...

The group of bloggers during the introduction session

Review and hands on

Then came their maskot. Reminds me of ET don't you think so?

Google maps app

The group of bloggers waiting patiently for the announcement of a droidpad winner

This is the prize!!!

So how did they pick one out of the 20 bloggers to win it?

Basically you pick a girl... No... not to bring her home... Just to pick one goodies bag from them

And open the bag.. Find something that looks like this(as apple tan gestures)

The proud winner of the droidpad

She didn't introduce herself to me so I will just name her as the "form" girl cause she is walking around collecting forms from all of us.

The other "form" girl

This is what is inside the goodies bag I got.

So after all the crap and distractions or should I say attraction?, now the serious stuff. So what is it about this phone and how it did in comparison with the other phones or pads...

Pros:

It's an android - That speaks for itself with all the apps you can download and errmmmm crack?
It acts as a router
Cheaper than ipad or if you prefer it to be a cheaper version of ipad.
High standby time
Documents to go - Like Microsoft office...

Cons:

The size is in between an iphone and ipad. The problem starts when normal user feels the iphone is large but thinks it's the largest acceptable pocket sized phone. At 11cm width, it will need a cargo pants to hold one. I feel I wouldn't want to put it into a bag to carry around just to make calls.
512 RAM and ROM, 600MHz - Slower processing than most of the phones I had(Comparing to the Samsung Jet that I had for over a year now). The graphical transition isn't that smooth.
3mp camera. Smaller mp compared to most smart phones which comes with standard 5mp build in camera. No flash???
No wired handsfree. Relying on bluetooth headset or loudspeaker(batt consumption).

Neutral:

3.5g HSDPA
Dual camera
Wifi
Touch screen
Loudspeaker

Conclusion:
I doubt this is able to take out the ipad market anytime and CSL being a new company, had much more to do in market research. Only thing I can think of is the price of the unit but I would call it a tablet instead of a phone. Carrying around for simple work related matter is Ok but not hardcore computer tablet replacement nor a phone replacement. It's like an animal caught in between being a chicken and a duck but neither one. Like what I said to one of the bloggers, it's a nice additional thing to have but it's not a must have. I think the engineers really do need to decide if they want a phone or a tablet. Combining both will be futile unless it can really do better than what both a phone and a tablet can do. I know the people in CSL isn't going to be real happy over my review but this is my honest opinion. Take it positively and use it to drive and strive to do better in the next model release. Consider integrating USB ports....

Canon Photomarathon 2010 pt2

2010-11-11T16:52:00.000+08:00

Yup, I know this is a little late but I haven't had the time to pick and watermark my pictures. Work is catching up on an old man like me. Yes you read right, I am officially called an uncle now no thanks to my colleague's son who made me feel old. Sigh! Well, if there is one thing I would really share about taking photos during the photomarathon, it would definitely be a photographers ethics. No I am no saint here but an incident actually happened during the event.

There were a group of photographers who are ahead of me trying to get their theme and the theme was humanity. So these bunch saw a foreign monk passing by. Guess what they did? They got one sacrificial lamb to donate money to the monk and the rest were snapping away. For once the monk got a little upset and confronts the group saying they don't have his permission to take his photo. Guess what the bunch answered him? "We're Malaysians". Oh yeah? So does that gives them the permission to do whatever they like? On one wrong day, the group might just get their asses kicked. Seriously Canon should give these kind of briefings to the participants.

Anyway back to the photos, I do realize I tend to give a one word title to my pictures lately. Just don't ask me why. Below are the pictures.

Voyage

Journey

Calm

Charity

Focused

Uncertainty

Torn

Hope

Security

Weary

Yuan Izakaya Restaurant – Steamboat & BBQ Buffet review

2010-10-23T11:20:00.007+08:00

I decided to visit this restaurant after reading a near perfect review from one of the popular Penang food blogger, CK Lam as the restaurant was doing a promotion in conjunction of their opening for buffet dinner at RM31++ till 20th. The price had been increased to RM45++ as of now. Since I had got her permission to use her photos here, I will show you guys some comparison and the experience I had at the restaurant.

No, I am not blaming her for the bad service and dishes I had, but I would blame the owner. I believe some owners(NOT ALL) does create these kind of publicity and then invite bloggers to have a dinner there which in turn cheats the readers into going to their place. I know I am going to get some hate mails for this but I stand by my opinion.

The dreaded stairs which helps you exercise before your meal. Handicapped and elderly unfriendly I would say as CK Lam had also noticed.

The decorations was good and conducive as I would say. Anyone care for a stroll between their dishes?

The normal table seating with chairs.

Tatami tables!! But as the crowd comes in, it's going to be as noisy as any other steamboat restaurant in Penang. It's best if you go early or as late as 8.30pm but the food would be limited by then.

The menu. Yes you are only allowed 2 hours to have your buffet.

Their style was different from what we normally have in other buffet restaurant as you order what you want and they would bring it to you. I would say this is not the first restaurant to do so as Vistana Hotel had the same concept some time ago in KL and Penang. I would say there are pros and cons to this. I will talk about it later in this post.

What was different was that the BBQ stove and the soup base were separated.

"Miso fish head tofu pot" when I actually ordered "Kunbu Original pot" but I ain't complaining as it seriously taste good there.

First thing I did while waiting for the other dishes was to have a bowl of the soup.

The first dish came... The scallops... Now compare with the picture below.

Saw the difference? Actually I took the picture as it is on the table without moving it a little. The presentation of the food alone was different. Anyway I had had fresher ones before. Off to the next dishes.

Abalone slices and in the other picture, shashimi which I waited for like over 45 minutes for it to arrive.

If you haven't notice, it's the food presentation. Mine actually looked like the chef woke up on the wrong side of the bed and splat the whole junk on the plate just to have it served.

I started off my BBQ on the slow charcoal fire.

The idako(Octopus) was good but I find it too big for a bite size.

The shrimps

The Taiwanese sausages and shrimps. If you compare the portions, The Taiwanese sausages are at least 3 times the portion of the shrimps. This is the pro and cons of ordering your food style in a buffet. You get stuffy food at large size.

Halfway through this thing came. I know I didn't order this as I hadn't touch the "Fried" area of the ordering chit but I gave it a try just like the Miso fish head tofu soup thinking I might end up in a surprise too. Heck I was wrong. I asked the guy who served me that what did he just served me and he told me it's some kind of nugget... Bad choice here. I didn't really like the taste. Anyway what I would caution if you were to visit this restaurant is just say no to whatever you have not ordered. I actually force feed myself to finish this.

I don't think I need to mention again about presentation but this is the pork fillet.

Unagi and it was good

Smoked duck breast which I felt is not too fresh on that day.

After the BBQ. The roll in front was the pork fillet. The darker meat was spicy ostrich. Yes they do serve that. One good thing about the meats is that they are marinaded to perfection. The prawns were boiled. Then I asked about the teriyaki salmon and hand rolled sushi I had ordered and was told they were not available. Say if I didn't ask, the staff wouldn't tell me they are unavailable leaving me waiting for my dishes.

BBQ lamb and smoked duck breast.

I was searching for the desert where CK actually mentioned cake. They were nowhere to be found there. Only ice cream were available. From the distinctive taste of it, it was definitely King's ice cream which was to my likings actually. My friend whom I saw at another table said she felt guilty for forcing herself to gulp down some when I told her it was actually King's ice cream.

Summary:
Good:
-Meat served was nicely marinated.
-The BBQ doesn't cause a smoky environment despite it being indoors.
-Some staff were quite helpful - one by the name of Patricia actually was quite attentive.
-Environment was conducive if you are not an elderly or disabled and like a rowdy environment.
-Large variety of food

Bad:
-You get served food you didn't order and they don't tell you if the dish you ordered was unavailable. Portion size might differ depending on price of the dishes(recommended to go in a group). Some weren't that fresh but edible.
-They don't refill the drinks and you are going to be stuck with the choice of lemon juice and ice lemon tea or coffee(for dinner seriously?) when orange and the others run out.
-Some staff will just ask you to wait when you tell them your soup base pot is getting all dried up. The funny thing is the staff who helped me with the soup pot asked me to hold his charcoal pot while he attend to the pot while some of the guys who passed by just watched.

Conclusion:
I think it's a little below par for what I am paying here but it's still worth it but at the current price of RM45++, I did rather prefer to go to Sakae sushi anytime for a buffet. At a rating of 1-9 with 1 being the lowest, I think I would rate this place a 4.5

Note: Those pictures with the "what2seeonline.com" watermark belongs to another blogger, CK Lam and I had used her pictures as a comparison WITH permission. You can go visit her blog for more HERE.

Boycott KFC!!!

2010-10-19T21:04:00.005+08:00

Was at Queensbay today for a quick takeaway dinner before work. Yeah I work at odd hours when it comes to having meetings with my US counterparts. It was a normal takeaway till I saw the receipt... see below.

20 cents for plastic bag? To make it worse, I wasn't even told bout it. You know those shopping complex where a typical no plastic bag day comes with a notice at the cashier but there is no such thing in KFC. I could understand taking recycling bag to shopping but for KFC? Even McDonalds provide paper bags but KFC? Try holding the dinner plate box for half an hour. The box will turn soggy and the floor will end up eating your KFC. So if KFC is going to engage in such dishonest practice, I am just going to boycott it. Till they provide something like McD's paperbag and not charge customers silently that is.

You know I had a few bad experience with KFC but I still didn't really bother much. But what happened lately really made me feel disappointed. The other incident was the burnt burger that the KFC in Giant supermarket served. Even the replacement they gave me is the same till the manager took a look and ordered the whole batch to be replaced. Somehow I feel that they just dumped the burger and reuse the chicken fillet. Should I still go back to KFC?

*Note (20oct 8.41pm): The area manager called me up a while ago and apologized for the events that transpired. Good job in the fast response.

Canon Photomarathon 2010 pt1

2010-10-18T01:08:00.008+08:00

Yeah I know I am really behind time in my postings... As of now I am having regular chest pain and the doc says I need to rest more. I was thinking of updating when I fell sick the past few weeks. Yes, it's been a painful experience I had and is still having as of this moment. Thanks to my readers who had been patiently waiting for my posts. Anyway I went for the Photomarathon when I am supposed to stay at home to rest as of the doc's advice but I just couldn't miss this opportunity. Well, I will need to separate it into parts because it's a painstaking effort to watermark my pictures and upload them. So here it is. The first 12 pictures... I am thinking of starting my photo blog but the prob is I could seldom update like I used to do... What say you guys?

Arch just like those runs seen on newspapers.

My so called "goodie bag" without the bag of course... and spoons for the pudding too.

One of my initial candidate for the "Eyes on EOS" theme.

Another initial candidate for the "Eyes on EOS" theme.

The actual submission for the theme although I feel I could have chosen a better picture. Apparently I was correct.

My submission for the theme "Humanity" but I felt this picture would be more suitable if the theme was "Humility" instead. The original picture is full coloured. If only they would allow us to edit our pictures before we submit them but limiting them to "grayscale" and "crop".

One of the other candidates I have for the "Humanity" theme. Originally taken with color.

I named this picture "Confusion" not Confucious ok? I feel it's a good photo here.

"Peace and Hope?" Is it going to be a reality or just a dream?

"Pathway to the past"

"Tired civilization?"

or "Lonely alley"?

中秋节快乐 - Happy Mid-Autumn Festival

2010-09-22T15:20:00.004+08:00

Wishing all my friends and readers who are celebrating the mid autumn festival a happy one!

The mid autumn festival pictures are courtesy of my friend Phil. Visit his BLOG for more interesting pictures

Gloomy day...RIP to my good loyal "friends"

2010-09-22T10:05:00.004+08:00

Yeap... it's a gloomy day to start with.. This pic was taken a while back when I know it will be used for something like this post. Mind the watermark as I am only using paint for it... Good enough for me it seems. It was a surprise for me as I didn't really notice mt "friends" were gone when I returned. Somehow it was late at night and I thought they were off to sleep which is usual. It was only the next day that Auntie Pauline told me that I know they were gone for 3 days.. I was like...sigh... I was caught speechless.. I held my tears till I am in my room.. If only I knew they were going away... If only I did stayed the morning before I left to spend more time with them.. If only I played with them the night before and treat them snacks... Too many IFs but I guess I can't change anything anymore now.. I really didn't see it coming.. Sigh...

RIP King.. You will always be a good friend to me.. Somehow he is like a protector to me... Follows me around when I am out at night. Somehow I am missing you now.. There's no more you waiting for me at the gate when I return..

Then when King died, his loyal companion Lisa went on a hunger strike and at the end suicides in the drain... sigh...

You will be missed and remembered..

Pre Youth Jam 2010

2010-09-10T16:22:00.004+08:00

Should have updated the pictures earlier but I was sick and bedridden for the past few days. Here are some shots on the pre event where preparations are made for the Penang Youth Jam 2010. Will update more on the event later.

3 Months Rain Retreat(Vassa)

2010-08-09T23:51:00.000+08:00

If you are wondering what I have been up to the past few weeks and for weeks to come here is a good update for those who doesn't know and for those who wants to know more about the 3 months retreat before Kathina... and oh yes... I am staying in a temple now... At the very least for the time being...

Actually I didn't edit this picture other than putting the watermark... Nice view eh?

One of my 2 favourite pet in the temple... Lisa... while waiting for chanting session to start... oops I mean while I wait for the chanting session to start and Lisa waiting for food... hahahaha.

Nightfall and everyone is gathered in front of the shrine lead by the monks for prayers.

Walking round the shrine

Preparation for offering of candles.. No not the small ones. See next picture to see the size... It will burn for 3 months

Waiting for prayers...

Prayers starts

And as I had promised... Another of the flower pictures I had taken... Happy Vassa to all buddhist....
looks like those plants in avatar doesn't it?

Dear Blog and Laptop

2010-08-07T21:23:00.005+08:00

If you had noticed I haven't been visiting you both, please please don't be angry at me ok??? If you still need something or someone to blame on... BLAME MY NEW COMPANY for giving me a new laptop for work... I end up checking my company email and work more on the company laptop... But what has it got to do with Bloggie when only Lappie is the sad one right? My new company is good that they upgrade the RAM of my office lappie named Turtle for its speed. The problem is I can't install Photoshop to edit my pictures. Not that I edit my pictures but I find it hard to add watermarks over Microsoft ~~pain~~ paint. As such I can't blog that often... Which company I am in now? Erm.... I will give you a hint here...
Yes free keychain and free ice cream too... Not to mention they gave me a booklet of coupons for fruits. My way out if I really need an MC. Just use the whole booklet and I am sure to get a day off or even worse a week off...in general hospital for chronic diarrhea obviously. Anyway I joined the dept in Genting for team building and managed to take some of the best pictures I had taken of flowers. Below is one of the samples. Not bad f0r a 5MP phone camera eh?

Maybe I will post one flower pic till I run out of them in my coming posts. Any ideas? Click for a larger pic. If you want to use the picture, please do credit me ok?

Cup Holder

2010-07-10T15:18:00.005+08:00

Yes I am back from my long leave and things had somehow settled down for me. A lot had happened since I was away. Another scoutmaster who is close to me went home to the lord. So is another scholarship mate who is in the same college as me. Somehow I felt that life is really fragile. I am going to graduate soon. Results will be out soon and I will see if stopping my blogging activities does really help. The best part? I am employed right after my finals. Actually it should be before as I had confirmed.

So what about the cup holder thing? That you will know soon. There is this auntie in the office(not my current office) who is the tea lady and the boss saw her being so lonely and asked me to set her up with a computer so she could spend her time better. Well the setting up part also means I am going to be her personal trainer to train her on how to use it. Anyways down with the training on how to on and go online and stuff then I am back to my work.

2 days after that, she called me from the other end of the building where she was seating and told me she somehow broke her cup holder. I was like what cup holder? And what has that got to do with me if it's a cup holder.

Auntie: Boy come help me with my cup holder. I think I broke it le.
Me: What cup holder? I don't know anything about cup holders and our office got cup holder?
Auntie: It comes with the computer you give me one.
Me: Huh? (*scratches my head). Comes with the computer? I don't remember giving you a cup holder with the computer. And if there were any cup holder I would use it to put my cup instead of giving you.
Auntie: Haiya! Why you so susah(hard) one? You come here I show you.
Me: ok...

So I ~~walked~~ dragged myself all the way to her side and I laughed like a mad idiot that most colleagues look at me like I am some alien from mars. She blushed like mad when she see me laughing. Seriously I was having this stomachache due to the overdose of laughing that day. You guys want to see the cup holder? Scroll down and look

Image taken and edited from the internet.

BUSY!!!

2010-04-25T23:56:00.002+08:00

Sorry guys. I know I should had came up with new posts but it had been busy in life for me. Assignments are piling up and top that with me being busy planning for life after graduation. Yes this will be my final semester and I very well know I have to score this semester to graduate with distinction. I am only 1 average mark short of getting that. I will continue blogging when I am free enough.

Dinner at T'ng Tok (Long Table)

2010-03-10T13:52:00.014+08:00

It's been some time after the Chinese New Year where I had my family dinner at this Cafe in Kelana Jaya. I felt that the food there is good and has that value for money quality in it so I decided to blog bout this place.

Yes it's called long table
Big wide space inside with traditionally furnitures. Marble chairs and tables.
Take a guess what is this?
It's the batik style menu
The story of long table
A reasonable price right? It's in Kelana Jaya. So it's considered reasonable. Wait till you see the dishes
Yes you can even do reservations.
This is all they offer which is on reservations only. I think I will be back for reservation food tasting next time.
Popiah Chee or Fried Spring Roll
Kerabu Beehoon. Look at the amount of prawns here and tell me it's not worth your RM6. Even my dad who is known for his hard to please tongue praised this one.
Nyonya Fried Rice
Hokkien Char. The amount of ingredients and the taste actually made the last few dish value for money.
Jiew Hu Char or yambean with shredded cuttlefish
How can we leave out Char Kuey Teow here right? Haha.
Hong Bak or Braised Spiced Pork. I would totally recommend this. I can guarantee that you love this. I actually asked the auntie for more bread. Hahaha
This is one of the dessert which from what the auntie told me, it's only available during the chinese new year period.
Pie Tee or top hat. Another must try if you are here

Chrysanthemum tea and barley. They do not use the white sugar in the tea and instead used brown sugar. Not so sweet and the added ingredients made the tea taste better. Want to know what are the ingredients? Go and find out yourself.

I was told that they have set lunch which comes at a cheaper price than normal menu. For those with their office near Kelana Jaya, you should really go try

Tempted now? So how do you get there?
The address is D02-1/D03-1, Jalan SS7/19, Kelana Jaya, 47100 Petaling Jaya.

It's actually at the Plaza Glomac building.

If you get lost, do give them a call at 012-2469928

They are open everyday for lunch till dinner usually closing around 9-10pm. Do call them up if you want to know if they are open.

Dinner at Traffic D'light Cafe

2010-03-09T09:30:00.006+08:00

It's been over a week ++ where I went there for dinner with a group of friends at this cafe in Dataran Pelangi Utama near 1 Utama. Yes I know I am a slowpoke in updating with my busy schedule.

What I like bout this cafe is it's open kitchen concept and the conducive environment. Here are some pictures of the place.
Yup you can see the chefs at work
Dinner table for 2?
For the quiet ones
For the rowdy ones. Or even AGM meeting of company.

Now to the food. I was ready to snap the milk butter prawns when the whole gang just finish it. Yes it's that tempting. Anyway the butter prawns were awesome. If you are there you should just try it.
Special sauce pork rib rice. You will feel the juicy ribs on this dish and the taste inside.
This is the black bean pork rib. Another juicy dish
Now this is the best dish ever. Crispy boxing chicken. Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy in the insides.
The aftermath after a minute. Left the rice only.
Stir Fried home made noodles. This plate is enough even for a big eater like meSteam beehoon with fish. There is one with prawns actually but my friends didn't wait for me and tibai all already. The fish is fresh in this one.
Salted egg pumpkin. If I don't tell you it's pumpkin you wouldn't even realize it.
Here is how you get there.

Alice in Wonderland 3D review with some secrets

2010-03-03T14:26:00.015+08:00

I was one of the lucky ones who were there at KLCC on Monday for the media screening of Alice in Wonderland 3D all thanks to a group of good friends and Melium Group who organized the whole thing from the tea party to the 3D screening with pop corn and soft drinks,. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Yes It will only be released on the 11th of March
This is Alice, the grown up version
The Mat Hatter tea party
The caterpillar

The graphical background which brings color to the underland. Yes you read it right its UNDERLAND not Wonderland

The white castle
The battle
The beautiful scenery
The gang
Tick Tock Tick Tock. Time is running out. Tea party gonna start soon
I love the cat you know? Somehow I am like him. A little evil on the outside but good in the inside

The food!!!
Nah they are all fakesThis on the other hand is my dinner. I am serious
There one whole stretch of them
Another!!!
EAT ME!!! Made with sugar. Very sweet and fattening
Smile!!! I somehow love taking pics when people are not looking. More natural look
See sumore can pose for the pic
I want you to TEST this. It's RM35++ for 2 person at Dome cafe at KLCC
The full set.
Yes I am hungry
Picture from inside the cup of my cranberry juice
Orange juice!!
Pic taken outside the hall. No cams allowed inside. Flash off so this pic is blurrAfter the movie what we did? We went for Arabian food. This is milk rice with lamb. 1kg only rm50

ps. Don't tell others what I am going to tell you here. From the 10th to 21st March in MidValley, they are going to showcase the original props used in the movie.

Alice’s Shield, Red Queen’s Sceptre, Red Queen’s Hat, Lock and Chain (used to lock up Mad Hatter), “Eat Me” Cake Box, Mad Hatter Teapot, Mad Hatter Hat, Alice’s Vorpal Sword, Mad Hatter’s Sword, White Queen’s Mace and Red Queen’s Mace; the Original China used in Mad Hatter’s Tea party - all imported from the studio in USA!

• Alice’s Shield – Alice’s sturdy shield offers protection against all the dangers of Wonderland.
• Red Queen’s Sceptre – The Sceptre is always at the Queen’s side – an intricately detailed symbol of her royal power.
• Red Queen’s Hat (x3) – Such a large head demands only the finest headwear…and here you can see some of the Mad Hatter’s finest creations.
• Lock and Chain (used to lock up Mad Hatter) – The Read Queen is determined to lock away anyone who disobeys her wanton rule, but some hearts can never be chained.
• Eat Me” Cake Box – Contains the Upelkuchen ‘Eat Me’ cakes that make Alice grow to height of 8 feet tall and then even taller in the Court of the Red Queen.
• Mad Hatter Teapot – Shrinking again to a mere 6 inches to escape the clutches of Knave of Hearts, Alice hides in this teapot.
• Mad Hatter Hat – Wore by The Mad Hatter, a wild and unfathomable character who comes to mean everything to Alice on her adventure through Wonderland.
• Alice’s Vorpal Sword – Bestowing great power upon anyone able to wield it, the Vorpal Sword is made from shining silver with an ornate handle and runes engraved on the blade.
• Mad Hatter’s Sword - the finely crafted blade shows that there is more to this wild character than meets the eye…but keep it under your hat.

Shhh!!!! Keep this to yourself eh! Wait there's more.

A magical 12 days of exciting activities and contests await visitors daily. There will be special ’Let’s Party’ Dance Show, Alice In Wonderland Coloring Contest, Exclusive gift give away, and MasterCard & Malaysia Airlines Special. There’s something for everyone!

So what about the movie? The storyline is marvelous. Who had grown up not knowing even a little about the original Alice in Wonderland Story? The graphics is one of a kind but the 3D effects is kind of lacking. Yes I am comparing it with Avatar here. But all in all I would say it's a good movie for the kids and adults alike. My rating? A good 7++/10

Note: The copyrighted pictures used belongs to Disney Pictures and is found in the press kit.

Revive Rev Up Party at MOS

2010-03-01T23:47:00.000+08:00

Yeah with Steamyx(aka streamyx/slowmyx/turtlemyx/tmnut) still giving me problem with slow and frequent disconnection, I had to resort to blogging through my phone as most of the photos are still on my phone. Too bad those Wacoal ones are in my laptop instead. So those waiting will have to wait longer. I know I have tons of backlog of posts to be done. So guys just stay with me and be patient ok? It's before the Chinese New Year that I got invited to the Revive Rev Up party at Sunway Euphoria by Ministry of Sound.

POKEY!!!! session
Look at the sad face?
I kesian the partner kena buli. but get money so not that bad la

The during and after effects of having too much booze

Since we have the losing DJ sure we have the winners right?
And the dance floor is open to all!!!!
Frustrated when i see this door. Have to tahan cause someone is inside

Coming up soon:- Traffic D'Light Food review, Digi's D'tour(yes I know it's long overdue but the pics are on my lappie), Long Table Food review, Wacoal part 2 & 3, Alice in Wonderland 3D movie review, Mobile Youth Unconference Asia 2010(free VVIP passes are still available. visit here)

Mobile Youth Unconference Asia 2010 VVIP passes giveaway

2010-02-28T00:14:00.010+08:00

Are you one of those youth who can't leave your mobile down even for a second? Are you one who tweets, msn and facebook on the go? Wanting to have your views heard on how should mobile technology should have been? Look no more! I am giving away 6 VVIP passes to the Mobile Youth Unconference Asia 2010 which will be held in TPM, KL to 6 lucky people who could comment BEFORE 11.59pm 2nd MARCH 2010 and tell me why they should be given the passes here. The 6 best answer wins the passes.

So what are you waiting for? Post away, make sure you are free on the 11 and 12 of March and start praying. The VVIP passes are NOT ON SALE. You can read more on the conference HERE(http://www.mobileyouth.my/)

Note: Please include your email and name in your comment in the following format just so I could get you guys. This giveaway will be closed at 11.59pm 2nd March 2010. You can submit more than 1 comment but only 1 pass will be given!

name: eg. sakai
email: sakai at hotmail dot com

Updates:
The list of ppl who won
MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS HASMUNI
azrin arizz
jean Yong fui chin
Kevin cheng
DiEsE
Suresh Para Kumaran
Philippe Lai
Ezel
Taylor Ling
Rahul SK

You guys will get your email soon.

Wacoal Sensuala Calender Girl Search(nosebleed pictures)

2010-02-18T01:48:00.001+08:00

Note: This post is rated PG-15. Siu di di and Siu mui mui please get your parents permission before going over this post. I will not be held responsible if any of those small kids reading this post asking their parents, "Ma/Pa why that jie hie wear so little clothes and sexy one?"

It all started when I get 2 invites to the Wacoal Sensuala Calender Girl Search at Mist Club Bangsar from a good friend, Simon chui sui(simon blow water). Ok don't ask me where the other invite went. You will know soon.
The center of the walkway. Yeah we have a big screen showing teasers.

Oi stop looking at the screen on the top right corner. You will have the chance later.

This is where my other invite went. To my darling. See how many of you can actually bring your gf to a bra fashion show and not have her kill you when she hears about the idea?
All the ~~hamsaplou~~ photographer getting their ~~guns~~ cameras ready
Our emcee for the day. Can't remember her name but can only remember she torture me during the catwalk which I failed miserably
The launching of the new sensuala logo

First performance of the day

Hot? Wait till you see the next one
Sexy? Starting to nosebleed?
POLEDANCING!! Nosebleed yet? Wait la. More to come

The introduction of the calender girl finalists. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Want more? Stay tuned to this blog. Let me show you a preview of what is to come after that.
Nosebleed? Wait la. I am real tired. Loading tons of pictures takes time especially I am on Steamyx!! Always potong steam so I have no choice but to potong your steam lo rite? Curse Steamyx la. If you steam already and you are a blogger who wants to attend an event too. Here is something free you could win while waiting for me to upload the other pictures through turtlemyx. Head on over to serge aka dustyhawk's blog to win May'n concert tickets. He has 10 to give away so hurry!!