ARBY'S - SLICING UP FRESHNESS

Arby's is well known for slow-roasted and freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches and famous Market Fresh® sandwiches, wraps and salads, made with wholesome ingredients. Having said this,  Regular Roast Beef is surely the most popular item and Beef 'N Cheddar is the second option among customers.

A tall size of soft drink refers to small cup

 but look its big to me! Each customer is allowed to refill drink without any limit

Market Fresh Chopped Salad topped with Turkey slices 

and salad sauce

I opted for Dijon Honey Mustard to complement the fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, bites of crispy bacon and mozzarella cheese. Bursting with the uniquely delicious combination of robust Dijon mustard and sweet natural honey, it’s a standout on a fresh salad and turkey tenders

Arby's Roast Beef (Regular size)

dotted with sesame seeds on top, soft burger bread slabbed with slices of tender roasted beef tasted like turkey, simply melted in the mouth even without chewing

USD1 each..Apple Pie & small Arby's Roast Beef

cheap skate like me will go for these

Apple Pie

Glazed with icing sugar on the outer flaky pastry skin and tucked with apple stuffing, I find it hard to finish this overly high is sugar dessert

BUBBA GUMP

Located right in the heart of Universal Citywalk @ Hollywood, Bubba Gump is another eatery you must not miss when you are craving for fresh shrimps. It was a great dining experience for me and my friend enjoying our meal overlooking at those colorful giant retail outlets facing this restaurant. 

I was totally fascinated by the overall beauty of this restaurant, brightly lighted up exterior and interior with a welcoming smile, impeccable service and not forgetting pocket friendly menu.

the smile from this waiter says it all

flip this signage and the waiter will stop at your table and  take order or offer help

People call me Forrst Gump

Cajun Shrimp - USD9.49++..hot and spicy sauteed prawns served with toasted garlic bread. My seafood yearning stomach was absolutely satisfied by the juicy and crunchy prawns. So does the  aromatic toasted garlic bread.

Shrimp and Crab Bisque USD5.79++. 

WOW.. the soup not only rich and flavorful but contained sizable cut prawns and crab meat and I emptied it within minutes. I don't mind having the accompanied buttery oyster crackers by itself.

Another thing to note is that, in each restaurant you had your meal, customer(s) is compulsory to pay tip of at least USD2 to the server. I observed this practice whenever my friend settled food bill.   

Saddle Ranch Chop House

 

 One of the many good restaurant in Universal Citywalk, Hollywood is Saddle Ranch Chop House. This rustic, ranch-style buildings are constructed of wood and stone and decorated with western props and memorabilia, merging the feel of an Aspen ski lodge with the style of an old Western saloon, complete with faux balconies and saloon girls.  The concept is “Rock Meets Western”, which comes to life in every aspect of the construction, décoration and operation of these unique restaurants. 

A mechanical bull outside the restaurant
  

 Once inside, I was awed and speechless looking at the huge outdoor and indoor dining space. Most probably can accommodate up to 1000 people at a time^^. It's a total different dining experience. 

Western props on the wall

rustic over-sized bar

another mechanical bull inside the restaurant providing endless entertainment to diners.

Upon seated, a friendly young man came to our table and gave us a menu. Being here for several times, I let my friend did the ordering. We chose to share the food knowing that I can't finish such a big platter all by myself. 

Fresh Muffins & Scone Served with a ball of Butter. Between these two, I enjoy the light and crumble scone dolloped with smooth creamy butter. That said, muffins is tasty but 'doughy'.

Came in a big metal plate are giant size hash potatoes and omelette stuffed with chopped fried sausages, bacon and ham. Nothing to brag about this nicely done egg.

Unlike hash potatoes I had before, over here grated onions are mixed with potatoes and it certainly paired well, thus giving an aromatic and sweet taste.

STREET DEAL.....SPICE CAFE

My first purchase from Street Deal..it's unbelievable.. only RM38 for 3 course  meal. This restaurant is located right in the middle of the golden triangle..which is about 15 minutes walk from my office building.  

Tucked inside BB Plaza, you can easily spot this restaurant. Together with my dining companion, we had our dinner here on a Friday evening with impeccable service from the outlet manager and foreign waiters..courteous and approachable. 

As perusing an A4 size menu, we opted for Steak & Lamb Chop.  First to arrive was our mushroom soup accompanied with slice of toasted garlic bread.

warm, creamy and tasty...
but no sign of slices button mushroom

Grilled Lamb Chop with Black Pepper Sauce + Corn + Fries
 The two pieces of meat was well cooked, full of flavour and chewable. My dining companion couldn't have enough of the aromatic black pepper sauce and asked for a second serving. And it perfected this main course. 

 Grilled Sirloin Steakwith Black Pepper Sauce + Corn + Fries

I opted for well done meat and it justified my request.. tender and juicy enough! But I personally find this palate of food insufficient!

  Ice Lemon Tea

As the night grew 'younger', the cozy atmosphere becomes noisier due to the live band performance on the stage facing directly the restaurant. I love the pretty and sexy lass who sang most of my favourite songs.

CHRISTMAS DINE & WINE IN NERO VIVO

Nerovivo is refreshingly remodeled, featuring wood-fired grill and pizza oven, large al fresco dining deck, bold artwork and offers consistently high-quality Italian food and impeccable service. The pork-free Nerovivo has become KL’s dining landmark. Perhaps the best known of Nero Group of Restaurants, Nerovivo celebrates its sixth anniversary this year and continues to present an excellent fine casual dining experience, which it champions year after year in an unpretentious vibrant surroundings.

The newly renovated Nerovivo with its refreshed look and feel introduces its dynamic new team and was recently nominated Awards of Excellence in the Malaysian International Gourmet Festival 2011, for its Festival Dinners' Choice category with The Most Outstanding Starter, The Most Outstanding Entrée, The Most Outstanding Dessertand Judges’ Choice for the Most Innovative Cuisine.

Voted number 3 on Trip Advisor recently, NEROVIVO welcomes everyone to celebrate and indulge in the bestin Italian cuisine in Kuala Lumpur this festive season.

A delicious Italian Christmas spread awaits everyoneat NeroVivo, the fine casual dining destination where the new Executive Chef Paolo Petris from Italy together with his culinary team whips up a unique Christmas Eve dinner and family-style Christmas lunch together with special festive cocktails just for you.

Executive Chef Paolo Petris

Get into the spirit of Christmas this festive season and enjoy the fabulous menus boasting scrumptious Italian cuisine, not forgetting the special cocktails with Raspberry and Lychee Bellini, Christmas Cosmo and the non-alcoholic thirst quenching Nero Punch – all courtesy of the creations by innovative Chef Paolo!

With over 27 years of Italian culinary experience, Chef Paolo’s culinary skills have taken him throughout the world, where he has worked with prestigious hotels such as The O&O Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai, The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, The Goodwood Park Hotel in Singapore, The Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo and renowned places in his home country, Italy.

The Nerovivo team is led by a new Restaurant Manager from Italy, Alessandro Boneschi, who has worked at the prestigious MGM Grand Monaco, Resort World Sentosa Singapore, and Venetian Resort Macau, to name a few.

Below are the menu available on 24 and 25 December 2011.

24/12/2011

RM 178++ price

Starter

Selection of Tasmanian salmon, prepared in

Orange cured salmon, salmon tartar with salmon caviar, salmon gravlax

Soup:

Home made tortellini in chicken broth with drops of white truffle oil

Entrée:

Porcini mushroom & red radicchio fresh made lasagnette with smoked scamorza

Main course:

Pan seared sea bass escalope, fennel purée, taggiasche olives and caramelized orange zest

Or

Smoked duck breast, leg duck confit on a red cabbage, potatoes gratin and honey lime jus

Dessert:

Panettone semifreddo with orange sabayon

Petit four

*****************************

25/12/2011- Lunch

RM 108++ Menu with unlimited main course

RM 118++ Menu with unlimited fresh juices & soft drinks

RM 128++ Menu with Unlimited Carlsberg draft

Starter, sharing Family style

Mix cold cuts: turkey bacon, smoked chicken breast, smoked duck breast

Fish: salmon gravlax, prawn salad, crab salad

Turkey salad, beef carpaccio

Soup:

Home made tortellini in chicken broth with drops of white truffle oil

Or

Porcini mushroom & red radicchio lasagnette with smoked scamorza

Unlimited Main course

Roasted turkey breast, roasted lamb leg, beef tenderloin Wellington

Roasted potatoes, caponata, Brussels sprouts

Dessert:

Panettone semifreddo with vanilla sauce,

Petit fours (torrone)

NeroVivo also cater for outside functions & private parties of up to 500 people.  You can also  experience Nero class in the comfort of your own home, with chef’s best culinary skills showcased for your intimate dinner party. Please contact alessandro@nerovivo.com if you would like to hire all or part of Nerovivo for a private occasion.

3A Jalan Ceylon,50200 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-20703120

Fax: 03-20703100

Email: info@nerovivo.com

Opening hours: 12.00pm-3.00pm (week days), 5.45pm-11.30pm (week days),

5.45pm-11.00pm (Sunday)
 

GROUPON DEAL - TONY ROMA'S

Ever since GROUPON makes its name in Malaysia, I become so addicted that I never fails to check and read all the interesting deals sent to my email daily. As at to-date, I have purchased four valuable deals and will continue to do so. All the discounts are fantastic and really NO FRILLS. You get what you paid for!

Apart from the discount offered, you will also get additional discount if you pay using  direct debit i.e. Maybank2u.   I usually favor and use this payment method to complete my transaction. With an extra 10% discount on top of the 52% discount for purchased of Tony Roma's Grilled Salmon or Mojo Chicken + Soup of the Day for RM25.20 instead of RM58.90, I got myself two vouchers.

We set our foot to TR outlet in Yap Kwan Seng located few doors away from Old Kopitiam.

Huge and lively! 

 This outlet is much more spacious (both in door + outdoor dining area)  compared with the ones in Pavillion and 1Utama.

Pineapple Sunrise (RM8.90++) - not included in the deal
This light and tangy juice was indeed refreshing

Soup of the Day
Beef  Soup (l) and Potatoes Soup (r) comes with 2 crackers each.
I prefer the beef soup filled with chuncks of beef meat boiled with carrot+onions+herbs while the other soup is too plain + diluted.

nice presentation!

warm Baguette with delectable butter herbs cream

Mojo Chicken
Huge serving ! 
2 pieces of grilled chicken breasts placed on a bed of pilaf rice served with colorful  grilled greens.
I enjoy eating the fluffy rice where the flavour combination blends beautifully. The pineapple salsa sauce works perfectly with the chicken meat. 

Grilled Salmon Steak

Another huge serving with same accompaniment plus a small bowl of garlic scampi butter sauce and 1/2 cut of lemon.

This fish steak is big and so delicious, burst with juices from the inner moist meat. The chef have done a good job by ensuring its not overcooked. I discount the bland butter sauce and also the black pepper sauce which was given upon my request.  Eating alone the fish with a zest of lemon juice or together with the rice is suffice.

Lava (RM14.90++) not included

The waitress  who took our order highly recommended this dessert. But I find it was too sweet for my liking. Presented in a large sparkling glass are 1 big scoop of vanilla flavour ice cream and hot chocolate brownies...

It was a superb and good deal with free flow of drinking water upon request.  Both the servings can easily fit three tummies if you are a moderate eater like me.

No. 33, Lot 5, Ground Floor,   

Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,

50450 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2161-0200

For map and other outlets location, click here

SATURDAY BRUNCH IN TGIF

It was a nice Saturday morning and what's the best way to kick start the day by having a warm American breakfast with a close friend. With the current promotion on buy 1 free 1 at its outlet in Menara Hap Seng, Kuala Lumpur, we  decided to give it a try since it is value for money.

Remember who is this? ..the legendary Marilyn Monroe

Menu for weekend excludes coffee/tea/drink

After looking at the menu and also comparing the prices,  I wanted to order either Smoked Salmon Frittata/Smoked Salmon Tartine/Salmon Cake Hash & Poached Eggs but was told by the waiter it is out of stock. How could it be when this outlet just open for business  at 11 am.?  Feeling a little upset and cheated, we checked further and was informed that salmon are not available on weekend brunch. So don't be fooled by the advertisement!

Since our tummies were making noise, we decided to put that 'ordeal' aside and opted for two different sets of breakfast  which is not  really value for money but yet tantalizing!

Hot Expresso
freshly brewed ...am addicted!

Clam Chowder Soup
....super tasty and delish with chunks of potatoes and fresh clams in thick concoction

Steak Over Egg Benedict
Toast was too dried but the slices of BBQ beef meat was succulent and tender



T.G.I.Friday's Egg Benedict
Healthy way of eating egg without using any oil/fat....2 lovely poached eggs
I let the runny yolk absorbed the toast with melted cheese & turkey ham before indulging and it was awesome.

Total bill came to almost RM50 with a slight disappointment on the menu((~:~))

Lot G-01 & G-01A, Ground Floor, Menara Hap Seng

No. 83, Jalan P. Ramlee

50250 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03 - 2078 7761/ 03 - 2278 8761

VALUE FOR MONEY @ FISH MANHATTAN

Where is the best place to satisfy your tummy without burning a hole in your pocket and still enjoy value for money western food? My preference would be Fish Manhattan, a fine and reputable seafood restaurant with chain of outlets in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. 

For a set meal of less than RM50, we opted for a starter and  2 main dishes which comes together with free 2 bowl of soup of day + 2 glasses of fruit mocktail.  In fact, I personally find that the portion served is sufficient for 3 person.

SOUP OF THE DAY AND DRINK
I could not have enough.... warm bowl of mushroom soup which was so refreshing and not too creamy!  The Tropical Breeze, a fruit mocktail was light and certainly help to quench our thirst.

STARTER - QUAD DELIGHTS
Line up in this platter are fried calamari + fried country mushrooms+ fried shrimps served with a bed of greens. Full of crunchiness with a little hint of residue! 

MAIN DISH 1 - FISH AND CHIPSThis serving was huge...2 big pieces of fried dory fish accompanied with garden salad and fries. Fish meat was tender + moist and sweet due to its freshness....simply delish without dipping any sauce.

MAIN DISH 2 - BAKED DORY IN GARDEN HERBS + BOILED BROCCOLI AND CARROTS
Really amazing..1 whole big piece of dory fish!   Garden herbs sauce goes well with this main and complement the fluffy and soft garlic herb rice.

Lot 1.18.02, Level 1 Pavilion

 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-2141 4341

Business Hours : 11am - 10pm