LOKL, Kuala Lumpur

LOKL, pronounced as Local. Apart from being an indie cafe, it is also a bed and breakfast hotel where backpackers can be seen lounging around. It was cosy with both internal and outdoor sitting area. On normal weekdays, it was filled with office workers getting a good hearty meal to fuel their remaining day in the office. Getting a seat within the air-conded premise was difficult, so my colleagues and I sat at the open air area. Pretty cosy with trees shading us from the sun.

Tomato Soup

This is a classic case of tomato soup, definitely not canned soup. The broth was rich, thick and chunky. It was well seasoned enough for you to want to finish the whole bowl. Definitely not the watery tomato soup you get from other restaurants in town.

Tea

Latte

Refreshingly rich and aromatic, the coffee is as good as it looks.

Quiche

My colleague ordered it and he said it was pretty good, not too rich but just decent enough to satisfy your stomach.

Rosemary Chicken Thigh Panini with Salad

Firstly, it wasn't a panini. They should probably reconsider renaming it. The chicken thigh was well seasoned with rosemary, it wasn't overpowering but subtle enough to bring out the flavor of the chicken.

Spicy Lemongrass Beef with Salad

Coated with a layer of batter and seasoned with lemongrass and chilli, it was something different. Spicy but nonetheless makes up a good meal.

Apple Crumble

The apple crumble was good. Finger licking good in this case, though I did not used my fingers. It was served in a small ramekin and definitely just out from the oven. It crumbly with a generous amount of warm apples. Two thumbs up.

I had the set lunch which was priced at RM 30 inclusive of a drink, soup, main course and dessert. I thought it was pretty decent. I am quite happy and satisfied with their food. It wasn't great, but good enough for round two.

On a side note, the waiters here are really friendly and go all out to make your day. Definitely another plus point!

-thevanillapudding-

Pick N' Brew, Shah Alam

Located in the same building as CNI, it is definitely easy to miss Pick N' Brew. Basically, you will miss it if you weren't working in CNI office. I didn't even know its' existence till my friend who was working there introduced it to me. The ambience was quiet and classy, which speaks pretty much for the price of their food. It was high end expensive, but definitely between the range of RM 20 and above.

Cappuccino with Almond Biscotti

The cappuccino was decent though a tad milky. However, their biscotti was a pleaser.

Latte

Latte was also average. Their coffee are fine, but nothing much to rave about.

Grenbloise Salmon Fillet

Grenbloise Salmon Fillet

Perhaps it doesn't look as appetizing as it should, but it was really good. In layman terms, it is pan seared salmon fillet served on a bed of boiled potatoes, roasted spinach, feta cheese and lemon caper butter sauce. The combination was just right. The salmon was well seasoned and kept to the minimal to let its freshness speaks for itself. The roasted spinach was delicious. The lemon caper butter sauce was the highlight - despite being looking like it is drowned in olive oil, it was tangy in flavor and not too buttery. With the salmon minimal seasoning, it goes well with the tanginess of the sauce.

Teriyaki Chicken loaded with Mashed Potatoes

The mashed potatoes were divine! It was creamy, rice and velvety. It was just damn good, I admit to stealing half of it from my friend. Haha. The chicken was well cooked and served with a slightly above average teriyaki sauce. To be honest, the mashed was the highlight and the star of this dish.

The bill came up a tad pricey but I thought it was a pretty good meal. So, no qualms here. I will be back for another round if I am sent to work in Shah Alam. Their food was pretty memorable, especially the mashed potato and lemon caper sauce. 

-thevanillapudding-

Inaho @ The Curve

Another sushi place to satisfy my Japanese food cravings. Located beside The Gardens, on the row of eateris in Curve, you will not missed it. My friends and I decided to pop in Inaho for our sushi fix and boy, we were glad we did. It is generally difficult to get a seat in Inaho, the place was small with very limited tables. So, be prepare to wait in line for a table on weekends.

Salmon Sushi

Tuna Sushi

Salmon Sashimi

The sushi and sashimi was orgasmic. Unlike Sushi King or Sakae Sushi or Sushi Zanmai, Inaho serves up a generous portion of sushi and sashimi where the salmon slice were generously thicker and longer. The sashimi was thickly slice and juicy. It was honestly a darn satisfying piece of sashimi and sushi. 

Ramen

The ramen was just average in terms of taste. I still vote the sushi as the best contender.

Salmon Skin

The salmon skin was definitely an healthier alternative as compared to the ones I had in Sushi King (but honestly? I prefered the sinful version in Sushi King). The salmon skin in Inaho was crispy and drained of any oil. Therefore, it taste more bland than usual. If you're into healthy bland food, the salmon skin may be a pretty good option. 

Chicken Katsu

The chicken katsu was average with your usual sweet curry, deep fried chicken fillet and starchy Japanese rice. Am I a fan of it? Nope, I'm definitely your sushi and sashimi girl. 

Overall, I am happy with the food and the serving. The price was worth the taste, however, the service can be a little slow with the lack of manpower and high demand. So, just be patient.

-thevanillapudding-

Spaghetti Grill, Paradigm Mall

The only two outlets I  knew was in Paradigm Mall and Midvalley. Spaghetti Grill is a typical western restaurant, a close resemblence to the categories of Chili's and TGIF where food is in relatively big portion and an overload of oil and carbs. How do you say no to sinful food?

 

There is nothing special about Spaghetti Grill, it is definitely one of those place where you want to chill out with your friends, have a drink and some munchies. Girl talk over pizza and drinks or perhaps for guys, football over some alcohol and BBQ wings?

 

 



Pumpkin Soup



 

The pumpkin soup was surprisingly not a let down with its extra creaminess and rich pumpkin taste. Instead of tasting like can soup, it does taste like a freshly made bowl of pumpkin soup. I had the small bowl instead of the big bowl, the small bowl is pretty much slightly larger than a normal chinese tea cup.

Refillable Onion Rings

This is what I call an original onion ring instead of those being served by Domino's Pizza. The onions are sliced thinly and each slice is coated with a thin layer of battered and deep fried. The taste of the onion still lingers around without an overpowering sense of batter. The best part? It is refillable!!

3D Combo of Potato Chedder, Chicken and Fish

 

In short, it stand for deep fried chicken fillet and fish fillet, well potato chedder literally means cheese in potato. It is served with three different sauce of mayonaise, mustard and sour cream. The platter itself wasn't very impressive or memorable.

 

 

 

BBQ Chicken Pizza

I stick to my Domino's Pizza anytime. I always prefered thick crust pizza to thin crust for that extra satisfaction. The pizza was not bad, but not finger licking good to be exact. It has all the right things in it - mushroom, cheese and chicken. I would like it to be richer in taste and cheese though.

Honey BBQ Wings

Another munchies staple - BBQ wings. Decently prepared and it does gives that satisfaction of sweetness and sinful feeling after consumption.

 

Overall, Spaghetti Grill is a decent place to hang out with the girls or boys. Nothing too expensive but you get a decent kick out of the food. They served pretty good housemade lemonade too.

-thevanillapudding-

Alexis, Bangsar

One of my client was based in Bangsar and I had the opportunity to tried out the much raved about Alexis. I tried out the one in Bangsar Shopping Complex together with my colleagues and boy, I wasn't disappointed.

 

The place was less crowded than I have anticipated, perhaps it was a weekday and the only crowd was people clad in office suits. Alexis was decorated in a simple and unprentitious manner where decorations are kept to a minimal with classy furnitures and white. 

 

  

Angel Hair Agio Olio with Yabbies

 

Contrary to the typical aglio olio, this was definitely different than the usual aglio olio where it is tossed in olive oil and herbs. The pasta was surprisingly delicious with a mild tinge of creaminess to tantalize your tastebud.

 

 

Mushroom on Toast

Mushroom on Toast

Despite its miserable portion, I am inloved with the mushroom on toast. The mushroom were sauteed in generous amount of olive oil and well marinated. It was topped off with rocket salad leaf and a splash of truffle oil. The mushrooms were juicy and the there was a tinge of sourness, the sourness stems mainly from the splash of truffle oil. However, it wasn't overpoweringly sour, but it gives you that oomph to go for another bite. The portion was disappointingly small and was done in a few bites.

Roast Chicken Sandwich

A healthy lunch option apart from the fries. Crispy toasted bread with chicken slices and rocket salad, it is definitely a good option for those looking to maintain their diet.

 

Banana  and Peach Crumble

Banana and Peach Crumble

This was delicious. Two thumbs up. I am a fan of apple crumble but its difficult to get a decent apple crumble in KL, the last time I had a memorable apple crumble was in Rosemary Bites. The banana and peach crumble was heavenly. They made it hot and served with sauce which I think it is condensed milk mixed with some other ingredients. The combination was good. The crumble itself wasn't sweet but the combo of soft fruits together with the crumble and the sweet sauce was heavenly. I would so returned for another round of crumble.

 

So far, Alexis had left a pretty good impression on me. Perhaps, I would return for a second round to try their popular Tiramisu and other main courses.

 

-thevanillapudding-

Lai Foong Beef Noodles, KL

One of the oldest hawker in down town KL and one of the best. I rarely take beef but this was recommended by someone and I decided to give it a go and boy that was one of the best decision I ever made.

Located along the bustling street in KL, it is located in one of the corner coffeeshop on Jalan Tun HS Lee. This hawker has been around for quite a while and the place will be jammed pack with office employees, so if you want to have a taste of it - better be prepare to sweat and get sticky! Well, I went in the morning, so the coffeeshop was literally empty.

I bet you are already drooling because I am! What's so special about this bowl of beef noodles? EVERYTHING! The noodles are known as "lai mien" meaning pulled noodles - it is a traditional way of making the noodles by hand. Not many people make their own noodles these days and you can taste the difference so badly! The noodles was really chewy and there was a type of taste to it, a very homely delicious taste that makes you go back for more!

The soup was W.O.W. Thick, rich, aromatic and flavorful. It was rich in beef taste that I could just drink the whole bowl of soup alone. The beef balls were decent but the beef loin was so ohmygod. It was prepared, marinated and cooked till tenderness. Each bite of the beef was a burst of flavor and juiciness - so tender that it just falls apart after a bite. That's how good it was.

It is a pretty big bowl and for about RM 7, I think it is so worth it. 

Ratings : 5/5

Price : 5/5

Lai Foong Beef Noodles

138, Jalan Tun HS Lee 
Kuala Lumpur  (right next to KotaRaya)

Tel : 03 2072 8123

Operating hours : Early morning till lunch time

-thevanillapudding-

Chili Espresso, Sooka Sentral

I am officially in loved with this place. They serve decently priced coffee which actually tasted good! I am currently working at my client's place in KL Sentral and I am so glad for Chili Espresso existence. I've been venturing into this coffeehouse for my dose of caffein and I am never disappointed with.

Located directly opposite of Olive in Sooka Sentral, it is run by the same owner as Olive. The food and drinks are relatively cheaper compared to Olive and this place is usually crowded with the lunch crowds. You get a pretty big portion at a reasonable price. Taste wise, I guess it fits the price!

Latte @ RM 7.20

This was total yumz. I had it a few weeks back and it felt like haven. It may not taste like a million bucks, but it was thick, rich and not too sweet. It was the way I like it. It felt even more heavenly as I was having my morning coffee while people watching in the morning, the air was cooling and the restaurant was relatively empty (I sat outside the pathway) and I was blasting jazz songs in my ears. I felt as though I was in Manhattan!

Apple Ginger Watermelon Juice @ RM 8++

I had this on one of the days where I was feeling bloated in the morning. So instead of getting caffein, I opted for their fresh blend. It was a very refreshing juice especially with the presence of the ginger juice. I could taste all elements and neither was it too sweet. It is quite a good option if caffein isn't on your list.

Long Black @ RM 7.20 (I think?)

I couldn't remember the price for the long black. I had coffee with dad here when he dropped me off at the clients place. I am not a fan of black coffee but I could tell it was rich and thick, just how my dad loves it.

Cappuccino @ RM8.20

Their cappuccino was no disappointment either. Simply a bliss topped with rich coffee powder on the top. I love how it has a strong tinge of bitterness but it doesn't overwhelm your taste bud. I love their coffee art too! It was so pretty. I would definitely recommend their coffee. No regrets for me!

French Toast @ RM 4.50

I had this somewhere during the week. Cappuccino with french toast. The french toast was simple, nothing fancy. It is good enough for me with enough cinnamon to tantalize the taste bud. However, the maple syrup wasn't sufficient, I asked for more instead or else it would have been a tad too dry.

French toast with maple syrup, turkey ham and poached eggs @ RM 7.90 (I Think)

Another of my breakfast adventure here. Honestly, I never get tired of these places. Love the french toast. The eggs tasted like well.... eggs? There is no big oomph or whatsoever in this plate of breakfast, but its good enough to start my morning!

Horfun IndoChine

This was basically kueyteow soup loaded with a handful of basil leaves, bean sprout, chicken meat, chinese coriander and a spoonful of their special chili paste. It wasn't spicy for me though. The taste itself was very refreshing with a strong presence of basil. It was a nice change but I think I wouldn't give it another chance. It was a little bland for me and I asked for extra chili to add more taste to it.

Chargrilled Lemongrass Chicken Sandwich 

One of the days I had this and I would definitely recommend it. The chicken was grilled to perfection with the strong taste of lemon grass and some chili flakes for an extra oomph. It wasn't spicy but I love the combination of the lemongrass. The sandwich was loaded with cucumbers and topped with a decent amount of mayo, it was pretty delicious. Filling for me but that whole sandwich was just so worth it! I must mention that the bread itself was crispy and had a tinge of rich buttery taste, it actually makes you crave more!

Singapore Fried Bee Hoon

Duck Noodles

Chicken Pie with Salad and Potatoes

Fettucine ala pesto

Curry Set

Those were the other dishes that were picked by my colleagues. They had no qualms about it and the portion was pretty huge except for the fettucine pesto which I find it a little small. But hey, less carbs!

I would personally recommend this place not only for the coffee but their food too, its decent if you know what to order!

Price : 4.0/5

Ratings : 4.0/5

Chili Espresso, Sooka Sentral

G-5, Sooka Sentral 
Jalan Stesen Sentral 
50470 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03 2785 1938

Business Hours : Monday-Saturday 8 a.m to 8 p.m

-thevanillapudding-

Panettone, KL Sentral

Met up with an old friend today and we decided to have lunch at Panettone, KL Sentral. Well, it was his recommendation and I wasn't familiar with the places around KL Sentral. So, he was La Food Guide. It is located in KL Sentral, tuck in a row of restaurants and cafes. 

The tiny secluded restaurant was stuffy and crammed. I was literally sweating sitting in one corner with my friend. I wonder how he could have not sweat! Haha. Their menu wasn't very extensive, but the focus were mainly on sandwiches and pasta. They have set lunch too.

I had the Tango Twister. Honestly, I don't remember what was it. It was a very forgetable plate of wrap. It was a basic grilled wrap stuffed with vegetables and black peppered chicken. Nothing special about it though.

The pita bread was alright either. Stuffed with vegetables, ham and cheese, it was decent. There was nothing special about it. Really. It was that forgetable to me.

As pretty as it looks, the taste was disappointing. I was expecting so much from it, that was why I was so disappointed. The cheese wasn't rich enough, there wasn't much "ooomph" or flavor to it. Each bite doesn't makes you crave for more. And the tomato and coriander is just really an awkward decoration.

A very forgetable place. I guess it is packed because of the lunch crowd and their sets are pretty reasonable. But if you want a good meal, a good satisfying meal, I guess Panettone doesn't fits the bill.

Price : 3.5/5

Ratings : 2.0/5

Panettone KL Sentral

Unit 7B, Level 1, KL Sentral Station 
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel : 03-2279 8733

-thevanillapudding-