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-

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-

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-

Olive, Sooka Sentral

Classy and English. That's how I would describe the set up of Olive. Located on the Ground floor of Sooka Sentral Building, it is hard to miss this restaurant. Deck in classic wood decorations and an veranda extending out to the stairs, you wouldn't miss it for sure.

The crowd dining here on weekdays are mainly the working crowds and quite a  number of them are Caucasians from the nearby multinational firms headquarters ie. Allianz Insurance. However, it is pretty hot to seat out at the veranda despite the shelter.

I love the classic setup but the taste of the food was just mediocre. Olive is relatively expensive with an average of RM 20 and above per dish. They do offer lunch set at RM 30, inclusive of drinks and it look pretty decent.

Lemon Tea

I love how fancy they served the lemon tea. This was the last thing I expected from the drink lemon tea. However, this was my senior's order. 

Watermelon Juice

Rice with Fried Chicken and Curry

Pasta

Salmon Ciabbata @ RM 18

I am pretty much trying to eat healthily when I'm working but sometimes the healthiest food has so much sin. Presentation wise - 2 thumbs up. Taste wise - one thumbs up. Practicality of eating - two thumbs down. As pretty as it looks, I had trouble trying to eat it as all the fillings were falling out of place each time I tried to sliced a portion out. 

The salmon was fresh and juicy. I could pretty much taste the rawness of the fish. The ciabbata was loaded lettuce, tomato, avocado and eggs (which was missing because the chef forgotten to add it in, they gave it to me separately). The ciabbata was slightly overdone and it was tough cutting it with burnts on it. It was overloaded with mayo too! Not a good point for healthy eating. Oh! They served it with baked pumpkin and potatoes too.

I like my salmon ciabbata but it could have done away with the extra mayo and perhaps somehow prepare it in a way that is easy for consumption? This is a decent place to have lunch if you have the budget. 

Price : 2.0/5

Ratings : 3.0/5

-thevanillapudding-

Plan B, Publika

Finally, I gave this place a shot. Everyone has been raving about Plan B and really, all I could say that this place is so overated. I dropped by Plan B during my lunch break with my colleagues. That place is heavily packed during lunch hour with all the lunch crowd.

The food served is pretty much like Ben's, simple and no fancy ingredients.

I had the salmon sandwich which was served in between wholemeal bread with rocket salad and yogurt mint dressing. Like all other dishes, its served with rocket salad topped in dressing and nuts and also a can of freshly baked sweet potato slices. The salmon was generous in amount and fresh, I could taste the juiciness of the flesh in each bite. I love how they don't overpower the sandwich with yogurt mint base to allow the salmon to be the star of the dish.

The following pictures are just for viewing. These dishes were picked by my colleagues.

Eggplant Salad 

 One of my colleagues favorite.

Egg Sandwich

If you're ever going to Plan B, don't order the egg sandwich because this is definitely not the place to have an egg sandwich.

Pasta

Toast

Carbonara pasta

Duck Confit Salad

Another of my colleagues favorite. I shall give this a shot next round.

Egg Benedict with ham with English Muffin

Egg Benefit with Portobello Mushroom and Hollandaise Sauce

Plan B courses are simple and not elaborated. Taste wise, it was just alright and nothing much to rave about. However, it is a good hangout place if you want to meet up with friends.

Price : 3.0/5
Rating : 3.0/5

-thevanillapudding-

IKEA Restaurant, Mutiara Damansara

IKEA Restaurant is one of the most well known restaurant around. I used to love their food, till their standard has been detiorating so badly. When it first operated, the food was of fantastic quality and freshness, but now - it tasted pretty much like stale food. 

However, the restaurant is unusually pack everyday for lunch or dinner - I guess it could be the reasonable price they charged and the free flow of soft drinks. They used to serve Diam Cake which tasted godly but it was pulled from their shelves after some issue pertaining to the cake containing pork or something like that. I'm disappointed about that.

Their poached salmon was horribly overcooked. The thick sauce doesn't compliment the fish at any point of time. The potato was a tad too tough and the brocolli, well taste like brocolli. But for RM 15 or so, I guess you can never get salmon at that price.

What is a trip to IKEA without their ever popular meatballs? Their meatballs are the main attraction in the restaurant, honestly, most people paid their visit to IKEA restaurant just for it. I don't take beef, but I do give it a try and it's not that bad though I prefer steaks. This is the only dish that had maintained their standards since it first operated. However, there were issues of its meatball containing horse meat despite they have confirmed that their meatballs are cleared and contain no horse meat.

Spaghetti in basic tomato sauce. I didn't try it but from the look of it, I'm pretty sure that it taste average and I would have prepared a better plate of it.

Herb chicken with potatoes and carrots was just decent. The sauce was way too dilute, it was pretty much like a diluted soup that taste a tad like oil? It's not horrible, but its the kind of dish I wonder why would I ever order it.

Diluted. Bland. That sums up my review for this dish.

Honestly, none of the dish was up to my standards. It was just plain horrible, well to me at least (apart from the meatballs). Everything was either too dilute, too bland, tasteless or just lack the effort. Rarely that I actually have lunch at IKEA Restaurant anymore because the dishes are all so horrible.

If you want a reasonable pricing food, well IKEA Restaurant isn't that bad. But if you want good tasting food, well please make a U-Turn and out.

Ratings : 1.5/5
Price : RM 15 per pax

IKEA Restaurant
No.2 Jalan PJU 7/2, Mutiara Damansara, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel : 03 7726 7777
Operations : 
Mon – Thurs: 9am ~ 9.30pm 
Fri – Sun, Eve & Public Holidays: 9am ~ 10.30pm

-thevanillapudding-