Naughty Nuri's (Subang SS15 Courtyard)

Now, how should I start this review on Naughty Nuri’s? Anyone like to help me out? Anyone out there have anything to say please? Okay, maybe, I should start by mentioning that most of you would have had a delightful dining experience in Naughty Nuri’s. Albeit assumingly, you may have stood in the queue before being ushered into their modern-traditional, slightly dim and adorn with sarong and bamboo fittings Indonesian ambiance. Queuing most probably can be avoided if you have made prior reservation. We on the other hand took it for granted. Considering that its the long Hari Raya holiday weekend, we thought we should be able to secure a table. How wrong we were. No, definitely was not the case. Thankfully, queue moved quite fast, additionally, we didn’t mind seating at the bar area. Of course, it would have been nice if we had the option for dining at the bamboo swing enclosed table. 

Little Cravings - 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya

The death of my less than 2 weeks iphone 7 at iTunes angrily raptured my heart (Restoran Orkid Thai, ShahAlam). I returned home griping tight to the highest hope after lunching at Hong Kong Kim Gary, but so-very-sad, hopes were badly trashed. Albeit, honestly, I'm quite an alien to Apple’s technical specs, I braved my heart and my hands to update the Operating System. Bang! A big bang banged me once iPhone flung to heaven by leaving behind “Red iTunes Logo”. Damn frustrating. Can you imagine? You must imagine okay? So be it I accepted, then again, what else can I do please? Back to square one. Back to 1 Utama. But, oh-please. Oh-no. Forget it. Not on a Sunday. I can’t stand the weekend mall madness, also, when I found out that Apple will take at least 5 working days to operate my phone, I ditched it in my drawer and traveled with my “oh-ye-faithful” iphone 5 (iphone 7 & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun). 

Restoran Orkid Thai - Section 9, Shah Alam

By the third day, Iphone 7 started showing its dark side. Really a terrifying-horrible shocking discovery, it kept rebooting every now and then for no apparent reason. Obviously, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Duh! Its a brand new phone I paid from  my savings (Da De Bak Kut Teh Subang Jaya), never ever have I encountered such a problem with my previous faithfully yours 6 year old Iphone 5. Absolutely heart wracking, I really couldn’t find the time (Karaikudi Chicken Curry & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun) to rush to the service centre amidst the busyness of getting ready for the family wedding and another travel venture (Oats Fried Prawns). Keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it’s just a minor teething problem, I went ahead with shopping nearby Plaza Shah Alam and Plaza Masalam. Accompanied by my niece, we bought a couple of things and then of course, naturally, shopping is more or less regarded as synonymous with hunger throne.  

Moom Sabai Restaurant - Taman Bayu Perdana (Klang)

Indian food again for dinner (A MuthuHouse of Briyani)? Nooo! Of course not. Impossible (more at Hua Xing Restaurant). Thai food at the close by Moon Sabai Restaurant, also, a familiar ground for my friend we agreed should be the take. Absolutely (Thai Thai Sunway), anytime for the truly loved quintessential Thai flavours (Thai Green Crab Curry & Thai Laksa),  thankfully the route to Moom Sabai was not through the massive jam across the shop lots on this Friday late evening. But, quite frustrating it was driving via the inner roads haphazardly double parked almost all the way from the apartments behind. Anyway, instead of the typical Malaysian mentality of double parking albeit availability of parking further up, we somehow carefully maneuvered to the nearest parking spot. 

Cempedak Goreng Rangup

Cempedak Goreng Rangup. Like Pisang Goreng. Almost in fact. Only maybe the fruit. Pisang goreng is crispy fried banana cased in crispy batter. And cempedak goreng is cempedak, if I am not mistaken the aunty or uncle of jack fruit, also cased in a crispy batter after frying. My Cempedak Goreng on the other hand? The traditional frying of cempedak given a tiny bit of new lease of food and dessert life. Why?  I added black sesame seeds in the batter mixture prior to dipping cempedak and frying. Not bad right? Most probably. After all, like I always tell you, we don't have cook like others. We can actually set our selves apart. Even in cooking mind you. In which Malaysian food category must cempedak goreng rangup be placed? Of course alongside our, the rest of our kuih-muih/local delicacies (Malaysian Banana Flambe, Pulut Inti, Wajik Pulut, Pumpkin Sago Dessert, Kuih Kosui & Kuih Buah Melaka). Of course, I can go on, and on, and on, and quote the rest of our local delicacies, then again? Cempedak Goreng Rangup. Natural burst of cempedak sweetness inside and like I have already told you, crispy crunchy batter outside.

Pineapple Rasam

Rasam and more and more and more? Yes please. I think I have already told you about our undivided love for rasam? Not once though. In fact, countless times and each time I share a rasam recipe (Pepper Garlic Rasam, Rasam, Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam, Nandu Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough said right? I think so. I know so. And so, let's just stick to the guns of making this latest rasam. Pineapple Rasam? How? Honestly, nothing out of this world or you must kneel on the ground for saying a prayer. Of course not. Pretty much like every other rasam and  we still the customary ingredients. The only difference is pineapple and me using canned pineapple. Otherwise, its a clean sweep in making and for my version, I blended the ingredients for rasam paste. Oh, I did also tip in some gingerly oil for a change. Pineapple Rasam? Truly yours and mine.

Soup Restaurant - 1 Utama, Bandar Utama

What brought me all way to this part of Petaling Jaya? I, seldom drive this far, not for no valid reason, this trip of mine will seemingly be kinda starlight star bright for Nava K. I am suppose to audition for a Malay segment food hunting tv program. Was I literally jumping up and down while anxiously awaiting for the day? Honestly, sort of. Not because I am guaranteed my road to fame and fortune, neither will I be the biggest threat to the existing tv host and hostess who have worked their butts for capturing their spots in the limelight. Anyone for the matter, even you, if you are to audition for a tv program, I am sure you will be having sleepless nights. Mine was, on one side excitement, the other, fear. Actually, more of fear. Never have I done it before, so, my heart kept rushing up and down. To tell you the truth, I was worried if my heart will stop pumping permanently. In all fairness, I knew I may fumble, but I have already clearly mentioned to the company I am the freshest grain in front of the camera. They were fine. They assured me they don't mind. Alright. 

Peach Raisin Bread Pudding (Eggless)

Who ever said writing is easy? Maybe it is for those professional qualified writers, editors or journalists. Then again, who ever said you can't polish or work on your writing skills by practicing on your own? Remember, perseverance, determination and will power? I definitely am not doubting, but the hours of practicing by sitting in front of the laptop has almost broke my backbone and my reading glasses. Glasses power ranger sincerely have gradually gone up, and mind you, some days writing is really a major struggle. Maybe we should call it writer's block or blogger's block? Today is one of those days I am still till this moment constantly staring at my laptop and at the sky, hoping god will shower me with words of wisdom (Pandan/Screwpine Poached Pear, Cream Puffs, Soft Rolls & Almond Brownies) . Even so, words just won't roll out of my mind and with too many people calling out to god, I think god is being selective on who he should help first. What about me and god right now, are you asking? 

Mandarin Orange Sorbet

Guys, you still remember my Mandarin Orange story? I told you (Mandarin Orange Cake Vegetarian)? Seemingly I am not done and over yet with oranges literally forced on to by my Chinese friends. They can be quite stubborn, don't you think so? You tell them enough, yet, they still insist you must take more than enough oranges from them? I actually wonder. Nevermind to the two or three you receive before and during Chinese New Years, but when they basically load you with more thereafter? I think they are trying to clear their stock or maybe in marketing terms we call it dumping to the third world countries. God! Honestly, I couldn't escape apart from the oranges my other half-half had to bring back up. So, what was the other door to the oranges? This Mandarin Orange Sorbet and I have one more recipe on the line as well later. Mandarin Orange Sorbet? Ohhhh! Refreshing, tangy sweet and such a smooth pleasure to our mouth senses (Mango Kulfi, Eggless Molten Lava Cake & Nescafe Ice Cream).

Asian Rice Pot @ Kelana Jaya (Petaling Jaya)

Looks like people have been blowing trumpets on Asian Rice Pot and I had to constantly hear all of it. Seemingly Asian Rice Pot is akin a melting pot amongst the nearby and maybe, I really don't know, I'm guessing though, maybe even amongst far distance customers. Then again, tell me? How far out can the customers' base map contour stretch to? Perhaps the further far out within Petaling Jaya? Which by far, is quite a major contour area. These people, most of them, including my two friends, kept tempting me over Asian Rice Pot. Their current regular eatery. They of course praised the deliciousness of the dishes, moreover, I was told that I must give a go to Asian Rice Pot. Literally, I must at their high recommendation. Alright. I didn't mind. All the way from Shah Alam, better be worth it I told myself, we arrived at Asian Rice Pot for an early dinner by 7.00pm. 

Mango Kulfi

The second round of me making ice cream (Nescafe Ice Cream) and specifically these rich, creamy and super attractive Mango Kufli, aka Indian ice cream. Damn and darn tempting and absolutely a temptation right? I know. Of course. I made, so I must blow my own trumpet. Just kidding. Regardless, since I don't owe any kulfi moulds, I was supported by cup cake cases. Not a bad idea actually for easy serving and instead of kulfi dripping and messing and creating work to wiping and mopping the floor. Mango Kulfi. The pleasure is always ours. Fresh milk, condensed milk, cardamom, mango puree, saffron strands and pistachios. 

Thai Thai Revisited - Sunway Pyramid

Back, back to Sunway Pyramid for a quick shopping spree and back again to Thai Thai. Quite a regrettable decision actually as Thai Thai spilled over with customers during this Ramadhan month. So service?  No where to be seen despite patiently calling over and over. Finally after 10 minutes, the female staff came with the menu and kept apologising. As soon as she suggested the dishes, I melted and anger was forgotten but since hunger was unbearable, I reminded her to speed up with the first dish.  

Easy Banana Bread

I think, most probably I am temporarily still wearing the baking crown (Cocoa Butter Cake, Cocoa Cake, Classic Genoise & Chocolate Rum Tart). Or maybe I accidentally wore it. Whichever, instead of storing back the baking utensils which were still crowding my kitchen top (Mango Cheesecake), I decided to give them another lease of life by making this Banana Bread. Thanks to "Simply Recipes",  at once I knew I will have no qualms to mixing all the ingredients, prior to baking. Such is by far my simple baking concept. All about mixing the ingredients basically. How did Easy Banana Bread turned out to be? Not overly sweet and for putting to good use those bananas which if I didn't save, would have hit their grave. I mean,  throwing definitely would have been the next cause of action within a day or two. How about you now making my this version of Banana Bread before pleasuring in (Lemon Bars, Classic Genoise, Mandarin Orange Cake, Milo Cake, Sujee Cake & Marble Cake)?

Cambodian Green Mango Salad

Mango and salad? I already told you before right? I did (Kerabu Mango/Mango Salad). Maybe I could have repeated the same food story and mango I think like donkey times (Mango Cheesecake & Mango Mocktail)? Thus, mango is a favourite for all sort of dishes (Aam ki Achaar & Indian Mango Chutney)? If you are asking me, undeniably. But when salad is a concern on our dining table, most of the time it must be the Asian style. As long as salads packs our Asian and Malaysian customary tastes, oh-my, our meals will be truly a delight and we actually have salad as a side dish for our rice instead as a starter, nibbler or appetizer. That's how it has been for us for as long as I can recall and since I have already showcased mango in our Malaysian style, I decided I will take on the Cambodian side to a mango salad (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup). Pretty much not much of a difference in the ingredients. I mean, what can be different? Our Asian cooking is all about more or less the similar ingredients right? Of course (Kerabu Kacang Botol, Vegetable Raita, Asian Watermelon Salad & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad). Cambodian Green Mango Salad? Obviously, green mango, and then garlic, shallots, chillies, coriander leaves, sesame seeds, sugar, oil and of course, we must need salt for this vegetarian version Cambodian Green Mango Salad  (Mango Cucumber Salad, Penang Acar & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). 

Eastern & Oriental Hotel - Georgetown, Penang (Buffet Breakfast)

 

I definitely looked forward to breakfast in Eastern & Oriental Hotel. I did. I wanted to find out if buffet is gonna be worth, mind you, our premium suite did not come cheap. So, logically, for the price we paid, of course buffet is already billed, next morning (Deluxcious Spa & Red Garden Food Paradise), at about 9.15, after a lazy hop out of bed and showering, we walked into the dining area. Lovely! Akin we have walked into a classic, those days Chinese coffee shop, we decided to sit outside, across the sea. Nice view. Beautiful spot on view for gazing at, while tucking into breakfast. Coffee came cruising soon, we then, I mean what else is there but to opt for our choices between the spread of local and western dishes. Salad, fresh juice, toast, dips, noodles, nasi lemak and the rest.

Red Garden Food Paradise - Leith Street, George Town (Penang)

Returning back to Eastern & Oriental Hotel, I, trust me, I was still fuming. How can I possibly not be? Remember, I told you about my spa disaster in Deluxcious spa? My anger thermometer almost raptured, I just couldn't keep my big fat mouth shut. I had spill all of it to my other half-half, who was still dazed after his sleeping beauty sleep. He in return just smiled, what else can he do anyway, later, we got down to deciding where dinner should be (Coffee Lane Cafe). Restaurants, classy expensive eateries? Neh. What for? We thought we might as well walk the streets, and if we find something, we will decide there and then. And, so we walk, a long walk actually. All the way from the hotel, while looking out for eateries, eventually, once we noticed Red Garden's signboard, we had to decide. How about dinner in this hawker paradise? Sure. I was in for it. Grabbing a table beforehand, once we took a good turnaround, we realise that Red Garden Food Paradise is akin an international food court. Row by row hawker stalls, featuring all sorts of food, all sorts mind you. Not only local cuisines, you name it, Japanese,Thai, Korean, Western and what not. Quite a huge choice, indeed, thrown in with free entertainment from the three piece band.    

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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Not bad. My thinking capacity to cooking I believe is getting up and about, and higher, but seemingly Thai cuisine is a favorite. Why not? Why shouldn't I anywhere? What should potentially stop me when I have already mastered quite a whole list of dishes and Laksa by far has already been cooking conquered as well (Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Green Fish Curry). Laksa Lemak by the way is the marrying of Curry Laksa (Penang Curry Mee) and Assam Laksa (Nyonya Hot And Sour Fish Broth Noodle) regardless of the fact that there are various types of Laksa Lemak which can be made from chicken, pork, beef and seafood (Sarawak Laksa, Singapore Laksa, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Prawn Curry Laksa). But for this Siamese Laksa Lemak, the two central ingredients are fish and coconut milk (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Laksam Kelantan). Also, you need to make the laksa paste which showcases the crucial Thai herbs and ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodle) for this joyous, sensational and mouth popping Siamese Laksa Lemak.

Mandarin Orange Cake

The heat is one and the heat ignited for baking (Oatmeal Raisin Cookies & Chinese Peanut Cookies). Not something I planned actually, but when you receive loads of mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year from your Chinese friends despite telling them enough is enough, yet they won't stop. Honestly, I am not sure if the giving is out of goodwill or as a clearing stock by dumping on us, or for them receiving bounds and bounds of prosperity. Beats me and we on the other hand, just can't refuse because this oranges giving is supposedly like we are receiving gold in return. Oh-god! Wish the oranges will churn into real gold, but dream on and if you continue to gobble down as many oranges, cold and cough will end up being your best friend. Thus, tell me when. What should we possibly do? Of course, we can't offend our Chinese friends by refusing, but potentially we can use some for the oranges for this Mandarin Orange Cake. Sounds logical, isn't it? Easy-preasy and without having to use the cake mixer (Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake), all you got to do is mixing and gently incorporating all the ingredients. Eggles  Mandarin Orange Cake? Sincerely a soft appreciated bliss in our mouth (Eggless Orange Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake).

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts

The next draw after making Chinese Peanut Cookies? Not the ordinary rolled pineapple cookies, but these open face Nyonya Pineapple Tarts? Why Nyonya Pineapple Tarts? Maybe I should crown myself as a Nyonya home chef (Nyonya Hot And Sour Noodles In Fish Soup, Nyonya Steamed Fish, Nyonya Lam Mee, Sambal Sotong Petai & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang)? A whole list mind you. In fact, almost spilling over list. This dish and that dish, and me learning to make Nyonya dishes by my own learning (Nyonya Fish Sambal, Chicken Vindaloo & Ayam Pongteh), I can go on and on and quote many more dishes. Including those few desserts (Kuih Buah Melaka, Bubur Cha Cha, Bubur Kacang Hijau & Sago Gula Melaka).

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.