Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches - Sea Park, Petaling Jaya (Non-Halal)

Over the moon and over-excited I was. As usual, what else is new with Nava K when its gonna be "Pork Is Life" food-gate. Of course, I made sure I made my way to Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. Sea Park. The familiar ground where I was grounded at the stroll away SS2. Henceforth, memories did return, almost instantly by banging waking up my head. All in a nice manner for recalling my mayhem days whereby I used to hang out at Sea Park as well. Parking indeed has never been sailing smooth from those days in Sea Park, rather tight too on this day. But, I knew that, no matter what, after waiting for a while nearby the across petrol station, I will spot a parking spot. Hallelujah! Right in front of Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. Upon walking in, I couldn't help in admiring how creatively Ticklish Ribs & "Wiches is set-up. A bar right after the entrance, and ambiance clearly breezing alive and kicking for immediately letting know you that Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches is the spot-on eatery for a babi meal. 

Gem Restaurant (Jalan Gasing) Petaling Jaya

I haven't been really cooking for the past week or so. No! no! Kitchen isn't permanently closed. Just that there's been other pressing priorities like the never ending family matters, events and why cook when the other half is away. Usually when I am alone, I pack back hawker food instead of rolling the pots and pans for the sake of impressing the neighbours. Sundays too sometimes laziness creeps in especially after staying up late watching tv. Of course, we all know nothing like home cooked meals to please the soul mate. Then again, waking up late surely a luxury these days and the luxury should continue with a meal at restaurants. After all, I'm sure you will agree that eating out is healthy for relationships. Relaxing and bonding over a meal it should be but please, put the Ipad and Iphone aside.       

Banh Mi Cafe - Bandar Puteri (Puchong)

By chance, I stumbled upon Banh Mi Cafe while at trying to needle out if there's any worthy Vietnamese eatery, somewhere within my reach, not too far from Shah Alam. All turned out as exciting and trilling as I expected. Unbelievable true, as though the owner read my mind for me to come over for a complimentary on-the-house food blast. Thank you. Roping in my Chinese friend, I actually arrived way earlier before they were ready to welcome customers. So, I decided to have a hot drink at one of the eateries within this few rows of shop-lots, prior to walking into Banh Mi Cafe at about 11.15am.  

Ikan Goreng Kunyit

Ikan Goreng Kunyit. Or Turmeric Fried Fish. Pretty much a simplicity in regards to fish fried after lathering/dusting alongside cornflour, rice flour, turmeric powder and salt. Done with frying, we then move on to making the dip. The dip which does not require cooking. Instead its a raw dip made with, as usual, must be our local affordable ingredients for me right? Of course (Terong Balado Pedas Manis). Without a doubt. Furthermore, chillies forever will be our love (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Grilled Fish Sambal Stuffed, Spicy Grilled Fish & Chilli Soy Fish) and like I have told you before, why bother paying for imported ingredients when our local produce, in fact, you can grow our local herbs in your garden effortlessly (Fried Fish Soy Sauce, Fish Head Curry & Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal), are so spectacular for the bold and and waking up our tastebuds anytime tastiness. You bet. Sincerely. Ask me more and I can proudly speak about our Malaysian cuisine none stop. In fact, I can quote a whole list of dishes we can effortlessly make or we may have to throw in more time and more ingredients (Nyonya Acar Fish, Crispy Chilli Fish & Ikan Masak Kicap). Right. Ikan Goreng Kunyit? Absolutely yummy-tummy satisfaction! Crispiness, spiciness, sourness, saltiness and must I mention the aroma of kaffir lime leaves. 

Terong Balado Pedas Manis

Terong Balado Pedas Manis is? Fried Brinjal in Spicy Sweet Sambal/Sauce. Says it all right? I am back to my Indonesian cooking and back again to eggplant, aubergine or brinjal? Admittedly. My previous balado cooking lingo (Ikan Balado) and other Indonesian dishes (Sate Kambing, Indonesian Grilled Fish, Sambal Goreng Teri & Sambal Terasi)? Plus, we did speak to a certain extent about terong? The bright purple sparkled fruit or veggie or said as warna ungu in Indonesian language and even in our Malay language?  A popularity in fact. Terong being a take for any cuisine around the world for the matter (Thai Style Eggplant). We too quite fancy terong (Japanese Eggplant Saute). Perhaps why I have already rolled out a couple of dishes and whatever said, brinjal in sambal must be one of the food prides. I don't know about my other half-half, most probably for him will still be Indian style to brinjal (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry) but me myself can't be separated from sambal (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Kacang Buncis Belacan). Terong Balado Pedas Manis? The modern twist or a modified version and according to Malaysian ingredients for a satisfying and fabulously exquisite Terong Belado Pedas Manis.   

Restoran Makanan Laut Lau Hai Jing - Kampung Jawa (Klang)

Which wind blew us to this part of Klang? Kampug Jawa specifically? Well, its the family wind. My other half-half's family wind. Akin a family retreat get-together for ushering one of the family members big birthday. I am saying big because its birthday celebration for the older member  and not a kiddo. Whether whoever's birthday it is within the family, children's birthdays can't sincerely be dinner in Chinese restaurant, it must be blown out of proportion these days by rich or not rich parents for the sake of showing off, we do make it a point in making our presence known. We actually do  try our best in joining family members for most celebrations. Albeit, to tell you the truth, I am not the darling sister-in-law in my other half-half's family. What can I do? If people can't accept me for who I am? The non-pretentious and can't put up with dramas. And Indian dramas,  mind you, can be the worst twisted plot which does take place within the family. No to stay there's Malay or Chinese dramas, but you can beat Indian dramas. As it is I have my own set of drama going on in my life, I really don't want to be dragged, neither get involved in family dramas. Of course, at the end of the day, when family members extend an invitation, as I have said, we must respect them. 

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.