Friday, January 23, 2015

Sek Yuen Restaurant

Sek Yuen Restaurant is a hidden gem in Pudu which has been around for more than half of century. This used to be the wedding venue for most of the my acquaintance's grandparents here.

 
 
 
The restaurant is rich with history and nostalgia. Its walls are hung with black and white photographs of chefs and patrons. Even, the chairs and tables withstand the test of time and still been used against the backdrop of the black and white tiles which are commonly used back in the day.

 
I believe the owner had never done any modernization to this restaurant since its inception based on the ceiling fan and the incandescent light bulbs still use until this very day.

One of the signature dish here is the crispy skin roast duck.The skin was thin and crispy. The duck here is not overly marinated and the charcoal smell is still eminent. This is definitely the best roast duck I had ever taste.

 
The old kitchen still operate as it was on the first day and the food here here is cooked using wood fire instead of gas.I really like the food here and will definitely looking forward to come back again to try their other dishes.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Taps Beer Bar @ Mont Kiara


Craft beers has been around Klang Valley in the past 3 years or so but not many beer drinkers are seems to be aware of it. They originate from small breweries with penchant for experimentation and innovation. Hence, with a bottle of craft beer, one just don't know what one is going to get. With small scale production, craft beers are usually pricier than the usual big brand pints. 

 
One of the best place to enjoy craft beers on tap is Taps Beer Bar. Recently, I visited their newest outlet at Mont Kiara. It is located at 1Mont Kiara Mall. The space is a low key, friendly one with beautiful songs sang by singers and band on the stage.

At any one time, there are roughly 12-14 beers on tap; when one runs out, it is replaced by something new and different. A large blackboard is chalked up with what's on offer on that moment.

Buxton Wild Boar (RM 24) has a fruity aromatic hops with a dry bitter finish. Note of grapefruit, bitter orange, lemon, citrus peel, white grapes, yeast and malt.

Chiron Thornbridge (RM 22) has lemon, bread, hops and grassiness tastes with hint of apricot.

Buxton Farskyline (RM 27) is quite sour with a combination taste of apricot, lemon peel and lemon juice

Mountain Goat Rye IPA (RM 44) has plenty of mandarin, grapefruit and pine with the Rye somewhat subdued. This beer consists of Malted Rye which is mashed, lautered and boiled like any other beer. The rye malt add a unique spiciness and mouth fullness which is not usually found from barley.

Siew Yoke Pizza (RM 28) is only available here and not in their first outlet at Changkat. It tastes really good with rich porky flavour.

Soft shell crab (RM 23) perfect as a beer bite while enjoying the evening. There is not much of varieties when it comes to food here; mostly on beer bites, burger, steak, salad, pizza and a handful of desserts but still able to satisfy my appetite.

Taps Beer Bar
Lot G-1, Mont Kiara Mall,
No. 1, Jalan Kiara,
Mont Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Monday, January 5, 2015

IOI City Mall

IOI City Mall is the latest mega mall which recently opened up in the Klang Valley. Although it suggests it is located in Putrajaya, the mall is in fact situated just outside the Putrajaya boundary, in Selangor area to be exact.

 
Outside the mall, there is a water fountain, just like the one in KLCC and Alamanda where there will be a light show at night.

 
The interior and exterior design of the mall resembles a ship, with the interior ceiling looks exactly like a ship's hull.

It is quite easy to get here as free shuttle bus service is provided between Serdang KTM station to the mall. One can also get here from Putrajaya Sentral via bus. The bus terminal here is located at the basement which is really spacious and comfortable. It is probably one of the best bus terminal inside a mall, on par with the one in Bandar Tasik Selatan Station.

 
 
The Mall is really huge, bigger than Midvalley Megamall with 4 main tenants; Parkson, Tesco, Index Living Mall and Home Pro.

It also houses an Olympic size ice skating rink, which is bigger than the one in Sunway Pyramid.

 
 
 
Another attraction here is the adventure theme park called District 21 for those who looking forward for activities such as rock climbing, roller glider, rope challenges and etc.

 
The Carousel at the entrance of the District 21 reminds me of the one at IOI Mall in Puchong.


 
 
 
The shopping and dining experience here is almost comparable with other shopping malls minus the high end brand outlets such as Prada, LV and etc.

Beer and pork are also available here; something which are not easily available in conservative areas such as Putrajaya and Bangi.

The mall's toilets has stark resemblance with those found in The Gardens Mall. 

If one looks closely, IOI City Mall has incorporate each of everything under one roof. One could observe some of the features in other shopping malls such as Midvalley, The Gardens, Berjaya Times Square, Sunway Pyramid, KLCC, Alamanda and IOI Mall been included in the design of this mall.