Mushroom Risotto

It’s been a while since I cook something proper. Tried cooking risotto for lunch today, my guinea pigs said it’s pretty yummy! :)

Recipe courtesy from Jamie Oliver ;)

Fitou Brasserie

Yesterday was a public dayoff to celebrate Hari Haji for the muslims, but for the non-muslims it’s a holidaaaaay! Don’t you just love working in Malaysia? :D

Bin has been raving about this place called Fitou Brasserie at Desa Park City that we must give it a try. In KL it’s really hard to find a smokefree and baby friendly Bistro and true enough, the experience didn’t disappoint us. ;)

 

This Spaghetti Carbonara has its egg served separately. I’m usually not a carbonara fan but I have to say the taste is really awesome. 

 

Prawn Aglio Olio – succulent juicy prawns *thumbs up*

 

This is my buritos – I love the generous serving of guacamoles!

Nothing beats a cuppa latte to start the day

 

Alan, baby and Bin

 

Fitou Brasserie
Lot GF2 The Waterfront @ Park City,
5 Persiaran Residen
Desa Park City,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 62808978
Fax: 03 62808979
http://www.fitougourmet.com/

Archilles Tendonitis

Counting down to T- 3 days to Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM).

Received the running bib and package in the post over the weekend, I should be excited right? But the right ankle is a really sad case! I’m currently torn between the idea of pushing myself in spite of injury or give it amiss this time round. It’s my very first half-marathon and every tendon and nerves in my running soul had wanted to go for it; on the other hand, pain is a secondary concern but what if the Achilles tear or rupture?

Should I be wise and listen to the doctor or follow my heart?

Decision Time!

Terry Fox 2010

This is my forth year participating in Terry Fox Charity Run but this time around, I didn’t run.

This year, they have changed the location from the usual Lake Gardens to Titiwangsa Park. Personally, it wasn’t a great idea because of the way the route was planned. Both short and long routes are the same! For those who opted for the longer run (6km) will have to repeat loops which caused mega human traffic congestion. It was more like a walk in the park!

 

As expected it was really really packed.

I had Achilles tendon injury, which makes walking/running/jumping or any high impact activities painful and uncomfortable. So all I could do was bumming around the area and take pictures while waiting for my friends to finish the run.

You can also choose to cycle instead of run.

 

This year our gang of friends has diminished considerably. We used to have a crowd of at least 10 - 15 people participating every year. Nevertheless it was a great day out with nice weather for those who made it.

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If you don't know who is Terry Fox, here’s a short intro. Terrance Stanley Fox was a Canadian cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although he eventually died of his cancer after 143 days and 5373 kilometres of running, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world's largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$500 million has been raised in his name.

I miss everything…

I saw and loved in San Francisco!

It was just barely a month ago where I stepped foot onto US soil for the very first time. I was very lucky that San Francisco was picked as the conference location, a place I had very little imagination of prior to the trip but turned out to be the city I have fallen in love with!

I will tell you why in the next few posts.

Las Vacas at Mont Kiara

This cute little butchery shop deserves a writeup since I went there for two days consecutively. I’m not usually a red meat person but I do enjoy a good steak occasionally with a glass or two full bodied red wine.

First time I was there, it was a beautiful evening. They have limited tables, hence it’s always recommend to call them for reservation.

The second evening I was there, it was drizzling and there was some 50th birthday party going on. We didn’t make any booking that night but they didn’t shoo us away either, nice of them so we kind of gatecrashed the party lol

Las Vacas stands for “The Cow” in Spanish. I was also told that all the beef they sell there are directly shipped from Australia.

They don’t serve wine by the glass, only by the bottle. There’s limited but good selection of wines, all at the fixed price of RM150 per bottle.

Signature salad with Balsamic dressing – very fresh and refreshing!

Australian Angus Ribeye – one tiny feat though, be sure you specify how big you want the steak size to be cos they won’t ask you. I was given the largest size (300gm) maybe I do look like a big eater?! haha but each time I struggled to finish even half the flab. But don’t get me wrong…. the steak is actually very very juicy and yummy! Perhaps 120gm is more than good enough – yeah their price is based on weight. (RM28 per 100gm)

vege beef wrap – contrary to other blogs reviews, I find it so so only. Perhaps the meat is not lean enough and it’s a tad too creamy for my liking. Then again, I’m not exactly a foodie so don’t take my words for it! (cos my sister loves the dish lol)

grilled lamb shoulder – I’m not a lamb eater but according to Alan, it was too dry and slightly lack of flavour. Hmm.. didn’t they say Las Vacas is the cow shop? ;P

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Hope you enjoy the pictures and if you are craving for a piece of good steak, go try this place out!

Las Vacas @ Shoplex, Mont Kiara, KL
LG, Lot 1A, New Wing Mont Kiara Shoplex,
Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
(Right next to Baskin Robbins/ where Marmalade used to be)

Happy birthday Bin

Today is my bestfriend’s birthday

we had a nice and simple quiet celebration on Friday night

 

Have a very blessed birthday with many happy returns love

Canon G12

Christmas came early this year… (from my wallet that is)

During my recent trip to Bali, kind Jacky loaned me his G11 to get a hands on with the camera. Just when I almost bought one for myself to equip for the US trip, KC said G12 was coming out real soon so no point getting an older version. There I had it, I’ve gotten a loan unit from KC too. Yeah I know.. my friends rock right? ;) 

Canon G12 was released last week and John Heng was so excited and made very sure I wouldn’t miss it out, today we went to Kota Raya during lunch hour to claim its ownership. 

yay now I’ve got a new toy to pay with!

Another celebration :)

 

 

 

There’s always a good reason for some bubbly that comes with huggies and happy tears

Congratulations on your engagement!

:)

Almost Home

Sorry for the long hiatus guys.

Just got back to KL and need to catch up with some rest desperately.

Will update soon, I promise.

Wordless Wednesday

Wedding at Courtyard Garden

I’ve always loved small and intimate weddings. They are so much more personal and warm. Just like this one I attended on Sunday at Courtyard Garden , my high school mate Rachel tied the knot with her beau Kenneth.

 

 

a very well themed wedding

bridesmaids marching in…

 

Tempura Miso Soft Shell Crab as starter

 

Hong Yeen and Hong Chin drove all way from Ipoh just for the dinner

 

Basil Tomato Soup as second course

 

Salmon Osso-Buco - Pan roasted salmon osso-buco with  scallop served with garden green salad and young mango kerabu, topped with orange spicy butter glaze as Main Course

  

Had a great time catching up with the girls

Crème Brule as dessert

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Self-Discovery in Bali

How would I describe this feeling? I was in a state of euphoria as I walked out of Denpasar Airport this afternoon. I'm finally doing this! I've always wanted to travel on my own, walking at my own pace in my personal itinerary (ie none) on a foreign land. Beach is a must tho. I've done this in Barcelona but that's was 5 years ago. Those days I was living in a place of freedom yet my life as a student was a constraint. And now it's the other way round, I'm a free person living in a place filled with constraints. Life always work out in a funny way, doesn’t it? Wish I had the entire trip to myself but for the time being, even 2 days of me-time on this foreign island is good enough!

I'm currently sitting at this alfresco chic bar called Vi Ai Pi, sipping Vodka Madras while making my thoughts known on my Blackberry. I was so carried away by this refreshing sense of freedom that, I forgot I haven’t eaten since 7am today and I wasn't the least bit hungry! The live band here is awesome. People are super friendly too...

So today, upon checking into the hotel I was more than delightful to be given a free upgrade to a suite. Niceeeee! I also ordered a room service Balinese massage before venturing into Kuta town centre. Witnessed the most beautiful sunset at the beach, took some nice shots of random couples; got intimidated by persistent sellers; went shopping for a new pair of Havaiana; passed through Legian Street where I stopped for a beer and now chilling here where the live band keeps playing with my sentiment…

There's so much self-discovery done in just a day....

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device via Vodafone-Celcom Mobile.

Diving in Perhentian Kecil

About three weeks ago, I ran away from the city to this beautiful island for a weekend getaway. Pulau Perhentian is a little gem located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia where it offers fine sandy white beach and beautiful marine world. Exactly what I needed for a little breather.

 

First time in Pulau Perhentian and my second dive trip of the year.

Quality fine sand beach and the weather was beautiful throughout the weekend.

 

Stayed at Bubu Resort. It’s the best resort on the island, or at least I was told. 
Overall it wasn’t too bad, at least it’s hygenic. But paying for a 5 star hotel rate but resort condition is an average 3 star hotel you get in the city, I’m not sure if it’s exactly value for money. (RM400 incl tax per night during peak season)

The dive centre called “Turtle Bay” where I hung out at most of the time. Logged in 5 dives on that weekend itself. Spotted a bamboo shark, lion fish, loads of colourful nudi branches and angel fishes, variety of big ass sting rays among others. Oh the sugar wreck dive was absolutely awesome too!

 

Lazing around at the dive centre during surface interval.

Watching sunset while enjoying alfresco dinner by the beach.

It was a very short break where I got to practiced buoyancy a little better and also learnt how to fight against current in the water.

Can’t wait for the next holiday already… counting down the days now!

July month

what have I been up to lately?

Starting end of June … …

Attended my unimate Philip’s wedding where I didn’t know anyone except the groom. Phil is a HK born New Zealander marrying a KL girl. 

 

wow, lucky me!

 

The next morning, I turned into a running bunny hopping around the city at The Standard Chartered KL Marathon where I went for the 10km distance run.

It was a nice run, not too torturing considering I haven’t been hitting the park much lately.