Afternoon tea at Acme Bar & Coffee (ABC), The Troika

KL seems to me a city that is forever competing against the jungle it came from. And yet there are some spots where everything is neat and tidy - the pavements aren't cracking from the pressure of huge tree roots, there isn't any rubbish scattered around, trees and plants line up in neat rows, and even the blare of the traffic is in the distance, not right in your face. 


Persiaran KLCC is one such place and it is here I found myself one sunny Saturday afternoon. I was meeting a new friend at a fairly new cafe I had read so much about - Acme Bar & Coffee in The Troika building.

Approaching The Troika building on Jalan Binjai/Persiaran KLCC with the Petronas Towers in the distance.

Acme Bar & Coffee, or ABC, is as the name suggests, a cafe/bar. And it's a trendy one at that. I walked in and immediately felt at home with memories of great cafes in Sydney and Melbourne floating through my head.

The bar at ABC, its shelves lined with exotic blends of tea and bottles of Italian mineral water

Pretty flowers at the front desk

The rather industrial structure has been softened by abundant flowers, mirrors, lights and a rather pretty menu. It's the kind of place that's just perfect for you and a group of girlfriends during the day or a romantic late-night date for two.

Plenty of natural light prevents the place from feeling dark and cramped

Lights hang from the ceiling in a row, streetlamp style

The menu is enticing and had I not already eaten lunch, I would have been sorely tempted by the brunch/all-day selection, cutely named 'Too Late for Breakfast'. 

Instead, I decided to order a tea and a slice of apple and olive oil cake, having read a good review recently. The menu is on the pricey side with a cup of tea costing RM15++ and when it arrived, I was slightly disappointed that it was just a tea bag in a cup as for that price, I would have hoped for a teapot with proper tea leaves. Just as well the teabag was super adorable and the tea delicious. 

Storm in a C cup...White Ambrosia tea served in one of Acme's signature ABC cups

The cake didn't disappoint. It was on the slightly fluffy side of moist with a lovely apple flavour that was made decadent by the rich cream cheese icing on top and in the middle. 

Apple & olive oil cake at Acme Bar & Coffee

Dessert menu at Acme Bar & Coffee

As I enjoyed my cake, I found myself already mentally planning a return visit with a Sydney friend who is coming to stay and who I know would love this place. 


Acme Bar & Coffee has recently started offering a Sunday Brunch Buffet for RM99++ (RM199++ with free-flowing sparkling wine) which my friend had been to and enjoyed. It's on the pricey side like everything else on the menu but for a slightly special occasion or when you feel like a bit of a splurge, Acme is a good place to go.


I'm looking forward to going back to try one of their cocktails!


Details:
Acme Bar & Coffee
Ground Floor, The Troika
50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
www.acmebarcoffee.com 

A walk in KLCC Park

Sometimes you just need to escape. KL is such a bustling city day and night and living right in the thick of it, there are times when it all feels too much. The constant traffic noise, the horrible black smoke belching out of bus exhausts, the crowds of people in the mall, KL is an urban jungle.

And at times when I need to get away, the easiest refuge for me is KLCC Park. Just behind the massive Suria KLCC shopping mall, this park is known as the 'green lung' of KL and is great for some peace and quiet.

The paddling pool area in KLCC Park with the Petronas Towers in the background

Venture into the park and the shade of the giant trees and the quiet surroundings soon soothes the spirits and you quickly forget about the city craziness that is really only metres behind you. You usually find small groups here and there enjoying a picnic, a few couples sharing a romantic moment, maybe a keen jogger working up a sweat, and possibly several KL-ites escaping the heat and taking a nap on one of the undercover benches! But noone talks loudly, it's as if the park casts a spell on everyone who goes there.

Waterfall feature in KLCC Park

On my most recent wander through this park, I happened across the delightful paddling pool/waterfall area near the KL convention centre. A true oasis on a hot KL day, here little kids splashed about happily in the sparkling water, a group of girls sat reading books and getting a tan, and locals enjoyed their lunch break in the cooling surrounds. A guard watches closely from nearby to make sure everyone takes their shoes off before walking onto the wooden boards surrounding the paddling pool. 

Enjoying a dip on a sunny day at KLCC Park

As I sat dabbling my feet in the water, I thought how nice this was and for perhaps the first time, really appreciated how good life in KL can be.

A bigger waterfall in KLCC Park - those blue steps are perfect to sit on and enjoy the cool water on your feet

Nearby there is also a giant whale statue in the water, and a colleague of mine back in Sydney recalled fond memories of the whale and the enjoyable picnics shared with friends on the banks. 

The whale with his dolphin friends in KLCC Park - Petronas Towers are in the background

For tourists venturing to KLCC Park there are signs directing you on a good walking route with several 'photo opportunities' along the way. You can get some amazing shots of the soaring Petronas Towers in all their glory.  

View of the famous whale and the Petronas Towers in KLCC Park

KLCC Park is located behind the Suria KLCC shopping centre, about 5 minutes walk from KLCC LRT station.

Petronas Towers, a KL icon

Sushi Zanmai, Fahrenheit 88 KL

Sushi is one of my favourite foods. I know it's a bit stereotypical, my being half-Japanese and all, but honestly I think I could live on the stuff.

I've been fortunate that over the past few years sushi has really taken off in Sydney and among the many (some of them unfortunately very average) conveyor-belt sushi places and tiny shops at stations, there are some real gems.

Since moving to KL, I've happily discovered that sushi, and Japanese cuisine in general, is popular here and Japanese restaurants are ubiquitous. I'm yet to go anywhere truly incredible but I have been making a point to try the various sushi train/conveyor belt outlets nearby. They are a good option when you're looking for something tasty, affordable and fast that's a little nicer to your waistline than McDonalds!

The best one I've tried so far that's walking distance from my place is Sushi Zanmai, tucked away in Fahrenheit 88 on Bukit Bintang. I like to browse the shops in Fahrenheit every once in a while and can usually find a new dress or top to buy - the shops makes a nice change from the likes of Suria KLCC and Pavilion and they're so cheap!

I paid a visit to Sushi Zanmai on my most recent browsing trip through Fahrenheit, though I actually first discovered it last year when I was visiting The Boy in KL before moving here.

As soon as you walk inside, you forget you are in a shopping mall. The restaurant is beautiful, done largely in black and white with muted lighting which gives a classy feel. Sit at the counter and you can see the fresh fish behind the glass where the sushi chefs are hard at work.

On my most recent visit I was only there for a quick bite quite late in the afternoon so the sushi train selection was quite sparse and I ended up ordering off the (very extensive) menu. Although Sushi Zanmai mainly offers sushi, you can also choose from a big range of other Japanese dishes like udon and soba noodles, donburi (rice in a bowl with topping like chicken or eel), tempura and bento (Japanese lunch boxes). 

I ordered aburi salmon, salmon roll and california roll, plus hot green tea (1RM) to drink. Every dish was beautifully presented, which is what really made it a memorable experience. 

Aburi salmon

Salmon roll

California roll

I think for the quality of food, the prices are very reasonable and the service was good too with staff attentive and all my dishes coming out quite promptly. 

I'll be going back there again soon to sample some more of their menu! 

Sushi ZanmaiLot No. 2-03
Fahrenheit 88
Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Website: http://www.supersushi.com.my/f88.html

H&M to open in KL

I was excited to read in the news today that H&M, that international fashion brand beloved by cost-conscious shoppers the world over, is finally opening in KL.

The first outlet is scheduled to open in Lot 10 on Jalan Bukit Bintang in autumn this year. Having lived in the Southern Hemisphere for so many years I had to stop and think for a moment when 'Autumn 2012' in Malaysia would actually be. My friends back in Sydney have just started their autumn or 'fall' season you see. 

So it looks like us girls in KL will have another big store to spend up in come September as H&M is taking over the space where department store Debenhams used to be. Can't wait! Sometimes items in Zara and Topshop are a little pricey, and H&M is just that bit friendlier to your wallet.

Here is the link to the original article in today's Business Times. 

Brunch at Wild Honey Singapore

I have to write about another food highlight of my recent trip to Singapore - brunch at Wild Honey. I've already said how much I love brunch and this particular place was fantastic if a little overpriced.

Located up on the 3rd floor of the rather posh Mandarin Gallery on Orchard Road, Wild Honey is open early till late serving all-day breakfast. Got to love a place that knows the value of a good breakfast at any time of day!

They don't take reservations so Father and I showed up a little ahead of our  meeting time with Brother #1 and had to wait 15-20 minutes to be shown to a table. At 11am on a Saturday the place was rocking and it stayed consistently busy for the next couple of hours we were there.

Inside, the decor is cosy and homely, dimly lit with plenty of small tables and an assortment of quaint furniture like fabric-covered chairs. There are no individual menus; rather, everything on offer is written up on several blackboards and you place your order at the counter. (This and they still whack on a 10% service charge to your bill, a bit cheeky!)

Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take photos of the interior so I will let the pictures of the food do the talking.

Sweetly decorated cappuccino at Wild Honey

Proper sugar cubes make a nice change from sachets

We each ordered one of their various all-day breakfast options named after places around the world. They're not cheap, ranging from $18-22 SGD before tax, but it is a tempting selection and we had a hard time choosing. Well, perhaps not Father who was always going to choose the English Breakfast!

English Breakfast

The English Breakfast comes with scrambled eggs and bacon, pork sausage, sauteed mushrooms, vine-ripened tomato, home style baked beans and toasted brioche. Filling much?

I Love N.Y. Breakfast

Brother, tired after a late night, considered the Mexican and Tunisian options before choosing the New York breakfast. Scrambled eggs with smoked sturgeon (fish), caramelised onions, a sesame bagel plus cream cheese. Yum.

European Breakfast

And lucky last, I chose the European Breakfast after even more deliberation than my sibling. Eggs Benedict is one of my favourite breakfast treats but it's always a risk at a new place because it can be done so badly. Luckily, the European Breakfast, which is Wild Honey's 'interpretation' of this dish, was beyond good.

Two poached eggs, sauteed mushrooms and prosciutto on toasted brioche with hollandaise sauce. The prosciutto made it a little more special than your average ham, and the brioche tasted like heaven to this closet bread addict.

Wild Honey might not be cheap but it certainly is cheerful and I will happily go back next time I'm in Singapore to sample another dish from their All Day Breakfast menu...or just get the same again!

Chilli crab at Jumbo Seafood Gallery Singapore

3 days and 3 nights in Singapore with Father. What would we eat?

Having moved to Singapore a couple of weeks ago and seen the place from one end to the other, Brother #1 now considers himself to be pretty much a local. And being a foodie, I knew we would be in safe hands if we left our dining options up to him.

Of course, our first dinner as (3/8 of) a family had to be chilli crab, Singapore is famous for it. So we agreed to meet at Clarke Quay, Singapore's trendy waterside spot for socialising, before heading to our seafood dinner.

Entrance to Clarke Quay

Night lights sparkle at Clarke Quay, Singapore

Clarke Quay is beautiful, especially at night when the multi-coloured lights reflect off the buildings into the water. I couldn't help but think of Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay Wharf back in Sydney when we got there.

Clarke Quay

Father and I got lost trying to find our way to a trendy rooftop cocktail bar recommended by aforementioned Brother of mine so instead we found ourselves at Harry's bar. One of several Harry's outlets, it's a standard bar with good food, good beer and good cheer. Sitting outside on a not-too-hot evening overlooking the water, it felt good.

Harry's bar, Boat Quay

Father-son moment

Once Brother #1 arrived and another beer was consumed in a father-son bonding moment, we left to go to dinner at Jumbo Seafood Gallery at Riverside Point. Another Singapore institution, there are now six Jumbo outlets around the city, all of them packed with people noisily and messily eating their choice of live seafood from lobster to crab and prawns. 

Riverside Point is literally around the corner from Clarke Quay

Jumbo Seafood Gallery, Riverside Point Singapore

We decided to make things easy and ordered one of their set menus which comprised 6 courses. Actually, the set menu is for a minimum of four people but Father and Brother #1 both being confident of their big appetite, we ordered one for just the three of us.

Let the eating begin - me at Jumbo Seafood Gallery

Boiled live prawns (served with a tasty dipping sauce)

Chilli crab! Yum yum yum

I should point out that the chilli crab is not actually that chilli for those of you who are not so good with the hot stuff. Having said that, I was still thankful for my honeydew melon juice by the end of the meal.

My giant crab claw

I have never been very good with food that requires the use of fingers and/or results in messy hands e.g. corn on the cob, ribs, I even eat pizza with a knife and fork! So you could say that me and crab aren't great friends - usually I sit there while The Boy does all the hard labour cracking the crab open and getting the morsels of crabmeat out, then I just eat! 

On this occasion however, it seemed that neither of the men in my Singapore life were going to let me play my usual princess act so as a consolation, they let me take the claw which is the least fiddly and has the most meat. Now that's love :)

Fried rice with diced chicken and silver bait

Sweet potato sago

We were all stuffed by the end and proceeded to roll home to our wonderful serviced apartment off Orchard Road. But that's a story for another day. 

Our set menu cost $138++ (SGD) for four people, which for the amount of food we ate I thought was pretty good. Some courses were better than others - the fried rice was basically tasty filler food and the boys weren't overly keen on the dessert, but the crab would be enough to make me go back again - this time with someone willing to prepare it all for me I hope!

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Aeroline coach

Oh what a globe-trotting family I have! Last week I went on a last-minute trip to Singapore for 3 days to see my Father (who was over there for business) and my Brother #1 who has just moved there for work. It's only been 5 or so weeks since I last saw my family but I was so excited for a mini reunion.

Travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, one has a few choices. Plane (including budget airlines like AirAsia), train (approx. 7 hours leaving from KL Sentral) or bus. On this occasion, convenience won out and I hopped on the Aeroline coach, which leaves from just around the corner from our condo - in front of the Corus hotel on Jalan Ampang.

Aeroline coach Kuala Lumpur - Singapore or Penang

A return ticket costs about 180RM with tax and includes the world's most comfortable seat with a personal screen to watch movies, hot meal and tea/coffee. Blankets are also provided during the journey to shelter against the excessive air-conditioning that seems to plague this part of the world. Just like an aeroplane, there is a 'coach attendant' who looks after you for the trip. The travel time of approx. 5 hours might seem long but once you consider the travel time to/from the airport (and the taxi fare) plus the 1-2 hours waiting for your plane, it really works out to be about the same.  

Super-comfortable seats aboard the Aeroline coach

Your personal movie screen on board the Aeroline coach

Chicken rice for lunch - nothing fancy but simple, tasty food served hot at your seat!

5 hours, 1 meal, 2 cups of tea, 2 passport inspections and 1 movie later, we arrived at HarbourFront Centre, Singapore. For those of you who are familiar with Singapore, HarbourFront is where you can get on the cable car over the water to Sentosa Island. Ferries also leave from here and Vivo City shopping mall is right next door.  


Stay tuned for more posts about my Singapore mini-break :)

PH Pastry House

Going out for breakfast or brunch is one of my favourite weekend pastimes. Many a Sunday morning in Sydney has been whiled away at one cafe or another with my closest girlfriends, good coffee and delicious breakfast treats I would never allow myself to eat during the week for fear of doubling in size very quickly!

Still being a newcomer to KL, my network of new friends can best be called a 'work in progress'. But having just had quite a social weekend, I think things are looking up in that department. And yes, brunch did feature in aforementioned weekend of activity.

On a sunny (read: hot) Sunday morning, I ventured on foot to PH Pastry House to meet some girls from Expat Blog and hopefully make new friends. Located on the corner of Jalan Utara and Jalan Delima, PH Pastry House is only a couple of streets away from Bukit Bintang and close to Imbi market. It's a bakery restaurant set up in an old house that has been renovated to look modern and chic where you can get everything from coffee and breakfast items through to salads and main meals like pasta and meat dishes. Oh, and bread of course.

Inside PH Pastry House is spacious with lots of small tables dotted around on the dark wood floor as well as a bench counter running through the centre. At 11am on a Sunday it wasn't that full with just a few groups of people sitting around enjoying a leisurely breakfast or early lunch. There is also a courtyard out the back with a few tables and a peaceful water feature running along the wall. The restroom is also out here, and a very nice one it is too!

Back to food. The four of us sat down and a waitress immediately brought over menus. I ordered a cappuccino (8.90RM) and french toast with spiced apple and caramelised walnuts (11.90). The others ordered the Asian crab omelette and poached eggs with brioche (both 15.90RM), lattes (8.90) and an iced peppermint tea (7.90). 

The drinks arrived within a few minutes and I was pleased to find my cappuccino actually tasted like it had been made with a proper espresso machine! Amusingly, the girl who ordered an iced peppermint tea got a cup of hot peppermint tea plus a glass of ice.

The poached eggs arrived first and I have to admit it was a little disappointing. The brioche looked golden and inviting but there was just one egg, which looked rather small and forlorn sitting in its ramikin. Spinach and mushrooms completed the dish. 

Luckily, my french toast suffered no size issues. 3 thick slices of bread accompanied by 2 ramikins of spiced apple and caramel macadamias. Delicious.

I set about trying each of the condiments with my toast and can happily say there was plenty to go around. The texture and taste of the nuts with the bread was a bit weird for me and I ended up just spreading the delicious caramelly sauce on the toast and leaving half the nuts on my plate. Probably just as well given how much fat I was already consuming! The spiced apples reminded me of apple jam my mum used to make when we lived in England, and with a hint of cinnamon were a delicious topping for my french toast.

We sat there after we finished eating and just chatted for ages and the staff were happy to let us alone. They brought over a bottle of water and glasses without our having to ask which I was pleased about. 

All in all, a pleasant place for brunch and it left me wanting to go back again to try something else.

The breakfast menu is served from 7:30am to midday. Here are all the details:

PH PastryHouse,

54, Jalan Utara, Off Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2141-2208

Open 7:30am-9:30pm daily.

Here is their Facebook page. Enjoy!