My Childhood

Make Natasha Yap our own Malaysian Youtube Star!

You must be wondering who on earth is Natasha Yap...

Wong Fu Productions ring a bell. Joseph Vincent and even the Jayeslee sisters but Natasha?

Who is that??! Siapa perempuan ini??

Well, I came across her own composition, "If you would" from Sarahktw's blog. Natasha's voice is clear, sweet and interestingly good for a Malaysian unless the person recording, Sue is doing an amazing job of enhancing Natasha's voice. LOL.

Check out the song and tell me what you think. The song's lyrics may be simple but it still is sweet and relatable. Looking at her, she actually reminds me of my friend, YC's girlfriend. LOL.

If you're not convinced of her potential, check out her rendition of The Band Perry's "If I die young". I hope to see more covers from her and who knows... she might appear on Ellen Degeneres show. After all, other Youtube stars such as Joseph Vincent have appeared on her show and won 10,000 dollars from the talent competition.

We're always so busy supporting people from other countries, paying bucket loads of cash for their songs and tickets to see them but we tend to forget that we have our very own local talent in need of our support.

In recent years, there's been a steady increase in talent such as stand up comedians Douglas Lim, Quah Jen Han and Phoon Chi Ho, wedding photographers & videographers and off late, interesting production of short clips and singing from independent individuals.

So, do your bit, check this girl out and if you like her singing... leave a comment to encourage her and spread the clip. ;)

Hope to hear more of her and from her! And kudos to Sue for the well done video clip for "If you would". I like how she zooms in and out, focuses on Natasha and parts of it, on the guitar etc.

Kitchen Creatures at Centrepoint, Bandar Utama

Today, I'll be out with The Hubs. Visiting Prahran Market to scout for some flowers for Miss Lawyer's wedding. Hope the trip is fruitful! And for that, I've scheduled for this post to entertain you lot whilst I am out. ;) Happy Saturday everyone!

Had my Tuesday date with my sister before leaving Malaysia. She came back early from camp just to spend time with me and we definitely had a good, long sister chat; just the two of us. Our endless conversation and constant chatter can put us in the best friend category though we're not. LOLs. Ok. I am just rambling and hopefully, making some sense.

Cool idea actually.. might try them out in future.

We wanted to have our dinner at Betty's Midwest Kitchen and hence, we hang out at Cha Time, a few shops away for an hour plus. When 6pm arrived, we walked there only to realised that they were closed for renovation! I really think Betty Midwest Kitchen and I are just not meant to be! This ISN'T the first time we both thought of trying out this place only to arrive and find it closed!

Anyhow, change of plans and my sis brought me to Kitchen Creatures at Centrepoint in Bandar Utama. I've been to this place once with The Sues before I left for Brisbane in May 2010. I felt the food was alright but somehow, never made it back there.

I like the prints, layout of their menu. Funky and yet, legible.

Price wise, fairly alright. Ranges from RM10 to low RM20s.

Problem with menus such as this, I get spoilt for choices and if you know me, I don't do well with choices. I rather have limited options and even then, with just Option 1, 2 and 3 can be a real headache at times for me. Then, you'll see me sticking up three fingers and asking Mr. C to choose one and we'll just go ahead with what that finger represents! LOL.

Poring intently over the menu... salivating! ;p

The simple deco...

Lanterns.. aah... the place is brighter than depicted in the picture.

Background was just too bright, hence indoor picture taken is dark!

My RM4 something rootbeer topped with strips of ginger.

Tasted a tad diluted but felt refreshed after a few sips.

I think this is less than RM10 Fried Calamari Rings... oh wait, or was it Onion Rings. Sorry peeps! Forgotten what I ate but whatever it is, this appetiser is delicious and accompanied with the below two sauces ; sweet chilli and tartar sauce.

My sister and I ordered the above Steak and Cheese pizza. I really liked it. It's cheesey and tasty! Despite only a strip of beef on each slice of pizza, it was feeling. I really have nothing to complain about this scrumptious pizza. Probably not for those who dislike and can't withstand too much cheese in their food. And definitely not for those who are lactose intolerant! Poor you!

I think this is called The something Beef Ragyu. It really looked different from the photo in the menu with the actual dish served in some orangey looking sauce as opposed to dark red sauce. It was still nice tasting though nothing much special to shout about. Once again, not for those who can't tolerate too much cheese or cream in their food.

Portion of food wasn't exactly big but yet, we were full at the end of it. Surprise Surprise! So, if you're game for a new place to try out, tired of the KL jam and what not, just head over to Centre Point and try out Kitchen Creatures! It's above Starbucks! ;)

And tell me what you had and think of it after...

I love yoo! at Mid Valley

Last week, my tummy was grumbling of hunger as I walked past I Love Yoo! in Mid Valley with my mother. I remembered this place was first introduced by MelC, an ex-colleague years ago.

I'd always thought that people had Yao Char Kuai (the fried dough like food in the above picture) when they have Bak Kut Teh (Herbal Spice Soup with pork) or with Kopi O just like how my mother have hers.

So, imagine to my surprise when this was served WITH Soya Bean! I did love it and have gone back a couple of times. It can be pretty filling despite the small serving. However, I find the pricing a bit hefty for such simple indulgence.

Much to my mother's skepticism, the Kopi O turned out well and according to her high standards. Basically, Kopi O is just black coffee without milk.

Cinta Ria at Damansara Jaya

During the first week I reached back Malaysia, Daddy O brought my mother and I to this shop in Damansara Jaya. It is next to the famous Claypot Chicken Rice shop (if I am not mistaken) and few shops away from Dominoes!

My dad really liked the Fish Fillet meal and this is high praise indeed as he has been really particular and fussy about his food in the past year due to his health. Yeah... he shouldn't really be eating fried food but oh well, a man has got to eat what he wants to eat and there's no stopping a man and his stomach, especially Daddy O.

I had the Roast Chicken meal which my dad stole a few mouthfuls. He liked the gravy and cited that it's just right and not too salty! For once, I like the coleslaw. These days, you get all sorts of funky tasting coleslaws that are served warm. YUCK! I like my coleslaw cold thankyouverymuch! The mash potato was simple but tasty and it goes well with the gravy.

The Mothership had the Grilled Chicken meal. The sauce was pretty much the same as the Roast Chicken's but somehow, I liked my mother's one better. The plate included salad and mashed potatoes like mine. Pasta was a nice addition!

See how happy The Mothership looks! LOLs.

If you're ever in the vicinity, give Cinta Ria a go. The food is reasonably priced. It is not the best Western food I have had but I was pretty happy with my meal that I am willing to go back again to try a different meal. Main meals cost between RM10 -RM20 and if you pop by during tea time, tea and coffee is only 99cents!

Ambiance wise, it was cooling and well ventilated. We were there for dinner about 7pm and the place was almost full house! And nope, I am not paid to write this review. It is just my honest feedback just like all other posts unless otherwise stated. :)

It has also been reviewed by The Ruthless Eater and the Malaysia Most Wanted Food site.

Cinta Ria

78, Jalan SS22/25, Damansara Jaya

03 - 7726 8981

Food, glorious food!

Char Koay Teow

At SS2's Wah Sek Kai that is pretty much well known for their stalls of delicious food.

We went to the side nearer to McDonald. YUM!

Mee Jawa

Also at SS2's Wah Sek Kai.

Pretty delicious and I don't usually fancy starchy, sweet like gravy.

I liked the prawn crackers that were tasty and still slightly crisp despite sitting in the pool of gravy.

My first time at Tony Roma's in Mid Valley.

Their famous beef burger.

Portion is HUGE!!

Chips were tasty and filling. Burger patty was just oozing with juice and bursts of flavours.

The sauce was just an added bonus.

Koay Teow Tong

At a corner shop in Sea Park behind the Guardian row of shops.

Just average and nothing much to shout about.

Wan Tan Mee

My regular favourite at Restoran Gembira in Taman Megah.

I definitely feel more happy after my fix!! ;p

A bubble tea addict

Since coming home, it is safe to say that I had at least 5 cups of bubble tea! And I am supposed to be losing weight for the wedding! LOL. Well, at least, not gaining any weight! But how to say 'No' to bubble tea?

They're so addictive... well, to me they are.

The Cha Time in Melbourne CBD was a real let down. It isn't the same as the ones here in Malaysia. So far, I've only been to the branch at Uptown and the other one in SS2 Mall and for both, quality and standards are there. I like how the tea taste is strong and the pearls are just the right chewable texture with the right amount of sweetness.

I've had many bubble teas and sometimes, on bad days, the pearls are hard and other days, they're just plain hard and no fun to chew.

However, since having my first bubble tea in Cha Time, I am addicted. And still am. Just last week, I had it on Sunday night, Monday afternoon, Tuesday night and even Thursday night and also on Saturday!

Seriously, they should give people like me some rebates or points like the EasyWay in Australia. Evertime you buy a drink, you swipe your loyalty card. Every 10 drinks, you get a free one. Oooh, I think Cha Time has such offer. Instead of gaining points electronically, they stamp on a hard copy card. But seeing how I won't be here permanently, I let my friend gain the stamps.

I know I shouldn't but I can't help but wonder when to get my next cup of Pearl Milk Tea....

Leaving home for home

#1 On Emirates flying from Melbourne (now my home) back to Malaysia (where I used to call home where Mr. C forbids me from referring to as home anymore as Melbourne should be my home where he is at ;p )

#2 I have been sitting on AirAsia for the many times to and fro Australia and Malaysia that I felt totally 'pampered' on this trip back on Emirates especially when I saw the pillow and blanket! First thing I do is to scan the movie list. It was 4am in the morning and despite knowing how important sleep is as I would be having a really busy day once touched down, it did not deter me one bit from watching a movie.

#3 Although the pillow, blanket and movie list made me a happy camper, the food reminded me once again to the old, 'yer, airplane food sucks!' line. Basically, AirAsia's meal is waaaay tastier IMHO. What was good is that, at least you get water and juice and tea and coffee!

#4 Welcome back to Malaysia!! First thing that greeted me at KLIA was the icky toilet! Was rather surprised that the toilet at the International Airport was poorly maintained. Not only was the toilet dirty, it stank of dried urine!

#5 First Monday back, we had a Meal at home together. We had Roasted chicken bought from Carrefour at Tropicana City Mall with tomatoes and blanched brocolli with egg and bacon.

#6 Everytime I am back, I definitely have my Tom Yam Fried Rice fix at Taman Mayang. The Aunty still remembers that I will add a 'hor bao tan' (fried egg) and more Tom Yam paste (though most people would think the added Tom Yam flavour is too salty for them). :) I must say, it is nice to be remembered despite not being around for awhile. Can't say much about people who are supposedly closer to me but seem to forget my existence when I am not around. Oh well. Life.

#7 Went to Mid Valley with my mother and we had 'Yao Char Guai' with Soya Bean at I Love Yoo!. My mother was really happy with the black kopi which is rather unusual as she has super high standards.

#8 NEVER GO TO JOJO's for pan mee!! I went to the SS2 branch with my parents and the food was really bad (no offense meant). After consuming the noodles, I felt nauseous and unwell. In fact, I didn't even finish it! The mince pork was really sweet with the noodles just tasting alright.

The chilli wasn't anything to shout about leading to my question, "WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL GOING THERE?". Unless they have other better food which I doubt it. A few friends have even commented that the food is really bad at all branches as I thought perhaps it was only the SS2 branch that had bad food, leaving me and my tummy with an unfavourable experience.

Up to date, I've yet to satiate my Chilli Pan Mee cravings! Face-to-face, HERE I COME!!

Kooky Pics #456 My Wednesday

: Breakfast :

Favourite Wan Tan Mee at Restoran Gembira in Taman Megah.

: Dinner :

Tried this weird tasting bean curd fish paste wrapped in something like chee cheong fun skin at SeaPark's Fish Ball Noodle House along KFC.

: Asshole driver :

On the way to Bangsar Shopping Complex. IDIOT. Stick to your lane and queue like everyone else. Please don't zoom to the front just so you can overtake and be at the front of the jam.

Mooncake given by a friend...