{Movie Review} Les Miserable

Watched Les Misérables (based on the novel of same named by Victor Hugo) in Sydney with JennyT and PehPet (a girl I met during my Sydney trip) and I enjoyed much of the acclaimed musical in movie form. It didn't hurt to have bubble tea though it may me ran helter skelter for the loo halfway through, hoping I wouldn't miss anything important. 

We bought the buy '1 movie ticket & Chatime drink' for (I can't remember exactly) $18.50. A really good deal as movie tickets in Australia can be rather pricey unlike Malaysia's!

I do enjoy the occasional musical but did wonder if I could stand two and a half hours of non-stop singing in 2D form and not be bored. I decided to give it ago after hearing JennyT raved about it -Yup. She went to watch her second time with us - plus I had two movie kakis to go with!

For me, I enjoyed myself most times whilst some parts did seem to drag a little. JennyT and PehPet, on the other hand thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the whole movie. You could hear PehPet laughing at the funny scenes and tearing at the poignant moments.

All in all, I would give it my thumbs up for all musical fans. 

If you're hoping for dashing glimpse of Hugh Jackman, then, this is NOT the movie for you 'cos he appears haggard and truly ugly in accordance to his role as a prisoner and then, ex-convict on parole.

The movie boasts of other well known actors such as Russell Crowe (he sings pretty alright for a person you never really gave a thought that he could), Amanda Seyfried (as Hugh Jackman's daughter) Sasha Bohen and Helena Bonham Carter.

And I reckon even the not-so-well-known Eddie Redmayne as Amanda Seyfriend's love interest is now pretty known. He isn't your typical 'ohmigosh. He is so cute!!' kind of guy. But his boyish charm definitely worms its way into your heart.

Éponine played by Samantha Barks was good in her own right. She is from the original cast (if not mistaken) and starred in the London production at the Queen's Theatre from June 2010 till June 2011. I love her in her character and am a hopeless romantic when it comes to the ultimate sacrifice she paid. You couldn't help sympathising and empathising with her.

Anne Hathaway as Fontine had very little screen time, I must say. She definitely impressed me with her live singing of 'I dreamed a dreamed' in the clip above. If you listen to the Youtube clip without watching the show (especially watching her facial expression that oozes with emotions), you wouldn't think her singing was that awesome.

Her stellar performance was just moving. You have to watch the movie to feel the depths of the song and how well she sang it. Listening to her rendition of this song calls out to my goosebumps to rise.

I reckon watching the show and hearing the casts sing live with emotion and gusto is essential to the watchable factor.

Definitely an 8 out of 10. What's your thoughts?

Scrumptious dinner at Straits of Malacca

February and March seems to be an eating fest season. Firstly, Mr. C and I had our ex-Korean house mate over for a short weekend visit. Next, we had J & G and now, Mr. C's parents. Besides that, part of my family arrived last night! I predict more foodie outings, if not, home cooked food! Slurp either ways.

On Saturday night, Mr. C drove his parents and I over to Straits of Malacca in Glen Waverly. It is my third time there and Mr. C's second. For me, the food is good, for now but the wait, long at times and avoidable; if only the waiters/waitresses knew how to managed table seating.

Mr. C doesn't like the noise and crowd in this shop and especially in Glen Waverly but he braves it all for me 'cos he knows I like the food here. Lol. We were here only two Sundays ago when we met Miss Cutesie and her fiancé for dinner.

Char Koay Teow

This time, we had the famous (according to its name in the menu) Char Koay Teow and it was good. Nicely fried and dry. Not too oily and you can taste the burnt wok taste. The best Char Koay Teow I've tried so far in Melbourne. All four of us enjoyed it though we spied other people who ordered this same dish having a bigger portion.

Hokkien Mee

The Hokkien mee was only alright. Portion looked small and drowning in the big plate. Our complaint; it was too sweet! I liked my hokkien mee savoury and not sweet like my desserts. Doubt we'll have this again anytime soon.

Cendol AUD 3.80

At first, Mr. C didn't allow me to order any cold drink due to my womanly woes. But later on, my sad puppy face (aka Puss-in-boots sad face) must have worked 'cos he ordered a cup of Cendol for me! Yum! 

Cendol consists of ice shavings which you can see at the top soaked in coconut milk and palm sugar at the bottom filled with green jelly liked looking worms. FYI, they're not real worms, just made from rice flour with green food colouring usually derived from pandan leaves.

Combination Hor Fun (in mandarin words, it also says ying yong)

The Combination Hor Fun Ying Yong was good. Not too salty and portion looked big. Definitely worth it if one is savouring it on an empty stomach. Liked the crisp noodles coupled with the hor fun (aka koay teow and also flat noodle).

Browse HERE for the menu. The only thing marring this dining experience is the long queue. If I am not wrong, there is a long line of people waiting usually from 7pm till 9pm and especially on a weekend. If the queue was long because of the good food and limited seating places, fair enough. But if it is mainly due to poor seating table arrangement and management, then it reflects poorly on the floor supervisor/manager (if they even have one).

When people leave, table is cleared of plates. That part is good. However, from the moment table is cleared till customer is seated, the table is left vacant for far too long, definitely more than 5 minutes, at least, each time!

Whatever it is, I doubt it'll stop people from patronising this shop. People will stop coming when the food quality and tastes are compromise. Since it is relatively new, opening only last month, I believe it'll still be yum for awhile more. It'll be nice if I can still say the same in one year's time.

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

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!!

Shopping makes me happy

Most girls will agree that a dose of retail therapy cheers them up when they're down or upset and what not.

Me? Stress or no stress, upset or not, shopping makes me a happy camper! :)

Ever since coming back to Malaysia for wedding planning and what not, I've bought two bags and six pairs of shoes!!

BAGS : One from Jusco (the above picture) at a discounted price and another cutesy looking bag in Penang's Prangin Mall for half the price of the bag above.

SHOES : Two pairs from Vincci that was going off at half priced! It cost me about RM20 for each pair; Bought a white strapped wedge and a grey peep toe. In Penang's Prangin Mall, I bought a pink unique front flats, three peep toe heels; black, greyish blue and champagne!

I know that's crazy!! In my defense, they were all going at half price and was approx AUD10 per pair and for this price, I wouldn't be able to find back similar cut and style in Australia. Australia's fad tends to be really heavy shoes with super high heels.

So, definitely a good bargain! I can wear it out or I can wear it to work. So, WIN WIN! :)

Really liked this pair from Shoe Point in Penang but price was over RM130 without discount! :(

And another sexy looking heels that was just out of my budget despite me loving the style and colour oh-so-very-much!

Rows and rows of shoes of all styles and colours!!

Even wedding ones!!

So, ever in Penang and want to buy reasonable priced shoes, head to Prangin Mall in town. It's opposite Komtar Walk. I reckon it feels like Sg Wang. A brighter lit and more spacious Sg. Wang! There are just level after level of clothes, shoes, bag and what not! We only made it on one floor and we had to leave to head back to Petaling Jaya.

Lols.

Even my sister who is NOT into shopping but several pairs of feminine looking flats and a pretty pink bag! See, even shopping did make her feel happy that day!

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...

Last Friday

 

I made my way to Singapore and generally had a good time amongst having some matters to ponder about. It was a nice get away and time on my own. Although, straying from the path  intended wasn't exactly a wise decision but I don't regret it one bit. 

 

I thought having 5 days there, I'll have time to explore Singapore but it was mostly a time to catch up with new friends and also old ones. Before I knew it, it was Tuesday and time to head back home to Petaling Jaya. 

It's funny how despite being there for such a short time, when I left, it felt like I left something behind. Perhaps, I did. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting advertisement attempting to recruit policemen.

 

 

Fellowship with friends and eating was the main theme of my trip. I didn't shop much nor walk much around the shopping area at Orchard. I generally had a good time catching up with old friends and new ones. 

Something transpired that left and aftermath with me reeling. I thought it was in the past but some things just stays with you forever. 

Memories last you a lifetime, the good and the bad. Bittersweet ones especially. 

Life is simple. It truly is. But it's us, humans that love to complicate matters. You'd think once bitten twice shy, but nope. At times, we just prod along making the same mistake over and over. Hopefully, one day, we will really learn from it. 

And hopefully, it won't be too late.