The Manhattan Fish Market, Subang Parade, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

Another family outing during weekend means another restaurant to try. This time we went to Subang Parade. No intention of shopping actually, just wanted to take the kids for an outing. Dinner place was a tough decision since there are lots of eateries to choose from. We finally chose The Manhattan Fish Market for two reasons. The first reason because Hubby loves their Fish n Chips. The other reason because I’ve only eaten there once. I was not even married at that time which was ages ago.

 Manhattan Fish `n Chips - Dory

Grilled Catch of The Day - Salmon

Mari-mushroom-nara

Cheese Fries

Gummy Bear & Citrus Mint

Fizzies Float

There was one teeny weeny incident that happened. We ordered Garlic Herb Rice as side order for Zarra and Irfan. We waited and waited but the rice never arrived. Both kids started to make noises since they’re hungry. When inquired, then only we were told that the rice was not properly cooked so it was not served to customers. We didn’t make any fuss but we thought that they should’ve told us much earlier and not kept us waiting.

Address: Lot 10E, F, H, Lower Ground Floor, No. 5, Jalan SS 16/1, Subang Jaya, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan. Telephone number: 03 – 5637 0121. Fax number: 03 – 5637 0121. Website: www.manhattanfishmarket.com

Sri Hainan Kopitiam, Shah Alam, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

After about a month of absence, we paid a visit to Sri Hainan Kopitiam. To our pleasant surprise, they’ve come up with an updated menu version. There are several new additions on the menu that piqued my interest. Patience! We’ll try them in our next visit since this time around we each ordered our favorites.

Deep Fried Sotong - don't like the batter

Mi Hailam - yummy

Kueyteow Penang Style - yummy

Nasi Ayam (just the rice) - yummy

Iced Lemon Tea & Carrot Orange

Address: 2, Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah G/9G, Section 9, Shah Alam, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 - 5880 2886.

Restoran Lagenda 17, Shah Alam, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

Any soccer fans among you readers out there? Does the name Zainal Abidin Hassan sound familiar? Zainal Abidin Hassan is a famous football star in the 80s and 90s. Declared as one of the best footballer in Malaysia’s sports history, he started his career by playing for Selangor FA. A striker to be reckoned with in his golden days, he represented Malaysia in several tournaments. Retired from playing soccer professionally, he now focuses on coaching.

A few years back, Zainal Abidin ventured into business by opening a restaurant named Restoran Lagenda 17 in Shah Alam. There’s a story behind his restaurant’s name. Number 17 holds significant meaning in Zainal’s life. It is his jersey’s number hence his lucky number. One fine afternoon, after done with grocery and picked up Imran from school, we went and had lunch there.

When we were there, he was in. The legend himself welcomed customers, took orders and even cleared tables. Down to earth, isn’t he? He greeted my children. I wanted to snap picture with him but was too shy. Hubby was of no help either.

The restaurant is adorned with everything football. It’s something out of the ordinary, right? There are newspaper clippings, photos, coaching method and jerseys on display.

Roasted Hainanese Chicken Rice

Nasi Goreng Menangis

Nasi Goreng Lagenda (no veggie)

So, if you’re a die hard fan of Zainal Abidin, do drop by and check out his restaurant. If you’re lucky, he’d be around.

Address:  85, Jalan Snuker 13/28, Tadisma Business Park, Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 – 5523 7717.

Ole Ole Bali, Empire Shopping Gallery, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

During one of our visits to Empire Gallery, we had dinner at Ole Ole Bali. The company owns a string of restaurants around Klang Valley. Some goes with the same name; while others with totally different name. One thing though they share is that they specialize in authentic Indonesian cuisines.

Ole Ole Bali outlet in Empire Gallery is appropriately decorated with Balinese influenced décor. For art lovers, you can feast your eyes on the restaurant’s interior while waiting for your order to arrive. At least, that’s what I did even though I’m not an avid art fans.

With various sitting arrangements to choose from, we finally settled for sitting on the floor option. Fret not because there are lots of big and small pillows provided to make our dining experience cozier and more comfortable. Service was swift.

Chicken ‘n’ Prawns Combo - yummy

Grilled Lamb Chop - yummy

Grilled Chicken Ciabatta - yummy

Grilled Beef Pasta (macam tak kena pasta dgn daging panggang asian style di tekak ni)

Avocado Shake & Lemongrass Mojito - Mojito very refreshing

Pineapple Juice & Apple Juice

Pisang Bakar - super yummy

Address: LG27, LG Floor, Empire Gallery Shopping Center, Jalan SS 16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 – 5022 2629. Fax number: 03 – 5022 2118. Website: www.ole-olebali.com

Masjid Kampung Laut, Kota Bharu

Dear Diary,

Location: Nilam Puri, Kota Bharu

Date: February 14, 2010

These pictures of the oldest mosque in Malaysia were taken when we stopped there for Zohor prayer. More details at Masjid Kampung Laut, Nilam Puri.

Get Out of That Rut

Dear Diary,

~ ~ Sharing is caring ~ ~

GET OUT OF THAT RUT
Oscar Wilde said, "Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative."
So stop getting up at 6:05.
Get up at 5:06.
Walk a mile at dawn.
Find a new way to drive to work.
Switch chores with your spouse next Saturday.
Buy a wok.
Study wildflowers.
Stay up alone all night.
Read to the blind.
Start counting brown-eyed blondes or blonds.
Subscribe to an out-of-town paper.
Canoe at midnight.
Don't write to your congressman, take a whole scout troop to see him.
Learn to speak Italian.
Teach some kid the thing you do best.
Listen to two hours of uninterrupted Mozart.
Take up aerobic dancing.
Leap out of that rut.
SAVOR LIFE.
REMEMBER, WE ONLY PASS THIS WAY ONCE.

* A message as published in the Wall Street Journal by United Technologies Corporation

Jonker Street - A Night To Remember

Dear Diary,

(continuation from Buildings in Jonker Street)
We ended our fabulous night with a trishaw ride. Ni kes tak larat nak jalan gi kereta sebenarnya. Trishaws used nowadays are lavishly decorated and brightly lighted. Some even have audio system blasting off popular songs for the entire ride. My trishaw cycler was very friendly. During the ride, he acted as our unofficial tour guide pointing out places of interests and telling a bit of history here and there. For RM25 per trishaw, it's reasonable because the route taken was quite far. Dengan kudrat dia mengayuh lagi.

This day trip (Port Dickson & Jonker Street) was probably one of Hubby’s crazy ideas. I was skeptical when he announced his surprise and objected simply because we’re traveling with kids. We had spent half a day at the beach. The kids were exhausted. Knowing Jonker Street would be crowded with people, I didn’t want the kids to get cranky and act up. It would spoil the mood.

Alhamdulillah, we had a great time there. Maybe I gave my kids too little credit. They surprised me by behaving well under the circumstances and even soaked in the festive mood emanating everywhere in the atmosphere. The only complaint they had was of hunger.

All well ends well! It was one hell of an incredible time we shared.

Buildings in Jonker Street

Dear Diary,

(continuation from Foods at Jonker Street)

Besides being a food galore, Jonker Street is also lined by old buildings with exquisite architecture. Some even with high historical values. This is another attraction that draws enthusiasts from near and far. Makam Hang Kasturi and a Chinese temple just to name a few examples.

 

Not only old buildings, there are also modern structures to be admired too. World Heritage Park and Hard Rock Shop quickly came to mind.

That night, we managed to watch a dragon dance performance. It’s a dragon dance because the dragon is longer and using more than two performers. The performers are holding poles that are attached along the length of the dragon’s body. Imran and Zarra got a chance to experience yet another Chinese tradition besides two lion dance performances they've watched before.

ps: to be continued in Jonker Street - A Night to Remember