Kids at Sunway Pyramid

Dear Diary,

Some pictures of the kids during an outing to Sunway Pyramid last November...

Laksa Shack, Sunway Pyramid, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

My aunt introduced me to Laksa Shack years ago. Way before this household name mushroomed into strings of outlets all over Klang Valley. Hubby and I used to patron its pioneer outlet in 1 Utama. We love its Assam Laksa and Laksam. Laksa Shack specializes in serving many types of laksa. In my opinion, their strength lies in rich flavors foods and thick gravy.

After years of hiatus, we paid Laksa Shack a visit again in November last year. With expectations of savoring tasty dishes, we ordered these:

Laksa Nyonya Melaka

Sarawak Laksa

Curry Laksa

Nasi Briyani Kambing Johor

Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam

Keropok Lekor, Teh O Limau, Milo Ais, Fresh Lime Juice Asam Boi, Coke, Fresh Lime Juice

Truth to be told, we were very disappointed. The tastes were no where near what they used to be. Maybe the brand name has become too commercialized. Or maybe its chef had a bad day. Or maybe its employees prepared the foods wrongly. Owh, who knows why.

Location: LG2.47, Lower Ground Two, Sunway Pyramid, No. 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 46510 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 – 5613 3390. Website: www.lasksashack.com.my

Auntie Anne's, Sunway Pyramid, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

Who here love soft pretzel, more precisely Auntie Anne’s?

My relationship with Auntie Anne’s goes way back in the 90s. It brought back a lot of memories, of carefree university days. This is nostalgic food for me. I first ate it in downtown Cleveland when I was a university student.

When I came back after graduated, Auntie Anne’s didn’t make its way into our market yet. A few years after that, Auntie Anne’s finally arrived to Malaysian shore. I was over the moon!!! I can eat warm hand-rolled pretzel while reminiscing sweet memories in Cleveland.

More than a decade later, my family enjoys eating Auntie Anne’s too. If before I savored the pretzels with my friends, now new memories are being created with my family.

Caramel Almond - Zarra's favorite

Sour Cream & Onion - Hubby's favorite

Cheezzy Turkey - Imran's favorite

Cinnamon Sugar - one of my favorites

Stix Cinnamon

Location: LL1, Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 – 7492 0879. Website: www.auntieannes.com.my

Happy 5th Birthday, Zarra!

Dear Diary,

Today, 26 March 2013 is my daughter’s 5^th birthday. Nur Zarra Zulaika which means cahaya kilauan yang menawan is truly a light that shines in our life. You’re such an easy child to raise, forever obedient and helpful. Sure, you have your tantrums but they are few and far in between. Even you’re not in your good mood, you’re easily coaxed to soothe your outburst.

Words that come out from your mouth belies your age. You always ask questions that amaze us. Go on dear, develop your critical thinking.

You’re a picky eater who prefers bread and cereals to rice. Nonetheless, you love nasi lemak but without all the condiments and side dishes, just enough with a sunny side up egg.

Happy birthday, my princess! May Allah grants all your wishes and may happiness be yours always. May you grow to be a solehah lady.

Chili's, Citta Mall, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

During our visit to Citta Mall, we had dinner at Chili’s. This Chili’s outlet has well-versed and very attentive waiters. More importantly, they are very patient with kids.

Classic Nachos - Fajita Chicken

Cajun Chicken Sandwich

Southwestern Grilled Lamb

Our drinks (Lemonade, Pineapple Juice & Iced Lemon Tea) and Kid's Menu (Gorilla Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Cheese Pizza, Iced Milo & Fanta Grape)

Location: Lot No. G-01 & G-02, Ground Floor, Citta Mall, No. 1, Jalan PJU 1A/48, PJU 1A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 - 7832 2298. Fax number: 03 - 7832 2293. Website: www.chilis.com.my

Deepavali Decoration at Citta Mall (2012)

Dear Diary,

I visited Citta Mall for the first time in November last year. Didn’t really have any reason to go there, just wanted to check the place out.

In an ancient language, Citta means a meeting of the mind and the heart (I saw this on a wall). But at the time of our visit, there was nothing much there. There were still many vacant shop lots. But one thing obvious is there’s quite a number of eating places.

Since our visit was around Deepavali, there were kolum drawings that “greeted” us upon arrival.

Subway Tesco Sect 13, Shah Alam, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

How do you like your Subway sandwich?

I like mine full with veggies.

Website: www.subway.com

Ole Ole Bali, Empire Shopping Gallery, Nov 2012

Dear Diary,

The first time we went there, we really had fantastic time. So, we repeated dining at this posh and comfortable place. The restaurant I’m talking about is Ole Ole Bali in Empire Shopping Gallery. I simply love its Bali influenced décor.

Soto Ayam

Bali Trio – You get to taste 3 different dishes (sotong celup tepung, ayam panggang & satay). Satay is simply delicious. It's also unique with the use of lemongrass instead of satay stick which adds more aroma to it.

 

Siap Mepanggang – Tasty rice served with grilled chicken, kangkung, salad (tempe, sengkuang & kacang panjang)

 

Fried Chicken Ciabatta – Big portion sandwich with yummy sauce.

 

Grilled Lamb Chop – Tasty! The meat is tender and the sauce is yummy.

 

Iced Chocolate (Nothing to shout about), Green Apple Splash (Refreshing), Lemongrass Mojito (The tastiest among all, very refreshing), Barley Lime.

We definitely didn’t regret our decision.

Location: 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

Dialect 1

Dear Diary,

I'm a Kedahan, a proud one I might add. Born and bred in Alor Setar. So, it's only natural that I talk in Kedah dialect. Memang pekat la cakap utara.

I once tried to shed my dialect when I first ventured out of my hometown. It was when I started my intensive UPP course in Subang Jaya. I talked in KL dialect but I sounded weird, at least to myself. Tried hard as I may, I just couldn't. In the end, I stayed true to myself and continued talking in my state's dialect until today.

It's a pity because not even one of my children talks in Kedah dialect. All of them talk in KL dialect. This triggered me to write entries on meaning or explanation of words in Kedah dialect for my children to remember me by in future. In short, Kedah dialect mini dictionary.

Lets start with few common words first.

CHEQ - me, I (saya, aku)

HANG - you (awak, kamu)

DEPA - they (mereka)

HANGPA - all of you, you all (awak semua, kamu semua)

Any Kedahans out there who read my blog? Feel free to suggest more words, will ya?

Kisah Sambal Kicap

Dear Diary,

Jauh berjalan, luas pengalaman. Memang tepat pepatah ni. Kata-kata orang dulu tak elok disangkal.

Berbeza dengan anak-anak aku yang dari kecik telah didedahkan dengan macam-macam benda melalui pengalaman depa dok pi jalan sana-sini, aku dulu kecik-kecik jarang pi melancong. Boleh kira dengan jari la berapa kali aku keluaq Kedah.

Habih-habih sangat pi Perlis dan Penang. Dulu pi Penang tu kira world la bagi kami adik beradik. Once in a blue moon, dapat la pi KL. Seingat aku, first time aku jejak kaki kat KL masa umur 12 tahun. Then, masa umur 10 tahun aku pi Kelantan. Tu pun pi rumah pak penakan. Tu ja la pengalaman melancong aku. Tempat-tempat lain memang tak penah. Negeri-negeri belah selatan lagilah kan.

Langkah aku mula panjang bila aku start belajaq kat PPP. Start dari situ, banyak tempat gak la aku pi. Tapi pi sendiri dengan kawan-kawan. Time study kat US dulu, pantang cuti aku mesti pi berjalan. Memang tak lekat kat rumah sampai sorang kawan aku ni gelar aku Marco Polo. Boleh kata belah east coast US aku khatam. Aku pi sampai Canada & Mexico. Bila start kerja dan pegang duit sendiri, lagi la rancak aku melancong. Punyala panjang mukadimah, aku sebenaqnya nak cerita kisah aku pi Melaka tahun 1999.

Aku menang satu peraduan kat ofis aku. Hadiahnya penginapan kat Riviera Beach Resort, Melaka (hotel ni pun dah tukaq nama). Aku pun ajak la kawan baik aku Zaidah pi sama. Aku turun KL dari Penang (time tu aku kerja kat Penang). Dari KL, drive pi Melaka.

Sakan la kami round Melaka. Banyak jugak tempat kami pi. On the way balik hotel, kami singgah la sat tepi jalan beli pisang goreng. Aku yang turun pi beli. Macam biasa la urusniaga beli pisang goreng. Makcik tu pun bungkuskan la banyak mana yang aku nak beli. Dah habih dia masukkan pisang goreng, dia masukkan jugak sepaket kecik kicap (time tu aku tak tau sambal kicap, aku ingat kicap ja).

Aku ni heran la pasai apa pulak makcik ni letak paket kicap dalam plastik pisang goreng aku. Mulut ni laju ja nak cakap, “Makcik, saya nak pisang goreng ja.” Tapi nasib baik tak tekeluaq lagi sebab aku peghati dalam plastik pembeli sebelah aku pun dia masukkan gak paket kicap tu. Akupun tutup mulut and bayaq duit.

Dalam dok pelik tu aku pikiaq kat Kedah aku beli pisang goreng tak dak pun kicap-kicap ni. Depa bagi pisang goreng ja. Naik ataih kereta, aku pun cerita la kat kawan aku. Dia punyala gelak kat aku. Dia explain kat belah selatan memang depa makan pisang goreng cicah sambal kicap. Nasib baik la aku tak cakap apa-apa kat makcik juai pisang goreng tu.

Kan betoi pepatah kat ataih tu – Jauh berjalan, luas pengalaman.

~~ Sedap gak aih makan pisang goreng cicah sambal kicap ~~

The Snake That Poisons Everybody

Dear Diary,

THE SNAKE THAT POISONS EVERYBODY

It topples governments, wrecks marriages, ruins careers, busts reputations,

causes heartaches, nightmares, indigestion,

spawns suspicion, generates grief,

dispatches innocent people to cry in their pillows.

Even its name hisses.

It's called GOSSIP.

Office gossip, shop gossip, party gossip.

It makes headlines and headaches.

Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:

Is it true?

Is it fair?

If not, SHUT UP.

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

Boria Kakak & Adik

Dear Diary,

As long as I can remember, I've never dressed my children with similar looking outfits. So, I found it interesting when I realized that both Zarra and Irfan were wearing white shirts with red pants. Though the clothes are not exactly the same but they looked similar.

Without wasting any minute, I grabbed my camera and began clicking away. Both of them were more than happy to pose for me.