A Mad Tea Party

`Have some wine,' the March Hare said in an encouraging tone.

Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. `I don't see any wine,' she remarked.

`There isn't any,' said the March Hare.

`Then it wasn't very civil of you to offer it,' said Alice angrily.

`It wasn't very civil of you to sit down without being invited,' said the March Hare.



`I didn't know it was your table,' said Alice; `it's laid for a great many more than three.'




`Then you should say what you mean,' the March Hare went on.

`I do,' Alice hastily replied; `at least... at least I mean what I say.. that's the same thing, you know.'




`Not the same thing a bit!' said the Hatter. `You might just as well say that "I see what I eat" is the same thing as "I eat what I see"!'
- quoted from the Mad Tea Party .. Alice in Wonderland


No better reason for a get together..


Scones and Tea.. you and me!


This table is laid for a great many more than three!

In the famous words of one tea party invitee.. " a clotted heart... I won't mind, especially with scones as delicious as these!"

Thank you FBB for hosting yet another superb tea party.. !


Also, don't just take my word for it that it was a mad tea party.. check out LFB & his take on the event.

Moxie

We love the food at Moxie! From the Charming manager Johan, to the wonderfully scrumptious creations of the Chef, we always have a great time at Moxie.

If you like your starters healthy, with not much oil, and not too big a portion, the Parcel of Seafood Melange is for you. This is the mix of seafood ragout wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry and served with cocktail dressing and mixed salad leaves. Light, refreshing and looks like a work of art!




Welsh Rarebit Foie Gras which is a soft warm cheddar cheese and panseared foie gras on toasted brioche with candied walnuts and Bartlett pear is fantastic! My absolute favourite. If I could just eat starters all night, I would! (erm, actually I can.. and I do.. on many occasions;))


Cattleman's Barbequed Short Ribs which is the Texan-style beef short ribs smoked overnight with barbecued anchovy chili sauce and served with mashed potatoes and broccoli is really a hearty meal. I found this a little too strong tasting for my liking but hey, not everybody digs anchovies right? If it was a tad less salty, it would have been fine.


Finally the Prime Rib was a winner! Tender and juicy and just oozing with beefy aromas, I'd definitely order this again.




Johan says that I really need to go back for desserts. I totally agree.. :)


Add:
Moxie,
44 Jln Medan Setia 2
Plaza Damansara
Bukit Damansara, KL.
Tel: 03-2095 0016

Nero Fico

There was a massive jam leading all the way into Hartamas, so we decided to do a slight detour and ended up in Damansara Heights instead.

Nero Fico on Jalan Dungun.. we wanted to check this restaurant out, since we had not been here from the time it opened. (We recently tried Al Padrino across the road and that was pretty decent).


First up, the Fried Quail's eggs and Asparagus Salad. I personally prefer my quail's eggs boiled.. what a waste of a cute lil round egg right, frying it?
Having said that, the salad was delicious. We ate it up in 5 seconds flat.



Mushroom Salad which was not on the menu but which the chef whipped up (easy enough), since one amongst us was a big fan of the mushroom.
This was good too.


The Kobe Beef stole the show. I dare say this was one of the better ones in KL and the marbling was superb. It tasted like one, I had the good fortune of trying in Kobe, once upon a time. That was a grade 9 wagyu.


I wanted to order mine BLUE (again.. just for the sake of shouting Blue! haha..) but stopped short and went for rare instead.


The Veal was tasty but a tad salty. Must have been the cheese.


The Tortelli Mushroom with a nice slab of foie gras on top, was cooked to perfection - the pasta shell resisted the tooth and biting into it sent spurts of mushroom core gushing into one's mouth. What an amazing sensation!



Pizza Quattro Stagioni is like having FOUR pizzas and eating them too!

This was meaty and what I would call a real MAN'S pizza, but could have done with more tomato base and cheese. The artichokes were delicious. I personally am a big fan of the 'choke'. Did you know that Artichoke is the primary flavor of the Italian liqueur Cynar? Well, now you know..!



Finally the tiramisu and Grappa on the house. What a nice touch to be served the throat-searing grappa as a parting gift to the diner. Already tipsy from a couple of bottles of wine, a shot of this fragrant, grape-based, pomace brandy of Italian origin, nearly had us spouting Italian to all the customers!

(We do not speak Italian.)

All in all, we had an enjoyable dining experience.



Add:
Nero Fico,
Lot G-01, Grd Flr,
Wisma Perintis 47,
Jalan Dungun,
Damansara Heights.
Tel: 603 2089 5312

Chez Rose

I have driven past Klimt so many times, that I nearly did a double take when I saw 'Chez Rose', in its place. I dare say that most are familiar with Klimt’s and its Austrian cuizine, and so it follows, that dining at Chez Rose would be a similar experience in terms of cuisine, but set in more swanky, modern surroundings. Apparently Chez Rose is run by one of the partners of the old Klimt. I actually met her this time round, and she really is a nice lady.

I love the bread here. Piping hot crusty outer layer with a soft warm center and some sort of brown cheesy butter to go with it- this means a good start to the meal.


Bismarck Herring Fillet - RM30.00

Feeling brave we decided to try the pickled herring. Enter the Bismarck Herring Fillet.

There are many variations of cured herring. Bismarck herring are unskinned fillets that have been cured in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt and onions.
These are normally bought ready-to-eat, in jars or tubs. The marinade additionally contains water, white vinegar, salt, a bit of sugar or other sweetening agent, onion rings, peppercorns and mustard seeds. They can be eaten cold, or on bread.

Cured Herring are common in Dutch, Scottish, German, Latvian, Scandinavian, Czech, Slovak, Polish, Brazilian and South African cuisine, among others.

I have to say, that I generally am rather proud of the fact, that I have a strong stomach.

However, a bit of Mr Bismarck over here had me gagging for my water. A note of warning though - do NOT attempt to wash it down with wine. It only brings out the fishy taste of the herring with an intensity that will make you wish you had never laid eyes on that slivery, silver, squishy fish. Slathering on loads of strong tasting sauces help, but not much. Let's just say it's an acquired taste:)

Oh well, never try, never know right?


Kaiser Schnitzel Veal/Escalope - RM65.00

Schnitzel (in German means a cutlet without bones) is a traditional Austrian dish and is a popular part of Viennese and Austrian cuisine, consisting of a thin slice of veal coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

For those who need their carbo fix, this comes with a generous side of Spaetzle.
The veal was faultless but the sauce was a tad salty. Nae bother, just push it to the side and enjoy your schnitzel as it is!


The Venison Pot Roast - RM53.00
Any prime cut cooked low, for 10- 12 hours is sure to taste exquisite and this dish was no exception. This hearty dish is 100% tender meat slow cooked in wonderful seasonings that has earned it the accurate reputation/accolade of 'comfort food'.

Salmon Arrabiata -RM39.00
Fresh, juicy salmon slathered generously with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Delicious. No complaints here.

Grilled white cod- RM65.00
This 'white fish' was cooked just shy of well-done.. i.e. perfect. The flesh was decidedly taut with just the right amount of fish fat that enhanced the light style of cooking of the fish and brought out the oceanic flavours of the flesh. Unlike oily fish, white fish contain oils only in their liver, rather than in the gut. They are a much healthier alternative too and are a rich source of omega 3 (good fats). Not only is it one of the cleanest sources of protein,but it is also an easily absorbable protein source with little or no carbohydrates. Eat cod, stay slim!



Pickled Ox Tongue- RM42.00

This dish tasted better than it looked. The tongue looked tough, but it was really rather succulent. I enjoy a good tongue as much as any other person.. oo-er.

The unusual zesty sauerkraut apple paste/slurry, complemented the gamy tongue to perfection.


Baked Salmon Strudel - RM39.00
Talk about complete, unique cooking styles for bringing out the unique flavours of the salmon. I was particularly impressed with this strudel 'log' with its flaky, browned phyllo-ed outer layer. The log retained all the juices and sweet aroma of the salmon and the creamy rich sauce went perfectly with the ensemble.

All in all, a good eating experience.
We will be back.


Add:
Chez Rose,
6-5 Jalan Batai,
Damansara Heights ,
next to Hock Lee’ s Mini Market

Tel: 603- 2092 1978

Il Padrino

Il Padrino at UOA - we read about this place on Eat Drink KL. We decided to pay the 'Godfather' a visit.

Antipasto misto "il padrino" - RM78.00

This starter for two of bresaola, tomato buffalo mozzarella, calamari, parma ham with melon and grilled vegetables was served relatively quickly. It was light and refreshing with an intensely fragrant slice of melon that tempered the salty parma ham to perfection.

We had to wait a long time for our bread though. The bread-sticks were soft and no longer fresh unfortunately. We liked the crispy paper thin bread bits.

Fettucchine nero alla granchio - RM32.00
The homemade squid ink fettuccine served with carb meat sauce was rather disappointing. Whilst the crab sauce was sweet and fresh with the metallic after notes of zinc, the pasta fell flat on its face. Soft, over-cooked and really rather bland. We expected more from the homemade pasta.

Ravioli al spinaci - RM32.00
The spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli served with butter sage sauce and parmesan cheese was slightly better than the squid ink fettuccine. It in terms of texture, it resisted the tooth a bit more than the fettuccine but could have still been slightly more al dente.

The spinach center of the ravioli was gorgeous and creamy. We loved the taste of the parmesan cheese that gave the dish a rich and heavy finish. We needed this as they served so few pieces of ravioli! The portion was really rather small.

Roast Pork Belly - RM42.00
The Roast Pork Belly which was the special that day was a letdown. Tough and hard with too much reduced balsamic vinegar sauce, it was actually a case of too many over-powering flavours with no clear aroma coming through.

Well, the next time we go back we will try the pizza as recommended by Masak Masak!

Add:
Il Padrino,
Wisma UOA,
Damansara Heights.
Tel: 2093-8596

Alcohol with some Lunch !

MENU - Alcohol With Some Lunch
(12noon till erm.. late..)


1. Hairy Berry’s Exotic Pate Platter With
Non-Exotic Crackers

2. Freshly Roasted Siu Yoke from the Village Deli

3. Assorted Cheese Platter

4. Roast Lamb With Rosemary & Honey Mustard Glaze
& Nasi Briyani

5. Beef, Mushroom & Onion Pie

6. FOGAL’s Roast Chicken

7. Sei Ngan Cai Roast Duck From Recently Lasiked Toy Couple(toy couple)

8. HomeMade Mee Siam

9. Bee’s Ju Hu Char & Sambal Belacan (fbb’s wifey)

10. Green Leafy Salad With Yellow Cherry Tomatoes & Quails Eggs

11. Semblance of Black Forest Cake For Yuri

12.Rum & Raisin Pie

13. Boolicious Lemon Sabayon Tart (crafted by Boolicious)

14. (**later, as if we were not stuffed to the max enough, Just Heavenly brought along the ‘Quiche Lorraine’ and THE most divine ‘Victoria Sponge’ crafted especially for Harrods! – as modeled by the Luscious Lemongrass )

15. Booze by all in attendance!

Footnote: unless otherwise stated, every single dish was prepared by the extraordinary man himself.. Mr. Fatboybakes:P

Good thing there were only 15 items on the menu.. because by 6pm, we were so stuffed, we could hardly count!
However, if you think the party ended at 6pm, you have another thing coming. Cumi&Ciki left in the early evening, because they had to get up at 5am for a run the next morning.. however, 80% of the party people stayed on till 11pm! (ok,ok.. now Craving Joe's and LL's comments have given a clearer update on the actual situation - that some went, some stayed on.. and then some came back BUT all in all it felt like most stayed till the end.. which was midnight!)

Wow.. now THAT'S a party!

As promised, photo of the luscious LL and the Victoria Sponge .. don't know who's more voluptuous .. the cake or the model.. oo-er:P
And not forgetting Splashie boy who celebrated his 21st birthday.. may you continue to eat cake and grow up big and strong !

Fbb, on behalf of all who were present (as well as not present.. i am referring to one dear lil' fat monkey!) (also Jules & L) thanks for being such a splendid, kind and generous host! Next round .... POOL PARTY!



xoxo, cumi&ciki

Many more will blog this amazing event.. so far, read..
Masak masak !



NEWS FLASH!
harlo everybody! With regards to the NST article that came out yesterday on Cumi&Ciki.. let us just clarify because of the many SMSs.. I SAY MAN.. these reporters I tell you, are they actually listening when they talk to you huh ? :P
Cumi runs an extreme adventure/sports advisory company...(check it out at www dot whoa-adventures dot com) he himself is an extreme sports enthusiast .. he is NOT a tour guide!
For adventures and fun in the sun for everybody, check out/click WHOA!
Cheers buddies!

LUB U LONG TIME!

VALENTINE SCHMALENTINE ...

All the kissing couples,

And teddy bears in mugs,

Annoying heart-shaped balloons,

And huge pink cards with HUGS

The dinner menu is exorbitant,

Better find something else to munch,

So me, myself and my blogger friends,

Will celebrate with some brunch.

The 14th of the second month,

Is just another day,

Better yet Thaipusam,

We best get things on the way!

Why bother with expensive roses,

They'll die within a day,

Bring out the Crystal and the Pavlova,

I'd rather eat & drink my cares away.

I'll guzzle champagne with my friends,

And shimmy with FBB,

I'd start at noon and finish at 10,

Oh this is what friends are for, you see.. ;)

So "down with Valentiney things",

"Down with sappy pink" I say,

Down with all the bears in mugs,

IT'S JUST ANOTHER DAY!

For the take on food, click here : JOE and JULES

For the take on "The reason for the celebration", click here :Lyrical Lemongrass

For the cool, hippie take on the party, click here : Life for beginners

LUB U LOTS MY FRIEND!

Note: Photographs courtesy of all cameras present at the party, on the 14th Feb 2009.
Delicious food and gorgeous heart-shaped Pavlova courtesy of Fatboybakes!