Double Birthday Bash @ Brussels, Jaya One

SS celebrated my birthday a month back and now together with current birthday boy Edwin, the rest of the gang decided to throw us a surprise double birthday dinner at Brussels Beer Cafe.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and its not surprising that everything Belgian can be found here. From gourmet sausages and liquor-infused seafood to the widest variety of beer I've seen anywhere. The name 'beer cafe' can find no better home. Brussels serves 9 draft beers, 7 German beers, 3 varieties of Leffe, and 2 varieties of Hoegaarden. Prices here are also very reasonable and you can opt for smaller portions of 330ml as well, suitable if you're on a beer-tasting trip.

As much as the variety of beers was tempting, this was a purely foody occasion as we had 6 hungry mouths to feed at the table :p We opted to order a couple of dishes to share out and this included a Weekend Dinner 3-Course Meal (RM35) which includes your choice of starter, main course, and dessert. Ours was Brushetta, Lamb Shank, and Orange Waffles.

A side serving of Mushroom Soup (RM9.80); thick and creamy but a bit too sweet for my taste.

The Belgian Sausage Platter (RM28.80) is a good choice for sharing with 3 varieties of sliced Belgian sausages served with some mashed potatoes and 2 dipping sauces. The two fat sausages had good flavor and a nice salty touch to them while the thinner one was a bit on the average side.

A Belgian eatery serving better Fettucini than Italiannies? You got that right! Brussels' Carbonara Fettucini (RM20.80) is to die for and I rate it a 5 out of 5 and one that you should not miss on your visit here!

The Lamb Shank from the 3-course meal was good value with sizable amounts of tender and juicy meat served with mashed potatoes and pickled capsicum (stoemp).

Brussels' Pork Knuckle (RM48.80) is a humongous serving of pork layers from its crispy crackling skin, to its sinful fatty layer, and down to its lean meaty depths. Definitely not for those who can't stomach a lot of meat but although its was good, I'm sure its not the best pork knuckle out there. I also prefer my pork knuckles uncut. I like fighting and chopping up my meat, the way nature intended it to be :)

To finish off the 3-course meal, Orange Waffles; a small piece of waffle topped with vanilla ice cream and doused with orange essence and garnishing. A simple, sweet, and satisfying dessert.

Oh wait, there's more! Complimentary chocolate brownies for the birthday boys! Rich and delightful, I was full after a couple of bites. Luckily I have some heavy eaters as friends :p

Overall, it was a good dining experience at Brussels Beer Cafe. The weekend dinner 3-course meal is a real value for money deal and can easily be shared by 2, leaving room for some of Brussels extensive choice of premium beers. Thank you dear friends for the planning that went into this and next time we shall come here for the beers instead aite? ;)

Happy shopping and getting prepared for Christmas everyone! You know its that time of the year when every restaurant comes out with their Christmas menus and roast turkey takeaways ;)

Brussels Beer Cafe

L-20-G, Block L, Jaya One

Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-79542000

Frontera Sol of Mexico @ Jaya One

I celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks back and SS treated me to some awesome Mexican stuff. Thanks gal! :) After experiencing a highly satisfying Mexican delight at Las Carretas last month, it was hard to think anything could top that. And was I wrong about that.

Although the atmosphere at Las Carretas excelled at bringing out the best of Mexico, Frontera showed its Mexican passion in its authentic dishes and tequila-infused drinks. Burritos, chipotle, fajitas, chilli con corne, enchiladas, and cheeseburgers are the order with the day together with a variety of margaritas and no less than 6 types of tequilas to choose from!

Dining area is reasonably lit but it could have borrowed more from the Mexican theme as how Las Carretas has done.

You can't go to a Mexican place and not order a margarita. Hence, introducing the Horny Margarita (RM22.95). A weird name for a margarita but besides that, the HM is a real knocker; infused with Sauza Hornitos 100% blue agave tequila and good till the last drop! Frontera supposedly serves the best margaritas in town, and by the taste of the HM alone, I can only conclude that to be true. There are about 4-5 other margaritas to choose from which are pricier than this, which can only mean better.

To start off things, we ordered the Frontera Fiesta Platter (RM34.95) which comprises of (clockwork from top) Stuffed Jalapenos, Habanero Hot Wings, Golden Chicken Tender, and Taquitos de Pollo served with salsa verde, honey mustard, and blue cheese dips. The stuffed jalapenos at Frontera are way spicier than those at Las Carretas and my guess is the seeds are left intact, giving it a real spice kick. Golden chicken tender were some reasonable boneless fried chicken that went very well with the dips, and the famous Taquitos de Pollo are hand-wrapped corn tortillas filled with chicken and then flash fried. A highly recommended starter, especially if you're in groups of 3-4.

Oh wait, I missed one more. Habanero hot wings! Its literally hell on Earth! There's 3 levels of spiciness to choose from but I can only remember the one that mattered.. The spiciest.. The Inferno! I know I know.. It might blow a hole in my tummy or intestines, but how can I leave this place without trying the hottest wings in Malaysia?! And then the moment of truth. After your first bite, you might feel you have this monster under control, but after a while it hits you with all guns ablaze! Frontera's Habanero hot wings is not only damn hot, it taste good as well. I would have eaten my second piece of wing, but I didn't want to order too much water :p Order this with your crazy friends, and watch them cry. Remember.. Inferno!

We also ordered their Chili Cheese Burger (RM22.95) upon the waiter's recommendation. Big, juicy, spicy, and tasteful; a burger that could easily fill 2 tummies, the CCB is topped off with a layer of cheese and the best chili con corne I have tasted in my life! Forget Chili's non-spicy or Wendy's watery version, the chili con corne here is spicy, chunky, and the way a good chili con corne is meant to be. You can also order their chili con corne separately which is served with onions and nachos.

On the house for the birthday boy; chocolate brownie with ice cream :) At this point, I was too full. But what can I say, it was good :)

Lets just say it didn't end there. Although she denies it wholeheartedly, it felt like SS was getting her sweet revenge for me making her down that tequila on her last birthday :p Anyways, with 6 types of tequilas to choose from, here's the Sauza Gold (RM14). Clear and easy going stuff.

Being me with itchy fingers, I was wondering how would the Sauza Gold compare to the others. So I decided to try a shot of 1800 Anejo (RM16). If the Sauza Gold tasted lighter and clearer, the 1800 was stronger and richer in taste. Frontera tend to have promotions on their tequila shots which can go as low as RM50 for 6 shots. So do look out for them.

Overall it was an awesome birthday dinner and one that I wont be forgetting anytime soon ;) If I had to compare Frontera to Las Carretas, I would say Las Carretas gets my thumbs up for their ambiance,decor, and superior customer service, whereas Frontera nudges ahead in the dining and drinking department, but both represent excellent Mexican dining destinations in town.

Frontera Sol of Mexico

18-G-2, Blok L, Jaya One

Jalan Universiti

Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-79588515

Mother's Day @ Piccadilly & Bangkok Masala, Milennium Square

Located just under the condominium that Millennium Square sits are two kitchens that serves the same dining space; Piccadilly and Bangkok Masala. Most in PJ know this place as just Piccadilly and its easy to see why; sounds cooler? Anyhow, the two restaurants are worlds apart. Piccadilly serves mainly western dishes including chops, pastas, burgers, and anything that would go with football by the look of its menu. Bangkok Masala on the other hand serves a wide variety of Asian-themed cuisines.

The dining area is well spaced with nice wooden furniture and ambient lighting. As you can see, loads of television sets occupy the space and sporting telecasts is the main draw here. I'm reckoning this place is a full house during the entire course of the ongoing 2010 World Cup. The place also offers beers at relatively cheap prices.

From Piccadilly, we ordered a couple of Lamb Shoulder Chops (RM14.90); two medium-sized lamb shoulders served with fries and long beans. Yes, you heard me right; long beans. The only reason they would have resorted to this is if long beans is actually cheaper than corn and peas; a terrible side. The lamp meat was slightly thin and also slightly salty. Otherwise, it was only an average dish considering its cheaper price. The health-conscious might want to give this dish a skip; a lot of oil.

From Bangkok Masala; Plain Naan (RM2.50) which was quite nice. The naans here are thinner than usual, but this made it easier to eat, and not make you fill your tummy too fast.

The naans paired excellently with the next two dishes from Bangkok Masala; Tandoori Chicken (RM5) and Butter Chicken (RM12.50). The mint sauce served with the tandoori compliments the chicken and the naan well. Perhaps saving the best for last, the butter chicken saved the day. Although I would have guessed that the dish turn out yellow in color, this butter incarnation has Northern Indian influence written all over it. Packed with chili but also having that thick butter cream texture, this is the absolute best dip for our naans: highly recommended.

Of the two, Bangkok Masala gets my vote over Piccadilly. Piccadilly could likely satisfy most of the sport-lovers who throng the place as they wouldn't give a d*** much on how the food taste like. Anything fried in oil, and you have a winner :p Bangkok Masala's dishes on the other hand feels more refined and the different Asian cooking influences gives you more variety to choose from. Dining here also includes a 10% service charge.

Oh yea, before I forget.. Happy Mother's Day mum :) Or is that super belated by now? :p

Piccadilly & Bangkok Masala

Millennium Square, Dataran Millennium PJ
98, Jalan 14/1, 46100 Petaling Jaya

03-7955 3655

Swensen's Revisited @ SS2, PJ

I know its been ages since my last post. Am I really flogger material? Am I just too lazy? Haha.. Anyway, this post dates back to end of March.. The revisit of Swensen's..

Whenever I and SS are in this part of town, its hard to resist the temptation that is Swensen's. What to do.. SS is kinda hooked on their mint ice cream.. Like seriously hooked on it :p

Anyhow, Swensen's lunch offer is still quite an attractive, affordable, and satisfying one. This time I opted for something that resembled chicken chop and SS delved into her macaroni with cheese. This post has been delayed so long that I have forgotten the original name of the dishes :p Sadly I was unlucky this time around to have gotten my chicken undercooked. And when they took it away, I knew they were going to fry the same piece again, ruining my day :) And so I patiently ate my piece of rubber meat and stole some of SS' average macaroni.

Luckily what Swensen's is really good for, they remain really good for; ICE CREAM :)

With a small add-on, we both had to ourselves a pair of sundaes. Mine was butterscotch and SS' was mint flavored, but both excellent to the last slurp! Swensen's is still an excellent destination for those with a sweet tooth, but they have to do better with their entrees and main courses if they are to do attract more of them. 

Swensen's
22 Jalan SS2/67, Petaling Jaya
47300 Selangor

A table for three, a bill for two @ Uncle Chilli's, PJ Hilton

I know it has been eons since I last did a proper blog post. Inspiration to write has been running low this past months. Anyhow, SS managed to win herself some Red FM food vouchers for this place a lot of floggers are currently raving about and lucky me got to share some of that. Boasting a new menu, Uncle Chilli's is once again bringing out the fire at the PJ Hilton.

The interior is cosy yet vibrant, suitable for couples or small groups alike. The nightly performances can be screen through a class panel separating the dining area from the bar and stage.

For starters, we decided to delve into some Fried Calamari Rings with Chilli Salsa (RM19). Nothing to shout about yet but the chili salsa and mayonnaise dip made the dish. There are 7 other interesting starters to choose from.

I opted for their Burger (RM22) which has been getting attention due to its mammoth proportions. And believe me when I say, I think it taste better than Chili's version. A thick chicken patty, cheese, mushroom, beef bacon, turkey bacon, and fried egg with spicy salsa and guacamole makes this burger a mouthful. It doesn't stop there. The burger is served with relish, cherry tomatoes, salad and your choice of fries, wedges, or tortilla chips. After typing all that, now I'm quite sure its better than Chili's.

Other dishes in this price range include made to order sandwiches, pastas, and pizzas.

SS had her eyes fixed on one and one thing only; Lamb Chops (RM57). Three big cuts of char-grilled imported lamb meats, its texture and taste was a delight to the senses of the tongue. As you chew on each cut, you can feel small amount of fat slowly melting and oozing out those awesome flavors. Served with your choice of rosemary potatoes, mashed potatoes, fries, or wedges, I highly recommend it.

And as for dessert; Warm Chocolate & Amarula Pudding (RM19) with macadamia nut ice cream and peanut butter crunch . I'm no dessert expert, but what I enjoyed about this dish was you could get three different textures with three different taste in every spoonful. A delightful blend in a beautiful presentation.

For those who are new to Uncle Chilli's, this is the best time to try out their various new dishes with your friends or loved ones.

Swensen's @ SS2, PJ

Believe it or not, it is my first visit to Swensen's. I've heard so much about this place and its ice creams. But today shall just be a lunch stopover. Ice cream madness shall have to wait for another day :)


Malaysia does not seem to have a Swensen's website. So you can check out the quite polished up Singapore version; Swensen's Singapore. To my surprise, Swensen's has a lot more going on than just ice cream. From caesar salads, soups, pastas and sandwiches to burgers, pizzas, seafoods and steaks, you would forget Swensen's roots started from ice cream.


Although many outlets have closed down in Malaysia over the years, lets hope the ones remaining like this in SS2 stays open for the foreseeable future.


Fish & Chips; crispy deep fried fillet served with generous amount of fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. I wouldn't say its the best Fish & Chips you'll find, but its ok for a sub-RM15 dish.


Grilled Fish Sambal; this time the fillet is baked and served with mashed potatoes and a sambal dipping sauce. Again, good but not great.


SS would not leave the place without an ice cream, hence the Mint Chocolate Sundae. When it comes to ice cream, I wonder how girls can continue eating and eating. I think they have a special mechanism to chow down on all those creamy sugar. Well, I know I still owe her an Earthquake. So another visit to Swensen's is still on the cards *sweat* :p

Swensen's
22 Jalan SS2/67, Petaling Jaya
47300 Selangor