The 2023 Christmas Tree in Kuala Lumpur

December 2023. EQ Kuala Lumpur hashad  one of my favourite Christmas Tree for three years consecutively. Love the ribbons and pastel color ornaments the hotel has used for it's Christmas tree all these years. I came to know that this Christmas tree is an Angel Tree~ a project held by the hotel for years where public can purchase some selected gift at the Festive Bake Shop next to the Christmas tree as Christmas gifts for children in shelter home.    

Besides EQ, I also like the Christmas tree in my neighbourhood at Arcoris and the one at Slow Wood Coffee, MK10. It might not be as luxurious as Pavilion's, but it's classic and simple. However my favourite mall~ Publika's Christmas Tree did not make it into my favourite this year.

Nasi Lemak Royale Kedah~ Wisma Central, Jalan Ampang

Before December holiday starts and 2023 comes to an end, went for another "lunch time food hunt" at Wisma Central for this famous Nasi Lemak Royale originated from Alor Setar, Kedah. Apparently it was Sultan Kedah's favourite Nasi Lemak (which make them famous). Their signature Royale rice (or coconut milk rice) is yellow in color, not the ordinary white coconut milk rice served in Nasi Lemak. After topped with the side dishes we chose and kuah campur (mixed of different types of curry gravy). I can't actually tell are we having Nasi Kandar or Nasi Lemak haha. Well, they are actually a mamak restaurant in Kedah, therefore naan, tandoori chicken and even roti canai selling here. I had my Nasi Lemak Royale with ayam goreng, peria goreng and fried egg, while my friend had his with fried fish fillet, stir fried cabbages and a hard boiled egg + a bag of papadom to share. It cost about RM35+ in total. We secure a table next to the window at the restaurant's first floor (air conditioned) and order our meal without queue since we were here before 12 noon. It's kind of cozy to sit here have our lunch with Jalan Ampang view, until......the lunch crowd begin to flock in and filled up the space. We barely hear each other well as the noise and sound trapped in this enclosed space. It's a quite decent Nasi Kandar style Nasi Lemak I would say.

Morning Walk~Jalan Kiara 8 - Kg Palimbayan, Sg Penchala

November 2023. This year I have change my exercise route to Jalan Kiara 8, no longer go into jungle at Bukit Kiara. As walking up along Jalan Desa Kiara to Ayuria, till Jalan Kiara 8 enough to achieve my exercise goal. Also, the 1km long Jalan Kiara is good for brisk walk or jogging. Currently only Serene Mont Kiara occupied one side (on the left) of JK8, and an upcoming project - The Minh near the entrance of JK8 is under construction. The rest of the area which used to the jungle of Bukit Kiara has become an open land for future development. There's few landed houses that form a mini kampung, with eatery and even chickens raise at the backyard. My guess that is temporarily accommodation for the foreign workers that work for the construction site of The Minh.

Anyway, few months ago I start to explore further of that open land where there's a swamp that can bee seen at the end of JK8, as well as some condo in Desa Park City. Never know DPC can be see so closely from JK8. Walk out of JK8 to the open land and up to the highest part, there's a paver road that lead downhill where the end is Jalan Palimbayan 3, Kampung Palimbayan, Sg Penchala. Some hikers told me I can go to Sri Bintang Hill or DPC from here. About 2km walk and cross thru the NKVE (beneath the highway) will reach the other side where DPC or Sri Bintang hill is. I did not go further since I am not ready or equipped to explore that far. 

Then I googled, that open land is open for sale in EdgeProp. So, if that land going to build another new project, Mont Kiara will be extended to Sg.Penchala? Here's some picture I took when I first explore the land. By the way, when I walk up the slope back to where I came from, no joke! It is so steep! Reminds of me the first 0.07km of Penang Hill Jeep Trail. 

Lisette's, 163 Retail Park

My senior (who is also my ex boss) who used to work together in Kuala Lumpur office for 3 years revisit KL again after returned to Korea for good. Buying him lunch at Lisette's 163 Retail Park since he is staying nearby my place. I must say lately food price have surge compare to last year. Our brunch for 2 pax ~ an Eggs benedict with smoked salmon + a Berry waffle + a cup of latte and iced americano cost RM 111++ in total. Nevertheless, it is always good to catch up again annually with good food and good talk at a good place.     

Porchetta di Maiale & Orecchiette Pancetta Alfredo~ Osteria Emilia, 163 Retail Park

Saw the place under renovation and opened for business in May when I hang around in 163 Retail Park. A friend keen to try so we meet here for a dinner date on Tuesday after work. After check, I find out that Osteria Emilia is Proof that we previously went twice or thrice in the past. Now that explains why Proof in Arcoris closed down out of sudden. I think the review on food is vary by food and individual preference. Google reviews shows they have 4.5 stars, we find our dinner just average~ We share a Porchetta di Maiale~ crackling skinned pork roast rolled with Italian herbs and spices, roasted rosemary potatoes, serve with thyme jus; and a Orecchiette Pancetta Alfredo~ Orecchiette Pasta in creamy cheese sauce, a piece of pancetta, leeks & parmesan. The roast pork skin is not crisp and it's a bit chewy. Pasta is average. Guess they are good in fire wood Pizza like what we used to have in Proof as most of the reviews are compliment on their pizza than the mains.  

Burnt Cheese Fried Rice with Dakgalbi~ Uncle Jang Dakgalbi, Solaris Mont Kiara

Long time never had Dakgalbi at Uncle Jang's. Initially I brought my parents here at Solaris MK for Pork Bone Kimchi Stew at Goheung Kitchen but the place closed today. Parents then chose Dakgalbi when I listed out few options (of Korean restaurants around Solaris MK) for them to choose. Mom still remember first time we had Uncle Jang Dakgalbi was at Ampang 13 years ago! After over a decade, Uncle Jang's Dakgalbi still good! Definitely better than other Dakgalbi chains that we had tried before - especially the kimchi, soup, pickles and greens for the wrap that serve along. Some Dakgalbi chain serve very pathetic sides for wraps which I find it not appetite. 

Order 2 servings of Dakgalbi (normal spicy) for 3 us to share, with an extra sides of 1 serving of Ramen to be stir frying together with Dakgalbi at round 1. And another 1 serving of rice and mozzarella cheese for fried rice as round 2. Guess what, the cheese fried rice has improvised to torch burnt mozza cheese! Love the mild burnt cheese smell topped on the fried rice made from the leftovers of Dakgalbi! So satisfying with our dinner tonight. After haven't been here for at least 3-4 years, I notice that not only the place has renovated, the ventilation has improved as well. Now we don't smell like 'Dakgalbi' on our clothes and hair anymore after the meal. 

Chen Chen Hong Kong Goose Duck Chicken, Pudu

I've keep thinking about juicy roast goose drumstick (siew ngor bei) that I had in Hong Kong. And I get to eat it today! Looks like I always have lucks with food. Friend remember this place as "hang-koi-bin-siew-ngor" in Cantonese - which is roasted goose place next to a drainage when I share the location in google with him. haha! It's roadside stall next to a shoplot, whereby the tables are line-up along the roofed sidewalk with covered drainage is at a side. There are four roast goose place in Lorong Yap Hin including Chen Chen. The owner cum chef with his signature cowboy hat is friendly and good service! Nothing more happier than having the succulent fatty roast goose drumstick (on my own) as lunch at the end of May. Having a friend who also loves to eat fatty meat just like me is a blessing too!