Thursday, February 25, 2010

T.G.I Friday's™ Restaurant & Bar @ Wangsa Walk

Was checking out facebook on a fine day when I come across Amy's status that Amrita will be leaving Malaysia. What? Is that true? I texted Amrita but there was no reply from her. The next day, Surya's facebook message confirmed that she will be leaving to New Zealand to further her studies.

Surya was trying to organize a farewell gathering for Amrita. There were suppose to be more than 6 of us, but unfortunately, due to the limited time and the festive week of Chinese New Year, many couldn't make it. The location was set at Fridays located at the Wangsa Walk at Wangsa Maju. This was really the first time I heard about Wangsa Walk.

The last time I dine in Friday's was 9 years back on the very last day of my SPM exams with my sisters of Becky, Wern Ching and Michelle. I didn't like my JD Chicken Breast then because it tasted too dry. Hopefully, this time round my food will taste better.


The cozy environment and the lighting set up a perfect ambiance for dining and catching up. Though the weather was very hot, we could barely feel the heat when we were being seated inside.

Iced Lemon Tea (RM 7.90)
Bottomless refills but I didn't like the size of their glasses because it was too small. I needed to ask them to refill numerous times since I'm a person that drinks a lot.

Apple Iced Crush (RM 8.90)
Iced crush fizzy drink that was flavoured with apple taste. Decent but not something that I would order as it was not bottomless.

I remembered I saw a poster somewhere regarding the promotion set that they offered in Fridays which includes an Appetizer and a Main Course (RM 29.90) from their selective menu. Finally, I have the chance to order them after some time.


I ordered a Mac Cheese as my appetizer and since Surya ordered the promotion set, she was entitled for an appetizer as well. She initially ordered the Buffalo Wings but a moment later another waitress came to notify us that Buffalo Wings was out of stock and she needed to choose another appetizer. Are you kidding me? How could a kitchen ran of stock when you are in a F & B line and furthermore, that is your claimed flagship appetizer.

Chicken Fajita Nachos
Crisp tortilla chips were piled high with their marinated charbroiled chicken breast, grilled onions, green peppers and topped with melted Monterey Jack Cheese.
I personally find the toppings were not flavourful enough and a little too sour to my liking.



Fried Mac & Cheese
Irresistible, creamy cheeses and elbow noodles golden-fried to perfection. Another flagship appetizer of theirs.
However, it was a let down as it tasted very very bland. I could barely taste the existence of the cheese or was it even a cheese?

The Cheese Macaroni fillings

Time for the main course after some disappointing starters.

Southwest Adobo Chicken
Roasted half-chicken seasoned with lemon, garlic, cilantro and herb rub. Served with sweet potato fries and spicy Jala chili sauce for dipping.
It was Surya's main course and of course I couldn't help myself from stealing some chunks of it. The sauce was a little tangy with some hints of Masala taste. However, the chicken meat was very dry and way too rough.

Tuscan Chicken Melt
Fire-grilled diced chicken, Mozzarella and Jack cheeses, roasted onions and tomatoes, all pressed together between two slices of buttery bread. Served with crispy fries.
Chicken Tuscan Melt
The fillings were horrible, again, I do not know why there were no fragrant smell of the Cheese even though they claimed to have 2 different type of cheese. All I tasted were just chunks of chicken breasts and very bland starchy cheese with the garlic butter toast. So miserable that I ate a quarter of the toast only.


Then came to the steak part where Amrita and Thinesh had them as their main course. Since, I don't eat beef, I can only ask their opinion.
Ribeye Steak (RM 47.90)
Our richly-marbled, 10-oz Australian chilled air flown grain fed ribeye steak, chargrilled until it's juicy and melt-in-your mouth tender.
Niresh's main course. He finds it lacking in some flavour and it was no match to steaks prepared by the other steak house franchise chain.

Jack Daniel's New York Strip and Shrimp (RM 57.90)
A generous 10-oz. Australian chilled air flown grain-fed strip steak and crispy Cajun-spiced shrimp served with cheddar cheese mashed potatoes and our original Jack Daniel's sauce.
Amrita commented the steak was nothing really to shout about. I tasted the sauce, and it deserved some mentioning of it unique taste with strong hint of Jack Daniel's.

In the end, they were left overs of main course and Mac Cheese. Not because the portion was big but it was simply because it does not lived up to expectation. Well, maybe they need another 10 years.

All the best to you Amrita!=)

Wishing you all the best undertakings in New Zealand. Do keep in touch and remember what you have promised us. Take care!

Chicken Fajita Nachos: 5/10
Fried Mac & Cheese: 3/10
Southwest Adobo Chicken: 6/10
Tuscan Chicken Melt: 2/10
Ribeye Steak: 5/10
JD's New York Strip and Prawn: 5/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Price: 5/10
Verdict: One of my most dissatisfying lunch. Perhaps, it will be another 10 years before my next visit.

T.G.I
Friday's Restaurant & Bar,
Lot G02, Ground Floor,
Wangsa Walk Mall, Wangsa Avenue,
Jalan Wangsa Perdana 1,
Wangsa Maju, 53300,
Kuala Lumpur

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Ten Tian Lai Stall @ Sekinchan, Selangor [15th Feb 2010]

It was the second day of the Tiger year as well as my Mum's day. We left Teluk Intan at 5pm, heading to our initially planned dinner at Kuala Selangor. We travelled by coastal way and my GPS signaled that we will be passing by Sekinchan soon. By this time, we were all quite hungry and the fact that it will be another half an hour more before reaching Kuala Selangor, it prompted us to change our mind to stop by Sekinchan town to have our dinner.

We wanted to dine in Guan Seng Loong Restaurant initially. Unfortunately, the restaurant was still closed for business and we asked the local folks on whereabouts of places that we can dine in. Very fortunate of us, we bumped into this Uncle who led us to this restaurant lied deeper in the town of Sekinchan.

Weather was burning hot and it was humid. I reckon some ice blended stuff would be the best call as appetizer.
Air Batu Campur
Tasted way too diluted. Anyhow, it does the job for chilling me down.

We needed to wait for more than half an hour before our first dish was served. I guess it was because not many stalls in the town were opened and everyone flocked in to this restaurant for dinner.

Kam Heong La La
Nothing to shout about, at least the presence of the "kam heong" can be tasted. La la meat was decent in size and juicy.

Stir Fried Local Lettuce
Lettuce was crunchy and smooth but tasted a little bit bitter.

Stir Fried Eggplant
The smoothness and the softness of the eggplant were still there. It was full with wok hei and very well flavoured and it goes well with the plain rice.

Kung-Po Style Mantis Prawn
Mantis prawn were coated with flour and deep fried. It was then being stir fried with dried chillies and their specialty sauce. The specialty sauce blends well with the fried mantis prawn. Each bite was crunchy on the outside while maintaining the softness and sweetness of the mantis prawn. Just way too addictive.

Steamed Red Snapper in Teochew Style
Fish was over steamed resulting in a very rough meat. This Teochew style was lacking in flavour and tasted very bland. Necessary condiments such as coriander, sour plum and chillies were missing.

Bean Curd Soup in TeoChew Style
Bean Curds were smashed and cooked with pork meat and prawn. Soup was a little starchy and it does taste like the shark fin soup.

Braised Yee Mee
Since it was my Mum's birthday, there must be noodle to complete our dishes. The Yee Mee was decent, but lacking some wok hei.

My uncle and aunt asked me to pay a visit to their washroom with a promise that I will be amazed by it. At that time, I seriously wondered how amazing can a washroom be.
Environment friendly washroom
There was only a single washroom and it was friendly enough to be located in the middle of the swamp.

The total bill came up to RM 127.10 which includes a large bottle of Beer, drinks and plain rice. Taking the fact that it was on the Chinese New Year, I supposed the price was very reasonable. I guess this is why people claimed Sekinchan served good food at a very reasonable price. We would love to be back at Sekinchan for more food the next time.

Atmosphere: 5/10
Food: 6/10 (non-halal)
Price: 7/10
Verdict: Mantis prawn was a bomb. Steamed fish was a let down but no complain for other dish and the price.

Location: After turning into Sekinchan town using the costal way, keep going straight until you reached an end junction. Turn right here and keep traveling for another 1km and you will see this wooden restaurant on your left side.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Roaring Tiger Year Day 2 @ Ipoh [15th Feb 2010]

After the Dim Sum breakfast, Mei Mei asked me on where I would love to go next. She suggested shopping complex or sight seeing. Honestly, I have not been to any of the many temples in Ipoh. Since it was the second day of Chinese New Year, I thought it would be good if we pay a visit to the temple.

I was given the choices of the famous Sam Poh Tong and another temple. However, I opted to pay a visit to the Guan Yin temple since I have the feeling wanting to pay a visit on my previous day when I passed by it. Was this called fate?


Anyway, we went inside the cave to pray first, lighting up joss sticks and the oil candle. There were only a lady was praying and including us, there were only 3 people in the cave. Pretty empty for a temple on the second day. Maybe, it was still early.

After the prayer, we went to walk around at the beautifully landscaped park. It was beautifully decorated creating a warm environment of Chinese New Year atmosphere.

Welcoming Guan Yin Statue from both side



Guan Yin Statue

Stairs leading to?
Would love to climb up, however Mei Mei was on a mini skirt, maybe just next time.

Have to stuck at downstairs

The entrance to the Guan Yin Statue park

Formation of ridge crystal

Love Lock Park

Don't lock, let's rock~

Really can lock?

We are still wondering


Says what?

Ambassador of the day

Red wave of decoration along the pathway

Some Buddhist statue
Those tiny gold pieces hanging on the wall were actually the mini Buddhist statue.

Upon making our way out, we came across a big Chinese chess set that was lying on the floor.
One of the many pieces

The clock was showing 10.15 am and it's time to make a move as we needed to head home respectively for the "Hoi Nin" meal. Though it was just a short period of Ipoh venturing, I did enjoyed it a lot especially at the temple where it was an eye opener for me, my first ever visit to a cave temple.

Thanks Mei Mei for bringing me around=))

After driving around for near to 25 minutes, I finally able to get back to my Aunt's place. Am really sorry Mei Mei, you know, I'm a total lost at Ipoh's road. As soon as I reached, I could hear my mum and aunt calling me to get ready for the "Hoi Nin" meal when my stomach was still full with the early morning dim sum breakfast.

Stir Fried Mixed Vegetable
Just love eating them after so many meaty dishes.

Roasted Pork
The previous night roasted pork was lightly pan fried by my Aunt. End result was still a very good roasted pork with crispy skin and tender meat.

Soya Sauce Prawn
A dish prepared by my cousin sister. The prawns were fresh, juicy and flavourful. Cousin sister, don't you realized that you were actually good with the prawns?

Steamed Chicken
Another must have dish during the "Hoi Nin" meal. But for me, chicken again?

Condiments for the Chicken
Best to dip with Steamed Chicken. Just awesome!

Sour Vegetable Soup
There were too many ingredients being dumped into this soup ranging from mushroom, pork meat to chicken feet. The soup tasted a little bit spicy, sour and sweet, much to my likings.

Pork Intestine Soup

The Hoi Nin Meal
Isn't all this a little bit too heavy for a brunch at 11am?

I didn't eat much since I was still quite full. Time to do some packing before heading down to Teluk Intan.

Weather was too hot, needed some Tiger to chill

We left Simpang Pulai at 1.45 pm. We travelled by coastal way to Teluk Intan because we were told that it would be nearer. Traffic was slightly congested, but fortunately, the congestion does not result to a jam.

After more than an hour of drive, passing some town such as Mambang Dekiawan and Langkap, we finally reached the temple at about 3pm meeting up with Uncle Gilbert, Aunt Wendy and Galvin.
Guan Yin Temple at Teluk Intan

"Big Lime, Big Come!"

Dangling Red Lantern

At 5.30pm, we travelled back to KL by coastal way before stopping by at Sekinchan for dinner. By the time I'm home, the clock was already showing 10.30pm. Dread tired, but I need to have a quick shower before heading to Strachan's place for some gaming session. Partnering with Strachan for mahjong was really funny.

Our gaming session ended at 3.30 am and we decided to have our early breakfast at Mcdonalds. I collapsed the moment I'm home by 4.50am. Time for a recharge!

HAPPY BIRTH DAY MUM!
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