Saturday 26 April 2014

Fuel Coffee, Damansara Uptown

Damansara Uptown. An area in which its culture I have yet to explore although I can strongly vouch for the fact that the availability of parking spots depends on your luck like most congested places.

Thanks to a fellow blogger friend, Carmen, who discovered and was so keen on visiting this cafe, we managed to schedule a meet up this Saturday afternoon - to which was our second time meeting in real life since the Cosans bloggers event (read about it here).

Setting



Recently opened about four months ago by a guy from Beijing, this place looks pretty hip from the outside I must say. Spot the old-school post box.





I personally thought this is clever.



Much of its decoration comprise antique subjects and mostly household items in which may seem odd in terms of its placing but somehow suit the cafe's environment. 

Matchstick pens.

Nope, not my journal. Their menu looks like this and the charm is very Vintage 1988.


 What went into our tummies





What this place is known for: Bonsai Coffee [RM10.90]. As a coffee lover, it's not a superb cuppa but I was particularly amazed at its conceptualization of a bonsai plant - the warm coffee insulated by cool whipped cream sprinkled with Oreo crumbs and topped with mint leaves. 
A tip on how to consume this: don't eat all the whipped cream at once (I know, it's Oreo but control yourselves). Instead, drink it to a point where you can taste both the whipped cream and coffee. That's where it gets interesting.

Iced cappuccino [RM10.90] and Carmen's lil bro.

Hot Mocha [RM10.90] which was different from the usual where you can distinctly taste both coffee and chocolate. This one had a nice balance but was really mild.

Old Beijing Noodles with Chicken Chop [RM10.90]. Mind you, mix thoroughly before consuming to ensure the flavour of the excellently marinated minced pork is coated on each strand of the noodles! It is served with chili which looks like the chili pan mee's chili drenched in oil.

We also ordered Leek Pork Dumplings [RM10.90 - I just noticed every thing we ordered costs the same price respectively]. In all honesty, we spent a bit too long shooting pictures of our orders so this became a little cold when we ate them, unfortunately. However, it was still pretty tasty on the inside! I personally expected a bit more filling to it.


So where's the best seat in the house? 


It definitely has to be by the window! Excellent lighting for photoshoots for you Instgrammers and photographers out there.


Before signing off, presenting the fellow blogger:


Thanks for recommending the place and for your great company. Also thanks to Benny and Carmen's little brother for being great company too as well as extra tummies!
Click on Carmen to visit her blog (:


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Address: 111G, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact number: +60377336895

Tuesday 22 April 2014

The Grumpy Cyclist, TTDI [Crespella Review]

Yes, one single blog post dedicated to these gorgeous pieces on a plate which sailed me to heaven and, unfortunately, back.



I was talking to Ryan about this place and he insisted I try their Crespella a.k.a. four chocolate chip pancakes served with blueberries and a single strawberry on whipped cream dusted with icing sugar and drizzled with a little honey. I'm personally usually into pancakes served with maple syrup (or honey) and generous slabs of butter melting into them. These beauties have however changed my perception on chocolate chip pancakes and I'd recommend this especially if you're a chocolate person. Not the fluffiest pancakes I've had but the texture is excellent as the pancakes do not crumble apart upon cutting. The price? Just RM12.00 to fill your tummy up with such goodness. 

Heads up: it's rather impossible to get a parking spot along that row but I reckon the rounds will be worth it. If you're a true Malaysian, feel free to double park (which is what most people do in this area). 

On the side note, their coffee improved compared to the first time I visited. Their beans were initially from Artisan Roast. Now, they use Ponto Alegre beans from Brazil which are way less bitter (based on the cuppa I had) and much smoother.


For more details on The Grumpy Cyclist, click to visit my previous review here

F.I.Q. Gastronomy, Subang Jaya

Gastronomy - the study of food and culture, with a particular focus on gourmet cuisine.

Setting


The concept is simple: let's pair black-tie-event food along with a casual, rustic environment.



If you may notice, all the chairs and tables are wooden (quite coarse wood so there may discomfort when you dine in) with back and butt cushions, thankfully. 




Wall art - something to admire if you're seated outside.


What went into our tummies



RM8.00 cappuccino. A little hard to get quite decent ones under RM10.00 nowadays. This one isn't the best I've had but it's not too bad. 
Beans used: Digayo


Roasted Carrot Soup with bits of bacon which was already so filling for RM12.00. Can't entirely judge on the taste because it was my first time having carrot soup (didn't event know of its existence, to be honest). Guess mushroom soup is too mainstream?



FIQ's Club Sandwich of chicken breast, beef bacon and sunny side up. Massive portion for RM15.00! They make their bread from scratch, by the way.

Turkey Ham Sandwich for RM20.00.


I must say their fries are amazing despite them being quite oily (eat first, think later). It's not the most appetizing at first sight but you can tell it isn't mass-produced fries. I'm personally really into salty food so this was perfect. 



My order: Hand Made Ravioli [RM25.00]. I actually expected more filling than what was served. Not recommended for big-eaters unless you intend to have dessert. I personally wouldn't order this again though. 


* * * *

This is overall a great place to chill if you're looking for one that isn't crowded with people parking themselves at a table all day with a drink and a laptop. I'd certainly return to give it a go at their desserts!


Address: 34, Jalan SS19/1D, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Closed on: Monday
Operating hours: 12.00 noon - 11.30 p.m.
Facebook page: Click here!