LA/PA @ Bangsar

Hey everyone! Sorry for not updating frequently these days (I really try though). Hope you all celebrated Chinese New Year well and ate to your hearts' contents! I was in Penang again for Chinese New Year and managed to explore even more new places. Should I do a blog post about it? Let me know if you're keen in the comments :)

Have you heard of this food app called Burpple? No? I suggest you download it now and start following all those hungry foodies! Before I continue, please note that Burpple did not pay or ask me to mention them whatsoever. I am genuinely telling you about how great this food app is when it comes to looking for food and also sharing the ones your recommend! I'm typically a little lazy to write extremely long reviews these days like the ones on my blog unless there is something I have to say. Other than that, do check out more of my favourite places on my Burpple profile HERE.

Three Burpplers and I met up in Bangsar a few weeks back to catch up because it truly has been a while since we all first met last October. LA/PA (pronounced as "lapar". For non-Malaysians, it means "hungry") is one of the newest places to makan in Bangsar so naturally we collectively decided to meet there.

As usual, parking was a nightmare so I parked at Bangsar Village II to skip the tedious, endless rounding and rounding.

Here's are some quick snaps I took of the menu. We went during brunch so we ordered 4 out of 5 items of the "Breakfast" section along with a cup of coffee each. The coffee was pretty ... meh. Nothing to shout about.

Provencal French Toast [RM19.90] of dark rye loaf seasoned with herbs de provence made with kale, basil pesto and feta cheese.

Fair warning to those who are appealed by its name, this is a savoury dish and may come off as oddly otherworldly to some.  I was impressed at the seasoning but thought it would go better with the conventional pasta. One of the Burpplers didn't fancy it considering french toasts are normally served sweet here in Malaysia. Nevertheless, it was a great thing we tried it for a new experience. The price is a downside because of its puny portion. 

Bread Basket [RM12.00] of assorted house-made breads served with garlic herb butter, spiced brown sugar & raisin butter and Bonne Maman jam. 

This is something definitely worth ordering if you're not particular about a wide variety of flavours. For that price and that amount of bread and spreads, it's a great breakfast right there. I love garlic so the garlic herb butter was a bliss to my tastebuds. 

The only fault with this was not with the dish but rather the kitchen. Our spiced sugar & raisin butter had a plastic wrapping around it. Luckily, one of the Burpplers decided to investigate it before consuming (we thought it was gelatine!). The waitress briefly apologised, took the entire dish back to the kitchen and returned with all the spreads replaced. We discussed if we should ask for a refund but decided to just let it slide.  

Pancakes & Orange Quinoa Compote [ RM19.90] of fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with spiced orange and quinoa compote, Indonesian long pepper and vanilla bean whipped cream.

The picture looks as unenthusiastic as I was when I took my first bite. The presentation made it a bit hard to grab a good picture of all 3 pieces of pancakes (or maybe I'm just a horrible photographer). Photo composition aside, they were just average pancakes lacking the fluffy texture to live up to its description in the menu. They were not all fluffy, based on what reviews are saying. They were more like a cross between fluffy and chewy. Some may like it, but sorry I don't. The quinoa was a redundancy on a plate and the orange could be just the wrong type or the wrong fruit even. It's sad to say that none of us enjoyed this over-priced breakfast. 

Duck Eggs in Purgatory [RM21.00] made with Australian spinach in creamy garlic sauce, a dash of paprika and served with baguette.

Another garlicky type of food, but this one saved me from leaving with a disappointing brunch in my stomach. It tasted so good and well flavoured even though the eggs were a wee bit overcooked. Very satisfying dish! 

Maybe they're trying out new flavours, maybe they're trying too hard to add a twist to the classic. But one thing's for sure, it'll be a while till my next visit.

Information

Address: 15, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 8.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m. every day

Contact no.: +60322014395

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lapabangsar?fref=ts
Website: http://www.lapa.co 

Metal Box & Cat In The Box @ Empire Damansara

If I were to pick an activity to define "infinity", I would go with cafe hopping in Kuala Lumpur/Selangor. In other words, the list shows no end.

Don't get me wrong, visiting cafes is an adventure and seeing concepts differentiating one cafe from another never ceases to amaze me. Sadly, there are just way too many popping up in such a short period of time and I simply cannot catch up (I try though!); which makes me wonder if this is yet another trend in the midst of digging its own grave. I would be absolutely disappointed if it were. 

Metal Box 

A few days ago, I managed to grab brunch with my favorite people immediately after my second exam paper. I know, going out during exams. But a girl's got to eat! 

The Metal Breakfast [RM20.90]

Truthfully, this is one of the slightly better ones I've had so far. For starters, the French sour dough slices are set beside the eggs (they use free-range and you can have them poached, scrambled, sunny side up or over easy). Most cafes serve the eggs on top of the toast every time. Why would go through the trouble of toasting good bread and ending up serving it soggy? I just can't wrap my head around it. 

Unlike most big brekkies where there are no signs of greenery on the plate (potatoes and mushrooms do not count!), this one comes with a spread of salad leaves with balsamic vinegar and grilled vine tomatoes. Feeling less guilty? Certainly, although I'm a little bummed from the absence of sauteed mushrooms :(

No complains about the chicken (or beef) sausage and beef bacon (or turkey ham) but some may argue that the plate lacks meat for its price. The homemade cannellini beans, though, are a little disappointing due to its blandness but next to them are cute bite-sized potato hash browns which are a delight to look at somehow. 

Guinness Pancakes [RM14.90]

Basically fluffy and moist pancakes with Gula Melaka syrup served with mixed berries tossed in raspberry coulis. The minute you pop one of the berries into your mouth and bite it, you will feel a burst of juice. It's a wonderful feeling! Apparently, the shot of Gula Melaka had a touch of homemade Guinness dressing but it wasn't very profound in my opinion. 

Specialty French Toast [RM14.90]

Don't be fooled by the size of its portion. It may be small but it's packed with flavour and texture. Served with the similar Gula Melaka syrup as in the pancakes, these French toasts are also very fluffy with a slight crisp. 

The coffee (cappuccino [RM9.90]) was strong and bitter which is memorable if you're into that kind of coffee. 

Sitting outdoors in Malaysia can drive one insane due to the humidity and scorching sun. Thankfully the weather was more forgiving so we decided to dine outside. There was a fan above us, we were facing the forest of trees opposite and the sky was cloudy enough to block off some of the sun. It was certainly the most appropriate ambiance to accompany any meal. 

Information
Address: G12, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya
Closed on: Mondays
Operating hours: 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m., 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/metalboxcafe

Cat In The Box

One cafe visit was not enough to keep us going for the day so we decided to explore Empire Damansara and naturally found Cat In The Box. Contrary to its name, there are no cats in boxes.

Vanilla frothie [RM10.00]

Grilled cheese toast [RM8.00]. I'm sorry to say that this was a rip off.

Potato pie served with corn & bell peppers salad [RM12.00] which was actually quite a delight with coffee. 

They serve single-origin East Timor beans for coffee which has a chocolate and nutty flavor to it. Pictured: cappuccino [RM10.00]

What you've been seeing on Instagram does not do justice in describing the atmosphere of this place - ceiling-high glass panel windows and facing the same green hill opposite Metal Box. And the bonus? Rain. It's a lovely setting to go into solitude especially when there is no crowd.

Information:

Address: Lot 111 Heritage Lane, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya

Operating hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday (11.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.), Friday - Saturday (11.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.)

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/catinthebox.events

p.s. Heard of this project called Made With Map? Click on the picture below to view my profile and do follow me! :)

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

Email: fuelcoffee.my@gmail.com

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. 

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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!