Invited: Patin Place @ Bandar Puchong Utama

Patin Place has 3 secret weapons:

• Fresh Patin river fish from Temerloh
• Tempoyak (Fermented Durian) Sauce (Temerloh Specialty)
• Special Charcoal + Special Oven which have Dry Steam (Sauna) effect on the fish, allowing the fish to maintain its original form and slowly releasing the moisture (“sweating”) after the fish is served

Patin Place is located at Bandar Puchong Utama, about 300 meters from the Famous Batu 14 Puchong Yong Foo, near the rows of shops. The shop is at a quiet corner lot with plenty of parking, and it does have an attractive exterior especially during the night.

Bandar Temerloh tanah kelahiranku,
Sungai Pahang tempat bersiram semua,
Patin Tempoyak santapan rajaku,
Resipi temurun khas dari kota.

From the above pantun, the royal dish of Patin Tempoyak is something everyone must try if you are at Patin Place. The friendly and chatty owner, Jerry, is very proud of his masterpiece of “3 Secret Weapons” for Patin Place with good reasons, which shall be unfolded through the food offered.

The recommended drink is Guava Assam Buoy, which is very nice, refreshing and appetizing.

Guava Assam Buoy

The first dish is Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam (RM 8.90), which is superb in both aesthetic and taste. To complement this dish, you need Gulai Assam Tempoyak, which are too strong to be consumed alone, but goes perfectly with the rice. Fermented Durian in my rice? I have to admit that tempoyak is an acquired taste, but the smell of durian is mild, and it’s very tasty when mixed with rice, or fish. We had some Sambal Sotong (Dry Cuttlefish) and Rendang Beef to go with the rice, and Chinese Kailan which is fresh and crispy. For a better taste of the tempoyak during lunch, Nasi Lemak “Dry Steam” Ayam Tempoyak is a better choice.

Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam

Nasi Lemak “Dry Steam” Ayam Tempoyak

Chinese Kailan

The highlight of the day is the Royal dish of “Dry Steam” Patin Tempoyak with Petai (RM 68). What is this “Dry Steam”? The Japanese call it “Sauna”, and it’s the pride and joy of the owner, where he invented a new cooking process using a special charcoal and a special oven. The charcoal is smokeless and odorless (like those used in Korean BBQ), which last longer and cooked the meat without spoiling the texture. What about the Special oven? It’s a trade secret, but one of the usages is “Dry Steam”, allowing the fish to maintain its original form and slowly releasing the moisture (“sweating” ala Sauna) after the fish is served. The moisture slowly bubbling up after you tear opens the fish, which maintain the nice texture and taste of the Patin. The Tempoyak cooked with Lemon and Petai provided a very refreshing taste for the fresh river Patin, it’s like a match made in heaven, Perfecto! It’s very tasty and appetizing, and you probably won’t notice it’s fermented durian if you are not told about it. Fermented durian or not, it’s definitely an eye-opener dish and a must try!

“Dry Steam” Patin Tempoyak with Petai (RM 68)

Moisture is slowly released due to the Sauna / Dry Steam effect

The second main dish is Smoked Patin Salai (feels like Ikan Bakar, but not really grilled) with a split skin effect (the flesh detached from the skin easily), and spicy sauce on top of it. The flesh manages to retain its moisture, and I personally enjoy the smoked-style with spicy sauce. You are advised not eat or break the skin, as after you finish the flesh, they will “fried” the skin and you will have another round of crispy fish skin (like the fried salmon skin served in restaurant). Double enjoyment for the price of one dish, yeah! The salai is served with a special peanut sauce, which is really nice.

Smoked Patin Salai

Peanut Sauce

Crispy Fish Skin

The third dish is Talapia wrapped in Lotus Leaf served with special in-house sauce, with no trace of tempoyak, a great choice for those who can’t accept the idea of durian in their meal. Though this is a good dish, but my taste bud is overtaken by the Royal “Dry Steam” Patin Tempoyak with Petai and Smoked Petai Salai.

Talapia wrapped in Lotus Leaf

There have 3 special sauces for sauce lover, the orange one is quite spicy, but all three of them are really refreshing. I found the sauce redundant as this stage as the fish are already very tasty in their own special way, and the sauce would probably spoilt them, best to keep them for other dishes.

Special Sauces

The Patin Place is a very unique place, with their fresh patin, royal tempoyak sauce, and special cooking method. I would probably bring my parents to give it a try, to double check if the tempoyak is really as authentic as it’s claimed (it’s the first time I heard of and tasted tempoyak, so I’m no expert, though I’m from Kuantan, paiseh!). Definitely should give this place a try, and the tempoyak is best served with the Patin (with Chicken is okay, but Patin is much better). Have you tasted a tempoyak yet?

Special Charcoal

Special Oven

Durian Cendol

PATIN PLACE RAMADAN BUKA PUASA TEMPTATIONS
DATE : 15 JULY – 4 AUGUST 2013
Adult: RM 49.90 nett per adult.
Kid: RM 29.90 nett per kid, from 4 to 12 years old.

Patin Place
31, Jalan BPU 5, Bandar Puchong Utama,
14 Mile Jalan Puchong, 47100 Puchong
Tel: 016-208 9012
FB: https://www.facebook.com/PatinPlace

Invited: D'Bakul Indonesian Cuisine @ USJ Taipan

D’Bakul serve authentic Indonesian cuisine from various regions under one spacious roof where the interior decorations resemble a real Indonesian restaurant which I had visited in Indonesian. The owners are Indonesians with branches in Jakarta such as Makan Makan.

“Majestic” bamboo cage entrance

The exterior of restaurant might seem quite intimidating at a large corner lot shop in USJ with a “majestic” bamboo cage entrance. Will it burn a hole through my wallet? They serve rice set from RM 9.90 to RM 12.90, and some “luxurious” dishes for 2-4 people to share; I would say there is something for everyone and every budget. The interior is spacious and brightly lit, suitable for gathering and family dinner, plus some solid wood table which weight 200kg and some corners of the place are well decorated, and there is a second floor and balcony for exterior seating.

Fandi the manager (looks like Chinese, and he is Indonesian) introduces Crispy Fried Spring Duck, Ox Tail Soup, Crispy Fried Talapia, Coconut Fish Soup, Crispy Fried Soft Chicken and Gado Gado as their signature dishes; Soursoup Juice, Avocado Juice, Teh Kotjok Cincau and Teh Rempah Serai as their signature drinks.

I was tempted by the Nasi Goreng D’Bakul (RM 13) rice set, but decide to go with individual dishes instead since there are two of us. Our main dish is Ayam Komplit (RM 37), which is 4 pieces of chicken, each cooked in different styles: Ayam Presto, Ayam Penyet, Ayam Bakar and Ayam Goreng. I can’t really identify each chicken properly (all seems yellow to me), but they are definitely tasty (the rempah works well), the meat is tender and there are slight variations (some crispy, some dry, some with sauce, and some spicy).

Ayam Komplit (RM 37)

Our second dish is Talapia Saos Kaki Lima (Crispy Fried Talapia in Plum Sauce) for RM 28. The plum sauce is a good complement to the fried fish, and it’s really crispy and the meat is fine (not funny taste or texture). The Chinese believed fried-method are reserved for fish which are not so fresh, but I believe the Indonesian probably like their fish crispy.

Talapia Saos Kaki Lima (Crispy Fried Talapia in Plum Sauce) for RM 28

We decided to skip plain rice and try the Nasi Bakar (Grilled Mixed Rice with Chicken Chunks and Anchovies) for RM 7.50 (enough for 2 person unless you are a big rice eater). It looks like a pulut, but not glutinous rice; it’s grilled rice wrapped like a pulut, there is a nice fragrance from it, but I could hardly see the chicken chunks and anchovies, and it’s slightly dry due to the grilled nature.

Nasi Bakar (Grilled Mixed Rice with Chicken Chunks and Anchovies) for RM 7.50

We try the Avocado Juice (RM 8.50), with green avocado and some chocolate stripes (I remember the drink is quite popular when I visited Surabaya). It’s refreshing, slightly bitter (Avocado duh) with some sweetness from the chocolate (I assume the brown color stripes are chocolate). Soursoup Juice (RM 6) is refreshing as well.

Soursoup Juice (RM 6), Avocado Juice (RM 8.50)

Overall I would say it’s a tasty and satisfying meal, and with 4 people we would be able to try more variety of the dishes available. The restaurant is more suited for family and gathering rather than for couple or the younger crowd. How is this place compared to the famous Balinese restaurant in town? The Balinese restaurant serves more western dishes to cater for local taste, and you can’t mix Authentic with Fusion together. Indonesian food is not in mass appeal like Italian or Japanese food, so it might take a while for the local to get a hang of it. It’s refreshing to try Indonesian cuisine once in a while, and the food is indeed tasty, but I am still not addicted to it or go crazy about it.

Photo Opportunity

If you want to have some kind of celebration or gathering, this might be a good choice due to the space and high ceiling. They even have Nasi Tempeng (traditional Javanese food) for RM 300 which is suited for a party with 20-30 people: consist of Nasi Kuning, Ayam Goreng, Perkedel Kentang, Sayur Urap, Orek Tempe, Sambal Kentang and Semur Telur Puyuh. One day before reservation is required.

D’Bakul is running a Ramadan Dinner Buffet from 14 July to 7 August, from 7pm to 9.30pm. RM 65 for adult and RM 35 for children. I was told they serve special dishes like Roast Lamb and Beef on weekend :)

This place is Halal with their Halal certificate at their door front.

Indonesian Authentic Cuisine
55 A Ground Floor
Jalan USJ 10/1F
Taipan Business Center
Subang Jaya
Tel: 03 80206813
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DBakul-Indonesian-Cuisine/485492534841920?id=485492534841920

Invited: Ramadhan Preview “A Feast Full of Indulgence” at Seri Pacific Hotel

Malaysia Most Wanted Team was invited to the have a sneak preview of the Ramadhan Buffer offered by 5-star Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur (SPHKL) at Jalan Putra (next to PWTC, a stone throw away from the PWTC LRT station): A Feast Full of Indulgence.

The Ramadhan Buffet does live up to its reputation, offering a wide variety menu featuring over 500 different dishes every day. Chef de Cuisine Chef Saad Bin Othman (27 years of experience) and his team offer some of the best “must try” Malay dishes such as Pucuk Ubi Lemak Pedas Dengan Tempoyak, Daging Berlada Deng-Deng.

Chef de Cuisine Chef Saad Bin Othman 

The highlights of the buffet would be Sup Gear Box ‘Power’ (stewed for 6-7 hours) and Roasted Marinated Whole Lamb (kambing panggang). Chef Saad personally recommended assam pedas and kari kepala ikan.

Personally, I like the Fried Kway Teow, which is soft and tasty. The Kebab, Satay and Ikan Bakar are superb, while Nasi Briyani and the Western Dessert are equally delicious.

Other delights include Pasembur, Laksa Johor and Ulam-Ulam Kampung. There are variety of desserts to choose from such as Bubur, Air Batu Campur (ABC), assorted pastries and lots of local seasonal fruits including Durians. Cold beverages to quench the thirst such as Soya Bean, Air Kelapa, Bandung Syrup, Nescafe Tarik and Teh Tarik at “Latar Kijang Beverage Station”.

Live Music

LOS GOMOS

Besides great food and a real fantastic environment, diners are able to enjoy their breaking of fast in a cool and cozy atmosphere while being serenaded by their regular live musicians known as 'LOS GOMOS’. SPHKL also provides surau to enable visitors to perform Maghrib and Isha’ prayers without leaving the hotel.



A Charitable Course
Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur is also involved in their “Sentuhan Kasih Ramadhan” by selling Raya cookies at RM20.00 per jar with choices of 6 types of cookies (famous seri, chocolate chips, corn flake, peanut butter, pineapple tarts and cookies almond) where some of the proceeds of the sale will be channeled into the "Go Green Fund" of SPHKL and Sek Keb. Tanjung Pati Dungun, Terengganu. The disable kids of the school is also being adopted by SPHKL recently. There are 27 students with disabilities, aged from 7 to 14 years of down syndrome, autism, slow learner and slow development who come from families of low income. The hotel will assist in financing the needs of the disabled students.

Mrs Zarina Jaafar, Marketing Communications Manager of Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, said that this contribution is in line with SPHKL commitment to bring cheer to the less fortunate, especially during festive seasons. "We hope this small contribution will ensure that children who are less fortunate can enjoy and celebrate this holy month just as everyone else," she said.

Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur believe these activities will continue to nurture the spirit of togetherness and cooperation among communities and SPHKL management. Ramadhan is a holy month and time to carry out charitable work, helping those less fortunate. SPHKL is proud to uphold religious values and social contributions to benefit the local community.

Ramadhan Buffet

Roasted Marinated Whole Lamb (kambing panggang) 

The Ramadhan buffet served from 23rd July till 16th August 2012 priced from RM80.00nett per adult, offers a wide spread of delicious exclusive range of dishes that will definitely satisfy your hunger pangs.

SPHKL is also offering a fantastic promotional rate for diners during the period of 23rd July to 25th July and 14th August to 16th August 2012. Buffet starts from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Ramadhan meeting packages are also available at RM330.00nett per person for one night accommodation in Superior Room including, Sahur, unlimited free internet usage of broadband in the room, use of meeting rooms, and PA system. Guest who want to spend the night are offered a special package of Ramadhan with RM185.00 ++ per room per night.

For dining reservations, please call 03-4042 5555 / Tol Free: 1800 888 555

Check out more detail and delicious photo at:
http://food.malaysiamostwanted.com/promotions/1685/seri-pacific-hotel-a-feast-of-indulgence

 

Invited: Best of Malaysia Awards 2011

MalaysiaMW was invited to a swanky cocktail party to witness the Best of Malaysia Awards 2011 organized by Expatriate Lifestyle (Malaysia’s number one expatriate magazine). The party is held View, GTower, Kuala Lumpur, a superb roof-top (balcony to be exact) bar with the view KLCC Tower, filled with beautiful people with superb dresses (and suits).

Wall of Fame

What is the award about? It’s a travel award, where expatriate votes for their favorite Hotels, Resorts & Spas (10 weeks of voting in 16 categories). Wanted to know which is the best place in Malaysia to pamper ourselves? Ladies and Gentlemen, now we know …

Winners from Pangkor Island Tiger Rock

(L-R): Alvin Khoo (Traders Hotel, KL), Daisy Rani (Shangri-la Hotel and Resorts), Julian Wipper (Shangri-la KL), Linges Warren (Traders Hotel, KL)

• BEST CITY HOTEL: MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR 
• BEST BUSINESS HOTEL: HILTON KUALA LUMPUR 
• BEST WEEKEND BREAK: THE RITZ-CARLTON, KUALA LUMPUR 
• BEST ROMANTIC STAY: FOUR SEASONS REOSRT LANGKAWI 
• BEST FAMILY STAY: GOLDEN SANDS RESORT BY SHANGRI-LA, PENANG 
• BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL: PANGKOR ISLAND TIGER ROCK 
• BEST BEACH RESORT: SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG, PENANG 
• BEST SPA RESORT: PANGKOR LAUT RESORT 
• BEST ECO-RESORT: PANGKOR ISLAND TIGER ROCK
• BEST ATTRACTION: PAVILION KL 
• BEST AUTHENTIC MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE: GEORGE TOWN, PENANG 
• BEST CITY SPA: SPA VILLAGE, RITZ-CARLTON KUALA LUMPUR 
• BEST RESORT FOR REST & RECREATION: SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU RESORT & SPA, KOTA KINABALU
• BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT: PREGO, THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR
• BEST HOTEL BAR: SKYBAR, TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
• BEST SERVICE AWARD: SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG, PENANG
• BEST BEACH RESORT: SHANGRI-LA RASA SAYANG, PENANG
• BEST SPA RESORT: PANGKOR LAUT RESORT 

Besides the winners, they have a few Excellence Awards for each category, so you can check out the full list at Expatriate Lifestyle. Wait no more, now you know where to get the best.

Best Romantic Stay

Matt Bellotti, who is also Editorial Director for Expatriate Lifestyle was very excited about the awards, he said, “These awards are now in their sixth year and are the only award of their kind. The Best Of Malaysia is a celebration of tourism and hospitality experiences in Malaysia, which surely rank among the very best in the world. These awards were voted for by expatriates who never cease to impress me with their knowledge and opinions of the best places to see, stay, eat and enjoy. The field of winning properties this year is stronger than ever.”