If you're happy and you know it, clap you HAIR!!!

This is an old ad. Just recalled about it yesterday and found it on Youtube. Seriously, it blew me away when I first saw it and literally made me ROFL. Enjoy it k. :D

More photos on Pick & Brew ...

Pick & Brew @ 1 Utama

How did you spend your Sunday??? I had a great one. Kick started it off by picking SY up and headed to Jaya 33 for BC. It was my first time teaching again (replacing Kevin) after my surgery and I really enjoyed it. At the very least, I now know that my fitness level is good enough to last one whole class and perhaps a li’ll bit more. :p

After that, the both of us headed to 1 Utama as we had already bought movie tickets for Escape From Huang Shi starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Chow Yuen Fatt, Michelle Yeoh and Radha Mitchell. Based on a true story, it tells the tale of an inexperienced English reporter, George Hogg during the dreadful times of the Japanese invasion of China. From a reporter, Hogg gradually played the role of father and teacher to a group of 60 orphans in Huang Shi. As the Japanese army marched closer to Huang Shi, Hogg decided to relocate everyone to Shandan through the Silk Road. A 600 miles journey (mostly on foot) … depicting the bravery and steely determination of Hogg and the children as they battled the harsh elements of Mother Nature and much more. Brilliant cinematography overall … just something one would expect from a USD40 million production.

This time around, we also had the opportunity to have our lunch in Pick & Brew. Wonderful atmosphere for a relaxing meal and service was excellent (though a waiter … probably new at his job mixed up my coffee order). It's located between the Old and New wing of the complex (a couple of shoplots away from Wong Kok Char Chan Teng).

Foodwise, nothing short of YUMMILICIOUS!!! Upon being seated on really comfy grey sofa chairs, we were served with some complimentary baguette and olive bread. It went well with the dip of virgin olive oil and sour vinegar ala Itallianies style.

We started off with some warm chicken served on a bed of mixed lettuce, sweet apples and other garden vegs. Do take note that it’s big enough a portion for two ya. The chicken was juicy and succulent. Pairing it with the crunchy greens, it gives the tastebuds a very tasty sensation indeed. SY decided to go local and had their nasi kerabu while I had their oven baked oats and almond crusted snapper served with boiled potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Our beverages consisted of iced fruit tea and iced black tea with soda. The iced fruit tea had a generous amount of tiny diced apples mixed in which was ultimately very refreshing (perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon) while the black tea was infused with a dash of soda to give it that zesty aftertaste.

The snapper was well cooked, the fish was very fresh and I thoroughly enjoyed its tasty texture. The sauce drizzled on the side complimented the dish perfectly while the spiced tomato puree worked well to excite the appetite. The nasi kerabu did not dissapoint either. The rice was unlike the traditional ones I usually have, can't really put my finger on it but the spice tasted different ... a good kinda different nevertheless. Served with a sizeable piece of chicken chop, it was a dish well presented and kept the pallet oh-so-happy too. Oh and the prawn crackers was a nice touch to remind one of kampung familiarity.

Halfway through her meal, SY noticed that the chicken chop on her nasi kerabu wasn’t well cooked enough, so we sent it back to the kitchen to be re-heated. Moments later, her meal came back satisfactory and the management insisted that we choose a slice of cake (on the house of course) as a token of their earnest apology. Being nice people, we definitely do not want to deny them their sincerity and hence, a rich creamy slice of blueberry cheesecake was served. Hahaha. But seriously, it's this kind of welcoming service that keep the customers coming back.

You simply must have one of their gourmet coffees there. Wide selections of coffee beans from all over the world are available here and Pick & Brew are master connoisseurs at mixing and blending them together to produce any taste to cater for coffee lovers. They also separate their coffees in terms of mild, medium and strong for customers to make a better judgment when ordering their favourite brew.

I went for Prominence … a blend of dunno-what coffee beans (sorry la … don’t remember already) that gives off a hint of bitter dark chocolate. When the coffee was poured out of its Italian moka pot into my cup, the aroma radiated was simply deliciously sublime. Good coffee makes this blogger happy. :D

Oh and I also signed up as their member for a fee of RM10. This will entitle me to collect Beanie points for future benefits and redemptions.

Me give this place a double thumbs up!!! Shall be back in the near future to sample the rest of their menu.

It's all about U ... AGAIN!!!

Last night, SY and I thought of weaving our way through the narrow paths of Petaling Street for the famous sambal ikan bakar (grilled fish) but alas, Mother Nature wasn't so permitting and made the evening a wet one, thus dampening our plan. So we found ourselves in Bukit Bintang again and were browsing around Pavilion instead. Later on, we strolled to Sg. Wang Plaza since SY wanted to get her younger brother a couple of cute Super Mario t-shirts from Bossini.

Dinner beckons while we were there and as if it's even a question ... we went to U Village Hong Kong Restaurant of course. Hahaha. :p It's our second time there in as many number of weeks.

We drooled over the menu intently before deciding on 'Yong Chow' fried rice, luncheon meat & egg 'hor fun', Japanese Salad roll c/w mayo, Russian borsch soup, preserved veg. & tofu soup (yes ... this was really good the last time we had it, so we opted to order again this time too) and of course our staple beverages ... two glasses on iced 'yin yong' (milk tea + coffee).

The fried rice was mountain full. The photo above doesn't do it justice. It's just so much rice but then again, for something this delicious ... who's complaining huh. Take in each mouthful of rice with a li'll chilly oil and it's simply scrrrrrrrumptious. The chef recommended hor fun is tasty too with generous slices of luncheon meat served on top of the soup based flat noodles. However, if you're not a fan of msg, I'd suggest you order something else. The borsch soup is a great starter ... for its sour and slightly spicy tang just works up a wonderous appetite on any occasion. Think a yummy bowl of minestrone ... only better. Hehe. The Jap salad rolls are deep fried fish paste stuffed with bits of vegs. A rather lip smacking side dish this one, gives a very enjoyable bouncy sensation upon biting into it and for me, it's best savouring it with the chilly oil instead of the mayo that came with it. But then again, I could eat a rubber shoe if chilly oil is served along with it. Wakakaka. BTW, you know this dish is good when you can spot SY's naughty fingers trying to pinch off a piece even before I can finish taking the photo. Bout the preserved veg and tofu soup, refer to the initial entry bout this place ya. Lazy to review it again.

Ermmm ... what else, OH YEAH!!! A VERY IMPORTANT thing to be noted is that their 'yin yong' here is ... are you ready for this ... (scroll down)
























































REFILLABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Didn't indicate this fact anywhere in their menu, not that I noticed anyway. Only saw it noted in the bill. Cheeky buggers. :p

Yishensu Vegetarian Restaurant @ 1 Utama

I was on medical leave yesterday as I had an appointment with my surgeon for a post-surgery check up. Since there were loads of time to spare, SY and I headed to 1 Utama for lunch. Initial idea was to savour a newly opened gourmet outlet, Pick and Brew but since SY wanted to go vegetarian, hence, we settled for something else. SY's younger brother, YJ joined us soon after and he suggested Yishensu Vegetarian Restaurant (Opposite TGIF and beside Canton-I).

Originally from the town of Kampar, Perak, Yishensu opened its doors in 1 Utama in September 2007. First impression on the interior decor are somewhat positively striking ... it's a blend of contemporary zen where humongous metallic-with-lighted up-background chinese characters are plastered on walls, the waiting area sofas strewn with oversized cushions and bold coloured plastic plants are placed strategically to contrast the surrounding pastel milieu. Basically, upon stepping into this restaurant, it envelopes you with a sense of serenity and yet at the same time, one is priviledged to enjoy the luxury that only the modern day comforts can provide. Furthermore, the staffs are dressed in beige linen shirts ... emanating the welcoming ambience of ancient Chinese hospitality.

The three of us decided to go a-la-carte with the addition of a couple of dishes. We ordered for their nasi lemak, Emperor fried noodle, fried kuay teow, braised Japanese tofu and prawn with oats. We were also served complimentary preserved chinese cabbage soup which with its sour and spicy flavour, works wonders to tantalise our taste buds. I'll cut it short, all that we ordered, they were all nothing short of delicious. The fragrant coconut rice of the nasi lemak was indeed very richly delectable. And the 'rendang' really does taste like well ... authentic rendang. The Emperor fried noodle also got thumbs up from all of us. Generous slices of 'roasted pork' and chinese black mushrooms complimented the noodle perfectly. The fried kuay teow was very Penang-like and taken with 'sambal' and lime juice ... bite after bite, we were hungry for more. The tofu was smooth and soft. Cooked with veg and mushrooms, it easily gained our seal of approval. Lastly, the chewy texture of the 'prawns' being distinctly different from the crunchiness of the oats works well together. SY also added their dessert for the day, sweet potato 'tong sui'. It reminded me of the 'tong yuen' as the base soup of this dessert was very gingery as well. Moreover, the service offered was prompt and pleasing, so no complaints there. Wouldn't mind returning again to sample the rest of their signature dishes. :)

I must apologize for not being descriptive enough this time around but it's kinda hard to be when it's almost 4a.m. Yawnzzz. Damn the iced 'yin yong' (iced milk tea + coffee) for keeping me awake. >:(

For more info, check out www.yishensu.com

I got Swooshed again

Would like to introduce you peeps to me new leg covers. Newly arrived Nike Free 7.0 (Gym). Since I would be teaching classes again soon and my existing Free (Running) is turning from white & bright red to pale grey & dark red, I reckon it's time for me to hook myself with another pair. Eh, not that I don't wash it k ... just that I've been wearing it so often, whatever dirt present is sort of infused within the shoes permanently liao. Yes ... really wan. Anyway, bought it at Ultimate Sports, Subang Parade and was given a 20% discount resulting in me forking out RM279 for these babies.

The new pair is more flat on the sole compared to the previous one which has a support for the foot's arch. So I guess the new one should provide better stability. Will try it out and see.

I like the colour contrast on this one ... firstly, when it gets dirty, the grey wouldn't highlight that fact. Hur hur. And secondly, the bold orange simply screams for attention no? This way, I think it helps the members to notice the orientation of my feet better especially when it comes to the kicks and stance.

What you guys think???

Ampang Yong Tau Foo @ Taipan USJ

Just one Body Combat class and then this ... sighhh. How la to lose that 'bear' belly???!!! Celeste commented that I used to look like the A & W bear (during my days of obesity) ... hence, the term ... 'bear belly' now.

Of course I didn't hoover all of it but shared it with SY. Nevertheless ... :(

Sorry peeps, not gonna go into deep detail about the photos above but I guess it does not need much description for you to 'relish' it. It was delish, I can tell you that but also oh-so-sinful. Am on a guilt trip now.