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.

Yesterday, Today ... Tomorrow

The solitary owl stared at the starry sky
As the nigthly breeze blew by and by
On my corner sofa, looking out the window
There I sat, thinking about our ‘tomorrow’

The road to happy ever after may not be easy
Sometimes it’s unevenly winding and ever so greasy
But with your soft fingers laced tightly between mine
Together, we’ll make it through, I’m certain it’ll be fine

At times it’s scary to be filled with uncertainties
It’s alright Dear, there’s no need to say sorry
That’s what I’m here for, to erase all insecurities
All I want in return is for you to give me sweet smileys

Time had passed since our troubled ‘yesterdays’
And we've reassured each other that love is here to stay
As you held me so tight, so happy you were you say
There’s nothing I want more than to be with you everyday

U Village Restaurant, Sg. Wang Plaza

The afternoon yesterday was spent in Sg. Wang Plaza. The reason … SY wanted to get herself a new compact camera. I personally believe that this have been long overdue since she travels so often and a camera can most definitely help her document her trips and bring back cherished memories. We browsed through between six to seven photo outlets and finally we narrowed it down to two models. One is the Fujifilm F55 while the other is the Panasonic Lumix FX36. The Fuji in on promotion and it’s yours for RM599 (made in Japan). The 10 Megapixel Lumix retails for RM1130 and is also made in the Land of the Rising Sun. The latter reigns over the former because it has a 25mm wide angle feature and also the Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer). After much much deliberation, SY finally settled for the Lumix and she got the one in kawaii baby pink. It also came along with a 2GB external memory card, an original Lumix leather casing, original Lumix neck strap as well as a silicone screen protector. For more information bout this camera … go ask SY. :p

BTW, this is the first time SY’s pic is featured in this blog so … *APPLAUSE* *APPLAUSE* Hahaha.

We had a late lunch at U Village Restaurant. It’s rather similar to the better known Kim Gary or Wong Kok Char Chan Teng chain of Hong Kong styled restaurants but I really like it here. Their menu is rather extensive and they also offer dishes like BBQ honey pork, roasted duck, roasted chicken etc. More importantly, they have CHILLY OIL!!! A must-have-condiment that’ll compliment any dish on God’s green earth. I’m serious. We ordered the succulent BBQ honey pork rice with salted egg, Singapore fried vercimilli, fried Ping-Pong fishballs and preserved veg and tofu soup (ham choy taufu). Beverages were iced ‘yin yong’ (coffee and milk tea) and iced HK milk tea. Lo and behold people, I’ve raved about how Kim Gary’s ‘yin yong’ is unparalleled with any other (even those I tried in Hong Kong itself) but after yesterday, I am retracting that claim. U Village’s is just as heavenly if not better than KG’s. Their iced milk tea is just as good too … it leaves behind a rather sweet tangy aftertaste on your tongue after each wonderful sip. Now I’m craving for it and damn U Village from being located so far from where I am right now. HMPHHHH!!!

Another thing worth mentioning is their ‘Ping-Pong’ fishballs. One can have it deep fried or served in a soup. Our waiter recommended the fried version, so we went along with it. These bouncy balls fish paste are flavourful enough on its own but it has more to offer. Inside each ball is infused with soupy li’ll chunks of yummy minced pork that’ll literally burst when you sink your teeth into it … filling your entire mouth with a delightful tasty tang. So I’d suggest that you pop these babies whole and not try to bite it in half if you wanna avoid being in an embarrassing situation of messing yourself.

One other thing U Village has to ‘offer’ is it’s variety in clientele’. You get the young and the old but you’re also able to enjoy the company of the many fashion weirdos / victims that can only be found in this funky shopping mall. SY and I had fun exchanging our two cents worth of comments on these poor souls. Haha. So here, not only are you able to give your sense of taste and smell a treat, your eyes enjoy a feast too. Yum yum.

WTF??!!!

Ok, I had a late night yesterday. Couldn't really sleep and the mind was busy running in circles concerning certain issues which are of less relevance now. So don't ask.

Anyway, I dragged my groggy self outta bed this morning at 7:45am and gave Alexander and Ping a wake-up sms. BY 8:40am, I was walking through the entrance of MyKopitiam for the gang's usual Saturday morning breakkie. Juls was already there and I plopped myself on the stool in front of her. Ping and Alexander came soon after and we were stuffing ourselves with fried mee hoon, curry noodles and toasts.

A lot of things we talked about ... mostly insignificant ramblings But then, somehow, the topic of conversation diverted towards me. I was told that I'M SOFT. That I'M GENTLE. That I'M NOT DOMINANT ENOUGH. BUT APPARENTLY ALL THESE ARE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES ... and that I STAY JUST THE WAY I AM AND NOT CHANGE ONE BIT.

How was my reaction??? Well, my facial expression went from utter shock to stoned. But the mind was playing various scenarios ...

No.1) Put head in toilet bowl and flushhhhhh.

No.2) Bend forward and run as fast as possible towards nearest concrete wall.

No.3) Perform the hara-kiri but this is the last option coz kinda shy to expose my 'spare tyre'. :p

Sighhh ...

But then hor, after breakkie, I went and attended Alexander's Body Vive class. Again, I was the only guy on the floor. Don't mean to brag but I reckon I kick that two Indian housewives' butt big time. Ahaks.

So what does this mean???