Make It A Point … To Visit Beacon Point?

November 13, 2008 | 5,477 views
At the rate I’m churning out these posts, one must be wondering; Am I an obsessive, impulsive eater? Binging 24/7, without a worry in the world, weighing a massive 120kg?! (=P) And one day I’m in KL, another in Penang, and most days in Ipoh, while some days in rural, unheard-of-areas secluded within Perak? Manjung, Ayer Tawar, Sitiawan may be household names, but how bout Bota, The Changkats (Lada, Melintang, Chermin), Lawin, Tro(noh & lak) etc?
Beacon Point – Your Family Restaurant. How nice if it really is MY family’s. FOC meals.
Beacon Point has been a household name among Ipoh’s secret foodies’ community. Yet has not deserve its limelight, and merits. From the outside, the place looks nothing like a restaurant or cafe, the green wordings “BEACON POINT Trading and Training” on the white signboard gives the impression of a dance school more than an eatery.
The training part refers to the cooking and baking classes they once held for the hopeless (like me … hehe, who can’t cook for dear life) & aspirated ones. Not really sure they’re still conducting the classes nowadays, ever since an unfortunate mishap few years ago. (I won’t dwell into this matter, out of respect. Sorry).
Creamy Purple Cabbage Soup
On to the good stuff. They serve set lunches everyday, except Sunday, when they’re closed for business. A major advantage they hold over other similar outlets is their homemade soups, the selection changing everyday. So you know you won’t be tasting the same old, same old cream of mushroom soup. Not to mention the CANNED variety; starchy and worthless.
Fish Gratin Set (RM16.80 nett)
This happened sometime ago. Was it a birthday celebration? I can’t recall, for the life of me. But I think it was. Everday, Beacon Point offers 3 set lunches for choosing. Normally consist of a chicken, a fish, and a pasta, but on certain days, lamb or beef may be served. Fish is available on the menu every Fridays, that I can be sure. 🙂
The fish fillets were deep-fried before baked with the creamy sauce with assorted vegetables. Served with mashed potatoes and vegetable & fruit salad. Looks unassuming, yet quite filling, as the rich and creamy sauce may be a little too much at one sitting.
Lemongrass Chicken (RM15.80)
The grilled chicken thigh with the lightly-flavoured lemongrass sauce was crisp on the outside, yet tenderly grilled to perfection. But I avoid lemongrass at all cost. So I can’t attest to the overall flavours. Hahahah …..
Desserts – Pastries and coffee/tea
Another important criteria for a satisfying set lunch is the dessert. I tend to avoid cafes which serve a scoop of ice-cream (how easy and lazy can one get?) as dessert. And charging exorbitant amount for that.
They rotate their desserts selection as well, sometimes cakes, sometimes muffins, sometimes pastries, and sometimes … well, whatever else they have up their sleeves. =P

Carrot Walnut Cake (RM5.90)

They take great pride in their cakes and pies. And their cakes are really good. Not too sweet, and reasonably-priced, even cheaper than Secret Recipe’s down-spiralling equivalents, the cakes are great tea-time accompaniments.

Irish Coffee Cheesecake (RM6.20)
This particular selection, named Irish Coffee Cheesecake was plain marvelous. Creamy yet light, with subtle irish coffee hints, and a base of chocolate (Oreo?) cookies, pick this. You won’t regret it.
Location : BEACON POINT @ 41, Lintasan Perajurit 6, Taman Perak, 31400 Ipoh.
Tel No : 605-546 9916
Opening hours : Mon-Thurs (11am-6pm) and Fri-Sat (11am-10.30pm)
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Greentown Noodle House in Ipoh – Years of Legacy?

November 12, 2008 | 2,708 views
Am not in a particularly bright and cheery mood to write. Down with flu, then fever, then sore throat, then the whole package re-visited. Like a combo meal. Tormenting moments …. Sigh ….
Greentown Noodle House
Short post then, on a Chinese restaurant in Greentown, Ipoh. Situated at the roundabout near Excelsior Hotel, this outlet has been around for quite some time, my late grandfather used to dine with us here. And he’s gone for 15 years. Imagine the longevity ….
Retaining most of the interior, as well as the items on the menu
Funny dining in a “Noodle House”, yet we all opted for their rice and dishes. Yup, not even ONE strand of noodle was slurped. Hehehe …. But all in all, their selection of rice and noodles is rather extensive, covering possibly every method of preparation known to man. OK, I exaggerated. =P
Pickled green chillies and sambal for that fiery kick
Thai style Fried Rice (RM4.20)
Reasonably-priced, the individual portions cater to most tastebuds, however discerning they may be. From sweet & sour to spicy, from rice to noodles and porridge, you can be assured of a satisfying lunch at less than RM5 even.
Mum’s Thai Fried Rice came with fried chicken breast meat and not too spicy (which suits the young ones and elderly well, but rather dull to me). Would’ve preferred a spicier, and stronger in flavour version though.
Mongolian Fried Rice (RM5.00)
That huge serving for a mere RM5, with chopped bits of mutton (or lamb, I can’t be sure), underneath a ‘canopy’ of perfectly fried egg. A sucker for everything Mongolian, I’m digging the fragrant and fluffy rice fried with turmeric and spices. Not too bad, this one.

Egg+Prawn Rice (or something like that …) RM4.20

Dad’s omelette with prawns and white rice was misleading. He initially thought the dish would be drenched with gravy (in the menu, only stated Egg+Prawn), but amused (or rather, infuriated) by the plain, and dry presentation of simple omelette and rice. Hmmm … give this a miss.

Double-Boiled Black Chicken with Herbs (RM6.30)
For a piping hot bowl of nourishing soup, give their selection a try. Our double-boiled black chicken with herbs was brimming with herbs, supposed to rejuvenate and re-energize the body and mind. Don’t ask me how true is that, as I’m not one who’s fond of herbal stuff. Hehe … Unless it’s herbal chicken. Or salted chicken. That’s another different story though.
Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce (RM7.50)
Feel like going Western? They have chicken chops and fish & chips, as well as some other options under their Western banner. The presentation may be lacking, reminded me of Hainanese Chicken Chop, at best. But Bro gave positive feedback, unsuspectedly. The fried egg was an awkward companion though.
Roasted Chicken and Char Siew (BBQ Pork) (RM15)
Coming from the front door, one can’t miss the sight of roasted chickens and ducks hanging at the glass display counter. The chicken was forgettable, but the Char Siew (honey-roasted pork) was quite delicious. Quite, as it’s nowhere comparable to the FSF’s version, but marginally better than most out there.
The simple yet filling lunch costed RM48 for 5 of us. Considered cheap at times like this. When a set of McD’s so-called VALUE MEAL comes to roughly RM10 each.
Location : GREENTOWN NOODLE HOUSE @ 58, Persiaran Greenhill, 30450 Ipoh, Perak. Tel No : 605-2415145. For map, click HERE.
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A (Half) Free Meal from Ristorante L’Opera

November 10, 2008 | 1,458 views

Overlooking the pathway of Bintang Walk, in between KL Plaza and Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Ristorante L’Opera has gone through a major facelift a year ago

Sporting new looks and a dazzling one at that, Ristorante L’Opera is an Italian fine dining restaurant, situated in the heart of the city. With an adjacent lounge bar, perfect for a drink or two, the restaurant seemed a tad intimidating, had it not for the CIMB Credit Card’s Buy-One-Free-Promotion, which ironically, ended on the 31st of October 2008.

Sorry, my posts are all delayed. =P

Beef Involtini (RM60)
The combination of modern decor, and rustic charm, enhanced by the warm, yet delicate ambience, provided a comfortable dining experience, amidst the chaotic rush of Bukit Bintang.
The Buy-One-Free-One promotion refers to any starters, or main courses enlisted under the Chef’s Special menu. Not too worry, as the choices are taken from the main menu themselves, not some make-do replicates of REAL dishes.
Bariguole Slipper Lobster (RM60)
Of course, though we were not exactly famished at that moment, after a heavy brunch and all, we still opted for the mains, as such a tantalizing promotion does not come often, I’m afraid. But I could be wrong.
We ordered the Beef Involtini, which is tenderloin stuffed with emmenthal, sage and balsamic sauce, served with crushed potatoes. One can’t go wrong when ordering the most tender part of a cow, right? Well, partly true.
The melted emmenthal cheese provided much of the flavour for the lightly salted and grilled beef. The beef itself was good, tender enough to warrant little chewing, and juicy enough to be relished without erm … juices. The crushed potatoes were slightly too saltish, but provided a contrasting and slightly spicy flavour to the otherwise bland tenderloin cuts.
The other dish (the FREE one) was the Bariguole Slipper Lobster, a crustacean related to the TRUE lobsters, yet smaller in size. Baked with globe artichoke, chateau baby vegetables, and served with saffron potatoes, the chopped bits (yup, you get only ONE slipper lobster’s meat, and not an exactly ‘well-endowed’ one at that) of slipper lobster were thankfully fresh, firm and not dry. But the accompanying saffron potatoes were simply broiled, and bland. And the green peas was not thoroughly thawed. Frozen peas in fine dining?! Ouch.
All in all, a satisfying lunch, sans the dismaying service and the non-attentiveness of the staff. But let’s not go there. I’ll stop the rants and ramblings now. Still nursing a sore throat and overwhelmed by fever. Damn the weather … Whoops. 😉
Location : Ground Floor, Piccolo Galleria, 101, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel No : 603-2382 0111/603-2382 0222.
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Swatow Lane Ais Kacang @ New World Park, Penang

November 9, 2008 | 7,016 views
Penang has always been embedded deep within a corner of my heart. The food, the places, the people (ahem) and the 4 memorable years spent living on the island, were reasons enough to lure me over to the Pearl of the Orient again and again ….


Penang Bridge – Currently under construction/renovation/expansion works ….
Yup, work took me over to Penang the last few days. Not much of a holiday, nor a food tour, as schedule’s pretty packed and food’s provided 24/7, aka 6 meals a day. As usual. 🙂

Dorsett Penang Hotel, on Jalan Larut in the heart of Georgetown

We were put up in Dorsett Penang Hotel, a 4 star hotel in Penang. I harboured major expectations before arriving, mainly from the photos of the place on the Net, and hearing rather rave reviews from peers and reviewers alike. The food’s supposed to be excellent. Or so they say. However …..
Comfortable and clean rooms, with basic amenities provided
The room’s spick and span. No complaints whatsoever. Though some rooms have MORE utensils supplied, such as disposable toothbrush, complimentary mineral water and such. But some did not. But minor teething problems, the very least.
The swimming pool’s on the 4th floor, but a tad too constricted for one to do laps. Or even splash around. Especially when sharing with the probably hundreds of guests on weekends. A gym’s available for fitness freaks, but seriously, who works out on a holiday?!!!
As for the food …. well, let’s leave that for the next posts, shall we? (ie: nothing to shout about)
Around Swatow Lane, and Nagore Road off Jalan Burma
Dorsett’s located rather strategically in town centre, a mere short walk to most places of interest. Mostly revolving food, which is all that matters in my book, anyway. =P
Mizi’s Bistro at New World Park
When I was a student (aka when I was REALLY young and naive), we used to patronize Swatow Lane for their famous ABC, or Ais Kacang, and various other hawker fares, namely Char Kuey Teow, and Or Chien (Oyster Omelette).
The heat notwithstanding, eating under the make-shift (but rather, a permanent fixture) stall with zinc roofs on the pathway may not be the ideal place for one to sit and chat over a cuppa (in this case, over a bowl of). Some detractors find the place un-hygienic, but seriously, which hawker stall/restaurant adheres strictly to hygiene regulations?

The famous ABC (Ais Batu Campur) stall, now relocated into the newly-built New World Park.

But Penang’s really kind to hawkers and traders. Building a revamped and spacious area to house the stalls, and then various other restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets, complete with a parking area, under the moniker, New World Park.

Though some might argue the place has lost its originality and authenticity, but slurping on an iced-cold ABC under the shades, with sufficient airflow and fans, and cleaner surroundings appeals more to tourists and locals alike. Of course, commercialization breeds inflation. But ever so slightly. Imagine a lady selling “Freshly (ahem)made Sushi” from table to table, and the prices of the food/beverages bumped up a notch. Small price to pay, really.

Lor Bak, a perfect snack when one doesn’t feel like indulging in a full meal
A soothing thought when it comes to Penang street food, is that no matter where you’re eating, you’re bound to be at least satisfied with ONE, or more (as in most cases) type(s) of food. Yup, the difference in taste barely noticable, especially in simple food such as Lor Bak (a platter of various deep-fried snacks served with chilli sauce and a sticky concoction of soy sauce and egg white).
Century eggs served with pickled ginger slices, and prawn fritters remain as my favourite choices, while the original Lor Bak (pork rolls wrapped in beancurd sheet) and Taiwanese sausages come as close seconds.
Divine. ‘Nuff said. RM3.80 for a bowl with ice-cream and mixed fruits.
So, what’s so special bout Swatow Lane’s Ais Kacang? Not that they have some secret ingredients, or special syrup (Sarsi, anyone?), or different ice-cream (think Kek Seng‘s durian ice-cream, and smacked lips).
But they throw in a different combination of fruits to complement the shaved ice with red sugar syrup, and evaporated milk. Papaya, banana, mango, ‘Ciku’, and watermelon, with attap seeds (palm seeds), red beans, and cincau (grass jelly). And top it all with a scoop of peanut ice-cream. Let the ice-cream melts, and savour the creamy, and refreshing concoction. Spoonfuls of goodness.
New World Park at Jalan Burma
That’s all for a lazy Sunday’s post. So many others have reviewed bout this place, whether on the hawker fare, or the restaurants there. Google for New World Park or Swatow Lane, and surf away ….
I’ve tried to attach a map, but somehow I’ve only managed to get one with directions. So I’ve added one with directions from Komtar to this place. Click HERE. (Help’s appreciated on how to attach a map with only the point of interest marked, thanks!)
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Ansari’s Famous Cendol in Taiping, Perak

November 6, 2008 | 15,345 views

Come come …. a mirage on a scorching hot day? Refreshing, over-flowing with those short, squiggly green worms …. 😉

They sell Pasembor (Indian Rojak) and Cendol … a cool respite from the sweltering heat
Completely forgot about this place. This was the day after the Tao Autocity’s Japanese Buffet experience. Ages ago. So, pardon the missing minor details.

Cendol with Santan (Coconut Milk) & Gula Melaka (Brown Sugar Syrup) with Red Beans/Pulut (Glutinous Rice)

Taiping has TWO very popular cendol stall. Bismillah Cendol (previous experience HERE), and Ansari Famous Cendol. Located VERY near to each other on Barrack’s Road though. Stiff competition always bring out the BEST in everyone?
Thick, luscious and creamy concoction of sweet and milky broth, drizzled liberately with brown sugar syrup, and over-flowing (really!) with those cendol strips (green bean flour paste scented with pandan) and a choice of red beans or pulut, or both.
RM1.00 for a plain bowl. RM1.10 for one with red beans. RM1.30 for a bowl with pulut. And the grand daddy of them all … RM1.40 for a bowl of everything. The refreshing experience? Priceless.

Ansari’s Famous Cendol @ Jalan Chung Thye Phin, Taiping, Perak (Address updated 15/3/09 – Sorry for previous mistake)

So how does this fare, compared to Bismillah, and Penang Road’s Cendol? I’d rate this as an in-betweener. Better than the former, but a notch below by Penang Road’s Teochew Cendol (click HERE and gulp!).

“What do YOU think?”

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Chili’s Grill & Bar @ KLCC

November 4, 2008 | 5,404 views
Alternating between Ipoh and KL posts, let’s dig something up from the stash of backlogs …
American-style diners are not really catching on in Malaysia, aren’t they? Ipoh has none, that’s for sure. And only Chili’s and TGIF are reaping some sweet success in KL, and Penang. Of course, there are various other “Grill & Bar” restaurants in the Klang Valley, but relatively unknown to residents from other states.

Dark, smoky, and slightly shady. A tad comfortable for a drink or two, but sitting on those stools while relishing one’s meal may prove to be rather …. tiring.

Arriving late for a dinner (at 9pm, mind you), we were surprised at the turnout at Chili’s in KLCC. Half-expecting an empty outlet, we were stumped as the place was packed, and a queue was forming. All non-smoking seats are taken, and we had to wait.

Hungry brain cells marred rationality, and I quickly opted for an available table right smack in the middle of the smoking area. With only tall stools, and little back support. Ouch.


The guacamole, sour cream, cheese shavings and tomato salsa for the Fajitas
Not one to lament bout the ambience, we soldiered on and browsed the menu in record’s time. Not much modification, but they do offer some new delightful options, namely White Chocolate Molten Cake, and crispy honey chipotle chicken. Can’t remember the rest, but rather appetizing nonetheless.
Mushroom Jack – Grilled chicken and beef (or chicken only, or beef only), smothered with melted Jack cheese, and sauteed fresh mushrooms, bell peppers and onions (RM36.95)
At Chili’s, the portions are never stingy. You can share if you do not wish to start on Statins sooner than later, or you can hoard the whole damn serving and contribute to the pharmacists’ revenues. 🙂
I’ve an aversion to Fajitas. Soft, warm tortilla bread to be smothered with lots of sour cream (low fat, I pray), guacamole (mashed avocadoes), and sprinkled with cheese and tomato salsa. Then stuff some grilled chicken breast meat (less tender than desired, I admit, but fat-less!) and beef (too tough and cooked though) and indulge away. My gripe? Only 3 pieces of tortilla were served. Hmmm … Dough very expensive ar?
Bacon Burger – Beef patty topped with smoked bacon, aged cheddar cheese, mayo, shredded lettuce, tomato and pickle. Served with homestyle fries, with skins intact. (RM20.95)
Their burgers are another of their specialty, much alike Friday’s. Have them medium, medium-well or well done. Go for medium, as my medium-well beef was slightly overcooked. Dry, and coarse, you may need chilli sauce with this one. And the supposedly smoked til crisp bacon was rendered tougher due to the heat? Or carelessness? Hmm … at least the fries passed with flying colours. Lightly salted, just like I dig them.
Perennial favourite of many sweet-toothed – Molten Chocolate Cake (RM19.95)
Still longing for more, we shared a Molten Chocolate Cake, a dessert so laden with calories and sins, you’ll be forgiven to think your heart skipped a beat! Warm chocolate cake, with oozing chocolate fudge filling, and topped with vanilla ice-cream hidden under a crunchy chocolate shell. If this does not satiate your sweet cravings, I don’t know what else does. Numbs the teeth, I tell you …. !!! =P
With 4 outlets in Klang Valley, and another in Penang, don’t you think it’s fine time for soul-less Ipoh to get one of her own?
Location : Chili’s Grill & Bar @ Lot 346B, Level 3, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumput City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : 603-2164 1400
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Fancy Having Gopeng Mee in Ipoh?

November 3, 2008 | 3,932 views
Here’s a little something from Ipoh’s Old Town, AGAIN …. Yeah yeah … I’m getting predictable, I know. Sue me? =P
METRO Cafe … The exterior’s VERY misleading (sorry, no picture). The shop’s name is not even put up on the outside!
But look for this stall, easily observed from the front … The crowd comes for the Gopeng Mee anyway ….

Gopeng mee – Homemade (handmade?) egg noodles served with soy sauce, choy sum, bean sprouts, and garnished with scallions and fried shallots. Resembling Wanton Mee, right?

This is only our 2nd visit to this shop, ever since working here. Reason to come later. One quick glance and you would be forgiven for thinking this shop’s bordering on closing down, looking at the dilapidated building (common findings among Old Town’s classical structures though), without a proper signboard, and rather tucked away among the seas of banks. As well as dwarfed by the popularity of the other white coffee ‘specialists’ and immensely popular hawker fare. But come lunch hour, and you’ll be amazed by the sheer fame of this place.

Served with chicken and mushroom – Their speciality …

The noodle is their main drawing point, springy/QQ bites of alkaline-(lye water)free egg noodles, served “dry” with soy sauce for taste. The options are simple, either have yours with wanton (dumplings) or with chicken+mushroom gravy combination, or both. And you can upsize your serving to one half, or double portion.
Prices from RM3.00 for single serving of noodles with wantons, to RM5.60 for double servings of noodles with wantons and chicken+mushroom gravy. Certainly not dirt-cheap, but still bearable. The wantons are made from chicken or prawns, I believe. Dunno got pork or not, didn’t bother to ask much.

The itsy-bitsy wanton … A far cry from Hong Kong’s ones, eh? =)

I cannot pass judgment this time, as I’ve only tasted the noodles ONCE, and that was more than half a year ago. Before this blog was born. Imagine that.
So what did I have for lunch instead?

Tell me you’re not salivating …..

THIS. An Indian curry stall, operated by a friendly Indian lady. The dishes finish rather fast, as we were there at 1pm, and most plates were already emptied. Given the highly adaptable nature of me and FCOE, we soldiered on and ordered a half dry/half wet (I’m bad with my curries, I know) curry chicken with strong tomato hints. Mimicking ayam masak merah, but not quite. A bit sourish, and saltish for my liking. Bet the devil curry chicken is good, as the whole pot was polished off before we could sound our protests. Sigh …..
But still delicious, nevertheless. At only RM4.00 for THAT plate above, even cheaper than the noodles from the adjacent stall!
Location : METRO Cafe (chic-sounding name huh?) @ Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak. Next to CIMB bank in Old Town, Ipoh. A short walk from Maybank, the towering building in Old Town, facing Padang Ipoh. Need help? I’ll be glad to assist. 🙂
UPDATED August 2010 – * This Indian curry rice stall closes over the weekend. On Mondays and Wednesdays, she will serve mutton curry as well (NOT TO BE MISSED!)*

“Please … please bring me home?”

Bumped into this cute little black puppy by the roadside. Kinda sad, isn’t it? The lack of birth control amongst the wild ones. The dogs, I meant. =)
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