Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Siam Laksa @ Restoran Ko Pi Tim (the name sounds like an overkill, really) in Medan Ipoh Bistari; aka the ‘Little Japan’ of Ipoh. Don’t ask why … just go and see for yourself.

Almost a week of disappearance. And no, I have not been traveling outstation, holidaying overseas or strapped to a chair and bombed to oblivion. The sheer barrage of workload and pending matters post-CNY (okay, technically speaking, it’s not even over yet. It’s Chap Goh Meh; the 15th day tomorrow!) got me hurling myself towards the monitor on a 24/7 basis.

Plus, no thanks to the crappy Internet speed lately, the frustration just kept building up to a crescendo of flames in my head.

Phew. And then there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Or a shimmering glimmer of hope to feed the dire soul. Sunday’s always the best day to recharge and expel the accumulated toxins over the week.

Wantan Mee & Hakka Mee @ Ko Pi Tim

So here goes nothing. A story conjured up to feed the cravings. Wanted to write about the Lou Sang experience at Gao Ren Guan, New Paris and subsequently Le Meridien. Yet, the lure of reliving the pleasurable moments of digging into a slab of greasy pork chop from the hawker stall or a plate (yes, a plate) of Siam Laksa bursting with coconut milk is so much stronger.

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Lamb Stew (RM19.90/USD6.80) – Traditional English style of stew with potatoes, carrots, onions and green peas. Served with a piece of toasted baguette

After what seemed like an eternity … Motormouth’s back for the festive break! So bring back that passion to eat, the hunger and cravings for all things gluttony and let’s kick things off with a hearty lamb stew @ Denis Jazz Bistro this Thursday evening!

Denis Jazz Bistro – The neighbourhood bistro with a ‘jamming’ area and continuous lullaby of smooth, jazzy classics over the airwave. Come on Fridays (correct me if I am wrong) and weekends for jamming sessions.

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Tiramisu & A Latte to Save the Day?

First thing I’d like to say is … SORRY.

I apologize for not replying the comments, e-mails, tweets and much less active on the Facebook page now. It’s been a tumultuous crossover from 2012 (when the world’s supposed to end … but it didn’t. Thankfully) to 2013 with barely a few days to catch my breath in between.

I guess the same could be said for the year before; when work commitments took over my life literally without a moment to spare for proper year-end highlights and recollection of travel stories.

Josephine Cafe & Bistro

Josephine Cafe & Bistro; capturing hearts since 2008/9. Wait a minute. Is this the same Josephine that I wrote a scathing piece of review back in 2009; largely due to the below par food served at unreasonably marked-up prices? Yes dearies. I found myself back at their doorsteps over the New Year (seems like ages ago, but was barely ten days ago!) for tea time.

Was this redemption or an affirmation of my previous stand? Read the rest of this entry »

JOSE & DELI – Josephine Cafe & Bistro’s latest venture of one all-day eatery + delicatessen in Ipoh

Ready for a fresh avalanche of Ipoh food reviews? Let’s kick the series off with Jose & Deli; a new all-day eatery-cum-delicatessen situated on the 1st floor of the refurbished landmark named French Hotel along Cockman Street, Ipoh.

I guess finally, our pleas have been heard and fulfilled. As here we have another eatery that opens all day, without a break in between from 7.30am until 11.00pm everyday. Perfect spot for the in-between-meals cravings and gatherings with family and friends.

Read on to find out more about this place. Read the rest of this entry »

Just saying here, but don’t you just miss the days when set lunches were priced at no more than RM10/set, and come with a bowl of (canned) soup, a cup of coffee/tea and a scoop of Magnolia ice-cream? (Remember the classic Rendezvous & First Coffee House?)

Mix Grill Pork (RM8.50/USD2.80) – Two slabs of pork chop smothered in a pepper-ish brown gravy, a slice of ham, a sausage and a fried egg with crinkle-cut fries.

I see you rolling your eyes back there. I know lah … time has changed, inflation is inevitable, cost of goods rising, branding and marketing needs $$$ and hiring loyal workers can be a pain in the butt. Still, I can’t help but pour cold water on the newer cafes that charge slightly more than they should; in tandem with premium price tags of more established and refined outlets. Or worse, benchmarking against Klang Valley’s restaurants.

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Gossip Jazz’s “The Best Sang Har Mein” (RM25/USD8) (no, it’s really named as such) comprises of deep fried wantan noodles (egg noodles) and two large freshwater prawns.

Have you heard of this new place named Gossip Jazz in Greentown? A wine bar coming to life with live jazz performances every Thursday to Saturday night, and relaxing jazz and blues music playing over the background at other times.

Psst. Let me drop you another hint; they don’t joke when they claim that their Sang Har Mein (Freshwater Prawn Noodles) is the best in town.

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The Bistro @ Impiana Hotel Ipoh – The all-day dining alternative to The Coffee House; currently running an Italian cuisine promotion

Impiana Hotel Ipoh (formerly known as Casuarina Hotel; the unmistakable landmark hotel of Ipoh back in its heydays) has successfully undergone transformation; coupling refurbishment and renovation works to its rooms and F&B establishments.

Still, the only four-star hotel in Ipoh that actually feels like one, the Impiana group has injected life back to the decades old premise; and still drawing in tourists from all walks of life; including the royal families and ministers.

Fresh breads from the kitchen of The Bistro to perk up the appetite

Throughout the years, I have only grown accustomed to The Coffee House; the designated Halal dining option of the hotel serving daily buffets and various local and international delights. That being said, Impiana has added another feather (or two) to its cap by resurrecting the flagging interest (of yours truly, at least) of dining in hotels in Ipoh; with the welcome of two new outlets; The Bistro & The Deli.

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