Wednesday 27 November 2013

Bonbori Japanese Cuisine @Setiawalk Puchong, Fresh Tasty Delight in Town!


Located in Pusat Bandar Puchong, Setiawalk Puchong might be a rather new & unfamiliar name for most folks of KL, as for those who heard about the place, they would probably label it as a happening night time chill out spot as it features lots of drinking places, Brussels Beer Café, The Beer Factory Horoscope, Myhome Pub, Muzeum for instance.

Well what most people don’t know is that within this all-in-one urban serviced apartments lies a hidden gem, one that not to be missed by Japanese food lovers.. Behold foodophile, may I present to you Bonbori Japanese Cuisine @Setiawalk Puchong, an uprising Japanese restaurant which serves great variety of authentic Japanese cuisine, one of the best in town! b^^d

Bonbori Japanese Cuisine @ G-01-1, Block G, Setia Walk,  Persiaran Wawasan, 
Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor.
With its comfy interior, warm welcoming services, FRESH & delightful dishes, it is totally understandable why the 6 month old restaurant has been packed with people since its opening back in March 31st, 2013. ^^

Atypical yet comfy interior design.
12-seat VIP room for customers who wish for more privacy.
sushi bar where handmade nigiri serves via chef right in front of you.
dining setting.
I was at Bonbori the other night attending a food tasting session held under OpenRice MakanVentures & gosh it was splendid as each & every one of us were surprised by both the fine quality of food & warm lovely hospitality. *Happy^^*       

Menu of the night, with extra add-on via generous restaurant owner Catherine. *Arigato gozaimasu ;)*

menu of the night.
Starting the session with an awesome Hanami Sashimi Moriawase ('Hanami' Sashimi Platter ft. salmon, butterfish, tuna, yellowtail, scallop, surf clam, sweet shrimp, Ikura, ebiko). The nicely sliced sashimi with perfect thickness & exceptional freshness makes us crave for more. b^^d

Hanami Sashimi Moriawase b^^d
Extremely fresh ingredients, click to enlarge at your own risk XD
Shirauo karaage (fried ice fish). Crispy aromatic ice fish which makes a nice snack with beer/sake, taste best while warm with a few drops of lemon on it.   
Shirauo karaage
Shake Atama Kimchi Soup (Salmon fish head & kimchi soup). Delicious pot of appetising soup with mushroom & cabbage, only mild spices from the kimchi though. Slightly salty to have it alone but it definitely goes well with a bowl of great tasting Japanese riceLove the luscious gelatinous broth.

Shake Atama Kimchi Soup 
Ebi cheese (rice row with cheese). A new creation worth trying. The cheesy sensation is just fine with the fresh shrimp topping & favourable homemade mentai sauce. b^^d 

Ebi cheese
Bacon asparagus kushiyaki. This nicely grilled, chewy bacon with refreshing asparagus is a regular's favourite, do take note that it is not available on the menu & need to be order separately. ^^


Bacon asparagus kushiyaki
Soft shell crab spicy mayo maki. A tasty mayo soft shell crab which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.   

Soft shell crab spicy mayo maki
Surume Ikashio (grilled squid). Wonderfully grilled to tender perfection squid with no trace of overcook to be found. I could actually taste a slight sense of sweetness from the super fresh squid.

Surume Ikashio 
Katsu curry Udon. Springy udon with luscious Japanese curry & nicely marinated deep fried pork cutlet (would be even better if it is juicier though). ^^

Katsu curry Udon
A special sushi platter ft. fresh tuna sushi, swordfish sushi, avocado sushi, unagi tamago sushi & more :)

Sushi platter
Colorful Bonbori fruit tea as our complementary drink other than the usual green tea. 

Bonbori fruit tea
Fruity fruit tea. :)
Overall Bonbori Japanese Cuisine @Setiawalk Puchong is for sure an uprising restaurant which serves FRESH authentic delightful Japanese cuisine in a cosy & comforting atmosphere with a decent price, a restaurant which I highly recommended for those who seeking for some gratifying Japanese food. b^^d


Rating: 8.8/10~

Monday 25 November 2013

100PLUS ‘Win the Day’ Campaign ft. the First Interactive Vending Machine in Malaysia ^^


100PLUS --- the first isotonic beverage launched in Malaysia back in 1983 continues to lead with a legacy of firsts as it celebrates its 30th anniversary in Malaysia this year. To celebrate this 30-years of astounding legacy, a special campaign -100PLUS ‘Win the Day’ Campaign- has been launched via F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd. The exciting campaign featuring the first interactive vending machine in Malaysia will be held nationwide throughout the month of November & December 2013, where The interactive vending machines have been and will be placed in selected spots around Malaysia such as shopping malls and colleges where anyone is welcome to try out the ‘Release the Can’ game! ^^

100PLUS- Outdo Yourself~ ^^
For the past two weeks the machines which were placed at Sungai Wang, E-Curve & KL Sentral has brought lots of fun & excitement to the public. Not to worry if you’ve missed the fun as there are more to come. The machines will be placed in selected spots including Subang, Bukit Bintang, Melaka, Johor Bahru & even Terengganu, so scroll down to check out the exact date & locations where the 100PLUS ‘Release the Can’ interactive vending machines will be placed. :)

The 100PLUS ‘Release the Can’ interactive vending machines @ Sungai Wang :)
crowd having fun with the machine :) 

The game is simple, all you need to do is to log on to your Facebook account via the machine and play the game. Simply guide the virtual 100PLUS can through the machine by tilting your body left, right or jumping to control the movement of the virtual can and upon completing the game, you’ll get yourself a real can of 100PLUS as a reward for your efforts. (Oh & here’s an early buzz, I've marked my calendar to try out this interesting machine so do come back to check out my experience with the 100PLUS ‘Release the Can’ interactive vending machines) ^^

~100PLUS ‘Release the Can’ interactive vending machines~
Date:
Locations
16 & 17 Nov
Sungei Wang (Coach Parking)
23 & 24 Nov
E-Curve & KL Sentral
27 Nov
Taylor’s Lakeside  
28 Nov
Sunway University
30 Nov & 1 Dec
Dataran Pahlawan (Melaka)
4 Dec
Inti Subang
5 Dec
KDU Damansara Jaya
7 & 8 Dec
KSL Mall (Johor Bahru)
9 Dec
Otomotif College (TOC), PJ SEC 19
12 & 13 Dec
Komtar
20 Dec
Wisma Cosway
21 & 22 Dec
Sungei Wang (Main Entrance) & Sunway Pyramid
27 & 28 Dec
Mydin KT (Terengganu)

Also in case you haven't notice 100PLUS has came up with some cool new packaging recently so swing by to the nearest stall of your preference to check them out yourself.

The new packaging 100 PLUS. 
grab yourself a can of 100PLUS today ^^

For more information on 100PLUS, log on to www.100PLUS.com.my and www.facebook.com/my100plus.    

*About 100PLUS

100PLUS is one of the leading brands under the F&N flagship in Malaysia. It is produced and distributed by F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd, the largest soft drinks distributor and manufacturer in Malaysia. 100PLUS is one of the nation’s most trusted and widely consumed beverages. 100PLUS gives consumers an optimum balance of thirst-bursting and energy replacing ingredients to help in one’s daily routine be it at work, play or at home while keeping them hydrated and recharged all the time.


*sponsored post*

Friday 22 November 2013

Heineken Thirst x JUICE & Heineken Thirst x KL Pre-Party Series. The route to THIRST Has Begun~


Attention to ALL Party peps, EDMers, Heineken Fans & Lovers! The route to Malaysia’s biggest and most highly anticipated dance music festival, Heineken Thirst has begun!! Returns on 14 December at Sepang International Circuit featuring two massive stages of uncompromising and unconventional music experiences, Heineken Thirst 2013 present a stellar line up of spectacular global dance music talents including David Guetta, Afrojack, Madeon, W&W, Goldfish and Blink and more.

Heineken Thirst 2013 Line-up.
AND there’s not all, starting on November, the stars of Heineken Thirst hits the road with the Thirst x JUICE Pre-Party Series to bring a taste of Thirst to Ipoh, Penang and JB while charging up to KL for the Heineken Thirst x KL Pre-Party Series. In fact while you’re reading this post Ipoh, Penang and JB has already been on a route of EDM reverberation via the special collaboration of Heineken with JUICE magazine, while KL rocks out with some very special guest stars and appearances across the city as we countdown the weekends from now until 14 December. ^^

Heineken Thirst x JUICE & Heineken Thirst x KL Pre-Party Series.
For fans who heading down to the Thirst x JUICE/KL Pre-Party Series, be prepared for a taste of the scale, excitement and creativity of Heineken Thirst as you will be stepping into a a world where everything – from the music to the site itself – reflects the highest commitment to creativity, excellence and progressive new music experiences. With a changing line up of the best local DJs across different night plus Heineken Thirst styled interiors, installations and visuals, behold as the world of Heineken Thirst unfolds~ :)

LOUD presents Nicky Romero @Zouk Club, KL; Saturday 23 November 2013.
Guy J @Vertigo, KL; Saturday 07 December 2013.
Twilight ActionGirl (TAG) @Zouk Club, KL; Friday 29 November 2013.
So get ready to get involved as Heineken Thirst unfolds over the next few weeks. As the two Pre-Party Series unfold fans of Heineken will be ask to participate in a range of activities designed to stamp their imprint and personality on Heineken Thirst this December. This personalisation, along with the experiences and moments Heineken will be creating during the night itself is what separates Heineken Thirst from other music festivals. It’s a spirit of restless evolution and constant surprises that perfectly sums up the spirit of Heineken Thirst.

To be part of Heineken’s exciting calendar of events, stay tuned at Heineken FB page or Heineken@Twitter.

*Heineken Thirst x JUICE Pre-Party Series
Ipoh
Date: Saturday 16 November 2013
Venue: Sensation of Sound, Ipoh
Line UpBATE, Phil K Lee, Yenn Lim
Twitter: @Heineken_MY & @JuiceMy
EntryThis event is by invitation only

Penang
Date: Saturday 23 November 2013
Venue: Cuvee, Precinct 10, Penang
Line Up: Goldfish & Blink, Jee Hoe, Darling Sabrina
Twitter: @Heineken_MY & @JuiceMy
EntryThis event is by invitation only

Johor Bahru
Date: Saturday 30 November 2013
Venue: Aruku, The Walk, Johor Bahru
Line UpKBnL Dancefloor Hell, Twilight Actiongirl, Dangerdisko, +2dB
Twitter@Heineken_MY & @JuiceMy
Entry: This event is by invitation only

Heineken Thirst x KL Pre-Party Series
DateSaturday 09 November 2013
Venue: Vertigo, KL
Line UpOhrwurm feat. Cristian Varela
Webwww.thirst.com.my & www.facebook.com/Heineken & ohrwurmkualalumpur@gmail.com     
Twitter@Heineken_MY
Entry: This event is free for the first 50 Heineken Thirst ticket holders.

DateSaturday 23 November 2013
Venue: Zouk Club, KL
Line Up: LOUD presents Nicky Romero
Twitter: @Heineken_MY
EntryThis event is free for the first 50 Heineken Thirst ticket holders.

DateFriday 29 November 2013
Venue: Zouk Club, KL
Line Up: TAG 10th Anniversary
Twitter: @Heineken_MY
Entry: This event is free for the first 50 Heineken Thirst ticket holders.

DateSaturday 07 December 2013
Venue: Vertigo, KL
Line UpOhrwurm feat. Guy J
Web: www.thirst.com.my & www.facebook.com/Heineken & ohrwurmkualalumpur@gmail.com 
Twitter: @Heineken_MY
Entry: This event is free for the first 50 Heineken Thirst ticket holders.

Wednesday 20 November 2013

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ movie review


Shooting a story from the 2nd book in a trilogy can be difficult, the challenge to keep the story rolling while bringing in new excitements to the audience makes it so hard not to fail especially when the previous establishment was a great one. So being the 2nd installment of Hunger Games trilogy, does The Hunger Games: Catching Fire live up to the huge expectations?


Plot: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire picks up shortly after The Hunger Games ends, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned home along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Experiencing a post-traumatic stress she tries to go back to a semi-normal life in District 12, however winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering.. Increasingly threatened by Katniss' popularity among the starving masses, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) eventually decides to make the 75th Annual Hunger Games a unique one -- with the 24 Tributes selected among the living victors. Sent once again to the Arena, Katniss and Peeta must make alliances with an eclectic group of former Hunger Games winners to stay alive..”

The Girl on Fire :)
Running at two hours plus, the sequel is pretty comforting as it comes with similar key characters & a familiar sense of how the plot would emerge, so just sit back & watch as the Hunger Games trilogy continue.. (for those who’ve missed the 1st episode, a recap of The Hunger Games is highly recommended before heading for the sequel). Though it seems slightly draggy as new director Francis Lawrence does takes his time setting up an elaborative plot in the 1st hour, but as a whole the movie did well in delivers thrills, ideas and emotions.. and even though we have seen it before, the moment once the games begins is still my favorite with all those adrenaline pumping scenes, be prepared for dark & violent stabbing, animal attacks, poison, explosion etc.. :)


As a middle installment of trilogies it is unavoidable that the movie does face some second-act problem, however the significantly improved acting, eye catching special effects and satirical action all come together putting up an entertaining sci-fic movie, one that not to be miss by The Hunger games fans. ^^        
Something you don't see in the movie: The 75th Hunger Games Arena. ^^

Rating: 7/10~

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Plan B @ Bangsar Village 1, Culture Café with Artisan Coffee and Creative Cooking~


If you are a regular at Bangsar Village, perhaps Plan B should be a rather familiar name as this is one of the few restaurants which gets exceptionally busy especially at the weekend (expect packed to the brim scenery during dining hour, no kidding :P). The restaurant under The BIG Group has gained many attention since its opening due to their unique décor & colour tone, and of course the nice reputations they have on their food. :)

Plan B. Menu. :)
The restaurant offers an Aussie-meets-New York deli dishes and recently a touch of Asia culinary has been nicely blended into the menu. Thanks to Nuffnang few of us from Tastebuddies@Nuffnang were invited to try out some of the tempting dishes on a wonderful Saturday lunch session. ^^

Plan B @ Bangsar Village 1. 

Other than its décor with a fusion of contemporary & vintage industrial feel, another impressive thing about Plan B would be the market positioning, despite of being another ordinary cookie-cutter coffee bars, Plan B’s idea of being a cultural café which focuses on both artisan coffee & creative cooking is brilliant as it offers a great variety of dishes to its customers.. Check out their >menu HERE<; with a wide selection of salads/soups, sandwiches/burgers, pastas, small bites, desserts etc., there’s always a plan b if you’re looking for more than just a cup of coffee. :P   

Interior & decor, nice fusion of contemporary & vintage ^^

 So here’re some of the dishes that we ordered:

Avo Quinoa b^^d
Avo Quinoa (RM23)
A nice healthy dish with avocado, corn salsa, fried quinoa & mild chilli oil on a perfectly toasted ciabatta bread. I like the smoothness of the poached eggs & mascarpone cheese topping which goes perfectly well with bread & crunchy aromatic fried quinoa. b^^d

Som Tam Crab salad 
Som Tam Crab salad (RM 29)
A Thai style salad which can be tell from the name itself. Made up by generous portion of spicy green papaya slaw with long beans, cherry tomatoes & dried shrimp topped with soft-shell crab & crunchy peanuts, this is for sure one tasty & appealing appetiser. ^^ 

Asian-Style Soft-shell crab spaghettini b^^d
Asian-Style Soft-shell crab spaghettini (RM26)
Springy spaghetti noodles in butter sauce with chilli padi, crispy curry leaves & chilli flakes, and of course a nicely plated soft-shell crab topping. One genuine Plan B signature representing a fusion of East & West. ^^   

Arugula Pesto Spaghettini with seafood b^^d
Arugula Pesto Spaghettini with seafood (RM 22)
A delightful combination of spaghetti with arugula pesto and olive oil, topped with fresh arugula prawn & squid. Love the slimy & slippery smooth texture of spaghetti with a mouthful of arugula & pesto aroma. ^^

Spicy Fish Tacos
Spicy Fish Tacos (RM26)
Crispy fish fingers, salsa & coleslaw wrap via soft tacos, served with equally crispy sweet potato fries.  

Char-Grilled kimchi Chicken Burger 
Char-Grilled kimchi Chicken Burger (RM 23)
Sesame bun with grilled kimchi-marinated chicken leg, butterhead & coleslaw, served with sweet potato fries & side salad. A perfect choice for kimchi lover.

Nasi Lemak Goreng
Nasi Lemak Goreng (RM 26)
Fragrant fried nasi lemak with prawns & long beans, served with standard nasi lemak side dishes including sambal telur, jelatah & keropok.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken (RM 25)
Buttermilk marinated, flour coated fried chicken served with coleslaw & French fries. Pretty crispy & tender fried chicken, the buttermilk flavour isn’t as significant as expected though.

a close-up shot just to make you drool XD
Being a cultural café, Plan B does serves some nice artisan coffee with a blend of sun-dried Brazilian Santos, Sidamo & Sumatran Mandheling Arabica beans, roasted & ground freshly to-order in-house. Scroll down to see if any is of your interest. ^^ 

Latte
Latte (RM 8)
Arty latte with biscotti

Flat White
Flat White (RM 8)
Cute teddy flat white with biscotti

Australian Iced Coffee b^^d
Australian Iced Coffee (RM 11)
This is what I had, Ice milk coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, simply sweet & pleasing :)

Iced Chocolate
Iced Chocolate (RM 10)
Not to worry if you’re not a fan of coffee, chocolates, teas, juices, beers & wines are available :P    

Lastly, a perfect way to end a meal—some yummy desserts ^^

Apple Sugee Cake b^^d
Apple Sugee Cake (RM 10)
One of the Plan B signature dessert plus my personal favourite; Love the aromatic moist texture & it taste heavenly when goes together with the vanilla ice cream. b^^d

Coconut Cake
Coconut Cake (RM 10)
Spongy cake with jello-like coconut butter layer in between, coated with coconut cream & chewy shredded coconut. 

Coconut Cake
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade :P

Plan B, Bangsar Village 1
G5, Ground Floor
No. 1, Jalan Telawi Satu
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
T: +603 2287 2630
F: +603 2287 2631
Operation Hours:
9:00am - 12:00am (Sunday - Thursday)
9:00am - 1:00am (Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday)

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