The Hunter In The Suburbs. Restoran Richwell, Section 19, PJ.

from Paranoid Android

(non halal)

Wallflowers

Lucky life isn't one long string of horrors
and there are moments of peace, and pleasure, as I lie in between the blows. - Gerald Stern, Lucky Life.

Memories are amazing things. Fleeting, always changing, ever evolving, elusive, fickle. Sometimes we are unable to recall in detail what had been a good time for us and evoked so much happiness and laughter. What was the actual conversation about? We seem to amplify the memories of tragedies that befall us, but yet memories of good times are usually watered down with loss of details but just a warm, fuzzy memory associating a particular person or event with good memories.

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." - The Wonder years

Perhaps one of the reasons why I continue to forage for food in the sprawling urban jungle of KL and very occasionally into the suburbs as well is most of the good memories I have are related to food. Being an intrinsic Asian thing, food is associated with happiness, companionship and love. Gustatory Memory comes second to olfactory memory in leaving lasting impressions in the brain. Restaurants and food are places that most people seek solace as thew rest in between life's blows.

Fatt Theu Cheong ~ Buddha Jumped Over The Wall

Unlike the hunters of yester-years, the modern foodie is equipped with a GPS, bankcards and credit cards, mobile phones as he makes his way through the urban jungle. Being a blogger, he too has to carry a camera as his hunting companion. I do not consider editing my pictures and a short write up to be a chore that comes with certain self entitlement and recognition, but just a chance to share with you what little gems my forays into the gastronomical world may unearth. Unfortunately, you have to bear the pain of suffering from my ramblings which usually is not related to food at all.

I had read about Richwell from other luminaries in the food blogging circle in Malaysia, and had been dying to try it out. My first impression of the place was that it was rather kitschy and the decor had a dated, sad feeling to it, despite it being open for less than a year. The Chef, Ah Yau, had a long and illustrious history with Teochew Restaurant in Pudu, which was the place for dim sum in the 80's and 90's. I was pleasantly surprised with the food.

Braised Chicken in Three Wines

I do not usually blog about Chinese food. Simple down too earth Chinese food with reasonable prices and above average taste and can be found in almost any neighbourhood in KL. As with simple western fare. It is the exceptionally good ones that demand attention and the effort put in to drive across town in heavy traffic and suffer the indignity of circling around looking for a parking space in the badly planned townships where town planners assume that humans are born with wings and can fly to their destination without any means of transportation.

Richwell is one of he exceptional ones. The Fatt Theu Cheong (Buddha Jumps Over The Wall) is a beautifully rich clear broth that probably has seen the superior stock sitting for many hours in the stock pot. Prepared in the traditional style, it contained dried abalone, dried scallops, fish stomach and black chicken as part of the ingredients. It was simply divine.

Sauteed Lotus Root and Celery

The braised chicken in three wines was lifted out of mediocrity by the beautifully fragrant rice wine and the epiphanic inclusion of Mint Leaves. It is a very clever innovation by the chef because it added an extra dimension of fragrance which will greet you the moment the lid is lifted from the claypot.

The Sauteed Lotus Root with Celery was delectably crunchy, especially with the addition of water chestnuts, leek, french peas and asparagus which was lightly sauteed and then starched. Some almond flakes sprinkled on top for some textural contrast. How all these crunchy yet usually bland ingredients can be rendered flavourful bears testament the skill of the chef.

Sang Har Meen ~ Prawn Noodles

The Sang Har Meen or Prawn Noodles came with mutant prawns the size of a baby's fist, swimming in delectably rich roe which anchored the flavour of the slightly crunchy "made in house" noodles. The sauce was slightly starchy and satiating, but did not adversely affect this dish.

Roasted Pigeon

The Roasted pigeon was meaty and beautifully succulent after being marinated in wine and the flesh tender and smokey. The miraculous thing about the pigeon was the skin was beautifully crunchy as well. It was served as an appetizer and I felt it rivaled the Roast Pigeon at Shatin amd Dai Wai in Hong Kong. No time for formalities and untensils here, as a finger bowl was provided.

Fish Maw

The fish maw used in the Braised fish maw with dried beancurd was excellent. Unlike the insipid, low quality fish maw, this one was beautifully soft and retained some fish flavours. We devoured each morsel with pleasure and sighs of contentment.

Tung Po Pork

The Tung Po Pork was soft enough to put a grin on an edentulous octogenarian. It came soaked in a thick caramely sauce and was served with some rice crackers. I am not a big fan of Pork, especially park with lard. But my dining companions seemed to enjoy it very much.

Fruit Platter

We also had the Thai Style Pak Choi which came lightly sauteed with onions and chillis and drizzled with squeezed lemon. It was too tart and sour, rather unlike the Thai Style Salads which I am accustomed to.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Marian 2. Signboard 3. Ciki 4. Cumi

Dessert wasn't too spectacular, a yam paste mooncake with salted egg yolks. On another occasion, I tried the fried waterchestnut with corn which fared much better. But then again, desserts are usually an afterthought in Chinese restaurants.

If you happen to be there, do try their Lo Hon Go juice which was really beautiful flavoured (their lo hon go is imported from Taiwan) or the Pomelo Juice which was refreshing.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Patin Fish 2. Signboard 3. Mooncake with Yam 4. Thai Style Bak Choy

Be prepared to spen about RM70 to RM100 if you are goung to splurge on Prawns and maybe more if you are ordering some fancy fish. Otherwise, RM 50 to 70 will buy you an excellent dinner. Service is is extremely pleasant and the staff very helpful. The menu comes translated in English and I found the Chef to be very affable and friendly, which is rather rare in a Chinese restaurant.

Restaurant Richwell
24G & 26G, Jalan 19/3
Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-7955 5855

Sweet Secrets With Anna Olson

Years ago, we posted about MY FIRST DATE.... who was square... inspired by a array SUGAR, hosted by a matchless Anna Olson. Little did we dream that some day, I'd get to MEET a Queen of Sugar herself in person...with front quarrel seats too. Sigh...[faraway glassy look].

Since Sugar, Ms Olson has changed upon to a new series, Fresh With Anna Olson, though we have to admit we haven't unequivocally had to chance to watch most of a episodes. we censure those DVD boxsets that have kept me glued to frivolous tv serials as well as a like, as well as gripping me away from one of my culinary idols. When opportunity knocks, as it infrequently does, as well as presents we with an invitation to attend a proof by a woman herself, one can usually let go a resounding YES, as well as lift hands in to a air in interjection to Providence...and Alice George PR company.

I clearly remember a entice said 2-5pm, though when we appeared during 2 sharp, we saw a print observant that it began during 2.30pm. Must be a PR agency's way of ensuring delayed Malaysians show up upon time, though even that failed, since during 2.30pm, people were still trickling in. We didn't have to wait prolonged though, prior to she was introduced.
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She essentially looks a lot slimmer than her Sugar days, as well as has positively gorgeous eyes, as well as such a likeable disposition. Not diva-ish during all, as one competence expect of a luminary chef.

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What WOULD we do without AFC? we have to say, they have been really great in bringing in luminary chefs, Laura Calder, Bob Blumer, Bobby Chinn, etc.

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The venue for a event, Le Meridien, in a duty room next to Favola.

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All laid out for a woman to perform, a mixture for all a 3 items shown. If usually a kitchens were so organized as well as all laid out so easily for us. we reckon we can do 8 cakes in an hour.

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The AFC compere. we consider he's Malaysian. I've seen him before. But he didn't introduce himself.

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The most faces of Anna, demonstrating how to make a spicy pastry. She unequivocally makes it demeanour so simple. Now, she did share with us that of course, upon TV, it looks even simpler, since of all a editing, ...it takes 10 hours to furnish a 6 minute clip kinda thing. (I do not consider we have a patience to be a luminary chef, amongst a whole list other things that we miss to become one). But even in genuine life, she manages to simplify it, whilst multitasking, as well as giving a running explanation all during a same time.

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She is also not one to sow a limelight, as well as allows a Le Meridien fritter chef, MiFong to assist.

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Of course, when you're a celebrity, any small paltry charge even, is lapped up by a Paparazzi, even a elementary charge of breaking an egg. Cameras as well as flashes in a cacophony of receptive to advice as well as light, capturing that precious impulse when a egg tumbles out of a c! osy shel l. She also forked out since a improved to moment a egg upon a table, as well as not upon a side of a bowl. Why? To avoid splinters of egg bombard in your bowl, that's why. But of course, we knew that ages ago.

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We get to sample, after each demo, a particular item, in this case, a Butter Raisin Tart. Apparently it is a Canadian favourite. The fritter is delicious as well as buttery, whilst a filling is upon a honeyed side. For those with a honeyed tooth (or is it "For those with honeyed teeth"?), this dessert would be a boon. Most importantly, they're unequivocally easy to make, as well as we reckon we can cut down a sugar content. It does remind me rather of a egg tarts, though a denser version.

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The second item, Maple Walnut Icecream, took her all of 10 mins to whip up, though as Murphy's Law would dictate, a ice thickk cream maker decided it was starting upon a sabbatical that afternoon, as well as decided it was only not starting to work putting a poor Le meridien fritter cook under a lot of highlight no doubt. Fortunately for US, these things have been all premade for tasting, so we still did get to representation a accomplished product. Which was yummy. The crunch of a walnut with that glorious maple syrup taste, that isnt sickeningly sweet.


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The final object that she jokes is ZERO calorie, since of a healthy ingredients, similar to wholemeal flour, bran, etc, as well as ONLY 60ml of oil, th! at divid ed by 12 muffins, is usually 5ml of oil per muffin....the apple cheddar date muffins. The savouriness of a cheddar element a wholesomeness of a muffin, as well as a benevolence of a fruit.

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Another recipe that took reduction than 10 mins to whip up. (okay, all WAS premeasured as well as cut up so yeah, supplement another 10 mins to 30 mins depending upon how fast or slow we have been in preparing those things).

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The demo was extremely educational. She regaled us with bloopers, tales of glutes as well as gluten, answered questions from a floor, revealed to us her prime joy dishes have been ROAST CHICKEN in winter, as well as a great steak, parched upon a special cast iron pan, with a side helping of uninformed summer tomatoes, explained to me when we need to prebake a fritter membrane as well as when we don't. Some propitious peeps won a propitious pull that included her new book, Fresh With Anna.

The great news is, her demos ARE open to a public, during LeMeridien, upon twenty-seven & 28th of November, 11-3pm, with lunch as well as FREE FLOW MUMM CHAMPAGNE, during RM330++ per head. Check it out HERE. Definitely value it, if we ask me.

Anyway, interjection to Alice George PR for a invite.
Living & Leisure Buzz

Ms. Jazz Reviews: Marufuku @ Jaya One

I am blissful to have a bunch of food loving friends whom notwithstanding not carrying a flog, loves exploring for new food places, as well as peaceful to go to restaurants with an open mind.

Most importantly they dont thoughts me articulate about food 24/7 (if they wish to speak about something else, theyll usually omit me, haha); conjunction do they care most of carrying me solemnly finding a right point of view for a food photos.

A new comment however arised from a bunch
Finally we are dining in a some-more affordable place

I looked out a travel with guilt. Shes right, a new places Ive been bringing my friends to all left us with dull pockets.

So it was maybe a right pierce to suggest them to MARUFUKU @ JAYA ONE a single night for a little udon adore affair. Located in an unseeming corner though manifest from Brussels Beer Caf, subsequent to Frontera , sits this no-frills though purify gentle Japanese caf. Their forte is their creatively made udon by daily, however there are additionally a little decent appetizers as well as yakitori offerings.
Ive listened of their sister opening Sanuki in Taman Bukit Desa, though have never visited a unfamiliar land to indulge, though little bird told me that a udon there is very great too. Seems similar to theyve gotten a whole concept right, as expansion is underway as well as subsequent opening will be at Taylors college, so for those subangers do look out for them in a coming months.

I can see a reasons of their intensity success,
1. Japanese food (familiar cuisine to malaysians)
2. Simple, quick-to- goal for dishes is always a as well as point for franchise opportunities
3. Cheap! Affordable as Lots of Craving puts it (the cheapest being their house special udon(RM6)
4. Yummy food!
5.Low set up cost

Order Counters for busy days.
Edamame, easily salted. Can't go wrong with this a single
We've had a integrate of yakitori that ranges to about RM2-3 per stick, utterly affordable: Chicken Skin, Okra, leg as well as we Like all things fatty so naturally i had my sight set on a chicken skin that was pickled as well as crispy. (only a bit oily) though not that im complaining.
House Special udon (RM6)- what compute this udon from alternative japanese outlets isthe springy as well as wonderfully chewy texture.Topped withrunny egg yolk, andsimple splash of open onion is all it needs. End result of a very refreshing mild tasting udon plate that was an addictive eat.
Curry udon was again unlike alternative outlets whom similar to to embody a big amount of starchy curry salsa that could be rsther than strenuous at times if we have to eat a big bowl of it, though rsther than a ones herewas served with minimalcurry salsa sufficient for we to get asmall taste of curry flavour. Again it goes well with a noodles that i believed to be quickly blanchedto retain its strange texture.*correct me if i'm wrong*Nabeyaki udon- A multiple mixtu! re of sh itake mushroom, tofu puff, tempura ebi, beancurd skin as well as open onion, a hardness of a noodles is softer as a result of cooking it for a longer time. Quite a nice joy eat.
More chicken skin please? =D now if usually they offer ox tongue- i'm so gamed.
Umeshu with soda H2O (RM12) for dual shots.
Our bill came up to RM70+
Ratings:
Food: 7.5/10(one of a improved udon place in town)
Ambience: 5/10(good for infrequent hangout, or quick japanese fix)
Service: 7/10(friendly staff during a still night, goal same goes to busy days)
Presentation of food: 6/10
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Marufuku udonUnit L-18-G-1Ground Floor, Palm Square Jaya One
Tel: 03- 79576368

Living & Leisure Buzz

Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 Winners


Four Colour Tomato Salad from Lafite


The winners for Time Out KL Food Awards 2010 was voiced final night during the special award rite during MAPKL, Solaris Dutamas. Picked by the public through voting vide the computer, here have been the winners:


Best Continental - La Bodega
Specially Commended in the Best Continental Category - El Cerdo


Best Healthy Eating/Vegetarian - Marmalade


Best Indian - Bombay Palace


Best Italian - Prego, Westin KL



Mentai Sushi from Fukuharu


Best Japanese - Fukuharu, Terrace during Hock Choon


Best Malay - Bijan
Specially Commended in the Best Malay Category - Enak, Starhill Gallery


Best Middle Eastern - Al-Amar
Specially Commended in the BestMiddle EasternCategory - Tarbush


Best Mamak - Nasi Kandar Pelita


Best Pub Grub - Jarrods & Rawlins
Specially Commended in the Best Pub Grub Category - Sid's Pub





Monkfish from High Tide


Best Seafood - High Tide, Menara Taipan


Best Steakhouse - Prime, Le Meridien KL
Specially Commende! d in the Best Steakhouse Category - QBA, Westin KL


Best Thai/Indochinese - Tamarind Springs


Best Independent Restaurant - Albion, Jalan Berangan


Best Fine Dining - Lafite, Shangri-La KL


Outstanding Chef This Year - David King from Westin KL


Best New Restaurant of the Year - The Pressroom, Bangsar Shopping Centre


Best Restaurateur - Edward Hyde of Gastrodome
Specially Commended in the Best Restaurateur Category - Benj Conway of the Nero Group

Unlike final year,theannouncement of thewinners is just the beginningas Time Out KL has nowpartnered with American Express for the year-long dining programme which will run till end of 2011. Hopefully this partnership will yielddining promotions which will ease the pockets the little.

So what's your perspective upon the awards? Bouquets as well as brickbats have been all welcomed.