Gourmet Heaven @ Ben's Independent Grocer, Publika, Solaris Dutamas KL

For our Christmas Day meal, I was short of some items and could not find them in regular supermarkets. There were only a couple of places in KL that we know of that stocked the things we needed -- and one of them is Ben's Independent Grocer (B.I.G.) in Publika, Solaris Dutamas KL.

Newly opened this year, we have been here a few times and totally love it here. True some of the things are more expensive but the selection is vast. And there are also a lot of items which are cheaper than regular supermarkets, for example whipping cream.

So much cheese

My utmost favorite section at Ben's Independent Grocer is the "Gourmet Goodies" by the main entrance. Here you can find goose liver pate, truffles, truffle butter, wild mushrooms, cep mushrooms, fleur de sel, Heilala vanilla pods and pure vanilla extract, and so much more! You can also find Echire butter in the dairy section. Truly a gourmet's heaven (well, for me anyways :P).

We also managed to get some delicious Spanish chorizo; Hubby loves chorizo and he has given the chorizo we got here a big thumbs up. For those interested, the brand is Cecinas Pablo, and it's called Maragato Hot Chorizo (price approx RM70).

Champagne anybody?

Ben's Independent Grocer houses many of its signature restaurants such as T Forty Two, Ben's General Food Store, and also a Chocolate Bar, The Gingerbread Man and G-Stick gelato sticks. We got some stuff from a few of these places so will blog about that soon too.

The Barn Butchery stocks some great quality beef and lamb, I spotted some high marbling Wagyu. I often complain that it's hard to find duck in supermarkets - now I know where to go if I ever want a whole duck.

Even if you're not getting anything, it's a great place just to walk around especially if you're a foodie. But as always, temptation is too great and we found ourselves leaving with a few bags of groceries and gourmet goodies to spice up our Christmas :)

Location: Ben's Independent Grocer (B.I.G), Lot No. 1A, 83-95, Level UG1! , Publik a, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-6209 1700

GPS Coordinates: 3.1711, 101.66583

Lunch at Ring Road Restaurant.

Ring Road Restaurant is a coffee shop located in a secluded spot right in the heart of the city off Loke Yew road.

The main draw is a pork/seafood noodle stall (very good business) and a steamed fish head stall.

For our lunch we tried out the steamed fish head stall and was quite satisfied with the outcome-a wholesome, simple home cooked style experience.


Shoong Yee Tau-steamed Big Head Carp fish with tau cheong, garlic, Bird's Eye chillies and light soy sauce-very fresh with no fishy aftertaste but the chillies were too overpowering-Rm22/ Kwang Si Tofu Puff- well stuffed with fishpaste and Chinese Chives-airy and puffy-Rm4/ Steamed minced pork with coarsely chopped Chai Poh ( pickled Radish)-goes well with white rice-Rm6/ Blanched Lettuce topped with garlic/oil and Oyster sauce on the side-Rm5/
Total bill: Rm39/
Location:50, Jalan Gelang,
off Loke Yew Road, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 019-211-4990/ 016-927-5770

Super Herb Butter

Yesterday was a day like any other day.

I woke up thinking about doughnuts and chili fries. Ok not really. I did, however, make my way to the kitchen, found an open box of cereal, and ate a giant handful of dry cereal with my eyes closed. Then I drank milk. I cant tell you whether or not I drank straight from the carton or used a glass. That information is classified. Just let me be known that I seem to be a bachelor at heart.

Yesterday was a day like any other day. There was cereal, a bit of beach, eye cream (because Im obsessed), food, friendship, and curious amounts of butter.

Herbbutter. A simple combination of salt and pepper, fresh thyme and chives, fresh (fuzzy) sage and lemon zest.

It all gets smashed into butter. Later Im going to suggest you put this cold butter inside a hamburger patty. Thats obscene and I apologize in advance.

December 26, 2011. Morning by the beach. If anyone ever makes me live in a frozen tundra land Ill hold this dear inside my heart.

December 2! 6, 2011. Brunch with Tracy, Casey, and Cooper (not pictured obviously). Tracy is cutting her sons pancake. Shes mom-ing hard.

December 26, 2011. Afternoon butter manipulation and photography. Yes I shoot on the floor in front of my door sometimes. Just deal.

What are you going to do with all of this beautiful, herb-y,salty, butter spread?

Bread is an amazing place to start. Toasted? With garlic? Keep talking!

December 26, 2011. You might consider, as I did placing small pats of herbbutter inside ground beef and making butter burgers.

Butter. Burgers. I mean sweet Lord. The recipe is from Good Meat, a book I am deeply emotional about.

I can neither confirm nor deny my butter burger consumption. A butter burger is not pictured here because that would be entirely irresponsible, and frankly dangerous.

December 26, 20! 11. End with a cider. Pear.

Super HerbButter

makes 1/2 cup butter

Print this Recipe!

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened slightly (you can use salted butter, just leave the extra salt out)

1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (depending on how salty you like things)

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

2 teaspoons coarsely choppedfresh thyme,

2 teaspoons coarsely choppedfresh sage

2 teaspoons lemon zest

3 tablespoons chopped chives

Place butter in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash until softened. Add salt and pepper and mash to incorporate. Add thyme, sage, and lemon zest. Mash to incorporate. Lastly, add the chives and stir to combine. Place butter on a piece of plastic wrap and tighten into a small dish. Chill until ready to use.

Butter will last, wrapped in the fridge, for up to one week.

Santa Claus Visited Our Home!

A few weeks before Christmas, Baby C sat down and wrote a letter to Santa Claus..

When the children were tucked in bed safely, our CCTV caught some movement downstairs by the Christmas tree.. look who has arrived... Ho Ho Ho!

Santa Claus visited our home and came bearing lots of gifts for the (well-behaved) children.

Just before he left, he enjoyed the glass of milk and Oreo cookies that Baby C has left out for him. "What a nice little girl, leaving me my favorite cookies and milk," says Santa Claus.

And just before sunrise, the children rushed downstairs to find lots of lovely presents awaiting them. And thus they had a great Christmas, thanks to Santa Claus, the man in the red suit, big belly (ahem!) and white beard.

-----TH E END-----

AFC & Pernod Ricard presents Great Dinners of the World with Chefs Malcolm Goh, Sherson Lian, Johnny Fua and Chef Sho Naganuma

The venue was the swankyThe Upper Deck @ G Tower, Kuala Lumpur.

The occasion an exclusive by-invitedinner to preview the first episode of the AFC original production of GREAT DINNERS OF THE WORLD.

The menu an ambrosial affair, with each course specially prepared by each of the 4 lovable chefs on the show.

The free flowing intoxication that night smooth, rich liquors courtesy ofPernod Ricard Malaysia.

And the outcome an entertaining dinner like no other, full o! f laught er, surprises and many hilarious candid moments.

The show GREAT DINNERS OF THE WORLD takes you on the incredible journey of 4 Asian chefs (3 of which are Malaysians! :) ) to Europe, where they were each expected to cook for their unsuspecting guests (which includes a Duke) while battling the cold and unfamiliar surroundings.

While all of us are not new to AFC (well I hope not cos youre missing out big time on food-related entertainment if you are!) and we have our favourites programs on ASTRO Channel 703, this show deservingly to be added into your must watch list.
Be prepared to be tickled pink at some of the comical antics of the 4 chefs whilesimultaneouslymarvel atthe picturesque chateaus, mouth-watering breweries and enchanting castles in France and Scotland, all captured in vivid detail during this production.

So mark these dates > AFCs GREAT DINNERS OF THE WORLDpremiers onTuesday, 13 December at 10.00pm on Astro 703. No worries if you missed it, as we know there are repeats! But do watch from TONIGHT onwards!

Yes, the next episode is TONIGHT 10pm!
http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/show/great-dinners-of-the-world

Watch and you may try to win yourselfa pairs of tickets to an exclusive dinner hosted by the Great Dinners Chefs.!

Y up, you can have an exclusive dinner like mine that night. Course by course, where each is a specialty of the 4 chefs.

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My dinner that night..

From Chef Malcolm Goh: One of the best terrine I have ever tasted.
This was a layered carnivorefavourite sheets of tender smoky quail, chicken, beef and duck meat with rich foie gras in between.

From ChefSho Naganuma of Marina Bay Sands: An exquisite creation somewhat alike a chawanmushi in foie gras broth.

Yes, you read right. The soup is foie gras broth and dig your spoon in for the wobbly custard. The custard is egg-based but no cream were added. At the bottom of the cup I unearthed truffle bits and the overall soup is perfumed with truffle oil.

From Chef Sherson Lian: Seafood.

Inspired by the fresh seafood he had in Scotland, Sherson whipped up this seafood platter, where one end is the prawn and crabmeat salad and another sea bream wi! th his s ignature lemongrass sauce.

My preference goes to thesalad for its lovely marry of fresh crabmeat with briny roes plus sweet, natural tomatoes. Adding in bits of longans was genius. The fruity sweetness gave the overall emsemble a refreshing jolt.
The sea bream, though well executed, paled in comparison.

From ChefJohnny Fua:Braised beef ribs & monk fish liver.

I have high regard for Chef Johnny ever since my meal at The Upper Deck (post HERE).
He knows how to cook his meats properly. The beef shortribs were nothing less than superb;juicy and flaky and pink.

Desserts.

It was indeed a wondrous dinner. And it will remain a cherished memory that I managed to meet all 4 amazing chefs in person!

Last but not least, I got to take a part of each of the 4 chefs home!

Erm, what were you thinking? :P
These little bottles are the chefs own specialty of seasoning/sauces. Such inspiring gifts right?
It made me want to hop to the market and get some fresh meat and seafood and head home to fire up the wok! :)

So, remember Every Tuesday, 10pm. ASTRO Channel 703.
Watch it! These 4 jokers are instant stress relievers. The chemistry and the comaradeship on screen is incredible!

All pictures shot with the: