MyCoffee Eats: Dinner @ Out of Africa

Out of Africa? I thought I was “in”.

Hehe, bad joke aside, it was quite an experience dining at Out of Africa. Who would have thought a place like this exists in Kelab Syabas? Ambience is kind of rustic yet serene and relaxing at the same time. Menu is rather extensive with some of the most imaginative names I have come across (meat lovers will definitely love this place) and servings are really waistline-challenging.
Pumpkin Soup in mini cauldron and Chicken Liver Pate
My friend and I shared a Chicken Liver Pate and Pumpkin Soup as starters. The latter is served in a mini cauldron with really tasty garlic toasts. Pumpkin soup was definitely good, warm yet tantalizing and perfect for a rainy evening. The liver pate came in a generous chunk with toasts and some sweet chutney. Rich and creamy, I was surprised (and slightly appalled) that we nearly finished the entire block.


Bobotie Set
For main, we ordered something that sounds like Bobotie. Described as a common dish in Africa, it is supposed to be a very mild dry beef curry. The sight of it was not really appealing and unfortunately, so was the taste. It was too dry and the accompanying rice, crackers (papadam), and slices of bananas (yes, very strange indeed) did nothing to elevate the problem. The only thing I liked were the sambal-like condiment and the side salad.


Warm Whisky Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice-cream
A meal is not finished without dessert so we ordered a Warm Whisky Sticky Toffee Pudding to share. Definitely very sweet but it was still yummy when eaten together with the accompanying ice-cream. In my opinion, one can hardly go wrong with the classic combination of warm & cold dessert. Then again, I would definitely not mind if they were more generous with the whisky though.

For something different and exotic, Out of Africa is definitely worth a try!

Out of Africa Restaurant and Kudu Bar
Inside Kelab Syabas, PJ State
Tel: 03-7955 3432

Still Here...(Strawberry Chocolate Gateau)

There has been a brief lapse in posting but rest assured I am still here. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activities, including a trip to Bangkok. Sadly, my baking had taken a backseat as a result. With Christmas coming, I have better brush up my bakings again soon.

Strawberry Chocolate Gateau
I baked this cake sometime back. It's actually a Devil's Food Cake spread with the easiest Chocolate Fudge frosting I have ever made (no cream used, only condensed milk) and decorated with fresh strawberries. The frosting was surprisingly good. Sweet as expected, but not sickening so. I believe using good semi-sweet chocolate chips in the frosting makes a difference!

But I should have waited for the frosting to cool a bit before dipping the strawberries in it. As you can see in the picture, the frosting was too thin to coat the strawberries properly.

**edited to include recipe
Extremely Easy Chocolate Glaze
1 cup good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can condensed milk
1t vanilla essence
1T Nescafe Gold (optional)
Method:
1) Heat condensed milk in saucepan over medium heat until warm state. Add in chocolate chips. Stir constantly to combine until chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Add coffee powder and stir until it dissolves.
2) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool slightly until desired spreading consistency before glazing over cakes.

I wanted to make something... (Sweet Corn Konyaku Jellies)

It has been a long time since I made anything. And I really wanted to make something. But I was slightly short of time though so I made the simplest of things - sweet corn konyaku jelly. Simple but satisfaction guaranteed! :-)

Based on this recipe.

Weekend of Indulgence: Iketeru, Hilton KL

One more post on my stay at Hilton KL, or to be more specific about my mini kaiseki course at Iketeru Japanese Restaurant.

By this time, I couldn't really recall back each individual dishes that were included in the kaiseki course., but I have pictures! *wink*


1st appetizer. The one in the middle sure looks like some cheese cake, right? It was actually some kind of egg or tofu sponge.


2nd Appetizer


Dumpling in clear broth


A selection of sashimi


Also ordered a portion of Dragon Roll


I can't remember what this was but I really liked this dish. Check out the cute buttony mushrooms.


Grilled fatty salmon. Ultra-delicious with melt-in-your mouth fatty meat.


Another main course. Not bad as well.


Rice dish. Just in case one isn't full by this time.


Finale: Desserts consisting of Goma Ice-cream, Mochi and delicioius rock melon.

Iketeru
Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Weekend of Indulgence @ Hilton KL

Here's a peek into my room. Not a big room but I love the concept. Don't get alarmed with the open-area bath/vanity room. There is a glass sliding door for those who are not inclined to shower in full view of others; unless of course if you are staying alone...


I love the bath! And also the "rain" shower. Pure bliss....

Of course it does help that the room has a big plasma screen as well.