Lunching at Jarrods, Damansara Heights

Since we are on the topic of executive set lunches, let me post another set lunch review that I had recently at Jarrods in Damansara Heights. I was there for a light lunch with a friend and then I saw a placard at the doors displaying the executive set lunch menu at their in-door restaurant. At only RM25++ for a 2-course lunch inclusive of either tea or coffee, I thought it was quite a steal.


Starting with soup of the day which by now I have completely forgotten what it was. Could be somekind of seafood bisque or chowder. Anyhow, I remember enjoying the soup. (Sorry people for not being more descriptive).

The choice of mains on that day was between a pan-fried barramundi or grilled pork loins. I chose the barramundi but swapped the sides of roasted potatoes for the mashed pumpkin which I love.

The barramundi was served with a side of a tangy and sweetish sauce in a shot glass, of what looked like some kind of marmalade relish or sauce. The fish itself was quite "fishy" in taste (my friend had to ask for some lemon) but if taken together with the sauce, it was quite alright. I like the mashed pumpkin a lot though.


And with a perfect cuppa freshly brewed coffee to finish off, you won't hear me complaining at all.

Jarrods
Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights

Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins (Martha Stewart's Recipe)

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Muffins
Seems like I am experiencing a major "baker's block". It's not that I don't like baking anymore but rather, I couldn't seem to find the time and motivation to bake. But I still bake, occassionally. And for simpler recipes like this Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Muffins, adapted from Martha Stewart's The Baking Handbook. Rather good, I would say. And anything with tons of Reese's Peanut Butter Chips are bound to be yummy too!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Muffins

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart's The Baking Handbook - "Cranberry Zucchini Muffins"
1+3/4c plain flour (recipe does not require flour to be sifted but I sifted it nonetheless)
1/2t baking powder
1/2t baking soda
1/4t salt
2 Large eggs
1c sugar
1/2c vegetable oil
1/2t pure vanilla extract
1c of chocolate chips and peanut butter chips combined
Method:
1. Line muffin pan with muffin/cupcake liners.
2. Preheat oven to 375f .
3. Whisk together together the first 4 (dry) ingredients in a bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the next 4 (wet) ingredients.
5. Add the flour mixture to (4) . Stir to combine but DO NOT OVERMIX*. (*which will result in dry and lumpy muffins)
6. Gently fold in the chocolate and peanut butter chips.
7. Divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups. It should come up to 80-90% full of each cup.
8. Bake for about 25-30 mins or until the top is golden brown and the skewer comes out dry when inserted into the center of the muffins. For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through.
9. Transfer to the wire rack to cool for about 5-10 mins before turning them out from the pan to cool completely on the rack.

Lunching at Prego, Westin KL

Wanna have a good and decent Italian lunch yet do not have the luxury of time? Go to Prego at Westin Kuala Lumpur for their executive set lunches. They have some good set lunch choices that are hearty and yet not too heavy for lunch.

For around 60 ringgit, you get to choose a combination of starter and main, or main with dessert. Since there are 2 of us, we chose a different combi each.

One of the highlights of dining at Prego is their simply divine bread basket. Served with some spicy tomato dip, one becomes full from the bread before the actual meal before you know it. Make sure that the bread reaches you warm.


We chose the Air-dried Beef served with Melon, Fig jam and Toast. Wonderful choice for the classic combination was just lovely.


As for mains, we had Mushroom Saffron Risotto. One look at the dish and you can guess that it was indeed tantalizing.


Another main that we chose was the Stuffed Pumpkin Ravioli. Sweet creamy pumpkin puree encased in slightly chewy skin. I lurrrrrve this a lot. Downside? Only 3 pieces were served. I think I can easily consume at least half a dozen of these by myself. (Now you see what I mean when I said their set lunch is rather light?)


For dessert, we wanted something light so we had Pannettone with Homemade Vanilla Ice-cream. No frills here but pair it with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee,

it is enough to satiate the sweet tooth and provides a sweet ending to a lovely meal.

Service was fast and prompt. You can easily finish lunch under an hour's time from the time you sat down at the table.

(Click here for links to my other reviews on Prego)
Prego Restaurant
Westin Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Happy New Year 2008!

Another year had passed and another brand new year had just arrived.
Here's wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and May You Have a Great Year Ahead!
And cheers from my doggie, Julius too!
*woof* *woof*

UPDATED: Wanna see his antics? See it here.

More food-related posts coming up soon...