More Dim Sum....(Emperor, Sheraton Subang) (2)

Crowd-pleasers: Flaky Mini Egg Tart and Shrimp Roll with Mango/Cheese
Yep, been overloading on dim sums lately. Thank goodness it ranked as one of my favourite food. Anyway, this is one of the more recent outings at Emperor Chinese Restaurant in Sheraton Subang.

Initially, I was only thinking to go for their ala carte dim sum but as we walked in, we noticed that they were haivng an "Eat-All-You-Can" Dim Sum promotion. Of course, ala carte orders are still available but looking at the former which was priced at RM60++, and the prices of ala carte dim sums on the menu, plus that I have the Starwood card that gives me 50% discount; it didn't take long to work out that the promotion was much more worth it.

So we settled down and ordered a very nice pot of Jasmine tea.

Basically, one can order any dim sum from their usual dim sum menu except for the shark fin dumpling in broth (kun tong kao) and chef's special. In addition, there was a selection of items on the buffet table, including roast duck and roast chicken as well as a "cook-to-order" porridge stall.

Picture: Buffet Spread

Most dim sum items on the buffet spread consist mainly of deep-fried and pan-fried items. Our selection include:

TOP PICTURE (Left-to-Right): Pan-fried radish cake, Shredded Duck Meat Springroll, Yam Puff
BOTTOM PICTURE (Clock-wise from Top-Left): Mini Sesame Dumplings with Peanut Paste, BBQ Chicken Puff, Mini Egg Tart, Shrimp Roll with Cheese/Mango
Maybe it's due to the fact that they're displayed as a buffet spread, we didn't really find anything that was worth going back for a second helping with the exception of the wonderful mini egg tart that has a delightful crispy and flaky crust and soft melting custard centre. Not the best I've tasted but I would rate it highly. Almost as pleasing is the shrimp roll. (Both pictured above). Some were rather alright, like the Sesame Dumplings and Yam Puffs but I think that all of them would have scored higher points if they were ordered fresh from the menu.

Top-to-bottom: Fresh Fish Congee with Century Egg and Roasted Duck
We also ordered a small portion of the roast duck and a small bowl of fish congee with century egg. The duck was ok although a tad chewy and a tad gamey. On the other hand, the congee, which was prepared-to-order was rather good! Fresh fish meat in a thick and heart-warming gruel, I like...

The steamed items (ordered from their menu but included in the promotion) were better than those items on the buffet spread, largely due to the fact that they were made fresh to order. We tried some of the more unique-sounding ones;

Clockwise from Top-Left: Stuffed Crab Claw, Shredded Scallop with Crabmeat Dumplings, Sharkfins Dumpling and Stir-fried Radish Cake

Top-to-bottom: HK Cheong Fun with Scallops filling, Tea-Leaf Eggs (this was from Buffet Spread), Scallops Dumpling, TeoChew Style Dumpling

I like the Stuffed Crab Claws as it is stuffed with real shredded crabmeat (not the imitation) kind. Others ranged from mediocre to alright particularly anything stuffed with whole prawns as they were fresh and bouncy-to-bite. On the other hand, the first plate of Stir-fried Radish Cake that arrived were a let-down although it looked promising albeit slightly too dark. To give them credit, I did like the texture, as the cubed radish cake was slightly charred and crispy outside while the inside still remained slightly wet and gooey. Unfortunately, there was unmistakeable taste of "burnt-ness" to it which the waitress explained was actually the "wok-hei" (??) when we complained (perhaps too much "wok-hei" then?). Nevertheless, they willingly took the plate back and exchange with another plate that was less crispy, not as delightful to bite but minus the "burnt" taste.

Desserts selection were not much. Some standard hotel-styled cakes, pastries, cut fruits and ice-creams which were forgettable but the Double-boiled Sea Coconut with White Fungus and Longan was excellent!

There were quite a number of items from the menu that we did not get to try this time as we were too stuffed too soon. Then again, many of items on the menu especially the non-steamed, pan-fried and deep-fried items, were already displayed on the buffet spread. Come to think of it, they might tasted better if we were to order from the menu instead of taking it from the buffet spread. Oh, well...

Emperor Chinese Restaurant (Halal), Sheraton Subang Hotel

Previous post on Emperor Chinese Restaurant here.

Dim Sum Lunch at Imperial Garden, Intan Square

Imperial Garden
One fine weekend afternoon, a girlfriend and I were suddenly craving for dim sum. First choice was to go Oriental Pavilion but rather than risk waiting for a long tine without a confirmed reservation, we trudged our way to Tai Thong newest outlet, Imperial Garden at Intan Square (beside Asia Jaya).

We were relieved to see that tables were aplenty hence no waiting was required.

Ordering of dim sums was done through their menu as they are prepared ala minute to ensure freshness although I personally prefer to take my pick for the dim sum carts. Choices were sufficient although not vast. We asked for house recommendations and also picked some from their “weekends specials” menu.


Steamed Fresh Fish Balls
According to the server, this is very popular. Not difficult to see why. The fish balls were fresh and bouncy.


Steamed Dried Scallops and Chinese Celery Dumplings


Steamed Assorted Mushrooms Dumplings

Rather than going for the stand “har gow”, we opted for these 2 dumplings from their weekend specials menu. Not bad although to me, they didn’t taste too different from the usual har gow and siu mai. The thing about steamed dumplings, it’s best to eat them fast while they are still warm as the “skin” tends to get hard pretty fast once cooled.


Steamed White Radish Pudding “HK Style”
This tasted a bit weird. You can still taste strands of shredded white radish which according to my friend, reminded her of old winter melon. It’s pretty bland as well although it does come with a small plate of soy sauce as dipping sauce. It also has a strange after taste that I couldn’t really decipher nor agree with. Should have gone for the stir-fried or pan-fried version instead.


Mini Yam Buns
According to the server again, these are really popular and so far, is only served at this particular TT outlet. These morsels were tasty alright. Soft, fluffy buns encasing a generous dollop of mashed/creamed yam.

Cross-section of yam buns
Thinking back, they tasted pretty similar to my favourite frozen yam paus that my mom bought from the supermarkets. *lol*


Crispy Durian Pancakes
Both of us being fans of durian, we went for this when it was time to pick a dessert. Served in a plate of half a dozen, they were pretty delicious although not the best durian desserts that I’d came across. Sliced durian flesh encased in flaky pastry. Although deep-fried, they were surprisingly light rather than oily.

Prices range between RM5.80 to RM8.80 per basket for most items.

Imperial Garden Restaurant
7th Floor, Intan Square,
No 3, Lorong Utara C, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
03-7956 6868

Something New....Lammeeya @ One Utama

Saw a new F&B outlet opposite Kluang Station Kopitiam in One Utama recently while trying to decide on a place to lunch. As te outlet was relatively empty compared to its nighbours (aka no waiting time), we thought there's no harm giving it a try.

Like its namesake, this outlet specializes in various type of Lam Mee. My lunch partner ordered their original while I went for something slightly different, the Mushroom Lam Mee.


Original Lam Mee. Looks as good as the one pictured on their wall (see picture at the top of this post).
The Original Lam Mee arrived first and it looked truly promising. My lunch partner was slurping the noodles up in big gulps; a sign that he has given it his seal of approval.


Mushrooms Lam Mee
Soon after, my order arrived. Again, it looked truly tantalizing - assorted mushrooms including big glossy chinese mushrooms on top of thick noodles in a hearty and aromatic broth. And boy, I was so glad that it tasted as good as it looked. Despite my initial doubt that the serving size would be too much for me to finish, I enjoyed every slurp of the noodle up to the very last bite.

Besides Lam Mee, other typical local fares are available too. Their menu was pleasing to browse through as it was filled with gorgeous and mouth-watering pictures of their offerings. In fact, it reminded me of another outlet in JayaOne and I suspect that they could be related.

The noodles are priced around RM10 and above. A tad pricey for a plate of Lam Mee (if compared to the kopitiam version) but then again, the serving was generous, the taste - delicious, and after all, it is located in One Utama.

Will be back to try more.

By the way, Happy New Year, folks!

LAMMEEYA
One Utama, New Wing.
Opposite Kluang Station Kopitiam

Wishing Everyone A Merry & Joyous Christmas!

It's my most favourite time of the year again.... It's Christmas time! So what have you got planned? Any "chestnuts roasting on open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping at your nose"? Over here, you would probably see the former being roasted by a roadside seller using charcoal over a big wok anywhere and the only "Jack Frost" nipping at your nose is probably from the blast of chilly cold air-cond. Anyhow, now matter where you are, Christmas is as lovely anyway so long it already happened in your heart.

So here's wishing everyone a truly wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Christmas, a time for sharing and a time for giving gifts,
But most importantly, it is a time for remembering the greatest gift ever given,
Emmanuel.

And here's the recipe to the wonderful flourless chocolate cupcakes you see above. Especially good when served warm with cold ice-cream but just as delectable simply topped with macadamia nuts or frosted with chocolate ganache.

Easy Flourless Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
(Makes apx. 10 cupcakes)
100g dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2c + 1/4c sugar (increase if choc is bitter)
1+3/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 cup good quality cocoa powder
Method:
Preheat oven to 175c. Grease muffin pans and dust generously with extra sifted cocoa powder (if you find that you are using a lot, take some from the portion allocated above in the ingredients).
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a medium bowl set over a simmering pot of water, or zap in microwave for a quick fix. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, vanilla, eggs and cocoa. Mix well.
Pour into muffin pans and bake for 15-16mins or until done. Cool in pans for 5 mins before turning them out to be cooled completely on wire racks. If you are frosting, make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting.

Nero Teca - My Favourite Place for Long & Lazy Brunches

My ideal place to have long brunches or lunches. Good food, great stock of vino, cozy ambience and great company - nothing could be better...


I love their complimentary focaccia. Either dipped with a good balsamic vinegar in olive oil or with salted anchovies and some whole olives.


I am usually spoilt for choice when it comes to picking something from their menu. But the first thing I look at is their weekly special menu. Usually something different and usually never tasted anything but good. But there are several tried-and-tested dishes that I usually go for such as the hearty Bruschetta Speciale (chicken, spinach, sundried tomatoes and melted goat cheese); Romagnola (open piadina bread with parma ham and buffalo mozzarella); the lovely and bright Genovese Salad (mesclun and rocket salad with chili mustard, asparagus, prawns, roast capsicum, smoked salmon, codfish, tuna and cherry tomatoes) or if I can make it in time before their breakfast hour ends, their Tonica breakfast set that comes with espresso, apple and celery juice, two fried eggs with mushroom, rocket salad and parmesan cheese. Simple ingredients but brings about delicate flavors that are both exquisitely light and balanced


Not to be missed are their selection of desserts. They do one of the better "tiramisu" in town as well as a very good panna cotta. And for coffee drinkers, their coffee is excellent, from the simple black coffee to latte.

Nero Teca (www.neroteca.com)
Ground floor, Somerset
8 Lorong Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03/2070 0530

D'Empire Brasserie @ Solaris Mont Kiara

Pan-seared Canadian Cod
Nestled in the maze of pubs, cafes and eateries within Solaris Mont Kiara is this rather cozy corner bistro-like restaurant serving basically European/Italian fare. Twas was a friend's birthday and there was a big group of us. A variety of dishes were ordered although unfortunately, I only managed to take pictures of those that were within my vicinity.

Some starters were ordered but I was a little late and forgot what was served. However I do remember their personal pizzas were really good. Laddened with hearty ingredients with a thin and somewhat crispy base, it was how I like my pizza to be (sorry, no pic). The same thing can't be said about the soup that we ordered though. I couldn't really remember whether was it seafood minestrone or seafood chowder.

Seafood minestrone or seafood chowder? Presentation was better and not as above, we redistributed it into smaller bowls, hence the "messy rim".
I was expecting a thick type of soup for it was mentioned in the menu that it came with some bread. As a matter of fact, the soup was rather thin and lacked of flavour despite the rather generous seafood given. There was also no bread in sight but we did not pursue the matter as we were given an additional complimentary small bowl of the soup (sucker for free stuff, lol). Also, I doubt the bread would help the rather 'thin' soup much.

For my main, I ordered their special of the day which was not on their menu, Pan-seared Canadian Cod (apx. RM60 / pictured above). How was it? To be frank, it's rather easy not to go wrong with a good piece of cod as most of its flavour comes from its thick and creamy flesh. However, my main was just slightly overcooked and there wasn't anything partcularly exciting about the way it was cooked or the accompanying condiments. Overall, it was still decent

Seafood Pasta done aglio olio style
2 types of pastas were also ordered, one is seafood and the other is spicy sausage (or something that sounds similar). Both are done aglio olio style. My friends who ordered did not have any complaints. I stole a few bites and find it slightly too bland, even for an aglio olio style pasta. Also, the addition of chinese parsley seems a bit out of place, rendering the dish to taste like noodles cooked chinese-style.

Spicy Sausage Pasta done aglio olio style
Desserts were nothing to shout about (hence no photo too) and I would give it a miss although I wouldn't mind returning for their yummy pizzas.

D'Empire Brasserie
22 Ground Floor,
Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603- 6203 6887

Opera Cake "Wannabe"

Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake
This is a cheater's guide to making an Opera Cake. In fact, I wouldn't really call it a classic Opera Cake. A more apt description would be "Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake". Well, when time and ingredients do not permit one to bake an almond sponge base, one would have to make do with a normal plain sponge. Here's what I did:

Slice the baked and cooled sponge cake into a few layers, and spread a layer of Baileys-flavoured chocolate hazelnut buttercream. Chill it for awhile then top with a layer of chocolate ganache. Chill again till the chocolate ganache hardens. Repeat the above. On impromptu, I also added a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts and biscuit crumbs in between the layers to make up for the feeling of a "slightly crunchy almond sponge cake". Once done, frost and decorate the cake with leftover buttercream, chocolate ganache and biscuit crumbs.


Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake

The cake (sans baking time) and frostings took me a matter of minutes to prepare. The frosting and decorating? A matter of hours, no thanks to clumsy and amateurish fingers as well as unco-operative hot and humid weather.