Dinner with Porky Bess @ Wendy's Bistro

Didn't plan it this way; but somehow all the dishes we ordered that night happened to be courtesy of Porky Bess.

It seems like more and more outlets that specializes in non-halal dishes are springing out. This one is closer to home although not exactly new. Reading this article, it reminded me that I did previously plan to try this place but never got around to it until now.

The restaurant seems cozy and family-like. On the other hand, it was a little bit too dim and the tables were rather too close to each other which might just be a nightmare for the claustrophobic.

A healthy(ier) start to what's to come later, we shared the Grilled Bacon Salad.

Grilled Bacon Salad
Tagged as "Must Eat" in the menu, the salad was described as crispy streaky or back bacon on baby spinach, tomatoes and chillies with creamy balsamic dressing. But we could have sworn that those grilled bacon were fried ham slices instead. It sure tasted that way although not in a bad way at all. I was happy that the salad came with plenty of fresh baby spinach leaves although the same couldn't be said for th tomatoes and chillies (chillies? what chillies???). Liked the salad dressing and the fact that the it was served on the side.

Then came the sausages. I ordered a combination of Pork Chorizo (another "Must Eat" dish) and Pork Oriental.

Combination of Pork Chorizo Pork Oriental sausage.
Served with fries (good texture but too salty) and some simple salad, the Pork Oriental reminded me of those sweet-ish Taiwanese sausages. The Pork Chorizo on the other hand, was not bad.

I was told that the "stars" of this restaurant must be their Grilled Pork Belly and Grilled Spare Ribs. Fortunately for the customers, a Mixed Combo of these two are available.

Mixed Combo: Grilled Pork Belly and Grilled Spare Ribs
Served with a scooped of mashed potatoes (average) and coleslaw (this was pretty good!), we enjoyed both. The succulent pork belly was first marinated in manipur sauce before being grilled. The spareribs were mostly tender although there were some chewy bits. I wouldn't rank them as my favourites but that doesn't mean that I did not enjoy every bite of the meat as witnessed by our empty plates with only totally licked-clean bones on them at the end of the meal.

The desserts selection were pretty uninspiring. Nevertheless, we still ordered Cookies n Cream Ice-cream Cake when we discovered that they use Movenpick ice-cream.

Cookies n Cream Ice-cream Cake
Nothing fancy here. It's just ice-cream sandiwched between 2 layers of plain sponge cake and frosted with sweet whipped cream. I think I have made a similar cake before. Anyway, at the very least, the ice-cream was still enjoyable.

Prices were fair. The dishes above ranged from RM18 to RM25. Desserts are about RM8 onwards.

WENDY’S BISTRO (Non-halal)
20, Jalan PJS 8/18,
Dataran Sunway Mentari, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-5630 1699

Ben & Nicks, Subang Jaya

I wouldn't have suspected that there's a quaint litte eatery hidden on the ground floor of this new block of condominiums (E-Tiara, located next to Carrefour Subang Jaya) have I not read about it. Before going, I distinctively remember reading that the place was rather small. But I was still surprised to discover how small it was. Upon entering, there was a long table filled with little children (probably a kids party that made us felt like we were crashing their party). And that table more of less filled the entire hallway of the restaurant. What was left are a few smaller tables located near the walls. However, there are more tables available outside the restaurant.

Good Illy coffee served here.

Anyhow, let's move on to food. The menu does have a few interesting choices in addition to standard western/italian fare. I had something that sounded like "combo in a blanket" which was basically a mixture of grilled beef and grilled chicken in crispy tortilla wraps. The dish was served together with side of salad.

Combo in a blanket
I started with the chicken half first and found it to be tasty enough although not remarkable. I still liked it though. Then when I bit into the other half that was filled with the grilled beef, my-oh-my, it was just awesome! The grilled beef slices were tender and so well-marinated that every bite was simply yummy.


Cajun Chicken Pasta
My friend ordered their Cajun Chicken Pasta in creamy sauce. When it arrived, it did look a bit too creamy and "jelak" for my liking but after nicking off a few bites from her plate, to my surprise I found myself liking it. My friend who had it proclaimed it to be "very delicious!" and proceeded to eat every morsel and almost licked the plate clean.


Grilled Lamb Cutlets
Another friend ordered their Grilled Lamb Cutlets. I didn't manage to try this. When asked, my friend commented that the dish was "ok" but pretty "average" although he did not have any problem finishing every bit of it.


Latte
Found out that the outlet serves Illy coffee so more plus points for them! *grins* Their latte looked rather good too.

Affogato
My friend who had not tried a affogato (which is basically a shot of espresso topped with a scoop of ice-cream) before, ordered one for himself. However, I would only recommend this dessert for people who like espressos.

Other desserts that we ordered to share were their homemade bread and butter pudding and apple crumble.

Homemade bread and butter pudding
When both were served at the same time, I had a hard time distinguishing them from each other. They looked the same.

Homemade Apple Crumble
Both were alright, I guess. I have always thought that it is hard to go wrong with pairing a hot dessert with something cold like ice-cream and I was not wrong in this case. Portions were a bit small although they were pretty generous by giving a large scoop of ice-cream, speaking of which was of good stuff. In fact I wanted to ask the owner which brand of ice-cream they used but unfortunately, I forgot to do so.


Service was good. Rather friendly and personal as most of the staff seems to be family members. Due to this however, service can be a bit slow at times. And to be safe than sorry, do make a reservation before going to avoid disappointment since the place is rather small.

Ben & Nick's Diner
Lunch: Mondays to Fridays, noon to 2.30pm and for
Dinner: Monday to Saturdays 6pm to 10pm.
Lot G10, E-Tiara Service Apartments,
Subang Jaya (next to Carrefour Subang).
Tel: 016-201 0189.

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

MyCoffee Eats: Lunch @ San Francisco Steakhouse, KLCC

Lunch time at KLCC.

The obligatory question of "Where to eat?" came to mind.

I had a few suggestions but the steak-lover (my brother) already made up his mind.

San Francisco Steakhouse, he said.

My first thought - "Aiya....". Honestly speaking, that place has not impressed me so far. Then again I seldom eat steak let alone crave for steak. But I wasn't about to make a fuss since I was hungry and just wanted to put some food into my stomach.

Anyway,

I happened to have my camera with me so I managed to take a few shots of our lunch.

The complimentary bread roll. I like the fact that it was served warm.

My Popcorn, Crispy Turkey Ham, Walnuts and Radish Salad. I was taken with the description but actual product fell short of expectaton but it looks beautiful here, doesn't it? Dressed with what looked like simple balsamic vinegar.

He had Steak (I forgot which cut) with Brown Garlic Sauce served with a side of stir-fried salad and chips. Medium done, it wasn't bad. Pretty good actually.

Side order - Onion Rings. Exactly 12 pieces. Portion looked so measly served on a large plate. Would be better if they served this in a basket instead. I prefered the chips on his plate (see pic above). Thick cut and fried just right (aka not soggy).

What I like: Strategic location as it overlooks the KLCC park. Beautiful view on a bright sunny day (provided that the blinds are not pulled down).

What I dislike: Still not impressed with the food. And the service could be better too. The waitress who served us was pretty sullen-looking. Or maybe I over-exhausted her with my relentless questions about the menu which unfortunately, she wasn't really knowledgeable. For example, when asked to tell me more about the the salad which I eventually had (see pic above), all she could muttered was "just some popcorn, turkey ham on top of some salad" Yeah, like I couldn't read that from the name of the dish. "What's the dressing used?" I implored further at the risk of really exasperating her. She shrugged and said she wasn't sure (aka dunno lah). To give her credit, she did apologize. Or at least I think she did.

San Francisco Steakhouse @ KLCC. (Upstairs)

ps: By the way, they do not serve Set Lunches there. If you want a Set Lunch, you have to dine 'downstairs'.