Death of Michael Jackson & Farah Fawcett

Legendary singer, Michael Joseph Jackson passed away on the afternoon of 25th June 2009. Actress Farah Fawcett passed away earlier in the morning on the same day. What a coincidence, and how pitiful. May these 2 American icons RIP.

Went to watch Transformers today at Pavilion, KL under invitation by Howarth. Movie was Okay... Too tired to elaborate. It's getting late.

Feeling bored & bloated

I just feel like blogging about something, but do not know what thing, perhaps anything or just nothing. I am a little bloated, perhaps due to those unhealthy food stuffed inside my tummy today. I am also feeling a little bored, perhaps lou kung is still not back yet (besides delivering food earlier) from his dinner appointment with his cousin "Kong Chai".

Actually, I should have a very important task to undertake in which I didn't... that is to return a call. A long overdue call but I am just not in the mood. Self-isolation again?? Maybe... I just do not feel like talking, I guess.

4 more days, and I will be off to HK with lou kung, mum and Hui. I really hope we will have a fun filled trip just like the one we had 2.5 years ago to London. But most importantly, this time around, I pray that we will have a safe trip since Influenza A bug is still lingering around. I hope that we will have a good holiday, and be back safe and sound.

I have been googling search this evening for many people. Friends from the past etc. Found a few updates but nothing useful in contacting them again. Oh well! What the heck, since they might have even forgotten the existence of myself.

Anyway, I am just bull shitting above simply because I am bored. I shall go watch TV now. It may help.

Online Shopping

Besides purchasing air tickets, reserving hotel rooms, flowers and gifts ordering through reliable and well known suppliers; I have not tried online shopping before. Last Friday night, I ordered MB Clip through one unknown website that was advertising this MB Clip product in Facebook, clicked on it, watched it, read it, liked it, and since it was not too expensive so I placed an order. The site did divert me to a secure site with https:// but I was not entirely convinced. In fact, I was prepared to burn and forgo the amount paid i.e. SGD 12-90 (+SGD 1-95 for postage) equivalent to MYR 37-03. It was not too much, so I thought I would give it a try. After all, it's not an expensive price to pay for such a lesson.

But to my very pleasant surprise, I got a mail containing MB Clip yesterday. It was fast, efficient and absolutely reliable. I feel so good, and online shopping gain another level of height in term of trustworthiness. I was truly happy!

Bad niteMARE

I had a very bad nightmare last night. I dreamt that my brother got stabbed by someone, and he died on the spot. I was so sad, and wanted to know badly how he got killed, and died. I remember our relationship having getting better, and the feeling between us was good. In the scene, mum was off course very sad; but surprising I was more badly affected emotionally than her. Both dad and lou kung were not in the scene. I don't know why.

But but... NMT and CBC (my secondary school friends) were there. NMT helped me interrogate CBC on how the incident happened, and even snooped into his mobile phone to search for evidences etc. Wow! What a terrible nightmare. It really disturbed me a little today, and I do not like this kinda feeling. Hope it will disappear as soon as I have finish blogging on it. And off course, I really hope this is just a bad nightmare, and nothing more to it. It's really not good at all.

Happy Father's Day

It was Father's Day yesterday, and as usual (our family's tradition); we will have a feast at one of those restaurant. We (the 5 of us in the family) would normally attack those sumptuous food without worrying about the aftermath. Hahah... And we did just that yesterday night on Father's Day!

I think my dad enjoyed his dinner very much, although I did noticed he looked gluttonous when he saw my mum's Kyoto Teppanyaki course consisting of some teppan beef (even though they are not wagyu nor kobe beef). Dad ordered Sushi Kaiseki set so it was sashimi, and sushi throughout the course. I had the Aki set, in which I would say a good combination meal, and a satisfying one; while both lou kung and my brother had the Imperial course. Extra order on the table was the ever delicious Soft Kani Maki set and yummy Sakuraebi Kakiage (seasonal). An absolutely fantastic dinner which cost a bomb! Almost RM 1K! But that's what you have to fork out for a superior, and excellent meal at Kampachi Restaurant.

Kampachi Restaurant

Appetizer

Sakuraebi Kakiage (Dipping sauce - macha sprinkled with salt or with tempura sauce) [MYR 48]

Soft Kani Maki set [MYR 53]

Sashimi in Imperial course [MYR 168], Sushi Kaiseki [MYR 138] & Aki set [MYR 116]

Dobin Mushi in Aki set

Yakitori in Sushi Kaiseki set & Kyoto course

Beef rolled with Enoki, Shrimp & Cod Fish in Imperial course

Whitebait Fish Tempura in Aki set

Teppanyaki Beef & Bean Sprout in Kyoto course [MYR 108]

Teppanyaki Beef & Bean Sprout in Imperial course

Japanese Garlic Fried Rice in Imperial course

Tuna Fish Head & Tofu cooked with Sake, Clam Miso Shiru & Rice in Aki set

Pancake Ice Cream in Imperial course

Fruit Platter in Sushi Kaiseki set, Aki set & Kyoto course

Healthy cooking

I decided to prepare some healthier dishes today, since the flu bug (H1N1) is flying around, plus the weather has not been exactly good. On the menu today are as follows:

1. Stir fried "Tau Miu" vegetable
2. Bitter gourd soup with pork ribs
3. Steam egg with minced pork

I think I have improved tremendously in making soup. It is really natural and tasty, not forgetting the goodness for health. Bravo to myself! I am happy I have managed to master at least one section / area of cooking, since I may not be so good in preparing other type of dishes.

Stir fried "Tau Miu" vegetable

Bitter gourd soup with pork ribs

Steam egg with minced pork

Dinner for today

SUMI-KA Japanese Yakitori, Subang Jaya

We had a lovely and delightful dinner yesterday at Sumi-ka Restaurant. Yup! We were there last Tuesday; and yesterday we brought my parents and Ah Hui too. I guess they love the yakitori there. We ate so much that we think the amount could feed another 5 diners. See the long bill on the left hand corner, and there is only the 5 of us.

I think Ota-san and his staff were shocked too! But we really love the place plus the food. So authentic Japanese. I personally love the nankotu, sio soba and gyutan best! Yummy! Yummy! I've got this feeling we will be back there again real soon.

This restaurant was actually recommended by Maruyama-san last October. He mentioned that the restaurant is nearby Nippon Yusen Kaisha - Mitsubishi Group Shipping Company office, and food is tasty, price is reasonable plus operated by Japanese. By the way, I think this is my 5th time dining at Sumi-ka!

Homealone

I will be "H-O-M-E-A-L-O-N-E" for the next 3 days. It is actually not that bad since I am getting used to it, and sometimes you just need a break, and be alone; able to do some of your most personal stuff etc. I had MM over to clean the house, and I just realized that I have engaged MM since year 2007; it's been almost 2 years. How time flies... They are not exactly doing the best jobs, but at least it is better nothing since I really dislike washing the bathrooms, toilets etc.

I have been quite active in Facebooking recently, so I did manage to catch up with a few friends... For instance, today I manage to chat with VPYS, KEM as well as tele-con with TYCT, KPF drop e-mails to NML etc. Not bad... since I am not very good in keeping in touch with friends. Tomorrow, I shall be meeting KPF for lunch, as well as doing some shopping rendezvous.

Till then... need to go "pom pom"... :-)

Aglio e Olio Spaghetti (With garlic & oil)

I am cooking Aglio e Olio Spaghetti tonight. I am gonna try my very best to make it almost similar to the one served in Delicious Restaurant. I have make up some simple ingredients as follows:

1. Spaghetti
2. Garlic (finely chopped)
3. Chili pepper (cut & crushed)
4. Italian Parsley (finely chopped)
5. Extra virgin olive oil
6. Red pepper flakes (Optional)

Ingredients

I am thinking of serving my spaghetti with fish fingers.

This is how my own version of Aglio Olio Spaghetti looks plus the fish fingers.

Aglio e Olio Spaghetti

Fish Fingers

Friday's lunch date

I have been very busy lately. Nonetheless, I had been very lazy and tired these couple of days too. I cannot seem to find the reasons, nor any solutions; just gotta get more rest I guess. The rain has finally cleared the skies. When I looked up at the sky this morning on the way to my yoga class, I can feel the sense of relieve, and happiness since the haze has finally disappeared. It was pretty bad last week; the skies seem cloudy but it feels hot and hazy. As for the air, the breeze felt extremely polluted. I could feel the dryness in my throat on Friday evening; especially after inhaling those unhealthy air throughout the entire day out.

I met up with KEM for lunch last Friday. It's been such a long long while since we met up for lunch. As we remembered correctly, the last time we had lunch together was back in year 2005 at a Japanese restaurant (Suntory ??) in PJ Hilton Hotel. Wow! 4 years ago! We used to eat together a lot when I was working in HLB, and when he was with OCBC. Those days, we were still young, single, and we have just started our working life in the corporate world. We were all juniors of the banking industry. Things had changed tremendously over these past years, and I hope they are indeed for the better.

KEM hadn't changed much, I think. At least from the way he spoke, and bring about himself. I always feel that he behave and act differently whenever there is only the two of us, compared to when we are in a bigger group; or even with our spouses. I cannot exactly tell the reasons, but I can indeed feel the differences deep in my inner self.

I remembered back in Sydney, he visited me once; flying all the way from Perth. It was Easter year 1997. He arrived down at my apartment with a cab on one early cold autumn morning. Took a short rest in my room, then we went off to this park where they held the annual Easter Day shows. It was really good, and we had lotsa fun. Those were the uni days, our carefree days. I guess he remembered much of his adventures during his trip to Sydney, including the "Fillet O'Fish" before our dinner at Planet Hollywood, the Bondi Beach during cold winter month, shopping at The Rocks, Paddy's Market, monorails ride etc. etc. These are simply some nice memories... and I am leaving for Sydney end of next month to rekindle these nostalgia.

A visit to KPF's place was good since I feel so sorry for not contacting her during months of April & May, in which I cannot explain the reasons "why". Off course, Zi Han never failed to shower you with so much fun and laughter. She is one beautiful and gifted child.

Yesterday's dinner

Dinner is as usual a wonderful feast at MPV Seafood Restaurant. Despite the widespread ordering, we managed to gobble up every single dish without much problem. Whilst I felt heavy, and I think I should go on a stricter and healthier diet; I cannot resist those delicious victuals, cooking or whatever you call them displaying nicely on dinner table.

The "kam heong" mud crab is simply irresistible, mouth-watering and even finger licking good. This is the first time we had "kam heong" cooking style at MPV, and it is actually better than many other places. Indeed 2 thumbs up! The "kam heong" smelled good, and tasted even better. The mud crab has absorbed the fragrance from the "kam heong" i.e. dried shrimp, curry leaves etc. making its texture in just perfect and ideal form. And the best thing is, they are not oily at all in which usually happens with "kam heong" styled cooking. Overall, we had an astonishing dinner adventure.

Marmite Chicken

Ingredients from the Soup

Steam (Red) Garoupa Fish

Stir Fried HK Tau Miu Vegetable

Kam Heong Mud Crab

Dr Ko

Ever since my numerous visits to Ko Skin Specialist (since March); I hadn't been visiting Leonard Drake, 1U for almost 2.5 months. I think Leonard Drake gave me a missed call yesterday afternoon, and it must be because of my longest absence to the centre since the first time I became their client back in circa year 2000. Wow! It's almost 10 years!

I was thinking of dropping by the centre some time before end of this month, as well as before my trip to Hong Kong. Also, thinking of visiting Colour Culture again before the trip; after all it's summer now, and it's gonna be sandals most of the time.

I didn't expect to go Hong Kong again so soon, since my last trip was in November 2008. Nonetheless, HK is one of my favorite city; and I am indeed looking forward for some summer shopping spree. Plus time time, lou kung is tagging along.

Suddenly I have this song playing in my head "Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, we like Hong Kong, that's place for you..." Hahah...

I am still having a hard time deciding on the hotels in HK. Off course, I love Luxe Manor; but since lou kung wants to try something else, and I want something good (as usual) without having to pay exorbitantly... I am still searching and searching. Right now, I have shortlisted a few properties, and hopefully it can be decided by end of this week.

Yakitori @ Sumi-ka

I strongly recommend the "yakitori" restaurant at Sumi-ka, Subang Jaya. It's superb! You gotta be there yourself to enjoy and savour the delicious sticks, each grilled to perfection with special attention, and attentively by the restaurant owner, a mid-age Japanese man. I hadn't got any photos of this wonderful place, but will surely get some during my next visit. Opps! And this place is mostly patronize by Japanese people (working class people), especially during weekdays; so please do not be alarm. And since, I love all things Japanese; this is definitely my kinda place!

Today I cook

I had been busy, lazy and tired lately. I don't know why. Can't seem to be getting enough rest even though I think I had sufficient sleep. First it was the knee pain, then comes the ulcer, and tongue inflammation, then the windy tummy, and finally the headache cum migraine... I really wish it will all come to an end A.S.A.P.

As a result of the above, I hadn't been cooking the entire week, until today! It's the organic soy noodles, and it was as yummy as ever.

Organic soy noodles

In fact, I just realized... I hadn't been blogging too!!!

I had a dream...

It's been 2 nights in the row that I dreamt of HIM (hahah... can't tell who???) *Hint* HK TVB actor & singer (791208). This is the second time that I see him in my dream. The first time was 2 years ago in Beitou, Taiwan. It's nothing fanciful.

• Scene 1

He passed me his disposable camera, asking me to take shots of him, and the items surrounding him in details. I took so many shots, that I almost finished the entire film.

• Scene 2

Can't remember much. But it's him again that I see.

Weird isn't it??? What's going on???

Last wkN's dinner

I cannot believe that I did not manage to capture any shots of our sumptuous Japanese dinner at Yuzu Restaurant, The Garden last weekend. I guess it must have been the delicious food and the hungry tummy driving the brain dead; just wanting to stuff those food into the stomach. Anyhow, I got some shots in my folder from our previous feast at Yuzu Restaurant earlier this year. We indeed had a good dinner last weekend.

I am into "masak-masak"

I am into cooking lately. I got myself 3 cookbooks from MPH yesterday. I can't wait to try some of those dishes. But first, I need to prepare those ingredients first; identify them properly, and plan accordingly. That's ME! As organized as ever.

A visit to Seremban

We visited my lou kung's sister, Melissa in Seremban yesterday evening. It was also because Wendy (youngest sis) came back for a 2 weeks long holidays from Sydney. Audrey & family minus the baby came down from Penang too for this small family gathering. It was a good catching up with these 3 sisters.

Melissa looked relatively fragile this time. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months ago, and unfortunately it was a malignant cysts. Thankfully it was very early detection, hence they have been successfully removed. I really hope the cancer would not return, and she will continue to live happily, and healthily. Take care, my dear sister; hope you will be in the pink soon.

This time I felt Wendy reacted much differently than when I first met her 2 years ago during CNY in KK. She was much more friendly, responsive, pleasant and not too LCLY. And off course she no longer speaks with her "Australian accent" anymore. I still clearly remember the first time when I met her in Tamparuli; (slightly before dinner time, whilst setting the dinner table) Wow! she was indeed haughty and snooty. And the way she speaks with that so called "accent". OMG! Hahaha...

We had a good dinner cooked by Melissa, and her MIL. It was simple, but a good meal.

Earlier in the day, we went to Laura Ashley's new outlet inside Living Quarters, The Curve. A nice, new section in the store. I love the place. The range of products is much better than the current one in 1 Utama although they do not carry the complete range from each season as shown/ displayed on the catalogue. But off course, we can order those bulky items. I am looking forward to visit the store in Great World City, Singapore one of this day. And for today, I got myself a "bunch of roses & spots oven mitt" and a "pretty butterflies jug". They are on 20% discount in conjunction with the new store opening, and the discount will be on for 2 weeks.

Oh yeah! And I finally tried the cupcakes from Cupcake Chic, since we bought 2 dozens to Seremban; but I find them a little too sweet for me. Somehow, the appearance was not too appealing, like what I originally expect, and taste was so-so. Kids will love them! Just like those donuts with icings.

Self-isolation

I have been on self-isolation lately. Why? I don't know. Just do not feel like mixing around, and talking. I have also been on "partial quarantine" myself. Why? I don't know. Just tired of going out, and felt much comfortable at home sweet home. Sorry to LWY, KPF, HKT, FSL, LSF, WYP... hmmm... who else???

Yesterday NiGhT

The incident that happened last night should not have even taken place. It should have been avoided. I do not exactly know what went out of place, which resulted in what that follows. Sigh! Why must it always turned out this way?? I know it's my fault. I know, and I knew it. I must change. I must change really fast. This incident cost a mobile phone; and E66. I am so sorry lou kung. And I am so sorry GOD. Please forgive me.

Porridge

My lou kung has always loved the porridge I cooked even though sometimes it is just white / plain porridge. However, I can tell that today's porridge indeed does not suits my lou kung's taste bud. I cooked dried shrimp with minced pork meat porridge; and because he does not enjoy dried shrimp much, he said that he felt strange eating this kinda porridge. Hahah... I guess this will be the first and last time I will be cooking this porridge. Sayonara...

Dried shrimp & minced pork porridge

Quiz - How well do you know ME?

I created a quiz on Facebook yesterday afternoon on "How well do you know ME?". So far, 5 friends had taken the quiz, and to my surprise only one friend appeared to have scored more than 50% i.e. 60% by TCC. Results as below:

1. TCC - 60%
2. LWY - 40%
3. NHY - 40%
4. ANS - 30%
5. PG - 20%

Yet to see other friends taking this test, and I will update accordingly. Actually, it is not surprising for TCC to scored the highest since we did share a fair bit on my life, and daily routine. As for LWY, well we may seem closed, and knew each other for the past 19 years, but we hardly talk private stuff. Anyhow, congrats TCC!!

Lou kung's nightmare - SCArily fuNNY

Few nights ago, I was awaken by a very eerie howling sound. It was pretty loud, and continuous plus lasting. To the shocked of my life, I saw my lou kung howling "A woo woo... A woo woo... A woo woo" with his eyes closed. I woke him up by gently shaking, and grabbing his shoulders not wanting to frighten him further. He opened his eyes, looking rather dazed and stunned. I asked him what happened?? And guess what was his answers... Hahah... You'll never guess it! See below...

"I was helping ALTY to run and chase after NJ (TR). I was assisting her to open all the coffins, and waking up those ghost and /or zombies to hound NJ (TR). So there he was running for his life... and I was making the howling sound to wake those ghost, and together with ALTY run after NJ (TR) - [her accused murderer]"

Tau Eew Bak

It's been a long time since I last cooked "tau eew bak" - a Hokkien dish. I guess I almost forgotten about this dish in which my mum used to love cooking due to its tastiness and simplicity. Ingredients are pretty direct:

1. Pork belly - cut evenly
2. 2 whole garlic
3. Dark sauce

I marinated the pork belly with dark sauce, soy sauce, and pepper; then stored them into Glad resealable bag, and kept it in the fridge. Cooking is easy, just simmered in low flame/ fire for 1 hour; then serve.

Ingredients for "tau eew bak"

"Tau eew bak" is cooking

"Tau Eew Bak" without the sauce

"Tau Eew Bak" with the sauce

Another shot for the night is my special "Watercress vegetable soup". Today, I have added Medlar Seeds in which is best known as good for the eyes. It is said that these seeds can add sparkle to eyes, and improve eyesight. I have also added a little anchovies for a tad salty taste.

Watercress vegetable soup

Yummy yummy "Unadon"

It was a delicious dinner affair yesterday. Unadon was in the menu!!! Simple, fast and simply mouth-watering. Unadon literally means "eel bowl" is a popular donburi (rice bowl) dish made with unagi kabayaki (grilled eel coated with a sweet sauce). I cooked sushi rice to make it really authentic Japanese. Nori and komi were also added on top of the unagi fish to make it tastier, since I do not have the special pepper for unagi.

Unadon (1st Bowl)

Unadon (2nd Bowl)

Sunday 31st May's Dinner

Last Sunday, dinner was at our family's all time favourite - MPV Seafood Restaurant in Cheras. As usual, the food there never fail to satisfies us. Kudos to the husband & wife team from LA & HK! Keep up the good work!

Deep Fried "Mayau" Fish

Steamed Dragon Tiger Garoupa Fish

Baby Kai Lan Vegetable

Stir Fried Pepper Flower Crab

Pork Ribs in Fruit Sauce

• Overall Rating :- (4/5)