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29 April, 2012

Ikuzo Ramen @ SS2, Petaling Jaya

#1 Rye-Flour Ramen

Look at the above picture, can you see the 'dots' on the noodles? Interestingly, I do not see this anywhere else, and this is one of the reasons why I drop by at Ikuzo Ramen @ SS2 to try out their noodles made from complex carbs. 



#2 Wooden but inviting concept 

The concept of Ikuzo Ramen is different from the usual Japanese restaurant, because they use art and typography for decorating the outlet. Each poster on the wall has a price tag, so you can have them home if you want.

#3 Condiments for the Soup

For better flavours and aroma,
  • Add pepper or vinegar for shoyu-based soup
  • Add shicimi powder into miso-based soup
  • Add chilli oil for seafood ramen 
#4 Left: Age Gyoza (Deep-Fried Japanese Potstickers) @ RM3.50
Right: Gyoza (5 Pieces of Japanese Potstickers) @ RM3.50

Both are Japanese Chinese dumplings, but the one on the left is deep-fried instead of being pan-fried in the usual way. To my delight, the deep-fried gyoza is crispier with chewier skin. And you can never find gyoza at such affordable price elsewhere!

#5 Left: Yakiniku (Grilled Beef) @ RM3.00
Right: Cha-Shu (5 Pieces of Braised Pork) @ RM3.50

#6 Left: Menma (Bamboo Shoot) @ RM1.80
Right: Cabbage Kimuchi (Preserved Cabbage) @ RM2.50

I'm not a kimchi person, but the cabbage kimuchi here is definitely a good one for me to munch on. Its taste is not as pungent as the Korean kimchi. Light enough for a balanced taste of sour and sweetness. 

#7 Chef Shimbo Katsunori explaining about "Rye Noodles"

As for the ramen here, the price tags stun me because the most expensive bowl only costs me RM10.90, which I can never find such a good bargain in any Japanese restaurants or noodle shops.


#8 Four Types of Noodles

You can choose your own favourite when it comes to the ramen noodle. All of them are made from nutritious rye flour, and the most interesting fact is that the noodle can be spicy by itself, not depending on its soup base!

#9 Goma Tamago Ramen @ RM8.90

I personally feel that this is the best noodle here. It comes in black sesame soup base, accompanied with eggs, pork cha-shu slices and spring onions. Despite of the dark color, it is not as salty as you'd expect and the thick soup is awesome while served hot.

#10 Goma Tan Tan Ramen @ RM7.50

This is also of black sesame soup base, but with added ma la (麻辣) spices which turns this minced chicken ramen bowl into a sweet and spicy one. Despite of the fiery red presentation, it is more of sweetness than spiciness. 

#11 Cha-Shu Ramen @ RM8.90

The signature shoyu-based (Soy Sauce) soup complements with the pork slices, seaweed and spring onions. But the portion is way too large for a typical female! I can only finish half a bowl, at most.

#12 Yakiniku Ramen @ RM8.50

#13 Curry Ramen @ RM7.90

For the spicy flavour, the chef adds some homemade paste into the soup base to bring out the tantalizing tastes. Served with breaded pork fillet, egg and vegetables.

#14 Ebi Tempura Ramen @ RM8.90

#15 Seafood Ramen @ RM10.90

#16 Tom Yam Ramen @ RM10.90

Ikuzo also turns the famous Thai soup into a Thai ramen dish, with equally fresh seafood ingredients but the tom yam soup is less strong in taste.

#17 Tsukemen @ RM8.50

You may want to try the dried version (干捞) in which the noodles and condiments are served separately from the soup. Recommended to dip the items into the soup before eating.

#18 Left: Green Tea Milk with Yuzu Ice-Cream Float @ RM5.90 
Middle: Ginger Green Tea with Yuzu Ice-Cream Float @ RM5.90
Right: Green Tea Milk @ RM4.90

The beverages here are priced very fairly, ranging from RM0.50 to RM5.90. Other than the original Japanese green tea, Ikuzo has some innovations here, under their "Ikuzo Special" category. I love the twist in the taste of green tea, especially the ginger green tea


#19 Left: Root Beer with Rice Ice-Cream Float @ RM5.90 
Middle: Passion Fruit Italian Soda @ RM4.90
Right: Chocolate Milk with Rice Ice-Cream Float @ RM5.90


Ramen for the people. Let the ramen revolution begin!

Verdict:
1. The spicy, thick but flat noodle is a better choice because it doesn't expand much in the soup.
2. One of the most wallet-friendly ramen outlets I bet--- Tastier for better value!
3. Revisit? Yes, for their special Black Sesame soup-based ramen.

Ikuzo Ramen
52, Jalan SS2/61,
47300 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7865 3254
Facebook: www.fb.com/IkuzoRamen
Email: hello@ikuzoramen.com
Business Hours: 10.30am to 11.00pm

26 April, 2012

Eastin Executive Deluxe @ Eastin Hotel PJ

#1 Lovely Red Velvet Cake for a sweet weekend treat

Finally a tough week has passed and nothing is better than giving myself a treat during the weekend. Since I cannot go for holiday, so why not have a weekend escapade in town? I feel lucky to be one of the patrons to experience the newly-renovated hotel suites at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

#2 No. 1425 

Here's my Deluxe room at 14th floor, located at the corner lot. Introducing you the newly refurbished Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya, it is now luxuriously furnished to bring you redefined level of luxury, space, convenience and lifestyle. 

#3 Signature Style of Warm Functionality with Contemporary Edge 

Upon entering, I see a large living room joint with the bar area and study corner. The place is so huge, perfect for a cozy weekend among the business and leisure travellers. 

#4 Master Bedroom 

My room is simply awesome! A huge king-sized bed is topped with cloudlike duvets and comfortable pillows for a relaxing evening.

#5 LCD Flat Screen TV and Walk-in Wardrobe 

#6 Sleek Bathroom

Attached with the master room is the spacious bathroom with choices between shower and bathtub. Designed in ageless elegance, it gives me a sense of exclusiveness here. 

#7 Bath Tub 



#8 Well-equipped with Luxurious Amenities

#9 Mini Bar

The mini bar is where you prepare a hot, aromatic cup of coffee. It comes with a mini fridge, which promises that you wouldn’t get hungry in the middle of the night.

There I found this box of luxurious chocolates coated with tiramisu powder and filled with oozing dark chocolate paste. 


#10 Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi 
 After enjoying in the luxury suite, I head outdoors for some Vitamin D.

The sundrenched oasis fringed with palm trees is just a haven of tranquillity for both adult and kids. If you don’t love splashing water among yourselves, perhaps sunbathing while reading a book would be a good choice.

#11 Well-equipped Gymnasium 

Despite of being a fish, I can’t swim and therefore I prefer to work out at the gym overlooking the sublime backdrop of the tropical pool.


Summary of Features: 
  • Stylishly furnished with lounge and bedroom
  • Fully equipped with mini bar, electric kettle, glassware etc
  • Sleek bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobes and luxurious amenities
  • Bedroom with king-sized bed/twin/double
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Work desk
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • State-of-the-art LCD TVs with satellite and local TV channels
  • IDD with voicemail
  • In-room electronic safe
  • Key card access and security lock


"Thank you for choosing Eastin Hotel"

Well I should say thank you Eastin PJ for the hospitality over the weekend, along with the good food at the restaurants and lounges in the hotel which perfect my stay here!

Deluxe Suites' price ranges from RM600++ to RM900++, with its Presidential Suite at RM6000++. More information is available at www.eastin.com.

Verdict:
1. This 4-star business hotel definitely exudes a home away from home feel.
2. I appreciate the elegant and stylish design which places me in 100% comfort.
3. Very well-facilitated along with intuitive service which is a delightful surprise for a first-time visitor like me.

Eastin Hotel 
13, Jalan 16/11, 
46350 Petaling Jaya, 
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7665 1111
Website: www.eastin.com

***
Related to my weekend escapade at Eastin Hotel:
#1 Eyuzu Japanese Buffet @ Eastin PJ
#2 Executive Lounge for Breakfast @ Eastin PJ
#3 Lobby Lounge & The Divans

25 April, 2012

Eyuzu Japanese Cuisine @ Eastin Hotel PJ

Looking for something different in town, I’m tempted to try out the Shumatsu Buffet at Eyuzu Japanese Cuisine at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya. This Japanese buffet is really something to look forward to, because it is really satisfying based on past comments and I have never heard any complaints bout this restaurant. 

Under the perfect dining ambiance, Chef Ricky Hui has prepared us a sumptuous buffet spread. What a weekend treat it is as I can enjoy different Japanese gastronomic fare with the little Japanese table setting and live fishes in the aquarium bowls. 

#1 Sashimi Set

The first and best thing to relish in is definitely an array of sashimi. It is well-presented in thick cuts which reveal its juiciness upon each bite. The preparation from the kitchen is almost never-ending, and we can always savour the freshest slice of sashimi. 

 #2 Marinated White Tuna

I’m totally smitten with this platter of raw fish which is heavily marinated with butter and garlic. As flavourful as it is, the touch of freshness is retained. 

#3 Seafood Soup 

This is unusual in a Japanese buffet selection. It’s Chef Ricky’s specialty seafood soup in a teapot, which is served individually to us. It’s light and flavourful; Simply irresistible!

#4 Cold Starters

Left: Idako (Marinated Baby Octopus)
Middle: Chuka Hotate (Marinated Scallops)
Right: Kim Chi Hasai (Long Cabbage Kim Chi)

 #5 Deep-Fried Prawn Heads 

I rarely see such an unique starter, which tantalizes my taste buds along with its crispiness. Now I can enjoy a twist in the flavour of something which usually disposed into a bin.

 #6 Crispy Crab Stick, Salmon Skin and Seaweed 

#7 Teppanyaki Oysters 

Relish in this freshly shackled oysters with its oozing juice upon each bite. Best for those who don't favour the raw taste.

#8 Cheese Baked Oysters 


#9 Fresh Lobster

#10 Assorted Soba 

The Japanese staple wheat noodle is a must-try, as the bouncy noodle goes along pretty well with its soy sauce, plus the added aroma from the spring onions.


#11 Crispy Tender Tempura

#12 Sizzling Teppanyaki

For some heavier taste, you'd love some piping hot teppanyaki grills, with its taste enhanced with soya dashi sauce.

#13 Robatayaki 

We had our satay in Japanese style as well, with its original healthy barbequed meat. Apart from chicken and beef, we grilled salmon and tuna too. 

#14 Sukiyaki
#15 Assorted Dressings

 #16 Assorted Makimono

#17 Assorted Nigiri Sushi 

#18 Assorted Inari Sushi


 #19 Fresh Fruit Cuts 


#20 Assorted Cakes 

#21 Dorayaki Japanese Pan Cakes 

It is complemented with different flavours of spreads, including Kaya, Strawberry, Peanut, Honey and Chocolate. It is perfectly cooked with crispiness on the outside and soft on the inside; A lovely one to snack on!


#22 Abe Kawa Mochi 

#23 Assorted Omochi 

You may find the red bean filling in a mochi quite common, but surprisingly, it comes with the aromatic Pandan and Black Sesame fillings here, with fluffier skin and better chewiness.


#24 Matcha and Red Beans

I simply love to have warm red bean paste along with two scoops of Green Tea ice cream; A creation I learned from some Japanese Café. 


#25 Ice Kacang 

Despite of the colorful bowl of condiments, what really attracts me is the scoop of Pistachio Almond Ice Cream. Aromatic and flavourfull, a touch of sweetness melts my heart. 


#26 Sweet Endnote 

Finally, the hotel management is kind enough to present us the beautifully decorated dessert comprising of Green Tea Mousse, Lime Ice Cream and a touch of fruits

Verdict: 
1. Anything raw here is fresh and succulent. A total enjoyment for Japanese food lover like me.
2. I love the concept whereby it serves more diversified Japanese cuisine which we rarely see.
3. Eyuzu will never let you down with its authentic Japanese flavours and setting; Needless to fly to Tokyo anymore!

Shumatsu Buffet 
Availability: Weekend dinner only
Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Price: RM86++ (Adult) and RM43++ (Child)

Eyuzu Japanese Cuisine
Level 2,
Eastin Hotel 
13, Jalan 16/11, 
46350 Petaling Jaya, 
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7665 1111 ext 203
Website: www.eastin.com

***
Related to my weekend escapade at Eastin Hotel:
#1 Executive Lounge for Breakfast @ Eastin PJ
#2 Eastin Deluxe Suite from RM600++ onwards
#3 Lobby Lounge & The Divans 

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