Klook.com

31 July, 2012

Toh Yuen Chinese Fine Dining @ Hilton PJ Hotel, Petaling Jaya


Toh Yuen Chinese Restaurant is no longer a new icon within the vicinity of Petaling Jaya. Famed for its impressive Dim Sum menu, now it introduces a whole new ala carte menu for both lunch and dinner. Glancing through the menu, I know I'm going to dine like a queen tonight!


For a special family occasion or business function, gather in one of the four private dining rooms at the Hilton Petaling Jaya hotel.

APPETIZER (开胃小食)

#1 Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab with Garlic & Chicken Floss 
(炸香脆鸡松软壳蟹) @ RM22 

We start off by exploring the authentic traditional Chinese cuisine which looks very similar to Pi Feng Tang (避风塘) style of cooking. Coupled with bits of aromatic garlic, the soft shell crab is crispy and good to go with added sweetness from the chicken floss.

#2 Chilled Pacific Clam with Salsa 
(莎莎珍珠鲍贝) @ RM28 

After a dish of warming the stomach, this imported clam then cools it down with a help of tangy onion and capcisums cuts. Very appetizing indeed. 

 #3 Deep Fried Lamb with Cumin & Dried Chilli 
(茴香酥辣炸羊肉粒) @RM28 

The lamb is a mouthwatering highlight. Marinated with spices and then deep fried to crisp cubes with different types of chillies, the lamb burst with meaty juiciness while the thin layer of cumin adds a delightful crunchiness.

SOUP (汤羹品味)

#4 Top: Double Boiled Wild Chicken with “Shi Hu” Soup
(石斛麦冬炖野鸡) @ RM32 

#5 Bottom: Double Boiled Village Chicken with “Chong Cao Hua” Soup 
(虫草花清炖土鸡) @ RM32 

To get the best out of the taste, how can I miss the soup which completes this oriental dining? These nourishing Chinese herbal soup are best to replenish nutrients and are good for digestion.

MAIN COURSE

#6 Braised Sea Cucumber with Flower Mushroom & Abalone Sauce
(鲍汁白花菇烩海参) @ RM80

The mains begin with one of the top 10 signature dishes of Toh Yuen. Soaked into abalone sauce, each sea cucumber turns flavourful with abundance of health benefits. It remains slippery, but not too soft after being braised for hours. Thumbs up!

 #7 Steamed Canadian Black Cod Fish with “Yu Feng” Ginger Sauce 
(加拿大银鳕鱼清蒸渝风酥姜风味) @ RM32/100gram 

Black cod fish is my favourite fish after salmon because of its smooth, flaky texture and that evening I'm lucky to sample a fresh slice of fish with added crisp ginger topping. Without having to worry about the bones, each mouthful is simply enjoyable! 

#8 Sautéed Fresh Prawn with Salted Egg Yolk 
(黄金炒鲜虾球) @ RM50 

The tiger prawns are shaped like balls with an even coating of creamy salted egg yolk sauce. I especially love the sauce, neither overly salty nor dry for my liking. 

 #9 Deep Fried Smoked Duck with Fruit Sauce 
(果酱酥炸烟熏鸭) @ RM38 

Another highlight would be my favourite smoked duck with a great helping of tangy fruit sauce on a bed of sliced mangoes. Adding a twist to the local taste buds, the thin layer of meat burst with sweetness from the unique combination of fruits. Delicious!


 #10 Sautéed Venison Slice with Chinese Croissants & Cumin 
(孜然油条炒鹿肉) @ RM50

My dining companion especially likes this; The tender meat absorbs the flavours from the spices very well in the claypot. Mildly spicy, it remains moist and warm throughout the meal. 

 #11 Sauteed Celery with Lotus Roots & Pine Nuts 
(松子茜芹清炒藕片) @ RM30

The next local favourite offers a brief escape from the bombardment of flavours. This vegetable dish is lightly sauteed, very mild in taste and I enjoy munching through this crunchy combination.

  #12 Sauteed “Gong Bao” Vegetarian Chicken with Yam Ring
(素佛钵炒宫保鸡丁) @ RM60

I almost got deceived by the chicken cubes because it looks and tastes as though it is real chicken meat! Thumbs up to Master Chef Lee for the added menu of healthy yet mouth-watering selection. The mushy yam uncovers some succulent and crunchy bits of meat and vege, topped with generous amount of cashew nuts. 


 #13 Toh Yuen Signature Fried Rice 
(桃苑招牌香炒饭) @ RM35

Lastly, I hope I don't overload my stomach with our staple rice dish as I can't resist the aroma wafting in the air. Chunks of crabstick meat and prawns add texture to each spoonful, and I'm glad that the rice is moist enough along with its appealing colorful presentation. 

DESSERT (甜品类)

#14 Deep Fried Banana with Strawberry & Cheese Cake 
酥脆香蕉芝士蛋糕) @ RM30 
and Chilled Mixed Fruits (亚洲风情拼鲜果) @ RM30

Putting an endnote to the sumptuous dinner, I am served with something really unique. My favourite cheese cake and strawberry are stuffed into the fritter and deep-fried into golden brown perfection. Beyond the crispy hot skin lies the melting sweet texture, which is truly good and I'd wish to request for more!

#15 Master Chef Lee Kok Siong

It is indeed an enjoyable dinner, from traditional Chinese fare to local mouth-watering dishes. Master Chef Lee explains that he keeps the natural flavours and refrains from using artificial preservatives and addictives. Do check out www.ZestPJ.com for a full, extensive ala carte menu.

Note: Ala carte menu is available daily for lunch and dinner

Verdict:
1. All the signature dishes come in a huge portion, recommended for 10-pax dining. In terms of taste and presentation, I have no complaints at all.
2. Recommended: Deep Fried Smoked Duck with Fruit Sauce, Steamed Canadian Black Cod Fish with “Yu Feng” Ginger Sauce and Deep Fried Banana with Strawberry & Cheese Cake 
3. Pricewise, it is around RM800++ per table of 10, surely you'd pay for the value of good food.

Toh Yuen Chinese Restaurant 
Hilton Petaling Jaya Hotel,
No. 2, Jalan Barat,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7955 9122 ext 4073 / 4074
Website: www.ZestPJ.com (F&B) or www.petaling-jaya.hilton.com (Hilton PJ)
Operating Hours: 12noon to 10.30pm daily except Sunday 11am to 10.30pm

30 July, 2012

Alan Yun: Restaurant Pin Xiang (品相大饭店) @ Aman Suria

I’m not familiar with Aman Suria but I have long heard that it is a crowded area with loads of good food and nice places to chill. This is my virgin visit to Pin Xiang, a Chinese seafood restaurant owned by local celebrity, Alan Yun. 

Alan Yun, one of the ambassadors of Pensonic Malaysia with Amber Chia and friends.

During the day, Pin Xiang offers the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice as well as a huge selections of noodles from Prawn Mee to Wantan Mee. I'm fortunate to visit this shop in the evening to try the home-style Chinese dishes.


If you realise, all the diners here are ladies! 
Is it a mere coincidence or they simply know that Alan Yun is coming over that night?

#1 Cheese Baked Crab (芝士焗蟹) @ Seasonal Price

Speaking of seafood, I’m fortunate to find such fresh succulent platter of crabs which is the key highlight of our menu. The meaty crab is so juicy with loads of sweetness yet not overwhelming with the thick buttery cheese sauce. 


#2 Prawns with Tasty Soy Sauce (鼓油王虾) @ Seasonal Price

The simple prawn dish on a bed of spring onions is finger licking good! The combination of fresh prawns and thick aromatic soy sauce is superb. The sauce is slightly sweet, bursting with flavours from deep-fried garlic. Lovely!


#3 Fried Noodle with Big Prawns (生虾炒生面) @ Seasonal Price

If you’re a seafood lover like me, I strongly recommend you this noodle dish perfectly crowned with gigantic prawns in the light, eggy gravy. Each spoonful of crispy rice noodle is not overly gooey, but good enough with hints of seafood sweetness. 


#4 Chicken Fillet in Butter Sauce (奶皇酥鸡) @ RM26

The biggest applause is saved for the delicious chicken. To my personal taste, I find the fluffy chicken coated with crisp batter is perfectly complemented with the creamy dressing of butter, milk and salted egg yolk! 

 #5 Spare Ribs in “Pou Ging” Sauce (葡京一支骨) @ RM5 per piece

My dining companion who isn’t a big fan of seafood is very smitten by the pork ribs. The fall-off-the-bone tender ribs are well-suffused with deep-seated sweet, sourish nuances. The creaminess of the sauce is simply irresistible!

 #6 Mao's Braised Pork @ RM40

Among the many porky dishes, the home-style Chinese braised pork is only as good as what it is cooked with. I poke a fork through the layers of fatty meat, it unravels almost instantly to reveal tender juicy goodness. 

Steaming hot buns are served deep-fried as a perfect escape to the bombardment of flavours. Best dipped into the porky sauce, but I love it with buttery or cheesy sauce from the seafood too.

One of the dining partner of the evening: 
Top model/actor, Isaac Ong puts a thumbs up to the dish! 

 #7 Ginger Steam Patin (姜蓉蒸鱼) @ Seasonal Price

The fish is bracingly fresh, further enhanced by the slightly salty sauce. How can I miss the silky smooth flesh on both sides of its cheek? 

#8 Salted Egg Long Beans (咸蛋桂豆苗) @ RM20 

There we go for something stronger in taste, proving that vegetables are no longer boring. The salted egg yolk coating has indeed livened the beans up, lightly salty and crisp!

#9 Kai Lan with Yam (芋头炒芥兰) @ RM25

The yam and vegetables in this dish actually work, but it is the chunks of yam that has me cloud nine. The only complaint if I were to have any, would be the small portion because we have been fighting for such delicious dish!


 #8 Tau Fu in Pumpkin Soup (黄金赏豆腐) @ RM25

Finally, I have my last spoonful of warm and fluffy white rice with the mildly sweet pumpkin gravy. Soft, smooth and creamy, the consistency of the gravy is just right for my liking.


Thanks to the experienced Chef for delighting us with his specialty dishes. The dinner is so enjoyable with mouth-watering dishes and hot celebrities as dining companions :P


Verdict:
1. I love this restaurant for its selection of humble fare that's akin to home-cooking. 
2. Recommended: Fried Noodle with Big Prawns, Kai Lan with Yam, Chicken Fillet in Butter Sauce and Spare Ribs in “Pou Ging” Sauce
3. Pricewise, surely you'd pay for the value of fresh, high-quality ingredients and tasty food.

Restaurant Pin Xiang
H-18-G, Jalan PJU 1/45,
Aman Suria,
47301 Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact:  603-7804 0798 / 016-291 0101
Website: www.pinxiang.com.my
Email: pinxiang@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 7.30am to 12midnight daily

27 July, 2012

Ramadhan Buka Puasa @ Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur

It's the month of celebration again, why not head for a sumptuous buffet spread during this holy month of Ramadhan?

#1 Buah Kurma (Dates)

Themed "Semarak Ramadhan", here we go for a "Balik Kampung" experience to Planters' Inn at Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur in the true spirit of togetherness, sharing and giving! 

From 21 July 2012 to 18 August 2012, Planters' Inn is offering a wide spread of sumptuous buffet along with Terawih Prayers by the Imam, collection of Zakat as well as Ghazal live band performance for the diners! 

#2 Live Performance

STARTERS

#3 Assorted Ulam-Ulaman 

Malay Cold Selection
Assorted Kerabu, Assorted Acar, Sambal Tempe, Sambal Ubi Kentang Salad Lapis, Telur Asin, Telur Dadar, Paru Goreng Berlada Bergedil, Tauhu Sumbat, Rojak Mamak Pajeri, Pecal 

Ulam Celur
Bendi, Jantung Pisang, Pucuk Ubi, Nangka Muda

#4 Cencalok

Local Dip
Sambal Belacan, Budu, Sambal Mangga, 
Sambal Kelapa Sambal Ikan Bilis Dengan Petai, Tempoyak Chili

#5 Assorted Fritters

From Banana Fritters, Fried Sweet Potato, Fried Yam, to Fried Cempedak Fried Karipap, how can you not love these local bites? They're quite crispy when served hot, revealing myriad flavours.

#6 Seafood in Corn Salad

For the starter, I'm spoilt with choices of Keropok Lekor, Pulut Panggang, Otak-otakJeruk as well as Seafood Roulade and Asian Cold Platter. And the list is simply never ending! I'm quite surprised to find such a wonderful spread of buffet especially for Ramadhan. Thumbs up!

MAINS


#7 Carving Station 
Marinated Roasted Whole Lamb with Garlic & Lemongrass 

Sauces
Rosemary, BBQ, Mustard, Robert, Thyme Garlic, Shallot Salsa, Coriander Mango Salsa Mint, Horseradish Cream & Pommery and Dijon Mustard

Malaysia is famous for its traditional melting pot of flavourful dishes and Executive Chef Ridzuan, Chef Ishak and Kitchen Brigade satiate my palate with the tender roasted lamb with a zest of minty sauce. Simply nicely done and it is bursting with flavours from the marinade!

#8 Mongolian BBQ Counter
Assorted Raw Vegetables, Chicken Breast, Gizzard, Lamb, Red Snapper, 
almon Flower Crab, Fresh Prawn, Squid, Green Mussel

The key highlight of the evening is the live grilling and cooking at Planters' Inn poolside area. My stomach keeps growling when the aroma of BBQ wafts in the air. Sprinkled with sesame seeds, Mongolian BBQ is lighter in taste, less oily and healthier in a way.

#9 Live Cooking: Penang Char Kuey Teow 

Imagine the choices available from 12 “Kampung” style action stalls set up in and around Planters’ Inn restaurant, all serving up dishes only available during Ramadhan and displayed in outdoor gerai-gerai makanan style complete with pelita and lights.


#10 Pasta Mania
4 Types of Pasta: Spaghetti, Penne, Macaroni, Fettuccine 
Sauces: Bolognaise, Marinara & Carbonara Sauces 
Condiments: Chopped Herbs & Parmesan Cheese

I pick a simple bowlful of mac and cheese, surprisingly it is presented in smaller bite size and it give sme the choice of enjoying more variety. Simply hearty, it taste heavenly after I request for more cheese.

LOCAL DELIGHTS

#11 Nasi Briyani

#12 Ketam Goreng (Fried Flower Crabs)

#13 Ayam Goreng Berempah

#14 Daging Gulai Lemak dengan Nangka Muda (Beef)

Among the local delights, I enjoy the tender and delicious Rendang Rusa (Deer) the most, so good for my hearty appetite! Other than that, you should not miss the Nasi Kandar, Bubur Lambuk, Sambal Hati Ayam and Spicy Chicken with Kayu Manis.

#15 Lemang & Satay Station 

Satay Ayam & Daging 
Condiments: Bawang Merah, Timun & Nasi Impit & Lemang 
Rendang: Ayam, Daging, Kambing & Rusa
Condiments: Serunding Daging & Ayam 

#16 Noodle House
Wantan, Laksa Assam, Mee Rebus, Laksa Johor, Bandong, Nyonya Curry

#17 Arabic Corner
Tabouleh (Parsley Salad with Burgoul)
Homous (Chickpea Dip)
Metabal (Eggplant Dip)
Falafel (Deep fried patty made from ground chickpeas)

I tried some Fattuous, a pocket of toasted Pita Bread stuffed with onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber with Summaq Dressing. As healthy as it looks, I want to sample some Chicken Shawarma with a dip of homous too.


#18 Fresh Seafood On Ice
Prawn, Mussel, Squid Ring, Chilled Oyster, Black Lips Mussel & Crab 
Condiments: Lemon Wedges, Spicy Cocktail & Wasabi Mayo

#19 Japanese Counter
 Assorted Maki & California Roll,
Sushi (Butter Fish, Salmon, Maguro, Red Snapper) 
Condiments: Seafood & Vegetables Tempura

#20 Assorted Fresh Fruits in Basket
 Honey Dew, Pineapple, Watermelon, Papaya, Guava, Nangka, Jambu Air, 
Golden Melon, Rambutan, Langsat, Duku & Longan

DESSERTS

#21 Aneka Kuih-Muih Melayu (Assorted Kuih)
Tepung Talam, Keria, Tepung Pelita, Ketayap, Seri Muka, Lepat, Kuih Talam, Bingka Pisang Kuih Sagu, Kuih Badak, Putu, Mayam, Tepung Pelita, Kolie Kacang, Keria, Putu Piring 

#22 Blueberry Pudding

For hot dessert, I have something different than the usual Bread and Butter Pudding. The Chef recommends me the freshly-baked blueberry pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream sprinkled with chocolate rice for the perfect hot and cold enjoyment. Indeed it suits my sweet tooth very well that I go for another bowlful!

#23 Cake Counter
Mini Mango Cheese, Chocolates Torte, Mini Black Forest, Bananamisu,
Fruit Flan, Mirror Cake, Chocolate Charlotte, White Chocolate Mousse,
Lemon Meringue, Crème Brule Crucomboush, Assorted French Pastries

Chilled Pudding And Tart
Layer Jelly in Glass, Caramel Custard, Mango, Corn, 
Strawberry & Coconut Fruit Tartlet, Pavlova with Fruit

#24 Ais Krim Goreng (Fried Ice Cream in Yam Flavour)

To conclude this dining conquest, I get myself indulged in the traditional sweets as well as crepe and a selection of bubur. It's a highly enjoyable dining experience that I have to save more space in   my stomach during my next visit!


Semarak Ramadhan at Planters' Inn Restaurant
Duration: 21 July to 18 August 2012
Time: 7.00pm to 10.30pm daily
Price: RM108++ (adult) & RM54++ (children from 4 to 12 years old)
Reservation: Call 03-2146 3820 /3821 or visit www.crowneplazakl.com

Verdict:
1. From appetizers to desserts, I have over 100 choices for a sumptuous meal. Awesome!
2. Recommended: Marinated Roasted Whole Lamb, Mongolian BBQ and Blueberry Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream
3. Pricewise, my wallet is as satisfied as my stomach. Surely you'd pay for the value of good food and some quality time with the loved ones and family during the fasting month.

Planters' Inn Restaurant
Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2162 2233
Operating Hours: 6.00am - 10.30pm daily

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...