Mama Kim Restaurant: Famous Sauna Mee (桑拿面) in Town

Speaking of "Healthy Meal", most people will shy away because it is often seen as "boring" or "less delicious". But at Mama Kim Restaurant, things are totally different as Chef Mama Kim herself loves innovating with new healthy recipes to keep the food delicious yet balanced in nutrients. 

Mama Kim Restaurant has been a favourite spot for healthy goers who believe in balanced diet that incorporates real food with low salt, no white sugar, no white flour, less oil, and no MSG. It practises the concept of 80% Vegetables and 20% Meat in each dish, to keep it healthy and tasty. It's time for a change of lifestyle!

Speaking of the ambiance, you can dine comfortably under a modern warm setting. But do expect to queue during weekends, otherwise you should come early to secure a nice table for you and your family or friends. 

Natural Fruit and Flower Tea (天然花果茶) @ RM10.50

The beverages here are mostly healthy and natural. Our jar of fruity flower tea infused with apple, orange and passion fruit is great for sharing among 4-5 persons, but I can easily enjoy it all by myself because the citrusy taste is so natural, refreshing and sweet!

Signature Hot Lemongrass (香茅茶) @ RM4.80

Vegetables Juice (活力蔬菜汁) @ RM7.30 (Small) / RM15.90 (Large)

Iced Longan Drink (罗汉果)

Another healthy option is the blended vegetables juice, definitely a great source of fibre to improve digestion! Alternatively, the soothing lemongrass and longan drink are equally good for the overall wellbeing.

 Sauna Mee (桑拿面) @ RM13.70

As for the food, first timers must try the No.1 Signature item here: Sauna Mee, served in a specially crafted claypot that keeps the broth warm to the very last sip! It is heated in a special oven for 50 minutes to be heated up to 250 degree Celsius. Seriously, it is piping hot upon being served, and the warmth lasts for more than 30 minutes. Indeed a hearty dish to warm the stomach!

Come in a choice between vegetarian soup or fish soup, both are slow-cooked for over 5 hours, but I prefer the latter as it is more flavourful. Apart from the common steamboat ingredients, the bowl is generously filled with handmade noodles-- Either crunchy Signature Rice Noodles or the soft and smooth Pumpkin Noodles. 

Cantonese Seafood Noodles (江南海鲜面) @ RM15.80

Other hearty meals such as the braised seafood noodles and rice set are equally noteworthy as they remind me of the taste from home. The generously portioned dishes are certainly not for those with small appetite; Sharing is highly recommended. 

Chilli Teo Chew Chicken with Steamed Rice, Vegetables and Herbal Soup @ RM15.80

Baked Cheesy Mushroom Rice (野菇焗饭) @ RM13.70

If you think Mama Kim serves only Chinese dishes, then you're wrong because it also offers sandwiches, pasta, baked rice and chicken chop. Sitting on a bed of brown rice, the melted cheesy mushroom forms a thick topping that is sure to whet our appetite. I'd wish the application of cheese is heavier though!

Pumpkin Fried Rice (南瓜炒饭) @ RM9.40

Mixed Fruit Salad (水果沙拉) @ RM9.50

Finally, it is the beautifully-presented fresh fruit salad that becomes our dessert of the evening. I am glad to conclude the sumptuous meal with such a sweet and crunchy treat without feeling sinful at all. 

All Mama Kim outlets in Pandan Indah, Jalan Pahang and Kota Kemuning are attached with Herbaline Spa to complete our beauty and wellness journey, because “beauty does not only begin on the outside, but beauty also begins on the inside”.

Verdict:

1. For those who want to try out healthy diet, here's the place to begin with. 

2. Simple Life is the perfect place for businessmen and family to catch a breather at any time of the day.

3. Recommended: Sauna Mee, Cantonese Seafood Noodles

Mama Kim Ground Floor 
(Inside Sojourn Guest House)
No. 1, Jalan Pandan Indah 4/2,
Pandan Indah,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-4292 0808
Facebook: fb.com/mamakimsaunamee

Other outlets:
Kota Kemuning: Herbaline Beauty Square (+603-5121 7151)
Jalan Pahang: Beside SRJK(C) Chong Hwa (+6014-6418624)

La Risata @ Jalan Ampang, KL

La Risata, meaning “the laughter” are two jovial little trattorias tucked away in the suburban areas of Ampang and Damansara. The unassuming décoration and informal dining has won over diners from all around the neighbourhood for over 14 years. 

Warm, earth-hued furnishings and subdued lighting create a cosy ambience for relaxed dining. The walls are made of bricks and unfinished cement to create a modern yet rustic charm. Dining under a contemporary setting with old-fashioned charm is indeed a perfect experience for me! 

The interior of their flagship restaurant in Ampang features a double-storey sky-light courtyard with a beautiful antique chandelier being the center piece of the restaurant. 

Upstairs is their new “loft style” lounge where guests can enjoy drinks on comfortable retro sofas before or after dinner. Also featuring a wine cellar with an extensive wine list filled with a huge selection of wines.

Stepping into this outlet, I spot a perfect al-fresco area, suitable for casual dining.

 And then I eagerly scan through the menu for more excitements.

 #1 Homemade Bread with Tapenade

Complimentary before meal, they serve us fluffy bread with a dip of finely chopped olives and capers.

This rich olive spread is perfect when you're in the mood for a taste of the Mediterranean 

Well made with good ingredients, it is wonderful with a salty lushness.

#2 Ravioli Di Pesce @ RM27

This is the first remarkable dish I've uncovered during the meal. It is a house specialty of freshly made salmon ravioli in a creamy salmon sauce. The sauce is complementing the ravioli so well! It's definitely a must-try!

Being one of the traditional Italian starters, each sheet of fresh pasta is filled with a savory chunk of salmon with pepper. Considering this as an impressive masterpiece, I have no complaints at all with the specially made sauce which is rich in salmon taste.

#3 Pizza Tonnato @ RM27

As far as I concern, La Risata is well known for its good variety of Italian dishes ranging from traditional wood-fired oven thin to crispy pizzas that exudes the very essence of Italian dining – rustic, hearty and good. So how can I not try their signature Italian dish, pizza?

Topped with cold tuna sauce, capers and melted mozzarella cheese, the pizza is so flavourful with a perfect balance of saltiness! The smoked chicken breast chunks which fill another layer of the pizza, are so firm yet tender. 

#4 Caffe Latte @ RM 7.00

Accompanying the hearty Italian food, milky caffeine would be good as part of the recipe for a fantastic evening!

#5 Fresh Honey Dew Juice @ RM 11.00

Served in a wine glass, this unsweetened, freshly blended fruit juice is definitely priced reasonably, concerning the quality ingredients used.

For a better dining enjoyment, you can always opt for more adventurous beverages as listed above. 

Verdict:
1. As much as I fancy the food, I love the environment and the interior as well.
2. Salmon ravioli is undeniably the best I've ever had! 
3. Highly recommended for celebrations and special occasions. And I'd definitely have a second visit here!

La Risata (Bar, Pizzerea, Ristorante)

16, Pesiaran Ampang,

55000 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: 603-4252 6269

Fax: 603-4257 9503

Website: La Risata's Official Site 

There's another outlet of La Risata @ Damansara too, here goes the address:

128 Jalan Kasah,

Medan Damansara,

50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Contact: 603–2095 9572

Business Hour:
Lunch: 12.00pm-2.30pm
Dinner: 6.30pm-10.30pm

Romanza Le Restaurant @ Hock Choon, Jalan Ampang, KL

#1 Welcome to Romanza! 

Courtesy to BigBoysOven and Romanza, I'm lucky to win two set menu vouchers to dine with my parents at a fine dining place, Romanza Le Restaurant, during last weekend for an unforgettable Mother's Day celebration.

Along the drive to the heart of KL, I realise this restaurant is situated within the embassies enclave. Tucked in the Terrace of Hock Choon with other restaurants and bars housed under one roof along the busy street of food hub, Romanza serves a fusion of French Mediterranean cuisine with a hint of South African flair. 

#2 Let Romanza tug your heart strings and shower you with the romance you deserve.

The minute I step into the restaurant, feeling of classic and elegance greets me almost instantly, giving out a romantic feeling to it. It’s like going into a fairytale for a candlelight dinner for two.

#3 Sultry ambiance of deep grooves and sexy sounds

Romanza has been operating for a mere 2 months, under the renowned Head Chef Steven Kruger from Southern Africa, a holder of many culinary awards for his commitment, passion, attention to detail and producing a taste bud wonderland for all your senses with his unique style and signature dishes. It’s pure artistry at its fines. Truly, Romanza has captivated the best of all worlds to produce a true dining splendor.

#4 Feta Cheese Bread with Piri Piri Sauce

Our gastronomical journey starts off with the light bread which is delicated roasted with feta cheese, and the winning part is the house Mediterranean Piri Piri Sauce!

A true Mediterranean affair with the extraordinary sauce! Unlike the local sambal, Piri Piri Sauce is rather spicy and strong in taste. I'd go for another basket of breads just for this savoury sauce!

Starter:
Choose between the Gorgonzola Croquettes or Duo of Chicken.

#5 Gorgonzola Croquettes with pear puree, roasted pears, 
crisp salad leaves and roasted walnuts

The amuse bouche starts off with a spoonful of potato croquette with hints of light, creamy Gorgonzola cheese. The pastry exterior is unoily and crispy, and it tastes especially good when the sweet pear puree and salad bring a light texture to the dish.

The robust Gorgonzola cheese and potatoes are shaped by hand into croquettes which are served piping hot from the kitchen while the tangy roasted pears and walnuts enhance the healthy dish. 

#6 Duo of Chicken, master stock chicken roulade served on 
a bed of kimchee and topped with crisp leeks accompanied by 
a liver pate and served with a strawberry salsa

The chicken roulade is tender with smooth texture, and is truly amazing with the rich liver pate. I thought the strawberry salsa would do little in this dish, but I am wrong! 

The strawberry salsa brings a remarkable fruity flavour which adds the starter with an extraordinary twist! It makes the bed of kimchee tastes tangier than ever.

#7 Passion Fruit Sorbet with lime yoghurt and apple chip

Next, the chef spoils us with the Palate Cleanser--- an amazing passion fruit sorbet with sour fruity yoghurt and tiny apple chip, that is tart with a very distinctive and spectacular flavour. It is just a little light on a spoon size; Mummy and I are craving for more!

Mains:
Choose among fish, duck or lamb.
My family doens't take lamb, so we're left with no other choices but the seafood and poultry.

#8 Jade Perch pan seared, pomme puree, Thai red curry sauce, 
mango salsa, seasonal vegetables and crisp leeks

Thankfully, I am more impressed when the main course comes out.   Being a fish lover, the star of the dinner is definitely the magnificent Jade Perch. A tender, flaky and juicy fillet of Jade Perch is served on a bed of light, salty chunks of vegetables. The mango salsa works wonder as a unifying element here.

While the pomme puree is the French version of mashed potato, I find it rather gummy in texture, but delicious when it has the Thai red curry sauce as an accompaniment.

#9 Blackcurrant Marinated Duck Breast with a pomme fondant, accompanied by 
a confit duck leg croquette flavoured with a Chinese master stock, marinated red cabbage, 
steamed vegetables and sautéed mushrooms finished with a red currant jus.

Our gastronomic journey is then entranced with the second main course of the evening, Blackcurrant Marinated Duck Breast. Suitably seduced, I go for this and am rewarded with a wonderfully rich, savoury, complex myriad of flavours. The duck is perfectly cooked with just the right amount of tenderness and juiciness, and it complements the deeper flavours of fruity currant juice.

A crisp and flavoursome Confit Duck Leg Croquette has a bold taste as it is complimented well by the sweetness of the red currant. The exciting flavours burst out instantly leaving an unforgettable taste in the mouth. 

The creamy Pomme Fondant, a cube of buttery mashed potato which is freezed for 3 hours before being fried, sits firmly below the slices of Duck Breast which are rather too soft with fatty layers for my taste.

#10 Milk Chocolate Marquee with a ruby red raspberry sorbet
and chocolate tuilles with pistachio crumbs

After such a sumptuous main course, the dessert to me is almost an anti-climax. Here lies the slices of spongy chocolate mousse cake with a scoop of chilling raspberry sorbet and classic chocolate tuilles which melts beautifully in the mouth. However, the pistachio crumbs do little for the perfection of the dessert. 

Neither too sweet nor sour. The loveliest endnote for the romantic dinner!

#11 Mocktail of Gran L’Orange  

The drink contributed a sensual sweet finish to the rich meaty flavours of the dish. Juice from the freshly squeezed orange with grenadine is tangy in taste. It may not be as indelible as the main courses, but this glass of fruity mocktail is impressively good to wash away the heavy meal. 

#12 Romanza – Love , Passion , Excellence

Mother's Day Special Set Menu:
1 Starter, 1 Palate Cleanser, 1 Main Course & 1 Mocktail 
@ RM130++ per pax

Verdict:

1. The kitchen at Romanza has an unimaginable power of delectably tasty range of food and more impressively, they're able to come up with more interesting and lovely items from time to time!

2. Every dish shines in its own way and I'm truly impressed with the unique flavours in each component which the chefs compose.

3. Truthfully, I enjoy the hints of tangy and fruity component in each and every dish; These tiny elements just lift the flavours of all!

Romanza Le Restaurant
241B, Lorong Nibang,
Off Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-4252 6059

Website: www.romanza.com.my
Email: jo@romanza.com.my 
Facebook: fb.com/Romanza
GPS Coordinates: 3.159981,101.728742

Bangkok Connexion @ Jalan Ampang

After spending an evening around Kuala Lumpur city centre, it’s time to hunt for some food to fill my stomach. Strategically located along Jalan Ampang, this restaurant is easily accessible within a walking distance from KLCC. 

Upon arrival during the evening, I can easily find a parking space at the site behind this row of restaurant at only RM3 per entry. Reasonable rate especially around KL area.

Bangkok Connexion serves Halal authentic Thai food, and a wide array of cocktails, wine and alcoholic drinks. This bistro is well-lit with romantic candle lights for each table as well as myriads of spot lights around the stage area. 

If you fancy of drinking during the late night, here are vast selections of imported beer at affordable price. Indeed it’s a nice place to have a drink, chit-chat and relax. 

Left: Chilled Tomato Juice @ RM10

Right: Soursop de Guava @ RM12

Firstly, we ordered two glasses of chilled fruit juice to quench our thirst before dining. Disappointingly, the tomato juice is from canned drinks and the soursop juice isn’t as fresh as expected. Being overpriced is another downside of the beverages here.

 #1 Lemongrass Prawn Salad @ RM 13.50

To start off, the fiery-red hot dish is served. Tickle taste buds with tantalizingly tangy salads, of displaced prawns that made new homes in beds of lemongrass flavoured greens. Its taste is acceptable with the fairly-fresh prawns, but a tad too spicy to torture my tongue!

#2 Soup Gai @ RM7

To wash off the spiciness, I enjoy each spoonful of Thai style chicken and potato soup seasoned with pepper. It reminds me of the Chinese ABC Soup, if it has shredded onions in the soup.

#3 Tom Yam Talay @ RM7

This mixed seafood sour spicy soup is light yellow in colour, but I promise you that it tastes much spicier than the normal fiery red one that you usually have. I enjoy the generous amount of seafood including squids, prawns and fish cutlets. 

 #4 Gaeng Keaw Wan Gai @ RM14.90

Here comes the main course, Thai green paste curry with chicken. Far different from the Thai green curry I've had before, this looks not as green but very spicy. Disappointingly, the cinnamon is too strong as it covers the fragrance of the curry itself.

#5 Phad Bung Nam Prig Gapi @ RM10.90

Since the heaven-by-chilli does not sound as appealing as it should, I enjoyed having this platter of stir-fried kangkung with shrimp paste sauce the most. Despite of being a little similar to the Chinese style of cooking kangkung, it's still crispier and more flavourful than the usual ones I have.

#6 Tab Tim Krob Ma Pao @ RM12

To conclude this simple meal, the homemade red ruby water chestnut, sago, jackfruits, icy coconut milk served in fresh coconut is definitely a must-have Thai dessert! The small red jewels are water chestnut covered with tapioca flour, served with sweeten coconut milk and shaved ice. Shredded jackfruit and jellied coconut flesh are added to this dessert to make it special.

Apart from the enjoyment of chewing the red ruby, I realise that the taste, texture and fragrant of the combined ingredients is indescribably delicious!

Verdict:

1. Overall, the taste is fair and acceptable as I enjoyed 4 out 6 dishes.

2. I had a good time relaxing at an acceptably quiet ambiance when there's no performance at the night. 

3. The portion is fairly small for categorical dishes, but looks quite huge for other individual meals such as fried rice, noodles etc.

Bangkok Connexion 
174 – 176A, 
Lot 26, Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603- 2171 2710 / 016-227 7100