Coffee ETC @ Oasis Square, Ara Damansara : More Than Just Coffee

If you are in the vicinity of Subang/Damansara, here's the right place to visit for coffee,

food, desserts, beer and even live music performance!

*RECOMMENDED* Pillow Bao - Fried Chicken @ RM13.90

I fall in love with the "Pillow Bao" as soon as I try it! It is freshly homemade from scratch using juicy succulent chicken thigh. The homemade bun is so soft and fluffy that it yields a pillowy texture in the mouth with hints of sweetness.

Pillow Bao - Grilled Chicken @ RM13.90

But what makes Pillow Bao a must-try item is the secret homemade sauce-- Try the crispy chicken bun drizzled with spicy tangy sauce for a Western flair, or the grilled chicken bun with savoury teriyaki-like sauce for a more Asian taste.

Pillow Bao is not just what they have! Coffee Et Cetera lives up to its name as they serve more than just coffee! The food menu comes in such a huge variety of local and Western cuisine that surprises me-- Nasi lemak, noodles, rice, soup, salad, burger, sandwiches, pasta, waffles-- You name it, they have it!

Nasi Lemak Al Et Cetera @ RM18.90

The Nasi Lemak served with crispy oven-roasted spicy chicken leg here is equally recommended mainly because of the nice kick I get from homemade Sambal sauce. It is slightly sweet on the palate, before the fiery sensation kicks in and excites me!

PASTA

Tom Yam Seafood Spaghetti @ RM19.90

Pasta selection is aplenty here, mostly in fusion style. Whether you prefer having it in the creamy carbonara sauce, cheesy bolognese or spicy aglio olio style, they have everything covered under one roof. My favourite goes to the tom yam based pasta-- Well done for the creamy tangy yet savoury sauce! 

*Pasta served in crispy bread bowl is only available for dinner. 

Spicy Seafood Aglio Olio - Level 1 @ RM21.90

The uniqueness here is, for every spicy food item, you can adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste-- from the basic Level 1 to advanced Level 3-- it's entirely your pick whether to challenge your taste buds! 

SANDWICHES

Scrambled Egg Croissant Sandwich @ RM10.90

Tuna Croissant Sandwich @ RM10.90

If you are here for a wholesome breakfast or light brunch, the croissant sandwich is what you can enjoy be it dine-in or takeaway. I truly appreciate the buttery flaky croissant, generously filled with a choice among tuna flakes, omelette, chicken or beef. Take a bite while it's hot, I am sure that pastry lovers gonna love this!

WAFFLE

Plain Waffle @ RM6.95

Waffle with Haagen Dazs, Almond Flakes and Whipped Cream @ RM19.95
Belgian Liege Waffles with Haagen Dazs, Mango Puree and Whipped Cream @ RM19.95

Belgian Liege Waffles with Haagen Dazs, Crushed Cookies, Chocolate Syrup and Whipped Cream @ RM19.95

As for desserts, we are, again, spoilt with choices! Coffee ETC's Signature Original Belgian Liege Waffle is something you shouldn't miss-- Crisp at the edge, the crust is quite dense and one can easily fill the stomach with this.

If you love it sweeter, the various toppings will do a great job. But I personally prefer enjoying it plain as it exudes a delicious aroma and taste of sweetness.

Icy Fruit Beer @ RM15

Drop by after work and you'll be surprised as the cafe transforms into a bar, serving house beer at only RM7.50++ per mug! This amazing deal is available all night long. Great attention to detail is paid to the mug itself-- They only serve beers in frozen mugs in order to keep the beer as cold as possible!

You can also opt for the house creative Icy Fruit Beer if you want something lighter than beer. An unique blend of fresh fruits and beer that exudes fruity freshness while quenching your thirst for beers, definitely a must try!

Ice Blended Rocky Cocoa @ RM16.50 / Dark Roast Mocha @ RM15.50

Craving for a cup of customized coffee? Coffee Et Cetera hears you! For the first time, I see a cafe which carries a full range of coffee beverages, and you can request them to use either medium roast, dark roast or very dark roast beans.

For instance, my cup of Almond Flavoured Latte is brewed using dark roasted beans to balance out the almond sweetness with heavier notes of bitterness. Similarly, you can have your mocha using the medium or very dark roast beans depending on how strong you want your coffee to be. Interesting, right?

And the volume is significantly more than many coffee chains out there! They only use 12oz (355ml) coffee cup here, instead of a small 8oz (237ml) one.

Brownie points go to the cosy ambiance here during the day and the vibrance of the bar when the night falls. I love the concept of this local coffee place, where it is a Café by day and a Bar by night with live band performance (9pm-12midnight) every evening. Be serenaded by the lovely voices of the blooming Malaysian local singers while you enjoy your freezing cold beer.

Conveniently located just behind CIMB Bank at Oasis Square, Ara Damansara, you will know you are at the right place upon seeing a huge signboard in the picture above.

GOOD NEWS!
Coffee ETC is having this promotion exclusively for my blog readers!

BUY 1 FREE 1 "PILLOW BAO"
(A Choice of  Grilled Chicken or Fried Chicken served with Potato Chips) at RM13.90
Simple! Just flash the above poster to the staff at Coffee ETC to enjoy this deal.
*Offer valid until 6 September 2016.

Verdict:

1. Coffee ETC lives up to its promise of good food, great music and friendly people.

2. I love the dope vibes and casual feel of this friendly neighbourhood cafe bar.

3. You must try the Pillow Bao, Croissant Sandwich, Tom Yam Spaghetti, Classic Belgian Waffle and Coffee here! 

Coffee Et Cetera
E-G-08, Oasis Ara Damansara,
Jalan PJU 1A/7A,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: +6012–398 7259
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoffeeETCmy

Ramadhan Buka Puasa @ Unique Seafood Restaurant, Citta Mall

During this holy month of Ramadhan, Unique Seafood Restaurant is proud to present a wholesome spread of Buka Puasa seafood food at its newest Citta Mall outlet. From 23 June to 12 July 2015, this house of seafood is all set to tempt us with its feast of local cuisine featuring the freshest seafood in town.

Speaking of fresh seafood, one immediately thinks of the fresh oceanic flavours and juicy goodness. What’s better here is that Unique Seafood has several tanks to rear a wide variety of seafood and serve them fresh from the water!

  

Seafood lovers can rejoice as some of the highlights of the Buka Puasa feast are the flower crabs and tiger prawns cooked in unique styles. The spicy-sweet Unique Style Chilli Flower Crabs are amongst the most sought-after dishes along the spread as the sauce further accentuates the freshness of the white flaky meat and pairs well with the Nasi Briyani, Nasi Tomato and more.

The Fried Tiger Prawns with Salted Egg, on the other hand, are equally notable as each bite yields a perfect crunch with nice salty sweetness. I am sure that one can easily lap up pieces of these succulent huge prawns!

I believe one can never have enough of prawns, therefore the restaurant also serves up Tiger Prawns with Butter Flossy Egg. Highly recommended for those who prefer richer aroma and buttery flavour.

If crustaceans are not your pick, then how about having the popular mussels instead? The Wok-Fried Green Mussels with Chilli Paste are punch-packed with fiery flavours and hints of seafood sweetness, which are sure to tantalize your palate!

Our personal favourite goes to the Ikan Masak Kari Lemak dengan Bendian Sayur as the thick slices of fish are so flaky and juicy on the inside, while retaining a crisp skin on the outside. We are blown by the thick creamy curry that complements well with the seafood without masking its original taste. 

A Ramadhan feast is certainly not complete without having the mini Ketupat with Sambal Tumis as well as various dainty Malay delicacies and appetizers. If you are not a fan of seafood, fret not as the buffet also features local dishes such as Rendang Curry Chicken, Daging Masak Bunga Bawang, traditional Mee Mamak and  more. 

Acar Rampai, Sayur Ulam and Kerabu Sayur

Jeruk Buah

Chinese delights such as steamed and fried Dim Sum are also served for those who prefer milder flavours.

Putting a sweet endnote to our feast, we explore the colorful dessert corner. Festive desserts are aplenty, including Malay Kuih-Muih, Bubur Ubi Kayu, Bubur Durian and Sago Gula Melaka, just to name a few. 

We love how the Ramadhan buffet reflects the truly colorful Malaysians by having various local sweets, crowd's favourite Rojak Buah, and a wide assortment of Indian delicacies. 

All in all, it is an excellent value-for-money buffet considering its high quality fresh seafood, generous portion and wide selection of food. If you are planning for large group dining at Unique Seafood, the beautifully decorated, posh banquet hall is ideal for this festive celebration. 

Unique Seafood Subang

G39-G42A,
Ground Floor,
CITTA Mall,
1, Jalan PJU 1A/48,
Ara Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7734 3006 / 3030
Website: www.unique-seafood.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/pages/Unique-Seafood-Group

US Potato Special Menu, The Roulette Restaurant Bar @ Oasis Ara Damansara

US Potato Culinary Festival Kuala Lumpur 2015 is back! In celebration of this occasion, The Roulette Restaurant Bar at Oasis Ara Damansara has whipped up three special dishes that feature exceptionally high quality US potatoes. These items will be available on the menu for limited time. 

Fusion US Potato Salad

First to wow us during the evening is the fusion US potato salad served in glass. We are amazed by the injection of century eggs and crunchy cured ginger which beautifully lifts up the overall flavour of the chunky potato cubes. The creamy dressing is rather light but goes very well with the savoury condiments.

Chicken Potato Canape

The next dish is a bite-sized sharing platter that is good to go on its own, but it is one of my favourite appetizers for beer pairing! Sitting on a bed of criss cut fries, the moist chicken patty is crowned with spicy-sweet sauce and flavoured tobiko with a kick sure to delight. 

Golden US Wedges

Another highlight of the evening is the crispy golden US wedges which is served piping hot from the kitchen. It may look simple, but this is one of the best wedges I have tried! Generously coated with salted egg yolk batter, the exterior gives a pleasant crunch while the soft mashed potato in it melts perfectly in the mouth. 

Black and White Sheep @ RM68

Apart from the special US Potato-based dishes, we also order few signature items of the restaurant. Lamb dishes are aplenty here, but each of them surprises us with its creative presentation and cooking method.

For instance, we have a duo platter of deep fried crumbed and chargrilled New Zealand lamb racks accompanied with thick black pepper sauce. Both are exceptionally tender and lean to my liking.

Marinated Lamb Shoulder @ RM42

The next dish reminds me of my favourite marmite pork ribs. Although The Roulette does not serve pork here, I am delighted that the chef manages to prepare the lamb shoulder so well that the meaty texture is exactly what I am craving for! Plus, the sticky marmite sauce with toasted sesame seed is extra robust and flavourful. 

Dried Curry Lamb Mutton @ RM38

If you are seeking for a taste closer to home, the lamb rendang is equally good with its spiced flavours well-suffused into the tender chunky meat. Instead of having it traditionally with white rice, it is also wonderful with crusty oven-baked flatbread. 

Olio Olio Chicken Pasta @ RM20

The pasta and pizza here are also worth a mention because the chef is very generous in his application of poultry into the dishes. Spicy food lovers will rejoice as the al dente pasta is packed with the extra punch of flavours from the dried chillies. 

 Smoked Duck Pizza @ RM32

Fresh Water Prawn Noodle @ RM38

For a taste of fresh seafood, you can satisfy your cravings from the diverse menu here. This dish has blown most of us away with its extra succulent and gigantic tiger prawns on a bed of deep fried egg noodles. The gravy is very eggy and smooth, without being too heavy for me.

The Roulette Special Chicken Wing @ RM28

As the evening goes on, we have the bestselling chicken wings to pair with our beers. Beautifully garnished with the crisp garlic, the crispy drumlets and chicken wings are pretty addictive once you get hooked on. If you are having a football party or late night hangout at The Roulette, this dish is sure to be a winner!

The Roulette is well-known as an entertainment hub with dart games, live band performance and karaoke facility, but many do not realise that it is actually a hidden gem for good food, be it Western or Asian offerings. Highly recommended for parties and casual gatherings after work.

The Roulette Restaurant Bar 

Lot R-12, Central Piazza,
Oasis Square,
Ara Damansara,
No. 2, Jalan PJU1A/7A,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact:  603-7859 8886
Website: www.theroulette.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/TheRouletteRestaurantBar
Business Hours: 4pm to 2am daily 

MiniMe Cafe @ Oasis Ara Damansara, PJ

Nestled within the increasingly popular township in Oasis Square, this cafe seems to be kept as a well-hidden gem for a while before we manage to discover it and make it one of our favourite brunch places now. Offering an eclectic combination of coffee, desserts and dishes from the East and West, MiniME is not just another cafe in Ara Damansara.

MiniMe Cafe draws my attention by having a beautiful display of colorful popsicles at its entrance.

There are so many yummy fruity popsicles from the famous Pop Wagon!

Surrounded by the painted black-and-white brick walls, the soft lighting and bright furniture add warmth and coziness to the space, attracting the young crowd where they can organize parties and spend time in a relaxed and alluring setting.

The ceiling caught my attention by having layers of hanging doors in blue and white!

MINIME LIQUID

Latte @ RM9.90 / Poppy Seed Cake Salted Caramel Buttercream @ RM12.90

If you're here for a light bite, a cup of perfectly crafted coffee with luscious layers of homemade poppy seed cake would be great. The buttercream here is much denser than what I'd imagine, but nevertheless it hits the right level of sweetness for me. 

Toxix Cleansing (Apple, Cucumber, Lemon, Celery) @ RM11.90 /

Vitamin Boost (Orange, Apple, Carrot) @ RM11.90

During the days we don't feel like having coffee, something healthier comes into mind. Instead of having bottled pressed juice that is known for its excellent nutritional values, MiniMe has gone great length to offer customers with the freshest blends of fresh fruits and vegetables using the compact slow HUROM juicer in the house. Everything is prepared ala minute upon order! 

MINIME BITES

Mermaid's Quest @ RM22.90

A creative variation from the usual Mexican tacos, here we have the mini tortilla skins with garlic lemon aioli sauce as the base before they are individually topped with squid, fish and prawns. Leave your cutlery, and fold the tortilla in half to enjoy the best in one mouth! 

The combination of crispy fried prawn with tangy sauce and soft tortilla is so interesting and tasty that we couldn't help but to reach for more!

MINIME SANDWICHES

BBQ Pulled Chic Panini @ RM12.90

If you love your pressed panini brown and crispy, MiniMe's version will surely not disappoint you. Stuffed with pulled chicken thigh and generous drizzles of homemade BBQ sauce, every bite is sweet and tangy with slight smoky aftertaste that lingers on the palate. 

Love my cheesy and saucy sandwich to bits!

MINIME FROM THE WEST

Silence of the Lamb @ RM28.90

The highlight of the day is no other than the house specialty medium grilled New Zealand Lamb Shoulders in homemade black pepper sauce. We expect up to 3 slices of lamb at most, but the chef surprises us with the huge portion of 4 big pieces which have an equally great balance of meat and fats each. The solid, hearty flavors is simply comforting, especially for lamb lovers. 

Accompaniments such as roasted beetroots and baby potatoes with reduced balsamic glaze
add a pleasant tartness to the overall taste too.

Whole Spring Chicken

Here we love how every sauce is made from scratch, to create distinctive flavours that we probably couldn't sample elsewhere. That's why we enjoy our oven-baked half spring chicken with the homemade brown sauce that lends an instant kick to the already delicious bird. 

As for the side dish, the creamy cauliflower puree is worth a mention too, as we appreciate the intensely rich and creamy texture that wins over the usual mashed potato. 

MINIME FROM THE EAST

MiniMe Laksa Siam @ RM12.90

As the Eastern dish is specially catered for the local taste buds, don't you agree that we all love tucking into a hot bowl of spicy broth with noodles, Ikan Kembung and fresh herbs? Although the fiery flavour is slightly toned down, we still have a great time digging into the comforting bowl of rich and tangy broth. 

MINIME SWEETHEARTS

Best Giler @ RM12.90

We are not sure whether it is the name or its presentation that catches our attention, but the signature dessert is indeed recommended for its unique crispy and creamy, hot and cold combination. Each thinly sliced banana is fried to crispy perfection and well-coated with drizzles of Gula Melaka syrup. It is quite addictive especially when savoured with vanilla ice cream with chocolate swirls.

Overall, MiniMe Cafe is one of the better cafes in town! 

Verdict:

1. Love the concept of preparing everything from the food, juices and sauces from scratch with minimal artificial processing. I feel healthier dining at MiniMe :)
2. I don't mind visiting here occasionally, considering it a pretty quiet place to chill despite of the distance from my house. 

3. Recommended: Silence of the Lamb, Spring Chicken, Banana Fritters with Ice Cream

MiniMe Cafe
(Same row as 7-Eleven)
E-G-02, Capital 5.
Oasis Square,
No.2, Jalan PJU 1A/7A,
Ara Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: +603-7610 0929
Facebook: fb.com/MiniMEcaf3
Instagram: @MinimeKafe

Business Hours:
Tues-Thurs: 11am-10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am-11pm
Closed on Mondays