Just Pie @ IOI City Mall, 1 Utama Shopping Centre & The Gardens

What could be more soul-satisfying than a hot, fresh-from-oven and flaky pie encasing different types of creative fillings ranging from sweet to savoury? We've seen an increasing trend of hand-crafted pies that lure people with mouth-wateringly tempting recipes, and Just Pie is amongst the first homegrown pie specialist that serves up more than 20 types of pies at major shopping malls such as The Gardens, IOI City Mall and 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

Just Pie open-concept cafe at IOI City Mall is easily noticeable as it is located between the ice skating rink and District 21 theme park. Shoppers will enjoy nice whiff of butter from afar and be spoilt by a wide variety of beautifully-displayed golden brown pies.

Each pastry pie is made with new, revolutionary ingredients for the fillings from savoury to sweet. Mention classic pies such as apple pie, chicken pot pie, and even vegetarian pie, Just Pie has gotten you covered.

COFFEE

Cappucino @ RM8.90 / Almond Latte @ RM10.90

Coffees here are pretty decent where you can get the espresso-based staples with basic coffee arts that as well as affogato coffee desserts. Non-coffee drinkers can choose among the wide variety of chocolate drinks and Dilmah Exceptional tea.

SAVOURY

 Steak N Cheese @ RM9.50

No worries about mixing up your orders because each savory pie can be easily identified by the letter on it. Speaking of the crust, the heavy application of margarine lends the pastry a wonderful softness on the inside. It is moist yet flaky enough to enhance the richness of the crisp-edged pastry that gives a decadent mouthfeel. 

The medium sized pie of 4.5 inch diameter is jam-packed with big chunks of tender beef, carrot and creamy white gravy. If you're not a fan of heavily buttered pastry, the taste of this pie would be just nice for you to go with its fillings. 

 

Chicken Mushroom @ RM8.40

Classics such as chicken chunks in mushroom gravy are equally popular among diners as the creamy, rich combination is simply comforting especially during cold days. Savour it with a dash of homemade bolognese sauce or top it up with some mashed potato (RM2.90) for a twist in flavours. 

 Creamy-3-Mushrooms @ RM8.40

Recommended as one of their signatures, it is not difficult to figure out why when a scan across the neighbouring tables has spotted this trio Mushroom Pie on almost every table. Thick hand-cut slices of black fungus, white and brown mushrooms taste extra good and create a beautiful medley of crunchy-chewy texture. Definitely the best vegetarian pie I've tried! 

Adventurous pie hunters may prefer hefty, dark filling packed with meat such as Black Pepper Beef, Chunky Chilli Beef, Lamb Stew, and Curry Chicken pies that are beautifully moistened with cooking juices and exude stronger punch of flavours. 

SWEET

S'mores Pie @ RM13.70

Just Pie also churns out a full range of sweet temptations by injecting new ingredients into innovative creations that make the pies as appealing as possible. The thin S'mores pie crust has a crisp, crumbly cookie-like texture and shallow sides that reminds of me a tart. 

Thick, dark chocolate filling and toasted marshmallow topping will definitely melt the hearts of chocolate fanatics as the pie is delightfully oozy, gooey and rich! But the stickiness of the marshmallows and chocolate can be a huge turnoff for some. 

Oreo Pie @ RM13.70

At the first glance, it seems unusual from my all-time favourite no-bake Oreo pie that uses cookie base. Just Pie's version of Oreo Pie is an interesting combination of cake and pie, with multiple layers of cream, chocolate sponge, and Oreo topping sitting on a deep pie crust. Now you can enjoy the best of both worlds-- Pastry and cake-- in one dish! 

 Nutella Mille Crepe @ RM15.80

Mille crepe pie seems new to me, but I must admit that it is a delicious spin from the old-fashioned French mille crepe. Creamy and soft, the cake melts in the mouth with rich chocolatey flavour while the crusty pie adds a pleasant crisp texture to it. 

Creamy rich vanilla ice cream (RM2.90) is available as a lovely add-on to your dessert pies 

ranging from the traditional Apple Crumble to modern Tiramisu, Red Velvet and Caramel Banana.

All pies are pegged at affordable prices ranging from RM3.70 to RM15.80, inclusive of 6% GST.

Verdict:
1. The sizable pies, comfortable family-friendly ambiance and wide variety of flavours make Just Pie an ideal venue for all meals of the day.
2. Tastewise, the overall experience is pretty decent considering the great value for money and convenience it offers.
3. Recommended: Creamy-3-Mushrooms Pie


Just Pie @ IOI City Mall
FK-8A, Lebuhraya Lembah Kelang Selatan, 
IOI Resort, 
62502 Putrajaya.

Other outlets:
Just Pie @ The Gardens Mall
LG-C3B (Level LG)

Just Pie @ One Utama
SK106 (Level 1)

Contact: 603 - 7806 3631
Email: info@justpie.com.my
Website: www.justpie.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/justpiekingdom

Pampering at Joys Beauty Garden @ Nexus Bangsar South.

I couldn't recall when was my last facial treatment, but whenever I have the luxury of time and money, I'd certainly opt for a good pampering session at salons that offer the most reputable facial products.

Well, why, you wouldn't want to experience breakouts after the facial right? That's how Dermalogica comes into mind, so far as I remember it is the most renowned brand with over hundreds of beauty salons in Malaysia.

So here I am at Joys Beauty Garden in Nexus Bangsar South, a relatively new shopping mall in the area to try out the latest facial treatment for my dehydrated skin. I love this place because it is pretty quiet and parking is ample during both weekdays and weekends :) 

Stepping into the salon, I notice a full-fledged collection of Dermalogica products lining along

the display rack, with most of them come in sets specially curated for different skin types.

Like many beauty salons, the procedures for facials are pretty standard during the facial itself is pretty standard. I have a brief skin consultation with my therapist of the day, expressing my skin concerns to her so that she can recommend me with the most suitable treatment available there.

As soon as I have decided to go for a Hydro Plus Intensive Facial Treatment (RM209) as an intensive moisture booster to the skin, the friendly staff then leads me to the locker area where I can keep my belongings in the safe.

The treatment room is fully equipped with state of the art technology and loads of Dermalogica products. The beautician begins with a triple-step cleansing, exfoliation and extraction to eliminate dirt and accumulated impurities on the skin. From scrubbing to extracting the blackheads, I feel that the pressure is just nice and comfortable for me without much pain. 

Goodbye blackheads especially on my T-zone!

The best part of the facial is of course the double mask treatment that boosts the epidermis with in-built sprinklers and reduces fine lines, resulting in clearer skin. Made of only plant-based ingredients, the mask itself is super cooling and soothing for me while it works wonder in hydrating the skin, reduce tightness and flakiness.

It is so comfortable that I can easily take a good nap for 30 minutes!

After the nice sleep, I feel so pampered as the beautician continues with loads of relaxed

and comfortable massaging around my head and decollete area.

Amazingly, my skin looks brighter, more radiant and feels softer right after the facial. I am quite satisfied with the immediate plump skin effect after treatment, all thanks to the impeccable service here! 

And the whole process only takes less than 1.5 hours!

Can't believe it can be so effective and quick.

Overall, it is an awesome experience at Joys Beauty Garden, and I'm looking forward for my next facial appointment here :)

After the facial treatment, if patrons feel that there is a need for maintenance at home, feel free to get the Dermalogica products home and begin a new skincare regime! Here's the address of Joys Beauty Garden at Bangsar South:

Joys Beauty Garden

Unit 1-9, Level 1, Nexus,

Bangsar South,

No.7, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.

Call 03-2242 3315 for enquiries / appointments.

Business Hours:

Mon - Fri: 11am - 8.30pm

Sat - Sun: 10.30am - 7.30pm

By the way, Nexus Bangsar South has something awesome for you guys! Do check out Chillin’ @ Nexus Bangsar South Campaign at their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BangsarSouth) where RM100 Nexus Gift Vouchers will be given to daily winners from 27th April 2015 until 19th June 2015!

Juus Juice @ The School, Jaya One

Cold-pressed juice bars are aplenty in town, but have you ever wondered what's exactly inside the juice that you're splurging for? Many thought that the juice is an instant vitamin boost to our bodies, but JUUS Juice has proven to us that the health benefits of its premium juices go beyond that. 

Located directly opposite Celebrity Fitness at The School, Jaya One, this relatively new kid on the block offers cold pressed juices that are freshly made daily from raw vegetables and fruits without adding any sugar, artificial flavouring, colouring and preservatives. Just enjoy the natural sweetness from the natural, pulp-free and enzyme-rich concoction itself. 

What makes JUUS stands out from the rest is the creative recipes that can blend up to 9 types of fruits into one bottle! JUUS divides its juices into 3 main categories-- Simple Juus (1 type of fruit), Super Juus (2 types of fruits) and Premium Juus (3 to 9 types of fruits!). In fact, the juicy combination here is endless because you can create your own flavour by choosing up to 4 types of fruits or vegetables.

If you are new to juicing, do try out the Juus Tea that blends fruit tea using organic green tea and many citrus fruits, as well as Milky Juus such as Almond-Avocado Milk and Hazelnut Milk.

While enjoying your glass of juice in comfortable seating and with free WiFi, do spend a couple of minutes on the colorful nutritional table on the wall. Not only you are feeding your body with enzymes that aid digestion, but also other natural nutrients that benefit your body from head to toe. 

For instance, ladies should go for beauty juice such as Beat The Beet (Beetroot + Carrot + Ginger + Pear + Pineapple + Lemon + Orange) for its anti-aging benefits. Beet juice can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by as much as 60%! 

Meet Kale (Apple + Kale + Japanese Cucumber + Lemon + Spinach)

Imagine eating a whopping 1kg of green veggies daily, it is a lot easier to drink enough greens to get the same nutrient impact. Organic green juices are more oxygenating and give you clear skin and bright eyes. For people who dislike vegetables, a blend of cucumber, kale, apple, spinach and lemon is a nice, easy way to start.

Power COT (Carrot + Orange + Turmeric)

This anti-inflammatory, beautifying and energizing turmeric orange carrot juice will do wonders to your digestion and energy levels. Bold color and big nutrition. This juice is loaded with some richly colored carrots, kicked up with turmeric and then smoothed out with oranges. There you go towards glowing skin!

Simply So Good (Pineapple + Apple + Mint + Lime)

Purpleicious (Purple Carrot + Orange + Apple)

Among the crowd's favourites, Simply So Good is a refreshing, tangy concoction that tastes smooth on the palate without being too minty. Speaking of top-notch quality ingredients, JUUS uses Purple Carrot, one of the most amazing superfood to make its best-selling Purpleicious juice that is packed with antioxidants. 

A pink Pitaya blend of dragonfruit and apple is great if you like a sweeter drink.

JUUS is serious in delivering only the best to the customers. It insists on using only sterilized glass bottles with locked cap to store the juices for ultimate freshness and greatest nutrients. Since it is raw and unpasteurized, always refrigerate it and consume within 48 hours.

Each flavour comes in 3 sizes-- Mini (RM4.90 for 85ml), Midi (RM7.90 for 150ml) and Power (RM14.90 for 330ml), and you can sample on them at the juice bar before deciding on which to purchase. 

Don't forget to bring back your JUUS glass bottles and exchange for cash!

JUUS' juice detox programme is coming up very soon. At the mean time, feel free to drop by and pick up your delicious juices at Jaya One or have them delivered to your doorstep (Within PJ area).

Juus Juice
Lot No. 100-P1.015,
Level P1,
The School,
Jaya One,
No. 72A, Jalan Universiti,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 03-7931 8805 / 017-873 4589
Email: juusfood@gmail.com
Website: www.juus.my
Facebook: fb.com/juusfood
Instagram: @juusfd
Business Hours: 11am - 8pm daily

Komura Japanese Restaurant @ Corus Hotel, KL

If you are in the mood for a hearty, wholesome and down-to-earth Japanese meal in the middle of the city, the place to go is Komura Japanese Restaurant in Corus Hotel which is  strategically located within 5 minutes walking distance from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

Situated at the lobby level, Komura welcomes you with cobble stones pathways leading to the serene ambiance of Tatami rooms, private cubicle rooms and teppanyaki counters where diners can enjoy an intimate dining experience with comfort and ultimate privacy. It does not have any public dining area like other Japanese restaurants do.

To elevate the level of privacy, each room has its own sliding shoji door, while waiters at Komura are always ready to serve you as you press the button provided on the table. 

 Sashimi Moriawase @ RM188 for 8 varieties

What not to be missed at Komura is the platter of fresh sashimi served on a bed of ice. Diners can choose up to 8 varieties of raw seafood such as tuna, yellow tail, butterfish, vinegar-cured mackerel, salmon, octopus, prawns and scallop. 

While sashimi are served colder, we are delighted that wasabi prepared here has stronger and more pungent flavour. True connoisseurs will definitely love the refreshing flavour of seafood with an instant kick of wasabi.  

Tempura Moriawase @ RM38

If it's fried dish that you fancy, the assorted tempura consisting of prawn, fish and vegetables is great as a side dish for communal dining or as the main for bento set. Unfortunately, the soggy and oily exterior is quite disappointing. 

Unagi Kabayaki @ RM58

Next to arrive on the table is the well-marinated eel grilled to perfection. It has a nicely seared crispy skin on the outside paired with juicy flesh on the inside, coated with a very thick sweet soy sauce dressing, which is the right accessory to the meat. 

Spider Maki @ RM38

A visit to Japanese restaurant is not complete without a taste of the sushi roll. Every mouthful of the gigantic spider maki has a little bit of everything--- the deep-fried soft shell crab, chunks of avocado, fish roe, crunchy salad and mayonnaise dressing, which adds texture to the dish. 

Oh look at the thick piece of white soft shell crab meat!

Matcha Azuki @ RM18

After you have cleaned the plate out, let your tummy settle and choose your dessert ranging from hot Japanese pancakes and red bean soup to the cold, soothing ice creams and fruits. A double scoop of green tea ice cream with large dollop of red beans is popular among others, but I personally find it a tad sweet for my liking. 

 Apart from relishing the fine traditional dishes, diners can sip on the imported Japanese ‘Ocha’

or fine premium sake to complete the sumptuous meal.

Set lunches are available while ala carte meals and selection of steamboats are served during dinner. On weekends, Komura offers ‘Eat-All-U-Can’ buffet for lunch and dinner.

Verdict:

1. Considering the price for the given portion, it falls on the high side. Bento sets are of greater value for money if you want to fill up your stomach. 

2. It's a great place to enjoy tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur city centre. 

3. Recommended: Unagi Kabayaki

Komura Japanese Restaurant
Ground Floor
Corus Hotel
Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2161 8888 (ext 120/121)
Website: www.corushotelkl.com
Facebook: fb.com/corushotelkl
Business Hours: 12noon - 2:30pm (Lunch) / 6:30pm - 10pm (Dinner) daily