Tickling My Tastebuds: Top 3 Mille Crepes

With so many restaurants and cafes offering mille crepe cakes on their menu, how will we know which deserves to grace our tastebuds? Here are my top 3 Mille Crepe Cake Countdown.

Number 3: Nadeje Cake Shop, 3 Two Square

Now we don't have to drive all the way to Malacca to get our Nadeje fix as they have opened up an outlet right in the heart of Petaling Jaya at Dataran 3 Two Square. I recommend their original mille crepe cake (RM9.50) that was simply oozing homemade custard vanilla cream that was light and not too sweet. The many layers that form the mille crepe are thin, allowing the Tahitian Vanilla Beans flavour to linger as it melt in your mouth.

Number 2: Food Foundry, Happy Mansion

Every crepe cake lover has heard about Food Foundry's delicious crepe cakes but the one particular crepe cake I would like to highlight from this place would be their Almond Salted Caramel cake (RM11). Topped with crunchy almond bits, this cake has the perfect balance of sweet and salty as the salted caramel sauce complimented the light texture of the cake wonderfully.

Number 1: Red Beanbag, Publika

And finally, the number spot for, perhaps, the best rum and raisin mille crepe cake I have ever taste, the Red Beanbag at Publika. I have blogged about it before but a second visit merely confirmed it. The rum and raisin mille crepe cake (RM14.90) explodes with ample rum flavour soaked into the layers and cream. There is also plenty of raisins in the cake which is also soaked in rum, living up to its name sake of rum and raisin. It is more expensive than most places but trust me, it's worth it. 

First Skytrex Experience!

To say I am an adrenaline junkie is an understatement. I would say I am a person whose motto(s) in life is try everything, leave no room for regret or do first, think later or never try, never know or do it now or miss the chance. So basically, my philosophy in life is YOLO! (please don't kill me!)

It just so happens that everything I have done (sky-jumping off the Auckland tower, off-roading, racing, paintballing, jet-skiing, trapezing) or want to do in life (scuba-diving, backpacking, bungy-jumping, Tough Mudder) involves being in the great outdoors and involves adrenaline....Okay, so I am an adrenaline junkie. Which was why when my friend invited me for SkyTrex-ing in Bukit Cerakah forest reserve, Shah Alam, I was all 'YOLO!' (I can hear guns clicking...okay, I'll stop the YOLO-ing!)

At the entrance.

It was sunny Saturday morning when we got to Bukit Cerakah forest reserve, paid the RM3 per person entrance fee and boarded a bus heading to the SkyTrex Adventure. After some internal debate, I opted to carry my DSLR camera with me in order to get better pictures. It seemed I was not alone that day as there were many other who were weighed down with their big DSLRs. It turned out that Tourism Selangor had organised an day out for its fans and followers there too, explaining the large groups of people present. I also bumped into a blogger friend, Cindy after finishing the challenge. She did the Big Thrill so be sure to check out her blog for her take on Skytrex!

Preparation stage.

My group of eight quickly filled up the required 'I-will-not-sue-if-I-get-injured' forms, got lockers for our belongings and got our harnesses on. Gloves are a necessity because you'll be griping onto the ropes for dear life and can be brought RM3 per pair.

Briefing instructor - funny guy.

Before attempting the Extreme Challenge, we were given a safety briefing on what to do with our two carabiners and one pulley when up in the trees. All you need to remember is to make sure you're clipped to red-marked rope with at least one carabiner at all times!

Extreme Challenge

Once we have run through the trial course, we started off the Extreme Challenge with a tall ladder climb leading to the first of many flying-fox. I quickly discovered my wonderful ability to land facing backwards during the flying fox challenge. Dammit.

Camera ready!

As the group before us were so damn slow only three people were allowed to a platform, we had to wait in between obstacles during which I took the opportunity to snap pictures of my friends. And to camwhore.

Flying Fox

My least favourite obstacle was the pipe challenge where we only had the supporting ropes to grip on to. Not only were pipes oval, they would swing with each step, making balancing on them a challenge. I think I took up the most time on that.

Making it look effortless.

Prior to that, there was a monkey bar challenge much like in the playground except a few metres off the ground. Not to worry though as your carabiners and pulley will keep you from plummeting to your death if you let go. To my annoyance, my hands gave out midway through this challenge and I had to let go. I will definitely be back for the monkey bars!

Monkey bars.

But by this part, being so high up in the trees don't be an issue for most and your main concern will be crossing the next obstacle. As for the view, there was only trees and trees and....more trees.

Sis posing for camera.

Overall, it was great fun and after the initial sensation of vertigo, it was merely just powering through the obstacles. We took a number of pictures although not as many as I would like because the DSLR requires two hands to adjust. Most importantly, there was never a moment when I felt unsafe high up in the trees because I was high on adrenaline the course was so well-maintained.

Ayam exit

My group took approximately 2 hours in total to complete the whole Extreme Challenge and that included delays because the group before us were so damn slow I was trying to take pictures of everyone. The ending was sort of anti-climatic as we had to climb down a netting to descend to the ground. We heard the Big Thrill ends with a long flying-fox which sounds like more fun. But knowing my luck, I'll end it facing the wrong way.

Extreme Challenge finishers.

The next time I come, I will try the Big Thrill and hopefully this time, execute a perfect flying-fox and finish the monkey bars!

Tips:
1. Bringing a big camera is not impossible although you might smash it into a tree during the flying fox so just be careful.
2. Gloves and a good pair of sport shoes goes a long way.
3. Listen to the instructors and do chat with them. Being up there alone must be so boring at times.
4. Look out for the instructions on how to place your carabiners and pulley before tackling the challenges. There are two ways to put them on so check!
5. A bottle of water is recommended as it can get hot and exhausting up there. Bottle holders can be rented at RM5.
6. If you can't complete the challenge, opt for the Chicken Exit. Seriously, don't hold up the people behind you if you can't get your nerves together.
7. Check your carabiners and pulley before setting off to ensure they are usable.
8. Online bookings are recommended at all times. No minimum number of pax required.

Prices for Skytrex challenges are:
Little Adventure (LA) - RM 35.00
Big Thrill (BT) - RM 45.00
Extreme Challenge (XT) - RM 55.00

Hours:
Saturdays, Sundays and some Public Holidays.
From 8.30am onwards.

For more information or to make bookings, head over to their website, Skytrex Adventure.

For a sense of my experience there, check out my album here.

*****

And speaking of being adventurous and trying everything out for the first time, I am taking part in the Big Blog Exchange, a worldwide competition where 16 bloggers will be selected to exchange blogs whilst living out that blogger's life in their country for ten whole days!

So if you think I have what it takes to weave a story of a new life experience from the other side of the globe, vote for me at the link below:

PS: I do not represent BN or DAP so votes here will not influence the outcome of the coming 13th General Elections.

 

Read, vote, share and have a cookie!

 

Thanks!

DIY Nutella Popsicles

Hey, guys!

As some of you may know World Nutella Day was on 5 Feb and there had been a lot of Nutella dedicated posts going around. Remind me again, why World Nutella Day isn't a big-a-deal as Valentines' Day? It should be a public holiday, I say!

Where was I? Oh right. So, I came across this post:

I decided to give it a try and here is my guide to making Nutella Popsicles. The ingredients I used was the smallest jar of Nutella and low fat milk (890ml) as well as a Popsicle mould. I got my mould at Daiso for only RM5! This recipe can make 8 Popsicles.

Step 1: Buy ingredients and take outdoor product shot of ingredients.

 

Step 2: Take ingredients back into kitchen where it is cleaner.

Start by pouring the bottle of milk into the blender.

Step 3: Next, mix Nutella into the blender.

Step 4: Blend until mixture is smooth with micro bubbles on the surface.

 

 

Step 5: Pour mixture into Popsicle mould.

Leftovers can be refrigerated as milk shake.

 

 

Step 6: Place the mould in the freezer overnight.

 

 

 

Step 7: When removing popsicle from mould, place the mould in a

container of water to loose up the sides of the popsicle for easy removal.

 

 

Step 8: Enjoy!

Got your own version of a Nutella Popsicle? Share it! After all sharing is caring in the world of Nutella!

Cloud Atlas movie review

The trailer for Cloud Atlas has been playing non-stop on my Unifi television channels and it had me brainwashed intrigued by this movie. Obviously the advertisment worked. Thanks to Nuffnang, I was able to catch the premiere screening of Cloud Atlas at the new TGV cinema at One Utama.

Courtsey of Nuffnang

Gist
Based on a novel by David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas follows the lives of various characters in six different centuries and countries and observes how interrelated and connected a person can be in someone else's life in the past, present and future. It carries a cast of seasoned actors consisting of Halle Berry, Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae and Ben Whishaw. These actors more or less are the main characters throughout the movie to look out for although their roles differ from storyline to storyline as they vary from main characters to supporting roles to protagonists to antagonists.

Verdict
The opening scene had me confused as it presented a montage for all the six storylines viewers will be about to dive into. The challenge there was to pinpoint the different storylines whilst remembering the main characters played by different actors. As it was a late-evening movie, my brain was aching from a headache from following the entire film.

The visual effects however were stunning as viewers are taken through six different worlds that consisted of interesting costumes, makeup, concepts and landscapes. The movie diverse in terms of genres as you have a mix of comedy, action, self-biography and most importantly, adventure. I was actually more fascinated with the numerous characters played by the actors. Some like Hugo Weaving made it a challenge to recognise them sometimes.

Hugo Weaving.

Mr. Weaving as usual, played diverse badass to the core regardless whether he was a man or a woman while Tom Hanks was brillant as a conflicted character that underwent a major character development throughout the movie. He certainly held my attention during his main story. Halle Berry's characters were.... predictable as it felt as though the movie was merely a cut and paste of all her previous movie roles. I found her plotline boring....

Jim Sturgess and Doona Bae were, for me, the two to look out for as they play characters attracted to one another but forced to put the bigger picture before them.

I was also thrilled to spot Zhou Xun in a minor but no less important role. I loved her performance as the demon fox in Painted Skin: Resurrection and she carried the same intensity over in her brief moments on Cloud Atlas.

Would I watch it again?
Maybe. Perhaps on a day when I am not tired and red-eyed from a lack of sleep. Halfway though the movie, I found myself wishing for the end...which came only after 45 minutes. Some of the storylines were interesting and fast-paced, others slow. It was like watching six mini movies or TV series in one and it can be mentally taxing. I can see why Cloud Altas got a polarized reaction from critics....Not advisable to watch if you're tired or have the attention span of a puppy.

Cloud Atlas hits the big screen on 21 Feb 2013.

Renoma Cafe Gallery - Brunch Buffet review

Warning:

The following post may cause salivating and hunger. Proceed at your own risk.

 

I first heard about Renoma Cafe Gallery, Bukit Bintang and their Sunday brunch buffet from Rebecca Saw's blog. Unlike most buffet places which have lines of food laid out before you, Renoma's version of buffet is different. At RM85++, you order whatever your palate desires from their special brunch menu with dishes ranging from starters to soups to sandwiches to main courses to desserts between 11am to 3pm.

Foodie galore!

Everything is prepared upon order, comes in smaller-than-usual portions but tastes superb! Of course this brunch offer is worth it if you're a huge eater craving for classy, refined food without having to break the bank.

The menu

Interior of art and food.

I brought two of my ex-college mates there recently and we got there at 11am to fully enjoy the entire afternoon just eating. Ah....bliss....

We started with several appetizers with the more memorable ones being the Tiger Prawn and Candied Pecan Nut, Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab, Crispy Mozzarella Caprese and the Croque Madame.



Tiger Prawn and Candied Pecan Nut

The Tiger Prawn was super crunchy, juicy and not to mention, fresh. The pecan nuts added in a nice sweet kick.

Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab

You can’t go wrong with the Salted Egg Yolk Soft Shell Crab especially with the softness of the crab meat.

Crispy Mozzarella Caprese

Crispy Mozzarella Caprese was oozing delicious cheese with a thin deep fried exterior layer.

Croque Madame

The signature Croque Madame comes highly recommended by many food bloggers and I could certainly see why. As soon as you slice it open, you are in for a treat to your palate consisting of beef pastrami, duck breast, chicken salami and black truffle egg.  

To give our tummies breathing space before the mains, we switched over to desserts. The Vanilla Panna Cotta was a real treat with fresh berries to accompany it. I had another helping in round two of desserts. The Orange Vanilla Crème Brulee was a little disappointing due to its tiny size and the super thin burnt crust of sugar on top but the zest of oranges offered an interesting twist. The Carrot Cake came thinly slice but I found the portion perfect for tasting with a nice mix of carrots and walnuts that went well with the smooth cream cheese.  

Forest Mushroom Veloute

Anyway, back to the main courses. The Forest Mushroom Veloute soup (a blend of black trumpet, oyster mushroom, porcini mushroom, crème porcini and white truffle oil) was so good we ordered two helpings of it.

RCG Classic Burger

RCG Signature Burger

My friends had the RCG Classic Burger and Signature Burger which came as half of a normal sized burger. It came with beef patty so my Hindu friend had to forgo it despite how good it looked. My other friend happily gobbled both burgers up, commenting on the patties’ juiciness. As for me, I was saving space for other dishes.

Char-Grilled Sirloin Steak

The Char-Grilled Sirloin Steak (Black Angus) was delicious with a chewy texture with a lot of smoked flavour saturated into the meat. But it was the Confit of Muscovy Duck Leg that made a huge impression on all of us.

Confit of Muscovy Duck Leg

My friend has no love for duck due to its odd taste and texture but she had no issue eating Renoma’s Confit of Duck, remarking on how lovely the texture and taste was. I agreed. The meat simply peels off the bone beautifully while the skin offers a crispy contrast.

 

Finally, round two of desserts came next and I admit we did abuse the buffet concept here as we ordered all but a few from the dessert menu.

Peach Melba

The Peach Melba was a light treat that offers a brilliant blend of flavours and textures as it comes with caramelised peaches, toasted almonds and raspberry sauce over a scope of vanilla ice cream.

Valrhona Chocolate Fondant

The Valrhona Chocolate Fondant was highly recommended due to its high-quality chocolate balanced out by a wild berries stew.

Pavlova

The Pavlova wasn’t too bad although I would have like more passion fruit sauce and perhaps a chuck of passion fruit to balance out the sweetness of the other fruits and berries.

Peach and Almond Tart

Whilst we had the carrot cake earlier, we now opted for the Peach and Almond Tart which was a good choice due to the juicy sweetness of the peach and the crunchy bite of the almonds.

To wrap up desserts, I ordered every ice-cream flavour on the menu which is of course, never a bad thing. It helped that it came in very small scopes to allow us to fully enjoy this eating experience. The Rum and Raisin and the Cointreau Crème al Orange contained alcohol though.

Coffee to stay awake.

Throughout brunch, we were topped up with an unlimited flow of coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices to help ease down the meal and to wash our palates. The services were fast and prompt although food took a while to reach us. That was understandable as dishes are prepared upon ordering. The ambience was very chilled and relaxed for a nice Sunday afternoon. Overall, I was quite happy with the experience.

To quote one of my friends, “We get to experience a wide variety of high-class dishes without having to pay through our noses.”

My best advice to making the most of this experience is to make full use of the four hours you have there and to pace yourself. Sharing dishes will definitely allow you to make the most of the variety of cuisine there and be adventurous!

Renoma Brunch Buffet is available on Sundays and Public Holidays from 11am to 3pm at RM85++ per person. Reservations are recommended for big groups.

Renoma Cafe Gallery