Groceries in Style

Last Monday, after lunch, we managed half an hour or so exploring the newly renamed grocer at Bangsar Shopping Center. It is now called Jasons, and I must say I was mightily impressed.

To start with, they stock plenty of stuff only found abroad. Tatley Tea for instance. We used to asked our friends coming back from England to buy us some before this. Idlan also found his Fruit Loops cereals. He used to find it in Bangsar Village, but lately, they were no longer in stock. Irfan also found his sultanas and his microwave macaroni in cheese. Everybody went home happy.

As for me, I found myself some macaroons .......

Another Free Morning for Breakfast

Well, you guessed it, I took the opportunity to have breakfast with Puan Anita again this morning. We again went to La Bodega, but this time, rather than the outlet at Telawi, we went to Bangsar Shopping Center.

The offer a similar menu, but the ambiance was completely different. The Telawi outlet were smack in the middle of a row of shoplot, giving it a more claustrophobic feeling. But the area was more opened and assessable as people would just park be the street and enter the restaurant.

Nice opened spaceMy rather too dry for comfort Egg BenedictThe BSC outlet was more of a proper cafe. The had two parts, an indoor shop - smaller - or the open space, where the smoking area was. More spacious, complete with sofas. I prefer these opened spaces, although I could do without people puffing about.

Personally, the service here at the BSC was a lot faster, but comparing the two outlet, the meals - or at least the breakfast - was tastier at Telawi. My egg Benedict was moist and the toast better prepared there. Coffee was similar. But that was nitpicking really. For sheer convenience, the BSC was probably better since there was ample car parking space as well as you were shielded from the elements. It would save some time as well, as usually we could do some groceries as well as visiting Anita's favourite food outlet, O'Gourmet.

At the end, it was down to personal preferences. There were really not much difference between the two outlet foodwise. I would choose depending on whether I had business to carry out near the two restaurants. But it was raining outside, I would definitely head for BSC for obvious reason.

La Bodega at BSC was located on the Ground Floor by the main entrance next to Chinoz.

Chinoz, Bangsar Shopping Center

On a recent visit to Mid Valley Gardens, we noticed that the Chinoz Cafe in the middle of one of the main foyer had been closed. That was curious considering the demography of the visitors at that neck of the woods. We were more familiar with their branch at KLCC.

The last time we were at Bangsar Shopping Center, we decided to give the Chinoz branch there a visit. We had light lunch and as usual, the boys wanted pizza.

The seating was outdoors, right by the main entranceA nice place for people watching and chill outIrfan enjoying his fruit punchThe menu was similar to the KLCC branch, with pizza, sushi and the usual choices of salad and drinks. They even offer Sunday Roast, just like at KLCC.

We sat at the outdoor bar area, very cosy and suitable for people watching. Seats were very comfortable. The boys selected the sofas. The waiters were very attentive, and took our order very efficiently without even taking notes. Service was very prompt.

I had rocket salad, and a Japanese rice and salmon set for the mains. The boys had their pizza and Anita ordered smoked salmon and avocado salad. Anita's salad was amazing. The menu was also very clear about which food used alcohol in their preparation. No problems there.

My iced coffeeAnita's gorgeous salmon and avocado salad. Highly recommended.Idlan's hot chocolate in a nice little mug.My rocket saladThe boys, with what else, but pizza.Last but not least, my main, which was sushi rice with salmon and miso. Very nice.

My salad and mains were very well-prepared. I really couldn't complain about the food quality. The service was prompt. I would definitely be returning, not just for the food and service, but for the ambiance as well. Highly recommended, although I suspect the place would be packed in the evening.

Bangsar Shopping Center

The afternoon before Raya was traditionally the time for me to be the designated driver. Doing last minute chores and shopping would be my specialty. This year, I had to go over to Bangsar Shopping Center to get some cupcake among other things.

Plenty of people were doing their last minute shopping today. The decorations over at BSC were pretty simple, but the central foyer was always filled with goodies and hampers.

My destination there was O'Gormet, and I was lucky that I managed to get the last few cupcakes on display. Red Velvet. Yummy!

Chores were done, and I was home by 4 pm. After a quick visit to see how Mum was doing - she was making ketupat for tomorrow, I then headed on home. More chores.

Tea Republic, BSC

Naturally one has tea at Tea Republic, but I was reliably informed that they serve note than that. I had the chance to visit the outlet earlier in the week. We held the KLickr discussion for the upcoming Urbanscape there, and one of my friend actually worked there.

The outlet was located on the second floor of the newly refurbished Bangsar Shopping Center. it was part of the new wing, right at the back if you come through the main entrance. Of you were unfamiliar with the place, a quick glance at floor plan or ask one of the friendly staffs, and you would be pointed towards the back of the building. A couple of escalator rides up, and you're there.

If was certainly quiet corner, next to Tutti Frutti which tended to be heaving with children. The menu was rather complicated if you were not familiar with the variety of tea brew on offer. They also offer main courses and light snacks, as well as cookies and cakes. I was not sure if they do any coffee ....

My far-too-sweet Red Velvet cakeI ordered one of the ice tea - it was infused with mint and lemon, light to the taste and zesty from the lemon. It needed some sugar syrup to balance things out, but refreshing none the less. I also ordered a red velvet cake, hoping that the cake came from Gourmet downstairs. To cut a long story short, it wasn't. One of my fellow KLickr ordered nasi biryani. He said that it was OK. Mind you, he has not had lunch, and it was close to 5pm.

More discussionTo sum up, it was cosy little place to meet friends and had a quiet down time. Food was OK, staffs was friendly and the ambiance was relaxing. There was also wifi provided for free for those interested.