New Look IKANO

When I first returned from the UK, one of the first mall I went to visit was Ikano Power Centre. It was brand new back then. Just opened. The mall opposite, The Curve have yet to be opened. IKEA was only just being planned.

It was a stand alone mall but with Harvey Norman and other anchor tenants, they were doing well. They also had a very good food court on the top floor - which has since been replaced with Toys'r'Us. Since it was by the highway - NKVE and LDP was not that busy back then - getting there and back was convenient. Parking spaces were also aplenty.

Inside the new flagship Harvey-Norman store

Over the years they had many changes but none were as drastic as from the beginning of the year. The mall had been closed for a good part of a year now and was just reopened before Xmas. A major departure from what it used to look like.

Now, Harvey Norman expanded to a couple of floors. The whole of lower ground on one side was occupied by Ben' groceries shop. Cold Storage had moved out. The place also looked cleaner and brighter.

The many eateries on the lower ground floor remained opened, and on the evening that we went to visit, it was packed. Looked like it was a change for the better ...

IKEA

One thing I hate about IKEA was the long checkout queue. I ended up either just browsing, or go there on a morning in off. Going during weekends was a definite no no.

Idlan had been pestering me to get him some furnitures for his room. And he specifically mentioned IKEA. Reluctantly I had to go there. Since they were still in their holidays, I though going on a week might would be a stroll in the park.

Wrong.

It was packed last evening at the store, and I ended up just browsing. It also seemed that they were doing a bit of renovation. Part of the showroom were closed and the flow had to be diverted. And I felt that the number of items on show was lesser than usual. Maybe they were in the midst of changing their catalogue. Anyway, we ended up having the meatballs at the cafe after some looking around.

We had a few ideas but Idlan's room at the apartment was rather small. With the built-in cabinet and his bed and TV, fitting in a big table would be a tight squeeze. We had to get the measurement just right then.

And finally .... meatballsBack to the drawing board. But the meatballs were heavenly though.... That alone was worth the trip. ‎

Friday Evening Outing

After a couple of weekends lapse, and of course the two of us being ill in the middle of the week, Friday evening was a welcome relief. We went out, as per tradition. Irfan asked earlier in the evening for dinner at Marche. So, we obliged.

No new movies, so it was dinner and a quick walk around the mall. Plenty of Halloween costumes and decorations around the mall, so was Deepavali which would be next weekend. The place was pretty colourful and happening.

Marche was pretty packed that evening and I must say, the quality of the food had definitely been deteriorating in the last year or so. Shame really. We loves the place.

But the walk in the open air in evening breeze was priceless.

Misadventure at Marche

After Berbuka last night my boys asked for pizza. Anita had to do some shopping, so the decision was simple. We headed to The Curve, and for food it was Marche.

We were there a few weeks ago at the beginning of Ramadhan, and it was business as usual there. But last night it was different. All buffet and no ala carte. And the selection was rather limited. With the RM 68 to be paid for adults, it wasn't cheap. It cost RM for each of my boys, plus tax on top. And on the whole, it wasn't worth it. I had a small steak and salads, plus dessert. The drinks had to be paid separately though.

That's one big mug of tea .....Followed by a nice strollI wouldn't recommend going for the buffet if you were only there for the food. You wouldn't get your money's worth.

And Then It Was Dinner

I managed to reach the hospital just before prayers, saw my patients before going off again. By the time I finished the afternoon clinic, I was right tired.

As soon as I reached home, Irfan asked to go to The Curve. He wanted the pizza at Marche. Idlan seconded that. And I was pushed to a corner. Decision was made. And off we went to Damansara in the middle of the rain.

I want my pizza!That's a lot of potatoThe place was not as packed as it usually was. Parking was easy. As we were all tired and starving, we went straight to Marche. For some reason, I didn't feel in the mood for any meat. It was vege all the way for me. And some pasta.

So, what was after dinner. Maybe a quick walk around the mall to ease the food down ..... Good night!