Dinner at Thistle

Strolling around the poolWe got ready to leave Port Dickson just after Maghrib. As Mother’s Day will be the day after, and with my Mum and wife on tow, I decided to treat them for dinner. We took off to Thistle.

Leaving our apartmentNormally, we visit Thistle for either lunch or afternoon tea. This was the first time we turned up for dinner there - the last time being a Ramadhan Buffet does not count! The boys wanted the children’s menu that they do there - fish and chips called ‘Little Mermaid, and chicken nuggets which I forgotten what it was called. While waiting for the food, it being a long day, the boys were expectedly grumpy. Usually, we get to sit by the children area where there things to get them occupied. Unfortunately those seats were taken because we were late. I took Irfan for a stroll around the swimming pool instead.

Checking into the restaurantFish + alphabet chips = 'Little Mermaid'We were fortunately served by this kind young gentleman called Stephen for the evening. He got the children’s food ready in double quick time and offered us to take the desserts from the buffet even though we ordered a la cart. It turned out that he was the outlet manager, hence the prompt friendly service. Even without him, as far as I can remember, the service there was never that bad. However, since we never really spent a night here, I really can’t comment about the service. Looking through the review, it has been a mixed bag. There were more negatives and positives since the new owner took over - it used to be called Guomon, but lately that has changed.

Irfan reaching for his nuggetWhat I liked about the place is the family-orientated service. They have a separate kids area - called Kid’s Zone - where you can take your child to play in a padded ball room. There were also video shows and games for children. There was of course the separate menu for children I mentioned before. The usual gripe I have about the place is the lack of lifts. There was only a single lift taking us from the lobby to the restaurants, which during peak times can be an issue. The lobby however was really nice and roomy. I was hoping for a conference to be held here for a long time in order to sample the services first-hand.

Margherita

For the evening, I had some salad and pizza. The children were thrilled with their food and finished them. The local menu was not that bad either, with my Mum having some fried rice. I had steak there before - which I remembered being on the dry side, but with really nice salad and accompaniment. Price? A little steep for PD standard, but very reasonable if you regularly eat out in KL. Very affordable. This being Mother’s Day weekend, why not have a treat. After all, my credit card offered a 'Mother's Day' discount ….

Definitely One to Avoid

As I mentioned in my previous entry, the lunch at Theobroma Chocolate Lounge is something to be avoided. The decor and ambiance was nice. The cafe was strategically placed on the first floor of the New Wing in 1Utama. Anyone passing by would have noticed it. Certainly a nice place to crash into should you become peckish after a day shopping. So, you better be desperate before you get here.

The place thrive on specialties such as novelty chocolate coffees and chocolate-dipped fruit cutlets and the likes. There we also promotion for roasted chicken with rice and the menu seemed simple but elegant. I went for pasta, as I know you really need to make an effort to mess up an order of pasta. The one that I ordered was something along the lines of 'seafood pasta olio olio' or whatever it meant. So what did I get?

Pot of tea anyone?It was basically spaghetti dipped in chili oil as the sauce, topped with some poached mushrooms and prawns. On the side was a cut of baguette that was hardly fresh smeared with garlic butter, to be passed as garlic bread. As for the roasted chicken, it was a piece of chicken thigh, precooked, then microwaved to warm with a small bowl of rice. For drinks, I ordered iced white chocolate, topped with shaving of cocoa. The chocolate had a hint of vanilla to it, but the after taste was too bitter for my liking. They need to cut down on the cocoa shavings, or use a less concentrated chocolate bar!

The saving grace was the a la carte chocolate pieces that my children had. It was not as nice nor as expensive as our usual Godiva offerings but at least it was an improvement to the food. I think the place should concentrate on simple meals, sandwiches and the likes rather than attempt anything more filling. I am sure the drinks can't be that bad, maybe it was the overzealous barrista being generous on the cocoa shavings. The ambiance was really nice, and if it was not for the food, I would probably go there again. As it stands, it was not worth it! So stay away guys and gals!

Give me the Sushi!

Expresssushi, Great Eastern Mall 1, originally uploaded by Haris Abdul Rahman.

Myself and Anita went out this afternoon, in search of face masks for the boys and also a thermal scanner, to scan the driver's and maids' forehead just in case they have fever. It seems that panic has gripped the whole of Kuala Lumpur. None of the outlets have kiddy's mask in store. The thermal scanner were also sold out, and we put one in order. It should be available sometime in the next few days. Even the Pharmacist told us that everyone was buying them in droves. There was even a customer asking if he can sell them Tamiflu without prescription!

After doing all that, I started having a crave. It is expected to be Ramadhan by Friday. It's the fasting month. I had to get myself filled up, eat the things that I crave! I needed sushi! And I need them now!

Just next door to the Pharmacy is a new sushi joint. We frequent Great Eastern Mall from time to time, but never noticed this small little shop. It is called Express Sushi. It has only been opened for a couple of months. Gingerly we walked in. The friendly waiter came over and asked if we are familiar with Japanese food. If we needed help ordering. A quick chat and then I ordered salmon sashimi, California handroll and a soba. Anita had miso soup as extra.

Honestly, I was blown away. The sashimi was really nice, even the avocado in the handroll tasted fresh, and the soup ..... Basically it was a delight. The owner, Michael, and the Manager Eric, was always at hand, talking to us about the menu. This is their first outlet, and they are planning many more in the future with plans for delivery. The main bulk of the business will be take-aways and also catering for small parties. With food this good, I can't see them having much problem expanding.

While talking about the price, I accidentally blurted out the words .. "It's so cheap!", much to my embarrassment. In all honesty, the price was very reasonable, and compared to some other outlet, the food here is much better. Certainly no complains here. However, if you are really into Japanese, and planning for a big order, maybe a Japanese buffet will be a better idea.

The actual dining area was rather small, obviously trying to keep the overhead down. The location was also rather hidden. It was on the Lower Ground Floor, and it was by sheer luck that we stumble upon the place. The seating are arranged in a single row overlooking the wall. There are a couple of round table outside, but should you come in a big party, you will struggle. Apparently according to Michael, they are able to provide bigger table if you give them a heads up. Also since the location is away from the main entrance, should we order up front for take away, we can just drive through at the ground floor and he will pass on the order.

Personally, I am not being paid to write about this. However, the restaurant deserve a special mention. So Michael, if you are reading this, make sure my next meal is on the house .... Cheers!

The restaurant can be contacted on 03 42560010, or why not have a look at their Facebook page.