Nippon Tei, KLCC

After the hour we had at Taman Tasik Perdana, all of us were hungry. When he was having fever, Idlan kept on telling us that he wanted to have chicken teriyaki. Now that he was much better, we decided to have some. Since we ended up in KLCC, we thought we might try Nippon Tei again. The place certainly has changed a bit …..

Dozo! Dozo!The temaki to start withIt still looked the same from the outside. The menu still looked similar, but it had been more than a year since we last came to visit. The problem with place was, they did not seem to be able to cope during peek time. Order came late, even sometime needed reminding. It was early evening. The place was already half full by then. We decided to go in anyhow. To our surprise, the service had improved tremendously, and the food was definitely much better than before.

The excellent starfruit juiceI have to admit upfront, it wasn’t the cheapest Japanese outlet in town. Certainly the place was more expensive than the excellent Express Sushi at Great Eastern Mall. But compared to before, it was miles better. The service was much quicker, and the staff seemed much more friendly and accommodating. We started off with sashimi and temaki. We ordered the garlic fried rice - which was excellent - for the boys and chicken teriyaki bento for Idlan. The teriyaki was served piping hot on a hot plate, still simmering with juicy goodness. Both Idlan and Irfan enjoyed it, Irfan later licking the crusted gravy off the plate, it was that tasty.

The teriyaki has arrivedThe sashimi was fine, rather on the expansive side - about RM30+ for 5 slices. I get twice the amount at almost half the price at Express Sushi. The fruit juice was excellent. I also ordered some unagi and rice as my main dinner, and it was really nice. The sauce was very good, and the eel was well-cooked. I must say that I was really impressed with the garlic fried rice - something I would try on the next visit.

Irfan munching awayAll in all, it was a great dinner out. The boys especially Irfan enjoyed it. Idlan enjoyed the miso - nobody can resist MSG I supposed! The restaurant was located on the fourth floor of Suria, on the Isetan end, right next to another Japansese eatery - one which I suggest you avoid - Sakae Sushi. The teriyaki was well done, and I suggest those visiting should try them.

Teriyaki no more - after Irfan done with it. Here seen licking the hotplate dry!

Would I go there again? - Most definitely, and I will order the teriyaki, temaki, garlic fried rice and starfruit juice. If you’re into Japanese and happened to be around KLCC, you should definitely give the restaurant a visit.

Lot 426/427 Level 4 Suria KLCC, KLCC, KL, 50888 - Tel: 603-21614176 

Irfan ........

I had a long Friday and was looking forward to sit it out in front of the television for the opening event of the World Cup. But guess what? I had to take Puan Anita to KLCC instead. For what you might ask? For make-ups!

Idlan uninterested as usual

It was not for her however. Saturday will be Idlan and Irfan’s school concert and Anita was asked to ‘prepare’ them, complete with foundations and glitters. Idlan’s hair needed to be spruced up with gels and stuffs. Well, a Dad got to do what a Dad got to do. He has to get some make-up for his boys …. And the rest was history!

And sagu gula Melaka for dessertWe stopped over for dinner at Madam Kwan before going home though. Irfan had 4 bowls of rice, but he vomited them all out shortly after since he was too excited and was running around too much. Luckily, the staff at Madam Kwan was really great and got everything cleaned up without a fuss, in under 3 minutes! That was service if you asked me. Irfan did make a proper mess mind you.

Chinoz for Tea

After my trip the KL Design Week, I took the boys out to Tasik Perdana for a spot of fresh air. Unfortunately, it started to rain soon after, and we had to scramble off. Since it was still early, we decided to get ourselves some tea. The easiest to get to was KLCC with its convenient parking and easy exit via the elevated highway. So off to KLCC we went. We decided to have the bite at Chinoz.

Candle-litPizza .... hmmmmm!Trying out the nachosSince it was raining heavily outside, the waitress was kind enough to seat us at the dinner table, away from the smoking area. Both Idlan and Irfan love the food there, especially the tea and pizza. However, over the years, the place has been suffering from its own hype. It used and still is a place of celebrity hang-out, but with the opening of ‘Apartments’ and other new joints around the area and to a certain extend the Mandarin Oriental, the place seemed to have lost some of its exclusivity. The quality of the food has certainly came down a notch compared to a couple of years back. The menu has evolved, and it was still the place to get sushi in KLCC - Sakae Sushi is nothing compared to here - but if the management was not careful, they will start to lose customer. Where do I prefer to have dinner in KLCC? Top of the list was Spice of India, then the Chinese nearby - can’t quite remember the name. Soon, Harrod’s will beat the both of them, if not for the cost to dine there. If not for the pizza and sushi, I might go there less frequently.

Top if off with some iced chocolate .... with a lump of ice-cream on topSo we had our tea there yesterday. We had our pizza, and I tried the nachos. Not bad, although I wished that the nacho crackers were a bit fresher.

Expensive Dinner - Harrod's KLCC

Puan Anita had to go to Kinokuniya today to pick up some books and since the boys are on their week school break starting today, we left for KLCC after I returned from work. Arriving there just after 5.30, we went straight to the book shops. After picking up the books and a bit of browsing, Puan Anita decided to take a peek at the Harrods’s store on the first floor. In terms of things to buy, there weren’t anything much interesting, but after walking in further, she saw he restaurant. Yup! That’s where we had to have our dinner then! Off we went.

Irfan contemplating what to orderBuns to kick things offThe boys ordered some fish and chips while I chose baked cod. Puan Anita had some roast beef and it was tasty! It was really nice. The ambiance was great and the waiters treated us and the boys like kings! Almost similar to the cafe at the real Harrod’s at Knightbridge, except that the place was pretty cramped and the food was Halal. The cod was baked just right. The vegetables was fresh and the dressing was just the right amount. The boys had some English Breakfast Tea and we had to order extra as they liked it so much. Puan Anita’s roast was done very well. She commented that the meat was not sticky, with no after taste. She would definitely come again.

The table settingMy seared codWe counted there were only around 10 tables, all seating at maximum 6 patrons as the whole shop only occupied a small strip of floorspace. As it was Monday evening, the restaurant was only gathering customers as we were about to leave. There was also a cigar salon on the balcony outside the restaurant, overlooking the water spouts outside Suria.

Even though the food was good and all, the restaurant was rather expansive unless you go there for special event or celebration. You certainly get you paid for in terms of food, service and ambiance. The cutlery I was sure was pure silver, so was the China being authentic. Would I go there again? Of course, but only for special celebration. Would I recommend to anyone else? Definitely, especially if they are buying my dinner! And make sure you use the facilities. The toilet were the cleanest in KLCC by a country mile!

P/S: sorry about the pix as I only carried my E71 during the visit.

Quick drive to Suria

Currently waiting for my sandwich at Suria KLCC. Enjoying some mango smoothies while at it. I wanted to browse for some photo magazine at Kinokuniya but none caught my eyes this time. Bought a couple of mags, then it was time to head home.

Will have to do a few slides for the revision course tomorrow. I looked at the list last week and found out that there would be around 45 candidates sitting for the coming exam. Looked like I have to cancel the mock exam and switch it to clinical sessions instead. It would be a nightmare organising sessions for this lot due to the sheer number. Frankly I don't think I can cope at all.

Have to put my thinking cap on for tomorrow and hoping for the best.