Goku Raku Ramen review @ Mid Valley Megamall

Ok this has been a serious delayed post. Apologize! Life still as shitty as usual for me. But hey, thanks God for the good foods around, I am back with hope *queue dramatic song* LOL.. Anyway, went for Goku Raku Ramen review last few weeks and for the first time I am being camera-less. Not bringing any gear with me due to some circumstances and I knew I shouldn't be heading home to grab my gears with the jam condition. Hence, I just went for the review with my one and trustworthy Sony Xperia Z1 as my main shooter.

So yea Goku Raku Ramen. Been knowing about this shop since the existence of Paradigm Mall but I have yet go to try. I am abit choosy when come to ramen eventhough I am not a huge fans of it because I have to make sure it is really worth a visit for me to pay and eat. But I guess my perspective changed after I tried Goku Raku Ramen. It is located at North Court, Mid Valley Megamall.

* Shanghai Fried Ramen RM13.90 *

The first thing came to our table is the Shanghai Fried Ramen. Yea, ramen with fried. It look kinda like hot plate yee mee to me. Personally I found nothing much to shout on this ramen. The plate is full with veggie and the portion of minced meat was too little for my likey. I admit I am a omnomnomnomvour. Oh be sure to toss the noodle around so that you get evenly sauce on it.

* Ebi Gyoza RM10.90 *

Gyoza! My favourite Japanese food! As much as I love how it taste, the prawn is too small in the dumpling.

* GRR Meatballs RM5 (5 pcs) / RM 9 (10 pcs) / RM17 (20 pcs) *

For the first time I was introduces by japanese meatball. It came with sweet and sour sauce. I took a first bite on it and I felt mix feeling on it. The skin itself is crunchy however the meat inside are soft, not compact enough. Too soft for my liking. But I guess it make it easy to chew and suitable to eat for everyone on difference age range, I guess again.

* 5 Star Aburi Char Siew Ramen RM25.90 regular *

Finally the star of the night. A good ramen has been always come with great pork broth soup and also thick and awesome char siu! Beside Ippudo, Goku Raku char siu is one of the best I ever had. The soup is not too salty as well and the flavour are well done. This what made my perspective of Goku Raku Ramen change. I'll be back again for the same ramen!

Lastly, we are served with Chef’s Specialty Course Meal; Set C which cost RM119.90 which come with 13 items:

• 1. Edamame
• 2. Aburi Char Siew
• 3. Chef Recommended Salad
• 4. Pork Loin Rei Shabu
• 5. Tori Momo Karaage
• 6. Crispy Shrimp Mayo
• 7. Siew Mai
• 8. Ebi Chili
• 9. Sweet & Sour Pork
• 10. Utsonomiya Sui Gyoza
• 11. Garlic Fried Rice/Mini Ramen
• 12. Annin Tofu Dessert
• 13. Sesame Balls

The set are good to go with three to four person and it is totally worth it. The set has little fusion with chinese style but overall, it is very satisfactory.

So it is the end of my review. Thanks for those who read this post and as a token of appreciation for being my readers all this years, I am giving away a discount voucher for GRR Mealballs! Just print this out (not sure is black & white acceptable) and present it before making payment. Remember it is valid till 30th June 2014.

Chap Goh Mei & Valentine’s Day buffet dinner @ Seasons Café, Grand Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Just in case you all dunno, this Friday is a day where dual celebration happened! It is Chap Goh Mei (last day of CNY) and also Valentine's Day! Well it might be dual for you but trio for me :P It has been 7 years! *cough cough* Ok back to topic. Courtesy of Grand Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, me & my partner get too try out their Chap Goh Mei & Valentine’s Day buffet dinner at Seasons Café last Monday. I have to admit it was a perfect dine in place with your love one.

* Salmon Yee Sang *

Started off our dish of the day, the double heart shape Salmon Yee Sang was served to us. As usual, we will toss the whole thing while wishing all the positive things happened to us and everyone. It was my second yee sang of the year. Yes, I don't always toss yee sang.

* Steamed Home Style Garoupa Fish Head *

Followed up by Nien Nien You Yue (Every year got money?). It was made by crispy Fish with signature sauce and topped with cubes of fruits. The sauce taste sweet while the fish was crispy enough to become everyone favourite.

* Wok Fried Prawn with Patong Sauce *

Wok Fried Prawn with Patong Sauce is a musn’t-missed because it is one of the Season Café signature dish! Nothing much to shout probably because I am not a huge fans of seafood. But the prawn are fresh and big in size!

* Lamb Cutlet with Sauce *

Lamb Cutlets with Sauce is one of my favourite dish in the set. The lamb not too tender nor chewy and easily to eat.

* Mini Desserts *

* Wok Fried Prawns *

* Lamb *

* Rendang *

* Beef Skewers *

* Curry Chicken *

* Crab stick *

* Salmon *

Besides Chap Goh Mei & Valentine’s Day menu, Seasons Café also offered east and west fusion buffet around.

* Appetizers *

* Smoked Salmon with Caper on spoon *

* Chinese Cold Cut *

* Seafood Cocktail *

We were served with appetizers as well - Seafood Cocktail, Chinese Cold Cuts and Smoked Salmon with Capers on Spoon.

* Fried Nian Gau *

Nothing beat the awesome Nian gau! We were served with yam nian gau and sweet potato nian gau. Unfortunately the nian gau wasn't crispy and kinda soft. I guess it was due to fried too early and put it on table too long. Abit disappointment in my heart.

Overall, the buffet was just nice with alot choices around ranging from meat, vegetable, fruits, rojak, mini dessert, ice cream and alot more! The Chap Goh Mei & Valentine’s day Buffet line is available only in Seasons Café located at Ground Floor level, on the 14th February 2014 for RM78++ per person. For reservation, kindly contact our friendly hotel staff at 03- 2697 8888 or email us at reservations@grandseasons.com.

For more details, kindly contact Jane Low at 2697 8888 (ext: 8802). Log on to www.grandseasons.com for more information.

International Stores Debut in Avenue K for the New Year

The newly-refurbished Avenue K is pulling in the crowds with more of its tenants opening their doors, welcoming renewal and rebirth with another year in the Chinese zodiac, celebrating the Horse. It is the new AK first Chinese New Year! Be ready to be thrilled to see international shopping varieties as well as local Chinese cultural traditions come to life and soak up the festive spirit while ushering in the New Year.

AK has continued to march forward in securing the most sought-after names in retail, offering trend-setting as well as a host of classic brands. It now claims choice tenants who boast largest outlets and several new arrivals in the Malaysian market, including Korea’s popular lingerie store, Yescode, and ELLE lingerie, the first outlet store in Malaysia. Swedish mega brand H&M opened its flagship store positioned over 3 levels, theSkintopic, The Mod House as well as Original Classic in AK, are the largest of their outlets in the country, while Japanese fashion and household brand, Muji (opening March 2014) and Australia’s Cotton On are largest in Southeast Asia and Asia respectively. With brands like Headline Seoul, Nichii, Dressing Paula, Kitschen and G2000 among others, AK promises to provide the fashion savvy, a myriad of new outfits and looks for the New Year. Those traveling during this festive period can also get equipped in style at luggage specialists, Leather Avenue and Cosas United.

A diversity of F&B outlets featuring cuisine from the East and West have also piqued the curiosity of foodies. Tsukemen & Izakaya Ieyasu, award winning Bankara Ramen, Marutamen Ramen, Grappa, Sushi Zanmai, Swensen’s, Witches and Brew with its gluten-free breads and Snow Factory, introducing all-natural desserts from Taiwan, are following in the success of recently launched Taste Enclave Food Atrium (a selection of 15 delectable stalls and 4 mini restaurants) having drawn crowds of repeat customers by their taste buds. Also opening soon is Library Coffee bar and Johnny Rockets with an all-American menu of specialty burgers, shakes and fries. Coffee lovers will be spoilt for choice as they can have a sip at Starbucks, Espressolab, Urbean, Delifrance and even The Loaf. Located on level 3, Ayer's Rock Butcher and Grill, Fat Boys and Black Bull with its trendy bowling alleys will be among mouth-watering options diners have to satisfy their appetites for top dishes and more.

Soon on Level 4, world-renowned EMS entertainment will bring larger-than-life themed amusements for the whole family, beginning with Dinosaurs Live, a 3D interactive experience especially designed to engage the young. In addition, for convenience and peace of mind while they get their shopping done, parents working in the area are delighted that they are now able to drop their children off at London-based Primrose Hill Nursery for their development and wellbeing.

Shoppers are being WOWed through the month of January and February with spectacular themed performances including traditional fan dances, Chinese instrumental bands, appearances by One FM radio DJs, interactive games, fun quizzes and singing performances by special guests. A regal figure of a golden horse, as well as eight pagodas have been erected on the Ground Floor Atrium represented by different vendors; the number chosen for its auspicious symbol of prosperity. That’s not all – the legendary “God of Fortune”, whose outfit is open to a tenant design contest and voted on by visitors, will also be featured to bring an abundance of prosperity and wealth to all present.

Over the Chinese New Year period, there will also be an orange counting contest, lucky draws and Avenue K cash vouchers, including a RM3,880 grand prize, RM2,880 and RM1,880 for 2nd and 3rd prize respectively, which will be given away to shoppers who participate in the festivities. While the main activities start from 6 January to 14 February 2014, one of the highlights of the celebrations features a must-see Lion Dance performance at the main entrance on 4 February, with costumes specially designed in fuchsia pink, reflecting AK’s logo. Just for your information, the AK logo is stylized in distinct fuchsia pink. Coincidently, Pantone, the global authority on colour, has just declared Radiant Orchid, which is a harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink derived from orchids, as the hue for 2014 and it is supposed to encourage expanded creativity and originality, the very fundamentals of AK.

What are you waiting for? Just head to Avenue K now and be ready to have wonderful experience in this Chinese New Year season! For more info, visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/AvenueKMY.

Guinness New Packaging Launch Party - A New World Calls For A New Style

Last week, Guinness Malaysia officially launch a new packaging for their products with the themed "A New World Calls For A New Style" which is set to make waves in today's modern era. The exclusive launch held at The Intermark Kuala Lumpur. The new look is the latest step forward to bolster GUINNESS’ position as the most distinctive beer in the world, and amongst Malaysia’s best loved brews.

“It’s the first major package redesign for the brand in decades. We are definitely excited about the new look and we did so because we wanted the look of the bottle to reveal a contemporary look for the brand, reflective of its modern and young base of drinkers today”, said Bruce Dallas, Marketing Director of Guinness Anchor Berhad. "And, while the Guinness packaging may have an updated look, what's inside the bottles and cans is still the same authentic taste that comes from St. James's Gate in Dublin."

From the beauty of the metallic gold finishes, the standout yellow racetracks of colour and the layering of contemporary typography, the new Guinness Foreign Extra Stout (GFES) invites the eye and draws the drinker in. The iconic “bull dog” remains on the neck label as the classic icon of Guinness in Malaysia complete with a sweep of Arthur Guinness’ signature which adds to its premium contemporary aesthetics.

Personally, I always love the combination of black and gold. Black represent mysterious while gold means luxury. Combine it together, it is truly elegance looking and also classy. If you can't wait get yourself the new look, it is already available at Klang Valley and nationwide since 7th November 2013 onwards include GFES pint and quart bottles, as well as the 500ml and 320ml cans!

Samsung Malaysia officially launched Galaxy Note II @ Zebra Square KL

P/s Hands on video uploaded!.

I believe Samsung Galaxy Note is no stranger to everyone. The successor, Samsung Galaxy Note II finally arrived Malaysia shore and just officially launched tonight at Zebra Square KL.

Honestly I wasn't impressed with tonight presentation. It wasn't as awesome as the launch of Samsung Galaxy S III. The venue is small and packed.

They did not demo much on Samsung Galaxy Note II function. Is just a quick touch and go.

If you are clueless about Samsung Galaxy Note II, here are the key features/specification :

• Quad-band GSM and quad-band 3G with 21 Mbps HSDPA and 5.76 Mbps HSUPA support
• Optional LTE connectivity
• 5.5" 16M-color Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen of HD (720 x 1280 pixel) resolution; Corning Gorilla Glass 2
• Android OS v4.1 with TouchWiz launcher
• 1.6 GHz quad-core Cortex-A9 CPU, Mali-400MP GPU, 2GB of RAM, Exynos 4412 Quad chipset
• S Pen active stylus with deep system integration
• 8 MP wide-angle lens autofocus camera with LED flash, face, smile and blink detection
• 1080p HD video recording at 30fps
• 16/32/64GB internal storage, microSD slot
• Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n support
• GPS with A-GPS connectivity; GLONASS support, Digital compass
• NFC support
• Stereo Bluetooth v4.0
• FM radio with RDS
• microUSB port with USB host and TV-out (1080p) support, MHL, charging
• Accelerometer, gyroscope and proximity sensor
• Standard 3.5 mm audio jack
• Great audio quality
• Very slim at only 9.4mm
• 1.9MP secondary video-call camera
• Document editor and file manager comes preinstalled
• Extremely rich video and audio codec support
• Huge 3100 mAh battery

What distinguish between this and Galaxy S III was the extra software features :

• Pop Up Note - allows S Note to be opened as a pop-up window anywhere on screen,\.
• Multiwindow - multitask by having apps opened in a single screen.
• Pop Up Video - Extended version of Samsung Galaxy S III Pop Up Play where video become a floating window on display with the touch of a button, allowing it to be repositioned to any part of the screen.

Honestly the main thing that attracted me was the Multiwindow. Unfortunately the firmware on the demo set wasn't updated, thus i have no chance to experienced it. It would be very cool thing to have. Imagine facebook and twitter on same time?

Another main attraction of Galaxy Note II was none other than the wacom stylus, S Pen. As a designer itself, I cant help it but took the S Pen and have a quick draw. Oh well, I know my drawing sucks but hey it is fun to doodle around.

The new Samsung Galaxy Note II will be available in Marble White and Titanium Gray on 19th October 2012 with retail price of RM2299. Celcom, Digi and Maxis will have bundle plan.

Hopefully I get a review set and share my experience with you all :)