A • Toast - Breakfast & Juice Bar

Ever since I've started working, Sunday mornings are the only day of the week where I can choose to either sleep in or hunt some new place for a hearty brunch. After seeing several posts of this humble little sandwich shop on Instagram, I've decided to drag Kev along to try it out. Their sandwiches simply look irresistible!

Located just a stone throw away from the Pudu LRT Station, this place serves a variety of sandwiches, french toasts and salad for breakfast as well as some pasta for lunch at affordable price. Open as early as 6am during weekdays, it's the perfect place to grab a healthy and filling sandwich before work. The only downside is probably the limited seats since the place is pretty small in size. Since it was the weekend, we pretty much mentally prepared ourselves to queue. True enough, there was a queue when we arrived and we had no choice but to settle with a outdoor seating despite the hot weather cause we are starving already.

Basically it's self service, so you have to head to this counter to make your order and you will have to collect your order at the same counter as well.

 What I love about this place is that they serve a variety of fruit juice as well! A cup of refreshing celery+apple+cucumber juice (RM8.90) for me and hot chocolate for him (: 

We ordered the signature Bamboo Charcoal Toast with scrambled egg and cheese (RM5.90) and the Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RM12.90). 

For the price we paid, we felt that it would be better if the sandwich has more than just egg, vege cheese and kimchi. Perhaps some chicken slices to complete the sandwhich? Besides, The kimchi was too overpowering as well that we couldn't taste any cheese.

On the other hand, I truly enjoyed this sandwich, the amount of scrambled egg and cheese was just perfect along with the soft fluffy bamboo charcoal toast. 

So thoughtful of them to provide some gloves; good for those messy eaters, no worries about dirtying your hands too while chowing down those delicious sandwiches!

So if you're searching for some healthy yet affordable place for breakfast, you should give A.Toast a try; especially if you love sandwiches (Y) 

A • Toast 早餐店
No. 291, Jalan Pudu,
Pudu, 55200, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: +6013-277 5654
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
                             Sat-Sun:9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Official FB Page: www.facebook.com/atoast.my

xx 

Umai-Ya Japanese Restaurant KLCC

Back to one of our many #KEVDA food adventures last year; this was in Oct which I remembered quite well cause it was part of my belated birthday celebration. I love the fact that one of the common things we share is our love for Japanese food, definitely makes it easier when it comes to deciding what to have when we are out. 

UMAI-YA has been around since 2007 with currently 3 branches running in Klang Valley. Their extensive menu offers up to 200 food and beverages selection ranging from sushi to yakitori as well as authentic and contemporary fare.

Working hard behind the sushi counter is Executive Chef H.M. Yau who has been working in the kitchen since 1987 and has great passion towards Japanese cuisine.

Started off our meal with these fat juicy salmon sashimi and uni. The salmon sashimi was really fresh and its buttery taste just literally melts(!) in your mouth. 

The uni (sea urchin) is one of their seasonal dishes and it will be priced according to the current rate as well. Since I have never eaten sea urchin before, Kevin suggested that I should try it since it's available during our visit. I would say the taste was rather unique cause I was actually expecting some fishy taste but boy was I wrong. It is a combination of ocean briny taste with a subtle sweetness and texture of a creamy custard; no wonder it's so pricey!

Salmon Kimchee Maki which is basically kimchi, seasoned scallop wings with raw salmon and cucumber.

Bikkuri Maki which is tuna, salmon, shiro maguro (which is actually white tuna), cheese and cucumber rolled with dry fish. Their sushi rolls are definitely one of the best I've ever tasted, their not so typical combination turns out to be just amazing. It felt like party in my mouth with every single piece, I kid you not.

My all time favourite Chawanmushi (*＾ڡ＾*) 

Lastly, we ordered Gyu-tan Teppanyaki as well; thinly sliced beef tongue cooked over a grilling pan. Yes, you read it right, it's BEEF TONGUE. Initially, I was grossed out by the thought of it until Kevin convinced me that it's actually tasty. And so I had my very first slice and mmmm I jizzed in my pants! It was soooooooo good, taste like beef but ten times better.

I definitely see myself coming back to try out some of their other signature dishes. Weekend lunch buffet (RM58++ with free flow beer) is sadly not available at KLCC but you can always head over to their Puchong or Damansara Utama outlets. Overall, I think their food is quite fantastic and worth every cents we paid albeit on the pricey end. Their service could have been better if the waiters are more attentive to their customers.

UMAI-YA (Suria KLCC) 
Lot No. 428, Level 4, Suria KLCC
Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: 03 2161 3939
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10pm daily
Official FB page: HERE

xx

Merchant's Lane 美真林 @ Petaling Street

Pssst. Guess who? :P Not Hilda, that's who! I am now announcing that I have hijacked my girlfriend's blog! *evil laughter in background* Nah, I'm kidding. Just gonna mooch off her fame and occasionally help her write some entries. :D

Those who know us well enough will know our love for food. That's why we're the fittest fattest couple around. Despite our never ending attempt to stay on track with our diet and workout regime, we somehow ended up making a trip into downtown KL today to visit one of the most talked about brunch places lately - Merchant's Lane. I must say, it was very well worth the trip!

Their very concise menu, all fitted into one frame :) 

You'll realize that the place has that truly vintage feel to it, like a place out of time.
We've also heard stories about how the place was a former brothel once upon a time, which is interesting to say the least.

Very comfortable rattan chairs and beautiful vibrant paintings for sale by some local artists.

Le girlfriend opted for the signature Rose Honey Milk (RM12). The rose contributed to the fragrant light floral scent and the milk itself was smooth and creamy. She loves it! 

Couldn't decide on a drink, so I went ahead with a regular Caramel Latte (RM12), which was also surprisingly good. The barista did recommend their Organic Matcha Latte, but I was a little reluctant to try. (he described it as having a grainy texture..quite off-putting really)

Service was rather on the spot, as my dish arrived just a few moments after placing my order. Oh and I ordered the Hongkie Beef Stew (RM19), which can only be described as an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

Look at those juicy and tantalizing beef chunks, sitting on hot homemade mash!

She ordered the highly recommended South China Sea (RM24) - grilled salmon topped with a tantalizing special salsa, sitting on some crunchy homemade hash, and coupled with a pair of poached eggs. Look at those colors! 

The dish itself had varying textures and was interesting, but unfortunately she remarked that the salmon was a tad dry, perhaps not the best batch they've served out yet. Fret not, we shall return to try their other dishes and this one again...just to be sure :P

A glorious and scrumptious meal indeed!

Seeing things like this makes me appreciate the building. Like we were trapped in some sort of time bubble that had remained in the far past. 

The rumours were true indeed! Every single corner in this place is very instagram worthy. In fact, you don't even need to do much. We've used a basic DSLR on manual settings at 100/200 ISO. The place is very well lit due to the skylight coming in from the top, so your food (and faces) will look naturally nice for the photos. :) Pretty girl sighted! 

Merchant's Lane can get very busy, so it's advised you make an early trip if you want to have a seat at the good spots, otherwise you're left with the long table to share with strangers inside. Which isn't too bad at all if you're comfortable with the idea. 

Don't you just love these classic olden days deco?

Spot their tagline? Mmmhmm...this is definitely the place to be!

Overall, we truly enjoyed our dining experience, save for the fact that we were kinda plagued by mosquitos, probably due to our choice of dining on the outer section where all the plants are.

Love that fact that it is only 5-10 mins of walking distance from Pasar Seni LRT, makes it super convenient to travel downtown without worrying about parking or traffic. You can even take your time strolling around the street (to burn some fats haha) after a hearty brunch. Searching for the cafe can be a little tricky; so just look out for this green door at the corner of a white building beside Advanced Tertiary College (ATC). The cafe is located on the first floor of the shoplot.

Merchant's Lane KL 美真林
No. 150, Jalan Petaling, Off Chinatown,
59000, Kuala Lumpur.
Contact Number: +60 3 2022 1736
Facebook Page: Click HERE  #merchantlane #美真林
Operating Hours: Sun - Thurs 10.30am - 6pm
                             Fri - Sat 10.30am - 10pm
                             Closed on Wednesdays.

Alchemist Dessert Cafe

I'm not sure if there is still anyone out there who would drop by to read my blog these days but heyyy peopleeeee if you are reading this! I know it's been ages since I've written a proper blogpost (I know I say this a million times) cause y'know I'm the number one certified lazybum. Well, I guess tonight is just one of those nights where I actually feel like blogging (how rare, lucky you HEH) so I decided to update one of the latest posts I have in my draft. 

Just a month ago, I was searching for new cafes to try out in Subang area with my sister and I found  this cafe quietly tucked in a corner of SS15; what attracts me the most is that they serve Belgian waffles and Shibuya toast. How can I say no to Belgian waffles, right?!

I love love love their vibrant exterior which makes it pretty easy to locate, just opposite Tryst Cafe.

The type of food they served on their menu may look limited but I like the extensive variations they come out with.

Ice Peach Tea (RM3.90) and Mango Tango Mojito (RM4.90 and it's non-aloholic just so you know) served in cool DIY glass.

Carbonara Pasta (RM11.90) Decent portion and taste.

Unlike the typical cafes out there, they do not serve any milk-based coffees but they do have this special blend pour over coffee (RM11.90).

Simple and hearty Alchemist Big Breakfast (RM15.90) that tastes as good as it looks. 

I ordered this waffle with scrambled eggs and sausage (RM10.90).
I must say their waffles are pretty good, fragrant and fluffy. I guess it would be better if they served it with a special gravy to make it even more savoury.

Honey and Ice Cream Shibuya toast (RM13.90)
Love this! Crispy outer layer but fluffy in the inside and it wasn't too sweet. 

Look at the melting whip creammmmm :9

Overall, I think their food and drinks are quite decent and reasonably priced. Definitely a good place to chill with your friends and family for brunch and tea break. Students can study or have their work done here too though the lighting is quite dim inside. I wouldn't mind going back anytime anyday for a quick fix of waffles if I happen to be in the neighbourhood. And oh, they have shisha daily as well, starting from 7pm. 

Alchemist Dessert Café
97 Jalan SS15/4C,
47500 Subang Jaya.
Tel No: 011-2851 0911
Operating Hours: Tue - Fri: 1:00 pm - 1:00 am
                             Sat - Sun: 1:00 pm - 2:00 am
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/alchemistdessertcafe

xx