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Friday, March 15, 2024

Restaurant Fatt Hei Len at Taman Taynton View, Cheras

In the heart of Taman Taynton View in Cheras lies a hidden gem of gastronomic wonders - Fatt Hei Len Restaurant. Tucked away in a neighborhood area, this unassuming Chinese dai chow type restaurant may not catch your eyes at first glance, but once you step inside, you'll be greeted with an air-conditioned ambiance buzzing with diners eagerly savoring the delights on offer.

Among the array of tempting options, we decided to start with their signature Sang Har noodles - a tantalizing concoction of freshwater prawns fried to perfection atop a bed of flavorful deep-fried noodles. The succulent prawns paired wonderfully with the crispy noodles and egg sauce, leaving us craving for more.

Another standout dish that captured our taste buds was the steamed Lala clams generously garnished with chopped garlic. The aromatic garlic infused every bite with a burst of flavor, making it an instant favorite of mine.

For the adventurous palate of the hubby, we ventured into trying the stir-fried pig intestines, which turned out to be a surprising delight. Cooked to tender perfection and seasoned with a harmonious blend of deep-fried dried shrimp and garlic, it was a dish that left a lasting impression.

Of course, no Chinese meal is complete without a vegetable dish, and Fatt Hei Len did not disappoint. The sautéed sweet potato leaves with garlic were executed flawlessly, boasting the coveted 'wok hei' taste that elevates simple greens to gourmet status.

The homemade tofu and fried yam basket with ku lo yoke provided a satisfying crunch, while the braised chicken with yellow wine in clay pot was a comforting indulgence (my all-time favorite), with kampung chicken steeped in fragrant yellow wine sauce, reminiscing of a confinement dish.

This time we didn’t get to try the famed "Pau Heong” Rice with River Prawns, a dish that came highly recommended. Priced at RM156 for a double portion, I’ve read rave reviews on this unique dish, only after we visited Fatt Hei Len. The giant freshwater prawns are nestled amidst explosively fried rice, with chunks of water chestnut, carrots, and peas.  Sounds interesting and unique!

As we savored each dish, we were pleasantly surprised by the reasonable bill that awaited us at the end of our meal - a mere RM276.65. Considering the quality and quantity of the food we enjoyed with big freshwater prawns, it was indeed a steal.

From their unique and mouthwatering dishes to their warm hospitality, this is a place we'll undoubtedly revisit. 


Sang Har noodles with two huge freshwater prawns.


Braised kampung chicken with yellow wine in clay pot.


Yam basket with ku lo yoke.


Fried homemade tofu.


Stir-fried Sang Cheong aka pork intestines with fried dried shrimp and garlic. I am not a fan of innards but this dish is very nicely executed. It's very aromatic with crunchy pork intestines.


Even a simple sauteed sweet potato leaves with garlic was very well executed, with 'wok hei' and aroma of garlic.


Steamed lala with loads of minced garlic. 




Fatt Hei Len Restaurant

8, Jalan 30A/119, Taman Taynton View, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur

Open daily; 11.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm

Tel: 03-9133 8985




Saturday, March 9, 2024

A Delicious Surprise From Croisserie Artisan Bakery

There's something truly special about surprises, especially when they come in the form of delectable treats from your loved one or a friend. Today, I had the pleasure of experiencing one such delightful surprise from my hubby, and let me tell you, it was a moment of pure culinary bliss.

As I went about my day, my phone rang, and to my delight, it was my husband on the line, asking me to go to the lobby for a surprise. Now, I must admit, I'm a sucker for surprises, particularly when they involve food. True to form, my hubby never fails to deliver when it comes to satisfying our taste buds with delectable snacks and goodies.




This time, it was a box filled with an assortment of handmade European pastries, along with a tantalizing salmon quiche and freshly baked sourdough bread from Croisserie Artisan Bakery.  This is not the first time that he surprised us with pastries from Croisserie, one of his favorite bakeries.

A loaf of fresh-from-the-oven and still warm sourdough bread, on the right.


There's something undeniably alluring about handmade pastries, crafted with care and attention to detail. Each pastry looked like a work of art, perfectly golden and inviting. I sampled every piece (just a quarter from each piece), despite the looming threat of elevated cholesterol levels. In fact, I could already feel my cholesterol level shooting up just by smelling the pastries 😂


Smoked salmon and spinach quiche.


From flaky croissants to chocolate tart, macadamia tart, and quiche, each pastry was a symphony of flavors and textures made with quality ingredients. And let's not forget the pi̬ce de r̩sistance Рthe salmon quiche, with its creamy filling and buttery crust, was a savory delight that left me craving more.

But perhaps the true star of the show was the poppy seeds bun filled with thick pieces of quality butter and red bean paste, something that’s both unique, not too sweet, and delicious.  We liked the freshly sourdough bread too, with a crispy crust and soft, chewy, and slightly sour interior. The sourdough bread was still warm when we sliced it.



Poppy seeds bun sandwiched with thick wedges of quality butter and red bean paste.


Saturday, March 2, 2024

Kwan Kee Store - Hong Kong's Michelin Pastry Shop in PJ

Kwan Kee, a popular street cafe recognized by the “Michelin Guide Hong Kong” opened its first store in Malaysia in Petaling Jaya in November 2023. 

Kwan Kee was awarded Hong Kong Michelin Guide-Recommended Street Food for 6 consecutive years from 2016 to 2021. They use the traditional stone grinding method to make the flour instead of using store-bought ones.

Hubby came home with two boxes of Kwan Kee desserts last night. I didn't eat them until the next morning, right out of the fridge.



One of the boxes consists of rolled glutinous rice flour dough wrapped with assorted fillings such as red bean, crushed peanuts and durian paste.  This dessert reminds me of the traditional soft and chewy Chinese Banana Rolls or Banana Mochi Rolls typically sold cheaply in wet markets and night markets. This used to be my favorite childhood Chinese cake. Though no bananas were used, I liked the faux banana flavor.

Rolled glutinous rice flour dough wrapped with assorted fillings such as red bean, crushed peanuts and durian paste


Steamed red bean cake, black sesame cake, and almond cake.  I like the almond cake the most.

Our verdict:

Nothing exceptional. I very much prefer our Nyonya kuihs better as Nyonya kuihs are made with coconut milk, thus impart a more aromatic flavor and texture. And Nyonya kuihs are way cheaper ;)

These steamed cakes from Kwan Kee are a tad steep, priced at RM6.90 per piece but the size of the cake is pretty big, bigger than the standard kuih size. Flavors are mild (some reviewers on Google commented that the cakes taste bland) and not overly sweet.

Kwan Kee's menu is rather extensive and if you're a dessert and kuih lover, you can give this Michelin Guide Recommended Street Food a try. But be prepared for the long queue.  

Kwan Kee Store

Address: 14, Jalan SS 2/67, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Phone: 016-211 3353

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Traveling With A Cat On A Road Trip

When hubby and I made the tough decision to bring Haru back from the cat boarder's house just a day before our trip to Ipoh to celebrate CNY, I was already mentally and physically prepared for it.  I had already done a lot of reading on bringing a cat in tow for a road trip.  I read up since the lockdowns were lifted and I knew that one day I would have to bring Haru back to Ipoh with me. 

In fact, during one of our trips back to Ipoh last year, I bought chain link fencing and fixed it to the door of Haru's room, which is a room outside our bedroom. The area where Haru will be roaming was already cat-proofed.  

For the trip, I only had to bring Haru's spare litter box, clean litter + a bit of existing litter from her KL litter box (for the familiarity of scent), her food, chemical-free wet wipes, disposable waterproof papers, disposable gloves, and her carrier. 

But I forgot to bring her litter spade to scoop her pee & poop!!!!  Because it was an eleventh-hour decision to bring Haru back due to a failed boarding, I wasn't 100% thorough with her checklist of things. So I had to improvise with a tiny disposable takeaway spoon and disposable gloves each time I cleaned her litter! That was disgusting ok, having to scoop her big chunk of pee with my hands. As we were out of the house most of the time for reunion lunches and dinners, I didn't have the time to buy a litter spade or search for my dad's gardening spade for it. 

Now I know I will not forget to bring the litter spade with me the next time we travel with Haru again!

To ensure that Haru would not throw up in the car, I fed Haru at least two hours before our journeys, and I woke up at 4.45 a.m. to feed my baby as our journey started at 7-ish in the morning. I also had to coax her to pee and poo before the car ride but this was unsuccessful.  When Haru was in Ipoh, she was having anxiety as she was in a new environment with so many new faces, especially my two squealing and overzealous twin nephew and niece who badly wanted to touch Haru.  She was hiding under the bed most of the time. Whenever Haru is anxious, she wouldn't pee or poo, just like how she was when she was at the cat boarder's house for two days. She didn't pee or poo nor eat or drink for two whole frigging days. This crushed my heart as I was observing Haru almost 24/7 from the CCTV on my phone.


Cute Haru sticking her head out of her carrier in our car. She did pretty well on her road trips. 


Friday, February 23, 2024

Sherilyn's 19th Birthday

On 16 February 2024, Sherilyn turned 19, marking another milestone in her journey of growth. Our celebration this year held special significance as we gathered in Ipoh on the first day of Chinese New Year on 10 February 2024, to commemorate her birthday in advance. This is the second time that Sherilyn celebrated her birthday in Ipoh with my parents and brothers. If Chinese New Year happens to fall in February, we would be able to have a double celebration in Ipoh when my brothers return to Ipoh.

Sherilyn's birth on the 8th day of Chinese New Year in 2005 remains etched in my memory with vivid clarity. On the eve of Pai Ti Kung day, Sherilyn made her grand entrance into the world at noon, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.  Her spirited nature became apparent from the start, as evidenced by her feisty behavior even during those early breastfeeding sessions.  

I recall the thunderous sounds of fireworks at midnight on 17 February 2005 as the Hokkiens celebrated and prayed to the Jade Emperor.  That midnight, the infant, not even a day old yet, bit off a small part of my teat as she was trying to suckle milk. I was shocked to see blood in her mouth and then the double shock when I realized that it was a tiny part of my teat in her tiny mouth 😬. I will never forget the pain I endured that night and the subsequent times that she latched onto a badly wounded teat. 😂 I am so proud of myself that I survived those days.

A yummy cake from JJ Swiss Roll.

Fast forward to Sherilyn's 19th birthday celebration, and we found ourselves indulging in not one but two joyous occasions. The pre-birthday and Chinese New Year festivities in Ipoh, surrounded by family members, including my brother's family from Singapore, set the stage for a memorable celebration. 

With my fam bam.


Sherilyn received a birthday and CNY ang pow from my parents.


Pandan and chocolate flavor this time as the popular cempedak flavor was sold out.  The pandan and chocolate flavor was superb too, with a strong pandan aroma.

On the eve of her birthday, Sherilyn treated herself to a decadent sirloin steak infused with sage butter, a gourmet delight that reflected her refined palate and culinary skills.  With meticulous care, she pan-fried the steak to perfection, accompanied by creamy mashed. She wolfed down the entire piece of steak herself and shared just one small bite with me as I requested to try it.



Lip-smackingly delish steak and mash, both meticulously prepped by Sherilyn for herself - her present to herself, bought using her ang pow money.

Now, as Sherilyn embarks on her 19th year, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being her mother and witnessing her growth every step of the way. Though the years may pass, Sherilyn's vibrant and unwavering spirit, thirst for competitiveness, and boundless energy remain unchanged.


Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Monday, 19 February 2024 ~ Haru's Annual Vaccination and Homemade Siew Yoke

Sherilyn doesn't have to go to college today, so I jumped at the opportunity to get her to accompany me to bring Haru to the vet's clinic.  Haru's due for her annual vaccination and bi-yearly deworming pill. As I'm the one driving, I need someone to carry Haru in the car.

Inside her usual tote bag, snugged under Sherilyn's armpit.


Haru behaved really well, wasn't trembling as bad as the previous time, and only hissed briefly at the vet. She didn't cry when jabbed on her thigh.

Back home, Sherilyn spent the entire afternoon in the kitchen, whipping up a big pot of Korean pork and kimchi stew and making Siew Yoke (roast pork) for the first time.

Super delish Siew Yoke with crackling crispy skin.  


I'd give Sherilyn a 100% rating for her Siew Yoke. Excellent job for someone making it for the first time. She randomly googled for a recipe and tweaked the recipe with whatever spices she could find in the larder.


Friday, February 16, 2024

CNY 2024 - Chor 4 and 5

Tuesday, 13 February 2024 (Chor 4)

Hubby made an impromptu whim to go to Ikea at My Town early today - to get a new shelf for Cass and a workstation for me.  We had our brunch at the Ikea cafeteria as it was my choice.  I've not eaten at the Ikea cafeteria for ages (easily more than 7 years) and I missed the Swedish meatballs and grilled salmon. 

The quality of the meatballs has somewhat degraded. In fact, everything that we ordered tasted meh. I knew that hubby would surely be having a second round of lunch after shopping at Ikea.


Long queues at the cafeteria





The most expensive dish was the roast beef ribs at RM46.90.


After we left My Town, hubby took us to a famous seafood noodle shop in Cheras for a late lunch. While we waited for the noodles to arrive, he walked across to another coffee shop to get takeaway roast duck. 


The seafood noodles tasted way better than the Ikea food 😆


Wednesday, 14 February 2024 (Chor 5)

The Ikea workstation that hubby bought for me was delivered to our condo at 8.30 a.m. the next day.  The logistics guys were supposed to deliver between 12.30 to 4 p.m., but they called early in the morning to ask if they could deliver it to us at 8.30 a.m. 

From 8.30 a.m. till evening, hubby, Sherilyn, and I worked non-stop disassembling my old workstation, assembling the new workstation, vacuuming,  moving all the things from the old workstation to the new workstation, and cleaning up.   I also threw a LOT of stuff that I'd been keeping for years as my new workstation has no cabinets and I had to discard most of the stuff from my old cabinets.

We assigned Sherilyn (the future architect) to assemble the workstation, which was no mean feat, and she successfully set up the workstation on her own. I don't think I will ever be able to do that as the workstation is a huge 52.1kg three-tiered desk. Assembling furniture has never been my jam. I'm lucky that my three girls are pretty good at it, just like their dad.


My new Fredde workstation from Ikea. I wanted white color but it was sold out, thus had to settle with black.


Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Chinese New Year 2024

The last time we celebrated CNY in Ipoh was in February 2020, the year Covid gripped the world and changed things forever. Exactly four years later, we were back again to have a wonderful reunion with my family.  

This CNY is a little extra memorable as we brought Haru along with us. After a failed boarding for Haru, we had no choice but to lug her along with us to Ipoh. And I have no regrets about it. I managed to desensitize Haru's phobia of car rides and I'm still working on desensitizing her fear of meeting new people.  With Haru in Ipoh with us, I needn't have to worry about her having a harrowing time (hunger strike with no peeing and pooping) at the catsitter's place.

Haru was kept inside my bedroom most of the time. I placed her carrier and bed on the floor but this fella decided to sleep in between us on our bed at night despite me kicking her out of our bed umpteen times till I gave up out of exhaustion.


Chor 2 brunch of Dim Sum at Kok Thai Restaurant with my family before we headed to the Yaps' family house for 'Hoi Neen Fan'

Ang Pow gifting session.


We had an early birthday celebration for Sherilyn and bought a cake from JJ Swiss Roll.  Sherilyn was born on the eighth day of Chinese New Year 19 years ago.


The pandan chocolate cake from JJ Swiss Roll was super delish and not overly sweet or cloying.


Saturday, February 3, 2024

Mr DIY Replacement Fan Blade

My Panasonic stand fan gave out rattling sounds a few days ago. Initially, I thought that Maria didn't screw the fan blade securely after cleaning it. So I tightened it but after a few minutes, I got a shock when a piece of the middle section of the fan blade dropped out.  Seconds later, another broken piece flew out!  

A tiny bit of my heart dropped too.  Any breakage of appliances or items in the house means money is about to fly out! We just bought a new washing machine less than two months ago. The ceiling fan in my bedroom needs to be replaced too.

I quickly Whatsapped the customer service staff of Tan Boon Meng electrical shop to ask if they carry the replacement fan blade but I was too early and the person in charge wasn't in the office yet. 

Later, I told hubby and he asked me to look for a replacement fan blade at Mr DIY.  Fortunately, there's stock for the 16-inch fan blade and after paying for it, I prayed that it would fit my Panasonic fan.

Back home, I quickly asked Maria to try putting the new fan blade in.  Maria spent 5 minutes trying to screw the blade in but it just wouldn't move any deeper. Just as I was about to bring the fan blade back to Mr DIY to get a refund, I tried one last time and pushed the blade deeper, and voila, it clicked!  💪🎉

The replacement fan blade from Mr DIY only costs about RM7 (can't really recall the actual price). The quality of the Mr DIY fan blade feels almost the same as the Panasonic one. It's made of plastic, which feels kind of fragile - the type that once you dropped it, it would crack.  So I advised Maria to be very careful when cleaning the fan, i.e. do not drop it on the floor or screw it too tightly, or it would break again.


Broken fan blade.


16" replacement fan blade from Mr DIY that costs less than RM10.  So glad that I don't have to get a new stand fan, as this would set us back at least RM250.





Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Can You Eat Avocados With Black Spots, Brown Spots and Dark Streaks?

Avocados are renowned for their creamy texture, rich nutty flavor, and jam-packed with health benefits. However, discovering a blackened interior with black veins in your avocado can be a cause for concern. 

Avocados are pretty costly and discovering an imperfect interior with brown spots, black spots, and dark stringy flesh can be very disheartening. Do you throw the avocado away? Or do you cut off the dark parts and eat the green parts?  If you’re an avocado lover, just like my family and me, you’ve most likely been faced with this predicament umpteen times.

Avocado with brown flesh


Natural Ripening Process 

Avocados undergo a natural ripening process, during which the flesh transforms from firm and green to soft and creamy. As part of this process, the color of the avocado can change to a darker shade, sometimes appearing almost black. This change is typically harmless and often indicates that the fruit is perfectly ripe.


Enzymatic Browning

The blackening of avocado flesh can also result from enzymatic browning, a natural chemical reaction that occurs when the fruit is exposed to oxygen. While this process may alter the color, the avocado remains safe to eat. You can simply scrape off the discolored portion to reveal the unaffected, flavorful flesh beneath.


Veining in Avocado 

Veining or string-like structures in an avocado may be a result of its variety or the presence of undigested fibers. This occurrence is not uncommon and is generally considered safe for consumption. The veins themselves are harmless and can be consumed without adverse effects.


Dark streaks within avocado flesh


Signs of Spoilage 

While discoloration alone does not necessarily indicate spoilage, it's crucial to be aware of additional signs. If the avocado emits a foul odor, has a sour taste, or displays mold growth, it may be an indication of spoilage and should be discarded.

Don’t try to salvage any part of a sour-smelling or moldy avocado, as it has the potential to make you sick.


Health Considerations 

Consuming black avocado flesh, even with veins, is generally safe for most individuals. However, those with latex allergies or sensitivity to certain proteins found in avocados may experience allergic reactions. If you have known allergies or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming avocados.


Conclusion

In conclusion, the blackening of avocado flesh, accompanied by veins, is often a result of the natural ripening process and enzymatic browning. These occurrences are generally harmless and do not pose health risks. By understanding the reasons behind these color changes, you can confidently enjoy avocados while ensuring their quality and safety. Remember to rely on additional signs of spoilage, such as odor or mold, to determine the overall condition of the fruit. 

Through smell, taste, touch, and visual inspection, you can determine whether an avocado has spoiled, and whether to eat or discard it.


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

My Middle Child’s Culinary Ventures, Academic Triumphs, and the Road Ahead

Life for Sherilyn, my second daughter, has undergone a transformation since she embarked on her pre-university studies. From passionate baking and cooking sessions during the pandemic to juggling college, dancing, and part-time work, Sherilyn's journey has taken an academic turn.

Amidst the demanding schedule of college life, Sherilyn found a moment of respite during her semester break recently. The kitchen, a space that witnessed many culinary creations during the pandemic and lockdowns from 2020 through 2022, once again came alive. Sherilyn took the opportunity to craft a large batch of kimchi, showcasing her culinary finesse with radish, napa cabbage, and cucumber variations. Additionally, a big yummy pot of Japchae, a family favorite, graced our dining table on her free day recently.


Cucumber kimchi


Refreshing radish kimchi


Napa kimchi


Japchae


As the semester break concluded, Sherilyn dove headfirst into her second semester, resuming the rigorous routine of early mornings and late nights. With the demands of her Foundation in Natural & Built Environments program escalating, her focus shifted from the kitchen to tutorials and assignments. Her time in college and dance studio often leaves our interactions reduced to brief hellos and goodbyes, a sign of the academic challenges she navigates daily as well as her passion in dancing.

Today, Sherilyn shared a delightful surprise with me via Whatsapp —a glance at her results slips and a letter from the college. The revelation that she had secured a coveted spot on the Dean's List for her good performance in the first semester echoed her commitment to academic excellence.



 

As Sherilyn progresses through her studies in Architecture, one of the most demanding courses at university, the road ahead promises lots of challenges that demand unwavering commitment. With a four-to-seven-year study period ahead, I can't help but harbor hopes and aspirations for her. My prayer is for her to persevere, graduate with flying colors, secure a fulfilling job, and, above all, lead a life brimming with happiness and good health.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Saturday Chronicles: Of Breakfasts, Lost Wallet, and Gratitude

Today, our Saturday unfolded with a mix of delight and tension, from a lavish breakfast to a heart-stopping search for a lost wallet. 

The day kicked off with an impromptu decision by hubby to enjoy breakfast at a nearby café. The trio, consisting of Alycia, hubby, and myself, indulged in a sumptuous breakfast featuring chicken sando, chicken katsu rice bowl, scrambled eggs, and smoked salmon toast. The breakfast tableau was completed with delectable desserts—cream brulee burnt cheesecake and taro butter cake—accompanied by the comforting aroma of coffee.

Post-breakfast, hubby and I departed ways. He went to his office while I brought Alycia to get tau foo fa with sweet potato balls at a new tau foo fa dessert stall.  When we reached home, a shadow loomed over our cheerful morning. Hubby told me that he couldn’t find his wallet. Panic set in, prompting a frantic search throughout the house, condo car park, and even reaching out to the café staff and our ever-helpful guards at our condo.

In a bid to solve the wallet mystery, our guard went above and beyond, delving into the condo's CCTV recordings. Tension heightened as we eagerly awaited news from the electronic detective work. The clock ticked, and each passing moment intensified our worry.  Hubby and I could only imagine the trouble and inconvenience of having to go to the police station to lodge a report over the lost wallet with IC, driver's license, credit cards, cash, and other important documents inside.

Just as the prospect of a visit to the police station loomed, a wave of relief swept over us. Hubby discovered his wallet wedged behind the office printer. Gratitude washed over him, realizing the potential inconvenience avoided—the hassle of police reports, canceling cards, and the arduous process of replacing identification.


Chicken katsu rice bowl


Katsu sando


Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon sando


Creme brulee burnt cheesecake and taro butter cake.