Saturday, December 20, 2014

Sitka at Damansara Heights: Nice Dinner Date for Me and Hubby

Sitka. An interesting name.

We visited this place a while back, when we came home from our summer vacation in France last July. We went for breakfast and my little girl didn't have much choices at that time. Though we loved the salad offerings, it lacked choices for brunch. Perhaps I judged too early. It seems now they have a wider offering for brekkie -- so maybe will be back for that!

Meantime... I'm so happy that we revisited Sitka tonight, as we enjoyed a very Scandinavian cuisine-- classy, tasty, small and well presented!

The ambience at night was definitely a plus. Cozy and nicely lit. We arrived early and were the first customers for Friday night. The waiter seemed very knowledgable about what they are serving. Though for me it was a bit tough to understand his English. Maybe it's me???  Anyway, plus points to him for trying & for being attentive.

The bar area where they serve up their drinks

Loved their simple menu -- freshly printed on plain paper. No fuss. It was easy to spot what we wanted, and we ordered quickly in just few minutes. Their menu is also featured online, if you are curious!

simple fresh bread with butter as a starter


Portions were small -- which hubby and I appreciated. Mostly because you get to enjoy different tastes and textures, sans the feeling of being stuffed to death.

Since we started our juicing lifestyle, we have been gravitating towards vegetarian stuff. We do still enjoy occasional meat indulgences that's for sure. But we totally  changed our daily diet and this place is a gem for vegetarians! Lovely place to bring vegetarian friends for an evening meal if you like western-fusion type of cuisine.

They give out some bread variety for starters. It came with some butter that is infused with something -- again like I said, it was hard to catch what the waiter was saying as I couldn't understand his explanations half of the time. Though I could see he was very eager to inform us and give an explanation about the ingredients, etc. The butter concoction wasn't up my alley so I just devoured the bread while waiting for our food.

Next came the starters and the small portion. We had the Linseed with Avocado and Kale chips on top. Loved this one. A marriage of raw food plus some plant-based power! Hubby had his mackerel fish with some seriously taste cucumbers on the side. Starters were surely imaginative and different.

Main meal was also small (in my Asian standards, haha) but it was enough for us! The duck was small yet tasty. However it wasn't piping hot anymore when served. Perhaps that's very Asian of me again to expect food to be piping hot. The cauliflower was different -- so many textures happening at the same time! Also not piping hot. For the mains -- the duck was okay. We enjoyed the mains, but nothing I would crave for.

The unsuspecting highlight for us -- dessert! We decided to just share one. Glad we decided on the white chocolate panna cotta. We didn't know it was one of their best sellers. After tasting it -- wow. Really. It's full of imagination! The marriage of sweetness with the hint of herbs (sorrel) was perfect. This is perhaps the most interesting dessert for me for the whole 2014!

Was happy hubby and I had our Friday date night here. Will surely be back for more.

Meantime the highlights of our meal in photos and short descriptions.


Outdoor ambience that will greet you as your enter Sitka


Nice ambience and cozy setting



White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Sorrel leaves -- heavenly. Definitely the highlight of our meal!

Cauliflower with creme fraiche and lemon. Different textures and an enjoyable vegetarian dish.
Enjoyed our small piece of duck meat - mixed with miso pumpkin, pear and almonds.

Hubby's small starter - Mackerel with green apples and very tasty cucumber. Loved the veggies on the side!

Avocado, kale cracker on linseed. Tasty and different kind of starter. Loved it.



Bill for 2 people - Friday night dinner - light food - no heavy feeling afterwards.


Sitka - Damansara Heights

The surrounding areas around Sitka seems to be getting ready for changes -- new F&B being built and the whole shop complex is undergoing some refurbishment. I am betting this place will look nice and very happening in the few months to come. I will surely be back!

SITKA
8-5 Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, KL 
info@sitkarestaurant.com
03-2011-1117


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

'Tis the Season to Be Juicing!

December is always a fun month. Everyone gets into the holiday mood and it is soooo easy to forget about all the discipline on healthy eating.

One way to help you stay on track is to take juices as a supplement. It helps you get your daily dose of vegetables and fruits. One tip is to drink it before your meals. It helps you to stay full -- that way you won't overeat as much.

This holidays -- give your body a treat. Instead of just buying new clothes or accessories -- think of HEALTH as your new investment especially for the coming 2015.

You can either try a juice cleanse, supplement with juices daily or buy a Hurom Slow Juicer so you can juice at your convenience!

Christmas is the best time for health ... especially with all the promotions ongoing!

Christmas Promotion at Detox Bars
Buy 6 juices and get 1 free... limited promotion until Dec 25, 2014

La Juiceria Detox Bar at 3rd Floor Mid Valley Megamall
near the Cinema and in front of Magnum Cafe

Happy customers choosing their juices at the La Juiceria Detox Bar

3rd Floor Mid Valley Megamall LA JUICERIA detox bar

A place to have juice with your friends

Buy HUROM Slow Juicer at La Juiceria's website and get a free Cleanse Voucher
www.lajuiceria.com.my


www.lajuiceria.com.my
La Juiceria Detox Bars

Sri Hartamas - 22 Jalan Sri Hartamas 8 (beside My Elephant and near Podgy and the Banker cafe)
Mid Valley Lower Ground - LGK 08 beside McDonalds and Texas Chicken
Mid Valley 3rd Floor - beside the Cinema and in front of Magnum Cafe

www.lajuiceria.com.my
info@lajuiceria.com
Tel: 03-28577136 03-20355911

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Crepe De Caroline at Bangsar

Every now and then we crave for good crepes. Most of the time daddy will whip up a batch. We decided it's time for another trip back to Creperie de Caroline, a French lady running a small Creperie at Bangsar (near Pappa Rich).

Our first visit months ago was memorable in terms of taste, presentation and experience. So it's now round 2.

Caroline was there on both occasions -- pleasant and always welcoming. My daughter always gets a free round of bon bons (candies) from the pretty owner.

Their crepes are exceptional and reminds me of my past trip to Mont Saint Michel -- a must visit for people who want more than the usual Paris Eiffel Tower for their vacation in France. It is a monastery in the middle of a wide space, which fills up with water in certain times of the year. Creperies surround the town and the monastery. It's located in Brittany -- the home of crepe, and also pure butter biscuits. 

Back to KL -- we are lucky to find a nice Creperie (a place that serves crepes) in the heart of Bangsar, just five to ten minutes drive from Mont Kiara!

Price is okay -- definitely not cheap but you get what you pay for. Quality crepes.

All the crepes and waffles will leave you  wanting more because of the variety. Tons of flavors to choose from.

I settled for the more traditional type: crepe with Nutella and bananas. No regrets!

Interior of Creperie Place by Caroline 

 Waffles with extremely generous amount of whipped cream and strawberry ice cream and strawberry jam.


Super tea from France - Damien Frere 

Sorry bad lighting! My superb Nutella crepe with bananas. 

3 adults dining in -- 3 desserts plus one tea is about rm109.

For a taste of France -- definitely worth the short visit to Bangsar!!!

  1. La Crêperie de Caroline

    1. 33 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Friday, December 12, 2014

Races and Marathons in KL

The past few years we have seen a growing following of people who join marathons and races. Since hubby's juice cleanse journey, he has joined more than several races, and recently completed an ultra marathon. I'm so proud of him, of the changes that happened and the total transformation. 

This November 2014, he signed me up for a mini race at the Desa Park City. Despite the hectic schedule -- running a business and being a mommy of two, I squeezed time in despite the lack of training! I managed to finish the 10km race. Truly enjoyed the experience, waking up super early, seeing all the other racers getting pumped up and excited! The thrill of running in the cool morning breeze and being together with so many people! No wonder hubby enjoyed all these months -- bringing home medals, one after the other. 

The post-run was the most surprising. The field of the international school at Desa Park seemed like a big picnic party! Tons of people relaxing on the grass while the loud dance music was blasting away. Of course, food and beverage sponsors had their booths around giving away samples to many well-deserved race finishers.

A sneak peek into my race experience... In photos ;) enjoy!!!


Still dark... About to start the race.



Post-run gathering!


Happy with our medals!


Hubby attempting to capture my race. So sweet of him.


We are so proud of daddy for finishing his first ultra marathon 52km!!!



My little princess attempting a massage for papa after his 52km race! 



The organizer allowed me to put the medal around daddy when he finished his 52km race. 



That small red dot is my hubby running the ultra marathon -- at Putrajaya, under the Malaysian sun! He was so sunburnt afterwards. 




Thursday, December 11, 2014

IPhone and Mac Repair Place You Can Trust

I'm back at Plaza Damas again having an iPhone repaired. This time it's my helper's iPhone which my son accidentally threw and zonked out her screen. The guys here at MacBoyz are friendly and this is one place you can trust if you want good quality repair.

They can repair and diagnose on the spot. The waiting area is good -- especially as I brought my two kids along with me after the Xmas get together with some friends. 

If you have a MAC issue -- come and get them to help and repair. 

By the way, within minutes (about 30-45 mins) they fixed up the screen while we waited. Pleasant wait and good service. My kids were surely entertained while we waited... they had kids stuff to keep them busy!

MacBoyz iPhone repair
Resq@macboyz.com 

Their contact details

As you can see, while the MacBoyz were busy at work, my helper and kids were relaxing the time away

Many Macs in the house!

Captured the guy explaining to us how the screen should function -- double checking all features after the screen change. They are very serious about what they do. Would trust my Apple stuff with them ;)

Friendly service. Assured quality parts.
My go to place for Apple service.

Monday, December 01, 2014

The Chateau -- The Ultimate Spa Getaway Near KL

We are living a fast-paced life. Job, kids, responsibilities, housework and social life -- it takes a toll on your personal time with hubby. Impromptu getaway, which was decided on just a day before we left. Some alone time without the cuties... a rare treat.

I would highly recommend this to all couples like us -- busy bees who recently had our wedding anniversary. After 2 kids, you would probably nod in unison that it's harder to find some intimate time. We packed our bags that evening and decided to head of to The Chateau at Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. It was literally 45 minutes drive towards The Chateau on a Friday afternoon. Smooth drive and easy to reach -- plus points for a quick getaway!

We were greeted by beautiful blue skies with fluffy clouds as the gates opened to welcome us. The staff quickly addressed us and took our stuff. Welcome drinks (which tasted seriously like our La Juiceria PAM - Pineapple - Apple -Mint concoction) ... a good start to a good stay.

We had a short tour of the facilities and saw other more premium rooms (haha curious what the suite looked like). Once we toured the spa facilities -- I was hooked. I literally left hubby and had my head start for my treatments!

I can seriously say that after the warm welcome and the detailed spa tour, the investment on the spa facilities are really world-class. One of the highlights for me is the heated & sanitized massage beds. I used to hate those massage beds that are not comfortable, or not maintained well, or ugly-looking towels on it. I am also sensitive to the fact that where we put our faces, tons of people squeeze their heads into it, and wonder about the cleanliness. Here, you can see that things are well-maintained. As I stayed in my own massage bed for 50 minutes of body scrubbing and another 75 minutes of massage in the air-conditioned room, my back appreciated the warm sensation of the heated massage beds (which I think was German-made or something like that). 

To make a short summary of my experience:

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Definitely the morning yoga session, which I attended with hubby together. Yoga under the morning sky. It was amazing! The experience and the opportunity to practice yoga together was priceless!
  • Spa -- worth coming here as the wellness and spa are their main focus. You won't get mediocre experience here.
  • Organic food and good selection of non-meat stuff
  • Very quiet place - one can really relax. No kids allowed.


SERVICE
  • all the staff were well-versed, helpful and warm
  • everyone addresses you as Monsieur or Madame ... very French!
  • went out of their way to make you feel welcome
FOOD
  • the food presentation and quality is superb
  • loved their minestrone soup and quinoa-avocado salad, which we asked to be served at the spa area... yummy and healthy!
  • breakfast is served as you order, instead of the usual buffet
  • the French fine dining restaurant served the most delicious foie gras!
SPA
  • Superb facilities, top notch
  • Warm, Filipino staff 
  • All organic spa treatments 
  • Pricing is mid to high, tons of options available
  • Spend at least 2-3 hours at the spa!
  • They go out of their way to ensure the pressure is okay
  • Fill up forms where they get to know you better -- they focused on parts that you request e.g. more massage on the foot area, etc
AMBIENCE
  • Feels like in France!
  • The weather was sunny yet cool -- sans the usual humidity of KL
  • Rained at night, but that's okay as it makes the place even cooler
  • The rooms are superb and well renovated, equipped with wifi and organic toiletries
  • Breath-taking suites (if I could afford it I would go book those rooms!)
  • Loved the view of the greeneries around -- lots of trees and nature all around
  • They planted rosemaries -- which hubby loves, so it really brings back memories of France


RECOMMENDED FOR:
  • Short getaways 
  • People who love spa and wellness
  • Into Organic food and Organic stuff will definitely appreciate it
  • Honeymooners
  • Anniversary celebrations
  • Birthday treats
  • Wedding venues (i think this one is yet to be discovered by young couples!)
  • Corporate 1-night getaways e.g. quarterly business reviews, management meetings, etc
  • People who need to detoxify from the stressful & hectic week
TAKE NOTE
  • Be ready to spend about RM1,500 - RM2,500 per couple if you plan to do 1-night, with dinner and breakfast plus some spa time
  • Bring swimwear if you want to try their super jacuzzi at the common area


And now... for the picture summary!

Driveway towards the Chateau

Walkway to their orchid garden

Sunny day -- entrance to the Chateau

Swimming pool - natural salt pool so that they don't have to use tons of chlorine.

Organic stuff at the room
Our humble bedroom with Organic Bedsheets


Toilet with breathtaking views (this is the Suite toilet -- not our room)

The living room at the Suite
The welcome area inside the Junior Suite -- again not our room, haha!


Blue skies and cool weather -- helps transport you to "another world" far from the busy & humid  KL life 


One of the spa rooms - this is the couple's room equipped with jacuzzi
I would personally rate the spa experience better than all the YTL hotels I have visited in Malaysia. This is one hotel very serious about their wellness and spa investments.


Organic Breakfast -- made to order!

Freshly baked bread with organic marmalade, honey and other condiments


Super quinoa salad with avocado -- a must try.

Tea time by the spa area

My unforgettable minestrone which was served a la fine dining style .. they poured the broth into the bowl of veggies


Close-up of my minestrone!


Happy smile before leaving the Chateau 

Reception area -- nicely designed!

Couldn't resist .. brought our juices up to The Chateau!


View of the building

Rosemaries planted along the inside of the hotel


Perfect venue for weddings!

La Sante -- the name of their spa

Fine Dining menu information -- get ready to spend about RM300 per person!



Welcome drink - pineapple - apple and mint!


Beautifully equipped gym amidst the cool weather 


My breakfast view


Outdoor yoga!!!




The Super Gym

Morning view at 7am

The Chateau 
KM 48 Persimpangan Bertingkat LebuhrayaKarak,
28750 Bukit Tinggi Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 (9) 221 3888
Fax: +60 (9) 221 3886


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