By Invitation: Karaikudi Restaurant at Market Street, Little India
My family and I eat regularly at , but we’ve never gone to the original outlet at Market Street. I’ve always enjoyed the food there which serves Chettinad cuisine and immediately said yes when the invitation came in from PenangTuaPui. I was excited to see what the original outlet had to offer! The menu for the night mainly focused on South Indian cuisine and we were told that the food is cooked fresh everyday!
First up to whet our appetite was a Chettinad style Vegetable Soup (RM3). It was a light clear soup with cauliflower, carrots and french bean. The soup was a great start to the meal! We were told that the soup had a yellow tinge due to the use of dhall.
Next up was Bitter Gourd Chips (RM6). This was a surprise as it was sliced really thin and crispy to the taste! I’m not a big fan of bitter gourd though cos I don’t like the bitterness and this was plenty bitter!
The Squid Fry (RM8) was dish I really enjoyed. Squids are very easy to overcook. But there was no sign of hard rubbery squids here. Even after it cooled down substantially from all the photography, the squids were still nice and tender.
Meanwhile, the chicken cutlet (RM6 for 2 pieces larger than the photo above) is easily my favourite appetizer of the lot. The cutlets were very flavorful thanks to the generous use of spices with a slight tinge of heat to it. And there were also very soft with a slight crisp edge. I would definitely order this again!
The luciously thick Mango Lassi (RM4 – comes in a bigger glass than the photo)
The Ladies Finger Pepper Fry (RM7) was an instant hit! The ladies fingers were finely chopped and had a surprising chewy texture. The generous but not overboard use of black pepper gives the dish its zing. I’ve never had ladies fingers cooked in such a delicious manner!
The Kadai Vegetable (RM9) was an assorted vegetable dish cooked in a rich slightly spicy gravy. I tasted beancurds, tomatoes and lots of button mushrooms in the dish. We were told that Kadai is the big vessel that is being used to cook the dish, hence the name.
The Mutton Chukka Varuval (RM18) is another one of Karaikudi’s specialities. This turned out to be the spiciest dish of the night. But I loved it! The mutton pieces were scrumptiously tender and very well marinated with spices. I wouldn’t hesitate to order this again as I found it paired very well with naan bread.
Next was the Chettinad Potato Masala (RM6) which was a mild dish. It would go well with the spicy mutton dish too! I liked the fact that the potatoes here were not too mushy so there was still a bite to it.
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Johnny’s Nasi Lemak – A Truly Unique Treat!
Nasi Lemak is indeed one of the best loved staple foods in Malaysia. Various versions are available, from the simplest form (those RM1 per packet nasi lemaks) to the more elaborate types where you can pick and choose your dishes to go with the rice.
One of the most unique nasi lemaks I’ve come across is Johnny’s Nasi Lemak in Pulau Tikus.
Basically, what you get is VERY FRAGRANT rice, 2 prawns & 1 fish, cucumbers and a dollop of fiery hot ’sambal belacan’. That’s it. No curry, no ’sambal ikan bilis’. This is so unique that when I brought a KL guest to try it, he couldn’t really accept it, because to quote him ” I just can’t believe that nasi lemak comes without sambal ikan bilis!”
And it does not come cheap too! A plate like that would set you back RM3.50! You can opt to skip the fish if you’re not a fan of fish. It’ll be replaced with an extra prawn (hence the photo above has got 3 prawns instead of the usual 2)
Some would think it’s crazy to pay RM3.50 for a rather small plate of nasi lemak. In fact, most guys would need to order an extra bowl of rice! But I urge you to give it a try. The rice is sinfully rich and fragrant, living up to the ‘lemak’ claim. Mix up the rich rice with that dollop of spicy belacan and you would think that you’ve died and gone to nasi lemak heaven!
Perhaps another reason for this nasi lemak being such a hit is the limited supply. Johnny’s Nasi Lemak opens at 8.30am (on the dot, no earlier than that) from Mondays to Saturdays only. And they only make and sell one big pot of rice. So he’s usually all sold out by about 10am!
To get your hands on a plate of this really yummy nasi lemak, make your way to Jin Hoe Kopitiam, which is located in the shoplots opposite Bandar Baru supermarket in Pulau Tikus.
There are 2 stalls in this kopitiam. Johnny’s Nasi Lemak is the stall on the left. The stall on the right sells economy rice. And remember, don’t go too late as they sell out really fast (by about 10am). 8.30am onwards, Mon-Sat only.
Price List: Normal nasi lemak – RM3.50. Extra rice – RM.160, extra fish – RM1, extra prawn – RM0.70, ikan bilis – RM1
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Love, Life & Chocolates @ Schokolart, Solaris Mont Kiara
Chocolate oh chocolate, how I love thee. Let me count the ways….
Anyone who knows me well would know what a chocoholic I am. There is something so soothing and so exquisite in a piece of really good chocolate melting slowly in your mouth…
And so I practically jumped for joy when we headed to Schokolart at Solaris Mont Kiara. My first time going to Solaris Mont Kiara too!
White, black and pastel pink is the theme of the interior of Schokolart. And there’s even a more private corner with seating for two, separated by fringed curtains. I would have picked those seats had I not wanted more light for photography sake!
Upon entering Schokolart, a glass case of chocolates and cakes greet you. I was estatic!
After glancing through the menu, we settled on a set lunch for RM18 (which includes a drink, choice of main meal – various types of or sandwiches, and a chocolate praline)
We tried the Apenzeller Rosti with a Jalepeno sausage. The generous portion of Apenzeller rosti came with bacon bits inside. I’ve tried the Rosti at Marche in the Curve but found that theirs was drenched in oil. Not very appetizing at all. Fortunately the rosti here at Schokolart fared much better! Crisp external layer and soft flavorful shredded potatoes on the inside. It paired well with the salty and spicy sausage.
The Schokolart Satay (RM20.90) immediately caught our eye and it came highly recommended. I just could not imagine how satay would taste, coated with chocolate!
I just loved the presentation of this dish! The chocolate satay came with fried ‘man tau’ and a very mild peanut sauce (tasted like it was made out of peanut butter!) So how did the chocolate satay taste? It was good!! I loved it! Very delicate hints of chocolate which your tongue might miss if it eaten with too much of the peanut sauce.
After much debate between getting chocolate pralines or a chocolate drink (I was trying to do my waistline some favors by not indulging in both), I finally decided to go for the pralines. A box of 6 pralines would set you back RM27. For dine in, they offer you 100gm of pralines (9 pieces) on a platter at RM36.
Raspberry Wasabi (white praline on the left) and Sweet Spice (on the right).
The Raspberry Wasabi consisted of white chocolate encasing a raspberry and wasabi center. Odd as it may sound, this combination actually works very well! The sweet white chocolate was balanced with the sour raspberry while the wasabi center gives it a lil bit of kick.
Meanwhile, the Sweet Spice was a combination of chilli, cinnamon and chocolate. Another winning combination! Don’t be alarmed by the chilli as it isn’t at all spicy. Just enough to give you a hint of spiciness.
Rocker praline (on the left) and Sesame praline (on the right).
I didn’t quite fancy Rocker as it had orange peel in it. I liked the nuts though. But I’m the type who likes my chocolate as is – no nuts, no fruits and most definitely no orange peel!!
Now the Sesame praline on the other hand, was a different story altogether. It was perfect!! Chocolate encasing a smooth nutty flavored center that melts in your mouth! ~swoon~ I heart!!!!!!!
Almond & Fruit Chocolate (on the left) and Mango Passion Fruit (on the right).
For the almond & fruit, I chose the bitter chocolate version. There’s a milk chocolate version too. I liked the bitter chocolate. But again, did not like the orange peel.
The Mango Passion Fruit was another winner for me. I have always liked both mango and passion fruit, so these flavors mixed with white chocolate were a delight for me.
There were a few other chocolate pralines that I didn’t get to try, not to mention a whole glass case of mini cakes. For the pralines I’ve tried so far, my favourites would definitely be Sesame, Sweet Spice, Raspberry Wasabi & Mango Passion Fruit (in that order).
I have not been to the other chocolate specialty place – Theobroma, so I wouldn’t be able to compare the two. But from this particular experience, I must say that I do like Schokolart. I’m not crazy in love with it, but thats just probably cos I would need to sample their menu in more detail. I would like to see more chocolates though. And I will definitely come back to try their chocolate drinks. Alcoholic drinks available too!
is located at Solaris Mont Kiara – opposite Tenji, above COld Storage. Block K-01-05, SohoKL @ Solaris Mont Kiara 2, Jalan Solaris, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. T:03-6203 0968
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BigBoysOven February Baking Classes in Penang!
Our favourite baker boys are coming back to Penang once again! This time they bring you dainty desserts, tantalizing tarts and a King of Fruits cake! So why wait? Register now to learn the art of baking these delectable goodies!
Japanese Cream Cheese Tart
Elegant bite sized tarts with rich cream cheese filling
Date: 28 February 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 9.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Hong Yap Trading (56-B Siam Road, Penang)
Fee: RM150
Macaron Tart
The exquisite macaron gets a Sunny Yaw twist – infusing the macaron with a tart base resulting in a surprisingly delightful dessert!
Date: 28 February 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 2.00pm-5.00pm
Venue: Hong Yap Trading (56-B Siam Road, Penang)
Fee: RM200
Durian Mousse Cake
The King of Fruits takes center stage in this heavenly cake
Date: 1 March 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 9.00am-12.00pm
Venue: Hong Yap Trading (56-B Siam Road, Penang)
Fee: RM160
*All photos courtesy of BigBoysOven
For more information and to register for the class, please email bbonorth@gmail.com or call/sms 012-4209433
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By Invitation: Louis Cafe @ Argyll Road
Louis Cafe is a new player in the Western Cuisine food scene, having opened its doors at the end of December 2008. Tucked away in Argyll Road, it is located right opposite Mingood Hotel.
The Penang food bloggers had the good fortune of being invited for a scrumptious meal recently. And boy did we enjoy ourselves!
Louis Cafe offers a rather extensive menu ranging from appetizers, soups, main course and dessert. We kicked start our meal with three different types of salads. The hearty generous portion of Caesar Salad with smoked salmon (RM18) was excellent! The dressing was just right, cheesy enough and not too overpowering. I liked the smoked salmon added to it giving it more flavour.
The Scallop Salad (RM20) meanwhile was also a hit! Pan seared juicy sweet scallops topped with tangy apple salsa.
Also served was the Organic Green Salad (RM15) which came with a light balsamic vinegratte. This would definitely be a hit for those wanting a lighter, healthier option. Suitable for vegetarians too.
We were served 5 different types of soups – Wild Mushroom Soup, Cream of Broccoli, Cream of tomato, Cream of Cauliflower and Pumpkin Soup. My favourite of the lot would be the Wild Mushroom Soup (RM10). Generous use of herbs with a delicate hint of black mushrooms. A winner!
Coming at a close second would be the Cream of Tomato (RM9). Normally I avoid tomato soups like plague as I find the canned variety too artificial tasting and too sour. However, the cream of tomato soup at Louis Cafe suits my tastesbuds very well. Once again lots of herbs were used to bring out the flavour balancing the sourness. Tasted quite a bit like pasta sauce actually! lol. So please do not pair this with a pasta dish. Otherwise you would end up having similar tasting soup and main dish!
We were served a total of 12 main dishes and these are the ones that I personally liked.
The Fettucine Carbornara (RM16) came out tasting really cheesy and rich with lots of fragrant bacon bits and mushrooms. Warning! This dish is very rich! So unless you are a huge fan of cheese, you may want to share this. 
The Pasta Arabiatta (RM16) was impressive. Not many places serve this dish and so I was quite pleased that it came out lovely! Slightly spicy with lots of flavour.
The Red Snapper with Cream of Tomato Pulp RM27 (this sauce is not on the menu, so remember to ask your server for it!) stole my heart almost immediately. The snapper was lightly pan seared and the interesting sauce complimented it well.
The Fish Gordon Bleu (RM25) was another hit! In fact, it was one of the fastest main dishes to disappear. Even though the fish was fried, it still maintained its juiciness. The cheese and ham filling further augmented the juiciness of the fish. Quite a small portion though which would be good for a people wanting a lighter meal.
I seem to be liking all the fish dishes here! The Pan Seared Salmon Steak (RM30) came with a delicious dijon sauce. The salmon was thick and melted in my mouth. Proof that it was cooked just right!
Meanwhile, the Beef Tenderloin with black peppercorn sauce (RM38) got thumbs up from me! The next time however, I would try it with the red wine sauce which lends the beef an amazingly tasty flavor. The Sirloin Steak (RM28) was served with red wine sauce. And would have been perfect if the steak had been a bit more tender. The meat was very well marinated. Alas, rather tough. Therefore, if you’re going for steak here, the Beef Tenderloin with red wine sauce gets my pick!
Another must try is the Chicken Tortilla (RM15.90). This is a new dish that’s not on the menu. Similar to Quesadilla, this dish had Mexican and Spanish influences. Best eaten warm, these tortilla breads were wrapped around a tangy chicken filling.
Finally, the Vegetarian Cutlet (RM15.90) was created due to requests for vegetarian meals. Its a blend of potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, corn and carrot. And its even aesthetically shaped into a leaf! Comes with a creamy dipping sauce.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the cosy environment of Louis Cafe. One great point about this place is that it offers free WIFI.
Louis Cafe is opened from 11am-11pm daily. Set lunch is available at RM18.90 and set dinner at RM26.90! Set meals change on a daily basis with 3 different choices of main course meals every day.
Other reviews of this place can be found at:
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Louis Cafe is located at 161-C Argyll Road directly opposite Mingood Hotel. For reservations, call 04-2287729.
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