LOVE LIFE, CHERISH MOMENTS

   Good Sunday peeps! It's Sunday, the final weekend before GST sweeps over Malaysia! Have you guys bought all the groceries and daily necessities? I can't imagine life after 31 March, 2015. Everything will be increased by at least 6%. It's probably a good time to start our diet plan right? Since the F & B will start to raise their prices. Anyway, fret not. Today i'm going to introduce another Western restaurant that serves good food, with affordable price. It's none other than Buns & Meat in Sungai Besi.



   I was very privileged to be invited and joined a group of foodie for a lovely afternoon hang out here in Buns & Meat. Situated admist the busy area of Sungai Besi, just behind the wet market, Buns & Meat is hard to be missed, with its noticeable and vibrant brand name, spreading across 2 shop lots. Its exterior consists of a relaxing alfresco dining area and summer color toned chairs with rubber wood tables all screamed a warm welcome to customers.

When the clock strikes 8, watch the bar turns alive

An old western lounge idea

Sadly it is going to be transformed into new venture soon

   For the menu of the day, i was able to try a wide variety of food offered by Buns & Meat. Thanks to all the friendly company with deep stomach as mine. As its name suggests, the menu consists of a range of burgers, hot dog buns, protein and more. The core concept of Buns & Meat came from the owner's travel experiences in the past. As he traveled across the globe, the boss is determined and passionate to bring back these international flavors to Malaysia so we are able to enjoy these wonderful cuisine as well. Hence, you will be able to see the influences of various cultures on the Western dishes served here.

Char Siew Burger--RM 16.90 Pork patty burger topped with cheese, sweet roasted char siew, tomato and lettuce with mayonnaise dressing.

   The Char Siew Burger totally blown my mind away with the perfectly marinated and caramalised char siew! Never have i thought that char siew will go well with a western dish like pork burger. Its sweetness complemented the juicy pork patty perfectly, giving a smooth and satisfying aftertaste.

Runny Mess Burger--RM 20.90 Pork Bacon burger topped with a poached egg and covered with cheesy sauce

Runny yolk: checked!

    This is another interesting marriage between a breakfast menu with burger. I am all in for poached egg and cheese. To put it on top of a burger, it was an amazing creation. The egg yolk helps to combine all the flavours together effortlessly. However, it tends to get a little bit messy, but hey, i don't care as long as i get my runny yolk! ;)

Spicy Korean Ribs Burger--RM 16.90 Pork ribs, lettuce, korean spicy glaze, pasta and ham salad

   From this particular dish, we can already see the owner's vision in combining international flavors into the menu, by introducing Korean signature pork ribs to a burger. I love the spiciness and mild sweetness from the homemade korean sauce which is so authentic and flavorsome. Not to forget the tender and juicy pork ribs! (de-boned of course) 
  They say classic never go wrong. I was glad that it is the same with this grilled chicken burger. I can't help but getting addicted to their buttery hot buns which are made from in-house secret recipe. Unlike the usual black buns or sesame buns, i prefer this simple and freshly baked little buns which elevated the whole dining experience.

Mac and Cheese Hot Dog Bun--RM 17.90 Pork sausage, macaroni cheese, crispy bacon

Hot Dog Bun with Jalapenos BBQ Slaw--RM 16.90 Pork sausage bun with coleslaw, mustard, jalapeno

Hot Dog Bun with Nacho Cheese Sauce--RM 14.90 Pork Sausage Bun with nacho chips and cheesy sauce

   In Buns & Meat, nothing will be left as ordinary. Item as simple as a take away hot dog bun can be transformed into a gourmet and healthy dish with just a simple twist. For example, i love the macaroni and cheese hot dog bun. I never thought that one can combine these 2 distinct food together, making it awesome and memorable. All sausages here are of high quality but is only available in pork.

Spicy Korean Ribs--RM 42.90

Look at the caramalised crispy skin!!

BBQ Pork Ribs--RM 44.90

   If you think the meat session ends here then you are wrong. Pork ribs is another forte of Buns & Meat. Similar to the buns, they only serve pork ribs here. Each dish is made out of half a rib, consists of 8 bones with absolutely succulent and juicy meat. My favourite will be the spicy korean pork ribs! The sauce of BBQ pork ribs is also a major killer with an amazing smoky aftertaste!

Aglio Olio--RM 16.90

Pulled Pork Fries--RM 11.90

   If you are not into buns and meat, you can also opt for the carbs where aglio olio and fries which are both equally good as well.

Cappuccino with cranberry biscotti

Salty Peanut Cake (Behind)--RM 13.90 Bailey Chocolate Cheesecake (Front)--RM13.90

   I am glad that Buns & Meat is not lacking at its desserts and coffee department. My cup of cappuccino was decent and i love the cranberry biscotti which is kind of special. The bailey chocolate cheesecake is intense and sinful, but it is worth every single calorie!

   Wow, it is really a long one here today. I hope you enjoyed this write up about Buns & Meat! I definitely had lots of fun both gastronomically and visually here in Buns & Meat. The service was great, environment was relaxing and pricing is affordable! Do pay a visit to this rather new restaurant if you are around the neighbourhood! Thanks for having me and i can't wait to share with you guys more interesting updates! Stay tuned! xoxo

Contact Info~
Address: Ground Floor, 72A, Jalan Tasik Utama 7, Medan Niaga Tasik Damai, Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone No.: 03-90553378
Business Hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
NON-HALAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BunsAndMeat?fref=ts

   Listed as one of the most photogenic cafe in town, Cat in The Box was on the top of our list of cafe hopping. Since we were in the neighbourhood of Empire Damansara Perdana for breakfast in Metal Box, we decided to drop by here for some palate cleanser, desserts.

Instagram-able? Definitely!

Comfy pillows for you to snuggle while enjoying the beautiful greens outside.

   Cat in The Box is located on the first floor of Empire Damansara Perdana, same floor as the Petit Noms. You definitely won't miss the cat logo from the outside. When i first stepped into this cafe, i was immediately amazed by the spacious, opened, beautiful space they have. It is a double storey property, with another al fresco roof top area above. Unfortunately, the session was closed for the day. Nevertheless, we were taken aback and were thrilled by this amazingly designed cafe.

Simple menu on the wall

   We had only a slice of Banana Chocolate Chip Cake and a cup of flat white to share because of the insanely filling meal we had prior to this.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Flat White--RM 10

   Well, overall, while we took some really Instagram-worthy photos, the food did not excite me at all. The Banana Chocolate Chip Cake was on the dry side with minimal texture and memorable flavors. Coffee was extremely bland and watery, perhaps the ratio of espresso and steamed milk could be fixed into a better version.

   If you are looking for a quiet, tranquil place for work and study, i assure you this is the place to be. With such an amazing view of trees and city as back drop, i am certain it will help you to focus better in your work. Perhaps it is time for me to start my study session here because finals is coming real soon and i am no where near prepared. Hope to write to you all soon, take care and have a great week ahead! xoxo

Contact Info~
Address: 111, Heritage Lane, Empire Damansara
Website:http://www.catintheboxcafe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catinthebox.events

   Good Sunday peeps! My apology for being a week late on my updates. Hence, today i'm going to give you guys a back-to-back review on 2 restaurants i visited with Mr. J, in Empire Damansara Perdana. Being the newbie restaurants spot in town, Empire Damansara Perdana houses plenty of new and interesting restaurants and cafes. They are mostly western cuisine, brunch cafe and desserts cafe. We chose Metal Box and Cat in The Box as our destination because, they both have 'box' as their label. Why not right?


   We started the day by having some hearty brunch and coffee at Metal Box. It is situated on the Ground Floor of the restaurant street, with a least prominent signboard. Similar to the rest of the restaurants in this building, it operates in a grey, brick store, but with a surprise outdoor dining in the garden on the end of the restaurant. Being the foodie and photographer freaks, we decided to enjoy our meal outdoor this time, because sunlight makes all photo looks amazing.

   The pick of the day was The Metal Breakfast for le hungry boy and The Red Benedict for me. We also had a cup of Cappuccino.

The Metal Breakfast--RM 20.90+ Freshly baked sour dough, served with homemade cannelini beans, mini hash browns, confit cherry wine tomato and garden greens, chicken/beef sausage, turkey/beef bacon and 2 free range eggs (any style)

The look of a perfectly poached egg!

   The Metal Breakfast is really suitable for Mr. J and all of the big eaters out there that expect good and quality food served on this big platter. Metal Box's interpretation of this common must-have in every cafe was only nothing but quality. Each item on the plate was finely flavoured and cooked to perfection. The best part was the homemade sour dough, which is so compatible to accompany all the sides!

The Red Benedict--RM 18.90+ 2 perfectly poached eggs on the bed of freshly baked croissant served with sauteed mushroom, edamame, turkey ham/beef bacon, topped with homemade hollandaise sauce and red wine glaze.

Another hit on creating a perfectly poached eggs.

   By now you should know that i have an obsession over a runny yolk. That's why i always anticipate and expect to get a perfectly poached egg with flowing yolk. It just excites me somehow. The Metal Box nailed it again with this dish which i find rather special with the use of croissant instead of English muffin. Another winning point was the edamame that brings freshness to this rich and dense dish. The addition of red wine glaze is something unique in a breakfast menu as well. Overall, i enjoyed this dish whole heartedly.

   With the holiday season and Chinese New Year's ending, here comes another wave of school, work and busy days. This is the rule of living. You either work hard or you have nothing. So, today, i'm going to introduce a local run cafe in Subang that serves great breakfast menu, Western cuisine and most importantly, strong coffee to booze your energy and equip yourself with new challenges and life.


   Map's Cafe is located in the center of Subang Jaya, right next to Petron petrol station next to Sunway Pyramid. It is not visible by the main road, blocked by a community park. However, you you take a left turn at Petron, you will be able to spot it at the first row of shop lots. Its black and simple take on the signboard will surely lead you to the light.



   Upon entry, you will be welcomed by the simple and spacious setting of furniture with a stone & metal coffee bar with lovely aroma of coffee. Its menu is also fairly simple, with various interpretation of coffee, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and brunch items. Cakes are also available in the front counter, depending on season.

   Since my first visit here with Mr. J, i have always love its simple food and strong coffee. These are some of my favourites: Eggs Benny, Porky Pancake, French Revolution and Cappuccino.

Eggs Benny--RM 19 Two perfectly poached egg dressed with Hollandaise sauce over toast and ham, accompanied with bacon, corn and sauteed mushroom.

The best runny yolk served in a cafe--PERFECT

   Ohh gosh, i cannot hold my excitement, at the moment when i cut through the perfectly poached eggs. The smooth egg yolk just flow out from the whites so gently. You would know by now that i'm a huge fan of eggs right? If a brunch cafe can cook an egg well, you have won my vote already! Hollandaise sauce was slightly acidic and not too rich, just perfect to hold the dish together. The addition of corn and bacon was unique and wise.

Porky Pancake--RM 15 Pancake with bacon and maple syrup, topped with a sunny side up.

Empty all the maple syrup onto the stack of pancakes!

   Sweet and savoury. Yay or nay? I believ some of you cannot accept the contrast like this in a dish, but after several tries, i actually find it memorable and creative. The pancakes were all fluffy and soft, maple syrup and bacon worked together to create an oddly delicious combination. With a sunny side egg on top, Map's successfully transformed a sinfully delicious item to a healthier version, or i like to think so.

French Revolution--RM 16 French toast with cream cheese filling, dressed with honey, pecan nuts and fruits.

   Unlike the usual French toast, Map's interpretation of this common item was a tender, soft bread with creamy cheese inside. With just some simple nuts and honey for dressing and texture, this breakfast item is also sweet and satisfying.

Cappuccino--RM 9

   Inheriting its sister company--That Latte Place, coffee here is as good as those i had in That Latte Place in Jalan Ampang. It is such a shame that they had to move away from the relaxing garden there. Luckily, it relocated to Cheras and has been operating for almost a year now. Hopefully, i get to revisit the new and improved TLP in the future. Nevertheless, i get to reminisce a good cuppa here, with similar strong and bold coffee punch, balanced acidity and creaminess all in one cup. Trust me, this is one of the best cappuccino i get in town.



   Aside from the good food and fantastic coffee, Map's also provides a relaxing and laid back environment for customers to chat, work and play. Both the indoor and outdoor settings were impressively decorated with simple items and fulled of colours. If you are having a bad day at work, just take a break with Map's and rejuvenate yourself. Pricing is affordable, service is excellent and parking is freely available outside. I had a great time here with Map's, i hope you too! xoxo

Contact Info~
Address: 9, Jalan PJS 11/2, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya.
Phone No.: 010 2193882
Business Hours: 8.30am-6.30pm, Closed on Mondays