LOVE LIFE, CHERISH MOMENTS

   Everybody needs some indulgence once in a while, just to keep their sanity. Be it retail therapy, short getaway, alcohol, food; for me, it has got to be desserts. After a long day of work, errands and boring routine, sometimes you just have to get out and grab something sweet to brighten up your day. Today's post is all about this new found cafe that serves some really out-of-the-box desserts. Introducing the Fluffed Cafe and Dessert Bar at Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya.

Pooh Bear's Favourite--RM 18 Crispy waffle topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, banana, honey ice-cream, honey combs and drizzled with salted caramel sauce.

Look at that gorgeous and fluffy texture of the waffle!

Rose Lychee Cloudcake--RM 11Layers of rose flavoured cake, with lychee cream and strawberries.

   By the look of these photos, i hope you could tell how wonderful they look and taste in real life. The waffle itself had the perfect texture, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. The accompanying components were all on point, i wish that there was more! Salted caramel and honey combination was so perfect, complementing each other well. My personal favourite goes to the rose lychee cloudcake, simply because the light and airy texture of the rose cake, along with the sweet lychee cream and tangy strawberry, creating the perfect summer dessert. Everything was spot on! It is rare to see such creativity in combining feminine flavours such as rose, lychee and strawberry in one single cake. This cake definitely did it and brought a whole new level to KL's dessert game.

More cake selection

   Overall, Mr. J and i really enjoyed ourselves here in Fluffed. Not only we gotten some unique and well done dessert, we also enjoyed the fun crowd, friendly service and relaxing ambiance dining in Fluffed. I would totally recommend dessert lovers out there to give it a try! Hope you like it! xoxo.

   The British are known for their elegant language and manner, polished etiquette and most importantly, scones and afternoon tea. Hence, when i visited London during my spring trip, of course i gotta have some of that before returning. Ms Zheng and i met up with our old buddy Jasper, who is currently based in London for a quick catch up over some tea and pastries. He recommended this humble tea house called Maison Bertaux, right behind the busy London Soho, located off The Greek Street.

Delicious pastries and cakes!

     Maison Bertaux is the oldest French patisserie (French pastry house) in London, established since the year 1871, by Mr. Bertaux himself. Throughout the years, this pastry house remains standing in the evolving metropolitan with its traditional French pastries and a wide selection of warm tea. We were welcomed by an array of pastries as we stepped into this old and humble double storeys hut. Next, we were required to make our order at the counter before proceeding to our tables on first floor. As you can see from the photos above, every corner of this tea house screams classic, elegant and warmth, so welcoming and comfortable for a relaxing afternoon tea.

   I was hoping for some warm scones and tea, so we went for 2 traditional English scones, accompanied by cream and strawberry jam, a Strawberry Tart and a slice of Chocolate Cheese Cake for sharing. Our tea selection would be the classical Earl Grey and Chamomile Tea.

Traditional English Scones, served with whipped cream and strawberry jam.

Strawberry Tart

Chocolate Cheesecake

Earl Grey Tea

#flatlays

   I guess some of you might have noticed, i have a certain standard when it comes to scones, as mentioned in a few of my previous entries. I'm glad to say the scones here were up to par, with its crumbly texture and buttery flavour. The only thing i hope to alter, would be the addition of clotted cream because that lovely thing is essential! Strawberry tart were tangy and fresh; while our chocolate cheesecake was a huge let down. The cheesecake had too much solidifying agent within, causing it to be too jelly-like. Nevertheless, our tea was amazing! I adore the strong alkaline after taste we got from the Earl Grey, giving us extra caffeine kick.

Missing you both!

   Overall, it was quite interesting experience, sipping tea accompanied by wonderful desserts, overlooking the busy street of London, spiced up by never-ending conversation with my dearest buddies. London truly has its own unique charm, with captivating vibes and surprises. I can't wait to be back in this metropolitan, explore more cuisine and finds to share with you guys. Stay tuned for more updates! xoxo

More Information~
Address: 28, Greek Street, London W1D 5DQ, United Kingdom.
Website: http://www.maisonbertaux.com/maisonbertaux.com/Maison_Bertaux.html

   As we stepped into this warm and welcoming space, we were greeted by the friendly lady owner. She swiftly guided us to our table and handed their simple menu to us. I was fascinated by the amazing art work exhibited in this space. We were able to learn and embrace the incredible culture and history behind this Dayak family. They inherited these recipes from their tribe's princess, portrait in one of the few photos above. The grey background of the walls complemented the intriguing artworks like paintings, musical instruments and photos so perfectly.

Tuak Laki Stambak Ulu (Full-bodied Table Wine)--RM 16+

Three layered milk tea

   To start off our lunch, we ordered a glass of tuak and 3 layered milk tea. Tuak is essentially an alcoholic beverage made by the indigenous people of Borneo, usually made out of nira (palm sap) or fermented rice. Here in The Dyak, we ordered the tuak beras (rice wine) named Tuak Laki Stambak Ulu or Full-bodied Table Wine to experience the wonders of local alcoholic beverage. It tasted exactly like its description, smelling fresh and spring like, with the taste of green apple and pear, along with the after taste of walnut and clove. It was similar to white wine but definitely stronger and possessed more earthiness within.

Ulam Raja--RM 15+ A salad of finely sliced shallots, wild ginger flowers, ginger, lemongrass, chilies, herbs, spices, drizzled with generous squeeze of lime.

Paku Kubok--RM 10+ Giant jungle ferns stir fried with fragrant wild ginger flowers, anchovies and chilies.

Ubi Randau--RM 15+ Sweet potato leaves stir fried with garlic, desiccated coconut and sun dried shrimps.

Local brown rice

Manok Lulun--RM 25+ Chicken stewed in bamboo with tapioca leaves; a salty and soupy dish commonly known as pansoh, traditionally served at Dayak feast.

Tilapia Gulai Terung Dayak Asam Terjun--RM 35+ Clear, tangy and mildly spicy soup of Tilapia with succulent Dayak Borneo Aubergine (Brinjal/eggplant)

Jani Tunu--RM 25+ Grilled three layers pork (skin, fat and lean meat), served with Chef's secret spicy sauces, garnished with lime and cucumber.

   Such a long list of dishes right? The serving here is rather small, only sufficient for 2-3 people. Hence, we ordered a set of two for the crowd. We began our feast with a simple Dayak salad. It was refreshing and full of texture. It was my personal favourite as it was something unique and refreshing that i seldom have. Next up, the paku pakis dish and stir-fried sweet potato leaves were something common that we used to have in Kuching and elsewhere, but was executed flawlessly indeed. Meat dishes had some hits and misses. I especially love their interpretation of 'siew yuk' which they called Jani Tunu, essentially a roasted three layered pork that was explosive with tonnes of flavours. The winning cause for this dish has to be the amazingly spicy and sour sauces that accompanied the pork perfectly. However, both the chicken and tilapia dish was quite bland and lack of significant flavours that i would expect from local Dayak cuisine. Mr. J said these probably had some Bidayuh influence behind. Nevertheless, it was such a wonderful experience dining here in The Dyak.

Dessert--The Special--RM 13+ A combination of Tuak ice-cream and vanilla ice cream, drizzled with tuak and crushed pistachio.

   Like i always say, no meal is complete without desserts. We had two house special desserts, they were Tuak ice-cream and the Tuak Special. Both of these were screaming tuak in each part of the items. We had tuak ice cream, tuak wine and even fermented glutinous rice within. The flavours were strong and pungent, some may not fancy the fermented acidity within but i was quite happy with this one-of-a-kind dessert that can only be found in The Dyak.

   Overall, i had an amazing dining experience in The Dyak. It was my first time trying out Dayak cuisine and i have to say, i'm loving the authenticity, diversity of flavours and cooking styles, along with their utmost respect and tribute to their culture, identity and heritage. Although this meal is the most expensive one that we had in Kuching, but i would recommend visitors and travelers to give it a try when you visit the cat city for a memorable meal. Till next time, xoxo.

More Information~
Address: Sub Lot 29, Ground Floor, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.Dyak/?fref=ts

   I am always a firm believer of quality living. It is not about living luxuriously, enjoying exclusive items and designers' brands, but it is all about treating yourself the way you deserve, living the moment and enjoying the beautiful world God has created for us. After a long day of work, i will make sure i get some me time, be it making a cup of soothing chamomile tea or simply watching my favourite reality TV show would end my day in a perfect note. Some days, when i'm feeling a little more energetic to drag my butt out of the house, i would also treat myself with some good and hearty brunch, to make my rest day even better. Today, i'm going to share with you a new found brunch cafe in Publika, Mont Kiara that has taken over Instagram with its minimalistic interior and hearty breakfast items--Pan & Tamper.



   Located within the vicinity of Solaris Dutamas, this white cafe is easily spotted at the corner lot of Block D1, on the ground floor. I visited this place with Mr J and Zheng when she was in town for a short getaway. We were warmly welcomed by a team of energetic young people, and were led to our table with their simple menu. Pan & Tamper likes to go for simplicity in the menu, offering a few items on each section--brunch, lunch, desserts and beverages. We were tempted to try their pasta but decided to safe it for our next visit. Hence, we ordered their popular dishes like I'm A Fun-Ghi, Pan and Tamper Bake Your Egg and of course their Cave Man Breakfast. For the drinks, Mr. J and i went for a black and a white coffee--Long Black and Flat White.

I'm A Fun-Ghi--RM 28 Potato rosti crafted with an assortment of wild mushroom sauteed with thyme, accompanied with cooked baby spinach and topped with 63 degree Celcius egg.

Pan and Tamper Bake Your Egg--RM 28 Chicken meatballs, baked egg, piquillo peppers, assorted beans, toasted almond, sauteed spinach and yogurt , served with 2 pieces of wholemeal toast.

Cave Man Breakfast--RM 28 Grilled turkey ham and chicken sausage, sauteed onion and baby spinach, baked cannellini beans, fried potato rosti and egg of your choice (scrambled/sunny side up/poached), served with wholemeal toast.

Flat White--RM 10

Long Black--RM 9

#flatlays

    As you can probably tell, Pan & Tamper is being real cheeky when designing their menu. Each and every dishes here have their own unique and hilarious names. For instance, I'm A Fun-ghi? I'm a fun guy? Jokes aside, the execution and presentation of this dish is totally restaurant level. This vegetarian dish is designed beautifully, combining all kinds of earthy flavours such as potatoes, mushroom and eggs, each component bringing different texture and taste, producing a sophisticated and eye pleasing dish. We would prefer the dish to be warmer and less greasy. My baked eggs was top on the notch too, with another unique flavour combinations. I love the addition of yogurt as it offers acidity and a tinge of freshness to this heavy dish. However, i would love to have beef balls instead of chicken beacuse white meat doesn't go well with tomato base. Lastly, Mr. J's Cave Man Breakfast was another interpretation of the famous Big Breakfast, with little twist on its presentation. Coffee was good, with strong acidity and fruity body. Flat White was executed beautifully, with the right foam and art. We couldn't complain much about the caffeine.

Wide selection of unique cakes for sweet tooth

   Overall, Pan & Tamper proved to be a significant force in the cafe scene of KL, with its consumer friendly pricing, lovely service and comfortable dining ambiance. I would definitely return to try out their pasta dishes. Till then, xoxo.

More Information~
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/panandtamper/
Address: 9, G3, Block D-1, Solaris Dutamas, Mont Kiara.