LOVE LIFE, CHERISH MOMENTS

     Hiyaa mates! It is so good to be back to my retreat sanctuary, which is this little online space of mine, to share beautiful views, amazing food and unique experience with my dear readers. I've recently returned from the southern land of New Zealand for a short family trip, in conjunction with my birthday and a new milestone in my medical career. We tried to make it an annual thing, making effort to spend time with each other while exploring the wonderful world out there. This time around, we chose to go NZ as dad is a huge fan of nature and what's better than spending some quality time with your loved ones, uninterrupted, fully soaking in the goodness of nature? So come with me, join me in this wonderful journey down south!

Just be prepared for lots of green and blue hues

    First thing first, so we booked the trip rather late, approximately 1 month before. It was just an impromptu decision. We tried to get the best deal in September, luckily it was around the MATTA fair (travel fair in Malaysia), so we gotten some good deals via Malaysia Airlines. It costs us around RM 27++ per person for return flight from KL to Auckland. Next it was all hardcore research by yours truly because we opted for the 100% self-drive, free and easy tour around NZ. I just casually spent some free time reading travel blogs, YouTube travelogue and official NZ tourism guide. There are actually many reliable sources out there, you just need to search hard enough.

I've never notice the beauty of our own KLIA #prettylights

Here we go! The flight itself took roughly 10 hours, we were so exhausted from the rough ride

   In terms of transportation, although NZ has some public transport (train and buses) here and there, but it is not extensive enough to properly cover the main attractions in the North Island. I would reckon that self drive tour is the only recommended option, especially when you are travelling in group. You could also rent a Camper-van (which most of the young couples do) or go for the hitch-travel. Renting a car is so simple and convenient in Auckland. Once you cleared the security, there will be various car rental companies (Herz and etc), feel free to compare prices there. However, i strongly urge you to inquire at the tourism information counter, as they will provide a lost of cheaper car rental companies around the airport. We were lucky to find Apex Rental just a stone throw away from the airport. It costs us about 430 NZD for a 7-days car rental + insurance. Shuttle service is provided by the company to and fro airport, with excellent service as well. Some important points to note: driving system in NZ follows the British way (driving on the right side). NZ roads includes Motorway (like highway or stateway, some requires tol), Highway (long and winding) and some countryside road which may not be tarred. Just be cautious of single way (especially when crossing narrow bridges) and animals crossing (really common)!


   Accommodation wise, we chose to go with half hotel and half AirBnb, reason being we truly believe that the essence of travelling is to live like the locals, in terms of daily living. AirBnb gives us the luxury of living like a local kiwi at an affordable price. I'll share more in terms of that later on as we proceed in the travelogue. For Auckland, we went with Grand Millenium Hotel, right in the heart of CBD (Central Business District) Auckland.

View right outside of our hotel-Auckland Sky Tower

Pardon my poor quality photos, as i totally forgot to bring out my camera

Fresh & Sweet Oyster Platter- 25 NZD

Seafood Chowder- 37 NZD Creamy soup base with fresh mussels, clams, prawns, squid and seasonal fish, paired with sourdough bread

Fish & Chips- 26 NZD Beer battered seasonal white fish, served with fries and tartar sauce

Lamb Cutlets- 43 NZD Spice-rubbed lamb cutlets served with beetroot and mint peas

Viaduct Harbour

Clockwise from top: Bacon & Egg, Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon- 6-14NZD One of the best bagels ever!

If you know me, pastry and coffee is my muse

Absolute charm: Mussel Fritters

Coffee-to-go at Chuffed- 3.80 NZD

Famous Aqua S seasalt icecream with seasonal taro and pumpkin twist-5 NZD each

My farmer's outfit to Farmer's Market

Tiger Prawn Spaghetti--RM 26.50 Aglio Olio with tiger prawns, baby spinach, garlic, lemon crumbs and chili.

Sally & Chives--RM 25.50 Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, chives and tobiko caviar served with buttery toasted brioche.

Flat White--RM 11.80

Watermelon Lychee Cake Sponge cake layered with watermelon, lychee cream filling, topped with fresh strawberries and assorted fruits,

Rose Lychee Almond Crumbs Rose and almond roll cake filled with cream and blueberry jam, topped with buttery crumbs.

#flatlay #desserts

   Let's begin with our mains. There were some hits and misses. The tiger prawn spaghetti was well cooked, very al dente, but was flavoured too heavily on salt and oil. This aglio olio lacked of spices, depth of flavour and i wasn't impressed with the rubbery prawns as well. On the other hand, our salmon scrambled egg topped with salmon roe was a fresh creation in the brunch scene. However, i didn't enjoy the fishy salmon and soggy toast. Thank goodness for the desserts which saved the day. My favourite was the watermelon lychee cake. The entire item was light and fresh, with the juiciness from the watermelon, light rose flavoured sponge cake and lychee cream filling. This masterpiece is to die for. Mr. J preferred the Rose Lychee Almond Crumb which tasted amazing as well.

   Overall, i kinda appreciate the creativity behind the cake bar of Naj & Belle. They fully utilized their baking strength in creating various mouth watering cakes. However, i hope the same can be reflected from their mains as well, perhaps more fine tuning and improvement of execution is needed. That's all for today! xoxo

More Information~
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/najnbelle/

   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.