Hoot hoot to The Owls Cafe!

The Owls Cafe is not like the owl cafe in Japan where you can find real owls flying around inside the cafe but they make up for it with the cute and kitschy owl decor! They finally introduced brunch meals a few months back so my friends and I made our way there to check the cafe out. We were most excited for the waffles!

However, parking will be an issue so you gotta do The Parking Chant (Invented by my uni friends and I, the driver and the passengers just need to repeat I'll get parking/ We'll get parking/ Someone's going to give me their spot/ etc, while POSITIVELY visualizing the parking spot in your heads. It works, trust me! Tried & Tested!) as you enter the shop lots. It worked for me after circling around for 10 minutes. The cafe is one floor above a restaurant at the same row with Hong Leong Bank.

Isn't the mural adorable? :) This sitting area is for a group of 5 or more. Come during the day to take loads of Insta-worthy shots!

Samantha's the coffee addict and Audrey's the candy queen while I'm a bit of everything. :P

Do take note that the brunch meals are only available from 9.30am-3.30pm daily.

I got me some Muffin & Lox (RM18) which is a British Style English Muf fin with Mascarpone Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon served with Tomato Salsa, Red Dragon Fruit Puree & Balsamico Reduction. Somehow, cheese, salmon and dill will always be a winning combo. The salsa was nice too. I just wish that they gave  more salmon slices and salsa for the price that we're paying.

Samantha got the Baker On The Go- B.L.B (RM18) which is a 180 ºC oven baked buttery fl avoured Crispy Croissant with Juicy Breakfast Lean Beef sliced with flavoured Cheddar topped on cheese sauce & mayonnaise, served with Salad & Fries. The beef was overcooked so it was a bit dry. The criss cross fries was crispy but when you try stabbing it with your fork, it just breaks into pieces. 

While Audrey got the Baker On The Go- Morning Daisy (RM16) which is 3 Farm Eggs scrambled to perfection in golden & soft texture. The scrambled eggs were overcooked too sadly. Portion for the meals were just nice for a small eater but not for someone with a big appetite like me. I guess small portions are great too because you'll have more rooms for desserts! :D

Cameras are out because...

The Queen (RM21) is here! Crispy waffles topped with three homemade ice-cream, a macaron and sprinkles of icing sugar and coconut flakes, a sight to behold for sure! I'm not sure if the ice-cream and macaron flavour changes but we had the Vanilla, Earl Grey and White Chocolate with Lavender ice-cream and Mango macaron. 

Everything was delicious! The ice-creams was not too sweet and you can actually taste the Earl Grey flavour and the rest. The waffles was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, I guess that what makes it a great waffle!

Here's a close up, I love how the strawberry was cut to look like a flower! I like how they put effort in the food presentation here. Also, waffles are only available from 12pm-5pm daily.

Magic (RM8), that's the name and the reason I ordered this cuppa. I didn't know what to expect but after researching, according to Good Food, 'magic' is a double ristretto - about 45ml of syrupy espresso - topped up with milk in a 150ml tulip cup. 

Well, I never had a ristretto before but apparently, what makes it 'magic' is the creamy mouthfeel of well-textured milk. The foam cream was sweet so it balances out the little tinge of bitterness from the ristretto.

KL rates:

Food- 7/10

Price- Typical cafe pricing (RM16 above for meals, RM6 above for drinks)

Service- 7/10 

Variety- 7/10

One thing's for sure, I will definitely be coming back to try the other waffles and desserts!

For more information, check out their Facebook and the menu.

Address:

12-1, First Floor, Block 5, Jalil Link, 

Jalan Jalil Jaya 6, Bukit Jalil,

 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Operating Hours:

Tue - Thu:

9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Fri - Sat:

9:30 am - 11:00 pm

Sun:

9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Closed on Mondays.

A night with Chvrches

It's not a spelling error, trust me. Thanks to Samantha and her competition winning streak, I was lucky she brought me along to catch Chvrches, an up and coming Scottish electronic band when they were headlining the first Urbanscapes Satellite show on 19 November this year.

Lauren Mayberry, Martin Doherty and Iain Cook released their first studio album, The Bones of What You Believe in September 2013. Ever since then, they have been touring extensively all over the world and Malaysia's one of their last stops before they take a break to concentrate on their second album. 

Plus, the band received nominations in World Music Award for World's Best Album and in NME Award for Best New Band this year, so they're one to look out for! Especially if you're into electronic  and synthpop music. 

Lauren sounds just like the songs in the album, no lip-syncing and she reminds me of a pixie or a fairy because she's so pretty and petite! :)

The gig ended pretty early even when they came out for an encore performance! Ended the night with their famous hit ' The Mother We Share'! 

One of our highlights of the night was Define Tastemaker's photobooth too! I think every concert should have a photobooth there so that we get to keep a souvenir to remind us of the awesome nights!

If you don't know where to start, here are some of my favourite tracks from them! Let me know what are your favourites in the comments and recommend me some similar music. I'm a little behind with the music scene these days because I rather listen to old school rock from 90's and etc.

This is one of the OST for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1! :)

Look at the Three Little Birds!

Ok there was no birds but everyone has either heard about or has been to Three Little Birds Coffee. Whether it's their second outpost in Desa Park City or their first with Artisan Roastery right beside it and, can I say it's one of the nicest cafe I have ever been to? I finally had an opportunity to visit the cafe after a random message from an old friend, Jeradyne who wants to scout the cafe as well so Samantha joined along too as we drive all the way to Sentul.

It was dark and cloudy when we arrived so we seek refuge under the shade. Better to be shaded since it's always the monsoon season at the end of the year or else we would have been able to chill at the Aviary. It was a weekday so it was not crowded and it was actually peaceful. A great place and time to catch up. :)

First things first, we were starving after the long drive so we ordered a few different dishes to share among ourselves. We went for the lunch set promo which let us pick between coffee or tea.

My Red Tea, which I think is Rooibos tea and I love it! It was refreshing even on a hot/ rainy day. Rooibos tea is like Teh Tarik without the condensed milk. The rest was not a fan of it because of the strong scent.

We didn't expect the food to arrive in this fashion. For the Chicken pasta (Top left), I think it would be easier for people to eat if they just arrange it onto a plate. But other than that, that dish was a bit cold, the chicken and sweet potato fries was a bit soggy too. It would have tasted better if it was served hot and fresh but taste wise, the sauce was alright,I'm guessing that they sourced their dishes from suppliers because the availability for certain dishes are varied at different timings.

The Lasagna (Top right) is pretty good but the portion is a little small. It has a generous amount of minced beef and pasta sheets to fill up one stomach.

We got the Chicken sandwich too which I think is from Tommy Le Baker. Wish there was more filling and the bread to be a little softer.

The girls like their flat white because they can actually taste and feel the coffee kick that is not too empowering.

If my memory serves me right, this is called Chocolate cherry cake? One of their bestsellers and may I add, one of the yummiest chocolate cakes I have ever had? Moist, chocolaty with little tinge of bittersweetness from the cocoa or espresso powder, I presume and not overwhelmingly sweet. 

Hojo Darjeeling Tea Chiffon Cake. I. LOVE. THIS! It's so soft and fluffy. The subtle taste of the tea with light frosting, is what makes this simple cake so good! It's the perfect cake for people who loves tea or wants a cake that's just touching the borderline of sweet. I would call it a healthy cake! :P

KL rates:

Food- 7/10

Price- Typical cafe pricing

Service- 6/10 

Variety- 7/10

So from here on, the shots will be from Jeradyne! Where you can see, how photographer actually takes nice pictures and see how my not so pro pictures fare with hers. :)

Pretending that she's not taking a picture. 

The last two shots are from me again. :P

Jeradyne in her element! Do check out more of her awesome works here! :D

BTS shot of Sam and her OOTD shoot.

I'm glad we did this! It was a good catch up and we didn't really know Jeradyne back in high school and turns out we have some things in common. Thanks Jeradyne for initiating this scouting outing!

Random outings FTW! :)

Have some healthy gourmet coffee with Luvoco!

Ever drank coffee that has Ganoderma Lucidum, more commonly known as Lingzhi in it? I never heard of it or even tasted it until I had a taste of Luvoco (Love of Coffee), the healthier gourmet coffee. Created by Gano Excel Industries who's the leading producer of organic Ganoderma and it has the largest plantation in the world.

Reasons this 'king of herbs' is good for you:

- It helps to flush out the toxins in your body

- Strengthens your immune system

- May help in preventing and treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes and many more because it contains more than 200 bioactive ingredients!

Curious, I made my way to Luvoco's launch at Connexion@Nexus, Bangsar South. Whats really special about Luvoco coffee capsules? It has 100% water soluble Ganoderma Lucidum extract, means you're getting generous amounts of healthy vitamins from that and the coffee too! Win win situation!

I felt that I was under dressed, my smart casual attire had more casual in it then smart. :P It was a little intimidating as there was many businessmen and women. But, there was an orchestra troop who played famous pop songs like Fireworks by Katy Perry which was pretty cool! Classy but cool! 

After the launch, we were then ushered to the next room where we got to try the three coffee capsule varieties which are Amoroso- Smooth & Gentle, Raffinato- Refined & Distinct and Classico- Rich and Deep.

I went for Amoroso first, it was a bit sour so I don't really like it but it's a light coffee and surprisingly you can't taste any Ganoderma at all.

We got to vote for our favourites by dropping some coffee beans into the vases that was set up along each booth.

My favourite blend was the Raffinato, it was just the right amount of bitterness and it comes in a variety of flavours which you can add to your coffee! The winners to me was the vanilla and hazelnut! The only downside is that you have to add in the flavour syrup yourself and you have to purchase it separately.

Whereas, for Classico, it's a strong black coffee which is not favourite type of coffee unless it's so good, in this case, it was ok. I rather stick with the Raffinato.

I like the machine's design, it's a simple to use machine with a modern look. The size is not too bulky either so it'll fit in nicely in your kitchen, office and room, if you don't like to share. :P

Chairman of Gano Excel Industries, Mr Leow Soon Seng (fourth from left) and Director of Gano Excel Industries, Mr Leong Ting Yu (third from right) posing with their products and good looking models.

Thank you for the goodies, Luvoco! I can't wait to try the Gano tea in my new cup! The notebook is really nice too with a generous amount of sticky notes! Everyone needs sticky notes!

The camera made me look so white but I'm glad the picture turned out nice! :)

For inquiries on Luvoco do check out, www.luvoco.com or www.facebook.com/luvoco .

If you want to buy it, contact Hugo Lim, Global Representative of Gano E Worldwide at:

Phone: +6012-337 6008

Email: hugo@gano-e.com

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On a random note, the beau and I had lunch at San Nae Deul Korean Restaurant after the event and we ordered the lunch sets that were available. Surroundings wise, it is a nicely decorated restaurant with attentive staffs too but food wise, now that's a different story.

It was one of the worst meals I have ever had. After a few difficult spoonfuls, I gave up. The sauce was thick and it tasted like a refrigerator. It was mushy and very unappetizing. Actually it made the beau and I lose our appetite after eating this. I don't think we are ever going back there.

L'Oréal Paris Beauty Countdown!

Guess what! From 1st November - 31st December, L'Oréal Paris is giving away daily and weekly prizes to the biggest spenders on L'Oréal Paris products! As an added bonus, the biggest spender overall by 31st December will win the Grand Prize of...

A BRAND NEW CAR WORTH OVER RM100,000!!! Now ain't that an awesome way to bring in the new year!

I wonder what will it be?

You'll be delighted to know, for weekly prizes, one winner will win a mystery prize from POH KONG and awesome kitchen appliances!

But even better, everyday until 31st December, three people will win RM100 hamper worth of L'Oréal Paris products!

Maybe this and more! :D

So this is the perfect time to let out your inner beauty junkie and shopaholic! Plus, Christmas is coming soon! :)


HOW TO ENTER:

1. Spend over RM20 on L'Oréal Paris products

Don't know what to get? Here are my recommendations! :)

L'Oréal Paris Lumi Magique Concealer Pen

Great for brightening under eye circles and don't forget to set it with powder! 

L'Oréal Paris Superliner Perfect Slim Black Intense

Blackest black and doesn't budge once it's dry, must have for cat-eye lovers!

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick 510 Designer Mauve

If you haven't jumped into the 90's makeup bandwagon, made popular by Kylie Jenner, now's your chance! A brown lippie is key to the look!

2. Upload a photo of your receipt over here!

3. Answer the questions here !

4. Shop more to increase your chances of winning! Go big or go home, I say!


For more information, visit L'Oréal Paris Malaysia Facebook or Contest website ! May the beauty force be with you! :D

Dream Trip to Macau

I have been to Macau for the first time this year but I need to go back again! I love how Macau has a mix of so many different cultures and with that, gave Macau it's own charm. Here are three reasons why I have to go back:

1. To Bungy jump from Macau Tower

Now this is the main and tres important reason why I need to go back! I want to take a giant leap of faith, literally and get a bird's eye view from top to bottom! Besides that, it has the Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world! I want to be the first among my family and friends to jump off buildings! :P


2. To chomp on the super duper delicious Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese cuisines

This beauty needs to be in my stomach again. I wish Lord Stow's available in Malaysia so that I can eat it whenever I want! The crispy crust and, sweet and smooth custard in the middle is just breathtaking! Best when it's warm but when you have it cold, it's just like pudding!

I haven't got a chance to try Macanese cuisines so given a chance to go back, I would love to chomp on Minchi, a savoury dish with pork and potatoes and...

Galinha à Africana aka African Chicken. It looks so good, I have to try it for myself! To me, eating dishes that locals have for dinner at home, helps me learn more about their culture. Like food for the soul. 

3. To visit the A-Ma Temple, Guia Fortress and PANDAS!!!

What's really special about A-Ma Temple is that it has different halls dedicated to different deities so people from Buddhism, Taoism and many more beliefs can come here to pray and offer offerings. It has also existed before Macau was even formed! I would love to visit this temple to admire it's long history and culture!

It's amazing how people are able to build fortresses such as the Guia Fortress eons ago and the buildings are still standing today! I would love to visit the chapel and lighthouse and witness the influences from Chinese and Western cultures that took place in the construction of the buildings.

I was aware about the Macau Giant Panda Pavilion when I went to Macau last January but I never got the chance to visit it. Also, I have missed my chance to visit the pandas in our National Zoo. So I really really really want to see the adorable pandas! :)

All in all, Macau Government Tourist Office and Nuffnang Malaysia should send me to the 3 days, 2 nights all-expense paid holiday to Macau because I would love to share my Macau adventures to the world and from there, everyone will put Macau as one or better, the top of their Must-Visit places list! Also, I really miss the Portuguese egg tarts!

If I was chosen as one of the winners, I will scream, 'I LOVE MACAU!' and 'I LOVE NUFFNANG!' as I am bungy jumping from Macau Tower! So thank you to Macau Government Tourist Office and Nuffnang Malaysia for organizing this exciting competition! :)


P.S: You can check out my previous posts about my first trip to Macau below! :D

Of Portuguese egg tarts and casinos- Part 1

Of Portuguese egg tarts and casinos- Part 2