We found this restaurant accidentally as we were waiting for next door Brazilian Restaurant 'Fogo de Chao' to open. We decided to try it on the following day.
It was nice to smell fresh air as soon as we arrived at the location. Just to show that whoever runs the restaurant take the standard of health and hygiene seriously. As you all know, dealing with raw fish is quite tricky as it can pick up bacteria very quickly. And that is the last thing that we would want.
Anyways... the restaurant itself was quite small, with stools at the bar and several wooden tables and chairs. Very down to earth. But it obviously very popular place as it fills up very quickly.
We started with a big platter of salmon sushi, tuna sushi, salmon-roe sushi, soft shell crab temaki, spicy tuna temaki, california roll, and so on that went well with chilled Junmai Daiginjo sake. We were rather impressed, though to be honest we had better sushis somewhere else. But at least, what we had at Nobu Matsuhisa were made fresh, rice was slightly warm, the fish was cold and the nori was adequately crisp.
We were a bit shock with the bill though. We understood that Nobu restaurants in Berkeley Street, London and Las Vegas earned a Michelin star each, but this one in Beverly Hills did not, yet they charged Michelin prices. We will not come too often then...
Nobu Matsuhisa
129 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA
Phone: +1 310 659 9639
http://www.nobumatsuhisa.com/
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Circa 55 at Beverly Hilton - Beverly Hills, CA
After a long flight from Asia, the first three thing which came across to our minds as soon as we have arrived at Beverly Hilton were check-in, shower and room service. So at the first night of our stay we ordered a steak sandwich, a burger, fries and cold beer. Quick meal before we crash out. Either we were really hungry and too tired to even acknowledging what we were eating. To us, the meal was certainly served the purpose. They arrived hot too..
But, knowing us, we would not continue eating in the room all the time. And one day we just decided to try the in-house restaurant, Circa 55. The only restaurant at the premises. So, it must be good, we thought.
We did indeed arrive passed lunch time, around three in the afternoon, but since the restaurant opens all day, that should not be a problem. We chose a nice table across the connecting door to Trader Vic's Lounge. As we finished ordering our food, we started to notice movements by the staff. Our guess was that they were preparing some event in the evening and we hoped they will be finished soon.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. As we were going through our meal the staff keep moving furnitures and left the door open wide. We would not mind if it was not a cold day. This has been going on for about an hour with no gesture to keep the noise down whatsoever. On top of that, as we started our main course, a group of men came and decided to fix the lights on the ceiling that happened to be few feet away from our table. We thought to ourselves, 'surely, this job can be postponed until we finished our meal, above all, it is against health and hygiene regulation'. But no, it was easier for them to just ignore us completely.
The food served, despite some of them were presented nicely, but the quality were well below standard. Our starters were pita bread and home made hummus, sliced tomatoes with pesto and mozzarella buffala type of cheese. The tomatoes were ok, but hummus and pita bread were too much and certainly not home-made. The main courses that we chose were pot chicken pie and pan-fried salmon with rosti potato, that we were convinced it was a left over from buffet breakfast. Both dishes were over salted. The pie looked like something that has been dumped on the plate and the salmon was well overcooked.
Disappointed, we could not finish the meal and nobody bother to ask the reason why. Considering during that time the staff were still busy moving furnitures, we saved ourselves from moaning and simply moved to the Trader Vic's lounge to have our desserts.
Our desserts were duo creme brulee (chocolate and vanilla) and tart of the day which was pecan. They were not good either. Creme brulee were pasty, and the biscuit of the pecan tart was rock hard. The whole experience was totally and utterly disappointing. Next time we will stick to the restaurants around Rodeo. Safer bet.
As the hotel hosts annual Grammy Award, we bet that the food served to those celebrities nothing like what we just had...
Circa 55 - The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 887 6055
http://circa55beverlyhills.com/
But, knowing us, we would not continue eating in the room all the time. And one day we just decided to try the in-house restaurant, Circa 55. The only restaurant at the premises. So, it must be good, we thought.
We did indeed arrive passed lunch time, around three in the afternoon, but since the restaurant opens all day, that should not be a problem. We chose a nice table across the connecting door to Trader Vic's Lounge. As we finished ordering our food, we started to notice movements by the staff. Our guess was that they were preparing some event in the evening and we hoped they will be finished soon.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. As we were going through our meal the staff keep moving furnitures and left the door open wide. We would not mind if it was not a cold day. This has been going on for about an hour with no gesture to keep the noise down whatsoever. On top of that, as we started our main course, a group of men came and decided to fix the lights on the ceiling that happened to be few feet away from our table. We thought to ourselves, 'surely, this job can be postponed until we finished our meal, above all, it is against health and hygiene regulation'. But no, it was easier for them to just ignore us completely.
The food served, despite some of them were presented nicely, but the quality were well below standard. Our starters were pita bread and home made hummus, sliced tomatoes with pesto and mozzarella buffala type of cheese. The tomatoes were ok, but hummus and pita bread were too much and certainly not home-made. The main courses that we chose were pot chicken pie and pan-fried salmon with rosti potato, that we were convinced it was a left over from buffet breakfast. Both dishes were over salted. The pie looked like something that has been dumped on the plate and the salmon was well overcooked.
Disappointed, we could not finish the meal and nobody bother to ask the reason why. Considering during that time the staff were still busy moving furnitures, we saved ourselves from moaning and simply moved to the Trader Vic's lounge to have our desserts.
Our desserts were duo creme brulee (chocolate and vanilla) and tart of the day which was pecan. They were not good either. Creme brulee were pasty, and the biscuit of the pecan tart was rock hard. The whole experience was totally and utterly disappointing. Next time we will stick to the restaurants around Rodeo. Safer bet.
As the hotel hosts annual Grammy Award, we bet that the food served to those celebrities nothing like what we just had...
Circa 55 - The Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 887 6055
http://circa55beverlyhills.com/
Senses - Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Senses is one of the restaurants at Hilton Kuala Lumpur that we often overlooked. We had a dinner there many years ago but we could not recall how it went.
Anyways, this time we determined to give it another try.
'Shame on us..' Was the first thing that we said to ourselves at the end of our lunch. We should have come here more often. The fine dining presented by Chef Michael Elfwing was totally mind blowing.
We started with half a dozen each of Kumamoto fresh oysters served on a bed of sea salt with lemon wedges, onion mignonette and rather unusual passion fruit juice on the side. We have never thought of having oysters with passion fruit juice before, but it was certainly worked!!
So impressed we had to have another round before we get to the main course!
We have decided to go for slow roast lamb as main course, accompanied with blue chipper potatoes with rosemary and sauteed baby spinach. Considering lamb is our favourite meat, we could be rather fussy if it is not done right.
But .. once again Chef Elfwing seemed to have worked everything out to make sure everybody who dine at his restaurant to get nothing but impressed. So impressed that we had to celebrate our first come back at Senses with a bottle of 2002 Mouton Rothchild.
And of course, no meal would be complete without a plate of cheese and ended by refreshing dessert like cognac posset .. We were in heaven..
As you may have noticed, we love to stay long hours at a restaurant devouring our food and wine. Reasons (or excuses) behind that are; eating in a rush is not good for our digestive system, by eating slow we can appreciate more all the hard work by the people who have prepared it for us and we get better chance to sit down and have a chat with the chef :)
And we certainly had a nice chat with Chef Elfwing that day. On top of that, we were given signed copy of Chef Elfwing's Cooking Book!! We went through all the pages. It is full of recipes of delicious dishes that we can try ourselves at home. So good that even we just had a huge meal, our mouth start to water (again!)
Don't worry, that was not only copy left, if you would like to purchase the book you can email the chef directly to elfwing_m@yahoo.se He will make sure your copy will be delivered to your door step.
Senses Hilton Kuala Lumpur
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (3) 2264 2491
Email: senses.kl@hilton.com
www.hilton.com
Anyways, this time we determined to give it another try.
'Shame on us..' Was the first thing that we said to ourselves at the end of our lunch. We should have come here more often. The fine dining presented by Chef Michael Elfwing was totally mind blowing.
We started with half a dozen each of Kumamoto fresh oysters served on a bed of sea salt with lemon wedges, onion mignonette and rather unusual passion fruit juice on the side. We have never thought of having oysters with passion fruit juice before, but it was certainly worked!!
So impressed we had to have another round before we get to the main course!
We have decided to go for slow roast lamb as main course, accompanied with blue chipper potatoes with rosemary and sauteed baby spinach. Considering lamb is our favourite meat, we could be rather fussy if it is not done right.
But .. once again Chef Elfwing seemed to have worked everything out to make sure everybody who dine at his restaurant to get nothing but impressed. So impressed that we had to celebrate our first come back at Senses with a bottle of 2002 Mouton Rothchild.
And of course, no meal would be complete without a plate of cheese and ended by refreshing dessert like cognac posset .. We were in heaven..
As you may have noticed, we love to stay long hours at a restaurant devouring our food and wine. Reasons (or excuses) behind that are; eating in a rush is not good for our digestive system, by eating slow we can appreciate more all the hard work by the people who have prepared it for us and we get better chance to sit down and have a chat with the chef :)
And we certainly had a nice chat with Chef Elfwing that day. On top of that, we were given signed copy of Chef Elfwing's Cooking Book!! We went through all the pages. It is full of recipes of delicious dishes that we can try ourselves at home. So good that even we just had a huge meal, our mouth start to water (again!)
Don't worry, that was not only copy left, if you would like to purchase the book you can email the chef directly to elfwing_m@yahoo.se He will make sure your copy will be delivered to your door step.
Senses Hilton Kuala Lumpur
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (3) 2264 2491
Email: senses.kl@hilton.com
www.hilton.com
Friday, 2 December 2011
Cameron Highland Resort - Malaysia
After staying in hustling and bustling Kuala Lumpur, this highland getaway quickly came on top of our destination list. Cameron Highland Resort described as 'a little corner of England in Asia' set in a lush greenery over looking 18 hole golf course simply hard for us to resist. Three and a half hour driving and partly through winding road to get there should not be a big deal for us.
It was quite fascinating to see the contrast between the capital city we left a moment ago to the countryside we just entered. An idyllic scenery followed us endlessly. Our sat-nav lost its signal half way through, but it failed to concern us. We finally made it to Cameron Highland Resort.
We were welcomed by two friendly staff who handled our luggage and car efficiently. Very impressed. Then all we had to do was climbing rather steep but beautifully decorated marble staircases to get to the lobby. Good job we did not come far, had we were stuck in the car for longer, it would have been quite a struggle to get to the lobby with wobbly legs :)
Homey and christmasy ambiance got in to us instantly as soon as we entered the lounge and reception area. We could easily imagine to celebrate christmas here must be quite an unforgettable experience. But, let's not rush. We had to discover more about the resort.
After checked-in, we were escorted to our room. We found our room to be spacious, nicely furnished, clean and comfortable. It came with a balcony complete with patio chairs. It must be lovely to sit there just to relax and enjoy the sun. But as we noticed the rain was about to drop any minute, we decided to stay in and enjoy our afternoon tea.
Minutes later, our high tea has arrived. Three tiers of cakes, savouries and of course, scones with clotted cream and jams on the side. What else would we need?
'Well.. we still need a good and substantial dinner', we said to answer our own question. The high tea was sufficient to satisfy our belly empty, hollow hungry, but we certainly would not turn down the opportunity to dine at Gonbei, the only Japanese Restaurant in the whole Cameron Highland!
Came 6.30 PM, we made our way to Gonbei. An open plan restaurant with a background of the forest. We were greeted warmly by the staff and soon shown the menu. They did not have a great selections to choose from, we noticed. But it actually helped us to make our choices a lot easier. We went for Japanese set menu that consisted of buffet appetizer and dessert and shabu-shabu as main course. Perfect comfort food for rather chilly evening.
We helped ourselves with a small portion of chuka wakame and sushi to start with. Once we were finished with the appetizers, the waiter offered to choose the shabu-shabu mixed, which he did really well. Started with fresh and locally produced vegetables, followed by chicken fillet, fish and red meat all together and finished by some noodles and fish balls. We enjoyed the vegetables and the mixed meat, but could miss out the noodles and fish balls. We found them quite tasteless.
For the dessert, we took another visit to the buffet and served ourselves with cakes, fresh fruit and walnuts. So hard to ignore the temptations..
The next morning, we were woken up by the clunking noise from outside. We assumed it came from the tractor working on the golf course or it could be delivery truck. We were too lazy to check it out. Thank God the noise did not last for long.
Just before noon, we got ourselves ready as we wanted to check out the other restaurant. But unfortunately it only open during dinner time. Light lunch only served at Jim Thomson Tea Room. Well.. why not?! So, we ordered salad of home cured wild salmon and potato and leek soup. They both came out not too bad. Filled the gap, shall we say. Then we continued to have home made chicken leek and mushroom with English parsley mash and cauliflower cheese. It was served hot and tasty, just the bottom part of the pastry was slightly undercooked, the cauliflower cheese was too runny and lacking in cheese. Otherwise, it was a rather pleasant 'pub grub' to go with a good bottle of Wither Hills Marls Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
With a property set up strongly influenced by English style, one would expected a great selection of cheese at the end of a meal. But this time we were likely had to settle with citrus creme brulee and a plate of sliced brie.
Patio furniture in the tea room indeed looked attractive, but at the end it got rather uncomfortable to sit on after a while crouching through our lunch. We then moved to the bar. We had a nice chat with the staff while enjoying last drop of our wine.
Few hours later, we found ourselves still at the bar and fancied something hot like the shabu-shabu we had in the previous evening. So, we were off back to the Gonbei. Quick supper then we decided to try their 'Sake Bar' just to find out they currently only have one type of sake. Ah well... next time better.
Minutes later, we had a visit from the food and beverage manager of Cameron Highland Resort. A very pleasant person who appreciates any comments and suggestions that his guests have in mind. He promised us a freshly cooked breakfast in the morning.
Waking up fresh the next day, we could not wait to have our breakfast. And it was a delicious breakfast indeed, served in a beautifully laid out dining room. We had each - two free range poached eggs served on top of potato croquette with herb sausage, plum tomato and hollandaise sauce. Well worth the trip!
We certainly had a lovely stay there. We would come back again and may even try a game of golf once the course has finished. For a couple who fancy a romantic getaway, this place would guarantee an unforgettable experience. The staff would be more than happy to arrange a private dinning, a picnic or even down to the gifts for the ladies.
Cameron Highland Resort
By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 32783 1000
http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com/
It was quite fascinating to see the contrast between the capital city we left a moment ago to the countryside we just entered. An idyllic scenery followed us endlessly. Our sat-nav lost its signal half way through, but it failed to concern us. We finally made it to Cameron Highland Resort.
We were welcomed by two friendly staff who handled our luggage and car efficiently. Very impressed. Then all we had to do was climbing rather steep but beautifully decorated marble staircases to get to the lobby. Good job we did not come far, had we were stuck in the car for longer, it would have been quite a struggle to get to the lobby with wobbly legs :)
Homey and christmasy ambiance got in to us instantly as soon as we entered the lounge and reception area. We could easily imagine to celebrate christmas here must be quite an unforgettable experience. But, let's not rush. We had to discover more about the resort.
After checked-in, we were escorted to our room. We found our room to be spacious, nicely furnished, clean and comfortable. It came with a balcony complete with patio chairs. It must be lovely to sit there just to relax and enjoy the sun. But as we noticed the rain was about to drop any minute, we decided to stay in and enjoy our afternoon tea.
Minutes later, our high tea has arrived. Three tiers of cakes, savouries and of course, scones with clotted cream and jams on the side. What else would we need?
'Well.. we still need a good and substantial dinner', we said to answer our own question. The high tea was sufficient to satisfy our belly empty, hollow hungry, but we certainly would not turn down the opportunity to dine at Gonbei, the only Japanese Restaurant in the whole Cameron Highland!
Came 6.30 PM, we made our way to Gonbei. An open plan restaurant with a background of the forest. We were greeted warmly by the staff and soon shown the menu. They did not have a great selections to choose from, we noticed. But it actually helped us to make our choices a lot easier. We went for Japanese set menu that consisted of buffet appetizer and dessert and shabu-shabu as main course. Perfect comfort food for rather chilly evening.
We helped ourselves with a small portion of chuka wakame and sushi to start with. Once we were finished with the appetizers, the waiter offered to choose the shabu-shabu mixed, which he did really well. Started with fresh and locally produced vegetables, followed by chicken fillet, fish and red meat all together and finished by some noodles and fish balls. We enjoyed the vegetables and the mixed meat, but could miss out the noodles and fish balls. We found them quite tasteless.
For the dessert, we took another visit to the buffet and served ourselves with cakes, fresh fruit and walnuts. So hard to ignore the temptations..
The next morning, we were woken up by the clunking noise from outside. We assumed it came from the tractor working on the golf course or it could be delivery truck. We were too lazy to check it out. Thank God the noise did not last for long.
Just before noon, we got ourselves ready as we wanted to check out the other restaurant. But unfortunately it only open during dinner time. Light lunch only served at Jim Thomson Tea Room. Well.. why not?! So, we ordered salad of home cured wild salmon and potato and leek soup. They both came out not too bad. Filled the gap, shall we say. Then we continued to have home made chicken leek and mushroom with English parsley mash and cauliflower cheese. It was served hot and tasty, just the bottom part of the pastry was slightly undercooked, the cauliflower cheese was too runny and lacking in cheese. Otherwise, it was a rather pleasant 'pub grub' to go with a good bottle of Wither Hills Marls Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.
With a property set up strongly influenced by English style, one would expected a great selection of cheese at the end of a meal. But this time we were likely had to settle with citrus creme brulee and a plate of sliced brie.
Patio furniture in the tea room indeed looked attractive, but at the end it got rather uncomfortable to sit on after a while crouching through our lunch. We then moved to the bar. We had a nice chat with the staff while enjoying last drop of our wine.
Few hours later, we found ourselves still at the bar and fancied something hot like the shabu-shabu we had in the previous evening. So, we were off back to the Gonbei. Quick supper then we decided to try their 'Sake Bar' just to find out they currently only have one type of sake. Ah well... next time better.
Minutes later, we had a visit from the food and beverage manager of Cameron Highland Resort. A very pleasant person who appreciates any comments and suggestions that his guests have in mind. He promised us a freshly cooked breakfast in the morning.
Waking up fresh the next day, we could not wait to have our breakfast. And it was a delicious breakfast indeed, served in a beautifully laid out dining room. We had each - two free range poached eggs served on top of potato croquette with herb sausage, plum tomato and hollandaise sauce. Well worth the trip!
We certainly had a lovely stay there. We would come back again and may even try a game of golf once the course has finished. For a couple who fancy a romantic getaway, this place would guarantee an unforgettable experience. The staff would be more than happy to arrange a private dinning, a picnic or even down to the gifts for the ladies.
Cameron Highland Resort
By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata
Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 32783 1000
http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com/
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