Curious Goat @ Damansara Perdana

Why would a cafe tucked away in the midst of a row of car repair workshops be dedicated to a little creature that we hardly see in the concrete jungle? 

The name The Curious Goat, really does goad your curiosity. With a name like that, who would not want to venture to the "wilderness" of Damansara Perdana to chance upon a quiet little establishment which is artistic in various aspects to spark a spot of creativity inside of you.

As you arrive at the cafe, you're greeted with a chalk mural that shows a scene of the mountains with 4 goats who got to the coffee bush, and the shepherd that noticed their curious behavior. That my friends, is how coffee was discovered. Playing into the history of coffee, this is how the place got both the name, and the decor.

I'll be dancing with joy too, if I was that buzzed.

"Who stole my coffee!! BAAAAA!!!"

At least they're promoting "morally right" stance. Hey a goat in a suit...suave!

Such is my digression of the main point....THE COFFEE!

We got the latte - RM9 (the flower design) and a cappuccino RM9 (the bear design). The presentation is intricate, and it brings a smile looking at the designs. The distinction of the foam and the crema(not a typo) from the coffee was very well contrasted, hence, the design had a more 3D feel to it despite it just being 2D. 

The coffee itself is bold and strong, the milk was the added touch of sweetness and smoothness the coffee needed. I really liked how the milk coats your tongue, and yet the coffee taste still punctuates through that. 

A shot of a shot of a shot, how is that for inception?

Rustic wooden table with two very glorious cup of joe, not to mention a age old toy from Japan called Kendama.

Fresh cut flowers in a simple glass jar provides a feel of Provenance, France.

And the Bear says "Hi!"

Besides coffee, they do serve food. That day, we ordered the 3 cheese toast (RM 16)

To be honest, we don't think the price commensurate the product. We find the toastie to be underwhelming. Perhaps as huge fans of cheese, we expected a better blend of cheeses for the toastie. It needs a stronger tasting cheese such as a Gouda to elevate it. Another thing which they could add to it could be a fruit preserved to have a sweet component to this savory snack. 

Cheese toastie with a side of salad with sesame dressing

All in all, this place is a great place to come hang out and talk bout the deep dark secrets of the universe. The ambiance is great, with a lot of decorations and murals which could be a conversation starter. 

Curious Goat,

20, Jalan PJU 8/3a. Damansara Perdana,

47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 

Coordinates: 3.164122, 101.607586

Phone: +60 3-7733 7383

TBF @ Sunway Giza

As you walk around Sunway Giza, you'll notice that the hotspot that was once The Beer Factory has been replaced by another called TBF. TBF? Isn't that an abbreviation for The Beer Factory? Well, we digress. since we live in the present, let's instead tell you about our experience at TBF, Brunch, Bar, Desserts.

A quick first impression from the outside would be that the place still looks a bit like a bar, still often frequented by working adults during their happy hour promotion and through dinner hours, but if you talk to their ushers, they will be more than happy to provide you with their all day brunch menu for your browsing.

A huge screen on each side that projects the restaurant's brand.

Their tissue paper has a kiss and their phone number on it... Pretty unique.

Next, let's talk food!!!
For this post, we are intentionally posting our food in chronological order, so pls bare that in mind and bare with us. =)

Pancakes of Happiness (RM24)

2 soft fluffy pancakes, one with sauteed mushrooms, another can be accompanied by ham or duck bacon, with sides of salad and mushroom sauce. First impression wise, this looks like a pretty decent dish, but unfortunately, sometimes, looks may deceiving. The pancakes were fluffy, but pretty dry on the inside. That was probably why the mushroom sauce was there, but nothing is more of a put off than dry pancakes. The mushroom sauce was on the saltier side and the duck bacon was slightly chewy as well, probably due to its leaner cut. The side salad's dressing was overwhelmingly vinegary, one mouth could either wake you up or make you cough. The only saving grace of this dish was their sauteed mushrooms, though it was nothing to scream about as well.

After a disappointing first dish, we were prepared for the worst.

BUT that was when things took an unexpected 180 degree turn... =)

Salted Egg Fried Chicken Wings (RM21)

Next came the salted egg fried chicken wings. Needless to say, its chicken wings, fully coated with salted egg, fried with some curry leaves and chilli. The smell of this dish was phenomenal. The chicken was fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Seasoning was spot on and best of all, there is a small kick to it because of the chilli. Each mouthful was an experience and we can't wait to go back for more.

Waffle Hashed Benedict (RM21)
A pair of eggs benedict, sitting on layers of waffle hash and a strip of smoked salmon, with a side salad. At first glance, this was definitely a well presented dish. If you are anything like us, the first thing you would do is to taste the hollandaise sauce. Hands down, one of the better hollandaise that we have tasted. It was not overly buttery and we detect a hint of mustard, which made it slightly denser in taste. The sauce was on the saltier side, but, when paired together with the rest of the dish, it was delicious! The eggs were perfectly poached, and the waffle hash was crispy to the extent that it will break apart if you try to poke it through with a fork. The smoked salmon compliments the dish well, giving it another level of flavor and texture. This was easily the star of the night and definitely should be one of the reasons you visit this restaurant.

Brownie Bombs (RM18)

Finally was the dessert. They have some interesting ones available, but we decided to go for the classic brownie with ice cream. Their brownies are served in bite sized pieces and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This may seem like a typical brownie dessert, but there is a twist. Their brownies are baked to be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. This elevates the dish to a whole new level. Not only do you have your typical warm, oozie brownie to contrast the cold sweet ice cream, you now have a crunchy chocolatey goodness to go with each spoonful. This was a pretty decent dessert to end a meal, the only criticism from our end is that the ice cream was below par and we can tell from the texture, that the ice cream has been kept in their freezer for a while.

All in all, TBF gave us the impression that they do have what it takes to stand out and serve quality, delicious food. What surprised us the most was their food presentation and you can see from each dish that was served, they do put their heart on the plate. 

TBF,

Ground Floor, Sunway Giza, 

Kota Damansara. 

Coordinates: 3.151618, 101.591370

Open daily, 11am-2am

Tonkatsu by Ma Maison @ 1 Utama

 Tonkatsu by Ma Maison was established in I-Setan, 1 Utama since 2013 and has been frequented by many for lunch and dinner. This fine establishment sits right at the back on the 2nd floor in I-Setan. The ambiance of this restaurant has a bit more of an intimate feel, with its dark blue-grey walls and low-ish lighting. Their friendly staffs are always at the ready to serve and tuck you in before your meal arrives. 

As you are flipping through their menu, you will notice that their dishes do not vary much from one another, being that most are pictures of their breaded deep fried pork cutlets. However, don't let that fool you as the prices may vary due to its different cuts and sizes. 

Depending on what you prefer, once ordered, you will be served with an appetizer, preserved radish. You can eat it as it is, or, as recommended, you can add tamarin to the radish, to whet one's appetite for what is installed. 

Once you are done experimenting with the appetizer, before you know it, the main course would have arrived!!! Every main course will be served with an unlimited helping of rice, thinly julienne cabbage  and miso soup. No, they can't serve unlimited pork, we've asked them ;).

Multi Grain Rice

We usually would opt for the healthier choice of multi grain rice, instead of white rice, but its up to you.

Miso soup with pork

Their miso soup would be served covered and very hot, so be careful when taking the first sip. Also, spoons will only be provided if you ask for it. Its customary for the Japanese to drink soup from the bowl. Everyone does it, so don't be shy... Try it... But again I caution, first sip, HOT!!

Their pork will be served hot, and yes, its as crunchy as it looks. If you ordered the leaner cut, for example the loin, the meat will not be as moist as say, if you ordered the fillet cut, but fret not, it won't be to the extent of dry, chewy pork.

The cabbage served as mentioned, is refillable. You can eat it fresh, or you can add in the sesame seed dressing which is on your table to go with your cabbage. As you can see, keeping to the "glut" name of our blog, both of us finished half the bottle of the dressing on 3 helpings of cabbage ;)

Dessert too is served, this mildly flavoured herbal jelly is just the right ending to a very satisfying meal.

Tonkatsu Ma Maison @ Eat Paradise - Isetan

2nd Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Center,

Bandar Utama 47800 Selangore, Malaysia

+6 03 - 77273337

Standing Theory @ SS2

Standing Theory is one of those places that is tucked away in a nondescript row of shop houses in the midst of the SS2 housing estate. Frequented by lunch, tea , dinner and supper crowds. Their menu is simplistic, having only a few selected items for lunch & dinner. 

The interior of the place is mostly industrial looking, with exposed piping and chairs that looks like it's been fashioned with steel from a very old factory. It adds a cozy atmosphere with their naked light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. There are even times when the staff get really creative and fashion objects with recycled items used for running their establishment. Case in point the milk carton Christmas tree below :

Merry Belated Christmas!!!

Onward to the main part of this place, their food and beverages. 

First up, is their coffee. 

We had 3 different coffees that night, their Long Black (RM 7), Cappuccino (RM 10) and their Cold Brew Coffee (RM 8)

 

 For those who like a strong, smooth coffee, you should order their Long Black. Single origin dark roasted beans with a hint of flowery aroma justifies why they were shortlisted as TimeOut's best coffee of 2014.

Their cold brew is served in a small test tube, with a glass of ice. 

P.S. You can keep the test tube ;)

The bean used for the cold brew is the same as the long black, however, the cold brewing process brought out the considerable flowery note of the bean.With the pleasant aroma enveloping your nose prior to drinking it, makes one very interesting drink.

Next is the food!!

Fried Chicken with Waffles (RM 18)

4 succulent pieces of fried chicken, nestled against a crunchy and fluffy waffle, brought together with a honey glaze. Its delicious apart as it is together. For those who think this is a weird combo, trust us, you will not be disappointed. Note that they only serve this at night.

Adobo Pork with Cous Cous (RM18)

Juicy pieces of vinegar marinated pork with carrots and tomatoes, sitting on a bed of cous cous. The sourness of the vinegar cuts through just nicely when paired with the plainness of the cous cous. 

This is one of our must haves when we dine at Standing Theory. 

Pesto Fusilli with Almond Flakes (RM16)

This is the "healthiest" option on the menu that night. The fusilli is coated in pesto, on the top there's parmesan gratings with almond flakes. This dish in quite under seasoned that night, though the basil and pine nuts could be tasted in the pesto, there is nothing more off putting than an under seasoned pasta dish.  If you're a health nut, and are looking for something less artery clogging, this might be just a good option for you 

Miso Butter Chicken (RM 19)

This is what I call a great juxtaposition of East & West. Miso + butter = lusciousness!
A succulent grilled chicken thigh on top of a bed of smooth mashed potato, accompanied by a simple slaw with sesame dressing. The miso butter sauce that graced the chicken has just the right amount of savouriness that cuts through the chicken, and having the mash with the miso butter sauce was too fantastic! 

A meal isn't complete without desserts!!

Waffles with Ice Cream and Bacon Bits (RM 13)

This dish has been one of our to-go waffle desserts since we tried it. Crispy, crunchy waffles with 2 scoops of coconut ice cream and maple glazed bacon bits. What more can a person ask for? Moreover, its not overly sweet, so you can keep going till the end. =)
P.S. you could have it with no bacon for RM 3 less, then again....why would you deny yourself of bacon? 

Cakes are also on the spotlight that night. Standing Theory keeps to its selected flavors, but it is always consistent and leaving us craving for more.

Lemon Raspberry Cake (RM11)

We decided to be adventurous and tried something different for a change this time round, so we ordered their Lemon Raspberry Cake. and boy, did we not look back. 3 densely baked lemon vanilla flavored cake with raspberry jam filling and a cream cheese frosting. The lemon vanilla cake is sweet and moist with the flavor of the lemon cutting through. The raspberry jam keeps each mouthful moist and the cream cheese frosting just adds another layer of denseness and flavor to the cake.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake (RM11)

Although we did not order this that night, this cake is worth mentioning. Its a 3 layer moist chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling. Saying that this cake is rich is an understatement, BUT, somehow, we can't NOT eat it if its right in front of us.

With each visit, Standing Theory enforces our belief that, whether with food or drinks, simplicity is key. Keeping to their repertoire has established this cafe to be one of the best cafes around PJ and KL.

So... are you a Theorist yet? 

Standing Theory,

26, Jalan SS2 / 103., 

47300 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Opening Hours : 11am - 11pm (closed on Mondays)

Coordinates: 3.126856, 101.625084