Sunday, July 21, 2013

Buffet Dinner at The Newly Open Harbour Cafe in Traders Hotel at Puteri Harbour, Johor.

The newly open Harbour Cafe in Traders Hotel (N1.41784 E103.65638) has offering a nice buffet dinner to their guests and public. The Traders Hotel at Nusajaya started operation together with the restaurants about month ago, we were invited by the Communication Manager - Ms Aidah for the buffet dinner on one of the evening.
The Traders Hotel is located next to the popular Hello Kitty Theme Park and Puteri Harbour of Johor, the signages along the highway provide easy navigation for the visitor to the destination easily.

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The Harbour Cafe of Traders Hotel, Johor.

The Cafe is offering the International and local delicacies, where you can taste full of varieties in one stop. During the Ramadan month, they prepared more local cuisine compare with normal serving to cater the guests for 'Buka Puasa'.
Once we stepped into the cafe, we were greeted by the nicely display fruits and vegetables pickles on the decoration cabinets...it was so tempted to grab some of it...:)
The Executive Chef from the hotel - Mr Alan Wong introduced the foods to us systematically...our pleasure and thanks to Mr Alan.
The first session was the appetizers...

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The appetizers session...

Many fruits and salads available, among all I like the baby tomotoes very much!

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The baby tomatoes...

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The salads area...

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The 'Kerabu' session

The Harbour cafe provided 7 types of 'Kerabu' for appetizers...they were : Yurap Kacang Panjang, Kerabu Ayam, Kerabu Udang, Kerabu Daging, Acar Jelatah, Kerabu Perut and Tauhu Sumbat.
The 'Rojak' was loacted at the end of it, where you can mixed your own fruits 'Rojak' the way you like.

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The Rojak session

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Nice decoration of the mixture of fruits

The Japanese and the local soup corner at the following session...honestly, this was my favorite corner. :)

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The Japanese corner and the local soup corner

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Many types of Sushi and Sashimi were available...

It was the perfect timing where one of the staff was pereparing the Sashimi...

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Sashimi in process...

Next to the Japanese corner, nicely presented the local soup area, mainly 3 types of soup provided : chicken, beef and mutton.

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The local soup area...

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Follow by the Roti Pratha (or canai) session...they do serve 'Roti Naan' in request...

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The 3rd food session which served the roti pratha and the seafood...

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Many types of 'kuah' - gravy to goes with the Roti Pratha

Before we jump to the seafood area, something caught my eyes...
The "Ayam Percik Utara, Nasi Hujan Panas, Rusa Rendang Johor and Puyuh Goreng Berlada."

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Left to right : Ayam Percik Utara, Nasi Hujan Panas, Rusa Rendang 
Johor and Puyuh Goreng Berlada.

The lamb chops were sitted beside...

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The Lamb Chops

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The Satays

The seafoods from the same session...cooked and fresh seafood upon request for the guests.

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The grilled seafood available, fish, prawns and others

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The fresh seafoods

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The cook prepared the lamb for their guests...

Coming up next was the 'clay-pot' session where most of the curry and assam soup were serve, this was the session I miss! Because of not enough space for me to fill in...

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The Claypot session

Every buffet you visit during the Ramadan month, you will definitely see this roasted 'Baby Lamb', it is commonly serve during the Buka Puasa.

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The Lamb with kuzi sauce

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Nasi kunyit, eggs and others below the lamb

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The staff cut the lamb nicely to serve the guests...

The Chinese corner was situated next, where you can get most of the noodle soup within the session included a Nice Johor Laksa.

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The Chinese Corner

When talk about Chinese corner, it won't be complete with the 'Dim Sum'. The tasty dim sum served without pork and lard, that means our Muslim friends also can enjoy the Chinese dim sum comfortable.

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The Dim Sum corner

The Local Delights of 'Kambing Kari Pudina, nasi Goreng Ikan Masin, Bawal Semur Betawi, Udang Paprik and Pucuk Manis Masak Lemak' were at the last food corner...

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The last food corner which served the Local Delights

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Left to right : Kambing Kari Pudina, nasi Goreng Ikan Masin, 
Bawal Semur Betawi and Udang Paprik

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Pucuk Manis Masak Lemak

The last session of the buffet was the interesting island...The Dessert Island.

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The Dessert island of Harbour Cafe

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The attractive and yummy desserts...

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The chocolate fondue corner

They were the first hotel in Johor to brought in the Fondue machine from England, where the dark and white chocolate mixed in one machine.

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The dual Dark and White chocolate fondue machine in Harbour Cafe, Traders Hotel

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The candys for the chocolate fondue

I believe the children and some of the dessert lover will love it very much!

It was our honor to had Chef Bing to prepared the 'Apom Balik' for us, Yummy!

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Chef Bing and the Apom Balik in making...

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The Apom Balik with 'Kaya' are ready to serve...

Now, let's have a walk on the dining area of Harbour Cafe...

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All the dining area are designed next to the food counter, you can easily enjoy your dinner with just a few steps from it.

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The dining area of Harbour Cafe

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I can't taste all the foods here because of my limited stomach space, I wish I have 2-3 tummy to fill all the foods here, am I greedy?! :)
I tasted the baby lamb, nice and succulent with the kuzi sauce. The aromatic satay sauce was unique and special which I never try before! Nice! We were indulged in the Sashimi that evening...the Salmon and Tuna Sashimis were fresh with the perfect texture.

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The fresh sashimi from Harbour Cafe

The dessert time was the time we can't stop enjoying it! Thanks for Chef Bing specially served us the unique dessert from him, that was my First time having the fried pineapple that dipped with dark chocolate! Delicious!

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The Macaron, Tiramisu, Pandan cake and the fondue.

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The Unique Creation from Chef Bing

We had a wonderful evening having the buffet dinner at Harbour Cafe! I'll definitely back for more...

A common question from friends : "How's the food?" Well, I cannot taste all the foods in the cafe, and understand that everyone has a different taste bud. You have to try it yourself. What I can say is...some were average and most were Yummylicious! Especially dine in the nice environment, I would say...I love it!

The price for the buffet dinner at Harbour Cafe from 10th July until 9th August 2013 is RM108++ per pax, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. If you visiting the cafe in the big group, you may contact the Hotel for better price.

Last, I would like to thanks to Ms Aidah - Communicaton Manager, Mr Alan Wong - Executive Chef, Mr Bing - Chef and Mr Avraam - F & B Manager for their warm hospitality and the delicious foods.

*  No pork, no lard, no Halal cert.

TRADERS HOTEL
Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour,
Nusajaya, Johor.
Tel : +607-5608888   Fax : +607-5608999

Location map of Traders Hotel at Puteri Harbour, Kota Islandar - Johor.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

American Italian Restaurant & Cafe at Taman Austin Heights, Johor Bahru.

The American Italian Restaurant & Cafe (N1.55768 E103.78089) is located along Jalan Austin Heights 3/1, opposite the International School of Austin Heights. We wanted to purchse the Groupon coupon for food tasting here but...always forget and now we visited the restaurant without the discount coupon...

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American Italian Restaurant & Cafe at Austin Heights

We were amazed by the environment, it was cozy, comfort and decorated with soft and warm lightings.

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The cozy environment of American Italian Restaurant & Cafe

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Among all the deco, I like the 'Blue' bar counter very much!

Our order was fast taken by the waiter and our order as below :-

*  Grilled Chicken chop
*  Chicken chop and grilled beef steak
*  Mushroom soup with garlic breads
*  Onion rings

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Grilled chicken chop

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Chicken chop and grilled beef steak

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Mushroom soup served with garlic breads

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Onion rings

All the foods above were ok, passed the 'public satisfied level' as my friends said...:)

The steak was too thin (you can see it in the photo) to have a satisfy bite, overall the portion of the serving was really big! Seems like enough to fill up 2 persons stomach, initially I thought the chicken chop will serve in grill but a bit of disappointed that it was deep fried while served on the table, my bad that I didn't ask properly...

The grilled chciken chop tasted above average, and the mushroom soup was ok and so on the onion rings.

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The beef steak served together with the chicken chop

Anyway, I like the environment and it's suitable for group of friends gathering, because of the relax atmosphere provided by the restaurant.

The Damage : RM92.75 included tax and drinks for 2 adults 1 child. A common and average western food serve by the restaurant.

If you want to find some nice place for chit chat or cool yourself down in the hot sunny weather, you might want to try the American Italian Restaurant & Cafe at Austin Heights.

American Italian Restaurant & Cafe
No.23, Jalan Austin Height 3/1, 
Taman Austin Height, 81100 Johore Bahru.
Operating hours : 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (Mon ~ Sun)
Tel : 07-351 0173

Location map of American Italian Restaurant & Cafe at Tmn Austin Heights, Johor Bahru.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Taroko Teppanyaki 太鲁阁铁板烧 at Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai - Johor Bahru

Taroko Teppanyaki 太鲁阁铁板烧 (N1.51433 E103.66898) is located along Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2 of Taman Sutera Utama (五福城), Skudai, Johor Bahru. The restaurant is easy to notice because it's just below the Suan Bee Hotel (budget), the Bangkok Village is next to it and they are having the same management.

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Taroko Teppanyaki, Sutera Utama.

The dining area was comfort and there are indoor area with air-conditional and outdoor area, which are sharing between the 2 restaurant. We visited the restaurant on Tuesday evening and the crowd was moderate...

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Comfort and relax dining area

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Small privacy area for those customer to having their private event

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Well ventilated outdoor area

Before our dinenr start, I was really enjoyed the making of the Teppanyaki dishes with the 'kin-kin...kiang-kiang' sound generated by the rough iron plate...
They are also the 'First' and 'Only' Teppanyaki Restaurant out of the Japanese Restaurant in Johor Bahru.

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Taroko Teppanyaki
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Some customer may feel annoy by the sound generated from the Teppanyaki, but it was a nice entertainment for me and I like to watch the whole process of the food preparation. :)

The Taroko Teppanyaki restaurant has many different type of beef and that was the reason we wanted to try out the Beef Teppanyaki on that evening.

The dishes we had...
1)  Signature Seafood Fried Rice
2)  Mixed Seafood Set B (Cod fish, scallop and tiger prawns)
3)  Authentic Thai Seafood Tomyam
4)  Portuguese Baked Fish
5)  New Zealand Sliced Beef
6)  Aussie Angus Sirloin Beef
7)  Aussie Angus Striploin Beef
8)  Teppanyaki Shitake Mushroom
9)  Aussie Wagyu Beef

*  The above dishes were for 14 persons

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Taroko Teppanyaki Signature Seafood Fried Rice

The seafood fried rice was special and it had a unique taste compare with the ordinary fried rice available in JB. It served with plenty of seafood and it was worth for the price of RM7.90 each.

Most of their Ala Carte dishes are served with the green vegetables and bean sprout. Let me show you the making of the Mixed Seafood Set B, served with cod fish, scallop and 2 tiger prawn.

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Fresh vege and bean sprout

And here come the seafoods...

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Cod fish, giant size of scallop and 2 tiger prawns (before)

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Cod fish, giant size of scallop and 2 tiger prawns (after)

All seafood and other dishes were fried on the Teppayaki with the original taste. The cook only added some pepper and little oil on it...
Before the seafoods ready, the vege and the bean sprout were stand-by by the side...

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Once everything is ready, it had a Nice presentation on the Mixed Seafood Set.
The procedure was repeated for every Ala Carte dishes...

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Taroko Teppanyaki Mixed Seafood Set B

The Mixed Seafood set was definitely worth of the price - RM38.90.

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Authentic Thai Seafood Tomyam

The Thai Tomyam was served on bubbling broth and different from the diluted version that easily available in JB. It had a Nice aroma with the rich tomyam flavor.

The above dishes also accompany by a Portuguese Style Baked Fish. It was unexpected tasty!
I had the first Portuguese Baked Fish was at the Portuguese Seafood Village at Malacca, and I wanted to try the taste out of Malacca and finally I found it here!

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Portuguese Baked Fish in the aluminium foil...

The series of Beef Teppanyaki were continue the show one-by-one after the fish...

The New Zealand sliced beef

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New Zealand Sliced Beef 

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New Zealand Sliced Beef

The Aussie Angus Sirloin Beef

The process...

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Aussie Angus Sirloin Beef in making

Cut into cube size...

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And last...

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Aussie Angus Sirloin Beef is ready to serve...

Another view of the Aussie Angus Sirloin Beef...(without the green vege and bean sprout)

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The Aussie Angus Striploin Beef

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Aussie Angus Striploin Beef

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After few nice beef Teppanyaki, let's have a Fried Teppanyaki Shitake Mushroom.

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Teppanyaki Shitake Mushroom

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That was a Nice Mushroom!

The last will be everyone was waiting for...The Aussie Wagyu Beef.

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The chilled Aussie Wagyu from the chiller (mabling 5 if I'm not mistaken)

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The Aussie Wagyu Beef

The Aussie Wagyu finished on our table in less than 5 minutes! That was a Delicoius Wagyu Beef! We all like it very much! With the price of only RM88.90 (200g).

Except the New Zealand Sliced Beef was served well done, because it was too thin but all the Angus and Wagyu beef were served in the Medium or Medium rare doneness. Luckily the Wagyu was served on the last dish, otherwise I believe everyone will not interested on others dishes anymore! Haha!

Our Beef and Wine party last for about 4 hours and everyone was very satisfied with the dishes from Taroko Teppanyaki. They are good for the beef and even other dishes like seafood and their 5 types of fried rice.Worth for another visit!

Do try out if you happen at the Sutera Utama area or after your shopping from the Sutera Mall, you might like the different method of fried dishes. Especially for the beef lover!

We will definitely back for the Teppanyaki again!

Taroko Teppanyaki 太鲁阁铁板烧
99, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2,
Taman Sutera Utama,
Skudai - Johor Bahru.
Open everyday 11am - 10pm

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Location map of Taroko Teppanyaki 太鲁阁铁板烧 at Taman Sutera Utama, 
Skudai - Johor Bahru.