What I did in year 2013!

Year 2013 has finally come to an end. As a growing adult, I feel obligated to list down things I have accomplished in the year, even if it's small and insignificant to really see for once how far I have grown up till now. So here goes nothing!

1. Setting up HoneyLemonGirl.com

From blogspot to .com and then growing steadily and then gaining more traffic each day, apart from my readers, I don't know who else to thank! And then of course, not forgetting my awesome buddy who helps me to set up everything and then advice me on the direction I should be heading to. I may have made plenty of blogs before, but this one is going to stay and grow at the same time!

2. Getting my Open Water Diving License

I have always known that I would find peace in the water and that part of me belongs to the ocean. True enough, I fall in love instantly with this sports and I know no matter how much I have paid for it, it's going to be one of the best money spent in my lifetime. And to top it off, I have an excellent sifu (master) who shows me the wonderful world! Read More here.



3. Travelled for 3 times in a year

Overseas or not, they are wonderful getaways! And also because I have started earning my own money so this trips seem so fulfilling than ever! I am sure there will be more magical journeys to take in the future and I just can't wait for all my coming adventures! And firstly, I will need to start budgeting. Read more here.



4. Gaining Weight

This year, I have gained some massive weight because of the blog partially, and also due to the fact that I am getting older. Metabolism is slowing like mad without you realizing it! Too much food I have eaten, it's about time to lose them away. Don't forget to read all about the good food I have eaten here!



5. Growing up!

This year marks a serious transition, from a young adult to a full time working adult. And I have worked as a full time staff for a year already! I am pretty amazed at myself for being able to survive in the corporate world. I pretty much hide in a corner anyways!

6. Cinemas like my 2nd Home!

This is definitely the year where I visit cinemas very often for movies. Maybe because after becoming a working adult, I am having a better spending power than I was a student. Besides, I love the feeling of escaping into the movies and be away from the reality even if it's temporary. I have also watched IMAX! The sound effects and stunning visual thrill me, though the frequent visit do burn my pockets eventually so I do need my movies more wisely in the future, only those which is worth the 3D effect.

7. The year which I spent the most on!

With all the travelling and miscellaneous expenses that I have starting paying for myself. Yes, DUH! On top of that I bought a laptop, so yeah.... A lot of money spilled away. No worries, will definitely earn back again! ;)

8. I voted for the first time in my life!

I am all for the good change of my country! Sadly that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon. I hope for the best and I pray for courage and strength for my people and that one day we may find good things coming in again.

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That sums up some of the things I have done for the year, among the many others. You may think it's not a lot, but hey, I am just starting out to earning my own money so there is no more control in my financial status other than myself! I am sure there'll be more to come... Speaking of which, I should really make a list of things I want to accomplish for the new year and for once really accomplish them by the end of year 2014!

Right here, I want to wish you all a MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's a joyful year-end season and I shall see you all on my next update! Which is happening on the FIRST of YEAR 2014!

HAVE A GREAT CELEBRATION EVERYBODY!

Senjyu @ Bangsar Village II

Senjyu has been in the Japanese dining market for quite a long time. If my memory doesn't fail me, I remember visiting one of the outlets in Sunway Pyramid a long time ago. That specific outlet has closed down though. This time around, we snatched some deals from Living Social and headed over to the Bangsar Village II's outlet.



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Upon entering, you will be greeted with hanging paper birds, just as the restaurant name implies. You will also see a row of chefs, ready to serve you the fresh sashimi readily displayed inside the glass compartment.

Senjyu is not casual dining restaurant. They spare no expenses on their decorations. There is a sense of exquisite and luxury. it's definitely targeting above upper-medium classes, looking their menu prices.


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Hot Green Tea RM2.00, refillable of course!


Chicken Katsu Curry Rice RM18.00


Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, the flawless chicken is probably the only thing that elevates this dish from the slightly disappointing curry gravy which is kinda bland and lacking individuality in my liking. It feels like you could easily get the instant gravy package off the grocery shelves and maybe with some extra twist, you could make it better than this.

Salmon Mentayaki RM24.00


This is a dish which I will definitely order whenever I am dining in a Japanese Restaurant. The version in Senjyu is overly thick with Mayo. I couldn't few the saltiness of Cod Roe. The salmon however  is fresh though and a bite onto the flesh, you could feel the freshness bursting happily inside together with its juiciness! Slightly disappointed with the taste but I guess I am just overly used to the version from my favorite Japanese Restaurant (to be revealed soon!)



Kaisen Nama Yaki RM22.00


One of their featured products at the time of our visit. I tasted more grease from the fried maki on the bottom than the Unagi on the top.

Soft Shell Crab Temaki RM28.00


Pretty ordinary.

Seafood Pancake RM25+ [a dish that escapes my memory!]


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This dish is like the usual Okonomiyaki except that it's stuffed with seafood. The oyster they add in is huge! That is a very generous amount but unfortunately it turns entirely dish smells like oysters even with all the generous mayo dressing and fish flakes.

Lavendar Parfait RM16.00


There's nothing much to say about this Lavendar Parfait, I wish they have a fresher instead of an overly frozen ice cream that kills all the taste already.

Senjyu is slightly disappointing experience for us. With prices this high we expected a better quality of food. The sashimi however, which we did not order for some reasons, could be the sole reasons why they have survived this long. Probably whatever lacking in their cooked dishes, they make up for it with their fresh ingredients and their quick services. Maybe next time I will visit again, and then I will remember to order their sashimi.

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Honey Lemon Girl's Rating

Ambience: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Food: 3/5
Value: 2/5

Senjyu Website | Facebook

They have two outlets:

1. The Curve, Mutiara Damansara

2. Bangsar Village II

Tai Lei Loi Kei @ Damansara Utama, P.J

Forget about the flights, the famous Macau Pork Burger that has been operating for almost half a century is finally here in Malaysia! Pork burgers' lovers rejoice! There you have another alternative out of the many other burger joints in the market now!



 Signature Pork Chop Bun RM11.90 with Luncheon Meat (RM1.50) + Egg (RM.150) + Ham (RM1.50)



The Signature Pork Chop bun that got everything talking about. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, be prepared to be overwhelmed by its luscious taste as you bite into the soft bun and the juicy pork grilled to perfection with their secret recipe! Absolutely love how delicate the meat is.



This slightly charred soft bun is filled with lotsa buttery goodness and comes out as something really simple and enjoyable. It compliments the pork well and no doubt it's one of the reasons why the Pork Bun is that good.



To enjoy your pork bun fully, you gotta stack everything together and eat it just like that, one whole bite!

 Signature Pork Bun + Drink is priced at RM13.90 without all the extra fillings.



Bouncing Noodle with Pork Chop RM11.90



The secret to this noodle is that it is made using duck eggs, that's what we are told. Slick with soy sauce, the noodle is burst with eggs flavour goodness. Eat it together with the pork chop to enjoy the wholesome taste but what we like the most is its generous servings of the noodle and meat alike. However, we wish that there could be more soy sauce as it doesn't seem smooth.

Sawdust Cake Dessert RM5.50 or RM3.50 (with purchase of Value Set Meal)



Filled with tea biscuits crumbs and layered with the creamy milky mouse, this simple and delicious dessert is perfect end to our porky meal!



Tai Lei Loi Kei definitely provides a fulfilling meal. The pork is delicious and burst with flavours and it definitely leaves a good impression in both of us. And for those people who don't prefer to have their pork chops with the simple bun, there's always Polo Bun to choose from, which is sweeter in taste. Otherwise, you could also opt for the rice and noodle set. They also sell simple side orders such as chicken wings and curry fish ball.

Honestly, the price is slightly higher, definitely not something you could enjoy everyday unless you are filthy rich! However, considering the clean, comfortable environment you are dining in and also the fact pork isn't that cheap in the market these days, the amount you pay for seems slightly more reasonable. One thing we discover is that most of the items on the menu is either fried or grilled, if they could include in herbal tea/jelly or something else cooler to refresh the customers at the end of the meal, we think that'd be a great combination and definitely helps with the after taste! So that customers won't leave feeling overly full and turned off.

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Honey Lemon Girl's Rating
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Address:

 No.8, Jalan SS21/58,

Damansara Utama,

47100 PJ, Selangor.

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Coconut Grove Dessert Corner @ Oasis Business Centre, Bandar Utama

A good dessert is always a perfect end for a wonderful dinner. You don't really need to go for some upper class, fanciful ones. Sometimes, the simple and delicious one is just hiding around the corner.

Coconut Grove is no stranger to many people. A lot of us (especially those staying around the area) drive past the square enough times to circle our country. Yet, people like me never bothered to find out what it is all about until I stumbled upon the internet and was instantly hooked up by the few words used to describe the nature of the business - COCONUT JELLY.



And yes! COCONUT GROVE is all about coconut desserts, made into various forms - milkshakes, jelly, ice cream... and oh look! They have cookies too!

Coconut Jelly with Aloe Vera RM5.80



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Coconut Jelly with Aloe Vera is one of their recommended option and is definitely my favorite. You can eat away all your blues and heat in your body with the refreshing coconut jelly, together with a generous amount of Aloe Vera jelly with a dash of santan (coconut milk) and gula malacca to further stimulate your taste bud. The sweetness will overwhelm your senses and leave you craving for more. I am speaking based on experience and comments from people I know here! ;)

Coconut Jelly with Green Tea Jelly RM5.80 


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Don't you think the colour white and green match perfectly? Tender coconut flesh and the chewy green tea jelly for those who are looking for an uncomplicated taste. You can swallow them whole; feel the stimulating coolness sliding down your throat and instantly be rejuvenated by their natural cooling properties.

Be thankful when the random coconut that they serve you is the younger ones so and the flesh is delicate and easier to scoop out for your immense pleasure. Otherwise, just be contented with wholesomeness of the wonderful combination of chewy jelly and coconut jelly. ;)

Morning Glory RM6.00


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Don't forget to check out their flavored shaved ice menus that serve together with different combination of fresh fruits. With its substantial portion, their icy cold desserts are good for sharing.

Coconut Grove is a really cozy corner for some nice, affordable desserts to escape the scorching heat and cool off some steam in you. Ever since I was introduced to this place, it has become one of my favorite place to visit for some nice, simple sweet treats.

Apart from what you have seen here, they actually have plenty of other toppings to choose; from cendol to just a plain simple jelly and they won't disappoint you in taste. :) So mark your calendar today and try it out yourself!

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Honey Lemon Girl's Rating
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Coconut Grove Dessert Corner
C-B-02, BU 11,
Oasis Business Centre, PJU 6
Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Opens from 11am till 9pm daily
(till 10pm on Friday and Sat)


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Watami - Japanese Casual Restaurant @ One Utama

When Watami first opened its door at One Utama Shopping Mall, I was intrigued by they label themselves as Japanese Casual Restaurant. What was the casual for? At that time, I didn't know that the term "Casual Restaurant" was actually originated from the Watami founder himself and is currently registered as a trademark of the Watami Corporation.

And also the Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is also based on "Ishokuya" concept - dining oriented bar. With this concept, it's not just "wine" or "dine", in Watami, you can enjoy both together in a cozy atmoshpehre.

The concept behind "Casual Restaurant" is very simple; it is to provide extensive, rich and enjoyable food at a comfortable space with your friends and family. In Japanese Kanji, the WA means "Harmony"; TAMI means "People", therefore "WATAMI" means 'gather people to in harmony'.



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As you can see, inside Watami, there's a bar. So if you come across a situation when your friends prefer to drink & wine but you prefer to have a proper dining. You could suggest Watami and be amazed by their extensive selection of drinks & food.

Fire Oyster Roll Sushi (Chili Oyster Roll) RM18.90


When this dish arrived on the table, I was hesitating whether or not to try it. First off, I have never been a fan of oyster. Then again, how could I be a reviewer if I were to be so choosy anyways? (CHEH!) In the end, I braced my fear and tried a piece. Surprisingly, I love it. I have never come across a sushi that used the quite localized thai chili sauce as part of the dressing; they actually match well with the rich japanese mayonnaise. The fried oyster's flavours was well-blended with the saucing, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the oyster's aroma this way instead of the raw ones.

Kankoku Butchige (Korean-style Army Hot Pot - Pork) RM29.90


What matters the most, just like any steamboats you are having, is the SOUP BASE & of course fresh ingredients. In this case, this Korean Style Army Hot Pot, they are using some sort of Kimchi soup base. If you are a fan of kimchi, you might love this. It's not that strong however, just enough to give the ingredients the flavours they need. For the price you are paying, the portion is pretty huge, this dish is good for sharing between 2 - 3 people. It's a good dish for friends and family to enjoy over. :)

One thing that surprises me is that fact they are implementing a bit of Korean taste in their Japanese menu.

Ten Zaru Soba (Cold Soba with Tempura) RM23.90


I know many of my friends love a cold soba, but just not me. Maybe I am a little conventional, I love my main meal hot and nice. This cold soba however, changes my views. This dish comes with a decent portion of tempura - prawns and vegetables, the standard ones. To enjoy this soba, you dip the thin buckwheat flour noodle into the chilled sauce and then enjoy it that way from the cup. Apparently, the soba is fully imported from Japan. The soba itself is rich with flavours and the chilled sauce helps to bring out the taste from within.

The last time I had soba in centuries ago, I was disappointed. This time around, thanks to Watami's Ten Zaru Soba, I am starting to have Soba craving these days. It's that flavourful! Try it!

Gomoku Kamameshi (Chicken & Seafood Pot Rice) RM26.90


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This dish - Gomoku Kamameshi comes with the lid closed and with a fire on the bottom. You will need to wait for 15 minutes before the steam's starting to come off on the top to indicate that it's cooked and ready to be served. If you ask me why do we have to wait for that 15 minutes on the table? It's all about the dining experience - the idea that while you are waiting for your food to be fully cooked, you could chit chat with your friends and just spend time together.

If you want me to be honest, I don't find this food as nice as expected. The ingredients were fresh however I found each spoonful was lacking in flavours. It didn't seem to reach the level where I would say it's GOOD; it was quite plain. It was a simple dish with a bit of extra gimmick to make it look special.

Nagasaki Chanpon-fu Ramen (Nagasaki-style in Pork Broth with Pork & Seafood) RM26.90


Nagasaki-style ramen with pork and seafood in tasty pork broth. Originally from Fujian, China, this dish was adopted and made local by residents of Nagasaki in Ryushu. This ramen is unique as the noodles and vegetables are stir-fried to bring out the flavour before it is served in steaming hot pork broth.

THIS ONE. It's a MUST-ORDER DISH. You could totally ignore all the food inside and try out the soup itself and you will get what I mean. Then of course, I believe that the aplenty ingredients help to add in some flavours to the soup. According to Watami staff, the pork broth was boiled for at least 5 - 6 hours daily. No wonder the it was so rich in taste, you could totally taste the awesome essence here. This bowl of ramen is one that I would forgo all my diet plans and order two for myself! I will save all the descriptions for myself and urge you to visit Watami soon and try this!

You won't regret it!

Tonpeiyaki (Pork, cheese, cabbage & egg) RM18.90


Tons of pork slices inside. There's something with the combination of eggs, cheese, pork and the generous amount of mayonnaise saucing that make it irresistible. mmm-HMmmm! It's like Fu-Yong egg in Japanese style with different fixing. Something you should seriously consider ordering during your visit.

Watami Salad RM21.90 (BIG) RM13.90 (HALF)


The salad is served with lotsa fresh vegetables, chicken, shrimp and tuna mayo. The dressing, I suspect, is the japanese sesame sauce that many japanese restaurants use. The main thing that matters in a salad is its FRESHNESS of the ingredients. In Watami, the quality and freshness of their food is something you don't really need to worry about. :)

Watami Sake RM47.90


In Watami, you can get Sake as cheap as less than RM50. Watami even has their own brewed Sake! Their own recipes.

<LUNCH MENU> Tokyo Meibutsu Stamina Don (Pork rice with egg yolk in Tokyo Style) RM15.90


If you are nearby Watami during lunch time, they have a few selected dishes that you wouldn't be able to find in their original menus, and yes they are only served during lunch hour. Take this Tokyo Meibutsu Stamina Don for an example, stir fried with pork slices and lotsa onions, it is definitely one of the best japanese dons I have had out there. To top it off, mixing the pork slices mixed onions with the egg yolk makes it really smooth and totally alluring. I am serious and if only they put in their main menu and serve it at any other time, I might just visit Watami pretty often. Unfortunately, I don't work around the area and they don't serve this during weekends. :(

The surprising thing I discovered on my Watami visit is their extensive menus. They have plenty of drinks and food; they believe that they will always have something for everyone. I love their comfortable space. It's definitely a restaurant that you could spend a long period of time there just enjoying your food, drinks and time with people.

The food is up to standard, and for the price you pay, you get a decently large portion enough for sharing. It's a little bit high but rest assured, the quality of the food will make you feel that the money spent is all worth it.

Pinch of Salt Card - Loyalty Program

Do you know with the Pinch Of Salt Card, you could enjoy a 10% off in any of Chaswood's dining establishments? That include TGIF, Bulgogi Brothers, Watami and many more!  It's FREE to sign up in any Chaswood dining outlets and you can accumulate your rebate points for the next visit! Visit Pinch of Salt website for more information.

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Honey Lemon Girl's Rating
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Watami Website | Facebook

Watami Malaysia @ Pavilion KL

C4.04.00, Level 4, Pavilion KL Shopping Mall,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T: +603-2141 6671

Watami Malaysia @ 1 Utama

1st Floor, Rainforest, 1 Utama Shopping Centre,
1 Lebuh Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

T: +603-7727 1399

Watami Malaysia @ Paradigm Mall

Lot 07, Level 1, Paradigm Mall,
1, Jalan SS7/ 26A, Kelana Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

T: +603-7886 9661

Organic Recipe @ Casa Utama

One would not expect that there's a hidden jewel in Bandar Utama. This place is not easy to find, accessible only through one small route and if you are not very familiar with Bandar Utama area, you can miss this easily. No worries though, in Honey Lemon Girl's website, you will find the google map at the very bottom of this page for your convenience! :)

Organic Recipe is a fully vegetarian or vegan shop. There are no traces of eggs, onions and garlic here. (Yes, vegans don't take onions & garlic as their aromas are very strong and it beats the principles of being a vegan.)



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Organic Recipe also sells organic stuffs as well. The price is surprisingly reasonable.

Claypot Tao Foo RM11.90


The thing I love the most about this dish is the tao foo! You might not be used to the taste of this as it's different than the conventional ones you get out there. The texture is harder, probably because it is not made from eggs but more of rice and flour. It's like the softer version of seafood tao foo in vegetarian form.

I like it nonetheless, because of the aromatic gravy and best of all, it's cooked without any presence of onions and garlic! So what's make it so aromatic? It's GINGER! And it blends so well the taste of gravy, you can only savour a tiny trace of it. So no worries for those who don't like ginger, it's not that strong that turns you off! But it definitely compliments the dish.

Butter Milk Fried Abalone Mushroom RM15.90(S) RM21.90(M)



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If you notice the price for this dish, it's actually pretty pricey. What? Only Fried Mushroom at RM15.90 per plate? Please don't be terrified! I can assure you that the moment you put this into your mouth, you will forget about the price like instantly! This is like one of the best Butter Milk Fried Abalone Mushroom dish I have had! First, it's fried to a golden brown crisp, topped with some fried oats (I suspect) and the special butter milk sauce. This dish is so aromatic that you could smell it from a distance, of course being aromatic is not enough It's gonna taste good too in the mouth! And it doesn't disappoint in both aspects.

This fried abalone mushroom is definitely a MUST-ORDER.

Vegetarian Fish Roll with Teo Chew Sauce RM12.90 (S)


This Teo Chew style Vegetarian Fish Roll is ordinary. It's nice, but there's nothing really great to scream about. Organic Recipe offers a few more styles of cooking for its Vegetarian Fish Roll. The last I tried, which was special sauce (no photos unfortunately) was pretty good and was praised by all my family members! Then again, ultimately it also depends on your preferences. :)

Honey Lemon RM3.90


Love the combination of these drink! That's why my blog exists too! But really, the honey smells good. And the Raw Honey is also for sale in their organic shop, selling at an affordable price! The next round I am going to get the honey, yes I am!

I love Organic Recipe and their foods. In fact, I have been revisiting Organic Recipe  for many times whenever I feel like eating something light (vegetarian). Sure, the price is a little bit higher, but with the comfortable, clean environment and the awesome food. The money we pay is definitely worth the value. Hopefully they won't consider raising the prices again, otherwise it'd be too high for poor people like to revisit again. :(

I definitely recommend this place for everyone, even if you can't live without meat. You will definitely their dishes here. :) All in all, this place is worth it. I have come here on many different occasions and the food never disappoints. This is a place where you could bring your family and friends to have a hearty meal and you will be pretty confident that they will love the dishes. Not only the food is good, the services here are very friendly and efficient. *More thumbs up!*

Organic Recipe has plenty of parking. Though you will need to pay RM5 upon entering; just remember to bring the parking receipt along and show it to the restaurant cashier, they will deduct RM5 from your food bill.

 

Honey Lemon Girl's Rating
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For More Information:

B3-07-09, Casa Utama, Lorong Lebuh Bandar Utama. PJU6A
47400 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Business Hours: Monday - Sunday, 10.00AM - 9.00PM


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