Delightful Moosey Dinner@De Svarta Faren, Gamla Stan

We were in luck to have the ever helpful concierge to give a couple o' calls to well reviewed restaurants and have a table booked for us during dinner. With an estimated 20,000 participants to this congress, needless to say, almost all popular eateries and hotels in Stockholm were fully booked.

Lucky for us, we managed to squeeze in a booking at this cozy italian restaurant hidden in the heart of Gamla Stan, De Svarta Faren. And boy oh boy, we nailed a good target.

The place was so cozy, dimmed yellow lights, with old paintings and rustic walls. Felt really good being in such a warm and comfy place amidst the cold chilly weather outside.

This restaurant gave me an opportunity to try the moose carpaccio.

The method of serving was pretty similar to the usual beef/salmon carpaccio, covered with rocket leaves. However, its thinly sliced bright red meat stood out. Very very flavourful... salty, some herbs. Texture was extremely different too. The meat was so chewy, but still tender.. nicely leveled to prevent anyone from choking.

The place was so cozy, dimmed yellow lights, with old paintings and rustic walls. Felt really good being in such a warm and comfy place amidst the cold chilly weather outside.

The portions were huge, HUGE, HUGE. HUGGEEEEEEEEE.

I'm guessing the concept is similar in each animal. They say the texture of the meat from free range fish and chicken are usually more tender, and bouncy and more lean. Similar here too, with the MOOOSEEEE burger. The meat was unusually red but very tender and chewy. Some might not like it, as it did have a pretty strong meaty smell. Like the smell you'd sometimes get in mutton or lamb.

The tiramisu was by far the best I've ever tried. Light and fluffy, and alcohol just enough to get you a slight kick. Check out the oozing chocolate. Mmmmmm...

The chocolate mousse, was only so so though.

For those who ever come by to Gamla Stan, this is one restaurant you must try. At the lower ground, there's a tiny secluded area for private functions and it is situated next to the restaurant's age old cellar. Really beautiful.

Estimated cost per pax with all the foodies that we have: starters, wine, main, dessert is about SEK 250-400. 30-40 Euroes. 120 - 160RM. Aih.. sedih, everytime talking about Malaysian currency versus what's outside.

Kinda cool also to see patrons enjoying the pretty cold weather outside the restaurant, sipping wine and having a great time with friends, with their legs cozily hidden under the restaurants' thick wool quilts.

50cents coffee@BIG, Solaris Dutamas

Greeted by a pleasant surprise!

On the way to church to receive spiritual blessing for the week.. BIG also helped give my church members and I physical caffeine awakening....

With their opening promo RM 0.50/any coffee. Limited to only 2 purchases per person. Only until 10th november.

People living nearby or like hanging out in solaris and love a steal-deal coffee.. Pop by for a a coin's worth of coffee :)

Flight Food from KL to Rome

This was my first business meeting, with the priviledge of flying business class. Probably the last time ever too. But yeah, I must admit... business class flight sure makes the journey SO MUCH more great. Mostly from the free flow champagne and wine and.. the reclining seat. Mostly, the reclining seat as I am an extremely light sleeper and have trouble sleeping on the plane almost every travel.

My journey to Rome was via MAS. 

We were served with beef and chicken satays as appetizers. These were one of the most delicious satays I've eaten, aside from Satay Station's or the ever so famous Kajang Satay. Washed down the palate with some champagne, though this champagne was not particularly great. Only thing wierd was consuming all of these at 1 am. Slightly uncomfortable for the tummy.

Some cold cut salmon with fruits while watching "The Green Lantern", with cushion bass filled speakers, unlike the shytty ones we get in economy seats. Damnit.

Grilled salmon. Too hard for my liking. Totally overgrilled.

By lunch time (Malaysian time), and early morning 4 am Amsterdam time, we were awakened with fresh smell of toast pastries. The cereal granola were delicious, and really opened up the appetite.

I opted for the blueberry pancakes, instead of the savoury omelette with mushrooms and that was a big mistake. The pancakes were hard and too sweet. Big disappointment.

On the KLM flight from Amsterdam to Rome, we had our brunch on the 2 hour journey. They served the most adorable salt and pepper kit, in the form of the dutch clogs. So cute! The cold cuts with cheese were pretty flavourful and tasty, went well with the black coffee. The mains however, was lousy. Did not eat much of it.

We flew across this beautiful icey hilly mountainous area. We were debating on whether was this the Alps or Prague. The stewardess told us that we were lucky as most of the times, it would be cloudy and hazy and hardly any view to see.

However nice the presentation of the meals were, the thought of my colleague who was an ex-stewardess, telling me that these food were frozen sometimes, 1 month or more was always on the back of my mind. So yeah... Food for thought.

Simple and delicious meal@Trattoria Fonta Guista@Siena

Our concierge suggested this place: affordable price yet pretty good food, nearby our hotel.

As soon as we entered, we were faced with a really warm, dimly lit, cozy place packed with locals and tourists.

I had enough of pizzas, and opted for pork chop. Euro 5.90, for a slice two palms size! It was impossible for me to finish it alone. The pork was nicely grilled and very flavourful. It was fresh meat, as there was no funky meaty smell that you get sometimes when your meat ain't fresh kill.

My friend ordered the risotta, being the typical i-must-eat-rice-everyday man. Super creamy, and nicely cooked till soft enough but not too watery. You could taste the strong ricotta from the rice. Good thumbs up! Euro 8.90.

Personally, i think the bread they serve before our meals should at least be slightly toasted. Almost all meals, the bread taste really bland and hard. Hard to swallow down without dipping into olive oil and balsamic. And yeah, it is not free unlike italian restaurants in Malaysia. Each basket cost Euro 2, and we usually just eat a slice or two max.

Sadly my friend isn't an alcohol enthusiast. The 1/2 litre housewine (euro 4.50, cheap!) went well with my meat but too much for me to drink alone.

All in all, good meal here... I strongly recommend those who visit beautiful siena to give this place a try, especially malaysians on a tight budget.

Here's a picture of beautiful hily siena! I would love to be here again.. :)

Home made gelato@Palazzo Nomena

With the little time we have to walk around Rome city, we scurried around as much as we could with the help of an experienced Rome traveller, YK (who had been here once and raved how well he knew Rome already).

We came to the artsy fartsy part of Rome, with street musicians playing really cool music, talented artists selling their bestwork, mimes (no picts taken as we would be charged), street magicians etc. One really fun place to be with. Reminded me of Camden.


Saw this little girl quietly sitting down to have her portrait drawn. After looking at her face, and looking at the drawing.. I really do not know if I would want to pay him to draw me, like that.

Demona: The 'Rome' traveller told us to hold our thirsty tongues as we walked past, many of the many, many, many ice cream shops until we were wondering if he knew which ice cream we should try.

Until we stumbled upon this shop, which had an extra word that said " Fatto de casa", apparently meant "Home Made".

I had the vanilla and nutella gelato, the rest ordered pistachio and chocolate. Vanilla was really good, but the best flavour went to the chocolate. So so rich, chocolatey yet not too sweet.
Our fingers were freezing holding the cold cup. But yeah, it was truly a nice experience taking small bites of ice cream, while walking around with some romantic music playing on the background. Would be perfect if there is a partner with you taking a stroll.

A cuppa cappucino

@ you have This too @ shall we dance? @ that tickles! @ the warmth of one's hand @ wipe them away @ bed of roses @ have a spoonful of chocolate ice cream @ backhug with warm breeze blowing @ partnership cooking @ surely appreciate the truth young man! @ dashing smile @ come let me help you with those things madam @ pinches winches @ what a joker! @ prayers, for you and I @ woof woof @ popcorns and movies @ why, thank you ! @ sorry seems to be the hardest word, no more ! @ that is one good coffee i must say @ lets go sailing and fishing @ good backhand. Ay mate! @ a hot air balloon ride? Nice @ listen and share @ this is one good charsiewpao @ wraparound feels awesome @ i announce u, publicly @ that is the sweetest mango @ we all love taiping @ patience is a virtue @ close our eyes with dreams so sweet @ smile with a reply @ peaceful sleeps @ fruity blends with strawberries @ can u patch em'holes up? @ liberation @ transfguration @ meadows so green you can sleep on 'em @ a grasp so tight a tear of joy @ open declaration @ kids will learn from us @ spread the Word @ save, love, peace.

I patiently await. With thoughts, hope, reminisence. Renew me.

Goreng pisang PSL@taiping

This stall is famous for its gohleng phisang and fried popiah ala chinese style. Taiping-ites grew up with these delicious goodies.

The owner drives a sportscar, imagine that! I am in the wrong industry...

It has been a long while since i last had my hands on them, until last weekend when i made a trip back home.

The shop had expanded, and the owner no longer fries them. There stationed on the hot boiling wok, a petite looking indon girl.

The popiah no longer tastes as good as how i remembered it was. Banana fritters also shrunk in size. The cikodok was not bad but overall, i hate to say it.. The quality and standard has dropped dramatically.

Nevertheless, im sure this stall is sure to stay for a long, long time. Taiping-ites are usually loyal when it comes to supporting their favourite makan places.

I'm sure one fine day, i'll crave for them again and head over for a new batch of fried goodies. I'm empathetic towards my hometown :)

P/s: my dog hmmmpphh-ing when he saw me busy packing up to leave for kl. And another pict of him bidding me byebye with much sadness in his eyes.

Compilation of my breakfast sessions@elite palace hotel, st.eriksplan, Stockholm

Buffet breakfast spread proved to be really awesome in Elite Palace. Not overly done with its choices of food, and not under either.

They had all kinds of pate, ham and salami served with cold herring and mackarel.

Cheese: chunks of brie, cheddar, goats, mozzarella. Burps!

Bread: wheat, rye, baguette, sesame etc the list goes on. What is the awesome factor? Its dairy products eg butter. Mygosh. So so so so fluffy, light yet creamy. Swoooonsssss.

They serve home made yoghurt also. Vanilla flavour tasted really good. Then, i added some fruits, walnuts, dried cranberries, macadamia etc.

Swedish meatballs were awesome... Mmmm.

And best-est of all, a cuppa hot fragrant aromatic black coffee to take away and sip through your walk to work. Bring along a piece of pistachio biscotti to munch while the bittersweetness of the coffee sinks into your bloodstream.

Ahh. Heavenly. If i could have breakfast like this everyday.

Great work companions on a sunday night

Hesitated... But finally grabbed a bottle of yet another sauv blanc from marlborough NZ.

Next... Chopped some cheese bought from stockholm and leftovers in the fridge. Total cheezy damage: brie, camembert, matured cheddar.

Flipped open me laptop and started doing work, while psyching myself to go to work tomorrow.. Noooooo!!!

I need a new job. Thank gosh for sauv blanc and cheezie weezies and a computer game addict as companions.

Purrrrrfect way of eating a stroopwaffle

Ive been taught to eat this famous amsterdam waffle this way.

Put a stroopwaffle on top of a hot, steamy cuppa coffee.

Let the steam melt its caramel filling and its outer part absorbs the coffee aroma and softens.

Take one bite, and take one sip of black coffee.

Bliss!

Im gonna buy more next time!

If only they sell the waffles mug size width. Mmmmmmmmmm delicious!