Category Archives: Location: Mont Kiara

Departure Lounge, Solaris Mont Kiara

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Spotted – Liverpool fan the morning after bloodbath at Old Trafford

Random Thought #1

Our TV stopped working a week ago and we haven’t got it fixed yet. We used to proclaim that we weren’t TV addicts.   Then why is it that when I am face-to-face with the love of my life, the following conversation happens:

Bald Eagle (without TV): Do I know you?
Me: I’m your wife.
Bald Eagle (without TV): When did you grow so old?

We’re getting our TV fixed tomorrow.

Random Thought #2

Never tell your mother-in-law that you work late hours.  She’ll ask you to tell your boss that your MIL said that you should go home before midnight (death wish No. 1).  And she’ll also instruct you to tell him that he should put you and your colleagues up at the Hilton for the night (death wish No. 2).

Random Thought #3

I need an iPhone.

Random Thought #4

Is there a Lost-And-Found for missing SMSes?

Random Thought #5

With all the 10 cents I’ve been saving on toll everyday*, I can soon fly to Cambodia.

* 10% discount on toll for travel between 12 midnight and 7am.

Cue Departure Lounge.

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There’s something about Departure Lounge that lifts the spirits, from the heady aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the warm greetings (very un-fastfood like) as you enter the place.  The decor is simple, not pretentious, mostly functional.  Travel books are placed on bookshelves in a cheerfully lit corner; you can help yourself to these books while you enjoy a cuppa, and return them when you’re done.  The menu is extensive, but mostly consisting of breads, pancakes, salads – typical western fare.  Not that I’m complaining because sometimes, it is nice to have something other than curry chee cheong fun for breakfast.

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Today, I spent a good 10 minutes going through the menu, flipping back and forth, back and forth, and finally decided on an All Day Brekkie which is essentially a flaky croissant filled with chicken sausage, turkey ham, fried egg, tomatoes and cheese.  Corn chips and salsa are served on the side.  All very good, and I shan’t complain about the turkey and beef substitutes for ham and bacon.  The melted cheese and the fried egg with the almost runny yolk sealed the deal for me.

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Bald Eagle went for one of their popular breakfasts, the Do-It-My-Way (DIMW).  You basically pick up a card and tick either 3, 5 or 7 items that you wish to have on your plate, depending on how ravenous you are, and give it to the staff at the counter.  In Bald Eagle’s case, he was feeling rather pleased about the events the night before, primarily made up of a football field, two teams, and a 4-1 victory, so going all out for 7 items seemed appropriate.  The boy sure has a big appetite – turkey ham, beef bacon, mushrooms, fish fingers, pancake, scrambled eggs and chicken sausages. Oh, and bread. All for RM12.90 only.

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The coffees are all very reasonably priced.   Small drinks are approximately RM5 each, while a mug of latte comes at RM7.50.   Bald Eagle’s Espresso Con Panna was priced at RM6.  Ice-blended beverages are approximately RM10 for the larger of two sizes.  We also got ourselves a macadamia and chocolate chip cookie (RM2.50) which was bursting in nuts and chocolate – so delicious!

I’ve fallen in love with this place.  It’s not because the food is mind-blowingly amazing, because really, it is just good, wholesome fare.  Some restaurants make you feel uneasy and self-conscious, while others make you smile.  This one makes me feel happy.   I like.

Departure Lounge,
No. 10, Jalan Solaris 4,
Solaris Mont’ Kiara, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel:03-6203 0362
Business Hours: 8am – 7pm (Monday-Saturday) and 10am-5pm (Sunday and public holidays).

Also check out Small Time Traveller’s thoughts on Departure Lounge.

Schokolart, Soho KL @ Solaris Mont Kiara

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Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done.

Author Unknown

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Which is precisely what I intend to do. Because, like it or not, there are days when everything seems to go wrong.

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When work pushes you beyond frustration, and all you want to do is look heavenward and ask, “Why me?”

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But all things happen for a reason. For now, let me eat chocolate.

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*******

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I first chanced upon Schokolart when I was walking around the shops at Soho KL (checking out Tenji and a couple of other places) with Boolicious and Unkaleong. It wasn’t officially open then, but I was attracted to the quirkiness of the decor (predominantly polka dots in various shades of blue, white and black) and resolved to visit later. After all, as often as I say chocolate’s not my thing, I still find myself gravitating to it occasionally. A case of multiple personalities perhaps.

I eventually found the perfect occasion when my friend, Gard, visited from Norway. After a pleasant lunch on a lazy Sunday afternoon, we hopped over to Schokolart for desserts. Had I known that they served more than desserts at Schokolart (like the unique chocolate chicken satay which comes highly recommended), I’d have skipped lunch at the other eatery. Anyhow, we got ourselves a few drinks including the signature Temptation, an oblong cup filled with thick, rich hot chocolate (62%) with a piece of cinnamon marshmallow. I thought it was very good. The Bull’s Eye was a shot glass filled with white and brown Cacao liqueur. Very sweet with a hint of alcohol that breezed down the throat. The Choc-Cheez cake didn’t impress as I found it a bit too dry. The highlight was, of course, the itty bits of chocolates in pretty names like Wasabi Raspberry and Sweet Spice. The designs are appealing; the dainty pieces are generally decorated with motifs that reflect the ingredients. Gard found some of these chocolates lacking in intensity of flavour, for example, he’d have preferred a stronger supplementary taste instead of allowing the flavour of the chocolate to dominate completely. I get what he means, but again, it is a matter of personal taste. I love white chocolate, and so enjoyed the Mango Passionfruit chocolate very much.

The bill came up to approximately RM94 for two people – not cheap at all. A better bet would be to go for their hi-tea (3-5pm on weekends) priced at RM35+ per person, or the Chocs-To-Die-For Soiree (every first Saturday of the month – next one on 7 March 2009) from 9pm to 12 midnight priced at 78+/98+ (with dinner) which includes free flow of 48 different concoctions of chocolate cocktails. Wow, I’m getting dizzy already!

Espresso Double Shot RM10.00
The Temptation (Hot chocolate) RM12.00
Choc-Cheez RM9.50
Bull’s Eye RM18.00
Chocolates 100grams (9 pieces) (dine-in) RM36.00
(service tax applies)

Schokolart (website HERE) (located opposite Tenji)
Block K-01-05, Soho KL @ Solaris Mont Kiara
2 Jalan Solaris
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-62030968

Also check out:  Masak-Masak (review of the first Chocs-To-Die-For Soiree), Lingzie and vkeong.

Party Cupcakes by Audrey

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(Part 2) – Continuation of Pretty Pui’s Surprise Party

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I’ve always had a fascination for prettily decorated cupcakes. I’m not sure if it’s a girly thing because I’ve seen guys look gleefully at them before. Perhaps it’s the anticipation of bite-sized goodness in a gorgeously wrapped package.

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I’ve tried loads of commercially produced cupcakes and felt that it was time for a change. So when I found out about Audrey and her delicious cupcakes, I sent her an email immediately. Her prompt reply accompanied by pictures of her works of art sealed the deal for me.

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Since we had chosen a pink and white theme for Pretty Pui’s party at My Elephant, it was only apt to have cupcakes with the same colour theme. A couple of emails flew back and forth and we finally decided on a garden theme with pink and white flowers and bits of pastel blue to provide some contrast. I didn’t want it to be overly sweet, so I chose a dark chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. (For those who don’t care much for the bitter edge, there is a milk chocolate option that goes very well with chocolate frosting for a rich chocolate cupcake experience.)

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With Christmas around the corner, now would be a great time to try Audrey’s cupcakes.  You can reach Audrey at audreyCML@gmail.com.