Robson Heights Seafood Restaurant

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1.

The mechanism was already in place. Change. Inevitable change. It had become clear to me that I was moving into a different phase of my life.2.

She leaves in a week. I tease her that she will miss us, but I know that it is only to mask my impending feeling of loneliness. We used to joke that we were like nomads – moving from friend to friend; never quite settled down. I suppose we’ll all survive in our new environments. Even if it’s 3,000km away. Despite that, I’ll probably be able to hear her cackle.

3.

Tonight, the first of many “makan” sessions marks her farewell. Robson Heights Seafood Restaurant in Taman Seputeh is one of our favourite seafood restaurants even if it lacks the seaside atmosphere or the smell of the ocean. Its close proximity to the city spells convenience and brings with it a waft of fumes.

salted egg yolk crabs

The Makan Club’s closeness hinges on many things, one of which is crabs. We ordered two types of preparations. The salted egg yolk crabs (RM59) were prepared in a thick sauce that clung to the shells, the saltiness mitigated slightly by a sweetness of taste that was probably due to the addition of sugar.

crabs in3 steamed egg white and superior soup

We loved the crabs steamed with egg white and chinese wine (RM63). The crabs were really fresh and sizeable, while the flesh was naturally sweet. The steamed egg white was plain on its own, but was immediately transformed when eaten with a little wine that had simmered with the crabs. The flavour of the dish was further enhanced by the large amount of shredded ginger thrown into it.

salt baked prawns

The salt-baked (fried?) prawns (RM30) were tasty but I thought it could be a little more crispy. Despite its freshness, the dish didn’t excite me.

black-pepper udon

One of the house specialities is the fried black pepper udon (RM20). The thick, wheat noodles dish was fried with lots of black pepper and tasted a little sweetish. Despite the peppery taste that irritated my sore throat, I nevertheless thought this dish was exceptional in spite of its simplicity.

mixed vegetables

The mixed vegetables (RM15) were also very good. I loved the sweetness of the water chestnuts that contrasted well with the other flavours. Also, the contrast of the textures made the dish very enjoyable.

Pretty Pui – thank you for a lovely meal!!

Robson Heights Seafood Restaurant
10B, Jalan Permai,
Off Jalan Syed Putra, 50460 KL.

Tel: 03-2274 6216

The good people of AD may view pics HERE.

Kampachi @ Pavilion KL

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sushi & sashimi bentoIt was one of those spontaneous moments when JFKA wannabe, Nipples, asked me to join him for dinner at the latest mall in town and I said yes. I wanted to eat at Kampachi, and he didn’t mind eating at Kampachi again, so it was an easy decision to make. After all, I never say no to Japanese food.

Seasoned baby octopus

Getting a table wasn’t very difficult on a weekday night, but we chose to sit at the sushi bar instead, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the action behind the counter. We were not disappointed. 2 little plates of seasoned baby octopus were placed in front of us. I loved the sweet and savoury dish which went down in an instant.

cold soba with dried nori tsuyu with condiments - raw quail's egg and chopped spring onions

Since Nipples didn’t get a chance to eat soba on his first visit to Kampachi, this was his obvious choice. His cold soba served with crisp nori came with a tsuyu broth with raw quail’s egg and chopped spring onions.

grilled fish tempura

His set also came with tempura and grilled fish. If I’m not mistaken, it cost a little over RM30. He seemed quite pleased with his meal.

sashimi

I took the sushi and sashimi bento (RM40). What I like about the sashimi is that they were generous portions – thick cut and very fresh.

unagi

It also came with grilled unagi (eel). Aaaah. Despite the unadventurous orders, this was comfort food for us. The food’s good. The prices are reasonable. The ingredients are fresh. Definitely worth a second visit.

sushi

Also see Lots Of Cravings and Masak-masak for reviews of other good stuff.

Kampachi @ Pavilion
Level 6, Pavilion, KL.

Tel: 03-2148 9608

The MIGF dinner that almost was – feat. Gobo Upstairs, Traders Hotel KL

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IMG_2192 The month long Malaysian International Gourmet Festival (MIGF) is back. It features a number of really great restaurants, but the prices can be rather expensive (a relative term) even though one would get pretty good value for the prices paid.On Henry’s persuasion, I enthusiastically rounded up a group of foodies to visit Gobo Upstairs, a restaurant in the relatively new Traders Hotel. Unfortunately, as the day arrived, my body was suddenly attacked by the dreaded flu, but being the responsible coordinator that I was, I persevered for the greater good. Ahem.

The thing about the flu is that one loses practically all of one’s tastebuds, except maybe the ability to taste salt. Anyhow, I decided that instead of wasting RM160++ on the MIGF menu, I should consume something hearty instead. Like soup.

collage1

And that’s exactly what I had. A robust lobster bisque bursting with flavour (which I could taste!!). The others, except for Henry, took my lead and decided to order from the ala carte menu which was surprisingly priced very decently. I mean, can anyone think of any other fancy restaurant that serves baby beef short ribs at just RM38? And according to those who tried it, the meat was literally falling off the bone. The lamb shank, at RM38, was apparently an equally good option. I could literally see Fatboybakes’ face glow with happiness in the very dimly lit, chic restaurant. Nipples Joe had a very strange looking pumpkin risotto which he guarded with his life, so I didn’t get a chance to taste it. Oh, they treated me like the plague just because of a little itty bitty flu, so I wasn’t allowed to share any of their food. Except for Precious Pea, that sweet darling. She was kind enough to share a creme brulee with me.

creme brulee The creme brulee came in four different flavours. My favourite (and Precious Pea’s least favourite, my gain) was the ginger flavoured brulee. The other four sections consisted of coffee, chocolate and hazelnut. My main course of grilled cod was overly salted, but other than that, I found the flesh to be very moist and tasty.

collage

Henry’s choice of the MIGF menu came with a tomato appetiser, Black Ink “Spinosi” Tagliatelle with Octopus Merlot Ragout and Green Asparagus for the starter, Chargrilled Australian Beef Tenderloin with Garlic Confit, Lentil’s Fava Beans and Fresh Mushroom Ragout for the Mains, and Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate for desserts.

Overall, I like the ambience at Gobo, and I’d certainly revisit the place for a few reasons:

1. Service is excellent. From the moment I entered, I was greeted by name, and they made the effort to explain all the items on the MIGF menu as well as the ala carte menu. They were also able to make recommendations on house specialties.

2. The restaurant is lovely, if you like the modern look with subdued lighting. It doesn’t feel cramped, although it isn’t a very large restaurant with a seating capacity of approximately 60 people. Gobo

3. Good value for money. One can get a good meal for about RM100 per pax. Am not sure about the wine selection, though, so maybe someone can enlighten me on that?

4. Parking’s a breeze. The hotel shares the parking area with the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, so there is ample parking.

GOBO UPSTAIRS LOUNGE AND GRILL
Traders Hotel
Kuala Lumpur City Centre
50088 Kuala Lumpur
Reservations: +603–2332 9888
http://www.tradershotels.com/

Also see Fatboybakes’ take on Gobo.