Irasshaimase!

​            "Irasshaimase!"  This is always the welcoming greeting when going inside a Japanese restaurant and this always remind me of a friend, Mace.  Sushi King is an interesting restaurant with its food choices, setup, and menu. Among the places we have visited so far it's the only restaurant where a calorie counter per food is transparently stipulated in its menu book.  Good thing I noticed all those calorie thingy only after the empty plates where piled up (lol).  Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing to put those figures in the menu, I respect your opinion.  Ordering food are in two ways -- get food directly from the conveyor belt and a la carte.  The conveyor belt reminds me of TST in Ayala Cebu that serves Chinese food.  They are of different pricing scheme and I prefer SK's.  It's an all you can eat at the conveyor belt and how you're charged is based on the colour of your plate(s).

What we have consumed:

·         Under Blue Colour Plate RM2.00

          Tamago maki         - omelette
          Tamago                 - omelette

·         Under Beige Colour Plate RM3.00
     Inari            - sweet beancurd skin (I don't like the sweetness.)
     Takohachi    - deep fried salmon sausage (We thought it was just

                               an ordinary sausage, surprise!)

·         Under Pink Colour Plate RM4.00 - tagged as  Chef's signature

          Surimi scallop                  - deep fries fish based scallop (We

                                                  thought it was nuggets at first)
          Inari boat tuna mayo       - sweet bean curd skin, tuna mayonnaise

                                                  and shredded cucumber (Thanks to the

                                                  other ingredients it saved the sweetness.  I like sweet                                                   but it's not just the usual delicious sweet.)

          CKT maki                        - cucumber, crabstick, omelette and

                                                  cheese

·         Under Red Colour Plate RM5.00 - with a header of Chef's

     recommendation

     Chicken cheese roll - deep fried chicken and cheese

·         Under Purple Colour Plate RM6.00 - owning the Best Seller caption

          Ebi ten tenpura prawn     -  (not tempura?)
          Spider roll                       - deep fried soft shell crab, flying fish roe,

                                                       crabstick n mixed sesame seed. (Be                                                   careful although the shells are soft still it's very                                                             noticeable)

                                                    

                                                  place cover here

We waited for a Black Colour Plate RM7.00 to come out from the conveyor too bad there was none.  Oh well, menu says at selected outlets only. 

I was about to try 1 of the 3 Vinegar drinks but I was more drawn to the Pink Guava 

Yakult.  Yes it was delicious and the colour is so feminine :).  It was too tempting to order more and this time from the A la carte but I was too full already.  Gluttony and you know, it's a sin.  It was this time that I discovered the calorie meter as I was leafing through the pages of the menu while waiting for Z.  I guess I had hypoglycaemia when we stepped in the restaurant that's why everything I read was a blur hehehe or Zs' excitement with the belt was just too contagious or I was just too hungry then that I can't wait any second more.   From what the menu said, a bowl of Spicy Jigoku Ramen has 469 Kcalories.  Oh! How disheartening!  Don't worry for those who are figure conscious they have the Slimming / Anti-Ageing / Lower Cholesterol / Detox selection too.  So there's no reason why Sushi King should not be tried out.  As for me, I'll have my second helping at Sushi King soon and I can't wait.

Definitely, gochiso-sama!

A wonderful Tuesday evening!

You may visit this page for more details http://www.sushi-king.com/index.php

t'was .. one fun, sporty, filling b-day celebration

          Is it almost 2 years ago when I last held a bowling ball and had fun at Gaisano Country Mall Bowlingplex?  I think so!  I can still feel soreness in my left leg from the 3 games we played on Zs' birthday.  It was one fun, sporty, and filling birthday celebration.

Rewind ...

          What is birthday without a cake?  Despite non-availability of an oven and designing tools I was still able to produce a birthday cake (good job girl!).  I can't risk baking in a microwave as it just might be wasted.  I've been browsing for a cake recipe that uses a microwave but to no avail or I am not a good browser at all.  So, I made a Chocolate Pancake-Cake inspired by Jamie Oliver.  Thanks Jamie and I know I can never match yours but mine was good enough too hehehe.  Because I can't find the Happy Birthday musical light show cake topper which I am too excited to use for Zs' birthday, I have to do it with the cream inside a plastic bag.  I have this roll bag which I adapted from my Mama to always have because it's just a cheap multi-purpose-emergency plastic sheet compared to zip locks.  We have a zip lock but upon calculation it's too expensive for a very short stint.  So, here's what I have achieved.  Oh! Too early to show the pic, read more. :).

          Is it because of too much organizing or simply, comes with age? :).  While composing this piece, I opened files and then this file in caps was like a big slap on my face hehe -- LOCATION OF THINGS.doc -- so! it's inside the AT bag.  That's where the cake topper is kept, gggggrrrr! Goldfish me! huhuhuhu.

          Anyways, it was a tiring morning doing the pancake-cake but because it's for a dear one, nothing is unbearable.  Then it was time to go out, yahoo!  Lunch time is munch time.  I was hoping we will have Outback for lunch but Zs' choice was not bad at all in fact I was into it too.  He says he wants to try Sushi King and it made me went high!  My eyes were sparkling with excitement.  This means, he is opening his taste bud.  He is a picky eater btw and introducing him to new ones is not an easy feat. 

          It wasn't just a treat to Z but also to me and Jack.  Sushi King and Ampang Superbowl are just neighbors -- a few steps away -- across each other.  Same building and same floor at Berjaya Times Square.  It's Zs' first time and he was as excited as we were.  If you play with a child, a barrier is placed on the lane.  It's a good thing though because it will help motivate a child give the game a try.  Of course with a little explanation alongside that in reality the barrier is not really part of the game but for now it's with a purpose to help his ball roll continuously towards the pins and make a hit.  The lightest ball was number 8 and it was a real struggle for him but he managed to complete the 3 games.  Zs' scores were increasing which was a good sign.  For me and Jack, as usual a yo-yo kind of thing performance.  Goal was achieved, making Z like the game and he looks forward to the next game.  For now, I'm still the Queen of pins in our family.  Oh yeah!  We paid RM45.00 for the 3 games (weekdays - 3 games at RM12) and for the shoes RM12.00.  The shoes were colorful and I think over time, it's near its lifespan.  There was no hint of a glitch at first then came  the momentum spoiler when the pin deck broke twice.  Glad we were transferred to the other lane and there were no more delays after.

         

Z in action

Coffee time and as usual, SB!  This is currently being used at the SB store.  It's a Ramadan inspired design for SB's paper cup and sleeve. 

         So, it's Berjaya Times Square's 10 years celebration this year.  As labelled, World's Largest Capsule Vending Machine.  For every RM50 spent, you get the chance to win daily prizes and more prizes on it's raffle date on Sept. 29, 2013.  Hmmm, too bad the previous 2 receipts didn't make it with the minimum tsk!  It's so frustrating when the amount you've spent is just too near for what is required.  Anyways, we still have 1 more our 1 and only chance.  Session 1 is for the first 80 qualified customers and Session 2 (2PM to 5PM) is only for the first 70 customers.  Lucky day!  We were there almost 5PM and number 26.  Who knows we will win one of the major prizes during the raffle draw and as for the daily prizes Z won the 1 person free entrance ticket to BTS' Theme Park.  It's a good treat after 6 years from his first visit. 

          Indeed, "time flies so fast when you're having fun", right?!  It was time to take our early dinner before calling it home.  It was like granting Z his wish.  To eat satay again at Jalan Alor and so we did.   

          There was still space for dessert and that's when the Chocolate Pancake-Cake took the spotlight when we reached home.  Too much preparation huh!?  No birthday candle, lighter to the rescue! 

          I hope you enjoyed the rewind as much as we enjoyed the actual day.  Life is a lot better when we get to spend it with our family.  Unavailability of  things doesn't mean to just stop and give up.  Give initiative and innovation a try and you'll see results.  It might not be the perfect-perfect but perfect enough to grace the moment. Life is after all not perfect and perfection is just a state of mind.

          Have a safe and a good weather Saturday to all of us.

         

11th of July

        It's a rainy Thursday but excuses are strictly not allowed today.  Rain is a blessing and an early morning mass befits today's occasion.

        It was a Sunday morning around 7AM that a sticky something and of avocado green like in color was discharged.  I was not sure so I called up my friend, Glenda.  She confirmed that it was already the sign.  It was supposedly a day of worship but I have to be somewhere else.  First things first, I went to my parent's house and ate breakfast.  I have to eat because I'm sure once I get inside that room, I can never taste food for awhile.

        Exactly this date July 11, nine years ago at 12:04PM, I gave birth to our Little Prince Z.  It was a day of great jubilation.  A day I can never forget.  A day of miracle.  A day of gratitude and bliss.

        Z, here is Dada and Mommy's message to you.  Thank you for being our son.

We love you Z, today and everyday

hold our hands, you'll not go astray.

We love you son, forever it will be

We're here for you, no need to plea.

This day you're looking forward to

The day we were happiest too.

You came to life and completes the family

Our Little Prince, our one and only.

Today is our day of thanksgiving

For your birth and a new beginning.

May happiness and good health be with you

With God, all your Dreams may come true.

Happy 9th Birthday Z! 

        Let us enjoy this day as best as we can, okay?! :)

To all parents out there, please extend our hugs to your children too.  We are all blessings to one another and most specially our children to us.  Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to be good stewards.  

A blessed Thursday everyone!

                                                     he is shy :)

of Dates and gift baskets

               For the past weeks, I have noticed these beautifully wrapped gift baskets in the groceries, seeing Hari Raya Sale posters in shops, and receiving buffet offerings thru email.  Ramadan is approaching.

        As we visited the mall today, there are more beautifully wrapped gift baskets and boxes in Isetan and Parkson Department Stores.  Most gift boxes contain sweets and more sweets of every sweet stuff. There are also gift baskets in skin care shops.  The mall has changed its decorations and my oh my!  Huge hanging rice or puso in Bisaya are used at KLCC Suria Mall. 

shopping booths

      Dates are also everywhere in different brand name, packaging, and preparation.  

                              secretly taking pictures at Isetan grocery (ssshhhh)

I really wondered why the Date fruit is everywhere and what is its significance to the Muslims?  Now, I have the idea why as Mr. Google pointed me to these links and here is an excerpt:

- Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) is reported to have said: "if anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."

http://www.islamicsites.com/dates.asp

http://www.examiner.com/article/benefits-of-the-recommended-dates-fruit-islam == this site can also give us the health benefits of eating Dates.

        Today is the start of every devout Muslim's holy fasting month - Ramadan Mubarak or Blessed Ramadan.  I know fasting is not an easy thing to do but I pray that they will be strong and courageous as ever.  It's also no secret to the world of how unstable some of the Muslim places are today but I know the Muslims are very prayerful and I know someday these troubled lands will find peace and harmony. 

Good night everyone.

Yesterday.Today.Tomorrow

Yesterday

          A Thursday.  The clouds were gray.  Rain.  Umbrella.  Good thing, only a drizzle.  Off to market, shopped like a local, and hoped to see the one thing I so long to see again.

          It's about 10 to 15 minutes walk from our place depending on the pace.  I don't know what the market is called but it's situated below the monorail's path between Tun Sambathan and KL Sentral.  On other days it's just an empty and padlocked place.  They call a night market here as Pasar Malam.  Various vendors set up their own tents.  There are fruits, vegetables, toys, flowers, hawkers, clothing, and etc.

          It's been a month since I last saw kamunggay or moringa oleifera here.  It was for the first time and I was sooooo happy to see one.  It is not as beautiful and healthy as we have in Cebu but it was like finding a diamond.  I think it's not a popular vegetable in this city and that explains its rarity.  Yesterday was just like the other Thursdays, no moringa.

the day we met Moringa for the 1st time in Brickfields, KL.

yesterday

Today

          A Friday.  Cloudy but no rain.  It's the weekend but too lazy to leave home.  The comfort of the couch and hearing Zs' giggles while watching "The Magic School bus" were enough reasons to just stay put.  I'm glad because it also means a new piece to work on and post.

Tomorrow

          A Saturday.  Instrument day.  Violin class for Z at De Musique Box, Mid Valley Mall.  We have enrolled him here the next day we arrived.  Priscilla, is a nice and accommodating Principal/owner.  Z has improved in playing the violin and at last he is no longer reading letters (chords) but notes. It's a once a week 45 minute class. 

          Saturday means Daiso day.  Like me, Z is addicted in visiting Daiso shops whether for a purpose or just plain window shopping.  It's all RM5.00 unlike in Cebu where it is Php 85.00.  Stop! Don't mind converting the RM5.00, it will only ruin the mood (lol).  Daiso is heaven.   They have branches in Pavilion, Sungei Wang, and Mid Valley Mall. 

          Saturday is grocery and no plastic day.  Don't forget to bring your own recycle bags and avoid the plastic bag fee.  Save your cents and help save Mother earth. 

          Dating day.  Me & Jack.  Unfortunately, the 45 minutes have been spent in canvassing stuff, buying household things, and looking around the mall.  Despite how we spent the previous Saturday's 45 minutes what matters is we hold hands and we are together. 

Have a happy and loving weekend everyone.

Around KL - Entertainment - GSC

          This is our 4th time to watch a movie here in KL for the past years.  This time we tried the Golden Screen Cinemas at the 3rd Floor of Mid Valley Megamall.  As early as 10AM the queue for tickets was already long.  Good thing we bought a ticket the night before via online. 

Two convenient ways in buying a ticket:

• GSC E-payment (online ticketing)
• GSC Mobile App (ticketless)

 We used the 1st option ....

Movie title    :        Despicable Me 2 in 3D

Total RM      :        20 (Adult) / 13 (Children)

Ticket Price  :        RM 12.00

Ent Tax        :        RM  3.00

Surcharge    :        RM  5.00

And since we bought online there was an additional RM 1.50, was it for the credit card or what?!  Hmmmm it's expensive to watch a movie here <wink & smile>.    

    

In this picture, left side are the ticketing booths, further ahead is the main entrance, and before that are the food stalls.  Right side of this wing are McDonalds, Carl's Jr., and other shops.  Outside food and drinks are not allowed so you have no choice but buy from their designated snack booths.  I should have tried sneaking in outside food because bags where not checked upon entry which they said they would.  Since we are law abiding citizens we dropped the bad idea and didn't even buy food.  

So, this is the main entrance.  While your cinema number is not lit, you can't still get in.  And when it lights up, just chill out no need to take part in the rough game of football as it's an assigned seat.  And besides, first screening time doesn't starts promptly because of the advertisements. 

Then go up 

and walk until you can locate your cinema number

Tada!  This is Cinema 8.  3D glasses were handed out prior to this opening door.  The cinema's air con is not that cold but comfortable enough and my nose said, "it smells damp".  :(

As to the movie, it's a good source for laughter and the minions rock!  I love Agnes for her attitude, her energy, and her poem.  This movie is not just about saving the world but also falling in love, taking risks, decision making and family.  There was a part in the movie that was a tearjerker and I can now laugh at myself for being carried away.  You can't blame me, I'm a Mom after all :).   We are looking forward to the showing of Turbo and Planes, we can' wait actually.

This cinema has a different seating layout from GSC Pavilion.  But among the cinemas we have tried we love GSC Signature Gardens Gold Class the most.  A pillow and a comforter per chair, just push the button for ordering food and drinks then a butler arrives, a complimentary can of soda, and a comfy leg rest.  It's so nice reliving the experience again.  Of course, it came with a price.  I don't know when is next time but we can't forget the exclusivity and the comfortable experience while watching Rio. 

Have a great week :) and thanks for your time.

 Note: 

I was so impressed that time with their toilet because it has a hygienic toilet seat.  Then the impression became a normal feeling when I saw the same thing at Incheon International Airport. :).

July

"The glowing ruby shall adorn,

Those who in July are born;

Then they'll be exempt and free

From love's doubts and anxiety."

      

                                 -  Wikipedia; an excerpt from Gregorian calendar poem published by Tiffany & Co. in a pamphlet in 1870

I am so fascinated with the words birthday, Christmas, and summer.  When any of these 3 comes around I become overjoyed even if it is not my birthday and just imagine if it is mine.  They are like a chocolate that releases endorphins, splashing positive auras everywhere. 

Celebrating this month:

July 4 - Jojo Colinares and Cesar Sana

July 11 - My Little Prince Z

July 13 - Charlime Arriola

July 18 - July Simara

July 19 - Chuchi Gelera

July 23 - Francis Yu

July 31 - July Sandil

Advance Happy Birthday guys!  May good health be with you all day everyday and May each of your wish this year will come true.  Don't forget to say your thanks to the one above :).

It's Christmas in July!  Sale is everywhere and it has even started as early as June.  As for me, July is when I start checking my list -- dear ones and my godchildren.  My list is 97% complete meaning, godchild's name with matching birth date.  Seven of them are now scattered in the different parts of the world and much richer than their Ninang :).  I really call them my blessings and I am so honored that their parents trusted me enough to be their Ninang in baptism.  To this date, I have 30 of them.  Incredible isn't it?  It's never too late to make your own tracking list too.

Happy 4th day of July to our friends in the US of A!

Cheers to a fascinating July!