Opium KL - Changkat Bukit Bintang

Under the umbrella of Werner's Group, Opium KL stands out from the Changkat Bukit Bintang's crowd with the mid-twentieth century China theme. Located at the end of Changkat road, Opium KL is both a restaurant and a bar and contribute to a scent of glamour and coziness to the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Stepping into Opium is almost reminiscent of ancient times of China, it's not just about unique cocktails, this is easily one of the most unusual bars in town.

The interior is equally impressing with space-out tables and romantic dim lighting that create an enjoyable and comfy atmosphere, it's so easy to loose track of time. The place is also filled with old fashioned furniture, old paintings and wooden china wine racks. Its elegance goes well with some old-time chinese jazz music successfully creating a speakeasy atmosphere.

Here, it does not offer all the classics. The menu has no lack of imagination and originality over here. Not only that the cocktails have funky and creative names but they are also memorably flavored with entertaining descriptions. Most of the drinks here are crafted with an oriental twist and inspiration, leaving a lasting and memorable taste on your tongue. 

The Forbidden City which is one of their signature cocktails , crafted with a mixture of rum, grand marnier, 5-spiced syrup, orange juice and lime. The drink is nicely presented wooden tray that consists of a ceramic pot. It's a slightly refreshing lady-like drink, creatively paired with some splendid snacks - groundnuts and wasabi flavored peas.

Another simply luscious cocktail, Ti-Lung Bramble (RM32) is a gin based with lemon, dragon fruit and creme de cassis. This dragon fruit based cocktail has a slight kick of citrus making it exceptionally light and refreshing. There is the tantalising feeling about this drink that perfectly deliver so much lip-smacking and mouth puckering flavor.

Want to satisfy your senses with some seductive sips?  A sensuous cocktail, 50 Shades of Grey scores pretty high. The presentation of cocktail is sleek and curvy with liquid nitrogen infused roses. This is definitely one of their unique cocktails that is sure to leave you speechless.

Here, the staff is trained to present the hottest cocktails infused with art, science and safety. Customers can enjoy the fun of cracking the liquid nitrogen infused roses together with the bubbling and smoky effect.

Dramatic, sexy and delicious, the 50 Shades of Grey is possibly the most refreshing cocktail to  truly a sensual cocktail that will spark your senses in various ways. This finely crafted cocktail definitely entices your curiosities and every single sips of the drink will lure you to imaginations and delicious adventures.

Curious? You should definitely come to experience this Chinese-style speakeasy, truly a swoon-worthy combination of Western and Chinese flavors!

Opium KL 
50, Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang,
50200 Kuala Lumpur.
03-2142 5670

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, The Sala Wine Bar & Bistro

Thailand is not a really well-known wine producing country and hence vineyard is built on a former elephant corral where wild Asian elephants were domesticated. After succesful trails at the Royal Research Station, the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard was expanded and developed in 2004. The vineyard features a wine bar, bistro, retail shop as well as a wine cellar. Hua Hin Hills brings the Thailand's wine production to a new evolution by producing Siam's winery Monsoon Valley label, whose White Shiraz won gold at the 2008 AWC International Wine Challenge in Austria.

It took around 45 minutes to drive up to the vinyard from the Hua Hin town but it definitely worth the journey! Along the drive, you will be amazed by the surrounding scenery.

Here, you may opt for an elephant trek or a jeep tour through the vineyard. It also offers some fascinating activities such as tours for grapes cultivation, wine tasting, bottle painting and mountain biking. Reservations are highly recommended before arrival.

Truly fall in love with  Thai-inspired architecture style Veranda. Overlooking the panoramic views from the perch of The SalaWine Bar & Bistro at Hua Hins Hills, you probably would be thinking that you were actually somewhere or any famous acclaimed wine regions, other than Thailand.

At the Sala Wine Bar & Bistro, the restaurant has paired its award-winning Monsoon Valley wines to craft memorable and exclusive dining experiences. Sitting at the al-fresco dining area, you can overlook the panoramic views of beautiful rolling Hua Hin Hills. Its a perfect place for wine and food pairings, relax and unwind. We have sampled their fine wines mainly the Monsoon Valley range.

Here, the wines are paired with different tapas and Thai fusion dishes. The tapas and dishes are mainly served in small sampling portions, are exquisitely presented and perfectly matched with a great selection of wines. The Monsoon range is surprisingly a great blend of grapes with tame tannin and acidity, balancing up the Thailand's spicy and rich flavors of dishes.

We had the Thai Platter, Authentic Thai Crabmeat Fried Rice and Thai Fusion Pasta from the menu, highlighted both Western and Thai cuisines. These Thai inspired dishes were all delicious.

  
Although you don't get a full wine-making experience compared to other wine production countries, the magnificent views adding up with the tropical twist of food and wines are definitely worth another return visit to this hidden gem.

Before leaving, you can purchase some merchandise from the retail shop just within the bistro. You can easily get sweet and fresh grape juices, grape jam, souvenirs and the most important a wide selection of Monsoon Valley wines. I've got my favourite White Shiraz Rose all the way back home! Thumbs up for this Mediterranean-like breeze Siam Winery!

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, The Sala Wine Bar & Bistro
1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana, Nong Pulp, 
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, Hua Hin 77110
Mon-Sun:0830-1830
Tel:081-701-0222

Cabbages & Condoms - Sukhumit Soi 12, Bangkok

Dining out doesn't have to be an average experience especially when you're traveling. There are actually numerous amazing theme restaurants across the world that will blow your mind. Bangkok, is no exception. "Our Food is Guaranteed Not to Cause Pregnancy", well-crafted tagline to boost your awareness for birth control. Cabbages & Condoms,  two most unrelated things are simply put together in the naming of a restaurant in Bangkok. Yes, here you are a condom-themed-restaurant!

Cabbages & Condoms is conveniently situated in narrow and dark street away from the busy Sukhumit soi 12. The restaurant is conceptualised to increase a better understanding and acceptance of family planning issues. The sales of the restaurant is also contributed to a fund to support various development activities of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). Upon entering the restaurant, you will be immediately greeted by Mr. Santa Condom.

This unique themed restaurant never cease to amaze, it features a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating as well as a charming bar. The restaurant is set in a relatively huge courtyard  surrounded by blooms, trees and bushes. It is also filled with fairy lights around the garden.

You will be impressed by various mannequins clothed in different condoms costumes at every corner throughout the whole restaurant. The restaurant creates the creative energy to HIV or AIDS prevention. Take a look at this eye-catching bride and groom with wedding clothing made entirely out of colorful condoms and contraceptive pills! It's definitely one of the most bizarre wedding costumes!

These hot summer days, you definitely need to pair out with the beach-themed dress made out of condoms which gives an outstanding character to its decorations. Even the accessories such as necklace and bracelet are made out of condoms. Over here, you definitely go gaga with latex condoms in assorted fantasy colors.

Lack of contraceptive-inspired housewares in your living room? They even have playful lamps that are made from natural rubber latex.From posters to lamps, they are making full use of fancy colorful condoms to decorate every corner of the restaurant.

Here, they offer a wide range of Thai food ranging from appetizer, soup, main courses up to desserts. The restaurant prepares most of their dishes with a less spicy flavor in order to cater both local and foreign markets. Mixed Vegetables was freshly cooked and Sweet and Sour Sauce Deep-Fried Tofu has a crunchy crispy skin.

One of my favorite dishes goes to this Thai Steamed Sea Bass with Lemon Sauce. It's a dish of  softly steaming joy with aromatic flavors and appetizing dressing made out of lemon grass, hot chilies, garlic and lime sauce.

Besides, they also have a little souvenir shop selling funky handicrafts made by Thai villagers from rural areas. They are mostly condom-associated stuffs. 

Upon leaving, each of you will be given a condom and a packet of water based lubricant as souvenirs. One is not enough? No worries, they also provide more funny condoms on this counter display with "different sizes".

Don't miss out this alternative themed restaurants when you're in the Bangkok City. Cabbages & Condoms definitely offers a memorable and unique experience at really reasonable prices. Truly one of the most bizarre themed restaurant! 

Cabbages & Condoms 

10, Sukhumit Soi 12, Bangkok

11am-10pm

Bankara Ramen - Avenue K KL

I must admit, I love Ramen and I'll never get bored of eating a whole bowl of this comfort food no matter how often I eat it. It's definitely an Ultimate Meal-In-A-Bowl! Ramen soup is definitely a fix that works especially when you have a hangover and your head is pounding so badly. 

Upon the entry way going through the Japanese curtains, we were already hit by a soothing fog of pork and garlic. Embracing the philosophy of "Cooking by Heart", Bankara Ramen has finally arrived to Malaysia almost a year ago after its great expansion of outlets spanning across Japan, Indonesia and also Thailand. They emphasise to serve the customers tantalising dining experience with imported ingredients, as one would expect if one was dining in Japan.

Here, the Tonkotsu Chashu has an opaque white colored broth. As known, tonkatsu broth is boiled for more than 20 hours dissolving all the great deal of collagen and converting them into a rich, creamy and warming broth. It is nicely paired with full toppings of their signature Kakuni, extra large serving of spring onion and few big slices of seaweed. There it is, thick and layered with tons of flavors in one pipping hot bowl.

The signature bowl is the Kakuni Bankara Ramen. It is a medium size noodle served with Chashu, bamboo shoots, dried seaweeds and topped with its signature braised pork belly. The noodles here are made in perfect hardness with untangle noodles. Here, the Kakuni Ramen is served with an additional slab of steamed pork belly. The massive slab of pork belly are slow stewed for long, long hours, going outstandingly well with the broth. The toppings cover all the texture bases from tender to chewy to meaty to slick. 

Shina Soba is a Chinese style inspired ramen with a lighter soup based pairing with Chashu and Japanese onions. Shin Soba has a lighter color which brings forth the refreshing flavor. Don't forget to add in an extra feature of the shop - Crushed  Raw Garlic into your superbly springy noodles. The plenty of mild garlic in the broth doubled up on the flavoring with a sharper, spicy element to the ramen.

During weekdays, they do serve special selection of diner sets for two or four pax, running from 6pm for Mondays - Thursday only. One small disappointment, most of the ramen bowls are not paired with ajitsuke tamago (marinated soft boiled eggs). They are only available in a separate side dish.

In current, they only have their first outlet in Avenue K and another upcoming outlet will be in Mid Valley real soon. With the ramen craze popping all over the nation, we are confident that Bankara Ramen is going to become one of the top ten list of ramen in town.

Bankara Ramen Malaysia

2nd Floor, Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

03-21818618

Hubba Hubba at Ceylon - Invito Hotel Suites KL

With its adventurous tagline of "Hooked On Life!", Hubba Hubba at Ceylon features a contemporary chic design overlaid with a relaxed dining aesthetic to relieve the stresses. Under the same umbrella of SOUL Society Group which are behind brands such as Souled Out, Tujo and WIP, Hubba Hubba's offering is encompassed in its meaning of exclamation and excitement. Tucked away in Bukit Ceylon, Hubba Hubba is the new spot for great dining experience complemented by well-crafted cocktails and wine selections.

This latest eatery is transformation of restaurant into a playful party hub at night. It features wide, high ceilings, exotic pink container backdrops plagued with funky style graffiti.  

The bar also features an electric compilation of signature drinks including Martinis, beer towers and flavored teas mixing with crushed fruits and designed by the in-house mixologists.

Lets start our food journey over here! A generous portion of tender Sirloin Steak (RM48) served with black pepper sauce, brunoise mushroom, petite salad and sweet potato fries. Medium-rare is my preferred way to eat the boneless sirloin. Here, the steak met the utmost importance, keeping it tender, juicy and flavorful. And the huge cut definitely well-worth the reasonable price tag.

Don't forget to get your hot rods in Hubba Hubba too! In combination with the raw flames of charcoal grill, their latest introductory of Chargrilled Spicy Sweet Boneless Chicken (RM60) was a hit with us. Grilled boneless chicken thighs, lightly dusted with honey. The grilled skewers are made to be shared pairing with 12 mouth watering sauces. We were all fascinated to try out the different senses of taste, to the sensation in the taste buds!

The skewers are complimented with unlimited sides. The best part, they poured out a mixed bucket full of Sweet Potato Fries & Potato Wedges. The combination of both fries and wedges was perfectly balanced with great flavors of sweet, spicy and salty!

We also ordered one of their pastas, Creamed Fettuccine served with Mushrooms and Spinach (RM28). The pasta was prepared with a lighter and simple cream sauce instead of a heavy one. The sauce was thin, slight watery and with little flavor.

YES, they aren't kidding! They are offering the "10,10.10" deal - RM10 for beers, liquors and sangria for 10 hours, Everyday! We truly enjoyed our Peach and Watermelon Martinis!

It's definitely a marvelous spot to kick back a few impeccable drinks topping up with a vast array of scrumptious delights and not to forget remarkable service and friendliest vibes. It also has another outlet nestled in Menara CIMB, Sentral with memorable outdoor setting.

Hubba Hubba at Bukit Ceylon

1, Lorong Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur. (Invito Hotel Suites)

017-7867611

South Sea Seafood Restaurant - Kg. Baru Subang

Want to have the typical Chinese seafood but with a view overlooking the airport runway and exclusive selections of wines, hand picked from various wine cellar around the world ? Here, South Sea Seafood Restaurant provide you one of the finest dinning with aquarium seafood experience. When you step through the entrance, you enter a spacious, air-conditioned indoor and al-fresco dinning spaces created. It's suitable for both classy dinning purposes as well as for celebrating your special occasions over here. 

This newly refurbished restaurant is located on the outskirts of the iconic Subang airport. The restaurant features Balinese and Thai interior decorating ideas, well-designed to give you that perfect dining experience. It gets really crowded especially during peak meal times. We came here during dinner time and it was pretty busy inside and out with patrons. Reservations are recommended.

At South Sea's they craft dishes only with the fresh seafood from the aquarium and prepared with a dedication and paired by an enviable selection of unique wines. They showcase their wide selection of fresh seafood such as spider crabs. lobsters, clams etc in the various huge aquariums. Workers will fish out those seafood once you've made your order.

We are able to order the fresh seafood from the aquarium. The menu offers several standard cooking chinese cooking styles and complement them with a bottle of wine or fresh beer. What else distinguish South Sea from the typical chinese seafood restaurant? The impressive in-house wine cellar definitely sets them in high spirits with great choices of whites, reds and even champagne.

First, we had the Kung-Po Prawn Mantis. The Mantis Prawn was flavorful, well prepared with nice fragrance and decorations.

We also ordered one of my favorites, Stir-Fried Squid with Salted Egg. However, the dish didn't meet the standards. These squids were soft and not-chewy texture. We definitely expected well-seasoned chewy squids with crunchy texture outside.

Same goes to the well-decorated Signature Seafood Tofu with homemade sauce, the dish portion was a little small and nothing much to shout about.

Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes or more especially for their famous dishes. We had the rich and creamy Seafood Otak-otak with homemade spices wrapped and grilled on the sizzling plate.

After finished all the dishes, here came the last one, Stir-Fried Crabs with Seafood Soy Sauce. Their basics were pretty standard, which did not really impress us.

The restaurant caters mid-to-upper class consumers, not forgetting they are also pork-free to target our Muslim friends. Overall, it's not a truly memorable feast. Considering the steeper prices of the dishes, we would definitely expect a higher quality food with slightly bigger portion as well.  Perhaps, we should come back to splurge for their signature dish, Spider Crab which would cost minimum RM 1k and above.

Come for the pleasant restaurant environment, the food and services require further attention and improvement. 

South Sea Seafood Restaurant (Subang Airport)

No. 229, Jalan Dua A, Kampung Baru Subang, 40150 Selangor D.Ehsan, Malaysia.

Phone: 03 7846 5813