tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4322237576118227842024-02-21T03:50:37.339+08:00my|consumer|nationRon Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-69810200190238170702010-11-19T18:40:00.000+08:002010-11-19T23:53:43.229+08:00Blog updatesHey folks who are still following me here ... A few updates to the blog:<br />
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<ol><li>It is now back on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Blogger</a>.</li>
<li>It is now known as <b>My Consumer Nation</b> ("my" for Malaysia or myself ... depends on how you look at it.)</li>
</ol><div>Everything else is pretty much the same. I had left a last post in the Wordpress version of this blog to direct whoever's still accessing it over there. Do update your bookmarks, aight!</div>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-42938857812576869012010-11-11T23:54:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:43:14.645+08:00Opportunistic food vendingHow would you feel, when your favorite hawker food for all-time, decides to up its price - just for the hols?<br />
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Not by 10 sen or twenty, mind you .... that being the very common rate of increase in virtually all food these days ... but a whole 50 sen! Yes: half a Ringgit ...<br />
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That's what happened recently, when I had the best Char Koay Teow this part of Ipoh: from RM3.00 (which is already a 30-sen increase from pre-Hari Raya prices) in October ... to RM3.50, for a plate of with egg and cockles (no shrimp.) From what I see on the rest of the stalls' price lists - price hikes are across the board for every dish in the shop. The only thing that did not get a price rise are the drinks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://myconsumernation.blogspot.com/2006/07/restoran-new-holly-wood.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SAM_0055 1600x1200" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-39" height="300" src="http://consumernation.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/sam_0055-1600x1200.jpg" title="Restoran New Hollywood" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Sorry to say - this will be the last time I'm gonna step foot <a href="http://myconsumernation.blogspot.com/2006/07/restoran-new-holly-wood.html">into this shop</a> until the prices revert back to sanity (if ever) come 2011 ...Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-2662287028973948422009-03-13T08:00:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.212+08:00Consumer Nation Under New OwnerHellooo, everyone!<br/><br/>Yep: this is Uncle Burger - the fella that had his stuff stolen waaaaay back ... and sponsor of Consumer Nation.<br/><br/>First of all, I'd just like to give a big shout-out to y'all that had bumped into CN while blog-surfing ... yeah, I know it has been accidental all these while ;-) But nevertheless, y'all contributed towards the comments of really old postings - that's cool. Thanks!<br/><br/>As you can see by now, I'm renovating the looks of the blog. Put in a new exterior with some crisp lines, simple colors, and a layout to highlight the magazine-styled postings that we've been doing all this while.<br/><br/>At this moment, CN is a one-man show ... me :-p That shouldn't be a problem, and I hope to stick in more posts as soon as I can. I'm also working on some really cool ways to help you - the reader - to locate the stuff that is written here in CN ... Think satellites ;-)<br/><br/>Alright, better keep this short ... Y'all got any questions about Consumer Nation - please feel free to drop me a comment or two. Thanks again!Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-13029613885772498552006-09-28T20:35:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.149+08:00Uncle Burger hit by thievesIn a very sad development, our sponsor, <strong>Uncle Burger</strong>, reported that his stove, table and parasol was stolen from his residence yesterday morning at around 10:30am.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>He has reason to suspect that the thieves are a bunch of neighborhood misfits on bicycles staking out houses in Ipoh Garden East (Ipoh) for metal goods to be sold as scrap. (Iron is fetching high prices at scrap these days.) I did a bit of investigation in Uncle Burger's neighborhood this morning, with queries to his neighbors, surrounding street residents, and the commercial shopowners fronting the area.<br/><br/>Apparently, a bunch of 18-to-25-year olds on foot and bicycles have been spotted wandering around the area frequently between 10am~4pm. Uncle Burger's neighbors at Taman Kemuncak reported that a bunch of young men had been loitering at a small park just beside their row of houses just 15 minutes prior to Uncle Burger's return and discovery of the loss. Two of his regular customers and friends staying in the same development and the adjacent Taman Perak reported that they had car alloy wheels and metal tables removed from the porches of their homes within the past month. Both houses' gates were securely locked, with one having a 6-foot high security sliding gate.<br/><br/><a href="http://consumernation.wordpress.com/2006/08/10/kedai-makanan-minuman-taman-timur-ipoh-garden-east/">Kedai Makanan & Minuman Taman Timur</a>, which is situated at this very area, related that they had lost almost half a dozen iron drain covers and its replacements in front of the shop within a week. An adjacent shop undergoing renovations at the same block had its electrical cables and wiring ripped off within an hour of it being put up, yesterday.<br/><br/>The houses of quad-area Ipoh Garden East, Taman Kaya, Taman Perak, and Taman Kemuncak is rapidly sought-after these days due to their very strategic location, which features 4 of Ipoh's largest shopping malls and retailers within its 5-kilometre radius. Obviously, they are not only the preference of homeowners, but of thieves and robbers too as the main road connecting these shopping destinations go through the quad-area.<br/><br/>Homeowners there should now be more vigilant of suspicious activity, especially groups of 2 and more riding around in bicycles and motorbikes during work hours. Uncle Burger has told me that he is considering talks with the local police and residents in forming and bringing back Rukun Tetangga or a neighborhood association to serve the security and other homeowner needs.<br/><br/>Please join me in wishing Uncle Burger success in his noble cause, and help him get back on his feet by patronizing his stand whenever you happen to be around Jusco, Tesco, Makro, or Giant. He is open from 8pm~11pm, Tuesdays thru Sunday and can be found just off the main road of Jalan Perajurit, beside the bus stop and directly opposite the <strong>ABC Trading</strong> pet store.Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-89355082265623441452006-09-28T19:49:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.138+08:00CN is back ... almostHarroo! I'm back from the trip to Singapore!<br/><br/>Plenty of stuff to write about, but we are pooped :P Give me some time, ya ... would likely have something up by the end of this week; which is like, 24 hours away ...Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-63116237831728798292006-09-21T00:43:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.127+08:00CN's trip, south of the border ...We are going to Singapore!<br/><br/>Choice of transport? Luxury coach from Ipoh: A 20-seating, LCD-screening, DVD-playing fully-reclining chair, First-Class-lounge-on-wheels transport :D Not much of a choice anyway, given <a href="http://archives.thestar.com.my/search/default.aspx?query=AirAsia" target="_blank">the spat</a> between the Perak state government and <a href="http://www.airasia.com" target="_blank">AirAsia</a> on the suspension of the budget airline's Ipoh-Senai route ...<br/><br/>But, hey: we are going on a roadtrip!<br/><br/>I'll be documenting the ride, and all else products and services (mostly food!) that one should come in contact with as a consumer traveling two-thirds the length of Peninsular Malaysia. I'll also be reviewing the products and services while in Singapore, thus making the following articles a first for CN as product/service reviews exiting Malaysian borders.<br/><br/>So wish me luck in getting some decent Internet connections on the way there, including Singapore - see you there!Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-2608331922580854052006-09-14T08:00:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.113+08:00Consumer Nation officially on WordPress.com - welcome!That's right, folks - <strong>CN</strong> is now fully powered by <a href="http://wordpress.com" target="_blank">WordPress.com</a>, the greatest blogging system in the universe. Well, ok ... not the universe, but it's darn good and as idiot-proof as a blogging interface can get. <a href="http://wordpress.com/signup/" target="_blank">Sign up</a> for one yourself!<br/><br/>Please read on for important information for existing CN Premier and Standard members!<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>You can bookmark us on or <a href="http://www.consumer-nation.com">http://www.consumer-nation.com</a> <a href="http://consumernation.wordpress.com">http://consumernation.wordpress.com</a>. Both will get you here on the main page, where the top 10 latest news and reviews of the consumer world in Malaysia is presented to you. Earlier postings can be accessed by a link at the bottom of the main page, or you can choose to view all at any particular month using our <strong>Archives</strong> links on the sidebars.<br/><br/><strong>Current CN Premier members:</strong> You do not need to do anything for now other than read your consumer news and reviews here ;-) Your premier member status remains, and your CN Premier member cards remain as functional as before.<br/><br/><strong>For both CN Premier & CN Standard members:</strong> The one difference would be in the comments posting: You <ins>do not need</ins> to "login" anymore in order to post, but <ins>you will be required</ins> to enter your existing membername and email address - the same ones you used when signing up in the old forum format. If you do not do so, your comments will not be shown, and deleted. Remember!<br/><br/><strong>New CN Standard members:</strong> Welcome! Just create your new username & enter a <ins>valid and contactable email address</ins> when posting your comments. It is used solely to contact you in times regarding member status and/or CN emergency announcements (site down, maintenance, etc.)<br/><br/><strong>New CN Premier members:</strong> CN Premier membership is by invitation only; you need to be a CN Standard member first. A nominal annual membership fee is required to help maintain the costs of Premier membership administration, benefits, and privileges. For more information on CN Premier membership, look out for the <ins>CN Premier FAQ</ins> (work in process.)<br/><br/><strong>We do not divulge nor sell our members' email addresses, period.</strong> We hate spam as much as you do, and will protect them to our fullest capabilities and control. Enough said.<br/><br/><strong>My name is </strong><strong>arbee</strong>, and I am your Host and main news/reviews man :-) We welcome voluntary contributions of news/reviews from our members; thank you for visiting us. Do come over more, and hope to have you as our member soon!Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-3030832490730687962006-09-10T10:31:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.098+08:00Pretty good!It looks like we are <em>almost</em> on "all-systems-go" for <strong><a href="http://www.wordpress.com" title="Get your own blog or username/login today!" target="_blank">Wordpress.com</a></strong> to host and manage <strong>Consumer Nation</strong> (or <strong>CN</strong> for short since our inception.)<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>We have tested out the interfaces for members/consumers/readers to interact with CN via a blog format versus the old discussion forum format, and admit that CN is better served using a blog format - something that has long been my personal stand. Somehow, the stuff we write about ... does not seem to get through as clearly on convoluted, multiple-line, multiple-forum interfaces. And blogging about the stuff we consume everyday is - now, with Wordpress.com - much faster and simpler than using a forum post entry system.<br/><br/>We will continue to test out the commenting system before we start to port the existing posts from the forum to this site. This should start in reverse chronological order - the earliest 10 entries of the forum will appear first to preserve the chronological order of a blogging format. We hope that once the porting starts, that you will help us put the commenting system to test.<br/><br/>Thanks for catching up with us!Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-74733964200201999262006-09-05T11:52:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.041+08:00A test site for Consumer NationHi everyone that has happened to stumble upon this site!<br/><br/>I'm just testing out the WordPress.com functionality to see if we can work here the way a lazy fella like me would love to. That means NO more script security fixes, updates, upgrades, and stuff like that ... I'm currently hosting my stable of blogsites using WordPress, see.<br/><br/>Everything seems to be dumbed-down nicely from a long-time WP user's point of view ... but I dunno. There's still a whole bunch of "functionality" I believe I seriously do not need, nor do I wanna see as I'm of the type that loves to click at whatever crap I see ("Ooo ... what's this do ..?") and end up screwing myself :-(<br/><br/>Let's give this a couple of weeks and see what happens. Meanwhile, you can check with our sponsors <a href="http://www.ipohpodcast.com" title="Ipoh Blog & Podcast" target="_blank">Ipoh Blog & Podcast</a> and <a href="http://www.klpodcast.com" title="KL Blog & Podcast" target="_blank">KL Blog & Podcast</a>.<br/><br/>Thanks for visiting!Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-16677580798389419302006-08-29T18:02:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.029+08:00Schlotzsky's, Ipoh ParadeAlrighty - this is <em>not</em> gonna be a nice, long review. In fact, it's gonna be short and rather bitter :mad: cos I really did not expect what I had coming when I plonked down in this <em><strong>Schlotzsky's</strong></em> outlet which I had held in high regard - in the US, that is. Here? Sorry lah. Here's what happened ...<br/><br/>I was like, thirsty and slightly nibblish after window-shopping around Ipoh Parade with friends lah, right ... So we decided to sit down at this "Funny Name, Serious Sandwich" shop smack midways up/down the ground floor of the mall lah, right ... Order lah: 3 drinks, 2 plates of nibbles (something hot dog one, I forgot lah). Service cantik. Waiting time wasn't so cantik ... makan ok ... until I saw the bill.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/><strong> Bloody hell, RM30!!</strong><br/><br/><img src="http://static.flickr.com/72/179273302_c6339e6c5b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /><br/><br/>3 fruit/Milo-like drinks - not some fancy drinks, ya - plus 2 itsy-bitsy tiny plates of some hacked-up, battered hot dog from God-knows-where (the blackish blobs) and 2~3 pieces of fish bites ... RM30?? Wah-lauuu, I tell you ... hot man, myself :mad: I seriously dunno what they are gonna charge for their sandwiches and other elaborate dishes.<br/><br/>Better make sure you got at least RM100 in cash before you step in there, man.<br/><br/><em>Note: This post was read 4 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-80562086425902865592006-08-17T09:49:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:59.011+08:00KFC inconsistenciesI've always had a nagging feeling that quality control - especially for an international food franchise - in Malaysian KFC outlets is, well ... non-existent. But I was never able to prove it in material - until now.<br/><br/>Recently I decided to try their new item: Cheesy BBQ Meltz. I was in Parit Buntar (Perak) one day, so here's what I ordered up at this town's only KFC outlet:<a name='more'></a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/200099798/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/200099798_8d4c456894.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Great stuff; loved it. Later, I got back to Ipoh and decided to again have the same thing at their Kinta City outlet:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/207138093/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/79/207138093_029376a139.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/>I would like to categorically state beforehand that both the above photos were taken immediately after I opened their serving boxes; I did not touch them nor shook them around in transit from counter to table. The Kinta City outlet's preparation was <em>half</em> the thickness of their Parit Buntar outlet's, and was comparitively junk ... it's just a limpid mess.<br/><br/>What is <em>your</em> experience with KFC?<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 5 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-57152925804391241052006-08-17T09:02:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.980+08:00Stadium foodcourtThere is a name for these row of stalls wrapped around the exterior (well, it's on the east side) of Perak Stadium ... but I honestly never noticed. I just call it the <strong>stadium foodcourt</strong>. Maybe I'll notice it the next time I get around there; and update the title of this topic.<br/><br/>I like this place. Besides ample parking in front of the stalls on the service road, this place has quite a bit of variety for the breakfast and lunch going crowd. Most of the stalls are non-halal, but there's a strip closer to the swimming pools that caters specificly to Muslim patrons with Malay-owned stalls. Don't assume that all the other stalls in the foodcourt are non-halal though ...<a name='more'></a> There's a rather popular char koay teow stall (just 2 stalls away from the stadium's east-side entrance) that is not only pork-free, but certified as halal by the authorities - check out that green halal seal on the signboard:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/200099794/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/65/200099794_e6db9c8e77_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/200099796/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/58/200099796_ba57137291_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br/><br/>I dunno about it being from Taiping or not ... but I can attest to the fact that this stall serves up some pretty good-tasting char koay teow, halal or otherwise. But I still prefer my favorite dish in this foodcourt - the Hong Kong chee cheong fun:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/211796894/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/69/211796894_9e40280131.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>A bit pricey at RM2.80 for a large plate (well for us Ipohites la) but it's the best I can find without going downtown. You can have it with either char siew or fresh prawn fillings, or both.<br/><br/>There are many other good stuff here ... try the jawa mee, wan tan mee, and the other char koay teow stalls (except the ones open at night - yuks). I also heard that the banana leaf curry stall next to the halal char koay teow is very popular for its cook-on-order fish head curry. And judging by the crowd during lunchtime and the heavenly smells coming outta the stall ... it's good :D<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 4 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-35625811600087894002006-08-11T05:39:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.939+08:00Kedai Makanan & Minuman Taman Timur, Ipoh Garden EastWow: I just realized this neighborhood kopitiam which I've been patronizing for yonks is named after a non-existent residential park ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194515566/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/58/194515566_c82659cdf9.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Anyways, <em><strong>Kedai Minuman & Makanan Taman Timur</strong></em> is the de facto kopitiam for me - if you wanna meet up with me, be there every morning, 8am to 9am :lol: I present to you here, the stuff that I think are passable for daily consumption (meaning you won't puke after having it for 3 days in a row) ...<a name='more'></a> These following 2 concoctions are from the stall that sells not only curry, but clear soup noodles and laksa as well (non-halal):<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/198636960/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/68/198636960_ffb694f802_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190755016/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/78/190755016_b04bfc7810_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br/><br/>Those are my usual dinner (yeah I'm there for dinners some, too) dishes. For mornings, I go for either the hokkien mee (2 stalls mornings/afternoons - best is mornings), wan tan mee (2 different stalls mornings/afternoons/nights) or this - the lam mee (RM2.30) which is on for the mornings only:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/203628913/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/57/203628913_cf3f566421.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>An occasional bent for something fried sees me having the char koay teow, which I must say is the least tasty ... It only opens for morning hours. There are 2 stalls for mornings/afternoons selling nyonya kueh. One of them has some really good egg tarts ... I believe it's the stall manned by an elder lady. They confuse me. Sometimes the elder lady opens mornings, sometimes she does the afternoons :???:<br/><br/>The best thing about this kopitiam is the abundance of parking, and its very good local kopi-o; thick and teeth-blackening. Just the way I like it! You must try it iced or hot, even if you don't eat. I guarantee you it's worth your time. Prices of food and drinks here are at a slight premium, though but many patrons don't mind as the stuff here is above average in both taste and quantity.<br/><br/>Location is optimum for visitors to the Medan Ipoh commercial area, and of course for the residents of Ipoh Garden East. I would even recommend this kopitiam for outstation travelers due to its easy access from the nearby North-South Expressway (Ipoh Selatan exit) ... it's a brain-dead location, really :lol:<br/><br/><em>Edit, August 17, 2006: </em>Here are some other stuff you can find in this kopitiam ... First, the mornings-only wan tan mee:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/211796895/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/98/211796895_216a0de479.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Then, the fried rice (with an extra sunny-side up egg for me here) from the all-day fried mee/rice stall:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/216776440/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/60/216776440_ad9ec6e200.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>I finally "solved" the nyonya kueh, dual-stall scenario: Apparently the mornings-only lady is a bit uncooperative (from the eyes of the hawkers there) and refuses to vacate the stall for the afternoons-only business ... and hence, can be found selling as late as 2:30pm to 3:00pm. It seems that she'll only pack up and go when she completely sells of her kueh for the day. Successful or not, dunno la ... but she *is* a bit pushy - and you gotta watch how she tallies up the bill for you when you buy from her ... :roll:<br/><br/><em>Note: This post was read 10 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-90100301848792923852006-08-10T00:17:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.901+08:00Do you do roadside burgers?Just curious: Do you eat burgers cooked at roadside stalls? If you do, where are you located in Malaysia?<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/223523118/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/83/223523118_ceb86a35ae.jpg" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/223523118/" target="_blank"><a name='more'></a></a><br/><br/>On average, how often do you consume them:<br/><ul><br/> <li>Daily? :shock:</li><br/> <li>Weekly?</li><br/> <li>Every 2 weeks?</li><br/> <li>Once a month thing?</li><br/> <li>Never - what the hell are roadside burgers??</li><br/></ul><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 16 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-53444315582739740142006-07-27T00:30:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.440+08:00Oldtown Cafe, Medan IpohMost of you in Ipoh would have noticed the "new face" of one of Ipoh's famous white coffee brewers - <i><b>Oldtown Cafe</b></i>. I'm not too sure who are its owners, but it's probably safe to say that Oldtown is somehow connected to the Nam Heong kopitiam (best known for its instant Old Town White Coffee, sold virtually everywhere). Maybe someone can enlighten me further here ... anyhow, on to my lil review!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/198638001/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/65/198638001_0ad3a3179b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/198638001/" target="_blank"><a name='more'></a></a><br/><br/>Oldtown Cafe has several outlets in Ipoh, but the one I'm reviewing here is located in Medan Ipoh; just beside Tesco. Look for this place no problem wan ... you pusing-pusing around the Tesco building sure you can see, since its signboard is sooo big ;)<br/><br/>The very first thing you'll notice upon approaching Oldtown Cafe is the very dark "wood" veneer walls and black-painted facade, lending it a very warm and modern look, yet preserving a old-world kopitiam charm from the pre-war Malaya period. Indeed, wall-sized photos depict scenes of life in then-Malaya in sepia tone. Hell, it works for me ;) The outlet is actually 2 shoplots renovated to 1. The left lot as you approach its twin entrance is air-conditioned and for non-smoking patrons; the one on the right is not but ventilated by old-style fans and opens out to a side lane. Seating consists of both booths, aluminum cafe-style sets, and my favorite - marbletop coffee tables and stools.<br/><br/>Enough about the decor - how's the food and most importantly, the coffee?<br/><br/><b> First, the food.</b> Here's one of the more popular items served the Ice Fire Polo Bun. Sorry la, it's sooo good, I whack two-thirds oredi before remembering to take the photo :oops:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194514434/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/72/194514434_87c33d90f8.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>It's a toasted custard scone-of-sorts with a thick slice of frozen butter in between :evil: Those got heart problems wan, bring your doctor along before consuming this aa ... Next time I go again I take a photo of a *complete* bun ok? Solli, solli ... Moving on, here's yet another kenot-tahan-whack-first-take-photo-later snack called the Oldtown Peanut French Toast -this wan, doctor's attendance also good idea:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194514206" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/66/194514206_6fbbd092b8.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Ok: the French Toast, I had to at least slice it apart for you to see what's inside, right :razz: It's peanut butter sandwiched between 2 thick slices of bread, coated with egg ... and deepfried :shock: It's served with a cut of butter on top, which I had spread over after it melted; hence the glistening in the photo, hehehe ... And then the all-time breakfast serving (but everyone does it anytime these days) buttered toast with half-boiled eggs.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190752220/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/46/190752220_320d8d5945.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>I noted that they use brown wheat bread (not to be mistaken for wholemeal) for their bread concoctions, and only use the white ones on the items labeled as "old town"-something ... Before you start thinking that all they serve for food is bread, lemme tell you they got some pretty great-tasting rice and noodle dishes too, starting from the curry mee (left) and laksa (right):<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190750674/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/77/190750674_e71e9575c3_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190751002/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/47/190751002_190f7ec47f_m.jpg" /></a><br/><br/>The Ipoh-style chicken-n-shrimp koay teow soup:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190752874/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/55/190752874_39670b480d.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>And the curry chicken rice:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190751875/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/66/190751875_e02deddbd0.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>The coffee. Ah ... the coffee is rather disappointing, really. I had assumed that there will be a master apek coffee brewer in the house, but no ... The coffee and tea drinks are all made from instant 3-in-1 sachets - *just* like the ones you can buy off supermarket shelves :shock: It was such a huge disappointment, really ... but then to be fair, the mix sachets are pretty good (for 3-in-1's) ... just *never* as good as a freshly brewed cuppa.<br/><br/>I kinda like their white coffee with hazelnut flavor. Always liked hazelnut-flavored coffee. The way I do it myself is using Coffee-Mate's Hazelnut Flavored Creamer + Nescafe ... Not sure how they get the hazelnut into Oldtown coffee mixes, though.<br/><br/>So ok - overall, a nice place to hang out with friends over a cuppa and snack some before any meal. I like it enough to go there 2~3 times a week :razz: Prices are, of course, a premium over your neighborhood kopitiam - figure in about an extra 60 sen over your kopitiam prices per cup. Food prices are premium also, but not so much that you'll yell murder considering the "ambiance".<br/><br/>It's always the ambiance, right? Here you can come and sit around in your t-shirt, shorts and slippers; no problem wan. Girls all come here decked up for the night out or look as if they are inviting you to bed, hehehe ... but it's cool. 'Thing is ... where else can you go for Ipoh white coffee at night?? The best white coffee kopitiams all close after 7pm ...<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 27 times in the past.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-57857374877843838982006-07-24T21:50:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.398+08:00The Mentally-Blind Motorist SyndromeRecently, the Ipoh City Council went about the whole of Ipoh Garden and its surrounding areas, repainting road markers, lines, and parking lots. That's utterly commendable - syabas! Job long overdue, but still most welcome.<br/><br/>Having said that, the folks around Ipoh Garden have pretty much adapted to a "no-lines-so-taroh-onli-who-cares" mentality. Although the demarcation lines are highly visible now, motorists cannot "see" them anymore after over 10 years of driving around purely by experience around the area (where's the parking lot, stay off that road shoulder cos ada lobang, fire hydrant tarak pakai one so park onli nobody kacau one, etc.) - and here's the result:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194513543" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/57/194513543_e78738eabd_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194513869" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/66/194513869_3b1ee27497_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br/><br/><a name='more'></a><br/><br/>Yeah - cyclists included. These are just 2 of the dozens of <em><strong>Mentally-Blind Motorist Syndrome</strong></em> (MBMS) cases I've seen rearing its ugly head day-in, day-out in Ipoh Garden. If I am to photograph every single MBMS case, I would end up with thousands by the year end :???:<br/><br/>Please la, people ... go to the eye clinic, take Panadol, whatever - cure yourself of MBMS before it gets worse. Eventually the sickness will occur everywhere else you go with your car/bicycle, and then you complain when the city council / traffic police saman you :( How la like dat ...<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 29 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-24038159610318554192006-07-24T20:28:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.382+08:00Kinta City FoodcourtJust a quick post on one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite: <i><b>Kinta City Foodcourt</b></i> - otherwise known to locals as "the Jusco foodcourt".<br/><br/>What I like about this foodcourt is the fact that it's big, convenient (especially when I need to grab some stuff at Jusco), air-conditioned, and clean. Plenty of parking space on Kinta City's roof parks and great access from there down to the foodcourt, too. A friend who works nearby told me once that this is the only logical place to have lunch during weekdays due to the abundance of parking lots, relatively sparse traffic - and air-conditioning on the cheap :P<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>All the feel-good atmosphere of a makan place is for nothing, if it doesn't serve up at least palatable food. And boy, do I have a favorite here; <b>vegetarian rice!</b><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/179283929/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/49/179283929_6f56a5f4a6.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>This selection, for instance. It costs just RM2.50! Enough to feed the vegetarian fetish in me, hehehe ... Mind you, it's not the best vegetarian I've had so far (that's another review) but for a quick, easy, and comfortable vegan meal? This has no comparison. But here's a tip if you wanna sample fresh vegetarian dishes here: Have your meal between 12pm~2pm and 6pm~8pm. This is when they have just cooked up the dishes. If you go anywhere in between, you *might* have some problem with variety and soggy veggies. Especially the fried rice and noodles. Stay away from them if you're not planning to have them for lunch.<br/><br/>Besides this vegetarian rice, there are some other notable stalls, too. Like yong tau foo and chee cheong fun, and claypot chicken rice. I'll grab some photos of these dishes and add them to this forum thread as-and-when I have these dishes; you're most welcome to link to yours if you have them before me ;)<br/><br/><i>Edit August 10, 2006:</i> Had the great vegetarian rice again this evening for dinner, and ... the yong tau foo. This plate cost me RM4.60. I had a stackful of kangkung somewhere down there ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/211796896/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/97/211796896_3e6ccac3ed.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><b>Conclusions:</b> a great place for quick makan before/after shopping or catching a movie at Kinta City Shopping Centre. 5% of your bill will go to the government as sales tax here, but I don't think that's a big hindrance to enjoying a meal - consider it as the price to pay for convenience and comfort. There was some noise made in the local papers some time ago about the high prices of bottled mineral water sold in this foodcourt. All I can say to these folks is: you don't have to buy it if the price ain't right ;) I buy my <i>Jusco Selection Mineral Water</i> (1.5L) at the supermarket below and bring it up prior to my meals (cheap, hehehe yeah) ... you are welcome to try that, too!<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 28 times in the past.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-84164726678771948562006-07-18T06:15:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.362+08:00Bala's Chalet Hotel & Restaurant<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185663881" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/185663881_e41bbca013.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><em><strong> Bala's Chalet Hotel & Restaurant</strong></em> was definitely not our first choice of accomodation. Going up to Cameron after 6pm at any given day is <em>not</em> a good idea. But we did so cos it's just too bloddy HOT at sea level Ipoh. No matter what, we're determined to catch some cool mountain air over the weekend. The idea is to get a truly great stay experience in Cameron without a reservation. Just to see if that is possible. We were shooting for some place that will accomodate our budget of RM100~150 for a night's stay.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>No go :lol:<br/><br/>After running about several of the 4-star-and-above hotels and finding them all fully booked, it was either Bala's or nothing. The price was all wrong - RM260 with continental breakfast - but we sure as hell didn't wanna go back down to Ipoh then; not after the breath of fresh and cold air. So Bala's we did ... and we weren't disappointed much. Here are some photos of the chalet we had for that night, named <em>Hampton Court</em>: the view as you step thru the door ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185625358" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/76/185625358_0051d2bed6_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185625861" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/56/185625861_91801a83de_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br/><br/>We thought the timber ceiling was a wee bit too low ... and what's with the stairs ... until we found out that there's actually - an attic floor!<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185626912" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/77/185626912_2a912fbdf2_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185626678" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/54/185626678_a23515647a_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br/><br/>Now: not all chalets are the same. In fact, no 2 are the same. Bala's Chalet is situated on a rather steep hillock between Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Hampton Court is situated on strip of earth carved out of the side of that hillock, very much like a tea-growing terrace. Here's how that row of chalets look like in the day, which overlooks the main building and reception (it's that row of pointy roofs):<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185632831" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/75/185632831_ff014e9450.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>The terrace is no wider than 15 meters - including the chalet itself. And the steep climb up to that terrace ... trust me, you don't wanna climb up more than once a day :lol:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185671958" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/56/185671958_fc3aaccbde_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185670693" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/74/185670693_93e8cf3fe0_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a><br/><br/>I'm sure you get the idea now: Bala's Chalet is beautiful. Every scene, every view from within and out is a sight to behold and literally throws you back in some time warp to the Victorian era. Lookit the main dining hall:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185639728" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/73/185639728_791a9e98f5_m.jpg" height="240" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185638506" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/1/185638506_ae6b13b40f_m.jpg" height="180" width="240" /></a><br/><br/>The main tea room:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185668023" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/47/185668023_54ab1794c1.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br/><br/>The main building apparently was a school back in ye olde days when Cameron the dude himself was still around :lol: It now houses the unique hotel rooms and Mr. Bala's private residences:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185636159"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/68/185636159_3a2ab13aff.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>I could go on and on with the photos. Over 40 of them actually ... <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/sets/72157594202042496/" target="_blank">see all of them</a> in my <em><strong>Flickr</strong></em> photoset.<br/><br/>The accomodation was great. Unfortunately, the continental breakfast was a huge letdown. I've never been partial to conti breakkies: I mean, how da heck are you supposed to fill up with just bread and tea? It costs RM10 per head. Mr. Bala said that I could "upsize" to the American breakfast set by paying the difference of RM8.50, in which I promptly did. It wasn't too hot a breakfast, either :sad: My recommendation is to do away with breakfasts at Bala's Chalet and take your money to Tanah Rata where you can get some happening portions of breakfast sets for half the price.<br/><br/>Then, there's the hot shower in the chalets ... or rather, the lack of it. Hot water is a test of real patience. When it comes, it's SO hot, you'd cook yourself in seconds. And when it goes ... it goes for hours on end. Sorry la if it's a really cold night and everyone on the block starts taking hot showers ... Definitely not up to mark for the room rates charged.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185628004" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/56/185628004_1dc3fb632d.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Conclusions: Bala's Chalet & Restaurant is a great place to spend a night in and just tour the grounds - with a reservation. It is a bit pricey, but it buys you some really great photo moments with friends, family and lovebirds. Ah, yes - lovers: Don't book the chalet accomodation ...<br/>The walls are kinda thin, if ya know what I mean :wink:<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 36 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-2634686513468230982006-07-18T00:11:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.347+08:00D'Polo RestaurantI should be getting all my road names right by now *sigh* ... maybe I'll get a roadmap of Ipoh later. Oops - hi :) Right! My review on D'Polo Restaurant in Ipoh, hehehe ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/195969411/"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/75/195969411_6019f1f328.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><i></i><br/><br/><i><b>D'Polo Restaurant</b></i> is a multi-ethnic cuisine kinda eatery, set in the super-duper big compound of one of them big colonial bungalows around the former polo grounds. In fact, it's right in front of the grounds, on Jalan Brash. Please don't ask me what's the new name of that polo ground ... everybody knows the polo grounds, ok? *sigh* You probably made out there once before too (or maybe still do, hahaha!)<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>Anyways ... multi-ethnic cuisine = semua pun ada la. Western, Malay, Thai, Chinese, etc ... all halal. Owned, operated, and food cooked up by Muslims. The place is h-u-g-e. Most of the tables are set under the open skies with brollies over them just in case the heavens decide to open up and give you some nasi goreng banjir (don't laff - happened to me before ok.) There are about 20 or so round tables set under a big canopy for semi-indoor dining also, if you are not feeling too confident of the weather. The kitchen is another building just next to the big canopy.<br/><br/><b> The food.</b> Ah, the food ... First summary? Good. Dishes sampled are good ol' Fish & Chips ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190755868" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/190755868_9f8e497427.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>... Nasi Goreng Nenas - if you are wondering what's with the empty spot on the plate, that's where the bowl of soup went :P ...<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190756325" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/62/190756325_d397a7efc9.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>... and Nasi Goreng Ayam Cili Kering:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190755489"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/44/190755489_7376248bc6.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br/><br/>The Nasi Goreng Ayam Cili Kering photo also shows a very small portion for an order of Kangkung Belacan. The lil bowls of regular sup bunjut come standard with both nasi goreng dishes; the crackers you see on the plates are sides of keropok sayur. Drinks are pretty much standard stuff; ordered were jus laici (there were 3 good-sized lychees in there though), milo ais and kopi ais, all served in tall dessert glasses.<br/><br/>First, the Fish & Chips: quite good, really. Instead of one whole fillet of fish, it consists of several chunks of what tastes like dory; the batter over it is the difference as it tastes like the batter for Malay-style pisang goreng ... Yeah - I first thought it would be strange too, but it's surprisingly tasty with the fish. Then you have the usual portions of French fries and garnishing at the side. Special mention goes to the properly-prepared tartar sauce: for the first time in yonks, I actually see real tartar sauce served up with Fish & Chips. Most of the time, I get plain mayo :roll:<br/><br/>The Nasi Goreng Nenas was an experience from the moment the order was placed ... tastes average. Everything else came for over 15 minutes - but Nasi Goreng Nenas was still a no-show. What happened laa, we thought ... until the fellow that took our order came up to ask what's missing (probably due to the puzzled and aggravated looks at my table.) Off he went to check on what happened to the Nasi Goreng Nenas ... and came back with a rather embarrased look on his face. Apparently the kitchen thought the order was for pineapple JUICE :lol: The fella apologized profusely, and informed that the rice dish will be served in 4 minutes. I must commend him for all that effort in service - his name is Syed Nizam, the young-ish Operations Manager for D'Polo Restaurant. Excellent service - and I'll tell you why he is so top-grade stuff later.<br/><br/>The Nasi Goreng Ayam Cili Kering is Nizam's recommendation. De-boned chicken portions stir-fried with dried chillies, ginger, onions and some veggies in what I believe should be oyster-flavored sauce. A very Chinese way of cooking, and I must say tastes right. Not exceptional, but good enough.<br/><br/>Besides the slip-up on the Nasi Goreng Nenas, there were other glitches that marred an otherwise good dining experience. There was only 1 unisex toilet, which is located in a separate building about 30m's walk from the dining areas. So that means, if you wanna go ... better make it quick and pray the loo's not occupied when you get there :| There are 2 handwashing basins at the kitchen-building ... but they weren't working when I was there. So guess where's the only serviceable handwashing facility ... that's right - in that same, sole, unisex loo.<br/><br/>Prices of food and drinks were as their main signboard says: hawker food pricing - that is, if you order the hawker-style dishes. The Fish n Chips was RM7, and RM4~5 for the nasi goreng dishes. That side order of Kangkung Belacan was a dissapointment though, as it really is too small a portion to be asking RM4 for. It don't taste good, too :(<br/><br/>But overall, D'Polo Restaurant is a good place to hang out and makan-makan with friends and family; dining under the stars. It's very airy, and everyone can go across to the polo grounds opposite after dinner to walk off that excess food :lol: Dinner's just all you get to do at D'Polo: they only open 6pm onwards. Syed Nizam says they are working on opening for lunch next month, and promptly handed me a business card promoting their catering services that includes buffets. You can give him a call at (05)311-1208 or (016)536-6560.<br/><br/><i>Edit July 24, 2006:</i> I found out yesterday that D'Polo has started serving lunch.<br/><br/>Something about Syed Nizam looked and felt familiar ... the way he speaks, his gestures and posture ... He solved the riddle for me when he reveals that he is a trained hotelier and former restaurant manager at Concorde Hotel Shah Alam :D In fact, he says - all staff of D'Polo Restaurant are trained hoteliers.<br/><br/><i>Now</i> we see the familiarity in food presentation from the photos taken ;)<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 73 times.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-23247274273932419862006-07-17T22:16:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.333+08:00Restoran New Holly WoodDon't ask me why they spelt Hollywood that way. Oh, I think I know - there's another "Hollywood" kopitiam thingy in town, near the Jalan Pasir Pinji / Kampar Road junction. As far as I know, these two aren't related ... I think :roll:<br/><br/>Anyways, this one - <em><strong>New Holly Wood</strong></em> - is located at the corner of Jalan Cecil Rae and ... uh ... Jalan Lee Kwee Foh (man, I didn't even know of such a name for the street). Still dunno where ah? Well, ask around for the Canning Garden wet market: it's at the corner of the only row of shophouses beside the market. No ping-pong to find ;-) The photo below shows the service road in front, with Jalan Cecil Rae being where you see the red brick wall at the background.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/179213417" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/60/179213417_48ada92a76.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/179213417" target="_blank"><a name='more'></a></a><br/><br/>Now, this kopitiam has something special up its sleeves ... and it's rare enough in Ipoh to be deemed unique: <em>New Holly Wood is a non-pork-serving, Chinese hawker food kopitiam</em>. I stop short of calling it a halal outlet cos I've been educated by my Muslim friends that the word "halal" can only be officially used to describe eateries that are certified by the authorities as so. Since New Holly Wood doesn't have a halal cert nor emblem/sticker displayed anywhere prominently in the shop, let's just say it's good to go for our Muslim friends; you'll see plenty of Muslims and their families having their grub here at all times. There's another pork-free kopitiam right behind it ... but that's another review ;)<br/><br/>So what's served in New Holly Wood kopitiam? Quite a fair bit of all-time Ipoh Chinese hawker favorites, I must say. There's char koay teow, chee cheong fun, curry/soup mee, yong tau foo, hor hee fun, beef noodle soup, wan tan mee, prawn mee, lam mee, nasi lemak; even a nasi kandar / roti canai stall. I must warn you, though: not all stalls open simultaneously. Some are there for breakfast only; some open throughout the day - in which "day" in New Holly Wood means up to 6pm, daily.<br/><br/>My recommendations, based on the glutton that I am :oops: - would be the morning-version of char koay teow (perfect!):<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/198638505/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/77/198638505_30f6607c10.jpg" /></a><br/><br/>... then the beef noodle soup, yong tau foo, and noon-onwards, wickedly tasty-n-unique nasi lemak served up by a Thai-Indian parentage girl called Litha ::cool: Ok fine - she's a friend, but you try for yourself lah. Sure you say it's different also wan ... Oh, and there's the Hong Kong style chee cheong fun, which I'm not really partial to but my Muslim friends just love it:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/195969762/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/67/195969762_2e5572afee.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><strong> What to avoid:</strong> the noon-onwards char koay teow. Served on a sliver of banana leaf; smells good when frying also. Until you taste this RM3 dish (in the following photo) ... aiyo :(<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/190756780" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/57/190756780_39e4daf3b2.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Soggy, half-cooked egg mixed with brown koay teow and mee ... I like my char koay teow fried at top heat, dry, and eggs smelling just heavenly. This is not the case here. But hey - if soggy char koay teow is your thing (and I do have friends who like it such) - this would be perfect for you.<br/><br/>All other dishes around are decent altho I'll stop at calling it good. Boleh lah. I'm no beef noodle fan, but many say it's good. The morning-only lam mee is prepared interestingly with minced chicken ... I'd say try it. Prices of food and drinks in this kopitiam is slightly more expensive than regular (about 10 sen plus) but I think it's worth it especially when you like your visiting Muslim friends and family to try some Ipoh hawker-style food.<br/><br/>I'll update this post when I get some more pics of the food available in New Holly Wood, but hey - don't let that keep you from going ahead and try the place out. Just be aware that it can be a real sardine-can packed kopitiam during mornings and weekends :D<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 45 times in the past. </em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-38942739416267118422006-07-13T20:44:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.210+08:00Pro Car Care CentreAlright, here we go on the <em><strong>Pro Car Care Centre</strong></em> review!<br/><br/>I must say from the onset that this review is based on a car wash done on member <a href="http://klpodcast.com" target="_blank"><strong>jkn</strong></a>'s car. He was visiting and really needed to get his black Myvi spiffed up before he heads for his hometown up north. You know la; the thing about dark-colored cars ... sikit-sikit habuk all cover the thing :|<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/194516010/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/62/194516010_0faa18fd5a.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/><a name='more'></a><br/><br/>So off we went to Pro Car Care Centre (or <em><strong>PCCC</strong></em> in short) in Medan Ipoh ... not hard to find. If you use the side exit of Tesco's covered parking area, just head straight across to the opposite road. As you come to the end, you WILL see PCCC in front - not left, not right - right up front at the corner of a row of shophouses. If you exit Jusco: turn left, come to a traffic light. Turn right there, straight down until you see a white complex/building thingy on your left. Turn left into the road just before that white building, less than 50m later, first turning to your right - and you're there.<br/><br/>Now - PCCC is not just a car wash. No; it offers car polishing and waxing services too, using top-grade Japanese car detailing products from companies such as <em>Soft99</em>. Many other brands, but all Japanese I oso dunno la what da heck those things do ... janji make my car look like a million bucks without paying a million bucks can dee ... And as in all car detailing shops, you have a whole bunch of service combinations (and prices) to glam up your ride before you pick up your hot date for that glitzy clubbing night out. Or maybe just to stop the other half nagging about your cleanliness habits - or lack thereof ... So ok LAHHH!! We go wash the car, <em>okayyyy??</em><br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/193165726" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/62/193165726_6458bb87c9.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Hmm ... jkn's car actually looks better all soaped-up like that than it is dry .... :P They used to use some sorta shampoo+water in a bucket before - just like the fella under the big tree several roads away ... but now PCCC uses a funky lil machine-tub that spits out foam shampoo which resembles snow. Even falls like snow. I think that's why they call it a "snow wash" these days - nevermind. The foam's pretty thick (made me think of shampooing my hair every time I go there) and they spit it outta the hose from that machine-tub thingy, all over the car - after they got rid of the bigger chunks of dirt using water jets.<br/><br/>Then the fellas go down to work on it using their hands and bigass sponges. Quite a thorough job, I must say. Not a spot missed - which is a very common mistake by car wash shops. Scrub, scrub, scrub ... water jets go on again to hose it all off ... and then the drying begins. By hand with cotton cloths for large surface areas, and sometimes using airguns on crevices to blow out lil puddles of water. This is pretty important for me, cos far too many times have I left a car wash with a clean and dry car, only to find streaks of car shampoo + water oozing outta the crevices of the bodywork. Ugly and frustrating, man. Not in PCCC, I'm happy to note.<br/><br/>Wipes ALL over the car - no panel spared, including the insides and unders of all doors and hatches. Perfect, cos those areas are usually the dirtiest if left uncleaned after some time. Dry, dry, blow, blow ... At the same time, other workers get in and vacuum out the car's interior. Now here's what I like about PCCC's interior cleaning: not only are they thorough with the vacuuming, they actually are quite detailed in wiping down ALL parts of the interior. Including the control stalks on the steering column. If there's a part they cannot reach with a damp cloth - they actually use small brushes to get in! Now that's what I call, service well performed :cool: All interior wipedowns are done with cotton cloth and water. We didn't have a car with leather interiors to give PCCC a go, so I honestly do not know what they'll wipe leather down with. Just hope it's not water, cos it'll definitely ruin the seats.<br/><br/>So ok - done! Pretty quick too. 15 minutes or so with the Myvi, and that's not slow considering the thorough interior job done. I am rather disappointed with how they cleaned the wheels, though ... wished they used a brush on it rather than sponges, cos they consistently miss the crevices where brake dust, oil and dirt accumulate the most :| Cost? RM8 for wash+vacuum. It'll cost you more if you have larger rides; RM8 is the rate for small compacts.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/193225487" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/64/193225487_63bc69e83e.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>Conclusion: it is - so far - my best experience for a car wash around the Ipoh Garden area. The job is relatively thorough; jkn's Myvi came out clean and gleaming like a whistle. PCCC offers some sort of membership program so common with big car detailing shops; I'm not sure how that works nor cost, though. However - I'm working on getting some special rates for CN Premier Members Wink I'll update everyone on this forum thread if it comes through, ya?<br/><br/><em>Edit, August 29, 2006: </em>Just wanted to update the thread cos the boss asked me to :P<br/><br/>I am told that <em>Soft99</em> products from Japan are only used secondarily - maybe like, the less important bits? The main products in use in PCCC to give your ride a spankin' bling-bling awesome shine is from <a href="http://www.meguiars.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Meguiar's</strong></a> (USA) - check out their website, man. There's really some cool info and stuff there.<br/><br/>PCCC hasn't got back to me about the special arrangements for <strong>CN </strong>members yet :sad: Apparently Big Boss very busy ... travel here there everywhere but that's alright. Sooner or later, heheh ...<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 105 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-55979353420701783572006-07-12T00:17:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.131+08:00Nasi Goreng PaprikIt's quite a bitch to look for Malay food outlets in Cameron Highlands if you're an occassional tourist there - like me. The only places I know for sure is a foodcourt opposite HSBC bank in Tanah Rata, and another foodcourt next to the Brinchang central market. Since I was in Brinchang, I decided to get my regular dose of nasi paprik / nasi pattaya / tomyam at the market-foodcourt. Ok, ok: I know that ain't much Malay food but you tell me lah: where got authentic all-Malay food served nowadays in the Malay gerai??<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>So I went to this foodcourt and ordered nasi goreng paprik (and threw in an order of telur mata kerbau) from this stall smack right in the center of the row. Forgot the name of the stall dee; sorry :-( but can find one lah ... the center one lo. Looked at the menu board ... RM5. More expensive than usual, but then ... tourist town pricing la. Then Cameron Highlands summore, so I really expected a decent portion of really fresh veggies:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/185680080/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/74/185680080_b68ef88278.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br/><br/>As you can see - what veggies? :-( Some bits of cauliflower, beans, chilli, carrot, sawi, a slice of cucumber, plenty of onions though - what else ... 3 pieces of cili padi. Now the cili padi was sick, man; HOT - and it's just about the only thing that tastes good. There was bits and pieces of so-called chicken in there; mostly bone fragments. Lots of nasi goreng, yes - so overall the portion's large.<br/><br/>But it just don't taste anywhere near as good as some of the nasi goreng paprik I had. The telur mata kerbau was weird, too - all raw in the middle (including the whites) but fried to a crisp at the edges. How the hell did they do that la ... The rest of the stalls in that foodcourt don't look too appetizing, either. Saw a group of Europeans trying to swallow their orders of kueytiaw goreng (well it looked like kueytiaw goreng) ... I should have taken a pic of their faces. Not good.<br/><br/>Conclusion for the average tourist: give up Malay food dining in Cameron Highlands, man. Not until you meet some local Malays pointing you to the right places. Maybe I'll try the Tanah Rata foodcourt next time. Wish me luck ...<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 81 times in the past.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-16676504155350525922006-07-11T23:28:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.080+08:00FedExAlrighty: <a href="http://www.fedex.com/my/" target="_blank"><em><strong>FedEx</strong></em></a> :D You just know this is gonna be good, don't ya? Well ... <em>it is good</em>. But not from the start ...<br/><br/>After my incredibly harrowing experience at the counters of <a href="http://consumernation.wordpress.com/2006/06/29/poslaju-for-international-deliveries/" target="_blank">Poslaju</a>, I took the rest of that evening off to ponder just what the heck did I do ... I actually spurned our national courier who's almost guaranteed to be cheaper than any other commercial courier - let alone #1 big boy FedEx. But I was sooo pissed with the experience, I thought, hell: I'd pay to have my ego stroked!<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>So off I went in search of Ipoh's one and only drop-off point for FedEx - and of alllll places ... it's at Silibin - where FedEx describes it as, "<a href="http://www.fedex.com.my/my/local/loadArticle.php?articleId=716&contentId=48&articleType=7" target="_blank">strategically located in the heart of the main business district</a>" :roll: Maybe if all of Ipoh is Silibin ... So you can imagine how fantastic my trip to FedEx was then ... a stop at the Silibin industrial area to ask for directions ... "go to roundabout, turn left, then right, then you pusing-pusing inside there lah, I oso not sure exactly where" ... Pusing-pusing, I sure did. Thankfully the industrial park wasn't really big, so I found it within 5 minutes turning into the area.<br/><br/><strong> How ah?</strong> If you are approaching Silibin from Jelapang/northbound NSE; take the 12 o'clock turn on the roundabout. If you're heading there from town/Maxwell Road; take the 9 o'clock turn. Head up 100m from the roundabout, turn right at the sight of a teeny-weeny sign that says, "FedEx". Up that road, turn left onto the road <em>after</em> Hoover Lighting (also on your left). Straight up, and you'll see FedEx.<br/><br/>Why would I bother to give you detailed directions there? It's worth it, man - really. Read on. All-white building. Nice all-glass front wall to the office entrance, with a big warehouse behind that. I had log my visit at the guardhouse, though - strange for a customer, but oh well at least they have security even before handing over my shipment. That's cool. Thru the glass doors I go, and into this muted-elegant lil reception area with a huge poster of FedEx on the right wall, and comfy black leather couches around. The counter is at the far wall facing the entrance. Current newspapers and mags to read, and I could almost swear a Starbucks barista was gonna appear to hand me some iced mocha frappucino ... Fancy lah, the place hehehe.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71679667@N00/233343655/" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/91/233343655_f042ad470e.jpg" /></a><br/><br/>No one there. There's a lil desk bell though, so I ding-ed that for some service. Short wait, and a pleasant dude appeared. He handed me the <a href="http://www.fedex.com/my/tools/intlairwaybill.html" target="_blank">international air waybill</a> and proceeded to assist me in filling it up. Not a problem to do so but the help is appreciated. I then handed him my envelope, he weighed it and promptly stuck it into a <a href="http://www.fedex.com/my/tools/envelope.html" target="_blank">FedEx Envelope</a> for delivery on <a href="http://www.fedex.com/my/services/wwservices.html" target="_blank">FedEx International Priority</a> - the usual service to use for consumer shipping of documents. I noted that this service is next-business-day delivery from Penang to the US: lucky Penangnites ;-) I also must let you know that you should use the FedEx Envelope (provided FOC) for letter or document shipping cos it's much, much cheaper than using your own packaging.<br/><br/>Some quick calculation by the man ... and the cost? <strong>RM67.51</strong> - and I thought it was a mistake! That's because I used the online <a href="http://www.fedex.com/ratefinder/standalone?method=getQuickQuote" target="_blank">FedEx Rates & Transit Times</a> finder earlier, and it told me the cost is RM77.51. The FedEx man told me that I'm given a discount.<br/><br/><strong>A discount!</strong> Apparently if you drop-off your shipment personally like what I did - you get a flat RM10 discount. How cool is that? Awesome!<br/><br/>So there you are, folks. FedEx actually cheaper than Poslaju in Ipoh :-D Well ok lah ... not if you stay at far-flung areas from Silibin ... But, hell ... the service's good, you have absolute peace of mind on shipping your stuff, you just know it's all good ... it's FedEx, 'kay?<br/><br/><em>Note: This post has been read 46 times in the past.</em>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-18962179450914409382006-07-11T20:21:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:58.023+08:00Starbucks Coffee in town!Ok, fine - you might think that <i>all</i> <i><b>Starbucks Coffee</b></i> outlets there ever is and was, would offer the same thing to you - right?<br/><br/>Wrong. There are plenty of things that can make your cuppa at your local Starbucks go all nice and aromatic ... and plenty more that can really f*** it up, and take the rest of the day to hell with it.<a name='more'></a><br/><br/>Starbucks finally decided, "Ok, Ipoh can do now lah." And they decided to stick their first Ipoh outlet in a mall that really isn't much for Ipohites as it's supposed to be: Ipoh Parade. Unless you're a teenager, of course. They should really rename Ipoh Parade as Teenage Parade ... but, I digress.<br/><br/>So ok - Starbucks in Ipoh Parade. How? Dunno yet :P Haven't been there since it opened its doors, but will be going there within this week to check things out. And what will I be looking out for; to give it my personal thumbs-up for a Starbucks outlet?<br/><ul><br/> <li>Fresh coffee beans and grounds (ok this shouldn't be a problem.)</li><br/> <li>Al fresco coffee swigging, with minimal noise pollution.</li><br/> <li>Friendly, cheerful, proper English-speaking and KNOWLEDGEABLE staff, especially the managers ... I've had my fair share of permanent PMS-suffering managers.</li><br/> <li>WiFi, aka wireless broadband connection ... probably by <i><b>TMnet Hotspot</b></i>, as at every Starbucks I've been in Pen-Mal.</li><br/> <li>A PLACE to buy the damn TMnet Hotspot prepaid access cards - you'll never <i>believe</i> how many such hotspots don't sell these.</li><br/> <li>Power outlets to power me lappie when the juice runs out - you'll be amazed how many Starbucks lack these.</li><br/></ul><br/>I pass Ipoh Parade every morning on my way to work, so I guess it'll be one of these mornings ... Until then - if any of you guys drop by there sooner, let us know here what you think of the outlet based on the criteria above - and more of yours too, pretty-please!<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 77 times in the past.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-432223757611822784.post-1151349242835134832006-07-09T23:49:00.000+08:002010-11-19T18:15:57.988+08:00Excuse me, where is the hand washing basin??<i>Post contributed by member <b>definite_maybe</b></i><br/><br/>Hi CN .. sowieeeee .. It has been very crazy weeks/months for me .. work, family, love life .. sigh .. sometimes i think i fall into the category of abnormal people .. :-(<br/><br/>Anyway .. I just got back from Cameron Highlands .. and yess it is still cool .. literally :-D Just not as cool as last time .. global warming?? Ask Bush about that! Anyway, on my way back, I stopped for lunch at a food court at Brinchang, it's the one in front of Hotel Jasmine, right adjacent to Brinchang Central Market .. and i noticed there weren't any hand-washing basins/sinks .. I wonder how the premise was approved as one of the requirements for setting up food premises is to have adequate hand washing facilities. I have to go into the kitchen to wash my hands and .. hmm ..<br/><br/>I think Majlis Daerah CH should visit this place and do something about it. I mean .. it is clean alright .. but no hand washing sink??? It's unacceptable, man ..<br/><br/><i>Note: This post has been read 63 times in the past.</i>Ron Burgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05192891690496905071noreply@blogger.com1