Goodbye Penang, Hello KL

Originally, I wanted to post up a blog late last night / early this morning to mark my last blog from Penang in a long while. Oh well, as I was a bit pressed on time thanks to sleeping in more than I wanted and last minute packing, can't do much about it cept for making up for it by posting asap.

As far as my last night in Penang is concerned, there's Fifi's birthday do at the beach. Besides cooking food with whatever we could use, the booze options are quite varied.

Shout-outs:
Andrew: that vodka was nasty. Can get another one next time?
Rueben: need bigger fire
Samantha: u're fun.
Fifi: ....happy birthday?

arghhh.......... ain't good at making shout-outs

Of food being next to memories

First and foremost, this isn't about comfort food. Having restaurants opening up near my old school seem to invoke a certain amount of nostalgia whenever I pass the area. Then again, the memories does not affect me as much as they affect others. Still, I did miss the cheap food from the canteen. Good too, for the price that I use to pay.

Obake-ya (Japanese food, Leith Street)

Inside one of the dining areas

View from the inside

Primary attraction: Theme (prison theme)
Main turn-off: No photos allowed, pricey food
Food quality: so-so

After being tipped-off by Stephanie regarding a rumour of a prison/jail themed concept restaurant, I checked the place out. Managed to convince Siew Wun (there's still the trip for snow beer next time around) to accompany me as eating alone is plain sad. While the menu selection is quite a lot, it's hard to make a decision. As for sets, there's only ONE (1) set available, called the jail set. Apt for the place, since prisoners don't get much of a choice anyway. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having the jail set, but the rest of the menu was quite a disappointment. The smoked salmon salad was served in an interesting manner (layered inside a tall glass/vase), but makes getting the salad out using chopsticks a real pain in the ass. Worst part is, no pictures allowed.. by order of the management. With that, even the fancy drinks n colourful cocktails won't redeem the place much.

Verdict: just for the experience...

Passage though India (Indian food, Leith Street)

(No pic available, sorry people)

Primary attraction: The Indian themed decor
Main turn-off: Strong smell of incense which might be unsuitable for some
Food quality: Excellent

Didn't realize that there's a branch opening at the area until the dinner at Red Garden food court. With set lunch promos going for about RM 13+, it seemed worth trying as a meal of nasi kandar will set you back between RM 5 - 10 at least, with meat and briyani rice. Also, the name of the place did have a reputation of being good, but pricey. Then again, no harm done trying out the set lunch since they're promoting it. So, I managed to talk my dad into going there for lunch the other day. Had variations of chicken and a lamb dish. The masala tea is somehow flavourful, but might not be your cup of tea. Unless you have a palate that is used and numbed by spicy food to the point where anything short of a cili padi will not register, you will agree that the food is good once you tried it. The naan bread does have a bit to be desired though. Then again, they serve good food here.

Verdict: Might come again for lunch, when I happen to be near and out-vetoed others to eat here.

Movie madness season (summer releases)

Now that it's summer in the US, there's a whole load of movies being released, which means quite a bit of catching up with the nearby neighborhood cineplex and hoping for good seats.

Movies to watch / (watched so far)

1. Kung Fu Panda (skadoosh..)
2. The Incredible Hulk (Hulk...smash...)
3. Get Smart (...Anne Hathaway's hot)
4. Wanted (bullet bending & Angelina Jolie's hotness)
5. Hancock (your head will go up his @$$...*noise*, voila! a centaur)
6. Hellboy 2
7. Dark Knight
8. Red Cliff
9. Mummy 3
10. Wall-E
11. (to be updated... someone remind me)

Going to keep my fingers crossed that I'll not be dragged to watch kung fu mixed up with other elements (gambling for the most obvious example), but gun fu is most welcome. Going off for now...