Wednesday, July 23, 2008

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.

No comments: