Showing posts with label Japanese. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20150510 Coco Tei 此処亭 @ Jalan Delima, Kuala Lumpur


Coco Tei, or previously known as Hajime, finally reopens in 2011 after their original premise at Jalan Damai was shut down by authorities along with other restaurants that operates at the row of bungalow.

Have long heard about Hajime but never get to try until they ceased operations. Fortunately, the same management team has reopened and relocated to Jalan Delima off Jalan Tun Razak under the new name of "Coco Tei", with a brand new concept but yet still serves quality food. Coco Tei is located at the Royal Selangor Yacth Club, next to Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie and Fukuya.

Coco Tei is known for their fresh and premium sashimi, along with their famous makis and not forgetting their creative cooked food. Coco Tei prides themselves in providing the best quality food that comes with the best services.

Luckily, the premium quality comes with an affordable price tag where RM100-RM150/pax will give you a very satisfying meal, unless you opt for something more premiun. If you are on a budget, you can give their set meals a try which ranges from RM48 to RM70 per set that has a little of everything without compromising on the quality.

Coco Tei
No.5, GF-B, Jalan Delima,
55100 Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
Tel: 1800-88-6655
Fax: 03-2110-0418

Opening Hours:
(LUNCH) 10:30am until 2:30pm (Last Order 2:00pm)
(DINNER) 6:00pm until 10:30pm (Last Order 10:00pm)


TO GO


Coco Tei is conveniently (or inconveniently) located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Jalan Delima, off Jalan Tun Razak along with some other famous premises such as  Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie, Noble House, Noble Banquet and Fukuya.

Driving here would be the best option with complementary parking provided at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club. Cab or public bus is the only alternative transportation available.

It's quite challenging to locate this restaurant due to the lack of signboard and the main entrance is hidden away from the main road. You just need to identify the Royal Selangor Yacht Club with a huge outdoor carpark, or simply, just beside the Levain Boulangerie & Patisserie.



SPECIALITY



I was first brought here for lunch by one of my client back in 2014, subsequently has revisited a few times thereafter and tried their set meals, as well as ala carte meals.


The interior of the restaurant is unlike typical Japanese restaurants and more like a western cuisine restaurant with choice of normal seating tables, by the sushi bar or on tatami. Private rooms are also available on request.


The atmosphere is very cozy and relax, suitable for small gatherings and dates. The artificial tatami is actually an elevated floor with openings under the table as Malaysians are not used to the posture of sitting on a tatami.


Let's start off with their sashimi. The sashimi platter above came along with dinner sets. Most of the dinner sets are inclusive of sashimi, just read the fine print for more details on what's included in your set. Despite being included as a set, the quantity and quality of the sashimi is not compromised with fresh and thick slices of sashimi served that well worth the set price by itself! 

The sashimi for set meals will be chef's daily pick but you can always request for any personal preference. Personally I like hamachi and tuna the most and the picture above definitely will be able to tell you the freshness of the sashimi served.


Ala carte salmon sashimi salad is served with fresh greens and seasoned with sesame seed dressing. A refreshing starter before your meal and a must order if you are a salmon fan.

Salmon Sashimi Don Set - RM48++


Next would be the Salmon Sashimi Don with generous quantity of salmon sashimi and ikura served with sushi rice. The whole presentation and the fresh sashimi definitely makes you asking for more.


The cawanmushi that serve in my set meal. Not much to complain about this cawanmushi which is soft, tender and flavourful.


My pan grilled cod fish top with mentai sauce is perfectly cook where the flesh is firm and sweet, with additional flavour enhancement from the lightly torched mentai sauce. The portion might look small but the whole set is well compensated by the other dishes like the sashimi platter, cawanmushi and rice.

Pan Grilled Cod Fish set - RM58


Ala carte unagi don that is very generous in the portion of unagi, unlike some other restaurants that I had which only gives very little unagi and expects you to eat white rice only. The unagis are hidden under the blanket of eggs. The unagi are soft yet flavourful that is grilled to perfection.

Lady's set - RM55++

The lady's sampling set that has a little of everything that is suitable for first timers who wished to try the as many as possible that's on the menu. Typical dishes like salad, sashimi and makis are included in this set along with some special cooked food like fried tofu and steamed tofu with century egg sauce. I still remember when I first tried this combination back in 2014 when the chef is still experimenting it and gave us a sample for comments.

Golden Triangle Maki - RM28+

Not forgetting their famous makis that are freshly prepared upon order that is more premium than the ordinary sushis you found at other restaurants. Coco Tei is always in the innovation end of the Japanese culinary and often explore various combination of material to surprise her patrons like the Golden Triangle Maki above which is actually soft shell crab maki wrapped with seared salmon.

Golden Dragon Roll - RM32++

The Golden Dragon Maki is also another special maki and you will be able to see how it gets its "golden" name. The Golden Dragon Maki is actually ebi tempura maki wrappin with avocado and unagi slices, topped with edible gold flakes.

Matcha Ice Cream - RM10

Last but not least, the macha ice cream with red bean paste to end the satisfying meal. The macha ice cream is very rich in flavour and rather soft texture. Still I think that the macha ice cream at PJ Hilton's Genji is much better with creamier texture and richer flavour.

SUMMARY


Overall, Coco Tei is a very unique Japanese restaurant that believes in Kaizen. Their commitment towards food preparation is definitely worth two thumbs up. However, my last visit in May 2015 has observed a slight deterioration in terms of food and service quality. I would recommend for those who wished to try something premium and not burning a hole in your pocket to give Coco Tei a try. It may not be the best Japanese restaurant around towm but it is definitely a much better one.


Taste
 ☆☆☆☆☆
 Premium quality with attention to details.
Value
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Well worth the money especially their set menu.
Service
 ☆☆☆☆
Prompt and friendly
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
(LUNCH) 10:30am until 2:30pm (Last Order 2:00pm)
(DINNER) 6:00pm until 10:30pm (Last Order 10:00pm)
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Ample and complimentary for restaurant diners
Website
http://www.cocotei.com/

GPS: 3.146714, 101.720666
Read More

[PLACE] 20150111 Above Eleven Rooftop Bar @ Khlong Toei Nuea, Bangkok


Bangkok is probably one of the cities in the world with the most rooftop bars, each with its unique attraction and menu to entice visitors from around the world. If you are to spend a night at each famous rooftop bar, I think you might need to stay for another a month or two for a complete bar hopping.

Above Eleven rooftop restaurant & bar is the first Peruvian & Japanese fusion restaurant in South East Asia, located on the 33rd floor of the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit at the very lively Sukhumbit area.

Unlike some other rooftop bars that focuses on beverages, Above Eleven do serve quality food along with their signature cocktails. Although the price tag may come a bit pricey but it is still at a reasonable range which is affordable. Some other bars might burn a big hole in your wallet.

The rooftop bar is on the 33rd floor with a mezzanine floor overseeing the Sukhumvit district, which is a bit dull if you compare to other bars. However, the atmosphere and environment was great, coupled with attentive waiter and waitresses to ensure you have a pleasant and chilling night.

Reservation is recommended as the tables filled up pretty quickly and strict dress code is to be adhere to. So, no sleeveless clothes and sandals are allowed.

33rd Floor, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit
38/8 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Vadhana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
Nearest BTS Station: Nana Station, Exit 3
Telephone: +66 083 542 1111
Opening Hours: 06:00pm until 02:00am

TO GO


The Fraser Suites Sukhumvit is about 10 minute walk away from BTS Nana Station. Just take BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) and exit at Nana Station, Exit 3. Look for Soi Sukumvit 11 sign towards the right side and walk along the streets. You will find many road side stalls and night pubs along the way. Go towards the end and turn left, the Fraser Suites Sukumvit will be at your right side. Alternatively, you may take the public cab.

Once you reach the condominium entrance you will notice a small sign board of restaurants and bars located within the building. The entrance of Above Eleven is located at the back of the condominium with a separate lift that will take you right up to 33rd floor without the need of access card.



ATTRACTION



The very dark and hideous entrance of Above Eleven located at the back of the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, which is also the lift lobby.


The reception is located right after the lift exit and you will be lead to the rooftop via the corridor.


The bar is located right at the middle of the restaurant with sofas at the side and tables at the front. There's a mezzanine floor with more seats for the patrons.


Fancy chalk board showing the menu of the day.


I was seated at the edge of the rooftop, separated by a glass panel, overseeing the night scape beyond the edges. Sad to say that their menu doesn't come with pictures but fortunately the waiter will pass you an iPad to show you the pictures of the dishes, making selection much easier.


They are constantly changing their menu, hence it's recommended for you to check out their website for the latest food and drinks menu at Above Eleven - Food & Drinks.


The bar is extremely dark, making taking picture a huge challenge without using a flash to disturb other patrons. The seafood platter with calamari, prawn and fish as finger food.


As mentioned, there's no spectacular view of the Bangkok night view from Above Eleven's location due to lack of popular landmarks. However, this is well compensated with the cozy environment and excellent service provided by the staff.

P.S. Do check out their washroom especially the gentlemen. You will get a chance to pee right into the glass panel overlooking the night view (of course it is not visible from the outside, I hope!)

SUMMARY


Above Eleven is a cozy rooftop bar which gives you a nice venue to hang out with friends or your love ones during your visit and not burning a hole in your pocket. They have a wide range of drinks and a good collection of wines for a chilling night.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
better than average dimsum, but not the best.
Value
☆☆☆☆
pricey but well worth
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
excellent and attentive
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
06:00pm until 02:00am (Daily)
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Yes but limited.
Website
http://www.aboveeleven.com/

GPS: 13.745585, 100.556305
Read More
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)