Food review: CraftBrew - BBQ platter Groupon promo

CraftGroupon is burning a hole in my pocket because I'm buying more coupons for bargains. Lol

Anyhow, this is the first Groupon promo I bought to have yummy food, beer and good company with friends. A very belated review but timely because CraftBrew decided to have the same promotion again in groupon.

[50% Off] Barbecue Meat Platter + Salad for up to 4 people from Craft Brews for RM69 instead of RM138.05 (Only RM17.25 per person). Non-Halal

Images borrowed from Groupon promo site since I didn't remember to take photos of the ambience.

The promotion included the following:
- 2 types of pork back ribs and 2 quarter chicken.
- Salad, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
- Signature Craft-brewed beers available. (not included in promotion)
- Happy hours from Mon to Sat 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Sun 6.00pm – closing.

A big fan of pork ribs, I felt this promo seems too good to be true! :) Plus the fact that Craft Brews rave that they have a variety of "home-brewed" (in Singapore) to try out. Not really a beer fan but it's a good deal and good reason to meet friends.

So we went over on 24th June 2011 (Friday) for dinner. Honestly speaking, the portion would have served 5 girls. I overate..  but it was delicious.

Food review
They serve the salad in a large wooden bowl. For veggie-lovers-it would have been enough as a meal. I can't recall if there was a specific dressing or you can request for it but I think we selected Italian dressing.

Look at the salad portion in proportion to a person. Belinda's happily tossing the salad!

And here comes the BBQ Platter. There are 4 ribs for each type of flavour. We chose Tex-Mex and honey mustard. I recalled the meat was tender but I prefered one of the flavour to the other.

The 2 pieces quarter of chicken was a bit hard to break to 4 portion but just nice as a bite to taste the different flavour. Preferred the ribs! There are the corn cob for all of us to mellow down the meatiness. Lol

Not forgetting their potato wedges. You know - its texture is exactly like "goreng pisang"!! The crispy-fried batter around the wedges is so crunchy light! It is nice to munch on for tea break. I don't really care for potato wedges but I really liked these. Alas, we didn't finish it because we were already fulled with pork.. ;)

Drinks were not provided. So I decided to try their famous beer. I took the most unique looking one- Green Monster Larger which actually consists of spirulina. I was a bit late in arriving after work so I didn't really read up on the bitterness level given in the menu. Basically, this beer is mild but slightly bitter to me. I preferred the other beer my friend ordered - but I cannot recall what it was now.

Green beer for the green pig.. lol

Environment-wise: there is non-smoking seats (indoor) and smoking area (outdoor) which is separated by this large rotating glass door at the side. For activities, they have television installed and even foosball for you to play (but I find it a little crammed to do so) next to the sitting areas. There is wi-fi too but I didn't had time to try the connection because was busy eating and chatting.

Overall, it was a nice pleasant environment with good service and delicious meal. So for starters, I do recommend you to try groupon to get 50% off at the BBQ platter and next time, slowly enjoy the rest of the food on the menu. I'm told there is a nice set lunch during weekdays (pork burger) at around RM15++ but I've not tried it myself. Happy eating!

Details
Craft Brews
G3 Podium, Ground Floor, Menara KLK, 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Phone: 03-7722 3000

It's actually just nearby to Ikea, Mutiara Damansara - the office tower right after Tesco. Parking in Menara KLK after 6pm is RM2. So don't take a risk to park along the road.

Shoes Review: Guess Pewter Leather Heels

I've been eyeing gladiator heels for sometime since the trend started few years ago (2008?) but I couldn't get the right design. In fact, when I finally found one I fell in love with - no size!!

That's the dilemma with shoes, right gals?

Well, so when I randomly looked at shoes and if it fits and there's a spark of magic, I got to have it! Lol. I can imagine the shoes for days if I don't buy it. All right - I have to admit, I have a thing with shoes.... lol
Ta dah! Bought my ..second pair of gladiator heels/stilettoes! First was a pair of gladiator wedges which I love but "sayang"(reluctant) to wear.. haha.. I've never bought any heels with such a skinny heels before... But it just made me feel good and sexy when I tried it on.

Unravelling the package... tsk tsk

I know I have not mastered photography for macro/objects yet. It's hard taking picture of the shoes while I'm wearing them. Hence, here are the blurry picture of my pewter leather heels for now.

There are some scuff marks and scratches but there is only one pair left and I bought it at a bargain. It retails at RM389 but I got it at RM129 (about 70% off!) Isn't that a bargain? (I know, typical "woman-bargain" mentality).

In fact, I have just the right dress to match this heels. The only question is "Will I wear them" and "When will I wear them"? ;)

First of... lose off some weight to take off the pressure on my feet in such a heels. Hah..

This is actually the most recent heels I bought.. I'll intro another few more pairs I bought before this.. just because of the "woman-bargain" mentality..  (Note to self: No more purchases of shoes for a year? ) Stay tune for more heels-eye-candy! ;)

Neglecting my blog

Oh my... so sad, I've been neglecting my blog and my to-blog list is over-flowing. Argh... I should not let work control my life. I will try to post up my latest shopping and experiences to share here.

In fact, there is one big event that I've not wrote about before I forget... something to do with knees, roses, dining and diamond. Get the drift.

But last weekend, I bought myself a pair of Guess stilettos!! I can't believe I got it at a steal since it's an out-of-season outlet. Best of all? It makes me look and feel sexy.

Remember ladies, women's best friends are killer sexy heels... because walking in them does "kill you" but looking great and sexy is worth the torture. Lol

It does match a little nice shimmering dress I bought recently too. Next thing on the list - to shed the fat and pounds on me.. Lol

Online coupons review

Guess what, I've tried some of the promo coupons available online. At first, I was skeptical about these so-called bargains at 50%-70% off.

Then, I started one.. and the rest is history. But a note of caution, despite the description given by some of the promo - sometimes they do not seem like what it seems. Will share some of my experiences with you all.

A recap on my May 2011 - Coupon purchases. (to date, I've tried www.groupsmore.com and www.dealmates.com.my)

1. [58% Off] RM50 for RM120 worth of Shoes at The Cobbler. Free delivery
 The Cobbler shoes (First time buying shoes online but was attracted by the reasonable price and the ability to exchange the shoes for the right size if it does not fit)
Will share with you the duration and experience of exchanging the shoe size.

*Positive review*

2. [50% Off] Barbecue Meat Platter + Salad for up to 4 people from Craft Brews for RM69 instead of RM138.05 (Only RM17.25 per person). Non-Halal
A big fan of ribs and this promo seems too good to be true! :) Plus the fact that Craft Brews rave that they have a variety of "home-brewed" (in Singapore) to try out. Not really a beer fan but it's a good deal and good reason to meet friends.

• 2 types of pork back ribs and 2 quarter chicken.
• Salad, potato wedges and corn on the cob.
• Well-reviewed.
• Signature Craft-brewed beers available.
• Happy hours from Mon to Sat 6.00pm – 8.00pm, Sun 6.00pm – closing.

*Positive Review*

  3. [78% Off] 10” X 13” Large Personalised Hardcover Fotobook for RM80 instead of RM369
50-page 10” X 13” full colour hardcover photo book.
Customized design.
Durable binding and dust jacket.
Photos printed on matte art paper.
Ready within 7 working days.
Photoscape design software with pictorial guide.

Haven't utilised yet but think it's a bargain. Only downside - have to find a Mac to use the Iphoto to make the Photobook or drive to their outlet to do it there. (Not too friendly to PC users!)


3. [90% off] 3-hour hands-on Makeup Workshop at Celmonze Aesthetic Academy worth RM480.

• Learn to use makeup to define your features.
• Makeup tools and cosmetics provided.
• Small classes for personal attention.
• Classes conducted in English or Mandarin.

 Decided to join a friend for this class for fun but was severely disappointed based on the highlighted red terms. "Makeup tools" was provided all right.. read my review to find out about my disappointment. It's similar to being told I was attending a baking class but it turned out as a demo (Lucky guy... I was too busy to blog about that "class" I attended that I don't feel like getting upset all over again.)

*Negative Review*

4. RM99 for Almost 3 Hours of Bliss in KL City. Aromatherapy Massage + Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment + Paraffin Hand Treatment at MURAD by Beauty Chemistry (Worth RM390).For Both Men & Women

Aromatherapy Massage (1 hour)
Ultimate Renewal Facial Treatment (1.5 hours)
Paraffin Hand Treatment (20 minutes)

Haven't had a facial in ages since the skin specialist I visited told me to finish my course of Roaccutane first before I allow my commodones to be pressed out, etc. 

*Mediocre review*

*****

I've bought a few more others which will only blog after I utilize to review about my experience.

This one promo is so worth-while I have to share it here first (another meat lover's promo!)

BAR B Q PLAZA 50% Off Supreme Beef Set or Supreme Pork Set (Set For 2 -3 Pax)

Mmmmm....

Manhwa Review: Noblesse

I started reading manga these last 2 years after watching my brother doing so and obviously - lack of better things to do. Lol

I've been randomly reading some manga and even manhwa since then. I stumbled upon this manhwa called Noblesse about some vampires (not like Twilight, mind you) who blend in with the humans. It started out with the awakening of a Noble vampire named Rai from a deep sleep for centuries in his coffin to a foreign modern world.

 Rai emerges from his deep sleep

A dash of humour (Rai's fancy for ramen), Rai's struggle with homework and compassionate with school kids, Frankenstein's cleanliness streak, high-schoolers' fight scenes got me going non-stop to catch up to 100 plus chapters in a few nights... or was it weeks? haha... Anyway, I've finished reading until episode 187 last Wednesday. Don't know if it's the interesting storyline, the charm and coolness of the character, or just good entertainment to make me laugh, that draws me to this manhwa.

The scene where the headmaster (Frankenstein) is fearful of his master (Rai) because he forgot to provide him money for lunch. 

I've been patiently waiting for scanlations to be uploaded in any of the websites online every week. I noticed it'll be released on Wednesdays or Thursday. I wanted to find out how Rai finally meets the current leader (The Lord) and the impending fight between them. Spoiler alert: From the last few chapters, it is revealled that the previous leader/previous Lord actually wanted Rai to be the next leader but he declined. So the previous Lord's daughter is currently the leader... and I assume a confrontation between them. Can't wait to see the full power of Rai released in a battle. The list of power of Rai's which is revealed so far can be found in this link.

Episode 188 last page... battle next!

It's like how the author have been teasing us with the supressed power of Rai's servant, Frankenstein which is now at the climax with the battle between Frankenstein and the Kerita Clan leader. Look at the smirk of Frankenstein when his master allows him to fight with his full power. (Before this, his powers are sealed to control him because of violent history. He can only fight with his full power with the permission of Rai.. So obedient!)

A short description from wikipedia:
Noblesse (노블레스) is an online manhwa written by Son Jae Ho and illustrated by Lee Gwang Su. Noblesse is about a powerful, noble vampire - Cadis Etrama Di Raizel (also called Rai) - who has been asleep for 820 years with no knowledge of mankind's advancement and scientific successes. He has recently woken up in an abandoned building in South Korea[1], and is starting to get used to the modern world. He goes to a school where he meets his loyal servant Frankenstein. With Frankenstein's help, Rai enrolls into Ye Ran high school, and inadvertently befriended Shinwoo - an athletic teenager, Ik-Han - a computer geek, Yuuna, Shinwoo's crush, and a few others. Noblesse follows the group's often dangerous adventures against a secret organization while uncovering Rai's past.
***

In short, I've been patiently waiting for the manhwa to be translated and satisfy the suspense of the upcoming battle.... was pulling my hair at the end of chapter 188! Another week to wait! Sighh... :)

Thundering Alarm Clock

Rainy mornings make me drag my feet... I usually steal a few more winks of sleep on cool rainy mornings.

However, this morning, I was awaken by the loud roaring thunder which made the ceiling boards rattle loudly. I groggily woke up to look outside and the windy heavy rain.

I sighed at the thought of driving to work in the downpour and imagined the traffic jam ahead. Then I went back for another quick nap.. Lol

But it was true, stuck in a traffic jam for extra an hour and I was late to work.

 Sigh...  Glad it's Friday though. :)

Moshi-moshi: Mobile calling with a handset

I grew up using the telephone (land line) and only owned a handphone in my university days. At that time, handphone lines were based on GSM, etc.. which I can't recall. The phones were bigger and antenna was retractable/exposed.

Hence, when I saw this, I was tickled. Imagine walking around using this. ;)

When I saw phone receivers being sold to attach to wireless phones, I just find it ridiculous and am amazed that people would buy it. I wonder if the younger generation would appreciate it. Perhaps this is just another opportunity to explore the variety of bluetooth headset.

 

Perhaps like clothing trends, the cycle would be revived back in the near future. Perhaps, you should keep hold of the old phones receiver and try to convert it to the bluetooth handset? Lol. Here is a short description about it:

Moshi Moshi is a line of Bluetooth handsets that gives back the nostalgic comfort of holding a big, hefty piece of plastic to your ear when taking calls on your cellphone. According to the website:

Moshi Moshi (the traditional Japanese phone greeting) aims to be "how you use your mobile phone when you don't have to be mobile." It's meant to be used when you're at work or lounging at home, though technically there's nothing stopping you from holding it to your ear when you're on the street. That is, if you want to look like someone who just time-traveled from 1986.

Hong Kong design company Native Union came up with the product, and plans four Moshi Moshi handsets. The top of the line is the MM04 ($200), which comes with a charging dock that's also an iPhone stand. It's rated for Bluetooth 2.1, so you can pair it with multiple devices, and when you're not taking calls it can function as a tabletop speaker.

You can opt for the typical handset as shown with the Iphone earlier or the retro handset like this. Or perhaps another variation with speakers. I guess there are still more inventions and innovation to explore this idea. So while you have a sleek nice Iphone, you could always recall those days when you were on a handset and just buy anyone of these.

Temporary Home

The weather during these past few weeks emits a gloomy doomsday feel. During the day, the hot scorching sun makes me squints my small eyes further. Come evening, dark ominous clouds gather and give a sudden burst of rainfall causing flash floods, traffic jams and havoc to people below. The sudden changes of the drastic weather create an uncomfortable feeling.

However, life goes on. People go on with their lives. Perhaps the best analogy to use is how we look at the trail of ants carrying food from the source back to its nest. We may pour water on some ants and break the path. We may stomp on some of the ants. The rest of the ants would still go round the water and divert elsewhere to continue their journey. I wonder if God looks at us like how we look at ants.
I wonder… does this signal the end times?

As I typed this, a loud thunder roars above head. The skies have turned dark and it’s only 4.30pm. I dread the traffic home. Rain has started. I know the road home will be wet and certain parts flooded.

In a daze, I wonder what the point of this routine rush is back and fro through the harsh weather. What’s the point of getting stuck in traffic and worrying about the safety of the drive home?

I guess it’s only right to say I feel off-the weather about all this and have started to question the point of the mindless repetition of life. (Oh no, not again). But then I try to remember. This is just my temporary home. This is not THE END. This is just the transition before we go back to God.

I catch the lyrics “This is my temporary home” on the radio the other day and decided to google about it. It is a song sung by Carrie Underwood. When I watch the video clip, I felt touched… the portrayal of the “temporary home” for 3 scenarios: an orphan being adopted, a single mum looking for job/place for her and her daughter, and the dying man telling his loved ones that this is a temporary home.

In the bible, we are always told "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19 NIV). Hence, hearing this song reminds me so much of this verse as it reminds our impermanence in this world which most people forget in the midst of the rat race.

Enjoy the lyrics!

Temporary Home (sung by Carrie Underwood)

A little boy, six years old
A little too used to being alone
Another new mom and dad
Another school, another house that will never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is my temporary home

Young mom, on her own
She needs a little help, got nowhere to go
She's looking for a job, looking for a way out
'Cause a halfway house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
"Someday we'll find our place here in this world"

This is our temporary home, it's not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we're passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where we're going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is our temporary home

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers
"Don't cry for me, I'll see you all someday"
He looks up and says
"I can see God's face"

This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This was my temporary home

This is our temporary home

Lazy Song (Bruno Mars)

One Saturday morning, as I was driving to an extra class about 8am, I felt if only I was back in bed. It had rained earlier that morning, making it a cloudy cooling day - nice to stay in bed.

Then this song came into the airways from the radio... the first few lyrics echoed what I felt at that very moment

Today I Don't Feel Like Doing Anything
I Just Wanna Lay In My Bed
Don't Feel Like Pickin' Up My Phone
So Leave A Message At The Tone
'Cause Today I swear I'm Not Doin' Anythin'


Song by Bruno Mars. Who is Bruno Mars? He sang the song "Billionaire" with Travie McCoy which has the catchy lyrics.

Angry Birds Attack Piggilot...

One day, my bf suspiciously took out something from a bag.. and threw it at me.

Lo and behold... Piggilot gets attacked by Angry Birds!!

Aren't they adorable? I remember checking them out in the Rovio website and wondered if I should even spend the money getting them.

Image borrowed from http://shop.angrybirds.com/

I thought of comparing my plushies with the ones from Rovio but am too lazy to do it now.. haha

Piggilot = Pig
So I would have preferred the green pigs which people might not want, because they're so evil and mean for taking the birds' eggs.

But pigs are cute too!! :p

Hence, if you're really crazy about Angry birds and don't mind the cheap knock-off... go check out the garage sale in some of the forums around which are selling them. Mind you, since they're "hot items" now... it might be a little pricey for such plush toys but if your're a fan... it's nothing! Lol

Meanwhile, the birds are securedly arranged in my shelf to avoid unnecessary hostility in case they get angry and attack me... Hope they won't attack my other pink pigs in my shelf! Lol! If not imagine this..