Sunday, February 28, 2016

BKK Food #2: Sirocco, Best Sushi Ever, etc.

HEY ALL!
So now I'm back with Bangkok Food Review-Guide #2 or whatever you wanna call it.
(If you missed out the first one, click here)

First up is Sirocco.
Sirocco is a popular  "touristic" rooftop restaurant located on the 63rd floor of State Tower at lebua Hotel. If you didn't know, some scenes from The Hangover Part II were filmed at lebua.
Anyways, I'm not going to write more facts about this place (cause it can be found on their website) so I'll just skip to my own experience.

It was drizzling that night and so we had to wait indoor for quite a while at first. 

We ordered a beer and a cocktail. One thing that surprised me is that they provide pistachios as complimentary snacks and I believe that pistachios are quite an expensive type of nuts, am I right?
But whatever... we paid so much for the food and drink anyway. lol
At first, I wanted to order just the dessert but the waiter says I can't just order dessert. 
He said that because there are 2 of us, then there must be at least 2 main courses.
How annoying is that... I think I saw people who only ordered the dessert without main. THAT IS SO UNFAIR :(
Thus, main course it is.

I ordered Wild Blue Fin Tuna and my boyfriend ordered Lamb Loin.
Actually, we didn't really know what we ordered cause the descriptions are quite hard to understand so we just asked what is his recommendation and what not.
Like a typical fine dining place, we were given few types of bread as the complimentary appetizer and some flavoured butter. I think there were 3 types and one of the bread is just nice but the other 2 are inedible for us... for me actually. hehehehehe

Now, the main course.
Wild Blue Fin Tuna 
(Pan seared the sliced, ratatouille occitan, tapenade, preserved lemon, basil & lemon relish)

The tuna is medium rare (as suggested by the waiter) and I've never had medium rare tuna before because I've never really like raw tuna after all. So before it's suggested best to be eaten that way, then I gave it a try. 
The outer cooked layer has a flaky texture and when you bit into it, the raw part will give you the jelly-like feel in your mouth. It doesn't sound very appetizing is it? probably it's my problem in describing stuff lol.
Having the tuna itself might be a little bit too much for me but when I had it with the tapenade, which I believe is the olives and capers, and other stuff on the plate, it gives the most interesting flavours ever. The tapenade is very sour and tangy and the green juice has also a unique taste to it.
My conclusion towards this dish is that it's delicious to be eaten all the elements altogether and it's a very interesting and unique flavour combination. I couldn't really eat all of it because I'm just not a big fan of uncooked tuna but I'm glad that I give it a shot.
Lamb Loin 
(Pyrenees lamb saddle, alla Milanese, parmesan "Royale" wrapped in papardelle, black 
truffle tomato stir fry, herb jus)

As you all know, lamb has a distinct smell which can be overpowering when cooked in some ways and in this case, it does. The lamb smell is too much for me. However, this dish doesn't taste bad at all. Our most favourite element in this dish is the wrapped parmesan. Who doesn't love cheese???
We didn't know what it was at first so when we bit into it, it has a very smooth texture with a bit of a chew from the papardelle. PERFECTION.

The only thing that bothered me the most is the weather. Seriously, it wasn't cooperating at all that night. It drizzled in the middle of our dinner and we had to hold the umbrella to prevent the food from the rain water. Thankfully it only lasted for a couple of minutes. However, the rain didn't come once, it came few times later that night (Thank God after we finished our meal). Plus, because it was raining, the wind was blowing hard and it was quite cold for me and made me feel unwell. Thus, after few photos here  and there, we decided to go back because I really couldn't take it. 
^That is how windy it was...
If you have the time, do come and enjoy your night here. The view is spectacular as you can see the lights of Bangkok. It has a very nice ambiance but it can be quite crowded around the Bar. So if you are not dining in, be prepared for the crowd. But I do suggest you to dine in cause it's a great place to chill and relax, and enjoy the view as much as you can. (Best place for dates, too ;)) Do make a reservation through their website or call them because it can be very packed and you don't want to be there, dressed-up, and have no place to sit. 

Address: 63rd floor, lebua at State Tower Hotel, 1055 State Tower, Silom Rd
BTS: Saphan Taksin
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 01:00
Tel: +66 (0) 624 9998

Here comes the BEST SUSHI RESTAURANT EVER - ISAO.
Don't be fooled by it's small restaurant appearance. It'll be full inside when you entered. 
How I grade sushi: based on the (1) ratio of sushi rice to filling, (2) freshness, (3) flavour, and finally (4) texture. 
For me, sushi that has more amount of sushi rice than the filling is a big no no. I believe that sushi rice must be slightly lesser than the filling. 
This sushi place is A MUST TRY if you're AT BANGKOK.
It has the thinnest layer of rice on rolls I've ever seen in my life. 
So, the ratio of rice to filling: PERFECT.
Freshness: CHECKED. 
Flavour: BEYOND SCRUMPTIOUS. 
Texture: AWESOME.
Jackie - definitely for the shrimp lovers. It was love at first bite. The rolls are covered with shrimps and the filling there is more shrimp tempura which gives it a double shrimp attack. The sesame sauce or whatever sauce it is compliments the rolls so perfectly. Although the roll is quite big for me, and since my boyfriend is kinda allergic to shrimps so he can't eat much, I still devoured the whole roll as I can't refuse to see such delicious food being left to waste. HAHAHA
Sushi Sandwich - chunks of fresh fish (salmon I think) and tempura flake sandwiched with sushi rice which is then deep-fried until crispy. I'm gonna say this based on my first and until the last bite, THIS IS GENIUS. The frying process gives it a nice crunch followed by the filling which gives a good amount of creaminess. 
Spicy Salmon - basically the roll is stuffed with salmon mixed with their special spicy sauce. I might sound and look simple, but taste wise is delightful. However, texture wise is not that great since it's more towards creamy and no crunch at all.
Volcano - baked scallop in creamy spicy sauce. Although the sushi is great, this one is a total let down. The sauce tasted bitter and I think they baked it too long and burned it or it's just the way it should be. Anyhow, both of us dislike this one.

I will definitely come back if I'm visiting Bangkok in the future. It's something not be missed and must be on top of your "to-go" list if you're a sushi lover.

5 Sukhumvit 31 Klongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 11 am - 2.30 pm & 5.30 pm - 10 pm
Tel: (0) 2258 0645 6

Omurice is something I've been eager to try for a long time and this OMU place seemed to be the right place to try one because it has a good rating on foursquare too.
Choosing what to order is a bit hard cause they offer a range of sauces. However, after asking the waiter of her recommendation, we decided to try Demiglace Sauce without knowing what it is.
When it came to the table, I am quite disappointed because this isn't the omurice I wanted. 
The one that I wanted is the one that can flow when the egg is split and the one we had is rice wrapped up with egg. 
Another disappointment is that the sauce sucks. We HATE it. 
To find out what sauce it is, I googled it and found out that it's a sauce with reduced red wine in it.
My boyfriend isn't a fan of wine on food. For me, I can tolerate it and sometimes I do like it but this one is just awful.
However, I will definitely be back to try the curry one with the omurice I wanted because I just want to try omurice so badly and this is so far the only place I know. LOL

4, 4 - 1/2, Central World, 6th Floor, Rajdamri Road, 
Pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm
Tel: +66 2 264 5555

This is the WORST SCONES I've ever had (and probably, I'll ever have) in my entire life.
That jam and cream are such a nightmare!!!
I bought the lavender and rose scones because I thought it would be interesting to try new flavors. The scones are very very dry. It does have the crumbly texture but it tastes very aweful. Ugh and that jam and cream... so disgusting... I just can't describe how grossed I am. ohmygod!

Level 2, Central World
Nearest BTS: Chit Lom

It is my first time ever having Thai Tea Cream and it is from Minibar Cafe.
Yes, you heard me. Thai Tea Cream. If you're a thai milk tea fan, then you will definitely love this!
The one I ordered is as simple as its' name "Grilled Buttery Toast Served with Thai Tea Cream".
Nothing fancy or surprising and the add-on is just the sprinkles of chopped peanuts. 
Although it's very simple, this dessert is heavenly indulging.
I feel that it's very rich and best shared among 2 people. 
Plus, the cafe is quite a nice place to chill and they also have outdoor sitting which was apparently still closed when I go. 

Level 5, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Road
Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm / 12 am on Friday & Saturday
Tel: +66 2 160 5610

These few eats below are "unidentified" places cause I don't remember the name of the shop/stall, but I'm gonna share with you anyway because why not?
So, I walked by this shop which is located nearby Minibar Cafe and attracted by the super cute mini cone ice cream. Didn't really expect much but I turned out to be wrong. The ice cream is up to the standard. I got the coconut one and it somehow tasted very nostalgic. Be sure to check it out if you're at Central Embassy. Your belly gonna thank you later ;)
Next is this pork noodles which is from the stalls opposite of our hotel (Holiday Inn). I'm not sure whether it was a bazaar or anything, but they looked like pop-up stalls. Some sell handmade stuff and other random things, but most of them sell food. We just walked around it and was drawn towards this noodle shop. AND that bowl of noodles is SUPERB. Seems like Thais know how to make a bowl of pork noodle! DAYUMMM!
Okay now. Last one, is this Mango Sticky Rice from a random place at Siam Paragon's Food Center.
I feel that it wouldn't be a legit trip without a mango sticky rice... who's agree? hahaha
So, I found this one and it looks interesting. You can't really see from the picture but the sticky rice has actually few different colours; the original white colour, green, blue, and yellow (if I'm not mistaken). Not only that it looks very pretty, but also tastes very good. The mango is a bit sour so when you eat everything altogether, you don't feel overwhelmed by the sweetness or richness of the coconut cream. A downside is that the ratio of mango to sticky rice is too little but... it's alright... 

Now you have come to the end of this post. I hope you find this information useful and please leave me a comment if you have any other recommendations for me try in Bangkok. Thank you for reading loves!! xx Julia

Monday, February 15, 2016

19 & Beyond Blessed

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE!!!
HAHAHA
Another year has passed and it was a thrilling roller coaster ride. I am wishing for a better year, better me, and hoping that luck will always follow me everywhere I go and greater opportunities in everything I do. Everything wouldn't be possible without the blessing from Buddha. 

***
So It's my 19th birthday... Oh no... Turning 20 next year T-T (Damn it hahahaha)
As usual, birthday dinner with my groups of friends and also my Bae.

This year I'm having it at a restaurant&bar called District10. 
I celebrated it earlier (13rd February 2016) because my birthday falls on Monday and I know that most people wouldn't be able to make it.
Anyway, nothing else really matters besides having a good backdrop. Am i right or am i right?
My theme this year is white and silver. Thus, no one can wear white/black/dark colours.
I set a dress code for my guests: preferably shades of red or yellow or they can wear any bright colours.

I told them to be there by 7 pm but I only left my house at 7.30 pm.
I thought I'll be the last one to arrive and everyone's waiting for me.
HOWEVER,
No one was there when I arrived LOLOLOL
Everyone arrived around 8.30 pm to 9 pm. (Can you believe that?!?!)
Well, it's actually ain't a big surprise to know that all of my friends are late comers LOL

My biggest concern when I arrived is that the VIP room is SOOOOOOOOO freaking small.
I have around 30 guests to come and there were only 20 seats.
So, I had to rearrange the table in order to fit 30 people.
The room is actually suitable to fit 30 people but the backdrop has taken a quarter of the room.
So that's where the problem comes from.
After moving the tables around, I finally found a solution for the arrangement.
Although it's quite packed, it's better than having few people got no place to sit.

Nothing else to say except for the surprise part <3
So I was taking pictures with my classmates + Egi, after we were done with it, she asked me to go to the toilet. 
I didn't really thought of anything because I wanted to go to the toilet as well.
Thus, when I came back from the toilet, all of my friends sang the Happy Birthday song.
At that moment, I didn't look for my boyfriend at all and didn't see where he is.
I was, indeed, surprised and straightaway walked onto the cake, make my wish, and blew it off. 
Then everyone screamed and I saw my boyfriend standing nearby, holding a big black paper bag.
Yes, a CHANEL paper bag. 
I can't really describe how I felt in that moment - happy, surprised, and sad all mixed.
Okay I was stoned. I think that's the word for it.
So everyone asked me to open the present and I did.
AND IT'S A BOY!!!!!
From the deepest of my heart, I truly didn't expect this freaking expensive gift from a boyfriend.
Who would have thought of that?!?!
I'm BEYOND HAPPY because it's one of my bag's wishlist (and I believe it's every girls' dream bag as well) 
I'm SURPRISED because I didn't expect this fancy bag from a boyfriend!!
I'm SAD because it's soooooooo freakingggggggg pricey :( I'm sad for my bae :(

My face when I say "Babe... whyyy..."



After the surprise and all, it was photo-taking time. hahahaha
I LOVE MY BACKDROP!!! it's purrrrrfect. It's just like what I imagined it to be like.
Thanks to Unicoplanner. You can check them on Instagram.
After the photo session ends, someone raised an idea to go to the club....
And surprisingly, most of the Cupcupgirls were able to make it, except for Vero and Fio.
Such an impromptu plan but a perfect timing for all of us. Fyi, this is our the very first time all going together. lol

Truth to be told, the club was boring as hell. They were kinda celebrating valentine's day so most of the music were sang by the dancers... I think there wasn't any DJ for that night...
But most of us were having fun, so yeah...
For me, it was boring as hell cause I didn't drink (at all) and the music sucks. However, I tried to enjoy and have fun with my girls because it's like once in a lifetime thing..
Okay, I'm exaggerating but this is indeed a very rare occasion lol

(More presents...)
From Janice.
From JJS and Janica.
From Ata and Egi.
From Ton-Cel, Otto-Jejes, Kepin-Leo.
From Mom. HAHAHA This is so cuteee ;3
***

I spent my Valentine's day having dinner with my boyfriend and his whole family.

We reached his house before midnight.
I saw the "HBD 19 JJ" and lots of balloons outside his house and it was quite surprising actually.
I wasn't that surprised but I am happy. Isn't that what really matter?
I love balloons. I prefer balloons rather than flowers. (Does it have anything with my childhood? :'D)
I was kinda amazed by all the balloons (yes, amazed. don't judge!) and didn't realize that my boyfriend went somewhere.
A minute later he showed up with a cake. A UNION PB&J CAKE (WTFFFFF!!!)
THAT is TOTALLY UNEXPECTED.
If you read about my trip to Jakarta last year, you would know that I wrote I want a Union PB&J cake as my birthday cake and honestly, I also did mention about it to my boyfriend HAHAHA

BUT WHO AM I KIDDING? 
How would I know if it's possible to get it shipped or flown all the way from Jakarta to Medan?!?!
 *That balloon though... Lovestruck*
God damn it. My boyfriend is such an AWESOME man :')
I LOVE YOU xINFINITY RONI CHANDRA <3
You are the best-est man I could ever ask for. I strongly believe that no one could ever replace you.
You are a true blessing in my life and I hope it stays the same for the rest of my life.
Every pain is worth it if I still have you. You are my source of happiness and sometimes, my motivation be stay alive (Sounding like a desperate woman am i?)
I might be an annoying-as-fuck girlfriend sometimes, or most of the times HAHA
I know i am a cranky person lately,
but please know that you don't have to doubt my love for you. God knows it.
I know that you would be a great husband in the future if you still stay the way you are today.
Remember what your mom said last night? We must always love and care for each other after marriage (IF we are LOL) until forever; just like when we were dating.
I hope you are reading this though or else there's no point of me writing this all out hahahaha
Alright then. I think that's all I have to say.
They say make a wish before letting it fly away...

THANK YOU GUYS FOR ALL YOUR GREETINGS AND WISHES (on my IG or anywhere)
I don't know how to reply one by one but please know that I read all of them.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING MY BLOG AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL ALL THIS WHILE (and please keep supporting me hehehe)
SENDING LOTS OF LOVESSSSSS TO ALL OF YOU xx Julia

20th February 2016
A very close friend of mine from Taylor's planned a birthday dinner for me. No one has ever done that to me and honestly, having someone else throwing a birthday party to me is one of my wishes since a long time ago. Although I did kinda know about it, but it's still the nicest thing someone could have done for me. So, the dinner was at Hemisphere Restaurant & Bar.
I ordered their Salmon Fillet. Quite good but wouldn't order it again.
It's a pretty nice place with the gorgeous view of KL. I wouldn't say much for the food but the lava cake is very good. It's a bit sweet for my taste, but it's really lava-y and chocolate-y. Anyway, I would like to thank Vetriana for the planning and all.
Although I've only known her for several months, I swear she's the sweetest and nicest friend I could ever have. Not to forget, I really appreciate those who came and celebrated my 19th birthday with me.
 Thanks V, Alvy, Carey, James, Marul, Jir, and Joe! I love you guys so so much!<3

What's a Birthday without a cake and blowing, at least, a candle? ;)
I feel like this post is gonna be a bit emotional because I just don't know how to not be it... hahahaha (I'm trying to cheer myself here). I wouldn't be able to see them anymore after I graduated and leave KL for good. Of course, I will come to KL occasionally, but it's still a sad thing to be apart from them. I feel like I haven't got the chance to know them well enough and now I have less than a month to spend with these people. ohmygoddddd time flies too fast... please slow down :(:(

(Presents from them) 
I also received this lovely handwritten birthday wishes from a group of people and it literally made me tear when I read it. (No close up and one-by-one shot of it cause I feel like it's kinda personal :3)
I'm not sad because of the wishes, but I'm sad because I was thinking that I'm not gonna see them anymore soon. Plus, the thought of them writing it all down for me makes me feel very loved and cared for and I don't know... I don't know how to describe how I feel hahahaha. I'm just very thankful that I'm surrouded by such an amazing people and I have no regrets at all coming to KL and studying at Taylor's (although I do dislike the course. lol) 

Thanks again for reading this and I LOVE YOU ALL!! xx Julia
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