Rustique 84 Chill & Dine

Since it's Kaamatan public holiday today, I have finally decided to drag my lazy bum to the desk and write something on this lonely blog of mine (it has been like that since the early stages of MCO mind you - this seemingly never-ending laziness I mean). 

Now this eatery is actually quite popular amongst locals but they were on off in terms of opening during the numerous versions of MCO. I can't remember exactly when me and my partner took the pictures below but it was around one of the handful of times that they'd decided to open (lucky us I guess). The mostly western food eatery is located within Kubota Sentral commercial centre (where else?), right beside GETTO. Going through their menu, we were impressed to see some non-common western dishes such as the Beef & Vegetables Enchiladas that my partner had. I did took a bite and it was pretty tasty (for something that I had for the first time). I was not feeling too adventurous at said time so I decided to go for something familiar like the Rendang Chicken Pizza. As I've stated in my other posts, I prefer pizza with a thin crush so this one was definitely right up my alley. And it was delicious to boot. FYI, I did went back the restaurant with my mom after the previous visit and she'd ordered their Curry Chicken Rice (see below). 

**Current status - Still in business (as of May 2021)

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Ice Ice Baby Sago Ice House

Amidst the confusion of MCO vs CMCO for Sabah (all because of the upcoming Hari Raya), I'm here again to give you guys a review of another eatery that I've been to way before the previous MCO was implemented (and before I'm off for the weekend+public holiday).

I've actually been to this place a handful of times but not recently so do note that they have currently expanded their menu. But when me and partner were there, we've tried out their Baby Chicken Chop, Nasi Goreng Chop, Burger Nasi Lemak and Chocolate Lava Cake (on different occasions of course). Although their main business does centers around desserts, they do have delicious main dishes as well such as the aforementioned burger. The sambal that accompanied the deep fried burger was sweet and spicy which balanced the somewhat salty patty. I've also had both their Chocolate Cheese drink as well as their Chocolate Shake ice shaved dessert and I must say that the latter was definitely my favourite. It was simply a refreshing, chocolaty dessert to have during a hot day. Oh and before I forget, they're located at the single row Gaya Commercial Centre, along Jalan Guru (leading up to SMK Tawau)

**Current status - Still in business (as of May 2021)

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Go-to places for imported snacks in Tawau

Okay so I do noticed that Tawau has also been bitten by the 'Korean/Japanese snacks & beverages' bug as of late; as it seems that several stores selling such stuff has popped up almost at the same time (and coincidentally around the same area). Must be because of the Hallyu/Kpop effect I guess. But I also like the fact that these stores not only focuses on the two main countries's products, but has also go beyond which was very good in terms of giving customers more variety. And here are four such places that I've been to (mostly before the MCO)... 

Big Mart

Where? Kubota Square & LA Hotel

Pros? You can also have a full on meal inside the premise

Cons? Impossible parkings especially during busy weekdays

Big Mart actually has 2 branches in Tawau but I've only been to their Kubota Square branch. Imported snacks & beverages were abundant and what's more, they also provide rented 'boxes' for outside vendors to put & sell their products. They also have limited selection of food and cafe drinks for you to have at the premise (both the Nasi Lemak & Hot Chocolate that I've tasted were quite good) 

Mercato Express

Where? Kubota Sentral (right beside I Love Yoo!) 

Pros? You can also shop for your other daily needs there

Cons? Staff can be 'extra' attentive (especially the ones manning the entrance) 

This is actually a full on supermarket that happens to have a few sections inside the premise dedicated to imported products, particularly snacks & beverages. Their choices for imported products were definitely wider than the rest (I even found Bulla ice cream & Blackpink's pepsi there, which was a rarity in Tawau) plus you could also shop for other local things there which was very convenient. 

TotoMart

Where? Kubota Sentral (in front of One Stop) & Taman Sejati (coming soon) 

Pros? Has a more intimate feel

Cons? Same problem as I've had before with Ding Tea (the young people behind the counter sometimes doesn't completely understand Malay) 

Brought to you by the former owners of the now closed Ding Tea, the place is not big as the above-mentioned but still provides adequate choices of imported snacks & beverages. But the highlight of their store has got to be the oden and  soft serve ice creams selection as well as milk teas. Of course I cannot possibly not try out their chocolate milk tea and it was actually quite tasty for a simple drink. 

Svok Mart

Where? Svok Hotel (backside of the lobby)

Pros? Very handy for SVOK hotel patrons

Cons? You'll probably feel a bit 'shy' coming into the place as you do have to walk past the hotel's reception counter to reach the area (as their side door is temporarily closed due to the CMCO) 

Okay, I'm including this place because they did promote themselves as a 'mart' that sells imported snacks in their FB page. And it was more like a corner than anything and the products were fairly limited. But they do have in-house promotional items from time to time such as chicken wings and fried fritters which people can give a try (and unfortunately so should I).

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