Lover Kopitiam

After going through my previous posts, I've noticed a pattern in terms of the places that I usually go for to get a bite. And this next one is no exception. This cafe called Lover Kopitiam (at least the name's memorable right?) can be considered as the sister of that infamous Lover Cake House franchise all over Tawau. And just how I figured all of this out? One, I've seen the Lover Cake House van sending their freshly baked goodies to the cafe several times now and two, by looking at the name of the place (duh! - I am such a 'genius'). Yes I know, I am so proud of myself, har har har...

Now the place itself is located at (one of my favourite spots in town) that single row building right in front of LA Hotel and overlooking the St Patrick's Church, Tawau. Diving into the food head first, I would say that overall there has been some inconsistencies in terms of tastes but around 90% of the time they actually got it correct. For our most recent visit, me and my partner ordered ourselves a Nasi Lemak Special and Sambal Fried Rice (and yes, despite the unappealing look of the fried rice, it's actually quite tasty and somewhat spicy). They usually offered a variety of ready-to-be-eaten food out of the food counter up front but when we got there they're all sold out so I can't give you guys a look (just to give you guys some ideas - it's has similar menus as that very popular kopitiam franchise in KK called Fook Yuen).

Like a typical (modernized) kopitiam, they also catered a variety of delicious looking buns and tarts (which are also available via their cake houses mentioned before) as well as other side snacks such as the white buns (aka 'pau') and waffles in assorted flavourings. And as far as I'm concern, they're all delicious (yes, I have personally tasted them throughout my previous visits). The environment of the cafe is also quite comfortable but do watch out for the tables outside of the cafe (the ones facing the main road, not the one facing St Patrick's Church) as it is actually situated next to the toilet so if you're one of those that goes 'eww..' at the mere thought of that (guilty!) than avoid it at all costs.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of November 2013)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Soon Yee Bingo House

Yeah yeah, I know what you're thinking when you read the name of the place (cause it did crossed my mind every time I drove passed the place). So aside from all bingo jokes that you could think of, this place has got nothing to do with that kind of bingo. Situated neatly in front of Giant Hypermarket (yes, I admit that I went to the area almost every other week) at the infamous Perdana Jaya area Tawau, the cafe is somewhat a health freak heaven. And I said 'somewhat' because only around half of the menu are truly healthy food. I must say that I'm impressed that they at least attempted to create a healthier versions of the otherwise very high calorie (guilty of counting my calorie intake, whenever I felt like it) dishes such as Fried Rice and Chicken Rice. So when my mom and I tried the place for the first time, we ordered quite a few dishes because we were pretty starving (hahaha.. trust our empty stomachs to guide the way). I ordered both their Fried Mee Hoon (less salt, which is as expected from a healthy cafe) and Nasi Lemak (average, but the anchovies are crispy) while mom got herself some Homemade Soy Sauce Chicken Rice (direct quote from my mom "...okay la" - not that convincing mom!) and their version of Ko Chung (pretty similar to the Malay's pulut). I've tasted the latter and I actually loved it. Reminds me of my early childhood. So overall the taste varied here and there. The food is mainly Chinese based health food so don't be 'scuurred' by their names as the place is pork free. They also have an assorted of those healthy Chinese drinks and jellies (which I assured you will make its way into my plate pretty soon).

I don't have any complaints on service as we're the only ones there during that time (but I've passed the place several times before and it's usually packed during the day) so it's obviously going to be swift. Food are also served swiftly so we're quite happy with that.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of November 2013)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Sabah Spoon

Okay, so let me get something straight. I am not in any way a K-Pop fan. No offense to K-Poppers but I think I'm not really in their age-group target (hey, I'm not that old though). I admit that I'm a closeted fan of a few catchy K-Pop tunes but that's about it. So when I first discover this place (way before it becomes as popular as it is now) I was a bit apprehensive when I saw that half of the menu are of Korean food. But my personal motto for food have always been 'if it's eatable, lets have it!'. And you know what? I'm surprised that I found myself loving Korean food! I've heard so much about the infamous Kimchi and yes, it is an acquired taste but my taste buds are practically dancing when I had it. But unfortunately during my latest visit, I did not ordered one so no pictures on it. Sorry people, maybe next time! My parents and I (yes, that lady walking past in the first picture is my wonderful mom's backside) however decided to ordered a few local dishes such as Nasi Ikan Bakar, Nasi Goreng Thai, Nasi Goreng Kampung, Mix Vegetables (yup, mom never forgets that) and last but not least, a bit of a Korean flare with Gimbap (Korean's answer to their Japanese rival's sushi). Like I've said, half of their menu is Korean so don't be too surprise to see the local menu dishes. And I must say that even though I might not have other Korean dishes to compared it with, as far as my taste buds are concern, their dishes tastes lovely and yummy. But I'm more partial toward their Korean dishes though rather that their local dishes. It's pretty good, but I've had better. One question though - do they served wasabi with Gimbap in Korea? Cause that's what they're doing here, and frankly I'm down with it.

Well, did you notice that little shop at the side of the restaurant called Lisa Toast & Bubble Smoothies (in my picture below)? That's also owned by their next door neighbor, if you decided on some lite munchies of course. And also a BIG shout out to the Korean husband & wife owners of the restaurant (what do you expect, this is a semi Korean restaurant, so at least it's authentic) especially the wife as she's really friendly and warm and greeted every customers with a smile. And her Malay is superb as well. Must be because of the years living in Sabah. The restaurant is on the Lower Ground floor of Eastern Plaza Tawau, right in front of the main food court. It's also very near to the escalator and the main LG door so it's very accessible.

** Current status - Has been closed (as of March 2024)

(Updated on 17/11/2017 - They had added a few more Korean dishes into their menu recently and I got the chance to try out their Kimchi Chicken Duruchigi Rice and it tasted okay despite being a bit too sweet for my liking & their Bibimbap)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Roof Garden Lounge

As I was in my 'backyard vacay' mood in L.A Hotel (see previous post), I've decided that I got to check out their rooftop lounge since I've heard so much about it. And since my last experience going to such places solo (not a pleasant one I'm afraid), I've manage to roped in a pal of mine to come along. So off we go to the hotel's top floor (sorry, can't remember which floor exactly) and as we stepped outside of the elevator.... darkness! The only thing that we can see is the neon sign that says 'Roof Garden Lounge' and nothing else. I'm obviously baffled (and beginning to feel like an idiot for asking a friend to witness my stupidity) for like 10 seconds flat when this smiley waiter came to my (err, okay.. our) rescue and led us to the actual rooftop lounge. Note to hotel management -  I do understand that you're going for the half pub feel (it is called a lounge) but please put a brighter light at the 'arrival area' as not to scare away patrons (or maybe it's just me). So they actually divided their lounge area into 2 sections. There's the lounging (and possibly buffet area - as I did spotted some buffet like things nearby) area when you first entered the floor (which was very impressively decorated with bird cages.. yes people, bird cages) and then there's the rooftop area on top of the latter. But do mind your steps when going to the rooftop area as it is quite steep.

Now here's where I turned from my 'what-is-this-place' to 'I-loved-this-place' mode in just seconds. The view at this rooftop is just splendid. Sure, we might not have those sky-scrappers to drooled over but at night, Tawau is pretty darn beautiful with the right view point. Although it's a bit windy when we were there, but it's worth it for the view alone. But what about the food? I mean, I am writing about the food here before I go off with my lengthy babblings. So I've ordered their Mee Goreng Mamak (menu items are mostly Western food with some local dishes) and my friend ordered Mee Tuaran and our verdict? Err, average I guess. I'm actually very looking forward to taste their food but while it's not bad (it's quite tasty actually) it's not that mind-blowing delicious. We also sampled their Boxing Chicken and the sauce is pretty tangy and well-seasoned. But again, nothing out-of-this-world. There's also the Grilled Chicken Sausages & Grilled Roasted Chicken (again with the tangy sauce), their version of Chicken Nasi Lemak and the very simple-looking Roof Garden's Nasi Goreng which tastes meh!

I don't know about you guys but this is the first time I've seen a bouncer (yes, that big guy who has this walkie on hand and is giving you that evil eyes) in such place. So I was half expecting a brawl in the wee hours of the night but I'm happy to report that everyone was pretty chilled out to suddenly have the urged to dance on top of tables. The waiters are also very friendly and attentive.

*Side note - I do apologize beforehand for the very dimmed pictures below (which pretty much says that I needed a new phone) as the place is that dark.

** Current status - Has been reopened (as of April 2021)

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Backyard Vacay: L.A Hotel

So here we are again with my 'seasonal' backyard vacation. This time around I'm staying at L.A Hotel (which stands for Lai Alliance Hotel, not that other famous city in the US) which is situated Jalan St. Patrick (aka right next to the St. Patrick's Church in town). It's actually tucked away from view by a line of shops but then again, you can still see the top part of the hotel from afar so no problems in finding it.

I've always had my eyes on this particular hotel cause believe it or not, this is one of the few hotels that had eluded me ever since I began my quest for my very own backyard vacay several years back. It's mainly because that it is relatively new in town and (also I think because of that) it's pretty hard to booked a room with them since it's almost always full on the weekends. But with my ever persistence (and I'm damn proud of it), I've finally manage to reserve a Standard Room with them this past weekend.

So here's the lowdown. I've manage to booked myself their cheapest (cause honestly I think it's a tad expensive for a 3 star hotel) room available which is the Standard Room and I must say that I'm pretty satisfied with the money I've spent. Obviously since it's only been opened in the recent years, the room is still in its mint condition. It might be a little small in terms of size (but hey, it is a Standard right?) but it has a modern and at the same time a cozy feel about it that I like. And another plus for the room? They at least had a decent view, even for a Standard Room (cause normally when you booked Standards, it pretty much means no windows). The amenities are also well-equipped (thank God their hair-dryer works) and the tiles in the showers are the non-slippery type. All in all I'd say that I enjoyed myself during my weekend break there. I've also visited their rooftop lounge (more on that in my next entry) which I've heard is the place to hang out these days (and for a good reason too). They also had a spa somewhere in the building and another bistro & bar just in front of the hotel. The staff is pretty okay (kudos to the rooftop lounge ones) but there's always that certain receptionist who for some reason looked down on you during check-ins (mine's actually happen during check-out) just cause I'm obviously not the out-of-town patrons. Sigh.

And if you don't have your own vehicle and is not too keen on walking around, then I think you should find another hotel. Fajar Complex is actually not that far from the hotel but you really need to work out some sweat in doing so. But if you're main goal is having a relaxing time (a bit) outside of the main attractions, then this hotel is the one for you. There's a pretty good source of food and mini mart available on the single row shops right next to the hotel that you can fill up you bellies with and purchase your basic daily needs.

So for my personal tastes, I would say...

Type - Standard Room
Room - 4/5 (loved the fact that they had a proper view)
Price - 3/5 (average actually but can be consider pricey for budget-hunting patrons)
Service - 3/5 (again quite okay but with a minor problem with said receptionist)
Decor - 4/5 (loving everything, most probably because it's still new)
Facilities - 4/5 (quite good - see above review to read about their facilities)
Location - 3/5 (if you want a quieter place then this is for you!)

• 
• 
• 
• 
•