BBQ Chicken, Korea's No.1 Chicken Restaurant (KK FoodieVenture #44)

Still within the Imago Shopping Mall at KK Times Square, I remember that it was already the second time I was there (since I also stayed nearby, more on that on a later post) and this place had caught my eyes for some reason. A quick look at the menu displayed at the counter outside and we decided to try them out. There are several other eateries that has the whole Korean theme going on within the mall but we decided upon this place since they somewhat served fusion food (because my dear partner is not exactly a fan of Korean/ Japanese types of food). There wasn’t that many customers when we were there so we quickly ordered their Sous-Vide Chicken Nasi Goreng (which err… tasted like a tomato fried rice but the salad was surprisingly good) and some Paris Wings (which was sweetly seasoned – and yes, I know it sounds weird that we’re eating a ‘Paris’ chicken wings in a Korean theme restaurant right?) for my partner since he’s not in the mood for heavy eating that day. And I do apologize as well for not being able to try out their actual Korean dishes that day since several of our initial choices were unavailable. It’s also good to note that the eatery is actually a part of a chain of franchises within Malaysia (and possibly outside?)

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Nando's Imago (KK FoodieVenture #43)

Another place that I’m just dying to try out (because I’d miss the opportunity to have a go at them during my previous visit to KK) was Nando’s. Man, I’ve heard lots of things from my friends and family about them that it has gone to the top of my wish list just like that. So when I heard that they’re also opening at Imago Shopping Mall, I rushed to find them a.s.a.p. But here’s the thing though. I personally thought that their location might be a bit difficult to find, especially if you’re one of those easily-confuse- people like I am. Me and my partner had to stop by the information counter after what seems to be hours of searching (it’s actually minutes so don’t mind my dramatic antics) to finally be able to spot them at the ground floor of said mall.

We definitely took our sweet time deciding on what to eat since it is the first time we were there. But the waiters did not seem to mind since it’s practically a full house indoors (and we were there the day after Christmas so…). But when we finally made our order (we decided to share their Meal Platter and Lighten Up Chocolate Cake) I was a bit disappointed that the waiter neglected to mention to me the spice level of their infamous PERi-PERi Chicken (I only notice this after I got home) and just assume that we wanted their Lemon & Herb flavour. I mean, shouldn’t I be ask first of my preferences since it’s my first time there? And I must say that the PERi-PERi Chicken (with coleslaw and PERi chips as sides) were somewhat a let down for me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s very tender and the portion was huge but I’ve tasted better offerings elsewhere. I guess it’s because my initial expectation was so high that it did not lived up to it. Their chocolate cake was also an okay cake at best. But don’t just take my word for it since a lot of people still love them of course.  

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Kurtos Spiroll Chimney Cake Bakery Imago (KK FoodieVenture #42)

After sometime of very indecisive thoughts, I finally decided to divide my current reviews on all things KK geographically. Wow… I never thought that I’ll use that word ever again (my Form 3 geography teacher will be so proud). So first up is the brand new Imago Shopping Mall that has sprung up at KK Times Square. Now even before I set foot inside the so-called new ‘it’ mall in KK, I’ve read countless of comments regarding this particular place. For one, I’ve never heard of a chimney cake before so that got me curious enough to go and find them the minute I arrive at said mall (yes, I can be very single-minded sometimes).

The kiosk can easily be spotted on the lower ground floor of the mall, specifically on the eatery side of the mall. I wasted no time in ordering their Chocolate Peanut kurtos kalacs (have no idea how to pronounce them) and you know what, it’s pretty tasty. It might not be mind-blowingly delicious but still very good. It is said that the pastry originated from where Dracula once resides (I’m not kidding folks – feel free to search the net) so that might contribute to the ‘unique structure’ of the pastry. Even more unique was the fact that you can watch them baked and decorate your order live, front row seat included and all. They also provide regular choices of pastries should you’re not interested in any Hungarian offerings on site so feel free to try them.

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Outward Vacay: Habiba Suites

In the same week as my previous hotel post, my other family members had chosen a different place to crash (since there’re a lot of them). So even though I did not actually stay there, I did however get their feedback when I was ‘lepaking’ there as well. If you’re interested in a peaceful, secluded place to rest then this is the place for you. The location might be tricky for you if you came to KK vehicle-less, since it’s located on top of Signal Hill (or Bukit Bendera). The serviced apartment type of accommodation consist of both regular hotel rooms and full on apartments.

Okay, I’m going to be honest and say that the place creeps me out, what with the building being surrounded by an actual jungle area. First impression screams out ‘old flat’ to me and parking spaces might be limited. There’s also limited staff for such a big place, which was a bit confusing. But after I’ve settled down, I found myself actually digging the place more. The apartment that my relatives had rented out was spacious, albeit with a very dated, 80s décor. The place has 1 master bedroom (with 3 beds in them), 2 other bedrooms (one had 3 beds and another had a singular bed), 2 attached bathrooms, a living area, dining area and a kitchen (with a fridge and limited utensils). So it’s possible for you to cook your own food while you’re there but buying ingredients might be a huge problem if you do not have any vehicle (and no, even if you’re a fitness guru and can run up and down the area – it’s on top of a steep, jungle-y hill and getting down doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll immediately spotted a convenient store). But they do have a restaurant within the area and a burger joint as well so rest assured that you won’t starve. And one huge plus point for this place is the beautiful view of the KK city area (well, it is on top of a hill). Oh and also that family of adorable looking monkeys (yes, actual monkeys) paying a regular visit to the place during the evenings.

All in all, I’d say…

Type – 3 Bedroom Suites

Room – 3/5 (at least it’s really spacious)

Price – 3/5 (a bit pricey even for the beautiful view)

Service – 3/5 (nothing much to comment)

Décor – 2/5 (here’s where the management really needs to focus on – those ‘holes’ on the hallway were just freaky especially at night) 

Facilities – 3/5 (the place is also available for weddings and other meeting stuff)

Location – 4/5 (can’t really argue with the awesome sunset hilltop view though) 

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Outward Vacay: DM Hotel

My sincere apologies y’all. Another year, another load of freshly piled up workload has prevented me from doing any new updates on this blog. But rest assured that since that workload has been somewhat ‘tamed’, I’ll try my hardest to catch up on things.

As my annual ‘pilgrimage’ to Kota Kinabalu has come and gone, I also have a few reviews to do in and around the city. Mind you, I actually went there twice this year, firstly due to family matters and then a week after that, my very own personal vacation.  During my first week there, I’ve decided to try this hotel, mainly because it’s near to my relative’s house. The DM Hotel is a nice, little hotel nested in the popular commercial area Damai Plaza. In fact, it’s the only hotel within the area. Checking in and out was pretty uneventful. The room that we were given was smaller than expected but still very cozy. I’ve read comments from several previous patrons that the pillows and bed were too hard for them, but I personally loved them. What I most impressed about was their bathroom, which was sizeable and gave out a very retro and cheerful vibe. Several minor problems however have surfaced like problems with the keycard (but that was sorted out during the first night) as well as loud drillings going on as early as 9am in the rooms near to ours. The hotel might be a bit far from the main city area so having a vehicle is a plus. But do be warned though that the area is a pretty popular commercial spot (with a huge number of shops, banks and other things within walking distance) so parking might be a problem to find during weekdays but is available during the weekends.

Overall, I’m giving them…

Type – Deluxe Queen

Room – 4/5 (bring on the hard beds and pillows!)

Price – 4/5 (very reasonable especially if you booked online)

Service – 3/5 (sometimes the staff seems not to bother with you but that’s just my opinion)

Décor – 3/5 (it might be a mid-range budget hotel but it’s definitely well-kept)  

Facilities – 3/5 (pretty basic stuff but they do have a lift/elevator for convenience)

Location – 4/5 (superb location as it is visible by the main road and central to the surrounding commercial 

area) 

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