Wakon Japanese Restaurant, Damansara Uptown

Wakon Interior

You know its a good Japanese place when authentic Japanese people are dining there (similar theory applies to Koreans in Korean restaurants). :p

Wakon adopts the Izakaya concept where the highlight of the menu are grilled skewers of everything. You name it and they can most probably put that on a skewer. Imagine : Asparagus in chicken skin, pork neck meat, mushrooms, gingko nuts and many more all grilled to perfection on a skewer. *drool

Apart from the grilled menu, Wakon also serves their own made Udon and Ramen. I find their udon smooth and just the right amount of "chewy". When coupled with their homemade broth (boiled with pig bone/knuckle and corn), it has become my favourite bowl of udon around town. Perfect for rainy weather or when your tummy needs something comforting.

This is a place for everyone. Families walk in towing kids in their pajamas, working men with loosened collars drinking to their woes and groups of friends enjoying sake together.

Service here is good with attentive servers and hands-on owners/managers. Majority of our dishes were recommended by the manager which were not on the menu. (Tip: do ask for recommendations when you get here! :))

Come by after 9.30pm for Wakon's version of happy hour where skewers and beer are on discount.

Wakon is non halal and is located at 75G, Jalan SS 21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 Damansara Utama, Selangor. It is just a few doors away from Fat Spoon (another Uptown favourite).

FUEL CAFE, UPTOWN

Yet another little cafe has shroomed up in Uptown, just a few doors away from Kaffa.

Though it would be defined as a little "coffeehouse", its sets itself apart rather well attracting a very different crowd. It happens to be a non-halal little joint that serves pork burgers and "old beijing noodles".

I had popped in after dinner that day so I did not manage to try the food. I LOVE noodles so I will most definitely head back to try them noodles. :)

Hot Lemon Tea

Bonsai Coffee (its a Latte with oreo crumbs on top. Interestingly creative! :))

Brick Counter with the menu painted on the wall.

Hot Chocolate

Something in Heaven (sorry can't remember the name) - Basically its hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream on top

Wooden furniture nicely spaced out.

Quirky reading corner (or photo-op corner) whichever tickles your fancy.

Decor on the walls lending to a rustic charm

The drinks are mediocre. Definitely not something that will pull the crowds in IMHO, but a nice enough complement to Fuel's food menu which looks pretty good to me. 

Fuel is located at 111G, Jalan 21/37, Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya and is not opened on Sunday.

BOY - Skin

BOY - Skin

Vary Pasta, Damansara Jaya

This little cosy family-run establishment has been around for quite some time now and still hanging in there. A little chat with the owner revealed that business has really been affected after the demolition of neighboring Atria Shopping Mall.

Well, to be honest it was rather quiet and I had thought the shop had closed down when i entered the lane at first. Hopefully, if this post sends a few extra customers there then it would have done its job. :)

Mish Mash Decor 

Vary Pasta serves non halal pasta and "german-ish" food like pork knuckles, sausages and pork chops. So far, everything i've tried in Vary Pasta is yummy. Anytime i need some comfort food i'll think of this place.  Prices are really affordable as well and service is always prompt. Although i've never been there when it was a full house before so the waiters are always attentive.

Hungarian Sausage (RM28.50)

Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Prawns (RM15.50)

Food on the wall, food on the table, long live food! 

Vary Pasta is located at 21G, Jalan SS22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan (same lane as Public Bank). Call them at 03- 7710 6100 if you get lost. :) They open for lunch and dinner daily. 

Kin Ryu Tei, SS15 Subang Jaya

Kin Ryu Tei is located on a row of shops right opposite Subang Jaya Medical Centre. The row houses quite a few japanese restaurants including the ever famous Rakuzen.

The salmon sashimi came in thick cuts and was melt in the mouth fresh. However, there were bones in almost every slice! (gasp*) I definitely have to minus points for that.

Salmon Sashimi (RM26)

We ordered the Ramen Set which came with gyoza, fried rice, chawan mushi, mini salad and slice of papaya. Altogether reasonably priced at RM18. We also ordered grilled Ibero Pork for RM22. (no picture as we were too hungry and forgot to take pictures!)

Parking was a breeze on Saturday noon. Not too pricey. They also have private rooms for big pax but make sure you call ahead. Kin Ryu Tei is located at No. 3, Jalan SS15/5A, Subang Jaya, Selangor, 47500.

Mulberry Restaurant & Bar, Jalan Ampang, KL

Cozy Ambiance 

Previously known as Speakeasy, Mulberry is one of the coziest places around the area for food and drinks. Whenever i have lunch with Chris, we always end up with deep conversations so a cozy ambiance is a must. The place is usually packed during lunch hour so it would be advisable to reserve a table or come early. There is a private room at the back as well which has seen many an office birthday party. :) 

Side Bar

Yong Chow Fried Rice (RM18)

Mulberry serves pizzas, pastas, western and asian food. Chris had Yong Chow Fried Rice and I ordered Chicken Thigh in Rosemary Sauce. The chicken is usually served with soy sauce and fries but I had asked the waiter if he can substitute the sauce and the fries with mash potato to which he cheekily answered, "Yes Chef". The prices are a bit on the high side (cmon RM18 for fried rice?) but I guess that's the price to pay for good food. :) The fried rice was "fried" to perfection and the chicken was tender and well marinated. 

Chicken Thigh with Rosemary Sauce (RM26)

Mulberry serves alcohol but no pork and is located at 9, Jalan Ampang, 50450 KL.

G3 Kitchen & Bar, Bangsar

An understated eatery situated opposite F Block in Bangsar, I didn't even notice it at first glance. Luckily I accompanied Koonie to collect her glasses from Reliance (the specs shop in Bangsar which is forever crowded). Soots and her bf joined us at the shop and then for dinner. 

Shelves of ingredients adorn the walls at G3

G3 serves a variety of food, amongst others (ie the ones we ordered) - Seafood Paella (RM29) [not pictured], Linguini Pomodoro, Clam & Prawn Spaghetti and Chicken Tikka Masala. 

Linguini Pomodoro (RM20)

Clam & Prawn Spaghetti (RM26)

Chicken Tikka Masala (RM29)

All around the table, everyone was satisfied with the food. Portions were more than generous, ingredients were fresh (the prawns and clams in particular) and service was attentive. Definitely worth revisiting. :) 

G3 Kitchen & Bar is located at No.19, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100  KL. Opens late on weekends.