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KL Sedap Part 7: Krispy Kreme

Sabtu, 29 Juni 2013

Okay so we have come to the end of our KL Sedap Series.
My darling wife and our guest reviewers, Razali & Azim, have joined me in exploring just a tiny fraction of the makan paradise we know as Kuala Lumpur.

And although this it the last post in the series for now, I have a strong feeling that it might be the most popular in the series.


Oh come now. There's no need to be shy.
Everyone I know has a soft spot for doughnuts. Specifically - Krispy Kreme.

I remember a time when Dunkin' Donuts completely dominated the doughnut market.
When my family used to travel into Malaysia, there would surely be a few boxes of Dunkin' Donuts in the car with us on the way back.

But it appears the times have changed.

Since Krispy Kreme appeared in KL, it seems that it has completely dominated the doughnut scene not only there but everywhere else.

Is a superior product? Better variety? Great location?
Well when Krispy Kreme opened in the US, their Original Glazed® Doughnut quickly gained legendary status. When it spread closer to us (in HK), we started seeing people bring back these white boxes with green dots when they returned from their travels. Litttle did we know the treasures within...



In KL alone, they have 3 outlets. Two are located at Sunway and one more at Mid Valley Megamall.
The 3rd (and most convenient) is located at Berjaya Times Square. Why convenient? Well, quite a number of travellers who take the coach in and out of KL have the chance to take a coach operator who stops and picks-up at Berjaya Times Square.

This means lots of doughnuts for loved ones at home!
And as you can see from the picture above, you're gonna have quite a time choosing your doughnuts.


Original Glazed®
Without a doubt, the most popular doughnut at Krispy Kreme is the Original Glazed®.
The beauty in their doughnuts is not only in the toppings but the doughnut itself. It's really really soft and gives you such a heavenly feeling when you take a nice big bite.

And the best thing - it remains soft even after a few hours.
If you have to keep your Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the fridge, just pop em in the microwave for about 15 seconds before you serve and it'll be as soft as when you first bought them.



In the mood for something a little more decadent?
Well I'm a sucker for Orange Chocolate so I was helpless when I saw these beauties staring back at me.

At first, I though it was gonna be just the orange stripes which would give me the orange flavour but I was pleasantly surprised! The chocolate that covered the doughnut was a dark orange chocolate that was FULL of flavour! Quality is never a question and Krispy Kreme passes that with flying colours!



Not an orange chocolate fan?
Well then you might consider the Chocolate Dream - chocolate within chocolate!


But hey, I can't go through every single doughnut they have right?
Well I'll just lay them out for you and you can take a look for yourselves if anything tickles your fancy.




See anything you like?
I'm guessing some of you might be drooling like Homer Simpson right about now.
I know I am!

A single Original Glazed® doughnut costs RM2.50.
A half-dozen Original Glazed® sets you back RM12.00.
A whole dozen Original Glazed® is RM19.00.

Flavoured doughnuts are RM2.80, RM15.00 and RM23.90 respectively.

I didn't do very well for my maths but I reckon the best deal is the box of dozen.

And for the kids (or even yourself if you're looking to cut down on your sugar), they also have Mini doughnuts that promise to pack the same delicious taste as their bigger counterparts.


EAT ME!

Looks like I could fit one in my whole mouth. 
Really like Homer Simpson!

Adam's Verdict:
Krispy Kreme 5/5


Maryah's Verdict:
Krispy Kreme 5/5


I think it's quite safe to say that Krispy Kreme is tops.

The big question is - when is Krispy Kreme coming to Singapore?
I've heard several rumours (as far back as 3 years ago) and read several online articles that say the brand franchise has already been bought for Singapore but so far no news on any outlets opening.

Some online forums claims that it's supposed to open in "March 2013".
Well it's already June anyways. Looks like I need to go to KL for my Krispy Kreme fix.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Berjaya Times Square
Level 1
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: 60 3 21440790

www.krispykreme.com.my/doughnuts.html

Operating Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays - 8.00 am til Midnight
Fridays, Saturdays and PH Eve - 8.00am til 1.00am

SORA

Sabtu, 29 Juni 2013

Salams All,
Just a quick post about something very very very exciting!!
Are you always googling "hijab friendly fashion" "hijab fashion sites" 
Well now you don't have too
there's a new site launching, 
Called SORA
They're based in Brisbane, Australia

SORA is a new and exciting multi-brand fashion website that caters for trendy, 
fashionable and chic Muslim women in Australia.  
The purpose of their website is to collaborate local and international hijab friendly designers 
so they are all under the one roof.   
Now you can simply go to www.lovesora.com.au 
and be instantly updated on the latest hijab friendly designs, brands, and trends.  
They have some of the top international hijab brands including 
Mimpikita, Suri & Lana and ....It's a secret!!
They have cheaper shipping, faster delivery, 
and ease of correspondence.
And for 2 days after they launch they will be offering 
FREE SHIPPING!!! Wuuuuuuuuuuuuu

So make sure JULY 4TH
You're Free!!!
To shop and enjoy free shipping!!!
Yey!!!!!!

XOXO
MSF

JONATHAN TOBIN: NEOCONSERVATISM’S MINISTER OF TRUTH

Kamis, 27 Juni 2013

In George Orwell’s classic political sci-fi novel 1984 one of the four ministries that controlled the people of Oceania was the Ministry of Truth. Its sole purpose was to re-write all of history on a daily basis to suit the current political agenda of the Inner Party government that controlled Oceania. Orwell’s hero is Winston Smith who works at ‘Minitrue’ as an editor revising historical records.

In 2013 there is no Ministry of Truth per se but there is Commentary, a political magazine for extreme right-wing neoconservatives who once ruled America and much of the Western world during the Bush/Blair/Howard/Aznar/Berlusconi era of attempting to force the Islamic world into becoming ‘democratic’. Despite being no longer in power, neoconservatives like to pretend they still wield some influence which they do by writing propaganda articles that reflects their current thinking in the hope that people who have real influence in the affairs of government actually read the stuff they put out.

One of Commentary’s most senior propagandists is Jonathan Tobin.

Today Tobin provides a classic example of neoconservative historical revisionism. He writes in one his posts today:

This is… an administration that did a lot to encourage the first round of Arab spring protests in Egypt that took down longtime U.S. ally Hosni Mubarak and ultimately replaced him with a Muslim Brotherhood government that may be far worse than deposed authoritarian.

Tobin infers that Obama should not have encouraged the protests that eventually led to the downfall of “U.S. ally Hosni Murbarak”.

But Tobin is being disingenuous at best here, or downright deceitful at worst, because at the beginning of the Arab Spring revolt in Egypt, the neoconservatives – including Tobin – were encouraging the uprising to get rid of the Murbarak dictatorship to replace it with democracy. It was only when it became obvious that the Muslim Brotherhood was going to win the day at their first taste of ‘democracy’ that Tobin realised that he and his fellow neocons had backed the wrong horse. In December 2012 Tobin wrote:

Many of us had some hope that the Arab Spring would bring democracy to an Arab world where it is largely unknown. But by now only those unwilling to face reality are still pretending the Brotherhood are just a bunch of Muslim democrats.

Tobin has gone from ‘hoping to bring democracy to an Arab world’ to blaming Obama for ‘taking down longtime U.S. ally Hosni Murbarak’ as though Tobin and his fellow travellers had no part in it. The lie is exposed.

Tobin is not a good propagandist. He forgets that Winston Smith was just a fictional character and never did get around to revising Tobin’s past articles.

Clearly the neocons do not have complete control of the Ministry of Truth – at least, not just yet they haven’t.      

KL Sedap Part 6: Pepper Lunch

Rabu, 26 Juni 2013

Pepper Lunch is a very popular Japanese-style makan place that has been around for many years. The outlets in Singapore however are not certified Halal.

Well, luckily for us - the outlets in Malaysia are certified Halal!


So the concept is really simple but something that is still so attractive.
You get to cook your own food on a hotplate! I'm not talking about steamboat style or the kind of hotplate that is perpetually hot (like table BBQ). This kind of hotplate is heated up (to 260 degrees!!) so that you can cook the meat to your liking and then after awhile, the cooking stops as the heat stops as well.

If you like your meat medium rare, put it atop the vegetables to stop the cooking but if you're like me and you like it well done, leave it on the hotplate to cook through all the way to the end.

Check out this promotional video that also plays at the Pepper Lunch outlets. It's actually like an instructional video that shows how to cook the different menu items they have.



Looks good eh? Looks fun eh? Well it is!
It's always fun to play a part in cooking your food the way you like.

But they seem to have forgotten one item on the menu which also happens to be my favourite!
Let's take a look at how the expert does it...



Yummy! Absolutely mouth-watering I say...

Ribeye Steak (RM36.80)
So for those with a bigger appetite for meat (like me) then you should go for the Ribeye Steak.
It comes with a combo which includes rice and veggies so you get a balanced meal. Also includes a side of mashed potatoes (which isn't really anything special to be honest)

The meat is really really as tender as you would expect and of course, you are responsible for how well you meat is cooked so you can stop at medium rare or medium well if you'd like. I personally always go all the way for well done.

And yes - it really is as big as it looks in the photo.

Pepper Steak (RM29.80)
For those who prefer something a little smaller, go for the Pepper Steak.
This is basically a smaller size piece of meat (which happens to be a Sirloin cut by the way) plus all the additional sides as well.

The meat is still tender and not too bad considering it's fast food.
But the serving is much smaller compared to the Ribeye so if you're hungry, we suggest you go big.
Plus, for the minimal price difference, you might as well top-up.

But a word of advice though...


You will have to add these two sauces to your meat while it's cooking on the hotplate.
Your initial instincts will be to taste them first which is fine because they don't taste too strong when you taste them on their own.

But when you start putting it on the meat, please don't overdo it!
Being the hero that I am, I went all out and thought to myself "the more the merrier".
That was a mistake! Too much will make your dish very very very very very salty so go slow okay!

Seafood Aglio Olio (RM18.80)

No likey the meaty? No problem!

Pepper Lunch also offers alternatives which involves no beef or chicken at all. And one of them is the Seafood Aglio Olio for all you pasta lovers.

When we first saw it, our initial reaction was "Pasta on a hotplate is not a good idea" but we were willing to give it a try so that all our readers have a heads-up!

They give you a small dish of seasoning and olive oil which you are supposed to pour all over your pasta while it cooks on the hotplate and is probably supposed to keep it from burning.


Well it doesn't really burn but as you can see, it does tend to get a bit dry.
Maybe a little (or a lot) more olive oil would have been helpful?
Come to think of it, maybe you should think twice before having pasta on a hotplate.

Don't get us wrong. The taste itself was not too bad actually. But the dried up dish wasn't a hit.
So it's either you eat really fast before it dries up or maybe ask for extra olive oil.

PS don't bother asking for Tabasco sauce - they've never heard of it.
(Reminder -  this is Japanese pasta not Italian pasta)

Adam's Verdict:
Ribeye Steak 4/5


Maryah's Verdict:
Ribeye Steak 4/5


Razali's Verdict:
Seafood Aglio Olio 3.5/5

Azim's Verdict:
Pepper Steak 4/5

Pepper Lunch is definitely worth a try if you're in Malaysia. Wonder if they will apply for Halal certification in SG in future maybe?

Pepper Lunch

Pavilion KL
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Level 1, Lot 1.54
Tel: 60 3 21410228

Operating Hours:
10.30am til 10.30pm Daily


Jus! Episode 7 featuring The Halal Food Blog & EpiKebabs!

Senin, 24 Juni 2013

Well you guys remember that The Halal Food Blog Team was recently featured on Suria right?
Well the clip is finally ready!

The episode features EpiKebabs and was aired on Jus! on 17 June 2013!

Read our original review of EpiKebabs HERE and enjoy the clip!

Remember to catch the Halal Food Blog Team again on Jus!
The episode will air on 1 July 2013 and will feature Royal Kublai Khan Steamboat Buffet Restaurant!

Burger King: Rendang Burger

Sabtu, 22 Juni 2013

Here's a little-known fact.
My darling wife and I used to work at Burger King when we were younger!

It was just around the time after leaving school and I'm sure some of you also had a go at some fast food restaurant or other. In fact, it's quite an experience!

Well it's probably for that reason that my darling wife and I have a special place in our hearts for BK. Since we spent a lot of time with ingredients and the actual making of the burgers etc, that's probably why we hold BK in such high regard and also why we expect such high standards from BK.

Photo from Burger King
One of the most unique burgers ever in the history of Burger King (or even in Singapore I dare say) was the Rendang Burger. BK's flame-grilled beef patties topped with special Rendang sauce and onions! Yummy!

It was a sure winner back in the days and it was actually probably the only burger which uniquely held a special Singaporean flavour. I can't think of many other burgers which has such a uniquely local gimmick.
Well, the beloved Rendang burger unfortunately disappeared from BK menus islandwide quite awhile back.
It's been at least a few years...

You can imagine our excitement when we saw the ad... THE RETURN OF THE RENDANG BURGER!
Could it really be true???

BK Rendang Deluxe ($6.95 for the meal)
Let me start with the most important part of this burger - the Rendang Sauce.
And I have 4 words for you - IT'S-NOT-THE-SAME.

I don't mean that in a nostalgic-living-in-the-past kind of way. The sauce is literally different.
Trust me. My darling wife and I opened A LOT of Rendang Sauce cans when we were with BK and this is definitely not the same stuff. This one actually reminds me of Satay Sauce without the peanuts.

And for those of you who noticed - they use diced onions for this burger.
If there is one thing I remember about BK if there is onion in the burger, it's the round sliced onions.
I'm talking about the type you get with the BK Whopper you know what I mean. These chopped onions have no bite at all. They should have just left them out if this is the case.

And last but not least.
If you order the Rendang Deluxe (which is the double patty version), you get Turkey Bacon in the burger.
I'm not sure why. But there's some Turkey Bacon in there.

You can also have the Single Rendang Meal ($4.95) which doesn't have any Turkey Bacon.

Adam's Verdict:
BK Rendang Deluxe 2.5/5

Maryah's Verdict:
BK Rendang Single 3/5


Please don't get me wrong.

This wasn't a bad burger. It's just different from how it used to be and I reckon that quite a number of people will agree with me in saying they're disappointed because they were expecting a nice big bite of the old Rendang burger we all love. Oh well.

Burger King

35 outlets Islandwide
www.burgerking.com.sg

Operating Hours: Varies depending on outlet


THE SUNNI-SHIA DIVIDE: A GAP NOW TOO WIDE TO BRIDGE?

Jumat, 21 Juni 2013

Back in March 2007 I wrote here that the Israelis and the US were attempting to wedge the Sunni minority and the Shia majority in Iraq in order to project those differences throughout the region to create animosity between predominately Sunni nations in the hope of alienating the predominately Shia nation of Iran.

Apart from the friction between Saddam Hussein’s minority Sunni led government and the rest of the Shia population in Iraq, most Sunni and Shia folk throughout the rest of the Middle East had lived in relatively peaceful coexistence. What trouble did bubble up between the two sects was usually stirred up by the Israelis with the civil war that went on in Lebanon in the 1970s and 1980s being a classic example.

The reason Israel is anxious to keep the two at each others throats is because it is Israel to a large extent that actually united the two groups – until now. Until recently Hezbollah (Shia) and Hamas (Sunni) were close allies united by their common cause of defending their respective lands against Israeli aggression and territorial expansion. Hamas even had an office in Damascus where some of its leaders were domiciled because it was too dangerous for them to live in the Gaza Strip where they could be targeted for assassination by Israeli death squads. Hamas were even supplied with weapons from Iran. And at one point the Saudis actually signed a ‘Pledge of Friendship’ with the Iranians in an effort to thwart sectarian violence from spreading out of Iraq.

But all that has been to no avail.

When the war started in Syria and moved on from being a secular rebellion to become a sectarian battle it was hoped that, at the very least, the sectarianism could be contained within the bounds of Syria and between Syrians. It wasn’t long, however, before the Israelis and the US encouraged the Saudis and the Qatari’s to arm the Sunni rebels and promote foreign Sunni fighters to join the rebels in the war against the Syrian government. The rest we all now know about. You’ve seen and heard about the atrocities being committed against each other. Each day it gets worse.

But what of the future? Can, once the madness that is the Syrian war is over, the two religious sects resolve their differences or have the Israelis and their neocon friends pushed them beyond any reconciliation in the near future? On the other hand, any wrong move from Israel against Islam generally could just as easily see the two sects unite to fight a common foe.  

NEOCON ‘MAD MAX’ BOOT: WAR AGAINST AL-ASSAD IS PART OF U.S. ‘CONFLICT’ AGAINST IRAN

Kamis, 20 Juni 2013

If there’s one thing neocon commentator ‘Mad Max’ Boot can be relied upon it’s his inability to even pretend – despite his efforts – that intervention in the Syrian war is for any reason other than an opportunity to weaken Israel’s arch enemy Iran who Boot says, ‘whether we like it or not, we are in conflict with’.

Boot’s latest piece in Commentary exposes his real interests in getting Obama to use airpower against al-Assad. He ignores the reality that the Jihadi extremists within the rebel ranks have the upper hand as far as the opposition is concerned and that the downfall of al-Assad will likely lead to chaos in a post-Assad Syria. Boot claims that supplying arms only to selected rebels and then supporting them with airpower will lead to the downfall of al-Assad which will be a blow to Iran. And, of course, if it’s a blow to Iran, then it’s a blow to Hezbollah as well – which is exactly what Boot and his warmongering neocon mates want.

Boot also ignores the fact that Syria under al-Assad actually provided Israel with a degree of stability, particularly on the Golan Heights front. That stability will disappear if the Jihadists gain control of Syria. But stability doesn’t suit Israel’s long term agenda for the region. If Israel simply left Hezbollah alone and stopped provoking them by flying almost daily low-level sorties over Lebanon, then Hezbollah would not be a threat to Israel. However, it would also deprive Israel of an excuse to one day attack Hezbollah and occupy south Lebanon – as, indeed, it has done in the past – if and when Hezbollah reacts to Israel’s provocations.

What’s happening in Syria today is just a part of a long term strategy aimed ultimately at regime change in Iran and provoking a regional war which will allow Israel to realise its ambitions of ridding itself of all of its enemies, including Hezbollah as well as Hamas and Fatah, and creating a Greater Israel.

‘Mad Max’ likes to think that the US is at war with Iran because Israel is. The fact is; the US is not at war with Iran and, if it ever does go to war against Iran, there would be no telling how it would end – for the world or for Israel.

The world is far better off leaving Mad Max Boot to his delusions.

KL Sedap Part 5: Shimino Japanese Crepes

Rabu, 19 Juni 2013


So at the top level of Pavilion shopping mall, there's a small section they call Tokyo Street.
You can find all kinds of Japanese-inspired shops there like fashion, accessories and even food.
There's even a shop that specializes in selling traditional Japanese tea including all the pots and utensils.

It's actually pretty nice to talk a walk around

One of those shops selling makan is this place called Shimino Japanese Crepes.
Japanese and Crepes are not 2 words I normally put together...
So how different is a Japanese Crepe from a Non-Japanese Crepe? Well let's find out...

And to help us find out we have our fellow guest reviewers;

Azim & Razali
 As you can tell, they've got smiles on their faces so the crepes must nice right?

Fresh Mango & Honey Crepe (RM8.90)
Fresh Strawberry & Chocolate Sauce Crepe (RM8.90)
So the first thing you notice is that the crepes are made into a cone shape which makes it easy to eat on the go. Try to think of it as like you're having an ice-cream or something.

The crepes itself are made to order which means you get it fresh. I guess they kinda have to make it fresh because the crepes would definitely be sucky if they we made then left to sit waiting for orders.

Whatever filling you choose, you can actually mix and match what else goes in the crepe.
Fro example, ours was actually a Fresh Strawberry and Honey crepe but we opted for the Chocolate Sauce instead and they top it off with toppings like almond flakes, peanuts, rainbow sprinkles etc.
But the one thing that you should leave alone is the fresh cream that is packed with the filling.


I actually thought it was going to be just whipped cream out of the can or something but it really was a nice surprise that it was FRESH cream! And they're not stingy with the filling as you can see. Packed full of sweet strawberries!

And they actually have wide varieties of crepes to choose from.
Classics like Banana Chocolate, Peaches, Kiwi and Pineapple and all ready for you to eat.
They also have more interesting flavours like Mandarin Orange and Coffee Jelly!

And in case you feel like having some savoury crepes instead, they have flavours like Roast Beef, Chicken Teriyaki, Roast Duck and Seafood Mayo.

Adam's Verdict:
Fresh Strawberry & Chocolate Sauce Crepe 4/5


Maryah's Verdict:
Fresh Strawberry & Chocolate Sauce Crepe 3.5/5


Razali's Verdict:
Fresh Mango & Honey Crepe 3.5/5


Azim's Verdict:
Fresh Mango & Honey Crepe 3.5/5


Well I'm not sure if it's different from any other crepe I've had but it's still a good dessert nonetheless.
Just try to maintain when you eat... Like Azim.


Shimino Japanese Crepes

Pavilion KL
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tokyo Street (Level 6) P6.16.00

Operating Hours: 10.30am til 10.00pm Daily

TALKS WITH THE TALIBAN? NOW THERE’S A NOVEL IDEA – AGAIN!

Selasa, 18 Juni 2013

It was two years – almost to the day – that I last commented about talks with the Taliban that might have ended the war in Afghanistan. Nothing came of it. Nor did anything come of the talks that were proposed back in October 2008. Since then at least 2287 allied soldiers have died and only your deity knows how many civilians have been killed since. Now the Western allies are suggesting that talks might still be a good idea.

But, given the history of past proposals to talks with the Taliban, you don’t have to be an ‘expert analyst’ to foretell that talks are likely to be “complex, long and messy”.

Despite my pessimism, however, one can but hope that something meaningful might come of these talks before anyone else dies. I doubt, though, that the warmongering neoconservatives will see it quite the same way.

The Battle Of The Bone Steak Part 1: Al-Tasneem

Minggu, 16 Juni 2013

So we have the Quest For Briyani Series. Soon we will have the Nasi Lemak Chronicles.
But the one thing that A LOT of readers have been asking me to start is a series that samples the various offerings of Bone Steak aka Tulang Merah that we can find around our little island.

It used to be really simple because the only place you needed to go to for Tulang Merah was the Beach Road Army Market where there was a row of shops for you to choose from and indulge in a plate full of the fiery red dish we all love. But the times have changed and now there are makan places spread far and wide across Singapore and trust me -people are willing to travel from one side of the island to the other just to get some of their favourite Tulang Merah.

So this time we are not starting at the 'heart' of Bone Steak in Beach Road...
But it's pretty nearby.

Tulang Merah ($10.00)
Al-Tasneem is not really the first name that comes to mind when someone says "Tulang Merah".
In fact, we didn't even know we were going to be having Bone Steak when we made our way there!

We just got off the bus at Beach Road and wanted to have some dinner.
Our original destination was actually M.A. Deen Biasa for some of their famous Tulang Merah but unfortunately they were closed for renovations. So we walked a little further down and stumbled upon Al-Tasneem.

What caught our eyes initially was the Murtabak Rusa but when we found out there was Tulang Merah on the menu, there was no question. It's definitely value for money because you get about 6-7 bones for $10.

If you're like me, then the meat around the bones is a really big factor. And at Al-Tasneem, you meat lovers will have absolutely no problems!

The meat on the bones is plentiful and EXTREMELY tender. It tears off the bones easily (you can even use a fork and spoon) and it does not have that overwhelming mutton smell/taste that you might expect.

A nice piece of bread to soak up all that delicious gravy!!
Doesn't that look lovely?? *mouth watering*

The gravy itself is a little on the spicy side but I don't think anyone will complain about that. Razali says that it's good for tourists who wanna try the local flavour but maybe can't take the spicy food.
It's mixed up with some eggs to give it a big of texture (Azim thinks it's a little too much egg) and your bread is all ready for action from the plate to your mouth!

I know one thing is cause for concern - the red food colouring problem.
Quite a lo of places add artificial red colouring to give their Tulang Merah the extra 'merah' part and that means that yr hands an mouth ad face (ad possible clothes) will be red by the time you are done.
So is this the case?

Not at all. I am glad to report that there is little (or I dare say NO) food colouring used here.
And although that means no red coloured faces, my darling wife warns all ladies to try and 'maintain' while eating the Tulang Merah or else you might have a different type of 'red face' especially if people are watching.
Hehehe.

But I do have one down side to report - the gravy was a little on the salty side...
It was so weird because even the Murtabak Rusa (and curry) were salty too. Maybe a case of the chef having a bit too much fun with the salt that night? Hmmmm....

So am I forgetting anything? Oh yes.

Something is peeking...

This is something I am SURE is one the big reasons people love to eat Tulang Merah.
The much coveted marrow or 'som-som' is an acquired taste for sure but once you you start, you're probably going to need to start wrestling with others for it.

And the quality of the marrow at Al-Tasneem that night was extremely fresh and plentiful.
It was so fresh that it comes up in one big piece for you after a few knocks as compared to some places where it's half-liquid by the time you complete your struggle to knock it out.
No straws required here!!

Adam's Verdict:
Tulang Merah 3.5/5


Maryah's Verdict:
Tulang Merah 3.5/5


Razali's Verdict:
Tulang Merah 3.5/5


Azim's Verdict:
Tulang Merah 3/5


I'd say this is not bad for start on our grand tour of Tulang Merah.
Hopefully next time we visit Al-Tasneem, it'll be less salty!


Al-Tasneem Restaurant

709 North Bridge Road
Tel: 6291 1781 / 6298 2047

Operating Hours:
8.00am til 11.00pm Daily

THE IRAN ELECTION: CONSEQUENCES

Sabtu, 15 Juni 2013

An overwhelming victory for the comparatively moderate Hassan Rowhani avoids a run-off election that was set for next Friday. Winning more than 50% of the vote means that Rowhani is indisputably Iran’s next President.

However, just because he is touted as being a ‘moderate’ does not mean to say that Iran is suddenly pro-Western or will stop pursuing nuclear energy. All it means is that Israel and the US will find it a little more difficult to effect ‘regime change’. Iran is also likely to continue supporting Bashir al-Assad in Syria and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

As the country’s one-time chief nuclear negotiator, Rowhani knows all about the ins and outs of how to deal with the West with regard to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and is likely to take a far more pragmatic approach in dealing with the West in contrast to the somewhat confrontational approach the out-going President Ahmadinejad had, particularly when addressing Israel’s complaints. His approach is likely to upset the Israeli hard right who were relying heavily on Ahmadinejad’s bellicose attitude to possibly provide casus belli for Israel to strike Iran. If Rowhani decides to fully bare Iran’s nuclear assets for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) then Israel’s hard right and their neoconservative supporters are going to have to find other excuses to find fault with Iran.

One of the main problems the far right of Israel and their neoconservative supporters have with Iran is Iran’s support of Israel’s arch-enemy Hezbollah in Lebanon. For decades Israeli Zionists have coveted the south of Lebanon to be part of a Greater Israel. Israel on a number of occasions have sought excuses to invade and occupy south Lebanon but have never been able to hang on to their conquests, always eventually being beaten back to Israel by a tenacious Hezbollah intent on defending Lebanon against Israel attack, invasion and aggression. With Rowhani now at the Iranian helm, Iran’s support for Hezbollah is unlikely to change meaning that Israel may now concentrate its propaganda efforts and redirect its rhetoric against Iran based more on Iran’s support for Hezbollah than Iran’s supposed pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Regime change in Iran is essential to Israel’s long term dreams of creating a Greater Israel – no matter who is Iran’s president. Israel will keep up its pressure against Iran, but expect the rhetoric now to be more about Hezbollah and less about nuclear weapons with which to ‘wipe Israel of the map’.

I know, I know...

Sabtu, 15 Juni 2013

Salams All,
I hope you're all in good health!
I know I said I'd be back but so much has happened to me 
this pass month and now I'm in Indonesia!! Lol

So when I get back iA i'll be doing a review W by Wiwid,
What I did in Melbourne when I saw the lovely Dian Pelangi 
and the beautiful Ozzie muslim blogger!!
And many more!

But for the time being 
if I have time n good Internet connection!
I'll do some OOTD
Indonesian clothing reviews!!!
IA by the time I get back Hoem my collection will be ready to buy!! 
Please make doa everything runs smoothly!!
Also I want to try and bring some wardah makeup back to resell
Let me know if your interested!!

LOVE YOU ALL FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH!!!

xoxo 
MSF

ARMING THE SYRIAN REBELS: A NEW CHAPTER IN THE WEST’S MIDDLE-EAST FOREIGN POLICY

Jumat, 14 Juni 2013

If it demonstrates nothing else, America’s decision to support the rebels against Syrian President Bashir al-Assad indicates that the US has arrived at a long term endgame plan for the future of both Syria and the region – and it won’t be just the removal of al-Assad from office.

The opposition in Syria is now dominated by pan-Islamic Sunni jihadists. In the event of al-Assad’s downfall the last thing the Israelis and the US want is a new Syrian government made up of Islamists who despise Israel more than they do the pro-Assad Shia foe they’re fighting now. Indeed, if there is anything both sides fighting in Syria hate even more than each other, it’s Israel.

One could be forgiven for thinking that the Israelis and the US might have considered al-Assad the better of two evils but, since they clearly haven’t, one can only assume that both Israel and the US have some other plan up their sleeve that will prevent the jihadists from gaining any power – and that can only be achieved by having ‘boots on the ground’ in Syria and even elsewhere.

Since January of last year the US has been rotating thousands of troops through Israel ostensibly for training and joint exercises. Americans have been training Israeli troops using the experience the Americans have gained from action in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, it seems that experience may be used in Syria just over the border from Israel via the Golan Heights.

The new circumstances put Russia in an awkward position. Now that there’s a possibility that the US may enter the fray directly, the Russians may reconsider their position and back off supplying the S-300 surface to air missiles that had been promised to Assad. While the Russians would have had no problem with them being used against Israeli aircraft, the prospect of them being used against American aircraft with American pilots and crew if the US decide to enforce a no-fly zone may well be too mush of a risk to take.

Despite the UN having taken a stance against arming either side of the conflict, it now seems that Israel and the US, together with their allies France and the UK, have spent considerable time planning their next moves to dislodge al-Assad. The timing is also significant considering that the announcement to supply arms came on the same day as the Iranian elections which have been overshadowed in the news by Syrian war. While results are expected today (Saturday 15 June 2013), a clear winner of Iran’s election may not be known until after the next round of elections on Friday 21 June when a run-off election may be held if no winner emerges today with more than 50% of the vote. No matter who wins, however, the result is unlikely to change Iran’s foreign policy relating to Syria, Hezbollah and Israel, and nor will it likely influence Iran’s determination to pursue nuclear power. The best that the US an their Western allies could hope for is that there will be post-election turmoil in Iran as there was in 2007 though this is unlikely since President Ahmadinejad is prevented from running again.

These are just some of the considerations that will determine the regions future but the long-term agendas of Israel and the US supported by their neoconservative allies will not change; both want eventual regime change in Iran and Syria and both want to see the demise of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

KL Sedap Part 4: Nasi Kandar Pelita

Rabu, 12 Juni 2013

My parents started driving up to KL for short trips since we were kids.
And the routine was almost always the same - leave the house at 6am, drive up to KL, makan Nasi Kandar and then finally check-in at the hotel.

We would literally drive straight to the Nasi Kandar and have lunch first. Kind of like a tradition.
Our Nasi Kandar place is actually Mohd Yaseen Nasi Kandar (along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) which my darling wife and I have had in a recent trip there.

But since her trip up to KL with a friend, she's been raving about the Nasi Kandar from Pelita.

I remember having it once but I can't really remember much.
And since our hotel this time was nearby a rather famous Pelita branch, Razali, Azim, my darling wife and myself decided to have a hearty lunch before heading out for shopping.

So what exactly is Nasi Kandar?


Apparently, Nasi Kandar actually originated from Penang and is basically mixed rice with an Indian influence. That means you'll get a wide spread of dishes including seafood (fish head, squid, crabs, prawns), meat (chicken, beef, mutton), vegetables and other assorted side dishes.

You'll normally also get a serving of veggie mix (normally cucumber, pineapple and carrot) as an accompaniment.

So far like normal right? But what makes Nasi Kandar unique?

Well just give the guy dishing out your food the 'word' and you'll find out.
Say 'kuah campur' and he'll put a little bit of each type of curry/gravy on display for you including the special 'kandar' gravy which is dark and tasty.

Don't worry he's not going to drown your rice in gravy until it becomes a soup.
But just how many types of gravy are we talking about here?


Well it's normally at least 5 types and mostly curry.
Crab curry, prawn curry, chicken curry, meat curry and Kandar gravy. If there's more then he'll put more.

So common things to have with your rice?
Chicken is a popular choice like fried chicken for example. They also have a special dish of chicken which is basically the chicken with the Kandar gravy. (RM6.00 per piece of chicken)

You can also have seafood. Prawns will cost between RM5.00-RM15.00 depending on size.
Squid will be about the same. And trust me - they have some pretty big prawns and squids.
You can even get a Fish Head (Curry) for about RM30.00.

Nasi Kandar with Ayam Kandar, Ladyfingers and Salted Egg

Nasi Kandar with Fried Chicken, Cabbage, Ladyfingers and Salted Egg
 The average price per plate for the servings above is about RM9.00.
And it may not look like much in the photos but believe you me that's a full meal right there.

For my Ayam Kandar though, it was a little different from what I usually have at the other Nasi Kandar place. It seems that here, they fry the chicken here first which mean they just put it in the gravy later.
This kinda makes the outer skin have that Kandar taste but the meat is completely clean.
Definitely a minus for me.

And apparently, Azim had the fish and he wasn't really impressed either.
Only the Fried Chicken seemed to be okay. Maybe because it was just simple.

And another thing. He may have put all the different curries and gravies for us but somehow it still turned out to be only a little bit of gravy on our plates. A case of stingy-with-the-gravy?
Normally at other (Pelita) outlets they apparently are a lot more generous and dish out the kuah the way it should be in Nasi Kandar.

Sotong Goreng Tepung (RM15.00)
We also decided to have the Sotong Goreng Tempura.
As this is only made to order, this would mean it was supposed to be fresh and hot and crispy but unfortunately this was not the case. I'm guessing it was sitting on the counter for awhile before the server finally picked it up and sent it to our table.

Anyways, don't expect much in the flavour department. The batter was completely tasteless.
But at least the squid itself was not overcooked.

Adam's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 2/5


Maryah's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5


Razali's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5


Azim's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5


Pelita is actually a very famous Nasi Kandar chain in KL so I have no doubt that it's actually a nice place to have Nasi Kandar. Maybe we just went to the wrong outlet on the wrong day. Maybe next time other outlets might be better.

Oh. Any by the way. Avoid going during lunch hour unless you're okay with a large crowd.

Nasi Kandar Pelita

No 149 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +60 3 21625532
www.pelita.com.my

Operating Hours:
24 Hours Daily (Closed between 1pm til 2pm on Fridays)

NEOCON ‘MAD MAX’ BOOT BECOMES CONFUSED AND DELUSIONAL OVER SYRIA

Selasa, 11 Juni 2013

Max Boot, the ultra right-wing neoconservative commentator, seems to have become confused over who is fighting who in Syria these days. He writes in Commentary today that it’s not too late for the US and their allies to arm and support the rebels – but only the moderate secular rebels fighting al-Assad. He says:

I still believe it is not too late to tip the balance of power not only between Assad and the rebels but also between rebel factions, empowering the more mainstream groups and draining power from the Al Nusrah Front and its ilk.

The problem is that the ‘al-Nusrah Front’, sometimes known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria, are now the ‘mainstream group’ among rebels. It would only be a matter of time before any weapons that are provided to the few secular groups remaining found their way into the hands of the Jihadi fighters.

‘Mad Max’ Boot also writes that:

The intervention of Hezbollah into the conflict has only added more compelling reasons for action. As Lee Smith has noted in the ‘Weekly Standard’, the U.S. has a lot of scores to settle with Hezbollah stretching all the way back to its murderous bombings of our embassy and Marine barracks in Lebanon in the 1980s. This is a perfect opportunity to settle accounts and in the process weaken this Iranian proxy movement. Syrian rebels are fighting hard against Hezbollah and inflicted serious losses on Hezbollah fighters in Quasayr. They will inflict more losses in the future if only we would provide them the means to do so.

Never mind the ‘US having scores to settle with Hezbollah’; the reason ‘Mad Max’ makes no bones about his desire to have a full-on fight with Hezbollah is because any such fight will likely draw in Israel – but then, that’s exactly what the neocons and their Zionist allies want; a full-blown war with Hezbollah that will provide the Israelis with an opportunity to invade and occupy south Lebanon to attempt to destroy Hezbollah once and for all. But, again, the problem here is that it is the ‘al-Nusrah Front’ that are doing most of the fighting against Hezbollah who are supporting the Syrian government in that theatre of the war close to Lebanon.

If ‘Mad Max’ thinks the US is going to help out the ‘al-Nusrah Front’ just to get at Hezbollah then ‘Mad Max’ is truly delusional as well as confused. The ‘al-Nusrah Front’ despises the Israelis far more than they do Hezbollah. If Israel enjoins the war by attacking either Hezbollah or al-Assad then it is highly probable that such a move could see the protagonists in Syria and Lebanon unite to fight their arch-enemy Israel. For what other reason does ‘Mad Max’ think the US and Israel have kept out of the war of late?    

WAR IN SYRIA: AN EVOLVED RELIGIOUS WAR OR CONTRIVED BY ISLAM’S ENEMIES?

Minggu, 09 Juni 2013

The war in Syria that threatens to engulf the region has clearly become a religious war pitting Sunni Muslims against Shia Muslims. Having began as a secular rebellion, it has now become an almost exclusively sectarian war and, like most religious wars, has become extremely bloody and polarising with some Syrian Shia Muslims that had defected to the rebel cause in the early days now asking to be taken back into the government’s ranks.

But the question is; how did it arrive at this horrifying mess – especially considering that the war has been going on now for more than two years under the eyes of a watching world? Did it simply evolve into a religious war where the two sides became hooked on bathing in each others blood, or are there some other more manipulating influences behind the scenes guiding events?

The right-wing in the West are quietly (and not so quietly) rubbing their hands together as they sit back and watch the two great branches of Islam slaughter each other. Israel’s role in stirring the pot of extreme hatreds hasn’t gone unnoticed. They bombed Syria insisting that their sole aim was to prevent arms finding their way to Hezbollah yet it would seem that it would be more in Israel’s interests to actually support al-Assad and his allies rather than allow Israel’s arch enemy, al-Qaeda, to ultimately win the day in Syria and become even more of a threat to Israel than al-Assad or Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is an organisation that exists to defend against Israel’s expansionist ambitions of acquiring territory in south Lebanon up to the Litani River. On several occasions in the past Israel has attempted to invade and occupy this area under various pretexts. Israel usually claims that any hostilities between the two are usually started by Hezbollah. The reality, however, is quite different. In 2006, for example, Israel claimed that the war started because Hezbollah had captured and killed several Israel soldiers close to the border with Lebanon. What Israel failed to mention was that the capturing of the soldiers was in retaliation to Israel’s increasingly frequent low level flights over Lebanon; short of actually dropping bombs, one can’t imagine an act more provoking than any enemy aircraft flying at low level over ones cities in mock attack. Imagine the Israeli reaction if the roles were reversed and Lebanese attack aircraft flew supersonic low level sorties over Tel Aviv.

Syria and Israel have been relatively quiet for years since the illegal take-over of the Golan Heights during Israel’s war for territorial gain in 1967. Israel, as a direct result of its stance against al-Assad in the current war, can now be assured of conflict over the Golan Heights regardless of who gets the upper hand in Syria.

So, if Israel is prepared to risk years of relative calm on the Golan Heights and allow a Sunni-backed Islamist government to exist in Syria, one needs to ask; what’s in it for Israel?

The war in Syria is becoming increasingly ferocious as everyday passes and, as it does, both sides will become even more polarised which runs the risk of becoming an all-out regional religious war spilling into Lebanon, as it already has; into Jordan and also into Iraq where sectarian violence has long been a part of Iraqi life anyway but now increasingly so. But for Israel and the West all this is good news. It means that while the Muslims are fighting amongst themselves then they are not fighting Israel and the West. By fighting among themselves they are weakening each other and using resources that they may have otherwise used against Israel and the West. For every rocket that Hezbollah fires against Sunni rebels in Syria or Lebanon, it’s one less fired against Israel.

If and when the violence becomes so extremely horrific and eventually spills over the borders into the Golan Heights, the Israelis will then see this as an ideal opportunity to attack with so much force that, had they attacked without this war going on with all its attendant horrors, the international community might well have reacted against Israeli attacks. But now, with atrocities being committed by both sides in Syria, any attack by Israel against its enemies the instant either of the Syrian belligerents attack the Golan Heights or launch any weapon against Israel itself, will be seen as fully justified. And, of course, the US and their Western allies will be right behind them. It will be at this point that Israel and its Western allies will use all of its forces to ensure they prevail. Only the Russians and the Chinese will be in any position to prevent a global catastrophe.

The West’s unswerving loyalty to the Zionist cause has clearly allowed the situation to develop as it has. It has not evolved; it has been manipulated.  
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