Xiao Lao Wang Curry Fish Head @ Jaya One

Comfort Dishes and Healthy Greens

Xiao Lao Wang has been making headlines with its signature hotpots since years back. Ardent foodies know where to head for soothing pots of delectable hotpot broths. Everything is made from scratch in the kitchen where passionate owner and chef Andy Ong and his partner-in-crime Pamela Jan showcases Chinese soul food at its best.

The owners also owned Lammeeya where foodies slurp up tasty bowls of eggy gravy coated plump lam mee noodles along with housemade meat dumplings. At Xiao Lao Wang, diners can also enjoy an array of Chinese dishes that is familiar on our daily meals. What Xiao Lao Wang can assure their diners is that they can definitely enjoy comfort food at the eatery.

The ambiance also echoes pleasantry with the décor showcasing some of the owner’s own private collections of antiques set with an eclectic mix of modernity. One can choose to dine at both side of the restaurants where Lammeeya offers modern and simple bright minimalist décor or at Xiao Lao Wang’s oriental classic ambiance.

Enough said about the restaurants and let’s get down to the new menu available. Extending their menu to offer more classic familiar good eats, Xiao Lao Wang has added Curry Fish Head to their daily menu along with bio-dynamics vegetables for that healthier option.

To start off the meal, the owners offered a delicious and refreshing wolfberry puree drink called Ningxia Red. A superfood drink made from all the goodness of wolfberries, pomegranate and berries, it has a lovely tangy freshness when served chilled.

The limelight of the meal was definitely the Curry Fish Head (RM58 small, RM98 medium, RM128 large). Filled to the brim and loaded with big chunks of meaty fish head drenched in thick curry gravy, the dish warrants orders of piping hot steamed rice.

Unlike some places where the base curry is made in big portions, Xiao Lao Wang makes all their Curry Fish Head from scratch upon orders. Freshness is key to the owners. Using the freshest ingredients possible, Xiao Lao Wang uses the market’s freshest fish head available along with other locally source produce.

The curry gravy has a well-balance richness of spices and heat that is enjoyable. The fish head pieces is cooked well with enough meaty fish meat along with gelatinous bits to satiate diners of all ages. Along with the fish head, one can also tuck into blanched lady fingers, tau pok, eggplant, cabbage and more. It’s literally a one-pot wonder meal!

Though bio-dynamic is rather similar to organic cultivation, bio-dynamic farming goes one step further to produce everything from A to Z on its premise. Bio-dynamic vegetables are available for purchase at Xiao Lao Wang depending on their stock of the day.

Our dish of Bio-Dynamic Pea Sprouts with Egg White (RM18.90) was delicious with tender and smooth pea sprout leaves blanketed with soft egg white gravy. The tender sweetness of the pea sprouts is so good that even the little ones enjoyed this dish very much.

We also had the Bio-Dynamic Xiao Bai Chai (RM15.90) served in a pool of light soy sauce and finished with shredded ginger, spring onion and chili. The light crisp greens is very tasty and easy to enjoy.

The simple rendition of beancurd in Salted Chilli Tofu (RM18) was perhaps the most popular dish among our table since it was quickly polished off. Deep fried tofu cubes topped with that tantalizing bits of aromatics are so good, it can even be enjoyed on its own as a snack or with rice.

Although the order of Tomato Scrambled Egg (RM11.90) was for the little ones, the adults simply couldn’t resist stealing a few spoonful of the dish. Fluffy scramble eggs covered in a lightly sweet and tangy tomato sauce brought back some delicious childhood memories of yesteryear flavours that parents used to whip up for us.

The lightly boozed up Rice Wine Chicken (RM18 small, RM23 big) is another dish to order. The sweetness of the wine along with the savory notes of the soy sauce with hints of gingery flavour hit all the right notes. The chicken is also tender and juicy, rendering much satisfaction when savored with rice.

The Plum Sauce Chicken (RM18 small, RM23 big) has crispy fried chicken glazed with a gingery plum sauce. The crispy texture of the chicken made the dish addictively delectable.

If one has to order a noodle dish, the Signature Yee Mee (RM28) came highly recommended. Braised soft yee mee noodles with lots of greens and mushrooms are finished with lots of shredded golden egg omelette. The slippery smooth egg noodles is tasty and pretty much a well-favored dish by everyone that evening.

Xiao Lao Wang is indeed famous for their hotpot and one simply should try their signature Housemade Pickled Cabbage Pork Belly Soup (RM58 small for 1-4 persons, RM68 large for 5-8 persons). The pickled cabbage is made in house and provides the base of flavours for this delicious unique hotpot. The piquant tangy notes of the ‘suan cai’ or pickled cabbage makes a robust broth base along with some dried chili to add a gentle undertone of heat and some fresh cherry tomatoes for freshness.

One should order the Pork Belly Slices (RM9.90/100g small, RM15.90/150g large) or any other preferred meat such as chicken or lamb to add to the hotpot. 

The succulent pork belly slices can further be enjoyed with the array of sauces available as condiments. Our spicy Sichuan chili spiced up sauce goes very well with the pork belly.

Add the Bio-Dynamic Pea Sprouts (RM6.90 per 180gm) for some goodness greens… or pick your choice of others such as Bai Cai, Nai Bai, Fu Kwai Choi, Cabbage, Pumpkin and more…

Another ingredient to order for the hotpot is the Housemade Mushroom Pork Balls (RM12.90). The texture and flavours of the pork balls when cooked in the hotpot is sublime, so much so that we would have love to order another round if we have not been so full.

A very satisfying meal at Xiao Lao Wang!

XIAO LAO WANG HOTPOT

100-G021, The School at JAYA One,

72A, Jalan University,

46200 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-7496 0670

Facebook: www.facebook.com/xiaolaowang

Business Hours:

Mon to Sun - 5pm to 10.30pm

Brasaria @ Jaya One

Peruvian Charcoal Chicken

There are certainly plenty of roast chicken around here but few leaves a lasting impression. A recent invite landed at Brasaria, a Peruvian inspired Pollo A La Brasa joint flagging spit roasted chicken marinated with Peruvian flavours. Located at Jaya One, Brasaria aims to bring delicious taste of Peruvian dishes to our shore.

We like the restaurant the moment we walked in. Greeted by a llama piñata at the entrance, Brasaria’s bright interior exudes a ray of fun and casual dining. Long tables with stools, a glimpse of the bar and kitchen, there’s also a few small tables set alfresco.

Open since February this year, Brasaria claims to serve fresh, never-frozen chooks. Their secret to a yummy bird is their special Peruvian marinade which they marinated overnight and slow roast it to golden juicy chickens. They get their supplies from halal-certified suppliers.

We also managed to peek into their kitchen where rows of glorious whole birds were slowly roasted over charcoal and wood chips. The aroma is divine in the kitchen!

The menu is relatively tight and sufficient, featuring signature spit-fire roast chicken with a list of side dishes as well as a small list of additional dishes like pasta, sandwich and pie.

We opted for the El Jefe “The Boss” (RM45.90 ala carte | RM60.90 set). A whole bird served on wood plank. One can opt for a la carte just for the bird or go for the set that comes with large green salad and two large Sides of your choice. There’s also other sets for quarter or half chicken too for small parties.

The chook was delicious! Lots of flavours through the spices with myriad flavours of robustness of savory, sweet, sour and spicy. The meat was tender and moist. Finished with sprinkling of fresh coriander and fresh lime wedges, the bird is also served with their special house made sauces. Not that it needed any sauces but the sauces was also super yummy.

There are 3 sauces now at Brasaria ranging from mild to hot and a BBQ one of Aji Mild, Aji Hot and BBQ Peruano. The fourth sauce is an extra hot one that is work in progress but we got to try it. The sauces are very good and my favorite was the Aji Hot for its punchy heat and flavours. Drool worthy sauces that would go well with other sides too!

There’s a nice list of assorted sides to go with the chicken. Brasaria Rice (RM5), fluffy yellow rice studded with raisins, makes a solid filler with the chicken.

Latin Trio (RM5), a trio of grilled sweet potato, plantain and pineapple, was our favorite side of the lot. It was so good, we had another order of this smoky and yummy side. The pineapple was particularly yummy with the char grilled and sweet note.

We also enjoyed the Grilled Vegetables (RM5). Soft and chargrilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers and more, beautifully spiced up with moreish flavours that sings well with the chook and other sides.

An unusual one, Elote (RM5) looked so good at sight and tasted yummy too. Sweet corn, chargrilled and smothered with Aji sauce, chili powder and cheese makes good snacking. Love the smoky, sweet crunchy corn with punchy heat and cheese…

Fries must be the most universal snack since it also makes an appearance here in Salchipapas (RM5). Nothing fancy but French Fries and frankfurters are nevertheless all-time crown pullers. These goes so well with the sauces.

Besides roast chicken, Brasaria offers a few dishes such as the El Sanguche “The Sandwich” (RM14.90). Loaded with soft hand pulled chicken, crisp greens, salsa and house Aji sauce, El Sanguche is hearty and easy to enjoy. It’s the sauce and salsa that makes this sandwich very tasty.

Pasta lovers can opt for the El Tallarines “Spaghetti Pesto” (RM14.90). Strands of spaghetti coated with a robust pesto sauce, served with generous chicken chunks and finished with fresh coriander and cheese. Power pack with flavours, we definitely enjoyed this pasta as it’s full of cheesy and nutty notes.

There’s nothing like Brasaria’s Agua Fresca (RM5) of the day, which was Watermelon, to freshen up the palate after all that yummy food.

Brasaria is one of the better rotisserie places I have been. Diners can expect robust and hearty flavours of Peruvian cuisine set in a no frill ambiance. Price is reasonable and food is definitely something one can enjoy often. I am looking forward to going back to try their El Pollo Pie “The Chicken Pie” which was not available that day!

BRASARIA

D-59-G, Block D, Jaya One,

46200 Petaling Jaya

Tel: +60 3-7627 4626

Website: www.brasaria.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brasaria.my

Hours: 12noon to 9.30pm Daily

Thomas & Friends Powerful Pistons Christmas Edition @ The School, Jaya One

Thomas & Friends Fun Kid’s Adventure

Tis the Season to be Jolly! Spend time with your little ones at The School by Jaya One this holiday season with a fun-filled      Thomas & Friends Fun Kid’s Adventure. Mattel Malaysia in collaboration with The School by Jaya One brings joy to your precious ones with the Official Thomas & Friends: Powerful Pistons Christmas Edition. Held from 27^th November to 31^st December, it is perfect to let your little ones enjoy an adventure of the much beloved train and his friends.

Created by Reverend Wilbert Awdry in 1945, Thomas & Friends characters were entertainment for his son while the little one was recovering from measles. He decided to write his first book of ‘Railway series’, entitled ‘The Three Railway Engines’ and within a few months, the book soar to fame with 45,000 copies sold!

For those who may not be aware, Thomas, the No.1 blue engine with a cheeky little nature, often gets himself into scrapes by doing things he should not be doing. All is always well in Sodor Island as Thomas also never fails to learn his lessons and continues to be the hard working train loved by little ones all over the world.

There are plenty to keep your little ones busy and for those who loves Thomas & Friends, they will definitely be thrilled with lots of activities themed around the much beloved train and Sodor Island. Start your journey to Sodor Island and let your little ones enjoy limited editions of Thomas & Friends train sets before they head down to more fun and adventures.

Kiddies get to buy their own ticket at the Ticket Counter built specially for them!

A special kids’ activity area is filled with lots of Thomas & Friends adventures. Priced at RM15 per child, the ticket allows the child full access to this special kids’ activity area. The fee includes a free entry for one (1) parent. Additional entry for adult is RM5 per adult.

Upon payment, the child will be given a pass that is valid for one (1) day. The validity date will be shown on the pass.

The special kids’ activity area has a huge Thomas Bouncy Castle where kids will have loads of fun releasing their much charged energy and get some exercise as well.

My little one just couldn’t wait to go into the Thomas Bouncy Castle!

There is a kid’s play zone with 6 stations where kids can enjoy limited edition Thomas & Friends toys by Mattel Malaysia as well as colouring activities and contest. There is a storytelling area too where there are 3 Storytelling sessions held every Saturday and Sunday.

Little ones are also treated to an exclusive preview screening of Thomas and Friends: Adventure Begins movie. Malaysians will be the first to enjoy and watch this movie as the video release will only be in 2016. There are no screening times as the movie will be on loop the entire day.

Simply hang out on the many bean bags provided and get your fill of free popcorn, freshly popped from the Popcorn Cart while enjoying the movie!

Activities Calendar:

· 3 Storytelling sessions every Saturday & Sunday (1130am, 230pm, 430pm)

· Colouring contests every Tuesday & Sunday at 12pm

· Steam Engine by Science Bridge every Sunday from 11am-1pm*

· Christmas Caroling on 12-13, 19-20 December at 2pm

*Experiments for kids, which include:

1. Electric Maglev Train – Make a tiny electric maglev train

2. Yummy Trains – Use food art to create a train on a dish

3. Fun with Steam – Check out the power of steam

Besides the special kids’ activity area, there are also bicycles available for the Thomas & Friends Bicycle Ride with a RM5 fee per child. Little ones can ride on special Thomas & Friends bicycles for 60 minutes per fee. If you wish to enjoy the bicycle ride longer than 60 minutes, an additional fee of RM5 will be imposed. Don’t fret if all the 10 bicycles are rented out as one can be placed on a waiting list for the next available bicycle.

While waiting for the bicycle ride, head on over to the area where exclusive Mattel Thomas & Friends merchandise will be available for purchase with limited edition Thomas & Friends toys & figurines. Since Christmas is around the corner, what better gifts to light up your little one’s face than presents of Thomas & Friends toys, stationaries, bags, hats, food and drink containers and more…

That’s not all, Dorsett Grand is sponsoring a Facebook Giveaway! While visiting this event, customers can participate and win free hotel stays coupled with buffet breakfast and dinner.

Thomas & Friends Powerful Pistons Christmas Edition Facebook Giveaway

It’s so easy to join the Thomas & Friends Facebook Giveaway. Here are the mechanics:

· Share a photo of your experience at the Thomas & Friends event on The School's FB page (www.facebook.com/theschool.my/) with the hashtag #ThomasandFriendsMY

· Winners will be selected at random

· Increase your chances by sharing more than 1 photo

· Contest runs 29th Nov - 22nd Dec 2015, ends 6pm

· Winners announced on The School's FB page on 22nd Dec 2015, 9pm

· Prize collection on 26th Dec 2015, 2pm at The School, Jaya One

Prizes:

· Dorsett Grand Labuan - 2 days 1 night, weekend stay in a deluxe room + Buffet Breakfast & Dinner for 2

· Dorsett Grand Subang - 2 days 1 night weekend stay in a deluxe room + Buffet Breakfast & Dinner (Terazza Brasserie) for 2

· Dorsett Grand Putrajaya - 2 days 1 night weekend stay in a deluxe room + Buffet Breakfast & Buffet Dinner for 2

Don’t wait! It’s the perfect holiday season to spend priceless moments and create precious memories with your little ones at the Thomas & Friends Powerful Pistons Christmas Edition.

Visit The School by Jaya One Facebook at www.facebook.com/theschool.my/ for more information.