What inspired me?

What inspired me?

Hmm, tricky question. Someone posted a comment on one of my IG photos and asked me this. And also at the same time, a good friend of mine asked me a similar question, as well.

What's with you and taking photos recently? 

A hobby? A passion? A time pass sort of thing?

To be honest, I have no idea.

But, one thing I know is: I like it. 

It keeps me going. It keeps me productive. It makes me certain of what kind of photography I would like to portray to showcase it to the world.

Besides capturing the sight with my bare own eyes, with modern technology, I can capture it and share it to world. What is more like it when people from around the world; those that you may not even know - enjoys what you post. And that is what keeps you going. 

It isn't a big deal, but hey I am getting there, aren't I?

Hopefully, and I am praying one day - being a personal blogger/traveller is what I dream of doing. Backpacking, and just visiting one place to another, and doing that for a living. Wouldn't it be great? Yes, it is hard work. And to get there, is a tough job to do. 

Whatever it takes to make one's dream a reality; one has to work. So I shall do that. 

Dreaming big, huh? Fingers crossed, with blessings from God and mutual understandings, something will workout.

I hope that answered your question.

Love,

Grace.

Paradise on Earth

There isn't much to talk about, when one is at the beach.

Basically, it is heaven on earth. The scenery, the creation of God opens up our eyes, and blesses us with such nature for us to preserve and nurture till the ends of earth.

It is sad that nowadays many creation of God's are being polluted and being a residue of what is left of it - but if we could preserve it with everyone compromising and doing what is necessary; I am certain that it will be alright.

Personally, I ain't credible person to be talking regarding saving mother Earth. But as someone who enjoys travelling and enjoys taking photos of what nature brings, it is saddening that just for one selfish or lazy act, could pollute the environment. Indeed, I ain't a green person. However, I do recycle when it is necessary. Hope that helps, though.

I mean, every individual has their way of saving mother earth but hey, to keep this baby beautiful, you got to be spic and span, aye.

Alright, enough with the green pep talk. Who am I to be telling all of it anyway.

LET'S JUST GET GOING WITH THE PARADISE.

Secretly speaking, the beach that my family and I usually go to brings back alot of childhood memories with my mom. As those of you know, I lost my mom less than a decade ago, but that isn't the point, though. 

The point is that all the good memories, and adventures we've done together when she was around feels the same whenever we visit the place. The rock hunting, the camping site, the walking till the end of the beach or reaching to a certain point of the sea where you are already afraid of going even further. It was all good. Coming back to a place that feels like home, makes it home. 

Make sense? Meh.

The beach side we go to, is pretty secluded from tourists and it isn't the main beach where everyone goes to, you see. To me, I think if you're into exploring the town or into searching for more private beaches, this be it. Finders keepers, they say. 

To be able to travel to places with the family and spending ample amount of time, makes it all worth it at the end. Because if you are talking about reality, it is pretty clear that we barely spend time with one another and a vacation is what needed, to bring us as a whole. 

Port Dickson is the nearest to where we are, as it is only less than a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. So if anyone is up for a tan, or for a fun day at the sea; Port Dickson should be the answer to it. Yes, it could be a bore to one if they keep going to the place everytime; however for me? The fact that I am blessed and given the opportunity to go is already good enough. As long as I am out of the city sight momentarily, there won't be a complain coming out from my mouth anytime soon. 

Love,

Grace.

Dope Alley @ Section 15

Dope Alley is located at the top spots of SS15 surrounding many various of cafes. I repeat, hipster cafes. If you know where is Fat One Steamboat is located, it wouldn't be difficult for you to spot this dope place. Yes looks may be deceiving but trust me, one sip or one spoon of their dish will drive you wild.

It doesn't matter if you just want a quick bite or a meal, Dope Alley serves you all you ask. A fusion of Thai and Malaysian, they bring savoury heaven to your mouth. 

With a slight of upgraded look of a mamak restaurant with amazing murals done by creative people - mostly students, the place brings out the vibrant colours that may turn your sour day to a chirpy one. 

Dop Alley was founded by two best friends who now are juggling their studies and also their all-time-business. Come on over and support them. There's no reason not to try new things. 

See? What did I say? The place looks very simple, and isn't that big, as well. But don't mind the space, mind the food. IT'S GOOD.

So far, every places I have visited, the staff seems to be customer friendly and that is good. A good service keeps bringing customers in.

From RM1.50 - Rm11.90, you can go from starving to happy tummy straight away. And if you are on a budget, boom. This is the place. It's affordable and delicious and the same time. What more can you ask? Trust me, being a student, I know the feeling of being broke, and this place would definitely be my go-to spot.

Ka Prao Beef 

Beef boat noodle 

Fried chicken skin (tastes so good!) 

Soda Herb Lychee

Sirap Lychee

Can you see the vibrant colours? Goodness. It just brings joy to the eyes. It's exactly the colour palette of one of the murals on the wall!

And before anything else at hand, who is into stand up comedy, poetry or is psyched to perform in front of people for the first time, Dope Alley provides you, your first gig! 

Personally, I haven't attended any of it yet, as it is my first time there. But I wouldn't mind going to see talents while enjoying a nice plate of Ka Prao Beef again. HEHEHE.

Start small, grow big right? Spread your wings and fly!

Contact: 016-4214992

So don't forget to bring your family, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend or anyone and drop by. Trust me, if you're hungry late at night and no where to go, Dope Alley is the spot.

Dope Alley

AG-5, Jalan SS15/4D, Subang Jaya, Selangor. Daily, 12pm-12am. 

Roast & Grind @ Section 16

Not long after going through the albums on the iPad; I stumbled upon photos from my recent visit to Roast and Grind. The cafe is actually around my office area, and I had no idea they such cafe around there.

Food escapade time! But this time with both my sister and her husband. I know right, third-wheeling. Blugh.

The place is surrounded with several gastropubs, restaurants and cafes, but as we thought of making another turn around the area, we found this place. 

I don't think you would bound to find this place easily without the help from Waze, because the cafe is hidden right behind a building. Most probably a flats, or maybe an apartment. I am not too sure, as I went there at night and didn't really get a good sight of it.

Well, there is something called GPS, nowadays and you guys can waze it! It'll be easier than me trying to guide you, which would probably make you land in another state, instead. Heh.

 After reading an article I found on the net about the cafe, I now know that the cafe is owned by two siblings, Shah & Hidayah, whereas their family has been in the caffeine business since the 50s. That's pretty long, bruh. And to be exact, they were nice, leh. Super friendly and cosy.

Speaking of cosiness, lads, they have an xbox/ps system for ya'll to play. Girls, if you want to bring your boyfriends to this place, beware he might game before he eats, hahaha. Anyway, I didn't manage to get hold of a secure picture of the menu, but I did take some shots of the food.

My favorite dish? THE MEATBALLS. If you like IKEA meatballs like nobody's business (like me) TRY ROAST AND GRIND'S MEATBALLS. IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND. POOF.

The interior is absolutely out of the box, as I would like to put it in my own words, of course. It is not an environment where you have been to before and can be seen anywhere, it is more to like a home-based cafe where you hang out as if you are literally relaxing at home. There's a couch, and also a television set where you get to play the games on the PS3 that is provided for the customers. Like stated on the above. Girls....

Besides that, the service is absolutely friendly and will give you a good recommendation on what to order during your first visit. 

VOILA FOOD

Sourdough bread with chips

Lasagna

Moroccan Meatballs

Mocha

Cappuccino

The prices here are reasonable as it is between RM25 to RM30 which is basically normal around the PJ area. Well, if the food is good and the environment is cosy, what else could you ask for?

SO, if you are around the area, don't forget to stop by and remember do not leave without trying their Moroccan Meatballs because IT'S THE BOMB!!! I REPEAT THE BOMB!!!

  

ROAST & GRIND -Roastery & Cafe

 No 6, Lorong Universiti B, Seksyen 16 46350 PJ 

TUE-THU(9am-7pm) FRI(3pm-11pm) SAT(9am-11pm) SUN(9am-7pm) 

Closed on Mondays 

Phone: +603-79324524 

Check for more at www.facebook.com/roastandgrindkl

FIQ's Gastronomy @ Subang Jaya

After busting my butt for nine hours at the office, my colleague and I were starved to death that we just had to stuff ourselves with food. As much as we were dying to get our hands on something, we clearly had no idea where to go. 

As usual, after driving around and browsing through google, she came up with a place and it was exactly where we were at: Subang Jaya. Can you imagine, we drove around town from Damansara to Subang Jaya just because we plainly had no clue in the head on where on earth we should fill our stomachs at. 

However, once we were in the restaurant, we were just dying to get our hands on the menu.

The ambience was something unexpected and I can't really say that it is a hipster cafe, but it looks more like a classy restaurant. I mean, of course with the wooden table to be persay, adds in the hipster vibe a little, and the lanterns but however, once you're in there; all you want to be is poised. HAHAHAH.

Why I added a HAHAHA at the end there? Nah I wasn't laughing because the place was a joke, but instead it was meant for Nabilah and I, as we are kids at heart. Trust me, when there's us two; there's no keeping us nestled down.


But, something different can be also good at times, right? 

I guess I am blessed with good food in my life. (hand preaching emoji) hehe. 

Okay, what about the lighting prospects to capture good photos? Hmm, it's hard to deliberate on that, but with good editing apps, you'll be able to find a way to brighten up your pictures just the way you want it to. To my opinion, the lights aren't doing you much justice at night, so if you want to get the perfect shot, come at night? Again though, it's all up to the individual, and it is just my personal opinion. 

Hence, the pictures below.

This is the lunch set promotion.

Let's get to the food part, shall we? 

We ordered FIQ's Fish and Chips (RM23) and Pasta with Black Mussels (RM25). As for the drinks, we had the Vanilla shakes along with one of the mojitos (orange + walnut something) and I am telling you, it was heavenly delicious. 

For deserts, we tried their famous Dominique Ansel's Cookies Cup and Milk (RM14), basically it is just milk served in a cookie but never thought it would taste so good. You can ask them for a refill of the milk from the waiters, though. And service is alright while the staff are quite friendly, too.

Lastly, who wouldn't leave without a selfie?

Do stop by, and check FIQ's out alright!

REMINDER: The restaurant would sometimes suffer from failed online system for credit/debit cards, so just in case, make sure you prepare some cash on the side. And before entering as well, they would place a notice on the door, so keep your eyes open. Why? It has happened to us, and it's better to be prepared at all times. 

VISIT
FIQS Gastronomy Subang34 Jalan SS19/1D, Subang Jaya.
Tues-Sun, 12pm-1030pm.
Tel: 03-5613-0473

Strangers at 47 @ SS17

ROUND THREE of food escapade journey which almost led us to a dead end, one night. 

It was our usual dinner night out and we visited our neighbourhood cafe - SS17's Strangers at 47. 

This was like no other kind of trip and it was picked in the most randomness way, ever. Not long after arriving at the initial cafe we picked the first time, we were informed and personally browsed through their menus for huge ass meals. You can tell how hungry and desperate we were, because it was a long day indeed, for the three of us. It isn't like us to sit in one spot, and get up to go to another place without ordering. However, we were starving! And we needed to fill our bellies asap!

After hopping back into the car, and browsed through the internet to find "cafes nearby you," we came across one which isn't far away from where we were, and that was SS2. It was only a five minute drive, and putting the gear to D, I drove us right away to SS17.

We were having a foodie frenzy, literally.

Despite the hungriness that was already agitating us, our night could have gone better but not until we have to make several rounds just to get a parking spot. And better yet? IT STARTED TO RAIN.

Just great.

For a good 15 minutes of waiting on the sideline, praying a car would come out - praise the Lord, one finally did! We screamed in joy and gladness as we hopped out the car and ran for covers. 

Much to our surprise, the place was filled with people! Everyone was busy eating, chit chatting...and we were like, LET'S GET A PLACE TO SIT FIRST. 

The staff were extremely friendly to the point they would greet you in a very loud tone (trying to be friendly) and to me, it startled me. I mean is it me, or is it that I find it terrifying that they scream WELCOME in a loud tone, however they are right behind you? Hahahaha I mean, even when I enter a clothing store it happens all the time, but nah not complaining though. I am just saying that things like that makes me jump in the slightest of sound.

Just like thunder or a lightning strike.

Anyway, back to the topic. Yes, the place was a bit cramped up and made us feel a little claustrophobic as we were given a table (a small one to be exact) and it was near the counter and door. However, it is totally understandable as it was a weekday night, and dinner time. What else? Busy lorh. Being a Malaysian, I suppose little things like this is what we have to adapt to, and it has became a habit. That makes us Malaysians special. Woooo.

As our waiter placed the menu on the table, we grabbed one respectively and started scanning for proper meals. All it was stated was crepe, crepe and more crepe. We looked up from the menu and exchanged glances with one another, and ended up with the approval and defeated look of, guys, let's just eat crepe, we have no energy for another hunt, anymore. And we nestled in agreement and began reading through each description of the meals, provided.

 From the savoury menu, we placed an order for BBC (wholemeal crepe, chicken chorizo, smoked chicken ham, butter sauteed portobello & spinach, golden has brown, sunny side up/scrambled eggs, caramelized onions, baked beans), A Hen's Crush (chilli flaked crepe, pan seared chicken, sweet capsicums, golden hash brown, citrus-cucumber-onion salad,house-made spicy tangy sauce), and also  Miss Dory (savory crepe, breaded fish fillet, battered squid, citrus-cucumber-onion salad, potato pumpkin mash, roasted cherry tomatoes, housemade sriracha mayo lime). 

Sounds good, aye? Especially for a savoury crepe.

On the other hand, Deni and I settled in for plain water as Chris went on with his choice of beverage: Mocha.

Mocha (RM10)

A Hen's Crush (RM17) | Miss Dory (20) | BBC (RM23)

Voila, the food turned out to be different as we expected it to be. In a good way, of course. Because as our first time eating crepe like this, it was good enough.

Crepe lovers, where you at? Come drop by when you are anywhere near SS17 or just want to have something different for a meal, instead of the usual carbs we settle for. HUHU.

Strangers At Forty 7

47, Jalan 17/45, Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Open 11 am - 10 pm, Wednesdays to Mondays (Closed on Tuesdays)

Cat in the Box @ Empire Damansara

After a night to remember from Milligram, we just had to continue our food escapades. And this time, we went it two more people; Adam and Kitt Mei. 

It is seldom and rare to find us all together all in once because of our busy schedule and timing hasn't always been our good friend, the past few months. So to get an opportunity like this, is a chance to just hop in for. 

After having brunch over at Tryst at SS15, another cafe I will write about later on, we drove down to Empire Damansara as it is known to be a sanctuary for hipster cafe lovers. 

Oh and mainly because we have been listening to Chris, belly-aching to visit the place hence his wish is out command. And so our next food escapades, begins! 

 On a sidenote, times like this is where you really appreciate your GPS and keep it close to you very dearly cause clearly we are not so familiar with the area.

With the sun absolutely screeching hot, it made us grunt a little. However, not long after experiencing the journey and walking around the hipster-like ambience, it was indeed an amazing place to just hang out after a long day at work. Or perhaps for a nice catch up session with your bunch of mates. Anything will do, really. 

With all the hustle and bustle, deliberating on which cafe we should enter - it soon settled as we laid eyes on the word Cat.

Took few glances of approval before we entered the cafe with joy - which landed us stranded in front of the counter scratching our heads trying to figure out what to order since there was just too many drinks to choose from. Cakes? Yes, plenty of them as well. 

So then, we finally settled on a few caffeinated beverages along with a slice of cake. Why we ordered so little you supposedly may wonder?

It's because our lunch at Tryst was mainly a late one, and we weren't starving but just needed something to savour our sweet tooth.

The cold caramel latte (RM14), a cup of cappuccino (RM10) and also a slice of red velvet cake (RM10) kept us going busy. No kid, we were there for a good three hours, give and take. And we nestled right in with the unique ambience of the cafem 

Every cafe has their own style of giving the hipster vibe to their customers but with huge ass windows that frames the busy street along with the beautiful greenery of trees, this is truly the place for peace and quietness. Not to forget you'll surely have splendid lighting for your pictures as well. That is a good thing, don't you think? Haha.

Don't allow me to forget about the spiral staircase that leads up to the cafe's rooftop which is the smoking zone so anyhow if you want to smoke while enjoying your cold latte persay, you may but only available for takeaways cups and plates, though. 

Cappuccino (RM10) 

Cappuccino & Red Velvet (no pic of the latte, totally forgot to get a pic before drinking it haha)

The cafe got us feeling the overly vibe of freedom and also a space where we don't feel too confined in. Besides, enjoying a cup of coffee or having one of their sandwiches (yes, they have those too), they also do provide us with a collection of reading materials and also several board games. As it is captured in the picture above, we chose scrabbles!

 The day out was complete with what we desired for and we found a nice spot for a good picture. Not long after placing up and down, bickering slightly on who's going to ask the nice couple a couple feet away from us to help take the photo, one of us finally did the talking and voìla - here's a group shot of us right before we left Empire.

If you ever in the area, do try on their fancy lattes and cakes and drop by a comment to let us know which was your chosen one!

Lot 111, Heritage Lane, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU8/8A, Damansara Perdana, 

47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel. No: 03-7611 0473

Operation Hours: 11am to 10pm daily (Friday and Saturday close at 1am)