Monday, July 6, 2009
Juicy Little Bits
When I heard that Boost Juice was coming to town through a friend who raved so much about it - I told myself that I had to check it out. After all, juice bars are almost non-existent here in the country except maybe for the ones served at local food courts, which tends to be overloaded with sugar most of the time. Try observing how it's being made when you have the chance and you'll understand why we Malaysians love our drinks sweet almost all the time.
I digress.
Anyway, back to the topic. I was pretty excited when I had my first cup of it - being a Brekkie to go-go when they first opened. Made out of banana, toasted muesli, honey, low-fat milk, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice + an Energiser Booster - I told myself and Nick (the friendly owner whom I've met) that this is the kind of drink I want to be sipping on everyday on my way to work, compared to Milo or fresh milk.
I digress.
Anyway, back to the topic. I was pretty excited when I had my first cup of it - being a Brekkie to go-go when they first opened. Made out of banana, toasted muesli, honey, low-fat milk, TD4 vanilla yoghurt & ice + an Energiser Booster - I told myself and Nick (the friendly owner whom I've met) that this is the kind of drink I want to be sipping on everyday on my way to work, compared to Milo or fresh milk.
The bright, funky colored logotype attracted me.
Fast forward some weeks later, Nick and his wife, Soraya was kind enough to invite me and the usuals for a tasting session over at their very first outlet at KLCC. Much thanks to Kelz too for sharing her love for Boost Juice and introducing it to the rest of us.
Located on the 2nd Floor, Centre Court of KLCC - you can't miss it.We gathered, got seated and warmed up to the idea that we were gonna have some good old juice for dinner. Not knowing what to expect, we set our eyes on the brightly lit and colourful overhead menu and discovered what a wonderful array of juice combos that awaits us.
Go for low-fat Smoothies, Super Smoothies or get some Fresh Juices or Fruit Crushes.
After a short while of selecting what we wanted and what's recommended, we finally got seven different types of Boost Juice to get going. Here's a lowdown of it :
1. Brekkie to go-go (my favourite - a Super Smoothie)
2. Mango Tango Crush (Fruit Crushes)
3. King William Chocolate (Indulgence)
4. Energiser Juice (Fresh Juices)
5. Green Tea Mango Mantra (Super Smoothies)
6. Mango Magic (Low-Fat Smoothies)
7. Tropical Pina Colada (Low-Fat Smoothies)
One can also supplement their juice or smoothies with a Booster.
Now if you're the kind who get hunger pangs every now and then, I believe its time that we move on to a more healthier alternative as compared to snacking on curry puffs, banana fritters and the like, not that they don't taste good (they still do) - but Boost Juice cranks it up a notch a whole lot more in terms of taste (extremely orgasmic) and nutrition-wise (at least 98% fat free).
Nick & Soraya sharing their love for extreme sports and Boost Juice to us - power couple at that.
Joshua & Kelz couldn't stop taking sips.
The Australian juice phenomenon has landed here thanks to them.
A quick observation over the counter promises that all such goodness comes purely from fruits, yoghurt and milk that works as a great natural pick-me-up. No artificial flavouring was seen being added, so I was pretty happy at that. You can tell :
Boost Juice are also a fanstastic source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - David certainly agrees.
So what do I like about it, besides it tasting fantastically great? Let's have a look :
1. All natural ingredients used (can't go wrong wanting to be healthy)
2. Staff at the KLCC outlet are friendly and energetic (smiles all around too)
3. Fun-loving branding (loud and eco-friendly)
1. All natural ingredients used (can't go wrong wanting to be healthy)
2. Staff at the KLCC outlet are friendly and energetic (smiles all around too)
3. Fun-loving branding (loud and eco-friendly)
Certainly a boosted night out. You can tell from Jen's face.
Sizes available : 12, 16 and 20 ounce cups seen here with the Boost Travel Mug (far left).
They've also got a customer loyalty program (called VIBE) going on where you'll receive special discounts and promotions by presenting your stamp card (given on your first visit there) each time you get a Boost Juice for a new stamp.
Did I mention the Banana Bread goes well with my favourite, Brekkie to go-go? Yummy!
Now, I can't wait for the other three Boost Juice stores to open later this year - which means I don't have to go all the way down to KLCC to get my juice fix. Not sure what to try out on your first visit? Here's a tip : Mango Magic, All Berry Bang, Energiser Juice, Strawberry Squeeze or mix your own juice. I heard the named ones are their best sellers.
You could always pay them a visit here, be a fan of them on Facebook or follow their updates on Twitter. I'm definitely going back for more soon.
You could always pay them a visit here, be a fan of them on Facebook or follow their updates on Twitter. I'm definitely going back for more soon.
* some pics by Joshua.
Labels: Boost Juice Bars, event, food, friends, places
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hopeful Praise
Labels: places, reflections
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Treasuring Time
Had a wonderful surprise birthday gathering/treasure hunt with the usuals.
Top : Stanley, Andrew, Kelz, Joshua, Aaron, Thomas.
Bottom : Jen, David, myself, Yatz, Pam.
Thank you so much guys!
More on it soon when I get 'em videos ready.
Labels: birthday, event, friends, places
Thursday, July 2, 2009
L Is For The Way You Look At Me
I have never thought that I would pursue my passion in photography faster than my other friends who have been toying around with their cameras for years now. Of course, some of them are doing it as a hobby and some, for a living. As for myself, I was pretty excited when I got to join the Wedding Story team just recently. Having met the person behind it, Grace Tan - a couple of years ago for a video editing job, I am happy and proud to be working under her today.
Grace busy at work.
My first photoshoot was a pre-wedding one for the couple - Jack & LeAnne that happened in Putrajaya some weeks ago. You can read all about it in detail and view more beautiful photos of the couple over here. The shots here were just taken randomly when I'm not holding the flash or light.
The photogenic LeAnne and her husband, Jack.
I learned a lot on my first shoot - to be alert and sensitive to the tiniest bit of detail among many other things and this includes being physically flexible! (see photo below). Hafiz Ismail came along on that day too to join in the fun. Had a funny photo taken with him - click.
Using natural lighting and shadows are part and parcel of it all.
One of the first few shots I managed to take.
Certainly a new beginning for myself and for the couple, I wish them all the best in life. Nothing beats waking up to the one you love everyday. For me, I thank God and my loved ones for their support, and to be able to wake up everyday and see different couples coming together in the name of love - be it in real life or on my monitor at work. I see many happy days to follow suit from now on.
Labels: friends, pre-wedding, Wedding Story, work
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Baba Nyonya Food For A Change?
If you eat a lot in the Taipan area, you'll probably notice that there's a new one in that area - and a Nyonya restaurant to be exact. Now, how often do you get that here, eh? Well, if you haven't heard (or tasted) Nyonya servings before, perhaps this could be a good place to get that authentic experience.
The entrance to the place brings back memories from the little state.
Located in the Taipan Triangle area, you are bound to not miss it as you enter the food-filled vicinity. Being on the same row as one of my favourite places (Strawberry Fields) to eat in Taipan - Simply Nyonya Cafe promises their patrons that is it 'Nyonya Food Rediscovered'. Deciding to discover it all, me and Kelz walked in the already packed place, eager to taste and fill our hungry tummies.
I ordered the 'Ayer Longkang' - complete with a panaromic wallpaper of the historical city.
Orders were taken and we waited about 20 minutes before we were served - a rather long waiting time (possibly due to the insane crowd). Here's a breakdown of the food (single dish servings, we were keen on the white-rice + dishes but overheard that most of it were already sold out, bummer) : Ayam Pongteh Set (RM8.90) + Ayer Longkang (RM4) & Nyonya Fried Rice (RM6.50) + Soft Drink (RM2.50).
All photos were taken with my Nokia XpressMusic 5220 - blame the lowlight conditions.
Both servings actually felt like home - probably because its my own heritage and the 'ayer longkang' was a pleasant surprise to the tongue (think sourish with a tinge of sweetness). Reasonably priced and served by the owner's children (or grandchildren), I'd probably go back there again for a full-on affair with the house favourites when its not too packed.
I've also noticed that they have a rather decent website offering the history of the Baba Nyonya heritage, the infamous Baba Nyonya lingo (which I found to be very interesting) and a glossary of food terms used in their kitchen. Check it out here.
Should you be interested to tingle your tastebuds the Baba Nyonya way, the family business can be found at:
Simply Nyonya Cafe
38, Jalan USJ 10/1B,
Taipan Triangle,
47620 UEP Subang Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel/Fax : 603-5634 3933
Email : simplynyonya@gmail.com
Opening Hours : 11am - 10pm
Closed on Wednesday.
Landmark : Obliquely across from Starbucks
I've also noticed that they have a rather decent website offering the history of the Baba Nyonya heritage, the infamous Baba Nyonya lingo (which I found to be very interesting) and a glossary of food terms used in their kitchen. Check it out here.
Should you be interested to tingle your tastebuds the Baba Nyonya way, the family business can be found at:
Simply Nyonya Cafe
38, Jalan USJ 10/1B,
Taipan Triangle,
47620 UEP Subang Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
Tel/Fax : 603-5634 3933
Email : simplynyonya@gmail.com
Opening Hours : 11am - 10pm
Closed on Wednesday.
Landmark : Obliquely across from Starbucks
