Refreshment: Yong

Venue/landmark: somewhere in the same row of shophouses with Tong Hing Superstore and Rasa Nyonya, next to Sri Melati restaurant. Uh, I hope you understand my so - basic map.

Time open – close: 9.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.

This is a fruit store actually, selling from a variety of fresh cut fruits and juices, home made pudding and yogurt, to a selection of fruits at an acceptable range prices. Among the selection offered are plums, all sorts of apples, mango especially the sweet Filipino mango, all sorts of oranges, dragonfruit (white and red) and the usuals (guava, papaya, grapes etc.). Certain fruits are available on seasons (Fuji apple, pears, cherries, mostly imported ones).The usual selections of cut fruits are watermelon (red and yelloyw), guava (white & pink flesh), papaya, mango, dragonfruit and apple. The rest are based on availability: peeled mini tangerine (usually near Chinese New Year), pomelo, kiwi etc. Also, for a start price of RM 30.00, they will help you assemble a fruit hamper from assorted fruits of your choice.

There is a small selections of vegetable but the mushrooms they have look absolutely fresh and gorgeous, among them enoki, button mushroom, oyster mushroom, shiitake and portabello.

Bakery: MultiBake Bakery

Venue/landmark: they are everywhere. Seems to be one of Sabah prominent bakery, aside from Southern. Among them, Centre Point, basement floor; KingFisher, neighbouring Giant; Damai, neighbouring Burger King; within AsiaCity area; Wisma Merdeka; 1Borneo, basement.

They have a selection of cakes and buns, and also offered sandwiches and light munchies such as Soup of the Day with 2 slices of garlic bread and spaghetti (“light” as in small portion). I particularly prefer Multibake to Southern due to the freshness of taste and look of the bread. Their bread loaves are replenished daily, and mind you, to finish it a day before the expiry date or risk breeding “green flowers” (even better, sometimes it occurred 2 days before expiry date). Take it in another light, it shows that the bread contains little – to – none preservatives.

1. Tiramisu

Be delicate as you spoon it to get the full layer of indulgence. The creamy texture alternating soft sponge layers with the mingling of coffee and chocolate flavor, topped with the sprinkle of caffeine is a whole cup of delight.

2. Panini Chicken

A simple bun with a slice of chicken ham and cheese, ask for re – heat to enjoy the melting cheese sensation in you mouth.

3. Assorted sandwiches

Pick your filling from tuna in mayonnaise to crabstick filling. Served in croissant with fresh lettuce, tomato and cucumber, it comes in combo and ala carte.

4. Soup of the Day

I like the asparagus cream soup the most as compared to mushroom and chicken, but I find the accompanying 2 meager, dry slices of garlic bread as a slight off beat. Serving size is about Pizza Hut’s.

Refreshment: Secret Recipe

Venue/landmark: Warisan Square; Palm Square (level 4), CentrePoint; 1Borneo Hypermall, ground floor to the right of Dome

Time open – close

Contact no.:

Basic RM per meal: RM 7.00

For us who came from big cities in Peninsular, this is the name that brings back sweet delightful memories of creamy cheese cakes and lovely chocolate cakes enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. But to few, you might find the following fact devastating; they no longer serve Raspberry Cheese and Amaricano!!! I was told by a sympathetic clerk these 2 are no longer flown over to Sabah with unknown reasons.

Anyway, putting that aside there are still other choices like their simply wonderful walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream, Blueberry Cheese, Oreo Cheese, Choc Cheese and Chocolate Mud, to name a few to soothe your sweet tooth. Also drop by during lunch hour or onwards and enjoy sumptuous meals of Asian fusion concept and Western menu. For the health – conscious ones, the latest to be offered are their healthy grain cheese cake and sugar free chocolate cake.

Cakes and pastries are available for take – away, and also for special occasions (birthday, anniversary etc) in 1 kg bulk, available usually on reservation.

1. Walnut brownie with vanilla ice cream

This lovely piece of chocolate – topped dessert may be ordered without the ice – cream, though it is not advisable to do so unless you prefer a less sweet option. It’s best to go with a tall, full glass of cold creamy milk for the heightened sensation.

2. Choc Cheese

This is a wonderful combination of chocolate and cheese topped with melted chocolate that melts in your mouth. Not to be taken after a heavy meal to enable full appreciation of its splendour. Lovely to the last bit of the adorning cream.

3. Oreo Cheese

This white piece with crunchy Oreo within creamy texture of cheese is a perfect delight for tea or finishing supper (not advisable for your waistline though). Have it with milk, it is just like having your favourite Oreo dunked in milk on a different texture plane.

Italian & Spanish: Tuscany

CAUTION: SERVES ALCOHOL / COOKING CONTAINS ALCOHOL

Status: Serve no pork / serve alcohol

Venue/landmark: Waterfront Explanade, opposite CentrePoint. Pay – parking.

Basic RM per meal: RM 20.00 (w/o tax)

Ah… another place that I found the interior delightfully classic. It is a small diner with the grayish brick walls, hanging plants, wood table tops with accompanying metal – back chairs, the open counter overlooking the kitchen, lively music and comfortable atmosphere. Above the kitchen is another eating area. Opt for sitting outside if you want to enjoy the night sea breeze and starry sky.

As usual, Muslims be weary and inquire in detail of your dish preparations since here without exception alcohol is included in the ingredients. Be specific about it and tell the waiter to note down to opt out the alcohol in the preparation.

Other Italian food posts:

• Little Italy
• Pizza Ria

Italian: Little Italy

CAUTION: SERVES ALCOHOL / COOKING CONTAINS ALCOHOL

Venue/landmark: Just below Capital Hotel, with Wisma Merdeka on the opposite side, and Esso petrol station nearby in Kota Kinabalu city.
Time open – close:
Reservation: available
Contact no.: 088 - 232231

Basic RM per meal: RM 20.00 (w/o tax)

As the name implies, this place serves superb Italian spread. With red brick wall, open pizza kitchen from where delicious smell wafted, low reddish lighting and light atmosphere, it feels classic; you will fall into relaxed mode and chat freely with your crowd. Smokers’ area is outside facing the street so I suppose you’ll have 2 sources of air pollution here…

Come especially near Christmas and the place will steep up the festive mood with decorations of Christmas tree and cotton snows and hanging socks etc. Just remember to call for reservation during festive seasons as the crowd can really overflow the place.

The waiters are friendly and courteous, you can inquire in detail for everything in the menu . Since some dishes are prepared with alcohol as one of the ingredients especially pastas with cream sauce, those who are Muslim better be weary and inquire on this. You can ask the waiter note down to exempt the alcohol from the preparations.


1. Bruschetta
This is one of my favourite appetizers. It consists of slices of French bread about 1.5 cm thick, topped with generous amount of diced tomato seasoned with olive oil, vinegar and herbs. Tantalizingly sour to wake your taste buds for the main course and just enough to not completely fill you up. Grind a dash of black pepper and a sprinkle of cheese for extra zest! Oh yeah, for extra RM 5.00, they will add slices of smoked salmon onto it which I personally like since I love sashimi ^_^

Price: RM 6.90 (+ RM 5.00 for smoked salmon)



2. Zuppa di mare
A savory, tomato based soup with generous amount of clams, mussels, prawns, calamari strips and fish served with 2 slices of crisp garlic bread, this makes an “umph!” starter. Opt for serving with spaghetti added in and you will have a filling main course.

Price: RM 18.90 (+ RM 2.00 with spaghetti)



3. Pasta:

• Ravioli with mushroom served in salmone sauce I am a huge fan of mushroom so this is my favourite. Like the name implies, it’s pasta with mushroom filling (like mini curry – puff I guess). The sauce is based of salmon strips, artichoke and dill paste, very creamy and non – spicy. Artichoke is something like onion – looking but taste like tofu skin with texture of mushroom. A note on this: eat while served hot since the sauce become curd - like when cold so toss it with some black pepper when it gets cold to make it less sickening and dash some Tabasco if you want extra zest.
  

Price: RM 19.90



4. Pizza: their pizza crust is really nice, crisp edges and well – browned by the stone oven. Watch them prepare it with jest; I just couldn’t take my eyes off it (or maybe it was the cute chef). But they probably think you’re nuts anyway if you hang at the counter overlooking the pizza kitchen too long. Aside from what I had below there are others. You can also opt to create your own toppings.

a. Margherita: a simple tomato and cheese topped pizza for vegetarian.

b. ai Quattro formaggi: 3 types of cheese as toppings. There are mixed taste to this; salty, slightly sour – ish and sweet, all combined together but distinct in a bite. Warning; do not take with cream – based stuff unless you’re a cheese freak because I guarantee that you’ll feel sick later unless you’re having lemonade as your drink.

c. pollo e funghi: ah, this one is fresh mushroom and chicken and cheese, lovely with a dash of black pepper and Tabasco.


Price: RM 17.90


5. Lemonade
Oh I love their lemonade! Sour and refreshing, to be taken especially when having the cheese – based sauce. I dunno why but I find that too much cheese gives me a bad after – taste even though I love cheese. They have large and regular glass, the large ones especially served in bottle – like glasses. I think they serve about 500 ml for large ones.

Other Italian food posts:

• Tuscany
• Pizza Ria

Bakery: Uncle Biscuit Bakery

Venue/landmark: Damai. Located at a large area comprising of shop houses and eateries including Tong Hing, Desa Supermarket, Coffee Bean, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Pizza Ria and Strawberry Bakery.

How to look for it? Depends from which side are your entering the area. If you happen to enter at a junction facing Coffee Bean and Burger King, then just go straight pass the MultiBake bakery on your left until you reach Uncle Biscuit Bakery on your left side, at the end of the shop lot. If you are coming from another traffic light junction then this one is easier as you can just go straight after entering the left traffic light junction, pass Strawberry Bakery on your right and straight towards the same small roundabout where you can see Pizza Ria just on the northwest of it, then take the right roundabout junction to go slightly further. The bakery is easily identified by its purple paint.

Parking is a bit difficult here especially during peak hours. Going at lunch time, especially through Lintas – For Sang rout is not advisable if you’re dropping by just for a cake.

They offer lovely cakes available in single piece, or a whole of 500 g and 1 kg. Aside from cakes, they also have assorted fresh bread and buns and also plain, baked cheese cakes.

Reservation is available but not by phone since upon ordering you’ll have to pay the deposit.

Time open – close:

Contact no.: 088 – 272952

E – mail: unclebiscuit@hotmail.com

My favourites:

1. Chocolate Mousse

I fell in love after my first time sampling. It has a wonderful pudding – like texture, topped with melted chocolate and strawberry. Recommended for birthday and celebration; the whole cake will be elaborately decorated with lovely chocolate swirls and strawberries.

Price: RM 4.50 per piece; RM 28.00 (500 g)

2. Mango Mousse

Mild sweet mango flavor, recommended if you are having a heavy main course as the texture and flavor are less overwhelming. The mousse portion is layered with soft chiffon cake, topped with gelatin and assorted fruits or cut mango. You may request your topping of choice upon ordering (cut mango/assorted fruits, I personally recommend the assorted fruits as a much appealing choice).

Price: RM 4.50 per piece, RM 29.00 (500g)

3. Strawberry Tart

This is light cream sponge cake with strawberry and yogurt filling, topped with glazed fresh strawberry. The cream is light and edible and does not taste like the cheap tacky cream used by some bakery, with chopped nuts coating the side surface. A very pretty cake, sweet for anniversaries and romantic occasions.

Price: RM 4.50 per piece, RM 29.00 (500g)

4. Opera Cake

Chocolate with hints of coffee flavor, with elaborate presentation and square in shape, a twist of difference compared to others. The cake comes in layers of sponge and rich cream. A tad too heavy if you are having it after a big meal.

Price: RM 4.50 per piece, RM 29.00 (500g)

Sabah: Traveling preparation

Here in Sabah, with its warm climate, temperature can reach 30 degree at times, plus the humidity will add up furthermore to your discomfort. While some people will tan up nice and brown, some unfortunate ones will end up with sunburns and peeled skin. So here are some stuff that you should keep in check prior going to any tropical areas with lots of sun.

• Sun – block lotion
• Loose, light – coloured cotton garments. Set aside one extra pair
• Garments that do not need ironing, pressing or dry – cleaning
• Enough underwear to cover at least 3 days (if you wash) plus extra pairs for rainy seasons
• Sanitary pads to last 3 / traveling days, the rest can be bought in the area (unless you are going somewhere unbelievably rural or jungle deep)
• Toiletries: basic like tooth brush, small bottle of liquid soap, shampoo and facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer, deodorant
• Small towel just nice for toweling after shower, but hotels usually would provide one.
• Prescriptions of malarial and diarrhea prophylaxis, or anything relevant to the area you are visiting. Consult your GP.
• Vaccination. Again, consult your GP
• Do a quick research on the area: climate, diseases, customs, maps, cuisine etc
  
  

Have a nice trip!

What to do when you have diarrhea during travel…

When you go to places you’re not used to, especially due to their food and your own lack of hygiene practice, diarrhea (or traveler’s diarrhea, the way your doctor refers to it. Or you might be having food poisoning too, which is even worse) is likely to occur. So when it hits you, there are a few simple things that can be done here.

**Note: diarrhea is defined as when you have frequent passage of loose watery stool. Sometimes there might be mucus (slimy stuffs) and blood in the stool, cramped feeling or discomfort in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, and fever (seldom to rare).

First, while you still have not gone to the nearest local clinic, between the times of toilet visit,

• Drink plenty of fluid, preferably clean water, or fruit juice. Avoid caffeine.
  
• Soft and watery diet: porridge, bread, soup. Go lean on vegetable, protein and dairy products.
  
• Avoid spicy, oily food.
  
• Rest
  
• Wash hands properly with soap after using the toilet.
  
• Keep stock of toilet paper in your traveling kit
  
• Trace back what and where you’ve eaten prior to the onset, since the doctor may find this useful (there are certain endemic strain which is localized in certain area)
  
• Any swimming or contacts with river?
  
• Trace who else is having the same problem since it can be contagious.
  

When you see your GP / doctor, they will likely give the same advice as above plus medication of course. Do not delay seeing one as diarrhea, simple as it may seems, can cause (severe) dehydration without proper attention especially in children.

Signs of dehydration may include:

• Dry lips, tongue and skin
• Feeling thirsty
• Palpitation (rapid heart beat)
• Dizziness (and sometimes, fainting)
• Cold, clammy skin (moderate to severe)
• Rapid, weak pulse (severe)
• Disoriented (severe)
• In young children: crying without tears, sunken eyes
  

So whenever you reach a new town find out the nearest GP clinic t your accommodation. There are some foreign GPs in Kota Kinabalu city but most local doctors too are proficient in English so language should not be a problem. It’s not necessarily for attacks of “the runs”, you may have other problems too like malaria or dengue. If you have your own prescription, looking out for a pharmacy or stocking up prior travel is another option.

Others;

• Hygiene: hand washing with soap
• Check the hygiene of the eatery, try to take a peek at their kitchen if you can (usually this can be an appetite killer too). The city council grades cleanliness of a premise by the grade A,B and C so check for it in any place you choose to eat.
• Be cautious when picking up a place for eating seafood
• Eat hot, freshly prepared food.
• Drink boiled water or bottled ones.
• Canned food and drinks are safer options when you are stranded in a remote area.
• Fruits that need to be peeled off is better option than the readily chopped up ones exposed to the air
• Some vaccines are available for certain disease so check up with your GP prior traveling to tropical areas
  

Have a nice trip!