美味廚 (Delicious Kitchen), Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay, HK

It's not easy for a shop to stay in Causeway Bay over 30 years, especially during the recent years of rocket-high rent.  I'm always glad to know this shop can still survive in its original place, without any branch, without anything fancy.  Just some food down-to-earth and original flavour of Shanghai cuisine.  Every time I can't skip my favourite veggie rice with smoked fish.  It's constantly good.  However, I'd choose to come here at 5pm for an early dinner because it can be so crowded during 6-9pm.

Something to remember - stir fried jelly fish with chicken slices, at Wu Kong restaurant, Causeway Bay, HK

Wu Kong often updates its menu every few months.  This time something really caught my eyes - a very home cooking dish but yet the most difficult one - stir fried jelly fish with chicken slices.  This dish also reminds me of my favourite chef Lee Tsang Pang Chin.  I followed her recipe and did this dish quite several times.  I like the sea salty flavour to go with the chicken and that you don't need to marinate the chicken much - a very good combination.

Unfortunately this one was a bit disappointing - too watery because the jelly fish is a bit too overcooked and yet it's not in proportion with the amount of chicken slices.  On the other dish stir fried corn and mined pork in steamed bun.  This one was pretty good to good though.

Dim dim sum, Tin Lok Lane, Wanchai, HK

As I have been scared with most shops having their hard-sell celebrities posting, I hesitated to go in this one.  Until lately I thought HK$30 for a meal set wouldn't be a risky try.  Turned out I would say it'd be more than HK$45-50.  The set covers a drink, a veggie, a steamed dish and a mini-clay pot of steamed rice.  The soy bean milk was quite aromatic and thick too.  The steamed dishes were pretty good too.  Together with a veggie and rice, this meal is very nutritious and much worth it.

Arize Hotel, soi 26, Sukhumvit Road, BKK

The hotel has a very warm welcome for outsiders to go check their rooms and even welcome to any photo taking as they know it's a free publicity purpose of their hotel.  Besides, at least people including me wouldn't have anything negative on writing their comments.  After checking the 1BR and 2BR suites, my impression is not bad though I'd prefer a higher ceiling room.  The only drawback is their swimming pool and gym, which are not open and well equipped.  Nonetheless, if you are not concerned about these facilities, this is a very good choice for Sukhumvit area.

Nantsuttei Ramen, Siam Paragon, BKK

The shop posted an ad. for a 5 year ramen champion that actually made me hesitant to give it a try.  However, no pain no gain.  Turned out the house signature pork bone broth was unexpectedly good, but the noodle wasn't what I would prefer.  The gyoza wasn't too good and the deep fried chicken was at average.  After all, I would feel like coming here again for another try.

Harrod's Cafe and Restaurant, Siam Paragon, Bangkok

Interesting for some pretentious people who took this place as their "show" place.  Self posture in 360 degree flying arm photo taking is almost everywhere.  At least I got twice hit with those flying arms.  Most of all, they wouldn't say sorry but rather thought you were in their way.

Back to the restaurant, service-wise it's not up to a Harrod's standard.  No basket for bag and the waiters and waitresses aren't that professional in serving customers: 1. no receptionist at the front.  2. not enough greeting manner.  3. no mentioning about the food and drink when serving.

As for the food and drink, the berry iced tea was a bit too sweet and the English muffin actually tasted like a plain bread but without a flour aroma.  Quite disappointing that they did that very carelessly.  However, their iced mocha and raspberry tart were not bad.  That means this chef paid more attention to something more "commercial".  The onion shop, shepard's pie and the rose tea were pretty good though. 

The swimming pool and the gym, Hilton Sukhumvit, BKK

In proportion, the gym and the swimming pool of this higher brand of Hilton seem to be a bit below standard, as compared to its sister property DoubleTree.  The pool is half the size of that one of DoubleTree and the lounging area is only 1/3rd.  Then the gym is pretty packed with not too much space.  It's quite ironic that Hilton is almost double the size of DoubleTree.  After this stay, I'd prefer DoubleTree.  When I went back to the front office of DoubleTree for trying to see their superior room (bigger one), I was recognised and asked why we don't like Hilton.  I simply told them Hilton's facilities aren't that attractive.

Dinner at Scallini, Hilton Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Tried the breakfast, lunch and dinner.  All these vary slightly different.  The breakfast is at average though not too bad.  Lunch is pretty good and dinner is the best.  Back to this dinner, the bread, the spinach salad, lobster spaghetti, Crispy duck leg were all very nice but the salmon tartar is a bit too heavy and not so fresh.  After the meal, we were served with a book.  There was some nice chocolate dessert.  Then we tried their signature Tiramisu and chocolate layer cake.  The Tiramisu was very nice with their home-made chocolate ice cream.