Fresh off from Episode 1 of my birthday celebrations, I’m leaving no delay before writing Episode 2.

If you’ve read it, you would know that the first part was spent with my family and workmates. The second part, as you will see, is spent with a small group of buddies doing what we love most.

So what do we love most?

On the night of my birthday, I roped in bestiePam for a night out of food, relaxing and…

SHISHA OF COURSE! 

On huge, comfy couches, no less! 

It wasn’t just the both of us tonight, as we gathered a few more people to join as well.

Cue the boys! Drumroll please?

Tonight’s company and I. With all the food, drinks and shisha in tow!

Shot some photos of the beautifully decorated interior. Take a look:

What do you think? Marvellous, isn’t it? Very, very Middle Eastern yet extremely contemporary.

I loved the play of lights, perfect usage of wide spaces and their stained glass decor!

Us again chilling all laidback on a breezy Monday night 

Apart from the two shisha bongs we had (thanks so much Eshan!) we ordered a great deal of food too.

Ready for them? 

Iranian Tea

This was Pam’s. I never really favoured the taste of Iranian Tea but she loved it. 

Greek Salad. It had a generous helping of tomato, cucumber, capsicum, olives and creamy feta cheese.

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Chilli Potato. Fried Potato Cubes with Coriander, Tomato and Garlic. Very flavourful and mildly spicy! 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Baba Ganoush. Eggplant Dip with tomato, onion and olive oil served with bread.

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

 I wanted to try this non-creamy and coarse version but I didn’t exactly like the

texture of this although I enjoyed its smokiness and flavour!

Opt for the creamy version if you can! It’ll be heaps more delicious. 

Hummus. It was topped with Sauteed Sliced Lamb.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This one takes the cake! Perfect consistency and the lamb slices made it all the more tastier! 

Shish Kebab

★★★★★

Shish Tawook and Lamb Cubes with Saffron Rice

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Shish Tawook

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

The food wouldn’t stop coming. We ate so much and took a much deserved break in between!

We like to hog the camera. That’s an understatement but check out our goofiness and vanity anyway. 

I think we were tuning out of the conversation when the boys began to immerse deeper in their discussion.

I don’t quite recall what it was. To my best memory, revolved around war, refugees and philosophies, I think.

The boys.

Eshan, Pam and I

Konzy and I

Eshan, Pam and Fadzly. Hi!

After lots of catching up, chit-chatting and talking about almost everything under the sun, we felt like having a sweet accompaniment to our otherwise savoury dinner. Yup, you can probably see where this is going.

THIS CALLS FOR DESSERT! 

Caramel Cream. It wasn’t at all cloyingly sweet but more of a mildy sweet, creamy touch!

I could have plates and plates of it and still yearn for more.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Baklava. This is a traditional middle eastern finger pastry filled with nuts.

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My buddies seemed to like it, but I was yet to acquire its sweet, sticky, chewy texture.

After some four hours of hanging out, the night was exactly what I had in mind, to say the least. 

We had shortlisted a few places to check out but I was glad we chose this one instead. 

I was aiming for something casual; a night of relaxation, wonderful conversations, comfy seats, good company, delicious food and bountiful shisha flavour and In House, Publika befitted my night perfectly.

The waiters were relatively friendly and our shisha charcoals were changed regularly too. Entertainment-wise, the television channels projected onto the big screen was good enough. Why need any more entertainment when you’re with good company, eh? 

Thanks for a great Monday night out, pals! 

I know this was supposed to be a birthday post but I guess it’s only natural of me to review the restaurant at the same time as well. Couldn’t help it, sorry! 

Nevertheless, I hope you guys enjoyed yourself as much as I did! 

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For more information on Restaurant In House, you can:

Visit them at this address

Restaurant In House,

Block A, Ground Floor (facing the main road! Will update with the exact lot number soon!)

Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 

50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hello hello folks!

Sorry for not updating for a while, I was relatively busy with keeping busy, going out heaps with buddies, family and also traveling the Penang-Ipoh-KL routes several times back and forth.

One of those journeys in the car

Today will be a quick post. My laptop ran outta juice and I've left the charger somewhere in Penang.

Will blog a proper one soon; am using someone else's laptop now.

Anyway, here's what I've been up to for the past week!

Bid farewell to the other half and sent him off.

He'll be back in Australia for two months!

Had dinner at Pasta Zanmai with buddy Vincent

Highly recommended: Unagi Roll, Smoked Salmon Pizza

& Teriyaki Chicken Spaghetti

My Mr.BFF – Buddy Vincent and I!

9 years of friendship & counting

It was nightfall. I soon set off to GEO's cafe in Sri Hartamas for a hang out and catch-up session with my Aussiemate, Aaron.

He was down in Malaysia for a week!

Shisha take one!

Shisha take two!

My kakis for the night

T'was a splendid session! We had various conversations about almost everything under the sun.

Learnt so much especially about our different and highly contradicting perspectives. We ended it with more karaoke and chats thereafter.

Spotted an epic Superman bike one afternoon

On the road again!

This fortnight's simple nail art I did

(Why does my hand look so wrinkly in this photo OMG!)

Arrived my folk's place in Ipoh!

Remember Penny? Say hi!

Salmon Sashimi at Sushi King with the family

Did some work over a cuppa Cafe Mocha at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf!

Had dinner with Mr. BFF at one of my fave European dining spots ever-

at Indulgence Restaurant & Living!

We had chicken and two pots of tea before heading out for the night.

I didn't have the time for an OOTD shot so this will have to do!

Beer towers of Strongbow Cider!

The night ensued at Bricks & Barrels Gastrobar and Beer Garden, Ipoh with the rest.

It was a memorable night of friendship, reminiscence, drinkies, truth or dare and silly challenges. We made the most of that night like we're gonna die young.

(Yes, I know it's a Kesha song)

My flaming shot – Chocolate Fire! A superb mix of Kahlua, Baileys & Rum

Take my hand, I'll show you the wild side

The morning after felt like my head traversed into an epic wreckage.

Ahhh… hangovers. How I miss thee.

That didn't stop me from making a trip back to Penang later that day.

But going back means having to be apart from my babyChivas (My father, being the only person in the whole world who doesn't like babyChivas)

So I bid adieu to my babyboy. Mr.BFF took over & babysat him while I was away!

Thank you so much!

Being back in Penang, I was able to catch my Aussiemate Carly who was down for her honeymoon.

Just being girls at Austin Chase @ Queensbay Mall

Our afternoon of catching up over food, shopping, coffee, gossip, taking photos, long conversations were plenty fun!

So glad we managed to catch each other this trip.

Oh by the way, since I'm always posting decent photos of myself, here's an ugly photo to balance the ratio up a little LOLOL

So candid! I reckon I was expressing my disgust at something.

Found that picture so unglam yet hilarious at the same time haha!

Headed back home for some kick-ass sessions at the gym

Just part of today's routine, among others

My following week will be spent in Penang, leading up to Chinese New Year.

Being back made me realize how much I miss being in the comfort of my own home I grew up in. Being with the family, having regular home-cooked meals, not having to do my own laundry nor dishes, not having to pay rent.

But on the plus side, I appreciate the freedom and independence that comes with living away from home. I guess you can't have the best of both worlds, huh.

By the end of the week, Mr.BFF came over to Penang and brought me back my son!

Reunited with my boy again made me so happy.

I hope your god daddy has been treating you well!

Here's my current earworm that I relate very well to. Love the music video the most!

Song of the week:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZgpyeJ7U4

NERVO & Hook N Sling – Reason

Here's wishing you a great seven days ahead!

More to come soon, once I get my laptop charger back

Much love,

Jessicat

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The Sunday Times is a weekly series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to briefly highlight my recommendations for to-go and to-eat places!

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook

Do follow to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around me!

Hellooooo dear readers! How's your week been so far?

7 days of sweat and toil at your workplace? Or 7 days of hard-pressed studying & assignments?

Whatever it is, hope you guys tackled it with a big wide smile!

This week has been pretty intense for me; I've had back-to-back trainings everyday to prepare me physically and mentally for my very first marathon!

Did my routine of strength, endurance and high intensity interval running at Celebrity Fitness

The ground WILL tremor beneath your strength, people! So push your boundaries and work that body!

A good friend of mine, Ken, shared this quote with me and I took an instant liking to it!

Decided to make it my motto of the week

On lazy days or rainy days (LOL excuses) I'd just go to the gym at my condominium pool!

Since I'm back in Penang for the weekend, I dragged mom & kakak to Bukit Dumbar to accompany me

And obviously to get them up and going too! No life is sedentary with me around 

Ran 7KM in 45 minutes. I wonder how long tomorrow's session will take?

Got the latest Adipure 360 Born for the Gym sports sneakers!

Thanks Adidas Malaysia for these lovely pair of versatile gym shoes 

Decked in Adidas from top to toe on the day of their official launch party! 

(Full blogpost coming soon!)

Found this on Tumblr and couldn't agree more 

Outfit of the day. Feeling a tad sporty one afternoon!

Anyway, apart from my vigorous trainings and running practices, I've been up to heaps of other stuff.

I gotta eat, too! I can now afford to eat like a starving pig – believe me, I have a voracious appetite! – because I constantly burn almost 500 calories everytime I work out. So, no worries! 

One I'd always recommend, time and time again –

The Dragon Roll from Sushi Zanmai is my absolute fave. Made with tempura prawns, avocado & roe!

Made a healthy dinner of Chicken & Vegetable Stew! 

All the protein & fibre I need to get me going

My current favorite morning bites which always gets me on the move!

A hot cuppa coffee + cornflakes with all natural yoghurt & a dollop of honey

Caught up with my Greek friend Jason as he is transiting/visiting KL before he goes back to Australia!

Why not bring the two Greek boys out for dinner + shisha at Herris @ Damansara Perdana

Had a great time catching up with Jason. Talked about everything and anything under the sun!

When we were eating, a filming crew shot footages of us eating, for a local program called 'Jalan-jalan Cari Makan'. So you might see me on TV when its aired LOL! 

Sent my car for a thorough carwash, polish & vacuum (finally!) at the neighbourhood petrol station

Now, even a single piece of litter in my car gets me in a frenzy. OCD time haha

Amazing how these petrol station/carwash boys only charge 4 bucks per car wash and an additional 2 bucks for interior vacuuming. That's real cheap, seriously. I know it's not rocket science to wash a car, but surely it isn't only worth 4 bucks?

They do a pretty good job too though!

Not going to tell you which petrol station, because the queue is long enough hahahahaha!

Don't wanna recommend and have to wait even longer  

(But if you really, really wanna know you can always ask me la)

I can't wait to watch Hotel Transylvania!

Had always been a fan of freaky cartoons & Tim Burton-ish kinda movies

Found this and got so enamoured by the progress humankind has made over the years!

The shopaholic in me strikes again! Love this rugged pair of brass-buckled leather heels from Pedro. 

I know I can always trust Pedro for their exquisite quality of shoes 

As crazy as I am over high-heels (I have 35 pairs altogether, no, I cannot believe myself either LOL!), my love for pumped-up kicks & sneakers alike knows no bounds. 

I turn to the casual, street-style when I feel like kicking back on lazy afternoons!

My new pair of Playboy high-top sneakers!

Major, major love for them. It's studded and the Playboy Bunny has diamante blings for its eyes 

And no, just so you know, I'm not a crazy shoe lady 

I'm just a caterpillar with too many feet, hence needing many, many shoes 

Updated my iPhone software the all-new iOS6! Go update yours too!

It's heaps smoother & I can't stop listening to all the new podcasts I've downloaded 

Oooh I'm back in Penang for the weekend!

It's daddy's birthday so yes, here I am back at home to celebrate with the family.

Happy 52nd Birthday, daddy-o! 

Mom ordered giant freshly baked crabs during the birthday dinner!

I recommend Teluk Kumbar Seafood place for amazingly fresh & quality seafood 

Randomly, I just noticed how "unskilled" I am in eating crabs – that's the only reason why I don't eat crabs often! I will often end up wasting a good crab all because I'm dreadful at peeling the crab or knowing just where all the hidden meat are. 

Watching mom's sleight of hand while cracking, breaking and twisting out the crab meat from the crab made my jaw drop. I guess she's a more pro seafood person than I am hahaha!

Thanks boyfieKon for sending me a piccie of babyChivas whilst I'm away!

Was beginning to miss my mischievous little ball of fluff

That's all for this week! Will be back in KL on Tuesday for a meeting and to continue the rest of my week.

Have a wonderful seven days ahead. Don't forget to ALWAYS stay fit & eat healthy too!

That being said, remember to drink 7 litres of water everyday

Listen to your body, it is powerful 

Much love,

Jessicat 

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

The Sunday Times is a new once-a-week series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to share recommendations for to-go places and to-eats throughout the week

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook as it happens.

So follow me to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around!

Wow, it's been a week already? Let The Sunday Times roll again!

This week, I am thankful for :

1) My trusty DSLR which has served me in innumerable moments that I aim to capture

2) My friends & to appreciate those around me even more.

This week has been crazy. Especially the weekend of back-to-back events!

Here's what rocked my week this time round :

Guess where we were at on a Friday night?

Media & Celebrity Night of Superstars of Magic 2 at the Genting International Showroom!

Thank you Resorts World Genting for having us tonight 

(Full blogpost coming soon!)

Did a longer routine on Tuesday afternoon spanning for an hour!

LOL typo! It ain't POT ribs for dinner (how I wish!) but *PORK Ribs lah! 

Did some catching up with thebestie Joyce & our other halves @ Chicken Hot Pot, SS2 Mall

The Asian bites here are really, REALLY yum! Especially the Pork Ribs one, which I had

Made dinner again!

Garlic-baked Mackerel, fluffy cheddar omelette & fresh lettuce with thousand island 

Caught sight of my cat sitting on my carpet listening intently to what I have to say

Sometimes, I swear he thinks he's a human being 

Indulged in some sin at New York New York Deli @ One Utama

Unfortunately, I didn't like it at all. The food (we ordered 4 dishes!) tasted meh to us

Attended Guinness Arthur's Day Media Launch!

Expect a great month of events leading up to the concert on Arthur's Day itself

(Full blogpost coming up!)

Theboyfie & I decided on Pasta Zanmai @ Mid Valley Megamall for dinner.

We had Squid, Garlic Fried Rice with Omelette & Teriyaki Chicken and Unagi & Avocado Crepe Maki.

I'd recommend these three!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR13EKA9D_8

This week's eargasm : Nicky Romero – Toulouse!

Was introduced to Kairo Kingdom too! Digging their electro-dubstep beats 

Clocked in my 5KM run routine in 36:45mins @ Celebrity Fitness, One Utama

Stir-fry veggies for dinner! Deliciously healthy bites 

Attended ELEVATE KL in Black Magic @ Voodoo KL along Jalan P.Ramlee

(Full blogpost coming up!

Saturday night shisha (drunken) crew! Apart from the usual suspects theboyfie & thebestie Pamela,

Jeremy and two old buddies, Ragu & Dylan from my Penang days joined us too! 

2A.M shisha & delicious Iranian food @ AVA Bistro along Jalan P. Ramlee

Ended my weekend on an impromptu trip to Malacca, one of Malaysia's World Heritage Site!

Not only did the 4 of us go random food hunt, I ended up getting to know more about my beloved country 

(Wait for the full blogpost!)

That's all this week has to offer. Can't wait to see what next week has in store for me!

Have a great seven days ahead, dear readers 

Much Love! 

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The Sunday Times is a new once-a-week series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to share recommendations for to-go places and to-eats throughout the week

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook as it happens.

So follow me to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around!

For every day of the week, I am thankful for what every new day brings me.

So here's a new once-a-week series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to share recommendations for to-go places and to-eats throughout the week.

These are the bucketful of things that made this week more awesome than the last!

Had fun watching my little boy Chivas playing with his new fluffy toy mouse that theboyf bought him! 

Had some pub grub with my gurlfriend Pammy at Tom, Dick & Harry's @ TTDI

We had a pint of Blackthorn Cider, Breaded Button Mushrooms, Pork Ribs Curry, Chicken & Mushroom Pie

Needless to say, you know what it is despite the fish eye distortion! 

Succumbed to my Swedish meatball cravings at Ikea @ Mutiara Damansara

Hey, did you know there is an app called REAL LIFE?  That's right.

My buddies & I surrendered our cellphones & piled them up in the middle of our table for

a more personal social outing!

Lunchdate with theboyf at Sakae Sushi @ Sunway Pyramid

We had Beef Sukiyaki, Japanese Potato Salad, Sesame Squid, Soft Shell Crab and lots more!

Chanced upon this and I couldn't agree more.

I think everyone should heed this about everyone!

Made some healthy lunchies at home!

Buttered Toast with Tuna, Hardboiled Eggs, Fresh Lettuce & Avocado mash

Checked out the latest outlet in my suburb – My Burger Lab @ Seapark Petaling Jaya

Had their best-selling A+ Beef Burger and the Hangover Burger! 

Breakin' a sweat on Wednesday evening!

5KM run clocked in at 35:00mins at Celebrity Fitness @ One Utama

Cooking up a storm in my kitchen! 

Citrus butter-baked Salmon with Roasted Carrots, Fresh Lettuce & Orange Wedges

At Godiva Chocolatier @ Pavilion KL. Our little Sunday evening out in the city! 

Chocolate makes us happy; what about you? 

Tried out the new Absolute Chocolate from Secret Recipe @ Uptown Damansara

I loved how my teeth sink into different levels with each bite. Definitely a must-try! 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akNSoOLJrF4

My current earworm : Leventina – Champagne Nights  Especially 1:15 onwards!

A hot latte on a cold, rainy afternoon helped me stay warm throughout the gloomy day!

Just some camlovin' 

Made early dinner!

Honey & Oatmeal Baked Spanish Mackerel with sides of Poached Eggs & Boiled Carrots

When hunger pangs got the better of us – Iranian food & shisha on a Thursday night!

Caspian : Persian Fine Cuisine @ Neo Damansara

LOL drew Barney at Draw Something

My Greek other half made us dinner – a popular delicacy in Greece!

One of my faves, it's μελιτζάνες παπουτσάκια  (Melitzanes Papoutsakia) 

Got woken up by babyChivas this morning! 

Just got back from some shopaholic time at Pavilion KL

Cheers to my new cream coloured wedges  So comfy too!

That's all for this week. Looking forward for more exciting things in the next! 

Have a great week ahead of y'all! 

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Most of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook as it happens.

So follow me to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around!