Gourmandis @ Citta Mall

Gourmandis? I thought it was supposed to be spelled "gourmandise" and means appreciation of good food. Spelling error or not its still pronounced \ˌgu̇r-män-ˈdēz\. And I'll have to add that the folks at Gourmandis certainly appreciate good food and make yummy food.

Gourmandis is quite a pretty sight with its decor. The racing stripe seats caught my eyes. I didn't know till later that the chairs were from one of my car and doggie buddy Alex of Deven Design who makes lovely furniture for restaurants and cafes. The whole ambience of Gourmandis is really cozy. You can also opt to sit outdoors for some alfresco action and if you're a smoker:P

While we waited for Ben the chef to prepare our food, we checked out the drinks. Quite a selection of mocktails, cocktails and alcoholic beverage. Of course you can also have coffee:P

Here's the Pussy Foot which is a mix of Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Milk and Grenadine. Looks awesomely vibrant:D

Blue Lagoon is a good idea for those who like vodka as its a mix of Vodka, Triple Sec & Bols Blue. Of course do tell the waiter your preference if you like your drinks a wee stronger:P

The Cosmopolitan in a petite glass is made of Vodka, Cranberry Juice & Cherry. Nice...and that's because I like Vodka:P

It was Sunday and a Mojito on a cool Sunday evening is a brilliant idea. A mix of rum, mint leaves and lime this was a refreshing drink to have before and after a meal.

Teh Pulau Panjang is a good drink. Each time I hear this drink I will remember a friend of mine who found this drink so brilliantly easy that he got drunk because he lost count of how many glasses he had over dinner. A blend of 6 spirits its not to be taken lightly. OK..so what is Teh Pulau Panjang? Long Island Tea! Hehehe

Food arrives....

Potato Skin with chicken. This is one of my faves. The potato skin is crisp but the flesh inside is yummily creamy. The whole works of mashed potato, guacamole, salsa, chicken and sour cream is just so appetising. I was tempted to ask for more but realised that potatoes can be quite filling.

I love pasta and Aglio Olio is one of my faves and regular preparation. Ben tells us that his pasta are good. taste it and I'll know why. I told myself..."OK, we'll see". I did not tell him that I had a certain peculiarity for pasta.

The Crispy Seafood Aglio Olio arrives. Looks brilliant. Can't fault the seafood. They love just right and the smell was gorgeous. Now for The Test! Twirl the pasta. Pop it into my mouth. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. The pasta was el dente. It was how I liked it. The olive oil was just perfect with the pasta. The seafood made it even better. This is another of my must have when I return soon:D

I also so happen to love pizzas and its a weekly must at home or outside. And I like them thin and crisp. Now when you're at Gourmandis, always order a pizza if you're chatting with pals or watching soccer this soccer season. Its so yummy! Crisp and thin, you have to eat it quickly. See the oozing mozzarella cheese and sweet pineapple from our Hawaiian Pollo Arosto?

Meow...if you like salmon, the Pan Seared Norwegian Salmon here is done just right. The skin is crisp but the flesh is still juicy. Served on a bed of butternut pumpkin and potato, topped with mango salsa, this dish is quite a winner with my hubby who is really quite a cat in the form of a human:P

Want some meat action? Check out the steaks and burger at Gourmandis. The Angus Tenderloin is made to your preference. This is done medium well as requested. Still nice and juicy:D

The Beef Burger is quite brilliant. Check out the grilled meat patty! (I must admit that picture didn't really turn out to show its juiciness...). The melted cheese in the burger is another comforting reason why the burger is so yummy. And the fries had me at first sight. Yes I love fries regardless of whether they are fried or baked. Do check out what gives the fries here some extra ooopmh! The garlic....

Too much western action? Opt for the local menu which is currently being expanded as we speak. We tried the Seafood Fried Loh See Fun. Looks spicy but its actually not. The dried chilly or paprika gives the noodle a very subtle zing that goes real well with the bland noodles.

We had too much too eat and could not cope with the idea of dessert. My stomach rested with the lovely mojito. Hubby and Masako opted for coffee.

Gourmandis:

Lot G-46 Citta Mall (below Harvey Norman)

No 1 Jln PJU1A/48

Ara Damansara

Petaling Jaya

• Landmark - its on your right side as you drive towards old Subang Airport / Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (the one you take your Firefly flights)

• Directions - Take road to Subang Airport / Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.

- Make a U-turn at the exit that leads to Hotel Saujana or Ara Damansara.

- After U-turn keep left.

- Take 1st left where PAW Animal Shelter is.

- Take another immediate left and you will see Citta Mall!

Jakes Charbroiled Steaks

Its been some time that I returned to Jakes Charbroiled Steak. Nothing is wrong just I have been making my own steaks now that I've a found a place to get good cuts at good prices. So our return to Jakes this time was to celebrate Yvonne's birthday.

Do make your reservations before you head to Jakes. Its better that way as it is one of the more popular steakhouses these days. We arrived at 730pm and it was already a good crowd of happy people having their meals and some celebrating birthday just like us.

We were ushered upstairs and the first thing that hubby and I noted was that we were back at the same spot that we have always eaten on. LOL. I am not complaining except this table doesn't have good lighting as the photos will tell later especially when shooting with a compact camera:D

Appetiser! One must always always always have the Escargot Bourguignonne. Baked in a special house sauce, it's good to order some bread so that you can soak the bread into the yummy sauce. The escargots are baked just nice and tender not like eating some hard rubber as we've tasted elsewhere.

Since it was a rather cool wet Sunday, soups are a definite must. This round we had a couple of soups amongst us 4. But the one that really stood out and had us all almost licking our bowl clean was the Lobster Bisque. And its a good idea to order Jakes Charbroiled's heavenly garlic breads.

Here at Jakes, one is quite capable of being lost as to what beef to order. Choose from Australian Wagyu, Black Angus and Grain Fed in varying cuts of Sirloin, Ribeye & Tenderloin. When you open the menu, there is a guide to the different parts of the cow.

The boys and I opted for beef. I love the way Jakes are cooked. No hiding behind a veil of sauces. Its just a good cut of beef with minimal marinates cooked to the way you like. And because it is broiled the meat holds the juices all so well.

Jakes Charbroiled Steak serves more than just beef. Give their lamb a try and Yvonne did just that. She opted for the Australian Lamb Ribs (marinated ribs charbroiled to medium well, served with BBQ sauce). Portion isn't that filling per se if you look at the ribs alone. However, coupled with the generous portion of side dishes, this can easily have you burping "I am full and satisfied".

And for the smaller eaters, I must warn you that the side dishes on each plate can be quite overwhelming. In my case, I generally ask for 2 vegetables and their very yummy wedges. I don't quite like their baked potato because it not pork bacon on the potato! OK...I like pork and and I like my baked potatoes with lots of sour cream (which Jakes is generous with) but its not pork bacon on the potato. So I'll opt for other side dishes:D

If you have room for dessert, you must give their Nutty Pecan Pie a try. We didn't do it this round as we brought along a cake for the birthday girl. Now that I am writing this...I am turning hungry. I shall have to include Jakes on my dinner list one of these days. Right hubby?

Jakes Charbroiled Steaks:

• 21, Jalan Setiapuspa

Medan Damansara

50490 Kuala Lumpur

• +603 2094 5677

• www.jakes.com.my

• Closed on Sunday lunch.

Jakes is also in Starhill. But I've always preferred this first outlet better. No idea why except perhaps its nearer to home?