on/off the plate: Sushi Zen at the Gardens Midvalley

so, I finally got to try this place that I've been eyeing for quite a while. Whenever we go to the Gardens generally I'd head on to Din Tai Fung, or maybe the Malay or Thai restaurants or even Shihlin. Finally today I got the chance to try this place out.

First, the good news. Right now they're having a promotion on their sake sashimi (raw salmon), the usual price is RM15 but they're offering it now for RM7.50. Since I love that dish, how could I pass it up? The salmon was sliced thick and was fresh enough (but not the best I've had, but it was okay). So, the salmon sashimi was great value, 7 thick juicy slices of salmon for RM7.50.

Then it all went downhill. In addition to the sashimi, we also ordered an oyako don (cooked chicken and egg on rice) and a beef curry rice dish. The sashimi came quite quickly (I mean, how long could it take to slice 7 slices of fish?). Then we waited.

and waited.

and waited.

the restaurant was far from being full, even at the most it was barely half full. Most of the cooks in the kitchen (open kitchen concept) weren't really doing much (although, I do appreciate that, if you're a sashimi chef, you wouldn't really be expected to be frying tempura and all).

My oyako don came after 45 minutes, after having to bug the waiter a couple of times. It was alright, not great, but edible at least. Still no sign of the beef curry. I was trying to eat slowly, Alice was practically dying of hunger already. So we continued to wait.

and wait.

and wait.

After ONE HOUR, we bug the waiter again. He called into the kitchen to find out what was going on. No change in kitchen activity, and there was no return of the waiter to reassure us that our food was going to come. At the very least he could have come back and told us that they were swamped and they would try to get it out ASAP? Nothing of the sort.

Finally, after one hour, we just decided to forget it and told them to cancel the order. As expected (ALL restaurants try this) they said it was being prepared, but we wouldn't have any of it, we insisted that they cancel the order and we paid for whatever we had already consumed and left. Honestly, I don't see how they could take so long just to prepare on rice dish. Even if there are technical difficulties, at least have the courtesy to reassure the patrons that action is being taken, etc.

All in all? Usually I can forgive most places for a one-off visit and generally give places a second chance. This is one place that doesn't deserve one. No second visit for me (I'll stick to Din Tai Fung, or try out Canton-i which just opened)

3.2/10 from me, and that's only because of the sashimi, otherwise it would have gotten much lower. 2/10 for service and that's only because they were at least civil and apologetic, and not downright rude like some other places.

A Capella tribute to John Williams

Something a little amusing, and more than just a little freaky!

A plea

In my head, questions, so many questions

What happened to the dreams?

What happened to the hope?

What happened to the talent everybody said you had?

You have been blessed, yes you have. A loving wife, two affectionate dogs, good parents, a comfy home, a nice car, a stable decent-paying job.

But questions, still so many questions.

What am I doing?

What should I be doing?

I don't know.



What happened to life?