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Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birthday. Show all posts

Turning 13 Requires Two Birthday Meals!


My Eldest Son Turns 13


I am truly resisting the temptation to turn this into one of those deeply reflective posts about how quickly children grow up, how the years have flown by, and how I suddenly have a teenager in the house. Hahaha.


For now, I just want to say... turning 13 requires two birthday meals!


Early Birthday Dinner at Hoshiki Japanese Izakaya



We started celebrating with an early birthday dinner with the family at Hoshiki Japanese Izakaya restaurant at Pearl Shopping Gallery, Old Klang Road.


I quite like the plan of stretching birthdays out over a few days anyway. It takes away the pressure of having to squeeze everything into one supposedly perfect celebration on the exact date.


Dinner can be dinner, cake can be cake, and no one has to rush. And this cake here is a Vanilla Blueberry Cake from Butter Olive Pastry House at BK5A Bandar Kinrara, Puchong.



Actual Birthday Lunch at Torte by Linda


We have eaten at Torte by Linda before, so going back there again for a birthday meal is very much part of the plan. Torte by Linda serves Russian and Eastern European food, which is still not the sort of cuisine we eat very often in KL.


I'm a big fan of celebrating a birthday meal at just somewhere you already know you enjoy and not necessarily somewhere new. See what we ordered from the menu during this birthday lunch.


Of course, there was cake too because regardless of how many birthday meals you have already had, the actual birthday still needs cake, even if it's just one slice.


So now we have a teenager!


Happy 13th Birthday, Luke. ❤️




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Exploring Medovik, Russian and Uzbek Food at Torte by Linda


I first came across Torte by Linda because of its Medovik (Russian honey cake). If I remember correctly, I might have come across postings of beautiful Medoviks on social media. Instead of thick layers of sponge cake and cream, Medovik is made up of multiple thin honey cake layers held together with frosting.

Eventually, what started as a visit for cake eventually became an opportunity to explore other items on the menu. Over several visits, I found myself trying not only different Medovik flavours but also a selection of Russian and Uzbek dishes that are not commonly found in Kuala Lumpur.

More Than Just a Medovik Cake Shop



While Torte by Linda is best known for its Medovik cakes, the menu extends beyond desserts.

The restaurant serves a variety of Russian and Uzbek dishes, making it possible to enjoy a full meal before moving on to dessert. For those unfamiliar with these cuisines, like me, it offers an accessible introduction without feeling intimidating.

The Savoury Dishes I Tried


Plov (Beef)



One of the dishes I tried was the Plov (Beef). Plov is a traditional Uzbek rice dish. Also known as Uzbek Plov or palov, the version served at Torte by Linda consisted of rice cooked in oil together with beef, julienned carrots, onions, garlic, and cumin powder.

The rice was flavourful without being overly heavy, and the beef was tender and paired well with the rice. It is the type of satisfying meal that works well if you are looking for something filling without being overly rich.

Lamb Dumplings (Kurze)



Next, I tried the Kurze, braided lamb dumplings originating from the Republic of Dagestan in Russia.

At first glance, they may resemble dumplings that many Malaysians are already familiar with, but the flavour profile is quite different. The lamb filling gives them a richer and more distinctive taste.

The dumpling skin has a nice, slightly chewy but soft texture and holds the filling well without becoming overly thick. They were served with sour cream and chilli flakes, which complemented the richness of the lamb nicely.

The Russian Treats That Accompanied My Coffee


Blini



Another item I tried was the Blini. Blini are often described as Russian pancakes, although they are not quite the same as the pancakes many of us grew up eating.

The Blini at Torte by Linda is filled with homemade tvarog (cottage cheese) and served with berries and honey. It was a pleasant snack alongside coffee – simple, comforting and easy to enjoy.

Oreshki



I was also curious enough to try the Oreshki. These are walnut-shaped cookies filled with dulce de leche and chopped walnuts. Their appearance immediately stood out because they look unlike most cookies commonly found in local bakeries. They look really adorable too!

The cookie shells had a pleasant texture while the filling added sweetness without making them overly rich. They are small enough to enjoy in a few bites, making them ideal as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.

The Medovik that I Have Tried at Torte by Linda


Of course, no visit to Torte by Linda would feel complete without Medovik. In fact, over time, I managed to try four different flavours.

Raspberry Pistachio Medovik



This is Raspberry Pistachio Medovik. The slight tartness from the raspberry helped balance the sweetness of the cake, while the pistachio added a subtle nuttiness. The combination worked surprisingly well and gave the cake a lighter overall profile.

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik



This Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik was probably the most contemporary interpretation of the traditional Medovik. The chocolate added richness while the kunafa element introduced additional texture. It felt like a fusion dessert that combined influences from different regions into a single cake.

Check out my IG reel of this Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Honeymisu Medovik



The Honeymisu was perhaps the most memorable flavour I tried because I love the traditional tiramisu.

According to the menu description, it combines baked honey cake layers with infused espresso coffee, light mascarpone frosting and cocoa powder.

Those familiar with tiramisu will immediately recognise the inspiration behind the flavour profile. The coffee notes paired well with the honey cake layers, creating a dessert that felt familiar while still remaining distinctly Medovik.

Check out my IG reel of this Honeymisu Medovik to see what the insides of the cake looked like.

Chocolate Honey Medovik



The Chocolate Honey Medovik offered a more straightforward combination of chocolate and honey flavours. Compared to the Raspberry Pistachio and Honeymisu variations, this version leaned more towards richness. It would likely appeal to those who generally prefer chocolate-based desserts.

Would I Return to Torte by Linda?


Absolutely, without a doubt! The restaurant's ambience is soothing and perfect for coffee and dessert, especially for anyone curious about trying Russian and Uzbek food. Torte by Linda offers an approachable place to start. And if you only have room for one dessert, my recommendation would be any of the Medovik cakes.





Address: Lot No B-G-06, Eight Kinrara, Jalan BK 5A/1, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong.

Check out their social media links via their Linktree.

Note: This is not a paid collaboration or advertorial. All opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal dining experience at Torte by Linda.


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Lessons from a 12-Year-Old (A Belated Birthday Post)


This post is a little late. But in my defence, so is my sense of time these days. Between school holidays, work deadlines, and the hormonal plot twists of perimenopause, the months just fly by without me realising it soon enough.


In August, we celebrated out eldest turning twelve with two celebrations: 1) Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza (with a bunch of his classmates, all 12yo tweens), and 2) #M.O.T.D Café, Bar & Dining (just four of us - calmer, low profile, and slightly more grown-up).


And somewhere in between meals and those loud and quiet moments, I realised my 12yo tween could be my accidental life coach; and that motherhood in midlife (OMG!) comes with its own lessons in balance, patience, and humour (I truly hope so).


Lesson 1: "Feedback sometimes come with extra cheese"



At Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, we ordered about seven different types of pizzas. At one point, he took one bite of his favourite pepperoni pizza (not the one in the photo above) and said, "Not bad… but nothing too special also."


Direct. Precise. No sugar-coating. But the whole pizza was gone within minutes.


Key takeaway


Deliver feedback like pizza. Honest, but with enough warmth to make people want another round (hormones permitting).


Lesson 2: "Confidence is ordering dessert without looking at the menu"



At M.O.T.D., he didn't even glance at the list of desserts. He just said, "I want the chocolate one." Meanwhile, I was still calculating sugar levels, calorie surplus, and whether my metabolism had bail on me for the evening.


Key takeaway


Maybe sometimes clarity isn't about overthinking options; it's about knowing what you enjoy and owning it.


And maybe that's what perimenopause is teaching me too; to care less about what I should be doing and more about what actually feels right.


Lesson 3: "Growing up is learning when to roll your eyes… and when to hug instead"



He's at that age where my incessant reminders are "naggy." Yet somehow, he still leans in for a side-hug sometimes.


Key takeaway


Emotional intelligence isn't about being serious all the time; it's about knowing which moments matter enough to show up for.


Bonus Lesson: "Belated posts are still valid"



Time flies. And sometimes, catching up on memories counts more than keeping up with timelines. Cheers!


Key takeaway


Midlife isn't about being on schedule; it's about embracing the beautifully delayed.


Rosemance



And finally, I just want to leave this post with a little something beautiful - a mocktail called Rosemance, a delicate blend of cranberry juice, raspberry, lemon juice, rosewater, egg white, and rose syrup.


Pretty, soft, and just the right note to end a day that reminded me how sweet life still is; even in its changing seasons.


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Lincoln's 7th Birthday at Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar

 

Happy 7th Birthday!


We celebrated our 7-year-old's birthday at Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar, Jalan Kenari 19, Puchong Jaya.
 
 

Sushi "Birthday" Cake


Instead of getting a conventional birthday cake, we spoke to the restaurant and they offered us this complimentary Sushi Cake.


Assorted sushi

 
Tamago, ebikko, and ebi (prawn) are the trio of go-to sushi choices whenever the boys dine at a Japanese restaurant.

 

Aloha Poke Bowl


Hawaiian style marinated salmon, tuna, and butterfish with avocado and yellow pickle on rice.

 

Salmon Katsu Curry Rice


Deep-fried salmon cutlet with Japanese curry, served with rice.

 

Beef Tataki Roll


Beef, sushi rice, kappa, tobiko, chicken floss, yaki nori, goma, teriyaki sauce.

 

Beef Curry Rice


Sliced beef with Japanese curry, served with rice.

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Hubby's Birthday Dinner at Naughty Babe Dirty Duck Restaurant, Pavilion Bukit Jalil

What we ate at Naughty Babe Dirty Duck Restaurant


I chose to dine at Naughty Babe Dirty Duck (NBDD) Restaurant to celebrate hubby's birthday.

Naughty Babe Dirty Duck is an European fusion restaurant that serves pork and duck dishes.

NBDD BBQ Pork Ribs (Half Slab)


This is NBDD's signature pork ribs lacquered with their homemade BBQ sauce and grilled to perfection, served with tomato salsa and hot stuff (homemade flaming hot chili sauce).

Verdict: MUST ORDER if you go to NBDD! It will perfect to pass the slab around the table and everyone has a rib or two.
 

Duckie Burger


Special duck meat burger + smoked bacon + cheese + blueberry mayo + mixed fries

Verdict: If you want to eat a fancy burger, this will be it!

Duck Ravioli


Homemade ravioli + duck + smoked duck + ricotta + cream

Verdict: The presentation can be a little underwhelming but the overall taste is really good! If you feel like eating some fancy pasta, this is a good choice.

NBDD Carbonara


Spaghetti + bacon + NBDD's cream sauce

Verdict: This classic hearty dish is best shared around the table.


Pork and beer. Best.


These are actually gloves that you can use when you eat the ribs. At first, I have a shock of my life when the waiter placed 3 of these packets on the table. LOL. I wonder if it's Durex's idea...
 


Lot 3.85 & 3.115, Level 3 (Orange Zone) - Pavilion Bukit Jalil


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Luke's 10th Birthday

 
Happy 10th Birthday to my eldest boy! 🎉🥰🎂 We brought him to experience a real-life flight simulator (A320) at SIMFLIGHTKL, located at SkyPark Subang Terminal (Subang Airport).
 
The package we bought was an hour of flying between Subang Airport, KLIA, and the City Centre; including takeoffs and landings. 🛫🛬✈️
 
 

Birthday dinner

 
I cooked his favorite kimchi-themed dishes for his birthday dinner at home.


Top: Kimchi soup
Bottom: Chicken cooked in kimchi sauce, served with white rice, fried egg, and seaweed strips
Right: Udon soup for my younger boy

 
Chicken cooked in kimchi sauce, served with white rice, fried egg, and seaweed strips. For the kimchi sauce (Luke's favorite sauce on earth), I bought from Glory Mart on Shopee (not an affiliate link).
 
Below are what else I have cooked with some products I bought from Glory Mart.
 

 
Kimchi soup cooked with kimchi sauce and I added in tofu, Chinese cabbage, and Enoki mushroom. I also used anchovy seasoning powder instead of salt for the seasoning.

 
This is Udon soup for my younger boy as he couldn't really take spicy food yet.

 
Luke said it's the best birthday dinner ever! Yay!
 

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List of Gifts I Don't Mind Receiving Any Day... and Happy Mother's Day Too!

 
Here's a list of stuff that I don't mind receiving as gifts for occasions such as Anniversary, Birthday, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc. I guess this can be an evergreen list and once the boys have their own income, I will show them this list if they run out of idea of what to get for their beloved mama. Hahaha!

#1 - Health Screening Packages

The example above is Women's Health Screening Packages by Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

#2 - Trip to South Korea

 
Image from Apple Vacations.
 
According to Klook, some of the must-do things in South Korea include:
 
  • Dress up in a hanbok.
  • Visit Seoul's 5 royal palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Gyeonghuigung).
  • Eat local street foods at the markets such as Gwanjang Market (featured on Netflix).
  • Feast on KBBQ - samgyeopsal paired with soju or makgeolli!
  • Shop at different traditional Korean markets.
  • Visit the DMZ.
  • Take loads of photos in Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village.
  • For nature, can go to Nami Island, Jeju-Do.
  • A lot more lahhh - see what Tripadvisor says.

#3 - Salmon Sushi Cake


Image, description, and order link from Cake Rush.

The combination of Norwegian Salmon and Sakura Denbu with Chuka Wakame, Ebikko, Crabstick, Japanese Cucumber and Mayonnaise make this Sushi Cake a fresh seafood taste sensation.

#4 - Nasi Lemak Cake Sotong

 
Image, description, and order link from Cake Rush.

This treat is made of nasi lemak elements - rice, sambal omelette (between rice layers), hard-boiled Eggs, cucumber, fried peanuts, fried ikan bilis, 2 whole sotong - arranged in a shape of a cake.
 

#5 - Baileys Cake (Alcoholic Cake)

 
 
Image from Cake Tella.

 

#6 - Le Creuset

 
 

#7 - Recliner

 
Image from IKEA Malaysia.

This brownish-pink EKOLSUND recliner from IKEA looks so comfy! It's adjustable in three positions – sit upright, lean back or lie back fully for a nap.

#8 - Michael Kors Adele Leather Smartphone Wallet



 
Oh my heart!
 
 
Anyway, I just want to end this post with this thought-provoking sharing about being a mother.
 

 Some women are good at full-time mothering, others are better moms when they have a career as well. Many more simply have no choice and do the best they can. All these are valid choices and those on the outside really have no right to judge.

By Kimberly Yavorski


Wishing all mothers and mother figures an early Happy Mother's Day!

 



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