Dad's Old Time Favourite

Sek Yuen was one of my father's favourite restaurants. I think it is fair to say he visited very often, enjoying almost weekly lunches or dinners with his good friends. He always used to tell us about how good and authentic the food was; for him it was an institution. I never went all those years. I seldom even ventured to Pudu where the restaurant has been located for more than half a century I believe.

Ventured there I did a few days ago. My friend Han San had organised a Chinese New Year feast for a few of us and I finally found my way to Sek Yuen, courtesy of a hand-sketched map that my mother had equipped me with. Suffice to say, my Dad's great praise of the food was not unfounded. The retro setting was a highlight in itself, the restaurant seemingly stuck in a time warp.

Our exclamations of delight at the dishes served probably echoed those of my father and his friends. Such old time favourites, signature dishes that were and still are held in high regard, have survived the times and elevate the gastronomic experience, particularly for first-timers like me. After seven courses, we left satiated and happy, promising to return in the not too distant future.

The famous waxed meat rice served at Sek Yuen during Chinese New Year.

Brunch And Then Great Evening Out

I had a great evening out with 3 good friends, another belated birthday treat. We started the evening with cakes and chocolate at Levain before heading to Pudu for Hokkien Mee. Although the food was good, it is always the company that I appreciate most.

I am stating the obvious - good friends are those who accept you as you are and who can tell you off point blank when necessary, with no hard feelings harboured. They are also people whom you can bounce ideas off, share one's innermost secrets with and get an honest opinion.

Indulging with friends is always a treat. Come to think of it, I started the day off pretty good too, brunch with a client turned friend. Catching up over Roti Bakar and tea beats doing so on Facebook hands down. All in all a much enjoyable off day.

Photo of cakes at Levain.

Yong Tau Foo

I seldom venture into some areas of Kuala Lumpur - Cheras, Pandan Indah, Pudu to name a few - largely because of my bad sense of direction. I had a meeting with Leticia of Events Wizard and Debra of Acadia Card over AWP matters yesterday however, and we wound up having a Yong Tau Foo and Chee Cheong Fun lunch somewhere in Pudu, at a restaurant called Yip Hup Kee.

I always enjoy a new food experience and yesterday was no exception. The stuffed Yong Tau Foo and Chee Cheong Fun with sweet sauce that I had were fab and the ambience of the eatery quirky. I was tempted to order another portion of Chee Cheong Fun in curry gravy which Debra had but decided against it eventhough encouraged by Leticia! You see, I am trying to lose a hint of a tummy.

Some of you will probably be asking for directions after reading this post but alas, I am totally clueless as to how to get there. Your best option would be contacting one of my partners-in-crime who under the guise of having a meeting, which we did have, got us to such a nice lunch.

Photo courtesy of Leticia Hsu.