A Taste of Wood Grill at Blackwood Cafe & Restaurant

Blackwood Cafe and Restaurant is probably one of the new cafes in the town of Kulim; or perhaps on the other side of the town and it is also not that new anymore.

I have heard about this cafe restaurant from some of my friends who are working in the industrial zone and of course, even the hubs had had lunch at this place which he found would suit my tastes and that I might be just interested to try.

(It is just as well since we are running out of places to eat at, and wonder where to eat almost all the time. Am I the only one or does everyone faces that same predicament?)

Located on the row of shoplots along with the local CMart supermarket which faces the Giant hypermarket on the opposite side of the road, Blackwood is a new addition welcomed by the quiet town of Kulim (may not be that quiet anymore); especially the industrial zone workers who crave for a taste of variety and urban concept while enjoying the serenity of the green canvas of this town up north.
Kulim is a pretty much laid-back town compared to most of the major cities and the population was of course, smaller compared to all those dense cities in the country but it has this close to home environment and offers that tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
The town grew in its popularity since the establishment of the industrial zone which witnessed a mass of people from the island of Penang, and parts of the Northern states and even other states traversing to the town and even around the town as they settle in their workplaces (mainly factories). Some have even settled down, calling Kulim their new homes as they migrated to the town residences out of convenience and nearer to the workplace.
Duty calls.

The growth in Kulim may not be on par with the capital city, of course, it is not even just in comparison due to the population but it has certainly enjoyed its balance between industrialization and its original placid identity.
A town which used to thrive on mostly homegrown brands and locally run businesses now is joined by some of the commercial names and nationwide chain brands making their way into Kulim's backyard.
It used to be the town without a McDonald's and today, even McCafe is available for 24 hours in the town, and one can also spot Old Town White Coffee, Secret Recipe, and the likes enlisted as the local residents of the town.

While chain restaurants and international brands (like McDonald's) have become part of Kulim's offerings, Blackwood Cafe and Restaurant is still very much a local business which boldly introduces the concept of urban style dining to the local community here.

 The cafe was dimly lit and decorations were kept to the minimum; as in most of the contemporary cafes these days.
Blackwood also offers their own selection of cakes available at the main counter.

Comfortable couches were also available for relaxation over a cup of coffee and cake, just like in your usual cafe style.

I was here for their main courses, rather than the desserts; which perhaps I could save for another time.

Their menu was done in a pretty simple manner; in that typical two sheets ala daily newspaper style.

I prefer menus like these, for it is much easier on the hands and to flip rather than heavy and Huge cardboard menus which could be hard for me to grasp sometimes.
(That's just me, of course)
Heavy menus somehow just scream class and sophistication while paper menus can sometimes be flimsy and reflect on the economical style.
It is all about perception and impression.
That is what business is all about.

They do offer the lunch sets, even on weekends too.
The lunch set bundles the usual main course, along with a soup of the day and a drink.
No dessert though.

Golden Red Dory Fish Grill Lunch Set (MYR22.00)
(Ordered ala carte, the dory grill costs MYR18.00)



It was quite a generously sized portion; with two thick slabs of dory fish fillets grilled to golden brown, and with that extra spank of crispy on the exterior served atop plump-sized fries and a side of fresh greens consisting of lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes and broccolis with thousand island dressing.
The wood grilled golden brown dory fish fillets were then drizzled with a winning sauce which was just appetizing with its mild trio tastes of sweet, salty and lightly spicy before sprinkling fried ginger slices on top of the fillets. The sauce concoction gave that meaning to the red definition of the name, but it was quite addictive though it is advisable to take in moderation due to the sodium in it.



Though this was more of a Western style kind of dish, the sauce and serving of the ginger slices just seemed more of an Asian inspiration which just injects that unique fusion combination into this dish.
I was anticipating the usual lightweight slices of the dory fish fillets, but Blackwood serves the dory in the thick versions (note the word slabs; are more like it).
The stocky fillets were also pulpy, and satisfying to every bite and you just must take it along with that sauce which just gives the triumphant edge to this dish.
It invoked that long buried love I had for dory; and while most dory fish fillets served in most places seem deprived of nutrition in general, Blackwood made up and clarified that dory are not all malnourished and even took that extra step in ensuring that their diners enjoy the most of the succulent fillets by serving two; instead of one.
You will not feel inadequate with the pleasing tastes of the juicy fillets and most probably you will leave with that longing for dory fish fillets lingering in your mind.
This dish surprised and impressed me at the same time; especially when this is a lunch set portion.
Now, that's again part of the perception which we have been conditioned with due to the bundled and more cost-friendly prices which would be justified by the portions served, ain't that true?


The set comes with the soup of the day; Creamy Mushroom Soup (ala carte price: MYR7.00)



Again, the concept of the set is not compromised in the portion and the quality of the soup served.
True to its name, the soup was densely packed with the creamy goodness and bites of mushrooms can be found in it too.



Lemon coke (ala carte: MYR6.90) was also served with the set and is one of the more popular drinks in the cafe.

The whole set was probably worth more than its set price, if you were to add the ala carte prices up (though it could be a strategic illusion; it is after all business), but the portions do make up for all its worth?

Baked Honey Mustard Salmon (MYR26.00) is not offered on the set lunch menu, and this is ordered ala carte.

Anything with salmon would have caught my attention; and while I was contemplating between ordering the King Salmon versus this normal salmon, the Honey Mustard thrown in just made the decision for me.
It sounds like an interesting combination though the fascination lies further than the name as this was served in a breakfast style; you know, the typical big American breakfast kind of presentation.
Lightly roasted chunks of potatoes and stir fry thinly sliced mushrooms lined that base of the plate; with that additional companion in the form of the greens of lettuce.





The salmon; just like the dory, were also served in pairs (I guess Blackwood just wants to feed us really well and walk away satisfied). The fillets were seated upon the combination which make up the breakfast team and dribbled with the alluring honey mustard dressing.
The light dressing was compensated with that extra serving of the sauce on the side, for cases of immediate addiction (you just might, trust me!)



I am generally a big fan of salmon, but the salmon was slightly more than a little well done; giving it that dry and flaky taste though the outer crispy layer did do its part in seducing the taste buds in that brief tango moment but I felt it could be slightly better. There were some parts of the salmon which seemed to have hit the nail on the head, but the key is consistency when it comes to the taste.
It was not too bad, and I am not an expert to comment much on the way they chef bakes it anyway, though I just have my own preference when it comes to salmon which is, by the way, one of my favorite fish.
(I think that needs no introduction or further justification, just take a look at my salmon-infestation around the blog and you will get the idea).

I was not really disappointed with my overall experience; though I was quite surprised that the dory won my heart over salmon this round.
Blackwood is known to use that wood grill to grill and prepare most of the food which gives it that extra edge, and of course that identity to the conception of its branding.

Prices are certainly a little steep for the neighborhood in general; and while it compensates and justifies in its offerings and portions, it will take some time for the local to get used to such pricing.
Furthermore the population would take some time to grow in numbers; though Blackwood would see the welcoming trend of adventurous patrons comprising of the modern generation and also the industrial population flocking to its turf on a daily working day basis to sustain their efforts.

It is a good start though; and being one who used to work in this same town for a while, I am happy to see this new addition and Blackwood has certainly started on the right foot with its overall contemporary concept and the quality of their offerings.
Besides, no one would turn away a specialized cafe and that wholesome tastes from wood grill and passionate culinary skills, right?





Address:
No. 342C, Tingkat Bawah, Jalan Seraya Indah 1& 2, Taman Seraya Indah 1 and 2, Kulim 09000 

(Also known as Blackwood Coffee & Chocolate)


Disclaimer: 
All the experiences are based on my personal tastes and are in no way representing the general.
This is not a sponsored post by the restaurant, and is purely based on my personal opinions.


To stay tune to more of my posts~

LIKE my Facebook Page

Follow Me on Twitter @Angelstar

Follow my Google+

Stalk me on Instagram @AngelstarChristy

Kulim's Kilang Lama Asam Laksa

The ever Malaysian favorite, the Asam Laksa, with the spicy sourish taste of tamarind pulps (Asam) with the fish based soup, mint and bunga kantan (torch ginger) never fails in seducing the locals and foreigners alike with its exotic scent filling the air wherever it is found.
This local street delight is available in most places around the country, with Penang being hailed as one of the more popular version of Asam Laksa with the many places on the island serving this.

There is another famous Asam Laksa up north; all the way in the now-booming industrialized town of Kulim. From their humble beginnings and their expansion of their stalls in Kulim and Bukit Mertajam, this family run business was made famous with their flagship stall in the Kilang Lama food court (located at the junction) frequented by the locals and the nearby industrial zone workers; hence earning their brand as the Kilang Lama Asam Laksa.

Their lesser known (probably only known to the locals) place of operation is none other than their humble abode in a quiet neighborhood in Kulim.









The compound of the house was converted into their place of business; with plastic tables and chairs set up to accommodate their crowds during the peak hours of operations.

The bowl of Asam Laksa, served piping hot is indeed a comfort on a rainy day which was exactly the mode of the weather when we visited the place.





The shrimp paste sauce (Heh Go in Hokkien, a popular delicacy among the northern population) is served in a plastic squeeze bottle where one can add to their bowl of thick rice noodles to their preference.





The other unique part about this Kulim Asam Laksa, which differentiates it from the usual Penang Asam Laksa; giving it that extra edge to its identity is the addition of the crackers to the thick and spicy sourish  broth.
(The crackers are all in the plastic containers placed on each table; for the customers to add to their heart's content)



How to enjoy the cracker?
Do it either way, to your liking; either you dip the whole piece into the broth or break them into pieces the way you do with cream crackers and let them immerse in the soup along with the noodles.
Which way do you prefer?





While you are there, don't forget to try out a bowl of Ice Kacang (ABC) - always my favorite wherever I go :-)



While I am not really a big fan of laksa, I was excited with the way their business is doing so well since I first came to Kulim a few years ago for work and their reputation has certainly established well over the years.

Prices are clearly stated on the menu board



It is not exactly easy to locate this place, if I had not been led here but that's probably because I am not that familiar with the neighborhood and tend to stick to the industrial zone?
(Do a quick Google search, and the reliable maps would point you to the place directly and accurately :-)



(Heavy downpour when I was leaving the place)



P.S: The neighboring house is reputed to serve great Chai Kueh (Vegetable crystal dumplings), and unfortunately they were closed at the time of my visit. I will leave it in a separate post, another time then.

All about Fish at Restoran Kolam Ikan

Starting from its humble beginnings in the comforts of their own sanctuary in the hidden parts of the remote areas in Kulim, Restoran Kolam Ikan was surrounded by man-made ponds amidst the dug up holes breeding freshwater fish such as tilapia, catfish, patin, etc.
The place was so well-known among the industrial workers in the Kulim Industrial Zone that it boomed from a small town family business to being featured in the local food program me hosted by Axian and expanded to opening another outlet in a residential neighborhood.





It is not too hard to locate this place, especially if you are already a worker in the Kulim industrial zone. Otherwise, just follow the road to the town and you will see Old Town on your left; following after you should keep to your left and then make a first turn to the right into a terrace neighborhood.
It would be far more tricky to get to the original location, and perhaps I will need to explore and share with you in a separate post someday.


Comparing to its original remote location which goes through a short tree-laden road (it would be convenient to have a four wheel drive to go through the bumpy road) and sitting at tables with the odor coming from the ponds and the flies driving you crazy, I would welcome this far more comfortable setting in a familiar terrace house compound.

Do not expect a widespread menu filled with all sorts of choices; as they are only specialized in certain dishes and fish; especially freshwater fish ranks high on the list.
Ask for the types of fish they have; which will usually revolve around the usual patin, catfish, etc.

They have this bottled homemade herbal drink; which costs MYR5.00 per bottle and is usually the value-for-money choice for most patrons here, especially in the hot and humid weather we have here in our country.





Triple-flavored tilapia fish is one of my personal favorites here. It is not easy to find this tilapia fish in the northern region, as compared to the city.

The size of the fish varies, and this round we were given a smaller fish which costs only about MYR19.
The fish is deep fried before being cooked with the combination of a sweet and sour sauce spiced up with finely chopped chilies, onions and garlic to make this an appetizing and flavorful dish.





Their mushroom dish is a house specialty, and I was told that one just need to mention mushroom and this is the only way they serve it.
Stir-fried mushrooms with dried chilies and soy sauce (MYR6)


A simple yet fulfilling dish which seemed like a comfort dish, with the oyster mushrooms complimented with the watery sauce flavored by the spices borrowed from the dried chilies.


Stir-fried water spinach/Kangkung with bellman (shrimp paste) (MYR6)

Yes, this is a favorite dish here and also among the Malaysians :-)
One of the most value worthy vegetable to have at any time! ;-)



The dishes ordered; indeed a very satisfying and value for money lunch yet with a fulfilling spread of tastes from home!~

Woo Foo Lou or Five Happiness Restaurant

Being a part of a bridal party, traveling on a short road trip up north, meeting up with old school good friends, and spending time with the bride's parents all described my journey in this simple wedding of an old high school friend in early March.

It was a lovely and memorable day for the bride and also the few of us who were privileged to help her and be a part of her honorable bridal party as she joins her beloved husband in marriage in a traditional Chinese ceremony.
Although she hailed from the same hometown as me; the busy and bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, the highlights of her traditional ceremony took place in the charming town of Alor Setar; located in the northern part of Malaysia.

The morning session filled with door games, prayer and tea ceremony was succeeded by the Chinese dinner banquet at the local restaurant; Woo Foo Lou (or translated to Five Happiness).


The restaurant displayed its grandeur in its three-storey building housing banquet halls on each floor to accommodate for weddings or any function taking place; while the interior were graced with brightly lit unique-shaped chandeliers, wall lamps and covered with illuminating hues of satiny ivory and yellow; presenting the very image of a golden hall as one walks into the restaurant.




The bride and groom enters the hall in the traditional and fashionable style; to the cheers and claps of the guests consisting of families and friends.


The  restaurant also prepared a brief presentation of the food for the first dish of the 8-course Chinese banquet dinner; where the lights were switched off inside the halls and the waiters and waitresses appear in order to serve the dishes to the hosts, followed by the remaining guest tables.



Five Happiness Combination Platter; the appetizers consisting of five different dishes and named after the restaurant which symbolizes the auspicious wishes for five happiness for the newly weds and their families.


Braised Shark Fin's Soup



Braised Chicken with traditional Chinese herbs



Braised Broccoli and Mushrooms with Oyster Sauce




Stir-Fried Prawns Kung Pow style


Fried Rice


Steamed fish with Nyonya curry style



Last but not least, the refreshing dessert soup of the Sweet Longan and Sea Coconut served chilled.


Food was not bad but the moments were indeed beautiful as I felt honored to be a part of this wedding along with the few girls whom she invited to witness the memorable moments of her wedding day.

May the bride and groom be blessed with happiness and ever after!~