When I think of Mexican food, the only thing that comes to mind is a burrito. And I dont even know what a burrito is supposed to be. I blame it on the mindwashing tube for me assuming that its some American creation that fooled me into thinking its Mexican. That, and salsa. Which confused me for the longest time because isnt that the name of a dance as well?

I dont think doing the "satay" is going to catch on anytime soon.

So when I caught wind of Frontera Bar & Grill which serves authentic Tex-Mex food, I didnt really know what to expect. Huge servings of Mexican food? Everything's big in Texas, right? Its located in a cosy corner of Jaya One (which has a ton of eateries, but i havent the time to explore them all yet) and I brought a huge appetite in anticipation of what was about to come.


Now the "Bar" in Frontera Bar & Grill is a sight to behold. Its got the authentic dark-polished-wood bar act down pat, complete with a display of bottles that is enough to make you tipsy on sight! With the high bar stools and bartender who's nifty with his cocktails, it looks like a great place to chill and have some (or alot of) drinks while you watch whatever sporting event tickles your fancy. Plus points for the music that puts you in a good mood no matter which side is winning.


When you're at a place like this and they bet their bottom dollar that something on their menu is the best in town, you better damn well take their word for it and try it!


I havent had alot of margarita's in my short time (i havent had alot of things but thats a story for a different day heheh) as alcohol and I dont really gel well. But surprisingly, I had no problems swigging Frontera's Agave Margarita down! One of the many factors that makes this margarita a winner is that its made with agave nectar instead of sugar syrup (which is used everywhere else).

And because of that, this margarita is everyone's best friend because you will never get a hangover the next day, no matter how many margarita's your friends challenge you to drink! Its all in the agave nectar which makes your margarita scientifically impossible to give you a hangover.

Another winning factor? They use freshly (hand) squeezed lime juice to make all their margarita's. That's about 30-40kg of limes a week! Its alot more work than diluting lime cordial with water, but it makes all the difference. Gotta feel sorry for the guy whose job is to just sit there and juice the limes though.

On with the food!!

Frontera's boss, Larry, brought out a plate of assorted chillis that he uses in most of the dishes on the menu. With much fascination, I peered at the chillis which ranged in size and spiciness, and Nigel made the mistake of scoffing at a runty little red chilli which was called the Habanero.

See the runt? Laughing at it will be the last thing you do before your mouth burns up in chilli vengeance.

He took a bite out of it. And the big giant got taken down by the smallest chilli on the plate. Check out the Scoville scale and you'll see what I mean.


We all have some friend or another who brags about how he/she can take any spicy food/chilli you put on their plate. Pop a Habenero into their mouth and sit back in glee as you watch them cry like they've never cried before. Great party trick/ice breaker!! =D

Starters!


The delicious sauce that coats every ince of the Habenero Chicken Wings is Habenero BBQ sauce and it has that tangy sweet and sour taste to it that had me licking it down to the bone. Its served with cilantro ranch dressing which goes really well with the wings and doesnt overpower the Habenero BBQ sauce at all.

Fear not, the word "Habanero" in the sauce's name, because there's just a slight hint of spiciness. If I can take it, so can your 4 year-old cousin.


The Taquitos de Pollo is an adorable name for this dish, which is shredded chicken hand-wrapped in tortillas and flash fried, so it has a wicked crunch as you bite into it and bits of shredded chicken tumble all over your plate. The filling of the Taquitos de Pollo is rather dry, so dipping it in the green salsa verde and sour cream that comes with it is a must. It adds just the right amount of flavour to it.


A good plate of nachos is hard to find, and Frontera's Nachos has just helped end my search! OMG it is awesome! Frontera's Nachos are generously topped with cheese, and lots of shredded chicken, which is a rarity because alot of the other nachos that I've had before hardly have any substance at all other than overpowering amounts of cheese to mask the lack of other ingredients. This is how nachos should be. I shall never look at other nachos the same way ever again.


Aahh.. The ever ubiquitous Salsa & Chips is a hard snack to mess up, and Frontera's salsa which is made fresh with Jalapenos peppers is as good as it gets.

But there are other dips for their chips that are worth going out on a limb for.


The Chilli Con Queso is a creamy dip that is made with cheese, cheese and more cheese!! I cannot stress how amazingly cheesy this dip was, but I kept dipping tortilla chips in the Chilli Con Queso in between mouthfuls of the other dishes! The warm cheesy goodness slathering the tortilla chips was absolutely heavenly. Its made with Monterey Jack cheese, so you know thats a good thing.


If going up to cheese heaven isnt your kind of thing (say it isnt so!), then the Chilli Con Carne ought to be a hit with you. Its basically minced beef with a hint of spiciness, topped with onions and cheese. This is a dip that you can pretty much eat it on its own (together with that bread that you can also eat it on its own wtf) or with the generous helping of tortilla chips that it came with.

After leaving us craving for more with the starters, the main dishes appeared.


The Chicken Tacos is a crispy taco shell filled with either seasoned beef or shredded chicken and is topped with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes. Served with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice, its more of a Mexican sandwich if you ask me. Its a dish that is light on taste and texture as its not drenched in sauce. I had a few bites of this as it was a tad bland for me, and moved onto the next dish.


Chimichanga!! Chimichanga!!! It makes you feel all happy and jumpy inside, just saying the name out loud. Its a homemade flour tortilla filled with seasoned beef or shredded chicken, fried and topped with Chilli Con Queso and freshly diced tomatoes. Also comes with refried beans and Mexican rice which makes for a filling meal. The Chimichanga tasted amazing and I had no problem wolfing down my portion.


The Tex Mex Burrito is the not-fried cousin of the Chimichanga, so its a slightly healthier option I suppose. But we all know fried food always keeps us happy anyway ;) That being said, this burrito is just as good as the Chimichanga. Definitely one for the coin-toss!

Up next were the ultimate burgers that Frontera has to offer.


The Chilli Cheese Burger is a large patty of minced beef which is perfectly seasoned, topped with Chilli Con Carne and enough cheese to help it live up to its name. This burger is so juicy and chock-full of flavour, all I could do was moan in happiness as I took bites of this huge burger. Its a winner for the best cheese burger I've had in a long time. So much more worth it than the slabs of muck that some fast-food joints are charging us double for these days. If you're willing to pay that much, then this Chilli Cheese Burger is worth every cent.


If beef doesnt agree with you, the Chicken Ranch Sandwich is your best bet. Its another huge burger with a piece of chicken breast that has been perfectly fried, while still maintaining the juiciness right up to the middle. Which is amazing because one would think that a chicken sandwich of that size would be kinda dry and difficult to eat. But this one is still so juicy and retains the flavour that I've never tasted before. Everyone was blown away by the Chicken Ranch Sandwich, and once you try it, you'll see why.

Both burgers come with mountains of fries, coleslaw and sauces. Frontera spoils us like the little brats we are.


The obvious star of the night was the Frontera Beef Ribs. I thought I'd had good beef ribs before. Until I tried the ones at Frontera. They were not good. They were awesome!!! The juicy ribs were so soft and tender after being cooked for several hours, they literally fall right off the bone as you pick at it with your fork! The meat just happily falls off in shreds, waiting for you to devour it and find ultimate beef-rib-happiness. I savoured every mouthful as the sweet BBQ sauce coated every inch of if and made it, hands down, the best beef ribs I've ever had. The mashed potatoes it came with made everything perfect *dreamy sigh*


If all that solid meat was too much for you to handle, the Cajun Fish & Chips should do the trick. Slices of fish, lightly battered, fried and served with plenty of chips is a simple and familiar dish that should satisfy the fussiest of palates. Frontera's special version of tartar sauce makes the Cajun Fish & Chips a joy to eat and should have you finishing it off in no time.

A smorgasbord of awesomeness! Look at that spread! Every single dish was absolutely delish.

Larry also let us have a taste of his special new sauce (hint: chipotle) which must make its appearance on the menu soon because I went nuts and dipped everything in it. So very yummy.

We also had the opportunity to try out some Frontera's concoctions like the delicious coffee-based Latin Orgasm (ay caramba!) and the guys had a shot of Patron XO Cafe which is a warm and smooth coffee liquer. Remember the coffee sweet, Kopiko? The Patron XO Cafe is an explosion of a thousand Kopiko factories in your mouth. You have been warned.

Caffeine kick!


We noticed a tall glass container at the front of the bar filled with clear liquid and what looked like someone's science experiment with tons of Jalapeno peppers floating about in the clear liquid. Apparently, they've been sitting the Jalapeno peppers in tequila, and we all had our very first sip of the Jalapeno Margarita. Wow. Really. Wow. Its a margarita, but with a very interesting peppery aftertaste in the back of your throat. The pepper shock hits you without warning, and dissipates just as sudden as it came. Kinda weird, but very fun to experience.

Our stomachs were full to bursting with food, and there was plenty of laughter as the margaritas brought out the happy within. Frontera Bar & Grill aims to serve authentic Tex-Mex food without comprimising the taste and flavour of the food to suit it to Malaysian standards. So you're getting food that hasnt been changed or altered in any way, just because some of us might not be familiar with it. Its all about being open to something new and finding out that there's really good food to be had at this joint.

If its good enough for the Mexicans, its good enough for me.


But really, their beef ribs. The beef ribs!!!!!!!!! To die for!!!!!!!

Happy times!!

Frontera Bar & Grill @ No. 18-8-2 Block L, Palm Square, Jaya One, Jalan University, 46000, Petaling Jaya.

P.S. Portions here are pretty big, so sharing is a really good idea.

P.P.S. Like every good establishment, they also have a group on Facebook. [click here] to check it out!

*pics courtesy of David, Nigel*

Getting a heads up on what's sewing and who's stitching in the local fashion industry isnt the easiest thing in the world to do. Mainly because I wouldnt have the faintest idea where to start! I bet there are a ton of them out there (considering the number of fashion design schools we have), so where the heck are they??

Enter, solution.


Basically, TwentyOne Kitchen + Bar finally decided that the union of good food, great drinks and fresh fashion must happen, and FashFab was born! Its a mini monthly fashion showcase that provides a platform for upcoming local designers to show us what they've got up their creative sleeves and bring forth their collections from behind the closet!

Its not easy to find an establishment that so readily supports new designers that are virtually unknown, or those who have been around for awhile, just waiting to be discovered. Now that's confidence in the Malaysian brand.

So on the 5th of March, I trotted over to TwentyOne Kitchen + Bar (why do i keep spelling "kitchen" as "kithcen"??) for FashFab #10 with a showcase from Mênê by Anusha.

Dumpy, the rejected 8th dwarf.

The first thing that greeted me as I made my way upstairs to the bar was a wicked bubbly water wallpiece which mesmerised me as I almost tripped at the top. Nice.

Trippy..

Aaron on photog duty, Kel Li and moi.

Check out the runway! Really!

Yeap, there isnt a built-in stage for a runway there, so they make do with the pathway through the bar! If you're the sort who likes to be in the thick of the action, nothing beats standing on the same runway as the models.

The models that night were modelling a new collection from Mênê by Anusha which is called "Safira's Wardrobe". It was inspired by Anusha's scrapbook when she was a mere lass of 17 and also by the idea of basic items that are a must-have in anyone's wardrobe. So it had categories like semi-casual, cocktail wear and evening wear.

On with the show! I hardly ever witness fashion shows upclose, so pardon the jakun-ness!

The revival of curve-enhancing high-waist pants with a splash of bright pink from the shirt and shoes, topped with suspenders and a fedora for an androgynous look. This outfit combo is popping up everywhere now.

An unusual colour of lime-green adds a surprising twist to a full-length dress with gem-like embellishments around the collar. One can only dream of pulling off this look T_T

Glam cocktail! I think that's velvet I spy on this gold mini-dress with an embellished halter neckline that really takes away the need for a separate necklace or any other form of eye-catching accessories. Convenient!

Ok, definitely a dress for the more daring crowd. I suppose if you enjoy the attention, this off-shoulder bright fuchsia and apple green dress with puff-sleevs and bubble hem skirt is your cup of tea. I think I'd prefer it in more subdued colours.

But for a Mênê collection, bold colours that make a statement isnt something out of the ordinary.

A tad more semi casual, this two-tone yellow and gray tube dress is a great mix of texture and colour. Its more fun with a cheeky twist. The lemon yellow part really pops. Paired with a jacket for more conservative events.

I absolutely adore the bright blue in this long tube dress, and the white sash and trimmings around the bust compliments it really well. A rather fantasy-ish look with this one.

The designer, Anusha, in the middle with the models and her creations.

Well, that was an eye-opener! The fashion show was really short and brief, as each model only modelled in 1 outfit each, but that's how its supposed to be at FashFab. Brief, simple, but with an impact.

I think I'll definitely be itching to check out FashFab #11 which is happening on the 2nd of April 2009 at nowhere else but TwentyOne Kitchen + Bar.

I wonder which local designer is at this very moment, bent over a sewing machine and pricking fingers with needles, creating something to wow us all.

The contents of the goodie bags that were handed out specially to the ladies! Generous, I must say!

[end jakun-ness]

*pics courtesy of Aaron, David*

My 1000th post shall be..

Me in nice shoes!

And awesome accessories too! (read: friends) Haha!

1000 posts.. *wipes tears* Who'd have thunk?

*pic by Andrew*

Oh boy.





There's no going back now.

Birthdays can be a pretty awesome or disappointing affair, depending on the company you're with and the location where you and said company hold court.

The last birthday party I went to was for Yatz, which we had at Zouk to take advantage of their special birthday promotion. Anything free is good! Who said cheap affordable birthday parties are a thing of the past?

Damn, I'm yet to blog about how much fun it was that night.

Anyhoo, while Zouk is constantly packed with people celebrating birthdays (you know how that goes) in one of its many rooms almost every night, it seems only fitting for Zouk to throw the biggest birthday party ever.

For itself.

Oh yea.

That's right folks. Its Zouk's Vth Anniversary, and they're pulling all the stops out for this one! Its already been 5 years since Zouk has been a huge permanent fixture on the night scene radar of KL, and their weekly parties like Mambo Jambo and Ghetto Heaven roll off our tongue with the taste of familiar friends (the party animal ones)!

Not to mention, they've undeniably revolutionised the way we party (well, for me at least) with Twilight Action Girl (TAG) and Lapsap (now my fave) who we now know have the craziest nights in town! They are the neon-coloured hard-candy spawn of Zouk and I think its awesome to have them around.

A great party is nothing without a great theme. For Zouk's Vth Anniversary, they're taking us on a wicked mind-trip to Fantasia - Let Your Imagination Run Wild!

Inspired by one of the most visually extravagant and trippiest Disney movie ever!!!!

I've only watched the movie a handful of times, but its an amazingly surreal and colourful movie with scenes and stories that bend your imagination backwards!

They have scenes like this, with forest nymphs!

And swans with naked babies floating in magical non-toxic bubbles!

There's even this guy!!

Who hopefully wont be at Zouk that night.

All of Zouk's rooms will be transformed into a huge party arena with the theme Fantasia in mind, so you know its going to be extravagant, lush and elegant with a cheeky twist! They werent kidding when they said that each room will take on a completely different look that night! Here's what I found out:


Instead of mingling around at the parking lot while staring at the tar road and lights outside Zouk's main entrance, the courtyard will be turned into an Enchanted Garden. And to make all your magic wishes come true (just as it should in an enchanted garden), there'll be free-flow drinks and amazing performers before the party begins!

Definitely not a playground for the kiddies. I wonder if there'll be magic 'shrooms growing in the Enchanted Garden =D



Crazy loud splashes of colour and fun can be expected from The Fun House because that's where Lapsap and DJ Terence C will be spinning that night! It'll be absolutely mad and I can already imagine how wild its going to get in there with the both of them spinning up a frenzy!

Plus points? Go crazy with your outfits in The Fun House and there'll be a cash prize for the wackiest act in this manic circus!



Ever wondered how cool it would be to party up in the puffy clouds with the dreary world going past right underneath your stamping feet? The Sky Kingdom will do just that. Its the ever popular home to R&B and Hip Hop with acts like DJ Goldfish and MC Point Blanc to spin you way up high to cloud 9.

As if Phuture isnt already packed enough with gorgeous people on a regular night, they're going to look positively angelic at the Sky Kingdom.



If Ariel's dad ever let her out at night, the Deep Blue Room would be it! I've been to a Mambo Jambo night and loved every minute of it! There's nothing like happy-clappy feel-good music from the 80's to bring crazy laughs and lots of random bodily movements that are ever so infectious!

There's an 80's medley performance waiting in the wings, so I'd best start practicing my Whaii Emmm Seee Ayyy moves!!! Cant miss out on that one!


King Midas isnt exactly a Disney character, but if he demanded a bubble, The Golden Bubble of Aristo would be it! Nothing but the highest level of decadence for the ever posh VIP guests with DJ Gregoire Pagnoux and DJ Shazz making sure that all their partying needs are well taken care of.

The Golden Bubble is the place to be seen looking your best, so expect enough gold and elegance to beat Fort Knox!



Barsonic itself is already as close as I can get to Fantasia on a Friday night, so if its going to be transformed into a heavenly glen of indie and rock, The Music & Magic Room is where I'm definitely going to be that night! How will I ever leave it after its all over, I do not know. Twilight Action Girl will be watching over the Barsonic-ers that night, so we're all in good hands yo.

There'll be an indie karaoke room there too! No idea what it is? Me neither! Cant wait to find out!

Apart from the manic party that will be going on that night, there'll be special performances and a surprise or two popping up in each and every room! Let's not forget that its a very special birthday party, so there'll be a birthday segment in Zouk at midnight!

I are very excited. I've heard tons about their previous anniversary celebrations, and with #5 being a milestone, this one's going to be legendary I bet!

I cant miss this one! Its next Thursday, 26th March 2009 from 9pm till Fantasia decides its time to go back to the real world.

Admission (with 1 drink) for all rooms is RM28 for the angels and RM38 for the devillish lads (who i hope will be out in full force looking good that night).

But if Barsonic is where you know you're going to be all night (i have a strong feeling i'm referring to myself here), then its RM20 and RM30 for the ladies and lads respectively (with 1 drink).

Or email them at rsvn@zoukclub.com.my for more info.

The dresscode? Its Fantasia, so let your imagination run wild and get ready to "Dazzle and Bedazzle"!

If I cant decide what to wear, I just might go as one of the characters from Disney's "Fantasia" itself! Whee!

Inspiration! What?? They really are from "Fantasia"!

*pics courtesy of Aaron, Nigel, Zouk*

P.S. On a budget? Zouk is totally speaking my language here.

• 
  Hsu Jen
  jen2wyvern@hotmail.com
  
• @serpentinegal

   Subscribe in a reader

Flaunt

• 
  
  
  
  
  

Speak

Reads

• RSS
• Aainaa
• Aaron
• Albert
• Andrew
• Arth
• Benard
• Beve
• Calvin Goh
• Caxton
• Chloe
• Chris Khik
• Chris Tock
• David
• Eiling
• Ellie
• Howard
• Hwei Ming
• Jamie
• Jason
• Jayjayne
• Jed
• Jenifer
• Jensen
• Jentz
• Jess
• Jessica
• Jo-Leen
• Jolene
• Joshua
• Kel Li
• Kenneth
• k0k bl0k
• Nigel
• Pam Song
• Pinksterz
• Pui Yi
• Rames
• Sally
• Seng Foo
• Skyler
• Smashp0p
• Stanley
• Stella
• Su Ann
• Suresh
• Thomas
• Wai Mei
• Wen Di
• Xiang Wei
• Yami
• Yatz
• Yee Hou
• Yiling
• Zhihao

Clicks

• Beetrice Reviews
• Cupcakes & Cashmere
• Karla's Closet
• Kinkybluefairy
• My Women Stuff
• Pink Pau
• Post Secret
• Skin Deco
• Waiterrant

Archives

Oldies

- Recent Posts - A Bit Of Happiness With Hurts This Concert Wont Hurt One Bit Today Beastly On The Outside Buy 8804 Keep Cool This Too Shall Pass I'll Put My Best Feet On Games Wouldn't Want To Be Fair Game

stuff

• Addicting Games
• Chictopia
• Cracked
• Damien Lockheart
• Foursquare
• Happy Tree Friends
• Illwillpress
• Lookbook
• Making Fiends
• My Simplifieds
• The Superficial
• Tongue In Chic
• Who Links to Me
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  Best Buy Coupons