My Visa card of course, not the 1 Utama ONECard. Anyways, just reflecting the ever reducing consumer purchasing power in this country. Can you believe that's over RM150 in that shopping cart? If you told someone in the US to spend $150 in groceries, they'll end up filling the cart till it overflows. I know I do not buy some of the cheaper stuff but then, a lot of our supposedly "cheaper" groceries are made up of rather poor ingredients like artificial coloring, flavors and all sorts of stuff. I also do not like ice-cream made with palm oil. It makes washing-up difficult but I associate the word "cream" with diary products... and so happens that where I did my undergraduate degree turned out to be the US Diary State! Abundant land of milk and cheese, and oh, ice-cream too!

With all the recent price increases, I'm actually concerned. Really concerned. I'm so blessed that generally, everything is still normal. I can still drive around wherever I want, go for a movie (yeah, yeah, I know I watched ONE movie in ONE year), go find some nice makan place or still buy the stuff I want (this does not include the Lust-list items... Mark you know what this is!) so things are still alright. With my staff however, I feel that they're really feeling it. Imagine having lunch and having to pick only two vegetable dishes at an economy rice stall here in KL Sentral and NOT getting a drink because it'll blow your lunch budget! My goodness! I just couldn't tolerate that for someone in my team so I picked up her drink and lunch tab. Looks like time to get back to arguing with HR for more pay increases due to the recent price hikes.

The past month or so, I've been treating myself to more expensive black liquid... no, no, not the petroleum variety but the caffeine packed stuff. Since I usually have time to make and enjoy my coffee on weekends, I figured no point getting some el cheapo coffee. Anyways, late April I got the Colombia Nariño El Tambo Black Apron exclusive but just last week, I was recommended by my regular Barista to try the Rwanda Blue Bourbon. So of course I did. Anyways, the Colombian, well, tastes like most latin American coffee I've tasted, kinda chocolately with a hint of citrus. Somehow I did not taste any floral notes that were claimed. The Rwanda Blue Bourbon on the other hand was quite good. I like my coffee bold but the Rwanda has complexity and body that I savor in a coffee. I also make them extra thick...

Both are quite good but somehow the Rwanda Blue Bourbon suits my taste better. Goes well with many simple breakfasts or heavier Malaysian fare too which is another advantage!

Have been busy lately, which explains the lack of entries recently. I'll be off to Penang on Friday so there'll be even less entries (or more) depending on time and Maxis 3G accessibility!

Donuts. Yes, "doh-nuts", made and spelled the American way. Soft fluffy and loaded with sugars and calories. The easiest way to pile on the pounds but let's not get into that yet. Way better than Dunkin Donuts, we bought a dozen and ate them all. I'd rank the Oreo coated donut the highest partially cos I like Oreos. Beware the spiky durian donut. As the donuts are freshly made onsite, the aroma is welcoming and freshness is guaranteed.

They don't keep well overnight however even though there are instructions for a microwave and their best eaten within under twenty-four hours of buying them. More photos over here.

Big Apple Donuts
They have branches in Curve, 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid and more opening soon.

Now this is what a giant cone of ice-cream should look like!

Ais Batu Campur -- or Mixed Ice is a rather Malaysian invention which consists of shaved ice, nuts, kidney beans, sugar syrups, corn, and assorted jelly toppings. Sometimes, ice-cream is also used! A most yummy dessert and on Christmas Eve, Alice is serving them up fast and furious! Don't get her mad though cos you'll have an ice ball thrown at you!

A wonderful way to start the morning: eggs, milk, tomatoes, cured ham, a bit of onion and garlic. Serve with a side of cucumber and olive oil pan-fried toast! Delicious!

Sorry for the lousy quality photos as they were taken with the slow like molasses, bug-ridden Symbian OS powered Nokia N80.