Iberico Kitchen at Oasis Square, Ara Damansara.

Have you every heard of a black pig ? And I mean it literally... 

This breed of Black Iberian Pig, from Spain is dubbed as the Wagyu beef kind of meat. The owners who started Iberico Kitchen are also importers and distributors for this premium pork meat. 

We were there on 28th March 2015, on a Saturday for our late lunch. To those familiar with the Oasis Ara Damansara area, it should not be hard to find. An easy way to spot is that it is situated behind of Rakuzen - a corner lot. 

Photo Source : Eat Drink KL

Yummy !

With tables are placed outside along the front corridor, it allowed us to dine together with Bella. The two waitresses that greeted us were very friendly, one of them has got a dog named Bella too (back in the Philippines), that was like extra brownie points !

Main Entrance

Now for the best part... the food ! Pei Ru ordered the Prawn Mee, it was that weekend's special. And she doesn't normally order Prawn Mee... but since it came highly recommended, decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint, in fact it was REALLY good ! They should make it a permanent dish on their menu. 

Very GOOD Prawn Mee

For me, I ordered the Iberico honey glazed pork ribs... The meat easily slides off the rib bones, the meat was really tender and sweet, not so much from the honey but really from the meat. Though the whole dish was a little bit too oily, best to eat it up fast before the ribs cool down. 

1kg serving of Iberico Honey Glazed Pork Ribs

No prize guessing where the pork rib bones went to... It was straight from the plate to my mouth and then pass it to Bella to chew it off, crushing them like peanuts. See the happy face... that's Bella after finishing all the ribs. 

Ribs on the edge !

This is definitely a place for pork lovers ! You can actually taste the difference in the meat. Do expect to pay a little bit more for the premium pork, price is really just a little bit more expensive. We don't really drink beers... But I bet those ribs will go perfectly with a glass of ice cold beer ! 

::N.Keong::

For the complete list, please click HERE...

All aboard... Boathouse TTDI

It was Malaysia Day - 16th September 2015, aside for it being a scary Public Holiday for us Malaysians, it still that didn't stop us from going on with our normal routine. Which for us is to explore more dog friendly places to share with all. 

We have been talking about going to Boathouse in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, located along the same row as our usual brunch place after Bella's training - TDH. Their opening hours isn't until late probably for lunch and definitely for dinner. 

Parking around the busy street could be quite a challenge. Doesn't help that there are many popular drinking pubs along the whole stretch of the street, not forgetting a few other popular cafes and eating spots. 

Bella was happy exploring a new place, didn't even bother about the barking Shih Tzu already at the table. This place is definitely dog friendly, I remember reading that the owner adopted a Shih Tzu and sometimes allows it to roam freely. But we don't think she was there when we went. We were even asked if we wanted to sit upstairs, goes to show how open this place is for dogs - what more a Rottweiler ! 

Awesome aquarium bar top.

Peak a Boo ! 

Later we were joined by another couple with their white Toy Poodle. Well behaved, except that I don't understand why people allow their dog to sit on the sofa ? So close to the table, where the food and the utensils are. Oh well... as long as the dog is well trained, no issue with us. 

Ample space for any big dog to dine.

One for the album. 

Now, let's get down to the food ! We started off with the Cempedak Chicken as starters... It's your typical deep fried cempedak with a nice savory batter but with minced chicken hidden in the middle. So you get the sweetness of the cempedak fruit at first bite but finish it with the sweetness from the minced chicken meat. Okay, I am hungry...

Cempedak Chicken

550g of Pork Tomahawk !

Being Oktoberfest, I ordered their special... with the option to add on half pint of Paulaner draft beer.

The Pork Tomahawk mustard crust with beer juice, all 550g of awesome pork cooked with beer ! Though I have to say the mustard crust is an acquired taste. I didn't really like it, as it was a tad too salty. 

Overall it was a great dining experience. Friendly staff, although 1 of them was bit afraid of Bella. We still got friendly smiles and warm service. Bella of course was happy, she got the bone from my pork dish. Crushing the bones to the amazement of the staff there. 

Bones done ! 

Bella keeps guard while we dine...

We will be back... So many more things on their menu that we want to try ! 

::N.Keong::

For the complete list, please click HERE...

5 Simple Steps to Approaching Bella

We have been getting mixed reactions from the public, be it from fellow dog owners or even strangers we meet / pass. We do our part as responsible owners to keep Bella in her place. 

Center of Attention

1. Ask Permission
Yes ! She is a darn cute Rottweiler and somehow she has maintained her puppy face.
Let us know that you want to touch Bella, so that we are aware and watchful over her... ESPECIALLY if it's your kids coming to play with Bella.

2. Stay Calm, Breathe Easy...

Take a long deep breath... remove your excitement.
She may reflect the same energy, which is what we don't want especially with kids.

Note : PLEASE do not let your kids run or jump around. That's unnecessary excitement. Bella will want to play too, but she doesn't know her own strength. 

Poke test !

Sit also no problem...

3. NO EYE CONTACT !

Plain and simple... Bella doesn't like eye contact, she will think that you are a suspicious stranger and Guard Dog mode takes over.

Told you she is cute... eyes on BELLA !

4. Be Confident, Don't Hesitate...

Bella is used to being around people who are not afraid of her.
When you wanna pet her, please do not hesitate. Wary hands and being scared translate to high suspicion from her.

Hey... Who's that ?

5. Lastly... Belly rubs are much appreciated. 
You can pet the top of her head, heck, hit if it is what you want...
Rub under her chin... rub rub her chest...
Very soon, Bella will roll over on her back and request for a belly rub ! 

That's the SPOT !

Trust that we know Bella well... Just by looking at the position of her ears or how her tail wags, we can predict her next move. We would like to help kill the stigma of Rottweilers as a ferocious killer breed. She has been well trained and tamed, if I can put it that way... 

Bella Beer Buddy... #moumantai

It's ICE CREAM !

Okay, this post isn't really about a dog friendly cafe... But it was a place that we have visited together with Bella, so I think it is worth mentioning. 

Fatbaby Ice Cream opened up their own shop at SS15 Subang Jaya, located the same row as the famous Directd phone shops. Their previous MO was just to supply to cafes around (and still is!). 

Eat Me ! yum yum...

Luckily for us, it was quite a cool late afternoon, so sitting outside the shop wasn't too bad. We were literally along the walk way aka kaki lima kedai... 

Layan ais krim di kaki lima kedai

Obviously we couldn't sit inside the shop, but it was nice that the shop staff and the owner herself come out to, errrrr.... how should I put it ? Say hello to Bella... Cause of that I think they deserve a spot on our blog ! 

und dass es alles... 

::N.Keong::

For the complete list, please click HERE...

From dawn till dusk... AMPM Cafe USJ, Subang Jaya

Date : 25th January 2015

I learnt about this cafe being dog friendly, after reading a post on Facebook Dog Lovers Of Malaysia (DLOM), where they hosted a fund raising cum birthday party for an amputee dog. Just can't recall it's name but quite sure it is an English Mastiff. 

Wall Flower ?

AMPM Cafe is located in USJ21, Subang Jaya. The biggest landmark would be Main Place, but if you still have problems locating them. Have faith in technology, Waze and/or Google Map will be able to navigate you to the exact location. 

This area was almost a ghost town, the construction of Main Place was actually very much abandoned for the longest time. Now that the LRT line extension is cutting across through USJ from Putra Heights to Kelana Jaya, it is diverting good fung shui back into this area. 

Once we managed to find an empty parking lot, we walked to the entrance of the cafe. We were glad that the staff greeted us with a happy smile and had no problems with us dining in with Bella. And when I say dining in, it meant that we sat outdoors. 

Keeping guard while she reads...

We were told that they have been hosting constant doggy group meet ups at AMPM cafe ! Confirm la... dog friendly cafe ! Though it could be their first time hosting a Rottweiler in their cafe... quite sure it was, judging from the looks from the waiting staff. 

Of course as usual, Bella knows how to behave and where she needs to be. Down under the table beside us, though her (fat) butt does sometimes get in the way. 







Now... for the food review... 

I like the vast selection of food here, I am always undecided of what to order. Just going through the menu everything sounds good ! Then there is always an appendix to the main menu, some weekend special or festive special. Quite an amazing kitchen (and staff !) being able to handle such an extensive food selection. 

Oven Roasted Chicken Thigh

Hot Mocha, my usual coffee benchmark

This is actually from my 2nd visit to the cafe on the 15th August 2015, without Bella. Went to meet up with our friend, Meng and his Golden Retriever - Jojo. She was on her way back from obedience training, the same training school with Bella.  

Oh... the mocha coffee was good ! Just how I like it, strong and thick. Most importantly it was consistent throughout the whole cup. 

Here's JOJO !

Big Breakfast Set

What's a cafe without their own take of the Big Breakfast Set ? And this definitely did not disappoint. The portion was really hearty, and big on taste too ! 

Other worthy mentions are the Smoked Salmon Croissant and the Hawaiian Bagel, something like that la...  

Overall this cafe comes highly recommended. Great coffee! Good selection of food and proper food, not like those finger food sandwiches. Also helps that the friendly staff welcomes dogs and their owners. 

Price wise, I feel it is reasonable. 

Service and cleanliness is top notch ! 

Parking might a little bit of a challenge. 

This area is booming, on the same row there are 2 other cafes that is opening or just opened up operations. Due to the location, we might not be back here as often unless it has been pre-planned. 

Checkout their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/ampmcafeusj

::N.Keong::

For the complete list, please click HERE...

Cubs & Cups in Hartamas - Roaming Free

Last Visited: 12 September 2015

Cubs & Cups, Desa Sri Hartamas

Only 4 months old, this corner shoplot hidden just behind Souled Out in Hartamas has acquired a faithful following of dog lovers. 

Bella sulking cos no one came to play with her....

Welcome to cuBs & cuPs!

One of the few dog-friendly restaurants that allow pets to room freely inside the restaurant, it is run by a friendly Korean couple who have 3 dogs of their own. Resident puppies, Cola the Husky, Mocha the Alaskan Malamute and Nacho the Pomeranian will bark a friendly welcome to all and sundry. However, due to Mocha & Nachos young age, they are usually kept separate from the main cafe floor. 

Sleeping Cola

Dog owners who allow their dogs to wander freely are expected to keep any eye on your pups and clean up after any mess. Cleaning supplies (mop,cloth,soap,etc.) are provided at the back of the shop.

House Rules!

Our first visit here in June this year saw a simple set-up where patrons ordered and collected their own drinks at the counter. However, food would be delivered to your table by the friendly (and cute) Korean waitresses. Even just 2 weeks after opening, there was a steady stream of customers to the cafe. 

French Toast. Can't remember much about it so it must have been alright but not the best around. 

C&C's version of Big Breakfast. Simple & filling. 

 
Our most recent visit on 11 September saw an increase in the number of waiters (increase in cute Korean guys! Ladies, rejoice!) and an expansion to their menu to include a selection of juices & waffles. 

Hot Mocha. Good enough to order on your second visit. 

The Saturday night visit saw us bumping into a lot of poodles, 2 excited Golden Retrievers and an adorable Samoyed. I admit, I was a total girl and squealed over them (Samoyed! big fluffy white bear dog!)  the whole night... 

Mocha in June 2015.... Soooo cute you just want to pick her up and Squeeze!

What Was Our Verdict? 

Atmosphere :  Expect lots of smaller toy dogs running around. It's a simple layout with minimal decor so not really a place for the Instagramming crowd. 

Coffee :  Decent, but nothing to shout about. 

Waiting Time  :   Expect mad rush hours on Saturday & Sundays between 12-5pm. Waiting time increases drastically as the kitchen staff struggle to handle the high number of customers. However, other hours (dinnertime usually and weekdays) show a reasonable service time. 

Food  :  Pizza and pastas are pretty good. We recently tried the Churro Waffles which we found too oily to finish. 

Price   :  RM20-35. Not cheap but you pay for the luxury of having your dog run around

Staff & Overall Receptiveness to Bella   :  All the staff are Korean so expect plenty of eye candy for both the men and ladies. They recognise and adore Bella so thumbs up! 

Overall :   Good, will definitely be back again, if only to play with the resident pups! But do try to avoid rush hours. If possible, reach there by 11am (on weekends) or finding a table will be nigh impossible.

Pets Welcome, People... tolerated !

Order Up !

Menu

Cuppa Tea ?

The Protective "brother" Cola

For the full list of dog friendly cafes & places we've been to, click here. 

Address: Wisma Rapid, Jalan 30/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur
Open : Wednesday - Monday, 11am - 12am
Link : https://www.facebook.com/cubsncups

[Straying in KL] - The Hound @ OUG and then Doiffee @ Taman Desa

Date : 26th July 2015

Just another Sunday, where we decided to explore new cafes. This time expanding our search towards the borders of KL. =)

The Hound @ OUG

Finding this place even with the help of Waze was a little bit of a challenge. Situated at the heart of OUG, at the busiest square - same area where Steven's corner is. Thing is when we arrived, it was towards the end of the morning market - lucky us ! 

Photo Credits to http://eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com/

The Hound Cafe is situated above a Chinese medicine shop, Kedai Ubat Ban Kar Hing, along Jalan Hujan Emas 4 and finding an empty parking can be quite a challenge. 

Look for the side entrance, which is hard to miss as the walls on the stairs up to the cafe is painted in bright yellow. 

Reaching the entrance of the cafe door, we were greeted by an excited Cookie - the cafe's resident Beagle. Surprisingly the cafe was packed full with family and kids. We were ushered to sit outside at the balcony area, due to Bella's sheer size. Which was fine with us, at least it would be more peaceful than having to deal with noisy children and barking from multiple Pomeranians.  All which cleared a path for Bella and us as we move to the balcony door... 

Ignoring the noise from inside.

At the time of visit, the cafe had only just started operations... so their kitchen was non-existent. Their menu was only limited to drinks and cakes. I ordered my usual mocha coffee, which was pretty good ! But being hungry the brownies didn't really help satisfy my hunger. 

Brownies for Brunch ?

On and off during our visit, some of the patrons randomly came out to see Bella. One family came, but the kids were too frightened to approach Bella, despite encouragement from the mother. Maybe they were feeding off the frightened energy from the dad, we could see it on his face. 

Cookie came barking at the door too... But after a short introduction between the 2 dogs aka butt sniffing session. Cookie quieted down... He'd registered Bella in the list of friends. It is important how you introduce dogs... Especially for us with a Rottweiler. When introducing smaller dogs, we will ask Bella to go down, then let the smaller dog approach Bella. At least we know Bella is calmer, before letting others approach. Seriously that way half the battle is won ! 

Treats ? Mine ? U my best friend...

The cafe owner, Donna... came out with some sample treats; for Bella of course. 

Guess who just became Bella's new best friend ? This stupid girl (we say it in the most loving way), is just super greedy. Always hopeful for food wherever she goes. Good thing we have trained her to gentle, so anyone can feed her from their hand. 

Leaving the cafe was when it got interesting... Passing through a group of excited screaming running jumping KIDS...was a challenge ! Wish I could put a leash on each and everyone of them. Didn't help with the group of yapping barking Poms. 

Parents need to teach their kids, to be calm around dogs ! 

The excitement will just make the dog, in this case Bella, excited too ! So when Bella lunges, it is not because she wants to attack. She just wants to play! But not knowing her size and strength, she may hurt the kid. 

Keep Calm... especially around Rottweilers. 

Trust that their owners know what they are doing and are keeping the dog under control.  

Doiffee @ Taman Desa

Time to get proper food ! Coffee and brownies doesn't cut it as brunch, not even when I am on a diet... Then diet, what diet ???

While we were waiting for food... It was mandatory for Bella to pose for a photo. 

Relaxing in front of the fire place.

This is just the outside... You should see the decor on the inside, very homely feel - kind of like those English olden days home. Sets the mood to be very romantic as well, as the ambiance inside is comfortably dimly lit. 

Check out more photos on their page : Doiffee Facebook page.











Next to our table were 2 uncles, catching up over Sunday brunch. They were not afraid or bothered about Bella. Well... it helps that one used to own a GSD. Nice to meet another large dog owner. Despite him telling stories of how aggressive a Rottweiler are known to be, Bella was nothing like what he would think a Rottweiler would be (much to his surprise!). 

Fresh ! 

I have to say...the seafood pasta was good ! Best of all the seafood was fresh, except maybe that unpeeled prawn, everything else was GOOD! I could almost still taste the sea. Hahahaha... ! 












We will definitely return to Doiffee, if ever we are around Taman Desa, KL area... 
Maybe for a date night, possibly without Bella... Ssssshhhh... don't tell her ! *wink*

::N.Keong::

For the complete list, please click HERE...