Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Lemon Tree Restaurant at Melodies Garden, Johor Bahru

Lemon Tree Restaurant (N1.49135 E103.76201) is located along Jalan Bedara, Tmn Melodies, Johor Bahru. The restaurant is situated in a residential area since 11 years ago, and most of their customers are regular…
The owner – Mr Jeffery Bong said he surveyed the area before starting his restaurant and like the trees in front of the shop lot very much. And because of the trees stories, he named the restaurant as ‘Lemon Tree’, a popular song which was famous by Fools Garden, released on the year 1995 and became a major international hit in 1996.

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The setting of the restaurant is simple and cozy, with retro ambience. The warm lighting made the guests feel comfort while dining in the restaurant…

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The piece of bread evenly covered by tuna and nicely wrapped with cheese, the slice of cucumber and baby tomato provided extra refreshment to the appetizer, these Bruchetta were nice!

After the appetizers, each of us have a homemade mushroom soup served by the restaurant.

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The flavorful mushroom soup was nice, creamy, but not starchy, I can taste the mushroom started from the beginning till the end…the bowl of mushroom soup was just nice for a person.

Next, there were two 12″ pizzas were served. Tropical Hawaiian and Island Seafood Pizza.

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The Mixed Fruits Salad was the following dish…kind of like the foods arrangement by the owner – Jefferey Bong, because the refreshing fruits salad was served after the large amount of cheese loaded into our stomach…:)

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The fruits salad was prepared with the fresh fruits, and don’t forget the special dressing by the Chef Jeffery, therefore it definitely cool us down for the ‘part 1’ foods session…

After a short break, the ‘part 2’ began with 2 spaghetti, appeared on the table quietly…
The Spaghetti Hawaiian and Spaghetti Seafood Alio-Olio.

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Both spaghetti were delicious! The Spaghetti Hawaiian was served with hams and with sweet sauce, and the Spaghetti Seafood served with lots of seafood…especially the big prawns. We like the taste of the both spaghetti.

Before the we could finish the spaghetti, the New Zealand Air Frown Rib-eye presented!

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The steak served in the medium well doneness and the black pepper sauce was separated, which give a choice for those who like the original beef taste and those who like with the sauce.

The a bit char grilled steak was succulent, it could be better if serve in medium rare with the taste of meat juice…but this is my personal preference and it may not suitable for all of us, well arrange by the Chef! You will be surprise by the reasonable price of this steak, find out yourself! 🙂

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The Chef did serve some of the local delicacies on the following after having such a nice western cuisine, that were the popular Lemon Tree Special Fried Rice and the Mee Mamak.

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As I recalled, the Lemon Tree restaurant caught my attention few years ago from some of my friends comments on their nice and simple fried rice, as a fried rice lover…I was a bit late to try out but never regret on it!
The fried rice was fragrance and yummy, served on the perfect moist level and never too dry to enjoy it! The plate of fried rice served together with a fried chicken wing, ham, cheese, fried egg and the sauce. It can be a filling dish for lunch or dinner.
According to the Chef…the combination of fried rice was a advise from a regular customer who visit the restaurant 3 times a week, the customer requested to has more stuffs beside the fried rice and Chef Jeffery ‘tailored made’ the dish as what he need, surprisingly the dish sell very well from the kitchen…that’s the reason Jeffery named it The Special Fried Rice of Lemon Tree Restaurant!

The Mee Mamak was an enhanced version from the local mee goreng where easily available in most of the mamak shop. But the Lemon Tree’s version was slightly different, it topped up with many veggie and fried to the perfect taste…which mean not too sweet or salty. It was an eye opening for me to taste the mee mamak in the western food restaurant.

After all the scrumptious meal for the dinner, the lovely desserts surfaced…
The special edition of Tiramisu and the Chocolate Lava.
I’m not a dessert person but the desserts on that evening ‘seduced’ me too much! Haha!

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The Tiramisu was made in 3 types of coffee and with the unique cheese cream. The Wow factor was on the first bite! Not overly sweet (as peoples are more health conscious nowadays), and it was a surprise for me!

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The chocolate lava cake was made from the pure 70% of dark chocolate, it won’t be overly sweet…no worries! And the so called ‘Lava’ will not ooze from the cake once you cut it due to the high density of the chocolate cake.

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I believe the two desserts above will easily drive the girls crazy! It will become the favorite for the desserts lover!

We were satisfied for the dishes served by the restaurant that evening. Especially with the reasonable prices. The prices for the dishes above are within RM5.50 and RM49.00.

Lemon Tree Restaurant had expanded their dining area to the next door. According to Jeffery, the new wing is cater for private function or catering services, 20-30 persons.

The Chef – Mr Jeffery Bong was a executive chef of one of the 5 stars hotel in Singapore, he decided to came back Johor Bahru to start his own business 11 years ago. He wanted to serve his customers with the quality foods and a reasonable price, in fact…it’s a good news for the western food lover in Johor Bahru. The restaurant had been through more than a decade, and Jeffery continue to provide the best cuisine to his customers from day 1 till now…

Do drop by the Lemon Tree Restaurant if you are happen in Taman Melodies area, I believe you will find what you like!

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

The SkyBar of Traders Hotel at Puteri Harbour

The SkyBar (N1.41768 E103.65640) is located at the Rooftop pool deck of Traders Hotel at Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya – Johor. We were invited to the SkyBar for their opening private party on Saturday evening 12th Oct 2013. SkyBar is the trademark of Traders Hotel, have you been to the SkyBar at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur?

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The SkyBar is totally different from day time and night time…it’s a beautiful infinity swimming pool overlooking the Puteri Harbour and Straits of Johor during the day time, when the nights fall…the pool area is beautifully lighted up with the good company by your side, the feeling is simply magical!

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It was about 7pm, the invited guests were walking into the SkyBar area one-by-one…foods and drinks were prepared much earlier to serve all the guests…

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The small table in the pool was the fresh seafood like oysters and others…this was a special arrangement, nice!

About 120 guests from members of Singapore Sport Car Club, Exotic Car Club, AT Rider Superbikers from Johor Bahru and corporate guests attended the opening party.

The guests queue up for foods very soon just after 7pm, guess everyone can’t wait to taste the delicious cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef – Alan Wong and Food and Beverage Manager – Avraam Koutsides, Traders Hotel.

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Everyone was queuing up for their favorite food which located at border of the SkyBar. There were plenty of varieties on that evening with the wide food range from local to international, from raw to cooked…

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There was a long queue for the above foods…especially the grilled beef! Yummy!

The seafood counter was specially presented in the children pool…yes, you heard me right! It was inside the pool.

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The dessert and finger food corner was located just next to the children pool. I can’t stop myself to took a small cube of dark chocolate, and it was nice!

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The dining area was assigned in every corner, filled up the SkyBar…

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I like this special sunken corner (below) very much! It’s located next to the infinity pool, surrounded with tempered glass and the blue-lighted relax chair! Overlooking the Puteri Harbour and Straits of Johor…Awesome!

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Once everyone filled up their stomach, the party began! The beer was serve without interval pause from Carlsberg’s 4 pretty promoters. Followed by the music played by the DJ Herbs and Deeraj.

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We had a glass of the ice cold beer beside the pool and started our photo shooting session…
During the music played, there was a troupe of synchronized swimmers performing in the pool followed by 4 pretty colourful mermaids! That was a surprise! Everyone was busy triggering their shutter of the cameras crazily! Haha! It was a very nice scene with the mermaids swim across and the underwater lighting…

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The 2 colourful lions were performing their dance in the bar and presented the oranges to the Executive Chef – Mr Alan Wong and F B Manager – Mr Avraam Koustsides.

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And the photo session continued…

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You can have a excellent view of Puteri Harbour and catch the spectacular sunset (if the weather is good) from the SkyBar of Traders Hotel.

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This is also a nice place for night photography lovers, you can enjoy the delightful dinner company with nice wine or cocktail while taking the shots of the beautiful surrounding night view…

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Categories
Tourism Malaysia

The Sky Bar of Trader Hotel at Puteri Harbour

The Sky Bar (N1.41768 E103.65640) is located at the Rooftop pool deck of Trader Hotel at Puteri Harbour, Nusajaya – Johor. We were invited to the Sky Bar for their opening private party on Saturday evening 12th Oct 2013. Sky Bar is the trademark of Trader Hotel, have you been to the Sky Bar at Trader Hotel Kuala Lumpur?



The Sky Bar is totally different from day time and night time…it’s a beautiful infinity swimming pool overlooking the Puteri Harbour and Danga river during the day time, when the nights fall…the pool area is light up with the beautiful lighting and company by the Sky Bar beside…

 photo IMG_0897_zps6e6ed8b9.jpg

It was about 7pm, the invited guests were walking into the Sky Bar area one-by-one…foods and drinks were prepared much earlier to serve all the guests…

 photo IMG_0863_zpsb975ec20.jpg

The small table in the pool was the fresh seafood like oysters and others…this was a special arrangement, Nice!

About 120 guests from members of Singapore Sport Car Club, Exotic Car Club, Super Bikers from Johor Bahru and corporate guests attended the opening party.

The guests queue up for foods very soon just after 7pm, guess everyone can’t wait to taste the delicious cuisine prepared by the Executive Chef – Alan Wong and Food and Beverage Manager – Avraam Koutsides, Trader Hotel.

 photo IMG_0859_zps79f2c183.jpg

 photo IMG_0872_zps0b67977d.jpg

 photo IMG_0909_zps977b17d6.jpg

 photo IMG_0864_zpse44b4de1.jpg

Every guest was queuing up for their favorite food which located at border of the Sky Bar. There were plenty of varieties on that evening with the wide food range from local to international, from raw to cooked…

 photo IMG_0908_zpsbed7e625.jpg

 photo IMG_1043_zps327b66cd.jpg

 photo IMG_0871_zps07b195ab.jpg

There was a long queue for the above foods…especially the ‘beef’! Yummy!

The seafood counter was specially presented in the children pool…yes, you heard me right! It was inside the pool.

 photo IMG_0875_zpsd507e761.jpg

 photo IMG_0877_zpsd8b83cc3.jpg

The dessert and finger food corner was located just next to the children pool. I can’t stop myself to took a small cube of dark chocolate, and it was Nice!

 photo IMG_0881_zps2835348d.jpg

 photo IMG_0885_zpsd911c0a5.jpg

 photo IMG_0883_zpsa774c589.jpg

The dining area was assigned in every corner, filled up the Sky Bar…

 photo IMG_0896_zps01dba88a.jpg

 photo IMG_0890_zpsa653527a.jpg

I like this special sunken corner (below) very much! It’s located next to the infinity pool, surrounded with tempered glass and the Blue lighted relax chair! Overlooking the Puteri Harbour and Danga river…Awesome!

 photo IMG_0899_zpsa49a4586.jpg

Once everyone filled up their stomach, the party began! The beer was serve without interval pause from Carlsberg’s 4 pretty promoters. Followed by the music played by the DJ Herbs and Deeraj.

 photo IMG_1033_zps1cf71247.jpg

 photo IMG_0918_zpsd41e7a62.jpg

We had a glass of the ice cold beer beside the pool and started our photo shooting session…
During the music played, there was a troupe of synchronized swimmers performing in the pool followed by 4 pretty colourful mermaids! That was a Surprised! Everyone was busy triggering their shutter of the cameras crazily! Haha! It was a very nice scene with the mermaids swim across and the underwater lighting…

 photo IMG_1007_zpsbead7c58.jpg

 photo IMG_0950_zpsfac2f888.jpg

 photo IMG_0944_zps3d941e5b.jpg

 photo IMG_0953_zps720fad86.jpg

 photo IMG_1093_zpsa19a4985.jpg

 photo IMG_1077_zps086c6eda.jpg

The 2 colourful lions were performing their dance in the bar and presented the oranges to the Executive Chef – Mr Alan Wong and F B Manager – Mr Avraam Koustsides.

 photo IMG_0972_zps59db2e18.jpg

And the photo session continued…



You can have a excellent view of Puteri Harbour and catch the spectacular sunset (if the weather is good) from the Sky Bar of Trader Hotel.

 photo IMG_1037_zps0d4da6b4.jpg

 photo IMG_1042_zps863d8fc2.jpg

This is also a nice place for night photography lover, you can enjoy the delightful dinner company with nice wine or cocktail while taking the shots of the beautiful surrounding night view…

 photo IMG_0922_zps81ed8399.jpg

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Buffet Dinner at The Newly Open Harbour Cafe in Traders Hotel at Puteri Harbour, Johor.

The newly open Harbour Cafe in Traders Hotel (N1.41784 E103.65638) has offering a nice buffet dinner to their guests and public. It’s about a month or so, the Traders Hotel at Nusajaya had started operation and so do the restaurants, we were invited by the Communication Manager – Ms Aidah for the buffet dinner on one of the evening.
The Traders Hotel is located next to the popular Hello Kitty Theme Park and Puteri Harbour of Johor, the signages on the Highway will clearly navigate the visitor to the destination easily.

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The Cafe is offering the International and local delicacies, where you can taste full of varieties in one stop. During the Ramadan month, they prepared more local cuisine compare with normal serving to cater the guests for ‘Buka Puasa’.
Once we stepped into the cafe, we were greeted by the nicely display fruits and vegetables pickles on the decoration cabinets…it was so tempted to grab some of it…:)
The Executive Chef from the hotel – Mr Alan Wong introduced the foods to us systematically…our pleasure and thanks to Mr Alan.
The first session was the appetizers…

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There were many fruits and salads available, among all I like the baby tomotoes very much!

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The Harbour cafe provided 7 types of ‘Kerabu’ for appetizers…they were : Yurap Kacang Panjang, Kerabu Ayam, Kerabu Udang, Kerabu Daging, Acar Jelatah, Kerabu Perut and Tauhu Sumbat.
The ‘Rojak’ was loacted at the end of it, where you can mixed your own fruits ‘Rojak’ the way you like.

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On the next session – the Japanese and the local soup corner…honestly, this was my favorite corner. 🙂

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We were stepped in the perfect timing where one of the staff was pereparing the Sashimi…

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Next to the Japanese corner, nicely presented the local soup area. It provided mainly 3 types of soup : chicken, beef and mutton.

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Follow by the Roti Pratha (or canai) session…they do serve ‘Roti Naan’ in request…

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Before we jump to the seafood area, there were something caught my eyes…
The “Ayam Percik Utara, Nasi Hujan Panas, Rusa Rendang Johor and Puyuh Goreng Berlada.”

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The lamb chops were sitted beside…

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The seafoods from the same session…guests will have a choice to take the cooked or request the fresh uncook seafoods.

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Coming up next was the ‘Claypot’ session where most of the curry and assam soup were serve, this was the session I miss! Because of not enough space for me to fill in…

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Every buffet you visit during the Ramadan month, you will definitely see this ‘Whole Baby Lamb’, it might be the must during the Buka Puasa.

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The Chinese corner was situated next, where you can get most of the noodle soup within the session included a Nice Johor Laksa.

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When talk about Chinese corner, it won’t be complete with the ‘Dim Sum’. The tasty Dim Sum served without pork and lard, that means our Muslim friends also have a chance to enjoy the Chinese Dim Sum.

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The Local Delights of ‘Kambing Kari Pudina, nasi Goreng Ikan Masin, Bawal Semur Betawi, Udang Paprik and Pucuk Manis Masak Lemak’ were at the last food corner…

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The last session of the buffet was the interesting island…The Dessert Island.

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They were the first hotel in Johor to brought in the Fondue machine from England, where you can have dark and white chocolate in One machine.

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I believe the children and some of the adults will excited and love it very much!

It was our honor to had Chef Bing to prepared the ‘Apom Balik’ for us, Yummy!

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Now, let’s have a glance on the dining area of Harbour Cafe…

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All the dining area are designed next to the food session, you can easily enjoy your dinner with just a few steps.

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I can’t taste all the foods here because of my very limited stomach, I wish I have 2-3 tummy to fill all the foods here, am I greedy?! 🙂
I tasted the baby lamb, nice and succulent with the kuzi sauce. The fragrance Satay sauce was unique and special which I never try before! Nice! We were indulged in the Sashimi that evening…the Salmon and Tuna Sashimis were fresh with the perfect texture.

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The dessert time was the time we can’t stop enjoying it! Thanks for Chef Bing specially served us the unique dessert from him, that was my First time having the fried pineapple that dipped with dark chocolate! Delicious!

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We had a wonderful evening having the buffet dinner at Harbour Cafe! I’ll definitely back for more…

A common question from friends : “How’s the food?” Well, I cannot taste all the foods in the Cafe, and understand that everyone has a different taste bud. You have to try it yourself to find your own taste. What I can say is…some were average and most were Yummylicious! Especially dine at the nice environment, I would say…I love it!

The price for the buffet dinner at Harbour Cafe from 10th July until 9th August 2013 is RM108++ per pax, 6.30pm – 10.30pm. If you visiting the cafe in the big group, you may contact the Hotel for better price.

Last, I would like to thanks to Ms Aidah – Communicaton Manager, Mr Alan Wong – Executive Chef, Mr Bing – Chef and Mr Avraam – F B Manager for their warm hospitality and the Delicious foods.

*  No pork, no lard, no Halal cert.