Selasa, 14 Mei 2013

Walk along the Riverside of Malacca (Melaka) River (photos sharing)

Before dinner, we strolling along the Malacca River just behind the Best Western Wana Riverside Hotel. The starting point was from the Musical Fountain (N2.20013 E102.24806), the musical fountain start to 'Dance' every evening from 8pm - 11pm, if I'm not mistaken...

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The riverside of Malacca River

It was a cool evening and really relaxing walking...

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The buildings cross the river...

There was a bridge not too far away from us, it's the Jambatan Pasar (Market Bridge). So we decided to cross to the other side of the riverbank...

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The boats for Melaka River Cruise just passed by the Jambatan Pasar...

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The River Cruise's boat of Malacca river

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Jambatan Pasar (Market Bridge)

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Once we crossed the bridge, there were many murals painted on the building's wall...yes, many of them...

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Murals along the Malacca river

If time allow, I would like to capture all the murals photo in the area...there were really nice and some of them reflected the culture of Malacca (Melaka). By sitting at the riverbank and admiring the murals was one of my enjoyment during the evening...

After the buildings full of the street arts, we came to a row of cafes and pubs, these are the nightlife area of Jalan Kampung Hulu of Melaka town. Well, it's nice to have a cold draught beer while enjoy the cool breeze along the Malacca River...at least for me. :)

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Riverbank Music Cafe at Jalan Kampung Hulu (photo taken at the backyard)

The cafe above was Not the only one but with full row of it...until the last shop was a Chinese Seafood Restaurant, the restaurant business was good while we passed by...I guess the seafood here must be delicious! :)

After the seafood restaurant, we reached the Hang Tuah Bridge, we decided to cross it again and back to the hotel because it was about dinner time...

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The Hang Tuah Bridge of Malacca (Melaka)

Standing on the bridge and looking around on the both riverbank, hmm...this was the 'River' which started the Malacca (Melaka) Empire during the 1600s...and also the began of the Tanah Melayu which is Malaysia today.

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Partly view of the Jalan Munshi Abdullah during the evening...

Once we walk across the bridge, the row of pubs and cafes started to light up. Colourful and Nice!

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The row of pubs and cafes along the Jalan Kampung Hulu

We stopped at the place where we started and the whole riverbank walk is around 3.6km (with the proper pathway), which I'm intend to do it in the near future. It was really nice and enjoying walk along the river, where I can slowly view on all the colonial buildings which build on half century ago...

Beside this scenery, it is also a Good place for long exposure photography! Which I'm going to try it on the late evening...

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Have you every try it? If no, please try it on your next visit to Malacca, you will like it! :)

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Sunset taken on the Market Bridge of Melaka River

Related post :-
Malacca (Melaka) 2 days 1 night trip - March 2013

The location map of the start point of our walk along the Malacca River



Minggu, 12 Mei 2013

Malacca (Melaka) Ciam-ciam stall - The local street food at Malacca

This Ciam-Ciam stall (N2.20102 E102.24253) is located in front of the Magnum 4D shop along Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Malacca. We were surprised by the crowds surrounded the stall. My curiosity triggered and push us to try it!

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The Ciam-Ciam stall in front of Magnum 4D shop along Jln Ong Kim Wee

Realized what the stall sell once we stand close...it sell fish ball, loucheon meat, bean curd skin, pork intestine, tribes, streaky pork and many more...all cooked.

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We like the braised and stewed tribes, it was Tasty & Delicous!
All the foods were served by a small stick through it. Different from the "Lok-Lok", because all were cooked and mostly 1 piece per stick.

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Everyone will provide a disposable styrofoam like a plate and we selected the chili, there were few type available in the stall...

By looking at everyone faces, seems like they were really enjoyed the foods! Just like us! Haha! I found it was quite fun by having some local street food (kind of snacks to me) along the street and once I noticed others expression while having it, I can't stop myself to had another few sticks...! :)

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By observing the styrofoam behind the stall, you can imagine how good the business is...
I cannot remember how much per stick but it cost us about RM11 for 2 persons after the boss counted from the sticks...we had a lot of the stewed intestine...:)
I think cannot compare the price with Lok-Lok because all foods was cooked, not raw...so I felt the prices were quite reasonable.

The stall ONLY in business during Saturday and Sunday noon time onwards, Only 2 days per week. So if you pass-by the stall, you might want to try it out the local - Malacca Ciam-Ciam.

Related post :-
Malacca (Melaka) 2 days 1 night trip - March 2013

Location map of the Malacca Ciam-ciam stall at Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Malacca.


Selasa, 07 Mei 2013

The Brazzo Restaurant and Lounge at Taman Ponderosa, Johor Bahru.

The Brazzo Restaurant and Lounge (N1.51800 E103.78205) is located at Jalan Poderosa 2/1, next to UOB Bank of Taman Poderosa. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy and relax, nice ambience!

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The Brazzo at Taman Ponderosa, Johor Bahru.

The warm lightings really made us felt relax and the air-conditinal was cold...it's a good place to enjoy your meals!

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The nice environment of The Brazzo Restaurant & Lounge

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The air-condition was also cold enough to cool us down in the hot sunny day...
After waiting for about 10 minutes, the first dish served on our table was their Sesame Garden Salads.

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The Sesame Garden Salad - The Brazzo

It served in the organic savory leafy vegetable with mayonnaise-based Creamy dressings. The light salads to stimulate the appetite as the first course of our meal and we like the Special sesame taste of the dressings, and not forget the nice cherry tomatoes.

The second dishes was the Ahi Tuna (Yellow Fin Tuna) - One of the Signature dish of Brazzo.

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Ahi Tuna (Yellow Fin Tuna) - The Brazzo

The seared Ahi Tuna (30% cooked) served with the special sauce, vegetables and the tasty mashed potatoes.

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 Ahi Tuna (Yellow Fin Tuna) with sesame seeds - The Brazzo

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The mashed potatoes and cherry tomatoes served with the Ahi Tuna

We tasted the 'Charcoal Grilled' Ahi Tuna for the first time within Johor Bahru area, I like the sesame seeds very much! The fresh tuna melted in our mouth with nice aroma, it made a Must try dish to me! And please don't forget to finish the nice mashed potatoes and the juicy cherry tomatoes.

Before we can finish the Ahi Tuna, the third dish served...The Kurobuta Prime Rack on-the-bone (300g)(another Signature dish of the restaurant)

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The Kurobuta Prime Rack on-the-bone - The Brazzo

"Kurobuta Pork is the most highly prized pork in Japan and comes from the ancient breed of pig known as Black Berkshire. The meat from the pure oriental strains of Black Berkshire, found in Japan, is regarded as the highest quality pork in the world."

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The Kurobuta Prime Rack on-the-bone - The Brazzo

Some knowledges from friend : "Conventional farm-raised pigs tend to lack the incredibly tasty fat that heritage breeds have maintained, and which keeps their meat juicy, tender and, yes, expensive. But if you're a true fan of pork, heritage is worth every succulent bite."

It was my first time trying the highest quality pork in Johor Bahru, it served with the special sauce and it was nicely grilled on the outside and remains succulent inside. This piece of pork gave the different taste from the ordinary pork that available locally. Kind of like the taste...It was a nice experience for us but it can be more perfect by provide more moist of the meat.

The forth dish was Milk Fed Veal Rack (300g) - Signature dish of The Brazzo

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Milk Fed Veal Rack - The Brazzo

"Veal is the meat of young cattle (calves), as opposed to beef from older cattle, Milk Fed Veal was took from calves that are raised on a milk formula supplement. The meat colour is ivory or creamy pink, with a firm, fine, and velvety appearance. They are usually slaughtered when they reach 18–20 weeks of age (450-500 lb). "Milk-fed" veal calves consume a diet consisting of milk replacer, formulated with mostly milk-based proteins and added vitamins and minerals." Source from here.

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Milk Fed Veal Rack - The Brazzo

Our Milk Fed Veal Rack was served with the medium rare doneness. As you can see the pinkish on the meat, it easily melted in our mouth and the 'charcoal grilled' aroma filled up every corner in our mouth! The veal was tender and succulent, this 300g veal took us at least an hour to enjoy it! With the small little cut of Blue Cheese, made this savory Perfect!
It's a Must try dish for beef lover, Delicious!

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Milk Fed Veal Rack served with medium rare doneness

The fifth dish was - French Rack Of Lamb (Signature dish of The Brazzo)

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French Rack Of Lamb - The Brazzo

"A rack of lamb or carré d'agneau (though this may also refer to other cuts) is a cut of lamb cut perpendicularly to the spine, and including 16 ribs or chops."

"Rack of lamb is often "frenched", that is, the rib bones are exposed by cutting off the fat and meat covering them. Typically, three inches of bone beyond the main muscle (the rib eye or Longissimus dorsi) are left on the rack, with the top two inches exposed."
Well, we were not so particular as other food lover to measure the 2" & 3" of it. Haha!

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French Rack Of Lamb - The Brazzo

The Rack of Lamb was well grilled on the outside and it had the medium doneness inside, which gave the reddish pink, browned, and crusty. The seasoning complemented the lamb but not dominate it. We can't stop ourselves after the first bite! No conversation between us during that moment unitl the racks finished...

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Asparagus wrapped by the bacon

2 sticks of  asparagus wrapped by bacon served together with the Rack of Lamb, and no matter how full you are...you must finish this Nice bacon! Tasty!

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French Rack Of Lamb - The Brazzo

All the above meats were imported, and the prices of the 6 types of Singatures dish are between RM50-80. Exclude the Kobe beef.

We were satisfied with all the Signatures dish which served on our table!
The Western Cuisines serve in Brazzo are different from the common western food restaurant in Johor Bahru, you will have more chances to explore the different type of western cuisine in this restaurant and their Specialty is "Charcoal Grilled". It was a sumptuous meals with the reasonable price! Thanks to Mr Sean Lauw - The friendly owner of The Brazzo.

The Brazzo do serve attractive lunch set in the noon time, they have total of 9 different sets all serve with coffee or flower tea for Only RM12.90 nett.
Beside this, they serve beers and other alcohols in the lounge, this naturally turn into a nice cold place to escape during the hot sunny day! :)

With the environment, friendly services, quality foods and affordable prices....it's a Excellent dining Restaurant! Do drop by if you around the Ponderosa or Taman Molek area, I believe you will surprise with the food of The Brazzo Restuarant & Lounge.

The Brazzo Restaurant & Lounge
Jalan Ponderosa 2/1. Taman Ponderosa
Johor Bahru. (Next to UOB Bank, Tmn Ponderosa)
Business hour : 12pm - 1am (Close on Sunday)
Telephone : +6017-778 8972 

Location map of The Brazzo Restaurant and Lounge at Tmn Ponderosa - Johor Bahru.


Senin, 29 April 2013

The Newly Opened 50th Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Outlet at KSL Complex in Johor Bahru.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe (N1.48544 E103.76290) had started a new outlet in the KSL Shopping Mall Johor Bahru now! Located next to the main entrance to the mall. The cafe started business on last Saturday 27th April 2013, and it was crowded.

About Coffee Bean
"Herbert B. Hyman started The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® in 1963 with a dedication to excellence and quality, and his efforts made him the founding father of gourmet coffee in California. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® has since grown into one of the largest privately- owned, family-run coffee and tea companies in the world.

The endurance and popularity of The Bean, as it is affectionately referred to by devotees, can be attributed to the high standards that were established from the beginning. From trend-setting drinks like the World Famous Ice Blended®, to the employees who become a part of the communities they work in, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ® has discovered the formula for a successful coffee and tea company.
"

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe in KSL Mall, Johor Bahru.

The deco is almost same as other outlets and it has a indoor aircon and alfresco area.

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Another cosy area located inside the cafe, it's a good place for those who want more privacy...and I saw there was a power supply socket underneath the chairs, it'll really convenience for those who want to relax surfing in the cafe...

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Cosy corner in Coffee Bean Cafe KSL.

Besides food, coffee and tea, they do sell variety of cakes, scones, puffs, pies and others...

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The Cheese cake was Really nice! Not too sweet...

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Curry puffs, scones and pies...

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There are many types of tea bags selling at the front counter for those customers who like to make their own tea and enjoy at home...
I was attracted by the coffee machines that display in the cafe...
After patiently explained by the Marketing Manager - Ms Nikki Low, I understand that we can buy that machine with the capsules and enjoy the exactly same taste and aroma of coffee at home! Great!

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The CBTL Machine from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

It has variety colour for individual preference, and I like the one in black...how about you? :)
These coffee machines are totally different from the coffee maker we used to see in the market decade ago...well, technology is so advance nowadays!
In conjunction with their 50th Anniversary, their current promotion is RM50 off every machine purchased plus 50 capsules free. Hurry while stock lasts!

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The CBTL Machine from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Most of the time when I visit Coffee Bean Cafe, I only took the coffee...but today I tried their breakfast set. It was a good!

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The Breakfast promotion by Coffee Bean Cafe

I took the toasted bread with half-boiled eggs - 'Food for thought' and my friend ordered the sausages and scrambled eggs - 'Brek 'O' Day'. Both sets served with Coffee or Tea, and we had free refill until 11am.

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Bread with Half-boiled eggs - 'Food for thought'

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The half-boiled eggs

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The sausages and scrambled eggs - 'Brek 'O' Day'

Both breakfast were nice and we enjoy the atmosphere of the Coffee Bean Cafe. We can't control the temptation of the Cheese cake which display in the cake chiller, so end up each of us took one piece of their signature Cheese cake. Oh! It was Delicious!

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The Cheese cake from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and this is also their 50th outlets in Malaysia. What a coincidence! The management is giving 50% off for The Original Mocha / Vanila Ice Blended on the 29th April, 27th May and 24th June this year for all the outlets within Malaysia. Grab it and don't miss it!

Beside this special offer, they also offer the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary TCB Card for their regular customers. It works like a prepaid card and you can collect extra points on the food and beverages every time you visit Coffee Bean Cafe. The card is apply to all customer and all outlets in Malaysia.

Still not enough? To celebrate the opening of their 50th outlet at KSL, they have distributed the Buy 1 get 1 free vouchers for their Ice Blended Mocha / Vanila until 27th May. If you don't have the vouches, you can just show the counter about the offer from their Facebook in your smartphone and they will giving the same privilege to everyone, said Ms Nikki.

Ms Nikki said The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf also provide catering services to office and home! You can order the delicious pastries and colorful cupcakes from them too! Please check out their Party Packs here.

All the price of the foods and drinks are stated in their official website : The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe (KSL Mall)
Ground Floor, KSL Shopping Mall,
Jalan Seladang, Century Garden,
Johor Bahru.

Location map of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe in KSL Mall, Johor Bahru.


Sabtu, 27 April 2013

Gourmet Classroom Cafe. Taman Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru.

Gourmet Classroom Cafe (N1.54502 E103.71303) is located along Jalan Setia Tropika 1/25, Taman Setia Ttropika of Johor Bahru.
This cafe has a Total New Concept and the First in Johor Bahru! The unique way is, you choose what you want in the Cafe, and the Friendly Chef - Ms Candy will cook it for you. Another option is...she will teach you all the recipe that you be able to cook it yourself at home.

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Gourmet Classroom at Taman Setia Tropika

Ms Candy said, they provide the imported 'Good Quality' of beef, lamb, salmon, scallop and many more. Beefs are imported from Australia and you can have a chance to taste the Best Aussie Wagyu and Angus here, even the Aussie Prime Angus! Beside the good quality meat, the ingredients they use are also imported. That's mean you can have a chance to taste the Best of it! This is also the First Cafe in Johor Bahru which serve this type of quality western cuisine!

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Today's Special

Another good point I like to emphasize is, all the cuisines that serve on table are cook without preservative, without seasoning, organic vegetables and 'Original'. You have to cook it this way especially for the Good beef. Another First in Johor Bahru.

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The cafe has a simple setting and it was comfort.
The owner do sell and supply the imported raw (uncook) beef, lamb, salmon & scallop to their customers and hotels, that's the reason you can see the freezers and chillers beside the dining area.

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And not only meat, they have imported milk, ingredients, yogurt and tea (photo below) too...

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Before we place the order, the Chef (lady boss) patiently explain to us about the cooking way and understood that she serve Healthy food to her customers on the priority but sometime she also follow their customers taste bud to suit everyone. Great!

We tried out their Aussie Rib-eyes with the original taste for the first dish...

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Aussie Rib-eyes

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The Aussie Rib-eyes

Medium doneness was served for the rib-eyes, and it tasted Excellent! The rib-eyes was cooked perfectly with pepper, salt and rosemary...without marinated and seasoning. It provided the original taste of the Good Aussie Rib-eyes! My First time having the Rib-eye steak with the original taste! Marvellous!
The cuisine served with US imported (Lamb Weston) french fries without salt also had the original taste of "French Fries", unlike the one we always have it at McDonald. The salads was from all organic fresh vegetables!

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Aussie Rib-eyes was served with medium doneness

The second dish was the Hokkaido Scallop, served with Premium Grade Green Coral and On Vine Tomato.
The size was much more bigger and thinker compare with the local scallop. This 3 pieces of scallops will be enough for a regular eater.

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Hokkaido Scallop

The scallops were grilled on the surface which gave a nice aroma on the first bite (if I'm not mistaken, it grilled with some butter), and it was juicy inside. Delicious!

The third dish was the good quality Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Simple and Nice! Served with olive oil and fine chopped parsley without the dried red chili flakes, I prefer without the chili flakes cos I can smell the olive oil nicely...it was original again! It's difficult to have this type of nice spaghetti around Johor Bahru area beside Gourmet Classroom.  
Another thumb up dish in the restaurant!

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After the meal, Ms Candy let us tried the imported French Macaron as dessert....oh! Very good! Soft and moist! Unliike the local Macaron which is abit hard and dry...Fantastic!

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The imported Yoplait Yogurt was the last we had that evening...this is also one of their product which sell directly to customer. If you are the Yoplait Yogurt lover, you can easily get it from the restaurant right now!

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Yoplait Yogurt

We had long chat with Mr Timothy and Ms Candy after the meals. Ms Candy, who worked and gained experience on western cuisine in Italy many years ago, we admired her cooking skill very much!

Please try out the Western Cuisine from Gourmet Classroom Cafe especially those Beef lover, they have all kind of Good quality beef start from Sirloin to Prime Angus. I believe you will surprise with the meals and feel the different compare with other Western Cuisine Restaurant around Johor Bahru, different experience!

For me, I will definitely back for thier Wagyu and Angus Beef!

*  Note : the cafe is dealing CASH Only for the moment.

Gourmet Classroom
31, Jalan Setia Tropika 1/25,
Taman Setia Tropika,
Kempas, Johor Bahru.
Tel : +607-2306866
Business hour : 12pm - 9pm, Fri-Sun : 12pm - 10pm.

Location map of Gourmet Classroom Restaurant at Taman Setia Tropika, Johor Bahru.