Nomi Tomo Sake Bar, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

A friend of ours has been wanting to visit this place since they opened and so do we. We planned and let it known to our group of friends to join us. It's always nicer to drink with friends unless special occasion calls for it.

We had dinner at Humble Chef first, which I shall share about later and then walked over to the other end of the shoplot where Nomi Tomo is.

For those who haven't been there, there is no signboard for you to look out for from the road or shops. If you are familiar where Aliyaa, Jarrod & Rowlins and Huckleberry Food & Fare, you are on the right road. Theirs is on the third floor, above Huckleberry and can only be accessible by a small communal lift. Thankfully, all 8 of us could fit into the tiny lift.

As we exit from the lift, we are welcome by the Japanese decorations on both sides. I love how they decorated their counter and a mini fountain with clay carafes hung on the wall with array of all the beloved sakes displayed. So happened that I saw glasses of sake bomb on their counter, if you would like to order it.

We were then led to a table behind and behold, more sake and Japanese beer behind us. I have never seen more sake in my life and impressed by their selections that they bring in.

Overwhelmed by so many choices, we had one of the owners helping us out in selecting the sake that we think we will like. Before that, one of their waiters present to us a tray of different type of clay glasses that we can choose from. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to take a photo of all the unique glasses.

For our first order, we choose Junmai, Rikishi label. We wanted something energising and still light in flavour and we had ours chilled in a bucket of ice in which the bottles can be placed at the centre of the table.

Junmai Rikishi label RM170 (720ml)

Fret not, there are some light Yakitori if you are hungry. Some of us end up ordering it and later as time goes, we ordered our favourite Edamame. This goes so well with our sakes. Eventually, we ordered another different bottle. Yujo has a slightly stronger taste and smoother too. Rikishi was light, refreshing and a little on the sweet side. Both aren't flavoured sake since most of us prefer the actual taste. 

One of them even ordered the Japanese orange flavoured beer, which is an IPA (Indian Pale Ale). All I can say is that she didn't like it and neither did I and our other girl friend. The guys love it though, including my hubby. We, girls, find the beer taste more on the bitter side.

Yujo RM184 (720ml)

Dai Dai RM 28

Edamame RM6

It is a nice place to hang out, enjoy your sake and Yakitori in the process. In conjunction with Christmas, they are currently having a promotion, whereby if you order a bottle of 720ml sake, you will get an exclusive set of Nomi Tomo sake glasses. Promotion started yesterday, 23 December and is on first come, first served basis. It is limited to one set per order only.

Address: 3rd Floor, No.2 & 4 Jalan Medan Setia 2
                Bukit Damansara
                50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hour: Mon to Sat: 6.30pm to 2am
Tel: 03-2011 2839
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nomitomokl/timeline
               http://nomi.com.my
Budget: $$-$$$ (depending on how big your group is)
Other info: Cash and credit card accepted

Merchant's Lane, Jalan Petaling (Petaling Street), Kuala Lumpur

I've heard of this place from so many of my friends, whom have visited. One fine Saturday, as part of our wedding anniversary's low budget celebration this year, this become part of our plan. 

For one thing, we were fortunate that a car came out from one of the parking spot next to the open paid carpark. We rely heavily on Foursquare to find the place and we couldn't find it for around 10 minutes. It says we were on the right location but as we walked nearby ATC College, it took us long enough to discover a small sign scribbled saying Merchant's Lane is on the right side, next to stationery shop. The cafe is located within a walking distance to Chinatown, where the old heritage buildings are still intact.

Our problem was that the stationery shop had their brown blinds down when the sun was facing the shop and as such, we missed the sign because it was blocked when we walked up and down the street.

P.S Photos below were taken later part in the evening after we visited the cafe.

From what my friend told us is that this place used to be a prostitute's den, or more like for customers to come. Hence, that explains why it is hidden in plain sight.

The owners try their best to preserve the interior while incorporating some modern looks. I love the fact that there is still light coming through from the roof and if you step outside to the back, there is a courtyard, decorated with Chinese elements, while blending in the overgrown tree and its root that wraps itself against the wall. 

Unfortunately, we didn't order any food this round. We were still full from our lunch at Brickfields and we had their teapig iced tea instead. 

We shall make an effort to come back again for its food. 

Address: No.150, Jalan Petaling, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hour: Mon to Sun: 10.30am to 8pm
Tel: 03-2022 1736
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Merchants-Lane-美真林-965566273456114/timeline
Budget: $$
Other info: Cash and credit card accepted

The Ais Artisan Ice Cream, Damansara Uptown, Petaling Jaya

Other than hipster cafes, it looks like ice cream cafe is the "in-thing" too. We visited one, not too long ago at the over-crowded Damansara Uptown.

I love their cute, little logo. The shop is above The Library Coffee Bar, which is under renovation by the way. 

As we walked up to the first floor, we were greeted by the cosy cafe, with view over the outdoor carpark and office buildings. 

They have a large book shelf at a corner and saw a few interesting titles, one which caught my eye.

When we were there, there were only two other customers around. There's a mix of local ice-cream flavours and one liquor ice-cream. Some of the unique ones are Horlicks KitKat, Sweet Potato, Volcano, Matcha Oreo and Gula Melaka. You are welcome to ask for a free tasting before deciding on the flavour. 

If you are wondering if they have other types of dessert other than ice-cream, yes they do. There's affogato, coconut dream and yogurt delight.

I finally decided on rum raisin, volcano and gula melaka. We got caught off guard when we were served. We expected to be in a cup but they serve it on a plate and somehow, we might have over ordered again, hahahaha...

Volcano, Gula Melaka and Rum Raisin RM 22.50

Volcano ice-cream has a unique flavour sweet and spicy. You can taste hint of chili and it gets spicy after few spoonful. I find it nice that it has a kick to it. I've tried gula melaka (brown sugar) in another ice-cream cafe before and I find that Ais's version is more distinct, which I like. Rum raisin is equally good too with strong flavour of rum.

Would I recommend you coming here? Yes, for selected flavours and weekends only since parking is almost impossible on a working day, unless you come after 7pm.

Address: 78A, 1st Floor, Jalan SS21/39

               Damansara Utama

               47400 Petaling Jaya

Opening Hour: Mon: 2pm to 12am

                         Wed to Sun: 2pm to 12am

Tel: 012 3456837

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theaiscream/timeline

Budget: $-$$

Other info: Only cash acceptance