Lafite, Shangri-La, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lafite is supposedly one of the best restaurants in Malaysia. Every couple of years the chefs change and you are up for a new treat. The current menu offers European food with a slight twist. The thing that doesn't change here though is the excellent service. The waitstaff are awesome! They are attentive, friendly and very knowledgeable. The chefs I've experienced here too are friendly. Any comment on the food generally brings an enthusiastic chef running out for a visit to your table with an explanation of his latest creation. I've had some wonderful meals in this restaurant but also some good meals that are overpriced. This place is worth a visit if you have a Platinum American Express card or membership to the Shangri-La as they both will get you half price off the lunch menu and 30% off the dinner menu. For a reasonably priced sampling of their food the lunch menu offered Monday - Friday is a good choice. For a set price you can choose a starter and a main from the menu and then take your unlimited selection from the dessert buffet.

Lafite
Shangri-La Hotel
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
(60 3) 2074 3900
http://www.shangri-la.com

Lunch With a View, Surf Clubs, Gold Coast, Australia

One of the best places in Australia to get a decent meal with a spectacular view is a surf club. Surf clubs can be found all along Australia's spectacular coastline. On the Gold Coast they pop up every couple of suburbs on the beach. With large indoor/ outdoor balconies they lend themselves to a wonderful afternoon drinking wine, enjoying some great food and admiring the view with friends. Depending on the club, there is often live music in the evenings and Sunday afternoons. These photos were taken from the Southport Surf Life Saving Club. More clubs on the coast can be found at:
http://www.hellogoldcoast.com.au/surf_clubs.html

Dan Murphy's, Australia

Dan Murphy's is an enormous, warehouse size liquor store found all over Australia. It is an absolute dream to shop in. Isle upon isle is filled with wine, beer and spirits from all over Australia and the world. Walk in, tell any shop assistant what you're looking for (EG sav blanc to have with a cold seafood platter, around $15) and in minutes you will have had the run down of at least five different wines that meet your requirements. The average Aussie takes this for granted but after living overseas for so many years a little bit of customer service is very much appreciated. Prices are amazing too. Indulgence is highly encouraged with huge discounts offered when buying six or more bottles. Take a trolly or just go back everyday as we like to do on holidays. It's a wino's heaven. :-)

Dan Murphy's
Found all over Australia
http://danmurphys.com.au

Lemon Garden Cafe, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Without a doubt, Lemon Garden Cafe at the Shangri-La has to offer one of the best buffets in KL. It is always buzzing with people whether it be a weekend or a weeknight. The food is so fresh, the presentation beautiful and after numerous visits I still haven't managed to sample the huge variety of dishes on display. Salads, breads, cheeses, sushi, seafood, caviar, Western, Italian, local and an enormous dessert section - you are spoilt for choice. You will find not even one soggy lettuce leaf here. Truly, everything appears to have been picked or caught just hours before serving. The setting is lovely - floor to ceiling glass with views to a pond and garden (although it can be a little noisy with the number of people and all of that non-sound absorbing glass). If you visit for the weekend brunch you can be entertained by a fun trio of musicians who will do their best to serenade your table with whatever song you request.

Lemon Garden Cafe
Shangri-La Hotel
11 Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
T: (60 3) 2032 2388
www.shangri-la.com

Earth Food at Little Green Planet, Ampang Hilir, Malaysia

I'm very excited about this week's find - an organic cafe on the Ampang side of town. Earth Food at Little Green Planet has only just opened. As with all new places the owners are still working out the kinks but this place tastes promising. They offer a mix of western and local food made from the freshest organic ingredients. They also serve a huge cup of full flavoured smooth coffee. My dad's favourite - dory fillet with orange sauce, hubby's fav - a variety of huge soups, and mine - roasted beet salad. Besides the cafe, they also sell a range of organic food, bath and mum & baby products. You can have a facial using organic products from Australia and next month a bakery will be opened offering a variety of healthy baked goods including a gluten free range. There are even plans for a garden on the grounds and classes on how to grow your own organic plants. I can't wait to go back a bit earlier in the day and try their breakfasts. I've already picked out the buttermilk pancakes and a couple of serves of coffee for when I return. The location along with the happy, clean, bright and green atmosphere is sure to make this place a popular spot, particularly with those of us who live in this part of the woods.

Earth Food
Little Green Planet
12 Jalan Ampang Hilir
55000 Kuala Lumpur
+6 012 223 5328
www.littlegreenplanet.com.my

Twisted Sista Cafe, Byron Bay, Australia

Twisted Sista Cafe is so awesome I would drive everyday from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay just for lunch and coffee if my family didn't protest about the long absences. I might even consider staying at Byron rather than the Coast just for this cafe. Twisted Sista Cafe has a TO DIE FOR sweet selection. Caramel macadamia slice and passionfruit cheesecake... orgasmic. I am a bit of a health freak but these two desserts are well worth the calories. Tandoori panini - grab them early before they run out, and a HUGE (servings are enormous) assortment of quiches, gourmet sandwiches, divine desserts and a stack of other light but supremely rich and flavourful selections could keep a person coming back day after day (or morning, noon and night). Don't miss this place and PLEASE bring me back a slice of something amazing if you visit...

Twisted Sista Cafe
Shop 1,
4 Lawson St,
BYRON BAY,
NSW, 2481
Australia
Phone: (02) 6685 6810