Johor Kaki was invited by Christian, manager at Vino Vino Bistro to try their Japanese grill or yakitori dishes.
Vino Vino Bistro in Taman Molek is a very well appointed restaurant with an impressive range of beers, whiskies, fine wines, and premium spirits.
Vino Vino has a private room for those special occasions.
Vino Vino has plenty of choices of fine sake and shochu, needless to say.
And, this is the charcoal fired yakitori station that churns out all the delicious Japanese grilled dishes to go with the fine spirits in Vino Vino. Heading Vino Vino's kitchen is Japanese Executive Chef Inose Kazuhiro who has many years of working experience in Japan and Singapore, and over 10 years in Malaysia.
Before we get down to the yakitori, Christian started us off with a couple of Japanese appetisers. This was the Ockura Mentaiko Ae (RM16), lady's fingers with cod roe.
I liked this Ockura Mentaiko Ae a lot. The tender, crunchy, slightly sweet lady fingers with slimy sap were mixed with savoury cod roe. Excellent, delicious combination that really whetted my appetite.
The Gobo salad (RM16) made with very thin slices of fried fibrous root is a very popular appetiser among Japanese.
Our appetites nicely whetted, it's time for the main course. Yakitori literary means "grilled chicken". So central to any good yakitori menu are its grilled chicken parts.
Nankotsu (RM3), chicken cartilage from the breast bone. My family and friends know that I will always "reserve" this part of the chicken whenever we eat together. I like nankotsu for its crunchy bite.
Torikawa (RM4) or grilled chicken skin and ginan (RM3) or grilled ginko nuts. Crispy and savoury.
When I saw bishop's noses (bonjiri RM6) on the menu, I couldn't resist asking for it. Hey, the best blend of skin, fat, meat, and collagen in a chicken is right here, not anywhere else. They are always good when grilled till the skin is crisp.
Aburi Mentaiko (RM38), cod roe marinaded in red capsicum juices and then grilled.
Salty and savoury with very subtle tender, poppy mouth feel from the bursting eggs, Aburi Mentaiko goes well with drinks, in my opinion.
Tokusei Tsukune (RM6) or "Special Meat Ball" made with minced beef and chicken.
The "meat ball" is dipped in soft boiled eggs and sauce before eating.
Eringi, King Trumpet Mushroom (RM3).
The manager's recommendation, Ocatsuki (RM6) or "Rice Ball in Green Tea Soup".
The steamed rice is compacted into a ball and then grilled till a slightly burnt crust forms. The bits of burnt, crunchy crust matched well with the clear, lightly flavoured broth to create an interesting dish that goes well with yakitori.
We had a couple of wines to help us wash all that yakitori down.
Getting to Vino Vino Bistro is really easy. Just 15 minutes' drive from downtown Johor Bahru via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link). If you don't want to drive, Vino Vino even has a limo service (actually a SUV clearly painted Vino Vino) in which they will pick up diners from anywhere in town and bring you to the restaurant. After your dinner, Vino Vino's limo will send you to anywhere you want to go in Johor Bahru town. Just call Vino Vino at 607-357-6699. I think this is a really thoughtful and helpful service. I will use this service the next time I am going to Vino Vino, and perhaps, indulge myself a little bit more in the drinks :)
I would definitely like to come back to Vino Vino Bistro for the food, drinks and the ambiance.
Restaurant name: Vino Vino Bistro Address: 12, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru Map: http://goo.gl/maps/BCkwD GPS: 1.527851,103.789719 Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight / Sunday 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight Non Halal
Date visited: 1 Apr 2013
Johor Kaki was invited by Christian, manager at Vino Vino Bistro to try their Japanese grill or yakitori dishes.
Vino Vino Bistro in Taman Molek is a very well appointed restaurant with an impressive range of beers, whiskies, fine wines, and premium spirits.
Vino Vino has a private room for those special occasions.
Vino Vino has plenty of choices of fine sake and shochu, needless to say.
And, this is the charcoal fired yakitori station that churns out all the delicious Japanese grilled dishes to go with the fine spirits in Vino Vino. Heading Vino Vino's kitchen is Japanese Executive Chef Inose Kazuhiro who has many years of working experience in Japan and Singapore, and over 10 years in Malaysia.
Before we get down to the yakitori, Christian started us off with a couple of Japanese appetisers. This was the Ockura Mentaiko Ae (RM16), lady's fingers with cod roe.
I liked this Ockura Mentaiko Ae a lot. The tender, crunchy, slightly sweet lady fingers with slimy sap were mixed with savoury cod roe. Excellent, delicious combination that really whetted my appetite.
The Gobo salad (RM16) made with very thin slices of fried fibrous root is a very popular appetiser among Japanese.
Our appetites nicely whetted, it's time for the main course. Yakitori literary means "grilled chicken". So central to any good yakitori menu are its grilled chicken parts.
Nankotsu (RM3), chicken cartilage from the breast bone. My family and friends know that I will always "reserve" this part of the chicken whenever we eat together. I like nankotsu for its crunchy bite.
Torikawa (RM4) or grilled chicken skin and ginan (RM3) or grilled ginko nuts. Crispy and savoury.
When I saw bishop's noses (bonjiri RM6) on the menu, I couldn't resist asking for it. Hey, the best blend of skin, fat, meat, and collagen in a chicken is right here, not anywhere else. They are always good when grilled till the skin is crisp.
Aburi Mentaiko (RM38), cod roe marinaded in red capsicum juices and then grilled.
Salty and savoury with very subtle tender, poppy mouth feel from the bursting eggs, Aburi Mentaiko goes well with drinks, in my opinion.
Tokusei Tsukune (RM6) or "Special Meat Ball" made with minced beef and chicken.
The "meat ball" is dipped in soft boiled eggs and sauce before eating.
Eringi, King Trumpet Mushroom (RM3).
The manager's recommendation, Ocatsuki (RM6) or "Rice Ball in Green Tea Soup".
The steamed rice is compacted into a ball and then grilled till a slightly burnt crust forms. The bits of burnt, crunchy crust matched well with the clear, lightly flavoured broth to create an interesting dish that goes well with yakitori.
We had a couple of wines to help us wash all that yakitori down.
Getting to Vino Vino Bistro is really easy. Just 15 minutes' drive from downtown Johor Bahru via the EDL (Eastern Dispersal Link). If you don't want to drive, Vino Vino even has a limo service (actually a SUV clearly painted Vino Vino) in which they will pick up diners from anywhere in town and bring you to the restaurant. After your dinner, Vino Vino's limo will send you to anywhere you want to go in Johor Bahru town. Just call Vino Vino at 607-357-6699. I think this is a really thoughtful and helpful service. I will use this service the next time I am going to Vino Vino, and perhaps, indulge myself a little bit more in the drinks :)
I would definitely like to come back to Vino Vino Bistro for the food, drinks and the ambiance.
Restaurant name: Vino Vino Bistro Address: 12, Jalan Molek 1/13, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru Map: http://goo.gl/maps/BCkwD GPS: 1.527851,103.789719 Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight / Sunday 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight Non Halal
I have been to Din BBQ Station twice, once last year soon after the restaurant opened, and again a few days ago.
Din BBQ Station is unique in that it is probably the only Halal BBQ concept restaurant in Johor Bahru.
Din, the boss, shared that he has been constantly refining his cooking technique and the operations at Din BBQ Station. I observed that the constant improvements have helped Din BBQ Station retain many customers who initially only tried out the new restaurant out of curiosity. Now, several families have become regulars.
Din personally does the BBQ-ing and he has mastered the art of managing the heat and fire. Din even notes the preferences of customers as some like their meat dry and thoroughly cooked through, while others prefer theirs just seared on the outside while inside, the hot juices remain intact.
Din knew I like my meat cooked but moist, so these prawns and the squid were just done, and Din managed to preserve most of their natural juices and sweetness.
My friends know that I am crazy about sotong (squids), so I was eagerly waiting for this BBQ sotong :P
Oh, this sotong was lovely. Tender, bouncy, smokey, creamy, savoury and sweet. They just feed my sotong craving which cannot be satisfied.
Bear with me while I ogle at my own sotong photos :P
The BBQ prawns were also succulent and sweet, just the way I liked them.
Din was keen for me to try his BBQ chicken wings marinaded with his signature sauce and eaten with his own dip.
I enjoyed Din's BBQ chicken wings which were savoury and nicely mildly spicy. Din's dip added a little sweetness and interesting flavours from the chopped onions and other ingredients.
Din is quite skillful in BBQ-ing. No trace of blood at all, but the chicken wings were still sweet and juicy.
The simple nasi lemak at Din BBQ Station is quite good. The rice is fragrant and nicely cooked. The sambal was well balanced between savoury and spicy.
Other customers' BBQ fish which Din shared are his popular items.
This was another customer's lamb chop.
For lunch, Din serves set lunches and popular dishes like this asam pedas fish head.
Asam Pedas Kepala Ikan Merah RM26
I also enjoyed these fresh vegetables at Din's.
I like to eat the crunchy vegetables with Din's savoury and mildly spicy sambal chili dip.
A sketch map to help you locate Din BBQ Station easily.
Restaurant name: Din BBQ Station Address: 32, Jalan Bestari 6/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, Johor Bahru Map: http://goo.gl/maps/RBDOK GPS: 1.481755,103.665769 Hours: 11:00am to 11:30pm Halal
Dates visited: 5 Dec 2012, 21 Mar 2013, 10 Apr 2013
I have been to Din BBQ Station twice, once last year soon after the restaurant opened, and again a few days ago.
Din BBQ Station is unique in that it is probably the only Halal BBQ concept restaurant in Johor Bahru.
Din, the boss, shared that he has been constantly refining his cooking technique and the operations at Din BBQ Station. I observed that the constant improvements have helped Din BBQ Station retain many customers who initially only tried out the new restaurant out of curiosity. Now, several families have become regulars.
Din personally does the BBQ-ing and he has mastered the art of managing the heat and fire. Din even notes the preferences of customers as some like their meat dry and thoroughly cooked through, while others prefer theirs just seared on the outside while inside, the hot juices remain intact.
Din knew I like my meat cooked but moist, so these prawns and the squid were just done, and Din managed to preserve most of their natural juices and sweetness.
My friends know that I am crazy about sotong (squids), so I was eagerly waiting for this BBQ sotong :P
Oh, this sotong was lovely. Tender, bouncy, smokey, creamy, savoury and sweet. They just feed my sotong craving which cannot be satisfied.
Bear with me while I ogle at my own sotong photos :P
The BBQ prawns were also succulent and sweet, just the way I liked them.
Din was keen for me to try his BBQ chicken wings marinaded with his signature sauce and eaten with his own dip.
I enjoyed Din's BBQ chicken wings which were savoury and nicely mildly spicy. Din's dip added a little sweetness and interesting flavours from the chopped onions and other ingredients.
Din is quite skillful in BBQ-ing. No trace of blood at all, but the chicken wings were still sweet and juicy.
The simple nasi lemak at Din BBQ Station is quite good. The rice is fragrant and nicely cooked. The sambal was well balanced between savoury and spicy.
Other customers' BBQ fish which Din shared are his popular items.
This was another customer's lamb chop.
For lunch, Din serves set lunches and popular dishes like this asam pedas fish head.
Asam Pedas Kepala Ikan Merah RM26
I also enjoyed these fresh vegetables at Din's.
I like to eat the crunchy vegetables with Din's savoury and mildly spicy sambal chili dip.
A sketch map to help you locate Din BBQ Station easily.
Restaurant name: Din BBQ Station Address: 32, Jalan Bestari 6/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, Johor Bahru Map: http://goo.gl/maps/RBDOK GPS: 1.481755,103.665769 Hours: 11:00am to 11:30pm Halal
Dates visited: 5 Dec 2012, 21 Mar 2013, 10 Apr 2013
The idea of WGOIJB Makan Blitz was to raid popular food centres in JB as a group and try out as many different stalls as possible together. After the makan spree, we will highlight our favourite stalls of the evening.
For the Makan Blitz on Cedar Point food centre near Hotel Grand Paragon, Sin Kee Ikan Bakar BBQ seafood stall got the most Likes from our Eat Gang. This stall even got repeat orders from us as we stayed on to chill, and chatted the evening away.
I usually consider three key points when appreciating a BBQ seafood stall, namely, the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the stall's sambal, and the chef's skill in cooking the seafood.
Sin Kee Ikan Bakar BBQ seafood stall impressed on all these three key criteria and so it was little wonder that it attracted the most votes during our Makan Blitz.
Everything at this stall was fresh - the boss was showing off his fresh sotong (squid) with full confidence.
This photo was taken in difficult dim light and yet we can still see the bright eyes of the fish and sotong (squid).
The sambal was not too spicy hot and was savoury. It was also not too greasy, which is a common shortcoming of average BBQ seafood stalls.
The chef handling the cooking was skillful and did a good job of cooking the seafood just right, with a bit of smokiness while retaining its natural juiciness.
The accompanying vegetables like petai (irresistible stinky beans) and lady fingers were also done very well. The texture was crisp and crunchy. Again, it was not overly greasy.
All in, this BBQ seafood was delicious as the stingray and sotong (squid) flesh were tender and juicy while its taste was a blend of natural sweetness, spiced up with aromatic, savoury sambal.
Some of our Eat Gang declared that this is their favourite BBQ seafood stall in JB. Sin Kee Ikan Bakar is certainly a Must Try for BBQ seafood lovers.
Restaurant name: Sin Kee Ikan Bakar @ Cedar Point Food Centre Address: Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru Map: http://g.co/maps/jtm7g GPS: 1.481492,103.762167 Hours: Daily 6:00pm to midnight Non Halal Date visited: 20 Oct 2012
The idea of WGOIJB Makan Blitz was to raid popular food centres in JB as a group and try out as many different stalls as possible together. After the makan spree, we will highlight our favourite stalls of the evening.
For the Makan Blitz on Cedar Point food centre near Hotel Grand Paragon, Sin Kee Ikan Bakar BBQ seafood stall got the most Likes from our Eat Gang. This stall even got repeat orders from us as we stayed on to chill, and chatted the evening away.
I usually consider three key points when appreciating a BBQ seafood stall, namely, the freshness of the ingredients, the quality of the stall's sambal, and the chef's skill in cooking the seafood.
Sin Kee Ikan Bakar BBQ seafood stall impressed on all these three key criteria and so it was little wonder that it attracted the most votes during our Makan Blitz.
Everything at this stall was fresh - the boss was showing off his fresh sotong (squid) with full confidence.
This photo was taken in difficult dim light and yet we can still see the bright eyes of the fish and sotong (squid).
The sambal was not too spicy hot and was savoury. It was also not too greasy, which is a common shortcoming of average BBQ seafood stalls.
The chef handling the cooking was skillful and did a good job of cooking the seafood just right, with a bit of smokiness while retaining its natural juiciness.
The accompanying vegetables like petai (irresistible stinky beans) and lady fingers were also done very well. The texture was crisp and crunchy. Again, it was not overly greasy.
All in, this BBQ seafood was delicious as the stingray and sotong (squid) flesh were tender and juicy while its taste was a blend of natural sweetness, spiced up with aromatic, savoury sambal.
Some of our Eat Gang declared that this is their favourite BBQ seafood stall in JB. Sin Kee Ikan Bakar is certainly a Must Try for BBQ seafood lovers.
Restaurant name: Sin Kee Ikan Bakar @ Cedar Point Food Centre Address: Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru Map: http://g.co/maps/jtm7g GPS: 1.481492,103.762167 Hours: Daily 6:00pm to midnight Non Halal Date visited: 20 Oct 2012
