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Tag: foodielife

  • Celebrating 6 Years Together at Noir Fine Dining

    Some moments are not about perfection. They are about presence.

    This dinner at Noir, Tamarind Cyberjaya, was not meant to be a formal review or a checklist of fine-dining techniques. It was simply an experience — one that marked our 6th wedding anniversary, quietly, warmly, and with intention.

    An Intimate Space, Done Right

    Noir is small, cozy, and intentional.

    Limited seating, only a few couples per dining session, and an open kitchen concept that lets you see the chef at work. The ambiance was spot on — dim, calm, intimate, and unpretentious. It felt like a place where time slows down a little, and conversations matter more than noise.

    The chef was friendly, approachable, and clearly passionate. You can feel the care in how each plate is prepared and presented.

    The Food — Not Names, Just Memories

    I’ll be honest — I don’t remember all the exact names of the dishes.

    And that’s okay.

    Sometimes you remember how it made you feel, not what it was called.

    From what we had (and what you can see in the pictures):

    • Wagyu skewer — rich, tender, and absolutely excellent
    • Roasted lamb — padu, full of flavour and cooked just right
    • Shrimp tacos — light, balanced, and enjoyable
    • Tomato soup — comforting and well executed
    • Sparkling mulberry drink
    • Sparkling watermelon drink
    • Complimentary bread with garlic butter — simple, warm, and satisfying

    Each course came at a comfortable pace. No rush. No pressure. Just enough time to enjoy, talk, and breathe.

    More Than a Dinner — A Reflection

    Six years of marriage doesn’t happen by accident.

    We work hard at it.

    We choose to show up.

    We choose to maintain momentum.

    Of course, there are fights — big ones, small ones, the kind that test patience and the kind that teach humility. Marriage is not about avoiding conflict. It’s about learning how to recover, how to listen better, and how to grow together.

    One of our biggest achievements so far?

    We’ve succeeded in besarkan Yusuf.

    He’s now 5 years old, and next year he’ll be starting Year One at school. Watching him grow has changed us — reshaped our priorities, our fears, and our hopes.

    Looking Forward

    Soon, we will start over again — in a different way.

    2026 feels like a new chapter.

    A year of change.

    A year of new beginnings.

    We are quietly expecting something new, insyaAllah.

    And with that comes excitement, nervousness, and gratitude.

    This dinner wasn’t about luxury or status.

    It was about marking a milestone.

    About pausing to say: we’re still here, still trying, still choosing each other.

    Final Thoughts

    Noir wasn’t just a place we ate at.

    It became a backdrop to reflection, gratitude, and quiet celebration.

    If you’re looking for a place to celebrate something meaningful — an anniversary, a milestone, or simply the work you’ve put into a relationship — this was a beautiful way to do it.

    Not a review.

    Just an experience.

    And one we’ll remember.

  • Texas BBQ Barn – Ribs That Melt in Your Mouth

    There’s a certain romance in smoky air, sizzling grills, and the promise of meat cooked low and slow. Last week, I found myself at Texas BBQ Barn – a place that’s slowly becoming a rite of passage for rib lovers in Cyberjaya.

    The Food

    I started light with the mushroom soup – creamy, earthy, and the kind of starter that warms you up before the meat storm. The spaghetti was cooked al dente, nothing groundbreaking but a good filler to balance the heavy proteins. The grilled chicken surprised me – tender, smoky, and seasoned just enough to let the char do the talking.

    But the star of the night? The ribs.

    Juicy, smoky, and with that perfect balance of sweetness and fat (“berlemak” in the best way possible). Each bite slid off the bone and melted in the mouth. It’s the kind of dish you keep thinking about long after the table is cleared.

    According to BBQ tradition, great ribs are judged by three things: smoke ring, tenderness, and sauce. Texas BBQ Barn nailed all three. The meat carried that pinkish smoke ring, was fall-off-the-bone without being mushy, and the glaze hit that sweet-tangy balance without overpowering the meat.

    The Vibe

    The environment is okay – not your fancy five-star steakhouse, but it delivers what it promises: casual, hearty dining. One thing to note: parking can be a bit tricky during peak hours, so come early if you don’t want to circle the block.

    Interestingly, I noticed they host a lot of birthday packages and perks. Families and groups seemed to enjoy the communal vibes, and it adds a festive edge to the otherwise rustic setting.

    Birthday Twist

    Now, here’s the funny part – even though it was my birthday, my son argued that he should be the one getting the presents. Classic four-year-old logic! Ha ha. Of course, I gave in and bought him a little gift to keep the peace.

    As for me, I decided to treat myself too – not just with ribs, but with gear for my homelab hobby. Picked up some SBC boards (I already have a Waveshare V4 and Raspberry Pi Zero 2), plus a GL.iNet Slate 7 portable router. That router is going to be a lifesaver for family vacations and my wife’s outstation trips – secure, encrypted, and keeping all our devices connected wherever we go.

    Final Thoughts

    Texas BBQ Barn isn’t just another eatery; it’s a spot where you go when you want real meat, cooked with patience and passion. Come for the ribs, stay for the grilled chicken, and accept that parking might test your patience.

    Would I return? Without a doubt. Those ribs are worth every hassle. And hey, birthdays are always better when you mix smoky ribs with geeky gadgets.