Thursday, March 27, 2014

Tous Les Jours at WOLO, Bukit Bintang: Cozy Korean-French bakery in the heart of KL

Tous Les Jours' Berry Berry Tiramisu overlooking the busy Bukit Bintang street
I recently had the chance to visit the Korean-French bakery Tous Les Jours at WOLO, Bukit Bintang. I just couldn't resist walking in as the cozy ambience attracted my attention.

The name Tous Les Jours (pronounced TOO-LEH-JOO), which means 'everyday' in French may have some thinking that the bakery is a French chain, but in actual fact the chain originated in South Korea. During my trip to South Korea, I did manage to see a few of these outlets, but did not have the chance to try their products.

Now that I'm back in KL, I wish that I can visit the bakery 'everyday'... Or whenever I miss South Korea. Sigh....

So back to my visit.... Although I went in mid-afternoon, the bakery was quite full, and there were a few empty seats left.
Tea break time at Tous Les Jours while people-watching
I had a Berry Berry Tiramisu (RM8.90) and a Mango Yoghurt drink (RM10) while my brothers picked up a few buns.

The tiramisu was smooth and creamy... Yummy! And not to mention there was a little macaron to sample too... My stomach was full after one cup but instead my mouth still wants more. Guess I gotta come here 'everyday' huh? :p

My brother loved their signature Milk Bun (RM3.80), which was expected since he was a milk lover. One bun just wasn't enough, he said, so we had to take-away more home!
Tous Les Jours' Mango Yoghurt drink
I wanted to have their Iced Flakes (patbingsu), but sadly they were not available. Instead, their Mango Yoghurt did manage to help me cool down from the blistering hot outside. It wasn't overly milky, yet not too sweet, so I'll give this a 3.5 out of 5. Could do better though if they had stirred the syrup at the bottom before serving.
Tous Les Jours' pastries selection
They also had some French pastries on sale too, which I have yet to try. I'll make sure to try it the next round!
Tous Les Jours' buns on display
When we entered the shop, we were overwhelmed by the bread and pastries on display. Everyone seemed good and we couldn't make up our minds!
Tous Les Jours cakes and desserts on display
Their cakes and desserts, especially their tiramisu and macarons are so irresistible. I couldn't help but pick out a tiramisu to try, even though I wanted to try their pastries in the first place.
Tous Les Jours' country-inspired decor
I loved their country-inspired decor and also the cozy ambience where you can relax from the hustle and bustle of shopping in KL's Golden Triangle, grab a drink and some buns and pastries while resting your tired feet.
Tous Les Jours' WOLO: the upstairs felt like a huge reading room
I sat upstairs and I felt that the decor gave me the feels of sitting in a huge reading room, where I can have my drink and cake at the same time. 

While relaxing, I heard the strains of K-indie band Busker Busker's song playing in the background. That moment just transported me back to South Korea again because most cafes there loved Busker Busker's songs...
Tous Les Jours buns for breakfast (wait... somebody stole some of my madeleines already!)
We brought home some buns for breakfast the next day, and the buns were still (gladly) soft like the day before. The Chocolate Madeleines (RM3.90 for pack of 3) were awesome (dipped with coffee), and as you can see in the picture above, some were already stolen the night before!

Even my elderly grandparents loved the Red Bean buns and madeleines, so it's quite safe to say they cater to our Malaysian tastes as well.

I'll definitely make Tous Les Jours a place to stop by whenever I'm in the vicinity next time!

The store address is:
WOLO Bukit Bintang
126A-C, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel : +603-4065 0088
Opening Hours : 8AM – 11PM

They do have a store in Bangsar as well:
39-41 Jalan Telawi 3 | Bangsar Baru | 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : +603-2201 3526
Opening Hours : 7AM – 12AM (Sun - Thurs)
7AM - 1AM (Fri, Sat & Public Holiday)


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TLJMalaysia

Pic credits: TLJ Malaysia

The author is glad to have finally found a place where she can visit whenever her 'hunger pangs' for South Korea comes.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

2NE1 Finally 'Come Back Home'

 
I have been looking forward to writing this piece over the last 2 years. I can't believe it's being posted on my blog at last! With this, it signals the return of YG's hip hop/dance/electronica girl group, 2NE1!

I never particularly loved 2NE1 for their style and sound during their debut days, but ever since the release of 'I Am The Best' I have been a converted fan.

Imagine my excitement when 'I Love You' was released late 2012, ahead of their album's release. After many of waiting, the album never came. Fans like myself were frustrated, but remained loyal and calm.

Then in 2013, we were teased by the release of 'Falling In Love', followed closely by 'Do You Love Me'. Speculations of an album release was in the air.

And then the long wait began again... this time many were already calling YG a troll... until the release of the slow-tempo number 'Missing You' in November 2013. They even performed the song during the 2013 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong!

Then came another long wait. We were being left in the cold after being all teased up! Then around January 2014 rumours which led to confirmation of a new album were all around the internet.

After a superbly long wait, their music video for 'Come Back Home' and 'Happy' are released on March 3. Their album dropped on the online stores on February 26, on CL's birthday. As expected, they achieved an all-kill on the music charts!

Check out the music video for 'Come Back Home' below!


In their latest album, 2NE1 managed to keep their sound fresh while experimenting with a more hip-hop/swagger style mixed up with some mellow ballads. 

While 'Crush' reminds me very much of 'I Am The Best', 'Come Back Home' is a mid-tempo track which brings out the best in every member, in terms of vocal and individual colour.

Another track which I loved was CL's solo 'MTBD', also known as 'Mental Breakdown', which is a mind-blowing track full of CL's signature swagger and rap. While the bass proves to be an addictive element, the lyrics itself is another story.

The lyrics revolved around karma and revenge towards a former lover, but the part which I liked most was the reference to Bob Marley's famous hit, "Karma karma karma is looking for you/ Watchu' gonna do when they come for you"!

Their latest album 'Crush' certainly did not disappoint me the very least and to sum up what it's done to me, let me borrow a line from one of their songs, 'Boom, boom, boom!"

Check out the music for 'Happy' below!



The author is totally relieved that the long wait is over. Now let's look forward to 2NE1's upcoming 'All Or Nothing' concert in Malaysia this coming May!

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