Monday, September 21, 2009

Into the Wild CP2 - Poison Ivy

Having seen enough of goats, with good weather permitting, we set off towards our next destination (Poison Ivy) on foot. It was a long journey, possibly having walk for almost an hour since we last turn into Neo Tiew Road from Lim Chu Kang Road. If not for the good weather, I think we would have already dehydrated halfway and surrender to the gruesome mid afternoon heat. =p The first sight that greeted us when we arrived was this eco-friendly vibrant shop sign located right beside the road. Handmade and painted from recycled wood, it further reinforce the "back to nature" concept of the shop. Hungry from our long trek, we were quickly shown to our seat by the friendly shop staffs.

Lemon grass drink were indeed "lemon grass". Interestingly, the shop added in a piece of real lemongrass to the drink, reinforcing the idea that what you get is all straight from the nature, with no preservative added. For the ice lemon tea though, I think it would be more appropriate if they change the name of the drink on the menu to ice lime tea instead. Substituting lemon for lime, the drink initially tasted like ice lemon tea. However, once the ice started to melt, the drink tasted more and more like ice lime water.

Warrior Chicken Curry
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With a generous portion of chicken, the curry is cooked together with a variety of herbs and curry leaves. Not too spicy for those people who can't stand the heat, this dish is a steal if the portion given can be larger to be shared among 5 people.
Rendang Chicken
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Though the presentation of this dish initially is not very attractive and appetizing, however, do not judged a dish just by its appearance alone. Surprisingly, this is one of the best main courses that our group ordered. With a good blending of spices and herbs that made up the gravy, this dish can really stirs up your appetite. Each individual mouthful taken just kept you wanting for more. A must try for this shop and a good run for your money paid.

Four in One
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Consisting of handmade Banana Bread, Kueh Bingka, Kueh Kosui and Jackfruit Cake, this is a definitely must try. Initially served piping hot, you will be amazed at the softness of the kueh served. This is definitely one of the best kueh I have ever eaten in my entire life. For the Jackfruit cake, it is served with a generous amount of jackfruit in the cake. Coupled with the strong jackfruit aroma once you chewed it in you mouth, it just left you breathless. The only weak link among the four is the Kueh Kosui. I find it too soft and not starchy enough. If the kueh Kosui can be harder, this dish will be perfect.

After lunch activities was a stroll around the farm plots behind the Poison Ivy, where they showcase sustainable farming. Every dish (greenery wise) served was straight out from their produce, where no industrial fertilizers was used. Organic fertilizers that the plants needed were obtained from their compost such as the one from the picture above.

A fruitful trip back to nature indeed.

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