Daily: The Merchant Bar @ Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya

Armada Hotel presents their latest refreshed, restyled and rebranded 'The Merchant'. Many of you may have known it as 'Merchant Pub' before it underwent a major makeover to become a hybrid of cosmopolitan New York bar and an updated London gentlemen's club.

The Merchant uses copper and wood as its interior, exuding elegance and style. Here, they serve up an enormous range of whiskies in addition to a full range of other liquors such as beer, brandy, gin, vodka and wine. The bar also offers an extensive menu of main courses and light bites to delight palates of all kind.

There are many different spaces around this bar, such as the balcony which overlooks the highway and the beautiful PJ skyline. Or, you can just hang out in the Cigar Lounge while listening to the soft sounds of smooth jazz and seductive lounge music.

Entertain yourselves and your friends in the all new 'The Merchant Live' with three private suites themed red, gold and silver. These suites cater up to 30 pax capacity where guests can revel in plush and roomy comfort, and sing their heart out while entertaining in style and privacy. Perhaps those who doesn't want to sing can opt for the Phoenix Darts Machine or the British Pool Table in the biggest suite. With 'The Merchant Live', planning any corporate functions or party is as easy as 123!

Live performances at The Merchant Live starts from 9.00pm onwards from Wednesdays to Saturdays and there is no cover charge. Closed on Sundays.

Some of the bites we had during the launch yesterday!

Group picture :)

The Merchant
The Armada Petaling Jaya
Level 1, Lot 6, Lorong Utara C, Section 52
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia

Tel : +603 7954 688 ext 4629 / 4554
Email : fnb@armada.com.my
Open daily : 1600 – 0100 (Monday – Sunday)
No cover charge

Food: Lobbee Thai Connection @ Empire Damansara, Damansara Perdana

For those who would like to add some spice in their life, Thai food is the way to go. True enough, if you've ever been to Bangkok and tried some authentic Thai cuisine, you will realise that the dishes are aromatic or mostly, sour and spicy. For me, Thai cooking is one which will definitely awake your senses and tantalize your tastebuds.

I was ecstatic to be invited for a review at the two weeks old, Lobbee Thai Connection at Empire Damansara. We were a little lost while trying to locate this restaurant although it wasn't our first time here. Just take note, Lobbee is at the same floor as the parking area. 

It was about 3 pm when we reached and surprisingly, even during this 'dead' hour, there were still customers who came for a meal. First impression was, the food must be so good that people probably crave for it at random hours. Well, no surprise, I always crave for Thai food as well and particularly, I enjoy 'tomyam' very much. Anyway, the name Lobbee was crafted out from the combination of their specialty lobster and Bee, the name of their chef. 

The interior had a rustic & modern feel to it. Simple layout without any elaborate decorations, Lobbee aims to focus on the younger generation who enjoys good food. You will find that the food served here isn't your regular authentic Thai cuisine because they've came out with their own creations from the original Thai recipes. 

Self service chilled lemon water

SALADS

Fried Potato with Thai Salad Dressing (RM 11.00)

Real potato strips which are fried till golden brown and served with special chili sauce. The spicy, sourish sauce is made from peanuts, long beans, fish sauce & palm sugar. It really compliments the fried potatoes and perfect as a healthy snack.

STARTERS

Chicken Skewers with Sticky Rice (RM 9.00)

This appetizer is a favourite in the north east part of Thailand and it is usually made with pork instead of chicken. However, Lobbee is a pork free restaurant so, they have decided to use chicken instead. The chicken is marinated before pan grilling and then served with sticky rice. Bear in mind that the rice is different than the usual mango sticky rice. This version is slightly chewier and harder and less oily.

Thai Squid Cake (RM 12.00)

This is an improved version of the original Thai fish cake but here, they decided to add some squids inside. This isn't too oily and its good for weight watchers who tend to avoid fried food.

SINGLE PLATES

Stir Fried Flat Noodles with Chicken & Brown Squid (RM 15.00)

We were guessing that the flat noodles used here is the usual koey teow but uniquely, they changed it to 'chee cheong fun' because they found that the smooth texture was more suitable. Served with eggs, lettuce, fried chicken skin, brown squid and garnished with some spring onions, this dish is a perfect comfort food.

COMBO TOMYAM NOODLES

Lobbee Combo (RM 98.00)
This is the main star of the day with Asian Green lobster, king crab legs, salmon, squid, mussels and soft boiled eggs. You may select your noodles from a choice of; Thai kuey teow, Thai instant noodles, flat noodles & vermicelli noodles. All the ingredients which were added in is exceptionally fresh and initially, it wasn't very spicy but as you continue enjoying this dish, the spiciness will really settle in. Anyway, I think its a great deal for the generous amount of seafood and noodles in this bowl of heavenly goodness. It's good for sharing among 3-4 pax unless you're a big eater of course.

DRINKS

Red Lemon Soda (RM 8.00)
Don't this look cute? A bottle within a glass. The idea originated from Thailand but the concoction is Lobbee's own creation.

Lobbee Iced Tea (RM 9.00)
Roasted tea with blended lychee at the bottom, very refreshing and a definite must try.

Iced Butterfly Pea Lime Juice (RM 9.00)
The colouring used to make this drink blue is from the same as in 'nasi kerabu': butterfly pea flower. Pouring the lime juice inside will actually change the colour of the drink.

And, it becomes a nice shade of purple.

For those who really love Thai food, I highly recommend this place to satisfy those cravings you've been having. Most of the items are reasonably priced with a large portion. So, here are the details for those who would like to try it!

Lobbee Thai Connection

LG-07, Empire Damansara, 

Jalan PJU 8/8, 

Damansara Perdana

Phone: 03-7629 4869

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