Buffet Bliss (8 April 2017)

Because of my recent cash flow interruption I've taken the majority of my meals at the hotel restaurant, mainly from the buffet. Because I'm American, which means, because I grew up in a culture that measures value in terms of money vs food, I found myself eating more than I needed; mostly protein and veggies, rarely rice or noodles. I may have mentioned earlier that I can eat fairly paleo here.

After the financial situation was sorted, I ventured out in search of cool spots to dine or brunch. I didn't find very many. The atmosphere was good at Daily Fix, but the food was pretty much a one-off for me. At Geographer Cafe I never got past the drink menu. There's a Muslim Indian outdoor spot that's good for roti naan and teh and hanging out, but that's all. Oh yeah. Good for watching movies too, Forrest Gump was running last time I was there.

I popped into a chain for brunch; that was disappointing, so tonight, Saturday, I returned to the buffet.

By now you understand, I am not a foodie. I am not looking to experience food. I don't look for exotic foods or entertaining theme restaurants. Food is my fuel. I need it to be efficient and not overwork my metabolism or challenge my digestive system.

In newer days, let's call it youth, I was adventurous with food. Not that I sought it out. Situations presented themselves that allowed me to try foods that weren't a regular part of my diet.

I first had duck in San Diego pre-military. Venison at an Indian pow-wow, moose while posted in Newfoundland and recently alligator sausages before leaving Philadelphia. What distinguishes one meat from another for me is more about texture than taste. The majority of foods I've eaten have lived or died, so to speak, withbthe seasonings used.

I've had alligator twice that I know of. The first time was in Texas and it was breaded and fried. It reminded me of fried clams. The last time I had gator, it was dressed up like sausages, and it tasted like sausage. Good substitute if you like sausage but don't eat pork.

Anyway, to end this ramble, the buffet here at Hotel Mahkota is very good. The menu does change every night, but there's always rice, as you'd expect in Asia, but it's prepared differently. Sometimes there's fish and mutton (lamb) as well. Most often it's "marinated" in some kind of sauce; spicy, but not set your mouth on fire, spicy.

The staff, I find friendly an attentive and there's not much of a language barrier. I try to speak a little Malay here and there - communication helps build friendships. I might understand one or two out of 100 words today, or maybe 1,000 - I hope to improve on that percentage as time goes by.

Saturday night and time for chores.