Outside the Wire [Movie Review] | Hello 2021. How are ya? I wish that 2021 could be a bit nicer to all of us than 2020 does, but who am I kidding? All we can do is hope for the best for the whole world.

Anyways, with the pandemic is still roaming the entire earth, and now with a new and stronger variant, I don't see myself going to the cinema anytime soon. And the cinemas are also closed - in Malaysia at least. I actually managed to watch 1984 when it released in Malaysia but I decided not review it because I don't like it. (Am I alone on this?)

So, Netflix is the place to be and the first movie that I've watched here in 2021 is Outside the Wire.

SYNOPSIS

Outside the Wire (2021) Trivia

• Directed by: Mikael Håfström

• Produced by: Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Anthony Mackie, Ben Pugh, Erica Steinberg, Jason Spire, Arash Amel

• Production companies: Automatik Entertainment, 42 Films, Inspire Entertainment

• Distributed by: Netflix

• Running time: 115 minutes

• Rating: R (For strong violence and language throughout)

• The movie was filmed in Budapest in August 2019 for 8 weeks. 
• Country: United States
• Language: English

• Tomatometer: 39%
• Metascore: 48

• IMDb: 5.3/10

Lieutenant Harp, a drone pilot did a controversial action during a mission that causes the loss of two soldiers in the field. His action causes him to be dismissed from his current drone piloting job and he was sent to attend a mission on the field with Captain Leo. 

Captain Leo is a top-secret android officer who is in charge of finding intels about weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and devise a plan to undo the world destruction that might be caused by the WMD. 

Being a stubborn guy, at first Harp finds it quite hard to listen to his android superior - thinking of him only as a machine (ie inferior to him). But little by little, he learns about war and starts to respect Captain Leo with his decision making.

But just as he started trusting Captain Leo, he senses a sinister plot is lurking behind all of Captain Leo's moves.

Will he trust Captain Leo or will he again goes against his better judgement?

MY REVIEW

Plot: 3.8/ 5.0 I guess the plot is OK la - not mediocre but forgettable hahaha. There were some points during the movie that I found myself return to my mobile phone and scrolled away instead of watching it.

Action wise - it packed a lot! With all the machines and the robots doing the shooting, the scenes was nice. At some points, some scenes were kinda a bit disconnected.

Cast: 4.6/ 5.0 The cast played their parts nicely. No comments here. 

Will I watch it again: Perhaps yes, especially when I ran out of movies to watch online. 

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

#OutsideTheWire #MovieReviewbyRawlins #Action #Android #Adventure #Fantasy #Netflix #RawlinsGLAM #RawlinsLifestyle

Arabian Village: The 'Sunnah Food' Haven | Nowadays, I realised that more and more Middle Eastern grocery stores and stores opening on our shore. Of course, we have so many Middle Eastern friends now - may they be as students or skilled workers. And they need their basic needs too which among them are their food. 

As some of my friends are of Middle Eastern origins, there were times where I accompanied them to the stores to buy their daily grocery needs. Then Covid-19 happened. Some found it quite hard for them to get their familiar food as some supply was disrupted due to the pandemic and have to make do with what they have or managed to find online or in stores. 

One of my friends has suggested me to visit Arabian Village in Jalan Gombak, Kuala Lumpur. He told me that the store has almost 3,000 products in-store that may be the answer to all my Middle Eastern friends' needs. 

Arabian Village 

95-G Block E 289 

Kuala Lumpur Traders Square

Jalan Gombak, Kuala Lumpur.

When I arrived at the KL Traders Square, Arabian Village was easy to spot as it is situated just beside the entrance to the square. "Hurm. Looks pretty small - can it really accommodate 3,000 products inside there?" I thought.

I was amazed when I entered the store - it was nicely arranged and looks so systematic. Dr. Homdi Abo Zeed Ibrahim, the owner was there when I arrived and he showed me around the store, explaining the products and the history of Arabian Village along the way. 

Facts about Arabian Village

• The store was established in 2019 with the objective of promoting and encouraging the taking of sunnah food among Malaysians. 
• Dr. Homdi, with his 10 years experience in business especially on sunnah food and other Middle Eastern products. 
• Arabian Village is the main importer of Middle Eastern products especially products from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Tunisia, Turkey and Dubai. The imported products are mainly the most sought after products in its home country and now becoming more popular among Malaysians too. 
• Arabian Village has its own products too and most are packaged and processed in Malaysia. 

So, what are the products available here @ Arabian Village?

Where should I start?

I would say that the store has a complete range of grocery products - from frozen goods to all types of spices. So, it is a mini-market for your grocery needs, dear friends. 

On one corner, large bowls of different types of honey were on display. And one of the display names were so interesting 'Only for married'. It turns out that particular honey is the family recipe for fertility and energy thus it is called 'Only for Married'. It also assists will hormonal imbalance and provides energy for all ages actually, not only for the married couples. 

There are other types of honey too with its own health benefits (as per listed in the pictures). If you are able to visit here, Dr Homdi or the shop assistant will be able to provide you with suitable honey for your conditions.

There are all sorts of nuts and dates available here too. The ones that I love of course Ajwa Madinah  (medium) and Medjoul Palestine (large) for its soft and full texture. These two dates are also the ones that are most sought after by all. I even bought some for myself as I love that the dates are juicy and full.

A piece of interesting information about the nuts here - all are packaged and processed in Malaysia. And the roasted nuts are also done inhouse. So, the quality of the nut products is very much ensured and guaranteed!

What other inhouse products do they have here in Arabian Village? Dear all, get all the loaves of bread here as all are homemade and replenish every 2 hours, daily. My fave, of course, the roti arab, garlic bread and baguettes. These bread are so soft and even good to eat on its own. 

Don't forget to check the traditional desserts available here such as baklava with premium toppings such as pistachio, walnut, almond and many more. Psst. I was offered some to taste but I just can't stop munching the baklava. They're so tasty!

When I visited the homes of my Middle Eastern friends, I noticed that they always have these 'diffuser' on. And it emitted beautiful and soothing smell that relaxes my nerves. I learnt later that the 'diffuser' is some sort of aromatherapy in the Muslim community and is called Bakhoor. And they have it here too. All sorts of bakhoor and aromas - just ask for assistance to find the one that suits you. 

Bakhoor are wood chips that have been soaked in perfume oil and are mixed with other (natural) ingredients, such as natural resin, sandlewood and essentials oils. It comes in many varieties, which means there's a type of bakhoor for everyone. Bakhoor is especially popular in the Middle East.

If you love Middle Eastern perfumes, Arabian Village has plenty of choices here too. It comes in all sorts of sweet scents and you can pick your choice here. They even brought in the bottled perfumes from the Middle East too. 

A great point to share here - the perfume is solat-friendly, no alcohol content and long-lasting. 

Going through the shelves, I realised not only Arabian Village is the source of sunnah food, but it also has a lot of healthy food too. There is food based on dates, pomegranate, apple and many more - be it in the form of canned foods, jam or blended version. 

I was ecstatic to see so many choices of apple cider, fruit jams, spreads and fruit teas here. 

Not only Arabian Village has all these goods, but they also have a frozen section where all the meats are. And as it is certified halal, you can shop all you want here.

And the best thing about Arabian Village is, if you don't have the time to shop physically, almost all items are available online too. Just get on www.arabianvillage.my, choose your items and it will be delivered to you.

Psst. Arabian Village has launched its loyalty programme too so all your spendings will become points that can be used as discounts during your next purchasing.

So, if you are looking around for sunnah food or healthy food or just simply tasty Middle Eastern foods and items, just go to Arabian Village or its website. 

If you are ordering online, as my readers, you may use code RAWLINS10 during check-out to enjoy 10% discounts.

And for those who love shopping physically, just mention 'I am a reader from Rawlins' blog' and you'll get to enjoy 10% discounts too!

Enjoy shopping guys. Arabian Village operates from 9 am to 12 am daily. 

Nasi Lemak Bamboo SS2 PJ, Malaysian favorite with a new twist | Again, I love to say this - we Malaysians love our food very much. We love our traditional food very much and we love it too when people get innovative and creative in presenting them in a trendy way or put a fresh twist into the recipe. Well, not all ended well-received but I really appreciate the effort.

And then I heard about Nasi Lemak Bamboo. Hurm. Is this similar to 'pansoh' style of cooking in Sarawak? Well, don't just assume, let's get there and try it ourselves.

Nasi Lemak Bamboo SS2, Petaling Jaya: 28, Jalan SS2/ 66, SS 2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | Call: 018-909 9026

The gang arrived at the restaurant and finding it was quite easy to find a parking space (most probably because it was a  public holiday). Before entering the restaurant, the staff took all the necessary checks as per the SOPs - MySejahtera, temp check and face mask is a must!

The restaurant was full when we arrived. And when I saw people of different races and age were inside the restaurant enjoying their dishes, I know that the restaurant is very popular. 

When I go out with #GengPeponds, especially during outing that involves eating at a new place, we have a system where everyone will order a different dish and later we will all try a bit from each one. Brilliant system right?

So that system applies to this restaurant too. We ordered all the nasi lemak variety that they have in store and of course, the star of the menu and the main reason of our visit ie Nasi Lemak Bamboo Kari Seafood!

Fun Facts About Nasi Lemak Bamboo

Originating from Sabah, the restaurant in PJ is actually the 6th branch of the franchise and the 1st one that is not in Sabah. 

And the owner is actually looking for a chance to open a new branch in 3 - 6 months in the future. Despite that the SS2 branch is just about a month's old, people are already flocking to the restaurant for the twist of having nasi lemak in a bamboo. And to have seafood curry on it also added the richness of the dish.

Psst. The owner is also looking for a franchising partner if you interested. 

Orait. So from here onwards, get ready your handkerchiefs to wipe off the drools, as I will be sharing the dishes.

Ok. You can start wiping off the drool. Hahaha. As per the menu above, aside from nasi lemak, the restaurant also serves some other Malaysian favorites such as Roti Kukus, Mee Siam and Cucur Udang. Oh. Not forgetting Cendol too.

My Reviews on Nasi Lemak Bamboo SS 2 PJ

Location: 4.5/ 5.0. Located in the heart of PJ, you know for a fact that parking spaces will be limited. So time your visit so that you'll get to taste the nasi lemak. And the location is strategic too - everyone from anywhere could stop-by for the dish. 

Cleanliness: 4.8/ 5.0 I used the washroom and it was clean and dry. I know for a fact that there's a staff that is assigned to keep the area clean. That's my routine - I would go to the washroom to see its condition before actually agreeing to eat a new place. 

The decoration is moderate and we could see bamboo (real and artificial ones) around the restaurant. Even the tables are of bamboo top. 

Price: 4.5/ 5.0 It is in the centre of PJ so the price is reasonable. 

Taste: 4.8/ 5.0 Call me bas but I love the familiarity of Borneo's taste in the food. I love it. 

Will I come again: Yes, I will bring my friends (local & international) to try the star attraction of the restaurant.

So, here's a video of us 'umbamboo-ing' the main attraction of the restaurant. I am so loving the taste of the dish. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rawlins G L A M (@rawlins_glam)

So, I am looking forward to the new branch soon. Stalk the restaurant on their social media platforms to know future events and discounts ok. 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

#NasiLemakBamboo #NasiLemakBambooSS2PJ #NasiLemakBambooKariSeafood #MakananViral #RawlinsEats #RawlinsGLAM #RawlinsLifestyle #NasiLemakinPJ #GengPeponds #FoodReview