Toy Story 3 - Toys Have Never Looked Better!

Growing up, I still fondly remember reading Enid Blyton's books about toys; how they come alive when we're asleep and we would go on 'adventures' together in my wild imaginative world. Sadly, I grew up. But then, "Toy Story" came along, and I relived all my kiddie days of playing with my toys and imagining them to have all sorts of adventures not unlike Woody & Buzz when I was asleep! 


As we all know, "Toy Story 3" is the continuation of the adventures of the toys we came to know and love in the first two installments (minus a few minor characters). The difference is that, this time around Andy - the boy whom the toys all belong to - has all grown up and is heading off to college! What will be the fate of his beloved toys? I won't spoil it for you, but suffice to say (especially if you have seen the trailer) they found themselves in a day care center led by an enormously cute and gregarious Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, and lots of hilarity, drama and amazement at the toys' adventures ensue! *wink*

Andy's all grown up...will he bring Woody or Buzz to college?

If you had noticed the toys have been seriously decreased in numbers, fret not..."Toy Story 3" introduces a whole new host of toys for you to gawk at. Some are plain freaky yet adorable (The Baby) and some are so life like it'll also freak you out (case in point: Barbie & Ken)! I remember my sister remarking that Barbie is the EXACT one that she had when she was younger...the detailing is just remarkable! They got everything down pat, even to her hair! Pixar SO deserve kudos on that! 

Effects and great animation aside (that alone should be awesome factors for you to catch the movie!), the storyline of "Toy Story 3" is also great. These days, it's hard to find movies that can score so well on all these levels, but "Toy Story 3" brought it home...It's amazing to see how they gelled all the scenes together, and the story of the toys finding their place in a world where toys get mistreated, abandoned, replaced, etc etc. And that's not all! Not only do you get slapstick humour that the kids will enjoy loads, but there's also jokes that the adults will appreciate (or at least, I did! LOL!). Laughs are abundant, especially in the scene where the toys try to escape, and Mr. Potato plays a huge role in bringing in the laughs! Watch it and you'll know what I mean...you'll never look at Mr. Potato the same way again! *wink*

Andy's toys come out to play...and THEN SOME!

The film makers have also succeeded in making the toys have their moments to shine...if previously we've seen lots of Woody & Buzz in the first two movies, "Toy Story 3" also focuses on the other toys which makes this movie very interesting as all the characters are just awesome! Not only that, we also get to see some touching scenes for some of the toys too =) And as the movie comes to a close, one (okay, me at least. I'm a sucker for touching scenes) can't just help but reach for a Kleenex as we know that this is the last installment for the "Toy Story" franchise. I got ribbed loads by my niece when she saw the state I was in after the movie ended, but hey...I love me some toys! *sob*

This one REALLY has got to be seen in the cinemas to get that feeling (unless you have a life-sized theatre at your home!), and if you could, watch it in 3D! Sure, lots of people might complain that it's nothing much to shout about in terms of things popping out at you, but I actually prefer the subtle dimension effects that they made for "Toy Story". Kind of like "Avatar", but with cute toys =) It's totally worth the ticket price...heck, I might just watch it again. And again. Just to relive my kiddie days as Buzz's famous saying, "To Infinity....AND BEYOND!"


P/S: Oh yes, don't forget to be there early to catch the short animation film that Pixar always shows...it's AWESOME to say the least! They always say the most even when the characters don't talk =) Enjoy!

Betty's Midwest Kitchen - A Must Try!

Whoa...can't believe it's been literally AGES since I've updated! I guess with Facebook being such an easy way to show people photos and all, I've been slacking and lazy to update my blogs. I shall try very hard to remember to update more often! *nods*

Okay, on to business (so to speak!). Being so bored (and stressed....in a way) at work and all, I went out with a few friends for dinner. Y asked me to bring along my camera, so I knew it would be good food coz she knows her stuff! *wink* We arrived at:

Betty's Midwest Kitchen! American food again...YAYY! 
The address:
A-G-40, Jalan PJU 1/43,
Aman Suria Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya

They even have a website: http://midwestkitchen.com.my/


Walking into Betty's Midwest Kitchen is like walking into a tribute place for all things American...they have so many mementos and pictures that are either American or symbolizes America. I thought it was a nice touch =) Being a weekend, it was fully packed with people...a sure sign that the food is awesome if not unnaturally good! *wink*


Some more photos of the decor in the restaurant...notice the piggies' photos on the wall? Yes, they serve pork!! YUMMM!! *grins* 


Our first order of the day...Ham and Tomato Soup. To me, when I hear the word 'Ham' I automatically think of those breakfast ham slices that we get from the supermarket....and that's what I would find in the soup. How wrong was I! The soup had generous helpings of tomatoes and vegetables (think carrots, celery, parsley, etc etc) as well as chunks of pork in it! Looking up "ham" online, I found out that ham is also cured pork legs or rump....AWESOME! You get this smokey taste from the ham as well as the combined vegetables' tastes in this....*licks lips*


Y's good friend, A ordered this: Baby Back Ribs, one of Betty's signature dishes. Look at them ribs! Grilled until tender and juicy, it's served with fries, coleslaw and a beer-based sauce that is oh-so-GOOD! I had a teensy bit of this, and I have a hankering to come back and order this dish the next time I'm around...YUMM!!


Another signature pork rib dish as well: Grilled Soft Ribs (also served with the beer based sauce). I didn't manage to get a taste of this, but from the looks of it you can already tell that it's AWESOME!!


Somehow the appetizers arrived in the midst of the main course...LOL! But that didn't stop us from nomming every single morsel of this dish! They called this "Pigs In a Blanket"...I found a recipe that is similar, and needless to say, both are drool-worthy! You really can't go wrong with sausages wrapped in bacon and subsequently baked / grilled...*wink* I should also mention that they have many cute names for their dishes...one that I find particularly funny was called "Dog Food". LOL! Nah, it's not actual dog food, but it's fries with gravy and cheese....come to think of it, I think Scottie might just wolf it down! LOLL!


This was a special for the day...can't exactly remember the whole name (it was too long!) but it was something like President Ford's braised steak. Served with greens and mashed potatoes, I think one can't go wrong with this....*grins*


Again, going with the cute names, this was the Braised Boston Butt...LOL! I know, right? It's technically not taken from the pig's butt (it's a pork shoulder), but I guess from the way it's cut and all, it looked like a butt? LOLL! I'm just rambling...but this was done really well! The pork shoulder was grilled JUST RIGHT and the meat just falls away when you slice into it...VERY tasty with the sauce slathered on top!


Finally, this was my order: Pork Chop with Caramelized Apples. When I saw the name, I thought, "Hmm...caramelized apples. That's interesting!" Images of an actual caramel apple (like this) on the pork chop started forming...but when this arrived I was a little disappointed to be honest. LOL! Still, all was forgiven when I took that first bite...the pork chop was smothered in apple sauce not unlike those you can find in apple pies! I know it might sound off-putting, but it actually works! The sauce wasn't as sweet as an apple pie, but when coupled with the marinated pork chop you get this nice combination that just screams 'comfort food'....I can easily see myself eating this whenever I'm feeling upset. Heh! Served with mashed potatoes (which were also AWESOME! Silky and creamy, with just enough gravy to make you go "MMMMM"), caramelized onions and peas, it was a dish I never regretted ordering =)


With that being said, head on down to Betty's if you want to savour good pork dishes or just hearty American food...I definitely heart it! Speaking of it just makes me hungry again...anyone up for a trip there? *wink*