Ramadhan Buffet at J.W.Marriot Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

It’s the holy month of Ramadhan again.The time of best Ramadhan food, the evening stalls and the food, I loved it! This year, instead of introducing Ramadhan roadside stalls, I was invited for a better place for all those food. Well, I had the Ramadhan buffet at J.W. Marriot Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Ushering in the holy month of Ramadhan, the city’s happening hotel has prepared a wide variety of traditional Malaysian delicacies for guests to experience. Geared towards preserving heritage, the Ramadhan buffet which is inspired by nenek’s (grandmother) kitchen will feature 130 of the best traditional dishes from various states of the country customarily served during
Ramadhan.

Unlimited “rendang” and “ayam masak merah” anyone?

The Poolside area on the 6th Floor and the Starhill Conference Centre on the 4th floor of the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur will be transformed into a Ramadhan bazaar,
to replicate a “kampong” ambience.

Roast Lamb was the top favourites
Aside from the spectacular set up and displays to recall the nostalgia of breaking fast in a kampong, another unique feature is the scrumptious menu. For those who yearn for nenek’s traditional dishes, there are stalls highlighting typical Malay dishes that are not commonly served nowadays. Some of these dishes are masak lemak cili padi with rebong, ikan tenggiri goreng berlada and rendang kerang.

Authentic Malay food at J.W.Marriot KL
The extensive spread of authentic Malay cuisine includes the ever popular Malay ulam or salad selection such as petai, kacang botol, ulam raja, and kacang panjang, complemented by local versions of dressings such as sambal belacan, cincaluk, budu and tempoyak. Local appetisers to whet the appetite are acar buah, acar jelatah, tauhu sumbat, keropok ikan, and a variety of jeruk or local pickle selections.

Some of the local favourites featured are nasi briyani, satay, ikan bakar, ayam tandoori, roti canai, chicken rice, ice kacang, a fresh fruit station and more.
Priced at RM54.00++ per person at the Starhill Conference Centre (Level 4) and RM68.00++ per person at the poolside (level 6), guests are invited to experience yet another beautiful Malaysian custom which is the berbuka puasa tradition with family and friends.

From great food to excellent décor, the culinary team intends to bring to mind the Malaysian heritage by encouraging the silatul rahim, the building of sincere human ties amongst family and friends at berbuka puasa.

After an hour of feast, I gave up. It was just too much nice food. I’m glad this year I had one of the best Ramadhan food at the happening hotel, J.W. Marriot Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

For reservations, call 03-2719 8666 or e-mail to bukapuasa@ytlhotels.com.my

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Famous Petaling Street Hokkien Noodle Kim Lian Kee at Lot 10 Hutong, MALAYSIA

I went shopping a few days ago with my mum and my sis at iSetan Lot 10. Since we were there, I decided to bring them for a treat, a lunch at Lot 10 Hutong. They had no idea what’s Lot 10 Hutong is all about, though they had been shopping in iSetan Lot 10 for years.

My mum’s first impression was like; there’s so many good food here! Not just my mum, my sis was impressed as well. Lot 10 Hutong is located at the LG (lower ground floor) of Lot 10 shopping center. The best part of this new food new food court is, it’s NON HALAL. I believe it’s one of the few NON HALAL food court in a shopping mall.

I’ve tried almost most of the stall but there is one I loved most, the famous Petaling Street Hokkien Noodle, Kim Lian Kee. As famous as the original outlet, the stall is usually packed with customers queuing up to order. Luckily, that day we got our order fast.

To be frank, I am always cautious about food branches like this. Some might question the quality of food comparing to the original place. Well, I am one of them. I tried on their Hokkien noodle at their main outlet in Petaling Street before and I even did a review back then here.
I ordered a plate to share and it cost RM8.90 per plate (US 3). Price is slightly high most likely due to the high rental of Lot 10. Yet again, for that price and for that good food, it’s all worth it. After a good 10 min wait, I got my Hokkien noodle.

A quick glance at it, it looks like the same to other hokkien noodles. However, don’t be fooled by its outlook, it was good. I can gladly say, the quality is maintain and almost identical to the original shop in Petaling Street. Well I would prefer it with more lards, the hokkien noodle would be more fragrant. Other than that, I would say the noodle is pretty good.

We had a heavy lunch that day, with my mum planning to bring my dad over for another feast. The Lot 10 Hutong is really a great place to dine in for the famous local food. Since my first visit to Lot 10 Hutong, I had been dining there for a while. We will definitely going back for more.

Kim Lian Kee Lot 10 address:
Lot 10 Hutong,
LG, Lot 10 Shopping Mall

Walls Cornetto “Take a Chance Show Your Love” Konsert (Concert) at Bukit Bintang Plaza Rooftop, Kuala Lumpur

Crowd getting into the consert at the entrance

It was a fine Saturday in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. On the evening, the weather was good, no rain for once in this few days.

Having a great Saturday must always compliment with something. For yesterday, it was the Walls Cornetto Konsert at BB Plaza Rooftop. Started at 7pm, featuring local artists, the concert was free for all.

Hello Naz!

Well, even from the beginning, the crowd was there and the concert was started by no other than Naz.

Shila performing…

With Akim, Shila, Dafi, Mila dan Aizat performing, the crowd was entertained. A special appearance by Bunkface, and it was a spectacular concert at Bukit Bintang Plaza rooftop.

Mila singing on the stage

Despite a big World Cup match between Germany and Argentina, the loyal fans stayed there till the show is over around 11pm. This was made possible by Walls Cornetto.

Authentic Shanghai Cuisine at Shanghai, JW Marriot Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

A few weeks ago, David tagged me and Rachel for a dinner at Shanghai, JW Marriot Hotel. Like many, little did I know about the presence of this restaurant in JW Marriot Hotel.

Hello Shanghai!

Located at first floor, the first impression was the fine Chinese oriented decorations of the restaurant. I loved the paintings at the background, for some reason, I’m quite traditional.

Flower decorations on the table

We were then brought to a VIP room with a single table. In there, it was cozy and not forgetting the fragrant aroma of the “Long Zheng” tea served for us. Shanghai is not just another Chinese cuisine, they served authentic Shanghai dishes with a little twist.

The dinner started off with the Double boiled supreme stock with water chestnuts, pork rib, sweet corn and carrot. As many ingredients in the soup, the taste was good. It was something good to start with.

Spinach with bean curd, shredded dried scallop, mushrooms and carrots was next. It was crunchy mainly due to the shredded dried scallop, it was nice.

For some reason, when the steamed whole pumpkin with pork ribs came, I knew it must be good. I loved how they utilized the pumpkin in this dish. The tender pork ribs were steamed with the whole pumpkin. The pumpkin can be eaten and it was sweet. Loved this!

Next, the stir fried bamboo shoots with ham and bean curd leaves. Looking at the colour of the ham, I knew it was imported. The special thing about this dish was the bean curd leaves. In fact, it looks like more like a noodle rather than leaves. The taste was rather different but it was something new to me.

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“A French Affair” with AFC Star Laura Calder: Up, Close and Personal

Last month, I attended “A French Affair” with AFC (Asian Food Channel) Star Laura Calder at University College of Hospitality (BERJAYA UCH). Highly anticipated by viewers from around the region, Laura’s debut will bring Malaysian fans up close to meet the lady best known for her wonderful easy-to-follow approach to intimidating French cuisine.

Well, I loved attending live cooking show by celebrity chefs. For some reason, I feel the authenticity of the celebrity chefs by watching them live than watching them on TV sets. The Canadian born Laura Calder started off with a nice introduction of herself.

I loved the fact how she cooks, her way of cooking is much simpler and more suitable for home cooking style. She is also a friendly person; her presence on the set brings joy to the media and fans.

Well, for the food she cooked, should I need to elaborate more? Simply amazing!

About Laura Calder

Having lived in France for over a decade and as a student at The Dubrulle Culinary Institute in Vancouver and at L’Ecole de Cuisine LaVarenne in Burgundy, Calder has embodied a passion for pleasure when it comes to food.  A firm believer that one need not master an entire canon of French cuisine in order to perfect a French dish, she is relaxed about slipping elements into what comes naturally for a cook. – AFC

Martha Stewart Meets (Colours of) Citrawarna 1 Malaysia 2010, Dataran Merdeka

Last Saturday, there was a big event happening in Kuala Lumpur. It was the Colours of 1 Malaysia 2010 or Citrawarna 1 Malaysia 2010 cultural extravaganza held at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) Kuala Lumpur.

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Sadly, I didn’t manage to go and only had a glimpse of it on local TV. The event was attended by dozens of local and foreign visitors and media, was nothing but colourful, vibrant and truly a 1Malaysia spirit show.

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Our royal highness, (His Majesty the King )The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and (Her Majesty the Queen) Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah launched the amazing colourful event. The event was attended by our Tourism Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen and a number of other ministers as well.

Pictures are copyright of 1mytomyam.blogspot.com
One of the most important celebrity guests on that day was American celebrity icon Martha Stewart. It was reported that she went to the KL Bird Park as well during her stay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pictures are copyright of 1mytomyam.blogspot.com

Touted as Malaysia’s greatest tourism parade, the Colours of 1 Malaysia 2010 or Citrawarna 1 Malaysia 2010 cultural extravaganza held at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night, 22 May 2010 dazzled local and foreign visitors in a kaleidoscope of colourful multi-ethnic costumes, songs and dances.

Around 3000 students from various schools of Klang Valley participates the parade and made it event graceful and successful. It was an amazing show and it was really Malaysia Truly Asia.

Video from TheStar.tv

Finale fireworks display video

Behind the Scenes of KLIA Ekspres: The Fastest and Greenest Way to KLIA

I always plan ahead my journey to KLIA, I loved being early at KLIA, checked in and book my preferred seating in the plane. When I’m travelling alone or with wife, Rachel, no mistake we would take the KLIA Ekspres.

A passenger getting into the check in counters with the purchased KLIA Ekspres ticket

The spacious and convenient KLIA Ekspres check in counters

I was invited to travel with KLIA Ekspres with style. Together with blogger Josh Lim, gorgeous Hanie Hidayah and Missy Cheerio and bubbly Mynjayz, we were given an in depth experience of the back scenes of KLIA Ekspres.

Dedicated Visa Wave Lane

The Greenest Way to KLIA: KLIA Ekspres

Few reasons I often travelled with KLIA Ekspres. It is cheaper than taking a taxi, its only RM 35 per person one dway, a taxi would cost me at least RM 70-80 from my home. It is the fastest way to KLIA, no matter how you argue about this, KLIA Ekspres took exactly approx 28 minutes to reach KLIA. Why would someone bother speeding to KLIA with potential traffic summons and also risking the lives in the car when traveling with KLIA Ekspres. is much easier? Check in from KL Sentral (also known as KL City Air Terminal) and the next thing you know, you will be in KLIA! The best part is you can check in at KLIA Ekspres counters at KL Sentral. Rather than queuing up in KLIA, just purchase theKLIA Ekspres. ticket and check in on the spot! Boarding pass will be issued in KL Sentral. It means, you can have the luxury of time when you check in at KL Sentral and take your time to shop around within the Duty Free area at KLIA. However currently only 4 airlines are collaborating with KLIA Express for the easy check in system;

Malaysian Airlines (MH), Cathay Pacific (CX), Emirates Air (EK) and Brunei Airlines (BI)
There will be more airlines participating in the near future.
There’s a question that I always wanted ask the representatives of KLIA Ekspres. How safe is our baggage in their possession?

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World Largest Free-flight Walk-in Aviary at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, MALAYSIA: Get Close with Exotic, Colourful and Uncaged Birds

I had not been to KL Bird Park for more than 10 years. My parents brought me there when I was younger. In my memories, I always thought it was nothing amazing,. Well, I was wrong. The place got bigger and there are more birds now. To get in, the entrance fees is about RM 15 for local adult and RM 35 foreign tourist adult. It’s worth it, I’ll explain why.

Getting in the park Rachel and I were welcome by beautiful parrots. It was my first time getting so close with the birds. Just for instance, we were just inches away from free walking peacocks and also many other species of birds.

Up Close And Personal with the birds

Wild Roaming Peacock

Birds having meeting

Well designed park, nature friendly

The Bird and I

Scarecrow? The bird tried to scare us off… Whoaa

There were also lots of fish in the pond, beautiful colours
The place is well maintained and it’s a big kudos to the management of the park. The place is in a way that we were as if walking in nature. Not forgetting that the place is huge.
We spent quite some time inside the park.

Can you see the rainbow?

Enjoying the scenery and birds of course, we also encountered a beautiful man made waterfall. It is one of the highlights of KL Bird Park.
There were quite a number of photographers around enjoying taking pictures of the birds while the rest made up of tourists and families. Sadly, we didn’t manage to watch the bird shows but we did enjoy the place.
By all means the place is recommended for everyone who wanted a piece of nature in the city center of Kuala Lumpur. It is a great place to bring the kids to see birds in real life. KL Bird Park is a mini jungle in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
KL Bird Park Address and Contact:
920 Jalan Cenderawasih
50480 Kuala Lumpur
03-2272-1010
Url: http://www.klbirdpark.com/

Teriyaki Wagyu Beef Burger at Kisaten, Lot 10 Hutong, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

The good food is back to Lot 10. I remember the days that I used to work part time in Reebok in Lot 10 during 1996 where I used to go down to the food court for lunches and dinners. The food was good.

Then, during in this few recent years the food court lost its appeal until lately. Lot 10 rebranded the food court to Lot 10 Hutong and brought together the best food in town together. That is a really good move!

Rachel and I were shopping at iSetan, Lot 10 yesterday and I brought her to Lot 10 Hutong. She was surprised by the whole new concept and trust me she loved the food there. Like many other curious customers, we ordered food all around just to try out.

We shared a teriyaki wagyu beef burger at the Kisaten stall. It didn’t really catch my attention at first but the word “wagyu” caught me there.

The burger cost RM 15.90. It took them a few minutes to prepare it and then we picked it up and put it aside. We were having something else at the same time.

As we put the burger into our attention, the patty was big. The wagyu beef patty was tasty covered with the sweet teriyaki sauce. Well, it was GOOD! It was well worth it! We ate it without any tomato ketchup or chili sauce, as it was good on its own. J

We will be going back there again for more if we were around that area. Loved that “wagyu beef”!

The name Kisaten rang the bell as Rachel been to the Kisaten Restaurant in Jaya One with my in-laws. The food there was good too.

I guess there’s nothing beats a good Sunday lunch!

Kisaten Lot 10 Address:

Lower Ground Floor Lot 10,

Lot 10 Hutong, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Thomas Cup Final China vs. Indonesia Pictures: Indonesians Rocked Bukit Jalil

The recent mass posting about Thomas Cup 2010 will end with this. Born in a country where badminton is more like a culture than sport, it’s undeniable my love for it. My intention was clear, to bring wife Rachel for her first live badminton experience and there is nothing much better than this.

It was the Thomas Cup Final 2010, Indonesia against China at 2pm, in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. However, we were expected to reach there late as we had to attend our dear friend blogger’s wedding aka Sloppychic beforehand.

While on our way to the stadium, the results for the first single match were already out. Lin Dan beat Taufik easily in a straight set. The invincible Lin Dan was on top form. Lin Dan bt Taufik Hidayat 21-7, 21-14

We reached late (as expected), the first doubles were already on the 2^nd set, we were trying to get a nice seat, but it was really packed. Our seat might be far but the stadium was constantly rocked by the Indonesian fans creating a very tense atmosphere.

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While the Chinese fans were scattered around, the Chinese players were unfazed and unaffected by the roaring Indonesian crowd. As the focus was on the court, the Indonesian pair battled well but still fall to the Chinese pair on the rubber set. Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng beat Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan 25-23, 16-21, 21-12.

One of the Chinese players then took off his shirt and threw it into the crowd. Then, he turned around and threw away his racket, the crowd went wild.

The lively atmosphere then turned more tensed as Indonesia need Simon Santoso to beat Chen Jin to give Indonesia a glimpse of hope. Santoso started the game well by beating Chen Jin on the first set. Chen Jin retaliated by winning the second set. Chen Jin then won the rubber set with ease and helped China won the 2010 Thomas Cup.

CHINA BEAT INDONESIA 3-0 TO CLINCH THE 2010 THOMAS CUP!

Though China won, Indonesia tried it best battling it. Rachel enjoyed the games and it was good money well spent! I salute to the Indonesia and China fans that turned up to cheer for their country.

The turnout was good and there was no drama or any unpleasant events happening around. Everyone enjoyed the game regardless which side they were siding.

Though Malaysia lost the Thomas Cup but we gained the right to host it and I bet many Malaysians would felt grateful for it. I believe there’s no other sport in Malaysia can bring more unity than Thomas Cup. For 1Malaysia!

Thanks for reading.