Yes, I’m stating the obvious right?

I have been very sick lately, bouts of flu and fever followed by spine-numbing gastric spasms. The agony is leaving me pretty braindead lately. Turnaround time for work related matters are delayed and writing has taken a backseat, hence the lateness for some blogposts.

So really, what I want for Christmas is to be well again.

And if I’m well enough, I would like to have a nice Christmas dinner with some friends, with gingerbread men and log cakes!

One of the many Christmas preview dinners I had this year was at Chalet, the Swiss restaurant in Equatorial Hotel KL.

Chef de Cuisine Hafizzul Hashim designed a pretty good menu this year. If you are dining here on Christmas night, look out for the lovely Steamed black cod and Boston Bay mussels saffron veloute, leek and squid ink tagliatelle and the perfect Christmas pudding flamed with Cognac.

The full menu is as below, priced at RM198++ per person (RM229.68nett), which is pretty standard for any Christmas dinners in town now. In addition to food, Chalet’s resident strollers, Los Muchachos will be performing while you dine. They would play your song requests if you ask nicely!

Diners will also receive homemade pumpkin cake, a digital photo and a stalk of rose for ladies.

Christmas Day Dinner

Sunday, 25th December 2011

Appetizer
Pressed terrine of Scottish smoked salmon and crab
with mesclun salad, crème fraiche and keta caviar

Note: The terrine wasn’t ready for our preview but it certainly sounds good, especially with caviar! Anyhow, our smoked salmo below was exemplary. 

Soup
Butternut squash veloute,
sautéed shrimp and chestnut finished with parmesan foam

Sherbet
Kir Royal sorbet

Kir Royal sorbet! Sounds “exotic’” somehow!

Main Course
Steamed black cod and Boston Bay mussels
saffron veloute, leek and squid ink tagliatelle

Fabulous textures and I’m loving the saffron veloute which is made from fish stock base, topped with cream & simmered til thick.

or

Tournedos of beef fillet Rosini
with Peruvian asparagus and sautéed chanterelle

or

Roasted breast of Tom Turkey and leg stuffed balontine
with Brussels sprouts, sweet potato gratin and giblet gravy

Dessert
Christmas pudding flamed with Cognac

The delicious christmas pudding that wasn’t diabetically sweet. I don’t think ours that night has Cognac but imagine how awesome would it be on Christmas night itself!

or

Black and white chocolate mousse on almond sable
with orange sorbet

It was overall a very pleasant dinner and I’m glad to be back after my first visit for their MIGF menu 2011. During the MIGF dinner, I liked the seafood better than the meats, and same goes for the Christmas menu this time round.

The turkey was a tad too dry but the stuffing was delicious (according to my dining partners) while my beef fillet; though pink, lacked the flavour I thought that could have made it shone.

Business hours at the Chalet are from 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm daily. For reservations, please call Chalet at 03 2161 7777 ext 8333.

But of course Christmas Eve is not forgotten! A unique festive Swiss 6 course menu for the eve consisted of Tournedos of Veal fillet Brillat-Savarin with potato mouseline and wilted spinach or the grilled Atlantic halibut with Peruvian asparagus, saffron potatoes, citrus and basil jus among other dishes.

For bubbly, join Chalet’s traditional European brunch, priced at 198++ per adult (inclusive free flow of wines) and RM88++ per child on Chrstmas day itself.

Plan ahead for New Year too while you’re at it, and check out Chalet’s New Year’s Eve Set Dinner that comes with masquerade party pack, digital photo and a stalk of rose for ladies.
It is priced at RM315++ per person starts from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. The New Year’s Day Set Dinner is priced at RM198++ per person that offers a scrumptious five course menu.

So  please call Chalet at 03 2161 7777 ext 8333 for further details or for any inquiry that you may have!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

All pictures taken with:

“Living in Nature’s Miracle” it says.

What does that mean?

Well, does the picture below gives you an idea?

Amazing isn’t it? Imagine….. just imagine….….. waking up to that each day. Or taking a walk at the linear garden which links the rear gardens of all residences at Eco Setia Cascadia into a network of dazzling green park connectors.

These connectors serve as a refreshing walkway where resident are able to take a quiet, tranquil walk from their back gardens through natural greenery all the way to the fully-equipped communal clubhouse and waterfall locales.

The concept of Setia Eco Cascadia is simple, yet surprisingly unexplored. It is about implanting a world of eco-living into the heart of a city centre. As the name implies, Setia Eco Cascadia is an abundant green wonderland where cascading waterfalls are the key element, literally bringing a fresh of breath air to modern living.

The luxurious houses are dotted along the natural, cascading landscapes, each strategically located to provide an optimum view of the waterfalls yet grant priceless privacy to the dwellers.
The entire development is built on natural terrains that are left uncompromised. Trees and fauna are well-preserved and cultivated. The Terrace Houses, Cluster Homes, Semi-Detached Houses and Bungalows are all fitted with eco-friendly features like floating roofs, sky gardens, outdoor gardens and more.

Here’s a little teaser video of this noteworthy development:

What do you think? Unbelievable?

Well, it’s a reality now. Coupled with its alluring eco-villas that personify luxury, space and the best of personalised living, Setia Eco Cascadia is truly a paradise that forever redefines the concept of eco-living in Johor Bahru.

The Club House of Setia Eco Cascadia offers comprehensive world-class facilities for homeowners. With swimming pools, gymnasium and private lounge inside the club and outdoor facilities like pavilions, bridges, courtyards, outdoor gardens and many more, Setia Eco Cascadia is all ready to pamper and indulge even the most discerning property owners.

To top it off, Setia Eco Cascadia is strategically located within a matured vicinity. Owners enjoy easy accessibility to amenities like Jusco, Tesco and Carrefour hypermarkets, Sunway College, hospitals and more. Setia Eco Cascadia is also connected to the North-South Expressway (Exit 255C) and Tebrau Highway, offering convenience in traveling and ease of location.

Setia Eco Cascadia –>> register your interest here.
Visit their sale gallery today to enjoy exclusive privileges, or if you would like to discover more about this township, kindly call 07-351 2255.

More on SP Setia’s Eco Homes concept:

S P Setia has a grand vision of making the world a better, more beautiful place, built on a platform where sustainable living and eco-consciousness take centre stage in everything we create.
In order to realise this vision, we have developed a delightful collection of Eco Homes that bridge the gap between luxurious lifestyles and natural living. These townships are more than meticulously-planned, immaculately-designed developments; they are recognised around the world and have received a multitude of international accolades.

Our award-winning developments such as Setia Eco Gardens, Setia Eco Park and EcoLakes Phuoc, Vietnam are a testament to our dedication towards building an infinitely greener tomorrow.

Now, how I wish there are more developments like this in Malaysia. Nature and the existing environment does not have suffer from the destructive force that humankind is so willing to muster in its quest for progress. What say you?

Malaysia-based ReapField Technology has launched a roaming service called FlexiRoam at RM10/day for unlimited calls in 15 countries.

The 15 countries are:

Australia, Brunei, China,France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam.

How does it work?
Register & purchase credits from Flexiroam.com. Activate the service via SMS before departing from Malaysia.

Upon arrival at your overseas destination, buy a local sim card.

Activate FlexiRoam via SMS from your new number. Read how Flexiroam works over here.

FlexiRoam directs all calls from your Malaysian phone line to your foreign line while you are travelling overseas. This allows you to remain in contact through your Malaysian number while enjoying the privileges of making and receiving cheap calls on your foreign line. It also means there’s no need to inform your contacts of any new international mobile numbers.

CONS:
1. Calls are unlimited for RM10/day, but users will still be charged at local rates (Malaysia) as calls from their actual mobile number (not your new country of destination number) are forwarded to the local Flexicall number in Malaysia.
Also users won’t be able to receive SMS as the mobile operators in Malaysia don’t support SMS forwarding. Read the limitation of Flexiroam here.

2. Flexiroam systems can’t promise to display the “Caller ID”. Their system are set to send Caller IDs to the foreign mobile operators but it is up to them to decide what to display. So when you receive calls, the display may show private numbers or some random numbers.

My personal opinion:
Dare I say Flexiroam is a good service but not so much for those who are very DATA roaming dependant? For instance, me. I probably need DATA more than anything. If I’m on Flexiroam overseas, I’ll still need to purchase another package just for data so perhaps FlexiRoam may not be the ideal roaming partner for me?
Let’s face it, how many of us (let’s just say the tech savvy, smartphone users) make calls often? I’ll probably call AFTER I have attempted BBM, Whatsapp, Twitter DM, email, FB msg (or write on the wall of their FB) & lastly, SMS.
If all the above fails, I normally assume that the person is unavailable & will then wait for his/her reply on any of the communication medium I had used above.

But then I’m only one person out of the whole human race out there. LOL.
Browse through ” how Flexiroam works over here” & decide for yourself if it’s suitable for you.

More on FlexiRoam’s service:
** Flexiroam leverages on the GSM network instead of Internet connectivity (3G or WiFi).
** For the convenience of travellers, they can top-up their FlexiRoam credits at KLIA and LCCT departure halls. There is also online payment facilities on FlexiRoam’s website.
** For corporate users, FlexiRoam also offers a RM2.75 per day rate under Corporate Plan
** ReapField Technology is an MSC status IT research and development company.

HAPPY DEALS: 1 million FREE roaming passes from FlexiRoam!

Throughout this September, FlexiRoam is giving away up to 1 million FREE roaming passes worth RM70 million for everyone.

Each free roaming pass allows user to make and receive UNLIMITED international roaming calls for up to seven (7) days when he or she travels overseas. (RM70 worth)

FlexiRoam’s website will showcase a featured country for that particular day and users will be able to grab a free roaming pass if they are travelling to the featured country between September 2011 to February 2012.

Kindly note that the featured country is updated daily so users can return and purchase multiple roaming passes to multiple countries throughout the entire month.

SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR BLOGGERS: Flexiroam’s first bloggers’ contest.

All a contestant needs to do to stand a chance to win is:

1. Blog about why the contestant would enjoy unlimited international roaming calls.
2. Include information regarding the 1,000,000 free FlexiRoam passes that FlexiRoam is giving away in the month of September 2011
3. Tweet his/her blog link with “#freeunlimitedroaming with @flexiroam” to qualify as a submission. (eg: I miss my mom when I’m overseas! I want #freeunlimitedroaming with @flexiroam http://bit.ly/xxxxx)

The most creative entries will be uploaded to FlexiRoam’s Facebook Page using Notes application where they will be available for public voting.
The entry with the highest Facebook ‘Likes’ will win an iPad 2 as well as RM100 Flexiroam credit and the second highest ‘Likes’ will win an iPod Nano as well as RM50 Flexiroam credit while the third highest ‘Likes’ will win an iPod Shuffle as well as RM30 Flexiroam credit.
The contest is open for submission from 1 September – 11 September 2011. Selected entries will be posted on FlexiRoam’s Facebook Page from 12 September – 25 September 2011 for public voting.

Below: Jef Ong, Founder of FlexiRoam at the bloggers launch event.

So what do you think? Would you find Flexiroam suitable for you if you’re overseas?

My usual answer is simple – controlled portions, eat only when I’m hungry, less intake at night & burn what you put in, so meaning exercise!

However, I’m not without faults (or rather faults I see in myself), though most people tell me otherwise. I would like to have spot reduction done on some areas if possible, & luckily enough for me, the opportunity presented itself when I was contacted by Bizzy Body Malaysia for a Bloggers’ Day Out at their Sunway Pyramid outlet.

Bizzy Body Malaysia has numerous outlets all over Selangor & KL, and outlets even in Pg & Johor. Which was good, as it was convenient for me to schedule my appointments; just a call & I could be doing my treatments at a location within the vicinity I’m in, whether in PJ or a shopping mall like Pavilion, MV & Sunway Pyramid.

Below: The outlet at Sunway Pyramid – just next to the Bowling Alley.

The first treatment I had was the Preso Therapy, which involves being slathered with oil & cling-wrapped up like some lunch sandwich…

This preso treatment is essential for detoxing & increase lymph flow. It basically “improves & prompt” the body natural ability to flush out toxins and prepares the body for any slimming treatment thereafter. We were advised to follow up with aour complimentary slimming treatment within a week from the Preso treament.

Step by step Preso Treatment by Bizzy Body Malaysia.

Getting ready..

Rubbed with oil & whole body cling-wrapped ..

The special machine for the Preso treatment – it massages your whole body gently with the air pockets in these sleeves that you’ll have to wear during the 40 min treatment.

See? Arms & legs in those sleeves & body wrapped in another ‘jacket”.

After the above Preso Theraphy, I followed up with the slimming treatment about 4 days later. This time I went to the Damansara Utama branch, as it is conveniently located near my home.

After much consultation, I was put on the most ideal package according to the therapist Ann Yap.

Since I am under-weight, I was given the MDS treatment instead. MDS is sort of a spot reduction slimming treatment, and mine was targeted at my arms.

Benefits of MDS:
MDS is metabolic depressor slimming treatment; a combined vacuum suction with deep massage.

How it works:
Stretches the fibers that is attached to the fat cell. The fibers will be shorten after the stretch, hence giving elastic skin.
Loosen up the attached fat cells to create space between the fat cells hence improving lymphatic drainage. Effective lymphatic drainage improves blood circulation.

I had a “ginger wrap” as well, prior to the Heat Blanket treatment.

Benefits of Ginger Wrap:
Stimulated circulation, reduces easy bloating, wind problem and firming effects.

Benefits of Heat Blanket:
- Penetrate nutrients into the skin
- Expands clogged capillary vessels
- Dissolving the toxin into the blood and out of the body (waste coming out as urine & perspiration)
- Burn fat
- Solve water retention problems

Below: The machine.

How it works:
- Natural effects of solar radiation
- Infrared heat produced by an infrared sauna is able to penetrate well below the skin
- It enables the body to sweat at temperatures of 110’F – 140’F

Me, nicely wrapped up & falling into a peaceful slumber…

The after effects of the MDS treatment can be ugly though; here’s my arm the day after. There were slight bruises here & there, but it disappeared quickly after ONE day so I was fine with that.

Measurements were taken prior to treatment & immediately after. The decline in the numbers were encouraging! I had an average decrease of 0-5 – 1.0 cm in the thighs & arms area.

Well, if only I can afford to continue such treatments! Sure beats the hours I had to put in at the gym just to maintain being slim!

For a complimentary trial session & consultation, surf over to: http://www.bizzybody2u.com/trial.html. No harm trying!  

Below: Friendly consultation prior to any treatment to ensure that the optimum combination of therapy is chosen according to your condition.

Outlets:

Berjaya Times Square
Kepong
Taman Desa KL
Mid Valley
Ampang
Brem Mall, Jalan Kepong
Cheras
Damansara Utama
Sunway Pryamid
Bandar Baru Klang
Bukit Tinggi Klang
USJ Taipan, Subang Jaya
Puchong, Bandar Puteri
Kajang
The Mines (NEW)

Besides Selangor/KL, there are outlets on Penang Island & Johor too!

Sunway Pyramid:

Damansara Uptown, PJ

Facebook Link: http://www.facebook.com/bizzybody
Website: http://www.bizzybody2u.com/trial.html
Toll-free: 1-800-888-330

My thoughts of this programme? What took them so long?!
If anything, I think AFC should have a series featuring food of every state in the country!

Anyhow, Perak is a good start & as I have told Xandria & Chef Julie, I’m looking forward to this series to unearth some unique & unknown delicacies of Perak. And I might even organize a food trip, with my itinerary based on this 8 -part series. Anyone game to join me??

At the launch of Discover Perak: (from left to right): Chef Julie Song, Mr. Steven Murphy (Programming Director of AFC) , En Aminudin Hashim (CEO – IDR) & Xandria herself.

Joining Xandria in her Perak adventures is Chef Julie Song.

Chef Julie is an established chef & true Perakian ambassador who has been enticing travellers to Perak with her award winning restaurant (the Indulgence since 1996). In Discover Perak, both ladies will share more about the amazing traditional cuisine Perak has to offer, as well as interact with extraordinary local characters that will add a little spice to the show.

So mark your calenders; as Discover Perak will have its exclusive premiere on Monday, 22 August, 8pm on Astro Channel 703.
Catch the show to discover culinary gems within the state of Perak, which encompasses more the usual fare in Ipoh town.

Last but not least, thanks to Chef Julie for sharing her Tropicana – Mango, Prawn and Pomelo Salad with us. This tangy sour appetiser was superb!

Serves 4
Ingredients

2 mango, skinned and thickly sliced
3 wedges of sweet Ipoh pomelo
Half just-ripe papaya, no skin and sliced into thin strips
12 prawns, poached and shells removed
1½ cups fresh coriander leaves, nicely washed

Dressing
3 limes, juiced
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 red chilli, de-seeded and chopped
3 teaspoons chopped garlic
1½ teaspoon sugar
A pinch of salt flakes
1½ teaspoon grated ginger
6 tablespoons passion fruit pulp, fresh or frozen
9 tablespoons olive oil

Method
1. Firstly, combine all dressing ingredients except the olive oil.
2. In a mixing machine, slowly pour in the olive oil whilst the machine is running until the dressing is
combined. Always taste the mixture.
3. Remove into a separate bowl. Refrigerate the dressing if using later.
4. In a separate bowl, lightly toss all the rest of the ingredients. Mix in the dressing just before
serving.
5. Serve immediately.

NOTE: The production of Discover Perak received the fullest support by the State Government via Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR), the brainchild of YAB Datoʼ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, the present Menteri Besar of Perak. The establishment of IDR, as the think-tank to the Perak State Government helps to realise the potential and generate greater awareness for the state of Perak, as well as to accomplish the objective of the “Perak Vision” – to become a developed state of Malaysia with the vision of Perak Amanjaya, a vision that promotes sustainable peace & prosperity.

AFC and E&O Kickstart the First-ever Asia-wide Reality Television Contest in Search for AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef!!

Calling all food lovers and aspiring chefs!

For the first time in Asia, the Asian Food Channel (AFC) is conducting a region-wide search for Asiaʼs next Celebrity Chef through AFCʼs first ever reality television series called the “E&O Search for AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef”.

Region-wide meaning they are seeking for contestants from across Asia & auditions will be held in 5 countries – Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

Luxury lifestyle group Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O) will be the other partner for this inspiring reality show.

Both organisations will leverage their resources to put contestants through a gamut of culinary challenges that will test even the most seasoned chef or passionate foodie.

Yes, this is serious stuff. “So You Think You Can Cook?” (- copyright to RebeccaSaw.com) . Well, show us your mettle!
The E&O Search for AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef series will be complemented with online updates and information, as AFC will be launching a microsite dedicated to the production of the series.
Click on http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/nextafcchef, read the T & Cs & GO FOR IT!

More of what happened at the press conference:

HIGHLIGHT:
I got to meet Chef Bruce Lim in person!!

If you don’t already know, Chef Bruce Lim is the bubbly persona/celebrity chef from the Tablescapes series by AFC.
He & Mr. Michael Saxon (on my right) are the judges on this show. Mr. Saxon, Director of Group Hospitality & Lifestyle of E&O Group, is not only a well-known hotelier, but also author of his famous professional memoir, Chefʼs Tales.

Caption: Michael Saxon, CEO – The Delicious Group and Director, Group Hospitality & Lifestyle, Eastern & Oriental Berhad, AFC co-founder and managing director Hian Goh & Chef Bruce Lim.

 Auditions will run from 3rd to 16th August 2011 in the five respective countries.

Contestants who are shortlisted from the auditions will be put through a series of intense cooking tests and trials, to identify who has the right ingredients to hold the title of E&O and AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef!

Below: Hian explaining to the press the concept of  E&O and AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef.

“AFC is proud and honoured to be able to create our own search for a celebrity in show in Asia. It has been something we have been planning for a long time and as Asia’s premier Food Channel we are delighted to be able to develop talent from across the region. Asia can now begin to have its own home-grown celebrity chefs that the region can take pride in.”

The exciting eight-part series will unveil the top 12 finalists in its premiere episode. Each week, one or more participants will be eliminated from the running based on the decisions made by the esteemed panel of judges.

Keeping thing exciting, & adding in to the element of surprise, host of international & distinguished celebrity chefs will also be invited to make guest appearances in selected episode(s) throughout the series as guest celebrity chefs judges.

“The entire series will be shot on location at E&Oʼs numerous hospitality and lifestyle properties such as the Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Lone Pine Hotel in Penang, the Martinique seafront villa and Straits Quay Retail Marina at E&Oʼs masterplanned township of Seri Tanjung Pinang, Penang, the St. Mary Residences in Kuala Lumpur as well as at some of the popular Delicious restaurants in Kuala Lumpur” .

Below: Mr Michael Saxon of E & O Group.

Who can take part:

All aspiring chefs, individuals with culinary training, or those simply with the passion for and knowledge of cooking are invited to sign up for auditions and take up the challenge to be crowned “AFCʼs Next Celebrity Chef”.

PRIZE:

The winning chef will also be signed to an exclusive one-year contract as an AFC Celebrity Chef with AFC. In addition, the winner will be awarded the opportunity of a year-long employment contract with the E&O Group, taking on the mantle of Creative Director and Head of R& D for the E & O Gourmet Group.

So, do you believe that you can a celebrity Chef like Chef Bruce Lim??     Here’s the link again: Click on http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/nextafcchef, read the T & Cs & GO FOR IT!

All pictures are:

This exclusive Acca Kappa offer is only available via selected bloggers like myself & from 7 July – 7 Aug 2011; where you can purchase a set of 3 hair brushes at only RM280 (worth up to RM390) with a redemption voucher of RM15 off.

Elena, Brand Manager, Acca Kappa Malaysia explained further on THE NEW Protection Brush (12AX946), RM150 :

The Protection Brush is a new massage brush specially designed to provide a delicate combing and gentle massaging.
The nylon looped pins with micro-round tops comb the hair easily and untangle them carefully without stretching and damaging the hair structure. They massage the scalp delicately due to the stimulation of the microcirculation and the hair follicles moistening.

The main advantage of the made from beech brush lies in its lightness. The natural rubber pad provides the necessary flexibility of pins while combing. The special shape proportions spread the pressure evenly along the full length which is good for the both skin and hair.

Tip: Use to massage the scalp gently. Ideal for medium to long periods of brushing and entangling hair while massaging the scalp daily. Brush hair daily in the morning, at night and for light blow-drying.

So what are you waiting for?? Walk into any Acca Kappa store - One Utama & Acca Kappa Pavilion KL, and choose 3 hairbrushes for yourself now! ON budget? Share with 3 friends!
Download & print this voucher; & with further RM15 off the offer price of RM280, it’s only RM265 for 3 brushes. Each of you pays less than RM90 for a brush! How awesome is that??

Examples of brushes that you could buy: (Please check with outlet on its availability & whether it can be bought using the voucher)

Acca Kappa products are available at Acca Kappa One Utama and Acca Kappa Pavilion KL.
More: Check them out on http://www.facebook.com/AccaKappaMalaysia!  

So anyone buying??  

Oh, I couldn’t stop grinning happily the whole time, especially with her sitting right next beside me at our table for a good 15 minutes. She was ever patient with our questions & frenzied phototaking. Haha, now she knows what it is like to be in the company of bloggers!! 

And yes she’s as bubbly as her TV persona, and came across as a genuinely affable person both on & off-screen.

You know, just on a personal basis, I hate those perfectly sweat-free, made-up & couture attired TV hosts; perhaps not so much for talk shows, but especially so for travel & discovery shows.
I mean, be real, how does one walk around & really experience the place/country without breaking a sweat? And just standing by & yakking away without actually getting hands-on with the activities? I’m not sure if the hosts’ looks are more important to the viewers or the TV station’s ratings?

Anyhow, I think that’s why Sam’s shows hit a chord in most viewers’ hearts. Her shows were different & real. When I shared on twitter & on my FB that I was going to meet her, I was taken aback by the responses I got, so many fans!
All talking about her charisma, her jovial personality on screen & how they enjoyed THE CONTENT of her show. Nothing about how she looks (but of course, she does look mighty fine!) or the size of her *****.

The dinner + greet session was held for a relatively small group of media & close associates of Astro (I think) & each of the dinner tables enjoyed the opportunity to be upclose & personal with Samantha herself that night. She autographed travel journals, took pics & shared her stories with everyone.

And her new series - SAMANTHA BROWN’S ASIA premieres on July 25 - on TLC (Astro Channel 707).
ASIA!! Woohoo! Sam’s is in my region!!

Catch Samantha as she visits the following Asian countries: Vietnam, Hong Kong/Macau, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, (she went to my hometown PENANG!!!!  ) Japan and Bali.

Vietnam (TLC – Astro Channel 707 : Monday, July 25, 10pm)

Hong Kong/Macau (TLC – Astro Channel 707 - Monday, August 1, 10pm)

 Singapore (TLC – Astro Channel 707 - Monday, August 8, 10pm)

Cambodia (TLC – Astro Channel 707 - Monday, August 15, 10pm)

Thailand (TLC – Astro Channel 707 - Monday, August 22, 10pm)

Malaysia (Airs on Sunday, August 28, 10pm)!!
(*hops hops! jumps! throw confetti in the air! * She was here in Malaysia! I can’t wait to watch what she did /experienced here! )

Just a little teaser – she did this in Malaysia! Drinking out from a shoe! Haha! Want to know more? Well, just like me, I have to catch the show to know! 

More information about the Samantha Brown’s Asia: Episode Malaysia:
Special telecast on Sunday, August 28 at 1900 hrs (7:00 p.m.)
Encore on Monday, August 29 at 2200 hrs (10:00 p.m.)
“”Samantha heads to Malaysia, a country whose beauty is derived from a cultural landscape comprised of extreme contrasts. In Penang, Samantha finds a medley of traditional cultures and food, and in Kuala Lumpur, towering skyscrapers and larger-than-life characters. Samantha heads to the heart of the rainforest and along the way learns some fascinating lessons about Malaysia’s rich cultural traditions.”"

Darn, I wished I had the opportunity to take her around like I did with Catherine Bell in Melaka & KL! (watch my Culinary Tour videos HERE – MELAKA & HERE – KL ).
Well, some day I will! 

Last but not least, even our dinner that night was Asia – themed, featuring dishes from the countries Sam visited in her show.

Joey G was host for the night.

Other Samantha Brown’s shows includes:
Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown, Passport to Latin America with Samantha Brown or Girl Meets Hawaii.

Yup, that girl has the most envied job in the world! :-)

All pictures are:

More on Catherine’s visit to Malaysia:

She had banana leaf here -Vishal Banana Leaf – Brickfields and the video of her trip – KL makan-makan leg HERE!!

Next up! The Melaka video! It’s taken using fish-eye lens & it looks pretty good! I will be posting that later!

Meet the dashing Chef Jason Koppinger from US!

A man who absolutely adores Asian food & is head- over- heels crazy about chillies!

I had the honour of initiating him to our chilli pan mee last week & he sampled both Kin Kin & Super Kitchen for lunch on the very same day. He had a blast loading his bowl with Kin Kin’s legendary dry chilli & didn’t break a sweat chowing down the whole bowl!
While he loved Kin Kin for the heat; like me he much preferred Super Kitchen’s version.
Both of us agreed that though Super Kitchen’ chilli doesn’t pack that much of a heat, it was a much better bowl of pan mee overall, in terms of the flavours from each of its’ component (the minced meat, the soup, the sauce ) & the noodles’ texture was just beautifully chewy with a bit of bite. It’s cheaper too, at RM4.80 versus Kin Kin’s RM5.80 per bowl.

On another occasion, he & his wife Laura sampled char kuey teow, laksa, curry chee cheong fun, oh chien (fried oysters), claypot pork rice, roast belly & char siew, ice kacang, sugar cane drink & lean chee kang (a sweet chinese dessert) and he pronounced his favourite hawker fare to be our wok-fire, charred flavoured char kuey teow! That man has got great taste!

Hence keeping in theme to his passionate choices of fiery cuisine, Chef Jason’s menu for Midsummer Nights Feast 2011 is the “FIRE” menu. Each dish in his FIRE menu features a different type of chilli & it’s going to be fascinating to see how he explores each chilli’s flavours & incorporate it into his dishes.

Element: Fire

Celebration of Culinary Passion.

Master Chef Jason Koppinger CEC, CCE (United States)
Certified Executive Chef
Autodome Chain of Restaurants, Malaysia

A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Culinary Educator (CCE), Master Chef Jason Koppinger has proven his creative skills and expertise in all aspects of the culinary arts and food & beverage service in the international hospitality industry. His acclaimed Wine Dinner Series of 7-course fine dining paired with various winemakers were featured in Food Networks Food Finds and Iron Chef America shows, leading to affiliated programs as a celebrity chef hosting local television shows in the United States.

His culinary passion has taken him from being a lecturer at the University College on Culinary Arts to acclaimed dining destinations in worldclass resorts at Cayman Islands and Hawaii to Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago to the Royal Carribean Cruises.

Among other accolades include Chef of the Year at the Grand Cayman in Cayman Islands; Gold Medal Award Winner of Culinary Competitions in Puerto Rico; and the youngest Executive Chef in the Royal Carribean fleet from the Carribean to North & South America, Mexico, Alaska and Europe.

Now for the first time in Malaysia, Chef Koppinger will create a special menu of “new world cuisines” as a personal expression of his culinary passion across cultures, exclusively at Starhill Gallery, Midsummer Nights Feast.

“I never forget to attribute much of my culinary skills to spending so much time with my grandmother, mother and aunts in the kitchen. Cooking was always the center of every family gathering … not with just small pots and pans but … cauldrons and huge vessels that could feed 40 – 50 people at a time!”

“In professional cooking … I believe that every one in the team should have an understanding what we are setting out to achieve. The Chef‟s vision and what he expects his diners to have, taste and experience must be communicated to everyone from the stewards to the Chef de cuisine.”

“Last but not least, fresh ingredients will yield a fantastic result.”

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FIRE MENU

Amuse Bouche

Lobster “arancini”, furikake, habanero tomato relish

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Duo of

Oolong Smoked Duck “Taco”avocado uni crema, melon jalapeño salsita
&
Chevre & caramelized onion stuffed pequillo pepper, salsa verde, micro cilantro

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Togarashi brûlée of diver scallop “carpaccio”, aji amarillo pepper ponzu, crisp edamame, ginger caviar, watermelon radish

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Wasabi crusted halibut, fingerling potato, pearl onion, asparagus, cherry tomato, szechuan shitake “tea”, pepper drizzle

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Intermezzo – jalapeño watermelon granite’

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Peppercorn dusted loin of lamb, cranberry – “fried orzo” roasted peaches, thyme pepperonata jus, pepper gelle‘

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Ancho chile chocolate timbale, passion fruit cream, maple drizzle, smoked berry sea salt

I can’t wait to taste his menu! Even his dessert is intriguing – ancho chile (yes, it is a type of chilli!) with creamy DARK chocolate, coupled with a bit of tang from the passionfruit & then a savoury saltiness from the smoked salt. Don’t tell me you’re not drooling already!

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For further enquiries and reservations, please call +603-2782 3855.

In summary, here are the dates for each of the Chef’s dinner:

1 July Chef Jason Koppinger (‘FIRE‘ MENU HERE )

2 July Chef Wai (‘SPACE‘ MENU HERE )

3 July 5 Elements Brunch from 11.30am to 3pm

4 & 5 July Chef Moshik Roth

6 & 7 July Chef Benoit Vidal (7th Jul – FULLY BOOKED) (‘EARTH‘ MENU HERE )

8 July 5 Elements Gala Dinner (CORPORATE NIGHT – non bookable)

1-7 July Chef Manabu Special ala carte menu-Gonbei San (‘AIR‘ MENU HERE )
(** this is the AIR Menu & it’s available all 7 days)

For an idea on Midsummer Nights Feast 2010, check out my experiences below: