JOM.MAKAN.LIFE.

Imagine getting a set of piping hot Pork & Shrimp Dumpling (siew mai) and Pork Rib & Century Egg Porridge when you order any dishes price RM28 and above. Too good to be true? Such great deals are part and parcel of dining at Grand Shanghai Banquet in Seri Petaling.

According to owner Eujuan Teh, Grand Shanghai Banquet is just a few steps up from most neighbourhood Chinese restaurants. “We want to serve dim sum and typical ‘tai chow’ dishes in a comfy, air-cond environment for diners.”

He’s far too humble honestly. As befitting its name, the resto interior is more opulent than the average ‘tai chow’ eatery. With its gilded ceiling and modern Chinoiserie drum lantern lights, the interior looks as if King Midas has given it his golden touch.

Even though I rarely eat porridge, the resto’s smooth congee is palate-pleasing enough. Complementing it with delectable bites of siew mai makes it even better.

Naturally, you can order baskets of the steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumpling(RM7.50) separately.

The hefty serving of Fish Head Hot Pot with fresh Grouper fillet and Beancurd (RM48 – small & RM88 – large) is ample for groups of five or more. We love the soup’s tummy-warming goodness and clear sweetness; drawn from the milieu of assorted vegetable, sweetcorn, mushroom and yam added to it.

Thanks to a certain Hong Kong Michelin-starred dim sum resto, crusty char siew baos are now all the rage. Although the scrumptious Grand Shanghai Special Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (RM12.80) doesn’t have a queue up front for them, they are excellent. The buns’ sweet crumbly crust is not as greasy and the filling is truly satisfying.

Sliced chilli lends a zingy hot kick to the soft and gelatinous Steamed Chicken Feet (RM6.50). Steamed to falling off the bone, this delightful speciality is a ‘must try’ if you’re a fan of interesting texture and mouth feel.

More QQ bounciness to tickle the tastebuds is evident from the Steamed Fish Ball Dumpling with Seasonal Vegetable (RM6.50). Again its plain simplicity bears testament to the fish paste’s freshness. There’s no trace of any fishiness – a troubling sign of less than fresh fish paste.

Runny salty-sweet custard and salted egg yolk filling has us all a-wooing and ah-ing the minute we break the Steamed Custard Quicksand Bun ‘Hong Kong’ Style (RM7.50) into halves. The golden yellow liquidy centre makes it a little messy to devour but it is worth getting your hand dirty for this.

Xiao Long Bao or Steamed Pastries with Grand Shanghai Style in Superior Soup(RM9.00) is a mainstay here. Be careful when you pick up the hot soup-filled dumplings to avoid breaking the skin.

Succulent scallops, springy prawns and robustly hot sambal ensure we make short work of the fab Fried Rice with Salted Egg and Assorted Seafood(RM19.80). Lightly flavoured with salted egg, the briny fluffy grains leave a favourable impression.

Memories of my Chengdu jaunt return when I sample the smooth poached Grand Shanghai Special Spicy Chicken (RM14.80). Topped with ginger and gritty robust Sichuanese chilli condiment, the tender meat is toothsome to the bite.

It is sublime when paired with the crunchy Stir Fried Kailan with Chinese Wine (RM15.80). The jade-green vege comes with wood ear fungus, soused in sweet rice wine and soy sauce for a heady accent.

Porky enthusiasts can go the whole hog with Braised Pork Belly with Brown Sauce & Chinese Wine served with Man Tou (RM28) or Grandma’s Traditional Stewed Pork (RM28). Set in a pool of unctuous brown sauce, the tung por yuk’s multiple layers of fat and meat look stunning. As expected, it’s sublimely rich.

The pork belly with salted fish in claypot begs to be eaten with plain rice. All the deep-seated, comforting meaty nuances should be doused over rice in order to derive greater enjoyment from it.

Acknowledging the Malaysian penchant for strong, piquant flavours, you’d find a dish or two laden with chilli and spice. The Claypot Assam Prawn(RM38) best exemplifies this approach.

For a refreshing finish to such a substantial meal, the dessert of choice has to be

Aloe Vera, Grass Jelly, Sea Coconut and Yogurt Pearls Jelly (RM30 - large, RM25 - medium and RM7 - single portion). We especially like the mildly tangy taste of the yogurt pearls which pop and burst on the tongue.

For reservations, call GRAND SHANGHAI BANQUET, tel: 03-8934 3852. Address:

No. 45, Jalan Radin Tengah, Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 10am-10pm Monday-Friday, 9am-10pm Sat, Sun &PH

Crisp and flaky on the outside, fluffy with that barest hint of chewiness inside, Swaadh serves the best Kerala-style Paratha(RM2.50) ever. Our local roti canai is an evolution of this Indian bread; in this case the dough is folded into a spiral unlike roti canai which is folded into a square. Cooked using sunflower oil, Swaadh’s version is lighter but sublimely tasty.

If you’re a big on Indian food, make Swaadh your ‘must visit’ resto asap. In Hindi and Malayalam, Swaadh means “taste” or “tasty” – an apt description for the many wondrous dishes you’d find at this refined Indian food haven.

Owners Suresh Sushilan and Suren Navaratnam have stepped up to ensure Swaadh’s fine-dining concept stands apart from its competitors. Décor is minimal but enough to put diners at ease, with cream hued walls contrasting with the dark ceiling. The result is a cosy, warm ambience for dining in comfort.

Your passage to India is capably handled by Chef Rahul Krishnan whose decade old culinary experience is augmented by a team of trained chefs from Cochin, Kerala (India). Naturally, North Indian, Kerala and Chettinad specialities are the order of the day here.

In between sips of slushy Fresh Mint Lime Cooler (RM7.80), we chomped on Indian appetisers of Onion Pakora (deep-fried onion fritters, RM3.90), Chicken Dry Chilli Fry (RM9.90) and Mutton Coconut Fry (RM16.50) while waiting for the mains. The onion fritters were incredibly addictive while the meatier morsels set our tongues alight with a cacophony of spices and intermittent bursts of subtle heat.

The scene stealer is Butter Chicken Masala (RM12.50) – a house speciality which lured us back repeatedly with its complex layering of spices which shines against a canvas of rich, creamy gravy.

No two curries are created equal and the Chicken Methi (RM10.20) proves the chef is a master of spice; the dish’s striking turmeric yellow colour is a clear indication of how different it tastes from the earlier offering.

Lean mean chicken breast turns into superbly scrumptious chunks in the Northern Indian speciality of Hariyali Kebab (RM13.50). Tandoor-grilled and basted with an olive green paste of spinach, green peas, green chillies and coriander, the moist pieces are aromatic and zingy to the bite.

Red shouldn’t be the colour of choice for good Tandoori Chicken (RM15). Depending on the masala mix used, the resultant grilled chicken should flaunt a burnt sienna shade. Swaadh gets it right hence we have nothing but praises for the moist, tender meat which is well suffused with heady spice nuances.

Even the vegetable dishes are deftly prepared. My teen couldn’t get enough of the Palak Paneer (RM10.50) – a first for someone who is trying out for the first time. Who doesn’t love cubes of fresh housemade cottage cheese in devilishly unctuous spinach puree?

The Vegetable Khorma (RM9) isn’t too shabby either with its assortment of diced vegetables in yellow gravy. It just begs to be eaten with piping hot fresh Naan (available in four variants, RM3-RM5.20).

Alternatively, you can chase those tempting offerings with Cashew Pulao (RM6.60) – fluffy rice studded with cashew nuts and fried shallots. In addition, six varieties of Briyani (RM6.60-RM18) are available. We can vouch for the Prawn Briyani (RM18) – a big, bold and brightly flavoured dish that warms the tummy and heart with gusto minus the frills.

From the God’s own country (as Kerala is famously known), the chef baits us with Fish Pollichathu (RM16.50)– fish coated in tongue-tingling chilli and spice marinade then grilled in banana leaf wrap.

There's also Kerala Fish Curry (RM14.50) which again upon your sampling it will tell you the spice concoction differs from that of regular Southern Indian curries.

Coconut and spices - two ingredients central to Kerala's cuisine come together harmoniously in the second Keralan favourite of Prawn Ularthiyathu (RM18.90). Sautéed with pieces of coconut flesh, onions and heady spices, it’s a stellar serving that sears itself into your memory.

Thali Set Meals are also available during lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options served. For catering and special events, there’s a private dining hall onsite.

For reservations at Swaadh, call tel: 03-5166 2082/ 012-9197977 (Suresh). Address: 40A, Lorong Sanggul 1B, Bandar Puteri, Klang, Selangor. Resto is located on 1st floor above a car wash and behind Bandar Puteri 99 Speedmart.

‘Kaiseki’ is so rarefied that no Japanese cuisine connoisseurs would turn down an invitation to savour this multi-course haute dining experience. My last kaiseki encounter was over three years ago so when Angeline Ong invited us to join her for kaiseki at Ishin, it was an offer too good to refuse.

This refined Japanese restaurant is located a stone’s throw away from Mid Valley City, along a main thoroughfare. Housed in a refurbished bungalow, Ishin's cosily outfitted with sleek timber accents and warm lighting.

The oval sushi counter accords upclose and first-hand view of the chefs in action while upstairs boasts a warren of private rooms including several with tatami-style seating albeit with recessed floor space.

The opening act was a trio of tempting morsels. It was full of crunch thanks to the paper-thin slices of deep-fried satsuma (Japanese sweet potato). Things swung to the opposite spectrum with the dense smoothness of pan-fried duck liver spreading on our palate; its unctuous richness tempered by a dash of citrusy yuzu dressing. Completing the appetising showcase was a mini skewer of smoked duck breast rolled with mango strips and micro sprouts, touched with truffle dressing.

Sipping on the thick and mildly gluey double-boiled blue fin soup, we discovered the collagen-rich gelatinous chunk had a feral mineral aftertaste to it. The broth’s savouriness was tempered by grated yuzu zest whilst mushroom, carrot and leek add extra textural dimension.

Rare and high-brow ingredients are often featured in kaiseki and the subsequent course testified to this. Fried ankimo (monkfish liver) was a rare speciality that was worth its weight in gold. Garnished with tara shirako (cod’s milt or sperm sac), saffron threads, globules of salmon roe and melted cheese, it was a super decadent delicacy tasting of musky gaminess.

Equally impressive was the sashimi course. Presented on a bed of crushed ice and a domed ice ‘cave’, the raw fish selection included a superbly sweet akaza ebi (a type of Japanese deep-sea prawn), maguro (tuna) and shima aji (striped jack).

Marbled with flecks of fat throughout, the two slices of Kagoshima beef were more than ample for each person. Quickly seared on a hot stone grill, the meltingly tender meat appeared richly buttery on our tastebuds.

Chasing this up was a dainty don composed from vinegared rice sprinkled with pink fish floss crowned with seared otoro (tuna belly), uni (sea urchin) and slivers of nori. It reminded us of an ultra-luxe, scrumptious onigiri (Japanese rice ball).

Fresh fruit rounded up our meal and even then the variety was mind-blowingly posh. Nectar-sweet Japanese musk melon, persimmon and Kyushu grapes were simple yet refreshingly light; the perfect conclusion to our meal.

You too can savour a similar kaiseki experience at Ishin from about RM600 per person. Price may vary according to the seasonal ingredients served.

For reservations at ISHINJapanese Dining, call tel: 03-7980-8228. Address:202, Persiaran Klang, 3¾th Mile, Off Jalan Klang Lama, Kuala Lumpur

School hols are here again. Are you feeling the pinch from unfavourable foreign currency exchange? Still wanna to take the family for a short vacay? Then set sail for Labuan with Malaysia Airlines (MAB)– enjoy great savings with the current Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dekat Je promo deals.

Located 6km away from the Borneo coast of East Malaysia, Labuan is one of Malaysia’s three federal territories and our nation’s only offshore financial centre. But finance and petroleum aren’t the only things to make Labuan tick.

The name Labuan which comes from the Malay word ‘labohan’ for port, is an undiscovered gem as a low-key holiday destination. A recent visit organised by Dorsett Grand Labuan proved to be a revelation of sorts, surprising us withendless possibilities of things to do, see, eat and buy on the sun-kissed, laidback island. Labuan has something to offer to everyone - check out this informative overview of what to expect.

BOUNTIFUL FOODIE TEMPTATIONS

If you're lucky, you'd reel in this exquisite tasting flesy fish known

as 'hoi dhai gai' (ocean chicken)

No visit to Labuan is complete without a meal or two or three of its freshest seafood. A short 30-min drive away from Dorsett Grand Labuan will take you to Kampung Nagalang Seafood Restaurant (Jalan Kerupang 1, Kampung Nagalang, Simpang Ikan Todak 24,W.P. Labuan,tel: +6017 898 3837/012 834 1997).

Set out on stilts out in the open sea, the rustic wood-built resto has numerous tanks of live deep-sea fishes, shellfish and crustaceans for your selection. You’d go ga-ga over the wide variety but our dinner touted mostly the resto's house specialities.

Dishes which floated our boat included crispy white bait, stir-fried slipper lobsters with salted egg and stir-fried ‘kam heong’ crabs which come slicked in a caramelised, saucy coating of thick soya sauce, crushed black pepper, garlic and curry leaves.

That seafood-laden dinner whetted our appetite for fresh catches of seafood from Labuan to cart home. Here’s a hint: wake up at the crack of dawn and head out to Labuan Fisheries (Jalan OKK Awang Besar, 87000 WP Labuan) where an open-air fish and seafood market is sited. Avid cooks and seafood lovers will be hooked by amazing seafood choices at pocket-friendly prices. For instance, a 1kg+ seven-star grouper costs about RM150 only.

Looking for local snacks like ampalang or dried food like anchovies and dried fish? Then Labuan Central Market (Jalan Bunga Tanjung, WP Labuan) with its orderly sections of meat, fish/seafood and vegetable cum grocery beckons. Walk through the covered complex for a cornucopia of local sights, sounds and smell.

Don’t forget Labuan is a duty-free island so booze and chocs are great buys too. Just pop into the One Stop Duty Free Shop at Victoria Point (Lot A, G Floor, Victoria, Jalan OKK Awang Besar, 87000 WP Labuan, tel: +6016 2020 200/+608 7421 178 ) for ample supplies

of imported chocolates and alcoholic beverages. All at jaw-dropping low prices compared to Peninsular Malaysia.

FASCINATING FINDS FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Serious history buffs should hire local historian Willie Teoh (hp no: 019-8820 551) to guide them on a historical walk. His deep-seated passion and keen interest in Labuan’s early days and community affairs should help you delve into Labuan’s historical past at the Labuan Museum (U 0364, Jalan Dewan, 87008 WP Labuan, tel: 087-414 135).

Let him take you through the island’s different transition periods, from the prehistoric era up to the formation of the Labuan Corporation. The museum's splendid showcase also illustrates the cultural and economic contributions of the Brunei Malay, Kadayan, Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, Indian and Sikh communities in this territory.

A sense of serene poignancy reigns at the Labuan War Memorial Park where orderly rows and rows of white headstones stood sentinel as tribute to the 3,908 soldiers from Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand and Malaysia who died during World War II. Perusing the engraved names, military ranks and ages of the fallen heroes reminded us of their bravery and sacrifice.

Likewise, another historic site to visit isSurrender Point Memorial.At this landmark on September 10, 1945, Lieutenant General Masao Baba of the 37^th Japanese Army officially surrendered his sword to Australian Major General George Wootten to signal the ceremonial end of WWII in Labuan.

As a symbol of hope to pray such war atrocities would never again occur in Labuan, we came face-to-face with a huge rock from Nagoyawhich is the main centrepiece at Peace Park. The landscaped and well-maintained premise also stands as a memorial to late soldiers and civilians who perished during the war and as a sign of eternal friendship between Japan and Malaysia.

Coal-mining activities which occurred between 1847 and 1911 in Labuan will also garner some attention from first-time visitors. It is saidThe Chimney in Tanjung Kubong may be related to those early goings-on but nothing has been proven thus far. In fact, the sturdy 32-metre high rectangular raw red brick structure which is over a century old, has no tell-tale function or purpose as far as historians can detect. The Chimney’s mysterious existence remains an unsolved puzzle to this day, with rife speculations about it being a lighthouse or bell tower or a smoke stack.

GEAR UP FOR SPORTING SPIRITS

Families and friends who enjoy being on the go can rent bicycles (contact LDA Holdings - Ms Syafiqah, tel: +60 8 7413 155 or +6013-507 0795) and go on a cycling tour. Start from Dorsett Grand Labuan and follow a scenic trail which takes you past popular tourist attractions such as War Memorial Park, International Sea Sports Complex, An’Nur Jamek Mosque and Botanical Garden.

Our biking entourage was given VIP escort all the way, thanks to Tourism Malaysia Manager Cik Norhidayah Md Noor and the support of the Chief of Police Tuan Adzhar Othman from Labuan PDRM and his men in white.

Alternatively, go back to nature by hiking up the 148-metre Bukit Kubong. Covered with lush shrubbery, the path uphill is easy enough for novice hikers to attempt. Once you reach the peak, be rewarded by a panoramic view of sandy shores and verdant greenery.

Golfing enthusiasts may tee off at the Labuan International Golf Club (Jalan Sungai Pagar, Kiansam, 87000 WP Labuan,tel: +60 87 468468). The club welcomes kiddies to try their hand at the driving range too. Who knows, you may just discover the lil ones have a knack for it.

Beach side activities abound as well. Join locals to jog, stroll or sit to admire the sunset along Manikar Beach. Us lucky souls were thoroughly pampered by the Dorsett Grand Labuan catering team who whipped up refreshments and cocktails on the spot for our enjoyment.

Life's a beach in Labuan so go island-hopping when you're there. The crystal-clear water and pristine sun-kissed beach of Pulau Kuraman is but a short boat-ride away (call Rodney, hp no: 016-328 1689 for boat hire, email: fishermens_advance@yahoo.com). Take your time to swim, frolic around or catch forty winks on tree-hung hammocks under shady trees. Bring along a picnic lunch to stave off hunger pangs after all that splashing fun.

Thank you to Dorsett Hotels & Resorts and Malaysia Airlines with support from Tourism Malaysia for making this Labuan media fam possible.

If there’s one thing us Malaysians love more than eating, it has to be shopping! Even sky-high foreign currency exchange rate is of no deterrent to our ‘shop till you drop’ habit.

Thanks to Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Visit Britain (VB), our recent visit to London proved shopping is great indeed in Britain...or in our case – London. Whether you’re a toff or not, the art of gifting this festive season is a walk in the park thanks to the mind-boggling variety that leaves even the most seasoned shopaholics gobsmacked. Based on my brief sojourn, the FAB FOUR spots where shopping is great for me are:

BICESTER VILLAGE

Do you know Malaysians form the 3^rd largest group of customers to Bicester Village? With over 130 luxury brands at the doorstep, chic outlet shopping is a complete breeze at this stylish retail haven. When I mentioned my impending visit in Facebook, a chorus of approval from my friends made me even more intrigued.

As guests of Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, we were told we would enjoy an extra 10% VIP discount at Bicester! Get your VIP invitation at the Hotel Concierge to exchange for a VIP card at the Bicester Visitor Centre.

This is a cosily furnished area with plush sofas and an affable team will proffer a host of convenient services such as Hands-free Shopping, Personal Stylist,Valet Parking and Luggage Drop.

From Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, we took a short 15-min drive to London Marylebone Station. That’s where we boarded a 38-min train ride on Chiltern Railways straight to Bicester Village Station.

Time passed swiftly on board - the smooth train journey made easier with comfy carriages outfitted with WiFi and power plug points so you can make productive use of your travelling time.

Upon arrival, our group was warmly welcomed by the ValueRetail team and hosted to a delicious farmhouse-style lunch featuring the best of British fare at the rustic FarmShop restaurant.

A brand new, all day dining restaurant created exclusively for Bicester Village, the FarmShop serves local British and seasonal food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The menu highlights locally sourced produce, from Scottish salmon with lemon mayo and spit-roast chicken with aioli to flourless chocolate cake and Bramley apple pie with ice cream.

After that indulgent lunch, we meandered around the rows of low-rise, well-designed boutique stores which beckoned invitingly with their attractive showcase displays. Most of the prestigious boutiques were clustered around an open-air, landscaped boulevard, evocative of the charming villages of south-east England.

If you’re into designer goods, the pickings are rich. The boast about 60% off regular retail prices at Bicester gained credence after we popped into Michael Kors, Coach, Clarks, Le Creuset and Burberry to name but a few.

Malaysia Airlines Enrich members will also enjoy some rewards when they shop at Bicester Village. Check for info in the BV-MAB Frequent Flyer programme: http://www.bicestervillage.com/en/guest-services/village-services/frequent-flyer-programmes

BURLINGTON ARCADE

This is the world’s first shopping arcade thanks to Lord George Cavendish from Burlington House (now the Royal Academy) who commissioned the covered promenade of shops to be built in 1819. Besides providing gratification to the public, the 72 small-storey was supposedly a CSR project of sorts, as the shops were meant to employ industrious females after the war.

Photo courtesy of Chasingfooddreams

According to Head Beadle Mark Lord (pix above), the Burlington Arcade Beadles are not only the oldest and smallest private police force in London but they are also the best source of information about the arcade. With 13 years under his belt, Mark knows the arcade, the shops, its people and products inside out.

Walking us through the revered space, Mark regaled us with the arcade’s illustrious history, ornate curvilinear elements found on its arches and grill work, and enhancement efforts undertaken: the new floor’s non-slip coating and the replacement of the stepped entrance with a gently sloping ramp. The latter has enabled one of the Burlington’s most loyal customers to manoeuvre her wheelchair into the arcade completely unaided.

He also pointed out to us distinctive tenants like Hancocks, a much respected jeweller commissioned to produce the Victoria Cross awarded to soldiers and sailors starting in June 1857. Others include Ladurée from Paris and Kwanpen from Singapore proudly touts its fine handmade croc leather in vibrant colours and refined detailing in Palladium or 18K Gold.

Burlington Arcade has also seen its fair share of dramatic happenings, from fire and robbery to interesting anecdotes about world-famous patrons such as Fred Astaire and Ingrid Bergman. It was also the location of choice for Hollywood flicks such Patriot Games and 101 Dalmatians.

Want to procure a bespoke bauble or two for someone who has it all? Looking for a one-of-its-kind heirloom or vintage Rolex to adorn your wrist? You’d find it at Burlington Arcade...us plebeian foodies can always find succour in the bejewelled hues of Ladurée’s famed macarons.

For a bespoke experience of the Burlington Arcade Beadle Tour on Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, please contact: http://www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

COMING UP:More shopping spots: Westfield London & Borough Market

Since it arrived in the local F&B scene in June 2013, French-Asian bakery TOUS les JOURS (Everyday) from South Korea has been winning baked goods fans with its wide selection of bread, pastries, cakes and beverages.

Recently, a fresh idea has bloomed at Tous les Jours at the Empire Shopping Gallery Subang where the South Korean bakery franchise has teamed up with Orchid Culture to open the first orchid boutique in the country.

According to Orchid Culture director Darren Yeo (pix above), both Orchid Culture and Tous les Jours are in synergy when it comes to delivering the best and freshest in their business. "The focus on quality resonates with our brands and we strive to continue to provide only the best as Orchid Culture continues to grow."

Orchid Culture, which has two outlets - one in Bangsar Shopping Centre and the other in Tous les Jours Empire Shopping Gallery Subang, plans to expand the unique concept to more locations in the Klang Valley going forward.

Both entities are positive customers would respond well to their fresh approach as they believe while the tempting oven-fresh offerings of Tous les Jours are food for the soul, Orchid Culture's majestic orchids known as phalaenopsis should be a stimulating feast for the eyes.

An orchid specie native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, the flowers commonly known as 'moth orchids' are large and often resemble moths. It takes about 4-5 years for a carefully cultivated plant to bloom and the delicate, pretty blooms last about 2-3 months.

Although the phalaenopsis requires minimum maintenance in our Malaysian climate, it should be watered every 10 days or so. We were advised to keep the plants indoors as they are fond of human habitat temperate zones of 18-30 degrees Celsius. Keep them near bright windows or indoor lighting with plenty of air circulation.

This orchid makes an excellent gift for floral and nature lovers or as a focal centrepiece at home, hotels or even weddings. Prices start from RM70 onwards for a live plant. As the first and only specialised orchid florist, Orchid Culture is established by Waltex Biotec Sdn Bhd, Malaysia's largest grower of Phalaenopsis.

The next time you're stuck for gift ideas, pop into Tous les Jours Empire Subang and pick up a fresh orchid plant to go with the irresistible baked goods available there.

Check out Orchid Culture at Tous les Jours Boulangerie & Bistro, Lot GK08A Ground Floor, Empire Shopping Gallery Subang. Tel: 03-5036 7749. www.tlj.com.my

My last visit to London was in 2010 as part of a fashion related project but coincidentally, the airline partner happened to be Malaysia Airlines. So when I was assigned to cover the pop-up Asian Art Festival exhibition at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush London, I was told we would be flying with Malaysia Airlines (MAB) too.

When the day of departure dawned, I couldn't believe #todayishere! Imagine howecstatic we felt when we were given the rare privilege of enjoying some pre-flight pampering in the MAB Platinum Golden Lounge in the satellite building at KLIA. Of course, being avid shutterbugs, we embarked on a ‘shooting’ spree the minute we set foot in the plush haven.

During the whirlwind tour, the differences between the Platinum Lounge and Golden Lounge were explained to us. It was indeed an eye-opening experience for us plebs who fly economy so we revelled in the VIP treatment accorded to us prior to boarding our flight to London.

I was impressed by the large collection of artworks displayed inside the lounge which lent vibrant bursts of colour to the posh and somewhat ‘serious’ ambiance. The artists featured consists of a mixture of local and international.

Passengers whiling their time away here can enjoy the full works: complimentary meals (for lunch the menu includes a selection by celebrity British chef Gary Rhodes), plenty of cushy furnishing to rest, relax or read, baby care area, slumberette, children’s playroom, smoking lounge, shower and phone charging station.

For the busy business travellers, workstations with Wifi connectivity are available too. A boardroom set-up as well as a mini library of reading materials should prove useful when necessary.

While Golden Lounge guests can help themselves to a mini buffet spread, the Platinum Lounge VVIPs have the privilege of ordering hot breakfasts. The options are in addition to the Continental selection of baked items with fruits, cereals and juices laid out.

Flying on the A380 – the world's largest passenger airliner - was a first for me so I was overjoyed at the novel experience. This wide body, double-decker of a plane even has bunk beds tucked away in a discreet section for the airline crew to rest and a convertible area towards the back for passengers who wish to pray.

Much to our relief, the 13+ hour flight was smooth and comfy as we managed to get some lengthy bouts of shut-eye. It goes without saying that the meals, snacks and In-flight entertainment helped to ease the journey tremendously.

On both legs of our KUL-London-KUL passage, the MAB crews were most personable in taking care of us and the plane-loads of passengers. Even the ground staff who worked at the airports displayed similar courtesy so such encounters made our travels all the more pleasant and memorable. Thank you, Malaysia Airlines for living up the MH acronym => Malaysian Hospitality.

For flight information and bookings with Malaysia Airlines, please visit: http://www.malaysiaairlines.com

Coming up! The adventures of Pilot Parker in London with Visit Britain.

Art and design are central to Dorsett Shepherds Bush − Dorsett Hospitality International’s first hotel in London, United Kingdom. Soft opened in June 2014 within a heritage building which was formerly a cinema built in 1923, Dorsett has retained the historic façade of The Shepherd’s Bush Pavilion with contemporary elegance.

Located in the heart of vibrant Shepherd’s Bush in West London, in close proximity to Westfield Shopping Centre, the property is easily accessible from the Shepherd’s Bush overground and bus stations. A short drive away lies Notting Hill, London’s West End and major tourist spots, as is Heathrow airport - just 30 minutes by car.

Cormac Byrne, Managing Director of Ardmore, whose team was responsible for delivering the Dorsett Shepherds Bush project as part of the Shepherd's Bush Pavilion refurbishment for Dorsett Hospitality International said the Admore team worked hard to deliver the technically demanding project.

He recalled it was an extremely complex project as the building's Grade II listing required the facade and both sides of the building to remain intact while the rest of it was demolished. The iconic curved roof was replaced with a vaulted glass roof and his team succeeded in enhancing their reputation for delivering challenging projects to the highest quality.

Under the landmark glass roof and a soaring gold-painted domed ceiling, the 7-storey hotel comprises 317 contemporary Chinois chic bedrooms: 187 standard Dorsett rooms, and 24 suites combining the Dorsett Suite and the Dorsett Studio.

The stylishly outfitted hotel interior was conceived by Dorsett’s in-house design team, providing every nook and corner of the Hotel with the group’s brand concept which celebrates the intertwined stories of Asia and Britain. Artful touches of Asian culture and tradition are deftly woven into the facilities and services, melding seamlessly with classic British elegance grandeur and modern edginess.

Oriental motifs especially that of a diminutive robin and delicate floral accents lend aesthetically pleasing touches of whimsy and exoticism throughout; from the backlit mirrored lift panels to the in-room amenity kit.

We were also impressed with the hotel’s complimentary high-speed internet connectivity. Of course, the comfy bed, writing desk and creature comforts simply added to the room’s allure.

True to its Asian hospitality practice, the breakfast spread at Pictures– Dorsett Shepherds Bush all day dining restaurant - even goes beyond the regular buffet.

Asian travellers would be overjoyed at the prospect of partaking some piping hot dim sum; just enquire from the friendly service team and you’d be treated to xiao mai (steamed meat & prawn dumplings) and baos to assuage your longing for home.

Lunch options were par excellence too at Pictures. Proof of the pudding was in the eating when the gracious General Manager Hilary Cross hosted us to a sumptuous affair that warmed the cockles of our hearts.

The curtain-raiser of fresh pumpkin soup flecked with herbs (£5) provided satisfying succour on that autumnal afternoon. Then a most stellar main course of seared Barbary duck breast (£15.50), elegantly dressed with plum sauce and red cabbage held us spellbound. Tender, juicy with a blush pink centre, the substantial portion left us replete.

Should you prefer a meat-free option, bank on the pea risotto (£10.50) which comprises creamy and plump short grain rice studded with pea shoots, asparagus and broad beans.

Puddings are ‘to die for’ here. We went bonkers over the pineapple upside down cake, weak at the knees savouring the chocolate brownie and melted at the silky texture of the creme brulee cheesecake.

Other F&B outlets include Jin, the Atrium bar which delivers splendid mixologist concoctions and Shikumen– an independently run restaurant which is the toast of West London.

Guests staying in Dorsett’s Executive guestrooms and Suites enjoy complimentary access to the Dorsett Lounge where daily continental breakfast, enhanced amenities and discerning privileges are available. Serene and plushly appointed, it can be a temporary office or a relaxing refuge, complete with business facilities and refreshments.

With 4 treatment rooms, sauna &steam room, and a relaxation lounge, the in-house spa on the top floor is helmed by renowned therapist Adeela Crown. Ensconced underneath a striking glass roof flooded with natural light, the simple and timeless décor is a palate of muted greys and whites, accented with mirrors.

Adeela with her in-house team are ready to revive body and soul with restorative treatments and indulgent therapies. Hotel guests are granted complimentary usage of the hotel’s sauna and steam facilities.

In June 2015, Dorsett Shepherds Bush was accorded the Hammersmith Society’s prestigious Environment Awards for the refurbishment and reuse of the former cinema building. Other accolades include the Schueco Design Excellence Award in the Refurbishment category, the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Hotel Award in September 2015 and being shortlisted for the New London Architecture Awards and the European Hotel Design Awards!

Families travelling with kids to London may wish to take advantage of Dorsett Shepherds Bush’s Family Fun Package at £249 per room per night. Perks include:

• Accommodation in Executive Room with English breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids

• Parking (1 car)

• KidZania passes for 2 adults and 2 children

Valid from now until 31st March 2016, stay dates from now until 31st March 2016 (except for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night stays).

For room bookings and more information, visit: http://www.dorsetthotels.com/unitedkingdom/london/shepherdsbush/

A Big THANK YOU to Malaysia Airlines, Visit Britain & Dorsett Hospitality International for courtesies extended during the London fam trip.

More about Dorsett's pop up exhibition during the Asian Art Festival in London soon.

Chef, restaurateur and author Gary Rhodes is United Kingdom’s first Michelin-star chef but he has none of the airs and snootiness often associated with celeb chefs. Hailed by his peers as the chef’s chef, Rhodes is a proud ambassador of the Great British Classics. With a sterling career record spanning over three decades, Gary Rhodes showed his culinary firepower at Hilton KL recently for An Evening with Gary Rhodes at LeveL7even.

The prolific Rhodes was brought in by Visit Britain for the GREAT Britain campaign where he held court at several events in collaboration with Hilton KL Executive Chef Warren Brown, to showcase the best of British culinary.

During the glitzy dinner which was graced by the British High Commissioner, Rhodes coolly demonstrated three signature dishes to a rapt audience at the hotel show kitchen. He repeatedly emphasised on the importance of fresh produce and the need to keep things simple throughout the session.

Dinner commenced with a splash as The Sea – delicious cured Loch Fyne salmon with fennel and red radish slaw. Complemented by buckwheat blini dotted with light horseradish cream, the delicate but sumptuous starter paired with Misha Dress Circle Pinot Gris 2012 from Central Otago, New Zealand whetted our appetite for more.

Bold, big flavours beckoned from The Ground – organic celeriac soup poured into a deep dish of caramelised apple and walnut timbale, sprinkled with stilton crumble. I was smitten by the sharp, feisty taste of the English blue veined cheese which was well-matched with Oahu Vineyards Magenta Rosé 2011 from NZ’s Kapiti Coast.

The Land aptly showcased Britain’s beloved classic of Beef Wellington. Hearty and unpretentious, this farmhouse favourite came with sublime beef jus and sides of mushroom, pommes fondant, baby spinach and glazed carrot. To enhance the flavourful red meat, a fab Australian red wine, McLaren Vale Mitolo Angela Shiraz 2013 was served.

Evoking a sense of dry British humour, dessert was simply called The Mess. Presented on a slate platter, we felt like kids playing with our ‘deconstructed’ Eton Mess. A treat dating back to the 19^thcentury comprising fresh strawberries, dainty meringue, dollops of cream and strawberry purée, it made us chuckled when the wine bore an equally funny name – Wooing Tree Tickled Pink Late Harvest Pinot Noir 2012 from Central Otago, NZ. Gorgeously supple with a lingering finish, the tipple was actually berry good.

It was an evening well spent as Rhodes had everyone eating out of his hand; he charmed one and all with his witty repartee and left an indelibly GREAT impression on us.

Our recent visit to London with Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Visit Britain (VB) enabled us to discover #shoppingisGREAT indeed in Britain. Retail therapy is a joy thanks to the utterly mind-boggling variety available.

Posh stops like Bicester Village and Burlington Arcade - refer earlier blogpost here: http://www.jommakanlife.com/2015/11/where-shopping-is-greatin-london.html - are eminently suitable for the well-heeled but there are two other top retail spots that caught our fancy too. Depending on the size of your bank account, both Westfield London and Borough Market offer plenty of choices and places to fritter your time and money away.

WESTFIELD LONDON

Shopaholics staying at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush will be delighted to know this sprawling mall is merely 10-15 minutes away on foot. Spacious and well-lit, it houses more than 300 retail shops, from high street to high end brands.

Recent expansion has also seen the opening of The Village at Westfield London, a lifestyle haven dedicated to luxury names like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Versace, Prada, Aquascutum, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co, etc.

The newly refurbished Debenhams department store is one of the major tenants here, occupying 140,000sq.ft. We had a field day just browsing through the huge Marks & Spencer store which included a cosy café.

Pix courtesy of Chasingfooddreams.com

Personal Shopper, Handsfree Shopping and Valet Parking services are provided to make shopping a breeze at Westfield. When we were there, the remodelled Southern Terrace just opened with a slew of new F&B outlets: Itsu, Zizzi and Five Guys in addition to an interactive Santa’s Grotto with Shrek this Christmas!

Great buys include pretty tin boxes of shortbread from either M&S or Debenhams, designer leather bags (Fossil, Coach, Burberry?), apparel from the many boutiques and high street stores, beauty and personal care items from Boots and edible goodies from Waitrose.

Parents can also keep their children occupied at KidZania London. A quick tour of the place proved enlightening as Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush has a miniature reception cum check-in desk and bedroom in this 75,000sq.ft. child-size city.

Designed to empower and inspire kids on real life occupations, KidZania enables young visitors from aged 4-14 to try role-playing the part of a fire fighter, actor, radio announcer, journalist, doctor, cashier, artist, etc.

The different role play sections have informative plaques to show the minimum age requirement for activities available; staff are deployed to guide the young guests along.

For more information on Westfield London, visit:https://uk.westfield.com/londonwhile details on KidZania London, visit: http://london.kidzania.com/en-uk

BOROUGH MARKET

A compelling stopover for serious foodies like us. London’s most famous food market is stuffed to the gills with fresh and cooked British produce, and abundant artisanal food & drinks.

Heaven is indeed a place on earth for us as temptations beckon from every nook and corner. We tried scores of delectable stuff: cheeses, biscuits, cakes, salted beef sandwich, ice creams, paella and a surprisingly decent Malaysian curry!

The orderly layout of the stalls and shops makes it a stimulating feast for the senses. There is even a leafy section for patrons to sit and enjoy a breather which was what we did.

For more information about Borough Market, visit: http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/

Thank you Malaysia Airlines, Visit Britain& Dorsett Hospitality International for all courtesies accorded to us during the London fam trip.

The classic five varieties of roast combination consisting of suckling pig skin surrounded by sliced roast duck, chilled pork knuckle, poached salted chicken and char siew bore testament to the Xin Cuisine’s skilful culinary team and the hours of meticulous work and expert touches put into those meaty servings when you savour this dish.

Newly appointed to helm Xin Cuisine, chef Soo Kok Lam (Chef Lam to peers and colleagues) wasted no time in unveiling his selection of classic and home-style dishes to entice diners recently.

Lam - a triple award winner in Chinese culinary competitions in Beijing, China - joined Xin Cuisine in June this year. Hence it is customary for the newly appointed chef to bring his signature Cantonese and Hakka specialities into the fold and both online and print media members were given a taste of his unforgettable handiwork recently.

Our interest was piqued from the get-go with Four Hot D’Oeuvres comprising steamed fish paste with waterchestnut; phoenix prawns with special sauce; stir-fried scallops with pumpkin, pine mushroom & sweet peas and fish paste roll with century egg & salted egg yolk.

Presented in two tiers, I enjoyed the slightly bouncy texture of steamed fish paste balls. A drizzle of clear chicken stock ‘sauce’ enhanced the crisp sweetness of the chopped waterchestnut, Chinese celery & carrot speckled in the fish paste.

The minimalist Cantonese approach also worked well for the plump, succulent scallops which harmonises well with the delicately sweet pumpkin while the mushroom and sweet peas lent textural variation.

Ramping up the flavour dimension, Chef Lam added century egg and salted egg yolk into the deep-fried beancurd skin roll with its delicious stuffing of fish paste, minced pork and prawn. A mixture of crunchy and springy textures left us nodding with approval when we bit into the deep-fried phoenix prawns which came coated with fish paste and chopped cashews.

After that opening kaleidoscope, the chef souped things up with a comforting double-boiled soup with dried seafood and bamboo chicken. Brimming with kei chi (wolfberries), bamboo pith, juk si gai (black fleshed chicken), sea cucumber, dried scallop, topshell and a pip of smoked garlic, the clear broth is a nutritious, concentrated essence lovingly prepared to warm the soul.

Chef Lam upped the ante further with steamed freshwater prawns in spinach puree & Chinese wine. It was a sight to behold – those halved crustaceans nicely fanned out on a bed of curdy egg white, coloured a brilliant green with spinach puree. The heady perfume of Chinese wine also sent our gustatory juices into overdrive. Kudos to the chef for ensuring the prawns turned out succulently springy to the bite.

We were told Chef Lam’s rendition of salt baked chicken with ginger & spring onion dip has garnered its own following, thanks to the speciality’s evergreen appeal. Wrapped and baked in greaseproof after the chook has been marinated with the chef’s own ‘secret’ rub concoction, few diners can resist its smoky briny overtones.

Returning to roost in the Cantonese school of thought, the duo of steamed chicken
and minced pork wantans with Chinese baby milk cabbage in broth should be familiar to most of us who grew up feasting on them. Their perennial goodness practically hark back to the days when the former meant a major festival celebration and the latter, a cherished childhood treat.

More protein beckoned in the signature dish of stewed pork belly with special sauce. The chunky pieces of pork marbled with layers of fat should appeal to local palates; the unctuous sweet-savoury-tangy coating wreaking happy havoc on the tastebuds.

Chinese cuisine fans would be hooked by the splendidly steamed ‘loong fu’ garoupa with superior soya sauce & scallion. A spot on devoid of frills dish which proved the precision of an experienced Chinese chef worth his salt.

After the onslaught of meat, the light dessert broth of sweetened yuk chuk (Solomon’s seal), lady bell root (a type of Chinese herb), apple & kei chi was a befitting choice to wrap up dinner. Its delicate sweetness was ideal for cleansing the palate from the earlier deluge of heavy flavours.

Diners can sample Chef Lam’s specialities in various set menus, priced from RM80 (2 persons) to RM460 (10 persons).

For reservations at Xin Cuisine, call tel: 03-2144 8750. Address: Lobby Level, Concorde Hotel KL, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL.

You may have heard of jack-in-the-box but have you heard of afternoon tea in a box? The Majestic Hotel KL has introduced an'out of the box' idea in response to its highly sought-after English cream tea experience-- behold thelimited edition elegant afternoon tea box that should have the genteel set swooning with excitement.

The Majestic KL won't settle for any run-of-the-mill boxes either but has plumped for one that’s uniquely fashioned to resemble a classy hat box in matte gold and cream hues. A magnetised flap holds the carry-all box in place but once it clicks open,you’d find triple tiers of goodies inside.

Filled with dainty savoury and sweet morsels similar to the hotel’s popular afternoon tea, each of the little shelves within slides out easily so you can pick whatever strikes your fancy. Topping the list is plain and raisin scones with clotted cream and jam.

For dine-in, it's a prim and proper affair where tables are beautifully laid with starched damask napkins, fresh flower filled vases and fine chinaware. The exquisite tea array is presented on a tooled copper and glass tier; laden with tempting delights such as Scotch egg with condiments of tartar sauce and mango chutney. An assortment of delicate sandwiches: smoked salmon, egg & cucumber, tuna & pickles, cheese & cucumber as well as chicken mushroom tortilla with rye bread is also included.

Most guests will definitely warm up to the Malaysian offerings of lamb curry puffs, chicken tandoori mantou and crab cakes. According to Diana who played host to us on that sunny afternoon, the variety of hot food items changes daily while dessert options are changed weekly.

Among the sweet treats we tried comprised carrot cake, chocolate-orange slice, a delicate lemon-caramel choux bun and flapjack with strawberry globe. Don’t be surprise to find a typically English pudding like Eton mess in the line-up too. Prior reservations must be made for the limited edition Afternoon Tea Box (RM160 per box; servings ample enough for 2-3 light eaters).

For those who wish to partake Afternoon Tea at the sophisticated ambience of the Tea Lounge in the Majestic Wing, it is priced at RM58 per person. Served from 3pm – 6 pm daily, guests have a choice of black Cameronian Majestic tea blend or coffee. Top up a little more for your choice of fine Twinings tea by the pot.

Overlooking the lush green lawn fronting the hotel, the Tea Lounge evokes old-world luxury with its vintage grid ceiling and classic cut-glass lighting with antique brass fittings. Comfortable arm chairs with subdued lighting from table lamps provide the perfect setting for those seeking to escape the daily drudgery albeit momentarily.

For reservations, call tel : 03 2785 8000. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
5, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur.

Smoky barbecued meat, roast turkey, venison and lamb leg and a cornucopia of festive goodies will make Christmas magical at Hilton Petaling Jaya this year.Kick the Yuletide celebration up several notches up with garlic marinated roast leg of lamb at Paya Serai. Tender and moist, the mildly gamey slices can be savoured with grilled or sautéed asparagus, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and Brussel sprouts or baked potatoes with broccoli cream cheese.

The extravagant buffet on Christmas Eve will include roast turkey with chestnut & sage stuffing, giblet gravy & orange compote; roast prime rib with Yorkshire pudding and roast venison.

Decked up in all its festive finery, Paya Serai will also showcase culinary delights from around the world for its Christmas Eve buffet dinner at RM159 per adult and RM80 per child inclusive of a party pack.

Our choice picks: flaky light sea salt & brown sugar marinated salmon fillets, grilled veal with mushroom ragout, poached chilled seafood, breaded turkey steak with grilled peaches & pineapple and freshly cooked pasta of your choice drenched with assorted sauces and condiments.

Sweet toothed diners can expect a sugary high parade, starting with croquembouche (an impressive tower of choux pastry balls swirled with flossy threads of spun caramel), yule log, minced pies, mini fruit savarin with ginger, poached pears with gingerbread spice, cinnamon almond chocolate cake, tiramisu & blueberry Chantilly and mini pavlova.

For an unconventional twist to the Yuletide, Genji proffers the finest Japanese manna including assorted sushi and sashimi, airy-light tempuraand chicken teriyaki to tempt you. Priced at RM170 per person, the Oriental spread is served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

You can also enjoy an enchanting Christmas at home with gastronomic treats from the Christmas market at Café Cino. Whether it’s Roast NZ Sirloin, a beautiful Gingerbread House frosted with snowy icing and decked with colourful candies or irresistible Christmas Cookies, Mince Pies and Cakes, just order and bring them home.

For more information, call Hilton PJ’s Festive Counter, tel: 03-7955 9122 extn. 4067/4260/4261.

Today is here…Surreal yet unbelievably fun moments were aplenty throughout our recent sojourn in London, thanks to Visit Britain in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Dorsett Hospitality International.

After a fitful night’s rest and hearty English breakfast at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, Pilot Parker from MAB together with Visit Britain Blue Badge guide Henrietta Ferguson (the gorgeous gal beside yours truly) showed us a jolly good time in London and its surrounds. Our carefully curated itinerary covered five distinct locations and experiences designed to ensure we #LoveGreatBritain.

BLENHEIM PALACE

Built in the 18^th century, Blenheim Palace is Britain’s only non-royal palace and the current home of the 12^th Duke of Marlborough. The formidable buildings along with its rolling, windswept grounds and parkland is a World Heritage Site.

Take the Lights, Camera, Action tour to learn whichscenes in the latest James Bond and Mission Impossible flicks, Spectre and Rogue Nation were filmed. It was also the location of choice for the period movie ‘A Little Chaos’ starring Kate Winslet.

Walking through the warren of rooms provided plenty of jaw-dropping momentsthanks to its ornate, gilded interior décor and priceless collection of antiques, wall-size tapestries and precious objects d'art including a 300 year old table clock that still chimes on the hour. We also visited the guest room where Sir Winston Churchill was born in and a memorial room dedicated to the great leader.

A shutterbug’s paradise, practically every nook and corner of its palatial surrounds is fair game. Suffice to say our knowledgeable guides had a hard time keeping us in line as we sneaked away frequently to snap endless photos.

After the whirlwind tour, we were treated to a simple but delicious lunch at the Oxfordshire Pantry. The fresh salad with pine nuts and ham, carrot cake, salmon sandwiches and scones among others featured locally sourced ingredients. The East Courtyard Shop left us spoiled for choice with its exclusive Blenheim Palace memorabilia, homemade preserves and jams, books and souvenirs.

For information on Blenheim Palace, visit: http://www.blenheimpalace.com/

CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

No self-respecting foodie or performing arts fan should miss out on this soul-satisfying musical which is based on Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Make your way to The Theatre Royal Drury Lane – a three and a half centuries old theatrical hub with two Royal boxes in London’s West End.

Marble sculptures in the foyer, detailed ornamental plasterwork on the walls and ceiling and the multiple tiers of royal boxes made the Theatre Royal an impressive sight to behold.

Right from the get-go, the musical had us spellbound like kids trapped in a candy store. The entertaining song and dance about Charlie Bucket and his fantastical Golden Ticket passage into Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory was choc-full of dark humour, sweet whimsical tunes and enchanting scenes.

One cannot help but be impressed by the talented cast performing in that glorious song and dance. Augmented by cutting-edge lighting and stage props, no wonder most visitors make time for a night out to a musical or theatre performance at London’s West End. Thank you Visit Britain for hosting us to this spectacular show.

For more information, visit this link: http://www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com

To be continued...Chelsea FC Stamford Bridge, The View at The Shard & Shrek's Adventure

Cooking up the yearly Christmas feast is no child’s play. For time-poor and busy urban families, even family matriarchs should enjoy a well-deserved break during the festive season instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Give them a chance to join in the family bonding and entrust the cooking to La Risata chefs.

Designed to make life easier, La Risata’s festive selection allows you to ‘mix and match’ the resto’s offerings with home-made dishes of your own. The traditional Roast Turkey (4 kg each @RM338++) makes for an impressive centrepiece for your festive table as the huge bird’s sizeable enough to serve 10-12 persons.

The most outstanding component of this offering is cranberry sauce, made from real cranberries cooked down to a thick compote; its subtle tanginess tempering the rich giblet sauce. Sautéed mixed vegetable and chestnut stuffing complete the dish.

Personally, I prefer the Roast Leg of Lamb (3 kg each@RM228++) which the chef acquitted to sumptuous tenderness; the blush pink centre of each slice oozing with juicy goodness. Faint whiffs of rosemary made it all the more droolworthy, augmented by sides of sautéed chat potatoes, grilled root vegs and rosemary sauce.

If you prefer to dine in at La Risata, the rustic Pizza Mozzarella is a ‘must try’. Thin yet sturdy enough to hold its shape, the crusty wood-fired pizza left us wanting more, thanks to its generous slather of tomato sauce and toppings of smoky mozzarella, strips of red and green marinated capsicums, anchovies and fresh basil.

In Italy, you can’t get more traditional than a portion of gnocchi to start with. These thick, soft knobs of doughy dumplings are notoriously difficult to make but La Risata chefs dressed up the Grilled Blue Fin Tuna with Squid Ink Gnocchis with a bright flavourful Lemon Butter Sauce. Bolstered by the smooth citrusy sauce, the tuna’s voluptuous richness was captured in the dainty, pillow-soft dumplings while any residual cloyingness was halted by fresh peppery rocket.

Stumped for ideas on what salad to serve for your Christmas do? Here’s a simple but ingenious suggestion tossed up by La Risata. You’d hit the jackpot by rustling up Rocket & Pear Salad with Lemon Dressing and Shave Parmesan. Nobody can resist its vivacious spectrum of accents: sweet, tart, savoury and zingy in one go.

Sweeten the celebration with a takeaway Tiramisu (RM160++ per order, ample for 12 persons) or Pumpkin Pie (RM80++ each for 8-10 persons). Concocted with layers of espresso-soaked Savoiardi sponge fingers and mascarpone,it was a reliable albeit tame option among the dessert we sampled.

Served with silky maple cream sauce, the Pumpkin Pie stole the thunder with its delicately sweet crumbly crust; the top adorned with a sprinkling of almonds. The pie filling itself was airy-light and redolent with the warm scent of cinnamon, something which I’d always associate with Christmas.

For dine-in, the perennial fave has to be Zucotto, a luscious domed cake with chocolate and vanilla cream studded with almond, chocolate and hazelnut nibs. It looked wickedly decadent but turned out to be feather-light with just a touch of indulgence.

Orders are accepted from now until 5 January 2016 while stocks last so make haste and call La Risata now, tel: 03-2031 6568. Reservations at the restaurant are advisable for the festive period.

The nice thing about living in the Klang Valley is there are plenty of nooks and corners with hidey-hole kinda eateries. Jing Thai falls into this slightly off-the-beaten-track category; it is right under one’s nose but you’d be clueless until a foodie friend leads you there.

Netizens who had visited rated Jing Thai favourably so my curiosity was piqued the minute we set foot there. The pork-free resto has been in business for eight years with new owner Brandon Yap determined to make it even better than before.

Its semi open air concept encompasses rustic bamboo clad walls encircling an open courtyard. The area can fit about 40 tables with a few of them sited in an air-conditioned section. According to Brandon, spring water is fed into the tanks where his live fishes such as jade perch and tiger grouper are kept. As a restaurateur who’s adept at Thai, Asian and Western cooking, Brandon explains some of the dishes bear slightly fusion influences in them.

One of his most experienced staff tends to the barbecue, grilling customers’ orders on request. We love the large BBQ Cockles (seasonal price) but the grilled Lamb Chops (seasonal price) is decent too. Word has it the sought-after grill-to-order salt crusted perch or tilapia requires advance order and a minimal wait of 45 minutes.

Beware of the firecracker hot Tom Yam Seafood (small RM20, medium RM34) which looks deceptively harmless until you sample the clear seafood laden broth. Its explosive taste grabs you at the first mouth but for chilli fiends who enjoy breaking out in sweat, this soup should set your adrenalin going.

Thai salads are rad thanks to an invigorating combination of sour, briny and zingy hot flavours. Unless you’re averse to eating bizarre parts, the slightly crunchy, QQ mouthfeel of Chicken Feet Salad (small RM16, medium RM22) is ideal for kick-starting the appetite.

Similar tasty nuances appear in the switched up appetisers of Thai Style Abalone Salad(RM26) and slippery Cold Glass Noodles (small RM13, medium RM20) with chopped wood ear fungus, onion and cherry tomatoes on a bed of lettuce. Both do a bang-up job of setting the tastebuds ablaze before the arrival of main dishes.

Thai-Chinese influences are evident in the offerings of Thai Style Lime Steamed Squid(seasonal price)and Thai Style Lime Steamed Tilapia (seasonal price). Chopped garlic, chilli, lime juice, fish sauce and fresh coriander are central to these dishes; the saucy robustness amplifying the fish and squid’s inherent sweetness.

If you like inventive dishes with an unexpected twist, the Thai Style Chicken (small RM18, medium RM28)with shredded torch ginger is commendable. Think of yong choong gai or deep-fried chicken topped with crispy onion rings and gooey tangy-sweet sauce only in this instance, the chunky chicken pieces are covered with fragrant torch ginger strips.

Of the trio of curries we sampled, I’d recommend the Thai Style Curry Crab(seasonal price). You need to give the resto advance notice though as crab supply isn’t consistent. Well-spiced with an egg whisked into the gravy, the fresh crab chunks easily won us over with its natural sweet freshness amidst the assertive spices.

Personally I wasn’t too hot about the Red Chicken Curry (small RM18, medium RM28). The melding of Myanmarese, Indonesian, Nyonya and Thai proves too many spicy influences will spoil the gravy although the creamy curry scented with lemongrass passes muster in the taste stakes.

Likewise, Malay and Indian nuances are discernible in the house speciality of Special Thai Style Prawn Curry (small RM35, medium RM48). Rich and mildly hot, this is a dish created for local palates but holds little appeal for moi.

Green relief comes in the form of Pucuk Paku with Sambal (small RM13, medium RM18), a nice plate of young fern tips stir-fried in pungent chilli and shrimp paste. As with any Thai meal, plain rice is a compelling canvas for savouring the main dishes served.

We wrap up dinner with a simple Coconut Pudding with Sago. A Myanmarese-Thai creation, this Thai coconut agar-agar dessert drenched in palm syrup and sago pearls is light counterpoint to the rich curries earlier.

For reservations, call JING THAI RESTAURANT, tel: 011-1088 9666. Address:

Lot 1397, Jalan PSK 1, Taman Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Opening hours: Daily from 11am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 11pm

As a social drinker who occasionally gets treated to some fine libations, the recent whisky pairing dinner at Imperial China Restaurant was a learning experience. As usual, any Tai Thong Group event not short on red carpet treatment, evoking the decadence of old Shanghai and the drinking trad of the great Scots.

It was my maiden encounter with FiftySix Degrees Scotch whisky. Named after the latitude of the Scottish Highlands where the tipple is distilled and blended, FiftySix Degrees is crafted by Ian Macleod Distillers, the world’s 10 largest Scotch whisky company. Aged in handpicked bourbon and sherry oak casks, the youthful spirit is apparently conceived to appeal to the Asian market and is amiable enough for modern aperitifs like those we sipped on prior to dinner.

The resident Tai Thong culinary team pulled out the stops to show a wide variety of fine Chinese dishes go superbly well with the whisky’s soft citrusy top notes and rich malty heart. Starting with a show-stopping trio like Lobster with Fresh Fruit Salad in Italian Vanilla Dressing, Sliced Chicken with Foie Gras & Almond, and Crab with Roasted Sesame Sauce wrapped in Egg Roll with toppings of Shredded Coconut & Fish Roe helped tremendously of course.

Once the camera fest was over, we dug in with gusto. The rich dressing was heavy going but luckily, sips of the faintly oaky drink held the cloying richness in check whilst amplifying the nuttiness of the egg roll’s sesame sauce.

I like the whisky’s mellow fruitiness which came through as we slurped up the rustic sweetness of the Double Boiled Village Chicken Soup with Apricot Kernels and Snow Pear.

Roast meats are great with FiftySix Degrees and this was proven when sampled with crispy slices of Spice Roast Suckling Pig. Nobody can get enough of how smooth the drink is; its supple finish tempering the porcine’s voluptuous flavour. A shotglass of Chilled Ambarella Juice Shooter returned our palate to clean slate.

The blended whisky also went swimmingly with luxe treats and ample proof came in the serving of Braised Abalone, Sea Cucumber Stuffed with Tuna and Wantan. You won’t forget the cohesive merging of deep-sea and highland nuances or the multi-textural plethora in a hurry.

Like a fish caught in mid-frolic, the Yin Yang Estuary Tiger Grouper Grilled with Caramelized Onion& Sauteed with XO Sauce, Celery and Apple blew us away with its picture-worthy presentation, multiple textures and distinctive taste.

Interestingly, FiftySix Degrees even complemented dessert well. Try it on the rocks amidst bites of Chilled Black Sesame, Mango and Fresh Milk Layered Dessert or neat with Mini Pumpkin Dumpling with Sweet Potato & Cheese,and Sweet Corn Bun sprinkled with Cocoa Powder.

For a similar whisky pairing experience, contact IMPERIAL CHINA RESTAURANT, tel: 03-7956 6868. Address: 7th Floor, Intan Square, No. 3, Lorong Utara C, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Kind-hearted employees from Andaman Group threw their support behind the Bear-licious and Panda-licious charity campaign by Dorsett Hospitality International (DHI) this year, to bring festive cheer to Rumah Sayangan charity home in Cheras.

Led by Andaman Group managing director Dato’ Sri Dr Vincent Tiew, they ‘adopted’ 90 toy Dorsett Bears with candies at RM50 each and 15 toy pandas with candies at RM80 each at a special press conference. Also present was Silka Maytower Kuala Lumpur general manager Henry Loo and Dorsett Hospitality International representatives.

According to Dato’ Sri Tiew, the charity outreach was his company employees’ meaningful initiative and it is the second consecutive year they are collaborating with DHI. “We encourage our employees to participate in such CSR programmes and we hope the proceeds will cheer up the underprivileged children of Rumah Sayangan.”

Meanwhile, DHI representatives informed that the festive Bear-licious and Panda-licious giveaway packs are up for “adoption”, featuring the Dorsett Bear and a bigger pair of mother and baby pandas “hugging” two tins of marshmallows and gummy bears.

Donors have the option of taking the gift packages home or giving them away to the children of Rumah Sayangan. Those who wish to pledge their support can approach the front office team of Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, Silka Maytower Kuala Lumpur and Silka Cheras.

Contemporary dining takes centrestage at the stylishly laidback, chic culinary haven known as Cedar on 15 at Impiana KLCC. The interior is stark but sleekly modernist with a nice skylight and spacious bar cum patio that looks out to the city’s skyscrapers.

While dry-aged steaks take pride of place in the menu and pizzas are baked on-site, we decided to explore some of the more intriguing, below-the-radar options on our first visit.

The appetiser of Seafood on the Salt Rock (RM85)made a splash thanks to its simple but impactful preso. Served on a chilled salt block,the sumptuouscombination of poached Yabbies, Black Mussels and Jumbo Tiger Prawns was both impressive yet playful. The seafood’s inherent sweetness is lifted by droplets of Lemon Olive Oil squeezed from a tiny pipette.

To lessen our guilt, we loaded up on Gourmet Salad (RM48) – a posh serving of sautéed artichoke with quail egg, black truffle, shaved parmesan and semidried tomato tossed in organic green in-house dressing with raspberry vinegar. Vivid colours and layers of bright, contrasting flavours made it something to write home about.

Even the soup section threw up viable surprises, starting with the Creamy Tomato Bisque Soup (RM38). Imagine a tart tomato broth tempered by lush prawn/lobster stock – sounds sublime right? Served piping hot in a deep platter with Pine Nut Dumpling and a dash of Vodka, there was no way we could fault the ambrosial offering.

If you prefer something more decadent, the Australian Scallops Veloute (RM52) should fit the bill. Sensuously rich and silky on the palate, it came with a tasty sundried Tomato Timbale. A few drops of garlic oil racheted up its big flavour.

Served with a strong Demi Reduction and Morel Mushrooom, the diminutive Roasted Spring Chicken (RM62) got us cooing over its pint size and juicy tenderness.

Perfumed withRosemary Olive Oil, the mini chookwas accompanied by unconventional sides of (beef) Bacon Popcorn and Corn Puree. A real showstopper, this.

Admittedly, the South Australian Venison Loin (RM138)is no pushover either. Baked in sour cream dough (interesting no?) with Sauce Bordeaux, Brussels sprouts and candied carrots, the delish chunk of red meat was an epicurean delight. A squirt of Quince Vinegar did wonders to it.

Deaf to our half-heated protestations, Impiana KLCC’s gracious marcomm lady Carol Chin insisted we succumbed to Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallow (RM32). Truly no regrets there as the slightly ‘torched’ cloud-soft marshmallow was the crowning glory alongside heavenly Honey Ice-cream, Ganache and Crumbs with Chocolate Liquor.

Amazingly, our dessert tummy had room to fit the impossibly light but luscious Triple Layer Cheese Cake (RM38)served with Figs, Tuille and Amaretto Liquor. It was a befitting finish to a convivial evening of good food and even better company. Also the moral of the story is it pays to go off the well-trodden 'path' sometimes to unearth diamonds in the rough.

For reservations, call tel: 03-2147 1111. Cedar on 15 is located at Impiana KLCC Hotel, 13, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur.

Gone are the days visitors have to contend with stodgy and bland British fare. Today, London is a thriving hotbed of fab restos of all shapes, sizes and cuisines. For the duration of our all too brief sojourn in the cosmopolitan city, we were overwhelmed by the vast selection of good food everywhere at every turn. This very brief guide focuses on the handful restos us lucky sods were hosted to by Kattie Hoo of Dorsett Hospitality International and Visit Britain (Masala Zone & Fish).

SHIKUMEN

Meaning “stone gate” (石库门) in Chinese, this trendy Chinese restaurant at Dorsett Shepherds Bush is inspired by the roaring 40s in Shanghai; an exotic gateway to exquisite Chinese specialities melded with Western individualism in terms of its serving presentation.

A brainchild of Malaysia-born executive director Simon Chai, the refined 150-seat restaurant opened in February 2015 and has since been the toast of London culinary scene – hailed by the media as a beacon of modern Chinese cuisine.

Our five-star dinner comprised a stellar line-up, starting with the much-touted Peking duck carved at table-side. The meaty slices came in two types of wraps: a thin skein like those for spring rolls and a thicker, fluffier 'pancake'.

The assertive flavours of Sichuan hot & sour soup stirred fond memories of our Chengdu fam trip with every spoonful. Although this version is tame by comparison, we lapped up the appetite-whetting broth to the last drop.

Any homesickness was adequately banished by the pair of delicately pleated xiao long baos. We greedily slurped up the tasty broth inside the dumplings before devouring the yummy pork filling.

Lobster stir-fried with garlic & chilli reminiscent of Hong Kong typhoon shelter crabs blew us away with its whirlwind of piquantly pungent accents. It went splendidly well with fried rice with edamame and the house beancurd speciality which bore more delicate taste profiles.

Our feast also featured Shikumen's legendary roasted lamb cutlets before a trio of sweet temptations left us stuffed to the gills.

For more information on Shikumen, visit: http://www.shikumen.co.uk

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FISH!

Right in the heart of Borough Market, you can enjoy typical British fish & chips in the glass & steel enclosure of Fish! Restaurant. Fresh, reliably sourced and where possible, sustainable fish supplies are available for your selection.

Interior shot courtesy of FISH!

The airy interior includes an open kitchen and lots of seating, looking out to the SouthwarkCathedral and the hustle-bustle of Borough Market. Topping the chart is beer battered fish (a choice of cod, haddock, skate, plaice or Atlantic halibut) with chips and mushy peas.

Calamari with rocket & lemon mayo, swordfish club sandwich and prawn cocktail are the other scrumptious options to reel you in.

For more information, check out Fish! website: http://fishkitchen.co.uk/

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MASALA ZONE

Masala means spice which forms the heart and soul of Indian cooking. Founded by Ranjit Mathrani, his wife Namita Panjabi, and sis-in-law Camellia Panjabi, the Masala Zone restaurant group has seven outlets dotted throughout London but each is distinctly different in character to complement its location.

Visit Britain hosted us to a pre-theatre dinner at Masala Zone near the Royal Opera House; its mellow-lit spacious premise adorned with hundreds of vibrant Rajasthani puppets suspended from the ceiling.

We partook a hearty Thali dinner which proffered each of us an Indian street food starter like Aloo Tikki Chaat (spiced mash cake with yoghurt & chutney) and Pau Bhaji (spicy potato mash & veg with warm bread) followed by a stainless steel platter with little bowls of curry, two vegetables, dal (lentils), raita (yoghurt), Indian salad, papadum & chutney. A choice of freshly-made whole wheat chapatti or rice forms the basis to capture the spectrum of textures and spice nuances.

For more information on Masala Zone, browse: http://www.masalazone.com/
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HIX SOHO

An eclectic collection of mobiles and neons from celebrated British artists provided plenty of visual interest inside the trendy HIX Soho restaurant. Celebrated chef, restaurateur and food writer, Mark Hix serves up a changing weekly menu of seasonal British fare so we had may not necessarily be available on the next visit.

Notable appetisers served during our visit ranged from classic prawn cocktail and stewed forest mushroom. The well-stocked bar dispensed a wide selection of tipples, be it cocktails, beer, wine or cider.

My choice of grilled scallops with pumpkin mash were ‘da bomb’ as was the hefty burger our friend chose. Puddings such as Bromley apple and blackberry pie were comfortingly satisfying despite their mini portions.

Go and peruse current menus and glean other info via http://www.hixsoho.co.uk/

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JAMIE’S ITALIAN

Spacious, high-ceilinged with lots of rustic wood accents and warm lighting, this serene haven is homely and packed with everything Jamie Oliver – from the cookbooks and kitchen paraphernalia to the hearty servings touted in the menu.

Just about a 10 minute walk from Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, there’s an open terrace edged with greenery to complement the buzz inside. Our DHI host with the most, Kattie Hoo ensured we were so well fed that we gluttons even passed up on dessert!

Gluttons may wanna share the Ultimate Plank – an elongated serving of yummy nibbles including artisan fennel salami, mortadella, prosciutto, spiced chicken-liver pâté, Cobble Lane bresaola & pork scratchings with grissini & music bread, Italian nachos, mini buffalo mozzarella, aged pecorino & chilli jam, olives & pickles, grilled marinated peppers & rainbow slaw.

Gennaro’s famous porchetta of roasted pork belly filled with garlic, chilli & herbs, served with roasted root veg, spiced apple sauce & salsa verde should leave you replete. There’s also fresh crab spaghetti, prawn linguine and several irresistible options for pasta lovers.

For reservations and more info about Jamie's Italian and his culinary empire, visit: https://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/

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WHERE SHOPPING IS GREAT...IN LONDON

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WHERE SHOPPING IS GREAT...IN LONDON (part 2)

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FUN-TASTIC LONDON ADVENTURES WITH PILOT PARKER

LA RISATA'S HANDS-FREE CHRISTMAS FEAST

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