Coming to the end of the year 2013

First of all, a happy MERRY CHRISTMAS to every one of you. For those who have been supporting and reading my blog – a big SHOUT OUT to you, THANK YOU!

And again, I think it’s good for me to change my blog design, blog title, and name, descriptions, and so on. It’s good to change and to improve always and I hope by the New Year, there will be a brand new look of my blog!

The reason? Tell me about it. Whenever someone ask me for my blog link, I’ll say, “well, my blog is an old blog and the website link might sound weird to you. It’s ‘angelsbewithyou’. And their face will change immediately. I do understand that, when I ask myself, I made that weird look too. It’s totally unrelated to what I am writing and sharing on this blog.

So, why not change it? But I might need your help.

Originally, ‘Faith. Hope. Love. Care [Chloe] and I have changed to ‘a SABAHAN blogger’. What do you think? What about the website link? Should I just put ‘www.chloetiffanylee.com’?

Wait for your thoughts!

New Year Package: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Single Serve Beverage System

Had a great experience with the members of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Sabah last Tuesday.

On 17th December, several bloggers were invited to get a hands-on experience with The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf here in Damai, Kota Kinabalu for their new launch product – The Kaldi (Coffee Machine).

Just in time for the demonstration as I was a little late searching for a perfect parking; well you know lah when it comes to Damai area, some more DBKK doing their work at that time. It is a small area with limited parking space. A warm welcome from Nicole and the #CBTL team upon registration, couldn’t feel happier to receive a generous door gift from the organisation.

 All eyes on the Coffee Machine; there are 3 main stuffs that you need when you want to be a barista on your own at home.

1/ Coffee Machine (Contata or Kaldi)

Contata cost RM780, available in Gray/Black. As for Kaldi, it’s RM880, available in Metallic Red and Blue, designed by an Italian company, CAFFITALY system. Difference between both products? One old, and another one is the latest product. Both offer automatic beverage proportioning and a twin pressure system for consistency of taste. The machine features easy capsule insertion and automatic ejection, a large capsule drawer that holds up to 10 used capsules and an energy saving function.

2/ Milk Frother
Personally, I think this is the most important thing for me. For cappuccino and latte lovers you would definitely go and buy the CBTL Milk Frother which is perfect for producing just the right amount of heated milk and froth to re-create your favourite specialty beverages like those you enjoy at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stores.

3/ CBTL Capsules

It’s so simple to use!  Place a capsule of any of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s hand selected espresso, coffee or tea into the machine, select a cup size and press a button for one perfect cup!

With these 3, you will be able to make your favourite espresso, brewed coffee or brewed tea. Thanks to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf as the much awaited CBTL Single Serve Beverage System is now here in Kota Kinabalu just in time for the holidays! 

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is giving away big discounts with three exciting packages from 17 December 2013 – 31 January 2014.

Package 1: Contata + 1 Box of Capsule (10/box) for only RM580 (regular price at RM802.50, save RM222.50)

Package 2: Kaldi + 1 Box of Capsules for only RM680 (regular price at RM902.50, save RM222.50)

Package 3: Kaldi + Frother + 1 Box of Capsules at RM799 (regular price RM1,170.50, save RM371.50!)

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is known for passionately seeking out only the highest quality coffee and tea from around the world. It uses only the top 1% Arabica beans and two leaves and a bud, ensuring that every cup is as delicious as how you enjoy at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets.

 The CBTL system is designed to be used exclusively with capsules from The Coffee Bean. Each capsule is freshness-sealed to lock in exquisite taste and aroma. The CBTL system combines the handcrafted taste and quality that you experience and enjoy at The Coffee Bean cafés sealed in a capsule.

Don’t forget to visit their Facebook for more information.

Festive Goodies at Sutera Harbour Resort

Yep, Christmas is coming soon! Are you guys ready for another festive? Certainly I am. I have decorated my office table with some Christmasy stuffs like the ornaments at the partition. Well, sometimes it just wowed people but some might get freaked out. I don’t care! It’s Christmas! Anyway, Sutera Harbour just leak out their news for the new Christmas and New Year Packages in their resort and hotels. So have a good look and choose! Probably I’ll see you there? ;)

Merry Christmas people!

Holidays are planned and the kitchen is filled with the smell of baking ingredients. It’s time again to roll up the sleeves and heat the oven for some serious baking of wholesome festive goodies.

Sutera Harbour Resort’s main kitchens are already hard at work churning out some of its classic festive favourites. This year, The Pacific Sutera Hotel has geared up for the celebrations with a totally brand new Christmas Goodies Counter located at its lobby. In place of its traditional Gingerbread House is this unique structure, resembling the manger, in which Christ was born. The walls of the manger are lined with shelves, on which sits the specially packaged festive goodies.

There is plenty in store for everyone, with goodies ranging from traditional to modern. There are cookies, candies, chocolate figurines and not forgetting gingerbreads and cakes. The Christmas Goodies Counter starts selling on Monday, November 25, 2013. So come on over and take your pick.

Specially designed Christmas Eve and Christmas Buffet, Set and BBQ dinners are also available throughout Sutera Harbour Resort’s 16 F&B outlets. If you are planning a family gathering at home but do not want sweat it at the stove, then place your advance bookings for the Resort’s homemade Roasted Turkey or Roasted Lamb Leg. These items make great giveaways as well so book early to avoid disappointments.

Start planning!

Reservation line at +60 88 318 888.

Overwhelming response at 13th 7K Run

The Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run continue to receive encouraging support with 14,000 participation after its 13^th year in aid of the 7K Beneficiaries; Special Olympics Sabah and Sabah Thalassaemia Society. This run which started in 2000 aims to bring the Kota Kinabalu community together in the spirit of giving while promoting a healthier lifestyle in a fun and exciting way.

 The Run, which begins and end at the Covered Tennis Court of Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club starts with a warming-up session at 5pm conducted by ZFS team with our guest of honours. At 5.17pm, the Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr Panyuki Matta representing the Minister of Youth & Sports YB Datuk Haji Tawfiq bin Datuk Haji Abu Bakar Titingan flags off the Run with thousands of runners of all ages eager to meet the 77 minutes time limit to be eligible for the lucky draws offering attractive prizes.

At the second flag off our Guest of Honour Encik Panyuki Mata, VVIPs YB Datuk Edward Yong, Assistant Minister to the Chief’s Minister and his wife YBhg Datin Mary Yong, Mr Howie Roberts, General Manager of Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club and other invited guests accompany the children from the beneficiaries; Sabah Thalassaemia Society and Special Olympics Sabah who also participated in the Run. The second Run was flagged off by the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu YBhg Datuk Abidin Madingkir.

Those not participating in the run enjoyed themselves at the 7K Carnival tucking into the many mouth-watering local and international delicacies as well as various offerings from the sponsors. As the last batch of runners returns, the deejays from Era FM KK, MY FM KK and hits.fm KK continue to entertain the crowd and the sporting crowd had great fun participating the games conducted.

The crowd were then entertained by our local talents TAKT, Apiz Paschya, Theo, Vons, April, Pure Harmony, Hippocamps, Diary of Us, Dang Bangs and Janrywine who wowed the crowd with their energetic performances. 

This litter-free event is supported by DBKK, Ministry of Youth & Sports Sabah and Jabatan Belia & Sukan Persekutuan Negeri Sabah. The official drink is F&N/100Plus and our the official radio stations are Era FM KK, MY FM KK and hitz.fm KK. The main sponsors for the 13th Sutera Harbour 7K Sunset Charity Run are Sayfol International School and Volkswagen Kota Kinabalu. Other sponsors include DGII, Mah Sing Group, Malta as well as Sounds Tech Production.

All nett profits from the 7K Run through registration, sale of coupons as well as sponsorships/donations from the public will be divided equally between the two beneficiaries. 

Oktoberfest Malaysia this coming 25th and 26th October!

GRAB THE special edition Oktoberfest Mug with a limited edition metal lid – be sure to drop by early to reserve yours!

This month, Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB), the leading beer and stout company in Malaysia will be celebrating the iconic German Oktoberfest with an exciting consumer promotion that provides discerning beer drinkers with a special edition 1 liter Ceramic Oktoberfest Mug when they enjoy GAB’s iconic brews!

Kota Kinabalu’s GAB Oktoberfest roving parties will be held at the following locations: -

25 October 2013

Lintas Square

• Hello Bar (Club M Pub & Lounge) • Ballroom Bar • Crystal Lounge • Le Face Spaccio Di El Bar & Lounge • 9 Night Wine Bar • Hitz Voice

Warisan Square

• Oyster Bar • Hot Rod

Kk Waterfront

• Bar Tzar

• Novus Karaoke

• Shamrock Irish Bar

• Cock & Bull Bistro

• Step'In Restaurant & Bar

26 October 2013

KK Times Square

• Sullys Bar • Vino Vino Yakitori • Plutonic • The Retro Club Bar & Grill • Mr Ho’s Fine Foods • FF Sport Café • Jarrods & Rawlins

Drinkers can celebrate Oktoberfest with a series of themed parties in Kota Kinabalu. Expect evenings of good food from around the world, great fun with exciting contests, promotions and activities and of course, GAB’s selection of award-winning beers including Tiger, Guinness, Heineken and the official Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier, brewed exclusively for the Oktoberfest season.

KK’s First Biggest Oktoberfest

Have you ever been to a big scale Oktoberfest bash in Kota Kinabalu before? Here’s one coming your way, complete with an all-girl Oompah band from Germany to lift the spirits high! Sutera Harbour Resort will be celebrating its first ever organised Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 19 at the Covered Tennis Court of Sutera Harbour Marina & Country Club. The organiser, Sutera Harbour Resort along with its main sponsors BMW and GAB Tiger are expecting to entertain about 2000 party-goers.

Although Oktoberfest traditionally originates from Germany, the Resort feels that it would be a cultural experience that can be enjoyed anywhere around the world.  Oktoberfest is actually a part of Bavarian culture celebrated in a 6-day festival that starts from late September to the first weekend in October. To the Germans, Oktoberfest is about traditional German food like Hendl (chicken), Steckerlfish (grilled fish on sticks) and Wurstl (sausages). Don’t be fooled though as German food also includes the famous pretzel, called Brezeln, which many Malaysians are familiar with. There’s also the Kasespatzle (cheese noodles) and Knodel (potato/bread dumplings). At the Sutera Harbour Resort’s Oktoberfest, there will be lots of these food options. 

While they offer you the best food and drink options during the party there is also additional entertainment provided by Bodycare Studio dancers, their in-house DJ Rachman who spins at JUGs nightly from 8pm to past midnight and a special performance by celebrity deejay, DJ UNO on the deck. The Oktoberfest programme also includes a BMW Roadshow showcasing its latest series at the area just outside of the Covered Tennis Court of Sutera Harbour Marina Country Club. BMW’s showcase kicks off at 10am and ends just before the Oktoberfest party takes off for the night at about 6pm.

Tickets are already on sale at RM60nett per person, inclusive of 1 bottle of Paulaner beer. Purchase of food is by vouchers only, sold at RM10 per book.

To purchase your tickets and food vouchers, call the Membership Counter at +60 88 308 111.

Go grab your drinks people!

2013 Property Hunter Expo Coming to Miri!

The 2013 Expo which was previously held in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau managed to garner over RM200 million worth of properties sales collectively. The organizer, Maxx Media (S) Sdn Bhd, aims for record breaking sales in Miri as well. According to Director Elson Kho, “We are very positive about the property investment scene in Miri. The city has always been vibrant especially with the influx of wealth as the result of the oil and gas industry. Besides, we also aim to attract visitors from the neighbouring country of Brunei.”

For the first time ever, Property Hunter Expo (PH Expo) will be venturing outside of Sabah and will be held in Miri. The event will be held from 18 to 20 October (10:00am to 8:00pm) at the Miri Indoor Stadium. Admission is free.

For the Miri edition, over 25 participants will be showcasing various developments in Malaysia and overseas. Australia Property and Development will be showcasing their C3 Apartment located in Melbourne, Brunswick. C3 is an award winning, state of art apartment that exceeds the requirements of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD), achieving a 6 Star First Rate thermal scoring. Another much anticipated international property that will be showcased is The Westcom, the latest B2 ramp-up industrial development by Far East Organization from Singapore. Situated in the heart of Tuas Industrial Hub, it provides convenient storage and manufacturing space at the gateway to our neighbours and the Southeast Asia region.

Some up and coming developments from across Malaysia will also be featured including the D’Summit Residences, the new high-rise service apartment developed by Wealthy Growth Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of IOI Properties Berhad. It is strategically located at the Kempas-Tebrau growth Corridor in Johor, only minutes away to city attractions and Woodland, Singapore.

For properties in East Malaysia, Homelite Development from Miri will boast its Airport Avenue, a modest apartment building that offers 76 units located at the doorstep of the Miri Airport. The location is convenient as other developments around the area include Merdeka Mall, Mosjaya Shopping Area, the Emart commercial centre and schools.

From Sabah, IJM Properties will highlight two of their developments: Utama Park Residence at Bandar Utama, Sandakan which comprises of 26 units of two-storey bungalows and 54 units of two-storey semi-detached homes, and Sky Mansion in Kota Kinabalu which comprises of 96 units.  

Dog Walk in WORLD ANIMAL DAY

ACT would like to thank Dr. Edwin Bosi, Senior Vet at Companion Animal Clinic, the Animal Welfare Unit (AWU), government agencies who have been so supportive of our efforts, InkByte Media for the sponsorship of banners, Mr Jonathan Chan for his wonderful photography, all our kind sponsors and friends who have been nothing but supportive, our participants and their loyal canines, and the members of the media for supporting our event and cause.

The first annual Dog Walk organised by Animal Concern Team (ACT) was held for the first time in Sabah, in conjunction with World Animal Day, which is celebrated world-wide each year on October 4th.

The aim of this walk is to raise awareness of pet ownership responsibility and to stop animal cruelty and abuse. ACT also hopes to educate the general public of the importance of spaying and neutering their pets to prevent the number of strays increasing. 

All funds collected from this event will be publicly announced on ACT’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/actsabah) and website (www.actsabah.com), and will go towards the TNR of strays, starting with the Kota Kinabalu area. The operations will be done by volunteer vets at our rehab centre, following which the strays will be looked after for a short rehabilitation period before being released back to where they were found. 

ACT's prime objective as an NGO is to Trap, Neuter & Release (TNR) stray dogs and cats in Kota Kinabalu. With the implementation of this TNR programme, ACT hopes to eventually reduce the population of stray dogs and cats in Sabah, as once a stray has been neutered, it will be unable to reproduce, which will result in less and less strays being born onto the streets. Other benefits of the TNR programme would include better temperaments and reduced aggression in strays, decreasing attacks from strays on humans. 


Btw, I WANT A HUSKY! ;)

Truffles Delight at Coast from 5-12 Aug 2013 only!

For one-week only from 5-12 August 2013, the Coast Restaurant and Bar at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is introducing summer truffles at RM30++ per shaving of five grams to complement the restaurant’s special truffle menu selections of four starters, four main courses and two desserts with prices starting from RM25.

Once dubbed the ‘diamond in the kitchen’ by Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a renowned French gourmand during his time, truffles have had a long history of being the food for the privileged spanning thousands of years. With over 70 edible truffles available, the most flavorsome is the French perigord truffle.

Now, I have to be honest with this. This is the first time that we have been hosted in such a beautiful private room. Well, can’t blame the others though since this time we are reviewing a restaurant in a well known international resort, Shangri-La. Coast, a beachside restaurant where innovative design, stunning views and superb contemporary Western cuisine are its hallmarks.

Everyone knows Rasa Ria; A glorious long white sandy beach fringing the South China Sea and cradled by a jungle headland with a backdrop of Sabah’s icon, Mount Kinabalu. The peace and beauty of Rasa Ria, where the chorus of birds mingles with the soothing sounds of the sea, exert their magic on visitors.

The starters are comprised of the Endives Salad, Green Pea Soup, Lasagne of Rock Lobster and, Country Style Chicken Liver Pâté while the mains are Wild Mushrooms Risotto, Grilled Black Angus Oyster Blade, Roasted Halibut fillet and Seared Sea Bass fillet.Making up the dessert selections are the Chilled Mango and Passion Fruit Soup and; Chocolate and Yoghurt.

Let’s see what we had.

All sorts of breads
I like the tiny round one. It’s just delicious and oh I need to tell you guys this. The butter that they serve is not just the normal Anchor but its French butter, President. I love that! We had it at home, well once in a blue moon when we wanted to pamper ourselves. 

Here comes the Risotto.

Wild Mushroom Risotto (Rating: 5/5)

ragout of cepes, champignon and oyster mushrooms, and aged Parmesan shavings.

I didn’t expect we will have Risotto in this review. The last time I had Risotto was when I’m in the UK dining with my family. The highlight is that it’s with Truffles as well! So when I first taste the Wild Mushroom Risotto that prepared by Chef Alvrie Manangka, OMG it taste so well. What a combination.

There are five key steps to a perfect risotto, we hear, as the chopped onions are softening. Firstly the right rice: carnaroli, or a variety called vialone nano for more robust flavours. Then the tostatura: the toasting of the onions and rice. Neither should be allowed to brown – the onions because this would ruin the flavour of the risotto, and the rice because this would lock in the starch, which is essential for the texture of the finished dish. The grains must be heated through before you add the wine – "it should sizzle as it hits the pan"…. Wait a minute. I’m not going cook just head to Rasa Ria and everything will be good!

Green Pea Soup (Rating 4.5/5)

poached egg, semi dried cherry tomato, mint and green peas. 

Now this is what I call something different. I have tried Green Pea Soup (the Chinese style of making it) but I have not tried Green Pea Soup which is thick and smooth with poached egg. When I taste their tomato, I can tell that it’s fresh ingredients that they used. Love the taste of the mint even it doesn’t really tell. But overall I love it. It’s healthy!

Lasagna of Poached Rock Lobster (Rating: 5/5)

open lasagne, edamame – long bean ragout, lobster bisque

Can I say this is something different as well or it just me for not having this in normal days? The Lasagna of poached rock lobster is super delish. I couldn’t talk when I first, of course tried the sauce. This is a MUST try. No joke, seriously. This is a starter and trusts me; it certainly brings your appetite.

Meet the Chef: Alvrie Manangka

A passionate visionary of culinary delights, Chef de Cuisine Alvrie joined Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in April 2012. He started his culinary journey in 1997 and has worked in restaurants across Australia, Dubai and the Maldives. His experiences working with notable chefs throughout the years instilled in him a ‘passion for pure love of cooking’, which has greatly influences his much-loved menu creations at Coast restaurant.

We had white wine to go with the food we were having. Recommended by them, we had Chardonnay, White Label Wolf Blass - South Eastern Australia (Year: 2012). It is RM30++ per glass and RM125++ per bottle (prices are subject to 6% government tax and 10% service charge). 

Roasted Halibut Fillet (Rating: 5/5)

Sweet corn, beef bacon, radish, garden basil, beurre blanc

The firm white meat and delicately sweet flavor of halibut, combined with its high nutritional value, make it a favorite among fish lovers. Halibut is the largest of the flatfish and one of the largest of the saltwater fish with catches that weight in at up to 660 pounds. It is a lean fish that features finely textured, snow white flesh as you can see from the picture. I have to admit that we did talk among ourselves and wish to have the chef as our personal chef! 

Chilled Mango & Passion Fruit Soup (Rating: 4/5)

white chocolate mousse, mango, coconut flesh, garden basil

I’m a dessert person and this is fabulous. The texture of the mousse is smooth and it melts in your mouth. Incredibly the Truffles went well even with the desserts! This is the first time I tried Truffles on desserts. It’s amazing. The soup, well, the sauce is sweet and sour.

PRESS CONTACT: Jeremy Kabinchong
Communications Manager
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu
Tel. (Direct): (60 88) 797 909
Fax: (60 88) 791 777
E-mail: jeremy.kabinchong@shangri-la.com
Web: www.shangri-la.com

First Baskin Robbins in KK!

Haiyaaa.. How long do we have to wait?

Actually, I have tasted Baskin Robbins back in those days when I was studying in KL in 2006. You know lah when we were still a student, we tend to wander around, explore new stuffs and places. Moreover, I'm orang Sabah. So, lain sikit lah when I go KL. Lots of new things to me.

So, indirectly, I was saying that orang Sabah we waited at least 6 years or more than that to get Baskin Robbins here in Kota Kinabalu. Tak apa bah, we have our local ice cream such as Vedablu. It's delicious too especially their green tea flavour. That's my favourite!

Anyways, Baskin Robbins is delicious. So many flavours to choose! Too many to choose and it's hard to choose because it's like 'OH I want it all!'

Opened in One Borneo Hypermall, they are located at the main door where it's near to the Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Habib Jewels, and yum name it.