LUXURIOUSLY KOBE available from 13 – 26 OCTOBER

While waiting for another great food review session at Le Meridien, I have tried the illy Coffee for the first time. Suggested by the lovely waitress, Cappuccino is one of the best on the menu. Look how cute! The coffee taste is strong and the most important is that the coffee texture is smooth. It is unique and delicious.

There is a taste, a feel, an aroma that is all illy’s own. Velvety, immediately sweet, delicately balancing floral and fruity notes with caramel, toast and chocolate, naturally fragrant with aromas of almond and honey.  You just might hold the sugar, for the very first time.

Now, let us back to the main character for tonight.

The Master Kobe Beef is Flames Steak Restaurant’s current special. 

So this is how it looks like when its raw. Photo courtesy of the Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Kobe beef is certainly one of the must try for anyone visiting Japan, along with the Matsusaka and the Ohmi beef. These three are indeed the best in the world. But now, grab this chance to try out the Master Kobe Beef here at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu before it’s too late! Last day of offers is 26^th October 2014. 

We started our food review by having a light starter. Bread with butter, tuna, and balsamic vinegar. The bread is so soft and it goes well with the tuna. This trio is a sinful spread! 

Also, we have tried the Flames Steak Restaurant's Wild Mushroom Soup. The first sip was delightful. Well, I am a soup person and not everywhere in KK that you can find mouth watering soup. It was smooth and there's no chucks; my plate was squeaky clean!

Le Meridien also offers the Pink Mocktail till 31 October

In conjunction with the Breast Cancer month, enjoy the delicious Pinktober Pleasures, a vibrant concoction of pink guava, key lime and raspberry at Sante Hour or as a refreshing drink throughout this month of October!

Now, here comes the real deal.

Lava Stone Grilled Kobe Sirloin Beef 

with Classic Yorkshire Pudding, Oven Roasted Vege and Light Herb Jus 

Oh yes. I am still thinking about that huge piece of Kobe Beef. Remembering from the moment that I gently cut it into pieces and put it into my mouth. As you chew, the Kobe beef melts within 5 bites. Priced at MYR 300++ per serving of 200grams with a marble score of 6, and meat quality score of 5. Available daily from 13 October – 26 October for lunch and dinner at Flames Steak Restaurant, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.

Care to try?

SPG members get a complimentary glass of wine, beer or juice with every serving of this steak.

Flames Steak Restaurant is located at the Lobby Level of Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Opens daily from 12PM - 2.30PM for lunch, and 6PM - 10PM for dinner. Expect quality food from the grill as well as creatively-crafted desserts and mocktails.

Fossil watches outfit styles for women

Other than jewellery, watches are seen to be another form of accessories for women to style up their outfits. Same as I, I do own quite a number of watches. Recently, I bought this huge men watch for myself. Yes, a man watch and I love it so much because it is huge and classic. Plus, it has a stop watch!

Fossil, a brand which offers a wide range of amazing watch designs are catered to fit each individual taste and personality. Women should never neglect the power of what watches can do to a person’s outfit as well as personality. As watches can definitely play a role in impressing others, select any watch from Fossil various designs to create your own personal character.

There are 3 different Fossil watches looks which women can give a try to attract the attention of others while boosting up confidence. The first look is suitable for the ladies who want to attempt a sweet innocent look to their outfit by wearing a thin golden wrist Fossil watch with a dress and jacket.

The next look of Fossil watches portrays more elegance and maturity while still maintaining a fun vibe. The wrist watch from Fossil looks stunning and beautiful when paired with a nice long maxi dress which is suitable to be worn to parties, family occasions as well as work. To add more sophistication to the whole look, layer the dress with a cropped jacket and killer high heels. Show a little skin some sleeveless blouse or dresses to enhance your Fossil watch completely.

Lastly, the third look which can be pulled off by women is the simple casual style of wardrobe choice. However, opt for the patterned wrist watch from Fossil to wear with your plain jeans and tee while adding some finishing touches of multi-stacked bangles alongside your watch. Choose colourful bangles to add some cheerfulness in your outfit while looking gorgeous in your own casual way. If you have been longing to get a new watch, why not check out ZALORA website for a wide range of Fossil watches selections online.

3 Starwood Malaysia Recognized in Smart Travel Asia’s Best in Travel Poll 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Malaysia were honoured to have three of its hotels recognized, which made it once again to the recent Smart Travel Asia’s Best in Travel Poll 2014 voted by its readers.

·         Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur – Top 25 Business Hotel in Asia

·         The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa – Top 25 Conference Hotel in Asia and Top 25 Leisure Hotel in Asia

·         The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi – Top 25 Leisure Hotel in Asia

Smart Travel Asia’s Research & Marketing Manager, Tenzing Y Thondub was at Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur to present the certificate of excellence. Representing the properties were Stephan Sieberg – General Manager of Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Sherrilyn Charles – Director of Sales & Marketing of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, and Cindy Yoong – Director of Marketing Communications, Malaysia (representing The Andaman, A Luxury Collection, Langkawi).

Smart Travel Asia is one of the region’s dedicated online travel magazine with over one million readers worldwide. Best in Travel Poll 2014 ran from May to July and readers from around the world contributed to the results of the three-month poll. This prestigious award includes Asia's best business hotels, spa hotels & resorts, conference hotel, holiday destinations, cities for business and the world's best airlines and airports.

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel is an urban oasis for both business and leisure travelers seeking the true Malaysian experience and impeccable service. Inspired by the finest elements in Asian heritage, the hotel takes its place among the city's grandest landmarks such as Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, KLCC shopping centre and is located within short walks to the light rail transit (LRT) and monorail service. Magnificently laid with elegant marble - the centerpiece is most certainly the sweeping staircase from the lobby to the mezzanine. The hotel’s 385 guest rooms reflect designs inspired by Malaysia’s colourful landscape, culture and people. The hotel offers exquisite food and beverage products in 5 venues and other 5-star facilities such as - 13 meeting options including the magnificent Nusantara Ballroom and @M event level, Link@Sheraton, a Business Centre, splendid massage treatments by renowned Mandara Spa and a free-form swimming pool.

Photo by: www.starwoodhotels.com

The Westin Langkawi Beach Resort & Spa

Nestled amongst 104 acres of lush tropical gardens, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa features 202 spacious rooms and suites as well as 20 ultra luxury Ocean View Pool Villas. All the guestrooms, suites and villas feature luxurious amenities such as the iconic Heavenly Bed®, 42” plasma TV with satellite channels, DVD player and surround sound system, amongst others. The resort offers excellent food and beverage, including SuperFoodsRx™ in 3 venues along with a pool bar and other 5-star facilities such as its 4 unique pools, the Westin WORKOUT®, and Heavenly Spa by Westin. Set in an idyllic natural retreat of the island, adorned with an exclusive beach front location up to 500 metres, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is strategically located just 20 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport by car and within 1 km of the Jetty Point. The main shopping area of Langkawi, Kuah Town, which is only 3 km away from the Resort, acts as a further attraction to the Resort guests.

Photo by: langkawinow.diveasianow.com

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort located in an idyllic tropical setting on Malaysia's Langkawi Island, is cosily tucked away between a 10 million year old rainforest in the tranquil Datai Bay and an 8,000 year old fringing coral reef. The resort’s 178 exquisite rooms and magnificently appointed suites reflect a contemporary Malaysian style, with sweeping views over the beckoning Andaman Sea and the ancient rainforest. The resort also houses 14 units of Direct Pool Access Rooms, the first of their kind in Langkawi. Catering to all food aficionados, the distinctive yet equally alluring 3 restaurants at The Andaman, namely The Restaurant, The Japanese Restaurant and Jala, along with the Jentayu Lounge and Beach Bar, offer a variety of local specialities and International favourites. V Botanical Spa, perched on a verdant hillside is a perfect sanctuary for a pampered bliss. As part of the resort's Coral Conservation project, guests are presented with the opportunity to give back to nature through its unique Coral Nursery and Coral Reef Activities.

Photo by: www.tourismlangkawi.com

#adidas #mygirls continues to celebrate the sporting passion of women in Southeast Asia!

Stellar cast of Malaysian personalities put together to inspire Malaysian girls across the nation

Adidas recently announced the return of the #mygirls campaign, created by women for women that aims to provide inspiration, support and motivation while celebrating women and their passion for sports. This year’s campaign captures each ambassador in their home country leading and inspiring their girls to work together and go #allin for their pursuits.

The adidas #mygirls campaign explores the support, encouragement and competitive edge that girls give each other to help them unlock their full potential both in and out of the sporting arena. Sharifah Sakinah – actress and fitness enthusiast is featured as the Malaysian Ambassador.  She is also backed by adidas #mygirls personalities Atilia Haron, Sazzy Falak, Megan Tan and Elfira Loy, who together make a unique group of Malaysian girls that represent different personalities and age groups.

“The adidas #mygirls is back this season with an inspirational brand direction designed to celebrate the special bonds between girls and how they inspire one another to go ‘all in’. With an authentic, creative, fresh approach, adidas aims to inspire girls throughout the country with a campaign that features stories and personalities they can relate to. We are happy to be supporting our home girls which love life, people, music, fashion, sports and living healthy with the support from adidas #mygirls – Sharifah Sakinah, Sazzy Falak, Atilia Haron, Megan Tan and Elfira Loy”, said Samantha Chan, Brand Manager of adidas Malaysia.

The campaign also featured the adidas Women’s Sports Performance Fall/Winter 2014 collection which includes the unrivalled energy BOOST running shoes that comes with a stretch mesh upper, and is popular for its BOOST cushioning and flexible TORSION® system that provides unparalleled comfort, support and stability, delivering a unique running experience.

Other products were also featured in the campaign such as the Clima Training bra and the adidas Techfit tights, which also help make each workout session as comfortable as possible. Designed with a wide racer back and cross back straps to provide maximum support and fit, the Clima Training bra is perfect for medium to high intensity workout sessions such as dancing and running.

The adidas Techfit training tights are made with the superior climalite® fabric which sweeps perspiration away from skin. The techfit™ technology also focuses the muscles' energy to generate maximum explosive power, acceleration and long-term endurance.

“It’s great to see these amazing and inspiring women outfitted in some of our exciting new products and witness our latest innovations come to life,” said David Wong, Head of Marketing at adidas Malaysia.

Malaysian women across the nation can stand a chance to bag the awesome adidas Women’s Sports Performance FW14 collection by participating in a month long Instagram challenge hosted by Sharifah Sakinah along with all the adidas #mygirls personalities - Atilia Haron, Elfira Loy, Megan Tan and Sazzy Falak. The lucky winner earns herself a shopping spree worth RM5,000 at adidas along with her ‘girls’ who are entitled to a shopping spree of RM500 each.

The Instagram challenge, which kicks off today, Monday 18th August, is aimed at engaging Malaysian women in becoming active with adidas and  its girls. Malaysians keen to know more and take on the challenge can follow the adidas #mygirls on Instagram at the following handles Sharifah Sakinah (@fitnessakinah), Elfira Loy (@elfiraloy), Atilia Haron (@atiliaharon), Sazzy Falak (@sazzyfalak) and Megan Tan (@iemegan).

The adidas Women’s Sports Performance FW14 collection is now available at all adidas Sports Performance Concept Stores in KLCC, Pavilion, The Gardens, Paradigm Mall and Empire Subang and supporting retail outlets nationwide.

ATAS Motor Show 2014 Happening This Weekend!

The Auto Traders Association of Sabah (ATAS) is hosting their 6th ATAS Motor Show from 15th August to 17th August 2014 (10:00am to 9:00pm daily) at the Sabah Trade Centre in Likas. This free-to-attend exhibition is the single biggest motor show in Sabah.

Dr. James Yong Chau Leong, the chairman of ATAS said, “We are delighted to showcase over 40 participants at the ATAS Motor Show this year. Our ATAS members will be offering special promotions to visitors during the event. And we also have exciting activities for the public to enjoy such as a lucky draw whereby an LED TV plus other goodies will be given away daily. The Hitz.fm, Era.fm and My FM cruisers will also be conducting fun games for everyone to enjoy.”

Organizing chairman of the event, Francis Lim commented, “This biannual event is a great place for car enthusiasts to convene as it is a one stop centre for all your car solutions from the latest car models and accessory trends to insurance policies and loans by your local banks. Daring visitors will also get a chance to conquer the 30 feet high Isuzu giant ramp which is not to be missed!”

The ATAS Motor Show 2014 participants include car dealership such as Sime Darby (Ford & Jaguar-Land Rover), Universal Motor (Isuzu), Right Power (Hyundai), Inti Deras (Big Bikes), Edaran Tan Chong (Nissan), Fook Loi/ Anak Sabah (Great Wall Motors), Maxspeed Auto (Mazda), Boon Siew (Honda), Boston Auto (Chevrolet) and UMW Toyota.

Heavy vehicles that will also be exhibited include Aulis Auto (Benteng), FF Auto (Hino) and Tan Chong Ind Equipment (Auman & UD Trucks). Plus, the Tint Shop will be there to assist visitors with all their car embellishing needs. Banks and insurance companies that will be participating are Maybank, RHB Bank, CIMB, AIG Insurance, UniAsia Insurance, Hwang Investment Mgmt Bhd, Toyota Capital and Public Bank

For more information, call +6016 826 9344 (Yvonne), email atas3131980@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/atas1980. 

The launch on Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2014 (CDI).

Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2014 (CDI), the popular talent search competition in East Malaysia proudly presented by Carlsberg - the most preferred beer brand in Malaysia, returns for its fourth installment and will be looking to unearth more talented singers from the two Borneo states.

“Since its inception in 2011, CDI has generated lots of buzz. The singing competition is aimed at discovering new talents and providing these budding young singers a platform to be heard and perform before a panel of internationally renowned professional judges. Our 2012 CDI Champion, Esther Thian, for example, had a good headstart, as she won the Astro Star Quest Singing Competition in 2013 and went on to compete in Million Star singing competition in Taiwan. We are once again proud to be presenting this and to use this as a platform to be closer to our consumers,” said Gary Tan, Sales Director of Carlsberg Malaysia during the launch of CDI at Kick Bistro & Fun Pub, Kota Kinabalu.

This year the cash prizes for the competition are valued at more than RM30,000, including a cash prize of RM12,000 for the Grand Finale champion. There will be four auditions, to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Miri and Kuching. Participants are to perform two songs, either in English, Bahasa Melayu or any Chinese dialect. Only 12 participants from each audition will advance to compete at the respective Area Final.

The top 3 of each Area will advance to the Grand Finale, which will be held on 2 November 2014. To prepare for the Grand Finale, they will attend the Diamond Idol Camp at Kota Kinabalu for three days, where they will be involved in team building activities, dance lessons, practice sessions for theme songs as well as video shooting. Professor Dr. Fred Chin will be leading the camp as motivational trainer, whilst Skyler Liew will be their dance instructor. The camp was first introduced in CDI 2012 with the aim of grooming and boosting confidence of the grand finalists through a series of workshops, and had received very good feedback.

This year’s CDI is proud to have a prominent panel of judges comprising of singer/song writer, Zchen, a local artiste who has gained fame in Taiwan and Hong Kong; Marsha Milan Londoh, the third runner-up of Akademi Fantasia Season 3; as well as singer/songwriter and music producer, Jonathan Tse.

Also present at the launch event were last year’s CDI Champion, Sylvester Lee and second runner-up, Jacqueline Lau who entertained the guests for the rest of the evening with two songs each.

For more information on Carlsberg Diamond Idol 2014, visit www.carlsbergdiamondidol.com.my or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CarlsbergDiamondIdol.

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad was incorporated in December 1969. Today, it manufactures beer, stout and other malt related beverages.  Sales and distribution of beer, stout, cider, wines, spirits and other beverages are done via subsidiaries Carlsberg Marketing Sdn Bhd, Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, Carlsberg Singapore Pte Ltd and associate company Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC in Sri Lanka.

Carlsberg remains the flagship brand and is committed to growing its place in the hearts and minds of Malaysian beer drinkers by staying in tune with the needs and demands of our strong consumer base.

Check-In Dining at Market 88, Kepayan

People always find fun things to spend their time. At least for me, I would drive around town and see what I can do or the furthest I can drive is to Tuaran or Tamparuli (I love to be on the road). Now, when it comes to remembering a restaurant, how would you actually remember them all? I bet it’s going to be either by food, or by the name of the restaurant.

Recently opened in this end of the month, Check-In Dining is the first aviation themed restaurant here in Sabah. Baby blur in colour, located at Market 88 (some say food city), the restaurant is easy to spot! With a few airplane windows, you can try to have a peek what’s inside. That’s what I did.

Caeser Salad + Smoked Salmon = RM 7.90 + RM6.00
If you like Salmon (like me), then this is a must try. Mixed with Japanese Sauce (I'm a fan and you should be a fan too) and big slices of Salmon. It would go wrong for having this as the appetizer! 

Caesar Salad + Chicken Ham = RM7.90 + RM2.00
Affordable as it is but I fancy the Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon more. It's worth it and delicious because the sauce that they are using to taste the salad.

Soup of the Day: Mushroom Soup = RM 6.90

I like how they use wild mushroom, but I like it to be more... rich. But you can try, it's not bad. Really.

Shrimp Paste Chicken Wing (4 pieces) = RM9.90

I like how they make use of Shrimp paste in all kind of dishes. Not too much, just nice. Because too much can be salty, and not everyone can handle it.

Cheese Meat Ball (6 pieces) = RM13.90  *MUST TRY

I love how they invented this dish. Cheese melts in your mouth as you chew the meat balls. Don't worry if it's still rare inside as it will affect the moist of the meat ball. Trust your chef in this. I like how it taste. Some people might feel this dish can be a little salty for them too because of the sauce, but I'm okay with the taste and texture.

Beef Burger = RM14.90

Carbonara Chicken =RM13.90

Sirloin Steak = RM25.90

Chicken Chop Fried Rice = RM 12.90

 Chicken Cutlet = RM16.90

Fish & Chips = RM16.90

Fish Fillet Cheese Baked Rice = RM 13.90

And here comes the Hot Chocolate for only RM7.90!

Panna Cotta - RM6.90

Despite of the economy nowadays, especially here in Kota Kinabalu, our expenses are higher than in the west Malaysia. Anyway, the price for the food here is reasonable and affordable for people like me and you who just wanted to fill our tummy. 

Kadaiku™ model bah ni.

Who’s that girl!?

I haven’t talked about my working experience here right? Well, we can make it another day to talk about it! Now let me focus another thing here, which also related to my work.

I used to model for clothes and trained people to walk (wanna see my pictures? :P ).

But then I didn’t continue much on that path which I rather choose to be more focused in my work – the tourism, publicity and publication industry. I just love people! At this point, some people say “all things will eventually come back to you” which I can also apply to myself now.

Kadaiku™ – Sabah Souvenirs and Handicrafts at Sinsuran Complex is proud to bring you quality local Sabah souvenirs. Kadaiku™, which means ‘my shop’ in our local dialect, is a treasure cove of mementos that represent the magic and essence of the Land Below the Wind. Rest assured that you will always find an endless choice of authentic traditional handicrafts.

Website: http://www.kadaiku.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kadaiku/338038438915?fref=ts

It’s something different, which I do not need to pose as if we are taking a high-end photoshoot. But we always had fun during the photoshoot. 

Look out for Kadaiku™'s advertisement in the Sabah Malaysian Borneo Bulletin publication. MONTHLY!

Do swing by Kadaiku™ and explore the beauty of each souvenir. What I like about Kadaiku™ is that they have this small little tag that explains each souvenir that you picked. Good information for all local and international tourists who are interested in our Sabah culture.

Til then! Buzz me!

Eating at Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu @ Central Market

Besides buying groceries at the market, what else can you do?

I remember I used to go to the market with my dad when I was still a kid. I love to go to the dry area, but not the wet – which is the fish market. Normally, one of my tasks is to buy the most delicious Tau Foo Fah in town and to look at the vegetables; poultry is still fine, but definitely not the fish market because – you know it. I would cry.

This is the first time for me to try out the food stalls at the market. We called it Pasar Besar in Malay or just Pasar – Sabahan style. If you want to know how the local Chinese call it? PA-SA. It’s the same anyway. Haha.

The food stalls are located on the second floor. There are about 4 to 6 stalls there (if I’m not mistaken – need to check it out again) and they separated it into Chinese and Malay section, which is good. This is because people like us; we might want to have non-halal or halal food.

We went to the Chinese stall.

Picture below: The view overlooking KK Plaza (taken from the side of the staircase)

See those baskets? Choose your preferable vegetable and meat by pointing them to the person who is serving you. Tell them if you want them to cook it with rice or noodle after he or she took note of your choice. That simple.

I have ordered Kon Lau Mihun with vegetable, chicken, and char-siew (pork). While waiting, I actually worried that it might be oily but it wasn’t. It was simply delicious yet affordable to have a simple lunch here. There’s only one thing I would like to highlight – the char siew have some unwanted fats because I don’t take that since young. So, I just have to remove it. For certain people, I know you like that.

Don’t forget to buzz me when you are there. I'm just nearby! ;)

Ultimate Buka Puasa Feasts at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Ready to eat?

More than 200 varieties of traditional breaking-fast fare and international favourites to suit every taste bud, all here at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. A few Chef’s specialities and unique items are being featured in the buffet such as Serunding Tuhau, Kerabu Mangga Sotong Kering and Kerabu Daging Cincang Berjeruk. Innovative beverages like Kurma Juice and Pegaga Juice are also available to complete and satiate the thirsts.

There are also 12 extended show stations along the Shenanigan’s Terrace offering live cooking stalls including western cuisines like roast lamb flap, beef, and grilled vegetables as well as chinese cuisine like roasted chicken and duck, dim sum, ngiu chap, and yong tau foo. For me, I like the indian cuisine which they are famous for its cheese naan and tandoori.

Look at these stations!

Now let’s check out the Chinese Corner. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is famous for their roast duck and chicken. This juicy and tender meat is a must try when you dine in!

To outfit the kampong ambience in this year’s theme, Hyatt is hosting their Bazaar Ramadhan in the Kimanis Ballroom where it can accommodate up to 300 diners at one time. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is also the first hotel that reserved a ballroom space, especially for the season throughout the buka puasa month.

Bazaar Ramadhan
Available Dates: from 29 June 2014 onwards (during fasting month)
Time: 6.00pm to 10.00pm
Rates: RM120nett per adult | RM60nett per child (between 6 - 12 years old)

*For Group bookings, enjoy complimentary meal for the 11th person for every 10 paying guests

*Club at The Hyatt exclusive 15% discount

Planning a private buka puasa gathering?
It’s the Buka Puasa Banquet! Chefs at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu are more than happy to tailor delectable, tantalising buka puasa menus for your special events. Be the perfect host and let Hyatt’s professional event service personnel take away the stress of organising for your events.
Call Hyatt Regency Kinabalu at +6088-221234 or +6088-295335 for bookings or more information.

Thanks to the two chefs in Hyatt, Chef Tunku and DJohan for making a wonderful and delicious menu for another year of Ramadhan!