A blast at CITRARASA SABAH Food Festival 2014

First time ever held in Kota Kinabalu, the biggest food festival has finally come here! CITRARASA is another big branding in the whole of Malaysia but this year, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has made up their mind to bring it to another level, which is to organised one of their biggest food festivals in Sabah. Petronas cooking competitions, drawing competition for kids, food and drinks exhibitions are all up including singing and movie screening at night!

Focus on our traditional native food such as the Hinava, Pinasakan, Pulut, Butod, and others, all are welcomed to try out each delicacies that have prepared by the locals from different ethnic. There are the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and many more! Unique food such as the glutinous rice in pitcher plant is the first thing that I have spotted since the rest are known. 

To be frank, I am surprised that all who were in the traditional food section were wearing their beautiful cultural costume which portray each different ethnic from different districts. Well done to the Sabah Cultural Board in promoting and sharing our beautiful and colourful culture of Sabah.

Interesting right?

Well, I remember one of the press/ media asked me to introduce some of the food to the tourists that joined us for the dinner. So yes, I did. Haha. Plus, my friends are pulling me too.

This event will not be a successful one without the help of KK Food Fest. Ideas and layout plans by them are flawless. Our Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Datuk Masidi Manjun and all distinguish guests have stayed throughout the night enjoying the opening of CITRARASA SABAH Food Festival 2014. In addition to that, I have to mention that DSP Masidi Manjun also encourages everyone to try out the Butod or sago worms on the stage!

Food for the night!

Will they be another CITRARASA SABAH Food Festival next year? We will just have to wait. In my opinion, this is an event that can surely promote Sabah cuisine and other cuisine that have extensively joins the food or hospitality industry in Sabah.

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!

Kentin Bakut aka Bakut Canteen, Tuaran, Sabah

Just came back from Tuaran! Loving my road trip today from KK City, to Tuaran, to Tamparuli, then Shangri-La Rasa Ria, and… home safely.

We were on our way to Tamparuli but we stopped somewhere nearby Tuaran to have our breakfast. At the very first, I thought we are going to have our breakfast at the Tuaran Town but nope, we did not.

Located by the road side between Telipok and Tuaran, (it is hard to find actually but no worries, there’s a U-Turn if you passed the restaurant), this restaurant is actually quite an old restaurant that I have never dined in before. I was told that the owner of the restaurant does fishing and serves fresh fish for their customers. So, let’s try!

Arriving at the restaurant, I was shocked to see there are quite a number of customers. From a table of a family, to a gang of secondary school students, they knew this place! There are several dishes on the menu but I have decided to try on their Tom Yam/ Tom Yum Seafood.

In Sabah, we do like spicy food. Tom Yum is one of our famous dishes here but you need to know where to find the good ones. While waiting for our Tom Yam, I realised that everybody is eating the same thing – Tom Yam! So when that bowl of delicious Tom Yam was served right in front of me, I was attracted by the colour of the Tom Yam. From its colour, I knew it’s going to be HOT!

Oh, don’t forget. Before you start messing yourself, try to get a spoonful of the soup. Well, I did and I found out that it taste different than the Tom Yam that I’ve tried in Kota Kinabalu town itself. It doesn’t taste milky though, but the taste of the prawn is strong and that makes it different and special. Also, it is true that the fish and the prawn that they served are indeed fresh. It is chewy, not soggy, and it has its own sweetness. Oh goodness, I just thought about my first bite on the prawn. Lovely.

Bakut Canteen opens from Monday to Saturday, 6:30AM to 3:00PM. Sometimes they opens on Public Holidays, sometimes they don’t. So, give a try and trust me, it is worth trying.

EVENT: Mother’s Day Walk Abreast 2013

Once again, Kinabalu Pink Ribbon has organised another good cause - Mother’s Day Walk Abreast 2013. About 3, 000 people participated in the 5km Kinabalu Pink Ribbon (KPR) Mother’s Day Walk Abreast 2013 at Wisma Wanita.

The walkathon is an opportunity for thousands of women, men and their families, running or walking, to spread important messages about breast cancer in Kota Kinabalu and around Sabah. Participate in honor of a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, or simply to be a supporter of the meaningful event to create greater awareness for early detection and to end breast cancer forever.

And again, Noor and I participated and we had a great time together. Looking all those funky head gear, outfit, and lucky draws, they have won themselves a trip with the Star Cruise, Flat screen TV, Notebooks, Laptops, Ipad (I want it so much), and more. Indeed very interesting prizes right? Noor and I decided that we should look awesome in the coming year. So please suggest an idea for us so we can rock!

“Every step makes a difference in creating greater awareness for early detection of breast cancer,” said Lucilla, President for Kinabalu Pink Ribbon.

Tako Japanese Restaurant, Damai, Kota Kinabalu

New Japanese Restaurant opens at Damai! Certainly brighten the whole area. Located right in the middle of the building, it stands between a few Chinese restaurants or if you know Pinnacle Pet Shop, that’s the area. Either you drive from Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2, or from Coffee Bean Damai, you will see a huge red octopus as their signboard.

I tried on their food on a busy day when Aldrich and I spontaneously planned to meet up. Walking in to Tako Japanese Restaurant, I find it familiar and hey I know those people. They were with Japanese DreamFood before. Oh well, I came for the food anyway.

Checking on their menu, it is slightly cheaper than other Japanese restaurants in town. I have ordered my favourite dish, which they do have on the menu, the Chirashi Set which have a bowl of noodle either Soba or Udon, and the Chirashi with rice. Aldrich ordered another one and I actually forgot to try his.

Surprisingly, the preparation time and serving time is fast! I’m not sure about the next time when you visit them but I enjoyed their fast and caring service that day. The raw salmon and tuna are freshly made. I love it and I’m going back again next time for sure.

Almost to June update

Despite on my busy schedule, I will still think about all my readers here in angels-be-with-you. Can’t believe it’s almost half a year GONE! Time running fast so I hope all of you have played wisely.

Oh well, I know I have been missing lots of updates and write ups, I am suppose to blog about lots of food reviews as I have been invited to A LOT this year. Also, I have been travelling around Sabah just to explore a little bit more. I found this is a BIG change in Kota Kinabalu where there are many events going on throughout the year. Imagine, food reviews? It can happen two to three reviews in a week! But hey, do keep it going because I love sharing my taste with every one of you. And you know my style – I travel, explore, and share my experiences here and there. Anyways, I guess I have to dig out my suppose-to-blog reviews. Please accept my sincere apologies to everyone including business owners and my readers from all over the world.

I have been travelling back and forth to Kundasang and Ranau, to Tenom, Indonesia, and just came back from Mantanani Island (beautiful island, hmmph). Can’t believe that I saw dolphins with my own eyes! Meeting quite a number of new friends, we share the same interests which is travelling and explore places to places and EAT! So, do stay tune!

This picture was taken when I was on the boat departing from Mantanani Island to the Kuala Abai Jetty. Nothing to do but taking pictures was a fun thing to do.

Food review: Kopi Ping, Damai

There’s one time that I overheard someone has mistaken “Kopi Ping” as “Coffee Bean” because of the pronunciation.

Was having my early lunch the other day at Kopi Ping. Since the day they opened, I just went there once and this is my second time dining in. Well, it’s not that I don’t want to dine in there but it’s always FULL during peak hours. And YES, my office is just around the corner.

Invited by one of the owners and a manager of Kopi Ping, five bloggers are confirmed to get the treat – Myself, Margaret, Charlotte, my sister Meitzeu, and Beverly. We starved the morning just for this meal. Kidding.

What I like about this café is that the price is reasonable for students, working people, and of course, families. All we want is a valuable meal. If you are on a budget, Kopi Ping is just for you. Good food, good people, good service with reasonable price.

So there are several dishes that we have tried. Generous manager, Mr. Dean prepared A LOT for us ladies. Very kind of him and Ms Connie who is one of the owners, who invited us, thank you. We are grateful and blessed. Now, here’s a list of what we have tried.

Now, let’s start taste the food.

1. Leaf Noodle (Rating 3/5)

Price: RM2.00

Our unique & delicious noodle wrapped in a green leaf. We have asked Mr. Dean what kind of leaf is that and it called the Bini Tua (means, the old wife). The uniqueness of this light dish is that it is not soggy. You know when you crave for a plate of noodle, you don’t expect it to be soggy, and stick to your teeth. But this one doesn’t. I’ve even tried to figure out what’s the smell of the leaf with Charlotte, and I smell lemon. Let me know if you did this too.

2. Fish Sauce Mee Hoon Seafood (3/5)

Price: RM 8.00

What is good about this dish is that they prepared it with fresh ingredients. But personally, in my opinion, it’s a little bit dry for me.

3. Yong Tauhu (4/5)

Price: RM RM1.50

I remembered this. This is the first dish that I’ve tried during my first visit. Well, I’m controlling my diet! That’s why. Simply delicious!

4. KP Roasted Wings (4/5)

Price: RM 4.40

Actually, with this price it’s for 2 pcs only. Just because we are doing this food review, we got extra. Yay! I just wanted to clear before we get any misunderstanding here. The KP Roasted Wings are juicy. Love it!

5. BBQ Chicken Rice (4/5)

Price: RM 8.50

Love the chicken definitely because it’s tender and marinated well.

                       

6. Tom Yam M/Hoon (5/5)

Price: RM 7.50

For spicy lover, yes please order this. When I first take the first sip, it smell so good until when I swallow it, oh no, the heat is on! The spicy taste remains at your throat.

7. Dry Fried Hor Fun Beef (5/5)

Price: RM 8.00

Love the smell, love the taste. I’ll order this again when I visit Kopi Ping. There is a certain way to cook fried the Hor Fun. Not too long, and not too fast, then its prefect. Italian we called it, al dente. And when I first grab a bite on this, oh my, I almost finish half of the plate!

8. Waffle Ice Cream (5/5)

Price: RM 4.00

Save the best for the last! This manager has his plan. Desserts are girl’s best friend. We finished this off in 4 minutes. Frankly speaking, I love this one. The waffle remained crunchy even though the ice cream has melted. Who doesn’t want this?

And now, the drinks.

1. Kopi Ping (5/5)

Price: RM 2.50

Coffee lover like me? Go for this. The taste of the coffee is strong. Believe it or not, you got to try this.

2. Teh C Special (4/5)

Price: RM 3.50

Not too sweet, it’s creamy, and just nice. Prefect for hot weather. ;)

3. Red Bean Milk (Cold) (5/5)

Price: RM 3.00

There is something special about this drink. It has a smooth texture and there is a hot one if you would like to try.

Now, I'm hungry while I am typing all this.

Here is a picture of the man behind all this foods.

Countdown to Hitz.fm Kota Kinabalu Birthday Invasion

Happy Birthday to hitz.fm KK Kota Kinabalu!

Hitz.fm Kota Kinabalu Birthday Invasion is coming soon again.

Time : 1900hrs to LATE

Date : 3 November 2012

Venue: 1Borneo, Gourmet Lane

Yes. I will be going again this time; I will be on duty to cover up this whole birthday party! Again, I will be having McDonald for dinner. That’s the easiest and fastest way to fill up my tummy for a busy schedule.

This time, my good friend GREYSON CHANCE is coming back to KK. He really does love to be here in Kota Kinabalu. I can say that he is in love with Malaysia. This time, I don't think I could take a picture with him though. Busy busy schedule. Anyway, other than Greyson you can get a chance to see performance by Pop Shuvit, One Buck Short, Dang Bandangs, Jakeman & Skeletor. This will be a big party!

And… I will see you there? Let me know by commenting here if you are coming. You might be smiling to the camera!

The Schooner Raja Laut sail to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Took this picture after rain but luckily there is sunset as promised. Once the Raja Laut flees to Kota Kinabalu, I received an invitation to check out the yacht. Thanks to Mr. Nicolas, the captain and thanks to Yohannes too!

Beautifully designed, the Raja Laut gave me a feeling that I wanted to have some adventure. It’s clean and fully furnished. It feels like I’m finally in Pirates of the Carribean! Well, if you can swim, maybe you can just jump, maybe. Don’t forget to take off your shoes, sandals, or whatever you are wearing because you need to be on board barefoot.

Foods are all set and ready once we are on board. Enjoying the welcoming cocktails and snacks until when you can find all of us dancing under the moonlight while Mr. Nicolas was still busy navigating.

Schooner Raja Laut was designed along exquisite classic lines for yacht charters in Asia. The name Raja Laut means "king of the seas" in the Malay language. Effortlessly combining style and grace with modern technology, Raja Laut has enjoyed unforgettable adventures throughout the Asian region, from Thailand, to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Mergui Archipelago.

As I have a busy schedule, it just hit me when I heard the name “Raja Laut”. What is that? I asked myself and I make sure that I’ll be free and I had a great time discovering from top to bottom, left to right!

Auxiliary Equipment, Tender and Recreational Equipment

Boarding ladder

Fenders

Swim ladder

Comprehensive set of tools

Quantity of spare parts

Full cover awnings

4.8 metre RIB dinghy with 60 HP Yamaha Outboard

Bauer Mariner scuba diving compressor

12 sets of tanks and complete scuba diving gear

20 sets of masks, fins, and snorkels

1 inflatable sea kayak

Waterski and Wakeboard

Now, you must have been wondering why I am including this list of equipment. In fact, they do sail from the East to West or West to East. If you wanted to sail.

When is the best time to sail with Raja Laut?

DECEMBER TO APRIL the prevailing winds are from the NORTH-EAST, and during this time the weather on WEST coast of Thailand and the vicinity is as near to perfect as possible with light winds and hardly a drop of rain. December to March is the best time for a vacation in Langkawi, Phuket, Phang-Nga Bay, Mergui, Andaman.

MAY TO OCTOBER, the prevailing winds are from the SOUTH-WEST and during this is the best time to visit the EAST coast of Thailand and the vicinity (Tioman, Singapore, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo).

In Indonesia the weather is generally good for year-round cruising.

There are few things you can do in this yacht.

1. Do an event. May it be a birthday party, or a wedding. It feels extremely awesome to party out in the sea. Call the catering!

2. Stay for the weekend. Since there are three rooms that you can stay in the yacht, why not? Not to mention that you can sleep on the deck if you want. Then it surely can fit more than 10 people overnight.

3. I don’t know. Lesson how to sail the yacht? Kidding.

What to bring?

1. Flip-flops and a rubber soled sandals or "reef runners" for venturing ashore. You will spend most time on board barefoot.

2. Hat

3. Sunglasses or shades

4. Sunscreens with at least 15SPF are very highly recommended, as well as soothing after sun products.

5. Your toiletry bag should include all the usual items

6. Maybe insect repellent and seasickness pill just in case.

October Halloween in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

As an Asian country, Halloween is not a quite popular festival/ celebration. If you do ask me, I do believe that ghosts or spirits do exist and each of them has different characteristic and personality. Well, as Malaysia is somehow a westernized country, some of us do celebrate the Halloween for fun but you will not see like how people had fun in movies during the Halloween. There will be no one (or lovely kids) knocking your door and say ‘trick or treats’ and you get a full basket of sweets. You will not see real pumpkins craved into jack-o'-lanterns. No.

What citizens of Kota Kinabalu City are having was just creating events like dressed up games or competition; get a chance to get something for free. Not to intense but we do want to have fun too! Now here’s some events that you might interested in when you’re in Kota Kinabalu.

Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of its original title "All Hallows' Evening"), also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the eve before the Western Christian feast of All Hallows. According to some scholars, All Hallows' Eve initially incorporated traditions from pagan harvest festivals and festivals honoring the dead, particularly theCeltic Samhain; other scholars maintain that the feast originated entirely independently of Samhain. Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films. - Wikipedia

ONE: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Damai) is giving out “Bloody Berry”!

In this month, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf had made a great success in their “Don’t get choked. Go chocolate this October”. It’s a buy 1 free 1 promotion by choosing between Ice Blended - Pure Double Chocolate, Double Chocolate, Chocolate Banana and White Chocolate Dream. This coming end of October, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Damai) is giving out “Bloody Berry”! For the First 100 customers who dressed up in COSTUME, from 8pm to 10pm on 31st October 2012 are entitled to get this free unique drink.

 TWO: Dressed up to watch Silent Hill Revelation 3D and get free ACER Iconia Tab

The ticket you need to get is the 09:15 PM 25th October (this Thursday) show at GSC Suria Sabah. Remember to show up 1 hour before showtime at our Breeze counter with your ticket and Halloween costume to receive your free GSC movie pass and lucky draw slip to win an ACER Iconia Tab A200.

Rules: Show up in FULL Halloween costume

There will be a picture taking session for the public with your favourite Silent Hill characters.

THREE: The Devil's Night Out at Chocolate Factory, KK Times Square

Details will be out soon.

FOUR: Get your Kawaii on at Shenanigan's, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

This Thursday's (25th October 2012) Ladies Night at Shenanigan's is Harajuku Halloween!

*Ladies in a group of 5 get a bottle of sparkling wine.
*A Harajuku-Halloween party scene

*Fantastic prizes including bottles, room and food and beverage vouchers for best dressed party-goers
*Lucky draws when you buy promotion bottles
*Party with resident band DIGNITY
*Other fantastic drink promotions

and others? More to come.

Here's some idea for you for the dress up game.

This WEEK: The Sabah Food, Hospitality and Tourism Exhibition 2012

The Sabah Food, Hospitality and Tourism Exhibition 2012 will bring together an exciting array of Malaysian and multinational F&B, Hospitality and Tourism products and services.


People love food. People love quality service.

This Exhibition will be a showcase to attract buyers from every major market in the region featuring exciting products for virtually every category. Reach out to an array of opportunities — from supermarkets to restaurants, hospitality and tourism service companies to specialty shops and more. Whether it’s beverages, frozen foods, canned foods, halal foods, meats or snack foods, whether it’s the latest in using IT systems to cut costs and grow profits or the latest concepts in design from complete refurbishment to furniture, lighting and artwork, buyers will feed on it all at the Exhibition. 

Mark your Calendar!

Date   :     19^thto 21^st October 2012

Time  :     1000hrs to 1800hrs (Daily/ Three Days Event)

Venue :     Sabah Trade Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sabah is a rich agricultural state blessed with being strategically located in the heart of South East Asia, accessible to the region by the second busiest international airport in Malaysia. This Exhibition takes advantage of this by bringing together major players in the food, hospitality and tourism industry to showcase their products and services.

Below are some of the exciting lineups of programmes at a glance:

1. Cooking Demonstration, Ice and Fruit Carving
2. Seminar on Green Innovations and the Sustainable Food Industry
3. Cake Decorating Competition
4. Career Talks
5. Showcase of 130ft "Nasi Himpit"
6. Showcase of Sabah Art

So, I will see you there? 

More details on:

http://www.sabahfoodandhospitality.com/index.php/programme

Front Row (from left) : Chef Len, Chef Gerald, Chef Norman, Chef Maurizio 

Back Row (from left) : Chef Vincent, Chef Shawn, Chef Fredille, Chef Djohan, Chef  Shaifful, Chef Adrian, Chef Ale

Here are all the awesome chefs that gives you Cooking Demonstration, Ice and Fruit Carving. All of them from different backgrounds and different organizations. Well, some of them I do know where are they from but I'm not going to type that in here. Let's be mysterious. 

Day Trip to Mamutik Island

Mamutik Island it’s like 10 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah. Super lucky citizens of Kota Kinabalu are able to go for a short trip! Under the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug. By the way, the word “Pulau” means island in Malay language.

I always return to Pulau Mamutik due to its traffic. Not a lot of people crave to go Pulau Mamutik but the others. Also, for its beautiful corals and fishes. Or maybe because I took my PADI diving license here at this island and that is why it makes me feels like home. Anyway.

To go Mamutik Island from Kota Kinabalu City, there is two ways actually which is through Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or Sutera Marina Jetty. Want to know more about these two places? Check out the links.

Things you can do here in this island are basically straight forward. When you go to an island, you swim, you dive, you eat, you have fun and you relax.

Yes, you can dive in Mamutik Island - Once you reached the island, walk to your right and you will find Borneo Divers Training Institute. You can ask someone to assist you from there. Prices might be in a range of RM250 to RM300. Of course according to how many divers and boat dives you requests. If you do dive, don’t forget to bring along your underwater camera. You don’t want to miss a memory underwater.

If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available. There are some local companies there at the island selling packages like Sea Walking, Snorkeling, and etc but do get the ones with license, to prevent anything bad happened. 

Foods and drinks at the island?

I guess you got to catch some fish for your lunch! Nah, there is a small café and you can ask for anything a-la carte. Or, there is a convenient shop beside it. But seriously, nothing fancy.

The toilet is an orange building on the left side of the island. Be prepared to wait for your turn! There is no hot water for shower, no tissue being prepared. So remember to bring your own toiletries.

Facts:
If you want to bring any alcohol (eg. Beer) to the island, get it in Kota Kinabalu town before depart to Mamutik Island. It’s cheaper. Locals like me done this.

If you saw someone or some group of friends who brought foods, they are friendly local people.