TURNING OVER A NEW LOAF

An edible tablet made from gingerbread fit for the occasion

 Love him or loathe him, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad still draws attention wherever he goes. At the recent launch of the new flagship outlet of Malaysia’s premium Japanese-inspired bakery The Loaf at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, he drove the crowd into a frenzy when he appeared at the outdoor patio. Watching him affably shaking hands with locals and tourists while others snapped feverishly away with their smartphones, there was no doubt that his magnetic personality hasn't dimmed an iota.

Tun M and MD Jiro Suzuki played 'chef' at the relaunch

 For once, I was the early bird who snagged one of the best seats in the house...well among the papparazzi anyway ;D to witness Tun M and The Loaf managing director, Jiro Suzuki unveiling a gingerbread plaque to mark the outlet's relaunch.

A surfeit of The Loaf's new and existing items for the tea party

 Opened in 2007, The Loaf at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur  now boasts a new ‘baked-to-order’ concept  - a menu that showcases and delivers oven-fresh bakery items by The Loaf’s master bakers to their table fresh from the kitchen.

Tun M in his public speaking element

As chairman of The Loaf, Tun M said: “The premium bakery market is becoming increasingly competitive and it was time to reinvigorate our flagship outlet. We have introduced full waiter service in our café/restaurant while maintaining a self-service counter within the shopping centre entrance.

Great quiche save for the pastry shell which was a tad burnt

“The Loaf is uniquely Malaysian; a blend between a Parisian bistro and a slick New York deli, hence the new improved concept of ‘The Loaf Version 2.0’. I want The Loaf to be accessible to all Malaysians as well as to showcase the concept to discerning international visitors.”

Miniature versions that thrilled and filled us up

Diners will find about 20 varieties of creative breads in the line-up including breads with spicier toppings, Middle Eastern-influenced ones and assorted doughnuts with sweet toppings in addition to its regular Japanese-styled bread and pastry items.

Chanteuse Junji Delfino kept the party rolling with her dulcet tones

The Loaf opened at the picturesque Langkawi’s Telaga Harbour Park in 2006 and has since expanded to include outlets at the Empire Shoppng Gallery Subang Jaya, IOI Boulevard Puchong, Bangsar Village II, Tokyo Street The Pavilion Level 6, The Mines, Great Eastern Mall, Paradigm Mall Kelana Jaya and in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi.

www.theloaf.com.my