ACCOR DEBUTS IN PETALING JAYA WITH IBIS PJCC

Affordability, convenience and quality. Key words Ibis PJCC would like business and leisure travellers to remember.

Opened recently in Petaling Jaya amidst the commercial and residential hub of Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre (PJCC), Ibis PJCC is easily accessible via major expressways.

Officially opened by Azrul Shah Mohamad (2nd from left), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor as the guest of honour, the event were witnessed by Suresh Nair (far left), General Manager of Ibis PJCC, Michel Vivier (2nd from right), Senior VP of Accor Hotels (Malaysia and Indonesia) and Christopher Mah (far right), Director of Luxury Alpine.

Guest of honour, Azrul Shah Mohamad (pic above), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor lauded Accor for choosing to open the 161-room Ibis PJCC in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. “It aligns perfectly with the digital trends and preferences of the younger generation; making Ibis PJCC an ideal choice for staycations and business travellers.”

Suresh Nair (pic above), General Manager of Ibis PJCC said: “We’re thrilled to open in a vibrant location with immense potential. Looking forward to playing a pivotal role within this dynamic community, the Ibis PJCC team welcomes guests to a meaningful and rewarding experience during their stay here.”

The interior is a blend of modern and functional elements: the lobby boasts soaring high ceiling with modern chandeliers, and a streamlined reception area. A laidback Lobby Bar Café serves as a welcoming haven for guests to unwind.

Comfortable and contemporary aesthetics dominate the 161 guest rooms, featuring Ibis signature Sweet Beds for a good night’s sleep. Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi access and minibar are also part and parcel of the in-room features.

We were impressed by the rooms, especially those outfitted to accommodate physically challenged guests: the bathroom doors are wide and wheel-chair accessible, grab bars can be found inside the toilet/bathrooms and there's even a bedside emergency button.

A swimming pool overlooking nearby city skyline, a gym and children’s playroom as well as four versatile meeting rooms are available on-site.

The hotel’s all-day dining, Ibis Kitchen, offers local and international fare. We enjoyed the modest, delicious buffet lunch laid out and found the selection palate-pleasing.

Specially curated playlists to suit different mood and performances featuring emerging musicians underscore the Ibis Music programme and the brand’s enthusiasm for live music.

 

For reservations at Ibis PJCC, call tel: 03-747 7500 or email: HA8V8@accor.com or visit Ibis website:  https://ibis.accor.com/gb/city/hotels-petaling-jaya-v5488.shtml

HOT HITS OF CILI KAMPUNG

Cili Kampung’s show-stealing Gulai Nangka with Pucuk Manis (RM35) won us over at first bite. The chunks of tender young jackfruit and leafy Sabah vegetable (sauropus androgynus) in coconut milk had such well-balanced flavours, we instantly went for repeat helpings.

From the legendary isle of Langkawi comes Cili Kampung’s range of traditional Malay family recipes to tempt Klang Valley folks.

To evoke laidback kampung vibes at the Suria KLCC outlet, fish traps double up as pendant lights, clusters of potted palms and greenery along with paintings of kampung life and little replicas of kampung houses are artfully incorporated into the resto’s décor. There is even a cosy, well-designed private dining room with rustic touches.

The hot and spicy level of its classic kampung fare remain true to local expectations, and our recent lunch was proof of that. Sampling the Sambal Cili Api Chicken (RM40) left us hot and sweaty: the tongue-searing blend of green and red chillies, garlic and red onion was punchy and nice. 

To douse the 'fire', we sought cool comfort in house drinks such as Lychee Lime & Rose (RM16), Bunga Telang Selasih (butterfly pea flower drink with basil seeds RM14), Sirap Pandan Kenduri (RM8) and Rambutan Lengkong (a mildly sweet concoction of diced grass jelly, goji berries and red dates, RM14).

Feasting on the rich and aromatic Beef Masak Lomak (RM48) – sliced beef in a blend of ground chillies, turmeric, coconut milk, lemongrass and turmeric leaves was sublime. Best eaten with rice, the yellow curry can also be prepared with fish, chicken, squid, prawns or hornshell (siput balitong).

Spicy-hot with a tinge of sourness, the signature Asam Pedas Tenggiri (RM65) included aromatic daun kesum (polygonum minus), kaffir lime leaves, torch ginger flower and lemongrass to bestow it with depth and complexity. Okra lent textural interest to the dish.

We found several sizeable prawns in the Sambal Petai Prawns (RM65). TBH, this dish could do with less oil and more petai (stink beans) though you can request for extra petai for extra RM10.

 

A colourful ensemble of palm sugar ice cubes, green cendol jelly, red beans, sweet corn, buttered crumbs, fresh jackfruit strips, fresh milk and coconut ice cream making up Mama Cendol (RM22) hit our sweet spot for the finale.

Richer on the palate was Onde Onde Puding Bakar (RM25), a nice take of kuih bakar, a rich coconut milk-based cake baked over hot coals. Made of buttered bread with pandan and coconut milk, the dessert with layers of palm sugar and grated roasted coconut, came with homemade vanilla sauce.

Conceived to showcase local produce, Bukit Kelapa (RM25) enticed us with triple scoops of coconut ice cream with gula melaka syrup, crushed cookie crumbs, honeycomb, and mixed nuts.

Next time you’re in the mood for some kampung-style fare, trek home to Cili Kampung for your share of comforting Malay food in the city.

For reservations at Cili Kampung, call tel: 014-965 6124. Address: Lot 432 - 433 & OS401, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. Business hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily

 

FESTIVE FEASTS AND TREATS FROM EQ KUALA LUMPUR

 

Christmas cookies, chocolates, baked goods and festive hampers will be available at EQ’s Festive Bake Shop starting 15 November 2023. Customisation service is available too, to make the gift selection more personalised for the year-end celebration.

 

Having tried the Roast Cajun Turkey, we reckon it's perfect for Thanksgiving and the Yuletide holidays. It'd be a splendid attention-grabbing centerpiece. Order it from the Bake Shop from 15 November 2023 onwards.

 

Hassle-free options to consider include the hearty Beef Tenderloin Wellington and Baked Lamb Leg; they’re ideal food gifts or a celebratory main minus the arduous prep work.

Much to our surprise, the King Crab Hot Pot from Kampachi proved to be a non-traditional contender for the celebratory table during our preview. The heartwarming broth was delicately sweet thanks to the chunks of Japanese crab in it.

 

A sumptuous seven-course Christmas Eve dinner beckons at Sabayon, EQ’s celebrated fine dining restaurant. At RM888+ per person, nab the window seats with view of the glittering city skyline or at RM788+ per person for regular seats. The price includes a bottle of 375ml champagne per person.

The signature raclette and its accompaniments will add a touch of luxe on Christmas day; replicating the Chalet’s famed Christmas Day buffet lunch at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Top up RM288+ per person for a free flow of sparkling, white and red wines, the creative gin trolley, juices, soft drinks and mocktails.

New Year’s Eve can be heralded at Sabayon with an eight-course Countdown degustation (RM2,688+ per couple for window seats and RM2,388+ per couple for regular seats; inclusive of a bottle of 375ml champagne per person). New Year’s Day lunch is priced at RM308+ per person, and RM154+ per child under 12. Add RM288+ per head for free flow of drinks.

Make a beeline to Etoile bistro for delectable dine-in options including Grilled Wagyu Tomahawk and tempting Christmas platters comprising a choice of meat and seafood: Ribeye, Roast Turkey, Lamb Rack, and Boston Lobster.

Delicately crafted sweet and savoury bites take centrestage at Bottega Lounge for the festive holiday Afternoon Tea. Available daily from 1 December 2023, the festive Afternoon Tea is RM99+ per person or RM198+ for two. Each set comes with a choice of premium JING tea or coffee. Bottega’s range of wines will also be available by glass or bottle.

Decorated cold Roasted Chicken, Fish Terrine in Smoked Capsicum, Seafood Cocktail with Berry Compote, and Capellini Crayfish with Spicy Tomato Basil Pesto are some dishes from the lavish Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Nipah.

Priced at RM238+ per person and RM119+ per child inclusive of unlimited chilled juices and soft drinks, succumb to the deliciousness of Roasted Cajun Turkey, Baked Herb-crusted New Zealand Lamb Leg and Baked Dill-salt Crusted Barramundi.

On Christmas Day, Nipah’s lunch buffet (RM218+ per person) will be merry and bright with a seafood selection on ice featuring oysters, mussels and prawns, festive cheese platters and a Christmas Roast selection: whole roasted Cajun turkey and leg of lamb with gravy, mushroom sauce, cranberry sauce, mint sauce, roasted Russet potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and roasted mixed highland vegetables.

Save room for pasta and EQ’s famed chicken rice alongside a grill serving stingray, prawns, squid, chicken, and scallops accompanied by piquant sambals and tamarind dipping sauce. Finish on a sweet high by indulging on Mini Cakes, Christmas cookies, warm Stollen and Panettone, and Mince Pies.

SKY51 will host its Party In The Sky (RM168+ per person inclusive of one drink) on New Year’s Eve. Revel and ring in the New Year with resident DJs, live music and grazing platters.

Finally, make your way to the front of Bottega Lounge for the New Year’s Eve balloon drop on 31 December 2023.

For full information and details of EQ's festive catalogue and on-property events, please visit: www.eqkualalumpur.equatorial.com