GREEN IS THE WORD THIS CHRISTMAS AT DORSETT GRAND SUBANG

 

From now until 31 December 2023, give to those in need with Dorsett Grand Subang’s Greener Me Charity Tree Project.

The fund-raising initiative features three towering “Christmas trees” built from repurposed wooden pallets, fashioned into multi-level decks holding pots of money plants and festooned with fairy lights. 

Guests of honour (top pix) Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hospitality International (Malaysia), Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng (right) and Area General Manager of Dorsett Hospitality International (Malaysia), Datin Christina Toh (left), together with Datuk Zainal Abidin Putih, Chairman of Telekom Malaysia Berhad graced the festive light-up ceremony.

Dressed in red, children from Rumah Charis also added to the merriment with their rendition of popular Christmas songs. Members of the public are invited to pledge minimum RM10 for each pot of plant. The plants can either be taken home or replanted later by the hotel upon request when the charity project has concluded.

Each contributor will have their name(s) displayed on the Christmas Charity Tree until 31 December 2023. In addition, contributors stand a chance to win weekly lucky draw prizes such as complimentary hotel stay and dining vouchers from the hotel.

Names of the donors will then be compiled for the Grand Draw on 2 January 2024, entitling them to win hotel stay vouchers from Dorsett Kwun Tong and Lan Kwai Fong @Kau U Fong in Hong Kong as well as Dorsett Grand Subang.

Funds collected from will be presented to the National Heart Institute Foundation and Subang Jaya Community Ambulance Service.

For further information on the Greener Me Charity Tree Project, WhatsApp +60 12 355 1257 or email: troy.tang@dorsett.com

  

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE FEASTING

 
After the charity project launch, invited guests were treated to a preview of Dorsett Grand Subang’s Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Delights.

Terazza Brasserie has decked its dining hall with a sumptuous buffet, starting with the Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner (6:30 pm to 10 pm) at RM188 nett per adult, RM158 nett for senior citizens and RM108 nett for children.

Expect more tempting delights at the Christmas Day Buffet Brunch (12 noon to 4 pm), priced at RM138 nett for adults, seniors at RM118 nett, and children at RM78 nett.

Usher in 2024 by partaking in a New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner (6:30 pm to 10:00 pm) at Terazza Brasserie. Priced at RM188 nett for adults, RM158 nett for senior citizens and RM108 nett for children.

There’s also a New Year’s Day Buffet Brunch priced at RM138 nett for adults, RM118 nett for senior citizens, and RM78 nett for children.

For the complete list of festive offerings at Dorsett Grand Subang, visit http://www.dorsetthotels.com/dorsett-grand-subang

Early reservations are highly recommended, so call ahead at tel: 03 5031 6060 or email: 
bookfnb.subang@dorsetthotels.com
 

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

TASTES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT AT PALOH RESTAURANT AND BAR

Guests will never go hungry at Temple Tree Langkawi, thanks to the recently launched Paloh Restaurant and Bar. Aptly named after Perak’s state capital fondly known as “Pa-Lo” in Cantonese, the all-day dining restaurant is located inside the lovingly restored 120-year-old Ipoh House.

Word has it the name “Pa-Lo” refers to the dams constructed along the Kinta River in Perak for fishing. The restaurant’s stately space with classical interior design features: colonial-style windows, distressed wood beams and ceilings, mosaic floors and wooden shutter doors among others segues into sheltered patio and portico areas.

Tastefully outfitted in emerald, teal and turquoise cushioned sofas and eclectic cane furnishings, glimpses of the resort’s namesake tree, lush lawns, main pool and the Pool House are visible from strategic seating spots.

Malaysia’s multi-cultural foodscape is well-represented in Paloh’s various menus, be it for breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner. Changes are often made to the menus; to ensure new and exciting temptations lure repeat patrons with fresh incentives whilst popular specialities are retained for a sense of familiarity.

The launch event was a fine example. Many Langkawi-based expatriates and regular resort guests invited for Paloh’s launching expressed surprise and delight over the beautifully restored heritage houses on-site as well as heaping praises on the various local dishes served that evening.

Designed like an exploratory trail around Temple Tree’s grounds, each culinary stopover at the different heritage houses highlighted Nasi Lemak, Lontong, Pasembur and Teh Tarik; synonymous with the different states where those houses originally came from.

The leisurely pace was atypical to the unhurried pace of a Malaysian kampung (village), allowing guests to have greater appreciation of the local flavours and aroma of each dish.

FEASTING FROM DAWN TO DUSK

A modest buffet breakfast spread comprising Malaysian and Mediterranean dishes inspired by the island and resort setting took centrestage each morning. House-made breads, pastries and cookies jostled for attention alongside hot dishes of fried noodles, sausages, and eggs cooked to your liking.

Juices, freshly sliced tropical fruits, cereals and yoghurts, along with coffee and tea completed the line-up; to ensure a good start to the day.

There’s also the unique floating breakfast experience for guests who reserve under the current Unforgettable Escape package.

A large acrylic tray with a choice of brekkie items: think Nyonya Nasi Lemak (RM28) with chicken rendang, chicken satay, tempeh and requisite condiments, Big Breakfast (Rm32), Cheese Vege Omelette (RM24), Pancakes (RM22) or Waffle Toast with Scrambled Egg (RM22) will be prepared for your enjoyment.

The whole tray of goodies will be ‘floated’ your way, to enable you to savour brekkie without having to interrupt your pool-dipping time. Should you wish to enjoy a picnic breakfast, discuss with the Temple Tree team to make it happen.

 

Lunch for us was specially hosted at the beautiful Colonial House, where we partake the resident chefs’ splendid offerings. We had nothing but praises for the tender Satay (6 chicken skewers RM28, 6 beef skewers RM32) with an on-point peanut sauce and a deliciously smoky-charred Fried Kway Teow (RM38).

A heap of Sardine Sandwiches evoked great memories of the good old days whilst our healthy vege quota was fulfilled by Paloh Nutri Salad (RM28): a huge bowl of mixed mesclun, juicy pomegranate seeds, capsicum strips, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, artisan cheese and citrus dressing.

Hearty Paloh Burger (RM29) comprising beef patty, sliced tomato, salad and honey mustard has already become a firm favourite with resort guests.

In addition to the existing Italian selection such as Pasta Bolognese (RM32) and Pasta Al Pomodoro (RM26), pizzas baked to perfection using a high heat pizza oven are available.

Made fresh on premise, toppings include imported cheese and local ingredient such as locally produced buffalo mozzarella. We took instantly to the two appealing 12” Salmon Pesto and Margherita Pizzas.

 

A few of us tried the drinks too and they came up to par. Mango Float (RM22) – fresh mango with crushed cookie and gula melaka syrup, and Cleansing Juice (RM19) – a healthy blend of cucumber, celery and pineapple were ideal thirst-quenchers for us to wash everything down.

We also joined a fun-filled cooking session with Chef De Partie Roziyanishima Talhad. She shared some tips on how to prepare one of Paloh’s signature dishes, Daging Kerutuk. The trick to this fragrant beef curry is to sauté the spice paste until the natural oil emerged. Also go easy on the coconut milk and simmer until the gravy is thick and glossy.

After relishing cocktail and mocktail at sundown, we sat down to sample a plethora of kampung dishes which used the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for dinner.  

According to Resort Manager Irene Vairo, the specially composed menu highlighted tastes from the past together with the present. She said the team tries to present dishes synonymous with the heritage houses and places where they came from.

Whetting our appetite were piquant Kerabu Tauge Udang (local salad of beansprouts and prawns tossed with fried grated coconut, chilli and spices), Ulam (fresh raw local herbs) with Sambal Belacan, and Terong Belado (fried eggplant with chilli and spices).

Several robust curries such as Daging Salai Cili Api (Negeri Sembilan’s grilled beef strips in spicy creamy turmeric sauce RM45), Curry Debal (Melaka-style fiery Portuguese chicken curry RM25), and Asam Pedas Johor (braised Andaman-caught sea bass in tamarind gravy RM25) fired up our tastebuds.

We also shared a deftly prepared Siakap Bakar (whole grilled fish with spiced paste) before wrapping up the meal with a chilled bowl of Mango Sago Gula Melaka (RM16).

Live music performance at Paloh Restaurant & Bar amps up extra merriment on Monday nights whilst patrons can revel in daily Happy Hour offerings, alongside cool resort vibes at dusk.

To book a table at Paloh Restaurant & Bar, call Temple Tree Langkawi, tel:+6017 599 5935 or email: enquiries@templetree.com.my