SATURDAY NIGHT VIBES AT SHOOK!

Nothing excites KL-lites more than feasting on pricey seafood like lobsters, prawns, crabs and oysters in unlimited quantities. Even better when the extravagant buffet is served alongside live music performances, preferably of the jazz variety.

That is exactly what Saturday Night Vibes aims to deliver. Shook! Kuala Lumpur’s brand new dining concept, Saturday Night Vibes’ Cirque du Culinaire experience − introduced in August – takes dining to new, entertaining levels with the emphasis on fresh, global cuisine served alongside relaxing live jazz music.

We had a first-hand experience of Saturday Night Vibes when Q Sound, one of the world's most dynamic and versatile trombonists, and a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York blew us away with a repertoire of cool, lively tunes.

Joerg Hontheim, General Manager of Feast Village said: “Shook! is more than just about the amazing food. It’s about the holistic experience where guests excite their senses through a medley of food, music and magic. Our Cirque du Culinaire dining concept offers only the freshest specialities from our various show kitchens while you are entertained by a coterie of entertainers: magicians, clowns and stilt-walkers as you dine.”

 

 

Besides helping ourselves to the lavish spread of premium seafood, we were constantly plied with signature dishes from different restaurants at Feast Village: Fisherman’s Cove, Luk Yu Tea House, Sentidos Gastrobar – The Latin Grill and Khushi Spice throughout the evening.

 

The spirited affair also saw us sampling the Signature Cocktail, an Aperol Spritz inspired by vibrant Mediterranean nights and European flavours. The jovial cocktail of prosecco, Aperol and soda definitely boosted our convivial mood that night.

 

Apart from the Continental style seafood, the Japanese section beckoned with Assorted Sushi and Sashimi as well as various rolled sushi, cocktail glasses of Japanese appetisers and tidbits.

Among the praiseworthy house specialities we savoured were Seafood Paella, King Prawn Noodles, Five-Spice Rack of Lamb, Snow White Dancing Prawns, freshly shucked Pacific Oysters and melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef cheeks.

When the clock struck nine, it was time for dynamic, live performances by the likes of FAZZ, a soulful Malaysian jazz band, Evelyn Feroza and Reza Salleh. Come September 23, Jumero will take centrestage while Jumero, Bihzhu and Ryot Jones will be the headliners on September 23, October 14 and October 21 respectively.

Handcrafted dessert, international cheese and bread selection, tapas-style starters and meat cooked a la minute left us spoiled for choice and utterly replete.

Saturday Night Vibes at Shook! Kuala Lumpur starts at 7pm, every Saturday night at RM168 nett per person. A beverage package available at RM88 nett comes with selected cocktails including the Signature Cocktail, Aperol Spritz, as well as other beers, wines and shooters. The 1-for-1 Happy Hour is also available from 9pm to 11pm in which selected draft beers, house wines and cocktails are served.

Shook! is once again the coveted new weekend hot spot for foodies and music lovers alike.

For reservations, call Shook! Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2782 3875 or email: shook@ytlhotels.com.my

OAKWOOD: AN OASIS IN THE CITY

Sometimes a brief breather is all one needs to recharge and rejuvenate from the daily drudgery of work and life. We found a low-key yet peaceful oasis right in the heart of KL recently – Oakwood Hotel & Residence – for a quiet weekend staycation.

Opened in October last year, Oakwood has 251 units onsite: 71 Deluxe Rooms, 155 One-bedroom Deluxe Apartments, 25 One-bedroom Premier Apartments and 1 Two-Bedroom Apartment.

Tucked slightly back from the main thoroughfare of Jalan Ampang, we like the calm, unhurried feel of its spacious and airy lobby. Its sparse furnishing didn’t bother us as the existing seats were there for practical purpose.

 

We took an instant liking to the bright and cheery ambience of our Deluxe Apartment. Accentuated with dark wood trimming and pops of colour from a pair of contemporary dining chairs and wall-mounted artworks, the clean lines and dominant neutral shades give the space organised structure. Soft furnishings of underfoot carpet in the living area and bedroom coupled with the fabric-upholstered settee lent the place an inviting homely finish.

 

The kitchenette is surprisingly well-equipped too with a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a toaster and electric kettle forming the coterie of facilities available. In addition, there’s a mini fridge as well as crockery and cutlery. Our gang jokingly remarked a mini feast could easily be whipped up with the stuff provided.

Another plus point is the proper executive desk and chair which makes work a breeze. Besides complimentary WiFi, we like the luxury of having a flatscreen telly in the living room and another in the bedroom. The bed itself was comfy enough to ensure we slept soundly.

Personally, I give Oakwood extra points for devoting ample space to the toilet, long bath and shower area. Instead of run-of-the-mill toiletries, Oakwood commissioned Australian designer and entrepreneur Peter Morrissey to curate the whole set of bath care products using organic plant extracts and essential oils.

For those who seek to hideaway from the outside world, Oakwood has all the basics covered. The freeform swimming pool is big enough for laps and next to it is a children’s wading pool. Huge beanbags at the spacious deck let guests lounge around in the shade whilst fitness buffs may make full use of the modest Fitness Centre.

TrEat Restaurant & Bar is the only F&B outlet at Oakwood but it’s adequate enough to cater to famished guests. Breakfast proved to be a bustling affair during high occupancy especially when hordes of guests descend on the morning spread simultaneously. 

 

We found the usual range of brekkie fare proffered decent enough as the selection covered everything from local noodles and cereals to eggs, sausages and toast. Throughout the day, an a la carte variety of comfort food is served. 

You won’t go hungry for sure as surrounding Oakwood is several F&B hot spots, offering everything from Irish pub grub to Middle Eastern fare. A short drive away is Ampang, famed for its yong tau foo or head to one of the major malls like Suria KLCC and The Intermark for more abundant choices.

Other facilities and services for guest convenience include a Laundry Room, 24-hour concierge and front desk services, business services and four meeting spaces to accommodate 24 – 100 persons.

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is the 30^th Oakwood-branded property across 20 cities in Asia-Pacific. Address: 222, Jalan Ampang, KL. For more information, check: facebook.com/OakwoodKualaLumpur