CALL OF THE NEW NEFFOS X SERIES

Neffos officially announced the entry of its latest Neffos X1 and X1 Max into the Malaysian market at a media launch last month.

Hugo Cai, Director of TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn Bhd shared the Neffos vision to be the all-encompassing device to connect individuals and smart technology products, touting Neffos X Series’ impeccable design, state-of-the-art mobile technologies and customer-centric features in the company’s bid to propel the brand as a serious contender in the mobile arena.

Adhering to the brand’s ‘Close to You’ mantra, TP-Link co-founder and Chairman, Jeffrey Chao said “The new Neffos X Series smartphones combine smart technology and stylish design, bringing unparalleled value to customers by prioritising features that help them stay closer to everything and everyone around them.”

Highlighting the precise perfection of the new Neffos X Series, he pointed out the smartphones’ key features:

·         super-fast 0.2 second fingerprint ID unlocking response

·         a rear 13-megapixel Sony sensor camera, backside illumination, 5P lens system & fast phase-detection auto-focus  (PDAF)

·         an f/2.0 aperture lens for clearer, low light shots with real-time night shooting & dual-tone flash

·         2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass for the X1 Max’s display

·         the X1 Max supports fast charging in just 30 minutes! 

Boasting a stylishly sleek metallic body with dual-curved back, the Neffos X1 and X1 Max features more ergonomic curves, making the phones easier to hold and operate single-handed. The Neffos X series are perfect for playing graphics-rich games and watching your fave TV shows and movies.

Available in Cloudy Grey and Sunrise Gold, the Neffos X1 priced at RM 769 for 2GB RAM with 16GB ROM and and RM 849 for 3GB RAM with 32GB ROM. The Neffos X1 Max will be priced at RM 999 RAM for 3GB with 32GB ROM and RM1199 for 4GB RAM with 64GB ROM.  Check authorised Neffos retailers and resellers nationwide now for Neffos X1 while the X1 Max will hit stores in March 2017.

“Competition aside, there are untapped opportunities in the local smartphone scene for Neffos to expand its footprint in Malaysia. The launch of the new Neffos X1 and X1 Max is not our only hurrah. 2017 is going to be an exciting and challenging year for Neffos” said Hugo Cai.

For more information, log on to www.neffos.my or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/neffos.my.  

CHEF JOSE ALONSO REIGNS AT THE LIBRARY

Simple, honest and vibrant best described Spanish guest chef Jose Alonso’s cooking. His signature Tallarines De Sepia Con Sofrito - Grilled Cuttlefish served with Sofrito and Veal Vinaigrette misled us into believing the slender white ribbons were hor fun noodles until we bit into them.

The mound of tender, slightly chewy cuttlefish ribbons was a spellbinding show-stopper. Aided by a quenelle of sofrito - a thick aromatic sauce of finely diced tomato, garlic, onion and thyme - amidst swirls of lush veal vinaigrette, the dish spoke volumes of the chef’s skilful handiwork. “Only cuttlefish weighing between 400-500g each is used as I want the correct thickness once they’re cut into strands,” says Chef Jose.

His opening volley for our lunch preview comprised Sandwich De Queso Fresco - Fresh Cheese Terrine Bikini and Berenjenas Con meil De Cana – Fried Honeyed Eggplant. The first - delicious bite-sized squares of toast sandwiched with creamy slivers of fresh cheese – hit the spot with some Spanish white wine.

But it was the latter we raved over – the utterly sublime broad, thin slices of crisp-fried eggplant came licked with a little honey and dotted with toasted pine nuts left us on tenterhooks, wondering what hidden aces were up his sleeve.

Having gained a decade of culinary experience with celebrity chefs such as Michelin-starred Sergi Arola, Francis Paniego and Spain's most celebrated Chef Santi Santamaria, Jose is now the Executive Chef at Binomio Spanish Restaurante in Singapore. 

His show of mettle extended to a trio of tapas, starting with the stellar grilled cuttlefish mentioned earlier. Another notable signature of his, Croquetas De Pollo Y Huevo - Chicken and Boiled Egg Croquettes were deftly rendered; the airy-light breadcrumbed crust containing a rich, almost custard-like mash up of chicken and boiled egg.

 

A liberal sprinkling of smoked paprika lent subtle firepower to the third tapas of Pulpo A La Gallega - Grilled Atlantic Octopus with Escalivada. I enjoyed the springy chewiness of the sliced octopus tentacles in contrast with the soft escalivada - Catalan-style roasted potato slices with olive oil.

Also taking pride of place in the menu was Arroz Negro - Squid Ink Paella with Seafood. As a Spanish chef worth his salt, the darkly tinted rice was faultlessly rendered using real squid ink (if it's artificial, your molars would be stained black but be assured, NOT in this case). Embedded in the moist, nutty grains were morsels of fish, prawns and squid - their inherent sweetness amplified by the dollop of aioli which we stirred in.

He then kept up the winsome streak with Jarrete De Cordero - Braised Lamb Shank, Potato Purée & Piquillo Peppers. This stunning speciality is a labour of love as the lamb has undergone an 11-hour sous vide process at 79°C, rendering it juicily tender and full of flavour. Paired with a grilled duo of the sweeter Spanish capsicum and asparagus, the chunk of lamb rested on a bed of smooth mashed potato.

Our Spanish gastronomic experience wrapped up with Churros Con Chocolate - Traditional Churros with Chocolate Sauce. Unfortunately, our serving of finger-thick fritters was a tad greasy - a minor blip in the overall scheme of a fine lunch.

Executive Chef Jose Alonso will hold court at The Library from October 25 to 29, 2016 (7pm-11pm) with a specially curated dinner menu priced at RM150 nett per person; served at The Library - a new, elegant dining enclave where the warm and relaxing yet stylish ambiance flaunts polished timber floors and wood panelling.

For more information or reservations, please call The Ritz-Carlton KL, tel:03-2142 8000 or email dining@ritzcarlton.com.my.