WHOOPING GOOD EATS AT HOOPLA

The only type of bone I enjoy picking is that of pork ribs. Especially in Klang Valley when pigging out on Western-style pork ribs used to be as rare as Michelin-starred dining. Now the scenario is changing as more restos are letting things rib. One recent eatery to jump onto the piggy bandwagon is Hoopla Lounge.

Our host and managing director of Hoopla Lounge/Chapter One Bar & Bistro, Ernest Chin informed us the signature Connor's Rib Slab is marinated in Connor's Stout Porter before it hits the grill with a basting of Connor's infused BBQ sauce. Unlike most ribs in town that lack textural meaty resistance, Hoopla's stood up to our taste test. Price at RM85++ per serving with two glasses of Connor's, all the luscious ribs needed was a squeeze of fresh lime juice to make its rip-roaring presence felt.

Tucked away in a corner of Sri Hartamas, this new-ish, dark and sultry wine lounge is above Chapter One (its more boisterous 'sibling' hangout). Conceived as a cool yet cosy space where urban folks can enjoy fine wine and some nibbles post-work with friends, Hoopla artfully blends clubby chic with bistro minimalism.

As an oenophile (wine enthusiast), Ernest plied us Réserve St Martin for the review. Both wines were easy on the palate; the dry, medium-bodied Merlot bore pleasant acidity and supple tannins while the Chardonnay's fruity crispness was edged with muted nutty overtones.

With over a hundred labels in its cellar, Hoopla's stockpile is sourced mainly from boutique wineries and small producers to pique fellow drinkers. Prices are also easier on the wallet (phew!) compared to the princely sum charged by leading hotels and fine-dining restos. Ernest's ethos is to induce Hoopla's patrons appreciate their chosen tipples in comfort and as an accompaniment to good food.

The menu stays in comfort food territory and pub-style offerings with an occasional quirky side or two as exemplified by the appetiser of Lady's Fingers (RM6) - a Japanese izakaya inspiration perhaps? Laced with garlic oil, mentsuyu (Japanese noodle soup base) and sesame oil, the tender fingerlings of okra was a nice way of loading up on one's green intake whilst lining the tummy agreeably.

Crunchy with deep-seated flavour reminiscent of Chinese nam yue (red fermented beancurd), the classic pub grup fave of Chicken Wings (RM22) hit a high note with us. Adding to the wings' allure was a zingy-hot chilli dip with crudites. 

Moreish finger-licking goodness emerged in the subsequent bite-size pieces of Cracklin' Chicken Karaage (RM38++). Again marinated in creamy Connor's Porter Stout, the juicy chunks of Japanese-style boneless fried chicken drizzled with bright orangey, sweet-spicy sauce had us wiping the plate clean within minutes.

Hot on the heels of such positive show-openers, we were floored by the generous platter of Pork Platter (RM104). Rubbed with cinnamon, onion and ginger, the hearty deliciousness of the crackling roasted pork skin and scrumptious meat made a slurp-worthy impression. Although I'm not big on the so-called pork bangers (can't beat the real English ones), the supporting cast of potato wedges, salad and dips ensured a favourable experience.

Knowing the Malaysian penchant for local fare, Hoopla includes a handful of typical Malaysian faves to appease customers. Ernest was quick to clarify the servings can never rival those dished up by hawkers but after a heavy night of drinking and partying, we doubt if anyone would whinge about forking RM19 for a plate of hot-off-the-wok Hokkien Mee. Taste-wise it was decent and apparently, so is the Mee Mamak.

Personally, I prefer chomping into the wickedly tender BBQ Chicken Thigh (RM40++) which had been basted with Connor's infused BBQ sauce. Complemented by roasted potatoes and spicy vinaigrette, the chook's slick, sweetish and subtly smoky lacquer-like skin and juicy meat was worth returning for.

Perked up with aromatics such as dried prawn sambal, ginger flower and coriander, we was reeled in by the Fried Seabass (RM13) with red onion salad. Imagine crisp skin yielding to sweet, flaky meat with the sharp freshness of onion blunting discernible greasy accent.

We skipped dessert but my reliable source tipped us off on the wicked decadence of Hoopla's Chocolate Brownies (RM15). Served warm with lashings of chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream, she enthused the splendid treat was spot on and should melt hearts. Now, I'd have to return for the proof of the pudding won't I?

For reservations at HOOPLA LOUNGE, call tel: 03-62116484. Address: 1st Floor, 72-1 Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.

FUN STAYCATION AT DORSETT GRAND LABUAN

People power. If there’s one compelling reason to stay at the upscale Dorsett Grand Labuan, I’d say it’s the friendly, hospitable hotel team who made a world of difference. It boils down to leadership by example. 

At the Dorsett Grand Labuan, General Manager Susan Carlos walks the talk as the perfectly personable host, inspiring every member of her team to follow suit. You can tell by the warm rapport and cordial interactions between the hotel staff and the guests who are staying in-house or those popping in for post-work drinks and a meal.

Bright-eyed and busy tailed after a smooth 2.5 hour flight with Malaysia Airlines (MAB), our fam group received a resounding welcome from the Dorsett Grand Labuan team. We were touched by their melodious voices serenading us the minute we set foot into the spacious grand lobby.

Awarded the “Best Business Hotel Brand Malaysia 2014” and “Luxury Business Hotel 2014”, Dorsett Grand Labuan is strategically located in the uptown business district. It is a mere 5-minute walk to the financial centre, government offices and international banking offices. Five kilometres away is the Labuan Airport while the Labuan International Ferry Terminal is a kilometre away, making the hotel easily accessible for local and international travellers.

 

 

Our group was ushered up to the Executive Lounge on Level 8 for check-in and to enjoy cocktails and canapés. These are complimentary to Executive Floor guests from 4pm to 7pm while coffee/tea and hors d’oeuvres are available from 7am to 10pm.

 

Managed by Dorsett Hospitality International, Dorsett Grand Labuan features 178 rooms with 1 Royal Suite, 10 Premier Suites, 44 Executive Rooms and 123 Deluxe Rooms. We soon discovered how comfy the room was…

 

Besides the welcome fruit and confectionery platters, we were elated to discover the Rest & Renewed Pillow Menu. While I was lulled to sleep that night with the Music Pillow, my other half dozed off fitfully on his Medical Stone Pillow which helped to improve blood circulation and relieved tension. The mattress is soft but firm enough without causing me to toss and turn during the night.

 

The other special pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep include Water, Magnetic or Memory Pillow. If you like to take one home, the pillows are available for sale too (prices start from RM100 onwards each).

As befitting a 5-star hotel, our room amenities include individually-controlled air conditioning, a 32-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, coffee and tea-making facilities, private electronic safe box, direct IDD phone with voicemail box, and a balcony with serene views of the South China Sea or the cityscape. Those of us who need to stay digitally connected, the complimentary 1 GB WiFi access was indeed a boon.

Executive Floor or Premier Suite guests also have access to the Executive Lounge. Dedicated iHome decks comprising a radio, clock and iPod/iPhone dock is available in Executive Rooms, Premier Suite and Royal Suite which conforms to guests’ tech savvy preferences and needs.

Afternoon tea and refreshing drinks are served at the Lobby Lounge (12 noon to 12 midnight) so we sipped cool cocktails while waiting for the local and English multiple tier tea sets to be ready. 

Once the selection of tea offerings arrived, cameras started clicking away before we finally sat down to savour the delicious morsels. We noticed the Lobby Lounge is a hot spot for sports fans to catch live sport events shown on the High Definition (HD) Giant Screen.

That night, we relished a sumptuous barbecue dinner at Victoria’s Brasserie (6am to 10.30pm). The Executive Chef also tempted us with a variety of mouth-watering delicacies such as Salmon Fish Head Curry, Sweet & Sour Fish and Coconut Jelly. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner draw a good crowd here too. All food served at the outlets is Halal.

 

We also let our hair down at the Fun Pub (Mon-Sat 6pm to 2am) where the in-house live band Perfect Jam and a talented DJ perform nightly. It was fun shooting a round or two at the pool table and dexterous dart players may want to score points there too.

During our tour of Grand Dorsett Labuan, we inspected 4 elegant meeting rooms designed to accommodate functions, seminars, dinner and wedding ceremonies. For special outings where outside catering is required, the Catering team delivers an unforgettable F&B experience like the portable bar and picnic set-up by the beach and foothills.

Need to work off extra calories? Fear not, the in-house Gym and Swimming Pool should keep fitness buffs happy from 7am to 7pm.

Special Staycation Offer

You too can enjoy the perfect family staycation in Labuan. Dorsett Grand Labuan’s Special Staycation Room Package at “The Pearl of South China Sea” is priced at RM550 nett per night in a Deluxe Room. Or upgrade to an Executive Room for RM100 more (rate at RM650 nett per room night) to enjoy a host of extra benefits for FREE.

The Staycation Package includes:
·         Complimentary breakfast and dinner (based on single occupancy). Additional person will be chargeable at RM70 per room night only
·         a 2-hour tour of Labuan historical sites
·         Extension of stay with Best Available Rate (inclusive of breakfast)

Package is available from 1 Nov 2015 till 29 Feb 2016. To reserve the above packages or other hotel offers, kindly log onto www.dorsett.com