KOPITIAM EXPERIENCE AT DORSETT GRAND SUBANG

Hankering for some good old kopitiam fare such as Nasi Lemak, Roti Bakar with Butter & Kaya or Soft-boiled Kampung Eggs with your fave cuppa? Foreign and local guests of Dorsett Grand Subang can now enjoy a first-hand experience of eating in a local kopitiam Mon-Fri, 10.30 am to 5 pm without stepping out of the hotel.

Priced at RM12.80 nett per order inclusive of a cup of Milo, Teh Tarik, Kopi Lokal or Nescafe Tarik, you can select Roti Bakar (toast) with Butter & Kaya (local egg jam), Soft-boiled Kampung Eggs, Nasi Lemak Bungkus, Cucur Udang (2 pcs), Giant Chicken Curry Puffs, Popiah Goreng (2 pcs) or Portuguese Egg Tart.

We gave thumbs up to the delicious Nasi Lemak. Wrapped in banana leaf lined paper, the coconut cream-enriched rice was fragrant and went like a dream with the sambal which had a hint of sweetness to it. Ubiquitous accompaniments: a slice of omelette, sliced cucumber, and fried peanuts with ikan bilis (anchovies) lent textural interest.

Unlike Cucur Udang (prawn fritters) sold elsewhere where the prawns are non-existent, we are pleased to find several small prawns atop the crispy pieces. Served with a chilli dip, the fritters were so delectable we couldn’t resist a second helping.

Another on-point offering was Popiah Goreng. The generous filling of shredded jicama, carrot and mushroom inside the fried spring rolls was reminiscent of Penang Nyonya-style chun piah.

As a fan of local curry puff, I was delighted to find the Giant Chicken Curry Puff came up to scratch. Besides diced potato and chicken, it included a wedge of hardboiled egg.

 

If you’re slanted towards Continental fare, individual portions of Big Breakfast (RM48 nett) are served from 11am to 3pm daily. A hearty plate big enough to two light eaters to share, it consisted of fluffy scrambled egg, chicken sausages, crisp beef bacon strips, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, cherry tomatoes, salad, and slices of buttered toast.

MOONLIT SERENITIY

Celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival with Halal mooncakes from Dorsett Grand Subang, available now until 29 September.

Perennial best sellers: Premium Musang King Durian Snowskin Mooncake (top right, RM63) and Dorsett Signature Blue Mooncake (bottom right, RM43) comprising white lotus paste single yolk encased in organic blue pea flower snowskin continue to be the top draw among Dorsett guests.

The sweetness of the Signature Blue mooncake is just nice, with the salted egg yolk giving the lotus paste filling balance. We also like the inclusion of kuaci (melon seeds) in it.

A standout in our book this year is the Honey Purple Potato Paste with Single Yolk in Lemongrass Snowskin (RM43). The delicious sweet potato paste melds harmoniously with the fresh herbaceous-lemony imbued snowskin.

A touch of bright sweetness from yuzu honey citron lends distinct edge to the baked variant of Pandan Lotus Paste Single Yolk in Yuzu Honey Citron (RM43). Although it's an unlikely combo, the flavours work like a charm.

Made from pure Musang King pulp, you'd realise why it remains such a hit with mooncake fans of the Premium Musang King Durian Snowskin. The luscious taste is incomparable and as good as eating the actual fruit.

Dorsett Mooncake Gift Set (RM128 nett) makes gifting easier for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. It comprises a set of 4 baked mooncakes and a box of 10 sachets Rhymba Hills sampler. 

For more information, call Dorsett Grand Subang, tel: 03 5031 6060.

TIPPLES & TREATS AT FARQUHAR'S BAR

Lovers of Happy Hours and discerning bon vivant who yearn to slake their thirst can make a beeline for the much-loved Farquhar’s Bar. Remodelled as a vintage cocktail bar, Farquhar’s Bar at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang is relocated further down the marble and French doors walkway at the newly refreshed Heritage Wing.

Subdued, mellow lighting coupled with deep teal blue hues and white cornices evoke a rarefied atmosphere similar to a gentlemen’s club and private study. The oak and brass-finished long bar serves as a focal point near the entrance whilst the inner sanctum boasts studded leather Chesterfield sofas, retro arm and wing back chairs, antique fittings, and collections of monochrome prints. Scenic views of Penang’s waterfront beckon beyond its expansive picture windows.

Cocktail o’clock has never been more atas...the resident mixologists are adept at whisking up classic and contemporary tipples. To wet our whistle, we opted for Gin Setengah (RM45) – London Dry Gin with Grand Marnier, longan and a splash of pineapple juice (3rd pix below); Pink Lady (RM50) – London Dry Gin with Applejack, lemon juice, housemade grenadine and egg white (2nd pix below); and Moscow Mule (RM45) – Vodka, lime juice and spicy ginger beer (pix below).

Should you wish to chase your drinks of choice with light refreshments, the snack creations are worth the calorie intake. Simplistic in approach but lush and big on flavour is Potato & Caviar (RM28), airy-light potato crisps with sour cream and caviar dip.

Heartier but a definite palate-pleaser is the sumptuous and melty Gruyère Cheese Sandwich (RM28). Savoury rich with a smoky aftertaste, the brioche toast triangles were sublime and satisfying.

Delectable options to stave off hunger pangs include Peranakan Sliders (RM20) of braised duck breast sandwiched in crispy mantou with chilli dip, and

Beef Lollipop (RM28) – superbly tender and juicy marinated beef cubes with saffron and garlic aioli. 

Having sampled them, the snacks hit the spot well. We even ordered additional portion of the Beef Lollipop and Gruyère Cheese Sandwich.

Note: Farquhar’s Bar is open daily from 230pm to midnight during the pre-Covid19 days. To sample the Sundowners' Tapas mentioned above, head over to Palm Court from 4pm to 7pm daily (refer below pix).

For more information and reservations, please call Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang, tel: 016-419 8923 or visit:

 https://www.facebook.com/eohotels/

FESTIVE OFFERINGS AT PLAZA PREMIUM LOUNGE

Merry Cuisine and Christmas Delicacies menus showcasing new mouth-watering turkey specialities will be available at The Green Market and Flight Club, two outlets under the Plaza Premium Group Airport Dining at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2). 

 

The array of festive delights will warm the hearts and tummies of travellers from now until 26 December. Conceived by the in-house chefs, the Japanese-style Turkey Katsu Bento (RM28) and Turkey Meatball Don (RM28) are tasty takes and a nice departure from regular roast turkey. 

Gossamer-light katsuobushi shavings and shimeiji mushroom add some textural interest in the rice bowl with turkey meatballs, lightly topped with savoury sauce. The former includes a wedge of soft beancurd in roasted black sesame dressing and salad, making it a complete meal.

 

Simple but delicious mod-European Turkey Confit Fettuccine (RM28) should hit the sweet spot for pasta lovers. Another signature go-to is Lamb Ragout Pappardelle (RM28), stimulating the appetite with hearty, soulful flavours.

In a hurry to catch your flight yet hankering for something easy to eat? The Flight Club’s Festive Grab ‘n’ Go of Turkey Sandwich (RM18) and Turkey Wrap (RM20) are convenient and tasty options to bank on. We like the shredded vege filling which gives the sandwich and wrap moist freshness.

 

 

Craving to satisfy your sweet tooth? We recommend the Mango Yogurt Mousse which is light, creamy and fruity on the palate. The tempting Strawberry Trifle and Chilled Oreo Cheesecake are richer but no less irresistible to tickle your fancy.

 

Patrons can enjoy a boost to the Yuletide spirit with Razman’s Mixology cocktail concoctions (RM30 per order). Pop into Flight Club to parch your thirst with Absolut Punch, Citrus Punch or Strawberry Punch. 

Over at The Bar, the cool selection of Chi Chi Daiquiri, Strawberry Daiquiri and Lime Daiquiri (RM28 per order) is bound to make waiting for your flight so much merrier to bear. Teetotallers can look forward to cheering up with Virgin Pina Colada, Sea Breeze, Coffeeholic and Very Berry Smoothie mocktails at RM14 per order.

I like the look and feel of the Plaza Premium Lounge at Level 2, klia2 especially the comfortable lounge seating with charging ports for mobile devices. It’s a relaxing space to chill out as there are TVs screening the latest news, Wi-Fi access, complimentary reading materials, and business centre services amongst others.

Also available are made-to-order hot food selections, beverage options, and brewed coffee; all competitively priced to ensure more value for your money.

 

Across from the Plaza Premium Lounge is Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel which offers all the comforts of home at the airport. Whether you’re on transit, arriving or departing, Aerotel and its flexible hourly bookings make it a viable and comfy place to catch a nap and rest, refresh with a quick shower or relax and prepare for your onward journey.

 

 

Aerotel has different types of rooms available, catering to single travellers to couples and families. The interior boasts ambient lighting, practical yet tasteful designs and complementary traveller-friendly facilities.

 

For more information, visit Plaza Premium Lounge: https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/en-uk/find/asia/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/kuala-lumpur-international-airport?stype=All