EXPERIENCE MACAO...THE DELICIOUS WAY

My first impression of Macao was its food which combines Chinese and Portuguese culinary influences, occasionally spiked with subtle European, African and Southeast Asian nuances - possibly resultant from the halycon days when Macao was a key port of call for foreign seafarers.

Thanks to Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO) in Malaysia, I was reacquainted with some popular Macanese specialities at a special luncheon, held in conjunction with the (MIGF) - Taste MIGF (Malaysia International Gourmet Festival) event. 

Macau Government Tourist Office Representative in Malaysia Ms Cherry Lee (right) welcomed guest chef Chan Yok Kong from Galaxy Macau during the event, hailing the chef's wealth of experience (over 20 years) and his efforts in promoting Macanese cuisine. 

Lunch commenced on a high note with Macanese Salted Codfish Balls (below pix, left) and Sauteed Clams with Coriander & Lemon. The deep-fried potato and bacalhau (Macanese dried salted cod) croquettes had a mellow brininess to them and tasted even more delectable when complemented by tomato and onion relish.

Delicately sweet and tender, the plump clams left us 'shell-syiok'; their natural jus melding with the tangy lemon and fresh coriander accents harmoniously.

The main course of African chicken (Galinha à Africana) was a notable show-stopper of grilled chicken smothered under a soulful blend of shallots, garlic, paprika, tomato and peanuts. We found its delicious flavours similar to that of our ayam masak merah.

Warm Indian spice notes lent an aromatic slant to the Chickpea Cream Soup. A dollop of pureed vegetable rounded the velveteen broth with a discernibly fresh, clean edge.

Completing our Macanese experience on that day was none of than Serradura (sawdust in Portuguese), the famed Macanese dessert whipped up using cream and digestive biscuit crumbs. Chef Chan's creation was the best I had savoured thus far as his inventive streak inspired him to use a combination of buttery and chocolatey crumbs layered alternately with lush cream. 

MGTO has also embarked on a slew of marketing activities, promoting the city's biggest upcoming events including the 63rd Macau Grand Prix (19-21 November) and enticing visitors of Taste MIGF with some of popular delicacies.

One of the 'must eat' items in Macao you can't miss is Portuguese Egg Tarts. These irresistible pastry is markedly different from the Hong Kong/Cantonese ones as the buttery pastry is slightly thicker and filled with soft, delicately sweet egg custard albeit with caramelised top.

Food gifts to buy should you visit Macao include the much sought-after Almond Cookies (top) and Ginger Candy (below). Most folks would have their faves so do some research before your trip to discover what suits your tastebuds.

For more information, visit the Macao Tourism Malaysia Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MacaoTourismMalaysia
 

THE DEBUT OF DORSETT PUTRAJAYA

A trio of traditional Indian drummers, a Malay kompang group and a Chinese lion dance troupe ensured a rousing start to the soft launch of Dorsett Putrajaya Hotel recently.

 

Resplendent in their traditional apparel, the multi-racial drummers and performers drew attention to the arrival of guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Federal Territories YB Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan.

Alfred Paulsen - the Hotel GM giving his speech

Datin Jasmine Heng Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hospitality International

Deputy Minister of Federal Territories Datuk Dr Loga was the guest of honour

Following speeches by the day’s VVIPs: Alfred Paulsen, Dorsett Putrajaya’s General Manager and Datin Jasmine Heng Abdullah, Vice Chairman of Dorsett Hospitality International and the Deputy Minister, guests in attendance were treated to a multi-racial drum performance.

Then the pair of ‘lions’ presented the symbolic prosperity platter to the VVIPs present as a form of blessing to mark the hotel’s soft launch. Dorsett Putrajaya also presented mementoes to the first guest and all paying guests who checked into the hotel on that soft launch day.

The 218-room Dorsett Putrajaya is within walking distance to the National Registration Department, Customs Department and Ministry of Health offices among others. Once fully ready, guests will find the hotel offers an all-day dining restaurant, a Lobby Café, multi-functional meeting facilities, a ballroom, gym and infinity pool on site.

For reservations, call Dorsett Putrajaya, tel: 03-5031 6060 x 5027. Address: Precinct 3, Putrajaya, Malaysia. www.dorsetthotels.com

WHERE SHOPPING IS GREAT...IN LONDON

If there’s one thing us Malaysians love more than eating, it has to be shopping! Even sky-high foreign currency exchange rate is of no deterrent to our ‘shop till you drop’ habit.

 

Thanks to Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Visit Britain (VB), our recent visit to London proved shopping is great indeed in Britain...or in our case – London. Whether you’re a toff or not, the art of gifting this festive season is a walk in the park thanks to the mind-boggling variety that leaves even the most seasoned shopaholics gobsmacked. Based on my brief sojourn, the FAB FOUR spots where shopping is great for me are:

BICESTER VILLAGE

Do you know Malaysians form the 3^rd largest group of customers to Bicester Village? With over 130 luxury brands at the doorstep, chic outlet shopping is a complete breeze at this stylish retail haven. When I mentioned my impending visit in Facebook, a chorus of approval from my friends made me even more intrigued.

As guests of Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, we were told we would enjoy an extra 10% VIP discount at Bicester! Get your VIP invitation at the Hotel Concierge to exchange for a VIP card at the Bicester Visitor Centre. 

This is a cosily furnished area with plush sofas and an affable team will proffer a host of convenient services such as Hands-free Shopping, Personal Stylist, Valet Parking and Luggage Drop.

From Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, we took a short 15-min drive to London Marylebone Station. That’s where we boarded a 38-min train ride on Chiltern Railways straight to Bicester Village Station. 

Time passed swiftly on board - the smooth train journey made easier with comfy carriages outfitted with WiFi and power plug points so you can make productive use of your travelling time.

Upon arrival, our group was warmly welcomed by the ValueRetail team and hosted to a delicious farmhouse-style lunch featuring the best of British fare at the rustic FarmShop restaurant.

 

A brand new, all day dining restaurant created exclusively for Bicester Village, the FarmShop serves local British and seasonal food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

 

The menu highlights locally sourced produce, from Scottish salmon with lemon mayo and spit-roast chicken with aioli to flourless chocolate cake and Bramley apple pie with ice cream.

After that indulgent lunch, we meandered around the rows of low-rise, well-designed boutique stores which beckoned invitingly with their attractive showcase displays. Most of the prestigious boutiques were clustered around an open-air, landscaped boulevard, evocative of the charming villages of south-east England.

If you’re into designer goods, the pickings are rich. The boast about 60% off regular retail prices at Bicester gained credence after we popped into Michael Kors, Coach, Clarks, Le Creuset and Burberry to name but a few. 

Malaysia Airlines Enrich members will also enjoy some rewards when they shop at Bicester Village. Check for info in the BV-MAB Frequent Flyer programme: http://www.bicestervillage.com/en/guest-services/village-services/frequent-flyer-programmes

BURLINGTON ARCADE

This is the world’s first shopping arcade thanks to Lord George Cavendish from Burlington House (now the Royal Academy) who commissioned the covered promenade of shops to be built in 1819. Besides providing gratification to the public, the 72 small-storey was supposedly a CSR project of sorts, as the shops were meant to employ industrious females after the war.

Photo courtesy of Chasingfooddreams

According to Head Beadle Mark Lord (pix above), the Burlington Arcade Beadles are not only the oldest and smallest private police force in London but they are also the best source of information about the arcade. With 13 years under his belt, Mark knows the arcade, the shops, its people and products inside out. 

Walking us through the revered space, Mark regaled us with the arcade’s illustrious history, ornate curvilinear elements found on its arches and grill work, and enhancement efforts undertaken: the new floor’s non-slip coating and the replacement of the stepped entrance with a gently sloping ramp. The latter has enabled one of the Burlington’s most loyal customers to manoeuvre her wheelchair into the arcade completely unaided.

He also pointed out to us distinctive tenants like Hancocks, a much respected jeweller commissioned to produce the Victoria Cross awarded to soldiers and sailors starting in June 1857. Others include Ladurée from Paris and Kwanpen from Singapore proudly touts its fine handmade croc leather in vibrant colours and refined detailing in Palladium or 18K Gold.

Burlington Arcade has also seen its fair share of dramatic happenings, from fire and robbery to interesting anecdotes about world-famous patrons such as Fred Astaire and Ingrid Bergman. It was also the location of choice for Hollywood flicks such Patriot Games and 101 Dalmatians.

Want to procure a bespoke bauble or two for someone who has it all? Looking for a one-of-its-kind heirloom or vintage Rolex to adorn your wrist? You’d find it at Burlington Arcade...us plebeian foodies can always find succour in the bejewelled hues of Ladurée’s famed macarons.

 

For a bespoke experience of the Burlington Arcade Beadle Tour on Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, please contact: http://www.burlington-arcade.co.uk

COMING UP: More shopping spots: Westfield London & Borough Market