HIP COMFORT AT KIP HOTEL

 

Managed by the Lexis Group of Hotels & Resorts, the new and first ever KIP Hotel Kuala Lumpur beckons business and leisure travellers from the Sri Utara commercial district to its doors as of 1 October 2015.

 

Anthony Wee, general manager of KIP Hotel KL says the hotel’s strategic location will deliver personalised service to leisure and business guests from the Sri Utara vicinity and surrounding areas through its 199 modern, chic and comfy guest rooms.

 

 

The hotel’s soft opening ceremony saw a group of hotel personnel performing a catchy dance routine to rousing applause. Then media members were ushered on a tour of the Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Twin and Executive Queen rooms. Coming progressively would be Deluxe Suites and an Executive Suite.

Furnishings in the rooms are noticeably livened up by open-plan wardrobes and bright wall colours. LED screen TVs and complimentary WiFi should keep guests happy and occupied throughout their stay.

 

The small but cosy Aroma all-day dining restaurant is similarly outfitted in sleek, neutral touches. AtSix Lounge by day is the meeting point for chit-chat and relaxing while Aqua by the Pool offers respite from the poolside bar or a dip in the infinity pool.

Fitness buffs can work up a sweat at the gym before adjourning for drinks at Atop sky bar. All Coffee All Juices (ACAJ) café proffers artisanal coffee and fresh juices accompanied by dessert and pastry selections.

Planning to hold special events and corporate functions? Check out the four function rooms with 1,969sq.ft. banquet hall for intimate and medium sized gatherings.

Valerie Ong, director of KIP Group says the hotel expects to attract travellers from the corporate and government sectors with its contemporary design and modern amenities. “It’s a significant milestone for the KIP Group as plans are afoot for the opening of more KIP Hotels in Sepang and Melaka.”

Room rates start from RM240 nett. For reservations at KIP Hotel KL, call 03-6252 0888 or email: enquiry.hotel@kip.com.my. Address: 77, Jalan Seri Utara 1, Sri Utara off Jalan Ipoh, KL. Website: www.kiphotel.com.my

LET'S GO LABUAN WITH MAB'S PILOT PARKER

 

Meet Pilot Parker, the cutie mascot for Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) who popped out of a surprise gift box given to me and my blogger friends recently. We were invited on a familiarisation visit to the Federal Territory of Labuan by Dorsett Hotels & Resorts so all of us were eagerly looking forward to the staycation.

Thanks to the generosity of MAB, our group were accorded the rare privilege to experience the hospitable comfort of MAB's Golden Lounge in the Domestic departure area at KL International Airport prior to our morning flight.

As you can see, the spacious lounge was cosily furnished with comfy armchairs and also dining tables for MAB travellers to relax in. Its warm ambient lighting and floor-to-ceiling picture windows put us at ease the minute we set foot in there.

From the lounge, we could look out to the fleet of MAB planes which traverse the world. Just the sight of the red & blue livery and wau insignia are enough to make us Malaysians feel proud. Coupled with the charming crew on board to look after us, MAB would remain most Malaysians including moi preferred airline when ever they travel.

Yes, MAB has gone through some turbulent times recently but all the more reason us Malaysians should come out in full force to support MAB and the people working for the company. #Keepflying #MalaysiaAirlines! 

One of the perks available in the Golden Lounge is complimentary meals which are served piping hot. Of course, nasi lemak with sambal sotong and chicken rendang is inevitably on the menu but healthier, lighter options of yoghurt with cereal, fresh fruits and Danish pastries are served too.

Once on board, the flight from KL to Labuan took about 2.5 hours. Things were pretty smooth after take-off and Pilot Parker popped up to inspect our snack boxes come meal time. Ah, he is truly a Malaysian at heart when it comes to food!

After scoffing my sandwich and cookie, I settled down to enjoy the in-flight entertainment and magazine available while Pilot Parker made himself comfy in my bag. All too soon it was time to touch down in Labuan.

After a heartwarming welcome with some song and dance thrown in by the Dorsett Grand Labuan team, Pilot Parker joined us again for drinks at the Lobby Lounge for drinks and afternoon tea.

The overview of our Labuan staycation will be featured in upcoming blogposts so keep your eyes peeled for it. Let's just say Pilot Parker and me thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our weekend in Labuan...eating, drinking, hiking and doing loads of fun stuff with our amiable hosts from Dorsett Grand Labuan.

Just look at Pilot Parker tucked up in bed with a welcome platter of macarons and chocs! Now you know the kind of hospitality to expect when you fly MAB and stay at Dorsett Grand Labuan.

 

Btw, Labuan is a duty-free island so remember to make the most of it when you visit. Great buys include chocolates and giggle juice if you're into that. The stash lugged home by Pilot Parker should be a good indication of how sweet the deal is!

Special deals are always available from MAB. Check out its current Year End Super Specials now! Let's #keepflying #MalaysiaAirlines #todayishere http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/my/en.html

FIRING UP A NEW MENU AT CHARCOAL

 

Charcoal, The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s unique grill restaurant with a Malaysian twist sets itself apart from the traditional Western-style grill rooms by using the age-old technique of charcoal cooking. 

Coupled with local condiments, dips and sauces to give its chargrilled meats and seafood additional flavour and depth, Charcoal updates this traditional alchemy and presents it in a contemporary way for modern diners.

Now Charcoal’s new Chef De Cuisine Alex Chin aims to fire up the imagination and palate with his 18 years of international and local culinary experiences through a new a la carte menu.

While waiting for your choice of prime grilled meats to be cooked, I’d recommend you scoff down some Freshly Shucked Oysters (served on ice). From the five varieties available, the sizeable Pacific Prime Coromandel from New Zealand (RM65 for 3) and meaty Fine De Claire from France (RM65 for 3) are chockful with the clean, salty essence of the sea. 

Coming in a close second are Gallagher from Ireland (RM55 for 3 pcs) and Australia’s Tasmanian Prime (RM65 for 3), putting the Creuses from the Netherlands (RM55 for 3) into the shade. A portion of five different varieties is served at RM80 per flight or eat the shellfish to your heart's content at RM118 per person.

Squirmy about downing the mollusks fresh? Then add RM10 to the oysters’ selling price for them to be baked with smoked duck bacon, fresh herb crumbs or aged cheddar cheese. Interestingly, the shellfish remains succulently sweet and toothsome on the palate despite the rich, assertive cheese and spinach topping.

 

They go superbly well with Saujana Hotels & Resorts Wine Collection (RM31 per glass, RM152 per bottle) especially Frankland Estate 2014 from Margaret River. A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, the wine’s crisp, fruity accents form a match made in heaven with the freshly shucked oysters.

If you eschew the raw stuff, Chef Alex Chin will gladly rustle up the signature dish of Seared Crab Cakes (RM35). Breaded and fried, the deliciously dainty patties come accompanied by chive cream, aioli, watercress and chunky pomelo dressing.

Few diners can resist ordering a dish or two of Charcoal’s grilled offerings. After all, those are the leading show-stoppers at the restaurant. The slab of Short Ribs with Charcoal BBQ Sauce (RM80) is guaranteed to satisfy any meaty cravings. Cut from Mulwarra Black Angus, the 120 day grass-fed and grain-finished beef rib from South-eastern Australia teases the tastebuds with its subtly charred, full-bodied flavour. A grilled tomato and peppery watercress pile on the nuance profiles while mini pots of barbecue, black pepper and mushroom sauces are served on the side.

Asian twists are woven into the chef’s serving of Lobster Bucatini – an indulgent pasta dish flecked with dried chilli and garlic flakes. Soaked up with the lobster’s inherent sweetness, the flat, thick noodles taste irresistibly scrumptious jumbled up with fresh sage, roasted cherry tomatoes and zucchini ribbons.

Meanwhile, buffet buffs will find notable pickings such as young jackfruit masak lemak, Goan fish curry, ikan asam pedas and dry crab curry from the evening spread laid out.

One of the best sweet endings at Charcoal would be Grilled Mango Pavlova (RM30). Frankly, I’m not cracked up over pavlova but Charcoal’s comes up trumps. Piped like a mini hive, the crisp but cloud-light meringue is filled with dices of grilled mango and fresh berries. Crowned with a dollop of cream, the dessert is light yet luscious, just enough for you to leave the restaurant happy ever after.

For reservations at Charcoal, call tel: 03-7843 1234. Address: The Saujana Resort, Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, Shah Alam, Selangor.