OLD MEETS NEW AT E&O HOTEL’S VICTORY ANNEXE

A seamless blend of modern luxury and old-world charm is my ideal staycation at The Victory Annexe of The Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O Hotel) in Georgetown, Penang.

On a recent work trip up north, we decided to experience the E&O Hotel’s magnificent new wing which has 128 sea-view and sea-facing suites. Opened in March 2013, our plush but pragmatic 55sqm Studio Suite (one of the 118) is a serene haven with its own private balcony, tastefully reflecting the colonial style of 1900s and discreet Victorian trimmings. Modernity comes in the form of complimentary WiFi access, satellite TV, mini bar with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a mini capsule-coffee machine.

We slept like babies in the cosy, comfy bedroom which includes a dark wood, retro-style writing desk and a reading corner furnished with a wing chair. However, it was the expansive bathroom with twin vanity cum basins, claw-footed long bath and a separate rain shower that left me weak in the knees. I especially like the bath’s vintage design of the taps and handheld shower as well as the seductive scent and lovely lather evoked by the bath amenities.

 

Should you wish to splurge a little, there are 14 Corner Suites available on this Victory Annexe. The 123sqm space comes with a separate living room, dining area and expansive sea views. Even the corridors wending through this wing are spacious and adorned with polished timber flooring, large windows with colonial-style moulding and photographic works.

As guests of the Victory Annexe, we enjoyed exclusive access to the Planters Lounge. We felt instantly at home in the welcoming, warmly lit outpost which boasts wraparound balcony seating, a reading cum dining room and a semi-partitioned long cocktail bar with high stools.

 

We thoroughly relished the more than ample Continental breakfast spread proffered: eggs cooked on request, international cheese board, assorted cold cuts, bread and pastries, cereal, fruits and juices.

Unsurprisingly, evening cocktails proved a major crowd-puller with the Victory Annexe guests. During our visit, the lounge was packed to the rafters with everyone downing copious amount of canapés and house pouring drinks: wines, spirits and liquors laid out. Complimentary coffee and tea is served throughout the day too.

The breezy Poolside Terrace is another fab refuge so we couldn’t help but sneak in a session in the windswept swimming pool. What touched me most is the intuitive gesture of serving water to us by the poolside personnel. It was a first in my hotel sojourns so E&O Hotel definitely earned extra brownie points with this thoughtful gesture. Other guest facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, a ballroom and five meeting rooms with all the requisite amenities and services.

Owned and managed by the Eastern & Oriental Berhad, the stately E&O Hotel was reopened in 2001 after major refurbishment. Its colourful history harks back to 1884, with two Armenian brothers, Martin and Tigran Sarkies establishing The Eastern hotel. Due to overwhelming popularity, The Oriental was added in 1885. 

A grand hotel with Moorish minarets, a domed lobby and beautifully manicured gardens, the two properties were later combined to become the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Today, an aura of its illustrious historical past and old-world traditions remain evident in the Heritage Wing. Round-the-clock butler service and opulent setting are the norm rather the exception here.

Onsite, the E&O Hotel draw gourmands and guests with Sarkies, 1885 and Farquhar Bar; fine dining outposts serving extensive menus ranging from Penang’s famed local delicacies to fine European fare. (Separate F&B review coming up soon)

For reservations, call Eastern & Oriental Hotel, tel: +604 222 2000. Address: 10 Lebuh Farquhar, Penang. www.eohotels.com

KUIH RAYA RULES AT DIVA'S BAKING CONTEST

 

Great balls of coconut...it was the onde-onde that inspired Falihin Jasmi from Muar, Johor to create his winning onde-onde DIVA cookies, to land him the Grand Prize of RM2,000 in DIVA's first-ever My Kuih Raya Rules contest.

Inspired by the hit cooking competition series My Kitchen Rules, which airs on NBC Universal International Networks’ DIVA (Astro Channel 702 and HD Channel 723) every Monday to Wednesday at 9:25pm, participants of the My Kuih Raya Rules contest had to post photos of their best kuih creations on Instagram with an explanation why their kuih raya rules. 

 

The two final kuih Raya creations were subjected to tasting by the contest panel of judges: Malaysian celebrity chef Zamzani Abdul Wahab (Chef Zam), My Kitchen Rules Season 7 winners Tasia and Gracia Seger, and Le Meridien KL's Chef Budiman Bistari at a closed door iftar at Le Meridien’s Pool Bar & Grill@8.

Over a hundred members of the media, clients and guests of NBC Universal International Networks also voted for their choice of the best kuih Raya creation during the grand finale.

After scores were tabulated, Falihin’s onde-onde DIVA cookies - festive pandan green cookies filled with salted caramel gula melaka and coconut topping emerged the eventual winner. Falihin described his creation as an inspiration of the famous Malaysian delicacy, “with a little twist and creativity added for that luscious and heavenly taste.” 

First runner-up, Farah Melissa and Satira Diana of artisan bakery KEK & Co was the First Runner Up, won RM800 in cash prize for their nutty spin on kuih makmur. Called The Pink Nuthouse, the duo cheekily described their kuih Raya creation as “nuttier than your ex-girlfriend” that “not only melts in your mouths but also your hearts”.

Right from the get-go, event attendees took turns posing with the various fun, oversized props handcrafted by DH.Artful.Decor for selfie and wefie pics. A wifi-enabled photo booth onsite also let them snap quirky shots on the spot. 

As dinner progressed, Tasia, Gracia and Chef Zam presented winners of various fun stage activities and lucky draws with prizes. Proceeds from the event were later presented to The Association of Creative Sewing Art of Malaysia, a social enterprise in aid of single mothers and the disabled. The event's effusive turnout bore testament to DIVA’s commitment in creating high impact, locally relevant brand experiences for Malaysian audiences.

My Kitchen Rules S8 airs every Monday to Wednesday at 9:25pm on DIVA (Astro Channel 702 & HD Channel 723).