AN EVENING OF SILVERY GLAM WITH WORLD CHEFS

Selangor Cheshire Home will be the beneficiary from an exclusive charity dinner on 8 August when Dorsett Grand Subang teams up with World Chefs Without Borders (WCWB) for a high profile gastronomic dinner.

The hotel’s brigade of chefs will join forces with 11 International World Chef Extraordinaire for the sumptuous five-course dinner. Adding lustre to the event would be a whisky-pairing option and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the WCWB Chefs.

A humanitarian aid initiative by The World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS), World ChefsWithout Borders (WCWB) collaborates with aid agencies and organisations around the world in its initiative to save lives, alleviate suffering and restore dignity and basic human rights, by providing nutritious food and clean water to the hungry and malnourished in times of national and international crisis situations. WCWB works with employers to ensure volunteering chefs have their jobs secured until their return from the field.

Ms Christina Toh, Area General Manager of Dorsett Hospitality International said, “Dorsett Hotels have always provided an inspiring platform for its chefs showcase their culinary skills. Former Dorsett Executive Chef KK Yau was one of our homegrown talents who transcends borders with his culinary skill and expertise. We hope this charity event will create stronger self-confidence and skills among local chefs whilst helping to propel them into the international culinary scene.”

In line with the hotel’s corporate social responsibility, six youths from the Selangor Cheshire Home (SCH) - currently attached to the hotel’s culinary department - will be assisting in the dinner preparation, to showcase and develop their talents. Partial proceeds from the event will be used to enhance SCH’s medical care facilities, for the residents’ better quality of life.

Dorsett Grand Subang is the first hotel in Malaysia to provide 3-month on-the-job training for the disabled, to enhance their employment opportunities. Todate, the hotel has trained 223 youths, with 67% gaining employment post-training.

The An Evening of Silvery Glam with World Chefs dinner is priced at RM288 nett per person and RM498 nett per couple. To contribute, please call Ms. Stephanie Hendroffat, tel:03-5033 7477 or Ms. Noriah Ali, tel: 03-5033 7479. For details, visit www.dorsetthotels.com/malaysia/subang.

OAKWOOD: AN OASIS IN THE CITY

Sometimes a brief breather is all one needs to recharge and rejuvenate from the daily drudgery of work and life. We found a low-key yet peaceful oasis right in the heart of KL recently – Oakwood Hotel & Residence – for a quiet weekend staycation.

Opened in October last year, Oakwood has 251 units onsite: 71 Deluxe Rooms, 155 One-bedroom Deluxe Apartments, 25 One-bedroom Premier Apartments and 1 Two-Bedroom Apartment.

Tucked slightly back from the main thoroughfare of Jalan Ampang, we like the calm, unhurried feel of its spacious and airy lobby. Its sparse furnishing didn’t bother us as the existing seats were there for practical purpose.

 

We took an instant liking to the bright and cheery ambience of our Deluxe Apartment. Accentuated with dark wood trimming and pops of colour from a pair of contemporary dining chairs and wall-mounted artworks, the clean lines and dominant neutral shades give the space organised structure. Soft furnishings of underfoot carpet in the living area and bedroom coupled with the fabric-upholstered settee lent the place an inviting homely finish.

 

The kitchenette is surprisingly well-equipped too with a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a toaster and electric kettle forming the coterie of facilities available. In addition, there’s a mini fridge as well as crockery and cutlery. Our gang jokingly remarked a mini feast could easily be whipped up with the stuff provided.

Another plus point is the proper executive desk and chair which makes work a breeze. Besides complimentary WiFi, we like the luxury of having a flatscreen telly in the living room and another in the bedroom. The bed itself was comfy enough to ensure we slept soundly.

Personally, I give Oakwood extra points for devoting ample space to the toilet, long bath and shower area. Instead of run-of-the-mill toiletries, Oakwood commissioned Australian designer and entrepreneur Peter Morrissey to curate the whole set of bath care products using organic plant extracts and essential oils.

For those who seek to hideaway from the outside world, Oakwood has all the basics covered. The freeform swimming pool is big enough for laps and next to it is a children’s wading pool. Huge beanbags at the spacious deck let guests lounge around in the shade whilst fitness buffs may make full use of the modest Fitness Centre.

TrEat Restaurant & Bar is the only F&B outlet at Oakwood but it’s adequate enough to cater to famished guests. Breakfast proved to be a bustling affair during high occupancy especially when hordes of guests descend on the morning spread simultaneously. 

 

We found the usual range of brekkie fare proffered decent enough as the selection covered everything from local noodles and cereals to eggs, sausages and toast. Throughout the day, an a la carte variety of comfort food is served. 

You won’t go hungry for sure as surrounding Oakwood is several F&B hot spots, offering everything from Irish pub grub to Middle Eastern fare. A short drive away is Ampang, famed for its yong tau foo or head to one of the major malls like Suria KLCC and The Intermark for more abundant choices.

Other facilities and services for guest convenience include a Laundry Room, 24-hour concierge and front desk services, business services and four meeting spaces to accommodate 24 – 100 persons.

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is the 30^th Oakwood-branded property across 20 cities in Asia-Pacific. Address: 222, Jalan Ampang, KL. For more information, check: facebook.com/OakwoodKualaLumpur