SMOOTH SOJOURN AT SILKA JB

A quiet morning with the sun peeking through…such a peaceful view beckoned from the balcony of the Family Suite at Silka Johor Bahru (JB).

The last-minute working trip that took us down south had us scrambling for a place to stay. Thanks to speedy intervention by our bestie hotelier friend, we found ourselves comfortably ensconced at Silka Johor Bahru, in a spacious 4-bed Family Suite no less.

Located opposite Tesco Extra Hypermart, Silka JB is so convenient for those of us travelling for business and leisure purposes. Less than 20 minutes away from the Singapore Woodlands checkpoint and JB city centre, Silka has 248 rooms in the Superior Twin, Deluxe, Family Suite and Silka Suite categories.

As part of Dorsett Hospitality International, the Silka brand is aimed at value-savvy travellers who want convenience and comfort, hassle-free essentials and the requisite service.

Parking onsite was convenient and safe. The simple hotel lobby with its soaring high ceiling was functional. A short stroll away is Checkers Café, Kapitan Corner and D’Bar Lounge. 

At the lift landing area we found drink and snack vending machines – perfect for guests who want to grab a quick drink and nibbles anytime at their own convenience.

The huge King-size master bed was inviting, ensuring we slept soundly during our stay. Overall, the room’s neutral colour scheme is soothing and there's ample space for a long side table, wardrobe and side cabinet for an in-room safe and luggage.

A sliding door connects the adjoining twin bedded room. Besides a working desk and chair, there’s more wardrobe space in this part of the suite in addition to a shower cum toilet. Perfect if you happen to have family in tow like we did.

Breakfast is served at Checkers Café where local delights are served with as much pride as an international array, to cater to Silka’s global and culturally mixed clientele.

In the evenings, we noticed D’Bar Lounge is a popular hang-out for guests who wish to dabble in a round of pool or unwind over their fave tipples.

Due to time constraints, we didn’t have time to enjoy a dip in the freeform swimming pool, work up a sweat at the gym or check out the tennis and squash courts.

Pix courtesy of Silka Johor Bahru

Silka JB also has meeting rooms and a banquet hall so event planners may consider the hotel as a viable venue for their functions as and when such needs arise. Meeting packages start from RM40 nett onwards per person (1/2 day package).

For reservations, call Silka Johor Bahru, tel: 07-3601000. Address: Jalan Masai Lama, Mukim Plentong, Johor Bahru, Johor.

SATURDAY NIGHT VIBES AT SHOOK!

Nothing excites KL-lites more than feasting on pricey seafood like lobsters, prawns, crabs and oysters in unlimited quantities. Even better when the extravagant buffet is served alongside live music performances, preferably of the jazz variety.

That is exactly what Saturday Night Vibes aims to deliver. Shook! Kuala Lumpur’s brand new dining concept, Saturday Night Vibes’ Cirque du Culinaire experience − introduced in August – takes dining to new, entertaining levels with the emphasis on fresh, global cuisine served alongside relaxing live jazz music.

We had a first-hand experience of Saturday Night Vibes when Q Sound, one of the world's most dynamic and versatile trombonists, and a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York blew us away with a repertoire of cool, lively tunes.

Joerg Hontheim, General Manager of Feast Village said: “Shook! is more than just about the amazing food. It’s about the holistic experience where guests excite their senses through a medley of food, music and magic. Our Cirque du Culinaire dining concept offers only the freshest specialities from our various show kitchens while you are entertained by a coterie of entertainers: magicians, clowns and stilt-walkers as you dine.”

 

 

Besides helping ourselves to the lavish spread of premium seafood, we were constantly plied with signature dishes from different restaurants at Feast Village: Fisherman’s Cove, Luk Yu Tea House, Sentidos Gastrobar – The Latin Grill and Khushi Spice throughout the evening.

 

The spirited affair also saw us sampling the Signature Cocktail, an Aperol Spritz inspired by vibrant Mediterranean nights and European flavours. The jovial cocktail of prosecco, Aperol and soda definitely boosted our convivial mood that night.

 

Apart from the Continental style seafood, the Japanese section beckoned with Assorted Sushi and Sashimi as well as various rolled sushi, cocktail glasses of Japanese appetisers and tidbits.

Among the praiseworthy house specialities we savoured were Seafood Paella, King Prawn Noodles, Five-Spice Rack of Lamb, Snow White Dancing Prawns, freshly shucked Pacific Oysters and melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef cheeks.

When the clock struck nine, it was time for dynamic, live performances by the likes of FAZZ, a soulful Malaysian jazz band, Evelyn Feroza and Reza Salleh. Come September 23, Jumero will take centrestage while Jumero, Bihzhu and Ryot Jones will be the headliners on September 23, October 14 and October 21 respectively.

Handcrafted dessert, international cheese and bread selection, tapas-style starters and meat cooked a la minute left us spoiled for choice and utterly replete.

Saturday Night Vibes at Shook! Kuala Lumpur starts at 7pm, every Saturday night at RM168 nett per person. A beverage package available at RM88 nett comes with selected cocktails including the Signature Cocktail, Aperol Spritz, as well as other beers, wines and shooters. The 1-for-1 Happy Hour is also available from 9pm to 11pm in which selected draft beers, house wines and cocktails are served.

Shook! is once again the coveted new weekend hot spot for foodies and music lovers alike.

For reservations, call Shook! Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2782 3875 or email: shook@ytlhotels.com.my