Wednesday, October 23, 2019

A SERENE STAYCATION AT E&O RESIDENCES


Far from the madding crowd. Tucked away behind the Weld on the site of the former St Mary’s school, the E&O Residences is a serene haven where 200 units of luxurious one and two-bedroom suites beckon for a nice staycation in the city.

Wake up to an unobstructed view of the KL Tower. Or revel in the overhead view of an outdoor swimming pool surrouded by verdant landscape and lush foliage. That’s the advantage of staying at the E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, managed by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). Across the courtyard is the St Mary Residences.
After a warm welcome at the plush Reception, we explored every inch of our 1,442 ft² two-bedroom apartment. Tastefully furnished, the spacious living area consists of a well-equipped kitchen and a compact dining area. Our balcony looks out to the KL Tower and nearby skyscrapers.
It’s easy to feel at home here as both bedrooms are comfortably furnished with quality linen. Our master bedroom boasts built-in wardrobe with a safe box, an ensuite bathroom with a standalone bath tub, a vanity area, separate shower and toilet, and luxe amenities.
The second bedroom is similarly furnished except there’s no tub in the bathroom. At 1,131 ft², the one bedroom suite is just as nice and comfy. Catching forty winks during the two nights' escapade were a breeze as the cushy beds ensured we slept fitfully like babies.
 
 
Depending on your needs, both types of suites can be home away from home for corproate relocations, business and leisure travellers, long-stay medical tourists thanks to the secured privacy and comprehensive range of creature comforts provided. 
We managed to work productively in the dining area thanks to the broadband WiFi access while my girl completed her assignments in the study room furnished with an executive desk. Later, we kicked back, lounging around the sleek sectional sofa and channel-surfed, making full use of the home entertainment system. Music streaming is made possible with the iPod docking station provided.
 
Feeling a little peckish, we then rustled up some light refreshments in the kitchen which comes equipped with a microwave oven, a toaster, cutlery and crockery. Besides a kettle for making hot drinks, there’s a fridge as well. We were told rice cooker and blender are available upon request. Longer staying guests will find the washing machine and dryer a boon. An iron, ironing board, and hairdryer are also provided in each suite.
 
Peace of mind is ensured once we headed to the serene oasis where the outdoor infinity pool is located. Flanked on all sides by rows of ornamental palm trees and manicured hedges in a landscaped garden courtyard, the pool offers a beguiling view of imposing buildings too.
 
 
Steps away are several private gazebos where the jacuzzi pool is, with sauna and steam rooms nearby. Fitness buffs will find the fully furnished gym with aerobics and yoga room adequate for their needs. Families with children in tow can make a beeline for the kids’ playground and play room, to allow their young ones free reign to unleash pent-up energy.  
 
Checking in to the E&O Residences is a seamless affair based on our first-hand experience. There’s welcome drinks laid out and steps away is a business centre where guests can acess the internet or do some document printing should the need arises. In addition, a multi-purpose function room can be rented for small-scale, customised meetings and events.
 
Security is provided around the clock. Also entry and exits to the residential suites are strictly through access cards provided. Ditto for car-park access, ensuring a seamless stay experience throughout.
 
Within walking distance from the E&O Residences are convenient stores, shopping malls, commercial offices, banks, selected tourist attractions and the city’s integrated monorail and LRT lines.
 
Guests who have breakfast included in their stay package can make their way to  Delicious, an independent restaurant. Served at from 7 am to 10 am daily, the buffet spread is ample enough. From nasi lemak and fried noodles to eggs cooked on request and baked items, the selection should leave you spoiled for choice. (Full review on Delicious coming soon)
Other restaurants in the same block include Glass Tartines & Tipples, Black Market pub and Sushi Hinata. A spa and beauty salon upstairs provide essential services for those who desire some self-pampering. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information and reservations, call E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur, tel: 03 2023 2188. Address: No. 1 Jalan Tengah, off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Website: www.eoresidences.com

Sunday, October 13, 2019

ORGANIC VILLAGE CHICKEN AND BEST OF HONG KONG AT ZUAN YUAN

Free-range, organically raised village chicken is prized for its toothsome, leaner meat texture. This month, Zuan Yuan’s Executive Chinese Chef Tommy Choong Chan Hoo focuses on five different preparations to showcase this chook at its best eating quality.
The notable show-stealing Organic Village Chicken with Chinese Herbs (RM120 per bird) needs to be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance. Thoroughly suffused by the enticing nuances of various Chinese herbs used in its preparation, the fall-off-the-bone chicken is satisfyingly good. Not a single drop of the flavourful herbal broth is wasted either.
According to Chef Tommy, diners may enjoy the village chicken smoked, steamed with cordycep flowers, poached with dried scallop sauce and garden greens or roast with black truffle paste. The various preparations will be available until end October.
Long recognised as Asia’s "Gourmet Paradise" and "World's Fair of Food", Hong Kong holds a special place in Chef Tommy’s heart as the place where his culinary career took off. This month, he pays tribute to this bastion of Cantonese food with a special range of Hong Kong-style specialities.
His Pan Fried Scallop stuffed with Prawn Paste served with Superior Sauce encapsulates the refined spirit of Cantonese cooking perfectly. Lightly dressed with a lush, caramelised sauce, the sea-fresh sweetness of the scallops and prawns easily make this the ‘must have’ dish of the day.
Dried mandarin peel, dried prawns and spring onion are de rigeur when it comes to making fish balls in Hong Kong but for his speciality of Curry Fish Balls and Fish Maw “Hong Kong” Style in Claypot, the chef says he has tweaked the recipe to suit local tastebuds.
Served in a fragrant Indian-inspired curry gravy, the fishballs’ QQ springiness is delicious. Coupled with spongy pieces of fish maw, one can easily be induced to eat more than their fair share of rice.
Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are mixed with chopped onion, butter, milk and superior stock to form a rich stuffing for the Baked Assorted Mushrooms and Crab Meat with Cheese in Crab Shell. It’s an old-school appetiser when cheese was a novelty during the colonial era and the well-heeled preferred to devour crabs without getting their hands dirty.
The Crispy Roasted Duck stuffed with Yam Paste served with Sweet Sauce is a misnomer. In reality, Chef Tommy stuffed the roast duck between a layer of yam paste before deep-frying his creation. Served with drizzle of sweet bean sauce, the outer crust is deliciously crisp with wispy tendrils whilst the inner layer is the meaty part.
Priced between RM36 and RM48, the Best of Hong Kong selection is available for lunch (12noon to 2.30pm) and dinner (6pm to 10.30pm) daily.
For enquiries or reservations at Zuan Yuan, please call tel: 03 - 7681 1157 or email: zuanyuan@oneworldhotel.com.my. Address: One World Hotel, First Avenue, Bandar Utama City Centre, Selangor.

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