FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KL TO HOST TERRY FOX RUN

Calling all runners, joggers and walkers. Lend your support for a good cause by participating in the official Terry Fox Fun Run hosted by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Participants can register for the Terry Fox Run by buying a Terry Fox Run t-shirt – designed by celebrity Ryan Reynolds – via the Hotel website. The superstar shared a Tweet recently showing him wearing the official Terry Fox Run t-shirt and encouraging people to support the event. 

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts regional marketing director Nelson Hilton (pix above) said "The Terry Fox Run scheduled on 7 May at 7 am, is in support of Cancer Research Malaysia. A hundred percent of the funds raised will go to Cancer Research Malaysia."

Initiated by the late Terry Fox who lost his leg to bone cancer in 1980, the then 22-year Canadian ran 5,374 kilometres across Canada to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

He continued his Marathon of Hope through rain, snow and heat, until he was forced to stop when cancer appeared in his lungs. Terry passed away the following year, but not before raising CAD 24 million for the cause.

Inspired by Terry’s courage and vision of a cancer-free world, Four Seasons founder Isadore Sharp made a commitment to uphold Terry’s legacy. Working closely with several sponsors to organize the first-ever Terry Fox Run in 1981, the event drew more than 300,000 participants.

Today, more than 9,000 Terry Fox Memorial Runs take place around the world annually, supported by Four Seasons in several locations. 

“Our Hotel team is thrilled to host this event for the first time and to honour Terry’s inspiring legacy,” says General Manager Blaise Montandon. “It is a privilege for us to support our local community by raising funds for Cancer Research Malaysia.”

The 5-km route will start from Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, covering the perimeter of KLCC. Safety of the participants are ensured since it is the city’s car-free day. So far the event has attracted about 200 participants especially corporate companies and the Canadian community in KL.

“We invite everyone to join in the Terry Fox Run. You can walk, jog, run or stroll at your own pace. Come with your family and friends: be they young or old to support the good cause.

“Participants also stand a chance to win exciting prizes such as complimentary stays at Four Seasons Hotel Langkawi and Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and dining vouchers from Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.”

Supporters and do-gooders alike can donate to the good cause by purchasing the said t-shirt too at this link:

https://fs-kuala lumpur.myshopify.com/collections/terry-fox-fun-run/products/terry-fox-fun-run

 

PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP UNVEILS NEW LOUNGE AT KLIA

It was 25 years ago when the first Plaza Premium Lounge opened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has since come a full circle, proudly unveiling its spanking new Plaza Premium Lounge & Plaza Premium First at KLIA Terminal 1.

Officially opened by Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke amidst much fanfare, the new lounges incorporate Plaza Premium First and the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Available to business and leisure travellers, the tastefully designed lounges feature dedicated relaxation, socialising, dining and ‘work from anywhere’ spaces including private rooms for families or corporate use.

Song Hoi-See, PPG’s CEO and Founder said: “We founded the independent lounge concept 25 years ago in Malaysia. We’ve have since expanded our concept to over 70 international airports, and in conjunction with our 25th anniversary, we’ve returned to our roots and revisited the whole lounge experience.

“This launch is a testament to PPG’s growth in 2023 and beyond. Committed to “Make Travel Better”, we aim to transform Plaza Premium Lounge into a pre-flight space and also as a destination in its own right, in all the countries we operate in. We want to bring Malaysian culture to the forefront, where guests can visit us and discover something new every time.”

The interior design of both Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Premium First pays homage to Malaysia’s art forms and its natural landscape. A rainforest tree serves as the focal point within the space, bestowing a touch of green for guests. Batik elements are incorporated into the lounge seating whilst dividing panels feature rattan-weaving patterns.

 

In collaboration with Art People Gallery, curated artworks from nine local, emerging artists are showcased throughout the two lounges, giving guests insights into the culture and traditions of Malaysia. At the entrance, an expansive art mural depicts Malaysia’s past, present and future.

Chef de Cuisine Andri Hadi is tasked with creating an a la carte menu for Plaza Premium First where dishes are cooked a la minute, while Plaza Premium Lounge’s offers a buffet menu.

Known for his elevated fusion creations, Chef Andri’s signature dishes include Nasi Lemak with Australian Beef Rendang for Plaza Premium First and Malaysia Curry Laksa for Plaza Premium Lounge. A refreshed menu featuring plant-based and vegetarian options will also be offered in its bid to promote sustainability and wellness.

Opening Offer (March 1 – June 30, 2023)

• Plaza Premium First – From RM202 per person (2-hour lounge use)
• Plaza Premium Lounge – From RM 146 per person (2-hour lounge use)

 

THAI ISAAN TEMPTATIONS AT MERA

Coated in airy-light wisps of batter, the crispy catfish with green mango and cashews or Yam Pa Dok Ko (RM48), is the show-stealer at Mera. The huge chunks of deep-fried catfish form a sublime combination with a tart-salty-tangy salad of shredded mango, onion and roasted cashews.

While most Thai restaurants in the Klang Valley serve central Thai food, mostly Bangkok-style, we rarely come across any Thai resto showcasing Isaan food. Now, Mera at Damansara Kim has an Isaan-born chef at the helm, tasked with ensuring the authentic essence of Isaan cooking is retained whilst catering to Malaysian palates.

Dishes from the North-eastern Thai province of Isaan flaunt bolder, more robust flavours: making them spicier and sourer. Culinary influences from Laos and Cambodia also hold sway, with fresh herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, lime, chillies and garlic commonly used. Glutinous rice is another staple; a perfect vessel to capture those punchy, vibrant flavours.

Aside from the memorable crispy catfish salad, Mera serves several typical Isaan salads. Topping the list is Som Tum (RM38), fresh and crunchy Isaan-style young papaya salad with full-blown spicy-briny-sour-garlicky accents. Cherry tomatoes add a tinge of fruitiness to it. 

Another popular option is Larb Moo (RM48), spicy-salty minced pork salad seasoned with fish sauce, chilli flakes, lime juice and assorted fresh Thai herbs. However, the one we tried tasted somewhat underwhelming so if you prefer a no-holds-barred version, let the Mera team know.

Happily, the flavour quotient is dialled back up by Tom Sap, hot and sour pork soup. Thanks to the various aromatics: sawtooth coriander, cilantro, lemongrass, dried chillies, onion and tomatoes, this clear, sweet tom yum soup gets the thumbs up.

Grilled Isaan sausages or Sa Kork Isaan (RM48) are also worth sampling. The stuffing is made using fermented pork mince, rice and garlic, and laced with strands of glass noodles, rendering the sausages with a distinct tang. This popular Isaan street food snack is usually enjoyed with chopped bird’s eye chilli, raw cabbage or cucumber and cut ginger.

Fat. Lean. Gelatinous. These varied meat textures make Kao Ka Moo (RM48), a comforting dish of braised pork trotter with hardboiled egg utterly delectable and soul-satisfying. To counter any discernible meaty richness, we savour the melt-in-the-mouth chunks of pork with blanched greens, pickles and a zingy house made chilli dip.

Kor Moo Yang (RM58) – barbecued pork neck is another crowd-pleaser. The pork slices look rather lean at first glance but on closer inspection, they bear an irresistible layer of fat on top, amplifying the pork’s juiciness. A salty-sweet chilli and toasted rice dip helps to boost the smoky, fatty taste profile.

The flavoursome party continues with Moo Yang Nam Tok (RM48), spicy and sour grilled pork salad. Tossed with shallot, cilantro, lemongrass, mint, basil, and crushed roasted rice; each stimulating mouthful leaves us hankering for more.

 

Speckled with aromatic fried garlic bits, Gai Yang (RM48) – Isaan-style grilled chicken cuts a swath with us too. Marinated with lemongrass and fish sauce, the juicy and tender chook comes accompanied by a tantalising dip of lime juice, fish sauce, chilli flakes, palm sugar, chopped coriander and toasted rice.

Steamed with lime, chilli and garlic, the deliciously tender squid dish of Pla Muk Meung Manao (RM68) instantly reels us in with its bold, piquant flavours. It’s irresistible when paired with the scrumptious Crispy Pork Fried Rice (RM38). We can’t get enough of the fluffy, wispy egg-coated fried rice studded with cubes of crispy pork crackling.

 

Pandan juice and pumpkin purée bestow jade green and cheery orange hues for the dessert of glutinous rice balls in sweetened coconut milk. Known as Bua Loy (floating lotus in Thai), the soft and slightly chewy balls, interspersed with strips of jackfruit in the coconut milk, broth prove nice and light yet interesting enough as a sweet conclusion to our meal.

Currently, an a la carte menu is available at Mera. Diners with advance reservations may ask for the chef’s table, featuring a specially composed menu priced from RM150++ upwards per person.

 

For reservations, call MERA, tel: 018-268 2333. Address: 6, Jalan SS20/10, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.