Editor’s Note – February 2019


[Editor’s Note]

First off, I would like to wish my Chinese readers a very Happy Lunar New Year! This year, Bridget and I had the honour of visiting Datuk Chua Lai Huat’s residence on Chor 1 (the first day of the new lunar year). Datuk Chua, 80, is Chua Lai Huat Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman (http://www.chuasongseng.com/).
I met Datuk Chua some time back when attending one of the CSS Wines & Spirits – http://www.chuasongseng.com/css-wines-spirits.php (part of the CSS Group of Companies) events and I must say that from interacting with Datuk, I find Datuk to be a very sincere character who willingly imparts his wisdom even to acquaintances like myself.
Datuk Chua is one of those Chinese businessmen who built their companies through hard work and perseverance, which his sons continue to this day! While Bridget and I did have a nice chat with him about life, and philosophy, etc. etc., I was quite intrigued by what he mentioned to the media (yes the media including RTM actually showed up to cover the open house!).
Datuk Chua urged Malaysians to appreciate and uphold unity which is the foundation to the country’s peace, saying that Malaysia is a unique country with diverse cultures which is our strength. He went on to encourage Malaysians to continue organising open houses during festive seasons as it helps foster ties among the Malaysian society.
A good message from a senior businessman who has experienced a Malaysia where people of all races and religions lived in harmony, and knows that for the country to succeed all her citizens need to work hard together to progress and prosper.
 
Datuk Chua Lai Huat (2nd from left), Yayasan Perpaduan Malaysia trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (3rd from left), Chua Lai Huat Holdings Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk K.C. Chua (4th from left) and Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd managing director Lars Lehmann (far left).
Datuk Chua Lai Huat
Bridget managed to catch a lion for a pic
Yee sang is a must of course!
                        
                        

 

 
Don’t forget to check out my Valentine’s Day restaurant list!
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Each year, I come up with a very comprehensive list of Valentine’s Day dining options in the Klang Valley (and beyond), which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2019/01/02/valentines-day-2019-kuala-lumpur-and-selangor-dinners-set-menus-romantic-restaurants-promotions/
This year’s list includes 29 restaurants and hotels, including some new restaurants and hotels in Kuala Lumpur like Saint Pierre, Horizon Grill and Altitude at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Ebisu at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Ce La Vi, as well as some favourites like BABE – Japas Fun Dining, THIRTY8 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Troika Sky Dining, Marini’s on 57, Marble 8, Senja, SkyBar, and more!
I also visited a few restaurants to try their Valentine’s Day 2019 menus and you can read about my experiences here:
Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill at Traders Hotel KL – https://timchew.net/2019/02/04/valentines-day-2019-dinner-at-traders-hotel-kuala-lumpur-dine-with-a-view-of-the-petronas-twin-towers/
Senja Italian Restaurant at The Saujana Hotel – https://timchew.net/2019/02/02/valentines-day-2019-dinner-at-senja-italian-restaurant-the-saujana-hotel-kuala-lumpur/
Cedar on 15 at Impiana KLCC Hotel: https://timchew.net/2019/01/21/valentines-day-2019-menu-at-cedar-on-15-kuala-lumpur/
TRACE at Element Kuala Lumpur: https://timchew.net/2019/01/18/valentines-day-dinner-2019-at-element-kuala-lumpur-hotel/
Ruyi (formerly known as Ruyi & Lyn) at Bangsar Shopping Centre: https://timchew.net/2019/01/24/valentines-day-2019-dinner-at-ruyi-monte-carlo-bistro-bangsar-shopping-centre-kuala-lumpur/
 
If you’re in Singapore this Chinese New Year or Valentine’s Day, here’s what’s happening at Marina Bay Sands Singapore – https://timchew.net/2019/01/30/chinese-new-year-and-valentines-day-2019-dinners-menus-promotions-gifts-and-treats-at-marina-bay-sands-singapore/
If you’re in Jakarta or would like to spend Valentine’s Day at Four Seasons Koh Samui, here’s what’s happening – https://timchew.net/2019/02/03/valentines-day-2019-romantic-getaway-to-four-seasons-resort-koh-samui-and-four-seasons-hotel-jakarta/
And if you need a bouquet of flowers, I’ve listed some special bouquets by two florists right at the bottom of the feature.
Anyway here are my thoughts on the Valentine’s Day menus that I tried:
If you’re a big eater, go for the menu at TRACE at Element Kuala Lumpur. You will definitely leave feeling full! There’s also a view of the KL skyline although sadly the Petronas Twin Towers are blocked by neighboring buildings. It’s a nice venue for photos with KL city as the backdrop though.
If you’re looking for Italian cuisine, a classy venue and a good spot to take photos, try Senja at The Saujana Hotel. Go early while there’s still daylight and snap some photos in the garden which borders the lake. If attempting to snap photos inside Senja, do bring along a selfie ring light.
Want a view of the Petronas Twin Towers/ Kuala Lumpur skyline? Then head over to Traders Hotel KL and take the set menu on Level 32. There are also a few tables at Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill (on level 6) that faces the Twin Towers but you MUST book early! The menu also comes with champagne (level 6 and 32) and free-flow wine on Level 32.
Cedar on 15 at Impiana KLCC Hotel also provides a view of the Petronas Twin Towers, from the 15th floor of the hotel if you’re sitting at the balcony area. The main dining room provides a romantic and classy ambiance. The menu is also pretty generous and there’s free-flow of wine.
If you’re looking for an affordable option in swanky Bangsar Shopping Centre then head upstairs to Ruyi (formerly known as Ruyi & Lyn).