Groupe PSA Awards Sole Distributorship Rights of Peugeot Marque Vehicles in Malaysia to Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd

[Automotive News]

Groupe PSA (“Groupe PSA”), Berjaya Corporation Berhad (“BerjayaCorp”) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (“Bermaz”) announced on 1 December 2020 that Groupe PSA has awarded Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (“BAASB”) the sole distributorship of new vehicles under the PEUGEOT marque and the rights of aftersales and spare parts distribution for the PEUGEOT, CITROEN and DS marque vehicles in Malaysia; thus signaling a new partnership that is expected to enable Groupe PSA to continue to pursue its growth strategy in Malaysia. BAASB is a newly incorporated company whereby BerjayaCorp and Bermaz hold 51% and 20% stakes respectively in BAASB.
Sharing her views on this new collaboration, Mrs Laurence Noel, the Senior Vice President South East Asia Groupe PSA said, “Our product line-up of award-winning SUVs Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 has garnered a lot of attention here in the past few years, and as such we strive to continue the momentum through exciting new models and aftersales initiatives. It is our plan in the near future to introduce our global successes such as the all new Peugeot 2008 in Malaysia. Further to that, we aim to continuously revolutionize the customer experience together with our new partner, BAASB and underscore our commitment to our customers through excellent sales and aftersales service. Groupe PSA has made Malaysia its export hub for the region.”
Dato’ Sri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, the Chief Executive Officer of BerjayaCorp said, “Berjaya is pleased to be given this opportunity to be part of the new collaboration (via BAASB) with Groupe PSA, one of Europe’s largest vehicle manufacturers, listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange. This new collaboration will complement our Group’s existing automotive business namely, H.R. Owen Plc and Berjaya China Motor Sdn Bhd. We believe this collaboration between BerjayaCorp, Bermaz and Groupe PSA will bring positive synergistic benefits to all parties.”
Executive Chairman of Bermaz, Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh said, “We are honoured that Groupe PSA and BerjayaCorp recognise Bermaz Group’s capabilities and expertise in the automobile industry and is delighted to participate in this new collaboration, which is expected to contribute positively to our future earnings base. PEUGEOT, CITROEN and DS are European marque cars well-known for their driving comfort, smooth handling, modern designs, durability and with state-of-the-art technology. Hence, we are elated and looking forward to a successful collaboration with BerjayaCorp and Groupe PSA via BAASB.”
Mrs Noel further said, “BerjayaCorp is a multi-national conglomerate group of companies whilst Bermaz is a renowned automotive company in Malaysia; both listed on the Malaysian stock exchange. Hence, Groupe PSA is indeed pleased and is confident that the business collaboration with BerjayaCorp and Bermaz (via BAASB) will accelerate growth and create a synergy of key strengths between Groupe PSA and BAASB, which will see us further consolidating and increasing our market presence here”.
For more info, head over to https://peugeot.com.my/
Visual credit: Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd

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Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSound Moment

[Tech & Gadgets]

Bang & Olufsen launched its new BeoSound Moment at CES 2015, premiering the device which is an intelligent and intuitive wireless music system that integrates your music collection and services into one.
The top of the new BeoSound Moment is a detachable and double-sided interface that allows for two different listening experiences.
One side is an elegant aluminium interface with a delicate touch screen where you can browse the endless online music catalogue, your favourite playlists and share your music collection.
The wooden side is designed for one-touch access which allows you to have your favourite music flowing from your speakers with just one touch on the wooden wheel.
The BeoSound Moment introduces a new, intelligent feature that adapts your listening patterns and suggests music or radio programmes that fit with the relevant day of the week and the time of day. The advanced PatternPlay feature automatically memorizes your musical preferences and makes your listening experience both familiar and explorative. Over time, BeoSound Moment will gradually start to know your taste in music, and be able to play what you most likely want to hear.

The music presented by PatternPlay stems from your own preferred favourite artists and playlists plus an extensive online catalogue of music, with access to more than 35 million songs, supplied by leading global music streaming service Deezer. You can activate PatternPlay directly, with one touch, on the oak panel.
The aluminium interface displays another new feature of BeoSound Moment – the MoodWheel. A single touch on the multi-coloured MoodWheel activates an automatically generated playlist defined by your finger’s position on the wheel. The closer to the centre of the wheel, the more familiar the music. In the very middle of the MoodWheel the music will be picked from your lists of favourites only, whereas the outer parameter of the circle tempts the listener with musical adventures of associated music from the vast online catalogue of songs.
The MoodWheel is divided into a colour gamut that ranges from melancholic blue over a passionate red zone to an energetic yellow area. Combined, these two dimensions on the intuitive MoodWheel offer limitless possibilities for defining your selection of music. The BeoSound Moment is also compatible with the whole Bang & Olufsen range of wireless and wired quality speakers.
“As a modern, cloud based music system, BeoSound Moment will offer software updates with new features and improvements. We have prepared a firm software update roadmap for BeoSound Moment including the deployment of a very compelling multi-room experience that encompasses both television and other audio products planned for Summer 2015”, says Marie Kristine Schmidt Vice President, Brand, Design & Marketing Bang & Olufsen.
BeoSound Moment will be available exclusively at Bang & Olufsen Grand Hyatt showroom from end February 2015 at the recommended retail price of RM11,000.00 inclusive of 12 months of prepaid Deezer Premium+.

Bang & Olufsen also launched the new BeoVision Avant 75” which is the newcomer to the BeoVision Avant family which already includes the 85” and 55”. BeoVision Avant was honoured at CES 2015, receiving the Design and Engineering Innovation Honoree status within the High Performance Home Audio category.
“As we anticipated, BeoVision Avant has followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, which was a game changer in the analogue era,” Marie Kristine Schmidt, Vice President Brand, Design and Marketing explains. She continues, “When we launched it last year we saw unprecedented demand and unsurpassed feedback from consumers around the globe that agreed with our vision of the future of television. With this family of Avants, we hope to offer consumers the choice they crave to make sure the TV can fit with their lifestyles and complement their homes. We not only wish to make sure the TV can blend into the background when not in use, but also add the wow factor with a show stopping piece of technology”.
The designers at Bang & Olufsen have aimed at reducing the physical presence of BeoVision Avant when not in use. By offering both a motorised stand and a wall bracket option, you have the choice to either let this 75-inch television stand out or blend into your interior. Switch it on and watch it gracefully unfold, then just press one (1) button on BeoRemote One, and it finds your favourite position, your favourite channel and your favourite sound setting. Switch off the Avant 75 and it folds back the speakers and returns to its discrete resting place close up against the wall.

These days it’s all about integration between smart devices, and the BeoRemote App 2.0 offers two-way control of the Bang & Olufsen TV from your iPad or smartphone, with a distinct and premium Bang & Olufsen feel of course. You get easy navigation, a handy keyboard for entering text, and the same operation philosophy from BeoRemote One including MyButtons functionality. In addition the iPad version includes an outstanding Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) function with extended information on the TV programmes, channel info and logos. This means you can check out other programmes or look for additional information on your iPad without disturbing the viewing experience for others watching the broadcast.
The BeoRemote App 2.0 is available on the App Store and Google Play for free.
The BeoVision Avant 75” is available in Bang & Olufsen stores from April 2015 at the recommended retail price of RM82,500.00 including BeoRemote One. Placement options on either wall or floor available too.
For more information on Bang & Olufsen, head over to www.bang-olufsen.com

London No.1 Gin Cocktail at Mr. Brooks
[Events]

Paige and I headed over to Mr. Brooks in Bangsar Shopping Centre recently for the London No.1 Gin cocktail. The London No. 1 is one of a handful of gins actually distilled in London, and was created to echo the complex and full-bodied gins of yesteryear, with a modern twist – the gin has a striking turquoise-blue colour derived from maceration with gardenia flowers.
The gin is made from high quality Suffolk and Norfolk grain used in distillation, and the small batch “pot still” method ensures a consistent quality. Finally 12 carefully selected botanicals are included to give it its distinctive taste.
The recipe includes juniper, coriander and angelica – the first two botanicals provide fragrance and spiciness, whilst angelica, together with orris root, give body and structure to the other botanicals. Liquorice root imparts a freshness to the gin while the fusion of bergamot oil in the mix makes it somewhat reminiscent of Earl Grey tea.
The citrus notes come from the fresh juicy flavours of orange and lemon peel, balanced with the thyme-like aromatics of savory, while the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon and cassia bark complete the gin which is then rested for three weeks after distillation before being shipped out.
The London No. 1 is delicate and elegant on the nose with marked spicy and balsamic notes. On the palate it is soft, elegant and mellow with a long refreshing finish, making it a sophisticated, well rounded gin containing 47% alcohol.
London No. 1 goes great with cocktails and is very easy to drink (this comes from someone who really doesn’t like gin ie. me). London No. 1 is available at Mr. Brooks and other bars and entertainment outlets that serve premium liquor.

Cava Noche Y Dia’ Sparkling Wine is distributed in Malaysia by Iconic Wines (Malaysia). For more info or to purchase the wines you may contact Florian at florianr@iconic-wines.com
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Honda Launches the 9th Generation Civic & Civic Hybrid

[Automotive News]
I bet almost everyone has owned a Civic or had a family member or relative own one at one point of time. Cumulatively, the Civic has sold more than 19.7 million units worldwide since the launch of the 1st generation Civic back in 1972. Such is the popularity of the car that every new launch is eagerly anticipated. The 9th generation Civic was launched in the US a couple months back and many of my friends were wondering if the Malaysian version would be similar (albiet right-hand drive of course). In US, which is the biggest market for the Honda Civic, over 163,000 units has been sold in the first half of this year alone.
Anyway the wait for over as Honda Malaysia launched the highly anticipated 9th generation Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid on 12 July 2012. In Malaysia, since the launch of the 7th Generation in 2003, the Civic has sold over 58,000 units to date. It has been simultaneously recognized as the market leader in non-national mid-size sedan segment. The success of the model was evident as there was a rather long waiting period for the 8th generation Civic launched in 2006 which saw sales of close to 49,000 units.
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The new Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid
En. Rohime Shafie, President & COO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, MD & CEO of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Masayuki Sano, Large Project Leader of the new Civic, Mr. Katsunori Ishii, Vice President of Honda Malaysia (L-R)
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Each generation of Civic evolves with a specific development theme in mind and the 2012 Civic’s concept is “futuristic and distinctive compact,” a direction that introduces new values that reach ahead of present-day needs.
Built based on the popularity of the 8th Generation, the Civic has been remodeled with a higher level of refinements and style.
“The All-New Civic has elevated the values of its predecessor on all fronts – fuel economy, performance, advanced smart technology and long-term values. More sophisticated and smart, the All-New Civic conveys a highly energetic appearance in its class,” Mr. Ueno remarked on the direction of the new Honda Civic.
The designers also incorporated the concept of the new Civic being a “Advanced Smart Sedan” during the development, which resulted in a series of new technologies including a futuristic cockpit and a 5-inch intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) to promote smart and efficient driving.
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The Honda Civic looking sporty with the optional Modulo kit

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Eco Assist
The All-New Civic is Honda’s first non-hybrid model fitted with Eco Assist functions, which helps driver improve the vehicle fuel efficiency. With its interactive function – changing colour background of the ambient meter display, it guides drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency thus helping to save fuel.
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Interior
In addition to the exterior and interior makeover, the safety standard in the All-New Civic has been enhanced. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is now integrated with the Motion Adaptive EPS (Electric Power Steering) system that helps drivers to control during oversteer and understeer conditions. The new Civic has obtained a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating for occupants and pedestrian. The refined Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure provides improved crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height.
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Hybrid – Save Fuel!
Along with the petrol model, the new Civic also has a Hybrid variant featuring a larger 1.5L i-VTEC engine that is connected to a lighter, enhanced and more powerful electric motor. The new Civic Hybrid is the first in Malaysia to be fitted with a lithium-ion battery that can preserve more electricity with its compact size. Enhanced with smart technology, the new Civic Hybrid is the first hybrid to offer Smart Entry and Push Start Button in Honda’s Hybrid line-up for a more premium feel.
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Powerplants
Available in 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.0L with NAVI and Civic Hybrid, each variant is designed to better meet different individual needs and preferences. The line up is designed to appeal to both male and female.
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Special After-Service Package
Honda Malaysia is introducing a new and attractive after-service package to provide an enhanced ownership experience to the customers:
1. 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage*
2. 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage* for IMA battery
3. Extension of preventive maintenance interval from 5,000km to 10,000km
4. Free labour service up to 6 visits for every alternate paid service until 100,000km
*subject to Honda’s terms and conditions of course
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Colours
The Honda Civic petrol variant is available in Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White.
The Honda Civic Hybrid variant is available in Frosty White Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic and Taffeta White.
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Price (On-the-Road with Insurance)
1.8S – RM115,980.00
2.0S – RM131,980.00
2.0 Navi – RM136,980.00
1.5L Hybrid – RM119,980.00
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More info at http://www.honda.com.my
Subscribe to my public updates at https://www.facebook.com/timchewkc
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The new Civic Hybrid – Desirable!

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Editor’s Note – March 2021: Vivo V20 Pro Review

[Editor’s Note]

Vivo Malaysia passed me the Vivo V20 Pro which was launched in Malaysia back in end-October 2020 (which you can read about here – https://timchew.net/2020/10/21/vivo-malaysia-launches-the-vivo-v20-and-v20-pro/) and sadly, before I could actually put it to a field test, the authorities in Malaysia announced another round of the Movement Control Order which rendered me unable to try out this new mid-range smartphone in the field as all events and reviews were cancelled during the MCO.
The Vivo V20 Pro is Vivo’s latest offering to the mid-range market and comes with a 6.44-inch 2400×1080 (FHD+) AMOLED screen, measures 7.39mm thin and weighs 170g which makes it very comfy in the hand.
The Vivo V20 Pro comes with a 765G processor, with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, powered by a 4,000mAh (TYP) battery with vivo’s 33W FlashCharge technology. Charging the phone typically takes about half an hour to get me enough power to last me through the day.
The V20 Pro is fitted with the Eye Autofocus Dual Front Camera, which includes a 44MP Super Definition Main Camera and an 8MP Super Wide-Angle Camera (this cam offers a 105° or 103.6° after correcting for distortion allowing you to capture super wide-angle selfies).
On the back is the 64MP AF + 8MP AF (Wide-Angle/Macro/Bokeh) + 2MP(Mono) camera setup. (The cameras come with various modes and functions which you can read about in my feature.)
Now, some points to note before we proceed any further:
The Vivo V20 Pro is a mid-range smartphone, and should be compared to other mid-range phones in the market (and NOT flagship models)I shot using the phones AI mode for a number of reasons:Convenience – point, click on the subject (or just use the surprisingly accurate eye auto-focus for portraits), and snap!Time-constraint – we had a limited amount of time during food reviews/ shoots and I can’t be spending my time fiddling with all the Pro settings to get the perfect shotRealism (in real-world usage, most casual users shoot with the AI mode anyway)Photos that I shoot with smartphones are at most used for my social media/ this site (our principal photographer Andy Kho shoots with his professional gear when we have paid photoshoots or are engaged by clients)This was a non-sponsored/ paid engagement (I quite enjoy doing editorial reviews of the latest gadgets, especially those of cameras/ smartphones!)All the photos are non-edited, but were resized to save space (and thus there was a slight loss in quality)
Now on to the first field test which was during the French weekend brunch at Chateau Dionne in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. The lighting was pretty dim and warm due to the restaurant having a very romantic ambiance (and I didn’t bring my video light along with me).
Shot with the main rear camer
Shot with the  8MP AF (Wide-Angle) rear camera
 Shot with the  8MP AF (Wide-Angle) rear camera
We had the 3-course weekend brunch menu which is priced at RM198++ per pax which includes one starter, one main, and one dessert, as well as OEUF (63’C Free Range Egg, Piperade of Bell Pepper, Crouton), freshly baked French baguette and croissants served with French butter and jam, and seasonal canapés.
OEUF – 63’C Free Range Egg, Piperade of Bell Pepper, Crouton
Starter: FOIE GRAS – “Rougié” Foie Gras Au Torchon, Figs, Brioche
Main: BŒUF WELLINGTON – Beef Wellington, Seasonal Vegetables, Perigourdine Sauce
Main: PÂTES – Orzo Pasta Risotto, Tiger Prawn, Squid, Crustacean Foam
Dessert: SOUFFLE – Grand Marnier Soué, Orange, Vanilla Ice Cream
Dessert: TARTE AU CHOCOLAT – 74% Dark Chocolate Tart, Sansho Pepper, Raspberry Ice Cream
PLATEAU DE FROMAGE – Assortment of Cheese, Dried Fruits, Pecan, Sour Dough
Petit Four – Canelés and Chocolate Truffles
I regret forgetting to bring my video light, however, this is a good example of how the rear camera system performs in a situation without additional lighting which is more than adequate for photos for Instagram and other social media platforms (with some post-editing or editing in Instagram).

Next up, I decided to use the Vivo V20 Pro to snap some behind the scenes photos during one of our MHB Digital (I run a digital, content, live-streaming, social media and influencer marketing agency which you can view here: http://mhbdigital.com) professional photoshoots with our Instagrammers.
The restaurant was lit with colour-changing LED lights due to its “futuristic concept” therefore this was an opportunity to see how it performed under various colours.
I was mostly shooting one-handed as the other hand was assisting our principal photographer Andy Kho with the lights, or holding a gimbal with another phone shooting (behind-the-scenes) video. Fortunately, the phone managed to compensate for me not holding it super steady with two hands (impressive as no optical image stabilisation is listed in the specs).
MHB Digital’s Principal Photographer Andy Kho in action with his DSLR
As expected, the Vivo V20 Pro performs well in good lighting so no complaints here.

Moving further inside the restaurant, the interior lighting was more blue-ish. The Vivo V20 Pro’s rear camera system had no issues with this setting.

Performs well in white lighting. I like how the colour pop!
I was quite impressed with the sharpness and clarity of this shot

To be fair, most smartphones (even flagship models) struggled with this colour in the light tunnel.

Portrait and Selfie Modes
The girls really loved the front camera with its beauty mode (I set it at only 20% to prevent the photos from being over-enhanced). A really impressive feature was that the front camera system was pin-point accurate due to the eye-autofocus which is usually only found on flagship, and/ or digital SLR cameras.
When you’re shooting in portrait mode with the rear cameras, the Vivo V20 Pro actually guides you where to place the subject’s face (which I noticed is mostly based on the rule of thirds), then automatically activates a countdown to shoot once you do so. This is a great feature for Insta-boyfriends and will definitely reduce the amount of frustration, and retaken photos!
BTW Vivo… if you have a hair darkening auto-edit feature, that would really be very useful for me!

I also tried the Portrait mode during a simple birthday lunch with my friend, and she absolutely loved the Vivo V20 Pro’s camera!

In fact, practically every one of my female friends who tried the selfie/ portrait modes absolutely loved the Vivo V20 Pro! The most common remark I received was “With this phone I don’t have to use Meitu/ Beauty Cam to edit my selfies!”.
In conclusion, I enjoyed my time with the Vivo V20 Pro (a good two+ months!) and in my opinion, it is a pretty decent mid-range smartphone. If you’re a female Android smartphone who’s looking for a mid-range smartphone, don’t think any further, just go the nearest Vivo store or dealer, try the phone for yourself, and I bet that you will end up buying it!
Features I liked about the Vivo V20 Pro
Elegant colour of the phone made it look very premiumAdequately large battery to last a day without rechargingLightweight in the hand, good for heavy users like myselfNo discernable lag while using (non-game) appsAbove-average rear camera system with accurate colour reproduction especially in bright lighting conditionsReally superior portrait and front camera/ selfie function even in low-light conditionsPin-point accurate eye auto-focusSuper Anti-Shake video
What I disliked about the phone:
The speakers were rather sharp (a lot of treble) which made listening on the phone’s in-built speaker a bit painful after a while (this I remedied by connecting it to a Bluetooth speaker/ earphones when I was watching media or live streams)The rear camera system was slightly less-impressive when shooting objects in low light conditions, but it’s something that’s expected and can be remedied with some post-editingThe phone is unsuitable for graphics-intensive games (no surprise here). More basic games are fine (I played F1 Manager without any issues). Get a flagship like Vivo’s X series phones if you’re looking to play graphics-intensive games.

Updated – I also managed to use the Vivo V20 Pro at the following events:
Preview of the buka puasa buffet at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur – https://timchew.net/2021/03/14/sajian-merentasi-zaman-buka-puasa-buffet-2021-at-four-seasons-hotel-kuala-lumpur/
Setting: Our preview was at 4.00pm in the afternoon thus there was lots of ambient light due to the huge windows hence lighting was no issue at all. The colour reproduction was satisfyingly accurate, while the clarity was also above expectations (even when I was shooting through the protective Plexiglass for some shots). I got to try out the rear wide-angle camera for a number of shots and the quality was surprisingly good for a 8MP sensor!

Preview of Ultime Kuala Lumpur – https://timchew.net/2021/03/09/preview-of-ultime-atelier-boulangerie-kuala-lumpur/
Setting: Our principal photographer Andy Kho assisted me with most of the photos (it was his first time using the smartphone). The meal started at 4.00pm in the afternoon in a private room with warm lighting and slight daylight light coming in through the window. As afternoon became evening, the dim lighting saw us bringing out a video light to provide some additional lighting. Andy and I both agreed that post-editing was needed for most of the close-up photos of the food shot during this session (however, we normally post-edit most of the photos we shoot with smartphones anyway, except those shot in bright daylight).

Preview of the buka puasa buffet at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

I did three videos featuring basically the same content. First up was the Picture in Picture mode (forgot to set it to 1080p so this was shot in 720p).

For the next video, I turned up the resolution to 1080p and enabled the Super Anti-Shake mode.

Last but not least, I used the Super Anti-Shake mode (with 1080p) and connected the Vivo V20 Pro to my DJI Osmo Mobile 4.

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Review: Pietro Ristorante Italiano at Damansara Heights & Hoofed at TTDI

[Restaurant Review]

MHB’s Shelyn was visiting from Penang, so Andy and I decided to bring her and her friend Yhee Ming to two (2) of our favourite F&B establishments in the Klang Valley namely – Pietro Ristorante Italiano in Damansara Heights, and Hoofed in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. It’s been a while since my last visit to Pietro Ristorante Italiano in Damansara Heights which is one of my favourite Italian restaurants due to the delicious food, pricing which is not exorbitant, the location which is not too far away from my house, and the ample parking available in the evenings.
In fact, our last visit was almost a year ago – https://timchew.net/2013/10/20/mhb-visits-pietro-ristorante-italiano-october-2013/ so a visit was definitely overdue!
And if you’re looking for somewhere nice to bring your date for dinner, well the private dining rooms are certainly great for a romantic dinner with a loved one – https://timchew.net/2013/07/19/romantic-dining-spots-pietro-ristorante-italiano/
This time round, instead of the normal Italian fare that’s on the menu, Pietro arranged a special 6-course menu for us to showcase their versatility in preparing dishes for special occasions, events and functions.
6 course dinner!
We chose one of the house white wines to go along with the meal as the appetizer, and both mains were white meat. Pietro’s house wines are quite reasonably priced at around RM88 to RM118 per bottle. Of course, you can opt for the more expensive choices but for casual drinking this bottle of white wine which was dry and fruity and cost less than RM100++ was actually pretty nice!
Tuna Maguro Salad
Tuna Maguro Salad – medium rare Maguro (tuna) served with braised red cabbage and cucumber relish
This was a really pretty and colourful dish! Very visually stunning and the taste was no less impressive. The slices of pink tuna were flavourful and very fresh, and they were nicely complemented by the sourish taste of the slivers and morsels of vege on the plate resulting in a delightful mish-mash of flavours. Definitely a winning start to the meal! This was Shelyn’s favourite dish of the night!
Green Pea Soup
Green Pea Soup – creamy green pea soup served with chicken and garlic bread
As it was a rainy night, a nice warm soup was really quite welcome. Now I’m really not a fan of green peas and my mom really had a hard time making me eat my peas when I was small, so I was rather hesitant when I saw this but to my surprise it was really not at all the green vege bland tasting soup I was expecting. The taste of peas was not overpowering and the little savoury bits of chicken and the garlic bread added some variance in texture and flavour. A little rich but that’s generally how I like my soups. I hope Pietro will include this one in their regular menu as it’s something I’ll definitely order again in the future apart from my all time favourite soup at Pietro, their Wild Mushroom Soup.
Fusilli Pomodori
Fusilli Pomodori – spiral pasta cooked in spicy tomato sauce and served with Parmesan cheese
Now this one is my favourite dish of the night. Al dente fusilli in a tangy and cheesy sauce which achieved the perfect balance of creaminess, savouriness and acidity together with some slight acidity. Looks unassuming and simple yet it explodes with flavour! I will recommend to the Pietro management that this hearty dish be permanently included in the menu.
Jumbo Prawns
Jumbo Prawns – grilled prawns served with fennel salad and anchovies butter sauce
I thought that this dish could have done with a bit more of the lovely anchovies butter sauce (although not smothered in it like the butter crab in Chinese restaurants) however I guess for presentation sake the prawns couldn’t be swimming in sauce. In hindsight, perhaps I should have tried requesting for more sauce. Please sir, may I have some more…sauce?
Alpollo
Alpollo – chicken breast rolled with eggplant and served with creamy truffle potato and rosemary jus
Essentially a chicken roulade, the chicken breast (my least fav part of a chicken) was surprisingly tender and juicy. However again I wished for more of the delightful rosemary jus to go with this dish. Really enjoyed the truffle mashed potatoes which were so fragrant! From watching Masterchef USA and Hell’s Kitchen, I know Gordon Ramsay is not too fond of using truffle oil as it can easily overpower the taste of the dish however I think used in small quantities and with the right ingredients, truffle oil can really enhance an otherwise ordinary food item.
Chocolate Pie
Chocolate pie – bittersweet chocolate pie with raspberries
There’s only one (1) word to describe this dessert – DECADENT!
Eating the rich bittersweet chocolate with its firm texture was rather like eating chocolate, only a bit softer and I do love my chocolate! The berries on the side lent some acidity to cut through the richness so you could just go on eating and eating until you finish up the whole thing. A lovely end to the meal indeed!

So if you’re looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary to host a small company dinner for 80 pax, or even a family get-together of 12 pax, or even a romantic dinner for two (2), Pietro can customise a special menu to suit your budget however do arrange with them well in advance. You could even request for one of the three (3) private rooms which have different sizes to suit your party or take up the large dining area which can hold up to 80 pax in cocktail setting. Or should you simply feel like having some good quality Italian food, you can just pop over for lunch or dinner, however I do strongly recommend that you call ahead to make a reservation.

Pietro Ristorante Italiano is located at
Ground Floor
Bangunan ECM Libra
8, Jalan Damansara Endah,
Taman Damansara Endah,
50490 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
Lunch: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm – 11.00pm

For info or reservations call 03-2093 6433
Find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pietro-Ristorante-Italiano/234028306654577
or visit their website at http://www.pietro.com.my/

Hoofed at TTDI

After dinner at Pietro, we adjourned to Hoofed in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail for some drinks (as opposed to painting the town red at Zouk Club as we normally would) and some quality conversations. If you’ve been following this site over the last two years, you’d remember that I did previously do a review – https://timchew.net/2013/06/20/casual-dining-hoofed-ttdi/
While its sister outlet Tom, Dick & Harry’s which is located below on the ground floor, is more of a sports bar reknowned for its fresh ice cold beers, Hoofed is a wine bar with a good selection of wines
We decided to go with The Guilty by Shinaz Estates – RM240++
Why is the wine called The Guilty? Well the legend is that a member of the Shinas family was a judge and after retiring from the judiciary decided to take up the family business but instead of going by vintage which is commonly how wines are named, he decided to name it after legal terms hence the wines are named – The Guilty, The Innocent, The Verdict and Sweet Justice!
The Shinas family heritage is Greek, with wine making stemming back over 8 generations. However they migrated to Australia in the early 1950′s, and originally they never sold the wines they made, they would consume a great portion of it and the balance of the wine was gifted to family and friends. But the demand for their wines grew so much that they decided to form Shinas Estate Australia in 2002.
To this day Shinas Estate has remained a micro boutique winery making wines the traditional way, with wine-making secrets and methods passed down through the generations. Shinas Estate is based on the outskirts of Mildura, Victoria on the Murray river, and the region’s Mediterranean climate and ancient soils make it ideal for growing premium grapes.
The Guilty is produced from premium vineyards. Due to its limited production, Hoofed informs me that there are only around 900 bottles in Malaysia! The wine is made from low yielding old vines dating back to 1898, and aged in older French oak, giving it a ripe shiny blackberry red colour. On the nose it gives cherry, vanilla and peppery spice aromas. It is a full-bodied wine with smoky vanillin oak, cherry and strawberry fruits, chocolate and mocha flavours, resulting in a big, rich, velvety smooth package. The Guilty is a juicy wine with fine tannins, with the pepper detected on the nose making a re-appearance on the powerful finish.
I’m generally not a big fan of full bodied wines, however I will gladly make an exception for The Guilty as it’s a really nice and easy wine to drink yet departs some complex and intricate flavours!
Lam Yee Fried Pork – RM21.00++
To go along with the wine we had some delicious Lam Yee Fried Pork which is really perfect to accompany wine or beer! Crispy fried pork that’s tender on the inside and extremely flavourful with some vege on the side which is more a garnish. Eat it with the creamy accompanying sauce or on its own. If I didn’t have such a big dinner I would have finished the whole plate.

Jasmine and her friend joined us there
Jasmine is an actress and you can catch her in some local and Singaporean dramas
Hoofed remains one of my favourite wine bars in the suburbs with its chilled out ambience, wide selection of wines, and delicious porky food so do check it out if you’re around Taman Tun Dr. Ismail.

Hoofed is located at
No. 18A, Lorong Rahim Kajai 14,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.

Operating hours: Mondays to Saturdays – 5.00pm to 12.00+ midnight (closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 03-77288567

*Hoofed is non-halal and serves alcohol and pork

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Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Rule of 3 #Tide Series

Bear Grylls challenged Luminox to advance its efforts toward sustainability even further in 2022. The CO2 neutral Luminox achieved this goal by using a new upcycled plastic material for the new edition of the Bear Grylls watches in order to live up to the standards of the internationally renowned ultimate survivalist. As a result, a collection of timepieces was created that included three of the most crucial facets of the Luminox and Bear Grylls partnership: survival, making every second count, and sustainable materials.
The brand-new Survival Rule of 3 (Ro3) X #Tide Series is made of the environmentally beneficial #Tide material, which is created from waste ocean plastics. The existing CARBONOXTM material’s vital qualities of durability and water resistance are both present in this environmentally friendly material. It comes in two variations made of #tide recycled plastic: black dial with black strap and black dial with orange strap.
The Ro3 is also printed on a removable sliding tab on the watch strap: 3 Minutes without AIR, 3 Hours without SHELTER, 3 Days without WATER, 3 Weeks without FOOD.

The special dial design includes an oversized ‘3’ on the dial, a nod to the survival rule, which is balanced by the Bear Grylls Never Give Up logo at 9 o’clock. As with every other Luminox timepiece, it incorporates the Luminox Light Technology, ensuring that the dial of the timepiece is visible in any lighting conditions. The model boasts a 45mm case and water resistance to 200 meters with Grylls’ signature orange crown.
On the case back is the Luminox logo etched alongside Grylls’ Never Give Up motto and the brand’s long term sustainability partner, #Tide.

“Survival comes down to time and with this new release I want to respect the Rule of 3. Whether you are an adventurist or just an enthusiast, understanding this rule reminds us to be smart about the time we have and to be humble. I am proud of the new watch and the case material which will result in less plastic in our oceans.”
Bear Grylls
Luminox is a pioneer in sustainability for the watch industry. Not only has Luminox made leaps and bounds in the watch manufacturing process with recycled and upcycled materials, but had also been CO2 neutral since 2020. The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Rule of 3 is the ultimate watch for any and every adventurer, built not only to survive, but to help protect the environment.

Luminox watches are available at the following departmental stores and other leading watch retailers.
Parkson at Pavilion  Level 3, Pavilion, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Parkson at One Utama  Lot G 320, F 320, S 320, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Daruh Ehsan, Malaysia.
SOGO Kompleks SOGO, 3D Fashion Arena, 190, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
SOGO  Central i-City, Unit G-01, No 1, i-City, Persiaran Multimedia, Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
For further information and the full list of authorised watch retailers, call Crystal Time (M) Sdn Bhd at +603 2938 3938 or head over to www.luminox.com.sg

Photo credits: Crystal Time
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HTC Incredible S Launch

HTC launched their newest smartphone along with a special HTC/ Digi outlet called Cubic Platforms at Sunway Giza which provides various services (pay bills, buy HTC phones, send your phone for service, etc. etc.) and houses a cafe which serves good coffee and light snacks.
The ever-so-sweet Michelle Phoon with the HTC Incredible S
The delicious looking Belle Lee was one of the HTC girls too!
As was Queen'ce who I think has a 'girl next door' look.
The services offered at Cubic Platforms
The HTC Incredible S
Unfortunately no Tomcat in the middle this time...

Get more info on the HTC Incredible S here.

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LG Convention 2016 – “The Future of Home”

[Tech & Gadgets]
 Travel social media influencer Ee Fee (right) with a pretty girl

LG Electronics Malaysia (LG) unveiled its latest range of innovations at the LG Convention 2016 on 21 April 2016. The convention was themed ‘The Future of Home’, and introduced some of the brand’s new home entertainment and home appliance technologies that hopes to transform the way people live, work and play. Three innovations namely the LG 4K OLED TV, LG TWIN Wash™ and LG CordZero™ series were the highlights of the convention this year.
“Our customers have always been the focal point of our business. That is why we strive to offer the best innovations to them every year. The LG Convention 2016 themed ‘Future of Home’ is yet another opportunity for the brand to introduce award-winning innovations that are recognised globally for its achievements – offering superior technology, aesthetic designs, high performance and energy efficiency. A combination that will be a driving factor to continuously enrich the lives of our customers in Malaysia,” said David Oh Managing Director, LG Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd.
LG is committed to creating products that deliver energy savings without sacrificing performance or style, and is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2016 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year–Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy-efficient home entertainment and home appliance products.

 LG 4K OLED TV

LG is a pioneering company in OLED display technology and its new 4K OLED TV is a complete package that offers high dynamic range (HDR), infinite contrast ratio, and a slimmer design, winning the Innovation Award in CES 2016 for its superior display.
The 4K OLED TV is enhanced by high dynamic range (HDR), a technology that provides infinite contrast ratio for unmatched clarity. Colours are more realistic on LG’s new TV can display the whitest of white and darkest of black resulting to superior image quality. This ability ensures that images are displayed in perfect black as well as in vibrant colours, making LG’s 4K OLED TV capable of HDR and Dolby Vision viewing.
The LG 4K OLED TV is very different from the conventional LCD displays whereby the LED backlight locally dims the entire sections of the screen. The self-lighting pixel technology in the OLED enables each pixel on an OLED panel to switch on and off independently resulting in crisp, vibrant colors and shadow details, even when bright objects are directly next to deep, dark areas.
The LG 4K OLED TV has a premium, slim and classy design and comes with LG’s unique Picture-on-Glass concept, and an integrated Sound Bar speaker by Harmon/Kardon.

 LG TWIN Wash™

LG’s twin load washing machine features its revolutionary TWIN Wash™ System that helps users wash two loads of laundry at the same time. The TWIN Wash™ System is a new category of washing machine introduced by LG with a space-efficient mini washer in the pedestal, with overall cycle times reduced with two wash cycles happening simultaneously via its separate compartments. The TWIN Wash™ System also has the added benefit of allowing users to separate their laundry – delicate from regular clothes, whites only from coloured clothes, heavily soiled from normal wear.
LG’s new washer-dryer pair makes washing more convenience with the door aligned with the drum’s centre, positioned higher than other conventional models. It is also tilted to a more accessible six degree angle, so users don’t have to bend over as much to put clothes in or remove them. Visibility with the door closed is also increased and the newly designed sliding detergent box at the top reduces the likelihood of messy detergent spills.

 LG CordZero™

In the Home Appliances segment is the LG’s CordZero™ series featuring a Canister, Handstick and Hom-Bot. The CordZero™ Canister powered by RoboSense™ is introduced for the first time in Malaysia – a technology that enables the device to follow users around during cleaning without having to drag the cylinder around on its hose. The CordZero™ Handstick features an innovative built-in lithium-ion battery Dual Power Pack™ providing 200 watts of suction power and continuous cleaning for up to 40 minutes in regular power mode.
LG’s Hom-Bot is enabled with self-learning technology, and this smart cleaner remembers your cleaning history, ensuring that every corner of your house is clean including common out-of-sight locations.
The CordZero™ series employs LG’s Smart Inverter Motor™ for superior performance with improved efficiency and durability in a compact size, without a power cord, you can clean freely from room to room without any tangling wires or the hassle of plugging and unplugging the device, helping to reduce overall cleaning time.

The LG Convention 2016 also featured other LG innovations like the SUPER UHD TV, home speakers, refrigerators, top load and bottom load washing machines, air conditioner, dishwashers and many more.

For more info, head over to http://www.LG.com

 Girls being girls…

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Ferrari F12berniletta Launch

[Automobile]
I’m quite the Ferrari fan. Have been since Michael Schumacher used to race in their F1 team and it spilled over to my love for their roadcars. So it was with much anticipation and glee that I went to Zebra Square in KL on 21 March 2013 for the official launch of the Ferrari F12berniletta in Malaysia by Naza Italia.
The F12berlinetta is one of the most powerful and high-performance road-going supercars ever offered by the Prancing Horse, second only to the recently built LaFerrari (unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2013). The F12berlinetta combines extreme performance with benchmark efficiency and Italian flair. It’s also the first in a new generation of Ferrari V12s that have reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by an impressive 30 percent – a result achieved through extensive research and development which focused on efficiencies of the whole vehicle: engine, aerodynamics, tyres and weight.
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The welcoming party!
Checked out some of the Ferraris on display outside the hall before I went in. Here’s the Ferrari California.
The Ferrari FF which is a four-seater and 4-wheel drive
The Ferrari 458 which has a 4.5L V8 engine (now you see where the name comes from?)
OK after snapping enough shots outside I popped into the hall
After a couple of rounds of speeches the car was finally unveilled!
The prancing horse!
F12 berniletta closeup of the rear numberplate
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Ok ok enough teasing. Here’s the car.
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The Ferrari F12 berniletta – what a beauty!
Check out the 20″ rims!
The Ferrari F12berniletta is powered by a new 740hp (730bhp) mid-front V12 engine that delivers 690 Nm of torque of which 80% is readily available at 2500rpm!
Look at the red leather wrapped interior!
I just had to have a pic in it
Then helped to take one for MHB’s Wan Ting
Here’s a shot of the rear
And another one from the other side
Not forgetting the Ferrari models
The pretty L’Oreal Mok (L) and her colleague
MHB’s Melissa and Wan Ting with the Ferrari F12berniletta
Managed to catch Daphne Iking for a shot after she finished MC-ing the event
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Its engine, dashboard and seats have both been lowered, the wheelbase is shorter and a new suspension and gearbox layout have enabled a more compact rear. The outcome is a lower, narrower and shorter vehicle than its predecessor and, coupled with a chassis constructed from 12 different alloys of aluminium (some of which are being used for the first time in the automotive sector), the F12berlinetta is 70kg lighter with an increase of 20 percent in torsional rigidity. Beautifully balanced, this supercar boasts ideal weight distribution of 54 percent over the rear axle as well as a lower centre of gravity pulled further back in the chassis.
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F12berlinetta technical specifications

Engine
Type                                              65° V12
Bore/stroke                                 94 x 75.2 mm
Total capacity                            6262 cc
Compression ratio                     13.5:1
Maximum power                       545 kW (740 CV) at 8250 rpm
Specific power output              118 CV/l
Maximum torque                      690 Nm at 6000 rpm
Maximum revs                          8700 rpm
Dimensions and weight
Length                                      4618 mm
Width                                        1942 mm
Height                                      1273 mm
Wheelbase                                2720 mm
Front track                              1665 mm
Rear track                               1618 mm
Dry weight*                            1525 kg
Kerb weight*                          1630 kg
Weight distribution              46% front, 54% rear
Weight/power ratio              2.1 kg/CV
Fuel tank                                  92 l
Wheels and tyres
Front                                        255/35 ZR 20 9.5J
Rear                                         315/35 ZR 20 11.5J
Front (winter tyres)                  255/35 ZR 20 9.5J
Rear (winter tyres)                   305/35 ZR 20 11.5J
Carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM3)
Front                                        398 x 223 x 38 mm
Rear                                         360 x 233 x 32 mm
Electronic controls
ESC                                         Stability control
High-performance ABS/EBD    High-performance anti-lock braking system with electronic brake balance
F1-Trac                                    F1 traction control
E-Diff 3                                    Third generation electronic differential
SCM-E                                    Magnetorheological damping control with twin solenoids
Gearbox
F1 dual-clutch 7-speed
Performance
Top speed                               over 340 km/h
0-100 km/h                              3.1 sec
0-200 km/h                              8.5 sec
Consumption and Emissions (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)
Consumption**                         15l/100 km
CO2 emissions**                        350 g/km
*With lightweight options
**ECE+EUDC with HELE system
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More info at http://www.kualalumpur.ferraridealers.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/nazaitalia
More photos at https://www.facebook.com/myhotbloggers
Subscribe to my public updates at https://www.facebook.com/timchewkc
or follow me on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/timchew1311
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Omakase Menu at Hagi Japanese Cuisine, TTDI

Watch the higher resolution version at https://www.facebook.com/mhbdigital/videos/365823494537118
MHB Digital’s resident food writer Kelly Siew (who blogs at https://kellysiewcooks.com/) and I recently headed over to Hagi Japanese Cuisine in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, to try one of the restaurant’s three (3) omakase menus.

<p value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">Hagi Japanese Cuisine was named after the Japanese fall flower (also known as the Japanese bush clover) that's commonly found in the Japanese countryside. The restaurant aims to evoke the essence of traditional Japanese dining experiences, emphasising on freshness on every platter. Hagi Japanese Cuisine was named after the Japanese fall flower (also known as the Japanese bush clover) that’s commonly found in the Japanese countryside. The restaurant aims to evoke the essence of traditional Japanese dining experiences, emphasising on freshness on every platter.
HAGI’s signature dishes are prepared using the finest ingredient delivered directly from the renowned Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. HAGI offers a variety of pork free omakase menus which start from RM180 going up to RM380 per pax, as well as a variety of a la carte dishes such as salads, appetisers, sashimi, sushi, nigiri, yakimono, shokoji, menrui, mushimono and even wagyu!
Some of Hagi’s signature dishes include:
‘Unagi Hitsumabushi’ – A spin-off from the traditional grilled eel rice bowl, this classic specialty dish from Nagoya has a distinct 3-way eating procedure.
‘Hagi Hiyashi Somen’ – Hagi’s signature somen noodles is a must-try Japanese summer dish. Topped with sea urchin & salmon roe, the refreshing dish served in a chilled bowl is the go-to to beat the heat on a sunny day.
‘Akazu’ – To round off a wholesome Edo style dining experience, all premium grade short grain rice used in HAGI are seasoned with red vinegar to bring out the full taste, colour and character.
Every dish in HAGI is curated by the Head Chef Yee Fung who has over a decade of Japanese culinary craft experience under his belt. His forte of ‘Moritsuke’ – the art of harmonising space and food on plating, is at the heart of HAGI’s philosophy of serving with ‘pride, passion and perfection’.
The drinks menu includes a variety of Japanese sakes, beers and whiskies.

The interior of the restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in actionThere’s a good selection of various sake, Japanese whisky, and beer.

Hagi Japanese Cuisine is located at:

<p value="<amp-fit-text layout="fixed-height" min-font-size="6" max-font-size="72" height="80">18, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia.18, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Operating Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm and 6pm – 10:30pm
Telephone: +6014-358 9434
Website: www.hagi.com.my

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Bentley Inaugurates a New Sales and Aftersales Centre in Milan, Italy

[Automotive News]

Bentley Milano officially opened its new home in the Italian capital of elegance, technology and innovation. Appointed as an official partner in 2016, the retailer has supported the brand’s continuous growth in the Italian market ever since.
Bright and welcoming, the new Bentley Milano salon consists of a 500 square metre lounge in addition to 1,000 square metres of outdoor space and 800 square metres that are devoted to the new workshop.
Customers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the entire range of Bentley cars and to be able to engage in the configuration of their car in a dedicated area, where they will be able to touch the leathers, dashboard finishing materials, stitching and even experience Mulliner’s personal specification. Another area is dedicated to the brand, its history, its life today which speaks of elegance, design, inclusion and diversity, as well as sustainability, a living room where you can talk and learn about the history of Bentley of yesterday, but also the brand life today and the future vision.
Bentley Milano’s services include the presence of a notary in the office for administrative procedures, and above all, an attentive and punctual aftersales service, “tailored like a tailor-made garment” for its customers. The retailer guarantees, among other things, the custody of the car, tire change service, ordinary and extraordinary overhaul, services of Bentley authorized bodywork, replacement car and, where requested by the customer, a collection and return service.

The new home will display the entire timeless designed Bentley range of products. The Flying Spur range is positioned as the world’s definitive four-door grand tourer, inspiring the imagination – of both the driver and the drive – with its elegance of form and magical combination of luxury, performance and innovative technology. The Flying Spur is currently offered in two different powertrains and from Q1 2022 onwards in three: the essence of the FS powered by a V8, the exquisite powered by the iconic W12, and soon offering the hybrid system, which will make it the progressive Flying Spur.
The Bentayga, the ultimate go-anywhere model, offers power, luxury and usability with its V8 and hybrid powertrain. That car created the luxury SUV sector when launched back in 2015 sits at the pinnacle of luxury mobility. New Bentayga builds on the success of that ground-breaking original, with the latest on-board technology, added usability and an even more cossetting, hand-built cabin. Also designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, England, the new Bentayga is offered with an efficient plug-in Hybrid powertrain, Bentley’s proven, 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, or a powerful 6.0-litre 12-cylinder petrol engine.
There’s also the Continental GT in its Coupe and Convertible versions, as well as the pinnacle of the Continental GT range, the new GT Speed, the ultimate performance-focused expression of Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer complete the portfolio. The GT Speed maintains the luxury, comfort and usability of its siblings, while equipped with an updated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 355 km/h (208 mph) and 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds).
The opening night of the new Bentley headquarters in Milan saw the participation of customers and friends of the Bentley brand who met at the new home, in a typically Bentley atmosphere, where elegance and innovation were the settings for the splendid Bentley cars, with an exceptional guest, the Bentley Continental GT Pikes Peak, the record-setting winning car in 2019.

“Growing up in one of the markets where the passion for cars and driving pleasure is a point of reference is very important for a brand of excellence like Bentley. Bentley Milano is one of our 70 retailer locations across Europe where the public’s interest in the brand has grown steadily over the past few years, in line with our global half-year record performance announced some months ago. I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of this new facility which is the result of our growth ambitions and success with our new Bentley models on Italian roads. Elegance, comfort and unmistakable design are the soul of Bentley models and with the recent launch of the GT Speed, we are adding a fantastic sporting accent to the range offering.” Balazs Rooz, Regional Director Bentley Motors Europe
“Italy is also benefiting from Bentley strategy across Europe. I am very proud to represent such an elegant, innovative and dynamic brand as Bentley in our country. If I go back to 2016 when the Fassina Group was chosen to represent Bentley, I realize how far we have come together to date. Each year we have improved our position, increased sales and increased success with the public. For us, 2021 is a new starting point, characterized by our family motto “passion guides us.”Ado Fassina, Dealer Principal Bentley Milan and Padua
Bentley Milan is part of the European Retailer Network of 70 retail partners covering 35 territories.
Since 2016, Italian customers can access three distinct sales and after-sales locations: Bentley Milano, Bentley Padova and Bentley Firenze. And two authorized workshops in Rome and Opera, just outside Milan, Italy.

Photo credits: Bentley
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Christmas and Festive Promotions 2018 at Conrad Hong Kong

[Travel News]
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The Conrad Hong Kong’s decadent festive programme for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations this year. which includes a host of specially tailored festive activities, seasonal menus and bespoke celebration packages.

Lavish Seafood Market  Semi Buffet  at Brasserie on the Eighth

Brasserie on the Eighth interior will once again be transformed into a snowy pop-up French winter market. A semi-buffet dinner allows diners construct a menu they desire. An all-you-can-eat station featuring freshly shucked French oysters, Boston lobsters and Alaskan king crab leg on the ice will be set up on 24, 25 and 31 December 2018 to further pamper diners with signature homemade foie gras terrine and classic but hearty main dish. Enticing choices include Slow-roasted A4 Wagyu Beef Tenderloin and A4 Wagyu Short Rib and Turkey Ballotine Stuffed with Duxelle Mushroom.

Heart-warming Affairs at Garden Café

With a classic, gleeful setting, Garden Café features a heap of delicious offerings including Boston lobster, roasted whole American turkey and wagyu prime rib. Also, Chefs from the culinary team will show off their impeccable skills carving a jet-fresh fish sashimi.

Bubbly Champagne Afternoon Tea with Perrier-Jouët

The Lobby Lounge will be having their Bubbly Perrier-Jouët Champagne afternoon tea from 1 December 2018 to 6 January 2019. The menu of the afternoon tea set carries an array of food items made with deluxe festive ingredients. Highlighted sweets include the Champagne-infused Kir Royale jelly with Champagne sabayon, raspberry and chocolate Champagne mousse cake, homemade Christmas stolen, festive spiced cookies and many more. At guest’s departure, the guests will also receive an Anemone bracelet with floral pattern as Christmas gift.

Finding the Perfect Pairing at Pacific Bar
Pacific Bar has been a muse to wine aficionados and cheese lovers in town with its extensive selection of premium wines and cheeses. On 1, 8 and 15 December from 6pm to 9pm, the hotel’s cheese master will host a wine and cheese appreciation class over three glasses of wines and five kinds of cheeses. Priced at HK$480* per person, it offers guests an ideal occasion to kick back and relax in a pleasantly Saturday evening. In addition, starting from 26 November, the Pacific Bar will partner with Perrier-Jouët for an ultimate indulgence over Champagne, caviar and seafood. From HK$560*, the experience includes two glasses of Champagne and your choice of seafood or caviar.

Festive Delicacies and Hampers at The Cake Shop

The Cake Shop has hampers that are stylish with a European flair, with each gift box comprising highly sought after gourmet goodies from Europe. Those with a particular taste can even customize a unique hamper of their own to surprise their family and friends. A 15% discount will be offered for hampers and delicacies ordered on or before 9 December 2018.

Body Renaissance
Discover a full range of treatments at The Health Club which relieve muscle tensions, brighten skin and cater to many more needs. Organic skincare products from the Italian brand Comfort Zone make the wholesome treat all the more fabulous. Share the restorative indulgence with your loved ones by selecting the treatment gift certificate and a line-up of luxurious body care products.

Extravagant Countdown Parties to 2019
The luxurious Executive Lounge on Level 59 offers a seafood buffet with front row seating for the amazing New Year’s Eve fireworks displaying over the Victoria Harbour. Alternatively, guests can head to the countdown party at Lobby Lounge and the alfresco Garden Café Terrace featuring a live band and DJ vibes with specially-concocted cocktails to usher in 2019.
You can also host your festive and countdown parties with ease and in style at Garden Café Terrace. Starting from a two-hour of free-flowing of house white and red wines, beer, juices and soft drinks, together with a selection of freshly prepared grilled specialties and bite-sized delights, a selection of party proposals are available to make your party an event of the year!

For details and reservations, please visit ConradDining.com/Xmas2018 or call (852) 2822 5777

Images courtesy of Conrad Hong Kong.
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Travel & Hospitality News – August 2019

[Travel/ Hospitality]
“Floating Breakfast” at Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first and only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – introduced a luxury ‘Floating Breakfast’ concept offering guests a memorable way to start the day in the privacy of its pools.
Guests can choose one of two options: Floating Breakfast with a Demi Bottle of Champagne (375ml), or Floating Breakfast with soft drinks only.

Floating Breakfast with champagne

The first option is priced at USD 80++ for two persons, and, alongside the Champagne, also includes Eggs Royale; smoked salmon with green asparagus; a selection of baked goods and pastries; assorted fruits and nuts; various cheeses; light gourmet bites such as Iberico ham with tomato ciabatta, and other delicious treats.

The second option is priced at USD 60++ for two persons and comes with a selection of baked goods, dried fruits, various cheeses, light gourmet bites, freshly-squeezed seasonal juices, and tea/coffee.
‘Floating Breakfast’ is available via In Villa Dining at the resort’s signature two-bedroom Beach Residence, as well as at villas and pavilions which have private pools.
Located just 35 minutes by seaplane from capital city Malé, and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives comprises 94 villas and residences, along with three restaurants, two bars, and Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa. The resort is surrounded by a rich house reef, white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon. A well-equipped Kids Club adds to the resort’s family-friendly appeal.

For more info, head over to http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/en/maldives.html

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Belvedere Vodka x ck one Party

[Event]

Providence KL at The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur played host to the “Belvedere Vodka x Calvin Klein Red Party” on 19 March 2014. The party featured the introduction of ck one’s latest fragrance, Red Edition, with stimulating, provocative and seductive fragrance notes for her, and bold, vibrant and stimulating fragrance notes for him.
Guests got to enjoy two (2) exclusively crafted Belvedere cocktails by Providence’s talented mixologists, Coint and Loco, inspired by ck one Red Edition featuring watermelon tasting notes for the ladies, and Asian pear tasting notes for the gentleman.

My partners in crime for the night – Veron and her sister

Belvedere Vodka was first introduced to North America in 1996, and was the first to create a new standard for excellence in the vodka category and is credited with creating the luxury vodka segment. Belvedere’s all-natural, additive-free character, which is made entirely from Dankowskie Gold Rye and blended with water from its own pristine source, is appreciated my many all over the world today. Belvedere’s taste profile is distinctively soft with a subtle sweetness and a naturally smooth, clean finish. You can purchase Belvedere vodka in top nightclubs (such as Providence and Zouk Club KL) and restaurants in Malaysia and at fine wine and spirits retailers.

the bottle and packaging
ck one Red Edition is a new interpretation of the iconic ck one signature flask, with the bottle emblazoned with the ck one logo in a red, powerful, industrial typeface, faded at one side for a hint of edge. The women’s bottle is clear glass with a red metallic cap and a glossy red outer carton, contrasted with the men’s version in smoke-tinted glass with a jet black carton.

the fragrance – for men
bold – vibrant – stimulating
fragrance: aromatic tonic woody
Recommended Retail Price: edt 3.4oz/100ml RM215
ck one RED EDITION for men opens with a burst of the succulent juiciness of asian pear for a luscious top spiked with the energetic aldehydes. the heart comes alive with the irresistible sexiness of wet suede, while it blends with the fresh intensity of black pepper and ginger. a sexy dry down wraps the fragrance in sensuality, as vetiver haiti, creamy tonka bean, and captive musks collide.

Fragrance Notes:
top: invigorating red pear
mid: rich suede
dry: sensual vetiver

For Him (Made by Coint): Add Belvedere Vodka (1/2oz), Grand Marnier (1/2oz), Kahlua (1/2oz), black syrup (1 drop), fresh lemon juice (1/2oz), simple syrup (1/2oz), and blackcurrant jam (1 bar spoon) into a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish it with a pear slice and it is ready to be savoured.

the fragrance – for her
stimulating – provocative – seductive
fragrance: addictive fruity floral
Recommended Retail Price: edt 3.4oz/100ml RM215
ck one RED EDITION for women offers a new expression of freshness: uniquely energizing, yet daring and intense.
as the fragrance opens, the bold vibrant freshness of juicy watermelon and violet leaves fuse with a burst of succulent fruits for a mélange of forbidden exploration. the notes are feminine and addictive, composed of warm white amber, sensual patchouli and intimate skin musk, to create a powerful blend of undeniable magnetism and seduction.

Fragrance Notes:
top: juicy watermelon
mid: invigorating florals
dry: velvety musks

For Her Cocktail (Made by Loco)
Add Belvedere Vodka (1/2oz), watermelon liqueur (1/2oz), Grenadine syrup (1/2oz) and fresh lemon juice (1/2oz) into a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a Martini glass. Garnish it with a watermelon slice and it is ready to be savoured.
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More info on Belvedere at https://www.facebook.com/belvederevodka or www.mhdm.com.my
More info on ck one at http://www.luxasia.com/
Photo credits: Belvedere Malaysia (Moet Hennessy Diageo Malaysia) and author’s own
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And here are some photos from the 2014 Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix which I attended courtesy of M.Scape. All photos were shot with the Sony Alpha 5000.
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These three girls escorted us with umbrellas near the Paddock Club on a blazing hot day
With Shen Yee, Mabel and Stephanie during the visit to the Ferrari garage
The sporty and beautiful gull-winged Mercedes SLS is the official F1 safety car.
Ever wondered what the race engineers are monitoring on the pit wall? Well here’s a closer look!
The Team Lotus garage
A closer look at Pastor Maldonado’s car
Team Mercedes – they would eventually dominate and gain a 1-2 victory. A feat that has not been achieved since 1955.

Team Sauber’s drivers posing for some photos
The action was fast and furious on track despite the new cars being slightly slower than the previous year’s cars.
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel had a good race and finished 3rd
While his teammate Daniel Ricciardo didn’t have a good day and was forced to retire following some bad luck and which included an unsafe release from a pit stop which had the team pushing his car back to the pits to secure a loose tire.
Spotted pretty Crystal near the Paddock Club

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Liquido Miss Bikini Malaysia 2013 Grand Finale

[News]
 A group pic before the event began: L to R: Lee Wei Ni, Choo Mei Xian, Elaine Chee, Sandra Lee, Mocchi Tan, Nadia Hasbi (CEO of Liquido Malaysia), Summer Liew, Audrey Loke, Carron Kho, Gillian Benjamin, Iva Seow.
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A confident woman is a beautiful woman. But Brazilian women bring it to a whole different level with their sensuality, style and complete ease of their own bodies and it’s that spirit that founder of Liquido Malaysia aims to bring to our shores.
The Liquido Miss Bikini 2013 Grand Finale event held at The Pool on Saturday, 23 November 2013, with the 10 finalists exuding their confidence, beauty and individual personalities in Liquido apparel.
The search was co-organised by Liquido Malaysia and Pixaworks Creative; and supported by the Brazillian Embassy of Kuala Lumpur while Malaysia’s Hottest Bloggers was the official digital media partner.
Founder of Liquido in Malaysia, Nadia Hasbi found herself based in Sao Paulo, Brazil and was impressed with the Liquido brand and the general positive self-image that Brazilian women have of themselves.
“Liquido celebrates the proud, strong and confident woman. A woman who is not afraid to show the world who she is and carries herself with pride. And with that, we are in search of a role model who represents beauty, confidence and also practices a healthy lifestyle in Malaysia. Liquido helps empower women, as style is an extension of themselves, they feel proud and more self- assured while they work out, or whenever they wear Liquido pieces.”
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 Nadine Ann Thomas, Miss Universe Malaysia 2010 (right) was one of the judges for the finale.
 The Pool was packed with family, friends and supporters of the finalists.
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The Liquido Miss Bikini 2013 competition kicked off in September 2013, utilising mainly social media to highlight the search, and received positive response from the Malaysian women who were attracted to what the brand represented. The search started off with auditions (which you can read about here – https://timchew.net/2013/10/15/liquido-malaysia-miss-bikini-2013-auditions-session-2/), which included a high fashion bikini studio shoot and intense interviews with the audition judges – singer songwriter Atilia Haron, versatile photographer Andy Kho and the bikini tycoon herself, Nadia Hasbi.
Fifteen individuals were shortlisted and online voting commenced to form the 10 finalists who went to the grand finale. Prior the grand finale, the 10 finalists also participated in an outdoor photoshoot at Luna Bar (https://timchew.net/2013/11/11/liquido-miss-bikini-2013-search-behind-the-scenes-of-the-photoshoot/), took part in Living Social’s “Zombie Run”, and visited sponsors outlets such as CherryCo (https://timchew.net/2013/11/13/liquido-miss-bikini-malaysia-2013-at-cherryco/).
The search attracted a very diverse bunch of women and these were the 10 finalists:

1. Mocchi Tan @ Tan Cho Kuan, 21, University Student Major in Marketing and Photography
2. Sandra Lee, 35, Systems Engineer
3. Choo Mei Xian, 27, Project Management Office Executive
4. Audrey Loke, 21, Interior Designer and Blogger (audreypuiyan.com)
5. Lee Wei Ni, 27, Online Fashion Entrepreneur (Peep Boutique)
6. Elaine Chee, 30, Freelance Talent and Clarion (M) Brand Ambassador
7. Carron Kho, 22, Quantity Surveyor and Model
8. Summer Liew @ Liew Zu Xing, 19, Student
9. Gillian Benjamin, 28, Training Fitness Manager
10.Iva Seow, 22, Student and Entertainment Designer

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The finalists gave their best strut and answers buoyed by the loud support from the audience, trying their best to impress the Grand Finale judging panel which consisted of Nadine Ann Thomas, Miss Universe Malaysia 2010, Andy Kho and Nadia Hasbi. They were also challenged by photography shoot directions provided by selected members of the audience. The audience also had influence over the winner as the audience vote accounted for 30% of the final score.

In the end there could only be one winner and Lee Wei Ni who amazed the judges during her Q&A session was crowned with a ring of flowers as she walked away with RM5,000.00 cash and a one-year brand ambassador contract with Liquido as well as prizes by the sponsors; Zalora, Biotherm, CherryCo Wax & Beauty Parlor, Peak Physique Health & Fitness Club, Living Social and Sally Hansen.
1st runner-up was clinched by Gillian Benjamin, followed by 2nd runner-up winner Carron Kho. Gillian walked away with RM2,000.00 cash while Carron won RM1,000.00 cash prizes, and both the girls were awarded with a brand ambassador contract with Liquido alongside sponsored prizes.

In addition, subsidiary titles were handed out to:
Miss Confident: Mocchi Tan
Miss Popular: Audrey Loke
Miss Photogenic: Lee Wei Ni
Miss Inspirational: Iva Seow
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Here’s how their journey from auditions to finale panned out:

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Follow Liquido Malaysia’s Facebook page for more updates – https://www.facebook.com/LiquidoMalaysia
More info on the search at http://www.liquido.com.my/miss-bikini-2013.html
More info on Liquido at http://www.liquido.com.my
Photo credits: Andy Kho Photography, and Liquido Malaysia

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Dining & Hospitality News – August 2019

[Hotel/ Dining]
Guest Chef Gari Abdel at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
Guest Chef Gari Abdel from Morocco

Crystal and I headed over to Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara on 1 August 2019 for official launch of the hotel’s “Flavours of Morocco” promotion in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Kuala Lumpur. The launch was held at Le Bar Cocktail & Stories and was officiated by Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s General Manager, Mr Franck Loison, and Madam Nawal Arifi, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Kuala Lumpur.
The hotel invited Moroccan guest chef, Gari Abdel from Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche to prepare authentic Moroccan cuisine. We got to try some of Chef Gari Abdel authentic Moroccan dishes such as Shorba Khodar with Lemon, Artichoke Violet M’charmel, Gambas Mçharmel, a variety of tanjin, and more.
This was my first time trying Moroccan cuisine and I quite enjoyed it! Moroccan cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and therefore features produce like lamb, olives, couscous, and eggplant. We also got to try the Moroccan mint tea which was sweet and refreshing.
The “Flavours of Morocco” promotion at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara runs from 1 to 9 August 2019.
Here are the culinary highlights to expect from Guest Chef Gari Abdel:-

Buffet Lunch at Kwee Zeen
Available daily from 1 to 9 August 2019 – 12noon to 2.30pm
RM124.00nett per person

Taste of Oceana at Kwee Zeen
Every Friday, 2 & 9 August 2019 – 6.30pm to 10.30pm
RM158.00nett per person

C’est La Vie Brunch at Kwee Zeen
Sunday, 4 August 2019 – 12.30pm to 4.00pm
RM188.00nett per person inclusive of free flow of house beverages

French Moroccan Set Dinner at Nizza
1 – 5 & 7 – 9 August 2019 – 6.30pm to 10.30pm

Moroccan Masterclass followed by Lunch at Nizza
Every Friday, 2 & 9 August 2019 – 11.00am to 1.00pm
RM180.00nett per person

Apart from the Moroccan cuisine, the award-winning So SPA at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara will also be highlighting one of its award-winning treatments, the So Hammam Rituals. Whilst hammam has been at the heart of Moroccan culture for centuries, the So Hammam Ritual at So SPA, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara combines socialising with friends with a deeply relaxing and soothing experience.
The So Hammam Rituals is an experience of the Maghreb traditional treatments, which purifies the skin with Savon Noir Beldi olive-rich black soup as well as the wrap that includes a body mask. A full body massage with tea elixir and Argon oil to complete the journey. The So Hammam Rituals is available as part of So SPA menu and priced at RM590.00nett for 120 minutes.

For enquiries and reservations, email HA123-FB4@SOFITEL.COM or call (03) 2720 6688

Photo Credits: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara and author’s own

French Week at Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur will be hosting French Chef David Gache from the Shangri-La Group of Hotels and Resorts to showcase some of his amazing French cuisine for a week in August 2019. Chef David honed his culinary skills at Michelin starred restaurants in Switzerland and London before going on to expand his horizon in Vanuatu, the Middle East and South East Asia. He will be making a special appearance at Gobo Upstairs Lounge & Grill to present a French gourmet experience, bringing some recipes all the way from his hometown to share with diners in Kuala Lumpur this month.
Starting from 19 August to 24 August 2019, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur will celebrate the best of French Week by presenting dishes from the finest ingredients, bringing the taste of France in exquisite presentations right to the diner’s plates. Chef David will serve different set menus as well as an exclusive wine dinner.
The dishes featured at French Week 2019 include Scallop Carpaccio with Green and Red Apples, Apricot “Tarte Fine” with Pan fried Foie Gras, Roasted Black Cod Fish Fillet, Herbed Crust, Lemon Dill Butter Sauce, Seabass fillet “En Papillote”, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Gratin Dauphinois, Raspberrie Valhrona Chocolate Tarte, Citrus Vacherin and more.

The Côtes du Rhône Wine Dinner will feature wines from the region of France. It will be held on 21st August 2019, priced at RM 395 nett per person.

For reservations, call +603 2332 9818 or email fbreservation.thkl@shangri-la.com

“Les Copains” Four Hands Dinner at Soleil, DC Mall

The role of a chef today is much different than it was a decade ago. Chefs used to be invisible, hidden behind the kitchen stove whipping together dish after dish, night after night without receiving much recognition. With the role of a chef changing over the years, so has the culture in the culinary world. Recipes, cooking techniques and knowledge which were once a closely guarded secret, have now become an open book. Chefs today are gaining celebrity status with worldwide acclaims and recognition bestowed upon them.
“Les Copains” is the theme of this 4-hands dinner which will be held over two nights – with mutual learning and friendship building among two great chefs who are renowned in the Malaysian gastronomic scene. After more than five years in each of their own restaurant, the collaboration between multiple award winning Chef Evert and Chef Darren goes beyond the means of providing a special meal, but to celebrate two restaurants which have held strong to their fine dining roots and beliefs.
Soleil under the guidance of Belgium Chef Evert Onderbeke has won multiple awards both locally as well as internationally. Named Time Out KL’s Best European Restaurant from 2014 to 2016 and MIGF 2015 most outstanding dining experience, most innovative cuisine, food presentation and wine pairing during the festive month. Internationally, Soleil has been awarded by Wine Spectator Magazine an Award of Excellence for two consecutive years 2018 & 2019 in which only five restaurants in Malaysia have been recognised. DC Restaurant by Chef Darren Chin is no stranger to awards and recognitions too. Voted by Malaysia Tatler as T. Dining Best Independent Restaurant of 2018, MIGF 2018 Golden Cauldron winner for best all round restaurant and numerous other awards.
For two nights only in September 2019, Soleil & DC Restaurant will play host to a unique culinary tour de force by two award-winning chefs and a very special wine pairing from the cellar of SW Wine Depot. This special event starts on 26 September 2019 at Soleil, and ends at DC Restaurant the following day, and features an 8-course, 4-hands collaboration degustation dinner menu. Priced at RM650++ per person, the two chefs are set to let loose and push boundaries to bring guests a gastronomic culinary adventure of epic proportions.
While food will definitely be the highlight of this culinary tour de force, the carefully curated selection of wines will be served to complement the meal. Soleil’s sister company, SW Wine Depot will be releasing wines from their special cellar and offer two wine pairing packages to accompany the meal. Champagne and wines such as Dom Perignon, Bonnes-Mares a burgundy grand cru of Chambolle Musigny, Château Angelus of Saint-Émilion which only as recent as 2012 has been promoted to Grand Cru Classes A status and Château Haut Brion a Bordeaux 1st growth will be among the wine offered in the premium wine pairing for the night. Château Haut Brion, is one of only five 1st Growth wines besides Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Latour and Margaux.

For more info, head over to soleil.my or https://www.facebook.com/soleilrestaurant

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Romantic Dining Spots – Pietro Ristorante Italiano

[Romantic Dining Spots]
Now those of you who have been following my blog over the last two (2) years would know that I’ve made a number of visits to Pietro Ristorante Italiano to try and review their food.
This time though I’ve decided to try out their new “couples menu” as it was my partner’s 2Xth birthday.
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Pietro Ristorante Italiano is located in Bangunan ECM Libra in the quiet neighbourhood of Damansara Endah. Damansara Heights.
Our first stop was the wine cellar which houses a wide selection of wines and champagnes.
The main dining hall on the ground floor is a combination of modern and stylish design. We got there rather early before the place filled up so I quickly snapped this pic before we headed upstairs to the private room.
The view of the dining hall from the first floor
The well-stocked bar
The larger private room upstairs can fit up to a fourteen guests
Nice sofas where you can have a conversation of coffee or wine
For our dinner we used the smaller private room which fits up to 4 guests. For those of you who are a little confused on which utensils to use first follow this rule – start from the outside and work your way in
Our first birthday celebration together
Red wine for the occasion (this is NOT part of the package). There are house wine selections which are pretty decent or you can choose from the wide range in the cellar. Ask your server or the captain to help you choose something that suits your taste.
Amuse Bouche – cauliflower mousse with avocado cream served with crispy smoked duck and truffle. The good thing about being in a private room is that you can use your hands when having fine dining and there’s no one to see you do it. We dipped the breadstick into the flavourful and delicate mousse which was rich and had a slight taste of the summer truffle (good quality truffle is not overpowering) while the smoked duck was nice and salty to cut through the richness. A balanced dish to start to the night!
Appetizer – Pan Fried Chicken rolled with Foie Gras served with braised baby pear and a balsamic gorgonzola fondue. Another mixture of flavours and textures – sweet, sour, creamy and rich with her favourite – salad!
Zuppa di Portobello – RM25.00 – Portobello mushroom soup with touch of cream. This was NOT part of the package but as I always love the Pietro’s mushroom soup we just had to have this with our meal. Delicious earthy flavours of the mushrooms balanced out by the cream.
Entrée – Truffle Mushroom Risotto. Summer truffles used once again in this dish but it was not overpowering. Risotto is something I regard as “comfort food” and this one certainly didn’t disappoint! Beautifully seasoned and nicely sized pieces of mushrooms inside.
Sorbet of the day to cleanse the palate before the main course. A nice zesty lime sorbet was just what we needed after the creamy dishes.
Crispy Pan Fried Halibut served with potato ratatouille , baby vegetables, and butter cream seafood in guazzetto. She had this one but I did try it and the fish went so oh well with the butter cream sauce! I did enjoy the potato ratatouille as well but it did conjure up images of a mouse cooking it (remember Pixar’s 2007 animated movie?).
Lamb Rack served with pistachio crust, château glaze reduction, polenta cake and seasonal vegetables. The lamb was cooked just the way I like it. Look at the beautiful pink colour! The nuts lent an earthy flavour and a difference in texture. I used the polenta cake to wipe up any remnants of the sweet glaze.
Red wine to go with the lamb, white wine to go with the fish (not part of the package though).
A candle with the dessert for the birthday girl.
Dessert – Chef Special Temptation Platter (shared by 2 pax and trust me it was enough). A pudding, fruit tart and Pietro’s must try tiramisu!
The chef came up to meet us after dinner and shared his background (and some stories) and the inspiration behind the menu.
A nice hot latte to end the meal. Made with Rubra coffee which is a bright and bold coffee with excellent nutty and bitter chocolate characteristics.

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The menu above which consisted of the Amuse Bouche, Appetizer, Entree, Sorbet, Main Course and Dessert for 2 pax cost RM380++
The menu which is suitable for couples looking for a cosy restaurant to have a good intimate dinner and you can top it up with wines/ drinks that suit your fancy.
Pietro’s couple menu changes according to the available ingredients so do call a week or so in advance and speak to them regarding a menu. Also don’t forget to inform them if there are any food that you don’t eat (eg. beef, lamb, nuts, etc. etc.) so that they will not include it in the package.
Also don’t forget to tell them that you want the private room!

Pietro Ristorante Italiano is located at
Ground Floor
Bangunan ECM Libra
8, Jalan Damansara Endah,
Taman Damansara Endah,
50490 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
Lunch: 11.00am – 3.00pm
Dinner: 6.00pm – 11.00pm

For info or reservations call 03-2093 6433
Find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pietro-Ristorante-Italiano/234028306654577
or visit their website at http://www.pietro.com.my/

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Versace Menswear Fall Winter 2016 – Accessories Collection

[Luxury Fashion]

The Versace accessories collection was also revealed at the Versace Menswear Fall Winter 2016 collection (which you can read here – https://timchew.net/2017/01/24/versace-menswear-fall-winter-2016/),

The Versace boutiques in Malaysia are located at:
Lot 2.25 & 3.27, Level 2 & 3, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2141 0677

LC-G02, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC
Tel: +603 2162 0109

Lot H08, Passenger Level, Satellite Building, KLIA
Tel: +603 8776 2269

Images courtesy of Versace Malaysia.
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Editor’s Note – October 2019

[Editor’s Note]
Wine Day at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

We headed over to Nizza at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara on 28 September 2019 for their Wine Day which featured various wine importers and distributors with more than 100 different types of wines for sampling and sale, as well as freshly shucked oysters from Poseidon’s Reserve.

Grand Launch of Three Stooges Bar at Jaya One

We recently attended the launch of the new Three Stooges bar (which occupies the lot right opposite Starbucks, which used to be Brussels Beer Cafe) at Jaya One in Petaling Jaya. The launch was in partnership with some of the major alcohol distributors in Malaysia including Heineken Malaysia, Fortier Wines & Spirits, Drinks Connexion, Bacardi Martini, and more.
The various distributors set up booths in the courtyard beside Three Stooges and guests got to sample and savour the various brews like Apple Fox cider, as well as liquors like London No.1 gin, Dewars 15 Years, Tomatin, Singleton, Bottega gin, Scallywag whisky, to name a few.
It was rather different from the normal bar launches as this had a more festival feel to it, with the variety of drinks available, as well as a live band keeping us entertained. Also, it was very nice to catch up with my friends from the Malaysian alcohol industry.
Three Stooges is a live music bar which serves a variety of drinks including draught beers, liquors as well as bar snacks, and a full dinner menu, making it a very viable option for enjoying happy hour drinks with some friends/ colleagues, or even for dinner.

 The live band kept guests entertained
 There were also games on stage where guests could win themselves some prizes

Three Stooges Jaya One is located at:
G.011 & G.012, The Square Jaya One,
No. 72A, Jalan Universiti,
Section 13,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Telephone: 016-636 3833
Website: threestoogesbistro.com.my
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/threestoogesjaya1/
Photo Credits: Three Stooges Jaya One and author’s own

 Thanks for having us over!
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