Mr. Haxa Does The Blogs

2007 Ramadhan Buffet List in Kuala Lumpur

Someone forwarded me this list in the email. Might be useful if you plan to have iftar with lots of family members, friends, colleagues, or business contacts.

ASEANA CAFE
Suria KLCC City Centre
Reservations: 603 - 382 0395
2006 Price: RM29.75++ per person
Menu: A Selection of choice that may include Kerabu Paru Paru, Gado Gado Rojak Buah, Ulam Ulam, Daging Masak Hitam, Ayam Sambal, Talang Masin Gulai Lemak Nenas, Kacang Panjang Goreng & Hati to name a few. This buffet Menu changes daily.

A&V LAZAR GRILL RESTAURANT
1st Floor, Suria KLCC City Centre
Reservations: 603 - 2380 5700
2006 Price: RM29.00++ per person
Menu: A mixed of traditional Malay & Western cuisines.

BINTANG SHACK RESTAURANT
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Reservations: 603 - 2142 4009
2006 Price: RM28.00nett per adult and RM16.00nett per child
Menu: Experience a different style of Berbuka puasa at Bintang Shack.

CENTURY KUALA LUMPUR HOTEL [ Sunflowers Brasserie ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 2143 9898
2006 Price: RM40.00++ per adult and RM25.00++ per child
Menu: Tempting dishes from the action stall include Chicken and Beef Satay, Lamb Sharwarna, Roti Canai,Murtabak, Penang Prawn Mee, Ikan Bakar and succulent seafood.

CERANA RESTAURANT
Reservations: 603 - 9074 9662
2006 Price: RM35.00nett per adult and RM20.00nett per child
Menu: Seafood & Thai food buffet.

CHINOZ ON THE PARK
Ground Floor, Suria KLCC
Reservations: 603 - 2166 8277
2006 Price: RM38.00nett per person
Menu: Lavish buka puasa buffet.

CHINOZ BANGSAR
Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru
Reservations: 603 - 2283 1231
2006 Price: RM38.00nett per person
Menu: Lavish buka puasa buffet.

CITITEL MID VALLEY [ Citi Cafe ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 2296 1188
2006 Price: RM38.00nett per adult and 50% off per child.
Menu: Favourites such as "Kambing Tandoori", "Kari Kepala Ikan", "Sambal Terung", "Ketam Goreng Rempah", "Ekor Lembu Asam Pedas", "Udang Sambal" and "Rendang Daging Lembu" to go with "Lemang", "Ulam-Ulam", "Rojak" and a dazzling array of refreshing appetisers and desserts.

CONCORDE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR [ Melting Pot ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 2144 2200
2006 Price: RM48.00++ per person.
Menu: Feast yourself to the main course such as ketam masala, ikan patin tempoyak, ikan tenggiri asam pedas, nangka lemak cili padi or opt for the action dishes such as the mee bandung, Johor laksa or ikan bakar. A meal is never complete without the dessert; spoil yourself with the honey dew pudding, warm chocolate pudding, bubur gandum and bubur kacang merah.

CORUS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR [ Dondang Sayang ] 4*
Jalan Ampang
Reservations: 603 - 2161 8888
2006 Price: RM39.00++ per person.
Menu: Feast on an unbelievable spread of over 80 dishes during the month of ramadhan. Break yours fast with a splendid array opf authentic Malay
dishes and a magnitude of sumptuous cuisine from the Middle East to an International fair lined in the hawker style buffet. Not forgetting the delicious selection of traditional dessert, Cakes & Ice Kacang guranteed to fulfill any cravings after a long day of fasting.

CROWN PRINCESS KUALA LUMPUR [ Caf‚ on The Tenth ] 5*
Reservations: 603 - 2162 5522
2006 Price: RM55.20nett per adult and 50%off per child and senior citizen.
Menu: Buffet spread of traditional Malaysia dishes which include appetizers, salads, ulam-ulam, condiments and sauces, soups, carvings, shawarma, main courses and desserts, The harmonious sounds of Malay traditional music and Ghazal will accompany diners from 7.00pm onwards except Sundays.

DE PALMA INN [ Rumia ] 3*
Reservations: 603 - 4270 7070
2006 Price: RM40.00nett per adult and RM22.50nett per child .
Menu: Buffet spread of traditional Malaysia dishes

DEWAN PERDANA FELDA [ D'Saji ]
Jalan Maktab, off Jalan Semarak
Reservations: 603 - 2698 8302
2006 Price: RM35.00nett per adult and RM20.00nett per child.
Menu: Break your fast everyday with different menu at price so right.

DORSETT REGENCY [ Checker's ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 2715 1000
2006 Price: RM38.00++ per adult and RM19.00++ per child
Menu: Malay cuisine including Tandoori Kambing, Lemang, Serunding, Daging Kalio, Ikan Bakar Asam Jawa, Rendang Tok, Paru-Paru Goreng, Sambal Tumis Udang Petai and Ayam Golek.

DYNASTY HOTEL KUALA
LUMPUR [ Aseana ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 4043 7777 ext. 3301
2006 Price: RM42.00nett per adult and RM21.00nett per child Special Price for Bankers: RM38.00nett per person Special Price for Government Servants: RM35.00 nett per person
Menu: Feast yourself with splendid seven rotating buffet menus, each comprising of favourite local specialties.

EQUATORIAL HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR [ Nipah ] 5*
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Reservations: 603 - 2161 7777
2006 Price: RM58.00++ per adult and RM30.00++ per child (4-10 years old)
Menu: Dishes include local salads, soups, hot main courses, hawker-style favourites and desserts. Popular specialities include Roast Lamb, Fish Head Curry,
Bubur Lumbuk, Laksa, Udang Goreng Bermadu, Ayam Masak Serai, Danging Paprik, Ketam Goreng Kunyit, Rebung Masak Lemak Perut, Cili Lala, Soto Ayam and Nasi Bukhari. Desserts include Dodol, Wajik, Layer Cake, Tapai, Kuih Ketayap, Red Bean Dumplings and fresh fruit.

GLORIA JEANS COFFEE
Suria KLCC; Emporium Beach Club; Plaza Mont Kiara; Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre; Odeon Club; Sunway Pyramid; Caesars Club; Plaza Alam Sentral; Waterfront City ; Kompleks Zon Bebas Cukai JB; The Garage Penang Road ; Gurney Plaza ;
2006 Price: RM14.90++ per set meal
Set A : Tomato Rice with Chicken Rendang & Bandung Chiller.
Set B: Tomato Rice with Chicken Char Siew & Bandung Chiller.

GRAND PACIFIC HOTEL [ Pacific ] 3*
Jalan Tun Ismail
Reservations: 603 - 4042 2177
2006 Price: RM29.00nett per adult and RM14.50nett per child
Menu: Malay Ramadhan buffet.

GRAND SEASONS HOTEL [ Seasons Cafe ]4*
No 72 Jalan Pahang
Reservations: 603 - 2695 5225
2006 Price: RM45.00nett per person
Menu: Offerings include Rendang Pedas Udang, Sambal Sotong Petai, Ayam Perchik, Nasi Briyani, Lemang and Serunding amongst others.

IMPIANA HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR [ Saffron Brasserie ] 3*
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
Reservations: 603 - 2026 6060 Ext. 7801
2006 Price: RM38.00nett per person
Menu: Local dishes in style.

HOTEL CAPITOL KUALA LUMPUR [ Be Be's Kitchen & Bar ]4*
Reservations: 603 - 2143 7000
2006 Price: RM30.00++ per adult and RM15.00++ per child & senior citizen
Menu: Traditional Malay cuisine.

HOTEL FAIRLANE [ Makan Makan ]4*
Jalan Walter Grenier
Reservations: 603 - 2148 6888
2006 Price: RM32.00++ per person
Menu: Wide selection of Malay authentic favourites Break fast with a symphony traditional Malay music presented by "Kumpulan Seri Mewah".

HOTEL FLAMINGO [ Cascades ]4*
Tasik Ampang, Jalan Hulu Kelang
Reservations: 603 - 4256 3288
2006 Price: RM46.00nett per person
Menu: Serving local, Chinese, Continental, and hard-to-find dishes, you'll have a feast that you'll not want to forget.

HOTEL ISTANA [ Taman Sri Brasserie ]5*
Reservations: 603 - 2141 9988 ext 3667
2006 Price: From RM70.00nett per adult
Menu: Dishes include Panggang Rusa (grilled deer), Udang Harimau Masak Lengkuas (spicy prawns with galangal), Daging Masak Hijau Berduan Selasih (green beef curry with sweet basil) and Ayam Panggang Madu (marinated baked chicken with chilli and honey). Ghazal music will be playing buffet.

HOTEL MIDAH [ Attapia ] 3*
Jalan Kampung Attap
Reservations: 603 - 2273 9999
2006 Price: RM25.00nett per adult and RM20.00nett per child
Menu: Traditional Malay favourites include Ulam Raja, Kerabu Mangga, Sup Ekor, Sup Tulang, Ayam Goreng Pedas, Daging Masak Lada Hitam, Udang Masak Lada Hitam and Udang Masak Tomato.

J W MARRIOTT HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR 5*
Reservations: 603 - 2715 9000
2006 Price: RM38.00++ per adult and RM16.00++ per child [Sang Bayu Poolside]
Menu: Traditional buffet style with sixty over types of dishes ranging from local, Chinese and International. Complete with tents and food stalls - it is designed to be carnival-like, putting camaraderie and fellowship back into our hectic daily lives.
2006 Price: RM28.00++ per adult and RM16.00++ per child [ Marriott Caf‚ ]
Menu: A special 6 traditional dishes ranging from appitisers, main course, soup and dessert on your mini table..

KELANA SEAFOOD CENTRE
Jalan Tasik Permaisuri1, Bandar Sri Permaisuri
Reservations: 603 - 7803 8118
2006 Price: RM29.00++ per adult and RM12.00++ per child
Menu: Sri Permaisuri Buffet

MALAYAN AROMAS
Ground Floor, City Square , Jalan Tun Razak
Reservations: 603 - 2161 5094
2006 Price: RM15.90nett per person (3 course meal)

MALURI VALUE INN 3*
Jalan Permaisuri Taman Maluri
Reservations: 603 - 9287 8833
2006 Price: RM28.00nett per person

MANDARIN ORIENTAL KUALA LUMPUR [Biba's Cafe] 5*
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Reservations: 603 - 2380 8888
2006 Price: RM63.00++ per person
Menu: Malay & International cuisine.

MUSEUM RESTAURANT,
The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Reservations: 603 - 2274 2020
2006 Price: RM39.00nett per adult and RM19.00nett per child
Menu: Over 50 variaties of Middle Eastern & Local cuisine.

MELIA HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR [ El Patio ] 4*
Jalan Imbi
Reservations: 603 - 2143 8333
2006 Price: RM40.00++ per adult and 50% per child
Menu: More than 60 Raya dishes served in Kampung style.

MICASA HOTEL APARTMENTS [ Tapas Bistro ]
Reservations: 603 - 2161 8833
2006 Price: RM46.00nett per adult and RM23.00nett per child
Menu: Tempting treats include Grilled Meats and Seafood, Assam Laksa, Talapia Lemak Cili Padi,Daging Minangkabau, Bubur Pingat Pisang and Kuih Muih. Three different menus will be rotated during the promotion.

NELAYAN TITIWANGSA RESTAURANT
Reservations: 603 - 4022 8400
2006 Price: RM27.00nett per adult and RM21.00nett per child
Menu: Buffet + Steamboat + BBQ

NIKKO HOTEL [ Caf‚ Serena ] 5*
Jalan Ampang
Reservations: 603 - 2161 1111
2006 Price: RM55.00++ per adult and 50% per child
Menu: Feast on an elaborate daily-changing buffet prepared by Hotel Nikko's Master Chefs during the month of Ramadhan.

PARK PLAZA INTERNATIONAL KUALA LUMPUR
Jalan Ampang
Reservations: 603 - 2711 8866 ext. 3511 [ Pelita Brasserie and Straits Restaurant ] 4*
2006 Price: RM49.00nett per person
Menu: A delightful potpourri of evergreen Malaysian favourites such as Ikan Bakar Percik, Ketam Bunga Masak Rempah, Ayam Panggang, Kambing Marsala, Rendang Daging and Udang Kandar. What's more, the sumptuous spread will be expanded into Straits Restaurant. Look out for the specialty stalls serving Satay, Lemang with Serunding, Otak-otak and many more.

PARK INN INTERNATIONAL
KUALA LUMPUR [ Park Inn Deli] 3* 51-A Changkat Bukit Bintang
Reservations: 603 - 2715 3888
2006 Price: RM30.00nett per person
Menu: Local International food (including Pastas).

PEARL INTERNATIONAL HOTEL [Cafe 5] 4*
Batu 5, Jalan Klang Lama,
Reservations: 603 - 7983 1111 ext 8356
2006 Price: RM30.00nett per adult and RM15.00nett per child
Menu: Local & Western Food

PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESTAURANT
Reservations: 603 - 2144 6602
2006 Price: RM28.00++ per person
Menu: Be with the stars and break your fast and Planet Hollywood with its Ramadhan Buffet.

PRINCE HOTEL & RESIDENCE [Eccucino Brasserie]4*
Jalan Conlay
Reservations: 603 - 2170 8888 ext. 8119
2006 Price: RM52.00++ per person
Menu: A tempting spread awaits with traditional Malay specialities offered.

QUALITY HOTEL CITY CENTRE 4*
Reservations: 603 - 2693 9233 [ Benteng ]
2006 Price: RM39.50++ per adult and RM15.00++ per child
Menu: Malaysian traditional fare and North Indian cuisine.
Reservations: 603 - 2693 9233 [ Meisan Szechuan ]
Price: >From RM38.50++ per person
Menu: Halal chinese cuisine this Ramadhan.

RENAISSANCE KUALA LUMPUR 5*
Reservations: 603 - 2693 9233 [ Vogue Caf‚ ]
2006 Price: RM62.00++ per adult and RM32.00++ per child
Menu: Includes Udang Galah, Sambal Petai, Jelawat Masak Lemak Tempoyak, Ulam-Ulam Melayu, Gulai Nangka Ikan Kering and Kari Sembilang. You can also indulge in Pacific Rim favourites such as Sushi & Sashimi, Oyster Rockefeller, Salmon in Puff Pastry, Steamed Garoupa with Lemon Grass & Coriander and Turkey Roulade with Roasted comein Seed & Papaya Salsa and more

SALOMA KAFE
Jalan Ampang
Reservations: 603 - 2161 0122
2006 Price: RM59.00++ per person (cultural Show performance); RM39.50++ per person (Ghazal performance)
Menu: Live performance at Saloma's with good buffet.

SERI MELAYU RESTAURANT
Jalan Conlay
Reservations: 603 - 2145 1833
2006 Price: RM55.00++ per adult and RM 30.00++ per child
Menu: Menu such as Nasi Ayam,Lemang, Rendang Ayam & Randang Tok, Kuah Lodeh and house specialities pengat Durian. We serves five types of sambal dishes - Sambal Tempoyak, Sambal Cencaluk, Sambal Budu, Sambal Belacan & Sambal Nenas. Our Noodle section features daily specials such as Laksa Utara, Mee Soup & Hilited Italian Spaghetti. The harmonies sounds of Nasyid & cultural show performance will accompany diners. Prayers room are also available for MUSLIM patrons plus we provide an ample free parking to our customer.

SHANGRI LA HOTEL 5* [ Lemon Garden Cafe ]
Jalan Sultan Ismail Reservations: 603 - 2032 2388
2006 Price: RM80.00++ per adult and RM40.00++ per child (6 -12 yrs old)
Menu: Not only should you look forward to breaking your fast with the enormous spread of authentic local cuisine, but you should also save some room for the wide selection of kuih-muih to end your meal on a sweet note.

SHERATON IMPERIAL KUALA LUMPUR 5*
[ Botanica Brasserie ] Jalan Sultan Ismail
Reservations: 603 - 2717 9900
2006 Price: RM66.00nett per adult and 50% off per child ( below 12 yrs old)
Menu: For those who appreciate a little culture with their meal, you can opt for Botanica Brasserie's buka puasa delights under the cover of designer palm trees. You will also be entertained by a live ghazal performance.

SWISS-GARDEN HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR 3*
[ Garden Terrace ] 117, Jalan Pudu
Reservations: 603 - 2141 3333
2006 Price: RM39.00++ per person and 30% off per child
Menu: International and local delights.

THE FEDERAL KUALA LUMPUR
[ The Verandah ] 4* Jalan Bukit Bintang
Reservations: 603 - 2148 9166
2006 Price: RM38.00++ per adult and RM19.00++ per child
Week One - Every 3 full paying adults, the 4th eats free
Week Two - Every 5 full paying adults, the 6th eats free.

THE LEGEND HOTEL
[ Di-Atas Brasserie ] 5* Putra Place , 100 Jalan Putra
Reservations: 603 - 4042 9888
2006 Price: RM69.00nett per person
Menu: Di-Atas presents lip-smacking Ramadhan Delights, authentic local offerings such as Itik Solok, Ikan Keli Masak Tempoyak, Sambal Udang Galah Dengan Petai and many more.

THE PAN PAC KUALA LUMPUR [ Selera ] 5*
Jalan Putra
Reservations: 603 - 4042 5555
2006 Price: RM50.00++ per person
Menu: Selera offer a myriad of both Asian and international delicacies

THE REGENT KUALA LUMPUR [Terrace ] 5*
Jalan Bukit Bintang
Reservations: 603 - 2141 8000
2006 Price: RM50.00++ per person

THE RITZ-CARLTON KUALA LUMPUR [C‚sar's ] 5*
168, Jalan Imbi
Reservations: 603 - 2142 8000
2006 Price: RM38.00++ per set
Menu: Savour typical Malay delights. Changed daily.

WIRA HOTEL 3*
No. 123, Jalan Thamboosamy (Off Jalan Putra),
Reservations: 603 - 4042 3333
2006 Price: RM15.50nett per person [ Set Meal ]
Menu: This Set Ramadhan savours delectable Asian and continental cuisine, grills and snacks in the friendly and informal atmosphere of The Coffee Shop.

CONCORDE HOTEL SHAH ALAM [ Melting Pot ] 4*
Jalan Tengku Ampuan Zabedah, C9/C, Shah Alam
Reservations: 60 3 -5512 2200 ext. 2304
2006 Price:RM47.00++ per person and 50% off per children
Menu: Ramadhan buffet.

CYBERLODGE CYBERJAYA [ The Veranda ] 4*
Reservations: 603 -8312 7000
2006 Price:RM45.00nett per person and RM22.50nett per child
Menu: Relax and tuck into the Malay buffet before moving onto the Western favorites and keep an eye out for the soothing Koi ponds around you.

EASTIN HOTEL [ Swezbrafferie Brasserie ] 4*
Reservations: 603 - 7665 1111
2006 Price: RM52.00++ per adult and RM31.00++ per child.

GRAND BLUE WAVE HOTEL SHAH ALAM 4*
Persiaran Perbandaran, Seksyen 14, Shah Alam
Reservations: 603 - 5031 3388 ext.2612 [ Semarak Cafe ]
2006 Price: RM48.00++ per adult and RM24.00++ per child ( 7 - 12 years)
Menu: Berbuka Puasa with traditional delights from the northen states of the Peninsula such as Laksa Kedah, Kedah's Nasi Ulam, Penang 's Char Koay Teow, Nasi Kandar, Curry Capitan or Kedah's dishes with Thai influences.

HILTON PETALING JAYA [ Paya Serai ] 5*
Reservations: 603 - 7955 9122 ext.4060
2006 Price: RM52.00++ per adult and RM35.00++ per child
Menu: Vast choices of freshly prepared acar, kerabu, sambal and hand-picked ulam served together with 6 types of local keropok. From the buffet line are main dishes of poultry, meat and seafood like ayam panggang bercili, gulai daging, kari ikan tonkol, ikan bakar, pais kerang,  ketam masak chili, just to name a few.

DEPARTURE

DSC_0372a, originally uploaded by haxa.

Up, O ye lovers, and away! 'Tis time to leave the world for aye.
Hark, loud and clear from heaven the from of parting calls-let none delay!
The cameleer hat risen amain, made ready all the camel-train,
And quittance now desires to gain: why sleep ye, travellers, I pray?
Behind us and before there swells the din of parting and of bells;
To shoreless space each moment sails a disembodied spirit away.
From yonder starry lights, and through those curtain-awnings darkly blue,
Mysterious figures float in view, all strange and secret things display.
From this orb, wheeling round its pole, a wondrous slumber o'er thee stole:
O weary life that weighest naught, O sleep that on my soul dost weigh!
O heart, toward they heart's love wend, and O friend, fly toward the Friend,
Be wakeful, watchman, to the end: drowse seemingly no watchman may.

R. A. Nicholson
'Persian Poems', an Anthology of verse translations
edited by A.J.Arberry, Everyman's Library, 1972
http://www.rumi.org.uk/poems.html

How Penang is Losing Its Charm

Penang is an expensive island; from real estate, to cab fare, to seafood,and even getting moving company to get out of the island is a costly affair. Money aside, after living in this island for almost three years, I wonder whether there'll be good wind of change for the long term macro economic development. Here's some of my experiences and thoughts that I'd like to share with you, my fellow readers.

Real estate value in the island is driven by the perception that land is scarce (of course it is) and thus, owning a landed piece of property for new entrants into the job market is almost impossible, while those double-income spouse are even finding it hard too to own their dream home with a beautiful garden with rabbits or kittens running around. Forget those landed property if you can't afford RM500,000 mortgage.

I am a big fan of public transport. While cab drivers in KL comply to the meter system, the state government or the municipality have always failed to enforce the meter system to the hundreds of taxi drivers ripping off passengers. A trip from Sungai Nibong Express bus terminal to the Free Trade Zone which is about 5 minute ride would cost you RM22!!!

In comparison my cab fare from Central Market to Kota Damansara only cost me RM14. So, if you are in the island for holiday or business trip, you have to keep this in mind. Where is the social responsibility of the state government to the middle class who trapped in between and its push for high volume of tourists? I have heard tourists complaining so many times when I talk to them on the bus trip to KL. Other than taxi, suffice to say that the bus system in Penang won't be a good experience for tourists or office commuters.

Now let's get to food. Some restaurants are exorbitantly charging outrageous business dinner. Try one of those over hyped northern Indian food joints and you'll get what I mean. Last night, I had 30-sticks of chicken satay with steamed bawal at the Bali Hai. The bill came to RM99!!! Nuts! I wouldn't mind paying that amount if the satay was as good as Satay Kajang or if the steamed bawal wasn't that bland.

The fact that I am making a move out of the island has made me amazed at price the movers service companies are quoting me. A good friend of mine paid RM1,500 for household items moving from KL to Penang - with packaging, wrapping, dismantling, unpacking, and reassembling service included. I have been calling some movers service here in the island and I'm couldn't believe my eyes when Request For Quotation replies in my e-mail stating that to move a single person household items to KL from Penang would cost me RM2,000 to RM3,500!!! Go figure!

It is hard survival for middle class here and I don't see any social development long term plan taking shape in the island. The lower income earners will be pushed to the bottom. That also leaves me wonder about how the island will attract more tourists to visit the island when the service is still at its mediocre level and definitely have plenty more to catch up with cities.

These days, tourists coming to Penang would make their ways to the Langkawi Island or the lake resort in Bukit Merah or perhaps the bird sanctuary in Seberang.

Looking at long term economic point of view I have this list of questions in my head:

• Where is Penang's theme park to attract year round visitors? Since we are on this theme park topic, a cab driver shared me his conversation he had with one of his rich Middle Eastern passengers who asked him whether the Jerejak Island is up for sale. He said that he'd buy the island if there's such an offer!
• What improvement are the tourism board bringing in to existing destinations such as Penang Hill?
• When will there be a solid beach cleaning program to take care those dirty beaches in Batu Ferringhi?
• When will the transport system be fixed for the good of the Penang folks?
• When would they upgrade their ferry services that has been there since the British days?
• What are the new growth industry that can attract new players pumping in new FDI dollars to the island besides E&E?

I bought the TIME magazine June 4th edition and it features Singapore's plan to upgrade its skyline, working hard to find its niche attraction, and paranoid about its long term competitiveness edge. In the end, it makes you wonder whether they are still going make another costly mistake to build two lanes on the second bridge connecting Batu Kawan to Batu Maung. Enough with the nasty jam on the existing bridge!

Let's hope for the best! I still love the island despite the issues I'm highlighting here and I would love to see the Pearl of the Orient once again shine! And I know I will miss some nice people I got to know since I moved here.

Chicken Satay Dinner

DSC_0236, originally uploaded by haxa.

The meat was just nice. Not too thick and sweetly marinated. The peanut sauce could be better if it was much more hotter/spicier. The ketupat rice was bad - perhaps it was cook way earlier. You can tell it was the instant ketupat rice. Darn!

The satay was ordered from the Traditional Bali Satay vendor at the Bali Hai on Gurney Drive.

Some local tips to get the best satay in the Penang Island:

1. Get to 'Padang Brown' or also known by locals here as 'Padang Vroom'
2. Get to this satay place nearby the Penang General Hospital and Jalan Kulit. The Malay satay vendor is in a Chinese restaurant/stall.

Rating: 2 out of 5. More photos from Chicken Satay Dinner: http://www.flickr.com/photos/haxa/sets/72157600291784207/

Long Live the Queen Bee

DSC_0571a, originally uploaded by haxa.

Bee #1: Do you know that the Queen Bee on 7th Street pays more than ours?
Bee #2: Really?
Bee #1: Yeah, maybe we should work there!
Bee #2: Nah! I'm quite happy here. Our Queen is much more charismatic.

I took this picture at one of the fruit sellers at the Esplanade, Penang. I didn't get the pineapple, but had the guava instead!

The Malaysian Ministry of Health Got It All Wrong on Fast Food Adverts Ban on TV/Media

I am appalled by the decision of Health Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek to ban fast food ad on TV in order to curb the "rise of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension" among kids and the Malaysian public in general. The Malaysian Medical Association is also recommending 'sinful' tax on food of this kind. Read more:

1. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia Mahu Haramkan Iklan Makanan Segera Di Media
2. RTM sedia haramkan iklan makanan segera

The decision shows how we always got it wrong on not tackling the root of the problems when it comes to promote better lifestyle. These are probable root causes in this matter (not comprehensive):

1. The unhealthy/excessive trans fat or other forms of fat intake, sugar, salt in food
2. Frequent food intakes
3. Late food intake
4. Higher sugar level in food and beverages
5. Lack of exercise

There are few drawbacks from the move on banning fast food advertisements:

1. Local media industry will be impacted by this move. They are lots of ads money lost from the banned of tobbacco products ads and sports sponsorship
   
   • "Cigarettes were the most advertised product in 1981 when $9 million was spent."
2. Does the ban of tobacco products on TV actually reduce the numbers of smokers?
   • "The number of cigarette smokers increased from 5 to 7% over the last decade. Recent studies of secondary school children showed a smoking incidence of about 20%; about half were habitual smokers and about 1% had smoked for over 3 years."
3. Does instant food such as Maggi Mee, Nescafe 3-in-1, Coffee-mate, Ali Cafe 3-in-1, etc. fall under the same category? If the government thinks otherwise, I think they are making bigger mistake!
4. Hypothetically, if fast food ban will improve our lifestyle; let's consider these:

• Motorcycles ads should be banned as many motorists are killed on the road every year.
  
  • "In Malaysia, about 60% of traffic fatalities involve motorized 2-wheelers" - Asian Development Bank
  • However, hats off to the Transportation Ministry on the right campaigns on the importance of helmets and stop at red lights
• Credit cards ads should be banned as the nation relies more on plastic money and becoming a "debt nation"
  • "The outstanding debt of credit card holders was 5.72 billion ringgit ($1.50 billion) at the end of March, an increase of 1.3 billion ringgit from 4.41 billion ringgit on March 31, 1998, the central bank said."

• Only thin models or personalities are allowed to appear on TV as they are good role model for our children healthy lifestyle (and thus limiting TV appearances of horizontally challenged people)

• Food outlets such as Mamak's 24-hr joint should be closed by 10 pm
  
  • Read The American Society for Nutritional Sciences paper on The Time of Day of Food Intake Influences Overall Intake in Humans

• Government should no longer serve food during festive season's open houses as they promote excessive food intake

• Ban of buffet in hotels or restaurants during Ramadhan for the unhealthy amount of food served

• Does this also apply to our local grown food operators; nasi lemak at Marrybrown; unhealthy-fattening cheescakes at Secret Recipe? I think all they have in mind now is ban on the famous Colonel Sanders and Golden Arches on TV!!!

In some way, this shows that our government wants to improve our lifestyle but totally got it wrong in its policy. 

Here are my recommendations:

1. Ban of trans fat ingredients or food in restaurants (not just fast food). New York and Canada got it right on this one! Read New York Times article "New York Bans Most Trans Fats in Restaurants"
2. Educate public on trans fat intake and its risks
3. Enforce food and drink operators to explicitly publish certified nutritional information of food served
4. All ministry office or government offices to have gymnasium of recreational centers or give tax breaks for private sector's offices to open such facility at workplace
5. In a land where our people already thinking about what to eat during lunch at breakfast and greet each other (same is true among Malays, Chinese, and Indian) "Dah Makan?" "Jom Makan", there should be paradigm shift in our culture on food

In conclusion, our health ministry focuses on the wrong preventive campaign and playing the "blame is it all" to a particular industry when there are more proactive ways of promoting healthy lifestyle.

Stranger Than Fiction; and First Taste of Korean Coffee; Hollys Coffee

In Stranger Than Fiction, which I just finished watching; you'll learn that tragedy isn't the always best way for a writer to end his or her fictional work. Other alternative could be making it darkly comedic life changing experience that'd let your characters appreciate life to the fullest.

Well, I'm not going to write more about the movie but rather enjoying my evening here in KL, at a new coffee joint in town; Hollys Coffee. Once you think that the Koreans have already came here big way with their automotive brands, cellphones, liquid crystal display products, computers, paints, kimchi, BBQ seafood-meat, etc; their entrepreneurs are now exploring a new territory; gourmet coffee cafe.

It's quite a nice experience to be at the opening day of Hollys Coffee, a Korean coffee  joint which just made its first presence here in Malaysia, to be exact at the Cineleisure of The Curve in Damansara Perdana. I am surrounded by Koreans of whom I'm guessing must be the owners, their community here, guests of honor, string quarter playing some nice music, and those like me, wanted to try out a different coffee experience.

I was greeted at the counter by cute-lovely-fair-skinned-like-the-white-snow Ms. Jennifer; whom I found out is from Korea asking me what I wanted and was kind enough to answer my questions on where the coffee served in this store are from. Apparently, it's from all over the world, only to be roasted and grounded in Korea.

I asked for hot caramel macchiato to go. It was OK, not too strong and not too sweet like what's served at Starbucks. I wish it was strong though. Perhaps, they were using mild beans or perhaps single shot espresso as base; but I don't know. You can also try out their cakes and danish.

There are two laptops for customers to use and here I am, happily blogging and drinking my Korean coffee while waiting for my next appointment to start.

I would love to hear your experience at Hollys Coffee.

Review: Paddington House of Pancakes @ Queensbay Mall Penang

We tried the Paddington's pancakes on the second floor of Queensbay Mall. You'll be spoiled with a wide variety of savory or dessert pancakes. We had the dessert ones as you can see from the photos. We love the ambiance, service, and most importantly, the pancakes. I am pleased that the pancakes come in small sizes and that they are generous with the amount of fruits, syrups, and ice cream served. Oh, they serve arabica coffee here (as we were told).

You can read the MakanSakan review and here's the link to Paddington House of Pancakes where you can find the menu and more about the pancake house.

We tried the Crepe Cottage on Gurney Drive the next evening and I was disappointed with the crepe served there. The portion was too small and the coffee tarik was way too flat. Nevertheless, the sea brezee made it a nice evening to have good conversation.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations - Uzbekistan

Anthony Bourdain on Silk Road:

" The European benefited from the Silk Road; trade, food, spice, medicine, technology, and missiles. "

And what do we give back? Opium and syphilis!

Six Degrees of Separation On My 30th Birthday

It's a six degree separation affair on my recent 30th birthday.

I had great birthday lunch with Shahril and Zaiha at the Italiannies in One Utama. The complimentary starter bread served with olive oil and vinegar were amazing. For main course, I had the Sienna Platter which was awesome; huge serving with tasty pesto and beef-chicken that's cook to perfection. Then, came the creme brule; sweet and fattening, yummy!

After window shopping at those boutiques at the new wing, we made our way to the Ikano Power Centre as Shahril had to get the paper shredder and their cat teeth hygienic food!

Apparently, Harvey Norman is the place to go for paper shredder! They have good selection Fellowes and GBC models and with price ranging from RM90 to RM560! While Shahril and Zaiha were busy checking out which models to get, I heard someone calling my name!

What a small world! It's Najah and Fische with their son, Idris who were in town from Singapore had just finished their lunch at the Ikano's Kluang Cafe Station.

Najah was looking for noise canceling headphones, and what do you know! Zaiha wanted one too after she experience blissfulness with my KOSS UR20.

So, both Najah and Zaiha got themselves the Philip's SBC HN110 Noise Canceling Headphones for Travel. Fische tested Najah's unit using my iPod and Zaiha tested hers using her PSP!

The noise canceling is AAA battery powered and it is one great companion on long flight. I love the unit look that comes with cool case, airline adapter, and stereo adapter!

We went to the pet store after that and bumped into this auntie who had her bulldog in the cart. Apparently, her bulldog who is NOT pregnant is producing milk! And interestingly the bulldog feeds the lady's kittens with her milk!!! I told the auntie that the dog food might have had side effects on her bulldog's hormone!

After Shahril and Zaiha had to leave for hospital visit, I called Pick Yin and she'd just arrived at IKEA with Huzaimi, her blog's friend; whom we'd met before on our bloggers' eating trip to Malacca. They had meatballs-fries-coffee for dinner and since I was full, I didn't eat anything and enjoyed the chatting.

After dinner, we headed to The Curve's Starbucks to wind down. It was already 10pm and we had great discussion about love, Malaysia - its sorry state of competitiveness and questionable leadership. We shared a lot of stories and life experiences over our macchiato and chocolate drinks.

We decided to call it a day at 1.30am! And there goes my 30th birthday - meeting six friends separated (and also connected) to make it a fun six degree separation day!