Jason's Food Hall 2nd Anniversary

*THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST*

Jason's Food Hall has been around since 2012, and last weekend (25th May 2014), they have celebrated their 2nd Anniversary. In conjunction with this celebration, #EventiEvents jointly with Jason's Food Hall have prepared a lot of surprises for shoppers who patron over Saturday & Sunday (24th & 25th May).

Some of the management staff having a photo with the chocolate cake

On the 24th May, Saturday. Jason's have arranged a celebrity chef to have a session of cooking demo. Shoppers get to learn simpler ways to cook gourmet at home, at the same time they get to taste the chef's cooking too.

To some of us, we may not know who Chef Zam is, he is famously-known in its industry, had gotten quite a number of honorable award and currently is a lecturer in KDU. For those who are interested to know more about him, you can visit : http://www.silverspoon.edu.my

Chef Zam preparing his ingredients

 

Chef Zam showing off his skills in cooking the main dish

I believed those who were present, definitely had their stomach filled with the delicious gourmet by Chef Zam. It smelled so nice that the 3-course were cleared within minutes, leaving me staring at the empty chafing dish hungrily.

The main celebration was finally here, on Sunday everyone woke up extremely early, and the store was opened as early as 8.00 AM. We, #EventiEvents, were making sure everything is in order and working perfectly. In this joyous occasion, Jason's doubled it by having Penfolds to launch its latest wine, Penfolds Bin 9. Besides the Bin 9 range, Penfolds also showcase other collections such as the Bin 28, Bin 150, and many others. 

Combination of reds and whites

One of the promotion that saw shoppers clearing the shelves within minutes - Port Wine

The event began with speeches by Jason's Operation Manager and followed by Winemaking Ambassador of Penfolds Asia. Then all the staff from Jason's were invited to witness the cake cutting, and everyone including shoppers get a piece of the cake thereafter.

The enriched chocolate cake, can smell it from miles away

Immediately after the cake cutting, we invited management from Penfolds and GCH Retail (Malaysia), jointly unveiled the new Penfolds Bin 9. The price per bottle was RM 84.99, and if shoppers were buying on the launch day, they get 2 for RM 150.00, which is quite a good bargain.

Unveiling the new Penfolds Bin 9

Penfolds then had a wine tasting session, opened to invited guests, media, and shoppers. They began with white wine, Penfolds Bin 311 Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2013. Served to the guests and the best pairing food - Canapés. 

Mr. Simon Cant, Winemaking Ambassador explaining the Bin 311

The Canapés pair with the Bin 311

Followed by all the reds - Penfolds Bin 9 Carbernet Sauvignon 2012, best served with chicken; Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2011 and Penfolds Bin 150 Marananga Shiraz 2011, best served with beef or lamb; Lastly, Penfolds Club Reserve Classic Tawny NV, port wine. 

Penfolds Bin 9

Just before the event ended, we had a surprise entertainment for all the shoppers and staff. Opera singer "flash mob". We had all four opera singers dressed in Jason's uniform, no one suspected anything, until they started singing. Here are the links to the video, enjoy the vocals, pardon us for the poor recording from our smart phones.

Tags : #EventiEvents #JasonsFoodHall #Events #Opera #Flashmob #Anniversary #Celebration

KLIA 2

*THIS IS A NON-SPONSORED POST*

The latest addition to the country, Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) has recently launched and opened to all major flights from AirAsia, Firefly, and other international flights that used to take-off and landing in LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal). It is fully operational in KLIA 2, and LCCT has been closed to public since. In a separate private conversation with someone from AirAsia and Malindo Air, we found out that there wasn't any big bang launch on the KLIA 2, to me, it is a huge disappointment. 

Regardless, me and my Stephanie has decided to drop by KLIA 2 and have a day tour, just to check out the airport and what's new in it. On the other hand, we didn't want to be lost should we be flying to any where any time in the near future. The last time we flew was to Bali, back in 20th April, we took off from LCCT and KLIA 2 was not open yet.

An over view of KLIA 2 from the overhead bridge

We knew the parking rate will be somewhat similar to KLIA, so we both agreed that we would take a quick stroll. We found a parking very quickly and as we walk towards to entrance, to my amazement, there is something new, on the signage it says "Departure", "Arrival", and a new entry "Mall". We head straight to the mall since Departure and Arrival hall is heading the same direction. 

As soon as you step into the mall from car park

As we entered the mall, there were actually approximately 90% occupancies, and they have almost all the major brands. Cafes, F&B outlet, telecommunications hub and many more. Yes, it does look like a shopping mall. If you park at level CP4 (if not mistaken), it is direct link into the mall. It may be a little confusing, but fear not, just go all the way straight, do not go up any escalators, you will come to the Domestic and International Arrival hall. 

International Arrival Hall

Domestic Arrival Hall

Huge LED screen display on flights arrival

If the flight has been delayed, you can even have a cup of coffee in Old Town White Coffee, it's just right in front of the LED screen. At the Domestic Arrival Hall, you will see escalators going up, that will lead you straight to the counter check-in and also Departure Hall.

Escalator heading towards Departure Hall

There is another huge LED screen, to check your flight check-in counter details. It's easy to navigate, LED screen in the center, you have retail shops on the left and right, then all the check-in counters are behind the LED screen, sectioned into left, right, and center. You sure won't get lost. 

I am standing in the center of the entire Departure Hall

One section of the check-in counters, quite nice ceiling design

If you are to depart on the International Departure hall, from the huge LED screen, just walk straight, you will be able to see the entrance. 

If you are to depart on the Domestic Departure Hall, from the huge LED screen, keep left and walk all the way straight, you would see the entrance. Or, the Domestic Departure is situated left side corner of the International Departure.

Domestic Departure Hall

What's on the right side? we took a stroll, and found this :

I thought it will be cute to have my Stephanie as the "brand ambassador" in the photo

That is all for the Departure and Arrival Halls. Now, back to the mall, it has Ground floor, Level 1, Level 1 Mezzanine, Level 2, and Level 2 Mezzanine. There are plenty of cafes, F&B outlet, fast food joint and many other retails. So, for those who are caught in flight delay, starvation is out of the picture, as long as you have cash or credit card, you can even shop for your favorite handbag.

In Ground floor, it is already operating, KLIA transit, linking from KL Sentral to KLIA, KLIA 2, and also between KLIA and KLIA 2. Fare is fairly reasonable, MYR 35.00 per person, one-way.

We spent about 95mins to stroll around, parking came up to MYR 8.00. The rates are first three hours MYR 4.00 per hour, thereafter is just expensive. Hope this post can help you guys understand KLIA 2 better, not getting lost in this terminal and missing your flight. 

A Night Out

I believe it has been there, but I just never noticed. Coffee Societe, situated in Publika, Solaris Dutamas, a nice and cozy place to just chill out. The shop is filled with authentic decorative items, wooden tables and chairs, warm lights and many others, it just makes you feel like home as soon as you step into the shop.

The bar, check out the red velvet cake over there on the left

Some of the decoration they have in the shop

I was there yesterday night (13052014) with my Stephanie, by the way, they close at 11pm. I got there by 1015pm, just like the usual, check out the menu, but the Red Velvet cake caught my eyes. Stephanie didn't want the cake, instead the cake was so tempting to me. So I ordered a short black espresso, the problem with me is, I tend to not being able to sleep at night if I have coffee any time pass 8pm. The last time we had coffee in Coffea Coffee, we both didn't sleep for that night, we were like a zombie the next day. So, this time I got myself a short black, keeping my fingers crossed that I can sleep when I get home.

My short black

Meanwhile, Stephanie got something "special", to me, it was my first time hearing such drink : Picolo Latte. Smooth, silky, nice foam, but the art seems pretty normal. Probably its nearing to their closing hours, so the coffee art was a simple and presentable one. Somehow, this Picolo Latte blended nicely into my taste bud, honestly, I quite like it even though I am not really a big fan of latte, but mocha latte yes.

Picolo Latte and its simple art

I did order a slice of the red velvet. Now, Stephanie has been a fan of red velvet, because she likes it, I have been bringing her around tasting different red velvet. Usually she can't finish all by her own, so I will help out by eating some of the cake. With this, somehow 1. Hunting red velvet cake has become a habit. 2. Red velvet cake is now one of my cakes that I want to eat (but it will never top my marble cheese cake). After taking the first bite, we both have to agree, it is so far in our 2 years of hunting red velvet cake, this is the best. Yes, the best we have ever tasted : soft, moist, well balanced sweetness and cheese in and all around the cake. I took a sip of my short black, and a bite of the cake...oh my....heavenly!

Tell me the cake isn't tempting at all

Go check it out, go Coffee Societe, check out their menu, have a break or just chill out, try their cake, let me know if they have better cakes, aye? Only one thing I'm quite disappointed, they close at 11pm, I wished I had another hour or so in the shop, but all patrons have left and the workers were tidying the shop, so, we pack our bags and left too.

Stephanie say we are lack of selfie...

Day trip Bentong - Raub - Kuala Lipis

It was a great Friday, nonstop eating and a day full with great food. A day trip together with my gf, Stephanie and her family. We began our journey at 830am heading towards Karak Highway. Here is the timeline to summarize the day trip.

845 AM : We arrived at Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), to our surprise there wasn't any traffic jam at all. Usually at this hour, the traffic jam will be very bad, and it would take approximately 30-40mins before getting out of the jam.

910 AM : Here, we arrived at Karak Highway which led us to Bentong. From there, we used trunk road heading towards Raub, and then Kuala Lipis.

1000 AM : We arrived in Bentong, started scouting for the famous and nice Wantan Mee (Egg Noodle with dumpling and pork) but we did not know where exactly. We don't even know the name of the shop, so we ended up driving around Bentong looking for a shop that supposedly has long queue and packed with patrons.

1010 AM : Bentong is not a very big town, it probably has around 4 streets from the main town area where all the shops are. We made the first one round on the "right" side of the town, and then we turned to the left side of the town towards the wet market.

It is famous for few a things, like the Wantan Mee that I mentioned, kaya puff, "old" ginger, stuffed tofu, and also Yong Tau Foo. While we were cruising along the wet market, we saw Moki, the old lady selling her famous kaya puff, known for its crispy pastry and soft kaya spread in a small coin-shaped pouch. Stephanie shouted "eh...Moki is here!!" that's when we decided to park, and go on foot to began our adventure.

Another surprise was that the parking in Bentong town is fairly cheap, 32cent an hour. However, as any townships, we needed to get the parking coupon : the scratchies, where we need to scratch off the number of hours we planned to park.

We were all anticipating the famous wantan mee, that we didn't have breakfast before starting the journey. Hungrily but patiently, we began our hunt for the wantan mee as soon as we parked. But first, since were already there, we went straight to Moki and bought the kaya puff, and asked for directions on the whereabouts of the famous wantan mee shop.

This is Moki and her stall, small simple looking stall. Don't be fooled by its simplicity. This aunty has her own "konco" (crew) to replenish her puffs

So, Moki gave us directions, and it's only a block away from her stall. As we walk closer to the shop, we see a crowded restaurant, filled with patrons. The shop only consisted 3 stalls selling wantan mee, yong tau foo, and economy rice (mixed rice / nasi campur). Before we entered the shop, a lady already started welcoming us and led us inside for seating. Probably it was all over our face that we are "tourist" and hunting for this wantan mee.

Delicious right?

This is wantan mee from Bentong. By the way, the image above you see is small serving.

Left : Big serving; Right : Small serving.

We got shocked to see it was that much in the big serving. I almost did not manage to finish it, but it was nice, it was really nice.

Yong Tau Foo

These were some of the yong tau foo we ordered. It's a hakka delight, where they have tofu, eggplant, ladies finger, fish ball, fried tofu, bitter gourds, red chilli, fried fritters and many other food items. All stuffed with fish paste and some restaurants will replace the fish with pork, or having both.

After our scrumptious breakfast, we moved on to our next target destination : Raub. On the way to our car, we saw another stall selling what Raub is famous for, groundnuts. We bought some of it, and of course the famous "old" ginger too.

1115 AM : We continued on our journey heading towards Raub.

1205 AM : We arrived at Raub, but we did not stop since we have gotten the groundnuts and we were still full from our breakfast, hardly have any more space for the famous curry fish head. So we continued our journey, heading towards Kuala Lipis. We took a slow ride, just to make sure we have enough time to digest our breakfast for our seafood lunch in Kuala Lipis.

The groundnuts with different flavour

115 PM : Finally, we have arrived in Kuala Lipis, it is a small town and it was very easy to drive around, the landmark we needed to find was Public Bank, and that's the seafood restaurant as it is situated just next to the bank. What a way to strategise themselves. In less than 10mins drive, we found the restaurant, found a parking, and headed straight to the place, seated and ready eat the delicious fresh from the river seafood.

Clock-wise  from top left : Claypot ginger chicken, steam river catfish, prawns with milk and butter, claypot vege, and fish paste with onions topped with spring onions.

All the above is what they are famous for, they have other dishes such as wild boar in curry spices. It has been a long time since I last tasted such freshness seafood, from the fish to the prawn. The trip doesn't just end here, apparently, we still have dessert, but all the way back in Bentong. It was homemade ice cream, and I can assure you, after a day long of eating and walking under the hot sun, the homemade ice cream really did cool us down, and great way to end our day trip.

The shop is famous of their Banana, Coconut, and Peanut flavour ice cream. Here is Coffee, Vanilla, and Coconut.

There is was, after the dessert, we headed back to KL,  concluding our eating day trip. Great food, fruitful and "food-ful".

Here are all the GPS coordinates, to each exact restaurant/shop situated.

1) Hoi Kei Wantan Mee : N 03° 31.371' 
                                         E 101° 54.403'

2) 球宝雪糕 (Homemade Ice-Cream) : N 03° 31.345'
                                                               E 101° 54.661'


3) 海记海鲜酒家 (Hoi Kee Seafood Restaurant, Kuala Lipis) : N 04° 11.067'
                                                                                                     E 102° 03.292'

4) Moki Kaya Puff - If you can find the wet market, her stall is just right in front of the entrance, you won't miss it.

The Final 2 of 3

It was truly a lost in the film-making industry. He was a great guy, I mean I don't know him personally, just based on others testimonial, whom has worked closely with him in the pass decade. Yes, here I am, talking about Paul Walker. 

I came to know about this guy from a movie - Fast & Furious. Being a car lover as myself, I began to grow into the Fast & Furious franchise very quickly and it has become a part of me. 

So yesterday, I went for one of his final completed movie while he was still around. The movie : Brick Mansion, not mentioning that I have missed the earlier released movie - Hours. So, I felt that I had to go for this, it's not about the storyline, but him, yes, for Paul Walker.

Great to see him running around "again"

Missed this movie back in December 2013

Until today, I still cannot accept the fact that he is gone forever, it's just sad, I believe a lot of people would have the same feeling as me. We don't know him personally, but we felt like we have lost a friend, a close friend. Sometimes I still live in denial, he will probably pops out in Fast & Furious 7 and tell us all that he is back. Whatever it may be, we know he is in a better place now, agree? Will forever remember those great movies that he had given us, and of course not forgetting, somehow, he and the Fast & Furious franchise had brought all the car lovers together. 

In Loving Memory of Paul Walker

My Ride (2006 - 2014)

Sorry to all the drift-lovers out there, I don't like drifting because I don't like the feeling of a car "losing" control even though it's a controlled-losing-control. I just never liked the feeling of the tail of my car going side ways. I prefer much stability and grip power at fast corners, just like in Formula One. 

Well, not to compare my humble ride with F1, but after 8 long years of upgrading the handling, finally it has come to this satisfactory stage where I am happy with. I started with installing stabiliser bars because back then, I can only afford bars and not a set of coilovers. 

Here is the list of bars I have :

• 4-Point Tower Bar 
  
• 3-Point Rear Bar
  
  
• 3-Point Fender Bar (Sorry, no picture)
• 4-Point Lower-Side Bar
  
• Rear Upper
  
• 19mm Anti Roll Bar 
  

It is interesting how these bars work when it comes to tight corners, it is just superb how you can feel the steer response, but these ain't the contact point between my car and tarmac. I have tried numerous sizes of wheels and tyres. When I got my car first, OEM fitted 205/45 R16, with some silverstone tyres that I thrashed in less than a year, I opted Falken 522 using the OEM wheels.

The worn out Falken 522 ready to go

This set is not too bad, grip in dry, and durable, when it comes to raining, you just can't get it to work. So, I changed my wheels and tyres again when the Falken 522 worn out, this time, I have 205/40 R17 x 7jj with Falken 912.

Fresh - Falken 912 with 17"

I'm impressed, grip in dry and wet condition, the only issue is, 17" wheels kill the top speed, I hardly clock pass 170kph. After 2 cycles, I decided to go with 195/55 R15 x 6.5jj on Falken 912.

Smaller wheels doesn't look that bad right?

So I have now gained back my top speed, I can manage 195kph, but handling was sort of compromised. On the same set of wheels, I then fit in 195/50, now, this is perfect for me, why? because the same time, I have a set of hi-lo adjustable shocks installed. Superb!

The ride height was set to almost similar to OEM settings, didn't want the car to be too low

How you like the ride height?

As times go, I began to feel that its not enough, a new set of hi-lo soft-hard is in position, plus pillow ball joint. If previous settings are superb, this is heavenly. Currently I have 2 sets of wheels, for normal daily drive, I have 195/50 R15 x 8jj offset 25 with Toyo T1R;

Here's my rota wheels, still with the old Falken 912

and for my race, I have 195/50 R15 x 7jj offset 38 with Bridgestone RE002.

This is marvelous, any condition, it will bite on the tarmac and never let go

Oh yes, I have joined a race back in December 2013, my first time attack, I got myself a full face helmet, and there was I, that feeling in the track is so much difference from "racing" on public roads. Well, like I said, it was my first race, so my time sheet was quite bad. Nonetheless, I had fun, and I learned much more about what my car can do. Will definitely join the upcoming race, will see how I perform then. 

My helmet!

My lucky number for the day

And there I was in action, photo credits to the owner, someone took this photo

Look at my time, its just awful

So, after 8 long years, transformation here and there, trial and error, here stands my humble ride, my faithful ride. 

Please feel free to have a look on the photo slideshow I have made for my ride : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_b42z-l-co&list=PLr9XvbJpFtULOiUloAI38ZaRFHAfr4dNF&index=2

Disclaimer : All action sequences were test in strict accordance to Malaysian road laws and regulation. No drifting was conducted and all images were used for illustrative purposes only.