Editor’s Note – July 2016

June was an eating month with lots and lots of buka puasa dinners to attend. Adding to those were a couple of whisky tasting sessions and a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail party! Think I put on a kilo or two…

Global Discovery Day at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

[Hotel Happenings]

Jocelyn and I headed over to Renaissance Kuala Lumpur on 16 June 2016 for their Global Day Of Discovery with the highlight of the night being the unveiling of their newly renovated West Wing rooms. The 5th annual Global Day of Discovery took place simultaneously at nearly 170 Renaissance Hotels around the world.

The event in KL featured an unforgettable evening with award-winning mixologist David Han, saxophonist Goh Boon Aik and Malaysia’s very own Charlie Chaplin in R Studio. Mixologist David Han performed a signature bar ritual, and also crafted 3 cocktails for the evening – R Rendezvous, #dayofdiscovery and Global Fashioned. The bar ritual is the signal that the 9-to-5 working day is over and it is time to transition into an incredible evening of discovery and celebrate the #5to9.

Award-winning National Global Master Chef Executive Chef Helmut Lamberger and his culinary team served up a delicious selection of signature dishes such as BBQ Peking duck with pancake, flambéed drunken prawns served with superior stock, lobster roll, whole lamb served with percik sauce, chicken tikka with naan and my fav – freshly shucked oysters!

Renaissance Hotels believes business travel is always an opportunity to discover, with their philosophy is described as “Business Unusual”, by which every stay is designed to defy the notion of “conventional” business travel by helping guests to uncover local, unexpected experiences such as local music, art and culinary discoveries.

We were given a preview of the first batch of completely restyled West Wing guest rooms. The new rooms showcase a fresh and contemporary design – sophisticated, tasteful and sleek, reflecting the key personalities of a Renaissance Discoverer who celebrates all things that contribute to living a life less ordinary.

The rooms come in sizes ranging from 40 sqm, and have a neutral colour palette, re-engineered wood flooring, a day bed as an extra bed and the luxurious Marriott’s Plush Bedding with topper and rich linen. Meanwhile, the reconfigured bathroom offers guests greater space and is installed with f0ur (4) bay bathroom fixtures with rain shower.

Other facilities include a Samsung 48” full HD Smart TV and seamless Internet connectivity throughout the hotel. For safety purposes, every guest room door is equipped with the high-tech radio frequency IC door lock system with (RFID) and IP camera security system.

“The renovation, which is the Hotel’s largest to date, will take place in three phases with the first phase scheduled to be ready in the third quarter of this year. The hotel has undergone significant refurbishments in the past, however, we have to keep our product current, appealing and fresh to ensure we retain our competitive edge. We certainly are excited and so are our guests to witness the unveiling of a stunning transformation,” said Hotel General Manager Robert Frager.

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel Day of Discovery (8)

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel Day of Discovery (7)

Saxophonist Goh Boon Aik keeping us entertained

Mixologist David Han showing off his bar flaring skills

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel Day of Discovery (6) — Joyce and me with “Charlie Chaplin”

For more info, head over to www.facebook.com/RenaissanceKL

FH Club Luxury Boutique Official Launch

[Event]

Headed over to the launch of the new FH Club Luxury boutique in Sunway on 23 June 2016. FH Club offers consumers luxury goods at affordable prices and they have expanded their business with the launch of their new boutique located at 9C, Nadayu 28 Dagang, Jalan PJS 11/7, 48250 Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

13576852_10154920802815278_5559211693311332203_o

13568815_10154920803240278_8967976588521118707_o

Carrie Lee and Jessy Phang

13517515_10154920804585278_3803744762220792915_o

13502577_10154896072395278_818513832993376994_o

13474969_10154896074590278_4952153908120458377_o

13584743_10154920804680278_1772137163082125552_o

13497545_10154896073120278_8095508933131964926_o

More info at http://www.fhclub.com.my/

Peated Whisky Tasting with Jamey Merkel Organised by Asiaeuro

[Event]

Joey and I headed over to Saujana Hotel & Resort on 30 June 2016 for the peated whisky tasting with Jamey Merkel which was organised by Asiaeuro. Was a bit hesitant about bringing Jamie as not many girls know how to drink peated whiskies but boy was I mistaken as she absolutely loved it! Of course later the guys from Asiaeuro told me that girls have a better palate than guys but I still think that peated whiskies are acquired taste.

So happy that she took a pic of it and posted it on her Instagram

During the session we were taught how to appreciate it. Some whiskies (like the blended malts mostly) as drinking whiskies, great for drinking but not so much for tasting while others, like the four peated malts we had, are more tasting whiskies and for appreciation.

Have a look at the whisky's colour — Have a look at the whisky’s colour

Then of course sip it and enjoy! Do not yam sai or bottoms up as you're really wasting it. — Then of course sip it and enjoy! Do not yam sai or bottoms up as you’re really wasting it.

More info at http://www.asiaeurowines.com.my/

Hendrick’s Gin World Cucumber Day Cocktail Night with Tarsha Lu

[Event]

Mabel, Emanda and I headed over to Ojos Bar in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya on 17 June 2016 for the Hendrick’s Gin World Cucumber Gin Cocktail with guest mixologist Tarsha Lu. Throughout the night, we were kept well watered with three (3) bespoke cocktails made by Tarsha, and after she finished her session we had gin and tonic as well as a Negroni which the girls loved as it comes with a piece of torched cinnamon which imparted some nice sweetness to the drink. I still prefer my gin in a gin and tonic with a slice of cucumber!