Monday, July 8, 2013

Le Meridien's Vietnamese Food Festival

Now that I'm trying to be more healthy, this has got to be the best dining opportunity ever!

Traditional Vietnamese cooking is known for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables, and is considered one of the healthiest cuisines worldwide. 

Common ingredients include fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. Vietnamese recipes use lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird's eye chili, lime and basil leaves.









































Vibrant Vietnam Food Fest @ Circle
27th June to 6th July 2013
A vivacious showcase of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, featuring the culinary brilliance of guest chefs from Le Meridien sister hotel in Vietnam, the Sheraton Hanoi.
Buffet Price:
RM65++ per person (12pm - 2:30pm)
RM92++ per person (6.30pm - 10pm)
Call: 088 322 233/ 088 322 238


Monday, June 17, 2013

The Best Steaks in KK @ Flames, Le Meridien


"DIET? WHAT DIET?! I'M HUNGRY! 
Just give me M-E-A-T!" 

So, some of us just crave a really good meal 
to reward ourselves after a gruesome week at the office,
when reuniting with old friends who have been overseas for years,
adding a lil something new to our dull relationships,
or to curb your desperate need for some sinfully delicious prime steaks.

I would recommend 
Le Meridien's 
FLAMES Steak House. 

Step into their comfy restaurant,
 just situated at the side of the hotel lobby. 
Grand leather seats with headrest and armrest
 ensures comfort and privacy to patrons. 

The intimate, almost romantic atmosphere of the restaurant 
had quite an impact on me. 

Nearly instantly, I felt relaxed 
and had the temptation of calling up my man for a sexy dinner date. 

A minute after sitting down at the dinner table, 
we were served this delicious Greek bread with condiments of garlic butter and olive oil.  
Greek Bread with assorted condiments
Crusty on the outside and full of grainy goodness! Healthy too!
I really like that they provided more than one choice of spreads :) 


IMPORTANT 
 Portion size looks small because I'm on media invitation
and just can't eat SO many different dishes in its original portion servings.
So, do go try this restaurant and believe me,
their actual portions are definitely bigger than what i'm having!  :)


Jasmine Tea Infused Duck Breast Confit
Shaved Fennel, Caramelized Fruit, Cress and Peach Dressing
The chunkiest pieces of duck breast, soft and chewy. Flavor that isn't overpowering, just nice.
Try this if you are like me, I've never tried medium rare duck meat before this!




Cappuccino of Jerusalem Artichoke and Macadamia Nut, 
Truffle Oil and Fresh Herbs 
Something different than our normal choices of mushroom or chicken cream soups. 
This darling is served in a cup! 
And the deliciously smooth mixture makes it so enjoyable that i couldn't help but 
close my eyes while appreciating each sip.
iwantedmore!



Avocado Tapenade, Scallop, Japanese Tofu with
Mandarin Orange and Miso Dressing
Amazing how the avocado and mandarin orange managed to complete this dish! 
Scallops that are perfectly done topped with sesame seeds and crackers,
this is a dish that had so many different textures(chewy, soft and crunchy!)all in one single plate. 



Baked Fillet of Cod, Porcini Mushroom, Asparagus, Strawberry and Red Wine Reduction
The most tender chunk of cod, filled with the goodness Omega-3 oil.
The deeply flavored, strawberry infused red wine sauce is an incredible compliment.
A french inspired dressing, simple yet so satisfying.


Maltagliati Pasta with Chicken Fillet, 
Cherry Tomato and Basil Pesto
First thing i noticed about this dish is the fragrance.
I've already had SO MUCH good food but one whiff of this...
I knew this is one pasta I just cannot miss despite my attempts of going on a diet.
Not too heavy and irregularly cut,
this dish is enjoyable with its delicate mint and olive oil,
 topped with tomatoes and chunky chicken pieces!




Passion Fruit Sorbet
By far the most unforgettable dish with its grand entrance of dry ice induced smoke,
a big scoop of sorbet placed in a shell of a frozen apple!
For the healthy conscious peeps, this one aint too sweet so INDULGE.



Slow Cooked Black Angus Beef Fillet 
with Braised Red Cabbage, Baby Vegetables 
and Shallot Reduction
MELT in your mouth kinda beef!
Tender doesn't even begin to describe the perfectly-cooked beef;
 I could literally cut it with my fork.
This steak was off the charts!
One mouthful of this and i just refused to even talk to my friends.
SHADDAP and let me enjoy this in peace!


Swiss Milk Chocolate Mousse 
with Crispy Rice and Raspberry Puree
Desserts should always be as fun and colorful as this! 
Both healthy and sinfully good, with the goodness of fruits, some sweet crisps and indulgent cake! 



Finishing this dish, I thought to myself :
 " Ah..... this is truly THE best dinner yet! "
Ended my night at the Flames restaurant with a cuppa. 
*burps* 



 The Club Lounge (12th Floor)

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets that only Sabah can offer
 in the Club Lounge of Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 
With luxurious leather couches and a wide selection of wine and fingerfoods,
this is an ideal spot to relax in the evenings. 


Also available now at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu:- 
Lunch Promotion at  RM60 for a 60 minutes (3 Course Meal)


Open daily,
 Kota Kinabalu’s only international steak restaurant
 caters to lunch and dinner guests 
from 12pm – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 10pm.

Please call for reservation to avoid disappointment!
FLAMES 
Prime Steaks. Fine Wines. Great Times
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 088-319 696




Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Island Paradise - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

I've been living in Sabah for the last ... 8 years,
and I've been to countless island trips 
but none as beautiful, relaxing (and as luxurious) as this trip!

Welcome to the
 Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
just a mere 15 minute speedboat ride from the town of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.



Treat yourself as well as your loved ones with this amazing day trip!
This is well worth the price. Why? Check out my trip as testimony.


With a huge and comfy speedboat loaded with cushion,
i suggest you party like JLo and Pitbull onboard, take lots of pics and enjoy the boat ride!

Put on your fav sunnies and your best smile! INSTAGRAM THIS!


Lo and behold! I stood there for a full minute in awe of this breath taking scenery.
CRYSTAL CLEAR water, the abundance of underwater vegetation and corals, thousands of fishes and the simple yet almost-traditional architecture.



I'm not kidding, this looks shallow but it isnt! Thanks to its amazingly clean waters!

I love these small pavilions that allow you to walk into the sea! 

fancy a pavilion all to yourself or with just your family? Talk to them! 



After a brief tour of the jetty,
we were warmly welcomed
with a refreshing orange soda and a cold towel!
Ah.... the sweet life!



Now for all of you to see more this amazing resort!

Check out their well stocked wine cellar.
Wine connoisseur (and alcoholics) are welcomed to see for themselves the wide selections of wine they have got in this very unique and i must say, pretty wine cellar!





And the must do in an island resort - SPA!


and the infinity pool overlooking the splendid beach and sea!


Hungry? Try their award winning restaurant - The Koi.
you get different kinds of settings and scenery with different areas you choose to sit having your meal!



Finally, we get to try their beach side cafe (and yes, we get to be fed!)
Claim your lunch here if you do come for their daytrip. YUM!










Amazing stuff to eat, right? Fish is all organically farmed, just FYI.


I'm all wet and messy from my swim in the crystal clear waters.
 I finally got to kayak all morning and snorkel to see the giant clam!
An amazing moment seeing this huge clam and the fishes.

Here's a group pic with the manager of the Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa!
Pat on the back, dude! It was an amazing trip, one that i truly cannot forget! Thank you so much!



for the complete photo album,
 click the link below to view the Facebook Photo Album