The YES 4G Phone Launch on 3rd of May

Now, if youre a techie you would have heard the news by now and probably waiting in anticipation as much as I am.

I got the invite to the launch a few days back, while I was busy commuting between KL Johor Singapore for my Firefly media trip and also to cover the World Gourmet Summit 2012.

It was a hectic week, and as I sat down now to draft this post, Im exhausted but really curious about this phone; dubbed the worlds smartest 4G phone.

I have seen a prototype of it some months back when we met the CEO of YES, Wing over a separate event. It looked incredibly fine back then, but the team has hinted that the current finished product is even better.

I cant say Im as excited as I was last year, since it has been rumoured to launch God knows since when. My attention, just like every techies, has been diverted with the recent launch of the HTC One X (which I bought quite a few!) and the upcoming Samsung Galaxy SIII.

Well, better late than never. So 3rd of May 2012 it is then.

My HTC One X remained unopened since the day I bought it, no thanks to the hectic travelling assignments I have been on lately. So shall I sell it? RM1900, anyone?

Dinner @ The Pomelo Restaurant, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Ipoh, Malaysia

At The Banjaran, dining options is limited unless you drive out to Ipoh city for some food. The only restaurant in the resort is The Pomelo Restaurant, to cater for your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Other than The Pomelo, there is only a juice bar and Jeff's Cellar (one of the most unique wine cellars in the world.... why? Cos it's located in a 280-million year old cave!).

So it was dinner time, and we were too lazy to leave the resort and hunt for food after lazing in our gorgeous villa all afternoon. We ended up in The Pomelo again for dinner. In the evenings, the restaurant is dimly lit (no good for photographs but romantic lah!).

For starters, Hubby had the green gazpacho soup (RM33) from Madam Aboucaya's dinner menu. The soup wasmade from avocado, granny smith apples, cucumber and mixed herb topped with some raw dehydrated crackers. The vibrant colour of the soup was lovely and it tasted very refreshing as well. This was definitely the best thing we ate for dinner here.

Love the pretty presentation, mimicking a garden

I chose a starter from their regular a la carte menu, the poached prawns citrus (RM38). There wasn't really much to choose from, 2 starters, a soup, two mains and two desserts from their ! regular menu compared to their lunch menu. I found the salad to be ok, the prawns could have been fresher (meat was a little soft). The salad was made up of citrus segments, avocado, and rocket salad with lemon vinaigrette.

I think I mentioned the mocktails in the last post, this time I had the Lift-Me-up (RM20), an energy booster drink made from banana, strawberry and soya milk. It was good!

For mains, it was either the salmon or grilled grain fed beef fillet (RM78). Since I do not like cooked salmon (I only eat them smoked or raw), I went for the beef and so did Hubby. We both ordered our beef medium rare, but one came out medium and the other well done. I was lucky to have gotten the medium one as the meat was quite tender and succulent, whereas the well done piece was well.. a little dry (but saved slightly by pouring on the natural jus). I did swap some of my meat with Hubby.

I do like the pairing with pumpkin puree (pumpkin and beef seems to go well together), and Portobello mushroom. This was supposed to come with French beans but there wasn't any in sight.. maybe they ran out.

For desserts, we wanted to try some of Madam Aboucaya's creations but unfortunately the waiting staff forgot to tell us that last orders for the other menu was at 9.30pm. We just ordered off the regular menu, trying both desserts on offer - the flourless chocolate cake (RM26) and chilled soy panna cotta with beetroot compote (RM26). Sad to say, I didn't like either - the cake was too dry and the panna cotta was not silky smooth. Maybe someone who likes healthy dessert may enjoy this more... it's just me.

Flourless chocolate cake

Chilled soy panna cotta with beetroot compote

And after our meal, we lounged around in our beautiful water villa once again! Ah... bliss.

See previous reviews here: Madam Lawrence Aboucaya organic event, Lunch at Pomelo Restaurant, Hotel Review: The Villas.

Next up, will be the facilities / things to do around The Banjaran.

Opening times: Breakfast (7.00am-11.00am), Lunch (12.00pm-2.00pm), Dinner (6.00pm-10.00pm).

Location: The Pomelo Restaurant, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak.

Tel: 05-210 7777

Website: http://www.thebanjaran.com

GPS Coordinates: 4.63082, 101.15617

Nasi Lemak Pak Ayob @ Ali's Corner Shah Alam

I had never had any appointment at Section 20 of Shah Alam before and there is a famous Nasi Lemak in Section 20 called Nasi Lemak Pak Ayob. Near a hospital and behind Petronas Petrol Station. You get it here too at Restoran Ali's Corner which is a stone throw away.The samabl and the warm nasi lemak weregorgeous.Add caption

It was 9 plus in the morning most of the food have sold out leaving only a few choices. I had mine at Restoran Ali's Corner.

Restoran Ali's Corner

23 Jln Singa E20/E

Sek 20

Shah Alam

GPS : 3.056279,101.541417

Lavender Lemonade

Im back from London, and I already miss the Queen, the polite taxi drivers, and Beefeater (the gin and the red-coated dudes with the bear skin hats).

London is so lovely. The only problem is that I always feel like Im doing something disastrously rude or uncouth. I dont hold my fork and knife in the correct hands. Im not sure if Im allowed to clink my tea cup. Good grief, I think I just slurped my tea. Holy smokes thats the third time Ive almost been hit by a car. Which way am I supposed to look down the street!?!?

Im back in Venice where I can put my feet up on things, and slurp whatever I see fit. Theres a super hippie drum circle taking place down the road no matter what I do, I look pretty posh in comparison.

In honor of thirst and homecomings, Ive gussied up a pitcher of lemonade using dried lavender. Its simple and divine. Most likely Queen and drum circle approved.

Lemons into lemonade.

Lavender into lemonade instead of a sachet.

My parents got this juicer as a wedding gift in 1979. Much like my parents, its never ! allowed to die.

Lavender is steeped in a mixture of warm water, sugar and honey.

The slightly brown color behind the dried lavender buds is natural sugar dissolved in water. Honey adds to the color.

This mixture is super fragrant. Spa and nap inspiring.

Lets play find the kitten nose.

This lavender lemonade is totally going to be a summer staple. Topped with a bit of unsweetened iced tea its just perfect.

Everyone likes their lemonade to taste different. Some like it sweet. Some like it tart. This version leans towards the sweeter side. Feel free to adjust as you find necessary.

Lavender Lemonade

makes about 8 cups

Print this Recipe!

2 cups water

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup honey

3 heaping tablespoons dried culinary lavender

2 cups fresh lemon juice

4 cups water (plus more to your taste)

In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 2 cups water, and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in honey and lavender. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out lavender and press buds into the bottom of the strainer to release any syrup left behind.

In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water. Stir and chill. Serve cold, over ice.

Asian Fusion @ Lees, Toronto

I recently visited Lee's for my friend's birthday after not visiting it for over 2 years. The place hasn't changed much except it has expanded to take over its sister restaurant "Madeleines" spot catering to a much larger crowd.

The menu was a mix of Susur Lee's take on Asian Dishes ranging from countries such as China, Singapore and India.


Singaporean Slaw with Tuna Tataki


Lee's rendition of the famed Singaporean and Malaysian Yee Sang. Our slaw consisted of tomatoes, fried taro, Alfalfa Sprouts and a lot more ingredients that were mixed together. It was served with Tuna Tataki.


Garlic Tiger Shrimp

The Tiger Shrimp was properly cooked and had a nice plump texture. It went well with the mildy spicy Tomato Jam. I also enjoyed the Potato Chick Pea Croquette.


Chickpea Sweet Onion Fritter

My favorite dish. The Onion Fritters had a nice crunch and had a very nice flavor from the use of Cardamom and other Indian spices.


S! low Brai sed Beef

The Slow Braised Beef was so-so. It wasn't as tender as I would have liked and was lacking a depth in flavor that is usually associated with Slow Braised Beef.

Caramelized Cod Fish

Another favorite dish. The Fish had a nice sweet and savory flavor from the Miso Mustard Marinade and was really moist and tender.


Sauteed Jerk Chicken

A little too oily to be eaten alone. The Sauteed Jerk Chicken consisted of tender pieces of boneless chicken meat deep fried and tossed in Susur's Jerk Sauce. It would have been better with Rice.


Chocolate Molten Cake



Condense Milk Pannacotta with Strawberry Ravioli




Apple Tart w! ith Vani lla Ice Cream




We were fortunate to have Susur there that night as he walked around talking with diners about the food. Most of the dishes we had were solid especially their Caramelized Cod Fish, Chick Pea Onion Fritter and Singaporean Slaw.

Food: 4.3/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 4.5/5
Price: $$$ (Approximately USD $30 per entree)


Contact Information
Address: 603 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5, Canada
Tel: +1 416-504-7867
Web: www.susur.com
Map:

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A story about CTV Montral Television and the first spring greens

A plate filled with Spring Green Vegetables

I have a few tidbits to share. It seems to be happening a lot these days.

First of all. Thank you!

The workshop with Karen at Sunday Suppers is now sold out. So quickly! I am really thrilled to meet those of you who registered in June.

And in case you are wondering, there are still tickets available for the cooking class and supper on June 24th.

Secondly.

On Monday April 30thin short this coming MondayI will also be on CTV Montral television in the noon newscast. If you live in Canada, and more likely in the vinicity of Montral, you can watch the interview Mustumi Takahashi did with me last week. I loved meeting her. She made me feel very welcomed.

Pumpkin pots de crme with berries

Thirdly.

These vegetables. Oh so pretty. They made my day.

I found them at my favorite picerie fine in town yesterdays afternoon while doing errands: baby Romanesco (making me *so* happy and eager for a plate of this food); pea shoots which shapes danced together; fiddleheads (I never resist these), and ramps. My name was written all over these Spring greens.

We ate the fiddleheads last night. I steamed them for two minutes. Then I sauteed them lightly in olive oil, adding garlic and fresh coriander for extra taste. They kept a crispy texture with a grassy, spring-like flavor we loved.

As to the ramps, I still have no idea yet how I will prepare them, although my inclination will most likely go for a preparation that involves eggs or potatoes.

Which prompts my question to you: Whats your favorite way to cook with ramps (wild leeks, in French al des bois)?

Bon weekend tous !

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Website connects female diners who eat alone