Expensive Dinner - Harrod's KLCC

Puan Anita had to go to Kinokuniya today to pick up some books and since the boys are on their week school break starting today, we left for KLCC after I returned from work. Arriving there just after 5.30, we went straight to the book shops. After picking up the books and a bit of browsing, Puan Anita decided to take a peek at the Harrods’s store on the first floor. In terms of things to buy, there weren’t anything much interesting, but after walking in further, she saw he restaurant. Yup! That’s where we had to have our dinner then! Off we went.

Irfan contemplating what to orderBuns to kick things offThe boys ordered some fish and chips while I chose baked cod. Puan Anita had some roast beef and it was tasty! It was really nice. The ambiance was great and the waiters treated us and the boys like kings! Almost similar to the cafe at the real Harrod’s at Knightbridge, except that the place was pretty cramped and the food was Halal. The cod was baked just right. The vegetables was fresh and the dressing was just the right amount. The boys had some English Breakfast Tea and we had to order extra as they liked it so much. Puan Anita’s roast was done very well. She commented that the meat was not sticky, with no after taste. She would definitely come again.

The table settingMy seared codWe counted there were only around 10 tables, all seating at maximum 6 patrons as the whole shop only occupied a small strip of floorspace. As it was Monday evening, the restaurant was only gathering customers as we were about to leave. There was also a cigar salon on the balcony outside the restaurant, overlooking the water spouts outside Suria.

Even though the food was good and all, the restaurant was rather expansive unless you go there for special event or celebration. You certainly get you paid for in terms of food, service and ambiance. The cutlery I was sure was pure silver, so was the China being authentic. Would I go there again? Of course, but only for special celebration. Would I recommend to anyone else? Definitely, especially if they are buying my dinner! And make sure you use the facilities. The toilet were the cleanest in KLCC by a country mile!

P/S: sorry about the pix as I only carried my E71 during the visit.

Marche!

It has been a while since we frequented Marche or even The Curve itself. We did it today and I took my parents along for lunch there. My sister and her children also went along and the children really had a good time, running around all day. Wondered when they would get tired. We initially settled in for lunch at Marche. Yes, the pizza was back! One of our cousin now works there and he prepared the Margarita for the boys. I had my steak, parents had their chicken cops, etc. Puan Anita did her shopping at the Sunday market there. We then walked over to the Croc shop at IKANO, but disappointingly, the sandal I wanted was out of stock. Bought a pair for my Dad as he wanted one, and then did some groceries. The children then had another session at the playground at IKANO.

Yums!My sister, JuliaPizza lovingly prepared by our cousin, ArifAlmost done!The market today was rather quiet compared to the ones before. Maybe it was the time of the year, it was Easter Sunday after all. The place was usually buzzing during festivities, as the management really made the effort to decorate the place. Nothing much going on today.

Idlan and Irfan, running around with their cousin, NanaMore runningAnd then the carWe finally left just after 4 pm, heading to Bukit Antarabangsa to join my parents.

Back at Bukit Abtarabangsa playing with YayaI was still sleepy when I got to my parents place. I stayed up to watch more football match even though the main one ended disappointingly with Manchester United getting beat by Chelski! I could vouch that it was all down to the linesman’s myopia. How could he missed the offside on Drogba’s goal? Scandalous! My Mum prepared the evening coffee while I settled down for Formula 1. Haha! Schumacher’s engine burst! Well done! Vettel finally won a race after deserving so in the last couple. We were lucky that the race was not spoilt by the evening rain again like last year.

Holiday Inn

View form my room at dawnAs everyone was aware, during our trip to Melaka last weekend, we stayed at the brand new Holiday Inn right smack in the middle of Bandar Melaka. It was only right if I write a few words on the establishment. It appears to be a straight forward hotel, 4 stars I think, mainly with standard rooms, called deluxe. Each rooms equipped with flat screen TVs, access to rooms can be a pain at times as there were only three lifts for the tenants - with a separate service lift thankfully, a couple of eateries - one being a cafe next to the lobby and another n the second floor, a nearby conference centre and ballroom, on a separate area of the hotel accessed via the spacious lobby. There were 20 floors, with the top four being executive status. There was a nice pool area on the third floor - the main one carrying right to the edge, giving an illusion of one swimming into the sea - the infinity pool -  with a separate children pool next to it.

The lounge and my sofa bed ....Seatings on the loungeThere was also a spa and a gym - the gym being free for guests. There was also an executive lounge on the same level as the pool - rather than at the top near the executive rooms. This lounge were filled with magazine and a spacious sitting area. It also served breakfast - as part of the complimentary set if you don’t fancy mixing it with the commoners on the second floor - and evening supper from 6 to 8 pm. We stayed at the family suite, situated at the 19th floor and were given access to the lounge and the butler services there.

Checking inThe bedroom from the bathThe kitchenette First and foremost, the hotel made effort to be children friendly. There was the separate pool for children as an example and a creche service - which we did not use. The restaurant also allow kids to enjoy free buffet if accompanied by a paying adult. Breakfast was inclusive, and offered a full local, English and Continental set. On one of the evening, we also sampled the buffet dinner. Now for the good bits; the room was very spacious and comfortable. We certainly got our money’s worth. The suite have a big bathroom with a separate shower and  tub. There was a queen-sized bed and as expected, I slept at the lounge on the sofa bed. There were a couple of TV, one in the bedroom and another in the lounge. There was also a small open kitchenette with a dinner table to seat four. Parking was aplenty, either by the lobby area or on the lower ground floor which was covered and guarded, and can be accessed directly through the guest lift from the room. Parking was free. Getting in and out of the hotel by car was also simple and should you fancy, you can either walk to Dataran Pahlawan or take a trishaw. The pool was really nice according to Puan Anita with the deepest end being only 1.5m on the adult side. There was no life guard but since it was just outside the gym, staff was always available.

Settling into breakfastSmoked salmon ... Yums!The breakfast was really decent. The staffs were helpful and well-organised. They always give priority to small families and try their level best to give us the better seats. The main breakfast area was spacious and open. Access was direct from the lift with no need for any stairs. Service was prompt.

Now to the not-so-good part. The food for dinner buffet and room service were both expensive and not very yummy. I had a steak on my first night upon arrival from KL. Failure. The boys’ nasi goreng were also plain and off the mark. The buffet cost us around RM250 - bearing in mind the kids eat free. The spread was minimal, and the main buzz was the seafood barbecue that they offer. The grill selection was disappointing. There was no fresh fish, let alone chicken or meat - mind you, the theme was seafood. Seafood was mainly prawns and shells. I skipped that. The nasi ayam was not very appetising, and so was the Italian and rice on offering.

Manchester United was playing that weekend and I had to give it a miss as the channels on TV did not include ESPN - just StarSports. There was only a single movie channel as well. We had a DVD player in our suite, so we were content with that. Internet was also only free for the first 30 minutes, but I had my own portable access with my E71. On the evening that we had the buffet, the lights were dimmed as Earth Hour dawned. The hotel took the initiative seriously, dimming the lights, and switching off the unnecessary ones. Staffs were stationed on each floor with torchlights to help us make our way to the room in absence of lighting. 

Candle lit dinner during Earth HourOn the whole, would I recommend the hotel to a friend? - yes. Would I stay there again? Maybe not the next time, as we fancy the Mahkota Hotel right next door! Will give that one a try after this! Variety is the spice of life after all.

Mini Malaysia

We started the day early today. Irfan woke us all up and insisted that we head for breakfast. Initially after checking out we wanted to go for the river cruise. But the weather was too warm. It was already hot by the time we reached the jetty. Although the boys were keen, Puan Anita decided otherwise. The trip was to last 45 minutes going up Sungai Melaka, passing by a few landmarks. The boat was open-aired with no air conditioning.

Time to leaveAt the jetty for the River CruiseLeaving Bandar Melaka, we headed straight to Ayer Keroh. There were many attractions there, from zoo, butterfly park, botanical gardens to cultural centers. We initially wanted to go to the botanical garden and 'Pekan Buku'. We were not sure what to expect, but it turned out that the 'Pekan Buku' was a boot camp from what we saw. We were not allowed in since it was taken for the weekend for a corporate event. We turned back, stopped at a couple of stalls to get some cencaluk and belacan for my mother-in-law, then went to Mini Malaysia. I remembered visiting the place back in 1986 as part of my school trip. Unfortunately I can’t remember much about anything else. The park was opened back in July 1986. It was a cultural center where houses themed after all the states in Malaysia were featured. These are full-seized house we were talking about, complete with ornaments and bits that differentiated the states. It used to be a spectacle and at one point it was extended to include houses from all the ASEAN nations. Unfortunately that part of the exhibit was closed today. The houses were also in need of renovation as I was sure the foundation must be almost 25 years-old by now. After a few houses, the boys got bored as they had to take off their shoes to enter the houses. A few of the houses looked unique. The biggest being Selangor and Sabah. Sarawak featured a long house, and it was being renovated. Kedah I thought had the most unique house with four rooms, well planned into compartments.

WelcomeRumah Pulau PinangThe cultural dancesAt 2 pm, a group of dancers performed on an open air stage in the middle of the compound. They danced away for 20 minutes featuring the mainly joget and some basic dances. Nothing special. There were not much of a crowd either, as it was just a week after the school holidays. According to one of the stall operator, it was havoc the week before. After a quick drink, we then drove away onto the highway, stopping again at a rest-stop along the highway for more food. We finally reached KL just after six. I had to clean the car and get around to the bank teller to pick up some cash. The boys will be back to school tomorrow and they were still talking about the trishaw ride when we went to bed.

The slideshow for the trip is linked here

Mock time!

As a teacher, the best feeling to have is when your students do well. In my field, I look to more than just passing exams, because frankly, they would have passed their exams without me teaching them. What's more important is being there when they needed help or guidance. After all, my students are adults. In fact, some of them were older than me.

Today, we held a mock exam for OSPE, one of the exam formats. The exam proper will take place next week and everyone was pretty jittery about it already. I was really pleasantly surprised that all the 15 candidates turned up to take the mock. Truly guys, that means a lot. They'll probably still pass the exam without the mock but I'm sure they will find it helpful for their preparation.

All the best!