Bright Start

I was treated to a gorgeous sunrise this morning. And with only afternoon clinic, I decided to just sit back after shower enjoying the glorious light.

It looked to be a light day today with a quick ward round in the morning following which I planned to get back to the apartment to do some reading. This will take me to the afternoon clinic which I hope not going to be too busy.

Today will be topped off with the Oncology Team Berbuka at the hospital cafe after work. It was becoming a tradition and now just me and Matin Mellor being the patrons after the passing of Arwah Ahmad Kamal a few years back.

I could not help but picture his smiling face still every time we have such gathering. I was sure he would be remembered again this evening ...

That Yearly Event

Every Ramadan, the Cellsafe Group would have a Berbuka with the staff and this year it was right at the end of Ramadan. This year it was at InterContinental, a hotel used to be known as Niko before.

In fact this was the only time Anita and I had the berbuka at a hotel, something that we loathe to do. But being the end of Ramadan, it was not as crowded as before. There was no real jostling for food and there was plenty to go about in the end.

The selection was OK, but I remembered that it was a better spot during the Niko days when the tables were lined up up to the main lobby.

None the less, it was great company and nice food. But it didn’t change my mind about having Berbuka at a hotel just yet. It was just too much hassle still ....

Great Company

I didn't go out for berbuka that much this year - at least compared to before. It was more convenient to break my fast at home, there wasn't a need to dash into traffic late on and then fight for food at the buffet tables. At home, things were more organised, plus I sometimes only reach home late after work and didn't have time to organise things.

Luckily our maid had been a great help, sorting out the berbuka and sahur for us and the boys.

But once a year, I would be joining the staffs at Cellsafe for their own berbuka event. This year it was at Park Royal, near Bukit Bintang At an outlet called Chatz Brasseries. Surprisingly driving in and out of there was easy for us coming from Bangsar - plus the fact that Anita insisted on us leaving early.

This should be borderline illegal!Gout-inducing I was sure ...Some fresh fishSatay. Straight from the grill.The food there was awesome! Definitely better than the meal I had at KL Hilton a few weeks back. And the crowd there - even though it was close to full house - was very civilised. It helped that the management did not fill the restaurant up to the brim!

The food choice was excellent and they were very generous when it came to drinks. I counted that there were at least 8 different kinds free for us to choose. And my favourite - the Chef Recommendation - was called "Janda Pulang". Now, don't get me wrong, although there was innuendo there, but it was basically a combination of coconut juice and "gula melaka", a special kind of sugar syrup. Dynamite!

This drink was gorgeousThey even have cencalok!For a more traditional selectionDone with dinner ....The grills were nice with plenty of fresh seafood. We had a great time chatting on until it was almost 10 pm with some teh tarik on hand of course. And was after numerous trips to the buffet table for top-ups. A place I would definitely recommend.

Another Berbuka at Bukit Antarabangsa

Last weekend came my turn to sponsor the berbuka at the Surau near my parent's place. I was on call that day and was lucky that there was not that many admission around late afternoon. I managed to get things sorted out and spent a couple of hours at Bukit Antarabangsa.

Anita and the boys had been with my Mum instead since mid afternoon. The boys helped with some chores but spent most of the afternoon just dozing around. Their cousins unfortunately could not make it as my brother-in-law was also on duty.

Patiently waitingSome kueh for startersMy Dad being the "amil' at the surauApart from the food we catered, my Mum cooked her famous "gulai ikan kering", which was popular that night. Luckily we got some set aside to take home. I could not wait until Isya' since I had to go back for my evening rounds. The turn out was good and my Mum was really happy.

Berbuka at Bukit Antarabangsa

It was Julia and Salleh's turn to sponsor the berbuka at Bukit Antarabangsa on the second day of Puasa. It was a yearly tradition - my turn would be next weekend.

I went there only with Anita since the boys had tuition and mengaji that afternoon. We got there early, greeted by my Mum who prepared something extra for me, my favourite Gulai Ikan Kering. It was to die foot, with extra portion for sahur later.

Almost time Time for prayers More people than expected turned up and the food was finished 5 minutes before berbuka. We hang around until after Maghrib prayers after which in had to send Idlan for his tuition.