Early Xmas at Pavilion

So, I managed to make my way to Pavilion last week when I had some free time on a work evening. I am a quick escape for dinner with Puan Anita and I was astonished at the lavish curation on offer there at the main foyer. Somebody was really putting in some effort. And not to mention expense. The whole foyer was transformed. As it was raining outside, I did not have the chance to explore the main entrance, around the famous fountain.

A huge Xmas tree right in the middleWith ornaments as details

I only managed to bring my iPhone, so pardon the quality of the snaps. I counted that there were at least 3 huge Christmas tree, a carousel, a humongous cake and more decorations leading from the main entrance to the main foyer. They also listed out the activities during the Xmas period, complete with carols and of course, appearance by Santa. I did not see a grotto though, although there was a small stage there.

Not sure if this will be open for ride or just there for showLooking onto the main entrance. Can't help but be impressed.A huge cake right in the middle of the foyer

And the sledge of courseThe main difference between Xmas and Raya decorations were the stalls. There were hardly any here, compared to Raya, where the main theme happened to be stalls. The sad thing was, these stalls more or less sell the same things. Cookies, cards, clothes. Here, it was all about activities and wonderment. Sad to say, I enjoyed this decorations much more. Last year, Pavilion had a winter wonderland by the main entrance, complete with fake snow. Quite a spectacle. Let's see if they can outdo themselves this time around.

It also reflected how much Malaysians like their holidays. I'm certainly looking forward for more .....

Craving for a Shoot

Looking at the photos on Facebook and Twitter, the Xmas decorations at Pavilion looked awesome. Maybe it was time for me to pay it a visit. Plus the fact that it has been a while since I took my camera out for spin. Unfortunately, there would be another run for birthday parties tomorrow. Again, at Great Eastern Mall. I'll see if I can find time for a couple of hours to walk around Pavilion. Unfortunately. I would be on call next weekend rather.

The Loaf Bistro at Pavilion

After the trip for tea at The Loaf at Bangsar VIllage, we decided to give the Pavilion branch a go, as suggested by my friends. It was tucked on the third and fourth floor of the mall, just next to the Bukit Bintang entrance. Easily missed if you were not aware of it.

It was a narrow two-story lot. The lower one for the bakery. The bistro where we had dinner was on the upper floor, where you had to climb a rather steep set of stairs. Better head out and used the escalator just next to the shop if you have a dodgy hip!

The upper deck was cosy and welcoming. Despite the next day being a public holiday - Deepavali - the place was empty. There were plenty of activities at the bakery, but not on the upper bistro. Therefore, we enjoyed the best seat - the sofa - and my boys had a great time.

Kicking things off with some healthy saladGarlic bread with extra butterSo, what did we order? I had the carbonara, the boys had meatballs, Anita had salad. Before long, we went downstairs to have a look at the bakery and bought a few items, where the waiter picked up from us and put on a plate. The brownies sent my boys to sugarland, and they could not sit still afterwards.

I had my cocktail and the boys had their tea. The food was good, but I must say the Bangsar Village outlet is better. This being a bistro also meant that choices in terms of order was more limited. The meatball that Anita asked for was off menu. The outlet was also smaller, and was meant more as a cafe - hence the name Bistro - rather than a proper restaurant. But it was comfortable none the less.

Anita ordered meatballs for the boys. Off the menu here, but on them at the Bangsar Village outlet.My carbonara.Mocktails for me and Irfan.We then finished things off with tea and coffee.We would definitely be coming here again. I could imagine the place to be rather crowded during day time and late afternoon when people came over for tea. The service was also fast and friendly, although the price was relatively expensive.

Nightcap at Godiva

Stopping over for a nightcap at Godiva was always going to be a bad idea. First of all, everything there was expensive. And secondly, the offerings there were so yummy and rich, I was feeling really sleepy when it was time to head home. The hot chocolate there was so potent.

The boys, as usual had a field day pointing towards the chocolates in the display cabinet. Idlan would always ask if those chocolates contain alcohol. They picked three pieces each before we settled for the drinks. Anita and I ordered a piece of cake each. I chose the Godiva chocolate cheesecake. Yummy!

The eyes certainly lit upThe cake was layered with a chocolate biscuit base at the bottom with a thick layer of chocolate flavoured cheese. On top, there was a layer of pure chocolate, with a piece of the celebrated Godiva chocolate to cap things off. There was also a smear of strawberry and mango purée with some chocolate sauce. Needless to say that the piece was rich and by the time I was halfway done, I just had to slow down. The purée was concentrated and tangy, adding a zing to contrast the bitterness of the dark chocolate.

Anita's portion.... and now for the hot chocolateThe hot chocolate drinks were ace as usual. I was sleepy well before we left the cafe. The effect did not last long though as I was rather hungry during the drive home and had to stop for some KFC to take home.

The Godiva outlet we frequent was the one in Pavilion, located on the second floor.

The Secret of Raya at Pavilion

We ventured out to Pavilion after Iftar this evening. The Raya decor was being installed and for that evening, they had a 60s themed event, with dancers doing the twist. Really couldn't figure out how that actually fit in with Ramadhan. The dancers managed to get a few of the Arabs to dance along with them. Hopefully those Arabs did not get the idea that the twist was a national Malaysian fair.

I was not very sure what the overall theme was but it centered around the Secret of Raya, whatever that was. There was a big poster at the background, similar to the one you see at the cinema. So, may be it was like a mini movie, set in the 60s. Since the music was blaring out loud, the boys was not keen to go to the main foyer, so,I was not able to find out a bit more about the event. It was also drizzling outside, so we did not venture towards the fountain area.

Doing the twistWe finally left Pavilion just after ten, with a long queue forming at the exit. Even at that hour, Bukit Bintang was still buzzing. I was rather peckish and had to stop at KFC on the way, waiting for a good 20 minutes for my order. Anita and the boys were in the car enjoying the Boboi Boy DVD we just bought.