Sunday, March 29, 2020

When Corona Virus Conspires with Poverty and Hunger Against Humans

The Covid19 lockdown is most probably the worst thing that some of us have to endure in our lifetime. Footprints restricted to the compounds of the house, now likened to a penitentiary. Recreation freedom is curtailed. Food stock is to be rationed within the family. Grocery shopping becomes a pain, requiring extra gear of masks and gloves before leaving home, abundance of patience during and thorough sanitazation after. Boredom expedites your slow 'death'. You actually know the amount of grains in your rice jar. You are out of fresh movies on Netflicks. Such a torture staying home. Can anything be worse?

The so called "torture" you are facing is luxury to some. Daily wage workers experience this adversity in ways fixed salary workers can never imagine. What seem to be a frustration to those who have a roof above their heads is what some can only dream of. Those living from hand to mouth find their survival system collapsing. Unpaid rents and bills force them onto the streets. Without shelter, there is not much of staying home that can be done, exposing them to illnesses. It doesn't take the notorious Covid19 to claim their lives. Those hanging on the brink of health have to endure hunger. People with hands that roll breads everyday have to beg for bread now. Forget about medicine and health supplements when all they can afford is to line up for food from the government. They may not even survive for the virus to reach them.

#covid19 #poverty #hunger #lockdown #quarantine #stayhome #dontcomplain #stayathome #virus #opinion #feelblessed #thankful #behumble

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Ramadan Citarasa Kampungku @ Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya

Quality of over quantity has always been displayed at Ramada Hotel's Utara Restaurant. The buffet line may be short and sweet but never short in quality, enabling guests to have room for repeated helpings of their favourite dish. This Ramadan, inspired by the homely taste of Malay ‘kampung’ comfort food, Utara Restaurant offers mouth-watering classic traditional Malay favourites. The aptly themed “Citarasa Kampungku” Ramadan Buffet will see an dishes whipped up by Executive Chef, Chew Teik Chye and Sous Chef, Alifah binti Kandar also affectionately known as Chef Mommy.

Memories of your kampung favourites will come flooding back as you embark on your gastronomic journey with an appetizing assortment of starters from Kerabus, Cincalok to Lemang, Pasembor and Aneka Jeruk. Whet your appetite further with the variety of classic Sambals, that are rarely on offer at urban diners.

For Kerabu fans, expect an assortment of kerabus, each tasting even better than the next. This appetizing starter includes Kerabu Mangga, Kerabu Nenas, Kerabu Kaki Ayam and Kerabu Udang.
Continue down memory lane with lip-smacking mains that have become Hotel Armada’s Ramadhan signature classics such as Laksa Thai, Bubur Lambuk, Sambal Udang Petai, Ketam Masak Gulai Siam, Ayam Berempah, Ikan Pari Masak Asam Pedas (Kawah), Daging Masak Hitam, Paru-paru Goreng Berlada, Rendang Itik, Sup Tulang Rusuk, Ikan Sembilang Panggang, Pucku Paku Goreng Belacan and the all-time favourite Siput Sedut Masak Cili Padi. Diners can also enjoy favorites prepared ala-minute like Apam Balik, Roasted Lamb, Assorted Satay, Roti Durian and loads more at the stalls set up around the Bakar-Bakar area.

Complete your meal on a sweet note with desserts that include traditional Malay Kuih, French pastries and tempting sweet delicacies such as Pengat Nangka with Sago, Ais Cendol with Pulut, Bubur Gandum and Bubur Kacang Hijau. Wash it all down with local drinks Air Bandung, Air Sirap Selaseh or Teh Tarik.


Citarasa Kampungku Ramadhan Buffet Dinner
24th April – 22nd May 2020
RM90.00 per adult
RM45.00 per child ( 6 to 12 years )
Sahur (3am to 5am)
RM20 per person

Diners who book early between 1st March to 19th April 2020 can take advantage of the Early Bird Special Rate of RM75 per adult.


For reservations, please call (03) 7954 6888 ext. 4557 Utara Restaurant (Halal Certified) or 018 222 0824.

Utara Restaurant at Armada Petaling Jaya


Armada's Ramadan buffet never disappoints
Ulam-ulam
Nasi ulam
Nasi briyani
Daging masak hitam
Udang sambal petai
Ayam goreng berempah
Ketam masak gulai siam
Paru goreng berlada
Sotong masak lemak cili api
Pucuk paku goreng belacan
Sup tulang rawan
Thai laksa with condiments
From left: Kerabu mangga and sambal kelapa
Jeruk-jeruk
Agar-agar
Pengat nangka sago
Cendol
Agar-agar cendol

Citarasa Kampungku Ramadhan Buffet Dinner
24th April – 22nd May 2020
RM90.00 per adult
RM45.00 per child ( 6 to 12 years )
Sahur (3am to 5am)
RM20 per person

Diners who book early between 1st March to 19th April 2020 can take advantage of the Early Bird Special Rate of RM75 per adult.

For reservations, please call (03) 7954 6888 ext. 4557 Utara Restaurant (Halal Certified) or 018 222 0824.



Thursday, March 19, 2020

Ramadan Nostalgia Seniman P. Ramlee @ Hilton Petaling Jaya

Hilton Petaling Jaya’s all-day dining restaurant, Paya Serai, presents “Nostalgia Tan Sri P. Ramlee”, a themed dinner to honour Malaysia’s legendary artist this Ramadan season.

As part of Hilton Hotels in Malaysia’s “Chup! Makan Dulu” Ramadan promotion, the casual and playful connotation of Chup! is synonym to Malaysians to interject or remind someone in a friendly manner. Guests are invited to take a break from their busy schedule to enjoy a hearty meal and appreciate the time spent with friends and family. Fans of Tan Sri. P Ramlee will be excited to feast on the artist’s all-time favourite dishes at the Halal certified buffet dinner, comprising over 350 dishes and 30 live action stalls.

On top of featuring Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s favourite food, Hilton Petaling Jaya takes the tribute a step
further by cleverly naming the live action food stalls after his songs and films. Look out for Drink Station “Ohh Manisku” which serves Teh Tarik and Coffee, Mamak Corner “Simpang Enam Komtar”
that dishes up Penang Char Kway Teow, Bee Hoon, Mee Mamak and Maggi, Roti Station “Panggilan
Pulau” featuring Tossai, Roti Canai, Roti Boom, Murtabak, Roti John, Kari Ayam Mamak and Dalcha, Nasi Briyani Kambing “Antara Dua Darjat” comprising Kambing Mamak Special dengan Briyani and Goreng-Goreng “Orang Minyak” for a variety of desserts such as Goreng Panas-panas Pisang, Keladi, Cempedak, Sukun, Sweet Potato, Karipap, Samosa, and Popiah Goreng. Stay entertained throughout your meal with the screening of several Tan Sri P.Ramlee’s popular movies and a live band performing his greatest hits. Take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the artist with a display of his portraits, work, take a selfie with the legend’s car and many more.

The ice-cream man always brings joy 
The Ramadan buffet starts from 6.30pm -10.30pm and runs from 20 April – 23 May 2020. It’s priced
at RM158 nett per adult and RM78 nett per child from 23 – 27 April 2020 and 17 – 23 May 2020.

From 28 April – 16 May 2020, the buffet dinner is priced at RM168 nett per adult and RM88 nett per
child. Special Early Bird price of RM118 nett per adult is available for bookings made before 5 th April 2020.

Paya Serai is located on the lobby level of Hilton Petaling Jaya and is open daily from 6am  10:30pm. A special 25% discount is available for Hilton Dining APAC members and a 15% discount for selected credit cardholders.
Renditions of P Ramlee's songs
Showcase of P Ramlee's life
His favourite typewritter
His player
P Ramlee's radio
The Saloma costume
The P Ramlee costume
The P Ramlee trishaw
Paya Serai at Hilton PJ

Nostalgia Senima P Ramlee buffet
Kerabu of all sorts
Even chefs will ditch their costume to dress according to the theme
Truckload of durians
Appetizer island
Fresh seafood on ice
Ketupat, lemang and nasi impit with delicious rendang
From right: Kari ketaim utara dengan ubi keledek and pucuk paku goreng belacan dengan udang
Siput sedut masak pedas
Daging salai masak lemak dengan rebung
Gado gado section
Lidah sapi bakar bersama air assam
Nasi Bryani Kambing
Beautifully roasted mutton- tender, juicy and pink
Enjoying the buffet
Nobody wants to miss out on satay
Indian section
To name a few- chicken kaddai, goa fish curry, fish tikka, lamb kofta
From left: ayam masak merah, kepah masak portugis dan pajeri terung panjang
Bubur lambuk
Gulai in kuali
Pucuk manis masak lemak, puyuh goreng kunyit, kari ikan,ikan keli berlada, ubi kayu sambal
From left- sayur lodeh, rendang daging, rendang kambing, kari ayam
More Malay kampung selection
Tenpanyaki delights
Fried fish with Thai chilli deep with pineapple
Butter milk prawns
Wok fried beef mongolian style
Beef patties
Masakan periuk tanah
More delicious food at the stalls
Soup gear box
Gerai mee
Apam balik
Kuih dadar gulung and onde-onde
Ulam-ulaman and side dishes
Rojak
Soups of the day
Fresh whole fruits
A variety of sweet delights
Tau fu fah in brown or pandan syrup
Cakes galore
Old-fashioned ice-cream
Bubur manis and a selection of Malay cakes
Ice kacang section
Biscuits that spark nostalgia
Nostaliga Seniman P Ramlee at Hilton Petaling Jaya
The Ramadan buffet starts from 6.30pm -10.30pm and runs from 20 April – 23 May 2020. It’s priced
at RM158 nett per adult and RM78 nett per child from 23 – 27 April 2020 and 17 – 23 May 2020.

From 28 April – 16 May 2020, the buffet dinner is priced at RM168 nett per adult and RM88 nett per
child. Special Early Bird price of RM118 nett per adult is available for bookings made before 5 th April 2020.

Paya Serai is located on the lobby level of Hilton Petaling Jaya and is open daily from 6am  10:30pm. A special 25% discount is available for Hilton Dining APAC members and a 15% discount for selected credit cardholders.

For more information and reservations, please call +603 7955 9122 or visit www.eatdrinkhilton.com