In Pursuit of the Glorious Burger 2 : Grabbing Hands

Hello!! Its me again for another episode of the Cheeky's adventures. Check out my last adventure here.

Mommy said there are alot of burger joints mushrooming around the city lately and she wanted to continue with her glamorous "Glorious" title wa.  And what better than to visit the latest burger restaurant in Kota Kinabalu's latest completed commercial development i.e. Metro Town.  The development is located at Kolombong industrial township along the main road of Jalan Lintas. 

Grabbing Hands, that's the name of the restaurant we went to.  Unique name, isn't it?  What's unique about this place is its ambience with pretty arts on its walls. So pretty are the arts that upon careful observation, they are actually made from rubix cubes. 

Here's mommy acting cute. @_@ . Behind her is a rubix cubes art of Bob Marley. 

By the way, mommy wants you to check out her new hair colour.  She was at the hair salon that morning and thought the outcome looked fabulous. Oh So Vain! *rolls eyes.  Anyway, back to the topic, the arts are for sale.  This particular one behind mommy is yours for only RM9,500.00.

The ambience of the restaurant with more rubix cubes arts on display

Grabbing Hands : Love Food, Love Art.  We Design Our Own Burgers & Hotdogs...  These are their professes.  The art part, mommy was fascinated.  The whole concept of the restaurant was cozy and welcoming.  She even started building images of spending time with friends playing catching up and gossiping. :P   

As for the food part, with hungry pangs hitting our stomachs, we ordered the followings :

Chicken Maryland Burger, RM20.00 

Beef Mylo Hotdog, RM18.00

Hi! Hi! Hi! Its me!!! I ordered the Chicken Hotdog in bolognese sauce, RM18.00

Mommy liked this photo and said she was artistic too as she managed to get nothing of the background except of people's....... asses legs. :P

Wicked Wings

I guess the verdict falls on my partner in crime who's a picky eater, my li'l brother, Manja.  And from the way things wrapped up for the night, its going to be one of the places to revisit.

My partner in crime

This time, my mommy said her photo taking skills are better.  Instead of having a background nearing the floor, it has gone up and now its of breasts chests. :PPP

And that concludes another episode of Cheeky's adventures.  Till then...

Peace!!  

Photos captured using mommy's phone, this particular one taken outside the restaurant.  Above us is the signboard illuminated by light bulbs. Tsk, tsk, tsk, mommy's photo taking skills.

Grabbing Hands
Metro Town, Block J-0-25,
Jalan Bunga Ulam Raja,
88300  Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 

Tel : 088-387 787

Operating Hours:
Mon - Thu : 12.00pm - 10.00pm
Fri - Sat : 12.00pm - 11.00pm
Sun : 12.00pm - 10.00pm 

The Hyatt Touch : A Very Bandung Ramadhan Buffet

Hello and a blessed Ramadhan month. 

Click here to know better about the muslims' holy month of Ramadhan. 

Ramadhan is a month long practice of blessings and thanks givings.  In Malaysia, irregardless of our religion background, we respect and embraces each others differences.  We come together in gesturing this differences where everyone understands and observe the meaning behind this holy practice.

During this period, temporary bazaar stalls are set up in many designated areas.  You will get the chance to taste the array of food unique to the muslims.  Not wanting to miss showcasing themselves, our local hotels are joining the bandwagon preparing their own specialties and promotions.  I am very fortunate to get to taste from one of our local boys, the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, on the very first day of this meaningful month.

The Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, my first stop for my year 2013 Ramadhan

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu launched their Bandung Ramadhan promotion with the ultimate in buka puasa (breaking fast) feast featuring an astounding array of buffet choices, featuring mouth watering dishes from Indonesia, brought by their guest chefs from Hyatt Regency Bandung.

Spacious area showcasing their buffet promotion

Indonesia cuisine is known for its use of fragrant spices.  Chef Aries Tri Suhandoko and Chef Sandy Nur Hidayat prepared a diverse flavours of Indonesian food.  From flavorful salads and appetizers, to tasty soups, aromatic curries, fragrantly spiced meats to delectable, whole some desserts. 

 

Decorative display with influence of the Indonesian culture

Sweet dates surrounded by local delicacies

In consistence with its theme, the spread was of warmly Indonesian with a selection of appetizers such as Asinan, rojak buah and tauhu telur.  Not forgetting the serving of soups of Soto Bandung, Mee Siram and Rawon Jawa Timur. 

A row of flavourful condiments

The salad and dessert bars

Kerepek

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu's aim is to provide an unforgettable buka puasa experience with a wide choice of cuisine delightful to family and friends.  Their welcoming very Bandung main courses - Empal Daging Sapi, Udang Balado, Gulai Kambing, Ikan Bawal Bumbu Bali, Nasi Goreng Jawa, Ayam Rica, Nasi Goreng Kluwek, Kambing Guling, Gulai Nangka Muda and many more are of abundance to fill everyone's stomach to satisfaction. 

In addition to the Indonesian specialties, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu are also serving their much-loved favourites including local and western cuisine, not forgetting the chinese and indian dishes too.  

Also included in this buka puasa feast is the hotel's own Chef Govind using the tandoori oven to prepare his famous fluffy and crisp naan, tikka masala grilled meats and north Indian curries along with lamb kebab and beef shawarma.

The feast was delightfully concluded with an extended dessert selection, from local specialities like kuih penjaram, ondeh-ondeh, kuih ketayap, kuih lenggang, kuih sapit, kuih lapis, apam balik to cheese cakes, creme brulee, strawberry sponge cakes, jellies and much more.

The Bandung Ramadhan at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is available throughout the fasting month at RM110++ per person between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.  For those who comes in after 8.00pm you can enjoy the same at RM100 per person.  Children are chargeable at half price.

The feast was enjoyable accompanied by relaxing ambience and friends' laughters.  The extensive varieties were enough to leave me with a bloated stomach.  Thankfully, this bloating issue was soothingly tamed with a cup of the hotel's smooth teh tarik.  It was a pleasant drink to end my dinner.

You and your family and friends can enjoy this "A Very Bandung Ramadhan" buka puasa feast by making your reservation/s now.  Just call the hotel at: 

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong,
88991  Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah 

Tel: +60 88 22 1234.

The hotel does catering for private functions too.  For this month only, chefs at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu have created a delectable, tantalizing buka puasa menu featuring the best Ramadhan specialties.  Trained banquet staff will be on hand to take away the stress of cooking, organising the event, serving your guests and washing up so that you can concentrate on being the perfect host.  Menu price starts from RM100++ per person. 

Selamat Menyambut Bulan Ramadhan

dan Selamat Berbuka Puasa

Life's Pleasures @ Flames, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Life at times presents itself with surprises, and just 2 weeks ago, I had one of the most pleasant evening which I truly enjoyed.  I have been saying again and again of my hectic life, and often is blinded in slowing down my pace to enjoy the simple and finer things life presents.  That evening, my life was splendidly spent in both ways.

Sabah is truly a blessed land.  She is showered with beautiful scenery, breathtaking most of the time.  Unfortunately, my hectic life has made me forgotten.  I have constantly immerse myself in a sea of infinite work.  But that evening, I thank Le Meridien Hotel Kota Kinabalu for reminding me, that work and pleasure can be balanced.  And indeed it is possible, as I view with awe how marvelously Sabah is from the hotel's 12th floor Club Lounge.

That day, I witnessed  the sunset :

From this...

.... to this 

Panoramic view from the 12th Floor Club Lounge, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Sourced : http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

All splendid things come to an end, and soon, the sun set beyond the horizon.  I look forward to experience it again as I aim high to elevate myself over and above my current state. (The Le Meridien Club Lounge is for the exclusive use of guests staying on the Le Meridien Club floors).

Me and my fellow friends were then led to their lobby floor, specifically a cozy corner away from its reception area to one of their flagship outlet, FLAMES Steak Restaurant.  

Flames Steak Restaurant is one of the hotel's latest addition to its many dining options.  A casual yet stylish steak restaurant that showcases the best quality, prime steaks for Kota Kinabalu diners.  This intimate corner of 24 seats caters to please lovers of luscious, prime steaks and most things non-vegetarian.  Acclaimed as the only international steak restaurant in Kota Kinabalu with a serious effort to truly please the palates of KK city's steak aficionados.

We were presented with the following menu:

Behold herewith images of the array of dishes in sampling sizes presented before us:

Our opening dish (not in the menu)

Jasmine Tea Infused Duck Breast Confit with shaved fennel, caramelized fruit, 

cress and peach dressing

Cappuccino of Jerusalem Artichoke and Macadamia Nut, 

Truffle Oil and fresh herbs

Avocado tapenade, Japanese tofu, garnished with mandarin orange and miso dressing

Baked Fillet of Cod, Porcini mushroom, asparagus, strawberry and red wine reduction

Maltagliati Pasta, Chicken Fillet with cherry tomato and basil pesto

Passion Fruit Sorbet

Slow Cooked Black Angus Beef Fillet, braised red cabbage, 

baby vegetables and shallot reduction

Swiss Milk Chocolate Mousse, Crispy Rice and Raspberry puree

The night ended with the selection of either Illy coffee or Ronnefeldt tea.  My choice is of course the aromatic tea:

Served in a pot

This experience had been rare and overwhelming.  The servings, though in sampling sizes, were enough to capture the attention of us ladies that Flames offers more than just meeting of the eyes.  On top of its cozy restaurant ambience and food presentation, the price itself came as a surprise.  Gentle on the pockets, a good main course may surprise you with its very affordable pricing starting from RM48 (≈ USD17).  Flames uses the freshest of ingredients which instead of frozen meat, they defy the norm by setting a prominent standard using  flown in chilled meat. 

I found myself enjoying that night's dishes especially the soup (RM25 ≈ USD9) which was delightful to my taste and as a seafood lover, the carefully prepared baked cod fillet (RM78 ≈ USD26) was splendid.  The other dishes were just as pleasant and enjoyable.  I was afterall, in a place accompanied by food loving friends, prime steaks, great wines and great times. ♥♥♥

FLAMES, Kota Kinabalu's only international steak restaurant, is located at:

FLAMES Steak Restaurant
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens,
Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu,
88000  Sabah, Malaysia

Telephone: +60-88-322 222
Website: http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is a five star hotel and a part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. loyalty programs, allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates.  For more information, please visit their website : Starwood Hotels.

Credit to Social Media East Malaysia for the evening's great arrangement. 

苦中一点甜~ The Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House

Did you know that chinese medicine is always about balancing your energy?  The "chi" they said, should be made accord for the entire body to function harmoniously ensuring a healthy body.  There are lots of ways in practicing chinese medicine. Not touching on the more complex cure, the daily consumable herbal drinks are featured here. 

Introducing the Gui Ling Gao (龟苓膏):

Chilled Herbal Jelly With Sea Coconut and Longan

Most herbal shops sell this particular dessert by the jelly with honey.  However, for Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House (黄朝), they believed the dessert should be enjoyed in many more varieties than its original presentation.  Hence, after trying this concept, I would say, it definitely redefined the meaning of creativity to a dessert deserving more attention than just by its bitter jelly.  The accompanying sea coconut and longan bits with lemon/lime juice brings a refreshing taste to the dessert.  No longer bitter, a touch of sweetness enhances the flavour bringing out a pleasant taste to be enjoyed.  Hence, if you are wondering what's the meaning of the chinese characters on the title of this post, it means "In its bitterness, sweetness is present".  粘切 mah? #close_enough

Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House offers more than meets the eyes, for besides their bestseller Gui Ling Gao, they serve Foo Chuk Barley (beancurd stick with barley), Luo Han Guo drink, Mango Cream dessert, and many others. Just have a look at part of their menu captured here:

So many smiley recommendations & they serve homemade cakes too. 

In case you are not aware, here's the list of benefits when consuming herbal drinks which I extracted from their shop's display area: 

- Improving your skin complexion

- Strengthen your immune system
- Detoxify the body
- For damp heat (湿热), dry skin, pimples, insomnia & lack of appetite.

An array of choices served before us

The logo / mascot

Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House is a new herbal tea drink shop (since 12 Jan 2013) located at Lot 17, Block B, Ground Floor, Damai Point Commercial Centre, Jalan Damai, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu.  Telephone contact no.: 017-866 0026.

The nicely decorated shop.  A pleasant atmosphere to enjoy healthy drinks.

If you are into some healthy, pure & concentrated yet enjoyable drinks/desserts, why not give Dynasty a try?  I truly enjoyed the cozy interior setting of the shop and according to the owner, free wifi will be made available soon.

Follow Dynasty Healthy Herbal Tea House on their facebook page.  Promotions are made periodically.  Do not miss them.

I shall be coming back for more.

The Corona Extra Beach Party 2012

Did you know there were 2 parties? Which one did you join?  Or did you join both?

Can't bring your bar to the beach?  We'll bring the 

beach to you! ~ I LIKE-Y ♥ ♥ ♥

The Friday Sunset Beach Party was all about........... WET.  Well, that's all I know about the event as I was not there.  Its a party by the beach, with the attire theme of beach wear, singing bands, DJs churning up some hot dancing music, and not forgetting the spraying of WATER GUNS.  I could imagine the event being absolute fun.  OF COURSE its lots of fun.  Then why am I not there?  Maybe its my flabby tummy, maybe its my sagging boobs, or maybe I do not have a bikini for that matter.  Whatever it is, I can't remember and won't be recalling.  Let's just say its my unfortunate Friday.

But the party didn't end at the beach, they continued on the next night which was a Saturday. WOOHOO!!!  That's my call to rave, yeah you betcha!  

The made up photo background with real sand......where? At the bottom of our feet :P

Follow the sign

Do not forget your bucket ;)

If you think the "opening" was awesome, the party that's raving inside the venue was ever more smashing.  Multiple talents displayed their expertise:

Talented DJs spinning some of the best dance music

Korean Beatbox Jaekweon in the house

Flames showcased entertaining the partygoers 

Gotta have a Corona

The crowd in the big make shift event tent

My partygoing kaki-s

More photos can be seen at the Corona Extra Full Moon Beach Party Facebook page.  All photos featured here are from their facebook page except for the last with my partying kaki-s.  

This Beach Party is an annual event.  First brought to KK beach bummers and partygoers in year 2011.  Why not make a date for the next?  Just click "Like" on their facebook page and you are all set to know when's the next event will be.

Till we meet again in the next party!! Muaks ♥