Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Thursday, 20 December 2012
6 new retailers adding to Gurney Paragon Mall
Six new retailers to be added to Gurney Paragon Mall
Ben’s, Angus House Japanese Charcoal Steak, My Dream Wedding and Dragon-i Signature are opening their first stores in Northern region, whereas Lunarich Pizza & Pasta and JK Plastic Surgery Consultation Centre are operating their maiden Malaysian stores in Gurney Paragon.
Especially popular in Kuala Lumpur, Ben’s by the BIG Group is occupying more than 8,000 square foot of space spread over two levels of St Jo’s and is expected to open for business on 12 December 2012. The concept behind Ben’s brand is that great memories are shared over meals, thus to eat is to love. Ben’s is designed to evoke the warm, inviting kitchens and dining rooms of Ben’s family homes. From rustic-chic country clapboard to sophisticated city loft; each ‘home’ is unique in its style and personality.
Concentrating on international cuisine, the menu ranges from refreshing appetisers and salads, hearty East and West main courses, delicious snacks and luscious desserts. For more information on the restaurant, visit http://www.thebiggroup.co/bens/ .
Lunarich Pizza & Pasta has been opened since 23 November 2013. Originating from Korea, it is an Italian restaurant chain specializing in fire-pot pizzas as well as pastas and risottos. Its signature dishes include varieties of fire pot pizza such as Margherita, Gorgonzola and Luna Special; pastas such as Spaghetti Con Cozze e Pomodoro and Spaghetti alla Pescatore Cream; and Salads such, as Pollo and Salmon salads. For more information on the restaurant, visit www.lunarich.com.my.
Angus House Japanese Charcoal Steak offers and serves American and Italian cuisines delicately infused with Japanese flavours and style. It prides itself in serving the finest quality of imported beef. It is famous for the Charcoal Grilled Black Angus Beef Steak, Spaghetti with Salmon Roe & Abalone, Wagyu Beef Steak, Master KOBE and Tiramisu. Its menu also includes pastas, grilled or baked seafood platters and a list of wines, sakes and Japanese beers.
JK Plastic Surgery Consultation Centre at Gurney Paragon serves as a pre-treatment contact point where patient’s plastic surgery needs and travel arrangements are attended to before the actual treatment takes place in Korea. It provides consultation on facial contouring surgery, orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery, anti-aging, autologous, PRP fat grafting, breast augmentation, body contouring, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, hair grafting, and bone marrow stem-cell treatment and more. Visit http://english.jkplastic.com/index.html for more information.
My Dream Wedding is Malaysia’s first bridal house specialising in sending couples to top bridal houses overseas such as Hong Kong, Paris , Japan , Korea , Singapore , Macau , Taiwan and New Zealand to take their wedding photos. They also provide an exclusive collection of couture wedding gown, and services such as bridal bouquet, emcee/ DJ, flower decorations, live band performance, wedding day photography and videography. Visit www.mydreamweddinghouse.com for more information.
Dragon-i Signature serves authentic Shanghainese delicacies, and stands apart from other Dragon-i outlets with its fine-dining setting and an exclusive premium menu. Each delicacy is prepared by skilled chefs from mainland China and using high quality ingredients. Aside from catering to casual diners, Dragon-i Signature is also able to host corporate or private banquets.
~News courtesy of Visit Penang~
Majestic glow of a goddess
Majestic glow of a goddess
All lighted up: The Goddess of Mercy statue at Kek Lok Si in Air Itam.
Those driving around Air Itam in Penang have a sight to behold.
The 30.2 metre-high bronze Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue at the Kek Lok Si Temple is now beautifully illuminated in the evenings.
After it was lighted up, even more tourists started flocking to the tourist attraction at night.
In the daytime, hundreds of visitors also headed to the temple to see it beside the pagoda.
When asked why the lights were up, temple trustee Datuk Steven Ooi said: “We are testing the lights (on a dry run) to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
According to him, the temple’s area is scheduled to be transformed into a fairyland of lights from Feb 6 until March 9 next year.
“We will turn on the lights at the Kuan Yin only on Feb 9, the eve of the Lunar New Year.”
Workers and staff at the temple are now beginning to install colourful lamps and lanterns to gear up for the official lighting-up ceremony next year.
Ooi also said that there were plans to decorate the temple in accordance with the Year of the Snake next year.
Earlier this year, a total of four dragon figurines were assembled at the temple in conjunction with the Year of the Dragon.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Beach carnival
Beach carnival
THE popular Batu Ferringhi beach belt is expected to come alive with a wide array of activities during the annual Penang Beach Carnival 2012 on Nov 25.
The carnival, touted as one of the biggest events in the state, will see Penangites and tourists alike having fun at the beach the whole day and night.
The event promises to have something in store for everybody as there will be, among others, a Beach Run, a Photography Competition, Traditional Games and Oppa Gangnam Style performance.
State Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong said the carnival, which is in its fourth edition, would have 26 activities including various sports and games competition.
“The highlight of the event will be the Lantern Show where all the hotels along the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt will hang their handmade lanterns at their entrances.
“Visitors will be able to view the display from hotel to hotel and the best lantern would be picked as the winner,” she said before the start of the Penang Beach Carnival 2012 gotong- royong programme at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.
Some 80 people comprising hotel employees and Penang Municipal Council workers took part in the programme on Saturday morning covering the beach area from Rasa Sayang to the Golden Sands Resort and Lone Pine Hotel.
In a press conference at the Eastin Hotel on Monday, more details were shared about three events that will be in the Beach Carnival line-up, namely the Eastin Challenge Trophy Cooking Competition, Mr Penang Beach Carnival and Beach Run.
Chef’s Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter general committee member Chef Mohd Bakri Said said the cooking competition was scheduled to start at 2pm.
“The contestants, in teams of three will be given an hour to come up with a tantalising main course as well as a fruit and vegetable carving,” Bakri said, adding that the competition was opened to all culinary students in colleges.
The top three teams will each receive a medal as well as cash prizes of RM500, RM300 and RM200 respectively.
As for the Mr Penang Beach Carnival, the top three body builders will receive RM400, RM300 and RM100 respectively as well as a medal each.
Penang Body Builders’ Association secretary Shukri Abdullah said the competition was divided into three categories - Teenagers under-70kg, Teenagers above-70kg and Open category for those aged 21 and above.
For the Beach Run, there will be six categories namely the Men and Women’s Junior (13 to 20 years old), Men and Women’s Open (21 to 34 years old) as well as Men and Women’s Veteran (35 years old and above).
Penang Amateur Athletic Association secretary V. Govindasamy said they were expecting more than 500 people for the 8.2km run which will start at the beach fronting the Golden Sands Resort at 7.30am.
“Ten prizes will be given for each category at the event,” he said.
Entry forms for the Beach Run can be downloaded from http://penangaaa.blogspot.com.
The Penang Beach Carnival will be held from 7am to 10pm at the Golden Sands Resort beach. For enquiries, call 04-6593713 or 04-6593714.
~News courtesy of The Star~
THE popular Batu Ferringhi beach belt is expected to come alive with a wide array of activities during the annual Penang Beach Carnival 2012 on Nov 25.
The carnival, touted as one of the biggest events in the state, will see Penangites and tourists alike having fun at the beach the whole day and night.
The event promises to have something in store for everybody as there will be, among others, a Beach Run, a Photography Competition, Traditional Games and Oppa Gangnam Style performance.
State Youth and Sports, Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Lydia Ong said the carnival, which is in its fourth edition, would have 26 activities including various sports and games competition.
“The highlight of the event will be the Lantern Show where all the hotels along the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt will hang their handmade lanterns at their entrances.
“Visitors will be able to view the display from hotel to hotel and the best lantern would be picked as the winner,” she said before the start of the Penang Beach Carnival 2012 gotong- royong programme at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.
Some 80 people comprising hotel employees and Penang Municipal Council workers took part in the programme on Saturday morning covering the beach area from Rasa Sayang to the Golden Sands Resort and Lone Pine Hotel.
In a press conference at the Eastin Hotel on Monday, more details were shared about three events that will be in the Beach Carnival line-up, namely the Eastin Challenge Trophy Cooking Competition, Mr Penang Beach Carnival and Beach Run.
Chef’s Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter general committee member Chef Mohd Bakri Said said the cooking competition was scheduled to start at 2pm.
“The contestants, in teams of three will be given an hour to come up with a tantalising main course as well as a fruit and vegetable carving,” Bakri said, adding that the competition was opened to all culinary students in colleges.
The top three teams will each receive a medal as well as cash prizes of RM500, RM300 and RM200 respectively.
As for the Mr Penang Beach Carnival, the top three body builders will receive RM400, RM300 and RM100 respectively as well as a medal each.
Penang Body Builders’ Association secretary Shukri Abdullah said the competition was divided into three categories - Teenagers under-70kg, Teenagers above-70kg and Open category for those aged 21 and above.
For the Beach Run, there will be six categories namely the Men and Women’s Junior (13 to 20 years old), Men and Women’s Open (21 to 34 years old) as well as Men and Women’s Veteran (35 years old and above).
Penang Amateur Athletic Association secretary V. Govindasamy said they were expecting more than 500 people for the 8.2km run which will start at the beach fronting the Golden Sands Resort at 7.30am.
“Ten prizes will be given for each category at the event,” he said.
Entry forms for the Beach Run can be downloaded from http://penangaaa.blogspot.com.
The Penang Beach Carnival will be held from 7am to 10pm at the Golden Sands Resort beach. For enquiries, call 04-6593713 or 04-6593714.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Cable car project proposed
Cable car project proposed
DEVOTEES going up the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang, will get to enjoy a panoramic view and have a tireless journey up the temple following a proposal for a cable car project.
Temple committee chairman P. Kuvenaraju said the proposal was raised following the closure of the road up the temple and concerns about the elderly devotees having problems walking up the 514 steps.
He said the project would cover 500 metres from the foot of the hill up to the temple.
“Besides serving as an alternative way up the temple for the devotees, the cable car will also be helpful in daily needs such as getting bananas and food up the hill as we do not have enough manpower to help out,” he told a press conference before visiting the proposed cable car project site in Jalan Kebun Bunga recently.
Kuvenaraju said the committee had received an offer from a foreign company to install the cable car.
However, he said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was eager that there be an open tender for the project.
“The whole project, including the tender matters and other relevant procedures, is expected to be completed in the next one and half years,” he said.
Lim, who was also present, said the company carrying out the project, would be chosen based on the best profit sharing percentage offered to the temple, the shortest leasing term and most importantly, experience in installing, managing and operating the cable car.
He added that the selected company would have to bear the cost of construction but it would make its revenue through the sale of tickets.
Lim said the state was expected to announce the chosen company for the project in January.
The RM9mil hilltop temple completed in June this year, is believed to be the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India.
~News courtesy of The Star~
DEVOTEES going up the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang, will get to enjoy a panoramic view and have a tireless journey up the temple following a proposal for a cable car project.
Temple committee chairman P. Kuvenaraju said the proposal was raised following the closure of the road up the temple and concerns about the elderly devotees having problems walking up the 514 steps.
He said the project would cover 500 metres from the foot of the hill up to the temple.
“Besides serving as an alternative way up the temple for the devotees, the cable car will also be helpful in daily needs such as getting bananas and food up the hill as we do not have enough manpower to help out,” he told a press conference before visiting the proposed cable car project site in Jalan Kebun Bunga recently.
Panaromic alternative: The proposed cable car project will be built at the foothill of the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani hilltop temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang.
Kuvenaraju said the committee had received an offer from a foreign company to install the cable car.
However, he said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was eager that there be an open tender for the project.
“The whole project, including the tender matters and other relevant procedures, is expected to be completed in the next one and half years,” he said.
Lim, who was also present, said the company carrying out the project, would be chosen based on the best profit sharing percentage offered to the temple, the shortest leasing term and most importantly, experience in installing, managing and operating the cable car.
He added that the selected company would have to bear the cost of construction but it would make its revenue through the sale of tickets.
Lim said the state was expected to announce the chosen company for the project in January.
The RM9mil hilltop temple completed in June this year, is believed to be the largest Lord Murugan temple outside India.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
2nd bridge to ease congestion
Penang second bridge to ease congestion on first bridge by up to 30%
The Penang Second Bridge, now under construction, is expected to ease traffic congestion of the first bridge by 20 to 30 percent.
Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bnd (JKSB) Public Relations and Communications adviser, Datuk Mohammad Salleh Rafie said the existing congestion problem would be reduced when the second bridge is ready in September next year.
He was met by reporters at a seminar with the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's Penang Coordinating Committee on the progress of the Penang Second Bridge project.
Some 100,000 vehicles use the existing bridge daily to travel between the mainland and the island, with heavy traffic congestion during the peak hours.
Mohammad Salleh said the completion of the second bridge would further spur development, especially industries, in Seberang Perai Selatan on the mainland.
The RM4.5bil Penang Second Bridge spanning 23.5 km with 16.9 km over the sea, will link Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island. - Bernama
~News courtesy of The Star~
The Penang Second Bridge, now under construction, is expected to ease traffic congestion of the first bridge by 20 to 30 percent.
Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bnd (JKSB) Public Relations and Communications adviser, Datuk Mohammad Salleh Rafie said the existing congestion problem would be reduced when the second bridge is ready in September next year.
He was met by reporters at a seminar with the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry's Penang Coordinating Committee on the progress of the Penang Second Bridge project.
Some 100,000 vehicles use the existing bridge daily to travel between the mainland and the island, with heavy traffic congestion during the peak hours.
Mohammad Salleh said the completion of the second bridge would further spur development, especially industries, in Seberang Perai Selatan on the mainland.
The RM4.5bil Penang Second Bridge spanning 23.5 km with 16.9 km over the sea, will link Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island. - Bernama
~News courtesy of The Star~
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Enjoy the best of fine dining at chic bistro
Enjoy the best of fine dining at chic bistro in Bay Avenue
PRIMED for those who appreciate the finer things in life, Vino Vino Bistro represents a confluence of worlds where seemingly contrasting elements strike a harmonious, culinary chord.
The swanky establishment, located in Bay Avenue near Queensbay Mall, Penang, finds pre-eminence in its distinctive yet unlikely juxtaposition of time-honoured western staples with dainty, eastern flavours.
As its moniker implies, juices of the vine and prized spirits are its forte. But the most surprising aspect is what it dovetails with — contemporary Japanese cuisine, in particular, Yakitori.
The skewered meats, seafood and vegetables are a best seller, mainly because they are done the right way. They are cooked over a grill lined with a special compacted type of charcoal.
As executive sous chef Steven Kong explains, the embers maintain a constant, moderate temperature that ensures everything is cooked evenly, without being overly charred, thus remaining tender and juicy.
Infused with a distinctive aroma, the skewers’ appeal also lies in their simplicity.
Among the comprehensive selection, the Tebasaki (chicken wings) is perhaps the most popular.
Crispy on the outside and tenderly moist on the inside, it is so good that one helping is never enough.
Equally great are the Sunagimo (chicken gizzard), Kaki Kushi (oysters), Momo (chicken thigh), Bonjiri (bishop’s nose), Sasami Mentai Mayo (chicken fillet with fish roe mayonnaise) and Tsukune Cheese (chicken meat balls with cheese).
Regardless of the order, the Yakitori skewers make a great complement for Vino Vino’s vast selection of around 500 wine labels and 30 types of single malt and blended whiskies.
It is a unique pairing that pleases the palate.
Apart from the Tapas-like bites, the outlet also features a good selection of delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun, which ranges from sushi to udon, and ramen to rice dishes.
Connoisseurs will find the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which may feature salmon, tuna, yellowtail and cold water sweet prawns, among others, a delightful burst of fresh, aquatic flavours.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a 30% discount on the raw fish selection.
Among the more modern creations is the Wasabi Cheese Smoked Duck, which comprises delicate slivers, to be lathered with the special horseradish-based spread and eaten with crackers.
Another, the Burger Cheese, is a hearty slab of ground beef and chicken, oozing with melted cheese.
All these also go well with any of the premium Japanese sake and shochu lineup.
Currently, the outlet offers affordable lunch and dinner sets, priced from RM17++ and RM29++ respectively.
There is also a Buy-2-Free-1 promotion for red and white wine, available in different sized portions by the glass. These are dispensed from their automated Vino Tech system, which utilises argon, an inert gas, to keep opened bottles fresh for up to 21 days.
Located at Block H-10-1, Lorong Bayan Indah 2 at Bay Avenue in Bayan Lepas, the bistro seats up to 40 pax and also has a karaoke room upstairs for those who would like to belt out a few numbers after meals.
Opening hours are from noon to midnight (Monday to Saturday), and from 5pm to midnight on Sunday. For more information, look up Vino Vino Bistro on Facebook, or call 04-6459922 for reservations.
~News courtesy of The Star~
PRIMED for those who appreciate the finer things in life, Vino Vino Bistro represents a confluence of worlds where seemingly contrasting elements strike a harmonious, culinary chord.
The swanky establishment, located in Bay Avenue near Queensbay Mall, Penang, finds pre-eminence in its distinctive yet unlikely juxtaposition of time-honoured western staples with dainty, eastern flavours.
As its moniker implies, juices of the vine and prized spirits are its forte. But the most surprising aspect is what it dovetails with — contemporary Japanese cuisine, in particular, Yakitori.
The skewered meats, seafood and vegetables are a best seller, mainly because they are done the right way. They are cooked over a grill lined with a special compacted type of charcoal.
As executive sous chef Steven Kong explains, the embers maintain a constant, moderate temperature that ensures everything is cooked evenly, without being overly charred, thus remaining tender and juicy.
Infused with a distinctive aroma, the skewers’ appeal also lies in their simplicity.
Among the comprehensive selection, the Tebasaki (chicken wings) is perhaps the most popular.
Crispy on the outside and tenderly moist on the inside, it is so good that one helping is never enough.
Equally great are the Sunagimo (chicken gizzard), Kaki Kushi (oysters), Momo (chicken thigh), Bonjiri (bishop’s nose), Sasami Mentai Mayo (chicken fillet with fish roe mayonnaise) and Tsukune Cheese (chicken meat balls with cheese).
Regardless of the order, the Yakitori skewers make a great complement for Vino Vino’s vast selection of around 500 wine labels and 30 types of single malt and blended whiskies.
It is a unique pairing that pleases the palate.
Apart from the Tapas-like bites, the outlet also features a good selection of delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun, which ranges from sushi to udon, and ramen to rice dishes.
Connoisseurs will find the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which may feature salmon, tuna, yellowtail and cold water sweet prawns, among others, a delightful burst of fresh, aquatic flavours.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a 30% discount on the raw fish selection.
Among the more modern creations is the Wasabi Cheese Smoked Duck, which comprises delicate slivers, to be lathered with the special horseradish-based spread and eaten with crackers.
Another, the Burger Cheese, is a hearty slab of ground beef and chicken, oozing with melted cheese.
All these also go well with any of the premium Japanese sake and shochu lineup.
Currently, the outlet offers affordable lunch and dinner sets, priced from RM17++ and RM29++ respectively.
There is also a Buy-2-Free-1 promotion for red and white wine, available in different sized portions by the glass. These are dispensed from their automated Vino Tech system, which utilises argon, an inert gas, to keep opened bottles fresh for up to 21 days.
Located at Block H-10-1, Lorong Bayan Indah 2 at Bay Avenue in Bayan Lepas, the bistro seats up to 40 pax and also has a karaoke room upstairs for those who would like to belt out a few numbers after meals.
Opening hours are from noon to midnight (Monday to Saturday), and from 5pm to midnight on Sunday. For more information, look up Vino Vino Bistro on Facebook, or call 04-6459922 for reservations.
~News courtesy of The Star~
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