TRIUS TIDBYTES: IFTAR RAMADHAN BUFFET SPECIAL @ TONKA BEAN CAFE, IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL

The month of Ramadhan is just around the corner. Our Muslim brothers and sisters will soon be celebrating their 'Hari Raya Aidilfitri' new year in the month of July 2015. But before that, they will be practicing one full month of 'puasa'.

What is puasa?

The Practice of Puasa Ramadhan is the act of fasting from food, drinks and any other acts that are prohibited from when the light touches the land, until when the Sun sets.

Many muslim families break their fast at home with the family. But there is also many nice venues that they may 'buka puasa' or break fast, or have their Sahur.

One such venue is the Tonka Bean Cafe @ the Impiana KLCC Hotel.

This year Tonka Cafe offers it's 'Iftar Ramadhan Buffet Menu' from 18th of June 2015 to 17th of July 2015, 6.30pm to 10.00pm. The bazaar styled servings will feature a huge spread of over 300 mouth-watering delicacies, more than 20 flavours of Baskin Robbins Ice-cream, Unlimited Durians to munch on, and the most sought after Zam-Zam water imported directly from the source!

Zam-zam Water

=============

Welcome to Tonka Bean Cafe

Welcome Serving of Kurma and Zam-Zam Water

What is 'Air Zam-Zam' or Zam-Zam Water?

According to Islamic History, it was by the instruction of God that Abraham left his second wife Hagar and her son Ismael at a spot in the desert and walk away. Desperately seeking for water to quench the thirst of her child, she prayed to God for the means to save her child. There are 2 versions of which came there after. One was that the infant Ishmael scrapped the ground with his feet and out came a spring of water. The second versions was that the angel Gabriel sent by God struck the ground and a spring of water came forth. 

In both outcomes, that was the well of whence the zam-zam water we know to day comes from.

The Zam-zam water offered by Impiana is imported directly from that well (limited to one glass per person).

The Spread

========

Tonka Bean offers more than 300 traditional dishes from all around Malaysia, with a few signature ones like the "Sup Gear Box", the roast lamb, and the Briyani Gam that comes with beef, lamb and chicken versions.

Over 300 specially prepared traditional dishes from all over Malaysia to choose from.

Including Salmon

Oysters

Aneka Kari Lautan

Various Indian cuisine

Briyani Gam, Chicken, Beef and Lamb!

Traditional Malaysia Salad

Traditional desserts

Kambing Golek

All with excellent quality and taste.

Baskin Robbins delight

=================

Tonka Delight also urges diners not to miss the Unlimited Scoops of Baskin Robbins Ice-cream available to you in over 20 flavours and condiments. And did I mention Unlimited and over 20 flavours?

Over 20 flavours of free flow Ice-Cream!

 You may customize your dish with nuts and sauce for your own taste. Best yet, I am informed that this is a feature available even during non-Ramadhan times!

Customize your Baskin Robbins Dessert Dish!

Duran Durian!

==========

Tonka Bean this Ramadhan offers a variety of fruits available here in Malaysia, most importantly ... UNLIMITED servings of Durian! Yes UNLIMITED servings of Durian!

Chef serving Durian

You Durian lovers will enjoy your favourite King of Fruits. And those who aren't such a big fan (like my poor self), there are a variety of other fruits to enjoy like dragonfruits, langsat, rambutans, melons and pomegranate.

Chef and his Fruit mansion

The buffet is set at RM148 nett per person. But for the first 3 days and last 3 days of Ramadhan, the buffet will be set at RM128 nett per person. Children between 6 -12 years of age are given a 50% discount per person.

Ambience

========

The Seven-piece Live Ghazal Band was not showcased to us during this preview, we are told that the live band will feature the sounds of Gendangs, gambus and vocalists to help down our tummies. 

There is also the option of a more private setting if buffet style is not your style of breaking fast. You may opt to break fast at the Cedar on 15 restaurant with a minimum booking of 50 pax at the same price.

Sahur Menu, Makanan Sunnah & additionals

===================================

Should you decide to have the Sahur menu instead, the price is at RM53 nett per person available from 3am to 5.30am. 

Sahur Menu comprises of a soup (ox tail, lamb or Chicken), a main course that you will choose 2 mains and 1 vegetables; and dessert and teh tarik.

Makanan Sunnah is also offered on the side. 

The Sahur variety

There are prayer rooms available at Lobby and Level 1 for your convenience. Diners are also given Belle Saloon and Aquaria vouchers.

In Conclusion

==========

We found that the spread was wide and delicious. We especially liked the tomato rice, all three versions of the Briyani gam, the satay, the ayam goreng berempah, and their signature dishes. Baskin Robbins Ice-cream was also worth trying for.

For the quality of food and the abundance of the spread for the buffet, I believe RM148 is quite worth the money especially if you are into buffets. Of course, if you try it out on the first 3 days and the last 3 days , it would be at a discounted rate of RM128 per person.

For Dining Reservations, please contact 03-21471111, extension 3320/3034

Tonka Bean Cafe at IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL is situated on the Lobby level within the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur's City Centre. 

Gratitudes

========

We would like to extend my utmost gratitude to Mr. Andre, Ms. Kala and Ms Kim of Impiana KLCC Hotel for the invitation to their 'Iftar Ramadhan Menu preview'. We thoroughly enjoyed trying out the spread! 

Thank you for the opportunity!

And the Ice-cream! =D

Thank you for the Ice-cream 

TRIUS TIDBYTES: CEDAR ON 15 @ Impiana KLCC Hotel feat. Joee the Cuisinist

'A Fine Dining restaurant that encourages you to add condiments? Ah, but not just any condiments; only the finest of the 33 different vinegars, and over 40 different oils that will send a whole new spectrum of taste unto your tastebuds. Each vinegar or oil specifically chosen for each dish that defies the laws of taste and yet brings a sense of health to your fine investment.'

Cuban Rum by Vom Fass

Good evening ladies and gentlefolk.

CEDAR on 15 situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in collaboration with Vom Fass has ingeniously created a whole new menu for a more unique dining experience here at Impiana KLCC Hotel.

We got the chance to taste its new menu first hand.

But don't take my word for it. Ask Joee!

Joee is my food critique. Trained in a Michelin-starred restaurant at Conrad Tokyo, Japan. Joee has served over 4500 fine dining guests and has tasted and chosen ingredients for countless original dishes from the top chefs in that hotel. It's a wonder how she keeps her physique. Her business unit alone has won many awards and even had the chance to work with David Beckham on a custom menu.

With my arsenal in check, it's time to go tasting!

Getting There!
===========
CEDAR on 15 is situated at the Impiana KLCC Hotel. You could either drive there, or take the LRT to KLCC and take a 5 minute walk from KL Convention Centre directly to the hotel. At the lift, take it to the 15th floor. You could also take the same walkway from Pavilion, but it may be a little farther.

View from the Terrace at CEDAR on 15

The Restaurant shares the floor with the Club Lounge. The Lounge is catered more for the Club guests of the Hotel, so make a pass and head directly to a stylishly decorated dining hall.

The restaurant's dark lacquered tables and red, black and cream upholstered chairs.

The Restaurant has four meal sessions in a day.

Breakfast: Mondays to Fridays: 6.30am to 10.30am / Saturday and Sundays: 6.30am to 11.00am
Lunch (Weekdays): From 12.00noon to 2.30pm
Dinner: From 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Supper: 11.00pm to 2.00am

They have been recognised by Australia Trade Commission (Austrade) the 'Flavors of Australia 2013 Restaurant Challenge Champion (Category A)' and the 'Best Restaurant in 2013' by Malaysia Tatler.

There is an open concept kitchen portion where they dress the dishes and bake the awesome stone baked pizzas!

The Ambience
===========

CEDAR on 15 was renovated about 2 years ago and was stylishly designed to compliment the dining experience of its fine guests. It has a open kitchen of which dishes are served from, and attentive waiters who serve guests with smiles.

 During times where CEDAR on 15 gets a little more filled, the Hotel band will come up to perform.

The Food
=======

On a normal session it is recommended to get a set meal that starts at RM55 for a 2 course meal and a RM58 for a 3 course meal. Difference of 3 bucks, I'd go for the 3 course one.

For a Business lunch (Mondays to Fridays) you have the 2 course meal for RM29.90 and a 3 course meal at RM39.90.

For the Preview, we were given a 4(5) course meal to taste and grade. For each dish, we were given the option to add the specially chosen vinegars or oils as a custom experience enhancer.

We started with bread. We were served 3 types of bread with the choice of Promegranate balsamic vinegar in olive oil or Walnut oil.

Of the three, I personally liked the charcoal bread. It has a kind of fragrance to the taste, and drenching it with balsamic vinegar, truly hightens the experience and primes your taste buds for the dishes to come.

Joee: For these breads, I recommend that in order to get the most experience out of the vinegar and the walnut oil, that you taste them with the bread on the left (in the picture). This is so that the taste of the oil is not over powered by the fragrance of the bread.

=====

Enter the entr'ee. A Traditional Caesar Salad with Shaved parmesan, beef bacon bits and baguuette crostini. Served with Premium Lemon Olive Oil. (RM38)

Joee: On its own, The dish uses ingredients that are really fresh though the presentation could use a bit more color. The dish on its own is just as good as any other fine dining salad; however, with the dash of the premium lemon olive oil, the experience complements the dish really well.

===

Now, Joee-chan loves mushroom soups, so it is no suprise that this next dish was one of her favorites.

Cream of Topin Ambour with truffle oil and bocconcini cheese! Served with Truffle Oil. (RM38)

This particular dish is usually presented fresh infront of the guests.

The ingredients are placed in the middle of the plate, and then the cream is poured around the ingredients making into the island you see in the picture below.

And the taste, best 'mushroom soup' ever. Adding the special oil provided further enhances the explosion of taste colors.

But what does the Princess of Mushrooms, Joee has to say?

Joee: The best dish of the evening. Goes well with the truffle oil. Love the cheese in the soup. Stylish Island styled Concept. Congratulations.

====

Mains are the main portion of the course that we look forward to. And the choices are pretty mouth watering.

You could either Choose the New South Wales Ribeye served with buttered asparagus, fondant potato and morel mushroom sauce... served with Rosemary Olive Oil. (RM68)

The Ribeye is apparently cooked on Himalayan Rock Salt.

OR

the Pumpkin Seed Crusted Black Cod pan-fried served with mushroom tomato chutney and fennel mousse and sugar pea snap. Served with Organic Hazelnut Oil. (RM78)

Both look equally tempting and it is definitely a must to try both. Which is why i have Joee.

I personally liked the ribeye, the texture is chewy and juicy, and it feels my mouth with happy thoughts. What do you think?

Joee: On presentation is okay. The taste, as we chose medium rare instead of medium well, is good and juicy. It could use a bit more of the mushroom sauce. Having said that by adding the Rosemary Olive Oil, now that opens a whole new meaning of gastronomia to the dish. The oil really brings out a different taste spectrum to the dish.

And about the Fish, I think the pumpkin seeds are are an interesting addition on the fish. I liked it but after awhile it becomes a little salty. The complementing oils do help create a different taste don't you think?

Joee: On the fish, presentation is good and I agree with your thoughts on the taste. Cod is my stapled diet at home so if I am able to consume this, its good especially with the Hazelnut oil.

=====
And Finally the Finale, the Dessert...

Presenting the Triple layer Cheese Cake crispy cracker with figs and tuile. (RM38)

Triple Layer Cheese Cake crsioy cracker with figs and tuile.

Personally I have lost most of my sweet tooth for desserts, but I like the combination of cheese and chocolate.

Joee: For the 3-layer cheese cake, I like the presentation. The cheese layers are distinct by color, but I would personally enjoyed it more if it had a bit more cheese aroma to the dish, perhaps a bigger cheese to flour ratio. I thoroughly enjoyed picking the chocolate bits on the top and yes the few drops of wine makes the dish explode!


There was also the Chocolate molten dish that the majority of us did not get to taste. But we were shown the insides of this lovely looking dish.

Joee: I like the concept of 3 layers of chocolate with different colors with the added mango sauce that flows out moltenly though we did not get to taste this. Perhaps the next time.

Thank you Joee for assisting us in tasting the food.

In Conclusion
==========

I enjoyed the food tasting session at Impiana KLCC Hotel, and I am sure that Joee did as well.

We thought that the idea of adding premium custom vinegars and oil into fine dinning really flips the paradigm of the fine dining scene in Malaysia and sets you off into the blue ocean (in terms of strategy).

CEDAR on 15 is a fine dining restaurant that has succeeded in creating an environment with great ambience that adds to the gastronomical experience of the guests. They together with Vom Fass has created revolutionary dishes that make the normal ritual of eating, a semi-custom tasting experience that is to the individual guests' liking.

Would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr.Andre, Ms. Kala and Ms.Kim of Impiana KLCC Hotel for the chance to blog about our experience! And not to forget Mr.Teoh of Vom Fass for introducing us to the world of premium vinegars and oils.

Looking forward to the next tasting in the near future! Cheers!

=======
For more Information, dinner enquires and reservations on CEDAR on 15, please call

03-21471111, ext. 3711 or 3320
or email at cedaron15@impiana.com
or facebook: www.facebook.com/CEDARon15


Or Visit them at:

15th Floor,
IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL
13, Jalan Pinang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

IMPIANA KLCC HOTEL is a proud recipient of the
'Top Customer Choice Award in Malaysia 2012' by HotelClub and
'Certificate of Excellence 2012' by Tripadvisor.

TRIUS TRAVELS: Japanese Gems in Spring - PART 2 Kyoto, Takayama, Disney

A Spring in Kyoto, (5)

Peace, Ocha, Shakuhachi. (7)

Live Long & Prosper. (5)

Kyoto is filled with Culture, Temples, Maikos traveling to their clients, and parks and streams where haikus (Like the one I attempted to create in the beginning) and paintings praise about.

Objectively there are a few places that you should cover.

1) Gion's Corner
2) Kiyomizudera Temple,
3) Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,
4) Kinkakuji Temple

 Gion Street is the cultural centre where most of the city buses meet. On Gion Street you will see many souvenir selling shops, food, and even a Theater for Kabuki performances.

Gion's Corner
==========
Gion is also home to Gion's Corner, a cultural establishment that has frequent performances to offer the cultural experiences to tourists on Ochado ( Tea Ceremony), Bunraku, Ikebana, and other skills usually performed by Maiko.

TRIUS TIP: 
It is more expensive to buy a ticket for the current day. So to enjoy a cheaper entrance, go to the advance booking counter and book for tomorrow's session. An 'Advanced booking' makes a very big difference!

Japanese Sweets that are usually taken before drinking Matcha.

Arashiyama
=========

Arashiyama is located in the West of Kyoto. Usually included in Day trips and 1 day excursions, but can be visited with just a bus ride or a train ride from Kyoto city to Arashiyama Station.

It has a very nice bridge over the Oi River and a mountain for a backdrop. Prefect for Sakura viewing, Ramen and Ocha.

Heading back to the bridge and one can venture into the famous bamboo forest. It has a very romantic feel and it is no wonder that you will see many Japanese couples coming here for their pre-wedding shoots.

KiyoMizu-Dera Temple

==================

The area where Kiyomizu-dera Temple is situated is a very scenic place. Great for picture taking.

My Model Joee-chan, decided that she would dress up as Maiko for 45 minutes for some picture taking. In Kyoto, you have the option of renting kimonos to walk around the streets. Or you could get yourself made into a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) and experience a 45-minute stroll. I promise you, the experience you get is really different. Lets continue on our tour around Kiyomizu-dera while she Transforms at Maiko-Henshin. 

Kiyomizu-dera is also a popular place to take prewedding pictures.

This particular couple is most probably from Malaysia or Singapore =P

Cafe Oblio was featured in Japanese TV to use matcha flavour, from beverages right up to cakes and desserts. The atmosphere here was also very peaceful and cozy. Perfect for enjoying your favourite piece of the matcha pie.

There is also a Tottoro Shop on the Same street as Maiko Henshin.

Here are some sights of the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It costs a minute fee to get in which goes to the preservation and restoration projects of the temple. But the scenes you take back are worth it.

And Now behold our Model.

Joee Maiko-chan

Trying to escape from the Paparazzi...

 Joee Maiko-chan, took the Strolling package which includes 6 studio poses, and a 45-minute free stroll around Kiyomizu-dera. The entire experience takes About 3 and a half hours inclusive of make up, strolling and taking off the dress time. 17000 yen.

Joee Maiko-Chan pretending to be a real Maiko for the Tourists

Pulled it off! =D

Time to henshin back ... was fun!

And this is my favourite Masterpiece...

Kinkakuji

========

Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavillion is one of the most serene yet busy temples in Kyoto. Its always filled with tourist but the scenery is so serene. Talk about Yin and Yang.

Ship shaped Bonsai

The Ticket/ Blessed Paper

During Sakura season you can also have sakura viewing session with Matcha and a sweet with gold leaves. 

There are many more scenes in Kyoto that can be explored. But if you are selective on what to see. These 4 places would definitely make your time worthwhile.

Takayama

========

Takayama is not as famous as the other destinations around Japan, but it is definitely a worth visit if you have the time, and its about to get alot more popular. 

Getting to Takayama from Kyoto, you can either take a 2 stop Train from Kyoto to Nagoya and then the JR Hida line to Takayama or the HIGHWAY BUS from Kyoto Station. A 4 hour bus ride from Kyoto to Takayama cost around 4500yen compared to three hour train ride with Shinkansen at 9500 yen. 

If you are used to Guest houses, you may want to consider ryokan houses called Minshuku Ryokan. We chose the Minshuku Kowataniya Ryokan. Affordable Ryokan in Takayama with shared bathroom and Onsen water tub! 

Also most of the attractions in Takayama are very near this Minshuku.

The man right here, sells Hida beef Satay! Just look at the way he grills it and makes sure its just medium rare. Oh my god please come here and find him!

This is a nice park North of Takayama Station, it used to be the old area of which the Takayama Castle was built on. But now its just a nice park to jog or walk in.

Having our lunch in town looking for the best Hida Beef available.

TRIUS TALES:

Right after our lunch we came into this carpark to collect our bicycles. And this handsome fellow was tied next to our bicycles. As we approached our bicycles, he suddenly barked and lunged towards us. Immediately when he did, the leash broke free and he stopped in his tracks. We respectfully greeted him and managed to capture this priceless picture. What an intelligent and friendly dog. 

Joee with the an Akita-ken

Joee-Chan has been to Takayama before to visit the Sukyo Mahikari World Shrine which is an impressive monument to see.  Notice the architecture of the Shrine complete with signs of a multitude of religions and the Crest of the Emperor of Japan.

If you however decide to stay near this temple (on the other side of the Train station from the original Minshuku), you probably would have chosen the Sakura Guest house. North of which is the road to the famous Shirakawago!

But not too far away is another village that showcases the different building styles of ancient Japan.

Called... The Minzuko Mura Folk Village or also known as Hida no Sato Village. Only 700yen per entry it is an interesting park to visit.

Tokyo

=====

Odaiba

=====

Odaiba, is known for its array of luxurious hotels and complexes. And also for Diver City's Gundam. Gundam fans, this is a must go! Theres a Gundam museum in Diver City that must be visited as well!

There is even an official Gundam Cafe! Though I would have pictured it to be a little larger. 

Disney Land Tokyo

===============

Disneyland Tokyo is quite a feat. Featuring almost everything similar to the one in Hollywood, it is no wonder Disney fans from Asia don't mind visiting this one as a replacement.

Disney Sea
========

Disney Sea is situated on the other side of Disneyland Tokyo. Disney Sea is the only one of its kind and features more water based animations from Disney.

Taking the monorail to the other side of Disney Tokyo.

Most definitely a reference to StarWars!

Japan is filled with so many wonders and gems that will most definitely take more than a couple trips to complete. And so we end this blog entry here as we prepare for out next journey to cover Japan in July 2015. 

So please look forward to our next report as TRIUS and JOEE-CHAN TRAVELS to... Hokkaido!

Good evening everybody!