Tasty Route to RasaMas - New Outlet at Larkin Terminal

RasaMas - which means Golden Taste in Malay, the language of Malaysia is conceptualised by QSR/KFC Group. The new outlet at Larkin Bus Terminal serves authentic Malaysian cuisine in such elegant settings. I made my stopover during my daily trip back home to Kluang on my way back from work in Johor Bahru. When you dine here, not only are your tastebuds tickled by the myriad of specialties, you also experience a liberal dose of intrinsic tapestry of busy life at Larkin Central where people are on the run to catch their buses and cabs apart from shopping at the available shoplots. I was informed that their authentic specialties and elaborate decor have garnered compliments from patrons.

You could savour a cuppa or have a formal dining in an enclosed area or an open-air area designated for smokers and casual patrons. It also draws office executives after work. With its tagline of "Once is not Enough", RasaMas is a dining experience to be savoured which is facilitated by 16 restaurants chains all over Malaysia that offer full table service with halal (food that is permissible according to Islamic law) menu.

The tasteful decor was designed with more than just food in mind. The catchy lightings and delicious posters are an attraction. In fact that was the reasons that entice me to join the crowd.

RasaMas specialties are Honey Prime Roast, Pepper Prime Roast, Pepper Roasted Chicken, Traditional Chicken Rice, Ayam Percik Chicken Rice (Spicy Barbecued Chicken from East Coast of Malaysia) and Drummet Set. The roasted spice marinade gave it a distinguishable taste. Each mouthful of the delicacy reveals an intermingling of spicy and meaty nuances. One can hardly miss the sharp peppery overtones and aromatic spice flavour. The menu is ideal for reviving jaded palates. Grilled chicken is available as an alternative for non-beef eaters. The meal could be complemented with memorable assortment of dessert. Sipping freshly brewed black coffee could succinctly captures the vibrant environment of the place.

My pickings for the day was the Chicken Rice which stimulates the palate with spicy grilled chicken, crunchy strips of cucumber with a refreshing sweet and hot sauce and tasty piquant chicken soup. The rich and buttery taste rice will have ardent rice lovers clamouring for repeat helpings. Complemented by other menu, the combination proves irresistable. Some menus are the interpretation of Malaysian delight.

An opinion coined by a manager of the QSR Group during one of my casual meetings with him, RasaMas need to focus on something different such as catering service niche market for corporate events and private parties since its dishes are popular among customers. As for me I would want to see a Made-to-Order Fusion creations as an alternative. Well, guys I am soooo hungry now that I could even eat a hippo. Writing this jalan-jalan cari makan experince made my tastebud working overtime. Ciao!

Wonderful Getaway at Orchard Golf and Country Resort

Orchard Golf and Country Resort (OGCR) has provided a wonderful getaway to my family as we are the members of the resort. A close proximity to the resort is a criteria of choosing the hideaway spot. OGCR is a great alternative especially during boom years of golf resorts in mid 1990's. My friend from Singapore also signed up at this club as it offers a package. The scenic golf resort has 18 holes, par 72. Stretched at Km19, Jalan Kota Tinggi/Kulai, Kulai, Johor, the resort is standing amidst natural surroundings of tropical rainforest, plantation and orchards. It is also sheltered majestically near Gunung Pulai.

The OGCR captures the spirit of peaceful, fresh-air hilly living in a private golf club environment. Besides the resort own elaborate recreational activities, the area abounds with opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. OGCR has also add the adventure with hiking, backpacking and camping at nearby forested mountain.

In addition to golfing, we enjoy lounging at the restaurant, wadding in the pool, steam up in the spa and sweat out in the gymnasium. I also love to jog in the surrounding area and was once chased by a roundish, black wild boar. That's an unexpected thrill.

Feelings of serenity just by watching the landscape.

True to its name, the landscape is laced with coconut trees and local fruit trees. The undulating rolling terraine, fresh water ponds and sand bunkers are blissful sights. During fruit season, golfers are rewarded with bountiful fruits in season.

Colours of Deepavali

Deepavali bazaar at Jalan Ungku Puan, Johor Bahru.

Garlands of flowers hanging and lining up the walkway.

Pigeons feeding time early in the morning.

At nite the temple is brightly lit up with line of bulbs which created the festive mood.

Deepavali goodies for the pickings.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated by Hindus on Thursday 8 November 2007, and Malaysian Indians are already thronging special markets in Little Indias all over the country to pick up items such as delicacies and sarees. The event exhibit the unique aspects of the Indian community in Malaysia. I was walking along Jalan Ungku Puan Johor Bahru where there was a Deepavali Bazaar and love to witness the splendor of colour at the brightly lit special market which attracts hundreds of shoppers every night and offers an array of colourful festive items. Shoppers are spoilt for choice in selecting special items such as greeting cards, colourful traditional clothes and decorative items. Snacks galore are everywhere with kacang putih, sweetmeat and cookies stalls doing a roaring business. My childhood experience of having Indian neighbours makes me appreciate delicacies such as jelabi, palgova, laddu, balusha mysorpak, halua and choc koa many of whom serve these delicacies at their open houses. Early in the morning they generously sent trays of Deepavali goodies. Those food was laden with ghee, lots of sugar and milk and my favourite was the laddu and murukku.

I also fancy the metal bangles with hanging bells and ornaments which are in striking colours and hues. The colourful sarees also entice me especially the one with traditional looks and appeals. Stalls selling Indian garments, food and ornaments line both sides of the road. Traditional dances and Kolam competition will also be held at Persada Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on 4 November 2007. Festive mood is in the air!