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!

Balik Kampung for Hari Raya Celebration

My noisy relatives catching up with the latest happenings and of the family at the Rumah Ibu (Main House).
The Gamin, Kuala Pilah open house has a strong support and good participation. Sad to say I only recognised 90% of my distant relatives.
A surprise reunion with my second cousin who made a fortune in Australia and lost for more than 10 years, with a twist of emotional story. Every guest be it male or female shed tears. I remember him as a cute boy. Hari Raya is for bridging the lost gap & extend our forgiveness.

A cute and chubby baby with a relative.

My adorable nephew & nieces resting at the stairways decorated with old glazed tiles.

My son wearing a Baju Melayu with a songket sampin at my mum-in law's house

It has been 2 weeks into festival of Aidilfitri, popularly known as Hari Raya in Malaysia. The joyous month falls on Syawal month of the Islamic calendar. I guess it's not too late to post on this occassion as it is celebrated for a month in Malaysia, no doubt it's not being celebrated full swing each day as life is getting more mundane. It is a meaningful occassion for the Muslims as it signifies a personal triumph and a victory of self-restraint and abstinence symbolising purification and renewal after a month of fasting in Ramadhan. Urbanites make their pilgrimage to their hometowns, popularly known as balik kampung. My family and I spent our moment in my ancestors home and mum's weekend home in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. Celebrating in a kampung (village) environment is more magical and my family has been sharing the joyous moment in the kampung the past 6 years instead of at my parents house in Seremban, a city in Negeri Sembilan. Prior to that we were in Muar, Johor at my in-laws home.

My family members started the day by congregating in the mosque early in the morning for the Hari Raya Puasa prayers. Everyone put on the traditional Malay clothes and for the ladies the garb could either be baju kurung or baju kebaya with each family having their own theme.... we were into yellow this year. Asking for forgiveness from the elderly is a touchy moment through salam (handshake) with us recalling the full year's misdeeds and wrongdoings to be wiped out. Kids too have their field day in collecting duit raya (money gifts in small envelops). My mum-in-law is good in feasting us with tasty Malay delicacies which are mainly found during Hari Raya such as authentic ketupat (rice wrapped in coconut leaves weaved casings), rendang (beef/chicken spicy dishes), peanuts sauce, lodeh (mixed vegetables cooked in coconut milk), chicken curry, etc. I missed the aromatic lemang cooking event at the Kuala Pilah home as I was only there on second Hari Raya. Lemang is a Minangkabau delicacy that is glutinous rice cooked in bamboo. It takes at least 8 hours to cook lemang via burning in firewoods. Most houses are decorated with oil lamps illuminating the gardens and lighting up the dark skys. They are normally lacing up the garden after the third week of fasting month of Ramadhan.

For this Hari Raya what amaze me is the lighting up of Meriam Buluh (home made cannon by using Calcium Carbide stuff in a hollow pipe). The sound is so loud and perhaps that's why the city videographer who was me displayed a spontaneous reaction. Those guys in the video are from technical background namely engineer, engineering students, technical teacher, technicians.... Hmmm they seem to have the applicative fun. The Meriam Buluh, fireworks, fire crackers and sparklers added the aura of Hari Raya and there seems a competitive battle ground in between the sub-kampung.

My kampung has a scenic beauty and the famous Petronas Hari Raya "Burung Murai" commercial and other movies were shot there. I will make a special posting of my (grandma's) kampung in the future. The traditional house on stilts stand regally on a hill and surrounded by lush trees. My family in Kuala Pilah had an open house to our extended family. We slaughtered 2 goats which are reared at the backyard of the traditional kampung home. I am dumbfounded by the linkages of my own extended family tree. My family network are the kind who loves to bridge the gap between the many generations of the family tree branches..... horizontally and vertically. With the intricate connection, a long lost relative's son whose mum is about my age called me Uwan (Grandma). Ouch!. It's the rank and file. Overall, 2 days in the kampung but felt like a lifetime.

Please view the Meriam Buluh video below with the volume on as you could hear the sound effect :-)

Home Made Hari Raya Cookies, Anyone?

Double Chocolate Cookies

Serunding Mini Popia

Honey Cornflakes Cup

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Chocolate Almond Cookies

"Semprit" Thousand Thousand

My favourite Jam Tart

My friend was asking me whether I will be baking cookies this Hari Raya, Malay term for festive season Eid Ul-Fitr. I said, "Definetly, I would". I find baking cookies therapeutic.... the feelings are indescribable. Since time is an essence to me as a busy mum, I baked cookies during weekends. My kids and I did the ingredients look out the week earlier. I made some modification to the recipes with each cookie type, I made three equal portions for my family, my mum's and mum-in-law's. Earlier years I felt turned down when the cookies I bought regardless of its good looks, taste rancid and spoilt. Raison d'etre ..... I bake my own cookies. Put aside the presentation, my kids said it taste yummy. Hopefully, the limited edition will still be around during Hari Raya. Over years I have been experimenting to get the right taste and texture. My kids little hands are handy except for few accidents such as cookies turn topsy turvy while cooling off. Helping out mum baking since I was small, helps a great deal. So kids, don't worry about the mess ... the experience that counts. Love to see their joy while mixing the ingredients. Besides, feel great that the kitchen smells like bakery. To all my relatives and Muslim friends "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & maaf zahir batin".

My first family residence at Bryn Mawr Apartment, Chicago

Situated across the street from each other, Bryn Mawr Apartment is a finely detailed building epitomised the rapid growth and expansion of Chicago in the 1920s and the commercial development of Bryn Mawr Avenue and surrounded by Edgewater community. We stayed there when we first started our family life and continue to live on for three years. Apart from relatively close in proximity to my University, the rate was also reasonable being situated near the sub-urban of Chicago.

The buildings' extensive use of terra cotta

exemplifies Chicago's love affair with this versatile building material after the Great Fire of 1871, especially its decorative applications. The 8-storey apartment is clad in rich green and cream terra cotta and features Egyptian-like art deco designs. Three of my friends who studied in the Art Institute of Chicago also stayed in the apartment, which is perhaps a testimony of its nice architecture. The building is designated as a Chicago Landmark on 20 January 1999.

The building is situated near Edgewater, a north Chicago, Illinois community seven miles north of downtown bordering the neighbourhood of Roger Park to the north, Uptown to the south, Lincoln Square to the west and south and West Ridge to the northwest. As one of Chicago's 77 community areas, Edgewater is bounded by Foster on the south, Devon on the north, Ravenswood on the west and Lake Michigan on the east. It has the highest population density of any of the neighbourhoods in Chicago. Edgewater contains several beaches that we enjoyed in the warm month. My hubby, baby and me always strolled and sometimes had BBQ with friends near Lake Michigan Beach. We could breath life in Chicago as The Windy City.

Edgewater was first developed around the 1890s as a summer home for Chicago's elite. It boasts a skyline of apartment buildings, condominium, shopping complexes and mid-rise homes.The high rise condominiums were also known to have large numbers of retired and elderly persons, many lived on fixed income. The prices are more affordable than Lake Shore Drive addresses further south. They are nice people and always bedazzled by my baby Nabila and many loved to play with her. They would say.... "Ohhh she looks very oriental. Look at her nice black hairs". Most of them had grey and blonde hairs.

The place is close to the MRT elevated train station of Bryn Mawr. Conditions has begun to improve and there has been a large influx of residents. The area is a colorful community with apart from Caucasians, new residents from Yugoslavia, Mexican, Pakistani, Bosnian etc have also made their way. My girl started to pick up Spanish words as she has few friends who she played with at the corridor of the apartment. Chicago is well known for accepting new, thriving enclaves of ethnicities in the past centuries. The new settlement of Europeans is a modern revival of that tradition. Americans, young hipsters, new parents, first-time homeowners, students and many more call Bryn Mawr home. I love watching the colorful and fast moving life from my window. Chicago really sharpen my survival skill in staying in a metropolitant city. My unforgettable encounter was being approached by a pick pocket rogue, but he probably has to learn to be a better thief. Other encounter was getting on a crossroad with drug dealers who use a woman as a ransom at 3.00 am. She was being strangled by a rowdy guy and at a gun-point. She pointed at me who was watching the scene from my apartment's window, maybe to get herself free. The guy looked up at me who was just few meters up and loosen his grip on the poor girl. I swear I never look out the window again like in safe Malaysia, then. When I went to my night classes I felt erratic that I was being followed. It took me few weeks to pass through those traumatic episode. On other occassion, I also heard gun shot near me while i was feeding my baby who was lying in a cradle, at the windy and scenic back stairways. Wow! If I can survive in Chicago, I can surely survive anywhere else in the world. It really taught me to be street smart.

Johor International Furniture Fair

The fair creates my interest as few years ago I did have experience working in a company which manufacture and market furniture which was mainly rubberwood for local and export markets. So off I went to the brand new Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru on 20 September 2007 which was the venue of the fair to view the products on display and understand the in-thing in the furniture production industry. When I was there it was Saturday and mostly the visitors were from the public especially so with the upcoming Hari Raya, Malay term for the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr. I would rate overall the furniture are tasteful and meet international standards in terms of quality and design. Covering an exhibition space of 70,000 sq ft, the fair showcased a comprehensive selection of new products, designs, styles, concepts of around 380 booths. The fair displayed a wide line of related items such as household/outdoor/office furniture, furnishing items, building materials, household appliances, kitchen utensils, landscaping, bathroom accessories, lighting etc. It was the biggest furniture fair in Johor thus far.

Malaysia exported RM6 billion worth of furniture last year which was mainly wooden furniture, of which Johor produced 45% of the country's furniture. Most of Johor furniture factories are located in Muar, Kluang and Johor Bahru. 90% of Malaysian-made furniture were exported to United States, Britain and United Arab Emirates and each country has its own furniture design and style preference. The export value will increase over years as demand is building up due to commendable Malaysia-made furniture and increasing world population. In Asia, Malaysia stands out as second to China in furniture production. However, Malaysia cater to medium-end market while China targets the lower-end market. Malaysia manufacturers need to focus on high-end market and emphasise on value-added manufacturing with more creative and innovative design. Thus, Malaysia needs to shift from Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) to Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) to stay competitive in the global arena. The manufacturers need to outline its strategic planning to resusitate furniture industry according to value chain. In future, perhaps, furniture manufacturers should consider establishing joint ventures and acquisitions (M&As) to expand and counteract the stiff competition of export market. Furniture industry is plagued by several requirements by importing countries to adhere to several sustainable and environmental guidelines and producers need to mitigate by using planted species such as rubberwood, golden teak, sentang and acacia. Supply chain links between downstream and upstream activities need to be enhanced while benchmarking against better competitors. Local furniture manufacturers have to view options of shifting from local raw materials to imported sawn timber such as oak and pine. With competition from low cost producers like China and Vietnam, local players must improve their product range by manufacturing high-end furniture to capture a bigger export market.