Tag / shah-alam
The last I went to Saujana Resort was some two years ago for their Wagyu beef promotion, I remember The Restaurant had a relatively new guy in charged, Chef Alexander Waschl from Austria. Fast forward to 2014 and we are here for the Main Lobster promotion, I was quite pleased to see that the good chef has decided to stay on and continue to contribute to the fine dining scene in the country.
The Club at Saujana Resort, classy yet reserved
For those who aren’t familiar with Chef Alexander Waschl, he previously the Sous Chef at The Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Switzerland and was responsible for creation of the menus at the Kronenstubli Gourmet Restaurant which was awarded 16 Gault Millau points, the equivalent of a Michelin Star.
the wine here are specifically bottled for the Saujana
The Restaurant (yes, that’s the name of the .. restaurant) has largely stayed untouched from my previous visit. The interior is as classy, making it a perfect ambiance for fine dining occasions.
As with most hotels outside KL, parking is free and you don’t have have to walk more than a minute from the main entrance.
amuse bouche with salmon tartar, lobster tartar, lobster manner a la “Cesar”
We started the night with a craftily prepared amuse bouche from Chef Alexandar that came in the form of salmon tartar, the only dish of the day that isn’t lobster. The raw fish was refreshing and made for a good start to the dinner.
Following the same theme, we tried lobster tartar that was served with a side of lobster sorbet that carries a hint of paprika, shallots, basil, and tabasco. The combination sounds weird on paper, but proved to be a combination that tickles the right sense.
For those who fancy something closer to normalcy, lobster mana a la “Cesar” is the interpretation of the popular Cesar salad with chunks of lobsters. Salad can’t get any better than this.
lobster carpaccio and lobster mousse
My favorite appetizer of the night was undoubtedly the lobster carpaccio and lobster mousse. The flattened lobster carpaccio was so exquisitely done, it had a texture not entirely different from a thin film of jelly, but retains the sweetness of the crustacean which I love. Combining with the lobster mousse, this dish was nothing less than stellar.
lobster conchiglioni aglio olio, lobster tortellini, house wine
Pasta lovers will enjoy lobster conchiglioni aglio olio, a dish that can stand on its own as a full meal for the smaller eaters. I particularly like the reaction of the foam with lobster.
lobster tortellini is the italian version of “wantan” but of course, with lobster as the main ingredient. The lobster infused soup has a hint of Penang Hokkien Prawn Mee character, but more sophisticated and minus the spiciness of course.
The tortellini can also be served with lobster cream, for those who likes it rich.
lobster bisque with lobster grissini, lobster tortellini with lobster cream
Lobster bisque is another choice of soup to go for. The creamy and rich broth is served with a crunchy breadstick of lobster. Seasoning was spot on and absolutely delightful.
olive oil poached lobster tail
There are four different mains to choose from – olive oil poached lobster tail, lobster al Americaine, smoked lobster tail, and The Club lobster burger.
We tried three of the four (except the burger) and was clearly not disappointed. The lobster tails were succulent and has a natural sweetness to it. Preparation methods were not overly complicated and certainly not overly seasoned.
lobster al’Amercaine, smoked lobster tail
The lobster promotion runs from 1st of July to 31st of July, 2014 at The Restaurant, Saujana Resort and available for lunch and dinner (as well as buka puasa time). Prices range from RM 42 to RM 160 nett depending on the dish you choose, everything is ala carte.
The wines start at around RM 21 per glass.
KY & Haze at The Restaurant, Saujana Resort
Address:
The Restaurant
The Club Saujana Resort,
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS,
40150 Selangor
GPS: 3.10781, 101.57930
Tel: 03-7806 7000
email: dine@theclubsaujanaresort.com
Back in January 2013, I wrote about KEN Rimba township at Seksyen 16, Shah Alam. At the time we visited the LEGIAN Residences and talked about the then upcoming JIMBARAN Residences. I was so impressed with the development that I ended up the first person to buy a unit of JIMBARAN Residences not long after.
Now, KEN launches KEN Rimba Condominium 1 the first high-rise residential development within the same multiple awards winning KEN RIMBA Township.
Ken Rimba condominium, artist’s impression
For those who’re not familiar with KEN Rimba. The township is situated at Seksyen 16, Shah Alam, just a mere 1 kilometer away from the Padang Jawa/iCity intersection on Federal Highway.
The township also has a covered walkway to the Padang Jawa KTM station situated some 700 meters away, or about 10 minutes on foot.
As a bonus for those who love bak kut teh, a 5 minutes drive will get you to Weng Heong and Teluk Pulai bak kut teh. This might have influenced my decision to move to the township. 
Ken Rimba Condominium 1 and Pool Villa
Together with 328 units of LEGIAN Residences and 168 units of JIMBARAN Residences, KEN Rimba Condominium 1 comprises 637 units of condominium at 1119 sq. ft. and 1183 sq. ft. as well as 16 units of penthouses (4 for block A & C, 8 for block B) and 26 units of pool villas.
The condominium is priced from RM 399,000, or from RM 357 per square foot, making it a pretty attractive prospect for first time homebuyers.
As you can see from the scaled model in the photo above, the condominium is located next to the JIMBARAN Residences, and right behind a the KEN Rimba Commercial Centre. The 109 units of commercial centre will make serve as vibrant part of the whole community, offering convenience to residents in the township.
living room and kitchen, Ken Rimba Condominium 1
We visited the show unit of the condominium located at KEN Rimba recently.
The design of the unit is pragmatic and make good use of space. The living room and dining area greets homeowners as you step into the unit, with a balcony opposing the entrance door that promotes air circulation and maximizes inflow of daylight. To the side is a pretty decent size kitchen that connects to the washing/drying area.
kid’s room and middle room
The first room (closest to living hall) is the smaller of the three rooms that is suitable for kids. Sam C.S. Tan, KEN Holdings’ group managing director, explained that they took into consideration that the width of the room must be wide enough to accommodate the length of a standard size bed. I also particularly like the huge windows for the room.
Second room is slightly larger and can easily accommodate a queen size bed and other furnishing. These two rooms share a bathroom located opposite the rooms’ doors.
I actually like this arrangement as guests don’t have to go into your room just to use the bathroom, and not having it in between the two rooms also make for much easier furniture arrangement since the rooms are now in simple rectangular layout.
master bedroom with attached toilet
Next up is the master bedroom, this is the biggest room in the unit and come with an attached bathroom as well. Like the previous two rooms, there’s also the huge windows by the side that takes advantage of the daylight.
scaled model showing Ken Rimba Condominium 1 floor plan
The picture of the scale model above gives you an idea of how the floor plan is like for KEN Rimba Condominium 1. Each floor comprises of 8 units, with either the pool view or the i-City view. Each block is served by 3 elevators.
There are three blocks altogether and they are connected to the same covered carpark with the facilities floor on top.
pool villa model, ground level opens to the condo facilities floor
For those who want something more special, there’s also a limited units of pool villas.
I really love the concept of the pool villa. It is basically built almost like a 2.5 storey terrace house. You park your cars at the covered car park right in front of your own unit’s lower floor, walk up the stairs and get to the living area, kitchen, and dining hall that has direct access to the facilities floor.
The three spacious bedrooms are located on the top floor of the villa and has balcony overlooking the facilities floor as well. Get one right next to the pool and you are basically living the vacation life everyday. Very cool concept, the pool villa has a built up area of approximately 2,600 sq. ft.
The pool villas are priced from RM 800,000, or RM 306 psf.
Ken Rimba condominium facilities floor – scaled model
On the facilities floor of KEN Rimba Condominium 1, there’s a full Olympic length swimming pool (50 meter), a kid’s pool, badminton hall covered with greenery, gymnasium, reading area, children’s playground, community park, multipurpose hall, and cabanas too.
I need a friend who stays at the condominium so that I can visit the facilities floor!
KY & Audrey at Ken Rimba Condominium 1 show unit
KEN Rimba Condominium 1 obtained BCA Green Mark GoldPLUS (Provisional) Award. If you’re looking for a condominium or perhaps your first home, this is surely one worth checking out.
Website:http://www.kenholdings.com.my
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KEN.Greenbook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamCS10
Email: contact@kenholdings.com.my
Sales enquiries: 1300-22-9933
Sales gallery: Jalan Sungai Rasau, Seksyen 16, 40200 Shah Alam, Selangor
GPS: 3.057961,101.484768
A few weeks ago I was invited to have a little food tasting session at Holiday Inn‘s bar and restaurant by the name of The Mix.
Prior to this occasion, I’ve only been to Holiday Inn to pick up my brother in law, who stayed there a few times. The hotel’s official name is Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur, though it is actually situated at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, over a dozen kilometers away from the KL/Selangor border. Then again, KLIA isn’t in KL, so why not?
The Mix, at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur, Glenmarie
One of the good things about hotels in areas like this is that there’s always plenty of parking, and more often than not, they’re outdoor and free. A short walk to the far side of the hotel you’ll find The Mix, a pub with a well stocked bar and a full kitchen.
Our mission was to sample some of their dishes, though we did have a few drinks just for good measures.
The Mix is pork free, but like most hotel premises that also serve alcohol, it is not strictly halal.
Osso Buco style lamb shank, stuffed mushroom, waikiki salad
We started out with a waikiki salad (RM 22) and stuffed mushroom (RM 25). The salad came with chunks of ahi tuna, tobikko roe and mizkan ponzu which makes for good refreshing start.
Stuffed mushroom has cream cheese, cannellini beans, walnut, and olive. A dish that’s probably best consumed while warm. I didn’t find it particularly great after waiting for too many pictures to be taken by too many people after. Oh well.
Osso Buco style lamb shank (RM 50) marks the first of many main dishes we tried. There’s shallot risotto, spinach, and rocket salad as well. The lamb shank was tender and tastes pretty good as well. If you’re a small eater, sharing is advisable.
lemon grass lamb, one of my favorites of the night
One of my favorite dishes of the night was the lemon grass lamb (RM 45) that could probably use a more exotic name. The dish came with brown rice and pumpkin curry accompanying three pieces of lamb cutlet that were perfectly seared. Seasoning for the dish was perfect, and I just couldn’t get enough of the pumpkin curry, was so good!
At RM 45, this dish provides pretty good value as well.
balsamic glazed short ribs, ryu (black cod), beef negimaki
Balsamic glazed short ribs (RM 50) came with butter-braised garlic, onions, zucchini and beans. It was pretty decent but I secretly wished that it was pork ribs instead.
Ryu (RM 55) is what’s in the menu entry for fried black cod with shitake and eryngii mushroom, as well as boiled potato and vegetable. Cod can never go wrong, and this version did not disappoint either, though serving size isn’t nearly as generous as the lamb dishes.
Beef negimaki (RM 25) is the chef’s interpretation of east meets west. The beef drenched in dashi soya sauce, then all rolled up with some asparagus. A side of curious looking tempura accompany the red meat. A pretty interesting attempt, but one that may need a bit of refinement, I find the beef a tad too tough, and the tempura not matching real well.
coconut chicken strip, Gerard Bertrand merlot, 2 De Quase pizza
Coconut chicken strip (RM 15) though, makes for excellent beer food. The poultry coated with coconut before being deep fried and served with honey soya dipping. It was quite a treat!
The Mix served quite a selection of pizza, and we tried “2 De Quase” (RM 30) – a combination of half masala chicken with spicy red sauce, mozzarella cheese topped with cilantro and garlic prawns with herbs. I’d say the combination works pretty well, we enjoyed the pizza.
masala pasta, Jivara indulgence, raspberry Rhubard almond crumble
For pasta lovers, there are also a few selections to choose from. Our masala pasta (RM 35) would please those who likes pasta with a kick, again, a dish best consumed warm.
For desserts, there’s raspberry rhubard almond crumble (RM 30) and Jivara indulgence (RM 30), a rich chocolate fudge sponge layered with salty crusty bites and topped with milk chocolate peanut cream mousse. I have to say that I didn’t try them due to limited stomach space, but those who reacted positively.
The Mix’s kitchen proved to be quite capable in serving up more than decent dishes for the most part, and at good value as well. The two cocktails we tried did not disappoint either. For those who’re around the area, this place is quite a decent watering hole.
Address:
The Mix
Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur
1 Jalan Usahawan U1/8,
Seksyen U1,
40250 Shah Alam, Selangor
GPS: 3.094189, 101.577201
Tel: 03-7802 5200
A couple weekends ago we were invited for a bak kut teh breakfast and a guided tour of the KEN Rimba township at Seksyen 16, Shah Alam.
That was a great way to start the morning, Chow Kiat Bak Kut Teh, introduced by Sam Tan, the executive director of KEN Holdings Berhad, was one of the bests I’ve had. Coincidentally, it is also just 10-15 minutes away from KEN Rimba, though this is not the only reason you should learn about this one of a kind township.
Ken Rimba development – Sam took us for a guided tour
Some of you might have read about a post I wrote some half a year ago on KEN Bangsar where I touched on KEN Rimba a little bit at the end. The first phase of KEN Rimba township – the LEGIAN Residences, have been handed over to buyers, and some residence have moved into the new houses.
Now back on what makes KEN Rimba such a unique township.
First and foremost, everything in this 60 acre freehold development is throughly thought out with sustainable living in mind. Which is no surprise that KEN Rimba Legian Residences is the first landed home development in the country to be awarded the BCA Green Mark Gold Award.
rain water harvesting tanks, communal bicycles
First and foremost, most houses are arranged north-south orientation to take advantage of crosswind and to reduce direct sunlight, this allows for better ventilation and reduces the need for electrical cooling devices such as air conditioning.
Australian adjustable glass louvred windows are used to facilitate airflow. As explained by Sam, the more popular casement windows does not allow for ventilation especially when it rains, or when the wind isn’t blowing at a particular angle.
Each unit is also fitted with rainwater harvesting tanks to store rainwater for gardening, washing car porch, or anything, really.
water features and Palawan plants between end lots
Breathable roof is another features that comes standard in each terrace house built here. By allowing trapped heat to escape through the roof attic, the living area would have a lower temperature than those with standard roof fittings.
Outside the houses, there are plenty of planted trees and landscaping works done to give the neighborhood a very green and pleasant ambiance. I especially like the water features built in between the end lots, they make for good jogging tracks as well.
one of the corner units of LEGIAN Residences, complete with swimming pool
KEN Rimba is also conveniently located very close to Federal Highway, NKVE, LKSA, and LATAR. Furthermore, there’s a covered walk way to the Padang Jawa KTM station located just 700 meters away (about 10 minutes leisure walk pace).
To get around the township, there are also a few dozen bicycles available for free usage to residence of KEN Rimba. I thought that’s a very neat idea.
interior of the show unit, LEGIAN Residences
The 328 units of LEGIAN Residences are ready for move in, with most units already sold off. The next phase at KEN Rimba is the Jimbaran Residences with 168 units that would be launched soon.
The specifications for Jimbaran Residences:
Tenure : Freehold
Type of Development : Double Storey Terrace House with Loft
Total No. of Units : 168 units
Lot Size : Standard 22’ x 65’
Built-Up Area : Approx. 2,100 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms : 4 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms + 1 Attice/Loft
Facilities : Guarded Community, Playground
There will also be two phases of condominiums in this township, for those who prefers high rise, be sure to check that out next.
Website: http://www.kenholdings.com.my
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KEN.Greenbook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamCS10
Email: contact@kenholdings.com.my
Sales enquiries: 1300-22-9933
As a result of their green development initiatives, KEN has won numerous awards.
KEN BANGSAR
2009 BCA Green Mark GoldPLUS Award
2010 GBI Gold Award, The Edge-Pam Green Excellence Award
2011 Futurarc Green Leadership Citation Award, PAM Silver Award For Excellence In Architecture, FIABCI-Malaysia Property Award 2011: Sustainable Development
KEN RIMBA Legian
2010 BCA Green Mark Gold Award: Provisional, GBI Certified Award
KEN RIMBA Commercial Centre
2010 BCA Green Mark Certified Award: Provisional
KEN Holdings Berhad
2010 New Straits Times SC Cheah Choice Awards: Best Green Developer
2011 Carbon Neutral Status
A couple weekends ago we woke up bright and early at over 11 am in a lazy Saturday morning, and naturally hungry. The normally quiet and demure Yuki was full of enthusiasm and decided that char siu is what we should have, and she knows just the perfect place for it. A place in Shah Alam that she claimed better than the famed Meng Kee at Glenmarie.
The name of the place? Restaurant Golden Spring, or 阳光, which actually means sun light, but I guess direct translation is overrated for restaurant names.
Restaurant Spring Golden at Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam
The restaurant is located at “the other side” of Kota Kemuning, at a light industrial area that offers very little trouble in terms of parking, certainly a welcoming change.
Getting there isn’t too much of a hassle either, take the first left after Proton, then a couple right turns will get you there.
Business is pretty brisk, and the operator dressed up professionally as a chef and take your order in English, undoubtedly better than some other places whereby ordering food is an exercise in patient and sign language ability, ie: I don’t like wait staffs who can’t speak any of the 5 languages I understand.
siu yoke (roast pork), roast chicken, and char siu (bbq pork)
We ordered just about every type of meat they have – bbq pork, roast pork, roast duck, and roast chicken.
The char siu certainly did not disappoint, the cut was that with a good percentage of pork fat, and those fat areas roasted to perfection – they are half transparent (Yuki said it’s like collagen, it’s good for you, women’s logic…) I just love it and we ended up ordering a second plate. This is certainly one of the best char siu I’ve had, especially for those who enjoy the meat a bit on the fattier side.
The siu yoke isn’t shabby either, they are firmer than those you get from Wong Kee at Pudu, but with very good flavor and very decent crispy skin. Roast chicken is pretty average.
roast duck, vegetable, rice with free soup
Another side dish we ordered was the roast duck, the breast meat that we got was quite a huge chunk and did taste pretty decent, tho nothing spectacular. Roast duck lovers should opt for the likes of Sunrise and Loong Foong instead, but this one isn’t too bad.
Vegetable you see in this picture is for decoration and to get off our parents’ back when it comes to an argument for balanced meal. 
KY, Haze, Horng, Yuki, and Kerol, we had an awesome brunch
Lunch came up to about RM 15 or so per person, with the amount of food we had, it was certainly fair. I’d go back to this place again.
Address:
Restaurant Spring Golden
25, Jalan Sepadu C,
25/C, Section 25,
Taman Perindustrian Axis,
40400, Shah Alam, Selangor
GPS: 3.0260, 101.5427
Tel: 019-337 9319
