Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Stadt German Cuisine & Bistro, Puchong

It has been a while now, probably a year or so now I last tasted my favourite German wheat beer, Weihenstehaner (since the closure of Munich Gastro Bierhaus @ IOI Boulevard) and hence I made my way to the only place I know still serving this beer, although not in draught.

 
Stadt is an outlet which claim to serve German cuisine and beers. It is located among the shop houses behind PFCC and not far from Giant hypermarket.

The outlet do not have much draught beers to choose from; Asahi, Carlsberg, Erdinger (hefe & dunkel), Hoergaarden and Franziskaner Dunkel.

 
 
 
The interior is not as cool as I wish as the main entrance is somewhat "exposed" with no doors to enclose the area so as to keep the interior area at a more favorable temperature by the air conditioners. It offers wifi but I am unable to get online with it.

Glazed honey pork knuckle (RM 43.90) is pretty huge and can easily feed up to 3 person. I didn't expect so much meat to come out from this meal.

Finally, I manage to have a sip at my favourite beer. Although serves from the bottle (RM 27), the quality is still on par with the draught version.

The good thing is that they serve beers in chilled glass but the staffs are not properly trained to pour the wheat beer properly.

Stadt German Cuisine & Bistro
No. 50 & 51-1, Jalan Puteri 1/4,
Bandar Puteri

Monday, January 6, 2014

King Park Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

King Park Hotel is a 3 star hotel in Kota Kinabalu which I recently stay. The reason for the choice is because of its location although not centrally at the city centre.

 
 
The room rate for a superior room is very reasonable (RM 118, government rate). The room and bathroom is spacious which made my stay here rather comfortable. However, the management should seriously consider refurbish the room as well as the elevator here. Even the television set is in a dire need to be replaced.

I had some issued with its old air conditioner unit as it was not cold enough most of the time. The television reception was also pretty bad on some channels.

Guests can enjoy their complimentary breakfast at King Park Cafe situated on the first floor and the food choice are quite a disappointment. Also, the staff just weren't able to get all the food out in time when I was there 6.30am sharp every single day.

If one is lucky, guest will have a nice view of the city. Since Kota Kinabalu city is not big, it is quite easy to explore the city from the hotel. Asia City is just opposite the road and public bus station is just beside the hotel.

Fast food restaurant such as KFC and Marrybrown is just within walking distance from the hotel. A few convenience shops are also not far away which make the hotel ideal for travelers.

I definitely would love to come back to stay here again with the condition the management had upgraded the facilities and the condition here.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

The Shamrock Irish Bar, Kota Kinabalu

There is an Irish bar at Kota Kinabalu Waterfront which I had been noticing for some time now. Recently, the opportunity present itself and I had my dinner here.

 
Diner at the Shamrock Irish Bar has a choice of either to dine indoor or outdoor. The indoor has a pub ambience complete with pool table while the sea breeze will greet those who opt to sit outdoor.

There is a few Irish food on the menu but I opted for Steak Sandwich (RM 21++) which is pretty good. The cheese topping on the steak really made the difference and the food is not a disappointment.

Black Velvet (RM 19++) is a mixture of Strongbow and Guinness. It is a interesting combination as Strongbow appears to be more denser and settle at the bottom of the mixture most of the time. Strongbow offers some sweetness to the drink and complement well with caramel taste of the Guinness.

Since I am in an Irish bar, it won't be complete until I drank an Irish ale, Kilkenny (RM 20++). This is definitely a nice place to unwind after a hard day at work in Kota Kinabalu.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Jungle Trek to Signal Hill Observatory Tower


Signal Hill Observatory Tower is one of my favourite spot in Kota Kinabalu City Centre. Recently, I discovered another route to reach the observatory. Previously, I had to make my way up using the main road from adjacent Atkinson Clock Tower.

At the very end of Jalan Dewan (a.k.a Australian Place), there is a rather conspicuous signboard which indicates the trail to the observatory via the jungle.

The trail is about 250m by negotiating the wooden stairs. It is a pleasant walk with the surrounding lush greenery and serenity. I notice a few CCTVs around the trail but I wonder whether it is working or not.

 
The sight of this structure means I had arrived at the observatory. There is now a proper walking path leading here compare to my last visit here.

 
 
 
 
This spot offers a panoramic sight of the city. Unfortunately, the sight of the many developments with the tower cranes which stick up like a sore thumb really spoil the view.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sibu Christmas Trees 2013

After highlighting the Christmas trees and decoration at Klang Valley, it is time to pay homage to the decoration back home.

  
This year, the Christmas trees here didn't disappoint me and it is the best since its inception. No doubt about it and this is something the locals can be proud of.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As usual, the Christmas trees were erected by the local well known companies as well as churches.

This is my son's favourite tree. He probably able to recognise it from the cartoon character he saw on TV.

 
The Christmas trees at Sibu Town Square pretty much transform the venue into wonderland especially at night when all the lights were up.

 
 
The upcoming New Year countdown will also be at the same venue and it is definitely the place to be the usher the new year.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

X'mas Decoration 2013 @ The Curve


The Curve creates a little town as if Christmas was the most wonderful season celebrated.

The arch of green serve as the gimmick for the main entrance to this little town.

 
The town comes alive with Christmas trees of different shapes and sizes, all decorated with trinkets and ornaments.

 
The outdoor bazaar has transformed to some sort of Christmas Street/Bazaar this month.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

X'mas Decoration 2013 @ Pavilion KL

X'mas decoration in Pavilion KL is always grand every year and it is no different this year. It has a giant snow man greeting shoppers at the main entrance.

It like a white Christmas once entering it with white arches and white giant Christmas tree.

 
There is a carousel at the main atrium as the main attraction where a long queue can be observed especially during the weekend.