eMAG Vol 22 - Aug 2013

eat • enjoy • explore AUG - DEC 2013 Vol.22

Memorable Samui Diary of memonies

Hidden Gem in Geylang Chef Chan’s Back in Action!

Mount Austin

The foodie’s weekend Getaway

The Famous

Thai Teochew Cuisine

Braised Whole Sharksfin with Crabmeat

bster

Live Salad Lo

Baked Whole Crab with Vermicell

i

Rama Thai Sharksfin Restaurant Pte Ltd Ltd

皇廷泰式鱼翅酒家

81 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088502 Tel: 6222 6626 Fax: 6222 6325 www.ramathai.com.sg

email: Reservations@ramathai.com.sg

MAG Team!

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dennis Lim Email: dennislim@pcl-pub.com

EDITORIAL

O

ne of the best things about working on an F&B magazine is discovering new places that surprise and tantalize our taste buds. We had this experience in a couple of the places found in this issue.

For instance, we were very pleasantly surprised by Chef Tonny Chan’s work in his new restaurant featured in “Hidden Gem in Geylang”.

Personally, I had almost given up on enjoying steamboat meals outside because of the amount of MSG often found in the food. Chef Chan has managed to change my mind with his quality offering. Another dish he created had us absolutely seduced. Read the article to find out what dish it is!

Hidden treasures can also be found in neighboring Johor as featured in the Mount Austin spread. Food is not only good, but also affordable. It is easy to grab a few pals and drive over for a full day of fun, relaxation and great food with a reasonable budget. In fact, we enjoyed the food so much that we are planning for a personal trip there again to enjoy the food that we’ve shared with you in this issue.

And if you’ve been eating too much or pushing yourself too hard at work, perhaps it’s time to take a break in Koh Samui. Our editor headed out for a detox-and-relax getaway and returned with fond memories he will hold on to for a long time. We believe you would too.

Work hard, play hard and eat well. Make memories and share them with people you care about, just like how we like to share our experiences with you.

Editor-in-Chief: Collin Chee Email: cchee@pcl-pub.com Associate Editor: Catherine Tan Email: cat.tan@pcl-pub.com Contributors: Cheryl Leong & Christopher Leong

ART DIRECTION Robin Lim

PRINTER PCL Printers (Pte) Ltd Tel: +65 6745 8733

PHOTO Paul Yap, Sze Kiat, JK Ho

ADVERTISING & MARKETING Daniel Heng, Media Consultant Mobile: +65 9620 1350 Victor Lim, Account Manager Mobile: +65 9857 1862 Email: vic.lim@pcl-pub.com

DISTRIBUTOR Huang Sin Trading Company Tel: +65 6841 1367

DISTRIBUTION - 80,000 COPIES MAG is distributed at all 7-ELEVEN stores

located in Shell Stations, selected prime landed estates and MRT stations.

Medan - 3,000 COPIES to selected landed estates and restaurants.

OFFICE PCL Publishers (1999) Pte Ltd 4 Ubi View, Singapore 408557 Tel: +65 6741 5211 Fax: +65 6741 2321 enquiries@pcl-pub.com

MAG is a free bi-monthly publication, published by PCL Publishers (1999) Pte Ltd. Website: www.pnl-group.com/emag

Sincerely,

MICA (P) 114/10/2012 ISSN: 1793-8988 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.

Catherine Associate Editor eat • enjoy • explore AUG - DEC 2013 Vol.22

Memorable Samui

Diary of memonies

Hidden Gem in Geylang Chef Chan’s Back in Action!

Mount Austin

The foodie’s weekend Getaway

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Tonny Restaurant

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eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

Rise of

Taiwan Beer

T

he beer marketplace is a crowded one with many breweries claiming its own secret recipe and their share of the market. For a long time, the image of beer had often been associated with a bittersweet taste targeted towards the male population. The entrance of Taiwan Beer, however, began to stir up a wave of refreshing sweet change in beer offerings.

Taiwanese Culture Icon Gold Medal Taiwan Beer was launched in Singapore in 2011 by Kaimay Trading, an experienced local food distribution company.

Brewed by the 112-year-old Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL), the amber lager beer has a distinctive taste due to the addition of Formosa Rice and complements many types of food, especially that of Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine.

The beer appeals to both Asian and Western palates. It won the title of Gold Medal Beer in the Monde Selection in 1998 and has maintained a similar standard ever since. The beer contains only 5% alcohol and is sold widely in Taiwan, earning itself an iconic status endorsed by top celebrities such as Ah-Mei and Jolin Tsai.

Like Fruity Bubbly Besides Gold Medal Taiwan Beer, Kaimay added the “Sweet Touch” Fruit Beer to its selections with top Chinese celebrity Chen Yi Han as the brand ambassador. Like Gold Medal Taiwan Beer, Sweet Touch is brewed with Formosa Rice to create TTL’s trademark smooth taste and then coupled with fruits to create a unique range of fruit beers.

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eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

With 3 flavours to choose from (White Grape, Lychee and Green Apple), Sweet Touch has been described as being reminiscent of champagne due to its crisp mellow body and fresh bouquet. At a low alcohol content of only 3.5%, they appeal to ladies and light beer lovers.

New Flavours In response to the increasing number of consumers who are seeking alternatives to traditional brews, Kaimay extended their fruit beer range with Sweet Touch Green Apple Fruit Beer as well as Taiwan Beer Mango Fruit Beer and Taiwan Beer Pineapple Fruit Beer. In fact, they had just debuted another 2 new flavours under the Taiwan Beer Fruit Beer Series during Beerfest Asia 2013 held in June.

The new flavours - Grape Fruit Beer and Orange Fruit Beer – feature a harmonious marriage of real fruit juice with the Gold Medal Taiwan Beer. They have a relatively low alcohol content of 2.8 % and contain at least 5% real fruit juice from freshly-picked Taiwanese produce.

The beers are refreshingly easy to drink with an excellent fruity aroma. The taste is a crisp combination of dry and sweet with a clean finish that departs from the harsh bitterness of normal beers. This makes the beers perfect for Asian cuisines, local snacks and pastas.

Taiwan Beer’s offerings can be found at leading supermarkets and convenience stores.

Hidden Gem in Geylang

Merging local tastes

We also tried a new dish on the menu: Steamed Curry Crab with Glutinous Rice. This dish is a must-try if you love curry and seafood.

Steamboats are a great way to get people together. Conversations flow easily and relationships warm quickly over a boiling pot.

Yet the thought of eating a pot full of MSG-laden stock and ingredients in some steamboat restaurants can be quite a turn off for some people. Fortunately, we discovered a hidden gem in Geylang that not only changed our opinion about eating steamboat outside but also serves a wicked crab dish!

All begins with the stock

Most standard steamboat meals start off with a bland stock that is created from basic ingredients or made using a stock cube. The soup usually gets its full flavor at the end of the meal.

Tonny Restaurant’s new Hong Kong -style steamboat set meal, however, comes with a well-flavored soup base made from hours of brewing pork bones, green peas and dashes of pepper. Scoop a little deeper and you would find porridge at the bottom of the pot. The soup is palatable right from the beginning but does not overwhelm the taste buds. In fact, it tasted more like a regular restaurant’s specialty soup and we found ourselves scooping for seconds.

One concern we had was whether the addition of ingredients into the soup would make the soup too rich at the end?

Our worries were soon laid to rest. Another important factor that distinguishes Tonny’s steamboat from others is the use of fresh and high quality ingredients. A 4-person set meal starts at $28 per person and includes ingredients such as large prawns, abalone, scallops, meat and more. Even the fishballs are handmade so they have incredible texture and are much healthier than conventional ones. Smaller groups or those who would like more ingredients can opt to order ala carte ingredients.

The ingredients served to enhance the soup and we still had refreshing soup that tasted just right at the end. Extra tip: Do not neglect the different types of painstakingly handmade chilli sauce.

We would buy back jars of the sweet chilli if we could!

No. 8-10 Geylang Lorong 3 Singapore 388861 Tel: 6748 6618

A giant crab sits on top on of a generous serving of rice and seduces with its fragrance the moment it arrives at the table.

Both the crab and rice are infused with a curry flavor that is addictive and not overly spicy. We would head back for this dish again.

While the interiors are simple, Tonny’s Restaurant is a great place for casual dinner with family and friends especially if you enjoy fresh and good quality food at reasonable prices.

Famous chef in the kitchen Chef Tonny Chan is no stranger to the local culinary scene. The Hong Kong-born chef started his foray into cooking in his teens and moved to Singapore more than 20 years ago.

Now with over 30 years of experience under his hat spanning across different countries and restaurants, Chef Chan continues his career with passion and creativity in Cantonese cuisine.

He remains a firm believer of using fresh and quality ingredients. The friendly chef has also been featured on national newspapers and TV programs frequently.

Chef Chan had helmed his own restaurant in different locations and each time his loyal fans have followed him from one place to another. In response to requests from his regulars, Chef Chan’s Tonny Restaurant is now back in Geylang along the pleasant stretch of Lorong 3 with a convenient multi-storey carpark located right next to it.

travels

I will always remember I

have to admit: As someone who is not familiar with beaches and sea sports, Koh Samui was not high on my list for a good retreat. I landed at Samui airport late at night and found my expectations lowered even further after darkness accompanied me nearly all the way from the airport to the hotel.

However, Koh Samui and its friendly people thawed and exceeded well beyond my expectations after I spent 6 days here.

Good night Koh Samui

Started the night with a bowl of warm vegetable soup served by caring and professional staff. The spacious room with a touch of Mediterranean magic was a preview of the high standards of Absolute Sanctuary.

The Love Kitchen at Absolute Sanctuary is a testimony that healthy food can be deliciously satisfying.

The Love Kitchen presents a new dining option catering to all as our menu not only serves to support those who are on a detox program or vegetarian diet, but also those who want a non-vegetarian meal done in healthy and tasteful styles. From innovative vegetarian dishes to seafood & meats done in tantalizing ways, they promise you a unique dining experience.

Absolutely beautiful

Absolute Sanctuary is Thailand’s Premier Detox & Yoga Resort .

Blending luxurious accommodation with a wide range of vibrant detoxiďŹ cation programs, yoga classes and other dynamic therapies, Absolute Sanctuary caters to those seeking a journey back to balance, rejuvenation and wellness.

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eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

Koh Samui

The Begining and End

I never grow tired of the views in

Koh Samui. There is no lack of venues to witness the amazing sunrise and

sunset,

Beach,

including

Lamai

Chaweng

Beach,

Bophut

Beach, Maenam Beach and Big Buddha Beach

Streets food delicious and always creative

Pop into Food Market Chaweng and Fishersman’s Village because creative food is always available in the street of Koh Samui.

Great to know you, Koh Samui. Thank you!

Aug - Dec 2013 eMAG

7

THE REST

CU

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ToP A

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100

SINGAPORE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2013

Enter the World of Oriental Beauty & Bliss.

Escape the stress of everyday life with a visit to Tang Dynasty Spa, and indulge yourself in a luxurious Oriental boutique spa experience at affordable prices.

The skills and experience of our therapists combined with their warm personalities will make sure you rest, relax and rejuvenate fully.

786A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198754.

Tel 6686 6466

The Royal Treatment You Deserve Open 24 Hours Daily | TangDynastySpa.com

After

After

Anothony Chew

before

Peter Lim

before

After

David Chia

before

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iAremyhair by JPG Enterprise Pte Ltd is the only hair centre in Singapore that has achieved CareTrust certification.

We are now available on iPhone Apps! Search for “ iAremyhair” on App Store!

Specializing in providing the best quality custommade non-surgical hair replacement systems to customers in Asia and around the world, iAremyhair is a fully intergrated hair centre that also provides treatment for thinning and damaged hair.

“Aremy Hair” refers to the best quality human hair used in Non-Surgical Hair Replacement System.

Unlike other commercial human hair, Remy Hair, is healthy, soft and does not tangle.

The MO S T advanced system that makes hair replacement undetectable!

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Our new address: 10A Craig Road Singapore 089670 Tel 6225 2022

IWb[i @Wh[co^W_h$Yec mmm$Wh[co^W_h$Yec

signature dish

Salt Grilled Sea Bream

K

ome’s Chef Albert Tay believes that fresh ingredients need little dressing up and this is how this dish shines. Fresh seabream is grilled lightly with salt, no oil and little of anything else.

While this may sound simple, one is allowed to taste the tender flesh of the fish itself. Add a squeeze of lemon and this dish becomes a refreshing addition to the meal.

Kome Japanese Dining The Keppel Club 10 Bukit Chermin Road Singapore 109918 Tel: 6273 0118

Country Pie

T

ucking into this dish is like unwrapping presents on Christmas Day – the treasure lies beneath the surface. We were pleasantly surprised to find the mashed potato smooth and warm beneath the top layer of melted cheese even after it had been on the table for a while. Generous chunks of chicken and potato makes this the perfect tummy-warming comfort food.

Mr Bean’s Café 30 Selegie Road #01-00 Selegie Arts Centre Singapore 188351 Tel: 6333 3100

Double Boiled Dried Seafood in Herbal Soup

O

ur writer loves soup that is rich in flavor and this soup certainly did not disappoint. The brew of fish maw, mushrooms, scallops, pig’s stomach, pepper and more is an addictive combination that will have you going for one spoonful after another. Another plus point: the soup is served in a stone bowl heated over small hot stones so it will remain hot till your last slurp!

Tim Palace 293 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #03-01 SAFRA Club Singapore 319387 Tel: 6253 5515

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eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

signature dish

2-pc Spicy Chicken Meal

W

ouldn’t it be nice to have fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice juiciness for crispiness? At Texas Chicken, it is possible to have your juicy chicken and eat it.

Marinated with a secret sauce for 12 hours before it is coated with special flour and fried using specialized techniques, only fresh chicken that has passed Texas’ stringent screening process is used to produce their signature fried chicken meals. We were surprised to find that the flesh beneath the thin layer of crispy skin was not only juicy and tender, but was also bursting with flavor with every chew. Another pleasant surprise was the little amount of oil left on our plates after the meal – less guilt for indulging!

Texas Chicken Outlets:UÊExpo UUnited Square UAirport Unex UTampines UCauseway Point UÊChangi City Point UÊGardens by the Bay

Claypot Dry Bee Hoon Crab

A

t first glance, the gleaming red giant crab enthroned in the claypot may seem like the star of this dish but it was the thin vermicelli hidden underneath that kept our chopsticks busy.

The vermicelli braised in stock together with fresh live crab allows the natural sweetness of the crab to seep into the bee vermicelli, which turns out to be a winning move because the vermicelli oozes with flavor at every bite. We would not mind a drive out to Sembawang for this dish anytime!

1036 Live Seafood 1036, Sembawang Road Singapore 758504 Tel: 6555 1277

Fish & Chips

N

ever judge a fish by its cover. While this dish may look ordinary on the outside, great effort has been taken to prepare the fish within. Hidden beneath a layer of crispy homemade batter is a generous slice of Dory Fish fillet that has been marinated over two days in a variety of ingredients including milk. This leaves the flesh tender and juicy even though the external layer has been fried to crispy perfection that’s not too oily.

Accompanied with thick cut stick fries and salad, this dish makes a hearty meal. There’s only ten portions prepared daily so you may want to order in advance, especially on a weekend.

J’s Bar & Grill 1034, Sembawang Road Singapore 758503 Tel: 6481 0338

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eMAG Feb - Mar 2013

Aug - Dec 2013 eMAG

11

F&B

A class above the rest in

Sumatra!

If you are ever in Medan, make your way to Jalan Uskup Agung to indulge yourself with a cup of quality coffee, western food and pastries in Roemah Kopi Wak Noer & Sam’s Place.

F

rom friends, to partners, to buddies. These seven young people working together with trust and responsibility.

Although it was challenging in the beginning, now, they are looking forward to expand into other parts of Sumatra, planning to conquer a bigger share of its lucrative F&B pie.

It all began in December 2010, when seven young men aged between 32-40 decided to start Roemah Kopi Wak Noer, with its mainfocus on good quality coffee. With this aim in mind, these brave young men had to forego locations with cheap rental (savings on rentals are a common practice with F&B start-ups in Medan) and zoomed straight into Jalan Uskup Agung, an area similar to district 10, Bukit Timah in Singapore. Amongst friends and relatives, not many gave them any chance to survive in this bold and highly exploratory first venture. Today, not only have they earned a reputation of being the high-end coffee meeting place, they have also opportunistically ridden on their rapid success and opened an up-market pastry shop next to Roemah Kopi Wak Noer, called Sam’s Place.

Their simple objective is to educate coffee lovers in Medan with good quality local/imported coffee, provided with good service staff, trained by overseas trainers.

Food Wagyu & sirloin steak.

Recommended Indonesian noodle Mie Tek Tek ala Wak Noer.

Drinks Kopi luwak, Latte, Long black, etc.

Mie Tek-Tek, A popular dish in Roemah Kopi Wak Noer A dish for those who love spicy and sweet noodle.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 6 minutes Ingredients: Cubed chicken Sweet soy sauce Cabe (local green chili) Home made noodle Popular local vegetables Empeng (local popular cracker, bitter/salty) Eggs 12

eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

Bak Kut Teh

@ Lau Ah Tee

T

here are many people who contest the history of Bak Kut Teh. Some believe that it originated from Malaysia.

Personally, I think the Teochew Bak Kut Teh is pride of Singaporean food. That would explain why so many politicians come here to experience it!

The soup of Lau Ah Tee’s Bak Kut Teh appears simple but tastes great. Robust but not overly peppery, it has a sweet savoury taste that comes from boiling pork bones until they are almost crumbly. The delicious ribs here are also cooked until they are tender and one must not forget to order the top quality steamed fish as well.

Tea, which cleanses the palate, would be an ideal accompanying beverage.

To learn more about the history of Singaporean Teochew Bak Kut Teh, invite Lau Ah Tee himself to sit down and share it with you over tea. He would likely be more than happy to share his knowledge and his passion with you.

One thing that deserves special mention is the hospitable service that sets Lau Ah Tee apart from other famous Bak Kut Teh stalls.

If you are looking for quality tea and Bak Kut Teh, Lau Ah Tee should definitely be your choice.

老 �弟肉骨茶 Add: 34 Whampoa West, #01-67, Singapore 330034.

Operating Hours: 7am – 3pm (Daily) Contact: 97555250

Master Chef Albert Tay Well-loved chef with over 30 years of experience in top Japanese restaurants in Singapore. Âł, ÂżUPO\ EHOLHYH LQ SURYLGLQJ WKH EHVW IRU RXU FXVWRPHUV $W .RPH \RX FDQ EH DVVXUHG RI D PHPRUDEOH dining experience. â&#x20AC;?

We provide Kaiseki course which starts at $100 per person for a 5-course meal and goes up to $200 per person for a 7-course meal.

Sample the best of the chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations off the menu.

Depending on ingredientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; availability, the meal may include specially imported appetizers, exotic sashimi, Wagyu beef, IRLH JUDV JULOOHG ÂżVK DQG PRUH KOME Premium Japanese Dining The Keppel Club 10 Bukit Chermin Road Singapore 109918 Tel: 6273 0118 Under New Master Chef & Management

Experience a tantalizing buffet of the best in Japanese cuisine at KOME today.

All-you-can-eat buffet Over 100 top quality items with our best-selling Shabu Shabu, the freshest sashimi, your favourite sushi, the crispiest tempura, delectable grilled selections & more.

Adult $42++ per person Child (under 10 yrs) $12++ per person Available during: Monday to Friday - Dinner Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays - Lunch & Dinner

Taman Mount Austin a modern new town in Johor Bahru Jusco Tebrau

Hospital Sultan Ismial

To Mount

T

he announcement of a possible extension of the MRT line to Malaysia has created quite a few exciting possibilities for visitors to Malaysia.

This is especially so in the popular Mount Austin area, where much of the private housing is currently owned by Singaporeans.

Austin

Carrefour McDonalds

KSL

Plaza Sentosa Plaza Pelangi

Grand Paragon Hotel New York Hotel

Police Station Stadium

Tebram High W ay

Holiday Plaza

The Zon Hotel

10 to 15 Minite

Jalan Pandan

Pandan City Mall

Located a mere 15-minutes’ drive from the Johor immigration checkpoint via a new highway, Mount Austin is a cosy stretch where one can find many dining and shopping options that come with free parking. With a water park slated to complete in 2014 and the future development of the Singapore and Johor Bahru Iskandar Project, the horizon of Mount Austin looks bright and exciting indeed.

You can easily spend an entire day eating, shopping and relaxing in Mount Austin and we’ve compiled just the list for that in this issue.

Lion Hotel

Is just 15minute’s drive from Johor Bahru Check Point.

T

e

quar

ty S o Ci

Shell Petrol Station

Grand Blueware Hotel

Johor Bahru Check Point

A one-stop healthcare store.

No. 3 Grd Floor, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3, Taman Austin Boulevard, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-355 8990 Website: www.maycare.com

More than thousands of imported fabrics and blinds. 光� DE ART FRAME & GALLERY

Give your pictures and paintings a new lease of life with a new frame.

No. 45, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-351 7600

No. G-09, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3, Austin Bulevard, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-358 5817

From Jalan Pandan

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

Taman

a modern

Restoran Anisofea Asam Pedas

Their must try signature dish is Claypot Assam Fish Head.

G-07, Block 4, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3 Taman Austin Boulevard, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 012-717 3477 / 019-730 6207

A family style restaurant that serves up zi char favourites. Do try out the restaurant’s signature Special Curry Fish Head.

19, Jalan Austin Perdana 3/8, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel: 012 779 5935

Sit back and rest easy as experienced therapists knead your stresses away in a clean and relaxing environment.

Rome Empire Bar Restaurant The Roman medieval-themed pub offers a full bar menu of cocktails, liquors, wines, champagnes, beers and juices.

Jalan Mutiara Emas Puteh

No. 51 & 53, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 010-880 1010

No. 67, 69 & 71, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2 Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-295 6812

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

Mount Austin

new town in Johor Bahru Marketing Officer: Dennis Lim +65 98500454

万香菜� The Great Smell Restaurant A one and a halfyear-old restaurant has built its own following of fans consisting of both locals and Singaporeans.

Daniel Heng +65 96201350

Hotel Austin Paradise

Hotel Austin Paradise offers 71 elegantly designed and furnished guest rooms.

No. 73-G, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2 Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 012-799 7631

No. 85 & 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 016- 742 5222 Website: www.hotelaustinparadise.com

Station 1 Café

Mishuji

Station 1 Café features a wide selection of mains, pastas, pizza and sandwiches across western, fusion and local cuisines.

Get your Japanese food fix at Mishuji as the restaurant caters to fickle taste buds with one of the most diverse menus we’ve ever seen in a Japanese restaurant.

No. 107, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 011- 316 1030

32A, Jalan Austin Height 3/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-361 4175

Austin Height School

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

RESTORAN

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

Taman Mount

a modern new town in

Pou Wok 補鑊�菜�

The food at the restaurant will make your tummy very happy. The KL Hokkien Mee, Sambal “Kampong” Chicken and Fried Bitter Gourd with Salted Egg are must-tries.

No. 113, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-361 6890

PUSAT PAKAR BERSALIN TEBRAU SDN. BHD. This clinic offers a range of gynaecological services ranging from PAP smear, antenatal checkup to delivery and post delivery care.

No. 129, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 012-733 8905

Kee Lin strives to be creative with their food by constantly innovating new dishes with high quality natural ingredients that do not lose out in taste.

12A, Jalan Austin Height 3/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-351 2975

One Two Eat Café is a stylish and casual café where you can tuck into local favourites in a relaxing atmosphere.

No. 117 & 119, Jalan Austin Height 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-359 5631

Domino’s Pizza

Jalan Mutiara Emas 8

Sunway College

Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama

Austin

Johor Bahru �登海�

Matang Seafood serves up rich fish porridge where you can decide what goes into your claypot.

No. 91, Jalan Austin Height 3 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 016- 761 8909

Friendly & personalised service

Thousands of fabric & blinds choices Reasonable prices We specialise In: ★ Curtains ★ Roller ★ Wooden Blind ★ Vertical Blind ★ Roman Blind

★ Venetian Blind ★ Bamboo Roman Blind ★ Bamboo Chicks Blind ★ Curtain Railing ★ Cushions Cover

★ Carpet ★ Wallpaper ★ Laminate Flooring ★ Tinted

Free Quotation & Measurement

SG Curtains Furnishing No. 45, Jalan Mutiara Emas 9/3, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: Fax:

07-351 7600 07-361 2733

Email:

sgcurtain45@hotmail.com

No. 65, Jalan Bestari Taman Nusa Bestari 79200 Nusa Jaya, Johor

Cool and Relaxing

atmosphere with drool-worthy local food that will make you “want to eat”!

ONE TWO EAT CAFE No. 117 & 119, Jalan Austin Height 3, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-359 5631

Hotel Austin Paradise W

ith a vision to provide best value for the budget conscious without compromising on quality and service, Hotel Austin Paradise offers elegantly designed and furnished guest rooms with a range of modern amenities catering to the needs of the hotel guests looking for a comfortable stay.

Located in Johor Bahru with just a short drive from the Causeway, there are a total of 71 rooms across different categories to cater to different needs.

Visitors can choose from Superior or Deluxe rooms or upgrade to the Executive rooms. Groups can check into a Family Suite for greater comfort. For those who prefer a more luxurious stay, try the Premier Suite where you can even look forward to a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi. Each room is equipped with a LCD television providing a variety of local and international cable programs, mini bar, internet connection, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

The hotel also offers a business centre where busy professionals can conduct small meetings, or carry out seminars and events for up to 50 people in the hotel’s conference halls. The hotel’s professional equipment and personalised approach to each event promises to make your meeting successful.

No. 85 & 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 016- 742 5222 Website: www.hotelaustinparadise.com

�登瓦�海��粥 MATANG SEAFOOD

I

f your idea of fish porridge is a bland gruel consumed only when one is sick, a visit to Matang Seafood will change that. Located in an ordinary looking coffeeshop which one may easily miss while passing, Matang is a favorite where both local fans and admirers from Singapore flock to regularly for a generous pot of richly flavored fish porridge.

Customers have the option of choosing what goes into their claypot of pork and seafood soup base. One can not only choose from 2 types of promfrets but also add in fish head, fish maw, mushrooms and even seafood such as prawns, crab, abalone and clams. If porridge is not your thing, you can also change the rice to noodles, vermicelli or kway teow. The result is a magnificent dish that will keep you going for seconds and thirds.

No. 91, Jalan Austin Height 3 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 016- 761 8909

Prices start from RM20 for plain fish porridge and prices can go up to over RM50 depending on the number of ingredients added.

Matang current has 2 outlets: 1 in Johor and the other in Taman Kaya.

The outlets are crowded during weekends and they close on Mondays except public holidays.

Mishuji

Japanese Restaurant

L

ove all things Japanese and often find yourself lamenting over having to run to different restaurants to get your Japanese food fix? You probably will not have this problem with Mishuji Japanese Restaurant.

The restaurant has a diverse menu that covers different aspects of Japanese cuisine starting with osunami (starters), sashimi, different varieties of sushi rolls, bento and donburi rice bowls, ramen and other noodles, agemono (fried dishes), nabe mono (hotpot), kushi yaki (grilled items) and teppanyaki.

足康 Yi Heng Foot Therapy & Reflexology

F

oot reflexology and massage spas are many aplenty in Johor Bahru but what we liked about Yi Heng was the clean and comfortable environment that we could relax in.

Having opened only in September last year, the centre offers a host of massage and wellness treatments such as massages for various parts of the body, cupping, guasha, ear candling, scrubs and even pedicures. Prices are reasonable and start from RM30 for a 30-minute foot reflexology session.

People who love sushi bursting with different flavours will like the Mishuji Ferris - a colourful sushi roll made with cucumber and crab rolled inside rice and lined with seabass. An inhouse special mayonnaise sauce, fish roe and eel tops the creation. We enjoyed the Gindara Mentai Yaki which is grilled cod fish with cod fish roe. The fish was fresh and tender and the fish roe added a lovely twist to the otherwise plain tasting fish.

We found Japanese diners in the restaurant during lunch, which is often further assurance on the food quality for non Japanese diners. The restaurant also offers Japanese liquor such as sake and choya . The existence of dividers between tables offers much privacy for quality time with friends, family and business associates.

No. 107, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 011- 316 1030

To get better value for your dollar, take advantage of the many packages on offer. For example, a 1-hour foot reflexology and another hour of Chinese traditional massage will only set you back RM98 for 2 hours of bliss. Other options including longer sessions and aromatherapy massages are also available.

The environment is quiet and relaxing, which is certainly a welcome treat for busy urbanites.

The therapist who handled our writer’s foot reflexology session was friendly and sufficiently firm in applying pressure without causing her unease. She left Johor much lighter on her feet that day.

No. 51 & 53, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 010-880 1010

Kee Lin Vegetarian Food Curry Fish and Butter Frog may not be dishes one would expect on the menu of a vegetarian restaurant but they feature proudly in Kee Lin. In fact, the Butter Frog, which is made from fried mushroom with a savoury batter, tastes just like a plate of delicious fried chicken.

Gone are the days where gluten was used heavily to produce mock versions of meat dishes. Kee Lin strives to be creative with their food by constantly innovating new dishes with high quality natural ingredients that do not lose out in taste.

Address: 12A, Jalan Austin Height 3/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel:

07-351 2975

With the increase in interest towards a vegetarian diet, Kee Lin sees a mix of customers from different races and walks of life. While the main branch in Skudai focuses more on Chinese-style vegetarian food, the new branch at Austin goes further by including East-meets-West creations and takes on a café-style approach that is more accessible to a ypunger audience. For those who are looking to host a vegetarian event, Kee Lin also offers banquets.

Pou Wok Restaurant Quality is revered over quantity at Pou Wok Restaurant. At first glance, the menu selection is noticeably smaller than most Chinese restaurants but the owners prefer to keep it that way. It is common to see some of their signature dishes on nearly every table and it isn’t because there isn’t anything else to eat –the food is good enough to keep customers coming back for more again and again.

Throw the diet plan out of the window and indulge in the KL Hokkien Mee. The light and chewy texture of the handmade noodles is one of the best we have tasted and leaves one feeling much lighter than expected after ingesting a similar meal.

The Fried Bitter Gourd with Salted Egg is invitingly fragrant and captivated the taste buds of our writer who isn’t a fan of the vegetable.

Try the Sambal “Kampong” Chicken which features only carefully

Station 1 Café

selected chicken that arrive at the restaurant daily. There isn’t any sambal sauce in this dish. Instead, you have steamed chicken which has such flavourful flesh that any type of soya sauce dressing is unnecessary. Tip: Take the chicken with their homemade garlic dip.

We liked it so much we wish we could cart a jar home!

Address: Tel:

No. 113, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru 07-361 6890

With 52 branches all over the country, Station 1 Café is probably one of the most recognisable café brands in Malaysia. The 4 year-old branch in Austin Height features a wide selection of mains, pastas, pizza and sandwiches across western, fusion and local cuisines.

We were impressed with the tender texture of the Chef’s Delight Chicken Chop which was just right – not too tough, not too soft.

Served with lattice fries and salad, the portion is generous.

Another popular favourite is the Seafood Mushroom Noodle which uses preservative-free handmade noodles. The good news is: we hear the outlet will include a whole list of new dishes at the end of April.

Address: 32A, Jalan Austin Height 3/2 Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-361 4175

The café also offers a wide range of drinks including juices, blended coffee, smoothies and beers. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing chat with friends over drinks or chill out to live music available every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

A Touch of England in an Old World ambience

No. 1 & 3 Jalan Glasiar, Taman Tasek, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel: 07-232 3761 Fax: 07-235 1767 Suite 204, Johor Premium Outlets, Indahpura, 81000 Kulaijaya, Johor Tel: 07-590 9268 Fax: 07-590 9128 www.GeorgeandDragonCafe.com enquiry@georgeanddragoncafe.com

From RM588 - RM788

Dining

by the Sea

Located on the coast of Johor with a view of the Singapore shoreline, Taison allows you to dine to the sound of lapping waves under your feet. Besides a spacious indoor dining area, one also has the option of dining alfresco style with fresh barbecued food and affordable duty free drinks.

The large selection of live seafood which guests are able to choose from ensures maximum freshness in what arrives at your table.

太子楼

TAISON SEAFOOD (THE ZON) SDN. BHD. C3, Fun Zon, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan. Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru,Johor. Fax: 07-221 8511 Website: www.taison.com.my

Tel: 07-221 9988

Room Type

Description

Total Cost (RM)

Standard Double

One Queen Size Bed

38.00 ^ nett

Superior Twin

Two Single Beds

48.00 ^ nett

Deluxe Triple

Three Single Bed

58.00 ^ nett

Deluxe Family

One queen Size Bed & one Single Bed

63.00 ^ nett

Junior Suite ( window )

Two Queen Size Bed

88.00 ^ nett

Deluxe Suite ( window )

Two Queen Size Bed, One Single Bed & One Sofa Bed

128.00 ^ nett

Only Here!

Up to 50% discount for Online booking, Corporate, and Member.

HereHotel.com

43 & 45 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai 81300 Johor Website: www.herehotel.com Tel: +607-5566777 / 888

A paradise in the city, enjoying the benefits of massage, reveling in the serenity of nature No. 17 & 18, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebru, 80050 Johor Bahru Johor, Mslsysia (սછཱིٛᇖྖ‫)૲ؚ‬ Tel: 07-335 1333 Booking 07-335 8880

57, 59 & 61, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 800500 Johor Bahru Tel: 07-332 8111 Booking: 07-331 8111 L1-040/041, Sutera Mall, 1 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Tmn Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Tel: 07-559 9118

R

ealign. echarge. eborn.

Take a holistic approach to wellness with our award winning services

• Medical Therapeutic Massage • Tui Na Therapeutic Massage • Neck & Shoulder / Back & Shoulder Therapeutic Massage • Children’s Reflexology • Foot Reflexology • Ear Candling • Fish Spa

Reborn Healthcare Sdn. Bhd. 61 & 63, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2 Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai 81300 Johor Bahru.

Tel: 07 5588 488

Business Hours: 10.00am – 1.00am (Open Daily)

KUALA LUMPUR

Bukit Bintang Chinatown Petaling Street Plaza Damas Hartamas Leisure Mall-1 Cheras Leisure Mall-2 Cheras Taman Segar Cheras Taman Connaught Cheras Sri Petaling

PERAK

Ipoh De Garden

SELANGOR

Kota Damansara Giant Kelana Jaya Bdr Puteri Puchong 101 Boulevard Puchong The Mines Kajang Metropoint Alamanda Putrajaya

03-2144 03-2070 03-6203 03-9130 03-9131 03-9131 03-9130 03-9057

1288 9388 3273 9788 1888 0588 9088 1099

05-5453 788

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PENANG Gurney Plaza

04-229 1388

JOHOR Sutera JB

07-5588 488

INDONESIA Kuta, Bali

+361 76 7171

feature

Vintage Bargain Τ

he mood of a house can be affected by its design and choice of furnishing pieces. Having a statement piece of furniture not only creates conversation for your guests but also dramatically changes the look and feel of a room. Statement pieces can be anything from an antique wardrobe to a table with intricate details. Such pieces, however, often cost a bomb.

The good news is: You can now get beautiful pieces of history at a great price over at Lim’s Roof Top Factory Direct Sale.

Who is Lim’s Arts and Living?

Having been in business since the 70s, Lim’s is one of the most recognizable brands in Singapore when it comes to furniture and decorative items. The store is known for selling tastefully designed Asian style items for the home and personal use.

What’s up for sale?

Chinese country furniture with real history and have been restored to its former glory by skilled artisans. Some pieces even date back 150 years and many are made of solid wood. There are also newer pieces that have taken on a modern design but are made from recycled wood that had been salvaged from homes and furniture with a similar amount of history.

A pure camphor wood chest that still has its signature fragrance will only set you back $390. You may even find yourself a beautiful and usable cabinet for a mere few hundred dollars – a great bargain for furniture with character and history. The availability of such pieces 32

eMAG Aug - Dec 2013

will dwindle with time so they make great investments as well.

Why is it available at such a great price?

The factory in China has been affected by a government land redevelopment plan so they engaged Lim’s to clear their excess stock at factory direct prices. Similar pieces will easily cost 3-5 times more on a normal day.

Does the furniture require special care?

No. Most of the pieces require no different care from modern furniture. In fact, solid wood furniture is sturdy and having stood the test of time, all the pieces have survived rigorous treatment.

When does the sale end?

End of September, subject to stock availability.

Lim’s Roof Top Factory Direct Sale

211 Holland Avenue Holland Road Shopping Centre Level 4 Singapore 22821