Giant Macarons from Luxbite, Melbourne
When I first set my eyes on these delicious morsels – my first reaction was – HOLY MOTHER OF MOCARONS! THEY ARE HUGE!! I’ll let the pictures do the talking for me.
Inspired by Pierre Herme's Isaphan: Lychee Ganache, Rose Cream, Lychee Macaron and fresh raspberries - Oh my giant Macaron of the ages! NoM NoM NoM!
Simply delicious giant macaroni. This Endless Love is inspired by Ferrero Rocher and has nutella cream and hazelnut praline.
They do have regular sized macarons if you want to try their exclusive flavours – I personally love the bamboo Oolong Tea and their salted caramel macarons.
I had the privilege of trying every single flavour in the store! Oh heavenly!! Nom Nom Noms!
They have other delicious cakes to offer as well!
Oh yes~~~~
Yummy lattes to wash down those sweet morsels – to be fair – most coffees in Melbourne are a lot better than the ones we get in South East Asia
A very cosy place to sit in as well. Do pay them a visit at Toorak in South Yarra, Melbourne!
LuxBite
03 9867 5888
South Yarra/Toorak
38 Toorak Road
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Brunei Events: Shokuiko Farm Japanese Food demo
Mr. Chitoshi Kaneko, CEO of Shokuiko Farm, a Japanese successful entrepreneur has flown in two Chefs from Japan's UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE , Shirakawa-go near Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture to do a cooking demo on real authentic Japanese Cuisine using mostly local ingredients available in Brunei, in his effort to promote Halal food products in Japan, Shirakawa-go in particular, to attract more Muslim tourists in this heritage village.
Mr. Seto has been a Soba Chef for 18 years on top of his 10 years experience as an all-around Japanese chef. Soba is a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour and comes in different flavours depending on different harvest seasons.
Mr. Chihara is a young versatile chef who makes all sorts of Japanese cuisine. He is also currently a manager and chef of a restaurant in Japan.
One might actually believe it when I tell them he’s a famous Japanese actor because of his youthful good looks – I still can’t believe he’s already 31!! Must be all the good Japanese natural ingredients!
The cooking demo was held at Haji Awang Besar's residence in Tungku where his wife Anyati Abdullah Orcullo, a self-taught fashion designer, cook, and an entrepreneur who recently launched self-published coffee table book entitled THE BRUNEI MALAY WEDDING hosts this cooking demo and serving the guests with her own brand of recipes as well.
Anyati has been promoting Brunei Halal Branding to friends and acquaintances alike pointing out its economic viability especially to countries, which hope to attract more Muslim tourists. I sincerely thank her for inviting me to this yummy event!
Mr Chitoshi Kaneko tells us that Shirawaka-go village as a Cultural village well known for their houses constructed in the architectural style known as 'gassho-zukuri" has seen thousands of Muslims tourists in the last years but its number has declined due to the scarcity of Muslim restaurants and food hubs. That’s why his company is looking to set up a halal restaurant in this tourist haven to increase Muslim Tourists.
Shokuiko Farm, produces top quality fresh products employing organically sustainable methods. It supports civic community activities which enhances healthy lifestyle and funds numerous local sports organization involving youth participation. The core of the company is the mind and soul of every individual to adapt to a healthy living and that the company provides these needs for longer sustainability.
Mr Kaneko chose Brunei Darussalam as it is not only the forefront amongst Asian countries when it comes to its implementation of Halal products but its branding is also recognized globally.
Furthermore, It s long standing Brunei-Japan economic bilateral relation could certainly be viewed as positive and that Brunei's endorsement of halal brands in the Japan can mutually benefit both countries.
Mr Kaneko also wishes to introduce authentic Japanese cuisine to the guests. Mr. Kaneko would also like to request the support of the Brunei Halal authorities to help him realize his mission of spreading Halal food in Japan.
It takes long tedious hours to prepare authentic Japanese Food. Traditional Japanese Restaurants only opens for short period of time. The chefs spend most of the day preparing the ingredients required to serve their customers in the evening. These ingredients are actually bought in Brunei!
It takes approximately 10 hours to prepare the ingredients before the actual cooking begins – so the chefs were really busy during their stay in Brunei – they certainly didn’t get a chance to try Ambuyat! Hahaha!
A funny story was when they were sourcing for fresh fish at Jerudong Fish Market – Chef Chihara was delighted as the freshness of the fish but when he saw how the fishmonger whacked and chopped the fish – he was shocked and couldn’t watch – I wish I was there to film his facial expression when it happened!
I guess when it comes to fish – the Japanese have a delicate way of cutting it to ensure the flavour and texture of the fish is ooishi ~~ delicious ~~ Mr Chihara, is simply not used to seeing clumsy fish cutting techniques.
I think in the end – they stopped the fishmonger and decided to prepare the fish themselves – to save them from more heart attacks!
Speaking of heart attacks, Mr Chitoshi must think Nas wanted to finish the whole plate of Salmon himself and tried to stop him ~ HAHAHAHAHA. I also must say the iced green tea they made was very refreshing – I admit to drinking at least ten glasses – eye witnesses at the event can vouch for this!
The host Haji Awang Besar with Madam Hashimoto, Cultural Coordinator between Brunei and Japan, who introduced Mr Chitoshi and made this event possible.
Permanent Secretary of MIPR, Hjh Normah Suria Hayati Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr.) Hj Md Jamil Al Sufri was present at this event.
Deputy Minister of Ministry of Culture and Sports, Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, enjoying some dessert while posing with Anyati.
Acting Director of Tourism, Hajah Mariani binti Hj Sabtu, Anyati, Alina and Zainab.
Pehin Datu Harimau Padang Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Husin bin Ahmad, and his wife Pengiran Datin Hajah Juliana, all smiles as they enjoy the Japanese cuisine.
Jeffrey Abdullah Sim and his wife Naz Rashid, Anyati and Hjh Normah
The ambassador of Turkey, HE Fikret Oguz Ates and his wife, Magda Ates.
It was an eye opening experience to witness his soba making technique – which I hopefully can learn in my free time by replicating what he’s shown us.
Ooooo for the love of freshly made Soba Noodles!
Or the sizzling sound of tempura frying in the hot oil ~~~~~ oooooh yesh!
Nom nom ~~ now where’s the tempura sauce!?
The texture of the Soba noodles were simply breathtaking! Soooo oishi!!
Check out the video of Chef Seto demonstrating his Soba making technique as well as how to enjoy Soba Noodles – guest starring Brunei Foodie Thanis Lim. The best part of the Soba noodles is the leftover sauce – you pour a special tea on it and then sip it ~~ oooooooooooo my god! Soooo sooo goood! Splendid! *claps claps*
It was indeed a very very fulfilling night especially for my stomach as I nom nom so much sushi and soba noodles! I am so glad to meet two talented chefs from Japan and will hope to visit them one day – who knows – Brunei Halal Board can fly me over there to cover the event! *hint hint*
Events: Tune Hotels KLIA2 #RoomerHasIt Pyjamas Party!
*Photo by Air Asia*
When I was first invited for AirAsia’s Taylor Swift RedHot Party, I had one concern – my flight on Sunday is at 6:45am in the morning. That really gave me quite a lot to worry about since it’s advisable to be at the airport 3 hours before departure! I had a few options to consider – did a lot of research and these were the options I have!
1) Take a cab from the city and pay rm130 – 150 at least since it’s way past midnight – or I might not be able to hail a cab at that hour!
2) Take the earliest bus from KL Sentral at 3am in the morning – it’s not expensive but I still need to find a cab or someone to send me to KL Sentral – plus I might arrive too late in KLIA2 for checkin – what if the bus is late? What if this and that ~~~ *headache la*
Option 3 never crossed my mind until I receive this invite in the mail.
Take a rm8 bus from KL sentral to KLIA2 and stay overnight in Tune Hotel for a hassle worry free night! I must really thank Tune Hotels for inviting me and this immediately became the best option! The best part – a free night’s stay at the newly opened Tune Hotels KLIA2 – I recently wrote a blog post about how convenient it is to stay at Tune Hotels KLIA2 and how to actually get to your baggage drop counter from Tune Hotel KLIA2 the fastest way ~~ You should check this out!
*Photo from Tune Hotels*
I’m a regular customer of Tune Hotels – having stayed in KL, Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Hat Yai, Malate and Makati in Manila branches. Affordable, comfortable and safe accommodation for the budget traveller like me. Tune Hotels KLIA2 branch does look stunning not only from the outside --
*Photo from Tune Hotels*
The lounge is pretty fancy as well – while you’re waiting to check in or checking out ~ a good place to hang around with your ipad or laptops. The best part? You can check in to Air Asia flights and print your boarding pass at this very lounge!
*Photo from Tune Hotels*
This is indeed the fanciest Tune Hotel I had stayed in. It’s a great pleasure to be one of the earliest people in the world to be staying in this newly opened hotel. Thanks Tune Hotels for the invite!
This is my room with double bed – I love the beds and pillows they provide – despite the affordable prices – the beds they used are very good quality and gives you a very good sleep. For more pictures and reviews of the hotel room click here
I checked in early so I had a good chance to peer through my window and saw the setup for the Pyjamas party – lot’s of bean bags for us to chill and get cosy cosy ~
Caught a glimpse of YouTube Sensation Elizabeth Tan rehearsing ~~ very good voice! Yup – that’s how early I arrived!
They have a selfie corner for us vain bloggers and naturally – I can’t resist and be one of the first to take a picture ~~ w000t! So much props!
Yes – thank god there’s NO WORK tomorrow ~~ a reason for me to laugh like that ~~~ *glooms – Monday is coming – must celebrate kow kow tonight!! ROAR!!!! ARE THOSE YOUR PYJAMAS THANIS?! Yes – I can imagine you laughing now – – look more like massage parlour boy ~~
I wished I brought my dolls for the party – I had a Long Kee Bah Kua doll that’s really cute but would play the Long Kee Bah Kuat Song when pressed ~~ (would annoy the hell out of everyone)
Now that’s an adorable look – ready to go to bed!
A fun part of the party is that they have a special printer – when you hashtag #roomerHasIt in your instagram – they will print it out for you!
w000t! Score!! Free photos!! Let’s HASHTAG ALL THE PICS with #roomerhasit!!
Looking back – I wish I hashtag more pictures – only did three – was too busy taking pics and networking throughout the party ~~
Ahhhh they’re so cute with their dolls! Yukiko, Calista and Ana!
Anna lagi more epic with her doll --- that’s a big one!
Bloggers being our usual selves – selfies selfies selfies ~~ Spotted Malaysian Bloggers Mohd Faizal from Geng Lepak , Khairul from Budak Pacak , Fauzi Aryaan and Mr Mawardi Yunus!
Man – I need one of those Go-Pros to help me take more selfies ~~ Malaysian Bloggers with Jocelyn who emailed and coordinated the Tune Hotel Invite to me. Thanks for inviting me Jocelyn – hope to see you more in future launches!
*photo by Tune Hotels* Yukiko shows her super skills of selfies ~~
Me – trying to take a selfie while lying down on the comfy bean bags with Daphne photobombing me from behind ~ only realized it when I looked at my camera ~~ so sneaky ahhh!! HAHAHA
To match the theme of Pyjamas party – Anna, Evelyn and Dapne decided to do this pose ~~ hahahaha CUTE MUCH!
The second performance of the night by Elizabeth Tan really caught my attention – beautiful voice!
The fan in me simply must take a picture with her after that stunning performance ~
Melissa Indot – also gave a very lively powerful performance – but I didn’t get a chance to take a pic with her ~~ awww ~~
I got to meet Dj Faith whose the one spinning the music for the night – considering we didn’t have any alcohol – the music was good enough to keep us dancing!
One of the fun things at the party is the life sized Tune Hotels Jenga blocks – I was very mean and want to bully Calista – but she definitely proved me wrong – this is a pic of her successfully playing one block – despite her miniature-ness ~ HAHAHAHAH
Eh Calista ~~ What you doing ~~ we’re taking WEFIES la ~~ Y u macam wanna hantam me one ~~ just because I made fun of you with the Jenga Blocks!
Caroline and some other bloggers kept playing the whole night – the Jenga grew in size ~~
Still hasn’t toppled yet as the night went by ~~ the skills of the bloggers and media = PRO! Caroline posing again with the taller towering Jenga ~~
Towards the end of the night – it has became a TOWER! It’s so much more taller than me!
At the end of the night – it has finally reach it’s limit ~~ and down it fall loud and hard!!
Calista could not resist but take a picture with the fallen Jenga blocks – never to reach it’s former towering glory that night ~
Be reminded how glorious these jenga blocks were dear Calista ~~ bwahhahaha ~~
The Trip Advisor Owl Mascot was there the whole night and the crowd simply couldn’t resist him! I felt like giving him a big big hug ~~ and of course – take a selfie! Anna’s hands looks as if it’s Mr Fantastic stretching long long to take selfie ~~
Being a party consisting a lot of bloggers and members of media – you will notice one thing – take a look at this picture ~~
Also this picture --- notice it? Most of us are busy either instagramming photos or checking our phones!
I walked up to Yukiko and told her – eh I see your Auntie ~~~ and she went “where where?” and I replied “ANTI – SOCIAL” – cos she was busy looking at her phone ~~ yeah LAME I Know ~~
Jingy being her hyper cute self ~~~ spotted me and posed for the camera ~~
Blogger Cutebun and her cousin ~~ sooo pink!! Oinks!
Evelyn – looking like pao chu puo (landlady) – checking whether ppl pay their rent or not while eating nasi lemak! Epic la!
Me, Daphne and Evelyn ~~
Group picha picha ~~ showing our Pyjamas stylo mylo ~~ me standing next to famous Comic Blogger Jian Goh –- Shannon, Evelyn, Jingy, Christopher Tock, Jess, Kimoko and Amelia also in the pic ~~
Another comic blogger I met was Kendrick Kun ~~ his drawings are very cute and he’s so creative – any piece of paper, napkin, cup or even a packet of sugar – he can also doodle on ~~
Check out his artwork while we were having coffee ~ so cute la ~~
I LOVE YUKIKO’s PANTS! ELMO AND COOKIE MONSTER PANTS!!! Arghhh!!! Got XXXL Size for me or not?!
The – “This is my house” pose ~~~ Shannon, Evelyn and Daphne
Super cute!!! OMG!!! Chee Chingy GOJIRA and Ryan *kangaroo?* hahaha ~~
Attack the cute GOJIRAA~~~~~~~~~
While I was too busy jumping around taking pictures – I met two bloggers from Taiwan that I didn’t really get to chat with but they’re very good travel blog writers from Taiwan – Check out Travel with Rita on Facebook! It’s in Chinese language though!
*Photo from Tune Hotels*
I had the pleasure to meet and speak briefly with Nicole Travel Bug from Australia but didn’t get to talk with Morgan Garcera and Juanderful Pinoy (not in this photo) from the Philippines. Would love to sit down and chat with them more if I have the chance!
Instagram travel senstations @explorerjonpro and Melissa Koh @melissackoh were also celebrity guests at the event.
I only got to meet Jon when one of my readers pointed out to me in my instagram updates that he’s a famous instagram celebrity – I was about to tell her I didn’t see him while I was exiting the lift – and as fate would have it – walked into the lift with Jon and Melissa! I simply must take a picture with him – I didn’t take a picture with Melissa though – was a bit shy shy haha ~
Last but not least – got to meet Mark Lankester – CEO of Tune Hotels. He’s so friendly in person and it’s an inspiration to be in the same party as him!
All parties must come to an end and I’m glad to be able to meet new friends from this party! Thank you Tune Hotels for inviting me and Air Asia for flying me over to Kuala Lumpur! I had a good few hours nap till 4pm before walking just 7 minutes to my baggage drop counter!
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