The Four Points by Sheraton Kuching is no stranger to visitors, local and visitors alike. For the locals, it is the place to escape the busy buzz of Kuching town, and to visitors, it offers a splendid location for business trips, meetings and even a city getaway. I was so happy to be here once again to The Eatery All Day Dining Restaurant, and this time it is more special as the invitation was extended in conjunction with a special event by the Four Points to appreciate the true essence of the joyful season – the “Christmas Love Treats”. Fellow blogger Garner, Aliey and Irene were also there to add to the merry making!

With Christmas in the air, holiday cheer spread around, and merry making everywhere, the culinary team cooked up a storm of delicious Christmas comfort food and feel good treats for its visitors. I was so very excited to be there, because from past experience dining with my colleague, I left with a welcomed sensation and most importantly a belly full of good food. The Eatery’s spread of buffet left very little to be desired as it serves up a slew of Western, Asian and local Malaysian cuisine; and if you still have room for dessert, the spread boasts a festive of sweet temptation, each waiting for you to savour and taste. 

Those who knows me personally would agree that I have a sizable appetite for a small guy. I’d like to disagree, but then I’d be lying! Dining at Four Points by Sheraton this time also meant that this is my first experience in enjoying a wide assortment of Christmas cuisines! Upon arrival, we were greeted personally by Ivan, the Online & Field Marketing Manager and were introduced to the different stations along the buffet spread – the Seafood on Ice, Create Your Own Salad counter, Soup from Kettle counter, Main Course Station, Carvery Station, Asian Station and Festive Sweet Temptation. 

I began with a couple of buns and a selection of items from the Seafood on Ice. On my plate there was Tuna and Salmon fillet, salami, a few sushi and California rolls sans wasabi (I decided to not to have any condiments), Prawn Salad and my new favourite – Christmas Venison Pâté. For first timers, myself included, a pate is made from finely minced or mashed ingredients, in this case it is a venison meat. So delish!

Next, while Aliey was busy making herself a Caesar Salad from the Create Your Own Salad counter, I decided to try out something from the Soup from Kettle counter – the Lobster Bisque with Truffle Oil and Crab Meat. It was my first time trying it out – what a wonderful surprise it was! The taste, coupled with an Herb Stick Bread or probably any bread rolls or loaves was just scrumptious! The texture was smooth and delightful, the taste creamy and satisfying!  

I decided to try out the main courses after finishing my soup – the Chicken Schnitzel (a thin slice of a piece of chicken, coated with breadcrumbs and egg and then fried) with lemon and caper, helped myself to some Roasted Turkey with Raisins, Roasted Potatoes and some Calamari Rings prepared with a local flavour. I also took a couple of Half Shelled Scallop and a few slices of fruits to cleanse my palette. Owh, did I tell you about the Herb Stick Bread? They are amazing on their own, and even better with the Lobster Bisque!

Thanks to the large portion of the Venison Pâté and the sheer number of main courses, I found myself full despite still wanting to savour the rest of the dishes in the other stations. The Asian Station offers Steamed White Pomfret Fish Teochew Style, Braised Chicken Meat Ball in Superior Sauce, Vietnamese Prawns and KL Curry Noodles! Alas, I settled and made way to the dessert station instead and fret about what to have for dessert! There were cookies of various kinds, an assortment of Macaroon Sandwiches, Christmas Fruit Cakes and Stollen (it’s basically fruit cake), Christmas Hazelnut Dome, Cinnamon Crème Brulee, Lemon Lime Meringue Tartlets, Christmas Yule Log and the signature dessert that Four Points by Sheraton is well known for – the Cotton Cheese Cake. 

I wish I have the capacity (and sweetness tolerance) to handle all of the desserts, I really do! On the other hand, they all looked so divine that eating them is a crime to the eyes who have yet to see them. I have, in my plate, 3 cookies – a buttermilk, icing topped and chocolate, Christmas Mince Fruit Pie and the Lemon Lime Pie. It was most unfortunate that the Cotton Cheese Cake was gone by the time I was ready for my dessert - I am definitely coming back for it sometime soon. Anyone wants to join me? Just gimme a holler in the comments. 

All in all it was a great experience for me - sharing and mingling with new friends. We are, after all, one big family regardless of race and religion. I would like to personally thank Ivan and Myla and all of the staffs at Four Points by Sheraton for your generous hospitality, and especially to the Executive Chef Liou Chong Yaw for cooking up a storm. 

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

Don't they look delish? These are just some of the dishes that you can try at Han's Dim Sum. At affordable prices and guaranteed freshness (the dim sums are steamed upon ordering, not pre-steamed and kept heated) you'll be pleasantly surprised by how full-filling these dishes are. Looking for a quick lunch that is light on the tummy and pocket, but heavy on flavours and satisfaction, add Han's Dim Sum to your existing list. If you don't have a list yet, why not start with this?

Located at the Third Mile area, Han's Dim Sum occupies the corner lot of shophouses across Timberland Medical Center just next to Jolibee. Other landmarks to hep you spot the right location is Siang Siang Corner and Maxis. Here's the foursquare location. No pork, no lard, no alcohol served here. According to my host, Han's Dim Sum is trying to attract the younger generations to enjoy dim sums as a meal in general, and I have to agree, this place has all the perks that we all could enjoy (personally tho, if it comes to food, I'm game >.<)/

Let's start with the house specials - Chicken Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf. Choose your preferences be it roasted or steamed. As the name suggests, the chicken rice topped with chicken of your choice is wrapped with lotus leaf before being steamed, giving the pleasant aroma as you enjoy it. The portion is also good for a full lunch meal.

Next is another house specials - the Sifu Pau. This is another lunch-appropriate meal, and suitably made to enjoy dine-in or to go. It is a essentially a bundle of joy - a hot, steamed bun with glutinous rice, herbs, chicken and salted egg yolk (a Chinese friend told me it is essentially lo mai kai in a bun >.<)/  OMG I cannot get over the taste of it. I only had a quarter, but I kid you not, the bun was soft and supple (erk, that's a weird adjective to use on buns.. pun intended) the sticky rice and chicken was savoury, and the salted egg yolk was the surprise center. yummeeeehhh!!!! 

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

The writer would like to stress that it is now 12.30 on a Saturday morning, and he hasn't had lunch and skipped breakfast and is now droooling at his own post >.<

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

When it comes to choices of dim sum, there are many to choose from the menu. If you're a little lost at what to get, came with a couple of friends or simply have a big appetite, try Han's Yamcha Starter Set. This is the house favourite, serving the following dim sums:

Chicken Ham Roll

Seaweed Roll

Braised Chicken Wing

Century Egg Siew Mai

Chicken and Mushroom Siew Mai

and the chef's pick of the day.

Of course, you still have a choice to mix and match the individually priced dim sums from the menu.  Various condiments and dips are also available to dip the dim sums - I'm inclined to think that some dips complements a certain dim sum and do not work as well with others, but the only rule I follow is that if it taste good, it taste good. If not, try a different one. >.<  

Common kopitiam drinks are also available to wash down all those good food, or just order a pot of Chinese tea and shoot the breeze with your friends. 

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

The writer would like to point out that he just realised Han's Dim Sum is less than 5 minutes drive from where he is currently at. There can be no doubt that he is going there for lunch >.<

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

Day in and day out, days and days gone by, I find myself swept away by the tides of time. Barely having any time just to sit down and write a post. Couldn't steal an hour or two just running my imagination over the chapters of a book. Tending less and less to the friends I miss all too much.

A good rest was well earned, and rested I did at BB Bunkers, Damai Central. A fresh change from the typical hotel getaway, BB Bunkers offers a hostel-style place to stay (hey, they didn't come up with the name 'Bunkers' just for the sake of a name, did they?). With all basic amenities well built at an affordable rate, one can just dump their luggage and start enjoying the nature straightaway without much hassle. 

And boy did I enjoy myself. Credits to BB Bunkers, along with co-organizers Damai Central and Escobar for hosting the Bloggers Night out! Not only did they invite us bloggers, but we also get to bring a guest of our own too! Much fun!

Honestly, after a helluva week at work, a break like this is just in the nick of time. I arrived at Damai Central just in time for dinner at Escobar. I managed to just catch up with fellow bloggers I met almost a year ago at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2013, snapped a few shots and popped my head into some of the amenities available in BB Bunkers before making my way to dinner. Owh the food was very delish. What's even more funny tho, is that when the food arrived, everybody tried to sneak a picture or two of each dish before they were all enjoyed. At first, everyone was shy, barely catching the macro shots of the food - but when we all realized that most of us are bloggers and we all will want good food shots on our blogs, the shyness evaporated and it was as if "NOBODY TOUCH THE FOOD! WE NEED TO GET PICTURES! THIS IS SPARTA!!" kind of moment (well obviously I exaggerated but nonetheless, it was hilarious to be in that situation!)

Later that night was when things got interesting. Because of the configuration the 'pods' in BB Bunkers, there is very little privacy. If you're looking for a quiet getaway - honestly, you're looking at the wrong place. If you're not into mingling with others and prefer to be left in your own peaceful and quiet self, this isn't the place for you. But, if you're looking to meet new and random people, spend the whole night awake chit-chatting and merry-making, boy you couldn't be any closer! BB Bunkers, as the name suggests, offers 'pods' as oppose to rooms. 

Pod Types and Configurations

1 x Family Pod (1 x double bed & 1 x sofa bed)

6 x Double Pod (1 x double bed)

2 x Single Pod (1 x single bed)

2 x Twin Pod (2 x single bed)

3 x Triple Pod (3 x single bed)

1 x Dorm Pod (5 x single bed)

Rates

Weekdays: Single bed (in any pod) : RM50 Double Pod : RM80 Family Pod : RM120 Entire Venue : RM1200

Weekends: Single bed (in any pod) : RM60 Double Pod : RM100 Family Pod : RM150 Entire Venue : RM1500

RWMF 2014: Single bed (in any pod) : RM110 Double Pod : RM180

Damai Central as the co-organizer lined up the activities for us to try out. At first I opted for jungle trekking - but considering the drizzle and that most of my fellow bloggers signed up for the bicycle ride, I jumped ship and joined them instead. I can't remember when was the last time I rode a bicycle, but it was so very worth it! A few runs up and down the hills, we arrived at Kampung Santubong, after visiting the tomb of Sultan Tengah, the first and last Sultan of Sarawak. That hour and a half, about 10 km ride in the drizzling rain made me forget about the troubles I was carrying and even though I was completely and utterly exhausted by the time I got back, I was completely refreshed! I managed to get some spheres too! 

BB Bunkers | Damai Central | Pantai Puteri | Klinik Kesihatan Kampong Santubong 

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com 

If you're planning ahead to attend the Rainforest World Music Festival 2014 this coming June, BB Bunkers is definitely a good choice. It is strategically located just opposite of the main entrance to Sarawak Cultural Village where the annual international music festival is held every year. Or if you're just looking for a simple night out with some outdoor activities, do book ahead. You'll find almost all your needs met - from 24 hours 7-Eleven convenience store just next door, Medan Food Court, Bayridge Seafood Restaurant, Escobar, Movie Night, to kayaking, bicycle ride, jungle trekking or a good visit to Sarawak Cultural Village! All-in-all, a great experience. 

classy  .  chic  .  cosy

BB Bunkers

Unit C1 Damai Central 

Pantai Damai Santubong 

93050 Kuching Sarawak

T : +608.AT.HOTEL (+6082846835)

F : +60.82.846835

E : talk2us@bbbunkers.com

W : www.bbbunkers.com

Note : 

* All information is correct at the time of post. 

* Some photos courtesy of credited photographers :
Lets ngerepak ... with Tia

NTGravity

PreciousMad Photography

Ever since it opened, I've always planted an intention to sit and try the food at Boardriders Cafe @ Sunset Avenue Plaza Merdeka, Kuching. I have to say, I was not disappointed. The other day for Iftar me and a couple of friends was able to try out one of the promotion, which as a main course, a soup and bottomless iced tea for RM 19.90 ++ (I'm sure the ++ was for any extra drinks or desserts and what not).

The list of main courses was not too overwhelming, among them was :

• Pineapple Chicken Curry with Butter Rice
• Clack Pepper Chicken Chop with Butter Rice
• Tuna Spaghetti Carbonara
• Turkey Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• Beef Pepperoni

My two good friends decided to try the Black Pepper Chicken Chop with Butter Rice. I had a bite, and boy the black pepper sauce was delicious. Not too strong, just nice. The colour and plating was nicely done, with plenty of fresh salad and tomatoes. Fortunately for me, my dear friends has a low liking towards vege so I had extra salad (which I was unable to finish in the end being too full after my own meal). 

I ordered the Tuna Spaghetti Carbonara because I am a fan of carbonara sauce. Mixed feeling here, because as much as I do enjoy it, the sauce was too thick and the tuna was too chunky to my liking. An extra spoon or two might help the dish too, I suppose. But the overall taste and presentation was delightful enough I cleaned my plate anyways (then again, a lot of people would say I clean my plate in spite of whatever). 

The three of us stayed and talked for a couple of hours over iced tea. The waiters were attentive enough to offer to refill our cups, our seat was cozy right by the window overlooking Padang Merdeka. I like how the cafe was setup to reflect the ambiance of an indoor surf joint, complete with surfboards! And for those who wants a quiet time to themselves, they even have a bar along with headphones so you can still retreat into your own world even if you forgot your earphones.

I managed to snap (and enhance here and there) a few photos. If you've never tried Boardriders Cafe before, do give it a go. I'm sure you'll fall in love instantly!

"Make new friends but keep the old, 

for these are silver and those are gold."

I'm not sure who came up with that quote, but it is one that I stood by. 10 years passed since I left secondary school. Some of my friends I haven't met since. Some kept in touch, and some are still best friends even.. no, especially after all these years. We're grown up men and women now, and lots of us are married and having kids. Blink after blink, lo and behold we're all uncles and aunties now. 

Along with the Ramadhan comes the annual gathering of friends. This year was no exception. It's as if a preliminary gathering in the breaking of fast, when come Aidilfitri a much bigger gathering is bound to happen. Even those who could not make it was mentioned and kept close to heart in best wishes. I find myself reminiscing on my bullies whom have grown into gentlemens with their wife and kids. Hatchets are buried, water under the bridge. Now we laugh at our silliness, not only in primary and secondary school, but also in the recent years when gatherings would occur and stories were exchanged. Truly, friendship, like gold, grows in value over time. 

Well - I'm gonna go on a limb here and post in my native language. 

---------------------------------------------------

Malam tadik dapat jwak melepas rindu melepak ngan geng-geng skolah dolok. Ngembak sungkei, bukak posa.. lepak kejap, kak ya kt pulang, kata dirik nya tek... cek cek kol 10 jwak baruk angkat. Nak molah cerita kali nak? hahaha! 

Tok lah tempat bersejarah tahun tok. Makanan nang superb. Location cun (kat Greenroad, sebelah Cotton Button, Lock Ann.. sik jauh dari Celcom Center lamak). Urang pun sik rami - ka nang khas direserve k kita bekuku-kakah? hahaha! Aku sik ingat bila last ku tetak serenggak nyawa kedak malam tadik. 

Banyak di-order kmk org k makan. Badan yang datang 7 orang (plus a little girl and a baby yang sangat-sangat comel) tapi order bagei makan 10 orang. Ney gik dengan jagung susu ngan ABD gik. Tapi, nyaman senyaman-nyamannya. Aku yang alergik ngan seafood, boleh makan sampei 7 8 ekor udang (undang bak kata member sorang. Hahaha!) Besar-besar gik ya! Dalam banyak-banyak ya tek, center dishes adalah :

Daging Celebrity	Butter Prawn
Tom Yam

Geng-geng seperti biasa sangat kuku-kakah. Oleh kerana aku pun lamak dah sik melepak ngan geng-geng tok, banyak cerita yang miss. Tp sidak seperti biasa sangat sporting beguro-bersenda macam dolok marek. nang rioh la. Best jwak bila ada nembiak k ngalih cerita. Dapat tauk ada yang nak kawen dah ujong tahun tok. So next year, ada harapan la bilangan berganda-ganda.. Aku doa semoga dipermudahkan urusan ktk orang semua, amin.. 

Tok baruk preliminary round kata orang.. Tunggu raya kelak, in sya Allah, kita berkumpol rami-rami gik. ok?

Kuchinglites will know this place - and most probably have been here too. A fairly new addition to Damai's cluster of resorts and hotels, Damai Central is very much welcomed especially to the temporary and permanent tenants of the resorts and hotels in the area, especially the 24 hours convenience store 7 Eleven. 

After spending a couple of hours wandering various shopping malls in town, me and my friends was feeling a little hungry. At first, we planned to have lunch at CityOne, but upon arrival, parking was a b*tch (basement was closed for some reason. On a Labour Day! During lunch hour!) 

Now I was happy with Secret Recipe, Ayamku, Sugarbun, KFC, McDonalds or even Pizza Hut whatever that is in town. My mates, however, had a different idea. All the way to Damai. I was planning to jog that evening. That went out of the window. 

We ended up at Bayridge Fine Seafood. Yeah I've had my dose of Benadryl earlier, but by noon the effect would've worn off. We had plenty to eat tho. Too much for three person - that we all agreed on. 

These are the dishes - Midin Belacan and Sweet n Sour Chicken. Quite nice actually. We also had Fish Lips and Oyster Soup (which I silently regret eating having to control myself from excessive nose and ear scratching). It is delicious, I just wish I still have some Benadryl around to save me.

And the main dish : a HUGE Talapia Curry. 

I would recommend the place, but it isn't for everyone. If you're up for something different, dining on the seaside, do drop by for a visit.