Hong Kong 2013 - Of Sourcing and Shopping (Day 1)

Just incase you don't know, I work with a distributor company in Kuala Lumpur. Of many big fashion brands that we have been carrying over the past 20 years, BRC (which is an acronym for Boardriding Company) is now venturing into many new industries including F&B.

I was lucky to be able to travel with my fellow colleagues to Hong Kong for a trade fair. Bear in mind we went to Hong Kong with one objective: to source for interesting products for one of the fashion brands we carry.

I wasn't that excited at first, simply because I was in Hong Kong for 11 days just 3 months before this mini business trip. But little did I realize that I actually find it excitement in taking selfie pics next to  my dying colleagues (sorry Su). I was so ready for HK. It was my birthday the night before and I had enough sleep. Whee, not. Isn't it obvious that I had a dull birthday?

Upon arrival at the airport's baggage claim, my colleagues and I discovered a freaking blower. Though it was freezing cold but we wanted to take "super model hair blowing" photos before we leave. I don't know why the blower didn't work for my hair but it sure did blew something else off :P 

Anyway, we took a cab straight to some warehouse area, forgot the district name, but we found food!

I think this cafe/fastfoodchain is called LMX. I got this set that comes with iced milk tea that only cost HKD38. Not too bad, people. The duck rice is REALLY good! We didn't spend much time in the cafe because... it's shopping time!

To be exact, it's sourcing time! This is the place where we source for top notch accessories, designed by French Designers. Please don't be fooled by the pictures here. There were MORE designs, styles, and taste. These are the ones I personally like and I think it's nice.

We headed straight to our hotel and checked in our baggages after the sourcing adventure. Stayed in L'Hotel at Causeway Bay. I think it was fairly good. Let me tell you why.

Cleanliness: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆☆

For a tiny hotel room, and rather old, I find it rather pleasing to see that every corner of the room is clean. For someone like me that suffers from chronic sinusitis, I enjoyed staying in this room because it's dust-free with clean sheets.

Sleep Quality: ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Clean sheets, however, the bed is so HARD. Maybe for others they'll find it comfortable.

Location: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Located right infront of Tin Hau MRT Station and some Bus hub. What do you think?

Services: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Should be the Hongkies, poor communication skills and most of them are rude. Also, they do not have Wi-Fi access in the rooms but only in the lobby.

Value: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

I think its fairly alright. 

Took a good one hour rest before we headed out again. This time, for good food. The whole dinner for 7 adults cost us HKD3,000+

And after dinner, I brought my colleagues to the nearest Sasa and we all bought so many things I redeemed some freebies almost instantly on my FIRST night in Hong Kong. 

There, end of Day 1. Stay tune. Day 2 and 3 coming up next.

Akachan no Hoppe - Grand Opening @ Mid Valley Megamall

Even Jinnyboy thinks mo-cheeks taste heavenly. (source: @jinnyboytv instagram post)

So if you're wondering what the fish is mo.cheeks, head down to Mid Valley Megamall (Level 3) and get a slice of heaven yourself... or continue reading - and then head down to get one! 

Try touching one gently and you will definitely feel the soft, love-filled fluffiness that comes naturally in their products just like Akachan no Hoppe; which means "Baby cheeks" in Japanese.

Officially opened its door to Malaysia on the 6th July 2013, Akachan no Hoppe in Mid Valley marked its first opening after its first, one and only home-turned-into-confectionary in Itoigawa, Japan. As a quick summary, the brand was birthed in the city of Itoigawa, a city blessed with natural abundance. Artisans at the long-established Yamakawa confectionary exquisitely harmonized the techniques of traditional Japanese confectionery together with the charms of Western delicacy, creation an exciting, never-before-taste texture and delicious pastries.

(In the morning before the grand opening)

(pretty visuals and decos)

In conjunction with the opening, Akachan no Hoppe was giving out Buy10 Free 1 promo to everyone! and as generous as they can be, the samplings were just as good as the ones we paid for!

(The ribbon cutting ceremony with Mr. Yamakawa, the founder of Akachan no Hoppe, Ms. Seiko from Jetro, Kevin Choo and Chris Choo both from BRC Group)

Now you must be questioning, "How is Akachan no Hoppe different from the rest of the mochi in Malaysia?" Not sure how others are done but Akachan no Hoppe's mo.cheeks only contains carefully hand selected, asuki beans, paste and glutinous rice. These are made daily with sincere devotion and care every day, according to the strict techniques and craftsmanship initiated by the Yamakawa's themselves. With that, you can have a taste of real Japanese pastries, just like having them in Japan itself!

Comes in 10 different flavors, Akachan no Hoppe is definitely one of a kind!

  Best Sellers!  

The #1 favorite, Double Chocolate. Choco lovers rejoice as this ultimate piece of mo.cheeks will bring you up to cloud 9. Red Bean, as classic as possible, brings out the delicate taste of the carefully picked beans. As for Black Sesame, who doesn't love the aromatic smell? and need I say more for Green Tea? Like I said, mo.cheeks come in 10 different flavors and the rest are as follows:-

Edameme is a type of Japanese bean, it taste really good. I guess the pictures are all self-explanatory and oh, Jungle Banana is for a very limited time only! So quick, try em as you don't wanna missed not indulging in any of these mo.cheeks.

Now the best part is, these mo.cheeks come in really cute packagings! It's great to be given out as a gift, or simply for personal indulgence. 

Lastly, if you're lucky... this amoy will serve you. Okay, just kidding... but no, really.

Info:

Mo.cheeks are sold at RM3.80 per piece.
No minimum order, however, purchases above six mo.cheeks will only be entitled to a box.
(If you're a paperbag/packaging enthusiast, just like me, then take note!)

Akachan no Hoppe opens everyday from 10am - 10pm.

For more information, visit Akachan no Hoppe's website or keep up with their current promo at their Facebook.

Alexis - Saturday Brunch @ Great Eastern Mall

Dear Pavlova lovers,

This is for you.

Note: Alexis uses Illy coffee beans. I personally think you could get better coffee with the money you pay at Alexis. I love how the Fish&Chip was such a big portion. It was a good deal. Please give Pavlova a try. Please. 

Short Getaway with Roxy Dare Yourself: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Early this year, Roxy introduced its 2013 campaign "Dare Yourself" and as part of the Roxy Malaysia Team, I was given the opportunity to travel across nation; to look for the one girl that is daring enough to live a unique life - a Roxy Girl.

:: Day 1 ::

Among the first few stops, we touched Sabah. Just incase you don't know, Roxy Malaysia Marketing Team includes:-

Suraya, the PR Practitioner

Christina, the Designer.

and me! the Inbetweener. I basically juggle between PR, Design and Event Management.

So on that hot sunny day, which I was in search for the next Roxy Girl, I met one of my long long friend, Hanafi. He promised to bring my colleagues and I around the next day.

:: Day 2 ::

I don't remember what cafe was this but it's very near to the Sunday Market. We had dimsums and Malaysian coffee/tea. Being a Chinese I have high expectations when it comes to traditional Chinese food. I did not like the dim sums served there. Good coffee nevertheless.

After breakfast, we headed straight to the jetty and hop we go, islands!

My colleagues went for a quick snorkeling while I was left with the bags and wallets to take care of. I was pretty upset as I wasn't able to snorkel with them... but I had the time for selfie pictures! :P

I really liked Sabah and I obviously did not get enough of it. Will I go back for a longer stay? Yes! What I enjoyed most about Sabah is that the locals are very friendly, unlike KL people. Oh, did I mentioned that the Sabahan girls are all one of a kind!? =)

For more information regarding Roxy Dare Yourself - Sabah Audition, click here.

Do You Love To Eat?

The Daily Grind - Gourmet Burger @ Bangsar Village I

Do you know? Where your meat come from?

I don't wanna know the process of a McD burger patty but if you're looking for juicy gourmet burger, head up to The Daily Grind at Bangsar Village 1, Jalan Telawi.

Why? Because they serve delicious burgers... and meatloafs!

On my first visit to TDG just last week, I gave their meatloaf a try.

Pan-Fried Meatloaf [rm28]

The serving includes two scoops of homemade mashed potatoes, fried onion rings, meatloaf with their very own in-house sauce. (Thumbs up for the sauce, it was really good and I bet you'll love it unless you hate onions)

I really fancy the mashed potato but I did not like the fact that it was served cold. Onion rings too. Portion wise was fairly good for a decent eater. However, if you're a light eater, opt for sharing. 

Illusion Cocktail [price unavailable]

I would usually go for iced coffee but because it was my "cheat" day, hence, I decided to go with something boozy. I ordered a cocktail drink - Illusion (a mixture of pineapple, vodka and etc). Not sure if it's priced at an affordable price, but it was just as good as the ones I usually drink in Bali.

Old Fashioned Waffle [rm18]

After the drink and meal, I couldn't resist but to order a Old Fashioned Waffle. If you're a cream person - YES! Otherwise don't bother trying. The cream is milky and fresh, which complements the sour strawberries. For RM18 bucks, I am already craving for more.

Overall, I enjoy my dining experience with TDG. The waiters and waitresses were friendly, despite the slow services. Would I dine again with TDG? Definitely. Well at least for the sake of those heavenly waffles.

For more information of The Daily Grind:

LG B Lower Ground, Bangsar Village

1 Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru 59100

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

+603 2287 6706

Click for Menu & Map

Business Hours from 11am - 11pm everyday including Public Holidays

Ps: A little bird told me that the Red Velvet served in TDG is ohhsum. Anyone to second that?