yes, we all have our fears and things that we are scared of - but nothing can beat my fear for dentist. I am terrified of cockroaches, but I do not cringe with fear when they are around. I do have a very sensitive sense of smell for these horrible little creatures though. Back to my dentist fear - it all began when I was a little school girl. Having studied in a local, government (or kebangsaan) school, we do get these annual privilege of dental check-up. Sounds good isn't it? Truth is, my first confrontation with the dentist was horrifying and those memories are still vivid in my mind.
The sound of the drills and sharp objects, metal cups, and the horrible reclining chair (that made me feel absolutely helpless when I'm lying there!) - all made me cringe with fear, and sometimes, sleepless nights. The fear was instilled and etched in me deeply like a buried treasure till today. From my first brutal confrontation with those "f*&K&^s" (a term I dearly called them) - I've never want to get close to one. And that yearly school dental check-up ? On few occasions, I forged my dad's signature to forbid them to check on mine. And of course, my dad was furious when he found out cos now he has to pay money to send me to private dentist ! (which are equally as bad and horrible as the school ones!!!)
I delayed the 6 months dental appointment to a year, 2 years and longer if I can tolerate it. But when you were much younger and in your teens, you tend to eat a lot of sugary stuff- hence those dental visits are simply unavoidable. My worse experience ever was when I was 17 year old. I had to take out my wisdom tooth as they were giving me so much problems and pain. So my best friend pushed me to one (whom she claimed was really gentle and good). I would surely not go to one if the pain wasn't so unbearable. So my best friend drove me to the dentist on this ordeal. She promised me it will be over before I knew it and the pain will soon be gone.
Facing my fear, I was crossing my fingers so hard that this experience is going to be different from the others, because I so badly need the tooth to come out. The dentist ( I'm always very cautious of dentist - the more they smile, the more I see a line of evil grin in them). I can almost see them laughing and drilling my cavities away while I'm drowning in fear ! So this particular dentist told me its going to be almost painless once they jab me. OK.
I closed my eyes, open my mouth (and I hate it when they asked me to open bigger - i will if I can! duh!) The first jab came stinging on my right gums - and I can so feel it. Then the second, then the third. Then the doctor tried to take out the tooth, but I was feeling everything that I gave him my infamous cock-eye. He said "Oh, I'm sorry , can you still feel that?" He then jabbed again, (mind you , this is the 4th jab and my neck was already wet with my tears and yes, saliva). He then told the nurse "Eh, we are not injecting the right roots (WTF!) and they had to inject another 4 (2 on my inner cheek and another two some-where near the gums). Seriously, at that point of time, I felt so vulnerable and I really felt like running out of there and never never ever come back! But I can't ... see, those 4 jabs was numbing my other parts of my mouth that I could literally feel a jello effect on my lips.
The 5th- 8th jab somehow did the trick, and now they are grinning ear to ear to take out my wisdom tooth. And the dentist was perspiring. He told the nurse to hold my shoulder now, and he stood up holding a plier looking tool on his right hand and charged towards my tooth. He was using so much energy that I could see his facial expression - twitching every now and then. And the nurse, trying her best to hold me down. I almost feel like he was trying to pull a nail (that was deeply hammered into a piece of wood) out. Then he took out something. I felt something came out. I thought the whole thing was finally over. Then he said, "Oh, it broke into half. Now we may need to cut up a bit. At the edges and sew it up later"
GAAAAHHHHHH !!!
I tried to mumble something but nothing was coming out - see by then, my mouth was filled with 8 jabs of anaesthetic - so you can imagine how numb I felt.
Anyways, the whole ordeal went for another 10-15 minutes, including the sewing up.
I was as sore as a _ _ _. My lips was sore and was so jello- I could feel it going side-ways.
The next few days, was totally insane. I was popping painkillers (non-stop) and changed a dozen zillion gauzes!
Well, the best part of all, the pain that was caused by the wisdom tooth disappeared after a week. The numbness went on for almost 24 hours. (okay, I exaggerated a bit, but definitely more than 12 hours)
So, I do have a love hate relationship with dentist. I hate them to the core for the pain and fear they implanted on me and I love them because they can take the pain away. Now that I'm in a much better position to take care of myself and afford a better and decent dentist, the fear is slowing going away - but it still creeps up to you like a boogeyman.
My advise to parents ? Always let your kid have a wonderful, first experience with the dentist. And once they lose their milk teeth, show them dental care and bring them to the dentist. And don't ever allow let those government dentist touch your kid's teeth. They will be scarred for life - well, at least I can speak for myself.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
we are 2 soon !
Come this 18th June 2010, RedRibbon Days will be officially 2 year old. To celebrate this joyous occasion, I've something planned for everyone in RedRibbon Days. This 'plan' however will not be disclosed anytime soon. I'm however, eagerly waiting for the day to come.
I am thinking about what to say to my staff and business partners on the day. I'm thinking of a promotion. So many things going through my mind as I'm looking at my to-do's check list. 2 years ago, when RedRibbon Days was still in its infancy stage - there were so many uncertainties; so many setbacks; and so many negative influences in the office. But now things has changed. So much has changed in one year - we added two new staff to the team; and the focus was completely on the business and nothing else.
We have brought joy, happiness and wonderful memories to the lives of many - and we will continue to do so. We pledge to deliver the most amazing experiences to our customers and we will always deliver happiness and memorable gifts to your loved ones. Many has said to me that the process is going to be excruciating and slow - some even said it is not viable to do this business in Malaysia. But whenever we get a very positive feedback from our customers, it always push me to strive even harder and make this business work - and for Malaysians to embrace the concept of experiential gifting.
Theing recently blogged about one of the event we organised and planned for a customer ; and her entry ascertained my love, passion and confidence for RedRibbon Days further. She said in her entry that RedRibbon Days is not just another gifting company, but we deal with "events of the heart". I am now more convinced that RedRibbon Days will continue to bring pleasure, happiness - and most importantly - a gift of memory to many for many years to come.
I am thinking about what to say to my staff and business partners on the day. I'm thinking of a promotion. So many things going through my mind as I'm looking at my to-do's check list. 2 years ago, when RedRibbon Days was still in its infancy stage - there were so many uncertainties; so many setbacks; and so many negative influences in the office. But now things has changed. So much has changed in one year - we added two new staff to the team; and the focus was completely on the business and nothing else.
We have brought joy, happiness and wonderful memories to the lives of many - and we will continue to do so. We pledge to deliver the most amazing experiences to our customers and we will always deliver happiness and memorable gifts to your loved ones. Many has said to me that the process is going to be excruciating and slow - some even said it is not viable to do this business in Malaysia. But whenever we get a very positive feedback from our customers, it always push me to strive even harder and make this business work - and for Malaysians to embrace the concept of experiential gifting.
Theing recently blogged about one of the event we organised and planned for a customer ; and her entry ascertained my love, passion and confidence for RedRibbon Days further. She said in her entry that RedRibbon Days is not just another gifting company, but we deal with "events of the heart". I am now more convinced that RedRibbon Days will continue to bring pleasure, happiness - and most importantly - a gift of memory to many for many years to come.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Job Relationship vs Love Relationship
I'm extremely compelled to elaborate further on my earlier posting today. I was talking to another friend who was down in the slump in his relationship (well, I suspect the gf is cheating on him with another while still stringing him along). Anyways, it just suddenly occur to me the similarity of how if one is going seeking for employment (while still under the employment of another) is the same as someone being in a relationship, but seeking a potential new relationship at the same time). In both situation, it is called cheating or some people like to call it - stepping on two boats.
I can't help but to wonder if that is the case for most people. When someone is not happy in a relationship or not happy in their job, they tend to look for greener pasture (i.e. better partner to date, better job ; so it seems) - but in the meantime, they will not let go of their current attachment. They will string it along until the better someone or better job comes along. Then they will kiss the old partner or old job - adios! Without the slightest feeling of remorse.
So will you cheat on your partner ? If you won't cheat on your partner, so why would you cheat on your employer ? Don't forget employers can cheat on you too - employers will string employee along until they find a better employee and then they just kiss off. Because a wise man once told me, "no one is indispensable". And I had to agree.
I can't help but to wonder if that is the case for most people. When someone is not happy in a relationship or not happy in their job, they tend to look for greener pasture (i.e. better partner to date, better job ; so it seems) - but in the meantime, they will not let go of their current attachment. They will string it along until the better someone or better job comes along. Then they will kiss the old partner or old job - adios! Without the slightest feeling of remorse.
So will you cheat on your partner ? If you won't cheat on your partner, so why would you cheat on your employer ? Don't forget employers can cheat on you too - employers will string employee along until they find a better employee and then they just kiss off. Because a wise man once told me, "no one is indispensable". And I had to agree.
employee vs. employer
Looking back at those years when I was working a 5 day, 9-6 job - I can't help but to wonder how laid-back and easy life was back then. I never had to worry about the business (cos I don't own it - it's not mine). My job description are in black and white, so quite simply, all I need to do is do what I'm paid to do. I took leave when I want to, without worrying about affecting company's productivity - or quite simply, when I feel lazy or when the "I don't feel like going to work today" feeling creeps in. Even better, when you start to get bored with your job - you start job-hunting while holding on to your current job. You still collect money from your current employer and get paid for job surfing and attend interviews on a working-day ! And you call in one day to request for a "emergency leave" with excuses like period cramp, feeling under the weather or something more severe- family matters to attend to. (cos you know employers can't be unsympathetic about this). I then welcomed each public holiday with elation and loud proclamation of how wonderful it was that its going to be a long weekend ! And there were those days when my bosses came in with sombre expression and called for a meeting that raised issues such as sales etc etc. At that point of time, I seriously don't think I care so much as whether sales is good or bad - because it was quite simply not what I'm paid to do - and once again, it is not my company. As long as they continue to pay me, I'm happy.
As an employer myself, I now see the frustration my employers were going through then. I can even relate to what crossed their mind when I pull in that sickie or sudden application of leave. Employer's need is never aligned with employee's need. The latter serves to work for an employer that can help her reach their life goals (i.e. make money or a stepping stone to something better and greater). The former on the other hand, can help solve employee's problems (by paying them salary and they get money!). But how often it is when employee can see your company objectives and work relentlessly to help you(employer) to reach your goals (i.e. make more money, increase market share, increase sales etc). My point is if employee works for an employer because he/she needs money - shouldn't they realise that without them doing their job properly, the company (i.e. employer) will be unproductive because the employer has to waste time worrying about the employee rather than focusing on the business.
Writing this blog makes me think back of my first job after my graduation. I was attached to the company for a good 3 years before we go our separate ways. Towards the end of my 3rd year, I was head hunted by another company and they offered me a good position with a better income. Obviously, since my objective (as an employee) is to get more pay, I accepted the offer. I was disappointed that my employers didn't took it well. (Duh!) My boss was upset with my decision - as later I found out he has so much trust and hope in me. How was I to know all these when I'm obviously more obsessed with more money - and yes, I thought the grasses were greener over the other side. It took me 5 years down the road to understand why he was upset that I left - his hopes were pinned on me and I disappointed him. No wonder he never wished me well when I packed my stuff and left the building.
And just yesterday, the board of directors were just discussing about promoting an employee (i.e raise of salary) when that particular employee had to do something that revokes his/her right to that promotion. That leads me to believe that it is not always the employer's fault (as employees always rants on that) - it is in fact your (employee) actions and doings that determines it.
As an employer myself, I now see the frustration my employers were going through then. I can even relate to what crossed their mind when I pull in that sickie or sudden application of leave. Employer's need is never aligned with employee's need. The latter serves to work for an employer that can help her reach their life goals (i.e. make money or a stepping stone to something better and greater). The former on the other hand, can help solve employee's problems (by paying them salary and they get money!). But how often it is when employee can see your company objectives and work relentlessly to help you(employer) to reach your goals (i.e. make more money, increase market share, increase sales etc). My point is if employee works for an employer because he/she needs money - shouldn't they realise that without them doing their job properly, the company (i.e. employer) will be unproductive because the employer has to waste time worrying about the employee rather than focusing on the business.
Writing this blog makes me think back of my first job after my graduation. I was attached to the company for a good 3 years before we go our separate ways. Towards the end of my 3rd year, I was head hunted by another company and they offered me a good position with a better income. Obviously, since my objective (as an employee) is to get more pay, I accepted the offer. I was disappointed that my employers didn't took it well. (Duh!) My boss was upset with my decision - as later I found out he has so much trust and hope in me. How was I to know all these when I'm obviously more obsessed with more money - and yes, I thought the grasses were greener over the other side. It took me 5 years down the road to understand why he was upset that I left - his hopes were pinned on me and I disappointed him. No wonder he never wished me well when I packed my stuff and left the building.
And just yesterday, the board of directors were just discussing about promoting an employee (i.e raise of salary) when that particular employee had to do something that revokes his/her right to that promotion. That leads me to believe that it is not always the employer's fault (as employees always rants on that) - it is in fact your (employee) actions and doings that determines it.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
a journey with many ups and downs
Being an entrepreneur may sound very exciting and glamorous to some. Before I took on the challenge of having RedRibbon Days, I have always look on the positive side of things - very seldom I will think of the risks and the negative aspects of it. Having the courage to start your own business is simply not enough to make a business work. There are so many ups and downs, challenges, and setbacks that will crunch you. Speaking from my own personal experience, RedRibbon Days is coming to 2 years of age and I am proud of where she stands today. But I have also faced many rejections, sneers and discouragement not only from people whom you want to work with but also from your closest friends and even family members. I survived from all these attacks and brace forward. I continue to put my head high and to each rejection - I swallowed it and took it as a valuable lesson to improve myself and how we convey ourselves better.
When sales are slow, it will push you to the edge as well. You will start wondering if you are doing the right thing and if you should continue running the show. And when the business grow, you will need to think of hiring people to work for you - and saying so, this is the most daunting task ever! Getting the right people to fulfil a role is the hardest job of all. The numerous interviews, trainings and if you are lucky - you will find the right person without much difficulties. I remembered when we first put up ad to hire an administrative staff with an online recruitment company - that charges you a good RM400 for one position ; and your ad for this position runs for a month. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, be prepared to get all sort of resumes - from all sort of applicants. And what amazed me was some resumes that was forwarded to our HR department was completely not relevant to the position that we advertised for. You would be lucky to get at least 2 or 3 suitable candidates. So I've learnt from this and never advertised with an online recruitment company ever again. I put up my advertisement in Facebook which was free of charge - and I found myself a fabulous staff !
2 years down the road, the journey has been fulfilling though not completely rewarding - yet. I believe there are plenty of room to grow for RedRibbon Days and the journey ahead of me is getting harder, and not easier. Over the course of time, the dynamics of the business will change, and so will the direction of the company. At present, I'm faced with the challenge of educating Malaysians about experiential gifting and of course- the importance of giving a memorable gift. Yes, two years down the road- and I'm still on the course of doing so. The journey of an entrepreneur is of one that is always about learning new things, experience new things, you may fall, you may fly - but the result of this will make you stronger and wiser.
I do get bogged down relatively quickly - whether it is from an unhappy customer or a sale that did not go through. This I have learnt to take it as it comes. The most important I've learnt so far is to learn to know how to stand up when you had a bad fall and continue to walk to your destination. Picking up yourself after a fall is never easy - it may take you just couple of minutes to see the positive side of things, it may take you days or weeks. But most important thing of all , never stop what you are doing and continue the journey even if you have to limp. What lies ahead may be blurry, but your destination could be just a limp away. And remember, tears will flow and they should not be spared - but you must know when to stop.
When sales are slow, it will push you to the edge as well. You will start wondering if you are doing the right thing and if you should continue running the show. And when the business grow, you will need to think of hiring people to work for you - and saying so, this is the most daunting task ever! Getting the right people to fulfil a role is the hardest job of all. The numerous interviews, trainings and if you are lucky - you will find the right person without much difficulties. I remembered when we first put up ad to hire an administrative staff with an online recruitment company - that charges you a good RM400 for one position ; and your ad for this position runs for a month. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, be prepared to get all sort of resumes - from all sort of applicants. And what amazed me was some resumes that was forwarded to our HR department was completely not relevant to the position that we advertised for. You would be lucky to get at least 2 or 3 suitable candidates. So I've learnt from this and never advertised with an online recruitment company ever again. I put up my advertisement in Facebook which was free of charge - and I found myself a fabulous staff !
2 years down the road, the journey has been fulfilling though not completely rewarding - yet. I believe there are plenty of room to grow for RedRibbon Days and the journey ahead of me is getting harder, and not easier. Over the course of time, the dynamics of the business will change, and so will the direction of the company. At present, I'm faced with the challenge of educating Malaysians about experiential gifting and of course- the importance of giving a memorable gift. Yes, two years down the road- and I'm still on the course of doing so. The journey of an entrepreneur is of one that is always about learning new things, experience new things, you may fall, you may fly - but the result of this will make you stronger and wiser.
I do get bogged down relatively quickly - whether it is from an unhappy customer or a sale that did not go through. This I have learnt to take it as it comes. The most important I've learnt so far is to learn to know how to stand up when you had a bad fall and continue to walk to your destination. Picking up yourself after a fall is never easy - it may take you just couple of minutes to see the positive side of things, it may take you days or weeks. But most important thing of all , never stop what you are doing and continue the journey even if you have to limp. What lies ahead may be blurry, but your destination could be just a limp away. And remember, tears will flow and they should not be spared - but you must know when to stop.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Payment Gateways in Malaysia
On some days, I absolutely adore my job and on some like today, I loathe it. I loathe it because I'm faced with problems which are beyond my control. When these "beyond my control" problems clogged up, I wish and wish that our business is not based in a country like this. For those that own an online business, you are well aware of the need of having a 3rd-party payment gateway in order for your online business to accept credit card payment. And these payment gateway will then impose a transaction fees on each sale transacted through their gateway. And these transaction fees are shockingly high, mind you. Some payment gateways imposed a 4% transaction fee and some as high as close to 5%. And yes, RedRibbon Days happens to use the provider that charges a 4% transaction fee for each transaction.
So for a 3rd party that impose such "high-fees" on your business, you would expect them to provide the best customer service and be professional in their area of work. Shockingly, this is not the case. Our provider (whose name I had chose not to disclose yet at this point of time) had the audacity to not bear any responsibility for a technical glitch that happened earlier today. Many phone calls and emails were exchange between us today and after a heated 8 hours of "ping-pong-ball" communication, there is still no solution to the problem. We have proved on our end that there was completely nothing wrong on our end , and it is obvious that the problem is on their end - yet they have decided to sit on the fence and deny all responsibilities and adamant that they are not at fault. How can they not be at fault when they have clearly chose to perform a system upgrade on their end without notifying us in the first place? They even admitted in their email that it is their fault for not informing us of their upgrade, hence the error - yet they are not going to be liable for the problems caused. (i.e. disburse on any discrepancies)
It almost drive you nuts when you are liaising with people like that. They are almost impossible and preposterously hard to work with. This really makes me wonder about the quality of customer service in Malaysia. Are they purely "lip-service" and when it comes to crunch time to deliver the so called "after sale service" - it is simply not in within their job scope anymore?
I'm appalled with this type of customer service and makes me wonder if it is worth to continue using their services especially when you have to pay give them a 4% of each transaction made.
So for a 3rd party that impose such "high-fees" on your business, you would expect them to provide the best customer service and be professional in their area of work. Shockingly, this is not the case. Our provider (whose name I had chose not to disclose yet at this point of time) had the audacity to not bear any responsibility for a technical glitch that happened earlier today. Many phone calls and emails were exchange between us today and after a heated 8 hours of "ping-pong-ball" communication, there is still no solution to the problem. We have proved on our end that there was completely nothing wrong on our end , and it is obvious that the problem is on their end - yet they have decided to sit on the fence and deny all responsibilities and adamant that they are not at fault. How can they not be at fault when they have clearly chose to perform a system upgrade on their end without notifying us in the first place? They even admitted in their email that it is their fault for not informing us of their upgrade, hence the error - yet they are not going to be liable for the problems caused. (i.e. disburse on any discrepancies)
It almost drive you nuts when you are liaising with people like that. They are almost impossible and preposterously hard to work with. This really makes me wonder about the quality of customer service in Malaysia. Are they purely "lip-service" and when it comes to crunch time to deliver the so called "after sale service" - it is simply not in within their job scope anymore?
I'm appalled with this type of customer service and makes me wonder if it is worth to continue using their services especially when you have to pay give them a 4% of each transaction made.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Christmas Dinner @ Carcosa Seri Negara
It is way past Christmas - and I apologise for the long delay in posting this entry. It was in fact an entry that I've been meaning to write and share with you all, but kept forgetting about it until the good news came just couple weeks ago. For those who follow closely on our RedRibbon Days' blogs, you would be aware of the reopening of our favourite Carcosa Seri Negara hotel.
It was Friday, 24th Dec 2009. Our dinner started at approximately 7.00pm and we turned up gleefully excited and famished. Carcosa Seri Negara stood majestically handsome amidst the lush greenery surrounding it. It was supposed to be the last two night before it was closed down indefinitely for a major renovation. We were greeted and welcomed by the hotel manager, Ms. Caroline. Within minutes, we were ushered to our reserved table and we quietly and politely assume our seats. The restaurant was already packed by now - everyone seems merry and happily chatting away. The place was filled with merriment and laughter.
I suddenly realised that I am way under-dressed for the occasion (I couldn't be bothered to change into something "christmas-ty" as I had to rush there straight from work). I could only pretend to be immaculately dressed and hope someone will come in inadequately attired like me. Who was I kidding? The next group of people that walk in was dressed to the nines. They were all glowing from head to toe - with glittering dresses, accessories and gorgeous looking high-heels. My feet responded fast to that, and immediately, I pulled my dull looking black working heels underneath the table, hoping no one would spot the worn out shoes.
Drinks were served and I immediately gulped down half a glass of white wine - in hoping, it would numb my conscious state of mind. What was I thinking ? It was a french dining experience - and of course,everyone would be dressed up for it! D'oh!
Amuse bouche was served quickly - I peeked into the menu and it read "Fine de claire oyster, shallot of vinaigrette ad pumpernickel clive. (I may misspelt something here - as I have scribbled it down on a piece of used paper in a hurry).
I am always a big fan of oyster, so without much delay, I quickly slurp down the oyster on my plate. Yummy! (could be better if I have a glass of champagne!). The oyster was very fresh, and so smooth that without much chewing, I just had to swallow it.
Fine de claire oyster, shallot of vinaigrette ad pumpernickel clive
I would wish for more oyster, but it was a pre-set 5 course dinner, which means, it would make me seem like a glutton to order another serving of oyster. Our plates were quickly taken away, and within the next few minutes or so, our next course was served.
Foie gras terrine with glazed figs, brioche
The verdict ? I love my foie gras - and though this may not be the best foie gras I have ever eaten, it was actually not that bad. I'm very particular about foie gras and more often than not, they turned out to be too gamey for my liking. This was actually not too bad, especially when it is being accompanied by figs. The latter happen to be one of my favourite fruits - so anything that could go with it, wouldn't be that bad. I did not finish the foie gras. I would normally have more than what was served - but that night I've decided against it.
By now, I no longer care about what I was wearing and beginning to enjoy the night. It was getting merry, pianist was playing Christmas songs and yes, I had about two glass of wine and by now, I'm jolly and care less about what other people think, or what I really think. The wine served was a Sauvignon Blanc - something very light and a good match to what we were eating (considering we were eating everything sea-food-ish up to this point). Or perhaps it wasn't a fantastic wine, but I had to numb my senses at the start of the night - so even mediocre wine will be consumed without much hesitation.
Cream of Jerusalem artichoke with turnip and mussels
Ah ! Artichoke - another one of my favourite. Cook it the right way, it is absolutely divine. When the dish was brought to me, I was hoping that it will not disappoint me. I picked up my spoon and took a sip of the creamy broth. I can hear yummm and mmmm from the others, and indeed, I had to join in and mutter the soft yumm and mmm. The broth texture was smooth, and wasn't creamy ( I have no tolerance for creamy, buttery liquid). This was perfect, and the mussels made the broth sweet and the combination of artichoke and mussels was just mind-blowing. I wish I could slurp my plate, but it would seem rather inappropriate to do so in such fine restaurant. Well, I did not even spare a drop. We took the bread and salvage each drop. The plate was as good as unused.
Butter poached lobster, la ratte potato and white chocolate
What can I say ? This dish was even better than the previous ones! The lobster was fresh, and the potatoes and white chocolate was a good match. I had to admit, I was getting very full - and we are not even on our main course yet!
Turkey fillet baked in ginger bread - dark cherry & winter vegetables.
I had to admit - I can't say much for this dish as I was too full from all the other courses. I took a bite of the turkey though and it was indeed very tasty. Certainly something that I would devour if not for my already near-exploding stomach. Perfectly wrapped in the ginger bread, this dish looks absolutely pretty. The others devoured everything - and I only had space left for more wine.
Dessert was next and this time round, I managed to scoff down a few spoonfuls down my throat.
I was full and tipsy by now that I have completely forgotten to write down the name of this dessert. But I remembered clearly how indulging and divine it was when I ate the meringue and chocolate cake. I did not try the fruit cake (which was served with rum, if I'm not mistaken) but the others complimented it well.
After a satisfying meal (by now we are all very happy and full), we bid our farewell to Carcosa for the last time and I could almost remember ranting to the others about my unhappiness and discontentment on why such a beautiful building had to go through the whole renovation/ redevelopment crap. Blame it on the alcohol or the gastronomic meal that I just had - I thought to myself then, what a pity it would be to close it down and the Malaysia government should start preserving colonial buildings with historical value and this is definitely one of it.
Verdict : 7.5 stars out of 10
Now that Carcosa Seri Negara is back in business, I would have no qualms about getting this experience as a gift for Christmas this year!
It was Friday, 24th Dec 2009. Our dinner started at approximately 7.00pm and we turned up gleefully excited and famished. Carcosa Seri Negara stood majestically handsome amidst the lush greenery surrounding it. It was supposed to be the last two night before it was closed down indefinitely for a major renovation. We were greeted and welcomed by the hotel manager, Ms. Caroline. Within minutes, we were ushered to our reserved table and we quietly and politely assume our seats. The restaurant was already packed by now - everyone seems merry and happily chatting away. The place was filled with merriment and laughter.
I suddenly realised that I am way under-dressed for the occasion (I couldn't be bothered to change into something "christmas-ty" as I had to rush there straight from work). I could only pretend to be immaculately dressed and hope someone will come in inadequately attired like me. Who was I kidding? The next group of people that walk in was dressed to the nines. They were all glowing from head to toe - with glittering dresses, accessories and gorgeous looking high-heels. My feet responded fast to that, and immediately, I pulled my dull looking black working heels underneath the table, hoping no one would spot the worn out shoes.
Drinks were served and I immediately gulped down half a glass of white wine - in hoping, it would numb my conscious state of mind. What was I thinking ? It was a french dining experience - and of course,everyone would be dressed up for it! D'oh!
Amuse bouche was served quickly - I peeked into the menu and it read "Fine de claire oyster, shallot of vinaigrette ad pumpernickel clive. (I may misspelt something here - as I have scribbled it down on a piece of used paper in a hurry).
I am always a big fan of oyster, so without much delay, I quickly slurp down the oyster on my plate. Yummy! (could be better if I have a glass of champagne!). The oyster was very fresh, and so smooth that without much chewing, I just had to swallow it.
I would wish for more oyster, but it was a pre-set 5 course dinner, which means, it would make me seem like a glutton to order another serving of oyster. Our plates were quickly taken away, and within the next few minutes or so, our next course was served.
The verdict ? I love my foie gras - and though this may not be the best foie gras I have ever eaten, it was actually not that bad. I'm very particular about foie gras and more often than not, they turned out to be too gamey for my liking. This was actually not too bad, especially when it is being accompanied by figs. The latter happen to be one of my favourite fruits - so anything that could go with it, wouldn't be that bad. I did not finish the foie gras. I would normally have more than what was served - but that night I've decided against it.
By now, I no longer care about what I was wearing and beginning to enjoy the night. It was getting merry, pianist was playing Christmas songs and yes, I had about two glass of wine and by now, I'm jolly and care less about what other people think, or what I really think. The wine served was a Sauvignon Blanc - something very light and a good match to what we were eating (considering we were eating everything sea-food-ish up to this point). Or perhaps it wasn't a fantastic wine, but I had to numb my senses at the start of the night - so even mediocre wine will be consumed without much hesitation.
Ah ! Artichoke - another one of my favourite. Cook it the right way, it is absolutely divine. When the dish was brought to me, I was hoping that it will not disappoint me. I picked up my spoon and took a sip of the creamy broth. I can hear yummm and mmmm from the others, and indeed, I had to join in and mutter the soft yumm and mmm. The broth texture was smooth, and wasn't creamy ( I have no tolerance for creamy, buttery liquid). This was perfect, and the mussels made the broth sweet and the combination of artichoke and mussels was just mind-blowing. I wish I could slurp my plate, but it would seem rather inappropriate to do so in such fine restaurant. Well, I did not even spare a drop. We took the bread and salvage each drop. The plate was as good as unused.
What can I say ? This dish was even better than the previous ones! The lobster was fresh, and the potatoes and white chocolate was a good match. I had to admit, I was getting very full - and we are not even on our main course yet!
I had to admit - I can't say much for this dish as I was too full from all the other courses. I took a bite of the turkey though and it was indeed very tasty. Certainly something that I would devour if not for my already near-exploding stomach. Perfectly wrapped in the ginger bread, this dish looks absolutely pretty. The others devoured everything - and I only had space left for more wine.
Dessert was next and this time round, I managed to scoff down a few spoonfuls down my throat.
I was full and tipsy by now that I have completely forgotten to write down the name of this dessert. But I remembered clearly how indulging and divine it was when I ate the meringue and chocolate cake. I did not try the fruit cake (which was served with rum, if I'm not mistaken) but the others complimented it well.
After a satisfying meal (by now we are all very happy and full), we bid our farewell to Carcosa for the last time and I could almost remember ranting to the others about my unhappiness and discontentment on why such a beautiful building had to go through the whole renovation/ redevelopment crap. Blame it on the alcohol or the gastronomic meal that I just had - I thought to myself then, what a pity it would be to close it down and the Malaysia government should start preserving colonial buildings with historical value and this is definitely one of it.
Verdict : 7.5 stars out of 10
Now that Carcosa Seri Negara is back in business, I would have no qualms about getting this experience as a gift for Christmas this year!
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