UntoldCityLife.com

An UntoldCityLife.com’s City Lifestyle by Xiao Loong Zi on “Prestige Platinum” membership by Shangri La Hotel

In my previous post, “A truly “Prestige Platinum” fine dining at Lafite - Part 1 (Intro)“, I shared with readers how I got signing up “Prestige Platinum” membership on just over a telesales phone-call. Today, I am going to talk a bit more on “Prestige Platinum” - an exclusive membership from Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Of just only 20 min over the phone, her professional sales pitch & knowledge related to the award-winning restaurants in Shangri La, impressed me greatly and sincerely. She articulated interesting facts in very informative and knowledgeable manner that kept me listening and enquiring. The enchanting phone conversation was like “watching” part of Ratatouille on how to enjoy excellent gourmets and exceptional wines. I felt valued, privileged and I signed up on the spot by giving all my credit card information.

For just RM499 a year, you will entitle to enjoy unlimited complimentary dining privileges when accompanied by one or more dining guests at any of the participating restaurants in Shangri La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. What is really fascinating me is the 21 “Prestige Platinum” certificates parceled to my office that can endorse like vouchers to enjoy privileges on accommodation, dining, drinking & etc. The coolest certificate is to receive one complimentary bottle of red or white house wine when two or more people dine together. There are also two certificates that serve two complimentary glasses of house wine and one box of special occasion cake that I can use it for romantic dating.

Dining Privileges at a glance:
- 20% off the total food bill when the member dines alone
- One portion of the food bill is free when 2 or more people dine:
For e.g. : when 2 people dine: 50% off on food bill
when 3 people dine: 33% off on food bill
when 4 people dine: 25% off on food bill
- 20% off the total food bill when 5 or more people dine
Participating Restaurants: Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
- Shang Palace
- Lemon Garden Café
- Zipangu
- Lafite (Lunch - full dining benefits and flat 20% off for dinner)
- Lobby Lounge (for Afternoon Tea only)

This membership is considered very exclusive and usually is by invitation only. According to the sales consultant, a lot of Datuk/Datin usually just sign up over the phone like me :p. There are many more privileges to find out. If you are really interested to sign up or obtain more info, please leave a comment

My 1 dollar comment:

If you have taste, style, capable and often visit to hotels for fine foods and great wines, this membership can be considered affordable after all. The only bad thing is that privileges of the “Prestige Platinum” cannot be used on important days such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year Day, Chinese New Year’s Eve, first three days of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa. The reason being is that during these occasions, the dining menu will be slightly “different” from normal days.

****

See also “A truly “Prestige Platinum” fine dining at Lafite - Part 1 (Intro)“. Come back to read about upcoming TasteBud Review on Lafite’s gastronomic fine dining cuisines!!!

 

Popularity: 63% [?]

An UntoldCityLife.com’s City Lifestyle by Xiao Loong Zi

Astonishing really! Bravo to his chef de cuisine, Kevin Cherkas and the most glamorous & stylishly restaurant in town - Lafite! Your superb culinary skills and novel fusion concepts in contemporary fine dining have stonkingly impressed me this year again.

 

On a normal working day in October this year, I got a called from Shangri La’s telesales team to pursuit me to sign up an exclusive membership called “Prestige Platinum”. Such membership allows me to enjoy many exclusive privileges all year round under Shangri La Group. In conjunction of a special celebration, I invited a friend of mine to enjoy our first “Prestige Platinum” dining experience at Lafite in last November.

I attended an in-room private dining and drinking here almost a year ago. And, I could still remember Chef Kevin Cherkas paid us a surprise in-room visit to let the guests know the fine steps to start and enjoy the taste, texture and temperature of his modern cuisines. At that time, it was my first time trying out fusion fine dining and I was so typical conservative towards the concept in small serving size, eating in slow & fine motion, seeing and eating cuisine that not so commonly textured and colored. However, this year at my second visit, I can and totally accepted Chef Kevin Cherkas’ fine dining philosophy that “Nothing will be predictable at Lafite anymore”. And, I am very delightful to share with you how enjoyable that I have had the best fine meals and the best fine wines so far in my life. In fact, everything in Lafite is so fine, so precious and so surprise that worth you trying it with the most intimate person in your life. (And I did it :p)

Let’s see the striking design and the romantic ambience of Lafite

The main entrance is paved with dark polished marble, an elegant “look and feel” into “Prestige Platinum” world.

 

A wine-tasting room with the fine and rare collection of French wines.

 

 

A waiting lounge decors with plants and lighting reflections on the dark polished marble.

 

 

I personally felt that Lafite’s decor is simple in sophistication and classy in decorum, not overly extravagant but just comfortably nice. The main dining area is circular in shape, not too big or too small but enough to accommodate about 10 or lesser tables at a time. The biggest attraction is the dramatic torch-like green transparent glass placed in the middle of the dining area that holds raining water droplets from the ceiling.

 

***********************

Come back to read more on A truly “Prestige Platinum” fine dining at Lafite - Part 2 here!

**********************

Popularity: 51% [?]

Article written by AverageJoe

I wrote a complain letter about a month ago (Complain Letter). I did get a reply from Dr. Clemen few days after I sent to him which came to me as a surprise cos I wasn’t expecting it at all. Credit to him.

For those who are interested to know, read on.

His reply…

Dear XXX and YYY

I am sorry to hear of your predicament. Truly, we are appreciative of your feedback so that we can improve and do better in the future. We will take remedial action and address your concerns.

This arrangement where I have a preview speaker representing my seminar is relatively new. I have had to make this switch than to do the introductory workshop by myself in Malaysia, as I have been advised by my doctor to find measures to cut down speaking engagements for the time being, after undergoing a nasal surgery recently. I hope to have your understanding. But you can be assured that I will personally teach the 3-day Live Freely Seminar - Strategies for Financial Freedom. It comes with a money-back guarantee, where if you are not happy attending the Seminar during the first day, you can ask for a refund and discontinue your attendance.

I hope to still see you at the upcoming seminar, and if you have further enquiries in the meantime, please let me know.

Thanks and Best Regards
Dr Clemen Chiang

I guess average Malaysian don’t usually write a complain letter, we just nag. In my humble opinion, I think we should write to inform if we are not satisfied with the service provided. We have to be a smart consumer Agree?

Popularity: 57% [?]

Somerset Serviced Residence at Liang Court Singapore

An UntoldCityLife.com’s City Lifestyles Review by Xiao Loong Zi

If I can freely choose where to work, no doubt Singapore is one of my favorite destinations. It is not mainly because of the superb transportation systems but overall of the above standard quality of living as well as the vivid urban life. This time, I am flying down to Singapore on a business trip again. It is always hard to make hotel bookings in Singapore especially during peak sessions. Since my client is not willing to pay more than $700 for a room at Raffles, the Plaza or any other similar hotels, I only have the choice of a 883 square feet, fully furnished two bedrooms Somerset Serviced Residence for less than $320 a night.

Somerset Serviced Residence is part of The Ascott Group. They also has a Somerset Serviced Residence in Kuala Lumpur which my friend Steve invited colleagues, friends and me to his farewell party in the residence last year ago.

Let’s look at my new home in Singapore:

The lobby

 

My serviced residence - the entrance

My serviced residence - the dining hall and the kitchen

My serviced residence - the fully furnished kitchen with washing machine

My serviced residence - the living hall

My serviced residence - digital home entertainment

My serviced residence - my master bedroom (for my wife and I)

My serviced residence -room for my children :p

My serviced residence - the bath room 1

My serviced residence - the bath room 2

The bath room 2 is located inside the master bedroom. Unlike above bath room 1. It came with a bath tub that you can soak yourself while enjoying the night scene.

The Resident’s Lounge at Level 8

The breakfast bar in the resident’s lounge - Simply and light

The fountain and landscape outside the resident’s lounge

When view from the 25 flooth, you can see the water fountain

My 1 dollar comment!

The serviced residence is spacious, modern and it is considered very value for money if comparing with the major hotels in Singapore. However, the design, decoration as well as comfortability of the residence must be improved to compare with the mainstream hotels. Breakfast is served at the resident lounge daily. House keepings are provided daily or at least three times a week. Fruits, oreo, soft drinks and mineral waters are also complimented. Generally, the Somerset Liang Court Serviced Residence is considered mid-range, not so luxurious and value for money. It is a second choice if you cannot get a good and nice hotel.

 

Popularity: 77% [?]

Article written by AverageJoe

I was invited by my friend to attend a workshop on options trading few weeks back. Apparently this workshop was not opened to public and entry was by invitation only. I was lucky enough for being offered to this event. Btw, I was screwed to hell for FFK my appointment I had earlier. Sorry if you are reading this.

It didn’t turn out as expected and I was so disappointed that I had to write to the CEO of the business owner.

What do you think of my complain letter as below:-

Dear Dr. Clemen,

Good day to you.

I attended the Live Freely Workshop on 5 Oct 07 held at Cititel Kuala Lumpur. I was introduced to your workshop by a friend of mine which has interest to join this seminar even before attending this workshop. But it ended with total dissappointment.

The workshop lasted for almost 2 hours and we were told at the end of the workshop that the first 7 person to register will get a free package! We ran to the registration counter as fast as we could to register our names but to find out we still have to pay the fees. Hence, we needed time to consider because the fees aren’t cheap and we have to plan our schedule. Here it is, your organizer which I believe from Singapore office (fat short hair lady) asked, are you going to sign up now? We answered no, and she snapped us by saying, OK, nevermind, thank you and she took the form away abruptly and sarcastically.

Is this how a potential client is being treated?

The workshop was introduced by a speaker named XXX. It sounded more like a motivational talk or multilevel marketing program instead of workshop on options trading. Firstly, there is no introduction on what is options in a options trading workshop. Secondly, too many examples of graduates made money until it losses the impact to us and finally, after explaining what is gap analysis, the same examples shown earlier is being flashed out again! I can even remember their names!

There was also a question from participant but she was cut off from her question by telling it will be a Q&A session after the talk which is fair. The problem is she never got the chance to ask by end of the talk because there is no Q&A after the talk! The organizer was just keen to get people to sign up. This is not a right marketing strategy.

I’m writing this with a good intention to share what we experienced from the workshop and we do not want this to stain your credibility. You should get someone more professional handling this or even Dr. Clemen yourself to give a preview in the future not to stain your good credibility which we have no doubt!

Regards

Their official website is http://www.freely.com/

Do Malaysians complain a lot? I don’t think so. We tend to say, it’s OK, nevermind lar. Agree? It’s time to change and speak up for what is right.

Wondering will I ever get a reply from D. Clemen?

Popularity: 33% [?]

Article written by AverageJoe

I consider myself pretty lucky in finding tenants for my apartment in Penang because so far I have been able to find one without having it unoccupied. BUT at the same time I feel that I have been cursed as well because none of them did stay for long. Seems like I need to find a new tenant every now and then… Hmmm.. Wonder why… (FYI, I’m not a terrible landlord). What bad can I be right? Asking for my rental to be banked in on time is my job…He He.

But being a landlord ain’t easy. You have to choose who your tenant is very carefully. You do want to take any hobos in and not able to pay the rent later on. Worse, refuse to move out after that. Hence, taking the advice from the experts, I prefer the following:-

1. Married couple with no kids

2. Working adults

If you are one of these fine folks and are looking for a place to rent, please contact me …

If you are not one of these fine folks but you have friends looking for a place to rent, please contact me also …

Details of the apartment:-

1. Address: 7-13A-05, Lebuh Relau 4, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang

(Plus Point: 10 minutes drive to Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone & Queensbay Mall)

2. 760 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

3. Amenities: Swimming pool & security access block

4. Every room comes with ceiling fan

Please contact me at bc_koay@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Photos of the apartment for your pleasures…

Popularity: 27% [?]

Written by ~x-krYpt0n1t3~

Last Saturday was absolutely out of what you all have in mind in terms of a weekend. For some normal people, it was supposed to be a day where we hang out with friends & family, movies & shopping but for Kara Zor-El: travelling. That particular Saturday morning was the day Kara was preparing herself to travel from Capetown -> Johannesburg -> Nairobi Kenyatta: a business trip with Kal-El. Kara and Kal touched down at the Nairobi Kenyatta Airport around 5pm… after a long journey of almost 9 hours including transit at Joburg (Johannesburg). *tired*

At the immigration, there were only two counters: one says “Kenyan passports only” and the other one says “African American passports only”. There were only 2-3 people at the 1st counter while the second counter had a long queue. Now now, which counter should Kara & Kal go to? They are not Kenyan nor African American but Malaysians! I wonder where should other citizens go to? Funny rite? *confused* Without wanting to stuck in the long queue, they headed to the Kenyan counter to try their luck :p hehe.. (malaysians mah.. shortcut is a MUST!!) and walah~ they managed to skip the long queue after entertaining the officer with some stupid questions =) but the immigration officer was actually quite friendly!

While heading to the exit, Kara and Kal made a stop at a forex bureau to get some Kenyan Syilings (KES). The rate was 1USD = KES64 which was quite good compared to banks. Kara took out USD200 and walked up to the lady at the counter and the minute she said, “Hi! I would like to ch….” *Slam!!!* The lady immediately put the “Counter Closed” sign right in front of Kara! Kara was a lil’ pissed off and asked the lady when will the counter be opened again? The lady answered rudely, “in 10mins time” without even looking at Kara. Okayyyy, 10mins… watever~ @#$%^&*!~ and since Kara & Kal needed KES urgently, they waited “patiently” at a waiting area right in front of the bureau.

5mins passed by.. An angmoh guy walked up to the counter. Same question he asked and the lady answered “10mins”! Another 10mins passed by.. Counter was still closed. Another angmoh lady walked up to the counter. Same question asked and same answer given. Deep down inside, Kara could feel the flame of WTF burning!! Another @#$%^&*!~ it seems.

Being a bad tempered girl, Kara wanted to fully utilize her super bazooka+grenade power but often times, she was told to be a good girl esp when she’s out of Msia and that holds her back.. 5mins later, the counter finally got back to business. Kara and Kal both bought some KES, got themselves a SafariCom sim card starter pack each at a booth nearby, quickly meet up with their driver and checked-in at The Sarova Stanleys Hotel right in the city center.

It was a tiring day for both Kara and Kal. What a “good start” in Nairobi eh? Something for Kara and Kal to ponder: How long is 10mins? Is 10mins really = 10mins or what? *clueless* What say you?

 

Nairobi here we come!!

~x-krYpt0n1t3~

Popularity: 21% [?]

A visit to KL Pavilion, a classy shopaholic heaven

An UntoldCityLife.com’s Shopaholic Review by Xiao Loong Zi

How to describe KL Pavilion? Cosmopolitan, Chic, Stylish, Contemporary, Inviting, Fashionable or Cultured ?

One word ‘Couture Pavilion’ to say it all la!

Heaven to all international luxurious brands & boutiques that if you are rich enough, to be spoiled and pampered by the unique shopping services, where you will find yourself at the lounge of lively music & irresistible pastries & gourmets serve to you, also not to forgot the polite door man and friendly concierge at your service.

That is truly Couture Pavilion!

See photos that I took on 20th September 2007 during lunch time!

Interior Design of Pavilion:

 

 

Shops:

Gourmet Emporium:

 

Below is the list of delicious international brands, courtesy from http://malaysiacity.wordpress.com

DEPARTMENTAL STORE

Parkson @ Pavilion / Malaysia-China / anchor tenant with 250,000 sqft

TANGS / Singapore / major tenant

BOOKSTORE

TIMES Bookstore / Singapore / major tenant with 18,000 sqft

ENTERTAINMENT

Golden Screen Cinemas / Malaysia-HK / major tenant with 13 Screens + 1 Gold Hall

RedBox Plus / HK / karaoke centre spread over 2 levels with 20,000 sqft

TECHNOLOGY

Harvey Norman / Australia / major tenant

Apple Premium Store / USA / 3,300 sqft by EpiCentre Asia

INTERNATIONAL FASHION: The Couture Pavilion

Esprit / HK / 3 level store with Esprit Café

Giordano / HK / 2 level concept store

Hermes / France / 2 level store

Salvatore Ferragamo / Italy / 2 level store

Ermenegildo Zegna / Italy / 2 level store

Versace / Italy / 2 level store

Canali / Italy / 2 level store

Hugo Boss / Germany / 2 level store

Escada / Germany / 2 level store

Burberry (Prorsum Collections) / UK / 2 level store

Coach / USA / 2 level store

Juicy Couture / USA / 2 level store

DKNY / USA

Ralph Lauren / USA

Club Monaco / USA

Marc by Marc Jacobs / USA

Diane Von Furstenberg / USA

Max Studio / USA

Joan & David / USA

Chloé / France

Jean Paul Gaultier / France

Bally / Switzerland

Bottega Veneta / Italy (Gucci Group)

Prada / Italy

Armani Exchange / Italy

Furla / Italy-USA

Giuseppe Zanotti / Italy

Etienne Aigner / Germany

Braun Buffel / Germany

Zara / Spain / 929 sqm

MNG by Mango / Spain / flagship store

Massimo Dutti / Spain

Pull & Bear / Spain

Cortefiel / Spain

Ted Baker / UK

Dorothy Perkins / UK

Miss Selfridge / UK

River Island / UK

Thomas Pink / UK

Francesco Biasia / Italy

Mandarina Duck / Italy

Geox / Italy

GAP / USA

Cole Haan / USA

Banana Republic / USA

Paul Frank / USA

Levi Strauss / USA / flagship store

Lacoste / France

Guess Footwear / USA / 1st Guess footwear concept store in Southeast Asia

Guess by Marciano / USA

Reiss / UK

Topshop & Topman / UK

Fossil / USA

Okaidi & Obaibi / France

Shanghai Tang / HK

EQ:IQ / HK

Desigual / Spain

Chiemsee / Germany

Bebe / USA

GANT / USA

Mooks / Australia

Stuart Weitzman / USA

Stage / USA

Springfield / USA

Coast / USA

Animal / USA

Raoul

Island Bistro / by Tangs of Singapore

INTERNATIONAL FASHION: Children’s Fashion

Pumpkin Patch / Australia

Quiksilver Kids / USA

INTERNATIONAL FASHION: Sports Fashion

Adidas / Germany / concept store

Fila / Italy-USA

INTERNATIONAL FASHION: Timepieces

Chopard / Switzerland / 2 level store

Sincere Haute Horology / Singapore retailer / 2 level store, largest in Asia with 3,500 sqft

IWC / Switzerland

Tag Heuer / Switzerland

Omega / Switzerland

Rolex Tudor / Switzerland

Swiss Watch Gallery / USA

MALAYSIAN FASHION

Studio R / 1,115 sqm store

Padini Concept Store

Bonia

Vincci

Crocodile

Voir

Axxezz

My Tie Shop

Shoes Shoes Shoes

JEWELRY, ORNAMENTS & CRYSTALS

Tiffany & Co / USA / 1,700 sqft
Soo Kee Jewellery / Singapore
Liu Li Gong Fang / Taiwan
Lalique Crystal & Jewelry / France
The Carat Club / Malaysia
Tomei Gold & Jewellery / Malaysia
My Diamonds / Malaysia
Poh Kong Jewellery / Malaysia
Crystal Discoveries / Malaysia

BEAUTY, WELLNESS & HEALTHCARE: Seventh Heaven

AsterSpring Origin of Beauty / Leonard-Drake Malaysia / 7th Heaven Precinct

128 Faubourg, Salon by Sothys / France-Malaysia / 7th Heaven Precinct

La Mode Coiffure / Malaysia / 7th Heaven Precinct

Fitness First / UK / major tenant

True Fitness & Spa / Malaysia / major tenant

Kiehl’s / USA

Trucco / Spain-USA

The Natural Source / Australia

OPI Professional Nail Care / USA

The Body Shop / UK

The Belfry Salon / Malaysia

Focus Point / Malaysia

Ogawa / Malaysia

Kenzo (unconfirmed)

INTERIOR & FURNISHING: HOME Precinct

XZQT The Executive Home Store / Singapore

ARTS, GIFTS & HOBBIES

MontBlanc / Germany / 2 level store

Bookbinders Design / Sweden

Caran d’Ache / Switzerland

Floristika / Malaysia / one-stop floriculture centre

Lovely Lace Garden / Malaysia / concept store

Arch Collection / Malaysia

Room Antique Shop / Malaysia

EDUCATION

Early Learning Centre / UK

AUTOMOBILE

Jaguar Cars / UK

INSIDE PARKSON PAVILION

Toys “R” Us Toybox / USA

Anya Hindmarch / UK

Aldo / Canada

Julie Haus / USA / at Maison Maizen Parkson Pavilion

Tittot Crystals / Taiwan

Agatha Paris / France

Hot Diamonds / UK

A Cut Above / Malaysia / concept salon

Rockin’ Reptile / Malaysia

INTERNATIONAL DINING: Gourmet Emporium

Mercato / gourmet supermarket is major tenant, anchors Food Precinct

Food Republic / anchors food atrium

Godiva Chocolatier Café / Belgium

Yo! Sushi / UK

PAUL / France

Carl’s Jr / USA

Baskin-Robbins / USA / concept dine-in

Tony Roma’s / USA

T.G.I Friday’s / USA

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf / USA / first dine-in component in Malaysia

Gloria Jean’s Coffees / Australia

Nando’s / South Africa

Celadon Fine Thai Cuisine / USA

Ichiban Boshi / Singapore

ThaiExpress / Singapore

Crystal Jade Kitchen / Singapore

PastaMania / Singapore

Sakae Sushi / Singapore

Dragon One Bird’s Nest / Singapore

Athena Greek / Thailand

J.CO Donuts & Coffee / Indonesia

Kung Jung Korean Restaurant / Korea

Cold Stone Creamery (unconfirmed)

MALAYSIAN DINING

The Loaf Bakery

The ZEN by Secret Recipe

Dragon-I Chinese Restaurant

Kampachi @ Pavilion

La Bodega Pavilion

Madam Kwan’s

Laksa Shack

Carlos Restaurant

Lavender Bakery

Kiew Brothers

Popularity: 66% [?]