[Lounge Review] Air Asia Premium Red Lounge @ KLIA2, Selangor.

If you are flying with the national low-cost carrier Air Asia and having a layover at KLIA2, chances are high that you have quite a few hours to spend. Globetrotters will understand the need for a quick recharge and to get some work done. Started its operations since September 2016, the Air Asia Premium Red Lounge is one of the few options you can consider. Found inside the International Departure hall of KLIA2, one would need to clear security and immigration before finding your way there. Right next to the Red Lounge is "The Lounge KLIA2" which offers a different experience at slightly higher price. 

At the Air Asia Premium Red Lounge, one will be pampered with food buffet (though limited options), comfortable chairs, well-equipped work stations and shower facility. The access to the lounge is complimentary for Premium Flatbed travelers; otherwise, it is subject to a fee of RM 85 for walk-ins and RM 75 for online pre-books. 

Disclaimer: this is a self-paid experience

Tastes5 @ Noordin Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new comer to the Penang food scene- Tastes5 at Noordin Street offers a Pasta-focused menu. It's easy to miss the cafe... there is no obvious or showy signage but a simple, wooden one that flashes out the name. Many would miss the place wondering what it could potentially offer. But once you are in, you will be amazed by the well-preserved Penang heritage house with minor touch up on the interior... simple but minimalist-kinda elegance. Mind you, it gets a little warm in sultry hot afternoon though there are air-conditioners everywhere. Prices are slightly on the higher side if you must know.

Dandy Modern Food @ Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Middle Eastern cuisine is widely accepted and welcomed in Malaysia- healthy, bold and irresistible flavors but it is often too grueling to the wallet to indulge. Dandy Modern Food seizes this opportunity and brings flavors from the Mediterranean to Penang by offering delicious Mediterranean delights in an affordable price range. While some are authentically Mediterranean dishes, certain dishes have been modified to suit the local palate (esp on the heavy usage of Herbs). Having received great support from Penangites, the brand expanded its business operation and opened up a new branch at Queensbay Mall earlier this year. The same open-kitchen concept is used to impart a casual and comfortable dining atmosphere, allowing diners to witness the entire food preparation process. Both restaurants in Queensbay Mall and Arena Curve are Halal-certified; private functions and events can also be arranged at both locations.

Many Thanks to Dandy Modern Food for hosting us.

Master Keong 强师傅汤阁 @ Burmah Road, Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Housed in one of the huge bungalows along Burmah Road (next to Follow Me), the newly opened Master Keong 强师傅汤阁 offers a classic Chinese menu, featuring many familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes along with a series of slow-boiled Soup. The air-conditioned place is very spacious and could easily accommodate large groups. Prices are mid-range standard but the ample parking right outside the restaurant is definitely a plus.

Cheang Kee 蒋记 @ Chulia Street, Georgetown, Penang.

*** Cheang Kee has since relocated to Tanjung Bungah***

With a standard cafe facade and industrial red brick design, one would assume Cheang Kee 蒋记 offers a Western menu but on the contrary, it has a local Chinese menu. The interior decor has got nothing to do with its offerings; during this soft launch period, Cheang Kee only offers 2 types of food- Fish Head/Meat Noodles or Penang Hokkien Prawn Noodles (or Steamboat by reservation only). Despite of its slight high price, the taste is legit and you get to enjoy the food in a cozy dining atmosphere. The menu's a little limited for now, worth a look if they could offer more in the future.

Black Kettle Launches New Food Menu @ Georgetown, Penang.

Having collected regular patrons' feedback on the food offering, Black Kettle has decided to do some minor upgrade to the menu and has since, rolled out its new food menu. Bright and cozy with a good doze of soft furnishing and slight greenery, the cafe is one of the busiest cafes in the heart of Georgetown. With the joining of a new Michelin-trained head Chef, the newly launched food menu sees stronger influences from local flavors. Keeping "mindful eating" in mind, a few healthier additions have also been included in the food menu. In line with that, all sauces and bread are made-in-house by Black Kettle. Need more to celebrate? There is also a bakery counter near the entrance (they do sell bread and pastries for walk-ins) and excellent Coffee.

Many Thanks to Black Kettle for hosting us.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Zurich, Switzerland ( 苏黎世，瑞士) 2019

The global center for banking and finance, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It has one of the world's most well-connected public transportation and its airport (Zurich International Airport) is the largest in the country and often, the busiest. Being a financial powerhouse, the place is home to many financial experts and a melting pot of cultures. Having said that, the city is also home to many food eateries- whether international cuisine or local Swiss delicacies. If you are like me, whom did not have much time to explore Zurich (only half a day), the below guide will help you a little.

1) Raclette Factory

Address: Rindermarkt 1, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland.

Visiting Hours: 11:30 pm to 10 pm on every Sunday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to 12 am on Thursdays to Saturdays. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: +41 44 261 04 10

Lao Huo Tang Restaurant 老火汤 @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

All day... whole year long, anytime is a great time for boiled Soups. Consuming soup is a traditional Chinese way to keep the body "neutral" or "balance"; and we all know the health benefits they are bringing. Hailed from Singapore, Lao Huo Tang Restaurant 老火汤 is a Soup-specialist that has been churning out delicious Chinese Soups since 2008. The branch in Gurney Plaza is its first branch in Penang, taking over the lot previously owned by Sakae Sushi on 3rd floor at New Wing. Like most Chinese restaurants, the interior decor sure brings out the Chinese dining atmosphere. Soup options take up a great portion of the menu, with some Chinese stir-fry dishes. Apart from the comforting and invigorating Soups, another beautiful part of Lao Huo Tang is diners are allowed to refill their soup orders once.

Thong Sum Dim Sum 同心茶楼 @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

A new Dim Sum joint found at the busiest street of Butterworth, Thong Sum Dim Sum 同心茶楼 started its business operations in mid April 2019 but has since gathered an appreciate following. The place is most crowded on weekends, expect to queue for tables during its peak hours (partly due to the limited tables). The Dim Sum restaurant is fairly modern with new tables and chairs; items are properly organized and arranged on the carts as well as display counter near the entrance. While we were happy to find out the wallet-friendly prices, we thought the choices were a little limited. Not a bad choice if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to St. Gallen, Switzerland ( 圣加仑，瑞士) 2019- PART 2

Situated in the northeastern part of Switzerland, St. Gallen is one of the highest cities in the country. With Lake Constance and Appenzell Alps surrounding the city, it offers breath-taking views with plenty of recreational areas nearby. The town was formed around The Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 8th century; with such strong history background, the city is also blessed with many traditional Swiss delights...

A continuation from the Food Guide to St. Gallen Part 1, this post includes further introduction on St. Gallen's specialties.

This post is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to St. Gallen, Switzerland ( 圣加仑，瑞士) 2019- PART 1

Situated in the northeastern part of Switzerland, St. Gallen is one of the highest cities in the country. With Lake Constance and Appenzell Alps surrounding the city, it offers breath-taking views with plenty of recreational areas nearby. The town was formed around The Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 8th century; with such strong history background, the city is also blessed with many traditional Swiss delights.

This post is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism

Chao Shan Claypot Porridge 知粥常乐 @ Kek Chuan Road, Georgetown, Penang.

If a bowl of hot Porridge can cheer your tummy up in this cold-wet rainy season, check out Chao Shan Claypot Porridge 知粥常乐 at Kek Chuan Road. This new Chinese eatery's food offering is exact as the name sounds- Porridge. Apart from the Porridge (which is available in 3 different toppings- Seafood, Frog and Century Egg), there are some noodles, stir-fry dishes as well as some Dim Sum alike snacks. Items are reasonably priced but the serving portion may be a little smaller than expected, do check with the servers first. 

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Davos, Switzerland ( 达沃斯，瑞士) 2019- PART 2

One of the popular places for skiing, Davos (within the Graubunden region) is approximately 2.5 hours away from Zurich by train ride. Davos, Switzerland is the highest lying city in Europe (more than 1,500 meters above sea level), surrounded by stunning mountain views. The place is also made known as the host city of the annual World Economic Forum that welcomes a great number of politicians, government officials, business leaders every year. While there are many outdoor activities that one can partake, the food scene is equally exciting and explore-worthy...

A continuation from the Food Guide to Davos Part 1, this post includes further introduction on Davos' specialties.

This post is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism

1) Backerei Konditorei Schneider's

Address: Promenade 68, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland.

Business Hours: 8 am to 7 pm. Opens Daily.

Contact Number: +41 81 420 00 00

Website: http://www.schneiders-davos.ch

[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Davos, Switzerland ( 达沃斯，瑞士) 2019- PART 1

One of the popular places for skiing, Davos (within the Graubunden region) is approximately 2.5 hours away from Zurich by train ride. Davos, Switzerland is the highest lying city in Europe (more than 1,500 meters above sea level), surrounded by stunning mountain views. The place is also made known as the host city of the annual World Economic Forum that welcomes a great number of politicians, government officials, business leaders every year. While there are many outdoor activities that one can partake, the food scene is equally exciting and explore-worthy:

This post is brought to you by Switzerland Tourism

1) Familie Monika & Nik Conrad

Address: Sertigerstrasse 13, 7272, Davos, Sertig, Switzerland.

Business Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: +41 81 413 61 75

Website: https://www.hofladen-sertig.ch/

Yoyo Wich @ Taman Idaman, Simpang Ampat, Penang.

Tucked away in a housing area of Simpang Ampat, Yoyo Wich is a little far from the main street but it does not stop Banh Mi lovers from getting there... mainly due to its fresh, crispy daily-baked Baguette. It's a pleasant sight to find a modern, cozy cafe at Taman Idaman and once you are in, you will be welcomed with a whiff of freshly baked Baguette. The menu is pretty much Baguette-focused, with different fillings as well as a couple choices of cakes. 

Atas Cafe @ Toh Aka Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Deep in a quiet alley of Georgetown, you will need the aid of navigation system or local expert in order to locate this cafe. Atas Cafe is easily recognized from its bright blue facade, step in the cafe and you will find yourself in a snug but cozy space. It preserves the characteristics and architecture of the old Penang heritage houses, with simple-minor touch ups. The walls are painted in blue but the space is made warm with the hanging light bulbs emitting yellow light. The place is also made livelier with indoor plants; the whole place feels very comfortable and suitable for casual meet ups. The menu on the other hand, seems to be on the weaker side... only a couple food mains and some snack choices, with some cakes.

[Flight Review] Experience the Swiss Hospitality with SWISS International Airlines

Serving over 100 destinations worldwide, starting from Zurich (Switzerland), SWISS International Airlines is the national carrier of Switzerland (part of the Lufthansa group). Representing Switzerland (the company is using the national flag as its logo), SWISS embodies traditional Swiss values and top-notch service quality. On my recent trip to Switzerland, the airline brought me back and forth directly from Singapore to Zurich. For such a long haul flight, SWISS flies the Boeing B777-300 ER with 3-4-3 configuration in economy and 2-2-1 or 1-2-2 configuration in business class.

Many Thanks to SWISS Airlines and Switzerland Tourism for inviting us to the Switzerland Influencer Summit 2019

Singapore to Zurich (Economy Class):