Bali Part II; Traditional Galungan Festival

Finally June is coming.
This May ought to be the unluckiest month for me (so far and I hope it stop right here); my HTC burned, lost watch, empty wallet and problems that give me headache, literally #FML! As much as I want to calm myself down, but shit just piling up like there's no tomorrow. Hopefully thing will turn better after today.

Back to my business.

As you know, I went to Bali back in February.I wrote about the dinner in Jimbaran Bay a while ago. Balinese people are very well known with their unique cultures, socials and religious. I love how beautiful their dresses are, long black hair, skin, everything! Along with that, I was very impressed by how well the traditions are kept that inherit from their ancestors.

During my stay in Bali, I see beautiful "Penjor" swaying in the wind (made from bamboo poles and young coconut fronds) on the street, restaurants/residences entrance, and everywhere!  Later then I found out it was the Galungan festive season, a Balinese holiday of 10 days for every 210-day cycle (Pawukon, Balinese calendar). So after several Q&A sessions with Poppy (non-Balinese) who don't know the details, I decided to do some reading on my own (wikipedia is always your best friend, after Google).

Prayers at Tanah Lot, the Sea Temple. 

Galungan marks the beginning of the festive; when the spirits of the ancestors are believed to visit the earth. 

It is a traditional celebration to honour and show their gratitude to the creator of the universe (Ida Sang Hyang Widi) as well as the spirits of the honoured ancestors. 

During Galungan, the Balinese do their prayer by offerings bountiful sacrifices of food and flowers to the ancestral spirits, expressing their gratitude and hopes for protection for the family. Of course, prayers are also offered at almost every spots. Streets, beaches and of course at local temples, which it is always packed with devotees.

Prayer at residence. 

Adorable little girl with big eyes! 

I also saw a performance which is similar to Chinese lion dance on the street every evening on the street, that is actually a ceremony known as "Ngelawang", an exorcism ceremony performed by a "barong" - a divine protector in the form of a mythical beast. Never got the chance to snap a picture for it but I "borrow" one from Google.

It is not a "everyday-thing" that you can see Balinese women dressed-up richly walking on the street. Me absolutely adore it's colourful texture; beautiful.

Pray for the well-being of body & soul, for prosperity and protection.

During Galungan, the Balinese take the opportunity for visit to local temples with offerings, families, friends, as well as the families who may have helped them in some way over the past six months. Everyone is celebrating the festive with joy!

Celebrated by every Balinese Hindus. 

Offerings are often carried by women on their head.

The festive ends with Kuningan (last day of celebration), when the God (spirits of the ancestors) leaves. 

I'm really fascinated by the spirits of the locals on keeping their traditions, never failed doing it for generations; one thing that we need to learn. 

xo loves,

louisexin 

Read more; about.com & wikipedia. 

Truth.

It doesn't matter if one have thousands of friends,
at the end of the day,
you need only a few who truly know you.





xo loves,
louisexin

Building the Future with Hennessy V.S.O.P

Coming from a family who drinks on daily basis, I remember how I used to see the appearance of countless bottles at home when I was a kid. Back then we even have a bar with fancy glasses and the bottles which I could barely name them.

There is this significant image where it stamped in my mind, never goes off; I'm pretty sure that applies on you too.

Taadaaaa!

Legends are shaped over time. Today, the world leading premium cognac , Hennessy V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale), one of the world's most sophisticated spirits; has moved forward in a spirit of continuity with a new bottle and packaging design.

For almost two centuries, this cognac's personality and the production of the significant taste has gone unchanged. Member from Hennessy Tasting committee, Olivier Paultes emphasized on the selection, ageing, blending and maturation, the traditional characteristic never changed to provide it's elegant and exceptional expression.

The official launch for unveiling of the new package design was held in Double Tree by Hilton last week.

Chris Bangle,
who was the chief of design for BMW for more than a decade and a half, and who will forever be associated with the Bangle butt (BMW 5,6, and 7 series) now designed something outside the automobile business.

Chris Bangle introducing the new design for Hennessy V.S.O.P.

Chris Bangle drew this cognac's new silhouette on the stage to demonstrate the new design of the bottle. This man surely play Draw Something better than anyone else!

The new Hennessy V.S.O.P design evokes a pyramid perspective, engraved the legendary arm and axe of Hennessy family into the glass itself. The symbolic Hennessy V.S.O.P oval label is now in dark grey ennobled with golden embossing a few mm from this.

New bottle of course comes in a new box which it benefited from this renewal, giving its edges over to a more modern vision; anti-counterfeiting techniques for ensuring product integrity to the bottle were also developed.

Fat Lou with the designer himself, Chris Bangle

Evolution of Hennessy V.S.O.P design. 

MHB Girls 

The partners in crime.

Guests were invited for drinks and party in black room. Something that caught everyone's attention was the Hennessy 360 Glam Cam booth; guests were told to pose on the podium in the centre, while a 360-degree panoramic video of them were recorded.

Fattybombom on the stage!

The usual gang and I had countless videos taken and I personally think this is the coolest one! :P



Did what we really good at again, and again. TAKE PICTURE!




For Hennessy, the combination of design aesthetics and ergonomics with a never-ending quest for quality and security is indispensable. V.S.O.P has it all.

How the future is made? By designing legends.

Visit Hennessy Malaysia for more information.



xo loves,
louisexin

Pietro Ristorante Italiano @ Damansara Height

Italian could be simple.
Potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and pasta can easily made your meal.
Though we could ask for something different and specific, sometimes.

Located in Bangunan ECM, Damansara Height,
Pietro Ristorante Italiano is one of the Italian Restaurants in town which serves you the authentic Italian like no others.

Wendy Woo, co-owner of Pietro. 

Carpaccio Di Manzo - paper thin sliced beef as appetiser, served with arugula leaves, parmesan and mustard dressing.

Carpaccio Di Manzo @ RM38.00

Hey, we are speaking of food orgasm with a night which involved a lot of cheese and wine.

Burrata - Lovin' the soft and fluffy texture of its fresh Burrata cheese (fresh Italian cheese made from Mozzarella and cream) . I like how the cream flows out when you slice it into half. The flavour of both outside and inside goes so well along with fresh cherry tomatoes and rucola salad.

Burrata @ RM52.00

Fegato D' oca  - One of the most famous Italian dish, pan-fried duck liver served with caramelized apple and port wine. I remember how every serving melt-in instantly with the aroma of it's rich gravy, dayumz.

Fegato D' oca @ RM68.00

Taglietelle alla Bolognese - Homemade tagliatelle served with hand-cut stewed beef. Shredded cheese on topping goes along so well with it's rich tomato sauce; not too cheesy.

Taglietelle alla Bolognese @ RM30.00

Branzino - Whole Grilled Barramundi, served with vegetable, salsa verde and salad.
Strong flavour from stuffed lemon and herbs to the fish resulting a combination of sweet tenderness flesh and perfectly grilled skin,crunchy!

Branzino @ RM62.00

Costolette d'Agnello - Lamb rack served with roasted root vegetable and rosemary garlic oil

Costolette d'Agnello  @ RM72.00

Merluzoz - roasted codfish with portobello mushroom and ratatouile.
My fav dish for the night, roasted fresh fish and sides in a balance of flavours; maybe simple but really healthy and satisfying.

Merluzoz @ RM62.00 

Sinful dinner doesn't count without a touch of sweetness on your tongue.
Maybe not so applicable on me but you know the girls love it.

Fondant Valrhona, warm chocolate garnished with gelato and berries.

Fondant Valrhona @ RM28.00 

Mele e Gelato - apple; film pastry and vanilla gelato

Mele e Gelato @ RM20.00 

Frozen berries, one that I could did in.

The Italians usually love to end the dinner with liqueur or a cuppa coffee.
So which one would you choose? You know my answer.

Grappa, one of the best known Italian after-dinner drink, made from pressed pips and skins of grapes that are left over from wine making (40% alc)  Man, it was strong. :D

Great dinner? You bet.

Go for a date! :)

Pietro Ristorante Italiano 

Bangunan ECM Libra. 8,
Jalan Damansara Endah,
Damansara Heights,
Kuala Lumpur.

Bali Part I: Dinner in Jimbaran Bay

I celebrated my birthday with the beloved ones by visiting Bali back in February.
A total of 10days trip there. Yes, it might sounds crazy to you for staying more than a week there but I'm telling you, you're so wrong! I wish I could stay a little longer.



Visited spots where the not many of the tourists would do, explored seaside and beaches that you hafta travel thru roads that no one ever been (ok, a little too exaggerate). And of course makan at the recommended spots on the Internet (afterall I'm still a tourist).

Thanks to my dearest loves, we had a scrumptious dinner on the first night I landed on Bali in Lia Cafe, Jimbaran Bay. Everyone travelling to Bali has to dine on this stretch of beach that full of seafood restaurants. :)



Ikan Bakar, heavenly delicious for a hunger kids like me.



Grilled Squid.



Clams.



And my ultimate love at all time.



Very simple but delicate dinner by the beach. Unfortunately we missed out the sunset view and yes it is true, the seafood on this particular spot are over-priced compare to others. Make sure you know the price before making your selection to avoid splurging from your wallet. ;)

I had the best accommodation in the love's. Oh boy, I miss the crazy weather and heat.



The feeling of leaving on a jet plane, again.



xo loves,
louisexin

Meet Mr. Asahi, world's first robotic bartender in Malaysia!

I love beer. Ok this is not a news.

Attended the launch of Mr. Asahi, world's first robotic bartender some time ago. To remind you again, Asahi Malaysia are touring around Malaysia with the adorable ones to showcase you the brainchild of Japanese brewer Asahi!

So FatLou joined the fun during one of their showcase spot which was in Changkat with mii gorgeous MHB girls last Friday night.



Asahi means Rising Sun. Karakuchi is a unique brewing method using a special yeast strain. The added adjective 'Super' is to reinforce the beer's crispness. Asahi Super Dry is Japan's first Karakuchi (dry) beer -- the No. 1 in Japan, the No. 1 Japanese beer in the world, and one of the world's fastest growing premium Asian beers.

Introduced in 1987, Asahi Super Dry, packaged with a metallic exterior/casing, boasts a unique Karakuchi style that is clean, crisp, refreshing with no bitterness.

Cheers w Mr.Asahi

Mr. Asahi, the world’s first robotic barman, is capable of serving people in less than two minutes, saving the average person 13 minutes at the bar. Capable of pulling 300ml pints and opening bottles, Mr. Asahi can serve up to 16 half pints or bottles at a time.



Mr. Asahi is on a nationwide tour with a crew comprising of dancers, a DJ and a customized truck that unfolds into a mini party-space where ever he is. Visitors can try the refreshing Asahi draught poured by Mr. Asahi and to take part in the entertainment and games organized by the team.

#drinkup!



Hot chicks and cool robot bartender, I'm pretty sure its a great surprise for everyone who walk/drive pass by chance. You think?



Couldn't stand the heat on the street and the gang decided to extend the joy with  more Asahi draught in their superb cute beer tower and so we went off to the Bier Bar (next to El Cerdo along Changkat). First time in the bar and I like it!



The girls surely had fun.



Told you I love beer. :P And I think Mr.Asahi is way too coooool!

Guys, don't forget to catch Mr.Asahi 30days nationwide tour began on April 15 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, JB, Ipoh and of course Penang! You may check out the roadshow schedule at https://www.facebook.com/AsahiMalaysia


Don't miss the fun!


xo loves,
louisexin