Giving thanks with a grateful heart

On this last day of 2018, I look back on the year which has indeed passed rather quickly. In a few hours’ time, we will usher in a brand new year, 2019, just a year ahead of 2020.

Some members of the Mak and Wong families who met
for the very first time at my book launch event.

When I look at the numbers, I can see that we are indeed on the brink of the era where our nation had set a target for achievements in Vision 2020, an ideal tabled in 1991 under the Sixth Malaysian Plan by Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohamad.

In June 2018, while the Prime Minister was on a working visit to Japan, he announced that Vision 2020 may be revised to Vision 2025 and achieved with the right policies in place.

In its definition, Vision 2020 or Wawasan 2020 listed nine central strategic challenges for Malaysia to achieve as a united and fully-developed nation.

Eugene [Left] and Emilda [Right] representing
JB's famous Kerala Restaurant at my launch event

There is yet quite a way to go before we achieved all that was set out in this Vision but when I started working on, My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, the ideals of Vision 2020 must have been subconsciously driving me towards presenting a microcosm through this book!

As I worked with the people/subjects featured in my book, I saw so much in common in their origin and their destiny, that I was moved to involve them as much as possible in my book launch event!

In the Memories part of my book, I shared the reasons why and how Johor Baru, an early Teochew town, earned its nickname of Little Swatow.  

I got to know the people of Hainan, Hakka, Hokkien, Foochow and Cantonese descent and saw how they shared the same entrepreneurial spirit as the early Malay and Indian traders.

Haji Halim, son of Haji Wahid, of
Mee Rebus Haji Wahid fame in JB

From the subjects featured under Portraits and Heritage Traders, I heard their family stories about arriving in Malaya to seek their fortunes and how they survived the harrowing experiences during World War II.

I could link their experiences to what I know from the recollections shared by my parents and my late grandmother, and felt much encouraged to see how these families have emerged stronger and more successful as their businesses continue to thrive through the third and fourth generations!

I also felt deeply honoured for the privilege to share their true stories with readers who will be inspired by the struggles and triumphs of these real people, some of whom arrived in Johor as immigrants and bond servants.

I’m ever grateful for the partnership of MPH Publishing and Think City, who continue to give me their generous support since the success of Book 1, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage.

Barney Lim and wife [Left] with Jack Lim and wife [Right],
cousins who run the Kluang RailCoffee outlets in Kluang

When asked, who was the VIP for my book launch event? I spontaneously replied, “The book subjects are my VIP’s!”

They are indeed because without them, there will be no book!

So I made every effort to invite these subjects and their family members to the event because my book launch was also a celebration for them and their families.

Only a few of the subjects featured under Portraits were unable to come due to family reasons and for some of the Heritage Traders, it was due to work commitments and the peak season because my event was held on a Saturday morning during the December holidays.

I’m so glad that my book subjects recognised what my book was doing for them and their families – in keeping their family stories documented as a written legacy – and when I invited them to participate with me at the book launch, they readily agreed.

Presenting my book to Dr Lemuel Ng
of FOLO Farms at my launch event

Through prizes from a Lucky Draw and items catered for lunch at my launch event, readers not only read about these people in towns like Macap, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Muar, Kulai, Kelapa Sawit, Pontian, Ban Foo near Ulu Tiram, and Desaru, they also had the chance to taste their food or visit and have their own experiences there!

So my launch event was not just about me but in fact, about the subjects in my book.

It was a casual and fun community-centered event where some of my book subjects were highlighted through a brief video introduction and from the items they kindly contributed for guests to win in the Lucky Draw.

After the event, many told me that they secretly wished to win the traditional cotton-stuffed pillow and bolster which were kindly contributed by Sin Keng Wah Kedai Tilam!

I was so happy that guests at the event could taste some of the food served by Heritage Traders like Mee Rebus Haji Wahid and Kerala Restaurant, banana cake by Hiap Joo Bakery, and fresh fruits from Desaru Fruit Farm and freshly-grown microgreens and lettuce by FOLO Farms.

Entrepreneur Hong Say Tee [Seated] with
Sarah Lee [Left] and Evonne Lee [Right]

I soon learnt (from the photos they shared with me!) that guests who won the Food Vouchers from the Lucky Draw, wasted no time to go to enjoy the popular cuisine at Kerala Restaurant, Mee Ho Seng Kee and Volcano Thunder Tea Rice!

I’m so thankful for all the people who were present at the event who made the entire experience even more exciting for everyone.

For instance, the Asian Pie Ladies from Kluang – Evonne Lee and Sarah Lee – finally met with Hong Say Tee, the grand old gentleman who’s known as Johor Baru’s Coffee Shop King!

Sarah told me about her childhood experience of tasting baked chicken pie when she and her father visited Wato Snack Bar – the first coffee-house in JB opened by entrepreneur Hong.

It was her first taste of Wato chicken pie which inspired and compelled her to experiment with her own pie-baking in a journey which culminated with the publication of their Asian Pies recipe book!

Presenting my book to James Lim
Toh Shian at Hiap Joo Bakery

Meanwhile in Batu Pahat, Madam Sweet Potato, the midwife known as Han Cher Soh (Hokkien dialect) to the community, is now 100 years old so the grand lady and her daughter who is caring for her, could not attend my event.

However, her son, John Chan, as well as grandson, Ian Lee and his wife, Polina, were present when I told guests that this was the only story in this book which “chose me.”

This was because last year, Ian Lee messaged me about his grandmother, the legendary Han Cher Soh, and asked me to include her in my next book!

It was my pleasure and to introduce the Chan family members to my Batu Pahat-born relative, Aunty Joy, (also present at the event) who was one of the many babies whom Madam Sweet Potato had helped to deliver!

The Asian Pie Ladies, JB’s Coffee Shop King and Madam Sweet Potato are featured under Portraits in my book.

I appreciate how my nephew, Aaron and his wife, came all the way from Perth just for the weekend, to participate with me at this event.

Presenting my book to Alex Liew at
Johore Heng Photo Studio

As he did for my first book, he made use of modern technology for a live-telecast to let my other nephews and nieces in Perth to virtually be at this event.

Besides these two who came from Perth, I’m so thankful for friends and family who travelled from Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Singapore, to witness this event.

I’m more than pleased with the support from my friends in the hotels and resorts who have bought bulk orders of Book 2 to join Book 1, to be placed in their hotel rooms and suites to enhance their guests’ stay.

To add to the excitement when I recently went to Le Grandeur Palm Resort to autograph my books there, I met with Mr & Mrs Thompson, their guests who have been enjoying their read of My Johor Stories book during their regular stay with the resort!

…I cannot fully express how humbling it is for me when I meet with readers who appreciate my story-telling…

As well-travelled people, you will agree that there is indeed something so special about staying in a place with a story!

Wong Lee Lin, representing the
Two Wongs of Senai, with my book

And with the help of my Rockstar Team, made up of dear friends, thank you for applying your experience from my previous book launch to successfully coordinate and smoothly execute this launch event for my sequel, into an even more memorable event.

I’m deeply grateful for everyone – you know who you are – for your friendship, prayers, love and support, throughout my book-writing journey.

From the volunteers to the unsung heroes who helped to usher in and welcome my guests, to the book subjects and their families who came to grace the event and made it ever more meaningful – thank you all so much!

I’m also glad that over the past few weeks, my book has safely reached family members both in Australia, the UK (by hand) and elsewhere (by post), and especially to the subjects featured in my book but were unable to come for the launch event.

I’m so grateful for the help to deal with all the ups and downs throughout the year (and there were plenty!) but above all, I thank God for His faithfulness, for answering my prayers and for blessing me in countless ways.

My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, is now available from MPH bookstores nationwide and online via www.mphonline.com

Connecting with The Bear and Fish

It started as a quiet-private celebration for the official launch of my book sequel, My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, but it ended quite differently.

Vintage-looking vinyl record covers with records inside!

When my friends, who prefer to remain un-named, arranged for me to meet them at JWC The Bear and Fish Coffee Bar, I readily accepted their invitation to dinner because I deeply appreciate their goodwill and generosity to host such a celebration with me.

[I remember this café because one morning, when my family and I had a dim sum breakfast at a nearby restaurant, we decided to walk across to The Bear and Fish for a cup of coffee.

We soon discovered that the café does not open till 12noon, so we found another café to enjoy our morning cuppa together.]

I was told that the café now has a Food Menu – beside the Coffee and Beverage Menu – and I looked forward to a leisurely meal with my friends.

The coffee bar downstairs

As good hosts, my friends arrived ahead of me. I like the open carpark adjacent to the café and quickly found a parking space before joining my friends at their table.

I walked right into their chat while they were raving about the mug of Hot Chocolate which has a spicy aftertaste. It’s aptly named Demon Chocolate and they highly recommended it.

I enjoy good Chocolate (in any form!) but because I wanted to keep my space for dinner, I decided to defer it until later.

With their early arrival, my friends had studied the menus and found out from the wait-staff that there is an upstairs cocktail bar for after-dinner drinks and cake.

When they asked if we could have our dinner upstairs, the staff firmly replied that meals were served downstairs while the bar which opens at 7pm, was strictly for drinks and snacks.

So we placed our order for dinner and while we enjoyed our meal, we rehashed some of the exciting incidents that took place before, during and after my book launch event.

The wooden wardrobe that looked
similar to my grandfather's wardrobe!

When we were ready to move upstairs, we enquired with the waitress if we should settle the bill downstairs before leaving or pay the total later, at the end of our evening.

I listened intently, eager to follow the conversation and found it rather awkward and amusing because the waitress clearly understood the query in English – but she chose to reply in Mandarin.

It appeared that she understood the question but did not feel confident enough to reply in English.

Some of us who are comfortably bi-lingual, easily interpreted her reply – “Sui pien” or “It’s up to you.”

Which meant that we could choose to settle the bill downstairs or keep it for later.

So we picked up the receipt print-out and brought it along when we made our way up the flight of stairs.

This was the first time my friends and I are dining here so it was a whole new experience for all of us.

And when we reached the first floor (there was another level upstairs), we stepped across a wooden raised platform with an archway into a small lobby-like area with a few pieces of furniture but there were no tables and chairs nor a bar!

The calendar-poster on the wardrobe

Puzzled, we peeked out the glass window panels for a view that overlooked the parking lot but there was still no seating area outside.

Against the wall, a rack displayed a series of similar pictures on cardboards and when I looked closer, they were in fact sleeves/covers for vinyl records.

Nearby was a small sofa with a side table and a wooden double-door wardrobe.

The vintage look of this sturdy wooden wardrobe reminded me of a similar one that grandfather or Ah Kong, used to have in his room and I mentioned it to my friends.

One side of the wardrobe was fronted by a full-length mirror while the wooden panel of the other door was covered by a 1977 calendar-poster that featured (I presume) a Chinese male pop star reminiscent of the 70’s because his outfit was a ghastly two-toned bell-bottomed cat-suit!

Meanwhile, my friends and I were still baffled about where the bar was until a waitress (who probably guessed we needed help…) came upstairs to give us some clues to find our way to the promised cocktail bar.

The manual typewriter at the workstation

She spoke in Mandarin – indicating that there were two doors – and it was up to us to find them.

At once a blub lit up in my mind. But before I could reach for the door knob of the wooden wardrobe, two young men jogged up the stairs and made a beeline for the wardrobe.

“Best to let them show us the way,” one of my friends wisely said as we stepped aside to let these regulars go ahead of us.

It was like a scene out of C S Lewis’ book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” when the guys disappeared inside the wardrobe!

Then it was our turn.

After the others, I stepped into the wardrobe. I brushed aside the shirts hug from hangers and pushed at the back wall of the wardrobe which swung outwards to open into a dimly lit cavern!

When my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw a bartender behind a well-stocked bar (I was told) dedicated to a range of whisky, and he was taking drink orders from the young men seated on barstools, who had entered ahead of us.

The signboard and posters on the wall
inside the tiny alcove

With only two U-shaped sofas designed into the small space, it was a tad claustrophobic for us so we decided to exit and explore the other option.

The (Mandarin-speaking) waitress was still there to guide us into the other door.

On a workstation topped with a reading lamp over a manual typewriter, a soft-board mounted above was posted with diagrams and small notes.

What the waitress said was lost on me but I watched as my friends searched for a clue from the notes posted on the soft-board for the password required to be typed on the keyboard of the typewriter…

Then someone hit the right key and this released the door that was built into the wall. I thought this was pretty cool too.

I was ready to be wowed but I did not expect such a surprising connection with this place!

The muted lights showed us into a tiny alcove and on its wall, there was a signboard with names like Mong Kok, Kowloon Bay and Tsim Sha Sui, among other popular places in Hong Kong and below were two vintage painted posters that featured Chinese women in what appeared to be, alluring poses.

Rows of Sam Fong face powder!

On a nearby rattan shelf, rows of something familiar caught my eyes: Boxes of Sam Fong face powder – or what I call Granny’s face powder – squares of Hoi Tong pressed powder that my grandmother used to wear for her personal grooming!

The cover design of this square box of face powder, was in fact, the inspiration for the creation of my avatar – my iconic brand used on the masthead of My Johor Stories blog and on the cover design of both My Johor Stories books!

This gave me a hint of what to expect inside – a distinct vintage feel in the décor and theme in this cocktail bar.

And when we parted the curtain made of vertical strings of beads that separated this alcove with the bar – we stepped into a time warp of Shanghai during the 1950s!

A view of the wall decor from where I was seated

The music – vintage Mandarin songs in a playlist reminiscent of a nightclub songstress singing into a retro microphone for an appreciative audience seated in a dim and smoky nightclub – but I was glad that this bar was smoke-free.

The furniture was mainly cane and wood, quite sparsely laid out with woven rattan screens set up in between for more privacy.

We chose a table next to a stand lamp – for a little more light – and took in the sight of the cocktail bar with its bar in the shadows but lit up by little neon lights.

In the lighted backdrop design the word, GIN, was bracketed by two Chinese characters each to its left and right with the brand, “JWC” neatly affixed above.

On the window shades, I read the name “The Botanist” and figured that this brand of gin must be the featured drink in this bar.

The bartender-mixologist in action behind the bar

The bartender-mixologist who doubled up as the waiter, placed menus on our table and when we looked (more like squinted our eyes in the dim lights!) at them, we discovered that the beverage menu was all in Chinese!

Eh? Some of us may be bi-lingual in spoken Chinese and English but may not read Chinese… so we asked the bartender-mixologist-waiter to help with making our choice of beverages.

“Why all in Chinese?” was our pertinent question but he replied in jest: “This is Shanghai!” or something to that effect.

I understood that they wanted to remain true to their theme but this means non-Chinese reading/speaking visitors may have a problem in placing their drinks orders here …

He saw that we were really at a loss and relented by explaining that there were alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served in three choices, with fruits, herbs or Chinese herbs.

"Cheers!"

All we needed to do was to pick either of the three choices, with our without alcohol, and he would mix a concoction from whatever ingredients he had at the bar. It sounded like Omakase for beverages to me.

So we placed our orders and sat back while he went back to the bar to mix our drinks.

From the décor to the music – mainly through the music – we were transported to an exotic era in Chinese entertainment as (at least some of us!) were able to recognise the tunes and artistes, both the Mandarin classics as well as Canto-pop hits by Hong Kong’s Heavenly Kings…

My drink choice was non-alcoholic with herbs and it turned up as a tall glass of chilled lychee flavoured with basil.

The others’ choices with and without gin, infused with chrysanthemum and rosemary among other herbs and flowers, turned out to be pretty attractive and exciting too.

As we chilled-out in this cosy cocktail bar, I could hear snatches of conversation coming from various tables behind the screens and hanging rolls of bamboo chicks.

This seemed like a favourite haunt for many but for us, it was an interesting discovery on an ordinary evening that started out with dinner together and then for drinks upstairs…

JWC The Bear and Fish Coffee Bar is at 65 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor. Tel: +607 – 5540908. Open daily till 1am.

Hurrah for the Moscow Circus!

It’s just a few more days before 2018 is over and it’s also when the Moscow Circus closes its season at Puteri Harbour, Johor.

Come to the Moscow Circus, at Puteri Harbour

If there’s one thing you should do with your friends and family before the year is done, it must be to watch the live performances in the Moscow Circus!

Johor Baru has seen its share of live circus shows and I can still remember the thrill of watching the Chinese brand of circus, Tai Theen Kow, so long ago… which also featured a few barely alive animals.

Thankfully, there are no live animals performing in the Moscow Circus.

I’m glad the skillful performances by trained and talented artistes, more than make up for the thrills in a traditional circus presented under the Big Top!

A section of the crowd outside the Big Top

The Moscow Circus is presented by UEM Sunrise and the site adjacent to the Promenade at Puteri Harbour is where I find the Big Top for the Moscow Circus with the Ticketing Counter nearby.

At the entrance, the fragrance of freshly popped pop-corn hits me hard as there are stalls selling circus souvenirs, fluffy puffs of candy-floss and of course, pop-corn.

The muted lights, strings of ropes and odd structures within the Big Top, somehow evokes memories of Barney and his pet monkey, Miranda, and their mystery adventures woven within circus stories, written by Enid Blyton.

The Moscow Circus is presented by UEM Sunrise

Fast-forward to the final act of the Moscow Circus and I must express my feelings of deep satisfaction for a well-worth-going-to live circus show.

I’m not alone in this as I can see from the smiling faces, seated in various sections of the audience that reflect the same thoughts and feelings!

After months of working hard on my book project, I must confess that it was a pleasant evening of relaxation and entertainment at the circus.

So I must commend UEM Sunrise for presenting Johor folks with such professional, wholesome and quality family entertainment, almost right at our doorstep.

A section of the audience to my Left

I liked how the interludes between each act were filled by the antics of a pair of talented and entertaining clowns who kept the audience totally engaged WITHOUT any dialogue!

Their invitation for audience participation was also a classic way of keeping eyes away from center-stage where the team was swiftly changing the set for the next performance.

There is a child in every adult and these clowns successfully kept everyone engaged and entertained between each act.

One of my favourite acts must be the Quick-Change illusion show where the skilled artistes switched their outfits almost in an instant!

A scene from the Quick-Change illusion show

This is quite mind-boggling especially when I know how long some people take to change their outfits…

And when I saw the Master Juggler, I laughed even louder because he reminded me of myself!

At that point, I was coordinating the arrangements for my book launch event for My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, and was keeping tabs on all those responsible – making sure all the balls are kept flying in the air - to ensure that everything was done properly and on time for the event!

The Master Juggler in action

From Roller-Bladers, High-Wire artistes, Spinning Acrobats to Russian Swing artistes, there is always something to keep the adrenaline pumping throughout the entire show!

All right. 

I will not be the “spoiler” and say too much about the show but instead, urge you to seize this opportunity to enjoy live circus entertainment at the Moscow Circus.

Show times are at 8pm every night from Tuesday to Friday, and three shows each on Saturday and Sunday, 1pm, 4.30pm and 8pm. The circus is closed on Monday.

The season for the Moscow Circus in Puteri Harbour ends on 1 January 2019, so hurry!

Go to website: www.proticket.com.my for more ticketing info and check out the great deals which includes a Happy Family Package for four where you enjoy 50% off Rear Bench and Rear Seats when you buy for four people!

A section of the audience to my Right

Get your tickets to enjoy the Moscow Circus while it is still here! Hurrah for the circus!

Celebrate the festive season at Amari JB

Amari Johor Baru is celebrating Christmas and the New Year with sumptuous festive spreads at the Amaya Food Gallery and the Dip Bar, by the swimming pool on Level 8.

Entrance to the Amaya Food Gallery at Amari Johor Baru

While making my way to Level 6 or the lobby level of the hotel for a preview of some of the food highlights in the Christmas buffet, I’m thinking about what will persuade me (and other festive diners!) to choose to dine at the Amaya Food Gallery.

As for me, I will consider the wide array of food choices in the buffet spread, an attractive and mouth-watering offering of festive food and most of all, an affordable price that will not burn a hole in my pocket!

The festive décor beckons me to enter the Amaya Food Gallery and I zero in on the range of attractive desserts specially prepared for this festive season.

Pastry Chef, Syeriff Hafizal presents his festive desserts

This sweet section is the pride Pastry Chef, Syeriff Hafizal, who is on hand to point out the variety of the creatively designed festive cookies, cakes and chocolate yule logs.

I also spot Christmas Stollen, French Pastries, Crepe Suzette and a selection of ice-cream and jellies.

Perched on a warmer, there is Christmas Plum Pudding to enjoy with a drizzle of vanilla sauce.

By just looking at the interesting display, I make a mental note to save some space for these delightful desserts.

Then I meet with Executive Chef Andy who proudly introduces the various sections with highlights of dishes, to tantalize our taste-buds.

The Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner, served on Monday, Dec 24 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, features a spectacular menu of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Thai and western dishes, some of which will be prepared from live cooking stations.

Carving the whole roasted turkey
at the Festive Roast Corner

In the Festive Roast Corner, there is traditional oven-roasted Young Turkey, Roasted Honey Chicken Ham served with Cranberry Sauce and Pineapple Chutney, and wood smoked Whole Lamb served with Sarawak Black Pepper Sauce and Mint Sauce.

For diners who may prefer fish, there is also baked Whole Seabass prepared Rota-style with Basil Pesto and Roma Tomato Salsa, in the buffet.

In the Premium Barbecue Station, diners may pick from choices like Lamb Shoulder, Beef Tenderloin, Herbs Marinated Chicken and Cheese Sausages, all grilled to perfection and to be savoured with sauces like Truffle Mushroom Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Chilli Sauce and Mustard.

Side items from the Barbecue Station include Corn on the Cob, Roasted Pumpkin Wedges and Winter Vegetables.

In addition, there are family favourites like Irish Lamb Stew, Braised Beef in casserole, Classic Vegetable Lasagne and Seafood Pilaf Rice.

The Pasta Section serves three types of Italian pasta with two choices of sauces; Vegetarian Tomato Napoli sauce and Creamy Turkey Ham and Mushroom sauce.

Executive Chef Andy at the Soup Station

In the Soup Station, there is Creamy Butter-Nut Squash and Carrot Soup and the Amaya’s popular Thai, Tom Yam Goong soup.

This buffet also serves a range of Asian favourites like Thai Green Chicken Curry, Pandan Chicken, Thai-style deep-fried Fish Fillet with three flavours of sauces, Beef Rendang, Lamb Caramel, Assorted Satay, Singapore Old-School Chili Crab to savour with Crispy Mantou, assorted Dim Sum, Five-Spice Roasted Chicken, Half-Baked Lobster Thermidor and Braised Double Mushrooms with Broccoli, among other exciting dishes.

Diners can expect an appearance of Santa Claus who will come with candy for the children while live music entertainment will be provided by the Ten Papers Band. There is also a Lucky Draw with exciting prizes to be won!

The Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at Amaya Food Gallery is priced at RM148 nett per person and 50% off for children aged six to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above.

At the Dip Bar, a romantic Christmas Eve Set Dinner will be served at RM320 nett per couple for a four-course set menu. With the addition of Mum Champagne, the four-course set dinner is priced at RM538 nett per couple.

On Christmas Day, Dec 25, the Buffet Lunch at Amaya Food Gallery from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, is priced at RM108 nett per person and 50% off for children aged six to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above.

All-time favourite, freshly grilled Satay is part of the buffet

The Amaya Café also accepts orders for take-away festive dishes with 24-hours’ advance notice.

Just fill up an order form for a choice of Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings, Roasted grain-fed Australian Beef Striploin, Roasted Chicken and Roasted New Zealand Leg of Lamb with a choice of sauces.

Orders are also accepted for side items like Mashed Truffle Potatoes, Roasted Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic, Braised Red Cabbage and Glazed Carrots.

You may also place advance orders for traditional Christmas sweets like Stollen, Ginger Bread Man, Marshmallow Pop Sticks, Candy Apples, Snowflakes Macaroon, Yule Log Cakes, Chocolate Santa and Mince Pies.

Pamper yourselves on the last day of 2018 with a sumptuous New Year’s Eve Buffet Lunch at the Amaya Food Gallery from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, at RM108 nett per person and 50% off for children aged six to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above.

The New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Amaya Food Gallery, Dec 31 from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, is priced at RM148 nett per person and 50% off for children aged six to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above.

Executive Chef Andy [Right] and his culinary team are all set to celebrate the season with their sumptuous buffet spreads!

Besides an exciting buffet that features Seafood-On-Ice, barbecued grilled meats, Thai dishes and a range of delightful desserts, live music entertainment will be provided by the Ten Papers Band.

At the Dip Bar, a romantic New Year’s Eve Set Dinner will be served at RM320 nett per couple for a four-course set menu. With the addition of Mum Champagne, the four-course set dinner is priced at RM538 nett per couple.

Amari Johor Baru is at No. 82-C Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Baru. 

Advance reservations are recommended, Tel: 607 – 266 8888 or email: amaya.johorbahru@amari.com.  For more info, visit website: www.amari.com