PizzArt Is Back Again - Better and Tastier!

When it comes to food, we Malaysians are always very innovative in creating the varieties thus we have colorful apam balik and roti canai, karipap inti bihun and popia pisang [Saja Kongsi].

PizzArt

Also riding (and might be heading) on the bandwagon is Anchor Food Professionals (AFP) when they embarked on PizzArt campaign, last year where AFP introduced unique yet locally recognized and loved the variety of pizza such as Flower Pizza, Pizza Bombs, Adjaruli Khachapuri, Mini Muffin Pizza and Pot Pie Pizza. Under the PizzArt Campaign, AFP allows the elevation and infusion of global palette trends into local favourites.
And when you think that AFP is out of their creative juice, they came up and introduced five more pizza masterpieces that are even more exciting than the last ones. 
So what do we have for the second PizzArt campaign? AFP introduces the meat-endowed-cheese-oozing PizzBurger, an all meat-based UltiMeat Pizza, a spin on Chicago's authentic Deep Cheese Pizza, a hearty Cheese Pretzza as well as delicately shaped Pizza Rolls.
I was invited to taste the latest additions to the PizzArt campaign promotion, at least 4 out of 5 of them ie PizzBurger, Deep Cheese Pizza, Cheesy Pretzza and Pizza Rolls.  So, what's my verdict for the best seller of the second edition of PizzArt campaign?
Since I have not chance to taste Ultimeat Pizza, I would have to look for it and try it first. No worries friends as more restaurants are taking part in the second wave of PizzArt. All these artisanal pizzas will be available at these outlets:

• U Pizzeria (Subang)
• Pizza House (Bandar Utama)
• Pizza 185 (Bandar Puchong Jaya)
• Havana in Changkat (Bukit Bintang)
• The Butcher's Table (PJ)
• US Pizza (Bayan Lepas & Georgetown)
• Mustard Sandwich House (Ipoh)
• Food & Desire (Ipoh)
• Temasek Hotel Cafe @ Portuguese Settlement Hotel (Melaka)
• Hungry Bear (Melaka)
• Finale Kitchen Bar (Segamat)
• The Chubs Grill (Kota Kinabalu)
• Mad Ben Cafe (Kota Kinabalu)
• Osome Pizza (Kuching)
• Chillax Cafe & Bistro (Miri)
• Bistecca & Bistro (Sibu) - Hey this is my hometown! Yeah!

Ms Linda Tan, Director Anchor Food Professionals

Ms Andora

Pizza House, Bandar Utama

We're ready for the PizzArt

We were brought to Pizza House (PJ) and U Pizzeria (Subang) to taste the pizzas. We were told by Ms Linda Tan (Director, Anchor Food Professionals) that these pizzas can only be made by kitchen crew with advanced culinary skills and in restaurants with pizza ovens thus the selection of the outlets to launch the second wave of PizzArt campaign. 

Before we were allowed to taste the pizzas, at each outlet, we were given a task - to see who finishes the most pizza within 3 minutes time. And each time, both outlets turned into a battlefield to see who ate the most pizza.

Cheese Pretzza

Pizza Rolls

The steaming hot  Cheese Pretzza was super delicious and best eaten while it is still hot! The meat-filled Cheese Pretzza incorporates Anchor Cream Cheese, Anchor Extra Yield Cooking Cream, Anchor Mozzarella Shredded Cheese, Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese into a dough before it is baked and served with a side of pizza dipping sauce.

But my taste buds were instantly brought to life at my very first bite of  Pizza Rolls. At the size of a bite (my bite to be exact), I can finish at least 5 Pizza Rolls on my own (I think hahaha). Pizza Rolls oozes cheesiness with every bite as it's stuffed with Anchor Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Anchor Shredded Parmesan Cheese and Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese and Masala meat and spinach. Can I have these amazing cuties for breakfast and snacks please?

Delicious pizzas @ U Pizzeria, Subang

U Pizzeria

Before the contest of 3 minute pizza eating (Credit to fellow friends)

Then at the U Pizzeria, we tasted the Deep Cheese Pizza and PizzBurger. Oh My! Oh My!

The PizzBurger comes in the shape of a large burger bun, features a succulent grilled minced meat patty stuffed with Anchor Mozzarella Shredded Cheese, Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese is baked in light crust with Anchor Butter. I just can't get enough of the tasty patty - I literally peeled off the crust and eat them separately because the patty was so juicy!
Then came Deep Cheese Pizza. You would have thought that I have enough but no Sir, I can still eat after munching down all those pizzas! This delicious creation is Inspired from the Chicago-authentic deep dish pizza, featuring an elevated layer of stuffing filled with creamy, delicious Anchor Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Anchor Shredded Parmesan Cheese and Anchor Colby and Cheddar Cheese with a hearty Putanesca filling.

PizzBurger (Credit to fellow friends)

The delicious patty of PizzBurger (Credit to fellow friends)

That stringy Deep Cheese Pizza (Credit to fellow friends)

So, the next one is to haunt the outlets for Ultimeat Pizza as I was informed that it features a pizza base made entirely out of ground meat deep fried to crusty perfection before being baked with Anchor mixed cheeses on top.

And with Thaipusam and Chinese New Year just around the corner, I would say that all these PizzArt pizzas are just great for the occasions - to be shared with family and friends. I am sure your loved ones will love all these unique pizzas.
Rawlins GLAM
012.280.1977

Craving for Italian food? Be at Sunny Queen Malaysia

Anyone here fancies Italian cuisines?
Since most of us (me included) can't afford flying there to taste them delicious cuisines first hand, now Sunny Queen Malaysia brings the Italian cuisines to our shore, more specifically, Sunny Queen is here in Sunway Pyramid.
The very first thing that captured my attention was its bright and colourful decoration along its wall. There were bright colours and cartoon-themed wallpaper that certainly brightens up the restaurant. This is ain't your typical Italian restaurant (the ones you've seen inside a mafia-themed movie haha).
So. let's get down to business.
Here are some the cuisines that the Chef managed to cook up for our little group the other day.
What good is an Italian restaurant without pasta on its menu? And Sunny Queen has a lot of varieties - you name it, they will certainly have it on their menu.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Spaghetti

Clam Pesto Spaghetti

Squid Ink Cuttlefish Spaghetti

And I tried the Squid Ink Cuttlefish Spaghetti, albeit I made it a point never to eat something that is so extraordinary. And I liked it too.

And there's also risotto varieties available for the risotto lovers.

Truffle Parmesan Cheese Risotto

Porcini & Mushroom with Creamy Sauce Risotto

Not forgetting the signature of any Italian restaurant, Sunny Queen also has a great variety of pizzas!

With its crispy thin crust base, choose from Margherita, Hawaiian, Mushroom, Walnut & Chocolate Banana, Mexican Smoked Sausage, Cherry Duck with Garlic and Mixed Seafood, whichever that suits your taste for the day.
And they also have some unique drinks too, you'll be captivated and intrigued to taste it.
Ever heard about dancing queen? Sunny Queen has it on their menu too.
Dancing Queen is actually a half roasted chicken! Hehe.

So, head on to Sunny Queen the next time you are in Sunway Lagoon and you are feeling Italian for the day!

  
Rawlins GLAM
012.280.1977

Take Care of Your Teeth - Your Health Depends on Them

Smile while you have your teeth! Because your smile would look less attractive with no teeth, right?
I have always been traumatised when it was time to go to the dentist. And due to that, I have never had my teeth taken out at the dentist - I will always pull them out myself. Hahaha.
So, my last visit to the dentist was in early 2016 and after that, I decided not to go because of office's budget cut. Haha. I resorted to spending the extra time and effort to wash and brush my teeth regularly.

Bad teeth affects health too

Reading about Klinik Pergigian Dentessence from my friend's blogs (Mamajue and Bella Jamal), made me decided to 'grant' the clinic a visit. Over the years, I have managed to overcome my fear of dentist (odontophobia) haha. 

Hello people

The counter staff greeted me with such beautiful smiles that I immediately forgot my fear. After all, I was only getting scaling and polishing - it was not that I will be getting my tooth taken out or anything serious like that (I  hope).
Dr Abhirami came in and talked to me after I was seated in the reclining dental chair. Immediately, I feel safe and ready to be examined by Dr Abhi. Looking at the information sheet that I filled in earlier, she mentioned that there could be some work to be done as it was quite some time since I last visited the clinic. I just laughed at the remarks, as I know that I was guilty as charged.

Me and Dr Abhirami

Checking through my teeth, Dr Abhi noted that I have a beautiful set of teeth but not so great set of gums. She also mentioned that I have a habit of chewing food with only my left gum and very little with my right gum. I asked how did she know about that. 

I have always dreading sitting in that chair, since I was a small kid

During the scaling process

A before and after pictures during the treatment

She pointed out that the action of chewing food on both sides of the gums keeps the gums and teeth healthy. A lot of what we eat and drink remains in our mouth long after we've finished. Bacteria in our mouths thrive on many of these foods - namely sugar and carbohydrates - and produce acids that can attack the tooth surface. Additionally, if proper flossing and tooth brushing are not conducted efficiently each day this leads to more plaque and tartar development. Tartar gives plaque more surface area on which to grow and a much stickier surface to adhere to. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing (which I failed to do, most of the time), plaque can build up and the associated bacteria can infect not only your gums and teeth but also the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.

And since I been unknowingly chewing only on my left side, the plaque on my right gums was so thick that Dr Abhi had to spend the extra time and effort in drilling and scaling the plaque. Even though she spends an extra effort on the thick plague, I barely feel any pain during the process.
She also mentioned that I am an apparent coffee lover due to the coffee stain on my teeth. After the scaling, Dr Abhi polished the teeth. Lo and behold, the process of scaling and polishing was done less than 40 minutes! Amazing enough, I did not feel any pain during the scaling process, except for some very little stinging sensation on my front tooth. 

BEFORE PICS: Sorry! They were stained and not pretty to look at.

AFTER PICS: My brighter and cleaner set of teeth and gums!

We kept on chatting about the best practice for a coffee lover to have a great set of teeth afterwards. Her advise was 'After a drink of coffee, please gargle with mouthwash or plain water (obviously we do not bring mouthwash during outings). This will lessen the stain and the plaque buildup each time. Some coffee-lovers love the aftertaste of coffee in their mouth and leave it there for a while but that action will allow the stain and plaque buildup. Also, please gargle after each meal too.'

Before leaving her office, she wants me to share with my friends about her passion for keeping that happy and healthy smile with everyone.
Just mention my blog and URL whenever you visit Klinik Pergigian Dentessence and you will be granted 10% discount off your total bill. And Klinik Pergigian Dentessence offers a lot of services too! Please don't forget to get your set of grills check every 6 months to ensure that they are intact and healthy. Please do not take them for granted as once they leave you, it will cost you a smile and lots of $$$ to recover them.

Rawlins GLAM
012.280.1977

Premium Stiq by The Road: The Best Stiq Ever

I am a person that is very easily influenced by what I saw on the television.
I remembered when I was to attend a conference in Brisbane,  I had a throng of endless nights to think 'what if I couldn't understand what they will be saying in their slang?'. But then, it ended very well as the nervousness and anticipation made me prepared well (too well at times).
And then when people mentioned about having steak, I will always imagine having dress up and dining in a fine restaurant, using the beautiful china and all. 

Very prominent, by the roadside

But since I want to indulge in the steak wholeheartedly (because steak is pricey), I wish that I don't have to dress up, just roll up my sleeves and dive in, using my hands and no fancy utensils, at all! And now, I have that freedom to dress as simply as I want and eat the steak using my fingers and not fancy utensils!
I have found this uniquely named eatery, by the roadside, nonetheless, aptly called 'Stiq' [pronounced as steak] - pun intended! Looking like a food truck, but without tires, this stiqhouse is situated in Wangsa Maju, by the roadside, under a tree, with only tents and flip tables and chair ready! And when I arrived, there was already a long queue, either waiting to be seated or waiting for their takeaways.
Looking at the setting, I thought to myself 'The price better not be causing me an arm!'. And then, bam! The price list was right in front of my face! 

Stiq's menu

'I hope the taste is as good as the price too.' Skeptical much, Rawlins? About an hour and a half later, after been served 7 of the best sellers, I am sold!
Stiq serves the best steak at very affordable prices in town!
I proclaimed so because the meat was juicy and tender. I realised that I do not have any slabs of meat stuck in my teeth after the meal was done, unlike when I ate overly priced steak at some posh eatery. 
When I asked Chef Tuah the secret of the steaks being so tasty, juicy and tender, he answered 'Cut the meat with love and all smiles. And also, thanks to the method sous-vide that allows the meat to properly marinated before preparing it for serving.'

Meats in sous-vide

WHAT IS SOUSVIDE? Sous-vide (/suːˈviːd/; French for "under vacuum") is a method of cooking in which food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic pouch or a glass jar and then placed in a water bath or steam environment for longer than normal cooking times (usually 1 to 7 hours, up to 48 or more in some cases) at an accurately regulated temperature. The temperature is much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 55 to 60 °C (131 to 140 °F) for meat, higher for vegetables. The intent is to cook the item evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked without overcooking the outside, and to retain moisture.

Bila dengar Chef Ramsay memasak juadah cara sousvide, terus berangan nak try. Tapi katne ada masak cara gitu? 🍗🥩🍖 Pastu dapat tahu yang @stiqofficial ada masak kaedah gitu. Terus bergegas nak try. Tapi apakah sousvide? 😌😌😌 Sous-vide (/suːˈviːd/; French for "under vacuum") is a method of cooking in which food is vacuum-sealed in a plastic pouch or a glass jar and then placed in a water bath or steam environment for longer than normal cooking times (usually 1 to 7 hours, up to 48 or more in some cases) at an accurately regulated temperature. The temperature is much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 55 to 60 °C (131 to 140 °F) for meat, higher for vegetables. The intent is to cook the item evenly, ensuring that the inside is properly cooked without overcooking the outside, and to retain moisture. #stiq #wagyu #FoodBranding #sousvide #StiqCTSS #RawlinsEats #RawlinsGLAM #byrawlins #byrawlinsdotcom

A post shared by Queen Hanis Protege (@rawlins_glam) on Jan 8, 2018 at 4:26am PST

No wonder the meat tasted like a piece of heaven inside my mouth, and I savoured the meat longer before eating it through (an action that I do not normally do as I eat fast).
In operation since October 2017, Stiq has been the talk of the town due to its premium meat, tasty dishes and also reasonable and affordable price (they are selling up to 40% under the market price). When I asked about whether they can make a profit by selling at such a price, the Big Boss just smiled and answered 'InsyaAllah, even worm could still survive while living under the rock. But we also believe in numbers - more customers equal to bigger profit.' And I do believe that they are getting bigger numbers as people keep on queuing while we were munching away on the dishes.
So people, let us see the best sellers from Stiq that I tried. Each menu comes with one drink (can/ bottle). And Stiq is using US potato, strips of bacon and sour cream as the garnish for each menu too. Whereas, each steak is weighing 250 - 300 gm each. As for the sauces, we can request for the sauce as per stated in the menu above.

Which one is the winning dish?
As for me (and I'm being biased as I love meat and chicken haha), the Grass Fed Striploin tasted the best, that night!

As we were about to leave the table, the Big Boss of Stiq came and presented two of the best sellers burgers from Kaw Kaw Burger, the burger stall next to his joint.

'Your trip to Wangsa Maju eateries is not complete without tasting these two delicious burgers' he said.

True enough, despite we were all full, the burgers were done in just minutes and we found ourselves licking the sauces from our fingers.

I will definitely come again soon. I wanna try the wagyu from Stiq.


Rawlins GLAM
012.280.1977

A Fun Day in Sunway Lagoon - 25 Years and Going Stronger

I was super excited when invited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Sunway Lagoon, late last year. It seems just like yesterday when I went to Sunway Pyramid and overlooked at the construction site. wondering what will be inside there. Truth be told, I think that was my second time in Sunway Lagoon. The first one was when they launched Vuvuzela and now, to attend this beautiful anniversary.
When I arrived there at 930 am, the crowd was already in its full force. In the midst of the sea of people, I managed to see a few friends there too. Before opening the gate to the public, there was a procession by the uniform personnel followed by the official dance for the anniversary. After which, the crowd was allowed entry and it seemed like hell broke loose - everybody wants to be first to enter the park and try on every single ride.
I was taking my own sweet time, strolling along the park and decided that I will walk through its Wildlife Park. I was among the excited ones, apart from the little kids, to see the white tigers and the bears (albeit they were still sleeping). And then I came across this little creature that looks like a deer but very small in size. Do we have a local name for it? Patagonian Mara  An amazing fact about the Wildlife Park is that the birds are flying and roaming the park freely. They are everywhere and very tame too. When passing through the reptilian show area, I quickly walked past it because I have Ophidiophobia - the abnormal fear of snakes. Haha. I know that there is a huge snake being preserved there and everybody was so eager to see it, but no, not me! No, thank you, sir. 

Joining the crowd to watch the Pet Show, I was super excited to see the beautiful birds performing and the cute mice running along. But then they have to bring out a huge albino phyton which once again made me crawled into my skin. And when they asked for a volunteer to help with the phyton show, all of us voluntarily volunteered Kid as it was his birthday. He went down to the stage and they put not one, but two humongous phytons on him! And when the snake-handler brought the albino ones towards the spectators, I was among the first to run to the back of the show area!  Since I have not visited the first Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon since it was first opened to the public, I went straight there to try the rides and everything it has to offer. Call me childish, but yeah! I am a kid still! Haha. And the best is, it is the Asia's First Nickelodeon Themed Land and it is in Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. 

Arriving there, I saw there was a long queue at the entrance. And it turns out that there are Characters Meet & Greet sessions scheduled throughout the day and of course the little ones (and some big ones) were very excited about meeting the characters. 
Oh gosh! There were so much to do and explore in Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon - there is Spongebob Splash Adventure, Monsoon 360, Jungle Fury, Kubarango, Splish Splash, Primeval, Hippo Valley, Wonder Steps, Explorer's Campsite and Explorer's Trail. And one better gets ready to line up as Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is a great hit among the park-goers.
Running up and sliding down the rides at Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon really took up almost all of my time in Sunway Lagoon. I didn't realise that I spend almost 3/4 of my time in that section of the park. 
When I realised the time, I quickly went to the Surf Beach to enjoy some surfing time at the largest man-made beach there! The crowd went crazy each time the waves send everybody flying! Haha.
And that was it! Oh my! Time really flies when one was having a lot of fun! I wish I could visit again to explore the Pedestrian Suspension Bridge that holds the Malaysian Book of Records as the longest bridge in the world at 428 m.
Oh. And there are also extreme games for the adrenaline-junkie - paintball, go-cart, ATV, flying-fox, bungee-jump, G-force and lots, lots more! Make sure you try the Vuvuzela too! If you are anything like me, you will be grabbing those promotional offers fast [Promotions]. There's Admission Ticket: 6 Parks at One Price, 2 Day Fun Pass, Wonder Package, Quacktastic Tuesday, Quacktastic Tuesday Combo, Terrific Thursday, Terrific Thursday Combo, Fam Fun, 4-To-Go and lots more. Here, you will get so much more at a bargain price!


Happy 25th Anniversary, Sunway Lagoon. Here's for more 25 Years Anniversary to come! Rawlins GLAM
012.280.1977