Car Stereo

Finally I have a new stereo in my car. This new Kenwood cd player is similar to what I had in my Mazda Astina back in year 2001-2003. Although I did not install the cd stacker and amplifier like I once had, the component speaker, which I installed together with the Kenwood stereo, is also very much to my liking. Finally I can remove an item from my birthday wish list (which I think this item has been on the list for more than two years). :)


Everyone loves great music, including Putin and his pet frog.

Remote Control

Man solute themselves when they invent the technology of remote control. No longer do man need to walk here and there to turn on or off a switch. No longer do man need to install an ugly looking switch. They further rejoice when the remote control is spoilt and couldn’t find a replacement. The entire technology collapse completely. Fantastic invention that is, fantastic. Well done to my fan in the living room. Well done.

Aircond

Alas! The car aircond is not working and it feels like sitting inside a gigantic microwave. It reminds me of my Uni days where my car hasn’t got an aircond. Imagine how I sustain the summer in Perth, which often last more than four months. Talking about hot, my hairs are really long and thick now and I am three weeks due for a haircut. As I quote in my facebook, “Seriously, I seriously need a serious haircut.”

Accident

Here’s a few steps you can do if you are involved in a minor accident.

1. Jump out of a car/truck immediately and shout at the other driver (irrespective of whose fault / responsibilities)
2. Act fierce like gangster! (Looks like you are ready to hit someone)
3. Shout, “If you don’t like it, go report to the police!”
4. If You can speak in Bahasa Melayu and if the other driver don’t understand, you shout, “You go back to China la!”
5. Don’t provide any credentials, just drive away.

For those who unfortunately deal with drivers described above, please advice what can be done?

P.S. Police will believe whatever lie a gangster report as long as he does not need to do anything at the end.

Singapore

I have the following conclusion following my latest visit from Singapore. The Chinese from China is conquering the world in terms of immigrants (almost every country in the world with the exception of Malaysia, which is going the opposite direction). I have nothing against it whatsoever, particularly in Singapore, whose food tends to be too clean to be nice in the past. With the Chinese moving in along with their oily greasy food, Singapore food selection has greatly improved and impressed. Perhaps its worth a Singapore Food Tour for once. :)


Yummy Singaporean ("Chinese Imigrant") Food

2007 Great Bordeaux Wine

We tasted and rated the following Bordeaux Grand Cru Classe Wines. Tell me if you think alike:

St. Estephe
II Chateau Montrose: Our rating 89, 89 (versus Parker 90-91)

Pauillac
II Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande: Our rating 86, 89 (versus Parker 88-90)
II Pichon Longueville Baron: Our rating 86 89 (versus Parker 91)
V Lynch Badge: Our rating 85 (versus Parker 88)

Graves
Haut Bailly: Our rataing 86, 88 (versus Parker 91)
Smith Haut Lafitte: Our rataing 90, 92 (versus Parker 90-92)
Domaine De Cheval: Our rating 90, 93

St. Julien
II Leoville Poyferre: 89, 91 (RP 90)
IV Chateau Talbot: 88, 84 (RP 85)
IV Chateau Beychevelle: 92, 91 (RP 87-90)
IV Brainaire Ducru: 88 (RP 91)

Margaux
II Braine Cantenac: 89, 90
II Rausan Segla: 89, 91 (RP: 90)
III Kirwan: 86, 88
III Giscours: 89, 90 (RP: 86)
V Du Tertre: 89, 89 (RP: 88)

St Emilion & Pomerol
Ch Cannon: 90, 93
Ch Laroze: 88, 89
Petit Village: 93, 95 (RP: 85) – Our favourite but definitely not for Robert Parker.

Sauterners & Barsac
Ch Surudaut Sauterners: 88, 91 (RP: 92)
Ch Climen Barsac 1st Cru: 85, 90 (RP: 98-100) – Parker’s favourite but definitely not mine.

Do you share the same view as us I wonder?

Michel Rolland

We attended a seminar conducted by Michel Rolland and tasted some of his great wines, including the following:

Clos de los siete 2008 from Argentina
Clos Apalta 2007 from Chile
Chateau Le Bon Pasteur 2005, 1999 and 2008 from Pomerol
Chateau Ornellaia 2007 from Italy Tuscany

They are all very good, (my rating from 82 – 88, Sacha’s rating 82-90, Robert Parker rating from 89-94). What amazes me is that the wines are coming from different regions around the world and the grapes used are different but the outcome / taste are so very similar. That’s great ‘kung fu’ from Michel that really amazes us.

Fine Dining

Delicious fine dining at home for my birthday:

First Dish:

Good starter.

Second Dish:

Equally impressive appertiser.

Third Dish:

Imported shoulderloin. Delicious 90 points.

Desert:

My favourite cake - 95 points.

Desert 2:

Surprisingly good. 90 points ice cream.

Wine:

Chateau Bourseau from Pomerol. Guarantee to rock you - 90 pointer!

The Chef & the Customer:


Final Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Birthday 2010

For your information, my birthday is in two days time, so quick, go to your nearest Department Store and grab some presents for me!!

My birthday wish list include the following:
1. Golf shoes – size 10 should fit me well.
2. Car CD Player
3. Tower Fan
4. Last but not the least, an ang pow with tones of cash in it

Fire and Water

A rookie fortune teller (or God-stick) advise me that a “Gold” base person (i.e. myself) need more “water” and a “Wood” based person (i.e. the God-Stick) need more “fire”. Therefore, whenever you see the god-stick, you should not be shy to burn him (via lighter) but preferable not throw any water at me.

Wine and Dine - Zakuro

We conducted our first Fine Wine and Dine session in KL two days ago. We have done several wine & dine in other states in the past, but the food & wine quality are different. The theme is Champagne Wine Makers Dinner. The location is Zakuro Japanese Restaurant. We serve 6 wines, including 3 champagne (consist of Premier Cru and Grand Cru), a French Wine (from Cotes de Castillon), a Chilean Wine and an ice cidar as desert. The food menu include truffle shimeji tamago, hokkaido scallop with uni nigiri, hiroshima oyster, tori mince yaki, fried gindara rolled, mentaiko yaki udon and goma cheese cake; all carefully prepared by the main chef / owner of the restaurant. I wouldn’t say the food is filling but its delicious. Hope everyone enjoyed the evening.

Champagne Launching

We are launching our first Champagne Launching - Champagne Lombard on October 12th.

We are also having a wine and dine at Zakuro Restaurant @ Plaza Mont Kiara on the same evening.

Its going to be a good evening. I am sure (and deeply anticipated).

Stock Count

It puzzles me how a simple stock count can be so difficult in a way that it could not be done in a period of nine months. However, if the headquarter book quantity, warehouse book quantity, physical count by warehouse and physical count by headquarter are all different, and over two hundred labels, things could be a little bit challenging. Who, if any, is right after all?

Judo

I played judo for the first time in twenty two years over the weekend. I practically just do some basic warm-ups, however, feeling extremely sore for the next couple of days. This exercise brought back many happy childhood memories. I was told that my primary schools’ judo teacher is still teaching judo. I am somehow tempted to visit him one day. More judo lesson for me after twenty two years perhaps. 人生有多少个二十二年!

Prison Break

I start watching season 1 of Prison Break (not prison bunny) since last Friday amid strong recommendation from Sing. By end of the weekend (Sunday), I am up to episode 19 of 22 for season 1. Pretty amazing speed I would say, almost as fast as I last watched Entourage. So far so good, not as brilliant as Entourage but as good as 24.

Solowo

I dreamed of two high school friends last night- Andy Wong and Wilson Ho (nick name Solowo - for his solo action during basketball game), only to wake up realizing it was Wilson’s birthday that I have forgotten. Coincidence or sub-conscious taking over in dreams?

Photo Frame

I have been playing with some old photos with funky frames thanks to some free of charge software in Iphone. I have a very unique feeling whilst looking at these photos. They are new and refreshing, yet very familiar. Its some what similar feeling to meeting up with old friends whom you haven’t seen for a very long time. Refreshing and different, yet very familiar. The key question is, “are they still the same?” Yes and no.

Prison Bunny Puzzle

We have completed the 108 pieces Prison Bunny Puzzles (based on the scene in final episode) and it took us around half an hour or so. Ain’t it cute?

Golf Kinrara

Today marks the first time I played golf at Kinrara Golf Course (despite moving to this residence for more than two years). Today also mark the first time I played golf in more than a year. Today, too, mark the first time I score above 60 (actual score 62 in first nine and 55 in second) in close to seven years. Pretty pathetic obviously and no excuse for lack of practice.

August Wine Tasting

We are having another wine tasting session (and stock clearance) on this coming Saturday (28th August 2010) 3pm. Please drop by for some real bargain.


New Wine Invitation Card, proudly designed by ErJie.

Car Breaking Down

Today is a very creepy day. I have two cars breaking down amid battery problem in the same morning. I calculated the chance of one car breaking down amid battery problem = once in a year, which is 1/365. Having two cars breaking down on the same day = 1/365 x 1/365, which is 0.00064%. Ain’t it creepy?

Ice Cidar Gift Pack

New brochure for the Ice Cidar Gift Pack.

Photo

One of the nicer photos taken in Hokkaido, Japan. The wide screen was captured by my father who seems to really like to ‘sweep’ the camera for such effect. As much as I felt it’s silly whilst taking the photo, it turns out to be fantastic and lot more interesting than the traditional photo. I am not going to tell you which camera my father used because I want to reserve the chance for him to show off his camera live.

Inception

Interesting concept to have dreams within dreams to the level of 4. I have personally had dreams to the second level but I wonder if anybody has anything more than 2 in real life. The movie is not that bad but we were feeling rather difficult to breathe during the movie (due to poor air conditioning in the theatre) and I was surprised to find out another friend actually vomit half way in the same movie. Creepy ain’t it.

Coldridge Estate Brochures

For those looking for good wine of the month, Coldridge Estates have received rather pleasant feedback from customers. Please give it a try.

Putin Merchandise

I notice there are some new Putin Merchandise in the market, inclusive of glasses casing (enclosed pic), socks and puzzles. They are adorable aren’t they?

Book Sharing

Almost thirty pax showed up at the book sharing event two days ago, which is a surprise and near record participation rate. It shows there are a lot more people enjoy or wish to know a lot more about wines. It’s not difficult to understand, really, but it takes forever to master – something like Golf. I am surprise to find that most people appreciate the expensive dry wine versus the sweet ‘buatan-malaysia’ product that is occasionally rather popular.

Fun Run 5.3km

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We have completed the fun run 5.3km last night. I surprise myself for completing the race without stopping and within 35 minutes as opposed to my forecast of 50 minutes. We therefore received the better-than-nothing certificate for completion. We feel proud for the success in first attempt but feel tiny/ashame when met friends running for half marathon (21km) and full marathon (42km). Perhaps I should upgrade myself to a 10km in the next race (if we are fit enough)?

Juzz Date

There will be a match-making event at my wine shop early next month. I have never attended or witnessed an actual match-making event in real life, and never would I imagine partially hosting one. It’s unfortunate for the participants that they have to put up with my boring wine talk for about 15-20 minutes, however, the entry cost is relatively low and wines & finger foods are provided therefore being moderately value for money. If you wish to participate a match making event but feel embarrassed or bored to be sitting in the dining table with group of strangers, then may be you should consider the alternative –come and listen to my boring wine talk. Haha.

Mini Marathon

I have enrolled for the mini Marathon of just 5km next Sunday. I was told that I have to complete the race in 40 minutes to get the certificate. However, based on my last practice, I only managed to complete 2km in 17 minutes. Therefore, even if I can maintain the same pace for entire 5 km (which I have strong doubts about this), I could only complete in 43 minutes. More practice needed or perhaps take a Sneakers or Kit Kat along? -Refer to blog dated 4th May - Take a Sneakers or Kit Kat and you’ll be ‘Sihat Dan Kuat” (for the next 10 minutes).

Father's Day Dinner

This year father’s day shall be celebrated at my house with the following menu:-

Entrée: Delicious Soup by Sacha
Main Course:
1. Spare Ribs with Salad (spare ribs – see photo) by Sacha & Johnny
2. Chicken Pie by sis
Desert: Cake by mama

There will be three delicious wines to match with the meal, inclusive of a cava semi seco, Australian Cab and a French Bordeaux wine.

It should be delicious I hope.

Coldridge Estate

Australia’s Coldridge Estate is coming to Malaysia (imported by us), including the following labels: Chardonnay, Merlot and Cab / Shiraz.

Quick Tasting Notes:-

Chardonnay- A soft buttery Chardonnay, with a smooth mouthfeel and a rich fruity finish. Whilst this wine makes an excellent companion to most types of food it is mellow enough to also be enjoyed on its own.

Merlot- Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure. Its velvety texture makes Merlot instantly appealing and an obvious alternative to similar, more tannic Bordeaux varieties

Shiraz / Cab- A soft fruity red with ripe berry fruit and gentle spicy flavours in a mid weighted easy drinking style. The spicy Shiraz is lightened by the leafy Cabernet Sauvignon, and the two varieties are integrated and enriched by the judicious use of oak.

Expecting wines to arrived within the next few days. Please contact the undersigned for details.

Book Sharing 2010

This is the book I will feature in the book sharing (guided by myself) on 30th June 2010, which will consist of 90 minutes of theory and 30 minutes of practical. Please do participate for some wine knowledge conducted by someone who probably know as little as you do. ;)

Pringles

Delicious Junk Food:- Pringles – Honey Mustard Flavor. Bet you haven’t tried that before. Want to have some? Wait, look at the fine print: “For Hong Kong only”. Too bad but don’t forget to try that if you happen to drop by Hong Kong.

Wine Tycoon

Wohoo! Just realize there is a new game on the block – Wine Tycoon. Can’t wait to see if I can be a tycoon in the wine industry in cyber life (since there is still a very long way to go in real life).

Best things in life are free

Imagine this- Having all-you-can-drink best wines in the world, all-you-can-eat fine food from a 5-star restaurant, all-you-can-view fantastic scene on the top of the hill in Hong Kong for two nights in a row; and best of all, it’s all free. Couldn’t find anything to complain could I?

Note: Some of the wines we tried include Chateau Lascombes, 2nd growth Margaux. Try this: Year 2001 Vintage (Robert Parker: 92, My rating: 92), Year 2004 Vintage (Robert Parker: 93, My rating: 94), and Year 2006 Vintage (Robert Parker: 90, My rating: 92).

Falling Apart

Many things seem to be falling apart recently and it’s really frustrating. The car’s boot does not seem to be operating all of a sudden, the house piping problems continue and the lights start to short circuit. The newly bought DVD is malfunctioning (and I couldn’t find the receipt) and Internet connection is problematic as usual. Last and not the least, my last basketball experience shows that my leg muscle has stopped listening to my command. That explains why I was still on the ground when my mind is in the air.

Vinexpo

Countdown to Vinexpo = 12 days. I notice there are 842 exhibitors and I wouldn’t be surprised if each exhibitor features 10 types of wines. Therefore, what do you think of the chances of staying sober after tasting some 8,420 types of wines? Interesting. Some would recommend us to be very selective and never swallow the wines. Good advice, however, if only you can resist the temptation of the great old world wines.

Mt KK

Yes! We made it! 4095.2meters. It took us about 23 hours in total (15 hours to ascend and 8 hours to descend), which is a lot longer than most people, but the point is we made it all the way. At one stage I was suffering pain from muscle cramp, or taking a break every 10 meters, or receiving all sort of negative feedback from our guide. I do learn the following things:
1. Determination is more important than physical fitness
2. Do this in the right group/partner
3. Take a Sneakers or Kit Kat and you’ll be ‘Sihat Dan Kuat” (for the next 10 minutes).

D-Day Minus 1

All of a sudden it is one day countdown to D-Day to KK. Surprisingly I am not as nervous as some nor am I prepared. If you don’t hear me brag about it upon my return, it means I didn’t make it to the top, therefore please stop asking. ;)

Metabolism

A metabolism test over the weekend showed that my body metabolism indicate I am only 28 years old. Amazing, particularly when the same test implied that I was 29 years old (metabolism rate) a year ago. Let’s hope in 10 years time my body metabolism will reduce to 18 years old haha.

Interesting wax leftover from my hand.

Gunung Angsi

Completed! This is the first and final ‘real life’ training for the mission to conquer Mount KK. Gunung Asing is merely 825 meters as opposed to Mount KK of 4,000 meters. However, it almost consumed 100% of our energy and it took us 4 hours to ascend and 1.5 hours to return. It appears that the mission to KK could be somewhat of a great challenge but I’m sure we are determined to accept any difficulties ahead.

Stairs

If you happened to see an idiot continuously walking up and down the stairs in the house, don’t be surprise. That’s my temporary training mode since I couldn’t find a better and easier way for my training to KK. Starting with 30 times (up and down) with target of 100 prior to the actual event in 20 days time. Gash. It’s almost time.

Mount KK

Just when I thought that the plan to climb Mount KK is not possible (due to accommodation fully booked), I received flash news over the weekend that the plan is reactivated. This is as much of good news as shocking scary news. I haven’t trained myself for this and having great doubts if I am physically fit for this adventure. For those who wish to know the outcome, you’ll hear me brag about it after I return, or keeping it very low profile and very quiet. :P

New Skin

The blog finally has a new template/skin after using the old sports car template for more than a year. The new skin – iphone is selected following my new iphone purchased one and a half month ago. Loves the application, just thinking if i should go for jailbreak to have more free of charge application.

Exercise

Following a lazy month in Jan and Feb (with total of just 6 exercise in the two months), I have exercise over 8 times in the last two weeks, including five in a row in the last five days (basketball, ping pong and jogging). I wonder if I would be fit enough for the mini marathon end of next month.

Chateau Margaux

We have sold all three bottles of Chateau Margaux at RM 2,050 per bottle, which is the most expensive inventory we ever had. Our next most expensive wines are now Chateau Haut Brion 2001 and Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1997 – both at around RM 1.2k. How many bottles are you taking?

Ang Pow

Chinese New Year is over and time to receive Ang Pow is concluded. March appears to be a pay-back time, as many friends are getting married and it’s time to return some ang pow to people. I wonder what is the average ang pow for wedding nowadays with all these inflation?

Calzone

A common question in Restaurant City (Facebook), “In which restaurant would you typically find calzone?” Answer is obviously Italian, however, have you actually tasted a Calzone? I did over the last few days and it’s a lot more delicious than it looks (which it looks like a giant curry puff). I wonder where you can find the best Calzone in town.

Happy CNY

I wish all Chinese a Happy Chinese New Year and a Happy Holiday for non-Chinese. For those who hasn't got enough sleep in the past few weeks amid peak season, I wish you all a Happy Sleeping Season. :P


The year of the tiger

Road Trip

I’ll be heading for a long road trip (about a week) from tomorrow onwards. I won’t be able to post any blog, however, I haven’t been writing much in recent weeks amid hectic schedule anyway. To my blog supporters (which there probably aren’t any left), whatever you do, just don’t destroy my blog whilst I am away yeah :)

Opening II

The opening appears to be a success with double the expected crowd, double the wines & food available and double the expected sales. Most importantly, most people have great fun. We wish to extend my gratitude to the following person:-

1. Sacha – for helping me doing everything like servant
2. Andre – for helping me take photos (free of charge)
3. Angie – for showing up despite having two other appointments
4. Brent – for staying behind entertaining my father and the Spanish bloke
5. My parents for doing everything
6. Kevin – for showing up after not seeing each other for 6 years
7. Naomi for the 15 hours shift work
8. SL – for buying that Italian wine that nobody has ever tasted (not sure if still drinkable haha).
9. And everybody else who show up. Your presence honoured me :)

Opening

Please take note that the wine shop soft opening (wine tasting) is on 15th Jan 2010. Please feel free to drop by.

Opening Offer

I found extra few bottles of wines in the shop, therefore shall offer it at super discount as Wine Shop opening special offer.



CLOS DU MAROUIS, SAINT JULIEN 2004
SPECIAL OPENING OFFER = RM 100 per bottle



Notes:-

91 points Wine Spectator: "Aromas of raspberry and citrus, with just a hint of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a caressing, layered tannin structure. Very well made. Excellent. Best after 2011."

90 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is the second wine of Léoville-las-Cases, big and black, stunningly perfumed with eucalyptus and violets. Herbs and ripe black fruit flavors are given shape by the tannins that go straight through the wine. The aftertaste has great acidity."

Robert Parker: "One of Bordeaux’s top second wines, the 2004 Clos du Marquis exhibits crunchy, juicy, red cherry and currant fruit along with notions of herbs and spice box. Well-made, medium-bodied, elegant, and reminiscent of its bigger sibling, it should age well for 10-15 years."

K&L's notes - 56.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and the rest mixed. Very sexy wine with smoky bacon aromas and flavors. Sweet entry and finish. Very nice.