Author: Christine Wong

Whether you’re trying to get your family healthy, limit screen time or just looking to spend time with your children, the solution can be as simple as running. Not only can your children benefit from the regular physical and emotional challenges.

The KL Possible Run which will be held March 11 2017 at Padang Merbok!
My Hubby, children and I will be joining the 3 km family fun run. Why join the KL Possible Run 2017, well, it’s the examination week for the kids and the best way to have some fun and relax as well as de-stress is some awesome fun and family bonding too! To me, running is not just about the miles or achieving the best possible time. For kids, we need variety and fun attitude for them to enjoy and de-stress.

Hope to see all of you there at the KL Possible Run regardless of the personal best you’re trying to achieve or the marathon you’re training for, the runs you take with your child are about the two of you.

Take advantage of this time to learn about your son or daughter and what motivates them to achieve their own goals. It may even reinvigorate your own running regimen.

Make the Im-possible………Possible! KL Possible Run 2017

Last Sunday, March 5 2017, my daughter and I participated in the Malaysia Women Marathon. Why is it so popular? Maybe because it
has all the categories from a full marathon 42 km, a half marathon 21 km, 10 km, 6 km fun run and also the Columbia Kids run 2.5 km. I think it’s because of all those reasons!

It was one of those mornings I actually had to wake up earlier than I should just to eat breakfast and have time to digest before the race. However, this race was special….why? Because I ran with my 14th year old daughter Anjali Wong Rajoo for the Malaysia Women Marathon.

On race morning, we were all up nice and early. We were there an hour before the race started-plenty of time. Anjali and I met Siew Kiem, changed our T-shirts ( oversized T-shirts!) and put on our bibs and we walked towards the starting point. (Which was about 2 km). The volunteers were perky and helpful, the DJ had music blaring and everyone seemed to be having fun even though the flag off for 10 and 6 km hadn’t started.

At 6.00 am, the officials announced that there will be a warm up session by the Curve. Then at 6.33 am (3 minute delayed due to the excitement and hyped of the warm up session by the Curve) the 10 km were off. As usual, it was pretty crowded at the start, but I was able to settle into a decent pace after about half a mile.

The race starts and finishes at the Stadium Shah Alam, we started running up a steep hill which took us towards Persiaran D’ Kayangan roundabout. The course did not disappoint. It had it all: Steep hills, winding downhills, loose rocks, mud, sharp turns and loopy loops. The crowd support/cheerleaders was pretty minimal since I assume most people were waiting to cheer for the marathoners (totally understood!), but I loved the drum boys they had out there at the 2 km.

I read a little about the course description prior but I was not prepared for what followed in 2 km through 7 km, hills and lots of them. 2 km met us with a long, gradual ascent that I thought would never end, then a joyous downhill, followed by a steep incline. This went on and on….However, it was nice to care more about my mother and daughter bonding time, instead of keeping pace thoughout the race. We made some awesome, funfilled memories, laughed until our sides ached and got some really great pictures too.

The 10 km course was the 5 km course looped twice. Many 10 km were basically fun runners – to what I have noticed, many did not go through the 5 km check point. Ohhhh, then at the 7 km distance a familiar voice called out…Helloooooo, mummy.. It was simply fantastic! It was my girl, Anjali caught up with me and we even managed to take a selfie.

The course was pretty hilly all the way. Somewhere between 5 km was the check point and the turn around for the 10 km and this is where there was a little problem. The water station was located too near the check point, many 10 km runners almost took the 21 km route- there were no marshalls to direct runners. Several runners went the wrong way and many just stood there for a minute or two thoroughly confused.

The best thing about this race was, we were not focused on the finish line but rather we appreciated the run itself. The hype, the runners (98% women) and the emotions!

There was a huge crush of people after the crossing line as runners filed by to claim their medals (only to discover that the line was for apples and bananas) and it was literally like herding cattle. The organisers do have to consider how a bottleneck venue will perform with as many entrants as there were. It was a bit of a mess as runners (VERY) slowly shuffled and pushed to claim their snacks, water, apples and bananes. A few minutes later, there was an annoucement informing all finishers to collect their medals located at the basement of the Stadium….!! Urrggghhhh….Proper instructions or more volunteers to guide the finishers- next year please!

Overall, it was a good race and well run. The only suggestions I would like to make is work on the turn around directions and medal and goodies distributions.

To me:- Running isn’t about speed, running isn’t about PR’s and running isn’t about how far you go…..Running is a process and one that I should enjoy by allowing myself to go on a journey…and I did it…It was an awesome journey with my daughter, running the Malaysia Women Marathon 2017!  Every runner has a story!! What’s yours???? See you next year!

A hip, cozy spot in Seremban Two, Uptown Avenue, The Narayana- Tea stall is the perfect place for anything from a casual lunch/dinner to a family outing, friendly business meeting or alternative to the been-there-done-that date.

For a sumptuous North and South Indian Cuisine with Asian flavours that tantalizes your taste buds, Narayana-Tea stall is your answer!

The restaurant is easy to miss, but its rather bland exterior gives way to an attractive-almost luxurious-dining room inside. Dimly lit, very clean and comfortable, the restaurant features a spacious dining room. It offers good service and fine food with a menu that features recipes from both north and south India. Serving mouth watering dishes with a crew of experienced staff. Quality food and prompt service. Excellent customer service from the start till the end-leaves customers with nothing less than a feeling of pure satisfaction.

On a Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm that we visited, the place was jammed but our table was reserved. There’s a good buzz in the room.

We were then served a huge variety of food……Fish Pokoda-tender pieces of boneless fish are marinated in yogurt and lemon juice, and then dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried. The pieces of fish were flaky and tasty.

Paneer pakoda- Features homemade Indian semi-soft cubes of cheese stuffed with mint sauce, which are dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried. I enjoyed its subtle complexities.

Fish cutlets- more like a fish ball, this is minced ‘ikan tenggiri’ meat that is then fried. Soft with very light crisp, this was interesting.

Mysore mutton- Mysore is named after a city in India that also sores this signature dish. I find it quite dry but good curry and spice flavours. From my understanding, the Indians’ preference is for dryer dishes, this is a hit to all customers.

Thosai- is like a crisp and thin pancakes made of a rice and Urad dal batter. Enjoyed them hot and crisp with chutney and sambhar.

Vadas are deep fried savory doughnuts- it is really tasty and goes well and best with the ‘Masala Tea’- Narayana’s signature Tea.

Nasi Lemak- it’s rich coconut rice, Basmati rice is used to give a loose and fluffy texture, the grain also has a nutty flavour that goes well with coconut milk. It is complete with all the side dishes on offer, fried egg/half boiled egg, ikan bilis and sambal, for a full hearty meal. The stir-fried sambal has enough kick and sweetness to tame the taste buds.

At Narayana- Tea stall, think traditional Indian with a new twist! Think hip! Think fresh! Think creative yet casual. Because that’s what it’s all about- here, they believe these fun little dishes are truly the best food has to offer! But you’ll also find signature Indian curries and the most popular entrees for those days that call for classic comfort.

Narayana’s motto is “taste above all”. They make it a point to use fresh, healthy,authentic ingredients-every day and in every dish. Add in a few signature cooking secrets and a whole lot of love and that’s the Narayana- Tea stall difference!

Don’t just take my word for it! Very hospitable people, you will definetly not walk out of Narayana-Tea stall without feeling as stuffed as a turkey! I will be back for more!

To me, race day is a funny thing. It can be the source of your greatest triumph or the cause of your deepest sorrows! It can make you love yourself and hate yourself at the same time.

What makes this race unique is that it starts late in the night.

It all begins with race kit collection. Hubby went to collect it at Damen Mall, Subang Jaya. It was a brisk and no hassle at all. Race pack collection was smooth. When hubby returned home with the race kit, I put together my race day outfit. It really helps the pre-race anxiety out and ready to go. Otherwise, I’m inevitably running around the house on race day like a madwoman looking for a rouge sock or my favourite sports pants etc.

This race was different. Why? It was my first 21 km ‘midnight’ half marathon in Shah Alam. To make matters even more exciting, I had a food review at 3.30pm on race day. I broke all the running rules, tried new yummy-li-cious Indian Cuisine, drank a cup of ‘masala tea’ and two and the half glasses of ‘awesomeness’ chocolate and vanilla milkshake………..OMG! CARBO OVERLOADED!

As always, mum and dad had the kids over at their home for the weekend. What would I do without my awesome parents? Probably go bonkers! Thank you, mum and dad for always being there for us.

Before leaving the home, I checked the weather forecast, it said heavy showers and thunderstorm from 12am until 5am. Oh! Oh! So, I set and tune my mind…”It’s gonna be a wet and rainy run”! When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, right?

We reached the race venue an hour before flagged off. A pretty good location and ample of parking space.However, we noticed it wasn’t secured, none the less we took the risk to park by the road side next to some shop lots. Many runner’s feedback informed that, their cars were broken into and they had to lodge police reports due to broken wind shields,stolen laptops, cash and money. We hope that the organisers will consider a safer parking environment with RELA or security, in future.

Now let’s get back to my race review, I had the urge to go for my routine ‘porta portie’. When I got to ‘porta portie’….OMG! The line was so long and when I checked my Garmin watch, it was 20 minutes before flag off. Desperate times requires desperate measures. For some miracle, I managed to reach the starting line five minutes before flag off. The starting line was jam-packed. Hubby and I couldn’t even get into the corral. Gave hubby a quick kiss and wished him good luck and we were off! I think it took me about two minutes to cross the start after the gun. When the official was counting down……..3……2……1…….GO! Flashes of light! Flashes of light! NOOOOO..it was not the flashes of lights from the camera but instead  flashes of lighting streaked menacingly in the distance and the skies were as dark as the depths of Arkham. And the rain came…

Thankfully, I was prepared mentally for rainy and wet weather but never imagined in this type of thunder storm. At 2 km, it rained cats and dogs. A few runners decided to take shelter at the bus stops. I just kept going…My mind kept saying…’just keep swimming…..just keep swimming’ from Finding Nemo…LOL

The first mile felt like it passed in an instant. I was feeling emotional…why? One more bucket list- achieved! A half marathon at night in the heavy down pour!  Woot woot! I also just think the energy of races are so special and I love to see running bring so many people together to share such a positive common goal! The world needs a lot more of that!

Those of you who have run this Shah Alam Half Marathon would know just how challenging and demanding it is with the rolling terrain and killer incline stretch from 16 km to 19 km. The first few km of this race are pretty chill as they featured a staight route a lot of downhills. This is a huge tease to ALL-THE-HILLS that you have to run to get back at the 16 km to the 19 km at the finish. No matter how you slice it and dice it, you are going uphill to get back.

The number of cars were growing even though it was almost 1am. Traffic slowed down when we, the runners, approached and waited patiently when stopped by the traffic police while waiting for runners to passed by the busy roundabouts and junctions.

On the otherhand, I think runners really need to improve our running etiquette. Most of the time, I observed runners took up the middle of the lane, not sure because of the water and puddles or rain drops that keep hitting our faces. Some crossed the roads without considering his/her own safety. Organisers cannot ensure our safety at all time and it’s up to us to look after ourselves. Running safely is a habit not a privilege.

Then the race moved on to a notorious route..it’s rolling elevation, reached 2 km there was no sign of the water station, I could hear some runners complaining. However, the first water station was at the 4 km.

In the first 5 km, it was still raining. At 7 km onwards, saw my pace dropped a little..I kept going! I even had the chance to say ‘terima kasih’- thank you to the police traffic that was on duty. The ‘cheer’ squads were kinda demotivating. They were kinda pathetic.

At the 16 km, the next water station- yay, I was so thirsty and wanted to refuel but to my disappointment, the volunteers just kept shouting and telling the runners- ‘air habis! air habis’! No more water- keep running…….OMG! Disaster…..

Had to keep going, by this time, my wet shoes and socks gave me blisters, I could feel the the sharp pain …Kept pushing myself…kept going! No pain, No gain….right?

The sleep deprivation started cropping up. I was seriously battling from wanting to just stop and curl up along some quiet conner of the road and just sleep! The mind was completely numb by this point that if you asked me my name, I wouldn’t be able to answer you.

Then, at around 18 km, came the dreaded steep elevation again, I walked the whole 1 km. I have to admit that my heart felt like exploding and reached it’s max! The race took us towards the industrial area, passed Nestle Factory, UITM, Hospital Shah Alam, Cinemax, Tesco roundabout, the route was unfamiliar to me.

Had a twist to the route, where instead of taking the main road to the finish line, we made a turn about 500 meters and headed to the finish line. With a tight lipped smile on my face onwards I crossed the finish line and all the life’s endless possibilities awaited me. The legs were tired, blistered in pain but the mind was sharp…

RAN OUT OF MEDALS? After crossing the finish line, I didn’t spot anyone handling out the medals (keep in mind it’s dark at this point too) The girls manning it told me and some other runners they had run out! Many runners were coming up and asking for their medals and being told the same thing. When I informed them that I am a blogger and blogging about this run,  In a flash light, a few packs of medals were distributed to the finishers. Dear organiser, Please look into this matter seriously! Runners sign up and pay for the run, medals, T-shirts, goodies etc, they expect to get what they have earned and achieved!

Not every race is going to be the best race of your running career, not every lift is going to be your strongest and not every class is going to boast your best performance. That’s not suprising, that’s just life! But if you can still seek joy from the moment you are in- if you can laugh at yourself (or at least make a funny face for the camera while in all your pain)- you’re going to come out of it ahead and better for it! It’s not wasted time, it’s am “I’ll get ’em next time!”

Overall position no 49 clocked 3 hours and 22 minutes. But really, what an epic experience.Will I be back next year??? Maybe…….and if I do, I will be singing…..THE HILLS ARE ALIVE….MY RACE, MY PACE, MY MEDAL- The Race for the champions- Shah Alam Half Marathon 2017

My apologies for being missing in action, I took a short CNY break……But I am back! Unhealthier, unfortunately…I hope your little CNY and Chap Goh Mei holidays was well spent with your loved ones and you are fully charged for the weeks to come! After all the Non-stop CNY feasting…..LOL

Chinese New Year to me, means a lot of things- being a chinese mixture of Eurasion..I am proud to be a Malaysian! From lunch and dinner get togethers to seeing random children in the kampung-hood walking up to you with “Xin Nian Kuai Le” greetings, their hands stretched our for ‘you know what’…..and not forgetting the massive traffic jam if you leave for your destination during peak times. But most importantly, Chinese New Year is about family and friends and celebrating the start of a new lunar year- This year, it’s the year of the roaster!

It was a friday- my cousins (mum’s side, a mixture of Eurasion, Chinese and Punjabi) decided to meet up for ‘brunch’- what better way to celebrate anything @ Movida, D’ Tempat- Sri Sendayan.

The menu had a great selection, Ms Lydia Hendroff hosted us and she briefed us about their ‘signature dishes’ and something you can’t get everywhere in Seremban. The appetizer was served a few minutes later, though, slightly dubious I was absolutely thrilled when I tasted it……It was the soup of the day- It was smooth as butter and deliciously rich and distinctive. It certainly tasted fresh and the creamy flavour was addictive.

Whilst waiting for our main’s we looked at the beverages menu. Out of the blue, the Restaurant Manager approached our table and surprised us with a bottle of red wine..Ohhh la la…We truly appreciate it!

Our mains came fairly swiftly after our starters but still enough time to relax and enjoy the company and surroundings. Joanne and Anne’s Medallion of Tenderloin Beef with mashed potato, sauteed of vegetables and Bearnaise Sauce looked beautiful. As they cut into it, I could already tell it was ‘cooked to perfection’. Thankfully, they decided to share and let me see and taste for myself. It was indeed cooked to perfection and tasted great! Was it one of the best Medallion of Tenderloin Beef in Seremban??

On to my main dish, chicken roulade with ratatouille parcel, russet potato and served with passion fruits sauce..It looked like a mini whole chicken. I wasn’t sure what to expect but didn’t hesitate to find out. The taste was delicious. Tender meat and full of flavour. Not too ‘gamey’. Accompanied with a baked potato and grainy sauce, each bite was a delight. It was soft, easy to cut, juicy and flavorful. Ultimate mouth-watering meat experience with a pure WOW Factor!

Fish fish fish! Nutritious and delicious! Janice’s dish was the fish! Pan fried  Sea Bass with Chive Veloute, sauteed spinach and glazed carrot with orange soya sauce. The fish has a nice crisp exterior and is covered in a warm orange soya sauce and served attractively with carrots, pumpkins and spinach. At first I thought “is this it?” But as I ate, I was getting full and realized the portion was perfect!

For dessert, we had one of their signature dessert items, Panna Cotta with caramelize honey. It was soft, creamy and sinful….lol…and the caramelized honey on top was cripsy and refreshing!

Drooling yet?  Thought- so…….Overall, this is a solid restaurant, if you are looking for good service and good food without the fancy stuff, you can’t go wrong!

People often advice me to eat breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess, and dinner like a pauper but when it comes to today’s food review at Blossom Palace Chinese Restaurant at D’Tempat Country Club, Bandar Sri Sendayan, it’s the best excuse to feast to my heart’s content.

With Chinese New Year just around the conner, it is time to plan ahead and make your reservations for reunion lunches and dinners. The Year of The Rooster begins on 28 Janauary. This year and if you are looking for an innovative and inventive Chinese menu done with great flair…A hidden gem in Seremban- Blossom Palace Chinese Restaurant would be the perfect venue!

Some of you might ask,what is in the menu? All set of the menus will include dishes associated with prosperity, luck, success,love and wealth which are the characteristics commonly associated with the Fire Rooster.

Step aside “the traditional” Yee Sang as Han’ei means “Prosperity” prepared by Chef Fauzi’s special combination yee sang of seaweed, perserved jelly fish and baby octopus, fresh salmon and tuna, assorted vegetables of carrots, cucumber and white radish steams it’s way to your table! Let your taste buds explore the fundamental flavours of spicy, sour,sweet and salty. The menu isn’t particularly adventurous but extensive.Most importantly the cooking leaves a really deep impression. It is one of the most unique and tastiest yee sang I’ve ever come across.Hmmm…the type of ingredients are not what you normally find in traditional Yee Sang is awesome, the salmon, tuna and baby octopus lends a splendid texture that leaves me wanting for more.

The Mini Treasure Bowl

Symbolising abundance and good fortune- Is a real auspicious treat. It’s premium range of fresh seafood and ingredients such as abalone,sea cucumber and fish maw….Enjoy till the fullest here. A delicious way of enjoying the dish and the Chef comes simply creative! Simply deliciously done!

Dried Scallops Shark’s Fin Soup

Chinese soup is almost a must in every chinese restaurant, which is always a pleasure to have for it. It must be the technique of preparing the soup by the Chef, as I sipped the thick soup in all richness to the last bit. The soup was made to perfection and it’s everything a traditional soup should be.

Home-style Steamed Grouper

While we like the steamed fish taste on it’s own, the overall taste of the dish taken together was significantly masked by the ginger and spices. The thick stock blended well and the credit goes to the firm yet chewy texture of the yumm-li-cious grouper. The added zest and aroma in the fish made it more palatable than a plain steamed one.

Two Variety Prawns

It was not difficult for all our attention to be arrested when this platter was served, which we spotted the huge prawns, cooked in two different ways, best to have without any sauce for me as this is the best way for me to appreciate the taste of the meal. Every mouthful of the prawns in complete with the aromatic belnd and rest assured that you will definitely fall in love with it! A lip- smackingly good dish!

Signature glutinous rice

We always end a typical Chinese meal with some carbs, and since it is CNY, rice symbolises a link between heaven and men of fertility and wealth for the New Year. At Blossom Palace Chinese Restaurant, they have prepared a signature glutinous rice. The rice well seasoned and accompanied by the well seasoned, executed cod fillet, you can pinch a small portion of “chili padi”………and you will find yourself asking for more.

Delicacies and Dessert

And the best way to end off an already awesome meal with a bang? Done to a sweetness way to end off a good real thus far. Soft texture and melt-in-your-mouth almost instantly! A thumb’s up.

Will I return again?

With so much to offer, it is no wonder how satisfied I was after this session. Call now and make your reservations which I am sure you will leave feeling impressed after a meal @ Blossom Palace Chinese Restaurant. Time to pamper your folks,family and friends for a good meal this new year!

Overall, The Chinese New Year feast @ Blossom Palace Chinese Restaurant didn’t miss any mark not did it spring any surprises. Dishes here didn’t deviate far from it’s traditional form and flavour. You can expect quality and consistency and thus be assured that your traditional CNY feast here won’t be a disappointment.

From 27 January until 11 February 2017

Prosperity Menus from RM888++ per table of 10 persons

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact 06-7922688 or visit http://www.dtempat.com