ADV: A Day At Empire Shopping Gallery

Had some time to kill before I head to the airport, so I went to my hangout spot in Subang Jaya.

Despite it being a weekend, I had appointments with people and stuff to do before I return to Kuching.

First order of the day – BREAKFAST.

10:15AM Italiannies is running a 2-course meal promotion for RM27.90.

I ordered a minestrone soup and a shrimp linguine. The soup was okay, but man – that pasta was stunningly delicious!

The tomato paste married so well with the chunks of succulent shrimp. My mouth salivates just thinking about it.

I wished I had someone to share the meal with. The portions at Italiannies are huge by default. Halfway through and I’m already stuffed.

 

11:15AM – Outside the restaurant, the Ed Hardy store caught my eye.

More specifically, it was the “OMG SALE” signs that caught my eye.

I like the tees from Ed Hardy, but I don’t think I have enough charisma to pull off such flowery designs. I think I’m just more of a plain ol’ collared-shirt guy.

 

11:30AM – I signed up for a short-term membership with Fitness First Platinum.

Although I own a fitness centre in Kuching, I travel around the world regularly. I guess a fitness membership would come in handy. My platinum membership costs RM225 per month and allows me to use any of their gyms locally and abroad.

Fitness First is a fitness chain I’ve always admired. They are more expensive than their competitors, but they do run a service-oriented business and have branches all over the world.

Their Platinum branch on the 8th floor of Empire Shopping Gallery is truly a spectacle.

Heck, it even comes with a swimming pool overlooking Subang Jaya.

 

11:45AM – Realised I forgot to bring my workout attire, so I made a quick trip to adidas downstairs to purchase a new top.

It’s a huge store. I had no problem choosing what I wanted immediately.

 

1:30PM – After my workout and shower, I went down to loiter around the shops while waiting for my appointment.

Bought a classic polo tee from Tang’s.

The stuff at the Tang’s outlet here is priced quite affordably. It’s not like their store in Pavilion where the cheapest shirt would be like 200 bucks.

Made a mental note to pick up a pair of Havaianas before my next beach holiday.

 

2:00PM – Had lunch at Lam Mee Ya.

Delicious!

 

2:15PM – Diana and Mike from Kuching dropped by to say hi.

We wanted to drink, so we had our Happy Hour at Chilli’s.

Yes, alcohol at 2pm on a Saturday. A wise man once told me, “it’s never too early to drink beer.”

That wise man happens to work for Guinness.

 

3:30PM – Bought a Dr Brandt skin care kit from Ken’s Apothecary for a bargain RM99.

Dr Brandt hasn’t been very well known here, but it’s the hot stuff in Hollywood. Ken’s Apothecary is the only store that carries their range of products.

Oh, and the manager of the outlet reads this blog. Hello!

 

3:45PM – Chuckled to myself at this T-shirt.

You should never apologise for being sexy ok?

 

4:00PM – Not sure if it’s just me, but there seems to be a something happening almost everyday at the concourse of Empire.

I must have witnessed at least 2 fashion shows during the time I was there. Good entertainment, even when I don’t understand anything about fashion.

 

4:05PM – Spotted this great looking “coffee and cake” place outside Jaya Grocer.

I love it so much!

It’s called Whisk, and their concept reminds me of the cramped but cozy coffee bars in Melbourne CBD – back to b
asics, serving nothing but hot espresso and warm service.

When I got there, the seats were all full! I was so sad that I had to eat elsewhere.

 

4:15PM – Met up for my appointment with Ang Shao Ting and his girlfriend at an Malaysian-Western fusion restaurant called Serai.

Shao Ting is from Media Contacts – a digital media agency I started dealings with.

Since I started blogging, I met hundreds of media and PR agencies. Unfortunately, only a handful understood the intricacies of working with me. Shao Ting is one of the rare ones who do and I appreciate him for making my life easier.

Serai is a Western-Malaysian fusion restaurant. If you go there, I highly recommend you their Nasi Kerabu.

IMG01993-20100911-1427

Don’t worry about the blue-coloured rice. That’s just the way it is. The proper way to eat this is to first mix all those ingredients around the plate a la Chinese New Year "lau seng" style, then put a spoonful of the mixture into your mouth.

You’ll be in heaven. When you come down, remember to send me a thank you note.

Finished the meal off with a Berry Pavlova.

The crust of the cake is so fluffy it melts in my mouth. So sinful, but so good.

 

5:45PM – Talked so much with Shao Ting I was late for my facial appointment with 128 Fauborg.

When I came in, the lady at the counter asked me to fill up a form. There’s a section that asked me for my race and religion.

I was not exactly sure what my race and religion has anything to do with getting a facial, so I wrote down the only logical thing to write.

 

6:45PM – I’m not vain, I just couldn’t resist their promotion – 2 facials for only RM50. I redeemed it using the vouchers I received at the grand opening of Empire Shopping Gallery.

Woke up feeling so much more pampered and refreshed.

7:00PM – Took a cab to KLIA for my flight home.

Satisfied with the fact that I spent a productive Saturday shopping, eating, drinking, talking, working, working out – all at the same place!

54 Replies to “ADV: A Day At Empire Shopping Gallery”

  1. Funny, we also have an Italiannis in the Philippines — without the ‘e’ though. Moreover, I also had shrimp linguine. Check out the photo: http://freshink.blogspot.com/2010/09/italiannis.html
    I wonder if these two restaurants are connected — well for one thing they’re Italian LOL.
    And yeah, a passport membership at FF is a must. I used to be a member for over a year and I must say I really love their facilities and services.

  2. Awwh shucks! Just missed you, I was at Serai until about 3.30 p.m. last Saturday. Instead of Nasi Kerabu, I had Nasi Serai Platter, not too bad but overall quite pricy.

  3. Dear Kenny
    Nasi Kerabu is a Kelantanese speciality, not a fusion dish I do wonder how authentic it is – whether they use colouring or the real bunga kantan for the rice. An ex-New York Times food critic once praised it as one of the best dish in Malaysia

  4. THIS BLOG GETTING OVER TO COMMERCIAL SIDE, KENNY HOW MUCH EMPIRE PAID TO WRITE THIS POST?
    YOUR BLOG QUALITY GETTING LOUSIER DAY BY DAY

  5. To Malaysian… we know nasi kerabu is from kelantan, it just so happens for it to be one of the better dish at the fusion place….and i sincerely think Sarawak food are better..

  6. Kenny,
    REALLY no offense,
    But I think even you can agree that there is enough advertising out there in the world.
    I normally seek refuge from the bombardment of advertisements outside by visiting your blog. But it seems this too has been consumed.
    Of course there’s nothing I can say to slow this down because this is part of your bread and butter.
    However, think about this, you’ve earned money. But you’ve certainly lost your fanbase(your comment section now,..even you know what i’m talking about.)
    And to me, that was priceless. SERIOUSLY.
    I was one of your more fervent ones. Now, well,..I’m just disappointed.
    Good day.

  7. That’s really cool of you! I also signed with Fitness First Platinum for 3 months but my work schedule hinders me to attend my sessions. Anyways, I hope I can go to Subang Jaya too. I’m a Filipino by the way. 🙂

  8. You do facial? What are you? Gay? Which self-respecting guy does facial? The only facial I know is giving a girl facial, i.e. cuming on her face! Grow some balls and some dignity man.

  9. @Ignatius I couldn’t agree more. Good that you’re are not pressured by your fans in your postings but don’t get sided to monetary…

  10. wow looks like quite happening there in Empire they even have ed hardy..
    really interested to try serai
    but not sure where is it located? is it near subang parade?

  11. how come u didn’t advertise for LEX store at the top floor? I think they have one of the coolest IT concept store around in KL.

  12. yeah…kenny..i like the 1Malaysian Race idea…but i’ll have to agree with some commenters that this post may be a litte too advertisement-oriented.
    yes…i saw your ‘ADV’ sign. but then this post makes me feel that it’s a rush-rush last minute homework.
    anyway…i still like to read your post. there’s always room for improvement. all the best:D

  13. Um, What’s wrong with the haters on Kenny blogging about his experience at a mall? Didn’t he do that previously too? The difference between back then and now is, back then he did it for fun. Now, he did it for fun, and gets $$$ too! *I sense bad eggs in the camp* Just enjoy the post and admire him for getting what he gets. Don’t like? Go visit Disney.com.
    And spend nearly one whole day at a mall? Wow. Handphone battery sure flat.

  14. did u read his blog previous year? it was joy to read, but heck look at the post nowadays, is getting more and more advertising post

  15. EEii..whats is all these negative comments? C’mon guys, this is a blog, blog means the blogger can write about anything the blogger want, is his personal site..is not a corporate or news website!
    I still support Kenny! If you are earning money from this – I really envy you coz you are doing what you like and yet, get paid! how good!
    For those losers, think about what if you are earning salary thru blogging and people just simply put bad comment, whta do u feel? please support lah!

  16. All the negative comments because it’s a self reflection of themselves.
    Think twice before saying something bad about others.
    Because…
    you’re probably just describing yourself all too well.

  17. Went to Empire yesterday. Ate Nasi Kerabu and Berry Pavlova too. Nasi Kerabu is nice just that hvnt been to heavan yet. Half way there i’d say. But the Berry Pavlova is amazing!! Fresh, sweet and fruity.

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