I decided to walk down memory lane with this post – to tell you about the most wonderful time of my life living in Barcelona for 2 years.  If you watch the film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, you’ll understand how delightful and charming this cosmopolitan city really is. I enrolled at the Gran Universitat de Catalunya for Castellano classes, I was offered an internship at BDDP advertising agency and time just flew by. My 1st year was spent living near the chic Avenida Diagonal (not far from Barca’s Camp Nou), 2nd year just off Las Ramblas in a residencia – my experience couldn’t be more diversified.

So here are some tips of places I enjoyed to go during my Iberian adventure:

Hotel Casa Fuster, design boutique hotel on the gorgeous Paseo de Gracia. A must stay!

Alternatively, the more traditional and super luxe Hotel Claris, on Avenida Diagonal

Or my favorite Hotel Balmes, on Avenida Digaonal for the cheaper yet comfy option!

Only 4 metro stops away, I would often walk along the beach of Barceloneta just to admire the sea and take in the fresh air.

Els Pescadors restaurant in Barceloneta – best fish and seafood restaurant with an amazing view!

So many great places to savour in Vila Olimpica, Barcelona’s beach hub by the marina

Many avid sailors (my father included!) come to stop at the Port in Vila Olimpica or check in to my favorite Hotel Arts

The amazing view from Hotel Arts, same can be said of the million-dollar dream apartments in the same tower!

My favorite Gaudi – Parc Guell: stunning views of the sea and Barcelona, and it’s like being in the Gingerbread House

Often, you would have caught me here sitting and gazing on a lazy Sunday at Parc Guell

Anton Gaudi, Barcelona’s renowned art nouveau artist/architect, designed this surreal Casa Battlo

Another must-see Gaudi, La Pedrera

An incomplete Gaudi – La Sagrada Familia. 2 sides: traditional depicts birth of Jesus, modern side (this) depicts his crucifixion.

I always got lost in the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter)! But it’s so charming and quaint.

My favorite place for cafe con leche and some tapas just off Las Ramblas: Placa Reial

I used to live next to Las Ramblas (Ronda Sant Pere), the thriving famous downtown street

Fancy taking Spanish classes? Then enroll at my Gran Universitat de Catalunya on Gran Via

Definitely worth going for an evening at Mirablau (bar) at Mont Tibidabo for the panoramic view

The legendary Otto Zutz club. 3 floors of pounding music. Be prepared that it only starts at 3am!

One of my favorite tennis tournaments is held at the private tennis club in Barcelona – Trofeo Conde de Godo

A must getaway is my favorite Sitges beach resort with the most delicious paella!

So here’s hoping you’ll have a most fantastic time in Barcelona. I for one, have the most fondest memories. One useful phrase in Catalan: “no parla catala”. I don’t speak Catalan.

PZ.

Lonely Planet has picked the brains of its authors, staff and travelers and come up with the top 10 countries to visit in 2010: And guess what? Malaysia is among world’s best-value destinations.

Best In Travel 2010 guide said Malaysia “is a clever choice for travelers on the lookout for a bargain”.

Thanks to the economic crisis, Iceland and Germany were also among the top 10 destinations, which included El Salvador, Greece, Malaysia, Germany, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname and the United States.

The top 10 cities were Abu Dhabi, Charleston (South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador), Istanbul, Kyoto (Japan), Lecce (Italy), Sarajevo, Singapore and Vancouver (Canada).

So what are you waiting for to visit us and Malaysia?

For you to dream a little, some pictures of the winning countries:

El Salvador

Germany

Greece

Malaysia

Morocco

Nepal

New Zealand

Portugal

Suriname

USA

Frog.

It’s been 6 months since we left Paris and although I’m loving the KL life of glorious food and sunshine, from time to time I do crave and reminisce for the charming, quaint Parisian bistros and the delicious gourmet ‘tables’. So for those who will one day venture to Paris, looking for the best restaurants or off-the-beaten-path bistros, look no further to my top 10 (in no particular order).  As it’s not possible for me to add more as I would love to – I’d appreciate you folks adding your favourite eateries in the City of Lights.

Rating: $= Won’t break your bank balance. $$= Perfect to celebrate your promotion. $$$= Call your banker to explain!

1. Les Tontons: ($)

Known for the most amazing array of variations of steak tartare: from the raw classical steak tartare to the allez-retours (semi raw, flash pan-grilled). This was so worth to go to that we drove from North to South of Paris just to eat here.

My usual: Steak tartare allez-retour made with melted camembert and honey inside.

Address: 38 rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris. tel : 01 43 21 69 45

2. Chez Georges: ($)

Famous for its charming ambiance and serves traditional French comfort food. Packed at lunch and dinner especially during Fashion Week. Definitely book ahead.

My usual: salade de lentilles  followed by steak au poivre.

Address: 1 rue du Mail, 75002 Paris. Tel: 01 42 60 07 11

3. La Tour d’Argent: ($$$)

Chic, luxurious gourmet restaurant, famous for 2 things – the panoramic Parisian view by the River Seine and the duck. On the wall, hang all the photographs of famous people who have traipsed through from presidents to actresses.

My choice: Coquilles Saint-Jacques starter followed by Caneton Tour d’Argent (their most famous duck).

Address: 15, Quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris. Tel: 01 43 54 23 31

4. Les Pieds dan l’Eau: ($)

Cute restaurant beside the river in Neuilly-sur-Seine (very chic neighborhood just outside Paris) on an island called Ile de la Jatte. My in-laws favorite regular restaurant.

My usual: Terrine de foies de volaille au foie gras et oignons confits followed by Sole meunière au gratin de blettes.

Address: 39, Boulevard du Parc, 92200 Neuilly-Sur-Seine. Tel: 01 47 47 64 07

5. Chez Benoit: ($$)

Very traditional French cuisine, belonging to the Alain Ducasse group (It was the restaurant that Princess Diana was supposed to go before she died). Delicious, charming and the same waiters have been there for the last 15 years (they still recognize me).

My usual: escargots (in its yummy garlic, butter oil and parsley) followed by carre d’agneau.

Address: 20, rue St Martin, 75004 Paris. Tel: 01 42 72 25 76

6. Le Voltaire: ($$)

One of my favorites ever in Paris. Also found out from Jean Todt that it’s his favorite too! Classic, quaint small restaurant (often see Carole Bouquet and Gerard Depardieu) with great service. Located next to the Quai de Voltaire, River Seine, not far from Musee Quai d’Orsay.

My usual: salade de lentilles followed by carre d’agneau.

Address: 27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris. Tel: 01 42 61 17 49

7. Aux Lyonnais: ($)

Belonging to the Alain Ducasse group, Aux Lyonnais serves heart-warming fare using innovative techniques, fresh produce and such Lyonnaise (from Lyon) staples as pike, and cheese from Isère.

My usual: quenelles (pike) in creamy sauce.

Address: 32 Rue Saint-Marc, 75002 Paris. Tel: 01 42 96 65 04

8. Lapérouse: ($$$)

Very charming, beautiful restaurant in the old-fashioned style. Emile Zola, George Sand, and Victor Hugo were regulars here. Was introduced to this place by Frog for my birthday as a surprise, and reserved the private salon. Very romantic!

My choice: monkfish cassoulet.

Address: 51 quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris. Tel: 01 56 79 24 31

9. Relais de l’Entrecote: ($)

If you’re craving for the best French steak-frites, then look no further to Relais de l’Entrecote. There are several branches in Paris but the one I love is in Saint Germain (below). They only serve steak and fries with a delicious sauce. There’s no booking so be prepared to queue for an hour! But boy is it worth it!

Address: 20 rue Saint-Benoit, 75006 Paris. Tel: 01 45 49 16 00

10. Le Hide: ($)

Pronounced Le “Ee-day”. This was one of our latest most frequented bistros. It’s tiny but serving affordable, delicious traditional French fare. We discovered this one from the referential guide Le Figaroscope.

My usual: escargots on toast, followed by a giant steak.

Address: 10, Rue du Général Lanrezac, 75017 Paris. Tel: 01 45 74 15 81

Happy fooding mes chers amis!

PZ.

Published in THE EDGE Malaysia, October 2009:

To read this article, click this link: Balancing work and play a la Francaise

PZ.

The peaceful island of Penang (Malaysia), internationally known for its delicious Nyonya food and the old colonial buildings of Georgetown, was rockin’ this weekend with the launch of Penang’s Hard Rock Café located on the long beach of Batu Ferringhi.

Surrounded by memorabilia belonging to rock gods, all generations were gathered to dance and enjoy the private concert of Malaysian Ratu Rock (Queen of Rock in Malay) Ella, and environmentally engaged Afro-Asian music style singer Zainal Abidin (talk about a niche market!!)
The two artists were a great discovery for me and very helpful to practice a bit of Malay (yes I am in that phase where you have to take every opportunity!)

So fellow friends, now besides the Blue Mansion, the bechaks, and the Assam Laksa, Penang has a new landmark that is worth to discover.

Frog.

No, it is not Abraham Lincoln but the King of Pop.

Gathering outside before the show.

The traditional Lion Dance for luck and fortune.

PZ & Frog on the red carpet.

Inside Hard Rock Cafe.

Tan Sri Syed Yusof giving the opening speech.

I could kill for this guitar! Glass unbreakable… too bad.

Rock Queen Ella (she was moving a lot!).

Madonna’s bustier by Jean-Paul Gaultier of course!

Sometimes we dream of the olden days with such longing nostalgia. Looking back at old films, admiring the age of innocence. So it’s with pleasure to share with you a Limited Edition book, cloth-bound in hardback, containing 144 sumptuous pages of original old photographs from the personal collection of HRH Sultan of Selangor.

Titled: “Malay Peninsula: Old Photographs of Malaya and Singapore by Kleingrothe c.1900“, it is a true collector’s item from an avid collector – my father who has always collected artefacts related to the history of Selangor, Malaysia and the Malay world. His collection ranges from rare krises, antique books, maps and prints of Malaya. If I’d wanted to write a thesis on Malaya history, I’d have to look no further than his library.

Who was this Kleingrothe? Charles Kleingrothe was a German photographer active in the Malay Archipelago at the turn of the 20th century, based in Sumatra. Illustrated beautifully with historical explanation, the 140 photographs in photogravure show Selangor, Perak, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and Singapore – produced by French publishers Editions Didier Millet.

Perhaps where we’re lucky, is that many of these buildings still stand today – a testimony to time and beauty. Although captured in sepia, one can imagine the colourful life, people, landscapes and architecture during that period. As the Raja Muda of Perak said in his speech at the book launch: “some landmarks no longer exist, but these images remain and they have the power to concretise our dramatic history.”

What is important here, is to acknowledge that heritage belongs to everyone.  This was the purpose to launch such a project otherwise it’s just too easy to keep these for yourself, don’t you think? The pleasure is in the sharing.

So now this book can also be yours! Whether it’s for a gift or for yourself, this limited edition book is a keeper.

If you’re interested as there was only 2,500 copies published, for RM400 (good value for how it looks!) then please contact:

Puan Norrimah at tel: +603-2145 2863 or fax: +603-2142 0958 or email: isyh@streamyx.com and quote us FROG AND PRINCESS as your source.

We, for one, can assure you it makes a great gift!

PZ.

This has to be one of my latest favorite book collections – Chic – published by Editions Didier Millet. Enough to entice you to travel all over the world, the Chic Collection is illustrated with stunning photography and written by local experts on all things chic in hotels, restaurants, spas, shops, art galleries, places of interest and culture. It is the definitive guide to travel mixed with the handsome look of a coffee table book. So far I have Malaysia Chic, Spa Chic Asia, and Eco Chic… don’t worry my collection will expand!

For fellow dreamers, I present you the Chic Collection in its entirety:

PZ.

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta: the four main cities of Southeast Asia, although quite close to each other, offer a wide variety of lifestyle. Our relationship with our city is always a love-hate relationship, too much traffic but affordable, safe city but expensive, great weather but polluted, unsafe but very fun etc etc…

So to measure the best urban living experience in this part of the world, a good real estate magazine “Property Report” has published recently it’s own reader’s survey on what they like and dislike about their cities. They have measured and analysed cost of basic necessities, prices of apartments, rentals, and interviewed architects and analysts. Here is a sum up of the most interesting results.

Singapore

Kuala Lumpur

Jakarta

Bangkok

So wich city would you choose to live in?

Basically it really depends on what you are looking for. Singapore has high stability and safety but is expensive, KL is affordable with a vibrant nightlife but KLlites do not feel safe (? I feel much safer than in Paris), Jakarta is facing major problems of urbanisation, and Bangkok is affordable and fun but has a lot of pollution.

Frog.

Paula Malai Ali -  is the sexy television personality from Brunei. Formerly a veejay presenter for Asia’s Channel V (similar to MTV and VH1), she is now a presenter for ESPN Star Sports, and hosts along side Alex Yoong for the Formula One Grand Prix races. Paula has worked as a television and radio presenter, model, stage actress, and vocal talent. She has been the choice of international brands such as Redken and Nescafe. She is our first female personality on our F&P Exclusive talks!

Frog&Princess: Three words to describe you?

Paula Malai Ali: Blunt, loving, hard working.

F&P: What is your favorite boutique/shop?

PMA: I like Skin boutique in Singapore. Wearable, fun clothes and great jeans.

F&P: Your favorite hotel?

PMA: Four Seasons at Jimbaran and Villagio Hotel, Yountville, Napa Valley. overlooking a vineyard.

F&P:  Your favorite restaurant?

PMA: Ras North indian at Clarke Quay, Singapore

F&P: Where is your dream holiday destination?

PMA: San Francisco. When I grow up I want to live there.

F&P: Your favourite activity?

PMA: Roller skating and jogging!

F&P: What are you watching and listening to right now?

PMA:  I’m watching Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares on TV

F&P: Who or what inspires you?

PMA: The idea of making good TV inspires me. Still waiting for my own special show..whatever that will be.

F&P: What do you not like?

PMA: All the Gosselin kids. Tabloid fodder. (For those who don’t know it’s Jon & Kate Plus 8 )

F&P: What is your most recent extravagance?

PMA: A mustard yellow Etro handbag

Thank you Paula for your participation! Find out who is our next…

One thing that amazes every foreigner from good old Europe when they arrive in KL is the number of buildings under construction. Like most Asian cities, KL is in constant evolution.

Day and night, 24/7 you hear the sound of work in progress and enjoy the amazing ballet of cranes. The most prestigious architects (Foster, Nouvel, Kessler, Clarke…) from all over the world compete fiercely to create tomorrow’s new landmark and enhance the city’s skyline.

One thing that I adore is the drawings made by developers, usually pretty far from reality, but hey! The dream and the feeling of living in a Philip. K. Dick novel is definitely worth it! Here is my favourite selection of the latest condominiums of Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy.

Frog.

Setia Sky Residence

 

The Oval

Troika

Having a bath @ Troika?

YTL Residence

The Meritz (by French architect Jean Nouvel, ugly inside)

My favorite: Four Seasons

Avenue K

The Avare (The name means stingy in French!)

 

Park Seven

One KL (with private pool in each apartment)

Living room in One KL

Your own private pool facing the Petronas Towers

An Architect on drugs…