Latest news with #Koay
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Triple threat of flavours
Refreshing and hearty concoctions at three-in-one Penang hotspot An old proverb says two's company but three's a crowd. But this is turned on its head at Sky 7 Hutong in Penang. The bistro located in Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, runs on a synergy between three different parties who each contribute their unique expertise. Main proprietor Sky 7 focuses on beers and running the place, Alfresco Dining offers hearty European cuisine and wines while The Mandarin serves inventive seasonal cocktails. Together, the dynamic collaboration known as Sky 7 x Alfresco Dining x The Mandarin creates a unique yet family-friendly lifestyle destination. Sky 7 owner Koay Chee Leong said the aim was to provide guests with quality offerings at reasonable prices. 'We specialise in different things and perfectly complement each other. 'It also elevates my original vision for Sky 7,' he continued, adding that response had been encouraging. The Watermelon Margarita's sweet, herbaceous profile will appeal to many. The brand's name came from Koay's earlier plans to open a skybar, while hutong was in reference to the narrow alleyways seen in the traditional villages of Beijing, China. 'Today, many of these areas are brimming with cafes and bars. You'll find lots of different things. We're trying to recreate that here,' said Koay. Although this is Sky 7's third location, it is the only one to operate under this model. The other two in Butterworth and Alma are sports bars with snooker and pickleball facilities. Here, sports are screened on giant TVs instead. The air-conditioned interior is elegant with soft lighting and brick walls, while the alfresco area out back is breezy and overlooks greenery. The Mandarin is an acclaimed cocktail bar in its own right. Established along Irving Road in George Town by Lim Yin Wei, it is well-known for its bespoke creations. Experienced mixologist Jimmy Eng joined to take the helm at this branch in Sky 7 and wasted no time putting his own spin on things. 'I decided to take a creative, seasonal approach here as there's an upscale grocer just a floor below where I can obtain the best produce anytime. No Tan Lines has a savoury yet creamy profile, with charred veggies referencing a barbecue. 'And with Alfresco Dining being part of the equation, there's a full-fledged kitchen to create unique components for my drinks,' said Eng. Among his current seasonal offerings are the Passionfruit Mojito and Watermelon Margarita – both designed to refresh drinkers. The former blends white wine with passionfruit shrub, mint leaf, rum and soda, giving it a bright zesty character that will remind one of the tropics. The latter has watermelon, basil, sugar, lime juice, tequila and Cointreau. A rim of lime salt provides a counterpoint to sweet and herbaceous notes, making it an easy drink. 'While Penang only has two seasons – hot or rainy – the availability of ingredients allows me to highlight different flavours at different times of year,' Eng highlighted. There is also a menu of classics and house signatures such as No Tan Lines which mixes fat-washed vodka with pineapple, lime and soda. An almost bacon-like nuance greets the palate before silky creaminess takes over. A garnish of charred vegetables evokes a barbecue to reinforce the savoury profile. The Charcoal Lychee will seduce many with its stunning violet hues derived from butterfly pea gin mixed with lychee juice. This is topped with foam made from whipped cream and charcoal powder. You might even detect caramel notes thanks to popcorn syrup. Those preferring something crisper should go for the Kentucky Apple Sour, a twist on the old, bourbon-based tipple which swaps lemon juice for green apple foam made from gummy candies. Enjoy these alongside the hearty and well-executed European dishes by Alfresco Dining's vastly-experienced Czech executive chef Petr Feher. After almost 30 years in five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants, he decided to switch his focus to family-oriented cuisine to bring joy to more people. 'I wanted to go back to basics and do everything well from scratch, because hearty food can be truly comforting for the soul,' Feher said of his philosophy at this pet-friendly establishment. The Australian Braised Lamb Shank, Hungarian Beef Goulash and BBQ Hickory Pork Ribs are so soft they easily fall apart, which understandably make them crowd-favourites. Should you prefer to have beers – with prices here among the cheapest in town – the line-up of tapas, snacks and yakitori make great accompaniments. Feher also offers a special seasonal menu, with air-flown Irish oysters, Foie Gras Rougie, Seabass Fillet and Prawn and Boston Lobster Tail Pasta notable among the current selection. Sky 7 Hutong, Ground floor, Island 88, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Penang. (Tel: 018-9497934) Business hours: 11am to 2am daily (cocktail bar from 4pm to midnight daily). This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
The Star
18-07-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Trees felled in Bukit Kiara park will be replaced'
Koay explaining the history of Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara during the engagement session. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star NATIONAL Landscape Department (JLN) has pledged to replace the trees felled on a slope at Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara in Kuala Lumpur. Its deputy director-general (development) Ahmad Syaharuddin Kamaruddin said the trees were felled to facilitate a new four-storey administrative building at the recreational park. He said that among the 316 trees cut down were rubber trees which were invasive to native species and affected the area's biodiversity. 'We will replant 614 more trees and 3,733 shrubs in replacing the trees that we have felled,' he said during an engagement session at the Segambut branch office of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in Changkat Abang Haji Openg. The session was held to brief residents about the building project, earmarked for the Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara Kuala Lumpur Phase 1B Administrative Zone. Ahmad Syaharuddin: Some of the trees felled were rubber trees. It was attended by representatives from JLN, Public Works Department (JKR), environmental conservation organisation Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK) and Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents who were angry with the felling of the trees at the park. Ahmad Syaharuddin said the administrative building project was necessary as JLN needed a physical presence to better protect the 188.9ha recreational park. 'Currently, we are based in Putrajaya and managing a park of this size with such impressive biodiversity from there isn't easy,' he said. 'We need to be present here to carry out conservation and security,' he said, adding that the project had complied with both the Social Impact Assessment and Environment Impact Assessment requirements. Residents, particularly those living along Jalan Abang Haji Openg, were upset by the unannounced felling of trees near their homes at the beginning of the month. 'We heard contractors clearing trees from our houses earlier this month, but we could not see anything from our homes,' Kim Liew, 76, told StarMetro. 'By the time we realised it, the trees on the hill slope near our houses had been cut down.' Noting that the trees helped keep the area cool, Liew complained that the residents were really feeling the heat now. Occupying 2.42ha of the park, the building situated at Changkat Abang Haji Openg is intended to establish a Federal Park administration and management centre that plans, executes and manages activities under the Federal Park programme. The building will incorporate a management office, a visitor interpretation centre, a nursery and parking facilities. FoBK president Leon Koay said the group had urged JLN to adopt a conservation-first approach for the development project. 'Our recommendation to the department was to keep as many trees as they could when constructing the building. 'We were also taken aback when we learned about the tree clearing that happened earlier this month,' he said. A JKR representative affirmed that they had adhered to all permit requirements to commence the land clearing. 'The building project is expected to take 130 weeks and is due for completion on July 5, 2027,' he confirmed. Residents also voiced concerns about potential soil erosion in the area during a downpour. Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, who was also present, said she would call a meeting with DBKL and Jalan Abang Haji Openg Rukun Tetangga to ensure appropriate mitigation measures were implemented.
The Star
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Digital detox movement gains traction with events held in Penang, Sabah, Selangor and KL
(From left) Koay, Tay, Wong, Beh, Ang, Lim and Ngan during the official launch of the Offline 16 event. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star The Offline 16 initiative has returned with an expanded four-part series to promote mental and physical wellness through digital detoxing. The second edition of the event by VitaHealth Malaysia and Tropicana Corporation Berhad aimed at getting people to disconnect from digital devices for 16 hours. This year's edition will see four separate events held across different states. The first leg, in May, kicked off with a pickleball challenge drawing 200 participants in Penang. This was followed by a nature retreat at Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kepong, Selangor, and a beach clean-up in Sabah, which collectively attracted 300 more participants. The final event will be held on Aug 16 at Tropicana Golf and Country Resort in conjunction with the launch of its new pickleball court. A resort retreat is also planned in October for organisers and participants. At the launch event, VitaHealth Malaysia and Singapore chief executive officer and Offline 16 founder KS Beh said the idea stemmed from observing how people were increasingly attached to their screens. 'I spent a lot of time observing people and their lifestyles and realised that one of the most neglected issues today is how screen time is taking over our lives,' she said at the launch of the finale of this year's Offline 16 at Tropicana Golf and Country Resort in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. 'We end up falling in love with our phones, both young and old people alike. We date with our phones. We sleep with our phones. 'Not only does it leave the people around us neglected, but it leaves us mentally drained and disconnected.' Tropicana marketing, sales and business development managing director Ixora Ang said the movement was an opportunity for Malaysians to tackle rising mental health challenges. 'We encourage everyone to join us to take simple steps to switch off, step outside and reconnect with themselves, each other as well as the world around them.' Also present at the launch were VitaHealth South-East Asia new product development, regulatory affairs general manager Koay Suat Ling, its senior marketing manager Elysse Ngan, Tropicana group corporate communications Serena Lim, Big Caring Group business unit director Tay Li Yen and its chief marketing officer Wong Siew Lai. Over 500 participants took part in the first three events, and the organisers are aiming to reach 1,200 by the end of the series. The finale on Aug 16 will have over 20 engaging and relaxing activities. Highlights include a pickleball session with VitaHealth ambassadors Olympian Pearly Tan and Malaysia's top pickleball player Colin Wong, as well as a sunset walk, live music, recycling workshop, health screenings, arts and crafts and mental wellness games. Participants will receive exclusive goodies worth over RM300 and stand a chance to win RM15,000 in lucky draw prizes. The event is supported by Big Pharmacy, Caring Pharmacy and official pickleball equipment partner Facolos. Registration for the final event will be announced on VitaHealth's social media channels.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Under the Tree' food haunt flourishing after upgrade
(From left) Koay, Syerleena and Woo looking at the photos of the stalls before and after their revamp along Lengkok Burma in George Town, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star FOR over two decades, a group of dedicated hawkers has catered to the appetites of locals beneath the welcoming shade of trees in Lengkok Burma, Pulau Tikus, Penang. This spot, affectionately known as 'Under the Tree,' was once a charming, rustic gathering place where hawkers set up their stalls amid tree trunks while patrons occupied folding tables and chairs wherever space permitted under the leafy canopies. The area has recently undergone significant improvements. New roof with high ceilings, paved flooring, enhanced lighting and better ventilation have transformed this beloved spot into a more appealing venue. This has led to an uptick in customers eager to experience the upgraded setting while enjoying the culinary delights on offer. This newfound popularity, however, has introduced challenges. The increased footfall has led to traffic congestion, as diners often park illegally along the narrow two- way street beside this food haven. Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo has urged diners to demonstrate civic responsibility. 'We have given this old place a breath of fresh air, so come and enjoy it but be prepared to park further away, such as along the main Burma Road,' Woo advised. He said the city council would conduct enforcement to ensure safety of road users. The RM100,000 renovation was funded through the parliamentary allocation of Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid. She emphasised the significance of 'Under the Tree' not only from a local micro- economic perspective but also as a food destination for the community. 'Penang Island City Council will look into the increased traffic and work to improve management,' she assured during a site visit with Woo. Also present was city councillor Koay Gaik Kee. Business has been thriving for the hawkers since the upgrade. Kenny Yeap, 41, who runs a porridge and noodles stall, noted the return of long-time customers, now more comfortable thanks to improved seating arrangements. 'Office workers used to get their shoes dirty when it rained, but now they can enjoy their lunch breaks without that concern,' Yeap pointed out. Reflecting on the past, he recalled, 'When my mother started our stall in 1994, there were only two others here, using umbrella stands. 'Then, gradually, more stalls joined us,' he said. Som Sae Ung, 61, who runs a drinks stall, observed that many patrons used to opt for takeaways due to limited seating. 'It is lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves here now,' she said. Regular customer Teoh Say Kheng, 70, expressed mild surprise at the upgrade, having grown accustomed to the old setup. 'But now I can bring more friends and family over when they want to savour local delights,' he said.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Char koay teow cooks set to battle for glory
War of the woks: Every cook will try to cook up a storm for their own version of char koay teow. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The search for the gold standard of char koay teow is set to begin in what will surely be a heated showdown. Come Sunday, 30 hawkers will be firing up their woks to fight for the title of Penang char koay teow champion. The rice noodle dish was once described by BBC as 'Malaysia's most famous street food' and that 'the best char koay teow can be found in Penang'. The action will kick off at 11am in front of Toi Shan Ningyang Wui Kwon, a clan temple in King Street. Each contender will whip up 40 plates of the iconic stir-fried dish. Koay Ee Teng, the vice-chairman of the Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll village community management council (MPKK) which is one of the joint organisers, said the competition would surely dish out 'heated' action and the use of 'secret' recipes and techniques. 'When it comes to flavour, every cook has their own secret weapon, so all of them will bring their own sauces and wok,' she said. 'Ingredients like prawns, eggs, bean sprouts and noodles will be provided along with a toque, apron and gas supply.' The top three winners will walk away with RM388, RM288 and RM188 respectively. There will also be two consolation prizes of RM88 each. Winners will also get certificates of recognition as a badge of honour to be displayed at their stalls. 'The real prize isn't the money. What the cooks really want is prestige,' said Koay. She added that participants in the 2023 competition saw a surge in their business afterwards. The 2023 edition saw Koh Gee How of Penang Auntie (Big Prawn) Char Koay Teow in Bukit Mertajam take the crown, with Por Leong Teik (Chulia Street) and Low Ping Kean (KK 99 Cafe, Tanjung Bungah) securing the second and third spots. This Sunday's battle is the second time that such a contest is being held. The competition is jointly organised by the MPKK of Padang Kota and Jalan Transfer/Jalan Argyll, and Toi Shan Ningyang Association, and promoted by Kwangtung and Tengchow Association Penang. Koay said the public is welcome to savour the food and enjoy the experience. 'It is a celebration of one of Penang's most iconic and beloved street foods,' she added.
