Early this year, when construction sounds could still be heard coming from the insides and floor-to-ceiling boards still shielded the entrance, I received an invitation for a food tasting session; to sample a menu during an exclusive media preview of a brand new restaurant.

The restaurant was Blu Med Ristoranre e Bar, a new Mediterranean and Italian Restaurant.

Brought my other half along with me – I could use a

Mediterraneanite to assist me in reviewing Mediterranean food!

Since the restaurant was not even open, we had to enter the premises via a side/corner entrance which led us to a staircase directly up to the 2nd floor. 

The boards blocked all public access to the restaurant.

Standing by the 'OPENING SOON' boards at the entrance!

In the invitation, I was told that the menu at Blu Med was produced and consulted by Chef Yasuhiro Sasajima, of Iron Chef fame. Having watched the Iron Chef program on television , I was naturally excited that I will be savouring a menu directed by the talented chef himself!

Chef Sasajima broke out of the realms of traditional Japanese cuisine and started his love affair with Italian cuisine, marrying the two together to cook up a fine fusion of meals from his kitchen.

Chef Yasuhiro Sasajima 

Jia anda tidak kenal nama 'Chef Sasajima', dia merupakan antara salah satu daripada tukang-tukang masak yang paling terkenal di dunia! 

I was looking forward to tasting his unique and distinctive Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist so much.

Upon arriving at the 2nd floor, I was greeted to interior decorations befitting a minimalistic concept.

It was brightly lit with incandescent spotlights, boasted cosy wooden and brick-wall ambiance, spacious and splashed with warm, earthly colours comprising shades of brown, white with a touch of blue.

Part of the upper dining area deck (2nd floor)

I exchanged a few words with the friendly managers present. 

After being ushered to our seats, we sat at our table in anticipation for what the evening had to offer.

The waiters began to pour some wine for us.

We were served the Luis Felipe Edwards Cabernet Sauvignon

I have always been a white wine kind of girl. 

While my buddies had red wine, I opted for white wine instead:

Luis Felipe Edwards Sauvignon Blanc was my pick

Us at the table before our meals arrived  

The Executive Director of Blu Med explaining the concept of the restaurant and the food

The first dish on our table was the appetitzer of Buffalo Mozzarella and Plum Tomato "Caprese".

The buffalo mozzarella, which is typically used in Italian dishes and less rubbery than usual mozzarella, was moist and had a mild piquancy – slightly tasteless, but well paired with the mint sauce drizzled around the dish (which doubles as good presentation too!).

Buffalo Mozzarella and Plum Tomato "Caprese"

For purists, this is made out of curd cheese using pure buffalo milk.

The locally sourced tomatoes and lettuce sprinkled with olive oil, basil oil and vinegar upped its initially bland flavour and hit the concept of freshness in mediterranean food right on the bull's eye.

The second dish that was placed before us was the Carpaccio of Hirame with Wild Rice and Soft Aubergine.

The first thing I did was to look for the aubergine. I couldn't see it at all! Did they give my plate a miss? I soon found out that the soft, "mashed" aubergine was hidden underneath the Hirame. That was my favorite of the night.

Carpaccio of Hirame with Wild Rice and Soft Aubergine

The wild rice reminded me of risotto, but slightly grainer and nutty in comparison. When mixed with the relatively moist and "grassy" taste of the alfafa sprouts, it amassed a rather odd but not unpleasant flavour – definitely an acquired taste.

The Hirame, a popular type of white flesh fish used in Japanese cuisines (see how the fusion of Italian and Japanese influences is depicted now?) was fresh and served cold, just like sashimi.

Then came along our mains.

The third dish to arrive was Spaghetti Tomato Sauce with Sea Bass and Grilled Vegetables.

We were told that the pasta sauce was made from real tomatoes, and not the ones out of cans nor puree versions.

A block of Parmesan cheese was grated to our desired amount, as toppings for the pasta

The cheese added a light but sharp flavour to the pasta, making it a very good choice for garnishing.

We could clearly see how its sauce wasn't the ones right out of the can. 

I found this dish slightly watered down and tasteless, but then again, it was justifiable, as they only used fresh ingredients and we all know how fresh tomatoes holds a high water content. Good or bad? I'll leave you to decide.

Spaghetti Tomato Sauce with Sea Bass and Grilled Vegetables

It also had minimal seasoning; giving way to the natural flavours of tomato, sea bass and its side of grilled vegetables. This dish was fresh, light and had a oceanic and "fishy' flavour to it.

This dish was pretty standard, nothing to shout about especially to people who are more familiar with, or prefer their pasta with strong, heavy flavours. It does has its strengths and weaknesses, whatever suits your palate! 

Being sweet tooths, Shin Yee and I were only looking forward to the desserts after that.

Hopefully, our moods and appetites would take a positive turn once it arrives.

Selfshots of us! 

And finally, our desserts arrived! 

The final dish that we got to taste was the Espresso Pannacotta.

But being a culinary aficionado myself, I do understand that the most difficult part of making the perfect Panna cotta is mixing the right ratio and achieving the right texture – soft, but firm enough to hold it together, with a gentle wobble only when moved.

Espresso Panna cotta

Though pretty in presentation, I must say that the texture of the Panna cotta was slightly dissapointing as it was too jelly-like, stiff and rubbery. I much prefer my Panna cotta to be the usual, softly set, creamier ones with silkier pudding-like consistency.

Apart from that, I loved the rich taste of this typical Italian dessert – especially this one as it is infused with Espresso!

It gave me a smooth mouthful, albeit not a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Still tasted delicious, though. The berries and almonds were a great touch too.

After dinner, the other half and I decided to roam about the second floor to explore beyond our dining table. 

I loved how the upper deck overlooks the first floor (ground floor) dining area. Suh-weeeet!

Apabila berdiri pada tingkat atas, rasanye seperti si puteri melihat ke aras bawah pada himpunan para warganegaranye, tahu? Hahaha.

The other end of the dining area

The cutlery, wine and glass counter beside the entrance of the second floor

One of the two private rooms for private functions/dinners

Took more swigs of the exquisite Savignon Blanc 

Can't ever get enough of white wine. Ever!

My favorite glass of  white wine and I 

How can anyone not love the setting and the ambiance of this restaurant? 

Here are some after-dinner photos with some of the rest who were there as well.

As I headed to Mid Valley Megamall to attend an event a few days ago, I spotted the elaborately furnished and fully finished Blu Med Restaurant from a distance!

Needless to say, I made my way there to admire the completed version of the premises.

Remember the entrance? I had to enter the outlet via a tiny opening at the corner.

Now, the grand entrance looks like this. Holy mama! WOW.

As mentioned earlier, Blu Med is divided into two separate levels.

The restaurant features a trendy cool and modern environment with touches of comfort on the lower floor and luxury on the upper floor – where we dined.

Patrons entering the restaurant will be greeted by an imposing floor to ceiling wall of candles separating the bar and the restaurant area, and a very high verticle garden cascading from the wall (beside the staircase) completed with two large chandeliers made of glass bottles, specially designed for Blu Med.

Remember these unfinished chandeliers wrapped up in black plastic?

Now it has transformed into dazzling glass bottles hung from the ceiling!

Blu Med, nestled amidst the bustling centre of The Boulevard in Mid Valley City, Blu Med clearly presents a perfect and modern-classy destination for both casual and fine dining diners around town. 

As this restaurant is located in a prime setting right smack in between two popular malls – Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens, I find it a very convenient place to pop by to have lunch, dinners or at any time of the day. 

This restaurant's last orders are at 10.30pm (and opens till midnight) so you know where to go for some bites or drinks when the mall has shut 

Remember these boards covering the entire corner alfresco section?

Now. Boy, I'd love to sit there for some food and wine while enjoying the breeze!

As dissatisfied as I was, something tells me that tonight definitely cannot represent one's dining experience at Blu Med. 

I'm certain that this glamorous, posh restaurant with such a brilliant concept cannot be as inadequate as what I had experienced during tonight's media preview session. After all, this lovely restaurant was far from ready, and I can only assume as much for the unfully-equipped kitchen and the simplified menu we had tonight as well.

One thing's for sure, I'll be back very soon to give this restaurant another chance. 

Perhaps for a date, maybe?  

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For more information or to place your reservations, you can:

Call them at: +603-2201-5081

Visit their restaurant at:
BluMed (located beside the giant fountain!)
Unit 27-G Ground Flr & Unit 27-1 First Flr,
Signature Office,
The Boulevard, Mid Valley City ,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

LIKE them on Facebook at: fb.com/BluMedRistorantiBar

Hi girls! May I see a show of hands of the ones who don't like receiving presents?

Since I can't see you (it would be freaky if I could!), I'll safely assume that everyone loves surprises, okie?

BOOOOOOO! Surprise! Did I scare you?

Saje nak mengejutkan kamu semua heeheehee! 

Today, I would like to show you the beautiful surprises I've been receiving for the past three months. No, unfortunately it isn't from a secret admirer haha!

The popular and premier beauty discover platform, Vanity Trove, has recently launched in Malaysia! 

Thanks to Vanity Trove, I first received their debut beauty box in February.

FEBRUARY

I was woken up by the doorbell and a parcel addressed to me!

What could be better than receiving presents the first thing upon waking up?

It feels like Christmas all over again.

There was a personalized, handwritten note inside too.

Thanks Valerie of Vanity Trove!  xoxo

Ready to see my beautiful surprise?

It's very, very pretty! 

Lovely beauty box of beauty products, make up and skincare!

Glorious, glorious treasures for every girl! Wheeeeeeee 

Untuk para pembaca lelaki, aku hanya boleh kata, maaf je lah okey? Ataupun, ini juga boleh dijadikan idea baru untuk hadiah-hadiah yang selanjutnya, khas buat si awetmu, kan?  

So guys, just admire the pretty, sparkly stuff this time round, alright? 

A little card containing all the details of each product that this beauty box contained!

I think this is an integral part of every beauty box. I'm sure the recipients would love to know what each and every product can do, and whether or not our skin suitable enough to use the products given!

Here is a breakdown of the treasures in February's Vanity Trove:

1. System Professional (SP) Colour Save Shampoo 

2. System Professional (SP) Colour Save Mask 

3. ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Twister Essence 

4. ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Essence Twister BB Cream 

5. Benefit POREfessional 

6. B.LIV Off with Those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel

7. Di Palomo Tuscan Rose Hand & Body Lotion

Now, let's take a closer look at them – one by one! 

B.LIV Off with Those Heads Blackheads Sebum Gel

This does wonders in gently and effectively removes those stubborn whiteheads and blackheads,

+ as keeping oil secretions in control. I find this product very effective, lesser imperfections on my face!

Next in line is…

ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Twister Essence 

This soft and velvety gel reduces visible pores, hydrates and nourishes the skin. 

Comes out transparent and smells nice!

ORIKS Wild Ginseng Stemcell Essence Twister BB Cream

This is formulated with plant stem cells to repair and cover imperfections.

I liked its texture gave me a powdery finish after I applied it onto my face,

unlike some of the other brands of oily/sticky BB Creams I've tried!

System Professional (SP) Colour Save Shampoo and System Professional (SP) Colour Save Mask 

These two are awesome stuff! Comes in a tiny package too, perfect for my travelling needs!

I refuse to use it for now, but when I get my hair back to red, I will 

Benefit POREfessional 

This silky and lightweight balm minimizes pores and fine lines with oil-free and Vitamin E formula. 

This can be worn on its own or used under make-up, as a make-up base!

Di Palomo Tuscan Rose Hand & Body Lotion

Blended with moisturizing olive and sweet almond oils, it nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth!

I loved its light rosy scent that was mild yet distinctive!

MARCH

The arrival of March can only mean that new beautiful surprises are coming!

This time, I was surprised at work when I beeped the delivery man into my office.

Got all excited to unwrap my new beauty box!

Not one, but TWO surprises on my office desk!

One is for me, and I got the other one for you. More about that later!

Want to see it already? This box is just as pretty! 

Suddenly my black Monday is filled with colour and thrill! 

Here is the breakdown of what March's Vanity Trove contained:

1. Kanebo Skin Fusing Powder Foundation

2. Timeless Truth TT Orchid Extract Whitening Mask

3. Asian Potions Blooming Ginger Body Lotion

4. Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic

5. Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day & Night Cream 

Kanebo Skin Fusing Powder Foundation

It provides natural coverage and ensures a shine-free appearance with SPF 20 PA++ powder formula!
Tried and tested, I like using this as it blends and melts into my skin when I spread it onto my face.

Gave me a dewy  and radiant complexion for the day too. Yay!

To those with skin sensitivity issues, rejoice!

The following products works to soothe and moisturize delicate and irritated skin.

Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic and Etre Belle Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day & Night Cream 

Armed with sill proteins, white tea and pure vegetable ingredients, this cream protects 

allergy-prone skin against environmental stressors and helps to relieve irritation of skin.

Bio-Essence Bird's Nest Bio-Energy Firm & Brighten Eye Cream with SPF 15

Just what I needed for my eye area! 

I keep it at work just in case I feel tired or if my eyebags begin to weigh a tonne LOL

Just squeeze and apply around your eye contours, beneath and all around the eye!

Asian Potions Blooming Ginger Body Lotion

It is made from natural flowers, fruits and plant essences to moisturize your skin and improve firmness!
Delicately scented with ginger flowers and a light mix of Asian florals too, thus the slight hint of fragrant scent.
P/S The ginger provides deep inner calmness too. 

Timeless Truth TT Orchid Extract Whitening Mask

This mask is excessively pampered with orchid, purple peril and chamomile extracts…

… and packed with so much moisture! 

These essences whitens, brightens and duh, moisturizes the skin!

The most unique part is that this mask sheet is stretchable and form-fitting,

which gave me perfect comfort and full coverage!

Don't believe me? Well, check out the following two photos! 

It even tucks behind my ears…

…and my beneath my chin/top of neck! Pretty neat, huh? It's something new to me! 

APRIL

Unboxing April's Vanity Trove!

How can anyone get enough of these beautiful surprises yet?

I certainly look forward to them every month! 

Lots of vouchers and coupons were stacked neatly on top!

Once I lifted them, the real little treasures were unveiled! 

Another pretty box for you to admire, maybe?

Yippeee! 

Breakdown of items in April's Vanity Trove:

1. CLARINS Intensive Brightening Serum

2. ISSEY MIYAKE Parfums Pleats Please (EDT)

3. KATE Eyeshadow DB

4. Perkins Nail Wrap

5. ORIKS Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream

6. KilaDoll Red Wine Q10 Mask

Perkins Nail Wrap

So we girls like pretty nails. I'm a sucker for nail art and I love to DIY them. 
But if I ain't got no time to wait painstakingly for it to dry after layers and layers, this will come in handy!
Can't wait to try these nail wrap stickers soon!

KilaDoll Red Wine Q10 Mask

This aids skin protection by maintaining the firmness and moisture; promoting elastic and younger skin. 

After all, red wine has such amazing properties! 

ORIKS Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream

Developed in France, this moisturizer smoothens wrinkles, tightens pores and brightens complexion.

It contains more than 90 types of natural minerals to boost skin vitality and protects skin.

This hydrating formula locks in plenty of moisture to maintain supple and baby-soft skin!

In my honest opinion, after testing and reviewing ORIKS products for the past three months, I've grown to love the stuff from ORIKS. They have such good formulas and not to mention, a really high quality make as well.

Such an innovation for beauty products!

CLARINS Intensive Brightening Serum

This serum is the most advanced skin are for fairer, healthier skin.

Thanks to the Trans-Luminescent Complex, it revives skin at every layer, making it

clear and radiant. If you are looking to brighten your skin with a rosy glow, try this, girls!

KATE Eyeshadow DB

Boasts a palette with two shades that can be used individually or mixed.
I prefer to mix mine and blend it into a different colour where the colours meet.

ISSEY MIYAKE Parfums Pleats Please (EDT)

This is my favorite product this month! Its fruity fragrance formulated by the crossing of apples

and pears, Topped with dashes of peony and sweet pea scents is too good a gem to pass up.

It's now a staple in my mobile make up kit! 

MAY, JUNE, JULY… AND THE REST OF 2013? 

Now it's your turn to find out what's inside! 

SHARE THE LOVE: GIVEAWAY TIME!

I have one beauty box to give away to one lucky girl (Or guy too, if you're keen!) 

Just create a Vanity Trove account on their official website and also leave comment on this post telling me why you want me to give you your very first Vanity Trove beauty box!  

—————————————————————-

To get started on Vanity Trove surprises of your own, you can:

Visit Vanity Trove's official website at: www.vanitytrove.com/my

LIKE them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/VanityTroveMalaysia

Look, we all gotta admit. 

While we girls might drool over the latest collection of Balenciaga’s shoulder bags, Burberry’s latest hobos or that classic Chanel quilted lambskin handbag sitting prettily in a display window…

OR

fixate our eyes on someone carrying the latest Celine trapeze totes, Prada’s latest caviars or Longchamp Paris latest bags….

Most of us do not fancy blowing our two month’s (or three!) paycheque just for a luxury bag.

After all, like our male counterparts always say, it is “just a handbag”. LOL

I’m sorry, what? No, it is NOT JUST A HANDBAG.

I’d prefer to take it as an extension of one’s personality and class  Teehee!

Anyway, as I was saying about the exorbitant prices, this is the sole reason why I rarely buy my luxury items from shopping malls or boutiques.

They always shoot the prices up like a rocket launcher, to cover things like the costs of mass import taxes, store rental space and of course, to make profit per each sale.

Guess who’s going to have to fork out that extra money?

YOU YOURSELF. Siapa lagi, kan? 

No, thank you. I certainly refuse to pay higher than the original price of the bag itself.

Why should you, right? Be a smart spender and every inch of a smart buyer!

Why would you pay more, for the exact same genuine thing that you can pay less for? Duh!

Which is why my luxury bags have always been directly shipped over from the respective brands in various parts of Europe or the UK to my doorstep or to brand representatives based here.

Alternatively, I have also sought help from my friends returning from their overseas vacations.to bring me back one if their luggage space permits.

Anyway, for the relevance of this feature, I will be showing you only four from my collection.

Sorry I don’t have photos of all of them! I have never blogged about any of my bags as I don’t exactly see the need to.

Maybe I’ll just talk about my eyebags instead.

Why, do you really wanna announce to the whole world of your buying a bag with a price that can feed a continent of starving children?  HAHA.

Gurau je. I was kidding, but you get my point, right?

Anyway, I managed to find some photos of myself holding them 

My Burberry Supernova and I

My Prada Tessuto and I

My Gucci Boston and I

My Burberry Supernova Hearts and I

Anyway, it was so much trouble getting them shipped over… and waiting for it took forever ugh.

But you don’t have to go through such a tedious process like me, for we now have Reebonz!

While I have written an advertorial feature for Reebonz back in 2009, so much have changed since then!

So here I am, sharing the wonders of Reebonz again.

What is Reebonz exactly?

It is an exclusive online shopping destination of luxury brands.

Reebonz brings their beloved customers straight into the world of private sales, with exclusive members-only deals. With Reebonz, you can now get instant access to today’s top designer labels. 

So, the entire concept of Reebonz is to transport you into a world of pleasant surprises – a place where discounted luxury is not an oxymoron! 

If you do not want to buy a knock-off (just like me who is against and cannot, for the life of me, bring myself to carry a fake/imitation luxury bag) then look no further. 

Reebonz only sells 100% authentic designer brands. 

It also provides a 0% Installment Payment Plan available from 8 banks and observes fast and efficient delivery of your items purchased online.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbYNwht9fik&feature=youtu.be

Overall, from my experience, they have a pretty brilliant service.

I’ve worked with them 4 years ago and I do have friends who purchase from them on a regular basis.

Once you have successfully bought your dream bag, all you have to do next is just to wait for your order to be delivered in the Reebonz luxurious black box wrapped around with its signature gold ribbon. 

Oh, since it’s so pretty, you can even get it as a gift for that special someone too! 

They’re not only limited to handbags, they have other luxury label items and accessories like apparel, watches, wallets and other accessories if you browse through their website.

Also, while most of us prefer buying brand new luxury bags, Reebonz also caters to the ones who can only afford or chooses to pay a lot less and don’t mind carrying a second hand/pre-loved luxury bag.

Reebonz Vintage is the ultimate marketplace for members to buy and sell all sorts of pre-loved luxury designer goods.

Here comes the best part. I have a promotion for you girls!
As this is a members-only shopping circle, sales and items cannot be viewed by the public. So, here is a sign-up link exclusively for my readers only! 

Click this link below to begin:

www.reebonz.com/invite_code/Jessica

You can only begin shopping at Reebonz by clicking the link above.

Sign up to receive RM78 Reebonz Credits instantly credited into your account. Ten of you will also be chosen win yourself an extra 100 Reebonz Credits! (You can use the credits for your purchases)

Remember only to use that link to be eligible for those extra credit points! 

Happy shopping, ladies! (Or generous men, you know….)

——————————————————————–

For more information on Reebonz, you can always:

Follow them on Twitter at @Reebonz

LIKE them on Facebook at: facebook.com/ReebonzMalaysia

Watch them on Youtube at: youtube.com/Reebonz