With the walls of this brand new tavern plastered with interesting beer-oriented decor and teeming with all things Guinness, it is no wonder why Phat Barrels KL is heralded the ‘House of Guinness’.

This latest addition to Publika’s line-up of watering holes had a seemingly cosy your-local-neighbourhood-pub setting to it, with dark wooden furnishings, exposed brickwork, bare granite walls, tall beer barrel-shaped tables and olden-day, monochrome artwork illuminated by dim spotlighting.

By the bar of Phat Barrels! 

Yes, you peeps totally should. Why? Read on. 😀

Last Thursday, I was invited to the soft launch of Phat Barrels for a night of live music, delicious pub grub, imported/micro-brews/hand-crafted beers and an engaging atmosphere.

New kid on the block is looking packed on the first day!

Let’s give this new watering hole a little tour, shall we? 

 Celebrations always seem synonymous with balloons, streamers and bright colours!

(( Outfit of the day)) Jessicat wears:

Dress by Miss Selfridge |Black pumps a gift from dearest Uncle Mike

| Accessories by Diva | Bag from a bazaar in Singapore

 Gorgeous usherettes serving us canapes!

 The overall look and feel of Phat Barrels KL

Patrons enjoying their beer towers and munchies!

Sephia Guinness-themed artwork framed on the walls.

Here’s my favorite! Cheers, Obama! 😀 Drink up!

The barrel-like tables of Phat Barrels.

The popcorn machine  piqued my interest!

And we only know good things can pop out of that machine!

 A night’s treat of Guinness-flavoured popcorn.

 Most people flock to Phat Barrels for three main things – to dine, tap and chill!

 And that’s exactly what we did all night.

On to the first – DINING!

Here are some of the European pub grub we had for dinner, courtesy of Phat Barrels.

 Lamb Shank

The portion was of a sizable wonder! This was tender, delicious and definitely marinaded very well too.

 Spaghetti Aglio Olio

I didn’t taste it but my buddies who did had no complaints!

 The Bavarian Platter

Strictly for sharing unless you have a the appetite of the whole African continent

It probably doesn’t look huge from the photo but trust me, it is! Several of us shared this with delight.

It consisted of chicken fillets, beef back ribs, beef short ribs,

two different kinds of sausages, and a serving of fries.

Beef Sirloin Steak

This was done medium. Loved how juicy this was! The sauce complimented the meat superbly.

Second – TAPPING!

We had free-flow of Guinness towers and other beers by the Guinness-Anchor group.

What I’m sipping on is a tall glass of Tiger Radler!

Check out what Guinness did later in the year at their AMPLIFY Live Tour here if you’re into soulful music and good beer!

On to the third – CHILLING.

Cue the party pictures for the night with some of my fave girls and boys. Enjoy!

We dined, tapped and chilled the night away over live entertainment by local band 9 Lives.

I had fun singing along to their crooning of popular R&B, soothing Blues and contemporary Pop Rock numbers!

Band set up by the raised platform of Phat Barrels.

Picture credits to Kee

Lead singer Joy’s melodic voice and the band’s instrumental skills

was the perfect musical accompaniment of our evening.

Thank you Phat Barrels, for having me on a fantastic night of celebration and weekday evening escape!

Now do you know why you totally should’ve been here?

Like violinists and quartets? Check out String Musicians.

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For more information on Phat Barrels KL, you can:

LIKE them on Facebook at: Phat Barrels KL

Drop them an e-mail at: phatbarrelsKL@gmail.com

Visit them at this address:

No. A1-G2-06 & 07 Solaris Dutamas, No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Speaking of lemons, I can think of an endless list of things that can be done with that sweet yellow ball of citrus and zest.

Be it marinades for roast, a fizzy lemonade, a hint to baked cheesecakes, a hot glass honey-lemon drink for the unwell, sauce dips and more.

But what exactly does lemon and beer have in common?

 I wonder what you can do for my Tiger Beer, little guys?

Received a huge parcel last week from Tiger Malaysia.

Imagine my excitement when I unboxed the package! 

Very coincidentally, I was having a rather bad day and the message that came with my surprise came at a perfect time.

How apt!  I couldn’t agree more.

Though I don’t particularly like lemons by itself – DAMN, SO SOUR I CANNOT BRAIN THIS.

But one has to make the most of everything that life throws at them!

At once, I could sense that a new range of Tiger Beer was imminent. 

But all I could do was wait…

A week later, this package arrived from Tiger Malaysia!

Double refreshment, eh? Let’s check it out.

When you just can’t decide between an ice-cold beer or a tropical lemonade to cool yourself down on a hot day, the all-new variant of Tiger Beer – Tiger Radler – fills that how-now-brown-cow dilemma! 

Count me in for a picnic with a carton of Tiger Radler, please?

Package unboxed. WOW. Just… wow!

Tiger Radler is an all-new variant of Tiger Beer that combines the crisp and easy-drinking taste of Tiger Beer with natural lemon juice to produce a beverage that is doubles in refreshment.  

With a distinctly cloudy look caused by its all natural lemon juice content, Tiger Radler is set to be the perfect beverage for almost any drinking occasion with family or friends.

 Behold the power of the mighty lemons.

Malaysia and Singapore will be the first two countries in Southeast Asia to introduce Tiger Radler!

Although Radler has already been a massive hit in Europe over the past few months – be sure to get the first taste of Tiger Radler at the upcoming launch party. This sophisticated brew will be launched in Malaysia on December 6 at KL Live.

Combining the crisp and easy-drinking taste of Tiger Beer with natural lemon juice for a distinctive beverage, the new Tiger Radler is set to bring double refreshment to discerning drinkers across the country. 

See you at the party this Friday! 

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[highlight style=”yellow” ]For more information and updates on the new Tiger Radler by Tiger Malaysia[/highlight]

LIKE Tiger Beer on Facebook at: fb.com/tigerbeerMY

Follow Tiger Malaysia on Twitter at: @TigerMalaysia

When you have neither the leisure nor luxury to jet-set yourself to world-touted party centrals like Las Vegas, Miami, Ibiza and more, you'd be a fool to miss Club Asahi parties transported right to your doorstep.

Such was the case for thousands of Malaysian hardcore party-goers as Club Asahi's series of parties returns this year after its debut instalment of Club Asahi Tokyo in 2012.

Today, I bring you Club Asahi Miami by Asahi Super Dry, Japan's No.1 beer!

On Friday afternoon, I was whisked away on a chartered roadtrip up to Penang island to experience a weekend of the infamous Miami heat. Let it burn, baby!

Already feeling the heat before I even arrived the shores of Penang

Brought Konzy along with me.

By late evening, our entourage arrived Penang and checked into our hotel for the night. 

I was given a lovely suite in Northam All-Suites Hotel Penang sponsored by Advertlets Malaysia!.

More about my weekend experience at this hotel and a room tour in the next blog feature.

After taking a short nap (one can get pretty lethargic after a long journey on the road!) a hot shower and a quick dinner, we started getting dressing to the nines for the night ahead of us.

Candid mirror shot Konzy took of me fixing my hair

Sophisticated glam rock was my intended look for the night.

How did I do? 

Just a closer look. 

Made a short Keek video before I left my hotel room.

Yup, community service message included hahaha! I have done my part 

Jun 21, 2013 | I still prefer #keek over #instavideo so here's my keek too! 🙂 See ya party Penangites at Club Asahi Miami! xo by imthejessicat on Keek.com

We headed out the door to wait for our chauffeurs to the party venue!

Arriving Soju Room, Penang Times Square

It was impossible to miss the party venue for Club Asahi Miami as the entire forefront of the underground Soju Room was plastered with decorations, red carpets, spotlights and of course, the booming music that can be heard from a mile away! 

With the Asahi SUV!

With buddy Casey at the enormous ASAHI 3D signage

My mandatory photowall shot 

As it was my first time partying in Soju Room, Penang (Don't chide me! I usually party in the clubs lining Upper Penang Road), I got a little lost in this meandering underground passageway full of escalators, turns, routes and rooms.

I'm not complaining! It heightened a sense of suspense in me! 

Where to? Obey the signs ahead!

We finally got closer and closer!

We followed the sounds and it lead us to the heart of the party.

The Asahi crew passed me my VIP tag upon arriving. International Superstar Jetsetter: Jessica Tan?

Why, thank you. Ya' got that right, Asahi! Hahahahha. 

I'm ready to sizzle with this infectious Miami heat.

Upon entering.

We headed upstairs to the VIP zone where our table was. This was my view from the top!

Let's roll out the first batch of party pictures I took upstairs with my buddies, shall we? 

Olivia / Jessicat / Rosalyn

Daniel / Jessicat / Grace

Amanda / Jessicat / Audrey

Jessicat / Erica / Rosalyn / Josh

We clinked our bottles of Asahi, took in the headbanging music and turned our party dials on.

Actually, my party spirits had already began soaring high the moment I stepped into the partyzone.

The crowd was kept growing and growing as the night progressed

Hot Russian stunt-dancers literally filled the air!

I shot to euphoria and started headbanging vigorously when the live band started performing a very impressive vocal version of my all-time favorite drum and bass track, Pendulum – Watercolour as well as heart-throbbing heavy dubstep, hardstyle, liquid dubstep, complextro, trap, glitch hop, drumstep and more drum and bass! 

Well, well, I was beyond impressed that such niche EDM music sub-genres were the choice of entertainment at Club Asahi Miami as most events I've attended are almost always catered to mass music listeners and permeated with remixes of more popular and mainstream, American Top-40 songs. 

Now, THAT'S music to my ears. Good job, Asahi!

You just shot my night above and beyond even before I got started.

This ripped bad-ass guy covered in tattoos in the red mohawk? 

Who is he? Gosh, he was the man! 

He had a voice to die for. It complemented those fast-paced electronica tracks so well! 

More performances and dances ensued by performers brought in from Miami

He and his bevy of dancers fed us with a deep and booty-shaking performance – serving after serving!

We were partying really hard upstairs until I decided that I'd join some the rest of my buddies downstairs!

Yeah, you guessed it. I'm a sucker for the dancefloor 

I hope you're ready for another batch of party pictures!

After all, what's a party without your buddies? 

Minny / Wayne / Jessicat / Kon / Lin Chong

With the bestieJoyce 

Ken / Jessicat / Kon

Jessicat / Erica / Rosalyn

Mr. Nasty and GuruGuru took over the revolving decks!

My favorite notorious local DJs took the party by storm as they helmed the night with their deep, dark sounds of hardstyle, electro, dubstep and big, experimental 150 beats per minute sounds. 

It's no wonder I absolutely love them. My partymates and I had our fists pumping the air like we just don't care!

Party punters armed themselves with glowsticks and committed their souls to the dance floor

Drop it nasty like you always do, you wicked, dynamic duo  

And we be partying till the morning light!

Jason / Jessicat / Kon

Minny / Jessicat / Kon

Jessicat / Joyce

Aptly named Club Asahi Miami, what would this party be without Miami's popular DJs?

It would be incomplete without tonight's headliners – DJ Henrix and Kyroman straight from the US of A.

DJ Henrix' lush melodies, pumping beats and funky tunes took Club Asahi Miami to another level! 

Talk about versatility. Hell yeah.

Dressed to represent, DJ Henrix came decked in a red Miami Heat basketball jersey!

Dear Asahi, I wish to personally tell you that the music for tonight was impeccable. 

Hands down! I was flying that night; high on Miami's music, remixes, sets and tracks!

Towards the end of the night, we began having fun with the photobooth. 

Here's photographic evidence 

If you thought the temperature couldn't get any higher, Club Asahi Miami certainly proved us wrong.

For another energy-driven, party spirited performer had us in raptures. Let it flow! 

Kyroman joined DJ Henrix on stage!

So honoured to have watched the half-man half-robot himself in the flesh, Kyroman.

He has always been the link and energy that ties the artist with the audience. Such an entertainer!

Spectacular sounds, electrifiying energy and the true spirit of Miami's party scene was on the high that night.

Although we were treated to the best of electronic dance music, ambience and entertainment according to the Miami theme, tonight was probably just the tip of the iceberg of how they actually do it in Miami, Florida.

Looks like I gotta go there for myself if I wanted more! 

Thanks to Asahi, I now know how hard the Miami partygoers drive their weekends at the very least – and I'm loving it!

Taking a short rest on the very comfy armchairs at the patio of the VIP deck

Let's party again until the sun comes up!

Brace yourself for the final batch of party pictures 

Jason / Jessicat / Kon

With my babe again, Minny!  So happy to see her everytime I return to Penang

Chonke / Joyce / Jessicat / Kon

Amanda / Jessicat / Audrey

As our entourage were about to adjourn for a late night snack before returning to our hotel, 

the party was still roaring to go! I too, wasn't ready to leave just yet!

Many thanks to Asahi Malaysia for having us at your night! 

I had a great time letting my hair down, chucking my high heels to a corner and jumping along to the fast-paced beats resonating from all corners of Soju Room.

Wow. I haven't partied this hard and nor have I taken the meaning of clubbing to such an apex during a glamorous night in a while! 

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To stay updated on more series of Club Asahi parties, you can:

LIKE Asahi Malaysia on their Facebook page at: facebook.com/AsahiMalaysia

Watch previous Club Asahi events on Youtube at: youtube.com/user/AsahiMalaysia

Hello hello folks!

Sorry for not updating for a while, I was relatively busy with keeping busy, going out heaps with buddies, family and also traveling the Penang-Ipoh-KL routes several times back and forth.

One of those journeys in the car

Today will be a quick post. My laptop ran outta juice and I've left the charger somewhere in Penang.

Will blog a proper one soon; am using someone else's laptop now.

Anyway, here's what I've been up to for the past week!

Bid farewell to the other half and sent him off.

He'll be back in Australia for two months!

Had dinner at Pasta Zanmai with buddy Vincent

Highly recommended: Unagi Roll, Smoked Salmon Pizza

& Teriyaki Chicken Spaghetti

My Mr.BFF – Buddy Vincent and I!

9 years of friendship & counting

It was nightfall. I soon set off to GEO's cafe in Sri Hartamas for a hang out and catch-up session with my Aussiemate, Aaron.

He was down in Malaysia for a week!

Shisha take one!

Shisha take two!

My kakis for the night

T'was a splendid session! We had various conversations about almost everything under the sun.

Learnt so much especially about our different and highly contradicting perspectives. We ended it with more karaoke and chats thereafter.

Spotted an epic Superman bike one afternoon

On the road again!

This fortnight's simple nail art I did

(Why does my hand look so wrinkly in this photo OMG!)

Arrived my folk's place in Ipoh!

Remember Penny? Say hi!

Salmon Sashimi at Sushi King with the family

Did some work over a cuppa Cafe Mocha at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf!

Had dinner with Mr. BFF at one of my fave European dining spots ever-

at Indulgence Restaurant & Living!

We had chicken and two pots of tea before heading out for the night.

I didn't have the time for an OOTD shot so this will have to do!

Beer towers of Strongbow Cider!

The night ensued at Bricks & Barrels Gastrobar and Beer Garden, Ipoh with the rest.

It was a memorable night of friendship, reminiscence, drinkies, truth or dare and silly challenges. We made the most of that night like we're gonna die young.

(Yes, I know it's a Kesha song)

My flaming shot – Chocolate Fire! A superb mix of Kahlua, Baileys & Rum

Take my hand, I'll show you the wild side

The morning after felt like my head traversed into an epic wreckage.

Ahhh… hangovers. How I miss thee.

That didn't stop me from making a trip back to Penang later that day.

But going back means having to be apart from my babyChivas (My father, being the only person in the whole world who doesn't like babyChivas)

So I bid adieu to my babyboy. Mr.BFF took over & babysat him while I was away!

Thank you so much!

Being back in Penang, I was able to catch my Aussiemate Carly who was down for her honeymoon.

Just being girls at Austin Chase @ Queensbay Mall

Our afternoon of catching up over food, shopping, coffee, gossip, taking photos, long conversations were plenty fun!

So glad we managed to catch each other this trip.

Oh by the way, since I'm always posting decent photos of myself, here's an ugly photo to balance the ratio up a little LOLOL

So candid! I reckon I was expressing my disgust at something.

Found that picture so unglam yet hilarious at the same time haha!

Headed back home for some kick-ass sessions at the gym

Just part of today's routine, among others

My following week will be spent in Penang, leading up to Chinese New Year.

Being back made me realize how much I miss being in the comfort of my own home I grew up in. Being with the family, having regular home-cooked meals, not having to do my own laundry nor dishes, not having to pay rent.

But on the plus side, I appreciate the freedom and independence that comes with living away from home. I guess you can't have the best of both worlds, huh.

By the end of the week, Mr.BFF came over to Penang and brought me back my son!

Reunited with my boy again made me so happy.

I hope your god daddy has been treating you well!

Here's my current earworm that I relate very well to. Love the music video the most!

Song of the week:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZgpyeJ7U4

NERVO & Hook N Sling – Reason

Here's wishing you a great seven days ahead!

More to come soon, once I get my laptop charger back

Much love,

Jessicat

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The Sunday Times is a weekly series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to briefly highlight my recommendations for to-go and to-eat places!

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook

Do follow to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around me!

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, guess what comes up at the top of my list?

I most certainly do prefer my whiskeys, cider, champagne & liqueur when given a choice.

A while back, I received an invitation from Lord Somersby to attend the launch of Somersby cider in Malaysia.

The other half and I taking a swig of the delicious apple cider by Somersby!

The event took place at a historical venue – the magnificent & colonial Carcosa Seri Negara 

Boasting Neo-Gothic & Tudor Revival styles, these mansions were home to the British High Commissioners back in the day and the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her visits.

One of the mansions – the Carcosa

The venue was a perfect place to hold a garden party for the fully imported Swedish premium cider.

I loved the entire set-up! 

It was celebrated in a form of a garden party. Apples & garden parties are an amazing combo!

As it was a garden party, I decided to follow the theme.

I wore something casual & light, with a hint of nature/floral motifs.

((STYLE OF THE DAY))

TheJessicat wears : Red camisole by Forever 21 |

Assymetrical/Mullet skirt from an online blogshop | Bowling bag by Roxy | 

Floral headband from a push-cart store in KLCC | Leaf earrings from a local night bazaar |

Dreamcatcher neckpiece from a bazaar in Singapore | Straw wedges by Aldo | 

En route to the Somersby garden party!

When we arrived, we were ushered to the garden venue

I saw hoards and hoards of apples lined up at every corner possible – it made me a very happy girl!

As I love apples (both red and green), I did not hesitate to munch on what ended up as 4 apples that night!

Cheers to a more refreshing, lighter & sweeter alternative to beer! 

The press conference began and Soren Ravn (Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia) shared some

interesting information and insights regarding the new Somersby cider in Malaysia

A toast to Somersby's launch!

To be amongst the first few to taste the Somersby cider upon its launch in Malaysia is truly an honour 🙂

I must really commend its taste! It was flavourful with so much zest, yet not too overbearing!

So refreshing… and healthier too!

Somersby cider is made from fermented apple juice, natural ingredients and only 4.5% alcohol content!

It promises easy drinking refreshment with sparkling bubbles that makes every sip exciting.

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, I hope this counts! 😛

Theboyf and I approves! The cider was absolutely marvellous

Best part is? 

Somersby Cider is free from all artificial flavourings, sweeteners and colouring 

Cheers to that!  So much love for Somersby 

Somersby's light-hearted and entertaining disposition brought us fun, laughter & unpredictable moments

We were also shown a very peculiar and amusing video footage of the excited Lord Somersby upon discovering the crazy amount of apples here in Malaysia.  

The CCTV footages were filmed in various hypermarkets and grocery chain stores.

Lord Somersby filling his trolley with apples!

Right after that, was the gambit of the whole event.

*drumroll*

We had a very special guest in the house today! Guess who?

None other than Lord Somersby himself!

It was great seeing his cheerful demeanour and deep, hearty laugh!

He waltzed and twirled around on stage with his bevy of ladies

Lord Somersby giving us a warm welcome and sharing his story

It's like history brought back to life! 

Lord Somersby is the father of many great discoveries – but the most famous of them all is probably Somersby cider, which was once known as the favorite drink of celebrities like Napoleon, Cleopatra and Newton.

Lord Somersby, his gorgeous ladies and Soren giving a toast to Somersby's successful garden party launch!

With that, it was time to serve MORE Somersby cider to all the guests present

Theboyf and I clinking our glasses in celebration! 

Managed to grab a photo with Lord Somersby at the photowall too!

Thank you for a lovely time, dear Lord Somersby 

It was a great pleasure to have attended this party and to celebrate this eventful evening with you!

Congratulations on an apple-rific launch of the Somersby Apple Cider in Malaysia