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Flavours @
THE PALMS COFFEE HOUSE AND
GOLFER’S TERRACE
A pleasant fusion
East-meets-West happens in The Palm Coffee House & Golfer’s
Terrace. Patrons have the choice to choose from western food or
Asian food at this outlet. The Thai Fried Mee Hoon, a chef’s
recommendation, is specially prepared using lemon grass, prawns, chicken,
squid, beans sprouts, fish cakes and glass noodles. This tasty tangy dish is
a popular choice here.
The Pan-fried Beef Tenderloin is another delicious option to consider. The
lean beef tenderloin is marinated for hours with Lea Perrins sauce and
paprika, then pan-fried with olive oil. Diners have the option of having it well
done, medium or rare. Black-pepper sauce and turmeric sauce is then
poured over the tenderloin. It comes with a side serve of fresh onions,
capsicum, tomato and mashed potato.
The Palm Coffee House & Golfer’s Terrace organises scrumptious themed
buffet nights occasionally. Be sure to drop-by to check out the chef’s
recommendations and new speciality dishes.
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Flavours @
SPICE GARDEN
Spice up your senses
Indian cuisine is distinguished by its sophisticated use of spices and herbs. At
Spice Garden, imported Indian spices are used to retain its originality in taste and
flavour. The highly recommended tandoori chicken is juicy and tender on the
inside with a lightly golden brown texture on the outside. Mild on the taste buds, the
well-portioned chicken pieces offer hints of chilli, salt, pepper and lime with every
bite. The chicken is marinated overnight in a blend of yogurt, ginger and garlic paste,
and then masterfully roasted in clay oven. It tastes as good as it looks.
The other must-try is their boneless mutton (Mutton Tikka Tawa), roasted after at
least 8 hours of marinating in yoghurt, onion sauce with green chillies and served
with fresh tomatoes, onions and capsicum. This is certainly authentic Northern Indian
cuisine at its best.
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Recipes
LAMB SHANK CONFIT
WITH ROASTED POTATOES (serves 4)
Lamb shank confit
4 lamb shanks
120g coarse salt
1 litre olive oil
8 garlic cloves
Roasted potatoes
4 large potatoes, peeled
200g beef or pork bacon, diced
200g shallots, peeled and sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
To prepare the lamb confit
Coat the lamb shanks with coarse salt and set aside for 6 hours in the
refrigerator. After that time, remove the salt.
Heat the olive oil in a pot, add the lamb shanks and garlic cloves. Cook
for 2 hours over low heat. Drain away the oil, reserving 4 tablespoons,
and set aside lamb.
To roast the potatoes
Halve the potatoes lengthwise and place them in a single layer in a sauté
pan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and drain.
In a clean pan, add 4 tablespoons of the olive oil used to cook the lamb
shank. When the oil is smoky, add the potatoes and stir for 1 minute until
the potatoes are nicely coated with the oil.
Transfer the potatoes to a roasting pan and cook in a preheated oven at
180°C for 20 minutes without stirring. Set aside.
To finish
Sauté the bacon with olive oil until golden brown. Add shallots and cook
until golden brown. Set aside.
Sauté the lamb shanks in a pan until golden brown in colour. Add the
potatoes, bacon and shallots. Transfer to a roasting tray and roast in a
preheated oven at 200°C for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the mixture of garlic
and parsley.
Note: Recipe and picture, courtesy of Cuisine Studio.
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Flavours @
CUISINE STUDIO
Simplicity at its best
If you’re looking to sample some of the best cuts of meat in town, drop by Cuisine Studio for an all-French dining
experience. Beef bourguignon is a well-known, traditional French recipe. It is essentially a type of beef stew prepared
with supreme cuts of wagyu beef, cooked in red wine and beef stock.
Marinated for a minimum of eight hours with only coarse Indian Ocean salt and Indonesian peppercorns, the rich flavour
and soft texture of the meat is evident with each sumptuous bite, almost melting in your mouth. Simmered over a low
flame, and cooked to perfection, it is served together with carrots, potatoes and garnished with pearl onions.
The lamb shank confit is another substantial dish on its own. Specially flown in chilled (not frozen) to preserve its freshness,
the Hillside lamb shanks are imported from Australia.
A long cooking time is needed to tenderly cook the meat while sitting in its marinade of natural spices. Zucchini, tomato,
eggplant and onions are offered as a side-dish which go tremendously well with the meat. Cuisine Studio offers the perfect
pairing for this dish – a glass of La Croix Bonis (red wine) or Rosé des Tourelles (2004).
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Flavours @
Time out @ Havana
out @ Havana
Time
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Should you develop an urge to sing your heart out, be
entertained by live band music or simply get a stiff
drink down your throat, the all-new Havana lounge
at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort is a place like no other.
Part bar, part karaoke, part lounge, part restaurant, Havana
defies easy description. Havana offers the convenience for
patrons to socialise and relax under one roof.
Havana is stylish, nearly to a fault. The place is modern and
sleek, with a lengthy bar backed by an array of thirstquenching
beverages and lined with fancy-coloured
barstools. The smooth, carpeted flooring with dim earthtoned
lighting impart a warm and relaxing ambience. The
main lounge boasts an open concept where you will find a
gentlemen’s cigar corner, a small stage and the dance floor.
Havana also provides exciting and fun table games – a
snooker table, two pool tables and a foosball table. Havana
Karaoke is a healthy, awesome and vibrant entertainment
venue with attractive group packages with special room
promotions for those who want some privacy. Havana has
come to be known as a comfortable and leisurely gathering
place for members and visitors looking to unwind after
hours.
Havana Bar, KTV & Pool is offering attractive packages for
everyone, from family packages to Theme Nite on
Wednesday nights and premium bottled spirit promotions.
There is also an extensive wine list featuring wines from
Argentina, Chile and Australia.
So be sure to visit Havana to check out the latest
entertainment promotions.
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The
Teamwork Paves The Way
From left to right: Ezani, Zamli, Herman, Alwie, Chong, Puvan, Vivian, Suriga, Muthu, Redwan and Ismail
One might easily assume that the chief service provider of Malaysia’s biggest
clubhouse and premier golf resort is constantly on the move, looking into
every nook and cranny and going to great lengths to satisfy high customer
demands. Well, it is not entirely true. Rather, there’s more to what meets the eye.
The Address magazine recently caught up with Herman Tan at his office to learn
more about his daily responsibilities as the general manager of Tropicana Golf &
Country Resort and to get a good feel of what it is like to manage Malaysia’s
biggest award-winning clubhouse together with his team members.
A firm believer in teamwork, Tan begins his day with a daily briefing with all his
department heads to run through the previous day operations, comments,
upcoming events and to ensure all the facilities in the clubhouse are working
properly and ready for guests’ enjoyment. He and his dedicated team work
tirelessly to cover a vast 625 acres of resort ground. An update is provided on
whether members’ expectations are met and if not, why and how to provide the
best workable solution.
As the mantra for all staff – ‘To lead is to serve’ – Tan points out that every
department head should be responsible and accountable for all under their care.
Every employee must know what and how to do and why they are doing it. One
must also ‘agree to disagree and move forward’. Only then can true teamwork
be realised and appreciated.
Scrutinising literally every fixture, hardware and service offered at the club, from
street lights, signboards to the many functions rooms, member service areas,
dining outlets, recreational sporting facilities and member-staff communication
techniques, Herman shares with us the coordinated tasks his team members do.
One top of his list is the pristine 27-hole championship golf course. Tan works
closely with the golf superintendents, Puvan and horticulturist Suriga, to ensure
that the fairways, greens and landscape are properly manicured and ready to
welcome the day’s golfers. They start their work as early as 6.30am to make sure
everything is ready for its first-flight golfers. The golf course is one of the most
active with 6000 to 7000 rounds of golf per month.
Over at the Golf Registration, Zamli Alias, assistant golf manager and his team
prepare the scheduled flights, greeting the early birds with a smile while the course
starters and marshals take their positions around the golf course to ensure golfers
follow the golf etiquette and rules.
Nathan, buggy executive, manages the buggy and golf bag drop-off area ensuring
the smooth transition of golf bag transfer from car to buggy, and steadily directs
buggy traffic from the reception area to the golf course. Care is taken that golf
bags do not end up in the wrong buggy.
Over at the sports complex, Ezani Balia, sports executive struts around the many
sports facilities, making sure the treadmills are in running order, the indoor tennis
and badminton courts are ready for members and the pool is clean and ready for
a refreshing splash.
Housekeeping senior executive, Tajuddin Mohd Yusuf and his team ensure all
member and public areas are in tip-top condition. They work hard, keeping the
toilets and changing room clean as well as making sure the pathways and corridors
are free from litter and that all member amenities such as towels, toilet rolls, handwash
liquids are constantly replenished.
Alwie Manaf, Chef Roslan and the team get ready the restaurant and kitchen to
prepare for the day’s gastronomic menu. From golfer’s terrace to coffee lounge to
customised function menus, they ensure that all food and beverage served are
always of high quality and to the satisfaction of members and event organisers. The
Operations Section attends to meticulous details of function arrangements starting
from a simple enquiry to elaborate weddings or corporate meetings.
Multi-talented James Thor, assistant manager of events & promotions section,
conjures up monthly activities for members. He also double-up as the master of
ceremony, dancer, singer, clown and anything that will make the event or promotion
a great success.
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While members and visitors enjoy the many offerings at the clubhouse and resort, Ismail Salleh, security
manager works round the clock together with his security team to provide a sense of comfort and reassurance
for everyone. They go beyond the call of duty to take on other roles such as catching snakes, monkeys and
destroying bee hives. The security team is also an expert in traffic control and stopping runaway maids.
Human resource and administration manager, Muthu Muniyandy, sees to it that the working conditions of the
staff is above par and that harmony prevails amongst the various nationalities of locals, Indonesians,
Bangladeshi, Myanmars and Filipinos, many of whom are housed at the staff’s hostel provided by Tropicana.
Behind every successful team, the ladies brigade is represented by Chong Sook Yeen and Vivian Ho. Chong
handles the accounting tasks while Ho runs the membership section. Together they perform the administrative
duties and ensure all members’ accounts are well kept.
In addition, Tan points out the many unsung heroes whose works are not seen by many. They are those who
handle many difficult jobs like rubbish collection, dish washing, moving furniture, general maintenance and
other nitty-gritty work at the clubhouse and resort areas. A special mention must be made to thank them (even
if their work goes often unnoticed).
“My colleagues are my partners,” says Tan. “They are the very foundation of our successful service oriented
award-winning Clubhouse” which is the most active in the Klang Valley bustling with golfers, weddings and
corporate functions. For instance, Ismail, Muthu, Zamli, Ezani and Chong, our homegrown talent rising from the
rank to become the head of their respective department, within the last ten years.
Smooth-sailing as it may seem, Tan admits that it is no easy task to maintain a consistently high-standard
service for both members and residents.
Tan says, “You constantly need to keep abreast of the most current developments in the resort-hospitality
industry (home and abroad), because our members are well-learned and well-travelled. As they become more
sophisticated and discerning, we have to constantly raise the bar in our service delivery, style and clubhouse
offerings. Not forgetting the members’ children who have different needs and expectations.”
Having spent twenty five years in the hospitality industry, we asked him what motivates him and keeps him
going. He smiles, “It’s simply the feel-good factor. When you overcome challenges tirelessly, and meet target
and when you have guests and member’s guests returning frequently to enjoy the facilities and the staff of
Tropicana enjoying what they do best, that’s simply rewarding and satisfying.” He also adds, “Service,
sacrifice and self control, and to render more and better service than what we are paid for or
expected of”, is a good guiding principle.
Herman and his team would like to thank the Management, in particular, Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan, Group Chief
Executive Officer and founder of Tropicana as well as the Directors for their continued support, belief and
confidence in the operations team.
Tan Sri Dato’ Danny and the Board of Directors are also a source of inspiration, as evident from their passion
in charting the course for the Resort, thereby elevating the Resort to be among the top in the country. They have
given invaluable advice and a good listening ear to help the team to achieve the Company’s objectives.
Herman also conveys his appreciation to the members, residents and guests who play a big part with their
compliments, constructive comments and suggestions which help us move to a higher standard of service and
product for our mutual benefit. We encourage our members to comment on anything. A sms service will be
launched soon, a more convenient way for members to contact us directly. These messages will be forwarded
to the General Manager’s office for further action.
As a parting message to all his staff at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, Tan would like to thank them for their
continued enthusiasm and diligence in striving for the very best customer experience for all its members and
guest.
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Sports
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Golf Retreats
Golfing can be a totally exhilarating
and lavish experience even for the
seasoned players, if you know where
to go.
Living in a home on a golf course, or having one in
your backyard is a dream that most people would
put on their wish list. If you are one who has
managed to tick that off the list and actually own such a
home, it’s a reward well deserved. For those who are still
aiming to achieve that, maybe travelling to and golfing at
some truly magnificent golf resorts would add some
inspiration or satisfy that desire.
Either way, golf resort-trotting would add some spice to
your golfing experience. Here, we offer some places for you
to explore.
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Sports
Aberdeen Country Club,
South Carolina, USA
Aberdeen Country Club is one of the newest golf courses on
Myrtle Beach. Inspired by Scotland's legendary Royal Aberdeen,
which is the sixth oldest course in all of Scotland, the country club
presents a Scottish theme in the heart of North Myrtle Beach.
Nestled among ancient Cypress and Tupelo hardwoods of the mystic
Waccamaw River, Aberdeen Country Club offers serious golfers three
superb 9-hole championship courses to hone or show off their skills.
Many of the holes on these links reside alongside its natural wetland
preserve. Created by Tom Jackson, the 27-hole course incorporates
very demanding features that present golfers the kind of challenge
that calls for accuracy and precise shot placement, making the
Aberdeen Country Club a must-visit destination.
Royal County Down
Golf Club, Newcastle,
Northern Ireland
Royal County Down, located in the seaside town of Newcastle in
Northern Ireland, is the British Isles' finest links golf course.
Established in 1888, it blends in with the dramatic shadows of the
Mourne Mountains, and is considered one of the most difficult courses
in the world.
For more than 100 years, it had nestled on classic dune land, also in
the shadow of Slieve Donard, which plunges 3,000 feet almost to the
edge of Dundrum Bay. It has two 18-hole links courses — the
Championship Course and the Annesley Links.
These two distinct loops of nine holes feature outward half that is
closer to the sea, more sandy in nature and offer consistently larger
dunes than on the homeward loop. And walking down the first fairway
with the sound of breaking waves in your ears is a truly memorable
occasion.
The golf course has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the
Senior British Open, The Amateur Championship, the British Ladies
Amateur Golf Championship, and the Curtis Cup. This year, it plays
host to the 2007 Walker Cup in September. This makes the Royal
County Down only the second club in Ireland (after Portmamock in
1991) to host the biennial competition.
Riddell's Bay Golf and
Country Club, Warwick,
Bermuda
Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club is the oldest golf course in
Bermuda. Located towards the mid to western end of the island
in Warwick, Riddell’s Bay is a private club but it also welcomes visitors
to the island.
This beautiful 18-hole golf course winds along a peninsula, which at
its widest, measures only approximately 600 yards. The 5,800 yards
of this par-70 course offer scenic delights and lots of challenges
including two ponds and three ocean holes.
The closing hole provides a view of the recently refurbished, 150-yearold
clubhouse. The Clubhouse, originally a farmhouse, has undergone
a number of additions and in 1998 was refurbished. It now features an
enlarged decorated dining room fit for a casual meal or a multi-course
dinner.
World Golf Village, One
World Golf Place, St
Augustine, Florida, USA
The World Golf Village located in between St Augustine and
Jacksonville, Florida, is home to two legendary golf courses –
the Slammer and Squire, and the King and Bear. Designed by Bobby
Weed, the Slammer and Squire course was named after consultants
Sam Snead (Slammer) and Gene Sarazan (Squire). This 6,939-yard,
par-72, 18-hole course combines natural landscape of lakes, ponds
and wetlands with hilly terrain.
The King and Bear course was created by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold
Palmer. This 7,279-yard course is picturesque, dotted with
memorable par-5 amidst lakes, pines and 200-year-old live oaks.
In addition to the captivating courses, another main attraction of World
Golf Village is the 75,000-sq ft World Golf Hall of Fame museum which
showcases talented golfers in unique exhibits.
Useful links:
www.golf.com
www.gr8-golf.com/golfresorts.html
www.golfcourses.com
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Seen & Heard
@ Tropicana
Tropicana caters to a wide
variety of events, bringing
about people from all walks of life
to enjoy in its award-winning resort
establishment.
From corporate launch events, golf tournaments and
high octane business gatherings to celebrity functions,
cultural weddings and birthday parties, members, guests
and visitors are treated to a host of glossy venue facilities and
excellent service by staff and management alike.
Captured on film, we would like to thank all organisers for selecting
Tropicana as their ideal event venue. This section embodies the cheerful
and momentous periods at Tropicana.
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Seen &
Tropicana annual
Cross Creek
Pharmaton golf
tournament once
again saw a very
favourable response
from loyal supporters
and golfers alike. The
yearly event creates a
platform for networking
and a chance to show off
their swing.
14th Tropicana Anniversary cup golf challenge
provided club members with a chance to compete
against each other, in running to be Tropicana’s best
golfer for men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Herman Tan
GM of
Tropicana
Tan Kim Hong
(Champion)
S P Low
(Runner Up)
Benjamin S (3rd Placing)
Jessie Teng
(Champion)
Chiaki Mori (Runner Up)
Maya Morena (3rd Placing)
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Malaysia Medical Device Association held its AGM with
representatives from the Ministry of Health. At the annual
meeting of minds, a review of past minutes and selection of
new committee members were among the day’s agenda.
Public Mutual recently held an
investment seminar where
participants got first-hand tips on
how to invest, investment trends and
opportunities along with learning how
to mitigate investment risk.
Mrs Wee
Teacher Advisor
The Corporate Coach
Academy recently celebrated
its graduation night where
participants received their
merit awards and certificates
for their outstanding
performances. Among those
present included YBHG
Datuk Dr Victor Wee and
Corporate Coach founder, Dr
Michael Heah.
SMK Damansara Utama Interact Club recently
held an International Understanding Day which
saw many of the school’s club members and fellow
rotarians gather for a day of energetic
performances and interactive activities.
Datuk Victor Wee and Dr Michael Heah
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Seen &
Weddings Galore
Simon Chong
& Jessie Chok
Lee Kao Yew
&
Lim Siew Ching
Kin Fei
& Sandra
Hor Chee Meng
& Catherine Chan
Ernie Bak & Phaik Lan
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Ellen & husband, Ghandi
Seen &
Pekkie Tan & husband
They say that a husband’s love
for his wife know no
boundaries. That’s exactly
what Ellen Suppiah
experienced when her
husband threw her a surprise
birthday bash. The auspicious
night saw guest from all over
the world, all gathered in the
spirit of celebration of one
well-loved individual.
Pekkie Tan celebrated her
birthday bash in the
company of good friends
and family. Fun-filled
activities from line
dancing, karaoke and
stage performances kept
the guests on their feet the
whole night.
Aisha (centre)
Aisha Sophielea
celebrated her
4th birthday
with an evening
poolside party
filled with
exciting games
and clown
performances.
Kevan & his princess
The adorable
Avelyn Tan
celebrated her
full-moon
party with
close and
friends and
family.
Brando & Kevan
Mr & Mrs Tan with daughters
Good friends Kevan Yong and Brando
Paul threw a double-bang birthday
bash for their friends and family. The
night was graced by many chic-looking
hotties and smart-dressed teens.
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Seen &
Secretaries were treated to a
secretary’s day luncheon.
Entertaining performances
and “Helmi the Gimmick”
sent the crowd into waves of
laughter.
Helmi the Gimmick
Hundreds of staff from Tropicana
were feted to a colourful and
sensational annual dinner bash at
Tropicana’s grand ballroom recently.
Among the witty and energetic
activities included short stage acts,
theatrical performances, skits and
lucky draw. Certificates for
outstanding staffs were also presented
by Herman Tan, general manager of
Tropicana.
YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Danny Tan & Puan Sri Ivy Tan
Outstanding staffs of Tropicana.
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